Substantial Upgrading Research Articles

Combustion behavior and effluent liquid properties in extra-heavy crude oil reservoirs developed by steam huff and puff

In recent years, interest in in-situ combustion (ISC) as an alternative technique for extra-heavy crude oil reservoirs subjected to steam huff and puff has grown significantly; however, the ISC behavior and effluent liquid properties in such oil reservoirs remain under-explored. In this work, the combustion tube (CT) was used to investigate the combustion behavior of extra-heavy crude oil. Also, the effluent liquid properties during ISC were analyzed comprehensively. The results revealed that when the secondary water bodies (SWB) were present at the injection end of CT, a stable combustion front advanced, causing a gradual temperature rise and a CO2 concentration above 12 % in the effluent gas. This suggested that steam injection wells in these reservoirs were suitable candidates for subsequent air injection after steam huff and puff. Conversely, when the SWB was located at the production end of CT, the peak temperature of combustion decreased, indicating a transition to medium-temperature combustion and unstable combustion front advancement, making steam injection wells unsuitable for ISC as production ones. Three key criteria for evaluating ISC effectiveness in extra-heavy crude oil were: (1) the intensity of –CH2 and –CH3 peaks, (2) the C-O absorption peak between 1100 and 1000 cm−1, and (3) the distribution of characteristic peaks around 750 cm−1. A significant decrease in these peaks indicated high-temperature combustion and substantial oil upgrading. Also, the presence of alkynes suggested extensive thermal cracking and a stable combustion front. The anion concentration of effluent water increased compared to crude water, but the relationship between water ion concentration and combustion state was weak, without a discernible pattern.

Quality of latrines and willingness to improve them in rural Ethiopia

Abstract Ethiopia recorded the world's fastest increase in latrine coverage over the past two decades, but it was largely achieved by the adoption of latrines that do not meet basic hygienic standards. Therefore, this study aims to examine the quality of latrines and their upgrading at household level through a case study from the Loka Abaya district, South Ethiopia. Of the initially sampled 549 households, 422 (77%) had private latrines, and a survey was administered among them. The data were characterized descriptively, and correlates of the latrine quality and willingness to improve were analysed. The average latrine quality score in the sample was only 2.8 of the maximum six quality dimensions. Despite the low quality of latrines, 63% of respondents were satisfied with their sanitation situation. Both past improvements and plans to improve latrines were frequently reported. However, these reported changes mostly involved regular maintenance or reconstructions of collapsed latrines. No substantial upgrading of the functionality was identified. We identified inadequate awareness about the means of hygienic sanitation, implying the importance of community education. Demand for as well as supply of hygienic sanitation products are further constrained by the low purchasing power of households implying a need for sanitation subsidies.

Perspectives on COVID-19 from Singapore: Impact on ESKD Care and Medical Education.

Perspectives on COVID-19 from Singapore: Impact on ESKD Care and Medical Education.

THEORETICAL AND APPLIED ASPECTS OF COMPREHENDING A NEW CONSTITUTIONAL DOCTRINE IN UKRAINE

The article is devoted to the research of the nature and essence of some aspects of the new constitutional doctrine in Ukraine. Attention is paid to the basic constitutional and legal concepts actualized at the present stage of development of Ukraine as a democratic, legal, social state and building a civil society in it. Emphasis is placed on the issue of constitutional changes in Ukraine that have taken place over the last decades, both in the form of modernization and reform. The author concludes that qualitative and substantial upgrading of the theoretical and methodological base should be an integral part of constitutional and legal reform. The positions of the leading constitutionalist scientists on the essence of the category of "constitutional and legal doctrine" are analyzed, the significance of the dualism of approaches to its definition and peculiarities of influence on the rulemaking processes and enforcement are revealed. In addition, the importance of not only the process of forming a modern doctrine of constitutional law, the clear definition of basic concepts and general problems that operate and exploring the constitutional law of Ukraine as a science and as a leading branch of national law, but also the process of renewal the categorical apparatus, the introduction of the legal circulation of new categories capable of creating a more solid scientific basis for constitutional law, is proved. The subject of the research is the theoretical and applied aspects of comprehending the latest constitutional doctrine in Ukraine. The purpose is a study of the nature and essence of transformational changes in the constitutional and legal doctrine of Ukraine in view of the transformation processes in society at the present stage. The methodological basis of the research is a set of methods and techniques of scientific knowledge. The methodological construction is based on a systematic analysis that determined its directions. The systematic approach in some issues was supplemented by an axiological (ideological) approach. In order to identify trends, patterns and features of the development of constitutional law as a branch of law in the system of national law of Ukraine such empirical methods as observation, description, comparison and inductive generalization were used. Logical and semantic method was used for formulation and in-depth study of the conceptual apparatus. The dialectical cognition method allowed us to explore the problems associated with the definition of particular theoretical constructs, basic concepts and categories used in the Ukrainian constitutional and legal doctrine. The application of methods of modeling, analysis, synthesis, generalization and analogy made it possible to formulate the conclusions of the research. The conclusions of the research is that the author found that the content of the constitutional reform cannot be reduced to the problems of renewal of the Constitution as a normative legal act or its separate provisions, because its implementation goes beyond the procedural issues and tasks of the legal technique. At the same time, an essential component a qualitative and substantial renewal of the categorical and terminological apparatus of the branch of constitutional law should be part and parcel of the constitutional and legal reform of Ukraine. Special attention also needs to be paid to scientific and analytical monitoring of the state of the introduced changes and forecasting of the socio-political and legal consequences of the transformations, which will allow to expeditiously identify and correct possible mistakes, as well as to make recommendations on further perspectives of the development of the constitutional and legal branch. The practical implications. The results of the research will help to better understand the basic aspects of the latest constitutional doctrine in Ukraine and can be used in the research branch to further study the issue of transformational changes in the constitutional and legal branch.

