bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biotype identification of Bemisia tabaci by acoustical method
Authors: Nakabayashi Hiroki , Mizutani Koichi , Ebihara Tadashi , Wakatsuki Naoto , Uga Hiroyuki , Kubota Kenji , Ishii Masahisa
Published: November 2017

Bemisia tabaci has two major biotypes: B and Q. Biotype identification is necessary for whitefly control, since different biotypes have different pesticide resistance. However, slow and expensive techniques are needed for accurate biotype classification. In this paper, we propose a whitefly biotype identification scheme using an acoustic signature, and evaluate its performance. The proposed scheme achieves biotype identification by three steps: signal detection, frequency-domain matching, and classification of biotypes. We evaluated the performance of the proposed scheme by processing actual whitefly sounds obtained in a recording experiment, and calculated the accuracy of the classification.

Results showed the proposed biotype identification method achieved a correct detection rate of 92% in Bemisia tabaci. This result suggests that the proposed scheme is a viable alternative for biotype identification of whitefly.
Metastatic Uveal Melanoma—A Review of Current Therapies and Future Directions
Authors: Kinsey Emily N , Salama April KS ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, US,   Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, US
Published: November 2017

The most common type of ocular melanoma is uveal melanoma, which includes melanomas that originate from the choroid, iris, or ciliary body. Although the survival rate for all cases of uveal melanoma is high, once metastatic disease occurs the survival rate drops dramatically. Currently no standard of care exists to guide management in metastatic uveal melanoma. The molecular biology in uveal melanoma is distinct from cutaneous melanoma. In most cases of uveal melanoma, the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is activated through mutations in either GNAQ or GNA11. In uveal melanoma the most common site of metastatic disease is the liver, and a number of hepatic-directed therapies are available including surgery, radiofrequency ablation, and embolization. Conventional systemic chemotherapy has shown poor response rates in uveal melanoma. An increased understanding of the molecular genetics and intracellular signaling of uveal melanoma has led to the development of immunotherapy and targeted systemic therapies. This review will discuss the options for metastatic uveal melanoma including hepatic-directed therapies, systemic therapies, and future directions.
Targeted and Immune Therapies in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer—Latest Advances
Authors: Ramalingam Suresh S ,   Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, US
Published: November 2017

In recent years the treatment landscape of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been transformed. The emergence of therapies targeting specific genetic alterations, such as epidermal growth factor (EGFR) mutations, as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the transmembrane protein programmed death-1 (PD1) and its ligand (PDL1), has increased the therapeutic options for patients with NSCLC. In an expert interview, Suresh S Ramalingam discusses recent advances in targeted and immune therapy and considers the role of chemotherapy within this rapidly evolving therapeutic paradigm.
Pearls for Prostate Cancer Screening
Authors: Roobol Monique J ,   Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Published: November 2017

Prostate cancer screening and its effect on disease-specific mortality has been a topic of debate since the early 1990s. In 2009, after publication of the results of two large randomized prostate cancer screening trials showing contradictory results, the debate continued. Meanwhile, based on the huge amount of data from these two trials it became clear there is no one-size-fits-all for prostate cancer screening. Now, with two recent publications, the debate on whether prostate cancer screening affects mortality can finally be ended. The focus is on how to identify those men that can benefit from screening.
Importance of hematological and biochemical findings in alcoholics admitted to emergency department
Authors: Gorghatta Hanumanthaiah Ramesh , Bangalore Krishnap Panchakshari Prasanna , P. Dheemantha , Farhath Sheerin , Biligi Dayananda , T. S. Ranganath
Published: November 2017

Background: Alcoholism represents one of the most serious worldwide socioeconomic and health problems. An alcoholic is a person who consumes an amount of alcohol capable of producing pathological changes. The amount of alcohol capable of producing disease depends on a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, malnutrition and concomitant viral infections of the liver. The association of heavy alcohol intake with a significant increase of all cause and non-cardiovascular mortality rates especially by cirrhosis, cancer and violent deaths.Methods: This study was conducted on 500 patients who were taken from the emergency department over a period of one year, they were divided into two groups as none drinkers and heavy drinkers. 250 subjects were in each group. Frequency, quantity and type of alcohol were noted for each group. Patients presenting to emergency with known history of diabetes, anemia and hepatic encephalopathy were excluded.Results: In our study there was no significant difference in the bio chemical tests of heavy drinkers and non-drinkers with respect to Glucose, sodium, potassium, chloride, Total Protein, albumin, globulin. But in current study significant difference in the values of GGT, ALT, AST and alkaline phosphatase (P>0.05) were noted among non-alcoholics and heavy drinkers.Conclusions: Some of the Hematological parameters(MCV) and biochemical parameters like GGT, AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase could be used for the diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism along with clinical examination if history about alcohol is missing.
Current role of low molecular weight heparin in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Singh Karan
Published: November 2017

