bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
En torno a la Teoría de la Constitución y los nuevos contextos del constitucionalismo
Authors: Martín de la Vega Augusto
Published: February 2016

La literatura iuspublicista europea contemporánea está asistiendo a una revitalización de la Teoría de la Constitución. Existe en la doctrina una conciencia general sobre la oportunidad de repensar los presupuestos y fundamentos del Derecho constitucional. El autor defiende en este trabajo que se hace nece saria una Teoría de la Constitución que sea consciente de los cambios en el contexto filosófico, teórico y sociopolítico actual, y que evite que las reflexiones fundamentales del constitucionalismo se vacíen en teorías filosóficas de la justicia o de la comunicación y en teorías sociológicas del derecho, que puedan conducir a una desvalorización de la fuerza normativa y ordenadora del texto constitucional. Tres son los grandes rasgos que han de individualizar la reflexión sobre la Teoría de la Constitución: la existencia de un ambiente cultural que cambia paulatinamente, la evolución o transformación de las funciones del Estado y la necesidad de acometer una visión crítica de la Teoría de la Constitución asumiendo la variedad de métodos, objetivos y presupuestos conceptuales.
El convenio relativo a la protección del niño y a la cooperación en materia de adopción internacional, hecho en La Haya el 29 mayo 1993: una aproximación heterodoxa
Authors: Calvo Caravaca Alfonso Luis , Carrascosa González Javier
Published: February 2016

El convenio relativo a la protección del niño y a la cooperación en materia de adopción internacional, hecho en La Haya el 29 mayo 1993, presenta la curiosa incidencia de no precisar la ley aplicable a ciertos aspectos necesarios para acreditar la adecuación psicosocial de los adoptantes y del adoptando. En este trabajo, se propone una interpretación fáctica que permite solventar dicho problema: las autoridades que aplican el convenio citado no deben aplicar ninguna Ley estatal concreta a los aspectos reseñados, sino que deben limitarse a acreditar la adecuación psicosocial de los adoptantes y del adoptando con arreglo a criterios fácticos, sin que sea necesario aplicar una ley estatal determinada.
Otra regulación interina de la incapacidad temporal. La eterna anarquía regulatoria de una contingencia transitoria
Authors: Manrique López Víctor Fernando
Published: February 2016

La Incapacidad Temporal se conoce con su actual denominación desde la Ley 42/94 de 30 de diciembre, eliminando del glosario de conceptos de la Seguridad Social la denominada Incapacidad Laboral Transitoria y queda definida como “aquella situación en la que se encuentran los trabajadores impedidos temporalmente para trabajar debido a enfermedad común o profesional y accidente, sea o no de trabajo, mientras reciban Asistencia Sanitaria de la Seguridad Social, así como los periodos de observación por Enfermedad Profesional en los que se prescriba la baja en el trabajo durante los mismos”.
La D.G.R.N. en su labor de toma en consideración de la ley extranjera: análisis de la práctica existente y expectativas ante la Ley 54/2007, de 28 de diciembre, de adopción internacional
Authors: Maseda Rodríguez Javier
Published: February 2016

En el ámbito del Derecho internacional privado, este trabajo tiene por objeto identificar aquellas pautas de comportamiento propias de la Dirección General de Registros y del Notariado cuando se enfrenta a la aplicación de una ley extranjera en el marco de sus resoluciones relativas a adopción internacional. Ello incluye el análisis, por una parte, del tratamiento que el Derecho extranjero recibe en este ámbito por parte de una autoridad no judicial, esto es, el quién, el cómo y con qué valor se aporta el Derecho extranjero, como, por otra, sus diferencias con la práctica jurisdiccional ordinaria. Y todo ello, y al margen de la normativa convencional vigente, ante la entrada en vigor de la Ley 54/2007, de 28 de diciembre, de adopción internacional, como normativa autónoma reguladora de esta materia en el ordenamiento jurídico español
Sobre la condena por prevaricación del Magistrado Baltasar Garzón por la intervención de las comunicaciones autorizada con ocasión de la instrucción del caso Gürtel: La sentencia de la Sala de lo Penal del Tribunal Supremo de 9 de febrero de 2012
Authors: Martínez Alarcón María Luz
Published: February 2016

Recientemente, el Tribunal Supremo español ha condenado a D. Baltasar Garzón por un delito de prevaricación dolosa como consecuencia de su decisión de autorizar la intervención de las comunicaciones habidas entre los internos en establecimiento penitenciario con sus representantes legales en la trama Gürtel. La resolución ha suscitado opiniones encontradas en los ámbitos políticos e intelectuales del país. Este artículo pretende destacar que, a pesar de la dificultad existente para concluir que, en este supuesto, se ha producido una inobservancia manifiesta del Derecho aplicable, tampoco sorprende la conclusión jurídica a la que finalmente ha llegado el tribunal
Arturo Calvo Espiga y María A. Peñín González, Constitucionalismo y protección penal del matrimonio. La secularización del matrimonio en la evolución histórica del ordenamiento penal español, Civitas y Thomson Reuters, Cizur Menor 2010
Authors: Berrocal Rengel David
Published: February 2016

