bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Consumption in Creighton University Residence Halls: Comparing Attitudes and Behaviors
Authors: Kelly Sarah
Published: February 2016

“On U.S. college campuses, growing concerns since the 1960s have demanded that we become more knowledgeable about our impact on the environment.” (Ruckelshaus 455)  This research has aimed to understand attitudes and behaviors regarding energy consumption in Creighton University Residence halls by employing quantitative data gathering methods and analysis of campus energy use. The program Stata will be utilized in analysis to allow for a statistical understanding of student attitudes and behaviors regarding their energy consumption. The findings of this research are meant to allow Creighton University officials to understand student energy consumption habits and interest allowing for better energy consumption practices in the future.  
Christian Base Communities in Peru: Lessons for North America
Authors: Rainwater Conan
Published: February 2016

This research hopes to bridge the gap between the churches of North and South America by advocating for Christian base communities (CEBs) in North America. It is necessary to look at Catholic Action in conjunction with Catholic social thought, as well as the Second Vatican Council. Finally, personal interviews with those involved with CEBs in two districts of Lima, Peru – Villa El Salvador and El Agustino, revealed there is a failure of CEBs to develop in those two respective areas. Despite the failure of CEBs to develop in those areas, CEBs are relevant to North America as they can contribute lessons for parishes in the U.S. The Catholicism in CEBs in Peru is not prevalent in North America because the standard is to focus on individual spirituality and there is a lack of emphasis on social Catholicism. 
El régimen jurídico del agua en la unión europea
Authors: Alonso Patricia Domínguez
Published: February 2016

El trabajo analiza la trascendente Directiva 2000/60/CE del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 23 de octubre de 2000, por la que se establece un marco comunitario de actuación en el ámbito de la política de aguas. Se estudia el establecimiento de la gestión por cuencas hidrográficas y el nuevo ámbito territorial de las demarcaciones.
Social embeddedness e o acesso à água: da destruição das formas organizativas societárias à dominação estatal — o caso de Maringá/PR
Authors: De Assis Paloma Carpena , Godoy Amalia Maria Goldberg
Published: February 2016

O objetivo do artigo é analisar o acesso e a distribuição de águas mediante estratégias construídas coletivamente, utilizando a revisão bibliográfica bem como as entrevistas com vários atores sociais, funcionários pioneiros e líderes do
Município de Maringá. Este estudo pretende ainda examinar as fases do processo de abastecimento de água, verificando o que ocorre na passagem de uma fase para outra.
Participação popular e controle externo: análise quantitativa das denúncias formuladas e apreciadas pelo Tribunal de Contas do Estado de Minas Gerais no período de 2009 a 2014
Authors: Azevedo Pedro Henrique Magalhães
Published: February 2016

O artigo busca analisar, do ponto de vista quantitativo, a evolução do número de denúncias autuadas e deliberadas no Tribunal de Contas do Estado de Minas Gerais (TCEMG) e verificar se a sociedade tem feito o uso desse instrumento e se o próprio órgão de controle externo mineiro tem dado o devido tratamento a essa natureza processual. Considerando que as denúncias aparecem como um dos meios de participação efetiva do cidadão, visando inseri-lo na arena de fiscalização dos recursos públicos, este artigo pretende verificar se os legitimados, de fato, utilizam-nas como meio de participação e, ainda, analisar como o órgão competente atuou e deliberou sobre tais instrumentos no período de 2009 a 2014.
El contrato de colaboración entre el sector público y el sector privado en España
Authors: Molina José Antonio Moreno
Published: February 2016

El trabajo analiza la novedosa incorporación a la legislación española del denominado contrato de colaboración entre el sector público y el sector privado, que podrá utilizarse para la obtención de prestaciones complejas o afectadas de una cierta indeterminación inicial, y cuya financiación puede ser asumida por el operador privado. La figura contractual no ha sido regulada por el Derecho de la Unión Europea.
O estado da transparência digital de portais eletrônicos: um estudo nos municípios do Ceará
Authors: Diniz Gleison Mendonça
Published: February 2016

A pesquisa trata da transparência digital de municípios cearenses quanto às informações e serviços disponibilizados em seus portais eletrônicos, objetivando avaliar os websites dos municípios cearenses em relação ao seu nível de
transparência digital com base em um modelo de análise. Os dados foram coletados nos websites ativos dos municípios do Ceará e corresponderam a 157 portais eletrônicos, com suporte em um roteiro de observação para navegação orientada nos websites municipais, para verificar se os municípios consideraram a performance da transparência digital de acordo com a terminologia do modelo; se os municípios desenvolveram seus portais eletrônicos na intenção apenas de atender às exigências normativas e; se os municípios com maior número de habitantes e com maiores recursos para investimentos em tecnologias de informação e comunicação são mais criteriosos ou não na oferta de informações e serviços via websites.
Fishing Slickline Using Wireline-Deployed Robotic Technology for Mechanical Intervention: A Case History
Authors: Champagne Adam , Bueno Demis , Morosov Daniela L. , Batocchio Marcelo
Published: February 2016

Over the last two decades, advances in robotic technology in the form of wireline tractor devices, well stroker tools, and well milling and cleaning devices have brought to the industry a broad range of applications in deviated and horizontal wells. These technologies often present cost-effective alternatives to proven methods, providing in many cases more precise control of operational parameters and greater access to highly deviated well configurations.

