bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancement in Wireline Tractor Design Reduces Operating Time and Improves Reliability
Authors: Lee Matthew , Singha Roy Sushovon
Published: March 2019

A newly developed wireline tractor (Fig. 1) is exhibiting positive effects for total operating time and reliability. Not only can it deploy a wide range of logging tools, well intervention tools, and explosives at a rate up to 100 ft/min (6,000 ft/hr) in horizontal or highly deviated wells, it has an efficient electro-mechanical design. Additionally, the tractor can run in wells up to 350°F and 25,000psi with full tractoring force.

Historically, wireline tractors were based on a lower efficient hydraulically powered design or additional electronics to invert voltages were necessary (Sheiretov 2016). Because of advancements in downhole-rated DC motors and electronics, it's possible to increase reliability while delivering more power with less parasitic losses (Fig. 2).Important design points for a tractor include: Efficient and robust electro-mechanical architectureCompatibility with single and multiconductor wirelinesControlled by a real-time telemetry system to log tractor and well data while tractoringPrecise control and feedback of tractor speed, torque, and wheel normal forceCombinable with a wireline release tool, swivel, casing collar locator (CCL), downhole tension, accelerometers, explosives safety device, and rollersFigure 1New wireline tractor.Figure 2DC voltage electromechanical drive system example.

The CCL, downhole tension, and accelerometer measurements assist with efficient tractor operations. The wheel normal force should be adjustable to the tractor through restrictions and completion components.
Enhanced Conveyance Method for Pipe Recovery Services with Wireline Tractors
Authors: Foucher Pierre , Damm David
Published: March 2019

A holistic approach was employed to develop a technique for conveying severing tools on wireline tractor. The objective is to establish a procedure to preserve the integrity of the tractor and related components of the toolstring.

Wireline tractors are sometimes required to convey pipe recovery services when the drillpipe becomes stuck and circulation is lost. In this case, the primary objective is to free the pipe in the lateral right above the stuck point. Pipe recovery services typically use a freepoint finder, detonating cord, and pipe cutter or colliding tool. This last option employs a high explosive load triggered in a specific manner to cause precise collision of the shock waves. Unfortunately, the explosion commonly damages the tractor used for conveyance.

A full experimental characterization of the downhole explosion was conducted to record all critical parameters that could physically damage the tractor. A dedicated special acquisition system was then used to measure experimentally the effect of a colliding tool conveyed on a tractor including pressure, shock, and strains.

In-depth analysis of the results was used to determine optimized operational guidelines and practices to achieve the objective of reliably conveying severing tools while preserving the integrity of the tractor and related logging tools. The technique relies on a cost-effective solution.

This method has been deployed to the field for successful application in the Middle East where it saved significant operational time and maximized the recovered pipe length without any damage to the tractor.

With this enhanced method, wireline tractors can convey pipe recovery tools with acceptable risk of damage to the tractor, which reduces operation cost. Overall, it significantly increases the confidence in using this conveyance option for pipe recovery services and minimizes potential downtime.
Rapid Deployment and Use of Snubbing Unit Brings Well with Underground Blowout and Surface Broaching Under Control
Authors: Donaldson Albert , Marrero-Reyes Victor , Scott William , Al-Mayyan Haitham
Published: March 2019

This paper describes the mobilization of a snubbing unit and blowout preventer (BOP) stack in the Middle East and their use to enable the control of a well with an underground blowout and surface broaching within a short time. The mobilization timeline is provided, along with details about how the snubbing unit and BOPs were integrated with existing equipment to enable re-entry into the blowout well. The procedures and equipment used to enable a stable rig up and well entry are discussed. The paper also describes the situation within the well and the procedures used to enable control. Changes to the original plan, the reasons for the changes, and the results are also described.

Mobilization, rig up, and testing were completed within 12 days of receiving instructions to proceed. The well was controlled and left in a safe condition within an additional 14 days. The original plan had to be continuously reviewed and modified as more information became available during the snubbing operation. The original plan was to slip and shear the holed completion out of the well under pressure; however, as described in the paper, this plan was not implemented. The rapid deployment and use of the snubbing unit brought control to a deteriorating situation. Snubbing provided the fastest option to gain control of this well with an underground blowout and surface broaching.
Practical Pipe Understanding and Limits
Authors: Newman Ken , Kelleher Patrick
Published: March 2019

There are aspects of pipe behavior and limits that can be confusing and counter intuitive. These include understanding the conditions under which a pipe will "buckle" and when the stresses in the pipe will reach a point where the pipe material "yields". The combination of forces, pressures, torque and bending moments that are being applied to the pipe may make it difficult to understand how the pipe will responding. The objective of this paper is to clarify some of these issues and demonstrate a simplified calculation tool for field engineers to use when critical decisions need to be made quickly.
Composite Plug Removal With E-Line Milling Solution in Argentina
Authors: Aguilar Gary , Audelo David , Nebiolo Martin , Jimenez Facundo , Waigel Ruben , Canales Fernando , Martinez Joel
Published: March 2019

In March 2018, an electric wireline (e-line) milling solution was deployed to remove a composite plug in an unconventional well in Argentina. This abstract details the planning and execution of the first composite plug removal with an e-line milling solution in Argentina.

