bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemias, vacinas e tecnologia: experiência de inovação em ciência, tecnologia e saúde na Fiocruz em meados dos anos 1970
Authors: Azevedo Nara , Ferreira Luiz Otávio
Published: May 2017

Em 1975, a Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) criou, em sua sede na cidade do Riode Janeiro, um laboratório para a produção em escala industrial da vacina contraa meningite. Essa iniciativa não se relacionava à tradicional área de produção devacinas e soros do antigo Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, que, juntamente com outrasinstituições do Ministério da Saúde, deu origem à Fiocruz em 1970. Tratava-se deuma novidade: a doação de uma unidade industrial completa por parte de umaempresa estrangeira...
Sistemas setoriais de inovação e infraestrutura de pesquisa no Brasil
Authors: Pacheco Carlos Américo
Published: May 2017

O livro Sistemas setoriais de inovação e infraestrutura de pesquisa no Brasil, lançado recentemente pelo Ipea, em parceria com a Finep e o CNPq, traz uma radiografia ampla e detalhada da infraestrutura científica de nosso sistema nacional de inovação. Organizado por Fernanda De Negri e Flávia de Holanda Schmidt Squeff, a obra reúne uma coletânea de estudos que avaliam, sob diferentes ângulos, como está organizada a pesquisa no país, especialmente em termos dos equipamentos e instalações dos laboratórios de pesquisa de institutos e universidades.
Apresentação: David Teece - Profiting from technological innovation: Implications for integration, collaboration, licesing and public policy
Authors: Mello Maria Teresa Leopardi
Published: May 2017

O artigo de David Teece, professor da Universidade da Califórnia (Haas School of Business Administration), ora publicado nesta seção de IDÉIAS FUNDADORAS da RBI é considerado uma contribuição clássica ao tema da apropriabilidade. Sydney Winter, por exemplo, coloca-o ao lado daquelas de Schumpeter e Arrow,1 apesar de a análise de Teece estar muito mais voltada para questões práticas da organização econômica e das estratégias de negócios. De certo modo, ao abordar o processo inovativo a partir de um quadro conceitual-analítico realista e prático, Teece conseguiu identificar questões-chave para o entendimento dos fatores que influenciam a distribuição dos lucros decorrentes da introdução de inovações (entre inovadores, imitadores e demais concorrentes), o que contribuiu também para a compreensão de aspectos teóricos da apropriabilidade.
Ensino e Pesquisa em Propriedade Intelectual no Brasil
Authors: Amorim-Borher Maria Beatriz , Ávila Jorge de P. C. , Castro Ana Célia , Chamas Claudia Inês , Carvalho Sergio Medeiros Paulino de
Published: May 2017

O objetivo do artigo é analisar a recente expansão das atividades de ensino e pesquisa em propriedade intelectual no Brasil. O dinamismo da pesquisa acadêmica brasileira, com crescente inserção internacional pela publicação de artigos em revistas indexadas e pela formação de redes, tem como conseqüência expressiva demanda por profissionais capazes de lidar com o ambiente complexo e multidisciplinar da propriedade intelectual, nos setores governamentais (ministérios, universidades, instituições de pesquisa, agências reguladoras, Judiciário, Legislativo, etc.) e não-governamentais (empresas privadas, ONGs, escritórios de advocacia, etc.). O desafio é formar esses profissionais e possibilitar o desenvolvimento de modelos de interpretação e aplicação da propriedade intelectual compatíveis com economias crescentemente baseadas no desenvolvimento tecnológico. Há evidências do uso crescente da perspectiva interdisciplinar para a análise do tema propriedade intelectual, que é uma abordagem academicamente bastante desafiadora.
O Problema da Experimentação na Inovação Tecnológica
Authors: Andrade Thales Novaes de
Published: May 2017

A problemática da inovação tecnológica está despertando grande interesse da parte dos cientistas sociais. Nas últimas décadas diversos trabalhos foram desenvolvidos enfocando a construção de ambientes de inovação e capital social. Percebe-se que os estudos sobre sistemas e ambientes de inovação estão tirando importância da discussão propriamente tecnológica sobre as práticas de inovação, na medida em que focam preferencialmente a gestão e organização de fluxos de conhecimento e formação de redes. O presente trabalho pretende discutir a relação entre gestão tecnológica e prática dos inovadores, tendo por base o trabalho de filósofos e sociólogos das técnicas.
A Experiência de Colaboração do Departamento de Engenharia Metalúrgica e de Materiais da UFMG com Empresas – Lições para a Lei de Inovação
Authors: Silva Evando Mirra de Paula e
Published: May 2017

A história de colaboração do Departamento de Engenharia Metalúrgica e de Materiais da UFMG com a Indústria começou como uma busca de identidade acadêmica. No início dos anos 1970 foi criado o Curso de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Metalúrgica e de Materiais (CPGEM) na UFMG, um dos primeiros da Pós-Graduação em Engenharia no País. Seus fundadores eram, à época, um grupo de jovens pesquisadores que regressavam ao Brasil depois de concluírem o doutorado em diferentes universidades do mundo. O setor de Materiais do IPR, Instituto de Pesquisas Radioativas de MG, forneceu um abrigo acolhedor para o início das atividades, em associação com a universidade.
Edith Penrose - Teoria do crescimento da firma
Authors: Pelaez Victor
Published: May 2017

