bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunotherapy on Cancer: Current Progress and Perspective
Authors: Cohn Weinstein H. , Leonardo, Jr Hansen
Published: October 2017

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have just turned into an essential piece of the treatment for various cancers. As analysts have found out more about what makes cancer cells different from normal cells, they have created mAbs to exploit these distinctions. Analysts are likewise considering different methods for making monoclonal antibodies more secure and more effective. As said in Immune checkpoint inhibitors to treat cancer, the immune system has checkpoint proteins, (for example, PD-1 and CTLA-4) that help shield it from assaulting other normal cells in the body. Tumor cells here and there exploit these checkpoints to abstain from being assaulted by the immune system. Vaccines are not yet a noteworthy type of treatment for cancer. Scientists have been attempting to create vaccines to battle cancer for quite a long time, however this has ended up being harder than was first idea. Many different types of vaccines are now being studied to treat a variety of cancers e.g. Antigen vaccines, Tumor cell vaccines, Vector-based vaccines and Dendritic cell vaccines. Viruses are a type of germ that can taint and damage cells. Some viruses can be adjusted in the lab with the goal that they taint and damage basically cancer cells; this is a promising better approach to get immune cells called T cells to battle cancer. For this system, T cells are expelled from the patient's blood and hereditarily adjusted in the lab to have particular antigen receptors (called illusory antigen receptors, or CARs) on their surface. Specialists have discovered immune system cells somewhere deep inside a few tumors and have named these cells tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).
Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis treatment using autologous adipose derived stem cells and platelet-rich plasma: a clinical study
Authors: Bui Khanh Hong-Thien , Duong Triet Dinh , Nguyen Nhan Thanh , Nguyen Thanh Duc , Le Vien Tuong , Mai Viet Thanh , Phan Nhan Lu-Chinh , Le Dung Minh , Phan Ngoc Kim , Pham Phuc Van
Published: October 2017

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases, and it affects 12% of the population around the world. Although the disease is chronic, it significantly reduces the patient’s quality of life. At present, stem cell therapy is considered to be an efficient approach for treating this condition. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show the most potential for stem cell therapy of osteoarthritis. In fact, MSCs can differentiate into certain mesodermal tissues such as cartilage and bone. Therefore, in the present study, we applied adipose tissue-derived MSCs to osteoarthritis treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficiency of autologous adipose tissue-derived MSC transplantation in patients with confirmed osteoarthritis at grade II and III. Adipose tissue was isolated from the belly, and used for extraction of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). The SVF was mixed with activated platelet-rich plasma before injection. The clinical efficiencies were evaluated by the pain score (VAS), Lysholm score, and MRI findings. We performed the procedure in 21 cases from 2012 to 2013. All 21 patients showed improved joint function after 8.5 months. The pain score decreased from 7.6±0.5 before injection to 3.5±0.7 at 3 months and 1.5±0.5 at 6 months after injection. The Lysholm score increased from 61±11 before injection to 82±8.1 after injection. Significant improvements were noted in MRI findings, with increased thickness of the cartilage layer. Moreover, there were no side-effects or complications related to microorganism infection, graft rejection, or tumorigenesis. These results provide a new opportunity for osteoarthritis treatment. Level of evidence: IV.
Reseña del libro Progresar y civilizar. Imaginarios de identidad y élites intelectuales de Antioquia en Euroamerica, 1830-1920 de Juan Camilo Escobar
Authors: Martinez Martelo Paola
Published: October 2017

El texto en cuestión trata el problema de la relación entre los imaginarios identitarios de la región de Antioquia y las producciones intelectuales de las élites oriundas de la mencio-nada región, elaboradas entre los años de 1830 y 1920, consistentes principal-mente de textos e imágenes. La tesis del autor es que son dichas élites intelec-tuales las responsables de la creación y difusión de la idea de la "raza antioque-ña" fuertemente arraigada en la cultura de la región. Haciendo uso de las crea-ciones de importantes autores, pintores y fotógrafos antioqueños, relacionándo-los con el ambiente intelectual, social y político euroamericano, el autor se pro-pone responder a preguntas acerca del cómo surge la idea de una “antioqueñi-dad” y cuáles son los conceptos centrales que la definen. Se puede decir que es un libro de historia de los intelectuales, más que de historia de las ideas y cubre un terreno que, para la época y la región analizadas, es escasamente trabajado. El libro está dividido en siete capítulos, cada uno dividido en varias subseccio-nes. Cuenta además con una lista completa de anexos, fuentes y bibliografía utilizada.
Armando Martínez Garnica: “Ser historiador en Colombia es el más puro resultado de la casualidad”
Authors: Ramírez Bacca Renzo
Published: October 2017

