bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Etika Kepedulian : Welas Asih Dalam Tindakan Moral
Authors: Jena Yeremias
Published: February 2016

Abstract : Compassion in ethical discourse is used to describe the attitudes and actions of moral agent in helping the vulnerables and the suffering. Discourse around compassion generally focused on whether compassion is an attitude of sympathy or empathy, or it is the attitude of compassion derived from an altruistic attitude which is inherent in intelligent being. This paper argues that compassion is realized only in the context of ethics of care. For that reason, the paper will first distinguish simpaty from empathy and contextualize them within the realm of altruism. At the same time this approach plays the role of criticizing emotive ethics of David Hume and Kantian ethics which is attacked by Kantian ethics as heteronomous.

Keywords : sympathy, empathy, altruism, epiphanic experience, caring encounters, care ethics

Abstrak : Sikap welas asih (compassion) dalam diskursus etika digunakan untuk mendeskripsikan sikap dan tindakan moral menolong sesama yang rentan dan menderita. Diskursus seputar sikap welas asih umumnya difokuskan pada apakah sikap tersebut adalah bagian dari sikap simpati atau empati? Atau, apakah sikap welas asih adalah wujud dari sikap altruistik yang umumnya dimiliki makhluk hidup berperasaan dan berinteligensi? Tulisan ini pertama-tama akan menunjukkan bahwa sikap welas asih lebih dekat dengan konsep dan sikap simpati. Untuk memahami hal ini, pembedaannya dengan empati akan dikemukakan. Di atas semuanya itu, sikap welas asih (simpati) dan empati dibedakan juga dari sikap altruistik manusia. Melalui tulisan ini akan ditunjukkan pula bahwa hanya melalui etika kepedulian (ethics of care) kita dapat memahami welas asih sebagai sikap dan tindakan moral. Ini sekaligus menjadi kritik tajam terhadap etika Humean yang terlalu memuja perasaan moral dan etika Kantian yang menghojat emosi atau perasaan moral sebagai etika manusia heteronom.
Kata kunci : Simpati, Empati, Altruisme, Pengalaman epifani, Perjumpaan penuh belas kasih, Etika kepedulian
Implementasi Etika Ekologis Dalam Konservasi Lingkungan : Tawaran Solusi Dari Al-Qur’an
Authors: Febriani Nur Afiyah
Published: February 2016

Abstract : This paper tries to compare between anthroposentrical paradigm and a theory of conservation called by ecocentrism, the theory try to combine the universal teachings of holy book and science on safeguarding of stable ecosystem of the world. By using thematic method (this method usually applied in investigating several contemporary problems belong to people in the term of contextualization of Holy Book’s message which in this case is al-Qur’an), and supporting by the scientific approach from East and West, this paper expounds the description of al-Qur’an on the concept of ecological ethics which encompassed in a theory which I call with ecohumanist-theocentric. This theory necessarily demands a harmonious inter-connection and interaction between human being and himself (ḥabl ma‘a nafsih), human being and other human beings (ḥabl ma‘a ikhwānih), human being and nature (ḥabl ma‘a bī’atih), human being and God (ḥabl ma‘a khāliqih). This implementation of universal teachings of al-Qur’an for world’s society is considered as an applicative and comprehensive solution which is offered by al-Qur’an in the way to answer the problems of environmental harm. 

Keywords : ecology, conservation, ecoscentrism, theocentrism, ecohumanist-theocentric.

Abstrak : Dalam rangka membandingkan antara paradigma antroposentris dengan sebuah teori lingkungan yang disebut dengan ekosentrisme dibutuhkan sebuah teori yang menyatukan antara ajaran universal dari kitab suci dan sains tentang pemeliharaan kestabilan ekosistem dunia. Dengan menggunakan metode tematik sebagai pisau analisis, karena metode ini lazimnya dipakai untuk mengkaji problematika kontemporer umat sebagai upaya kontekstualisasi pesan kitab suci yang dalam kesempatan ini adalah al-Qur’an, serta dilengkapi dengan pendekatan sains dari Timur dan Barat, tulisan ini mengulas seputar deskripsi al-Qur’an tentang konsep etika ekologis yang terangkum dalam sebuah teori yang penulis sebut dengan teori ekohumanis teosentris. Yaitu sebuah teori yang meniscayakan interkoneksi dan interaksi harmonis antara manusia dengan dirinya sendiri (ḥabl ma‘a nafsih), manusia dengan sesama manusia (ḥabl ma‘a ikhwānih), manusia dengan alam raya (ḥabl ma‘a bī’atih) dan manusia dengan Allah (ḥabl ma‘a khāliqih). Implementasi ajaran universal al-Qur’an ini bagi masyarakat dunia dianggap sebagai solusi aplikatif komprehensif yang ditawarkan al-Qur’an dalam menjawab permasalahan kerusakan lingkungan.

