bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geomechanics Mechanisms in Microseismicity Generation Near Natural Fractures Induced by Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Han Y. , Hampton J. , Li G. , Warpinski N. R. , Mayerhofer M. J.
Published: November 2013

Economic success producing oil/gas from low-permeability shale often relies on pre-existing natural fractures (NFs) to be activated or connected by hydraulic fracturing (HF) stimulation. In practice, the reactivated natural fracture network is often identified using the microseismicity (MS) monitored during the stimulation. However, the fundamental mechanisms of MS generation and focal mechanisms inferred from geophysical analysis near hydraulic fractures are not currently well understood (e.g., it is not clear whether the MS observed in the field can be mainly attributed to local shear slip along natural fractures when leakoff occurs and/or induced by stress changes as a result of HF propagation or fluid leakoff). The exact slippage area and amount of slip displacement generating the microseimic event are not well understood either, thus requiring a “bridge” between geomechanics and geophysics. To bridge this gap, a set of experiments will be performed in a geomechanics laboratory to observe whether, when, where, and how the acoustic emission (AE) events are generated under various scenarios. The experiments are designed under the guidance of fracture flow-discrete element method (DEM), coupling geomechanical simulations. In this paper, the reliability and accuracy of the fracture flow-DEM coupling approach is validated through solving a few fundamental problems and comparing the numerical simulation results with the corresponding analytical solutions. The coupling approach is then applied to simulate and optimize two fundamental laboratory experiments. The simulations indicate that, despite the difference in the magnitude, the local slip along natural fractures could be induced by both fluid leakoff and stress changes.
New Multi-Zone Stimulation Method Reduces Water Requirements and Operational Costs in the Spearfish Formation
Authors: Olson Keith , Al-Ssalmani Zeyad , Dunlop Tyson , McNeil Fraser
Published: November 2013

Advanced Multi-Stage completion methods are game changers for oil and gas companies, turning previously uneconomic formations into attractive investments. The challenge in the Spearfish formation is generating and propagating the size of fracture required to maximize oil recovery, while avoiding penetration into an underlying water zone.

In the Spearfish formation the typical completion methods use pre-installed burst ports or pre-perforated zones, where each are isolated using a straddle system and then treated individually. These methods have shown to be especially effective; however, complications with burst ports not opening or not being properly located downhole have resulted in significant downtime and additional cost. Pre-perforated intervals have resulted in difficulty achieving breakdown and have also shown more communication issues to other zones. Additionally, these methods fix the depths at which treatments can be placed before the job begins, resulting in missed pay if unplanned events occur.

This paper introduces a new coil tubing deployed system which uses Hydrajet Assisted Fracturing (HJAF) technology to lower treatment pressures and optimize fracture extension in the zone of interest. This process offers a low-risk, operationally flexible, and efficient multi-stage stimulation method designed to reduce the time between stages and minimize the total fluid pumped into the reservoir. Also included is a detailed case history in the Spearfish that demonstrates how this process can maximize return on investment (ROI) for the operator.
Promoting Environmental Protection while Boosting Shale Gas Development in China
Authors: Yuan Jiehui , Luo Dongkun , Feng Lianyong
Published: November 2013

Shale gas, due to its clean-burning and efficient nature, is becoming an increasingly popular and important alternative energy resource. Boosting shale gas development will gradually play a significant role in effectively improving energy structure, increasing living standards and quality, promoting energy conservation and emission reduction in China. This can provide a crucial guarantee for China to implement economic transformation strategy, developing low-carbon economy and green economy. Simultaneously, numerous concerns have been currently raised about the potentially adverse environmental impacts of shale gas development. Accordingly, reducing the possibly negative environmental impacts as much as possible in order to decrease the resistance of shale gas development is the key issue which urgently needs to be addressed.

This paper conducts the study by means such as literature review, field investigation, conference communication, and presents some solutions and measures in terms of technologies and practices, HSE management, government regulation, and others, to prevent the potential negative environmental impacts of shale gas development in China. Alleviating the potential negative environmental impacts to a certain extent with rational use of these methods and measures proposed can conduce to develop shale gas resources by an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. Then, it would adde more impetus for shale gas development in China to continue to move forward.

Compared with the previous common practices of resources development by "treatment after pollution", this paper focuses on intensifying environmental protection efforts while accelerating shale gas development. To enhance environmental protection when promoting shale gas development will not only help shale gas development to play a greater role in environmental protection, but also can promote China’s shale gas industry healthy and sustainable development. This study can provide good references for related government departments and enterprises which are engaged in shale gas development to develop appropriate decision-making correspondingly. That will be conducive to achieve the harmonious development of shale gas development and environmental protection.
Intensive Production Enhancement of a Low-Permeability Oil Reservoir
Authors: Li Dongmei , Dalamarinis Panagiotis , Economides Michael J.
Published: November 2013

Hydraulic fracturing, which has had a long and well established place in petroleum production engineering, especially in the mature areas of North America, has emerged recently with equally large role to play in China. Tight reservoirs including shale gas have promoted Chinese fracturing activities to ever higher levels. Western design and execution techniques have been adopted and modified.

