bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cost Reduction Methodology for Offshore Projects
Authors: Nunes G. C. , da Silva A. H. , Esch L. G.
Published: April 2018

Current oil prices have made the offshore exploration of oil reserves a major challenge for oil companies. Standardization and extensive use of chattered units has allowed Petrobras to effectively promote competitiveness, cost reduction and reduced schedules in its projects. As a step forward in its pursue for cost reduction Petrobras has recently looked into Integrated Field Development. This article presents a low cost methodology for the design of production systems.

Experience shows that integration among reservoir, flow assurance, subsea, well design and topsides teams is crucial for achieving a successful project. Besides being pursued for a long time, this integration has only been partially achieved in the industry and cost reduction opportunities have been lost.

This article shows a cost driven methodology that can be used for guidance in the generation and screening of FEL1 alternatives. Metrics for the various parts of the system have been created and integrated in a simulation environment that allows economic analysis of different sorts. In FEL2 the methodology allows, for example, the evaluation of the number and capacity of platforms, the optimal schedule of well construction, the use of flexible or rigid risers, the diameter of production lines and the choice of technologies for handling streams with high CO2 concentration in an integrated way.

A simulation of an oil field shows effective results. In this new methodology a representation of each discipline is developed to allow their integration with the objective of making comparative economic analysis of alternatives.
Integrated Subsea Supplier-Led Solution: A Case Study
Authors: Ligny F. Hurault de , Roberts I. , James D. , Eliseeva E.
Published: April 2018

There is a global trend for integrated subsea alliances to be involved in projects earlier, with a broader scope and in closer collaboration with the operating company. Sometimes, this is achieved by enabling contractors to develop and propose their own field development concept, known as a supplier-led solution (SLS). This paper refers to a case study that demonstrates an effective way to improve project economics.

A benchmark field layout plan was first generated using the customer's reference case. Then, a fully unconstrained SLS was developed to challenge and improve this reference case based on six main factors:

Integrated production system modelling Fit-for-purpose project and design scoping Alternative field architecture Use of standardization Use of supplier or industry specification Integrated project execution

A production assessment, cost estimation, and schedule were developed first for the reference case, fully compliant with the customer specifications, and with no deviation to the scope of work, and second, for the completely unconstrained SLS.

Comparing the SLS to the reference case for this case study, the main improvements were as follows:

Accelerated production thanks to integrated modelling and the introduction of subsea boosting technology Significant improvement in capex of approximately 41% Accelerated schedule due to a proposed innovative bidding process and a reduced equipment lead time enabled by standardization Lower project risk profile by improving the execution predictability primarily due to the integrated subsea offering

The combination of these improvements resulted in better project economic viability and allowed lower contingency cost accruals due to proactive risk management. The SLS also helped the operating company to build a viable development scenario in order to pass through the next project stage gate.

This paper demonstrates how an integrated subsea alliance with a broad spectrum of capabilities from the reservoir to the surface can deliver value through fully integrated earlier engagement. The methodology presented in this paper can be customized for any offshore prospect; the only prerequisites are early engagement, access to required data, and the freedom for the contactors to develop their own solution, in coordination with the operating company. A key feature of the proposed methodology is to link the SLS to reservoir representation, which avoids the common pitfall of delivering capex savings at the expense of larger production (revenue) losses.
Integration of Wearable Technology for Inspection Tasks
Authors: Pray J. , McSweeney K. P.
Published: April 2018

Greater complexity in offshore assets has introduced operational changes that impact the ways in which services are provided. Keeping pace with this evolution has led to an increased interest in emerging technologies that can be used in inspection tasks. Implementation of wearable technologies provides a way to capture and visualize information more efficiently, streamline inspection services, and integrate on-site, real-time information capture, thus allowing for more informed and rapid decision-making as well as alternative approaches to planning, execution, and reporting.

Wearable devices can both collect and deliver data in the field, creating a synergy that enables the focus to remain on the task at hand while being able to automatically obtain access to relevant resources. Wearable technology allows field personnel to immediately and effectively capture, share, and collaborate with real time information, hands free. Wearables can also bridge time and distance constraints imposed by having a worldwide enterprise, and enable more informed, real-time decision making. With advanced visualization and augmentation, contextual data can be super-imposed on reality providing interactive job aids, ease of access to asset history, and current state asset health with digital capture of records/narratives. This technology can provide faster, more dynamic intelligence and direction to help quickly identify specific areas of interest for targeted inspection applications.