La monografía que comentamos en esta recensión constituye un denso estudio jurídico como lo acredita la riqueza del aparato crítico a pie de página, el análisis de fuentes legislativas y jurisprudenciales y la casi exhaustivay acreditada bibliografía con que se enriquece y sobre la que ha sido elaborado este libro. Las páginas 13-27 contienen una ajustada y, a la vez, erudita introducción en la que se delinea perfectamente la temática a analizar y lalínea metodológica que se seguirá en el tratamiento de la compleja cuestiónque se han propuesto los autores. La exposición se articula en cuatro capítulos
La libertad de expresión y la jurisprudencia del Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea
Authors: Rodríguez-Izquierdo Serrano Miryam
Published: February 2016

El artículo 11 de la Carta de Derechos Fundamentales incorpora formalmente a la libertad de expresión en el ámbito del Derecho de la Unión Europea. No obstante, como parte de las tradiciones constitucionales comunes de los Estados miembros, así como a través del artículo 10 del Convenio Europeo de Derechos Humanos, la libertad de expresión era ya un derecho fundamental europeo que se mezclaba con las libertades económicas, con regulaciones relacionadas con la comunicación audiovisual, con la protección de datos, con la propiedad intelectual y con el comercio electrónico. El presente artículo analiza la situación de la libertad de expresión en ese contexto normativo y en la jurisprudencia del Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea.
El futuro de la aplicación descentralizada de la Defensa de la Competencia
Authors: Hernández Rodríguez Francisco
Published: February 2016

El objetivo de estas breves líneas no es más que realizar algunas reflexiones sobre el funcionamiento del sistema de aplicación descentralizado de defensa de la competencia y proponer algunas líneas de actuación que puedan mejorar su funcionamiento en el futuro. Así, de un lado, la aplicación descentralizada de la normativa de defensa de la competencia presenta, a priori, algunas ventajas, como que puede dar lugar a un incremento de la actividad en materia de defensa de la competencia, la mayor cercanía y el mejor conocimiento de los mercados locales por parte de las Autoridades autonómicas, o que permite a la Autoridad estatal focalizar sus recursos en los casos más graves. Sin embargo, de otro lado, los detractores del sistema descentralizado alegan que supone la duplicación de organismos y que puede romper la unidad de aplicación del derecho de la competencia en el territorio nacional.

En otro orden de consideraciones, será menester de estas líneas ilustrar brevemente cuál ha sido el íter protagonizado por las autoridades de competencia, auspiciado por modificaciones normativas a las que se han ido adaptando las distintas autoridades de competencia. Sin duda, en todo ese recorrido se alza como piedra angular la promoción de la competencia, cuestión que suscita la preocupación y ocupación tanto del legislativo cuando dicta la Ley 1/2002, de 21 de febrero de coordinación de las competencias del Estado y las Comunidades Autónomas en materia de defensa de la competencia como de las propias autoridades que apuestan por la sinergia con instrumentos de cooperación tan eficientes como la «Red de Cooperación de los Órganos Competentes en materia de competencia (REC)».
Modernising educational programmes in ICT based on the Tuning methodology
Authors: Bedny Alexander , Erushkina Liliya , Kuzenkov Oleg
Published: February 2016

An analysis is presented of the experience of modernising undergraduate educational programs using the TUNING methodology, based on the example of the area of studies “Fundamental computer science and information technology” (FCSIT) implemented at Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod (Russia). The algorithm for reforming curricula for the subject area of information technology in accordance with the TUNING methodology is explained. A comparison is drawn between the existing Russian and European standards in the area of ICT education, including the European e-Competence Framework, with the focus on relevant competences. Some guidelines for the preparation of educational programmes are also provided.
A 21st Century Imperative: integrating intercultural competence in Tuning
Authors: Deardorff Darla K.
Published: February 2016

Given the increasing demand for interculturally competent graduates and employees, it is incumbent upon the Tuning community to incorporate intercultural competence into Tuning Frameworks. With the growing diversity in the world today, beyond national diversity, intercultural competence cuts across disciplines, subjects, and contexts. This essay highlights the first research-based definition and framework of intercultural competence which can be translated into any subject and context and makes the case for why intercultural competence must be embedded into Tuning Frameworks around the world.
Dialogue as Data in Learning Analytics for Productive Educational Dialogue
Authors: Knight Simon , Littleton Karen
Published: February 2016

Accounts of the nature and role of productive dialogue in fostering educational outcomes are now well established in the learning sciences and are underpinned by bodies of strong empirical research and theorising. Allied to this there has been longstanding interest in fostering computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) in support of such dialogue. Learning analytic environments such as massive open online courses (moocs) and online learning environments (such as virtual learning environments, VLEs and learning management systems, LMSs) provide ripe potential spaces for learning dialogue. In prior research, preliminary steps have been taken to detect occurrences of productive dialogue automatically through the use of automated analysis techniques. Such advances have the potential to foster effective dialogue through the use of learning analytic techniques that scaffold, give feedback on, and provide pedagogic contexts promoting, such dialogue. However, the translation of learning science research to the online context is complex, requiring the operationalization of constructs theorized in different contexts (often face to face), and based on different data-sets and structures (often spoken dialogue).. In this paper we explore what could constitute the effective analysis of this kind of productive dialogue, arguing that it requires consideration of three key facets of the dialogue: features indicative of productive dialogue; the unit of segmentation; and the interplay of features and segmentation with the temporal underpinning of learning contexts. We begin by outlining what we mean by ‘productive educational dialogue’, before going on to discuss prior work that has been undertaken to date on its manual and automated analysis. We then highlight ongoing challenges for the development of computational analytic approaches to such data, discussing the representation of features, segments, and temporality in computational modelling. The paper thus foregrounds, to both learning-science-oriented and computationally-oriented researchers, key considerations in respect of the analysis dialogue data in emerging learning analytics environments. The paper provides a novel, conceptually driven, stance on the state of the contemporary analytic challenges faced in the treatment of dialogue as a form of data across on and offline sites of learning.
Sonhos
Dreams
Authors: Salles Patrícia Gabriela
Published: February 2016

