bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility Study of the use of Local Clay as Mud Material in Oil Well Drilling in Nigeria
Authors: Imuentinyan I. , Adewole E. S.
Published: July 2014

The present consumption of bentonite clay in the drilling operations in Nigeria alone can reach over 100 thousand tons a year and all of it is imported. The large consumption and the high importation cost of this material lead to an attempt to find a local substitute which can save a huge amount of hard currency that otherwise would be spent on importing.

This work focuses on the possibility of the utilization of local clay minerals as a basic material for drilling fluids used to drill oil and gas wells. Two samples of local clay were collected from Ikpoba River and Ovia River all in Edo State, Nigeria. API specifications for acceptable drilling mud were the basis for evaluation of the local clay. The properties of mud prepared from the local mud were improved economically by adding some cheap and available materials to the prepared mud. It was observed that the mud settles out from the water very fast after mixing, so additives was added (10grams of barite) which resulted in the increase of the weight and specific gravity of the mud. The local clay has significantly high sand content in comparison to the imported bentonite (67%). It has also low viscosity in comparison to commercial bentonite. Mud viscosity of the local clay was enhancement by adding Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and Tannin. After adding 3g of CMC and 2g of Tannin the Plastic Viscosity (PV) and the Yield Point (YP) of Ovia and Ikpoba were found to be 10 and 12, 7 and 10 respectively which compare closely with that of the imported bentonite of 6 for PV and 13 for YP.

These characteristics of the local clay make it a potential material for application as drilling fluid when subjected to enhancement by also locally available additives.
Post Drill Contacts Analysis: A Detailed Analysis on the Degree of Uncertainty and Reliability of Amplitude-Based vs. Stochastic Trap Analysis and Risking (STAR) Based Hydrocarbon Fluid Contact Prediction
Authors: Umahi Otuka , Chunduru Raghu , Lamens Jo , Amogu Daniel , Filbrandt Jack , Allison Eric , Adeogba Tola
Published: July 2014

In general, unconsolidated Tertiary deltaics in Niger Delta are characterized by a strong amplitude hydrocarbon response and are used successfully to predict hydrocarbon fluid contacts. Accurate definition of fluid contact is critical at every stage of prospect maturation. In areas, where amplitude support is inadequate, Stochastic Trap Analysis and Risking (STAR) tool has proven to be a reliable substitute in calculating the fluid contacts. STAR is based on Shell's global hydrocarbon column height database that shows a correlation between column height and fault shale gouge ratio (SGR). The programme calculates the SGR of trap defining faults in a Petrel 3D model and predicts a low-mid-high column height range for each reservoir.

In this study, we compared the pre-drill column heights derived from seismic amplitudes and STAR with well results at XY-South Prospect for various reservoir sands. The study showed in general that the actual HC columns were consistently smaller than the prognosed results. A postdrill HC column height estimation study was carried out to address the under estimation of column heights. Findings indicate that the HC columns are strongly dependent on the fluid phase and gradient used. The predrill STAR estimate was for oil with a default gradient of 0.35psi/ft. However, the actual fluids found were more gas rich and the oil had lower gradients than the STAR default values, hence shorter predicted columns.

Also a comparison of the amplitude-based versus STAR-based contact predictions was made on this XY-South prospect. Predrill STAR predicted contacts are very close to the predrill amplitude estimated contacts (differences are between 12 to 20ft). Thin oil rims cannot be resolved on the amplitude depth plots (GOC vs OWC).
Chronic Unease: A Sign of a Good Safety Culture
Authors: Ehi Ataga
Published: July 2014

Oil and gas exploration and development is a very hazardous business and this is as a result of the volatile/inflammable property of hydrocarbons and the effect such an incident can have on the people, our asset, the environment and the reputation of the company we work for. There have been remarkable improvements in the industry in general with regards to safety over the last 25 years due to more focus on safety and improved processes but the fact that things haven't happened doesn't mean they never will. Every incident free day might increase the chance of one happening due to complacency, not being uneasy, and not thinking of improving safety, hence the need to demonstrate chronic unease. Chronic unease is being in a constant state of wariness towards hazards and risks in our work place, it means noticing those weak danger signals and responding to them in a much stronger way. Chronic Unease is a preoccupation with failure – mindful of our risk, resetting our tolerance towards risk and understanding that small failures are signs that something needs fixing. The call is to demonstrate chronic unease behaviors and make it a safety culture and this involves – Understanding that barriers and controls should be independent of each other, being on the look out for weak signals, being mindful of signals that tell us our barriers aren't strong, Inspection reports that are too clean with identical ticks also called traffic light reporting etc. In conclusion, Uneasy people are safer because: They recognize weak signals and are unafraid to do something about it even if it means raising a false alarm; They think things through slowly, thoroughly and realistically before acting; they don't take critical situations for granted and never jump to conclusions; Get the facts first and don't get complacent about risks. A safety culture is the most important reputation indicator in the oil and gas industry due to the long time taken to establish a company culture through hard experiences and lessons, and all of these can be destroyed with one accident. An improved and mature safety culture can prevent accidents and improve quality significantly, hence the need to demonstrate chronic unease behaviors.
Integrated Pore Pressure Prediction Using Seismic Velocity and Appraisal Well Data for a Virgin Reservoir Undergoing Depletion from Nearby Fields
Authors: Okpako Kelvin , Basak Prahlad , Abia Godwin , Odegbesan Seyi , Roya Simon
Published: July 2014

