bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small, Lightweight CTU Helps Enhance Production from Limited-Space Offshore Platform
Authors: Sundramurthy Deenadayalan , Dean Gregory , Stanley Frederick , Terry Adrian , Abidin Osman Zainal
Published: February 2015

A new lightweight, small-footprint coiled tubing unit (CTU) has been developed to enable CT for a broad spectrum of well service applications. The technology could substantially reduce well intervention costs, logistical support and risk exposure and can be applied to operating environments worldwide, both onshore and offshore. Wells that were once considered plug-and-abandon candidates due to cost, technical challenges or accessibility may now be candidates for small CTU solutions.

The motivation for one Malaysia operator to use the small CTU was the limited operating capability of their platform i.e. small crane and limited deck space / weight restrictions. A lower zone in one of the operator's wells became inaccessible after damage occurred to a permanent tubing patch used to abandon an upper zone. Intervention methods were narrowed down to the small CTU or tractor-deployed milling.

The small CTU was chosen to perform milling runs with 1-in. CT and motor. After several milling passes through the 2.2-in. ID tubing patch, access to the lower zone was accomplished. Perforation on slickline was unsuccessful and the 1–11/16-in. perforating guns were then successfully deployed on the 1-in. CT and the well perforated.

Numerous challenges will be reviewed including work with small 1-in. OD pipe, small motors and working inside a restricted completion with high dogleg severity and 70 degree hole angle. A total of 23 runs, including 14 perforation runs, were performed and the entire job was completed safely and without any major issues in 20 days.

The intervention was extremely successful with the well coming online at 15 MMSCFG/day. The intervention has allowed the operator to recover reserves that would have otherwise been abandoned due to expensive workover costs. Additionally, this job is the first of its kind ever performed in Malaysia and has opened up additional opportunities in shallow or deepwater installations.
Corrosion Inhibitor and Oxygen Scavenger for use as MEG Additives in the Inhibition of Wet Gas Pipelines
Authors: Lehmann MN , Lamm A , Nguyen HM , Bowman CW , Mok WY , Salasi M , Gubner R
Published: February 2015

The transportation of wet gas fluid in carbon steel pipelines for onshore processing offers an economically attractive strategy. Although a substantial saving in capital cost can be realised, the risks of hydrate formation and corrosion damage are two of the main issues with such an approach. The standard industrial practice is to apply chemical solutions to reduce the risks. A thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor, such as monoethylene glycol (MEG) and corrosion inhibitors are commonly utilized to provide hydrate and corrosion control, respectively. Other production chemicals, such as an oxygen scavenger, may also be deployed as part of the risk management process. Consequently, the main challenge to the corrosion inhibitor is to provide corrosion protection throughout the production and processing facility while subjected to high temperatures in the MEG regeneration process and exposure to other production chemicals. Thermal stability and performance assessments should be an important aspect of the qualification process in the selection of corrosion inhibitors. This paper presents data from laboratory corrosion inhibitor evaluation programs, using thermally stressed MEG/chemicals under simulated wet gas pipeline operating conditions, which resulted in the successful qualification of a corrosion inhibitor for the production facility. In addition, the performance of oxygen scavengers for use in MEG systems is reviewed, including details of an oxygen scavenger that performs in lean MEG.
Developmental Local Government in South Africa: Institutional fault lines
Authors: De Visser Jaap
Published: February 2015

This paper provides a brief introduction to the recent history of, as well as the legal and policy framework for, local government in South Africa. It discusses the transformation of local government from a racially configured, illegitimate arm of the apartheid government into a system designed to produce developmentally oriented municipalities. The progress made by South African municipalities towards realising the vision of developmental local government is remarkable and unprecedented. Over the last 13 years, municipalities have embarked on the extension of infrastructure and development, whilst absorbing fundamental changes to their internal governance and management arrangements, financial management systems and intergovernmental responsibilities. The new local government system offers great potential for the realisation of a better life for all citizens, facilitated by a new generation of municipalities. However, the challenges remain huge and some of these can be attributed to institutional fault lines. These include challenges that come with large, inclusive municipalities, new executive systems and the political appointment of senior officials. The paper also identifies the downside of overzealous institutionalisation of community participation. With regard to intergovernmental relations, the paper highlights the need for a clearer definition of local government mandates and a greater recognition of the role of big cities. The current insistence on comprehensive intergovernmental alignment of policies and budgets is questioned, and suggestions are made to substitute this with an approach of selective alignment around key national priorities.
Power, pork and patronage: Decentralisation and the politicisation of the development budget in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Allen Matthew , Hasnain Zahid
Published: February 2015

