bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elementos básicos para a análise de textos argumentativos em língua portuguesa
Authors: Soares Doris de Almeida
Published: July 2009

Tomando por base a análise semiolinguística de Patrick Charaudeau, este artigo apresenta alguns conceitos-chave referentes à produção e à recepção do texto argumentativo numa perspectiva da análise do discurso, linha francesa. Para situar o leitor com relação às bases teóricas dessa área, o artigo discorre sobre a teoria da enunciação e o ato comunicativo, os participantes do discurso, a noção de gênero e script, e a argumentação. A seguir, ele ilustra estes e outros elementos cruciais para argumentação, tais como a polifonia, a adjetivação subjetiva, os operadores argumentativos, as marcas de pressuposição e o jogo dos implícitos em um texto escrito por um aluno de Letras (Português/Literaturas) em uma universidade federal no Rio de Janeiro. Por fim, ele conclui demonstrando a importância de familiarizar os alunos de Letras com os conceitos aqui trabalhados, visando à produção de textos argumentativos melhores.
Comprimento da estaca no desenvolvimento de mudas de alecrim-pimenta
Authors: Carvalho Júnior Wellington Geraldo Oliveira , Melo Marco Túlio Pinheiro de , Martins Ernane Ronie
Published: July 2009

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do comprimento de estacas caulinares no desenvolvimento de mudas de alecrim-pimenta (Lippia sidoides Cham.). As estacas foram coletadas de plantas matrizes do Horto Medicinal do Instituto de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, em Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação com nebulização intermitente. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos foram definidos pelos intervalos de comprimento das estacas (5 a 8cm, 8,1 a 11cm, 11,1 a 14cm e 14,1 a 17cm). Foram avaliados o número de raízes principais, o comprimento da maior raiz (cm), o número de brotações, a porcentagem de enraizamento, a avaliação visual do enraizamento e a fitomassa seca das brotações e das raízes (g). Os resultados indicam que o comprimento das estacas afeta o desenvolvimento de mudas de alecrim-pimenta, especialmente a fitomassa seca das brotações e das raízes. As estacas com 14,1 a 17cm apresentaram a maior porcentagem de enraizamento e as maiores médias para as outras variáveis analisadas, sendo, portanto, mais recomendadas para a propagação vegetativa de alecrim-pimenta.
Reflexões sobre a escrita na formação inicial de professores
Authors: Oliveira Odisséa Boaventura de
Published: July 2009

O presente estudo busca nos textos produzidos por licenciandos ao analisarem aulas ministradas por eles a manifestação de subjetividades, singularidades e identidades ao se verem no papel de professor. Toma-se como fundamentação as noções de processos identitários e gêneros textuais. Observa-se que alguns licenciandos destacam as falhas cometidas na condução de suas aulas procurando justificá-las. Outros licenciandos destacam o papel satisfatório de suas práticas se identificando à profissão. Discute-se ainda sobre a contribuição da escrita de gêneros diferenciados na formação docente.
A formação dos profissionais educadores ambientais e a universidade: trajetórias dos cursos de especialização no contexto brasileiro
Authors: Morales Angélica Góis Müller
Published: July 2009

A universidade como centro de investigação, apresenta-se como um núcleo importante para a formação em educação ambiental, principalmente na (re)organização e no diálogo dos saberes com o intuito de aproximar-se dos problemas socioambientais da sociedade. Por sua vez, a pós-graduação, percebida como um centro de produção de conhecimento mais aberto à incorporação interdisciplinar da dimensão ambiental, constitui-se uma das principais vias de acesso à educação ambiental, principalmente pela oferta de novos cursos de "lato sensu", do tipo especialização. Destarte, este artigo tem o propósito de tecer discussões acerca da instituição universitária, no sentido de debater sua função e refletir sobre seu papel na formação em educação ambiental, direcionado principalmente aos cursos de especialização, com o intuito de analisá-los e compreendê-los. Desta forma, com base em um mapeamento dos cursos de especialização em educação ambiental no contexto brasileiro, percebe-se que há um número significativo de profissionais de diversas áreas de conhecimento que buscam a oportunidade de aprofundar e consolidar sua prática profissional, bem como de uma discussão mais ampla entre sociedade e natureza.
Livro didático: seu papel nas aulas de acentuação gráfica
Authors: Cezar Kelly Priscilla Lóddo , Calsa Geiva Carolina , Romualdo Edson Carlos
Published: July 2009

