bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving People’s Lives: The Case for Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Meehan Nathan
Published: January 2017

President's column

There are two great truths tied to hydraulic fracturing.

It has helped improve people’s lives by enabling the oil and gas industry to tap reserves that otherwise could not have been recovered.

It has unleashed dramatic public opposition.

I am disappointed to see public opposition to hydraulic fracturing, because I think, for the biggest part, it is unfounded. Hydraulic fracturing has become “fracking” in the common parlance. To too many people, “fracking” symbolizes all that is wrong with oil and gas companies and modern technology. It is certainly associated with all aspects of unconventional resource development, which depends on both horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to be successful.

It would be inaccurate to deny that there can be problems. But, an objective look reveals that its benefits far outweigh its potential risks. It is a safe, reliable technology that has proven highly beneficial to society and it is being improved continuously by operators and service companies. Many studies done by the US Environmental Protection Agency (2015) and others have found very small risks from the practice. Let us take a closer look.

A Proven Technology

Since the late 1940s, hydraulic fracturing technology has been used in more than 1 million US wells to safely produce oil and gas reserves that otherwise could not be recovered. While the principles of the process have not changed in decades, modern hydraulic fracturing relies on vastly improved technology and processes to ensure its continued contribution to a safe, environmentally responsible energy future.

Why the Complaints?

Detractors claim that we do not know enough about fracturing’s impacts and risks, despite decades of experience. Many who are critical of hydraulic fracturing are actually critical of unconventional well activity, oil and gas activity in general, and the use of fossil fuels. To them, hydraulic fracturing is a focal point for their broader objections.

Critics of the process have claimed multiple problems with hydraulic fracturing, including:

Earthquakes caused by hydraulic fracturing

Pollution of groundwater with unknown chemicals

Air pollution

Surface spills

Fugitive methane emissions

Traffic and noise pollution

Excess use of water resources
Understanding Uncertainty and Risk in Capital Projects
Authors: Whitfield Stephen
Published: January 2017

The SPE Asia Pacific Unconventional Resources Conference and Exhibition held in Brisbane last November featured a special session, “Megaprojects: Past, Present, and Future,” that focused on some of the key issues facing megaprojects in the Asia Pacific region. Panel speakers discussed the main impediments to megaprojects, resource acquisition and management, and the project management skills and business climate in the region.

Another topic the speakers addressed was the role of uncertainty and risk in sanctioning megaprojects. In an environment where more than half of all projects are facing cost overruns, schedule delays, or both, the need to recognize problem areas prior to sanction is as great as ever (Ernst and Young 2014).

One way to improve decision making for megaprojects is to understand, quantify, and mitigate risk and uncertainty. To do that, exploration and production companies are spending money to gather and analyze the necessary data.

Steve Begg, a professor of petroleum engineering and management at the University of Adelaide and a panelist at the megaproject special session, said a company that is biased toward risk aversion or risk-seeking behaviors faces a worse long-term outcome than companies that take a risk-neutral, or an expected-value, approach to decision making.

“If you’ve got large degrees of uncertainty but you’re unbiased, then one project might fail but another one might be brilliant, and if you look at a collection of decision outcomes in a corporation, you’ll be well ahead. So uncertainty isn’t the problem. It’s bias,” he said.

The final investment decision often involves three elements: an owner’s goals for the project, the tasks an operator can realistically execute within a project, and the information an operator has about the project. Begg said a problem most companies face is that the information they have is skewed toward desirable outcomes such as lower costs, lower construction times, and higher production totals.

Begg said that faulty estimations are a measure of uncertainty, and risk is a possible consequence of uncertainty. A company that makes optimistic estimations prior to sanction is not engaging in risk-seeking behavior, and a company that makes cautious estimations is engaging in risk-averse behavior.
Production-Logging Tools Facilitate Well Testing in Challenging Environments
Authors: Wilson Adam
Published: January 2017

This article, written by Special Publications Editor Adam Wilson, contains highlights of paper IPTC 17771, “Well Testing in Challenging Environments: A Case Study From Onshore China,” by Xin Ling Peng, Mei Sheng Liang, Jie Hu, Xiao Lei Wu, and Dong Lin Qin, Sinopec, and Prasanna Tellapaneni, Bo Nan Ren, Tao Zhang, and Zhi Hong Guo, Schlumberger, prepared for the 2014 International Petroleum Technology Conference, Kuala Lumpur, 10–12 December. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

The Pugang gas field, one of the biggest inland gas discoveries of the last decade in China, has hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentrations as high as 10%, making surface- and downhole-facilities design and execution challenging. Testing these wells also is difficult because of the surface risks inherent in conventional testing. Well testing using production-logging tools recently has been introduced in this field and has been of tremendous benefit to the operator in identifying the inflow zones and in performing welltest analysis.

