bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Next Generation High Resolution Airborne Gravity Reconnaissance in Oil Field Exploration
Authors: Bodard J.M. , Creer J.G. , Asten M.W.
Published: January 2017

Simple modelling studies of gravity fields using elementary structural forms, oilfield-type structures and geological reconnaissance situations, show that gravity gradiometry technology offers significant petroleum exploration potential. In geological environments of interest, gravity gradients are primarily due to density displacement along (near) vertical boundaries. Gradient images therefore reveal the edges and corners of intrusions, faults, fault intersections, and other such structures often associated with hydrocarbon migration pathways and traps, and/or significant basinal trends. Recent technological advances may make gravity gradiometry an airborne reconnaissance tool capable of providing sensitivity and resolution superior to the best gravimetry available today. This capacity, and the array of gradient components that may be measured, will embellish aspects of the gravity field important to developing regional geologic interpretations.

While the potential advantage of gravity gradiometry is greater lateral resolution and sensitivity from a moving platform, the disadvantage is the high sensitivity to topographic and shallow buried irregularities unrelated to the deeper geological structures of interest. A further difficulty is the complex gravity field representations produced for density structures of certain geometries. Buried features that have near surface expressions will be easiest to map. However, full use of gravity gradient technology will require application-focused data processing techniques and new interpretation skills.

When the technology becomes commercially available it could find application in preseismic reconnaissance, structural (and possibly stratigraphic) mapping, acreage management and assessment, and in the evolution and mapping of controls on oilfield distribution. The technology could help develop exploration in remote and inaccessible areas, and provide a new look at well-explored regions. An immediate practical implementation appears to be in offshore exploration applications, possibly linked to deepwater exploitation strategies.
Characterization and Genesis of a Petroleum Reservoir Inside a Source Clay
Authors: Taiming Li , Wenlung Din , Dachen Li
Published: January 2017

In 1984 a special type of oil field was discovered in the Songliao basin, a major oil production province in northern China. The oil field, different from all known types, was formed in a source claystone with fissured intervals. The Qingshankou source rock was composed of thick clay sediments, without any internal porous interbeds. The fissures developed later than deposition in this clay section. Since 1984 several wells have penetrated the Qingshankou source clay and 12 have found oil pools of the same type. This new type of oil trap is named a fissured clay reservoir. Discovery has been not only of commercial interest, but has also provided a significant impetus to developments in petroleum geology science.
Dynamical Models in Geology: Sensitivity Analysis and Scientific Risk
Authors: Thomsen Rene O.
Published: January 2017

Dynamical models are used routinely throughout various branches of geology and decisions are often based on the results of such models. Awareness of some fundamental limitations of any model used is therefore vital in order to avoid decision making based on highly uncertain results. Computer models are based on mathematical models which describe essential features of processes or system behaviour and a systematic approach to investigate and understand model limitations can therefore be applied.

Sensitivity analysis provides a feel for the system response to uncertainties in both assumptions and observations. However, sensitivity analyses do not provide a feel for the level of confidence one should assign modelling results. A probabilistic approach to evaluation of uncertainties and modelling results is therefore demonstrated. Two cases are used as examples for the method and it is demonstrated how the combined sensitivity analyses and probabilistic evaluation greatly improve the use of even uncertain modelling results.
Oil and Gas Reserves and Resources of the Mediterranean Countries
Authors: Alazard N. , Laherrere J. , Perrodon A.
Published: January 2017

The littoral States of the Mediterranean belong to very different geographic and geological units, giving rise to a wide variety of landscapes and petroleum potentials. The provinces of the European margin, deeply marked by the Alpine orogeny, exhibit a wide variety of Secondary and Tertiary basins, often richer in gas than in oil, especially in Italy. Those of the African margin, which advanced to varying degrees into this continent, display stages from the Primary to the Tertiary, with rich basins in the Sahara, Algerian Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. On the eastern margin, Syria has several petroleum zones at the periphery of the large Mid-East Basin.

These basins, and particularly those of the northern margin, have been the subject of intensive prospecting. This has allowed the discovery of some 11.4 Gt of oil and 8400 G.m3 of gas, with the share of the countries of the African margin accounting for 86% and 82% of the total respectively.

The future discoveries that can be reasonably anticipated can be expected mainly in the African margin, and the Syrian basins. On the whole, oil and condensate reserves of about 3 Gt and gas reserves of some 4000 G.m3 appear probable.

The deep offshore Mediterranean does not appear likely to contribute a significant share of these future discoveries at least in the medium term, given the extreme water depths.

These prospects of future discoveries, slightly less than present proved reserves, would help to raise the number of years of production at the present rate from 26 to about 40 for oil and condensate, and to double the years of production of gas, which would be increased to slightly over a century.