Kata-kata Kunci : ekologi, konservasi lingkungan, ekosentrisme, teosentrisme, ekohumanis-teosentris.
Zuhd and Pleasure : A Comparative Account between Imam Ali’s Nahj Al-Balāgha and Moore’s Ethics
Authors: Firdaus Qusthan
Published: February 2016

Abstrak : Artikel ini mendiskusikan zuhd sebagai sebuah penanda etis (an ethical bon mot) sekaligus membandingkannya dengan argumen Moore mengenai kesenangan. Memaksimalkan output dan meminimalkan input merupakan dua premis dasar yang menyusun zuhd. Keduanya membawa kepada kewajiban positif dan negatif. Kewajiban positif berakar pada hak untuk berekspresi secara bebas sementara kewajiban negatif berakar pada hak untuk bekerja pada lingkungan yang adil dan disukai. Di samping itu, argumen Moore mengenai kesenangan tidak memadai untuk menjadi sebuah penanda etis karena bersifat  subjektif. Dengan demikian, zuhd memiliki kualitas yang lebih baik daripada kesenangan untuk menjadi sebuah penanda etis.

Kata Kunci : Zuhud,  pleasure (Kesenangan), Penanda etis, Kewajiban posistif, Kewajiban negatif

Abstract : This article discusses about Zuhd as an ethical sign (an ethical bon mot), all at once to compare it with Moor’s argument on pleasure. Maximizing output and minimizing input  constitute two basic premises which composed zuhd. Both of  them lead to positive and negative duties. Positive duty is rooted  on right to express freely, while negative duty is rooted on right  to work in just and prefer domain. Moreover, Moor’s argument  of pleasure is unsufficient to be an ethical sigh, for it is very subjective argument. By this, Zuhd has a better quality than  pleasure to be an ethical sign or marker.

Keywords : Zuhud, Pleasure, Ethical bon mot, Positive duties, Negative duties
Islamic Moral Life and Threats To It
Authors: Javadi Mohsen
Published: February 2016

Abstrak : Islam memahami konsep kehidupan bermoral dalam rangka olah jiwa demi memenuhi syarat menjadi dekat dengan  Tuhan, yang transenden. Untuk itu, alih-alih memahami  realisasi-diri seseorang sebagai alasan untuk mewujudkan atau selaras dengan hasrat dirinya, sebagaimana telah umum diterima di dunia modern, Islam memandang realisasi diri sebagai hasil dari upaya kontrol diri, dengan mengatasi hasrat aktual dan meningkatkan kehendaknya dalam mewujudkan keselarasan antara aspek psikis (jiwa) --mencakup aktivitas emosional (hati) dan teoritis (nalar) dan aspek fisik (raga)-- berupa tindakan praktis (aksi). Kondisi yang diperlukan bagi kedua aspek tersebut terumuskan dalam istilah “iman” dan “amal saleh.”

Kata kunci: ibadah, moralitas (akhlaq) Islam, iman, amal salih, olah jiwa, subjektifisme, relativisme cultural, keraguan, sektarianisme, ketidakadilan.

Abstract : Islam comprehends the concept of moral life in the term of cultivate of soul to be eligible for drawing near to the transcendent reality, Allah. For that aim, instead of understanding self-realization as permission to submit to one’s appetites, as commonly accepted in modern world, Islam considers self-realization as fruit of self-control by transcending his actual desires and improving his will to make a harmony between psychial aspect (soul) --that covers emotional (heart) and theoretical (reason) activity - and physical aspect (body) – i.e. practical activity (action). The required state of both aspect are formulated in the term “faith” (iman)  and “righteous deeds”  (amal Salih).

Keywords : worship of God (ibadah), Islamic morality (akhlaq),  faith (iman), righteous deeds (amal salih), cultivation of soul, subjectivism, cultural relativism, doubt, sectarianism, injustice.
Studi Kritis Terhadap Teori Identitas Pikiran-Otak Mario Bunge: Perspektif Neo-Sadrian
Authors: Gama Cipta Bakti
Published: February 2016

Abstract : The aim of this research is to conduct a critical analysis of Mario Bunge’s view that mental reality is identical with the reality of brain function known as mind-brain identity theory. The analysis is performed using Neosadrian perspective, i.e. a new form of Mulla Sadra’s philosophy which is developed by Tabataba‘i and his disciples. The author tries to elucidate the main claims held by Bunge and to launch some critiques upon those claims. The main conclusions achieved through this research include the following. Firstly, mind-brain identity theory cannot be accepted. Secondly, current development of scientific studies corroborating certain relations between brain and mental states does not justify the validity of the identity theory, also does not falsify its opposition. Thirdly, a religious-sufistical philosophy, such the Neosadrian, can be consistent with current development of scientific research.

Keywords : Mind-brain  identity  theory,  Mario  Bunge, Neo-Sadrian,  science,  religious-sufistical philosophy.

 

Abstrak : Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan analisis kritis atas pandangan Mario Bunge bahwa realitas pikiran identik dengan realitas fungsi otak, yang dikenal dengan teori identitas pikiran- otak. Analisis tersebut dilakukan dengan menggunakan sudut pandang Neosadrian, yaitu bentuk baru filsafat Mulla Sadra yang dikembangkan oleh Tabataba‘i dan murid-muridnya. Penulis mencoba menguraikan sejumlah klaim utama yang dipegang oleh Bunge tentang teori identitas tersebut dan melancarkan kritik terhadapnya. Sejumlah kesimpulan utama yang bisa dicapai melalui penelitian ini mencakup hal-hal berikut. Pertama, teori identitas pikiran-otak tidak bisa diterima. Kedua, perkembangan studi saintifik yang menguatkan adanya relasi antara status otak dan status mental tidak menjustifikasi validitas teori identitas pikiran-otak, juga tidak memfalsifikasi dualitas esensi keduanya. Ketiga, filsafat yang bercorak religius-sufistik seperti Neo-Sadrian bisa konsisten dengan perkembangan sains mutakhir.