Field Introduction

The Pugang gas field, discovered in 2002, is the second-largest gas field in China and the largest sour field discovered in the last decade. This field is north of Chongqing in the Sichuan basin. The reservoir fluid in this field is dry gas with high H2S (14.4%) and carbon dioxide (CO2) content (9.91%). The field is flanked on the west with a gas/water contact at 5140-m true vertical depth subsea. With no voidage-replacement mechanism in place yet, the production of water because of the contact movement is also a concern for the operator. Therefore, production logging as a reservoir-monitoring and -surveillance tool has been used since 2010, and more than 18 wells have been tested to date.

Gas in the Pugang field is mainly contained in the Lower Triassic Feixianguan and Upper Permian Changxing formations. These carbonates are open-platform carbonates, mainly platformmargin shoal and reef sediments. The Feixianguan formation is composed mainly of carbonate platform- margin shoal and evaporitic environments. The main porosity types in the Feixianguan formation include intercrystalline, solution-enlarged intercrystalline, solution vugs, and compressional microfractures. Normally, the solution porosity is connected by fractures, which gives rise to the high permeability observed in this formation.
Transformation of Antisense Chalcone Synthase (CHS) Gene into Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera Gaertn.) by Particle Bombardment
Authors: Kanjana Saetiew , Prissadang Ano , Nanglak Parinthawong , Sumay Arunyanart
Published: January 2017

Chalcone synthase (CHS) is a key enzyme in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. CHS genes were cloned from genomic DNA and cDNA from the petals of 'Buntharik' white lotus and 'Sattabangkacha' pink lotus by the PCR technique using a specific primer of the CHS gene designed from the GenBank database. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that the highest CHS gene expression was found in the early budding stage of the pink lotus and was reduced in later stages. Shoot tips from embryos of Buntharik and Rachinee lotus were used to induce shoot clusters by cultivation on a MS medium supplemented with 40 µM NAA and 0.5 µM TDZ for 8 weeks and a MS medium supplemented with 50 µM BA for 8 weeks. An antisense CHS gene (450 bp) from the cDNA of Buntharik lotus was used to construct a plant transformation vector; pCAMBIA1302CHSA. The vector construct was transformed into Buntharik and Rachinee shoot clusters by particle bombardment. After transformant selection and regeneration, two transformants of Buntharik shoot clusters showed GFP green spots and existence of the GFP gene and hptII gene in the genomic DNA amplified by the PCR technique. In the Rachinee transformants, 3 of 5 showed the GFP green spots and the GFP and hptII genes were identified in amplification by PCR. After CHS gene expression analyses by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, two transformed Rachinee shoot clusters had a reduction in CHS gene expression.
The Role of Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy in the Management of Degenerative Meniscus Tears: A Review of the Recent Literature
Authors: Azam Mohsin , Shenoy Ravi
Published: January 2017

Background:

The use of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for middle aged to older adults with knee pain is one of the most common surgical procedures with approximately 150,000 knee arthroscopies being carried out in the United Kingdom each year, and about five times that number in the United States. Despite this, the procedure remains controversial. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the role of arthroscopic meniscectomy in patients with degenerative meniscus tears and suggest recommendations for clinical practice.

Methods:

A thorough literature search was performed using available databases, including Pubmed, Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library to cover important randomised control trials surrounding the use of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.

Results:

The majority of randomised control trials suggest that arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is not superior to conservative measures such as exercise programmes. Furthermore, one randomised control trial found that arthroscopic partial meniscectomy was not even superior to sham surgery.

Conclusion:

There is significant overtreatment of knee pain with arthroscopic partial meniscectomy when alternative, less invasive and less expensive treatment options are equally effective. First-line treatment of degenerative meniscus tears should be non-operative therapy focused on analgesia and physical therapy to provide pain relief as well as improve mechanical function of the knee joint. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy should be considered as a last resort when extensive exercise programmes and physiotherapy have been tried and failed.
An Update into the Application of Nanotechnology in Bone Healing
Authors: Brannigan K. , Griffin M.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Bone differs from other organs in that it can regenerate and remodel without scar formation. There are instances of trauma, congenital bone disorder, bone disease and bone cancer where this is not possible. Without bone grafts and implants, deformity and disability would result.

Human bone grafts are limited in their management of large or non-union fractures. In response, synthetic bone grafts and implants are available to the Orthopaedic Surgeon. Unfortunately these also have their limitations and associated complications.

Nanotechnology involves the research, design and manufacture of materials with a grain size less than 100nm. Nano-phase materials follow the laws of quantum physics, not classical mechanics, resulting in novel behavioural differences compared to conventional counterparts.

Methods:

Past, present and future nanotechnology in bone healing literature is reviewed and discussed. The article highlights concepts which are likely to be instrumental to the future of nanotechnology in bone healing.

Results:

Nanotechnology in bone healing is an emerging field within Orthopaedic Surgery. There is a requirement for bone healing technologies which are biochemically and structurally similar to bone. Nanotechnology is a potential solution as the arrangement of bone includes nanoscopic collagen fibres and hydroxyapatite.

This review centers on the novel field of nanotechnology in bone healing with discussion focusing on advances in bone grafts, implants, diagnostics and drug delivery.

