bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pensar en la producción de conocimientos y reflexionar sobre el campo de la economía social. La contribución del Centro de Estudios de Sociología del Trabajo en la Universidad de Buenos Aires
Authors: Vuotto Mirta
Published: February 2016

La reflexión en torno a la producción científica de un ámbito de investigación es una ocasión propicia para plantear interrogantes sobre su eficacia y reflexionar sobre su contribución al reconocimiento de un campo específico de conocimiento. El artículo refiere al Centro de Estudios de Sociología del Trabajo en la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas de la Universidad de Buenos Aires como ámbito de investigación, para destacar que desde su creación, en 1994, se ha interesado en contribuir al reconocimiento del campo de la economía social. El texto está estructurado en dos secciones. Luego de introducir algunas referencias sobre los objetivos y actividades del Centro, se caracterizan las investigaciones orientadas al conocimiento de la economía social y se presentan los instrumentos de difusión que dan visibilidad a los resultados de la investigación. A través de estos aspectos se plantea, a modo de conclusión, la especificidad de un campo de estudios interrogándose sobre la aplicabilidad de los conocimientos que surgen de la investigación.
El desafío de construcción de una política de promoción de la Economía Social y Solidaria. El caso del gobierno de la provincia de Santa Fe
Authors: Casella Mauro
Published: February 2016

Las políticas de promoción de la Economía Social y Solidaria (ESS) encarnan grandes desafíos para los Estados provinciales que transitan entre la falta de presupuesto, una institucionalidad escasa y capacidades deficientes para el desarrollo de tales políticas. El caso del Gobierno de Santa Fe representa un ejemplo de abordaje particular donde el eje estuvo puesto en ganar institucionalidad, escala y capacidades para afrontar los desafíos de promover una política provincial de fortalecimiento de la ESS.
Reflexiones en torno a las prácticas educativas del Diploma de Operador Socioeducativo en Economía Social y Solidaria en clave de Investigación Acción Participativa
Authors: Petit Luciano , Copello Mónica , Bianchi Yolanda
Published: February 2016

En el presente artículo pretendemos contar la experiencia del curso de extensión universitaria “Universidad y Economía Social y Solidaria. Reflexionando las prácticas educativas del Diploma de Operador Socioeducativo en Economía Social y Solidaria en clave de Investigación Acción Participativa” de la Universidad Nacional de Quilmes (Bernal, Argentina) como propuesta de reflexión sobre las prácticas para fortalecerlas, práctica–teoría–práctica, desde el método dela investigación acción participativa, cuyo objetivo es investigar desde y para las prácticas educativas de la Economía Social y Solidaria (ESS). Las acciones pretendidas se enmarcan en el modelo dialógico de la pedagogía a partir de las comunidades de aprendizaje como procesos educativos de inclusión ytransformación, pues pensamos a la ESS como un proyecto de transformación social y política, que implica otras formas de hacer y pensar la economía pero también otras formas de hacer y pensar la educación. Concepción política pedagógica coherente con la búsqueda de un sujeto crítico, en un colectivo que analiza y actúa sobre su entorno desde los valores de autogestión, asociativismo y solidaridad.
Extensión, investigación y docencia en empresas recuperadas
Authors: Demonte Norberto Gabriel , Puccio José
Published: February 2016

Se examina una experiencia de extensión llevada a cabo por las cátedras de costos de la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas de la Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) en el marco de una importante empresa recuperada de la ciudad de Santa Fe. Luego de una breve caracterización de algunas empresas, se da cuenta de las herramientas de gestión que poseen y las específicas cuestiones técnicas a que da lugar la figura de la empresa recuperada. Se comentan las dificultades y oportunidades detectadas así como las posibilidades de vinculación con la Universidad. Finalmente, se propone una adaptación del caso para la práctica docente que se estima de suma utilidad para brindar a los alumnos una perspectiva de la gestión empresarial distinta de la tradicional.
La Responsabilidad Social Empresaria desde la perspectiva de la Economía Social y Solidaria. Mutaciones y amenazas del pensamiento hegemónico dominante
Authors: Azerrad Rut , Rossler Germán
Published: February 2016

Este artículo forma parte del trabajo de investigación que se realiza en el marco del programa de Economía Social y Solidaria (ESS) de la Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL). Su objetivo es conceptualizar la ESS y la Responsabilidad Social Empresaria (RSE) para evaluar la posibilidad de una articulación metodológica para un modelo socioeconómico alternativo.
Effect of public health expenditure on health status in Ghana
Authors: Boachie Micheal Kofi , Ramu K.
Published: February 2016