Slickline cable deployment as a means of well intervention operations has long been an industry standard for a wide range of applications. Bottomhole assemblies (BHA) can be designed and configured to set and retrieve a broad variety of valves and plugs required for numerous completion and well maintenance procedures. In general, the setting and retrieving of such components requires a jarring force be applied, either up or down depending on the particular application, to overcome the shear strength of pins inserted in the valves and running or pulling tools to effect the action. In the case of slickline deployment, this force is applied from surface and transferred downhole via cable tension to the jarring device, which can be mechanical or hydraulic depending on the configuration. In deviated wells, the force that is transferable at depth is reduced because of friction contact between the cable and the casing or tubing and other factors, such as fluid weight and viscosity and wellbore debris can further impede the efficient and safe transfer of this force downhole. These variables are sometimes difficult if not impossible to determine and model for, and changes in downhole or surface conditions during the operation can have substantial impacts on its success.

This paper demonstrates a novel approach to fishing a slickline BHA while maintaining control of the slickline cable at surface. A well stroker tool was deployed by wireline tractor to assert the necessary force required to shear a 5/16-in. brass shear pin on an SB running tool attached to the bottom of a slickline tool string. Several procedural and operational modifications resulted in a successful operation.
Predicting the Extended Reach Capabilities of a Water-Hammer Tool with Variable Bypass Control
Authors: Kolle Jack J. , Theimer Anthony R. , Fraser Andrew W. , Fletcher Scott
Published: February 2016

The ability to place coiled tubing into a long horizontal well is limited by friction and buckling. A water-hammer tool incorporates a self-piloted poppet valve that converts the kinetic energy of the fluid moving though the coil into water-hammer pressure pulses that reduce friction and applies an end load that pulls on the coil. Water-hammer tools allow routine entry into horizontal sections over 10,000 feet long, representing a significant increase over operation without these tools. These tools incorporate an internal fluid bypass to control the force applied to the bottomhole assembly. An external bypass may also be provided to allow higher flow rates for well circulation. A numerical model of coiled tubing injector weight for coiled tubing well intervention with a water-hammer tool is presented. The model includes the effects of fluid bypass and calculates the maximum feed rate at which a water hammer will be effective for extending the reach of coil. The model is available in spreadsheet format and may be used for job planning and parameter sensitivity analysis. The predicted effects of water-hammer impulse magnitude, fluid bypass, friction coefficient, flow rate, well inclination, and dogleg severity on horizontal reach are discussed. The results of the numerical model are compared with a sample of case histories from over 12,000 extended reach well interventions. These case histories confirm the extended reach capabilities of water-hammer tools and that reducing feed rate below the predicted maximum allows greater extended reach.
A Hybrid Approach of Coiled Tubing Fatigue Assessment Considering Effects of Localized Damage Based on Magnetic Flux Leakage Measurements
Authors: Liu Zhanke , Kenison Mike , Campbell Greg
Published: February 2016

In the coiled tubing (CT) business, it is a common practice to track the fatigue-life of CT strings to help avoid costly failures during operations. Existing fatigue-life tracking models account for parameters such as differential pressure, bending radius, tubing diameter, wall thickness, and materials grade. However, these models do not take into account the effect of localized damage, which is the leading factor contributing to premature failure. In the past years, models have been developed to account for the fatigue effects of mechanical defects. A key input for such models is the geometrical severity parameter, which is defined as a function of the defect geometries (length, width, depth, and shape). Normally, these inputs must come from manual measurements and prove-up. Most recently, a new technique was developed which does not rely on the manual measurements. The new technique utilizes inline magnetic flux leakage (MFL) technology to automatically determine the defect severity in terms of fatigue-life reduction.

The current paper presents new development and results of enhanced fatigue evaluation by virtue of MFL measurements. A hybrid approach is proposed and demonstrated, in which the results of conventional fatigue tracking are coupled with the fatigue-life reduction determined based on MFL measurements on physical defects, to come up with a more comprehensive and accurate fatigue-life assessment. Experimental results are presented to support the validity of this hybrid approach. Also, the new approach is applied on a number of case studies to demonstrate its applicability in real-world CT pipe management.
Defining Operational Limits of a Riser-less CT Intervention System
Authors: Kelleher P. , Newman K. , Crawford N.
Published: February 2016

The concept of riser-less coiled tubing (CT) interventions in offshore wells promises significant reductions in both cost and non-productive time associated with many offshore well interventions. However, conveying CT from a vessel through the open ocean into a high pressure subsea wellhead without a marine riser package poses several significant technical issues that must be identified and mitigated in system design and pre-job planning. Some of these issues include: High stress to yield ratios in heavy seas.Catastrophic buckling in the water column.Synchronization of tubing payout and wellhead entry rates.Subsea wellhead snubbing at high differential pressures.

