bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Tools to Assess Water Risk and Enhance Environmental and Operational Performance in Oil and Gas
Authors: Fennessey K. D. , Romer R. F. , Dell J. J.
Published: September 2012

Water is essential in the upstream and downstream operations of oil and gas companies. Yet water, particularly fresh water, is a scarce resource in many parts of world now and availability is predicted to become more constrained in the future. Understanding where areas of water risk and impacts are and responding with effective water management strategies is integral to responsible and efficient operations in the oil and gas sector.

IPIECA, the global oil and gas industry association for environmental and social issues, has recently made significant strides to raise members, stakeholders and the industry's awareness of water management issues for the oil and gas sector. This paper showcases the suite of free and publically accessable IPIECA tools and guidance available to help the sector more effectively understand and manage their areas of water risks and impacts: The IPIECA Global Water Tool for Oil and Gas, launched in 2011, has been customised in collaboration with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). The tool helps companies map their water use and assess risks for their overall global portfolio of sites considering each part of the oil and gas value chain.The Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI) Local Water Tool for Oil and Gas, launched in March 2012, provides a local-level understanding of water risk and development of management plans. IPIECA collaborated with GEMI to ensure compatibility between the global and local water tools.An IPIECA document, Petroleum Refining Water / Wastewater Use and Management, launched in 2010 provides downstream good practice and strategies used in petroleum refineries to manage water including ways to reduce water usage.

Use of these tools and guidance by companies enables implementation of good management practices and can enhance environmental and operational performance.
Leadership Accountability Drives Towards Incident Free Operations - A Case of an Acquired Company
Authors: Yunan Arief
Published: September 2012

The single largest factor for success in incident free operations is leadership. Leaders are responsible and accountable not only for getting results but getting results in the right way and behaving in accordance with company values. Leaders at every level are expected to foster and reinforce an incident free culture, cascade the message that incident free is a priority throughout their organizations, instill operational discipline and work to ensure that their entire workforce comply with safety requirements.

In a newly acquired company it was a challenge for leaders to manage the risks of organization change and at the same time shift the workforce paradigm to a new culture and drive them towards incident free operations. Leaders had to determine which safety requirements and behaviors applied to their specific organizational roles and took action to integrate them into routine duties. This paper discusses the experience and approaches that the company used to manage the risks of organizational change, the key steps and building blocks used to move towards incident free operations, and the leadership accountability established to drive and sustain a safety culture to achieve high levels of performance. Key activities included building leadership accountability, establishing a Safety Leadership Team, directing a safety management system process, setting priorities, monitoring progress on plans that focus on the highest-impact items, and demonstrating visible leadership engagement and commitment. Examples of the key activities and how the leadership accountability metrics were developed and tracked will also be discussed.

An improvement in safety is reflected by achieving zero number of Days Away From Work cases and excellent completion of leadership accountability metrics. A Leadership Behavior Survey conducted in 2010 as well as the 2011 Corporate OE (Operational Excellence) Audit indicated satisfactory results. The paper concludes leadership accountability is an important factor to ensure success to drive towards incident free operations.

In 2011, the business unit experienced zero Days Away from Work cases and a 75% decrease in Total Recordable incidents. Visible leadership and engagement have been very instrumental in fostering and reinforcing a workforce incident free culture, and directly contributed to an improved safety performance.
Indigenous Peoples and the oil and gas industry: Context issues and emerging good practice.
Authors: Pasch Craig , Mohan Anupama , Cleland Roper
Published: September 2012

Indigenous Peoples globally have a recognised connection to land and waters that warrants special consideration for oil and gas companies. Throughout 2011 and 2012, the IPIECA Indigenous Peoples Task Force developed an issues review that provides a summary of the policy and legal context, along with an overview of the key challenges and emerging good practice for industry's interface with Indigenous Peoples.

The oil and gas Industry is required to facilitate an approach to engaging communities that satisfies the requirements of the existing and emerging International conventions, policies and regulatory frameworks. The new UN Human Rights Council endorsed "Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy’ Framework, the soon to be launched revised IFC Performance Standard 7, and a rapidly evolving understanding of the now widely ratified United Nations Declaration of Rights for Indigenous Peoples are all considerations for oil and gas companies and their interactions with Indigenous Peoples. Developing a pan industry understanding of the significant international policy and framework additions of recent years is required to enable industry to respond to the new requirements and to turn the initiatives developed into meaningful outcomes for the Indigenous Peoples that we interact with.

