bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a New Vancomycin Dosing Protocol in Morbidly Obese Patients
Authors: Kosmisky Desiree E. , Griffiths Carrie L. , Templin Megan A. , Norton James , Martin Kelly E.
Published: October 2015

Background

Optimal dosing of vancomycin in morbidly obese patients (>100 kg and at least 140% of their ideal body weight) has not been determined. Conventional dosing strategies have led to the observation of supratherapeutic trough concentrations (>20 mcg/mL).

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a new vancomycin dosing protocol in morbidly obese patients in achieving therapeutic trough concentrations between 10 and 20 mcg/mL and to determine patient-specific factors influencing the trough concentration attained.

Methodology

A single-center, retrospective chart review included morbidly obese adult patients with a pharmacy-to-dose vancomycin consult and at least 1 trough concentration obtained at steady state. Patients were excluded if they had a creatinine clearance (CrCl) less than 35 mL/min or unstable renal function, were not dosed according to the revised protocol, or received vancomycin prior to initiation of the protocol.

Results

Of the 48 patients included, 17 (35.4%) achieved a therapeutic vancomycin trough concentration. Subtherapeutic concentrations (<10 mcg/mL) were observed in 27 patients (56.3%) and supratherapeutic concentrations were observed in 4 (8.3%) patients. Age less than 45 years and CrCl greater than 100 mL/min were associated with subtherapeutic trough concentrations.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the revised vancomycin dosing protocol led to the attainment of therapeutic trough concentrations in 35.4% of patients. The majority had subtherapeutic concentrations, which increases the risk of treatment failures and resistance. Further study is needed to determine the optimal dosing strategy in this patient population.
Developments and new vistas in the field of melanocortins
Authors: Leone Sheila , Noera Giorgio , Bertolini Alfio
Published: October 2015

Melanocortins play a fundamental role in several basic functions of the organism (sexual activity, feeding, inflammation and immune responses, pain sensitivity, response to stressful situations, motivation, attention, learning, and memory). Moreover, a large body of animal data, some of which were also confirmed in humans, unequivocally show that melanocortins also have impressive therapeutic effects in several pathological conditions that are the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide (hemorrhagic, or anyway hypovolemic, shock; septic shock; respiratory arrest; cardiac arrest; ischemia- and ischemia/reperfusion-induced damage of the brain, heart, intestine, and other organs; traumatic injury of brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves; neuropathic pain; toxic neuropathies; gouty arthritis; etc.). Recent data obtained in animal models seem to moreover confirm previous hypotheses and preliminary data concerning the neurotrophic activity of melanocortins in neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s disease. Our aim was (i) to critically reconsider the established extrahormonal effects of melanocortins (on sexual activity, feeding, inflammation, tissue hypoperfusion, and traumatic damage of central and peripheral nervous system) at the light of recent findings, (ii) to review the most recent advancements, particularly on the effects of melanocortins in models of neurodegenerative diseases, (iii) to discuss the reasons that support the introduction into clinical practice of melanocortins as life-saving agents in shock conditions and that suggest to verify in clinical setting the impressive results steadily obtained with melanocortins in different animal models of tissue ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion, and finally, (iv) to mention the advisable developments, particularly in terms of selectivity of action and of effects.
Multi-modal signal acquisition using a synchronized wireless body sensor network in geriatric patients
Authors: Pflugradt Maik , Mann Steffen , Tigges Timo , Görnig Matthias , Orglmeister Reinhold
Published: October 2015

Wearable home-monitoring devices acquiring various biosignals such as the electrocardiogram, photoplethysmogram, electromyogram, respirational activity and movements have become popular in many fields of research, medical diagnostics and commercial applications. Especially ambulatory settings introduce still unsolved challenges to the development of sensor hardware and smart signal processing approaches. This work gives a detailed insight into a novel wireless body sensor network and addresses critical aspects such as signal quality, synchronicity among multiple devices as well as the system’s overall capabilities and limitations in cardiovascular monitoring. An early sign of typical cardiovascular diseases is often shown by disturbed autonomic regulations such as orthostatic intolerance. In that context, blood pressure measurements play an important role to observe abnormalities like hypo- or hypertensions. Non-invasive and unobtrusive blood pressure monitoring still poses a significant challenge, promoting alternative approaches including pulse wave velocity considerations. In the scope of this work, the presented hardware is applied to demonstrate the continuous extraction of multi modal parameters like pulse arrival time within a preliminary clinical study. A Schellong test to diagnose orthostatic hypotension which is typically based on blood pressure cuff measurements has been conducted, serving as an application that might significantly benefit from novel multi-modal measurement principles. It is further shown that the system’s synchronicity is as precise as 30 μs and that the integrated analog preprocessing circuits and additional accelerometer data provide significant advantages in ambulatory measurement environments.
A novel exonuclease (TaqMan) assay for rapid haptoglobin genotyping
Authors: Renner Wilfried , Jahrbacher Renate , Marx-Neuhold Ernestine , Tischler Simone , Zulus Barbara
Published: October 2015

Background:

Haptoglobin is an acute-phase binding protein that scavenges free hemoglobin. The human haptoglobin gene (

Methods:

We designed an exonuclease (TaqMan) assay targeting single nucleotide differences between the homologous regions of Hp1 and Hp2. The assay contained one probe specifically binding to a site in intron 4 of Hp2, and another probe binding equally to intron 4 of Hp1 and intron 6 of Hp2.

