bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field Application of an Analytical Model for Estimating the Downhole Temperatures due to Wellbore Friction
Authors: Kumar Aniket , Singh Ajay Pratap , Samuel Robello
Published: July 2012

Wellbore friction has led to an increase in the temperature of the drilling fluid downhole as well as heating of the drillpipe and the bottomhole assembly. Severe downhole heating can lead to potential well-control safety issues and result in costly remedial efforts. An estimation of the increase in temperature of the drilling fluid downhole as a result of this wellbore friction will certainly help in taking measures to prevent such dire circumstances and will lead to an improved drilling plan.

This study uses a simple analytical model to analyze the heat generated from borehole friction and then predict the downhole temperatures at any depth in the well during a drilling operation. The torque acting on the drillstring as a result of contact forces has been used to model the heat generated from friction, and a steady-state heat transfer solution has been presented. The model also incorporates the heat generated downhole owing to frictional pressure losses along the drillstring as well as across the bit.

Practical field cases, including a horizontal well, have been presented in the paper to validate the model. Downhole temperatures of the drilling fluid have been calculated along the well profile using the model and then compared with the field data measured using MWD tools. The zones having the maximum increase in temperatures can be identified based on the temperature profile generated during the drilling operation. The impact of drilling parameters on temperatures has also been analyzed and can be used effectively to maintain a better check on undesired temperatures.

This simple analytical model can be suitably applied to field cases based on the well profile and can be effectively used to predict the maximum temperatures to be encountered downhole while drilling ahead as planned. An accurate estimation of maximum temperatures will help us prevent severe downhole friction heating in the future.
Study on the Well Control Safety During Formation High-Sulfur Gas Invasion
Authors: Dou Liangbin , Li Gensheng , Shen Zhonghou , Song Xianzhi , Chi Huanpeng , Du Tao
Published: July 2012

With the deepening of oil & gas reservoirs exploration and development, an increasing number of sour-gas reservoirs especially those with high content of H2S are developed in the world. Phase transition of high-sulfur gas or H2S will be easy to occur near the wellhead, and bottom-hole pressure reduces drastically, which possibly leads to serious blowout. Considering the special physical properties of high-sulfur gas and its possible phase transition in the wellbore, a mathematical model for wellbore flow and heat transfer during formation high sulfur gas invasion was established. The heat transfer and pressure were coupling calculated along with high-sulfur gas physical properties parameters, and a solution method of the model was proposed. The wellbore pressure and properties of gases with different content of H2S rising process along the wellbore were analyzed. The reason of high-sulfur gas easy to result in the problem of well control was presented. The paper exhibited the results of the bottom-hole pressure and depth of phase transition varying with different influx rate, injection rate, choke pressure and land surface temperature, and the reasons of wellbore pressure and phase transition influenced by these operating parameters were discussed respectively. The study is of certain significance for improving the safety of acidic oil & gas reservoirs exploration and development.
Through Tubing Technique Provides Solution to Gravel Pack Deeper Layer in Existing Gravel Packed Well
Authors: Rivero C. Maria Elba , Sepulveda Willem , Zaini Muhamad Zaki , Magna Bela Sunanda , Tusimin Fuziana Bt.
Published: July 2012

This paper is intended to describe the design and execution of the first through-tubing gravel pack (TTGP) performed in 2-7/8" tubing in an offshore field in Malaysia, the challenges faced as well as the lessons learned.

Petronas Carigali in Alliance with Schlumberger is currently operating this 25 years old brownfield. Most of its wells were drilled and completed in the mid 1980's and integrity issues are appearing more frequently. The production challenges encountered today range from maintaining stable and profitable rates as well as maximizing reserves and productivity. This must be achieved optimizing operating expenditures and finding solutions that minimize and reduce capital investments.

After close monitoring of production rates it was identified that the well in study was badly underperforming and after some surveys tubing integrity issues were detected in several sections of the production string. This well became a workover candidate and included in the work program and budget for intervention. During the stages of detailed design, an additional opportunity to develop a deeper layer was identified and added to the scope of the workover. Due to the low degree of consolidation of the shallow reservoir sands, this new layer required installation of sand control means.

The TTGP method was selected to access the oil of this prospective sand. This technique allows placement of a gravel pack below existing sandface completions at lower cost compared to a conventional workover intervention.

This paper details the solutions to the challenges faced as a consequence of existing well geometry, integrity and location of the new promising sand.

