bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drilling Fluids Consultation System: Development and Field Applications
Authors: Al-yami Abdullah S. , Schubert Jerome
Published: March 2012

Long years of experience in the field and sometimes in the lab are required to develop drilling fluid consultants. Texas A&M University recently has established a new method to develop a drilling expert system that can be used as a training tool for young engineers or as a consultation system in various drilling engineering concepts such as drilling and completion fluids, cementing, completion, and underbalanced drilling practices. Drilling fluids are important factor in drilling and completion operations. Designing drilling fluids depend on formation lithology, temperature and pressure. To the best of the authors knowledge there is no standards developed to aid drilling engineers and scientists to formulate effective drilling fluids systems for the entire well sections. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper is the first study to show a systematic method to design drilling fluids for oil and gas wells.

The objective of this paper is to set a module that should aid drilling engineers when designing drilling fluids. A module was created based on several inputs. To create this module, we interviewed experts to gather the information required to determine best practices as a function of different probabilities. We used these best practices to build decision trees that allow the user to take an elementary data set and end up with a decision that honors the best practices.
Neural Networks for Production Curve Pattern Recognition Applied to Cyclic Steam Optimization in Diatomite Reservoirs
Authors: Popa Andrei S. , Patel Anil
Published: March 2012

Steam injection is the primary technique used to produce heavy oil reservoirs. The technology, used either as a continuous injection or cyclic steam, has been successfully applied in Chevron’s San Joaquin Valley fields since the mid 1960’s. In the Diatomite reservoirs cyclic steam was introduced in the mid 1990’s and used profitably ever since to increase recovery from these assets.

In the early times the field practices manually solved the production and steam optimization problem on a daily basis while taking into consideration all the operational constraints. As the number of wells became larger (>500) manually resolving issues became difficult. In 2003 a scheduling tool based on Genetic Algorithm (GA) was successfully deployed and is still being used. As the field has matured, the well’s individual production curve behavior has been changing from an idealistic exponential decline to a more complex profile. These new conditions together with other tool limitations prompted the opportunity to develop a new approach that would increase the success of the scheduling tool.

A new approach, analogous to the Type Curves Concept (TCC) for cycle production response is introduced in this article. The methodology uses Neural Networks (NN) to identify different cycle production shape patterns. Data from 500+ wells and more than 12,000 cycles were used to identify the type curves or shape patterns. A meticulous classification of raw data revealed fourteen patterns, which were reduced to four representative patterns for further analysis and modeling. Significant data processing such as ID cycles, interpolation, normalization for amplitude and cycle-time, as well as selection of input parameters, were performed in order to train the Neural Network. To complete the model, heuristics rules were inferred to optimize well candidate selection. The hybrid NN-rule based application was coded and integrated with the scheduler and is currently being field-tested. Preliminary results indicate an 80% success rate while the business value analysis showed significant optimization potential.

The paper outlines the methodology used in the study including patterns identification, model training, rule-based system and concludes with early deployment results. The hybrid system proved to provide better steam allocation and minimize production loss. Lastly, challenges and lessons learned during the development and deployment are summarized.
An Analytical Methodology to Determine Oil in Place, Aquifer Influx, and Ultimate Sweep Efficiency of a Mature Heavy Oil Waterflood in the Wilmington Basin
Authors: Gill B. S.
Published: March 2012

This paper reviews two reservoirs adjacent to each other collectively referred as Upper Terminal VI in the Wilmington Basin, which had previously been distinctly identified as separate reservoirs with regards to managing voidage ratios and reservoir management. This study reviews and determines the size of the oil in these reservoirs, the volume of water influx from the surrounding aquifer and then evaluates the effective sweep efficiency of the peripheral flood. Various analytical techniques were used in the analysis to determine the oil in place, the existence and size of the water influx and the ultimate sweep efficiency.

The analysis indicates that these two reservoirs are essentially one field with original oil in place number of approximately 250 MMBO. In addition it was determined that the size of the water influx was small compared to the relative size of water injection and this influx amounted to approximately 54 MMBW. Finally the effectiveness of the injector sweep efficiency was determined based on the surrounding injectors.
The costs of drought: the 2007/2008 case of Barcelona
Authors: Martin-Ortega Julia , González-Eguino Mikel , Markandya Anil
Published: March 2012

Water scarcity and drought are social and economic problems in large parts of the world that will intensify due to climate change. The existing literature on the costs of drought is scarce, fragmented and heterogeneous and there is a need for comprehensive cost estimations to help design an effective policy response. This is particularly the case in Europe, which is currently developing its drought strategy. The severe drought that affected Barcelona in 2007/2008 is used here as a case study to illustrate the costs of this type of extreme event. We assess direct losses of the affected economic sectors, indirect costs to the rest of the economy and non-market welfare losses caused by environmental damage and household water restrictions. Additionally, we also look at the cost of the measures implemented to address the drought and discuss the implications in terms of their cost-effectiveness. Our results indicate a total cost of this drought event of 1,605 million Euros (0.48% of the regional GDP) and highlight the need for more accurate cost estimations at the European level. The study also points to the need to promote water saving measures and to increase the structural adaptive capacity of systems subjected to water scarcity.
Predicting Student Success from the Lassi for Learning Online (LLO)
Authors: Carson Andrew D.
Published: March 2012

