bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects Of Calorie Count Display On Consumer Eating Behavior: Would It Solve The Obesity Problem? An Empirical Perspective
Authors: Rizkallah Elias G. , Feiler Kimberly
Published: February 2016

Obesity in the United States and around the world is getting to be of epidemic proportions, with major economic, social, and psychological impacts on society. Its impact is evident in cost of health care, opportunity cost of lower productivity, emotional and physical suffering, and shorter life expectancy. Although obesity is the result of individual behavior, efforts to reduce it are initiated by many concerned parties. The question is, how effective are these efforts? The researchers are interested in knowing individuals’ attitudes about these efforts, specifically, the latest regulation of displaying calorie counts on menus of restaurants and its effects on their behaviors. The survey also covered consumers’ opinions regarding obesity, its causes, and what can be done about it. Specifically, the purpose of this study is to determine the effects of calorie count display on consumers’ eating habits, consumers’ attitude towards obesity as a societal concern, and their views about who is to blame and who should do something about the obesity problem. The study surveyed 226 consumers in the Southern California area. Results are analyzed, discussed, and used as basis for making recommendations to all parties concerned (i.e., individuals and families, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and food companies and restaurants) regarding their role to reduce obesity and its adverse economic, social, and psychological impact on society.
Participant Perspectives Of An Evidence-Based Pregnancy/STI Prevention Curriculum: The Importance Of Atmosphere, Active Learning, And Accurate Advice
Authors: Flinders Brooke
Published: February 2016

Healthy People 2020 addresses national priorities related to adolescent health with goals that relate to reducing unintended pregnancy, increasing the use of reproductive health services, increasing the practice of abstinence, and increasing sexual health education among the population (USDHHS, 2011). In response to these national priorities, the Office of Adolescent Health awarded seventy-five highly competitive grants to support the replication of evidence-based programming (USDHHS, 2012). One such program - FOCUS (PASHA, 2005) - is being delivered in southwestern Ohio through a unique partnership between the Hamilton YWCA and Miami University’s Department of Nursing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate participant feedback, from a pilot period of three months, in order to identify response themes. In summary, the wrap-up surveys taught us that participants valued the up-to-date content (specifically related to sexually transmitted infections) and that an “open” and “laid back” learning environment, utilizing active learning strategies, was most effective.
Examining Meta-Analytic Approaches For Evaluating Multi-Year Wellness Program Impact: An Example From The Health And Human Service Arena
Authors: Larwin Karen H. , Larwin David A.
Published: February 2016

The current investigation examines the use of meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of a community-wide health care initiative across a four-year period. This community-wide initiative began in an effort to create a “healthy community” in a small mid-western city. This multi-level, longitudinal study incorporates the use of meta-analysis in an effort to examine treatment effects across the areas of knowledge of health issues, reported healthy behaviors, and clinical measures. Issues regarding the challenges associated with the synthesis of different types of effect size measures across time, as well as concerns associated with multi-site repeated measure responses, are presented. Results of the effect size analyses are presented using odds ratios.
Barriers To Achieving E-Health Literacy
Authors: Werts Niya , Hutton-Rogers Laurencia
Published: February 2016

E-health literacy is the ability to gather and appropriately process health information retrieved online. Like traditional health literacy, higher levels of e-health literacy may work to support health decision making and thereby improve health outcomes. Some populations frequently identified as at risk for health disparities, are also in danger of falling in to the e-health literacy “gap.” The following paper explores the barriers to attaining e-health literacy for vulnerable populations. The paper illustrates how a narrow focus on increasing technology access is insufficient to address disparities in e-health literacy, and provides a preliminary agenda for health promotion professionals to better address the e-health literacy gap in research and practice.
Manipulating In-House Designed Drug Databases For The Prediction Of pH-Dependent Aqueous Drug Solubility
Authors: D’Souza Malcolm J. , AlAbed Ghada J. , Earley Melissa , Roberts Natalia , Gerges Fady J.
Published: February 2016

Chemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamics properties are available in the package inserts of every Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved prescription drug, including all available chemotherapy drugs. These inserts follow a specific format imposed by the FDA. Whether chemotherapy drugs are administered via the parenteral route or alimentary tract, a significant factor affecting their bioavailability, elimination, and consequently, the drug’s effectiveness and potency, is its state of aqueous solubility. Water solubility has always lent itself poorly to the different predictive and experimental measures employed in the determination of a useful quantitative assessment. In this project, we first built a chemical structure-based searchable database for 85 FDA approved chemotherapy drugs and then used Bio-Rad’s KnowItAll® Informatics suite to focus on the drugs pH-dependent water solubility prediction. We compared the predicted values for water solubility to the available values reported in the drug inserts, testing the practical utility and the predictive ability of our model in reporting such a clinically relevant, underreported pharmacokinetic parameter. A relational cancer drug database (MySQL) was created to further facilitate analysis and/or prediction of a chemotherapy compound’s missing pharmacokinetic properties.
Effects Of Socio-Economic Characteristics On The Medication Of Children For Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Simmons Walter O. , Emanuele Rosemarie
Published: February 2016

