bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Synergetic Approach to Effective Teachers’ Research Education
Authors: Lu Ming-Tsan Pierre , Ward Hsuying C. , Overton Terry , Shin Yousun
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the synergetic approach to research education for graduate students in a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). A group of cross-disciplinary faculty members developed a series of graduate-level research methods-related workshops for pre- and in-service teachers. The investigators conducted pre–post tests and survey methods to evaluate all the initiative’s workshops. The findings indicated that student learning was increased and that the synergetic approach was effective.
Position-Specific Hip and Knee Kinematics in NCAA Football Athletes
Authors: Deneweth Jessica M. , Pomeroy Shannon M. , Russell Jason R. , McLean Scott G. , Zernicke Ronald F. , Bedi Asheesh , Goulet Grant C.
Published: June 2014

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement is a debilitating hip condition commonly affecting athletes playing American football. The condition is associated with reduced hip range of motion; however, little is known about the range-of-motion demands of football athletes. This knowledge is critical to effective management of this condition.

Purpose:

To (1) develop a normative database of game-like hip and knee kinematics used by football athletes and (2) analyze kinematic data by playing position. The hypothesis was that kinematics would be similar between running backs and defensive backs and between wide receivers and quarterbacks, and that linemen would perform the activities with the most erect lower limb posture.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Forty National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football athletes, representing 5 playing positions (quarterback, defensive back, running back, wide receiver, offensive lineman), executed game-like maneuvers while lower body kinematics were recorded via optical motion capture. Passive hip range of motion at 90° of hip flexion was assessed using a goniometer. Passive range of motion, athlete physical dimensions, hip function, and hip and knee rotations were submitted to 1-way analysis of variance to test for differences between playing positions. Correlations between maximal hip and knee kinematics and maximal hip kinematics and passive range of motion were also computed.

Results:

Hip and knee kinematics were similar across positions. Significant differences arose with linemen, who used lower maximal knee flexion (mean ± SD, 45.04° ± 7.27°) compared with running backs (61.20° ± 6.07°; P < .001) and wide receivers (54.67° ± 6.97°; P = .048) during the cut. No significant differences were found among positions for hip passive range of motion (overall means: 102° ± 15° [flexion]; 25° ± 9° [internal rotation]; 25° ± 8° [external rotation]). Several maximal hip measures were found to negatively correlate with maximal knee kinematics.

Conclusion:

A normative database of hip and knee kinematics utilized by football athletes was developed. Position-specific analyses revealed that linemen use smaller joint motions when executing dynamic tasks but do not demonstrate passive range of motion deficits compared with other positions.

Clinical Relevance:

Knowledge of requisite game-like hip and knee ranges of motion is critical for developing goals for nonoperative or surgical recovery of hip and knee range of motion in the symptomatic athlete. These data help to identify playing positions that require remedial hip-related strength and conditioning protocols. Negative correlations between hip and knee kinematics indicated that constrained hip motion, as seen in linemen, could promote injurious motions at the knee.
The future of autologous stem cell transplantation in myeloma
Authors: van Rhee Frits , Giralt Sergio , Barlogie Bart
Published: June 2014

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has long been considered frontline therapy for newly diagnosed myeloma patients. This Spotlight examines the role of ASCT in the era of novel drugs and argues that ASCT should continue to be considered for eligible patients. A combination of novel drugs with ASCT in a sequential treatment approach can attain long-term survival and perhaps cure a subset of patients. ASCT will likely remain an important platform to develop curative strategies in the foreseeable future.
Application of a three-dimensional fiber lay-down model to non-woven production processes
Authors: Grothaus Martin , Klar Axel , Maringer Johannes , Stilgenbauer Patrik , Wegener Raimund
Published: June 2014

In this work we present the industrial application of fiber lay-down models that enable an efficient simulation of non-woven structures. The models describe the deposition of fibers on a moving conveyor belt with the help of stochastic differential equations on manifolds. The model parameters have to be estimated from more complex models in combination with measurements of the resulting non-woven. In the application we discuss especially a three-dimensional fiber model for a typical industrial problem from non-woven production processes.
Simulation of a highly elastic structure interacting with a two-phase flow
Authors: Svenning Erik , Mark Andreas , Edelvik Fredrik
Published: June 2014

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present and validate a modeling framework that can be used for simulation of industrial applications involving fluid structure interaction with large deformations.

Background

Fluid structure interaction phenomena involving elastic structures frequently occur in industrial applications such as rubber bushings filled with oil, the filling of liquid in a paperboard package or a fiber suspension flowing through a paper machine. Simulations of such phenomena are challenging due to the strong coupling between the fluid and the elastic structure. In the literature, this coupling is often achieved with an arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian framework or with smooth particle hydrodynamics methods. In the present work, an immersed boundary method is used to couple a finite volume based Navier-Stokes solver with a finite element based structural mechanics solver for large deformations.

