bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comunicação na sala de aula: a perspetiva do ensino exploratório da matemática
Authors: Guerrero António , Ferreira Rosa Antónia Tomás , Menezes Luíz , Martinho Maria Helena
Published: January 2018

Este artigo procura responder ao desafio de pensar a comunicação que tem lugar na aula de Matemática. Contrariamos a visão simplista da comunicação como instrumento de transferência de conhecimento (do professor para os alunos) para assumirmos a comunicação como processo de interação, no qual o conhecimento matemático é socialmente construído. Esta visão da comunicação na aula de Matemática representa uma aproximação aos processos de produção e comunicação de conhecimento matemático que têm lugar no campo científico e no agir diário das comunidades humanas (quando lidam com ideias matemáticas). Para que isso ocorra, são exigidas mudanças no ensino, particularmente no papel do professor e no dos alunos. O ensino exploratório da Matemática é apresentado como um meio privilegiado do professor, apoiado num conjunto de ações comunicativas fundamentais, criar ambientes de aprendizagem produtivos, que, envolvendo o trabalho com tarefas matemáticas desafiantes, a sua resolução e discussão, culminam na institucionalização de conhecimento matemático.
Conhecimentos mobilizados por professores ao planejarem aulas sobre equações
Authors: Ribeiro Alessandro Jacques , Oliveira Felipe Augusto Pereira Vasconcelos Santo
Published: January 2018

Fundamentado em resultados de pesquisas sobre a formação do professor, este estudo tem por objetivo investigar e mapear conhecimentos matemáticos de professores quando eles pensam e preparam aulas sobre equação. Tomamos por referencial teórico os estudos de Ball e colaboradores, em especial, as noções de “conhecimento do conteúdo e dos estudantes” e “conhecimento do conteúdo e do ensino”. Do ponto de vista metodológico, trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa-interpretativa envolvendo um grupo de seis professores. Dentre os resultados, foram identificados elementos do “conhecimento de equação e dos estudantes”, tais como: a dificuldade de os estudantes caracterizarem o conceito de equação, além de elementos do “conhecimento de equação e do ensino”, como a valorização do contexto no momento de se preparar atividades de ensino sobre equação. Este estudo ratifica a relevância de se investigar professores envolvidos em sua própria prática, em especial, no momento de preparação de suas aulas.
A Sequential Algorithm for Signal Segmentation
Authors: Hubert Paulo , Padovese Linilson , Stern Julio
Published: January 2018

The problem of event detection in general noisy signals arises in many applications; usually, either a functional form for the event is available, or a previous annotated sample with instances of the event that can be used to train a classification algorithm. There are situations, however, where neither functional forms nor annotated samples are available; then it is necessary to apply other strategies to separate and characterize events. In this work, we analyze 15 minute-long samples of an acoustic signal, and are interested in separating sections, or segments, of the signal which are likely to contain significative events. For that, we apply a sequential algorithm with the only assumption that an event alters the energy of the signal. The algorithm is entirely based on Bayesian methods.
Plasma cBIN1 Score (CS) Identifies HFpEF and Can Predict Cardiac Hospitalization in Stable Ambulatory Patients
Authors: Nikolova Andriana P. , Hitzeman Tara C. , Baum Rachel , Xu Bing , Agvanian Sosse , Xie Yu , Geft Dael R. , Chang David H. , Moriguchi Jaime D. , Hage Antoine , Azarbal Babak , Czer Lawrence S. , Kittleson Michelle M. , Patel Jignesh K. , Wu Alan H. B. , Kobashigawa Jon A. , Hamilton Michele , Hong TingTing , Shaw Robin
Published: January 2018

Objective: We determined, in stable ambulatory heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) subjects and matched controls, the capability of a novel blood based cardiac-specific cBIN1 Score (CS) to diagnose heart failure and prognosticate future hospitalization. Background: Heart failure (HF) poses a costly health care burden worldwide with rising prevalence. Abnormal calcium signaling is intrinsic to HF pathophysiology and correlates with reduced expression of a cardiac membrane scaffolding protein, cardiac bridging integrator 1 (cBIN1). We hypothesize that CS, a numerical score derived from plasma cBIN1 concentration, is a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of HF. Methods: Plasma cBIN1 is quantified by an ELISA test, and CS is calculated as the natural log of the normalized reciprocal of plasma cBIN1 concentration. We determined CS among 52 clinically stable individuals with HFpEF (LVEF ≥ 50%) (mean age 57 ± 15 years old, 63% men) and 104 age and sex matched volunteers with no known history of HF. We obtained plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP, a marker of volume status, as comparison. Baseline co-morbidities and one year longitudinal clinical information were obtained through electronic medical records. Results: Median CS is 0 (IQR -0.4 – 0.6) in the control cohort and is increased to 1.8 in the HFpEF cohort (IQR 1.5 – 2.3, p < 0.0001). For HFpEF diagnosis, CS has a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) of 0.94 (95% CI 0.95 – 0.99) and NT-proBNP of 0.89 (95% CI 0.83 – 0.95). Kaplan-Meier analysis of one year cardiovascular hospitalizations reveals that HFpEF patients with CS ≥ 1.8 have a hazard ratio (HR) of 4.0 (95% CI 1.4 – 11.2, p=0.009). Combining CS ≥ 1.8 with NT-proBNP ≥ 300 pg/mL, increases HR to 21.4 (95% CI 2.7 – 171.6, p=0.004). Conclusions: In a cohort of stable ambulatory HF patients with cardiomyopathies of multiple etiologies and preserved ejection fraction, a positive CS correlates with worsening myocardial health and predicts future hospitalization. CS, a marker of cardiac muscle health, provides a novel index to informing the management of stable ambulatory HF patients.
Influence of Chitosan Treatment in Obese Subjects on Surrogate Plasma Markers of Cholesterol Metabolism
Authors: Lütjohann Dieter , Marinova Milka , Wolter Karsten , Willinek Winfried , Bitterlich Norman , Coenen Martin , Coch Christoph , Stellaard Frans
Published: January 2018