Towards a green world: How do green technology innovations affect total-factor carbon productivity

Alleviating global climate change requires the development and adoption of green technology innovations. Particularly, the sustained economic growth requires green technology innovations in promoting carbon productivity, which is one of the central issues in raising standards of livings without detrimental consequences for global warming. However, the precise impacts of green technology innovations on carbon productivity are still unknown. Here we show that green technology innovations can only take effects for economies with high income, and it is difficult to find significant evidence that green technology innovations positively impact carbon productivity in less developed economies. The findings are quite robust using various alternative model specifications. Furthermore, our results demonstrate the importance of clarifying between development and adoption of green technology innovations. We propose that policy and public intention to raising living standard rather than environment, as well as lacking complementary supporting from other related innovations, represent barriers to adopt green technology innovations in less developed economies. In such countries, we anticipate our paper to attract attention to substantial upgrading of technologies by adopting green technology innovations in their new investments. The findings in this paper also highlight policies for encouraging worldwide green technology cooperation, such as accelerating green technology transfer across economies.

Challenges of achieving social upgrading in Bangladesh’s apparel industry

PurposeDespite substantial economic upgrading, Bangladesh’s apparel industry remains confronted by claims of precarious working conditions. This paper aims to understand the challenges of achieving social upgrading and whether benefits of economic upgrading can transfer to workers and their dependents through social upgrading.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were undertaken with 90 participants from six apparel firms in Bangladesh. The interviews were conducted following the Rana Plaza disaster.FindingsThe results suggest that social upgrading has not occurred to the same extent as economic upgrading. Social upgrading has been compromised in part, by the tiered factory system operating and a lack of governance within the lower tier firms.Research limitations/implicationsSingle country and one industry constitute the main limitations of this research. Future research could include multiple countries and industries to allow for greater generalization of findings.Originality/valueThe paper provides new insights on how social upgrading might be compromised within the global value chains context and its impact on developing country supplier firms, workers and their families.

Substantial upgrading of a high-ash lignite by hydrothermal treatment followed by Ca(OH)2 digestion/acid leaching

Hydrothermal treatment (HT) is traditionally used as an approach for upgrading lignite. But this approach has a limited effectiveness for upgrading high-ash lignite. In this study, we explore a new method for substantial upgrading of lignite. The method is first to deoxygenate lignite by HT and then to demineralize lignite by successive Ca(OH)2 digestion/acid leaching (abbreviated as HT-D method). For a lignite enriched with quartz and clays, the O/C atomic ratio and the ash content were reduced from 0.30 to 0.09 and from 24.1% to 3.5% (dry basis), respectively, by an optimal HT-D treatment at both HT and digestion temperatures of 330 °C. The higher heat value (HHV) was increased from 17.4 MJ kg−1 to 29.7 MJ kg−1 via this treatment, in contrast to a smaller enhancement to 22.1 MJ kg−1 via the HT only. The presence of acidic functional groups in the raw lignite was found to strongly impede the alkalization reactions of mineral species. The first HT was a critical step for improving the subsequent demineralization through the elimination of acidic functional groups. Many trace elements including Li, Be, V, Mn, Ga, As, Se, Cr and Pb were removed to a large extent by the HT-D treatment.