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar os resultados de uma investigação sobre o uso do livro didático na prática pedagógica de dois professores - um de 4.ª e outro de 5.ª séries do ensino fundamental - sobre os conteúdos de acentuação gráfica e tonicidade. Considerou-se como hipótese da pesquisa que os professores continuam vinculados a uma abordagem pedagógica algorítmica e mnemônica, embora estudos anteriores mostrem que este tipo de ensino não seja o mais adequado para a aprendizagem da língua falada e da língua escrita. Para o desenvolvimento do estudo realizaram-se observações de aulas sobre os conteúdos investigados e análise dos livros didáticos utilizados pelos professores. As observações evidenciaram privilegiamento do uso do livro didático e tempo reduzido para exposição desses conteúdos, enquanto os livros didáticos mostraram não diferenciar os dois aspectos linguísticos (fala e escrita), priorizando o ensino de acentuação gráfica por meio da visualização e memorização de vocábulos acentuados graficamente. Nos dois casos, constatou-se confusão conceitual: não há clareza de que a sílaba tônica refere-se a aspectos da fala, enquanto a acentuação gráfica está diretamente vinculada à escrita. Os dados sugerem que a acentuação gráfica pode ser ensinada como um algoritmo gramatical desde que acompanhado de um processo de tomada de consciência dos conceitos envolvidos nas normas gramaticais.
Sentidos da educação cidadã no Brasil
Authors: Venera Raquel Alvarenga Sena
Published: July 2009

Esse trabalho versa sobre o sentido da educação cidadã, assumido nos documentos oficiais e entre os educadores, desde os eventos que permearam a abertura política no Brasil. Através de uma breve arqueologia/genealogia se propõe destacar a intimidade entre o Estado e a ciência pedagógica. Em diferentes tempos e espaços históricos, com personagens e contextos diversos, a cidadania, ou o ato dos sujeitos se posicionarem no social, tem sido objetivo a ser atingido no espaço escolar. Seja no Brasil do início do século XX, com os profissionais da Escola Nova, ou, no final do mesmo século com a evocação do nome Darcy Ribeiro para a construção da LDB, os sentidos da educação cidadã perpassam a utopia de Comenius ou a crença pedagógica de Rousseau.
Expansão do ensino superior: contextos, desafios, possibilidades
Authors: Severino Antônio Joaquim
Published: July 2009

Partindo de uma leitura do contexto histórico-social que a Universidade brasileira está atravessando no momento, o trabalho argumenta em favor de uma imprescindível articulação entre ensino, pesquisa e extensão. Defende a idéia da indissociabilidade entre essas três funções, concebendo-a como exigência intrínseca para a constituição de uma universidade que possa ser realmente útil para a sociedade brasileira, neste momento histórico novo, diferente e desafiador que está vivendo. Uma universidade que se comprometida com a produção do conhecimento através da prática da pesquisa, poderá desenvolver, com êxito, sua tarefa pedagógica de ensino e sua tarefa social de extensão, tornando-se centro energético de transformação da sociedade, contribuindo para a construção da democracia e da cidadania, mediante a consolidação de uma nova consciência social.
Avaliação do processo de gestão na implantação de processos inovadores na Faculdade de Medicina de Marília: aspectos da resiliência docente e discente
Authors: Silva Rinaldo Henrique Aguilar da
Published: July 2009

Este artigo apresenta e discute os resultados de uma pesquisa avaliativa, com enfoque qualitativo, durante o processo de gestão na implantação de métodos ativos de ensino-aprendizagem. Foi verificado como se comportam gestores, docentes e discentes e a relação com a efetividade destes processos. A análise apontou como núcleos temáticos o entendimento do que é gestão participativa, resultados esperados com a implantação da gestão participativa e aprendizagens institucionais em relação à implantação da gestão participativa.
Cooperação entre programas de pós-graduação em administração no Brasil: evidências estruturais em quatro áreas temáticas
Authors: Rossoni Luciano , Guarido Filho Edson Ronaldo
Published: July 2009

Evidências do crescimento de cooperação entre pesquisadores e programas de pós-graduação no âmbito da produção científica têm favorecido a compreensão da construção do conhecimento científico não como empreendimento individual, mas imerso em redes de relacionamentos. Tendo isto em vista, o presente artigo objetivou verificar a presença de estruturas de cooperação entre programas de pós-graduação em Administração no Brasil em quatro áreas temáticas: ciência e tecnologia; estratégia; administração pública; e estudos organizacionais. Partiu-se da premissa de que diferentes arranjos relacionais, evidenciados por meio de relações de co-autoria, indicam formas variadas de organização do campo científico com implicações no modo de produção do conhecimento. Com base em 2.874 artigos publicados entre 2000 e 2006 em eventos temáticos e EnANPADs, foram investigadas hipóteses acerca de configurações do tipo small worlds, ligações preferenciais, centro-periferia e centralidade nos relacionamentos entre programas. Os resultados corroboraram as hipóteses revelando, em todas as áreas estudadas, estratificação entre os programas, tanto no sentido de angariar colaboradores quanto em volume de artigos. Além disso, aqueles mais produtivos tendem a se relacionar mais entre si, o que reforça outro achado: a cooperação entre programas mostrou-se fortemente associada à sua produtividade.
Production of DNA microarray and expression analysis of genes from Xylella fastidiosa in different culture media
Authors: Travensolo Regiane de Fátima , Costa Maria Vitória Cecchette Gottardi , Carareto-Alves Lucia Maria , Carrilho Emanuel , Lemos Eliana Gertrudes de Macedo
Published: July 2009