Chitosan treatment results in significantly lower plasma LDL-cholesterol concentrations. To test the working mechanism of Chitosan, we measured plasma surrogate markers of cholesterol absorption, synthesis, and degradation to bile acids corrected for cholesterol concentration (R_sterols). One hundred sixteen obese subjects (BMI 31.7, range 28.1 – 38.9 kg/m2) were studied under Chitosan treatment (n=61) and placebo treatment (n=55) during 12 weeks. The participants underwent a short nutrition education on how to improve quality of nutrition and energy expenditure. Daily Chitosan intake was 3200 mg. RESULTS. Plasma LDL-cholesterol concentration decreased significantly stronger (P=0.0252) under Chitosan (-8.67 ± 18.18 mg/dl, 5.6%) than under placebo treatment (-1.00 ± 24.22 mg/dl, 0.9%). This reduction was not associated with corresponding decreases of markers of cholesterol absorption under Chitosan treatment. As a marker for cholesterol synthesis R_lathosterol showed a trend towards a stronger decrease under Chitosan treatment (P=0.0759). Regarding markers of bile acid synthesis, R_7α-hydroxy-cholesterol decreased significantly only under Chitosan treatment, but not stronger than under placebo treatment. In conclusion, a significant selective reduction of plasma LDL-cholesterol under Chitosan treatment is neither associated with an expected reduction of plasma surrogate markers of cholesterol absorption nor with expected increases of markers for cholesterol and bile acid synthesis.
A New Method for Measuring Fabric Drape with a Novel Parameter for Classifying Fabrics
Authors: Pan Ning , Lin Chengwei , Xu Jun , Martin Vikki
Published: January 2018

With huge varieties of fabrics, the first challenge for any performance evaluation is to categorize the vast types of the products into fewer, more homogeneous and thus akin groups. Classification or sorting is arguably the first step of any scientific investigation, and comparison of product quality is meaningful only when conducted within a group of comparable products. A new criterion termed fabric linear density λ is first proposed in this paper so that fabrics can in general be divided into 4 groups. The derivation and validation of this parameter are provided.  The importance of fabric drape is almost self-evident, but there is still no effective ways to measure this fabric attribute. The Cusick Drapemeter suffers from its low repeatability and low sensitivity, and is hence not widely or frequently used. The PhabrOmeter, along with the fabric linear density λ, is proposed and demonstrated in this study as a much more efficient alternative for fabric drape test. By actually testing 40 various fabrics, the principle, procedure and results of this method is presented in this paper.
Phosphate Detection in Hydroponics using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Sensors
Authors: Storer Christopher S. , Coldrick Zachary , Tate Daniel , Donoghue Jack Marsden , Grieve Bruce
Published: January 2018

An interdigitated electrode sensor was designed and microfabricated for measuring the changes in the capacitance of three phosphate selective molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) formulations, in order to provide hydroponics users with a portable nutrient sensing tool. The MIPs investigated were synthesised using different combinations of the functional monomers methacrylic acid (MAA) and N-allylthiourea, against the template molecules diphenyl phosphate, triethyl phosphate and trimethyl phosphate. A cross-interference study between phosphate, nitrate and sulfate was carried out for the MIP materials using an inductance, capacitance and resistance (LCR) meter. Capacitance measurements were taken applying an alternating current (AC) with a potential difference of 1 V root mean square (RMS) at a frequency of 1 kHz. The cross-interference study demonstrated a strong binding preference to phosphate over the other nutrient salts tested for each formulation. The size of template molecule and length of the functional monomer side groups also determined that a combination of a short chain functional monomer in combination with a template containing large R-groups produced the optimal binding site conditions when synthesising a phosphate selective MIP.
Evaluation of Workability on Microstructure and Mechanical Property of Modified 9Cr-2W Steel for Fuel Cladding by Cold Drawing Process and Intermediate Heat Treatment Condition
Authors: Heo Hyeong-Min , Kim Jun-Hwhan , Kim Sung-Ho , Kim Jong-Ryoul
Published: January 2018

In this study, we evaluated the cold drawing workability of two kinds of modified 9Cr-2W steel containing different contents of boron and nitrogen, depending on the temperature and time of normalizing and tempering treatments. Using ring compression tests at room temperature, the effect of intermediate heat treatment condition on workability was investigated. It was found that the prior austenite grain size can be changed by the austenite transformation, and the grain size increases with increasing temperature during normalizing heat treatment. Alloy B and Alloy N showed different patterns after normalizing heat treatment. Alloy N had higher stress than Alloy B, and the reduction in alloy N increased, while the reduction in alloy B decreased. Alloy B showed a larger number of initially formed cracks and a larger average crack length than Alloy N. Crack length and number increased proportionally in Alloy B as the stress increased. Alloy B had lower crack resistance than Alloy N due to boron segregation.
Curve Number Applications for Restoration the Zarqa River Basin
Authors: Shammout Maisa'a W. , Shatanawi Muhammad , Nelson Jim
Published: January 2018

