bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Review of Effect of Salinity on CO2 Storage Potential in Farnsworth Field
Authors: Ennin Edward , Grigg Reid B. , Petmecky Christopher
Published: April 2016

Understanding fluid/fluid and rock/fluid interactions in a reservoir are required to evaluate CO2 storage potential and safety. This paper examines the effect of salinity of reservoir brine on CO2 storage and the level of salinity best for CO2 storage. Relative permeability imbibition and drainage curves were generated to further understand the interaction between CO2 and brine in a reservoir.

A core flooding set up was built to replicate reservoir conditions of the Farnsworth Unit (FWU) in Texas, USA. The research involved three reservoir pay zone rocks obtained from depths of about 7687ft that were pieced together to undergo core flooding at 4400psi and a temperature of 168°F. During the 6 tests conducted the core was flooded with supercritical CO2 and brine of salinities 3000ppm, 6000ppm and 35000ppm to generate relative permeability curves to represent imbibition and drainage. Imbibition and drainage relative permeability curves are generated from the co-injection of CO2 and brine of varying salinity at different ratios and volumes.

After analyses of the imbibition and drainage relative permeability curves for the different salinities it is seen that the relative permeability curves looked very similar, in that all three relative permeability curves looked the same for imbibition tests and also for all the drainage tests regardless of the brine salinity. The volume of CO2 stored in the core was almost the same for the six different tests. From this research it can be concluded that CO2 storage, at least for these particular reservoir rocks, is not affected significantly by the salinity of the formation brine. It appears that the interaction between supercritical CO2 and different salinities of brine is not substantially different for the same rock sample.
Calibrating Multi-Point Geostatistical Models Using Pressure Transient Data
Authors: Hamdi Hamidreza , Sousa Mario Costa
Published: April 2016

Transient well test data conveys significant information about the subsurface heterogeneities in terms of some variations in the well test pressure response curves. It is therefore important to enhance the use of the well test data for building a validated geological model to include the effective reservoir heterogeneities that are reflected on the well test plots. In this work, we present a novel geoengineering workflow for geologically consistent updating of the geostatistical facies models using pressure transient data.

We use Multi-Point Statistical (or Geostatistical) simulations (MPS) with conditioning hard and soft data to generate the geostatistical realizations that can preserve the spatial connectivity of the facies. Static model transient tests are then generated using high resolution numerical simulations. The results are compared with the measured well test data for an inversion. The inversion step involves a geologically consistent Probability Perturbation Method (PPM) for perturbing the geostatistical models which are combined with a Gaussian Process (GP) modeling approach for finding the optimum spatial distribution of the facies and the other unknown model parameters. Conditional two-dimensional models of a low-energy anastomosing channelized model are considered in this study. The results show that using such an approach the spatial variation of the facies is maintained and the transitions across the facies boundaries are consistently preserved. In this paper, the geostatistical models are updated simultaneously with other unknown model parameters, including the PPM's parameter (r), facies permeabilities and the non-Darcy D-factor. This multidimensional inversion is efficiently performed by GP in less than 100 compositional simulations. The novelty of this work is to efficiently use the well test data for updating the static models in a fluvial reservoir using a perturbation of the geological models. Moreover, for the first time, a novel optimization method is combined with PPM to consistently update the model parameters with a limited reservoir simulation budget.
Insight of HASD Technology in an Extra Heavy Oil Field in Comparison to Traditional Thermal EOR Processes
Authors: Perez S. , Escobar E.
Published: April 2016

HASD (Horizontal Alternating Steam Drive) is a thermal EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) process with a mechanism based on the combination of horizontal Steam Flooding (SF) and Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS).

This paper presents the potential of HASD to exploit the reserves of one extra heavy oil giant field, located in the Orinoco Oil Belt (OOB), identifying the characteristics and quality of reservoir that are more suitable to use HASD in comparison to traditional EOR technologies based on steam injection, for the typical well configuration schemes used in the OOB, which is based on set of clusters of long horizontal wells.

The field object in the study requires, after an initial stage of cold production, the application of an EOR process to meet the target production plateau of the field development plan. The thermal EOR technologies based on steam injection are the ones more suitable to be applicable in this field, as it was established by a detailed EOR prescreening study, previously performed for this field.

The evaluation of the oil recovery of this giant field is based on a sectoring strategy, considering that the size of the field makes unfeasible a full field reservoir simulation using a thermal EOR process. Considering the different thicknesses and heterogeneities found in the field, the identification of a proper number and type of sectors is required to be able to represent adequately the different reservoir qualities.

The performance of different thermal EOR processes has been evaluated using numerical simulation in all of the sectors selected for the field. The operating conditions of each technology were obtained after carrying out an optimization study based on different reservoir qualities. The detailed analysis of production behavior in the different reservoir quality sectors for an optimized set of operating conditions allows understanding the applicability and potential of the different thermal oil recovery processes in diverse parts of the field.

