bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Beat the Heat Program
Authors: Tamarra Robinson , Macwan Nancy
Published: April 2012

As part of its march towards HSE Excellence, ADMA-OPCO is constantly looking for ways to challenge what is traditional or conventional and put forth innovative ways of doing things to achieve its objective of continuous improvement.

With a strong conviction of "what is good can be better", ADMA-OPCO embarked on wide ranging efforts to find weakness in our systems with the ultimate aim to identify gaps and proposed methods to mitigate, if not eliminate faults and weak links.

Operating in this part of the world where heat is an unavoidable occurrence during the most part of the year, HEAT STRESS became one of the most important subjects to be tackled.

By closely examining historical occupational health data, disturbing trends had been uncovered wherein the effectiveness of yearly heat stress campaigns comes into question.

The Problems:

During the numerous brain-storming sessions, site visits, site inspection tours, as well as hundreds of personal interviews of the various levels of the workforce, the following facts became evident:
ErgoWELL - An Integrative Strategy
Authors: Horseman Samantha
Published: April 2012

The global workforce are faced with challenges of the digitalized age; the nature of work has changed. Employees are becoming knowledge workers that are more sedentary using static loaded postures and positions throughout the day. Both technology and the nature of work has changed over the last decade, however the human anatomy has remained the same. Due to this mismatch there is an increasing incidence of low back pain, neck pain, shoulder syndromes, and carpal tunnel, etc. Therefore ergonomics is an essential science that must be considered in the reduction of these injuries in the workplace. Adopting a systematic approach assesses the dynamic relationships between the end user, the work task, equipment, workspace, environment and the organization at large. A participatory wellness approach ensures that all stakeholders gain ownership and are accountable for effective change in the development, implementation and evaluation stages of injury and disease prevention. Using both of these methodologies ensures that there is a significant impact at operational, tactical and strategic levels of the organization. Ultimately this will assist in using the current organization infrastructure to support and cascade ergonomic principles throughout the company. At a corporate level an emerging trend is to integrate ergonomics with corporate wellness programs. Therefore this paper demonstrates the successful integration between wellness and ergonomics. This success is showcased through a study sample of 160 employees over a year long cohort. The results indicate a significant reduction in work related musculoskeletal injuries, reduction in absenteeism for work related musculoskeletal injuries and successful behavior change in adopting practices in injury prevention. This partnership in science is referred by the author as ErgoWELL - the integration between ergonomics and wellness.
HSE a Strategic Function?
Authors: Perkinson Larry
Published: April 2012

Many HSE practitioners go through their careers without the perceived need for a plan at the strategic level for their function. They figure that strategic plans are the realm of senior managers and don't impact their day to day operations. In addition, those who are implementing comprehensive risk assessment (and development of a risk register) as a part of their HSE efforts hopefully rely on audits to determine the status of activity on their high risk items. This effort, too, is usually removed from the arena of a strategic plan.

However, the development of a strategic plan for HSE and the buy-in of management on that plan can provide a logical framework for: development of critical measurements that will have the attention of management; seeing what initiatives are critical; understanding how various initiatives affect one another; and gaining support and resources for initiatives that might not otherwise have been available.

This paper will address the path for the development of an HSE strategic plan for an organizational unit that creates, or is tied directly to, the vision, mission, values, and critical indicators of the parent organization. It will include deriving initiatives that directly feed into those critical indicators and will, therefore, elicit the support of senior management. There will also be tools presented that assist in seeing HSE initiatives in relationship to one another and forming the critical path for their implementation.
Kuwait Oil Company Conceptualized & Implemented HSE Traffic Lights for HSE Demonstration & Site Verification
Authors: Al Mansouri Fares , Alam Mohammad Aftab , De La Roche Alberto
Published: April 2012

The increase in business activities during last decade brought forward several challenges in upstream hydrocarbon industry like KOC which has 40 operational facilities, 65 rigs and around 600 Contractors’ worksites. However 5 fatalities within a quarter during 2009–10 was a serious concern that demanded immediate gap analysis focusing most relevant regulatory, procedural & contractual HSE issues compared to actual situation at site. Based on gaps, a unique tool of HSE demonstration & site verification was devised and implemented conceptualizing HSE traffic lights.

Accordingly Site Verification Visits (SVV) process with 5 crucial elements & 25 sub-elements which directly impact worksites’ safety & integrity was developed on concept of green, yellow & red traffic lights corresponding to As Required, Need Improvement & Unacceptable Condition at site. The process is supported and explained through specific procedure, online reporting system, verification checklists, brochures, posters and audio-visual film. The system is decentralised at each directorate level for efficient management but progress is monitored at corporate level for effectiveness and improvement scope.

The SVV conducted across facilities & contractors worksites by KOC senior and middle management resulted in significant HSE improvement during 2010–11 comparing the past performance. Taking into account the positive impact, the SVV process has been extended with appropriate modification and support to KOC supervisory levels & Contractors’ Managers responsible for the safety & integrity of their worksites.

