bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass transfer and thermodynamic modeling of carbon dioxide absorption into MEA aqueous solution
Authors: Ghaemi Ahad
Published: October 2017

In this research, thermodynamic and absorption rate of carbon dioxide in monoethanolamine (MEA) solution was investigated. A correlation based on both liquid and a gas phase variable for carbon dioxide absorption rate was presented using the π-Buckingham theorem. The correlation was constructed based on dimensionless numbers, including carbon dioxide loading, carbon dioxide partial pressure, film parameter and the ratio of liquid phase film thickness and gas phase film thickness. The film parameter is used to apply the effect of chemical reactions on absorption rate. A thermodynamic model based on the extended-UNIQUAC equations for the activity coefficients coupled with the Virial equation of state for representing the non-ideality of the vapor phase was used to predict the CO2 solubility in the CO2-MEA-H2O system. The average absolute error of the results for the correlation was 6.4%, which indicates the accuracy of the proposed correlation.
Effectiveness factor of two-dimensional ring-shaped catalyst pellets
Authors: Asif Mohammad , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Mohammed Yahya A. , Al-Ghurabi Ebrahim H.
Published: October 2017

The use of hollow catalytic support improves the utilization of the catalytic material because of the absence of the pellet core, and moreover ensures low reactor pressure drop owing to enhanced bed voidage. In this study, the expressions for the efficient computation of the effectiveness factor are derived for a ring-shaped catalyst pellet undergoing first-order irreversible reaction. The methodology consists of using solutions of one-dimensional problems to remove non-homogeneous boundary conditions. The expressions obtained exhibit significantly faster convergence behavior than those reported in literature. The shape parameters, namely, the height-to-diameter ratio and the inner-to-outer radii ratio, significantly affect the catalyst utilization, such that several-fold improvement in the effectiveness factor is achievable.
PANI/NaTaO3 composite photocatalyst for enhanced hydrogen generation under UV light irradiation
Authors: Zielińska Beata , Schmidt Beata , Mijowska Ewa , Kaleńczuk Ryszard
Published: October 2017

A PANI/NaTaO3 composite was successfully synthesized by an oxidative polymerization of aniline monomer in hydrochloric acid solution containing sodium tantalate. NaTaO3 at a monoclinic structure was produced via hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic activities of the unmodified NaTaO3 and PANI/NaTaO3 were evaluated for hydrogen generation from an aqueous HCOOH solution and under UV light irradiation. The results showed that the evolution rate of H2 increased significantly when NaTaO3 was modified with PANI. The enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of PANI/NaTaO3 composite was ascribed to the effective charge transfer and separation between NaTaO3 and PANI, which reduced their recombination. This indicates that PANI modification of tantalate photocatalysts may open up a new way to prepare highly efficient catalytic materials for H2 generation.
Effect of the two-stage thermal disintegration and anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge on the COD fractions
Authors: Ciaciuch Anna , Gaca Jerzy , Lelewer Karolina
Published: October 2017

The research presents the changes in chemical oxygen demand (COD) fractions during the two-stage thermal disintegration and anaerobic digestion (AD) of sewage sludge in municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Four COD fractions have been separated taking into account the solubility of substrates and their susceptibility to biodegradation: inert soluble organic matter SI, readily biodegradable substrate SS, slowly biodegradable substrates XS and inert particulate organic material XI. The results showed that readily biodegradable substrates SS (46.8% of total COD) and slowly biodegradable substrates XS (36.1% of total COD) were dominant in the raw sludge effluents. In sewage effluents after two-stage thermal disintegration, the percentage of SS fraction increased to 90% of total COD and percentage of XS fraction decreased to 8% of total COD. After AD, percentage of SS fraction in total COD decreased to 64%, whereas the percentage of other fractions in effluents increased.
New corpus-linguistic approaches to the investigation of poetic occasionalisms: The case of Johann Nepomuk Nestroy
Authors: Dressler Wolfgang U. , Tumfart Barbara
Published: October 2017

