bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Interaction of Asphaltenes with Solvents Water and Clays During Bitumen Extraction through Solvent-Steam Injection
Authors: Kar Taniya , Hascakir Berna
Published: December 2016

Co-injection of solvents with steam increases the oil recovery factor and reduces significantly the environmental impact of steam injection processes. Nevertheless, the quality of the extracted bitumen is important to evaluate the process performance which is affected by the solvent-bitumen interaction. This interaction might lead to emulsion formation and asphaltene precipitation. These unfavorable flow assurance problems are associated with the behavior of asphaltenes in solvent-steam processes. Thus, it is important to observe the factors affecting the interfacial forces among asphaltenes-solvents-water prior to any field application. This work investigates the fundamental aspects of the solvent-bitumen interaction during solvent-steam injection processes. A Canadian bitumen was studied. The role of individual saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA) fractions of bitumen on solvent-steam process performance was examined both at liquid and vapor water conditions. The behavior of asphaltenes was investigated through systematic microscopic analyses with the absence and presence of reservoir rock. Also, the asphaltenes behavior after toluene (asphaltene soluble aromatic hydrocarbon) and n-pentane (asphaltene insoluble aliphatic hydrocarbon) addition was observed under the microscope. While toluene completely dissolves asphaltenes immediately, n-pentane leads to asphaltenes precipitation with bigger clusters. After these control experiments, the same tests were carried out with the addition of saturates and/or aromatics fractions of crude oil to the asphaltenes fraction. It showed that saturates lead to aggregation of asphaltene clusters at a higher rate than n-pentane, while aromatics dissolve the asphaltenes at a lower rate than toluene. Hence, it was found that the asphaltenes precipitating power of saturates is higher than n-pentane. However, results reveal that asphaltenes mainly interact with water and aromatics fraction of bitumen. The water-asphaltene interaction causes the emulsion formation and the aromatics-clay interaction is responsible for clay migration and higher amount of asphaltene precipitation. The results of this study help us to understand the factors acting upon displacement of bitumen during solvent-steam processes.
Evaluating Liquid CO2 Injection Technique for Oil Recovery Using Core Flood Experiments
Authors: Hamdi Zakaria , Awang Mariyamni , Zamani Atefeh
Published: December 2016

CO2 injection has been used for several decades as a successful recovery method in enhanced oil recovery. The main impact of CO2 is on lowering minimum miscibility pressure. However, the unfavorable mobility of CO2 force us to use CO2 with other methods such as water alternating gas to minimize this effect. Low temperature CO2 injection may cover the role of the water and other fluids in this process. The injection of CO2 at low temperatures open a unique opportunity to investigate the potential for usage of low temperature CO2 as an enhanced oil recovery method.

In this study, the effect of low temperature injection in a high temperature system is evaluated. Earlier studies suggested that this method could be beneficial. However, it is not verified by core flooding experiments. If proven effective, the usage of CO2 would add its advantage along with its current huge economic and environmental advantages against other EOR methods.

The results show that injection of low temperature CO2 has a direct impact on recovery factor inside a high temperature system. The main outcome of this study is the proof for the effectiveness of low temperature CO2 usage as early as a reliable secondary recovery method in macro scale without any major unfavorable effects such as early breakthrough and gravity override. This study provides an economic way to increase the recovery while minimum modifications of available techniques are needed. No chemical agents were used as the production cost should be minimized. In addition, this study provides the ability for CO2 storage which also favors other conventional methods in terms of CO2 emission.
A Novel Approach for Far-Field Stress Evaluation in Shallow Heavy Oil Formation
Authors: Ahmed Khalid , Taqi Fatma , Ahmad Fatma , Kumar Subbiah Surej , Devkar Sambhaji
Published: December 2016

Steam injection by Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) and Steamflood (SF) are the selected enhanced oil recovery methods in a Kuwait shallow formation. Initial single wells and recent 5-spot pilots for CSS has production affected by sanding issues from the unconsolidated formation. A robust reservoir geomechanical model and cap rock integrity characterization on a field scale is a prerequisite for successful design and implementation of the two target steam-based EOR techniques for commercial exploitation.

Conventional geomechanical modeling approaches normally depend on history matching of the in-situ rock failure. However, lack of quality data measurements for minimum and maximum horizontal stress was major challenge for soft sediment rock.

Unconsolidated formation have their own inherent issues. Rock being weak and soft, it has low strength, as exhibited by the unconfined compressive strength (UCS). It also has comparatively lower values for the elastic moduli. Most of the time, the Leak Off Tests (LOT) carried out in such formation lead to inconclusive and questionable interpretation, as the pressure regime used is extremely low and this leads to uncertainty in stress measurement. Any thermal EOR project in such shallow-depth and unconsolidated formation heavily relies on a competent cap rock in place, whose integrity under the combined effect of thermo-mechanical-stress can be put to severe test.

To overcome the challenges of: a) weak soft sediments having low rock strength and elastic moduli, b) uncertainty in the stress measurement, c) inconclusive interpretation of leak off tests (LOT), a novel method was suggested. An Integrated Stress Analysis (ISA) approach was used for geomechanical modeling to evaluate magnitude of horizontal stresses from advanced sonic measurements and 3D dipole radial profiles. Data can be further used for estimating rock mechanical properties, stress orientation and Transverse Isotropy of Vertical symmetry axis (TIV) parameters.