DNA Microarray was developed to monitor the expression of many genes from Xylella fastidiosa, allowing the side by-side comparison of two situations in a single experiment. The experiments were performed using X. fastidiosa cells grown in two culture media: BCYE and XDM2. The primers were synthesized, spotted onto glass slides and the array was hybridized against fluorescently labeled cDNAs. The emitted signals were quantified, normalized and the data were statistically analyzed to verify the differentially expressed genes. According to the data, 104 genes were differentially expressed in XDM2 and 30 genes in BCYE media. The present study showed that DNA microarray technique efficiently differentiate the expressed genes under different conditions.
Comparison of biostimulation and bioaugmentation techniques for the remediation of used motor oil contaminated soil
Authors: Abdulsalam Surajudeen , Omale Adaji Benjamin
Published: July 2009

This study was carried out on the bioremediation of used motor oil contaminated soil artificially contaminated to a pollutant level of 40,000ppm using biostimulation and bioaugmentation remediation techniques for 42 days. Four treatment options were investigated in wooden microcosms: Control (T1), water amended (T2), biostimulation (T3) and hybrid of biostimulation and bioaugmentation (T4). The effectiveness of bioremediation processes were monitored using the total petroleum hydrocarbon removal (TPH) and total bacterial count (TBC). T3 had the highest TPH removal rate (69.2±0.05%), followed by T4 (65.2±0.25%) and T2 (58.4±0.5%); the control (T1) had the lowest TPH removal rate (43.2±1.5%). TBC revealed that bioremediation actually took place; T4 had the highest maximum bacterial growth of 9.6E+07CFU/g, followed by T3 (7.2E+07CFU/g), T2 (1.7E+05CFU/g) and T1 (1.65E+05CFU/g). In addition, T3 had the highest metal removal rate (2.172%) and T4 had the lowest metal removal rate (0.203%).
RESPONSE ALLOCATION IN CONCURRENT CHAINS WHEN TERMINAL‐LINK DELAYS FOLLOW AN ASCENDING AND DESCENDING SERIES
Authors: Christensen Darren R. , Grace Randolph C.
Published: July 2009

Eight pigeons were trained in a concurrent‐chains procedure in which the terminal‐link immediacy ratio followed an ascending or descending series. Across sessions, one terminal‐link delay changed from 2 s to 32 s to 2 s or from 32 s to 2 s to 32 s, while the other was always 8 s. For all pigeons, response allocation tracked changes in delay and was biased towards the 8‐s alternative on the descending series, indicating a hysteresis effect, and was more sensitive to changes in the terminal‐link delay ratio for relatively long (> 8 s) than short (< 8 s) delays. Both the hysteresis and effect of delay duration were predicted by an extended version of Grace and McLean's (2006) decision model. The extended decision model provided an overall better account of the results than a simple linear‐operator model (Grace, 2002), and holds promise for an integrated account of choice in concurrent chains for both acquisition and steady‐state conditions.
CONDITIONAL REINFORCERS AND INFORMATIVE STIMULI IN A CONSTANT ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Boutros Nathalie , Davison Michael , Elliffe Douglas
Published: July 2009

Five pigeons responded on steady‐state concurrent variable‐interval variable‐interval schedules of food presentation in which half of the foods were removed and replaced with nonfood stimuli. Across conditions, the stimuli were either paired or unpaired with food, and the correlation between the ratio of food deliveries on the two alternatives and the ratio of nonfood stimuli was either −1, 0, or +1. Neither the pairing of stimuli with food, nor the correlation between stimuli and food, affected generalized‐matching performance, but paired stimuli had a demonstrable effect at a local level of analysis. This effect was independent of the food—stimulus correlation. These results differ from results previously obtained in a frequently changing environment. We attribute this difference in results to differences in the information value of response‐contingent stimuli in frequently changing versus relatively constant environments, as well as to differences between forward pairing and simultaneous pairing of the stimuli with food.
EFFECT OF REINFORCER MAGNITUDE ON PERFORMANCE MAINTAINED BY PROGRESSIVE‐RATIO SCHEDULES
Authors: Rickard J.F. , Body S. , Zhang Z. , Bradshaw C.M. , Szabadi E.
Published: July 2009

This experiment examined the relationship between reinforcer magnitude and quantitative measures of performance on progressive‐ratio schedules. Fifteen rats were trained under a progressive‐ratio schedule in seven phases of the experiment in which the volume of a 0.6‐M sucrose solution reinforcer was varied within the range 6–300 μl. Overall response rates in successive ratios conformed to a bitonic equation derived from Killeen's (1994) Mathematical Principles of Reinforcement. The “specific activation” parameter, a, which is presumed to reflect the incentive value of the reinforcer, was a monotonically increasing function of reinforcer volume; the “response time” parameter, δ, which defines the minimum response time, increased as a function of reinforcer volume; the “currency” parameter, b, which is presumed to reflect the coupling of responses to the reinforcer, declined as a function of volume. Running response rate (response rate calculated after exclusion of the postreinforcement pause) decayed monotonically as a function of ratio size; the index of curvature of this function increased as a function of reinforcer volume. Postreinforcement pause increased as a function of ratio size. Estimates of a derived from overall response rates and postreinforcement pauses showed a modest positive correlation across conditions and between animals. Implications of the results for the quantification of reinforcer value and for the use of progressive‐ratio schedules in behavioral neuroscience are discussed.
Reservoir Technical Limits: A Framework for Maximizing Recovery From Oil Fields
Authors: Smalley P. Craig , Ross Bill , Brown Chris E. , Moulds Tim P. , Smith Mike J.
Published: July 2009

The Reservoir Technical Limits (RTL™) approach described herein has proved highly effective at identifying those activities and technologies required to push oilfield recovery factors toward their maximum potential. It combines classical reservoir engineering approaches, together with knowledge of existing and novel recovery-enhancing technologies, to create a common framework for identifying specific actions to increase recovery factor. RTL is implemented in a structured workshop supported by a software toolkit.