A recente tradução desta obra para a língua portuguesa é um passo fundamental para a difusão de um trabalho relativamente pouco conhecido no Brasil – nos meios acadêmico e empresarial – que influenciou o pensamento nas áreas de economia e de gestão de empresas, desde a sua primeira publicação em 1959. A sua linguagem simples, que permite uma fácil compreensão aos leitores iniciantes, não perde em profundidade e precisão ao abordar os diferentes aspectos teóricos de um fenômeno tão complexo e diverso como o do crescimento da firma. A participação de Penrose em um projeto de pesquisa sobre o crescimento da firma – coordenado por Fritz Machlup, seu orientador – deu-lhe a oportunidade de realizar uma grande revisão da literatura produzida até então, bem como de realizar um estudo de caso sobre a história do crescimento da empresa Hercules Powder Company. Este estudo, apesar de ter sido publicado posteriormente, em 1960, foi a base principal para a elaboração de sua interpretação teórica sobre o processo de crescimento da firma...
Editorial
Authors: De Ramos Neves Jorge Tadeu
Published: May 2017

Está no ar o novo número da revista Gestão & Tecnologia apresentando oito artigos inéditos que tratam de temas relacionados com as diferentes visões da Administração moderna.
The Genetic Structure of Turnip mosaic Virus Population Reveals the Rapid Expansion of a New Emergent Lineage in China
Authors: Li Xiangdong , Zhu Tiansheng , Yin Xiao , Zhang Chengling , Chen Jia , Tian Yanping , Liu Jinliang
Published: May 2017

Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) is one of the most widespread and economically important virus infecting both crop and ornamental species of the family Brassicaceae. TuMV isolates can be classified to five phylogenetic lineages, basal-B, basal-BR, Asian-BR, world-B and Orchis. To understand the genetic structure of TuMV from radish in China, the 3′-terminal genome of 90 TuMV isolates were determined and analyzed with other Chinese isolates available. The results showed that the Chinese TuMV isolates from radish formed three groups: Asian-BR, basal-BR and world-B. More than half of these isolates (52.54%) were clustered to basal-BR group, and could be further divided into three sub-groups. The TuMV basal-BR isolates in the sub-groups I and II were genetically homologous with Japanese ones, while those in sub-group III formed a distinct lineage. Sub-populations of TuMV basal-BR II and III were new emergent and in a state of expansion. The Chinese TuMV radish populations were under negative selection. Gene flow between TuMV populations from Tai’an, Weifang and Changchun was frequent.
A Stability Criterion Model of Flexible Footbridges under Crowd-Induced Vertical Excitation
Authors: Gao Yan-An , Yang Qing-Shan , Wang Juan , Liu Min
Published: May 2017

The excessive vibration caused by crowds walking across footbridges has attracted great public concerns in the past few decades. This paper presents, from considering the dynamic characteristics of the bipedal crowd model, a new stability limit criterion based on the bipedal excitation model. The stability limit can be used to estimate the upper boundary of crowd size. In addition, the dynamic stable performances of a structure, under a certain walking crowd size, can be predicted by the stability criterion. This proposed mechanism provides an alternative comprehension how crowd excite the excessive sway motion with a large-span structure.
Minimum Five-Year Outcomes with Porous Tantalum Acetabular Cup and Augment Construct in Complex Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Jenkins Derek R. , Odland Andrew N. , Sierra Rafael J. , Hanssen Arlen D. , Lewallen David G.
Published: May 2017

Background:

The use of a trabecular metal revision shell with metal augmentation to fill segmental or irregular defects during complex revision hip arthroplasty has been shown to provide good short-term results in prior published series. Longer-term results of the several cup-augment constructs used clinically are not known. The objective of this study was to report, with minimum 5-year radiographic and clinical follow-up, the outcome of these various constructs in revision total hip arthroplasty.

Methods:

Eighty-four patients (85 hips) underwent revision total hip arthroplasty with use of porous tantalum augments between 2000 and 2007 at a single institution and were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty-seven of the patients (58 hips) had clinical and radiographic follow-up at a minimum of 5 years. At the time of revision, the majority of the hips had acetabular defects classified as Paprosky Type 3A (28 of 58, 48%) or Type 3B (22 of 58, 38%). Eleven (19%) of the hips also had preoperative pelvic discontinuity. All hips were assessed clinically at a minimum of 5 years with use of the Mayo hip score. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed for implant stability, the presence and location of radiolucent lines and healing of the discontinuity if present.