A comprehensive anisotropic geomechanical model was built from the ISA and advanced 3D sonic output, which was validated using results from independently acquired minifracs run in offset wells.

This model could accurately predict potential drilling hazards and wellbore breakout. More than 10% acoustic anisotropy in horizontal stress was also found in sand intervals, which requires more careful approach while deciding the injection parameters. Multi-well analysis and geomechanical modeling also indicated variation in horizontal stresses ratio and direction across the field.

This paper provides a new approach for stress estimation of shallow heavy oil formation demonstrating how rock can behave as anisotropic material from sonic measurements, resulting in better constrain of tectonic and effective stresses. As special tool required to conduct minifrac in each wells and it is costly, using this novel approach to estimate stress magnitude is preferred.
Production Data Management System to Enhance Collaboration and Production Surveillance, Large Steam Thermal Pilot North LSTPN KOC - Heavy Oil Field
Authors: Gonzalez S. , Al-Khamees Waleed , Abdalla A. W , Rajab S. Y. , Fadul I. , Jama A. , Hamlaoui A.
Published: December 2016

The Large Scale Steam Flood Pilot with two patterns in South Ratqa Field (Heavy Oil – North Kuwait) is considered the first of its kind in KOC and a major milestone for North Kuwait (NK) Heavy Oil Development program. The pilot program is crucial for NK Heavy Oil development plans as it will allow the evaluation of the Lower Fars Heavy Oil reservoir at close spacing, and it will assess the implication of the selected recovery process for South Ratqa (SR) field operations and project economics. In addition, the project will enable NK to: ✓Optimised production of Heavy Oil reserve through Steam Flood✓Assess well completion integrity and optimum A/L type✓Identify Cost optimization opportunities for Heavy Oil phased development

The two patterns test different schemes, one for the evaluation of 10-Acre spacing with the second for evaluation of 5-Acre spacing with inverted five spot configurations. The 10-Acre pattern consists of 13 wells (Producer/Injector) plus 7 observation wells; the 5-Acre pattern consists of 13 wells (Producer/Injector) plus 4 observation wells. All observation wells are equipped with Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) systems. Furthermore, for the first time in KOC, all wells are equipped with the thermal wellhead stack up to allow operations while injecting or prodcing. This will greatly save time, rig cost and minimize workover interventions.

Production and Reservoir engineers frequently use allocated volumes to estimate current production volumes from wells based on frequent well test data or theoretical calculations using well and reservoir characteristics.

The KOC Heavy Oil asset deployed a production data management system (PDMS) from early days of Large Steam Thermal Pilot North (LSTPN) production to establish a scalable and reliable workprocess among the organisation. The production and operations data management system manages steam injection, soaking and the production phases through data collection, quality control validation and production back allocation as well as shortfall analysis for planned and unplanned downtime events.

The new system provides main checks for the steam injection and emulsion production streams, track gathering systems functionality through time, derive the allocation networks, and produce internal and external reports.
Permanent Magnet Motor-Hydraulically Regulated-PCP PMM-HR-PCP: An Innovative Artificial Lift System for Horizontal and Deviated Wells Producing High Viscous Oil with Gas & Sand
Authors: Kommaraju Srinivas Rao , Pandey Dharmesh Chandra , Ahmad Al-Naqi , Dashti Hussain , Al-Khamees Waleed
Published: December 2016

Sucker Rod Pump (SRP) and Progressive Cavity pumps (PCP) are two proven artificial lift methods used in horizontal wells cold production applications in a heavy oil green field in Kuwait. However, these artificial lift methods have some limitations with respect to depth, production rates, well trajectory and high viscous fluids and even more when handling gas and sand/ solids.

Other important limitation with Conventional PCP in deviated wells with significant Dog Leg Severity (DLS), is tubing/ rod wear which can result in pump failures & well interventions which will ultimately hinder production.

In view of the above issues, an innovative artificial lift system was selected, combining an Electric Submersible Permanent Magnet Motor (PMM) with a Hydraulically Regulated Progressing Cavity Pump (HRPCP) including a modified stator/ rotor geometry for better gas handling capabilities replacing the conventional PCP.

This paper presents preliminary results from a short field test of the PMM HRPCP system the first of its kind implemented on trial basis in a heavy oil green field operated by Kuwait Oil Company. This artificial lift system helped in lowering the pump intake pressure and reached the pump off condition by achieving optimal pressure distribution along the pump while pumping fluids with higher gas void fractions. This has resulted in production rate increment of 20 percent approximately, reducing the power consumption by 50 %, saving the down time for drive head maintenance and reducing oil deferment. This has ultimately resulted in optimization of OPEX (operating costs) and maximizing profit.
Production Optimization in Heavy Oil Recovery Processes
Authors: Temizel Cenk , Kirmaci Harun , Inceisci Turgay , Wijaya Zein , Zhang Ming , Balaji Karthik , Suhag Anuj , Ranjith Rahul , Al-Otaibi Basel , Al-Kouh Ahmad , Zhu Ying , Yegin Cengiz
Published: December 2016

Asphaltene precipitation is caused by numerous factors such as temperature, pressure and compositional vartiations. Drilling, completion, acid stimulation, and hydraulic fracturing activities can also result in settling in the near-wellbore region. Heavier crudes have a fewer precipitation issue becasue of dissolving more asphaltene. Thus, it is crucial to understand the significance of each uncertainty and control variables not only theoretically, but also with application to real-life examples, such as with this model that uses a 32-degree API South American oil to demonstrate the importance of each variable to shed light in order to efficiently manage such reservoirs.

