bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, simulation and optimization of a solar dish collector with spiral-coil thermal absorber
Authors: Pavlovic Sasa , Bellos Evangelos , Stefanovic Velimir , Tzivanidis Christos , Stamenkovic Zoran
Published: May 2016

The efficient conversion of solar radiation into heat at high temperature
levels requires the use of concentrating solar collectors. The goal of this
paper is to present the optical and the thermal analysis of a parabolic dish
concentrator with a spiral coil receiver. The parabolic dish reflector
consists of 11 curvilinear trapezoidal reflective petals constructed by PMMA
with silvered mirror layer and has a diameter of 3.8 m, while its focal
distance is 2.26m. This collector is designed with commercial software
SolidWorks and simulated, optically and thermally in its Flow Simulation
Studio. The optical analysis proved that the ideal position of the absorber
is at 2.1m from the reflector in order to maximize the optical efficiency and
to create a relative uniform heat flux over the absorber. In thermal part of
the analysis, the energetic efficiency was calculated approximately 65%,
while the exergetic efficiency is varied from 4% to 15% according to the
water inlet temperature. Moreover, other important parameters as the heat
flux and temperature distribution over the absorber are presented. The
pressure drop of the absorber coil is calculated at 0.07bar, an acceptable
value.
Characterizing Carbonate Reservoirs through Sequence Stratigraphy and Seismic Attributes Analysis: An Example from the Miocene Carbonate of Central Luconia Province, Offshore Sarawak
Authors: Kob Mohd Razali Che , Ali Mohammad Yamin , Idris Mohd Faizal
Published: May 2016

This reference is for an abstract only. A full paper was not submitted for this conference.

The growth architecture, faulting and karstifications of the Miocene carbonate build-up in Central Luconia Province, offshore Sarawak, Malaysia were studied using an integrated 3D seismic and calibrated with core and well-logs. A high resolution well-to-seismic tie was obtained through the application of climate stratigraphic approach. This calibrated 3D seismic data were then analyzed using sequence stratigraphy and seismic attributes analyses. The RMS (Root Mean Square) attribute displays the best build-up morphology image that distinctively disseminates zones withinbuildup and interbuildup areas. Spectacular arrays of facies heterogeneities across the buildup were also observed. The facies range from back reef lagoonal and reef front to off-reef facies. The calibrated seismic facies analysis reveals the association of the reservoirs with the mounded reefal and progradational facies. Evidence for porosity and permeability enhancements through karstification was also observed. The extraction of seismic attributes at different stratigraphic levels of the buildup shows progressive growth architecture of the build-up from Early Miocene to Late Miocene. The carbonates were accumulated in two major sequences. The initial growth corresponded to a major sea level rise in the Early to Middle Miocene. The build-up was then subaerially and repeatedly exposed, and finally drowns during a major sea level rise at the beginning of the Pliocene. Generally, three main factors controlled the growth and the architecture of the buildups; tectonics, relative sea level changes and also the paleowind direction.
Challenges and Strategies in Exploring and Developing Carbonate Reefs in Southeast Asian Basins
Authors: Ali Mohammad Yamin
Published: May 2016

This reference is for an abstract only. A full paper was not submitted for this conference.

The Miocene carbonates have trapped a significant hydrocarbon reserve in several basins in Southeast Asia. However, the industry has been continuously facing unique challenges in exploring and developing this play type due to complex depositional history and reservoir heterogeneity resulting from drustic vertical and lateral facies changes and extensive diagenesis. Although the reef development was controlled by eustacy, build-ups that were developed at the edge and marginal slope have completely different characteristics as compared to the one grew at the interior part of the stable platform as seen in the Central Luconia. Obviously, the build-ups located within the tectonically active areas such as in the Philippines would definitely display different morphological and architectural features and reservoir behaviours as they are strongly influenced by natural fractures. Moreover, some of these carbonates have undergone a complete porosity reversal due to extensive diagenesis while others have still followed the hydrodynamic trends depending on fluid dynamics of the basins. All these issues would determine the best possible options in doing exploration and development.

The correct strategies are critically important to overcome these challenges. In the past, facies zonation derived from modern carbonate analogues has long played a key role in reef plays. Currently, facies modeling and zonation are widely used in support of drilling on seismic attribute features that often guide field development. The need to understand carbonate heterogeneity encourages the development and application of a new depositional and diagenetic facies through detailed analysis of outcrops and modern sediments by modelling. Advances in geophysical methods provide more detailed views of the anatomy and internal architecture of the reefs. In the near future, the evolution of reef complexes is more dynamics that what has been thought. Platform segmentation episodes and coalescence can produce new patterns of reservoirs. Refinements in understanding reservoir heterogeneity are more at horizon levels. Mapping inter-well facies and physical properties are expected to create more value. Modelling at pore scale including pore network modeling and their relationship with seismic properties and carbonate rock physics will become necessity to further understand, better image, accurately model and optimize the exploration and development efforts of carbonate reefs.
HT Deep Horizontal Gas Drilling In Challenging Conditions.
Authors: Nasrummnallah Muhammad , Al Sharafi Mohamed Ahmed , Obame-Ondo Henri , AL Yaqoubi Ali , Heidari AliReza Karimpour , Faisal Syed Ali
Published: May 2016