Entrevista a Armando Martínez Garnica, Profesor Titular de la Escuela de Historia de la Universidad Industrial de Santander, realizada en el mes de su jubilación.
Ana Laura Lanteri (coordinadora). 2013. Actores e identidades en la construcción del Estado Nacional (Argentina, siglo XIX) . Buenos Aires: Teseo. ISBN 978-987-1867-63-9
Authors: Piazzi Dietz Carolina Andrea
Published: October 2017

Esta obra es fruto de la producción del Grupo de Investigación Problemas y Debates del Siglo XIX, radicado en la Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (Argentina) y dirigido por la Dra. Valentina Ayrolo. Puede pensarse como una segunda contribución, en formato libro, luego de la aparición de otra compilación realizada por Valentina Ayrolo (2010)
The apricot story: Patterns in a local circular food chain in North Hungary
Authors: Miklós Ilona
Published: October 2017

Using a case study, this paper examines how EU standards of geographical indications (GIs) can integrate into Hungarian socio-embodied patterns. It uses apricots from the underdeveloped Gönc region of Hungary as an example, defined in the EU GI context as a local resource of cultural identity. The collective memory as a cultural heritage of the Gönc region is examined in relation to products and services that have existed for generations. The aim of this paper is to provide evidence that without geographical circulation, exchange, and appropriation of products, the associated knowledge of innovation strategies, innovation capabilities, and the market outcomes of firms in the food industry does not provide absorptive capacity. It suggests that innovative responses to existing isolated economic services could provide coherence among the three pillars of sustainability, given policy and institutional innovations designed to foster innovation and expand markets.
Problems and perspectives in research into the quality of work life in organisational studies
Authors: Gogoleva Anna S. , Sorokin Pavel S. , Efendiev Azer G.
Published: October 2017

This paper outlines major theoretical and methodological problems in Quality of Work Life (QWL) research within organisational studies and discusses possible solutions, based on extensive literature analysis. An electronic search in the Scopus database found 1,244 publications utilising the QWL concept. From this sample we selected 387 papers dealing directly with QWL and compiled a final set of publications for detailed review. The literature analysis revealed the absence of a clear and concrete understanding of QWL, various (and often incomplete) approaches to QWL content and indicators and interference between QWL and other concepts such as ‘job satisfaction’, which all resulted in a general confusion about the notion in academic discussions. As a possible solution, we suggested distinguishing clearly and including the following in the single integrative research instrument: 1) an aggregate subjective QWL measurement tool and 2) an aggregate objective QWL measurement tool. Finally, we present arguments for a new understanding of QWL, combining subjective and objective measures in the context of a general integration between ‘working conditions’ and ‘needs satisfaction’ approaches.
Briefing: Maritime Structures – the design of challenging vertical pile dolphin solution
Authors: Jensen Jesper , Kastrup Peter , Hodder Matt
Published: October 2017

The demand for energy in Southeast Asia and the Pacific region has resulted in vast growth in gas exploration across the continent of Australia. With the approval for a number of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities across the Australian seaboard, Arup Australasia has put its multi-disciplinary capabilities to full use in the delivery of a number of LNG jetties in Gladstone, Queensland in a design and construct collaboration with the contractor John Holland Group (JHG). This paper presents the design and construction of the dolphin structures, which were the result of close collaboration between JHG and Arup. The goal of this paper is to describe the importance of early constructability considerations and the complex interface between maritime, geotechnical and structural disciplines. The paper outlines the inputs and the consideration of both berthing and mooring dolphins designed to accommodate berthing and mooring of vessels of up to 220 000 m3 capacity. The approach of the paper is to describe the design solution in broad terms and selected key aspects in detail.
Wnt/β-Catenin–Promoted Macrophage Alternative Activation Contributes to Kidney Fibrosis
Authors: Feng Ye , Ren Jiafa , Gui Yuan , Wei Wei , Shu Bingyan , Lu Qingmiao , Xue Xian , Sun Xiaoli , He Weichun , Yang Junwei , Dai Chunsun
Published: October 2017

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is crucial in normal development and throughout life, but aberrant activation of this pathway has been linked to kidney fibrosis, although the mechanisms involved remain incompletely determined. Here, we investigated the role of Wnt/β-catenin in regulating macrophage activation and the contribution thereof to kidney fibrosis. Treatment of macrophages with Wnt3a exacerbated IL-4– or TGFβ1-induced macrophage alternative (M2) polarization and the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT3 in vitro. Conversely, inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling prevented these IL-4– or TGFβ1-induced processes. In a mouse model, induced deletion of β-catenin in macrophages attenuated the fibrosis, macrophage accumulation, and M2 polarization observed in the kidneys of wild-type littermates after unilateral ureter obstruction. This study shows that activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes kidney fibrosis by stimulating macrophage M2 polarization.
DNA exon and SNP analyses v1
Authors: Tsuru Michiyo
Published: October 2017