We present field examples for the Shun 9, a low-permeability oil reservoir (permeability ranges from 0.001 to 0.1 md) in North-Western China for which horizontal wells with multiple fractures appear to be the only choice for some credible production. The physical optimization in this work is done with the Unified Fracture Design (UFD), partitioning the well length and employing a large number of fractures. Design of each fracture is treated separately with an allocated drainage area allowing different aspects ratios in each iteration of design.

The UFD approach is augmented by a net present value (NPV) calculation allowing for the critical economic optimization. In past work NPV has been a decisive element in the optimization process, because it utilizes operational costs and hydrocarbon production to evaluate reservoirs which are candidates for exploitation strategies. The number of fractures per well, their spacing and the size of the fractures are the results of this optimization. Actual treatment variables are presented, including all injection variables, fluid and proppant properties.

Based on post-treatment well performance, the entire project presented here is marginal when considering economics e.g., the best is a 5-year NPV of $5 million for a horizontal well with four-transverse fractures. A comprehensive approach is required for this reservoir, optimizing well architecture and costs. What we present in this paper is the procedure to achieve the best physical optimization, followed by the proof of economic viability through the NPV calculation.
Application of Dual-String Production and Produced Water Re-Injection Technology into Underlying Bed: Gremikhinskoe Field Case Study
Authors: Vershinin S..
Published: November 2013

Injection of produced water through production wells into underlying horizon is an advanced technique of formation water disposal, without lifting water on the surface. The effectiveness of this method lays in considerable economy of energy and material resources at well production, preparation of commercial oil, prevention of corrosion, depreciation and scale precipitation due to reduction of ineffective pumping of the produced fluid. This technology is also effective because helps to solve the problem of inefficient development of the reservoirs with low reservoir pressure. Forecasted economic potential at implementation of Commingled Production and Injection Technology in five wells will count more than 100 MRb per year, and this is not taking into account the need to drill additional network of wells to maintain reservoir pressure, because both production and injection is carried out within a single wellbore.
The Innovative Approach to Use of Emulsion Drilling Fluid – Reversible Inverted Drilling Fluid
Authors: Popov S. G. , Natsepnskaya A. M. , Okromelidze G. V. , Garshina O. V. , Khvotscin P. A. , Grebneva F. N. , Nekrasova I. L.
Published: November 2013

A new type of emulsion drilling muds is developed, i.e. reversible invertible drilling mud (RIDM). RIDM is capable to change an emulsion type on a reciprocal (eversible) basis affected by a vatiety of chemical inverters; thus it can change its processing behavior from OBM to water–base solution and vice versa. The topic of discussion is methods and approaches used for transition oil-in-water emulsion into inverted (water-in-oil) emulsion and vise versa. Application of RIDM technical process is described. Process characteristics of RIDM are specified. Changes in emulsion microstructure during phase inversion are investigated. Performance analysis of RIDM application in field conditions is given.
Intelligent Services for Building Information Modeling - Assessing Variable Input Weather Data for Building Simulations
Authors: Balaras Constantinos A. , Kontoyiannidis Simon , Dascalaki Elena G. , Droutsa Kaliopi G.
Published: November 2013

Building Information Modeling (BIM) for optimizing the total lifecycle cost of buildings is a challenge even
today. Inadequate software interoperability, high costs as a result of the fragmented nature of the building industry, lack of
standardization, inconsistent technology adoption among stakeholders are just some of the obstacles that architects and
engineers face. However, optimization requires a structured procedure that enables continuous changes in design variables
and assessment on energy consumption. A holistic building design and construction are already introduced in Europe
through the energy performance of buildings directive (EPBD). The requirements have been strengthened by the EPBD
recast for achieving cost optimal building designs for the life cycle of the building, moving towards nearly zero energy
buildings by the end of the decade. BIM and intelligent services could play a crucial role in these efforts with improved
visualization and productivity due to easy retrieval of information, increased coordination of data and exchange of information,
all leading to a reduced cost for the design of energy efficient buildings. An ongoing European research project
aims to contribute to these needs by developing a Virtual Energy Laboratory that will support building energy performance
simulations taking into account the stochastic nature of input parameters and processes. This will be supported by information
communication technology features utilizing the necessary computational power through cloud computing. This
paper presents an overview of the ongoing efforts and focuses on results for assessing the impact of different input
weather and climate data that are pertinent in building load and energy performance calculations.
Assessment of the Life Cycle Environmental Impact of the Olive Oil
Extraction Solid Wastes in the European Union
Authors: Cossu Angela , Degl’Innocenti Stefania , Agnolucci Monica , Cristani Caterina , Bedini Stefano , Nuti Marco
Published: November 2013