Health is an outcome indicator of economic growth and development of a country. Healthcare is a major factor for health status. In this regard, healthcare expenditure is a vital input for the health production function. In this context, this study examined the effect of public health expenditure on health status in Ghana. Annual time-series data on infant mortality rate, real per capita income, literacy levels and female labour force participation rate for the period 1990-2012 have been used. Infant mortality rate was used as the output variable. To test the relationship between input-output variables, Ordinary Least Squares and Newey-West regression techniques were used. The   regression estimates suggest that real per capita income, public health expenditure, education and female presence in the labour market were negatively related to infant mortality rate. However, the elasticity coefficients of female participation in the labour market and real per capita income were statistically insignificant at 5% level. This study concludes that public health expenditure and literacy/education improve health status by reducing infant mortality. The favourable effect of education or literacy on health is greater than that of public health spending whereas the effect of real per capita come on health was found to be weak. The findings provide the impetus for government to raise literacy level and its health spending in the country to promote health.
The Effect of Strong Start Social Emotional Learning Program on social and emotional development of five-year-old children
Güçlü Başlangıç Sosyal Duygusal Öğrenme Programı’nın 5 yaş çocuklarının duygusal gelişimleri üzerine etkisi
Authors: Özdemir Beceren Burcu , Zembat Rengin
Published: February 2016

In this study, it is aimed to determine the effectiveness of the Strong Start Social Emotional Learning Program on emotional development of the five-year-old children attending at preschool institutions. The study is conducted with pre-test and post-test control grouped experimental design. The study group consists of 40 five-year-old children attending at the two pre-school groups. Half of participants are attained to one control group and to one experimental group. Strong Start Social Emotional learning program is taught to children in experimental group once a week for 12 weeks in addition to their curriculum. Children in the control group continue to study their preschool education program. In the study, Personal Information Form, the Scale of Assessment of Children’s Emotion Skills (ACES) were employed as data gathering instruments. In statistical data analysis, Mann Whitney U-Test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, and Friedman Test are used.The results indicate that there is a statistically significant difference between the experiment and control group regarding their scores on emotional skills. Depending on the results obtained, it is concluded that Strong Start Social Emotional Learning Program has a positive effect on the emotional development of five-year-old children. ÖzetBu araştırmada, Güçlü Başlangıç Sosyal Duygusal Öğrenme Programı’nın okul öncesi eğitime devam eden beş yaş çocuklarının duygusal gelişimleri üzerine etkililiğinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma, öntest-sontest kontrol gruplu deneysel desende gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu beş yaş grubundaki 20 deney grubu, 20 kontrol grubu olmak üzere toplam 40 çocuk oluşturmuştur. Deney grubundaki çocuklara okul öncesi eğitim programlarına ek olarak oniki hafta süreyle haftada bir kez Güçlü Başlangıç Sosyal Duygusal Öğrenme Programı uygulanmıştır. Kontrol grubundaki çocuklar ise okullarında uygulanan okul öncesi eğitim programına devam etmişlerdir. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak  “Kişisel Bilgi Formu” ve “Çocukların Duygusal Becerilerinin Değerlendirilmesi Testi” kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde, Mann Whitney U-Testi, Wilcoxon İşaretli Sıralar Testi ve Friedman Testi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda deney ve kontrol grubundaki çocukların duygusal beceri puan ortalamaları arasında anlamlı düzeyde farklılık olduğu belirlenmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlar doğrultusunda, Güçlü Başlangıç Sosyal Duygusal Öğrenme Programı’nın beş yaş çocuklarının duygusal gelişimleri üzerinde etkili olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
SOCIAL CAPITAL IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN POLAND AND LITHUANIA
Authors: KŁOCZKO-GAJEWSKA Anna
Published: February 2016

Poland and Lithuania are neighbouring countries that belonged to socialist block and entered European Union in 2004, and where approximantely 1/3 of the population lives in rural areas. The author analysed to what extent social capital, a recognised development factor, is included in Rural Development Programmes (Plans) for these countries between 2004 and 2020. It was revealed that the first plans did not pay too much attention to social issues, as they concentrated mostly on farming and entering the common market. In the Lithuanian plan there was also the LEADER initiative. In the next plans more concern on cooperation appeared. In both of the countries
DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL FARMS IN EU 10 (CEECS) BETWEEN 2005–2010
Authors: FORGACS Csaba
Published: February 2016

The paper deals with developments and possible future of small farms in EU with special respect to EU 10 (Central East European Countries, CEECs) analyzing the structure of small farms by economic and area size on one hand and, their Standard Output (SO) as well as labor use (Agricultural Working Unit, AWU) and the farm manager aspect on the other. The main conclusions of the paper underline that importance of small farms in rural development cannot be neglected by policy makers, although, trends of development indicate certain differences in concentration in economic size, area size, standard output (SO) and engaged labor between CEECs. It was pointed out that decline of number of farms and that of small farms especially has continued between 2005 and 2010 more in EU 10 than EU 27 and more in case of farms with less than 2 ha (UAA) in EU 10. Decline was much higher in case of small farms run by managers over 65. Labor use also went back in small farms more in EU 10 than EU 27 and more in case of farms with UAA below 2 ha. Standard Output grew faster in EU 10 than EU27, however concerning SO of small farms below 5 ha a higher declined was observed in EU 10 in compare with EU 27. Brief evaluation on effectiveness of CAP in 2006–2013 programming period and future policy towards small farms for 2014–2020 was also discussed.
ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY OF POLISH AND LITHUANIAN AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS SPECIALIZING IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION*
Authors: KOLOSZKO-CHOMENTOWSKA Zofia , ŽUKOVSKIS Jan , GARGASAS Audrius
Published: February 2016