This paper reports on new approaches to the analysis of poetic occasionalisms, i.e. of words created by an author for a specific place in a literary text, and exemplifies them with the occasionalisms found in three comedies by Johann Nepomuk Nestroy, the greatest Austrian comedy writer and creator of new words in the 19th century. Corpuslinguistic search in Nestroy’s complete works and in large German electronic corpora enables better decisions with regard to whether an unfamiliar word was really an occasionalism. Comparison with Nestroy’s French models (never done so far) shows that these occasionalisms are really Nestroy’s original creations. Two new analyses of their relative audacity offer novel insights, which are corroborated by a first comparison between Nestroy’s and a rival’s occasionalisms. Next, the results of a cotextual and contextual analysis of occasionalisms are offered. Finally, for the first time it is studied to which actors the presentation of most occasionalisms was assigned in order to achieve optimal theatrical effects.
Survival of BRCA2-Deficient Cells Is Promoted by GIPC3, a Novel Genetic Interactor of BRCA2
Authors: Ding Xia , Philip Subha , Martin Betty K , Pang Yan , Burkett Sandra , Swing Deborah A , Pamala Chinmayi , Ritt Daniel A , Zhou Ming , Morrison Deborah K , Ji Xinhua , Sharan Shyam K
Published: October 2017

BRCA2 loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH) is frequently observed in BRCA2-mutated tumors, but its biallelic loss causes embryonic lethality in mice and inhibits proliferation of normal somatic cells. Therefore, it remains unclear how loss of BRCA2 contributes to tumorigenesis. One possibility is that mutation in potential genetic interactors of BRCA2, such as TRP53, is required for cell survival/proliferation in the absence of BRCA2. In this study, using an insertional mutagenesis screen in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC), we have identified GIPC3 (GAIP-interacting protein C-terminus 3) as a BRCA2 genetic interactor that contributes to survival of Brca2-null mESC. GIPC3 does not compensate for BRCA2 loss in the repair of double-strand breaks. Mass-spectrometric analysis resulted in the identification of G-protein signaling transducers, APPL1 and APPL2, as potential GIPC3-binding proteins. A mutant GIPC3 (His155Ala) that does not bind to APPL1/2 failed to rescue the lethality of Brca2-null mESC, suggesting that the cell viability by GIPC3 is mediated via APPL1/2. Finally, the physiological significance of GIPC3 as a genetic interactor of BRCA2 is supported by the observation that Brca2-null embryos with Gipc3 overexpression are developmentally more advanced than their control littermates. Taken together, we have uncovered a novel role for GIPC3 as a BRCA2 genetic interactor.
Determinants of a nation’s sport performance at different mega sport events
Authors: Kovács Eszter , Gulyás Erika , Sterbenz Tamás
Published: October 2017

This paper presents the initial results of a significant research conducted under the IOC PhD Student Research Grant Programme with the support of the Hungarian Olympic Committee. A macroand meso-level analysis were conducted within the framework of this research; this paper presents the macro model, with the aim of capturing important features of the economic, political and institutional environments which affect the productivity of a nation’s sport performance and growth; with this the paper contributes to an understanding of the key elements of high-performance sport development. The macro model divides sport into two groups – individual and team sports – in order to determine if there are any differences at the macro level. The influence of the economic factors which were included in the models shows a decreasing effect on the market share of nations, which means that other factors must also play a significant role in a nation’s international sporting success. The responsibility of national sport governance will become even more important in elite sport success in the future, which shows that the efficient utilisation of recourses will also become a key factor, along with an appropriate structure, organisation and integrated coordination.
Research Briefs as Communication and Motivation Tools: Knowledge Translation in Medical Education
Authors: Babenko Oksana , Nadon Lindsey , Ding Mao , Daniels Lia
Published: October 2017

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Medical learners are critical stakeholders in medical education research - they are both research participants and end-users of research findings. Traditional forms of disseminating research findings may take years to produce and may never be accessed by participants. Despite this, medical education researchers are responsible for ensuring that research findings reach medical learners faster and more directly. As such, Research Briefs can be a useful vehicle for communicating research findings, rewarding participation in research, and supporting medical learners in their journey to become doctors. We provide examples of Research Briefs that we have developed to translate knowledge and engage medical learners in our longitudinal research study. We have used Research Briefs to communicate our findings both to participating students and to the larger student community at our university. Doing so has allowed us to start raising awareness of the roles motivation and coping - specifically, achievement goals, self-compassion, and physical activity - play in the learning and well-being of our students.
A Comprehensive Review of Sequencing and Combination Strategies of Targeted Agents in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ciombor Kristen K. , Bekaii-Saab Tanios
Published: October 2017

The emergence of targeted therapies for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has considerably improved survival, but has also resulted in a dilemma of identifying the optimal sequence and combination of various agents in the mCRC treatment landscape. A number of cytotoxic agents, including irinotecan, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine, and TAS-102, are available for treatment of mCRC. Additionally, whereas patients harboring rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (RAS)–wild type mCRC can be treated with the anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibodies cetuximab and panitumumab or antiangiogenic agents (bevacizumab, ziv-aflibercept, and ramucirumab), patients with RAS-mutant mCRC are limited to antiangiogenic agents as biologic options. Regorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, can be used in both RAS subgroups. As such, the recommended sequence of therapies that should be received by each subgroup must also be considered separately. This review provides an overview of recent clinical data for approved and investigational targeted therapies that have been studied across different mCRC treatment lines and patient subgroups. It also examines emerging trends in the treatment landscape for mCRC, including treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors and the utilization of genomic profiling.