The heavy demand of water resources from the Zarqa River Basin (ZRB) has resulted in a base-flow reduction of the River from 5m3/s to less than 1m3/s. This paper aims at predicting Curve Numbers (CN) as a baseline scenario and proposing restoration scenarios for ZRB. The method includes classifying the soil type and land use, predicting CNs, and proposing CN restoration scenarios. Prediction of existing CNs will be in parallel with the runoff prediction using the US Army Corps of Engineers HEC-1 Model, and Rainfall-Runoff Model (RRM). The models have been set up at the land use distribution of 0.3% water body, 9.3% forest and orchard, 71% mixture of grass, weeds, and desert shrubs, 7.0% crops, 4.0% urban areas, and 8.4% bare soil. The results show that CN under dry condition are 59, 78 under a normal condition and 89 under a wet condition. During vegetation period, CN are 52, 72 and 86 for the dry, normal and wet condition respectively. The restoration scenarios; CN decreases runoff, and increases soil moisture when using the contours, terraces and crop residues. Analyzing results of CN scenarios will be a fundamental tool to support end-users related to their targets to achieve watershed restoration.
Histological Assessment of Bone Regeneration by Octacalcium Phosphate and Bone Matrix Gelatin Composites in a Rat Mandibular Defect Model
Authors: Sargolzaei Aval Fereydoon , Saberi Eshaghali , Arab Mohammad Reza , Sargolzaei Narjes , Zare Esmaeel , Shahraki Heshmatallah , Sargolzaeiaval Forough , Arab Maryam
Published: January 2018

Objective: Regeneration of bone defects remains a challenge for maxillofacial and reparative surgeons. The purpose of this histological study was to assess the osteogenic potential of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and bone matrix gelatin (BMG) alone and in combination in artificially created mandibular bone defects in rats. The quality of the newly formed bone was also evaluated. Methods: Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats (6-8 weeks old with 120-150 g weight) were randomly divided into four groups. Defects (3 mm in diameter and 2 mm in depth) were created in the mandible of rats and filled with 6 mg of OCP, BMG or a combination of both (1/4 ratio), respectively. Defects were left unfilled in the control group. To assess osteoinduction and bone regeneration and determine the quality of the newly formed bone, tissue specimens were harvested at seven, 14, and 21 days post-implantation. The specimens were processed, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and histologically analyzed under light microscopy. Results: In the experimental groups, new bone formation was initiated at the margins of defects from seventh day after implantation. At the end of the study period, the amount of the newly formed bone increased and the bone was relatively mature. Osteoinduction and new bone formation were greater in OCP/BMG group. In the control group, slight amount of new bone had been formed at the defect margins (next to host bone) on day 21. Conclusion: Combination of OCP/BMG may serve as an optimal biomaterial for treatment of mandibular bone defects.
Evaluation of Mesenchymal Cells (MSC) and Dapsone for the Treatment of Dermonecrotic Wounds Caused by Loxosceles laeta Venom in Rabbits
Authors: Martins Guilherme , Oliveira Maira , Botelho Ana Flávia , Gamba Conrado , Duarte Clara , Bicalho Adriane , Cassali Geovanni , Goes Alfredo , Chavez-Olortegui Carlos , Soto-Blanco Benito , Melo Marilia
Published: January 2018

We studied the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), either alone or associated with dapsone (DAP) in the treatment of dermonecrotic wounds caused by Loxosceles laeta spider venom. Twenty-five male adult rabbits were distributed into five groups, of which four groups received an intradermal injection of 20 μg of L. laeta venom and only one received ultrapure water (negative control). After 4 hours, each group that received venom, was treated with MSC, DAP, MSC + DAP and Phosphate-buffered saline – PBS (positive control). Photographic records were made for analysis of the wound area evolution by morphometry. Twelve days after treatment, the skin samples around the lesion were removed for subsequent histological analysis. Concerning the rate of wound contraction, we observed that DAP showed the best percentage of contraction at day 3. In the treatments using MSCs, a negative value of wound contraction was observed for the isolated MSCs, as well as a lower contraction value for the association of the MSC + DAP when compared to PBS group. Histopathological analysis showed diminished tissue lesion and less intense inflammation in MSCs and DAP groups. This could indicated potential use of stem cells in regenerative therapies after loxoscelic accidents.
Cross Entropy Measures of Bipolar and Interval Bipolar Neutrosophic Sets and Their Application for Multi-Attribute Decision Making
Authors: Pramanik Surapati , Dey Partha Pratim , Smarandache Florentin , Ye Jun
Published: January 2018