Reservoirs consisting of sandstone and conglomerates nature present the most challenging reservoirs in the fields of North Oman. The target formations are often very deep with elevated static bottomhole temperatures exceeding 157degC, and with severe potential risks associated with geo mechanical and drilling perspectives. Tectonic stresses, where principal horizontal stress greatly exceeds vertical and minimum horizontal stresses, are coupled with rock compressive strengths varying between 45,000 and 50,000 psi with medium abrasiveness. These factors, together with borehole instability, borehole break-out phenomena, problems with conventional steerable systems due to weight transfer using turbines as well as drill bit sticking, present particular challenges in these wells and require significant up-front engineering resources to be deployed.

Drilling in this reservoir is difficult and in the past several issues have occurred while using turbines & rotary bottom hole assemblies. Due to the nature of the formation, a mechanical sticking mechanism (probably caused by plastic deformation of the bore hole wall resulting in the formation clamping bits along the gauge section) commonly occurs during connections and also while performing toolface orientation operations. This sticking could also be caused by breakout cavings, when an attempt is made to pick up off bottom.

The time taken for the formation deformation would appear to be very short and probably occurs within seconds of new bore hole being cut i.e. fresh hole is made and the stresses caused by removal of rock by the bit are redistributed around the bore hole wall and increases the probability of sticking with the turbine assemblies.

Typically drilling proceeds as normal and when a connection is made or tool face orientation is being attempted, the first sign of a problem occurs when picking up off bottom. The driller will notice a slight over pull, before the bit actually moves off bottom. Further over pull confirms that the bit is stuck on bottom and that bit rotation can not be resumed. If the bit is coupled to a down hole drive then the ability to work torque into the bit is lost as the drill string can normally still be rotated around the drive shaft. Recovery from this situation has a low probability of success ratio. A significant factor is mud weight, including the impact of losing equivalent circulating density.

Mud weights required to keep the hole open can be quite high, resulting in very high overbalance. Lowering bottom hole pressure below hydrostatic pressure may cause bore hole instability. Hence, when circulating sweeps and pills or conducting operations where swabbing occurs, the amount of lost pressure on bottom must be known by the drilling team. In this case loss of primary well control is not likely to be the major risk, rather that of bore hole instability, especially with a turbine bottom hole assemblies.
LNG - Quantifying Major Accident Risks
Authors: Vesovic Velisa
Published: May 2016

This reference is for an abstract only. A full paper was not submitted for this conference.

Throughout much of the world, the demand for natural gas has been steadily increasing and is projected to double in the next 15 years. A large portion of the demand can only be met through long-distance marine transport, and for economic reasons, ships carry the product as liquefied natural gas (LNG). While the LNG industry lays claim to an exceptional safety record, safety concerns have threatened to delay or even prevent the expansion as regulators and general public remain unconvinced. In order to identify the major hazards involved it is useful to review the physical processes which take place in the spillage of LNG on water. In this work we have concentrated on one of the crucial factors that determines the formation and the future behaviour of the hazardous vapour cloud, namely the rate of vaporization of the LNG. A model has been developed for estimating the rate of vaporisation of LNG mixture spreading on confined and unconfined water surfaces. In the context of this presentation the model is used to illustrate the importance of correctly describing the thermodynamics of LNG vaporisation and to examine the influence of chemical composition of LNG on its vaporisation rate. The detailed results indicate that the vaporisation rate of LNG mixture is markedly different to that of pure methane. The difference can be attributed primarily to the contributions of the direct and indirect component of the total, differential, isobaric latent heat to the boiling process. For LNG, as the liquid mixture gets rich in ethane, the total, differential, isobaric latent heat increases rapidly, leading to a large decrease in the vaporisation of LNG compared to pure methane. The overall results suggest that treating an LNG spill as a pure methane spill results in underestimation of the total spillage time and in qualitatively wrong dynamics of the rate of vapour formation. Furthermore, we report on the conditions under which the water surface will freeze. It was concluded that when LNG spills on a confined, shallow-water surface the surface temperature of water will decrease rapidly leading to ice formation. The formation of an ice layer, that will continue to grow for the duration of the spill, will have a profound effect upon the vaporization rate. The decreasing surface temperature of ice will decrease the temperature differential between LNG and ice that drives the heat transfer and will lead to a change of the boiling regime. The overall effect would be that the vaporization flux would first decrease during the film boiling; followed by an increase during the transition boiling and a steady decrease during the nucleate boiling. The developed model reduces the uncertainty associated with predicting the crucial vaporization rate of LNG and allows for a more secure quantification, for the purposes of risk assessment, of all hazards associated with accidental or terrorist-related LNG release.
How New Measurement, Tomographic and Visualisation Techniques Help Operators Improve Recovery in Older and Smaller Fields
Authors: Ruden Lars Anders
Published: May 2016

Two of the biggest challenges operators face today is improving recovery from older fields; and making smaller fields economically viable. Today more than 70% of oil and gas production comes from fields over 30 years old and in regions, such as the North Sea, there has been a proliferation of smaller, producing fields.

