bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infrastructure Development in India and the Role of Tax Incentives
Authors: Bhasin Niti
Published: May 2016

The demand for infrastructural services has increased rapidly after industrial liberalisation of the Indian economy. Recent years have witnessed substantial progress from the old paradigm of public monopoly provision of infrastructure services to the new paradigm which also encourages private investment and provision of infrastructure services within a stable, predictable and commercially viable regulatory framework. The case for attracting FDI is also significantly strengthened through the provision of an adequate level of infrastructure. There is thus adequate economic rationale for encouraging the sponsorship of infrastructure projects and to facilitate investments in this sector. In this context, the provision of fiscal benefits implies a contribution from government that is supported by benefits accruing from the externalities of the project. In the absence of such contribution, the private investment flows may not take place at all. This paper looks at the types of tax incentives being offered in the infrastructure sector that can contribute to mobilising private resources in the financing of projects.
Contradictions teleology of Legal Policy of the Russian Federation in the field of genetic engineering
Authors: Medvedkina Darya A , Tikhonova Sofya V , Mylnikov Sergey V , Matveeva Tatyana V
Published: May 2016

The article deals with the analysis of Russian legal policy in the sphere of genetic engineering. Over the past ten years, the risks of genetic engineering in the Russian society are mythologized. At the same time attempts were made to change the model of the legal regulation of genetic engineering legislation to tighten it. They worried the scientific community. At the same time the legislative initiatives to tighten the model of the legal regulation of genetic engineering become frequent. This situation worries the scientific community. The authors explore the goals which the Russian legislator aims in the process of legal regulation of genetic engineering, and relate them to the needs of the development of science. The authors identified two problems in the teleology of the Russian legal policy in the field of genetic engineering. Firstly, the concept of national biosafety has not been created. This concept is necessary for specifying not only negative but also positive risks of genetic engineering, that is, for the purposes of definition the use of genetic engineering. Second, the degree of influence of the scientific community to the social representations about the risks of genetic engineering is weak.
Anesthetic management of abdominal delivery in a pregnant with Takayasu’s disease
Authors: Shirokov Dmitry Mikhailovich , Vartanova Irina Vladimirovna , Golub Irina Viktorovna , Korostelev Yury Mikhaylovich , Antonova Mariya Sergeevna , Zainulina Marina Sabirovna
Published: May 2016

Nonspecific aortoarteriitis (Takayasu’s disease) is a rare inflammatory disease of the arteries that affects women of childbearing age. Many authors have reported adverse effects in the mother and fetus during pregnancy. We report a case of operative delivery 41-year-old women having a third pregnancy, which was diagnosed nonspecific aortoarteriitis at the age of 12. Our patient was observed high blood pressure. The disease was characterized by a stable course and was well controlled by taking glucocorticoids. The article discusses the question of the choice of anesthesia.
Opiate analgesics as possible mechanisms for direct regulation of human oxytocin-induced uterine activity tested on labor model in experiment with isolated strips of myometrium
Authors: Kiselev Andrey Gennadyevich , Savitsky Alexey Gennadyevich , Orlova Ekaterina Sergeevna
Published: May 2016

In this experiment on 38 isolated strips of myometrium (under the experimental conditions in vitro) we have demonstrated the possibility to assess the nature of myometrium contractions as a model of labor. We have recorded contractions caused by pre-stretching bands as well as contractions induced by oxytocin. We have identified the changes in the rhythm and amplitude of contractions in the background of opiates and calcium channel blockers, and demonstrated synergistic effect of opiates acts of on the contractile activity of the myometrium strips through calcium channels.
Pathogenetic mechanisms of internal genital endometriosis - adenomyosis development and progression
Authors: Pechenikova Victoriya Anatol’evna , Akopyan Raisa Anatolievna , Kvetnoy Igor Moiseevich
Published: May 2016

Clinical and morphological analysis of 91 cases of adenomyosis was performed. In our study deep adenomyosis was found to be prevailing. The incidence of stages III and IV of the process was 49,5 % (45 cases) and 14,3 % (13 cases), respectively. Stages I and II were detected in 4,3 % and 31,9 % of cases, respectively. The most common morphofunctional type in adenomyosis stages I-II was stationary form (36,4 %). Expression of vimentin - a marker of mesenchymal differentiation, detected in the epithelial component of endometrioid heterotopias and eutopic endometrium in adenomyosis, suggests pathogenetic role of epithelial and mesenchymal transformation in the development and progression of this disease. Positive expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the basal layer of the endometrium and endometrial heterotopias confirms the importance and unidirectionality of changes in the foci of adenomyosis and in the basal layer of the endometrium in patients with internal genital endometriosis. Expression of Ki-67, bcl-2, prevalence of proliferative changes in glands of the epithelium and cytogenic stroma cells in heterotopias, high frequency of endometrial hyperplasia demonstrate the importance of proliferation activity and low level of apoptosis in endometrial heterotopias and endometrium in adenomyosis.
Modern understanding of safety and risks when using uterotonic agents during labor
Authors: Shilkina Yekaterina Victorovna
Published: May 2016