Background: Nevertheless, several studies of LMWH in acute ischemic stroke have been neutral with regard to their primary outcomes, and it remains unclear whether these drugs should be used routinely or not. Our present trial endeavors to study the efficacy of LMWH (low and high dose dalteparin) in patients with progressive ischemic stroke in terms of morbidity and mortality as compared to control group and to compare it with AS+CLOP, with respect to these event rates, at the end of treatment.Methods: Our study was performed on 38 patients of acute ischemic stroke admitted to LLR and associated Hospitals, G. S. V. M. Medical College, Kanpur and who were assigned randomly to any of the four treatment groups (0.4ml dalteparin, 0.8ml of dalteparin, O ml of placebo and aspirin +clopidogrel 150+75 mg). The standard error of proportion method and Chi square test was applied.Results: 70% of patients in group I, 62.5% in Group II and 60% Group III presented with stroke in evolution at presentation as compared to only 30% in the placebo group. 75% of patients in group I, 66.66% in group II, 50% in Group III and 33.34% in group IV had a complete recovery. 25% of patients in Group-I, 33.34% in Group-II, 50% in Group III and 66.66% in Group-IV had an incomplete recovery.Conclusions: There is no significant reduction in the mortality and morbidity amongst LMWH groups at the end of treatment and end of trial as compared to the AS+CLOP, or placebo group or even amongst the low and high dose LMWH groups.
Laryngeal Tuberculosis: an uncommon but important cause of odynophagia
Authors: Agarwal Abhishek , Khan Asna , Pandey Saurav , Vaish Arvind Kumar
Published: November 2017

Tuberculosis can occur as pulmonary tuberculosis or as extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The commonest forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis include the pleural tuberculosis and the lymph node tuberculosis. Here we are describing an interesting case of laryngeal tuberculosis which presented to us with odynophagia. The diagnosis was suspected on basis of chest x-ray and CT thorax, but it could only be confirmed after direct visualization of the larynx on fibreoptic bronchoscopy and by taking biopsy from the epiglottis under direct visualization.
Recurrent severe gestational thrombocytopenia in pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Jamal Shehla , Goel Neerja , Mehta Archana , Ahuja Mayuri
Published: November 2017

Most of the newly diagnosed cases of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy are mild, asymptomatic and accidentally discovered on routine antenatal screening. Common causes for the same include gestational thrombocytopenia, Preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and less commonly immune causes like ITP. As a matter of fact, HELLP and Preeclampsia have specific diagnostic signs and symptomatology, others are rather difficult to distinguish, as they are usually asymptomatic. We present a case of 21 years second gravida at 35 weeks and six days period of gestation, referred from a local practitioner for severe thrombocytopenia (Platelet count-20000/mm3). She had history of previous still birth due to cord prolapse, and severe thrombocytopenia (Platelet count-6000/mm3) in previous pregnancy. She recovered rapidly and spontaneously in postpartum period. The newborn platelet count was also normal. She was considered to be a case of rare but severe recurrent gestational thrombocytopenia, after ruling out other causes of severe thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Management includes adequate preparations for ensuring optimal fetomaternal outcome. Treatment initiation and modification should be done, with preparation and anticipation for regional anesthesia, blood loss and appropriate styptic measures.
Análisis del contenido de una Guía de intervención psicológica y social para el manejo de la Diabetes Mellitus Tipo Dos
Authors: Orozco-Gómez Ángela María , Sánchez-Jiménez Leidy
Published: November 2017

El objetivo del presente estudio cualitativo fue analizar el contenido de una guía de intervención psicológica y social para el manejo de la Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 (DM2) antes de su publicación. Se analizó la información obtenida en las entrevistas realizadas a seis pacientes diagnosticados con DM2, sin trastornos psiquiátricos ni adicciones, y tres jueces expertos, con experiencia de más de dos años en el trabajo con pacientes que padecen enfermedad crónica no transmisible. Las entrevistas tenían los siguientes objetivos: 1) determinar la correspondencia entre las dimensiones incluidas en la guía y las necesidades de los pacientes, 2) reconocer la experiencia de los jueces sobre los síntomas psicológicos asociados a la DM2, y 3) identiicar las intervenciones psicológicas utilizadas. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren la conveniencia de incluir en la guía evidencia empírica actual que demuestre la efectividad de las estrategias de evaluación e intervención en afrontamiento, entrenamiento en regulación emocional y participación de la familia en los grupos de apoyo. Lo anterior contribuye a perfeccionar la guía de intervención, la cual constituye una herramienta útil para los psicólogos de la salud.
Corrección neuropsicológica de alteraciones en el análisis y síntesis visoespacial y su repercusión en el aprendizaje escolar: un análisis de caso
Authors: Avilés-Reyes Rubén , Bonilla-Sánchez María Del Rosario
Published: November 2017

Desde la perspectiva histórico-cultural, el concepto de factor o mecanismo neuropsicológico es el trabajo que realiza una zona o un conjunto de zonas cerebrales especializadas, para relacionar el nivel psicológico superior con el mecanismo psicoisiológico. El mecanismo de análisis y síntesis espacial es aquel que se encarga de organizar e integrar la información de las diferentes modalidades sensoriales (visual, táctil, auditivo). El procesamiento visual, principalmente en su modalidad visoespacial, es determinante para el reconocimiento, la discriminación, la comprensión y la manipulación del entorno por parte del sujeto. En el niño, este se maniiesta en habilidades escolares, como la lectoescritura y las matemáticas. Aquí se presenta el análisis de un caso con insuiciente nivel funcional del mecanismo de análisis y síntesis espacial, así como el programa de intervención neuropsicológica aplicado. Los resultados muestran mejoría en la actividad gráica y constructiva, así como en los procesos básicos de las matematicas y la lectoescritura.
Consumo sustentável: a problemática da obsolescência programada e o descarte de produtos
Authors: Pereira Marília Do Nascimento
Published: November 2017

