bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Strategic Approach To Managing Customer Service Quality
Authors: Barber Nelson , Goodman, Jr. Raymond
Published: February 2016

Service quality is an essential strategy for success and survival in today's competitive environment. Earlier discussions emphasized what service quality meant to customers and how to develop strategies to meet customer expectations. More recently, the focus has shifted to understanding the impact of service quality on profit and other financial outcomes of the organization. Lowering customer defection rates can be profitable to companies, at the same time lowering employee turnover and improving their satisfaction and loyalty can also reduce customer defection and maintain or increase profits. The purpose of this paper is to put forth an argument that to measure customer service quality is not only an important strategic approach, but is a critical and intertwined link to organizational commitment, communication, and employee satisfaction by improving and maintaining high standards of consistent service quality delivery. This strategic approach pulls together many previously tested models into a single workable assessment and feedback tool, with a particular focus on employee training, by establishing a strategic and measurable benchmarking index for continual monitoring and operational improvement.
Perceptions About Data Security For Portable Storage Devices
Authors: Knott Cynthia L. , Steube G.
Published: February 2016

The importance of securing data and information is a critical issue in todays world. These are no longer stored on a central system that is easy to protect and secure. Now everyone carries around small storage devices, which make guaranteeing that the information is guarded is much more complex and uncertain. This paper builds on the previous research of Knott & Steubes in the paper Encryption and Portable Data Storage, to be published in the Spring of 2011. In the previous work we identified the potential security issues that arise from using a portable storage device such as a USB flash drive. TrueCrypt software was introduced as an option that allows users to encrypt and hide data. The TrueCrypt software, which is publically available, is particularly useful for safeguarding data on USB flash drives that are easily compromised. A survey of undergraduate students was administered which focused on their practices and attitudes about security. It was found that there were strong associations between the use of flash drives, security, and the use of passwords.
Evolutionary Dynamics Of Service Provisioning
Authors: Katzan, Jr. Harry
Published: February 2016

Business evolves according to market conditions, based on availability and choice. The purpose of this paper is to develop a model that describes how service provisioning evolves through a metaphor of selection, survival of the fittest, replication, and mutation. Clients are free to choose a service provider within a provider category, and the model describes and delineates that behavior. Equations and examples are given.
The Effect Of Perceived Justice On Customer Satisfaction In The Service Recovery Context: Testing Mediating Variables
Authors: Ellyawati Jeanne , Purwanto Bernardinus M. , Dharmmesta Basu Swastha
Published: February 2016

This study examines the impact of service failure through the model of service recovery evaluation. The study focuses on the concept of justice theory to determine the influence of emotions on the three dimensions of justice (distributive, procedural, and interactional) for consumer satisfaction. The study considered a sample of 102 retailers in the Yogyakarta region in Indonesia, whose customers had experienced service failure and received service recovery. This study hypothesizes that perceived justice will significantly affect customer satisfaction directly in the context of service recovery satisfaction. It is further hypothesized that there will be a significant indirect effect of perceived justice on customer satisfaction in the context of service recovery satisfaction through emotions. This study employs the hierarchical regression model and shows that perceived justice (distributive, procedural, and interactional) significantly and directly affects customer satisfaction. Further findings indicate that perceived justice also significantly and indirectly affects customer satisfaction. Positive emotions influence the effect of perceived justice on customer satisfaction. Negative emotions only mediate between perceived procedural justice and satisfaction. Thus, negative emotions do not elicit perceived distributive and interactional justice to unsatisfied retailer as consumers. The mediating variables are only partial mediations. The findings hold significant implications for the theory and practice of service recovery management, especially for retailers and service providers.
Ecuaciones Holonómicas Asociadas a Transformaciones Canónicas del Peso Clásico de Laguerre
Authors: Molano Molano L. A.
Published: February 2016

En este artículo se usan técnicas estándar para encontrar ecuaciones diferenciales satisfechas por polinomios ortogonales asociados a transformaciones canónicas del peso clásico de Laguerre !(x) = e
Editorial
Authors: Gómez Cuaspud Prof. Dr. Sc. Jairo Alberto
Published: February 2016