Kata kunci : teori identitas pikiran-otak, Mario Bunge, Neo-Sadrian, sains, filsafat religius-sufistik.
Dualisme Pemikiran Sufistik Ibn Taymiyyah
Authors: Ali Yunasril
Published: February 2016

Abstrak : Ibn Taymiyyah, meski dikenal sebagai tokoh panutan radikalis salafi yang anti pembaharuan dan alergi tasawuf, ternyata merupakan inspirator kaum modernis dan juga seorang sufi. Bagaimana mungkin seorang yang anti tasawuf   juga adalah seorang aktivis tasawuf ? Bagaimana posisi Ibn Taymiyyah seharusnya dipetakan?  Bagaimana pula sikapnya yang terlihat kontradiktif ini dapat dijelasakan? Dengan mengkaji karya-karyanya dan mempertimbangkan pengalaman hidup Ibn Taymiyyah yang ditelisik melalui perspektif psikosufistik penulis akan menjawab persoalan tersebut. Tulisan ini menyatakan bahwa kritikan dan penolakannya atas jenis tasawuf tertentu (nazharī-falsafī) didasarkan kerancuan dalam pemaknaan istilah dan paradigma yang berbeda dari objek yang dikritiknya. Ditunjukkan pula sikapnya menjelang kematian —dalam kondisi batin terkondisikan sedemikian rupa sehingga bukannya dipenuhi diskursus ilmiah, ia tenggelam dalam taqarub dan perhatian penuh kepada Allah dan mencapai puncak pengalaman sufistik, fana— kendatipun kontradiktif, tidak lain merupakan perkembangan dari kesadaran religiusnya.

Kata kunci : radikalis salafi, dualisme, fiqh al-qulūb, neo-sufisme, anti tasawuf, ḥulūl, ittiḥād, waḥdat al-wujūd.

Abstract : Ibn Taymiyya, despite being well-kown as a figure of salafi-radicalists which are anti-reformism and oppose tasawuf, in fact is an inspiring figure for some modernist Muslims and is a sufi. How could it be possible for someone who criticizes tasawuf to be a sufi? How should Ibn Taymiyya be placed correctly in this regard?  How could his contradictive attitude be explained? These questions will be discussed in paper through a careful study of his works and by investigating his life-experience from a psycho-sufistic perspective. This paper argues that his criticism to certain kind of tasawwuf, i.e., the naẓarī-falsafī, is often based on confusion in understanding terms and departs from different paradigm used by the object of his criticism. Finally this paper shows that the attitude he has, towards the end of his life—in an inwardly situated condition in such a manner so he is far from any discursive activities and totally drowning in the taqarruband having full attention to God and achieving the peak of mystical experience, the annihilation— however contradicts to his early standpoint, is nothing but the continuation and growth of his religious maturity.

Keywords : salafi-radicalist, dualism, fiqh al-qulūb, neo-sufism, tasawuf naẓarī-falsafī, anti tasawuf, ḥulūl, ittiḥād, waḥdat al-wujūd.
Is Olodumare, God In Yoruba Belief, God?
Authors: Igboin Benson O.
Published: February 2016

Abstrak : Pertanyaan apakah Olodumare, Tuhan dalam kepercayaan Yoruba, sebagaimana diterjemahkan oleh Bolaji Idowu, adalah Tuhan merupakan persoalan penuh liku. Hal ini karena konsep dan kepercayaan atas Olodumare ini mengalami serangkaian analisis berputar sehingga memancing pertanyaan tersebut dijawab dalam tiga tahap episodik mendasar. Pertama dari kalangan antropolog Barat yang, sengaja atau tidak, keliru memahami bahwa Olodumare bukanlah, atau tidaklah sederajat dengan, Tuhan; tahap kedua diperjuangkan oleh pengkaji Africa (Africanist) / teolog Yoruba yang mengajukan status Olodumare sebagai Tuhan; sementara mazhab dekolonisasi mutakhir berupaya melepaskan Olodumare dari apa yang disebut sebagai jerat Helenistik (Helenistic grab) periode kedua, dan memberikan citra yang ‘tepat’ tentang Olodumare. Masing-masing ‘kebenaran’ tentang Olodumare ini memiliki pertanyaan-pertanyaan turunan yang memengaruhi pemahaman atas Olodumare. Kajian ini mempertanyakan klaim-klaim tiga filsuf dekolonisasi saat ini, dan mengemukakan bahwa apa yang mereka lontarkan seputar Olodumare tidak konsisten. Kesimpulannya, untuk memperoleh konsep yang kuat tentang Olodumare, perlu upaya untuk mengadopsi padanan kata-kata terjemahan alternatif yang tepat, baik terhadap ajaran Yoruba maupun ajaran Kristen; jika tidak demikian, pertanyaan-pertanyaan yang muncul mungkin tetap akan tak terjawab, sementara tesis Idowu tetap dirasakan sudah memadai.