This paper presents the results from the assessment made on three different sectors of the field, each one characteristic of a specific reservoir quality, to evaluate the potential application of the HASD technology. A comparison with the performance of CSS and SF on the same sectors is presented and the type of reservoir quality more adequate for HASD is identified, together with a recommended set of operating conditions.

HASD process has not any commercial reference up to this moment; the results presented in this study can support the decision to consider the definition of a pilot project that paves the way to the first commercial application of HASD.
Investigation of CO2 Enhanced Gas Recovery in Shale Plays
Authors: Zhang Kai , Liu Qingquan , Wang Min , Kong Bing , Lv Jiateng , Wu Keliu , Chen Shengnan , Chen Zhangxin
Published: April 2016

Shale gas production gets a tremendous breakthrough with the advent of horizontal well and massive hydraulic fracturing. There is still extensive gas stored in a reservoir after primary production so gas injection has a possibility to improve gas recovery for a shale play. In shale gas reservoirs, the gas can be in a free or absorbed state. In addition, there is a difference in the adsorption capacity between hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon components, therefore, it may cause gas recovery variation by hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gas injection.

In this paper, a Montney shale gas reservoir is modeled by Petrel based on data from Accumap. CH4/CO2 flooding performances are simulated by CMG GEM. Results have shown that CO2 has a good potential of gas production improvement in shale gas reservoirs. Furthermore, the higher the total organic content (TOC) of a shale reservoir, the better CO2 enhanced gas recovery (EGR) performance.
Modeling of Foamy-Oil Flow in Solvent-Based Recovery Processes
Authors: Jia Xinfeng , Li Jianli , Chen Zhangxing , Gu Yongan , Zeng Fanhua
Published: April 2016

Solvent-based recovery processes, such as cyclic solvent injection and its variants, have shown a great potential to enhance heavy oil recovery after cold heavy oil production with sands. In such processes, pressure is increased and reduced in a cyclic manner to induce foamy oil flow, which is a key production mechanism. Previous conclusions of foamy oil flow in primary production may have limitations for cyclic processes since the fluid properties and operating conditions are fairly different. This study first conducted an experimental study to visualize the foamy oil flow in a scaled physical model under realistic reservoir conditions. Pseudo-bubble points at different stages of the test are recorded. Then a mathematical model is developed to simulate the experimental observations. This model reasonably couples pressure diffusion and mass transfer together, and considers dynamic properties of gas, foamy oil and diluted oil. Experimental observations show that the oil zone remains relatively stable before pressure drops to a certain level. Afterwards, the oil front moves explosively inwards the solvent chamber, indicating a flow of foamy oil. Theoretical modeling results show that the pressure gradient at the oil-gas zone interface increases from zero at the beginning to a considerable value during a drawdown process. The foamy oil flows only when the pressure gradient reaches a certain level, and a larger drawdown rate tends to result in a higher pressure gradient and a higher pseudo-bubble point. In addition, at the same pressure drawdown rate, the foamy oil flow at a later stage is expected to happen more quickly than at an earlier stage.
Quantitative Assessments of CO2 Injection Risks for Onshore Large Scale CO2 Storage
Authors: Le Gallo Yann , Carballo Taimara Acosta
Published: April 2016

Within the European context, CO2 storage operations shall address the potential impacts of large scale CO2 storage through risk assessment. The key risks identified for this onshore CO2 storage site were the migration through faults and ground deformation.

To quantify the CO2 migration along a fault, flow modelling and uncertainties management codes are coupled to compute the failure probability i.e. the probability of CO2 migration towards a control aquifer. Such probability of failure is characterized by low to very low probability of occurrence which requires a large number of simulations to enable its evaluation. Each failure scenario models the CO2 migration from a storage aquifer to a control aquifer when altering the flow properties of the fault zone. Fault failure analyses are performed on the surrogate models. They show that limited CO2 migration is occurring along the fault but no breakthrough in the control aquifer. The injection induces some pressure disturbance in the control aquifer in about 30% of the cases which lead to effective stress changes.

To quantify effective stress changes due to CO2 injection and the subsequent ground deformation, the mechanical responses of the different sediment layers are modeled coupling flow and geomechanics. The impact of the stress changes on porosity and permeability of the storage reservoir is modeled along with the impact of uncertainties of the mechanical parameters. For this onshore CO2 storage site study case, the expected ground displacement is negligible (below the limit of the measurement capabilities).
3D Geomechanical Modeling and Fault Reactivation Risk Analysis for a Well at Brage Oilfield, Norway
Authors: Serajian V. , Diessl J. , Bruno M. S. , Hermansson L. C. , Hatland J. , Risanger M. , Torsvik M.
Published: April 2016

The objective is to investigate potential fault reactivation caused by high-volume injection into a North Sea well to assess the risks associated with converting a production well into a water injection well. The well is located within the Brage Field less than 100 meters from a major fault and there is concern for fault reactivation due to high volume water injection near this fault.