There is an increasing interest in developing sustainable systems in the European Union (EU) to recover and
upgrade the solid wastes of the olive oil extraction process, i.e. wet husk. A Life Cycle Environmental Impact Assessment
(LCIA) of wet husk has been carried out aiming at facilitating an appropriate Life Cycle Management of this biomass.
Three scenarios have been considered, i.e. combustion for domestic heat, generation of electric power, and composting.
The Environmental Product Declaration and the ReCiPe method were used for Life Cycle Impact Assessment. Domestic
heating and power generation were the most important impact factors in damaging human health, ecosystems, and natural
resources depletion. Composting was 2-4 orders of magnitude less impacting than domestic heat and power generation.
Considering human health, the impact of climate change, human toxicity and particulate matter formation represented the
main impact categories. Considering ecosystems, climate change and natural land transformation were the main impact
categories. Within natural resources, fossil fuel depletion was impacted three orders more than metal depletion. Within
domestic heating and power generation scenarios, storage of wet husk along with the extraction by organic solvent, and
the waste treatment were the most impacting phases for global warming potential, ozone layer depletion, acidification and
non renewable fossil resources depletion. The results obtained for the waste disposal have been comparatively assessed
with respect to the environmental impact of the olive oil production chain.
Misinterpretation of calcified oligoastrocytoma on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kozic Dusko , Ragaji Aleksandar , Semnic Robert
Published: November 2013

nema
An outbreak of Aspergillus species in response to environmental conditions in Serbia
Authors: Levic Jelena , Gosic-Dondo Snezana , Ivanovic Dragica , Stankovic Slavica , Krnjaja Vesna , Bocarov-Stancic Aleksandra , Stepanic Ana
Published: November 2013

The frequency and incidence of A. flavus and A. niger on barley, maize,
soybean, sunflower and wheat grain, the abundance of European corn borer
(Ostrinia nubilalis) moths and their interaction depending on weather
conditions in the 2008-2012 period were studied. Under the agroecological
conditions of Serbia, the species A. niger is more frequent than A. flavus,
and concerning the crop species, its frequency is highest in kernels of
sunflower, than soybean, maize, barley and wheat. A. flavus was extremely
dominant on all plant species in 2012 regarding its frequency: 100% on
soybean, 95.3% on maize, 65.2% on barley, 57.1% on sunflower and 45.8% on
wheat. Furthermore, the incidence of A. flavus was higher in 2012 than in
previous years. The uncommonly high frequency and incidence of A. flavus
infestation of maize grain in 2012 were caused by extremely stressful
agrometeorological conditions, high temperatures and drought over the period
from flowering to waxy maturity of maize. The precipitation factor (Pf =
precipitation sum / average monthly temperature) showed that 2012 was
extremely arid in June (Pf = 0.57), July (Pf = 1.45), August (Pf = 0.15) and
September (Pf = 1.42). European corn borer (ECB) was a second factor causing
intensive occurrence of A. flavus on maize grain in 2012. The maximum flight
of ECB moths was recorded as early as in July (5,149) and, as a result of
this, high damage and numerous injuries were detected at harvest. Those
injuries were covered by visible olive-green powdery colonies typical of A.
flavus. In the chronology of A. flavus occurrence, these are the first data
on its very high frequency and incidence under the agroecological conditions
of Serbia. As intensive infections with A. flavus were rare in the past 50
years, the level of aflatoxins in maize grain was low.
Temperature effects on Cuscuta campestris Yunk. seed germination
Authors: Saric-Krsmanovic Marija , Bozic Dragana , Pavlovic Danijela , Radivojevic Ljiljana , Vrbnicanin Sava
Published: November 2013

Studies of biological characteristics of seeds and conditions for their
germination have a major importance for planning and executing rational
measures of weed control. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect
of different temperatures on germination of C. campestris seeds. Three
treatments (T1- storage at room temperature; T2 - exposure to 4?C for 30
days; T3 - scarification by concentrated sulphuric acid) differing in
manipulation with seeds before germination were tested at different
temperatures (5?C, 10?C, 15?C, 20?C, 25?C, 30?C, 35?C, 40?C, 45?C).
Germinated seeds were counted daily for ten days and the length of seedlings
was measured on the last day. The results showed that differences in
germination of C. campestris seeds were very prominent between temperatures,
as well as between treatments T1, T2 and T3. Seeds failed to germinate at 5?C
and 45?C in all treatments (T1, T2, T3). Germination ranged from 6.25 at 10?C
to 96.88%, the highest percentage, achieved at 30?C.
Construction of the mutually orthogonal extraordinary supersquares
Authors: Ghiu Cristian , Ghiu Iulia
Published: November 2013