Este trabalho traz como tema os sonhos, através de uma breve revisão bibliográfica de sua concepção histórica a partir dos escritos dos filósofos gregos, de Santo Agostinho (Agostinho de Hipona) também as contribuições de Sigmund Freud e Carl Gustav Jung. Ideias, teorias e discussões que trouxeram benefícios para a Ontopsicologia, de forma que, foram analisados os pontos históricos que foram utilizados no método ontopsicológico. Sonhos como modo de encontro com a realidade de cada sujeito.
Aprofundamento teórico sobre as imagens oníricas e a correlação com os valores do Em Si organísmico e os valores sistêmico-sociais
Theoretical study on the dream images and correlation with the organismic In Sé and the systemic social values
Authors: Dias Adelaide Dos Santos
Published: February 2016

Este estudo teórico consiste em aprofundar os valores do Em Si organísmico e os valores sistêmicos sociais segundo a Teoria Ontopsicológica, buscando correlacionar os valores do Em Si organísmico com as 15 características do Em Si ôntico e também correlacionar os valores sistêmicos sociais com a efetualidade do Monitor de Deflexão no ser humano. Para isso, foi utilizado o método de investigação bibliográfica procurando-se aprofundar e correlacionar o estudo das imagens oníricas com as três descobertas fundamentais e inovadoras da Ontopsicologia. O suporte teórico de base que possibilita refletir sobre os objetivos apresentados e sobre os fundamentos conceituais e instrumentais tem como referência principal a obra de Antonio Meneghetti. Os resultados mostraram que, por meio de evidências concretas é possível identificar com base em quais valores a pessoa está pautando seus comportamentos e sua vida e, por meio da leitura das imagens oníricas, é possível compreender o estilo de vida, os erros de comportamento do indivíduo em relação a si mesmo e as lacunas e debilidades que tem no próprio orgânico e em qualquer aspecto da sua saúde física.
Os jovens e o nexo ontológico
The Teens and the Ontological Nexus
Authors: Carrara Gabriel de Souza
Published: February 2016

Este trabalho de pesquisa analisa a situação do jovem na sociedade contemporânea, bem como os principais estereótipos e comportamentos mais comuns e regressivos/não funcionais para si mesmos. Será proposta uma solução para o jovem, para que o mesmo realize ações que reforcem sua própria identidade, efetuando o nexo ontológico.
Como desenvolver relações funcionais a partir da díade
How to develop functional relationships from the dyad
Authors: Anton Marcela
Published: February 2016

Vivemos inseridos dentro de um contexto social onde a todo momento estamos em contato com pessoas. Com base nesse contexto este artigo possui como objetivo compreender os relacionamentos de trabalho a partir da perspectiva da díade. Tal objetivo baseia-se na relevância que os vínculos relacionais ocorrem nos mais diversos ambientes em que precisamos constantemente contatar pessoas.  É preciso saber construir relações de maneira positiva, relações funcionais para obter ganho e crescimento. O presente trabalho é um estudo de caso e uma revisão bibliográfica com ênfase na obra de Antonio Meneghetti. Como resultado, propõe observar três possíveis classificações para o valor criado no relacionamento. Por fim, se faz necessário entender que a díade mais funcional é a relação entre o ser e a existência. É importante lembrar de quem somos, qual o objetivo de vida e procurar as díades que vão desenvolver positivamente e de modo funcional o indivíduo.
Do ser; Do Em Si Ôntico
About being; about Ôntic In Sé
Authors: Santos Márcio Vieira dos
Published: February 2016

O presente trabalho objetiva esclarecer o que é o Ser, relatando o percurso histórico que culminou em sua definição e tratando ainda de seus modos de acontecimento. Ainda, pretende definir o que é o Em Si ôntico e descrever suas características.
Humanismo histórico: estudo de sua evolução para chegar à felicidade e realização
Historical humanism: a study of its evolution to get to happiness and fulfillment
Authors: Cervo Andreia Ferreira Gomes
Published: February 2016

A questão norteadora deste estudo é sobre o ser humano e sua busca pela felicidade; poderemos ser felizes sem ser realizados? A busca teórica teve como base as falas de alguns filósofos e suas contribuições a difusão do pensamento Humanista. Ressaltou-se o conceito de felicidade, também extraídas das obras do Prof. Antonio Meneghetti. Este trabalho teve como objetivo final, auxiliar na compreensão pessoal da autora e demais leitores, sobre as perspectivas de felicidade na sociedade atual.
pH‐Responsive Hydrogel With an Anti‐Glycation Agent for Modulating Experimental Periodontitis
Authors: Yu Min‐Chen , Chang Chih‐Yeun , Chao Yi‐Chi , Jheng Yi‐Han , Yang Connie , Lee Ning , Yu Shan‐Huey , Yu Xin‐Hong , Liu Dean‐Mo , Chang Po‐Chun
Published: February 2016

Background: Stimulus‐responsive devices have emerged as a novel approach for local drug delivery. This study investigates the feasibility of a novel chitosan‐based, pH‐responsive hydrogel loaded with N‐phenacylthiazolium bromide (PTB), which cleaves the crosslinks of advanced glycation end products on the extracellular matrix.