Implications for Practice

Currently, there are no established guidelines for optimal sequencing of cytotoxic or targeted agents in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This review provides a snapshot of the current mCRC treatment paradigm and examines the latest clinical data that support the utilization of several targeted agents alone or in combination with backbone chemotherapy across different lines of treatment and patient populations, highlighting recommendations for their usage. Recent advances in the treatment landscape are also summarized, including genomic profiling and preliminary results with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Underutilize Immune Response Monitoring
Authors: Connell Claire M. , Raby Sophie E.M. , Beh Ian , Flint Thomas R. , Williams Edward H. , Fearon Douglas T. , Jodrell Duncan I. , Janowitz Tobias
Published: October 2017

Immune-related radiological and biomarker monitoring in cancer immunotherapy trials permits interrogation of efficacy and reasons for therapeutic failure. We report the results from a cross-sectional analysis of response monitoring in 685 T-cell checkpoint-targeted cancer immunotherapy trials in solid malignancies, as registered on the U.S. National Institutes of Health trial registry by October 2016. Immune-related radiological response criteria were registered for only 25% of clinical trials. Only 38% of trials registered an exploratory immunological biomarker, and registration of immunological biomarkers has decreased over the last 15 years. We suggest that increasing the utilization of immune-related response monitoring across cancer immunotherapy trials will improve analysis of outcomes and facilitate translational efforts to extend the benefit of immunotherapy to a greater proportion of patients with cancer.
Outcomes of a Specialized Interdisciplinary Approach for Patients with Cancer with Aberrant Opioid-Related Behavior
Authors: Arthur Joseph , Edwards Tonya , Reddy Suresh , Nguyen Kristy , Hui David , Yennu Sriram , Park Minjeong , Liu Diane , Bruera Eduardo
Published: October 2017

Background

Data on the development and outcomes of effective interventions to address aberrant opioid-related behavior (AB) in patients with cancer are lacking. Our outpatient supportive care clinic developed and implemented a specialized interdisciplinary team approach to manage patients with AB. The purpose of this study was to report clinical outcomes of this novel intervention.

Materials and Methods

The medical records of 30 consecutive patients with evidence of AB who received the intervention and a random control group of 70 patients without evidence of AB between January 1, 2015, and August 31, 2016, were reviewed.

Results

At baseline, pain intensity (p = .002) and opioid dose (p = .001) were significantly higher among patients with AB. During the course of the study, the median number of ABs per month significantly decreased from three preintervention to 0.4 postintervention (p < .0001). The median morphine equivalent daily dose decreased from 165 mg/day at the first intervention visit to 112 mg/day at the last follow-up (p = .018), although pain intensity did not significantly change (p = .984). “Request for opioid medication refills in the clinic earlier than the expected time” was the AB with the highest frequency prior to the intervention and the greatest improvement during the study period. Younger age (p < .0001) and higher Edmonton Symptom Assessment System anxiety score (p = .005) were independent predictors of the presence of AB.

Conclusion

The intervention was associated with a reduction in the frequency of AB and opioid utilization among patients with cancer receiving chronic opioid therapy. More research is needed to further characterize the clinical effectiveness of this intervention.

Implications for Practice

There are currently no well-defined and evidence-based strategies to manage cancer patients on chronic opioid therapy who demonstrate aberrant opioid-related behavior. The findings of this study offer a promising starting point for the creation of a standardized strategy for clinicians and provides valuable information to guide their practice regarding these patients. The study results will also help clinicians to better understand the types and frequencies of the most common aberrant behaviors observed among patients with cancer who are receiving chronic opioid therapy. This will enhance the process of timely patient identification, management, or referral to the appropriate specialist teams.
A 4-month-old male null mouse swimming. Video 3. v1
Authors: Tsuru Michiyo
Published: October 2017

A 4-month-old male null mouse swimming. The water temperature was 34 °C.
The role of social dimensions on the urban sustainability (Study on the form and social structure integration in the peri-urban areas in Sulaimanyiah city)
Authors: Rasul Dr. Hoshyar , Muhammed Dr. Othman
Published: October 2017

