bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construal Of Voluntary Environmental Program Participation In The Canadian Residential Construction Industry
Authors: Quirk Dustin , Jankowicz Devi
Published: February 2016

This is a study of sensemaking of how Canadian new home builders construe their decision to participate in a voluntary environmental program (Built Green Canada). The Repertory Grid Technique was the data collection method. Findings from 32 interviews revealed a number of themes that decision makers used to make sense of their decision to participate in the program. The most prevalent views related to seeing the decision as a function of being a leader or innovator in the industry and using the program as a marketing and sales tool. Furthermore, themes that were seen as important related to legitimacy/authenticity/integrity and environmental impact. An assessment of which drivers/pressures were important to decision makers in making the decision to join the program was also undertaken. Important drivers/pressures included handling competition, appealing to customers, acquiring technical knowledge, obtaining publicity, building corporate culture/identity, and obtaining third party certifications. The findings are significant as it assists in refining the emergent field of environmental decision making and planning. The results are also useful for industry, voluntary environmental program organizations, and government policy makers to provide them with a better understan
Foundations Of Service Science Concepts And Facilities
Authors: Katzan Harry
Published: February 2016

This paper gives a conspectus of Service Science for academicians and practitioners with the express purpose of defining the scope of the discipline. The subject of services is the up and coming discipline for the 21st century, and it encompasses technology, entrepreneurship, business growth, and innovation four subjects that are generally of interest to most managers and scientists, alike. Services are important to people in business, government, education, health care and management, religion, military, scientific research, engineering, and other endeavors that are too numerous to mention, because most service providers be they individuals, businesses, governments, and so forth are also consumers of services. This is the first of three introductory papers on the subject. The second paper, entitled Foundations of Service Science: Management and Business covers the operational environment for services, and the final paper entitled Foundations of Service Science: Technology and Architecture covers the technical and architectural basis for the Service Science discipline.
Portfolio Selection For Service Systems
Authors: Weistroffer Heinz Roland
Published: February 2016

The decision of selecting the portfolio of services to be included in a service system and the issues that complicate this decision problem are discussed. A general portfolio decision making framework is presented and compared with the Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) Business/IT Alignment Service Management Function (SMF).
Strategic Fit In Inter-Organizational Networks: A Life Cycle Framework For The Healthcare IDS
Authors: Thrasher Evelyn H.
Published: February 2016

Strategic alliances in the form of inter-organizational networks continue to receive attention in both service and manufacturing industries as a potential form of competitive. The healthcare industry has embraced these strategic alliances with much intensity and perhaps to a greater extent than many other industries. Yet, despite the increasing prevalence of inter-organizational arrangements across most industries, empirical evidence of the value of IT to enhance and support these arrangements is lacking in the IT. Therefore, a need exists to extend IT theory and research to the inter-organizational level of analysis to better meet the needs of contemporary organizations and partnerships. Using the healthcare IDS as the unit of analysis, the primary objective of this study is to stimulate research at the inter-organizational network level of analysis. A conceptual framework of IT value for the inter-organizational network is developed that merges three complementary theoretical concepts, namely the Strategic Alignment Model, the IT-Enabled Business Transformation Framework, and the IT Integration Life Cycle.
From Push To Pull: Emerging Models For Mobilizing Resources
Authors: Hagel III John , Brown John Seely
Published: February 2016

The signs are around us. We are on the cusp of a shift to a new common sense model that will re-shape many facets of our life, including how we identify ourselves, participate with others, connect with others, mobilize resources and learn. This paper will focus on only one facet of this new common sense model emerging approaches for mobilizing resources.
Service Science And Accounting
Authors: Kerr Stephen G.
Published: February 2016

The evolution of a new discipline of service science will creatively disturb the relationship between more established business disciplines. Each discipline is not an independent silo. As a result the purpose of this paper was to explore, at this early stage, how the new discipline may create opportunities for interdisciplinary scholarship. The specific purpose of this paper was to explore how service science might interact with the scholarly and professional practice of accounting. Accounting practice is dominated by a stewardship proposition. The stewardship proposition is a problem because typical service science investments will receive unfavorable treatment. Accountings other major proposition is valuation. Areas of opportunity for positive contributions from a service science approach are discussed. Service science, as viewed through an accounting lens, will have to find ways to overcome measurement and reporting methods that will not afford service science investments the full benefit of their strategic potential. Several avenues for research into ways service science can improve accounting scholarship are suggested.
Moving To The Cloud: Transitioning From Client-Server To Service Architecture
Authors: Thomas Manoj A. , Redmond Richard T. , Weistroffer H. Roland
Published: February 2016

This paper makes the case that the traditional three-tier client-server architecture requires a major overhaul to address the changing and rapidly increasing information processing and services needs of consumers. Revisions to the conventional architecture model are suggested and two examples of information systems applications are discussed to illustrate how the new information service architecture fits into the realm of future systems development.
From B-To-B Service Quality To Customer Experience
Authors: Rasila Heidi
Published: February 2016