We perform the literature review of safety and risks when using uterotonic agents during labor. We consider the conditions for fetus existence during perinatal period, the pathogenesis of fetal hypoxia, including cases of uterotonic agents using. We pay particular attention to approaches for uterine activity monitoring during intrapartum period. We also consider various methods of fetus diagnosis during labor and methods of the newborns state diagnosing in the article.
From the S.P. Botkin’s idea of “preexposure” to preconditioning phenomenon. Perspectives for use of phenomena of ischemic and pharmacological preconditioning
Authors: Zarubina Irina V , Shabanov Petr D
Published: May 2016

The phenomenon of ischemic preconditioning based on the S.P. Botkin’s idea about defense effect of disturbing factors acting in small intensities is observed in the review. The modern literature data about main types of preconditioning exposure, triggers and mechanisms of ischemic preconditioning are reviewed. This phenomenon was supported in many experiments in vivo and in vitro on animals of different spices as well as in humans in clinical conditions. Ischemic preconditioning is qualified as transient positive changes in the organs and tissues produced by activation of rapid endogenous adoptive processes in them during the short period of subletal ischemia and reperfusion and which defend them from subsequent ischemic episodes. There are early and late ischemic preconditioning (the second window of defense). The first type of ischemic preconditioning belongs to classic type of preconditioning and is produced by the short ischemic episodes (3-5 min) and similar intervals of reperfusion. Ischemic preconditioning observed in a day or more after preconditioning stimuli is named as late preconditioning with genes expression, synthesis of heat shock proteins (HSP 72 in particular) and NO synthase as the basis mechanisms underlying of it. Administration of triggers like adenosine, forbol ether, bradykinine or glycerol derivatives into the blood or ischemic tissues produces defense action similar to ischemic preconditioning and qualified as pharmacological preconditioning. Preconditioning induced by pharmacological agents are more preference than short ischemic episodes. Antihypoxic effects of benzimidazol derivatives in both an acute hypoxia and hypoxic preconditioning are described in the article. Other perspectives of pharmacological preconditioning in practical use are also discussed.
Tissue specific peculiarities of vibration-induced hypoxia of the rabbit heart, liver and kidney
Authors: Vorobieva Viktoriya V , Shabanov Petr D
Published: May 2016

The purpose of the paper was experimental study of activity of energy production of the heart, liver and kidney after harmful action of general vibration with 8 and 44 Hz frequency. The functional state of native mitochondria in tissue homogenates was studied by polarographic method by means of closed oxygen device of halvanic type in thermostated cuvette of 1 ml volume in the salt medium of incubation. Metabolic states of mitochondria of the rabbit heart, liver and kidney were modeled in vitro in oxidation of endogenous substrates (before and after administration of inhibitors of different stages of breath chain) varying exogenous substrates (before and after administration of 2.4-DNP into the cell). In order to synchronize the changes in short time, the incomplete cycle of metabolic states “endogenous breath → rest → activity” was used. The velocity of mitochondrial oxidation of endogenous substrates was determined by tissue type, and was 16.3 ± 4.3, 5.2 ± 0.6 and 8.13 ± 1.4 ng-atom О min-1mg-1 protein for the heart, liver and kidney of intact animals respectively. In the heart, after high frequent vibration, the reduction of oxidation velocity of NAD-dependent substrates in rest and in active metabolic state of mitochondria was 43 % (р ≤ 0.05) and 30 % (р ≤ 0.01) respectively, while the velocity of oxidation for endogenous succinic acid increased by 77 % (р ≤ 0.05) to 21st session of vibration, then constantly decreasing to the end of vibration sessions. The same changes but in less degree were registerted in the liver and kidney. The systems of energy production of the heart and the studied parenchimatic organs were involved in reaction on vibration exposure and reacted typically by low energetic shift with hyperactivation of endogenous succinic acid system of oxidation and inhibition of NAD-depended part of the breath chain of mitochondria. Therefore, the study of bioenergetics mechanisms of hypoxia in different tissues allows to clear the molecular targets for pharmacological action by means of substrate antihypoxants.
Influence of different hypoxia types on p-glycoprotein functional activity and expression
Authors: Yakusheva Elena N , Chernykh Ivan V , Shulkin Aleksey V , Popova Natalia M
Published: May 2016

The review of literature is devoted to researches in vitro and in vivo in which functioning changes P-glycoprotein (Pgp) under the influence of hypoxia of different types are shown. In the majority of scientific works activation of expression and functional activity of Pgp is shown that authors connect with activation of HIF-1 and Sp1 which are described in more detail. However a number of researches disproves the conclusion about induction of activity of Pgp in the conditions of hypoxia that testifies about difficult mechanisms involved in regulation of Pgp activity, their dependence on a type and duration of hypoxia, redox status and other parameters.
Networking in the Tourism Industry: The Case of Three Neighbouring Mediterranean Tourism Destinations
Authors:   University of Primorska, Faculty of Management, Slovenia, Gomezelj Omerzel Doris , Bratkovič Kregar Tina
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study is to get a better understanding of the benefits of networking activities among firms operating in the tourism industry. The study classifies a sample of 421 tourism firms from three Mediterranean countries – Croatia, Italy and Slovenia – into three distinct groups based on their networking activities – Non-networkers (group 1), Great Networkers (group 2) and Limited Networkers (group 3) – and seeks to identify similarities and differences among these groups. The research results show that tourism firms from these three groups differ from each other based on the firm’s country of origin, industry, age, size, and performance. According to the results, we may be able to advise firms operating in the tourism industry regarding how to increase their collaboration with their internal and external environment in order to achieve better firm performance.
Comparative Analysis of Renowned Softwares for Search and Rescue Operations
Authors:   Faculty of Maritime Studies, Split, Vidan Pero , Hasanspahić Nermin , Grbić Tomislav
Published: May 2016