Results:

In 2 (3%) of the 58 hips, the constructs failed because of aseptic loosening of the acetabular component and re-revision was indicated. Six (10%) of the 58 hips demonstrated a radiolucent line between the trabecular metal shell and bone in DeLee and Charnley zone 3. In 1 hip that underwent re-revision and in 5 of the 6 hips with a zone-3 radiolucency, a pelvic discontinuity was present at the time of the index revision. The mean preoperative Mayo hip score was 35.7, which improved to 61.9 at 3 months and was 61.7 at the minimum 5-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

With failure defined as aseptic loosening requiring repeat revision surgery, this cohort demonstrated 97% survivorship and maintained satisfactory hip function at the minimum 5 years after the index revision surgery. Six of the 11 hips with preoperative pelvic discontinuity either failed or developed a radiolucency in zone 3 and are considered at risk for future revision. Pelvic discontinuity should prompt consideration of the addition of adjunctive fixation or the use of alternative techniques.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Modular Fluted Tapered Stems in Aseptic Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Abdel Matthew P. , Cottino Umberto , Larson Dirk R. , Hanssen Arlen D. , Lewallen David G. , Berry Daniel J.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Modular fluted tapered stems have become the most commonly employed category of femoral component in revision hip arthroplasty in North America as a result of favorable early results and simplicity of use. Despite wide adoption, the majority of published data are limited to relatively small series with modest follow-up. The goal of the current study was to determine the success rate and factors associated with success, failure, and complications of the use of modular fluted tapered stems in aseptic revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs) in a large patient cohort.

Methods:

We identified 519 aseptic femoral revisions during which a modular fluted tapered stem was utilized. Clinical outcomes, Kaplan-Meier survivorship, radiographic outcomes, and complications were assessed. The mean age at revision arthroplasty was 70 years, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 29 kg/m2, and the mean duration of follow-up was 4.5 years (range, 2 to 14 years).

Results:

The mean Harris hip score (HHS) improved significantly from 51 points preoperatively to 76 points at 2 years (p < 0.001). This improvement was maintained at the last follow-up evaluation (mean HHS = 75 points). At the time of the most recent follow-up, 16 femoral revisions had been performed: 6 because of aseptic loosening, 4 because of infection, 3 because of instability, 2 because of periprosthetic fracture, and 1 because of stem fracture. The 10-year survivorship was 96% with revision for any reason as the end point and 90% with any reoperation as the end point. Of the patients who were alive and had not undergone revision at the time of final follow-up, 12 had stem subsidence but all but 1 of these stems had stabilized after subsiding. Postoperative complications were noted in 12% of the cases. Repeat revision due to femoral component loosening was not correlated with the preoperative bone-loss category or patient demographic factors.

Conclusions:

In this large series, femoral revision with a modular fluted tapered stem provided a high rate of osseointegration and sustained improvement in clinical scores at the time of the last follow-up. There was also a high rate of successful implant fixation across all categories of preoperative bone loss and an acceptable rate of complications.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Leptin Elevation as a Risk Factor for Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Independent of Obesity Status
Authors: Halverson Schuyler J. , Warhoover Tracy , Mencio Gregory A. , Lovejoy Steven A. , Martus Jeffrey E. , Schoenecker Jonathan G.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is strongly associated with childhood obesity, yet the prevalence of obesity is orders of magnitude greater than the prevalence of SCFE. Therefore, it is hypothesized that obesity is not, by itself, a sufficient condition for SCFE, but rather one component of a multifactorial process requiring preexisting physeal pathology. Leptin elevation is seen to varying degrees in patients with obesity, and as leptin has been shown to cause physeal pathology similar to the changes seen in SCFE, we propose that leptin may be a factor distinguishing between patients with SCFE and equally obese children without hip abnormalities.

Methods:

Serum leptin levels were obtained from 40 patients with SCFE and 30 control patients with approximate body mass index (BMI) matching. BMI percentiles were calculated according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention population data by patient age and sex. Patients were compared by demographic characteristics, leptin levels, odds of leptin elevation, and odds of SCFE.

Results:

The odds of developing SCFE was increased by an odds ratio of 4.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31 to 18.48; p < 0.02) in patients with elevated leptin levels, regardless of obesity status, sex, and race. When grouping patients by their obesity status, non-obese patients with SCFE showed elevated median leptin levels at 5.8 ng/mL compared with non-obese controls at 1.7 ng/mL (p = 0.006). Similarly, obese patients with SCFE showed elevated median leptin levels at 17.9 ng/mL compared with equally obese controls at 10.5 ng/mL (p = 0.039). Serum leptin levels increased in association with obesity (p < 0.001), with an increase in leptin of 0.17 ng/mL (95% CI, 0.07 to 0.27 ng/mL) per BMI percentile point.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this study is the first to clinically demonstrate an association between elevated serum leptin levels and SCFE, regardless of BMI. This adds to existing literature suggesting that SCFE is a multifactorial process and that leptin levels may have profound physiological effects on the development of various disease states. Despite a strong association with adiposity, leptin levels vary between patients of equal BMI and may be a vital resource in prognostication of future obesity-related comorbidities.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Changes by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education: Success or Failure?
Authors: Thompson Terry L. , Wright Rick W. , Nasca Thomas J.
Published: May 2017

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has introduced far-reaching changes to the educational requirements for postgraduate trainees over the past 15 years. These steps were taken to improve the quality of education and to enhance patient safety. This symposium will explore the design and implementation of these changes and determine if they are succeeding.
Sclerostin Antibody Treatment Enhances Rotator Cuff Tendon-to-Bone Healing in an Animal Model
Authors: Shah Shivam A. , Kormpakis Ioannis , Havlioglu Necat , Ominsky Michael S. , Galatz Leesa M. , Thomopoulos Stavros
Published: May 2017

Background:

Rotator cuff tears are a common source of pain and disability, and poor healing after repair leads to high retear rates. Bone loss in the humeral head before and after repair has been associated with poor healing. The purpose of the current study was to mitigate bone loss near the repaired cuff and improve healing outcomes.