Conclusion:

The concept of nanotechnology was first introduced in 1959. Current nanoproducts for bone healing include nano-HA-paste-ostim and nano-beta-tricalcium phosphate-Vitoss.

Nanophase technologies are considered to be superior bone healing solutions. Limited safety data and issues regarding cost and mass scale production require further research into this exciting field.
An update on the Application of Nanotechnology in Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Griffin MF , Kalaskar DM , Seifalian A. , Butler PE
Published: January 2017

Background:

Natural bone is a complex and hierarchical structure. Bone possesses an extracellular matrix that has a precise nano-sized environment to encourage osteoblasts to lay down bone by directing them through physical and chemical cues. For bone tissue regeneration, it is crucial for the scaffolds to mimic the native bone structure. Nanomaterials, with features on the nanoscale have shown the ability to provide the appropriate matrix environment to guide cell adhesion, migration and differentiation.

Methods:

This review summarises the new developments in bone tissue engineering using nanobiomaterials. The design and selection of fabrication methods and biomaterial types for bone tissue engineering will be reviewed. The interactions of cells with different nanostructured scaffolds will be discussed including nanocomposites, nanofibres and nanoparticles.

Results:

Several composite nanomaterials have been able to mimic the architecture of natural bone. Bioceramics biomaterials have shown to be very useful biomaterials for bone tissue engineering as they have osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties. Nanofibrous scaffolds have the ability to provide the appropriate matrix environment as they can mimic the extracellular matrix structure of bone. Nanoparticles have been used to deliver bioactive molecules and label and track stem cells.

Conclusion:

Future studies to improve the application of nanomaterials for bone tissue engineering are needed.
Nanohydroxyapatite Effect on the Degradation, Osteoconduction and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Bone Tissue Engineered Scaffolds
Authors: Salmasi Shima , Nayyer Leila , Seifalian Alexander M. , Blunn Gordon W.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Statistical reports show that every year around the world approximately 15 million bone fractures occur; of which up to 10% fail to heal completely and hence lead to complications of non-union healing. In the past, autografts or allografts were used as the “gold standard” of treating such defects. However, due to various limitations and risks associated with these sources of bone grafts, other avenues have been extensively investigated through which bone tissue engineering; in particular engineering of synthetic bone graft substitutes, has been recognised as a promising alternative to the traditional methods.

METHODS

A selective literature search was performed.

RESULTS

Bone tissue engineering offers unlimited supply, eliminated risk of disease transmission and relatively low cost. It could also lead to patient specific design and manufacture of implants, prosthesis and bone related devices. A potentially promising building block for a suitable scaffold is synthetic nanohydroxyapatite incorporated into synthetic polymers. Incorporation of nanohydroxyapatite into synthetic polymers has shown promising bioactivity, osteoconductivity, mechanical properties and degradation profile compared to other techniques previously considered.

CONCLUSION

Scientific research, through extensive physiochemical characterisation,in vitroandin vivoassessment has brought together the optimum characteristics of nanohydroxyapatite and various types of synthetic polymers in order to develop nanocomposites of suitable nature for bone tissue engineering. The aim of the present article is to review and update various aspects involved in incorporation of synthetic nanohydroxyapatite into synthetic polymers, in terms of their potentials to promote bone growth and regenerationin vitro,in vivoand consequently in clinical applications.
Localized Scleroderma: Predisposing and Triggering Factors
Authors: Khamaganova Irina
Published: January 2017

The etiology of localized scleroderma remains unclear. The objective of this article is to review different theories of etiology, specifically provocative and predisposing factors for the development of localized scleroderma. The mini-review presents the factors, which may influence the occurrence of localized scleroderma. The genetic predisposition for the development of scleroderma is a relevant characteristic of the disease. Different traumatic factors, viral & bacterial infections, chemical substances, pharmaceutical agents may trigger localized scleroderma. Neoplasia is regarded as a distinct triggering impulse for scleroderma.
Computer Aided Formulation and Characterization of Propranolol Hcl Buccal Tablet Using Polymeric Blend
Authors: Hanif Sana , Irfan Nadeem , Danish Zeeshan , Hussain Nisaar , Ali Muhammad , Nasir Bushra , Iqbal Javed , Saeed Hamid , Ali Rubina , Saleem Zikria
Published: January 2017

The current study was aimed to formulate a continuous release mucoadhesive buccal tablet containing propranolol HCl. The type and quantities of polymers as well as method of compression were set in a preliminary study (F1-F13). Direct compression method was employed in the main study (F14-F24) using Carbopol® 934P (CP), ethylcellulose (EC), sodium alginate (SA), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC k4M) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as mucoadhesive polymers and were tested for physicochemical tests i.e. swellability, surface pH, mucoadhesive time, mucoadhesive strength, in vitro release etc. Results obtained from the study were optimized using NeuralPower® 3.1, an artificial intelligence approach. Against the desirability of physico-chemical parameters, the software optimized the ingredients as HPMC (150mg), CMC (25mg), CP (20mg) and EC (20mg). Outcome revealed that HPMC primarily contributed to the physicochemical properties of mucoadhesive formulation. To compare prediction, optimized ingredients were formulated (F25) and tested. The swellability index of confirmation formulation (F25) was 102% at 6 h. As predicted, similar release pattern was of F25 was obtained as 26% (0.5h), 34% (1h), 40% (2h), 45% (3h), 50% (4h), 62% (5h), 76% (6h), 85% (7h) and 97% (8h) respectively. For release kinetics, DD solver® suggested the release of the drug to be non-Fickian.
Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Tingkat Pengetahuan Orang Tua Tentang Pendidikan Seks Secara Dini pada Anak Sekolah Dasar (SD)
Authors: Maryuni Maryuni , Anggraeni Legina
Published: January 2017