This paper examines a number of recent empirical studies of local-level decision-making in relation to development planning and, especially, the allocation of state development funds in Papua New Guinea. The discussion is framed by the extensive theoretical and Papua New Guinea literature on patronage politics and political culture, by the recent history of decentralisation reforms, and by the frequently articulated, but largely anecdotal, observations about the functioning of district and local-level governance processes.In contrast to the anecdotal vision of widespread and chronic dysfunctionality, the studies considered here paint a picture of considerable spatial and regional variation. We offer some tentative hypotheses to explain this variation, while flagging the need for more empirical work. We outline how these preliminary findings have informed a program of research that is currently being undertaken at the district and local government levels with a view to gaining a better understanding of the extent and nature of spatial variation in the local-level governance of state development funds in Papua New Guinea.
Local government financial autonomy in Nigeria: The State Joint Local Government Account
Authors: Okafor Jude
Published: February 2015

This paper addresses the statutory financial relations and financial autonomy of local government in Nigeria, and the freedom of local government to generate revenue from its assigned sources without external interference. It focuses particularly on a financial instrument called the State Joint Local Government Account (SJLGA) and how its operations have positively or negatively affected the financial autonomy of local government councils and the inter-relations between state and local government in Nigeria.
Public Sector Responses to Climate Change: Evaluating the Role of Scottish Local Government in Implementing the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009
Authors: Jackson Tony , Lynch William
Published: February 2015

Effective climate change actions demand collaborative action from public bodies at all levels, placing local governance at the forefront of delivery. Scottish legislation imposes some of the most demanding legally-binding requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions currently to be found anywhere in the world. The new climate change obligations on Scottish local government are reviewed in the context of current Scottish emissions and UK energy policies. Analysis indicates that the pattern of carbon consumption rather than its production must be targeted, and that local government is well-placed to deliver many of the policies to this end. Case studies of Fife and Highland Councils show how Scottish local authorities (SLAs) are planning to discharge their climate change mitigation and adaptation responsibilities. Energy efficiency is driving the mitigation of carbon consumption, while new techniques for measuring carbon footprints are being used to adapt the development process to a low carbon mode. SLAs must pursue low-cost local climate change solutions not just to enhance the resilience of Scottish communities but also to demonstrate the feasibility of such approaches for local governance systems elsewhere in the face of growing financial constraints. Recent changes in Scottish waste management practices indicate the potential in this respect.
Pakistan's Devolution of Power Plan 2001: A brief dawn for local democracy?
Authors: Alam Munawwar , Abuzar Wajidi Mohammad
Published: February 2015

Local government is not a new concept in Pakistan. Since the founding of the country in 1947 Pakistan has always had local governments as the lowest-tier political structure. However, grassroots democracy has been eclipsed at different times in the country’s history. As we write this article, there is no elected local government in Pakistan. The article documents the recent history of decentralisation with special reference to the Devolution of Power Plan (DOPP) introduced by the military government of General Pervez Musharraf in 2001. The author was closely involved with the DOPP at both policy and implementation levels. The paper also looks at political economy issues relating to decentralisation in Pakistan.
Local Government in the South Pacific Islands
Authors: Hassall Graham , Tipu Feue
Published: February 2015