The RTL workshop involves the cross-disciplinary field team (in-depth field knowledge), external technical experts (challenge, cross-fertilization), and trained facilitation. The software toolkit encourages innovation in a structured and reproducible manner and documents the outcomes in a consistent format. The RTL conceptual framework represents a recovery factor as the product of four efficiency factors: (1) pore-scale displacement (microscopic efficiency of the recovery process); (2) drainage (connectedness to a producer); (3) sweep (movement of oil to producers within the drained volume); and (4) cut-offs (losses related to end of field life/access). RTL encourages identification of new "opportunities," specific activities or projects that, if implemented, increase one or more efficiency factor, and thus increase recovery relative to the current field Depletion Plan. New ideas are stimulated by comparing current efficiency values with the effects of successful prescreened activities from analogue fields. The identified opportunities are validated by benchmarking: (a) internally, comparing recovery factors derived from summing the opportunity volumes with recovery factors derived from the expected efficiency factor increments; and (b) externally, comparing with analogue fields.

The result is a prioritized list of validated opportunities and an understanding of how each activity affects the reservoir to increase recovery. The opportunities (and any required new technologies) are valued in terms of the resultant incremental barrels. The RTL approach is a significant innovation, because it provides a systematic framework to: (a) identify new recovery-increasing activities across a portfolio of fields; (b) engender ownership of these activities by the individual field teams; and (c) identify the technology requirements to progress the opportunities. Now, having been implemented in more than 200 fields, this systematic approach has enabled opportunity descriptions/values and technology requirements to be compared consistently across all fields, thereby improving project prioritization and focusing corporate technology development and deployment onto the highest impact areas.
Successful Hybrid Slickwater-Fracture Design Evolution: An East Texas Cotton Valley Taylor Case History
Authors: Handren Patrick , Palisch Terry
Published: July 2009

As the development of tight/unconventional and partially depleted gas reservoirs has increased, so has the demand for more-innovative hydraulic-fracture designs. Operators are increasingly placing proppant with slickwater, linear gel, or hybrid fracture designs. While the benefits of these designs typically are attributed to a reduction in gel damage of the proppant pack, many operators mistakenly believe that the resulting fractures are not conductivity-limited.

Because few (if any) models on the market can adequately model the propagation of a slickwater fracture along with the associated proppant transport and deposition, it becomes difficult to optimize these fracture designs. This has led many operators to assume incorrectly that only small-diameter sand or resin-coated sand may be placed in these types of designs, and that these products supply ample flow capacity.

However, one east Texas operator has combined insight into proppant transport with an appropriate understanding of realistic proppant-pack conductivity to develop a novel, hybrid slickwater-fracture design. This design has allowed the placement of larger-diameter, higher-conductivity proppant in fractures that many believed could not be placed in fractures either operationally or economically. Additionally, this operator has developed a unique pumping strategy to place the highest-conductivity proppant in portions of the fracture where it provides the most value.

This paper will present a case history of these new hybrid slickwater-fracture designs in this operator's east Texas Cotton Valley Taylor (CV-T) completions. The design theory and sequential improvements will be documented, including larger-diameter, higher-strength proppants, and a novel placement design. Field results from the first six wells fractured will be presented, showing substantial increases in gas production compared with similar offset completions. Economics will also be shown to illustrate the tremendous value added to completions using this hybrid fracture design.
Gelled Scale Inhibitor Treatment for Improved Placement in Long Horizontal Wells at Norne and Heidrun Fields
Authors: Selle Olav Martin , Springer Martin , Auflem Inge H. , Chen Ping , Matheson Rozenn , Mebratu Amare , Glasbergen Gerard
Published: July 2009

The success of a scale inhibitor treatment depends on placement efficiency. The scale inhibitor should be placed so that all water-producing intervals accept a sufficient quantity of the total treatment volume. If significant permeability or pressure variations are present in the interval to be treated, treatment fluid will enter the zones with the higher permeability and lower pressure, leaving little fluid to treat the other zones, which can be the water-producing zones. The challenge is even greater in long, horizontal wells with significant permeability and pressure contrast.

To achieve a more uniform fluid coverage, the original flow distribution across intervals often needs to be altered. The methods used to alter this are called "diversion" methods. The purpose is to divert the flow from one portion of the interval to another. In response to this challenge, a joint study with the objective of improving the placement of treatment fluids was initiated by a major operator in the North Sea and two service companies in 2002.