Despite of the technical and logistic challenges the job was performed below AFE and within technical limit estimates and with a packing factor above design. The TTGP is a low cost solution for sand control in wells with existing completion and behind casing opportunities. The presented well case has served as basis of design for two more wells on the same field and on another well on a neighboring field.
Integrated Optimization at 8000m in South China Sea
Authors: Jia Bessie Bing , Si Yang Li , Scaruffi William , Huang Ying Shi , Tran Thanh Binh , Habib Rana Khalid
Published: July 2012

The Huizhou (HZ) 25-4 oil field, in the Pearl River Mouth basin of the South China Sea, has multiple oil-bearing zones. To economically exploit this discovery, it was decided to use the already existing HZ 19-2 platform. This platform was located 6 km southwest of the target, which meant drilling extended reach wells to the target. The small drilling package on the platform, the need for extended reach drilling (ERD), and the stress directions contributed to the complexity of the drilling. To accommodate the stresses and the target, the well trajectories require more than 90° azimuth change toward the end. To reach the target, the well path must cross a fault and cut through geologically unstable formations. To optimally drain the thin oil- bearing sands, the well needs to be placed horizontally in the target, making these complex ERD wells.

The paper presents the integrated approach to optimization between the operator and the contractor to drill these challenging wells. The paper details the challenges of planning, executing, and refining the process of drilling consecutively more complex ERD wells, each with a progressively higher ERD ratio. The integrated approach involves various teams from engineering, subsurface, and operations support working closely to efficiently execute these complex wells. In addition, the paper examines the performance of new emerging technologies such as the continuous circulating system to address the wellbore instability caused by changes in equivalent circulating density (ECD) and the use of lightweight aluminum drillpipe to minimize torque, drag, and side forces. To minimize true vertical depth (TVD) uncertainty, a high-accuracy survey program combined with logging while drilling (LWD) were used to optimally land and place the well horizontally while minimizing tortuosity.
Reconciling observed and modelled phytoplankton dynamics in a major lowland UK river, the Thames
Authors: Lázár Attila N. , Wade A. J. , Whitehead P. G. , Neal C. , Loewenthal M.
Published: July 2012

This study aims to elucidate the key mechanisms controlling phytoplankton growth and decay within the Thames basin through the application of a modified version of an established river-algal model and comparison with observed stream water chlorophyll-a concentrations. The River Thames showed a distinct simulated phytoplankton seasonality and behaviour having high spring, moderate summer and low autumn chlorophyll-a concentrations. Three main sections were identified along the River Thames with different phytoplankton abundance and seasonality: (i) low chlorophyll-a concentrations from source to Newbridge; (ii) steep concentration increase between Newbridge and Sutton; and (iii) high concentrations with a moderate increase in concentration from Sutton to the end of the study area (Maidenhead). However, local hydrologic (e.g. locks) and other conditions (e.g. radiation, water depth, grazer dynamics, etc.) affected the simulated growth and losses. The model achieved good simulation results during both calibration and testing through a range of hydrological and nutrient conditions. Simulated phytoplankton growth was controlled predominantly by residence time, but during medium–low flow periods available light, water temperature and herbivorous grazing defined algal community development. These results challenge the perceived importance of in-stream nutrient concentrations as the perceived primary control on phytoplankton growth and death.
A Collaborative Effort to Address the Distribution of Plutonium-Contaminated Sludge in Livermore, California
Authors: Sutton Patrice , Cabasso Jacqueline , Barreau Tracy , Kelley Marylia
Published: July 2012

Plutonium releases from the U.S. nuclear weapons laboratory in Livermore, California resulted in the contamination of sewage sludge. Two research models to address the potential public health impacts of plutonium-contaminated sludge distribution were undertaken. One model was a collaborative approach that emphasized incorporating local knowledge into the scientific analysis and fostering the growth of mutually respectful relationships between scientists, governmental, and non-governmental collaborators. The second was a dose-assessment approach that utilized existing data to estimate radiological doses from exposure to plutonium contaminated sewage sludge and compared the estimated doses with those that have caused sickness or death. The two models reached different conclusions; neither addressed issues of intergenerational equity and primary prevention of exposure. Advancing an ethical research agenda will involve looking upstream of the contamination and working toward sustainable solutions to security that do not involve the public health threats embedded in the global embrace of nuclear weapons.
Investor relations on the internet: Analysis of companies on the Serbian stock market
Authors: Djordjevic Bojan , Djordjevic Mira , Stanujkic Dragisa
Published: July 2012

Stockholders and other interested parties used to exchange information in
writing by means of physical submission, while today with just a click on any
known company?s Internet page it is possible to acquire both the information
needed and its financial situation. The aim of this work is to indicate the
lack of corporate culture and investor communication on the Serbian stock
market by analyzing investor relations via the e-communication tools of some
of the best Serbian companies. This study investigates investor relations on
the Internet of companies listed on the Belgrade Stock Exchange (BELEX 15 and
BELEX LINE). For this purpose, the websites of the 20 largest listed
companies of the Republic of Serbia were screened for investor relations
items. Results obtained by using a three-stage model show that most companies
in Serbia are at the second stage of internet investor relations, i.e., where
information available through other sources is combined to better inform
investors. In the third stage companies use the full interactive
possibilities of the Internet for investor relations purposes. The author
also stresses that the quality of investor relations must be a part of every
company?s strategic vision.
Construction of a religious motivation questionnaire
Authors: Stojkovic Irena , Miric Jovan
Published: July 2012