Methods: A chitosan‐based hydrogel loaded with PTB was fabricated, and the in vitro release profile was evaluated within pH 5.5 to 7.4. BALB/cJ mice and Sprague‐Dawley rats were used to evaluate the effects during the induction and recovery phases of periodontitis, respectively, and animals in each phase were divided into four groups: 1) no periodontitis induction; 2) ligature‐induced experimental periodontitis (group PR); 3) experimental periodontitis plus hydrogel without PTB (group PH); and 4) experimental periodontitis plus hydrogel with PTB (group PP). The therapeutic effects were evaluated by microcomputed tomographic imaging of periodontal bone level (PBL) loss and histomorphometry for inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen density.

Results: PTB was released faster at pH 5.5 to 6.5 and consistently slower at pH 7.4. In the induction phase, PBL and inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly reduced in group PP relative to group PR, and the loss of collagen matrix was significantly reduced relative to that observed in group PH. In the recovery phase, PBL and inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly reduced, and significantly greater collagen deposition was noted in group PP relative to groups PR and PH at 4 and 14 days after silk removal.

Conclusion: Chitosan‐based, pH‐responsive hydrogels loaded with PTB can retard the initiation of and facilitate the recovery from experimental periodontitis.
A Review on Low Cost Methods for In Vitro Micropropagation of Plant Through Tissue Culture Technique
Authors: Jyoti Sahu  , Ram Kumar Sahu
Published: February 2016

Medicinal plants have been the subject of man’s curiosity since the time of human survival. A considerable majority of people of the world’s population still rely on the traditional medicine for their primary health care necessities. Currently demand of herbal medicines has been enhanced; and it is very difficult to fulfill the demand from field plants. Hence, in vitro propagation of plant by tissue culture can be used to fulfill the requirement of medicinal plants. The techniques applied in tissue culture are expensive; hence we try to summarize the data for low cost method for in vitro micropropagation of plant through tissue culture technique. This can help the scholar working in developing of tissue culture methods for in vitro propagation of medicinal plant.
In Vitro Study of Wound Healing Potential in Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.)
Authors: Chin Mee Wong  , Jing Jing Ling
Published: February 2016

Piper nigrum L. is a perennial climbing vine and its dried; ground berries make one of the most common spices in worldwide cuisine. Besides its extensive culinary uses, black pepper is commonly mixed in home remedies to heal wound and cut. Hence, the current research study was aimed at discovering potential wound healing properties of black pepper berries. A preliminary study was also carried out to determine some major phytochemicals in black pepper berries extracted with different solvents. In vitro cell-based assays were adopted for the observation of wound healing activity. The present study demonstrated that the extracts of the black berries of Piper nigrum L. (0.32-1.0 µg/ml) encouraged cell migration activity, notwithstanding existence of contrasting activity as the concentration increased. The observed wound healing activity was most probably due to the presence of phytochemicals, viz.; flavonoids and triterpenes.
Optimization of Polymer Concentration for Designing of Oral Matrix Controlled Release Dosage Form
Authors: S. Budiasih  , Jiyauddin K.  , Logavinod N.  , M. Kaleemullah  , Jawad A.  , Samer A. D.  , Fadli A.  , Eddy Y.
Published: February 2016

Patient’s compliance can be enhanced by using extended release drug delivery systems which allow decreasing the number of daily doses, and helping to maintain uniform drug levels and increase the safety margin for high-potency drugs. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is the most commonly used hydrophilic polymer for the preparation of oral controlled drug delivery systems. This research was conducted with the aim of  developing matrix based oral controlled release tablets for the drug diclofenac sodium using different viscosity grades of HPMC (K15M) and to compare the  drug release characteristics with those of a commercial product, Voltaren® SR 100. Similarity factor (f2), values in between test formulation and marketed preparation was calculated to choose the best formulation. The release kinetics from various matrices was also studied. Increasing in polymer content reduced the rate of drug release. At the same polymer content in the matrix, the drug release was most sustained with tablets prepared using HPMC (K15M). Out of all the formulations studies, matrix tablets containing 40% of HPMC (K15M) showed comparable dissolution profile to that of the marketed preparation as indicated by a similarity factor value of (f2) 88.30%. The release of drug from marketed preparation and matrix with HPMC (K15M) 40% was found to be a diffusion drug mechanism as per Higuchi equation.
Professores de História e a Internet nas Escolas: concepções e caminhos
Authors: Silva Joelci Mora , Urt Sônia Da Cunha
Published: February 2016

Este artigo baseia-se na investigação realizada com professores de História de escolas da rede pública da cidade de Campo Grande (MS). A partir dos levantados em entrevistas, discute-se a inserção das redes sociais on-line no fazer docente. Seus principais objetivos são o estudo e a reflexão acerca dos caminhos do ensino de História em sua interlocução com o uso escolar da internet. As análises e discussões estão balizadas pelos postulados da Teoria Histórico-Cultural e pelas contribuições de estudiosos do ensino de História e das tecnologias digitais. Como resultado, destaca-se que, apesar dos problemas, os professores veem de forma positiva o uso da internet em suas aulas. Conclui-se que é grande o potencial contributivo do uso escolar da internet na produção do conhecimento histórico.
Potencialidades das "Narrativas em Si" em Narrativas da História Escolar
Authors: Monteiro Ana Maria Ferreira da Costa , Amorim Mariana De Oliveira
Published: February 2016