The diagnosis and medication of the illness known as Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been shown to exhibit patterns unexpected from a medical condition that is randomly distributed throughout the population. This research uses new data to show statistically significant relationships between the medication of children for ADHD and several socio-economic characteristics. Most alarming is the fact that the significant relationships between medication and race and gender are robust, even when other socioeconomic characteristics are controlled for.
Is Fast Food Making Us Fat?
Authors: Miller Mary Jane , LaBrunda Andrew , LaBrunda Michelle , Amin Nashaud
Published: February 2016

This study looks at the contribution that consuming fast food may make to the rise in American obesity rates. One important goal of this study was to survey 500 U.S. adults in order to assess the frequency with which they consume fast food and dine in other restaurants. It also compares the BMI of survey participants with their reported frequency of eating fast food meals and snacks. An additional goal of the study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of gathering survey data via an online survey form. Study outcomes show that Americans report a notable amount of fast food consumption and that there is a correlation between BMI and the number of fast food meals consumed among survey participants. Results of this preliminary study may be used to assess the possibility of a more extensive project with a larger population. Findings may also be beneficial to individuals seeking to take steps toward a more healthful personal lifestyle and may provide useful data to health care professionals and community health organizations.
Enhancing The Learning Environment Of Nursing Students Through Interprofessional Collaboration
Authors: Crouch Suzanne J. , Fillmore Laura , Phelps Sharon L. , Ukot Eme
Published: February 2016

The AACN position statement (1999) supports interprofessional collaboration. The development of innovative collaborative teaching methods within education may enhance the learning environment of students. Educational institutions utilize student evaluations as a method of listening to the voices of students, but research related to their use is limited. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of interprofessional collaboration on nursing students’ perceptions of the online learning environment. An innovative collaborative teaching methodology was developed using a variety of disciplines, including physicians, pharmacists, chiropractic physicians, and nurses. Quantitative data analyses indicated a significant increase in student satisfaction with the online course as well as the online environment p < 0.05 following the establishment of the collaborative teaching methodology. Qualitative analysis illustrated enhanced satisfaction among students following the institution of interprofessional collaboration. Findings that view the learning environment through the lens of students’ eyes have many implications, including increased student and faculty satisfaction with the teaching/learning experience and enhanced collaboration among healthcare professionals. In addition, results may impact the curriculum by identifying a multidisciplinary approach to nursing education as an important resource. If we believe that students have a right to be active participants in their educational experiences, then we must give voice to their values, choices, concerns, and requests. A collaborative teaching methodology is one way to ensure that students’ voices are heard and acted upon, and it was found to be an innovative solution in meeting enrollment demands and healthcare needs. Collaborative relationships within nursing practice and nursing education are essential in the preparation of future nurses.
Health At Risk: Exploring Geographical Differences In Health Risk Factors Among Canada’s Aboriginal Population
Authors: Kimery Kathryn , Amirkhalkhali Samad , Amirkhalkhali Yasmine
Published: February 2016

Smoking, obesity, and binge drinking are identified as important behavior-related risk factors for long-term health outcomes. Aboriginal People in Canada have significantly higher self-reported rates of all three of these negative health factors compared to the general population of Canada. Initial results from this study demonstrate that there are significant differences in Aboriginal smoking, binge drinking, and obesity rates depending on province or region of residence. Continued analyses clarify the nature of these geographic effects and provide some important implications for industry and government policy-makers.
The Effect Of Diet Composition On Weight Gain in Obese, Type 2 Diabetes Patients Receiving Intensive Insulin Therapy
Authors: Villareal Roland
Published: February 2016

This study was conducted to contribute to the limiting existing body of literature about diet and prevention of weight gain when administering intensive insulin therapy.  The effects of a high- monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) diet compared with a conventional diabetic diet have not been studied in insulin treated patients.  A growing body of evidence assessed that diets rich in high-MUFA foods had similar glycemic results, as do low-fat, high carbohydrate diets.  However, a high-MUFA diet did not raise triglycerides as suspected.  Ros (2003) stated that high-MUFA energy controlled diets do not promote weight gain and are more acceptable for weight loss and/or maintenance. A MUFA diet can be used as an alternate to the conventional American Diabetic Association (ADA) diet when managing obese type 2 diabetes patients treated with intensive insulin therapy.  Dietary restriction to 1600 calories in diabetes patients on intensive insulin therapy decreased the A1C value by 1.3 points in the ADA group and 1.5 points in the MUFA group without weight gain and without additional insulin required.  In conclusion the total calorie count was more important for preventing weight gain and reducing the A1C in patients on intensive insulin therapy than was dietary composition.
Exploring How Research Experiences For Teachers Changes Their Understandings Of The Nature Of Science And Scientific Inquiry
Authors: Buxner Sanlyn R.
Published: February 2016