Search and rescue computer programs have been developed in order to increase the efficiency of search and rescue (SAR) operations and to help operators to determine search areas, estimate resources required, calculate search patterns, and make decisions efficiently. The paper analyses renowned SAR software systems, including SARPlan, SARIS, SAROPS, SARMAP and TRANSAS. They have been used by a number of prominent search and rescue maritime authorities all over the world. A qualitative SWOT analysis allows an insight into their advantages, shortcomings, opportunities and threats. The comparative analysis has produced results that show characteristics of application of the individual programs with regard to search areas and material and human resources.
Dimensiones culturales e identidades situadas: la herencia maya en migrantes yucatecos a Estados Unidos
Authors: Be Ramírez Pedro Antonio
Published: May 2016

Este artículo trata sobre la conformación identitaria de los migrantes de Telchac Pueblo a partir de algunos elementos culturales vinculados con su herencia maya ancestral. Las dimensiones culturales que aquí se presentan no son únicas ni mucho menos absolutas para explicar el pasado maya en Yucatán; más bien corresponden a ciertos aspectos que permiten comprender la manera en cómo los migrantes yucatecos se conciben a sí mismos desde discursos y prácticas situados en contextos sociales reales. bases o dimensiones culturalesconsideradas emblemas que otorgan carácter distintivo a la identidad son el eje central y admiten dar cuenta del mantenimiento, la reelaboración y lo situacional de las costumbres y tradiciones en esta región del sureste mexicano.
El mono y el cacao: la búsqueda de un mito a travésde los relieves del Grupo de la Serie Inicial de Chichén Itzá
Authors: Nájera Coronado Martha Ilia
Published: May 2016

Recientes estudios sobre el cacao han subrayado la relevancia del árbol y de su fruto en diferentes ámbitos de la cultura maya y podría afirmarse que, después del maíz, fue la planta más venerada; su valor destaca en la esfera económica, en la social y, por supuesto, también en la religiosa. A pesar de ello se desconocen mitos sobre cómo los hombres llegaron a obtenerlo; por ello, con base en el modelo mítico mesoamericano del maíz, se propone una interpretación sustentada principalmente en el análisis de algunos de los relieves del Grupo de la Serie Inicial ubicado en Chichén Itzá, en la que el simio juega un papel relevante.
Los parques ecoarqueológicos en el área maya: algunos aspectos de su gestión
Authors: García Targa Juan
Published: May 2016

La mayor sensibilidad en torno al patrimonio cultural es uno de los rasgos de la so­ciedad actual. Turistas y ciudadanos de las ciudades demandan mayores grados de protección a los restos del pasado y las autoridades políticas dan respuesta a esa demanda. En este sentido, los parques ecoarqueológicos son el reflejo de esa nueva oferta en la que muestras del pasado conviven con espacios de descanso con el objetivo de dar a conocer de forma sencilla y divertida periodos anteriores de las ciudades y pueblos.
Jürgen Putz, Christian Heck y Gabi Förster, Las iglesias coloniales de Yucatán
Authors: Benavides Castillo Antonio
Published: May 2016

Es una publicación originalmente escrita en alemán y traducida al castellano en la que predomina la documentación gráfica. De su lectura se deduce que también exis­te una versión en lengua inglesa. Se ilustra con buen número de fachadas, detalles ar­quitectónicos e imaginería colonial. Tam­bién contiene algunos mapas de ubicación.
“A-topología” en el Fedro de Platón: el hyperouránios tópos y el filósofo átopos
Authors: Fierro María Angélica
Published: May 2016

Se procura explicar aquí la atopía de Sócrates y del filósofo en generalen el Fedro en relación con su emplazamiento en función del hyperourániostópos como punto de referencia inubicable tanto en un sentido locativoestricto —fuera del universo no había según las concepciones astronómicasde la época nada— como simbólico —remite a un polo de significación quenunca puede despejarse completamente. En tal sentido el filósofo, a través desu búsqueda por la verdad, se encuentra siempre necesariamente “descolocado”respecto del plexo de significaciones tanto dadas como adquiridas.
La presencia de la lengua epigramática de Marcial dentro de la práctica burlesca de las academias del Siglo de Oro
Authors: Barragán Aroche Raquel
Published: May 2016