Genomic DNA was extracted from white blood cells (PAXgene-RNA tubes) using the PAXgene blood RNA kit (QIAGEN, Hilden, Germany) according to the manufacturer's instructions (PAXgene blood RNA kit handbook version 2, April 2008). Taget gene and adjacent DNA exons and SNP analyses were conducted using PRISM3730 DNA Analyzer (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA) and TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay (Applied Biosystems) according to the manufacturer's instructions. (Hokkaido System Science, Sapporo, Japan).
In situ hybridization v1
Authors: Tsuru Michiyo
Published: October 2017

We generated a miR-340 probe by tagging Has-miR-340 aatcaG(L)t5(L)aT(L)tG(L)cT(L)ttataa_N(6)_Y with Alexa Fluor 488. LNA-in situ hybridization (ISH) was performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions (http://www.exiqon.com/mirna-ish-kit). Sections of FFPE tissues of human OPLL and null mice (4-µm-thick) were fixed with 4 % PFA in PBS for 20 min at room temperature, washed with PBS (3 × 5 min), treated with 0.5 % Triton X-100 (10 min at 4 °С), and briefly washed with PBS followed by two washes (10 min each) in saline-sodium citrate buffer (2× SSC, 0.3 M NaCl, 0.03 M Na3С6Н5О7, рН 7.0). The sections were then digested with 15 μg/mL proteinase K (Exiqon, Vedbaek, Denmark) at 37 °C for 10 min and rinsed for 3 × 5 min in PBS. Hybridization was performed in a humid chamber for 18 h at 65 °C. In situ hybridization of miR-340 was conducted using a miRCURY LNA microRNA ISH Optimization kit (Exiqon, Vedbaek, Denmark). miR-340-Alexa Fluor 488 and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Alexa Fluor 555) were detected in human OPLL tissue by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Nuclei were counterstained with DAPI. After staining, the tissues were observed by fluorescence microscopy (BZ-X700, Keyence, Osaka, Japan).
Gene expression microarrays v1
Authors: Tsuru Michiyo
Published: October 2017

RNA samples (RNA concentration: 100 ng/mL) were extracted from the kidney tissues of both homozygous knockout and wild-type mice and subjected to gene array analyses (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA) (GEO array GES57590). RNA samples were extracted from the blood of healthy subjects and patients with OPLL, and then subjected to microRNA array analyses (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA) (GEO array GES57592). Total RNA was isolated from frozen whole tissue samples with TRIzol (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA), and from blood samples with Blood RNA Tubes (PAXgene; PreAnalytiX, Hombrechtikon, Switzerland). RNA samples with RIN values ≥9.0 as evaluated using a 2100 Bioanalyzer (Agilent, Waldbronn, Germany) were selectively used for these analyses. Pathway analysis was performed based on results of genomic and miRNA arrays (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA) of samples from patients with OPLL.
Design Elements Affecting the Using of Atriums in Shopping Malls in Erbil city
Authors: Ali Lana , Ali Ansam , Muhammad Shna
Published: October 2017

Open space represent one of the most important aspects of urban environment which affects our life each single day and usually people have a good relation with them, and as there are an outdoor open spaces there are also inner ones that usually people involve with it most of time, Atriums represents one of these spaces which consider large covered central courtyard acts as an attraction area where humans interact & communicate with each other as gathering place ,relaxing ,galleries and exhibitions.

Shopping malls owns such spaces which acts effectively when it described in two ideas; business success and architectural success. The research will focus on the architectural success by specifying the occupational efficiency of atriums, although previous literatures covered many architectural aspects of these atriums but, the research noticed weakness in the relation between architectural design factors and users in atrium, regarding physical factors and occupational efficiency which declare as a density of using atriums in Malls that have been explained in two parts (Theoretical and Practical).the research focus on analyzing five malls in Erbil city.
Load –Deflection Relationship for Clamped- Horizontally Restrained R.C. Polygonal Slabs
Authors: Hassan Dr. Ali
Published: October 2017

A theoretical model is presented in the analysis and prediction of the complete load-deflection behavior of fixed-horizontally restrained reinforced concrete polygonal slabs under uniform loading. The limiting cases of fixed reinforced concrete square and circular slabs are also deduced. The proposed model considers three stages, elastic, elasto-plastic and plastic. In the elastic and -elasto-plastic stages, the results of classical plate theory are used. The cracking of concrete and yielding of steel reinforcement are accounted for by suitably modifying flexural rigidity. Changes that occur in support conditions due to possible yielding are also considered. In the plastic stage a rigid plastic membrane analysis is presented. A method is proposed to predict the real ultimate load (including membrane action) and the deflection at the ultimate load.
Effect of the existence of under drain on Uplift pressure and Exit Gradient.
Authors: Al-Suhili Prof. Dr. Rafa , Hussien Goran
Published: October 2017

