bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soft-Sensing for Multilateral Wells With Downhole Pressure and Temperature Measurements
Authors: de Kruif Bas , Leskens Martijn , van der Linden Ruud , Alberts Garrelt
Published: November 2008

Real-time monitoring of downhole oil, gas and water flows in wells can significantly improve the production performance of these wells when this flow rate information is used to manipulate inflow control valves. An example of this is the allocation of a gas or water cone to its entrance point in a multilateral well, allowing to close down the individual well where the gas or water cone occurs, instead of closing down the complete well.

Downhole monitoring of flows can be done via direct measurement. However, downhole multiphase metering is either expensive, inaccurate, or too difficult due to the harsh conditions. An alternative is to use softsensors. Softsensors estimate downhole holdups and flow rates from (relatively) cheap and reliable conventional downhole meters, such as pressure and temperature measurements, and a dynamic multiphase flow model connecting these measurements with the quantities of interest.

Soft-sensing has already been investigated before for unilateral wells in Bloemen et al. (2004) and Leskens et al. (2008). In the second of these references, the simultaneous estimation of downhole oil, water and gas flows from downhole pressure and temperature measurements is considered. It is shown there that this estimation is badly conditioned (i.e. badly observable) and, thereby, not feasible in a practical situation. Using a similar approach and focussing on gas-lift wells, in Bloemen et al. (2004) it is suggested that soft-sensing with only downhole pressure and temperature measurements should work for the case that only a liquid and gas flow are estimated.

In this paper, within the same soft-sensing framework as used in the mentioned two references, solutions are sought for soft-sensing of multilateral wells, both for the two-phase (gas and liquid) and three-phase (oil, water and gas) case.

For that purpose, first, the question is addressed whether the unilateral two-phase case truly can be solved using only downhole pressure and temperature measurements. If so, the multilateral two-phase case is automatically solved with the corresponding soft-sensing solution simply consisting of a collection of unilateral two-phase sensors, one for each branch. It is shown that this solution is indeed feasible.

After that, the three phase case is addressed. It is shown that for this case soft-sensing of multilateral wells is not possible, even when adding surface measurements and even though, as also shown here, it is possible for the unilateral well case when adding such measurements.
Insights from Monitoring of Heavy Oil Production in Peace River, Canada
Authors: Maron K. P. , Bourne S. , Klemm H. , van den Beukel A. , McGillivray P.
Published: November 2008

Since 1979 Shell Canada has operated the Peace River heavy oil field in the province of Northern Alberta. In 2002 Shell Canada started an extensive and ambitious reservoir-surveillance programme with the aim to improve the understanding of dynamic behaviour of the reservoir produced by cyclic steam stimulation. Repeated seismic time-lapse, continuous microseismic and surface tilt meter data have been acquired since late 2002, and this surveillance is continuing to date. Earlier work with these data established that steam injection induces complex fracturing inside the reservoir that govern the transport of heat and fluids which control the efficiency of this thermal extraction process [1].

Since this earlier report, further work has focussed on developing our capability in two key areas. First, we aimed to identify the distribution of reservoir heating using time-lapse seismic data in a quantitative manner. This has been achieved by quantifying changes in seismic velocity via inversion and the development of a rock physics model to explain and separate the effects of pressure, temperature and fracturing. Second, we aimed to provide more cost-effective and reliable surface deformation monitoring. This is now being realised using space-borne Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR). Following an 18-month long field trial, we demonstrate field-wide monitoring of all uplift and subsidence induced by the cyclic steam stimulation. These data allow us to map the areal distribution of injected fluid volumes through time anywhere inside the reservoir.
PSSP Seismic Data Processing and Interpretation from Conventional 1C Acquisition in a Supergiant Field – Onshore Abu Dhabi
Authors: Al-Shekaili Fatema Saeed , Al-Jenaibi Mahfoud Salah , Nahas Mohamed Samir , Boekholt Martin , Sablon Ronan , Rodriguez Salvador
Published: November 2008

PSSP mode-converted seismic data were extracted, processed and imaged from a conventional high-resolution 1C seismic acquisition over a subset area of an onshore supergiant carbonate field within the Abu Dhabi emirate. The purpose for this work was to investigate the possibilities to provide information about rock and notably fluid properties from an s-wave image at reservoir level. The combination of well log data, VSP data and modeling results yielded convincing evidence that on the existence of PSSP reflections which must have gone through double conversion before reaching the surface receivers. The detection, extraction and separation of this PSSP data out of the normal P-wave recorded data in presence of multiples and noise was challenging, but successful. Subsequent processing required a lot of attention and QC to maintain the weak PSSP signal. A s-wave seismic image and associated s-wave velocities were obtained at reservoir levels across the test area.
Pearl GTL – Assuring Success from the Outset
Authors: Brown Andy
Published: November 2008

When completed, Pearl GTL will be the world's largest GTL plant. It is the single largest energy project within the borders of Qatar, as well as Shell's largest equity investment ever. In spite of the various challenges that are intrinsic to a project of this nature, Shell and Qatar Petroleum are confident in their ability to manage construction successfully.