Incorporation of wearable technologies follows a phased approach. The first step is to look at ways of improving current systems and identifying what processes can be adjusted for increased efficiency and safety. The second phase leverages the use of sensor technology in collecting and analyzing data to improve processes by enhancing data capture and providing additional connectivity. The third phase focuses on creating new processes and developing broader capabilities by building a knowledge base from collected and analyzed data. This phase requires data to be collected, categorized and indexed to identify patterns. The end result of following a structured implementation process is the ability to incorporate ambient intelligence and augmented reality to enable risk-informed decision-making and support efficient execution of inspection tasks.

This paper will primarily address phase 1 activities as well as discuss the driving factors for the use of wearable technology in the offshore industry, the current and future capabilities and use cases for wearable technology, as well as experience, lessons learned, and next steps in the implementation process.
2 Million Pounds Force Electrical Ram BOP
Authors: Kuilenburg Robert van , Li Jie
Published: April 2018

Historically, ram type Blow-Out Preventers (BOP) use hydraulic actuated bonnets to either close the pipe ram or shear the drilling strings in the well. Current hydraulic control systems consist of a massive number of parts. Failure of any of these parts typically require drilling contractor to pull the marine riser and Subsea BOP, resulting in substantial revenue loss. In addition, hydraulic BOP control systems use Multiplexed Electro-Hydraulic (MUX) control systems which add another layer of complexity. However despite all these technologies there is very little direct measured data coming back to surface such as the ram position. Most of the status information is inferred or derived from a few data sources such as hydraulic fluid gallon counts.

Improved electrical battery technology now provides the possibility to store the needed electrical power on the subsea stack and function the eBOP™ subsea motors in the API required time range. For the shear ram, pressured nitrogen that is stored on the stack, provides a booster force to generate a total combined closing force in excess of 2 million pounds. This paper will describe the eBOP ram concept, manufacturing and prototype eBOP testing results including shear testing in excess of 2 million lbf. The eBOP ram is designed to be retrofitted on existing BOP bodies. The eBOP benefits such as improved safety, cost savings, precise control, monitoring and feedback will also be discussed.
Quantitative Analysis of Drilling Progress with Real Time Modelling
Authors: Austin Simon , Nieuwoudt Hermanus , Tilsley-Baker Richard , Jonsbråten Fredrik
Published: April 2018

Reservoir navigation of wells is a highly skilled, valued, and integrated part of the drilling process, especially in complex, deviated development-wells steered through challenging geological targets. Real-time modelling is a new, significant extension in capability to reservoir navigation.

There are many case histories demonstrating the effectiveness of reservoir navigation whereby wells are steered within a productive zone for a significantly higher percentage of footage drilled. This capability increases well productivity and ultimate recovery (reserves) in an extremely cost-effective manner. Indeed it is a key enabler for the oil industry in many provinces around the world.

Quantifying by how much reservoir navigation adds value, specifically in dollar terms, has been traditionally the preserve of back room staff. The answer is generally provided in the fullness of time when interest in the subject has waned.

Real-time modelling puts a value on reservoir navigation services. It can be used to quantitatively determine if drilling ahead will deliver required value. For example, the process to stop drilling (‘call TD’) can be implemented on a truly informed basis with all salient facts at hand. It will also be used to fully optimize well completions both by maximizing production and reducing cost, consigning geometric completions to history.

The focus of real-time modelling is fast, localized analysis (measured in minutes) with a quality high enough to enhance operational decision making. In this regard, it complements detailed reservoir studies that are rigorous and field-wide and for this reason necessarily take much more time (measured in weeks or months). So while there are many common skill sets required for these two processes, they are distinct and different in their purpose. This situation is unlikely to change in the near or medium term.

Real-time modelling has been performed using a combination of downhole measurements being analyzed by competent personnel with advanced software. The results are showing just how much well operations can be still be optimized. Real-time modelling should become standard practice for every well when drilling reservoir intervals.
Platform Modular Drilling Rig – An Improved Design to Help Achieve Better Returns in Low Oil Price Environment
Authors: Tang S. , Zhu X.
Published: April 2018

Modular drilling rigs (MDR) are widely used on fixed platforms that require extended drilling and/or workover operations during the platform life time. Compared with using jackup rigs, the use of MDRs can save a lot of money for the operators if it is well planned and executed. A MDR can be configured into large modules, where each could weigh as much as 700MT, or in small modules, where each module is limited to up to about 40MT so that it can be lifted by one of the 50t cranes coming with the rig. While each of the two designs has its own merits and shortcomings, it was believed that a third option does exist between these two designs that, with an optimized module size and configuration, can achieve a good balance between maximizing benefits and avoiding drawbacks.