The nature of science is a prevalent theme across United States national science education standards and frameworks as well as other documents that guide formal and informal science education reform. To support teachers in engaging their students in authentic scientific practices and reformed teaching strategies, research experiences for teachers offered in national laboratories, university research centers, and national field-sites promise opportunities to help teachers update their current understanding of STEM fields and experience firsthand how scientific research is conducted with the end goal of supporting more inquiry-based teaching approaches in their classrooms. This qualitative interpretive study used an adapted Views of Nature of Science and Views on Scientific Inquiry surveys and protocols to investigate changes in 43 practicing teachers understandings about the nature of science and scientific inquiry as a result of participation in one of three summer science research programs. Each program provided participants with research experiences alongside professional researchers as well as activities intended to increase participants abilities to provide inquiry-based science learning activities for their students. Data were collected using open-ended surveys pre-program, post-program and long-term follow-up surveys, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, along with researchers observations and field-notes. Participation in these programs led to small, measurable enhancements in teachers understandings of scientific inquiry and the nature of science. Teachers prior experience with research was found to have the strongest relationship to their knowledge of the nature of science and scientific inquiry. The data in this study provides evidence that research experiences can provide valuable experiences to support teachers improved knowledge of how science is conducted.
Adoption Of ASL Classifiers As Delivered By Head-Mounted Displays In A Planetarium Show
Authors: Hintz Eric G. , Jones Michael D. , Lawler M. Jeannette , Bench Nathan , Mangrubang Fred
Published: February 2016

Accommodating the planetarium experience to members of the deaf or hard-of-hearing community has often created situations that are either disruptive to the rest of the audience or provide an insufficient accommodation. To address this issue, we examined the use of head-mounted displays to deliver an American Sign Language sound track to learners in the planetarium Here we present results from a feasibility study to see if an ASL sound track delivered through a head-mount display can be understood by deaf junior to senior high aged students who are fluent in ASL. We examined the adoption of ASL classifiers that were used as part of the sound track for a full dome planetarium show. We found that about 90% of all students in our sample adopted at least one classifier from the show. In addition, those who viewed the sound track in a head-mounted display did at least as well as those who saw the sound track projected directly on the dome. These results suggest that ASL transmitted through head-mounted displays is a promising method to help improve learning for those whose primary language is ASL and merits further investigation.
Position Paper On Use Of Stereoscopy To Support Science Learning: Ten Years Of Research
Authors: Price C. Aaron , Lee Hee-Sun , Plummer Julia D. , SubbaRao Mark , Wyatt Ryan
Published: February 2016

Stereoscopys potential as a tool for science education has been largely eclipsed by its popularity as an entertainment platform and marketing gimmick. Dozens of empirical papers have been published in the last decade about the impact of stereoscopy on learning. As a result, a corpus of research now points to a coherent message about how, when, and where stereoscopy can be most effective in supporting science education. This position paper synthesizes that research with examples from three studies recently completed and published by the authors of this paper. Results of the synthesis point towards generally limited successful uses of stereoscopic media in science education with a pocket of potentially beneficial applications. Our position is that stereoscopy should be used only where its unique properties can accommodate specific requirements of understanding topics and tasks namely visualizations where the spatial sense of depth is germane to conveying core ideas and cognitive load is high. Stereoscopys impact on learning is also related to the spatial ability of the viewer. More research is needed on the effect of novelty, long-term learning and possible learning differences between the various methods of implementing stereoscopy.
THE ROLE OF WINE IN TRANSITION CEREMONIES AND CERTAIN HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
Authors: MANOJLOVIĆ NIKOLIĆ VESNA
Published: February 2016

Viniculture is one the most developed branches of agriculture in the Middles Ages on the territory of Vojvodina, and grapevine is one of the oldest agricultural crops. Wine, a drink that is a product of cultivation of grapevine, and a spiritual beverage of divine provenance, has a varied use: it is used in everyday and special occasions, to celebrate the patron saint’s day and important events in the family, and it is indispensable in Christian customs and church rituals. In this paper, we consider the knowledge and data obtained through ethnological researches concerning the role of wine in certain Christian customs and transition ceremonies in a human life cycle. Customs related to childbirth, marriage and funerals are the most important transition ceremonies in a human life cycle, along with the celebrations of many Christian holidays in which wine is used without exception. While observing the customs that are part of those ceremonies, we may notice many very different matters concentrated in them. That is mostly a result of many intertwinings and syncretisms of customs. With time, mostly due to modern views and notions, some elements are forgotten, and some are re-established, but with a different meaning. Even today, in various religious systems it is considered that deities and demons, as well as higher forces, can be propitiated and won over with both blood and bloodless sacrifices. We may say that wine has a dual role: it represents libation, but also a substitute for blood, and blood sacrifice. In terms of mythology, grapevine is a sacred tree and a symbol of immortality, and wine – the beverage of gods – of youth and eternal life.
BETWEEN THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT AND REBELS (Old Serbia during the rebellion of the Shkodra Pasha Mustafa Bushati and the Bosnian aristocracy 1830–1832)
Authors: NEDELJKOVIĆ SLAVIŠA
Published: February 2016

