bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Molecular Simulations to CO2-Enhanced Oil Recovery: Phase Equilibria and Interfacial Phenomena
Authors: Makimura Dai , Kunieda Makoto , Liang Yunfeng , Matsuoka Toshifumi , Takahashi Satoru , Okabe Hiroshi
Published: January 2013

Molecular simulation is a powerful technique for obtaining thermodynamic properties of a system of given composition at a specific temperature and pressure, and it enables us to visualize microscopic phenomena. In this work, we used simulations to study interfacial phenomena and phase equilibria, which are important to CO2-enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

We conducted molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of an oil/water interface in the presence of CO2. It was found that CO2 was enriched at the interfacial region under all thermal conditions. Whereas the oil/water interfacial tension (IFT) increases with pressure, CO2 reduces the IFT by approximately one-third at low pressure and one-half at higher pressure. Further analysis on the basis of our MD trajectories shows that the O=C=O bonds to the water with a “T-shaped” structure, which provides the mechanism for CO2 enrichment at the oil/water interface. The residual nonnegligible IFT at high pressures implies that the connate or injected water in a reservoir strongly influences the transport of CO2/oil solutes in that reservoir.

We used Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo (GEMC) simulation to compute phase equilibria and obtain ternary phase diagrams of such systems as CO2/n-butane/N2 and CO2/n-butane/n-decane. Simulating hydrocarbon fluids with a mixture of CO2 and N2 enables us to evaluate the effects of N2 impurity on CO2-EOR. It also enables us to study the phase behavior, which is routinely used to evaluate the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP). We chose these two systems because experimental data are available for them. Our calculated phase equilibria are in fair agreement with experiments. We also discuss possible ways to improve the predictive capability for CO2/hydrocarbon systems.

GEMC and MD simulations of systems with heavier hydrocarbons are straightforward and enable us to combine molecular-level thinking with process considerations in CO2-EOR.
Exposing Hidden Relations: Storytelling, Pedagogy, and the Study of Policy
Authors: Moore Kristen
Published: January 2013

Within a Technical Communication classroom, policywork has been used to teach students the vital discursive and conceptual skills valued by technical fields. However, given the move of technical communicators into the public sphere, these skills can and should be expanded to include diverse practices and modes of thought. As such, this article suggests that storytelling can be used as a pedagogical tool to help students think more critically about the (sometimes hidden) relationships that policywork inheres. This article articulates relational work as a target skills set for students and suggests specific activities and handouts for developing these skills.
Multi-sensor data fusion based on consistency test and sliding window variance weighted algorithm in sensor networks
Authors: Shu Jian , Hong Ming , Zheng Wei , Sun Li-Min , Ge Xu
Published: January 2013

In order to solve the problem that the accuracy of sensor data is reducing
due to zero offset and the stability is decreasing in wireless sensor
networks, a novel algorithm is proposed based on consistency test and
sliding-windowed variance weighted. The internal noise is considered to be
the main factor of the problem in this paper. And we can use consistency test
method to diagnose whether the mean of sensor data is offset. So the abnormal
data is amended or removed. Then, the result of fused data can be calculated
by using sliding window variance weighted algorithm according to normal and
amended data. Simulation results show that the misdiagnosis rate of the
abnormal data can be reduced to 3% by using improved consistency test with
the threshold set to [0.05, 0.15], so the abnormal sensor data can be
diagnosed more accurately and the stability can be increased. The accuracy of
the fused data can be improved effectively when the window length is set to
2. Under the condition that the abnormal sensor data has been amended or
removed, the proposed algorithm has better performances on precision compared
with other existing algorithms.
A design specification and a server implementation of the inverse referential integrity constraints
Authors: Aleksic Slavica , Ristic Sonja , Lukovic Ivan , Celikovic Milan
Published: January 2013

The inverse referential integrity constraints (IRICs) are specialization of
non-key-based inclusion dependencies (INDs). Keybased INDs (referential
integrity constraints) may be fully enforced by most current relational
database management systems (RDBMSs). On the contrary, non-key-based INDs are
completely disregarded by actual RDBMSs, obliging the users to manage them
via custom procedures and/or triggers. In this paper we present an approach
to the automated implementation of IRICs integrated in the SQL Generator tool
that we developed as a part of the IIS
On task tree executor architectures based on intel parallel building blocks
Authors: Popovic Miroslav , Djukic Miodrag , Marinkovic Vladimir , Vranic Nikola
Published: January 2013

Our aim was to optimize a SOA control system by evolving the architecture of
the service component that transforms system models into task trees, which
are then executed by the runtime library called the Task Tree Executor, TTE.
In the paper we present the two novel TTE architectures that evolved from the
previous TTE architecture and introduced finer grained parallelism. The novel
architectures execute TTE tasks as more lightweight TBB tasks and Cilk
strands rather than the OS threads, which was the case for the previous TTE
architecture. The experimental evaluation based on time needed for TTE
reliability estimation, by statistical usage tests, shows that these novel
TTE architectures are providing the average relative speedup, RS, from 8x to
11x, over the original TTE, on a dual-core machine. Additional experiments
made on eight-core machine showed that RS provided by TTE based on TBB scales
perfectly, and goes up to 77x.
Modeling and visualization of classification-based control schemes for upper limb prostheses
Authors: Attenberger Andreas , Buchenrieder Klaus
Published: January 2013