An integrated 3D geologic, fluid flow and geomechanical model was developed for the area of interest to evaluate fault reactivation risks. The 3D integrated models were constructed based on seismic horizon data and well logs. The 3D fluid flow model was calibrated and history matched using the pressure and temperature data from the current well and other adjacent wells. The developed 3D fluid and heat flow model was used to estimate pressure and temperature distributions adjacent to the fault after water injection in the target well. The results of the 3D fluid flow model were then imported into the 3D geomechanical model to predict the induced stresses and displacements near the injection zone and on the face of the fault.

The results of the integrated geologic, fluid flow and geomechanical models indicate that the poro-elastic stresses induced by high volume injection into the proposed well are not sufficient to induce major slip on the nearby main fault, considering a wide range of reasonable physical and material property assumptions for the fault.

The results of this study are used in specifying the maximum daily water injection rates in the proposed well without the fault reactivation concerns. With the proposed water injection rate, the sealing capacity of the major fault will be guaranteed and the injected water will be directed into the reservoir for pressurization and water flooding purposes.
Forage Harvest Timing Impact on Biomass Quality from Native Warm‐Season Grass Mixtures
Authors: McIntosh David W. , Bates Gary E. , Keyser Patrick D. , Allen Fred L. , Harper Craig A. , Waller John C. , Birckhead Jessie L. , Backus William M.
Published: April 2016

Core Ideas

Use mixed species native warm‐season grasses for forage/biomass production.

Provide nutritional and quality data on switchgrass and mixed species stands for forage and ethanol production.

It is possible to alter forage nutritive values/biomass quality with the addition of other grasses with switchgrass.

Biomass production systems using native warm‐season grasses can allow for an early‐season harvest (for forage) followed by a dormant harvest (for biomass). A study was conducted to investigate the impact of harvest timing and grass species on the chemical composition of harvested forage and biomass. The three‐species composite treatments were switchgrass (SG) (Panicum virgatum L.); a two‐way blend of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii V.) (BB) and indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans L.) (IG); and a three‐way mixture of SG, BB, and IG. Harvest treatments were a biomass harvest (BH) in late fall, early‐boot (EB) harvest (for forage) followed by BH, or early‐seedhead harvest (ESH) (for forage) followed by BH. Forage harvested at EB had greater crude protein and less neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) compared with ESH (P = 0.05). The ADF and NDF content of biomass was greatest for BH and was reduced in biomass regrowth after EB, with the later ESH resulting in the largest decrease in fiber content. Total macronutrient removal of N, P, and K was increased in the dual‐use system. Results indicated that it is possible to alter the composition of biomass provided for bioenergy production by taking an early‐season forage harvest.
Improved Simulation of Edaphic and Manure Phosphorus Loss in SWAT
Authors: Collick Amy S. , Veith Tamie L. , Fuka Daniel R. , Kleinman Peter J.A. , Buda Anthony R. , Weld Jennifer L. , Bryant Ray B. , Vadas Peter A. , White Mike J. , Harmel R. Daren , Easton Zachary M.
Published: April 2016

Watershed models such as the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and the Agricultural Policy Environmental EXtender (APEX) are widely used to assess the fate and transport of agricultural nutrient management practices on soluble and particulate phosphorus (P) loss in runoff. Soil P‐cycling routines used in SWAT2012 revision 586, however, do not simulate the short‐term effects of applying a concentrated source of soluble P, such as manure, to the soil surface where it is most vulnerable to runoff. We added a new set of soil P routines to SWAT2012 revision 586 to simulate surface‐applied manure at field and subwatershed scales within Mahantango Creek watershed in south‐central Pennsylvania. We corroborated the new P routines and standard P routines in two versions of SWAT (conventional SWAT, and a topographically driven variation called TopoSWAT) for a total of four modeling “treatments”. All modeling treatments included 5 yr of measured data under field‐specific, historical management information. Short‐term “wash off” processes resulting from precipitation immediately following surface application of manures were captured with the new P routine whereas the standard routines resulted in losses regardless of manure application. The new routines improved sensitivity to key factors in nutrient management (i.e., timing, rate, method, and form of P application). Only the new P routines indicated decreases in soluble P losses for dairy manure applications at 1, 5, and 10 d before a storm event. The new P routines also resulted in more variable P losses when applying manure versus commercial fertilizer and represented increases in total P losses, as compared with standard P routines, with rate increases in dairy manure application (56,000 to 84,000 L ha−1). The new P routines exhibited greater than 50% variation among proportions of organic, particulate, and soluble P corresponding to spreading method. In contrast, proportions of P forms under the standard P routines varied less than 20%. Results suggest similar revisions to other agroecosystem watershed models would be appropriate.

Core Ideas

Dynamic manure P routines were added to the conventional SWAT model.

New P routines were corroborated in two versions of SWAT.