The paper describes the construction of a new religious motivation
questionnaire. The construction was proceeded by an analysis which revealed
that the existing instruments for assessing religious motivation have
deficiencies and, most importantly, may not be suitable for use with persons
in adolescence or younger. In the first phase of the questionnaire
construction, a semi-structured interview was used on a sample of 111
respondents aged 10-25 from Belgrade. The interview findings suggested the
presence of religious motivation dimensions which are not contained in the
existing instruments. In the second phase, an initial pool of items,
formulated based on interview answers, was administered to a sample of 354
secondary school and university students from Belgrade. Principal component
analysis revealed five dimensions of religious motivation measured by the
constructed questionnaire: religion as ultimate value; religion as a means of
wish-fulfillment; religion as a source of emotional well-being; ideals and
morality; religion as a part of tradition; and tendency to meet social
expectations regarding religion. The questionnaire scales show excellent
reliability.
Stress and coping in adolescence: Are storms and tornados just a myth or reality?
Authors: Zotovic Marija , Petrovic Jelica , Majstorovic Nebojsa
Published: July 2012

The study was aimed to address three research questions: (1) what are most
common stressful events and how adolescents subjectively rate their
severeness, (2) how adolescents cope with stress events, and (3) are there
any differences in coping in relation to the intensity of stress events
experienced by adolescents. The study was conducted on the sample of 1504
adolescents from Vojvodina, age from 15 to 21. Participants were asked to
fill out a general demographic profile questionnaire, Stressful experience
scale, and A-COPE coping inventory. The results indicated a set of most
stressful events experienced by adolescents. Seeking support from friends and
avoidant behaviour were the most frequent coping mechanisms reported by
participants. It was also established that among adolescents with higher
level of stress, emotion focused strategies were used more often than among
adolescents that were exposed to less stressful events. The results were
discussed within the framework of existing theories and previous empirical
findings.
Dimensions of self-concept and sports engagement in early adolescence
Authors: Tubic Tatjana , Djordjic Visnja , Pocek Suncica
Published: July 2012

The aim of this paper is to examine the differences in particular dimensions
of selfconcept in female and male adolescents depending on sports engagement,
as well as to determine which domain-specific self-perceptions provide the
highest contributions to global self-worth in female and male adolescents
engaged in sport and those not engaged in it. This research included 400
subjects at early adolescent age, of both genders (235 females and 164 males)
further divided to sub-samples of athletes and non-athletes. An adapted
version of a scale Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents (Harter, 1988) was
applied, which consists of nine subscales. The obtained results indicate that
sport-engaged adolescents of both genders provide more favourable perception
of themselves in most tested aspects of self-concept than those not engaged
in an organized sports activity. Engagement in sport has special effect on
selfconcept of male adolescents. Results of multiple regression analysis
point out unambiguously the significance of self-perception of physical
appearance in global self-worth of adolescents of both genders, irrespective
of whether they are involved in sports activity or not.
On the star orbits in the Milky-Way bulge
Authors: Ninkovic S.
Published: July 2012

The Milky-Way bulge is studied through calculating the galactocentric orbits of imaginary bulge stars for initial conditions simulating the bulge. The author assumes a velocity distribution characterized by bulge rotation and isotropy of the residual velocities. The agreement between the obtained orbital elements and traditional geometry of the bulge is good, in favour of the assumptions concerning the velocity distribution. In spite of this the present author?s standpoint is that the isotropy of the residual velocities is not quite certain.
Micrometer measurements of double stars
Authors: Zulevic D.J. , Popovic G.M. , Pavlovic R.
Published: July 2012

A set of 71 measurements of double and multiple stars, carried out with the Large Zeiss Refractor 65/1055 cm of the Belgrade Observatory, is communicated. The bulk of these measurements, 41 in all, unpublished yet, is due to late D. Zulevic.
Stark broadening parameter tables for Kr II lines
Authors: Popovic L.C. , Dimitrijevic M.S.
Published: July 2012

In order to provide the Stark broadening data for ion lines from complex spectra, here we present calculated Stark widths and shifts for 37 Kr II lines. The calculations were performed by using the modified semiempirical approach. Also the obtained results have been compared with existing experimental and theoretical data.
On the disc and halo of the milky way through a study of star clusters
Authors: Nagl M.
Published: July 2012

The subject is the metallicity and the correlation between the metallicity and spatial distribution of star clusters of the Milky Way. The open star clusters are confirmed as good indicators for the population of the galactic disc, whereas the globular ones are confirmed as good indicators in the case of the galactic halo.
A note on singularities and the arrow of time
Authors: Cirkovic M.M.
Published: July 2012

An interesting thought experiment claiming to highlight the connection between singularities and the global arrow of time is re-analyzed, and a further specification suggested. Against the criticism of Price (1996), it is proposed that the original Penrose (1979) interpretation is still valid. Some ramifications of the result of our understanding of the cosmological arrow of time are sketched.
A galaxy study by using the line-density method
Authors: Ninkovic S. , Nagl M.
Published: July 2012