This study tested the degree to which subscales of the LASSI for Learning Online (LLO) (Weinstein & Palmer, 2006), a measure of learning strategies and study skills, predict student success in the form of passing grades, using a combination of large training ( N = 4,409) and cross-validation ( N = 3,203) samples. Discriminant function analysis against student success (GPA = 2.0 in Term 3) resulted in an overall hit-rate of 67%, and specificity and sensitivity of 70% and 60%, respectively. The present study also provides the first empirical evidence reported for the predictive validity for the online adaptation of the LASSI.
Influence of Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaching Gels on Color, Opacity, and Fluorescence of Composite Resins
Authors: Torres CRG , Ribeiro CF , Bresciani E , Borges AB
Published: March 2012

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 20% and 35% hydrogen peroxide bleaching gels on the color, opacity, and fluorescence of composite resins. Seven composite resin brands were tested and 30 specimens, 3-mm in diameter and 2-mm thick, of each material were fabricated, for a total of 210 specimens. The specimens of each tested material were divided into three subgroups (n=10) according to the bleaching therapy tested: 20% hydrogen peroxide gel, 35% hydroxide peroxide gel, and the control group. The baseline color, opacity, and fluorescence were assessed by spectrophotometry. Four 30-minute bleaching gel applications, two hours in total, were performed. The control group did not receive bleaching treatment and was stored in deionized water. Final assessments were performed, and data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests (p<0.05). Color changes were significant for different tested bleaching therapies (p<0.0001), with the greatest color change observed for 35% hydrogen peroxide gel. No difference in opacity was detected for all analyzed parameters. Fluorescence changes were influenced by composite resin brand (p<0.0001) and bleaching therapy (p=0.0016) used. No significant differences in fluorescence between different bleaching gel concentrations were detected by Tukey test. The greatest fluorescence alteration was detected on the brand Z350. It was concluded that 35% hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel generated the greatest color change among all evaluated materials. No statistical opacity changes were detected for all tested variables, and significant fluorescence changes were dependent on the material and bleaching therapy, regardless of the gel concentration.
Variable-Frequency Prony Method in the Analysis of Electrical Power Quality
Authors: Zygarlicki Jarosław , Mroczka Janusz
Published: March 2012

Variable-Frequency Prony Method in the Analysis of Electrical Power Quality

The article presents a new modification of the the least squares Prony method. The so-called variable-frequency Prony method can be a useful tool for estimating parameters of sinusoidal components, which, in the analyzed signal, are characterized by time-dependent frequencies. The authors propose use of the presented method for testing the quality of electric energy. It allows observation of phenomena which, when using traditional methods, are averaged in the analysis window. The proposed modification of least squares Prony method is based on introduction and specific selection of a frequency matrix. This matrix represents frequencies of estimated components and their variability in time.
The Multicriteria Selection Methodology of the Decision Support System
Authors: Patalas-Maliszewska Justyna , Krupa Tadeusz
Published: March 2012

The Multicriteria Selection Methodology of the Decision Support System

An issue of building a tool orientated to the support of selection process of decision support system (DSS) for the sector of small and medium enterprises is presented in the article. A group method of data handling (GMDH) whose application allows to objectives a search process of required DSS, with assumed costs and other existing resource limitations, is proposed for this purpose. The article is devoted to a problem of GMDH adjustment to solving the tasks related to the selection of a required system from among the information systems of DSS class, according to the criteria determined by a future user of this system. The GMDH takes into account among other things such assumptions as: a precise description of dependences between input and output data in a specified time horizon, independence of the user's knowledge (the values of observed data from the past registered in the base are the input data) and minimization of modelling errors (the selection of solutions takes place by means of a selected evaluation rule of quality estimation).
Freight Transport Logistics in the Baltic Sea Region. Regional Aspects
Authors: Kabashkin Igor
Published: March 2012

Freight Transport Logistics in the Baltic Sea Region. Regional Aspects

In the situation where a large increase in trade and freight transport volumes in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) is expected and in which the BSR is facing a major economic restructuring, efforts to achieve more integrated and sustainable transport and communication links within the BSR are needed. One of these efforts is the development of logistics centres (LCs) and their networking, which will continue to have an impact on improving communication links, spatial planning practices and approaches, logistics chain development and the promotion of sustainable transport modes. These factors will reflect on logistics processes both in major gateway cities and in remote BSR areas.

