bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Optimization of Horizontal-Well Completions in Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Barree R. D. , Cox S. A. , Miskimins J. L. , Gilbert J. V. , Conway M. W.
Published: March 2015

Extrapolation of conventional paradigms to unconventional reservoirs can lead to disappointment and poor performance. Careful analysis of the reservoir and application of the correct stimulation design are critical when dealing with marginally economic developments. This approach includes adequate characterization of the reservoir and an understanding of the factors that control flow capacity and deliverability.

One of the biggest practical problems with unconventional-stimulation-design optimization is estimating post-fracture rate, production decline, and ultimate recovery. Without a realistic prediction of the decline resulting from a given completion, it is impossible to assign value to one design over another and equally impossible to optimize the treatment for whichever goal is sought, either acceleration of recovery or increase in reserves.

It is often the first—inadequate reservoir characterization—that leads to the second—unrealistic post-treatment predictions. For instance, assuming that core-derived permeability fully represents the reservoir's total flow capacity or that stimulated reservoir volumes represent the effective producing volumes can lead to incorrect diagnosis of the reservoir capability and, consequently, can lead to an inefficient treatment design.

This paper presents methods for production forecasting that give reasonable post-treatment predictions that have been found useful for economic planning. The proposed methodology, backed by field observations and laboratory work, provides an economically viable plan for optimizing lateral length, fracture spacing, and treatment design. The methodology focuses on the post-stimulation effective reservoir volume. Results show that increasing apparent fracture length rarely impacts long-term recovery. Likewise, adding more fractures within the same reservoir volume may increase early-time production rate (initial production) and decline rate, without contacting more reservoir volume or adding to long-term recovery. Such practices lead to acceleration of reserves recovery, which has economic value and should be considered in the design process, but does not increase the ultimate recovery of the well once a sufficient number of contributing fractures are in place. The economically preferred completion designs may be more driven by the net present value derived in the first 5 years of production rather than the ultimate recovery of the well. This early 5-year period represents most of the useful economic life of the well, can be estimated more accurately from early performance, and is a good benchmark for completion optimization.
Factors That Affect Gas-Condensate Relative Permeability
Authors: Kalla Subhash , Leonardi Sergio A. , Berry Daniel W. , Poore Larry D. , Sahoo Hemant , Kudva Ryan A. , Braun Edward M.
Published: February 2015

When the pressure in a gas-condensate reservoir falls below the dewpoint, liquid condensate can accumulate in the pore space of the rock. This can reduce well deliverability and potentially affect the compositions of the produced fluids. Forecasting these effects requires relative permeability data for gas-condensate flow in the rock in the presence of immobile water saturation. In this study, relative permeability measurements were conducted on reservoir rock at a variety of conditions. The goal was to determine the sensitivity to interfacial tension (IFT) (which varies with pressure) and fluid type (reservoir fluids, pure hydrocarbons, and water). The results show a significant sensitivity to fluid type, as well as an IFT sensitivity that is similar to that reported by other researchers. For obtaining relative permeability data that are applicable to a specific reservoir, we conclude that laboratory measurements must be conducted at reservoir conditions with actual reservoir fluids.

The measurements reported here used a state-of-the-art relative permeability apparatus of in-house design. The apparatus uses elevated temperature and pressure, precision pumps, and a sight glass with automated interface tracking. Closed-loop recirculation avoids the need for large quantities of reservoir fluids and ensures that the gas and liquid are in compositional equilibrium.
Prevention of Hydrate Formation in Wells Injecting CO2 into the Saline Aquifer
Authors: Yang S.O.. O. , Hamilton S.. , Nixon R.. , De Silva R..
Published: March 2015

For carbon dioxide (CO2) storage operations, hydrate formation in the CO2-injection system could be an issue for pipeline material integrity and safety. Numerous and extensive CO2-hydrate research has been carried out for pure CO2 and its mixtures, in both theoretical models and experimental determination. This study aims to use existing CO2-hydrate studies in the concept selection stage by application of sensitivity studies of representative operational conditions with laboratory-data-derived hydrate curves and commercial thermodynamic simulators.

Hydrate formation was studied for various operational conditions of CO2-injection wells injecting into a saline-aquifer formation. Thermal/hydraulic analysis identified the operational conditions of the injection well. Then, thermodynamic calculation determined the hydrate tendency and minimum water content required to form hydrates. In cases in which hydrates are expected to form, it is recommended to inject thermodynamic inhibitors to prevent hydrate formation. Both monoethylene glycol (MEG) and methanol can be used readily for this application. However, when water-flushing operations are required to remove potential near-wellbore halite precipitation, MEG is preferred because it is less prone to exacerbate salting-out effects compared with methanol.
Evaluation of different configurations of hybrid membrane bioreactors for treatment of domestic wastewater
Authors: Cuevas-Rodríguez G. , Cervantes-Avilés P. , Torres-Chávez I. , Bernal-Martínez A.
Published: February 2015