O presente estudo visa abranger a necessidade de se pensar em uma prática de consumo sustentável, na perspectiva de seus desafios e possibilidades. Procura-se dispensar especial atenção na problemática envolvendo a obsolescência programada de produtos no atual cenário da sociedade do consumo. Evidencia-se a importância e atualidade do tema com vistas ao contexto global da preocupação com a degradação ambiental e a perspectiva constitucional de levar para as futuras gerações um meio ambiente sadio e equilibrado. Em análise do tema buscam-se quais são as alternativas para descarte de produtos que podem oferecer vantagens sustentáveis ao meio ambiente, considerando políticas públicas e legislação na perspectiva de que não há como jogar para fora do planeta.Para enfrentar tais premissas se utilizou do método de abordagem dedutivo e do método de procedimento monográfico, aliados a teoria de base sistêmica.
Fragmentos constitucionais: constitucionalismo social na globalização
Authors: Acosta Junior Jorge Alberto de Macedo
Published: November 2017

RESENHATEUBNER, Gunther. Fragmentos constitucionais: constitucionalismo social na globalização. São Paulo: Saraiva, 2016.ORIGINALTEUBNER, Gunther. Constitutional fragments: societal constitutionalism and globalization. United Kingdom: Oxford University Press, 2012.
É possível proteger, juridicamente, o projeto de vida?
Authors: Sessarego Carlos Fernández
Published: November 2017

O ser humano projeta permanentemente. Não há outra possibilidade em seu viver. Se vive projetando, se projeta para viver. Se projeta porque o ser humano é livre e temporal. Livre para decidir sobre o que quer ser, sobre seu destino. Mas o projeto só é factível se o ser humano, além de livre, é temporal. Ao projetar se decide no presente visando o futuro, apoiando-se no passado. Somente compreendendo o ser humano, a pessoa, é possível distinguir a diversa e complexa gama de danos que ela pode sofrer, sua diversidade e as consequências que eles representam para a sua vida.
Grupo de apoio psicológico a portadores da Síndrome Fibromialgia: relato de experiência
Authors: Luiz Fernando Rocha , Raupp Luciane Marques
Published: November 2017

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar como foram estruturados os encontros e as técnicas cognitivo-comportamentais utilizadas durante as sessões do Grupo de Apoio a Portadores da Síndrome Fibromialgia, em uma clínica universitária localizada na região metropolitana de Porto Alegre. Ao todo, foram realizadas 20 sessões, distribuídas semanalmente durante o ano de 2015, com duração de aproximadamente 75 minutos, com participação média de 15 pessoas, o grupo era aberto e coordenado por dois estagiários de psicologia. Os encontros visavam produzir um espaço onde os participantes pudessem compartilhar suas experiências e desenvolver habilidades para enfrentar as dificuldades relacionadas a Síndrome Fibromialgia. Por meio da experiência, foi possível verificar distorções cognitivas e o quanto a crença de autoeficácia pode auxiliar no enfrentamento das dificuldades. Foi realizado revisão literária em relação a Fibromialgia, os métodos de tratamento em psicologia, aspectos psicológicos da Síndrome e o impacto psicossocial na vida dessas pessoas. Com a discussão buscou-se realizar um diálogo entre os aspectos encontrados na revisão de literatura com o relato de experiência, denunciando, dessa forma, como o apoio psicológico pode auxiliar na manutenção do bem-estar e qualidade de vida dos participantes do grupo.
Factor analysis of the 9-item Psychological Stress Measure in a French Canadian non-clinical student sample
Authors: Balbinotti Marcos Alencar Abaide , Gélinas Sébastien , Bélanger Kathy , Gonçalves Gabriel Henrique Treter , Barbosa Marcus Levi Lopes
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study is to test the unidimensional 9-items factorial model, about psychological stress, with a non-clinical sample of Canadian students, evaluated by the metric principals of factorial analysis and internal consistency. A sample of 546 university students (Women = 79.6%, Men = 20.4%, Mean age = 23.2, Standard Deviation = 7.3) were used. The results of the exploratory factorial analysis (explaining about 55.3% of the total variance of the construct) and confirmatory (GFI = 0.994, AGFI = 0.991, CMIN / DF = 3.77, RMSEA = 0.071, CFI = 0.985) satisfactorily confirmed its unidimensionality. The results of the internal consistency study, obtained by Cronbach's Alpha, McDonald's Omega, Greatest Lower Bound coefficient, and also the EAP scores, ensure the accuracy of the tested model. New studies should explore and test other important metric qualities of this instrument (content validity and test-retest reliability, among others).
El “juez deferente” y el “juez integrador”: prejudicialidad en la aplicación del artículo 18 de la ley de competencia desleal
Authors: Pabón Almanza Camilo
Published: November 2017