Our purpose is to determine the complete set of mutually orthogonal squares of order d, which are not necessary Latin. In this article, we introduce the concept of supersquare of order d, which is defined with the help of its generating subgroup in $$\mathbb{F}_d \times \mathbb{F}_d$$. We present a method of construction of the mutually orthogonal supersquares. Further, we investigate the orthogonality of extraordinary supersquares, a special family of squares, whose generating subgroups are extraordinary. The extraordinary subgroups in $$\mathbb{F}_d \times \mathbb{F}_d$$ are of great importance in the field of quantum information processing, especially for the study of mutually unbiased bases. We determine the most general complete sets of mutually orthogonal extraordinary supersquares of order 4, which consist in the so-called Type I and Type II. The well-known case of d − 1 mutually orthogonal Latin squares is only a special case, namely Type I.
Estimating the adsorption energy of element 113 on a gold surface
Authors: Rusakov Alexander , Demidov Yuriy , Zaitsevskii Andréi
Published: November 2013

We report first-principle based studies of element 113 (E113) interactions with gold aimed primarily at estimating the adsorption energy in thermochromatographic experiments. The electronic structure of E113-Aun systems was treated within the accurate shape-consistent small core relativistic pseudopotential framework at the level of non-collinear relativistic density functional theory (RDFT) with specially optimised Gaussian basis sets. We used gold clusters with up to 58 atoms to simulate the adsorption site on the stable Au(111) surface. Stabilization of the E113-Aun binding energy and the net Bader charge of E113 and the neighboring Au atoms with respect to n indicated the cluster size used was appropriate. The resulting adsorption energy estimates lie within the 1.0–1.2 eV range, substantially lower than previously reported values.
Blood and body fluids: knowledge, attitude and practice of medical students in Ajman, UAE
Authors: Sreedharan Jayadevan , Muttappallymyalil Jayakumary , Venkatramana Manda
Published: November 2013

The health care workers should be aware of Universal Work Precaution (UWP) as there is an increased risk of exposure to infectious diseases which is considered mainly due to accidental exposure to blood and body fluids. This study mainly aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of medical students on blood and body fluids at Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study subjects constituted 212 medical students of academic years 2005 – 2009. A self administered questionnaire was utilized for data collection and analysis was performed using statistical software PASW 17. Results: The participant’s age ranged from 17 to 27 years. A statistically significant association (P<0.001) between knowledge on UWP and year of study was observed, with a highest knowledge of 95.5% in third year, 88% fifth year, 82.5% fourth year, 67.3% second year and a lowest of 33.3% in first year. A statistically significant association was obtained between knowledge and practice (P<0.01) of medical students regarding needle recapping. The study reported, that a majority of participants with the opinion on wearing surgical aprons, masks and protective goggles during surgery while the practice was not up to the level of knowledge. Statistically significant association was obtained between knowledge and practice (P<0.01) with regard to the usage of surgical aprons and protective goggles. The present study thus indicates an increase in practice with increase in knowledge. The study also emphasizes the need for providing proper education on transmission of blood-borne infections, standard precautions and increasing availability of protection strategies. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i1.5981   International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 3 No 1 (2013) 5-10
Occupational exposure to HIV and use of post-exposure prophylaxis in a general hospital in North Central, Nigeria.
Authors: Olaleye Abiola O , Ogundele Olorunfemi A , Awokola Babatunde I , Olatunya Oladele S , Olaleye Omolara A , Adeyanju Titilope , Omisore Akinlolu G
Published: November 2013

Occupational exposures to blood borne pathogens including HIV have been well studied. However, limited studies exist about the utilization of post exposure prophylaxis and follow-up in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to describe the characteristics of occupational exposure to HIV, the utilization of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among health workers, and the proportion of exposed health workers reporting for follow-up three months after exposure. A cross sectional descriptive study involving ninety three health workers was carried out at a general hospital located in an urban area in North Central zone of Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was used. The prevalence of occupational exposure, utilization of post exposure prophylaxis and follow-up rate were assessed using self administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 16 and descriptive analysis was carried out. It was reported that, 73.1% of respondents at least one or more occupational exposures to HIV and other blood borne pathogens through accidental needle injury/prick, blood splash on a fresh wound or conjunctiva exposure in the last one year. Needle stick injury occurred in 83.8% of all respondents who had occupational exposures. 8.8% of exposed respondents commenced post exposure prophylaxis with two-thirds completing the post exposure prophylaxis regimen. Only one (25%) of those who completed the regimen reported for follow-up. Occupational exposures to HIV are common among health workers. The rates of utilization of post exposure prophylaxis and follow-up were low.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i1.6635   International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 3 No 1 (2013) 11-17
An ergonomic study of postural stress of nurses working in orthopedic wards
Authors: Goswami Smaranika , Haldar Prasun , Sahu Subhashis
Published: November 2013