Indonesian Child Protection Commission states that at least 45 children who are victims of sexual violence every month. Early sex education for children is essential to prevent sexual violence but many parents have opinion that sex education for children are taboo. This study aims to determine what factors are associated with the level of knowledge of parents against early sex education for children. This research was conducted in Primary School Kartika VIII-5, South Jakarta 2014. This research is descriptive analytic with cross sectional approach. The population in this study are parents of students in grade 1 in Primary School Kartika VIII-5 South Jakarta. Samples were selected by total sampling method resulting on 60 respondents. Collecting data using questionnaires. Data analysis techniques using chie square. Results showed that there were a significant relationship between education, social and cultural values, and exposure information with knowledge about sex education at an early stage, while the work are not related. In conclusions, this study factors was correlated with parents knowledge about early sex education for children in Primary School Kartika VIII-5 were education, social and cultural values, and exposure information. Expected for parents to improved information about early sex education for children, so parents have good knowledge abou t sex education.
Efektifitas Latihan Birth Ball Terhadap Efikasi Diri Primipara dengan Persalinan Normal
Authors: Sriwenda Djudju , Yulinda Yulinda
Published: January 2017

Stress, fear and anxiety are the factors which having contribution of pain perseption those influence labor process and birth experience.Birth ball is not only a non farmacological pain relief but also increasing emotional and psychlogical care. Self effiacy is a belief or an abiity to exert her ability to pass adversity in labor process. These is an important aspect which influence women motivation to make birth normally. It was quasi–experiment research. Treatment group was given birth ball exercise since 32 weeks of gestation until before labor process.Research period is from june until october 2014 at 5 (five) privat  midwife's private clinic and used consecutive sampling. The research analysis used t-independent to compare self efficacy level on control and treatment group that was taken at first self efficacy test. It also used t-independet on those group to compare self efficacy level at second test. In conclusion, there was influence of birth ball exercise to self efficacy of primiparous with normal labor, there was no difference on self efficacy level at 4 cm cervic dilatation on both groups, also there was 6.48 point of self efficacy level increase at 4 cm and 8 cm cervic dilatation after doing birth ball exercise. Birth ball exercise shoud be done since third trimester of pregnancy, which can be held integrated in antenatal class. There shoud be variety at physic exercise facility for pregnant woman and parturient at health services.
Pendidikan Kesehatan dengan Media Film “Derita Tiada Akhir” Menggugah Pengantin Remaja dalam Menggunakan Kontrasepsi Modern
Authors: Kusyanti Tatik , Sukandar Hadyana , Husin Farid
Published: January 2017

Adolescent marriage (10-19 years old) is a problem for every country, especially for developing countries. Based on the basic health research (Riskesdas), the adolescent marriage in Indonesia is 41.9% and this is the highest number compared with other age category. The number of adolescent marriage in West Java is in the second place after the middle of Kalimantan and the position is above the national number 50.2%. The number of adolescent marriage in Bandung is 23.9%, whereas the government target is only 3.5%. Adolescent marriage has a strong relationship with pregnancy and the high risk childbirth. This research goal was to analyze the usage and the impact of media film the risk of adolescent pregnancy on the modern contraceptive participation and those influencing factors. The research was conducted in the 7 offices of religion affairs (KUA) that spread in Bandung. This research is a quasi experiment research with post-test design and pre-post test design with total samples of 44 consisting of 22 bridal couple and 22 adolescent bridewomen that only registered their marriage in the 7 KUA’s. Adolescents marriage applicant samples were taken by consecutive sampling whereas the sampling for the adolescents that were married was taken by simple random sampling. Univariate analysis used frequency distribution and binomial, while bivariate analysis used chi-square and fisher’s exact, Multivariate analysis used Multiple Regresi Logistic. The research results show that reproductive health education about the adolescent pregnancy through film media could increase twice the participation of adolescent married couples in using modern contraception, by using chi square (p=0.015), RR:2.33 have the increase of reproductive health education. Based on the results, it can be concluded that reproductive health education through film media can increase the participation of adolescent married couples influenced the modern contraceptive participation.
Technological homogeneity within the Arabian Nubian Complex: Comparing chert and quartzite assemblages from central and southern Arabia
Authors: Hilbert Yamandú H. , Crassard Rémy , Rose Jeffrey I. , Geiling Jeanne M. , Usik Vitaly I.
Published: January 2017