Bipolar neutrosophic set is an important extension of bipolar fuzzy set. This set is a hybridization of bipolar fuzzy set and neutrosophic set. Every element of a bipolar neutrosophic set consists of three independent positive membership functions and three independent negative membership functions. In this paper, we develop cross entropy measures of bipolar neutrosophic sets and prove its properties. We also define cross entropy measures of interval bipolar neutrosophic sets and prove its properties. Thereafter, we develop two novel multi-attribute decision making methods based on the proposed cross entropy measures. In the decision making framework, we calculate the weighted cross entropy measures between each alternative and the ideal alternative to rank the alternatives and choose the best one. We solve two illustrative examples of multi-attribute decision making problems and compare the obtained result with the results of other existing methods to show the applicability and effectiveness of the developed method. In the end, the main conclusion and future scope of research are summarized.
Solvation and Aggregation of Meta-aminobenzoic Acid in Water: Density Functional Theory and Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Gaines Etienne , Di Tommaso Devis
Published: January 2018

Meta-aminobenzoic acid, an important model system in the study of polymorphism and crystallization of active pharmaceutical ingredients, exist in water in both the nonionic (mABA) and zwitterionic (mABA±) forms. However, the constituent molecules of the polymorph that crystallizes from aqueous solutions are zwitterionic. This study reports atomistic simulations of the events surrounding the early stage of crystal nucleation of meta-aminobenzoic acid from aqueous solutions. Ab initio molecular dynamics was used to simulate the hydration of mABA± and mABA, and to quantify the interaction of these molecules with the surrounding water molecules. Density functional theory calculations were conducted to determine the low-lying energy conformers of meta-aminobenzoic acid dimers and compute the Gibbs free energies in water of nonionic, (mABA)2, zwitterionic, (mABA±)2 and nonionic-zwitterionic, (mABA)(mABA±), species. Classical molecular dynamics simulations of mixed mABA–mABA± aqueous solutions were carried out to examine the aggregation of meta-aminobenzoic acid. According to these simulations the selective crystallization of the polymorph which constituent molecules are zwitterionic is driven by the formation of zwitterionic dimers in solution, which are thermodynamically more stable than (mABA)2 and (mABA)(mABA±) pairs. This work represents a paradigm of the role of molecular processes during the early stages of crystal nucleation in affecting polymorph selection during crystallization from solution.
A Molecular Dynamics Investigation of the Effect of Pressure and Orientation on the Cu Consumption in Cu-Cu3Sn Interface under Isothermal Ageing and Its Dissipative Mechanisms during Traction
Authors: Liang Lihua , Zhang Jicheng , Xu Yangjian , Zhang Yuanxiang , Wang Wei , Yang Jian
Published: January 2018

In this paper, the nanoscale dissipative mechanisms of a Cu pad in a Ball Grid Array (BGA) packaging structure during isothermal ageing and uniaxial tension were investigated by the molecular dynamics (MD) method and experiments. From the result of the isothermal ageing test, a nonuniform consumption of Cu and large amount of Kirkendall voids were observed at the interface of Cu and Cu3Sn. To study the effect of pressure and orientation on this phenomenon, MD simulations were conducted on four types of Cu-Cu3Sn interface structures with different orientations of Cu. By comparing the diffusion coefficients of atoms in those cases, it was found that the tensile stress would inhibit the diffusion of atoms, whereas compressive stress would accelerate it, and this would be more significant under a larger magnitude of stress and temperature. Note that, in the model with the (101) surface Cu at the interface, both Cu and Cu3Sn have a higher diffusion coefficient compared with the model with (001) surface Cu. Thus, the orientation of Cu will also contribute to the uniform consumption of the pad. Uniaxial tension simulation combined with DXA and CSP analyses on those models also shows the model with (001) surface Cu has a greater mechanical reliability in our simulations and related experiments.
Autofagia hepática en anorexia nerviosa. A propósito de un caso.
Authors: VOLTAS ARRIBAS BEATRIZ
Published: January 2018

Presentamos una paciente de 33 años con anorexia nerviosa de 15 años de evolución con uno de los pocos casos reportados de autofagia hepática o fallo hepático agudo severo secundario a la desnutrición. Tras el soporte nutricional protocolizado para evitar el síndrome de realimentación y un adecuado manejo multidiscplinar, la paciente evoluciona favorablemente logrando normalizar los electrolitos, la función hepática y las alteraciones en la coagulación.
Percepcja relacji rodzinnych a depresyjność młodzieży z rodzin o różnym typie
Authors: Radoń Ewa , Samochowiec Agnieszka
Published: January 2018

Wstęp: Celem pracy było określenie związku pomiędzy percepcją relacji rodzinnych a nasileniem depresyjności u młodzieży w okresie późnej adolescencji z uwzględnieniem typu rodziny, wktórej się wychowują.Materiały i metody: W badaniu uczestniczyło 120 uczniów szkół ponadgimnazjalnych w wieku 17–20 lat, pochodzących z rodzin pełnych oraz niepełnych. Wykorzystane narzędzia badawcze obejmowały ankietę socjodemograficzną, kwestionariusz relacji rodzinnych autorstwa Plopy oraz skalę depresji Becka.Wyniki: Przeprowadzone analizy statystyczne potwierdziły istnienie różnic pomiędzy młodzieżą z rodzin pełnych a młodzieżą z rodzin niepełnych w zakresie percepcji wybranych relacji rodzinnych (komunikacji, spójności, autonomii i tożsamości) oraz nasilenia depresyjności. Potwierdzono również istnienie ujemnych związków pomiędzy tymi zmiennymi wśród młodzieży z obu typu rodzin, za wyjątkiem wymiaru tożsamości w grupie adolescentów z rodzin niepełnych.Wnioski: Percepcja relacji rodzinnych jest korzystniejsza u adolescentów z rodzin pełnych, którzy są mniej depresyjni niż ich rówieśnicy z rodzin niepełnych. W obu grupach niskiej jakości komunikacji, spójności i autonomii rodzinnej towarzyszy większe nasilenie objawów depresyjnych. Wnioski te pozostają spójne z koncepcją uznającą właściwości środowiska rodzinnego zaznaczący czynnik ochronny lub sprzyjający powstawaniu depresji młodzieńczej oraz mogą znaleźć zastosowanie praktyczne podczas konstruowania programów profilaktycznych ipsychoedukacyjnych skoncentrowanych na propagowaniu prawidłowych relacji w systemie rodzinnym, szczególnie o typie niepełnym.
A Review Paper on the Application of Deconvolution Technique in Well Test Analysis: Tal Block Pakistan Case Study
Authors: Tauqeer Muhammad , Arshad Safwan , Ahmed Zaheer , Ahmed Jawad
Published: January 2018