Pearl GTL is a fully integrated upstream/downstream, world-scale project in Ras Laffan Industrial City, 80 km north of Doha, Qatar. It will have the capacity to produce 140,000 barrels a day (b/d) of GTL products – gasoil, naphtha, kerosene, normal paraffin and lubricants base oils – as well as 120,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day of ethane, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and condensate. The project is being developed in two phases, with the first phase expected to start up around the end of the decade. It is making good progress and is overall more than 50% complete.

The project is currently in full swing both offshore and onshore. Offshore activities include drilling wells, and constructing offshore platforms and pipelines. Onshore, the detailed design is nearing completion whilst procurement activities are in full swing. Onshore construction, involving more than 35,000 workers, is gaining momentum as the plant takes shape.
Efficient Multifractured Horizontal Completions Change the Economic Equation in Latin America through Improved Reservoir Contact and Well Productivity
Authors: Saldungaray Pedro , Salas Efrain Huidobro , Vargas Sebastian , Peñacorada Fabio , Bernechea José María , Cavazzoli Gustavo , Cafardi Federico
Published: November 2008

Latin America hasn't escaped the general industry trend of finding reserves in ever challenging environments. Complex geology and low permeability are the common denominator in today's environment. Developing reserves under these conditions with conventional vertical wells is in most cases uneconomical. In this setting, horizontal wells have come to mitigate the problem, however in most unfavorable conditions where oil and gas are found in tight formations fracture stimulation needs to be added to the equation.

Conventional multistage fracturing techniques including perforating, fracture stimulating and isolating stages with a composite bridge plug have been applied in some cases with limited success. The time consumed in the completion operations extends over weeks making wells uneconomical. In addition, the prolonged time over which the frac fluid remains in the formation before being flowed back often affects well productivity.

This paper describes the experience of three operators in Latin America that have implemented a new completion system to overcome the time consuming and productivity limitations of conventional completions described above.

The new completion system is run as part of the production liner, does not require cementing and provides positive mechanical diversion at specified intervals, so fracturing and stimulations can be pumped effectively to their targeted zone. The system has also been designed, so all of the fracturing or stimulation treatments along the horizontal wellbore can be pumped in one continuous operation, thus minimizing the associated risks and optimizing the efficiencies of both the personnel and equipment needed to perform the work.

The conclusions will show the operational efficiencies and reliability of this novel completion system, as well as analyze the cost benefits and production increases that have been observed.
Teacher Directed Active Learning Games
Authors: Scarlatos Lori L. , Scarlatos Tony
Published: November 2008

Games are widely recognized for their potential to enhance students' learning. Yet they are only rarely used in classrooms because they cannot be modified to meet the needs of a particular class. This article describes a novel approach to creating educational software that addresses this problem: provide an interface specifically for teachers that enables them to define the content of the games, and track the impact on their students' learning. The games themselves use physical interfaces and multimedia to encourage collaboration and keep students active and engaged. Two specific applications are described, along with results of field-testing the applications in local elementary schools. A system for disseminating and sharing the teacher-defined content is also presented.
The Development of a Virtual Marine Museum for Educational Applications
Authors: Tarng Wermhuar , Change Mei-Yu , Ou Kuo-Liang , Chang Ya-Wen , Liou Hsin-Hun
Published: November 2008

The objective of this article is to investigate the computer animation and virtual reality technologies for developing a virtual marine museum. The museum consists of three exhibition areas. The first area displays fishes in freshwater, including creeks, rivers, and dams in Taiwan. The second area exhibits marine ecology and creatures of different species in the ocean. The third area is an undersea transparent tunnel where one can see sharks, tuna, and lovely butterfly fish swimming around beautiful coral reefs. Since the museum is developed by computer animation and virtual reality technology, it provides 3D visual effects and interactive user interface. People can breed their favorite fish in the virtual aquarium, and make observations through networks for educational and recreational purposes. A qualitative study was conducted and the results showed that the virtual marine museum could raise students' interest and learning motivation. Therefore, it can be used as an assistant tool in science education for learning marine ecology and promoting ecological protection of oceanic environments as well.
Tools of Inquiry: Separating Tool and Task to Promote True Learning
Authors: Beatham Mark D.
Published: November 2008