Methods:

Sclerostin antibody (Scl-Ab) treatment, previously shown to increase bone formation and strength in the setting of osteoporosis, was used in the current study to address bone loss and enhance rotator cuff healing in an animal model. Scl-Ab was administered subcutaneously at the time of rotator cuff repair and every 2 weeks until the animals were sacrificed. The effect of Scl-Ab treatment was evaluated after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of healing, using bone morphometric analysis, biomechanical evaluation, histological analysis, and gene expression outcomes.

Results:

Injury and repair led to a reduction in bone mineral density after 2 and 4 weeks of healing in the control and Scl-Ab treatment groups. After 8 weeks of healing, animals receiving Scl-Ab treatment had 30% greater bone mineral density than the controls. A decrease in biomechanical properties was observed in both groups after 4 weeks of healing compared with healthy tendon-to-bone attachments. After 8 weeks of healing, Scl-Ab-treated animals had improved strength (38%) and stiffness (43%) compared with control animals. Histological assessment showed that Scl-Ab promoted better integration of tendon and bone by 8 weeks of healing. Scl-Ab had significant effects on gene expression in bone, indicative of enhanced bone formation, and no effect on the expression of genes in tendon.

Conclusions:

This study provides evidence that Scl-Ab treatment improves tendon-to-bone healing at the rotator cuff by increasing attachment-site bone mineral density, leading to improved biomechanical properties.

Clinical Relevance:

Scl-Ab treatment may improve outcomes after rotator cuff repair.
Impact of Preoperative Opioid Use on Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes
Authors: Smith Savannah R. , Bido Jennifer , Collins Jamie E. , Yang Heidi , Katz Jeffrey N. , Losina Elena
Published: May 2017

Background:

There is growing concern about the use of opioids prior to total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and research has suggested that preoperative opioid use may lead to worse pain outcomes following surgery. We evaluated the pain relief achieved by TKA in patients who had and those who had not used opioids use before the procedure.

Methods:

We augmented data from a prospective cohort study of TKA outcomes with opioid-use data abstracted from medical records. We collected patient-reported outcomes and demographic data before and 6 months after TKA. We used the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) to quantify the pain experiences of patients treated with TKA who had had a baseline score of ≥20 on the WOMAC pain scale (a 0 to 100-point scale, with 100 being the worst score), who provided follow-up data, and who had not had another surgical procedure within the 2 years prior to TKA. We built a propensity score for preoperative opioid use based on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale score, comorbidities, and baseline pain. We used a general linear model, adjusting for the propensity score and baseline pain, to compare the change in the WOMAC pain score 6 months after TKA between persons who had and those who had not used opioids before TKA.

Results:

The cohort included 156 patients with a mean age of 65.7 years (standard deviation [SD] = 8.2 years) and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 31.1 kg/m2 (SD = 6.1 kg/m2); 62.2% were female. Preoperatively, 36 patients (23%) had had at least 1 opioid prescription. The mean baseline WOMAC pain score was 43.0 points (SD = 12.8) for the group that had not used opioids before TKA and 46.9 points (SD = 15.7) for those who had used opioids (p = 0.12). The mean preoperative Pain Catastrophizing Scale score was greater among opioid users (15.5 compared with 10.7 points among non-users, p = 0.006). Adjusted analyses showed that the opioid group had a mean 6-month reduction in the WOMAC pain score of 27.0 points (95% confidence interval [CI] = 22.7 to 31.3) compared with 33.6 points (95% CI = 31.4 to 35.9) in the non-opioid group (p = 0.008).

Conclusions:

Patients who used opioids prior to TKA obtained less pain relief from the operation. Clinicians should consider limiting pre-TKA opioid prescriptions to optimize the benefits of TKA.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Recognising and Rewarding Teaching Excellence: an argument for authentic metrics
Authors: Brown Sally
Published: May 2017

Recognising and rewarding excellent teaching as the UK TEF plans to do is valuable, but it is imperative that the metrics are authentic. This opinion piece by the Chair of the UK Association of National Teaching Fellows argues for meaningful measures that draw on extant means of acknowledging and celebrating outstanding teachers
Pore-Network Connectivity and Permeability Assessment by Use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Log-Inject-Log Method
Authors: Cheng Kai , Heidari Zoya
Published: May 2017

Nuclear-magnetic-resonance (NMR) logging is a well-established technology for estimating porosity, pore-size distribution, and permeability in conventional reservoirs. However, the uncertainty associated with these estimates can be significant in complex heterogeneous-carbonate reservoirs, such as those with variable pore size and pore-network connectivity. In such cases, distinguishing isolated-pore space is often impossible by use of well-log measurements and conventional well-log-interpretation methods, which makes permeability evaluation unreliable. This paper proposes a new application of the NMR log-inject-log method to improve assessment of permeability and to distinguish isolated pores from connected pores. We propose injecting manganese-bearing solution in the rock samples and simultaneously analyze NMR measurements before and after injection of the contrast solution. Injection of contrast agents enables eliminating the effect of isolated-pore space from the NMR T2 (spin-spin relaxation time) distribution, which is then used to improve permeability assessment.

