bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple Zones Completion Using a Proactive Algorithm for a Liquid Rich Deep-water Gas Well
Authors: Nasir Y. , Adamu M. B. , Auwalu A. M. , Sulaiman A. D. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
With increasing number of deep water discoveries, the key issue is to develop new completion design philosophies and technologies that will lead to new levels of efficiency and reliability in completion design, safety, and environmental aspects. Deepwater fields are often associated with high pressures as well as additional down-hole problems such as shallow-water or gas flows, sand production, heavy oil, hydrates, paraffin-rich oil, and asphaltene deposition during drilling, completion and production. This provides new challenges for producing hydrocarbon from reservoirs located below such water depths. Intelligent completions, although complex and costly, are serving as an effective way of reducing many of the risks associated with reservoir uncertainties and their use justified in deep water and subsea environments. In this work, we incorporated intelligent well completion using a generated proactive algorithm in the design of a lower (multiple zones) completion for a liquid rich deepwater gas well discovered in a field 1800m of water and 250km from the shore. The field reservoir is susceptible to sand production, hydrate and scale formations - with a series of stacked channels with average porosity of 28 pu, and average permeability of 900 mD with each channel sequence approximately 10 – 15m thick. Key aspects of the design considered include cased hole gravel packing to curb sand production; an injection mandrel for the injection of methanol and scale inhibitors and the use of interval control valves (ICVs) and permanent down hole gauges. The proactive algorithm proposed in this study aid in the effective control of the ICVs in order to achieve controlled flow and also in monitoring down hole pressure and temperature.
Drilling Through a Fault in the Niger Delta Sedimentary Basin - Integrating a Geo-steering Application with Borehole Imaging
Authors: Ndokwu Chidi , Okowi Victor , Foekema Nico , Caudroit Jerome , Jefford Leigh , Otevwe Joseph , Fang Xiaodong , Idris Maaji 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
High-angle or horizontal wells pose many geological challenges that include maintaining well trajectory within a particular horizon in drain sections, detecting stratigraphic positions after passing a discontinuity, and subsurface feature identification. Geo-steering has shown increased value over the years because it uses data from different sources, including borehole imaging, to meet these challenges. Bulk density and gamma ray borehole images can be used to describe the near-wellbore environment, and that description can be analyzed further to explain the near-wellbore structural geology. In this study, structural analysis and zonation of bulk density and gamma ray images were used to detect the fault zone, while a geo-steering application was used to pick the true stratigraphic depth after crossing the fault. Provision of an alternative model to seismic-only interpretations and a better understanding of subsurface structures are the industrial benefits of this study.
The Niger delta sedimentary basin of Southern Nigeria is a prograding depositional complex of Cenozoic-aged sand and shales that extends from about longitude 3° – 9° E and latitude 4° 30' – 5° 20' N. This paper demonstrates the importance of geo-steering, shows the application of geo-steering in a high-angle well drilled in the Niger delta sedimentary basin, and establishes the importance of structural analysis from borehole images in making final geo-steering interpretations. This paper also shows that borehole imaging is an additional and useful source of information in the planning stage of any drilling campaign.
The Role of Natural Gas in Nigeria Power Generation: Emprical Analysis of Challenges, Constraints and Opportunities
Authors: Igbokoyi Alpheus O. , Nigeria Abuja , Iledare Omowumi 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper examined the existing and possible power source portfolio available in Nigeria, and the role of natural gas in Nigeria power generation and sustainability. Nigeria, with population of about 160 million or more, has installed power generating capacity of about 10,000MW with a peak production of about 4,500 MW. Going by the rule of thumb of about 1.0 MW for every one thousands of population for an industrialized nation, Nigeria power generation should be about 160 GW.
The present peak production of 4.5 GW is about 2.8 % of what Nigeria needs to become an industrialized nation. The Federal Government has a target of about 40 GW by the year 2020. This respresents about 25 % of the expected 1.0 MW per 1000 population for the country. Thus, the country projection for 2020 is 75 % below what is actually needed to fulfil Industrial Revolution Dream. South Africa with a population of about 53 million has a generating capacity of about 43 GW. This puts South Africa at about 0.8 MW per one thousand populations.
