bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A geographic information method for managing urban energy use
Authors: Gagliano Antonio , Nocera Francesco , Detommaso Maurizio , Spataru Catalina
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a geographical information method to support urban-level energy policies. It proposes using a geographical information system to store, display, edit, share and analyse geographical information for territorial decision-making. The method was used to help develop a sustainable energy action plan for the municipality of Randazzo in Sicily, Italy, by providing an accurate representation of actual energy consumption. Based on this case study, the use of a geographical information system appears to be a suitable support tool for both developing and managing sustainable energy action plans, regardless of the geographical area or context. This method will help municipalities estimate and monitor the energy consumption of residential, commercial and industrial buildings and, by taking into account the approaches of different stakeholders, help develop more accurate models for reducing urban carbon dioxide emissions.
A comparative study of visual and auditory perception of emotions in children of primary school age
Authors: Dmitrieva E.S. , Anderson M.N. , Gelman V.Y.
Published: April 2016

We investigated the characteristics of perception of nonverbal emotional information in the two modalities of presentation, visual and auditory, in 32 schoolchildren of 8-9 years old. We studied the recognition of four basic emotions: «happiness», «sadness», «anger», «fear» in facial expressions and in tone of voice. We found that in visual perception, the identification of emotion is more accurate. The lack of correlation between the results of emotions recognition in different modalities indicates the independence of processes of emotion recognition in the visual and auditory modalities. The detected hierarchically coincident unevenness in forming different emotion perception mechanism in both modalities, apparently, is largely determined by external factors.
Oculographic markers of abnormal states of an operator as studied using the models of smooth tracking of a target and discreet appearance/disappearance of a stimulus
Authors: Zakharchenko D.V. , Dorokhov V.B.
Published: April 2016

The possibility is discussed of using the parameters of oculomotor reactions as markers suitable for automatic evaluation, recognition and continuous monitoring of the functional state of an operator, i.e. driver, traffic controller, etc. We used the models of smooth tracking of targets and discrete appearance/disappearance of the stimulus for experimental evaluation of the possibility of recognition of abnormal states of an operator and the disturbances in work they cause. We describe and analyze the changes in visual-motor reactions under the influence of alcohol, 1 g of 96% alcohol per kilogram of operator’s body weight of, i.e. changes in the latency period of macrosaccades and motor reactions, changes in the average instant speed of macrosaccades, changes in reaction time. The changes in smoothness of target tracking caused by alcohol intoxication were also considered. We identified the oculomotor reactions useful as markers to diagnose changes in the functional state of an operator and to diagnose the operator activity.
Impact of organizational and personal factors on level of procrastination in employees of modern organization
Authors: Barabanschikova V.V. , Ivanova S.A.
Published: April 2016

Article devoted to the analysis of personal, professional and organizational factors’ influence on level of procrastination in employees of modern Russian industrial organization. It was found that level of procrastination in employees determines special aspects of typical behavior patterns in occupational situation, subjective appraisal of job difficulties, personality and behavioral deteriorations and special aspects of organizational culture. The results of regression analysis revealed significant personal, professional and organizational predictors of procrastination in modern employees: outgoing (sociability), innovativeness, detail conscious and conscientious. Besides, work environment characteristics such as content and importance of job tasks are significant predictors of procrastination too. Personality and behavioral deteriorations (anxiety and depressive syndrome), adaptive collaborative process, social desirability make a contribution to regression model predictiveness.
Adaptive and progressive evolution of plant-microbe symbiosis
Authors: Provorov Nikolay Aleksandrovich , Vorobyev Nikolay Ivanovich
Published: April 2016

In N2-fixing symbionts of leguminous plants (rhizobia) evolution of the host-beneficial (“altruistic”) traits occurs in populations colonizing the subcellular compartments in nodules (infection threads, symbiosomes). These compartments are developed as a result of partners’ coevolution related to complications of trophic and regulatory interactions elevating the ecological efficiency of symbiosis. Their analysis enables us to study correlations between genetic mechanisms of adaptive and progressive symbiosis evolution which remain obscure in free-living organisms
Influence of DNA repair genes polymorphism on karyology of buccal epithelium cells in humans exposed to radon
Authors: Meyer Alina Viktorovna , Tolochko Tatyana Andreyevna , Minina Varvara Ivanovna , Timofeyeva Anna Aleksandrovna
Published: April 2016