Urban development and urban expansion, usually followed by transformations of cities and their surroundings (rural, urban or both). Communities , which have been lived in environments different from those experienced today, became living in hybrid environment, where different urban environments blend.  Addressed to the State that result from this development and expansion, emerging negative social effects, which took as a base in exploring a rule of design strategies in restructuring of these areas. It is necessary in thus rapid urbanization situations, which causes an increased fragmentation and heterogeneity around cities, to create urban forms most appropriate for residual growth of these peri-urban settlements on the one hand, and for overall growth of the city as a unified unit, on the other hand. The importance of the study emerged from solving the problem of (integration of urban form and social structure) that may occur during and after the change in peri- urban areas surrounding the southern part of Sulaimaniyah city, due to building a new city (2020) as planned. The paper is trying to explore an appropriate strategy and a mechanism for how this process (reshaping) will occurred, in order to achieve the urban sustainability. So the social dimensions which have a crucial influences on sustainable re-configuration of the city, took as a study hypothec, in order to avoid a state of (urban segregation).  To reach this goal, the (Qualitative methods) based as methodology, depending on the   introspective views and inductive approaches to draw the proposed frame work, which treated by the study as a (new context), requires the new strategy, for areas around the city described as fragmented, affecting the overall view of urban form, and social cohesion in each settlement as well.

The study at last, achieved that the configuration will come from the human interaction with both dynamic (social environment), and fixed attributes (natural environment). Besides of that, the social dimensions have had the crucial influences on the urban form in one side, and on the sustainable re-configurations process in the peri-urban areas in the other side.
Post-fire mechanical properties of concrete made with recycled tire rubber as fine aggregate replacement.
Authors: Muhammad Muhammad , Faraj Wrya , Abdul-Kadir Prof. Dr. Mohamed
Published: October 2017

In this study, effects of high blazing temperature with varied time durations on mechanical behavior of normal concrete containing recycled tire rubber as a fine aggregate (RTRFA) have been presented. RTRFA is used as a partial replacement of natural fine aggregate to make rubberized concrete. Generally, concrete used in structural members must satisfy fire resistance requirements in building codes. Therefore, this paper aims at studying the performance of the rubberized concrete prior and after its exposure to fire in accordance with ISO 834 curve for firing. It has been stipulated that the presence of tire rubber particles is mostly for the consideration of environment safeguard. In this investigation, five different concrete mixes were prepared with Ordinary Portland Cement, natural fine and coarse aggregate, with ﬁne aggregate replacement ratios (0%, 6%, 12%, 18% and 24%) by weight. From these mixes, 60 cylindrical specimens (100mm diameter × 200mm high) and 60 cubic specimens (150mm×150mm×150mm) were prepared. These concrete specimens were divided into four groups, consisting of 15 cubes and 15 cylinders each. The first group   (so called “control”) were tested without exposing it to fire and the remaining three groups were separately subjected to fire for three different time periods vis. (20, 40 and 60 minutes) in a furnace fabricated according to ASTM E119. Then the concrete specimens were tested to observe the post-fire mechanical properties including split tensile strength, compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity. The results of time-temperature curves, slump, fresh density, hardened density, percent-mass loss, compressive strength, split tensile strength of all the mixes are presented. The results showed that both the compressive strength and split tensile strength of concrete mixes decreased with higher percentage replacement of ﬁne aggregate by RTRFA before and after exposure to fire. Moreover, longer time of fire duration or higher replacement ratios leads to further strength reduction of compressive and split tensile strengths. Additionally, it was found that the usage of ultrasonic pulse velocity for concrete samples containing more than 6% of RTRFA as a replacement of sand gives unreasonable measurements. Finally, statistical equations were derived to predict these properties of concrete with RTRFA replacements.
Nationwide Doctor of Nursing Practice/Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Survey on Roles, Functions, and Competencies
Authors: Carter Michael A. , Jones Michaela
Published: October 2017

Educational preparation for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) continues to shift from the master’s degree to the doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Previous analysis of the roles, functions, and competencies of APRNs by Honig, Smolowitz, and Smaldone (2011) identified differences in practice between Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)- and DNP-prepared APRNs. The aim of this study was to use the survey instrument created by Honig et al. to survey DNP/APRNs from across the nation and gain insight into their roles, competencies, and functions. A convenience sample was drawn from DNP graduates from the 13 schools provided by the American Board of Comprehensive Care (ABCC) as eligible to sit for the ABCC examination. A total of 375 individuals from 33 states who reported that they were in practice as a nurse practitioner (NP) completed the survey. Differences between the initial study and this study indicated that DNP NPs currently provide care across settings but with less inpatient care, less subacute care, and less palliative care than was reported in the initial analysis. Pregnancy-related care was the least common clinical service provided. Overall, this research indicates that DNP NPs prepared in comprehensive care are providing direct clinical care across settings to complex patients consistent with the comprehensive care domains for the ABCC certification examination (Honig et al., 2011).
Behavioral Health Appointment Attendance Following Implementation of an Automated Appointment Reminder System
Authors: Lavin Dianne , White Justin , Medrano Martha , Ranieri Amy
Published: October 2017