The authors calculate the line (number) density for various cases of spatial distribution concerning the galactic matter. They find that this projecting on the galactic rotation axis can offer an important contribution to achieving a good ramification of galactic subsystems.
Orbit orientation for binaries with orbital inclination i=90o
Authors: Popovic G.M. , Ninkovic S.
Published: July 2012

Among more than 1000 binaries there are 20 systems with orbital inclination i=90o ? 3o. Their spatial orientation is examined. It is concluded that almost 50% of them have quasi complanar orientation. The mean great circle representing this quasi complanarity has its pole at a position of ?=239.o2 ? 12.o3, ?=31.o8 ? 19.o7.
Newcomb’s data on ancient eclipses revisited1
Authors: Protitch-Benishek V. , Protitch M.B.
Published: July 2012

Relying on the Greek text related to Babylonian-Hellenic observations of lunar eclipses in Ptolemy?s 'Almagest' (Halma M., 1813) and by analysing some Arabian notes about solar and lunar eclipses - for which S. Newcomb found considerable deviations from the adopted theory - a re-analysis of his results and conclusions is herewith undertaken. The results of ancient data revision are based on Newcomb?s alternative presumption that these discrepancies are caused by one or more unknown long-term inequalities in the motion of the Moon. A quantitative analysis of ancient eclipse observations unambiguously indicates that they definitely are not to be rejected provided, of course, that they are interpreted in proper way.
An alternative mass model for galactic dark coronae
Authors: Ninkovic S.
Published: July 2012

A spherically symmetric mass distribution with two scale parameters for the dark corona of a (spiral) galaxy as an alternative to the usually applied quasi-isothermal sphere is considered. Examinations of the rotation curve produced by this distribution over a limited interval of the distance to the rotation axis show that it can be a successful alternative to the usual approximation of the quasiisothermal sphere. This is important taking into account that the potential formula considered in the present paper can be easily generalized towards axial symmetry.
Stark broadening parameter tables for in II: Part II
Authors: Dimitrijevic M.S. , Sahal-Brechot S.
Published: July 2012

Electron-, proton-, and ionized helium-impact broadening parameter tables for 101 In II multiplets, are presented as a function of temperature for the perturber density of 1016cm-3. Calculations have been performed within the semiclassical perturbation approach.
A variance-components analysis for the longitude-network adjustment
Authors: Perovic G. , Cvetkovic Z.
Published: July 2012

The problem of weights in the task of longitude-network adjustment has not been solved yet because the structure of the observational variances is unknown. During the adjustment of a part of the European Longitude Network in the framework of the project of including Belgrade in this network, new models of determining the components of observational variances were analyzed. These models offer a better description of the variance structure so that the weights are closer to their true values than those used up to now.
New orbital elements for 5 double stars
Authors: Olevic D. , Jovanovic P.
Published: July 2012

In this paper are presented recalculated elliptical and Thiel-Innes orbitatal elements for the following double stars: WDS05255-0033, WDS12272+2701, WDS 13336+2944 and WDS 21031+0132 (two versions). The elements of the pair WDS 06074+2640 = McA 25 are calculated for the first time.
Measured, calculated and predicted stark widths along a beryllium isoelectronic sequence in the 3s-3p transition
Authors: Djenize S. , Sreckovic A. , Kalezic S.
Published: July 2012

On the basis of the observed satisfactory agreement between recent experimental and calculated Stark width values with our earlier predicted ones along the beryllium isoelectronic sequence (BeI, BII, CIII, NIV, OV FVI, NeVII,..) new Stark width values have been predicted for high ionized emitters (NaVIII, MgIX, AlX, SiXI and PXII) in the 3s-3p transition interesting for astrophysical investigations.
The bronze-age astronomical finds in the territory of Serbia
Authors: Babovic Lj.
Published: July 2012

In the present paper it is shown that among the archeological finds at Vatin some 50 km north-east of Belgrade, there are primeval astronomical instruments: gnomon, metron along with the calendar records, belonging to the proto-astronomic age, which by their ornamental analogies are linked with the contemporaneous Mycenae culture (around 1500-1250. B.C).
The anthropic arrow of time and realistic world models: On Price and atemporal universe
Authors: Cirkovic M.M.
Published: July 2012

In recent attempts at building an atemporal ('tenseless') picture of the physical world, insufficient attention is devoted to processes giving rise to the cosmological arrow of time. Having regard to the new empirical findings and particularly to the epochal discovery of large effective vacuum energy density, the existing discussions of the topic need to be reassessed. In particular, the necessity of a new treatment of asymmetric temporal boundary conditions in an open universe is hereby put forward. Some errors and uncertainties implicit in the recent treatment of the problem of the cosmological arrow of time in the brilliant recent monograph of Prof. Price are briefly discussed. In addition, we discuss relevancy of the high level of complexity observable in living and intelligent beings in the universe for the question of time-reversal symmetry.
From Humans to Humanoids: the Optimal Control Framework
Authors: Ivaldi Serena , Sigaud Olivier , Berret Bastien , Nori Francesco
Published: July 2012

