bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic and Operational Analysis of Systematically Deploying New Technologies in an Unconventional Play
Authors: Van Sickle S. , Galloway J. , McClellan C. , Snyder D.
Published: October 2015

An operator working in the STACK and Mississippi Lime plays of the Mid-Continent region in the United States is developing its acreage with the use of open hole multistage (OHMS) completion systems. This paper will detail new technologies and advancements that are providing enhanced economic benefits and enabling the operator to unlock the full potential of the targeted formations.

The operator holds one of the largest acreage positions in the Mid-Continent region and in 2014 had operated or participated in approximately 170 horizontal wells. This operator approached its development with the goal of reducing completion costs; bringing completion costs in line with estimated completion costs; reducing health, safety and environment (HSE) exposure, while reducing cycle time; and preserving estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) of its assets. Some of the new technologies and advancements to achieve these goals include: changing core completion methods, dissolvable balls, microseismic analysis, water-soluble tracers, oil-soluble tracers, stage spacing and statistical analyses.

These new technologies and advancements adopted by implementing OHMS completion systems provided the operator with significant cost savings when compared to previous wells completed in the region using cemented liner plug-and-perf techniques. Lessons learned from each well were applied to future wells and the operator realized further cost savings as it continued development of the region using OHMS completion systems. These cost reductions were achieved while preserving the EUR of the assets, increasing the economic viability of the operations.

The technologies, methods and procedures will be presented in this paper to help paint a picture of how this particular operator is leading the way in reducing completion costs and increasing reserves. The details provided will show how OHMS technology is a cost-effective option for operators drilling and completing horizontal wells in the Mid-Continent region of the United States and provide strategies that can be applied in other formations around the world.
CO2 Sequestration in Unmineable Coal Seams
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Farid , Nasr-El-Din Hisham A.
Published: October 2015

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas that is emitted in all activities. CO2 sequestration in coal enhances methane production from the coalbed (ECBM) in addition to storing CO2. CO2 can be stored in coalbeds in three ways: free gas within the pore space or fractures in the coal, adsorbed on the organic surface of the coal, or dissolved in the groundwater within the coal.

This paper addresses the effect of the salinity of the coal seam water, injected gas composition, and formation pressure on the CO2 sequestration in volatile bitumen coal. In order to achieve these objectives, coreflood tests were conducted using coal cores. The displacement efficiency of water by CO2 and the effective water permeability change due to CO2 adsorption were measured.

The coreflood experiments showed that the permeability reduction due to coal swelling was significant in the case of high NaCl concentrations. The permeability reduction changed from 22 to 32% with the salinity increasing from DI to 20 g/L NaCl. The displacement efficiency increased as the salinity increased. The water saturation after CO2 injection decreased from 37 to 25% with salinity increasing from DI to 20 g/L NaCl. Also, as N2 concentration increased in the injection gas, the permeability reduction and the sweep efficiency decreased. In the case of DI water and 50% N2, the permeability reduction was 12%, and the residual water saturation was 47%.

Based on these observations, CO2 sequestration and ECBM into highly volatile bitumen coal seams with high salt concentration is more efficient compared to low salt concentration.
Reducing Delays in Document Management and Tooling Costs of Refineries and Plants: A Case Study of Risk Management Software Development
Authors: Simonetti Riccardo , Ciccone Giacomo , Ferrante Andrea , Daher Elie
Published: October 2015

ENI SpA was facing a persistent challenge in one of its Italian Oil/Gas treatment plants due to the time-consuming task of equipment, personnel, and on-site operation document management that increased the tooling costs of their operations. The company decided to explore new technologies, systems and services to solve this issue and reduce associated costs. Servizi Integrati di Sicurezza Srl, part of United Safety Group, was tasked to develop a tool to facilitate all safety operations and regulatory aspects of the standard and non-standard activities.

Following the concept of Software as a Service (SaaS), a risk management software was designed to improve document release, tracking, recording, and operations management. The software was designed to allow users to manage multiple projects including bill books, law fulfilments, documents, forms, work permits, access control and any other activity-related document management. The system also allows remote control and access to documents thus serving as a monitoring tool independent of operational dynamics in the plant.

The system performed plant access management for all personnel and equipment. It provides personnel tracking for quick emergency response and has integrated Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) fixed readers and validations on computers or tablets. It stores over 100 profiled ad-hoc checklists and controls thousands of work permits every month, classified by areas, types of work, contractors, foreman, and time schedule. Using the software, the management was able to accomplish its safety management system and was able to generate reports by correlating several data and information. The software now acts as a connected business intelligence platform providing interactive views and statistics of the data for HSE management supporting Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) to avoid unwanted and costly operational interferences.