The importance of logistics systems as a whole is not seen clearly enough. Logistics actors see that logistics operations are not appreciated as much as other fields of activity. In addition, logistics centres and the importance of logistics activities to the business life of areas and the employment rate should be brought up better.

In the paper main goal and tasks of national approach for LCs development are discussed. Strategic focus of new activities in this area is on the integration of various networks within and between logistics centres in order to improve and develop the quality of logistics networks as well as to spatially widen the networking activities.
Land Use and Natural Resources Planning for Sustainable Ecotourism Using GIS in Surat Thani, Thailand
Authors: Bunruamkaew Khwanruthai , Murayama Yuji
Published: March 2012

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the land use and natural resources for future sustainable ecotourism site planning using GIS as a tool. The study is based on 2007 land use land cover data and ecotourism suitability data which are then integrated with other GIS datasets to evaluate the land use and natural resources at a district level in Surat Thani province. The final step of this study was the prioritization of the area that is best suited for ecotourism in assessing ecotourism sustainability in Surat Thani province. The result is useful for tourism facilities development and ecotourism resource utilization where ecotourism could be more developed. Additionally, the results can be used for managers and planners working in local and central governments and other non-governmental organizations. These integrated approaches cover complex and universal issues such as sustainable development of ecotourism, biodiversity conservation and protected area management in a tropical and developing country such as Thailand. Moreover, it is believed that this study can be used as a basis for evaluating the suitability of other areas for ecotourism. In addition, it may also serve as a starting point for more complex studies in the future.
One-Sign Order Parameter in Iron Based Superconductor
Authors: Borisenko Sergey V. , Zabolotnyy Volodymyr B. , Kordyuk Alexnader A. , Evtushinsky Danil V. , Kim Timur K. , Morozov Igor V. , Follath Rolf , Büchner Bernd
Published: March 2012

The onset of superconductivity at the transition temperature is marked by the onset of order, which is characterized by an energy gap. Most models of the iron-based superconductors find a sign-changing (s±) order parameter [1–6], with the physical implication that pairing is driven by spin fluctuations. Recent work, however, has indicated that LiFeAs has a simple isotropic order parameter [7–9] and spin fluctuations are not necessary [7,10], contrary to the models [1–6]. The strength of the spin fluctuations has been controversial [11,12], meaning that the mechanism of superconductivity cannot as yet be determined. We report the momentum dependence of the superconducting energy gap, where we find an anisotropy that rules out coupling through spin fluctuations and the sign change. The results instead suggest that orbital fluctuations assisted by phonons [13,14] are the best explanation for superconductivity.
Prevalence of Natural Polymorphisms at the HCV Ns5A Gene Associated with Resistance to Daclatasvir, An Ns5A Inhibitor
Authors: Plaza Zulema , Soriano Vincent , Vispo Eugenia , del Mar Gonzalez Maria , Barreiro Pablo , Seclén Eduardo , Poveda Eva
Published: March 2012

Background

Daclatasvir (BMS-790052) is an investigational molecule that inhibits the HCV NS5A protein and shows potent antiviral activity apparently across all HCV genotypes. Selection of drug resistance mutations has been reported only for HCV genotype 1, and no information exists for other HCV variants and/or in HIV–HCV-coinfected individuals.

Methods

All interferon-α-naive, HIV–HCV-coinfected patients newly attended at Hospital Carlos III (Madrid, Spain) in 2011 were identified. Changes reported to be associated with daclatasvir resistance in the in vitro replication system for HCV genotype/subtypes 1a/1b (M28T, Q30H/R, L31F/M/V, P32L and Y93C/H/N) were examined.

Results

A total of 78 HIV–HCV-coinfected individuals as well as 635 NS5A sequences deposited at Los Alamos HCV database were analysed. None of the NS5A sequences from HCV-1a or HCV-3 showed changes associated with daclatasvir resistance. By contrast, all NS5A sequences from HCV-4 harboured L31M. The double mutant L31M+Y93H was found in 7% of HCV-1b and 13% of HCV-4. Finally, all NS5A sequences from HCV-1b and HCV-4 harboured changes at codon 28 (M28L) and 30 (L30R), which are of unknown significance. The rate of all these NS5A polymorphisms did not differ significantly when comparing HIV–HCV-coinfected patients and sequences from HCV- monoinfected subjects deposited at Los Alamos HCV database.

Conclusions

Primary resistance mutations to daclatasvir, an investigational HCV NS5A inhibitor, are not seen in HCV-1a or in HCV-3 as natural polymorphisms. By contrast, they can be recognized in most HCV-1b and HCV-4 strains, regardless HIV coinfection.
Hiv-1 Drug Resistance in Antiretroviral-Naive Individuals with H I V-1-Associated Tuberculous Meningitis Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy in Vietnam
Authors: Thao Vu P , Le Thuy , Török Estee M , Yen Nguyen TB , Chau Tran TH , Jurriaans Suzanne , van Doorn Rogier H , de Jong Menno D , Farrar Jeremy J , Dunstan Sarah J
Published: March 2012

Background

Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-infected individuals in Vietnam is rapidly expanding, but there are limited data on HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) to guide ART strategies.