Teachers must clearly distinguish for students the educational technologies (the tools or means) used to investigate a subject from the subject (the task) itself. Without this distinction, students develop critical and fundamental misconceptions about their subjects of study, usually confusing the tool for the task. Digital educational technologies promise increased power of investigation, but are likely to do little more than compound the confusion unless critically understood and distinguished from their subjects of investigation. This article begins by identifying common and fundamental student misconceptions about their subjects of study with illustrations from pre-service high school teachers, locating the fault in the lack of the tool/task distinction. These descriptions and explanations are used to examine and raise concerns about the application of current educational technologies, all the while exposing several epistemological fallacies about those technologies. Finally, recommendations are made to aid students and teachers in distinguishing tools from tasks—an epistemological discipline—so that tools or technologies will appropriately serve as means to a subject's investigation, not as ends.
The Effect of Computer Literacy Course on Students' Attitudes toward Computer Applications
Authors: Erlich Zippy , Gadot Rivka , Shahak Daphna
Published: November 2008

Studies indicate that the use of technologies as teaching aids and tools for self-study is influenced by students' attitudes toward computers and their applications. The purpose of this study is to determine whether taking a Computer Literacy and Applications (CLA) course has an impact on students' attitudes toward computer applications, across various undergraduate disciplines. A Computer Application Attitude (CAA) questionnaire was administered at the beginning and at the end of the semester to social science students enrolled in a CLA course. The study population was divided into two groups according to the students' field of study: quantitative-oriented and qualitative-oriented. A significant difference was found in attitudes before and after the CLA course only in the quantitative group. Based upon the results of this study, it is recommended to offer different computer literacy courses to the different groups to improve students' attitudes toward the use of these applications.
Implementation Challenges of the English Language Eportfolio System from Various Stakeholder Perspectives
Authors: Cheng Gary
Published: November 2008

Electronic portfolio (ePortfolio) is no longer a new term in the area of educational research. It has been widely adopted by various tertiary institutions as a learning and assessment tool in different countries. A major feature of an ePortfolio is that it supports lifelong learning by archiving and showcasing selected artifacts from individual learners, recording their professional development and sharing their best work with others. To facilitate learners to produce their ePortfolios effectively and conveniently, the development of an online platform is necessary. The objective of this article is to explore and analyze the realistic problems faced by various stakeholders, including system developers and administrators, students as well as teachers, during the implementation of an ePortfolio system in the English Language Centre at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This article paints a clear picture of concerns raised by various stakeholders with regard to an ePortfolio system, how the system design responds to their concerns, and how the stakeholders are impacted by the system.
Who Enrolls in College Death Education Courses? A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Brabant Sarah , Kalich DeAnn
Published: November 2008

A major concern for the pioneers in death education at the college level was the need to recognize those students who enrolled in the course in order to get help with death related issues, primarily suicidal thoughts and unresolved grief. Despite anecdotal evidence of these at-risk students, this concern has yet to be addressed adequately. This may be due in part to the paucity of empirical evidence. The authors bring over 30 combined years of experience in teaching death education at the university level. They have their own anecdotal stories. They also have empirical evidence. This article addresses the question of why students take death education courses in college by examining data collected from death education classes over a span of 20 years and 3 decades (1985–2004). The results document the magnitude and consistency of the at-risk student. The authors discuss the precautionary steps they take and call for a renewed discourse on ethical considerations in death education.
How Religion Comforts the Dying: A Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Pevey Carolyn F. , Jones Thomas J. , Yarber Annice
Published: November 2008

Although considerable social science research has explored religiosity and death anxiety, and many have theorized that religion comforts the dying, with speculations on the mechanisms by which religion comforts, very little research has asked people who were actually dying to discuss religion. This article reports on answers given by 38 hospice patients to the questions: Is religion a comfort to you? How does religion comfort you? This study found that religion, when it comforted these dying people, did so by offering a relationship to the dying, by giving the hope of life after death, through identifications, and through the assurance of cosmic order. The authors suggest theoretical perspectives accounting for these functions.
Death Anxiety in Institutionalized and Non-Institutionalized Elderly People in Spain
Authors: Moreno Rafael Portal , De La Fuente Solana Emilia I. , Rico Manuel Aleixandre , Fernández Luis Manuel Lozano
Published: November 2008

To know the level of death anxiety using the Templer Death Anxiety Scale (DAS) (1970) (Ramos's Spanish adaptation, 1982)) we chose subjects older than 65 years ( N = 227) to study, on one hand, the existing relation between cognitive-affective reactions toward death and the perception of the passing of time and, on the other, a group of variables which include the place of residence, age, gender, life reflection, health disorders, psychological problems, religious aspects, and socio-demographics features. To undertake this, a questionnaire was administered in which the participants answered according to their degree of agreement to several alternatives. The data indicates, by means of an analysis of variance, significant differences between these variables and death anxiety, with the exception of the religious aspects and civil state.
Islam and Suicide: A Short Personal Communication
Authors: Rezaeian Mohsen
Published: November 2008