Prior to using this software, plant managers used separate project files focusing on specific operations such as work permits, personnel checklists, access control, etc. The result was a vast and fragmented management that increased risk exposure due to the high human activity rate. This case study shares the key metrics and costs savings of having a system that functions as a global container for safety data that allows automated actions and advanced controls.
Development and Application of an Efficient Geosteering Tool for CBM Drilling
Authors: Gao Wenkai , Dou Xiurong , Yang Hui , Wang Lei , Zhang Liancheng , Li Lin , Chen Wenyi , Peng Liexin , Wei Zhigang , Shi Rong
Published: October 2015

In CBM drilling, high-efficient, low-cost MWD and geosteering tools are needed to ensure the cost-efficiency of large-scale gas development. Especially in a cluster and horizontal coalbed methane well drilling environment, one of the most effective methods to enhance the individual well producing rate is to keep the bit always in the best position to extend along the target layer.

The DREMWD CBM drilling geosteering system adopts electromagnetic information transmission technology. Compared to traditional mud pulse technology, it has such advantages as a wide range of media applications, deep non-relay transmission, a fast signal transmission rate, and a low failure rate of field applications. Moreover, it can measure wellbore trajectory and geological parameters, so as to ensure actual wellbores to penetrate into coal seams and get the best position. Therefore, it has quickly become a leading geosteering tool for CBM drilling.

The DREMWD system consists of downhole tools and surface units. Downhole tools are mainly composed of the high-power generator, orientation sensor, natural gamma sensor, electromagnetic transmitter circuit, insulation transmitting antenna, and non-magnetic drill collar. Surface units are mainly composed of the signal receiver, ground antenna, driller display, and signal processing and analysis software. With its unique high-power downhole generation technology, greatly enhancing emission intensity and formation penetration. The rotary dynamic azimuth natural gamma measurement module is composed of a natural gamma sensor, a rolling angle sensor and a signal processing circuit. It can perform real-time measurement of the formation natural gamma within a certain fan-shaped range at upper and lower levels. The system has been widely used in the CBM drilling in Qinshui basin in China with good effect.

With this geosteering tool, the drilling performance and recovery efficiency have been remarkably improved. This paper will highlight the technical development and present helpful case histories and recommendations.
CO2 Storage Assessment in Offshore Northern Australia - Is There Potential for an International Carbon Capture and Storage Project?
Authors: Consoli C. , Nguyen V. , Higgins K. , Khider K. , Lescinsky D. , Morris R.
Published: October 2015

Several offshore sedimentary basins around Australia have been assessed as potentially prospective for CO2 geological storage. A recently completed detailed assessment of one of these basins, the Bonaparte Basin, offshore northern Australia, indicates that the Mesozoic-aged deep saline formations forming the Petrel Sub-basin, a major structure element of the Bonaparte Basin, are highly prospective for CO2 geological storage, and represent suitable depocentres for regional emissions.

Petrophysical, seismic and facies analysis shows that the deep saline formations comprise multiple high quality reservoir-seal pairs. A basin-scale geological model indicates that migration-assisted storage (MAS) is the primary trapping mechanism due to long migration pathways (up to 70 km) with no major structural traps. Plume-scale, dynamic injection simulations show high potential injection rates of over 10 million tonnes supercritical CO2 per annum. After 1000 years, the model predicts maximum plume migration of 30 km from the simulated injection wells. A CO2 storage resource potential of over 15,000 million tonnes was estimated for the reservoirs over the entire Petrel Sub-basin using a methodology suitable for MAS plays.

The highly suitable reservoirs are located less than 300 km from major local CO2 emission sources. This study shows that the Bonaparte Basin in northern Australia is potentially a highly prospective location for carbon capture and storage projects in Australia, and possibly for the broader region.
Quartz Technology Allows for Wider Downhole Pressure Testing Range
Authors: Dennis J. R. , Zeller V. P.
Published: October 2015

A quartz thickness shear mode transducer for utilization in a borehole environment is presented. The pressure sensor is a direct conversion device which utilizes a non-cylindrical shell to convert and transmit forces to the quartz crystal resonator. A brief conceptual description of the transducer is given. Both laboratory and field examples are presented which illustrate the exceptional performance of the quartz thickness shear mode transducer.
The role of Central and Eastern Europe in the building of silk road economic belt
Authors: Zuokui Liu
Published: October 2015