Deconvolution technique-which is based on nonlinear total least square (TLS) -is a mathematical tool that extracts the drawdown type curve from the rate and pressure history. This technique provides additional flow regime information that would not normally be seen within the specified time period of the buildup test through conventional analysis. It is an inverse process which aims to rebuild the theoretical reservoir pressure response during a single constant rate production period.

This technique was adopted at different Tal Block wells in which conventional well test analysis didn't sight multiple no-flow boundaries due to small radius of investigation. A case is presented in this paper in which deconvolution was applied on a well, where reservoir pressure depletion effects were not matching during the test sequence with conventional analysis and the effect of negative superposition masked the boundary dominated flow, both of these issues were resolved using deconvolution technique. This technique have resulted in additional data/info of tested intervals which helped to resolve certain structural and reservoir uncertainties. However, application of this technique and yielded results should be considered/used keeping in view the assumptions involved in deconvolution, areas of its applicability and quality of data available.

This paper presents principle, working, applications, limitations, and observations of deconvolution technique, available methods and a case study.
Production & Reserves Allocation Using a Molar Equation in Gas Condensate Fractured Reservoir Without PSP Survey
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Hasan , Akhtar Muhammad Saeed , Shakeel Mariam
Published: January 2018

The Ratana Field is a gas condensate field located in the Potwar Basin of Pakistan, discovered in 1990. The field comprises several stacked reservoirs in a thrusted anticlinal fold with two main reservoir compartments, an eastern and a western, which are separated by the main thrusts, but appear to be in pressure continuity through a fracture network. Ratana-2 was the first well drilled in the western compartment which came on production from the Paleocene Patala Formation limestone reservoir and is a major producer in the field. Ratana-2 was subsequently deepened to the Jurassic Datta Formation but because of a stuck drill string in the hole all penetrated reservoirs (Chorgali/Sakesar, Patala, Lockhart and Datta) have been open to flow since November 2009. Well interventions are not therefore possible in Ratana-2 and production and reserves allocation based on limited dynamic data are thus very challenging. Surface-based parameters including water and gas composition analysis, wellhead shut-in pressures, surface production rates and other relevant data were used to perform production and reserves allocation by using a molar equation. The results of the molar equation predictions were cross-checked with the data from nearby well Ratana-4 which is also producing commingled from Paleocene and Jurassic age reservoirs since November 2015. Production logging surveys were acquired twice in over a period of six months and were consistent with the molar equation-derived formation-wise production allocation. Subsequently, the molar equation was used on the available surface data of Ratana-2 for the formation-wise production and reserves allocation and indicates for the first time that the Lockhart Formation as is a contributing reservoir in the Ratana Field and enabling the Lockhart Formation reserves to be booked after seven years of production.
Remedial of Salt Scale Problem in Gas Wells Through Salt Sticks
Authors: Uddin M. Farooq , Khan Zaeem Hasan , Tayyab Imran , Azam Q. S. , Ahmed Noor
Published: January 2018

Salt precipitation and accumulation in the wellbore is a common phenomenon witnessed in the twilight of gas wells; gas expansion, water evaporation, abrupt changes in pressure and temperature etc. are the main driving forces for its occurrence. Low reservoir pressures helps in water vaporization when quantity of water in gas phase is not high. Reduction in pressure thus causes water vaporization and hence salt accumulation.

The salt precipitation results in obstruction of gas flow in purlieu of wellbore, if the problem is not rectified timely it might cease the wellbore completely resulting in complete loss of production. To restore production frequent wellbore cleanout jobs are required, these cleanout jobs are usually carried out through coiled tubing unit and different liquids are utilize ranging from fresh water, nitrified brine, organic acids etc. These all treatments are expensive and effect well economics.

Few wells in United Energy Pakistan Limited (UEP) were facing salt precipitation problem and not flowing up to their potential rates, regular wellbore clean out jobs carried out but their impressions were not long lasting and salt again accumulated.