Although these figures appear fairly significant, they are still far below those of the Middle East.
The New Natural Gas Futures Market - Is it Efficient?
Authors: Herbert John H.
Published: January 2017

Aspects of the natural gas futures market are discussed. In particular, the efficiency of the natural gas futures market is evaluated using a regression equation. It is found that the market has behaved more like an inefficient market than an efficient one. A variety of tests are applied to the estimated equation. These tests suggest that the estimated equation provides a good summary of the relationship between spot and futures prices for the time period. In addition, the equation is found to produce accurate forecasts.
Long-Term Outlook for World Oil Demand
Authors: O'Dell Sean
Published: January 2017

Population, national and per capita income increase will be reflected in greater energy demand. By 2010 30% larger than in 1990 for OECD countries and 120% for the rest of the world. The share of oil in primary energy demand is expected to decline from the present 39.5% to 37%. Nevertheless, the quantity of oil demand will continue to increase by about 1.3 mb/d per year rising to more than 92 mb/d by 2010.
Assessing the Risk of Expansion into a Foreign Country
Authors: Krijgsman John P.W.
Published: January 2017

Experience has shown that country risks are not only reasonably predictable but that risks have remained stable despite the turbulence of the times. Country risk, the additional dangers to business in other than the domestic economy, include credit and market risk. Comparison of three regions and individual country ranking rates China highest followed by Venezuela with Russia last.
Accounting Conservatism and the Valuation of Accounting Numbers: Evidence on the Feltham-Ohlson (1996) Model
Authors: Ahmed Anwer S. , Morton Richard M. , Schaefer Thomas F.
Published: January 2017

We empirically investigate the effects of accounting conservatism on (1) the stock market valuation of operating assets in the context of the Feltham-Ohlson (1996) model and (2) the weight on operating assets in the Feltham-Ohlson abnormal operating earnings dynamics (hereafter referred to as the LIM conservatism parameter).

Consistent with the Feltham-Ohlson (1996) model, we find that accounting-based conservatism proxies are positively related to the valuation weight on operating assets. Furthermore, the accounting-based conservatism proxies have incremental explanatory power even after controlling for (1) size, (2) book value (or sales) growth, and (3) leverage. These results are robust with respect to alternative empirical specifications of the valuation model and the choice of proxies for accounting conservatism.

We also find, consistent with prior research but not with the Feltham-Ohlson model, that the sign of the LIM conservatism parameter is on-average negative. We provide evidence on the types of firms for which the linear information dynamics appears to hold better or worse. More specifically, the firms with negative values of the parameter are significantly smaller, less profitable and experiencing lower growth rates than firms with positive values of the parameter. Moreover, the relation between accounting-based conservatism proxies and the LIM conservatism parameter is fairly strong for the subsample of firms with high levels of profitability.
Security Analyst Experience and Post-Earnings-Announcement Drift
Authors: Mikhail Michael B. , Walther Beverly R. , Willis Richard H.
Published: January 2017

Prior research suggests that various financial anomalies are related to investors' inability to process historical earnings and price information. In particular, analysts' failure to incorporate appropriately the serial correlation in earnings surprises provides at least a partial explanation for post-earnings-announcement drift. Because prior work documents that analysts more fully incorporate the information in prior earnings surprises as they gain experience, we examine if firms followed by more experienced analysts exhibit less drift. Measuring analyst firm-specific forecasting experience as the number of prior quarters for which the analyst has issued an earnings forecast for the firm, we find that post-earnings-announcement drift associated with firms with a more experienced analyst following is 18 percent less than that for firms with a less experienced analyst following. This result suggests that the efficiency of a firm's market price is affected by the aggregate experience level of its analyst following.
Stock Option Compensation and Earnings Management Incentives
Authors: Baker Terry , Collins Denton , Reitenga Austin
Published: January 2017

We examine whether the structure of executive compensation, specifically stock options relative to other forms of pay, is associated with opportunistic use of discretionary accruals in reported earnings. Prior research suggests that using options creates an incentive to temporarily depress the firm's stock price prior to the option award date, thereby lowering the exercise price of the options. We hypothesize, and find evidence, that relatively high option compensation is associated with income-decreasing discretionary accrual choices in periods leading up to option award dates. Furthermore, we find that this association is stronger when managers are able to publicly announce earnings prior to the option award date. Our results are consistent with the general implication from prior research that option compensation creates opportunistic incentives for managers to time the release of good and bad news to the market.
The Influence of Culture and Corporate Governance on the Characteristics That Distinguish Superior Analysts
Authors: Clement Michael B. , Rees Lynn , Swanson Edward P.
Published: January 2017