This project explored the effect of an automated appointment reminder system (texts/e-mails/telephone calls) on patient attendance at behavioral health appointments in a federally qualified health care agency in Texas. Appointment reminder systems have been shown to improve attendance rates in behavioral health (Clouse, Williams, & Harmon, 2017; Gajwani, 2014; Molfenter, 2013; Whisenhunt, 2014). It was expected that behavioral appointment attendance which in this agency has been historically low, would increase following implementation of an automated appointment reminder system. A retrospective electronic health record review was completed to compare behavioral health appointment attendance rates before and after implementation of an automated appointment reminder system. Data analysis revealed that no-show rates for behavioral health appointments in the previous appointment reminder system (telephone call reminders) and the recently implemented automated appointment reminder system (texts/e-mails/telephone calls) were comparable with rates of 19.4% and 20.0%, respectively. The difference between the rates was not statistically significant suggesting that the automated appointment reminder system was not effective in improving patient attendance at behavioral health appointments.
Doctor of Nursing Practice Student Perceptions of Providing Care to Refugees: Implications for Doctoral Nursing Practice
Authors: Rosin Kirsten , Fitchett Brandy , Febles Carmen , Nies Mary A.
Published: October 2017

Although there is no doubt that expanding scientific innovations provide timely information, in the case of refugees and their primary care providers, it is possible their voices have been partially obscured by this rapidly expanding technological and global society. The authors are currently involved in addressing health disparities by providing education and training for doctoral nursing students, in the delivery of home based primary care to culturally diverse and marginalized populations in a mountain west state. Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) student perspectives may provide essential information to improve patient-centered care for this very vulnerable population. The purpose of this article is to relay the perceptions of DNP nursing students providing care to refugees.
Color-Blind Racial Attitudes and Their Implications for Achieving Race-Related Grand Challenges
Authors: Constance-Huggins Monique , Davis Ashley
Published: October 2017

The American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare established 12 social work grand challenges to address critical social problems in America. Some of these social problems include health disparities, income inequality, and the lack of social justice, among others. These social problems are deep and daunting especially for people of color. Tackling these challenges would require a focus on the racial attitudes in society, such as color-blind racial attitudes, that maintain the power structure that fuels inequality. This article introduces color-blind racial attitudes and discusses their impact on social work practice and policy. Lastly, it presents strategies for addressing color-blind racial attitudes related to the grand challenges.
Advertising text as the form of social impact.
Authors: Nina Ishchenko  , Ksenia Tieliegina
Published: October 2017

The given article is dedicated to the advertising text and its form of expression, social impact, and direct approaches to its study. The components of advertising texts are considered in detail. Definitions of all terms are available, related to advertising, as well as the role of the advertising text in society is defined.This article also provides a list of the main components of advertising. However, it should be noted that the presence of all components at once is not an obligatory point, a lot of factors that affect to transfer information that is the main goal of advertising.Thus, we see that approaches to the study of texts in general, and most preferably advertising texts are a few, but the most effective is pragmatic because advertiser’s only purpose is to promote the goods and develop the interest of many people. All language features in the advertising texts are intended to make the recipient to perform the necessary steps that advertiser needs and thus meet the needs of the subject and the recipient of the language. The recipient itself dominates in advertising communication, their needs, motivation, interests are crucial to the advertiser, whose aim is to make identical area of interest of the recipient with his own.The existence of promotional texts of verbal and visual components enables us to classify them into kreolizovany texts, where we see that the non-verbal means are quite significant, but with the verbal form meaningful and pragmatic aspects.
Instrumental Component of Future Technical Specialists’ Professional Identity.
Authors: Kuzmina Iryna
Published: October 2017

The paper studies the content and inner structure of the instrumental component of professional identity of future technical specialists. Different models of the structure of professional identity of future specialists, teachers and medical psychologists are analysed. Ternary structure of the professional identity of a future technical specialist is proposed. Each component of the professional identity is viewed in terms of fourth-year students of mathematics. The list of knowledge (special or orienting and nonspecific or culturological), skills and abilities, which a higher technical school graduate should possess for the successful performance of professional tasks, is provided. The role of professional competencies in the context of the professional identity is determined. On the basis of theoretical analysis, the structure of professional competencies in terms of bachelors of mathematics is considered. Examples of instrumental and system, personal-social (personal, communicative and information) and special competencies, which are a part of professional competencies, are proposed. The role of formation of professional identity in the process of studying at a higher technical school is considered. The problems of professionalism of activity and competitiveness of a higher technical school graduate in the labour market are considered.
To the problem of using multimedia technologies in English language teaching.
Authors: Romaniuk Zhanetta
Published: October 2017