Results

The benchmark of an elastic rubber beam in a rolling tank partially filled with oil is simulated. The simulations are compared to experimental data as well as numerical simulations published in the literature. 2D simulations performed in the present work agree well with previously published data. Our 3D simulations capture effects neglected in the 2D case, showing excellent agreement with previously published experiments.

Conclusions

The good agreement with experimental data shows that the developed framework is suitable for simulation of industrial applications involving fluid structure interaction. If the structure is made of a highly elastic material, e.g. rubber, the simulation framework must be able to handle the large deformations that may occur. Immersed boundary methods are well suited for such applications, since they can efficiently handle moving objects without the need of a body-fitted mesh. Combining them with a structural mechanics solver for large deformations allows complex fluid structure interaction problems to be studied.
Introduction to this special section: Attenuation dispersion
Authors: Adam Ludmila , van Wijk Kasper
Published: June 2014

Extracting quantitative reservoir rock and fluid properties from seismic waves is of paramount importance to improve reservoir productivity and well targeting. There have been significant efforts to extract this information from wave dispersion and attenuation. Dispersion is the variation of velocity with frequency, whereas attenuation is the loss of wave amplitudes with distance. The details in dispersion and attenuation depend on the rock microstructure, larger-scale geology, and fluids. This special section addresses several of these considerations in theory and laboratory settings.
Reviews
Authors: Avakian Robert , Bartel David C. , Moon Wooil M. , Taylor Patrick
Published: June 2014

Climate Forcing of Geological Hazards, edited by B. McGuire and M. Maslin, ISBN 978-0-470-65865-9 (hardcover), 2013, Wiley-Blackwell, 311 p., $164.95 (e-book available)

The Earth's Electric Field — Sources from Sun to Mud, by M. C. Kelley, ISBN 978-0-12378-868 (hardcover), ISBN 978-0-12397-883-7 (eBook), 2012, Elsevier, 232 p., print book and eBook $119.94, print book $74.96, eBook $74.96
Classification of Main Shocks and Aftershocks in the NGA-West2 Database
Authors: Wooddell Kathryn E. , Abrahamson Norman A.
Published: June 2014

Previous studies have found a systematic difference between short-period ground motions from aftershocks and main shocks, but have not used a consistent methodology for classifying earthquakes in strong motion data sets. A method for unambiguously classifying earthquakes in strong motion data sets is developed. The classification is based on the Gardner and Knopoff time window, but with a distance window based on a new distance metric, CRJB, defined as the shortest horizontal distance between the centroid of the surface projection of the potential aftershock rupture plane and the surface projection of the main shock rupture plane. Class 2 earthquakes are earthquakes that have a CRJB distance less than a selected limit and within a time window appropriate for aftershocks. All other earthquakes are classified as Class 1. For maximum CRJB of 0 km and 40 km, 11% and 36% of the earthquakes in the NGA-West2 database are Class 2 events, respectively.
Barriers to Immediate Breast Reconstruction in the Canadian Universal Health Care System
Authors: Zhong Toni , Fernandes Kimberly A. , Saskin Refik , Sutradhar Rinku , Platt Jennica , Beber Brett A. , Novak Christine B. , McCready David R. , Hofer Stefan O.P. , Irish Jonathan C. , Baxter Nancy N.
Published: June 2014

Purpose

To describe the population-based rates of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) for all women undergoing mastectomy for treatment or prophylaxis of breast cancer in the past decade, and to evaluate geographic, institutional, and patient factors that influence use in the publically funded Canadian health care system.

Methods

This population-based retrospective cohort study used administrative data that included 28,176 women who underwent mastectomy (25,141 mastectomy alone and 3,035 IBR) between April 1, 2002, and March 31, 2012, in Ontario, Canada. We evaluated factors associated with IBR by using a multivariable logistic regression model with the generalized estimating equation approach.

Results

The population-based, age-adjusted IBR rate increased from 5.1 procedures to 8.7 in 100,000 adult women (43.7%; P < .001), and the increase was greatest for prophylactic mastectomy or therapeutic mastectomy for in situ breast cancer (78.6%; P < .001). Women who lived in neighborhoods with higher median income had significantly increased odds of IBR compared with mastectomy alone (odds ratio [OR], 1.71; 95% CI, 1.47 to 2.00), and immigrant women had significantly lower odds (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.78). A patient had nearly twice the odds of receiving IBR when she was treated at a teaching hospital (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.06) or at a hospital with two or more available plastic surgeons (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.53 to 2.65). Patients who received IBR traveled significantly farther compared with those who received mastectomy alone (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.05 for every 10 km increase).

Conclusion

IBR is available to select patients with favorable clinical and demographic characteristics who travel farther to undergo surgery at teaching hospitals with two or more available plastic surgeons.
Axiological Aspects of Mass Media Functioning
Authors: Ефимова Людмила , Efimova Lyudmila
Published: June 2014

In the 21st century, mass media has achieved outstanding success, gaining the status of a cultural factor no less influential than religion, literature, and arts, all of which are immediate generalize of social events.