We identify characteristics of financial analysts that have been shown to be associated with relative forecast accuracy in the United States and examine these characteristics within 10 countries. We find that relative forecast accuracy is influenced by years of experience, size of the analyst's employer, and frequency of forecast issuance for many of these countries and show that the significance of experience and employer is conditional on the type of culture and corporate governance of the country.
How Good Is Good News? Technology Depth, Book-to-Market Ratio, and Innovative Events
Authors: Liu Qiao
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the stock market reactions to the U.S. biotech firms' innovation news announcements during 1983-93. In addition to the positive abnormal returns observed during the announcement period, the paper identifies a medium-horizon negative drift in the stock price subsequent to firms' innovative events. The observed negative drift is robust to the benchmarks and procedures used in calculating the abnormal returns. Cross-sectional analysis demonstrates that the postannouncement abnormal returns are positively related to a firm's technology depth (measured by research and development [R&D] intensity) and book-to-market ratio, negatively related to the size. The evidence favors the investor expectational errors hypothesis and suggests that R&D or other intangibles are market-value relevant in the high-tech firms.
On the Control of Public Service
Authors: Balachandran Kashi R. , Srinidhi Bin
Published: January 2017

An approach to planning and controlling the utilization of a public service center is studied. In particular, three concerns of dealing with public service are addressed: classification, measurement of differential utility, and development of approaches to aid efficient operation of public service centers. For a prespecified service center utilization level, we show that it will not be optimal, in general, to discriminate in favor of a single type of user to the exclusion of others. The diversification among classes of users may also result under prespecification of the expected arrival rate in addition to the service utilization level. The optimal proportion of users from each type is obtained for both the policies and are compared with popularly appealing policies. In addition, an accounting and control system to implement the suggested policies is developed based on flexible budgets for the service center.
Studies of the Toxicity of an Intravenous Fat Emulsion. I. Hematologic Changes and Survival After Administration of a Soybean Oil (FE‐S15) in Beagles
Authors: Remold Ekkehard W.
Published: January 2017

The potential toxicity of FE‐S15 (B. Braun‐Melsungen), a soybean‐oil fat emulsion used in parenteral nutrition, was studied in dogs. Forty pure‐bred beagles, in two experimental groups (FE‐S15 at 9 and 4 g/kg/day) and two corresponding control groups (receiving Dextrose‐Ringer;apos solution), were given daily infusions for 28 days via a central venous catheter. Vital signs and hematologic, biochemical, and bacteriologic changes were monitored closely. When compared with control groups, no significant weight loss was observed in either experimental group; the food intake decreased only in animals receiving fat in high doses. Hemoglobin and hematocrit decreased in all groups during infusion, the greatest fall observed in the group receiving high‐dose fat infusion where the hematocrit declined from 45.5% to 31.7%. This decrease was significantly different from the controls only during one observation period. Clinical signs, such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and fever were observed infrequently in both experimental and control animals, more often in those treated with high‐dose fat infusion. It appears that the fat emulsion FE‐S15 causes only minor side effects but otherwise is well tolerated in dogs at a potentially toxic level.
Ketosis and Nitrogen Excretion in Undernourished Surgical Patients
Authors: Rich A. J. , Wright P. D.
Published: January 2017

Hormonal and substrate profiles and urinary nitrogen and urea excretion were measured in 78 underweight patients admitted for surgical investigation, who were placed into either a normo‐ or a hyperketonemic group, depending upon their levels of acetoacetate and β‐hydroxybutyrate. The two groups were otherwise similar in terms of weight loss, arm muscle circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, and serum protein levels. Before surgery only one‐quarter of them were hyperketonemic displaying mean glucose, insulin, and glucagon levels characteristic of starvation‐adaption, and excreted significantly less urinary nitrogen than the normoketonemic group. Those patients who underwent surgery tended to retain their presurgery hormonal and substrate profile. The normoketonemic group excreted significantly greater amounts of urinary nitrogen, depleted body protein to a greater extent as evidenced by larger changes in arm muscle circumference and serum protein levels, and mortality was greater. Interference with insulin‐gluca'gon balance by sepsis and disease is suggested as a possible explanation for the failure of three‐quarters of the patients to become starvation‐adapted. The implications of this finding on the parenteral feeding of undernourished patients are discussed.
Enhancing Thematic Units Using the World Wide Web: Tools and Strategies for Students with Mild Disabilities
Authors: Gardner J. Emmett , Wissick Cheryl A.
Published: January 2017

Thematic units are one way that the World Wide Web can be used to support curriculum accommodations and enhance instruction for students with mild disabilities. This article presents key principles to consider when using Web-based activities. Strategies and resources to develop thematic units that use Web-based activities are recommended. Tools that enhance web-based learning for all students are identified. Together these tools, resources, and strategies represent items in a toolbox that help teachers construct thematic units that are meaningful and Web-enhanced.
Promoting Independent Performance of Transition-Related Tasks Using a Palmtop PC-Based Self-Directed Visual and Auditory Prompting System
Authors: Riffel Laura A. , Wehmeyer Michael L. , Turnbull Ann P. , Lattimore Jennifer , Davies Daniel , Stock Steven , Fisher Sherilyn
Published: January 2017

