bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlação entre qualidade de vida e morbidade do cuidador de idoso com acidente vascular encefálico
Authors: Santos Nilce Maria de Freitas , Tavares Darlene Mara dos Santos
Published: September 2012

Este estudo objetivou descrever as características sociodemográficas e a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores de idosos com histórico de acidente vascular cerebral e correlacionar o número de morbidades com os escores de qualidade de vida do cuidador. Inquérito domiciliar transversal que entrevistou cuidadores de idosos utilizando-se de instrumentos: semi-estruturado; World Health Organization Quality of Life-abreviado e Brazilian Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire. Foi realizada análise descritiva e correlação de Pearson (p<0,05). Prevaleceu o sexo feminino (93,5%), idade média de 55,4±14,17 anos, casados ou moram com companheiro (58,7%), com 4| - 8 anos de estudo (28,3%) e renda de 1 salário mínimo (34,8%). O maior escore de qualidade de vida foi no domínio relações sociais (67,57) e, menor no meio ambiente (54,82). O maior número de morbidades do cuidador correlacionou-se com menores escores em todos os domínios de qualidade de vida.
Dominação e contrapoder: o candomblé no fogo cruzado entre construções e desconstruções de diferença e significado
Authors: Hofbauer Andreas
Published: September 2012

Este ensaio debate a questão da dominação e do contrapoder com base no exemplo de alguns momentos específicos da história do candomblé. Partindo de uma reflexão sobre perspectivas teóricas antropológicas e pós-coloniais recentes sobre cultura, identidade e poder, procura-se mostrar que o candomblé se apresenta como um campo disputado, não apenas internamente, mas, inclusive, no que diz respeito à sua delimitação externa. Argumenta-se que uma aproximação entre olhares antropológicos e preocupações pós-coloniais pode ajudar a entender melhor como os agentes sociais tecem, por meio da articulação de signos e significados, relações de poder ao mesmo tempo em que promovem atos de identificação e de delimitação; e, como este processo contribui para a construção e desconstrução dos cenários de dominação e de contrapoder.
Governamentalidade e democracia liberal: novas abordagens em Teoria Política
Authors: Avelino Nildo
Published: September 2012

No curso inédito Du gouvernement des vivants (1980), Foucault introduziu o tema da anarqueologia que aborda o governo dos homens pela verdade. Este artigo procura situar a anarqueologia na contribuição mais importante de Foucault para o debate com a Teoria Política: os estudos em governamentalidade. Ao conferir maior grau de complexidade às investigações de Foucault acerca do poder, a anarqueologia possibilita repensar a força causal dos discursos na prática política e estabelecer interlocuções no debate sobre as democracias liberais e a constituição do Sujeito democrático no interior do seu campo reflexivo.
Emergência e vigor de plântulas de genótipos de feijão-caupi sob estresse salino
Authors: Almeida Wener S. de , Fernandes Francisco R. B. , Bertini Cândida H. C. de M. , Pinheiro Marcelo de S. , Teófilo Elizita M.
Published: September 2012

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar o efeito da salinidade da água de irrigação no feijão-caupi e identificar genótipos tolerantes ao estresse salino nos estádios iniciais do seu desenvolvimento. Os níveis de condutividade elétrica da água foram: 0; 2,5; 5,0 e 7,5 dS m-1. A tolerância do feijão-caupi foi avaliada através da redução relativa de matéria seca da parte aérea de cada genótipo. Os resultados foram comparados e analisados pelo teste de Scott-Knott, a 0,05 de probabilidade. Todas as variáveis foram afetadas pelo aumento da salinidade da água de irrigação. O genótipo CE-182 mostrou-se mais tolerante nos níveis 2,5, 5,0 e 7,5 dS m-1 na água salinizada com solução de NaCl. No caso da solução salinizada pela mistura dos sais, os genótipos CE-9 e CE-551 foram mais tolerantes.
Estoque de carbono no solo e agregados em Argissolo sob diferentes manejos de longa duração
Authors: Hickmann Clério , Costa Liovando M. da
Published: September 2012