Were investigated samples from 318 children and adolescents (174 males, 144 females), who were exposed to radon at home, and 65 people (23 males, 42 females) in the control group. Using micronucleus test on buccal epithelial cells we identified a significant increase in the number of cells with cytogenetic and proliferative abnormalities in the exposed group. Were investigated the association NBS1 (rs1805794), ATM (rs1801516), ADPRT (rs1136410) genes polymorphism with karyological abnormalities in buccal epithelial cells. For the exposed group, an association of NBS1 Glu185Gln polymorphism with increasing frequency of identification of “broken egg”-type protrusions and apoptotic bodies was established. NBS1 185Glu/Gln ATM1853Asp/Asp genotypes were associated with an elevated levels of cytogenetic damage, while the NBS1 185Glu/Glu ATM 1853Asp/Asn allelic variant plays a protective role. In the control group, no significant associations were found.
Transgenic farm animals: status of the current researches and the future
Authors: Zinovieva Natalia Anatolyevna , Volkova Natalya Aleksandrovna , Bagirov Vugar Aliniyazovich , Brem Gottfried
Published: April 2016

The production of transgenic farm animals is of great interest of modern basic and applied researches. This article reviews methods for production of transgenic farm animals including pronuclear microinjection, nuclear transfer of genetically transformed somatic cells, retrovirus and lentivirusmediated gene transfer, the application of spermatogonia as a target for gene transfer. Using site-specific endonucleases (ZNF, TALEN, CRISPR/Cas9) as modern techniques allowing significantly to improve the gene transfer efficiency in farm animals are briefly described. The particular attention is focused on method for genetic modifications of chicken. The advances in various areas of genetic engineering domestic animals are discussed including creating animals with altered metabolism status to improve the quality and efficiency of production, which are genetically resistant to infectious diseases, producers of biologically active recombinant proteins, donors of organs for human transplantation(xenotransplantation) and animals-modelsfor translation biomedical researches. The innovative immune therapy assay as an example of practical application of transgenic animals-bioreactor technology is characterized.
Assessment of the state population gene pool of specially protected species Helicopsis striata (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Pulmonata) using DNA-markers
Authors: Snegin Edward Anatoljevich
Published: April 2016

With the use of DNA-markers (RAPD and ISSR) the gene pool of nineteen populations of specially protected relict species Helicopsis striata (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Pulmonata) in Southern Mid-Russian Upland was studied. These results demonstrate a high degree of subdivision of populations (Фst = 0,404, Gst = 0,358) and increased levels of homozygosity in a number of groups that live in the industrial zone and the steppe habitats. The significant correlation between the level of gene flow and geographic distances between populations (R = 0,571 ± 0,052) was found, this corresponds to isolation by distance model. The values of the effective number was calculated on the basis of index units. They were significantly lower than the effective number of not protected species of snail.
Schneiderian Membrane Thickness and Clinical Implications for Sinus Augmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Regression Analyses
Authors: Monje Alberto , Diaz Karla Tatiana , Aranda Luisiana , Insua Angel , Garcia‐Nogales Agustin , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: April 2016

Background: Schneiderian membrane thickness (SMT) has been regarded as a key factor for influencing membrane perforation, which may jeopardize the final clinical outcome of sinus augmentation. Hence, this systematic review aims at studying the mean SMT and further investigating patient‐related factors that may affect SMT. As a secondary goal, the association between SMT and membrane perforation rate was studied.

Methods: Three independent reviewers in several databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register databases, conducted electronic and manual literature searches. This review was written and conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) and MECIR (Methodological Expectations of Cochrane Intervention Reviews) guidelines. Quantitative assessment was performed for articles that met the inclusion criteria to investigate the mean SMT, its contributing factors, and the influence on membrane damage and surgical complications.

Results: Thirty‐one studies that reported maxillary SMT were considered for qualitative analysis. Nineteen were further meta‐analyzed. Overall mean ± SE SMT was 1.17 ± 0.1 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.89 to 1.44). Although mean SMT for the three‐dimensional radiography (3DR) group was 1.33 mm (95% CI = 1.06 to 1.60), for the histology group, it was 0.48 mm (95% CI = 0.12 to 1.1). Random‐effects model showed that, although there is a trend for thicker SMT as determined using 3DR compared with histologic analysis, such difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.15). Also, regression analyses demonstrated that the variables periodontitis (P = 0.13) and smoking (P = 0.11) showed thicker SMT. Inconclusive data were obtained when correlating SMT and perforation rate, although it seems that thicker SMT might be more prone to perforation (P = 0.14).

Conclusions: SMT is, on average, 1 mm in patients seeking sinus augmentation. Three‐dimensional technologies overestimate approximately 2.5 times SMT when compared with histologic analysis. Periodontitis and smoking may result in thickening of the sinus membrane. However, current data were inconclusive to link SMT to the rate of membrane damage.
Construction Robotics
Authors: Bock Thomas ,   Chair for Building Realization and Robotics, Technische Universität München
Published: April 2016