This study examined the use of a palmtop computer running a software program by transition-age students with cognitive disabilities to increase independence on vocational and independent living tasks. The purpose of this research was to test the hypotheses that a palmtop computer utilizing a Windows CE platform with touch screen capabilities and programmed with the Visual Assistant program would (a) decrease the need for external prompts from the instructor, (b) increase the number of steps completed in a given task without external prompts, and (c) decrease the duration of time spent on each task for students with intellectual disabilities. Four students from a large suburban school district who were receiving special education services under the category of mental retardation were included in this research. Research was conducted using a multiple-baseline, across-participants design. Baseline, intervention, and follow-up data were collected on vocationally-oriented or life-skill tasks in the student's existing educational program. Upon completion of baseline data collection, students were taught to use the palmtop with the Visual Assistant program. In the computer-use condition, students required fewer instructor prompts to complete the tasks and increased the number of steps that they completed independently. The potential benefit of applying technology to support transition-related tasks for students with mental retardation is discussed.
The Influence of AAC Device Type, Dynamic vs. Static Screen, on Peer Attitudes
Authors: Dudek Karen , Beck Ann R. , Thompson James R.
Published: January 2017

This study examined how children's attitudes toward a peer who used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) were influenced by type of AAC device accessed by the child for communication. Specifically, the influence of dynamic screens vs. static screens was investigated. Two videotapes were created. In one a child used a dynamic screen voice output AAC device to communicate, and in the other the same child used a static screen voice output AAC device. Children in grades 3 and 5 viewed either the dynamic screen or the static screen videotape. Gender was as evenly distributed between groups as possible. After viewing the videotape, children completed a measure of self-reported attitudes toward children who use AAC. Results indicated effects for gender only. No main effect was found for device type. The two-way interactions of grade x device type and of gender x device type were not statistically significant. The results are discussed along with clinical implications.
Play Outcomes and Satisfaction with Toys and Technology of Young Children with Special Needs
Authors: Hamm Ellen M. , Mistrett Susan G. , Ruffino Amy Goetz
Published: January 2017

This study examined parental preference of play outcomes and selection of toys and assistive technology used in meeting the identified outcomes for children, birth to 3, with developmental delays. Additionally, parent satisfaction related to how well selected materials assisted their child in meeting play outcomes was measured. Participants included families receiving assistive technology services to support play as part of an Early Intervention Program. Parents most often stated an interest in increasing play options as a play outcome for their child. Additionally, parents most often chose low-tech, off-the-shelf toys that encouraged functional play to help their child meet identified play outcomes, although no difference in satisfaction levels by type of toy was noted. Conclusions point to a need for interventionists and parents to encourage a variety of play through a variety of toys for children with special needs.
Assistive Technology and Literacy Learning: Reflections of Parents and Children
Authors: Jeffs Tara , Behrmann Michael , Bannan-Ritland Brenda
Published: January 2017

Literacy is important not only to school success but is fundamental to skills needed to succeed in our rapidly changing technology-driven society. This article focuses on characteristics, interactions, and attitudes of parents and children related to their use of assistive technologies to build literacy skills. Interviews and observations involving parents and children using a variety of assistive technologies, along with a synthesis of research literature provide a framework for discussion. A contextual background for technology use by parents and children examines (a) specific learning characteristics of parents and children selecting and using assistive technology, (b) the impact of technology on their attitudes in the literacy process, and (c) areas of support needed by parents and students in literacy learning. Parents and children used a combination of technologies to meet specific individual learning needs. As a result, customization of the learning task through the use of technology occurred and in return provided enhanced opportunities for engagement and interaction to take place. Parents and children began to learn from each other and from the technology.
The Efficacy of an Interactive Hypermedia Program for Teaching a Test-Taking Strategy to Students with High-Incidence Disabilities
Authors: Lancaster Paula E. , Lancaster Sean J. C. , Schumaker Jean B. , Deshler Donald D.
Published: January 2017

Increased demand for accountability in the public schools has led to an increase in the number of testing situations for all students, including students with disabilities. The purpose of this project was to develop and validate an interactive hypermedia (IH) program to teach a test-taking strategy to secondary-level students with disabilities. The program was designed to deliver a substantial portion of instruction needed for students to master the strategy. The strategy for which the IH was developed and tested in this study is The Test-Taking Strategy (Hughes, Schumaker, Deshler, & Mercer, 1988). With input from student, teacher, design, and technical consultants, the IH program was created. Students who have learning disabilities, behavior disorders, and other health impairments learned the strategy via the IH program. A multiple-baseline design was used to show the effects of the instruction. The effectiveness of the IH program in teaching students with learning disabilities to use the strategy was found to be comparable to live instruction. Further research is warranted to determine if this medium is feasible in inclusive classrooms and effective in teaching students other types of strategies.
Computer-Based Education for Learning Disabled Students: Teachers' Perceptions and Behaviors
Authors: Neuman Delia
Published: January 2017

