bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novos Paradigmas da Didática e a Proposta Metodológica dos Episódios de Aprendizagem Situada, EAS
Authors: Fantin Monica
Published: March 2015

O texto discute alguns desafios da didática na educação contemporânea relacionando-os a novos paradigmas e aos Episódios de Aprendizagem Situada, EAS, entendida como uma proposta metodológica para integrar os dispositivos móveis na didática. Fundamentado nas abordagens da neurodidática, do enativismo e da teoria da simplexidade, o texto apresenta aspectos da referida metodologia e dos processos de ensinar e aprender refletindo sobre a ideia de aprendizagem móvel e microaprendizagens. Tal perspectiva sugere um trabalho com conteúdos circunscritos e organizados em torno de atividades breves de produção, emolduradas por instruções prévias e reflexões posteriores que modificam o desenho da aula, do planejamento e da avaliação. Por fim, o artigo estabelece possíveis diálogos entre a metodologia EAS e outras abordagens da pesquisa didática e mídia-educativa.
Ensino Desenvolvimental: contribuições à superação do dilema da didática
Authors: Freitas Raquel Aparecida Marra da Madeira , Rosa Sandra Valéria Limonta
Published: March 2015

O artigo problematiza a formação de professores nos cursos de Licenciatura, em particular no de Pedagogia, apontando o dilema que aí se faz presente acerca da didática fundamental e didáticas específicas. Partindo da defesa da ideia de que para ensinar na educação básica é indispensável superar esse dilema, descreve-se a teoria do ensino desenvolvimental e argumenta-se sobre suas contribuições para o enfrentamento desse dilema, tendo em vista o alcance do objetivo mais primordial da educação básica: a aprendizagem consciente e crítica dos conteúdos escolares como condição essencial aos alunos na compreensão e análise do mundo em que vivem.
Indeterminação na Expressão Anímica de Eunice Katunda: uma visão interpretativa
Authors: Souza Iracele Vera Livero de
Published: March 2015

Este trabalho tem como principal objetivo verificar os elementos de indeterminação empregados por Eunice Katunda na sua peça para piano Expressão Anímica, composta em 1979, assim como estudar os procedimentos composicionais adotados pela compositora e contribuir com os estudos sobre a música brasileira do século XX. A partir de parâmetros musicais – tempo, duração, altura e efeitos - é observado o emprego da indeterminação, assim como levantados os tipos de notação empregados - notação exata, aproximada, indicativa e gráficos musicais. A metodologia parte do estudo e análise da peça ao piano e do estudo da bibliografia específica sobre análise e notação. Serão feitas propostas para uma possível performance.
Gesto na performance da percussão, Parte 1: análise percentual de dados experimentais
Authors: Chaib Fernando , Chaib Filho Homero , Catalão João
Published: March 2015

Este artigo, Parte 1 do mesmo estudo, mostra como foi realizado um tratamento descritivo, através de uma análise percentual, dos dados experimentais obtidos ao observar a influência do gesto corporal sobre as sensações de continuidade, suspensão e conclusão de um trecho musical em percussão. Dentro da complexa relação estabelecida entre o percussionista e o texto musical apresentado em grande parte das produções para percussão, procuramos compreender até que ponto o corpo poderá ser um agente auxiliador no processo de transmissão de sensações específicas sobre a música executada em uma performance percussiva. A complexidade deste processo experimental nos obrigou a dividir os resultados obtidos em dois artigos. Este trabalho trata-se da 1ª parte de publicação dos dados adquiridos e analisados a partir dos pesos percentuais.
Gesto na performance da percussão, Parte 2: análise fatorial de correspondências de dados experimentais
Authors: Chaib Fernando , Chaib Filho Homero , Catalão João
Published: March 2015

Este artigo, Parte 2 do mesmo estudo, apresenta os resultados do experimento “Sensação de continuidade de um trecho musical” (CHAIB et. al. 2013) analisados através da técnica estatística Análise Fatorial de Correspondências (AFC). O objetivo principal dessa análise é o de observar, através de índices, a influência do gesto na transmissão de sensações de continuidade, suspensão e conclusão sobre a performance em percussão. Uma vez alcançado o objetivo será possível generalizar os resultados em performances realizadas sobre os mesmos moldes das apresentadas no experimento.
Fundamentos biomecânicos da postura e suas implicações na performance da flauta
Authors: Fonseca Marcelo Parizzi Marques , Cardoso Francisco , Guimarães Antônio
Published: March 2015