New P routines accurately simulated the 4R effects of manure management.
Validation of Sensor‐Directed Spatial Simulated Annealing Soil Sampling Strategy
Authors: Scudiero Elia , Lesch Scott M. , Corwin Dennis L.
Published: April 2016

Soil spatial variability has a profound influence on most agronomic and environmental processes at field and landscape scales, including site‐specific management, vadose zone hydrology and transport, and soil quality. Mobile sensors are a practical means of mapping spatial variability because their measurements serve as a proxy for many soil properties, provided a sensor–soil calibration is conducted. A viable means of calibrating sensor measurements over soil properties is through linear regression modeling of sensor and target property data. In the present study, two sensor‐directed, model‐based, sampling scheme delineation methods were compared to validate recent applications of soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa)‐directed spatial simulated annealing against the more established ECa–directed response surface sampling design (RSSD) approach. A 6.8‐ha study area near San Jacinto, CA, was surveyed for ECa, and 30 soil sampling locations per sampling strategy were selected. Spatial simulated annealing and RSSD were compared for sensor calibration to a target soil property (i.e., salinity) and for evenness of spatial coverage of the study area, which is beneficial for mapping nontarget soil properties (i.e., those not correlated with ECa). The results indicate that the linear modeling ECa–salinity calibrations obtained from the two sampling schemes provided salinity maps characterized by similar errors. The maps of nontarget soil properties show similar errors across sampling strategies. The Spatial Simulated Annealing methodology is, therefore, validated, and its use in agronomic and environmental soil science applications is justified.

Core Ideas

Sensor‐directed sampling is valuable for mapping soil properties using few samples.

Apparent electrical conductivity is a good proxy for soil salinity.

Spatial simulated annealing and response surface design sampling are compared.

ECa‐directed SSA is a valuable sampling approach for soil science applications.
Evaluation of Integrative Hierarchical Stepwise Sampling for Digital Soil Mapping
Authors: Yang Lin , Qi Feng , Zhu A-Xing , Shi Jingjing , An Yiming
Published: April 2016

Core Ideas

Evaluation of an integrative hierarchical stepwise (IHS) sampling method by comparing it with stratified random sampling (SRS) and conditioned Latin hypercube sampling (cLHS) through two case studies.

IHS obtained higher mapping accuracies than SRS and cLHS at nearly all sample sizes.

IHS provides valuable information on the representativeness of samples.

SRS and cLHS were found to generate unstable results on sample sets and soil maps.

This paper presents an integrative hierarchical stepwise sampling (IHS) method and two case studies to compare it with stratified random sampling (SRS) and conditioned Latin hypercube sampling (cLHS). The first comparison between IHS and SRS was conducted for mapping sand content of two soil layers in a study area in Anhui Province, China. Two sample sets of the same sample size were collected in the field based on IHS and SRS. The second case study is a simulation study, where we compared IHS and cLHS for mapping soil series in the Raffelson watershed in Wisconsin (USA). The study used an accurate and detailed soil series map produced previously as a proxy of the real soil distribution. Virtual samples with nine sample sizes designed by IHS and cLHS were collected on the soil map. For both case studies, an individual predictive soil mapping method was employed and independent validation samples were used to evaluate the mapping accuracies. Results indicate that IHS generally performs better than SRS for capturing distributions of the environmental variables. It obtained higher mapping accuracies than SRS at different sample sizes. On the other hand, cLHS appears to provide a better representation for distributions of the environmental variables than IHS, but the mapping accuracies with IHS are higher than those with cLHS at nearly all sample sizes. Finally, both case studies showed that IHS provides valuable information on representativeness of the samples.
Use of BEST Procedure to Assess Soil Physical Quality in the Baratz Lake Catchment (Sardinia, Italy)
Authors: Castellini Mirko , Iovino Massimo , Pirastru Mario , Niedda Marcello , Bagarello Vincenzo
Published: April 2016

Core Ideas

Soil physical quality (SPQ) of four areas with Mediterranean vegetation was evaluated.

BEST procedure was tested to evaluate SPQ and detect signs of soil degradation.

Independently measured indicators of SPQ were compared with those derived by BEST.

BEST reproduced plausible SPQ evaluation.

BEST is a promising technique to simply detect land degradation in natural environments.