SVV process is a unique and innovative tool of verifying HSE commitment & demonstration of regulatory, procedural and contractual requirement through HSE oriented critical factors which indicates actual situation at site based on traffic lights concept of green (go), yellow (alert) and red (stop) as relevant action. The paper shall demonstrate a typical but realistic solution for worksite safety & integrity through a comprehensive verification system.
Aquifers Vulnerability: A New Mapping Method Based on Hydrogeological and SeismicData – Case Study: Mio-Pliocene Aquifer in Hassi Messaoud -Algeria
Authors: Bensenane Fadia K. , Dhina Okba , Abdallahelhadj Mohamed A.
Published: April 2012

Non renewable groundwater resources in some arid regions are the unique source of water and constitute strategic reserves for more than ever with the expected water shortage in the near future. Thus, contamination due to the infiltration of pollutants coming from oil and gas industries is one of the major risks that are jeopardizing these valuable resources. The main purpose of this paper is to present the widespread aquifers vulnerability evaluation methods prior to introduce and discuss the new mapping method we propose for oil and gas upstream activities.

The rationale for this mapping method is linked to time of travel and the quantity of contaminants that move from the surface to the aquifer. Three key parameters are considered:

□ Depth to water table (D); □ Consolidation of the upper geologic layers in the unsaturated zone (C); □ Aquifer Media (A).

Therefore, hydrogeological Data from almost a hundred water wells in Hassi Messaoud field in Algeria have been used to determine the hydraulic head, the static level and the local underground flow of the mio-pliocene water table. Seismic data have been used to measure the consolidation rate of the unsaturated (vadose) zone, as well.

Thus, processed data were used for the purpose of drawing the vulnerability maps allowing a better understanding and assessment of the aquifer sensitivity to potential pollution.

This simple yet useful method is developed to be used as a decision making tool when dealing with groundwater protection in oil and gas activities.
Development of an Engineering-based Master's Degree Program in HSE for the Petroleum Industry
Authors: Rodrigues Clarence C. , Simmons Rodney J.
Published: April 2012

This paper describes the process of developing a proposal for a Masters’ degree in Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Engineering. This paper will outline how a needs assessment (for the degree) was conducted, summarize the development and analysis of customer surveys and research done on existing programs in the region, explain the process of course and course content development and discuss the approval process (internal and external) for the curriculum structure and content. This paper will render advice and serve as a guide for what is needed to get an HSE degree program to the proposal stage for submission for approval to the Ministry of Higher Education.
A Comprehensive Nomenclature for Physical Training Simulations and their Relevance to Safety Training for Oil and Gas
Authors: Westley Neil
Published: April 2012

A Comprehensive Nomenclature for Physical Training Simulations and their Relevance to Safety Training for Oil and Gas

Description

This paper has three parts. First it reviews the research conducted on training simulations in science, technology, business and oil and gas. In the second part this paper proposes a comprehensive nomenclature for training simulations. In the third part a survey/study will be conducted on simulation training methods currently in use in ADNOC group companies.

Application

The review provides an analysis of problems in research and limitations including poor design, questionable measures of successful learning and the lack of a consistent and comprehensive nomenclature to distinguish very different simulations. Mega studies on training simulations tend to lump all physical simulations together often showing inconsistent results which may be due to the variable nature of the simulations themselves. The comprehensive nomenclature introduced should allow research on simulations with like characteristics to be grouped together thus producing more consistent and valid results.

Results Observations and Conclusions

The research review concludes that while simulation training is effective, further research is needed to determine what aspects and levels of simulation most effectively enhance learning. In the study a comparative analysis yet to be conducted will then determine how practices in the ADNOC group compare with those in the reviewed literature. In addition the effectiveness of simulation training methods within and across the ADNOC companies will be evaluated in terms of principles practiced elsewhere.

Significance

The clear and comprehensive nomenclature of simulation provided should facilitate research on the impact and effectiveness which different characteristics contribute to learning. This should enable research to determine the ideal design of safety training simulations in oil and gas. The results of the ADNOC study should indicate where and how enhanced safety training simulations can benefit the group.
An Audit of Cardiovascular Diseases Detected during Mandatory Extension Medical Assessment for Employees Reaching Retirement Age
Authors: Akhter A.. , Aljaidah M.. , Dagig A..
Published: April 2012

Overall increase in life expectancy has led to unprecedented rise in proportions of older persons (60 years or older) resulting in phasing out of default retirement age. Work is good for health and wellness, and aged experienced employees have expertise valuable to Oil and Gas Industry. However, aging is associated with almost linear increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases. Cardiovascular diseases has been identified as number one threat to workers’ health in the 21st century Advancing chronic diseases adversely affects fitness for work and employers are aware of this fact. In Qatar Petroleum service period of an employee may be extended beyond retirement age subject to medical fitness. Serious health problems detected during medical assessment such as advanced CVDs may render an aged employee medically unfit for service extension and results in subsequent loss of valuable expertise. Objectives of this study were to 1) estimate the prevalence of CVDs among QP employees reaching retirement age, which may render them medically unfit for service extension ; 2) recommend strategies for management of CVDs in workplace and preventing its risk factors to improve overall health of elderly employees for retention of expertise and increased employability.