This paper will present the overall system design of a riser-less offshore coiled tubing intervention system (slated for full scale testing in late 2016), engineering principles utilized for analysis, and will present an example riser-less CT operational envelope based on CT forces and stress limits. Also discussed is a set of tests performed to validate the forces model.
Dynamic CT Modeling Software – Benefits Delivered to the Bottomline
Authors: Yeung John , Opel Steve , Smalley Ed , Leggett Shawn
Published: February 2016

The horizontal well count increase during the past decade and associated surge in coiled tubing intervention services has prompted high-paced research into optimization of coiled tubing (CT) milling efficiency. One of the products produced by this research was a new, state-of-the-art, dynamic CT modeling software module that was aimed at increasing CT plug-milling efficiency in extended-reach wells. This dynamic CT modeling software was introduced last year (Yeung, J. et al. 2015) with the expectation that it would deliver numerous benefits to its users. This paper will focus on the subsequent implementation, lessons-learned and benefits associated with use of this new software module.

Specifically, this paper will analyze case histories of plug-milling operations that utilized the new dynamic software modeling module versus similar operations performed on offset "control wells" where historical plug-milling techniques were applied. Weight on bit (WOB) measurements recorded by a downhole load cell tool are compared to the WOB values predicted by the dynamic modeling software, so that the predicted WOB values from the software can be analyzed.

Following review of the field data from multiple wells, the dynamic modeling software module has proven to significantly enhance the efficiency of CT plug-milling operations. This improvement was a direct result of the CT operator acting on key decision-making data that was provided by the software. In addition, the WOB prediction accuracy of the modeling software was validated against WOB measurements from a downhole tool. During this project it was also observed that proper training and presentation of documented results from use of this new software tool will serve to enhance the adoption rate in the field. Finally, this paper documents the estimated financial benefits that the software can deliver to the bottomline.

While introduction of dynamic CT modeling software provided the potential to enhance CT plug-milling efficiency, there was much speculation as to how well it would actually perform in the field and the actual amount of benefits that could be achieved. There was also a concern regarding the amount of time required for field users to become proficient with use of the software module and how quickly field personnel would adopt it. This paper addresses all of these issues.
High-Strength Coiled Tubing Intervention to Set Sand Plugs in an Extended Reach Well in the Dutch North Sea
Authors: Maxwell Peter , Savenkova Anna , Hampson Richard , van Wonderen Marc
Published: February 2016

This paper details the challenges associated with performing a coiled tubing (CT) intervention on a long-reach interventionless well in the Dutch sector of the North Sea.

The well was originally drilled in 2009 as a gas producer. However, in 2012, it was shut in because of excessive liquid loading and salt deposition. Re-assessing the situation, the operator decided to reperforate a 3-m interval and use hydraulic reservoir stimulation (HRS) to help increase production. A 60° deviation of the well design made it essential to seal the bottom 95 m of the 5-in. completion, which proved to be a challenging operation. Additional well parameters, such as a 2.82-in. ID restriction within the 3 1/2-in. tail-end and a bottomhole static temperature (BHST) of 160°C, limited the methodologies that could be used to successfully seal this zone.

The anticipated well conditions required the use of high-yield-strength Grade 130-kpsi CT steel, which at the time was a novelty for most North Sea operating companies. Using this specialist component dictated the handling equipment, such as injector heads, pressure control equipment (PCE), and connectors, be carefully selected and fully tested before mobilization. These downhole conditions were not the only restricting factor within the operational design. The platform had limited deck space, and the well position required the use of a jackup boat on location and manufacture of a specialist CT tower substructure. Despite the additional deck space provided by the jackup boat, equipment selection and layout were carefully considered to incorporate a full well test package throughout the CT spread. This paper also discusses the results and lessons learned from the 16 CT runs performed during the operation. The main issues discussed include the difficulties handling (spotting and cleaning out) sand within the highly deviated tubular completion and ensuring the accuracy of bottomhole assembly (BHA) depth correlation.

The operational results allowed for the review of simulation- and onshore-based testing and trials to be analyzed and reviewed for future CT deployments.
Electric Line Deployment of a Stackable Straddle System for Gas Zone Shutoff in a Highly Deviated Extended Reach Borehole
Authors: Agayev F. , Gathman B. , Bonnett T. , Osugo L. , Bjorn B.
Published: February 2016

Stackable straddle systems are presented as an effective method of increasing oil production rates in a highly deviated extended reach borehole, by isolating or reducing gas production from high influx zones.