O estudo sistemático de um instrumento musical não é uma tarefa simples e implica numa demanda física e emocional difícil de imaginar por quem não se dedica a essa atividade. Pesquisadores reconhecem que tal demanda afeta significativamente a carreira do músico instrumentista e pesquisas importantes têm sido conduzidas sobre este assunto. Diante deste contexto, este artigo apresenta um estudo dos fundamentos da biomecânica da postura e suas implicações na performance da flauta. A partir da conceituação da postura normal, considerando o centro de gravidade corporal, a musculatura da estática e a postura normal em pé e sentada, foram elencados os aspectos fundamentais da biomecânica da postura na performance da flauta e as alterações posturais inerentes à sua performance. A conclusão do artigo é que se essas alterações posturais, próprias da performance, não forem conscientizadas pelo flautista, a qualidade da execução e a longevidade de sua carreira poderão ficar seriamente comprometidas.
O violão na universidade brasileira: um diálogo com docentes através de um questionário
Authors: Scarduelli Fabio , Fiorini Carlos Fernando
Published: March 2015

O presente artigo apresenta a análise de um questionário aplicado aos professores de violão de universidades públicas brasileiras (estaduais e federais), em que são abordados os caminhos de técnica e repertório utilizados nestas instituições. A partir de uma participação ampla (com 95,4% de participação das universidades que possuem curso de violão), foi possível elaborar um mapa do ensino do violão no Brasil, que poderá suscitar reflexões a respeito da pedagogia e do perfil dos profissionais formados nestes cursos.
Agência dos objetos sonoros
Authors: Tugny Rosângela Pereira de
Published: March 2015

Este texto busca se aproximar do discurso de especialistas ameríndios sobre a origem não autoral de suas músicas, onde a escuta ocupa a função de produção. Busca também compreender as limitações dos artistas ocidentais quando tentam colaborar com as formas de trabalho acústico operantes entre estes coletivos. À luz de reflexões de Bruno Latour e Jacques Rancière em torno de temas relacionados às políticas da estética, às noções de "produção" e às fissuras construídas pelas sociedades modernas entre noções de natureza e cultura, é revisitado o percurso singular do compositor francês Pierre Boulez, como forma de problematizar um encontro da produção artística musical dos círculos de compositores de salas de concerto com as cosmossonologias ameríndias.
O Museu Sertório: uma coleção particular em São Paulo no final do século XIX (primeiro acervo do Museu Paulista)
Authors: Carvalho Paula Carolina de Andrade
Published: March 2015

Este artigo pretende rastrear e recuperar a coleção particular conhecida como Museu Sertório, que, embora tenha se constituído como o primeiro núcleo do acervo do Museu Paulista, é um tema ainda pouco explorado na historiografia. De propriedade do coronel Joaquim Sertório, a coleção tornou-se um museu privado na cidade de São Paulo, ganhando relevância na segunda metade do século XIX. As peças a ele pertencentes foram doadas ao governo paulista em 1890, tornando-se o embrião do acervo do Museu Paulista, que viria a ser inaugurado, em 1895, no Monumento do Ipiranga.
Narrando viagens e invenções. Hercule Florence: amigo das artes na periferia do capitalismo
Authors: Ferreira Dirceu Franco
Published: March 2015

O volumoso manuscrito de 423 páginas redigido entre 1837 e 1859, por Antoine Hercule Romuald Florence (1804-1879), intitulado L'ami des arts livré à lui-même. Recherche et découvertes sur différents sujets nouveaux, traz uma compilação dos principais objetos de estudo e reflexão desse franco-monegasco radicado no Brasil. Neste artigo, o L'ami des arts é compreendido como ponto de partida para uma contextualização das pesquisas que resultaram na invenção da photographie, método de reprodução de textos e desenhos anunciado na Província de São Paulo em 1834. Em seguida, a leitura do relato da Expedição Langsdorff apresentado no mesmo manuscrito foi, por sua vez, o ponto de partida para estabelecer uma classificação das diferentes versões escritas por Florence. A partir da pesquisa em suas correspondências ativas foi ainda possível recuperar o esforço do autor para publicar a conhecida narrativa de Viagem Fluvial. De modo geral, busca-se, aqui, problematizar a cronologia de suas invenções e das versões de seu relato da expedição Langsdorff, mostrando as intersecções entre as narrativas das invenções e das viagens, em especial o cruzamento fixado na matriz autobiográfica.
"Novos sintomas" e declínio da função paterna: um exame crítico da questão
Authors: Lustoza Rosane Zétola , Cardoso Mauricio José d'Escragnolle , Calazans Roberto
Published: March 2015

Partindo da perspectiva lacaniana, examina-se a relação entre declínio da função paterna e "novos sintomas". Critica-se a assimilação entre declínio da função paterna e declínio do Nome-do-pai. Investiga-se o termo "novos sintomas", demonstrando seu caráter contraditório. Conclui-se que a decadência da Lei social é compatível com a inscrição do Nome-do-pai; e que tal declínio engendrou novas patologias, mas que não são assimiláveis a sintomas.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Emergency protocol for the diagnosis of acute respiratory failure in spontaneously breathing patients,
Authors: Dexheimer Neto Felippe Leopoldo , Andrade Juliana Mara Stormovski de , Raupp Ana Carolina Tabajara , Townsend Raquel da Silva , Beltrami Fabiana Gabe , Brisson Hélène , Lu Qin , Dalcin Paulo de Tarso Roth
Published: March 2015