A commercial optimization and uncertainty tool is combined with a full-physics commercial simulator, which can create a model to investigate the significance of major factors influencing the performance of wells in temperature-dependent asphaltene precipitation and irreversible flocculation. Temperature-dependent asphaltene precipitation and irreversible flocculation are modelled where no precipitation occurs at the original reservoir temperature, and flocculated asphaltene is allowed to deposit through surface adsorption and pore throat plugging. The exponent in the power law relating porosity reduction to the permeability resistance factor, is modified to change the effect of asphaltene deposition on permeability reduction.

Lower temperatures are specified around the wellbore causing asphaltene precipitation. And then, optimization and sensitivity have been performed on major reservoir parameters including well operational parameters, and fluid and rock properties. Moreover, each parameter has been demonstrated in tornado diagrams. It was concluded that employing feasible methods on handling of reservoir uncertainties are as important as management of well operational parameters for effective reservoir management.

This study provides an in-depth optimization and uncertainty analysis to outline the significance of each major parameter involved in production performance, and ultimately the recovery efficiency in reservoirs with temperature-dependent asphaltene precipitation and irreversible flocculation.
Assessment and Compatibility Study of Lower Fares Formation Water and Alkaline Steam Injection Water Heavy Oil North Kuwait
Authors: Al-Maheimad Imad , Mukadam Shabbir , Al-Matar Badar
Published: December 2016

Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) is planning to adopt thermal method for the recovery of heavy oil in its north Kuwait heavy oil reservoir. However there are growing concern of salts precipitation and scaling deposits, especially magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) in the targeted reservoirs due to the potential reaction of alkaline steam water mixture with the reservoir waters which contain significant concentration of magnesium, barium and other components. A comprehensive compatibility study was carried out using laboratory test and computer scaling predictions of scaling tendencies of the fluids as follows: Alkaline steam boiler feed water (SBFW) with the Lower Fars (LF) formation waterHeavy oil Produced water (formation + condensed water) from the thermal wells) with the Tayarat formation water

This paper presents the results of computer scaling study performed using ScaleChem simulation software and laboratory examination of water compatibility using the Jar test analysis for mixing alkaline steam boiler water (SBFW) with the Lower Fars formation water (LFW).

The main objectives of this study were as follows: To analyze and characterize the SBFW and LFWTo perform computer scale compatibility study to predict type and masses of scale that could be generated as a result of mixing pH adjusted steam water with the LF water.To predict scaling tendency of individual waters at defined temperature and pressure conditionsTo check compatibility of these waters using laboratory Jar tests

The type of scale and the location in which it is predicted to occur are important factors when considering the risk of scale formation. Scales such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) can be removed relatively easily with the appropriate chemical treatment. Alternatively, scales such as barium sulphate (BaSO4) are much more resistant to chemical treatments and can require more specialized products. These chemical treatments present significant health and environmental risks, and considerable additional expense. Results indicated that both calcium sulphate (CaSO4) and Mg(OH)2 are predicted to form in the boiler and the amounts of solid phase is computed to exceed 3,000 mg/l, depending on the inlet pH. At lower pH, in the mixing calculation for the reservoir, BaSO4 is dominant scale. At higher pH, several scales are computed to exist.
Suitable Methodology for Testing & Production of Shallow Unconsolidated Sour Heavy Oil Field in Kuwait
Authors: Ibrahim Anwar Mohamad , Awadi Mishari Al , Kumar Munna , Ranjan Akash , Al-Otaibi Fahad , Safar Ahmad Bin , Ajmi Saleh Al , Ajmi Mohamad Al , Enezi Abdullah Al , Enezi Khlood Al , Enezi Yousef Al
Published: December 2016

The objective of this paper is to explain the best practice adopted in exploration while perforating & testing of shallow unconsolidated sour heavy oil reservoirs & challenges faced during first testing phase and the adopted strategy for development of the field and during wells production phase with available solutions.

Cold flow testing method using PCP was used to test heavy Oil (°API, 15-21) bearing unconsolidated formation of low GOR with 5-18 % H2S, formation pressure 250-430 psi at depth 400-850 ft. In testing campaign, different testing intervals were perforated with 4.5", 5spf, 0.47" EHD gun and tested with low capacity PCP chosen to handle the anticipated challenges acquired from drilling, logging and MDT sampling data. Individual tests in 4 wells, proved huge potential of the field. Based on the IPR, Extended Commingle test was done with bigger PCP and achieved around 1000 BPD, this boosted confidence in the newly discovered project to develop and produce commercially.