En el presente artículo se pretende mostrar un panorama general de la recepción de los epigramas de Marcial dentro de las academias del Siglo de Oro, sobre todo, a partir de una de las características compositivas que el mismo autor llamó la “lengua de los epigramas”, elemento que, en distintas épocas, fue un obstáculo para que la obra de Marcial estuviera dentro del canon. No obstante, dentro de la práctica académica del Barroco, la risa adquirió tal importancia que aquella obscenitas comenzó a recuperarse y se convirtió en un pretexto para el ingenio en virtud de que se debía aludir de manera indirecta.
Plagio como mala Conducta Académica
Authors: Miyahira Juan
Published: May 2016

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Adicción a la Conectividad (Primera Parte)
Authors: Nizama Valladolid Martín
Published: May 2016

Durante las últimas décadas, el progreso imparable de la tecnología, la constante creación de dispositivos electrónicos y la masificación  del uso de la Internet han llevado a la sociedad posmoderna a un desarrollo exponencial. Sin embargo, este progreso tecnológico ha traído consigo efectos negativos sobre una parte importante de la población debido al uso desmedido de estos dispositivos y la Internet, generando en los usuarios un uso descontrolado e indiscriminado característico de la enfermedad adictiva. Esta adicción se presenta con mayor prevalencia en niños y adolescentes, y los usuarios afectados se caracterizan por un uso compulsivo de la conectividad tecnológica con inconciencia de este, trastornos del rol personal, alteración de la interacción social, aislamiento, disminución de la comunicación sensorial, desconexión de larealidad y desórdenes del control de impulsos; con tendencia a laaparición de una conducta agresiva, ideas tanáticas y anulación delsentimiento de culpa. Además, la pérdida de la “familia natural” y su reemplazo por la “familia asistencial” es un contexto común los afectados por esta adicción. Se ha observado que esta patología comparte rasgos neurobiológicos con otros tipos de adicciones y la asociación de esta con otras alteraciones psiquiátricas
Cellular composition of the Corpus luteum of Indian fruit bat, Rousettus leschenaulti (Desmarest) during early embryonic development
Authors: V.H Badiye
Published: May 2016

The fine structure of luteal cell of the corpus luteum of Indian fruit bat, Rousettus leschenaulti was studied at three stages unilaminar blastocyst stage, Implanted bilaminar blastocyst stage and limb bud stage of early pregnancy. At unilaminar blastocyst stage luteal cells had small nuclei euchromatin. Mitochondria were small, round shaped with tubular cristae. Numerous less osmiophilic lipid droplets were observed in cytoplasmic field of the luteal cells. After implantation at implanted bilaminar blastocyst stage nuclear heterochromatin were reduced and nucleoli were larger and complex. Mitochondria were enlarged and often bizarre shaped with tubular cristae. Golgi complex and agranular endoplasmic reticulum were more conspicuous. Lipid droplets were less osmiophilic. At the stage of limb bud formation the luteal cells suggests different morphological picture, the nuclear size is reduced with clumps of heterochromatin. The agranular endoplasmic reticulum assumes the form of bundles of parallel tubules dispersed in several planes. Mitochondrial size was reduced then the previous stage and they posses vesicular cristae. These observations suggest that the steroidogenic activity of the luteal cells is highest during implantation and comparatively regresses during limb bud formation. It is suggested that the luteal cells is an important ovarian source of pregnancy hormones.
Discrimination against Women: Legal Provisions versus Social Reality
Authors: Saini Neha
Published: May 2016

In our society there is a deep rooted prejudice against women and they are considered as inferior beings. Women are, in general, discriminated against in every field like education, employment, property rights etc. They have to face this kind of discrimination from the time of their birth. The cultural construct of Indian society which reinforces gender bias against men and women, with varying degrees and variable contexts against the opposite sex, has led to the continuation of India’s strong preference for male children. Female infanticide, a sex-selective abortion, is adopted and strongly reflects the low status of Indian women. Education is not widely attained by Indian women. Discrimination against women has led to their lack of autonomy and authority.

So, the question before us is whether these legislations are sufficient to improve the status of women in our society. Or is it only the duty of the government to work towards the emancipation of women.
Women Vs Men in Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Jaggi Shamily , Bahl Sanjay Kumar , Suri Sarabjeet Singh
Published: May 2016

India today is at the cusp of a paradigm change in its growth and its position in the world. Its rapid development in all fields has been faster than anywhere else in the world and it is emerged as a global power for its skilled workforce including both men and women. In today’s time women are not only competing but also matching their steps with men in many fields. Though, women have proved their mettle, but their presence in manufacturing sector seems to be negligent or on decline. Indian manufacturing sector is predominantly employs majority of the males. . It is also seen that there are a less number of women who are currently work or are keen to work in this sector. “Women may not be as welcome” in manufacturing isn’t only about perception, but it is found globally in a recent report from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) that women are paid about 18 percent less than men doing the same manufacturing work on average and this is the fourth largest gender pay gap of any industry, according to the study. If Indian women are achieving success and climbing corporate ladders in all sectors then, why is she lagging behind in this sector? This paper focuses on assessing the employment opportunities for women, challenges being faced by them at work and future scope and to further explore the working environment of manufacturing sector for women.
Directional RF Heating for Heavy Oil Recovery Using Antenna Array Beam-Forming
Authors: Saeedfar Amin , Lawton Don , Osadetz Kirk
Published: May 2016