In the present article, an attempt was made to assess the environmental and economic sustainability of Polish and Lithuanian agricultural holdings specializing in animal production. The analysis covers the farms that participated in the FADN in 2006-2012. Assessment accounted for agroecological indicators (share of cereals in crops, stock density) and economic indicators (profitableness of land and labour). Analysis was conducted according to a classification into agricultural holding types: dairy cattle and granivores. In both countries, average stocking density in dairy holdings did not pose a threat to the natural environment. In the case of granivores holdings, such threats were present because standards specified in the code of good agricultural practice were violated significantly. From the perspective of economic equilibrium, holdings from this group achieved a better result than dairy cattle holdings. In Poland during the years 2006–2012, the average income of a family-owned agricultural holding per full-time worker in the family was 56 % greater than in dairy cattle holdings. In the case of Lithuanian holdings, the difference was still greater and amounted to 73 % to the benefit of granivores holdings.
Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Mytilidae): first record in the São Francisco River basin, Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Newton P. U. , Silva Fabiano A. , De Oliveira Márcia Divina , Neto Miguel Arcanjo dos Santos , De Carvalho Marcela David , Cardoso Antônio Valadão
Published: February 2016

Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) is a small mytilid native to Southeast Asia. It was introduced in South America in early 1990 and has dispersed from Argentina to central Brazil, and until 2014 has been restricted mainly to the Paraná and Uruguay river basins. The present note reports the occurrence of Limnoperna fortunei for the first time in the São Francisco River basin in northeastern Brazil. The establishment of L. fortunei in these regions will require close attention from the government and also by society.
Differences That Matter: Canada, the United States and Environmental Policymaking
Authors: Alm Leslie R. , Burkhart Ross E.
Published: February 2016

Does the way Canada, as a nation state, approach international environmental policymaking make a difference with respect to solving environmental problems in the Americas? We argue that it does, and it is a difference that matters. Canadian efforts toward multilateralism and toward inclusiveness serve as a counter balance to the growing unilateralism and ever present exceptionalism of the United States, currently the most powerful country in the world, and Canada’s southern neighbor and regional partner in developing environmental policy that affects the northern Americas directly and all of the Americas indirectly. Our argument is made first generally, and then specifically using involvement and reaction to the goals set out by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), where, along with Mexico, Canada and the United States play leading roles. The basic contention of this paper is that the vision for and goals of the CEC are much more aligned with the way Canada perceives the way international environmental policymaking should be governed, and that by fostering that vision, Canada counters the tendency of the present-day United States administration to go at it alone, and thereby provides a linkage to other countries in the Americas to position themselves for participation in regional environmental policymaking.
The Chomsky Effect: Episodes in Academic Activism
Authors: Barsky Robert F
Published: February 2016

This article reflects upon the approach that Chomsky takes to a broad array of fields and work, and the "effect" that he has, as a thinker and a catalyst, upon a broad array of people within and beyond the ivory tower. Some of the central themes of Chomsky's work are herein elucidated, alongside of some key events which have marked him, and his many effects, across the spectrum of activists and intellectuals who look to him for guidance or else as a figure to be reviled and attacked.
Canada's Withdrawal from War in Afghanistan
Authors: Grey Julius
Published: February 2016

An impassioned argument for Canada withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, and a topical discussion about which wars are worth fighting.
Many Identities, One Nation: The Revolution and Its Legacy in the Mid-Atlantic
Authors: Marasco Sue A
Published: February 2016

Many Identities, One Nation The Revolution and Its Legacy in the Mid-Atlantic Liam Riordan Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2007 392 pages, 6 1/8 x 9 1/4 , 27 illus. Cloth ISBN 978-0-8122-4001-6 A volume in the Early American Studies series
The Tramp in American Literature, 1873–1939
Authors: Photinos Christine
Published: February 2016

This essay surveys changing representations of the tramp in American literature from 1873 to 1939. In the late nineteenth century, tramps were understood by middle- and upper-class Americans in terms of deviancy and criminality; but by World War II the tramp had entered the realm of nostalgia. The primary reasons for tramping did not change; what changed was the social meaning assigned to the tramp.
Critical Period for Weed Control in Grafted and Nongrafted Fresh Market Tomato
Authors: Chaudhari Sushila , Jennings Katherine M. , Monks David W. , Jordan David L. , Gunter Christopher C. , McGowen Samuel J. , Louws Frank J.
Published: February 2016