In the case study presented in this paper an openhole gravel pack (OHGP) production well was experiencing a high gas/oil ratio (GOR), with production from the upper gas zone limiting oil production from the lower zones. The borehole was highly deviated with a maximum inclination of 72° and an extended reach of 5800 meters. A gas shut off intervention solution was required.

Tractor conveyance and powered mechanical stroker systems were selected to deploy the stackable straddle system, because they were the most effective and precise method. Gas/oil production data and a distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system log were used as inputs for the optimal straddle length and position.

The stackable straddle system, with a total length of 70.2 meters and isolation length of 64.7 meters, was successfully deployed and sealed off against the OHGP completion in the required position to shut off unwanted gas production. The oil production rate increased by approximately 3,000 stb/D. The GOR decreased from approximately 5,200 to 4,100 scf/bbl.
The Use of Coiled Tubing for Deployment of Electrical Heaters in Downhole Applications
Authors: Sandberg Chet , Thomas Keith , Penny Scott
Published: February 2016

Electrical heaters are being used in numerous down-hole applications including flow assurance, viscosity reduction, steam replacement (Cyclic Steam Stimulation and Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage) and a process called Insitu Conversion Process (ICP). These applications are described in SPE-165323-MS and SPE-170146-MS. Historically the heater has been attached to a pipe string with clamps. This has proven the technology works on short lengths but is labor intensive at the well site and not suitable for commercial application. This paper will describe an alternative method using coiled tubing for electrical heater deployment.

Historically, long high power, high temperature, Mineral Insulated (MI) Cable heaters (over 300 feet) had to be fabricated with splices that increased the diameter about three times at the location of the splice. Recently an improved ceramic material technology has allowed the heaters to operate at higher voltages. This allows an increase in total heater length and the ability to insert into coiled tubing. Along with the increase in voltage, a new fabrication technique allows "spliceless heaters" to be manufactured in continuous lengths to over 10,000 feet. Given this new manufacturing technology, trials have been performed to place the heater and instrumentation in coiled tubing and deployed with conventional coiled tubing technology.

This paper reviews the improvements in the heater technology that allows spliceless fabrication and medium voltage operation. A review of initial deployment pilots is presented including a 2000 foot heated section installation by Shell in the Grosmont reservoir in Alberta Canada. The initial insertion of the heater in coiled tubing was done on an airstrip in Texas and then the coiled tubing was transported to Alberta Canada for deployment. Numerous pictures and installation caveats are included in the paper.

This system of using coiled tubing for deployment has taken much of the labor from the well site to an off-site manufacturing location, reducing cost and streamlining the deployment at the well site. This process moves deployment of electrical heaters in downhole applications from a one-off pilot installation system to a commercially viable system with greatly improved economics and reliability. While the Grosmont installation used 4.5 inch coiled tubing, new heater designs make it possible to use 2.875 inch coiled tubing with the power and temperature characteristics necessary for technically functional application.
Localized Extreme Coiled Tubing Wall Loss - Causes and Remediation Practices
Authors: Craig Steven , Padron Tomas , Smith Simon , Pinero Luis , Herald Joshua
Published: February 2016

The causes and associated remediation practices of most coiled tubing failures are well-known and detailed in multiple technical papers (Crabtree 2008, van Ardrichem & Larsen 2002, Burgos et al. 2007). One type of failure that has more limited exposure is excessive wall loss due to abrasion, occurring primarily in chrome completions. Significant wall loss over a large area typically requires the string be retired from service. On occasion, this damage has occurred during only a few operating runs. Retiring strings early is financially unacceptable, and in certain global locations, replacement strings can take months to arrive, resulting in a failure to meet operational objectives. This paper will detail the background on this type of failure observed in Azerbaijan, New Zealand and the USA, the failure analysis, results from pipe inspections, mitigation plans, and their associated results in reducing the frequency of incidents.

Analysis of incidents in the three markets started with an early notice of wear on a concentric string for offshore use in chrome completions. This wear detection resulted in a full string inspection to determine future life. While this string was retired, mitigation practices included mandating a wetted and/or lubricated wellbore and greater tracking of wall loss. The second market experienced a significant number of cases of premature failure, primarily on 1 ¾-in. coiled tubing (CT) run in chrome completions. Significant tracking of pipe movement versus location of the damage was completed to optimally target the use of friction-reducing lubricants. The third market used a 2-in. concentric string for 14 runs in a single L80 well. Here, flat spots exceeded 60% of wall loss, and several compressive failures occurred on the reel. In addition, galling with material transfer was observed. Mitigation practices include the use of pipe straighteners, wetted and lubricated completion in areas of high contact force.

