bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perfil dos idosos residentes em uma instituição de longa permanência
Authors: Alencar Mariana Asmar , Bruck Natália Nascimento Salomão , Pereira Brígida Cibelle , Câmara Tânia Márcia Magalhães , Almeida Roberto Di Spirito
Published: February 2013

OBJETIVO: Traçar o perfil clínico-funcional de idosos de uma instituição de longa permanência para idosos (ILPI). MÉTODOS: Participaram 47 idosos de uma ILPI de Belo Horizonte/MG. Utilizaram-se questionário com informações sociodemográficas, Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (GDS), Índice de Katz e Time Up and Go (TUG). Realizou-se análise descritiva (programa SPSS 14.0). RESULTADOS: Os idosos apresentaram média de 73,0 anos (±8,99). A maioria era mulher (51,1%), solteira (46,8%), sem filhos (51,1%) e de baixa escolaridade. O tempo de institucionalização variou de um mês a 25 anos. O motivo de institucionalização mais frequente foi para tratamento (29,8%), e 80,9% relataram receber visitas. Os idosos tomam em média 3,45 medicamentos (±1,87).Apenas 12,8% relataram quedas nos últimos seis meses e 80,9% tinham medo de cair. Cerca de 38,3% não utilizam dispositivo de auxílio à marcha, 12,8% utilizavam cadeira de rodas, 42,5% andador e 6,4% bengala. O desempenho no MEEM foi baixo, sendo que 93,3% apresentaram valores abaixo da nota de corte para escolaridade. Na GDS, 59,6% obtiveram valores que sugerem quadro depressivo. O TUG variou de 0,10 a 1,58 minutos. A maioria relatou ser independente para realizar as atividades do Katz (banhar-se: 80,9%; vestir-se: 83,0%; usar banheiro: 80,9%; transferir-se: 87,2%; micção: 59,6%; evacuação: 61,7%; alimentar-se: 93,6%) e nenhum relatou dependência completa. CONCLUSÕES: O perfil da população de idosos institucionalizados está de acordo com a literatura nos aspectos clínico-demográficos. A maioria dos idosos, entretanto, relatou ser independente para as atividades básicas de vida diária, o que representa boa oportunidade para intervenções que visem prevenir ou minimizar possíveis perdas funcionais.
Inventando a minha subjetividade de idosa: uma abordagem complexa
Authors: Pellanda Nize Maria Campos
Published: February 2013

O artigo trata de reflexões afetivo-cognitivas que emergiram a partir de pesquisas com cognição em uma abordagem complexa ao longo da vida da autora. Ela faz, então, um rápido histórico da modernidade em termos das pesadas consequências para a humanidade que isso acarreta ao criar fragmentações de todas as dimensões da realidade, o que implicaria sérios impedimentos para a construção de subjetividade/cognição. Na perspectiva da complexidade, há tentativas de ponta na ciência contemporânea que configuram um novo paradigma no sentido de adoção de uma lógica não-linear e não-determinista. Partindo destas considerações, a autora pensa a terceira idade como espaço para potencialização por meio de políticas para idosos mobilizadoras de autonomia, autoexperiência e autoria que possam proporcionar aos idosos reversão de entropia. Justifica a primeira pessoa em coerência com a posição epistemológica complexa adotada, ou seja, de não separar sujeito e objeto, dando conta das operações do próprio operador.
Molecular phylogeny, morphology and their implications for the taxonomy of Eriocaulaceae
Authors: Giulietti Ana M. , Andrade Maria José G. , Scatena Vera L. , Trovó Marcelo , Coan Alessandra I. , Sano Paulo T. , Santos Francisco A.R. , Borges Ricardo L.B. , van den Berg Cássio
Published: February 2013

The pantropical family Eriocaulaceae includes ten genera and c. 1,400 species, with diversity concentrated in the New World. The last complete revision of the family was published more than 100 years ago, and until recently the generic and infrageneric relationships were poorly resolved. However, a multi-disciplinary approach over the last 30 years, using morphological and anatomical characters, has been supplemented with additional data from palynology, chemistry, embryology, population genetics, cytology and, more recently, molecular phylogenetic studies. This led to a reassessment of phylogenetic relationships within the family. In this paper we present new data for the ITS and trnL-F regions, analysed separately and in combination, using maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference. The data confirm previous results, and show that many characters traditionally used for differentiating and circumscribing the genera within the family are homoplasious. A new generic key with characters from various sources and reflecting the current taxonomic changes is presented.
Comparative analysis of red lists of the Brazilian flora: Asteraceae
Authors: Nakajima Jimi Naoki , Junqueira Talita Vieta , Freitas Fernanda Santos , Teles Aristônio Magalhães
Published: February 2013