During the development of control schemes for upper-limb prostheses, the
selection of a classification method is the decisive factor on predicting the
correct hand movements. This contribution brings forward an approach to
validate and visualize the output of a chosen classifier by simulative means.
Using features extracted from a collection of recorded myoelectric signals
(MES), a training set for different classes of hand movements is produced and
validated with additional MES recordings. Using the output of the classifier,
the behavior of an actual prosthesis is simulated by controlling the 3D model
of a prosthetic hand. For systematic comparison of feature sets and
classification methods, a toolbox for MATLABTM has been developed. Our
classification results show, that existing classification schemes based on
EMG data can be improved significantly by adding NIR sensor data. Employing
only two combined EMGNIR sensors, five motion classes comprising full
movements, including pronation and supination, can be distinguished with 100%
accuracy.
Integrating Chronic Care into Family Practice: Blending the Paradigms
Authors: Tetrick David L. , Parkin Christopher G.
Published: January 2013

IN BRIEF

The Structured Testing Program (STeP) trial demonstrated that use a structured self-monitoring of blood glucose intervention improves clinical outcomes, prompts earlier and persistent treatment adjustments, and increases patients' self-confidence and motivation associated with their diabetes self-management. This article discusses the experience of implementing the STeP intervention in a primary care practice.
Use of recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone for evaluation of thyroid function in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: Mayer Jörg , Wagner Robert , Mitchell Mark A. , Fecteau Kellie
Published: January 2013

Objective—To evaluate the effects of administration of recombinant human (rh) thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) for evaluation of thyroid function in euthyroid guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).

Design—Prospective, experimental study.

Animals—10 healthy, sexually intact, pet guinea pigs (approx 1 year of age).

Procedures—Guinea pigs were given rhTSH (100 μg, IM); plasma thyroxine concentrations were determined prior to and 3 and 4 hours after rhTSH injection. The animals were housed in 2 groups on the basis of sex and fed different commercial maintenance diets according to their husbandry.

Results—There was no significant difference in thyroxine concentrations between males and females before or after rhTSH injection. There was also no difference between thyroxine concentrations at 3 versus 4 hours after rhTSH injection. There was a significant difference between thyroxine concentrations before (median, 9.05 nmol/L [0.70 μg/dL]; 10% to 90% range, 7.39 to 16.99 nmol/L [0.57 to 1.32 μg/dL]) and after (mean ± SD, 23.95 ± 4.2 nmol/L) rhTSH injection. Euthyroid guinea pigs had plasma thyroxine concentrations of at least 7.30 nmol/L (0.57 μg/dL) and an increase of at least 2.6 times prestimulation thyroxine concentrations at 3 or 4 hours after stimulation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The results suggested that rhTSH administered IM can be used for the TSH stimulation testing in guinea pigs. We suggest thyroxine concentration in a euthyroid guinea pig should at least double 3 to 4 hours after rhTSH injection.
Hepatic copper concentrations in Labrador Retrievers with and without chronic hepatitis: 72 cases (1980–2010)
Authors: Johnston Andrea N. , Center Sharon A. , McDonough Sean P. , Wakshlag Joseph J. , Warner Karen L.
Published: January 2013

Objective—To evaluate differences in hepatic copper concentrations in Labrador Retrievers with and without chronic hepatitis.

Design—Retrospective case-control study.

Sample—Liver tissue specimens from 36 Labrador Retrievers with chronic hepatitis and 36 age- and sex-matched Labrador Retrievers without chronic hepatitis (control dogs).

Procedures—Liver tissue specimens were obtained during 2 study periods (1980 to 1997 and 1998 to 2010). For each tissue specimen, a histologic score was assigned independently by each of 2 interpreters, and the hepatic copper concentration was qualitatively determined via rhodanine staining and quantitatively determined via atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Results—Mean hepatic copper concentration was significantly higher in dogs with chronic hepatitis (614 μg/g of dry weight [range, 104 to 4,234 μg/g of dry weight]), compared with that in control dogs (299 μg/g of dry weight [range, 93 to 3,810 μg/g of dry weight]), and increased significantly over time. A higher proportion of liver tissue specimens collected during the 1998–2010 study period had hepatic copper concentrations > 400 μg/g of dry weight (the upper limit of the reference range), compared with the proportion of liver tissue specimens collected during the 1980–1997 study period. The qualitative copper score did not accurately predict quantitative hepatic copper concentration in 33% of study dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that the increase in hepatic copper concentrations in Labrador Retrievers with and without chronic hepatitis over time may be the result of increased exposure of dogs to environmental copper, most likely via the diet.
Metabolic and respiratory status of stranded juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta): 66 cases (2008–2009)
Authors: Camacho María , Quintana María P. , Luzardo Octavio P. , Estévez María D. , Calabuig Pascual , Orós Jorge
Published: January 2013

Objective—To document venous blood gas, acid-base, and plasma biochemical values for stranded juvenile loggerhead turtles at admission to a rehabilitation facility, compare these values among stranding causes, investigate differences in these values for turtles that survived versus those that died, and establish the baseline values for successfully rehabilitated loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta).