The author analyses how the unique market potential and geographic advantages
of the Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC), the built and to be
built projects, and diversified cooperation mechanisms between China and CEE
laid the realistic foundation for the building of the Silk Road Economic
Belt. China may have the following three choices to build the Silk Road
Economic Belt: Model of "Development in Stages", Model of "Corridor
Development" and Model of "Equal Development Between the East and the West".
The three choices will have heavy influences on the functions and ways that
the CEECs could play their roles. China faces with a series of challenges
both domestic and international. In conclusion, the author suggests that the
principle of tackling easy issues first and seeking gradual improvement
should be pursued. While stepping up its strategic layout for a
transportation corridor, Chinese Government should fully respect the law of
the market, stress the leading role of enterprises and allow key projects to
be the driving force, etc.
The Russia-China strategic partnership
Authors: Ladjevac Ivona
Published: October 2015

The paper investigates whether the strategic alliance of China and Russia
could create a sufficient counterbalance to US domination in the Post-Cold
War era and to assist positioning of Beijing as a global power on the rise.
The rapprochement between Russia and China grew gradually from the stage of
political declarations and coordination during the first decade of the
twenty-first century into a strategic partnership based on the Treaty on
Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation of 2001. The author analyses
the plausible implications of the Treaty as a framework for the established
partnership, and confirms its value by increased value of trade and the
conclusion of the so-called gas agreements, which should allow the export of
Russian gas to the Chinese market. The author concludes that the success of
the China-Russia partnership will be equally determined by the US policy in
Asia and the Pacific as well as the ability of both countries to resolve
potential disagreements that could stem from diverse national interests in
Central Asia.
Attracting Applicants for In-House and Outsourced Internal Audit Positions: Views from External Auditors
Authors: Bartlett Geoffrey D. , Kremin Joleen , Saunders K. Kelli , Wood David A.
Published: October 2015

SYNOPSIS

While the internal audit function (IAF) plays a critical role in organizations, it faces challenges in finding sufficient numbers of high-quality job applicants to fill its ranks. The results of two experiments suggest that practicing external auditors are twice as likely to apply for positions that are labeled as accounting positions rather than either in-house or outsourced internal audit positions. The results also suggest that external auditors have negative perceptions of the profession and work environment of internal auditors—especially in-house internal auditors relative to outsourced internal auditors—and are more likely to recommend that mediocre rather than top students apply to work in internal auditing. We also provide survey results from experienced external auditors about aspects of internal auditing that may be improved to make it a more attractive career option. Taken together, the results suggest internal auditing faces significant hiring challenges, but also offer ways to mitigate these challenges.
Conflict Minerals Disclosures: Reporting Requirements and Implications for Auditing
Authors: Sankara Jomo , Lindberg Deborah L. , Razaki Khalid A.
Published: October 2015

Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Dodd-Frank Act) created a reporting requirement for publicly traded companies that manufacture products using “conflict minerals” from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or adjoining countries. Under certain circumstances, companies must file a Conflict Minerals Report (CMR) in addition to a Specialized Disclosure Report (Form SD). Companies that claim their products are free of conflict minerals from the DRC must have an audit of their CMR. We investigate the extent to which companies have complied with the new disclosure requirements as well as the current and future auditing implications.
Comments by the Auditing Standards Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association on PCAOB Release No. 2015-004, Supplemental Request for Comment: Rules to Require Disclosure of Certain Audit Participants on a New PCAOB Form
Authors: Doxey Marcus M. , Geiger Marshall A. , Hackenbrack Karl E. , Stein Sarah E.
Published: October 2015

On June 30, 2015 the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) issued a supplemental request for comment on its 2013 reproposal to require auditors to disclose in the auditor's report the name of the engagement partner and information about certain other participants in the audit. The supplemental request solicited public comments on an alternative to disclosure of this information in the auditor's report, namely that audit firms report (1) the name of the engagement partner, and (2) the names, locations, and extent of participation of other audit participants in a new form (Form AP) to be filed with the PCAOB within 30 days of the date the auditor's report is first included in a document filed with the SEC. The comment period ended on August 31, 2015. This commentary summarizes the participating committee members' views on the alternatives presented in the supplemental request for comment.

Data Availability: The exposure drafts of the proposed and reproposed rules, the supplemental request for comment, and related information are available at: http://pcaobus.org/Rules/Rulemaking/Pages/Docket029.aspx
Use of a caudoventral-craniodorsal oblique radiographic view made at 45° to the frontal plane to evaluate the pectoral girdle in raptors
Authors: Visser Marike , Hespel Adrien-Maxence , de Swarte Marie , Bellah Jamie R.
Published: October 2015

Objective—To evaluate use of a caudoventral-craniodorsal oblique radiographic view made at 45° to the frontal plane (H view) for assessment of the pectoral (thoracic) girdle in raptors.

Design—Retrospective cross-sectional analysis.

Animals—24 raptors suspected to have a fracture of the thoracic girdle.

Procedures—Standard ventrodorsal and H views were obtained for all birds. Radiographs were evaluated twice by a radiologist blinded to the final diagnosis, with each view first evaluated independently and views then evaluated in combination. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated, with results of surgery or necropsy used as the gold standard.