In the last years of research in cognitive control, neuroscience and humanoid robotics have converged to different frameworks which aim, on one side, at modeling and analyzing human motion, and, on the other side, at enhancing motor abilities of humanoids. In this paper we try to cover the gap between the two areas, giving an overview of the literature in the two fields which concerns the production of movements. First, we survey computational motor control models based on optimality principles; then, we review available implementations and techniques to transfer these principles to humanoid robots, with a focus on the limitations and possible improvements of the current implementations. Moreover, we propose Stochastic Optimal Control as a framework to take into account delays and noise, thus catching the unpredictability aspects typical of both humans and humanoids systems. Optimal Control in general can also easily be integrated with Machine Learning frameworks, thus resulting in a computational implementation of human motor learning. This survey is mainly addressed to roboticists attempting to implement human-inspired controllers on robots, but can also be of interest for researchers in other fields, such as computational motor control.
Siderophore production by Gram-negative rods isolated from human polymicrobial infections
Authors: Mokracka Joanna , Cichoszewska Ewa , Kaznowski Adam
Published: July 2012

Siderophore production by Gram-negative rods isolated from human polymicrobial infections

A total of 137 strains isolated from 67 mixed bacterial infections were examined for production and interchangeability of siderophores. The isolates comprised 109 strains belonging to 15 species of Enterobacteriaceae and 28 isolates of 6 species of non-fermenting rods. In 36 mixed infections (53.7%), the strains secreted siderophores of the same type. This concerned mostly strains belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae (46.3%), which produced enterobactin. We selected 37 pairs of strains that produced different siderophores. The strains examined were not able to use siderophores produced by the other isolate of the pair, except for 3 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that used chelators excreted by enterobactin-producing E. coli. Our research indicates that in mixed polymicrobial infections the interchangeability of siderophores is possible, although it seems to be rare. More common is the production and secretion of the same chelator by strains participating in one infection, which definitely leads to an increase in the amount of iron chelator at the site of infection and, consequently, may enhance the virulence potential of bacteria, as the amount of siderophore seems to be directly related to the pathogenicity of a strain.
Effect of fatty acid content on the level of cottonseed colonization by fungi
Authors: Aly Aly , Hussein Ezzat , Omar Moawad , El-Abbasi Ibrahim , Abd-Elsalam Kamel
Published: July 2012

Effect of fatty acid content on the level of cottonseed colonization by fungi

Non-sterilized seeds of 12 Egyptain cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) genotypes were examined for qualitative and quantitative estimates of seed-borne fungi. Rhizopus stolonifer (39.7%), Aspergillus niger (33.5%), and Penicillium sp. (23.3%) were the most predominant fungi isolated from the seeds. Other fungi occurred at frequencies that ranged from 0.3 to 17.7%. Gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) analysis of fatty acid composition of the seeds revealed the presence of the following fatty acids: caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, margaric, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic. The total mean percentage of the monounsaturated fatty acids was 59.11%, while that of the unsaturated fatty acids was 16.72%. Isolation frequencies of Alternaria alternata, A. flavus, A. niger were not significantly correlated with the content of any fatty acid. Isolation frequencies of the other fungi were significantly correlated with the content of 1-2 fatty acids. Cladosporium sp. was a notable exception because its isolation frequency was significantly correlated with the content of caproic (r = 0.926, p < 0.01), caprylic (r = 0.638, p < 0.05), palmitic (r = -0.586, p < 0.05), and linoleic acid (r = 0.917, p < 0.01). It was possible to group the isolated fungi into 5 distinct categories based on their sensitivity to the fatty acids (the magnitude of R2 values). The results of the present investigation suggest that certain fatty acids regulate the colonization of cottonseed by fungi, and that the control of these fungi may be possible by modifying the fatty acid content of the seed.
False spider mites (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) as pests on orchids (Phalaenopsis hybrids) in Poland
Authors: Łabanowski Gabriel , Soika Grazyna
Published: July 2012

False spider mites (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) as pests on orchids (Phalaenopsis hybrids) in Poland

So far, no false spider mites have been reported from orchids in Poland. This paper provides information about Tenuipalpus pacificus Baker, which was recorded for the first time in Poland, on Phalaenopsis hybrids imported from China. Diagnostic characters are also given for Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes), which was up to this time not found on orchids in Poland. It was earlier found on orchids only in Hawaii. The types of injuries caused by false spider mites and results of chemical control of T. pacificus with various acaricides are given. The best results were observed after repeated treatment with Ortus 05 SC (fenpyroximate).
Varying abundance and dispersal of the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836, Acari: Prostigmata: Tetranychidae) on Mi-tomato plants differing in allelic combination
Authors: Godzina Monika , Kiełkiewicz Małgorzata , Szymczykiewicz Katarzyna
Published: July 2012