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—66 stranded juvenile loggerhead turtles that were hospitalized between 2008 and 2009.

Procedures—Venous blood gas, acid-base, and plasma biochemical values at the time of admission were compared retrospectively among turtles with different stranding causes. Initial results were compared between turtles that survived and turtles that died. Results for survivors were compared between the time of admission and time of release.

Results—57 (86.36%) turtles had various types of acid-base disorders at the time of admission to the rehabilitation facility. Of these, 33 (579%) had mixed acid-base disorders and 24 (42.1%) had primary acid-base disorders. All acid-base disorders were classified as mild to moderate, except 1 case of severe metabolic and respiratory acidosis. Except for the debilitated turtles (in which the mean initial glucose concentration was much lower than that observed for the rest of turtles), there was no difference in initial values when comparing stranding causes. Turtles that died during rehabilitation had significantly higher initial anion gap and osmolality, compared with turtles that survived.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Acid-base disorders were present in most stranded juvenile loggerhead turtles. Evaluation of accurately obtained, temperature-corrected venous blood gas, acid-base, and plasma biochemical values can provide important clinical and prognostic information and a valuable basis for the implementation of adequate and rapid treatment for stranded loggerhead turtles admitted to rehabilitation facilities.
Comprehensive Recalibration of Pile Resistance with WEAP Software in Initial and Restrike Conditions for Load and Resistance Factor Design
Authors: Smith Trevor D.
Published: January 2013

The Oregon Department of Transportation (DOT) uses the DRIVEN pile capacity software and wave equation analysis of piles (WEAP) software to control driving stresses and establish field resistance from the bearing graph. Typically, the Oregon DOT's piles exhibit setup after the end of initial driving, and the DOT may restrike. In this study to recalibrate the pile resistance with WEAP for load resistance factor design, a new database was formed by culling existing databases, including the PDLT2000 database from NCHRP Report 507 and the Deep Foundation Load Test Database. The resulting information was merged with 166 other cases to create a new comprehensive database. Neither the Deep Foundation Load Test Database nor the PDLT2000 database was proved correct after they were cross-checked with other sources. The largest source of anomalies and missing data was the blow count, especially at the beginning of restrike. Input tiers and output ranks were designed to assist with data qualifying, the ranking of data quality, and statistical profiling for calibration at the end of initial driving and the beginning of restrike. Of 322 piles, a total of 175 supplied quality data for WEAP resistance prediction, which generated Davisson's mean bias and coefficient of variation statistics for recalibration. Bias was compared with that reported in NCHRP Report 507. A study of variables, including blow count ranges, the artificial removal of outliers, and soil type differences, is presented. First-order, second-moment resistance factors are given at the end of initial driving and the beginning of restrike for 10 scenarios. Advanced Monte Carlo procedures, with random number generation and lognormal tail fits, provide end-of-initial-driving and beginning-of-restrike resistance factors to form a basis for the future implementation of five Oregon DOT scenarios.
Calibration of Side, Tip, and Total Resistance Factors for Load and Resistance Factor Design of Drilled Shafts
Authors: Abu-Farsakh Murad Y. , Yu Xinbao , Zhang Zhongjie
Published: January 2013

This paper presents a reliability-based analysis for the calibration of side, tip, and total resistance factors for axially loaded drilled shafts. Twenty-two drilled shafts that had been tested with the Osterberg cell (O-cell) method were collected from project archives at the Mississippi Department of Transportation and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. This database was carefully selected to represent the typical subsurface soil conditions and design practice in Louisiana. The prediction of the load–settlement curves of the drilled shafts from soil borings was determined with the FHWA O'Neill and Reese design method and the SHAFT 6.0 computer program. The interpreted and predicted axial nominal resistances for the drilled shafts were determined with the FHWA 5% shaft diameter settlement criterion from predicted load–settlement curves. The measured nominal side, tip, and total axial resistances for drilled shafts were determined from the O-cell measurements. Statistical analyses were first performed to compare the predicted nominal axial resistances and the measured nominal resistances for the drilled shafts. In general, the selected design method underestimated the measured drilled shaft resistances. The first-order reliability and the Monte Carlo simulation methods were selected to determine the side, tip, and total resistance factors under the Strength I limit at the target reliability index of 3.0. The resulting calibrated side, tip, and total resistance factors were 0.3, 0.6, and 0.7, respectively.
Effect of Skewing and Splaying on Pullout Capacity of Steel Reinforcements in Mechanically Stabilized Earth Structures
Authors: Jayawickrama Priyantha W. , Lawson William D. , Wood Timothy A. , Surles James , Senanayake Asitha J.
Published: January 2013

