bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical Advancements of the United States Civil War
Authors: Wilson Christine
Published: May 2017

This paper looks at the correlation between the events of the American Civil War and the modernization process of medicine and medical care both domestically and worldwide. The author examined various areas, such as sanitation, medical innovations, the architecture and administration of hospitals, nursing, and public attitude towards medicine in order to formulate the thesis.
Detección de Parásitos en Peces Marinos Destinados al Consumo Humano en Lima Metropolitana
Authors: Serrano-Martínez Enrique , Quispe H. Marco , Hinostroza M. Elizabeth , Plasencia P. Lucy
Published: May 2017

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la presencia de parásitos en cinco especies de peces marinos (Sarda chiliensis chiliensis – bonito, Scomber japonicus peruanus – caballa, Trachurus picturatus murphyi – jurel, Mugil cephalus – lisa, y Coryphaena hippurus – perico) destinados al consumo humano. Se utilizaron 150 peces (30 por especie) procedentes de los terminales pesqueros de Chorrillos y Villa María del Triunfo en la provincia de Lima, Perú, entre enero a marzo de 2014. Se encontraron 13 especies de parásitos: monogeneos (Monocotile sp), digeneos (Dinurus sp), protozoos (Henneguya sp), acantocéfalo (Rhadinorhynchus sp), cestodos (Diphyllobothrium pacificum, Hepatoxylon trichiuri, Tentacularia coryphaenae, Nybelinia sp), nematodos (Anisakis simplex, Anisakis physeteris, Contracaecum sp, Proleptus sp) y artrópodos (Caligus sp). El 61.3% de los especímenes presentaron al menos un parásito, habiendo una mayor prevalencia en lisa (86.7%), seguida de perico (76.7%). Asimismo, la mayor carga parasitaria se observó en lisa (424) y bonito (376). Los parásitos más frecuentes fueron Hepatoxylon trichiuri, Nybelinia sp y Proleptus sp. Asimismo, se encontraron parásitos de importancia en salud pública, como el Anisakis sp en todas las especies, a excepción de la lisa, y del Diphyllobothrium pacificum en bonito y perico.
Comparación de Dos Modelos de Pipetas de Inseminación Artificial en la Cateterización del Canal Cervical de la Oveja
Authors: Rodríguez Gavancho Francisco , Muscari Greco Juan , Condori Chipana Cesar
Published: May 2017

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue comparar la profundidad de penetración de un colorante en el canal cervical de la oveja, simulando una inseminación con una pipeta de uso tradicional con otra de diseño especial que dispone un globo inflable en el extremo libre que impide el reflujo del colorante. Ochenta tractos reproductivos de ovejas vacías fueron recuperados de un camal en Lima, Perú, y distribuidos al azar para su cateterización con una de las dos pipetas, depositando 0.5 ml de azul de metileno. El globo de la pipeta de diseño especial se infló antes del depósito del colorante. Se abrió cada una de las cérvix y parte del útero y se midió la profundidad de ingreso de las pipetas y del colorante, donde el borde del primer pliegue cervical se asignó como punto cero (0). Ambas pipetas penetraron 19.9 ± 9.6 mm. El colorante alcanzó la misma profundidad con la pipeta tradicional y 60.0 ± 9.7 mm con la pipeta modificada (p<0.05). Se concluye que al utilizar la pipeta modificada es factible depositar un fluido más cercanamente al útero.
On rings with annihilator condition
Authors: Zahiri Masoome , Moussavi Ahmad , Mohammadi Rasul
Published: May 2017

In this paper we study rings R with the property that every finitely generated ideal of R consisting entirely of zero divisors has a nonzero annihilator. The class of commutative rings with this property is quite large; for example, noetherian rings, rings whose prime ideals are maximal, the polynomial ring R[x] and rings whose classical ring of quotients are von Neumann regular. We continue to study conditions under which right mininjective rings, right FP-injective rings, right weakly continuous rings, right extending rings, one sided duo rings, semiregular rings and semiperfect rings have this property.
On two conjectures on b-coloring of graph products
Authors: Raj S. Francis , Kavaskar T.
Published: May 2017