Objective: Bedside lung ultrasound (LUS) is a noninvasive, readily available imaging modality that can complement clinical evaluation. The Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Emergency (BLUE) protocol has demonstrated a high diagnostic accuracy in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). Recently, bedside LUS has been added to the medical training program of our ICU. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of LUS based on the BLUE protocol, when performed by physicians who are not ultrasound experts, to guide the diagnosis of ARF. Methods: Over a one-year period, all spontaneously breathing adult patients consecutively admitted to the ICU for ARF were prospectively included. After training, 4 non-ultrasound experts performed LUS within 20 minutes of patient admission. They were blinded to patient medical history. LUS diagnosis was compared with the final clinical diagnosis made by the ICU team before patients were discharged from the ICU (gold standard). Results: Thirty-seven patients were included in the analysis (mean age, 73.2 ± 14.7 years; APACHE II, 19.2 ± 7.3). LUS diagnosis had a good agreement with the final diagnosis in 84% of patients (overall kappa, 0.81). The most common etiologies for ARF were pneumonia (n = 17) and hemodynamic lung edema (n = 15). The sensitivity and specificity of LUS as measured against the final diagnosis were, respectively, 88% and 90% for pneumonia and 86% and 87% for hemodynamic lung edema. Conclusions: LUS based on the BLUE protocol was reproducible by physicians who are not ultrasound experts and accurate for the diagnosis of pneumonia and hemodynamic lung edema.
Pioneers of centrifuge modelling
Authors: Craig William H. , Vinogradov Valentin V. , Frolovsky Yuriy K. , Zaytsev Andrey A.
Published: March 2015

Although the concept of using a centrifuge to model engineering structures arose in the nineteenth century, the practice began only in the 1930s, in America and Russia. This paper provides details of the careers of four pioneers, primarily in the period prior to 1945 – Bucky, Davidenkov, Fedorov and Pokrovsky. There is some discussion on the effects of dissemination of Russian work on practice in the USA and elsewhere following the disclosure of Pokrovsky's work at the time of the 1973 International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering (ICSMFE) in Moscow. Physical modelling using centrifuges continues to be considered as one of the most efficient experimental methods for research into the behaviour of soil constructions.
Modelling of a mobile beach for short-term beach responses
Authors: Russo Viviana , Allsop William , Sutherland James , Kemp Jonathan
Published: March 2015

This paper describes the use of a mobile beach physical model to explore short-term profile changes of a sandy beach with unusual permeability and slope, under both eroding and accreting wave conditions. The model beach material was selected to reproduce key prototype beach profile responses. Run-up and profile responses of the model beach were validated against observations on the prototype beach. The results of these studies provide guidance on the rate at which beaches may reach equilibrium. In addition, the recorded shoreline position data may be used to test and/or support numerical models of short-term beach profile responses.
Grupos estratégicos de investigación en escuelas de negocios y su relación con el desempeño: el caso de Chile
Authors: Araya Castillo Luis
Published: March 2015

La presente investigación contextualiza cómo los mercados de educación superior se caracterizan por ser altamente competitivos. Esta situación se observa especialmente en las escuelas de negocios, las cuales toman decisiones que se enfocan en la creación de una imagen de reputación académica; por ejemplo, invertir recursos en investigación para ganar posiciones de liderazgo a nivel nacional e internacional. Aun cuando las escuelas de negocios ofrecen programas de estudios con un alto enfoque práctico y profesional, las actividades de investigación les permiten desarrollar conocimiento y vincularsecon los sectores privado y público. En este contexto, y recurriendo a la teoría degrupos estratégicos para estudiar su comportamiento en investigación, se consideraron las escuelas de negocios chilenas que aparecen en el ranking MBA de América Economía.Los resultados permiten identificar cuatros grupos estratégicos de investigación, de acuerdo con las decisiones que adoptan las escuelas de negocios en producción académica, equipo de investigación y difusión académica. Finalmente, se describe cómo la inversión realizada por las escuelas de negocios en fuentes de investigación tienen impacto en los indicadores de desempeño organizacional, tales como: acreditación internacional, posición en ranking de calidad y arancel de los programas de MBA.
Fuentes culturales para el aprendizaje. Estudio en la micro, pequeña y mediana empresa en Celaya
Authors: Lopez Salazar Alejandra , Contreras Soto Ricardo , Estrada Rodríguez Salvador
Published: March 2015