A naturalistic study investigated the interactions among instructional elements of commercial courseware and learning disabled students and their teachers who used the material. Over a time span of 2 academic years, 62 students aged 9 to 18 and 7 teachers from five subject matter areas were observed and interviewed in regard to their day-to-day uses of 26 courseware packages. Findings reported in this article relate to teachers' strategies for introducing, augmenting, and integrating computer-based education (CBE) into ongoing instructional arrangements. Use of such interventions as amplifying directions, focusing students' attention, supplementing feedback, and teaching from the screen peaked during the introduction of new courseware and the provision of feedback and reinforcement. Integration strategies were neither elaborate nor systematically employed. Implications are noted for improving both courseware design and staff training in order to enhance the quality of students' and teachers' uses of commercial courseware.
Noncommercial Instructional Software for Students with Severe, Multiple Handicaps
Authors: Lewis Rena B.
Published: January 2017

A nationwide search was conducted to locate noncommercial instructional software appropriate for students with severe; multiple handicaps. Members of the Technology and Media Division of the Council for Exceptional Children were asked to identify locally developed programs; 46 Apple II series programs were obtained and analyzed for curricular content, mode of information presentation, and student response mode The most common curriculum areas were cause and effect training, language and communication, and cognitive development Authoring programs were well represented, while academic programs were relatively rare Programs presented information to students via graphics, color, and synthesized speech; text was less common. The most typical response mode was switch input Results suggest the existence of a substantive body of noncommercial software of potential value in the education of students with severe, multiple handicaps.
Observer Accuracy under Two Different Methods of Data Collection: The Effect of Behavior Frequency and Predictability
Authors: Van Acker Richard , Grant Sharon H. , Getty James E.
Published: January 2017

The present study compared the accuracy of observers employing momentary time sampling vs. continuous data collection systems when scoring behaviors that differed along the dimensions of frequency and predictability. Twelve trained observers were randomly assigned to one of the two methods of data collection when scoring a series of four videotapes of teacher-student interaction. The results indicated that there was no overall difference in observer accuracy between the two methods of data collection. Interesting disordinal interactions, however, were identified. Continuous data collection significantly enhanced observer accuracy when scoring high frequency behaviors and behaviors with high transitional probabilities to other behaviors. Continuous data collection, however, impeded accuracy when behaviors displayed low levels of predictability (low transitional probabilities). Momentary time sampling produced the most stable levels of observer accuracy. Some implications of these findings for the selection of recording procedures and observer training are presented.
Collaborative Networks Are The Organization: An Innovation in Organization Design and Management
Authors: Shuman Jeffrey , Twombly Janice
Published: January 2017

In August 2000, Peter Drucker made a startling prophesy: “The corporation as we know it is unlikely to survive the next 25 years. Legally and financially, yes. But not structurally and economically.” Nine years later, the business world is witnessing the realization of Drucker's prediction. Firms are slowly embracing the power of openness and innovation—not just products and services, but also processes and business models. This is a new way of being for businesses, to pursue opportunities while managing risks that come with globalization.

In this in-depth article, the authors dive deeply into what it means to collaborate, moving far beyond simplistic ideas of working together or having a strategic alliance. As the authors explain, collaboration happens in a network, as organizations open themselves up to a variety of stakeholders and communities. The network is dynamic and “fit for purpose,” with the agility to change the components and how they relate to each other legally and operationally as purpose and context evolves. Harnessing the strength of contributors, the network benefits and connects all parties in new and innovative ways. In short, the collaborative network is the organization.

The authors draw upon research findings, case studies, and examples from their consulting and operational experience with many different organizations and industries, including government entities, oilfield producers, pharmaceutical alliances, and basic science collaborations. The article illustrates, using real-world examples, the benefit of collaboration, the five factors of a successful network collaboration, the value proposition of the collaborative network, and the role of the network choreographer.
Impact of Task Types and CMC Technology on Exchange Quality: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Mehra Payal
Published: January 2017

While globally, computer-mediated communication (CMC) has emerged as a powerful and a more satisfying medium to facilitate organizational communication, its increased use, particularly in emerging economies, raises concerns relating to its efficacy particularly when compared to the more ‘natural’ face-to-face communication.

This paper examines the impact of CMC on the quality of organizational communication at the workplace. Analysing economic and relational dimensions of task performance, the paper investigates whether CMC enhances or debases the quality of interaction (exchange quality). Measured in terms of perceived satisfaction on economic and relational dimensions of task performance, the quality of exchange is examined with respect to three type of tasks — information generation, information sharing, and decision-making.