The joint work resulted in development of a fully viscosified scale inhibitor system. The system comprises a purified xanthan viscosify-ing agent, a standard scale inhibitor for downhole scale squeezing, and a breaker to achieve controlled gel breaking down hole.

The system has been field tested at Norne field in two long horizontal wells and at Heidrun field in one long deviated well, all with significant permeability variations and crossflow. The operations were successful and the scale treatments have protected the wells from scaling. This paper describes the product qualification process, placement simulation, temperature prediction, gel breaking characteristics, case histories, and post-job evaluation.
Finite Element Modeling of Casing in Gas-Hydrate-Bearing Sediments
Authors: Salehabadi Manoochehr , Jin Min , Yang Jinhai , Haghighi Hooman , Ahmed Rehan , Tohidi Bahman
Published: July 2009

Casing integrity in shallow marine sediments could be challenging if natural gas hydrates exist in the sediments. Elevated wellbore temperature during drilling of deeper sections of deep offshore wells can cause in-situ gas hydrates to dissociate, thereby increasing pore pressure and altering the mechanical properties of the sediments. Gas hydrate can also dissociate during setting and/or cementing, causing gas release, which could result in delaying completion of the wellbore because of the flow of gas around the casing (conductor pipe) or affecting the casing integrity or casing stability by creating voids (channels) in the cement sheath leading to nonuniform stress loadings.

In this communication, a numerical model is developed using a finite-element code to simulate the stability of casing in gas-hydrate-bearing sediments by considering the interaction between the formation, the casing, and the cement with coupling the ther-modynamic stability of the hydrates to hydraulic, mechanical, and heat transfer terms. The mechanical and hydraulic terms are fully coupled, and the coupling between mechanical and thermal terms is modeled through staggered technique (one-way coupling).

To model the worst-case scenario, the permeability of gas-hydrate-bearing sediments is assumed very low; as a result, the gas and water generated during gas-hydrate dissociation cannot flow and will increase pore pressure. The mechanical property degradation of formation caused by hydrate dissociation is represented in the model by cohesion softening as a function of dissociated gas hydrate saturation.

The developed numerical model is found to be very useful in understanding the behavior of wellbores drilled in gas-hydrate-bearing sediments, which will help the determination of the resultant stress fields and enable a more accurate determination of the required casing strength.
Thermodynamic Modeling of Naphthenate Formation and Related pH Change Experiments
Authors: Mohammed Murtala A. , Sorbie K. S. , Shepherd A. G.
Published: July 2009

The prediction and prevention of both sodium and calcium naphthenate "scales" is an important issue in oil production. A broad description of how these scales form has been available for some time, although most experimental findings are still of a qualitative nature. In this paper, an equilibrium thermodynamic model is presented for predicting naphthenate partitioning and precipitation in an oil/brine immiscible system from some chosen initial conditions (i.e., naphthenate initial concentration in oil, brine pH, [Ca2+], etc.). This model has, with some assumptions, been applied to both model and real naphthenate system.

This model describes two types of naphthenate experiment: 1) full naphthenate precipitation, and 2) simpler "pH change" experiments in which no precipitation occurs. To predict naphthenate precipitation, the theory suggests knowing: 1) the partition coefficient of the naphthenic acid, HA, between the oil and the water phases, Kow; 2) the pKa of the naphthenic acid in water; and 3) the solubility product, KCaA2 (or other similar solubility parameter), of the naphthenate deposit. In the simpler pH change experiments, only the first two of these parameters (i.e., Kow and pKa) are required. Using the naphthenate model without precipitation, the effect of varying parameters on the degree of pH change predicted at equilibrium in the oil/naphthenic acid/brine system was studied. Also, the model was used to examine the sensitivities of the various parameters on the final pH was also applied. The comparison between the model predictions and experiment at a higher brine pH value is overall satisfactory.
Modeling the Impact of Diesel vs. Water Overflush Fluids on Scale-Squeeze-Treatment Lives Using a Two-Phase Near-Wellbore Simulator
Authors: Vazquez O. , Mackay E. , Jordan Myles
Published: July 2009

This paper describes the development of a two-phase near-wellbore simulator to predict the impact on squeeze lifetime of the overflush fluid type. In the past, a single aqueous-phase model was used for a diesel overflush treatment. The new model enables a more accurate description of the displacement process and the impact of inhibitor transport through the formation and retention on the rock matrix.

Field data are presented, with various treatments being considered. In each case, the well was treated with the same aqueous scale inhibitor (SI). The initial squeeze treatments used a diesel overflush. However, subsequent treatments used the same inhibitor but used seawater as the overflush fluid. It is clear from the field returns that the use of seawater rather than marine diesel improved chemical placement and extended treatment life. The theory behind this phenomenon is outlined, so allowing for more accurate treatment designs.