Este trabajo de investigación tiene como objetivo analizar las fuentes de información que utiliza la micro, pequeña y mediana empresa para aprender sobre su actividad empresarial. A través de un análisis cualitativo se entrevistaron a 342 empresas del sector manufacturero de la ciudad de Celaya, Guanajuato, México. Los resultados muestran que las empresas utilizan 26 diferentes fuentes de información para aprender sobre su actividad, las cuales se reagrupan en siete categorías: lógicas interorganizacionales, fuentes especializadas y TICs; fuentes formales de conocimiento; fuentes organizacionales; medios de comunicación y publicidad; fuentes informales de comunicación; experiencia propia del empresario; y ausencia de información y conocimiento. La importancia y uso de cada una de ellas depende del tamaño de la empresa y de la industria a la que pertenece, pero todas ellas contribuyen a desarrollar, consolidar o potenciar vínculos con otras empresas o entes que ayuden a potenciar la capacidad de aprender de la organización.
Latitudinal variation in the response of tidepool copepods to mean and daily range in temperature
Authors: Hong Brian C. , Shurin Jonathan B.
Published: March 2015

Understanding the evolutionary potential of organisms to adapt to a changing climate, and the fitness consequences of temperature fluctuations, are critical to forecasting the future of biodiversity. Geographic variation among populations in life history response to temperature mean and variability offers one view of the potential for local adaptation to broaden the thermal niche. We used laboratory growth experiments to examine the effects of temperatures between 13°C and 30°C on five life history traits and the intrinsic rate of increase for 15 Tigriopus californicus populations distributed over 17° of latitude. Different life history stages showed distinct latitudinal shifts in thermal response, while the temperature of peak population growth consistently declined with increasing latitude. In addition, high‐latitude populations grew faster at optimal temperatures but showed steeper fitness declines at high temperature. To test geographic population variation in response to the amplitude of daily thermal fluctuations, we grew three northern and three southern populations and manipulated nightly low and daily high temperatures. We found the lowest fitness overall in the treatment with the highest mean temperature, and the treatment with the greatest variability showed high fitness despite an 8°C greater daily range. Population responses to daily thermal variability were unrelated to latitude of origin. Our results indicate that trade‐offs between adaptation to high vs. low temperature, and between growth and maturation vs. survival and fecundity, govern local adaptation along the latitudinal gradient. They also indicate that T. californicus populations can maintain fitness over a wide range of daily variability but are more sensitive to small changes in the mean temperature.
Behavioral and physiological responses of American black bears to landscape features within an agricultural region
Authors: Ditmer M. A. , Garshelis D. L. , Noyce K. V. , Laske T. G. , Iaizzo P. A. , Burk T. E. , Forester J. D. , Fieberg J. R.
Published: March 2015

Human activities and variation in habitat quality and configuration have been shown to influence space use patterns in many species, but few studies have documented the physiological responses of free‐ranging animals to these factors. We combined remote biologger technology, capturing continuous heart rate values, with locational data from GPS collars to investigate the behavioral and physiological reactions of American black bears (Ursus americanus) to a landscape dominated by agriculture (52.5% areal cover). Our study occurred at the edge of the range of this species, with small, scattered patches of forest within a mosaic of crop fields and an extensive road network. However, only ~2–4% of the area contained crops that bears consumed (corn, sunflowers, oats). We used GPS locations to identify the habitat that bears occupied, and to estimate their rates of travel. Heart rates increased with movement rates, rising by over 30% from resting rate to their fastest travel speeds. We used a modeling approach to distinguish among factors that influenced heart rates independent of movement rates. Bears commonly crossed agricultural areas that provided no food or cover and their heart rates, elevated beyond what was expected from their movement rate, were indicative of a stress response. However, when bears entered agricultural areas composed of edible crops, many individuals showed reduced movement and slower heart rates, suggesting that bears foraging there felt at ease or crops allow bears to more easily forage due to their dense spatial arrangements. Unexpectedly, female bears elicited lower heart rates and lower levels of activity in the most fragmented patches of natural habitat, possibly a sign of human‐avoidance behavior or a reaction related to crossing roads. During fall, as bears prepared for hibernation, their heart rates declined two weeks before their movements slackened, evidence that metabolism slowed to enhance fat accumulation; they also shifted to a nocturnal activity pattern, likely to reduce exertion during the heat of the day. The use of a physiological monitor provided new insights on bear biology and ecology that would not have otherwise been apparent.
Upgraded Rig Lighting Improves Night Time Visibility While Reducing Stray Light and the Threat to Dark Skies in West Texas
Authors: Wren Bill , Locke Stacy
Published: March 2015

McDonald Observatory, part of the University of Texas at Austin, is a world-class astronomical-research facility representing hundreds of millions of dollars of public and private investment that is increasingly threatened by nighttime lighting from oil-and-gas-related activities in and around the Permian Basin. Established in the remote Davis Mountains of West Texas in 1932, the observatory is home to some of the world's largest telescopes and it has continued as a world-renowned research center. Dark night skies are crucial to its mission. Since 2010, however, the sky along the observatory's northern horizon, in the direction of the Permian Basin, has been steadily and rapidly brightening, due to new exploration for oil and gas. The pace has been accelerating: More than 2,000 applications were filed over the past year to drill in the region. In 2011, the State of Texas enacted a law that instructs the seven counties surrounding McDonald Observatory, an area covering some 28,000 square miles, to adopt outdoor lighting ordinances designed to preserve the dark night skies for ongoing astronomical research at the observatory. Most had already done so voluntarily, but additional effort is needed throughout the area to address fast-moving energy-exploration activities.