Conversion of Mediterranean maquis and/or natural forest into agro‐pastoral lands is a cause of soil degradation in many Mediterranean areas. Indicators of soil physical quality (SPQ) quantitatively linked to soil hydraulic properties are a valuable tool to assess the effect of land use changes. In this investigation, the Beerkan Estimation of Soil Transfer parameters (BEST) procedure for soil hydraulic characterization was used to estimate SPQ indicators. Four areas of the Baratz Lake watershed, Sardinia, Italy, characterized by both typical natural vegetation (holm oak [Quercus ilex L.] forest and high maquis) and degraded vegetation (grassland established after fire or clearing of the maquis) were considered. The SPQ was assessed by either independently measured soil physical attributes, like soil bulk density, organic C content, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and sorptivity, and “capacitive” and “dynamic” indicators calculated from the water retention curve estimated by the BEST procedure. Measured and estimated SPQ indicators unanimously showed that clearing of the maquis caused a severe deterioration of SPQ associated with soil compaction, organic matter loss, and decrease of macropore volume and soil aeration capacity as well as reduced water circulation. A different and unexpected result was obtained for the fire‐affected area, where the SPQ was comparable to that of the neighboring oak forest area. We deduced that vegetation restoration after fire passage contributed to maintain a high organic matter content and to mitigate rain compaction effects. We concluded that SPQ indicators derived by applying the BEST procedure are suitable to detect land degradation in the natural environments studied.
The Philosopher as Stage-Hand
Authors: Schmidt Theron
Published: April 2016

If the philosopher has an analogue in the theatre, perhaps it is not with the performer, the one who shows, but with the stage-hand, the one who sets the stage. This is not, as some might argue, because the stage-hand has some special access to what is behind-the-scenes, or because she knows that what is on-stage is only illusion. The stage-hand’s work is not hidden. It is exactly the opposite: the work is there for all to see. It is because it is there that all can see. It is the work that makes the seeing possible.
Exceptionalism, Schizophrenia, Artaud: On Judgment
Authors: Gotman Kélina
Published: April 2016

Gilles Deleuze posits that judgment is the crowning principle governing tragedy and modern philosophy at the same time (“Pour en finir avec le jugement,” in Critique et Clinique, 1995). Drawing on Antonin Artaud’s final radio play, Pour en finir avec le jugement de dieu [To Be Done with the Judgment of God], Deleuze argues that Artaud, like D.H. Lawrence, Kafka and Nietzsche, suffered from the judgment of others inasmuch as he was individuated; his body was made to have organs – in other words, to suffer a hierarchy between brain, stomach, anus, etc. – even though he saw himself as utterly porous, without differentiation and without hierarchy. Returning to the concept of judgment and to Artaud’s final years, this paper offers a schizoanalytic reading of this tragedy of individuation, to ask whether Artaud’s theatre of cruelty – finally manifest in Pour en finir avec le jugement de dieu – can be read as a performance philosophical act without drama and without philosophy. In other words, it asks whether we might conceive of the pure drama of disindividuation – Artaud’s vision of a porous, horizontal self – eschewing the very philosophical and dramatic acts imputed to it.
The Place of Plants: Spatiality, Movement, Growth
Authors: Marder Michael
Published: April 2016

Considering the ways in which plants move and shape the places of their growth, this article suggests that performing arts should account for the vegetal (and not only animal) model of movement. The implications of including plants in the category of “moving beings” are vast, as they touch upon the dynamic relation between immanence and transcendence, questions of time-scales appropriate to different kinds of beings and their responses to the environment, and phenomenologies of place corresponding to diverse forms of life. I argue that although, for humans, performing vegetal movement is “performing the unperformable,” art grants us a unique access point to experiencing what is entailed in such movement and in the places wherein it unfolds.
The ‘Philosophy of Performance’ and the Performance of Philosophy
Authors: Bowie Andrew
Published: April 2016

The notion of the 'philosophy of x', which has recently tended to become part of many subjects, from music to management, tends to obscure a range of important issues. The idea behind it seems to be that, by designating one's reflections on a subject as the ‘philosophy’ of whatever it is one is reflecting about, one achieves some kind of higher insight. Such an approach arguably grants too much to a subject whose main manifestation is actually endless disagreement on fundamental issues. In the light of this less flattering view of philosophy I want to suggest that we may sometimes achieve more by thinking of some of our practices, particularly in the aesthetic domain, as manifestations of what philosophy might become, rather than just thinking of those practices as objects of philosophical analysis.
3D CFD modelling of velocities and sediment transport in the Iffezheim hydropower reservoir
Authors: Hillebrand G. , Klassen I. , Olsen N. R. B.
Published: April 2016

The simulation of sediment transport by three-dimensional (3D) modelling is linked with the question of how accurate such models are. The current paper provides a test where detailed field measurements of velocities and bed elevation changes over a 3-month period from a prototype reservoir are compared with simulation results. The SSIIM software was used to compute water flow and sediment transport in the Iffezheim reservoir. The numerical model solved the Navier–Stokes equations on a 3D unstructured grid with dominantly hexahedral cells. The k-epsilon turbulence model was used, together with the SIMPLE method to find the pressure. The 3D convection–diffusion equation for suspended sediments was solved for nine sediment fractions. The computed velocity pattern showed good correspondence with the measurements. Grid sensitivity tests showed that the main flow features were computed in different grid sizes, but more accurately so with the finest grid. The sediment deposits were reasonably well computed in location and magnitude. A sensitivity test revealed that the computed bed elevation changes were most sensitive to the fall velocities of the finest cohesive sediment particles and sediment cohesion. The sediment deposition computations were also to some degree sensitive to the sediment discharge formula, bed roughness, discretization scheme and the grid resolution.
A water quality index for recreation in Brazilian freshwaters
Authors: Azevedo Lopes F. W. , Davies-Colley R. J. , Von Sperling E. , Magalhães A. P.
Published: April 2016