With the above intention, a conceptual study was commissioned by Scivita Inc. (Scivita), with the support of China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL), to analyze the MDR module configuration and determine its impact on the rig weight, the delivery time, the moving cost, and the flexibility for rig owners. The design data and operating insights from five existing MDRs, in the Campeche Sound of Mexico, were collected and used for this study. From 2006 and 2015, COSL and Scivita jointly designed, constructed, and commissioned these five MDRs to be used on PEMEX platforms. COSL has gained a significant amount of experience and insight from operating these rigs since 2007.

Following the conclusions derived from the analysis of the existing rig data, an improved MDR design is proposed that features the standardized medium size modules for power generation, accommodation, substructure, and drill floor. This design will showcase a MDR that is relatively lightweight, occupying minimal deck space, and is adequately integrated to reduce the number of loose items and offshore hook-up effort. With the moderate module weights, it costs less to source transport vessels and derrick barges, or to find a storage space onshore. Following this standardized design, the cycle times for the design and construction phases can be significantly reduced so that they will not be on the critical path of the project schedule.

Finally the expected cost savings using this design is presented in comparison with the more conventional designs of both large and small modules.
Harnessing Data Effectively to Develop a Low-Manned Platform in a Remote, North Sea Operating Environment
Authors: Knutsen Edmund , Ileby Morten
Published: April 2018

Condition monitoring—a data-driven approach to equipment maintenance—helped a large oil company achieve a key strategic objective in its development in the Ivar Aasen field: a low-manned platform. The field is located approximately 112 miles (180 km) off the Norwegian coast. Production on this particular platform began in December 2016, with the remote condition monitoring of equipment done by onshore operational organization in Trondheim, Norway, approximately 620 miles (1,000 km) away. Not only is the remote condition monitoring of equipment helping the operator to optimize maintenance schedules, but it also has helped make the low-manned platform a reality, in addition to substantial cost savings.
Qualification of New Technologies in Subsea Processing
Authors: John Smarty Mathew , Liu Meng-Lung , Wang Zhenghua , Lin Jessie
Published: April 2018

Subsea processing is rapidly evolving; new technologies are routinely proposed for field application. Introduction of these new technologies, with limited or no previous operating history in the proposed environment, necessitates systematic design verification and validation. Generally, these technologies are not covered by existing rules, regulations, codes or procedures. Therefore, a different approach is required to help qualify their intended function. This paper describes a new qualification process ABS recently published. It also illustrates using the new technology qualification (NTQ) process for subsea compressors, as an example. The NTQ process can be used for qualifying other industry applications, from data analytics engines to new inspection technologies.

The NTQ process is divided into five stages: Feasibility Stage, Concept Verification Stage, Prototype Validation Stage, System Integration Stage and Operational Stage. These stages are aligned with the typical engineering product development phases of to-be-qualified equipment; and are compatible with industry Technology Readiness Levels Approaches (e.g., API RP 17N, ISO 16290). The main activities in each stage include risk assessments and engineering evaluations. These activities build, each upon the next, to determine qualification criteria and means to determine compliance with them. Results of risk assessments and engineering evaluations may lead to design improvements, or modifications to system requirements.

The proposed methodology affords industry a systems engineering-based approach for new technology qualification. The methodology is derived from many years of experience in design verification and validation of new/novel concepts for the offshore industry. The NTQ process has been successfully implemented for Independent Third-Party Review of High Pressure High Temperature designs. Lessons learned from these projects have been incorporated into the ABS Guidance Notes on Qualifying New Technologies. Upon completing the necessary requirements for each NTQ stage, a Statement of Maturity letter is awarded to the technology owner for demonstrating technology readiness for that stage. The Statement of Maturity can assist vendors in demonstrating feasibility and level of maturity for funding – as well as providing confidence to project partners, potential clients and regulatory bodies.

A differentiating feature of the new methodology is the iterative process within each qualification stage to assess the ability of the new technology to perform intended functions in accordance with defined performance requirements. Using systems engineering principles that are easily incorporated into the existing engineering process – and recognizing technology maturity at various development phases – is unique and valuable. Another key benefit of the method is the seamless transition from technology qualification, for equipment manufacturers, to class approval of an asset for owners/operators incorporating the new technology.
Infant and toddler educare: A challenge to neoliberalism
Authors: Sims Margaret , Alexander Elise , Nislin Mari , Pedey Karma , Tausere Tiko Lavinia , Sajaniemi Nina
Published: April 2018