Highly encouraged from initial testing and extended commingle cold flow test, Phase-II was approved for development and production. 20 wells were drilled and 15 were successfully tested utilizing higher capacity PCP, different perforating guns were utilized to minimize sand production, single & multi-layers tests were performed. The problem of sand production with several pump stuck becomes a challenge requires more frequent well cleaning operations. Few wells were completed with Insert PCP to avoid requirement of a W/O rig or pulling unit. 7 wells were completed with bigger pumps and put on production, but early formation water production surfaced as a major challenge. Based on current experience from both the phases, a low capacity PCP, lower shot density guns with medium EHD is being considered to minimize sand problem which was a success during initial testing. Testing using sand screen is another option under consideration. Also, a low rate production in range of 300 bpd is being considered. Different combinations of perforating system, PCP size and optimum production rate are under consideration to minimize the challenges & maximize field productivity. New surface testing equipment set up & combination of new technology was implemented for fine sand handling & higher flow measurement accuracy.

For the first time in Kuwait, cold flow test using PCP was a remarkable success for initial testing of highly sour shallow unconsolidated reservoir the field is being developed and produced simultaneously. Low rate production, suitable PCP and perforating system used during initial testing of each well is the key for way forward for the project. A combination of suitable PCP, implementation of sand screens, best suited perforating gun and suitable rate of production will maximize the oil recovery.
Carbon Nanotube Structure Vibration Based on Non-local Elasticity
Authors: Belhadj Abdelkadir , Boukhalfa Abdelkrim , Belalia Sid Ahmed
Published: December 2016

This manuscript investigates the bending vibration dynamic of a single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) based on the theory of non-local elasticity. Fundamental natural frequencies and mode shapes of the SWCNT are computed by using a semi-analytical procedure called differential quadrature method (DQM), which gives accurate results in reference with the exact solution.
Forecasting of UV-Vis absorbance time series using artificial neural networks combined with principal component analysis
Authors: Plazas-Nossa Leonardo , Hofer Thomas , Gruber Günter , Torres Andres
Published: December 2016

This work proposes a methodology for the forecasting of online water quality data provided by UV-Vis spectrometry. Therefore, a combination of principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce the dimensionality of a data set and artificial neural networks (ANNs) for forecasting purposes was used. The results obtained were compared with those obtained by using discrete Fourier transform (DFT). The proposed methodology was applied to four absorbance time series data sets composed by a total number of 5705 UV-Vis spectra. Absolute percentage errors obtained by applying the proposed PCA/ANN methodology vary between 10% and 13% for all four study sites. In general terms, the results obtained were hardly generalizable, as they appeared to be highly dependent on specific dynamics of the water system; however, some trends can be outlined. PCA/ANN methodology gives better results than PCA/DFT forecasting procedure by using a specific spectra range for the following conditions: (i) for Salitre wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) (first hour) and Graz West R05 (first 18 min), from the last part of UV range to all visible range; (ii) for Gibraltar pumping station (first 6 min) for all UV-Vis absorbance spectra; and (iii) for San Fernando WWTP (first 24 min) for all of UV range to middle part of visible range.
The occurrence of enhanced biological phosphorus removal in a 200,000 m3/day partial nitration and Anammox activated sludge process at the Changi water reclamation plant, Singapore
Authors: Cao Yeshi , Kwok Bee Hong , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M. , Daigger Glen T. , Png Hui Yi , Long Wah Yuen , Chye Chua Seng , Ghani Yahya A. B. D.
Published: December 2016

Mainstream partial nitritation and Anammox (PN/A) has been observed and studied in the step-feed activated sludge process at the Changi water reclamation plant (WRP), which is the largest WRP (800,000 m3/d) in Singapore. This paper presents the study results for enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) co-existing with PN/A in the activated sludge process. Both the in-situ EBPR efficiency and ex-situ activities of phosphorus release and uptake were high. The phosphorus accumulating organisms were dominant, with little presence of glycogen accumulating organisms in the activated sludge. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) mass balance illustrated that the carbon usage for EBPR was the same as that for heterotrophic denitrification, owing to autotrophic PN/A conversions. This much lower carbon demand for nitrogen removal, compared to conventional biological nitrogen removal, made effective EBPR possible. This paper demonstrated for the first time the effective EBPR co-existence with PN/A in the mainstream in a large full-scale activated sludge process, and the feasibility to accommodate EBPR into the mainstream PN/A process. It also shows EBPR can work under warm climates.
Apoyo social y sentido de comunidad en desplazados y damnificados en el departamento del Magdalena
Authors: Camargo Velásquez Anibal , Palacio Sañudo Jorge
Published: December 2016

En esta investigación se correlacionan las variables sentido de comunidad y apoyo social, en un grupo de 136 personas en situación de desplazamiento por la violencia; y víctimas de desastres de la ola invernal del 2010-2011 en el departamento del Magdalena. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron, la Escala de Sentido de Comunidad y el Cuestionario de apoyo social - MOS (Estudio de Desenlaces Médicos de Apoyo Social) adaptado para Colombia. Para el análisis de los datos, los grupos se dividieron en dos: el primero con 48 hombres entre 26 y 89 años (media de 57 años) y 36 mujeres entre 23 y 87 años (media de 55 años). En el segundo grupo participaron 44 hombres entre 25 y 91 años (media de 58 años) y 8 mujeres entre 23 a 49 años (media de 36 años). En cuanto al índice de sentido de comunidad se halló que el nivel es medio-alto (m=53,42), con el apoyo social se encontró que el índice general de apoyo social es alto (87,41). Como resultado dio una relación débil, positiva con un coeficiente de correlación 0,27 y significativa (valor P de 0,01). Se concluye que las dos variables interactúan entre sí pero con una débil relación.
Utilidad de menopause rating scale (mrs) en indígenas colombianas en climaterio
Authors: Monterrosa-Castro Álvaro , Paternina-Caicedo Ángel José , Herazo-Acevedo Edwin , Oviedo-Acevedo Heidi Celina , Campo Arias Adalberto
Published: December 2016

a Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) se compone teóricamente de tres dimensiones que evalúan síntomas somáticos, emocionales y urogenitales relacionados con la menopausia. La utilidad de las escalas varía según las características poblacionales y no se cuenta con investigaciones que corroboren estas dimensiones en población indígena. El objetivo fue evaluar la utilidad de las dimensiones y confiabilidad de MRS en indígenas colombianas. Se realizó análisis del patrón de respuesta de MRS en 914 mujeres indígenas, 507 posmenopáusicas y 407 premenopáusicas, entre 40-60 años, media 50,3 años (DE=5,9). Se estimó alfa de Cronbach para las dimensiones originales y para las que emergieron en el análisis factorial mediante el método de máxima verosimilitud y rotación oblicua promax. MRS mostró alfa de Cronbach: 0,86; la dimensión somática 0,63, la psicológica 0,75 y la urogenital 0,84. La puntuación fue significativamente superior en posmenopáusicas que premenopausia 14,4 (DE=6,4) vs. 8,4 (DE=5,9) p<0,001. El análisis de factores identificó dos factores; el primero que dio cuenta del 39,9% de la varianza (ítem 1,7,8,9,10,11) y el segundo del 14,2% (ítem 2,3,4,5,6). La primera dimensión tuvo alfa de Cronbach 0,86; y la segunda 0,81. MRS presentó alta consistencia interna, adecuada validez nomológica y dos dimensiones. Es necesario corroborar el desempeño de los instrumentos en diferentes poblaciones.
Diagnóstico de la situación de las visitas a pacientes recluidos en unidades de cuidados intensivos
Authors: Morales-Aguila Rosa Del Socorro , Lastre-Amell Gloria Elena , Pardo-Vasquez Alba , De La Hoz-Mercado Moises
Published: December 2016

La visita es el espacio donde es posible relacionarse el paciente, familia y personal de salud cuando los pacientes están recluidos en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Diagnosticar la situación de las visitas a pacientes recluidos en unidades de cuidados intensivos de Instituciones Prestadoras de Salud (IPS) de Barranquilla. Estudio descriptivo, transversal; la población fueron cinco unidades de cuidados intensivos, la muestra intrínseca correspondió a 34 participantes. Los resultados identificados en los encuestados coincidieron en el horario de visitas de mañana y tarde 53%; el tiempo de permanencia de los familiares durante la visita fue de media hora 30%; el número de personas permitidos es de tres familiares 70%; la información sobre la evolución del paciente la suministra el médico especialista 65%; se evidenció debilidad del 18% en la solicitud del consentimiento informado al realizar los procedimientos. Estos resultados sirven para generar cambios en el futuro con la atención prestada a los familiares de pacientes críticos, basados en las recomendaciones de la Asociación Americana de Cuidados Intensivos en visitas más flexibles centradas en la relación paciente familia, con el fin de minimizar la ansiedad producida por la gravedad de su situación y el entorno de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos.
Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en trabajadores de una fundacion, Cartagena
Authors: Montalvo-Prieto Amparo Astrid , Barcinilla-Alarcón Johana , Navarro-Guzmán Elindis
Published: December 2016

La enfermedad cardiovascular es uno de los mayores problemas de salud pública en el mundo, por ser incapacitante y costosa. Se considera un trastorno de origen multifactorial agrupados éstos en modificables y no modificable. Identificar los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en los trabajadores de una fundación, Cartagena. Se recolectó la información a 50 trabajadores de la Fundación objeto de estudio, mediante el procedimiento STEPS recomendado por la OMS, que permite diligenciar información sociodemográfica, mediciones físicas y bioquímicas.Los resultados se presentan utilizando la estadística descriptiva. Hubo una tasa de respuesta del 99,8 % del total de los participantes. El promedio de edad de los participantes fue de 30.48 años, el 84% consume alcohol y verduras 4,54 días a la semana, bajo nivel de actividad física en el 76%; sobrepeso en el 50% y el 12% presenta obesidad grado 2, antecedentes de diabetes 44% y de hipertensión el 66%. Determinar los factores de riesgo en etapas tempranas permitirá establecer acciones encaminadas a modificar estilos de vida y a disminuir el riesgo cardiovascular en los pacientes, además de promover el trabajo multisectorial para tomar decisiones y priorizar acciones.
A New Acceptance Sampling Plans Based on Percentiles for Odds Exponential Log Logistic Distribution
Authors: Rao G.S. , Rosaiah K. , Kalyani K. , Sivakumar D.C.U.
Published: December 2016