This article introduces a theoretical model for customer perceived service quality and satisfaction in long term business-to-business relationships. Seeing service quality and customer satisfaction just as a result of one individual service process offers too narrow understanding. Our model adds service outcome quality and relationship quality aspects to traditional quality models. This allows us to understand the total customer experience instead of just concentrating on individual aspects of the constructs.
E-Service Brand Extensions: The Role Of Perceived Fit And Category Usage Level On Adoption
Authors: Chatterjee Patrali
Published: February 2016

This research examines how differences in consumer traits of self-efficacy and need for service employee interaction impacts perceived fit between core service brand and its e-service extension and adoption by current and prospective customers. Category usage level moderates the impact of self-efficacy on perceived fit and adoption of e-services among current and potential customers. We use data from a store—based service provider that introduced online services. The results of multiple regression analysis show that users with high level of efficacy have higher perceptions of fit and are more likely to adopt e-services and category usage level moderates this effect more for current users than prospective users.
Wine Tourism: A Serious Leisure Approach
Authors: Brown Carroll A. , Smith F. Ruth
Published: February 2016

Today wine tourism is emerging as an important component of rural diversification in North Carolina. Using Stebbins’ (1992) model of serious leisure as a guideline, the purpose of this study is to explore how wine tourism may be viewed as a type of serious leisure and to suggest a conceptual approach to the study of wine consumers in order to develop effective wine marketing strategies for local wineries in North Carolina. In addition, this study suggests an approach that small North Carolina wineries might use to identify various types of winery visitors and better position their products.
Innovative Knowledge Management At Disney: Human Capital And Queuing Solutions For Services
Authors: Cope Rachelle F. , Cope III Robert F. , Bass Anna N. , Syrdal Holly A.
Published: February 2016

It is well known that most activities in which a service is provided require customers to wait in a queue during the experience. One thing that is inherent in waiting lines is the universal dislike for the process. In fact, the feelings and opinions developed in waiting lines influence the customers perception of the awaited experience. In this paper, Disney is used as a case study for queuing solutions. In particular, we examine their implementation of Knowledge Management (KM) solutions to improve the waiting line process. The use of Disney cast members as human capital combined with the knowledge of customer preferences has made the FASTPASS an innovative solution to enhance queuing in the Disney theme parks. In the past, KM has been thought of as the collection of technological assets and managerial policies that compensate for information failures. In fact, the individuals need for human interaction provides the richest opportunity for knowledge acquisition. Disneys ability to capture customers in virtual queues while giving them a pleasurable waiting experience has made them a leader in KM initiatives in the service industry.
The Accountant’s Role In Supporting A Legal Prosecution
Authors: Barrera Gilbert , Elam Dennis
Published: February 2016

This paper lays out a logical framework for the Accountant to assist a prosecutor in preparing a criminal case. It utilizes the example of an employee theft. It suggests analyzing what laws have been broken to establish an outline for the supporting documents. While the Accountant will likely understand the internal controls and employee training which will form the basis of the prosecution’s case, the lawyer will not be so familiar with the process. By laying out the legal case underpinned by the internal controls and procedures broken by the employee, the case will be better understood by both the prosecutor and the jury.
Long-Term Services Requiring Customer Participation And Compliance
Authors: Turner Frances , Hager Mark , Dellande Stephanie
Published: February 2016

This paper provides a theoretical conceptualization and classification of long-term services requiring customer participation and compliance. Long-term services which require both customer participation and compliance are known as compliance dependent services (CDS). In CDS the customer participates during the face-to-face exchange and must comply with his or her role once away from the provider to ensure positive outcome and customer satisfaction. CDS entail service delivery processes that are of longer duration. Compliance is integral to producing these services. Non-compliance, i.e., when a consumer regimen is not followed, most likely will lead to adverse impact on the consumer and provider. It is important that scholars understand the service delivery process of services, in particular CDS, whereby both customer participation and compliance are required.
Estudio del Comportamiento I vs. V de la Descarga Luminiscente de Baja Presión en Corriente Continua y Corriente Continua Pulsante en un Reactor Tipo Calorímetro
Authors: Cepeda Grimaldos J. F. , Sarmiento Santos A. , Supelano García I.
Published: February 2016

Al generar una descarga luminiscente con corriente continua o corriente continua pulsada en diferentes
atmósferas gaseosas, ésta se puede caracterizar por el color o por el comportamiento de la curva de I vs. V donde, para cada una de las atmósferas se pueden presentar los tipos de régimen de la descarga luminiscente, que son: descarga luminiscente subnormal, descarga luminiscente normal y descarga luminiscente anormal. En este trabajo se generaron estos tipos de descargas en un reactor cilíndrico concéntrico cuyo electrodo interno hace las veces de cátodo, y el externo, de ánodo. Entre los dos electrodos fue generada la descarga luminiscente de baja presión, utilizando diferentes atmósferas gaseosas (aire, argón e hidrógeno). Las descargas fueron estudiadas a varias presiones, entre 1 torr y 6 torr, y también a diferentes corrientes, entre 200 mA y 500 mA, con incremento de 50 mA en los regímenes de corriente continua y corriente continua pulsada. Las características de dichas descargas fueron analizadas a través de sus curvas I vs. V.