Mitigation practices have significantly reduced the extreme wall loss issues in the first market, and similar programs have been recently implemented in the other two. Features common to all wells, such as deviation profile, will be presented to identify high-risk wells and permit pre-job mitigation planning.

This paper covers data from 19 wells and various mitigation practices and the associated positive results. The information will enable operators to better plan for success with CT well intervention operations.
Downhole Machining with Electric Wireline Technology
Authors: Bermawan Irwan , Primasari Indah , Rahman Risal , Rachman Ramadhani , Carolina Vera , Aldebaren Rigel
Published: February 2016

This paper will demonstrate technology to do downhole interior reconstruction in an older well design to create larger tool access using wireline technology. The intent is to document the applied technology and the value creation.

The methods described were actual field operations demonstrating the successful application of the technology in a mature field. This paper will describe the history, background and challenges of a well in this mature field and the subsequent application of alternate technology to overcome those challenges and maintain the asset as a viable, producing well.

Due to the availability of downhole tools and services to solve an immediate problem in a well, the need to reconstruct the existing wellbore interior to create larger access for example, becomes inevitable in many cases. Such was the case on offshore wells in Indonesia where the inner diameter size of the downhole accessories forbid tools to reach the lower targeted depth.

Following the success of the first nipple milling in the world at an Operator's field in Indonesia in 2009, another 12 wells had applied the same intervention technique at one field location and many other wells in various part of the world. The advantage of wireline nipple milling includes level of precision in milling, new smooth finishing of treated downhole accessories or completions, minimum cuttings left downhole, minimum volume of liquid required, small footprint required during operation and speed of milling operation that could be less than 2 hours even in small restriction such as 2.6 inch inner diameter.

This paper presents the up to date achievements, case histories, challenges, best practices and technical aspects of the aforementioned milling system as well as similar challenges can be solved using similar technique.
The 2015 Pregnancy Summit, London, UK
Authors: Johansson Cherynne
Published: February 2016

The 2015 Pregnancy Summit was held over 3 days from 29 September to 1 October at Cineworld, The O2, London, UK. The event brings together a multidisciplinary faculty of international researchers and clinicians to discuss both scientific and clinical aspects of pregnancy-related issues in an informal setting. The goal of the meeting was to provide delegates with an update of recent advances in management of pregnancy-related conditions, to present research data and to discuss the current attitudes and practices in relevant topics. An extensive range of topics were discussed, from preeclampsia and treatment of hypertension, to the psychological impact of termination of pregnancy and feticide. This report will summarize a selection of the lectures presented.
Production of Al foams using the SDP method: Processing parameters and introduction a new sintering device
Authors: Cadena J.H. , Figueroa I.A. , Suarez M.A. , Novelo-Peralta O. , González G. , Lara-Rodríguez G. , Alfonso I.
Published: February 2016

The processing of aluminum (Al) foams with maximum porosity of around 70 %,
regular pore size and interconnected pores were successfully produced by
means of the powder metallurgy method of Sintering Dissolution Process (SDP).
The metal powder used for the present study was Al powder with 99.5 % of
purity and diameters between 75 ?m and 200 ?m. The chosen Space Holder
Particles (SHP) were spherical carbamide CH4N2O particles with diameters
ranging from 1 to 2 mm. The optimum sinterization temperature was found at
620?C, at this temperature, a number of necks between Al particles surfaces
were observed; indicating a good cohesion between Al particles, while keeping
the porous structure of the green compact. The level of porosity was
dependent of the carbamide content and the voids formed within the Al
particles after the sinterization process. The sample with 60 wt.% of
carbamide showed the lowest yield stress value than those for the samples
with 40 and 50 wt.%. The strain values significantly increased when the
carbamide content increased from 40 to 60 wt.%. Finally, the results obtained
from a new sintering device for producing metallic foams at temperatures
below 900?C are also discussed.
Prevalence of mcr-1 in commensal Escherichia coli from French livestock, 2007 to 2014
Authors: Perrin-Guyomard Agnès , Bruneau Mireille , Houée Pamela , Deleurme Karine , Legrandois Patricia , Poirier Catherine , Soumet Christophe , Sanders Pascal
Published: February 2016

Colistin resistance was investigated in 1,696 isolates collected from 2007 to 2014 within the frame of the French livestock antimicrobial resistance surveillance programme. The mcr-1 gene was detected in all commensal Escherichia coli isolates with a minimum inhibitory concentration to colistin above the 2 mg/L cut-off value (n=23). In poultry, mcr-1 prevalence was 5.9% in turkeys and 1.8% in broilers in 2014. In pigs, investigated in 2013, this prevalence did not exceed 0.5%. These findings support that mcr-1 has spread in French livestock.
Impact of some chemical treatments and length of storage on the storability of sugar beet
Authors: Zubi Hussien Al , Jbawi Entessar Al , Jeddawi Sameer Al , Tahla Mohammad Khair , Ismaiel Raafat , Huniesh Thamer Al , Aliesha Gaidaa , Radwan Radwan , Azzam Hasan
Published: February 2016

An experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Center of Al Ghab, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Syria, to evaluate the effect of some chemical application on the sugar losses reduction, and some quality traits in 2014/2015 season. Three slaked lime concentrations of 5, 10 and 15 percent, and three concentrations of calcium chloride of 2, 4, and 6%, and a mix of 5% slaked lime with 2% calcium chloride, beside the check (no treatment) (factor C). The second factor (D) was the storage durations of 6 days, and tow varieties (Factor V) were arranged as factorial experiment in RCBD with four replications. The varieties one of them was monogerm (Vico), while the other was multigerm (Reda), they were drilled in mid November, and storage roots were harvested late August. Weight percent loss and quality of beet samples such as sugar content, total soluble solids (TSS %), and purity% were determined throughout storage period. The results of analysis of variance ANOVA showed that effect of varieties was significant for TSS (brix %), sucrose%, root weight loss (P<0.05). All the studied traits were affected significantly (P<0.05) by storage duration. Chemical treatments had significant effect on all the studied traits (P<0.05), and the best treatment was with calcium chloride 6%. The percentage of variance confirmed that the most effective factor for the all studied traits was the storage period, followed by the varieties, and finally in a very low percent was the chemical treatments, because of that it is very urgent to send the harvested roots immediately to the factories to be processed within 24 hours, or treated with calcium chloride of 6% to preserve the sugar content as possible till manufacturing. Also the study concluded that the mutigerm variety Reda deteriorated less that the monogerm variety Vico, so Reda is recommended to be stored if necessary.International Journal of Environment Vol. 5 (1) 2016,  pp: 96-106
Electric Bicycle Use and Mode Choice in the Netherlands
Authors: Lee Aaron , Molin Eric , Maat Kees , Sierzchula Will
Published: February 2016

Electric bicycles have rapidly become more common in the Netherlands. This paper analyzes the effect of this relatively new form of transportation on modal choice by asking which modes electric bicycles are replacing. Using a revealed preference approach, researchers surveyed users from all over the country and collected demographic information, details about their electric bicycles, usage patterns, and a one-day travel diary. Results showed that electric bicycles were primarily owned by those older than age 55, with recreation, shopping, and commuting as common uses. Regarding modal switch, 40% of electric bicycle trips would have been made in an automobile if an electric bicycle had not been available. This finding suggests that as people age and experience increasing difficulty riding a traditional bicycle, the electric bicycle offers an opportunity for them to stay on the bike paths instead of switching to automobiles.
Neighborhood Characteristics that Support Bicycle Commuting
Authors: Schneider Robert J. , Stefanich Joseph
Published: February 2016

This study examined American Community Survey journey-to-work data from 2008 to 2012 to identify the characteristics of neighborhoods with the highest levels of bicycle commuting in the United States. The 100 census tracts with the highest bicycle commute mode shares (top 100 census tracts) were identified and paired with 100 other randomly selected census tracts from the same county (100 comparison census tracts). As a whole, the top 100 census tracts had a bicycle commute mode share of 21%. Seventy of the top 100 census tracts were in locations that had fewer than 10 days per year with high temperatures below 32°F (0°C), and 68 were within 2 mi (3.2 km) of a college or university campus. Seventeen had relatively low college populations and were in high-density neighborhoods close to large city central business districts. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the likelihood of a paired tract being in the top 100 rather than the comparison tract. After climate and topography were controlled for, being a top 100 census tract was associated with several socioeconomic and local-environment characteristics, including being located closer to a university and having more households without automobiles, more people born in other states and countries, higher population density, more housing constructed before 1940, and greater bicycle facility density. The results suggest that policies to model employment centers after university campuses; design neighborhoods that support routine, multimodal travel; and reduce barriers to bicycling in bad weather may help create more local areas with high rates of bicycle commuting.
Level-of-Service Model for Protected Bike Lanes
Authors: Foster Nick , Monsere Christopher M. , Dill Jennifer , Clifton Kelly
Published: February 2016

Several methods exist for quantifying the quality of service provided by a roadway from a bicyclist's perspective; however, many of these models do not consider physically protected bike lanes. Of those that do, none was developed on the basis of empirical data from the United States. This gap is problematic because engineers, planners, and elected officials are increasingly looking to objective performance measures to help guide both transportation project design and funding prioritization decisions. This paper addresses this gap by presenting a cumulative logistic model to predict user comfort on protected bike lanes that was developed from data collected during in-person video surveys. The surveys were conducted in Portland, Oregon, with video footage gathered in Portland; Chicago, Illinois; and San Francisco, California. The model is for road segments only and not signalized intersections. It complements the Highway Capacity Manual 2010 level-of-service methods by providing an analysis procedure for a facility type that is not currently included in the manual. The model indicates that the type of buffer, direction of travel (one-way versus two-way), adjacent motor vehicle speed limit, and average daily motor vehicle volumes are all significant predictors of bicyclist comfort in protected bike lanes. The model predicts a mean value of A or B on a scale of A (most comfortable) to F (least comfortable) for all protected bike lane video clips that were used in the survey. Consistent with previous research findings, survey respondents report that protected bike lanes are generally more comfortable than other types of on-street infrastructure.