It is now more understood that doing business in a manner that respects Indigenous Peoples can enhance relationships with host communities. Such an approach will also contribute towards accessing International finance, maintaining a social licence to operate and can even provide a source of competitive advantage. At the start of this year, IPIECA launched an issues review that outlines several examples of good practice to share key learnings for the meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples. IPIECA's Indigenous Peoples Task Force would like to share the approach being undertaken by the oil and gas industry to address the past year's significant additions, changes, and challenges in the context of best practices and case studies from our industry.
Modification of the 96-hour LC50 Protocol to Address Site Specific Concerns in Africa
Authors: Tyczynski Patrick , Dimitriadis Klisthenis , Leuterman Arthur J.
Published: September 2012

In order to avoid increasing the total environmental footprint of an operation while trying to decrease one of its component parts, a modification for use in a freshwater environment of the traditional 96-hr LC50 toxicity test for drilling fluids and a screening tool for using an appropriate site-specific species has been developed as a joint project between an operator and a service company. The modified protocol was designed to meet the requirements by the International Finance Corporation for an alternative test based on site-specific species for a project in Africa. The screening tool and techniques used can be applied to develop appropriate toxicity screening tools in other locations.

For the freshwater modification protocol, this paper will review the development of the modifications and the round robin testing results from four laboratories using Generic Mud #1 and Generic Mud #7 formulations. Furthermore, the paper will discuss the identification of an appropriate indicator species and the results regarding the designed protocols for toxicity testing, including discriminatory power, repeatability, practicality, and ecological relevance.

For the screening tool that uses site specific species, the protocol development, identification of an appropriate species, and techniques to manage the practical implementation of the test procedures are reviewed for continued development and application. The results provided by the testing and the lessons learned from the process are applicable globally to areas that require new developments in toxicity testing.
Industry Input to the UN Global Mercury Treaty Negotiations Focus on Oil and Gas
Authors: Doll Brian E , Knickerbocker Bryan M , Nucci Estella
Published: September 2012

Mercury occurs naturally in oil and gas deposits at varying trace levels, depending on geographic location and geologic factors. Mercury has long been known to potentially cause operational issues in oil and gas processing facilities and the industry has developed a range of technologies and solutions to effectively manage this challenge. Despite being a minor contributor to global mercury emissions the industry has become a focus of global scrutiny with the advent of formal United Nations negotiations to develop a legally binding global treaty on the control of mercury in emissions, water, land, and in products, scheduled for completion in 2013.

This paper presents the most comprehensive database of mercury contents of crude oils assembled to date, summarizes the fate of mercury in refineries, and proposes a set of mercury good management practices for the oil and gas industry. This information was developed by IPIECA to provide accurate technical input to the ongoing United Nations process described above. The potential impact of this evolving treaty on the oil and gas sector will be discussed.

The IPIECA database shows that the range of mercury content in over 400 crude oils is 0.1–1000 parts per billion (ppb) with a median of 1.3 ppb, rather than the 10–30,000 ppb range often quoted in summaries of older literature articles. More recent published studies show that hydrocarbon products contain only low levels of mercury, and that most mercury entering refineries is removed as solid waste. IPIECA and its members plan to continue work in this area. One part of that effort involves assembling a Good Practices document dealing with mercury in refineries.
Development and Maintenance of a Sediment Toxicity Test for Monitoring Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Candler John , Rabke Stephen , Nguyen Khai , Tyczynski Patrick , Brunner Sara , Leuterman Arthur J.
Published: September 2012

In 1996, during the development of synthetic-based drilling fluids as a pollution prevention technology, the need for an accurate and reliable sediment toxicity test was identified as a critical regulatory requirement. Using industry and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) resources, a sediment toxicity test was rapidly developed and deployed to meet the regulatory requirements for end-of-pipe testing. In 2002, the implementation of the test as a routine requirement highlighted the need to understand and manage the issue of biological test variability within the context of a regulatory limit. This paper reviews over 100 split sample events that were conducted from 2005 to 2010 in order to develop information concerning the recognition and management of test variability. The experience developing and implementing a biological test over a 15-year period is also reviewed so that other areas of the world developing new tests and investigating potential laboratory capabilities can more fully appreciate the challenges of using biological tests for regulatory compliance.
Complete Diverless Solutions for Marine Monitoring
Authors: Mellor Peter
Published: September 2012

The oil and gas industry and the communities we work in continue to demand improvements in our work practices – leading us to our goal of zero harm to the environment and our people. As part of this drive for continuous improvement, we have been wrestling with the challenge of balancing the requirements for accurate marine ecological environment monitoring with our desire to protect the health and safety of field personnel.

In 2010 we made a strategic decision to develop or adopt a Complete Diverless Solution for each of our marine monitoring programs. Our marine science team investigated current data-gathering methods that involved divers, with the ultimate aim to develop and implement substitute diverless solutions.

The value of these solutions was demonstrated in the most obvious fashion in 2010 when crocodiles moved in and inhabited the Port Hedland Inner Harbour (first sighting in 30 years). At the time we were responsible for monitoring 35 million cubic metres of dredging for three dredge programs and had a continuous presence in the Inner Harbour. Using the diverless tools, we could continue to monitor the ecosystem's health without exposing people to the additional risk of being eaten. It was a great outcome for everyone except the crocodiles.