In this paper, acceptance sampling plans are developed for the odds exponential log logistic distribution (OELLD) introduced by Rosaiah et al. [1] based on lifetime percentiles when the life test is truncated at a predetermined time. The minimum sample size necessary to ensure the specified lifetime percentile is obtained under a given customer’s risk. The operating characteristic values of the sampling plans as well as the producer’s risk are presented. One example with real data set is also given as an illustration.
Dynamic Modeling of Hydrogen Sulfide within Enclosed Environments in Biosolids Recovery Facilities
Authors: Matos Rita Ventura , Matias Natércia , Ferreira Filipa , Matos José Saldanha
Published: December 2016

Hydrogen sulfide emissions from wastewater affect human health and equipment durability, thus presenting a complex issue for utilities. Several VOC emission models have been used before to predict H2S in collection systems and water resources recovery operations, even if with restrictions. By contrast, fewer studies focus on biosolids emissions and modelling. This paper presents a dynamic modelling approach to predict H2S concentration in a tank headspace of a wastewater biosolids recovery facility. Data from one of the largest Portuguese water resources recovery facilities was collected under different facility operating modes. The developed model adequately predicted H2S concentration, with R2 values of 0.89 and 0.78, for different periods of the year, thus showing how modelling may reliably contribute to utility operation decisions.
Histórias de vida de professoras rurais: apontamentos sobre questões históricas e políticas de formação
Authors: Ferreira Lúcia Gracia
Published: December 2016

Este trabalho vincula-se à pesquisa realizada no campo dos estudos (auto)biográficos,com base nas histórias de vida de professoras rurais do município de Itapetinga(BA) que trabalharam no final do século XX e início do século XXI. A educaçãorural surgiu muito tarde e carrega no seu bojo marcas de sua (des)contextualização,implicando as políticas e práticas cotidianas e a ausência histórica de políticasvinculadas à formação. O texto intenta sistematizar e discutir histórias narradaspor professoras, ao analisar questões concernentes ao cenário rural, de classe, degênero, numa perspectiva histórica, com ênfase na feminização do magistério eno desenvolvimento do trabalho docente. Enfoca-se, de forma abreviada, aspectosteóricos relacionados à abordagem (auto)biografia, mediante utilização de narrativasde cinco professoras, numa perspectiva de colaboração, permitindo-nos pensar ashistórias de vida, a formação e o desenvolvimento profissional, como marcados pordimensões históricas da professora rural e as respectivas influências e mudançasocorridas no contexto de atuação.
Não ser só um carregador de livros: elaborações de jovens rurais sobre a escola
Authors: Silva Catarina Malheiros
Published: December 2016

Considerando a centralidade da escola para a realização dos projetos individuais, esteartigo busca compreender os sentidos das experiências escolares para os/as jovens doDistrito Espraiado e fazendas, localizados em área rural do município baiano de Palmasde Monte Alto. Realizou-se um trabalho de campo, no qual a observação participante, aetnografia e a realização de grupos de discussão constituíram os principais instrumentosde coleta de dados. Foi realizada análise de 02 grupos de discussão com jovens dosexo masculino e feminino, matriculados nos anos finais do ensino fundamental. Aanálise foi feita com base no Método Documentário de Interpretação desenvolvidopor Karl Mannheim e adaptado para a pesquisa social empírica por Ralf Bohnsack.Os resultados apresentados aqui apontam que a escola tem significados positivos paramoças e rapazes, haja vista que se trata de uma área rural de pequeno município emque o processo de escolarização se deu de forma tardia e sexista.
FINANCIAMENTO DA EDUCAÇÃO: DO FUNDEF AO FUNDEB - REPERCUSSÕES DA POLÍTICA DE FUNDOS DA VALORIZAÇÃODOCENTE DA REDE ESTADUAL DE ENSINO DO PARÁ -1996 A 2009
Authors: Carvalho Fabrício Aarão Freire
Published: December 2016

Este estudo teve por objetivoanalisar as repercussões do FUNDEF/FUNDEB na valorização dos profissionais do magistério da rede estadual de ensino de educação básica do Pará, no período de 1996 a 2009. Configura-se como uma análise de políticas públicas, tendo como foco o exame das implicações da política de fundos para a efetivação/materialização da valori-zação docente no estado. Na rede estadual de ensino do Pará, a partir da implementação da política de fundos, foi possível perceber  que,  com  o  estímulo  financeiro,  ainda  que mínimo, proporcionado pelo FUNDEF/FUNDEB, houve uma tendência ao longo do período no sentido de reduzir o número de professores leigos. Embora se perceba aumento no número de professores com o ensino superior completo, os mesmos não possuíam formação em cursos de licenciatura, o que se confi-gura como um grave problema para a educação no estado. Em termos de vencimento-base, constatou-se que esses profes-sores recebem valores abaixo do valor do piso salarial estabe-lecido pela Lei 11.738/2008. A análise dos dados tornou evidente que a remuneração do professor no estado é baixa, tanto em relação aos profissionais com ensino médio, quanto em relação às profissões de maior prestígio social com formação superior. No que se refere à carreira, mesmo com a conquista da categoria ao aprovar o PCCR, nem este instrumento e tampouco o Estatuto conseguiram estabelecer regulamentações capazes de dar conta, efetivamente, da valorização do magis-tério no estado. Faz-se necessário garantir, em termos percen-tuais e financeiros, aumentos reais à remuneração dos professores com a obtenção das progressões e titulações.
Emmanuel Levinas: educação e interpelação ética
Authors: Sidekum Antonio
Published: December 2016