In this paper we seek to answer some basic questions about the condition of local government in the Pacific. Firstly, we examine what is meant by ‘local government’ in the various islands and for that matter how Pacific Island states have perceived and accepted local government institutions in practice; second, we ask basic questions about existing legal and constitutional recognition and powers; and third, we provide initial findings on current per capita expenditure and local government financial viability in a number of Pacific cities and towns. We also make some observations on current moves towards local government reform.
Top-down constraints on atmospheric mercury emissions and implications for global biogeochemical cycling
Authors: Song S. , Selin N. E. , Soerensen A. L. , Angot H. , Artz R. , Brooks S. , Brunke E.-G. , Conley G. , Dommergue A. , Ebinghaus R. , Holsen T. M. , Jaffe D. A. , Kang S. , Kelley P. , Luke W. T. , Magand O. , Marumoto K. , Pfaffhuber K. A. , Ren X. , Sheu G.-R. , Slemr F. , Warneke T. , Weigelt A. , Weiss-Penzias P. , Wip D. C. , Zhang Q.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. We perform global-scale inverse modeling to constrain present-day atmospheric mercury emissions and relevant physio-chemical parameters in the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model. We use Bayesian inversion methods combining simulations with GEOS-Chem and ground-based Hg0 observations from regional monitoring networks and individual sites in recent years. Using optimized emissions/parameters, GEOS-Chem better reproduces these ground-based observations, and also matches regional over-water Hg0 and wet deposition measurements. The optimized global mercury emission to the atmosphere is ~5.8 Gg yr−1. The ocean accounts for 3.2 Gg yr−1 (55% of the total), and the terrestrial ecosystem is neither a net source nor a net sink of Hg0. The optimized Asian anthropogenic emission of Hg0 (gas elemental mercury) is 650–1770 Mg yr−1, higher than its bottom-up estimates (550–800 Mg yr−1). The ocean parameter inversions suggest that dark oxidation of aqueous elemental mercury is faster, and less mercury is removed from the mixed layer through particle sinking, when compared with current simulations. Parameter changes affect the simulated global ocean mercury budget, particularly mass exchange between the mixed layer and subsurface waters. Based on our inversion results, we re-evaluate the long-term global biogeochemical cycle of mercury, and show that legacy mercury becomes more likely to reside in the terrestrial ecosystem than in the ocean. We estimate that primary anthropogenic mercury contributes up to 23% of present-day atmospheric deposition.
Ocean mediation of tropospheric response to reflecting and absorbing aerosols
Authors: Xu Y. , Xie S.-P.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Radiative forcing by reflecting (e.g., sulfate, SO4) and absorbing (e.g., black carbon, BC) aerosols is distinct: the former cools the planet by reducing solar radiation at the top of the atmosphere and the surface, without largely affecting the atmospheric column, while the latter heats the atmosphere directly. Despite the fundamental difference in forcing, here we show that the structure of the tropospheric response is remarkably similar between the two types of aerosols, featuring a deep vertical structure of temperature change (of opposite sign) in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) mid-latitudes. The deep temperature structure is anchored by the slow response of the ocean, as large meridional sea surface temperature (SST) gradient drives an anomalous inter-hemispheric Hadley circulation in the tropics and induces atmospheric eddy adjustments in the NH mid-latitudes. The robust tropospheric response is unique to aerosol forcing and absent in the CO2 response, which can be exploited for climate change attribution. The tropospheric warming in response to projected future decline in reflecting aerosols poses additional threats to the stability of mountain glaciers in NH.
Coral records of reef-water pH across the central Great Barrier Reef, Australia: assessing the influence of river runoff on inshore reefs
Authors: D'Olivo J. P. , McCulloch M. T. , Eggins S. M. , Trotter J.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. The boron isotopic (δ11Bcarb) compositions of long-lived Porites coral are used to reconstruct reef-water pH across the central Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and assess the impact of river runoff on inshore reefs. For the period from 1940 to 2009, corals from both inner- and mid-shelf sites exhibit the same overall decrease in δ11Bcarb of 0.086 ± 0.033‰ per decade, equivalent to a decline in seawater pH (pHsw) of ~0.017 ± 0.007 pH units per decade. This decline is consistent with the long-term effects of ocean acidification based on estimates of CO2 uptake by surface waters due to rising atmospheric levels. We also find that, compared to the mid-shelf corals, the δ11Bcarb compositions of inner-shelf corals subject to river discharge events have higher and more variable values, and hence higher inferred pHsw values. These higher δ11Bcarb values of inner-shelf corals are particularly evident during wet years, despite river waters having lower pH. The main effect of river discharge on reef-water carbonate chemistry thus appears to be from reduced aragonite saturation state and higher nutrients driving increased phytoplankton productivity, resulting in the drawdown of pCO2 and increase in pHsw. Increased primary production therefore has the potential to counter the more transient effects of low-pH river water (pHrw) discharged into near-shore environments. Importantly, however, inshore reefs also show a consistent pattern of sharply declining coral growth that coincides with periods of high river discharge. This occurs despite these reefs having higher pHsw, demonstrating the overriding importance of local reef-water quality and reduced aragonite saturation state on coral reef health.
East Asian Monsoon controls on the inter-annual variability in precipitation isotope ratio in Japan
Authors: Kurita N. , Fujiyoshi Y. , Nakayama T. , Matsumi Y. , Kitagawa H.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. To elucidate the mechanism for how the East Asian Monsoon (EAM) variability have influenced the isotope proxy records in Japan, we explore the primary driver of variations of precipitation isotopes at multiple temporal scales (event, seasonal and inter-annual scales). Using a new 1-year record of the isotopic composition of event-based precipitation and continuous near-surface water vapor at Nagoya in central Japan, we identify the key atmospheric processes controlling the storm-to-storm isotopic variations through an analysis of air mass sources and rainout history during the transport of moisture to the site, and then apply the identified processes to explain the inter-annual isotopic variability related to the EAM variability in the historical 17-year long Tokyo station record in the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP). In the summer, southerly flows transport moisture with higher isotopic values from subtropical marine regions and bring warm rainfall enriched with heavy isotopes. The weak monsoon summer corresponds to enriched isotopic values in precipitation, reflecting higher contribution of warm rainfall to the total summer precipitation. In the strong monsoon summer, the sustaining Baiu rainband along the southern coast of Japan prevents moisture transport across Japan, so that the contribution of warm rainfall is reduced. In the winter, storm tracks are the dominant driver of storm-to-storm isotopic variation and relatively low isotopic values occur when a cold frontal rainband associated with extratropical cyclones passes off to the south of the Japan coast. The weak monsoon winter is characterized by lower isotopes in precipitation, due to the distribution of the cyclone tracks away from the southern coast of Japan. In contrast, the northward shift of the cyclone tracks and stronger development of cyclones during the strong monsoon winters decrease the contribution of cold frontal precipitation, resulting in higher isotopic values in winter precipitation. Therefore, year-to-year isotopic variability in summer and winter Japanese precipitation correlates significantly with changes in the East Asian summer and winter monsoon intensity (R=-0.47 for summer, R=0.42 for winter), and thus we conclude that the isotope proxy records in Japan should reflect past changes in the East Asian Monsoon. Since our study identifies the climate drivers controlling isotopic variations in summer and winter precipitation, we highlight the retrieval of a record with seasonal resolution from paleoarchives as an important priority.