Use of water for leisure activities has long been prevalent in human societies, especially where the climate is favorable. Water resources with appealing conditions for primary contact recreational activities include rivers, waterfall plunge pools, dams and lakes, as well as sea coasts. Recreational use has specific demands for water quality, particularly as regards risks to human health such as exposure to pathogenic organisms, toxic substances, and submerged hazards. In Brazil, there is insufficient monitoring of bathing water conditions and currently used methodology has some limitations particularly the lack of guidance on interpretation of variables other than faecal bacterial indicators. The objectives of this study were: (1) to establish variables contributing to assessment of freshwater bathing conditions in Brazil; (2) to develop an integrated index of suitability-for-use for bathing in Brazil; and (3) to improve the methodology for assessing bathing water quality in Brazil. Based on a metadata analysis and consultation with Brazilian water professionals, a water quality index was developed incorporating the variables: Escherichia coli, cyanobacterial density, turbidity (visual clarity) and pH. This index should advance the management of recreational waters in Brazil, by improving the evaluation of freshwater bathing conditions and protecting the health of frequent users.
Assessing clarity of message communication for mandated USEPA drinking water quality reports
Authors: Phetxumphou Katherine , Roy Siddhartha , Davy Brenda M. , Estabrooks Paul A. , You Wen , Dietrich Andrea M.
Published: April 2016

The United States Environmental Protection Agency mandates that community water systems (CWSs), or drinking water utilities, provide annual consumer confidence reports (CCRs) reporting on water quality, compliance with regulations, source water, and consumer education. While certain report formats are prescribed, there are no criteria ensuring that consumers understand messages in these reports. To assess clarity of message, trained raters evaluated a national sample of 30 CCRs using the Centers for Disease Control Clear Communication Index (Index) indices: (1) Main Message/Call to Action; (2) Language; (3) Information Design; (4) State of the Science; (5) Behavioral Recommendations; (6) Numbers; and (7) Risk. Communication materials are considered qualifying if they achieve a 90% Index score. Overall mean score across CCRs was 50 ± 14% and none scored 90% or higher. CCRs did not differ significantly by water system size. State of the Science (3 ± 15%) and Behavioral Recommendations (77 ± 36%) indices were the lowest and highest, respectively. Only 63% of CCRs explicitly stated if the water was safe to drink according to federal and state standards and regulations. None of the CCRs had passing Index scores, signaling that CWSs are not effectively communicating with their consumers; thus, the Index can serve as an evaluation tool for CCR effectiveness and a guide to improve water quality communications.
Assessment of groundwater quality using geographical information system (GIS), at north-east Cairo, Egypt
Authors: El-Shahat M. F. , Sadek M. A. , Mostafa W. M. , Hagagg K. H.
Published: April 2016

The present investigation has been conducted to delineate the hydrogeochemical and environmental factors that control the water quality of the groundwater resources in the north-east of Cairo. A complementary approach based on hydrogeochemistry and a geographical information system (GIS) based protectability index has been employed for conducting this work. The results from the chemical analysis revealed that the groundwater of the Quaternary aquifer is less saline than that of the Miocene aquifer and the main factors that control the groundwater salinity in the studied area are primarily related to the genesis of the original recharging water modified after by leaching, dissolution, cation exchange, and fertilizer leachate. The computed groundwater quality index (WQI) falls into two categories: fair for almost all the Miocene groundwater samples, while the Quaternary groundwater samples are all have a good quality. The retarded flow and non-replenishment of the Miocene aquifer compared to the renewable active recharge of the Quaternary aquifer can explain this variation of WQI. The index and overlay approach exemplified by the DUPIT index has been used to investigate the protectability of the study aquifers against diffuse pollutants. Three categories (highly protectable less vulnerable, moderately protectable moderately vulnerable and less protectable highly vulnerable) have been determined and areally mapped.
Variability in 24 hour excretion of cyanuric acid: implications for water exposure assessment
Authors: Sinclair Martha , Roddick Felicity , Grist Stephen , Nguyen Thang , O'Toole Joanne , Leder Karin
Published: April 2016

Cyanuric acid (CYA) excretion in urine has been used to estimate the volume of water ingested during swimming and other recreational activities in outdoor pools containing this chemical. These estimates of water ingestion are based on the assumption of 100% excretion within 24 hours, but the supporting evidence for this is scant. While adapting this methodology to investigate other water ingestion scenarios, we observed a high degree of variability in cyanuric acid excretion among experimental subjects, with over 25% of individuals excreting less than 80% of an ingested dose. Use of cyanuric acid to measure inadvertent water ingestion may be a valuable tool to generate data for health risk assessment of non-potable water sources, but our observations indicate that this technique carries an inherent degree of underestimation that should be taken into account when calculating water exposure.
Application of Fe-Cu binary oxide nanoparticles for the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution
Authors: Khan Saif Ullah , Zaidi Rumman , Hassan Saeikh Z. , Farooqi I. H. , Azam Ameer
Published: April 2016