Results:

Measurement of post-PCR fluorescence allowed unambiguous discrimination of

Conclusions:

The new
Local Government Interest in and Justifications for Collecting Payments-in-Lieu of (Property) Taxes from Charities
Authors: Grønbjerg Kirsten , McGiverin-Bohan Kellie
Published: October 2015

We use data from a survey of Indiana local government officials (LGOs) to explore their attitudes towards PILOTs for major types of charities. We consider whether these attitudes are related to local economic conditions, political factors, LGOs’ attitudes towards the relationship between local government and nonprofits, and the extent to which LGOs are personally involved with nonprofits as leaders, members or volunteers. We also explore whether these attitudes vary by type of charity involved (hospitals, schools/universities, churches) and present preliminary data on LGO agreement with various justifications for PILOT policies.
Reforming the Postal Universal Service
Authors: Gautier Axel , Poudou Jean-Christophe
Published: October 2015

The postal sector has undergone dramatic changes over the recent years under the double effect of ongoing liberalization and increased competition with alternative communication channels (e-substitution). As a result, the mail volume handled by the historical operator has declined sharply while the latter’s ability to match the same standard of universal service may be under threat. Thus, a reform of the postal universal service is on the agenda. This paper examines possible reforming options ranging from keeping universal service within the postal sector to redefining universal service as spanning postal and electronic technologies.
Paramutation inDrosophilaRequires Both Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Actors of the piRNA Pathway and InducesCis-spreading of piRNA Production
Authors: Hermant Catherine , Boivin Antoine , Teysset Laure , Delmarre Valérie , Asif-Laidin Amna , van den Beek Marius , Antoniewski Christophe , Ronsseray Stéphane
Published: October 2015

Transposable element activity is repressed in the germline in animals by PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), a class of small RNAs produced by genomic loci mostly composed of TE sequences. The mechanism of induction of piRNA production by these loci is still enigmatic. We have shown that, in Drosophila melanogaster, a cluster of tandemly repeated P-lacZ-white transgenes can be activated for piRNA production by maternal inheritance of a cytoplasm containing homologous piRNAs. This activated state is stably transmitted over generations and allows trans-silencing of a homologous transgenic target in the female germline. Such an epigenetic conversion displays the functional characteristics of a paramutation, i.e., a heritable epigenetic modification of one allele by the other. We report here that piRNA production and trans-silencing capacities of the paramutated cluster depend on the function of the rhino, cutoff, and zucchini genes involved in primary piRNA biogenesis in the germline, as well as on that of the aubergine gene implicated in the ping-pong piRNA amplification step. The 21-nt RNAs, which are produced by the paramutated cluster, in addition to 23- to 28-nt piRNAs are not necessary for paramutation to occur. Production of these 21-nt RNAs requires Dicer-2 but also all the piRNA genes tested. Moreover, cytoplasmic transmission of piRNAs homologous to only a subregion of the transgenic locus can generate a strong paramutated locus that produces piRNAs along the whole length of the transgenes. Finally, we observed that maternally inherited transgenic small RNAs can also impact transgene expression in the soma. In conclusion, paramutation involves both nuclear (Rhino, Cutoff) and cytoplasmic (Aubergine, Zucchini) actors of the piRNA pathway. In addition, since it is observed between nonfully homologous loci located on different chromosomes, paramutation may play a crucial role in epigenome shaping in Drosophila natural populations.
Lista anotada de árboles y afines en los bosques montanos del sureste peruano: la importancia de seguir recolectando
Authors: Farfan-Rios William , Garcia-Cabrera Karina , Salinas Norma , Raurau-Quisiyupanqui Mireya N. , Silman Miles R.
Published: October 2015

Los Andes están considerados como los puntos calientes más diversos de los trópicos, dentro de estos se encuentra el Parque Nacional del Manu, cuyas complejas condiciones climáticas y fisiográficas albergan una mega-diversidad y endemismo. En el presente trabajo se presenta una lista anotada de especies arbóreas y afines a lo largo de un gradiente de elevación desde los bosques submontanos a 800 m hasta la línea de bosque a 3625 m en la Reserva de Biosfera del Manu. En base a una red de 21 parcelas permanentes de una hectárea y exploraciones botánicas se sistematiza la información florística por rangos de elevación, distribución geográfica y endemismo. Estos resultados preliminares se traducen en 1108 especies de las cuales el 39.7% son morfoespecies, el 43% de las especies determinadas son registros nuevos para la región del Cusco, 15 especies son nuevos registros para la flora peruana, 40 especies son endémicas para Perú y 30 son potenciales especies nuevas para la ciencia. Adicionalmente, se resalta la expansión del rango altitudinal para el 45.2% de las especies determinadas (302 especies). Estos resultados son una muestra de la alta diversidad arbórea y afines en estos ecosistemas montañosos registrados en tan solo ~20 km de distancia geográfica, además muestra lo escasamente colectados y poco estudiados que se encuentran. Mas colecciones botánicas son necesarias - estos estudios básicos de florística son imperativos para un mejor entendimiento de la distribución de especies y la función del ecosistemas, además ayudará a responder una de las grandes preguntas en la ecología global moderna, ¿Cómo responderán los bosques tropicales al cambio climático global?
Escasa presencia y grave amenaza para el “cortarramas peruano”, Phytotoma raimondii
Authors: Romo Mónica , Rosina Mario , Flanagan Jeremy , Pollack Luis , Franke Irma
Published: October 2015