This article deals with the application of a wide range of multimedia technologies in teaching and learning foreign languages.  It reveals three main areas to be used for the expansion of cognitive abilities of students. First is the use of presentations. The main tool for making presentations is “Power Point” program. The second area is the application of multimedia capabilities of the Internet. Basically, the following resources are considered:  "Album" (scrapbook), the "Treasure Hunt", the problem statement (subject sampler), a list of  subject references (hotlist), forum. The third area represented in the article contains an analysis of blogs technology in teaching and learning the English language. This section describes different types of blogs, showing the blogs potential in the increase of computer literacy and proficiency in English. From the above analysis we can conclude that the multimedia technologies in education are used inefficiently. Using the computer should not be something artificial. It has to become an integral part of the educational process. The use of computer technologies in education is expanding horizons, enables to learn the discipline better, promotes students' interest in learning, generates creativity, spatial and logical thinking, imagination, observation and certain scientific skills.
Adopting Digital Technology in Teaching and Learning Environment in Early Childhood Education Classes in Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Amolloh Odundo Paul , Lilian Ganira Khavugwi , Shaji Milimu Gladys
Published: October 2017

Dispositions towards use of digital technologies in modern early childhood settings have dramatically transformed aspects in education sector through development and integration of technology into education policy, curriculum and practice. Digital technology as a tool in instruction benefits learner’s fine motor skills, language and communication readiness, mathematical thinking as well as positive attitudes towards learning. Conversely inadequate educational and digital competence hampers teachers in Early Childhood Education (ECE) access to digital technology. This study assessed ways in which teachers in ECE in Kenya access digital technologies. It was designed as a two-phase exploratory mixed methods study. The design allowed collection of data from two groups of ECE educators: case study and survey teachers. Case-studies of two ECE centers (low and high technology) involving 11 ECE teachers were compared in order to examine similarities and differences in access to digital technologies. Similarly, teachers (n=508) in two education zones were surveyed and drawn in terms of similarities and differences in access to digital technologies. Findings indicated that ECE teachers in Kenya have limited access to digital technologies due to non-availability in ECE teaching and learning environments. To address this challenge, the study recommends Ministry of education to put emphasis on funding technology resources in early childhood settings. Furthermore, teachers in ECE should be exposed to a variety of developmentally appropriate digital technologies in order to effectively enhance teaching and learning.
People-Centred Approach for ICT Tools Supporting Energy Efficient and Healthy Behaviour in Buildings
Authors: Tisov Ana , Podjed Dan , D’Oca Simona , Vetršek Jure , Willems Eric , Op’t Veld Peter
Published: October 2017

This paper attempts to alter a prevailing assumption that buildings use energy to an understanding that in fact, people use energy. Therefore, to successfully accelerate the transition to a low-carbon society and economy more emphasis should be on motivating people and increasing their awareness by making them energy conscious building users and therefore active players in the energy transition process. In this context, this paper provides insights from the Horizon 2020 MOBISTYLE project. It demonstrates research and development approaches, highlights the main project objectives, and presents findings of an ethnographic (qualitative) study of users’ habits, practices, and needs. The aim of the project is to motivate behavioural change by raising consumer awareness through the provision of attractive personalized information on user’s energy use, indoor environment and health, all enabled by an integrated information and communication technology (ICT) service. In this context, the anthropological people-centred approach is integrated into the MOBISTYLE approach putting users at the centre of the ICT tools development process. The main quantitative objective of the project is a reduction of energy use for at least 16 % prompted by the provision of combined information and feedback systems on energy, indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and health. The most relevant motivational factors and key performance indicators (KPIs) for encouraging a more energy conscious and healthy lifestyle were defined by means of a people-centred approach, adopting anthropological inquiries in different settings. Information about users’ lifestyles and their needs was collected in focus groups with potential users in five case studies, located in different European Union (EU) countries. Behaviour change is achieved through awareness campaigns, which encourage users to be pro-active about their energy consumption and to simultaneously improve health and well-being.
How to Clear HBV cccDNA: CRISPR/Cas9 Might Be Promising
Authors: Qiu Yan , Liu Ying , Ren Wen , Ren Jing
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B infected with Hepatitis B virus remains a major health concern worldwide. Despite standard interferon-α and nucleotide analogues have been shown to reduce the deterioration of liver disease among chronic hepatitis B patients, covalently closed circular DNA was still difficult to eradicate. METHODS: A literature search of Pubmed and Web of science was performed with the following key words: ‘CRISPR’, ‘CRISPR/Cas9’, ‘hepatitis B’, ‘HBV’, ‘chronic hepatitis B’ and ‘HBV cccDNA’. The information about CRISPR/Cas9 for the treatment of HBV cccDNA or hepatitis B was reviewed. RESULTS: CRISPR/Cas9 could treat hepatitis B through suppressing or clearing HBV cccDNA with different gRNAs. CONCLUSION: With the emergence of CRISPR/Cas9 (the RNA-guided clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats, CRISPR) editing technology, clearance of hepatitis B virus and better prevention of liver carcinoma seemed to be possible.
Information Landscape and Flux, Mutual Information Rate Decomposition and Entropy Production
Authors: Zeng Qian , Wang Jin
Published: October 2017