One of the major problems which the Turkish central authorities had to cope with after 1826 was the issue of relations with great feudal lords who represented the holders of political and economic power in the inland parts of the empire. The problem was even more intensified when the Porte came into permanent conflict with the local government in the Rumelia pashalik wanting to abolish the old theocratic-military system and introduce a more modern and liberal regime. This conflict in the Muslim society was destroying the unity of the Turkish Islamic state and was one of the important factors in the further weakening of the Ottoman Empire. The fight with the Sultan and the Porte was first started by the Shkodra Pasha Mustafa and then by the Bosnian captain Husein Gradaščević. Both of these uprisings developed into a large military-political movement whose aim was to force the Sultan and Porte with armed force to suspend the reforms and to permit the return to old traditions and institutions stipulated by the Sharia.
Carta dos Editores
Authors: Xavier José Roberto Franco , Silva Paulo Eduardo Alves
Published: February 2016

É com muita satisfação que apresentamos o primeiro número da Revista de Estudos Empíricos em Direito. Sob a iniciativa da Rede de Pesquisa Empírica em Direito – Reed, este periódico surge com a pretensão de preencher uma lacuna na área das publicações em direito no Brasil. De fato, não há nenhuma revista que tenha um enfoque específico em pesquisas empíricas em direito.
O controle jurídico-penal de adolescentes: o exemplo da internação provisória na jurisprudência do STJ e do TJRS em casos de tráfico de drogas
Authors: Cornelius Eduardo Gutierrez
Published: February 2016

O presente artigo estuda o papel do Poder Judiciário no controle penal de adolescentes. Assim, toma como exemplo a jurisprudência do Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) e do Tribunal de Justiça do Rio Grande do Sul (TJRS) quanto ao tema da internação provisória (privação de liberdade antes da sentença) de jovens acusados do cometimento de atos infracionais. Após a classificação das decisões encontradas, de acordo com critérios pré-estabelecidos, percebe-se haver três grandes temas relativos à internação provisória: ampliação do prazo legal, cumprimento da internação antes do trânsito em julgado da sentença e os fundamentos para sua imposição. No presente artigo, investigam-se os argumentos que a jurisprudência utiliza para aplicar ou não o instituto. Realizando novo recorte empírico, amparado pela observação dos dados obtidos, opta-se pelo estudo das decisões relativas ao ato infracional de tráfico de drogas, responsável pelo segundo maior número de internações no país. Após a análise dos julgados, concluiu-se que, apesar de algumas diferenças entre os Tribunais, a discricionariedade conferida pela linguagem aberta e imprecisa do Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (ECA) é utilizada no sentido de ampliação da incidência da internação provisória. Ainda, houve situações em que as disposições legais foram flexibilizadas, também para justificar o aumento do controle penal.
Thinking law: thinking law in motion
Authors: Nielsen Laura Beth
Published: February 2016

This essay argues that one way to “think law” is to think “law in motion”. I will argue that a “law in motion” perspective embodies four core elements or ‘multiplicities’ which are: (1) multiple methodologies; (2) multiple perspectives; (3) multiple vocalities; and (4) multiple media including objects. As will become evident by the number of inspiring colleagues that have articulated rationales and perspectives for each of these multiplicities, these are not original ideas for which I can claim credit. And yet, the attempt to put them together in a comprehensive schema with consideration for all four of the multiplicities in the same project, demonstrates that a law in motion perspective can bear new fruit. To do this, my article combines analysis of some of the research in Law & Society that exemplifies these trends and my own research on employment civil rights litigation to interrogate the necessity of a “multiple” approach for our “multiple futures.”
Um pesquisador na EMERJ: negociações de uma postura de pesquisa em um mundo institucionalizado
Authors: Fontainha Fernando
Published: February 2016