Mass media have attained active leadership positions in terms of individual and collective ideological influence, transmitting cultural achievements, and determining the acceptance or rejection of cultural values by the society. With mass media becoming the generally popular form of crosscultural intercourse and interaction of the individual with the spiritual, material and historical experience gained by generations and nations.

The efficiency of the mass media phenomenon is beyond debate. However, it does manifest significant detrimental characteristics, in particular, its threatening potential of a substitution for true spiritual and social values by artificial counterparts generated by a particular outlook oriented authors. It is at the same time obvious that cultural values are being dissociated and divided to meet the needs of a certain social class or social group. This makes research into the axiological functions performed by mass media in a democratic multi-channel society a vital necessity.

Research into the axiological and creative function of mass media is one of the current lines of philosophical research and it requires a distinctive methodology ensuring effective axiological insights into the phenomenon of mass media.

It is through mass media that millions of people acquire knowledge of current events and values, which is bound to affect the integrity of a society´s orientation, and determine the lines of cultural development. No creative, effective activity is possible outside the scope of mass media, as it is only through and by mass media that the behaviors of social groups are coordinated and conformal and coherent worldview and ideological paradigms are molded.
Marketing Research into the Tourist Attraction Potential of Podolsk Urban Okrug
Authors: Танеева Екатерина , Taneeva Ekaterina , Чурилова Ирина , Churilova Irina
Published: June 2014

Podolsk has a high tourist and recreation potential determined by the following contributing factors:favourable climate and environmental conditions, rich historical and architectural heritage, easy-to-access cultural and tourist institutions, extended tourist infrastructure, well-preserved and nurtured folk traditional core. However, a number of factors are detrimental to tourism development in Podolsk urban okrug, among them are unavailability of a database shared by tourism providers or a register / inventory of tourist resources. Therefore, projects concerning the construction of re-erected tourist complexes are to take into account not only the tourism-type-related demand dimensions, but also the nature and formal of the tourist offer: availability of tourist resources and personnel resources in compliance with ecological requirements and economic viability. The authors undertake marketing research into the tourist attraction potential of Podolsk urban okrug, and use the results obtained to formulate proposals aimed at enhancing the tourist attractiveness of the urban okrug.
Government- and State-Provided e-Service System: Creation and Development Prospects
Authors: Новикова Наталья , Novikova Natalya , Гладышев Алексей , Gladyshev Aleksey
Published: June 2014

The article defines the concepts of «state-provided e-service» and «e-government», identifies their correlation and the major barriers to the introduction of government- and state-provided e-service system in Russian. The authors classify the principal deterrents to the e-service system development and consider the prospects of this service sphere.
Contemporary Issues of Investment Climate Development in the Sphere of Tourism
Authors: Мерзлова Мария , Merzlova Mariya , Качурина Майя , Kachurina Mayya
Published: June 2014

The article views the sphere of tourism in conjunction with related sectors of economy; identifies the key challenges to regional tourist infrastructure development, which requires qualitative change and solid investment; and defined the major deterrents to investment activity in the tourist industry. The authors see special economic zones as instrumental to promoting investment highlights, and demonstrate the need for the private-public partnership mechanism development and the information support of the investment process, specifically, introducing a statistical reporting system covering a wider range of type- and region-related investment evaluation indices.
A Value-Focused Approach to Energy Transformation in the United States Department of Defense
Authors: Simon Jay , Regnier Eva , Whitney Laura
Published: June 2014

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) has identified its energy requirements as a key vulnerability and in recent years has taken substantial initiatives to improve its energy profile. As part of this process, DoD leaders have issued guidance documents outlining goals and objectives relating to energy. These documents are intended to inform many different decisions at strategic, managerial, and operational levels. They specify a wide range of objectives that overlap only partially, while identical terms appear in many documents, but with inconsistent definitions. In this paper, we review 44 strategic guidance documents and apply a value-focused thinking approach to identify and define explicitly a comprehensive set of common objectives for energy decisions in the DoD. The objectives and associated definitions are intended to facilitate horizontal and vertical communication within the DoD. In addition, the objectives we define suggest possible metrics that may be comparable across services and in some cases may be aggregated across organizational levels.
Characterization and Development of a New Method for Determination Charge Density of 3-(Trimethoxysilyl)-propyldimethyloctadecyl Ammonium Chloride Coatings on Polyester Surfaces
Authors: Avci H. , Monticello R. , Kotek R.
Published: June 2014

Medical science benefits from models that predict antimicrobial activity, as well as the mechanism of antimicrobial agent activity effective in treatment of infectious diseases. A new method to determine the charge density of quaternary nitrogen in 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride on the surface of polyester (PET) fabric was developed using C.I. Direct Red 47. The properties K/S (color strength), charge density, antibacterial efficiency, hydrophilicity, and surface potentials were examined. The experimental charge density value of 1.33 x 1016 units/cm2 was close to the calculated value of 1.35 x 1016 units/cm2 for 0.05% load quat-silane assumed by the amount of quat applied. In addition, correlation between K/S values and charge density had a linear correlation coefficient close to unity.
Ein neues Bibliothekszentrum in Lippe
Authors: Eberhardt Joachim
Published: June 2014