Nubian Levallois technology is the defining characteristic of the Middle Paleolithic or Middle Stone Age technocomplex known as the Nubian Complex. Until recently, this technocomplex was found exclusively in northeastern Africa; however, archaeological surveys conducted across the Arabian Peninsula in the last decade have expanded the known distribution of this technological phenomenon. Since 2009, researchers from separate archaeological missions have mapped sites yielding Nubian cores and debitage, and by extension Nubian technology, in the southern, central and northernmost parts of the Arabia Peninsula. Nubian Complex artifacts in central and southern Arabia were made using different raw materials: in Al-Kharj (central Saudi Arabia) Middle Paleolithic industries were made exclusively on quartzite, while in Dhofar (southern Oman) chert was the only knappable material available for use. Given these differences, we sought to examine the influence of raw material variability on core morphology and size. Contrary to initial hypothesis, this study finds that the differences recorded are not a function of raw material properties. In both areas, Nubian cores were reduced using the same technological systems producing a set of preferential blanks. Rather, the recorded differences from raw material constrains were primarily due to knapping accidents, which occur in higher proportions at quartzite-based assemblages from Al-Kharj (specifically the siret fracture) compared with the chert assemblages from Dhofar. In sum, we argue that raw material had little effect on Nubian Levallois core technology and was not a constraint on Nubian Complex artisans.
Roman whetstone production in northern Gaul (Belgium and northern France)
Authors: Thiébaux Aurélie , Feller Marc , Duchêne Bruno , Goemaere Eric
Published: January 2017

This paper focuses on the latest research on the production of Roman whetstones in northern Gaul. To date, little has been written about this specialised industry. However, three workshops producing whetstones were discovered recently in the north of Gaul in Buizingen (Province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium), Nereth (Province of Liège, Belgium) and Le Châtelet-sur-Sormonne (Department of Ardennes, France). Production debris and rough-outs recovered at these sites allowed us to reconstruct the operational sequence of manufacture, from the choice of raw material to the finished product. Technological studies enabled us to determine the production stages and highlight the similarities and differences between the three study areas. Analyses of the materials reveal the use of fine-grained sedimentary and low-grade metamorphic rocks outcropping near the workshops. All these rocks are linked to the Caledonian inliers of Brabant-London, Stavelot-Venn, and Rocroi. The large amount of waste found at Le Châtelet-sur-Sormonne, far more than that recovered at Buizingen and Nereth, is indicative of the economic importance of this whetstone workshop. This importance is reflected in the fact that whetstones from Le Châtelet-sur-Sormonne are distributed over a large area throughout Belgium, France (Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Picardie and Champagne-Ardenne regions), Germany, and the Netherlands. This paper presents the waste and rough-outs from the three production sites. It also defines rock types and their origins and offers insights into whetstone manufacturing processes and techniques.
Ground stone percussion tools from Maltese Islands
Authors: Larocca Felice
Published: January 2017

A few lithic percussion tools, probably related to construction and craftsmanship, are stored in the National Museum of Archaeology of Valletta (Malta). Dated to the Temple Period (about 4000-2500 BCE), many are typologically similar to artefacts from the continental area, but others look distinctive and probably developed in loco in response to specific needs. This paper examines five stone hammers with different hafting methods (three of them show grooves or holes and two both grooves and holes). A huge double hand grip percussion tool belongs to a different and unusual typology: the double grip allowed two opposite-standing men, steadily holding it, to strike with strength on other surfaces, probably when heavy blows were needed. Grooved stone hammers are widespread in various European regions and are mostly associated with mining activities. In the Maltese archipelago the limestone lacks ore deposits, and thus their presence may be reflect other uses, although still associated to the work of stone on stone: earthworks, quarrying, finishing of stone surfaces, hydraulic works, excavation of burial and rituals structures, and others. The double grip lithic percussor (ID 9120) has no precise parallel and may be unique.This paper aims to fill a gap in the current literature about prehistoric lithic tools, as in many studies the focus is often placed on the results of specific activities rather than on the typological features of the artefacts that made these activities possible.
The ground stone assemblage of a metal workers community: An unexplored dimension of Iron Age copper production at Timna
Authors: Greener Aaron , Ben-Yosef Erez
Published: January 2017

The systematic archaeological study of the Timna Valley began over 50 years ago. Since then it has become a key site for understanding ancient copper production technologies in the Near East and beyond. However, the fantastic quantity of ground stone tools which are present at the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age copper smelting sites were never systematically studied. Questions regarding their origin, distribution, typologies, and especially their role within the chaîne opératoire of copper production, were seldom addressed. Although surprising, this has been the case for almost all of the excavated metal production sites around the world.In the framework of the renewed excavations at several of the copper smelting sites at Timna, a pioneering study was conducted in which more than 1000 ground stone tools were identified and registered. These tools include, among others, grinding stones, pounders, anvils and mortars; most were manufactured of compacted sandstone and granite, exposed in several locations in the valley. In this paper we present a typology and quantitative analysis of the ground stone tools which were used by the metal workers, and offer an interpretation of how the various types of tools were employed as part of the copper production process. This provides new insights regarding the smelting process and the conditions needed for its successful outcome.
Warchavchik. Fraturas da vanguarda
Authors: Nobre Ana Luiza
Published: January 2017