Palabras clave: Curvas I vs. V, Descarga luminiscente subnormal, Descarga luminiscente normal, Descarga luminiscente anormal.

 
Construcción de Distribuciones Multivariadas con Marginales Dependientes Usando Cópulas en R
Authors: Jaramillo-Elorza M. C. , Lozano J. A.
Published: February 2016

Las cópulas se han convertido en una herramienta popular para la construcción de modelos multivariados en campos donde la dependencia multivariada es de gran interés. El propósito de este trabajo es presentar las cópulas tanto en su concepto teórico, como en su implementación en el software estadístico R y profundizar en la construcción de distribuciones multivariadas con marginales dependientes, usando la clase mvdc del paquete copula, la cual permite utilizar varias y diferentes marginales ya implementadas. Además, se trabajará con métodos para dibujar representaciones de perspectiva y contorno para las funciones de distribución y densidad.

Palabras clave: Análisis Multivariado, Cópulas en R, Paquete copula, Software R.
Letter from the Editors
Authors: Xavier José Roberto Franco , Silva Paulo Eduardo Alves
Published: February 2016

It is with immense satisfaction that we present the first issue of the Brazilian Journal of Empirical Legal Studies. An initiative of the Brazilian Network of Empirical Legal Research, the aim of the periodical is to fill a gap in the law publication area in Brazil. This is due to the fact that there currently is no other journal that specifically focuses on empirical research in law.
Decisões políticas do Poder Judiciário: três estudos de caso e algumas diretrizes teórico-metodológicas para sua análise
Authors: Machado Igor Suzano
Published: February 2016

O presente trabalho parte do pressuposto de que a decisão judicial precisa ser considerada como uma decisão política para ser compreendida inteiramente. Esta consideração há de ser pautada por orientação teórica específica, em geral não explorada para dar inteligibilidade a este fenômeno no Brasil. Assim sendo, o estudo a ser aqui desenvolvido busca analisar importantes decisões recentes da justiça brasileira e, partindo da teoria da hegemonia de Antonio Gramsci e desenvolvida contemporaneamente por Ernesto Laclau e Chantal Mouffe, interpretá-las como decisões políticas no seguinte sentido: em determinado contexto, certo grupo social se compreende como antagonizado por outro grupo e, estrategicamente, busca estabelecer, por mecanismos judiciais, nova hegemonia política, que efetive suas demandas enquanto interesses particulares que podem ser representados como interesse geral. A partir de três estudos de caso sobre pontos controversos da interferência do Poder Judiciário na política – o ativismo judicial, a judicialização da moral e a regulação judicial da competição eleitoral –, a pesquisa busca operacionalizar tal referencial analítico e propor diretrizes teóricas e metodológicas para pesquisas empíricas sobre a relação entre a política e a justiça no Brasil.
Pesquisa empírica da gestão pública dos servidores: mecanismos jurídicos para a modernização das administrações públicas dos entes federativos
Authors: Nohara Irene Patrícia
Published: February 2016

O presente artigo compreende a análise de uma parcela do material empírico produzido pela pesquisa do Projeto Pensando o Direito (edital especial 1/2012), referente aos mecanismos jurídicos para a modernização da gestão pública, realizada com fomento do PNUD. Foi empregado o método empírico-quantitativo, a partir da coleta de dados em formulários endereçados a 54 órgãos públicos de gestão de servidores das diversas Administrações Públicas de variadas esferas federativas brasileiras. Objetiva-se, a partir da introdução da problemática das insuficiências da última Reforma Administrativa, e da análise dos dados recebidos, oferecer soluções jurídicas aptas a promover uma gestão pública mais eficiente, considerando que a proposta de modernização administrativa deve acompanhar o projeto constitucional de desenvolvimento nacional. A análise dos dados coletados tem por finalidade demonstrar alguns aspectos do panorama geral da gestão pública dos servidores, obtidos em função do regime jurídico, das faixas de remuneração, da duração da jornada de trabalho, da presença de mecanismos de promoção e da qualificação da força de trabalho. Espera-se enfatizar a necessidade de um planejamento estratégico da força de trabalho dos entes federativos como instrumento relevante para que se atinja maior eficiência e envolvimento dos servidores públicos, em função das demandas de políticas públicas existentes na agenda do Estado brasileiro, aspecto que não foi considerado detidamente quando do planejamento da última Reforma Administrava.
A lei sobre o corpo e o corpo sobre a lei: o ideário dos juristas sobre o crime de ato obsceno no Brasil na perspectiva da Sociologia do Corpo
Authors: Martins Ana Paula Antunes
Published: February 2016