La presente entrega del Volumen 6 Número 1 de nuestra Revista Ciencia en Desarrollo, supone laconsolidación de una publicación de alta calidad que se ha concentrado en un mayor número de trabajosde investigación, lo que nos permite captar un mayor número de manuscritos y proyectarnos a mayoresniveles de periodicidad, para brindarles a nuestros lectores un material más novedoso, actualizado y dinámico. En dicho proceso, es claro que el apoyo de nuestra estructura editorial ha soportado las exigencias de este creciente grupo de lectores, autores y de público en general que encuentra en nuestra revista el espacio idóneo para establecer el estado del arte en muchos campos de las ciencias básicas.
Simplified Model of the Catastrophe Theory for the Landslides Study. (Modelo simplificado de la teoría de la catástrofe para estudiar los derrumbes.)
Authors: Castillo Dazaa S. L. , Naranjo Mayorga F.
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn many real world problems the symmetries of the system are only an approximation, the parametersinvolved in those systems generate an imperfection, where different bifurcation types converge, leading tocritical situations called catastrophes. In the dynamic model of a bead on a wire in a inclined and suspended position, the system represents a catastrophic, condition that to be studied and analyzed, was necessary to use the bifurcation and catastrophe’s theories1. The results can be compared with the real world, by the landslide qualitative model, caused by a winter situation. ResumenEn muchos problemas del mundo real, las simetrías del sistema son solo una aproximación, los parámetro  involucrados en tales sistemas generan una imperfección, en la cual convergen diferentes tipos de bifurcación, conduciendo a situaciones críticas, denominadas catástrofes. En el modelo dinámico de una cuenta sobre un alambre en posición inclinada y suspendida, el sistema representa una condición catastrófica, que para estudiarse y analizarse fue necesario utilizar las teorías de la bifurcación y las catástrofes. Los resultados pueden compararse con el mundo real, mediante el modelo cualitativo del derrumbe, causado por una situación de invierno.
Fenómeno de transporte de una Kinesina como motor browniano con movimiento tipo Hand-Over-Hand
Authors: Avellaneda Bernal D. R. , Naranjo Mayorga F.
Published: February 2016

El estudio del mecanismo de locomoción en motores proteicos es un tema de actual interés, ya que ha
permitido explicar diferentes funciones celulares y, a la vez, ha proporcionado la replicación de motores
a escala nanométrica; dicho estudio implica la comprensión de fenómenos estocásticos a microescala en
sistemas periódicos que presentan algún tipo de asimetría y que se encuentran fuera del equilibrio térmico, de tal manera que se estudia un sistema que está fuera del equilibrio térmico y que a su vez está inmerso en un universo con disipación y generación de ruido térmico blanco, lo que genera un movimiento dirigido y, como tal, el fenómeno de transporte, de modo que se modelan las condiciones de simetría o asimetría del sistema. Desde el descubrimiento del movimiento browniano se han llevado a cabo investigaciones más arduas de los procesos físicos que se pude interpretar bajo este fenómeno y bajo las leyes de la termodinámica. Desde el punto de vista microscópico, el movimiento térmico aleatorio domina este mundo y hace que las fluctuaciones térmicas den origen a movimientos brownianos y a motores brownianos.
Carta editorial
Authors: Gómez Velasco Nubia Yaneth
Published: February 2016

En los últimos años, la revista Ciencia en Desarrollo se ha ido constituyendo en un referente de difusión
del conocimiento científico en ciencias y áreas afines, a través de la publicación de artículos originales e
inéditos, con una sólida exigencia en los procesos arbitrales con pares académicos de reconocida trayectoria
académica e investigativa. Así mismo, la revista se ha ido posicionando en la comunidad científica como un medio de consulta sobre avances y resultados de investigación, especialmente en temas de Biología, Física, Química, Matemáticas y Estadística.
O Ementário Jurisprudencial como Fonte de Pesquisa: uma análise crítica a partir dos dados obtidos no estudo "A prática judicial do habeas corpus em Sergipe (1996-2000)"
Authors: Reginato Andréa Depieri de Albuquerque , Alves Robson Cosme de Jesus
Published: February 2016

A partir das dificuldades metodológicas e limitações encontradas no desenvolvimento da pesquisa “A prática judicial do habeas corpus em Sergipe (1996- 2000)” os autores discutem, nesse estudo, a utilização exclusiva do ementário jurisprudencial como fonte para a pesquisa empírica em Direito, chamando a atenção para os problemas daí decorrentes.
Recorribilidade Diferida de Decisões Interlocutórias: um estudo de caso no Tribunal Regional do Trabalho da 17ª Região e no Tribunal de Justiça do Espírito Santo
Authors: Esteves Carolina Bonadinam
Published: February 2016

A recorribilidade diferida de decisões interlocutórias contribuiria para a eficiência do processo civil brasileiro? Qual foi o objetivo das recentes reformas do sistema processual civil brasileiro em relação às decisões interlocutórias? As recentes reformas legislativas referentes ao recurso de agravo resolveram o problema da quantidade excessiva de interposição desse tipo de recurso e da excessiva duração do processo? Para responder a essas perguntas, foi feita uma análise teórica da eficácia da última lei que alterou a recorribilidade de interlocutórias – a lei nº 11.187/05 – e, posteriormente, foi feita uma análise empírica da sua eficácia, por meio de um estudo de caso no Tribunal Regional do Trabalho da 17ª Região e no Tribunal de Justiça do Espírito Santo, em que foi comprovada a relação direta entre a recorribilidade diferida de decisões interlocutórias e a eficiência do processo civil brasileiro bem como a efetividade da tutela jurisdicional.
A cadeia feminina de Franca sob a ótica da visita íntima
Authors: Colombaroli Ana Carolina de Morais , Braga Ana Gabriela Mendes
Published: February 2016