[abstFig src='/00280002/01.jpg' width=""300"" text='A humanoid robot riding an excavator' ]The following article reviews past and current tendencies and derives and describes opportunities for construction robotics and automation. There substantial evidence in the construction industry, that conventional construction methodology has reached its limits. Although approaches of construction robotics are still in an innovation or seed phase, it can be expected that with continuous effort put into research and development these approaches may soon enter a growth phase and encounter adoption on way larger scales. Furthermore, the article describes the different application of construction robotics, proving the ability and efficiency of robot systems in diverse fields. Currently, it can already be observed that single task construction robots, on-and-off site construction robots and automated construction sites are becoming even more and more crucial factors, in order to enhance the overall construction efficiency and building sustainability.
A New Close-Loop Control Method for an Inspection Robot Equipped with Electropermanent-Magnets
Authors: Kriengkomol Pakpoom ,   Department of Systems Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Kamiyama Kazuto , Kojima Masaru , Horade Mitsuhiro , Mae Yasushi , Arai Tatsuo
Published: April 2016

[abstFig src='/00280002/09.jpg' width=""300"" text='ASTERISK use our proposed method to walk' ]Since the industrial age began, increasing numbers of manufacturing plants have been set up to serve economic growth demand. More bridges were built simultaneously to connect cities and to make transportation more convenient. As these facilities have aged, regular maintenance has increased. The limb mechanism project we started almost 20 years ago was to deliver new types of inspection and maintenance to industrial fields. Our first prototype, a six-limb robot called Asterisk, included such capabilities as walking on ceilings, climbing and descending stairs and ladders, walking tightropes, and transversing rough terrain. Asterisk's latest version uses electromagnets to work in antigravity environments such as steel structures. Unfortunately, this presented a major danger, requiring that we replace electromagnets with electropermanent magnets (EPMs). Limitations on EPMs, however, required a new control strategy. We propose and compare three control methods -- open-loop control, closed-loop control using torque feedback, and closed-loop control using angle feedback -- in the sections that follow. Our objective is to determine the best control for inspection robots having electropermanent magnets but not using additional sensors.
Biology of Deer Reproduction : A Comparasion Between Temperate and Tropical Species : A Review
Authors: Semiadi Gono
Published: April 2016

Artikel dalam bentuk PDF
Effects of Gossypol on Reproduction and Hematology in Sheep
Authors: (Maksudi) Maksudi
Published: April 2016

Artikel dalam bentuk PDF
Isolation-Amplification of ENV-TM Subunit Genes of Jembrana Disease Virus by a Single Step RT-PCR and Its Direct Cloning in PCR2.1-TOPO Plasmid
Authors: Kusumawati Asmarani , Hidayat Basuki , Sardjono B. , Widada Joannes Sri
Published: April 2016

Artikel dalam bentuk PDF
Pemberdayaan Masyarakat melalui Proyek Gaduhan Sapi Potong di Kecamatan Oba Tengah dan Oba Utara, Tidore Kepulauan, Maluku Utara (Project of Cattle Sharing System as a Means for Community Development in Oba Tengah and Oba Utara Subdistricts, Tidore Kepula
Authors: Djaelani Supriyanti , Widiati Rini , Santosa Krishna Agung
Published: April 2016

To financially evaluate the Project of Cattle Sharing System in Oba Tengah and Oba Utara subdistricts, Tidore Kepulauan, Maluku Utara, a survey was conducted on 30 respondents purposively sampled using questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the criteria of benefit/cost ratio (BCR), net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and net farm income of individual farmers whether or not participating the project. Using interest rate of 12% within four years when the farmers do not participate the project, resulted in the NPV of Rp. 17,185,232; when the farmers participate the project resulted in the NPV of Rp. 25,492,426, meaning there was an income increase of 67.41% and the increase of employment was found to be 5.34%. Average income share per year coming from project of cattle sharing system was Rp. 3,611,250 aside from family labor income, family investment income and family management income. It is concluded that the project of cattle sharing system is an effective means of community empowerment in terms of income, employment and the increase of cattle population.

(Key words: Empowerment, Cattle sharing system, Income)
KARAKTERISTIK KUANTITATIF DAN KUALITATIF KAMBING DAN DOMBA SEBAGAI HEWAN QURBAN DI MITRA TANI FARM
Authors: (Komariah) Komariah , Setyono Dwi Joko , (Aslimah) Aslimah
Published: April 2016

The objective of the present study was to study the qualitative characteristics (wool color, horned) and the quantitative characteristics (body weight, chest circumference, body length, age) of sheep and goats for qurban in the Mitra Tani Farm; and the consumers preferences of choosing the sheep and goat required for ‘qurban’ event. In total eighty three Jawarandu goats; 16 Garut; 37 Thin-Tailed and 35 Fat-Tailed rams were observed to measure their body weight, chest circumference, body length, age, the present of horn and hair color. Qualitative data was obtained by interviewing the owner and consumers of MT Farm (30 trader and 30 consumers). The data was statistically analysis using, chi-square test, correlation test and T test. The results showed that the consumers from Jakarta, Depok and Tangerang significantly (P<0.05) prefer goats than rams, while the consumers from Bogor, Yogyakarta and Bandung prefer rams than goats. The traders more consider the weight of the body (posture) and the price, while consumers more consider the finance budget. The average body weight of Jawarandu was 25.84±4.54 kg; Garut, Fat-Tailed and Thin-Tailed rams were 29.32±3.61, 28.45±5.54 and 28.44±4.65 kg respectively. The chest girth had higher correlation with body weight than body length. The percentage of goats and rams age were 60.56% (I0), 33.89% (I1) and 5.56% (I2). The dominant color of Jawarandu goat were brown (54.2%), black (26.51%) and white (19.28%). The color of Fat-Tailed rams wool more uniform than Thin-Tailed rams or Garut.