Esta pesquisa propõe-se a descrever, em um primeiro momento, a experiência da observação direta de aulas no Curso Preparatório da Escola da Magistratura do Rio de Janeiro, realizada durante o ano de 2009, representando uma oportunidade para reflexão sobre o lugar e o papel de um pesquisador e também sobre a dinâmica social que faz dele um membro do grupo estudado. Num segundo momento, descreverei como a condição de doutorando brasileiro na França foi explorada pelo meu trabalho empírico lá desenvolvido. Uma terceira parte será consagrada à descrição de várias situações nas quais professores e alunos me inseriram na dinâmica das aulas. O objetivo é discutir os limites e possibilidades da observação participante, através da construção social do pesquisador como objeto da sua própria pesquisa.
Dificuldades e descobertas de uma pesquisa empírica em direito: estudo de casos a partir de documentos de arquivos judiciários
Authors: Schinke Vanessa Dorneles
Published: February 2016

Este texto relata o percurso de uma pesquisa empírica em direito realizada durante o curso de doutorado da autora. Narrado em primeira pessoa, descreve as dificuldades práticas e as descobertas teóricas construídas ao longo do desenvolvimento de uma pesquisa que culminou com a opção pela estratégia metodológica do estudo de caso. Paralelamente, insere considerações teóricas sobre as escolhas metodológicas que se apresentaram durante o processo, especialmente Robert Yin e Carlo Ginzburg. Explica de que forma tal bibliografia possibilitou a combinação de várias estratégias na pesquisa, paralelas ao estudo de caso. De forma minuciosa, relata a fase de exploração, o contato com outros espaços de pesquisa e com profissionais de outras áreas. O texto não apresenta os resultados da pesquisa relatada, pois ela ainda não está concluída. Pretende contribuir para a solidificação do debate sobre a forma de produção do conhecimento jurídico.
Deferência ao fiscal da lei? A probabilidade de sucesso do PGR nas ações diretas de inconstitucionalidade
Authors: Martins Hartmann Ivar Alberto , Ferreira Lívia da Silva , Rego Bianca Dutra da Silva
Published: February 2016

O Procurador-Geral da República, como uma breve análise histórica do cargo demonstra, exerce função essencial no controle de constitucionalidade brasileiro. Entretanto, estudos empíricos sobre sua atuação permanecem escassos. Nosso objetivo é testar a performance do PGR nas Ações Diretas de Inconstitucionalidade a partir de uma perspectiva quantitativa. Utilizamos um data set de julgamentos obtido a partir da base de dados do projeto Supremo em Números para análises estatísticas, incluindo diferentes modelos de regressão. A hipótese testada é de que não há relação estatisticamente relevante entre a atuação do PGR como parte ativa no controle concentrado de constitucionalidade e o sucesso das Ações Diretas de Inconstitucionalidade. A hipótese restou desprovada: as ADIs propostas pelo PGR, assim como também as propostas por chefes do Executivo têm estatisticamente maior probabilidade de sucesso.
An Enhanced Model for the Design of Tapered Sucker-Rod Strings
Authors: Takacs Gabor , Gajda Mihály
Published: February 2016

A properly designed sucker-rod string should provide failure-free pumping operations for an extended period. Improper design of rod tapers can lead to early mechanical failures (rod breaks) with a complete termination of pumping action and an inevitable loss of production. Because of its prime importance in sucker-rod pumping technology, several rod-string-design procedures that are based on different assumptions were developed in the past. Because most sucker-rod breaks are fatigue failures, the mechanical design of a sucker-rod string must consider the cyclic nature of rod loading and the appropriate fatigue-endurance limit of the rod material. This is why most string designs use the modified Goodman diagram for calculating the lengths of rod tapers.

Available sucker-rod-string design models calculate rod-taper lengths that ensure proper operation without premature fatigue failures. Their common design problems are (a) defining the principle of taper-length determination and (b) calculating the true mechanical stresses along the string. The universally accepted principle of taper-length calculations is to provide the same level of safety against fatigue failures in each taper section. Mechanical loads and stresses, on the other hand, are usually found in most of the design procedures from approximate formulas. These loads, therefore, can greatly deviate from the true mechanical loads that would be measured in the rod string run in the well. This paper details the main features of available rod-string designs and discusses their main characteristics; it provides a thorough comparison of designs involving the calculation of loads and stresses predicted from the solution of the damped-wave equation. By use of a predictive analysis program, rod stresses are calculated that (plotted on the modified Goodman diagram) provide a proper comparison of the merits of the different rod-string-design methods.

Rod strings designed by available design procedures do not usually have identical safety included in the different tapers. This is because of the improper calculation of rod-string loads that form the basis of calculating rod-taper percentages. On the basis of the evaluation of the different available rod-string designs, the paper introduces a novel procedure that evaluates rod loads from the predictive solution of the damped-wave equation during the design process. Because loads calculated in this manner simulate actual loads with high accuracy, the most-important limitation of previous rod-string-design procedures is eliminated. Strings designed by use of the proposed model, therefore, will have identical safeties against fatigue failures in each taper; the new design model provides a much greater safety over previous designs.
Continuous Measurement-While-Drilling Surveying System Utilizing Low-Cost SINS
Authors: Chao Daihong , El-Sheimy Naser
Published: February 2016

In the oil and gas drilling process, measurement-while-drilling (MWD) systems are usually used to provide real-time monitoring for the position and orientation of the bottom hole assembly (BHA). The current MWD systems can be categorized into magnetometer-based systems and gyroscope-based systems, which both compute the wellbore trajectory based on stationary surveys at the desired station using a mathematical model with certain assumptions. This current technology neglects the actual trajectory between surveying stations. This research proposed a system using low-cost strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) to avoid the limits of traditional methods.