A visita íntima é permitida aos homens em situação de encarceramento há quase um século, enquanto, para as mulheres brasileiras, foi regulamentada pela primeira vez em 1999. Em grande parte dos estabelecimentos prisionais ela ainda não é permitida e, mesmo quando admitida pela administração penitenciária, vem carregada de burocracia e restrições. Tal fato apresenta-se como clara violação ao princípio da igualdade entre os sexos, proclamado pela Constituição, além de violar direitos fundamentais da mulher. Este estudo tem como objetivo fazer uma análise da mulher encarcerada sob o prisma da visita íntima, através da associação entre a pesquisa bibliográfica, e a pesquisa de campo, realizada na Cadeia Feminina de Franca – SP, objetivando delinear o referencial teórico daquele que é um direito inerente à dignidade da mulher encarcerada: a visita íntima.
What counts as theory, today? A post-philosophical framework for socio-legal empirical research
Authors: Valverde Mariana
Published: February 2016

While legal researchers’ skepticism about much of what is on offer under the name of theory is well grounded, there are nevertheless theoretical resources that can very much benefit empirical researchers. Neither legal philosophy nor grand European sociology of law are particularly helpful, and in many respects these traditions constitute obstacles to concrete analyses of legal processes. But fortunately, today, there are other sources of theoretical and methodological inspiration. Here I present a small part of my own recent contribution to the project of revising ‘theory’ in a way that is more helpful to legal and empirical researchers than traditional philosophy and sociology.
Justiça restaurativa e racionalidade penal moderna: uma real inovação em matéria penal?
Authors: Tonche Juliana
Published: February 2016

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir a justiça restaurativa, considerada uma forma alternativa de administração de conflitos, a partir de um quadro teórico das teorias da pena baseado na concepção de Álvaro Pires. Procura-se demonstrar como a justiça restaurativa escapa à racionalidade penal moderna, apresentando-se como uma alternativa ao sistema de ideias que embasa o nosso atual sistema de justiça penal. O método de pesquisa utilizado é qualitativo e a pesquisa partiu do estudo de caso de programas de justiça restaurativa que funcionam no estado de São Paulo, além de entrevistas com profissionais e observação participante de círculos restaurativos que aconteceram em uma escola na cidade de São Caetano do Sul (SP). Os resultados da pesquisa demonstram que a justiça restaurativa, a despeito de seu potencial transformador, ainda tem se defrontado com dificuldades para ser efetivamente implantada. As resistências com as quais tem que lidar reportam-se desde aos operadores do direito até a população que é atendida pelos programas, que não entendem o modelo enquanto expertise (caso dos profissionais do Direito), ou como um benefício para os envolvidos (caso dos adolescentes e familiares participantes), ainda inscritos dentro um marco punitivo em relação  à gestão de conflitos. As conclusões da pesquisa mostram que a justiça restaurativa se apresenta como inovação, tensionando o sistema de justiça penal ao propor uma nova forma de gestão dos conflitos que desvia o foco da punição para a restauração das relações afetadas pelo ocorrido, embora ainda tenha um longo caminho a percorrer para que sua expertise seja traduzida em práticas transformadoras.
Jurisprudência do crime de tortura nos tribunais de justiça do Brasil (2005-2010)
Authors: Marques de Jesus Maria Gorete , De Souza Gomes Mayara , Manzano Magnani Nathercia Cristina , Rodrigues Ramos Paula , Calderoni Vivian
Published: February 2016

O presente artigo apresenta o resultado da pesquisa: Julgando a tortura: Análise de Jurisprudência nos Tribunais de Justiça do Brasil (2005-2010),[1] que buscou colher dados dos acórdãos proferidos pelos Tribunais de Justiça de todos os Estados do Brasil em processos judiciais relativos ao crime de tortura. A partir desse material empírico, foi possível obter informações presentes nos acórdãos, tais como: o perfil do acusado e da vítima, local da tortura, propósito da tortura, argumentos das decisões e relação entre a decisão de primeiro e segundo graus. Conhecer os casos que chegam aos Tribunais de Justiça e analisar como eles são julgados foram uns dos principais objetivos desse levantamento. Cabe destacar que, diante da notória deficiência e ausência de dados sobre tortura no Brasil, essa pesquisa se torna ainda mais relevante.[1] A pesquisa foi iniciada em maio de 2011, encerrou-se em janeiro de 2015 e teve como objetivos: construir um banco de dados de jurisprudência de tortura a partir de acórdãos coletados nos Tribunais de Justiça (TJs) dos estados brasileiros, analisar as decisões e compará-las. O relatório completo foi publicado em janeiro de 2015 e encontra-se disponível em: https://issuu.com/julgandoatortura
O olhar do TJRS sobre a tortura: julgamentos de agentes públicos e privados
Authors: Rudnicki Dani , De Oliveira Matusiak Moisés
Published: February 2016