The process followed involved first deriving an isotherm using a single-phase squeeze model based on the water overflush treatment. This is the established conventional approach used in many hundreds of cases worldwide. This isotherm was then used to model the same treatment using the new two-phase model, which accounts for saturation changes during the treatment. A good match was achieved using the isotherm, giving confidence that the two models agree for purely aqueous treatments. A diesel overflush treatment was then simulated using the two-phase model and the same isotherm, and again a good match was achieved. However, modeling the diesel overflush treatment in the single-phase model required a different isotherm to achieve the match. This clearly indicates that diesel overflush treatments may be modeled accurately using the two-phase model. Additional sensitivity calculations were performed to investigate the impact of splitting the overflush volume into separate diesel and water stages.
High Yielding Organic Crop Management Decreases Plant‐Available but Not Recalcitrant Soil Phosphorus
Authors: Welsh C. , Tenuta M. , Flaten D. N. , Thiessen‐Martens J. R. , Entz M. H.
Published: July 2009

Phosphorus is a nonrenewable resource, raising concerns that agricultural practices may deplete reserves. Organic farming with low P inputs can result in deficient levels of plant‐available phosphorus (available‐P). The purpose of this study was to determine if common organically managed rotations are depleting P reserves or if large reserves still exist in unavailable forms. The research was performed in the 13th year of the Glenlea Long‐term Crop Rotation and Management study in southern Manitoba. The site has three 4‐yr rotations under Organic and Conventional management: spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)‐alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)‐alfalfa‐flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) (forage grain) with and without manure compost, and spring wheat‐field pea (Pisum sativum L.)‐spring wheat‐flax (grain only), as well as a restored prairie grass planting (Prairie). Conventional treatments received synthetic fertilizers and herbicides whereas the Organic received no inputs other than a one‐time application of manure compost. The modified Hedley sequential P extraction procedure revealed organic management to have lower concentrations of readily available P than conventional but recalcitrant forms were similar between systems. The Prairie had P concentrations similar to conventional in all forms. Estimated cumulative P balance indicated that organic grain‐only rotations compared to conventional had low P removal resulting in slightly lower concentration of available‐P forms. The high yielding and P removal rotation of forage‐grain decreased available‐P forms to below an agronomic response threshold. Only high yielding, high P export organic rotations are a concern for developing P deficiency depending on initial reserves and the length of time without additional inputs.
Cover Crop and Nitrogen Effects on Maize Productivity in No‐Tillage Systems of the Brazilian Cerrados
Authors: Maltas A. , Corbeels M. , Scopel E. , Wery J. , da Silva F. A. Macena
Published: July 2009

Cover crops in direct seeding mulch‐based cropping (DMC) systems can be an effective tool to optimize N management for crop production in the Brazilian cerrados. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of four cover crops on maize (Zea mays L.) grain yields in two fields that had been under DMC for 3 and 14 yr. We hypothesized that cover crops would optimize N supply to the maize crop, thereby leading to increased yields. Cover crop treatments were: bare fallow (BF), pigeon pea (PP) [Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth], pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]–Congo signal grass (PM‐CS) (Brachiaria ruziziensis Germain & Evrard), pigeon pea–finger millet (PP‐FM) [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.], and sorghum (S) [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Experiments were conducted during the 2003–2004 and 2004–2005 growing seasons. In 2003–2004 on the DMC‐14 field, cover crops increased N uptake of zero‐N fertilized maize with 25 to 66 kg N ha−1 compared to BF, which resulted in an increase in grain yield of 0.4 to 2.4 Mg ha−1. Effects on fertilized maize were much less. The highest yield benefits were obtained with pigeon pea and sorghum as sole cover crop. No significant cover crop effects were recorded in 2004–2005. Nitrogen losses under maize estimated on the basis of a simple soil mineral nitrogen balance ranged from 40 to 90 kg N ha−1 in 2003–2004, while they were smaller in 2004–2005 (10–25 kg N ha−1), presumably due to the lower rainfall. Cover crops can have an immediate positive effect on maize productivity under DMC in the cerrados, provided that they are sown immediately after harvest of the main crop.
Barley Yield and Nutrient Uptake for Soil Amended with Fresh and Composted Cattle Manure
Authors: Miller J. J. , Beasley B. W. , Drury C. F. , Zebarth B. J.
Published: July 2009

Limited research exists on the long‐term effect of fresh (FM) versus composted manure (CM) from beef cattle on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) yield and nutrient uptake. Barley was grown (1999–2007) as silage on an irrigated clay loam soil in southern Alberta where organic amendments and fertilizer were annually applied for 9 yr in the fall of 1998 to 2006. The treatments were three rates (13, 39, 77 Mg ha−1 dry wt.) of FM or CM containing either straw or wood‐chip bedding, one inorganic fertilizer treatment, and a nonfertilized control. Nine years of annual application of FM and CM resulted in similar aboveground dry matter yield, and total N and total P uptake compared with inorganic fertilizer. However, apparent nitrogen recovery (ANR) and phosphorus recovery (APR) were significantly lower for FM and CM (5–9%) than inorganic (22–47%). Barley dry matter yield, ANR, and APR were similar for FM and CM. Manure type influenced N and P uptake, but the effects varied with bedding type and year. The N and P uptake were greater for CM with straw than the other three treatments except FM with straw. The DM yield was similar for straw and wood bedding, but ANR was greater for straw (10%) than wood (7%). Bedding influenced N uptake, P uptake, and APR, but the effects varied with manure type, rate, and year. Based on the results of this study, producers converting from FM to CM, or from straw to wood‐chip bedding, should suffer no loss in barley silage production.
Nitrogen Mass Balance of a Tile‐drained Agricultural Watershed in East‐Central Illinois
Authors: Gentry Lowell E. , David Mark B. , Below Frederick E. , Royer Todd V. , McIsaac Gregory F.
Published: July 2009