Islamic countries display lower suicide rates compared to the other countries of the world. Since most studies dealing with the relationships between Islam and suicide have focused on the extent of the problem and not the underlying mechanisms, the focus of this brief communication is to provide a rather more in-depth discussion regarding the mechanism of this relation. It also covers issues which may have an adverse effect on suicide within Islamic countries and consequently tries to sketch a path ahead in the area of suicide research within the Islamic countries.
Increase of Visceral Fat and Adrenal Gland Volume in Women with Depression: Preliminary Results of a Morphometric Mri Study
Authors: Ludescher Burkhard , Najib Arif , Baar Sophia , MacHann Juergen , Schick Fritz , Buchkremer Gerhard , Claussen Claus D. , Eschweiler Gerhard W.
Published: November 2008

Objective:

Depression is often accompanied by increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT), stress, enlarged adrenal glands, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. VAT turn-over is regulated by adrenal stress hormones such as cortisol. Aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the adrenal volume as a marker for long-term stress and the volume fractions of several body fat compartments in healthy and depressive women.

Methods:

Ten depressive and 12 healthy women were investigated. Fat compartments (VAT, VAT in the upper abdomen, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT), and adrenal volume) were measured by MRI.

Results:

Depressive women revealed more VAT in the upper abdomen than the healthy. There was a significant correlation of age and Body Mass Index (BMI) with the visceral adipose tissue volume and adrenal gland size. In a partial correlation, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was correlated with VAT in the upper abdomen ( r = 0.45, p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The increase of adrenal volume and VAT and the correlation of BDI with VAT in the upper abdomen support the hypothesis of long-term production of stress hormones in depression. This study is a further step toward describing morphologic substrates of depression in endocrine organs.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Non-Cardiac Chest Pain Patients with and without Panic Disorder
Authors: Dammen Toril , Ekeberg Øivind , Arnesen Harald , Friis Svein
Published: November 2008

Objective:

Little is known about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in non-cardiac chest pain patients with (PD) or without panic disorder (NoPD). The aims of the study were: 1) to compare the HRQoL scores in chest pain patients with and without PD and compare their scores with those from the general population; 2) to compare the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores of PD patients with those of PD patients in other studies; and 3) to identify predictors of HRQoL.

Method:

We assessed HRQoL in 167 patients consecutively referred for outpatient investigation of chest pain but who proved to have no cardiac condition (non-cardiac chest pain). HRQoL was assessed with the SF-36 and compared with Norwegian population norms. Factors affecting HRQoL were examined using multiple linear regression models.

Results:

SF-36 scores were lower in PD patients compared to NoPD patients for all domains. Both groups were significantly more impaired than the normal population. Gender, age, being married, years of education, the sum of chronic illnesses, neuroticism, and the presence of panic disorder and depression symptoms accounted for 17–67% of the variance in three selected SF-36 scales.

Conclusions:

Non-cardiac chest pain patients reported significantly impaired HRQoL. Chest pain patients with PD exhibited significant impairment, similar to PD patients seeking treatment in psychiatric care. Non-cardiac chest pain patients with PD should therefore be identified and offered treatment.
Incidence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after Myocardial Infarction (MI) and Predictors of PTSD Symptoms Post-MI—A Brief Report
Authors: Rocha Leila P. , Peterson Janey C. , Meyers Barnett , Boutin-Foster Carla , Charlson Mary E. , Jayasinghe Nimali , Bruce Martha L.
Published: November 2008

Objectives:

The objectives of this pilot study were to determine the incidence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) one to two months after Myocardial Infarction (MI), and to evaluate potential predictors of PTSD symptoms post-MI.

Methods:

A convenience sample of 31 patients hospitalized for treatment of acute MI was interviewed during hospitalization and one to two months later. The assessments included socio-demographic questions, questions related to clinical history and hospitalization, assessment of depressive symptoms using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies— Depression (CES-D) scale, medical comorbidity using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and perceived social support using the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) scale. Medical records were reviewed for collection of clinical data. Symptoms of PTSD were evaluated using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R).

Results:

While one patient (4.0%) met DSM IV criteria for PTSD; additional 16% of the patients had significant symptoms of PTSD as measured by the IES-R (scoring above 24). Higher scores of PTSD symptoms were significantly associated ( p < 0.05) with younger age, black race, depressive symptoms in baseline, and self-reported anxiety during the MI.