We contend that the conventions, practices and philosophies underpinning working with infants and toddlers provide an alternative way of viewing early childhood work, and such a perspective may well help to challenge the ‘wicked problem’ of neoliberalism. It is in this context that we propose that a deeper understanding of the perspectives of those professionals working with our youngest children in a range of different countries may inform a wider resistance to neoliberalism across all of early childhood. We seek, in this article, to share the voices of early childhood professionals reflecting on the manner in which they understand work with infants and toddlers, and how this relates to their understanding of issues related to education and care. We hope this exploration will lead us into further refining our argument that infant and toddler pedagogy has the potential to challenge the hegemony of neoliberalism in early childhood. Our dream is to steer early childhood away from the tyranny of standardisation, accountability and economic rationality into a space where children are valued for being, where individuality and diversity flourish, where learning academics is one (relatively unimportant) element amongst many others and where relationships and participation (and dare we say, happiness) reign supreme.
Outbreak of Chikungunya in the French Caribbean Islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe: Findings from a Hospital-Based Surveillance System (2013–2015)
Authors: Dorléans Frédérique , Hoen Bruno , Najioullah Fatiha , Herrmann-Storck Cécile , Schepers Kinda Maria , Abel Sylvie , Lamaury Isabelle , Fagour Laurence , Césaire Raymond , Guyomard Stéphanie , Troudard Ruth , Adélaïde Yvette , Romagne Marie-José , Davidas Magguy , Rochais Séverine , Boa Sylvie , de Saint-Alary Frédérique , Preira Annabel , Saint-Martin Patrick , Vaidie Amandine , Melin Mathilde , Daudens-Vaysse Elise , Rosine Jacques , Blateau Alain , Carvalho Luisiane , Septfons Alexandra , Paty Marie-Claire , Leduc Ghislain , Cassadou Sylvie , Ledrans Martine , Cabié André
Published: April 2018

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) emerged in the Caribbean island of Saint-Martin in December 2013. We implemented a hospital-based surveillance system to detect and describe CHIKV cases including severe forms of the infection and deaths in the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. A case was defined as a patient with a CHIKV laboratory confirmation cared for in a public hospital for chikungunya for at least 24 hours, and a severe CHIKV case was defined as a CHIKV case presenting one or more organ failures. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected and cases classified into severe or nonsevere based on medical records. From December 2013 to January 2015, a total of 1,836 hospitalized cases were identified. Rate of hospital admissions for CHIKV infection was 60 per 10,000 suspected clinical CHIKV cases and severity accounted for 12 per 10,000. A total of 74 deaths related to CHIKV infection occurred. Infants and elderly people were more frequently hospitalized compared with others and severity was more frequently reported in elderly subjects and subjects with underlying health condition. Fifteen neonatal infections consecutive to mother-to-child transmission were diagnosed, seven of which were severe. The most vulnerable groups of the population, such as the elderly, infants, individuals with comorbidities, and pregnant women, should remain the main targets of public health priorities.
United States Travelers’ Concern about Zika Infection and Willingness to Receive a Hypothetical Zika Vaccine
Authors: Vielot Nadja A. , Stamm Lola , Herrington James , Squiers Linda , Kelly Bridget , McCormack Lauren , Becker-Dreps Sylvia
Published: April 2018

The ongoing Zika pandemic has affected many countries that are common travel destinations. We assessed the willingness to receive a prophylactic Zika virus (ZIKV) vaccine, currently under development, among travelers to areas with reported autochthonous ZIKV transmission. We surveyed United States (U.S.) residents aged 18–44 years who had ever heard of ZIKV and planned to travel to Florida and/or Texas (N = 420) or a U.S. territory or foreign country (N = 415) in 2017, using a nationally representative internet panel. Travelers to Florida and/or Texas reported less concern about ZIKV infection than travelers to other destinations (27% versus 36%, P = 0.01). Female sex, Hispanic ethnicity, discussing ZIKV with medical professionals, ZIKV risk perception, and self-efficacy for ZIKV prevention predicted concern about ZIKV infection in both groups. Travelers to Florida and/or Texas (43%) and other destinations (44%) were equally willing to receive a ZIKV vaccine. Hispanic ethnicity, discussing ZIKV with medical professionals, and concern about ZIKV infection predicted vaccine willingness in both groups. Likelihood of using existing ZIKV prevention methods, confidence in the U.S. government to prevent ZIKV spread, self-efficacy for ZIKV prevention, and knowledge about ZIKV symptoms further predicted vaccine willingness in travelers to other destinations. In multivariable analyses, only concern about ZIKV infection was associated with vaccine willingness in both groups (prevalence ratio [95% confidence interval]: Florida and/or Texas: 1.34 [1.06, 1.69]; other: 1.82 [1.44, 2.29]). Targeted communications can educate travelers, particularly travelers who are pregnant or may become pregnant, about ZIKV risk to generate ZIKV vaccine demand.
Beyond capital and wealth
Authors: Snower Dennis J.
Published: April 2018

