bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global-Search Distributed-Gauss-Newton Optimization Method and Its Integration With the Randomized-Maximum-Likelihood Method for Uncertainty Quantification of Reservoir Performance
Authors: Chen Chaohui , Gao Guohua , Li Ruijian , Cao Richard , Chen Tianhong , Vink Jeroen C. , Gelderblom Paul 
Published: May 2018

Summary
Although it is possible to apply traditional optimization algorithms together with the randomized-maximum-likelihood (RML) method to generate multiple conditional realizations, the computation cost is high. This paper presents a novel method to enhance the global-search capability of the distributed-Gauss-Newton (DGN) optimization method and integrates it with the RML method to generate multiple realizations conditioned to production data synchronously.
RML generates samples from an approximate posterior by minimizing a large ensemble of perturbed objective functions in which the observed data and prior mean values of uncertain model parameters have been perturbed with Gaussian noise. Rather than performing these minimizations in isolation using large sets of simulations to evaluate the finite-difference approximations of the gradients used to optimize each perturbed realization, we use a concurrent implementation in which simulation results are shared among different minimization tasks whenever these results are helping to converge to the global minimum of a specific minimization task. To improve sharing of results, we relax the accuracy of the finite-difference approximations for the gradients with more widely spaced simulation results. To avoid trapping in local optima, a novel method to enhance the global-search capability of the DGN algorithm is developed and integrated seamlessly with the RML formulation. In this way, we can improve the quality of RML conditional realizations that sample the approximate posterior.
The proposed work flow is first validated with a toy problem and then applied to a real-field unconventional asset. Numerical results indicate that the new method is very efficient compared with traditional methods. Hundreds of data-conditioned realizations can be generated in parallel within 20 to 40 iterations. The computational cost (central-processing-unit usage) is reduced significantly compared with the traditional RML approach.
The real-field case studies involve a history-matching study to generate history-matched realizations with the proposed method and an uncertainty quantification of production forecasting using those conditioned models. All conditioned models generate production forecasts that are consistent with real-production data in both the history-matching period and the blind-test period. Therefore, the new approach can enhance the confidence level of the estimated-ultimate-recovery (EUR) assessment using production-forecasting results generated from all conditional realizations, resulting in significant business impact.
Onset of Liquid-Film Reversal In Upward-Inclined Pipes
Authors: Fan Yilin , Pereyra Eduardo , Sarica Cem 
Published: May 2018

Summary
Accumulation of oil and/or water at the bottom of an upward-inclined pipe is known to be the source of many industrial problems, such as corrosion and terrain slugging. Therefore, accurate prediction of the critical gas velocity that can avoid the liquid accumulation is of great importance.
An experimental study of onset of liquid-film reversal, which is believed to be the main cause of liquid accumulation, was conducted in a hilly-valley test section at low-liquid-loading condition. A new, easily implemented mechanistic model to predict critical gas velocity, which is specifically developed based on the liquid-film reversal in stratified flow, is proposed in this work. The new model was verified with the data acquired in the study and other studies from the open literature, showing a fair agreement. This work also reviewed and evaluated other critical-gas-velocity-prediction models. The new model performs best compared with other models, especially in terms of the inclination angle and liquid-flow-rate effect on critical gas velocity. The total average absolute error was reduced 6.0% compared with the current best-prediction model (Zhang et al. 2003), and 38.2% for the widely used Turner et al. (1969) droplet-removal model.
A novel activated carbon prepared from grapefruit peel and its application in removal of phenolic compounds
Authors: Liu Xiao , Wan Yibei , Liu Penglei , Fu Yanzhen , Zou Weihua 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The most ideal conditions for preparing activated carbon from grapefruit peel (GPAC) were studied using NH4H2PO4 as a chemical activating agent and the obtained material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The adsorption capacity of the resulting material has been checked using three phenolic compounds (pyrocatechol (CA), 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP)). The adsorption characteristics of phenolic compounds from aqueous solution by GPAC have been investigated as a function of contact time, pH, initial concentration and temperature. The equilibrium experimental data fitted well with Freundlich and Koble–Corrigan isotherms. The adsorption of the three phenolic compounds on GPAC fitted well with pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Different thermodynamic parameters were also evaluated and it was found that the adsorption was spontaneous, feasible and endothermic in nature. Adsorbents were regenerated by 0.1 mol/L NaOH and GPAC could be reused in phenolic compounds removal.
Microcapsules of Cajá-manga (Spondias dulcis Parkinson): Influence of Different Types of Encapsulating Agents and Drying Technology
Authors: dos Santos Suelen S. , Rodrigues Letícia M. , Cardoso Vicelma L. , Reis Miria H.M. , Madrona Grasiele S. 
Published: May 2018