Nearby field production effects in field development is a key consideration in well design for safe well delivery and HSE considerations. Formation Pore Pressure Prediction (PPP) aims to identify and manage formation pressures with associated subsurface uncertainties/risks, and serves as input into well design and delivery. Reservoir injectivity, depletion from hydraulic communication with other reservoirs, and fault seal reactivation, amongst others are some of the common processes that could alter the in-situ pore pressures of virgin reservoirs. Thus planning a well where these subsurface uncertainties and more exist, would pose the challenge of quantifying the uncertainties and incorporating them into the well's PPP/design to allow for safe well operations, protecting lives, properties, and the environment.

This was the case of a development oil well (Oganza-015), planned to be drilled into the virgin and appraised block-B of the Oganza Field in the Niger Delta. Regional (map and correlation) and Production data from the field suggest that some of the reservoirs are in hydraulic communication with two producing nearby fields (Okpokiri and Ekunam) via a common aquifer, and as such would have seen some level of depletion due to production from these nearby fields. Other identified subsurface uncertainties in this block include, the reservoir structural tops and bases, fluid contacts (original vs. present), fluid type and density/gradient, connectivity between blocks (by aquifer or hydrocarbon zones), fault extension and transmissibility, strength of aquifer/gas cap, etc. Related risks with drilling through these depleted reservoirs include; mud losses that could lead to a well control situation, differential sticking and loss of drill string with BHA, casing burst, and other reservoir management issues.

An integrated approach via quantitative seismic interpretation, appraisal, development, and production data analyses in PPP for the planned Oganza-015 well was adopted to manage the aforementioned uncertainties and associated risks. This incorporated all available seismic (seismic velocity), geological (maps and sand correlation), petrophysical (porosity sensing well logs, fluid type and gradients), reservoir engineering (RFT, PVT), drilling (mud weights, drillability exponent), and production (BHP) data.

This work further demonstrated that the Oganza field is hydrostatic in-situ with average pressure gradient of 0.433psi/ft, and that slight depletion (ca. 0.425psi/ft.) at some deeper reservoir levels has occurred. These and other subsurface uncertainties were taken into consideration in the PPP that has been put forward for a safe well design and delivery.

In this paper, a PPP workflow for design and safe delivery of development wells targeting and/or traversing virgin reservoirs under depletion using seismic velocity and appraisal well data is presented.
Removal and retention of phosphorus by periphyton from wastewater with high organic load
Authors: Cao Jinxiang , Hong Xiaoxing , Pei Guofeng
Published: July 2014

The total phosphorus (TP) removal efficiency from organic wastewater (pig farm and distillery wastewater) were estimated by using filamentous green algae (FGA) and benthic algal mats (BAM) treatment systems under laboratory conditions, and the contents of periphyton phosphorus fractions were determined by using a sequential extraction. The removal rates of TP reached 59–78% within the first 8 days of all treatment systems and could achieve average 80% during 30 day period, and the phosphorus removal rates by using BAM was higher than that of FGA. The ability of retention TP of periphyton enhanced gradually, the BAM TP contents were higher than that of FGA, the highest TP concentrations of BAM and FGA were 26.24 and 10.52 mg P g−1·dry weight. Inorganic phosphorus (IP) always exceeded 67.5% of TP, but the organic phosphorus fraction only made up less than 20% of TP. The calcium-binding phosphorus (Ca-P) was the dominant fraction and its relative contribution to TP was more than 40%. The TP was also strongly and positively correlated with the IP and Ca-P (p < 0.01) in periphyton. It showed that the periphyton had a potential ability of rapid phosphorus removing and remarkable retention from wastewater with high load phosphorus.
Analysis of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) release in anaerobic sludge holding tank and its effects on membrane fouling in a membrane bioreactor (MBR)
Authors: Kim Byeong-Cheol , Nam Duck-Hyun , Na Ji-Hun , Kang Ki-Hoon
Published: July 2014