O presente artigo realiza uma análise sociológica das interpretações sobre o crime de ato obsceno, previsto no Código Penal brasileiro. Por meio da análise do discurso, pretende-se compreender o ideário dos juristas sobre corpo e obscenidade, bem como a forma como os autores dos manuais de Direito Penal exemplificam as condutas consideradas criminosas e justificam determinadas proibições. Com base nas teorias feministas e nos conceitos da Sociologia do Corpo, o texto se propõe a compreender as relações entre corpo e poder, bem como identificar o potencial necessariamente dinâmico – e subversivo – das relações sociais mediadas pelo corpo.
Movimiento LGBT y contra movimiento religioso en Colombia
Authors: Penen Lina Malagón
Published: February 2016

Desde el 2005, varias organizaciones colombianas pertenecientes al movimiento social LGBT han implementando una actividad de litigio constitucional estratégico con el objetivo de obtener la igualdad legal entre las parejas homosexuales y heterosexuales. El objetivo de este artículo es mostrar cómo la jurisprudencia que la Corte Constitucional ha creado para responder a esa demanda social, ha generado efectos contradictorios en términos democráticos. No cabe duda de que ha enriquecido la participación ciudadana en el debate sobre los derechos de las parejas del mismo sexo gracias al fortalecimiento de un contra movimiento religioso dispuesto a hacer presión sobre las autoridades con base en un lenguaje de derechos fundamentales. Sin embargo, también ha generado un déficit democrático debido a que la Procuraduría General de la Nación, una de las autoridades más importantes del Estado colombiano, ha sido capturada por católicos intransigentes e integristas. Debido a esta situación, los recursos de esta poderosa institución han sido utilizados para evitar el reconocimiento y la protección de los derechos de las personas homosexuales a contraer matrimonio y a adoptar menores de edad, a pesar de que las principales funciones de esta autoridad pública son defender los derechos humanos de los ciudadanos y castigar las faltas disciplinarias cometidas por los servidores públicos.
O desafio da reintegração social do preso: uma pesquisa em estabelecimentos prisionais
Authors: Andrade Carla Coelho , Júnior Almir de Oliveira , Braga Alessandra de Almeida , Jakob André Codo , Daré Tatiana
Published: February 2016

Este artigo é baseado em uma pesquisa realizada no âmbito de um acordo de cooperação técnica entre o Conselho Nacional de Justiça (CNJ) e o Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada (IPEA), com a finalida- de de apresentar um panorama da reincidência criminal com base em dados coletados em alguns estados do país (Alagoas, Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, Paraná e Rio de Janeiro). Apresenta parte dos resultados de uma investigação de caráter qualitativo voltada para o aprofundamento da temática da reintegração so- cial, entendida como a ação efetivamente promovida pelo Estado diante do desafio posto pela reincidência criminal. Buscou-se levantar as iniciativas existentes, as estratégias de implementação e desenvolvimento das ações, as percepções sobre a reintegração social desde a perspectiva dos diferentes atores envolvidos, considerando suas diferentes inserções no mundo institucional: juízes; operadores da execução penal e agentes envolvidos na execução dos programas (pro- fissionais da equipe técnica dos órgãos de governo, agentes penitenciários, professores, assistentes sociais e psicólogos); presos e internos.
Gender and marital violence: points of view from a specialized Justice System
Authors: Magalhães Nayara
Published: February 2016

O sistema de justiça tem sido alvo de reflexões acerca de sua eficiência e credibilidade frente às demandas das mulheres. Com as pressões dos movimentos feministas para visibilizar a violência doméstica, conjugal e familiar, o Estado tem sido pressionado a criar medidas e espaços especiais para o enfrentamento dessa problemática. A partir desse cenário, a propos- ta desse trabalho é apresentar uma pesquisa que re- vele nuances do sistema de justiça especializado do Distrito Federal, por meio da Delegacia Especial de Atendimento à Mulher, de Promotorias de Violência Doméstica e Familiar contra a Mulher e de Juizados de Violência Doméstica e Familiar contra a Mulher. Foram feitos estudos de caso e análise de conteúdo a partir dos registros de entrevistas com delegadas de polícia, promotores de justiça e juízas de direito em que foram analisadas percepções pessoais, profissionais, legais, teóricas, estatais e sistêmicas de oito pro- fissionais inseridos/as nesse sistema. O objetivo foi compreender como se dá a interação dessas pessoas com a Lei Maria da Penha, com os estudos de gênero e violência, com sujeitos inseridos em situação de violência e com o próprio sistema de justiça. Identi- ficamos algumas reflexões críticas sobre a condição da mulher e as desigualdades de gênero nas relações sociais e afetivas, todavia, alguns resquícios da cultura patriarcal legitimadora da violência fizeram-se presentes.
Entre doentes e bandidos: a tramitação da lei de drogas (no 11.343/2006) no Congresso Nacional
Authors: Campos Marcelo da Silveira
Published: February 2016