En el artículo 18 de la Ley 256 de 1996 se previó que se considera desleal la violación de normas jurídicas, siempre que dicha violación le conceda una ventaja competitiva y significativa al infractor. Lo anterior implica que el juez de competencia desleal deberá estudiar y pronunciarse sobre la violación de esas “otras normas jurídicas”, para poder completar el supuesto de hecho de la norma citada. Empero, cada una de esas “otras normas” (ya sean laborales, tributarias, cambiarias, u otras) tiene una autoridad especializada encargada de aplicarlas, así como de fijar su sentido y alcance. De este modo, podemos postular la siguiente pregunta: ¿Puede el juez de competencia desleal pronunciarse, antes de que la autoridad especializada decida si en ese caso concreto se violó la “otra norma”?
Del gobierno electrónico al big data: la digitalización de la gestión pública en Colombia frente al control territorial
Authors: Gomis-Balestreri Miguel
Published: November 2017

A pesar de sus problemas internos, Colombia es uno de los países latinoamericanos más entusiastas en relación con el gobierno electrónico. Las reformas inducidas por la implementación de políticas alineadas con los odm-ods, así como de la pacificación, han inducido una mejora en la capacidad colombiana de intervención en el territorio, donde la digitalización permitió llegar a ciudadanos tradicionalmente alejados de las administraciones. Sin embargo, surgen dudas sobre la coherencia de dicha estrategia. Los avances realizados suponen un desafío: ¿cómo afecta y es afectada la digitalización del sector público colombiano por la necesidad del Estado de fortalecer su control físico del territorio? Teniendo en cuenta dicho contexto, esta reflexión busca entender qué avances y problemas subyacen en la reconstrucción de la relación Estadociudadano, especialmente a partir del análisis de la digitalización en Bogotá.
El papel de la sociedad civil en la Cumbre de la Tierra: gobernanza compleja
Authors: Gómez Lee Martha Isabel , Maxfield Nicolás
Published: November 2017

El artículo se enfoca en analizar la participación de la sociedad civil en la Cumbre de la Tierra de 1992, con base en las experiencias del Consejo Internacional para la Ciencia, la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza y los Recursos Naturales, y la Asociación para el Progreso de la Comunicación en la Cumbre de la Tierra. El marco teórico está fundamentado en el trabajo de Andrew Hurrell y busca identificar las actividades de gobernanza compleja que fueron adelantadas por estos actores de la sociedad civil y examinar sus herramientas de influencia. La evidencia encontrada corrobora el potencial de la sociedad civil para influir en la interpretación de asuntos políticos por medio de actividades de gobernanza compleja en la Cumbre de la Tierra. Se concluye que los estudios de la sociedad internacional se deben enfocar en la manera como los Estados interactúan con una serie de actores sociales, como la sociedad civil.
La perspectiva de género: el discurso de la Alta Consejería Presidencial para la Equidad de la Mujer
Authors: Lugo Upegui Claudia , Herrera Kit Patricia
Published: November 2017

Desde finales de los años setenta el Estado colombiano inició el proceso de configuración de la institucionalidad dedicada a la protección de los derechos de las mujeres. Dicho proceso se ha caracterizado por una constante transformación de la estructura del mecanismo nacional y, a la vez, por los cambios en las prioridades que este ha puesto en la agenda nacional en relación con el adelanto de las mujeres. El presente artículo buscará analizar, a la luz del contenido de las exigencias y visiones internacionales en materia de los derechos de las mujeres, el ajuste institucional y el sustento de la transformación de la acción de la Consejería Presidencial para la Equidad de la Mujer (CPEM). Así, teniendo en cuenta las prioridades esbozadas en el referencial internacional, se pretende identificar los referenciales a partir de los cuales la cpem ha venido impulsando la inclusión del tema de las mujeres en la agenda pública nacional.
Principales preservadores maderables y exudados microbianos con actividad antagonista al desarrollo en agentes biológicos deletéreos
Authors: García-Ortiz Vanessa Ruby , Benítez-Rocha Gabriela , Martínez-Pacheco Mauro , Velázquez-Becerra Crisanto
Published: November 2017

La madera de baja durabilidad es susceptible de deterioro por xilófagos y su protección es una meta tecnológica no alcanzada que genera pérdidas económicas y materiales. Alternativas para evitar el uso de preservadores convencionales tóxicos y contaminantes se pueden establecer mediante el conocimiento del microecosistema bacteriano en la madera. La protección de este material es posible obtenerla con bacterias y sus exudados. El propósito de esta investigación es destacar que el biodeterioro de la madera de baja durabilidad es evitable mediante estrategias microbiológicas relevantes para el control de los hongos xilófagos. La observación es que bacterias de los géneros Arthrobacter, Bacillus y Pseudomonas y sus exudados potencialmente son agentes de protección que exhiben mecanismos de acción diferentes como, el antagonismo, el parasitismo y la producción de exudados que contienen moléculas con efecto: antimicrobiano (antibióticos), quelante (sideróforos) que inhiben enzimas o funciones y compuestos volátiles (dimetilhexadecilamina).  El conocimiento de este ecosistema microbiano facilitará la construcción de una alternativa al uso de los preservadores convencionales de madera y constituye un área de oportunidad. Se evidencia la ausencia del conocimiento de bacterias antagónicas de los xilófagos, el manejo de la producción y composición de sus exudados y su aplicación, con lo que se manifiesta un campo inexplorado en la biotecnología de la preservación de la madera.
Comments: Signs of Recovery
Authors: Donnelly John
Published: November 2017

Editor's column

After 3 tough years of cost cuts and downsizing, the oil industry is seeing signs of new life in a lower-price environment. Companies are hiring again, salaries have rebounded, and large producers are posting profits.