Background:Cajá-manga is an exotic fruit, source of compounds that have antioxidant activity, such as pro-vitamin A and carotenoids.Objective:Thus, the objective of the present study was to develop an efficient microencapsulation process for cajá-manga pulp by different types of encapsulating agents (maltodextrin and xanthan gum), ratio pulp/carrier agents (1:2 or 1:5), and the drying technology (lyophilization and spray dryer).Methods:Physicochemical analysis, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, antioxidant activity and microcapsule morphology were performed.Results:The cajá-manga and its microcapsulas can be considered source of phenolic compounds, carotenoides and antioxidants. The morphology showed differences between the both drying methods, with encapsulation efficiency greater than 70% in 1:2 (w/w) ratio, and efficiencies around 40% with 1:5 (w/w) pulp and carrier agent.Conclusion:The use of maltodextrin and xanthan gum showed to be viable in the spray dryer and lyophilization drying processes.
Voltammetric Techniques for the Analysis of Drugs using Nanomaterials based Chemically Modified Electrodes
Authors: Srivastava Ashwini K. , Upadhyay Sharad S. , Rawool Chaitali R. , Punde Ninad S. , Rajpurohit Anuja S. 
Published: May 2018

Background:Electroanalytical techniques play a very important role in the areas of medicinal, clinical as well as pharmaceutical research. Amongst these techniques, the voltammetric methods for the determination of drugs using nanomaterials based chemically modified electrodes (CMEs) have received enormous attention in recent years. This is due to the sensitivity and selectivity they provide on qualitative as well as quantitative aspects of the electroactive analyte under study. The aim of the present review was to discuss the work on nanomaterials based CMEs for the analysis of drugs covering the period from 2000 to present employing various voltammetric techniques for different classes of the drugs.Methods:The present review deals with the determination of different classes of drugs including analgesics, anthelmentic, anti-TB, cardiovascular, antipsychotics and anti-allergic, antibiotic and gastrointestinal drugs. Also, a special section is devoted for enantioanalysis of certain chiral drugs using voltammetry. The detailed information of the voltammetric determination for the drugs from each class employing various techniques such as differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, stripping voltammetry, etc. are presented in tabular form below the description of each class in the review.Results:Various nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon nanofibers, quantum dots, metal/metal oxide nanoparticles, polymer based nanocomposites have been used by researchers for the development of CMEs over a period of time. The large surface area to volume ratio, high conductivity, electrocatalytic activity and biocompatibility make them ideal modifiers where they produce synergistic effect which helps in trace level determination of pharmaceutical, biomedical and medicinal compounds. In addition, macrocyclic compounds as chiral selectors have been used for the determination of enantiomeric drugs where one of the isomers captured in the cavities of chiral selector shows stronger binding interaction for one of the enantiomorphs.Conclusion:arious kinds of functional nanocomposites have led to the manipulation of peak potential due to drug - nanoparticles interaction at the modified electrode surface. This has facilitated the simultaneous determination of drugs with almost similar peak potentials. Also, it leads to the enhancement in voltammetric response of the analytes. It is expected that such modified electrodes can be easily miniaturized and used as portable, wearable and user friendly devices. This will pave a way for in-vivo onsite real monitoring of single as well as multi component pharmaceutical compounds.
Microbial Diversity of Mer Operon Genes and Their Potential Rules in Mercury Bioremediation and Resistance
Authors: Naguib Martha M. , El-Gendy Ahmed O. , Khairalla Ahmed S. 
Published: May 2018

Background:Mercury is a toxic metal that is present in small amounts in the environment, but its level is rising steadily, due to different human activities, such as industrialization. It can reach humans through the food chain, amalgam fillings, and other sources, causing different neurological disorders, memory loss, vision impairment, and may even lead to death; making its detoxification an urgent task.Methods:Various physical and chemical mercury remediation techniques are available, which generally aim at: (i) reducing its mobility or solubility; (ii) causing its vaporization or condensation; (iii) its separation from contaminated soils. Biological remediation techniques, commonly known as bioremediation, are also another possible alternative, which is considered as cheaper than the conventional means and can be accomplished using either (i) organisms harboring themeroperon genes (merB,merA,merR,merP,merT,merD,merF,merC,merE,merHandmerG), or (ii) plants expressing metal-binding proteins. Recently, differentmerdeterminants have been genetically engineered into several organisms, including bacteria and plants, to aid in detoxification of both ionic and organic forms of mercury.Results:Bacteria that are resistant to mercury compounds have at least a mercuric reductase enzyme (MerA) that reduces Hg+2to volatile Hg0, a membrane-bound protein (MerT) for Hg+2uptake and an additional enzyme, MerB, that degrades organomercurials by protonolysis. Presence of bothmerA andmerB genes confer broad-spectrum mercury resistance. However,merA alone confers narrow spectrum inorganic mercury resistance.Conclusion:To conclude, this review discusses the importance of mercury-resistance genes in mercury bioremediation. Functional analysis ofmeroperon genes and the recent advances in genetic engineering techniques could provide the most environmental friendly, safe, effective and fantastic solution to overcome mercuric toxicity.
Chemical Kinetics of Alkaline Pretreatment of Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Prior Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Authors: Sanni Samuel Eshorame , Akinrinola Olasubomi , Ojima Yusuf Esther , Fagbiele Omololu Oluwatobi , Agboola Oluranti 
Published: May 2018