This paper will examine the crucial role multiphase meters are playing in making these fields economically viable. The paper will look at how new measurement, tomographic and visualisation techniques are generating the detailed information on flow rates and complex flow patterns operators need to maximise production.

The paper will provide an overview of the development of a third generation multiphase meter and how it can help better define complex flow patterns in smaller and older fields and how flow characterisation can be enhanced through tomographic and 3D visualisation techniques.

The paper will describe in detail a new measurement principle for multiphase meters, based on an electrode geometry sensor, which allows for measurements in separate sectors in addition to the full cross-sectional area.

The result will be both rotational near wall measurements and cross-volume measurements, providing the operator with a comprehensive mapping of flow regimes and more accurate fraction measurements and velocities for each segment.

The paper will also examine new tomography and visualisation techniques and how the installation effects of multiphase meters can be identified through EIT (Electrical Impedance Tomography), traditionally a medical imaging technique but well suited for fast dynamic processes like multiphase flow.

Taking Roxar's experience in the North Sea, the paper will present initial results from the testing of the new measurement principle and tomographic techniques, relating to water liquid ratio (WLR) measurements and reduced uncertainty on liquid flow rate measurements.

The paper will provide an important technical contribution towards the goal of optimising existing assets in smaller and more mature fields.

The Growth in Brownfields and Smaller Fields

While it is high profile, large oil and gas developments in the early production phase which tend to get most of the attention, today more than 70 per cent of the world's oil and gas production comes from fields that are over 30 years old [1] with the Middle East, North Sea and Asia all having their share of brownfield sites.

In addition to brownfields, the last few years have also seen a growth in smaller fields - fields that sometimes have been initially produced by one of the oil & gas majors before being taken on by the smaller, oil & gas independent, with the North Sea being a case in point.
Detection of Cross-flows Behind Casing before Perforations, and Cement Isolation Diagnosis Based on Temperature Analysis (TUNU field, Indonesia)
Authors: Perrier Sebastien
Published: May 2016

In multilayered depleted gas fields, cement isolation is essential to avoid water or gas cross-flows behind casing, and possible subsequent detrimental effects after perforation, which usually require long and expensive remedial actions.

In the Tunu Field, a mature gas field operated by Total producing 200.000boepd in Eastern Borneo (Indonesia), a new method has been developed to detect these cross-flows prior to perforation.

Although it shares similar interpretation concepts as traditional temperature surveys (analysis of deviations to geothermal gradient), originality of the method lies in the fact that it uses logs acquired before initial perforations on the well. Unlike production logging methods, temperature profiles are thus exclusively affected by fluid movements behind casing, allowing optimal resolution.

This timing of logging, provided that it respects a minimum stabilization time after cementation job, is validated by a survey on more than 300 recent Tunu wells: a/ we could not identify in Tunu any proven water channeling on depleted reservoirs without anomalies being already present before perforations. b/ temperature anomaly patterns can be associated to different levels of risks of water channeling. In particular, "heating" anomalies indicate the highest risk of water channeling, while risk associated to other patterns can vary depending on reservoir stacking configuration and anomaly patterns.

This timing of logging is ideal for reservoir engineers to adapt perforation strategy and anticipate on eventual remedial jobs before any damage is done to other reservoirs.

Advantages over conventional bond logs interpretations at reservoir scale are commented, as well as the improvements in water monitoring interpretations that this method can bring.
Exploring the For-Profit Experience
Authors: Iloh Constance
Published: May 2016

The for-profit college sector is arguably the most controversial and least understood sector of higher education today. The past decade has ushered in a wealth of public concern and scrutiny as to whether for-profit colleges and universities are providing a quality education to underserved student populations. While their politicization has captured immense attention, there is far less empirical research on student experiences at for-profit institutions to better inform conceptual, institutional, and practical understanding of this sector of postsecondary education. Using ethnographic data from one midsize for-profit college in a suburban city, the author spent seven months exploring educational culture from the perspective of enrolled students. The findings illuminate four themes: (a) student desire for institutional transparency, (b) the perception of high-quality in-person instruction, (c) varied experiences based on student schedule and learning needs, and (d) the role of age in shaping peer interactions.
A Pageant of Political Ghosts: VideoCabaret’s Performance Archive
Authors: Levin Laura , Maga Carly
Published: May 2016

In this online feature, Laura Levin and Carly Maga peer into the photo archive of VideoCabaret, one of Canada’s most celebrated and prolific political theatre companies. VideoCabaret’s work, which spans five decades, has been almost entirely devoted to the theatrical presentation, and scrutiny, of Canadian political figures. The images included not only highlight their unique aesthetic approach—a dazzling mix of media art, clown show, and political cabaret—but also reveal the tremendous contributions this company has made to modeling a form of art-making that can engage directly and energetically with political culture.
The Righteous Clamour of Cabaret Tollé
Authors: O’Hara Alexis
Published: May 2016