The solutions offered radiate around the following marine science monitoring activities (Figure 1): SedimentationBenthic primary producer healthWater qualityUnderwater noiseMarine pests

We belive the adopted approaches are at the forefront of the most significant advances in the marine monitoring industry in recent times. Our approach revolves around remotely optimising monitoring activities using innovative techniques, obtaining more accurate data at an increased frequency with reduced risk. Complete Diverless Solutions have transformed marine monitoring from a lagging indicator of environmental impact to a practical real-time tool for optimising project activities through increased data capture.
Closing the Gap The Interpretation of Risk: A Regulator's View
Authors: Heiden Karl , Gosselink Craig , Grebe Cameron
Published: September 2012

The International Standard ISO 31000:2009 Risk management – Principles and guidelines describes the process for risk the assessment and the requirements for establishing the context and incorporation of external influences as a basis for the assessment. However, the understanding and interpretation of risk differs depending on the groups undertaking the assessment – an Operator, the Regulator or the general public. An Operator proposing an activity with environmental impacts and risks needs to recognise and understand that the different groups with whom they interact view and interpret risk from differing perspectives.

The understanding and interpretation of risk differs depending on the stakeholder or individual undertaking the assessment primarily based on knowledge and perception. This paper explores areas of misalignment between risk levels between Operators, the Regulator conservation advocates and the general public. It identifies motivating factors and presents opportunities for Operators to bridge perceptions on acceptable management of identified risks, manage and constructively address Regulator and stakeholder expectations.

It can be suggested that the cause of the misalignment may be the result of a number of factors, including: The Operator is likely to have a more detailed understanding and therefore reduced uncertainty about the measures in place to reduce consequence or the likelihood of an event occurring;Operators and Regulators will have differing levels of risk acceptance criteria, particularly in areas of heightened community interest and concern;Operators generate the greatest benefit from the activity and generally accept a higher level of potential risk to derive the benefit compared to other stakeholders;Differing levels of understanding as to what contributes to an acceptable level of impact or risk;A greater emphasis on consequences rather than likelihood or exposure.
Social Risk Management for Large-Footprint Service Company Projects
Authors: Dunlop Johana , Abrahams Nicholas , Villegas Mauricio
Published: September 2012

This paper is a review of a social risks management (SRM) process developed by an international oil and gas services provider to identify social risks that have the potential to affect communities on and around the oilfield. The paper uses case studies to identify social risks management factors key to the successful implementation of operations.

The SRM process is intended to enhance the service provider's ability to anticipate and manage the impacts arising from its operations. The proprietary process has three integrated phases—planning; implementation; and monitoring and evaluation—and is governed by its own risk management guideline. Since 2010, the process has been used to complete field assessments and planning exercises for operations in the Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East regions. In those regions the SRM process has enhanced the service provider's ability to identify and analyze social hazards and to understand how related prevention and mitigation measures can help in managing its operational presence.

An important factor in the successful execution of operations with unusually hazardous risk profiles, or operations in areas with significant social footprints, is proactive assessment. Close observation of the community has enabled the oilfield services provider to identify social hazards that might affect communities, and to develop social management plans and portfolios of measures to prevent or mitigate those hazards. Typically, prevention and mitigation measures can range from codes of conduct to community outreach programs designed to improve community acceptance of company activities and to maintain long-term support for operations. For example, in one country the social risks plan included procurement of local produce and water, employment of local labor, infrastructure and furniture donations to local schools and, in collaboration with the oilfield operator, deployment of medical camps run by a respected national non-governmental organization (NGO). More than 500 patients were screened during eye clinics—225 of them received medication, 300 were given eyeglasses, and 30 patients underwent surgery to correct vision.

This paper describes the key features of the SRM process along with a range of measures adopted by the service provider to address social risks. Developed and implemented by the service provider, as opposed to an oilfield operator, the SRM process is providing the E&P sector with new perspectives and lessons learned for managing social risks in oil and gas projects. The lessons learned can be used to evolve the SRM process and for future projects in sensitive areas.
The Interaction of Social Responsibility with Water Access and Resource Utilizations in Drilling Operations
Authors: Wagner N. , Brantley L. , Grosvenor C. , Florence F.
Published: September 2012

The drilling and completion of unconventional oil and gas wells requires more water than traditional wells, which makes water management critical. An emerging theme with unconventional resource development is the extent to which increased water needs for drilling and completion stress local water supplies. We will explore how drilling could potentially improve a community's access to water. In areas with limited water access, the benefits of necessary drilling infrastructure, like water wells, may extend beyond E&P operations to local communities and/or landowners.