Four membrane bioreactors (MBRs) with the same dimensions were studied for 180 days: three hybrid growth membrane bioreactors with biofilm attached in different packing media and a conventional MBR (C-MBR). The four MBRs had an identical membrane module of hollow fiber with a nominal porous diameter of 0.4 μm. The MBRs were: (1) a C-MBR; (2) a moving bed membrane bioreactor (MB-MBR), which was packed with 2 L of carrier Kaldnes-K1, presenting an exposed surface area of 678.90 m2/m3; (3) a non-submerged organic fixed bed (OFB-MBR) packed with 6.5 L of organic packing media composed of a mixture of cylindrical pieces of wood, providing an exposed surface area of 178.05 m2/m3; and (4) an inorganic fixed bed non-submerged membrane bioreactor (IFB-MBR) packed with 6 L of spherical volcanic pumice stone with an exposed surface area of 526.80 m2/m3. The four MBRs were fed at low organic loading (0.51 ± 0.19 kgCOD/m3 d). The results were recorded according to the behavior of the total resistance, transmembrane pressure (TMP), permeability, and removal percentages of the nutrients during the experimental time. The results showed that the MB-MBR presented the better performance on membrane filtration, while the higher nutrient removals were detected in the OFB-MBR and IFB-MBR.
Factors influencing hydroquinone degradation in aqueous solution using a modified microelectrolysis method
Authors: Li Tong , Li Tingting , Xiong Houfeng , Zou Donglei
Published: February 2015

The discharge of hydroquinone (HQ), an important chemical raw material, to natural waters poses different ecological threats to aquatic organisms. In this study, we investigated the removal performance of traditional and modified microelectrolysis methods in aqueous solutions. The traditional microelectrolysis packing was modified by adding manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) powder as additives. The factors affecting the removal performance of HQ, such as catalytic metal type, mass fraction of additive, reaction time, and initial pH, were examined. The results showed that the Mn modified packing exhibited the best performance compared to Zn and Cu powder. The removal rate of HQ using Mn modified packing can reach 94% after 4 h. In addition, 9% of Mn packing has a higher removal rate than other mass fractions. The acidic solution pH shows a more favorable degradation than a neutral and alkaline solution. The intermediates of HQ degradation by modified microelectrolysis were identified and then the pathway of HQ degradation was proposed. Our result indicates that Mn as catalytic metal holds promising potential to enhance HQ removal in water using the microelectrolysis method.
Nonylphenols degradation in the UV, UV/H2O2, O3 and UV/O3 processes – comparison of the methods and kinetic study
Authors: Felis E. , Miksch K.
Published: February 2015

This paper describes the results of experiments on the decomposition of selected nonylphenols (NPs) in aqueous solutions using the UV, UV/H2O2, O3 and UV/O3 processes. The goal of the research was to determine the kinetic parameters of the above-mentioned processes, and to estimate their effectiveness. These substances were selected because of their ubiquitous occurrence in the aquatic environment, resistance to biodegradation and environmental significance. As a result of the experiments, the quantum yields of the 4-n-nonylphenol (4NP) and NP (technical mixture) photodegradation in aqueous solution were calculated to be 0.15 and 0.17, respectively. The values of the second-order rate constants of the investigated compounds with hydroxyl radical and NP with ozone were also determined. The estimated second-order rate constants of 4NP and NP with hydroxyl radicals were equal to 7.6 × 108–1.3 × 109 mol−1 L s−1. For NP, the determined rate constant with ozone was equal to 2.01 × 106 mol−1 L s−1. The performed experiments showed that NP was slightly more susceptible to degradation by the UV radiation and hydroxyl radicals than 4NP. The study demonstrated also that the polychromatic UV-light alone and also in combination with selected oxidizers (i.e. hydrogen peroxide, ozone) may be successfully used for the removal of selected NPs from the aqueous medium.
Unilayer Closure of Saphenous Vein Incision Lines is Better than Bilayer Closure
Authors: Tiryakioglu Osman , Goncu Tugrul , Yumun Gunduz , Bozkurt Onder , Demir Ahmet , Tiryakioglu Selma Kenar , Ozyazicioglu Ahmet , Yavuz Senol
Published: February 2015

Objective:

To examine early results in patients with incision lines closed only along the skin and subcutaneous tissue after removal of the great saphenous vein during coronary artery bypass surgery.

Materials and Methods:

We enrolled 82 patients who underwent elective operations in our clinic between December 2008 and April 2009. The patients had similar demographic characteristics, and the method of incision closure was chosen randomly. Three patients were excluded due to in-hospital mortality. The saphenous incision lines were closed using continuous skin sutures in 41 patients (Group 1) or using continuous subcutaneous sutures followed by continuous skin sutures in 38 patients (Group 2). Patients were followed every day that they were in the hospital, in the first week after being discharged, and at the end of the second month after discharge. The incision lines were evaluated for hematomas, infection, edema, pain and numbness.

Results:

During the follow-up performed in-hospital and in the first week after discharge, infection, edema and numbness were observed significantly more often in Group 2 than in Group 1. Hematoma was observed more often in Group 1, and pain was observed more often in Group 2, but neither of these findings reached statistical significance. During the follow-up at the end of the second month after discharge, infection, edema, and numbness were observed significantly more frequently in Group 2.