A b-coloring of a graph G with k colors is a proper coloring of G using k colors in which each color class contains a color dominating vertex, that is, a vertex which has a neighbor in each of the other color classes. The largest positive integer k for which G has a b-coloring using k colors is the b-chromatic number b(G) of G. It was conjectured in [10], that for any two graphs G and H, b(G[H]) ≦ b(G) − 1|V (H)| + Δ(H) + 1 and b(G ⊠ H) ≦ max {b(G)(Δ(H) + 1), b(H) Δ(G) + 1)}, where G[H] and G ⊠ H denotes the lexicographic product and the strong product of G and H, respectively. In this paper, we disprove both conjectures.
Vaccination of broilers against Newcastle disease in the presence of maternally derived antibodies
Authors: Halas Máté , Süli Tamás , Vrdoljak Anto
Published: May 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a live attenuated vaccine against Newcastle disease in broilers with different levels of maternally derived antibodies (MDA). While vaccination remains the single most important means for controlling Newcastle disease, presence of MDA may interfere with the vaccination of young birds and decrease the efficacy of the vaccine. Materials and methods: Day-old chicks with variable levels of MDA (negative, low and high) were vaccinated with a live attenuated vaccine against Newcastle disease. Three most commonly used inoculation routes were compared; oculonasal, spray and oral (drinking water). Onset and duration of immunity were measured by serology and challenge with virulent virus. Results: Immune response in vaccinated MDA-positive birds was delayed in comparison with SPF controls. Protection was well established already at 14 days post vaccination in SPF birds while in MDA-positive birds it was 1–2 weeks delayed and was lower throughout the study. Non-vaccinated MDA-positive birds lost passive protection completely at 3–4 weeks of age and were significantly more susceptible to challenge than vaccinated hatch mates at all test points. The protection rate increased in vaccinated birds towards the end of the experiment and reached 70–100 % at the last test points (35–42 days of age). Correlation of haemagglutination inhibition (HI) titre vs. protection rate revealed the importance of cellular and local immunity as most of the vaccinated birds with low HI titre were protected, contrary to their unvaccinated hatch mates with the same HI titre. Oculonasal route seems to provide slightly better protection than the other two routes. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Although immune protection in vaccinated MDA-positive birds may be decreased or delayed, vaccination still provides high protection against ND challenge in comparison with the unvaccinated hatch mates. The degree of interference seems to be proportional to the level of MDA. Vaccination schedules therefore need to be designed according to the immune status of the flock.
Roles of superplasticiser dosage, water film thickness and slurry film thickness in flowability of cementitious paste
Authors: Li Leo Gu , Kwan Albert Kwok Hung
Published: May 2017

Cementitious paste samples proportioned with blended ordinary Portland cement, pulverised-fuel ash and condensed silica fume (CSF), with different water/cementitious materials ratios and varying superplasticiser (SP) dosages, were produced for packing density and flowability measurements. The results showed that increasing the SP dosage significantly increased the packing density and water film thickness (WFT) of the cementitious paste, and increases in SP dosage and WFT contributed to increasing the flowability of the cementitious paste. At the same SP dosage and WFT, cementitious pastes containing CSF tended to have higher flowability. It is postulated that this is because the finest portion of CSF and water flowed together as a slurry that coated the larger sized particles with a certain slurry film thickness (SFT). Regression analysis of the test data revealed a very good correlation of flowability to SP dosage and SFT.
Road traffic accident prediction modelling: a literature review
Authors: Yannis George , Dragomanovits Anastasios , Laiou Alexandra , La Torre Francesca , Domenichini Lorenzo , Richter Thomas , Ruhl Stephan , Graham Daniel , Karathodorou Niovi
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a comprehensive literature review on road traffic accident prediction models (APMs) and crash modification factors (CMFs). The focus is on motorways and higher ranked rural roads and the study was performed within a European road authorities' research project. The priorities for the review were determined by a questionnaire survey on model availability and needs, addressed to national road authorities in Europe and worldwide. The salient literature was reviewed and existing models were assessed in terms of theoretical approaches, model characteristics, implementation conditions, data requirements and available results. The review of CMFs focused on their background and development, the various methods for developing them and the key issues in their application. The review resulted in the development of an APM and CMF inventory that forms the basis for an online repository, with the aim of assisting the practical application of gathered experience on accident prediction.
Milliplex Cytokine/Chemokine 7-plex MAG v1
Authors: Pinto Ligia , Troy Kem not provided
Published: May 2017

Milliplex Cytokine/Chemokine 7-plex manufacturer's protocol
Lminex Milliplex Soluble Cytokine Receptor 13-plex v1
Authors: Kemp Troy , Ligia Pint not provided
Published: May 2017

Lminex Milliplex Soluble Cytokine Receptor 13-plex manufacturer's protocol
Anti-BrdU Staining Protocols Using DNAse with Surface and Fluorescent Proteins v2
Authors: Miller Kelsey
Published: May 2017

Anti-BrdU Staining Protocol using DNAse with surface and fluorescent proteins
Gabapentin a pre-emptive analgesic in post-operative pain: a randomised double blind placebo controlled study
Authors: Bhandari Vikram , Sharma Geeta , Dhasmana Dilip C. , Gupta Meenakshi , Sharma Jagdish P. , Chaturvedi Aditi
Published: May 2017

Background: Conventional analgesics, used in peri-operative period cause numerous adverse effects and are not free from interactions with co-administered drugs. Gabapentin has been shown to be effective in various types of neuropathic pain. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate gabapentin as a post-operative analgesic. The study also evaluates the analgesic requirement and safety of gabapentin in post-operative period.Methods: Forty patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to receive gabapentin or a matching placebo. The patients of group I received gabapentin 600mg orally 2 hrs before surgery and 12hrs after the first dose. The patients in group II received a matching placebo. Patients in both groups received diclofenac sodium 75mg i.m b.i.d for pain. Additional doses were given on demand and recorded.Results: The present study found that gabapentin significantly reduced pain score and analgesic consumption as compared to a placebo for a period of 24 hours.Conclusions: Gabapentin in the doses used was found to be effective in postoperative pain in patients undergoing planned laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It was found to be safe and no serious adverse events were reported.
INVESTIGATION OF WEATHERING DAMAGE ON STONE MONUMENTS
Authors: Fitzner Bernd Jürgen
Published: May 2017