A joint project between McDonald Observatory and Pioneer Energy Services (PES) has demonstrated that many of the adverse effects of oilfield lighting can be mitigated, without jeopardizing safety, through proper shielding and aiming of light fixtures. Beginning July, 2013, PES granted the observatory access to a working rig, Pioneer Rig #29. Every time the rig moved to a new location, there was an opportunity to install shields, re-aim floodlights, and evaluate effectiveness.

This joint project demonstrated that, in many cases, nighttime visibility on the rig can be significantly improved. Many light fixtures, which had been sources of blinding glare due to of lack of shielding, poor placement, or poor aiming, were made better and safer, using optional glare shields that are offered by manufacturers for a variety of fixture models. Proper shielding and aiming of existing fixtures improves visibility and reduces wasted uplight. New lighting systems that take advantage of light-emitting-diode technology also promise better directionality, reduced fuel consumption, and darker skies overhead.

The oil-and-gas industry has been lighting its exploration and production activities in much same way for more than 100 years, with little to no consideration of environmental impacts. The opportunity exists to adopt new lighting practices and technologies that improve safety, reduce costs, and help preserve our vanishing night skies so that important ongoing scientific exploration can continue.
Engineering Safe Distances between Occupied Structures and Processing Equipment
Authors: Johnstone J.E. , Spangler M.D. , Heitzman C.S. , Wimberley G.A. , Flores A.R.
Published: March 2015

Determining the optimal distance between explosive, flammable and toxic hydrocarbon sources and occupied structures is constantly a concern for Engineers working to design safe facilities. Over the years, many incidents have occurred where workers were injured or killed by flying shreds of glass and debris; explosive forces, fire, or exposure to toxic gases when occupied structures were not located properly in relation to process equipment. This paper presents newly developed techniques to allow the engineer to optimally locate occupied structures to assure that the risk of harm to personnel is minimized.

The analysis of determining the placement for an occupied structure involves many variables that the Engineer must evaluate. These variables include the properties of the hydrocarbons that are being processed, toxic components (i.e. hydrogen sulfide), operating parameters, loss of containment scenarios, prevailing winds, occupancy loads, building construction, safety systems and operating and maintenance practices. Each of these different variables can have a significant impact on where a building should be located within or adjacent to a facility. The Engineer must consider these variables for impacts to the structure caused by fire, blast or toxic gas infiltration.

Recognized industry best practices and regulatory requirements require that blast loads, which commonly present the most severe hazard to a building, be evaluated when locating an occupied structure. Often, it is not practical to design or locate a building to withstand the “worst case” blast scenario. For this reason, a risk-based approach, in conformance with recognized best practices, has been developed to properly site buildings at oil and gas facilities.

This paper presents a viable risk-based approach for the siting of occupied structures at oil and gas facilities. The technique presented in the paper enables the Engineer to quickly gather the information needed for the analysis, evaluate credible scenarios and then make the necessary calculations to determine impacts to the occupants. The result of using this technique is that an occupied structure is properly located and constructed to reduce the risk of harm to the occupants to a tolerable level.
Innovative Assessments for Selecting Offshore Platform Decommissioning Alternatives
Authors: Truchon Stephen , Brzuzy Louis , Fonseca Mark
Published: March 2015

Hard substrate associated with offshore oil and gas platforms can contribute to the productivity of marine ecosystems thereby generating local and regional economic benefits. These benefits form the basis for incorporating the platform into a rigs-to-reefs program when it is retired or selecting some other type of removal option. There are many options for reefing platforms, each differing in environment impact of activities associated with the dismantling and transport of the platform structure (deck, jacket, and other subsea structures). Utilizing science-based decision making in exploring platform removal options can be beneficial for all stakeholders in the context of a regulatory environment, complex ecosystem, and human interactions across multiple scales. Accomodating these complexities in a decision making process is the foundation of an Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) approach. EBM is an environmental management approach that recognizes the full array of interactions within an ecosystem, including humans, rather than considering single issues, species, or ecosystem services in isolation (Christensen et al., 1996; McLeod et al., 2005; Altman et al., 2011).