Asteraceae is one of the most abundant families of the Brazilian flora, and it stands out on Brazilian red lists due to the large number of endangered and data-deficient species, since it is difficult to define a conservation status for the latter. A comparative analysis of red lists of the Brazilian flora focused on the Asteraceae is important, so we can assess the true degree of threat to which these plants are subjected faced with increasing environmental degradation. Our analysis compared red lists, and pointed out the most threatened species or data-deficient areas, species and genera. The study was based on the first and the current Official List of Endangered Species of the Brazilian Flora, and the Brazilian Flora Red List of Fundação Biodiversitas. Species were organized according to the endangered and data-deficient IUCN categories. Endangered species were also classified according to threat category. The highest numbers of threatened species were observed in the Cerrado, in the southeastern region, and in the state of Minas Gerais, as well as in the genera Lychnophora Mart., Vernonia Schreb., and Richterago Kuntze. The genera Aspilia Thouars, Baccharis L., Calea L., Eupatorium L., Mikania Willd., Piptocarpha R.Br., and Senecio L. have the greatest number of data-deficient species. Since the current Official List does not make clear its threat criteria, the Red List of Fundação Biodiversitas best portrays the situation of endangered Asteraceae species; thus, this analysis provides important information for projects aimed at the conservation of threatened and data-deficient species.
Morfologia de plântulas de Leguminosae e o potencial sistemático
Authors: Gurgel Ely Simone Cajueiro , Santos João Ubiratan Moreira dos , Lucas Flávia Cristina Araújo , Bastos Maria de Nazaré do Carmo
Published: February 2013

As investigações sobre a morfologia de plântulas, antes do surgimento dos metafilos, têm demonstrado rico potencial para estudos sistemáticos, inclusive testando a monofilia de gêneros de Leguminosae. Além disso, proporcionam a descoberta de estruturas transitórias, basais ou derivadas, que podem estabelecer conexões nem sempre ocorrentes no indivíduo adulto. A natureza dos cotilédones, de reserva ou folíaceos, é uma das principais características das leguminosae. O tipo de germinação constitui um dos caracteres mais relevantes para diferenciar suas espécies, assim como a forma do limbo, da margem, do ápice, posição dos eofilos, presença ou ausência de látex ou resina, relação comprimento/largura dos cotilédones, tamanho e número de pinas, pecíolo alado ou não, que permitem caracterizar famílias, gêneros e até mesmo espécies. Em Leguminosae, a morfologia de plântulas corrobora a identificação das plantas no campo e ainda fornece subsídios para delimitações genéricas e infragenéricas na família. De uma maneira geral as plântulas de Caesalpinioideae e Mimosoideae são epígeas, com cotilédones foliáceos; em Papilionoideae predominam plântulas hipógeas com cotilédones de reserva e extremamente variadas em termos morfológicos, principalmente nas tribos com espécies lenhosas.
Taxonomy "under construction": advances in the systematics of Apocynaceae, with emphasis on the Brazilian Asclepiadoideae
Authors: Rapini Alessandro
Published: February 2013

The Apocynaceae comprise approximately 5,000 species and are widely distributed. The family belongs to the Gentianales and can be easily recognized by the presence of latex and a style-head derived from the fusion of two carpels at the apex of the styles. The largest subfamily in Apocynaceae is Asclepiadoideae. Treated as the Asclepiadaceae for almost two centuries, it comprises about 3,000 species and is defined by stamens with bisporangiate anthers and pollen transferred in specialized units called pollinaria. Since the 19th century, floristic studies and taxonomic monographs have significantly contributed to the taxonomy of Brazilian Asclepiadoideae. Nevertheless, advances in understanding the internal relationships in the subfamily were not done until this millennium, with the popularization of phylogenetic studies based on molecular data and powerful computer analyses. Advances in the systematics of Apocynaceae have provided new interpretations on the morphological evolution and biogeography of the family and have led to important changes in its classification. Nevertheless, several taxonomic rearrangements are still needed and it can be said that the taxonomy of Apocynaceae is "under construction". In this article, the major taxonomic changes in the family are reviewed, with special attention given to the systematics of Neotropical groups. A cladogram of the Apocynaceae is presented, which highlights the phylogenetic position of the Brazilian genera and their diversity in number of native species. The main studies and the diversity of Asclepiadoideae in Brazil are summarized and perspectives for future research on the subfamily are presented.
Systematics, taxonomy and floristics of Brazilian Rubiaceae: an overview about the current status and future challenges
Authors: Delprete Piero Giuseppe , Jardim Jomar Gomes
Published: February 2013

The Rubiaceae is the fourth Angiosperm family in number of species in the World and in the Neotropics. Its overwhelming diversity and presence in most biomes, and at most vegetation layers, makes this family one of the most important components of tropical vegetation. During the last two decades, family classification went through several reorganizations, mostly influenced by the advent of molecular phylogenetic studies, and many taxonomic revisions and floristic studies on Brazilian Rubiaceae have become available. In view of the considerable amount of literature that has recently been produced on Neotropical Rubiaceae, the present work has two main objectives: the first is to offer an overall view of the most recent family classification with emphasis on the genera of Rubiaceae occurring in Brazil, and to indicate particular taxa that are still in need of phylogenetic and taxonomic studies; the second objective is to present a short discussion on the state of floristic and taxonomic knowledge with respect to the various regions of Brazil, indicating the taxa and the geographic areas that need to be studied.
Taxonomia de Melastomataceae no Brasil: retrospectiva, perspectivas e chave de identificação para os gêneros
Authors: Goldenberg Renato , Baumgratz José Fernando A. , Souza Maria Leonor D'El Rei
Published: February 2013