Abstract: Stone monuments represent an important part of our world´s cultural heritage. The awareness of increasing stone damage on monuments and the danger of irretrievable loss of cultural heritage have resulted in great efforts worldwide for sustainable monument preservation. A precise damage diagnosis with the comprehensive characterization, interpretation and rating of stone damage represents the basis for effective and economic monument preservation measures. The experienced methodological approach to the assessment of stone damage combines in situ investigation and laboratory studies. The monument mapping method is presented as an established non-destructive procedure for in situ studies on stone damage. It can be applied to all stone types and to all kinds of stone monuments. The use of weathering forms, damage categories and damage indices for the registration, documentation, quantitative evaluation and rating of stone damage is explained. Furthermore, complementary in situ measurements are discussed. A wide range of analytical procedures and weathering simulation tests contribute to modern damage diagnosis on stone monuments.Keywords: damage, stone, monumentsResumo: INVESTIGAÇÃO SOBRE DANOS DO INTEMPERISMO PARA MONUMENTOS EM PEDRA. Os monumentos em pedra representam uma parte importante do patrimônio cultural do mundo. A consciência do aumento dos danos causados ao material pétreo nesses monumentos e o perigo de perda irrecuperável desse património resultaram em grandes esforços a nível mundial para a preservação sustentável desses monumentos. Um diagnóstico preciso de danos com a caracterização, interpretação e avaliação abrangentes desses danos causados às pedras representa a base para a adoção de medidas de conservação eficazes e econômicas. A abordagem metodológica a ser adotada para a avaliação desses danos deve combinar a investigação in situ e estudos laboratoriais. Nessa abordagem o mapeamento de monumentos é apresentado como um procedimento não destrutivo estabelecido para os estudos in situ sobre danos causados às pedras, podendo ser aplicado a todos os tipos de pedra e a todos os tipos de monumentos construídos com a pedra. Nesse trabalho, o uso de formas de intemperismo, categorias de danos e índices de danos para o registro, documentação, avaliação quantitativa e classificação de danos para a pedra é explicado. Além disso, discutem-se medidas complementares a serem adotadas in situ. Uma ampla gama de procedimentos analíticos e testes de simulação de meteorização contribuem para o diagnóstico de danos modernos em monumentos construídos em pedra.Palavras Chave: dano, pedra, monumentos
Bio-control based integrated disease management of basal stem rot disease of coconut
Authors: N.B.V. Chalapathi A. Snehalatharani, , Maheswarappa, C.T. Jose, E. Padma Rao, G. Ramanandam, H.P.
Published: May 2017

abstract
Pengembangan Modul Autentikasi Captcha Berbasis Gambar dengan Algoritma Flood Fill
Authors: Wandapranata Jessika , Hansun Seng
Published: May 2017

Abstrak— Captcha merupakan salah satu cara memberikan akses internet yang aman dari serangan bots. Captcha (Completely Automated Public Turing Test To Tell Computers and Humans Apart) merupakan sebuah challenge response test yang digunakan untuk membedakan manusia dan robot (bots). Namun seiring perkembangan waktu, telah berkembang serangan otomatis yang berhasil membobol beberapa jenis Captcha. Oleh karena itu, pada penelitian ini dikembangkan Captcha berbasis gambar dengan metode autentikasi yang berbeda. Autentikasi Captcha dilakukan dengan menerapkan algoritma Flood Fill. Dalam implementasinya, dapat disimpulkan bahwa algoritma Flood Fill berhasil diimplementasikan pada autentikasi modul Capthca berbasis gambar. Telah dilakukan juga pengumpulan sampel data dan didapatkan hasil 77.4% responden merekomendasikan penggunaan Captcha yang telah dibangun. Kata Kunci— Autentikasi, Captcha, Captcha Berbasis Gambar, Flood FillAbstract— Captcha is one of many methods to secure internet from bots attack. Captcha (Completely Automated Public Turing Test To Tell Computers and Humans Apart) is a challenge response test which used to differentiate human from bots. However after the times flow, some hackers had successfully made an automatic bots to break captcha. Therefore, in this particular research, formed an imaged based captcha that uses different method of authentication. Flood Fill algorithm will be used as authentication method. In the implementation, Flood Fill algorithm has been successfully implemented as an authentication method in image based captcha. After that, data samples have been collected and the result shows 77.4% respondents agreed to recommend using the Captcha that has been developed. Keywords— Authentication, Captcha, Image-based Captcha, Flood Fill
Integrated Lighting Efficiency Analysis in Large Industrial Buildings to Enhance Indoor Environmental Quality
Authors: Katunsky Dusan , Dolnikova Erika , Doroudiani Saeed
Published: May 2017