Field experiments were conducted to determine the critical period for weed control (CPWC) in nongrafted ‘Amelia’ and Amelia grafted onto ‘Maxifort’ tomato rootstock grown in plasticulture. The establishment treatments (EST) consisted of two seedlings each of common purslane, large crabgrass, and yellow nutsedge transplanted at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 12 wk after tomato transplanting (WAT) and remained until tomato harvest to simulate weeds emerging at different times. The removal treatments (REM) consisted of the same weeds transplanted on the day of tomato transplanting and removed at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 12 WAT to simulate weeds controlled at different times. The beginning and end of the CPWC, based on a 5% yield loss of marketable tomato, was determined by fitting log-logistic and Gompertz models to the relative yield data representing REM and EST, respectively. In both grafted and nongrafted tomato, plant aboveground dry biomass increased as establishment of weeds was delayed and tomato plant biomass decreased when removal of weeds was delayed. For a given time of weed removal and establishment, grafted tomato plants produced higher biomass than nongrafted. The delay in establishment and removal of weeds resulted in weed biomass decrease and increase of the same magnitude, respectively, regardless of transplant type. The predicted CPWC was from 2.2 to 4.5 WAT in grafted tomato and from 3.3 to 5.8 WAT in nongrafted tomato. The length (2.3 or 2.5 wk) of the CPWC in fresh market tomato was not affected by grafting; however, the CPWC management began and ended 1 wk earlier in grafted tomato than in nongrafted tomato.
Family Communication and its Effects on Child Developmental Progression
Authors: Rainforth Paige
Published: February 2016

Because divorce rates are high in the United States, the current paper assesses how stepchildren may respond to the introduction of a stepparent, and at what age this introduction may make the most impact. The current study seeks to assess the relationship between family communication in a divorced family with the recent introduction of a stepparent and a stepchild’s subsequent developmental progression through Sigmund Freud’s and Erik Erikson’s life stages. This study also observes the association between reported closeness and levels of satisfaction within the stepparent and stepchild relationship.

It was hypothesized that participants who were introduced to a stepparent at an older age, such as adolescence or young adult, would be more impacted in their development. Results did not indicate a significant relationship between age at introduction to stepparent and subsequent relational satisfaction F(5, 45) = .84, p > .05. This study makes contributions toward further study in the subject of age at introduction and subsequent relational satisfaction while making suggestions for the introduction of a stepchild and stepparent. 
"Feminism" and Feminism: A Rhetorical Criticism of Emma Watson's Address to the U.N.
Authors: Batterson Courtney
Published: February 2016

This analysis uses metaphor criticism to decipher how metaphors function in Emma Watson’s address to the UN. Metaphor criticism proves useful in this critique because it can be used to determine the rhetor’s motive, to evaluate the effectiveness of the message, and to decipher the rhetor’s perspective on a particular subject. This critique uncovers two types of metaphors: those that describe “gender stereotypes” and those that describe “feminism.” The first subgroup of metaphors describes gender stereotypes as evil, oppressing entities that can be overcome or defeated. The second, more complex subgroup of metaphors for feminism suggests the term “feminism” has a negative connotation; one that conflicts with the true definition of the term. In addition, Watson’s inconsistent use of the “fight” metaphor suggests she is hesitant to use “feminism” to describe gender equality. In attempt to make the feminist movement more inclusive of men, Watson resists using the term and instead replaces it with phrases such as “he for she.” Watson’s metaphors suggest she is an advocate for gender equality but that she recognizes the stigma behind the term “feminism” and thus she uses metaphors for “feminism” instead of using the term directly. Since her speech aims to galvanize men and boys for change, she may ultimately be trying to create a new label for gender equality that is inclusive of men. 
La nueva intolerancia religiosa: Cómo superar la política del miedo en una época de inseguridad
Authors: Burgués de Freitas Ana
Published: February 2016

La nueva intolerancia religiosa: Cómo superar la política del miedo en una época de inseguridad
Demystifying Survey Research: Practical Suggestions for Effective Question Design
Authors: Charbonneau Deborah H.
Published: February 2016

Objectives: Recent research has yielded several studies helpful for understanding the use of the survey technique in various library environments. Despite this, there has been limited discussion to guide library practitioners preparing survey questions. The aim of this article is to provide practical suggestions for effective questions when designing written surveys.

Methods: Advice and important considerations to help guide the process of developing survey questions are drawn from a review of the literature and personal experience.

Results: Basic techniques can be incorporated to improve survey questions, such as choosing appropriate question forms and incorporating the use of scales. Attention should be paid to the flow and ordering of the survey questions. Careful wording choices can also help construct clear, simple questions.