CoastColour Round Robin datasets: a database to evaluate the performance of algorithms for the retrieval of water quality parameters in coastal waters
Authors: Nechad B. , Ruddick K. , Schroeder T. , Oubelkheir K. , Blondeau-Patissier D. , Cherukuru N. , Brando V. , Dekker A. , Clementson L. , Banks A. C. , Maritorena S. , Werdell J. , Sá C. , Brotas V. , Caballero de Frutos I. , Ahn Y.-H. , Salama S. , Tilstone G. , Martinez-Vicente V. , Foley D. , McKibben M. , Nahorniak J. , Peterson T. , Siliò-Calzada A. , Röttgers R. , Lee Z. , Peters M. , Brockmann C.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. The use of in situ measurements is essential in the validation and evaluation of the algorithms that provide coastal water quality data products from ocean colour satellite remote sensing. Over the past decade, various types of ocean colour algorithms have been developed to deal with the optical complexity of coastal waters. Yet there is a lack of a comprehensive inter-comparison due to the availability of quality checked in situ databases. The CoastColour project Round Robin (CCRR) project funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) was designed to bring together a variety of reference datasets and to use these to test algorithms and assess their accuracy for retrieving water quality parameters. This information was then developed to help end-users of remote sensing products to select the most accurate algorithms for their coastal region. To facilitate this, an inter-comparison of the performance of algorithms for the retrieval of in-water properties over coastal waters was carried out. The comparison used three types of datasets on which ocean colour algorithms were tested. The description and comparison of the three datasets are the focus of this paper, and include the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) Level 2 match-ups, in situ reflectance measurements and data generated by a radiative transfer model (HydroLight). These datasets are available from doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.841950. The datasets mainly consisted of 6484 marine reflectance associated with various geometrical (sensor viewing and solar angles) and sky conditions and water constituents: Total Suspended Matter (TSM) and Chlorophyll a (CHL) concentrations, and the absorption of Coloured Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM). Inherent optical properties were also provided in the simulated datasets (5000 simulations) and from 3054 match-up locations. The distributions of reflectance at selected MERIS bands and band ratios, CHL and TSM as a function of reflectance, from the three datasets are compared. Match-up and in situ sites where deviations occur are identified. The distribution of the three reflectance datasets are also compared to the simulated and in situ reflectances used previously by the International Ocean Colour Coordinating Group (IOCCG, 2006) for algorithm testing, showing a clear extension of the CCRR data which covers more turbid waters.
Representing life in the Earth system with soil microbial functional traits in the MIMICS model
Authors: Wieder W. R. , Grandy A. S. , Kallenbach C. M. , Taylor P. G. , Bonan G. B.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Projecting biogeochemical responses to global environmental change requires multi-scaled perspectives that consider organismal diversity, ecosystem processes and global fluxes. However, microbes, the drivers of soil organic matter decomposition and stabilization, remain notably absent from models used to project carbon cycle–climate feedbacks. We used a microbial trait-based soil carbon (C) model, with two physiologically distinct microbial communities to improve current estimates of soil C storage and their likely response to perturbations. Drawing from the application of functional traits used to model other ecosystems, we incorporate copiotrophic and oligotrophic microbial functional groups in the MIcrobial-MIneral Carbon Stabilization (MIMICS) model, which incorporates oligotrophic and copiotrophic functional groups, akin to "gleaner" vs. "opportunist" plankton in the ocean, or r vs. K strategists in plant and animals communities. Here we compare MIMICS to a conventional soil C model, DAYCENT, in cross-site comparisons of nitrogen (N) enrichment effects on soil C dynamics. MIMICS more accurately simulates C responses to N enrichment; moreover, it raises important hypotheses involving the roles of substrate availability, community-level enzyme induction, and microbial physiological responses in explaining various soil biogeochemical responses to N enrichment. In global-scale analyses, we show that current projections from Earth system models likely overestimate the strength of the land C sink in response to increasing C inputs with elevated carbon dioxide (CO2). Our findings illustrate that tradeoffs between theory and utility can be overcome to develop soil biogeochemistry models that evaluate and advance our theoretical understanding of microbial dynamics and soil biogeochemical responses to environmental change.
Technical Note: Variability of flow discharge in lateral inflow-dominated stream channels
Authors: Chang C.-M. , Yeh H.-D.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. The influence of the temporal changes in lateral inflow rate on the discharge variability in stream channels is explored through the analysis of diffusion wave equation (the linearized St. Venant equations). To account for variability and uncertainty, the lateral inflow rate is regarded as a temporal random function. Based on the spectral representation theory, analytical expressions for the covariance function and evolutionary power spectral density of the random discharge perturbation process are derived to quantify variability in stream flow discharge induced by the temporal changes in lateral inflow rate. Upon evaluating the closed-form expressions, it is found that the variability in stream flow discharge increases with distance from the upstream boundary of the channel and time as well. The temporal correlation scale of inflow rate fluctuations plays a positive role in enhancing the variability of the flow discharge in channels. The treatment of the discharge variance gives us a quantitative estimate of uncertainty from the use of the deterministic model.
Nonrandomized Comparison between Concomitant and Sequential Chemoradiotherapy with Anthracyclines in Breast Cancer
Authors: Leonardi Maria Cristina , Morra Anna , Santoro Luigi , Balduzzi Alessandra , Ivaldi Giovanni Battista , Vischioni Barbara , Ferrari Annamaria , Fodor Cristiana , Dell'Acqua Veronica , Cardinale Daniela Maria , Cipolla Carlo , Luini Alberto , Colleoni Marco , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara Alicja , Orecchia Roberto
Published: February 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the tolerance of concomitant administration of anthracycline-based chemotherapy (CHT) and 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (RT) after breast-conserving surgery.