In response to a climate of secrecy surrounding cuts in Heritage Canada funding to arts organizations concerned with queer, feminist, and social justice issues, Studio 303 Artistic Director Miriam Ginestier kicked off the Cabaret Tollé in Montreal. Performer Alexis O’Hara describes why she ended up hosting in it wearing a giant papier mâché Stephen Harper head.
Joey Walks the Old Lost Land in Artistic Fraud’s The Colony of Unrequited Dreams
Authors: Freeman Barry
Published: May 2016

Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland’s new production, an adaptation of Wayne Johnston’s award-winning 1998 novel The Colony of Unrequited Dreams, revisits the complex legacy of Newfoundland politician Joseph R. Smallwood. Smallwood, the man responsible for bringing Newfoundland into the Canadian federation, and who served as its premier for more than two decades, was loved by many for his genuine passion for Newfoundland and resented by many others for his often disastrous political decisions. In this article, Barry Freeman finds in Robert Chafe’s adaptation of the novel for the stage not an examination of Joey as a political figure but a consideration of the deeper cultural psyche of Newfoundland trying to extricate itself from colonial rule.
Dragons of Decolonial Gas Stations
Authors: Koncan Frances
Published: May 2016

An interviewer’s visit to a reservation just outside of Winnipeg triggers a debate about Indigenous people’s decision on whether or not to vote. The trickster Nanabush appears in surprising form, clearing space for a different political vision.
“We Are All Treaty People”: The Making Treaty 7 Project
Authors: Bennett Susan
Published: May 2016

A report on the history of Making Treaty 7, a theatre, dance, performance, and multimedia event intended to increase public knowledge of the 1877 treaty signing and its impact on the lives of southern Alberta’s indigenous peoples.
Das aktuelle Vegetationshöhenmodell der Schweiz: spezifische Anwendungen im Waldbereich
Authors: Ginzler Christian , Hobi Martina L.
Published: May 2016

Current model of canopy heights in Switzerland: specific applications in forestry

A national vegetation height model was calculated for Switzerland for the first time last year using digital aerial images. The ADS80 stereo aerial images, which were routinely gathered by the Swiss Federal Office of Topography (swisstopo), contain information about the height of vegetation in forests. We used the stereo aerial images to first calculate a digital surface model (DSM) with a very high spatial resolution (1 × 1 m). The DSM was then normalized to obtain the actual vegetation heights using a digital terrain model (DTM) based on laser data with the buildings masked out, and to produce a vegetation height model (VHM). Such a model could be calculated in the framework of the Swiss National Forest Inventory (NFI) with consistent methods and a very high level of detail. For covering the whole of Switzerland, we used summer aerial images from the years 2007 to 2012. The VHM reached almost nationwide coverage (98% of the country's surface area). Some areas, such as steep mountainsides or very bright glaciers, were problematic for calculating the model, and appear in it as gaps. Vegetation height information collected with this method is most useful for analyzing entire forest stands, but the data do not have a high enough spatial resolution for single-tree-based analyses. The VHM can be applied in a wide variety of ways. Here, we describe three of these: 1) generating forest masks, 2) extracting forest canopy gaps, and 3) detecting changes in the stocking of a forested area.
Der Datensatz «Walderschliessungsstrassen 2013» des Schweizerischen Landesforstinventars
Authors: Müller Kalin , Fraefel Marielle , Cioldi Fabrizio , Camin Paolo , Fischer Christoph
Published: May 2016

The Swiss National Forest Inventory dataset «Forest Access Roads 2013»

Information on forest accessibility is important for forest management. For example, it helps to determine the potential wood supply and identify areas difficult to access. In 2013–2014, a survey was conducted in Switzerland to update the Forest Access Roads geo-dataset within the framework of the Swiss National Forest Inventory (NFI). The resulting nationwide dataset contains valuable information on truck-accessible forest roads that can be used to transport wood. The survey involved interviewing staff from the approximately 800 local forest services in Switzerland and recording the data first on paper maps and then in digitized form. The data in the NFI on the forest roads could thus be updated and additional information regarding their trafficability for specific categories of truck included. The information has now been attached to the geometries of the Roads and Tracks of the swissTLM3D (release 2012) of the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo. The resulting data are suitable for statistical analyses and modeling, but further (labour-intensive) validation work would be necessary if they are to be used as a basis for applications requiring more spatial accuracy, such as navigation systems. The data are managed at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) and are available for third parties for non-commercial use provided they have purchased a TLM license. In this article, the dataset, as well as its acquisition and potential uses, are described.
Computing Modulo-n by Composing Cellular Automata Rules
Authors: Martins Claudio L.M. , de Oliveira Pedro P.B.
Published: May 2016