Die Lippische Landesbibliothek Detmold (gegründet 1614) wird seit 1949 vom Landesverband Lippe getragen. Auf die gegenwärtige Finanznot ihres Geldgebers reagiert die Bibliothek, indem sie sich breiter aufstellt. Ein erster Schritt ist die Integration der Theologischen Bibliothek und Mediothek der Lippischen Landeskirche in die Landesbibliothek 2013, womit zugleich die Landeskirche zum Partner wird. Der zweite Schritt ist die Kooperation und bauliche Verbindung mit den Bibliotheken der Hochschule für Musik Detmold, deren Umsetzung für 2015 zu erwarten ist. Aufgrund der baulichen Veränderungen des Bibliotheksgeländes wird auch die Nachbarschaft mit dem Landesarchiv Nordrhein-Westfalen Abteilung Ostwestfalen-Lippe sich zu einer produktiven Nähe weiterentwickeln.
Die Landesbibliothek Oldenburg – Zukunftsperspektiven einer klassischen Regionalbibliothek
Authors: Roeder Corinna
Published: June 2014

Die Landesbibliothek Oldenburg hat als selbstständige budgetierte Einrichtung innerhalb der oldenburgischen regionalen Bibliothekskooperation ihre Stellung als wissenschaftliche Allgemeinbibliothek erfolgreich ausgebaut. Sie wird diese Ausrichtung beibehalten und durch spezifische elektronische Angebote und die Ausgestaltung ihres Gebäudes zum „dritten Ort“ strategisch weiterentwickeln.
Gender differences in sclerostin and clinical characteristics in type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Catalano Antonino , Pintaudi Basilio , Morabito Nancy , Di Vieste Giacoma , Giunta Loretta , Bruno Maria Lucia , Cucinotta Domenico , Lasco Antonino , Di Benedetto Antonino
Published: June 2014

Background

Sclerostin is an osteocyte-derived inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which acts as a negative regulator of bone formation. Published data on sclerostin levels in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are few.

Objective

To evaluate gender differences in sclerostin serum levels and the association among sclerostin, bone mass, bone metabolism, and the main clinical characteristics of subjects with T1DM.

Design and methods

A total of 69 patients with T1DM (mean age, 33.7±8.1; 49% males) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study in a clinical research center. Bone mineral density was measured by phalangeal quantitative ultrasound (QUS); bone turnover markers (urinary pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline (D-PYR), and urine hydroxyproline (OH-PRO) to evaluate bone resorption; serum bone alkaline phosphatase and BGP to evaluate bone formation) and sclerostin were assessed.

Results

D-PYR and sclerostin were significantly higher in women when compared with men (P=0.04). A disease duration >15 years was associated with higher sclerostin levels (P=0.03). Bone turnover markers and QUS parameters were not correlated with sclerostin. A significant negative correlation was observed among QUS parameters, BMI, and OH-PRO. Sclerostin serum levels were correlated with homocysteine (r=−0.34, P=0.005) and vitamin B12 (r=−0.31, P=0.02). Generalized linear model showed that macroangiopathy was the only predictor of sclerostin serum levels (β=−11.8, 95% CI from −21.9 to −1.7; P=0.02).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that women with T1DM exhibit higher sclerostin levels than men and that circulating sclerostin is not associated with bone turnover markers and phalangeal QUS measurements. Macroangiopathy was associated with sclerostin levels.
Al-Tijārah wa al-Da’wah al-Islāmīyah: Dirāsah li Qaḍiyati Dukhūl al-Islām fī Indūnīsīyā
Authors: Kusmana Kusmana
Published: June 2014

Among other things trade, politics, education, sufism and marriage are often deemed responsible for the spread of Islam. In the Indonesian context, however, trade is one of the most important methods. In the early period of maritime trade, the establishment of the Muslim community (ummah) and sate formation constitute the main characteristics-tightly linked to each other-of the Islamization of Nusantara. Muslims from different countries acted not only as trader but also ds propagators of Islam in some parts of Nusantara which later became centers of Islamic kingdoms.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v7i3.704
Muhammadiyah's 2000 Congress: Preparing for the New Millenium
Authors: Jamhari Jamhari
Published: June 2014

Year 2000-popularly called as new millennium era-is a year full of congress for social and political organization as a preparation for facing new challenges of the new era. Some social and political organization such as The Party of Crescent (Partai Bulan Bintang), The Struggle Party of Indonesian Democracy (Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan), Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and also Muhammadiyah, the second largest Islamic social organization after NU. Mubammadiyah held its 44th congress in Jakarta. Along with the congress, some organization under-bow Muhammadiyah such as its women section, Aisyiah and Nasyiatul Aiqryiab, and its youth organization lkatan Remaja Mubammadiah (IRM) also held their congress.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v7i3.707
Eruptive Xanthomas Masquerading as Molluscum Contagiosum
Authors: Sorrell Jennifer , Salvaggio Heather , Garg Abhimanyu , Guo Lulu , Duck Stephen C. , Paller Amy S.
Published: June 2014