The oil and gas industry is finally hiring and may begin to face worker shortages in some areas. Since oil prices crashed in 2014, more than 440,000 jobs in the industry have been cut worldwide. But next year, almost 90% of employers expect that staffing levels will either stabilize or increase in 2018, according to a survey by NES Global Talent and oilandgasjobsearch.com. Almost 60% of employers expect to recruit significantly over the next year. Of the companies that are hiring, 23% expect to increase their workforce by 5%, 19% plan to increase staffing by between 5 and 10%; and 17% expect to increase hiring by more than 10%. Almost half of employers expect salaries to rise.

SPE’s annual industry salary survey also paints a brighter picture. Industry professionals reported average total compensation of $194,649 this year, a $9,000 increase from 2016 although still down from 2014 and earlier. Compared with 2016, mean base pay, other compensation, and total compensation all rose in 2017.

Oil prices have finally crossed the $50/bbl threshold, with Brent over $60/bbl in mid-November. Rising prices, along with sharp cost cutting, are leading to operator profits. The supermajors—including ExxonMobil, Total, Chevron, Shell, and BP—all posted healthy third-quarter earnings and solid year-over-year improvement in cash flow and profits. In delivering their earnings, both BP and Shell said they would remain profitable even if oil prices dipped into the high-$40/bbl range. The large service companies, such as Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, and Halliburton, were more circumspect in their outlooks but see a foundation laid for better days ahead.

OPEC also sees positive days ahead in its latest forecast. It predicts that global oil demand in 2018 will grow and that non-OPEC production will not increase as fast as previously thought. Along with its production cuts, that will continue to reduce excess oil in storage. OPEC, Russia, and a handful of other producers agreed to cut output by 1.8 million B/D, and compliance with the agreement has been stellar. OPEC’s report concedes that it did not kill off North American shale when it flooded the market with oil 3 years ago, and that shale will continue to see strong supply growth.

A new International Energy Agency reports confirms OPEC’s conclusion on shale’s staying power. The IEA said the supply surge in shale output will lead to the largest gains in the history of the industry. By 2025, the US will match Saudi Arabia in oil production and surpass the former Soviet Union in gas output, according to its World Energy Outlook. The US oil industry “weathered the turbulent period of lower oil prices since 2014 with remarkable fortitude,” according to the report.
E&P Notes (December 2017)
Authors: Boschee Pam , Whitfield Stephen , Parshall Joel , Donnelly John
Published: November 2017

E&P Notes

BHGE Shares Strategy for Integration of Services, Products, and Digital Platforms

Pam Boschee, Senior Editor

Marking 100 days as a new company after the merger of Baker Hughes and GE Oil and Gas, Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE), shared its strategies and plans for taking a fullstream approach to global oilfield services, products, and digital capabilities to improve productivity, safety, and project economics.

Speaking at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition in October, Mathias Schlecht, BHGE vice president of enterprise technology, described the concept as the full integration of services from upstream to midstream to downstream. “We know how to get the molecules and transport and use them. From molecules to megawatts, and deep sea to the cloud.”

 

Accidental Discovery: Bitumen Pellets for Heavy Oil Transport 

Stephen Whitfield, Senior Staff Writer

Researchers at the University of Calgary have developed something that may have a significant impact on the transport of heavy oil, and it is the size of a pill.

The discovery is a pellet, self-sealing with a liquid core of either bitumen or heavy oil within a super-viscous, semi-solid, or solid skin that reduces the chance of a damaging spill during transport. The pellets can be designed to be buoyant and safe if they are spilled into the environment by incorporating agents within the pellets, like gas bubbles, catalysts, and solvents. Their outer coating is unreactive, making them much less likely to cause environmental damage than a liquid heavy oil or bitumen spill.

 

Jones Energy CEO Tells of Company’s Transformation

Joel Parshall, JPT Features Editor

Jones Energy CEO Jonny Jones described his company’s transformation from a small private entity to a publicly traded company in a talk in October at the Leaders in Industry Luncheon, sponsored by the Independent Producers Association of America and the Texas Independent Oil Producers & Royalty Owners, at the Houston Petroleum Club.

Jones highlighted the company’s entry into the Merge oil play, a newly defined play at the junction of the SCOOP (South Central Oklahoma Oil Province) and STACK (Sooner Trend, Anadarko and Canadian and Kingfisher [counties]) plays in central Oklahoma.