Neste artigo, apresentamos alguns resultados de pesquisa em andamento que busca examinar as potencialidades das “narrativas de si” para a constituição do saber histórico escolar e para a produção de identidades docentes. Tendo por base a análise de aulas de História no Ensino Médio ministradas por uma professora reconhecida como marcante por seus antigos alunos, discutimos algumas potencialidades didáticas emergentes da análise das “narrativas de si”. Especialmente, a influência desse aspecto do ensino na “negociação de distâncias” entre professora e alunos, que viabiliza a aproximação dos conteúdos da disciplina História com a realidade do aluno e com o tempo presente. Bem como sua influência na relação com o ensino de conteúdos, valores éticos e morais. Foi possível, também, registrar indícios de transformação, simultânea e contínua, no processo de constituição de sua identidade docente.
A teoria da história de Jörn Rüsen no Brasil e seus principais comentadores
Authors: Barom Wilian Carlos Cipriani
Published: February 2016

O presente artigo trata da recepção brasileira da teoria da história de Jörn Rüsen, com especial destaque sobre o campo da Didática da História. A partir de uma revisão da literatura produzida no Brasil, busca identificar as principais contribuições da teoria de Rüsen para a história e seu ensino, de acordo com a opinião de pesquisadores e comentadores nacionais. Utiliza-se de uma amostragem de 34 artigos publicados em revistas e anais eletrônicos de eventos dedicados às áreas de História e Educação. Sintetiza as principais contribuições da teoria em cinco pontos: recuperar o enraizamento da história no cotidiano; compatibilizar método e sentido por meio da narrativa histórica; considerar as informações históricas presentes na sociedade como influência ao pensamento histórico; ser uma porta de entrada para as contribuições alemãs acerca da Didática da História; e possibilitar uma pesquisa no ensino da história que considere as ideias dos estudantes.
The Effect of Community-Based Prevention and Care on Ebola Transmission in Sierra Leone
Authors: Pronyk Paul , Rogers Braeden , Lee Sylvia , Bhatnagar Aarunima , Wolman Yaron , Monasch Roeland , Hipgrave David , Salama Peter , Kucharski Adam , Chopra Mickey ,   on behalf of the UNICEF Sierra Leone Ebola Response Team
Published: February 2016

Objectives. To examine the acceptability, use, effects on early isolation, and contribution to Ebola virus disease (EVD) transmission of Community Care Centers (CCCs), which were rapidly deployed in Sierra Leone during an accelerated phase of the 2014–2015 EVD epidemic.

Methods. Focus group discussions, triads, and key informant interviews assessed acceptability of the CCCs. Facility registers, structured questionnaires, and laboratory records documented use, admission, and case identification. We estimated transmission effects by comparing time between symptom onset and isolation at CCCs relative to other facilities with the national Viral Hemorrhagic Fever data set.

Results. Between November 2014 and January 2015, 46 CCCs were operational. Over 13 epidemic weeks, 6129 patients were triaged identifying 719 (12%) EVD suspects. Community acceptance was high despite initial mistrust. Nearly all patients presented to CCCs outside the national alert system. Isolation of EVD suspects within 4 days of symptoms was higher in CCCs compared with other facilities (85% vs 49%; odds ratio = 6.0; 95% confidence interval = 4.0, 9.1), contributing to a 13% to 32% reduction in the EVD reproduction number (Ro).

Conclusions. Community-based approaches to prevention and care can reduce Ebola transmission.
Homeopathy Use by US Adults: Results of a National Survey
Authors: Dossett Michelle L. , Davis Roger B. , Kaptchuk Ted J. , Yeh Gloria Y.
Published: February 2016

We used the 2012 National Health Interview Survey to compare homeopathy users with supplement users and those using other forms of complementary and integrative medicine. Among US adults, 2.1% used homeopathy within the past 12 months. Respiratory and otorhinolaryngology complaints were most commonly treated (18.5%). Homeopathy users were more likely to use multiple complementary and integrative medicine therapies and to perceive the therapy as helpful than were supplement users. US homeopathy use remains uncommon; however, users perceive it as helpful.
Evaluation of the Evidence Base for the Alcohol Industry’s Actions to Reduce Drink Driving Globally
Authors: Esser Marissa B. , Bao James , Jernigan David H. , Hyder Adnan A.
Published: February 2016

Objectives. To evaluate the evidence base for the content of initiatives that the alcohol industry implemented to reduce drink driving from 1982 to May 2015.

Methods. We systematically analyzed the content of 266 global initiatives that the alcohol industry has categorized as actions to reduce drink driving.

Results. Social aspects public relations organizations (i.e., organizations funded by the alcohol industry to handle issues that may be damaging to the business) sponsored the greatest proportion of the actions. Only 0.8% (n = 2) of the sampled industry actions were consistent with public health evidence of effectiveness for reducing drink driving.