The five independent variables under study are: frequency of media use, media familiarity, media choice (to facilitate task/social interaction), quality of information sharing, and the strength of relational tie among the team members. These five variables are examined with respect to two configurations —e-mail and instant messaging (IM). The dependent variable is the quality of the interaction (exchange quality).

The results show that: the frequency of e-mail communication is a significant factor in facilitating effective communication. Frequent e-mail communication leads to media familiarity. Familiarity with CMC positively impacts satisfaction on task dimensions and results in improved communication. Satisfaction scores vary on the basis of the mode of communication. Users used e-mail as a rich medium to exchange task-related information, for analytical and judgmental tasks and as a lean medium for building relationships (especially at the brainstorming or information generation stage).

In comparison to e-mail, IM is not as effective both on economic as well as relational dimensions of task performance. Though a synchronous medium with a higher perceived social presence than the e-mail, it rated low on familiarity and information sharing aspects. The strength of the relational ties shared by the group had a positive impact on the quality of social interaction.

A large majority of the respondents opted for the FtF mode for information gathering task and the CMC mode for information exchange and decision-making tasks.
Study of an Active Vibration Isolation System
Authors: Takagami Teruo , Jimbo Yasuo
Published: January 2017

Improvements of performance of a vibration isolation table supported by an air-spring are attempted. A servo-control mechanism regulates the air in the air-spring so that the table can always remain immobile in spite of the vibrations of the floor. The principle of this servo-control is as follows. At the instant of upward movement of the table, the air in the air-spring is impelled to flow out. At the instant of downward movement of the table, the air is pushed to flow in.

In this paper, a method of determining an optimal control-signal, which regulates the air in the air-spring, is discussed from a learning control standpoint by a microcomputer. For periodic disturbances, adjustment of control signal for both amplitude and phase is applied. For random disturbances, adjustment of control gain only is applicable.
A Review of Low Frequency Noise Investigations by British Gas
Authors: Howell K. , Weatherilt P.F.
Published: January 2017

This report results from the work of a group convened to review the Low Frequency Noise complaints received by British Gas. The group was chaired by Mr. P.F. Weatherilt, Head of Environment, British Gas. The report was first issued in May 1992 and is reproduced here by permission of British Gas. Two Appendices in the original report are not included. The first describes the equipment used for continuous noise monitoring. The second is a paper published in 1987 by Dr. C.G. Lyle on Effective Control of Environmental Noise.
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome Associated with Impact Vibration
Authors: Pelmear P.L. , Kusiak R. , Leong D.
Published: January 2017

The data from 141 hand-arm vibration exposed workers examined for hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) was analyzed in a Cox regression model to determine whether smoking, alcohol, the use of gloves, duration of weighted vibration exposure, and vibration impulsiveness affected the rate of onset of Raynaud's phenomenon. The results show that workers with HAVS were more likely to be smokers. No association with alcohol was detected, but none of the men were heavy drinkers. While weighted acceleration levels affected the latent interval for finger blanching, the strongest association was with impulsiveness from high-level impact pneumatic tools (identified by a 20 dB or more difference between the weighted Leq component and the corresponding weighted peak acceleration in the dominant direction). This association had only been recognised previously in pedestal grinders, so its recognition in multiple hand tools has important implications for prevention methodology development and standard setting. The use of gloves was found to reduce the risk from high-level impact pneumatic tools.
Whole Body Vibration During Tractor Driving
Authors: Lines Jeffrey , Stiles Mathew , Whyte Robin
Published: January 2017

Levels of whole body ride vibration were measured on tractors and other agricultural vehicles during a wide range of normal field operations. Most of the drivers were found to be exposed to vibration levels exceeding that considered safe for 8 hours exposure per day. The highest vibration levels were on tractors doing transport tasks. Regular exposure to such vibration is considered a health risk if it exceeds 2½ hours per day. Daily vibration dose received by drivers was estimated from a sample of 60 tractor driving days. During half of these days, the drivers were exposed to a vibration dose considered by BS 6841 to cause severe discomfort and increased risk of injury. Whole body vibration on agricultural vehicles is therefore likely to be a significant long term health risk for tractor drivers.
Modelling of Catalyst Pellet Deactivation: An Irreversible Chemisorption Model
Authors: Brunovská A. , Buriánek J. , Ilavský J. , Valtýni J.
Published: January 2017

Deactivation caused by irreversible chemisorption of a catalyst poison of a single catalyst pellet is studied. Diffusion and shell progressive models are discussed. A numerical procedure is proposed and theoretical and experimental results are compared. Experimental data are obtained by measuring concentration and temperature time dependences due to thiophene poisoning in benzene hydrogenation over Ni/alumina catalyst in one pellet CSTR reactor.
Calorimetric Investigation of the Adsorption Properties of Microporous Aluminophosphate AlPO4−5
Authors: Thamm H. , Stach H. , Jahn E. , Fahlke B.
Published: January 2017