Conclusion:

In patients undergoing saphenous removal using standard procedures, it is sufficient to close the incision line using only skin sutures.
A Capacity Design Procedure for Columns of Steel Structures with Diagonals Braces
Authors: Bosco M. , Ghersi A. , Marino E.M. , Rossi P.P.
Published: February 2015

According to modern seismic codes, in concentrically braced frames the seismic input energy should be dissipated
by means of the hysteretic behaviour of braces while all the other members (i.e. beams and columns) have to remain
elastic. Accordingly, the design internal forces of braces are determined in these codes by elastic analysis of the structure
subjected to seismic forces obtained by the design spectrum. The internal forces of the non-dissipative members, instead,
are calculated by means of specified rules for the application of capacity design principles. According to some recent numerical
analyses, the yielding or buckling of columns may take place before braces achieve their axial deformation capacity.
This paper investigates the reasons of this unsatisfactory behaviour and proposes technological suggestions and a design
procedure to improve the seismic performance of columns of building structures with diagonal braces.
Accuracy of Advanced Methods for Nonlinear Static Analysis of Steel
Moment-Resisting Frames
Authors: Ferraioli Massimiliano , M. Avossa Alberto , Lavino Angelo , Mandara Alberto
Published: February 2015

The reliability of advanced nonlinear static procedures to estimate deformation demands of steel momentresisting
frames under seismic loads is investigated. The advantages of refined adaptive and multimodal pushover procedures
over conventional methods based on invariant lateral load patterns are evaluated. In particular, their computational
attractiveness and capability of providing satisfactory predictions of seismic demands in comparison with those obtained
by conventional force-based methods are examined. The results obtained by the static advanced methods, used in the form
of different variants of the original Capacity Spectrum Method and Modal Pushover Analysis, are compared with the results
of nonlinear response history analysis. Both effectiveness and accuracy of these approximated methods are verified
through an extensive comparative study involving both regular and irregular steel moment resisting frames subjected to
different acceleration records.
Insulin Resistance as a Physiological Defense Against Metabolic Stress: Implications for the Management of Subsets of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Nolan Christopher J. , Ruderman Neil B. , Kahn Steven E. , Pedersen Oluf , Prentki Marc
Published: February 2015

Stratifying the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has to take into account marked variability in patient phenotype due to heterogeneity in its pathophysiology, different stages of the disease process, and multiple other patient factors including comorbidities. The focus here is on the very challenging subgroup of patients with T2D who are overweight or obese with insulin resistance (IR) and the most refractory hyperglycemia due to an inability to change lifestyle to reverse positive energy balance. For this subgroup of patients with T2D, we question the dogma that IR is primarily harmful to the body and should be counteracted at any cost. Instead we propose that IR, particularly in this high-risk subgroup, is a defense mechanism that protects critical tissues of the cardiovascular system from nutrient-induced injury. Overriding IR in an effort to lower plasma glucose levels, particularly with intensive insulin therapy, could therefore be harmful. Treatments that nutrient off-load to lower glucose are more likely to be beneficial. The concepts of “IR as an adaptive defense mechanism” and “insulin-induced metabolic stress” may provide explanation for some of the unexpected outcomes of recent major clinical trials in T2D. Potential molecular mechanisms underlying these concepts; their clinical implications for stratification of T2D management, particularly in overweight and obese patients with difficult glycemic control; and future research requirements are discussed.
Treatment of a maxillary fibrosarcoma in an adult alpaca
Authors: Higginbotham Mary Lynn , McCaw Dudley L. , Anderson David E. , Lattimer Jimmy C. , Armbrust Laura , Andrews Gordon A. , McBride Brandon D.
Published: February 2015

Case Description—An approximately 5-year-old sexually intact male alpaca was evaluated because of a right-sided maxillary mass that had recurred after previous surgical debulking.

Clinical Findings—Clinical, radiographic, and CT examination revealed an approximately 1.5-cm-diameter soft tissue mass associated with expansile osteolysis of the maxillary alveolar bone, beginning at the level of the right maxillary third premolar tooth extending caudally to the level of the rostral roots of the second molar tooth.

Treatment and Outcome—Right partial maxillectomy was performed, and histologic examination revealed an incompletely excised fibrosarcoma with osseous metaplasia. External beam radiation therapy to the tumor bed was initiated 1 month after surgery. Computerized planning was performed, and a total radiation dose of 48 Gy was prescribed in eleven 4.4-Gy fractions. Follow-up CT evaluations 6 and 58 weeks after radiation therapy was completed revealed no evidence of tumor recurrence. No clinical evidence of tumor recurrence was detected through 110 weeks after radiation therapy.

Clinical Relevance—The oral fibrosarcoma in the alpaca described here was successfully treated with surgical excision and adjuvant radiation therapy, resulting in excellent quality of life of the treated animal.
Development and Evaluation of Self-Management and Task-Oriented Approach to Rehabilitation Training (START) in the Home: Case Report
Authors: Richardson Julie , DePaul Vincent , Officer Alexis , Wilkins Seanne , Letts Lori , Bosch Jackie , Wishart Laurie
Published: February 2015

Background

The incidence of stroke and subsequent level of disability will increase, as age is the greatest risk factor for stroke and the world's population is aging. Hospital admissions are too brief for patients to regain necessary function. Research to examine therapy delivered within the home environment has the potential to expedite relearning of function and reduce health care expenditures.