Structures embedded in the reinforced fill of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining walls often prevent the soil reinforcements from being placed in their proper design configurations. Such conflicts are generally addressed with alternative reinforcement layouts that circumvent the obstructions. The most commonly used strategies include the skewing of strip-type reinforcements and the cutting and splaying of grid-type reinforcements. This research investigated the impact of skewing and splaying on the pullout resistance capacity of these two types of reinforcement. The research involved a series of pullout tests that were conducted in a specially designed large-scale pullout resistance test system. This MSE pullout load test system included an MSE test box with dimensions of 12 by 12 ft (3.66 by 3.66 m) in area and 4 ft (1.22 m) in depth. In this test system, the action of the soil overburden pressures on the embedded earth reinforcement were simulated with a reaction frame assembly that consisted of nine 4- by 4-ft (1.22- by 1.22-m) pressure plates that were hydraulically jacked against three wide-flange cross beams. The reaction frame assembly allowed the simulation of overburden pressures up to 40 ft (12.2 m) of fill. The pullout test program included (a) tests conducted on strip-type reinforcements with skew angles of 0°, 15°, and 30° and (b) tests conducted on grid-type reinforcements with splay angles of 0°, 15°, and 30°. The pullout loads obtained were then compared to determine the impact of skewing and splaying on the pullout resistance.
Cement Stabilization of Highly Organic Subgrade Soils to Control Secondary Compression Settlement
Authors: Sobhan Khaled , Ramirez Juan Carlos , Reddy Dronnadula V.
Published: January 2013

Many flexible pavements in western Palm Beach County, Florida, are underlain at shallow depths by thick deposits of organic soils and peats. These soils undergo long-term secondary compression as a result of sustained overburden pressure of the pavement and thereby cause excessive premature structural distress in the form of cracking, rutting, and differential settlement. Although cementitious materials have been successfully used to stabilize soft, expansive, and inorganic soils, research and experience regarding the stabilization of highly organic soils are limited. The authors’ main motivation for doing this research was to investigate the effects of cement stabilization on the compressibility of soils consisting of organic content in the range of 67% to 90%. The undisturbed soil samples were collected from the subsurface of the SR-15 (US-98) roadway, which had experienced severe distress attributable to organic layers and had undergone frequent and costly rehabilitation in recent years. It was found that cement stabilization at dosages between 35% and 55% (by dry weight) drastically reduced the ratio of the secondary compression index to the primary compression index of the organic soils to values that resembled a nearly granular soil with desirable compressibility characteristics. This optimized mix design may provide appropriate guidelines for deep mixing methods in subsurface organic layers for the long-term preservation of roadways built over problematic soils.
Factors Affecting Strength of Road Base Stabilized with Cement Slurry or Dry Cement in Conjunction with Full-Depth Reclamation
Authors: Dixon Paul A. , Guthrie W. Spencer , Eggett Dennis L.
Published: January 2013

Full-depth reclamation (FDR) in conjunction with cement stabilization is an established practice for the rehabilitation of flexible pavements. Conventionally, the FDR process involves applying dry cement powder with a pneumatic spreader, but this process can create undesirable fugitive cement dust. To solve this problem, cement slurry has been proposed because it can allow cement stabilization to be used in urban areas. This research sought to (a) identify construction-related factors that influence the strength of road base treated with cement slurry in conjunction with FDR and quantify the effects of those factors and (b) compare the strength of road base treated with cement slurry with that of road base treated with dry cement. Full-factorial laboratory experimentation on a road base sampled from an FDR project was conducted. The 7-day unconfined compressive strength was measured as the dependent variable. The independent variables included cement content; slurry water batching temperature; presence of a set-retarding, water-reducing admixture; cement slurry aging temperature; cement slurry aging time; cement–aggregate mixing time; and form of cement. The results suggested that the slurry water batching temperature, the haul time, the environmental temperature, and the presence of a set-retarding, water-reducing admixture would not significantly affect the strength of a cement-treated base (CTB) within the ranges of the factors investigated in this research. However, cement content and cement–aggregate mixing time were found to be positively correlated with CTB strength, regardless of the cement form. Additionally, the use of cement slurry was found to result in slightly lower strength values than the use of dry cement.
Towards preparation of quality medical writings
Authors: Al-Mahmood AK
Published: January 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v5i2.13338 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2012; 5(2): 39
Serum and Erythrocyte Magnesium levels in Offsprings of Essential Hypertensive Parents
Authors: Ferdousi S , Sultana N , Rahman MH , Haque R , Khanam M , Howlader MH , Arslan MI
Published: January 2013

Hypertension is an important public health challenge worldwide, 95% of which are primary or essential hypertension, where the exact causes are not known. It has been thought that magnesium level has an association with hypertension and plays role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. Several evidences suggested that decreased magnesium level may be a significant modifiable risk factor for developing essential hypertension. To explore the relationship between serum and erythrocyte magnesium level with blood pressure, this case control study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), during the year 2006. Thirty offsprings of essential hypertensive parents were taken as cases and 30 age and sex-matched offsprings of normotensive parents were taken as controls. Serum & erythrocyte magnesium were measured by colorimetric Calmagite method. Significantly lower serum magnesium level (mg/dl) was found in cases than that of controls (1.90±0.210 vs 2.13±0.366, p<0.01) and erythrocyte magnesium (mg/dl) was also found to be lower in cases when compared with that of controls (4.46±0.699 vs 5.43±0.775, p<0.001). Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found to be significantly higher (p<0.01) in cases as compared to controls. Though it is difficult to draw any definite conclusion, it may be assumed that, a hereditary predisposition to hypertension may be related to magnesium metabolism and magnesium deficiency might have a role in the future development of hypertension in the offsprings of essential hypertensive parents. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v5i2.13339 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2012; 5(2): 40-43
Iron Status in Pre-Eclampsia: A Case-Comparison Study
Authors: Sultana R , Ahmed S , Sultana N , Karim SM Fazlul
Published: January 2013