Conventional steam injection processes for thermal heavy oil recovery are generally limited to relatively shallow, thick, permeable, and homogenous reservoirs. An alternative thermal recovery process is to use electromagnetic (EM) energy to generate heat. Radio frequency heating is one type of EM heating, which is based on wave propagation phenomenon and uses high frequency EM sources. Due to these characteristics, RF heating can provide a controllability aspect of the thermal process by which heating pattern can be steered toward an area of insert and being turned away from a particular region. This can be achieved by combining the EM fileds of multiple RF sources (antenna) in an array configuration.

Although EM heating for heavy oil recovery is not a new idea, a commercial application still requires detailed modeling and a more quantitative analysis due to the complexity of the multiphysics process involved. In this paper, we first review the physics of EM heating of a subsurface formation followed by providing closed form correlation models of previously introduced data on electrical properties of Athabasca oilsands. We then revisit some of the analytical models of RF heating mechanism proposed in the past by evaluating the effect of far-field approximation on the accuracy of RF power deposit calculations. Important considerations for antennas being employed for RF heating applications such as near-field criterion and the effectiveness of bare versus insulated antenna will be discussed afterward. Finally, with few examples using analytical modeling, we provide a proof of concept for the method of using an antenna array for directing the RF-thermal pattern in an oilsand formation.
Modeling The Onset Of Asphaltene Precipitation In Solvent-Diluted Bitumens Using Cubic-Plus-Association Equation Of State
Authors: Sattari Maryam , Abedi Jalal , Zirrahi Mohsen , Mehrotra Anil K.
Published: May 2016

The growing market for solvent-assisted recovery methods, such as ES-SAGD, SAP, and LASER, increases the risk of asphaltene precipitation in the reservoir and upstream facilities that would result in production loss and huge operational costs. A comprehensive study on the asphaltene phase behaviour and precipitation is necessary in order to design preventive remedies for operational problems arising from asphaltene deposition.

In the present study, we employed a cubic-plus-association equation of state (CPA-EOS) to model asphaltene precipitation from Alberta bitumen samples upon addition of n-alkanes. The focus of this work is to study the effect of temperature and solvent on the asphaltene precipitation.

This method is, in particular, beneficial to commercial reservoir simulation due to its strong theoretical basis, reasonable calculation complexity, and modest computational time.

The physical interactions were described by the Soave-Redlich-Kwong equation of state (SRK EOS). In the association term, the interactions between the bitumen pseudo-components were described based on the Wertheim's perturbation theory.

Bitumen was characterized, based on SARA analysis, into two pseudo-components, namely the maltenes and asphaltenes. Self-association between asphaltene molecules and cross-associations between the hypothetical asphaltene and maltene molecules were considered.

A solid-liquid equilibrium was assumed at the asphaltene precipitation onset. In order to satisfy the criteria for the formation of a solid phase, we employed a solid solubility model.

The proposed CPA-EOS model has only one adjustable parameter, which decreased a lot of unnecessary computational time. This is especially important for systems containing complex materials such as bitumens and heavy oils. The adjustable parameter of the CPA-EOS model was found to be both temperature- and solvent-dependent such that it decreased with increasing temperature and increased with increasing solvent carbon number. Pressure did not have a significant effect on the model parameters for the dead bitumen samples and operational pressures well above the solvent's bubble point.

The model predictions were compared with the experimental onset data for asphaltene precipitation over a range of temperature, and they were favourably in agreement. Our results showed that a tuned CPA-SRK EOS combined with the solid solubility model can successfully predict the onset of asphaltene precipitation. The results of the proposed model can be applied to the design and simulation of solvent-assisted thermal recovery methods and processes wherever bitumen comes in contact with heavy n-alkane solvents.
An Improved Reaction Kinetics Model Of In-Situ Combustion For Pre-Steamed Oil Sands
Authors: Yang Min , Chen Zhangxin , Harding Thomas G.
Published: May 2016

Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) is a proven commercial thermal technology for oil sands recovery, but it has some limitations including low energy efficiency during generation and transport of steam to the producing formation and high capital and operating costs making SAGD projects vulnerable to low oil prices. In-situ combustion (ISC) provides an alternative to steam injection with the advantages of lower costs and higher energy efficiency. In recent years, ISC has been evaluated as a follow-up process to SAGD with the expectation to combine the advantages of steam injection and in-situ combustion. Before the design of such a hybrid process, it is important to understand the chemical reactions between air (or oxygen) and residual oil within a SAGD chamber in the presence of water and steam in order to simulate the process with a reasonable degree of confidence.