This article analyses the historical legislative proce- dure, in Brazilian Congress, about the New Drug ́s Law 11.343 of 2006, which is the current Drug ́s Law in Brazil. The empirical material consists in projects and reports of parliamentarians who were active sin- ce the beginning of the procedure, in 2002, until the adoption of the new legal provision, in 2006. The ar- ticle aims to investigate three main questions: i) who were the main actors that influenced the legislative approval of the current drugs dispositif (committees leaders, editors, proponents parties, etc.); ii) what are the main changes regarding the criminalization of drug use and drug dealers in these proposals from the beginning of the law ́s procedure (2002) until when it had been approved (2006); iii) what were the main justifications in the particular historical context for changes in drug policy.
A dogmática jurídica da “efetivação de direitos sociais e econômicos” no banco dos réus: reflexões metodológicas a partir de uma abordagem contextualista
Authors: Rossi Charles
Published: February 2016

No campo do direito, têm proliferado nos últimos anos discursos acadêmicos materializados em artigos, livros, e mesmo peças processuais e decisões judiciais voltados a propor soluções jurídicas para o problema da efetivação dos direitos sociais e eco- nômicos no Brasil. Na maior parte das vezes, porém, esses esforços desconsideram os critérios objetivos e subjetivos de validação do discurso científico desti- nados a preencher de sentido os enunciados que o compõem, resultando na sua baixa capacidade de convencimento no contexto da produção científica considerada como um todo. Partindo da premissa da predominância da tese da dupla dualidade estrita na epistemologia do direito no Brasil em contraposi- ção ao que se observa no cenário metodológico mais amplo, este ensaio teórico busca identificar algumas dificuldades metodológicas enfrentadas pelo jurista interessado em produzir um discurso acadêmico des- tinado a propor soluções jurídicas para os problemas relacionados à efetivação de direitos sociais e econô- micos. Para tanto, este trabalho utiliza o arcabouço conceitual da filosofia analítica da linguagem combi- nada com a literatura em epistemologia das ciências humanas para defender a consideração e pondera- ção, nos estudos em direito, de princípios corriquei- ros nos processos de investigação científica nas disci- plinas relacionadas a essa problemática.
Danos contra o patrimônio histórico e cultural e seus instrumentos normativos de tutela: estudo de caso a partir de uma ação civil pública
Authors: Oliveira dos Santos Jorge Luiz , Alves Teixeira Sandra Regina
Published: February 2016

O trabalho realiza estudo sobre danos ambientais e crimes contra o ordenamento urbano e o patrimônio histórico cultural na cidade de Belém do Pará. A análise se dá a partir do estudo de caso de uma Ação Civil Pública em relação à edificação histórica e comercial conhecida como “O Portuga”, que foi alvo de danos ocasionados ao meio ambiente urbano referente ao patrimônio histórico e cultural no bairro Batista Campos, que abriga conjunto de edificações remanescentes, cujas características arquitetônicas, artísticas e decorativas denunciam a memória de um período de efervescência cultural da cidade. Focalizam-se os efetivos e possíveis prejuízos causados no referido prédio tombado, assim como a reparação civil dos danos ambientais, como dano jurídico coletivo onde existe dever moral coletivo indenizatório. Analisa-se, de forma pontual, a atuação do Parquet como legitimado a propor a Ação Civil Pública vislumbrando a salvaguarda dos direitos difusos atinentes ao meio ambiente cultural. Têm-se como referência central alguns instrumentos normativos de tutela ambiental e demais legislações (Constitucional, Civil, Ambiental, Penal), todas legitimadas em tutelar os direitos transindividuais e interesses difusos, coletivos e homogêneos, em que está inserido o meio ambiente histórico e cultural.
Vetores, desafios e apostas possíveis na pesquisa empírica em direito no Brasil
Authors: De Sá e Silva Fabio
Published: February 2016

Estimulante, inspirador, alentador. Assim pode ser visto o horizonte da pesquisa empírica em direito no Brasil atual. Mas eventual interesse em celebrar ou promover essa condição não deve ocultar os obstáculos históricos e estruturais contra os quais ela foi erigida, tampouco arrefecer o exercício da nossa consciência crítica sobre os desafios com os quais a PED se defronta para se afirmar no tempo e no espaço – muitos dos quais, aliás, derivam exatamente das novas circunstâncias e, por isso mesmo, apenas muito lentamente se fazem enxergar. Este artigo busca contribuir com essa reflexão. Para tanto, baseado em revisão de literatura, coleta de dados primários, e em aspectos da experiência pessoal do autor, o texto examina o que chama de vetores, desafios e apostas possíveis na PED no país.
Design and Evaluation of Floating Microspheres of Pantoprazole Sodium
Authors: Behin Sundara Raj  , Jigar Pancholi  , Punitha Isaac Samraj
Published: February 2016