To confirm the feasibility of the proposed method for field applications, we conduct NMR laboratory measurements in two carbonate-rock types. We inject manganese-bearing solution into rock samples by use of a coreflood experimental procedure and measure NMR T2 distributions before and after injection. We then estimate isolated porosity and interconnected porosity by taking into account the difference between the NMR T2 distributions acquired before and after the injection of the contrast solution. We introduce a method to calculate the geometric mean of the T2 distribution for interconnected pores, and also to obtain effective free-fluid volume and bound-fluid volume. Finally, we use the T2 distribution corrected for the effect of isolated pores in conventional NMR-based permeability models to improve permeability assessment. We cross validate the NMR-based permeability estimates against Klinkenberg permeability measured by an unsteady-state gas permeameter. The results confirm that the proposed method enables quantifying the isolated and connected pore volume (PV), and finally improves NMR-based permeability assessment. The new method provides estimates of permeability with up to 10% average error in eight carbonate-rock samples, which was a significant improvement compared with the average errors of up to 500% when T2 distribution is not corrected for the effect of isolated pores.
Enhancing Hydrocarbon Permeability After Hydraulic Fracturing: Laboratory Evaluations of Shut-Ins and Surfactant Additives
Authors: Liang Tianbo , Longoria Rafael A. , Lu Jun , Nguyen Quoc P. , DiCarlo David A.
Published: May 2017

Fracturing-fluid loss into the formation can potentially damage hydrocarbon production in shale or other tight reservoirs. Well shut-ins are commonly used in the field to dissipate the lost water into the matrix near fracture faces. Borrowing from ideas in chemical enhanced oil recovery (CEOR), surfactants have potential to reduce the effect of fracturing-fluid loss on hydrocarbon permeability in the matrix. Unconventional tight reservoirs can differ significantly from one another, which could make the use of these techniques effective in some cases but not in others. We present an experimental investigation dependent on a coreflood sequence that simulates fluid invasion, flowback, and hydrocarbon production from hydraulically fractured reservoirs. We compare the benefits of shut-ins and reduction in interfacial tension (IFT) by surfactants for hydrocarbon permeability for different initial reservoir conditions (IRCs). From this work, we identify the mechanism responsible for the permeability reduction in the matrix, and we suggest criteria that can be used to optimize fracturing-fluid additives and/or manage flowback operations to enhance hydrocarbon production from unconventional tight reservoirs.
Mechanism of Liquid-Phase Adsorption and Desorption in Coalbed Methane Systems: A New Insight Into an Old Problem
Authors: Li Jing , Li Xiangfang , Shi Juntai , Zhang Hong , Wu Keliu , Chen Zhangxin
Published: May 2017

Coalbed-methane (CBM) recovery is a process of desorption rather than adsorption. Traditional experimental studies of methane adsorption/desorption on dry or moist coal samples illustrate little hysteresis between adsorption and desorption isotherms. However, coal porosity is always occupied by water in actual conditions, and few researches focus on the gas sorption from water-saturated coals. In such conditions, there is an equilibrium between methane-molecule dissolution into pore water and adsorption on (or desorption from) pore surface, which indicates a typical liquid/solid sorption process rather than gas/solid sorption process.

This paper presents experiments with methane adsorption/desorption on coal samples saturated with water. To our surprise, the desorption amount changes slightly with different pressure drops, and the desorption ratio for each of our three sets of experiments is only 3.36, 4.98, and 4.21%, respectively. This dramatic result indicates that sorption from saturated aqueous solution presents significant hysteresis, which considerably differs from a gas-phase sorption case (e.g., sorption on dry or moist samples). On the basis of our theoretical analysis, this hysteresis is caused mainly by additional energy consumed by phase behavior (e.g., nucleation) and capillary resistance in a gas/water/solid system. Further, a unified model is established instead of the traditional Langmuir equation to describe the hysteresis phenomenon between adsorption and desorption from an aqueous environment.