Conclusions: A well-designed survey questionnaire can be a valuable source of data. By following some basic guidelines when constructing written survey questions, library and information professionals can have useful data collection instruments at their disposal.
Evidence-based Management as a Tool for Special Libraries
Authors: Fisher Bill , Robertson Dav
Published: February 2016

Objective – To examine the evidence based management literature, as an example of evidence based practice, and determine how applicable evidence based management might be in the special library environment.

Methods – Recent general management literature and the subject-focused literature of evidence based management were reviewed; likewise recent library/information science management literature and the subject-focused literature of evidence based librarianship were reviewed to identify relevant examples of the introduction and use of evidence based practice in organizations. Searches were conducted in major business/management databases, major library/information science databases, and relevant Web sites, blogs and wikis. Citation searches on key articles and follow-up searches on cited references were also conducted. Analysis of the retrieved literature was conducted to find similarities and/or differences between the management literature and the library/information science literature, especially as it related to special libraries.

Results – The barriers to introducing evidence based management into most organizations were found to apply to many special libraries and are similar to issues involved with evidence based practice in librarianship in general. Despite these barriers, a set of resources to assist special librarians in accessing research-based information to help them use principles of evidence based management is identified.

Conclusion – While most special librarians are faced with a number of barriers to using evidence based management, resources do exist to help overcome these obstacles.
Aspectos estruturais e funcionais do controle orçamentário e da gestão eficiente: análise dos Tribunais de Contas do Brasil e da União Europeia
Authors: Diz Jamile Bergamaschine Mata , Caldas Roberto Correia da Silva Gomes
Published: February 2016

O objetivo do presente trabalho é analisar e comparar o desenvolvimento da gestão dos recursos financeiros, a partir da formação do orçamento público no Brasil e na União Europeia, considerando a necessidade de o Estado, como uma organização supranacional, estipular as medidas e as ações para o controle de tais recursos.

A formação de um sistema eficiente de gestão e controle dos recursos públicos, tanto no caso do Brasil — individualmente considerado — como na União Europeia, resulta no fortalecimento do regime democrático, comprovando a necessidade de que a atuação dos tribunais de contas seja baseada em critérios técnicos e legais, comprometidos com a eficiente, eficaz e efetiva concreção das políticas públicas e regionais. Este artigo pretende também examinar algumas questões relativas à organização, à composição e às competências dos tribunais de contas, de modo a dar a conhecer ao leitor as particularidades de cada um dos sistemas jurídicos sob enfoque, sem a pretensão de realizar nenhum tipo de comparação.
Natureza jurídica de cobrança e sistemas de controle das aplicações dos recursos hídricos pelas entidades delegatárias
Authors: Matos Tácito , Pereira Márcio
Published: February 2016

Este estudo propõe discutir a qualificação jurídica das águas e da cobrança pelo uso dos recursos hídricos e verificar como os valores derivados dessa cobrança poderiam ser repassados às entidades delegatárias, como estas poderiam aplicá-los na execução dos planos de bacia e quais os instrumentos legais de controle aplicáveis aos investimentos dos recursos públicos por essas entidades privadas.
Wireline Tractors and Mechanical Services Tools: Comparative Study of Technical Solutions
Authors: Sheiretov Todor
Published: February 2016

Numerous lessons have been learned from the use of a wide selection of technological elements in the construction of wireline tractors and mechanical services tools. It is well-known that downhole tool design is challenging and requires the use of the latest developments in physics, material science, electronics, mechanical engineering, and software because the tools operate in very harsh environments characterized by extreme pressures, high temperatures, and corrosive fluids. Wireline tractor and mechanical services tools face not only all of these difficulties but also some unique challenges. For example, the tools operate at much higher power levels compared with other wireline tools. The efficient delivery and use of power downhole is an active area of technology development. Another challenge is that the tools interact intensively with the borehole walls or elements of the well completion by exerting very large mechanical forces to tractor along the well, exercise completion elements, mill or cut tubing, remove and collect debris, set or pull plugs, and fish stuck tools. They are also subjected to high shock levels from explosive devices. All of these lead to heavily stressed components.

A comparative study has been conducted of a broad range of technologies, from the evaluation of single components such as electric motors to entire systems such as the selection of a drive mechanism, power delivery scheme, or traction control system. The study discusses single- and three-phase AC and DC motors, AC and DC power delivery schemes, reciprocation versus continuous drive mechanisms, power efficiency of downhole systems, downhole electronics challenges, traction control mechanisms, and the impact of technology selection on functional performance and reliability. The choice of components and technologies is not purely a technical decision, and difficulties and best practices related to selection are discussed. Selection criteria also include rigorous qualification testing.

The advantages and disadvantages of a broad selection of technological elements have been identified. The value of instrumentation, real-time data acquisition, control, and automation is emphasized. Additionally, the importance of proper job planning is discussed and recommendations made for types of simulations that must be included in job planner software.
New Method for Milling Flapper Valves on E-line in Dry Environments
Authors: Dulic Almir
Published: February 2016

In 2012, for the first time ever in North Africa, a well in a dry environment utilized e-line milling technology to mill out a failed flapper. With this paper the author will describe the actual process from preparation to completion of a world's first operation.