Kata kunci : Olodumare, Esu, Masalah keburukan, Tuhan, Yoruba

 

Abstract : The question whether Olodumare, God in Yoruba belief, as Bolaji Idowu translated it, is God is a tortuous one. It is so because the concept of, and the belief in, Olodumare are undergoing circuitous strings of analysis that tempt one to answer the question in three fundamental episodic phases. The first came from the Western anthropologists who advertently or inadvertently ‘misconceived’ Olodumare, as completely less than a God; the second stage championed by foremost Africanist/ Yoruba theologians ‘promoted’ Olodumare to the ‘status’ of a God or rather insisted that Olodumare is God; while the decolonisation school is currently divesting Olodumare of so-called Hellenised garb of the second period, and casting ‘true’ images of him. Each of these ‘truths’ about Olodumare has serious ancillary questions that affect the overall understanding of Olodumare. This study interrogates the claims of three recent decolonisation philosophers, and reveals that their casting of Olodumare is inconsistent one with another. It concludes that before any incontrovertible concept of Olodumare could be reached, alternative translational (linguistic) equivalents true to the Yoruba theology and true to Christianity must be adopted; otherwise the questions raised might yet remain unanswered, while Idowu’s thesis still suffices.

Keywords : Olodumare, Esu, problem of evil, God, Yoruba
The Complex Relationship Between Sufism And Shi‘Ism As Reflected In The Concept Of Walāyah
Authors: Halim Wahyuddin
Published: February 2016

Abstrak : Tulisan ini mencoba meneliti konsep walāyah dalam tradisi Sufisme dan Syi’isme. Walāyah adalah salah satu prinsip yang paling penting dalam Sufisme dan Syi’isme, menempati status mendasar dalam seluruh struktur doktrin metafisik mereka. Walāyah merupakan ide tentang kelanjutan otoritas spiritual Nabi Muhammad kepada otoritas tertentu setelah beliau mangkat. Berangkat dari sumber-sumber agama yang sama, kedua pihak tampaknya mengembangkan konsep yang sama tentang walāyah dan karakteristik mereka yang layak atas otoritas rohani, meskipun mereka mengartikulasikan konsep tersebut dalam terminologi dan fungsi yang berbeda.

Kata-kata  Kunci: Sufisme, Syi’isme, walāyah, manusia sempurna, keimaman (imāmah), penutup para nabi, risalah.

Abstract : This paper tries to examine the concept of walāyah in Sufism and Shi’ism. Walāyah is one of the most important principles in both Sufism and Shi’ism, occupying such a fundamental status within the whole structure of their metaphysical doctrines. Walāyah constitutes the idea on the necessary continuation of the spiritual authority of the Prophet Muhammad to particular authorities after the prophet’s death. Drawing from the same religious sources, both parties seem to develop the same concept of what constitutes walāyah and what the characteristics of those who deserve that spiritual authority, although they articulated the concept in different terminologies and functions.

Keywords: Sufism, Shi’ism, walāyah, perfect man, Imāmate, seal of the prophets, risālat.
How to Apply Controlled Mud Level Systems in Deep Water Drilling
Authors: Godhavn John-Morten , Gaassand Sturle
Published: February 2016

Based on experiences with the Controlled Mud Level (CML) system ECD-Management (ECD-M) in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) in 2014 and 2015, this paper outlines how the reduced riser level was applied to improve kick detection and to reduce drilling risks associated with downhole pressure constraints. CML is a Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) technology, but it is not only about Constant Bottom Hole Pressure (CBHP). The paper will cover the authors' learning curve from the first to the 4th well. The main focus during the first well was to make everything work and to train the personnel on the rig. The riser level was only reduced by about 150 feet and the ECD-M system was mainly used for improved kick detection by using the riser as a trip tank. Several kick drills were performed with good results showing how the drill crew was able to detect influxes even earlier with the new CML parameters. The use in the second well was extended by mitigating salt creep in the salt section, CBHP during salt exit and reducing hydrostatic head during a cement operation. Further experiences were gained during the last two wells, even though one major new component failed during commissioning. Other potential applications will also be described. The paper will describe the planning of riser levels and controller modes together with the usual drilling parameters mud weight, flow rate, ROP, etc. using hydraulic simulations and pore and fracture gradients taking the different constraints and risk into consideration.
Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) Technology Applied to a High Potential Oil/Gas Producing Well Enabled Operator to Drill to Planned Target Depth in an Area of South Texas Where Conventional Drilling Has Been Unsuccessful – a Case History
Authors: Epps Steve , Pellegrini Thomas , Valecillos Juan C. , Craig Hunter , Arnone Maurizio
Published: February 2016

Multiple operators had attempted to conventionally drill wells in an area of south Texas targeting an over pressurized sand. A majority of them were unsuccessful showing a history of lost time events and poor well results related to kicks and losses. Information suggests little was known about the pore and fracture pressure gradients, and that uncertainties regarding real stratigraphic distribution were present, resulting in improper casing points and mud trends not in accordance with actual wells requirements. For these reasons, one operator decided to implement Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) technology in order to safely and efficiently drill a well to the pay zone.

The scope of the operation was a re-entry sidetrack on a vertical well that originally encountered well control and multiple mud losses events. The first interval was an 8-1/2 inch intermediate section to be cased with a 7 inch liner. The liner shoe was to be set approximately 80 feet above the over pressurized target sand. The second interval was a 6-1/8 inch production section targeting the well pay zone, to be cased with a 4-1/2 inch production casing. Both intervals were considered critical, the first one having depleted zones interbedded with gas bearing formations with a final depth immediate to abnormal gas pressures, and the second demanding accurate ECD management to avoid well control events, losses and formation damage, this of cardinal interest for the operator.