The physical parameters related to indoor lighting in large industrial halls in winter and summer periods were analyzed using in situ measurements and computational methods. Here, we present part of our observations from a comprehensive research on indoor environmental quality of industrial halls with the aims of saving energy and providing a comfortable environment for the workers. The results showed that the procedures used for evaluation of residential or office buildings may not be used for industrial buildings. We also observed that the criteria for occupants’ comforts for indoor industrial buildings may differ from those of other kinds of buildings. Based on these results, an adequate attention is required while designing the industrial buildings. For this reason, appropriate evaluation methods and criteria should be created. Manufacturing halls are integral parts of industrial architecture, including buildings for light industries. Workers spend a substantial part of the time indoor; therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to design, construction, and evaluation of internal spaces of buildings and the occupants’ comfort. The focus must be given particularly to heating and cooling, moisture, and lighting microclimate. We present some observations from evaluation of internal environmental quality of industrial halls with priority on daylighting in combination with the integral lighting.
Techno-Economic Investigation of Solar Powered Electric Auto-Rickshaw for Sustainable Transport System
Authors: Reddy K S , S Aravindhan , Mallick Tapas K
Published: May 2017

The technologies influencing alternative ways of transportation are augmenting in recent years as the need for transportation is increasing rapidly due to urbanization and motorization. In this paper, a solar powered electric auto-rickshaw (SPEA) is designed and developed for Indian conditions. The developed vehicle is comprehensively analyzed techno-economically for its viability in the Indian market. The performance analysis of SPEA results in an optimal charging rate of 2 kWh per day with an average solar irradiance of 325 W/m2. The discharging characteristics are studied based on different loading conditions. The vehicle achieved a maximum speed of 21.69 km/h with battery discharge rate of 296W at 90kg load and also reached a maximum discharge rate of 540W at 390kg loading with a maximum speed of 12.11 km/h. The environmental analysis of SPEA displayed yearly CO2 emissions of 1,777 kg, 1,987 kg and 1,938 kg using Compressed Natural Gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas and gasoline engines respectively can be mitigated using SPEA. The results of financial analysis of SPEA were welcoming as the investor gets 24.44% lesser payback duration compared to gasoline run vehicle. Socio-Economic analysis of SPEA discussed its significant advantages and showed 18.73% and 3.9% increase in yearly income over gasoline driven and battery driven vehicles.
Reliability and Degradation of Solar PV Modules—Case Study of a 19-Year Old Polycrystalline Modules in Ghana
Authors: Quansah David A. , Adaramola Muyiwa S. , Takyi Gabriel , Edwin Isaac A.
Published: May 2017

Fourteen (14) rack-mounted polycrystalline modules installed on the concrete roof of the solar energy applications laboratory at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana, a hot humid environment were assessed after 19 years of continuous outdoor expodure. The physical state of the modules was documented using a visual inspection checklist. They were further assessed by current-voltage (I-V) characterization and thermal imaging. The modules were found to be in good physical state, except some bubbles on front side and minor discolouration/corrosion at edge of the cells. Compared with reference values, the performance decline of the modules observed over the exposure period was: nominal power (Pnom), 21% to 35%; short circuit current (Isc), 5.8% to 11.7%; open circuit voltage (Voc) 3.6% to 5.6% and 11.9% to 25.7% for fill factor (FF). It is hoped that this study will provide some helpful information to project developers, manufacturers and the research community on the long-term performance of PV modules in Ghana.
Selection of an Animal Model for the Production of Leukocyte-Fibrin Rich Platelet Membranes (L-PRF); Standardized Protocol Proposed for Clinical Use and the Use of L-PRF Wound Box®
Authors: Crisci Alessandro , Lombardi Domenico , Serra Edda , Lombardi Guido , Cardillo Federica , Crisci Michela
Published: May 2017

Fibrin rich of platelets (PRF®) of Choukroun represents a new step in the therapeutic concept of platelet gel with a simplified processing and biochemical changes little artificial. A valid method of preparation of the PRF must effectively separate the plates by erythrocytes and concentrate without damaging or lysing the plates themselves. In this study the experimental design is to standardize the production of L-PRF in horse directing it to human production. Our hypothesis is that the L-PRF is easy to produce in the horse, without modifications of the human protocol, thus allowing a better standardization of the human protocol. A new device for the preparation and the standardization of L-PRF clots and membranes is the L-PRF Wound Box®. The optical microscopy, most cell bodies were highlighted concentrated in the proximal portion of each membrane, the last 1/4 was observed at the center; the distal part had only residual traces of cell bodies. The L-PRF will form constantly when the phases described above are strictly adhered to. The success of the art L-PRF depends entirely on the speed of blood collection and transfer in centrifuge within a minute and by a temperature of centrifugation and compression is higher than 21°C (between 21 and 30°C). Our experiments on the horse will no doubt be able to improve our understanding on wound healing, in particularly in chronic skin lesions therapy.
Experimental and Analytical Characterization of Drop Impact Behavior for a Mobile Haptic Actuator
Authors: Choi Byungjoo , Kwon Jiwoon , Jeon Yongho , Lee Moon Gu
Published: May 2017

Impact characterization of linear resonant actuator (LRA) is studied experimentally by newly developed drop tester, which can control various experimental uncertainty such as rotational moment, air resistance, secondary impact and so on. The feasibility of this test apparatus was verified by comparison with free fall test. By utilizing a high-speed camera and measuring the vibrational displacement of spring material, the impact behavior was captured and the damping ratio of the system was defined. Based on the above processes, the finite element model was established and the experimental and analytical results were successfully correlated. Finally, the damage of the system from impact loading can be expected by developed model and as a result, this research can improve the impact reliability of LRA.
Small Scale Hydroelectric Power Plants in Norway. Some Microeconomic and Environmental Considerations
Authors: Idsø Johannes
Published: May 2017