Varying abundance and dispersal of the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836, Acari: Prostigmata: Tetranychidae) on Mi-tomato plants differing in allelic combination

It is well known that the presence of the Mi-1.2 gene determines the resistance of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to 3 root-knot nematode species and some insect herbivores of the order Hemiptera. In this study, the density and dispersal of two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) on tomato plants of 4 cultivars were evaluated under greenhouse conditions, to find out whether tomatoes differing in allelic combination of the Mi-1.2 gene exhibit similar or different resistance to the mite pest. The results show, for the first time, that the same initial number of mites develops into populations that vary in abundance and distribution depending on tomato allelic composition of the Mi-1.2 gene. The results indicate that the mite-pest develops more slowly on tomato plants of cultivar ‘Motelle’, carrying 2 dominant alleles for the Mi-1.2 gene, than on heterozygous ‘Altess F1’ tomatoes and both cultivars carrying only recessive alleles of this gene: ‘Moneymaker’ and ‘Plaisence F1’. This suggests that the Mi-1.2 gene may be involved in tomato resistance against spider mites when this dominant gene is expressed homozygously, but this needs to be verified by further research.
Adventures of the Proper Name in Tintin in Tibet
Authors: Samson Jacques
Published: July 2012

This reading of Hergé's Tintin au Tibet uses the notions of 'the daydream' and 'the haunting idea' in order to approach the text not at the level of its plot, but at that of the imaginary that underlies it, whose presence is betrayed through two series of obsessive reiterations and wordplays around the name of Tchang, the lost object of Tintin's quest. A digression via Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass establishes it as an important intertext, prefiguring Hergé's album in a number of ways: the metaphorical function of the chess game and its close association with the state of dreaming or daydreaming, and the way in which the use of language, particularly the proper name, becomes analogous to dreamwork as words exceed their literal meaning and slide along the signifying chain, destabilising meaning and identity. The article then focuses on Tintin au Tibet, demonstrating the key importance of the famous large panel on the second page, in which the word 'Tchang', cried out by Tintin on waking, is substituted by Hergé for any images of the dream itself. The reverberation of the word, and of words resembling it, is tracked through the remainder of the text, along with a more generalised problematic around proper names and a compulsive tendency to repetition, symptoms of an unconscious grappling with the elusiveness and fluctuating nature of self and other, ontological questions that linger after narrative resolution has been achieved.
Uncertainty and Dissent in Climate Risk Assessment: A Post-Normal Perspective
Authors: van der Sluijs Jeroen P.
Published: July 2012

Uncertainty complexity and dissent make climate change hard to tackle with normal scientific procedures. In a post-normal perspective the normal science task of "getting the facts right" is still regarded as necessary but no longer as fully feasible nor as sufficient to interface science and policy. It needs to be complemented with a task of exploring the relevance of deep uncertainty and ignorance that limit our ability to establish objective, reliable, and valid facts. This article explores the implications of this notion for the climate science policy interface. According to its political configuration the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) adopted a "speaking consensus to power" approach that sees uncertainty and dissent as a problematic lack of unequivocalness (multiple contradictory truths that need to be mediated into a consensus). This approach can be distinguished from two other interface strategies: the "speaking truth to power approach," seeing uncertainties as a temporary lack of perfection in the knowledge (truth with error bars) and the "working deliberatively within imperfections" approach, accepting uncertainty and scientific dissent as facts of life (irreducible ignorance) of which the policy relevance needs be explored explicitly. The article recommends more openness for dissent and explicit reflection on ignorance in IPCC process and reporting.
Energy Storage System with Voltage Equalization Strategy for Wind Energy Conversion
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Tao
Published: July 2012

In this paper, an energy storage system with voltage equalization strategy for wind energy conversion is presented. The proposed energy storage system provides a voltage equalization strategy for series-connected lead-acid batteries to increase their total storage capacity and lifecycle. In order to draw the maximum power from the wind energy, a perturbation-and-observation method and digital signal processor (DSP) are incorporated to implement maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm and power regulating scheme. In the proposed energy storage system, all power switches have zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) feature at turn-on transition. Therefore, the conversion efficiency can be increased. Finally, a prototype energy storage system for wind energy conversion is built and implemented. Experimental results have verified the performance and feasibility of the proposed energy storage system for wind energy conversion.
Supporting Regenerative Medicine by Integrative Dimensionality Reduction
Authors: Mulas F. , Zagar L. , Zupan B. , Bellazzi R.
Published: July 2012

Objective: The assessment of the developmental potential of stem cells is a crucial step towards their clinical application in regenerative medicine. It has been demonstrated that genome-wide expression profiles can predict the cellular differentiation stage by means of dimensionality reduction methods. Here we show that these techniques can be further strengthened to support decision making with i) a novel strategy for gene selection; ii) methods for combining the evidence from multiple data sets.