Methods

We retrospectively conducted HIVDR testing in 220 ART-naive individuals recruited to a randomized controlled trial of immediate versus deferred ART in individuals with HIV-associated tuberculous meningitis in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) from 2005–2008. HIVDR mutations were identified by population sequencing of the HIV pol gene and were defined based on 2009 WHO surveillance drug resistance mutations (SDRMs).

Results

We successfully sequenced 219/220 plasma samples of subjects prior to ART; 218 were subtype CRF01_AE and 1 was subtype B. SDRMs were identified in 14/219 (6.4%) subjects; 8/14 were resistant to nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs; T69D, L74V, V75M, M184V/I and K219R), 5/14 to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs; K103N, V106M, Y181C, Y188C and G190A), 1/14 to both NRTIs and NNRTIs (D67N and Y181C) and none to protease inhibitors. After 6 months of ART, eight subjects developed protocol-defined virological failure. HIVDR mutations were identified in 5/8 subjects. All five had mutations with high-level resistance to NNRTIs and three had mutations with high-level resistance to NRTIs. Due to a high early mortality rate (58%), the effect of pre-existing HIVDR mutations on treatment outcome could not be accurately assessed.

Conclusions

The prevalence of WHO SDRMs in ART-naive individuals with HIV-associated tuberculous meningitis in HCMC from 2005–2008 is 6.4%. The SDRMs identified conferred resistance to NRTIs and/or NNRTIs, reflecting the standard first-line ART regimens in Vietnam.
Circulating Interleukin-6 Levels Correlate with Residual HIV Viraemia and Markers of Immune Dysfunction in Treatment-Controlled HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Bastard Jean-Philippe , Soulié Cathia , Fellahi Soraya , Haïm-Boukobza Stephanie , Simon Anne , Katlama Christine , Calvez Vincent , Marcelin Anne-Geneviève , Capeau Jacqueline
Published: March 2012

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART)-controlled HIV-infected patients have elevated levels of systemic inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6, which correlate with increased cardiovascular risk and/or mortality. Persistent low-level viral replication could be involved in this inflammatory state. We evaluated whether residual viral load (VL) correlated with the level of systemic inflammatory/immune markers in ART-controlled HIV-infected patients.

Methods

We evaluated 122 antiretroviral-controlled patients with VL 1–500 copies/ml for circulating levels of high-sensitivity (hs)CRP, hsIL-6, IL-8, soluble (s)CD14 and soluble tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptors, sTNFR1 and sTNFR2.

Results

The patients were 80.3% men, the median age was 47 years, the median CD4+ T-cell count was 519 cells/ mm3, the median nadir CD4+ T-cell count was 180 cells/ mm3, the median VL was 28 copies/ml and the median body mass index was 23.3 kg/m2. The median (range) values for IL-6, CRP, IL-8, sCD14, sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were 0.685 pg/ml (0.15–5.46), 1.8 mg/l (0.2–9.7), 10.0 pg/ml (1.6–71.1), 1,174 ng/ml (214–3,145), 1,112 pg/ml (583–5,834) and 2,412 pg/ml (1,142–7,688), respectively. IL-6 values correlated positively with HIV VL (rho=0.217, P=0.017). The VL threshold value for significantly increased IL-6 was 31 copies/ml ( P=0.023). IL-6 values correlated with markers of immune dysfunction: the CD4/CD8 ratio (rho=- 0.248, P=0.011), CD4 nadir level (rho=-0.186, P=0.04) and nadir CD4/CD8 ratio (rho=-0.257, P=0.008). They negatively correlated with markers of immune activation sCD14 (rho=-0.236, P=0.011) and IL-8 (rho=-0.290, P=0.002). We found no correlation between VL and CRP or other markers of inflammation/immune dysfunction including sTNFR1, sTNFR2, sCD14 and IL-8.

Conclusions

We report here that low-range IL-6 levels correlated with low-range VL and inversely with sCD14 and IL-8. Our findings suggest that maintaining VL<30 copies/ ml in HIV-infected patients might therefore reduce IL-6.
Voters’ Perception of the Adequacy and Suitability of e-Voting in the Nigeria Polity
Authors: Adeyinka Tella , Olasina Gbolahan
Published: March 2012