 

Largest Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale Announced

John Donnelly, JPT Editor

The US Department of the Interior in October proposed the largest oil and gas lease sale ever held in the United States—almost 77 million acres offshore Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The sale would be held in March 2018 and is attempted to revive interest in a sector that has been reeling since oil prices fell sharply beginning 3 years ago. The sale includes all available unleased areas on the Gulf ’s Outer Continental Shelf. The Trump administration said the auction should make the US energy industry stronger. This proposed sale follows a lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico in August that attracted $121 million in high bids on 90 offshore tracts.
Great Plains Winter Wheat Varies for Root Length and Diameter under Drought Stress
Authors: Awad Wahid , Byrne Patrick F. , Reid Scott D. , Comas Louise H. , Haley Scott D.
Published: November 2017

Core Ideas

Great Plains winter wheat genotypes differed for root traits in a greenhouse study.

Total root length was negatively correlated with average root diameter under moisture stress.

Root length deep in the profile was positively associated with leaf relative water content.

Semi‐dwarfing alleles did not significantly affect any root system trait.

Development of a deep, extensive root system is a drought adaptation mechanism that is beneficial for maintaining productivity under water scarcity in dryland cropping systems. To determine variation for root biomass, depth, length, and diameter and related physiological traits in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), we conducted two greenhouse studies under drought stress. Study I evaluated 30 entries (cultivars and advanced lines) primarily from Colorado, and Study II included 30 entries from seven U.S. Great Plains states. Evaluations were conducted on pre‐flowering plants in 1 m by 10 cm plastic tubes under greenhouse conditions. Tubes were weighed daily, and aboveground biomass (ABM) and root sections were collected after a 3‐wk dry‐down treatment. Roots were washed, scanned, and digitally analyzed. The Colorado entries differed significantly (P < 0.05) for estimated transpiration, ABM, average root diameter, total root length, and root length in most diameter classes. Great Plains entries differed significantly (P < 0.05) for ABM, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, total root length, and root length for several diameter classes. Total root length correlated positively (P < 0.05) with leaf elongation rate and relative water content in Study I and negatively with average root diameter in Study II. There was no significant effect of the Rht‐B1b or Rht‐D1b alleles on root system growth of the Great Plains winter wheat germplasm. Variation in root traits can be exploited in breeding programs to develop plants with the best adapted root systems to withstand drought stress.
Cultivar Selection, Cultural Management Practice, and Fungicide Application Influence Leaf Spot and Dollar Spot on Ultradwarf Bermudagrass
Authors: Vines Phillip L. , Allen Thomas W. , DuBien Janice , Stewart Barry R. , Tomaso‐Peterson Maria
Published: November 2017

Core Ideas

Ultradwarf bermudagrass cultivars show different susceptibility to foliar diseases.

Cultural management practices have different effects on foliar diseases.

Seasonal fungicide applications adequately controlled leaf spot and dollar spot.

In the southern United States, putting greens are commonly grassed with an ultradwarf bermudagrass (UDB) [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy] cultivar. However, these turfgrasses generate profuse amounts of thatch, which leads to increased pressure of diseases such as leaf spot, caused by Bipolaris cynodontis (Marignoni) Shoemaker, and dollar spot, caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa F.T. Bennett. This 2‐yr field study evaluated the effects of (i) cultivar selection (‘Champion’ and ‘MiniVerde’ UDB cultivars), (ii) cultural management practice (standard weekly applications of vertical mow [VM]; weekly applications of VM with once monthly substitutions of slice, spike, and scarify practices; and once monthly applications of slice, spike, and scarify practices alone), and (iii) fungicide application (application of fungicide and no application of fungicide) on leaf spot and dollar spot of UDB putting green turf. Leaf spot severity (LSS) was assessed by a visual estimation of percent symptomatic turf area (0–100%). Dollar spot incidence (DSI) was assessed as the number of dollar spot foci present. At most rating periods during active infection, MiniVerde had reduced LSS and DSI compared with Champion. Standard VM practices resulted in the greatest LSS and DSI. Once monthly substitutions of spike and scarify practices in weekly VM regimes reduced LSS and DSI compared with standard VM practices. The least LSS and DSI were observed with once monthly applications of alternative slice, spike, and scarify practices. Applications of fungicides reduced LSS and DSI compared with no application of fungicides.
A multi-scale nested experiment for understanding flood wave generation across four orders of magnitude of catchment area
Authors: Wilkinson Mark E. , Bathurst James C.
Published: November 2017

Current understanding of flood response is deficient concerning the variation of flood generation at different spatial scales as a function of spatial and temporal variations in storm rainfall. This study therefore investigates the relationship between rainfall spatial variability and flood response through a multi-scale nested experiment. Hydrological data from an extensive network in the Eden catchment, UK, were collected for a range of flood events over varying scales from 1.1 km2 to 2,286 km2. The data were analysed to show the spatial scale dependency of flood peak and lag time. Peak specific discharge for winter events appears to remain constant with area up to 20–30 km2, corresponding to the main upland headwater catchments, thereafter declining as area increases. The flood response to the convective storms depends on the location of the rainfall and the downstream rates of change of runoff and peak discharge can vary significantly from the winter storm relationships. Particularly for large synoptic storms, average scaling laws for peak discharge have been quantified (exponents ranging between 0.75 and 0.86), illustrating the non-linear nature of the cross-scale variations. Such laws provide a means of linking the headwater catchments with the larger scale at which planners and decision-makers operate.
Artificial intelligence for the removal of benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene (BTEX) from aqueous solutions using iron nanoparticles
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed S. , Mostafa Mohamed K. , Abdel-Gawad Soha A.
Published: November 2017