Preeclampsia is one of the most leading causes of maternal mortality in developing countries. Many studies have demonstrated the relation between alteration of iron status and preeclampsia. The aim of the study was to assess the status of iron in preeclampsia. This case control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2010 to June 2011. A total number of 100 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy attending the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital were selected purposively as study subjects. Among them 50 diagnosed cases of preeclampsia were selected as cases and 50 normal healthy pregnant women as controls. Serum ferritin and serum iron concentration were measured in all study subjects. The mean serum ferritin concentration in cases and controls were 95.06±50.07 ?g/l and 45.56±27.44 ?g/l respectively. Mean serum iron concentration in cases was 121.78±41.93 ?g/dl and that in controls was 61.04±24.18 ?g/dl. The present study showed significant differences of mean serum ferritin and serum iron between cases and controls. The study revealed presence of significantly higher level of serum ferritin and serum iron in preeclamptic group. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v5i2.13345 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2012; 5(2): 53-55
Use of Gold Nanoparticles in Diagnostics, Surgery and Medicine: A Review
Authors: Giasuddin ASM , Jhuma KA , Haq AM Mujibul
Published: January 2013

Noble metals and their compounds have a long and distinguished history as therapeutic agents in medicine. Recent years have seen tremendous progress in the design and study of nanomaterials geared towards biological and biomedical applications. Particularly gold nanoparticles have attracted intensive interest, because they are easily prepared, have low toxicity and can be readily attached to molecules of biological interest. The gold nanoparticles have become more precious than pretty gold because of their wide use and applications. The present article gave a critical review of the wide applications and uses of gold nanoparticles in diagnostics, surgery and medicine. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v5i2.13346 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2012; 5(2): 56-60
Cystic Meningioma
Authors: Kejriwal Gouri Shankar , Madhavi C , Sahu SN
Published: January 2013

Meningiomas are most common intracranial extraaxial tumours, but atypical meningeiomas like cystic meningioma are rare. It is about 2 to 4 % in adults and 10 to 19 % in infants. Because of its atypical presentation a case of cystic meningioma is presented. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i1.11542 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 01 January13 pp.83-85
Emergency Pharmacist-A Safety Valve In Hospital Emergency
Authors: Shahid Hira , Shafqat Sumbal
Published: January 2013

The Emergency Department is a fast-paced work environment. The hectic nature of work in the department often leads to risk of medication error(s). Many factors are involved resulting in wide range of issues. One of the major factors implicated in this regard is verbal orders associated with high risk of dosing errors and therapeutic errors. Pharmacists are experts in the use of medications and bring a unique set of knowledge and skills to the medical team. Active participation of pharmacists in patient care in the hospital emergency department may result in safer and more effective use of medication. These pharmacists are typically involved in assuring appropriate administration of drugs, monitoring patient adherence to therapy, providing drug information to providers, monitoring patient responses and laboratory values, and providing patient education. Since service in the emergency department is getting more and more challenging inclusion of a pharmacist in the team may be an option to improve the situation and help ensure improved care. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i1.13348 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 01 January13 pp.10-16
Framework for Detailed Comparison of Building Environmental Assessment Tools
Authors: Wallhagen Marita , Glaumann Mauritz , Eriksson Ola , Westerberg Ulla
Published: January 2013

Understanding how Building Environmental Assessments Tools (BEATs) measure and define “environmental” building is of great interest to many stakeholders, but it is difficult to understand how BEATs relate to each other, as well as to make detailed and systematic tool comparisons. A framework for comparing BEATs is presented in the following which facilitates an understanding and comparison of similarities and differences in terms of structure, content, aggregation, and scope. The framework was tested by comparing three distinctly different assessment tools; LEED-NC v3, Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH), and EcoEffect. Illustrations of the hierarchical structure of the tools gave a clear overview of their structural differences. When using the framework, the analysis showed that all three tools treat issues related to the main assessment categories: Energy and Pollution, Indoor Environment, and Materials and Waste. However, the environmental issues addressed, and the parameters defining the object of study, differ and, subsequently, so do rating, results, categories, issues, input data, aggregation methodology, and weighting. This means that BEATs measure “environmental” building differently and push “environmental” design in different directions. Therefore, tool comparisons are important, and the framework can be used to make these comparisons in a more detailed and systematic way.
Decisions on Energy Demand Response Option Contracts in Smart Grids Based on Activity-Based Costing and Stochastic Programming
Authors: Oh Seog-Chan , Hildreth Alfred
Published: January 2013