Nigeria is endowed with abundant natural gas resources, which can be used in power generation such that other sources (hydro, solar and wind) will be a suplementary. We take a holistic approach to evaluate the energy portfolio that is available in Nigeria and set out how the country can take the advantage of the abundant energy resources to generate electricity for both urban and rural areas. We also evaluate the Government role in energy strategic and policy and her role in encouraging private sector in investing in power generation industry. Thus, the paper projects into the future and attempt to estimate how long the country gas reserves can last under different rate of power consumption.
HSE Training Evaluation And Effectiveness Of Sustaining HSE Culture
Authors: Bada A. J. , Adegboyega A. S. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Health Safety and Environment (HSE) training is a systematic approach used in creating awareness of workplace hazards and of workplace incidents, to preventing re-occurrence of incidents. The main purpose of this paper is to assess and evaluate workplace trainings for their effectiveness in the prevention of workplace injuries/ illnesses and overall improvement of HSE Culture. The other purpose is to use the available evaluation models from researchers as comparison to the workplace HSE training management. Different effectiveness and evaluation models were analysed and found that they were consistent to a seven element category. These models were then examined with a recommended template that can ensure proper gap analysis and proper budgeted actions to follow. After extensive checks of these models, a set of critical constructs can be distilled. By that time, convergence of research efforts focusing on major themes can be achieved. Though, training alone cannot be used as assessment index of lost time injury (LTI) but training of personnel is a re-occurring management factor in many incident investigations. A reference to major disasters where root causes linked to training and competences were mentioned easily showed that industries have either not paid attention to Training and competence or the principles of required training have not been applied. Planning and resources are needed to ensure that competence training is given utmost priority and evaluation consistent to continuous improvements. Most researchers, however, did not include employee’s behavior and this could be a major step to sustained HSE Culture. An established link of HSE culture to HSE training could be further treated in training education researches and implementation.
Theoretical Model for the Transportation of Stranded Gases As Hydrates
Authors: Dosunmu Adewale , Udoh Nse-Obong , Ekeinde Evelyn , Anyanwu Chimaroke , Okoro Emeka , Dosunmu A. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In the oil and gas industry, safe, on-time delivery and cost-effective ways of transporting oil and gas is required. Natural gas hydrates (NGH) technology (which involves production, transportation and regasification) can be used to transport natural gas and or stranded gas or gas that will be flared or re-injected, in bulk carriers.
In the previous work on NGH Technology, the constraint had been on how hydrate with natural gas can be sustained to delivery. This work introduces a favourable theoretical thermodynamic model of heat loss reduction with reference to various insulating membrane diameter and aids in the transportation of the hydrated stranded gases to delivery at a stated duration without the need for time consuming re-gasification. Mathematical models including Fourrier's law of heat transfer, fourrier's law of mass transfer, Peng Robinson equation of state and break even analysis for economics were employed in validation of feasibility of this new technology, HYGAS. Also, HYGAS software from the platform of Microsoft Visual Basic. Net is developed for modelling and designing of hydration of gas for economic transportation.