We explore the dynamics of information systems. We show that the driving force for information dynamics is determined by both the information landscape and information flux which determines the equilibrium time reversible and the nonequilibrium time-irreversible behaviours of the system respectively. We further demonstrate that the mutual information rate between the two subsystems can be decomposed into the time-reversible and time-irreversible parts respectively, analogous to the information landscape-flux decomposition for dynamics. Finally, we uncover the intimate relation between the nonequilibrium thermodynamics in terms of the entropy production rates and the time-irreversible part of the mutual information rate. We demonstrate the above features by the dynamics of a bivariate Markov chain.
“Watch Your Language!”: Word Choice in Library Website Usability
Authors: Gillis Roger
Published: October 2017

Many academic libraries conduct extensive user studies when redesigning their websites, considering characteristics such as design features, information architecture, and link and information placement. One of the less studied aspects impacting library website usability is choice of language. This article presents the results of a usability study conducted at a small Canadian academic library that assessed the impact of word choice on user interactions with its library website. The author provides an overview of the relevant literature and explores the role that word choice, especially on a library website’s home page, can play in user experience.
Plusieurs bibliothèques universitaires effectuent des études d’utilisabilité lors des refontes de sites Web pour tenir compte de caractéristiques telles les particularités techniques, l’architecture de l’information ainsi que le placement des liens et de l’information. L’un des aspects les moins étudiés concernant l’utilisabilité d’un site Web de bibliothèque est le choix du langage. Cet article présente les résultats d’une étude d’utilisabilité effectuée à une petite bibliothèque universitaire canadienne qui a tenté d’évaluer l’impact du choix des mots et les interactions des usagers avec son site Web. L’auteur fournit un survol de la littérature pertinente et explore quel rôle le choix des mots, surtout sur la page d’accueil d’un site Web de bibliothèque, peut avoir sur l’expériences des usagers.
Lessons Learned from Surfactant-Polymer Flooding Field Tests in China
Authors: Guo Hu , Wang Zhengbo
Published: October 2017

10 typical Surfactant-Polymer (SP) flooding field tests in China were reviewed to help understand the benefit and challenge of SP flooding in low oil price era. Among these 10 field tests, only 2 were very successful, the others were not as good as expected, while some are technically and economically unsuccessful. Although ASP flooding can make incremental oil recovery of 30% in large scale field tests in Daqing, the complex anti-scaling and emulsion breaking technology and thus high cost makes it less attractive. No alkali SP flooding was believed a developing trend of chemical flooding with a predicted incremental oil recovery more than 12%. In this paper, 10 large scale SP flooding field tests including one in offshore in China were critically compared and reviewed. Surfactants and its screening techniques were introduced. The problems of high injection pressure and difference to predicted incremental oil recovery were discussed. Although laboratory tests showed that SP flooding could make additional recovery of more than 15%, and the predicted incremental oil recovery was between 12% to 15.5%, only one SP flooding in Shengli made high incremental oil recovery of 16.8% upon water recovery of 36.3%. This field test was so successful that many enlarged field tests and industrial applications were carried out. However, none of them was in agreement with numerical simulation. The actual incremental recovery was in 1.3%-6.7%. Incremental oil recovery in post– polymer flooding reservoir in Daqing was 2.4%, less than the expected value 6.3%. Recently 3 of 5 field tests in Xinjiang, Jilin and Changqing was far from success. Three reasons may account for this. First, the surfactants adsorption in formation makes the ultra-low IFT duration not as long or far as expected, as verified from both laboratory and field test. Second, the injected polymer concentration and molecular weight was too high for the reviewed reservoir formation. SP field tests results in high permeability Liaohe reservoir was much better than the other 4 field tests in CNPC. Third, resent screen method and numerical simulation technique needs to be improved since most field tests results were in disagreement with them. It is high time to reevaluate the potential of SP flooding. It is high time to study how far the ultra-low IFT chemical system can flow in reservoirs. Low adsorption surfactants were the key to success for SP flooding. The alkali effect in ASP flooding should have been more emphasized and investigated.
Scale Removal in Tubulars using Jetting Technique: A Novel Laboratory Approach
Authors: Shakeel Muzzammil , Hajj Hicham El , Al-Abdullatif Abeer
Published: October 2017