Computer vision uncovers predictors of physical urban change.

Which neighborhoods experience physical improvements? In this paper, we introduce a computer vision method to measure changes in the physical appearances of neighborhoods from time-series street-level imagery. We connect changes in the physical appearance of five US cities with economic and demographic data and find three factors that predict neighborhood improvement. First, neighborhoods that are densely populated by college-educated adults are more likely to experience physical improvements-an observation that is compatible with the economic literature linking human capital and local success. Second, neighborhoods with better initial appearances experience, on average, larger positive improvements-an observation that is consistent with "tipping" theories of urban change. Third, neighborhood improvement correlates positively with physical proximity to the central business district and to other physically attractive neighborhoods-an observation that is consistent with the "invasion" theories of urban sociology. Together, our results provide support for three classical theories of urban change and illustrate the value of using computer vision methods and street-level imagery to understand the physical dynamics of cities.

The Potential of Alternative Fuels in Kenya: Entrepreneurial Opportunities from Imperfect Markets

Overview Kenya's fuel industry exhibits characteristics of both a highly inefficient market as well as those found in markets with potential for generating lucrative business, depending on whether it can solve the fuel supply equation. Given the logistical and financial restraints, Kenya's indigenous oil and gas industry does not seem viable in the short term as an aspiration of achieving self-sufficiency in fuels and energy. The ongoing increase in transportation fuel demand is putting upward pressure on oil prices, worsening Kenya's dependence on oil imports and deteriorating the country's balance of payment as a result, which together with the introduction of market-friendly policies, such as the elimination of the tax on ethanol, open up an attractive ethanol market. Methodology We take a market research analysis approach to the question before us: the fuel market in Kenya. A comprehensive review of Kenya's fuel industry reveals a number of constraints to achieving fuel security. Conversely, the same chain of constraints shows scalable and profitable market niches for a local fuel industry to emerge. We examine how Kenya may harness its strengths and geographic position within East Africa to play a strategic role in the fuel supply chain. We examine the following approaches: 1. Government policies toward alternative fuels. 2. Supply chain: a. Local production: Is there enough feedstock? b. Distribution channels. 3. Demand response. 4. Impact on Kenyan balance of payments. Results The current imperfect fuel market in Kenya creates fertile terrain for an alternative fuel industry to flourish. The conditions that create momentum are as follows: Refined petroleum products are entirely imported in the absence of Kenyan indigenous oil and gas supplies. Poor infrastructure and logistics create cost differences for fuels across counties, allowing niche markets for petroleum substitutes to prosper. Growing demand puts a strain on existing infrastructure that needs substantial upgrading. Meanwhile, alternative ways of meeting the fuel logistics emerge from such physical constraints. Market-friendly policy actions, such as the elimination of taxes on ethanol, may encourage consumers to take a second look at ethanol as a feasible replacement for petroleum fuels. Conclusions Our research concludes that by diversifying its fuel portfolio and by developing a local ethanol market, the Kenyan government would not only be more energy secure in the medium and long term but it would also improve its balance of payments with annual savings offsetting annual investment in the new fuel. Moreover, shifting investment from oil imports to local ethanol resources would have a significant positive effect on the national GDP, benefiting the country as a whole.

Laboratory investigation on the properties of asphalt concrete mixture with Rice Husk Ash as filler

Incorporating of waste and/or by-product materials in construction industry such as production of hot asphalt concrete mixtures provide valuable advantages in terms of environmental and economic points of view. Accordingly, in this laboratory study, it was investigated to use Rice Husk Ash (RHA) instead of conventional mineral filler in hot asphalt mixtures.The mechanical properties were assessed by conducting Marshall Stability and Indirect Tensile Strength tests. While moisture damage and long term aging were inspected by determining Index of Retained Strength (IRS) and Mean Marshall Stability Ratio (MMSR), respectively.The experimental results have shown a significant improvement in the mechanical properties and a substantial upgrading in durability of the produced mixtures i.e. asphalt concrete mixtures with RHA as a mineral filler (RHAAC) in comparison with the control mixtures which were prepared with OPC as a mineral filler (OPCAC).As a result of this study, RHA can be incorporated instead of conventional mineral filler in asphalt concrete mixtures particularly in areas where there is extensive RHA waste.