Amongst sludge reduction strategies, the anaerobic side-stream sludge holding tank (SHT) is of particular interest because it has shown significant sludge reduction efficiency. However, due to the anaerobic and starving environment of the SHT, the release of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) may be stimulated, and it may hamper the application of the SHT to the membrane bioreactor. In order to investigate the effect of sludge storage on EPS release, sludge samples from a pilot-scale sequencing batch reactor coupled with SHT was incubated in a series of bench-scale SHT reactors for different periods of time (0–24 h). The increase in EPS was not significant until 12 h of incubation (9.3%), while 40.9% of the increase was observed in the sample incubated for 24 h. The rapid increase in EPS concentration after 12 h indicates a greater rate of cell lysis than that with EPS consumption as substrate. Since inducing the initial stage of the endogenous phase within microorganisms is a key factor for the successful operation of the SHT for sludge reduction, the retention time for the SHT should be shorter than the time for the sudden increase in EPS release.
New equation for the computation of flow velocity in partially filled pipes arranged in parallel
Authors: Zeghadnia Lotfi , Djemili Lakhdar , Houichi Larbi , Rezgui Nouredin
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a new approach for the computation of flow velocity in pipes arranged in parallel based on an analytic development. The estimation of the flow parameters using existing methods requires trial and error procedures. The assessment of flow velocity is of great importance in flow measurement methods and in the design of drainage networks, among others. In drainage network design, the flow is mostly of free surface type. A new method is developed to eliminate the need for trial methods, where the computation of the flow velocity becomes easy, simple, and direct with zero deviation compared to Manning equation results and other approaches such as that have been considered as the best existing solutions. This research work shows that these approaches lack accuracy and do not cover the entire range of flow surface angles: 0° ≤ θ ≤ 360°.
The Bologna reform of subject teacher education in the newly founded states in the territory of the former Yugoslavia
Authors: Protner Edvard , Medves Zdenko , Batinic Stefka , Miovska-Spaseva Suzana , Radeka Igor , Spasenovic Vera , Susnjara Snjezana , Zoric Vucina , Vujisic-Zivkovic Natasa
Published: July 2014

The article provides an overview of carrying out the principles of the
Bologna reform in the education of subject teachers in the newly founded
states in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. Drawing upon official
documents, particularly laws and by-laws, study programmes and constituent
documents of individual universities, the comparative analysis of the reform
processes between 2004 and 2013 is made within a relatively homogeneous area
in teacher education that existed before the break-up of the former joint
state. Positive effects and weak points of the reform activities are observed
and detected. The analysis has shown that by implementing the Bologna process
the differences in the training of subject teachers among the states and
universities, and even among individual universities, increased significantly
compared to the previous state of education. This is evident not only in the
simultaneous implementation of different models (i.e., the duration of
studies (3+2, 4+1, 5+0), but also in concurrent application of simultaneous
and successive forms of acquiring teacher competences, different academic
titles, and particularly in the greatest issue - different levels of
education at which teachers acquire teaching competences for the same teacher
profile.
Directions of improving the quality of in-service teacher training in Serbia: The perspectives of different participants
Authors: Djeric Ivana , Milin Vladeta , Stankovic Dejan
Published: July 2014

Improving the quality of in-service teacher training is a very topical issue
in educational policies of a number of countries. This segment of the system
was also subject to considerable changes in Serbia in the past ten years. The
changes brought about certain improvements, but also opened up numerous
dilemmas and issues. This paper is aimed at acquiring an insight into the
opinions of different participants on the ways of improving the quality of
in-service teacher training. The sample included three groups of respondents:
the employees in education bureaucracy and experts in the field of education
(N=34), principals (N=50) and expert associates from primary schools (N=93).
We developed a questionnaire for the purposes of this research, using
open-ended questions to collect respondents? suggestions on improving the
quality of in-service teacher training. The content analysis method was used
to process the collected data. Research results point to three directions of
the necessary changes: (1) better governing of the system of in-service
teacher training, (2) providing funding and other forms of support, and (3)
higher flexibility of in-service teacher training and implementation of the
acquired knowledge. The range and quality of respondents? suggestions
demonstrate the need to take into account different perspectives in
overcoming the difficulties in the system and practice of in-service teacher
training. Consequently, the obtained results should be observed as a
contribution to creating a more purposeful and efficient system of in-service
teacher training.
The role and responsibility of teachers and students in university studies: A comparative analysis of the views expressed by pedagogy students
Authors: Steh Barbara , Kalin Jana , Mazgon Jasna
Published: July 2014

This paper presents and analyses the results of the empirical research
basically intended to determine how students understand the main role of
teachers and their own role and to find out what they consider as their
significant learning experience during the studies. We were interested in
whether their conceptions of teachers? and students? roles had changed during
the studies and whether they had approached modern scientific concepts on
active and constructive learning. The research was carried out during the
winter semester of the 2012/13 academic year on the sample of first- and
third-year students, enrolled at the first level of the pedagogy study
programme at the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade and pedagogy and andragogy
at the Faculty of Arts in Ljubljana. The results from comparing the first and
the third year have shown that third-year students demonstrate a shift to
higher conceptions of students? and teachers? roles, which is more likely to
lead to a deeper approach to learning. Modifications towards higher
conceptions of students? and teachers? roles can thus indicate the quality of
studies, since they clearly demonstrate that students are prepared to adopt a
more responsible and autonomous role in their studies. In the efforts to
achieve the high quality of university studies, the above-mentioned
perspectives serve as pieces of information important for the reform of study
programmes and introduction of changes in the study process.
Measuring achievement motivation at early adolescent age
Authors: Vasic Aleksandar , Sarcevic Dusana
Published: July 2014