In the present study, an attempt was made to prepare floating microspheres of Pantoprazole sodium by a non-aqueous solvent evaporation method. The half-life of Pantoprazole sodium is 1-1.5 hours and rapidly eliminated from the body. It is in a perfect world suited to be conveyed through floating multiunit measurements structure. Biocompatible polymers, Eudragit S100 and HPMC K 100M were utilized alongside the medication as a part of diverse extents. The prepared six formulations (F1-F6) were characterized for their drug polymer compatibility (IR study), micromeritic properties, particle size, percentage yield, scanning electron microscopy, buoyancy studies, drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release studies. The formulated microspheres were free flowing. The optical microscopic studies revealed that the particles were of the size range of 193.29-517.16 μm. SEM studies indicated that the microspheres were porous and almost spherical in shape. The prepared floating microspheres were found to produce the percentage yield of 84.43-91.93%, drug encapsulation efficiency was 65.83-90.03% and buoyancy percentage was 61.7-78.46%. In-vitro drug release studies showed cumulative percentage drug release between 69.27-79.06%. The information acquired in this study recommends that a micro particulate floating dose type of Pantoprazole sodium can be effectively intended to give delayed arrival of medication and thus enhanced bioavailability.
Design and In-Vitro Evaluation of Colon Targeted Prednisolone Solid Dispersion Tablets
Authors: Sura Zuhair Mahmood Alkazzaz  , Wedad Kamal Ali
Published: February 2016

In the present investigation an attempt was made to prepare colon targeted enteric coated tablet containing different prednisolone solid dispersion formulations, to prevent ulcerative colitis, improve the patient compliance and reduce the side effects of drug in the gastro intestinal tract (GIT). Solid dispersion is one of the most widely used approaches to enhance the solubility as well as dissolution rate of poorly water soluble drugs. Solid dispersions (SDs) of Prednisolone with D-mannitol, PEG 4000 and Kollicoat IR were prepared and evaluated to deliver Prednisolone to the colon in a pre-solubilized form. The selected formula using drug compatible excipients was compressed into fast disintegrating tablets and then coated with Eudragit S100 (pH-responsive polymer),  several variables related to both solid dispersion preparation (carrier type and drug to the carrier ratio) and tablet coating (coat level) were studied to show their effects on drug solubility and dissolution. Different analytical techniques like differential scanning caloremitry (DSC), powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were studied to prove the change of drug particle from crystal to amorphous form in SDs. The 1:3 Prednisolone/Kollicoat IR SDs showed the greatest improvement in the dissolution rate. The coating level was critical for determining the duration of the lag phase. Best result was given by the 16% coat (Eudragit S100/ Dibutyl phthalate/ talc). This coating level showed an acceptable lag time for the proposed colonic targeting (5 h) as the selected tablet resisted pre-colonic pH values, followed by an immediate release stage in pH 7.4. The suggested covered (coated) tablets may provide a colonic delivery system for prednisolone with enhanced solubility and bioavailability.
Anti-Dyslipidemia Effect of Ethanol Extract of Passiflora foetida on Dextrose Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ravi Babu Birudu  , M. Jagadish Naik  , Janardhan M
Published: February 2016

Dyslipidemia leads to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and it is determined by elevation of plasma concentration of lipoproteins. Diabetes is a chronic disorder and it is controlled by different allopathic and Ayurvedic formulation. The synthetic drugs include sulfonyl ureas, biguanides, metformin HCl, DPP-4 inhibitors etc. The folk medicine is practiced by local people. The people use herbal medicine to control and treat the various types of diseases. In India, tribal people used different types of medicinal plants to control the diabetes. In present study ethanol extracts of Passiflora foetida leaves were evaluated for anti-dyslipidemia activity in dextrose induced diabetic rats. The ethanol extracts of P. foetida were administered at the doses of 100 mg/kg body weight, 250 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight to the dextrose induced diabetic rats. The silver nanoparticles were prepared by the reaction of 1 mM silver nitrate and 5% leaf extract of P. foetida. The antidyslipidemia activity of ethanol extracts was compared with standard drugs Glipizide, Sitagliptin and Vildagliptin. The standard drugs normally decreased the lipid parameters in diabetic rats. The ethanol extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg body weight showed significant lowering effect on dextrose induced diabetic rats. The total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were decreased by ethanol extract and standard drugs. Additionally the ethanol extract reduced the HDL level in treated animals. The silver nanoparticles produce lower effect on lipid profile.
Shewhart Control Chart in Microbiological Quality Control of Purified Water and its Use in Quantitative Risk Evaluation
Authors: Mostafa E. Eissa
Published: February 2016