The world is economically integrated, but socially fragmented. Thus economic progress can become decoupled from social progress. As long as social progress is closely linked to and flows from economic progress, it is appropriate for government to focus attention on economic policy to promote economic growth. Indeed, for at least the first four decades of the postwar period, there are good reasons to believe that this was broadly the case for most developed economies. Then, starting in the 1980s and accelerating after the financial crisis of 2008, we argue that social progress in these countries became progressively decoupled from economic progress. The result has been the phenomenon of misery in the midst of plenty: despite continued economic growth, we witness rising dissatisfaction among large segments of the public, declining trust in most public and private institutions, rising nationalism and populism, rising discontent with globalization, increasing unwillingness to accept migrants and refugees, and growing ethnic and religious conflicts. This paper argues that the prevailing thinking about government policy is an outgrowth of the Age of Coupling. In the Age of Decoupling, however, a radically different approach to government policy is required, one that focuses not just on material wellbeing and its distribution, but also on promoting people’s sense of empowerment and social solidarity.
Near-field emission profiling of tropical forest and Cerrado fires in Brazil during SAMBBA 2012
Authors: Hodgson Amy K. , Morgan William T. , O'Shea Sebastian , Bauguitte Stéphane , Allan James D. , Darbyshire Eoghan , Flynn Michael J. , Liu Dantong , Lee James , Johnson Ben , Haywood Jim M. , Longo Karla M. , Artaxo Paulo E. , Coe Hugh
Published: April 2018

Abstract. We profile trace gas and particulate emissions from near-field airborne
measurements of discrete smoke plumes in Brazil during the 2012 biomass
burning season. The South American Biomass Burning Analysis (SAMBBA) Project
conducted during September and October 2012 sampled across two distinct fire
regimes prevalent in the Amazon Basin. Combined measurements from a Compact
Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (C-ToF-AMS) and a Single Particle
Soot Photometer (SP2) are reported for the first time in a tropical biomass
burning environment. Emissions from a mostly smouldering tropical forest
wildfire in Rondônia state and numerous smaller flaming Cerrado fires
in Tocantins state are presented. While the Cerrado fires appear to be
representative of typical fire conditions in the existing literature, the
tropical forest wildfire likely represents a more extreme example of biomass
burning with a bias towards mostly smouldering emissions. We determined fire-integrated
modified combustion efficiencies, emission ratios and emission
factors for trace gas and particulate components for these two fire types,
alongside aerosol microphysical properties. Seven times more black carbon was
emitted from the Cerrado fires per unit of fuel combustion (EFBC
of 0.13 ± 0.04 g kg−1) compared to the tropical forest
fire (EFBC of 0.019 ± 0.006 g kg−1), and more
than 6 times the amount of organic aerosol was emitted from the tropical
forest fire per unit of fuel combustion (EFOM of
8.00 ± 2.53 g kg−1, EFOC of
5.00 ± 1.58 g kg−1) compared to the Cerrado fires
(EFOM of 1.31 ± 0.42 g kg−1, EFOC
of 0.82 ± 0.26 g kg−1). Particulate-phase species emitted from the fires sampled are generally lower
than those reported in previous studies and in emission inventories, which is
likely a combination of differences in fire combustion efficiency and fuel
mixture, along with different measurement techniques. Previous modelling
studies focussed on the biomass burning season in tropical South America have
required significant scaling up of emissions to reproduce in situ and
satellite aerosol concentrations over the region. Our results do not indicate
that emission factors used in inventories are biased low, which could be one
potential cause of the reported underestimates in modelling studies. This
study supplements and updates trace gas and particulate emission factors for
fire-type-specific biomass burning in Brazil for use in weather and climate
models. The study illustrates that initial fire conditions can result in
substantial differences in terms of their emitted chemical components, which
can potentially perturb the Earth system.
Using TES retrievals to investigate PAN in North American biomass burning plumes
Authors: Fischer Emily V. , Zhu Liye , Payne Vivienne H. , Worden John R. , Jiang Zhe , Kulawik Susan S. , Brey Steven , Hecobian Arsineh , Gombos Daniel , Cady-Pereira Karen , Flocke Frank
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Peroxyacyl nitrate (PAN) is a critical atmospheric reservoir for
nitrogen oxide radicals, and plays a lead role in their redistribution in
the troposphere. We analyze new Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) PAN
observations over North America from July 2006 to July 2009. Using aircraft
observations from the Colorado Front Range, we demonstrate that TES can be
sensitive to elevated PAN in the boundary layer (∼ 750 hPa) even in
the presence of clouds. In situ observations have shown that wildfire
emissions can rapidly produce PAN, and PAN decomposition is an important
component of ozone production in smoke plumes. We identify smoke-impacted TES
PAN retrievals by co-location with NOAA Hazard Mapping System (HMS) smoke
plumes. Depending on the year, 15–32 % of cases where elevated PAN is
identified in TES observations (retrievals with degrees of freedom (DOF) > 0.6)
overlap smoke plumes during July. Of all the retrievals attempted in the
July 2006 to July 2009 study period, 18 % is associated with smoke . A case
study of smoke transport in July 2007 illustrates that PAN enhancements
associated with HMS smoke plumes can be connected to fire complexes,
providing evidence that TES is sufficiently sensitive to measure elevated PAN
several days downwind of major fires. Using a subset of retrievals with TES
510 hPa carbon monoxide (CO) > 150 ppbv, and multiple estimates
of background PAN, we calculate enhancement ratios for tropospheric average
PAN relative to CO in smoke-impacted retrievals. Most of the TES-based
enhancement ratios fall within the range calculated from in situ
measurements.
Climate model configurations of the ECMWF Integrated Forecast
System (ECMWF-IFS cycle 43r1) for HighResMIP
Authors: Roberts Christopher D. , Senan Retish , Molteni Franco , Boussetta Souhail , Mayer Michael , Keeley Sarah
Published: April 2018