This chapter examines the perception of academics regarding the suitability and adequacy of e-Voting in the Nigeria polity. A qualitative approach using interviews as the data collection instruments was employed. Five research questions were developed and used in the interviews. The population of the study comprised academic staff in the South West Nigerian universities. From this population, 250 academic staff were purposely selected from five universities. This represents the sample for the study. Five research questions were developed and used in the interviews. The results demonstrated that Nigerians are aware of e-Voting systems, the advantages of e-Voting revealed include ease of voting, ease of counting, electoral vote fraud prevention, and cost reduction, To a great extent, Nigeria is e-Voting ready, and the e-Voting system is relevant to the Nigeria electoral system. Respondents find electronic voting desirable in Nigeria given reasons such as saving time/cost, queuing reduction, and Nigeria being technologically advanced enough to carry out a fast voting process. Hindrances to e-Voting and recommendations for the effective adoption of e-Voting in the Nigeria polity were highlighted.
E-Government, Robotic, and Conventional Government in Developing Countries
Authors: Sarwar Chaudhary Imran
Published: March 2012

This chapter focuses on technology-enabled government via robotic government and electronic government (e-Government) and compares this with the conventional government approach. With increased popularity and dependence on virtual presence of government, it has become essential to focus on online government and design interventions on how to develop e-Government. Robotic operations and processes are also finding increased acceptance. This entails that future generations of government setup exploring robotic government may be worthwhile. This research is a step towards development and refinement of theories, principles, concepts, and practices for online government and robotic government in addition to conventional government. Exploration of technology related aspects in the government service is principal objective of this research. It also enlists facilities and services that may be provided by any government. Pros and cons of introducing e-Government and robotic government are qualitatively explored. Panel discussions are done. Experts in the government sector and related technology, brain stormed the issues in e-Government, robotic government, and conventional government. Furthermore, a survey was done to explore leadership aspects of people in governing positions. Introduction of technology has facilitated an improvement in the public sector performance. The study opines that the governed and governing are at ease with e-democracy, e-citizenship, e-identity, and e-voting and are willing to welcome robotic government. This chapter identifies and analyzes emerging issues in contemporary modes of government.
Beyond Institutional Repositories
Authors: Romary Laurent , Armbruster Chris
Published: March 2012

The current system of so-called institutional repositories, even if it was a sensible response at an earlier stage, may not answer the needs of the scholarly community, scientific communication and accompanied stakeholders in a sustainable way. However, having a robust repository infrastructure is essential to academic work. Yet, current institutional solutions, even when networked in a country or across Europe, have largely failed to deliver. Consequently, a new path for a more robust infrastructure and larger repositories is explored to create superior services that support the academy. A future organisation of publication repositories is advocated that is based on macroscopic academic settings providing a critical mass of interest as well as organisational coherence. Such a macro-unit may be geographical (a coherent national scheme), institutional (a large research organisation or a consortium thereof) or thematic (a specific research field organising itself in the domain of publication repositories).
Flow Simulation with Vortex Elements
Authors: Stock Mark
Published: March 2012

While fluid flow is a ubiquitous phenomenon on both Earth’s surface and elsewhere in the cosmos, its existence, as a mathematical field quantity without discrete form, color, or shape, defies representation in the visual arts. Both physical biology and computational physics are, at their roots, very large systems of interacting agents. The field of computational fluid dynamics deals with solving the essential formulas of fluid dynamics over large numbers of interacting elements. This chapter presents a novel method for creating fluid-like forms and patterns via interacting elements. Realistic fluid-like motions are presented on a computer using a particle representation of the rotating portions of the flow. The straightforward method works in two or three dimensions and is amenable to instruction and easy application to a variety of visual media. Examples from digital flatwork and video art illustrate the method’s potential to bring space, shape, and form to an otherwise ephemeral medium. Though the rules are simple, the resulting behavior frequently exhibits emergent properties not anticipated by the original formulae. This makes both fluid simulations and related biological computations deep, interesting, and ready for exploration.
Expression and prognostic relevance of STAT3 and cyclin D1 in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ai Ting , Wang Zhouquan , Zhang Mingxin , Zhang Lingmin , Wang Ning , Li Weiwei , Song Liping
Published: March 2012

Aim

To guide clinicians in selecting treatment options for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it is desirable to have reliable markers predicting clinical outcome. This study analyzed the correlation between signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and cyclin D1 in NSCLC and their association with clinicopathological features and survival.

Methods

We investigated 65 specimens of NSCLC tissues by immunohistochemistry using STAT3 and cyclin D1 antibodies. First we determined the correlation between STAT3 and cyclin D1 expression and the clinicopathological features of the tumor. Then we assessed the prognostic relevance of STAT3 and cyclin D1.

Results

A significant correlation was found between high levels of STAT3 expression and the degree of tumor differentiation. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between the expression of STAT3 and cyclin D1 (r=0.405, p=0.001). The overexpression of STAT3 and the presence of metastasis were significantly associated with shorter overall survival in univariate analysis (p=0.028 and p=0.036, respectively). Multivariate analysis confirmed that STAT3 expression was an independent prognostic factor (p=0.001).