José Lira. São Paulo: CosacNaify, 2011
Grandes urbes y nuevas visibilidades de la diversidad
Authors: Tamagno Liliana Ester , Maidana Carolina Andrea
Published: January 2017

Resumen: En el presente trabajo reflexionaremos sobre las dialécticas: tradición/modernidad, local/global, formal/informal, pasado/presente, memorias/aprendizajes en surelación con las migraciones indígenas, y las respuestas de esta población a las condiciones dela vida urbana. El análisis de las migraciones internas entendidas como desplazamientos de individuos y/o colectivos en busca de trabajo y de mejores condiciones de existencia (Castells,1979 y Tamagno, 2001) y la relación entre urbanización, desigualdad y diversidad se realizaen este trabajo poniendo énfasis en los denominados “procesos de territorialización”, noción quenos permite dar lugar a la comprensión de las formas en que los territorios de pertenencia seconstruyen históricamente como resultado de la conjunción de factores políticos, económicos y socioculturales; algo de suma importancia dado el actual contexto de demandas territoriales y de la consecuente lucha por legitimar las presencias indígenas en el medio urbano.Palabras  clave: Ciudad; indígenas; migración; nucleamientos; procesosde territorialización. Abstract: This paper addresses the dialectics tradition/modernity, local/global,formal/informal, past /present, memory/learning, related to indigenous migration and there sponses of this population to the urban life conditions. The analysis of internal migration movements is understood as the product of individuals or groups looking for jobs and forbetter living conditions (Castells, 1979 and Tamagno, 2001), and the relationship between urbanization, inequality and diversity is emphasized in what we call “territorializationprocesses”, a concept that allows us to understand how the belonging territories are historical lyconstructed as a result of political, economic and sociocultural factors. these are very relevantissues if we consider the current context of territorial claims and the consequent struggle tolegitimize the indigenous presence in urban areas.Keywords: City; indians; migration; nucleations; territorialization processes.
A urbanização de fronteiras e as relações latino-americanas: estudo de caso das vilas de Itaipu
Authors: Victal Jane , Souza Adelita Araujo de
Published: January 2017

Resumo: As cidades brasileiras nas áreas de fronteira sempre estiveram em segundo plano nas políticas urbanas do país. Enquanto no litoral Atlântico a posição geográfica privilegiava a urbanização, nas áreas de fronteira esse processo ficou ofuscado, dificultando a inserção destas às dinâmicas nacionais. O isolamento contribuiu para a formação de conexões internacionais, criando espaços peculiares nas relações econômicas, sociais e políticas latinoamericanas. A urbanização da tríplice fronteira – Argentina, Brasil e Paraguai – é um caso emblemático nesse contexto. A Usina Itaipu Binacional, construída entre 1975 e 1982 tratoude acordos internacionais para a exploração do rio Paraná e também da pretensão dos países em desenvolver seus territórios. A usina produziu um plano de urbanização que uniu tanto as necessidades habitacionais, quanto os anseios políticos dos países. Em 30 anos, diversas relações se formaram e servem de base para a compreensão de particularidades no desenho urbano em cada lado da fronteira.Palavras-chave Cidades gêmeas; fronteira; geopolítica; Itaipu Binacional; vilas habitacionais. Abstract: Brazilian border cities have always been secondary for the Country’surban policies. While in the Atlantic Coast, the geographical position privileged urbanization,in the border areas this process was obscured and the insertion of border cities in nationaldynamics has been difficult. The isolation has contributed to the formation of international connections, creating unique spaces for Latin American relations. The urbanization of the triple border – Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay – is an emblematic case in this context. Itaipu Binacional hydroeletric plant, built between 1975 and 1982, dealt with international agreements for the exploitation of the Paraná River and also the desire of countries to developtheir territories. The plant produced an urbanization plan combining housing needs andthe countries’s political projects. The relations formed in three decades serve as a basis for understanding the particularities of urban design on each side of the border.Keywords: Border; geopolitics, housing villages; Itaipu Binacional; twin cities.
Agronegócio e novas regionalizações no Brasil
Authors: Elias Denise
Published: January 2017