Methods and Materials

Sixty-seven patients, treated with conservative surgery followed by 3-dimensional whole breast RT and concomitant CHT regimens including “Canadian modified” CEF (5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide) or AC (doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide) were evaluated for toxicity. They were compared in terms in compliance and acute toxicity with 67 patients irradiated sequentially after having received anthracyclines.

Results

Acute grade ≥2 skin toxicity was significantly higher in the concomitant group compared to the sequential group, although the incidence of Grade 3 desquamation showed no statistical difference (9% vs. 3%, p = 0.14). Haematological toxicity represented the main cause of treatment discontinuation, reporting higher rate of grade 3-4 leuco-neutropenia in the concomitant group (20.9% vs. 6%, p = 0.01). Mean RT duration was longer in the concomitant group (51 days vs. 45 days) owing to RT breaks. Late toxicity was acceptable. No symptomatic lung and heart events were reported. Radiological lung hyperdensity was detected in 27.7% of the patients in the concomitant group. Post-treatment left ventricular ejection fraction significantly decreased compared with baseline, but cardiac function remained within the normal range, without any difference between left or right-sided RT.

Conclusions

Although there was more acute grade ≥2 skin toxicity in the concomitant group, the rate of grade 3 dermatitis was lower than expected, suggesting some advantages of 3-D CRT over older techniques. Haematological toxicity exerted a significant impact on both RT and CHT delivery.
Association of Vitiligo and Response in Patients with Metastatic Malignant Melanoma on Temozolomide
Authors: Tatli Ali Murat , Besen Ali Ayberk , Kalender Mehmet Emin , Uysal Mukremin , Asian Deniz , Goksu Sema Sezgin , Gunduz Seyda Gulenay , Coskun Hasan Senol
Published: February 2015

Vitiligo-like lesions, although rare, are believed to be a prognostic factor in malignant melanoma. While a predictive role for such lesions was shown with immunomodulatory therapies, this relation was not demonstrated with temozolomide. We present 3 patients with metastatic malignant melanoma who developed vitiligo-like skin lesions accompanying good response to treatment and prolonged survival. Onset of vitiligo-like lesions with temozolomide in metastatic malignant melanoma may predict long-term response for this treatment.
Gendering Pathos on the Early Modern Stage:
Authors: LAPERLE CAROL MEJIA
Published: February 2015

In the early modern drama of John Webster, representations of pathos invite the interrogation of rhetorical theory as a comprehensive account of the role of emotion in persuasion. A White Devil and The Duchess of Malfi reveal unexpected trajectories of passionate appeal and persuasive effect, particularly in the ways female rhetors undercut early modern rhetorical advice regarding the deployment of pathos. While contemporary rhetorical treatises, such as Thomas Wilson's The Art of Rhetoric, insist that arguments based on emotion render immediate and undeniable the connection between rhetor and audience, the female rhetors' male audiences do not acknowledge emotional persuasion as confirmation of consensus or likeness. Instead, gender difference elides the possibility for commiseration, rendering any effectiveness of female passionate appeal the product of male evaluation, and not its source. This article charts a nuanced understanding of gendered pathos in Webster's drama by employing an analysis of the treatment of pathos in rhetorical theory and the considerations of pathos in representing female sexual desire on the early modern stage.
Young Genius or Old Master? John Milton and the Two Life Cycles of Artistic Creativity
Authors: BECK JEFFREY P.
Published: February 2015

Biographers and critics have often noted the late composition of Paradise Lost as remarkable, and indeed the narrator himself commented on the tragic wartime delay. The late publication of Paradise Lost raises important questions about the poet's creative process and more generally about creativity late in a poet's life. The article elaborates the question of whether Milton was an experimental or conceptual innovator, using economist David Galenson's dichotomy of the creative life cycle, posits a surprising answer, and explains the significance for other works of early modern art.
La investigación científica en los estudiantes de la UNAH
Authors: López Pavón Jorge Danilo , Perdomo Gabriel
Published: February 2015