The effects of the existence of an under drain pipe beneath the foundation of a hydraulic structure, on both the uplift pressure under the structure and the exit gradient on its downstream side are investigated.   More specifically the effect of the horizontal and vertical locations and the diameter of this under drain pipe were investigated. The Geo-Studio Seep/w software is used for simulating different geometrical configurations of a typical hydraulic structure model. Results indicate that the existence of this drain will reduce the pressure head beneath the foundation of the structure. The observed reduction in uplift pressure is found huge. As the drain diameter increases the pressure head decrease more and more. This results in a   required volume against overturning to decrease with using greater diameter which is tend to 100% decrease in (V) especially where the under drain location near u/s sheet pile (location –D-). The exit gradient decrease with using drain pipe near upstream sheet pile but it increase where the drain pipe below downstream sheet pile especially (location-G-) which is downstream length of protection (L) increase from (2.837m for without drain) to (4.70 m with location G) that means about   65.67% increase.
Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete T-Beam with Web Opening.
Authors: Hassan Bedar , Abdul-Kadir Prof. Dr. Mohamed , Ghafoor Dr. Kawan
Published: October 2017

This study examines shear capacity of strengthened reinforced concrete T-beams with web rectangular opening. Effect of opening orientation, presence of flange, different types of strengthening, and absence of shear reinforcement in strengthened beams are discussed and evaluated. The experimental work consisted of testing 13 beams under single point load. One of them considered as control beam without opening, while others are cast as beams with preplanned 100mm×200mm opening located at the web of the beam horizontally and vertically.

The results of the beams indicated that the beams with horizontal openings show reduction in the ultimate shear capacity by about 17% while for vertical opening the reduction was about 27% compared to the control beam without opening .Moreover, the presence of the flange increased the shear capacity of the beams with horizontal and vertical openings by about 11% and 34.5% respectively. Also, the results indicated that the internal strengthening with inclined stirrups increased ultimate capacity by about 18% and 11% for horizontal and vertical openings compared to control T-beams with web opening respectively. The CFRP strips with spacing between them increased shear capacity by about 13.5% for horizontal opening but was not beneficial for vertical opening, also the CFRP strips for strengthening of opening made after construction were not beneficial for both types of opening and the capacity was decreased by about 11.5% and 10.1% for horizontal and vertical opening respectively. Strengthened beams with CFRP strips without spacing between them strengthened the bottom chord of the opening furthermore and they were best scheme of strengthening beam with vertical opening and increased shear capacity by about 12% for both types of opening.
Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Urban Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Adults
Authors: Crowe Teresa
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate help-seeking behaviors among 228 self-identified culturally Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals living in Washington, DC, and the surrounding metropolitan area. Results indicate that the vast majority of participants reported feeling stressed, worried, or anxious. A large proportion of the sample reported feeling sad, unhappy, or depressed and experiencing discrimination because of being deaf. Despite these reports, more than three quarters of the sample reported that they were unlikely to seek help if they experienced a serious personal or emotional problem. Race and physical abuse were significant predictors of seeking help. Culturally sensitive interventions can contribute positively to Deaf individuals seeking help.
Neighborhood Disorder, Urban Stressors, and Street Codes: A Model for Exploring Social Determinants of Life-Course Trajectories
Authors: Bennett M. Daniel
Published: October 2017

This article reviews relevant literature and proposes a theoretically grounded conceptual model by which to inform, and potentially advance, the exploratory study of the effects of neighborhood disorder on the psychosocial, emotional, and cultural pathways that are thought to influence social and developmental outcomes for African American youth and young adults. Similar to the social determinants of health model which asserts that the distribution of social and economic resources across populations influences differences in health status, the proposed model posits that environment determines social and developmental outcomes and hence life-course trajectories.
On the problem of translation difficlties of technical terms in engineering students.
Authors: Oksana Korbut
Published: October 2017

The article is devoted to the problem of technical terms translation. It deals with the difficulties which appear in the translation of technical texts. The definitions of such concepts as “term”, “translation” and “technical translation” are given. The difference between the terms and the words in general use is specified. Main types of technical terms classification according to their structure are described. Examples of plain, complex and phrase technical terms are given. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the attributive phrase technical terms translation. Main peculiarities of the technical terms translation are defined and analyzed by the author. The author also considers the main criteria which students have to follow in technical texts translation. The analysis of the most difficult for translation technical terms is given by the author. Brief description of the main technical translation types is presented in the article. The attention is paid to the requirements for the technical terms translation. The main terms translation method, which is used by the students in technical literature translation, is specified by the author. The author also defines and gives examples of the words, which can be used as special terms in technical texts. The significance and importance of the considered technical terms translation peculiarities is outlined in the article.
Advantages and disadvantages of Internet in language teaching.
Authors: Nikitina Natalia
Published: October 2017