En este artículo presentamos una actualización del estado de conservación del “cortarramas peruano”, indicando su escasa presencia dentro del área de distribución de la especie y sus amenazas. Desde Tumbes hasta Ancash se han identificado solo seis lugares donde existen poblaciones de más de 10 individuos y tres sitios en los que se reproduce. Los resultados indican que en total la población actual sería inferior a 500 individuos. Estos sitios contienen especies de flora representativa del matorral desértico peruano, varias de las cuales están amenazadas. Los sitios son muy pequeños (entre 5 y 150 ha), están muy fragmentados y se encuentran en inminente peligro de destrucción debido a la expansión urbana y agrícola, tala ilegal, sobre pastoreo e introducción de especies vegetales exóticas.
Perlindungan Merek Terdaftar Dari Kejahatan Dunia Maya Melalui Pembatasan Pendaftaran Nama Domain
Authors: Dharma Setia
Published: October 2015

Abstract: The Protection of Registered Trademark of Cyber Crime Through The Restriction of The Domain Name Registration. The progress of science and technology has implications for the progress of the current trading method. It is not only done conventionally but also carried out through cyberspace. Trading in the virtual world requires the use of a domain name (cyber squatting) as a differentiator between one company with other companies. Law No. 11 Year 2008 on Information and Electronic Transactions regulate the use of domain names and emphasize the element of good faith in the implementation. In practice, there is a breach of the domain name registration is a crime which is the trademark or name that has a commercial value. This paper is going to examine aspects of protection-registered trademark of cyber crime through the restriction of the domain name registration and implementation of good faith. Abstrak: Perlindungan Merek Terdaftar Dari Kejahatan Dunia Maya Melalui Pembatasan Pendaftaran Nama Domain. Kemajuan ilmu dan teknologi membawa implikasi pada kemajuan metode perdagangan yang saat ini bukan hanya dilakukan secara konvensional, namun juga dilakukan melalui dunia maya. Perdagangan dalam dunia maya mensyaratkan penggunaan nama domain (cyber squatting) sebagai pembeda antara satu perusahaan dengan perusahaan yang lainnya. Undang-Undang No. 11 Tahun 2008 Tentang Informasi dan Transaksi elektronik mengatur penggunaan nama domain tersebut dan menekankan unsur iktikad baik dalam pelaksanaannya. Prakteknya, terdapat pelanggaran nama domain tersebut yang merupakan merupakan kejahatan pendaftaran merek dagang atau nama yang memiliki nilai komersial. Tulisan ini hendak mengkaji aspek perlindungan merek terdaftar dari kejahatan dunia maya melalui pembatasan pendaftaran nama domain dan pelaksanaan iktikad baik. DOI: 10.15408/jch.v1i2.1463
Partisipasi Perempuan Terhadap Pengambilan Keputusan Dalam Penyelenggaraan Pemerintah Daerah yang Demokratis
Authors: Junaenah Inna
Published: October 2015

Abstract: Decision Against Women's Participation In The Democratic local government management. There have been many studies and settings on the relation of women to decision-making in a government organization. It also encouraged the International in 1995 in the World Women's Conference in Beijing fourth, which resulted in a recommendation by the mention of the Beijing Platform for Action. This declaration has prompted action plans in various countries, including in Indonesia, including to target the achievement of women's representation in Parliament 33.3 percent. Such a declaration of some of the ways that women can participate in decision making. The position of women in parliament is believed to affect directly to influence the established law. Abstrak: Partisipasi Perempuan Terhadap Pengambilan Keputusan DalamPenyelenggaraan Pemerintah Daerah Yang Demokratis. Telah banyak kajian danpengaturan mengenai relasi perempuan dengan pengambilan keputusan dalam suatu penyelenggaraan pemerintahan. Hal itu didorong pula secara Internasionalpada tahun 1995 dalam Konferensi Perempuan se-Dunia keempat di Beijing,yang menghasilkan rekomendasi dengan penyebutan Beijing Platform for Action.Deklarasi ini telah mendorong rencana aksi di berbagai negara, termasuk di Indonesia, di antaranya untuk menargetkan pencapaian keterwakilan perempuan di Parlemen 33,3 persen. Pencanangan yang demikian merupakan sebagian carasupaya perempuan dapat turut serta dalam pengambilan keputusan. Posisi perempuan di parlemen diyakini berpengaruh secara langsung untukmempengaruhi hukum yang dibentuk.  DOI: 10.15408/jch.v1i2.1465
Hak Politik Perempuan Pasca Putusan Mahkamah Konstitusi (Uji Materiil Pasal 214 Undang-Undang Nomor 10 Tahun 2008)
Authors: Thalib Nur Asikin
Published: October 2015