Smart grids enable a two-way energy demand response capability through which a utility company offers its industrial customers various call options for energy load curtailment. If a customer has the capability to accurately determine whether to accept an offer or not, then in the case of accepting an offer, the customer can earn both an option premium to participate, and a strike price for load curtailments if requested. However, today most manufacturing companies lack the capability to make the correct contract decisions for given offers. This paper proposes a novel decision model based on activity-based costing (ABC) and stochastic programming, developed to accurately evaluate the impact of load curtailments and determine as to whether or not to accept an energy load curtailment offer. The proposed model specifically targets state-transition flexible and Quality-of-Service (QoS) flexible energy use activities to reduce the peak energy demand rate. An illustrative example with the proposed decision model under a call-option based energy demand response scenario is presented. As shown from the example results, the proposed decision model can be used with emerging smart grid opportunities to provide a competitive advantage to the manufacturing industry.
Neuroprotective Effects of Ultra-Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin on Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats: Involvement of Apoptosis, Inflammatory Reaction and Energy Metabolism
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Guo , Sun Xin , Zhang Qing-Zhu , Yang Hua
Published: January 2013

Previous experiments showed that ultra-low-molecular-weight heparin (ULMWH) reduced the infarct and neurologic deficit in rats followed by transient cerebral ischemia, but the mechanisms of its neuroprotective effect are unclear. This study reported the effect of ULMWH on energy metabolism, inflammatory reaction and neuronal apoptosis. Male Wistar rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h followed by reperfusion for 24 h. ULMWH (0.5, 1 mg/kg, i.v.) was administered after the MCAO and reperfusion. 24 h after the reperfusion, Spectrophotometric assay was used to determine the activity of ATPase and the content of lactic acid in the brain. The ICAM-1 and Caspase-3 genes were investigated by RT-PCR. Furthermore, the apoptotic percentage of cells in hippocampus was quantified by flow cytometry. Compared with the model group, ULMWH significantly decreased lactic acid content and increased ATPase activity in ischemic brain. At the same time, ULMWH inhibited the neural apoptosis and decreased the expressions of ICAM-1 and Caspase-3 mRNA in hippocampus. These findings suggest that ULMWH exhibits a neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, partly through improving energy metabolism, inhibiting apoptosis and attenuating inflammatory reaction.
Driving Forces Behind the Past and Future Emergence of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Steffen Julius , Steffen Jan
Published: January 2013

Personalized medicine can be seen as a continuously developing approach to tailoring treatments according to the individual characteristics of a patient. In some way, medicine has always been personalized. During the last decade, however, scientific and technological progress have made truly personalized healthcare increasingly become reality. Today’s personalized medicine involves targeted therapies and diagnostic tests. The development of targeted agents represents a major investment opportunity to pharmaceutical companies, which have been facing the need to diversify their business due to an increasingly challenging market place. By investing into the development of personalized therapies, pharmaceutical companies mitigate a major part of the risks posed by factors such as patent expiries or generic competition. Viewing upon personalized medicine from different perspectives points out the multi-causality of its emergence. Research efforts and business diversification have been two main driving forces; they do supplement each other, however, are not jointly exhaustive in explaining the emergence of this approach. Especially in the future, a number of further stakeholders will impact the evolution of personalized medicine.
Microwave and Millimeter-Wave Remote Sensing for Security Applications. By Jeffrey A. Nanzer, Artech House, 2012; 372 pages. Price £109.00, ISBN 978-1-60807-172-2
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: January 2013

Microwave and millimeter-wave remote sensing techniques are fast becoming a necessity in many aspects of security as detection and classification of objects or intruders becomes more difficult. This groundbreaking resource offers you expert guidance in this burgeoning area. It provides you with a thorough treatment of the principles of microwave and millimeter-wave remote sensing for security applications, as well as practical coverage of the design of radiometer, radar, and imaging systems. You learn how to design active and passive sensors for intruder detection, concealed object detection, and human activity classification. This detailed book presents the fundamental concepts practitioners need to understand, including electromagnetic wave propagation in free space and in media, antenna theory, and the principles of receiver design. You find in-depth discussions on the interactions of electromagnetic waves with human tissues, the atmosphere and various building and clothing materials. This timely volume explores recently developed detection techniques, such as micro-Doppler radar signatures and correlation radiometry. The book is supported with over 200 illustrations and 1,135 equations.
Biological Diversity Mapping Comes of Age
Authors: Asner Gregory
Published: January 2013

Over the past 60 years, Earth observing has evolved from aerial photographic studies to high-tech airborne 3-D imaging and global satellite-based monitoring. These technological advances have been driven by an increasing call for quantitative and information-rich data on changes in Earth properties and processes. Within the biospheric remote sensing arena, focus has mostly been placed on changes in land cover and land use, ecological disturbance including fire, and basic biophysical properties such as vegetation light absorption and greenness. In recent years, however, interest has rapidly increased in the area of biological diversity monitoring. This special issue of Remote Sensing [1] captures some of the latest thinking on how both traditional and newer mapping technologies can contribute to biodiversity monitoring and analysis. [...]
Terrains de je. (Du) sujet (au) géographique
Authors: Volvey Anne , Calbérac Yann , Houssay-Holzschuch Myriam
Published: January 2013