A gas well experienced a malfunctioning 7″×4.56″ 13 Cr. steel downhole flapper valve. Due to several operational challenges including limited well site access and temperatures over 150°C, there was a need for an alternative solution to mill the valve and allow access below it for future well interventions. Furthermore, due to the fact that the well was a gas producer, there was a need to avoid, or minimise introduction of any fluids in the well.

The method of choice was an e-line tractor and milling assembly. Because of the size of the offshore platform this was the only feasible solution. Heavier intervention methods like coiled tubing were not possible to mobilize because of the weather conditions plus the risk of reservoir damage if introducing fluids. The e-line tractor conveyed the toolstring to target depth (2,916 m MD) where the e-line milling tool was activated and milled through the flapper valve in approximately 40 minutes.

After the completion of the milling phase of the operation, another run was performed to set an access sleeve in the milled out flapper valve utilizing an electromechanical setting tool. This access sleeve ensured that entry/re-entry through the milled flapper valve would be easily accomplished each time. The installation of the access sleeve was confirmed by running a 3.25″ gauge through it.

Milling of flapper valves and other well bore obstructions on electric line offers a cost efficient alternative technology to existing methods. Furthermore, it provides HSE benefits and logistical advantages by reducing the amount of required equipment and personnel.
Validation of Injection and Production Rates in a Gas Cavern Obtained from Memory Data Collected Simultaneously at Several Points Over 275-m Distance
Authors: Babin Jacques , Martens Gezinus , Spark Grant
Published: February 2016

The storage of natural gas in underground caverns is a common storage method. However, subsurface performance during injection and production rates differ from what is observed on surface. This paper reviews a unique well intervention solution conducted in The Netherlands that enabled the placement of downhole pressure and temperature gauges, with the successful simultaneous acquisition of accurate data from multiple depths during a 40-day period in a salt dome gas cavern.

This intervention was performed to obtain pressure and temperature data during injection and production of gas in and out of the gas cavern. The data was acquired by installing five memory gauges spaced out with 0.160-in. slickline at various intervals over 275 m. This arrangement enabled the customer to gather data from multiple depths while continuing to inject and produce gas at very high rates through the 9⅝-in. production tubing above the gauges. The unique assembly needed to perform such a job while under pressure required a specific rig-up process to install and retrieve long assemblies.

The purpose of the test was to verify the accuracy of the model with subsurface data for an extended period to predict gas behavior during injection and production. Although real-time data transmission through a cable to a surface-readout system was the preferred method of data acquisition, this was not possible because the cable would cross the tubing retrievable safety valve, rendering it inoperable during the test period. After 40 days, the memory gauges were successfully retrieved from the cavern. The acquired data was then entered into the production software to validate the model and, ultimately, to optimize gas injection and production rates. The suspension of the memory gauges in this manner provided an accurate pressure profile across the gas cavern that was not affected by the injection and production flow.

Equipment was specifically designed and developed to enable memory gauges to be hung below the end of the tubing. This assembly provided minimal restriction to gas flow and a platform to enable the installation of memory gauges suspended more than 275 m below the end of the tubing. Because the rates of injection and production change as the level of gas varies within the facility, collecting relative data at multiple points simultaneously is very desirable.
Pushing the Limits of Tractor Technology to Rejuvenate Steam Injection Wells in Canada
Authors: Feliu Rodrigo , Giem Greg
Published: February 2016

Using steam injection to produce wells has been a common practice in Canada for several decades. Steam injected into the well causes heavy oils to flow more freely, increasing or even enabling production. There are several methods for stimulating a well with steam. A common practice is to drill two horizontal wells on a vertical plane and inject steam into the top well. This promotes oil flow to the bottom well, where it can be produced. The horizontal wells can have extremely high temperatures. As wells age, it may be necessary to revisit the steam injection strategy. Cost efficiency plays a role in these wells; thus, wireline is a good operations candidate. However, performing wireline measurements and services, such as perforating, in these wells can be difficult due to the high temperatures and challenging environments, such as in horizontal wells.

New tractor technology enables wireline tractors to go into uncharted territory. Several jobs have been performed at temperatures above 175°C, which is the temperature rating for standard industry tractors. In some jobs, temperatures above 210°C have been reported. Logging while tractoring can obtain a temperature baseline as the tools are run in hole. From these temperature logs, injection profiles can be obtained for optimization.

Pushing the limits of tractor technology facilitates the optimization of steam injection wells. High-temperature tractoring and logging while tractoring provide critical information for changing the steam injection strategy of older wells. The ability to perforate at high temperature is also advantageous because the steam injection does not have to be shut down for very long, if at all. The result is increased production efficiency and reduced downtime.