Conclusions

STAT3 might be correlated with tumor differentiation, and its elevated expression may be an adverse prognostic indicator for patients with NSCLC. Activation of the STAT3/cyclin D1 signaling pathway may be attributed to the malignant transformation of NSCLC and may represent a possible target for therapy.
In Vitro  α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity of the Leaves ofThespesia populnea
Authors: Sangeetha R. , Vedasree N.
Published: March 2012

Postprandial hyperglycemia is a prime characteristic of diabetes mellitus and has been a focus in the therapy for diabetes. One of the therapeutic approaches which involve decreasing hyperglycemia aims at inhibiting the enzymeα-amylase. The leaves ofT. populneawere studied for the presence of amylase inhibitors. The fractions obtained by successive fractionation using solvents of varying polarity were studied for the presence of primary and secondary metabolites. The total phenolic content of the different fractions was determined by HPLC and was correlated with their amylase inhibitory potential. Similarly, the protein content of the extracts was also estimated to understand the nature of the inhibitor present. This study shows that the leaves ofT. populneawere effective in inhibitingα-amylase, thereby proving to be potential hyperglycemic agents.
Evaluation of Acute and Chronic Toxicities of the Water Extract from Ziziphus attopensis Pierre
Authors: Sireeratawong Seewaboon , Vannasiri Supaporn , Nanna Urarat , Singhalak Tipaya , Jaijoy Kanjana
Published: March 2012

We studied an acute and chronic oral toxicity of the extract from Ziziphus attopensis (ZA) in male and female SD rats according to the OECD guidelines. After a single oral administration of ZA 5 g/kg body weight, measurement of the body and organs, necropsy, and health monitoring were performed. The body and organ weights and behavior were not changed relative to the control rats indicating that ZA does not produce acute toxicity. The chronic toxicity was determined by oral feeding both male and female rats daily with ZA at the doses of 1, 2, 4, and 8 g/kg body weight for 180 days. Body weight changes, hematological and biochemical parameters, organ weights, gross finding, and histopathology examination were monitored during the experimental period. The results did not show any differences from the control groups. Analyses of these results with the information of signs, behavior, and health monitoring can lead to a conclusion that the long-term oral administration of ZA for 180 days does not cause chronic toxicity.
Value Chain Flexibility with RFID: A Case Study of the Octopus Card
Authors: Ming Lam Tak
Published: March 2012

Octopus cards are an electronic payment system based on a wireless RFID technology developed in Hong Kong. Users simply hold their contactless smartcards over an electronic reader, and the payment is deducted from the card automatically. If users link their cards to their credit card to upload money, there is no cash transaction involved. Launched in 1997, Octopus cards are the world's most widely accepted contactless RFID electronic payment system. The system generates value for customers, service providers, and societies.

This article makes a theoretical and applied contribution to our understanding of strategic information systems. It adopts and modifies Porter's value chain and develops value-chain flexibility as a theoretical framework to analyze the Octopus card system. The fast and dramatic changes in customer needs, business competition, and technological innovation are creating an urgent need for flexibility throughout the whole value chain. By looking at order fulfillment as a process, the shop outlet—either online or offline—is only part of the entire flow from customer enquiry to customer receipt. It is clear that no single idea could significantly reduce customer lead time. Only a total effort from organizations to increase flexibility and eliminate bottlenecks can make the kind of difference needed to compete ( Day, 1994 ; Blackburn, 1991 ; Yusuf, Sarhadi, & Gunasekran, 1999). Therefore, value chain flexibility must be broadly defined, and it should be applied in the service industry. In other words, organizations should be able to deal with the uncertainty along the value chain to meet customer demands. This framework analyzes how the Octopus card system creates value and, in doing so, identifies key implications for customers, service providers, and society
Six Sigma Driven Enterprise Model Transformation
Authors: Vella Raymond , Chattopadhyay Sekhar , Mo John P.T.
Published: March 2012

Enterprise architecture methods provide a structured system to understand enterprise activities. However, existing enterprise modelling methodologies take static views of the enterprise and do not naturally lead to a path of improvement during enterprise model transformation. This paper discusses the need for a methodology to facilitate changes for improvement in an enterprise. The six sigma methodology is proposed as the tool to facilitate progressive and continual Enterprise Model Transformation to allow businesses to adapt to meet increased customer expectation and global competition. An alignment of six sigma with phases of GERAM life cycle is described with inclusion of Critical-To-Satisfaction (CTS) requirements. The synergies of combining the two methodologies are presented in an effort to provide a more culturally embedded framework for Enterprise Model Transformation that builds on the success of six sigma.
A Collaboration Service Model for a Global Port Cluster
Authors: Toh Keith K.T. , Welsh Karyn , Hassall Kim
Published: March 2012