(Key words: Characteristics of Sheep and Goat, Mitra Tani Farm, Qurban)
Valuation of Prospective Resources - A Portfolio Approach
Authors: Jankowski E. J. , Kirchin A.
Published: April 2016

There are many ways to approach the valuation of an exploration portfolio. The most appropriate methodology will depend on the scale and complexity of the portfolio as well as time/resource constraints. An expected monetary value (EMV) approach based on success case discounted cash flow analyses is generally the preferred valuation methodology. Various EMV approaches are described and when they might be applicable is discussed. For large complex portfolios the only reliable valuation methodology is a full probabilistic approach built around a Monte Carlo simulation of all possible exploration outcomes. This approach will be illustrated via a detailed case study to back up the EMV discussion.

The expected value of an exploration portfolio should be the mean of all possible values of the portfolio. This is driven by all possible combinations of success and failure of the exploration drill out of the portfolio and the resource uncertainty in those wells that are successful. Short cut approaches are frequently adopted to simplify the valuation process but in many cases the final value, which may be described as the expected value, is in reality not the true expected value. These short cuts often ignore any correlation or dependency between the chances of success for prospects in the portfolio. In undeveloped or immature areas, the commercial and development synergies and dependencies can also have a very significant impact on the ultimate expected value. These short cut approaches do not capture these impacts. In most cases, therefore, the only way to derive an expected value is adopt a full probabilistic approach in a similar manner as routinely employed for resource volumes. A large worked example is presented to highlight the methodology together with some practical ways of dealing with valuation complexities that arise in many portfolios. The end product is not only a single expected value but a distribution of value of the portfolio. The ability to report a range of value similar to the range of resource volumes that are routinely reported is far more informative to decision makers or investors than the current practice of a single expected value.
Apply Two-Way Cluster Analysis to Select Candidate Reservoir Models From Multiple Realizations
Authors: Fei Jin , Yarus Jeffrey M. , Chambers Richard
Published: April 2016

Unconventional resource plays are not typically homogeneous; therefore the reservoirs might not be contiguous. Geostatistical based earth modeling can create hundreds of reservoir property realizations. The challenge is to select a few optimal models from these realizations for further analysis. Traditionally, candidates are selected from ranked distributions representing quantiles (e.g., P10, P50, and P90) of the reservoir volumetrics, which assumes contiguous reservoir volumes. However, such methods lack any physical geometrical information.

In this paper, a two-way clustering method is used to take into account spatial property information. First, a three-dimensional (3-D) realization is transformed into a one-dimensional (1-D) array, so that each element of the array maps to one single grid cell that carries the spatial location information. Next, a matrix is created from the multiple realizations. Each column represents a single realization, and each row represents a single 3-D grid cell. Then, clustering algorithm is applied to both columns (R-mode) and rows (Q-mode). R-mode shows the similarity of different realizations, whereas Q-mode shows the clusters of different cells. Finally, connected geobodies are extracted from the clusters.

This novel method was applied to a west Texas Permian basin reservoir. Domain experts can first select realization candidates from different R-mode clusters and compare the results. Then, the location and connectivity of cells from Q-mode clustering can be mapped in addition to evaluating their statistical ranking. During Q-mode cluster analysis, Euclidean distance carries the spatial property location of the cell in a distance calculation. Statistical analysis of the geobodies suggests the optimal realization, which is not necessarily the P50. Through such quantitative evaluations of all the realizations, geologists and reservoir engineers can select optimistic to pessimistic realizations to aid economic assessment of the reservoir.
Fast Economic Analysis and Optimization of Fracture-Stimulated Wells in Condensate Reservoirs
Authors: Filippov Andrey , Jia Xinli , McNealy Timothy , Khoriakov Vitaly
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a method for the fast evaluation of fracture-stimulated condensate reservoir economics. For the calculation of production decline in such reservoirs, an efficient numerical model with a three-phase transient analysis of pressure distribution was built and validated using the predictions from reservoir solvers and field data. This model solves for gas-, oil-, and water-flow parameters, accounting for the gas-oil phase transition, and has been realized in a numerical code and compared with predictions from commercial software and available field data, such as production-decline curves.

The developed numerical model has been implemented in commercial software and used for the sensitivity analysis of reservoir productivity regarding changes of fracture size and spacing, as well as reservoir permeability in the fractured condensate reservoirs, with an account for multiphase reservoir flows and reservoir properties. A side-by-side comparison of predictions from two commercial reservoir simulators has shown that that this model accurately calculates transientpressure fields near the fractures and the productiondecline curve.