This paper highlights improved standards of living for local communities through access to fresh water. The case studies reviewed include improved water access for agriculture in California, beneficial produced water use in Australia, and shared water access near a drill site in Central America with neighborly behavior. The unintended importance of providing water and acting as good neighbors was that villagers chose to not engage with local guerrillas in a conflict to undermine drilling operations, and rather convinced the guerrillas to avoid the conflict altogether. The topics covered by this case study and others reveal the relationship between social responsibility issues; aspects of Safety, Security, Environment, and Health (SSEH); fresh water access and major resource utilizations in heavy security areas or developing countries.
A Novel Technique for Monitoring Light Emissions
Authors: Pendoley Kellie , Kahlon Arwin , Ryan Robert , Savage Jeremy
Published: September 2012

This paper describes a novel instrumental technique using astronomical cameras modified to monitor the whole-of-sky light emissions visible to marine turtles nesting near industrial developments in Western Australia. The results provide quantitative and qualitative data on specific light sources including sky glow which cannot be otherwise be measured in a field setting. The quantitative and qualitative results provide environmental practitioners and managers with the first reliable tool with which to monitor light emissions. This instrumental method has application well beyond marine turtles and can be used to measure and monitor light in any setting and for any receptor (wildlife or human) exposed to light, either astral or artificial.
Stakeholder engagement in comparative effectiveness research: how will we measure success?
Authors: Lavallee Danielle C , Williams Carla J , Tambor Ellen S , Deverka Patricia A
Published: September 2012

Stakeholder engagement in comparative effectiveness research continues to gain national attention. While various methods are used to gather stakeholder expertise and form recommendations, evaluation of the stakeholder experience is often missing. The lack of evaluation prohibits assessing how effective and meaningful engagement practices are for enhancing research efforts and limits the ability to identify areas for future improvement. We propose that an evaluation plan of engagement processes be developed before stakeholder involvement begins and be required as part of a request for proposal or research grant where stakeholder input is being sought. Furthermore, we recommend the inclusion of six meta-criteria that represent normative goals of multiple studies: respect, trust, legitimacy, fairness, competence and accountability. To aid in the development of future evaluations, we have developed definitions for and matched specific examples of measuring each meta-criterion to serve a guide for others in the field.
Struggling to bring clinical prediction rules to the point of care: missed opportunities to impact patient care
Authors: Karlin-Zysman Corey , Zeitoun Nancy , Belletti Lawrence , McCullagh Lauren , McGinn Thomas
Published: September 2012

Clinical prediction rules can help clinicians make personalized and complex decisions at the point of care. They have the potential to improve patient care outcomes and reduce healthcare costs, but remain underutilized. There are a number of well-derived and validated clinical prediction rules. Few, however, have been studied by means of an impact analysis or successfully integrated into provider workflow. A heavily identified area of opportunity for integration is the electronic health record. There are, however, a number of barriers to adoption at both the infrastructure and organizational levels. Research efforts should focus on impact analysis and how to successfully implement existing, well-validated clinical prediction rules into daily practice. Recommendations include emphasis on a collaborative framework, using existing technologies, and utilization of usability and workflow integration methodology.
Filming the inside of His Own Head: Godard's Cerebral Passion
Authors: MacBean James Roy
Published: September 2012

Jean-Luc Godard's latest puzzle for critics recounts the filming of reconstructed famous paintings—a project which he feels "attains the status of sin."
Review: Variety by Renee Shafransky, Bette Gordon
Authors: Dubler Linda
Published: September 2012

Bette Gordon's ambitious and controversial film explores, from an avowedly feminist standpoint, what "pornographic" imagery for women might be like.
Review: Zelig by Woody Allen, Robert Greenhut
Authors: Hogue Peter , Bronson Marion
Published: September 2012

Woody Allen's fictional compilation documentary is far more than a technical tour de force; its intellectual subcurrents are surprisingly intricate and its ironies remarkably ramified.
Review: Swing Shift by Jonathan Demme, Jerry Bick
Authors: Vineberg Steve
Published: September 2012

Director Jonathan Demme hasn't been able to surmount the script problems in this promising story of the World War II home front.
A Well Spent Life: Les Blank's Celebrations on Film
Authors: Horton Andrew
Published: September 2012

How this documentary artist creates "a kind of poetry" about people who haven't forgotten the importance of pleasure.
Review: Overexposures by David Thomson
Authors: Dempsey Michael
Published: September 2012

David Thomson's distinguished collection of essays attributes more diabolical powers to the medium than many viewers might allow.
Lost Harmony: Tarkovsky's "The Mirror" and "The Stalker"
Authors: Dempsey Michael
Published: September 2012

Something has changed in the recent work of the director of Solaris and Andrei Roublev.
The Right of Re-Vision: Michelle Citron's "Daughter Rite"
Authors: Williams Linda , Rich B. Ruby
Published: September 2012

A structurally ambitious feminist film subverts conventional documentary forms.
Reading "Kane"
Authors: Leff Leonard J.
Published: September 2012