The implementation of MPD enabled both intervals to be drilled to the planned target in a constant bottom hole pressure (CBHP) state safely and efficiently. The well was drilled near balanced to improve drilling efficiency and increase the ability to identify pore pressures. The annular pressure profile was adjusted instantly as the well dictated by means of MPD surface equipment avoiding kicks and losses. Continuous evaluation and monitoring of well behavior in real time allowed for pore pressure predictions, which were later used to plan proper kill mud weights, tripping/stripping procedures, and managed pressure cementing operations. Implementing MPD techniques and technology proved successful in enhancing safety and drilling efficiency on a well with many uncertainties and potential hazards.

This paper will describe the planning and execution of a successful drilling operation on a high potential oil/gas producer well using MPD techniques in an area where others were unsuccessful.
Health, Safety and Environment – A Comparison: What Should Be the Priority for Upstream Oil Industry in Pakistan?
Authors: Subhani Naaem Ahmad , Khan Muhammad Mehmood
Published: February 2016

There is need to compare mandatory requirements and expectations in Health, Safety and Environment compliance to set priority for the upstream oil industry of Pakistan address both issues equally. Expectations of regulators in environment compliance are far above than in health and safety. Matter to be discussed in detail and suggestions made to treat both issues fairly with due attention paid to both.

Meanings, concept, perception, and scope of Health, Safety & Environment need to be described in detail for the understanding of audience.

Study will also cover if regulators in Safety & Environment field act as Policemen or facilitators and if they have practical or operational/process knowledge about the industry to facilitate the industry.

Violation of safety rules might have serious consequences which may results in to loss of lives, disabilities, human sufferings, asset losses where companies may go out of business. Companies may not go out of business due to violation of environmental rules. It is strange that more attention is being paid to environment.

Mines Act 1923 governs the upstream oil industry in Pakistan through safety regulations 1974 which have gone outdated. Environmental laws and regulations in Pakistan are up to date and compatible with international standards. There is need to update safety regulations to cope with technological changes.

Doctoral level programs are being offered in environment field in Pakistan. Government also gives foreign scholarships in this area. Safety is not being taught in universities in Pakistan. Scholarship not found offered in safety. Certificate level programs however are being offered at low profile.

Competence, resourcefulness and authority of regulators also differs in safety and environment fields. Job opportunities are more in environment than in safety. Consultants are available in the field of environment and rewarded more than in safety.

Role of multinational oil companies, NGOs, PPEPCA and SPE shall be highlighted in promoting and developing HSE culture in Pakistan. Suggestions shall be made to strengthen safety related institutions.
Deployment of High Performance Packer for Extreme Gradients Hydraulic Fracturing Operations
Authors: Mittiga Vincenzo , Ahmed Sumair , Adnan Muhammad , Raja Hassan Nazir , Rashid Anwar
Published: February 2016

The decline of the conventional resources and growth of industries worldwide are pushing governments to look into new horizons of energy. Drilling deeper into formations to explore hydrocarbons in extreme pressure and temperature conditions makes it difficult to utilize the services with conventional tools in such environments. Schlumberger has developed the HPHT Quartz Gauges and high performance packer which can cater to the aforementioned challenges, with a simplified tool string and robust design specifications.

As an initiative to explore new energy resources, Eni planned operations to develop hostile HT ultratight gas formations. Eni chose to test the ultratight gas formations before beginning its planned multiple hydraulic fracturing operations. The test string would require sturdy, vigorous downhole equipment designed to withstand challenging downhole conditions, including high bottomhole temperatures with high maximum pressure differential pressure and well deviation of 31°.

Considering the extreme reservoir conditions as well as the rigorous test design, the importance of using robust downhole reservoir test technologies in a simplified string design was of paramount importance.
Drilling Engineering Challenges in Commercial SAGD Well Design in Alberta
Authors: Knoll R. , Yeung K. C.
Published: February 2016

Recently, the field pilots in Canada using SAGD (Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage) technology have generated sufficient positive response to encourage commercial scale development in the Alberta Oil Sands Deposits. This will be a very interesting time for drilling engineers, since SAGD well pairs present some unique design and operational challenges.

This paper will attempt to review some of the drilling engineering challenges of generic SAGD well design in the Alberta setting, specifically, the need to cool the drilling mud to maintain hole stability, and the selection of slant or vertical intermediate hole section geometry.
Automatic Rotary Drilling Tools
Authors: Buker M.
Published: February 2016

Current technology limits the drilling of horizontal wells to utilizing steerable motor assemblies and MWD systems. Recent developments have lead to the successful introduction of automatic rotary drilling tools, or more commonly known as Rotary Steerable Tools. This technology greatly enhances the efficiency of horizontal drilling. Benefits attributable to automatic rotary drilling tools include increased ROP, elimination of sliding, improved hole cleaning, optimized bit selection, extended horizontal reach, improved tortuosity and complete closed loop systems.