The objective of the economic analysis and fracture optimization stage is reduced to finding the target function minimum in an N-dimensional parametric space using various constrained minimization techniques, including a Quasi-Monte Carlo analysis and the Active Set Method.
An Enhanced Method to Correct Rate Data for Variations in Bottom-Hole Pressure
Authors: Chaudhary Nitinkumar L. , Lee W. John
Published: April 2016

The objective of the study summarized in this paper was to develop an accurate and robust method (deconvolution) to transform rate data from a well producing with variable bottom-hole pressure (BHP) into the rate data that would have resulted had the well been produced at constant bottom-hole pressure throughout its history. These ‘corrected’ rate data can then be analyzed with confidence to determine parameters in decline models or to use in more general rate-transient analysis. Current methods used in the industry to correct for the effects of variable BHP, such as pressure-normalized rates and material-balance time, lead to less accurate model-parameter determination and thus to less accurate forecasts of future production.

We propose a new methodology based on Inverse Problem Theory to accurately forecast performance of a reservoir exhibiting variable pressure and rate trends. We first apply a unique deconvolution algorithm to the observed rate and pressure data; this deconvolved rate response represents the true decline model response if the bottomhole pressure remained constant throughout the production history. We then use the deconvolved rate response to estimate decline model parameters (like Arps decline parameter "b", loss-ratio and derivative of loss ratio) using standard curve fitting techniques. We then convolve this rate decline model with the proposed future pressure decline to obtain an accurate forecast of reservoir performance.

We pose this deconvolution problem as a regularized and weighted least square problem; the novelty in our approach lies in the regularization and weighting strategy we propose. We have overcome the limitations due to the poor quality of production data (as compared to well test data) by proposing an unsupervised weighting scheme based on a local outlier factor. We validate our method with synthetic examples generated using numerical models of multi-stage hydraulically fractured wells in unconventional reservoirs. We then illustrate application of our method using field examples from four major shale plays. Our work demonstrates that this new methodology of integrating pressures into decline curve analysis is theoretically and practically more robust than the analysis of pressure normalized rate data currently used to solve the problem.
Trust, But Verify: Maximizing Bluefield Value by Challenging the Engineering Assumptions
Authors: Surovtsev Dmitry , Miklashevich Sergey , Komin Maxim , Meulengracht Chresten
Published: April 2016

The paper discusses a novel workflow and tools for stochastic optimization under uncertainty aimed at maximizing the value of exploration and early appraisal assets using a public example of an East Africa offshore gas discovery.

Following an initial discovery well, the prospect enters an appraisal phase with tangible uncertainties in resource base (a P10/P90 ratio of 3.1), well productivity (P10/P90 of 2.1), and cost estimates (30%/+50% tolerance). The choice of LNG train capacity and development concept changeover point has a profound effect on asset evaluation results used for attracting new project partners.

These uncertainties raise a number of critical questions: How can a facility engineer elaborate these key parameters given the three-fold uncertainty in resource base at this project stage? Will these choices change under a random walk in oil prices or given different attitudes towards risk by the management? Does maximization of project after-tax value and of production entitlement imply identical values of control parameters in these circumstances?

The challenges are resolved by sampling the solution space with 54,000 full-cycle evaluation trials run in just over 13.5 hours using a combined power of an exploration decision support tool with fit-for-purpose and fit-to-data risks, resource, and value assessment that honors all risks and uncertainties; a workflow management tool for decision optimization based on a multiple-realization approach powered by various uncertainty and optimization methods; and a proprietary link between these two applications.

The original operator's view on the facilities concept was found to reflect a P50 of reserves uncertainty and a P50 of worldwide LNG train capacity distribution. Optimizations were performed to address five progressively complicating problem formulations. The achieved outcomes match conclusions that could be derived with a reasoned train of thought in economy-of-scale context meaning our solution is applicable for modeling situations lacking simple analytical solutions.
Financial Impact of Price Volatility on the Oilfield Services Sector of the Petroleum Industry
Authors: Michael Andreas
Published: April 2016

Historically, oilfield services companies seemed to be financially more sensitive to crude oil price volatility compared to companies doing exploration and production. This was evident both in times of rising and falling price, imposing serious challenges to them. The year 2014 marked, after a 40 percent drop in the price of oil, the agreement for one of the largest acquisitions in the industry between two of the biggest international oilfield service providers; that of Baker Hughes, Inc. by Halliburton Co. The implications of these price fluctuations significantly influence this sector of the industry shaping the narrative around it.