In this paper, removal of salt deposition through regular deployment salt sticks on two wells K-1 and T-1 are discussed. In these wells salt sticks are used at different frequencies to overcome salt deposition. Post job results showed improvement in gas rates, gauge cutter runs also confirmed salt deposition is minimized and production is stabilized.
Benefits and Costs of Digital Consulting in Clinics Serving Young People With Long-Term Conditions: Mixed-Methods Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Sung Wook , Madan Jason , Dritsaki Melina , Bryce Carol , Forjaz Vera , Fraser Joe , Griffiths Frances , Hamilton Kathryn , Huxley Caroline , Sturt Jackie
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Since the introduction of digital health technologies in National Health Service (NHS), health professionals are starting to use email, text, and other digital methods to consult with their patients in a timely manner. There is lack of evidence regarding the economic impact of digital consulting in the United Kingdom (UK) NHS.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate the direct costs associated with digital consulting as an adjunct to routine care at 18 clinics serving young people aged 16-24 years with long-term conditions.

METHODS

This study uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 173 clinical team members on the impacts of digital consulting. A structured questionnaire was developed and used for 115 health professionals across 12 health conditions at 18 sites in the United Kingdom to collect data on time and other resources used for digital consulting. A follow-up semistructured interview was conducted with a single senior clinician at each site to clarify the mechanisms through which digital consulting use might lead to outcomes relevant to economic evaluation. We used the two-part model to see the association between the time spent on digital consulting and the job role of staff, type of clinic, and the average length of the working hours using digital consulting.

RESULTS

When estimated using the two-part model, consultants spent less time on digital consulting compared with nurses (95.48 minutes; P<.001), physiotherapists (55.3 minutes; P<.001), and psychologists (31.67 minutes; P<.001). Part-time staff spent less time using digital consulting than full-time staff despite insignificant result (P=.15). Time spent on digital consulting differed across sites, and no clear pattern in using digital consulting was found. Health professionals qualitatively identified the following 4 potential economic impacts for the NHS: decreasing adverse events, improving patient well-being, decreasing wait lists, and staff workload. We did not find evidence to suggest that the clinical condition was associated with digital consulting use.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses and physiotherapists were the greatest users of digital consulting. Teams appear to use an efficient triage system with the most expensive members digitally consulting less than lower-paid team members. Staff report showed concerns regarding time spent digitally consulting, which implies that direct costs increase. There remain considerable gaps in evidence related to cost-effectiveness of digital consulting, but this study has highlighted important cost-related outcomes for assessment in future cost-effectiveness trials of digital consulting.
Universal Versus Conditional Third Day Follow-Up Visit for Children With Nonsevere Unclassified Fever at the Community Level in Ethiopia: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Noninferiority Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Källander Karin , Alfven Tobias , Workineh Ayalkibet Abebe , Hailemariam, Abreham , Petzold Max , Getachew Dawit , Barat Lawrence , Steinhardt Laura C , Gutman Julie R
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Under the World Health Organization’s integrated community case management strategy, febrile children seen by community health workers (on day 1) without a diagnosable illness and without danger signs are advised to return on day 3, regardless of symptom resolution. This advice might be unnecessary and place additional time and cost burdens on caregivers and community health workers. However, the safety of not following up with respect to children with unclassified fever is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to establish the safety of conditional follow-up of nonsevere unclassified fever, that is, nonsevere illness with fever, no malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, or danger signs, compared with universal follow-up on day 3, through a 2-arm cluster randomized controlled noninferiority trial.

METHODS

The study is being conducted in 3 districts in southwest Ethiopia. A total of 25 health facilities are randomized to one of the 2 intervention arms; all 144 health posts and 284 community health workers are included. All enrolled children are followed-up after 1 week (on day 8) for re-assessment. If still sick on day 8, additional follow-up takes place after 2 weeks (day 15) and 1 month (day 29). To demonstrate that there is no significant increase in the percentage of children deteriorating clinically, the sample size needed for a noninferiority margin of 4%, a power of 80%, an alpha of 5%, and a design effect of 3 is 4284 children with unclassified fever. Main outcome is treatment failure on day 8, defined as death, hospitalization, one or more danger signs, or persistent fever.

RESULTS

The project was funded in 2015 and enrollment was completed 2016. Data analysis is currently under way, and the first results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

This study addresses the question as to whether there is any benefit in recommending universal follow-up among children seen for nonsevere unclassified fever, or whether parents can be counseled to return in the event of persistent fever, using a cluster randomized controlled trial design embedded in a national program. Outcomes will be relevant for policy makers and are important for the evaluation of current and future World Health Organization guidelines for the management of children with fever.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02926625; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02926625 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6xrQWn50t)
¿Patriotas, educadores, empresarios o burócratas? El papel de los primeros empleados públicos en la conformación del Estado costarricense, 1821-1858
Authors: Rodríguez Solano Pablo Augusto
Published: January 2018

En este artículo se discute la forma en que se ha comprendido la conformación del entramado institucional costarricense, a partir de la revisión del modelo weberiano de burocracia, analizando las características específicas del empleo público en esas primeras oficinas estatales, para determinar si es adecuado el uso del término “burócrata” para estos primeros funcionarios. Este documento se basa en los primeros resultados de investigación de un proyecto titulado “Conformación de un discurso oficial sobre la burocracia y su papel en la consolidación del Estado, a través del estudio de leyes y periódicos entre 1839 y 1890”, presentado ante el CIICLA de la Universidad de Costa Rica, en el cual se pretende enlazar la conformación de los cuerpos burocrático-administrativos de los nacientes Estados latinoamericanos, con la consolidación de sus estructuras políticas y su discurso de Nación.
El siglo de Lafayette y su discurso sobre México
Authors: Claps Arenas María Eugenia
Published: January 2018