In this study, an improved reaction kinetics model, in terms of Saturates, Aromatics, Resins, and Asphaltenes (SARA) fractions, is proposed for modelling the ISC process in pre-steamed Athabasca oil sands. From the results of a set of laboratory Ramped Temperature Oxidation (RTO) tests, including temperature profiles along a reactor and produced gas composition, the oxidation behavior at different temperatures has been carefully analyzed. Based on the analysis, a reaction kinetics model consisting of Low Temperature Oxidation (LTO), thermal cracking, and High Temperature Oxidation (HTO), has been developed. This model was then incorporated into CMG STARS to simulate RTO experiments.

From the simulation study, it was found that the coke, which is formed through cracking reactions and traditionally considered to be the main source of fuel in ISC, reacts slowly at high temperatures in the RTO tests. The other source of fuel for combustion in the RTO tests is light hydrocarbons distilled or cracked from the original bitumen. These findings have been incorporated into the proposed reaction model. The experimental results of seven RTO tests, including temperature profiles, oxygen consumption, and carbon oxides production, were successfully matched by tuning kinetic parameters.

This work greatly increases understanding of fuel sources in an ISC process. The newly improved reaction kinetics model can predict oxidation and combustion behavior of ISC for pre-steamed Athabasca oil sands under a wide range of temperatures. It also provides a solid foundation for future simulation studies and technical guidance for the design of hybrid steam-combustion processes.
Effective Thermal and Electrical Conductivity of Two-Phase Saturated Porous Media
Authors: Mohammadmoradi Peyman , Behrang Arash , Kantzas Apostolos
Published: May 2016

Precise pore-level knowledge of effective thermal and electrical conductivities guarantees proper thermophysical and petrophysical characterization of the multiphase saturated porous media. High resolution advancing imaging techniques and developing modeling approaches are capable of simulating pore-scale phenomena in micro- and nano-scales. In this paper, a numerical framework is presented to predict relative electrical and thermal conductivity curves of two-phase saturated pore-level structures. Displacement scenarios are first performed applying a geometrical filling process. A set of rules to construct the fluid interfaces under capillary-driven transport are implemented. Subsequently effective thermal and electrical conductivity curves, quantifying the relationship between conductivity and saturation, are determined using steady state diffusion equation. The media under consideration include three-dimensional binary images of oil/water-wet sandstone and carbonate formations and the fluid systems contain steam-oil and water-oil equilibriums. The result packages, including thermal diffusivity and conductivity, electrical conductivity, formation factor, apparent diffusion coefficient, and saturation exponent, are generated and discussed considering rock types and fluid configurations.
Nonlinear Dynamical Instability Analysis of Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage SAGD by Using Reservoir Simulation
Authors: Zhu Da , Wang Jacky , Su Yi , Gates Ian D.
Published: May 2016

Numerical simulators have been extensively used in reservoir engineering for several decades. These simulators, based on energy, material, and momentum (multiphase Darcy law) balances and thermodynamic equilibrium of components between phases, solve a coupled set of nonlinear partial differential equations. We have observed multiple states for simulation of Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) with multiple steam-to-oil ratios resulting at the same steam injection rate. The existence of multiple solutions and potentially limit cycle behavior and its associated bifurcation branching in the operation parameter space inspires us to consider a dynamical approach to reservoir simulation. There are four dominant states of stability: absolutely stable; neutrally stable; unstable subject to infinitesimal perturbation; and unstable subject to finite amplitude perturbation. In essence, instability is a process that releases potential energy stored in the base state to the perturbation state. In a reservoir simulation, if we impose a perturbation with a certain magnitude to a quasi-steady state, linear stability theory predicts that once the system becomes unstable, the magnitude of the perturbation grows with time infinitely. However, in reality, due to nonlinearity the system causes it to evolve to a new quasi-steady state. The questions that we are going to address in this paper are: How can we use a transient reservoir simulator to detect instability of the system that may lead to different and multiple operating states? As a case study, we will use a 2D homogeneous SAGD model. Once the model reaches a quasi-steady state, we will call it our base state. Then we impose different steam injection rate perturbations on the system and see how the system responds to these changes. Different behaviors result –for finite amplitude perturbations, the state evolves to a new state (Hopf bifurcation) (Strogatz 2014). Our goal is to use an existing commercial simulator to construct multiple operating states and describe an approach to detect them. Multiple operating states could have significant implications for process control and risk/uncertainty management of reservoir operations.
Enhanced SAGD Startup Techniques for Improved Thermal Efficiency and Conformance - A Field Test Based Investigation
Authors: Dragani J. M. , Drover K. T.
Published: May 2016

The SAGD process can be defined to have three sequential phases to its operating mode, namely: startup, SAGD mode and wind-down. The startup phase most commonly has the shortest operating period, yet it has significant influence on the success of the subsequent operating modes. Historically, there are two primary means to achieve startup of a SAGD well pair and are commonly referred to as circulation and bullheading. The circulation process was employed at the Grand Rapids SAGD Pilot on Well Pair 1 and Well Pair 2 in 2010 and 2012 respectively.