To achieve this, comprehensive review of service extension medical examinations was undertaken between January to September 2011. Over 9 months the health data recorded during medical assessment was transferred to a electronic database (n=212) and analysis was done using simple descriptive statistics. The review identified that CVDs are the main cause repatriation among QP employees reaching retirement age.

This paper calls attention towards judicious management and prevention of CVDs and its risk factors among the aging workforce particularly those above 55 years in order to avert complications resulting in loss of valuable expertise and to prolong the healthy years of life. Customized health promotion and risk based medical surveillance is the key to improve the health and wellness of aged employees who might otherwise retire prematurely due to ever increasing disability from lifestyle related chronic diseases. Study suggests that appropriate occupational health intervention can help reduce degree of work impairment and disability arising from chronic diseases.
Exploring the HACCP Teams in Dubai Hotel Sector
Authors: Khalid Abdul Nazar
Published: April 2012

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) is a systematic, science based food safety management system that identifies and controls the areas that are critical to food safety.

The successful application of HACCP requires the full commitment and involvement of management and the work force. It also requires a multidisciplinary approach by a HACCP team as prescribed by the Codex and an interhierarchical team, which is recommended by the experts in the industry. Dubai Hotel sector is in the process of developing and implementing HACCP system recently. No detailed studies were found made on HACCP teams, especially in hotel sector.

For this research study eleven semi-structured face to face interviews were carried out with HACCP team leaders of Dubai hotels to explore their HACCP teams.

The written transcripts were analysed and it produced both quantitative and qualitative data. It brought out several issues related to the complexities of HACCP team management.

This research study will not tell us about HACCP team across all Dubai hotels but is giving an opportunity to learn in greater depth about how individual businesses form teams, their level, composition, qualifications, age of the team, how they change over a period of time, the challenges they encounter and the positive experience of their HACCP teams. Majority of the HACCP team leaders are happy with their current HACCP team who is continuously trying to improve at all times. But at the same time they also believe that their current HACCP team is not very effective as expected and there is a lot of room for improvement in their effectiveness, performance and participation.
Risk Management Register
Authors: Al Jesmi Bakheet , Taleb Haitham Abo
Published: April 2012

Managing risk effectively and embedding internal control into the processes by which objectives are pursued is extremely important for the drilling activities.

What Is Risk Register (RR)?

A Risk Register is a management tool that enables an organization to understand its comprehensive risk profile. It is simply a repository for all risk information.

It is a dynamic "living" document, The RR provides a key tool for Risk Management, as it holds all of the information relating to risks within the Rig. It also gives a clear view of the current status of each risk, at any point in time.

The RR allow specific risks (Related to Rig) to be identified using variety of risk identification tools.

The RR is a tool allows Rig Management for both ADMA & NDC to explicitly address uncertainty by identifying and generating metrics, categorizing, prioritizing, developing mitigations and tracking risk. These capabilities are supported through the development of a sophisticated documentation that allows for clear and convenient visual presentation; thus aiding in sustainable decision-making.

ADMA CEO instructed ADMA teams to develop a RR. A Multi-disciplinary team was formed with the Drilling contractors and ADMA expertise to develop the Dynamic rig specific Risk Register which captures the risks, hazards & mitigation/prevention measures for each.

The purpose of this RR is :

Objectives

Those risk which remain outstanding.

Many International Risk Management associations have recently highlighted the need to consider positive events (opportunities) as well as negative events (threats) when performing project risk management activities. In practice, the majority of the organizations have demonstrated inconsistency when applying risk management practices.

We concern ourselves a lot with opportunity management when threat management should be of more importance & yet does not seem to be succeeding. The ultimate solution is to have a balanced approach to risk management that incorporates opportunities.
Lifeboat Safety
Authors: El-Sanabary Mohamed , Bahatem Mohamed
Published: April 2012

Description

This paper is developed for highlighting the repeated lifeboat accidents worldwide and the way forward for ensuring prevention of this type of fatal accidents

- The main purpose of this paper is to achieve two main objectives - To draw the attention of ADNOC group offshore companies and others including training centers to the number of lifeboat accidents that have occurred in the past - To set and communicate certain control measures for ensuring prevention of this specific type of accidents

Application

Upon receiving that safety flash concerning that lifeboat accident occurred in June 2009, started investigating and gathering information to find out why lifeboat accidents are repeated worldwide and what to do for preventing such type of serious accidents

By reviewing the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) study 1/2001, found that the highest life-loss figures due to lifeboat accidents was the HOOKS/HOOKS RELEASE SYSTEM.

Continued investigation and found out that most of lifeboat coxswains are not fully familiar/aware about the hooks locking mechanism, how does it work, and how to confirm if it is locked or not and finally, it is obvious that most of training centers not focusing on such critical system during the training courses.