Conclusions. The vast majority of the alcohol industry’s actions to reduce drink driving does not reflect public health evidenced–based recommendations, even though effective drink-driving countermeasures exist, such as a maximum blood alcohol concentration limit of 0.05 grams per deciliter for drivers and widespread use of sobriety checkpoints.
Hepatitis C Screening Rate Among Underserved Adults With Serious Mental Illness Receiving Care in California Community Mental Health Centers
Authors: Trager Evan , Khalili Mandana , Masson Carmen L. , Vittinghoff Eric , Creasman Jennifer , Mangurian Christina
Published: February 2016

Although HCV is more prevalent among people with severe mental illness (SMI; e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) than in the general population (17% vs 1%), no large previous studies have examined HCV screening in this population. In this cross-sectional study, we examined administrative data for 57 170 California Medicaid enrollees with SMI to identify prevalence and predictors of HCV screening from October 2010 through September 2011. Only 4.7% (2674 of 57 170) received HCV screening, with strongest predictors being nonpsychiatric health care utilization and comorbid substance abuse.
Increase in Naloxone Prescriptions Dispensed in US Retail Pharmacies Since 2013
Authors: Jones Christopher M. , Lurie Peter G. , Compton Wilson M.
Published: February 2016

Distribution of naloxone, traditionally through community-based naloxone programs, is a component of a comprehensive strategy to address the epidemic of prescription opioid and heroin overdose deaths in the United States. Recently, there has been increased focus on naloxone prescription in the outpatient setting, particularly through retail pharmacies, yet data on this practice are sparse. We found an 1170% increase in naloxone dispensing from US retail pharmacies between the fourth quarter of 2013 and the second quarter of 2015. These findings suggest that prescribing naloxone in the outpatient setting complements traditional community-based naloxone programs.
Guest Editorial: A Balancing Act
Authors: Torstad Elisabeth
Published: February 2016

Guest Editorial

The inherent volatility in the oil and gas industry came into full force in 2014, with the culmination of increasing complexity, rising operating costs, and a rapid fall in oil prices. Getting through this latest downturn will require a balancing act between short-term measures to reduce costs while maintaining a long-term perspective on growth.

While the cyclical rise and fall of the oil price hardly comes as a surprise, there is an obvious correlation between confidence in the industry and the price of a barrel of oil. In tandem with identifying the priorities and strategies for the year ahead, this was very much demonstrated in the findings of our fifth annual industry benchmark study, A Balancing Act: The Outlook for the Oil and Gas Industry in 2015.*

Unlike in previous years, we felt the need to carry out the survey on industry confidence twice, three months apart, as we believed that the rapid drop in oil price at the end of 2014 may have skewed the results. We did indeed see a sharp drop in confidence between October 2014 and January 2015, from 62% being confident to hit their revenue targets down to 32%. The sharpest drop in confidence was seen in Asia, which dropped from 72% to 33%. The research not only compared results across a quarter of the year, but also from DNV GL’s 2014 industry outlook report, providing a snapshot of sentiment and a look ahead.

A Test of Confidence

Ongoing rises in operating costs colliding with a dramatic fall in oil prices made operators across the industry respond with further cutbacks in their capital expenditure plans and cost-cutting measures across their operations.

Overall, 28% of respondents remain confident about the oil and gas industry going forward, down from 88% in 2014 and a high of 89% in 2013. The speed of the downturn inevitably hit home in several key areas: far fewer are confident of their capacity to meet revenue and profit targets this year. Less than one-third predict they will hit their revenue (32%) and profit goals (30%), and these percentages have more than halved from last year (70% on both). Low oil prices are now the biggest barrier to growth in 2015, cited by 68% of respondents, followed by weak global economy (35%), and uneconomic gas prices (20%) as well as tougher competition. The industry’s skills shortage, which has been the largest barrier to growth for the past 2 years, has fallen to 10th place (14%), jointly with geopolitical instability in key markets.

It is concerning for the long-term health of the industry to see behavior so tightly bound to oil-price fluctuations. We essentially need to heed lessons learned from previous downturns and avoid repeating mistakes.
Limited-Entry Liner With Retrievable Ball-Drop Diversion System in a Deepwater Brazil Field
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: February 2016

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper IPTC 18113, “Unconventionals Meet Deep Water: Lower-Completion Limited- Entry Liner With Retrievable Ball-Drop Diversion System Applied in a Deepwater Brazil Carbonate Field,” by M.A. Fowler, R.D. Gdanski, P. Campbell, W. Bode, J.M. Baima, and S. Hensgens, Shell, prepared for the 2014 International Petroleum Technology Conference, Kuala Lumpur, 10–12 December. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

This paper describes the design, testing, and execution of a unique deepwater completion system that adapts a known multistage ball-drop system used in onshore unconventional reservoirs—for example, in the US and Canada—to a known horizontal openhole sand-control system to matrix acidize a 2000-m horizontal open hole effectively through a limited-entry liner with reservoir segmentation. The system uses a retrievable ball-drop diversion system (RBDDS) consisting of multistage fracture sleeves run on wash pipe.