Our present work demonstrates that pore water will play a significant role in resisting methane desorption, and the high water saturation in the CBM system will lead to extremely low recovery. Therefore, using the traditional sorption-isotherm curve to predict deliverability of a gas well may result in a large deviation in some cases.
Depositional Controls over the Lacustrine Source Rocks of the Cuyana Basin. An Approach to Model a Mechanical Cyclicity Through an Integrated Analysis of Sequence Stratigraphy, Petrophysics and Rock Properties
Authors: Barredo S. P. , Sosa Massaro A. , Fuenmayor E. , Abalos R. , Stinco L. P. , Abarzúa F.
Published: May 2017

Integrating field and laboratory data is possible if there are strong geologic criteria to relate them. This challenge demands understanding rocks from the fabric and mineralogy up to the architectural elements of rock bodies at a basinal scale. The geological properties of rocks, being them clastic, chemical or biochemical, influence reservoir quality and hydrocarbon producibility, but continental mudrocks/siltstones (shales) are by far more complex because of their depositional nature and highly variable vertical and lateral sedimentary characteristics. Grain size variability and sedimentary structures are common in these rocks. From outcrops, well logs and the source rocks of the Cuyana Basin (Argentina) could be characterized as deposited in lacustrine environments under a strong tectonic and climatic influence. Silty sandstones, limestones, massive and laminated bituminous shales developed in underfilled and balanced to overfilled lakes. They display parallel/inclined/rippled laminations, coarsening/fining upwards patterns, nodules, scour surfaces and pedogenic features. Total organic content may reach 14 % and corresponds to macro and micro floral remains, freshwater invertebrates and kerogen types I and II. These lithofacies are vertically stacked in patterns that can be related to cycles with different mechanical properties. In outcrops and with the help of seismic lines third order depositional sequences representing basin variations in accommodation space were recognized as low accommodation (LAS) to high accommodation (HAS) sequences developed in each of the three rifting stages. Using detailed information about mineralogy and fossil content climate was characterized and fourth order parasequences could be characterized. Fifth order (bedset-rhythms) cycles were interpreted on the basis of outcrops and well logs. Inorganic (especially clays) and organic content, pedogenic fabric, burrows and microfracturing represent weakness planes and as they vary according to these cycles, it was possible to model a mechanical cyclicity along the whole lacustrine column and to analyze their depositional controls. This integrated study has provided relevant data for the understanding of the geological and mechanical properties that will contribute to the optimization of fracture programs.
Empirical PVT Correlations Applied for Colombian Crude Oils: A New Approach
Authors: Valle Tamayo G. A. , Romero Consuegra F. , Mendoza Vargas L. F. , Osorio Gonzalez D. A.
Published: May 2017

A new approach is proposed for adjusting models of empirical equations to predict PVT properties based on current operating conditions of Colombian fields. The results obtained with this new approach are compared with existing correlations.

Using PVT measurement properties from 51 Colombian fields distributed in eight producing oil basins (which represents more than 50% of total Colombian oil production), and through the application of multivariate statistical analysis and average relative error, a new approach was presented focused on two methodological criteria: i) PVT empirical correlations existing adjusted to the operating conditions of Colombian fields. ii) Proposal of empirical equations to estimate the bubble point pressure, oil volume factor and gas ratio in solution, of Colombians crudes.

The inaccuracy of the empirical correlations of the fluids properties contained in the literature, to implemented for Colombian crude is manifested. Correction factors to adjust the experimental data are proposed to reduce the relative error percentage of correlations. A new empirical equation for estimating PVT properties is presented, necessary to solve reservoir engineering and surface production operational problems; by multivariate analysis. The proposed models are compared with the traditional ones, through relative errors based on the PVT measurement acquired, with the aim of ranking them according to its uncertainty.

Through the correlations based on Colombian crudes presented hereby, PVT fluid properties are obtained exhibiting behaviors with a lower order error compared to currently implemented in the industry. This improvement in PVT calculation accuracy will be of invaluable support for simulations and designs applied in Colombian Oil industry.
Methodology for Fluid Contact Monitoring through Surface API Data
Authors: Paredes J. E. , Carbajal Á. , Izquierdo R. , Loyo I. , Perez R. , Perera-Perez L. M. , Larez C. J.
Published: May 2017

There are many methods and tools for estimating the current water/oil (WOC) or gas/oil contact (GOC) in the reservoir. PLT and RST logs can timely monitor the production of each phase in the well and estimate fluid contacts. Material balance or numerical simulation models allow to estimate or predict the depth fluids contacts. In all cases, these tools involve a large amount of human and financial resources and in most cases their accuracy depends on the time expend to calibrate them.

This work proposes a methodology to determine the current depth of the fluid contacts, using surface measurements of the specific gravity of oil (°API) in wells. The proposed methodology is based on the principle of the compositional variation of the fluid in the reservoir and its effect of the properties of the produced fluids. Two diagnostic plots are proposed: (1) for estimating the current depth of the fluids contact at well level and (2) for predicting water breakthrough time. Some real examples of wells showing the behavior outlined in this paper will be presented to support all presented theories. Finally the proposed methodology and diagnostic plots were applied to a reservoir with proven compositional gradient to validate the proposed work.
The preparation of the labor relations landscape of South Africa (1994-2008): an environmental perspective for sustainable development
Authors: (АА) Rust Braam
Published: May 2017