Methods: We propose to exploit dimensionality reduction methods for the selection of genes specifically activated in different stages of differentiation. To obtain an integrated predictive model, the expression values of the selected genes from multiple data sets are combined. We investigated distinct approaches that either aggregate data sets or use learning ensembles.

Results: We analyzed the performance of the proposed methods on six publicly available data sets. The selection procedure identified a reduced subset of genes whose expression values gave rise to an accurate stage prediction. The assessment of predictive accuracy demonstrated a high quality of predictions for most of the data integration methods presented.

Conclusion: The experimental results highlighted the main potentials of proposed approaches. These include the ability to predict the true staging by combining multiple training data sets when this could not be inferred from a single data source, and to focus the analysis on a reduced list of genes of similar predictive performance.
Clinical Achievements, Obstacles, Falsehoods, and Future Directions of Cell-Based Neurorestoratology
Authors: Huang Hongyun , Chen Lin , Sanberg Paul R.
Published: July 2012

Neurorestoratology is a newborn and emerging distinct discipline in the neuroscience family. Its establishment will definitely speed up the advance of this promising frontier realm. A worldwide association for Neurorestoratology and several official journals covering this discipline have recently been set up. Clinical practice has demonstrated that the sequelae of damages and diseases of the CNS can be functionally restored to some degree. Obstacles that hinder the promising methods of Neurorestoratology to be translated from the bench to the bedside include political, governmental, religious, ethical, economic, and scientific factors or in most instances they work in combination. Falsehoods against the recognition of neurorestoratology include: 1) no therapeutic method is currently available that suggests that it is possible to repair, even partially, neurological functions; 2) according to the media, a cure will be very soon found for patients with severe spinal cord injury, brain trauma, and progressively deteriorated CNS degenerative diseases; 3) randomizing double blind control designed studies are the only gold standard for clinical study; self-comparison designed studies should be ignored and neglected. Future directions for neurorestoratology include the comparison and integration of current and upcoming available neurorestoration methods to look for the optimization regimes, and edit and publish clinical neurorestoratology treatment guidelines.
Clinical Observation of Fetal Olfactory Ensheathing Glia Transplantation (OEGT) in Patients with Complete Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Wu Jun , Sun Tiansheng , Ye Chaoqun , Yao Jianhua , Zhu Bing , He Hongying
Published: July 2012

This study was designed to observe the functional changes after fetal olfactory ensheathing glia transplantation (OEGT) into the spinal cord of patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Patients whose recovery had plateaued for longer than 6 months were enrolled. Six thoracic patients were tested for safety and five cervical patients for efficacy. OEGT was performed according to the method developed by Huang. Average follow-up was 14 months (range 1.0–1.5 years). Sensation improved moderately (light touch 14.2, pin prick 13.6); as did spasticity (1–2 modified Ashworth scale down). Locomotion recovery was minimal (1.6). Useful reticular formation functions were observed, but due to a lack of appropriate outcome measure, they were not recorded and reported.
Media and Information Literacy: Pedagogy and Possibilities
Authors: Wilson Carolyn
Published: July 2012

This paper will present an overview of UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Curriculum for Teachers. This overview includes an exploration of key program areas for trainers in order to teach key issues related to MIL and the competences needed for developing programs. These program areas include: a conceptual and organizational framework; production and use of information; media texts and information sources; evaluation and analysis; media audiences; democratic discourse and social participation; approaches for curriculum adaptation, and pedagogical approaches for the classroom (textual analysis, contextual analysis, case study, translation, simulation and production). After introducing these key areas of the program, the paper will conclude by offering recommendations for the successful development, adaptation and implementation of MIL Programs. Main recommendations are: curriculums leaders have to be available for training, support and consultation, promotion of teachers network who are implementing MIL initiatives, inclusion in official papers of educational curriculums, analyzing needs of the students before implementing modules of the curriculum, facilitating online resources for teachers, professionalizing MIL teachers, promoting collaboration between community members (family, teachers, students, other stakeholders), and finally research to identify best practices and new trends to be developed.

Este artículo presenta una visión general del Currículum UNESCO de Alfabetización Mediática e Informacional (MIL) para profesores, mostrando las áreas clave y temas relevantes del programa, así como las competencias necesarias para desarrollar estrategias didácticas de alfabetización mediática. Las áreas incluyen: un marco conceptual y organizativo; producción y uso de la información; textos mediáticos y fuentes de información; su evaluación y análisis; audiencias mediáticas; debate y participación social; los modelos de adaptación del currículum, y los modelos pedagógicos a utilizar en el aula (análisis de texto, análisis del contexto, estudios de caso, traducción, simulación y producción). Una vez presentadas las áreas clave del programa, se presenta una serie de recomendaciones para el desarrollo, adaptación e implementación del Currículum UNESCO con éxito. Así se destaca que la importancia de la formación de los líderes; la importancia de los soportes y el asesoramiento; la promoción de redes de profesores implicados; inclusión de la alfabetización en los documentos oficiales educativos; el análisis de las necesidades de los estudiantes antes de la implementación de los módulos en el currículum; la urgencia de facilitar recursos on-line al profesorado; de profesionalizar el profesorado; de promover la colaboración entre los miembros de la comunidad (familias, profesorado, estudiantes, y otros agentes), y finalmente promover la investigación en alfabetización mediática para identificar las mejores prácticas y las nuevas tendencias en el campo de estudio.
Challenges and Risks of Internet Use by Children. How to Empower Minors?
Authors: Tejedor-Calvo Santiago , Pulido-Rodríguez Cristina María
Published: July 2012