Article is devoted to the use of Internet resources in foreign language teaching. We consider the numerous advantages of using the World Wide Web, and use of information to improve teaching and practice of certain types of speech activity. Examples of the application of online resources to practice writing, speaking, listening and reading are given. As an example, certain websites are mentioned, where teachers of foreign languages may find some useful information to enhance and improve the teaching of foreign language. There are various aspects of Internet resources for practice of improvement lexical and grammatical material for different levels of foreign language. Attention is focused on good practice and opportunity of live communication with native speakers is excellent, the use of accumulated material and the ability to expand vocabulary and knowledge. For students it is important to hear not only the teacher but also a true native speaker. In addition, the English language itself, is very versatile and varied. So, the British pronunciation markedly differs from American or Australian pronunciation. Thus, the student can hear the different tones and features of pronunciation by communicating with native foreign language speakers from different countries.
Equivalence translation of phraseological synonyms.
Authors: Olena Yashchuk
Published: October 2017

This article is devoted to phraseological English synonyms, interchangeability and translation equivalence. This paper examines the state of the phenomenon of synonymy in phraseology at present, classifies phraseological units and phraseological synonyms in particular, common translation techniques of idiomatic synonyms, according to different levels of equivalence. The scientific relevance of the work is a synthesis of the linguistic nature of phraseological synonyms, as well as organizing methods of translation. The object of the research, thus, is English and Ukrainian phraseological synonyms. Its subject comprises peculiarities of translation of those synonyms from English into Ukrainian. Phraseological synonyms are those units whose values are close, but thanks to the stylistic and semantic nuances they can be distinguished. Phraseological synonyms are those, with similar meanings, and as a rule, they correlate with the same part of speech, which have partially similar or identical lexical-phraseological compatibility, but are different in meaning, stylistic nuance. This article summarizes different ways of translation of phraseological synonyms from English to Ukrainian, namely phraseological (full phraseological equivalent, partial equivalent and individual equivalent) non-phraseological (lexical translation, calquing, descriptive translation, contextual or selective translation). The purpose of using idiomatic translation is to reproduce the full equivalent in target language.
Development and Introduction of the Risk-Sentience Auxiliary Framework (RSAF) as a Robust Enabler to the ISO 31000 and ISO 31010 for High-Risk Environments
Authors: Selvaseelan Jerry
Published: October 2017

The aim of this Irish study was to develop, implement and evaluate a new auxiliary risk management framework and process to serve as an enabler to the global ISO 31000 [5] risk framework and ISO 31010 processes [38]. This framework has been designed particularly for use within high-risk environments and those characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA). The key objective was optimization of structured sharing and grass-root management of all available risk-information which have assessed potential to develop into a future identifiable risk. The author introduces new risk terminology including risk-sentience, risk-sentience information and risk-sentience management. The process involved development of the Theory of Risk-Sentience (ToRS), Risk-Sentience Auxiliary Framework (RSAF) and a risk-sentience management process referred to as LUOMEAR (Learning from Uncertainties, Others Mistakes, Experiences and Anecdotal Reporting). Manchester Patient Safety Framework (MaPSaF) [32], SWOT analysis and a newly developed Risk-Sentience Fertility Checklist were used to conduct pre and post-trial evaluations. The findings include positive adjustments in safety culture components of commitment to quality, communication and team-working around safety issues, access to evolving risk-information and efficient sharing and management of recorded risk-information with potential to develop into a future identifiable risk. Recommendations are made for more extensive applications of both the proposed auxiliary risk framework and process within high-risk sectors to further explore its effectiveness and scope.
Social Systems: Resources and Strategies
Authors: Brazhnikov Pavel
Published: October 2017

This theoretical article reviews the model describing processes in social systems based on the analysis of their resource base. Application of the system theory can help to explain why some systems are aimed at prevention of type I errors, while other seek to decrease quantity of type II errors. Such differences are manifested in investment of resources either into deep interaction or into wide coverage. Some examples of such strategies in economic, market and production systems are provided in the article. The article introduces some provisions of the system theory in the context of the resource flows. The main indicators that are considered in this article are the characteristics of the sources of the exchanging flows of resources. Their relative frequency and quality are investigated, on the basis of which the most effective strategy of the system is derived, as a mechanism for redistributing resources. The rigor of the system's strategy depends on the magnitude of the difference in characteristics. It is explained how exactly it influences the exchange processes, that in reality systems do not interact simultaneously, and one of the opposite resource flows is always delayed. It is shown how the system strategy depends on the risks linked with interactions. Also, there are grounds for the need to accumulate resources, including in the situation of their surplus. The model helps also explain shift of economic centers throughout history. Additionally, there is an analogy between systems strategies and the competitive strategies described by M. Porter, and outsourcing versus integration.
Full-Scale/Model Test Comparisons to Validate the Traditional ABL Wind Tunnel Simulation Technique: A Literature Review
Authors: Cheng X.X. , Dong J. , Peng Y. , Zhao L. , Ge Y.J.
Published: October 2017