Demands have been rising for a continuous survey that captures the actual trajectory between the stationary surveying stations, especially in case of directional drilling process. Based on this technology, "dogleg" along the trajectory can be estimated more accurately. Therefore, a low-cost SINS consisting of three MEMS accelerometers and three MEMS gyroscopes is proposed to estimate the trajectory and satisfy the cost demand of commercial companies. This MWD surveying system could eliminate the size constraint of conventional inertial sensors and thus can be used in small well drilling. The core algorithms in the system are SINS mechanization and unscented Kalman filtering (UKF).

Due to the large noise in MEMS sensors especially under large shocks and high vibrations, this wellbore survey system will exhibit an unlimited growth of position, inclination, tool face angle and azimuth errors if there are no external observations to update the surveying system. The following external aiding information can be used as updates for the MEMS-based INS in the drilling procedure: the length and velocity information of the total pipelines, the zero velocity information during periodic stop intervals and azimuth information from the magnetometers. Performances the following different solutions: (1) MEMS sensors; (2) MEMS sensors + length/velocity update; (3) MEMS sensors + length/velocity update + ZUPT; and (4) MEMS sensors + length/velocity update + ZUPT + mag-based heading were analyzed. The proposed method was validated by 4 different simulation cases with respect to a typical wellbore trajectory: build, hold and drop wellbore profile. Situations of external aiding information being temporarily unavailable were considered in the simulation. The performance and feasibility of the presented continuous borehole surveying method had been demonstrated in this paper.

The proposed low cost SINS-based MWD method can eliminate the costly nonmagnetic drill collars for the magnetometers, overcome the size limitation of gyroscope-based MWD systems for small wells drilling, survey the borehole continuously without interrupting the drilling process, and improve the overall accuracy by utilizing UKF technique.
Overcoming Challenges in the West Qurna-2 Drilling Campaign
Authors: Vedernikova Anastasia , Parrillo Monica , Akel Sami , Mardanov Denis
Published: February 2016

This paper describes the improvements in drilling operations in the West Qurna-2 field, as evidenced in a reduction of well days and non-productive time, as activity increased from two to six rigs over a fourteen month period. The West Qurna-2 field, one of the largest oil fields in Iraq and the second largest undeveloped field in the world in terms of its hydrocarbon reserves, was awarded to Russian Lukoil Oil Company (operator) in 2009. Drilling operations were managed under an integrated contract with US oilfield services company, Baker Hughes (contractor), providing all services and consumables required for drilling1,2. Challenges included the rapid ramp-up of operations, security, logistics concerns, communications issues, personnel competency, lack of offset data, and downhole problems.

Non-productive time was significantly decreased from 2012 to 2015, even as well complexity increased with higher inclination wells. In the same time frame the average number of meters drilled per day doubled. This was achieved not only by engineering and operational improvements, but by implementing project-specific processes, procedures and protocols (a formal communications protocol using translators on the locations as well as coaches on the rigs).

This paper presents the lessons learned and best practices established to deal with drilling challenges in the West Qurna-2 field such as Tanuma shale instability, loss of circulation and high vibration. It provides technical and operational recommendations for performing within a large integrated contract that includes logistics and communication difficulties.
NDC Rig Walking System: Pioneering Initiative Enabling Safer Rig Move in the Middle East
Authors: Ali Osama Abd , Kyaw H. , AlRemeithi A. , Elrefai M.
Published: February 2016

Drilling contractors used to move onshore drilling rigs between two well sites (from the old location to the new location) using standard desert moving system with hydraulic jacks for lifting, gooseneck and dollies/wheels the rig pulled by Kenworth and sometimes pushed by dozer D8 as shown in fig 1 and fig 2. Figure 1Onshore rigs used to move using Kenworth, dollies and tiresFigure 2Onshore rigs used to move using Kenworth, dollies and tires

Number of required Kenworth for pulling and/or Dozer to push is depending on the rig weight, the mast and substructure height and the type of the sand dunes on the desert. The rig center of gravity location and maximum allowable inclination angle during rig move is another constrain which used to be mentioned on the rig operation manual during the mast up rig move operation. Number of available Kenworth, especially when more than one rig is moving on the same time represents challenges to the rig move operation.