Even sophisticated accounts of the narrative structure of "Citizen Kane" have failed to deal with the mysteries of its surprisingly inconstant point of view.
Review: Standard Gauge by Morgan Fisher
Authors: Williams Alan
Published: September 2012

Morgan Fisher's new film is diabolically funny and technically audacious.
The Fragility of Meaning: Three Films by Paul Cox
Authors: Dempsey Michael
Published: September 2012

Formally subtle but initially baffling emotionally, Cox's work explores psychic areas usually left untouched.
Review: Kiss of the Spider Woman by Hector Babenco, David Weisman
Authors: Viano Mauricio
Published: September 2012

Babenco's film, about the points where orthodox revolutionary politics meets with sexual oppression, is a needed message to the left.
Review: Broadway Danny Rose by Woody Allen
Authors: Henderson Brian
Published: September 2012

Allen's first post-analytic film also marks a change for the better in richness of characterization and complexity of narrative.
Review: Memorias de Carcere by Nelson Pereira dos Santos
Authors: Aufderheide Pat
Published: September 2012

Nelson Pereira dos Santos has filmed the autobiography of Graciliano Ramos, the literary father of "cinema novo," written from prison.
Estrogen Treatment After Ovariectomy Protects Against Fatty Liver and May Improve Pathway-Selective Insulin Resistance
Authors: Zhu Lin , Brown William C. , Cai Qing , Krust Andrée , Chambon Pierre , McGuinness Owen P. , Stafford John M.
Published: September 2012

Pathway-selective insulin resistance where insulin fails to suppress hepatic glucose production but promotes liver fat storage may underlie glucose and lipid abnormalities after menopause. We tested the mechanisms by which estrogen treatment may alter the impact of a high-fat diet (HFD) when given at the time of ovariectomy (OVX) in mice. Female C57BL/6J mice underwent sham operation, OVX, or OVX with estradiol (E2) treatment and were fed an HFD. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps were used to assess insulin sensitivity, tracer incorporation into hepatic lipids, and liver triglyceride export. OVX mice had increased adiposity that was prevented with E2 at the time of OVX. E2 treatment increased insulin sensitivity with OVX and HFD. In sham and OVX mice, HFD feeding induced fatty liver, and insulin reduced hepatic apoB100 and liver triglyceride export. E2 treatment reduced liver lipid deposition and prevented the decrease in liver triglyceride export during hyperinsulinemia. In mice lacking the liver estrogen receptor α, E2 after OVX limited adiposity but failed to improve insulin sensitivity, to limit liver lipid deposition, and to prevent insulin suppression of liver triglyceride export. In conclusion, estrogen treatment may reverse aspects of pathway-selective insulin resistance by promoting insulin action on glucose metabolism but limiting hepatic lipid deposition.
Angiopoietin-Like Protein 2 and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in a General Japanese Population
Authors: Doi Yasufumi , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Takahashi Otowa , Mukai Naoko , Hata Jun , Iwase Masanori , Kitazono Takanari , Oike Yuichi , Kiyohara Yutaka
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

To examine, for the first time, the association between a novel inflammatory cytokine, angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL) 2, and the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 2,164 community-dwelling Japanese individuals aged 40 to 79 years without diabetes were followed up for 7 years. Serum ANGPTL2 levels were divided into quartile categories at baseline: <2.15, 2.16–2.71, 2.72–3.40, and ≥3.41 ng/mL. During follow-up, 221 participants developed T2DM.

RESULTS

In multivariate analyses, after adjusting for comprehensive risk factors and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, the risk of developing T2DM was significantly higher in the highest ANGPTL2 quartile than in the lowest quartile (hazard ratio, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.14–2.85; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated serum ANGPTL2 levels were positively associated with the development of T2DM in a general population, independent of other risk factors including hs-CRP levels.
A Population-Based Study of the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease
Authors: Mollazadegan Kaziwe , Kugelberg Maria , Montgomery Scott M. , Sanders David S. , Ludvigsson Johnny , Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

Celiac disease (CD) is associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In the current study, we examined whether CD affects the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DRP) in patients with T1D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a population-based cohort study. Through the Swedish National Patient Register, we identified 41,566 patients diagnosed with diabetes in 1964–2009 and who were ≤30 years of age at diagnosis. CD was defined as having villous atrophy (Marsh stage 3) according to small intestinal biopsies performed between 1969 and 2008, with biopsy reports obtained from Sweden’s 28 pathology departments. During follow-up, 947 T1D patients had a diagnosis of CD. We used Cox regression analysis with CD as a time-dependent covariate to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for DRP in patients with T1D and CD and compared them with patients with T1D but no CD.