Full-scale/model test comparison studies to validate the traditional ABL wind tunnel simulation technique are reviewed. According to the literature review, notable discrepancies between full-scale measurement results and model test results were observed by most performed comparison studies, but the causes of the observed discrepancies were not revealed in a scientific way by those studies. In this regard, a new research scheme for future full-scale/model test comparison studies is proposed in this article, which utilizes the multiple-fan actively controlled wind tunnel simulation technique. With the new research scheme, future full-scale/model test comparison studies are expected to reasonably disclose the main problems with the traditional ABL wind tunnel simulation technique, and the technique can be improved correspondingly.
State Forest Management Organisations in Europe: A comparison using Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis
Authors: Liubachyna Anna , Bubbico Antonio , Secco Laura , Pettenella Davide
Published: October 2017

State Forest Management Organizations (SFMOs) play a crucial role in the European forest sector, managing almost half the forests in the region. SFMOs are often managed for timber production only whereas, being publicly owned, they should play an important role in providing a vast range of public goods (e.g. soil protection, biodiversity conservation). Their management goals depend on the history and current conditions of the forest sector at a national level, as well as different challenges and the potential for development. Although there is a lack of knowledge about the current performance of SFMOs, there have been recent changes to their management goals and practices in response to the new demands expressed by society (e.g. transparency, social inclusion). The main purpose of this study is to analyse the current situation of SFMOs by clustering them according to indicators that reflect three pillars of the common understanding of sustainable forest management (SFM) concept. With the help of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), we grouped countries according to common characteristics of the forest sector at the national level. Results show three main clusters of SFMOs in Europe. The first cluster has rather small but commercially-oriented forestry unit together with other business activities and a strong focus on public services. The second sees itself as the protector of public interest, rather than commercially-oriented organisations. The third is mainly profit-seeking. The existence of diverse SFMO clusters shows the possibility of different approaches for SFM with a focus on different goals (e.g. profit gaining, public service delivery).
New fixed point results in partial quasi-metric spaces
Authors: Mohammadi Zahra , Valero Oscar
Published: October 2017

In 1970, D.S. Scott gave applications of Kleene’s fixed point theorem to describe the meaning of recursive denotational specifications in programming languages. Later on, in 1994, S.G. Matthews and, in 1995, M.P. Schellekens gave quantitative counterparts of the Kleene fixed point theorem which allowed to apply partial metric and quasi-metric fixed point techniques to denotational semantics and asymptotic complexity analysis of algorithms in the spirit of Scott. Recently, in 2005, J.J. Nieto and R. Rodríguez-López made an in-depth study of how to reconcile order-theoretic and metric fixed point techniques in the classical metric case with the aim of providing the existence and uniqueness of solutions to first-order differential equations admitting only the existence of a lower solution. Motivated by the aforesaid fixed point results we prove a partial quasi-metric version, when the specialization order is under consideration, of the fixed point results of Nieto and Rodríguez-López in such a way that the results of Matthews and Schellekens can be retrieved as a particular case.
Limitation of EOR Applications in Tight Oil Formation
Authors: Mansour Ahmed , Gamadi Talal , Emadibaladehi Hossein , Watson Marshall
Published: October 2017

Tight oil reservoirs have become one of the main forces of oil production growth in the USA. Only 3% to 7% of the oil can be recovered under primary depletion. Further improvement in oil recovery in tight oil reservoirs can be achieved by applying gas flooding or huff ‘n’ puff. However, these methods have limitations, especially when dealing with ultra-low permeable formations. Hence, the objective of this study was to discover the limitations of EOR methods in tight formation.

A 2D compositional simulation model was used to investigate the limitations of applying gas flooding and huff ‘n’ puff in a tight formation. The results were compared under distinct scenarios and conditions. Distinct values of well spacing were used to identify the optimal well spacing. Different average permeability values were used to study the effect of permeability value on the EOR performance in tight formation.

The Simulation Model results showed a potential of applying EOR in tight formation under specific conditions. Well spacing optimization has a significant effect on the gas flooding performance in tight formations. Hence, it is recommended to identify the well spacing before commencing gas flooding or huff ‘n’ puff. This simulation study showed any formation with a permeability less than 0.01 md should not be considered for gas flooding due to gas injectivity issues, long injection time, and long depletion time. Huff ‘n’ puff showed better results and more oil recovery at a permeability less than 0.01 md. Simulation results showed that any formation with a permeability greater than 0.1 md may be considered for gas flooding because of the following reasons: gas flooding showed a better recovery factor compared to the huff ‘n’ puff method; short depletion time was needed to start gas injection; and gas flooding required less injection time and provided long well spacing.

This study increases understanding of the EOR factor in a tight formation. The results of the study showed the limitations of the EOR using simulation approaches. Knowing the disadvantages and limitations of EOR in tight formations will lead to improving the efficiency of EOR in tight formations.
De-Risking Chemical EOR Pilot in a Giant Carbonate Reservoir of Kuwait During Pre-Pilot Phase
Authors: Tiwari Sanhita , AlAbdullah Mohammad , Al-Dhuwaihi Abdulaziz , Al-Ajmi Moudi
Published: October 2017

Encouraging results from Lab, simulation studies and single well pilot tests (SWCT tests) using ASP flooding provided confidence to conduct multi well pilot test. A confined, normal 5-spot pattern CEOR pilot is planned. SAMA performance over its waterflood life of 17 years has highlighted reservoir heterogeneity in terms of rock and fluids. The paper describes activities performed during pre-pilot phase of drilling 7 pilot wells to de-risk the complexities expected in this carbonate reservoir.