The development of small scale hydroelectric power plants in Norway is determined by natural conditions, policies, attitudes and property rights. The owner of the river is the central decision maker. It is he who decides whether he will develop the power plant himself, Whether he wants to enter into a contract with an external investor and let him develop the power plant, whether he will sell his property rights or postpone the decisions. All available choices will involve risk. In order for him to make the best choice he must find the certainty equivalent to each of the choices and choose the one with the highest certainty equivalent. This is the first time the utility theory of John von Neumann and Oskar Morgenstern has been applied to decision makers in the hydro power industry in Norway.
O JOGO DO PALADAR: PROPOSTA DE UM JOGO DE TABULEIRO SOBRE O TEMA FISIOLOGIA DA GUSTAÇÃO PARA O ENSINO MÉDIO
Authors: Da Silva Mardem Michael Ferreira , Costa Mayra Cristina da Silva , Castro Eduardo França
Published: May 2017

Cada vez mais são necessárias estratégias que auxiliem no aprendizado do aluno em sala de aula. Nesse sentido, o jogo didático é uma importante ferramenta que faz com que aluno participe ativamente da ação, facilitando a construção de seu conhecimento e o entendimento do conteúdo. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo propor um jogo didático em forma de tabuleiro sobre o tema fisiologia da gustação, para ser utilizado no ensino médio. A proposta visa tornar mais atrativo o ensino dessa temática. O jogo aqui proposto foi produzido com material economicamente viável e de fácil acesso, a fim de facilitar e incentivar a aplicação do mesmo pelo professor.
Reparación endoscópica prefascial de la diástasis de los rectos: descripción de una nueva técnica
Authors: Juárez Muas Derlín Marcio , Verasay Guillermo Federico , García Walter Martín
Published: May 2017

Introducción. La diástasis de los rectos es una secuela habitual tras el embarazo y puerperio. Se asocia frecuentemente a hernias de la línea media. Representa un problema estético y sintomático. El abordaje endoscópico prefascial podría resolver el defecto parietal con buenos resultados cosméticos. Objetivo: Describir un abordaje endoscópico prefascial. Material y métodos. Se presentan los casos de dos pacientes con diástasis de rectos de 46 mm y 68 mm, asociadas a hernia umbilical de 13 mm y 20 mm, respectivamente. Consultaron por dolor y tumoración epigástrica y umbilical, con un IMC menor de 30. Abordaje suprapúbico y ambas fosas ilíacas. Se crea neocavidad prefascial. Se realizó plicatura de los rectos con sutura barbada de polipropileno núm. 0 y descarga del oblicuo externo izquierdo a lo Albanese en la diástasis de mayor tamaño. Se colocó malla preaponeurótica de polipropileno de baja densidad. Se fijó con tackers absorbibles. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 107 minutos. Se dejaron drenajes aspirativos 48 horas. Resultados. No se registraron complicaciones intra- ni posoperatorias. El dolor posoperatorio máximo fue 3/10, según VAS, y la estancia hospitalaria, de dos días. La reinserción laboral tuvo lugar a los 14 días, y el seguimiento posoperatorio, de 20 meses. Hubo control clínico y ecográfico a los 12 meses, sin recidiva. La satisfacción de las pacientes fue del 100 %. Conclusiones. La cirugía endoscópica nos permitió resolver el defecto parietal con plicatura de los rectos y colocación de prótesis preaponeurótica, aumentando la seguridad de la plastia, disminuyendo la posibilidad de recidiva y sin entrar en la cavidad abdominal, con bajo nivel de dolor posoperatorio y buen resultado cosmético
Apresentação
Authors: Avila Carlos Federico Domínguez
Published: May 2017

O texto explora os principais avanços, a situação atual e os desafios observados no desenvolvimento dos Estudos Latino-americanos realizados no Brasil. Trata-se de uma discussão trabalhada sob a perspectiva dos estudos regionais, comparativos e interdisciplinares. Os objetivos específicos da comunicação são: a) mapear as características dos programas de pós-graduação brasileiros vinculados diretamente aos Estudos Latino-americanos; b) refletir sobre as especificidades dos veículos científicos qualificados disponíveis para a difusão de conhecimento sobre a temática; e c) propor alternativas para aprimorar gradualmente o desenvolvimento epistemológico da temática. Cumpre destacar que, na última década, foi possível verificar importantes avanços no desenvolvimento dos estudos latino-americanos no Brasil. A criação da Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-americana – UNILA, bem como de Institutos de América Latina em certas universidades brasileiras, foram contribuições muito importantes. Igualmente, deve-se constatar que o governo federal disponibilizou recursos financeiros para a publicação de obras relacionadas às sub-regiões andina, platina, amazônica, mercosulina e da Unasul. Contudo, também se verificou a ausência de pesquisas sobre a região mesoamericana, caribenha e das comunidades latinas residentes nos Estados Unidos e Canadá. Novos enfoques teórico-metodológicos precisam ser incorporados e aprimorados, principalmente relacionados às questões de género, etno-raciais, culturais, científico-tecnológicos e ambientais. Algo semelhante pode-se constatar em relação à organização de eventos de alcance regional, e aos veículos qualificados diretamente relacionados com os estudos latino-americanos no Brasil. Finalmente aparece o dilema do financiamento para a realização de pesquisas de campo, e a questão da convalidação de títulos entre os países do continente.
Comments: New JPT Website, Newsletter
Authors: Donnelly John
Published: May 2017