The focus of this study is on one of Shell's deepwater assets in the Gulf of Mexico. The fixed jacket platform has been in operation for more than 35 years and extends to over 1,000 feet of water depth of the coast of Louisiana. Few studies have been published on the ecology of marine life inhabiting deepwater platforms such as these. To begin to understand the specific contribution of this platform as an artificial reef, a stratified (across depth down the platform) study was performed using routinely collected Remotely Operated Vessel (ROV) video footage to assess fish and sessile biotic communities. The results of the ROV study revealed clear depth-related patterns for visually conspicuous epibiota (Lophelia pertusa) as well as numerous species of reef and pelagic fishes. These data were used to construct a matrix to rank ecosystem services with respect to several decommissioning alternatives, including: complete removal of the deck and jacket; removal of the deck and topping the jacket (to below 85 feet below the waterline) and leaving it in place; and removal of the deck, and transferring the entire jacket to a rigs-to-reef location. This portion of the assessment provided a strategic framework for identifying and evaluating sensitive ecosystem services in association with both human and environmental drivers to provide realistic (actionable) guidance in the selection of these decommissioning options. The ranking illustrated that a high level of ecosystem services could be maintained by decommissioning alternatives that leave the jacket in place or as part of a rigs-to-reefs program.
A Critical Review of Emerging Challenges for the Oil Field Waters in the United States
Authors: Ali Maaz , Hascakir Berna
Published: March 2015

The rapid rise of oil production from unconventional resources due to the increase in oil demand brings several potential risks to the environment. Governments strictly regulate the oil field water use, treatment, and disposal to reduce both the environmental and the public health effects. Hence, exploration and production companies face several challenges mainly for the management of produced water originated from any water injection processes. On a global scale, the average water cut has increased to nearly 75%. And in the U.S., the water cut is even higher (i.e., 91%) which results in a severe reduction in revenue. The average cost for handling and disposing water can range from $0.50 to $16.80 per barrel of water. In fact, the oil and gas industry in the U.S. spends $5-10 billion per year for the handling of the produced water. Furthermore, this cost does not take into account the loss of hydrocarbons due to the excess production of water. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new technologies for oil and gas production which will reduce (i) the water use for the sustainability of the water resources, (ii) the environmental and health effects of the produced water and (iii) the enormous costs of the produced water management. This paper evaluates both the current strategies and future trends that are followed in the U.S. to manage the produced waters originated from hydraulic fracturing, water flooding, and steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). The paper first summarizes the water injection projects in the U.S. Then, the quantitative impact of each process to the human health and environment along with the differences in the quality of the produced water due to the rock-fluid interactions and the additives used in the processes are discussed. Finally, the industrial attempts on the produced water management for the reduction in water use, reuse of the produced water, and the water treatment are examined. This paper provides a critical review on current and future trends of the produced water management. The short and long term effects to the environment due to the rapid changes in the quality of the water resources are criticized.
Measurement of Environmental Costs for Shale Gas Development in China
Authors: Guo Rui , Luo Dongkun , Jiang Shan
Published: March 2015

Shale gas is a promising unconventional gas resource with clean-burning and efficient nature. Many countries show high interests in this new resource along with the success of shale gas revolution in the US. In recent years, China has raised a boom of shale gas development which may lead to air pollution, water pollution, ecological damage and other environmental issues, it is significant to determine exactly how shale gas development affects on the environment and how to measure quantitatively. This paper conducts the study by means of literature review, exchange conference, academic forums and combining methods of environmental economics, cost accounting, econometrics and other disciplines to build mathematical analysis model of environmental costs of shale gas development. Then we propose on strengthen the environmental cost management and control of shale gas development in China so as to achieve the sustainable development of shale gas.

The conclusions indicate that the evaluation results obtained by quantitative method of shale gas development environmental costs is objective, specific and more easily accepted by enterprise and government so that provide effective suggestions to strengthen environmental protection. From both technical and political levels, we propose that introduction of foreign advanced technology, comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact, strengthen the protection and regulation of oil and gas pipelines, improving the ecological resources compensation mechanism conducive to promoting shale gas development in China.

Additionally, the most important innovations are mainly reflected in: 1) in terms of the influence of shale gas development on water consumption, groundwater pollution, air pollution, ecological compensation, geological disaster compensation, we combine the theory of environmental costs and give econometric model of the environmental costs respectively. 2) considering various environmental cost factors we build econometric model of environmental costs of shale gas development to analyze the impact on the environment. 3) In order to minimize the potential environmental impact to realize the sustainable development of shale gas resources, China should strengthen environmental protection from aspects of both technology and policy.
Fatigue and the Use of Wearable Technology
Authors: Butler P. , Fee W.
Published: March 2015

Land transportation-related accidents are consistently one of the highest causes of fatalities within the oil and gas industry, as shown in the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers performance indicators. Despite widespread efforts, performance improvements have been slow to realize any benefits. Driver Fatigue is a major contributor to road accidents. Global studies estimate that fatigue or sleep related crashes could be a contributing factor in up to 50% of all road crashes. Whilst there is a number of indications that fatigue may have been involved, to date, there is no reliable method of determining this.

Given that shift work and monotonous journeys are common within the oil and gas production industry it would be realistic to assume that fatigue would be a significant contributor to industry related crashes, accidents and near misses. Technology that combines with Fatigue Management Procedures to give valuable feedback to the operator and management can provide early warning to help prevent fatigue incidents. Whilst technology designed to detect driver fatigue has been available for some time the adoption of such technologies has been slow. Given that previous technologies were often in a development state, unreliable, impractical and costly a slow adoption rate is understandable.