The authors thank Mark Person of Mackenzie and Sam Thompson and Tara Goddard of Portland State University for their assistance in recruiting survey participants. Theo Petritsch of Sprinkle Consulting, Inc., provided the video clips from NCHRP Project 3-70, which were used for video quality comparison. The Department of Civil Engineering at Portland State University contributed funds used in this project. The authors acknowledge the U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Institute for Transportation and Communities, and People for Bikes for funding the related project.
Business and Bikeshare User Perceptions of the Economic Benefits of Capital Bikeshare
Authors: Buehler Ralph , Hamre Andrea
Published: February 2016

This study investigated potential economic benefits of bikesharing in commercial areas immediately adjacent to bikeshare docking stations. With the use of a sample of five Capital Bikeshare (CaBi) stations in Washington, D.C., an intercept survey of 333 bikeshare users at five CaBi stations at commercial activity centers and a door-to-door survey of 140 local businesses within 1/10 mi of those five CaBi stations were conducted. It was found that many CaBi riders were motivated to use the system because of savings in travel time (73% of users) and cost (25% of users). In addition, 16% of riders reported making new or induced trips because of CaBi, and 23% of users reported spending more money because of it. Income level was positively associated with new trips, spending levels, and spending during new trips. Joining CaBi to save money had a significant positive association with new trips. The business survey showed that 20% of the businesses in the sample reported a positive impact of bikesharing on sales, and 70% identified a positive impact on the area. In addition, 61% would have either a positive or a neutral reaction to replacing car parking in front of their business with a bikeshare station. Businesses that perceived a positive impact on sales from the bikeshare system were more likely to support the expansion of the system and the replacement of car parking with bikeshare stations. Overall, the findings from five CaBi stations in commercial business areas suggests that bikesharing may generate benefits among both users and businesses.
Influence of Bike Lane Buffer Types on Perceived Comfort and Safety of Bicyclists and Potential Bicyclists
Authors: McNeil Nathan , Monsere Christopher M. , Dill Jennifer
Published: February 2016

Buffered and protected bike lanes are increasingly recognized as a valuable tool in enticing potential or wary cyclists to use a bicycle for transportation. These facilities—which provide extra space and (in the case of protected bike lanes) physical separation from motor vehicles—have been studied and are preferred by many bicyclists over traditional bike lanes. There has been little research, however, on the difference between buffer types and how they affect people's sense of the safety and comfort of bicycling. This paper uses data from surveys collected for a multicity study of newly constructed protected bike lanes to examine the influence of various hypothetical and actual buffered bike lane designs (both with and without physical protection) from the perspective of current bicyclists ( n = 1,111) and of residents living near the new facilities ( n = 2,283) who could be potential bicyclists. Findings suggest that striped or painted buffers offer some level of increased comfort, whereas buffers with some sort of physical protection, even protection as minimal as a plastic flexpost, yield significant increases in perceived comfort for potential cyclists with safety concerns (the interested but concerned). Of residents living near recently built protected bike lanes, 71% of all residents and 88% of the interested but concerned indicated that they would be more likely to ride a bicycle if motor vehicles and bicycles were physically separated by a barrier.
Rosemary, the Beneficial Chemistry of a Garden Herb
Authors: Hanson James R.
Published: February 2016

The major natural products that are present in the garden herb, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) including the mono di- and triterpenoid, flavonoid and phenolic constituents together with their biological activity as anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, memory-enhancing and tumour-inhibitory agents, are reviewed.
Puzzles in Bonding and Spectroscopy: The Case of Dicarbon†
Authors: Macrae Roderick M.
Published: February 2016

The unstable molecule C2 has been of interest since its identification as the source of the “Swan band” features observable in the spectra of flames, carbon arcs, white dwarf stars, and comets, and it continues to serve as a focal point for experimental and theoretical discovery. Recent spectroscopic work has identified a quintet state of the molecule for the first time, while new insights into the bond order of C2 in its ground state have been provided by sophisticated computational methods based on valence bond theory. This article gives a review of spectroscopic and computational work on C2 including both historical background and the most recent discoveries.
Gene Expression Profiling in the APP/PS1KI Mouse Model of Familial Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Weissmann Robert , Hüttenrauch Melanie , Kacprowski Tim , Bouter Yvonne , Pradier Laurent , Bayer Thomas A. , Kuss Andreas W. , Wirths Oliver
Published: February 2016