On the other side, lifeboats are life saving equipment provided mainly for escape and not to bring personnel back to offshore installations. That is why ADMA-OPCO HSE&QA instructed all ADMA offshore locations not to hoisting-up the lifeboats with personnel inside.
Simultaneous Drilling & Productions Operations (SIMOPS)
Authors: Salman Mohamed Wajeeh
Published: April 2012

To maintain oil production at sustainable rates through minimizing the production loss factors, there was a need to investigate the feasibility of conducting SIMOPS on old wood, unprepared & un-equipped, high producing oil Well Head Towers (WHT). For this purpose, Management has formed a multi-disciplined team to investigate the possibility of allowing oil production & water injection operations while carrying out drilling/workover activity in a similar manner to that adopted for ZADCO oil WHTs. While SIMOPS has never been implemented on ADMA- OPCO WHTs for oil production, it was noted that water injection SIMOPS was already under implementation.

The methodology adopted by the taskforce is as follows :

re-visiting the risk assessment which constituted the basis for the current SIMOPS by ZADCO through ADMA-OPCO. Categorising & identifying the WHTs where SIMOPS can be implemented based on considerable incremental oil production level. Site verification of SIMOPS by ZADCO. Reviewing & amending the current SIMOPS procedures with the purpose of producing special procedure for ADMA-OPCO oil WHTs.

Site verification visits to rigs carrying out SIMOPS were made where open discussions with rig personnel were held and equipment / systems were checked and tested. It was noted during the function test of the deluge system that the water supply by the injection facilities/system on the WHTs is satisfactory where as the back up water supply from the rig was ineffective.

The risk assessment has shown that most hazards are assessed at ALARP or acceptable level except for the following:

• Rig Collapse : Mitigation of the hazard is through the major improvements in NDC Systems (Management, Maintenance). • Dropped Objects : Mitigation through re-enforced Impact Protection on top of production facilities. • High Pressure Testing : Shut down production and depressurisation of service pipe works will constitute appropriate protection.

The current SIMOPS procedures maintained in ADMA-OPCO's were reviewed and amended to reflect the required modification to allow for SIMOPS on ADMA-OPCO Towers. The SIMOPS procedure will require formal approval of Site Operating Authorities (Umm Al Shaif (US), Zakum (ZK)), both Asset Managers & the Drilling Manager.
Dynamic optimal control for groundwater optimization management with covariates
Authors: Yu Furong , Lu Wenxi , Li Ping , Xin Xin , Li Jun
Published: April 2012

It is well known that obtaining optimal solutions for groundwater management models with covariates is a challenging task, especially for dynamic planning and management. Here, a theory and method of dealing with mutual-feed joint variation in groundwater management models is described. Specifically, an equation expressing the inherent connection between covariates and groundwater level was developed. This equation was integrated into a mathematical simulation model of groundwater, after which a groundwater dynamic optimization management model with covariates was constructed using the state transition equation method and solved with differential dynamic programming algorithms. Finally, the above theory and method were applied to a hypothetical groundwater system. For the same groundwater system, a groundwater management model with covariates was developed and the results of the two optimization methods were found to be nearly identical, which validated the theory and methods put forth here.
Implementation of artificial neural network technique in the simulation of dam breach hydrograph
Authors: Nourani Vahid , Hakimzadeh Habib , Amini Alireza Babaeyan
Published: April 2012

In the present study, two artificial neural networks were developed to simulate outflow hydrograph from earthen dam breach. The required data for the modelling were collected from literature, laboratory experiments and a physically based model (i.e. BREACH). For the laboratory modelling, five different materials were used for the construction of different dams of various sizes, and the process of the breach was recorded by two video cameras to record the breach growth as well as the output hydrograph. The genetic algorithm was also applied to divide the data into three statistically similar sub-sets for training, validation and test purposes. The obtained results demonstrate that the results of the artificial neural network (ANN) method are in good agreement with the observed values, and this method produces better results than existing classical methods. Also, the experiments show when cohesive strength is larger, the breach process becomes slower, and the peak outflow and the final width and depth of breach become smaller. Moreover, when the friction angle is larger, the breach process becomes slower, and the peak outflow and the final width and depth of breach become smaller. However, the rate of breach formation is particularly dependent upon the soil properties.
The possibility of using encapsulated nitrifiers for treatment of reject water coming from anaerobic digestion
Authors: Vacková L. , Stloukal R. , Wanner J.
Published: April 2012

Large wastewater treatment plants have to deal not only with the influent wastewater, but also with the highly concentrated reject water coming from anaerobic digestion. The aim of this work was to verify the suitability of using encapsulated nitrifiers in polyvinyl alcohol carrier (so called Lentikats Biocatalyst) at temperatures between 5 and 30 °C. For laboratory nitrification batch tests synthetic wastewater with ammonia nitrogen (Namon) concentration 10–800 mg L−1 was used. The system has been proved to operate at the temperature of 10 °C, but not at 5 °C. It was found that the highest specific nitrification rates were observed at 30 °C and with ammonia nitrogen concentrations above 250 mg L−1, which means that separate treatment of reject water by using encapsulated biomass seems to be an effective tool for wastewater treatment plant optimization.
Protein analysis as a measure of active biomass in activated sludge
Authors: Yücesoy E. , Lüdemann N. , Lucas H. , Tan J. , Denecke M.
Published: April 2012