Conclusions:

The incidence of PTSD following MI was low, but 16% of MI patients developed subsyndromal PTSD. The emotional status of the patients at the time of the MI and their subjective reaction to the event were important factors in the development of PTSD symptoms. Black and younger patients were in increased risk of developing PTSD symptoms post-MI.
Disability Status, Disease Parameters, Defense Styles, and Ego Strength Associated with Psychiatric Complications of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Hyphantis Thomas N. , Christou Konstantinos , Kontoudaki Stavroula , Mantas Christos , Papamichael George , Goulia Panagiota , Konitsiotis Spyros , Mavreas Venetsanos
Published: November 2008

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to identify disease parameters, defensive styles and ego strength measurements associated with various forms of psychiatric complications in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods:

Seventy-nine patients with MS participated in the study and 158 healthy subjects matched for age and sex served as controls. A wide range of clinical information was collected and the following self-report instruments were used: General Health Questionnaire, Symptom Distress Check List, Defense Style Questionnaire, MMPI Ego Strength Scale and Hostility and Direction of Hostility Questionnaire.

Results:

The odds of being assessed with a psychiatric diagnosis upon interview were 6.7 times greater among patients compared to controls and 9.3 times greater among patients with recent-onset MS compared to patients with long-term disease. Psychiatric complications of MS were closely associated with age of the disease onset and the degree of disability due to MS. Additionally, higher rates of introverted hostility, adoption of maladaptive ego defenses and weakened ego strength were also closely associated with several forms of psychological distress, especially depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

MS patients experience elevated symptoms of psychological distress, especially depressive symptoms, which are most closely associated with disease parameters. However, the crucial role of various personality traits such as ego defenses and hostility features in the psychiatric symptom formation also appear to contribute to the development of depressive symptoms. Clinicians involved in the clinical management of patients with MS should identify and modify treatment if these specific personality markers that indicate the exhaustion of the patient's resources to cope with the physical and psychological stress of the illness are present.
Childhood Parental Loss and Adult Psychopathology: Effects of Loss Characteristics and Contextual Factors
Authors: Tyrka Audrey R. , Wier Lauren , Price Lawrence H. , Ross Nicole S. , Carpenter Linda L.
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this study was to determine whether childhood parental death and childhood parental separation are linked to lifetime depressive and anxiety disorders after controlling for related risk factors. Participants were 105 individuals from the community, including a group with separation/desertion from a parent, a group with childhood parental death, and a matched control group whose parents remained married and living together. Participants completed interviews and questionnaires assessing symptoms of anxiety and depression, family psychiatric history, childhood maltreatment, and childhood parental relationships. Participants with separation/desertion and those with parental death were significantly more likely than the control subjects to report the subsequent onset of symptoms of a depressive or anxiety disorder. These effects were not fully explained by parental relationships or childhood maltreatment. However, in the group with parental separation only, family history of depressive and anxiety disorders accounted for the apparent effect of parental separation. These findings indicate that parental death may be a specific risk factor for depressive and anxiety disorders. For parental separation/desertion, our results highlight the overriding influence of risk factors that commonly co-occur with this form of parental loss.
Reliance on God's Help, Depression and Fatigue in Female Cancer Patients
Authors: Büssing Arndt , Fischer Julia , Ostermann Thomas , Matthiessen Peter F.
Published: November 2008

Objective:

Because an increasing number of studies indicate that a religious attitude is associated with lower depression, we intended to investigate the interrelationship between intrinsic religiosity and depressive behavioral symptoms in cancer patients with long-term courses.

Method:

In 396 female cancer patients recruited in East-Germany, intrinsic religiosity was measured with the scale Reliance on God's Help (RGH) from the AKU questionnaire; anxiety and depression with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; fatigue with the cancer fatigue scale (CFS-D); physical and mental health with the SF-12; adaptive coping styles and ESCAPE from illness with the AKU; and life satisfaction with a modification of Huebner's Brief Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale.

Results:

Moderate depression-associated fatigue was prevalent in cancer patients with long term-cancer courses, while depression and anxiety were of minor prevalence. RGH, which was valued by several patients, correlated with Reappraisal: Illness as Chance; with life satisfaction dimensions such as future perspectives, overall life, and financial situation; to a small extend with Escape from Illness; and negatively with mental health. No significant correlations were found with respect to depression, anxiety, or fatigue.

Conclusions:

In contrast to cancer patients in final stages, cancer patients with long-term courses had just a moderate reliance on external divine powers. The addressed depressive behavioral symptoms were connected with internal adaptive coping styles such as Conscious Living/Positive Attitudes rather than intrinsic religiosity in response to disease.
Role of Nicotine GUM and Pretreatment Depressive Symptoms in Smoking Cessation: Twelve-Month Results of a Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial
Authors: Kinnunen Taru , Korhonen Tellervo , Garvey Arthur J.
Published: November 2008

Objective:

The aim was to investigate the role of nicotine gum and pre-treatment depressive symptoms in long-term smoking cessation.