Moving of other rig components such as mud tanks, generator sets, and VFD, houses etc needs more cranes and more civil equipment.

Due to long distance between old and new locations rig move operation sometimes involved disassembling and reassembling the drilling rig at new location. This operation includes disconnect and reconnect electrical cables and piping. mast up rig move is preferable only in case of short distance rig move depending on the rig design, mast up rig move saving time as it avoids rig disassembly and reassembly however the constrains to conduct the mast up rig move is considerable (such as having power cables on the moving path), the rig crew has to lay down the drill pipes from setback in order to prepare the rig for mast up rig move, lay down the drill pipe is reducing the moving weight on moving dollies and increase the rig maximum allowable inclination angle during the rig move. Operation of lay down the drill pipe at old location and handle it again to rig floor in the new location, in addition to moving the drill pipes as a separate load to the new location represents revenue and time loss.

After arriving the new location, the rig crew has to position and adjust levels of the rig components to achieve the rig lay out as per rig layout drawings. Maneuvering of the huge loads on desert to achieve the accurate positioning is hard task and it depends on personal skills and experience. If any relative distance between the components is not matching the approved rig lay out drawings, the drilling crew will face challenge to disconnect then reposition then reconnect electrical cables and piping.
Chemical pretreatment of combined sewer overflows for improved UV disinfection
Authors: Gibson J. , Farnood R. , Seto P.
Published: February 2016

The aim of this research was to better understand chemical pre-treatment of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) for subsequent ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. Approximately 200 jar tests were completed. Alum (Al2(S04)3·12H2O) resulted in a higher UV light transmission (UVT), and equivalent total suspended solids (TSS) removal, than ferric chloride (FeCl3). An alum dose of 20 mg/L increased the UVT of the raw CSO from 30 to 60% after settling. The addition of 100 mg/L of alum maximized UVT reaching approximately 85%. Flocculation did not increase UVT. However, it did improve the removal of TSS. Cationic polymers worked quickly compared with metal coagulants, but only reached a UVT of 60%. A high positive charge density on the polymer improved the removal of turbidity when compared with low charge, but did not affect UVT. If the goal is to maximise UVT, a very high alum dose may be preferred. If the goal is to minimize coagulant dose with moderate UV performance, cationic polymer at approximately 3 mg/L is recommended.
Investigation of furfural biodegradation in a continuous inflow cyclic biological reactor
Authors: Moussavi Gholamreza , Leili Mostafa , Nadafi Kazem
Published: February 2016

The performance of a continuous inflow cyclic biological reactor (CBR) containing moving media was investigated for the degradation of high concentrations of furfural. The effects of hydraulic retention time (HRT) and furfural initial concentrations (loading rate), as main operating parameters, on the bioreactor performance were studied. The results indicated that the CBR could remove over 98% of furfural and 71% of its chemical oxygen demand (COD) at inlet furfural concentrations up to 1,200 mg L−1 (2.38 g L−1 d−1), a 6-h cycle time and HRT of 12.1 h. The removal efficiency decreased slightly from 98 to 94% when HRT decreased from 12.1 to 10.5 h. The average removal efficiency of furfural and COD during the 345-day operational period under steady-state conditions were 97.7% and 82.1%, respectively. The efficiency also increased approximately 17.2% after addition of synthetic polyurethane cubes as moving media at a filling ratio of 10%.
Recovering biomethane and nutrients from anaerobic digestion of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and its co-digestion with fruit and vegetable waste
Authors: Hernández-Shek M. A. , Cadavid-Rodríguez L. S. , Bolaños I. V. , Agudelo-Henao A. C.
Published: February 2016

The potential to recover bioenergy from anaerobic digestion of water hyacinth (WH) and from its co-digestion with fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) was investigated. Initially, biogas and methane production were studied using the biochemical methane potential (BMP) test at 2 g volatile solids (VS) L−1 of substrate concentration, both in the digestion of WH alone and in its co-digestion with FVW (WH-FVW ratio of 70:30). Subsequently, the biogas production was optimized in terms of total solids (TS) concentration, testing 4 and 6% of TS. The BMP test showed a biogas yield of 0.114 m3 biogas kg−1 VSadded for WH alone. On the other hand, the biogas potential from the WH-FVW co-digestion was 0.141 m3 biogas kg−1 VSadded, showing an increase of 23% compared to that of WH alone. Maximum biogas production of 0.230 m3 biogas kg−1 VSadded was obtained at 4% of TS in the co-digestion of WH-FVW. Using semi-continuously stirred tank reactors, 1.3 m3 biogas yield kg−1 VSadded was produced using an organic loading rate of 2 kg VS m−3 d−1 and hydraulic retention time of 15 days. It was also found that a WH-FVW ratio of 80:20 improved the process in terms of pH stability. Additionally, it was found that nitrogen can be recovered in the liquid effluent with a potential for use as a liquid fertilizer.
Measuring total mercury due to small-scale gold mining activities to determine community vulnerability in Cihonje, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Sari Mega M. , Inoue Takanobu , Matsumoto Yoshitaka , Yokota Kuriko
Published: February 2016