A practice-based evaluation of the prevalence and predisposing etiology of white spot lesions
Authors: Brown Matthew D. , Campbell Phillip M. , Schneiderman Emet D. , Buschang Peter H. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTObjective To use an alumni-centered, practice-based research network to evaluate white spot lesions (WSLs) among treated orthodontic patients.Materials and Methods: An initial survey was conducted to ascertain whether orthodontic alumni from Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry were willing to participate. Twenty randomly selected alumni participated, providing 158 treated cases. Each alumnus (1) obtained internal review board consent; (2) submitted pre- and posttreatment photographs of 10 consecutively finished cases; (3) completed a treatment survey; and (4) had the patient/parent complete the American Dental Association (ADA) Caries Risk Assessment.Results: Almost 90% of the alumni surveyed were willing to participate in the practice-based research, primarily because a fellow alumnus asked them to. Approximately 28% of the patients developed WSLs. The average patient developed 2.4 white spots, affecting 12.7% of the teeth examined. WSLs were significantly (P &lt; .001) more (2.3−3.2 times) likely for patients who were identified on the ADA Caries Risk Assessment. The risk of developing WSLs during treatment was also increased for those with fair (2.7 times) or poor (3.5 times) oral hygiene, poor gingival health (2.3 times), and extended treatment times (2.1 times).Conclusions: There is a substantial risk of developing WSLs among private practice patients, depending partially on the length of treatment. Patients at greatest risk can be identified prior to treatment based on the ADA Caries Risk Assessment, oral hygiene, and gingival health.
Anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic properties of <i>Syzygium calophyllifolium</i>
Authors: Chandran Rahul , Sathyanarayanan Saikumar , Rajan Murugan , Kasipandi Muniyandi , Parimelazhagan Thangaraj 
Published: August 2015

<p class="Abstract">The article discusses anti-oxidant oral glucose tolerance and anti-hyperglycemic potentials of <em>Syzygium calophyllifolium</em>. Extracts from successive solvent extraction were tested for the total phenolic, tannin, flavonoid content and free radical scavenging property using DPPH, ABTS<sup>+</sup>, phosphomolyb-denum, FRAP, superoxide and metal chelating assays. Ethyl acetate extract of bark responded well against DPPH (IC<sub>50</sub> 4.13), ABTS<sup>+</sup> (36832.29 µM TE/ g extract),phosphomolybdenum (100.4 g AAE/100g extract), superoxide and metal ion radicals. The methanol extract of bark was also found as an effective radical scavenger. The leaf methanol extract also showed significant anti-oxidant ability. The bark methanol extract could potentially reduce the blood glucose level in glucose loaded and diabetic rats. The immense anti-oxidant potential of <em>S. calophyllifolium</em> leaf and bark extracts could be taken as a good source of natural anti-oxidant supplement in food to defend oxidative stress related disorders like diabetes.</p><p> </p>
Cellular FLIP Inhibits Myeloid Cell Activation by Suppressing Selective Innate Signaling
Authors: Wu Yu-Jung , Wu Yung-Hsuan , Mo Shu-Ting , Hsiao Huey-Wen , He You-Wen , Lai Ming-Zong 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Cellular FLIP (c-FLIP) specifically inhibits caspase-8 and suppresses death receptor–induced apoptosis. c-FLIP has also been reported to transmit activation signals. In this study, we report a novel function of c-FLIP involving inhibition of myeloid cell activation through antagonizing the selective innate signaling pathway. We found that conditional knockout of c-FLIP in dendritic cells (DCs) led to neutrophilia and splenomegaly. Peripheral DC populations, including CD11b+ conventional DCs (cDCs), CD8+ cDCs, and plasmacytoid DCs, were not affected by c-FLIP deficiency. We also found that c-FLIP knockout cDCs, plasmacytoid DCs, and bone marrow–derived DCs (BMDCs) displayed enhanced production of TNF-α, IL-2, or G-CSF in response to stimulation of TLR4, TLR2, and dectin-1. Consistent with the ability of c-FLIP to inhibit the activation of p38 MAPK, the enhanced activation of c-FLIP–deficient BMDCs could be partly linked to an elevated activation of p38 MAPK after engagement of innate receptors. Increased activation was also found in c-FLIP+/− macrophages. Additionally, the increased activation in c-FLIP–deficient DCs was independent of caspase-8. Our results reveal a novel inhibitory role of c-FLIP in myeloid cell activation and demonstrate the unexpected anti-inflammatory activity of c-FLIP. Additionally, our observations suggest that cancer therapy targeting c-FLIP downregulation may facilitate DC activation and increase T cell immunity.