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/pc.v4i0.1858 Revista Portal de la Ciencia, No. 4, julio 2013: 17-26
Evaluación físico química de la calidad de agua en los Esteros Ribereños de San Bernardo y Pedregal, Golfo de Fonseca, Honduras 2005 al 2010
Authors: Gutié Fátima Griselda , Guandique German , Marroquín Liliam Carina
Published: February 2015

La calidad del agua es fundamental en cualquier proceso, ya que de ella dependerá que el desarrollo de los organismos sea favorable, así como los rendimientos que se pretendan obtener. Los Esteros San Bernardo y Pedregal, están relacionadas con la industria camaronera, por ser la fuente principal de agua en la producción de casi el 40% del camarón nacional. Los análisis se realizaron con la base de datos del Laboratorio de Patología Acuática y Calidad de Agua “Dr. Gabino Zúniga E. Arias”, del periodo 2005 al 2010, siendo los parámetros evaluados: alcalinidad, nitrógeno total, fósforo total, demanda bioquímica de oxígeno (DBO-5), salinidad y sólidos sedimentables. Se demostró que los cambios a lo largo del tiempo en estos esteros no ha sido de impacto sobre la calidad del agua, lo que nos indica que las prácticas acuícolas de la zona están en armonía con el medio ambiente. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/pc.v4i0.1862 Revista Portal de la Ciencia, No. 4, julio 2013: 52-58
Comparación de la biometría y metodología en el manejo de la Tortuga Golfina Lepidochelys olivacea (Olive Ridley) en Cedeño, Marcovia
Authors: Murillo Anny , Contreras Heber , Berrios Guillermo , Ramos Melissa , Carranza Juan Carlos , Betanco Roxy , Gómez Yoleny , Hernández Wilmer , Merlo Vanessa
Published: February 2015

El propósito del estudio es realizar una comparación de la biometría y las metodologías empleadas en el monitoreo de la anidación de la Tortuga Golfina, en un periodo comprendido de 2010 – 2012. El área de estudio para este proyecto es en playa Edén, Cedeño, Marcovia del departamento de Choluteca, ubicada a 30 km noroeste de Choluteca. La extensión total de la playa es de una longitud de 8.5 km, comprendida en los 13? 08´ 08½ N 87° 25´ 47½ O. Área de influencia: Punta Ratón, El Venado, Boca de Río Viejo, considerado sitio preexistente de veda. La investigación se realiza mediante patrullajes nocturnos durante la época de veda, que se efectúa del 1 al 25 de septiembre de cada año. Esta acción de conservación y manejo se realiza de manera coordinada a través de la Comisión de Verificación y Control Ambiental del Golfo de Fonseca (CVC-GOLF). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/pc.v4i0.1863 Revista Portal de la Ciencia, No. 4, julio 2013: 59-67
Determinantes del subempleo y la informalidad para Honduras 2012
Authors: Zepeda Sergio Francisco , Díaz Ela Koritza , Rivera Zairy Yajaira , Alvarado Héctor
Published: February 2015

Los mercados laborales de Honduras muestran una marcada heterogeneidad, característica presente en todas las regiones latinoamericanas; resultando que los empleados de los distintos sectores no gocen de todos los beneficios no salariales que brinda el Estado y convivan con grupos que no los posean. De aquí procede en la actualidad el estudio de las condiciones laborales y la calidad del empleo, por su relevancia en la elaboración de políticas públicas y privadas, con el fin de reducir las diferencias marcadas entre empleados de un sector y otro.Por esta razón, la informalidad y el subempleo cobran importancia al ser medidas de la baja calidad del empleo; una desde la óptica de la oferta laboral y la otra desde la demanda laboral. Así como conocer las inclinaciones de los individuos a optar por estas propuestas que no maximizan los beneficios esperados de sus empleos. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/pc.v4i0.1865 Revista Portal de la Ciencia, No. 4, julio 2013: 77-85
Evaluating Hidden Costs of Technological Change
Authors: Martin Joseph D. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2015

This paper explores the process by which new technologies supplant or constrain cultural scaffolding processes and the consequences thereof. As elaborated by William Wimsatt and James Griesemer, cultural scaffolds support the acquisition of new capabilities by individuals or organizations. When technologies displace scaffolds, those who previously acquired capabilities from them come to rely upon the new technologies to complete tasks they could once accomplish on their own. Therefore, the would-be beneficiaries of those scaffolds are deprived of the agency to exercise the capabilities the scaffolds supported. Evaluating how technologies displace cultural scaffolds can ground philosophical assessments of the cultural value of technologies.
Software Productivity Consortium
Authors: Finneran Lisa
Published: February 2015

The Software Productivity Consortium (Consortium) was founded in 1985 by a group of the United States' leading companies in the aerospace, defense, electronics, and systems integration industries. The Consortium's membership has continued to expand since its founding, and now includes nearly 90 leading corporations in the telecommunications, aerospace/defense, electronics, and other industries, as well as many government agency and university affiliates. In both its original charter and its accomplishments to date, the Consortium represents a unique national resource for organizations facing the many challenges of designing and deploying large, software‐intensive systems. The Consortium was created to develop and transfer technologies needed to achieve these improvements and promote knowledge exchange and transfer across industry segments, federal and state government, and academia.