Resumen:
Este artículo se ocupa de uno de los semanarios guatemaltecos que circularon y apoyaron los primeros meses de la gestión de Mariano Gálvez como Jefe Político de Guatemala (1831-1838), El siglo de Lafayette (1831-1832), destacando el discurso que aparece en sus páginas acerca de México dada la importancia de las relaciones entre este último país y Centroamérica. Como resultado del estudio, encontramos en el material guatemalteco una gran desconfianza respecto de la gestión del ministro de Relaciones mexicano Lucas Alamán, así como la oposición al Plan de Jalapa (4, diciembre, 1829), movimiento que dio lugar a la administración Anastasio Bustamante- Lucas Alamán en México (1830-1832), y el convencimiento de que esta ayudó al salvadoreño Manuel José Arce en sus intentos por retomar el poder en Centroamérica en aquellos años.
WATER GOVERNANCE: THE FUTURE OF GROWTH WITH FOOD AND WATER
Authors: Santos João Almeida , Amorim Maria Cristina Sanches , Guevara Arnoldo José De Hoyos
Published: January 2018

Forecasts for the next four decades are warning about shortage of water and food, particularly in developing economies. The demand for food will increase because of population growth, especially in developing economies. The problem is reinforced by the lack of water and reduction in food production. Today the consumption of water for food production is high because people do not realize that this is a scarce resource and that can definitely missing. We must create a policy for the management of water and that people are informed that it is not possible to use the feature without any control. The governance of water is important to establish ways and use control mechanisms and implementation of the resource in the various production processes. The waste during the manufacturing process is very high because: a) there is no control on the amount that should be applied to each type of agricultural product; b) the irrigation process is still done by equipment spraying water in large quantities; c) as water is still abundant for the current agricultural production in producing countries, there is no investment in machinery or equipment that can reduce water consumption; d) government authorities in developing countries do not plan and do not make any kind of control on the use of water or water governance; e) the food production process is carried out intensively and in large areas, it produces a single product and this requires large amounts of water.
INNOVATION CAPACITY EVALUATION FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE VALUE CHAINS
Authors: Degato Demissie Damite , Carlos Bertha Vallejo
Published: January 2018

Innovation is highly demanded for achieving competitiveness and sustainability in value chains. However, few empirical studies have been conducted to identify causal conditions and measurements of innovation capacity in value chains, particularly in developing countries. Combing concepts and methods from value chain upgrading, technological capability and sustainability-oriented innovation system literature, this study aims at identifying a condition or combination of conditions for promoting innovation capacity for inclusive sustainable value chains. It then empirically analyzes the necessary conditions and identifies multiple paths for developing innovation capacity by taking up the cases of two local and two globally linked value chains from Ethiopia. The study also develops a comprehensive innovation capacity evaluation model by combining different capability building strategies and learning mechanisms, and applies a comprehensive fuzzy evaluation method for measuring the level of innovation capacity of the four value chains. The study identifies eight main dimensions of innovation capacity for sustainable value chains, which are categorized into four groups in order to identify necessary and sufficient conditions. The study finds that the simultaneous presence of technological upgrading, value chain restructuring and green governance reforms is sufficient conditions for the development of innovation capacity. We also find that public-private partnership (innovation platform) is necessary condition for achieving outstanding value chain innovation capacity. By developing and applying a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model for measuring value chain innovation capacity and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis for identifying necessary and sufficient conditions for innovation capacity development in a sustainable value chain, the study makes an important methodological contribution to existing literature. It also provides relevant insight for policy makers and practitioners in designing strategies and policy instruments for achieving a high degree of innovation capacity.
Are all infrastructure investments created equal? The case of Portugal
Authors: Pereira Alfredo M. , Pereira Rui M.
Published: January 2018

Using a newly developed data set, we analyze the effects of infrastructure investment on economic performance in Portugal. A vector-autoregressive approach estimates the elasticity and marginal products of twelve types of infrastructure investment on private investment, employment, and output. We find that the largest long-term accumulated effects come from investments in railroads, ports, airports, health, education, and telecommunications. For these infrastructures, the output multipliers suggest that these investments pay for themselves through additional tax revenues. For investments in ports, airports and education infrastructures, the bulk of the effects are short-term demand-side effects, while for railroads, health, and telecommunications, the impact is mostly of a long-term and supply-side nature. Finally, investments in health and airports exhibit decreasing marginal returns, with railroads, ports, and telecommunications being relatively stable. In terms of the other infrastructure assets, the economic effects of investments in municipal roads, electricity and gas, and refineries are insignificant, while investments in national roads, highways, and waste and waste water have positive economic effects but too small to improve the public budget. Clearly, from a policy perspective, not all infrastructure investments in Portugal are created equal.
Improcedencia con motivo de la falta de interés jurídico en la falsedad de firmas: amparo directo
Authors: Fernández Cuevas María Patricia
Published: January 2018

El presente artículo se circunscribe al desarrollo de tres ideas fundamentales; en primer término se muestra un panorama del amparo en general así como de los requisitos de procedencia del juicio de amparo en particular en lo relativo al interés jurídico; segundo término al principio de instancia de parte agraviada y por último a la improcedencia del amparo en el marco del artículo 61 fracción XII de la minuta de proyecto de la ley de amparo, elementos que se conjugan de acuerdo al análisis realizado en el presente documento respecto del incidente de falsedad de documentos.
El Sistema Tutelar y El Sistema Garantista paradigmas en el derecho penal especializado para niños, niñas y adolescentes en conflicto con la Ley Penal
Authors: López Téllez Denitza
Published: January 2018

La promulgación de la Convención General de los Derechos del Niño en 1989 es sin duda un documento de suma importancia, que marcó un nuevo paradigma del tratamiento de los menores en un Derecho Penal especializado.