Cette introduction au numéro spécial « Terrain de je » reprend la question du terrain pour en faire un problème scientifique et un objet de recherche épistémologique, en se plaçant à la fois du point de vue du sujet-cherchant – et de la question de son identité – et dans une perspective spatiale. Elle rend compte des principaux débats du colloque qui s’est tenu à Arras sur ce sujet, pour ensuite discuter la question du terrain des points de vue théoriques et épistémologiques. Les apports des épistémologies féministes anglophones (dimension politique, réflexivité et positionnalité, relationnalité, corporalité) sont mis en regard d’une approche française longtemps plus strictement méthodologique mais en plein renouvellement (rapport des spatialités de l’objet et de la pratique, esthétique du terrain, réflexivité). Enfin, cette introduction présente deux propositions : celle d’utiliser le terrain comme levier pour une histoire latourienne de la géographie, où gestes, dimensions matérielles et processus d’écriture seraient centraux ; celle d’aller au-delà des épistémologies existantes pour travailler, avec la psychanalyse transitionnelle, l’idée d’un régime haptique et figuratif de connaissance spatiale autour de l’investigation des dimensions relationnelles et performatives de la pratique et de l’expérience de terrain.
Le terrain : l'Arlésienne des géographes ?
Authors: Lefort Isabelle
Published: January 2013

Les géographes français ont jusqu’à présent peu questionné leur rapport intellectuel et disciplinaire au terrain. En reprenant l’image de l’Arlésienne, cliché langagier de la présence/absence, l’auteur développe l’hypothèse d’une « fiction » collective, simultanément convoquée mais fort peu explicitée. L’article aborde successivement plusieurs registres d’analyse pour cerner les enjeux disciplinaires soulevés par une démarche réflexive sur le « terrain », objet de recherche. Trois approches sont privilégiées : la place et le statut du « terrain » dans les usages académiques et les analyses épistémologiques de la discipline, les relations complexes entre écritures scientifiques et factures littéraires (le géographe comme auteur), enfin les conséquences de la suprématie du visuel dans le rapport du géographe au terrain. L’article invite enfin à s’approprier collectivement une réflexion sur le « terrain » alors que les technologies numériques modifient en profondeur les codes de la représentation, en particulier visuelle.
Les arts-de-faire du terrain
Authors: Buire Chloé
Published: January 2013

Comment obtient-on nos données lorsque l’on s’immerge dans le quotidien d’un quartier pendant des mois ? Cette contribution part de l’analyse des transformations des identités politiques dans les anciens quartiers ségrégués du Cap, en Afrique du Sud pour donner à voir les ajustements théoriques et méthodologiques constants, et souvent inavoués, qui jalonnent la recherche de terrain. Entre les injonctions à la participation orchestrée par le haut et l’héritage d’une culture de l’auto-organisation politique par le bas, l’exemple sud-africain montre en effet l’ambiguïté des aspirations des citadins et oblige à assouplir une vision souvent normative de la démocratie. Mais au-delà des spécificités du post-apartheid, cette relecture du processus de production du savoir scientifique interroge les implications éthiques et politiques de la recherche de terrain en général. Le chercheur est partie prenante de la géopolitique micro-locale qu’il ou elle observe. Plutôt que de chercher à éviter ces interférences, cet article propose de prendre les relations personnelles sur le terrain comme un élément à part entière de la démarche scientifique. Le principe de l’improvisation collective développé dans le free jazz est utilisé comme métaphore pour illustrer une ontologie ancrée dans la pratique de relations réciproques. Les capacités d’improvisation deviennent la clé d’une écoute de l’Autre et ouvrent la voie à une recherche éthique, qui s’inspire de l’esthétique et de la poétique de Michel de Certeau centrée sur les « arts de faire du quotidien ».
L'impact de la globalisation sur l'Afrique et les « petites patries » vu par les élèves sénégalais
Authors: Sall Tidiane
Published: January 2013

La puissance et la profondeur de la dimension économique de la globalisation semblent occulter d’autres aspects, notamment ceux liés à la culture. Un demi-siècle après les indépendances dans les pays de l’ancien empire colonial, l’impact de la globalisation peut être perçu aussi bien comme accès à une modernité libératrice d’un passé dominé par la tradition et l’humiliation, que comme chance offerte à la rencontre, au « métissage » et à la diversité ou encore comme résurgence sous une autre appellation des anciennes formes de domination exercées par l’Occident ouvrant un espace pour la révolte des « damnés de la terre » et des sans voix. Entre « mémoire culturelle » essentialisation et ouverture sur fond d’homogénéisation/hétérogénéisation, nous nous interrogeons ici sur les représentations de la globalisation chez des élèves sénégalais de classes de troisième et de terminale, en milieu urbain et en milieu rural de la région cosmopolite de Thiès à travers une enquête réalisée en été 2010.
Quand les enseignants lèvent le doigt : le façonnage de l'identité professionnelle des professeurs des écoles débutants
Authors: Zimmermann Philippe , Flavier Eric , Méard Jacques
Published: January 2013