Results—9 birds had thoracic girdle fractures; fractures were correctly identified in 8 of these 9 birds on the ventrodorsal view alone, 7 of these 9 birds on the H view alone, and all 9 birds on the 2 views in combination. Fifteen birds did not have thoracic girdle fractures; radiographs were correctly classified in 12 of these 15 birds when the ventrodorsal view was evaluated alone, all 15 birds when the H view was evaluated alone, and 14 of these 15 birds when the 2 views were evaluated in combination.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that the H view or the addition of the H view to the VD view could be useful in raptors suspected to have fractures of the thoracic girdle. Agreement with the gold standard (ie, fracture present or absent) was higher with the H view and combination of views than with the ventrodorsal view alone.
Epidemiological Survey on Edentulousness in Elderly Nepalese Population
Authors: Basnyat S KC , Sapkota B , Shrestha S
Published: October 2015

Background A lot of epidemiological surveys have been conducted in dental caries and periodontal problems, but prosthetic sector is lacking such study.Objective The aim of this study was to assess the level of edentulousness, the cause of edentulousness, the denture wearing and denture needs of selected Nepalese population. It will also analyze how factors, such as habits, built, educational needs influence edentulousness.Method Patients visiting the Dental Outpatient Department of Dhulikhel Hospital and various dental camps organized by the hospital were selected for study. The examination was conducted using basic diagnostic tools (Mouth mirror, straight probe and explorer). Statistical software SPSS 16.0 was used for data analysis, chi-square test was performed for each parameter.Result The statistical analysis showed that age was statistically associated to edentulousness, but gender and built were not associated to edentulousness. Furthermore educational status and habit were statistically associated with edentulousness.Conclusion Oral health awareness and education programs should be conducted at the community level for every individual. The role of oral hygiene practice, the negative effect of various oral habit, especially smoking and tobacco chewing habits, the need to replace missing teeth and care of artificial denture should be explained.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(4) 2014; 259-263
Dentigerous Cysts of Maxillofacial Region– Clinical, Radiographic and Biochemical Analysis
Authors: Sridevi K , Kaushik A , Ramaswamy P , Manjula M , Vinod VC , Aravinda CarlosK
Published: October 2015

Background Dentigerous cyst is the second most common type of odontogenic cysts that encloses the crown of an unerupted tooth by expansion of its follicle due to the collection of cystic fluid. In view of the capability of these lesions attaining a marked size if not diagnosed early and treated properly, the present study was done based on the clinical and radiographic presentation of the dentigerous cyst in addition to the analysis of the cystic contents.Objective The present study reported 14 cases of dentigerous cysts (DC) with their incidence and relative distribution of the maxillofacial region along with the clinical and radiographic features and biochemical analysis of cystic fluid.Method The study was conducted at Sri Govind Tricentenary Dental College, Hospital and Research Institute, Gurgaon, Haryana for a period of one year and six months. A detailed case history and thorough clinical examination was done for the patients who were provisionally found to have odontogenic cysts. Necessary radiographs, aspiration of the cystic fluid and incisional biopsy were performed to the 14 patients who were provisionally diagnosed with dentigerous cysts (DC) after obtaining the informed consent and the cystic fluid was subjected to biochemical analysis.Results Majority of the affected patients with DC were in their second decade and showed more predilection for mandible with a male predominance. The area of predilection was third molar region in the mandible and it is the canine region in maxilla. All the cases were associated with impacted teeth and majority showed expansion of the buccal/labial cortical plate. The various biochemical variables (total protein content, albumin, globulin and albumin: globulin ratio) were also assessed in the present study.Conclusion The awareness of protean features of DC evident through this study is essential for the general as well as specialty practitioners for the accurate diagnosis and proper treatment planning of these non cancerous but potentially destructive lesions and also opens new avenues for further research.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.13(1) 2015; 8-11
Relation of Sociodemographics and Personal Hygiene on Different Childhood Dermatoses
Authors: Gauchan E , Kumar A , BK G , Thapa P , Pun J
Published: October 2015

Background Skin diseases in children contribute to significant morbidity and psychological distress. Infective dermatoses are one of the major dermatoses in children. Low socioeconomic status, overcrowding and poor personal hygiene has been linked to skin diseases.Objective To find out the prevalence of infectious skin disease in children, rate of transmissible skin disease and association of sociodemographic factors and personal hygiene on infective childhood dermatoses.Method This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Pediatric and Dermatology Department, Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. A total of 226 patients were examined over a period of one year. Relation of sociodemographics, crowding and personal hygiene on skin disease were assessed.Result The most common category was Infections and Infestations (51.3%) followed by Dermatitis (27.9%) . Transmissible skin disease was seen in 49.6%. Low socioeconomic status and overcrowding were associated with increased risk for infective dermatoses.Conclusion Skin disease in children constitutes a public health problem. Improving the socioeconomic status and personal hygiene can help to reduce the incidence of skin disease in children.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.13(1) 2015; 29-33
Surgical Outcomes in Cases of Marcus-Gunn Jaw-Winking Phenomenon
Authors: Sthapit RP , Saiju R
Published: October 2015