The understanding of how predefined computations can be attained by means of individual cellular automata rules, their spatial arrangements or their temporal sequences, is a key conceptual underpinning in the general notion of emergent computation. In this context, here we construct a solution to the MOD n problem, which is the determination of whether the number of 1-bits in a cyclic binary string is perfectly divisible by the integer n > 1. Our solution is given for any lattice size N that is co-prime to n, and relies upon a set of one-dimensional rules, with maximum radius of n − 1, organised in a temporal sequence. Although the simpler cases of the problem for n = 2 and n = 3 have been addressed in the literature, this is the first account on the general case, for arbitrary n.
Symbolic Algorithms Computing Gram Congruences in the Coxeter Spectral Classification of Edge-bipartite Graphs, II. Isotropy Mini-groups
Authors: Simson Daniel
Published: May 2016

In this two parts article with the same title we continue the Coxeter spectral study of the category 𝒰ℬigr m of loop-free edge-bipartite (signed) graphs Δ, with m ≥ 2 vertices, we started in [SIAM J. Discr. Math. 27(2013), 827-854] for corank r = 0 and r = 1. Here we study the class of all non-negative edge-bipartite graphs Δ ∈ 𝒰ℬigr n + r of corank r ≥ 0, up to a pair of the Gram ℤ-congruences ∼ℤ and ≈ℤ, by means of the non-symmetric Gram matrix ĞΔ∈Mn+r(ℤ) of Δ, the symmetric Gram matrix GΔ:=12[ĞΔ+ĞΔtr]∈Mn+r(ℤ), the Coxeter matrix CoxΔ:=−ĞΔ⋅ĞΔ-tr∈Mn+r(ℤ), its spectrum speccΔ⊂ℂ , called the Coxeter spectrum of Δ, and the Dynkin type DynΔ∈{An,Dn,E6,E7,E8} associated in Part 1 of this paper. One of the aims in the study of the category 𝒰ℬigr n + r is to classify the equivalence classes of the non-negative edge-bipartite graphs in 𝒰ℬigr n + r with respect to each of the Gram congruences ∼ℤ and ≈ℤ. In particular, the Coxeter spectral analysis question, when the congruence Δ≈ℤΔ′ holds (hence also Δ~ℤΔ′ holds), for a pair of connected non-negative graphs Δ,Δ′∈uBigrn+r such that speccΔ=speccΔ′ and DynΔ=DynΔ′ , is studied in the paper.

One of our main aims in this Part 2 of the paper is to get an algorithmic description of a matrix B defining the strong Gram ℤ-congruence Δ≈ℤΔ′ , that is, a ℤ-invertible matrix B∈Mn+r(ℤ) such that ĞΔ′=Btr⋅ĞΔ⋅B . We obtain such a description for a class of non-negative connected edge-bipartite graphs Δ∈uBigrn+r of corank r = 0 and r = 1. In particular, we construct symbolic algorithms for the calculation of the isotropy mini-group Ğl(n+r,ℤ)Δ:={B∈Mn+r(ℤ); det B=±1 and Btr⋅ĞΔ⋅B=ĞΔ} , for a class of edge-bipartite graphs Δ∈uBigrn+r . Using the algorithms, we calculate the isotropy mini-group Ğl(n,ℤ)D and Ğl(n+1,ℤ)D˜, where D is any of the Dynkin bigraphs An,ℬn,𝒞n,Dn,E6,E7,E8,ℱ4,𝒢2 and D˜ is any of the Euclidean graphs A˜n,D˜n,E˜6,E˜7,E˜8.
Hematological and histo-architectural damages in the kidney and liver of Nile tilapia on exposure to kinalux
Authors: Nannu MTA , Mostakim GM , Khatun MH , Rahman MK , Sadiqul MI
Published: May 2016

Study was conducted to assess the histo-architectural damages of kidney and liver and hematological parameters in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after sub-lethal exposure to kinalux. Fish was exposed to two sub-lethal concentrations (10% and 50%, 0.052 and 0.259ppm of median lethal concentration, respectively) of kinalux for 90 days and a parallel control was run simultaneously. Kidney and liver of exposed individuals exhibited some remarkable changes in their histology in comparison to control. Significant changes also occurred in the number of red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC). Duration of exposure appears to have a profound effect on kidney and liver as with increasing duration of exposure histo-architectural damages become more severe.Progressive Agriculture 26 (2): 173-178, 2015
Diversities of soil weed seed bank and rice yield performance in response to tillage method and weeding regime
Authors: Hossain MM , Faruk MO , Begum M , Salam MA
Published: May 2016