Abstract: Women Rights in Politics after the Constitution Court Decision. Women and the Man have equal rights and duty in politics. Due to the cultural barrier, the political representation in Parliament is still low. To fill the gab, The Act No 10. 2008 regulate 30 percent of women representation in Parliament. Responding this promulgation, some parties went to the Constitutional Court to ask the annulations of this Act. The Court abolished the article 214 and replaced it based on majority voices. This article will discuss the judicial review process and the challenges faced after the Court’s  decision. Abstrak: Hak Politik Perempuan Pasca Putusan Mahkamah Konstitusi. Perempuan dan laki memiliki hak dan kewajiban yang sama dalam politik. Namun begitu, hambatan yang timbul diantaranya karena faktor budaya, menyebabkan representasi politik perempuan di Parlemen masih sangat rendah. Sebagai upaya mengejar ketertinggalan tersebut, disyahkanlah Pasal 214 UU Nomor 10 Tahun 2008 yang memberikan quota minimal 30 persen bagi perempuan di parlemen. Ketentuan ini membuat sebagian kalangan untuk mempertanyakan judicial review atas ketentuan tersebut. Mahkamah Konstitusi (MK) menyetujui judicial review tersebut dengan menghapuskan ketentuantersebut mengganti dengan suara terbanyak. Tulisan ini membahas proses judial review tersebut dan tantangan yang dihadapi paska putusan MK tersebut.  DOI: 10.15408/jch.v1i2.1466
Perlindungan Korban Kekerasan Dalam Rumah Tangga Dalam Hukum Pidana Indonesia
Authors: Jamaa La
Published: October 2015

Abstract: The protection of Domestic Violence Victims in the Indonesian Criminal Law. The existence of the Law No. 23 Year 2004 on the Elimination of Domestic Violence are expected to provide legal protection for victims of domestic violence (KDRT) significantly. The form of protection regulated in this Act is the temporary protection of the police, the courts and the protection of victims in the placement of "safe houses". However, research results through both District Court and informants, suggests that a form of protection of domestic violence victims are still dominant through repressive measures (sentence of imprisonment) to the perpetrators, while the protection of temporary and permanent protection of the court was unnoticed. Abstrak: Perlindungan Korban Kekerasan dalam Rumah Tangga dalam Hukum Pidana Indonesia. Keberadaan Undang-Undang Nomor 23 Tahun 2004 Tentang Penghapusan Kekerasan dalam Rumah Tangga diharapkan mampu memberikan perlindungan hukum bagi korban Kekerasan Dalam Rumah Tangga (KDRT) secara signifikan. Bentuk perlindungan yang diatur dalam Undang-undang ini adalah perlindungan sementara dari kepolisian, perlindungan pengadilan serta penempatan korban di “rumah aman”. Namun hasil penelitian baik melalui putusan Pengadilan Negeri maupun informan, menunjukkan bahwa bentuk perlindungan korban KDRT masih dominan melalui tindakan represif (hukuman pidana penjara) kepada pelaku, sedangkan perlindungan sementara dan perlindungan tetap dari pengadilan kurang diperhatikan DOI: 10.15408/jch.v1i2.1467
Videolaryngoscopy to Teach Neonatal Intubation: A Randomized Trial
Authors: O’Shea Joyce E. , Thio Marta , Kamlin C. Omar , McGrory Lorraine , Wong Connie , John Jubal , Roberts Calum , Kuschel Carl , Davis Peter G.
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND:

Neonatal endotracheal intubation is a necessary skill. However, success rates among junior doctors have fallen to <50%, largely owing to declining opportunities to intubate. Videolaryngoscopy allows instructor and trainee to share the view of the pharynx. We compared intubations guided by an instructor watching a videolaryngoscope screen with the traditional method where the instructor does not have this view.

METHODS:

A randomized, controlled trial at a tertiary neonatal center recruited newborns from February 2013 to May 2014. Eligible intubations were performed orally on infants without facial or airway anomalies, in the delivery room or neonatal intensive care, by doctors with <6 months’ tertiary neonatal experience. Intubations were randomized to having the videolaryngoscope screen visible to the instructor or covered (control). The primary outcome was first-attempt intubation success rate confirmed by colorimetric detection of expired carbon dioxide.

RESULTS:

Two hundred six first-attempt intubations were analyzed. Median (interquartile range) infant gestation was 29 (27 to 32) weeks, and weight was 1142 (816 to 1750) g. The success rate when the instructor was able to view the videolaryngoscope screen was 66% (69/104) compared with 41% (42/102) when the screen was covered (P < .001, OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.54 to 5.17). When premedication was used, the success rate in the intervention group was 72% (56/78) compared with 44% (35/79) in the control group (P < .001, OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.6 to 6.6).