It was reported high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among nurses. Among the wards, personnel working in Orthopedic wards routinely perform activities that require lifting heavy loads in awkward posture. Challenges faced by them assess patients skillfully and uniquely because orthopedic patients typically present with multiple, complex health problems. During orthopedic patient handling work-related postural strain are most common in health care unit personnel. This study aims at evaluating the different work-related musculoskeletal strain due to awkward postures, body parts discomforts, and find out some ergonomic solutions to these problems. Forty nurses working in orthopedic settings of two hospitals were interviewed by modified Nordic Questionnaire to reveal the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and pain in various regions of the body. BPD Scale was used to identify the intensity of different body parts discomforts. Video recordings and still photographs were taken to evaluate postural stress during different activities were analyzed by OWAS (Ovako working posture analysis) method. Activity analysis chart was also used to represent the duration of different activities of nurses in their respective duty hours. It was observed that the most physically demanding and postural strenuous task is transferring patient alone. In orthopedics wards different activities like assist patient to walk, changing, other care works are strenuous because as about 90% of adult patient are over 50 kg of body weight and due to facture or other problem are unstable. Some ergonomic interventions like assisted lifting, lifting aids, training, etc. are recommended to improve the working conditions and reduce postural strain. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i1.9097   International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 3 No 1 (2013) 26-31
Du Mystère dans les lettres: Philippe Djian et Pierre Michon sur la « grâce » et l'inspiration
Authors: Grauby Françoise
Published: November 2013

Malgré des ruptures et des résistances, les concepts de « grâce », d'inspiration et de vocation continuent à s'inscrire dans une histoire de la pratique littéraire contemporaine. A une époque où la notion d'auteur est remise en question par des pratiques d’écriture « à la portée de tous », des écrivains – et non des moindres –persistent à accorder au phénomène de l'inspiration une place prépondérante dans l'activité créatrice. Cet article se propose d'observer le dialogue que Philippe Djian dans Incidences (2010) et Pierre Michon dans Le Roi vient quand il veut (2007) entretiennent avec la notion de grâce. Malgré les modalités particulières de chaque auteur, nous verrons que la nécessité de maintenir un contact intime avec la nature divine de la création se manifeste avec d'autant plus de force que se pose aujourd'hui la question de l’« intransmissible » (la part inconnue et imprévisible de la création) au sein même de l'enseignement de l’écriture.
Concentration and Size Distribution of Fungi Aerosol over Oceans along a Cruise Path during the Fourth Chinese Arctic Research Expedition
Authors: Yu Juan , Hu Qihou , Xie Zhouqing , Kang Hui , Li Ming , Li Zheng , Ye Peipei
Published: November 2013

Bioaerosol can act as nuclei and thus may play an important role in climate change. During the Fourth Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition (CHINARE 2010) from July to September 2010, the concentrations and size distributions of airborne fungi, which are thought to be one of important bioaerosols, in the marine boundary layer were investigated. The concentrations of airborne fungi varied considerably with a range of 0 to 320.4 CFU/m3. The fungal concentrations in the marine boundary layer were significantly lower than those in most continental ecosystems. Airborne fungi over oceans roughly displayed a decreasing trend with increasing latitudes. The mean concentrations of airborne fungi in the region of offshore China, the western North Pacific Ocean, the Chukchi Sea, the Canada Basin, and the central Arctic Ocean were 172.2 ± 158.4, 73.8 ± 104.4, 13.3 ± 16.2, 16.5 ± 8.0, and 1.2 ± 1.0 CFU/m3, respectively. In most areas airborne fungi showed a unimodal size distribution pattern, with the maximum proportion (about 36.2%) in the range of 2.1~3.3 µm and the minimum proportion (about 3.5%) in the range of 0.65~1.1 µm, and over 50% occurred on the fine size (<3.3 µm). Potential factors influencing airborne fungal concentrations, including the origin of air mass, meteorological conditions, and sea ice conditions, were discussed.
Adrenergic Metabolic and Hemodynamic Effects of Octopamine in the Liver
Authors: De Oliveira Andrea , De Paula Mariana , Comar Jurandir , Vilela Vanessa , Peralta Rosane , Bracht Adelar
Published: November 2013

The fruit extracts of Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) are traditionally used as weight-loss products and as appetite suppressants. A component of these extracts is octopamine, which is an adrenergic agent. Weight-loss and adrenergic actions are always related to metabolic changes and this work was designed to investigate a possible action of octopamine on liver metabolism. The isolated perfused rat liver was used to measure catabolic and anabolic pathways and hemodynamics. Octopamine increased glycogenolysis, glycolysis, oxygen uptake, gluconeogenesis and the portal perfusion pressure. Octopamine also accelerated the oxidation of exogenous fatty acids (octanoate and oleate), as revealed by the increase in 14CO2 production derived from 14C labeled precursors. The changes in glycogenolysis, oxygen uptake and perfusion pressure were almost completely abolished by α1-adrenergic antagonists. The same changes were partly sensitive to the β-adrenergic antagonist propranolol. It can be concluded that octopamine accelerates both catabolic and anabolic processes in the liver via adrenergic stimulation. Acceleration of oxygen uptake under substrate-free perfusion conditions also means acceleration of the oxidation of endogenous fatty acids, which are derived from lipolysis. All these effects are compatible with an overall stimulating effect of octopamine on metabolism, which is compatible with its reported weight-loss effects in experimental animals.
New Constituents from the Korean Sponge Plakortis simplex
Authors: Oh Jung , Hwang Buyng , Kang Ok-Hwa , Kwon Dong-Yeul , Rho Jung-Rae
Published: November 2013