Methods:

12-month follow-up of 608 participants within a randomized, controlled trial was conducted. Participants received brief counseling plus nicotine or placebo treatment. Based on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale pre-treatment score (≥ 16), 32% of the participants were classified as depressed at baseline.

Results:

At the 12-month follow-up the non-depressed participants with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) were most successful (20.1%), while the depressed ones with placebo were least successful (5.7%) ( p = .004). However, the depressed participants with NRT (15.1%) were not significantly less successful than the non-depressed ones with NRT (20.1%, p = .23). Survival analysis showed significant depression ( p = .01) and treatment effects ( p = < .001) on the abstinence. Further, when adjusted for marital status and education, the treatment effect remained significant ( p < .001), whereas the depression effect became non-significant ( p = .08).

Conclusions:

NRT improved cessation both among the depressed and non-depressed. To understand discrepancies in literature reporting depression and smoking cessation outcome, the pharmacological treatment modality and social-demographic variables should be examined as additional variables.
The Next Collapse: U.S. Price Inflation
Authors: Aron Janine , Muellbauer John
Published: November 2008

The econometric models of Janine Aron and John Muellbauer of Oxford predict that deflation, or at least an end to inflation, are on the way, but they do not foresee a lost decade for the U.S., Europe, or the global economy.
Project-Based Community Language Learning: Three Narratives of Multilingual Story-telling in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Lotherington Heather , Holland Michelle , Sotoudeh Shiva , Zentena Mike
Published: November 2008

Abstract:

At Joyce Public School (JPS) in the Greater Toronto Area, we are engaged in ongoing collaborative action research to develop pedagogical approaches to emergent literacies that engage multilingual, multicultural, and multimodal perspectives in complex interplay. Our research is grounded in the challenges children experience in acquiring literacy across home, school, community, and societal contexts in a culturally and linguistically diverse urban setting, given limited curricular opportunities for involving multiple languages in literacy education. Our research involves collaboratively designed classroom-based narrative projects that productively entwine multilingualism, English language discovery, and digital technologies in elementary literacy instruction. This article provides first-person perspectives on and an analytical discussion of the emerging pedagogies of three primary-grade teachers involved in our collaborative multiliteracies research who successfully engage multilingualism in English language and literacy education.
Promoting Local Languages in Ugandan Primary Schools: The Community as Stakeholder
Authors: Tembe Juliet , Norton Bonny
Published: November 2008

Abstract:

The community is an important stakeholder in language education, and community views are critical for the successful implementation of new language policies. This article reports on a study on multilingual language policies conducted in two primary schools in two communities in eastern Uganda, one rural and one urban, from 2005 through 2006. The study focused on community responses to the new language education policy, which promotes the teaching of local languages in the first four years of schooling, using questionnaires, individual interviews, and focus-group discussions to collect data from the two communities, each linked to a local primary school. The findings show that in both communities, although participants were generally aware of the new local-language policy, they were ambivalent about its implementation in their school. They recognized the importance of local languages in promoting identity and cultural maintenance, but a higher priority was their children's upward mobility and the desire to be part of wider and more international communities. Further, while area languages such as Luganda and regional languages such as Kiswahili were perceived to have some benefits as languages of wider communication, it was English that received unequivocal support from both communities. The study concludes that parents and communities need to be better informed about the pedagogical advantages of instruction in the local language and that communities need convincing evidence that the promotion of local languages will not compromise desires for global citizenship.
Synchronicity of Activity Engagement and Travel in Time and Space
Authors: Timmermans Harry , Van der Waerden Peter
Published: November 2008

This paper reports some main findings of a study that was conducted to understand individuals’ use of time better for travel, in particular on public transport. Based on methodological considerations, field observations were used to collect the relevant information. Results of various multivariate analyses indicate that time allocation to various activities, including sleeping, while traveling on public transport (specifically, San Francisco's Bay Area Rapid Transport System in California) primarily depends on sociodemographics such as gender, age, travel party, and race. However, results also indicate effects of contextual variables such as travel duration and time of day, which are particularly relevant for discriminating between different segments of activities while traveling. It is argued that a better understanding of time allocation during travel and the related concept of multitasking is crucial for better estimates of the value of time savings. These enhanced understandings should contribute to several discussions on time use in society and ultimately be used to develop dynamic activity-based travel demand models.
Analysis of Activity Conflict Resolution Strategies
Authors: Auld Joshua , Mohammadian Abolfazl (Kouros) , Doherty Sean T.
Published: November 2008