This paper will describe a tractor concept that has been used successfully in steam injection wells.
Reviving Oil Production in a Mature Offshore Field Through a Downhole Coiled Tubing Completion
Authors: Ramondenc P. , Franco Delgado E. , Molero N. , Almiron de Trujillo M. D.
Published: February 2016

Production in offshore Mexico mature fields is mostly driven by gas injected from surface. With time, this injected gas flows directly through the natural fractures of the low-pressure carbonate reservoirs, leaving oil trapped in the low-permeability matrix. Over the past few years, the gas-oil contact (GOC) has rapidly moved across those fields—up to 6.5 ft per month in some wells—, making conventional gas shutoff techniques either unsuccessful or uneconomic. A new rigless intervention method using coiled tubing (CT) equipped with real-time telemetry has been used to revive oil production in gas-invaded wells. The objective was to achieve better results than the mixed success that had been obtained with gas shutoffs using chemicals and to reduce the cost and time typically involved with traditional workover operations.

The approach consists of the modification of the downhole completion through CT. After perforating a new interval in the lower oil-bearing zone, a CT string is conveyed down the well and precisely hung by another CT at the end of the existing production tubing. Equipped with slotted bars, the string allows directly tapping into the newly opened zone while bypassing the former intervals that are mostly producing gas.

From a CT standpoint, such interventions in an offshore environment present significant challenges, ranging from logistical to operational. During the first implementation of this new technique, the available section for anchoring the CT hanger was only 11.5 ft of 3 1/2-in. tubular inside a 5 1/2-in. completion. In addition, the projected tail of the CT hang-off was very close to the well total depth (only 10 ft from the bottom). The use of CT with real-time telemetry was thus critical to an accurate depth control that would allow not only determining the actual length of the CT string to be cut, but also for precisely hanging that string. In addition, the joint use of real-time telemetry and a downhole tension and compression module was key to ensuring proper actuation of the anchoring mechanism downhole while protecting the integrity of the new and former completion components. As a result of that intervention, the gas/oil ratio was reduced by 96%, while oil production increased more than twofold. In addition, the use of the CT measurement system and its flexibility saved a major workover intervention and the associated deferred production to the operator.

This rigless methodology, leveraged by CT real-time telemetry, brings a new, viable, and economical alternative to gas-control treatments. Use of the technique can significantly extend the life of producers facing major gas-control issues in environments where the complexity of the reservoir and its dynamics tend to make shutoff treatments complicated and their outcome uncertain.
Fishing Slickline and Wireline With Coiled Tubing in HP/HT Well: Case History
Authors: Diaz Hector , Duncan Alan , Ortiz Jose , Arias Ruben , Ramirez Merced
Published: February 2016

Coiled tubing (CT) operations using fishing services require careful design and execution because of the many variables that must be considered. Nevertheless, cost efficiency has made CT a viable option for many fishing operations compared to traditional workover options.

An intervention using a 7/32-in. logging cable was run in hole (RIH). When pulling out of hole (POOH), the wires of the cable ruptured near the logging unit blowout preventers (BOPs), leaving the entire length of the logging cable and bottomhole assembly (BHA) in the hole (17,454-ft cable and 21.3-ft BHA). Subsequently, a slickline intervention with 0.108-in. wire was performed. The tool was RIH down to 8,268 ft. During POOH, an overpull in the slickline occurred, causing a rupture and leaving wire and the BHA in the hole (2,600-ft wire and 16.8-ft BHA).

A fishing operation with 1 3/4-in.-outer diameter (OD) CT was proposed using an internal fishing spear. The well was controlled with 16.24 lbm/gal (33% solids) inverse emulsion drilling mud. A fluid change was performed to renew the heavy mud in the well to help prevent excessive drag from possible deposited solids. Subsequently, over the course of two days, a total of seven operations using internal fishing spears (two and three legged) were performed without success, retrieving only of a small portion of cable and wire. This paper describes the evolving process during this case history and the implementation of strategies, techniques, economics, and tools, which resulted in the successful fishing of the logging cable, slickline wire, and the BHA.

Solutions presented in this paper resulted in successful well intervention using fishing techniques to retrieve the lost logging cable, slickline, and BHA, enabling the operating company to continue programmed activities.
Predicting Coiled Tubing Life Should Consider Diameter Growth in Addition to Low-Cycle Fatigue
Authors: Hampson Richard , Jantz Eric , Seidler Tyler
Published: February 2016

Traditionally, coiled tubing (CT) string life has been determined by the amount of low-cycle fatigue accumulated resulting from plastic deformation during successive operations. However, with more operations being performed using larger outer-diameter (OD) pipe, it has also become necessary to account for diameter growth when predicting CT life.