Uma retrospectiva do conhecimento taxonômico atual de Melastomataceae no Brasil é apresentada, constando uma abordagem histórica dos estudos já desenvolvidos e o cenário atual das circunscrições da família, tribos e gêneros. Também é abordada a distribuição geográfica do grupo nos diferentes domínios fitogeográficos, bem como o uso de novas ferramentas metodológicas, como filogenia e marcadores moleculares, para subsidiar propostas de novas classificações da família. São destacadas perspectivas de futuros estudos que possam contribuir para atualizar e preencher lacunas no conhecimento da diversidade do grupo na flora brasileira e apresentada uma chave de identificação para os gêneros no Brasil.
As espécies de Pera (Euphorbiaceae s.s) na Amazônia brasileira
Authors: Bigio Narcisio Costa , Secco Ricardo S.
Published: February 2013

Pera Mutis é um gênero neotropical, com aproximadamente 30 espécies e centro de diversidade localizado na Bacia Amazônica. São árvores ou arbustos, dióicos ou raramente monóicos, que apresentam uma bráctea globosa que às vezes é confundida com botões florais. A última revisão do gênero foi realizada em 1919, sendo que muitas espécies foram descritas desde então. Este trabalho objetiva realizar um estudo taxonômico das espécies de Pera que ocorrem na Amazônia brasileira, discutindo a posição do gênero como parte de um táxon autônomo (Peraceae) ou como membro das Euphorbiaceae s.s. Foram encontradas 13 espécies na Amazônia brasileira: P. anisotricha Müll. Arg., P. bicolor (Klotzsch) Müll. Arg., P. benensis Ruby, P. coccinea (Benth.) Müll. Arg., P. decipiens Müll. Arg., P. distichophylla (Mart.) Baill., P. eiteniorum Bigio & Secco, P. glabrata (Schott) Baill., P. heteranthera (Schranck) I.M. Johnst, P. manausensis Bigio & Secco, P. membranacea Leal,P. tomentosa (Benth.) Müll. Arg. e P. pulchrifolia Ducke. Destas, três são novas ocorrências para a Amazônia brasileira, oito táxons foram considerados como novos sinônimos e novos lectótipos foram designados. Um histórico taxônomico do gênero, informações sobre sua morfologia, bem como descrições, chave de identificação, ilustrações e informações sobre a biologia de cada espécie são fornecidos.
Structure and dynamics of a Cariniana estrellensis (Lecythidaceae) population in a fragment of Atlantic Forest in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Nunes Yule Roberta Ferreira , Petrere Jr. Miguel
Published: February 2013

We aimed to describe population structure and dynamics of Cariniana estrellensis (Raddi) Kuntze to test the hypothesis that this species survives in the forest by forming a seedling bank. We evaluated seed germination, spatial distribution, and recruitment, growth and mortality rates of young individuals. To characterize population structure a 1.2-ha plot was defined, where reproductive adults were mapped; also 100 6 m² sub-plots were established to characterize structure and monitor dynamics of young individuals. We estimated seed production using seed collectors and determined the percentage of canopy cover by hemispherical photographs. Seed rain and saplings showed clustered distribution indicating habitat-patch formation. Sapling mortality occurred mainly during the initial establishment phase. Size structure was characterized by many saplings (X = 9,763 individuals ha-1) and few adults (X = 5 individuals ha-1), associated with a high rate of seed production (X = 60,800 seeds ha-1), low growth rates (X = 2.37 cm ano-1) and mortality (15.66%) of established saplings, showing that species invest in seedling bank formation as a reproductive strategy.
O gênero Encyclia (Orchidaceae) no Distrito Federal, Goiás e Tocantins
Authors: Meneguzzo Thiago E.C. , Bianchetti Luciano B. , Proença Carolyn E.B.
Published: February 2013

São reconhecidas seis espécies do gênero Encyclia, Orchidaceae, no Distrito Federal, Goiás e Tocantins (Brasil), a saber: E. argentinensis, E. chapadensis, E. cyperifolia, E. gonzalezii, E. linearifolioides e E. osmantha. Todos os espécimes foram registrados no bioma Cerrado. Um total de 42 nomes foram estudados. Duas sinonimizações, quatro lectótipos e dois epítipos são propostos. Um nome é apresentado como inválido, quatro como supérfluos e quatro como "nomen nudum". Treze nomes, incluídos em listagens anteriores para a área em questão, foram excluídos do tratamento por falta de material testemunho ou outro tipo de evidência e três são registrados como de possível ocorrência.
Aciotis, Acisanthera, Marcetia, Microlepis, Pterolepis e Siphanthera (Melastomataceae, Melastomeae) no Estado do Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Meyer Fabrício Schmitz , Goldenberg Renato
Published: February 2013

Os gêneros Aciotis D.Don, Acisanthera P. Browne, Marcetia DC., Microlepis (DC.) Miq., Pterolepis (DC.) Miq., Siphanthera Pohl ex DC., além de Tibouchina Aubl., são os representantes da tribo Melastomeae no estado do Paraná. À exceção do último, cada um apresenta apenas uma espécie no estado, respectivamente: Aciotis paludosa (Mart. ex DC.) Triana, Acisanthera variabilis (DC.) Triana, Marcetia taxifolia (A.St.-Hil.) DC., Microlepis oleifolia (DC.) Triana, Pterolepis glomerata (Rottb.) Miq. e Siphanthera cordata Pohl ex DC. Os registros de Microlepis e Siphanthera são os primeiros para estes gêneros no Paraná e região Sul. Neste trabalho foi elaborado um tratamento taxonômico para as espécies de Melastomeae no Estado, exceto para Tibouchina. São fornecidas chave de identificação, descrições dos gêneros e espécies, comentários taxonômicos, ilustrações, informações sobre distribuição geográfica e listagens de materiais examinados.
Morphoanatomy of the underground system of Androtrichum trigynum (Cyperaceae)
Authors: Pereira Roberta Andressa , Rodrigues Ana Claudia
Published: February 2013