Background Markus-Gunn Jaw-winking Phenomenon (MGJW) is a congenital ptosis associated with synkinetic movement of upper lid on masticating movements of jaw. It results from aberrant connection between motor division of trigeminal nerve and oculomotor nerve.Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of MGJW phenomenon and evaluate its surgical outcomes of unilateral levator excision and frontalis suspension.Method It is a retrospective analysis of nine cases of MGJW phenomenon seen from 2007 to 2013 AD. The clinical features were recorded and analysed. Unilateral levator excision and frontalis suspension for the correction of synkinesis and ptosis was done for all the patients. The result of surgery was analysed.Result MGJW phenomenon was seen more in males. All the cases had unilateral ptosis with jaw winking phenomenon. Ipsilateral hypotropia and refractive errors were seen in 44%. One week post operative margin reflex distance was good in 67% of cases. Persistent jaw-winking was seen in 3 cases, two underwent repeat surgery to abolish the synkinesis. At one year follow up, 33% had good margin reflex distance of more than 4mm and 22% had fairly good margin reflex distance of 3mm.Conclusion Patients with Marcus Gunn jaw winking synkinesis can present at a wide age range. There may be an associated vertical muscle imbalance, which should be managed before ptosis surgery to avoid ptosis under correction. Unilateral frontalis flap suspension combined levator excision can correct ptosis very well for patients with Marcus-Gunn syndrome.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.13(1) 2015; 34-37
Multivariate assessment of health-related quality of life in Canadian Armed Forces Veterans after transition to civilian life
Authors: Hopman Wilma M. , Thompson James M. , Sweet Jill , VanTil Linda , VanDenKerkhof Elizabeth G. , Sudom Kerry , Poirier Alain , Pedlar David
Published: October 2015

Introduction: The goal of this study was to identify factors associated with the SF-12 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) measures of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans after transition to civilian life. Methods: Data were taken from the 2010 Survey on Transition to Civilian Life, a national computer-assisted telephone survey of CAF Regular Force personnel who released during 1998–2007. Multivariate linear regression models were developed using a variety of socio-economic, military, health, and disability characteristics. Results: Mean age was 46 years (range 20–67 y), and 12% of the participants were women. Higher age was associated with lower PCS but higher MCS scores. High ratings of mastery and high satisfaction with life were strongly associated with higher scores on both the PCS and the MCS. Most chronic physical health conditions were associated with poorer PCS scores, in particular chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions, cancer, gastrointestinal conditions, hearing problems and, to a lesser degree, chronic mental health conditions. The only chronic condition associated with poorer MCS scores was presence of one or more mental health conditions. Both activity limitation in major life domains and needing assistance with activities of daily living were negatively associated with PCS scores, whereas only the latter was negatively associated with MCS scores. Discussion: The models suggested protective factors and identified characteristics of subgroups vulnerable to poor HRQOL after accounting for confounding. Findings can be used to identify those at high risk who may benefit from targeted interventions and to develop health promotion and prevention strategies for Canadian Armed Forces personnel in transition to civilian life.
Music in theatre and post-deployment: re-evaluating the therapeutic benefits of sound
Authors: Pegley Kip
Published: October 2015

Music has played an important role in the lives of twentieth-century combatants, but recent technologies such as MP3 players are now ubiquitous, rendering music more accessible than ever before and allowing soldiers to shape their sonic landscapes in considerably more personalized ways. Although scholars have examined US soldiers’ musical practices while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, no research to date has investigated the musical practices of Canadian military personnel. In this article, I explore how music might help Canadian veterans manage the pressures associated with deployment and cope with psychologically-based operational stress injuries.
How (Not) to Write Broadcast Plays: Pinter and the BBC
Authors: Stulberg Jacob
Published: October 2015