Purpose

This case report describes the use of the knowledge-to-action cycle (KTA) to develop and evaluate an evidence-based approach for rehabilitation in the home that incorporates self-management and task-oriented functional training (TOFT) for people with stroke.

Case Description

The KTA cycle was used to guide adaptation of evidence from self-management and TOFT into an approach titled START (Self-Management and Task-Oriented Approach to Rehabilitation Training). Three stakeholder symposiums identified barriers and supports to implementation. Clinical practice leaders were engaged as partners in the development of the intervention. An online learning management system housed the resources to support therapist training. Therapist focus groups were conducted and stroke outcomes were used to assess patient response.

Outcomes

Eight therapists completed 4 workshops and applied the home intervention in 12 people with stroke. A mentoring process for therapists included feedback from peers and experts after viewing treatment videos. Therapist response was determined from the focus groups; patient response was measured by standardized assessments. The therapists noted that the intervention was easier to implement with patients who were motivated and had minimal cognitive impairment.

Discussion

The KTA cycle provided a structure for the development of this evidence-based rehabilitation intervention, which was feasible to implement in the home. Further evaluation needs to be undertaken to assess the effectiveness of START.
Fanon: Religious Language, Messianic Time and the New Man
Authors: Crowley Patrick
Published: February 2015

Drawing on Giorgio Agamben's work on messianic time, principally The Time That Remains, this article seeks to extend Agamben's epistemological paradigm on messianic time to Fanon's work. At stake here is the question of the Messianic and the extent to which it is not simply a matter of Fanon's prophetic tone but a dimension of Fanon's work that contributes to the shaping of both his thought on the ‘New Man’ and its relationship to time.
Fanon and Psychiatry
Authors: Khalfa Jean
Published: February 2015

Fanon wrote and published a number of psychiatric texts between 1951 and 1960, but they have hitherto been the subject of little critical attention. This article considers first Fanon's unpublished medical thesis, which contains a remarkably lucid discussion of the relationship of neurology and psychiatry: Fanon takes a position in the main debates of the time (in particular those opposing Ey and Lacan) which proves crucial for an understanding of his later work on alienation. This article then considers Fanon's published papers on his experiments with neuropsychiatric treatment in St Alban and in Blida, showing how he moved towards a sociotherapeutical approach, which in turn led him to consider the essential role of culture in mental illness. This article ends by examining Fanon's creation, in Tunis, of an institution of psychiatric care outside of the asylum, which he saw as a blueprint for mental health care in the future.
Success and Failure: Frantz Fanon and Lamine Senghor as (False) Prophets of Decolonization?
Authors: Murphy David
Published: February 2015

Frantz Fanon has often been hailed as the great prophet of decolonization. At the same time, his most severe critics have accused his work of providing intellectual-political cover for some of the worst excesses of the newly independent regimes. This article builds on David Macey's contextualizing work in order to think in a more general fashion about the processes involved in deeming a given thinker or movement to be either a failure or a success, comparing Fanon's legacy with that of Lamine Senghor, a neglected anti-colonial militant of the interwar period.
Meteorological Modeling Using the WRF-ARW Model for Grand Bay Intensive Studies of Atmospheric Mercury
Authors: Ngan Fong , Cohen Mark , Luke Winston , Ren Xinrong , Draxler Roland
Published: February 2015

Measurements at the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve support a range of research activities aimed at improving the understanding of the atmospheric fate and transport of mercury. Routine monitoring was enhanced by two intensive measurement periods conducted at the site in summer 2010 and spring 2011. Detailed meteorological data are required to properly represent the weather conditions, to determine the transport and dispersion of plumes and to understand the wet and dry deposition of mercury. To describe the mesoscale features that might influence future plume calculations for mercury episodes during the Grand Bay Intensive campaigns, fine-resolution meteorological simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model were conducted with various initialization and nudging configurations. The WRF simulations with nudging generated reasonable results in comparison with conventional observations in the region and measurements obtained at the Grand Bay site, including surface and sounding data. The grid nudging, together with observational nudging, had a positive effect on wind prediction. However, the nudging of mass fields (temperature and moisture) led to overestimates of precipitation, which may introduce significant inaccuracies if the data were to be used for subsequent atmospheric mercury modeling. The regional flow prediction was also influenced by the reanalysis data used to initialize the WRF simulations. Even with observational nudging, the summer case simulation results in the fine resolution domain inherited features of the reanalysis data, resulting in different regional wind patterns. By contrast, the spring intensive period showed less influence from the reanalysis data.
Heterogeneous Catalyst Deactivation and Regeneration: A Review
Authors: Argyle Morris , Bartholomew Calvin
Published: February 2015