Differential heats of adsorption have been measured calorimetrically for benzene and n-hexane on AlPO4-5. Adsorption isotherms have been determined for benzene, n-hexane and H2O. The heat of adsorption for benzene on AlPO4-5 was found to be less than the heat of adsorption for n-hexane. Isotherms of all adsorbates investigated exhibited hysteresis loops. The hydrophilicity of AlPO4-5 is explained by capillary condensation and/or coordinately bonded water.
Surface Activity Coefficients in Adsorption at Liquid/Solid Interface
Authors: Dabrowski A. , Jaroniec M. , Ościk J.
Published: January 2017

The global surface activity coefficients characterizing nonideality of the surface solution generated by differences in molecular interactions and adsorbent heterogeneity are defined and studied. These activity coefficients may be evaluated from the excess adsorption data. It is shown that they are useful to formulate a simple unified description of liquid/solid adsorption involving effects of solution nonideality and adsorbent heterogeneity.
Sorption Uptake of the Molecular Mobility of n-Paraffins in ZSM-5 Type Zeolite
Authors: Bülow M. , Schlodder H. , Struve P.
Published: January 2017

Sorption uptake of propane and n-hexane on ZSM-5 type zeolite monocrystals has been investigated at 313 K and 323 K, respectively, by means of a constant-volume/variable-pressure method. In the case of propane no reliable information on the molecular mobility could be found. The intracrystalline diffusivity of n-hexane in the Na,H-ZSM-5 zeolite sample is 10−8 to 10−9 cm2s−1.
Mathematical and Experimental Modelling of Adsorption in Fixed Bed. I. Mathematical Model Development and Numerical Investigation of Nonisothermal Single Solute Adsorption
Authors: Rajniak P. , Ilavský J.
Published: January 2017

Mass and heat balances describing the process of a nonisothermal one-component adsorption in a fixed bed adsorber are formulated. The mathematical model permits simulation of bed performance under isothermal, adiabatic or nonisothermal-nonadiabatic conditions and incorporates heat and mass transport resistances within and around the adsorbent particle. Both heat and mass axial dispersion in the bed and moderate heat losses to the surroundings are considered. The adsorption equilibrium is described by a temperature-dependent Langmuir isotherm. The mathematical model is solved for different values of the physicochemical parameters. Numerical investigation results for different values of axial heat dispersion coefficient, effective pore diffusivity and overall heat transfer coefficient are compared with real adsorption data available from the literature.
Adsorption Model for the Removal of Acid Dyes from Effluent by Bagasse Pith Using a Simplified Isotherm
Authors: McKay Gordon , El-Geundi Mohammed , Nassar Mamdouh M.
Published: January 2017

The adsorption of two acid dyes, viz. Acid Red AR114 and Acid Blue AB25, on to bagasse pith, a waste material from the sugar cane industry, has been studied. Equilibrium isotherms and agitated batch contact time studies have been carried out. A mass-transfer model has been used based on a Langmuir-type isotherm at maximum saturation. This simple or pseudo-irreversible isotherm and the assumption of pore diffusion enables a pore diffusion mass-transfer model to theoretically predict the experimental concentration decay curves very rapidly.
Stochastic Properties of the Solution Vector of Parameters for the Model of the Partially Mobile Adsorption of a Single Gas on an Energetically Heterogeneous Microporous Adsorbent
Authors: Garbacz J.K. , Dabrowski M. , Kopkowska E.
Published: January 2017

For the previously formulated model of single gas adsorption on energetically heterogeneous microporous solids, two adsorption isotherms were generated — one for each distribution function of the localization energy dividing two neighbouring adsorption sites. Using numeric methods, a mass measurement error was ascribed to each point generated for both adsorption isotherms and an analysis of the influence of the normal distribution of this error on the type of distribution of the optimized parameter values was undertaken. The hypothesis regarding the agreement of the distributions of the parameter values for both energy distribution functions was verified. The work described was carried out for three arbitrary assumed values of the variation coefficients of the adsorbate mass measurement error.
Coal-Based Activated Carbons for the Removal of Sulphur Dioxide via Adsorption
Authors: Youssef A.M. , Mostafa M.R. , Dorgham E.M.
Published: January 2017

Zinc chloride-activated carbons and steam-activated carbons were prepared from Maghara coal. The textural properties were determined from low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. Zinc chloride activation is usually associated with the creation of new micropores while steam activation involves pore widening particularly when the percentage burn-off is high. The adsorption of SO2 on steam-activated carbon is high compared with ZnCl2-activated carbons. Steam activation develops surface basic groups which provide chemisorption sites for SO2. The adsorption of SO2 is enhanced in the presence of O2 and water vapour and involves the formation of sulphuric acid in this case. Sulphur dioxide adsorption is related to the chemistry of the carbon surface rather than to the extent of the surface area of the activated carbon.
Amyloidose der Herzklappen beim Hund
Authors: Schneider P. , Ernst E. , Trautwein G.
Published: January 2017