Conventional methods to determine the biomass in activated sludge are the measurement of total suspended solids (TSS) and volatile suspended solids (VSS). Such methods do not distinguish between active biomass and inactive organic material. In this study, biomass was determined with both conventional methods and also through measuring the protein content with the modified Lowry method. In order to investigate the relationship between activity and biomass concentration in terms of TSS, VSS and protein content, some starvation experiments were conducted. It was found that the protein fraction of VSS differs under different starvation conditions. The biological activity of the activated sludge was measured as oxygen uptake rate (OUR). The strongest correlation could be measured between protein and OUR under various conditions. The results show that protein is an appropriate parameter for the measurement of the biological activity.
Implications to stormwater management as a result of lot scale rainwater tank systems: a case study in Western Sydney, Australia
Authors: van der Sterren M. , Rahman A. , Dennis G. R.
Published: April 2012

Rainwater tanks are increasingly adopted in Australia to reduce potable water demand and are perceived to reduce the volume of stormwater discharge from developments. This paper investigates the water balance of rainwater tanks, in particular the possible impacts these tanks could have in controlling the stormwater discharge volume. The study collected water quantity data from two sites in the Hawkesbury City Council area, New South Wales, Australia and utilised the collected data in a simple water balance model to assess the effectiveness of rainwater tanks in reducing the stormwater discharge volume. The results indicate that a significant reduction in discharge volume from a lot scale development can be achieved if the rainwater tank is connected to multiple end-uses, but is minimal when using irrigation alone. In addition, the commonly used volumetric runoff coefficient of 0.9 was found to over-estimate the runoff from the roof areas and to thereby under-estimate the available volume within the rainwater tanks for retention or detention. Also, sole reliance on the water in the rainwater tanks can make the users aware of their water use pattern and water availability, resulting in significant reductions in water use as the supply dwindles, through self-imposed water restrictions.
Electrocoagulative treatment of mercury containing aqueous solutions
Authors: Murthy Z. V. P. , Parmar Snehal
Published: April 2012

In recent years, electrocoagulation has been successfully used for wastewater treatment and is efficient in heavy metal ions removal. In the present work, electrocoagulation has been used for the removal of Hg(II) from synthetic wastewaters containing up to 20 mg/L of mercury. The electrode materials used are stainless steel (SS) and aluminum (Al). The effects of operating parameters, viz., current density, time of electrocoagulation, distance between electrodes, initial pH of the solution, presence of electrolyte in the solution and temperature have been studied. It was observed that more than 99% Hg(II) removal can be achieved by keeping the distance between SS and Al electrodes from 2 to 6 cm and initial pH range from 3 to 7. The results show that the pseudo second-order kinetics fits the data well. Also, preliminary cost estimation was reported.
Use of human urine in phytoplankton production as a tool for ecological sanitation
Authors: Jana B. B. , Rana S. , Bag S. K.
Published: April 2012

Measurements of primary productivity of phytoplankton and enumeration of the counts of coliform and heterotrophic bacteria (HB) were made in the water of 12 experimental tanks used for 3 treatments and control in triplicate as follows: (a) fresh human urine (0.02%), (b) stored human urine (0.02%), (c) mixed urine of fresh and stored human urine (0.02%) and (d) control without input of urine. The gross primary productivity of phytoplankton was highest in the stored urine treated tanks (508 mg C m−2 h−1) followed by fresh urine (353 mg C m−2 h−1), mixed urine (303 mg C m−2 h−1) and control (215 mg C m−2 h−1). Similar was the response of net primary production of phytoplankton. The mean count of HB observed in stored urine fed tanks was significantly higher (59–184%) than the remaining urine fed treatments. The mean count of Escherichia coli did not differ from urine treated tanks to control implying the good quality of water. The concentration of dissolved oxygen of water (7.6 to 12.8 mg L−1) in these tanks remained satisfactory for aquaculture. The mean concentration of ammonium-N observed in fresh urine treated tanks was more than 10 times higher than the remaining treatments employed. In contrast, the level of phosphate and electrical conductivity in the stored urine treated tanks were significantly higher than the remaining treatments. It is proposed that stored urine with a significantly reduced load of E. coli might be an effective low cost liquid fertilizer for algal biomass production.
Adsorption of hydrogen fluoride onto activated carbon under vacuum conditions: Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic investigations
Authors: Bahrami Hussein , Safdari Jaber , Moosavian Ali , Torab-Mostaedi Meisam
Published: April 2012