Androtrichum has only one species, A. trigynum (Spr.) Pfeiffer, occurring in coastal regions of the southwestern Atlantic coast. It presents an underground system consisting of rhizomes and adventitious roots. The rhizome is thickened, plagiotropic, sympodial, and floral scapes and roots arise from it. From the stem promeristem, the protoderm, procambium and ground meristem are differentiated. At the apex region, the intercalary meristem and primary thickening meristem (PTM) are observed. The adventitious roots originate from the PTM, and present root apex with closed organization. The young epidermis has papillose cells, and meristematic endoderm activity is observed. In a mature root, the outer cortex, or hypodermis, and the internal cortex can be identified. The endoderm presents radially elongated cells with thin walls and the pericycle is biseriate. The anatomical features observed in the present study are found in other species of Cyperaceae and some xeromorphic characters can be identified.
Vascular flora of Serra do Japi Biological Reserve, Jundiaí, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Lombardi Julio Antonio , Carvalho Carolina da Silva , Biral Leonardo , Saka Mariana Naomi , Hieda Sean Miki
Published: February 2013

Floristic sampling was carried out in Serra do Japi Biological Reserve, Jundiaí, state of São Paulo, Brazil, including physiognomies of semideciduous montane forest, a type of forest formation within the Atlantic Forest domain. Six hundred and sixty one species distributed in 129 families were recorded; the ten most diverse phanerogam families were: Asteraceae (56 species), Fabaceae (37), Rubiaceae (29), Poaceae (25), Solanaceae (24), Cyperaceae (19), Euphorbiaceae (19), Orchidaceae (19), Melastomataceae (17), and Piperaceae (17). The addition of 322 species from other floristic surveys increased the number of species of Serra do Japi to 976, distributed in 141 families. Compared to other floristic surveys carried out in the Atlantic Forest, our results highlight the floristic diversity of the study area and the importance of preserving the vegetation of this highly urbanized region.
Anatomia foliar de cinco espécies de Polygala de restinga e cerrado
Authors: Aguiar-Dias Ana Cristina Andrade de , Yamamoto Kikyo , Castro Marília de Moraes
Published: February 2013

A plasticidade ecológica observada em plantas que ocupam diferentes formações vegetais é frequentemente acompanhada por variações morfológicas, sendo a folha o órgão vegetativo com a maior variação estrutural. Diante disso, cinco espécies de Polygala L. ocorrentes em restinga e cerrado do Estado de São Paulo tiveram a anatomia da folha analisada com o objetivo de efetuar um inventário dos seus principais caracteres e descrever sua estrutura, com o propósito de compará-las, e de avaliar se é possível evidenciar padrões estruturais comuns às condições ecológicas de ambas as formações vegetacionais. As espécies pesquisadas foram: P. cyparissias A.St. -Hil. & Moq., P. laureola A.St.-Hil. & Moq., P. paniculata L., encontradas em restinga; P. angulata DC. e P. violacea Aubl. emend. Marques, que ocorrem em campo cerrado e em margem de cerradão, respectivamente. A região mediana da lâmina foliar e a região proximal do pecíolo de cada folha foram processadas segundo as técnicas usuais para microscopia eletrônica de varredura e de luz. Os resultados obtidos evidenciam dois padrões estruturais comuns às espécies procedentes das formações de restinga e cerrado: características mesomórficas são observadas em P. laureola, P. paniculata e P. violacea, e xeromórficas em P. cyparissias e P. angulata.
Flora vascular da Mata da Pavuna, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
Authors: Biral Leonardo , Lombardi Julio Antonio
Published: February 2013

A Mata da Pavuna é um fragmento de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual em um cânion com afloramento rochoso e solo raso, localizado no município de Botucatu, Estado de São Paulo. Foram amostradas as espécies vasculares em estádio reprodutivo e identificadas até o menor nível taxonômico possível. Foram encontradas 386 espécies em 84 famílias. Fabaceae foi a família com maior número de espécies (44), seguida de Asteraceae (34), Euphorbiaceae (18), Poaceae (17), Malvaceae (14), Bignoniaceae e Solanaceae (12). Entre as Pteridophyta sensu lato, as famílias mais diversas foram Pteridaceae (nove espécies) e Polypodiaceae (sete). Comparado a outros levantamentos florísticos extensos na Mata Atlântica, os resultados ressaltam a elevada diversidade florística local, bem como a presença de espécies típicas de formações xerofíticas sugerindo a ocorrência de um encrave de vegetação seca nesta região. Destacamos também o primeiro registro de Pellaea ovata (Desv.) Weath. (Pteridaceae) para o Brasil.
Comprometimento da tradução de Systema Materiae Medicae Vegetabilis Brasiliensis de Martius
Authors: Indriunas Alexandre
Published: February 2013