O presente artigo versa sobre os olhares do Poder Judiciário em relação à prática do crime de tortura, por agentes públicos e privados, de acordo com julgamentos do Tribunal de Justiça do Rio Grande do Sul. O estudo acontece por meio da análise de 92 decisões tomadas pelo Tribunal nos anos de 2009 até 2013. Buscamos observar os fundamentos (jurídicos) das decisões de recursos de apelação criminal, em que se discute o mérito do crime de tortura, para verificar se existe diferença na aplicação da Lei de Tortura em razão de o agente denunciado ser público ou privado, e quais fatores influenciam para essa aplicação diferenciada da lei. Apresentamos a transformação e o conceito do crime de tortura, tanto no Direito internacional, quanto na legislação brasileira e, após, os julgados, mais relevantes, são descritos e analisados. Assim, percebemos que existe diferença na aplicação da lei pelo Poder Judiciário, com maior punição para os agentes privados do que para os públicos, bem como que essa diferença acontece em razão da ampliação do conceito de tortura realizado pelo legislador brasileiro, que vulgarizou o termo e tipificou a conduta como crime comum. Para compreensão total do fenômeno, devemos considerar ainda as características do sistema penal brasileiro, que é estamental e seletivo. Assim perpetuando um modelo penal clássico, permite que agentes públicos cometam ilegalidades.
aPTT: 1st Recognition for Human Whole Blood on QCM-D Platform
Authors: Munawar Hussain
Published: February 2016

Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) assay for whole blood on quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) platform has been recognized for the first time. QCM-D platform is studied in parallel with ‘gold standard’ mechanical coagulometer in the perspective of anticoagulant bio-sensing. In this report, the lowest sample volume application of 1.66 µL of human whole blood for aPTT has been demonstrated. Mechanical coagulomter uses 60 times higher whole blood (and each reagent) volume application of 100 µL for aPTT laboratory experiments. This study is important in the terms of its robustness due to direct whole blood method and its cost-effectiveness due to lowest sample (and reagents) volume application. This could be fundamental support for spot test application by employing QCM-D in laboratory and sergry. Anticoagulant doses in 20 blood samples have been measured on QCM-D platform in comparison to ‘gold standard’. Each technique yielded relative standard deviation values between 7 and 15 depending on different doses of anticoagulant. Furthermore, QCM-D technique is advantageous over 'gold standard’ for additional monitoring of the whole kinetics of coagulation. It displays total coagulation recognition from frequency and dissipation shifts, which is impossible on 'gold standard’.
Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol Extract of Leaves and Twigs of Azadirachta indica A. Juss
Authors: Ravi K  , Bharavi K  , Ravi Kumar P  , Vamsi Krishna B
Published: February 2016

Azadiracheta indica A. Juss commonly known as Neem belongs to family Meliaceae. Each part of A. indica has been used extensively for various ailments. In the present study A. indica leaves and twigs were shade dried and made into powder. This powdered material was subjected for extraction using ethanol (10gm powder in 100ml ethanol). Ethanol extracts (EE) of leaves and twigs were qualitatively screened for the presence of phytochemicals viz. alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, polyphenols and steroids. The in vitro antibacterial potential of ethanol extract of leaves and twigs against methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus MSSA (ATCC 25923) and E. Coli (ATCC 25922) was evaluated by determining minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC).   Ethanol extract of A. indica leaves showed favorable MIC values than the ethanol extract of twigs against MSSA whereas against E. coli both the MIC values are comparable. In conclusion, both ethanol extracts of A. indica leaves and twigs were found to have potent antibacterial activity against MSSA and E. Coli.
Survey of Contextual Correlates of Pharmacovigilance Practices in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Eniojukan Joshua F  , Okonkwo Chibueze  , Arute John E
Published: February 2016

Pharmacovigilance (PV) became prominent with increasing number of drugs in clinical practice and associated adverse drug events. PV practice in Nigeria is not significantly prevalent. This study aimed at evaluating the knowledge, attitude, practice and contextual correlates of PV among practicing hospital pharmacists in Delta state, Nigeria. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving self-designed questionnaires administered to 100 hospital pharmacists. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. There were more males; 69% were aged between the ages of 22-30 years; 47% worked   for between 5-10 years in their present place of work; 81% of the respondents had one or more post graduate certificates. All respondents were familiar with the term PV while only 3% could not give its correct definition. The overall mean positive attitude was 87%. Over 90% of respondents believed pharmacists should be involved in Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting; that  pharmacists should attend training programmes, and that ADR reporting is a professional role of the pharmacist; 94% of the hospitals established   PV centre mostly (87.2%) headed by pharmacists; a PV committee existed in most hospitals (85.9%). All respondents were aware of the National PV centre but only 80.9% identified Abuja as its location. 75% of respondents ever identified  ADRs; only 2.8% reported to the National PV centre; 68.7% had reported a new ADR; gender and postgraduate qualifications were correlated with respondents’ knowledge of PV; gender and years of practice were correlated with respondents’ attitude toward PV. Lack of finance, inadequate infrastructure and manpower were the identified barriers to PV practice. There is needed for practicing health professionals to be exposed to adequate training.
A Simultaneous Monitoring of Coagulation Time and Fibrinogen via PiCT on QCM-D
Authors: Munawar Hussain
Published: February 2016