Six new cyclic peroxides (1–6) were isolated from the Korean sponge Plakortis simplex, along with two new alkylpyridinium alkaloids (7 and 8). The structures of these compounds were completely determined by a combination of NMR analysis and chemical reactions. Compounds 1–6 exhibited cytotoxic/antifungal activities against RAW264.7 cells and Candida albicans.
Synthesis and Properties of Annulated 2-(Azaar-2-yl)- and 2,2'-Di(azaar-2-yl)-9,9'-spirobifluorenes
Authors: Liang Jing , Cha Hyochang , Jahng Yurngdong
Published: November 2013

A series of 9,9'-spirobifluorene-derived N-heterocycles were prepared by the reactions of 8,9-dihydrospiro(benzo[b]fluorene-11,9'-fluoren)-6(7H)-one and 8,8',9,9'-tetrahydro-11,11'-spirobi(benzo[b]fluorene)-6,6'(7H,7'H)-dione with a series of 2-amino-arenecarbaldehydes such as 2-aminobenzaldehyde, 2-aminonicotinealdehyde, 1-amino-2-naphthaldehyde, and 8-aminoquinoline-7-carbaldehyde. In addition to the absorption maxima based on the parent 9,9'-spirobifluorene skeleton in the 225–234, 239–280, 296–298, and 308–328 nm regions, the absorptions due to the π-π* transitions of the heterocycles were observed in the 351–375 nm region in the UV absorption spectra. All the compounds showed strong photoluminescences in the 390–430 nm region.
A Systematic Cycle Time Reduction Procedure for Enhancing the Competitiveness and Sustainability of a Semiconductor Manufacturer
Authors: Chen Toly
Published: November 2013

Cycle time reduction plays an important role in improving the competitiveness and sustainability of a semiconductor manufacturer. However, in the past, cycle time reduction was usually unplanned owing to the lack of a systematic and quantitative procedure. To tackle this problem, a systematic procedure was established in this study for planning cycle time reduction actions to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of a semiconductor manufacturer. First, some controllable factors that are influential to the job cycle time are identified. Subsequently, the relationship between the controllable factors and the job cycle time is fitted with a back propagation network. Based on this relationship, actions to shorten the job cycle time can be planned. The feasibility and effectiveness of an action have to be assessed before it can be taken in practice. An example containing the real data of hundreds of jobs has been used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed methodology. In addition, the financial benefits of the cycle time reduction action were analyzed, which provided the evidence that the proposed methodology enabled the sustainable development of the semiconductor manufacturer, since capital adequacy is very important in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
L’adieu au maternalisme ? [Politiques de l’État et emploi des mères en Suède et aux États-Unis]
Authors: Orloff Ann Shola
Published: November 2013

Cet article analyse la transformation des politiques sociales, les mesures qui en découlent, et les arrangements sociaux touchant à l’emploi des mères et au soin des enfants. Il retrace un processus qui, partant de mesures de soutien destinées à permettre aux mères d’assurer à plein temps le soin de leurs enfants, conduit à des politiques d’encouragement de l’emploi des femmes ayant pour effet de déplacer (tout du moins en partie) les tâches liées au soin des enfants hors du foyer familial – ce que l’on pourrait appeler « l’adieu au maternalisme » . Dans un premier temps, sont examinés les mesures sociales et les politiques – qualifiées récemment encore de « maternalistes » –, la division sexuelle – traditionnelle – du travail ainsi que les schémas de formation des familles et des ménages. Dans un deuxième temps, l’auteure se penche ensuite sur les politiques sociales et les mesures politiques qui ont détourné deux pays – la Suède et les États-Unis – du maternalisme, en encourageant le travail des femmes (et donc des mères). Ainsi, les régimes qui encourageaient les mères à se consacrer à plein temps au soin de leurs enfants et répondaient à leurs demandes en tant que mères ont évolué. Les nouvelles politiques mises en oeuvre, en encourageant l’emploi féminin, cherchent à répondre aux revendications des femmes en tant que travailleuses ou citoyennes chargées du soin des enfants.
Les politiques du temps de l’enfant en Europe occidentale : tendances et implications
Authors: Morgan Kimberly J.
Published: November 2013