The adsorption process has been used as an effective technique for the removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions. Groundwater remediation by nanoparticles has received interest in recent years. In the present study, a binary metal oxide of Fe-Cu was prepared and used for the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution. Batch experiments were performed to investigate the effects of initial Cr (VI) concentration, dose of adsorbent, and pH of solution on the removal efficiency of Cr (VI). The prepared nanostructured Fe-Cu binary oxides were able to reduce the concentration of Cr (VI) in aqueous solution. Binary metal oxides nanoparticle exhibited an outstanding ability to remove Cr (VI) due to high surface area, low particle size, and high inherent activity. The percentage removal efficiency of Cr (VI) increased with nanoparticles doses (0.1 g L−1–2.5 g L−1), whereas it decreased with initial Cr (VI) concentration (1 mg L−1–25 mg L−1) and with pH (3–9). The Freundlich model was found to be the better fit for adsorption isotherm. The prepared nanomaterial was characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy. It showed that the Fe-Cu binary oxides were formed in single phase. SEM micrograph showed aggregates with many nano-sized particles. UV-visible spectroscopy showed quantum confinement effect.
Material Control Weakness Corrections: The Enduring Effects of Trust in Management
Authors: Rose Anna M. , Rose Jacob M. , Norman Carolyn Strand
Published: April 2016

We examine whether investors alter their assessments of investment risk in response to corrections of material control weaknesses and the nature of the original disclosure of the weaknesses. Rose et al. (2010) find that the effect of the pervasiveness of control weaknesses is moderated by the extent of disclosure such that more detailed disclosure mitigates (exacerbates) the negative effect of more (less) pervasive weaknesses. They also conclude that trust in management is an underlying cause of this effect because high levels of disclosure for non-pervasive weaknesses are viewed as attempts to disguise bad news, while high levels of disclosure for pervasive weaknesses are viewed as honest. Based upon the findings from an experiment, we find evidence to indicate that the form of control weakness disclosures creates enduring effects on investors, even after remediation of control weaknesses. Our results indicate that the effects of trust persist after control weaknesses are remediated.
An Examination of AICPA Disciplinary Actions: 1980–2014
Authors: Armitage Jack L. , Moriarity Shane R.
Published: April 2016

This study examines trends in the disciplinary sanctions imposed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) over the 35-year period 1980–2014. It reveals that the sizable increase in the number of sanctions that followed the 1988 revision to the Institute's Code of Professional Conduct has mostly stabilized. However, there is still growth in the number of sanctions being imposed for substandard professional service. The sanctions imposed for substandard professional service have also become more stringent. In combination these actions confer assurance that continuing members of the Institute provide superior professional service. A 2003 bylaw change that imposes automatic sanctions for members disciplined by approved bodies has resulted in a substantial decrease in the number of investigations undertaken by the AICPA. However, there is a high incidence of noncooperation with the remaining investigations, the reasons for which are not established by the current study.
Casey's Collections: A Strategic Decision-Making Case Using the Systems Development Lifecycle—Planning and Analysis Phases
Authors: Church Kimberly S. , Schmidt Pamela J. , Smedley Georgia
Published: April 2016

The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) model, developed in the 1980s, remains the foundational model for strategic decision making regarding the development or acquisition of new information systems (IS). The SDLC model proposes five system development phases—planning, analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance—using a waterfall theory. These early phases of the SDLC require strategic decisions to be made regarding information systems. Strategic decision making is a model of multi-attribute utility theory, which helps promote decisions that maximize utility among multiple alternatives. This case provides students with experience in making reasoned strategic IT decisions by executing the planning and analysis phases in a new system acquisition life cycle. This educational case is structured to be the first of several cases covering the SDLC involving the same small fictitious public corporation, Casey's Collections. Upon completion of the case, students should have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the process of IS strategic decision making. In addition, students should better understand how to identify an information system's needs and prepare system proposals based on the generation and analysis of alternative solutions. This case is suitable for students in an introductory or graduate accounting systems course; it is also appropriate for use in a IS course on systems analysis and design.
Direct, indirect and total effects of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination on invasive pneumococcal disease in children in Navarra, Spain, 2001 to 2014: cohort and case–control study
Authors: Guevara Marcela , Barricarte Aurelio , Torroba Luis , Herranz Mercedes , Gil-Setas Alberto , Gil Francisco , Bernaola Enrique , Ezpeleta Carmen , Castilla Jesús ,   Working Group for Surveillance of the Pneumococcal Invasive Disease in Navarra
Published: April 2016