Using the sample of adult respondents from the domestic population we defined
the structure of achievement motivation with four relatively independent
dimensions of competing with others, perseverance in achieving goals,
achieving goals as a source of pleasure and orientation towards planning.
Based on this model we constructed the MOP/D scale for measuring achievement
motivation at early adolescent age, containing 35 items and three-level
categories of responses. This scale was administered together with the
questionnaires exploring the motivation for school learning and personality
features on the initial sample (261 respondents; 48% female) and the
cross-validation sample (2234 respondents; 49% female) aged 10 to 16. It has
been shown that the MOP/D scale is highly representative, with excellent
reliability, and, considering the expected complexity of the space of
measuring, acceptable homogeneity. Using the exploratory factor analysis on
both samples, four primary dimensions were defined: planning, studying,
competing and perseverance, and the general factor of achievement motivation.
The results of correlation analyses revealed satisfactory criterion,
convergent and discriminatory validity of the MOP/D scale against the
measures of academic motivation, personality features and the variables
derived from data on school success. Hence, the MOP/D scale has good
psychometric characteristics and can be applied in research and practical
psychological activities for measuring achievement motivation of respondents
at early adolescent age.
Hepatic ABCA1 Expression Improves β-Cell Function and Glucose Tolerance
Authors: de Haan Willeke , Karasinska Joanna M. , Ruddle Piers , Hayden Michael R.
Published: July 2014

Low HDL is a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. Hepatic ABCA1 is the rate-limiting protein in HDL biogenesis, and mice lacking hepatic ABCA1 (ABCA1-l/-l) have very low plasma HDL concentrations. To investigate the role of hepatic ABCA1 in glucose tolerance and β-cell function, we used ABCA1-l/-l mice, which showed impaired glucose tolerance without changes in insulin sensitivity. Insulin secretion was reduced following glucose gavage. Ex vivo, glucose stimulated insulin secretion from β-cells from wild-type (WT) and ABCA1-l/-l mice was similar. Insulin secretion was, however, reduced upon addition of ABCA1-l/-l serum to the medium compared with WT serum, whereas islets lacking β-cell ABCA1 were not affected differently by ABCA1-l/-l or WT serum. After high-fat feeding, WT and ABCA1-l/-l mice showed no difference in glucose tolerance or insulin secretion, and serum from ABCA1-l/-l and WT mice fed a high-fat diet did not affect insulin secretion differently. We conclude that hepatic ABCA1 improves glucose tolerance by improving β-cell function through both HDL production and interaction with β-cell ABCA1. The beneficial effect of hepatic ABCA1 is decreased under metabolic stress. Increasing hepatic ABCA1 may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for improving glucose homeostasis in diabetes.
Impact of Language Barriers on Complications and Mortality Among Immigrants With Diabetes: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Okrainec Karen , Booth Gillian L. , Hollands Simon , Bell Chaim M.
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to examine the effect of language barriers on the risk of acute and chronic complications of diabetes and on mortality among immigrants.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Linked health and immigration databases were used to identify 87,707 adults with diabetes who immigrated to Ontario, Canada, between 1985 and 2005. These individuals were included in our cohort and stratified by language ability at the time of their immigration application. Primary end points included: one or more emergency department visit or hospitalization for 1) hypo- or hyperglycemia, skin and soft tissue infection, or foot ulcer and 2) a cardiovascular event or death between April 1, 2005, and February 29, 2012.

RESULTS

Our cohort was followed up for a median of 6.9 person-years. Immigrants with language barriers were older (mean age, 49 ± 15 vs. 42 ± 13 years; P < 0.001), more likely to have immigrated for family reunification (66% vs. 38%, P < 0.001), had less education (secondary school or less and no education, 82% vs. 53%; P < 0.001), and a higher use of health care (mean visits, 8.6 ± 12.1 vs. 7.8 ± 11.2; P < 0.001). Immigrants with language barriers were not found to have higher adjusted rates of diabetes complications (acute complications: hazard ratio [HR] 0.99, 95% CI 0.93–1.05; cardiovascular events or death: HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91–0.99). Significant predictors included older age, being unmarried, living in a rural neighborhood, and having less education. Immigrants who were older (≥65 years) and who had arrived through family reunification had a lower risk of cardiovascular events or death (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81–0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