Plug and perf hydraulic fracturing operations were halted when a composite plug became stuck in the in 5" × 21.4 lb/ft casing at 2,442 m MD in the vertical section of an unconventional well. The operator initially considered mobilizing coil tubing (CT) to mill the plug, however time constraints drove them to explore more efficient alternative options. The availability, short mobilization time, efficient rig up, and past successes of an e-line tractor and milling assembly demonstrated a clear advantage versus CT for this application.

The objective for the milling operation was to remove the composite plug and confirm unrestricted access to the next perf stage at 4,252 m MD. The successful plug milling operation on the 1st run required approximately 9.5 hours of milling. Over the next 11 hours, two additional runs with heavy milling at different depths were required to clear a path to the target depth. The use of this solution allowed the operation to continue as per the program without further interventions.

An e-line milling solution for composite plugs and other wellbore hardware is an efficient and cost- effective alternative to conventional methods. Additional benefits include a substantial decrease in HSE risk exposure by minimizing the operational footprint through a reduction of personnel and equipment.
Instrumented and Surface-Controllable Nonexplosive Mechanical Punching of Downhole Tubulars
Authors: Wurtz Joshua , Dresel Matthew , Giem Greg
Published: March 2019

An instrumented, powered, and nonexplosive mechanical punching system with full surface control is presented to demonstrate the benefits and limitations of such systems versus traditional explosives and/or nonpowered mechanical punching systems. The paper will consider design criteria, performance, real-time outputs, flow areas, and operational risk factors when evaluating the different punching systems.

The oil industry has run many forms of explosive and nonexplosive punching or perforating assemblies in wells over the years. As well design and complexity have changed over time, so has the need for punching and perforating methods.

An instrumented and surface-controllable, nonexplosive mechanical puncher is the needed change in downhole punching and perforating methods for increasingly complex well designs. Such a system is seen as a safer, more reliable option than traditional methods, and it provides immediate feedback on the operation. Additionally, during punching operations, the system significantly reduces the risk of damaging control lines directly behind a tubular and eliminates the risk of damaging annular tubulars.

Unique design factors and mechanisms were evaluated and characterized to develop an optimized instrumented and surface-controllable, nonexplosive mechanical puncher system.

Puncher materials and geometries were evaluated for durability, forces required to penetrate a tubular, and flow areas generated. These punchers were characterized in multiple tubular sizes and grades to determine the relationships between tubular changes to changes in the same durability, forces, and flow areas.

It was seen that different puncher types and tubulars have varying operational risks, durability, forces required to penetrate, and total flow areas generated. This information can be used to optimize a puncher to the operational objective. Additionally, through instrumentation, it was seen that there is repeatability in punches performed, and a successful "shot" and potential puncher wear can be determined.

It was also seen that the system reduces risk in several areas. When compared to punching with explosives, there was no tubular swell at the perforations nor internal perforation burrs or damage. The system was punched directly into a downhole pressure gauge line behind the tubular with no damage observed to the external line after the punch hole was made. Finally, it was seen through surface control, powered options could be used to reduce any sticking risks.

The novelty of the instrumented and surface-controllable, nonexplosive mechanical puncher system is in the engineering, design, and characterization of the system to provide an optimized, more reliable, and more efficient downhole punching system. In addition, there is value in knowing in real time the status of the operation, downhole diagnostics, and allowing of surface controls for risk management and additional contingencies.
Lower rate of delayed graft function is observed when epidural analgesia for living donor nephrectomy is administered.
Authors: Baar Wolfgang , Goebel Ulrich , Buerkle Hartmut , Jaenigen Bernd , Kaufmann Kai , Heinrich Sebastian
Published: March 2019