We estimated the direct, indirect and total effects of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children. A population-based cohort study followed children aged between 2.5 and 59 months between 2001 and 2014 in Navarra, Spain. IPD incidence was compared by PCV status and period. All cases diagnosed from July 2010 to December 2014 and eight matched controls per case were analysed to estimate the adjusted direct effect of PCV13. A total of 120,980 children were followed and 206 IPD cases were detected. Compared with unvaccinated children in the baseline period (2001–2004), overall IPD incidence in 2011–2014 (76% average PCV coverage) declined equally in vaccinated (total effect: 76%; hazard ratio (HR): 0.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14–0.40) and unvaccinated children (indirect effect: 78%; HR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.09–0.55). IPD incidence from non-PCV13 serotypes increased among vaccinated children (HR: 2.84; 95% CI: 1.02–7.88). The direct effect of one or more doses of PCV13 against vaccine serotypes was 95% (odds ratio: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.01–0.55). PCV13 was highly effective in preventing vaccine-serotype IPD. The results suggest substantial and similar population-level vaccine benefits in vaccinated and unvaccinated children through strong total and indirect effects.
Vibrio cholerae non-O1 bacteraemia: description of three cases in the Netherlands and a literature review
Authors: Engel Madelon F , Muijsken Mariette A , Mooi-Kokenberg Esther , Kuijper Ed J , van Westerloo David J
Published: April 2016

Vibrio choleraenon-O1 serogroup (VCNO) bacteraemia is a severe condition with a high case–fatality rate. We report three cases diagnosed in the Netherlands, identified during a national microbiological congress, and provide a literature review on VCNO bacteraemia. A search strategy including synonyms for 'VCNO' and ‘bacteraemia' was applied to PubMed, Medline, Web of Science and Embase databases. The three cases were reported in elderly male patients after fish consumption and/or surface water contact. The literature search yielded 82 case reports on 90 cases and six case series. Thirty case reports were from Asia (30/90; 33%), concerned males (67/90; 74%), and around one third (38/90; 42%) involved a history of alcohol abuse and/or liver cirrhosis The presenting symptom often was gastroenteritis (47/90; 52%) which occurred after seafood consumption in 32% of the cases (15/47).Aside from the most frequent symptom being fever, results of case series concurred with these findings. Published cases also included rare presentations e.g. endophthalmitis and neonatal meningitis. Based on the limited data available, cephalosporins seemed the most effective treatment. Although mainly reported in Asia, VCNO bacteraemia occurs worldwide. While some risk factors for VCNO were identified in this study, the source of infection remains often unclear. Clinical presentation may vary greatly and therefore a quick microbiological diagnosis is indispensable.
Les espaces de coworking
Authors: Fabbri Julie , Charue-Duboc Florence
Published: April 2016

Alors que le numérique se généralise, de nouveaux espaces de travail physiques, comme les espaces de coworking, se multiplient et rencontrent un engouement mondial. Dans cet article, les auteurs présentent trois espaces de coworking pour entrepreneurs innovants à travers l’étude d’une petite entreprise de services y ayant successivement localisé son activité. Ils montrent que les espaces de coworking constituent un type original d’intermédiaire d’innovation ouverte favorisant des contacts multiples et capable de soutenir des dynamiques de collaboration multi-acteurs, tout en ayant une autonomie économique. Les auteurs présentent quatre composantes d’intermédiation, ayant la spécificité d’être spatialement ancrées, qui peuvent conduire au développement de nouvelles offres.
Gérer l’ouverture dans unbusiness modelmultiface
Authors: Parmentier Guy , Gandia Romain
Published: April 2016

La révolution numérique est un levier pour la création de nouveauxbusiness modelsouverts sur internet. Toutefois, l’ouverture reste complexe à mettre en œuvre dans une architecture traditionnelle debusiness modelcar elle implique des risques et contraintes difficiles à gérer. Dans cette perspective, nous mobilisons la littérature sur les plateformes multifaces et deux études de cas dans le jeu vidéo en ligne pour proposer une architecture multiface, plus adaptée à la gestion de l’ouverture. En créant des faces complémentaires sur la proposition de valeur mais interdépendantes sur la création et la capture de valeur, il est possible d’ouvrir une partie du business model, pour accéder aux bénéfices de l’ouverture tout en limitant ses contraintes.
Managers et espions
Authors: Laroche Hervé , Théron Christelle
Published: April 2016

En 2011, le constructeur automobile Renault licencie brutalement trois cadres soupçonnés d’espionnage industriel. Ils se révèleront en fait être innocents. Si c’est l’extraordinaire erreur décisionnelle qui saute aux yeux, l’analyse approfondie de celle-ci révèle plusieurs processus déviants au sein des organisations : paranoïa organisationnelle, persistance dans l’action inadéquate nourrie par le secret et le mensonge, développement de micro-institutions aux pratiques déviantes. Ces processus nous invitent à réfléchir sur les écueils possibles guettant les acteurs organisationnels.