As transformações ocorridas na atividade agropecuária brasileira nas últimas cinco décadas têm profundos impactos sobre a (re)organização do território brasileiro, resultando em novos arranjos territoriais. Entre esses, destacam-se os inerentes ao agronegócio globalizado, áreas escolhidas para receber os mais expressivos investimentos produtivos do setor, representando suas áreas mais competitivas, as quais denominamos Regiões Produtivas Agrícolas (RPAs). Os principais objetivos desse texto são: debater a noção de RPA; apresentar os elementos de identificação e caracterização da mencionada região; aperfeiçoar o caminho analítico que vem sendo trilhado e incrementar a noção no contexto dos estudos geográficos, na perspectiva de uma possível consolidação conceitual dessa ideia. Palavras-chave: agronegócio; urbanização dispersa; reestruturação urbana e regional. Abstract: The changes in the agricultural activity in the last five decades have profound impacts on the (re) organization of the Brazilian territory, resulting in new territorial arrangements. Among them, we high light those related to agribusiness globalized areas chosen to receive the most significant productive investments in the sector, that represent its most competitive areas, which we are calling Productive Agricultural Regions (RPA). The main objectives of this paper are: to discuss the concept of Productive Agricultural Region (RPA); to present evidences for the identification and characterization of the mentioned region; to improve the analytical path that has been trodden in the context of geographic studies, in order to consolidate this conceptual idea. Keywords: agribusiness; disperse urbanization; urban and regional restructuring.
Novas determinações sobre as questões regional e urbana após 1980
Authors: Cano Wilson
Published: January 2017

Entre 1930 e 1980 as principais determinações sobre nossa urbanização, integração do mercado nacional e desenvolvimento regional decorreram basicamente da industrialização, da política macroeconômica e de políticas de desenvolvimento regional. Após 1980, com a “Década perdida” e as políticas neoliberais, aquelas determinações foram em grande parte modificadas pelas novas formas de nossa inserção externa, pelo câmbio apreciado e juro alto, e pela Guerra Fiscal. Assim, além dos determinantes anteriores – enfraquecidos –, há os novos, de sentido nacional, sendo alguns específicos a cada região. Em que pese as mudanças, os efeitos nocivos de nossa forma de crescer e de nossa urbanização se transmitiram a todo o território nacional. O artigo se encerra com uma proposta de Agenda de Pesquisa sobre os temas regional e urbano para o período 1980-2010, com intuito de entender melhor aquelas determinações e efeitos desses processos. Palavras-chave: questão regional; urbanização; novos determinantes; guerra fiscal; fronteira agro-mineral; inserção externa. Abstract: Between 1930 and 1980, urbanization process, domestic market integration and regional development in Brazil were basically determined by the combination of industrialization process, macroeconomic and regional development policies. After 1980, as a result of the so called “Lost decade” and the implementation of neoliberal policies, those determinants were significantly modified by the new paths of external insertion, overvalued exchange rate, high interest rates, and “fiscal war” between regions. Beyond those weakened previous determinants, new ones have aroused; some are national and others specific to each region. Despite the changes in the determinants mentioned above, the harmful side-effects of the economic growth and urbanization processes have affected the whole national territory. As a conclusion, the article proposes a Research Agenda focused on regional and urban subjects for the period 1980-2010 in order to better understand how those determinants have affected these processes. Keywords: regional development; urbanization; new determinants; fiscal war; Brazil’s international position.
Estudos recentes sobre a rede urbana brasileira: diferenças e complementaridades
Authors: Vieira Alessandra D’Ávila , Nizzola Liliane Janine , Kallas Luana Miranda Esper , Brito Manuelita Falcão , Schvasberg Benny , Faria Rodrigo Santos de
Published: January 2017

A classificação da rede urbana brasileira é importante ferramenta de gestão governamental, econômica e social, pois possibilita um direcionamento mais acertado de investimentos urbanos. Partindo-se da análise de três estudos recentes que elaboraram classificações para a Rede Urbana – o primeiro, Configuração Atual e Tendências da Rede Urbana, desenvolvido pelo Instituto de Pesquisas Aplicadas juntamente com o Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; o segundo, Política Nacional de Desenvolvimento Regional, do Ministério da Integração Nacional, e o terceiro, Tipologia das Cidades Brasileiras, elaborado pelo Observatório das Metrópoles, – percebe-se a permeabilidade e complementaridade entre eles, as grandes contribuições trazidas e o desafio que é produzir uma classificação condizente com a diversidade das cidades brasileiras. Destaca-se ainda como as diferentes leituras da rede urbana incorporam-se às políticas públicas, sendo os estudos realizados parte do processo de construção da política urbana nacional. Assim, acredita-se que grandes desafios foram vencidos. Palavras-chave: cidades; desenvolvimento urbano; gestão governamental; políticas públicas; rede urbana brasileira. Abstract: The Brazilian urban network classification is an important tool of political, economic and social management, since it allows a more accurate direction for urban investments. Analyzing three recent studies that have developed ratings for Urban Network – Configuração Atual e Tendências da Rede Urbana, developed by Instituto de Pesquisas Aplicadas and Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; Política Nacional de Desenvolvimento Regional, by Ministério da Integração Nacional, and, Tipologia das Cidades Brasileiras, by Observatório das Metrópoles – we can detect the permeability and complementarity between them, their contributions of them and the challenge to produce a consistent classification with the diversity of Brazilian cities. We highlight how the different interpretations of the urban network are incorporated into public policies, showing that the studies are part of the construction of a national urban policy. In this way, we believe that major challenges have been overcome. Keywords: cities; urban development; public management; public policies; brazilian urban network.
Babel insaciável: modernidade e urbanização nos Estados Unidos conforme Paul Vidal de la Blache
Authors: Ribeiro Guilherme
Published: January 2017