Introduction

Low-permeability deepwater carbonate reservoirs have presented many challenges for economical production. The wells typically require extensive reservoir contact that must be stimulated in order to achieve an acceptable productivity index. Field A of the Albian carbonate in the Campos basin offshore Brazil falls into this challenging category (Fig. 1). The field is mature, having been on production since the early 1990s from various Eocene sandstone reservoirs. Initially, the field was produced under depletion by an early production system up to the late 1990s. Then, in the early 2000s, a field redevelopment was performed and production was restarted in 2003 to a floating production, storage, and offloading vessel (FPSO), now with water-injection support. The Quissama member of the Al bian Macae formation in the Campos basin underlies the existing Eocene reservoirs but has not been produced to date. To help extend field life and to evaluate the production potential of this formation, a development/appraisal well was planned to be completed and hooked up to the FPSO and the subsea infrastructure. The Albian carbonate below Fields A and B lies in 769 m of water and exhibits low permeability.

For a detailed discussion of the well’s functional specifications and requirements, please see the complete paper.
Probabilistic Reservoir-Property Modeling Jointly Constrained by 3D-Seismic Data and Hydraulic-Unit Analysis
Authors: Niri M. Emami , Lumley D. E.
Published: February 2016

We present a new method for seismic reservoir characterization and reservoir-property modeling on the basis of an integrated analysis of 3D-seismic data and hydraulic flow units, and apply it to an example of a producing reservoir offshore Western Australia. Our method combines hydraulic-unit analysis with a set of techniques for seismic reservoir characterization including rock-physics analysis, Bayesian inference, prestack seismic inversion, and geostatistical simulation of reservoir properties. Hydraulic units are geologic layers and zones characterized by similar properties of fluid flow in porous permeable media, and are defined at well locations on the basis of logs, core measurements, and production data. However, the number of wells available for hydraulic-unit analysis is often extremely limited. In comparison, the lateral coverage and resolution of 3D-seismic data are excellent, and can thus be used to extend hydraulic-unit analysis away from well locations into the full 3D reservoir volume. We develop a probabilistic relationship between optimal 3D-seismic-data attributes and the hydraulic units that we determine at well locations. Because porosity and permeability distributions are estimated for each hydraulic flow unit as part of the process, we can use the 3D-seismic probabilistic relationships to constrain geostatistical realizations of porosity and permeability in the reservoir, to be consistent with the flow-unit analysis. Reservoir models jointly constrained by both 3D-seismic data and hydraulic flow-unit analysis have the potential to improve the processes of reservoir characterization, fluid-flow performance forecasting, and production data or 4D-seismic history matching.
Treatment of Condensate and Water Blocks in Hydraulic-Fractured Shale-Gas/Condensate Reservoirs
Authors: Ganjdanesh Reza , Rezaveisi Mohsen , Pope Gary A. , Sepehrnoori Kamy
Published: February 2016

The accumulation of condensate in fractures is one of the challenges of producing gas from gas/condensate reservoirs. When the bottomhole pressure drops to less than the dewpoint, condensate forms in and around fractures and causes a significant drop in the gas relative permeability, which leads to a decline in the gas-production rate. This reduction of gas productivity is in addition to the reduction because of water blocking by the fracturing water. Solvents can be used to remove liquid blocks and increase gas- and condensate-production rates. In this paper, dimethyl ether (DME) is introduced as a novel solvent for this purpose. In addition to good partitioning into condensate/gas/aqueous phases, DME has a high vapor pressure, which improves the flowback after the treatment. We compare its behavior with both methanol (MeOH) and ethanol (EtOH) solvents.
Identifying Field Attributes that Predict Soybean Yield Using Random Forest Analysis
Authors: Smidt Ethan R. , Conley Shawn P. , Zhu Jun , Arriaga Francisco J.
Published: February 2016

Until recently, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] fields were often seeded at a single rate. Advances in GPS and variable rate technology (VRT) are allowing growers to use variable rate planting prescriptions to optimize yields and input costs. This study was conducted to find the key predictors for characterizing soybean seed yield from commonly collected precision agriculture data layers. Research was conducted in 11 unique fields both in 2013 and 2014 in Wisconsin and all 22 site‐years were following corn [Zea mays (L.)]. Seeding rate, soil sampling, yield, and soil survey data were gathered from each site for analysis. A statistical procedure used in the determination of key prediction parameters, random forest analysis, was used and identified soil map unit as the most important variable when predicting soybean seed yield for the pooled data sets in both 2013 and 2014. The next most important factors were, in order of importance, soil P, soil organic matter, soil available water supply in the upper 100 cm, soil K, and elevation in 2013 and soil P, elevation, soil K, soil organic matter, and soil available water supply in the upper 150 cm during 2014. Individual field random forest analyses determined elevation was the most important predictor of soybean yield, on average, for 2013 and 2014 followed by organic matter, K, P, and pH in 2013 and pH, K, organic matter, and P in 2014.

Core Ideas

Commonly accessed soybean yield predictors can vary depending on scale.

Soil pH, organic matter, P, and K are good predictors of soybean yield in Wisconsin.