Abstract. This paper presents atmosphere-only and coupled climate model configurations of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Integrated Forecast System (ECMWF-IFS) for different combinations of ocean and atmosphere resolution. These configurations are used to perform multi-decadal ensemble experiments following the protocols of the High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMip) and phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). These experiments are used to evaluate the sensitivity of major biases in the atmosphere, ocean, and cryosphere to changes in atmosphere and ocean resolution. Climatological surface biases in ECMWF-IFS are relatively insensitive to an increase in atmospheric resolution from ~50 km to ~25 km. However, increasing the horizontal resolution of the atmosphere while maintaining the same vertical resolution enhances the magnitude of a cold bias in the lower stratosphere. In coupled configurations, there is a strong sensitivity to an increase in ocean model resolution from 1° to 0.25°. However, this sensitivity to ocean resolution takes many years to fully manifest and is not apparent in the first year of integration. This result has implications for the ECMWF coupled model development strategy that typically relies on the analysis of biases in short (
The Golden cage: Growing up in the Socialist Yugoslavia
Authors: Marjanovic-Shane Ana
Published: April 2018

From the mid 1950s through roughly the 1980s, some or many children and youth of the Socialist Yugoslavia, especially those of us in Belgrade, the capital, lived in a curious, almost surreal “window” in the space and time. This surreal window of space-time, offered to children and youth of Yugoslavia, unprecedented opportunities for personal development, exposure to the classic cultures and the newest events in the cultural worlds from all over the world, freedom of speech, gathering, activism and opportunities to travel and interact with a multitude of people of the world who came to Yugoslavia.  Such special window in time and space sounds impossible to believe, all the more, in the light of the subsequent brutal and bloody civil wars of the 90s in which Yugoslavia perished. And yet, for many of us this window in time and space did exist! It was a product, I think, of several paradoxical tensions that may have created unprecedented loopholes in the fabric of an otherwise authoritarian and often brutal regime that had its ugly underside in suppression of any actions and words which would be critical of the ruling regime and its leaders.One could arguably say, that, when I talk about this curious, surreal time, I talk from a point of view that can only belong to the children of the privileged: children of the high officers of the Communist party, of the Belgrade political, intellectual, cultural and economic elite. Of course, in many ways, I cannot escape, some of the privileged vistas of my own background – as no one can entirely escape the bent of their own lives. However, my privileged view comes from being among the intellectual elite of Belgrade, rather than the political elite. But my views were also based on the experiences of “ordinary” others which I shared in the everyday ways of life in which I was not segregated from everyone else: my neighbors, school mates, people I met in various other gathering places. In this auto-ethnographic essay, I explore a uniqueness of my Socialist Yugoslav childhood, where a lot of children and youth lived as if in a golden cage. This golden cage had an internal reality that was in many ways protective of our wellbeing. In this reality we experienced freedoms, stood for justice, had many opportunities to participate in cultural clubs, art studios, musical bands, poetic societies, sports clubs, summer and winter camps, etc. At the same time, the world that surrounded us, and even in many ways created our childhoods, was harsh, often brutal and did not hold any of the high ethical principles and values that we believed and lived in.
Lifestyle Behavioral Patterns Among Male and Female University Students of Pakistan
Authors: Mohsin Aqsa , Firdous Nuzhat
Published: April 2018