CONCLUSIONS:

Intubation success rates of inexperienced neonatal trainees significantly improved when the instructor was able to share their view on a videolaryngoscope screen.
Polysomnographic Markers in Children With Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease
Authors: Paranjape Shruti M. , McGinley Brian M. , Braun Andrew T. , Schneider Hartmut
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) often report poor sleep, increased daytime sleepiness, and fatigue. The purpose of this study was to identify respiratory patterns over the spectrum of disease severity in children with CF. The overall hypothesis for the current study is that children with CF compared with snoring control subjects demonstrate gas exchange abnormalities and increased respiratory loads during sleep that are not reported or recognized by conventional polysomnography (PSG).

METHODS:

Analysis of breathing patterns and gas exchange on PSG was performed in children with CF and healthy controls matched by age and BMI. For all CF and control subjects, the indication for PSG was evaluation for obstructive sleep apnea based on a history of snoring.

RESULTS:

Children with CF, compared with age- and BMI-matched snoring controls, demonstrated lower oxyhemoglobin saturation (95% ± 1.6% vs 98% ± 0.6%, P = .005), higher respiratory rate (19.5 ± 4.9 vs 16.5 ± 1.2 breaths per minute, P = .03), and a higher proportion of inspiratory flow limitation (44.1% ± 24.7% vs 12.1% ± 13.5%, P = .007) during non–rapid eye movement sleep. The respiratory disturbance index did not differ between CF and snoring control groups (1.5 ± 2.7 vs 0.6 ± 0.6 events per hour, P = .11).

CONCLUSIONS:

Children with CF exhibited abnormalities in gas exchange and increased respiratory load during sleep compared with normal age- and BMI-matched snoring controls. Because these abnormalities were independent of weight and lung function, sleep state may serve as an opportunity for early detection of breathing abnormalities and possibly CF lung disease progression.
Impact of calcium ions leaching caused by biogenic acid attack on durability of cement composites
Authors: Kovalčíková Martina , Eštoková Adriana , Luptáková Alena
Published: October 2015

Leaching of calcium ions increases the porosity of cement-based materials, consequently resulting in a negative effect on durability since it provides an entry for aggressive harmful ions, causing corrosion of concrete. Sulphuric acid corrosion of concrete can be caused due to attack of aggressive media naturally existing in the environment. Another possibility of corrosion formation is biogenic acid effect through the agency of microorganisms.

The paper is focused on the investigation of the influence of biogenic acid attack on the cement composites affected with bacteria Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. The concrete specimens with 95% wt. addition of antimicrobial activated granulated blast furnace slag as durability increasing factor as well as without any addition were studied. The experiments proceeded during the nine 7-day cycles. The pH values and chemical composition of leachates were measured and evaluated after each cycle. The higher resistance of concrete samples with the addition of 95% wt. of antimicrobial activated granulated blast furnace slag to the aggressive environment was confirmed. The leaching of calcium ions of concrete sample affected with bacteria Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans was 1.13 times lower (736.6 mg/L of leachate) for concrete sample with antimicrobial activated granulated blast furnace slag addition comparing to concrete sample of ordinary CEM I Portland cement without any additives (832.0 mg/L of leachate).
Leachability of chromium and barium from concrete samples with blast furnace slag addition
Authors: Eštoková Adriana , Oravec Jozef , Kovalčíková Martina
Published: October 2015

The paper presents the results of leachability testing of selected heavy metals from the concrete composites of various compositions in order to assess the degree of a contamination risk of the environment. Tested concrete samples contained various amounts of special ingredients based on the blast furnace slag (65%, 75%, 85% and 95% of Portland cement replacement). Leaching tests have been performed by using distilled water. The concentrations of chromium and barium ions in the leachates were measured after period of 30 and 240 days. Changes in pH and conductivity values in leachates have been also observed.
Color pigments in concrete and their properties
Authors: Hospodarova Viola , Junak Jozef , Stevulova Nadezda
Published: October 2015

Nowadays, color concrete pigments are used to revive space in the construction of new buildings, reconstruction existing buildings and squares. Color pigments represent a partial weight replacement of the binder. Color pigmented concrete also has properties like traditional concrete namely high strength, good durability and weather resistance for its variable use. In this paper, characterization and classification of color pigments, using and their influence on the properties of concrete is given. The experimental part of concrete composites studying (with color pigments) includes testing of physical and mechanical properties in comparison to reference sample (without color pigments).
Edge finite element method in case of high frequency simulations
Authors: Friedl Gergely , Kuczmann Miklós
Published: October 2015

The paper deals with high frequency simulations with edge finite element method realized with PETSc functions. The weak formulations of the high frequency simulations are derived from Maxwell’s equations in frequency domain. To reduce the calculation time, the finite element method was implemented in PETSc environment. The realized simulation environments were validated with simple examples, which analytically can be calculated.
Prawda jako pojęcie języka prawnego
Authors: Frańczuk Magdalena
Published: October 2015