Eruptive xanthomas are cutaneous manifestations of hyperlipidemias in which lipids accumulate in large foam cells within the skin. They classically present as crops of 1- to 4-mm yellow-orange papules and are often associated with extreme hypertriglyceridemia. We describe a 12-year-old boy with autism who was thought to have widespread molluscum contagiosum for a year before dermatologic consultation was obtained. Recognition of eruptive xanthomas led to the discovery of massive hypertriglyceridemia (serum triglycerides 6853 mg/dL) and diabetes mellitus. Through medical intervention, including insulin and fenofibrate therapy, and dietary modification with weight loss, the xanthomas cleared during the subsequent months, and his serum triglyceride levels nearly normalized.
Adjustment Among Area Youth After the Boston Marathon Bombing and Subsequent Manhunt
Authors: Comer Jonathan S. , Dantowitz Annie , Chou Tommy , Edson Aubrey L. , Elkins R. Meredith , Kerns Caroline , Brown Bonnie , Green Jennifer Greif
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND:

The majority of research on terrorism-exposed youth has examined large-scale terrorism with mass casualties. Limited research has examined children’s reactions to terrorism of the scope of the Boston Marathon bombing. Furthermore, the extraordinary postattack interagency manhunt and shelter-in-place warning made for a truly unprecedented experience in its own right for families. Understanding the psychological adjustment of Boston-area youth in the aftermath of these events is critical for informing clinical efforts.

METHODS:

Survey of Boston-area parents/caretakers (N = 460) reporting on their child’s experiences during the attack week, as well as psychosocial functioning in the first 6 attack months.

RESULTS:

There was heterogeneity across youth in attack- and manhunt-related experiences and clinical outcomes. The proportion of youth with likely attack/manhunt-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was roughly 6 times higher among Boston Marathon–attending youth than nonattending youth. Attack and manhunt experiences each uniquely predicted 9% of PTSD symptom variance, with manhunt exposures more robustly associated than attack-related exposures with a range of psychosocial outcomes, including emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and peer problems. One-fifth of youth watched >3 hours of televised coverage on the attack day, which was linked to PTSD symptoms, conduct problems, and total difficulties. Prosocial behavior and positive peer functioning buffered the impact of exposure.

CONCLUSIONS:

Clinical efforts must maintain a broadened focus beyond simply youth present at the blasts and must also include youth highly exposed to the intense interagency pursuit and manhunt. Continued research is needed to understand the adjustment of youth after mass traumas and large-scale manhunts in residential communities.
Impacts of the application of swine wastewater in percolate and in soil cultivated with soybean
Authors: Maggi Cacea F. , Freitas Paulo S. L. de , Sampaio Silvio C. , Dieter Jonathan
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible impacts caused in the soil and in the percolate in lysimeters of drainage with application of different rates of swine wastewater (SW) during the cycle of soybean culture and to assess the productivity of it. The experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Engineering Experimental Center of UNIOESTE. The soil was classified as typical Distroferric Red Latosol. There were twenty-four drainage lysimeters in the area in which the soybean was cultivated, cultivar CD 214. Four SW depths (0; 100; 200 and 300 m³ ha-1) were applied to the soil seven days before the sowing in a single application combined with two mineral fertilizations in the sowing (with and without recommended fertilization during sowing), and three repetitions per treatment. It was realized three collections of percolate in each experimental portion, the first was conducted 40 days after sowing (DAS); the second at 72 DAS, and the third at the end of crop cycle (117 DAS). It was evaluated in the percolate the pH, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and total nitrogen. Based on the results, it was possible to observe that the level of K, P and N in the soil increased according tothe increase of SW rates. The levels of K and P in the percolate were higher for higher rates of SW. The productivity was not influenced by the application of SW or by fertilization.
A monument of civil engineering: the first Mexican railway
Authors: Bühler Dirk
Published: June 2014

The Ferrocarril Mexicano was the first railway in Mexico, completed in 1873. It runs from Veracruz at sea level, for a distance of 425 km, climbing 2240 m to the Estación Buenavista in Mexico City. The most remarkable part of the track is the 203-km-long section between San Andrés Chalchicomula and Veracruz, with 23 stations, 39 bridges and 16 tunnels, climbing some 2300 m. By 1988 a 130 km part of this section was improved leaving three sections of track (56 km) now completely abandoned. After a historical and technical description of the construction phases, the paper discusses the structural and technical installations on the abandoned parts of the line and their importance for the history of construction. The need for reassessing, restoring and conserving these structures is emphasised. The abandoned sections have been conserved mainly due to public pressure. Now is the time to reinforce these initiatives by an international declaration and reutilisation programme.
Environmental geotechnics, the art of crossing boundaries
Authors: Breedveld Gijs D. , Kibsgaard Anne
Published: June 2014