Background The beneficial effects of epidural analgesia (EDA) in terms of pain control and postoperative convalescence are widely known and led to a frequent use for patients who underwent living donor kidney nephrectomy. The objective of this study was to determine whether general anesthesia (GA) plus EDA compared to GA only, administered for living donor nephrectomy has effects on postoperative graft function in recipients.
Methods In this monocentric, retrospective cohort analysis we analyzed the closed files of all consecutive donor- recipient pairs who underwent living donor kidney transplantations from 2008 to 2017. The outcome variable was delayed graft function (DGF), defined as at least one hemodialysis within seven days postoperatively, once hyperacute rejection, vascular or urinary tract complications were ruled out. Statistical analyses of continuous variables were calculated using the two-tail Student’s t test and Fisher exact test for categorical variables with a significance level of p<0.05, respectively.
Results The study enclosed 291 consecutive living donor kidney transplantations. 99 kidney donors received epidural analgesia whereas 192 had no epidural analgesia. The groups showed balanced pretransplantational characteristics and comparable donors´ and recipients’ risk factors. 9 out of all 291 recipients needed renal replacement therapy (RRT) during the first 7 days due to delayed graft function; none of these donors received EDA. The observed rate of DGF in recipients whose kidney donors received epidural analgesia was significantly lower (0% vs. 4.6%; p=0.031).
Conclusions In our cohort we observed a significantly lower rate of DGF when epidural analgesia for donor nephrectomy was administered. Due to restrictions of the study design this observation needs further confirmation by prospective studies.
Effects of intraoperative PEEP on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical resection for bladder cancer or prostate cancer: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: ZHOU Zhen-feng , FANG Jun-biao , CHEN Long , WANG Hong-fa , YU Yong-jian , WANG Wen-yuan , CHEN Jia-bao , ZHANG Miao-zun , HU Shuang-fei
Published: March 2019

Background: There are increasing studies shown that the use of a lung-protective ventilation strategy has a lung protection effect in patients undergoing abdominal surgery, however, the appropriate PEEP has not yet defined. Adopting a suitable PEEP may prevent PPCs. Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is the newest and most minimally invasive care for bladder cancer or prostate cancer. It is also necessary to consider the effects of trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum (PnP) on airway pressure and pulmonary function. The role of PEEP during the intraoperative period in preventing PCC for robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is not clearly defined. Methods/design: A total number of 208 patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical resection for bladder cancer or prostate cancer will be enrolled and randomized into a standard PEEP (6-8 cmH2O) group and a low PEEP (≤ 2 cm H2O) group. Both groups will receive an inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) of 0.50 and a tidal volume of 8 ml/kg ideal body weight (IBW). Standard perioperative fluid management standardization and analgesic treatments will be applied in both groups. The primary endpoint was postoperative pulmonary complications within 7 days after surgery. Secondary endpoints will be: the modified clinical pulmonary infection score (mCPIS), postoperative extrapulmonary complications, postoperative surgical complications, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, hospital length of stay, thirty-day mortality. Discussion: This trial is aimed to assess the effects of low tidal volumes combined a intraoperative PEEP ventilation strategy on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical resection for bladder cancer or prostate cancer.
RETRACTED: Good visual rehabilitation in a patient without traumatic cataract surgery after removal of a ferrous intravitreal foreign body by external magnetic extraction through a pars plana incision: A case report
Authors: Su Zhitao , Ye Panpan , Lin Jijian , Huang Xiaodan , Fang Xiaoyun
Published: March 2019

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
What are the most important unanswered research questions in trial retention? A James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership – The PRioRiTy II (Prioritising Retention in Randomised Trials) Study
Authors: Brunsdon Dan , Biesty Linda , Brocklehurst Peter , Brueton Valerie , Devane Declan , Elliott Jim , Galvin Sandra , Gamble Carrol , Gardner Heidi , Healy Patricia , Hood Kerenza , Jordan Joan , Lanz Doris , Maeso Beccy , Roberts Amanda , Skene Imogen , Soulsby Irene , Stewart Derek , Torgerson David , Treweek Shaun , Whiting Caroline , Wren Sharon , Worrall Andrew , Gillies Katie
Published: March 2019

Background

One of the top three research priorities for the UK clinical trial community is to address the gap in evidence-based approaches to improving participant retention in randomised trials. Despite this, there is little evidence supporting methods to improve retention. This paper reports the PRioRiTy II project, a Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) that identified and prioritised unanswered questions and uncertainties around trial retention in collaboration with key stakeholders.

Methods

This PSP was conducted in collaboration with the James Lind Alliance, a non-profit making initiative to support key stakeholders (researchers, patients and public) in jointly identifying and agreeing priority research questions.

There were three stages

(i) An initial online survey consisting of six open-ended questions about retention in randomised trials. Responses were coded into thematic groups to create a longlist of questions. The longlist of questions was checked against existing evidence to ensure they had not been answered by existing research. (ii) An interim stage, which involved a further online survey where stakeholders were asked to select questions of key importance from the longlist.. (iii) A face-to-face consensus meeting, where key stakeholder representatives agreed an ordered list of 21 unanswered research questions for methods of improving retention in randomised trials.

Results

456 respondents yielded 2,431 answers to six open ended questions, from which 372 questions specifically about retention were identified. Further analysis included thematically grouping all data items within answers and merging questions in consultation with the steering group. This produced 27 questions for further rating during the interim survey. The top 21 questions from the interim online survey were brought to a face-to-face consensus meeting, in which key stakeholder representatives prioritised the order. The Top 10 of these is reported in this paper. The number one ranked question was “What motivates a participant’s decision to complete a clinical trial?” The entire list will be available at www.priorityresearch.ie.