This paper undertakes a review of the literature that examines the highlights and changes in specific external environmental factors (Ecology, Economy, Politics, Legislation and legal structures, and Society), between1994 and 2008 in South Africa, with the aim to ascertain how these factors affect the day-to-day labour relations in the workplace and add to sustainable development. These factors form the landscape for labour relations. Changes to them have consequences on the quality of labour relations, that is, inter alia, the frequency, and intensity of conflicts, disputes, demands and industrial actions. It is also evident that with its power and through the political system, the South African trade union was enhanced to shape the labour relations landscape. Labour laws were particularly designed to be worker friendly and to ensure that trade unions could use a fair collective bargaining system to spread the wealth of the mining industry, agriculture and other industries more evenly. Also, because of the alliance that exists between Labour and the ruling party (ANC), the economy was influenced so that economic policies could to a certain extent guide and steer economic growth, unemployment, inflation, interest rates and exchange rates. Trade unions were instruments in ensuring that formal changes in laws and policies did, in fact, reach and positively impact families and households within the social environment. Lastly, trade unions were the most effective instrument for heralding change within South Africa in the environmental fields of ecology, economy, politics, legislation and legal structures, as well as within society. Furthermore, these fields have interchangeably affected the labour relations landscape thereby indelibly shaping it between 1994 and 2008.
Does Fed policy affect blockholder behavior in U.S. publicly traded firms?
Authors: D. Kaya Halil , L. Lumpkin-Sowers Nancy
Published: May 2017

This paper documents the empirical relationship between ownership concentration and monetary policy to fill out the picture for when ownership concentration is likely to change within U.S. publicly traded firms. Our sample is drawn from the Dlugosz et al. (2006) data set for firms between 1996 and 2001. The authors explore the patterns between the Federal Reserve’s policy position and ownership concentration rather than asserting causal direction between the two. This empirical paper tests alternative theories on blockholder activism by examining whether “voice” or “exit” is more dominant under contractionary monetary policy. Using the series of same direction changes in the Federal Funds Rate to establish time periods as a proxy for monetary policy in the U.S., nonparametric tests show that there are more blockholders per firm, the sum of their blockholdings in percentage terms is higher, and the total percentage held by the blockholder in U.S. firms is greater under contractionary policy periods. This supports an active theory of blockholder behavior in corporate governance.
Financial market imbalance: reasons and peculiarities of occurrence in Ukraine
Authors: Slav’yuk Rostyslav , Shkvarchuk Lyudmyla , Kondrat Iryna
Published: May 2017

Financial imbalance is the reason of a macroeconomic instability. This study aims at identifying the institutional causes of financial markets imbalance. The authors consider that financial intermediaries in Ukraine work in a speculative market segment carrying out high-risk transactions with the purpose of earning a huge profit. In fact, in Ukraine the role of these institutions in the investment process financing is insignificant. The authors show that soundness of banks along with the ease of access to loans and a low level of confidence in national banking system are the main reasons of instability in financial market in Ukraine. Due to scarcity of financial capacity and refusal to carry out transactions in a high-risk market segments, insurance companies are unable to entirely perform functions of risk redistribution. Competitiveness of Ukrainian financial market remains low with a limited financial services nomenclature and it may be considered to be attractive for potential foreign investors.
Corporate governance and capital structure in the periods of financial distress. Evidence from Greece
Authors: Kyriazopoulos George
Published: May 2017

This study examines the relationship between corporate governance and capital structure employing data from the Athens Stock Exchange for the period 2005-2014. This period encompasses the sovereign debt crisis erupted in Greece at the end of 2009 and still continues to hit households and businesses alike. The results from the panel regression analysis signify the role of corporate governance structures in determining the capital structure of the Greek listed firms. In particular, the empirical results reveal a negative impact of board size on debt levels, which is weakened during the debt crisis period. In contrast, the presence of outside directors provides the appropriate certification to use more debt. Finally, growth opportunities and profitability are the two firm-specific factors which effect was weakened during the financially-constraint period.
The domestic resource gap and current transaction deficit in Indonesia in 2010-2014
Authors: M. Palampanga Anhulaila , Hasanuddin Bakri
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between domestic financial resource gaps and current account balance in Indonesia by using data from 2010 to 2014. Gaps in the domestic economy are classified into three types: 1) the domestic absorptive capacity of the national income gap (GNP), 2) gross national savings and investment gap, 3) private sector gap (private saving minus private investment), and public sector gap (tax minus government spending). By using a concept of open economy that is described in a theoretical framework, the study results show that: 1) the gap absorption of domestic and GNP, 2) the gap between gross national saving and gross national investments, 3) the gap in private sector and government sector resulting in deficit in the current account during Indonesia on 2010-2014 periods.
One-step hydrothermal synthesis of CTAB-modified SiO2 for removal of bisphenol A
Authors: Zhang Yefei , Liu Chao , Luo Lijun , Shi Yingying , Chen Yu , Wang Shan , Bian Longchun , Jiang Fengzhi
Published: May 2017

A stable SiO2 material marked as CTAB-Ms(x) was synthesized by a novel sol-gel method. It was modified with hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), which resulted in high adsorption capacity. Its microstructure and surface functional groups were characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared. The results showed that CTAB-Ms(x) had a core/shell structure in which the core was a CTAB micelle and the shell was SiO2. The prepared material was applied to adsorb bisphenol A (BPA). Pseudo-first-order kinetics equation, pseudo-second-order kinetics equation, Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, Temkin adsorption isotherm model, and thermodynamic equations were used to fit and analyze the experiment results. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacities calculated according to linear and non-linear forms of the Langmuir isotherm were 370.37 mg·g−1 and 198.80 mg·g−1, and the adsorption equilibrium time was 120 min. A mechanism study showed that the high adsorption capacity was attributed to the solubilization effect of the CTAB micelle.
PPARs in Neurodegenerative and Neuroinflammatory Pathways
Authors: Benedetti E. , Cristiano L. , Antonosante A. , d'Angelo M. , d'Angelo B. , Selli S. , Castelli V. , Ippoliti R. , Giordano A. , Cimini A.
Published: May 2017

Background:

PPARs are lipid sensors activated by dietary lipids or their metabolites, mainly
fatty acids and eicosanoids, that play critical roles in CNS biology, since brain has a very high lipid content
and has the higher energetic metabolism in the body.