Modulation of the IL-6 Receptor α Underlies GLI2-Mediated Regulation of Ig Secretion in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia Cells
Authors: Jackson David A. , Smith Timothy D. , Amarsaikhan Nansalmaa , Han Weiguo , Neil Matthew S. , Boi Shannon K. , Vrabel Anne M. , Tolosa Ezequiel J. , Almada Luciana L. , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E. , Elsawa Sherine F. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Ig secretion by terminally differentiated B cells is an important component of the immune response to foreign pathogens. Its overproduction is a defining characteristic of several B cell malignancies, including Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), where elevated IgM is associated with significant morbidity and poor prognosis. Therefore, the identification and characterization of the mechanisms controlling Ig secretion are of great importance for the development of future therapeutic approaches for this disease. In this study, we define a novel pathway involving the oncogenic transcription factor GLI2 modulating IgM secretion by WM malignant cells. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of GLI2 in WM malignant cells resulted in a reduction in IgM secretion. Screening for a mechanism identified the IL-6Rα (gp80) subunit as a downstream target of GLI2 mediating the regulation of IgM secretion. Using a combination of expression, luciferase, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays we demonstrate that GLI2 binds to the IL-6Rα promoter and regulates its activity as well as the expression of this receptor. Additionally, we were able to rescue the reduction in IgM secretion in the GLI2 knockdown group by overexpressing IL-6Rα, thus defining the functional significance of this receptor in GLI2-mediated regulation of IgM secretion. Interestingly, this occurred independent of Hedgehog signaling, a known regulator of GLI2, as manipulation of Hedgehog had no effect on IgM secretion. Given the poor prognosis associated with elevated IgM in WM patients, components of this new signaling axis could be important therapeutic targets.
Practical aspects of mobilising property tax: experience in Sierra Leone and Malawi
Authors: Fish Paul 
Published: August 2015

Much literature has been written about the appeal of property tax as a stable source of revenue for subnational governments in developing countries. Building on this significant background of literature is the author’s practical experience working in local government institutions within both Sierra Leone and Malawi. This article relates to the development and testing of a process of mobilizing the internally generated property tax revenues of local governments, and reports on the results of that process, and the challenges and lessons learned.
Community-based free clinics: opportunities for interprofessional collaboration, health promotion, and complex care management
Authors: Kaeser Martha A. , Hawk Cheryl , Anderson Michelle L. , Reinhardt Richard 
Published: August 2015

Objective: Free or outreach clinics offer students the opportunity to work with diverse patient populations. The objective of this study was to describe the demographics and clinical characteristics of a sample of chiropractic patients at a free community-based clinic to assess clinical and educational opportunities for students to work with diverse populations, collaborate with other professions and practice health promotion through patient education.
Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over 2 months. Data on demographics, health status, and health risks were collected from patients and their interns.
Results: Of the 158 patients, 50.6% were women and 50.6% African-American, while only 20.9% were employed full-time. Of the 24.7% tobacco users, 48.7% expressed interest in cessation. Of 80.0% overweight or obese patients, 48.8% expressed interest in weight loss. By self-report, 16.5% were diabetic, 10.1% took hypertension medication, 36.7% used prescription pain medication (9.4% opiate use), 33.5% used nonprescription pain medication, and 9.4% were under the care of a mental health professional.
Conclusion: This patient population is demographically diverse. A high proportion of patients who used tobacco, or were overweight or obese expressed interest in information on those topics. A substantial proportion reported being under care with a mental health professional. This clinic provides opportunities for students to work with diverse populations, collaborate with other professions, and practice health promotion.