Conclusion

The Top 10 list can inform the direction of future research on trial methods and be used by funders to guide projects aiming to address and improve retention in randomised trials.
Effect of the retention ring-assisted continuous application of riboflavin in pulsed-light accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking on the progression of keratoconus
Authors: Kim Chung Young , Kim Mee Kum
Published: March 2019

Background: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the retention ring-assisted continuous application of 0.1% riboflavin in pulsed-light accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking on the progression of keratoconus.

Methods: The medical records of 20 eyes of 18 patients with progressive keratoconus who received collagen cross-linking at Seoul National University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Isotonic 0.1% riboflavin was continuously applied for 10 minutes using an 8.0-mm retention ring before the irradiation and accelerated cross-linking was applied with 30-mW pulsed-ultraviolet light at a wavelength 365 nm for eight minutes (1 second on/1 second off; 30 mW/cm2, cumulative dose of 7.2J/cm2) without further intermittent application of riboflavin. Visual acuity, refractive error, topographic index, corneal thickness, and endothelial cell density were evaluated before the operation and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results: The best corrected visual acuity in logMAR improved from preoperative 0.43 to 0.17 in 12 months (p = 0.050). Maximum keratometry decreased from 51.8 D to 50.4 D at six months (p = 0.015) and 50.1 D at 12 months (p = 0.0003). Astigmatism decreased from preoperative 5.5 D to 4.1 D at 12 months (p < 0.0001). Thinnest corneal thickness decreased at three and six months but recovered in 12 months (p > 0.05). Endothelial cell density decreased at postoperative one month (p = 0.02) but gradually recovered in 12 months (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: Retention ring-assisted continuous application of riboflavin for ten minutes in pulsed-light accelerated cross-linking is a comparably safe and effective treatment for halting the progression of keratoconus in 12 months when compared to outcomes of the standard Dresden protocol shown in previous reports.
Investor perception of fair value evaluation: focusing on financial instruments
Authors: Kang Minjung , Yoo Young-Tae
Published: March 2019

This study analyzed capital market investors’ recognition of the predictability of fair value-based valuation. It was examined if market investors overvalue the predictive value of fair value by comparing that value with that measured in accounting performance. The results reveal that investors are likely to overvalue fair value more than predictive values reflected in accounting performance. In particular, the results show that investors can gain abnormal returns through the market anomaly due to the functional fixation that investors cannot distinguish between unrealized profits and realized ones. Though there are considerable studies about accrual anomaly, few studies explore it with the separation of unrealized profits from total accruals. A number of studies about the causes of accrual anomaly have been conducted from various perspectives. The analysis of this study argues that the unrealized profits derived from fair value evaluation can be a cause of accrual anomaly. On the basis of the result, this study suggests that information about unrealized earnings should be reported separately.
A User-centric Approach to Optimize Visitor’s Experience in Exhibition Spaces Using Parametric Spatial Analysis
Authors: El-Halawany Nourhan Bassam , El-Daly Hazem Talaat , Abdelmohsen Sherif
Published: March 2019

Being the main user of any architectural product, the user's role in the designing process should be significant, especially in complex spatial spaces such as hospitals, museums, offices, and public-use buildings. This gives the users meta- roles such as communicators, performers, and interpreters. User-Centered Design (UCD) tries to optimize the fit of the spaces with how users can, want to, and need to use in these spaces, rather than forcing the users to change their behavior to accommodate the architectural spaces or designing dysfunctional spaces. Such spaces were designed neglecting the human factor and only using building regulations. The visitor’s parameters, profiles, spatial experiences, and the architectural configuration are what can affect the experience in architectural spaces. This paper explores a different UCD (user-centered design) approach in the evaluation of the built environment which is the parametric spatial analysis approach. The approach studies the spatial pattern of human behavior of a random selection of users, so it could represent any potential users in the buildings. Aiming to intensively engage users in the design process, the approach uses parametric spatial design in analyzing the visitor's behavior and deducing some design patterns and configurations that focus on different ways of user's engagement. This approach compares the definition of users, their roles, and the type of space envisioned and produced as well. This paper describes an approach that attempts to bridge the gap between parametric geometry modeling and methods for measuring the spatial properties of this geometry. In exhibition spaces with their different spatiality, visitors tend to have some indicators which can be measured. Accordingly, designers create functional spaces that suit the different types of visitors using parametric components that study the collective human behavior (organizational behavior). These functional spaces are designed through observation, user surveys, and interviews to simplify the complexity of decisions regarding the design process and visitor’s parameters, and to embed them into an algorithm that can solve the complexity of the visitor’s parameters. Analyzing visitors’ behavior and the spatial morphology improves the visiting experience and provides better interpretations. The analysis makes the designers aware of visitors’ circulation, visiting styles, behavior, patterns, tendencies, and trends within a wide diversity of spaces. Moreover, this analysis can be combined into an evolutionary algorithm to help solve problems.
Applications of Knowledge Management in Construction: A Literature Review
Authors: Sallam Asmaa Taher , Eid Ali Fathi , Elfaramawy Ali Foad , Khodier Laila M.
Published: March 2019