Rice field was infested with eight weed species. Among the species found in conventionally tilled plots, the five dominant species ranked in order of importance value were Cynodon dactylon (L.), Paspalum distichum (L.), Cyperus rotundus (L.), Azolla pinnata (L.)  and Cyanotis axillaris (L.) while in stale seedbed the rank was Paspalum distichum (L.), Cynodon dactylon (L.), Cyanotis axillaris (L.), Leersia hexandra (L.) and Cyperus rotundus (L.). There were 15 weed species found in the soil weed seed bank studied at the net house. Among them five species were common of rice field. Ten new species were found in the seed bank. Azolla pinnata (L.), Cyperus difformis (L.) and Paspalum commersonii (L.) of field rice were not found in net house seed bank. In  the field, Cynodon dactylon (L.) was the dominant over Paspalum distichum (L.) but at the net house Paspalum distichum (L.) was dominant over Cynodon dactylon (L.). In seed bank under conventional tillage, 11 species were found consisting of 3559 heads count and in stale seedbed 12 species consisting 3826 heads were counted. Among the identified species, nine were common in both tillage practice. Parapholis strigose (Dumort.) and Phyllanthus niruri (L.) were present in the soil of conventional tillage but not in stale bed while Echinochloa colonum (L.), Fimbristylis miliaceae (L.) and Eragrotis gangetica (Roxb.) were found in stale bed but not in conventional tillage. At the rice field grass weeds were dominant over sedges and broad leaf under the both types of tillage. At the seed bank of net house, grass weeds were dominant over sedges and broadleaf under conventional tillage while under stale seedbed, sedges were dominant over broad leaf and grass. Around 7% higher grain was recorded from stale seedbed compared to conventional tillage which attributed from higher number of effective tillers hill-1, higher number of fertile grains panicle-1, and lower number of sterile grains panicle-1. Weed free condition yield the highest grains followed by the combination of pre and post-emergence herbicides and unweeded control yielded the lowest. Stale seedbed kept weed free yielded the highest followed by stale seedbed sprayed the two herbicides. Conventional tillage remained unweeded yielded the lowest grain.Progressive Agriculture 27 (1): 39-47, 2016
Quantum Private Query Protocol Based on Two Non-Orthogonal States
Authors: Chang Yan , Zhang Shibin , Han Guihua , Sheng Zhiwei , Yan Lili , Xiong Jinxin
Published: May 2016

We propose a loss tolerant quantum private query (QPQ) protocol based on two non-orthogonal states and unambiguous state discrimination (USD) measurement. By analyzing a two-point attack by a third party, we find that our protocol has a stronger ability to resist external attacks than G-protocol and Y-protocol. Our protocol requires a smaller number of compressions than that in G-protocol (Gao et al., Opt. Exp. 2012, 20, 17411–17420) and Y-protocol (Yan et al. Quant. Inf. Process. 2014, 13, 805–813), which means less post-processing. Our protocol shows better database security and user privacy compared with G-protocol.
The Speed of Invasion: Rates of Spread for Thirteen Exotic Forest Insects and Diseases
Authors: Evans Alexander
Published: May 2016

Invasive, exotic insects and diseases have a devastating effect on North American forests. The rate of spread, or range expansion, is one of the main determinants of an invasive organism’s impact, and can play a major role in structuring management response options. To better understand how exotic organisms have spread through our forests, this study employs a consistent, rigorous analytical framework to analyze a comprehensive geospatial database for the spread of seven exotic insects and six diseases. This study includes new data for six insects and two diseases in combination with five invasive species previously analyzed using the same technique. The quantile regression analysis of over 3000 records of infestation over the preceding century show that the rate of spread of invasive forest insects and diseases ranges from 4.2 km·year−1 to 57.0 km·year−1. The slowest disease spread was white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) at 7.4 km·year−1 while the most rapid disease spread was chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) at 31.3 km·year−1. The slowest insect spread was balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae) (4.2 km·year−1) while the fastest was emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) at 57.0 km·year−1. Species that can fly long distances or are vectored by flying insects have spread faster than those that are passively dispersed. This analysis highlights the difficulty of estimating spread rates from studies of individual dispersal or flight distances, but the estimated spread rates in this study are generally in line with previous estimates.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Maternal Anxiety in Late Pregnancy in China
Authors: Kang Yu-ting , Yao Yan , Dou Jing , Guo Xin , Li Shu-yue , Zhao Cai-ning , Han Hong-zhi , Li Bo
Published: May 2016

Objective: A large number of studies have shown the adverse neonatal outcomes of maternal psychological ill health. Given the potentially high prevalence of antenatal anxiety and few studies performed among Chinese people, the authors wanted to investigate the prevalence of antenatal anxiety and associated factors among pregnant women and to provide scientific basis to reduce prenatal anxiety effectively. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Changchun Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital from January 2015 to march 2015, with 467 participants of at least 38 weeks’ gestation enrolled. Antenatal anxiety was measured using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). χ2 test and logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate the association of related factors of antenatal anxiety. Results: Among the 467 participants, the prevalence of antenatal anxiety was 20.6% (96 of 467). After adjustment for women’s socio-demographic characteristics (e.g., area, age, household income), multivariate logistical regression analysis revealed that antenatal anxiety showed significant relationship with education level lower than middle school (years ≤ 9), expected natural delivery, anemia during pregnancy, pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome, disharmony in family relationship and life satisfaction. Conclusions: It is important to prevent or reduce antenatal anxiety from occurring by improving the health status of pregnant women and strengthening prenatal-related education and mental intervention.
Antimicrobial Peptides as Potential Alternatives to Antibiotics in Food Animal Industry
Authors: Wang Shuai , Zeng Xiangfang , Yang Qing , Qiao Shiyan
Published: May 2016