Editor's column

Earlier this year, JPT debuted a new website. Unlike the previous rendition of the magazine’s website, which was only a replica of the print magazine, the new one contains up-to-date information on the latest upstream technology news, trends, and events as well as the full contents of each print issue (www.spe.org/jpt). And last month, JPT debuted a bimonthly e-newsletter, with links to the latest stories posted on the website.

It is important to note that JPT’s mission, and its monthly print magazine, will not change. We view this as a “value add” for members, who are now accustomed to receiving news and information in a variety of ways, from print to digital. Surveys of the SPE membership reveal that members highly value the monthly print edition of JPT and its contents but are also interested in receiving more digital offerings. These latest moves hope to satisfy both needs. The contents of the print JPT will remain the same, while the website will contain both the print magazine’s contents and additional stories not found in the print issue.

Since JPT was launched in 1949, it has sought to help achieve SPE’s mission of disseminating and exchanging the highest quality upstream technical information valuable to the oil and gas industry and to SPE members. The magazine has gone through several evolutions—from publishing only full-length technical papers to covering more than four dozen technical topics in depth through summaries of the best SPE papers and through staff-written feature articles. The current changes are just another step in this evolution.

We hope you will take a look at the new website and, as always, we welcome your suggestions and comments.
Oil and Gas Producers Find Frac Hits in Shale Wells a Major Challenge
Authors: Jacobs Trent
Published: May 2017

In North America’s most active shale fields, the drilling and hydraulic fracturing of new wells is directly placing older adjacent wells at risk of suffering a premature decline in oil and gas production.

The underlying issue has been coined as a “frac hit.” And though they have long been a known side effect of hydraulic fracturing, frac hits have never mattered or occurred as much as they have recently, according to several shale experts who say the main culprit is infill drilling.

“It is a very common occurrence—almost to the point where it is a routinely expected part of the operations,” said Bob Barree, an industry consultant and president of Colorado-based petroleum engineering firm Barree & Associates.

He added that frac hits are also an expensive problem that involve costly downtime to prepare for, remediation efforts after the fact, and lost productivity in the older wells on a pad site.

A frac hit is typically described as an interwell communication event where an offset well, often termed a parent well in this setting, is affected by the pumping of a hydraulic fracturing treatment in a new well, called the child well. As the name suggests, frac hits can be a violent affair as they are known to be strong enough to damage production tubing, casing, and even wellheads.

Claudio Virues, a senior reservoir engineer with CNOOC Nexen, said frac hits have become a top concern in the shale business because they can affect several wells on a pad, along with those on nearby pads too. Based on his experiences in Canada and in south Texas, the question is no longer if a frac hit will happen, but how bad will it be.

“You usually have two scenarios,” he said. “One may be that you have a temporary loss of production, but you will recover to the trend that you had before. The other will be really bad for your production and reserves.”

He is alluding to the fact that some wells impacted by frac hits never fully recover and, in the worst cases, permanently stop producing after taking frac hits. The frequency of these outcomes are unknown as there are no publicly available statistics. In a small minority of cases, and in select formation types, frac hits have been known to increase production in the impacted well, but this is unusual.
Airborne Dust Limits Finalized for Sand Use in Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Whitfield Stephen
Published: May 2017

The long-term effects of respirable silica dust have been long known to various industrial sectors, from concrete construction and road building to the manufacture of glass and ceramics. As hydraulic fracturing operations have become a significant part of oil and gas portfolios, companies have begun paying additional attention to the safety of workers exposed to the dust that emanates from large volumes of the sand used.

In March 2016, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a revised standard that cuts in half the permissible exposure limit (PEL) per cubic meter of air, making employers implement controls that limit worker exposure and access in high-silica areas. 

The regulations provide some challenges, but a closer look shows that the oil and gas industry anticipated the effects of crystalline silica as well as the effects of the new regulations. Operators and sand companies have a host of technological approaches to deal with the realities of this harmful dust.

OSHA Regulations

Crystalline silica is used in a wide variety of applications in several industries. It can be used as a filler in plastics, rubber, and paint, and as an abrasive in soaps and scouring cleaners. For oil and gas, silica dust particles are a common hazard when dealing with sand on hydraulic fracturing sites. OSHA estimates that nearly 2.3 million workers in the US are exposed to respirable crystal-line silica in their workplaces.