Deactivation of heterogeneous catalysts is a ubiquitous problem that causes loss of catalytic rate with time. This review on deactivation and regeneration of heterogeneous catalysts classifies deactivation by type (chemical, thermal, and mechanical) and by mechanism (poisoning, fouling, thermal degradation, vapor formation, vapor-solid and solid-solid reactions, and attrition/crushing). The key features and considerations for each of these deactivation types is reviewed in detail with reference to the latest literature reports in these areas. Two case studies on the deactivation mechanisms of catalysts used for cobalt Fischer-Tropsch and selective catalytic reduction are considered to provide additional depth in the topics of sintering, coking, poisoning, and fouling. Regeneration considerations and options are also briefly discussed for each deactivation mechanism.
Salmonella and Eggs: From Production to Plate
Authors: Whiley Harriet , Ross Kirstin
Published: February 2015

Salmonella contamination of eggs and egg shells has been identified as a public health concern worldwide. A recent shift in consumer preferences has impacted on the egg industry, with a push for cage-free egg production methods. There has also been an increased desire from consumers for raw and unprocessed foods, potentially increasing the risk of salmonellosis. In response to these changes, this review explores the current literature regarding Salmonella contamination of eggs during the production processing through to food handling protocols. The contamination of eggs with Salmonella during the production process is a complex issue, influenced by many variables including flock size, flock age, stress, feed, vaccination, and cleaning routines. Currently there is no consensus regarding the impact of caged, barn and free range egg production has on Salmonella contamination of eggs. The literature regarding the management and control strategies post-collection, during storage, transport and food handling is also reviewed. Pasteurisation and irradiation were identified as the only certain methods for controlling Salmonella and are essential for the protection of high risk groups, whereas control of temperature and pH were identified as potential control methods to minimise the risk for foods containing raw eggs; however, further research is required to provide more detailed control protocols and education programs to reduce the risk of salmonellosis from egg consumption.
Targeting the Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii Cell Wall Using Lectins: Study of the Carbohydrate-Binding Domain
Authors: De Brito Ximenes Pamella , Beltrão Eduardo , Macêdo Danielle , Buonafina Maria , De Lima-Neto Reginaldo , Neves Rejane
Published: February 2015

Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii is considered to be the major cause of cryptococcosis in immunosuppressed patients. Understanding cell wall glycoproteins using lectins is of medical interest and can contribute to specific therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the carbohydrates on the cell wall of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii clinical isolates, using a fluorescein isothiocyanate-lectin binding protocol. Thirty yeast strains stocked in the culture collection were cultivated for 2 days at 30 °C with shaking. Cells were obtained by centrifugation, washed in phosphate-buffered saline, and a suspension of 107 cells/mL was obtained. To determine the binding profile of lectins, concanavalin A (Con A), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA-I), and peanut agglutinin (PNA) conjugated to fluorescein were used. All the tested clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii were intensely stained by WGA, moderately stained by Con A, and weakly stained by PNA and UEA-I. Thus, Cryptococcus can be detected in clinical specimens such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid using the fluorescent lectin WGA, which may be considered as an option for detection in cases of suspected cryptococcosis with low laboratory sensitivity. Future applications may be developed using this basic tool.
Synthesis, Central Nervous System Activity and Structure-Activity Relationships of Novel 1-(1-Alkyl-4-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazo)-3-substituted Urea Derivatives
Authors: Szacoń Elżbieta , Rządkowska Marzena , Kaczor Agnieszka , Kędzierska Ewa , Fidecka Sylwia , Matosiuk Dariusz
Published: February 2015

A series of 10 novel urea derivatives has been synthesized and evaluated for their central nervous system activity. Compounds 3a–3h were prepared in the reaction between the respective 1-alkyl-4-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-amines 1a and 1b and appropriate benzyl-, phenethyl-isocyanate or ethyl 4-isocyanatobenzoate and ethyl isocyanatoacetate 2 in dichloromethane. Derivatives 4c and 4g resulted from the conversion of 3c and 3g into the respective amides due to action of an aqueous ammonia solution. The results obtained in this study, based on literature data suggest a possible involvement of serotonin system and/or the opioid system in the effects of tested compounds, and especially in the effect of compound 3h. The best activity of compound 3h may be primarily attributed to its favourable ADMET properties, i.e., higher lipophilicity (related to lower polar surface area and greater molecular surface, volume and mass than for other compounds) and good blood-brain permeation. This compound has also the greatest polarizability and ovality. The HOMO and LUMO energies do not seem to be directly related to activity.
Remote Sensing of Shrubland Drying in the South-East Mediterranean, 1995–2010: Water-Use-Efficiency-Based Mapping of Biomass Change
Authors: Shoshany Maxim , Karnibad Lev
Published: February 2015