This paper evaluates the extent to which crude oil price variations affect the service companies in the stock market compared to exploration and production (E&P) companies. Regression analysis is performed on two sample groups; one consisting of service companies and the other of E&Ps. Daily data from the beginning of 1986 until early 2015 is used for both stock and crude oil prices. When compared to the E&Ps group, the service companies group is more oil price sensitive throughout the whole period by a factor of almost six and a half. In particular, from 1986 to 2007 this factor is 6.3. For the post 2008 period, a reverse causality effect is observed for both groups with changes in the oil price, with the service companies group slightly less sensitive, yielding a factor of 0.9.

The factors responsible for the observed phenomena are evaluated, backed with data analysis. The higher economic limits of unconventional compared to conventional energy resources, make the service companies specializing in unconventional play development struggle as these are the first to become uneconomic in times of falling price. The downstream operations most E&Ps have unlike service providers, enables them to buffer losses in their upstream sectors when price drops and vice versa. Also, the decreasing dependence of the E&Ps on service companies as they grow bigger makes the latter less adroit to price variations than the former. Finally, the rise of the national oil companies in recent decades in terms of production and reserves control, has led to additional competition against service companies by international oil companies for providing specialized technical assistance.
Solutions to 5 Strategic Issues Plaguing Executives in 2015-2016: Solving the Right Problems With Portfolio Management
Authors: Howell John I , Warren Lillian
Published: April 2016

Since 2014 the energy industry has redefine the term rapidly changing business environment. Commodity prices have plunged, financing options shifted from abundant to scarce and corporations focus has moved from growth to survival. As these changes have evolved, the flaws in our traditional planning processes and tools have become evident. Executives have experienced unprecedented needs to update strategies and business plans on a weekly basis while most of our planning groups are designed to update on an annual basis. This paper will discuss three examples where companies have used portfolio management models to rapidly explore strategic scenarios in an effort to answer strategic issues. The examples illustrate how portfolio functions including optimization, uncertainty analysis and integrated financials have allowed some companies to efficiently plan in these volatile times. The examples illustrate solving strategic issues such as rapidly exploring strategic investment scenarios, assessing investment options at multiple commodity price points, balancing financial and operational metrics, balancing near and long term performance and rapidly developing capital allocation strategies.
AN ANALYSIS OF CROSS-DISCIPLINE RESEARCH ARTICLE INTRODUCTION STRUCTURES THROUGH A MODIFIED CREATE-A-RESEARCH-SPACE (CARS) MODEL
Authors: Abdullah Suhaily
Published: April 2016

The main purpose of this study is to identify a standard structural pattern of introduction sections of two different disciplines, i.e. research articles from English Language Teaching (ELT) and Civil Engineering (CE) corpora. Twelve articles were randomly chosen from four established journals of both disciplines namely; Language Learning (LL), Foreign Language Annals (FLA), Transportation (T) and Structural Survey (SS). Content analysis was manually conducted by incorporating the modified CARS model of Anthony’s (1999) in identifying the introductions’ rhetorical moves in both disciplines. Besides move structures, the headings, length and paragraphing element were highlighted for the comparison purposes. As a result, the rhetorical move of the modified model is totally applicable in CE corpora but it slightly fit the presented structural patterns in ELT research articles. Thus, it is noticeable that relying on this modified model has only given the general guide for authors of both disciplines. The model could be further revised in allowing ‘emerging’ patterns of any discipline writing styles and these findings can also be added to existing literature of interdisciplinary RA introduction genre analyses.Keywords: modified CARS model; introductions; structural pattern; genre analysis
ANALYZING THE STUDENTS'ABILITY IN WRITING OPINION ESSAY USING FLASH FICTION
Authors: Setyowati Lestari
Published: April 2016

The use of literature in language classroom has attracted language teachers to utilize it in the FL classroom. This paper is intended to decribe the students’ ability to write opinion essay by using flash fiction, Frank Stocton’s The Lady or the Tiger. The design used in the study was content analysis design in which the researcher collected the students’ composition after they were assigned to write opinion essay by using flash fiction. The subject of the study was 2013A batch of STKIP PGRI Pasuruan. The data were colected in 30 June 2015 and 7 July 2015. The result shows that students were able to make thesis statement that showed their opinion, but unable to develop the essay well, and state conclusion that reflect the essay. Moreover, two thirds of the students were not able to produce the essay in at least 250 words. The problems of the flash fiction used in the classroom and its limitation are discussed in the paper along with the suggestion for those who are interested to use literary work in FL classroom.