The US Department of Labor determined that workers exposed to silica dust at the previous permissible exposure limits faced increased risks of developing lung cancer, kidney disease, silicosis, and other nonmalignant respiratory diseases. The Department of Labor first set standards to limit worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica in 1971 after it created OSHA, but in recent years it claimed the standards were outdated and did not accurately protect workers from silica-related diseases, nor did it account for new industries.
Interpretation and Analysis of Transient-Sandface- and Wellbore-Temperature Data
Authors: Onur M.. , Ulker G.. , Kocak S.. , Gok I. M.
Published: May 2017

This paper presents new analytical and semianalytical solutions derived from a coupled transient-wellbore/reservoir thermal model to investigate the information content of transient-temperature measurement made within the vertical wellbore across from the producing horizon or at a gauge depth above it during drawdown and buildup tests. The solutions consider flow of a slightly compressible, single-phase fluid in a homogeneous infinite-acting reservoir system with skin modeled as a composite zone adjacent to the wellbore and account for the Joule-Thomson (J-T) heating/cooling, adiabatic-fluid expansion, conduction and convection effects both in the wellbore and reservoir. They are developed depending on the assumption that the effects of temperature changes on wellbore and reservoir-pressure-transient data can be neglected so that the mass-, momentum-, and energy-balance equations in the wellbore and reservoir can be decoupled. The semianalytical solution for predicting sandface temperatures is verified by use of a general-purpose thermal simulator. Wellbore temperatures at a certain gauge depth are evaluated through the analytical steady-state and transient-wellbore-temperature equations coupled with a semianalytical reservoir-temperature model accounting for conservation of momentum in the wellbore. Results show that drawdown- and buildup-sandface-temperature data may exhibit two semilog straight lines: one at early times reflecting the effects of adiabatic-fluid expansion in the skin zone near the wellbore, and the other, the late-time semilog straight line, reflecting the J-T effects and exhibiting the nonskin-zone properties. However, the wellbore-temperature measurements made at locations above the producing horizon may not exhibit these semilog straight lines because they are strongly dependent upon distance above the producing horizon, geothermal gradient, and radial-heat losses from the wellbore fluid to the formation on the way to gauge. It is found that the skin-zone properties are very difficult to be estimated from drawdown- and buildup-wellbore temperatures unless the gauge location is not far from the producing zone. Specifically, we found that buildup-wellbore temperature is mostly dominated by wellbore-heat losses compared with drawdown-wellbore-temperature data, and hence may not be useful to estimate the formation properties, including skin-zone properties.
Comprehensive Modeling of Scale Deposition by Use of a Coupled Geochemical and Compositional Wellbore Simulator
Authors: Abouie Ali , Korrani Aboulghasem Kazemi , Shirdel Mahdy , Sepehrnoori Kamy
Published: May 2017

Scale deposition in surface and subsurface production equipment is one of the common problems during oil production, resulting in equipment corrosion, wellbore plugging, decrease in production rate, and frequent remediations. In this work, a detailed procedure is presented through which a compositional wellbore simulator is developed with the capability of modeling comprehensive geochemical reactions.

The compositional wellbore simulator (UTWELL) is developed by applying different numerical approaches and flow-regime-detection methods to accurately model multiphase flow in the wellbore. In addition, several deposition mechanisms are incorporated for the transportation, entrainment, and deposition of solid particles in the wellbore. Subsequently, a geochemical module, IPhreeqc, is integrated into the wellbore model to handle homogeneous and heterogeneous, reversible and irreversible, and ion-exchange reactions under either local-equilibrium or kinetic conditions. This package provides a robust, flexible, and accurate integrated tool for mechanistic modeling of scale deposition in the wellbore.

Through our integrated simulator, deposition profiles of carbonate and sulfate scales in the wellbore are predicted for several case studies. Significant effects of physiochemical properties (such as pressure, temperature, salinity, and pH value) on the scale deposition in the wellbore are discussed. In addition, comparing simulation results with experimental data reveals that hydrocarbon-phase dissolution has a significant effect on geochemical calculations compared with the temperature/pressure variation effects.

To the best of our knowledge, there is no comprehensive simulator available in the industry through which scale deposition in the wellbore can be predicted accurately. In this paper, scale deposition profile in the wellbore is estimated by including the interaction of the hydrocarbon and aqueous phases and its effect on the aqueous-scale geochemistry (by use of a compositional wellbore simulator); effects of parameters that vary greatly in the wellbore (pressure, temperature, and pH value); and comprehensive geochemistry simulation (provided through coupling of the wellbore simulator with IPhreeqc). The outcome of this study yields a comprehensive tool for scale deposition prediction in the wellbore and will help scale deposition risk-management and mitigation plans.
Effects of Nitrogen and the Various Forms of Nitrogen on Phalaenopsis Orchid—A Review
Authors: Wang Yin-Tung , Chang Yao-Chien Alex
Published: May 2017