Methods:

In neurodegenerative diseases in addition to metabolic impairment, also neuroinflammation is
observed and PPARs are also closely linked to inflammatory processes. Several studies have revealed a
complicated relationship between the innate immune response and tissue metabolism.

Results:

In the brain, during pathological conditions, an alteration in metabolic status occurs, particularly
involving glucose utilization and production, a condition which is generally related to metabolic changes.

Conclusion:

Taking into account the high expression of PPARs in the brain, this review will focus on the
role of these transcription factors in CNS diseases.
Successful Treatment of Painful Synchondrosis of Bipartite Patella after Direct Trauma by Operative Fixation: A Series of Six Cases
Authors: Radha Sarkhell , Shenouda Michael , Konan Sujith , Lavelle Jonathon , Church Samuel
Published: May 2017

Introduction:

The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the body and may have one (77%) or multiple (23%) ossification centres. Patellar and patellofemoral joint abnormalities are a common cause of anterior knee pain but symptomatic bipartite patella is an uncommon problem.

Case Series:

We report a series of six cases of painful synchondrosis in bipartite patellae, all in keen athletes following a direct blow to the anterior aspect of the knee. A complete rupture of the synchondrosis with evidence of retropatellar chondral separation was seen on MRI scan in all cases. Successful surgical fixation was undertaken with complete resolution of symptoms in all patients at an average of three months post-operatively.

Conclusion:

Painful synchondrosis of a bipartite patella in young and active individuals following direct trauma is a relatively rare cause of anterior knee pain, but may be associated with significant morbidity. In cases refractory to non-operative management, successful symptomatic treatment can be achieved by operative fixation.
Pengaruh Logoterapi Kelompok terhadap Kemampuan Memaknai Hidup pada Residen Napza
Authors: Sutejo Sutejo
Published: May 2017

Drug abuse is ineffective coping behavior in resolving stress conditions. There are several psychological problems affecting the meaning of life’s crisis such as: low self-esteem, lack of motivation, feeling powerless, desperation, and suicide risk. Group Logotherapy is a psychotherapy which can assist to evoke optimism of a humankind in facing the future after all obstacles encountered. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of group logotherapy on the drug users’ resident in interpreting the meaning of life’s ability at Pamardi Putra Rehabilitation Center of Yogyakarta Social Agency. This study method was a quasi-experiment pretest-posttest with control group design was conducted at Permadi Putra Social Rehabilitation Center of Yogyakarta. Random sampling method applied to select the samples. All 44 samples were recruited and divided into two groups for both experimental group (22 samples) and control group (22 samples). Group Logotherapy by using Value Awareness Technique (VAT) concerned as Independent variable and Life’s Meaning categorized as dependent variable. The Meaning in Life’s questionnaire was applied to this study. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was attempted to analyzed the data with 5% significant value (p=0,05). Results showed that the average result value for both pretest and posttest on the control group is 13,32 and 17,00 with (p-value=0.000.05). In conclusion, the statistical analysis was found significant different result between both control and experimental groups on the drug resident users about their life’s meaning at Pamardi Putra Rehabilitation Center of Yogyakarta Social Agency.
Pengaruh Home Visit Terhadap Penurunan Episode Penyakit Infeksi dan Peningkatan Angka Kecukupan Gizi pada Balita Malnutrisi Akut Berat
Authors: Huriah Titih
Published: May 2017

Malnutrition is one of the principal causes of child mortality in developing countries including Indonesia. Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is the most serious form of malnutrition affecting children under-five and is associated with many infectious diseases and nutrition intake. In the last few decades, there has been a paradigm shift in the management of acute malnutrition from a facility-based to community-centered approach. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effect of home care intervention in decreasing infectious diseases episode and increasing nutrition intake of severe acute malnutrition children aged 6-60 months. Quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest control group design was carried out for this study. The study was done in two district involving 32 health centers of Yogyakarta province. 56 children with SAM were selected using purposive sampling. The study was performed in three phases, intensive, strengthening and independent phase applying nursing care approach. Data analysis was done by SPSS software. Mean episodes of infectious diseases in the baseline at home care group was 2,64 days and after the intervention the mean was 0,21 days. Nutritional adequacy rate in the baseline only reached 83,65% and after intervention reached 106,23%. During the three months intervention of home care, there were significant decreases in infectious diseases episode and increases nutrition intake with p value 0,0003 and 0,003 respectively