Simple nitrogen (N) input/output balance calculations in agricultural systems are used to evaluate performance of nutrient management; however, they generally rely on extensive assumptions that do not consider leaching, denitrification, or annual depletion of soil N. We constructed a relatively complete N mass balance for the Big Ditch watershed, an extensively tile‐drained agricultural watershed in east‐central Illinois. We conducted direct measurements of a wide range of N pools and fluxes for a 2‐yr period, including soil N mineralization, soybean N2 fixation, tile and river N loads, and ground water and in‐stream denitrification. Fertilizer N inputs were from a survey of the watershed and yield data from county estimates that were combined with estimated protein contents to obtain grain N. By using maize fertilizer recovery and soybean N2 fixation to estimate total grain N derived from soil, we calculated the explicit change in soil N storage each year. Overall, fertilizer N and soybean N2 fixation dominated inputs, and total grain export dominated outputs. Precipitation during 2001 was below average (78 cm), whereas precipitation in 2002 exceeded the 30‐yr average of 97 cm; monthly rainfall was above average in April, May, and June of 2002, which flooded fields and produced large tile and riverine N loads. In 2001, watershed inputs were greater than outputs, suggesting that carryover of N to the subsequent year may occur. In 2002, total inputs were less than outputs due to large leaching losses and likely substantial field denitrification. The explicit change in soil storage (67 kg N ha−1) offsets this balance shortfall. Although 2002 was climatically unusual, with current production trends of greater maize grain yields with less fertilizer N, soil N depletion is likely to occur in maize/soybean rotations, especially in years with above‐average precipitation or extremely wet spring periods.
Estimating Duration of Short‐Term Acute Effects of Capture Handling and Radiomarking
Authors: HOLT R. DOUGLAS , BURGER L. WES , DINSMORE STEPHEN J. , SMITH MARK D. , SZUKAITIS SCOTT J. , GODWIN K. DAVID
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT  Radiotelemetry is used extensively in zoographic studies of wildlife species, including northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). These studies assume that radiomarking does not affect survival of marked individuals. However, most researchers implicitly acknowledge that capture, handling, and radiomarking may have short‐term deleterious effects on individuals and, therefore, include in analyses only animals that survive an adjustment period of arbitrary length (often 7 days) following capture and marking. Length of adjustment period is rarely empirically based and may potentially bias survival estimates. We outline an analytical approach to determine an appropriate adjustment period and illustrate this approach by examining effects of time‐since‐marking on survival of 410 northern bobwhite captured during winter from 1997 to 2001, in Mississippi, USA. We modeled daily survival rates using time‐since‐marking as a covariate in the nest‐survival model of Program MARK. Although survival varied among and within years, we found no evidence to suggest that standard adjustment periods of 7–14 days were appropriate for our sample. If adjustment periods are used in radiotelemetry studies, those that are empirically based may be more appropriate than arbitrarily set periods.
Estimating Abundance From One‐Dimensional Passive Acoustic Surveys
Authors: WHITEHEAD HAL
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT  Conventional distance sampling, the most‐used method of estimating animal density and abundance, requires ranges to detected individuals, which are not easily measured for vocalizations. However, in some circumstances the sequential pattern of detection of vocalizations along a transect line gives information about the range of detection. Thus, from a one‐dimensional acoustic point‐transect survey (i.e., records of vocalizations detected or not detected at regularly spaced listening stations) it is possible to obtain a useful estimate of density or abundance. I developed equations for estimation of density for one‐dimensional surveys. Using simulations I found that for the method to have little bias when both range of detection and rate of vocalization need to be estimated, stations needed to be spaced at 30–80% of the range of detection and the rate of vocalization should be >0.7. If either the range of detection or rate of vocalization is known, conditions are relaxed, and when both parameters are known the method works well almost universally. In favorable conditions for one‐dimensional methods, estimated abundances have overall errors not much larger than those from conventional line‐transect distance sampling. The methods appeared useful when applied to real acoustic data from whale surveys. The techniques may also be useful in surveys with nonacoustic detection of animals.
Validation of Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Assays for South African Herbivores
Authors: CHINNADURAI SATHYA K. , MILLSPAUGH JOSHUA J. , MATTHEWS WAYNE S. , CANTER KIRSTEN , SLOTOW ROB , WASHBURN BRIAN E. , WOODS RAMI J.
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT  Fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) assays are a popular means of monitoring adrenocortical activity (i.e., physiological stress response) in wildlife. Species‐specific differences in glucocorticoid metabolism and excretion require assay validation, including both laboratory and biological components, before assay use in new species. We validated a commercially available radioimmunoassay (MP 125I corticosterone RIA kit [MP Biomedicals, Solon, OH]) for measuring FGMs of several South African herbivores, including giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), impala (Aepyceros melampus), nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni), kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), and zebra (Equus burchelli). These herbivores are important in South African parks and reserves for ecotourism and as a prey base for predators and serve an integral role in ecosystem processes. Standard biochemical validations (e.g., recovery of exogenous corticosterone, intra‐ and interassay variation, and parallelism) demonstrated that the assay accurately and precisely measured FGMs of all 6 herbivore species. Our biological validations demonstrated that the assay was sensitive enough to detect changes in FGM production associated with season. Samples collected during the dry season (Jun‐Aug) contained higher FGM concentrations than those from the wet season (Dec‐Feb) in all species. We established optimal sample dilutions and reference FGM levels for these 6 herbivores, which can now be used to monitor the effects of management and ecotourism activities on the stress responses of these herbivores.
Effects of Hand Cycle Training on Physical Capacity in Individuals With Tetraplegia: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Valent Linda J.M. , Dallmeijer Annet J. , Houdijk Han , Slootman Hans J. , Janssen Thomas W. , Post Marcel W.M. , van der Woude Lucas H.
Published: July 2009