This paper attempts to model the process of activity scheduling conflict resolution with actual scheduling process data. The resolution of activity scheduling conflicts is a critical component of rule-based activity scheduling models. Many current scheduling models use an assumed priority for each activity type to estimate how activity conflicts will be resolved, but research has shown that these activity type-based priority assumptions often do not hold in actuality. Therefore, the conflict resolution data captured in the scheduling process survey were used to estimate and evaluate a number of conflict resolution models, including a decision tree model and two discrete choice models. Both the conflict resolution decision tree model and the discrete choice models showed a promising ability to predict the resolution strategies chosen almost entirely on the basis of the attributes of the activities in conflict and characteristics of the surrounding schedule. These models present a useful advance in increasing the realism and accuracy of rule-based activity scheduling models.
Destination Choice in Daily Activity Travel
Authors: Hannes Els , Janssens Davy , Wets Geert
Published: November 2008

To improve the behavioral realism of activity-based travel demand models, a deeper understanding of an individual's travel decision process is needed. This research project aims at revealing the variety of critical spatial factors in an individual's mental map that influence daily activity travel (AT) behavior. A qualitative travel survey and in-depth interviews are used to identify spatial factors that appear in respondents’ destination choice decisions when discussing their daily activity space. Recorded interviews are processed with specialized software for qualitative data analysis (ATLAS.ti). First, representative if-then(-else) heuristics used by respondents are identified and classified. In addition, occurring spatial elements are indicated. To conclude, a new “script” approach used to grasp the behavioral mechanisms present in daily AT decisions is suggested. Further research along this line will increase comprehension of the impact of travel demand measures and improve their assessment in activity-based travel demand models.
Studying Differences of Household Weekday and Weekend Activities
Authors: Zhong Ming , Hunt John Douglas , Lu Xuewen
Published: November 2008

A desired activity-based travel demand modeling framework should be able to address both weekday and weekend activities. However, a literature review shows that previous research efforts have mostly focused on weekday, not weekend, activities, and that little or no research exists to quantify the differences between the two. The best knowledge to date is limited to weekday and weekend activities that start at different times of the day and have different participation rates. This paper aims to fill the gap by studying the differences between weekday and weekend activities in Calgary, Canada, in terms of participation rates, starting times, duration, and inferred location choices. First, statistics related to these attributes were computed for 10 types of weekday and weekend activities (these were found to differ). Second, log-rank and Wilcoxon tests were used to prove further that common types of weekday and weekend activities tend to follow different survival functions. Third, best-fit duration models were explored for each type of weekday and weekend activity and compared with each other. It was found that Weibull and log-normal were chosen as the best-fit models for nearly all weekday and weekend activities. The best-fit duration models for the same types of weekday and weekend activities (e.g., shopping) were found to be different in either underlying distribution or estimated parameters. This study clearly shows that the weekend activities differ from their weekday counterparts and suggests that they be treated separately in activity-based modeling frameworks.
Tour-Based Time-of-Day Choices for Weekend Nonwork Activities
Authors: Yang Fei , Jin Xia , Liu Rongfang (Rachel)
Published: November 2008

Research on time-of-day (TOD) choices has predominantly focused on weekday trips or activities, with few studies covering the behavior of TOD choices on weekends. This paper examines TOD choices on weekends using a tour-based approach. A multinomial discrete choice model was calibrated to explore the effects that household and individual socio-demographics have on TOD choice behavior. In light of unique travel patterns on weekends, the authors have combined both Saturday and Sunday into a single travel period, which is then divided into six TOD segments. The methodology is based on the observation that, unlike on weekdays, what individuals do on Saturdays is less likely to be repeated on Sundays with the same TOD pattern. This manuscript demonstrates the application of a tour-based TOD weekend forecast model using the 2001 Atlanta Household Survey data from Georgia. The survey contains detailed travel information on weekends. The study presents the exploratory analysis of weekend travel patterns at both trip-based and tour-based levels in Atlanta. A brief comparison of trip-based and tour-based models is also given. The study validates the suggestion that a tour-based model improves the overall goodness-of-fit of the model and produces a better forecast.
Variability of Travel over Multiple Days
Authors: Stopher Peter , Clifford Eoin , Montes Manuel
Published: November 2008