This article situates Harold Pinter’s radio play A Slight Ache alongside the radio-playwriting protocols of its first producer, the British Broadcasting Corporation. In guidebooks for radio playwrights, the BBC’s Drama Department promoted a clear and coherent on-air style. Pinter challenged this standard by building his play around a silent character and thus refusing to let his audience fall back on familiar methods of listening. Having written a radio play that gestured toward the theatre, Pinter did the opposite in A Slight Ache’s stage adaptation, concealing visual elements as if glancing back at the airwaves. Both versions moved toward transcending the realism of The Birthday Party, whose blackout scene had already experimented with restricting stage drama to sound alone. The influence on Pinter’s later stage style can be seen as early as Aston’s monologue in The Caretaker, where complex lighting effects briefly transform a realistic setting into the “mindscape” of a radio play.
Holmes and Raffles in Arms: Death, Endings, and Narration
Authors: Ue Tom
Published: October 2015

Sherlock Holmes's influence on A. J. Raffles has been widely acknowledged. This essay makes the case for a re-examination of the Holmes-Raffles connection by suggesting that their two creators, Conan Doyle and his brother-in-law E. W. Hornung, were more actively in conversation. Holmes and Raffles may not have met in a shared story co-written by the two authors, but Raffles's death is, I argue, an informing presence for the ending that Conan Doyle writes for Holmes. My reading of Hornung's ‘The Knees of the Gods’ (1898) and Conan Doyle's ‘His Last Bow’ (1917) analyses the extent of this influence, which begins at the level of narrative, but which can also be seen in Conan Doyle's treatment of honour and questions of Englishness.
Walter Pater: Personality and Persons
Authors: Cheeke Stephen
Published: October 2015

This article argues for the centrality of notions of personality and persons in the work of Walter Pater and asks how this fits in with his critical reception. Pater's writing is grounded in ideas of personality and persons, of personification, of personal gods and personalised history, of contending voices, and of the possibility of an interior conversation with the logos. Artworks move us as personalities do in life; the principle epistemological analogy is with the knowledge of persons – indeed, ideas are only grasped through the form they take in the individuals in whom they are manifested. The conscience is outwardly embodied in other persons, but also experienced as a conversation with a person inhabiting the most intimate and sovereign dimension of the self. Even when personality is conceived as the walls of a prison-house, it remains a powerful force, able to modify others. This article explores the ways in which these questions are ultimately connected to the paradoxes of Pater's own person and personality, and to the matter of his ‘style’.
The Rossettian Formula: No Love without Suffering
Authors: McLaughlan Robbie
Published: October 2015

This article will align Christina Rossetti's poetics with Susan Sontag's work on suffering to argue that in Rossetti's poetic universe suffering is a necessary precursor to a realisation of love. Turning to Mikhail Bakhtin's theorising of the carnivalesque, the article describes the landscape of Goblin Market as one in which established social convention is overturned and suggests that it is against this landscape of perversity that suffering is reimagined as a precursor to love. Furthermore, to demonstrate how this cult of suffering becomes established at the heart of Rossetti's Goblin Market, I turn to both Karl Marx and Jacques Lacan to investigate how a desirable quota of suffering is achieved through both Lizzie and Laura's interactions with a burgeoning commodity capitalism.
Five eye-openers in my life of critical gerontology
Authors: Katz Stephen
Published: October 2015

This paper is a personal account of five “eye-opening” career experiences in the author’s life that illustrate how biographical events shape opportunities and inspire knowledge- making in critical gerontology. Borrowing from Pierre Bourdieu’s methodological concept of “fieldwork in philosophy,” this account suggests that critical thinking only becomes eaningful in the lived contexts in which it is grounded, negotiated, transformed, and shared. Thus theoretical ideas about ageing, despite their abstract nature, have historical and unpredictable stories of their own that are worthy of a “fieldwork” approach. The paper also emphasises that the “critical” in critical gerontology includes a strong reflexive and self-critical dimension about the subjective conditions of doing gerontological research, especially in the face of gerontology’s claim to be an objective science.
Predator Bounties in Western Canada Cause Animal Suffering and Compromise Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Authors: Proulx Gilbert , Rodtka Dwight
Published: October 2015

Although predation bounty programs (rewards offered for capturing or killing an animal) ended more than 40 years ago in Canada, they were reintroduced in Alberta in 2007 by hunting, trapping, and farming organizations, municipalities and counties, and in 2009 in Saskatchewan, by municipal and provincial governments and the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association. Bounty hunters use inhumane and non-selective killing methods such as shooting animals in non-vital regions, and killing neck snares and strychnine poisoning, which cause suffering and delayed deaths. They are unselective, and kill many non-target species, some of them at risk. Predator bounty programs have been found to be ineffective by wildlife professionals, and they use killing methods that cause needless suffering and jeopardize wildlife conservation programs. Our analysis therefore indicates that government agencies should not permit the implementation of bounty programs. Accordingly, they must develop conservation programs that will minimize wildlife-human conflicts, prevent the unnecessary and inhumane killing of animals, and ensure the persistence of all wildlife species.
Chemical Modification of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) in Water
Authors: Awada Houssein , Daneault Claude
Published: October 2015