 

Key words: literary works, flash fiction, opinion essay.
Isolation, Detection, and Characterization of Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis in Clinical Samples
Authors: Fathi Payam , Wu Shaoguang
Published: April 2016

Bacteroides fragilisis an extensively studied anaerobic bacterium comprising the normal flora of the human gut.B. fragilisis known to be one of the most commonly isolated species from clinical samples and has been shown to cause a wide range of pathologies in humans [1, 2]. As an opportunistic pathogenB. fragiliscan cause abscess formation and bacteremia [2]. Additionally in its enterotoxigenic form,B. fragilisis a known cause of diarrheal illness, is associated with inflammatory bowel disease, and has been recently characterized in patients with colon cancer [3 - 5]. As research in the field of the gut microbiome continues to expand at an ever increasing rate due to advances in the availability of next generation sequencing and analysis tools it is important to outline various molecular methods that can be employed in quickly detecting and isolating relevant strains ofB. fragilis. This review outlines methods that are routinely employed in the isolation and detection ofB. fragilis, with an emphasis on characterizing enterotoxigenicB. fragilis(ETBF) strains.
Rapid Identification and Characterization of Francisella by Molecular Biology and Other Techniques
Authors: Lai Xin-He , Zhao Long-Fei , Chen Xiao-Ming , Ren Yi
Published: April 2016

Francisella tularensisis the causative pathogen of tularemia and a Tier 1 bioterror agent on the CDC list. Considering the fact that some subpopulation of theF. tularensisstrains is more virulent, more significantly associated with mortality, and therefore poses more threat to humans, rapid identification and characterization of this subpopulation strains is of invaluable importance. This review summarizes the up-to-date developments of assays for mainly detecting and characterizingF. tularensisand a touch of caveats of some of the assays.
Conceptualizing Backlash: (UK) Men's Rights Groups, Anti-Feminism, and Postfeminism
Authors: Jordan Ana
Published: April 2016

Conceptualizing “backlash” and “postfeminism” is important to understanding the gender politics of men's movements and men's rights groups. Drawing on the work of relevant (feminist) scholars, I argue for a particular understanding of both backlash and postfeminism and map out a typology intended to help situate different men's movements. The typology distinguishes between backlash, postfeminism, and feminism in terms of the different empirical claims and value judgments relevant to each perspective. Backlash is based on the claim that society disadvantages men rather than women. Gender is seen as political and as requiring a collective, anti-feminist politics. Postfeminism is a fundamentally ambivalent perspective that assumes that gender equality has already been (mostly) achieved. Some feminist ideas are taken for granted, while feminism itself is cast as anachronistic. Gender is depoliticized and feminism becomes an individual lifestyle choice. Finally, feminism, like backlash, assumes that significant gender inequalities exist in contemporary society but sees women as the disadvantaged group. Here, gender is politicized, and gendered inequalities necessitate a collective feminist politics. To illustrate the different perspectives articulated by men's rights groups, I discuss UK fathers' rights group (Real) Fathers 4 Justice, arguing that they alternate between postfeminist and backlash narratives.
Vers une consommation plus affective ?
Authors: Filser Marc
Published: April 2016

L'analyse du comportement du consommateur a profondément évolué. Car les limites des modèles dominant jusqu'à récemment sont désormais devenues apparentes. Parmi les recherches qui ont renouvelé l'approche de cette question essentielle pour les spécialistes de marketing, les théories des états affectifs apparaissent comme particulièrement importantes. L'auteur s'interroge sur leurs apports et leurs conséquences sur l'évolution des méthodes de marketing.
Shareholders, stakeholders et stratégie
Authors: Martinet Alain-Charles , Reynaud Emmanuelle
Published: April 2016

Alors qu'en France les dirigeants d'entreprise privilégient le plus souvent encore sans retenue la seule création de valeur chère à l'actionnaire, les firmes américaines multiplient à nouveau de leur côté les efforts en direction de l'ensemble de leurs « stakeholders » ou « parties prenantes ». à travers l'exemple de la marque évian, du groupe Danone, les auteurs démontrent ici l'importance de cette nouvelle orientation stratégique, qui ne se mesure plus seulement en termes de performance financière, mais aussi en termes de performance sociale ou environnementale. Un plaidoyer pour une conception non réductrice de la stratégie.
Thickness-shear vibration characteristics of an AT-cut quartz resonator with rectangular ring electrodes
Authors: Shi Junjie , Fan Cuiying , Zhao Minghao , Yang Jiashi
Published: April 2016

We studied thickness-shear vibration frequencies and modes in a rectangular AT-cut quartz plate resonator with ring electrodes. The electrodes are also rectangular, with their central parts missing and thus form rectangular ring electrodes. It was found that the vibration tends to be trapped in the electrode area and decays away from the electrode edges. By properly designing the electrode dimensions, the vibration can be made nearly uniform in the central part of the plate. This is particularly suitable for resonator-based sensor applications where the sensitivity is determined theoretically from the uniform vibration distribution of pure thickness-shear modes in an unbounded plate.
A direct coupling method of meshless local petrov-galerkin (MLPG) and finite element method (FEM)
Authors: Liu Zehui , Lu Ming , Li Qing , Lv Zhongbin , Chang Afei , Pang Kai , Zhao Shujie
Published: April 2016