Los niños que han cometido una conducta considerada como delito han atravesado por un largo camino en el sistema de justicia penal. Al principio se les veía como objeto de protección y bajo un derecho penal con influencia de la escuela positiva, posteriormente bajo un nuevo paradigma el tratamiento de éste se centra como persona con derechos humanos y garantías individuales, el camino no ha sido fácil, pues ha recorrido diversas transformaciones legales en materia internacional y en nuestra carta Magna, finalmente se encuentran documentos positivizados y vigentes en México, pero nos deja una brecha por recorrer a efecto de que sean derechos vislumbrados en la realidad.
Evaluación Psicológica
Authors: Avilés Gutiérrez Nancy
Published: January 2018

El informe psicológico es una herramienta utilizada para explicar en eventos especificados, conductas psicológicas particulares que ocurren en una persona, es un resumen particular de los resultados de las pruebas y análisis de la entrevista.
Las competencias de pensamiento crítico y liderazgo colaborativo en las prácticas de psicología organizacional
Authors: Zúñiga Sánchez María
Published: January 2018

La presente investigación se realizó en la Escuela Superior Actopan, en el semestre Julio-Diciembre de 2013. Se aplicaron estrategias didácticas para fomentar las competencias de pensamiento crítico y liderazgo colaborativo.

También se buscó evaluar el desempeño académico de los estudiantes de quinto semestre, grupo 2, para conocer el impacto que tienen las prácticas de psicología organizacional.

Es una investigación con una mirada crítica y un enfoque mixto (cualitativa y cuantitativa).
El debate contemporáneo sobre la justicia
Authors: Fernández Cuevas María Patricia
Published: January 2018

Artículo de filosofía jurídica y política relativo a cuestionarse el concepto de equidad en el plano de los valores como la justicia elemento quo en el documento el cual es visto por diferentes posturas filosóficas En el documento se hace referencia a las posturas doctrinarias de: Jurgen Habermas y la Diskursethik; John Rawls: justice as Fairness y Ronald Dworkin, Taking rights seriosly
La construcción de la cultura en los contextos de la modernidad
Authors: Fernández Cuevas María Patricia
Published: January 2018

En el presente trabajo se realiza un análisis de los conceptos teóricos en la cultura desde la mirada de autores clásicos que dan sustento a las Ciencias Sociales.  El desarrollo del  tema se aborda desde la perspectiva de la identidad que como refiere el autor Giménez (1997), es elemento intrínseco a la cultura.
Adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes en condición de enfermedad crónico-degenerativa: Reto constante
Authors: Moctezuma Ivonne Hernández
Published: January 2018

El presente artículo es sintetiza los esfuerzos realizados por los estudiantes de la licenciatura en psicología de una universidad pública de México en el último año estudiando a dos poblaciones en grupos de ayuda mutua (GAM) que tienen característica sociodemográficas semejantes. Palabras claves: intervención psicológica, condición de enfermedad crónico-degenerativa, estudio.
Con Patchfem el dolor es opcional
Authors: García Rivera Nuriam Yereth
Published: January 2018

Los cólicos menstruales afectan a muchas mujeres, lo que complica su vida en el hogar, el trabajo y la escuela.  Su vida cotidiana se ve afectada por varios días cada ciclo menstrual. Un grupo de mujeres preocupadas por satisfacer esta necesidad crearon un producto innovador llamado Patchfem hecho a base de plantas medicinales que ayuda a disminuir el dolor.
El “Currículum” de la enseñanza del Inglés. Su construcción desde el nivel Medio Superior.
Authors: Gómez Monroy Daniel Adrián
Published: January 2018

En el proceso de la educación se tendría que considerar su carácter de culturización desde lo situacional o bien contextual. Si bien en México se intenta establecer el enfoque por competencias basado en el constructivismo, se ha dejado a un lado la contextualización. Afortunadamente la autonomía de algunas instituciones permite la puesta en marcha de acciones para el trabajo del contexto como la participación investigativa del profesor.
Enfoque de habilidades para la vida
Authors: Marañón García María del Carmen
Published: January 2018

El consumo de drogas y las conductas antisociales cada vez va creciendo en jóvenes y adolescentes, lo que ha generado interés por parte de los educadores y al gobierno mismo, debido a que se vuelve un problema de salud pública. Es por esta razón que ha surgido la estrategia de trabajar sobre lo que se ha denominado el enfoque de habilidades para la vida, que son destrezas que ayudan a las y los adolescentes a fortalecer sus capacidades para tener un mejor desarrollo y para enfrentarse a problemas como es el consumo de sustancias tóxicas como las drogas. Aquí se presenta un esquema para el desarrollo de habilidades para el manejo de la conducta en las y los adolescentes, que pueden ser promovidas por maestros, padres de familia y líderes juveniles.