Recent climate studies of the South-Eastern Mediterranean indicate an increase in drought frequencies and decreasing water resources since the turn of the century. A four-phase methodology was developed for assessing above-ground biomass changes in shrublands caused by these recent trends. Firstly, we generalized the function SB = 0.008MAP1.54 describing the shrublands above-ground biomass (SB) dependence on mean annual precipitation (MAP) for areas of full shrub cover. Secondly, relationships between MAP and NDVI were formalized, allowing an estimation of precipitation levels from observed NDVI values (MAPNDVI). Thirdly, relative water-use efficiency (RWUE) was defined as the ratio between MAPNDVI and MAP. Finally, the function SBRWUE = 0.008MAP0.54 + RWUE was formalized, utilizing RWUE in estimating shrublands biomass. This methodology was implemented using Landsat TM images (1994 to 2011) for an area between the Judean Mountains and the deserts bordering them to the east and south. More than 50% of the study area revealed low biomass change (±0.2 kg/m2), compared with 30% of the woodlands of the Jerusalem Mountains, where biomass increased between 0.2 and 1.4 kg/m2 and with 50% of the semi-arid shrublands, where it decreased between 0.2 and 1.4 kg/m2. These results suggest that aridity lines in southern Israel are migrating northwards.
Cloud-Sourcing: Using an Online Labor Force to Detect Clouds and Cloud Shadows in Landsat Images
Authors: Yu Ling , Ball Sheryl , Blinn Christine , Moeltner Klaus , Peery Seth , Thomas Valerie , Wynne Randolph
Published: February 2015

We recruit an online labor force through Amazon.com’s Mechanical Turk platform to identify clouds and cloud shadows in Landsat satellite images. We find that a large group of workers can be mobilized quickly and relatively inexpensively. Our results indicate that workers’ accuracy is insensitive to wage, but deteriorates with the complexity of images and with time-on-task. In most instances, human interpretation of cloud impacted area using a majority rule was more accurate than an automated algorithm (Fmask) commonly used to identify clouds and cloud shadows. However, cirrus-impacted pixels were better identified by Fmask than by human interpreters. Crowd-sourced interpretation of cloud impacted pixels appears to be a promising means by which to augment or potentially validate fully automated algorithms.
Symphony: A Framework for Accurate and Holistic WSN Simulation
Authors: Riliskis Laurynas , Osipov Evgeny
Published: February 2015

Research on wireless sensor networks has progressed rapidly over the last decade, and these technologies have been widely adopted for both industrial and domestic uses. Several operating systems have been developed, along with a multitude of network protocols for all layers of the communication stack. Industrial Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) systems must satisfy strict criteria and are typically more complex and larger in scale than domestic systems. Together with the non-deterministic behavior of network hardware in real settings, this greatly complicates the debugging and testing of WSN functionality. To facilitate the testing, validation, and debugging of large-scale WSN systems, we have developed a simulation framework that accurately reproduces the processes that occur inside real equipment, including both hardware- and software-induced delays. The core of the framework consists of a virtualized operating system and an emulated hardware platform that is integrated with the general purpose network simulator ns-3. Our framework enables the user to adjust the real code base as would be done in real deployments and also to test the boundary effects of different hardware components on the performance of distributed applications and protocols. Additionally we have developed a clock emulator with several different skew models and a component that handles sensory data feeds. The new framework should substantially shorten WSN application development cycles.
Beliefs and Opinions of Health Care Workers and Students Regarding Influenza and Influenza Vaccination in Tuscany, Central Italy
Authors: Bonaccorsi Guglielmo , Santomauro Francesca , Porchia Barbara , Niccolai Giuditta , Pellegrino Elettra , Bonanni Paolo , Lorini Chiara
Published: February 2015

Immunization of health care workers (HCWs) against influenza has been associated with improvements in patient safety. The aim of this study is to assess the beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge of HCWs and health profession students regarding influenza. An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to HCWs in three local Florentine healthcare units, at Careggi University Teaching Hospital, and to students in health profession degree programs. A total of 2576 questionnaires were fully completed. A total of 12.3% of subjects responded that they were “always vaccinated” in all three of the seasonal vaccination campaigns studied (2007–2008 to 2009–2010), 13.1% had been vaccinated once or twice, and 74.6% had not received vaccinations. Although the enrolled subjects tended to respond that they were “never vaccinated,” they considered influenza to be a serious illness and believed that the influenza vaccine is effective. The subjects who refused vaccination more frequently believed that the vaccine could cause influenza and that it could have serious side effects. More than 60% of the “always vaccinated” group completely agreed that HCWs should be vaccinated. Self-protection and protecting family members or other people close to the respondent from being infected and representing potential sources of influenza infection can be considered motivating factors for vaccination. The results highlight the importance of improving vaccination rates among all HCWs through multi-component interventions. Knowledge of influenza should be reinforced.
Codification et droit de la postmodernité : la création du nouveau Code pénal espagnol de 1995
Authors: Gracia Blanco Marta
Published: February 2015

Les écrits théoriques existant sur la technique codificatrice tendent parfois à considérer la codification comme un concept absolument dépendant de l'existence de son « habitat naturel » : l'État libéral et la Modernité. À quel point le Code pénal espagnol de 1995 conserve-t-il les traits caractéristiques des codes traditionnels ? Une technique ancienne peut- elle s'inscrire dans un système législatif actuel sans constituer un anachronisme ? On esquissera quelques réponses possibles en s' appuyant sur l'analyse des acteurs qui sont intervenus dans la création du Code pénal espagnol de 1995.
Les mises en scène d'une justice quotidienne
Authors: Israël Liora
Published: February 2015