Este artigo apresenta algumas reflexões sobre a Educação a partir do pensamento de E. Levinas. O pensamento ético de Emmanuel Levinas abre novos horizontes edelineia novos caminhos na reconstrução de utopias para a História contemporânea.O que durante a Modernidade chegou ao fórum de uma subjetividade absoluta é aconstituição de um ideário que vem se desenvolvendo desde o cogito de Descartes e tem seu idealismo máximo em Kant. Essa perspectiva do ego absoluto é classificada por Levinas como egolatria. Da filosofia da alteridade de Levinas derivamos um humanismo e novos conceitos de educação. De Levinas recebemos a interpelação ética,conceito fundamental para uma nova compreensão da educação. A ética de Levinas possibilita o desenvolvimento de perspectivas da práxis libertadora pela educação.Na relação inter-humana, o Outro não é um objeto exposto a ser contemplado,nem tampouco um objeto de conhecimento a ser tematizado, mas ele é um rosto que inquieta, obriga, exige, ordena, enfim, sacode eticamente o eu exigindo-lhe responsabilidade. Educar para a responsabilidade significa sair do estado de indiferença frente às injustiças sofridas pelo Outro, questionar a espontaneidade da liberdade como princípio primordial da consciência moral e escutar a palavra que vem do Outro.
O ato de caminhar e a educação: a propósito dos 300 anos do nascimento de Rousseau
Authors: Farrero Jordi Garcia
Published: December 2016

Este trabalho, que tem como finalidade estudar a maneira de caminhar de Jean-JacquesRousseau (1712-1778), está configurado em duas partes. Por um lado, mostra a última etapa da vida do autor como o momento em que se percebe mais explicitamente seu verdadeiro homo viator. Durante esse período – tal como revelam suas obras autobiográficas –, ele estava submetido a duras acusações dos enciclopedistas, e o ato de caminhar acaba se convertendo na atividade mais adequada, visto que lhe permitia pensar, relembrar o passado e, ao mesmo momento, satisfazer o seu eu doído, triste e desprezado pela alta e ilustrada sociedade francesa. Nesse sentido, a forma de transitar rousseauniana foi solitária – uma espécie de autoexílio das cidades e dos aparelhos sociais – e caracterizada pelo contato com a natureza, como bem demonstra sua novae principal ocupação: a herborização. Por outro lado, este artigo pretende realizar uma reflexão sobre a tendência educativa que surgiu no final do século XIX (neonomadismopedagógico), já que a ação pedestre desse autor, que podia ser concebida como uma excursão, é um claro antecedente do Romantismo pedagógico.
Desatando a imaginação: breves notas sobre ética e crítica no mundo contemporâneo
Authors: Bartholo Jr. Roberto
Published: December 2016

Apoiado em contribuições teóricas de Vilém Flusser, este artigo discute o lugar dodiálogo e do discurso no mundo contemporâneo e destaca implicações da programaçãoe da produção de imagens técnicas para os modos hegemônicos de organizaçãoda cultura e exercício de dominação. Por fim, aponta desafios confrontados pelasinstituições acadêmicas contemporâneas.
Revisiting Sovereign Ratings, Capital Flows And Financial Contagion in Emerging Markets
Authors: Emara Noha , El Said Ayah
Published: December 2016