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by early intraneuronal amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation, extracellular deposition of Aβ peptides, and intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau aggregates. These lesions cause dendritic and synaptic alterations and induce an inflammatory response in the diseased brain. Although the neuropathological characteristics of AD have been known for decades, the molecular mechanisms causing the disease are still under investigation. Studying gene expression changes in postmortem AD brain tissue can yield new insights into the molecular disease mechanisms. To that end, one can employ transgenic AD mouse models and the next-generation sequencing technology. In this study, a whole-brain transcriptome analysis was carried out using the well-characterized APP/PS1KI mouse model for AD. These mice display a robust phenotype reflected by working memory deficits at 6 months of age, a significant neuron loss in a variety of brain areas including the CA1 region of the hippocampus and a severe amyloid pathology. Based on deep sequencing, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 6-month-old WT or PS1KI and APP/PS1KI were identified and verified by qRT-PCR. Compared to WT mice, 250 DEGs were found in APP/PS1KI mice, while 186 DEGs could be found compared to PS1KI control mice. Most of the DEGs were upregulated in APP/PS1KI mice and belong to either inflammation-associated pathways or lysosomal activation, which is likely due to the robust intraneuronal accumulation of Aβ in this mouse model. Our comprehensive brain transcriptome study further highlights APP/PS1KI mice as a valuable model for AD, covering molecular inflammatory and immune responses.
Impacts of flood on Char livelihoods and its adaptation techniques by the local people
Authors: Islam Md Sirajul , Solaiman Md , Islam MS , Tusher TR , Kabir MH
Published: February 2016

The study showed that most of the farmers (81.81%) in char area of flood lands were affected by flood as their crops were washed away by flood water as agricultural lands (59%) were inundated in a high magnitude flood. During flood, almost 88.89% farmers pass their days having no alternative occupation, and cannot afford to meet basic needs of their family as most of the Char lands were inundated for about two or three months, resulting in no crop production during that period. People reside in roads, schools and even on the top of the roof as there was no flood shelter in the study area. Besides these, rehabilitation programs were also not sufficient. It is also revealed that siltation over agricultural land reduces its fertility and productivity. To cope with this problem, people of Char land formulated and undertaken various adaptation techniques in their own way which varies depending on their socio-economic and environmental aspects, such as education, income, occupations and living conditions, as there was no organizational support. Finally, the study recommended that the policy makers and implementers along with non-governmental organizations should take their own responsibilities focusing the devastating situation of the previous flood in the study area. Also, the farmers should grow the flood tolerant varieties of crops in the area to mitigate loss of production and to lead a sustainable life.Bangladesh J. Sci. Res. 28(2): 123-135, Dec-2015
Investigations on the Cosputtered ITO-ZnO Transparent Electrode Ohmic Contacts to n-GaN
Authors: Hsiao Wei-Hua , Chen Tai-Hong , Lai Li-Wen , Lee Ching-Ting , Li Jyun-Yong , Lin Hong-Jyun , Wu Nan-Jay , Liu Day-Shan
Published: February 2016

Transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) and cosputtered ITO-zinc oxide (ZnO) films’ contacts to an n-GaN epilayer were investigated. Both of these electrodes’ contact to the n-GaN epilayer showed Schottky behavior, although the contact resistance of the ITO-ZnO/n-GaN system was lower than that of the ITO/n-GaN system. By placing a thin Ti interlayer between the ITO-ZnO/n-GaN interface, nonalloyed ohmic contact was achieved. The inset Ti interlayer was both beneficial both for enhancing the outdiffusion of the nitrogen atoms at the surface of the n-GaN and suppressing the indiffusion of oxygen atoms from the surface of the ITO-ZnO to n-GaN. The figure-of-merit (FOM), evaluated from the specific contact resistance and optical property of the Ti/ITO-ZnO system’s contact to the n-GaN epilayer, was optimized further at an adequate thickness of the Ti interlayer.
Varying Constants Entropic-ΛCDM Cosmology
Authors: Da̧browski Mariusz , Gohar Hussain , Salzano Vincenzo
Published: February 2016

We formulate the basic framework of thermodynamical entropic force cosmology which allows variation of the gravitational constant G and the speed of light c. Three different approaches to the formulation of the field equations are presented. Some cosmological solutions for each framework are given and one of them is tested against combined observational data (supernovae, BAO, and CMB). From the fit of the data, it is found that the Hawking temperature numerical coefficient γ is two to four orders of magnitude less than usually assumed on the geometrical ground theoretical value of O(1) and that it is also compatible with zero. In addition, in the entropic scenario, we observationally test that the fit of the data is allowed for the speed of light c growing and the gravitational constant G diminishing during the evolution of the universe. We also obtain a bound on the variation of c to be Δc / c ∝ 10-5 > 0 , which is at least one order of magnitude weaker than the quasar spectra observational bound.