II s'agit dans cet article de décrire les mécanismes de construction et d'élaboration des décisions au sein d'un tribunal pour enfants, en soulignant la manière dont les acteurs professionnels et plus particulièrement le juge des enfants appréhendent ce processus, et comment les justiciables participent ou non à l'élaboration des décisions qui les concernent. À l'aide d'une analyse dramaturgique de l'audience, il est ainsi possible de rendre compte de l'importance des processus de négociation propres à cette juridiction caractérisée notamment par le caractère cyclique et fréquemment révisable de ses décisions.
Les pouvoirs judiciaires dans la lutte contre la corruption politique en Espagne, en France et en Italie
Authors: Pujas Véronique
Published: February 2015

The Judiciary against Political Corruption in Spain, France and Italy.

In Spain, France and Italy, political leaders are increasingly sued in relation to cases of « political corruption ». This trend has triggered off a profound change in mentalities regarding the traditional role of the judiciary in the maintenance of the democratic balance of power. This shift bears witness to the changes in the ethics of a profession in the midst of mutation. Comparing the way in which cases are handled in the three countries brings to light the more limited institutional autonomy of the French and Spanish judges as compared to their Italian counterparts. Generally speaking, the intrusion of judges into the political sphere and media strategies tend to imperil their impartiality and, as the Italian case shows, may eventually challenge their legitimacy.
Une controverse au guichet : vers une magistrature sociale ?
Authors: Weller Jean-Marc
Published: February 2015

Confrontés à une précarisation du public et à des réorganisations de leur travail, les agents de l'État connaîtraient une transformation de leur action. La notion de magistrature sociale témoignerait d'une autre manière d'intervenir auprès des usagers, substituant à la logique automatique et impersonnelle du guichet une individualisation des traitements. Au lieu d'emprunter les termes de cette opposition, conduisant à deux conceptions très différentes de la justice et de la bureaucratie, cet article porte l'attention sur les pratiques concrètes de travail des agents et sur leur équipement dont l'agencement contribue à la production même du droit.
Les politiques de sécurité : une magistrature sociale, pour quelle proximité ?
Authors: Wyvekens Anne
Published: February 2015

Les politiques françaises de sécurité se caractérisent par deux traits : une approche partenariale, dans laquelle les institutions se rapprochent les unes des autres pour « coproduire » la sécurité ; un souci de rapprochement des institutions par rapport aux usagers. Après avoir décrit comment une magistrature sociale se déploie dans le dispositif des contrats locaux de sécurité, l’article s’interroge sur les limites de la démarche de proximité qu’ils sont supposés mettre en œuvre. Celle-ci ne modifie pas substantiellement le travail policier, et les « emplois-jeunes » auxquels elle est confiée pour l’essentiel apparaissent comme des acteurs aux missions mal définies, risquant de constituer un écran plutôt qu’un lien entre institutions et usagers.
L'action des magistrats dans la régulation des risques collectifs : l'exemple des sports de montagne
Authors: Caille Frédéric
Published: February 2015

Magistrates' Actions in the Regulation of Risks : Mountain Sports as an Example.

This article, based on a large set of interviews, describes recent French legal developments and controversies in risks, related to the practice of mountain sports. These controversies concern both the liabilities of professionals (mountain and ski guides) and councils with winter resorts. The article investigates the social role and the autonomy of the professionals of justice in these matters, including their relationships with administrative authorities.
Une régulation complexe dans l'intégration financière
Authors: Xue-Bacquet Beinan
Published: February 2015

A Complex Regulation within Financial Globalisation.

The forming of a global financial market did not succeed in simplifying financial regulation. On the contrary, the global financial market was faced with a multiplicity of enforceable rules. Besides states, other civil society actors participate in increasing the regulation sources of financial markets. The complexity of the financial regulation results from both the multiplicity of the market rules and the links of recursiveness governing the different regulation authorities. In fact, is not the complexity also intrinsic to the mechanisms of the markets and their instruments ? The response to a complex regulation of financial globalisation could only be a pragmatic one.
L'état du droit dans le transport routier de marchandises : une réglementation en trompe-l'œil
Authors: Carré Stéphane
Published: February 2015

Condition of Law in Freight Road Transport : Deceptive Rules.

The freight road transport sector is in a paradoxical situation. It is a particularly regulated sector of activity. However, at the same time, professionals from this sector have not implemented numerous legal measures to which they were normally subjugated. So analysis of the entire set of rules cannot procure us a precise picture of the state of the law in this sector of activity. Indeed, the ineffectiveness of badly applied legal regulations seems to hide another legal reality, more flexible or different from how it might first appear.
Big Ships, Small Towns: Understanding Cruise Port Development in Falmouth, Jamaica
Authors: Kerswill Matthew , Mair Heather
Published: February 2015