This study revisits sovereign credit ratings, contagion and capital flows to Emerging Markets (EMs), and clarify the relationship between them. Specifically, this study analyzes how the changes in sovereign rating influence different types of capital flows to EMs and whether the changes in the different kinds of capital flows in one country be explained by a sovereign ratings’ change in another country. Using Arellano-Bover/Blundell-Bond Dynamic Panel System GMM for 23 EMs over the period 1990-2012 the results of the study suggest that sovereign ratings is a crucial factor for EMs’ access to international capital markets and that capital flows is a major source of financing for Ems. In addition, the results show that financial contagion may continue to be a threat to capital flowing into EMs and that financial crisis increases the impact of sovereign rating on foreign direct investment but is not the case with portfolio investment.
Clinical and ultrasonographic features in anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
Authors: Jianu Dragos , Jianu Nina , Munteanu Mihnea , Petrica Ligia
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) represent a segmental infarction of the optic nerve head which is supplied by the posterior ciliary arteries. There are two types of AION: non-arteritic (NAAION and arteritic (A-AION), due to giant cell arteritis (GCA). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and ultrasound characteristics of the orbital vessels and superficial temporal and carotid arteries, in patients with unilateral acute AION in order to help differentiate newly diagnosed NA-AION from AAION. Methods. In this prospective comparative, observational study, 62 consecutive patients with clinical suspicion of unilateral acute AION were examined at admission and in the first two months of evolution, following a protocol including color Doppler imaging (CDI) of the orbital vessels. Results. We found 12 patients with A-AION, all of them with biopsy-confirmed disease, and 50 patients with NA-AION. A-AION patients presented a combination of a history of amaurosis fugax before acute, painless, and severe vision loss in the affected eye, and a diffuse pale optic disc edema. In these patients, CDI of the orbital vessels indicated high resistance index (RI), with severe diminished blood flow velocities in all orbital vessels, in both orbits. In the NAAION patients, none of these clinical symptoms were found and blood velocities and RI in posterior ciliary arteries were preserved. Typical sonographic feature in temporal arteritis as part of GCA was the ?dark halo? sign. Conclusions. The ultrasound investigations enable prompt differentiation between NA-AION and A-AION.
Effect of live ammunition shooting from an automatic rifle on sense of hearing in proffesional military personel
Authors: Zivaljevic Zvonko , Zivic Ljubica , Bukumiric Zoran , Nikolic Ivan , Vorkapic Branko , Baletic Nenad
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. A short-term high-intensity noise from a gunshot impulse that occurs when using infantry weapon, can result in onset of auditory symptoms such as tinnitus, impaired hearing or feeling of pressure in one or both ears. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of live ammunition shooting from an automatic rifle on the hearing sense in professional military personnel. The examination was done in correlation with the conditions of the common shooting practice procedure. Methods. The research has been conducted on 22 professional soldiers serving in the Serbian Military, during their regular peacetime training shooting from the automatic rifle AP 7.62 mm M70. The training was conducted on the formational shooting field ?Bubanj Potok?. The written consent from all subjects was acquired. All subjects were submitted to medical examination prior and after the shooting session. The medical examination consisted of anamnesis, clinical otorhinolaryngological examination, audiometry and impedancemetry. All subjects filled out the following questionnaire forms: ?The Questionnaire prior to shooting? and ?The questionnaire after shooting.? Subjects who were incapable to undergo shooting practice, whether from psychological or physical reasons were excluded from this study. Results. After the assessment of received data from 22 subjects, the results were as followed: in 2 (9%) subjects hearing impairment was diagnosed. Tinnitus was registered in 5 (22.7%) patients. One (4.5%) patient reported the feeling of pressure in one ear. One of two cases of one ear hearing impairment was on the rifle holding side and second case was on opposite lateral side. In both cases, hearing loss was of sensorineural type of milder degree, with a scotoma at 4,000 Hz in one case up to 50 dB and the second up to 55 dB. Conclusion. Auditory effects of impulse noise that occurs when shooting from automatic rifles cause hearing impairment, tinnitus and a feeling of pressure in the ears. The practical significance of this study lies in prevention which includes the mandatory use of personal protective equipment and functional arrangement of the practice shooting field.
Evaluation of choledochoduodenal anastomosis in benign biliary obstruction
Authors: Jeremic-Savic Ljiljana , Stojanovic Miroslav , Radojkovic Milan , Nestorovic Milica
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. Choledochoduodenostomy has been reported as an effective treatment of benign biliary obstructions, but associated with a certain percentage of complications, (primarily cholangitis and the ?sump? syndrome), as the consequence of duodenobiliary reflux which may occur. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety, effectiveness and technical feasibility of choledochoduodenostomy for the treatment of distal benign biliary obstruction and to present its minimal postoperative complications. Methods. This propective study included 50 operated patients who had choledochoduodenal anastomosis created for benign biliary obstructions. The symptoms, biochemical and echosonographic parameters of cholestasis, operative technique, recovery features and complications were analayzed and compared. Based on the analysis of obtained data, safety, efficacy and competence of choledochoduodenal anastomosis were determined. Results. Specific early anastomosis- related complications were observed in 12.0% of patients (mostly minor surgical complications). During the immediate postoperative course, aerobilia as an indirect sign of duodenobiliary reflux, occurred in 91.7% of patients, but it was reduced to 16.7% after 30 days (and was not always associated with symptomatology). Choledochoduodenostomy was associated with a low incidence of cholangitis (2%) and anastomosis dehiscence (2%). Transitory duodenogastric reflux was identified in 6% of patients. The rate of intrahospital mortality was very low, considering patients? very complex conditions (4%). During early postoperative period, the ?sump? syndrome was not identified. Conclusion. Choledochoduodenostomy is a simple and effective method in the management of certain types of biliary obstruction. Serious complications can be avoided by proper selection of patients and careful surgical technique. This type od anastomosis has to be included in basic skills of every general surgeon.
Successful surgical closure of an aortopulmonary window associated with Holt-Oram syndrome in adulthood
Authors: Stefanovic Igor , Milic Aleksa , Matejic Kristina , Jovanovic Ida
Published: December 2016

Introduction. Aortopulmonary window (APW) is a rare congenital anomaly caused by incomplete division of the embryonic common arterial trunk which allows direct and usually unobstructed communication between the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery trunk. Holt-Oram syndrome (HOS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by the mutation in the TBX5 gene and it is characterized by bones abnormalities in at least one limb while the association with APW is extremely rare. Case report. We report a case of a female patient in her thirties with an extremely rare combination of the HOS and APW window that reached the adulthood without surgical correction. The adult patient came to our clinic with signs of severe heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Although previously diagnosed as inoperable, after the decongestive medical treatment and detailed diagnostic procedures we proved reactive pulmonary vascular resistance and the patient was successfully surgically treated. Conclusion. This case confirms the absolute necessity of cautious and comprehensive examinations of each patient with congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension irrespective of age.