Background

Regular physical activity is important for people with tetraplegia to maintain fitness but may not always be easily integrated into daily life. In many countries, hand cycling has become a serious option for daily mobility in people with tetraplegia. However, little information exists regarding the suitability of this exercise mode for this population.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a structured hand cycle training program in individuals with chronic tetraplegia.

Design

Pretraining and posttraining outcome measurements of physical capacity were compared.

Setting

Structured hand cycle interval training was conducted at home or in a rehabilitation center in the Netherlands.

Participants

Twenty-two patients with tetraplegia (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale classification A-D) at least 2 years since injury participated.

Intervention

The intervention was an 8- to 12-week hand cycle interval training program.

Measures

Primary outcomes of physical capacity were: peak power output (POpeak) and peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak), as determined in hand cycle peak exercise tests on a motor-driven treadmill. Secondary outcome measures were: peak muscle strength (force-generating capacity) of the upper extremities (as assessed by handheld dynamometry), respiratory function (forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow) and participant-reported shoulder pain.

Results

Significant improvements following a mean of 19 (SD=3) sessions of hand cycle training were found in POpeak (from 42.5 W [SD=21.9] to 50.8 W [SD=25.4]), V̇o2peak (from 1.32 L·min−1 [SD=0.40] to 1.43 L·min−1 [SD=0.43]), and mechanical efficiency, as reflected by a decrease in submaximal oxygen uptake. Except for shoulder abduction strength, no significant effects were found on the secondary outcomes.

Limitations

Common health complications, such as urinary tract infections, bowel problems, and pressure sores, led to dropout and nonadherence.

Conclusion

Patients with tetraplegia were able to improve their physical capacity through regular hand cycle interval training, without participant-reported shoulder-arm pain or discomfort.
Calibration of Dynamic Traffic Assignment Models with Point-to-Point Traffic Surveillance
Authors: Vaze Vikrant , Antoniou Constantinos , Wen Yang , Ben-Akiva Moshe
Published: July 2009

Accurate calibration of demand and supply simulators within a dynamic traffic assignment system is critical for consistent travel information and efficient traffic management. Emerging traffic surveillance devices such as automatic vehicle identification (AVI) technology provide a rich source of disaggregated traffic data. A methodology for the joint calibration of demand and supply model parameters using travel time measurements obtained from these emerging traffic-sensing technologies is presented. The calibration problem has been formulated as a stochastic optimization framework. Two different algorithms are used for solving the calibration problem: a gradient approximation-based path search method and a random search metaheuristic. The methodology is first tested by using a small synthetic study network to illustrate its effectiveness and obtain insight into its operation. The methodology is further applied to a real traffic network in Lower Westchester County, New York, to demonstrate its scalability. The estimation results are tested by using a calibrated microscopic traffic simulator. The results are compared with the base case of calibration by the use of only the conventional point sensor data. The results indicate that use of AVI data significantly improves calibration accuracy.
Evaluation and Design of Transport Network Capacity under Demand Uncertainty
Authors: Sumalee Agachai , Luathep Paramet , Lam William H. K. , Connors Richard D.
Published: July 2009

A flexible evaluation and design model for transport network capacity under demand variability is proposed. The future stochastic demand is assumed to follow a normal distribution. Traveler path choice behavior is assumed to follow the probit stochastic user equilibrium. The network reserve capacity is used to evaluate the performance of the network. Since the future demand is stochastic, the reserve capacity is measured by possible increases in both mean and standard deviation (SD) of the base demand distribution. The proposed model therefore represents the flexibility of the network in its robustness to origin-destination demand variation (i.e., high SD). The proposed model can also determine an optimal network design to maximize the reserve capacity of the network for both the mean and the SD of the increased demand distribution. The implicit programming approach is applied to solve the optimization problem. Sensitivity analysis is adopted to provide all necessary derivatives. The model and algorithm are tested with a hypothetical network to illustrate the merits of the proposed model.