Growers realize the importance of nitrogen (N) on the vegetative growth of phalaenopsis orchids (hybrids of Phalaenopsis sp.), but often overlook its influence on reproductive growth. Low N may result in slow plant growth, pale-green leaves, abscission of lower leaves, and few flowers in phalaenopsis. Increasing N concentration up to 200 mg·L−1 promotes leaf growth and increases flower count. High N concentration promotes lateral branching on the flowering stalk, thereby greatly increasing the total flower count and elevating the commercial value. It is important that N be continually applied during the forcing period for best flowering performance, particularly for those that had undergone international shipping. For the vegetative phalaenopsis plants that are induced to flower without being shipped internationally, the N that is already in the plant before spiking provides 43% and the N being absorbed by roots after cooling provides 57% of the total N in the inflorescence at time of visible bud. When insufficiently fertilized or no fertilization is applied during the forcing period, more of the existing N in a plant is mobilized for inflorescence development. Phalaenopsis roots can take up all three forms of N [i.e., nitrate (NO3-N), ammonium (NH4-N), and urea] directly. In two studies, phalaenopsis plants were supplied with the same amount of total N but with varying NO3-N from 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, to 0% (a common N concentration was achieved by the substitution of the respective balance with NH4-N). Plants were smaller when receiving 75% or 100% NH4-N with a tendency of decreasing top leaf width and whole-plant leaf spread as NO3-N decreased from 100% to 0%. Spiking was delayed and spiking rate decreased when plants were grown in sphagnum moss, but not a bark mix, and received more than 50% of the N in NH4-N. As the ratio between NO3-N and NH4-N increased, flowers became increasingly larger. The negative effects of low ratios of NO3-N to NH4-N were more severe in the second flowering cycle. When supplied with 50% or more NH4-N, the absorption of cations by phalaenopsis roots declined, with reduced concentrations of calcium and magnesium in plants, while symptoms of ammonium toxicity appeared, including growth retardation, chlorotic leaves, and necrotic roots. In conclusion, adequate N and its continual supply during both vegetative and reproductive stages are recommended for the best growth and flowering of phalaenopsis. Since phalaenopsis plants prefer N in the NO3-N form, it is suggested that growers choose and apply a fertilizer with nitrate as the major N source.
The Relationship between the Use of Green Spaces and Public Gardens in the Work Place on Mental Well-being, Quality of Life, and Job Satisfaction for Employees and Volunteers
Authors: McFarland Amy L.
Published: May 2017

Research investigating the relationship between physical environments and various aspects of quality of life have found that people who live or work near natural areas have improved health and increased levels of satisfaction at home, work, and with life in general. Research has also shown that workers who performed their job function in offices with windows or interior plants had higher job satisfaction. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between the use of green spaces and public gardens in the work place on mental well-being, overall quality of life, and job satisfaction. The sample for this study was drawn from participants who were on the contact list of public garden employees and volunteers for a winter in-service training hosted by the Smithsonian Gardens (Washington, DC). Participants were e-mailed asking for their participation in the survey. An incentive of winning a greenhouse tour was used to improve the response rate. A total of 105 usable surveys were received out of 423 invitations that were sent for a response rate of 24.8%. Participants were asked to respond to questions regarding their work environment, mental well-being, overall quality of life, and job satisfaction. Differences were identified based on whether the participant was a paid employee or unpaid worker. Based on time spent outdoors during the workday, the only difference within the overall group existed with regard to how frequently the participant ate outdoors and their reported mental well-being. On the quality of life questions, differences for the overall sample, the paid group, and the unpaid group were found for having window views of plants or nature. On the job satisfaction question, differences were identified in the overall sample and the paid group for having a window in their immediate office or workplace. Several variables did not identify any statistically significant difference, which might result from this sample being already largely connected to nature due to their employment or volunteer work within a public garden.
Performance of Yellow-flowering Magnolias in Zone 6b
Authors: Fare Donna C.
Published: May 2017

Yellow-flowering magnolias (Magnolia sp.) were evaluated for flower color, bloom duration, and growth rate in U.S. Department Agriculture (USDA), Hardiness Zone 6b, McMinnville, TN. Of the 30 cultivars evaluated, all were reported to have yellow blooms; however, tepal color ranged from light pink with some yellow coloration, creamy yellow to dark yellow. ‘Daphne’, ‘Judy Zuk’, and ‘Yellow Bird’ had the highest yellow color readings on the outside of the tepal and would often be among the latest cultivars to bloom. Magnolia cultivars Gold Star, Golden Gala, Stellar Acclaim, Sun Spire, and Sundance had the lightest yellow tepal color on the outside of the tepal. ‘Goldfinch’, ‘Butterflies’, and ‘Elizabeth’ were the earliest to bloom; ‘Elizabeth’ had one of the longest flowering periods. ‘Carlos’ and ‘Gold Star’ were two of the tallest cultivars in the test compared with Butterflies, Gold Cup, Golden Gift, Golden Pond, Golden Rain, Green Bee, Honey Liz, Koban Dori, Skyland’s Best, and Sunsation, which had the least height growth. Trunk diameters ranged from 7.4 to 18.4 cm after 9 years in the evaluation. Cultivars Golden Gala and Gold Star had trunk diameters greater than twice the size of Golden Pond, Golden Rain, Green Bee, Honey Liz, and Koban Dori. Powdery mildew (Phyllactinia corylea and Microsphaera alni) was observed on all cultivars; however, Golden Sun, Green Bee, Solar Flair, Stellar Acclaim, Sunburst, and Yellow Bird had greater than 47% of the leaf area affected with powdery mildew. Over 60% of the canopy was affected with powdery mildew on ‘Green Bee’, ‘Stellar Acclaim’, ‘Sunburst’, and ‘Yellow Bird’. Powdery mildew was less than 20% on both the foliage and plant canopy of ‘Banana Split’, ‘Butterflies’, ‘Carlos’, ‘Elizabeth’, and ‘Sun Spire’.