Over the last decade, the rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens has become a global concern, which has prompted the search for alternative antibacterial agents for use in food animals. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), produced by bacteria, insects, amphibians and mammals, as well as by chemical synthesis, are possible candidates for the design of new antimicrobial agents because of their natural antimicrobial properties and a low propensity for development of resistance by microorganisms. This manuscript reviews the current knowledge of the basic biology of AMPs and their applications in non-ruminant nutrition. Antimicrobial peptides not only have broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses but also have the ability to bypass the common resistance mechanisms that are placing standard antibiotics in jeopardy. In addition, AMPs have beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology and gut microbiota in pigs and broilers. Therefore, AMPs have good potential as suitable alternatives to conventional antibiotics used in swine and poultry industries.
Identification of 1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucopyranoside as a Glycine N-Methyltransferase Enhancer by High-Throughput Screening of Natural Products Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kant Rajni , Yen Chia-Hung , Lu Chung-Kuang , Lin Ying-Chi , Li Jih-Heng , Chen Yi-Ming
Published: May 2016

Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) expression is vastly downregulated in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). High rates of GNMT knockout mice developed HCC, while overexpression of GNMT prevented aflatoxin-induced carcinogenicity and inhibited liver cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, in this study, we aimed for the identification of a GNMT inducer for HCC therapy. We established a GNMT promoter-driven luciferase reporter assay as a drug screening platform. Screening of 324 pure compounds and 480 crude extracts from Chinese medicinal herbs resulted in the identification of Paeonia lactiflora Pall (PL) extract and the active component 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (PGG) as a GNMT inducer. Purified PL extract and PGG induced GNMT mRNA and protein expression in Huh7 human hepatoma cells and in xenograft tumors. PGG and PL extract had potent anti-HCC effects both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, PGG treatment induced apoptosis in Huh7 cells. Moreover, PGG treatment sensitized Huh7 cells to sorafenib treatment. Therefore, these results indicated that identifying a GNMT enhancer using the GNMT promoter-based assay might be a useful approach to find drugs for HCC. These data also suggested that PGG has therapeutic potential for the treatment of HCC.
Heterogeneity of Scaffold Biomaterials in Tissue Engineering
Authors: Edgar Lauren , McNamara Kyle , Wong Theresa , Tamburrini Riccardo , Katari Ravi , Orlando Giuseppe
Published: May 2016

Tissue engineering (TE) offers a potential solution for the shortage of transplantable organs and the need for novel methods of tissue repair. Methods of TE have advanced significantly in recent years, but there are challenges to using engineered tissues and organs including but not limited to: biocompatibility, immunogenicity, biodegradation, and toxicity. Analysis of biomaterials used as scaffolds may, however, elucidate how TE can be enhanced. Ideally, biomaterials should closely mimic the characteristics of desired organ, their function and their in vivo environments. A review of biomaterials used in TE highlighted natural polymers, synthetic polymers, and decellularized organs as sources of scaffolding. Studies of discarded organs supported that decellularization offers a remedy to reducing waste of donor organs, but does not yet provide an effective solution to organ demand because it has shown varied success in vivo depending on organ complexity and physiological requirements. Review of polymer-based scaffolds revealed that a composite scaffold formed by copolymerization is more effective than single polymer scaffolds because it allows copolymers to offset disadvantages a single polymer may possess. Selection of biomaterials for use in TE is essential for transplant success. There is not, however, a singular biomaterial that is universally optimal.
Soy Isoflavones Regulate Lipid Metabolism through an AKT/mTORC1 Pathway in Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO) Male Rats
Authors: Huang Chao , Pang Dejiang , Luo Qihui , Chen Xiaolin , Gao Qi , Shi Liangqin , Liu Wentao , Zou Yuanfeng , Li Lixia , Chen Zhengli
Published: May 2016

The pandemic tendency of obesity and its strong association with serious co-morbidities have elicited interest in the underlying mechanisms of these pathologies. Lipid homeostasis, closely involved in obesity, has been reported to be regulated by multiple pathways. mTORC1 is emerging as a critical regulator of lipid metabolism. Here, we describe that the consumption of soy isoflavones, with a structural similarity to that of estradiol, could mitigate obesity through an AKT/mTORC1 pathway. Fed with soy isoflavones, the diet-induced obesity (DIO) male rats exhibited decreased body weight, accompanied with suppressed lipogenesis and adipogenesis, as well as enhanced lipolysis and β‑oxidation. The phosphorylation of AKT and S6 were decreased after soy isoflavone treatment in vivo and in vitro, suggesting an inhibition effect of soy isoflavones on mTORC1 activity. Our study reveals a potential mechanism of soy isoflavones regulating lipid homeostasis, which will be important for obesity treatment.
A Multi-View Dense Point Cloud Generation Algorithm Based on Low-Altitude Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Shao Zhenfeng , Yang Nan , Xiao Xiongwu , Zhang Lei , Peng Zhe
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a novel multi-view dense point cloud generation algorithm based on low-altitude remote sensing images. The proposed method was designed to be especially effective in enhancing the density of point clouds generated by Multi-View Stereo (MVS) algorithms. To overcome the limitations of MVS and dense matching algorithms, an expanded patch was set up for each point in the point cloud. Then, a patch-based Multiphoto Geometrically Constrained Matching (MPGC) was employed to optimize points on the patch based on least square adjustment, the space geometry relationship, and epipolar line constraint. The major advantages of this approach are twofold: (1) compared with the MVS method, the proposed algorithm can achieve denser three-dimensional (3D) point cloud data; and (2) compared with the epipolar-based dense matching method, the proposed method utilizes redundant measurements to weaken the influence of occlusion and noise on matching results. Comparison studies and experimental results have validated the accuracy of the proposed algorithm in low-altitude remote sensing image dense point cloud generation.
A Generic Framework for Using Multi-Dimensional Earth Observation Data in GIS
Authors: Jiang Yunfeng , Sun Min , Yang Chaowei
Published: May 2016