Background:Napier grass is a naturally abundant waste material that can be cultivated over a vast area of land which makes it a viable source for sugar and bioethanol production.Introduction:The presence of lignin in the biomass makes cellulose inaccessible for conversion to useful products, however, in order to provide for efficient utilization of the waste material, reagent and energy, a study on the kinetics of lignin removal from Napier grass was carried out in this work using 1 and 3 w/w % NaOH at temperatures between 80 and 120°C.Materials & Methods:Based on the investigation, there was increased lignin removal for increased NaOH concentration. Kinetic parameters were also determined and it was observed that, the reaction of lignin in Napier grass with NaOH obeys a pseudo-zero or pseudo-fractional order kinetics. Furthermore, the orders of the reaction for the pretreatment conditions of 3 w/w% NaOH at 100°C and those of 3 and 1 w/w NaOH at 120°C gave close reaction orders of 0.2, 0.22 and 0.24 respectively after 110 minutes, which implies that, for the three cases, the residual lignin in the extract was almost the same at the pretreatment conditions while slight differences are evident in their pseudo rate constants. Also, it was observed that, the activation energy of the reaction reduced significantly as the concentration of NaOH increased from 1w/w - 3 w/w%.Conclusion:Based on the AIL and the total lignin (i.e.AIL + ASL) in the Napier grass, the recorded delignification efficiencies at the optimum pretreatment time of 17.5 h are 90 and 76% respectively. In addition, the adopted Differential Technique (DT) combined with the Ostwald Method of Isolation (OMI) can be accurately used to study the kinetics of lignin removal from Napier grass.
Factors Associated to Apical Root Resorption after Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Pastro João Dalto Viganó , Nogueira Adriana Cândida Albuquerque , Salvatore de Freitas Karina Maria , Valarelli Fabricio Pinelli , Cançado Rodrigo Hermont , de Oliveira Renata Cristina Gobbi , de Oliveira Ricardo Cesar Gobbi 
Published: May 2018

Objective:
The aim of this study was to assess the possible factors associated to root resorption, common to daily clinical orthodontics, especially parafunctional habits.

Methods:
A retrospective study of 600 patients (308 females and 292 males) previously treated orthodontically was conducted. The sample was divided into two groups related to the degree of root resorption at the ending of treatment according to Malmgren. Group 1 comprised 507 patients with a mean initial age of 14.21 years and who had absent or mild final external root resorption, characterized by grades 0, 1 and 2 of root resorption; Group 2 comprised 93 patients with initial mean age of 14.57 years and who had moderate or severe root resorption, characterized by grade 3 and 4. The groups were then compared in terms of age at the beginning and ending of the treatment, treatment time, gender, type of treatment (with and without extractions), parafunctional habits (bruxism, onychophagia, the habit of biting objects, tongue thrusting habit and thumb sucking habit), allergies and pretreatment root resorption.

Results:
The results show that the initial age, gender, type of malocclusion, parafunctional habits and allergies do not represent a statistically significant risk of root resorption.

Conclusion:
Treatment time and type (with and without extractions) and the presence of external root resorption at the beginning of the treatment showed significant differences.
Molecular Study of Quinolone Resistance Determining Regions of gyrA Gene and parC Genes in Clinical Isolates of Acintobacter baumannii Resistant to Fluoroquinolone
Authors: Zaki Maysaa El Sayed , Abou ElKheir Nermen , Mofreh Mohamed 
Published: May 2018