Partial chemical modification of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was performed through tosylation followed by azidation. Amine functional PVA was also prepared by grafting propargylamine using click chemistry reaction. Through this approach, a tosyl group (a good leaving group), azide group (a group used in click chemistry) and amine group (a group used for amidation) were attached to PVA polymer chains. The three chemical modifications were performed in water. FTIR and XPS analysis confirmed the chemical modification after each step. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to study the thermal stability of the modified PVA.
Visual Recognition and Its Application to Robot Arm Control
Authors: Juang Jih-Gau , Tsai Yi-Ju , Fan Yang-Wu
Published: October 2015

This paper presents an application of optical word recognition and fuzzy control to a smartphone automatic test system. The system consists of a robot arm and two webcams. After the words from the control panel that represent commands are recognized by the robot system, the robot arm performs the corresponding actions to test the smartphone. One of the webcams is utilized to capture commands on the screen of the control panel, the other to recognize the words on the screen of the tested smartphone. The method of image processing is based on the Red-Green-Blue (RGB) and Hue-Saturation-Luminance (HSL) color spaces to reduce the influence of light. Fuzzy theory is used in the robot arm’s position control. The Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technique is applied to the word recognition, and the recognition results are then checked by a dictionary process to increase the recognition accuracy. The camera which is used to recognize the tested smartphone also provides object coordinates to the fuzzy controller, then the robot arm moves to the desired positions and presses the desired buttons. The proposed control scheme allows the robot arm to perform different assigned test functions successfully.
Chronic Ethanol Exposure: Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Disease and Dysfunction
Authors: Traphagen Nicole , Tian Zhi , Allen-Gipson Diane
Published: October 2015

Ethanol (EtOH) is the world’s most commonly used drug, and has been widely recognized as a risk factor for developing lung disorders. Chronic EtOH exposure affects all of the organ systems in the body and increases the risk of developing pulmonary diseases such as acute lung injury and pneumonia, while exacerbating the symptoms and resulting in increased mortality in many other lung disorders. EtOH and its metabolites inhibit the immune response of alveolar macrophages (AMs), increase airway leakage, produce damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS), and disrupt the balance of antioxidants/oxidants within the lungs. In this article, we review the role of EtOH exposure in the pathogenesis and progression of pulmonary disease.
Hop-by-Hop Worm Propagation with Carryover Epidemic Model in Mobile Sensor Networks
Authors: Ho Jun-Won
Published: October 2015

In the internet, a worm is usually propagated in a random multi-hop contact manner. However, the attacker will not likely select this random multi-hop propagation approach in a mobile sensor network. This is because multi-hop worm route paths to random vulnerable targets can be often breached due to node mobility, leading to failure of fast worm spread under this strategy. Therefore, an appropriate propagation strategy is needed for mobile sensor worms. To meet this need, we discuss a hop-by-hop worm propagation model in mobile sensor networks. In a hop-by-hop worm propagation model, benign nodes are infected by worm in neighbor-to-neighbor spread manner. Since worm infection occurs in hop-by-hop contact, it is not substantially affected by a route breach incurred by node mobility. We also propose the carryover epidemic model to deal with the worm infection quota deficiency that might occur when employing an epidemic model in a mobile sensor network. We analyze worm infection capability under the carryover epidemic model. Moreover, we simulate hop-by-hop worm propagation with carryover epidemic model by using an ns-2 simulator. The simulation results demonstrate that infection quota carryovers are seldom observed where a node’s maximum speed is no less than 20 m/s.
Linear Modeling and Regulation Quality Analysis for Hydro-Turbine Governing System with an Open Tailrace Channel
Authors: Yang Jiandong , Wang Mingjiang , Wang Chao , Guo Wencheng
Published: October 2015

On the basis of the state–space method (SSM), a novel linear mathematical model of the unsteady flow for the tailrace system with an open channel is proposed. This novel model is an elastic linearized model of water hammer. The validity of the model has been verified by several examples of numerical simulation, which are based on a finite difference technique. Then, the complete mathematical model for the hydro-turbine governing system of hydropower station with an open tailrace channel, which is used for simulating the transient process of the hydro-turbine governing system under load disturbance, is established by combining the models of hydro-turbine, generator, governor and open tailrace channel. Finally, according to the complete model, the regulation quality for hydro-turbine governing system with an open tailrace channel under load disturbance is studied, and the effects of open tailrace channel and tailrace surge tank on regulation quality are analyzed. The results indicate that: The open tailrace channel has a strong influence on the regulation quality by observing the water level fluctuations in tailrace surge tank. The surge shows a piecewise periodical change along with the variation in the length of an open channel. The open tailrace channel can be used to improve the regulation quality of hydro-turbine governing system.
Recent Advances in Osmotic Energy Generation via Pressure-Retarded Osmosis (PRO): A Review
Authors: Kim Jihye , Jeong Kwanho , Park Myoung , Shon Ho , Kim Joon
Published: October 2015