Magnetic nanosorbents proved to be highly effective in inorganic and organic contaminants removal from aqueous solutions, especially nano zero valent iron (nZVI). The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of using nZVI in removing benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene (BTEX) contaminants from aqueous solutions. The nZVI and the standard BTEX solution were prepared in the laboratory. X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV spectrophotometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were used for nZVI characterization. The effects of contact time, initial BTEX mixture concentration, adsorbent dose, temperature, and pH on the amount of BTEX absorbed were investigated. The highest removal efficiency of 97% for the BTEX mixture was achieved at a stirring rate of 100 rpm, temperature of 60°C, and pH 7. The minimum effective time for efficient removal was 30 min, while the effective dose for BTEX compounds removal was 0.22 g/L. The Freundlich model was the best fit of experimental data. An artificial neural network (ANN) was used to predict the BTEX removal efficiency. Modeling results showed that ANN with average absolute error of 0.6272% is reliable in describing the adsorption of BTEX onto the iron nanoparticles. It is estimated that the cost of BTEX removal by nZVI under the optimal conditions will be about 3.5 USD per cubic meter.
Modification of UASB reactor by using CFD simulations for enhanced treatment of municipal sewage
Authors: Das Suprotim , Sarkar Supriya , Chaudhari Sanjeev
Published: November 2017

Up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) has been in use since last few decades for the treatment of organic wastewaters. However, the performance of UASB reactor is quite low for treatment of low strength wastewaters (LSWs) due to less biogas production leading to poor mixing. In the present research work, a modification was done in the design of UASB to improve mixing of reactor liquid which is important to enhance the reactor performance. The modified UASB (MUASB) reactor was designed by providing a slanted baffle along the height of the reactor having an angle of 5.7° with the vertical wall. A two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of three phase gas-liquid-solid flow in MUASB reactor was performed and compared with conventional UASB reactor. The CFD study indicated better mixing in terms of vorticity magnitude in MUASB reactor as compared to conventional UASB, which was reflected in the reactor performance. The performance of MUASB was compared with conventional UASB reactor for the onsite treatment of domestic sewage as LSW. Around 16% higher total chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency was observed in MUASB reactor as compared to conventional UASB during this study. Therefore, this MUASB model demonstrates a qualitative relationship between mixing and performance during the treatment of LSW. From the study, it seems that MUASB holds promise for field applications.
Predictors of complications when transferring postoperative cardiac patients from the intensive care unit
Authors: Paromov K. , Kirov M.
Published: November 2017

Aim. Emphasis in the study was placed on the evaluation of predictors of complications when transferring postoperative cardiac patients from the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods. 60 patients after cardiac surgery were included into this prospective observational study, with 41 of them undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Before the transfer from ICU, echocardiographical criteria of their systolic and diastolic dysfunction, parameters of oxygenation, hemodynamic and metabolism status, as well as postoperative complications and duration of hospitalization were evaluated. Results. Preoperatively, the patients had a moderate degree of heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. Those patients who had undergone valvular and combined procedures using cardiopulmonary bypass had higher Euroscore II values, more severe heart failure, prolonged duration of surgery, respiratory support and hospitalization in ICU and in hospital. The echocardiographical criteria of diastolic dysfunction before transfer from ICU were recorded in 14-77% patients. Despite a normal range of blood pressure, the systolic function of the left ventricle and preload (left atrial pressure), oxygenation and metabolic status, venous to arterial carbon dioxide difference (Pv-aCO2) and left ventricle performance index (Tei) exceeded the normal values before transfer from ICU. The correlation analysis revealed a relationship between duration of ICU and hospital stay and the criteria of heart failure severity (left atrial pressure [rho = 0.27, 95% CI 0.02–0.48, p = 0.04]) and left ventricle dysfunction (e’ [rho = 0.41, 95% CI 0.17–0.59, p<0.01]) before the transfer. The increase in fluid balance during ICU stay after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery tended to result in a complicated postoperative period (AUC = 0.73, p = 0.02) and a higher risk of atrial fibrillation.Conclusion. The impairment of the left ventricle diastolic function before transferring from ICU correlates with the duration of hospitalization. A positive fluid balance during ICU period after off-pump surgery might bring about postoperative complications and atrial fibrillation, thus predicting their onset.Received 5 April 2017. Revised 10 August 2017. Accepted 15 August 2017.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.AcknowledgementThe authors express their gratitude for patience and support during the study to the staff of Cardiac Surgery Department and Resuscitation Department.
Distal vertebral artery reconstruction when managing vertebrobasilar insufficiency
Authors: Galaktionov D. , Dubovoy A. , Ovsyannikov K.
Published: November 2017