‘Prothrombinase induced Clotting Time’ (PiCT) has potential to detect all anticoagulants in clinics. In the present study, PiCT has been used as a tool for anticoagulant detection in human plasma on quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) technique. QCM-D technique enables monitoring of PiCT point, total coagulation and fibrinogen concentration from frequency and dissipation curves in single set of measurements. This is impossible on mechanical coagulometer (which is considered as 'gold standard') technique, and it cannot yield coagulation and fibrinogen concentration from a single set of measurements. It requires additional Clauss method or modified Clauss method to calculate fibrinogen by employing different reagents and experimental setups. Additionally, the present report utilizes the lowest sample volume (and each reagent volume) consumptions of 1.66 µL. The sample/reagent volume consumption of 1.66 µL on QCM-D is 30 times lower in comparison with mechanical coagulometer’s that uses 50 µL for laboratory experiments for PiCT. This element is crucial for application of spot test via QCM-D in laboratory and clinics for Point of Care (POC) settings. Different doses of anticoagulant in 20 human plasma samples on QCM-D technique have been studied and compared in parallel to ‘gold standard’. PiCT on QCM-D technique yielded precise and accurate data. Additionally, both techniques produced % RSD values between 3 and 8.5 with slight fluctuations on both sides for PiCT points. The %RSD data for both techniques has lower variability for danaparoid. Furthermore, QCM-D technique enables monitoring of substantial fibrinogen concentrations (i.e. 1 - 6 g/L) with outstanding R2 value of 0.99 on the calibration curve. PiCT-QCM-D technique proved superior at all concentrations of fibrinogen in standard reference plasma for PiCT range (precision) on comparing to that of 'gold standard'.
Ezetimibe Repurposing: An In-SilicoTesting of its Potential Anti-giardia Activity
Authors: Rehab Ahmed  , Faisal M. Fadlelmola
Published: February 2016

Giardia leads to human parasitic disease, and it is highly prevalent in the developing countries. The current medication used to treat giardia is associated with numerous side effects. Moreover, the problem of the emerging giardia resistance given the limited number of anti-giardia agents. Ezetimibe is a cholesterol lowering agent, and it acts to inhibit cholesterol absorption. Giardia needs cholesterol for its survival. It is also known that Giardia depends on external sources of cholesterol. Interfering with the cholesterol uptake pathway might be a promising approach in Giardia therapeutics. Searching for new potential therapeutic targets and agents was the main objective of this research. The hypothesis we proposed is that Ezetimibe might have an inhibitory and/or killing effect on Giardia. Our aim was to test in-silico the potential anti-giardia activity of this drug and the possible targets. Literature as well as public databases search was done to find possible targets for Ezetimibe in Giardia. 3D Models for the found potential targets were generated using comparative modeling software. Models refinement and assessment were also done. Using Surflex-dock the possible binding of Ezetimibe to the giardia targets was tested. We found that a putative Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and a putative Giardia lamblia low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein could be  possible targets for this drug. The docking score on LCAT was fair. By binding to one or both of these proteins, Ezetimibe might be able to affect Giardia viability. In vitro validation of this result is yet to be done.
Going From Employee to Employer
Authors: Collarini Cheryl R. , Munisteri Islin , Clemens Carter
Published: February 2016

The Way Ahead Interview: Leadership 360

How did you come up with the idea of Collarini Energy Staffing?

My original company was called Collarini Engineering, and we did reserve evaluations for bank loan determination, year-end reserve reporting, field studies, acquisition analysis, and divestment support. This required me to hire engineers, geologists, geophysicists, and support people. One of our clients, who often hired us to work on offshore field study projects, told me that he had a team that was missing an engineer and wanted to hire one of mine on an hourly basis for a couple of months. That day it occurred to me that we could serve our clients in a different way, and I incorporated Petro- Temps, which is now renamed Collarini Energy Staffing.

What attributes do you look for when choosing candidates for consulting?

Consulting requires a certain amount of experience, technical or professional ability, and the confidence to make decisions. It also requires someone who can stick to their scientifically supportable opinion or finding, and not be unduly affected by client pressure. Finally, it is important to have references from prior clients, if any.

Many people are not suited to consulting; a good consultant must be a team player and respect the client. He or she must be able to defend and document his or her work. And, I always ask about the need for medical and other insurances. That is a cost that must be considered if there are not other arrangements, such as a spouse who can cover the family. For many people whom I have hired as consultants to my businesses, it did not work out. But, for a lot of them it did.
Energy 360: Invited Perspective: Making Decisions 2.0
Authors: Haldorsen Helge Hove , Leach Patrick
Published: February 2016

President's column

What is more integral to the exploration and production (E&P) business than making decisions? In many ways it is the essence of business. Every day we have to choose between “rocks and hard places.” If you get it right, you are a genius. If you get it wrong, there is usually a good reason why, like a “perfect storm” suddenly conspiring to invalidate the assumptions underpinning your decision or perhaps an “unknown unknown.” Nassim Taleb’s book Fooled By Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets suggests there may not always be a brilliant strategy and excellent decisions behind business success.

Most companies today have formal devil’s advocates (risk councils, peer reviews, controllers) trying to pick apart decisions and recommendations, trying to make sure only good decisions are allowed to be made. In addition, most companies have introduced formal “decision gate processes” for material (investment) decisions. According to Independent Project Analysis (IPA) these decision improvement measures really have not improved things appreciably. The expected case never happens and the decision maker is usually handed actual outcomes that are inferior to what was presented as expected in the decision support package.