A viagem de Martius e Spix pelo território brasileiro no século XIX gerou diversas obras, entre elas uma publicada em latim por Martius sobre plantas medicinais aqui então utilizadas. No trabalho datado de 1843, Martius lista mais de 800 espécies, ordenando-as em um sistema de classes de substâncias. Esta importante fonte de informações sobre plantas medicinais e para estudos em etnobotânica histórica foi traduzida para o português por Henrique Velloso d'Oliveira em 1854, com o intuito de torná-la mais acessível aos leitores em geral. A tradução apresenta graves inconsistências com o comprometimento da citação das espécies, incluindo criação de nomes botânicos a partir de comentários taxonômicos do autor original, omissões e adições de usos, propriedades, preparos, indicações, comparações, interpretações, além de outras questões botânicas. Alguns erros de tradução sugerem o desconhecimento de questões taxonômicas e morfológicas, contribuindo ainda mais para a descaracterização do original. A tradução altera o original a tal ponto que deve ser desconsiderada para fins de estudos sobre as plantas medicinais no Brasil. O texto original no entanto continua sendo uma rica fonte de informações sobre este tema.
Nomenclatural changes in Brazilian Lycopodiaceae
Authors: Øllgaard Benjamin
Published: February 2013

This paper presents new nomenclatural combinations in Brazilian Lycopodiaceae, necessary for an upcoming conspectus of the family: there are 39 new combinations in the genus Phlegmariurus, and one in Pseudolycopodiella. Two taxa, formerly treated as varieties of Lycopodiella alopecuroides, are raised to status of species.
Probabilistic Forecasting and Model Validation for the First-Eocene Large-Scale Pilot Steamflood, Partitioned Zone, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait
Authors: Osterloh W. Terry , Mims Don S. , Meddaugh W. Scott
Published: February 2013

The First-Eocene heavy-oil reservoir (1E) in the Wafra field is a candidate for steamflooding because of its world-class resource base and low-estimated primary recovery. However, industry has little experience in steamflooding carbonate reservoirs, which has prompted the staging of several 1E steamflooding tests, the latest of which is the large-scale pilot (LSP) started in 2009. To assist in facilities design, to help understand expected performance in a very heterogeneous reservoir, and to provide input to early-decision analyses, numerical thermal simulation was used to generate probabilistic forecasts. When adequate pilot history was available, the model was validated with probabilistic methods.

The LSP model contained 1.5 million cells, which allowed the maintenance of adequate resolution and proper boundary conditions in the pilot area. Parallel computation enabled a probabilistic workflow to be implemented with this large thermal model.

In this paper, we highlight the methodologies and inputs used to generate the probabilistic forecasts and validate the model. Major results of this work include the following: In contrast to many greenfield forecasts, the LSP forecasts were conservative, likely because of the unique aspects of the forecasting methodology, proper selection of uncertainty ranges, and the relatively high density of input data for model construction; wide variations in production metrics were forecast, indicative of a highly heterogeneous reservoir; results indicated that the validated model adequately captured the global or statistical pilot heterogeneity, enabling proper capture of steamflood flow/drainage mechanisms; and despite this heterogeneity, forecast oil-recovery levels were comparable with those observed in steamfloods in sandstone reservoirs.
Resource Evaluation for Shale Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Dong Z.. , Holditch S.A.. A. , McVay D.A.. A.
Published: February 2013

Many shale gas reservoirs have been previously thought of as source rocks, but the industry now finds these source rocks still contain large volumes of natural gas and liquids that can be produced by use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. However, one of the most uncertain aspects of shale gas development is our ability to accurately forecast gas resources and shale gas development economics. The uncertainty of the problem begs for a probabilistic solution.

The objective of our work was to develop the data sets, methodology, and tools to determine values of original gas in place (OGIP), technically recoverable resources (TRR), recovery factor (RF), and economic viability in highly uncertain and risky shale gas reservoirs. Existing approaches for determining values of TRR, such as the use of decline curves or even volumetric analyses, may not be reliable early on because there may not be enough production history for decline curves to work well or the uncertainty in the reservoir properties may be too large for volumetric analyses to be useful.

To achieve our research objective, we developed a computer program, Unconventional Gas Resource Assessment System (UGRAS). In the program, we integrated Monte Carlo technique with an analytical reservoir simulator to estimate the original volume in place, predict production performance, and estimate the fraction of TRR that are economically recoverable resources (ERR) for a variety of economic situations. We applied UGRAS to dry gas wells in the Barnett shale and the Eagle Ford shale to determine the probabilistic distribution of their resource potential and economic viability. On the basis of our assumptions, the Eagle Ford shale in the dry-gas portion of the play has more technically recoverable resources than the Barnett shale. However, the Eagle Ford shale is currently not as profitable as the Barnett shale because of the higher drilling costs in the Eagle Ford dry-gas window.

We anticipate that the tools and methodologies developed in this work will be applicable to any shale gas reservoir that has sufficient data available. These tools should ultimately be able to allow determination of technically and economically recoverable resources from shale gas reservoirs globally.
Toward an Automatic Metadata Management Framework for Smart Oil Fields
Authors: Chelmis Charalampos , Zhao Jing , Sorathia Vikram , Agarwal Suchindra , Prasanna Viktor
Published: February 2013

Vast volumes of data are continuously generated in smart oilfields from swarms of sensors. While increasing amounts of such data are stored in large data repositories and accessed over high-speed networks, captured data is further processed by different users in various analysis, prediction, and domain-specific procedures that result in even larger volumes of derived datasets.