This research is comparative study of gold mining and non-gold mining areas, using four community vulnerability indicators. Vulnerability indicators are exposure degree, contamination rate, chronic, and acute toxicity. Each indicator used different samples, such as wastewater from gold mining process, river water from Tajum river, human hair samples, and health questionnaire. This research used cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry to determine total mercury concentration. The result showed that concentration of total mercury was 2,420 times than the maximum content of mercury permitted in wastewater based on the Indonesian regulation. Moreover, the mercury concentration in river water reached 685 ng/l, exceeding the quality threshold standards of the World Health Organization (WHO). The mercury concentration in hair samples obtained from the people living in the research location was considered to identify the health quality level of the people or as a chronic toxicity indicator. The highest mercury concentration – i.e. 17 ng/mg, was found in the gold mining respondents. Therefore, based on the total mercury concentration in the four indicators, the community in the gold mining area were more vulnerable to mercury than communities in non-gold mining areas. It was concluded that the community in gold mining area was more vulnerable to mercury contamination than the community in non-gold mining area.
Comparative studies on adsorptive removal of heavy metal ions by biosorbent, bio-char and activated carbon obtained from low cost agro-residue
Authors: Kırbıyık Çisem , Pütün Ayşe Eren , Pütün Ersan
Published: February 2016

In this study, Fe(III) and Cr(III) metal ion adsorption processes were carried out with three adsorbents in batch experiments and their adsorption performance was compared. These adsorbents were sesame stalk without pretreatment, bio-char derived from thermal decomposition of biomass, and activated carbon which was obtained from chemical activation of biomass. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform–infrared techniques were used for characterization of adsorbents. The optimum conditions for the adsorption process were obtained by observing the influences of solution pH, adsorbent dosage, initial solution concentration, contact time and temperature. The optimum adsorption efficiencies were determined at pH 2.8 and pH 4.0 for Fe(III) and Cr(III) metal ion solutions, respectively. The experimental data were modelled by different isotherm models and the equilibriums were well described by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order kinetic, intra-particle diffusion and Elovich models were applied to analyze the kinetic data and to evaluate rate constants. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model gave a better fit than the others. The thermodynamic parameters, such as Gibbs free energy change ΔG°, standard enthalpy change ΔH° and standard entropy change ΔS° were evaluated. The thermodynamic study showed the adsorption was a spontaneous endothermic process.
Role of Immune Cells in the Course of Central Nervous System Injury: Modulation with Natural Products
Authors: Magrone Thea , Russo Matteo Antonio , Jirillo Emilio
Published: February 2016

Immune cells actively participate to the central nervous system (CNS) injury either damaging or protecting neural tissue with release of various mediators. Residential microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages play a fundamental role within the injured CNS and, here, special emphasis will be placed on M1 and M2 macrophages for their different functional activities. On the other hand, peripheral T regulatory (Treg) cells exert antiinflammatory activities in the diseased host. In this respect, activation of Treg cells by nutraceuticals may represent a novel approach to treat neuroinflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols will be described as substances endowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, taking into account that Treg cells act in the later phase of CNS injury, favoring immune suppression, manipulation of host immune system with both substances requires caution to avoid undesired side effects.
Changes in the content of water-soluble vitamins in Actinidia chinensis during cold storage
Authors: Zhu Xian-Bo , Pan Liang , Wei WU. , Pen Jia-Qing , Qi Yin-Wei , Ren Xiao-Lin
Published: February 2016

We assessed the effects of cold storage on nine water-soluble vitamins in 7
cultivars of Actinidia chinensis (kiwifruit) using high-performance liquid
chromatography. Samples were collected at three time points during cold
storage: one day, 30 days, and when edible. We found that vitamin C in most
cultivars was raised with cold storage, but there was no consistent increased
or decreased trend for other water-soluble vitamins across cultivars in
storage. After one day of cold storage, vitamins B1 and B2 were the most
prevalent vitamins in Control (wild) fruit, while vitamins B5 and B6 were
most prevalent in the Hongyang and Qihong cultivars. However, B12 was the
most prevalent vitamin in the Qihong cultivar after 30 days of cold storage.
Vitamins B3, B7, B9, and C were detected at the edible time point in Huayou,
Hongyang, Jinnong-2, and Control fruit. Vitamin contents varied significantly
among cultivars of kiwifruit following different durations of cold storage.
Out of the three durations tested, a period of 30 days in cold storage was
the most suitable for the absorption of water-soluble vitamins by A.
chinensis.