The Consortium is a nonprofit organization, located in Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) complex adjacent to Dulles International Airport near Washington, DC.
Substorm‐induced energetic electron precipitation: Morphology and prediction
Authors: Beharrell M. J. , Honary F. , Rodger C. J. , Clilverd M. A.
Published: February 2015

The injection, and subsequent precipitation, of 20 to 300 keV electrons during substorms is modeled using parameters of a typical substorm found in the literature. When combined with onset timing from, for example, the SuperMAG substorm database, or the Minimal Substorm Model, it may be used to calculate substorm contributions to energetic electron precipitation in atmospheric chemistry and climate models. Here the results are compared to ground‐based data from the Imaging Riometer for Ionospheric Studies riometer in Kilpisjärvi, Finland, and the narrowband subionospheric VLF receiver at Sodankylä, Finland. Qualitatively, the model reproduces the observations well when only onset timing from the SuperMAG network of magnetometers is used as an input and is capable of reproducing all four categories of substorm associated riometer spike events. The results suggest that the different types of spike event are the same phenomena observed at different locations, with each type emerging from the model results at a different local time, relative to the center of the injection region. The model's ability to reproduce the morphology of spike events more accurately than previous models is attributed to the injection of energetic electrons being concentrated specifically in the regions undergoing dipolarization, instead of uniformly across a single‐injection region.
A set of measures for the systematic classification of the nonlinear elastic behavior of disparate rocks
Authors: Rivière Jacques , Shokouhi Parisa , Guyer Robert A. , Johnson Paul A.
Published: February 2015

Dynamic acoustoelastic testing is performed on a set of six rock samples (four sandstones, one soapstone, and one granite). From these studies at 20 strain levels 10−7<ϵ<10−5, four measures characterizing the nonlinear elastic response of each sample are found. Additionally, each sample is tested with nonlinear resonant ultrasonic spectroscopy and a fifth measure of nonlinear elastic response is found. These five measures of the nonlinear elastic response of the samples (approximately 3 × 6×20 × 5 numbers as each measurement is repeated 3 times) are subjected to careful analysis using model‐independent statistical methods, principal component analysis, and fuzzy clustering. This analysis reveals differences among the samples and differences among the nonlinear measures. Four of the nonlinear measures are sensing much the same physical mechanism in the samples. The fifth is seeing something different. This is the case for all samples. Although the same physical mechanisms (two) are operating in all samples, there are distinctive features in the way the physical mechanisms present themselves from sample to sample. This suggests classification of the samples into two groups. The numbers in this study and the classification of the measures/samples constitute an empirical characterization of rock nonlinear elastic properties that can serve as a valuable testing ground for physically based theories that relate rock nonlinear elastic properties to microscopic elastic features.
Intraseasonal sea surface salinity variability in the equatorial Indo‐Pacific Ocean induced by Madden‐Julian oscillations
Authors: Li Yuanlong , Han Weiqing , Lee Tong
Published: February 2015

Intraseasonal sea surface salinity (SSS) variability in the equatorial Indo‐Pacific Ocean is investigated using the Aquarius/SAC‐D satellite measurements and Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM). Large‐scale SSS variations at 20–90 day time scales induced by Madden‐Julian oscillations (MJOs) are prominent in the central‐to‐eastern Indian Ocean (IO) and western Pacific Ocean (PO) with a standard deviation of ∼0.15 psu. The relationship between SSS anomaly and freshwater flux is nearly in phase in the central‐to‐eastern IO and out of phase in the western PO during a MJO cycle. A series of HYCOM experiments are performed to explore the causes for SSS variability. In most areas of the equatorial Indo‐Pacific Ocean, wind stress‐forced ocean dynamical processes act as the main driver of intraseasonal SSS, while precipitation plays a secondary role. In some areas of the western PO and western IO, however, precipitation effect is the leading contributor. In comparison, evaporation effect induced by radiation and wind speed changes is generally much smaller. Besides the external forcing by MJOs, ocean internal variability can also cause considerable intraseasonal SSS changes, explaining 10–20% of the total variance in some regions. Composite analysis for MJO events reveals that the effects of wind stress, precipitation, and evaporation vary at different phases of a MJO cycle. The MJO‐induced SSS signature is the result of complicated superimposition and interaction of these effects. The effect of wind stress also varies significantly from event to event. It affects SSS variability primarily through horizontal ocean current advection and to a lesser extent through vertical entrainment.
A model study of regional air‐sea interaction in the austral summer precipitation over southern Africa
Authors: Ratnam J. V. , Morioka Yushi , Behera Swadhin K. , Yamagata Toshio
Published: February 2015