Drilling of 7 close spacing vertical well within 5 acre required proper planning and drilling sequence. Out of the seven wells, four corner wells are drilled as injectors and center well as producer. Two observation wells within the pilot area include a sampling well and the other completed with fiberglass casing as a logging well. Data acquisition from coring, formation pressure measurement, sampling, H2S measurement and logging is meticulously planned and quality checked.

The main objective of this CEOR pilot is to field test the efficacy of the ASP formulation prepared in the lab. This pilot scale testing would help a better risk assessment and estimate of incremental oil gain due to this technology application. Field-wide implementation of this technology in Sabiriyah Mauddud and other reservoirs in NK will depend on the success of this CEOR Pilot. All 7 EOR pilot wells were successfully drilled despite many challenges using industry’s best practices. Enormous good quality data was generated during drilling of these wells which will aid in understanding the complexity of reservoir within small pilot area and help in implementation of Chemical EOR in Sabiriyah Mauddud reservoir. All the information generated during pre-pilot will be utilized for starting up this CEOR pilot.

EOR in carbonate reservoir has been a challenge for the oil industry. These challenges and related risks are mostly attributed to the complexity of reservoir description. Good quality wells and exhaustive information generated during pre-pilot phase did provide valuable insights to de-risk and ensure proper implementation of the Chemical EOR pilot project in a carbonate reservoir which will be a harbinger for North Kuwait’s efforts to exploit EOR reserves.
Reaping The Benefits of the Mega Water Flood Project in North Kuwait - Production Enhancement Opportunities Tracking & Implementing
Authors: Saleh Nada , Chetri Hom , Al-Twaitan Tasneem , Al-qenae Amna
Published: October 2017

Sabiriyah Mauddud and Upper Burgan are two of the giant reservoirs in North Kuwait(NK) under active water flood since 2000. About 400 MBWPD of water is currently being injected to maintain the reservoir pressure & improve the production/recovery. A comprehensive workflow process was developed and implemented to understand the waterflood performance, pressure-production response trends and map the opportunities to encash the benefits in terms of quick oil gains. The paper discusses the best practices adopted to increase production from two of the water flooded reservoirs in NK.

Sound workflow process was created by integrating the technical inputs under collaborative environment from subsurface & surface teams. Series of segment reviews are conducted to understand the connectivity between producers & injectors, duly integrating all surveillance data. Analytical diagnostic tools have been used to distinguish between the good water and bad water and improve the VRR & sweep. Live ESP data is monitored and tracked at intelligent field collaboration centre to decide about the actions for the wells requiring ESP upsizing, downsizing and VSD/choke optimization. Wells with running ESPs were identified for VSD & choke optimization, using rationalized technical criteria. Wells with failed ESPs are reviewed for smart replacements with water shut off/water flood conformance & ESP re-design. Simultaneous actions for the well model creation; running sensitivity and scheduling in the workover rig are taken up.

ESP upsize, along with VSD installation/choke optimization, was implemented in number of wells with significant oil gain (about 11% enhancement within a short time frame). As a part of the process established, this activity has become a regular practice in NK. Such wells are under constant monitoring so that water injection actions in nearby injectors, if needed, could be taken up such as allowable management, arresting the declining trend etc. The benefit of mega water flood activities have been reaped in terms of production enhancement adhering to the best reservoir management practices.

Quick understanding of the Water flood response and relignment of actions on the associated wells via rigless and rig workovers is the key to the success for significant ramp of the NK production within a short time window of 6-7 months. Several work flow processes established during the campaign are now deeply imbeded within NK asset.
Decision-Based Modeling: Linking Subsurface Modeling Strategies to Business Decisions in KOC's Viscous Oil Field Developments
Authors: Al-Dohaiem Khalid , Warrlich Georg , Cheers Mike , Reijnders Gert-Jan , Jha Madan , Bagheri Mohammad Ali , Saikia Pabitra , Zhang Ian
Published: October 2017

When developing and operating oil and gas fields, a large number of engineering decisions need to be taken. These decisions range from the very high-level such as recovery mechanism, facility sizing or well count to more detailed decisions such as individual well placements, well design and completion strategies. Typically, subsurface models play a role in informing these decisions by testing their effect on forecasted production and it is generally held best practice to test them against a wide range of subsurface conditions, a range that expresses the envelope of subsurface uncertainty. Whilst these commonly held objectives are more or less universal, selecting an appropriate subsurface modelling strategy (i.e. what to model & how to model it) to achieve these objectives usually generates more divergent views. Whilst there are always various valid modelling approaches available which are both geologically and numerically valid, a good modelling strategy pays close attention to the type of the specific decisions being taken for the project and the accuracy required to take those decisions.