Knowledge is considered one of the effective assets which control the success of organizations, and its effective management is crucial. Although knowledge has existed and has been used along all projects, the way it was managed was almost intuitive and highly reliable on in-house systems. As a consequence, knowledge management was introduced in the late 1990s to help companies create, share, and systematically use knowledge. Knowledge management can be defined as the identification, optimization, and active management of intellectual assets that create value, increase productivity, and gain and sustain competitive advantage. Construction field, as one of the most complicated fields, is considered a project- based field where numbers of investments in it are in millions every year. Although knowledge in construction is among the main factors for project success, most of this knowledge lies in the minds of the people, which makes it hard to be captured and stored. Accordingly, effective knowledge management in construction is affected by different factors, including the willingness of people to share their knowledge and the mobilization of the workforce from one project to another without sharing lessons learned and previous knowledge. Here comes the role of application of KM, which could help prevent “reinventing the wheel” in construction. This paper aims at offering a comprehensive overview of the application of KM in construction through reviewing extant literature sources. Topics discussed included factors affecting KM, KM tools and techniques, the processes of KM, and the main benefits and challenges facing KM. There are many factors affecting knowledge management and many tools and techniques to manage knowledge. As for the findings of this paper, they took the form of an analysis of the main benefits and challenges facing the application of KM in construction.
Biomimetics as an Approach to Sustainability of Architectural Designs
Authors: El-Kattan Ahmed Abdulmoniem
Published: March 2019

The universe around us stands as a proof of the greatness of God. Everything around us, small or huge, tiny or great, all confirms the fact that this universe has a creator who initiated it and keeps running and maintaining it. No one can ignore such a fact. All aspects of beauty and perfection have been created by Allah.Despite the vast technological and scientific development that humanity witnesses these days, we still discover new indications of God's creativity and miraculous formations every day. This was a source of inspiration for architectural designers that made them come up with new inventions and creations that help regeneration and natural environmental sustainability. Many architects try to copy nature in their designs as they believe that the biomimetic approach is considered the design approach that best preserves the environment and sustains buildings. The absence of a clear definition of different approaches of biomimetic designs of various architectural works is one of the stumbling blocks that face many developers of architectural trends and architectural designers in particular. The research problem is summarized by highlighting various biomimetic approaches of architectural designs through reviewing all previous theories and researches and also studying biomimetic technologies that lead to different results as an introduction to sustainability.
Reducing Energy Consumption Strategies in University Buildings in Egypt
Authors: Abdou Amal Ahmed , Abd El Gwad Iman Osama , Mahmoud Ayman Alsayed Altaher
Published: March 2019

Egyptian universities had the most powerful buildings that encourage sustainable development. Sustaining university buildings had been the main concern, thus the development focused on different aspects (social, sociological, bio-life, physical, healthy surroundings, etc.). In recent times, the main problem facing university buildings has been the high consumption of energy despite the low performance. This problem affected the interior areas and spaces used by the majority of students. The issue hindered the learning environment—which should be designed to facilitate high academic performance—from achieving its purpose. Fixing the problem required finding the errors applied in the planning policy, in order to integrate low energy consumption with high performance. This paper analyzes the design strategy, low energy design strategy, and its analysis systems in order to integrate them with the analysis of four case studies in comparative methodology. This approach helps in achieving effective observation to implement principles, policy, criteria, and strategies. The method of the paper shall help with coming up with an efficient vision to create the integrated design strategy for constructing university buildings in Egypt. The solution is characterized by low-cost energy consumption that is applicable to the conditions in Egypt and is in synchronization with sustainability as a whole vision.
Towards Enhancing Building Information Modeling Implementation in the Egyptian AEC Industry
Authors: Elabd Nouran , Khodeir Laila
Published: March 2019