The presentation will begin the presentation by describing the history of Rotary Steerable Tools. Why the tools were developed and who has been at the forefront of development. At this point the presentation will focus on the horizontal drilling market and how these tools in general have been instrumental in the successful completion of extended reach horizontal wells around the world. From here the focus will be on the tools that are available today. The presentation will describe the mechanical workings of the tools, electronics package and benefits of these tools when used in a horizontal application as opposed to a conventional bent housing mud motor and MWD drilling system. The discussion will conclude the discussion by explaining where the market is headed for horizontal drilling using Rotary Steerable Tool systems.
Project-Based Learning through the Eyes of Teachers and Students in Adult ESL Classrooms
Authors: Petersen Cristina , Nassaji Hossein
Published: February 2016

The use of projects and project-based learning has recently received much attention as a way of promoting meaning-focused communication and integrating different language skills into second and foreign language classrooms. However, perspectives on the effective implementation of projects have not been fully explored. This study examines and compares ESL teachers’ and learners’ beliefs and attitudes toward project-based learning, as well as the extent and manner of project implementation in L2 classrooms. Data were collected from 118 participants (88 students and 30 teachers) through parallel written questionnaires in closed and open-ended sections, and through individual interviews. In addition to expressing positive attitudes toward projects in language classrooms, both teachers and students highlighted several advantages this approach has over traditional approaches to language teaching. However, they also expressed differing opinions on how projects should be implemented and what aspects of project-based learning should be emphasized. The implications of the findings for the effective use of projects in L2 teaching are discussed.
Influence of Track Variables and Product Design on Insulated Rail Joints
Authors: Soylemez Emrecan , Ciloglu Korhan
Published: February 2016

Insulated rail joints are used for signal control and detection of broken rails in railway operations. Bonded insulated rail joints are the standard in freight railroads with heavy axle loads. While there have been many numerical and experimental studies investigating the mechanics of insulated rail joints, mechanisms to understand the impact failure of insulated rail joints require further attention. This study presents a dynamic finite element model designed to simulate the mechanics of an insulated rail joint starting from a wheel–rail contact interface to stresses and deflections at any point under the wheel loads at speeds up to 60 mph. Track configuration and product design options were chosen as input variables for the model. The selection of these variables was driven by the need to answer track engineers’ questions about supporting versus suspending joints on wood or concrete ties and responses of different design options to different track configurations. Results show that contact stresses did not change significantly as a result of track configuration. The differential deflection between the two rails right before the impact had a linear correlation with the resulting contact stresses on the rail head. Supporting joints were better at reducing bar stresses, especially on wood ties. Certain product features can greatly influence the bar and the adhesive stresses of the insulated rail joint.
Dynamic Vehicle–Track Model to Study the Effects of Track Geometry and Vehicle–Track Interaction on Concrete Tie Rail Seat Load Environment
Authors: McHenry Mike , Klopp Adam , Thompson Hugh B.
Published: February 2016

Rail seat deterioration (RSD) of concrete ties is manifested by the loss of concrete material in the rail seat area supporting the rail. This failure mode can lead to track that performs poorly and, in extreme cases, can result in the loss of rail clip hold down, reverse rail cant, and rail rollover derailments. This paper describes the use of a multibody vehicle–track dynamics model developed to study the load environment of concrete tie rail seats, specifically addressing the failure mode of RSD. Vehicle–track interaction simulations were conducted to determine the effect of track geometry perturbations on the overall load environment. Various types and magnitudes of track geometry perturbations, including combinations of surface (vertical) and alignment (lateral) perturbations were considered. Fastening system parameters such as clip hold-down force, tie pad stiffness, and broken insulator conditions were also considered. Results of these simulations suggest that concrete crushing, a hypothesized mechanism of RSD, is unlikely in realistic revenue service conditions. Under the load environments considered, the results augment support for an abrasion-related mechanism of RSD that may be more dependent on tonnage and infiltration of fine particles in the rail seat, two factors not addressed in this model. Results from in-track testing are also presented to compare model outputs with measured in-track forces under artificial track geometry perturbations installed at the Transportation Technology Center’s Facility for Accelerated Service Testing. More broadly, the use of this model to explore the effects of vehicle track interaction on tie and fastener load environment is also discussed.
Effects of Rail Hardness on Rail Wear and Head Check Initiation
Authors: Zhou Yu , Yu Miao , Jiang Junnan
Published: February 2016

In China, rail head check on heavy-haul railways is the main type of rolling contact fatigue defect, especially since the advent of rail with good wear resistance and high hardness. The influence of hardness on rail wear and head check was explored by use of a method to predict rail head check initiation by considering wear. The proposed method combined a profile wear model based on the Archard wear model and a prediction model for head check initiation life based on the critical plane theory, which used the worn profile iterations and the accumulation of fatigue damage as determined by the amount of wear. An analysis of the head check initiation characteristics of the as-rolled rail, U78CrV/U76CrRE, and the heat-treated rails, U71Mn, U75V, and U78CrV, was performed by considering wear. Results indicated that, when wear is taken into consideration, head check in all four kinds of rails started at the subsurface of the rail, at a depth of 1 to 2.5 mm (measured from the top of the rail) and at a lateral distance of 15 to 18 mm from the rail center; these results were more similar to field observations than results without consideration of wear. When all other conditions were identical, the rail with the highest hardness had a lower wear growth rate and a longer period before head check initiation. Therefore, it was determined that the rail with the highest hardness, U78CrV heat-treated rail, was more resistant to wear and head check initiation than were the other three rail grades.
Multistate Safety Evaluation of Intersection Conflict Warning Systems
Authors: Himes Scott , Gross Frank , Eccles Kimberly , Persaud Bhagwant
Published: February 2016