Geotechnical engineering has traditionally focused on the physical aspects of the subsurface. Over the last decades, the chemical condition of the geoenvironment has gained increasing attention. Problems like soil contamination, dredged material handling, landfill and mine tailing stability have been the focus in environmental geotechnics. Over the last 25 years, the Department of Environmental Engineering at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute has developed into a multidisciplinary group of engineers and scientists that address complex environmental problems of brownfield redevelopment, contaminated sediment remediation and waste disposal and re-use. The key to success has been the willingness to cross traditional disciplinary boundaries, gather specialists with a highly diverging background and get them to cooperate with untraditional research groups like economists and sociologist both national and international.
Biofuel intercropping effects on soil carbon and microbial activity
Authors: Strickland Michael S. , Leggett Zakiya H. , Sucre Eric B. , Bradford Mark A.
Published: June 2014

Biofuels will help meet rising demands for energy and, ideally, limit climate change associated with carbon losses from the biosphere to atmosphere. Biofuel management must therefore maximize energy production and maintain ecosystem carbon stocks. Increasingly, there is interest in intercropping biofuels with other crops, partly because biofuel production on arable land might reduce availability and increase the price of food. One intercropping approach involves growing biofuel grasses in forest plantations. Grasses differ from trees in both their organic inputs to soils and microbial associations. These differences are associated with losses of soil carbon when grasses become abundant in forests.

We investigated how intercropping switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a major candidate for cellulosic biomass production, in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations affects soil carbon, nitrogen, and microbial dynamics. Our design involved four treatments: two pine management regimes where harvest residues (i.e., biomass) were left in place or removed, and two switchgrass regimes where the grass was grown with pine under the same two biomass scenarios (left or removed). Soil variables were measured in four 1‐ha replicate plots in the first and second year following switchgrass planting. Under switchgrass intercropping, pools of mineralizable and particulate organic matter carbon were 42% and 33% lower, respectively. These declines translated into a 21% decrease in total soil carbon in the upper 15 cm of the soil profile, during early stand development. The switchgrass effect, however, was isolated to the interbed region where switchgrass is planted. In these regions, switchgrass‐induced reductions in soil carbon pools with 29%, 43%, and 24% declines in mineralizable, particulate, and total soil carbon, respectively.

Our results support the idea that grass inputs to forests can prime the activity of soil organic carbon degrading microbes, leading to net reductions in stocks of soil carbon. Active microbial biomass, however, is higher under switchgrass, and this microbial biomass is a dominant precursor of soil carbon formation. Future studies need to investigate soil carbon dynamics throughout the lifetime of intercropping rotations to evaluate whether increases in microbial biomass can offset initial declines in soil carbon, and hence, maintain ecosystem carbon stocks.
Multiscale Entrainment: A Primer in Prospective Cognition for Educational Researchers
Authors: Jordan J. Scott , Ranade Erica
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this article is to compare traditional, cognitive approaches to studying human interaction to an alternative approach (i.e., multiscale entrainment) that is inspired by recent discoveries in cognitive neuroscience. Specifically, these findings indicate that mimicry, imitation, and behavioral synchrony share a common neurocircuitry that is (a) directly activated during interaction, (b) inherently social, (c) inherently prospective (i.e., anticipatory), and (d) inherently multiscale; it functions at the levels of action, perception, and cognition, simultaneously. In addition to providing a means of conceptually integrating research on mimicry, imitation, and synchrony, the notion of multiscale entrainment is consistent with research practices in the field of conversation analysis as well as recently developed techniques for measuring the multiscale contingencies that emerge between body movements, gestures, and speech acts during real-time interaction. In conclusion, the article examines attempts to measure multiscale entrainment within educational episodes.
Temana Field Rejuvenation: Looking for Maximizing Asset Value
Authors: Ali K. , Djoesan H. , Yeow N. C.
Published: June 2014

Field rejuvenation is a continuous effort within PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd. This paper describes the effort taken to add value on the Temana field located in offshore Malaysia (Figure 1). In the development of the Temana Saddle Area within the Temana brown field, a multidisciplinary team was established with the objective to identify the opportunities and implementing the development in a timely and cost effective manner. The Temana Development Project Team applied PETRONAS Carigali Life of Field (LoF) workflow as the main guidelines on the reviewing and assessing the resource potential and evaluating the options on resources development strategy as well as surface facilities optimization.

Figure 1 Location of Temana Field

Temana field is complex with numerous fault blocks and reservoirs (Figure 2). The seven unmanned ageing offshore structures strategically located around the field offered another unique set of challenges to the team. This paper also covers the process of abandonment the non-productive well to re-utilize to access other drainage location with technology applied.