The importance of port clusters to a global city may be viewed from a number of perspectives. The development of port clusters and economies of agglomeration and their contribution to a regional economy is underpinned by information and physical infrastructure that facilitates collaboration between business entities within the cluster. The maturity of technologies providing portals, web and middleware services provides an opportunity to push the boundaries of contemporary service reference models and service catalogues to what the authors propose to be “collaboration services”. Servicing port clusters, portal engineers of the future must consider collaboration services to benefit a region. Particularly, service orchestration through a “public user portal” must gain better utilisation of publically owned infrastructure, to share knowledge and collaborate among organisations through information systems.
A Review: Mathematical Modles for Cross Docking Planning
Authors: Agustina Dwi , Lee C.K.M. , Piplani Rajesh
Published: March 2012

This paper provides a comprehensive literature review of mathematical models in cross docking planning. From the reviews, the models are classified in three different levels regarding its decisions level which are operational, tactical, and strategic level. The researches in operational level are mainly related to develop model in scheduling, dock door assignment, transhipment problem, vehicle routing, and product allocation. For tactical and strategic level, the researches are mainly proposing model to design the layout and the network of cross docking respectively. The contribution of this paper is to realize the gaps of knowledge in strategic, tactical and operational levels and point out the future research directions in cross docking.
The Atomic Views of Flat Supply Chains in China
Authors: Chattopadhyay Sekhar
Published: March 2012

China's domestic supply chain networks are getting flat and unbalanced despite its spectacular growth and rise to the enviable position in the global supply chain arena in recent times. The aftermath of continued investment explosion, especially in the coastal areas of the mainland, calls for an interwoven relationship of Chinese companies with the rest of the global supply chains. However, with new information and communication technologies, the real-time problems arising from this flattened supply chains are much more complex, multifaceted and multidimensional. China needs to re-think and re-focus on better alignment to the western values and cultures while managing its global business activities. This paper discusses four recently developed enterprise models in the light of several case studies conducted recently in Australia, China and India to characterise these new flat supply chains: People-Centric, Molecular Organization, Globally Dispersed and Disaggregated Value Chain. These, apparently different but inherently similar models have a vibrant architecture and system behaviour in their core and propose an alternative approach to address challenges of unbalanced domestic flat supply chains in China and helps the Chinese manufacturers to explore an approach to embrace Western values and cultures by enlarging their sphere of influence.
Coordinating Supply Chain Distribution in the Presence of Production Disruption Risks
Authors: Xu Xuanguo , Liang Zhongmei , Han Wenmin
Published: March 2012

With the impacts of unexpected events, production processes of supply chain system may be forced to interrupt in a certain period, which may decrease the supply capacity of manufacturer to its retailers. This paper discusses methods to distribute the limited stock in case the production disruptions occur. To ascertain a reasonable replenish sequence and quantity after the production disruption, a production disruption-oriented supply chain distribution model is offered, which can be used to minimize the negative impact of production disruption to supply chain system. And then a constraint satisfaction optimization method is established to resolve the model. Finally, validity of the model is verified with an actual application in an air-conditioner factory in China.
Managing Assets in the Infrastructure Sector
Authors: van Houten T.P. , Zhang Linda L.
Published: March 2012

In view of the importance of managing assets and the lack of research in managing assets in the infrastructure sector, we develop an asset management model in this study. This model is developed in line with the unique characteristics of the infrastructure assets and asset management principles and criteria. In the proposed model, we consider activities at three levels, namely the strategical, tactical and operational levels. The interviews with experts in asset management and officials in several Dutch organizations have proven the potential of our asset management model.
Exploring the relationships between media and political parties through web hyperlink analysis: The case of Spain
Authors: Romero‐Frías Esteban , Vaughan Liwen
Published: March 2012

The study focuses on the web presence of the main Spanish media and seeks to determine whether hyperlink analysis of media and political parties can provide insight into their political orientation. The research included all major national media and political parties in Spain. Inlink and co‐link data about these organizations were collected and analyzed using multidimensional scaling (MDS) and other statistical methods. In the MDS map, media are clustered based on their political orientation. There are significantly more co‐links between media and parties with the same political orientation than there are between those with different political orientations. Findings from the study suggest the potential of using link analysis to gain new insights into the interactions among media and political parties.
Quadracyclic Adenine: A Non‐Perturbing Fluorescent Adenine Analogue
Authors: Dierckx Anke , Miannay Francois‐Alexandre , Ben Gaied Nouha , Preus Søren , Björck Markus , Brown Tom , Wilhelmsson L. Marcus
Published: March 2012