The existing study was conducted to analyze lifestyle behaviors among universities students. The sample of 200 students (100 male and 100 females) were selected through the procedure of simple random sampling. The tool of data collection was self – administrative based on the Lifestyle questionnaire and Lifestyle Assessment questionnaire from queen’s university peer mentor program. The data was statistically analyzed by applying t – test to find the difference between lifestyle behavioral patterns of male and female students and difference between lifestyle behavioral patterns of public and private university students. Results showed that there is difference between male and female lifestyle in some aspects of behavioral patterns, particularly their physical activity and weight management. There is also difference between the public and private university student’s lifestyle behavioral patterns. Specifically, in stress management and living style such as brand conscious.
Elecciones y democracia: una reflexión crítica
Authors: Alfaro Orlando
Published: April 2018

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 67, 1999: 27-34
Competitividad y participación electoral en El Salvador, 1982-1999
Authors: Artiga González Álvaro
Published: April 2018

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 69, 1999: 275-290
Association of Perioperative Glycemic Control With Deep Postoperative Infection After Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Cancienne Jourdan M. , Brockmeier Stephen F. , Werner Brian C.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Although diabetes mellitus (DM) has been established as a risk factor for infection after lower extremity arthroplasty, no association has been reported with shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods:

We queried a national database for patients with DM who underwent primary shoulder arthroplasty. We identified perioperative hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and assessed the incidence of wound complications within 6 months and deep infection that required surgical intervention within 1 year for each HbA1c level. We performed a receiver operating characteristic analysis to determine a threshold value of HbA1c.

Results:

Patients with DM had markedly higher rates of wound complications (1.4% versus 0.9%; odds ratio, 1.22; P = 0.028) and deep infection (0.7% versus 0.4%; odds ratio, 1.47; P = 0.001). The rates of wound complications (P = 0.0008) and deep postoperative infection (P = 0.002) increased markedly as the perioperative HbA1c level increased. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated an inflection point at an HbA1c level of 8.0 mg/dL (P = 0.017; sensitivity, 50%; specificity, 75%).

Conclusions:

The risk of wound complications and deep postoperative infection in patients with DM increases as the perioperative HbA1c level increases. An HbA1c level >8.0 mg/dL could serve as a threshold for a markedly increased risk of infection.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic level III, case-control study, treatment study
Vitamin D Levels and Depressive Symptoms’ Severity Among University Employees in Lebanon
Authors: Jaalouk Doris , Boumosleh Jocelyne , Fatayri Mira
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND: Despite the evidence that the association between serum vitamin D level and susceptibility to depression is altered by ethnicity and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms, high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, and parallel substantial burden of depression among Middle Eastern/ Arab adult populations, research exploring whether low serum vitamin D level is associated with increased risk of depression among Arab adult populations is almost non-existent.OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and severity of depressive symptoms among a sample of healthy Lebanese adults, controlling for multiple confounders.METHODS: A total of 351 employees at a private university in Lebanon were surveyed. Information about sociodemographic, lifestyle habits, medical/ family history; and depressive symptoms were collected using a background questionnaire, international physical activity questionnaire –short form, and Patient Health Questionnaire, respectively. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were collected using standard methods. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured by means of ELISA. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS: Sample mean age was 42.36 years. In the fully adjusted model, higher depression scores were found to be border-line significantly (p= 0.058) associated with lower serum 25-(OH)D levels and significantly associated with younger age, female sex, lower income, chronic illness diagnosis, family history of mental illness, number of stressful life events, and intake of antidepressants.CONCLUSION: We did not find any significant independent association between serum 25(OH)D levels and severity of depressive symptoms in a sample of Lebanese employees of a private university.
Analysis of the Current Situation of Mongolian Railway and Its Future Development
Authors: Gansukh Ulziinorov , Ming Xu , Ali Syed Ahtsham
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this article is to contribute the conceptual knowledge of the railway policy issue in Mongolia. The paper presented an overview of the current transport situation of Mongolian Railway. It analyzes the statistical indicators of freight and passenger traffic as well as capability analysis of the railway transport. Moreover, it highlights its further development prospects and its importance for country’s economic. In last but not least, it formulates the future prospects of sustainable development of railway sector.Findings of this research are: a) by analyzing statistic data the high correlation (R=0.87) between GDP and freight transportation of Mongolia has been confirmed. The type of cargo analyzed and the economically efficient type of cargo within Mongolia has been highlighted. b) The GDP and passenger turnover has a very weak relationship. c) In the regional context, Mongolia’s transport statistics main indexes performance somewhat in the middle and there has room to increase the freight operation in the future.The research method is based on the analysis of strategic documents, secondary data, including statistical data obtained from the Central Statistical Office in Mongolia, Statistical Office in UBTZ (Ulaanbaatar Railway Mongolian-Russian Joint-stock Company), OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) official site, International Union of Railway (UIC) official site and World Bank official site.
The Impact of the Use of Accounting Information Systems on the Quality of Financial Data
Authors: Al-Dalabih Firas A. N.
Published: April 2018