ESOA modified unsaturated polyester hybrid networks: A new perspective

ABSTRACTHybrid polymer networks based on unsaturated polyester (UPE) and epoxidized soybean oil acrylate (ESOA) were synthesized by reactive blending through free radical addition polymerization reaction. ESOA was prepared by acrylation of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO). The physical, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of the cured blends were compared with the neat resin. ESOA resin bearing reactive functional groups showed good miscibility and compatibility with the UPE resin. The co‐cured resin showed substantial upgrading in the toughness, impact resistance, thermal properties, and downgrading brittleness up to the addition of 20 wt % of ESOA content. The muddled phase structure was corroborated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscopy and proved the formation of excellent hybrid polymer network. An improvement in overall properties has been achieved without seriously affecting any other properties. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44345.

Public engagement in electricity network development: the case of the Beauly–Denny project in Scotland

Ambitious renewable energy targets and an aging infrastructure necessitate a substantial upgrading and expansion of the electricity networks around Europe and beyond. Although vital for the functioning of the economy and a green energy future, grid development projects are often met by public opposition, which increase costs and lead to lengthy planning processes. Therefore, understanding the social aspects of a green energy economy is becoming increasingly important. The current planning frameworks have proven ineffective at resolving conflicts among stakeholders, indicating the need for a new approach. We analyse these issues from an economic perspective, outlining the economic characteristics of transmission developments and public engagement. We identify previously overlooked features of the planning process that contribute to the rise in conflicts, public opposition and prolonged project realisation. The Scottish Beauly–Denny high voltage transmission development is discussed in detail and our findings indicate a need for better engagement with local communities at an earlier stage of planning. Trust between communities, developers and government is important for the negotiations and can be achieved through transparency, specific education and set guidelines for stakeholder engagement in the planning process.

The Impact of Oil and Gas Resources In the Arctic on the Development of the Transport System in the Region

One of the main problems of the Russian economy today is the development of the Arctic region. Given the key role of the energy sector in the economic balance of the country, as well as the problem of exhaustion of hydrocarbon resources, the Arctic is of particular interest from an economic and geopolitical point of view, ensuring the energy security of Russia. Active development of the region leads to the development of transport infrastructure, which is one of the priorities of Russia's energy policy. The issue of transportation plays a leading role in the context of the development of Arctic resources and involves a number of tasks. The first step is to ensure the safety of navigation in the Arctic ice. Also existing infrastructure needs substantial upgrading, as well as construction of new facilities (including ports, railways, roads, etc.). Of particular note is a unique transcontinental route - the Northern Sea Route. There is a need to modernize the Arctic Fleet, including the construction of modern icebreakers of the Arctic class. The current state of the port system, which does not fully meet the latest international standards, is of crucial importance as well. In addition, along the route the development of railway infrastructure is required. In addition, there is the problem of underdevelopment of the road network, which leads to a re-run and lack of access of some are as to the road network of Russia. Thus, the development of hydrocarbon resources in the Arctic region contributes to the development of infrastructure of the transport system in the region and, consequently, its economic development that contributes to the economic well-being of the country as a whole.

Análise comparativa entre a implementação e atualização do sistema ERP R/3 da SAP considerando os fatores críticos de sucesso descritos na literatura: um estudo de caso em uma empresa do segmento de bebidas

Muitas empresas que implementaram o sistema ERP R/3 da SAP e que necessitam fazer atualização da versão são surpreendidas com a grande demanda de recursos humanos e estruturais solicitados para fazer estas atualizações. O longo tempo de projeto, a quantidade de recursos financeiros e a força de trabalho interna requerida para a atualização são usualmente similares à implementação de um ERP original. Este trabalho analisa uma atualização de versão em uma empresa do segmento de bebidas. Depois de uma revisão bibliográfica para apresentar um referencial teórico de conceitos sobre os sistemas ERPs, é gerado um questionário que serve de instrumento de coleta de dados. O artigo relata o resultado de uma pesquisa que avalia sete fatores críticos de sucesso, relativos às implementações de sistemas ERPs descritos na literatura, durante a atualização de versão do sistema R/3 da SAP, verificando se as demandas são justificadas.