RESULTS

Duration of CD correlated with the risk of DRP. When results were stratified by time since CD diagnosis, individuals with T1D and CD were at a lower risk of DRP in the first 5 years after CD diagnosis (aHR 0.57 [95% CI 0.36–0.91]), followed by a neutral risk in years 5 to <10 (1.03 [0.68–1.57]). With longer follow-up, coexisting CD was a risk factor for DRP (10 to <15 years of follow-up, aHR 2.83 [95% CI 1.95–4.11]; ≥15 years of follow-up, 3.01 [1.43–6.32]).

CONCLUSIONS

Having a diagnosis of CD for >10 years is a risk factor for the development of DRP in T1D. Long-standing CD in patients with T1D merits intense monitoring of DRP.
Granulation Response and Partial Wound Closure Predict Healing in Clinical Trials on Advanced Diabetes Foot Ulcers Treated With Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor
Authors: Valenzuela-Silva Carmen M. , Tuero-Iglesias Ángela D. , García-Iglesias Elizeth , González-Díaz Odalys , del Río-Martín Amaurys , Yera Alos Isis Belkis , Fernández-Montequín José I. , López-Saura Pedro A.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

To determine if partial wound closure surrogate markers proposed for neuropathic, small diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) can be extended to advanced lesions and if the development of granulation tissue can be used to predict complete healing.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from two multicenter, double-blind, randomized clinical trials (one of them placebo controlled) that used intralesional recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) to promote granulation and healing were used. For confirmation in a larger sample from common clinical practice, the results of an active postmarketing surveillance of rhEGF treatment of DFUs in 60 healthcare units was included. The surrogates evaluated were percent area change, log healing rate, ratio of log areas, and percent of granulation tissue covering the wound area. The tests used were surrogate final end point correlation, receiver operating characteristic curves to discriminate healers from nonhealers, validation tests using logistic regression models, and the proportion-mediated estimation.

RESULTS

Two weeks >50% granulation, end of treatment >75% granulation, and 16.1% area change showed significant predictive value (>70% correct classification) for final wound closure. The granulation-based variables fulfilled the criterion that the effect of rhEGF treatment on wound closure was mediated by the surrogate.

CONCLUSIONS

This work provides the first evidence for the use of granulation tissue development as a predictor of wound healing in advanced DFUs. These results can be useful for clinical trial design, particularly during the exploratory phase of new products.
Synthesis and characterization of new Bi2FeNiO6 material using a citric acid assisted gel combustion technique
Authors: Ravi Sridharan , Ponraj Caroline
Published: September 2012

Multiferroic materials, which show simultaneous ferroelectric and magnetic ordering, exhibit unusual physical properties–and in turn promise new device applications–as a result of the coupling between their dual order parameters. BiFeO3 is currently considered the most promising candidate material for device applications of room temperature multiferroics. However, its G-type antiferromagnetic behavior and high Néel temperature restrict the use of this material in potential applications. We report the synthesis and characterization of a novel Bi2FeNiO6 material for the first time using a citric acid assisted gel combustion technique. Magnetization studies reveal that it exhibits ferrimagnetism with Néel temperature around 500 K. Differential scanning calorimetry study also reveals a sharp phase transition at 500 K. These materials also exhibit good ferroelectric behavior with square type hysteresis with a remanent polarization (P
r) of 1.28 μC cm−2, saturation polarization (P
s) of 18 μC cm−2 and coercive fields 20 kV and–40 kV respectively. The results are convincing to make a big step towards developing devices that run on spin.
Robert Hooke, 1635–1703
Authors: Rowbury Robin
Published: September 2012

Robert Hooke was a polymath whose expertise during the 17th century spanned many different scientific areas. As a schoolboy on the Isle of Wight he was obsessed with the possibility of human flight and later became equally absorbed in cosmology and planetary motion. His skills as an artist were put to good use both as an architect following the Great Fire of London and before that in Micrographia. Although that book is best known for demonstrating the power of Hooke's microscope, Micrographia describes distant planetary bodies, the wave theory of light, the organic origin of fossils, and various other philosophical and scientific interests of its author. The following thumbnail sketches of Hooke reveal him to be a man of enormous energy and imagination whose ideas were often pirated or under-rated.
Reconstructing the origin and elaboration of insect‐trapping inflorescences in the Araceae
Authors: Bröderbauer David , Diaz Anita , Weber Anton
Published: September 2012

• Premise of the study: Floral traps are among the most sophisticated devices that have evolved in angiosperms in the context of pollination, but the evolution of trap pollination has not yet been studied in a phylogenetic context. We aim to determine the evolutionary history of morphological traits that facilitate trap pollination and to elucidate the impact of pollinators on the evolution of inflorescence traps in the family Araceae.

• Methods: Inflorescence morphology was investigated to determine the presence of trapping devices and to classify functional types of traps. We inferred phylogenetic relationships in the family using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. Character evolution of trapping devices, trap types, and pollinator types was then assessed with maximum parsimony and Bayesian methods. We also tested for an association of trap pollination with specific pollinator types.