In this study, the adsorption of HF gas by three types of activated carbon
has been investigated under vacuum condition. The effects of experimental
parameters such as initial pressure of the HF gas, contact time and
temperature on adsorption process have been investigated. The results showed
that the adsorption of the HF gas onto activated carbon increased by
increasing initial pressure of gas, while it decreased with increase in
temperature. The Freundlich isotherm model fitted the equilibrium data better
than the other isotherm models. Using Langmuir isotherm model, the maximum
adsorption capacities of the first type, the second type and third type of
activated carbon were 226.4, 268.8 and 258.9 mg/g, respectively. Experimental
data were also evaluated in terms of kinetic characteristics of adsorption
and it was found that the adsorption process followed well
pseudo-second-order kinetics. Thermodynamic parameters, the change of free
energy (?G?), enthalpy (?H?) and entropy (?S?) of adsorption were calculated
at the temperature range of 28-55?C. The results showed that the adsorption
of HF on activated carbon is feasible, spontaneous and exothermic.
Two dominant analytical methods for thermal analysis of convective step fin with variable thermal conductivity
Authors: Torabi Mohsen , Yaghoobi Hessameddin
Published: April 2012

Heat transfer in a straight fin with a step change in thickness and variable
thermal conductivity which is losing heat by convection to its surroundings
is developed via differential transformation method (DTM) and variational
iteration method (VIM). In this study, we compare DTM and VIM results, with
those of homotopy perturbation method (HPM) and an accurate numerical
solution to verify the accuracy of the proposed methods. As an important
result, it is depicted that the DTM results are more accurate in comparison
with those obtained by VIM and HPM. After these verifications the effects of
parameters such as thickness ratio, ?, dimensionless fin semi thickness,?,
length ratio, ?, thermal conductivity parameter, ?, Biot number, Bi, on
the temperature distribution are illustrated and explained.
Age and growth of invasive round goby Neogobius melanostomus from middle Danube
Authors: Gruľa Daniel , Balážová Mária , Copp Gordon , Kováč Vladimír
Published: April 2012

Age and growth of the invasive population of round goby Neogobius melanostomus from the Slovak stretch of River Danube was examined. The samples (n=1130) were collected soon after the invasion was recorded (2004–2005), and later, when the population was already established (2008–2010). Invasive round goby in newly-occupied areas were found to reach smaller body size (15–153 mm standard length) compared to native populations. Age from 0+ to 4+, determined from scales, was recorded in both sexes. Annulus formed in April–May, which varied with age. Growth of freshly established gobies was negative allometric, suggesting increased allocation of their sources to reproduction, which corresponds to less specialized life-history. However, positive allometric growth found in longer established individuals suggests a shift in allocation towards somatic growth, which corresponds to more specialized life-history typical for native populations. None of the three parameters predicted by the theory of alternative ontogenies and invasive potential met the expectations, though two parameters, i.e. growth rate and age at maturation remain equivocal. This can be explained by too short of a time span that has elapsed from the beginning of invasion, or by ecological disturbances that have broken up otherwise stable environment in the habitat studied.
Regional differences of proliferation activity in the spinal cord ependyma of adult rats
Authors: Blasko Juraj , Martoncikova Marcela , Lievajova Kamila , Saganova Kamila , Korimova Andrea , Racekova Eniko
Published: April 2012

Increased proliferation activity in the central canal ependyma of adult rodent spinal cord was described after injury and is thought to participate in recovery processes. Proliferation activity is scarce under physiological conditions, but still could be of importance, as in vitro studies showed that the spinal cord ependyma is an internal source of neural stem cells. Data from these studies indicate that there are regional differences in the distribution of proliferation activity along the rostro-caudal axis. We analyzed the proliferation activities in the ependyma within the entire extent of intact adult rat spinal cord. To identify proliferating cells we performed immunohistochemistry either for cell cycle S-phase marker BrdU or for the nuclear protein Ki-67. BrdU and Ki-67 positive cells were counted on sections selected from four spinal cord regions — cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral/coccygeal. Analysis showed that the number of BrdU positive cells within the ependyma was very low in all subdivisions of the spinal cord. Both BrdU and Ki-67 labeling revealed a significantly higher number of proliferating cells in the ependyma of sacrococcygeal part in comparison to all other spinal cord regions, suggesting that the caudal spinal cord might have potentially higher regeneration capacity compared to more rostral parts.
How cobalt facilitates cadmium- and ethylene precursor-induced growth inhibition and radial cell expansion in barley root tips
Authors: Valentovičová Katarína , Mistrík Igor , Zelinová Veronika , Tamás Ladislav
Published: April 2012