Figure 2 Main Fault Blocks and Location of Facilities
Benefits of Slow-Speed Pumping
Authors: Bommer Paul M. , Shrauner David
Published: June 2014

Technology Today Series articles are general, descriptive representations that summarize the state of the art in an area of technology by describing recent developments for readers who are not specialists in the topics discussed. Written by individuals recognized as experts in the area, these articles provide key references to more definitive work and present specific details only to illustrate the technology. Purpose: to inform the general readership of recent advances in various areas of petroleum engineering.

One of the most significant operating costs (frequently the largest) associated with sucker-rod pumping is the expense of pulling and repairing the rods, pump, and tubing. Many wells are pulled for repairs so often that they are marginally economic. This problem is made worse by the days of lost production associated with the downtime. This work demonstrates how pumping slowly can solve these difficulties, making marginal wells economic over a long period of time.

Introduction

As a reservoir depletes, a sucker-rod pump will be able to lift more liquid than the reservoir can deliver. Excess pumping capacity results in excessive wear from shock loads caused by fluid pound and unnecessary friction and stress fluctuations. The customary method of limiting this damage is to pump intermittently. This is done by placing the unit on a timer or by installing a pump-off controller. Both methods have at least four drawbacks.• Intermittent pumping changes the frequency, but not the pumping speed. When the unit comes back on, the loads associated with motion and fluid pound reoccur.• During the time when the pumping unit is off, the reservoir is flowing liquid into the wellbore. This flow builds a liquid level in the casing, which creates backpressure on the producing formation. Maximum flow occurs with minimum backpressure, which is achieved by keeping the column of liquid in the casing as small as possible.• Starting the unit from a dead stop requires the maximum power usage. The start phase also is a significant shock on the pumping unit, rods, and pump.• If the well produces any solids, the downtime allows the solids to settle. These settled solids will increase the frequency of stuck plungers. Therefore, customary methods cannot eliminate all the shocks, unnecessary pump cycles, and unnecessary power use, nor can they provide the minimum backpressure against the reservoir at all times.
The Mechanics of Solving Engineering Problems Using Digital Computers
Authors: Tracy G.W.
Published: June 2014

A plan is presented for solving engineering problems with a high-speed digital computer in a central location for offices in remote cities. Included in this plan of operation is the transmission of data and calculated results to and from the computing center via the teletype or mail service. If the problems solved by a high-speed computer are restricted to those involving a large amount of computations; the cost of computing will be competitive with hand computations. This will leave engineers more time to interpret the computed results. Some additional advantages for using high-speed calculators are [1]computing errors can be reduced to a minimum, [2] more problems can be solved in a fixed length of time.

Introduction

Many oil producing companies have obtained digital computers of the medium or high-speed class. The use of such machines has been primarily in the accounting or research departments. However, the same equipment may be used to solve engineering problems. Since such machines involve the expenditure of a large amount of money either to rent or purchase, it behooves engineers to make the best use of such equipment.

There are several advantages to the use of a digital computer to solve engineering problems. These advantages are [1] engineers can spend more time in the work of analysis and less time doing hand computing; [2] computing errors can be reduced to a minimum; [3] more problems can be computed in a fixed length of time. It is often desirable to study the effect of changing one variable at a time over a wide range. This practice becomes practical with a high-speed digital computer.

The problems which are solved by engineers can be classified in three types:those involving a large number of computations per problem;those involving a small number of computations per problem, and the problem solved numerous times;problems involving a small number of computations and solved infrequently.

Of the three classes mentioned, an electronic digital computer has application in the first two types. Because of the costs involved in using a high-speed digital computer, problems involving a small amount of computations and solved infrequently [Item 3 above] can be performed more economically by hand.
Geologic CO2 Storage — Can the Oil and Gas Industry Help Save the Planet?
Authors: Bryant Steven
Published: June 2014

Distinguished Author Series articles are general, descriptive representations that summarize the state of the art in an area of technology by describing recent developments for readers who are not specialists in the topics discussed. Written by individuals recognized as experts in the area, these articles provide key references to more definitive work and present specific details only to illustrate the technology. Purpose: to inform the general readership of recent advances in various areas of petroleum engineering.

Avoiding greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions will require large-scale implementation of several technologies. One of them is storage of CO2 in subsurface formations. This represents a substantial new business sector for the E&P industry. But taking advantage of this opportunity will require addressing several challenges, including characterizing target formations, developing a workforce, gaining confidence of the public and of regulators, and establishing CO2 as a commodity. Of these challenges, the most critical will be to train enough engineers and geoscientists for this new industry.

Introduction

How Big Could a Geologic CO2 Storage Industry Be? The concentration of CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere has been rising steadily for a century, especially in the last 40 years. There is widespread, though not universal, evidence that the Earth is warming (Kerr 2006). Whether the first phenomenon is the cause of the second continues to be debated in some quarters, the latest consensus of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) not withstanding (IPCC 2007). Political considerations soon may override that debate, however, resulting in widespread implementation of GHG-emissions policies. Thus, it is timely to consider the implications of such policies here—that is, for the engineers and geoscientists currently engaged in finding and producing hydrocarbons.