The circulation process is complex to optimize from a heat transfer perspective. Parameters such as well length, tubular sizing, steam injection rates, steam injection pressures, steam blanketing, and reservoir dynamics all influence the performance of the process. Transient reservoir simulation models with fully coupled well and reservoir grids are required to effectively model the process, relying on key inputs from field data to calibrate models. Typically, the objectives of circulation are to achieve a uniform heating profile along the entire length of the lateral portion of the SAGD well pair and establish fluid transmissibility between the injector and producer.

A study on startup methods was conducted with the intent of optimizing temperature conformance, thermal efficiency and circulation time. The study generated several alternative startup designs, many of which employ insulated tubing strings and varied operating conditions to optimize heat exchange and energy efficiency. A field based trial was conducted using the closed circuit startup design (Canadian patent pending) at the Grand Rapids SAGD Pilot in 2015. Results of the study and field trial suggest that the closed circuit design offers several advantages; it is a thermally efficient, able to operate at higher temperatures, can use less steam per well pair, is scalable up to 1,200 meter long laterals, and can achieve excellent thermal conformance during startup.

The findings of this field based investigation add to the knowledge base related to startup techniques and well conformance. The closed circuit technology employed at the Grand Rapids SAGD Pilot is an innovative startup design that may be used in other heavy oil and oil sands reservoirs to enhance startup and promote recovery.
Kenya's Colony Music and Drama Officer
Authors: Hyslop Graham H.
Published: May 2016

The Department of Community Development in Kenya realised long ago that a constructive and imaginative use of leisure can do much to fill the vacuum left by the abandonment in many instances of traditional forms of entertainment in Africa. The increasing interest in Music and Drama in the territory during recent years, particularly amongst the African population, seemed to call for a re-assessment of the role of the Department in these spheres of adult life. At Jeanes School, the Colony’s main centre for general adult education, it had been possible to make some contribution in this field already. Most of this however had had to be made during the vacations and it became clear that it would be detrimental to other work at Jeanes School even to attempt to maintain the contribution, and quite out of the question to contemplate increasing the assistance which could be given. There was an ever-increasing number of requests for help being made, and in order to meet this demand, it was decided early in 1957 to release a member of staff at Jeanes School from general duties in order that he might take up responsibilities as Colony Music and Drama Officer.
African music in Christian worship
Authors: Louw Johan K.
Published: May 2016

In “African Music”, volume 1, No. 3, I wrote, “When one true African Christian musician is brought to disregard any form of church music that he may have known in the past and breaks forth praising God in the musical medium that lies closest to his heart, half the battle will have been won. This is not impossible.” I maintained that very much of what was found in the Nyanja hymnbook I was familiar with was completely foreign to the African Christians who were using the book, and that it was not only not too late to start using African Music through the instrumentality of African musicians, but that it was “essential that a start should be made, and that as soon as possible.” Can it be done? This, after all, is the crux of the matter, and unless it is possible to get down to some practical scheme in which Africans will play their part and African artists themselves satisfy the need, it is little use discussing the matter. I believe it is possible to get down to such a scheme provided the necessary staff and financial assistance for an African Music Centre, could be found. How such a Centre should be run is a matter for further investigation and experimentation. There are, however, some practical suggestions I should like to make, which, I think, can lead to very useful results.
A tribute to Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958), Gustav Holst (1874-1934) and Percy Scholes (1877-1958)
Authors: Tracey Hugh
Published: May 2016

The lives of all three as composers and writers may seem to have their settings far removed from Africa and its distinctive folk music styles. Yet a common element which made them great, and is equally important for Africa, was a clear and practical understanding of the true position of folk musics in the whole gamut of musical practice.
Problems of pitch, pattern and harmony in the ocarina music of the Venda
Authors: Blacking John
Published: May 2016

This paper aims both to describe some features of Venda ocarina music and to relate these findings to a problem of method in ethno-musicology.
Folklore activities of the Musep do Dundo
Authors: De Vilhena Julio
Published: May 2016

The Dundo Museum (Lunda) of the Angola Diamond Company is continuing, through its musical section, the defence of the traditional folklore of the native populations of the district in which it develops its mining exploitations, and of the surrounding areas. As is known, the Museum is situated at the headquarters of the mining field, the town of Dundo on the River Luachimo, an important tributary of the Cassai. Speaking generally, it may be said that this activity has two forms: the first, or direct, consists in the action of the Museum on the folklore of the inhabitants of a large area around Dundo, which is the most populous of the district; the second, in the systematic collection of musical pieces in regions situated far away, where direct action is materially impossible.
A Composite Mobility Model for Ad Hoc Networks in Disaster Areas
Authors: Pomportes Stéphane , Tomasik Joanna , Vèque Véronique
Published: May 2016

Ad hoc network is an essential means of communication in disaster scenes. Validation of new communication protocols for these networks requires exhaustive simulation runs because real life experiences can be performed exclusively during expensive civil protection exercises. The necessity of these simulations calls for realistic and reliable mobility models which take into account numerous aspects of rescue worker interventions. We propose a composite model of mobility for disaster scenarii which includes a realistic model of human displacement, team mobility, and obstacle avoidance. The comparison of its performance with those of other available models is encouraging. We believe that it can improve the veracity of rescue operation simulations.
A Measure of Smoothness in Synthesized Speech
Authors: Nghia Phung Trung , Tao Nguyen Van , Huong Pham Thi Mai , Diep Nguyen Thi Bich , Hien Phung Thi Thu
Published: May 2016