Significant root growth inhibition was observed during the very short 5 minute exposure time of barley roots to the low 10 μM concentration of cadmium. In addition to the cadmium-induced root growth inhibition, considerable radial expansion of roots was observed as a characteristic symptom of transient short-term exposure of roots to cadmium. The cadmium-induced radial expansion of roots was observed mainly the cortical cells of elongation zone that were twice as large as in control roots. Similarly as in cadmium-treated roots, short-term treatment with ACC significantly inhibited root growth and caused a marked radial expansion of cortical cells. The ethylene synthesis inhibitor cobalt significantly alleviated both the cadmium- and ethylene precursor-induced root growth inhibition and radial root expansion. The results indicate that ethylene probably plays a crucial role in the short-term cadmium-induced inhibition of root growth and radial cell expansion of barley root tips, which are the very early symptoms of cadmium toxicity.
Antifungal Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sacks Peta-Lee , Harvey Richard J. , Rimmer Janet , Gallagher Richard M. , Sacks Raymond
Published: April 2012

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disorder of the nose and sinuses. Because fungi were postulated as a potential cause of CRS in the late 1990s, contrasting articles have advocated and refuted the use of antifungal agents in its management. Although good research shows an interaction of the immune system with fungus in CRS, e.g., allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS), this does not imply that fungi are the cause of CRS or that antifungals will be effective in management. This study was designed to assess the potential advantage of either topical or systemic antifungal therapy in the symptomatic treatment of CRS to aid physicians in making informed decisions about treating patients with CRS.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed with meta-analysis. All studies obtained from searches were reviewed and trials meeting the eligibility criteria were selected. CRS was defined using either the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps or American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery criteria. Authors were contacted and original data were used for data analysis.

Results

Five studies investigating topical antifungals and one investigating systemic antifungals met the inclusion criteria. All trials were double blinded and randomized. Pooled meta-analysis showed no statistically significant benefit of topical or systemic antifungals over placebo. Symptoms scores statistically favored the placebo group for this outcome. Adverse event reporting was higher in the antifungal group.

Conclusion

Reported side-effects of antifungal therapies may outweigh any potential benefits of treatment based on this meta-analysis and the authors therefore do not advocate the use antifungal treatment in the management of CRS.
Endoscopic Frontal Sinus Drainage Draf Type III with Mucosal Transplants
Authors: Hildenbrand Tanja , Wormald Peter J. , Weber Rainer K.
Published: April 2012

Background

This study was designed to evaluate the extent of restenosis that occurs after an endoscopic frontal sinus drainage Draf type III (Draf III; modified Lothrop procedure) using a modified technique with reconstruction of the frontal sinus drainage pathway with mucosal transplants, in combination with occlusive postoperative care.

Methods

Retrospective case series was performed with 24 consecutive patients undergoing Draf III drainage between 2005 and 2010 using the modified technique of covering the bare bone with mucosal transplants from the nasal septum. To ensure optimal moist wound healing, occlusion of the nose was realized by taping the nose for 2 weeks postoperatively. Frontal ostium measurements were done intraoperatively and at follow-up visits for a minimum of 12 months. Data on patient history, demographics, comorbidities, and computed tomography scans were collected.

Results

Mean follow-up was 25.6 months. Eight patients were lost to follow-up. Ninety-four percent of frontal sinus neo-ostia remained open. One patient needed revision surgery using an osteoplastic flap with obliteration. The frontal neo-ostium narrowed by an average of 36.9% from 20.5 × 12.5 to 15 × 9.6 mm. On average, three visits were needed for postoperative care. The patients did not experience significant pain throughout the postoperative healing time.

Conclusion

The modified Lothrop procedure is a well-established technique in endoscopic sinus surgery to handle difficult frontal sinus drainage pathways or revision surgeries. The modified technique provides good results in combination with minimized postoperative care and morbidity. A comparative study would be necessary to show superiority to the standard method of Draf III.
Inverted Papillomas and Benign Nonneoplastic Lesions of the Nasal Cavity
Authors: Wood John W. , Casiano Roy R.
Published: April 2012

Background

Benign lesions of the nasal cavity represent a diverse group of pathologies. Furthermore, each of these disorders may present differently in any given patient as pain and discomfort, epistaxis, headaches, vision changes, or nasal obstruction. Although these nasal masses are benign, many of them have a significant capacity for local tissue destruction and symptomatology secondary to this destruction. Advances in office-based endoscopic nasendoscopy have equipped the otolaryngologist with a safe, inexpensive, and rapid means of directly visualizing lesions within the nasal cavity and the initiation of appropriate treatment.

Methods

The purpose of this study is to review the diagnosis, management, and controversies of many of the most common benign lesions of the nasal cavity encountered by the primary care physician or otolaryngologist.

Results

This includes discussion of inverted papilloma (IP), juvenile angiofibroma, squamous papilloma, pyogenic granuloma, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, schwannoma, benign fibro-osseous lesions, and other benign lesions of the nasal cavity, with particular emphasis on IP and juvenile angiofibroma.