Water in pharmaceutical industry is a key ingredient in many industrial processes, including machine washing and preparation of most medicinal products. The process of regular monitoring for the microbiological quality of water at the points of use is a critical aspect in ensuring the compliance to the limit. However, the full value of the microbiological control could be accomplished by the use of control charts and statistical quality control to show the trend and behavior of bioburden. In addition, Shewhart charts provide insight for prediction of the future of the water quality. In the current study, purified water samples were analyzed microbiologically during a two-year period. The generated data were continuously interpreted using statistical software packages. The trend indicated that two regions in Shewhart chart were in the out-of-control  state at these periods generating either out-of-trend (OOT) and/or out-of-specification (OOS). Investigations showed that these deteriorations in the performance were chronologically coincided with unusual rise in the microbial count of city water, although there was no direct correlation between the input and output water microbiologically. The rate of failure of product purified water was determined to be 7.69x10-4 and Ppk was 1.06 which were unsatisfactory performance. However, by removing the excursion periods due to the expected extraneous causes from the I-MR chart, a 337 times increase in the process performance was estimated with Ppk index of 1.53 and quantitative performance failure risk (QPR) equals 2.28x10-6. This finding highlighted the criticality of the quality of the feed city water and its impact on the final purified water. Thus, the processing stages in the water purification plant are not absolute barriers against microbial creeping into the distribution system, and the purification system of water has a certain tolerance limit after which an outbreak of microbial population occurs and hence compromising the system efficacy and performance. From the present study, it is recommended to design protective pretreatment system that buffers severe fluctuations in raw water quality so that water station possesses the ability to work optimally in an attempt of delivering safe water for medicinal and pharmaceutical manufacturing purposes.
Prevalence and Contexts of Smoking among the People of Kaiama Community in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Eniojukan Joshua F  , Owonaro Peter A
Published: February 2016

Cigarette smoking continues to destroy many lives across the globe. This study was conducted to evaluate the various contexts of cigarette smoking in a community in Bayelsa state of Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out utilizing questionnaires administered randomly to 434 consenting respondents. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 20. There were more males (61.8%), singles (48.8%); Christians (88.5%), Ijaws (56.2%); 42.2% were aged 31-60 years; 30.2% and 28.8% were respectively students and civil servants. Smoking prevalence was 45.9%; 47.2% started smoking at age 16-25; 30% always smoked to relieve stress; 59.3% of smokers smoked 1-5 sticks a day; 66% also smoked Indian hemp; 93.3% were aware that smokers were liable to die young; 60% still smoked because they were addicted to it; 82.7% attempted   to stop smoking; respondents complained of cough (62.7%), chest pain (20.7%); friends (56.0%) and relatives (20%) were the major influencers; 26.3% had fathers that smoked; friends and relatives had high influence; 55.5% were not in favour of non-smoking policy in public places. Gender and marital status were correlated with smoking prevalence. Public enlightenment and smoking-cessation programmes are urgently needed in this community.
Knowledge, Perception and Practice of Contraception among Staff and Students in a University Community in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Eniojukan Joshua F  , Ofulue Ijeoma  , Okinedo Prince O
Published: February 2016

There is evidence to show that unplanned pregnancies are on the increase among women in Nigeria. It is true that one of the ways to improve reproductive health is by enhancing access to contraception. This study was to evaluate knowledge, perceptions and practices of contraception among 500 staff and students of a university in south-south Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the Abraka and Oleh Campuses of Delta State University using appropriately designed, validated and pre-tested questionnaire. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 20. Respondents were students (70%), males (47.8%), aged 21-30 (48.9%) and Christians (90.9%). 84% of the respondents had good-to-excellent knowledge of contraceptives; 75.1% were sexually-active; contraceptive use prevalence was 58.2%; main reasons for non-use of contraceptive were hatred for it an intolerable side-effects. Condoms and oral pills were the preferred methods and safety, reliability and accessibility were proffered as reasons for choice; 17.3% had experienced contraceptive failure which resulted in abortion (47.4%). Pharmacy shops, health centers and Chemist shops were the sources for procuring contraceptive products; Family/friends, television and health professionals were sources of information about contraception; 46.7% did not experience side-effects; marital status was correlated with contraceptive knowledge and use. This study recommends that family planning should be vigorously promoted in a country like Nigeria with a high fertility, maternal and child mortality rates.
Maintain Objectivity To Push Through Transitions
Authors: Duncan Andrew
Published: February 2016

Discover a Career

If I had a time machine, would I travel back in time to change anything if I could do it again? Should I have taken that job offer as a public relations guy on a treasure-hunting dive boat in the Philippines? No, I do not think so. All experience makes us who we are, and some say they would not change a thing. On the other hand, if I have to change one thing I would have striven harder to learn the languages of the countries in which I have previously worked and would recommend the same to anyone with similar opportunities. I also recommend pursuing variety in one’s career. Change brings opportunities and challenges. Only through change, is progress possible.

When I was growing up in northern Canada, we were offered career advice in high school to learn a trade and work as a welder, truck driver, or get a job on the rigs. I did not feel these career options suited me as I was thinking in terms of further education and I have always enjoyed traveling. Hence, weighing both of these, I decided to pursue a university degree abroad. Since then, I completed my university studies, joined the oil and gas industry, and have enjoyed a diverse career overseas.

Throughout my career transitions, maintaining objectivity has been the most recurring challenge I have dealt with. Through experience, I have learned an important rule when it comes to expatriate life (which applies equally to other career transitions): Never make career-altering decisions in the first 6–12 months after moving to a new country or taking up a new role. It is human psychology to feel excited and motivated about any new location or job immediately after arrival. However, after about 6 months a period of negativity (or reality) sets in and one begins to see only the downside of a new position or new location. My experience suggests that the period of negativity does pass, and when it does, the experience can be truly objective—bringing the positive and useful aspects of past experience to bear while learning and experiencing the best that a new role has to offer.