Laboratory studies to investigate the properties of novel cold-rolled asphalt containing cement and waste bottom ash

Cold bitumen emulsion mixtures provide valuable advantages over hot mixture asphalt in terms of economic and environmental points of view. The total energy required for mixing, transportation and laying such mixtures is less compared with the traditional hot mixtures. These laboratory studies describe the results of a new developed cold-rolled asphalt (CRA) to be comparable with the traditional hot-rolled asphalt through the addition of waste bottom ash (WBA) to the CRA containing cement as the mineral filler. The mechanical properties were assessed by stiffness modulus and uniaxial creep tests, while water sensitivity was inspected by evaluating the stiffness modulus ratio before and after samples conditioning. The experimental results have shown a significant improvement in the mechanical properties and a substantial upgrading of material resistance to water sensitivity from the addition of WBA to the cold asphalt containing cement.

A novel Cold Rolled Asphalt mixtures for heavy trafficked surface course

Hot Rolled Asphalt (HRA) surface course is a gap-graded mixture of coarse aggregate, sand, mineral filler and bitumen. The mechanical properties of the mixture are dominated by the strengthening properties of the mortar components, i.e. mineral filler, sand and bitumen. The material is extensively used for surfacing major roads in the UK because it provides a dense, impervious layer, resulting in a weather-resistant durable surface able to endure the demands of modern traffic loads and providing good resistance to fatigue cracking. However, it may experience some weakness in deformation resistance.Cold Bitumen Emulsion Mixture (CBEM) provides valuable advantages over hot asphalt mixtures in economic and environmental terms. The total energy required for mixing, transportation and laying such mixtures is lower compared with the traditional hot mixtures.This paper describes the development of a new, fast curing gap-graded Cold Rolled Asphalt (CRA) through replacement of conventional mineral filler with a Binary Blended Filler (BBF) generated from blending different percentages of two different waste fly ashes. The new CRA is found to be comparable with the traditional Hot Rolled Asphalt (HRA) after short periods of curing. The mechanical properties were assessed by stiffness modulus and uniaxial creep tests while water sensitivity was inspected by evaluating the stiffness modulus ratio before and after sample conditioning.The experimental results show a significant improvement in the mechanical properties and a substantial upgrading of material resistance to water sensitivity by the incorporation of BBF in the CRA. Moreover, the required strength i.e. 125 pen HRA stiffness modulus can be achieved after just several hours from de-moulding which represents a significant advantage when compared with the conventional reported curing times of 2–24months for the traditional CBEMs.

Insurgents of the Sea: Institutional and Economic Opportunities for Maritime Piracy

While piracy may evoke romanticized visions of swashbuckling, rum swigging, and skirt chasing pirates hoisting the Jolly Roger, maritime piracy has changed substantially by taking advantage of modernization and substantial upgrading of the weapons, vessels, and weapons it employs. In addition, as documented by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), the frequency of pirate attacks has increased significantly, with more than 2,600 piracy incidents occurring since 2004. The authors argue that piracy is a result of permissive institutional environments and the lack of legal forms of employment in states’ fishing sectors. The authors investigate these arguments empirically using data for all countries with coastlines in the 1995–2007 period. The empirical analyses show that state weakness and reductions in fisheries production values affect piracy as expected. These findings suggest that international efforts in combating piracy should center on improving the institutional environments and labor opportunities driving maritime piracy.

Social Informatics Today and Tomorrow: Status, Problems and Prospects of Development of Complex Lines in the Field of Science and Education

We consider the current state and current problems of development of Social Informatics in Russia as an impor- tant direction in science and education, studying information processes and systems in a modern society in terms of global- ization and informatization of the complex. Russian scientists set out the approach to the study of Social Informatics in the education system in the time of substantial upgrading in terms of becoming an information society.

Social Informatics Today and Tomorrow: Status, Problems and Prospects of Development of Complex Lines in the Field of Science and Education

We consider the current state and current problems of development of Social Informatics in Russia as an impor- tant direction in science and education, studying information processes and systems in a modern society in terms of global- ization and informatization of the complex. Russian scientists set out the approach to the study of Social Informatics in the education system in the time of substantial upgrading in terms of becoming an information society.

Space technology transfer policies: Learning from scientific satellite case studies

The paper reports research into the transfer of technology typically used in the construction of scientific satellites. Four case studies are analyzed to clarify some basic mechanisms of the transfer of space technology to the industrial system. The paper finds that the technologies analyzed in the construction of satellites for the most part stem from the integration of technical processes already known in various industrial sectors; the use of these processes in space involves their substantial strengthening and upgrading in terms of performance; and this upgrading permits them to return to industrial sectors that use the technological advances acquired for coping with complex problems in the space sector. This research has helped validate some of the determinants of technology transfer already noted in the literature, while increasing the number and content of these. Useful indications emerge for policy makers and agents involved in technology transfer programs.