More and more, it is not just about making the most money. Every company has corporate values against which all decisions must be tested and the “triple bottom line” (at least) makes it necessary to factor in many other elements. I sat down with an expert in the field of making decisions Patrick Leach, chief executive officer of Decision Strategies, to get his perspective on the 2.0 of making good decisions in 2015—something every SPE member would like to do well—at work and at home.
Reviving Europe's Largest Onshore Field
Authors: Jacobs Trent
Published: February 2016

Albania Onshore Oil Field

Europe’s largest onshore oil field, the Patos-Marinza in southern Albania, has been given a new lease on life after seeing production soar from 600 B/D just over a decade ago to more than 20,000 B/D this year. The field’s sole operator, Canadian-based Banker’s Petroleum, set up shop in the country in 2004 and has also more than doubled the estimated reserves from 98 million BOE to 220 million BOE. The Patos-Marinza, which holds an estimated 5 billion bbl of oil in place, has undergone a transformation from a heavily polluted oil field with outdated technology to one that exemplifies modern operations and environmental practices.

Chris Thompson, a production engineering manager at Banker’s, said the company has deployed a number of strategies to achieve its production goals. They include the wholesale replacement of existing artificial lift systems, infill drilling with horizontal wells, and the recent initiation of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) pilot programs using polymer and waterflooding. “With the way the field is set up, there seems to be unlimited opportunities,” Thompson said.

From the onset, Banker’s strategy has centered on introducing Albania to heavy oil engineering expertise and modern technologies from Alberta, Canada. Though similar in some ways, there are plenty of differences between the two areas that make the Patos-Marinza a much different operating environment.

For starters, the gravity of the oil is as low as 4 °API and an average of 8 °API. In Canada, oil this heavy would require the use of steam to get flowing. But because the Albanian reservoir is deeper, the higher pressures and temperatures allow the viscous oil to flow on its own into the wellstream.

By using pad drilling, Banker’s is able to tap into multiple horizons at different depths with as few as one and in some cases more than 20 horizontal wells from a single site. Depths for the horizontal wells range from approximately 1,100 m in the shallow end of the field to 1,600 m in the deeper part and have an average lateral section of approximately 600 m in length. The target formations are made up of unconsolidated sands that allow the oil to migrate into the wellstream. This means that unlike a tight shale resource play, in this field hydraulic fracturing is not needed to stimulate the reservoir.

And since the European oilfield service market is not set up to support onshore heavy oil development, Banker’s imports most of its equipment from Canada, which can take months in some cases. So to avoid project delays, the company has made supply chain operations a big focus of its strategy.
Abu Dhabi Unveils Its R&D Ambitions
Authors: Henni Abdelghani
Published: February 2016

ADNOC R&D

For Abu Dhabi, research and development (R&D) provides an opportunity to facilitate the country’s transition from a hydrocarbon-based economy to a knowledge-based one and Abu Dhabi’s decision makers know that partnership and collaboration between companies and academia is key to R&D success. To enable that process, the government launched two major institutes for conducting research that emphasizes local energy issues—the Petroleum Institute University and Research Center in 2001, and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) in 2006. This was followed by the inauguration of the Takreer Research Centre with a focus on the refining sector in 2009.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and its subsidiaries have launched a program to become a leader in R&D projects of local interest, such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery (EOR), clean technologies, and a goal of a 70% enhanced recovery rate, which has not been achieved anywhere in the world, in addition to improving safety and efficiency. So far, ADNOC has created a new R&D department adopting a clearer definition of its goals and activities.

In addition, the company sees 2015 as the year to reap the benefits from its ongoing R&D activities, despite the fall in oil prices. “Starting from 2015, ADNOC and its subsidiaries will start producing 2% of its output (70,000– 80,000 BOPD) using the research it conducted over the last 10 years,” said Ali Rashid Al Jarwan, chief executive officer of the Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company, in his opening speech during the third Abu Dhabi International Research & Development Academic Conference & Exhibition.
Wireless Simultaneous Acquisition and Analysis of Dynamometer and Fluid-Level Data
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: February 2016

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 165023, “Wireless Simultaneous Acquisition and Analysis of Dynamometer and Fluid-Level Data for Real-Time Monitoring of Well Performance,” by James N. McCoy and Dieter Joseph Becker, Echometer Company; Gustavo Fernandez, Upco de Venezuela; and Anthony L. Podio, The University of Texas at Austin, prepared for the 2013 SPE Artificial Lift Conference—Americas, Cartagena, Colombia, 21–22 May. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

Real-time analysis and visualization of the performance of a rod-pumped well are achieved by use of multiple small and compact wireless sensors that simultaneously transmit acquired data to a digital laptop manager that integrates the measurements, displays performance graphs, and provides advanced tools for analysis and troubleshooting of the pumping system. The paper describes the hardware and user interface, the procedures for installation and acquisition, and several examples of field data and well-performance analysis for a variety of rod-pumping installations.