The decision-making process in smart oilfields relies on accurate historical, real-time, or predicted datasets. However, the difficulty in searching for the right data mainly lies in the fact that data is stored in large repositories carrying no metadata to describe them. The origin or context in which the data was generated cannot be traced back, so any meaning associated with the data is lost. Integrated views of data are required to make important decisions efficiently and effectively, but are difficult to produce; data generated and stored in the repository may have different formats and schemata pertaining to different vendor products.

In this paper, we present an approach based on semantic web technologies that enables automatic annotation of input data with missing metadata with terms from a domain ontology, which constantly evolves while supervised by domain experts.

We provide an intuitive user interface for annotation of datasets originating from the seismic image-processing workflow. Our datasets contain models and different versions of images obtained from such models, generated as part of the oil-exploration process in the oil industry. Our system is capable of annotating models and images with missing metadata, preparing them for integration by mapping such annotations. Our technique is abstract and may be used to annotate any datasets with missing metadata, derived from original datasets.

The broader significance of this work is in the context of knowledge capturing, preservation, and management for smart oilfields. Specifically, our work focuses on extracting domain knowledge into collaboratively curated ontologies and using this information to assist domain experts in seamless data integration.
Water Use in Canada's Oil-Sands Industry: The Facts
Authors: Lunn Stuart
Published: February 2013

Canada's oil-sands industry is often perceived as having poor environmental performance. One focus area is the use of water for oilsands production. Bitumen from oil sands is produced by surface mining or by in-situ thermal extraction. Both technologies are water-based. The oil-sands deposits are situated in northern Alberta, where the river basins have 87% of the provincial average annual water supply but only have 13% of the demand. Oil-sands operators have made significant progress in improving freshwater use productivity (intensity), and water use represents a small percentage of natural supply. For in-situ production, the 2010 freshwater use productivity for the industry was 0.43 units of freshwater per unit of bitumen produced. As an example of continuous improvement, the Imperial Oil Cold Lake in-situ oil-sands operation has improved freshwater use productivity by 90% since 1985 through produced-water recycling and the use of deep saline groundwater. The in-situ oil-sands industry will remain a relatively small water user into the future (2030) using an estimated 0.04 to 0.09% of available supply from the three river basins where it is situated. For oil-sands mining, most of the source water comes from the Athabasca River. The average water-use productivity for oil-sands production between 2006 and 2011 was 2.5 units of Athabasca River water per unit of bitumen and synthetic crude oil produced (3.6 for all freshwater sources). In 2011, the oil-sands mining industry used 0.54% of the annual Athabasca River flow and 3% of the lowest 2011–2012 winter weekly flow. For growth forecasts to 2030, it is estimated that the oil-sands mining industry will require 1.4% of the average annual flow of the Athabasca River. Overall, by 2030, it is projected that the entire oil-sands industry will use less than 0.4% of Alberta's average annual water supply to produce 80% of Canada's total oil production.
A Proposed Four-Factor Model for Assessing Probability of Capture of Unowned Resource Opportunities
Authors: Kenck Anthony , Wright Mal , Lopez Jaime Alvarez , Coulom Steve , Jonas Todd , Otzmann Terri , Simon Melina , Temple John , Williams Bennett
Published: February 2013

Upstream companies face a series of three discrete, serial probabilities in capturing and commercializing hydrocarbon resource: capture (probability of securing the right to financially participate), exploration (Rose 1992) (probability of discovery), and commerciality (probability of economic viability). This paper focuses on probability of capture (PoC).

Organizations such as defense contractors have used the concept of “probability of win” to help estimate their chances of capturing large government project contracts and to guide their capture planning efforts. The authors have created a four-factor framework specific to the upstream sector of the oil industry. The four factors are probability that the owner will SELL, probability that our company (the buyer) is willing to BUY or make an offer, probability that the buyer's offer will WIN or be chosen as the winner, and probability of reaching final agreement or ALIGNment, including completing final documents. The four factors are multiplied to reach a final probability of capture. This framework takes into account both probabilistic (external) and decision (internal) factors, and can be used at any point during the project assessment. Chevron uses the probabilities of capture and discussion of the components to help understand the adequacy of its business-development efforts and to provide insights to capture teams to help guide them. The authors believe that capture assessment is important, and that this framework is robust and general enough for use in the capture assessment of any upstream opportunity.
The Frontal Attack on Social Europe
Authors: Navarro Vicente
Published: February 2013

This article explains the consequences of the way that the establishment of the euro as the currency for the eurozone countries has negatively affected their welfare state. The article analyzes the political events that led to the creation of the euro and its impact on the welfare and well-being of these countries' populations.
What's ‘Left’ in the ‘Garden of Sweden’?
Authors: Olsen Gregg M.
Published: February 2013

Liberalization, restructuring, and retrenchment have been underway in Sweden for more than two decades and have rapidly accelerated under the current non-socialist coalition government. It is uncertain how much of the Swedish social policy model is “left” now, in terms of both what remains of it and its political character. A cross-temporal look at developments within Sweden reveals striking and continual rollbacks and marketization since the 1990s. However, this view must be qualified, both because Sweden's undisputed descent is from a comparatively lofty position and because there have been some noteworthy, but often ignored, gains even amidst marked decline over the past few decades. A cross-national examination indicates that, despite rapidly rising rates of income and wealth inequality, Sweden remains an egalitarian leader in several respects. This view must be qualified, too, because, while it continues to routinely outperform Anglo nations such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Sweden is less often, and less notably, distinct from several of its continental counterparts in Europe now. Moreover, the foundation of the model, labor strength, has been significantly undermined.
Rising Private Sector and Falling ‘Good Health at Low Cost’: Health Challenges in China, Sri Lanka, and Indian State of Kerala
Authors: Thresia C. U.
Published: February 2013