The paper is not a philosophical digression about the place and importance of truth in the law; rather, it tries to build a synthetic summary and comparison of contexts of the term „truth" in several major texts of statutory law - namely the civil code, criminal code and the code of administrative conduct. The paper analyses the term „truth". An analysis of the concept of „truth" verifies the hypothesis that it is not possible to reconstruct a universal legal definition of truth ‒ and indeed there is no need for one in the practice of law.
Pencocokan Citra Sidik Jari Menggunakan Korelasi Silang Ternormalisasi
Authors: Kanata Bulkis
Published: October 2015

Fingerprint image matching is an important procedure in fingerprint recognition. Robust fingerprint image matching under a variety of different image capture conditions is difficult to achieve, because of changes in finger pressure, variation of the angle, etc. Fingerprint matching is very important for the development of fingerprint system recognition that is sensitive to finger pressure. This paper proposes a fingerprint matching algorithm that enables the so-called fingerprint template (extracted specific part (region of interest (ROI)) of a person’s fingerprints to be matched to the different fingerprint of the same person or different people taken on different time, angle and a different finger pressure using normalized cross-correlation (NCC). This algorithm was implemented in MATLAB. The results showed that the maximum NCC value for ROI of the source fingerprints and targets that was greater than 0.62 indicates a strong correlation or similarity.

 
QUANDO O TERCEIRO MUNDO ENCONTROUSE COM O SEGUNDO
Authors: Salém Vasconcelos Joana
Published: October 2015

O presente trabalho é uma entrevista realizada em Havana com Lourdes Cervantes, chefa política da Organização de Solidariedade dos Povos da Ásia, África e América Latina (OSPAAAL) em julho de 2012. O objetivo da conversa foi problematizar a história da OSPAAAL como uma “internacional dos países subdesenvolvidos” na trajetória geopolítica do hemisfério Sul. Além disso, indagou-se sobre o papel que a revolução cubana desempenhou nessa articulação, sobre as intenções e etapas políticas que marcaram sua história e sobre as contradições experimentadas pelos movimentos de emancipação nacional que chegaram ao poder entre os anos 1960 e 1990. A entrevistadora é Joana Salém Vasconcelos, que investigou a história agrária da revolução cubana em sua pesquisa de mestrado no IE/UNICAMP.
A GESTÃO DE PROJETOS SOCIAIS NOS PROGRAMAS DE HABITAÇÃO
Authors: De Oliveira Melo Joel
Published: October 2015

O trabalho social está inserido nos Programas Habitacionais de Interesse Social e tem sido de fundamental importância para orientação das famílias de baixa renda que são beneficiadas por esses programas. A gestão da elaboração e execução desse trabalho é essencial para que os objetivos do trabalho sejam alcançados e as famílias sejam beneficiadas com essa ação. Assim, este trabalho apresenta a importância da gestão do trabalho social nos programas de habitação, abordando os processos de planejamento e execução do trabalho social nas comunidades beneficiadas pelos programas habitacionais no âmbito do Minha Casa Minha Vida.
ORGANIZAÇÃO DO TRATADO DE COOPERAÇÃO AMAZÔNICA (OTCA) E A REINSERÇÃO INTERNACIONAL DA AMAZÔNIA: PROJETOS E PROGRAMAS EM PERSPECTIVA SUBREGIONAL
Authors: Alves de Lyra Junior Américo , Maria da Silva Fernanda , Cristina de Souza Lúcio Kely
Published: October 2015

O presente artigo trata da reinserção internacional da Amazônia a partir de projetos e programas do Plano Estratégico (2004-2012) da OTCA. Observam-se a evolução desses projetos e programas, no contexto internacional, através das noções de governança e governo, de James N. Rosenau. Essas noções foram utilizadas para analisar a OTCA.
A obrigação dos entes federados ao fornecimento de medicamentos experimentais
Authors: Desirée Gallas Vanessa , Lassen Petersen Letícia
Published: October 2015

O artigo analisa a obrigatoriedade do fornecimento e financiamento público de medicamentos experimentais, à luz da discussão do direito fundamental à saúde, no espaço territorial do Rio Grande do Sul. A delimitação temática consiste na análise das decisões judiciais do Tribunal de Justiça do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (TJ/RS), no ano de 2012, acerca da obrigatoriedade dos entes federados em fornecer medicamentos considerados experimentais.
Isolation and identification of a novel Staphylococcus from benzalkonium chloride solution
Authors: Fan* Yang , Zhan1 Heqin , Yong-Xing2 Zhao
Published: October 2015