Introduction

The new generation of software and hardware discussed in this paper takes advantage of the tremendous increase in laptop processing speed, memory size, and screen resolution to generate in real time a quantitative visualization of the downhole rod-pumping operation, plunger motion, valve action, and fluid flow. This animation is presented simultaneously with the corresponding fluid distribution in the wellbore obtained from the acoustic fluid-level survey to let the user see the complete performance of the well and lift system without having to interpret the conventional dynamometer card or fluid-level record for the majority of monitored wells (Fig. 1).

Hardware

The preferred configuration of the system includes a wireless base station connected to the universal serial bus (USB) port of a laptop computer that communicates with multiple wireless sensors and manages data transfer and communications. Fig. 2 shows the base station with two radio antennae next to the wireless polished-rod transducer (PRT). Included in the base station is a global- positioning-system (GPS) chip that monitors the base station’s present location. The current location coordinates of the base station are used by the software to access and interrogate the database that contains information about the wells and other assets and to indicate to the user his or her current position in relation to nearby wells or facilities.
Derisking a Heavy-Oil Development: A Case Study of the Bentley Field
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: February 2016

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 172858, “Derisking a Heavy-Oil Development—A Case Study of the Bentley Field, UKCS Block 9/3b,” by B.H. Brennan, SPE, C. Lucas-Clements, S. Kew, SPE, and P.F. Dempsey, SPE, Xcite Energy Resources, prepared for the 2014 SPE International Heavy Oil Conference and Exhibition, Kuwait City, Kuwait, 8–10 December. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

An appraisal program involving the Bentley field located on the UK continental shelf has addressed the key technical concerns associated with developing viscous crude in an offshore environment. The program demonstrates how sustainable commercial flow rates can be achieved through the selection of a suitable completion design—including a downhole electrical submersible pump (ESP) and a downhole diluent-injection strategy—and through keeping within an appropriate operating-pressure and -temperature envelope.

The Bentley Field

The Bentley field, located in Block 9/3b in 110 m of water, contains approximately 900 million STB in place of heavy (10 to 12 °API) viscous (1,500-cp) crude. The field exhibits four-way dip closed at the uppermost Palaeocene, lowermost Eocene, and Dornoch sandstone level and covers an area of approximately 16×5 km at a depth of approximately 1.1-km true vertical depth subsea. The reservoir is high porosity (33%), with net-/gross-pay ratio of 90%, and with ultrahigh apparent horizontal permeabilities approaching 50 darcies on the basis of flow-test measurements, but consistent with unconsolidated sand.

Following an extensive appraisal program, a development was planned of which 257 million STB of 2P reserves is estimated to be recovered over a 35-year production period. In addition, it is estimated that 48 million STB of 2C contingent resources could be extracted commercially beyond the end of the currently planned facility life.

Derisking the Field

When the operator acquired the license, it was already known, on the basis of recovered samples, that the crude was heavy and viscous, but the full nature of the crude and its flow properties were poorly understood. The Bentley structure is a giant field, approaching 1 billion bbl in place. All wells had demonstrated excellent reservoir quality with high net/ gross, and there was therefore reasonable confidence in reservoir connectivity and volume. It had been demonstrated that the field had a large underlying aquifer with thickness greater than 400 ft. In summary, although there was reasonable confidence in the geological description of the field, it was clear that, before development sanction, a number of uncertainties remained.
Hydrochemistry and dissolved solute load of meltwater in a catchment of a cold-arid trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh over an entire melting period
Authors: Priya Namrata , Thayyen Renoj J. , Ramanathan AL. , Singh Virendra Bahadur
Published: February 2016

The hydrochemical study of meltwater draining from a catchment dominated by snowmelt in a cold-arid trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, India, was carried out for an entire melting season (May–September) during the year of 2010. Cation concentration in the meltwater shows a consistent trend of Ca > >Mg > Na > K for this period. Carbonate weathering has been identified as the dominant process controlling the dissolved ion chemistry of meltwater in the study area. There are indications that atmospheric aerosols contain alkaline dust, sea salt and anthropogenic aerosols like NO3 and SO4 that might have also added some solute to the system. Meltwater chemistry has been showing an intra-annual variation with highest concentration for most of the dissolved solutes during the late melt period, pointing towards the contribution of ground ice melt to the catchment runoff. The lowest concentration during the peak melt period is due to higher contribution from snow melt which has less residence time to interact with rock. Cationic denudation rate for this catchment has been estimated as 778 meq m−2 a−1, while the average total dissolved solids flux for early, peak and late melt period is 0.64 t day−1, 3.02 t day−1, 1.31 t day−1, respectively.
Treatment of antimony mine drainage: challenges and opportunities with special emphasis on mineral adsorption and sulfate reducing bacteria
Authors: Li Yongchao , Hu Xiaoxian , Ren Bozhi
Published: February 2016