The aim of this paper is to reflect critically, using the latest data taken from reports, research, publications and other sources, on how to empower children in their daily Internet browsing given current online risks. These risks faced by children are a real concern for teachers, families and researchers and this article will focus on analyzing those online risks which produce the most emotional distress for children, namely grooming and cyberbullying. The use of the Internet, and the ease with which information or situations can be seen on it, has broken the social taboos associated with the risks that children are exposed to. Data such as 44% of children in Spain having felt sexually harassed on the Internet at any time in 2002, or 20% of U.S. children suffering cyberbullying according to a survey of 4,400 students in 2010, indicates the severity of the problem. Therefore, as stated in UNESCO’s MIL Curriculum for Teachers (Media and Information Literacy), it is necessary to work on the responsible use of the Internet by children and to empower them to reduce the possibility of them becoming future victims or bullies. At the end of the article we will develop a list of recommendations to be considered in the design of educational activities focused on the critical training of the minor’s use of the Internet.

El objetivo de este artículo es reflexionar críticamente, a partir de una selección de últimos informes, investigaciones, publicaciones y otras fuentes, sobre las orientaciones de cómo «empoderar» a los y las menores frente a los riesgos on-line actuales. Entre los diferentes riesgos quisiéramos destacar los que más violencia emocional producen; las situaciones de «grooming» o ciberacoso, cada vez más visibles y urgentes de prevenir conjuntamente. El uso de Internet y la facilidad de visibilizar cualquier información o situación ha permitido romper el tabú social respecto a estos riesgos. Datos como el que el 44% de menores en España se había sentido acosado sexualmente en Internet en alguna ocasión en el 2002, o el que el 20% de niños en Estados Unidos sufría ciberacoso, según una encuesta realizada a 4.400 estudiantes en el 2010, nos indican la gravedad de la problemática. Por ello, tal y como se recoge en el Currículum MIL de la UNESCO para profesores (Media and Information Literacy), es necesario trabajar el uso responsable de Internet por parte de los y las menores, para empoderarlos evitando que puedan convertirse en futuras víctimas o acosadores. A partir de los riesgos reales que pueden padecer, así como las respuestas científicas y sociales que se han dado al respecto, elaboraremos una serie de recomendaciones a tener en cuenta en el diseño de actividades educativas enfocadas a la capacitación crítica de los y las menores en cuanto su uso de Internet.
Bâle 3 et la réhabilitation du ratio de levier des banques
Authors: Rugemintwari Clovis , Sauviat Alain , Tarazi Amine
Published: July 2012

Résumé Depuis la crise des subprimes , une grande refonte du cadre réglementaire des banques s’est engagée aboutissant, en décembre 2010, à la publication du dispositif connu sous le nom de Bâle 3. Parmi ses éléments constitutifs, il y a notamment le retour de la contrainte sur le levier des banques. Cet article expose les justifications théoriques de la nécessité de cette contrainte en complément du ratio de capital pondéré ainsi que les enseignements des expériences américaine et canadienne de coexistence de ces deux contraintes. Elle discute ensuite de la mise en œuvre de ce ratio de levier telle qu’elle est envisagée dans Bâle 3.
Interactions in the New Keynesian DSGE Models: The Boltzmann–Gibbs Machine and Social Networks Approach
Authors: Chen Shu-Heng , Chang Chia-Ling
Published: July 2012

The Boltzmann–Gibbs distribution is currently widely used in economic modeling. One of the applications is integrated with the DSGE (Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium) model. However, a question that arises concerns whether the Boltzmann–Gibbs distribution can be directly applied, without considering the underlying social network structure more seriously, even though the social network structure is an important factor of social interaction. Therefore, this paper proposes two kinds of agent-based DSGE models. The first one belongs to mesoscopic modeling in formulating the social interaction with the Boltzmann–Gibbs machine, and the other one belongs to microscopic modeling in that it is augmented by the network-based ant machine. By comparing the population dynamics generated by those different agent-based DSGE models, we find that the Boltzmann–Gibbs machine offers a good approximation of herding behavior. However, it is difficult to envisage the population dynamics produced by the Boltzmann–Gibbs machine and by the network-based ant machine as having the same distribution, particularly in popular empirical network structures such as small world networks and scale-free networks. Thus, the social interaction behavior may not be replaced by the Boltzmann–Gibbs distribution.