A bacterium was isolated from benzalkonium chloride solution (5%) stored in an uncovered bottle. The strain was identified as Staphylococcus aureas named SA-RBC through the test of its morphology, biochemical and physiological characterization. The isolated strain SA-RBC has important symbol of pathogenic Staphylococcus by producing coagulase, phosphatase and thermonuclease. Resistance of SA-RBC to disinfectants or antibiotics was tested. The results showed that the strain was highly resistant to benzalkonium chloride, benzalkonium bromide, glutaraldehyde and sodium hypochlorite, but susceptive to phenylic acid. SA-RBC was highly resistant to oxacillin, cefoperazone, cefoxitin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline. The tolerable growth concentration of SA-RBC on various surfactants was examined. The results indicated that the strain SA-RBC could grow in a higher concentration of cationic surfactants up to 5%, compared with the control strains (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, S.epidermidis ATCC12228 and S.aureus ATCC 29213) which were unable to grow in 0.1% cationic surfactants. The strain SA-RBC could not utilize benzalkonium chloride as the sole source of carbon and/or nitrogen. The findings in this study suggested that Staphylococcus aureas might be an original contaminant in the quaternary ammonium disinfectant and has potential risk for public health.
Prevalence of Brucella abortus in buffaloes of Mafikeng game reserve, North West province, south Africa: A retrospective study
Authors: Nyirenda M. , Letlojane L. , Syakalima M.
Published: October 2015

A retrospective study to explore the trends of Brucella abortus in buffaloes of Mafikeng game reserve was conducted for the period 2008-2010 using the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) raw data. Testing of buffaloes for brucellosis, FMD, Tuberculosis and Theileriosis is mandatory under South African law before moving buffaloes. Those found positive are usually never allowed to move. This therefore means that most buffaloes in well secured game ranches are expected to be free of the disease. It is against this background that this study examined Rose Bengal and CFT test records generated over a six months period in buffaloes at this game reserve. A total of 83 out of 365 buffalo records examined were found to be positive. This accounts for 0.23 percent prevalence of Brucella abortus during the study period. Even though the levels seem low, the fact that it should not be found at all is a concern and has implications on recreation in the game reserve and trading of these buffaloes.
Effects of different initial weights on fattening performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics of Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss young bulls
Authors: Diler1 A. , Kocyigit R. , Yanar* M. , Aydin R. , Tuzemen2 N.
Published: October 2015

A total of 27 young bulls [13 Brown Swiss (BS) and 14 Holstein Friesian (HF)] were fed to investigate the effects of initial fattening weights [light weight group (LG= 176.0± 3.5 kg) and heavy weight group (HG= 213.8±3.7 kg)] on the performance, slaughter and carcass traits. With increasing initial fattening weight, final weight (P the initial fattening weights in favour of bulls in HG. Average SEUROP conformation score of HG carcasses was one class better than that of LG carcasses. It was concluded that young bulls in HG had better slaughter characteristics, carcass measurements and percentage of kidney, pelvic and heart fat than these in LG, while performance and feed efficiency ratio of the animals in the different weight groups were not statistically different.
Microfluidics and Their Macro Applications for the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Sinton David
Published: October 2015

Academia

Pore-scale transport phenomena in reservoirs is of critical importance to the oil and gas industry, and the study of fluid transport at small scales has a long history that predates the term “microfluidics.” The term is predominantly associated with microfluidic chip-based technology that emerged in the 1990s and grew in response to health and life science applications.

Oil and gas professionals are realizing the potential of this technology and tapping into various sectors. For example, OndaVia, founded in 2009, has patented microfluidics-based analysis and separation tools for applications in the chemical industry. There are exciting opportunities for industry giants not only to improve their business but also to encourage research at academic institutions. Researchers and entrepreneurs can collaborate in order to make microfluidics applications more accessible and soon become the go-to solutions to inform operations and perform fluid analysis.

There are also tremendous opportunities through startup companies and technology acquisitions to provide faster and better fluid property measurements as well as screening and assessment of reservoir processes at the pore scale. The biggest challenges here are investment capital and standardization, both of which need to be addressed with more awareness among the industry pioneers. Microfluidics for oil and gas startups can grow in response to revenue and may be acquired by an established service company to reach global markets.

The central advantages that motivated the microfluidic approach in life sciences were rapid analysis; low reagent volumes; low cost; excellent control of conditions, particularly on the scale of biological cells; and opportunities for separations and multiplexing. Several of these advantages can translate directly to oil and gas applications, both above and below ground, as highlighted in Fig. 1. In addition, suitably fabricated glass and silicon microfluidic chips can readily accommodate reservoir pressures. For instance, in contrast to conventional large pressure/volume/temperature cells, high pressures are easily handled with microfluidics owing to the very small volumes (and small areas) involved.

The challenge is leveraging our unique microfluidic tools to maximize the contribution to the energy sector. We need to find challenges that are both important and uniquely well-suited to a microfluidic approach. Outlined below are two such approaches: microfluidics for oil and gas fluid analysis, and microfluidics/micromodels to understand pore-scale processes in reservoirs.
Increasing Completions Efficiency and Cost Savings Using Microseismic Monitoring
Authors: Mamer Paige , Kashikar Sudhendu
Published: October 2015

Near-surface microseismic recordings from four wells completed in British Columbia, Canada, are analyzed to evaluate completions efficiency and to identify cost savings on future pad completions. Wells were completed using the plug and perforation method in a zipper sequence with slickwater and sand. The wells were monitored utilizing a near-surface array of geophones with an aperture that is twice the depth of the target. Located microseismic events are used to assess the overall success of the completions program in terms of the efficiency of fracture generation, stimulated reservoir volume, propped reservoir volume, stage spacing, well spacing, and well placement. This is accomplished using advanced interpretation methods that include discrete fracture network modeling and propped stimulated reservoir volume estimates.