Despite having a captivating history of outstanding health achievements during the second half of the 20th century, China, Sri Lanka, and the Indian state of Kerala face several health challenges, particularly in the context of a shift in financing health care from a predominantly public-sector to a market-oriented provision. Over the 1990s, these “good health at low cost” (GHLC) regions faced widening health inequities and adverse health outcomes in relation to social, economic, and geographical marginalization, compared to another GHLC country, Costa Rica, and to Cuba, which have a similar history of health and economic profile. While the historical process of health development in China, Sri Lanka, and Kerala is closely entangled with the interrelated policies on health and allied social sectors with an abiding public-sector support, the retreat of the state and resultant increase in private-sector medical care and out-of-pocket spending resulted in widening inequities and medical impoverishment. Investigating the public health challenges and associated medical care-induced impoverishment, this article argues that the fundamental root causes of health challenges in these regions are often neglected in policy and in practice and that policymakers, planners, and researchers should make it a priority to address health inequities.
The Arab Spring and Health: Two Years on
Authors: Coutts Adam , Stuckler David , Batniji Rajaie , Ismail Sharif , Maziak Wasim , McKee Martin
Published: February 2013

The “Arab Spring” has touched almost all countries in the Middle East and North Africa. While most attention has focused on security and political developments, there are significant consequences for population health. These include immediate problems, such as violent deaths and injuries, population displacement, and damage to essential infrastructure, but also longer term vulnerabilities not yet addressed by the political changes, including high unemployment, the low status of women, erosion of already weak welfare systems, and rising food prices. It will be important to tackle these underlying issues while not repeating the mistakes made in other countries that have undergone rapid political transition.
Prospects and Problems of Medical Tourism in Bangladesh
Authors: Mamun Muhammad Z. , Andaleeb Syed Saad
Published: February 2013

The growing trend of Bangladeshi patients travelling abroad for medical services has led to some soul-searching in policy circles. While other countries of the Southeast Asia region are profiting from medical tourism, Bangladesh not only lags behind, it also loses patients to these countries in a continuous stream. This exodus for medical treatment is seemingly driven by the higher perceived quality of treatment abroad, despite the fact that similar treatment is available more cost-effectively within the country. Certainly the Bangladesh health care system is not without its problems, which have diminished the perception of quality in the sector. Thus, this study focuses on key factors for Bangladeshi health service providers to address. By doing so, they will be better able to develop the local health care sector and retain Bangladeshi patients within the country. Subsequently, by identifying strategic niches, Bangladesh could focus on delivering higher quality health care services to develop medical tourism and attract patients from abroad in specific categories of health care.
‘You Must Not Confuse Poverty with Laziness’: A Case Study on the Power of Discourse to Reproduce Diabetes Inequalities
Authors: Chaufan Claudia , Constantino Sophia , Davis Meagan
Published: February 2013

The disproportionate impact of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) on low-income groups and the social and biological processes linking poverty and T2DM inequalities are well-documented. Moreover, millions of dollars are invested annually in programs aimed at reducing T2DM inequalities, yet these remain stubbornly high. Our article explores how public discourses influence T2DM and related health inequalities in a low-income neighborhood in Northern California, through a thematic analysis of interviews and focus groups of staff and clients at a non-governmental organization. We probe participants' beliefs vis-à-vis the causes of, and solutions to, T2DM inequalities and explore whether and how the discourses normalizing them are challenged. We find that staff identify the ultimate source of T2DM inequalities within health sufferers (i.e., their lifestyle choices, psychological makeup, or cultural preferences), even as they acknowledge the widespread poverty, unemployment, and other social determinants that present serious barriers to their health. Notably, we find this normalizing discourse among clients themselves. While our study is empirical, its goal is primarily conceptual: to add to the evolving understanding of discourse as a social practice that may contribute both to status quo reproduction and to social change and resistance.
Chinese Primary Care Physicians and Work Attitudes
Authors: Shi Leiyu , Hung Li-Mei , Song Kuimeng , Rane Sarika , Tsai Jenna , Sun Xiaojie , Li Hui , Meng Qingyue
Published: February 2013

China passed a landmark health care reform in 2009, aimed at improving health care for all citizens by strengthening the primary care system, largely through improvements to infrastructure. However, research has shown that the work attitudes of primary care physicians (PCPs) can greatly affect the stability of the overall workforce and the quality and delivery of health care. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between reported work attitudes of PCPs and their personal, work, and educational characteristics. A multi-stage, complex sampling design was employed to select a sample of 434 PCPs practicing in urban and rural primary care settings, and a survey questionnaire was administered by researchers with sponsorship from the Ministry of Health. Four outcome measures describing work attitudes were used, as well as a number of personal-, work-, and practice-related factors. Findings showed that although most PCPs considered their work as important, a substantial number also reported large workloads, job pressure, and turnover intentions. Findings suggest that policymakers should focus on training and educational opportunities for PCPs and consider ways to ease workload pressures and improve salaries. These policy improvements must accompany reform efforts that are already underway before positive changes in reduced disparities and improved health outcomes can be realized in China.
Aftermath of the Supreme Court Ruling on Health Reform
Authors: Elwood Thomas W.
Published: February 2013