Tendo como ponto de partida o artigo A travers l’Amérique du Nord, publicado em 1905 em La Revue de Paris, pretende-se discutir os impactos da experiência norte-americana na geografia de Vidal de la Blache. Destacando seu interesse para com o fenômeno urbano, pretendemos apresentá-lo como um importante intérprete da modernidade. Palavras-chave: modernidade; urbanização; Estados Unidos; Paul Vidal de la Blache; geografia. Abstract: Taking as a starting point the article A travers l’Amérique du Nord published in 1905 in La Revue de Paris, this paper analyzes the impacts of the American experience in Vidal de la Blache’s geography studies. Emphasizing his concern for the urban phenomenon, we present the geographer as an important analyst of the modernity. Keywords: modernity; urbanization; United States; Paul Vidal de la Blache; geography.
La estructura urbana de Buenos Aires
Authors: Villaça Flávio
Published: January 2017

Este artículo se propone a aplicar a Buenos Aires la metodología de estudio de la estructura urbana utilizada por el autor para analizar las metrópolis brasileñas. Se considera como estructura urbana al arreglo espacial de las viviendas y las actividades urbanas (económicas o no). Este arreglo no es aleatorio y sigue una ley – la ley del mercado, particularmente del mercado de tierras. Estudiamos este arreglo espacial a través de la segregación urbana, considerada según dos clases sociales – los más ricos y los más pobres – y según regiones urbanas; no más según barrios, como en los tradicionales estudios desegregación. Se observa que en Buenos Aires los más pobres se concentran especialmente en el sur y los más ricos en el norte: en las metrópolis brasileñas hay, invariablemente, una parte del sitio natural que se destaca por ser más atrayente y que es ocupada por los más ricos. En Buenos Aires eso no ocurre, pues el sitio natural es mucho más homogéneo. Sin embargo, como en las metrópolis brasileñas, hay una evidente segregación entre los más ricos y los más pobres; los primeros jamás abandonan su dirección de crecimiento. La investigación busca comprender la razón de estos procesos. Palabras-clave: estructura urbana; segregación urbana; clases sociales; concentración; sitio natural.  Abstract: In this paper we propose to apply to Buenos Aires the methodology used by the author in the study of urban structure of Brazilian metropolises. Urban structure is thought of as the spatial arrangement of social classes and activities. This arrangement follows a law: the market law, more precisely, the “land market” law. We analyze this arrangement through urban segregation, considering the upper and the lower social classes and urban regions, not neighborhoods, as considered in mainstream segregation studies. In Buenos Aires, rich people gather in the north and poor in the south (the reverse is not true). In Brazilian metropolises upper income social classes invariably occupy attractive places; this doesn’t occur in Buenos Aires, where the natural site is very homogeneous. Nevertheless there is a clear class segregation and upper classes do not abandon their growth direction. The paper tries to understand and explain these processes. Keywords: urban structure; urban segregation; social classes; concentration; natural site.
O lugar do regional na indústria do petróleo
Authors: Piquet Rosélia Périssé da Silva
Published: January 2017

O presente texto tem o propósito de discutir uma questão candente do debate energético da atualidade: um país seria abençoado por dispor de ricas reservas de petróleo e gás ou as fartas rendas provenientes de sua exploração produziriam uma espécie de “maldição” por limitarem a expansão de outros setores produtivos? A avaliação dos impactos dessa indústria é complexa, por existirem profundas distinções entre os processos de mudança que é capaz de provocar no plano nacional ou nas áreas em que se localiza. O texto é centrado na análise das fases de exploração e produção, onde ocorrem os maiores investimentos e se registram os mais significativos efeitos multiplicadores dessa indústria, tendo como referência o caso brasileiro. Existindo ainda no Brasil a peculiaridade das principais ocorrências serem na plataforma continental marítima, com marcada concentração da produção na Bacia de Campos, os impactos regionais da indústria são analisados tomando-se o caso da região Norte Fluminense como base empírica de referência. Palavras-chave: indústria de petróleo; investimentos petrolíferos; impactos regionais; Norte Fluminense; efeitos multiplicadores. Abstract: This text aims to discuss a weighty issue of the current energy debate: having rich reserves of oil and gas would be a blessing for a country or the hefty revenues of the exploration of these resources would produce some kind of “curse” by limiting the expansion of other productive sectors? The evaluation of the impacts of this industry is complex for existing deep differences between the changing processes that they can be able to cause in a national level or in the areas they are located in. The text is focused in the phases of exploration and production, in which occur the major investments and are noticed the most significant multiplying effects of this industry, having the Brazilian case as reference. As Brazil has the peculiarity of having the main occurrences in the offshore continental platform, with stressed concentration of the production in Campos Bay, the regional impacts of the industry are analyzed having the case of the North of Rio de Janeiro State as an empirical database of reference. Keywords: oil industry; oil investments; regional impacts; North of Rio de Janeiro State; multiplying effects.