This article presents a literature review devoted to the reconstruction of the distal vertebral artery and a clinical case of successful surgical treatment of a patient suffering from vertebrobasilar insufficiency caused by occlusion of the vertebral artery in a proximal segment. The external carotid artery-distal vertebral artery bypass was performed by using the radial artery.Received 27 February 2017. Revised 25 July 2017. Accepted 3 August 2017.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Effects of Olive Oil on TNF-α and IL-6 in Humans: Implication in Obesity and Frailty
Authors: Yarla Nagendra S. , Polito Angela , Peluso Ilaria
Published: November 2017

Background and Objective:

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 are
important mediators of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation. The latter plays a central role in
several obesity-related pathologies, such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.
Besides, these cytokines have been also implicated in geriatric and cancer-induced anorexia, cachexia,
sarcopenia and frailty. Potential interventions for both obesity and frailty include dietary advice and
nutraceuticals. In this context, the consumption of olive oil (OO) has been associated with the health
effects of the Mediterranean diet (Med-diet). This review is aimed to discuss the OO-mediated modulation
of TNF- α and IL-6 in human studies and the potential implication in obesity and frailty.

Results:

The reviewed studies suggest that the improvement of postprandial TNF-α and IL-6 observed
with OO consumption is affected by body mass index (BMI). The effects on TNF-α and IL-6 after
medium and long-term consumptions involved many factors and the cross-talk between adipose tissue,
liver, skeletal muscle and brain. Major anti-inflammatory effects were observed when OO was consumed
with Med-diet, which is associated with healthy behaviors. In this context, the role of microbioma-
polyphenols, diet-gene and exercise-gene interactions in the effects of OO on immune-mediated
inflammatory responses involved in obesity and frailty deserves further investigation.

Conclusion:

Further studies are needed to clarify the effect of OO net of possible synergistic effects
with other dietary and lifestyle factors of Mediterranean area.
Immigrant Youths with Disabilities and Caregivers from the Middle-East—Challenges and Needs During Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Björquist E. , Nordmark E. , Almasri N. A. , Hallström I.
Published: November 2017

Background: Recent years of research have increased the knowledge about how to support the transition to adulthood for youths with disabilities. In today’s multi-cultural societies knowledge about transitioning immigrant youths and their caregivers is still needed.

Objective: To describe the expectations and needs of immigrant youths with disabilities residing in Sweden during their transition into adulthood as well as the expectations and needs of their caregivers, all of whom come from Arabic-speaking countries.

Method: Structured interviews based on the Rotterdam Transition Profile (RTP) questionnaire were conducted with youths 16 to 24 years of age and with caregivers based on the Family Needs Survey (FNS).

Results: Findings of interest were the youths´ dependence on parents for care demands and leisure activities, their need for information regarding future care and support and their concerns regarding future marriage. Caregivers’ felt unfamiliar with the term ‘intellectual disability’ and had a need for information about their youths’ condition and of available service for their children now and in the future.

Conclusion: To prepare immigrant youths for future support, health care and habilitation services, it is important to enhance their autonomy. Immigrant families need culturally sensitive support and information, provided by designated professionals in their language of preference during the youths’ transition to adulthood.
Docência superior mediada pela imagem veiculada pelas tecnologias digitais –dicotomia entre a dimensão instrumental e o discurso das visualidades
Authors: Mielke Rosilei , Salvago Blanca Martín
Published: November 2017

Este artigo discute a utilização da imagem veiculada pelas tecnologias digitais no processo de mediação na docência do ensino superior, a dicotomia entre a sua dimensão instrumental e o discurso das visualidades, com uma abordagem sobre a cultura visual e a educação contemporânea. Analisa-se as demandas dos estudantes em relação à imagem e às tecnologias digitais, as posturas apresentadas pelos docentes e algumas posturas que a realidade exige para o desenvolvimento de uma perspectiva pedagógica interativa, potencializadora, emancipadora e participativa. As investigações, que neste primeiro momento contemplam a pesquisa bibliográfica, apontam para um entendimento da inserção das imagens veiculadas pelas tecnologias digitais como fundamento, como conteúdo e como construtora de conhecimento, pode ser um caminho para transformações significativas no processo de ensino-aprendizagem na formação de novos docentes.
O cenário da licenciatura nos Estados Unidos: implicações potenciais para a arte-educação no Brasil
Authors: Sutters Justin P. , Savage Shari L.
Published: November 2017

Dois professores dos Estados Unidos que trabalham em programas de arte educação falam de questões atuais decorrentes das recentes políticas que tiveram impacto direto sobre cursos de graduação, trabalho de campo, licenciatura e retenção de professores. O estudo é apresentado a partir da compreensão de um dos autores sobre a arte educação brasileira, através da aprendizagem experiencial e da pesquisa por meio de estudos comparativos. Os autores fornecem um enquadramento contextual do cenário educacional atual nos Estados com a intenção de informar os leitores de tendências que podem ter efeitos negativos semelhantes nas licenciaturas no Brasil. Por fim, os autores compartilham algumas estratégias que implementaram para responder aos desafios pontuados.