Scale deposition in oil and gas wells has been challenging for many years. Scaling severely decreases flow capacity and hydrocarbon production as a result of reduction in the tubular diameter. Various techniques have been developed and implemented in the field, including mechanical (drilling, milling, and jetting) and chemical solutions, to remove different types of scale. This paper presents a novel laboratory approach to determine an effective mechanical scale-removal material used in jetting tools. This approach thoroughly screens possible scale-removal materials and enabled the identification of a new material that is acid-soluble in nature, water-insoluble, and possesses little/mild strength. These properties ensure the effective removal of various types of scale without damaging the tubulars.

A novel laboratory approach was devised to meet the necessary criteria for an effective scale-removal material, which included sphericity and roundness analysis, single-grain crush test, photomicrographs, abrasion test, water solubility, and acid solubility tests. Following the new approach, several potential products were analyzed to determine the best material for scale removal using a jetting tool. The evaluation was performed, focusing on scale removal requirements and cleanout while ensuring tubular protection.

The approach in this study was designed while considering the actual well scenario and various types of scale. The variety of materials used had different responses in the laboratory evaluation; the material that best fulfilled the criteria was recommended for scale removal using a jetting tool. The material identified using the new approach effectively removes scale deposits without damaging the tubular. In addition to its non-damaging characteristic with respect to the tubular, the new material is also easily removable after the scale removal treatment.

This study proposes a novel laboratory approach and describes the use of this approach to identify new mechanical scale-removal product. The approach was developed for the laboratory evaluation of scale-removal materials blasted through a jetting tool; its use resulted in a cost-effective mechanical scale-removal solution that uses a jetting technique and that is more efficient than the conventional materials currently used.
Effective Fracturing of High-Stress Reservoirs Using Nonstandard Proppant and Novel Technology
Authors: Rahim Zillur , Al-Kanaan Adnan A. , Kayumov Rifat , Al-Jalal Ziad
Published: October 2017

To economically produce gas from tight reservoirs poses challenges resulting from high bottomhole temperature, low permeability, and high Young’s modulus and rock compressive strength. Hydraulic fracturing, which is necessary to exploit the tight reservoirs, faces constraints such as high fracture initiation and treating pressures, risk of premature screenout, and conductivity degradation. A conventional fracturing treatment in such challenging environment necessitates increased polymer concentration in fracturing fluids and using smaller-size proppant at low concentrations. This results in shorter effective fracture half-length and low fracture conductivity. Additionally, high polymer concentration is not easily cleaned up and may create further damage to the proppant pack. These challenges are compounded where the reservoir is relatively tight and often cannot supply enough energy to clean up the injected fracturing fluids.

To overcome these challenges, channel fracturing was introduced in which proppants are added in pulses to the fracturing fluids, creating stacks of pillar-like structures inside the fracture. These pillars hold the fracture open, and the voids surrounding them form stable channels along the entire geometry of the fracture thereby providing an open pathway with near-infinite conductivity. The technology reduces amount of proppant pumped compared to a conventional treatment, and most of the standard expensive high-strength proppant, required for fracturing in high-stress environment, can be substituted by intermediateand low-strength proppants or even natural sand. The hydrocarbons will flow through the open channels and not through the pack. Additionally, pulsation of proppant during pumping virtually eliminates the risk of a screenout.

Extensive laboratory tests have been conducted to verify the concept of using nonstandard proppant with channel fracturing in high-stress formations. The results of these tests were positive, and trial treatments have been pumped. To date, more than 50 channel fracturing treatments have been conducted in the clastic reservoirs. Some of them have been performed with nonstandard proppant as a part of the treatment. No screenouts were observed even in the formations that were tight with narrow pressure margin between the in-situ stress and completion integrity limitations. Production results after channel fracturing treatments are more consistent compared to conventional proppant fracturing and are not related to the type of propping material used.