Random forest and decision tree analyses are useful and accurate analysis tools.
Prohexadione–Calcium Improves Stand Density and Yield of Alfalfa Interseeded into Silage Corn
Authors: Grabber John H.
Published: February 2016

Interseeded alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) could serve as a dual‐purpose crop to provide groundcover for silage corn (Zea mays L.) and forage during subsequent years of production, but interspecific competition often leads to poor stands of alfalfa and unsatisfactory yields of corn. Four experiments evaluated whether interspecific competition could be alleviated by application of plant growth retardants (PGRs) on alfalfa interseeded at corn planting. In three experiments, foliar application of prohexadione‐calcium (PHD) on seedlings approximately doubled stand density of interseeded alfalfa during establishment in corn and following 1 yr of alfalfa forage production. Untimely PHD application in one experiment, however, failed to prevent stand failure of alfalfa growing under warm and damp conditions that favored vigorous growth of corn. When successfully established without PHD, average dry matter yield (DMY) of interseeded alfalfa the year following corn was 85% greater than conventionally spring‐seeded alfalfa; prior year PHD application further increased DMY of interseeded alfalfa by 15%. When tested with PHD in two experiments, seed soaking or coating with uniconazole (UCZ) or paclobutrazol (PBZ) reduced stand density and had neutral or adverse impacts on DMY of alfalfa following corn. Interseeding reduced silage corn DMY by an average of 10% compared to monoculture corn and PGR treatment of alfalfa usually failed to alleviate yield depression in corn. Overall, PHD shows promise for enhancing the establishment and subsequent yield of interseeded alfalfa, but further work is needed to refine this production system for farm use.

Core Ideas

Interseeded alfalfa can serve as a cover and forage crop

Interseeding alfalfa in corn can double first year yields of alfalfa

Prohexadione doubles seedling survival of interseeded alfalfa

Prohexadione increases first year yield of interseeded alfalfa

Prohexadione does not alleviate corn yield depression due to interseeding
Viscous‐Flow Approach to In Situ Infiltration and In Vitro Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity Determination
Authors: Germann Peter F. , Karlen Michel
Published: February 2016

Core Ideas

Viscous film flow can explain non‐equilibrium in the Richards equation.

Parameters of viscous flow were determined in situ and in vitro.

If macropore‐flow restriction applies, then kinematic wave theory is applicable.

Infiltration is dominantly gravity driven, and a viscous‐flow approach was developed. Laminar film flow equilibrates gravity with the viscous force and a constant flow velocity evolves during a period lasting 3/2 times the duration of a constant input rate, qS. Film thickness F and the specific contact area L of the film per unit soil volume are the key parameters. Sprinkler irrigation produced in situ time series of volumetric water contents, θ(z,t), as determined with TDR probes. The wetting front velocity v and the time series of the mobile water content, w(z,t) were deduced from θ(z,t). In vitro steady flow in a core of saturated soil provided volume flux density, q(z,t), and flow velocity, v, as determined from a heat front velocity. The F and L parameters of the in situ and the in vitro experiments were compared. The macropore‐flow restriction states that, for a particular permeable medium, the specific contact area L must be independent from qS i.e., dL/dqS = 0. If true, then the relationship of qS ∝ v3/2 could scale a wide range of input rates 0 ≤ qS ≤ saturated hydraulic conductivity, Ksat, into a permeable medium, and kinematic‐wave theory would become a versatile tool to deal with non‐equilibrium flow. The viscous‐flow approach is based on hydromechanical principles similar to Darcy's law, but currently it is not suited to deduce flow properties from specified individual spatial structures of permeable media.
Mechanisms of Early Microbial Establishment on Growing Root Surfaces
Authors: Dupuy Lionel X. , Silk Wendy K.
Published: February 2016

Core Ideas

Models for bacterial colonization of root tips require root growth kinematics.

Rates of root elongation and bacterial attachment affect exposure to root exudates.

Microbial attachment to roots contributes to dispersion of microbes in soil.

The root cap may play a role in the maintenance of bacteria at the tip.

Microbial activity in the soil surrounding plant roots contributes to nutrient bioavailability, crop growth, and soil biodiversity and fertility. Colonization of the rhizosphere and the rhizoplane in particular requires early establishment on root surfaces where sources of nutrients are abundant. In this study, we investigated the physical interactions taking place between bacteria and the root surface when a root tip enters unexplored regions of soil. We developed a theoretical framework that generalizes the prevailing approaches for describing root growth kinematics and bacterial growth and adhesion on root surfaces. We found that the root elongation rate, bacterial attachment rate, and root cap carrying capacity are key traits for successful establishment. Models also indicate that chemotaxis is more important for radial transport and adhesion than for longitudinal movement of bacteria. Controls on bacterial attachment are required for both efficient root colonization and subsequent dispersal of bacteria in soil. The findings of this study help to understand the establishment of the structure and composition of microbial communities in soil.
Optimal meter placement for pipe burst detection in water distribution systems
Authors: Hagos Medhanie , Jung Donghwi , Lansey Kevin E.
Published: February 2016

Pipe bursts in water distribution systems (WDS) must be rapidly detected to minimize the loss of system functionality and recovery time. Pipe burst is the most common failure in WDS. It results in water loss out of the system, increased head losses, and low pressure at the customers' taps. Therefore, effective and efficient detection of pipe bursts can improve system resilience. To this end, this study proposes an optimal meter placement model to identify meter locations that maximize detection effectiveness for a given number of meters and type of meter. The linear programming model is demonstrated on a modified Austin EPANET hydraulic network. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for alternative pressure and flow meters are applied to investigate the relationship between the level of available information and pipe burst detection effectiveness. The optimal sensor locations were distinctly different depending on the type of meter and the objective to be considered. The ROC curves for alternative pressure and pipe flow meters showed that pipe flow meters are vulnerable to false alarms, and that using many pipe flow meters could detect all pipe bursts. Pressure meters could detect up to 82% of the burst events.