Les politiques de la famille ont connu dans tous les pays de l'Europe occidentale un développement comparable des politiques du temps de l'enfant : congés de maternité, de paternité et congés parentaux, sans oublier les possibilités de travail à temps partiel. Cette évolution est le reflet de motivations économiques dans la mesure où les responsables politiques s'efforcent de combattre le chômage et d'"activer" l'emploi des femmes en encourageant la flexibilité du travail. Elle témoigne également des pressions politiques de l'opinion publique, en particulier des parents, qui somment les gouvernements de les aider à concilier emploi et vie familiale. Dans leur volonté d'atteindre ces deux objectifs, les mesures élaborées restructurent l'emploi du temps des femmes plutôt que celui des hommes. Ces mesures encouragent les mères à rester au foyer, provisoirement ou bien à temps partiel, dans le cadre d'une interruption temporaire de leur activité professionnelle ou d'une réduction de leurs horaires de travail leur permettant de se consacrer au soin de leurs jeunes enfants. Parallèlement, on peut observer que certains enjeux essentiels sont absents des agendas politiques, notamment l'organisation du travail et la division sexuelle du travail au sein de la cellule familiale.
Pensions alimentaires pour enfants lors du divorce [Les juges appliquent-ils implicitement un calcul fondé sur le coût de l’enfant ?]
Authors: Jeandidier Bruno , Ray Jean-Claude
Published: November 2013

Maintenance allowances for children after divorce. Do the courts implicitly apply a calculation on the cost of the child ?

The authors use administrative data from divorce rulings to analyse whether the courts follow an economic rationale in the absence of a scale when setting maintenance allowances for children. The authors then consider whether other factors with less economic justification are involved in the ruling and finally whether there is a «judge effect » . Their analysis shows that the decisions studied obey a consistent economic rationale in terms of the parents’ financial situation, but take little account of the children’s specifics. Rulings are also influenced by other decisive factors which are less justified in economic and legal terms.
The Integration of the Risk Management Process with the Lifecycle of Medical Device Software
Authors: Luzi D. , Pecoraro F.
Published: November 2013

Objectives: The application of software in the Medical Device (MD) domain has become central to the improvement of diagnoses and treatments. The new European regulations that specifically address software as an important component of MD, require complex procedures to make software compliant with safety requirements, introducing thereby new challenges in the qualification and classi -fication of MD software as well as in the performance of risk management activities. Under this perspective, the aim of this paper is to propose an integrated framework that combines the activities to be carried out by the manufacturer to develop safe software within the development lifecycle based on the regulatory requirements reported in US and European regulations as well as in the relevant standards and guidelines.

Methods: A comparative analysis was carried out to identify the main issues related to the application of the current new regulations. In addition, standards and guidelines recently released to harmonise procedures for the validation of MD software have been used to define the risk management ac -tivities to be carried out by the manufacturer during the software development process.

Results: This paper highlights the main issues related to the qualification and classification of MD software, providing an analysis of the different regulations applied in Europe and the US. A model that integrates the risk management process within the software development lifecycle has been proposed too. It is based on regulatory requirements and considers software risk analysis as a central input to be managed by the manufacturer already at the initial stages of the software design, in order to prevent MD failures.

Conclusions: Relevant changes in the process of MD development have been introduced with the recognition of software being an important component of MDs as stated in regulations and standards. This implies the performance of highly iterative processes that have to integrate the risk management in the framework of software development. It also makes it necessary to involve both medical and software engineering competences to safeguard patient and user safety.
Floral structure and organogenesis of the wax palm Ceroxylon ceriferum (Arecaceae; Ceroxyloideae)
Authors: Balhara Manju , Stauffer Fred W. , Balslev Henrik , Barfod Anders S.
Published: November 2013

• Premise of the study: Most palm systematists were surprised when molecular evidence pointed to a sister group relationship between the tribe Ceroxyleae and the phytelephantoid palms. The latter comprises three genera of morphological aberrant palms that have previously been considered a subfamily of their own. Here we present the results of a detailed study of the floral structure and development of the wax palm, Ceroxylon ceriferum, which aims at revealing derived traits shared by the sister tribes Ceroxyleae and Phytelepheae.

• Methods: A series of floral stages were sampled from Ceroxylon ceriferum growing in the central coastal range of Venezuela. The samples were prepared for scanning electronic microscopy and serial anatomical sectioning.

• Key results: The development of male and female flowers of Ceroxylon ceriferum was similar. The receptacle elongated early in the ontogeny. The perianth was differentiated into distinct sepals and petals and was characterized by a lack of postgenital fusion. The stamens were incepted centripetally in 2(–3) whorls. The outer whorl of three stamens was antesepalous. The inner whorl consisted of six stamens arranged in three antepetalous pairs.

• Conclusions: The flowers of Ceroxylon ceriferum share a lack of postgenital fusion in the perianth with members of the tribe Phytelepheae. The elongation of the receptacle is reminiscent of the receptacle expansion in Phytelepheae. However, the multistaminate condition in C. ceriferum is less extreme than in the Phytelepheae, and the stamen initiation is centripetal as opposed to centrifugal in the latter.
Telaprevir is Effective Given Every 12 H at 750 Mg with Pegylated Interferon-α2B and Ribavirin to Japanese Patients with HCV-1B Il28B Rs8099917 Tt
Authors: Kawakami Yoshiiku , Suzuki Fumitaka , Karino Yoshiyasu , Toyota Joji , Kumada Hiromitsu , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: November 2013

Background

The aim of this study is to explore the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of 750 mg telaprevir (TVR) given at 8 or 12 h intervals during triple therapy with pegylated interferon-α2b (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) for patients with chronic HCV infection.