When predicting CT longevity, low-cycle fatigue is determined using software to simulate planned operations. This helps minimize the risk of a specific CT string experiencing fatigue failure during the planned process. The software then tracks added fatigue using sensor measurements during actual operations. The CT string can then be retired from service as it approaches its useful life before failures occur. In recent years, some locations have observed a trend toward higher-pressure operations with larger OD pipe. These conditions have led to OD growth becoming a greater issue at these locations than in previous years.

Diameter growth can be sufficiently severe to halt operations before the accumulated low-cycle fatigue failure prediction. This paper shares details of one such operation, which was stopped prematurely because of excessive OD growth before any fatigue failure was predicted. Changes in the design process are described where, in addition to fatigue accumulation, OD growth is predicted to become a limiting factor in the life of a CT string. This paper also highlights changes made to the software to help ensure any potential problems are identified during the operations design phase to help avoid any unplanned events in the field.

CT engineering design software is now a key element to predicting any type of CT limitation and failure mechanism during operations. Updating the simulation software to consider both diameter growth and low-cycle fatigue effects helps operators better predict potential problems and avoid operational interruptions.
Removing Settled Barites From a Wellbore Using an Electrically Powered Well Cleanout System
Authors: Kleppan T. , Dahle K. O. , Tinnen B. , Brankovic M. , Osugo L. , Danielsen R.
Published: February 2016

This paper describes a job on a well in the Valhall field to remove approximately 241 liters of settled barite in order to gain access to retrieve a bridge plug assembly that had been installed in the well for more than seven years. The traditional industry methods of cleaning out such debris are mechanical bailers run on slickline, or coiled tubing. The clean out was initially started as planned with conventional bailers run on slickline. After 19 runs and 88 liters of debris removed, mechanical slickline bailers made no further progress, as a result of increased debris compaction. The powered wellbore cleanout system was then run. This system had been extensively tested on a test rig before the job with samples simulating expected downhole debris conditions. This testing resulted in a number of toolstring configuration options dedicated to the downhole challenges expected in the well and the use of two technologies (debris collector and suction tool), to retain and transport the debris from the well.

The powered wellbore cleanout system successfully removed all the remaining debris (152 liters). It was able to continue from where the mechanical slickline bailers stopped and removed the remaining debris three times faster than the mechanical slickline bailers. Each run with a powered wellbore cleanout system could collect, on average, approximately five times the volume of debris collected by conventional slickline bailers.
Women and Functional Dyspepsia
Authors: Napthali Kate , Koloski Natasha , Walker Marjorie M , Talley Nicholas J
Published: February 2016

Functional dyspepsia is relatively common yet poorly understood. The best accepted diagnostic criteria are the Rome III criteria. The epidemiology, healthcare seeking rates, impact and pathophysiology are reviewed with a focus on women. Treatment is limited with no clearly established regimen currently recommended. Duodenal eosinophilia may be found in a subset. Proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic agents represent the standard therapeutic regimen after Helicobacter pylori infection has been eliminated. Some novel agents such as the prokinetic acotiamide appear promising; however, the need for a safe and efficacious treatment remains largely unmet. This review also describes the currently available management options for functional dyspepsia.
The Use of Ultrasound and other Markers for Early Detection of Preeclampsia
Authors: O'Gorman Neil , Nicolaides Kypros H , Poon Liona CY
Published: February 2016

Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystem disorder of pregnancy classically characterized with the onset of hypertension after 20 weeks gestation in the presence of proteinuria. PE typically affects 2–8% of pregnancies and is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the most effective biomarkers used in first trimester screening for PE. It explores their use both in isolation and as part of an algorithm to yield the best detection rates. Screening by a combination of maternal risk factors, uterine artery Doppler, mean arterial pressure, maternal serum PAPP-A and PlGF can identify about 75% of cases of preterm PE for a false-positive rate of 10%. By identifying these patients at high risk for PE, appropriately tailored antenatal surveillance can be instigated and prophylactic pharmacological interventions can be prescribed to improve placentation and ultimately, the outcome for both the mother and fetus.
Synthesis of DME by CO2 hydrogenation over La2O3-modified CuO-ZnO-ZrO2/HZSM-5 catalysts
Authors: Zhang Yajing , Zhang Yu , Ding Fu , Wang Kangjun , Xiaolei Wang , Ren Baojin , Wu Jing
Published: February 2016

A series of La2O3-modified CuO-ZnO-ZrO2/HZSM-5 catalysts were prepared by an oxalate co-precipitation method. The catalysts were fully characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption, hydrogen temperature pro-grammed reduction (H2-TPR), ammonia temperature programmed desorption (NH3-TPD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The effect of the La2O3 content on the structure and performance of the catalysts was thoroughly investigated. The catalysts were evaluated for the direct synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) from CO2 hydrogenation. The results displayed that La2O3 addition enhanced catalytic performance, and the maximal CO2 conversion (34.3%) and DME selectivity (57.3%) were obtained over the catalyst with 1% La2O3, which due to the smaller size of Cu species and a larger ratio of Cu+/Cu.