Since the expression "Building Information Modeling" (BIM) was initially presented in the Engineering and Construction AEC industry in the most recent decade; it has changed numerous parts of the design, construction, and operation of a building. BIM is a middleware connector that represents the advancement and utilization of PC. BIM has various frameworks which have been conducted by the pioneers in the BIM industry to enhance the BIM process. There is a study of the reflection of those frameworks on the Egyptian AEC industry to overcome the threats that prevent Egypt from applying BIM technology more broadly. In addition, a comparison is conducted between the successful countries which implemented BIM in their projects and managed to enhance their adoption by examining the local challenges and targets. The countries then made strategies and standards to overcome the aforementioned obstacles. Furthermore, successful actions were applied that can match with the Egyptian industrial requirements. This paper is expected to define the challenges which are facing the Egyptian industry to apply BIM and the potential capabilities of solving those problems. To acquire the vital information to carry on this paper, a questionnaire was created and distributed in the AEC community. The reason for the study was to see how experts consider BIM as a device in the fields of design and construction in general and in the Egyptian industry particularly. The aim of this paper is to propose a framework through several case studies which are discussed, analyzed and compared. The purpose of the analysis is to explore the importance of using BIM. Additionally, exploring the effect of different parameters on implementing BIM helped significantly during the process. It starts with proposing its framework with evaluating matrix that contains attributes to measure its success, moreover, it serves as a great help to the Egyptian companies that make real business decisions about enhancing BIM implementation through this framework.
Evaluation of Bearing Capacity of Caissons Subject to Scour
Authors: Abd Elraof Moamen E.
Published: March 2019

The construction of any river obstruction has some morphological impacts on the river bed and flow as it implies some disturbance to the river water flow. This disturbance causes local scour to occur due to bridge construction. For many reasons, there exists a need to protect these assets by continuous monitoring and maintenance. For this research, 6 th October Bridge was considered as a case study for bridges constructed on caissons along the River Nile. A field data (contour maps for the bed of the River Nile at year 1982and 2008) and computer model FDOT (developed by Florida Department of Transportation), was used to evaluate the depth of scour at the caissons of 6 th October Bridge. Conclusions and recommendations were highlighted.
The Architecture of Mevlevi Buildings, One of the Dervish Houses in the Ottoman Geography
Authors: Haştemoğlu Hasan Şehmuz , Kepenek Engin
Published: March 2019

The Mevlevism order was established in the Seljuk period in Anatolia in the thirteenth century. After the death of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, his son Sultan Veled systemized his father's thoughts and created his own rules and brought the rituals to a ceremony in the form of sema ceremonies. Sultan Veled gave the name “Mevlevism” to his sect and was called “Mevlevihan” to his Dervish Houses. Nearly 140 Mevlevihane building was established in a wide geography which its east is in Tabriz (Iran), west is in Pecu (Hungary), north is in Gözleve (Ukraine), South is in Cairo (Egypt) and Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Nearly 80 of these Dervish Houses remained in the Republic of Turkey. After the declaration of Turkish Republic, these Dervish Houses were closed in 1925 by the law of “closure Tekkes and Zaviyes”, no. 677. There are two kinds of Mevlevihan, which are “Asitane” and “Zaviye”. Mevlevihan called Asitane are the main Dergahs which are full-fledged and has removing “ordeal” possibilities. The number of Asitane constructions is around 15 in all Mevlevihan buildings. Another Mevlevihan building is Zaviye. Zaviye were ruled by Mevlevi, who has the title of “şeyh” and “dede”. Many of the Mevlevihan become a historical monument because of their architectural style and construction date. However, most of these structures have been ruined over the years. Apart from a small number of Mevlevihan, which was established as "Külliye", "Semahane" parts of these Mevlevihan were used as mosques and remained up to date. When the architectural programs of the Mevlevihans are examined, it is seen that the Mevlevihans, which were settled down in 13th century have an architectural program after the 16th century and they take Konya Mevlana Dergah as an example. However, it is not possible to mention about same sized and specified spaces in all the Mevlevihans. There are similar sections only in the large- scale Mevlevihans which are “Asitane” status. In this study, an evaluation and classification study was carried out on the architectural formation of the Mevlevihans one of the Dervish constructions in Islamic architecture which attracted attention with its wide geography.
Utilization of “Multiple Kinetic Technology KT” in Interior Architecture Design as Concept of Futuristic Innovation
Authors: Hassanein Hala
Published: March 2019

New trends of interior architectural design aim to maximize available spatial space for flexible and futuristic interiors. Therefore, the design of a facility structure with its fixed and moveable interior components can have a significant impact on human performance leading to efficient interaction with surrounding spatial spaces. Interactive design is constantly proves creating memorable connection and empowering connection with beneficiaries’ participants that can come to life in many forms, one of these many facility structures is implementing the interior architectural design approach of "Kinetic Technology". Interior architecture is the design of a space inside any building that can be fixing. In addition, it can be the initial design and plan for use then later redesign to accommodate a changed purpose, or a significantly revised design for adaptive reuse of the building shell. Generally referred to as the spatial art of environmental design, form and practice, interior architecture is the process through which the interiors of buildings are designed concerned with all aspects of the human uses of structural spatial spaces. Therefore putting simply, Interior Architecture is the design of an interior in architectural terms. The paper presents variety approaches of innovation trends, that utilizing multiple kinetic applications for the scope, benefit of interior design elements. It will give valid benefits to interior planners and designers for efficient enhancement into their practical expertise. That experience will be achieved when implementing this technology of kinetic approach to achieve effective utilization of interior spatial spaces as dynamic quality of the spatial space’s changeable size, continuity and to create a feeling of connectivity through the spatial space, which seems to virtual enlarge the small floor area.
Research of One-Dimensional Consolidation of Clays Considering Their Rehological Properties
Authors: Zhuo Chen , JinGen Deng , Baohua Yu , Haoyang Weng , Jie Wang , Xinjiang Yan
Published: March 2019