Fluorescent‐base analogues (FBAs) comprise a group of increasingly important molecules for the investigation of nucleic acid structure and dynamics as well as of interactions between nucleic acids and other molecules. Here, we report on the synthesis, detailed spectroscopic characterisation and base‐pairing properties of a new environment‐sensitive fluorescent adenine analogue, quadracyclic adenine (qA). After developing an efficient route of synthesis for the phosphoramidite of qA it was incorporated into DNA in high yield by using standard solid‐phase synthesis procedures. In DNA qA serves as an adenine analogue that preserves the B‐form and, in contrast to most currently available FBAs, maintains or even increases the stability of the duplex. We demonstrate that, unlike fluorescent adenine analogues, such as the most commonly used one, 2‐aminopurine, and the recently developed triazole adenine, qA shows highly specific base‐pairing with thymine. Moreover, qA has an absorption band outside the absorption of the natural nucleobases (>300 nm) and can thus be selectively excited. Upon excitation the qA monomer displays a fluorescence quantum yield of 6.8 % with an emission maximum at 456 nm. More importantly, upon incorporation into DNA the fluorescence of qA is significantly less quenched than most FBAs. This results in quantum yields that in some sequences reach values that are up to fourfold higher than maximum values reported for 2‐aminopurine. To facilitate future utilisation of qA in biochemical and biophysical studies we investigated its fluorescence properties in greater detail and resolved its absorption band outside the DNA absorption region into distinct transition dipole moments. In conclusion, the unique combination of properties of qA make it a promising alternative to current fluorescent adenine analogues for future detailed studies of nucleic acid‐containing systems.
Prospective analysis of association between use of statins and melanoma risk in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Jagtap Deepa , Rosenberg Carol A. , Martin Lisa W. , Pettinger Mary , Khandekar Janardan , Lane Dorothy , Ockene Ira , Simon Michael S.
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND:

Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer, with an estimated 68,130 new cases and 8700 deaths in the United States in 2010. The increasing incidence and high death rate associated with metastatic disease support the need to focus on prevention. The authors used data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) to assess whether 3‐hydroxy‐3 methylglutaryl coenzyme A inhibitors (statins) are associated with a decreased risk of melanoma.

METHODS:

The study population consisted of 119,726 postmenopausal white women, in which 1099 cases of malignant melanoma were identified over an average (±standard deviation) of 11.6 ± 3.2 years. All diagnoses were confirmed by medical record review and pathology reports. Information on statin use was collected at baseline and during follow‐up. Self‐administered and interview‐administered questionnaires were used to collect information on other risk factors. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Analyses investigated the association of any statin use, type, potency, lipophilic status, and duration of use with melanoma.

RESULTS:

Statins were used by 8824 women (7.4%) at baseline. The annualized rate of melanoma was 0.09% among statin users and 0.09% among nonusers The multivariable adjusted HR for statin users compared with nonusers was 1.14 (95% CI, 0.91‐1.43). There were no significant differences in risk based on statin type, potency, category, duration, or in time‐dependent models.

CONCLUSIONS:

There was no significant association between statin use and melanoma risk among postmenopausal women in the WHI. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Cluster cytometry for high‐capacity bioanalysis
Authors: Edwards Bruce S. , Zhu Jingshu , Chen Jun , Carter Mark B. , Thal David M. , Tesmer John J.G. , Graves Steven W. , Sklar Larry A.
Published: March 2012

Flow cytometry specializes in high‐content measurements of cells and particles in suspension. Having long excelled in analytical throughput of single cells and particles, only recently with the advent of HyperCyt sampling technology, flow cytometry's multiexperiment throughput has begun to approach the point of practicality for efficiently analyzing hundreds‐of‐thousands of samples, the realm of high‐throughput screening (HTS). To extend performance and automation compatibility, we built a HyperCyt‐linked Cluster Cytometer platform, a network of flow cytometers for analyzing samples displayed in high‐density, 1,536‐well plate format. To assess the performance, we used cell‐ and microsphere‐based HTS assays that had been well characterized in the previous studies. Experiments addressed important technical issues: challenges of small wells (assay volumes 10 μL or less, reagent mixing, cell and particle suspension), detecting and correcting for differences in performance of individual flow cytometers, and the ability to reanalyze a plate in the event of problems encountered during the primary analysis. Boosting sample throughput an additional fourfold, this platform is uniquely positioned to synergize with expanding suspension array and cell barcoding technologies in which as many as 100 experiments are performed in a single well or sample. As high‐performance flow cytometers shrink in cost and size, cluster cytometry promises to become a practical, productive approach for HTS, and other large‐scale investigations of biological complexity. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Road traffic control based on genetic algorithm for reducing traffic congestion
Authors: Shigehiro Yuji , Miyakawa Takuya , Masuda Tatsuya
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we propose a road traffic control method for reducing traffic congestion with a genetic algorithm. In the not too distant future, a system which controls the routes of all vehicles in a certain area must be realized. The system should optimize the routes of all vehicles, but the solution space of this problem is enormous. Therefore, we apply the genetic algorithm to this problem by encoding the route of all vehicles to a fixed length chromosome. To improve the search performance, a new genetic operator called “path shortening” is also designed. The effectiveness of the proposed method is shown experimentally. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(4): 11‐19, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10421