Cet article s’inscrit dans le cadre d’un programme de recherche portant sur le façonnage de l’identité professionnelle de professeurs des écoles en formation initiale (PEFI). Il vise à analyser comment s’effectue ce façonnage dans le cadre d’un cursus universitaire formant au métier d’enseignant. Le cadre théorique prend appui sur les postulats de la clinique de l’activité (Clot, 1999). Les données consistent en des entretiens d’auto-confrontation conduits avec cinq PEFI à partir de plusieurs supports. Le traitement a consisté à identifier et formaliser les prescriptions à partir du repérage des mobiles vitaux, des opérations, des buts et des éléments d’expérience de l’activité des PEFI. Les résultats mettent en évidence que le façonnage de l’identité professionnelle des professeurs d’école débutants est un processus effectif mais non linéaire, alimenté par une multitude de conflits intrapsychiques et parfois entravé dans des situations critiques. La discussion porte sur les difficultés rencontrées par les PEFI à intégrer dans leur activité les prescriptions et à se construire en tant qu’enseignants.
L'art thérapeute, un soignant pas comme les autres
Authors: Lecourt Édith
Published: January 2013

Résumé Cet article développe une réflexion sur l’identité professionnelle des arts thérapeutes, son évolution au cours de ces deux décennies. La volonté des arts thérapeutes de se distinguer tant des psychothérapeutes que des enseignants d’art est soulignée. L’originalité de leur travail est considérée à partir de leur identité d’artiste, de la force symbolique du cadre (exemples en musicothérapie), d’un objet au pouvoir transformationnel (Bollas), objet « précieux », narcissiquement valorisé. L’auteur observe les risques d’un renforcement de l’idéalisation et d’un usage excessif du processus de sublimation.
L'élaboration des deuils collectifs
Authors: Métraux Jean-Claude
Published: January 2013

Résumé Une théorie des deuils collectifs, construite par l’auteur, est d’abord présentée. Elle fonde les techniques groupales d’élaboration des deuils collectifs, présentées dans la seconde partie de l’article. Des exemples tirés d’une pratique en Bosnie-Herzégovine, en particulier avec des associations de familles de disparus, illustrent le propos.
La difficile prévention des suicides au travail
Authors: Neveu Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2013

Résumé La médiatisation aidant, le suicide au travail pose des défis aux dirigeants et aux gestionnaires. En effet, il est difficile d’obtenir des données fiables pour estimer l’ampleur de ce phénomène et de comprendre l’influence réelle des caractéristiques du travail sur l’acte suicidaire. Nous appuyant sur les écrits existants, nous proposons un ensemble d’actions – tant organisationnelles qu’individuelles – pour corriger et prévenir ce phénomène : modifier l’organisation et les conditions de travail, aider les personnes à maîtriser leur stress et à atténuer les conséquences de celui-ci, démystifier et déstigmatiser l’acte suicidaire et, enfin, lier les attentes des personnes et les ressources offertes par l’organisation.
Les atouts des services favorables à la conciliation travail-famille : une expérience menée auprès du personnel de soins
Authors: Chagnon Lucie , Cuttaz Jean-Christophe , Massarelli Anny
Published: January 2013

Résumé De nos jours, il existe de plus en plus de mesures destinées à améliorer et à faciliter l’harmonie entre la vie personnelle et la vie professionnelle des employés. Parmi les mesures les plus connues, mentionnons les politiques d’aménagement du temps de travail, les services de garde et les congés parentaux. Depuis quelque temps, on observe la mise en place d’un nouveau type de mesures où l’employeur s’adresse à une société externe qui fournit aux salariés des services visant à favoriser la conciliation travail-famille. Ces services viennent compléter d’autres avantages sociaux qu’offrent des employeurs en vue d’attirer, de fidéliser et de motiver le personnel et d’encourager l’assiduité au travail. Cet article examine le cas du CSSS des Sommets, qui a fait appel à une société externe fournissant à son personnel de soins tout un éventail de services favorisant la conciliation travail-famille, ce qui lui a permis en même temps de résoudre des problèmes liés notamment à l’absentéisme, au nombre accru d’heures supplémentaires ou aux coûts élevés du recours à des agences privées.
Gérer la diversité dans le secteur public : pratiques et conditions de succès
Authors: Cornet Annie , El Abboubi Manal
Published: January 2013

Résumé Cet article analyse les pratiques de gestion de la diversité dans le secteur public, les difficultés relativement à leur mise en œuvre ainsi que les facteurs de succès associés à ces pratiques. On constate qu’une préoccupation liée à l’égalité des chances et à la lutte contre toutes les formes de discrimination se traduit généralement par des actions de sensibilisation et de formation axées sur le changement des comportements individuels des fonctionnaires (une sensibilisation aux stéréotypes, par exemple) et par des actions encore trop rares visant des changements structurels (l’organisation du travail, l’approche des usagers, les politiques de gestion des ressources humaines, les procédures administratives).