In a heterogenous immigrant population with universal insurance, language barriers were not found to increase the risk of diabetes complications. However, their effect may vary based on age at time of landing, education level, marital status, and neighborhood of settlement.
Diagnosis and management of Enterococcus spp infections during rehabilitation of cold-stunned Kemp's ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii): 50 cases (2006–2012)
Authors: Innis Charles J. , Braverman Hillary , Cavin Julie M. , Ceresia Michelle L. , Baden Lindsey R. , Kuhn Duncan M. , Frasca Salvatore , McGowan J. Patrick , Hirokawa Keiko , Weber E. Scott , Stacy Brian , Merigo Constance
Published: July 2014

Objective—To evaluate clinical data for cold-stunned Kemp's ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) with Enterococcus spp infections during rehabilitation.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—50 stranded cold-stunned Kemp's ridley turtles hospitalized between 2006 and 2012.

Procedures—Medical records for turtles from which Enterococcus spp were isolated were reviewed retrospectively, and clinical data, including morphometric data, body temperature at admission, physical examination findings, antimicrobial medication history, history of medications administered IV, environmental data, day of diagnosis, clinical signs at diagnosis, microbiological testing results, sources of positive culture results, hematologic and plasma biochemical data, cytologic and histopathologic results, radiographic findings, antimicrobial treatments, time to first negative culture result, treatment duration, results of subsequent cultures, and case outcome, were collated and analyzed.

Results—Enterococcus spp were isolated from bacteriologic cultures of blood, bone, joint, and respiratory tract samples and a skin lesion, with supporting evidence of infection provided by histopathologic, cytologic, and radiographic data. Positive culture results were associated with clinical problems such as lethargy, anorexia, and lameness. Most (34/43 [79%]) turtles for which an antemortem diagnosis was made survived with treatment and were released into the wild.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Cold-stunned Kemp's ridley turtles may be affected by serious Enterococcus spp infections during rehabilitation. Recognition and treatment of these infections are important for successful rehabilitation.
Spawning Behaviour and the Softmouth Trout Dilemma
Authors: Esteve Manu , McLennan Deborah Ann , Zablocki John Andrew , Pustovrh Gašper , Doadrio Ignacio
Published: July 2014

Morphological, ecological and molecular data sets do not completely agree on the phylogenetic placement of the softmouth trout, Salmo (Salmothymus) obtusirostris (Heckel). Molecules posit that softmouths are closely related to brown trout, Salmo trutta L. while some morphological, ecological and life history traits place them in the most basal position of the Salmoninae subfamily between grayling (Thymallus) and lenok (Brachymystax). Here we add an additional source of data, behavioural characters based on the first reported observations of softmouth spawning. During spawning softmouth females present three important behaviours not found in the other Salmo members: they continually abandon their nests, rarely staying on them for periods over nine minutes; they expel different batches of eggs at the same nest at intervals of several minutes; and they do not cover their eggs immediately after spawning. These three behaviours are intriguing for two reasons: 1) they are possible homologous to behaviours found in grayling females; 2) when coupled to the nest digging behaviour-widespread in all the salmonines, including softmouths, they seem to be mal-adaptive.
Efficient Data Transfer by Mobility Adjustment Algorithm for Clustered Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Alagiri I. , Madhuviswanatham V. , VenkataKrishna P.
Published: July 2014

Mobile Ad-hoc NETwork (MANET) is a prevalent deployable network for easy plug-in and it is widely applied for many real time scenarios. Clustering is a well known solution for efficient communication among nodes with least control overheads. The communication link breaks between nodes when a node moves beyond the transmission range of another node because of mobility. Frequent link breaks happen because of nodes mobility which cannot be controlled without increasing the network control overheads. The authors propose an Mobility Adjustment Routing (MAR) routing algorithm for establishing a stable path between the source and the destination. In this approach the choice of cluster heads based on the smallest weight age, node mobility and remaining battery power are used as a metric for weight computation. The cluster head and the gate way nodes forward RREQ packets to set up a path between the source and the destination which proves efficient communication, before forwarding a RREQ packet cluster the head/gateway node compares its mobility value with RREQ and updates the least value in RREQ. The destination node advertises the least mobility value to the remaining nodes in the path with the help of RREP packet, therefore stable paths are found without increasing the network control overheads. The simulation results done with the help of network simulator 2 show that the algorithm proposed performs well even at higher traffic load compared to existing algorithms.
Actuarial Modeling of Life Insurance Using Decrement Models
Authors: Luptáková Iveta Dirgová , Bilíková Mária
Published: July 2014

The aim of this paper is to elucidate decrement models and their use in actuarial calculations in life insurance. The first part deals with the most often used decrement model, the mortality table. The second part gives an example based on a simple model to illustrate the creation of a multi-valued decrement table using the data from the single-value tables for a group of decrements and their use in insurance mathematical calculations.
Polyurethane Foams with Pyrimidine Rings
Authors: Kania Ewelina , Lubczak Jacek
Published: July 2014