A direct coupling method is developed for coupling meshless methods such as the MLPG and FEM. The radial point interpolation method with polynomial terms (RPIMp) which lead to a shape function that indeed obeys the Kronecker delta property are used to approximate the trial functions in the MLPG. This important property make the MLPG method could couple the FEM directly as other coupling method must use additional techniques. An electromagnetic problem governed by the Poisson's equation and nonlinear ionized field examples are given in this paper. The results, which are compared with both the exact solutions and solutions obtained from the FEM, show that the method in this paper could couple the MLPG FEM directly without any additional numerical techniques. The paper offer an coupling method by making full use of the MLPG and FEM advantages to deal with engineering problems and more difficult problem geometries.
Design of an open-loop controlled auto- focusing VCM actuator without spring plates
Authors: Liu Chien-Sheng , Chang Yu-Hao , Li Hong-Fei
Published: April 2016

The smart cell phone market has rapid growth in recent years and cell phone camera modules have strong requirement for capturing images and communication in our daily use. Accordingly, in the present study, a novel compact voice coil motor (VCM) actuator is proposed for auto-focusing (AF) of cell phone camera modules. Compared to conventional VCM actuators with open-loop position control mechanism, the proposed VCM actuator is featured with absence of spring plates. In the proposed approach, the magnetic restoring force is used to replace the restoring force of the spring plates in the open-loop control VCM actuators. The motivation of this study is to characterize the performance of the proposed VCM actuator using simulation methods and then evaluate experimentally this device using a laboratory-built prototype. The results show that the proposed VCM actuator has the sizes of 8.5 mm × 8.5 mm × 7.5 mm, the maximal input current of 40 mA, the maximal response time of 10 ms, and the average measured Lorentz force of 2200 mgw for the input current of 40 mA in its whole displacement (stroke of 0.4 mm), and it operates the AF function well.
A comparative analysis of power density for single-stage and dual-stage magnetic gear with rare-earth magnets and non rare-earth magnets
Authors: Kim Chan-Ho , Jung Sang-Yong , Kim Yong-Jae
Published: April 2016

The magnetic gear that solves the physical contact problem of the mechanical gear has advantage of no mechanical friction loss, very little noise and vibration, and no need for lubricant. Due to this unique non-contact characteristic, the magnetic gear which is capable of non-contact torque transmission has replaced mechanical gear. However, the magnetic gear with a high gear ratio is disadvantageous to implement the exact gear ratio because the number of rotor poles increases. Therefore, dual-stage type magnetic gear was proposed in order to distributes the gear ratio by using two magnetic gears as to the mechanical gear is used the multi-stage in order to implement the high gear ratio. The dual-stage type magnetic gear can improve the power density and efficiency compared to the single-stage magnetic gear. Also, the dual-stage type magnetic gear can be designed differently permanent magnet type because the use of the two magnetic gear. Therefore, in this paper, permanent magnet material of second magnetic gear was not changed and only permanent magnet material of first magnetic gear was changed to bonded NdFeB magnet or ferrite magnet from sintered NdFeB magnet. Transfer torque and magnetic field analysis method for dual-stage magnetic gear was used 2-D numerical analysis.
The Effect of Preprocessing on Arabic Document Categorization
Authors: Ayedh Abdullah , TAN Guanzheng , Alwesabi Khaled , Rajeh Hamdi
Published: April 2016

Preprocessing is one of the main components in a conventional document categorization (DC) framework. This paper aims to highlight the effect of preprocessing tasks on the efficiency of the Arabic DC system. In this study, three classification techniques are used, namely, naive Bayes (NB), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), and support vector machine (SVM). Experimental analysis on Arabic datasets reveals that preprocessing techniques have a significant impact on the classification accuracy, especially with complicated morphological structure of the Arabic language. Choosing appropriate combinations of preprocessing tasks provides significant improvement on the accuracy of document categorization depending on the feature size and classification techniques. Findings of this study show that the SVM technique has outperformed the KNN and NB techniques. The SVM technique achieved 96.74% micro-F1 value by using the combination of normalization and stemming as preprocessing tasks.
Development of Antioxidant COX-2 Inhibitors as Radioprotective Agents for Radiation Therapy—A Hypothesis-Driven Review
Authors: Laube Markus , Kniess Torsten , Pietzsch Jens
Published: April 2016

Radiation therapy (RT) evolved to be a primary treatment modality for cancer patients. Unfortunately, the cure or relief of symptoms is still accompanied by radiation-induced side effects with severe acute and late pathophysiological consequences. Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are potentially useful in this regard because radioprotection of normal tissue and/or radiosensitizing effects on tumor tissue have been described for several compounds of this structurally diverse class. This review aims to substantiate the hypothesis that antioxidant COX-2 inhibitors are promising radioprotectants because of intercepting radiation-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in normal tissue, especially the vascular system. For this, literature reporting on COX inhibitors exerting radioprotective and/or radiosensitizing action as well as on antioxidant COX inhibitors will be reviewed comprehensively with the aim to find cross-points of both and, by that, stimulate further research in the field of radioprotective agents.