Conclusion

A diverse array of benign lesions occur within the nasal cavity and paranasal cavities. Despite their inability to metastasize, many of these lesions have significant capability for local tissue destruction and recurrence.
Nanoparticles and Cells: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Authors: Petri-Fink Alke , Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara
Published: April 2012

In this article we present an overview of some of our research in the field of nanoscience. By combining two different scientific backgrounds (chemistry and biology), we investigate nanoparticle–cell interactions from different angles. This requires an interdisciplinary approach
involving material synthesis and characterization, cell biology (biochemistry) and microscopy. In particular, we describe the synthesis and magnetic properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as well as their behavior in cell culture, evaluate different visualization and detection
methods, and investigate the interaction of such magnetic particles with immune cells.
Rethinking Universalism
Authors: Nuñez Rachel
Published: April 2012

Building on Joan Scott's argument that the struggles of feminists since the Revolution have been rooted in the paradoxes of republican universalism, this article explores how two nineteenth-century feminists—Olympe Audouard and Hubertine Auclert—sought to escape the problem of sexual difference through engagement with the civilizing mission. They criticized the civilizing mission as chauvinistic and misogynistic to reveal how republican universalism had failed to address inequalities of both sex and race. They also proposed more inclusive forms of universalism: in her writing on Turkey, Audouard advocated cosmopolitanism, in which all peoples, regardless of race or sex, could contribute to civilization, while Auclert, in her writing on Algeria, supported assimilation as a way to endow both French women and Arabs with the rights of French men. Yet their versions of universalism were no less paradoxical than republican universalism. Through cosmopolitanism and assimilation, they invoked new others and worked strategically to displace sexual difference with racial, national, and religious difference.
A War of Words over an Image of War
Authors: Kuby Emma
Published: April 2012

During the Algerian War, films and published photographs documenting brutalities committed by French forces were exceedingly rare, due to censorship and strict controls on journalistic access to the military. However, a dramatic exception to this state of affairs came at an early moment in the war, after a Fox Movietone cameraman captured footage of a French gendarme as he summarily executed an Algerian with a bullet in the back. When the journal L'Express printed frames from the film in December 1955, a scandal ensued that implicated the sitting government in Paris and stoked French anti-Americanism. This article explores the reasons for the scandal, its anatomy, and its longer-term implications for French representations of the violence of the Algerian conflict. It argues that widespread French assumptions about the appropriateness of France's role in Algeria ultimately served to neutralize the story told by the images, even as they were recognized as incontrovertible evidence of atrocity.
Synthesis and Anticoccidial Activity of 3-(2-(Benzofuran)-2-yl)-2-Oxoethylquinazolinone Derivatives
Authors: Xin Ying , Xie Min , Zou Li-Juan , Nie Kui , Wang Yu-Liang
Published: April 2012

In order to develop novel and effective anticoccidial compounds, a series of 3-(2-(benzofuran)-2-yl)-2-oxoethylquinazolinone derivatives were designed, synthesised and evaluated as potential anticoccidial drugs. The structures of these compounds were characterised by 1H NMR, IR, HRMS spectra and elemental analysis. These compounds were tested for anticoccidial activities against Eimeria tenella according to the anticoccidial index method. 6-Chloro-3-(2-(benzofuran-2-yl)-2-oxoethyl) quinazolin-4-(3H)-one exhibited significant anticoccidial activities in the chicken's diet with a dose of 18 mg kg−1.
Pyrolysis of Dimethoxy[n.2]Metacyclophanes: An Intramolecular Condensation Reaction to Give Oxa[n.2.1](1,3,2)Cyclophanes
Authors: Do Jung-Hee , Yamada Yuta , Sharma Bigyan , Yamato Takehiko
Published: April 2012

Pyrolysis of anti-8,16-dimethoxy[2.2]metacyclophane at 500°C gave 17-oxa[2.2.1](1,3,2)cyclophane in 35% yield arising from intramolecular condensation reaction of syn-8,16-dimethoxy[2.2]metacyclophane; similar results were also obtained in the pyrolysis of the higher anti- and syn-dimethoxy[3.2] metacyclophane to afford the corresponding 18-oxa[3.2.1](1,3,2)cyclophane. The mechanism of this novel intramolecular condensation reaction is discussed.
Copper-Exchanged Bentonite: A Reusable Catalysis for the Formation of Alkoxycarbonyl Nitrile Ylides under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Bendedouche Choukri Kamel , Benhaoua Hadj
Published: April 2012

Ethyldiazoacetate reacts as a carbene precursor in presence of copper exchanged bentonite. Reaction with excess nitrile gave oxazole derivatives. Their formation is explained by intramolecular 1,5-cyclisation of alkoxycarbonyl substituted nitrile ylide intermediate.
Asymmetric 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction of C,N-Diphenylnitrone with Acryloyloxazolidinone Catalysed by Metal Complexes of Tridentate Bis(Oxazolinyl)Carbazole Ligand
Authors: Jun You , Xue Liu Li , Bo Liu , Yanchao Yu
Published: April 2012

Using a new type of Cu(OTf)2-bis(oxazolinyl)carbazole as the catalyst, 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions between acryloyloxazolidinone and C,N-diphenylnitrone have been developed with 100% regioselectivity and an endo/ exo ratio of 85:15 with a 94% ee of the endo-diastereomer.