Oligoetherols based on pyrimidine ring were obtained upon reaction of barbituric acid with glycidol and alkylene carbonates. These oligoetherols were then used to obtain polyurethane foams in the reaction of oligoetherols with isocyanates and water. The protocol of foam synthesis was optimized by the choice of proper kind of oligoetherol and synthetic composition. The thermal resistance was studied by dynamic and static methods with concomitant monitoring of compressive strength. The polyurethane foams have similar physical properties as the classic ones except their enhanced thermal resistance. They stand long-time heating even at 200°C. Moreover thermal exposition of foams results generally in increase of their compressive strength.
Determination of Chlorine Dioxide and Chlorite in Water Supply Systems by Verified Methods
Authors: Tkáčová Jana , Božíková Jarmila
Published: July 2014

This work is dedicated to the development and optimization of appropriate analytical methods for the determination of chlorine dioxide and chlorite in drinking water in order to obtain accurate and correct results in the quality control of drinking water. The work deals with the development and optimization of a method for the determination of chlorine dioxide using chlorophenol red. Furthermore, a new spectrophotometric method for the determination of chlorite via bromometry using methyl orange was developed, optimized and validated. An electrochemical method for the determination of chlorite by flow coulometry was also developed, optimized and validated.
Characterization of Frictional Stressed White Etching Layers out of Cutting Tools by Means of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
Authors: Walzhofer F. , Linz M. , Steiger-Thirsfeld A. , Bernardi J. , Badisch E. , Winkelmann H. , Gachot C.
Published: July 2014

White etching layers have been found at the surface of water submerged cutting tools and have been analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For high resolution investigations, samples had been prepared by sandwich and lift-out preparation. The investigations have shown a grain refinement at the surface. The origin martensitic microstructure is transferred into a nano-crystalline microstructure of domain sizes down to 50 nm. The crystallographic structure was identified by electron diffraction as martensite. Moreover, the depth of the grain-refined layer is not as deep as the white etching phenomenon as it is found in conventional optical micrographs. Thus, the white etching layer is not only caused by the grain refinement.
Comparison between AMSR-E ASI sea-ice concentration product, MODIS and pseudo-ship observations of the Antarctic sea-ice edge
Authors: Zhao Xi , Su Haoyue , Stein Alfred , Pang Xiaoping
Published: July 2014

The performance of passive microwave sea-ice concentration products in the marginal ice zone and at the ice edge draws much attention in accuracy assessments. In this study, we generated 917 pseudo-ship observations from four Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images based on the Antarctic Sea Ice Processes and Climate (ASPeCt) protocol to assess the quality of the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) ARTIST (Arctic Radiation and Turbulence Interaction STudy) Sea Ice (ASI) concentrations at the ice edge in Antarctica. The results indicate that the ASI pixels in the pseudo-ASPeCt observations have a mean ice concentration of 13% and are significantly different from the well-established 15% threshold. The average distance between the pseudo-ice edge and the 15% threshold contour is ~10 km. The correlation between the sea-ice concentration (SIC), SICASI and SICMODIS values at the ice edge was considerably lower than the high coefficients obtained from a transect analysis. Underestimation of SICASI occurred in summer, whereas no clear bias was observed in winter. The proposed method provides an opportunity to generate a new source of reference data in which the spatial coverage is wider and more flexible than in traditional in situ observations.
Elevated mean platelet volume is a marker of acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Pervin S , Ferdoushi S , Hossain M , Joarder AI , Sultana T
Published: July 2014

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a set of signs and symptoms due to rupture of a plaque and are a consequence of platelet rich coronary thrombus formation. Platelet parameters especially MPV could be an important and reliable markers in early detection of ACS when other markers are not available. This quasi- experimental study was conducted from September 2011 to August 2012 in the Department of Clinical Pathology, BSMMU, in collaboration with Department of Cardiology, BSMMU and BIRDEM on 79 patients with ACS diagnosed on the basis of clinical history, Electrocardiographic changes and increased cardiac markers especially troponin I with 63 subjects enrolled as control. For determination of platelet parameters, the blood sample was obtained from all patients of ACS before anti-platelet therapy when patient attended in the Cardiac emergency department and on 5th day of ongoing anti-platelet therapy in coronary care unit. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value of platelet counts and MPV were 83%, 28.1%, 42.3%, 37.6%, 64% and 90.6%, 49.4%, 64.8%, 51.6%, 89.8% respectively. In our study, we found that MPV had higher sensitivity and specificity in contrast to platelet count. MPV may used as predictor for early detection of ACS and risk stratification when other cardiac biomarkers are negative. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v42i2.18985 Bangladesh Med J. 2013 May; 42 (2): 45-50
Panel I: Connecting 2nd Law Analysis with Economics, Ecology and Energy Policy
Authors: Gaggioli Richard , Reini Mauro
Published: July 2014