• Key results: Inflorescence traps have evolved independently at least 10 times within the Araceae. Trapping devices were found in 27 genera. On the basis of different combinations of trapping devices, six functional types of traps were identified. Trap pollination in Araceae is correlated with pollination by flies.

• Conclusions: Trap pollination in the Araceae is more common than was previously thought. Preadaptations such as papillate cells or elongated sterile flowers facilitated the evolution of inflorescence traps. In some clades, imperfect traps served as a precursor for the evolution of more elaborate traps. Traps that evolved in association with fly pollination were most probably derived from mutualistic ancestors, offering a brood‐site to their pollinators.
Probing three-dimensional surface force fields with atomic resolution: Measurement strategies, limitations, and artifact reduction
Authors: Baykara Mehmet Z , Dagdeviren Omur E , Schwendemann Todd C , Mönig Harry , Altman Eric I , Schwarz Udo D
Published: September 2012

Noncontact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM) is being increasingly used to measure the interaction force between an atomically sharp probe tip and surfaces of interest, as a function of the three spatial dimensions, with picometer and piconewton accuracy. Since the results of such measurements may be affected by piezo nonlinearities, thermal and electronic drift, tip asymmetries, and elastic deformation of the tip apex, these effects need to be considered during image interpretation.

In this paper, we analyze their impact on the acquired data, compare different methods to record atomic-resolution surface force fields, and determine the approaches that suffer the least from the associated artifacts. The related discussion underscores the idea that since force fields recorded by using NC-AFM always reflect the properties of both the sample and the probe tip, efforts to reduce unwanted effects of the tip on recorded data are indispensable for the extraction of detailed information about the atomic-scale properties of the surface.
REVIEW OF AVAILABLE APPROACHES FOR ULTIMATE BEARING CAPACITY OF TWO-LAYERED SOILS
Authors: Shoaei M. Dalili , Alkarni A. , Noorzaei J. , Jaafar M. S. , Huat Bujang B. K.
Published: September 2012

This paper presents the state of the art report on available approaches to predicting the ultimate bearing capacity of two-layered soils. The article discusses three most popular methods, including the classical method, application of the finite element method and artificial neural network. Various approaches based on these three powerful tools are studied and their methodologies are discussed.
TOXICITY RESEARCH OF SMOULDERING AND FLAMING PINE TIMBER TREATED WITH FIRE RETARDANT SOLUTIONS
Authors: Karpovič Zbignev , Šukys Ritoldas , Gudelis Rimvydas
Published: September 2012

The emission of toxic gaseous combustion products from timber constructions influences on the time required for evacuation of people from a building during a fire. In order to prolong the time interval until inflammation of timber constructions, fire retardant solutions are used. It is relevant and very important to determine how the emission of toxic gaseous combustion products from pine timber non-treated and treated with fire retardant solutions used in Lithuania differs during thermal destruction. Measuring carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, the paper focuses on toxicity analysis determined by nonstandard and standard research methods of smouldering and flaming pine timber, both non-treated and treated with fire retardant solutions. The description comprises specimens used in research and their preparation, nonstandard and standard research equipment and methods determining toxicity of smouldering and flaming pine timber, both non-treated and treated with fire retardant solutions. The article presents the analysis of experimental results processed by statistical methods.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON TECHNOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF PILE-COLUMNS AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE
Authors: Sivilevičius Henrikas , Daniūnas Alfonsas , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Turskis Zenonas , Sušinskas Saulius
Published: September 2012

Decision making is a vital component of success in construction management. All construction businesses recognize the painful necessity of technology choice. Good decisions mean good business. Decisions that are based on knowledge and sound reasoning can lead a company into long-term prosperity. The mandate of a construction management researcher is to use rational, systematic, science-based techniques to inform and improve decisions of all kinds. The paper presents results of an experimental study on technological indicators of pile-columns at a construction site. Based on in-situ investigation of natural soil conditions, regression equations have been determined, which can be very useful when planning similar works at a construction site. Besides, they allow determining duration and energy consumption of construction works.
THE EFFECT OF MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT TO SERVICE QUALITY ON JOB EMBEDDEDNESS AND PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES
Authors: Karatepe Osman M. , Karadas Georgiana
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this study is to develop and test a conceptual model that examines job embeddedness as a partial mediator of the impact of management commitment to service quality on service recovery performance and extra-role customer service. Training, empowerment, and rewards are regarded as the three important indicators of management commitment to service quality. Data were obtained from a sample of fulltime frontline hotel employees with a time lag of one week in Romania. The results reveal that training, empowerment, and rewards are positively related to job embeddedness. As hypothesized, empowerment, rewards, and job embeddedness enhance service recovery performance, while training and empowerment increase extra-role customer service. The results further demonstrate that job embeddedness acts as a partial mediator of the effects of empowerment and rewards on service recovery performance. Implications of the results are discussed and future research directions are offered.
ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINANCIAL GROWTH CYCLE CONFIRMED FOR SPANISH SMES?
Authors: Sánchez-Vidal Javier , Francisco Martín-Ugedo Juan
Published: September 2012