Intersection conflict warning systems (ICWSs) were evaluated under the FHWA Evaluation of Low-Cost Safety Improvements Pooled Fund Study. The ICWS strategy is intended to reduce the crash frequency by alerting drivers of conflicting vehicles on adjacent approaches at unsignalized intersections. The evaluation used a multistate database of geometric, traffic, and crash data for rural four-legged, two-way, stop-controlled intersections equipped with ICWSs in Minnesota, Missouri, and North Carolina. To account for potential selection bias and regression to the mean, an empirical Bayes before–after analysis was conducted by using safety performance functions (SPFs) for reference groups of similar intersections without ICWS installation. These SPFs also controlled for changes in traffic volumes over time and time trends in crash counts unrelated to the strategy. The aggregate results indicate statistically significant crash reductions at the 5% level for all crash types for two-lane-at-two-lane intersections and four-lane-at-two-lane intersections. For two-lane-at-two-lane intersections, the crash modification factors (CMFs) for total crashes, fatal and injury crashes, and right-angle crashes are 0.73, 0.70, and 0.80, respectively, and for four-lane-at-two-lane intersections, they are 0.83, 0.80, and 0.85, respectively. The benefit–cost (B:C) ratio estimated with conservative cost and service life assumptions is 27:1 for all two-lane-at-two-lane intersections and 10:1 for four-lane-at-two-lane intersections with post-mounted warning signs. The results suggest that the strategy, even with conservative assumptions on cost, service life, and the value of a statistical life, can be highly cost-effective. As this strategy is evolving, this study reflects installation practices to date.
Real-time, scalable, content-based Twitter users recommendation
Authors: Subercaze Julien , Gravier Christophe , Laforest Frédérique
Published: February 2016

Real-time recommendation of Twitter users based on the content of their profiles is a very challenging task. Traditional IR methods such as TF-IDF fail to handle efficiently large datasets. In this paper we present a scalable approach that allows real time recommendation of users based on their tweets. Our model builds a graph of terms, driven by the fact that users sharing similar interests will share similar terms. We show how this model can be encoded as a compact binary footprint, that allows very fast comparison and ranking, taking full advantage of modern CPU architectures. We validate our approach through an empirical evaluation against the Apache Lucene’s implementation of TF-IDF. We show that our approach is in average two hundred times faster than standard optimized implementation of TF-IDF with a precision of 58%.
Paraconsistent argumentation schemes
Authors: Dunin-Kęplicz Barbara , Strachocka Alina
Published: February 2016

Various types of everyday arguments are represented as argumentation schemes, originating from the Legal Argumentation literature. The recent achievements in this domain can be applied to multi-agent settings to enrich the paradigmatic aspects of communication and reasoning. Agents typically populate complex environments where incompleteness and inconsistency of information is rather a rule than exception. Although the problem how to tackle inconsistencies is already present in argumentation, a  paraconsistent (that is, tolerating inconsistency) approach is still missing from the literature. The contribution of this research is a computationally-friendly framework for formalizing paraconsistent argumentation schemes. This is achieved by extending agent’s reasoning capabilities with non-deductive methods rooted in argumentation. To this end we provide a generic paraconsistent program template for implementation of various argumentation schemes.

Our methodology is strongly influenced by ideas underlying 4QL: a four-valued, rule-based, Datalog¬¬-like query language. Thanks to its properties, the tractability of the solution (so hardly obtainable in logical modeling) has been reached. The paper concludes with examples of several paraconsistent argumentation schemes implemented in 4QL.
Seed treatment for improving quality of hybrid seeds of rice
Authors: Akter Mst Arjina , Hasan AKM Kamal , Uddin Sheikh Afsar , Hossain Ismail
Published: February 2016

Seeds of 15 hybrid rice varieties viz. Durber, Agomoni, Meghna, Hybrid super, Moyna, Tia, Gold, Aloron, Jagoron, Suborno, Safollo, Hira-1, Hira-2, Hira-4 and Hira-6 were collected from five different seed producing companies of Bangladesh. BAU-Biofungicide (3%), extracts of Garlic (1:1), Allamanda leaf (1:1) Bavistin (0.3%), Thiovit ( 0.3%) and Provax (0.3%) were used for treating seeds to improve quality of hybrid seeds of rice. The moisture content of seed samples ranged 12.20% to 14.37%, where highest moisture content was found in variety Meghna and lowest in variety Moyna. 1000-seed weight of seed samples ranged from 20.00 to 26.00g, where highest weight was recorded in Hira-4 and lowest was recorded both in Aloron and Hira-1. Seed health test revealed 11 different seed borne fungi viz. Bipolaris oryzae (0.0 to 25.5%), Fusarium moniliforme (0.00 to 3.0%), Fusarium oxysporum (0.0 to 18.0%), Aspergillus flavus (0.00 to 11.0%), Aspergillus niger (0.00 to 5.0%), Aspergillus candidus (0.00 to 15.0%), Penicillium spp. (0.0 to 7.0%) , Alternaria padwickii (0.0 to 1%), Alternaria tenuis (0.0 to 11.0%), Curvularia lunata (0.0 to 40.0%) and Nigrospora oryzae (0.0 to 4.0%) . Germination test resulted normal seedlings from 26.00 to 97.00%, where highest was recorded in variety Jagoron that treated with BAU-Biofungicide resulting highest increase in number of normal seedlings by 239.28% over untreated control. BAU-Biofungicide significantly decreased (upto 90.00%) formation of abnormal seedlings over untreated control. Moreover, BAU-Biofungicide increased up to 713.78% Vigor index over untreated control.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 406-415
Reproductive potentials, meat yield and egg quality characteristics of indigenous dwarf chicken of Bangladesh
Authors: Md Ferdaus Abu Jafur , Bhuiyan Mohammad Shamsul Alam , Bhuiyan AK Fazlul Haque , Ali Md Shawkat , Hassin Begum Mansura , Howlider Md Abdur Rahman
Published: February 2016