This study aimed at identifying the effect of the use of accounting information systems on the quality of financial data, applied over service companies of Amman Stock Market. The study sample consisted of (70) individuals who work in different service sectors, where a questionnaire was designed and distributed. (56)Valid questionnaires were retrieved for statistical analysis purposes (80%).The study results indicated that there is a statistically significant positive effect of the nature and security of accounting information systems on the quality of financial data. However, the inputs of the accounting information systems did not affect the quality of the financial data. The level of quality of the financial data that the Jordanian service companies depend on has been found to be high.The results of this study showed significant differences at (α ≤ 0.05) among the Jordanian service companies in terms of the nature, inputs and security of accounting information systems and the quality of financial data attributed to the sector to which the company belongs.Based on these results, the study came out with several recommendations, the most important of which is that Jordanian service companies should be keen to update the accounting information systems used in accordance with the technological developments, and the necessity of Jordanian service companies to continue to pay attention to the quality of financial data provided to their beneficiaries, which are used to evaluate the company’s performance.
Sharing Economy: Business Models and Regulatory Landscape in the Mediterranean Areas
Authors: Grifoni Patrizia , D'Andrea Alessia , Ferri Fernando , Guzzo Tiziana , Angeli Felicioni Maurizio , Praticò Caterina , Vignoli Andrea
Published: April 2018

The paper describes the state of the art of the sharing economy in an ecosystemic perspective including a discussion about the strengths and weakness of business models (apartment/house renting, couch-surfing, car sharing and ride sharing, co-working, reselling and trading) and regulatory and legal issues in some European countries such as: Italy, Spain Croatia and Slovenia. The work was carried out within “open DOORS”, a project was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
O projeto político-pedagógico como instrumento de gestão democrática e participativa
Authors: Bastos Viviane Da Costa , Gonçalves Bárbara De Britto Terra Nova , Alves Ana Cristina Vieira
Published: April 2018

A concretização de uma prática de gestão democrática e participativa no cotidiano das escolas enfrenta muitos desafios, tais como a ruptura com a cultura autoritária que rejeita os questionamentos nas imposições de ordem e poder. No entanto, para a elaboração de um sistema educacional democrático e participativo, torna-se relevante implantar um espaço aberto para discussões no interior dos espaços escolares. O gestor educacional pode possibilitar a intervenção de práticas educativas, tendo em vista a realidade da comunidade escolar. Assim, esse artigo busca discutir como a elaboração do projeto político-pedagógico - PPP - pode se tornar um instrumento de gestão democrática e participativa. Os resultados obtidos apresentam a relevância da promoção de um contexto institucional que contribua para a formação de cidadãos construtores e transformadores da sociedade.Palavras-chave: projeto político-pedagógico; gestão democrática e participativa; escola.
Informática na escola: estudo de caso para as escolas públicas estaduais de Videira/SC
Authors: Rossi Leila Lisiane , Corso Jean Carlo , Nachtigall Gilson Ribeiro , Rosa Angela Maria Crotti da , Senko Luiz Gustavo Moro
Published: April 2018

No presente artigo mostram-se os resultados de um projeto de pesquisa cujo principal objetivo foi o desenvolvimento de uma ferramenta web para auxiliar na análise dos dados relacionados ao uso e a necessidade de tecnologias no ensino nas escolas públicas estaduais urbanas de Videira/SC. Em um projeto anterior foi desenvolvida uma ferramenta similar, porém, voltada às escolas municipais de Videira/SC. Inicialmente foram aplicados questionários dirigidos aos alunos e aos professores e, posteriormente, foi desenvolvida a ferramenta usando software livre com vistas a permitir a visualização dos dados de forma multidimensional, ou seja, várias dimensões e diferentes níveis de detalhamento para facilitar a análise dos dados na tomada de decisão.Palavras-chave: software livre; tomada de decisão; tecnologia.
Editorial: Why affirmative critique?
Authors: Gunnarsson Karin , Hohti Riikka
Published: April 2018

We begin this special issue by relating to two affective events situated in academia and education. These moments, and many similar, have stayed with us and kept us thinking about what kind of research we want to advance. These moments are laden with ambivalence. On the one hand, there was the joy of learning about power: being able to distract what was “behind” the everyday practices we had grown used to. After all, it was our uncompromised responsibility as researchers to uncover processes of oppression and discrimination. On the other hand, there were disturbing feelings as this kind of critical research seemed to drive both research subjects and researcher into positions that failed to connect: positions that did not facilitate dialogue or the creation of something different. For us, the main question arising was: how might we investigate pressing problems such as racial or gender discrimination while fostering the opportunity to make a difference? How can we raise these issues while at the same time creating possibilities for movement and change?