Introduction:Acinetobacterb aumannii(A. baumannii) is an important pathogen in health care associated infections. Quinolone resistance has emerged in this pathogen.Aims & Objectives:The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of mutations ofgyrAgene andparCgenes by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Polymerase Chain Reaction (RFLP-PCR) among clinical isolates ofA. baumanii.Materials and Methods:The study was carried out on 140 clinical isolates ofA. baumannii. The isolates were subjected to molecular study of mutations ofgyrAgene andparCgenes by RFLP–PCR beside determination of Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) by macro dilution tube method.Results:The isolates ofA. baumanniiwere resistant to ciprofloxacine and levofloxacin at MIC >4 µg/ml. The most isolates had MIC >128 µg/ml (42.3%). All resistant strains to ciprofloxacin ofA. baumanniihad mutations ingyrAandparC. The most frequent mutations were combined mutations in both genes (85.5%) and 5% had single mutation either ingyrAorparC. The most frequently combined mutations were associated with MIC >128 µg/ml (42.3%).Conclusion:From this study we can conclude that resistance to ciprofloxacin was common in clinical isolates ofA. baumannii. The most frequent mutations were present ingyrAandparC. However, mutations inparCalone were not uncommon. Further large scale studies are required to elucidate the resistance pattern ofA. baumanniiand its molecular mechanisms.
The Effectiveness of Group Spiritual Intervention on Self-esteem and Happiness Among Men Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment
Authors: Jalali Amir , Behrouzi Mahvash K. , Salari Nader , Bazrafshan Mohammad-Rafi , Rahmati Mahmoud 
Published: May 2018

Background:
Drug dependence or substance use disorder not only affects a person’s life
but also brings a lot of challenges for families and communities and imposes heavy burdens on
them. There are various therapies in the domain of addiction whose main purposes are to reduce or
to cut down substance abuse.

Objective:
This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of group spiritual intervention on selfesteem
and happiness among male clients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment.

Methods:
This study was an intervention study in which 60 clients affected with substance abuse and
undergoing methadone maintenance treatment were recruited. The study samples were selected
through convenience sampling method and then divided randomly into two groups of 30 individuals:
intervention and control. The intervention group attended group spiritual interventions for 10 sessions.
Self-esteem and happiness among the study participants were also measured through Coopersmith
Self-Esteem Inventory and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire before and after the intervention.

Results:
The results showed a significant difference between both intervention and control groups in
terms of self-esteem and happiness (P < 0.05); so that the participants in the intervention group demonstrated
a significant improvement in their self-esteem and happiness.

Conclusion:
It was concluded that group spiritual intervention as a useful method could be effective
in enhancing self-esteem and happiness among addicted individuals undergoing methadone maintenance
treatment. The given treatment could be also used as a complementary therapy beside methadone
maintenance treatment to reduce the likelihood of people returning to substance abuse.
Development, Characterization and Transdermal Delivery of Dapsone and an Antibiotic Entrapped in Ethanolic Liposomal Gel for the Treatment of Lapromatous Leprosy
Authors: Tiwari Ruchi , Tiwari Gaurav , Wal Pranay , Wal Ankita , Maurya Priyanka 
Published: May 2018

Background and Objective:
Applying Ethosomal Gels (EGs) in transdermal drug delivery systems has evoked considerable interest because of their good water-solubility and biocompatibility. The aim of present study was to prepare and characterize ethosomes of antileprotic drug Dapsone (DAP) together with an antibiotic Cloxacillin Sodium (CLXS) which may deliver these drugs to targeted site more efficiently than marketed gel preparation of DAP and also overcome the problems related with oral administration of CLXS.

Methodology:
Ethosomes were prepared by cold method then characterized for particle size, Entrapment Efficiency (EE), zeta potential and permeation studies. Vesicular size was determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and found to be varied from 127±9.01 to 215±7.23 nm depending on the concentrations of soya lecithin and ethanol.

Results:
The average percent drug entrapment efficiency of formulations ranged between 52.31% to 73.51% and 49.07% to 71.91% for DAP and CLXS respectively. The high ethanol concentration in ethosomes has shifted the vesicular charge from positive to negative. It was observed that F1 and F2 formulations were having zeta potential of -25.08±1.03 mV and -50.11±1.97 mV respectively and do not aggregate rapidly. The drug release of ethosomes ranged from 84.68% to 96.58% and 64.89% to 84.21% for DAP and CLXS respectively. Ethosomal gel was prepared with optimized ethosome and studied for its release and physicochemical characteristics.

Conclusion:
Finally, G5 demonstrated better (p < 0.05) antileprotic effect to improve effectiveness, stability and to reduce side effects and toxicity associated with the chosen drugs in order to treat Leprosy.
Consistency of the Kaplan-Meier Estimator of the Survival Function in Competiting Risks
Authors: Njomen Didier Alain Njamen , Ngatchou Joseph Wandji 
Published: May 2018

Introduction:In this article, we only focus on the probability distributions of the breakdown time whose causes are known, and we consider a partition of the observations into subgroups according to each of the causes as defined in Njamen and Ngatchou [1]. By adapting the stochastic processes developed by Aalen [2, 3], we derive a Kaplan-Meier [4] nonparametric estimator for the survival function in competiting risks.Result & Discussion:In a region where there is at least one observation, we prove on one hand that this new nonparametric estimator is unbiased in competiting risk and on the other hand, using the Lenglart inequality, we establish its uniform consistency in competiting risks.