The present paper is a review of several papers from the Proceedings of the Joint European Thermodynamics Conference, held in Brescia, Italy, 1–5 July 2013, namely papers introduced by their authors at Panel I of the conference. Panel I was devoted to applications of the Second Law of Thermodynamics to social issues—economics, ecology, sustainability, and energy policy. The concept called Available Energy which goes back to mid-nineteenth century work of Kelvin, Rankine, Maxwell and Gibbs, is relevant to all of the papers. Various names have been applied to the concept when interactions between the system of interest and an environment are involved. Today, the name exergy is generally accepted. The scope of the papers being reviewed is wide and they complement one another well.
Real World Operation of a Complex Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle: Analysis of Its CO2 Emissions and Operating Costs
Authors: Millo Federico , Rolando Luciano , Fuso Rocco
Published: July 2014

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (pHEVs) could represent the stepping stone to move towards a more sustainable mobility and combine the benefits of electric powertrains with the high range capability of conventional vehicles. Nevertheless, despite the huge potential in terms of CO2 emissions reduction, the performance of such vehicles has to be deeply investigated in real world driving conditions considering also the CO2 production related to battery recharge which, on the contrary, is currently only partially considered by the European regulation to foster the diffusion of pHEVs. Therefore, this paper aims to assess, through numerical simulation, the real performance of a test case pHEV, the energy management system (EMS) of which is targeted to the minimization of its overall CO2 emissions. The paper highlights, at the same time, the relevance of the CO2 production related to the battery recharge from the power grid. Different technologies mixes used to produce the electricity required for the battery recharge are also taken into account in order to assess the influence of this parameter on the vehicle CO2 emissions. Finally, since the operating cost still represents the main driver in orienting the customer’s choice, an alternative approach for the EMS, targeted to the minimization of this variable, is also analyzed.
The Impact of the Human Genome Project on Complex Disease
Authors: Bailey Jessica , Pericak-Vance Margaret , Haines Jonathan
Published: July 2014

In the decade that has passed since the initial release of the Human Genome, numerous advancements in science and technology within and beyond genetics and genomics have been encouraged and enhanced by the availability of this vast and remarkable data resource. Progress in understanding three common, complex diseases: age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and multiple sclerosis (MS), are three exemplars of the incredible impact on the elucidation of the genetic architecture of disease. The approaches used in these diseases have been successfully applied to numerous other complex diseases. For example, the heritability of AMD was confirmed upon the release of the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) along with confirmatory reports that supported the findings of that state-of-the art method, thus setting the foundation for future GWAS in other heritable diseases. Following this seminal discovery and applying it to other diseases including AD and MS, the genetic knowledge of AD expanded far beyond the well-known APOE locus and now includes more than 20 loci. MS genetics saw a similar increase beyond the HLA loci and now has more than 100 known risk loci. Ongoing and future efforts will seek to define the remaining heritability of these diseases; the next decade could very well hold the key to attaining this goal.
A Survey of Exposure Level and Lifestyle Factors for Perfluorooctanoate and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate in Human Plasma from Selected Residents in Korea
Authors: Eom Jinhee , Choi Jaeyeon , Kim Jiye , Kim Yunje
Published: July 2014

Following few decades of commercial use, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) have been found in human blood and serum. We determined the amounts of PFOA and PFOS in human plasma (n = 183) and the effects of multiple uses of food-contact materials and smoking habits and alcohol consumption using liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/TOF-MS). For the paper cups, the PFOA level in the plasma of the heavy user group was 1.37 times higher than that of the light user group. However, no association between the effects of multiple uses of food-contact materials and the plasma levels of PFOA and PFOS was found, except for paper cups. Active smokers had lower plasma levels of PFOA and PFOS than non-smokers. We show that multiple uses of food-contact materials do not appear to be a significant source of PFOA and PFOS.
Transgenerational Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Authors: Joya Xavier , Manzano Cristina , Álvarez Airam-Tenesor , Mercadal Maria , Torres Francesc , Salat-Batlle Judith , Garcia-Algar Oscar
Published: July 2014