The study was conducted to investigate reproductive potentialities, meat yield and egg quality characteristics of indigenous dwarf chicken (IDC) of Bangladesh under intensive management condition. The experiment was conducted at BAU Poultry farm for a period of 26 months from March 2013 to April 2015.A total of 499 eggs were incubated to examine hatching performance, 64 eggs were used to determine egg quality characteristics and 33 birds of 24 weeks age were slaughtered to investigate meat yield characteristics. The mean of hatching egg weight and IDC chick weight were 39.81g and 26.68g, respectively. Estimated chick weight was 67.19% of the egg weight. The average mature body weight and age at sexual maturity of IDC was 1093.20 g and 166.53 d, respectively. The average hen day egg production of IDC up to 32 and 75 weeks of age was 55.22 and 37.43%, respectively. The estimated fertility and hatchability of IDC eggs were 78.36 and 71.80%. Among the meat yield parameters considered, dressed weight, breast weight and thigh meat weight varied significantly (P<0.05) between the males from IDC and the chicken with normal size shank (CNS). IDC also differed significantly (P<0.01) from CNS in terms of neck length (P<0.01) and drumstick bone length. Egg quality parameters like egg weight, shape index, yolk diameter and egg breaking strength varied significantly (P<0.05) between IDC and CNS. In addition, eggs of IDC and CNS showed significant (P<0.01) variation in dry albumen weight and albumen dry matter percent. In conclusion, the findings of the present study provided with some basic information about the potentialities of IDC which could be utilized in future breeding program.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 416-423
Investigation of peste des petits ruminants outbreaks in goat farms of Chuadanga District of Bangladesh in 2014
Authors: Islam SK Shaheenur , Rao Sangeeta , Akhter AHM Taslima , Hossain Md Mehedi , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Islam SM Sariful , Singha Arun Kumar
Published: February 2016

A case-control study was conducted in Chuadanga district of Bangladesh to investigate risk factors for Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) that occurred during November-December 2014 in goat farms. A total of 37 farms were reported to be PPR cases based on active and passive surveillance from 4 villages of Chuadanga Sadar and Damurhuda sub-districts. Fifty-five control-farms were selected from the same 4 villages. Farmers of both case and control farms were interviewed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire for data collection on potential risk factors. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between potential risk factors and disease outcome. Focus group discussions with farmers and livestock personnel in the selected villages were conducted using participatory epidemiological (PE) approach to identify issues with PPR in the villages. The results showed that 27% of the case-farms (n=10) were vaccinated, 60% (n=6) of which were vaccinated two times and 40% (n=4) single time in a year. About 50% (n=20) farms used perch/macha and the other 50% used mud type of housing. The morbidity and case-fatality rate in case-farms were 15.49%, 54.54%, respectively. Adoption of single time annual vaccination and using perch/ macha housing were significant protective factors (OR=0.03, 95% CI=0.008-0.1, p<0.001; OR=0.29, 95% CI= 0.11-0.74, p=0.004 respectively). Vaccination done twice in a year significantly lowered infection when compared to one time vaccination (OR=0.21, 95% CI=0.05-0.79, p=0.02). The results from PE showed that proper labeling of PPR vaccines, logistics for mass vaccination and spreading awareness, are necessary for successful PPR prevention. In conclusion, control of PPR in this district may be achieved by single time annual vaccination with a maximum coverage along with adoption of perch housing in all goat rearing farms in the district.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 434-441
Determination of in-vivo growth kinetics of virulent Newcastle disease virus in layer chicken
Authors: Kamal Md Mostofa , Haque Mohammad Aynul , Borty Shuvho Chakra , Khashruzzaman AKM , Chowdhury Mohammad Nizam Uddin , Islam Md Alimul
Published: February 2016

The research work was conducted on 105 layer chicks with a view to determine the rate of distribution of neurotropic virulent Newcastle disease virus (NVNDV) in various organs following infection through natural (intranasal, intraocular and oral) and parenteral (intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous) routes of inoculation at different ages (7, 15 and 28 days of old). Each bird received a dose of 0.2 ml contained 300 ELD50 of reference NVNDV. The highest body temperature (?1080F) was recorded in the birds of almost all the experimental groups within 48 to 72 hours of PI. Appearance of clinical signs was observed earlier (48 to 72 hours of PI) in parenterally infected birds than those of inoculated through natural routes. The shortest duration (24-48 hours of PI) and longest duration (74-138 hours of PI) of death time were recorded in birds those inoculated through IV and oral routes of infection respectively. Isolation of NDV was positive from day 2 of PI and onward in all the groups with some minor variations in some cases. The CEF system was found more sensitive for the isolation of viruses compare to that of avian embryo. The highest HA titre of NDV was found in the brain tissue followed by lungs and kidney. Significantly (p<0.01) higher HA titre of NDV isolate was recorded in the birds of all the experimental groups inoculated through IV route. Following infection, the MDA titre decreased day by day in the birds with the increase of HA titres of NDV.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 526-536