The importance of air‐sea interactions in the simulation of southern Africa precipitation is brought out using a fully coupled regional model and by forcing the atmospheric component of the coupled model with the coupled model‐simulated sea surface temperature (SST). The coupled model has the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting model as the atmospheric component and the Regional Ocean Modeling System as the oceanic component. The spatial and temporal distribution of the coupled model‐simulated SST shows good agreement with observations. The coupled model shows a bias of about 0.25°C near the east coast of southern Africa. Comparison of the precipitation between the coupled and uncoupled model shows that the air‐sea interactions play an important role in the simulation of the precipitation during the peak precipitation season January to March, when the precipitation is mostly due to tropical processes. It is found that the two‐way specification of SST to the atmospheric model results in significant larger (smaller) precipitation depending on the spatial distribution of SST, due to the increase (decrease) of moisture from the surrounding oceans into the landmass. The results also show that the air‐sea interactions are not so important during the initial phases of the precipitation from October to December.
Enhanced nonlinearity interval mapping scheme for high‐performance simulation‐optimization of watershed‐scale BMP placement
Authors: Zou Rui , Riverson John , Liu Yong , Murphy Ryan , Sim Youn
Published: February 2015

Integrated continuous simulation‐optimization models can be effective predictors of a process‐based responses for cost‐benefit optimization of best management practices (BMPs) selection and placement. However, practical application of simulation‐optimization model is computationally prohibitive for large‐scale systems. This study proposes an enhanced Nonlinearity Interval Mapping Scheme (NIMS) to solve large‐scale watershed simulation‐optimization problems several orders of magnitude faster than other commonly used algorithms. An efficient interval response coefficient (IRC) derivation method was incorporated into the NIMS framework to overcome a computational bottleneck. The proposed algorithm was evaluated using a case study watershed in the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. Using a continuous simulation watershed/stream‐transport model, Loading Simulation Program in C++ (LSPC), three nested in‐stream compliance points (CP)—each with multiple Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) targets—were selected to derive optimal treatment levels for each of the 28 subwatersheds, so that the TMDL targets at all the CP were met with the lowest possible BMP implementation cost. Genetic Algorithm (GA) and NIMS were both applied and compared. The results showed that the NIMS took 11 iterations (about 11 min) to complete with the resulting optimal solution having a total cost of $67.2 million, while each of the multiple GA executions took 21–38 days to reach near optimal solutions. The best solution obtained among all the GA executions compared had a minimized cost of $67.7 million—marginally higher, but approximately equal to that of the NIMS solution. The results highlight the utility for decision making in large‐scale watershed simulation‐optimization formulations.
Signatures of the ULF geomagnetic activity in the surface air temperature in Antarctica
Authors: Francia Patrizia , Regi Mauro , De Lauretis Marcello
Published: February 2015

The variations of the Pc5 and Pc1‐2 ULF power and surface air temperature measured at Terra Nova Bay in Antarctica have been analyzed during the late declining phase of solar cycle 23 (2007–2008), in comparison with the simultaneous variations of the solar wind speed. The analysis focused on time scales of several days, which characterize the evolution of the solar wind stream structure. The temperature variations appear clearly during the local winters, while they are strongly reduced in the sunlit summers. During the local winters, the Pc5 and Pc1‐2 power and the temperature variations are significantly correlated, with the temperature delayed by a few days with respect to the ULF power. A time‐frequency analysis revealed common signals in the temperature and ULF power at periodicities related to the Sun's rotation period (~27, 13.5, and 9 days), which, in the same time intervals, characterize the solar wind speed and geomagnetic activity.
Incidence, management, and outcome of high‐grade transformation of nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkin lymphoma: Long‐term outcomes from a 30‐year experience
Authors: Eyre Toby A. , Gatter Kevin , Collins Graham P. , Hall Georgina W. , Watson Caroline , Hatton Chris S.R.
Published: February 2015

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare form of Hodgkin lymphoma that typically presents as early stage, indolent disease in young adult males. The relationship between NLPHL and DLBCL is incompletely understood, and there remains a paucity of data with regard the incidence and management of high‐grade transformation. We report the largest study to date describing the incidence, management and long‐term outcome of 26 cases of high‐grade transformation of NLPHL over a 30‐year period. We report a transformation incidence of 17.0%. Bone marrow, splenic, and liver infiltration with DLBCL was frequent. Patients with an aa‐IPI 2–3 have poorer OS and PFS (P = 0.034 and P = 0.009, respectively). Although the approach to treatment was somewhat variable, typically young, otherwise fit patients received anthracycline‐based induction, platinum‐based consolidation with stem cell harvesting, followed by autologous SCT with BEAM conditioning. Long‐term (5 year) PFS was over 60% with this approach, and comparable to our de novo DLBCL historical age and time period‐matched cohort largely treated with CHOP‐like chemotherapy alone. The transformation rate of 17.0% highlights the importance of accurate initial diagnosis, long‐term follow‐up, and re‐biopsy at relapse. Am. J. Hematol. 90:E103–E110, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.