This paper analyzes the variability of travel behavior by day of the week and among individual persons, using data from three waves of a panel in South Australia. A previous analysis had been based on the first wave of this panel. The analysis herein provides further insights into the potential benefits of using multiday data for modeling travel behavior and opens up the potential of undertaking a variety of analyses that are not currently possible with 1-day data. As in the first analysis, this paper examines the effect of additional days of measurement on such measures as the number of daily trips, the travel time per trip and per day, and the travel distance per day and per trip. The study analyzes the change in the means of each of these values as additional days of data are considered and also the changes in the estimates of the variances of each statistic. This study also separates out the effects of weekdays and weekend days and considers the implications of these data on sample sizes for modeling purposes and the likely effects on the goodness of fit of models built on multiday data versus the more traditional 1 day of data.
Examining the Nature and Extent of the Activity-Travel Preplanning Decision Process
Authors: Clark Andrew F. , Doherty Sean T.
Published: November 2008

This paper presents results from an in-depth survey method for capturing the content and attributes of peoples’ preplanned schedules. The focus is on preplanned daily activity and travel events, their typically observable attributes (event type, start and end time, location, and involved person), and the extent to which these attributes are specified and elaborated on. The survey started with an interviewer simply asking subjects to write down or discuss their schedule for the next 2 days in as much or as little detail as they knew. The interviewer subsequently probed for further details as needed. This method elicited considerable detail on decision hierarchies in the subjects’ own words. Overall, it was found that activity type is the most often preplanned activity attribute, followed by location, start time, involved persons, and end time. For trips, the mode type and start time are most often planned, followed by involved persons and end time. Additional analysis further confirms that the preplanning is an ongoing decision process, wherein tentative decisions on each attribute are often made and then revisited at some point closer to execution. The implications of these findings for model development and future survey design are discussed. In particular, the results imply that activity scheduling models should adopt a nested or continuous planning loop, wherein certain activity attribute decisions are made first but are followed by subsequent stages of refinement and elaboration.
Private–Public Partnerships as Strategic Alliances
Authors: Juan Carmen , Olmos Fernando , Ashkeboussi Rahim
Published: November 2008

A new approach to the design of concession contracts of port infrastructures that adapts some of the methods used in the design and start-up of strategic alliances is presented. From a cost–benefit analysis of the project, based on the industry benchmarks, a revenue-sharing model dependent on the investment interest and the risk undertaken or transferred by each partner was formulated. This model aids in the calculation of the amount of the canons (lease and royalty charges) that should be stated in the contract. Also, to avoid complicated renegotiations and undesired deadlock situations, methods are presented for the dynamic actualization of such canons according to changes that might occur during the concession life. Finally, in those situations in which, for welfare policy reasons, the public partner wants to minimize the risk of a failure of the concession, dynamic mechanisms have been developed that allow the public authority to offer the private partner partial insurance against losses based on a recovery mechanism of the subsidized amounts.
Productive Efficiency of World Container Ports
Authors: Cheon SangHyun
Published: November 2008

This study evaluates the productive efficiency of 140 global hub and national gateway container ports in almost all countries of the world for the years 1991 and 2004. It adopts diverse models of data envelopment analysis (DEA), including two specific cases of DEA window analysis: intertemporal and contemporaneous. The study finds that world ports have experienced inter- and intraregional efficiency gaps, which have not lessened over time. In general, the larger-scale ports are more efficient because they drive technological development and adopt better managerial practices. However, many large ports operate under decreasing returns-to-scale at each port level. This implies a potential for interport competition as a way to increase port efficiency at an aggregated regional level. In addition, port size is not the sole factor in determining port efficiency. Newly developed ports in Asia and the Middle East and small Central American ports operate efficiently. They have created strong partnerships with emerging, globally franchised terminal operators. With small hinterlands, Oceanian ports have tried to improve efficiency by reforming institutional structures and managerial practices. However, they have not fully overcome the disadvantages of the lack of economies of scale. For them, interport competition may not be an effective means to improve efficiency.
Critical Infrastructure at U.S. West Coast Intermodal Terminals
Authors: McCray John P. , Gonzalez Juan J.
Published: November 2008

Intermodal terminals in U.S. West Coast ports have experienced remarkable growth in container processing, from 14.2 million containers in 2001 to 22.6 million in 2006. This growth, however, has not come without difficulties. Larger container ships, growing container volumes, and the implementation of new technologies adversely affected West Coast intermodal terminals in their ability to process peak-season container volumes efficiently. In addition to these difficulties, there were major labor disruptions in 2002 and again in 2004. The combination of growing container volumes and the possibility of additional labor disruptions focused attention on diverting containers from West Coast container terminals to container terminals in ports in Canada or Mexico. This review examines the impact of growing container ship size on intermodal terminal infrastructure and explains the labor disruptions in 2002 and 2004. Critical terminal infrastructure at U.S., Canadian, and Mexican container terminals is then summarized. Terminal infrastructure on the west coasts of Canada and Mexico is found to be significantly less than U.S. West Coast terminals and to be capable of processing only a small percentage of containers bound for the West Coast in the event of another major disruption.