The articulators typically move smoothly during speech production. Therefore, speech features of natural speech are generally smooth. However, over-smooth causes the “muffleness" and the reduction in identification emotions / expressions / styles in synthesized speech that can affect to the perception of the naturalness in synthesized speech. In the literature, statistical variances of static spectral features have been used as a measure of smoothness in synthesized speech but they are not sufficient enough. This paper aims to propose a speech smoothness measure that can be efficiently applied to evaluate the smoothness of synthesized speech. Experiments show that the proposed measures are reliable and efficient to measure smoothness of different kinds of synthesized speech.
Design, Simulation, and Performance Analysis of an INS/GPS System using Parallel Kalman Filters Structure
Authors: Duc-Tan Tran , Fortier Paul , Huynh Huu-Tue
Published: May 2016

Thanks to the strong growth of MEMS technology, the Inertial Navigation System (INS) is widely applied to navigation and guidance of moving objects. However, there exist errors in the inertial sensor’s signals that cause unacceptable drifts. To minimize these effects on the INS system, a GPS is usually employed simultaneously with an INS in order to increase the dimension of the system; the desired parameters are estimated by Kalman filtering technique applied to the enlarged system. In this paper, we present the design, simulation and performance analysis of an INS/GPS system using two parallel Kaman filters in order to increase the accuracy of the parameter estimation process. The results show that this system could be efficiently brought to practical applications.
A Scalable Wi-Fi Based Localization Algorithm
Authors: Le Truc D. , Nguyen Nam T.
Published: May 2016

This paper proposes an applicable and scalable approach which allows deploying the fingerprint Wi-Fi localization algorithm for different mobile devices. The original fingerprint localization algorithm performs accurately when the mobile device used in the deployment phase is the same as the mobile device used in the training phase. However, when a different mobile device is used in the deployment phase, a time-consuming re-training step (in the order of hours or days) is required to achieve the equivalent degree of accuracy. Our proposed approach replaces this re-training step by a short period of calibration (in the order of a few minutes), which can be done transparently to the user. To validate our approach, we did an analysis on collected data from a large scale experiment (14 laptops and 2 smartphones with 224-hour of collected data) and evaluated the performance on the real devices.
Improvement of Bit Rate Using M-ary Chaotic Pulse Position Modulation
Authors: Quyen Nguyen Xuan , Yem Vu Van , Hoang Thang Manh
Published: May 2016

Recent studies have pointed out that Chaotic Pulse Position Modulation (CPPM) is a very promising method for improving privacy and security in chaos-based digital communication. Especially, CPPM provides better performance than other chaotic modulation methods in noise- and distortion-affected environments. In this paper we present our development of a robust method named M-ary CPPM which is based on the combination of the conventional CPPM and multi-symbol modulation in order to improve the transmission bit rate. The M-ary CPPM signal has a pulse train format in which each pulse is a symbol and the chaotically-varied inter-pulse time interval conveys the binary information of k bits (M = 2k). The analysis and development of modulation and demodulation schemes are presented in detail. Theoretical evaluation of Bit-Error-Rate (BER) performance in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and the use of AWGN filtering is also provided. The chaotic behavior of the M-ary CPPM is investigated with the variation of modulation parameters. In order to verify the performance of the proposed schemes, numerical simulations were carried out in Simulink and comparison between simulation and theoretical results is reported.
Solving the Traveling Salesman Problem with Ant Colony Optimization: A Revisit and New Efficient Algorithms
Authors: Huan Hoang Xuan , Linh-Trung Nguyen , Dong Do Duc , Huynh Huu-Tue
Published: May 2016

Ant colony optimization (ACO) techniques are known to be efficient for combinatorial optimization. The traveling salesman problem (TSP) is the benchmark used for testing new combinatoric optimization algorithms. This paper revisits the application of ACO techniques to the TSP and discuss some general aspects of ACO that have been previously overlooked. In fact, it is observed that the solution length does not reflect exactly the quality of a particular edge belong to the solution, but it is only used for relatively evaluating whether the edge is good or bad in the process of reinforcement learning. Based on this observation, we propose two algorithms– Smoothed Max-Min Ant System and Three-Level Ant System– which not only can be easily implemented but also provide better performance, as compared to the well-known Max-Min Ant System. The performance is evaluated by numerical simulation using benchmark datasets.
Single-machine Scheduling with Splitable Jobs and Availability Constraints
Authors: Nguyen Van Huy , Tuong Nguyen Huynh , Nguyen Hua Phung , Nguyen Thanh Hien
Published: May 2016

This paper deals with a single machine scheduling problem with availability constraints. The jobs are splitable and lower bound on the size of each sub-job is imposed. The objective is to find a feasible schedule that minimizes the makespan. The proposed scheduling problem is proved to be NP-hard in the strong sense. Some effective heuristic algorithms are then proposed. Additionally, computational results show that the proposed heuristic performs well.