If—and currently it must still be regarded as a big "if"—society embarks upon a serious campaign of GHG avoidance, it will have a tremendous effect on the oil and gas industry. The scale of the task is one compelling reason. To have any effect on the rate of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, it will be necessary to avoid or store several hundred Bcf/D of CO2. This requirement follows from three factors: the current rate of global emissions, which is approximately 7 billion tonne per year of carbon (Gt/a C) or approximately 1.4 Tcf/D CO2; the forecasted growth in emissions to 14 Gt/a C by 2050 under a "business as usual" scenario; and choosing a target atmospheric-CO2 concentration of 500 ppm (the current value is approximately 370 ppm).
Use of 3D Visualization Software for Multifinger Caliper Analysis at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska
Authors: Julian J. Y. , Cismoski D. A. , Younger R. O. , Burton J. P. , Lawrence M. W.
Published: June 2014

Multi-finger calipers have provided an excellent overview of internal tubing condition for the past fifty years. However, understanding the fine details of pipe condition over short intervals required familiarity and training in interpreting the raw curves produced by these tools. The development of digital caliper data and 3D visualization software has dramatically altered pipe condition evaluation at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.

3D visualization software allows the average engineer to quickly and accurately understand the details of localized tubing damage. Additionally, computer processing of digital caliper data supports quick correlation of tubing damage to wellbore geometry, other leak detection logs, previous caliper data of the same well interval, and cross-correlation of data from different wells. This has resulted in dramatic improvements to recent wellwork decisions, allowing surgical placement of patches, plugs, and whipstocks. Caliper logs have been used to assess scale buildup prior to coiled tubing scale removal operations and have been run after removal to evaluate job effectiveness. Additionally, areal corrosion trends and velocity effects have been identified, resulting in recommendations to deter damage.

This paper presents several examples of how 3D visualization software has led to improved wellwork operations based on a study of approximately 500 calipers run in the Eastern Operating Area of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.
Technology Enhancements for the Application of Magnetic Bearings in Critical Wet Sour Gas Applications
Authors: Gadangi Ravi , Wu Randy , Chevallier Gaetan , Weeber Konrad
Published: June 2014

As oil and gas reserves become more sour, the need for components that can withstand operation in contact with these process fluids is increasing. Current magnetic bearing technology does not meet the requirements for direct application in a wet sour gas environment. Magnetic bearings developed with components meeting NACE guidelines will eliminate the need for additional equipment and make operations more maintenance friendly and less costly. Developing magnetic bearings for wet sour gas applications raises several challenges, especially finding materials with good corrosion resistance and magnetic properties.

This paper covers details of the material selection, validation testing and field commissioning for this application.
Sand-Control Aspects for Long-Horizontal-Section Wells in Unconsolidated Heavy-Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Martins Andre Leibsohn , Calderon Agostinho
Published: June 2014

Distinguished Author Series articles are general, descriptive representations that summarize the state of the art in an area of technology by describing recent developments for readers who are not specialists in the topics discussed. Written by individuals recognized as experts in the area, these articles provide key references to more definitive work and present specific details only to illustrate the technology. Purpose: to inform the general readership of recent advances in various areas of petroleum engineering.

Gravel Packing is the most frequently applied sand-control technique for horizontal wells in the Campos and Espirito Santo basins, offshore Brazil. Because of critical conditions, such as the deep and ultradeep water and low fracture gradients, much precision is required to ensure openhole-gravelpacking (OHGP) success. An important scenario for offshore development in Brazil includes heavy-oil fields in deep water possibly requiring 2000 m of openhole horizontal sections. Gravel packing is a strong candidate for sand-control because of the wide experience acquired and the high reliability level of such applications (if pressure-loss issues can be overcome). Among the operational issues related to hydraulics, the following are critical: equivalent-circulating-density restrictions, fluid displacement while running the screens, and gravel-pack placement (if this is the adopted sand-control technique). This paper focuses on the following aspects: Petrobras experience in more than 270 OHGP completions in offshore environments, techniques for extending hydraulic limits (e.g., rathole zero, rathole bypass, multiple alpha waves, flow-divergence tools, and lightweight proppants), and a multidisciplinary approach to face challenging well designs for heavy-oil reservoirs, including research and development (R&D), tool development, and field implementation.

Introduction

Horizontal wells have become the main wellbore architecture for offshore development in unconsolidated oil reservoirs along the Brazilian coast. Most drilling challenges, especially concerning wellbore stability and cuttings transport, were overcome with experience. The major completion issue deals with sand control: OHGP techniques have been developed especially for Campos basin applications. More than 250 horizontal wells have been gravel packed successfully in Brazilian offshore fields (Marques et al. 2007). By 2000, Petrobras was discovering significant amounts of heavy oil in offshore turbidites. Marlim Sul, Roncador, Marlim Leste, Albacora Leste, Jubarte, and Oliva fields are examples of heavy-oil accumulations in Campos, Espirito Santo, and Santos basins. Fig. 1 highlights some of the most important heavy-oil provinces along the Brazilian coast.