Methods

A total of 52 patients with high viral loads of HCV genotype 1b who were expected to respond well to therapy (rs8099917 TT genotype or relapse to previous therapy) were randomly assigned to two groups who were given 750 mg TVR at either 8 h (q8h) or 12 h (q12h) intervals in combination with PEG-IFN and RBV for 12 weeks, followed by 12 additional weeks of treatment with PEG-IFN and RBV alone. The primary end point of the study was undetectable HCV RNA at 12 weeks after the end of treatment (sustained virological response [SVR]12).

Results

SVR12 rates were 92.3% (24/26) for both q8h and q12h. The changes in mean log10 HCV RNA levels and viral response were also similar in q8h compared to q12h, whereas pharmacokinetic properties such as maximum plasma concentration, area under the concentration-time curve at 24 h and trough plasma concentration of TVR were slightly higher in q8h than in q12h ( P>0.2). The frequency of TVR discontinuation due to anaemia or renal damage was significantly higher in q12h than in q8h (6/26 [23%] versus 0/20 [0%], respectively; P=0.02).

Conclusions

TVR given at 12 h intervals should be considered for patients with lower body weight, especially patients with prior relapse and with IL28B polymorphisms at rs8099917 TT (interferon-λ 4 ss469415590 polymorphism TT/TT) genotype in patients with genotype 1b HCV infection.
The Use of Web 2.0 Technologies in Formal and Informal Learning Settings
Authors: Best Lisa A. , Buhay Diane N. , McGuire Katherine , Gurholt Signe , Foley Shari
Published: November 2013

It is often assumed that because the current generation of students is more technologically competent than previous generations, they would prefer to use technology for both formal and informal learning. The results of a series of empirical studies indicated that students in formal settings preferred face-to-face contact with their instructors and used Web 2.0 tools for communication and to complete specific class assignments; in their personal lives, these technologies were used for communication, music and video downloads, and online gaming. Although students did not use social networking in their classes, the use of these tools may provide educators with an alternative to course management systems. Results from a community sample indicated a preference towards using the Internet for information gathering, and even though respondents reported that the incorporation of social networking sites in informal education settings would be nice, it was not expected. Overall, both student and community participants utilized technology that was familiar to them. Thus, assuming technological competence in our students and implementing various technological applications in the classroom may be counterproductive if guidance and training are not provided.
Designing Learning in Social Online Learning Environments
Authors: Bonanno Philip
Published: November 2013

The widespread use of social media challenges educators to reflect about their pedagogical potential in promoting both informal and formal learning. A brief review of the literature points to the major pitfalls on a social level of learning management systems and on the strengths of social media in promoting information exchange and interaction. This chapter shows how social networks can be integrated in formal learning through a learning design approach. A connectivist process-oriented pedagogical model, comprising dimensions and levels of interactions, is proposed to guide the design of learning activities in terms of interactions throughout the domain, technology, and community dimensions. Using Edmodo as an example of a Social Online Learning Environment, templates are used to design a domain-oriented instructional experience, a collaborative learning activity and a contributory learning activity. Besides the experiential component, each of these activities includes a metacognitive component to promote a reflective attitude and the necessary personal and collective metacognitive skills when using online learning environments.
Considerations for Online English Language Learning
Authors: Dogoriti Evriklea , Pange Jenny
Published: November 2013

This chapter examines the influence of Facebook (FB) in formal and informal learning in the language classroom. The theoretical framework of Web-based language teaching is first introduced. A selection of studies concerning the use of Social Networking Sites in the teaching of English (ELT) and conclusions drawn from the literature follow suit. The studies have been selected on the grounds of discussing students’ engagement, motivation, collaboration, and communication through the use of SNS and, for the most part, Facebook in ELT. The studies also focus on the attitudes of higher education, foreign language learners towards FB, as well as the potential of FB as an academic teaching medium that may support other Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools like Learning Management Systems. The review of the studies indicates that Facebook may reinforce communication skills and engagement in the learning process and support participation and collaborative learning in formal learning environments.
Social Media in the Canadian Post-Secondary Classroom
Authors: Pardy Linda , Thomson David , Pattridge Samantha
Published: November 2013

In Canada, the use of Social Networking Sites (SNS) for instructional purposes at post-secondary institutions is constrained by students’ legislated rights to privacy. Some universities have explored ways to obtain the advantages of cloud computing while still meeting mandated obligations to protect student privacy. The government of British Columbia maintains the strictest standards in Canada regarding access to and storage of personal information, hampering instructional use of SNS. The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) decided to work within this legislation and challenge faculty to modify their classroom practice. At UFV the most significant SNS-related teachable moments come from education towards informed consent to public sharing of information through SNS. While our ability to teach students how to use SNS resources is restricted, working within the legislation encourages educators to evaluate their central purpose for using SNS. Students acquire digital skills through various forms of informal learning; therefore, the formal instructional setting becomes an opportunity to foster development of digital citizens.