Tropical North Atlantic ocean‐atmosphere interactions synchronize forest carbon losses from hurricanes and Amazon fires
Authors: Chen Yang , Randerson James T. , Morton Douglas C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe describe a climate mode synchronizing forest carbon losses from North and South America by analyzing time series of tropical North Atlantic sea surface temperatures (SSTs), landfall hurricanes and tropical storms, and Amazon fires during 1995–2013. Years with anomalously high tropical North Atlantic SSTs during March–June were often followed by a more active hurricane season and a larger number of satellite‐detected fires in the southern Amazon during June–November. The relationship between North Atlantic tropical cyclones and southern Amazon fires (r = 0.61, p < 0.003) was stronger than links between SSTs and either cyclones or fires alone, suggesting that fires and tropical cyclones were directly coupled to the same underlying atmospheric dynamics governing tropical moisture redistribution. These relationships help explain why seasonal outlook forecasts for hurricanes and Amazon fires both failed in 2013 and may enable the design of improved early warning systems for drought and fire in Amazon forests.
Arctic sea ice freeboard from AltiKa and comparison with CryoSat‐2 and Operation IceBridge
Authors: Armitage Thomas W. K. , Ridout Andy L. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSatellite radar altimeters have improved our knowledge of Arctic sea ice thickness over the past decade. The main sources of uncertainty in sea ice thickness retrievals are associated with inadequate knowledge of the snow layer depth and the radar interaction with the snow pack. Here we adapt a method of deriving sea ice freeboard from CryoSat‐2 to data from the AltiKa Ka band radar altimeter over the 2013–14 Arctic sea ice growth season. AltiKa measures basin‐averaged freeboards between 4.4 cm and 6.9 cm larger than CryoSat‐2 in October and March, respectively. Using airborne laser and radar measurements from spring 2013 and 2014, we estimate the effective scattering horizon for each sensor. While CryoSat‐2 echoes penetrate to the ice surface over first‐year ice and penetrate the majority (82 ± 3%) of the snow layer over multiyear ice, AltiKa echoes are scattered from roughly the midpoint (46 ± 5%) of the snow layer over both ice types.
An index to characterize the spatial distribution of land use within watersheds and implications for river network nutrient removal and export
Authors: Mineau Madeleine M. , Wollheim Wilfred M. , Stewart Robert J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe spatial distribution of land use and associated nutrient inputs may influence the efficacy of in‐stream nutrient removal; however, the effect of source location on N removal and watershed N export has not been quantified. We present the skewness index, a metric to quantify the spatial distribution of land use within watersheds. Using this index and a river network nitrogen removal model, we quantified the effect of varying the location of developed land use within two watersheds on nutrient removal and export. The quantity and location of developed land use as well as runoff affected nitrogen removal and export. Because river network nitrogen removal is bypassed when sources are skewed toward the watershed mouth, varying the location of land use alone can double aquatic nitrogen removal. Nutrient sources skewed toward the distant headwaters maximized in‐stream removal which in turn can reduce watershed export.
Imprints of impulse‐excited hydromagnetic waves on electrons in the Van Allen radiation belts
Authors: Zhou Xu‐Zhi , Wang Zi‐Han , Zong Qiu‐Gang , Claudepierre Seth G. , Mann Ian R. , Kivelson Margaret G. , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Hao Yi‐Xin , Wang Yong‐Fu , Pu Zu‐Yin 
Published: August 2015

AbstractUltralow frequency electromagnetic oscillations, interpreted as standing hydromagnetic waves in the magnetosphere, are a major energy source that accelerates electrons to relativistic energies in the Van Allen radiation belt. Electrons can rapidly gain energy from the waves when they resonate via a process called drift resonance, which is observationally characterized by energy‐dependent phase differences between electron flux and electromagnetic oscillations. Such dependence has been recently observed and interpreted as spacecraft identifications of drift resonance electron acceleration. Here we show that in the initial wave cycles, the observed phase relationship differs from that characteristic of well‐developed drift resonance. We further examine the differences and find that they are imprints of impulse‐excited, coupled fast‐Alfvén waves before they transform into more typical standing waves. Our identification of such imprints provides a new understanding of how energy couples in the inner magnetosphere, and a new diagnostic for the generation and growth of magnetospheric hydromagnetic pulsations.