The paper concerns the influence of time and strain-rate effects on the clays in one-dimensional consolidation under constant effective stress. An improved creep constitutive model is deduced, by analyzing the stress-strain theory developed by yin and sekiguchi. Treating the sample as a single system and applying the boundary conditions at the system level, differential mathematical equations to the consolidation problem of clays are obtained. The proposed differential mathematical equations have advantages in their ability to (i) not clarify the primary consolidation and secondary consolidation deformation. The error in calculating consolidation deformation which is caused by the argument about end of primary consolidation can be avoided. (ii) obtain the model parameters easily. How to achieve parameters by experiment is described in detail in the paper. (iii) be programmed and solved readily for the finite difference description of the problem. Results from clays have been used to examine the validity of the model. It is shown that the proposed model can describe the consolidation of clays well.
Integrative Framework of Kansei Engineering (KE) and Kano Model (KM) applied to Light Bulb Changer
Authors: Backar Soheir
Published: March 2019

Currently, any industries face higher competition in their business pertinent to the customers' demands and product design requirements. Customer requirements and satisfaction measurement can be achieved through various methods. This paper presents an integrative framework of Kansei engineering (KE) and Kano model, applied to a product (light bulb changer LBC). KE captures and translates the emotional needs of the customer (Kansei), whereas Kano model is inserted into it to investigate the relationship between service quality attribute performance and Kansei. On this research, the integration between KE and KM in product development approach is applied though a daily life product as a case study (LBC product). The results show that the mechanical mechanism consisting of spring fingers with pvc, round grip and plastic telescopic pole is preferred by customers. This study found that the perceived or quality attributes are influenced by the emotional design or Kansei response. It provides the useful spectrum to other researchers to gain more powerful product development in the future, and stay on the customer satisfaction and requirement track.
Heterogeneous Reservoir Characterization (Upper Bahariya Case study)
Authors: Bayoumi Abdelwahab , Gomaa Elsayed , Hamdy Abdelnaser
Published: March 2019

Upper Bahariya reservoir is one of the big productive reservoirs in the Western Desert (Egypt). It is characterized by high degree of heterogeneity. So, it is very important to characterize it accurately for improving its recoverable oil. Different tools were used to accomplish this task. These tools include Dykstra-Parsons coefficient, Lorenz coefficient, well correlation, hydraulic flow units, relative permeability and capillary pressure. Dykstra-Parsons coefficient (permeability variation factor) and Lorenz coefficient were determined for Upper Bahariya reservoir and found to be 0.86 & 0.92 respectively. This reveals that this reservoir is extremely heterogeneous. These results are proportionated with the pressure readings and the open hole logging format. The hydraulic flow unit’s reservoir technique showed the reservoir can be divided into nine flow units. The relative permeability curves of the reservoir indicated that it is a water wet system while the capillary pressure curve looks like a transition zone due to its high heterogeneity and high connate water saturation.
Energy Efficiency Design Guide for Optimal Urban Features of Open Spaces in Residential Complexes
Authors: Bahgat Ruwaa , Reffat Rabee M. , Elkady Shawkat L.
Published: March 2019