Over my career, I have gained a lot through changes in my role, career path, or location. Changes in setting can often provoke one to become more open, a better listener, and more patient. I have learned the importance of clear communication and that “communication” involves explaining, listening, and confirming that both parties truly understand both directions.
E&P Notes (March 2015)
Authors: Jacobs Trent , Betz Jack
Published: February 2016

E&P Notes

Pushing the Limits of Deepwater Stimulation

Trent Jacobs, JPT Technology Writer

The lower tertiary formation found in the pre-salt layers of the Gulf of Mexico has become a proving ground for extending what is possible when completing multistage fracturing in ultradeepwater wells. The stimulation vessels that pump fracturing fluids, acids, and proppant into these wells are key to achieving the volume of production needed to make them profitable.

Baker Hughes operates one of the industry’s youngest fleets of such vessels in the North Sea and offshore west Africa, Brazil, and Vietnam. But because of the strength of lower tertiary rocks and the pressure required to improve contact between the well and the formation, some of the company’s newest and most advanced vessels are reserved for the Gulf.

Automation Program Looks Outside Industry for Inspiration

Jack Betz, JPT Staff Writer

The University of Texas at Austin (UT) will launch an initiative in April to promote cross-discipline collaboration and student research on automated technology in the oil field.

Called Rig Automation and Performance Improvement in Drilling (RAPID), the initiative will enrich UT’s existing drilling research by connecting petroleum-oriented researchers with other engineers and scientists in disciplines outside the oil and gas industry, which have benefited from sophisticated automation. These fields include aerospace, mechanical engineering, and computer engineering.

Dual-Gradient Drilling Debuts in Gulf of Mexico

Jack Betz, JPT Staff Writer

Statoil has successfully used dual-gradient drilling for the first time ever in the US Gulf of Mexico (GOM) on an upper-hole section.

During the trial, Enhanced Drilling’s EC-Drill system successfully maintained a desired bottomhole pressure by controlling mud volume in the riser and the rate of its return to the surface. The technique is called controlled mud level.

“We drilled for about 10,000 ft on the first [GOM] well, and the system ran for 600 hours,” said John-Morten Godhavn, a managed pressure drilling specialist at Statoil, at a recent SPE Gulf Coast Section event.
Unconventional Proppant Combined With Channel Fracturing Increases Effectiveness
Authors: Wilson Adam
Published: February 2016

This article, written by Special Publications Editor Adam Wilson, contains highlights of paper IPTC 17409, “Channel Fracturing Enhanced by Unconventional Proppant Increases Effectiveness of Hydraulic Fracturing in Devonian Formations of Russia’s Oil Fields,” by Rifat Kayumov, SPE, Artem Klyubin, Andrey Konchenko, SPE, and Alexey Yudin, Schlumberger; and Alexander Khalzov, Vladislav Firsov, Evgeniy Nikulshin, Zdenko Kaluder, and Suleyman Sitdikov, SPE, Rosneft, prepared for the 2014 International Petroleum Technology Conference, Doha, Qatar, 20–22 January. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

Implementation of channel fracturing enhanced by rod-shaped proppant brings substantial value for depleted Devonian formations in the Orenburg region of Russia. Highly conductive channels inside the proppant pack significantly minimize the influence of multiphase and non-Darcy flow on overall production. The use of rod-shaped proppant in the final stage provides the highest possible conductivity in the critical near-wellbore region and eliminates the potential problem of proppant flowback.

Introduction

Fracturing is a standard completion method for all wells producing from Devonian formations in the Orenburg region of Russia’s Volga-Urals basin. Experience has shown that these fracturing treatments usually have some specific differences from fracturing in other parts of Russia. Low fracturing-fluid efficiency forces the use of large pad volumes and special fluid-loss additives. These actions decrease the risk of premature screenout but lead to significant reduction of fracture conductivity and effective fracture half-length, and, subsequently, result in a decrease in post-fracturing production. Even with large pad fluid volumes, almost all fracturing treatments in Devonian sandstone formations were finished in a tip-screenout regime when proppant starts to pack in the fracture during the treatment.

Just 5 years ago, proppant flowback was not observed frequently in Devonian formations. But, recently, the operating company noticed proppant- flowback problems becoming increasingly pronounced. The reason is reservoir- pressure depletion and severely increased multiphase flow inside the fractures.

To overcome the increasing negative effects of multiphase and non-Darcy flow on fracture conductivity, channel-fracturing technology was used. Although channel fracturing has already resulted in outstanding performance elsewhere, the technology was still new for conditions in the Volga-Urals Devonian formations (i.e., significant proppant packing is not typical for channel fracturing). Therefore, it was important to evaluate productivity through pilot wells stimulated with the new technique. For many treatments in the fracturing campaign described here, channel fracturing was enhanced by rod-shaped proppant to eliminate potential proppant-flowback problems and maximize conductivity of the near-wellbore region.