This paper will examine new wearable technology, based on EEG technology (the gold standard) focused on the operator, which has been reliably proven, easy to adopt and is producing impressive results in other industries particularly mining and trucking/freight.
Implementing New State and Federal Air Regulatory Programs – A Systematic Approach To Compliance
Authors: Christopher Jay
Published: March 2015

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and several states have implemented, or propose to implement, new environmental regulations targeting air emission reductions from oil and gas facilities, including, for example, NSPS OOOO. As these programs mature, the industry is tasked with establishing increasingly complex compliance programs, including facilities that have not previously been subject to significant regulatory attention. While most operators have traditionally dealt with requirements established by the state oil and gas commissions, these regulations present a new type of concern for operators.

Establishing systematic procedures and protocols can assist operators in meeting their compliance obligations in a consistent and defensible manner. The new air regulations often require testing or other observations, tracking data, and reporting obligations. Colorado's recently finalized Regulation 7 requirements often require the use of infrared cameras to observe hydrocarbon leakage from equipment, as well as audible, visual and olfactory (AVO) observations. While state regulations may not require procedures, training, or recordkeeping formats, it is in the operators' best interest to establish these steps to meet their internal requirements as well as establishing defensible data to demonstrate ongoing compliance. For example, if an infrared camera is used to detect hydrocarbon leaks, establishing a monitoring protocol ensures that the monitoring is conducted consistently, and that leak records will be tracked appropriately. A work practice procedure will establish responsibilities for tracking any discovered leaks, implementing maintenance requirements, and maintaining records to demonstrate compliance. When local operating personnel are responsible for compliance, establishing a training program and appropriate recordkeeping provisions will also help to ensure consistent program implementation. By establishing a systematic compliance effort, oil and gas operators can implement cost-effective strategies to meet these new compliance obligations.

The optimal compliance approach will vary between operators based on internal resources and systems, and may require increasing staff resources or using external resources to meet these increasingly complex requirements. It is important for operators to consider these factors now to avoid unnecessary compliance hurdles down the road.
Managing Psychological Wellbeing While Away From Home Through a Five-Phase Model
Authors: Seaton Simon , Jelley Thomas
Published: March 2015

The Oil and Gas sector strives for a zero incident environment. The UK Health and Safety Executive noted in its latest Offshore Injury Report that safety incidents offshore have been decreasing steadily year by year but appear to have reached a plateau. This is a common industry trend and it is generally accepted that a significant number of serious incidents are directly related to human behaviors rather than a lack of control or processes.

In a high risk environment such as Oil & Gas sites, onshore or offshore, it is imperative to have a healthy workforce - both physically and mentally - and there is a link between employee wellbeing, stress, overall performance and safety attitudes. However, many segments of the Oil and Gas industry require employees to leave home and family for extended periods of time and this can have a significant impact on an employee's psychological wellbeing. This paper's aim is to inform individuals and organizations so they can better understand the effects of the experience of being away and increase the chances of maintaining their employees' psychological wellbeing.

A five-phase model has been developed in consultation with academics, trade unions, expert insight from oil and gas, military and education sector perspectives. This model offers a new and practical way to think about and manage potential adverse impacts on psychological wellbeing while away in order to reduce risk. The paper will expand on each phase from pre-departure planning, expanding through the time away, to being back at home.

This model can be applied to individuals who spend short or long periods of time away under different circumstances. Its application should help to minimize fluctuations from their psychological wellbeing set point, and improve job and safety performance while at work. Specific examples of how the model can be implemented in a variety of situations are included and the benefits that can be expected from a well-managed workforce using these techniques are documented.
Reasonable Assurance of Accuracy of GHG Data Under Mandatory Reporting for the Upstream and Midstream Oil and Gas Industry: Fuel Samples
Authors: Sultana Y. , Madry K.
Published: March 2015

The United States Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting Programs for the oil and gas industry specify rigorous fuel sampling requirements. Efficient resolution of fuel sample data management issues requires an understanding of the lifecycle within the GHG universe. This paper explores different issues associated with fuel sampling data and best methods for proactive sample data management. The lifecycle of sample data encompasses six stages: (1) Identification of a Representative Fuel Sample Point; (2) the Sampling Process; (3) Data Generation; (4) Data Capture; (5) Data Transfer; and (6) Data Consumption. Issues can arise at any stage and affect data accuracy. Efficient compliance with GHG programs requires efficient management of fuel sample data. Lifecycle assessment of fuel sample data and proactive identification of potential pitfalls enables a company to develop appropriate controls and performance indicators. A robust sample management program not only helps with GHG compliance assurance, but also other regulatory compliance programs (for example, Title V).
Practical Barrier Strength Assessment for Bowtie Diagrams
Authors: Rowe R. , Taylor M.
Published: March 2015

Bowtie diagrams are increasingly used throughout the oil and gas industry to represent and communicate the measures in place to prevent or mitigate hazardous events. They are used to identify safety critical equipment, define process safety metrics and highlight safety critical competencies. At their simplest, they provide an overview of safety arrangements. More complex bowties include information about accountabilities, performance standards, procedures, etc. They have been used primarily as a descriptive tool but can also be used to convey information about the effectiveness of the safety measures represented.