The aim of this paper is to analyze whether some of the empirical implications of the financial growth cycle hold in a sample of Spanish SMEs. We use a sample of 5,944 observations for the year 2007 and test several hypotheses using MANOVA analysis. The results show that companies tend to have different financing structures depending on their age and size. Hypotheses about trade credit, short term debt and risk are confirmed with respect to age, as the younger companies tend to use proportionally more trade credit and short term debt, and are riskier. Size is also associated in the expected way with trade credit, relative trade credit and relative short-term financial debt. On the other hand hypotheses about equity and the financing deficit are not confirmed. The effect of a pecking order behaviour over a long period of time may provide an explanation of why these two hypotheses are not confirmed.
Charles Taylor aux sources de l'identité
Authors: Terlinden Luc
Published: September 2012

Résumé Pour Charles Taylor, la question de l’identité est inséparable des biens et des sources morales qui animent le sujet. La modernité a approfondi le mouvement d’intériorisation des sources morales, déjà présent chez saint Augustin, tout en encourageant leur diversité et leur pluralité. Les tensions et les conflits entre sources morales marquent ainsi l’identité du sujet contemporain et les institutions. En particulier, la culture de l’authenticité, qui s’est imposée à la société occidentale ces dernières décennies, a remis en cause le rapport du sujet à l’autorité et aux institutions. Ce n’est pas sans conséquence pour la théologie et la pastorale.
La théologie dans les limites de l'institution
Authors: Jobin Guy
Published: September 2012

Résumé Les institutions laïques publiques constituent un lieu d’engagement pour les citoyens croyants. Et pourtant, ces institutions exigent la mise entre parenthèses des convictions appuyées sur des « doctrines englobantes », selon l’expression de John Rawls. Les citoyens croyants sont soumis à des normativités institutionnelles qui confrontent leurs valeurs et, partant, leur identité de croyant. Comment réagissent-ils à ces inévitables chocs axiologiques ? Quels déplacements ou quelles recompositions identitaires ces engagements suscitent-ils ? Quelle forme théologique d’accompagnement peut être pertinente dans de tels contextes institutionnels ?
Le baptême chrétien : identité et institution
Authors: Causse Jean-Daniel
Published: September 2012

Résumé En quoi le baptême chrétien permet-il de penser, sur un plan anthropologique, les rapports entre sujet et institution ? C’est la question que Jean-Daniel Causse déploie en relevant d’abord que le recours à la notion d’identité n’est pas aujourd’hui sans poser problème. Non seulement cette notion est politiquement instrumentalisée, mais elle compose aussi les figures imaginaires d’un soi personnel et collectif qui sont à la fois intégratives et excluantes. Le baptême chrétien n’échappe pas à ce dispositif ; toutefois, il constitue également une façon singulière de nouer le sujet et l’institution. Pour en rendre compte, l’auteur développe trois éléments à propos d’une identité baptismale : une marque invisible laissée à la surface du corps, une procédure de nomination et un acte de signature. Cette triple définition du baptême permet alors de saisir un sujet qui, invité à ne pas se confondre avec des représentations de lui-même, peut travailler à des formes dynamiques et instituées de la vie collective.
Identité croyante et croyance identitaire
Authors: Gaziaux Éric
Published: September 2012

Résumé Identité croyante et croyance identitaire : quelle foi pour quelle identité ? La présente contribution étudie la possibilité pour la théologie d’être accompagnatrice des sujets dans leur parcours existentiel en traitant spécifiquement de la question des relations entre l’éthique et la foi. Pour ce faire, le premier point décrit le contexte contemporain dans lequel se pose actuellement la question de l’identité. Ce point permet de repérer quelques lieux de confrontation et d’énoncer des déplacements significatifs entre une morale dite « traditionnelle » et l’ambiance post-ou ultra-moderne qui caractérise notre monde contemporain. Le deuxième temps explore la possibilité de la proposition de foi dans un tel monde via la notion de l’instabilité fondatrice du christianisme, tandis que le troisième temps dégage quelques implications éthiques du parcours réalisé.
Anticlericalismo y poder: la desacralización de las calles y los espacios públicos durante la Segunda República
Authors: Moral Roncal Antonio Manuel
Published: September 2012

Entre 1931 y 1939, la política laicista republicana intentó suprimir los recursos espaciales de santificación incluso en el callejero urbano, ya que resultaba ser un proceso de acuartelamiento de lo sagrado que facilitaba la exención de aquella obediencia hasta entonces debida a los principios que la religión vehiculaba a través de sus ritos y manifestaciones omnipresentes. Estas medidas adoptaron un contenido anticlerical evidente.