To align these views, in decision-based modelling, business decisions and their timing were mapped to the models needed to make the estimates that inform them. Dialogue between the disciplines established the accuracy required for these estimates, and these discussions often revealed surprising opportunities to simplify processes and accelerate delivery. The outcome is a common view on a decision-driven modeling strategy that enables business decisions to be taken efficiently. This strategy, and the subsequent delivery plan that is developed from it is seen as a key to success.

This paper describes the decision-based approach taken in the subsurface modelling required to support quality development decisions for the development of two of KOC's Heavy oil fields through the Enhanced Technical Service Agreement (ETSA) between Shell and KOC. In this particular application of the process, the suite of models to be built has been mutually agreed at the start by the integrated development team through a structured collaborative workshop, or Model Framing Event. A fullfield and a sector model for 2 different fields are discussed to exemplify the link between required decision and supporting modelling approach.
Formation Evaluation of Thin Bedded Unconventional Reservoir and Its Impact on Reserves Estimation of Bahariya Oil Bearing Reservoir in Alfadl & Alqadr Field, Abu Gharadig Basin, Western Desert, Egypt
Authors: El-Bendary Ahmed A. , El-Sayed Moustafa M. , Mabrouk Ibrahim M. , Bakr Ahmed
Published: October 2017

Thin-bedded reservoirs of sand and shale, which contains hydrocarbons was determined in Abu Gharadig Basin, however the hydrocarbon-in-place is not properly quantified which is reflected on the volumetric calculations. The net pay and hydrocarbon saturation assessment is challenging in Shaly sand reservoir, with low resistivity and low contrast log response.

The scope of this study is to overcome the petrophysical challenges in reservoir evaluation and reach more accurate volumetric calculations using advanced unconventional evaluation modules.

Integrating the available data lead to a more accurate petrophysical evaluation. At first, the core data was used to divide the reservoir into different rock types by calculating the (FZI). The next step was integrating the core petrographic analysis with the available electric logging data to identify the clay types and shale distribution in the reservoir and their properties by following Thomas-Stieber diagrams.

The results of the previously stated methodology showed that, two types of Shaly distribution are present in the reservoir; the first one is a laminated Shaly sand reservoir for which the low resistivity pay evaluation module was used for the saturation calculations. The second type of clays was dispersed clays within the sand which had a major effect on the reservoir porosity and hence a different evaluation module was used. Waxman-Smitts method was used to calculate the saturation for the reservoir affected by this shale distribution.

The third step was using both the capillary pressure measurements form the SCAL core data and the FWL derived from the pressure data analysis to construct a saturation height function model which was used to calibrate the saturation calculations from the Shaly sand analysis modules.

In order to effectively address uncertainties within the reservoir as well as model the heterogeneities variations across the field, Electrofacies model was used to identify rock facies distribution which helped create conceptual model scenarios to be used in the Static model realizations. This model integrated sedimentary, structure and texture information interpreted from standard logs and core data. This integration provides a powerful tool for the distribution of reservoir characterizations.
Defining the Sulphur Logistic Requirements for Jurassic Gas Facilities-I
Authors: Blas Wilfredo L. , Al-Dousari Fahad Obaid , Al-Otaibi Mohammed , Amott Nicholas P.
Published: October 2017

The Jurassic Gas Facilities I (JGF-I) project marks Kuwait Oil Company’s (KOC) first major sour gas development project in North Kuwait (NK). The facilities are designed to handle a peak production of one thousand and two hundred metric tons per day (1200 MTPD) of molten sulphur. The sulphur will be loaded onto dedicated trucks and hauled to Kuwait National Petroleum Corporation’s (KNPC’s) Mina Al-Ahmadi (MAA) Refinery. The sulphur is then pelletized and sent out for export. The refinery is located approximately 145 kilometres south by road from the JGF-I facilities. A total equivalent of 63.5 million kilometres would have been travelled by sulphur trucks over a 20-year period.

Trucks are usually the most appropriate way of transporting goods and people overland. However, road transport is the biggest cause of fatalities within upstream companies and contractors. Kuwait is one of the countries with the highest number of fatalities resulting from car accidents [3], with 18.7 fatalities per 100,000 of the population [1].

It is essential that roads and other associated infrastructure, including traffic and road behaviour, is assessed intensively using route surveys. Consideration must always be given to using alternatives and evaluated for cost benefits, efficiency and risk exposure. Such an evaluation must also include handling and storage of goods where appropriate [9].

This paper describes how the project developed a tour-based transport model to define the required number of trucks and loading bays. The model also aided in the identification and quantification of potential bottlenecks. The results were used to engage with the appropriate external stakeholder(s) who have the biggest influence on the sulphur transport operations. Minimising the required size of the truck fleet will reduce the road transportation risks.