Assessment of this “barrier strength” is often either subjective—relying on judgment—or complex, requiring detailed assessment of failure modes of barriers. This paper presents a methodology for undertaking a structured, qualitative barrier effectiveness assessment that allows a “first-pass” screening process. The method considers such factors as whether the safety measure is fail-safe, the complexity of the system, and whether overrides are possible. For existing facilities, operating history and condition can be taken into account. If this assessment is conducted early enough in a project lifecycle, it can be used to support design (not just to record design decisions), by assessing the adequacy of protection and whether additional (or different) barriers should be considered. In operations, it allows the key assurance processes and metrics to be identified that collectively provide a view of the current condition of critical barriers and consequently a “quasi real time” view of the risk level of a facility, compared to that calculated in “static risk assessments.”

This work is applicable across the industry in any site that has the potential for major accident events.

This approach supports operational managers in making risk-based decisions based on their current risk profile (e.g., about where to focus resources) and facilitates the development of meaningful dashboards that can be rolled up or down depending on the viewer’s role in an organization.

This allows otherwise static risk assessments to be recalibrated based on the latest data available on the condition of barriers, informing the operational decisions that could have a major impact in reducing major accidents.
Compositional Modelling of the Diffusion Effect on EOR Process in Fractured Shale-Oil Reservoirs by Gasflooding
Authors: Wan Tao , Sheng James
Published: March 2015

Gas injection is considered as an effective recovery process that has been widely used in the worldwide oil industry. There are limited pilot field projects conducted on enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) process by gas injection in shale-oil reservoirs. Although numerous studies have been conducted on gas injection in tight gas or oil reservoirs, the main recovery mechanism in shale-oil reservoirs is not well-understood. Diffusion plays an important role in the oil-recovery process in fractured-shale reservoirs. Most of the current studies on diffusion are performed in such a way that the producing pressure is equal to the initial reservoir pressure or core pressure; thus, the convective displacement is eliminated or minimized. One of the challenges is to evaluate the role of diffusion in field-scale displacements in the presence of viscous flow. This paper discusses the role of diffusion in improving oil recovery in fractured shale-oil reservoirs. Hoteit and Firoozabadi (2009) investigated the diffusion effect on recovery performance in a fractured gas/condensate reservoir. Their simulation results showed that molecular diffusion has a significant effect on gas recovery if the reservoir pressure is below the minimum miscible pressure. Modelling of the diffusion effect on ultimate oil recovery in extensively fractured shale reservoirs is crucial to the development of these marginal shale-oil or -gas projects. Evaluation of the recovery contribution from diffusion will provide important insights into the recovery mechanisms in intensely fractured shale-gas/oil reservoirs. Currently, a majority of the diffusion models were developed on the basis of the single porosity model that demands tremendous grid refinement in intensely fractured shale-oil reservoirs. The grid refinement is necessary for surrounding the fracture intersections, which makes the system become computationally expensive. In this paper, the matrix/matrix and matrix/fracture diffusion is coupled in a dual-permeability model to overcome the drawback of the single-porosity model. The simulation results demonstrate that the EOR by gas injection in the Eagle Ford shale-oil reservoir will benefit from matrix/matrix and matrix/fracture molecular diffusion.
Practical Considerations for the Initiation and Maintenance of Etanercept in the Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Guenther Lyn , Lynde Charles , Ho Vincent
Published: March 2015

Etanercept is a new treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. In contrast to traditional systemic agents, which can be given orally, etanercept is given by subcutaneous injection. Patient selection, transitioning, dosing, safety, monitoring, duration of therapy, and patient support programs are reviewed.
Miliarial Gout (A New Entity)
Authors: Shukla Rahul , Vender Ronald B. , Alhabeeb Ayman , Salama Samih , Murphy Frank
Published: March 2015

Background:

Tophaceous gout typically presents as a subcutaneous, nodular collection of monosodium urate crystals sharply circumscribed from surrounding tissues. Although intradermal cutaneous manifestations of gout have been described, no reported cases of miliarial gout remain.

Objective:

We describe the first known presentation of miliarial gout and list other uncommon cutaneous manifestations of gouty tophi. The treatment of miliarial gout is discussed, as well as risk factors predisposing an individual to the development of intradermal tophi.

Results:

Miliarial gout is an intradermal phenomenon consisting of multiple tiny papules containing material of a white to cream color scattered on an erythematous base that responds to allopurinol administration. Risk factors predisposing an individual to the development of intradermal gout include renal insufficiency, hypertension, chronic diuretic therapy, long duration of disease, and lack of consistent use of urate-lowering therapy.

Conclusion:

Miliarial gout is a unique intradermal manifestation of tophaceous gout.