The present article summarizes antimony mine distribution, antimony mine drainage generation and environmental impacts, and critically analyses the remediation approach with special emphasis on iron oxidizing bacteria and sulfate reducing bacteria. Most recent research focuses on readily available low-cost adsorbents, such as minerals, wastes, and biosorbents. It is found that iron oxides prepared by chemical methods present superior adsorption ability for Sb(III) and Sb(V). However, this process is more costly and iron oxide activity can be inhibited by plenty of sulfate in antimony mine drainage. In the presence of sulfate reducing bacteria, sulfate can be reduced to sulfide and form Sb2S3 precipitates. However, dissolved oxygen and lack of nutrient source in antimony mine drainage inhibit sulfate reducing bacteria activity. Biogenetic iron oxide minerals from iron corrosion by iron-oxidizing bacteria may prove promising for antimony adsorption, while the micro-environment generated from iron corrosion by iron oxidizing bacteria may provide better growth conditions for symbiotic sulfate reducing bacteria. Finally, based on biogenetic iron oxide adsorption and sulfate reducing bacteria followed by precipitation, the paper suggests an alternative treatment for antimony mine drainage that deserves exploration.
Therapeutic Role of Curcumin in the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes and Hypertension
Authors: Shehzad Adeeb , Salman Ul Islam  , Lee Young Sup
Published: February 2016

Diabetes is a disease with widespread prevalence; it adversely affects human
health and contributes to the development of various chronic diseases, including
hypertension, adipose tissue dysfunction, cardiovascular and liver diseases, and diabetic
neuropathies and nephropathies. Diabetes is categorized as type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Type
1 is caused by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cell islets, resulting in
insulin deficiency, whereas type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and/or
abnormal insulin secretion. It is known that insulin resistance also leads to hypertension or
high blood pressure. Both diabetes and hypertension are risk factors for cardiovascular
disease and share a common pathophysiology, including insulin resistance, obesity,
inflammation, and oxidative stress. The use of phytochemicals to treat diabetes and
hypertension is of great interest. Curcumin is a biphenolic compound that has been used for
the treatment and prevention of diabetes and hypertension in traditional Ayurvedic
medicine. Dietary curcumin inhibits several cell signaling pathways known to be
dysregulated in diabetes and hypertension. In addition, it can prevent diabetes and
hypertension through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Curcumin can
normalize sugar levels through the modulation of tumor necrosis factor α, free fatty acids,
nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), lipid peroxidation, and lysosomal enzymes. Furthermore, it
decreases thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and succinate dehydrogenase, while
activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ. Curcumin reduces insulin
resistance through the activation of lipoprotein lipase, NF-E2-related factor 2, and liver
enzymes participating in metabolic process. Thus, the interaction of curcumin with several
signal transduction pathways reverses insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia,
and other inflammatory symptoms associated with diabetes and hypertension.
Urban housing experiments in Yugoslavia 1948-1970
Authors: Alfirevic Djordje , Simonovic-Alfirevic Sanja
Published: February 2016

In the period from 1948 to 1970 urban housing architecture in Yugoslavia had
a distinctly experimental character as it strived intensively towards
research and establishment of new architectural patterns and values that
would mark the period of economic growth of the country. In conditions of
mass housing construction, initiated by the devastated urban housing fund
after the Second World War, significant influx of population to towns and the
state directed its socialist aspirations at alloting every family acceptable
living space. The period of the so-called ?directed housing construction?,
whose imperative was to establish the limits of existential minimum in
collective housing, maximal space ?packing? and optimal functionality of
flats, at the same time represents the most significant period in the
development of housing architecture in Yugoslavia. The architects focused
their interests in housing in mainly three directions: a) the creation and
application of new prefabrication systems, b) innovative application of
modernistic patterns in aestheticization of architecture and c) experimenting
with space units which will enable a higher level of privacy in high-density
housing conditions. The first direction of research emerged in the context of
post-war housing construction of a wide scope, which encouraged the advance
of technological research in areas of prefabrication and practical
application of achieved results on the whole territory of Yugoslavia. The
second direction dealt with architectural planning which was strictly
subordinated to social and ideological sphere with domineering socialist
monumentalism and artistic and sculptural approach to architecture. The third
was related to experimental tendency with new urban housing patterns which
aimed to search and find more pragmatic, humane solutions within mass
high-density housing constructions which were the first to utilize and show
examples of ?double-tract? buildings. These were primarily realized in
Serbia, as continuation of tendencies first expressed in activities of
?Belgrade School of Housing?.
Endogenous growth theory and regional development policy
Authors: Cvetanovic Slobodan , Filipovic Milorad , Nikolic Miroljub , Belovic Dusko
Published: February 2016

The numerous versions of endogenous explanations of economic growth emphasize
the importance of technological change driving forces, as well as the
existence of appropriate institutional arrangements. Endogenous growth
theory contributes to a better understanding of various experiences with
long-term growth of countries and regions. It changes the key assumptions of
the Neoclassical growth theory and participates in the modern regional
development physiology explanation. Based on these conclusions, the paper:
a) explicates the most important theoretical postulates of the theory, b)
explains the most important factors of economic growth in the regions in
light of the Endogenous growth theory messages and c) emphasizes the key
determinants of regional competitiveness which in our view is conceptually
between the phenomena of micro- and macro-competitiveness and represents
their necessary and unique connection. First of all, micro-competitiveness
is transformed into a regional competitiveness; then regional
competitiveness is transformed into a macro-competitiveness. In turn, macro
- influences the microeconomic competitiveness, and the circle is closed.
After that, the process starts over again.