The energy consumption in buildings and especially residential buildings is immensely affected by the design of urban open spaces around these buildings. Many countries including Egypt have been witnessing rapid growth in residential complexes while the effect of urban design on microclimate and energy use is not given appropriate considerations. Accordingly, this has contributed to the massive increase of energy consumption. Many studies have been conducted for analyzing the effects of urban features of open spaces (variables) and their values on the microclimate. A set of values for one or more variables were addressed in each of these studies and their effect on urban microclimate and energy use were measured. However, such effects were diverse and dispersed. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify the optimal settings of urban features of open spaces that contribute to reducing energy consumption in buildings and achieve outdoor thermal comfort in the context of urban open spaces in residential complexes. In order to achieve this goal an extensive and thorough literature review is conducted for classifying and analyzing the impacts of different values of each urban feature of open spaces on energy use and thermal comfort. The urban features of open spaces in residential complexes are classified into five categories: urban morphology, street pattern, urban density, building distribution, and urban canyon. There are various subvariables for each category with corresponding range of values which are classified into different sets. Each set corresponds to the same urban pattern and climate zone. The results of these sets and categories are comparatively analyzed in order to identify the optimal values that contribute to reducing energy consumption in buildings and achieve outdoor thermal comfort. The outcome of this extensive comparative analysis is resulted in the form of five main urban patterns (that are dominantly used in residential complexes), for the two climate zones in Egypt (hot arid, and hot humid) along with the optimal urban design features of these five main urban patterns. The outcome of this research paper is presented in a matrix format that graphically presents these urban patterns and the optimal values of the urban open space features (variables) along with the indicators of energy consumption and outdoor thermal comfort. This matrix provides architects and building designers with a useful and friendly design guide that can be used at the early phases of urban design and can help them to achieve energy efficient and comfortable urban-open spaces in residential complexes. Such design guide will contribute in improving the awareness of designers at the early phases of the design process and direct their designs to be energy conscious and efficient prior to the detailed design phase wherein energy simulation is time-consuming and expensive.
دور التسویق العقارى فى زیاده نسبه الاشغال فى التجمعات العمرانیه المستدام
Authors: محمد لمیاء نبیل نسیم
Published: March 2019

تعد مشكلة السكن من المشكلات الجذریه فى بلدان كثیره ولھا نتائج اجتماعیه واقتصادیه على عملیھ التنمیه فى الاتجاھات المختلفه , لذلك تخصص الكثیر من المنظمات الحكومیه والخاصه جزاءا كبیرا من اعمال الانشاءات الخاصه بھا فى بناء المدن الجدیده واتباع استراتیجیات التسویق العقارى واداره عناصر المزیج التسویقى

ولذلك تھدف الورقھ البحثیه الى دراسھ استراتیجیات التسویق والتمویل العقارى لرفع نسبھ الاشغال فى المدن الجدیده وتحقیق الھدف المرجو من انشائها
Architecture of the Great Pyramid of Giza Concept and Construction
Authors: Yasseen Adel
Published: March 2019

Egyptian culture of the old kingdom was locally and regionally simple and efficient; belief was in the sky and humanism was regulated by Ma’at as the key concept in Egyptian mentality. IUNU was the capital of the black land KEMET where ”IUNU UNIVERSITY” is located. Physics were well studied; was already known; the right angle triangle of members 3, 4, and 5 with the 53o angle was in use. Supremacy was integrated on earth by multiple interpretations in architecture. The great pyramid of Giza was and still the best magnificent structure ever built on earth without having contemporary science’s final word been said. Massive lime stone blocks are now arranged there in a huge massive number of about two and half million pieces; their weight could reach 6.5 million tons.
Conceptually there was a strong belief that symbolism connects hot spots on the Egyptian soil as it represented the known world, as well as the main stars were connected in multiple constellations on the dome of the observed sky. Pyramids of Giza plateau, Saqqara plateau, and Abusir plateau were all examples of that concept. Other pyramids of Iunu era were also related to the same concept.
Structurally the Giza axis coincided on the Giza plateau. Giza plateau was a part of the Moqattam plateau during the Eocene formation. Pyramids on the worked out surface of the plateau were built with the local lime stone.
Pyramids’ blocks were extracted, shaped and transported to its definite place within the precinct of the plateau. Chiseled pieces of stone - as waste from shaping blocks - were thrown out on the northern edge of the plateau.
Constructional perception of what and why the Khufu pyramid took that shape shows some facts; two hundred courses composed the total existed mass where each group of courses composed a layer. Each layer started with thicker course and ended in thinner ones. Higher layers got lesser courses. So far, one should start thinking now why there were layers; why thicker and thinner courses existed.
In the mean time as mortar was not in use by that time, pyramids –as in Saqqara- were formed in inclined walls, as shown in the adjacent photo. In addition, inclined walls must have formed the whole structure of Khufu pyramid.
Smart Sustainable Cities —Vision and Reality
Authors: Konbr Usama
Published: March 2019

Smart cities are boosting sustainability. It is an urgent and global trend. The study addressed the Smart Sustainable Cities (SSCs) considering the recent local and global constraints. It focused on the Egyptian context as a scope because of the absence of this trend in it, despite its potential opportunities.The paper was divided into two sections; the first was a theoretical approach to the SSCs definitions and concepts. It also framed the SSCs skeleton. Then, the SSCs planning and management's guidance followed this approach. Moreover, the paper pointed out to some experiences in the developing countries and the Arabic context.The second section was the applied study. It aimed to develop a road-map about embarking the SSCs in the Egyptian scope, as a step to transfer the vision to reality. Then, it identified the local challenges and opportunities, followed by the key pillars needed for that transformation. Finally, the paper extracted the actions required to transforming the Egyptian cities to be smart and sustainable in the reality.