An historical account of actions taken over recent decades to achieve meaningful health reform to broaden access to health insurance. A major Supreme Court ruling ended the dispute over many of the Affordable Care Act's provisions but Republicans in Congress have vowed to seek outright repeal. Meanwhile lengthy regulations that must be issued to implement the law guarantee a continuation of significant controversy.
The Place of Autochthonous Disease Aetiology in Mental Health-Seeking Behaviors in a Globalizing Nigerian Community
Authors: Ugwu Chidi , Onyeneho Nkechi G. , I'Aronu Ngozi J.
Published: February 2013

This study aimed at ascertaining the connection between disease aetiology of the autochthonous psychiatric health system and the current mental health-seeking behaviors of the Nsukka people. Structured participant observation was the principal method of collecting data. In-depth interview sessions were also held with elders in the communities. It was found that although there has been social contact and change among the Nsukka, the personalistic elements in the aetiology of their traditional psychiatric system still largely determined their mental health-seeking behaviors. Thus, they were found to be more at home with traditional healers and syncretic churches than orthodox mental healthcare. To be successful, any mental healthcare program in Nsukka ought to consider how orthodox mental health practitioners, traditional healers, and those who run prayer houses could be incorporated in a comprehensive community mental healthcare program.
Attitude and Beliefs of Traditional Birth Attendants to Prematurely Erupted Teeth of Infants in Urban Local Government Areas in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Bankole Olubunmi , Taiwo Juliana , Nasiru Olukemi
Published: February 2013

Traditional birth attendants (TBAs) can be invaluable in assisting to dispel myths commonly associated with natal/neonatal teeth. To ensure correct delivery of the message, baseline data of their beliefs is important. To assess the attitude and beliefs of some Nigerian TBAs to prematurely erupted teeth in infants, a total enumeration of the TBAs in the five urban Local Government Areas in Ibadan was conducted and 163 consenting TBAs were recruited using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The attitude of the TBAs was that of fear and shock (35.6%) while 30 (18.4%) will consider the child weird. Perceived causes of the variation include evil spirits (31.9%), contravening cultural taboos (9.2%), and prolonged gestation (4.9%). Beliefs on the effect of natal/neonatal teeth on the child include strange behavior (31.3%), child developing evil spiritual powers (41.1%), and mental retardation (3.1%). Practices included advising parents to get rid of/or hide the child (4.9%) and immediate extraction of the teeth with/without sacrifices (35.6%). There is an urgent need to address knowledge gaps by giving health education to TBAs.
Recovering Ethnobotanical and Local Environmental Pollen Data from an Exposed Archaeological Site in Northeastern North America: Locus 2 at the Carns Site, Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
Authors: Kelso Gerald K.
Published: February 2013

The pollen in the matrix of temperate-zone archaeological sites is moved downward by percolating groundwater and progressively destroyed by natural processes. This limits the age of the ethnobotanical and environmental pollen spectra in sites. Flat rocks, flat artifacts, and artifacts and shells found concave-site-down are commonly encountered in excavations and will shelter occupation-period pollen spectra. At Carns Site Locus 2, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, pollen grains recording the presence of agricultural products and probable gathered non-agricultural vegetation, as well as the season of construction of a feature and the placement of a rock, were recovered from under three of the four flat-bottomed objects tested. The data suggest that a systematic investigation of the pollen spectra from under a series of stratigraphically or chronologically organized flat-bottomed rocks and artifacts, backed by a comparative pollen profile, will yield ethnobotanical and environmental data not normally recovered from northeastern prehistoric archaeological sites.
Pioglitazone Acutely Reduces Energy Metabolism and Insulin Secretion in Rats
Authors: Lamontagne Julien , Jalbert-Arsenault Élise , Pepin Émilie , Peyot Marie-Line , Ruderman Neil B. , Nolan Christopher J. , Joly Erik , Madiraju S.R. Murthy , Poitout Vincent , Prentki Marc
Published: February 2013

Our objective was to determine if the insulin-sensitizing drug pioglitazone acutely reduces insulin secretion and causes metabolic deceleration in vivo independently of change in insulin sensitivity. We assessed glucose homeostasis by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic and hyperglycemic clamp studies and energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry and biotelemetry in male Wistar and obese hyperinsulinemic Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats 45 min after a single oral dose of pioglitazone (30 mg/kg). In vivo insulin secretion during clamped hyperglycemia was reduced in both Wistar and ZDF rats after pioglitazone administration. Insulin clearance was slightly increased in Wistar but not in ZDF rats. Insulin sensitivity in Wistar rats assessed by the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp was minimally affected by pioglitazone at this early time point. Pioglitazone also reduced energy expenditure in Wistar rats without altering respiratory exchange ratio or core body temperature. Glucose-induced insulin secretion (GIIS) and oxygen consumption were reduced by pioglitazone in isolated islets and INS832/13 cells. In conclusion, pioglitazone acutely induces whole-body metabolic slowing down and reduces GIIS, the latter being largely independent of the insulin-sensitizing action of the drug. The results suggest that pioglitazone has direct metabolic deceleration effects on the β-cell that may contribute to its capacity to lower insulinemia and antidiabetic action.