Cruise ships and associated developments are topics of growing scholarly and public interest. It is increasingly important to understand how these developments affect the local community. The Historic Port of Falmouth was developed through a partnership between Royal Caribbean and the
Port Authority of Jamaica in 2011 and is the largest purpose-built port of call in the Caribbean. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand the impacts of the new development in Falmouth, Jamaica from the perspective of those who live there. Three subthemes emanating from
data analysis are: big promises, big disappointments; access denied; and all is not lost at sea. After presenting these themes, we introduce the overarching theme of “big ships, big bubble” and further develop Weaver's notion of “containment” as a way to capture the
mix of powerlessness and hopefulness as it was expressed by members of this community.
Legitimization Through Corporate Philanthropy: A Cruise Case Study
Authors: Weeden Clare
Published: February 2015

Corporate philanthropy (CP) describes the voluntary action of a company to donate time and/or financial resources to a societal cause. Originally aligned with altruistic intention, CP is increasingly used to deflect criticism away from industries with reputations for poor environmental,
social, or economic management. The cruise sector's policies on human resources, environmental management, and taxation, and their use of private enclave resorts as ports of call in the Caribbean are considered by many stakeholders to be financially and socially exclusionary. To mitigate such
censure, and to support claims for good corporate citizenship, cruise firms are increasingly embracing philanthropic projects. Royal Caribbean International (RCI) has funded a school in Haiti since 2010. Acknowledging the complexity of Haiti's economic, social, and political context, and the
challenges associated with unpicking corporate intention, this article draws on legitimacy theory to interpret RCI's school project in Haiti. The article argues RCI's financial support of the school is designed to confer social legitimacy on its operations in Haiti. The article concludes with
recommendations for RCI to significantly amend its business model away from the use of enclave resorts.
Novel ZnO:Ag nanocomposites induce significant oxidative stress in human fibroblast malignant melanoma (Ht144) cells
Authors: Arooj Syeda , Nazir Samina , Nadhman Akhtar , Ahmad Nafees , Muhammad Bakhtiar , Ahmad Ishaq , Mazhar Kehkashan , Abbasi Rashda
Published: February 2015

The use of photoactive nanoparticles (NPs) such as zinc oxide (ZnO) and its nanocomposites has become a promising anticancer strategy. However, ZnO has a low photocatalytic decomposition rate and the incorporation of metal ions such as silver (Ag) improves their activity. Here different formulations of ZnO:Ag (1, 3, 5, 10, 20 and 30% Ag) were synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Rutherford back scattering and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for their structure, morphology, composition and optical band gap. The NPs were investigated with regard to their different photocatalytic cytotoxic effects in human malignant melanoma (HT144) and normal (HCEC) cells. The ZnO:Ag nanocomposites killed cancer cells more efficiently than normal cells under daylight exposure. Nanocomposites having higher Ag content (10, 20 and 30%) were more toxic compared to low Ag content (1, 3 and 5%). For HT144, under daylight exposure, the IC50 values were ZnO:Ag (10%): 23.37 μg/mL, ZnO:Ag (20%): 19.95 μg/mL, and ZnO:Ag (30%): 15.78 μg/mL. ZnO:Ag (30%) was toxic to HT144 (IC50: 23.34 μg/mL) in dark as well. The three nanocomposites were further analyzed with regard to their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induce lipid peroxidation. The particles led to an increase in levels of ROS at cytotoxic concentrations, but only HT144 showed strongly induced MDA level. Finally, NPs were investigated for the ROS species they generated in vitro. A highly significant increase of 1O2 in the samples exposed to daylight was observed. Hydroxyl radical species, HO•, were also generated to a lesser extent. Thus, the incorporation of Ag into ZnO NPs significantly improves their photo-oxidation capabilities. ZnO:Ag nanocomposites could provide a new therapeutic option to selectively target cancer cells.
Entropy effects in the collective dynamic behavior of alkyl monolayers tethered to Si(111)
Authors: Godet Christian
Published: February 2015

Dynamic properties of n-alkyl monolayers covalently bonded to Si(111) were studied by broadband admittance spectroscopy as a function of the temperature and the applied voltage using rectifying Hg/C12H25/n-type Si junctions. Partial substitution of methyl end groups by polar (carboxylic acid) moieties was used to enhance the chain end relaxation response. Two thermally activated dissipation mechanisms (B1 and B2, with fB1 < fB2) are evidenced for all reverse bias values. The strong decrease of both relaxation frequencies with increasing reverse dc bias reveals increasing motional constraints, attributed to electrostatic pressure applied to the densely-packed nanometer-thick monolayer. Spectral decomposition of the frequency response shows a power-law dependence of their activation energies on |VDC|. A large reverse bias reversibly increases the B2 response attributed to the distribution of gauche defects, in contrast with the constant strength of the acid dipole loss (B1). A trans–gauche isomerization energy of 50 meV is derived from the temperature dependence of the B2 dipolar strength. For both dissipation mechanisms, the observed linear correlation between activation energy and logarithm of pre-exponential factor is consistent with a multi-excitation entropy model, in which the molecular reorientation path is strongly coupled with a large number of low energy excitations (here the n-alkyl bending vibrational mode) collected from the thermal bath. This collective dynamic behavior of alkyl chains tethered to Si is also confirmed by the asymmetric relaxation peak shape related to many-body interactions in complex systems.