Global energy consumption has been highly dependent on fossil fuels which cause severe climate change and, therefore, the exploration of new technologies to produce effective renewable energy plays an important role in the world. Pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) is one of the promising candidates to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels by harnessing energy from the salinity gradient between seawater and fresh water. In PRO, water is transported though a semi-permeable membrane from a low-concentrated feed solution to a high-concentrated draw solution. The increased volumetric water flow then runs a hydro-turbine to generate power. PRO technology has rapidly improved in recent years; however, the commercial-scale PRO plant is yet to be developed. In this context, recent developments on the PRO process are reviewed in terms of mathematical models, membrane modules, process designs, numerical works, and fouling and cleaning. In addition, the research requirements to accelerate PRO commercialization are discussed. It is expected that this article can help comprehensively understand the PRO process and thereby provide essential information to activate further research and development.
Modeling Occurrence of Urban Mosquitos Based on Land Use Types and Meteorological Factors in Korea
Authors: Kwon Yong-Su , Bae Mi-Jung , Chung Namil , Lee Yeo-Rang , Hwang Suntae , Kim Sang-Ae , Choi Young , Park Young-Seuk
Published: October 2015

Mosquitoes are a public health concern because they are vectors of pathogen, which cause human-related diseases. It is well known that the occurrence of mosquitoes is highly influenced by meteorological conditions (e.g., temperature and precipitation) and land use, but there are insufficient studies quantifying their impacts. Therefore, three analytical methods were applied to determine the relationships between urban mosquito occurrence, land use type, and meteorological factors: cluster analysis based on land use types; principal component analysis (PCA) based on mosquito occurrence; and three prediction models, support vector machine (SVM), classification and regression tree (CART), and random forest (RF). We used mosquito data collected at 12 sites from 2011 to 2012. Mosquito abundance was highest from August to September in both years. The monitoring sites were differentiated into three clusters based on differences in land use type such as culture and sport areas, inland water, artificial grasslands, and traffic areas. These clusters were well reflected in PCA ordinations, indicating that mosquito occurrence was highly influenced by land use types. Lastly, the RF represented the highest predictive power for mosquito occurrence and temperature-related factors were the most influential. Our study will contribute to effective control and management of mosquito occurrences.
Raising Public Awareness: The Role of the Household Sector in Mitigating Climate Change
Authors: Lin Shis-Ping
Published: October 2015

In addition to greenhouse gas emissions from the industrial, transportation and commercial sectors, emissions from the household sector also contribute to global warming. By examining residents of Taiwan (N = 236), this study aims to reveal the factors that influence households’ intention to purchase energy-efficient appliances. The assessment in this study is based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), and perceived benefit or cost (BOC) is introduced as an independent variable in the proposed efficiency action toward climate change (ECC) model. According to structural equation modeling, most of the indicators presented a good fit to the corresponding ECC model constructs. The analysis indicated that BOC is a good complementary variable to the TPB, as the ECC model explained 61.9% of the variation in intention to purchase energy-efficient appliances, which was higher than that explained by the TPB (58.4%). This result indicates that the ECC model is superior to the TPB. Thus, the strategy of promoting energy-efficient appliances in the household sector should emphasize global warming and include the concept of BOC.
Visual Soccer Analytics: Understanding the Characteristics of Collective Team Movement Based on Feature-Driven Analysis and Abstraction
Authors: Stein Manuel , Häußler Johannes , Jäckle Dominik , Janetzko Halldór , Schreck Tobias , Keim Daniel
Published: October 2015

With recent advances in sensor technologies, large amounts of movement data have become available in many application areas. A novel, promising application is the data-driven analysis of team sport. Specifically, soccer matches comprise rich, multivariate movement data at high temporal and geospatial resolution. Capturing and analyzing complex movement patterns and interdependencies between the players with respect to various characteristics is challenging. So far, soccer experts manually post-analyze game situations and depict certain patterns with respect to their experience. We propose a visual analysis system for interactive identification of soccer patterns and situations being of interest to the analyst. Our approach builds on a preliminary system, which is enhanced by semantic features defined together with a soccer domain expert. The system includes a range of useful visualizations to show the ranking of features over time and plots the change of game play situations, both helping the analyst to interpret complex game situations. A novel workflow includes improving the analysis process by a learning stage, taking into account user feedback. We evaluate our approach by analyzing real-world soccer matches, illustrate several use cases and collect additional expert feedback. The resulting findings are discussed with subject matter experts.