Earth Observation (EO) data are critical for many Geographic Information System (GIS)-based decision support systems to provide factual information. However, it is challenging for GIS to understand traditional EO data formats (e.g., Hierarchical Data Format (HDF)) given the different contents and formats in the two domains. To address this gap between EO data and GIS, the barriers and strategies of integrating various types of EO data with GIS are explored, especially with the popular Geospatial Data Abstraction Library (GDAL) that is used by many GISs to access EO data. The research investigates four key technical aspects: (i) designing a generic plug-in framework for consuming different types of EO data; (ii) implementing the framework to fix the errors in GIS when using GDAL to understand EO data; and (iii) developing extension for commercial and open source GIS (i.e., ArcGIS and QGIS) to demonstrate the usability of the proposed framework and its implementation in GDAL. A series of EO data products collected from NASA’s Atmospheric Scientific Data Center (ASDC) are used in the tests and the results prove the proposed framework is efficient to solve different problems in interpreting EO data without compromising their original content.
BDS/GPS Dual Systems Positioning Based on the Modified SR-UKF Algorithm
Authors: Kong JaeHyok , Mao Xuchu , Li Shaoyuan
Published: May 2016

The Global Navigation Satellite System can provide all-day three-dimensional position and speed information. Currently, only using the single navigation system cannot satisfy the requirements of the system’s reliability and integrity. In order to improve the reliability and stability of the satellite navigation system, the positioning method by BDS and GPS navigation system is presented, the measurement model and the state model are described. Furthermore, the modified square-root Unscented Kalman Filter (SR-UKF) algorithm is employed in BDS and GPS conditions, and analysis of single system/multi-system positioning has been carried out, respectively. The experimental results are compared with the traditional estimation results, which show that the proposed method can perform highly-precise positioning. Especially when the number of satellites is not adequate enough, the proposed method combine BDS and GPS systems to achieve a higher positioning precision.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Teen Pregnancy in Vietnam: Results from Two National Surveys
Authors: Nguyen Huong , Shiu Chengshi , Farber Naomi
Published: May 2016

This study asked two broad questions: (1) what is the prevalence of teen pregnancy in contemporary Vietnam; and (2) what selected social, family, and individual factors are associated with teen pregnancy in Vietnam? The study utilized Vietnam Survey Assessment of Vietnamese Youth surveys conducted in 2003 and 2008 to answer the two research questions within the context of fast political, economic, and social change in Vietnam in the last two decades. Results of this study show that the prevalence of pregnancy among Vietnamese teenagers in the surveys was stable at 4%, or 40 pregnancies per 1000 adolescent girls aged 14 to 19. Age, experience of domestic violence, and early sexual debut were positively correlated with higher odds of teenage pregnancy for both survey cohorts; however, being an ethnic minority, educational attainment, sexual education at school, Internet use, and depressive symptoms were significantly related to teenage pregnancy only in the 2008 cohort.
Pathway for Biodegrading Nodularin (NOD) by Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05
Authors: Feng Nan , Yang Fan , Yan Hai , Yin Chunhua , Liu Xiaolu , Zhang Haiyang , Xu Qianqian , Lv Le , Wang Huasheng
Published: May 2016

Nodularin (NOD) is greatly produced by Nodularia spumigena and released into the environment when toxic cyanobacterial blooms happened in natural water body, which is seriously harmful to human and animals. The promising bacterial strain of Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05 was found to have an ability in biodegrading NOD. Initially, 11.6 mg/L of NOD could be completely eliminated within 72 h by whole cells of USTB-05, and within 36 h by its crude enzymes (CEs) of 570 mg/L, respectively. During the enzymatic biodegradation process of NOD, two products were observed on the profiles of HPLC. Based on the analysis of m/z ratios of NOD and its two products on a rapid-resolution liquid chromatogram-mass spectrum (RRLC-MS), we suggested that at least two enzymes of USTB-05 participated in biodegrading NOD. The first enzyme hydrolyzed Arg-Adda peptide bond of cyclic NOD and converted it to linear NOD as the first product. The second enzyme was found to cut off the target peptide bond between Adda and Glu of linearized NOD, and Adda was produced as a second and dead-end product. This finding is very important in both basic research and the application of USTB-05 on the removal of NOD from a water environment.