Traditionally, nicotine from second hand smoke (SHS), active or passive, has been considered the most prevalent substance of abuse used during pregnancy in industrialized countries. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is associated with a variety of health effects, including lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Tobacco is also a major burden to people who do not smoke. As developing individuals, newborns and children are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of SHS. In particular, prenatal ETS has adverse consequences during the entire childhood causing an increased risk of abortion, low birth weight, prematurity and/or nicotine withdrawal syndrome. Over the last years, a decreasing trend in smoking habits during pregnancy has occurred, along with the implementation of laws requiring smoke free public and working places. The decrease in the incidence of prenatal tobacco exposure has usually been assessed using maternal questionnaires. In order to diminish bias in self-reporting, objective biomarkers have been developed to evaluate this exposure. The measurement of nicotine and its main metabolite, cotinine, in non-conventional matrices such as cord blood, breast milk, hair or meconium can be used as a non-invasive measurement of prenatal SMS in newborns. The aim of this review is to highlight the prevalence of ETS (prenatal and postnatal) using biomarkers in non-conventional matrices before and after the implementation of smoke free policies and health effects related to this exposure during foetal and/or postnatal life.
Physical Activity, Body Mass Index, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness among School Children in Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hsieh Pei-Lin , Chen Min-Li , Huang Chiu-Mieh , Chen Wen-Chyuan , Li Chun-Huei , Chang Li-Chun
Published: July 2014

There is evidence that cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity significantly reduce cardiovascular risks in adults. A better understanding of the association between cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, and childhood obesity is vital in assessing the benefits of interventions to prevent obesity. This study was to examine the relationship between physical activity, body mass index, and cardiorespiratory fitness levels in Taiwanese children. A cross-sectional study was designed. Study participants consisted of 2419 school children (1230 males and 1189 females) aged 12 years old living in a southern Taiwan county with one the highest countrywide rates of childhood obesity. The weight status of the participants was defined as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese according to specific criteria. Cardiorespiratory fitness was then assessed by an 800-m run. Participants were queried on their physical activity habits via a questionnaire survey. The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity was 29.6%. Normal, underweight and overweight boys and girls had an increased odds ratio of being categorized with higher cardiorespiratory fitness than obese one for both gender. A significantly higher level of cardiorespiratory fitness was found in children who engaged in regular physical activity than in children who engaged only in irregular physical activity. Obese children are more likely to lack cardiorespiratory fitness. Physically active children have significantly better cardiorespiratory fitness levels than inactive children. This study supports the conclusion that BMI and physical activity are significantly correlated with cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Findings may provide educational professionals with information to assist their developing effective health promotion programs to healthy weight and improving cardiorespiratory fitness for children.
Assessment of Global Variability in UTBB MOSFETs in Subthreshold Regime
Authors: Makovejev Sergej , Esfeh Babak , Andrieu François , Raskin Jean-Pierre , Flandre Denis , Kilchytska Valeriya
Published: July 2014

The global variability of ultra-thin body and buried oxide (UTBB) MOSFETs in subthreshold and off regimes of operation is analyzed. The variability of the off-state drain current, subthreshold slope, drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL), gate leakage current, threshold voltage and their correlations are considered. Two threshold voltage extraction techniques were used. It is shown that the transconductance over drain current (gm/Id) method is preferable for variability studies. It is demonstrated that the subthreshold drain current variability in short channel devices cannot be described by threshold voltage variability. It is suggested to include the effective body factor incorporating short channel effects in order to properly model the subthreshold drain current variability.
Structural Rheology of the Smectic Phase
Authors: Fujii Shuji , Komura Shigeyuki , Lu Chun-Yi
Published: July 2014

In this review article, we discuss the rheological properties of the thermotropic smectic liquid crystal 8CB with focal conic domains (FCDs) from the viewpoint of structural rheology. It is known that the unbinding of the dislocation loops in the smectic phase drives the smectic-nematic transition. Here we discuss how the unbinding of the dislocation loops affects the evolution of the FCD size, linear and nonlinear rheological behaviors of the smectic phase. By studying the FCD formation from the perpendicularly oriented smectic layers, we also argue that dislocations play a key role in the structural development in layered systems. Furthermore, similarities in the rheological behavior between the FCDs in the smectic phase and the onion structures in the lyotropic lamellar phase suggest that these systems share a common physical origin for the elasticity.
Pain of Sustainability: Limiting the Number of Times Homeowners Can Receive Disaster Relief
Authors: Greenberg Michael , Weiner Marc
Published: July 2014

A sustainable future for communities that are highly vulnerable to natural hazard events means not locating new sensitive land uses, requiring existing land uses to be retrofitted in order to obtain insurance, and implementing other restrictive policies. Our objective was to measure the willingness of U.S. adult residents of New Jersey, a state devastated three times by major tropical storms in 1999, 2011, and 2012, to agree with a very restrictive policy—placing a limit on the number of times homeowners may receive financial disaster relief from natural hazard events. Using random digit dialing for landline (65%) and cell phone (35%), the authors collected 875 surveys of New Jersey residents in 2013, four months after Hurricane Sandy devastated much of New Jersey. Fifty-nine percent of respondents agreed with this painful policy. They disproportionately were older males who were fiscally conservative, and they took this stance despite personally believing that global climate change-related natural hazard events are real and are a threat. In New Jersey and other states, officials and others responsible for securing public agreement with these programs face a difficult challenge of implementing these programs because of public mistrust of state and federal government as initiators and implementers.