Histological examination of 80 dogs with endocardiosis showed five cases of amyloidosis of the heart valves. The diagnosis was based on positive reactions of several stains and histochemical tests and the demonstration of a characteristic fibrillar structure in the amyloid deposits with the electron microscope. The possible pathogenetic relationship of valvular amyloidosis to endocardiosis in aging dogs is discussed.
Endometrial Stromal Tumor in a Chimpanzee
Authors: Toft J. D. , Kenzie W. F. Mac
Published: January 2017

A 25-year-old female chimpanzee with disseminated tuberculosis also had two uterine tumors. One was a typical leiomyoma and the other, which occluded the uterine lumen, was composed of cells resembling normal endometrial stroma in its proliferative phase. It was diagnosed as an endometrial stromal tumor and was similar to that which occurs in the human female. This is the first report of this lesion in a nonhuman primate.
Of Pharaohs and Kings—Whence the Exodus?
Authors: Oblath Michael D.
Published: January 2017

A close correlation exists between the stories surrounding the Exodus (the ‘Exodus narrative’) and the stories dealing with the rebellions of Jeroboam against Solomon and Rehoboam (the ‘Jeroboam narrative’). The encounters between Moses and the two Pharaohs are proposed as parallel to the encounters between Jeroboam and these two Judaean kings. To determine which narrative is dependent upon the other, two analytical processes are utilized. The geographical sites commonly mentioned as visited during the Exodus are investigated within their biblical context. These locales indicate movement within and around Israel and its immediate neighbors (to the exclusion of Egypt), a movement essentially to the north. In addition, Exodus I contains a wordplay on the name Jeroboam, references to Solomon's imposition of corvée labor and a suggestion for the identification of the store-cities, Pithom and Rameses. Hence, the biblical account of the Exodus is an allegory, reflecting the time and events surrounding the reigns of Solomon and Rehoboam and the division of the Israelite Kingdom.
Who is ‘This’ in ‘“Who is This…?”’ (Job 38.2)? A Response to Karl G. Wilcox
Authors: Bimson John J.
Published: January 2017

K.G. Wilcox's reading of Job 38.2, in which Elihu rather than Job is accused of ‘darkening counsel by words without knowledge’, is shown to be untenable. His grammatical argument for a ‘third party’ in 38.2 overlooks the rhetorical device at work in God's question. The wider context of the question in the first divine speech, and Job's reference to the question in 42.3, both show that God's accusation applies to Job. Wilcox's claim that his reading resolves certain narrative tensions cannot be sustained; in fact it creates new ones.
The Fault of Memory
Authors: Orsi Robert A.
Published: January 2017

Conflict in immigrant communities between parents and children over the right way to live is cast in the idioms of geography. Immigrants tell their children stories about the place they left as a display of their deepest values and understanding of the world. This article explores the nature of this interaction in New York's largest Italian community, Italian Harlem, during a period of significant intergenerational tension. Most scholars of Italian America have suggested that the younger generation turned away from the traditions of their parents in favor of American styles and values. The article challenges this notion of tradition, maintaining instead that the articulation of a “tradition” is a complex cultural process which does not discover, but creates, the past in response to the needs and dilemmas of the present. “Southern Italy” was presented to younger Italian-Americans in such a way as to exclude them. An understanding of this often bitter intergenerational tension must be integrated into histories of the Italian-American family.
The Power of Culture
Authors: Mcdaniel Antonio
Published: January 2017

American Indian, African, and European culture distinguish American history from 1619 to 1870. Yet, African and American Indian cultures are given secondary importance in understanding the American population. This paper argues that culture is critical for a proper understanding of African American family patterns. The African American family is not simply a functional adaptation to new social conditions, but a product of history and culture that has been conducive to the survival of the African American family. The effect of racism and economic exploitation on the African population in America during slavery was tempered by its African past.
Understanding Being Queer: Exploring Sexuality and Sex Work
Authors: Sreerekha M. S.
Published: January 2017

The paper is an attempt to understand the concept of queer in the Indian context. The first part of the paper tries to look into the relationship between women ‘s movements and sexuality rights groups analysing what it means to be a queer in a feminist space and to be a feminist in a queer context. The second part of the paper looks at how sex work can be understood through queer theory and queer politics. For this, the paper addresses the debates on the definitions of who is a sex worker and the rights of sex workers raised by sex workers’ organizations/ movements. The autobiography of a sex worker by Nalini Jameela from Kerala, south India is used as a case study to analyse the usefulness of the concept of queer.