Analysis shows that the presence of a preexisting natural fracture network that is parallel to SHmax enhances fracture growth in this orientation. Fracture lengths mapped with microseismic tend to exceed wellbore spacing by up to 400% unless they intersect local geologic structure, in which case fracture growth perpendicular to the wellbore is truncated. One outcome of creating these long fractures is that most of the created volume will not be propped. Three of the wells exhibited two microseismic event trends per stage and the fourth well generated a single event trend per stage. When two fractures are generated during a single stage, the first fracture tends to locate within the completions interval and the second in the upcoming interval. This creates significant overlap, which has implications for proppant distribution, stage spacing and production. Wells with two trends also generate a greater number of microseismic events early in the treatment, whereas stages with single fracture trends show more consistent event generation over the duration of pumping.

Advanced analysis of this microseismic data indicates that changes in stage and wellbore spacing as well as a reduction in fluid volumes or change in fluid type could result in significant completions cost reduction.
Laboratory Investigation of Shale Permeability
Authors: Moghadam Alireza A. , Chalaturnyk Rick
Published: October 2015

Matrix permeability of shales is an elusive but important parameter in characterizing shale gas reservoirs. Permeability is typically measured using steady-state flow tests or the more timely transient methods such as pulse-decay. Due to the low permeability nature of shale rocks, slip flow regime is observed to be dominant in pore scale. As a result, permeability changes with pore pressure. Traditionally, permeability is measured at various mean pore pressures and the data is used to extract the Klinkenberg or absolute permeability. However, it has been shown recently that Klinkenberg permeability significantly overestimates the absolute (liquid) permeability of shale rocks. Additionally, several studies have shown different methods of permeability measurement can lead to significantly different results at similar pressures. In this work, steady-state laboratory gas flow experiments have been conducted on four shale samples using methane and nitrogen as flowing fluid. At each stage, mean pressure and mean effective stress is held constant and permeability is measured at various gas flow rates. Mean pressure is then raised and the tests are repeated at the next stage. The tests are designed to study the influence of mean pressure as well as flow rate on gas permeability. Subsequently, the samples are sheared in a triaxial cell and similar permeability tests are repeated to compare the permeability behavior before and after shearing. Finally, the samples are saturated with water to measure water permeability in order to analyze the gas permeability observations using theory. The results indicate strong rate sensitivity in shale permeability measurements. Measured shale permeability is observed to rise as flow rate increases and reaches a constant value at higher rates. Permeability of sheared samples shows a similar trend although with higher permeability values. This phenomenon casts a shadow of doubt around the common non-steady-state permeability measurement methods and has never been discussed previously with respect to shale gas reservoirs. The basic definition of gas permeability needs to be revisited in order to set up new standards (concerning testing pressure, rate, and stress state) in order to obtain meaningful and comparable permeability measurements.
Effect of Electrostatic Interactions on Water Uptake of Gas Shales: The Interplay of Solution Ionic Strength, Electrostatic Double Layer, and Shale Zeta Potential
Authors: Binazadeh Mojtaba , Xu Mingxiang , Jiang Kaiyan , Zolfaghari Ashkan , Dehghanpour Hassan
Published: October 2015

The uptake of water by rock matrix in a hydrocarbon producing well brings in both economic justification and environmental concerns. A detailed understanding of the water-rock interactions is essential for design and implication of hydrocarbon recovery techniques and environmental impact analysis. In this study, the water imbibition results are described by the electrostatic interactions between the water and shale samples. The effect of leachable ions in the shale, imbibed fluid ionic strength, electrostatic double layer, and zeta potential of shale are studied.

The shale powders are washed with DI (deionized water) sequentially. Individual ion concentrations are obtained by ICP-MS analysis. The ionic strength and Debye length of the brine obtained from each step of the washing experiment are calculated. Zeta potential of the fresh and washed powders are measured in DI water and 10-times concentrated brines from first washing stage (CN brines). A set-up is designed to perform the imbibition experiments on the intact and washed shale powders. DI water and CN brines are used as the imbibing fluids.

Washing with DI water leached ions out of the shale powders. After a maximum of 7 washing steps, the ionic strength of the resulting brine solution reached to a constant value which cannot be further reduced by washing. Zeta potential of shale powders in CN brines are substantially lower than the zeta potential of shale powders in DI water. This reduction in the zeta potential value to higher ionic strength of CN brines as compared with DI water. Imbibition experiments reveal that the CN brine solutions imbibe slower into the shale powders as compared with DI water. DI water imbibes faster in washed powders as compared with fresh powders. Debye length is correlated with imbibition rate, as higher Debye length of the solution results in faster imbibition. A reduction in the solution ionic strength increases the thickness of electrostatic double layer and zeta potential value. The thickness of electrostatic double layer in contact with the shale surface, which is modulated by the ionic strength of the in-situ brine solution, is an important factor that influence the particle zeta potential of shale as well as the imbibition rate of aqueous solution into shales.