Este trabalho propôs avaliar o teor e o estoque de carbono orgânico total, no solo e nos agregados de um Argissolo Vermelho amarelo sob sistemas de manejo convencional com preparos por arado de disco, arado de disco mais grade pesada, somente grade pesada e o sistema plantio direto, em experimento conduzido ao longo de 23 anos, na Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais. Um remanescente de floresta nativa foi utilizado como referência. Amostras de solo foram coletadas em camadas visando avaliar o teor de carbono orgânico total com base em massa de solo, em seu estoque no solo em profundidade e no teor de carbono orgânico total em macro, meso e microagregados. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que, no longo prazo, o sistema plantio direto estocou 1,5 Mg ha-1 de carbono orgânico total na camada superficial; já no manejo convencional o balanço foi negativo, ou seja, o solo perdeu em torno de 1,0 Mg ha-1 de carbono orgânico. Não houve recuperação de carbono nas camadas mais profundas, de todos os manejos avaliados. O teor de carbono orgânico total em agregados variou conforme o tamanho e a forma de manejo adotado, verificando-se maior acúmulo nos macroagregados.
Variabilidade espacial de cálcio, magnésio, fósforo, potássio no solo e produtividade da pimenta-do-reino
Authors: Santos Eduardo O. de J. , Gontijo Ivoney , Nicole Lucas R.
Published: September 2012

A pimenta-do-reino é uma importante fonte de renda para o produtor rural, razão por que é uma espécie predominantemente cultivada por pequenos produtores porém ainda é pouco conhecida a relação da variação espacial dos nutrientes e da produtividade da cultura. Objetivou-se, no presente trabalho, descrever a variabilidade espacial do Ca, Mg, K, P no solo e a produtividade de uma lavoura de pimenta-do-reino, cultivada em um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico. O experimento foi conduzido em uma lavoura de pimenta-do-reino, no município de São Mateus, ES, plantada no espaçamento 3,0 x 1,8 m. O projeto foi instalado em uma malha retangular de 100 x 120 m. Em cada ponto amostral foram coletadas amostras de solo, na profundidade de 0-0,20 m e determinada a produtividade, totalizando 126 pontos, com distância mínima de 5 m. Os dados foram submetidos à análise geoestatística. Observou-se estrutura de dependência espacial moderada e forte para os atributos químicos estudados. O estudo da variabilidade espacial dos atributos químicos do solo mostrou-se como ferramenta relevante na compreensão do comportamento dos nutrientes no solo podendo ser fundamental no auxílio à tomada de decisão que vise à maior produtividade da lavoura.
Produção de mudas de almeirão e cultivo no campo, em sistema agroecológico
Authors: Pereira Dercio C. , Grutzmacher Priscila , Bernardi Francieli H. , Mallmann Larissa S. , Costa Luiz A. de M. , Costa Mônica S. S. de M.
Published: September 2012

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar o desenvolvimento das mudas de almeirão em diferentes substratos orgânicos e verificar o comportamento em bandejas, após o transplante no campo e na pós-colheita, constituindo três experimentos. Foram avaliados o uso do substrato comercial e quatro misturas de proporções de composto, areia e pó de basalto. Foram quatro fases de avaliação: aos 13 e 26 dias após a emergência (DAE), aos 74 dias após o transplante e na pós-colheita. Avaliaram-se o comprimento e a massa da matéria seca de raiz e de parte aérea, número de folhas por planta, diâmetro do coleto, área foliar e a conservação pós-colheita. O composto orgânico e as misturas foram superiores ao substrato comercial, na maioria das características avaliadas nos 13 e 26 DAE; entretanto, o substrato comercial superou os demais tratamentos para o comprimento de raiz. Os substratos orgânicos (T2 e T3) podem ser recomendados para a produção de mudas de almeirão com desenvolvimento satisfatório em sistema de cultivo em bandejas e a campo e, de igual forma, em pós-colheita; o uso de composto orgânico como substrato para produção de mudas propiciou o desenvolvimento de mudas mais vigorosas e plantas mais resistentes no campo do que o substrato comercial.
Electric signals for separation of earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniÃ¦)
Authors: Moraes Maria J. de , Oliveira Filho Delly , Martins José H. , Santos Luiz C.
Published: September 2012

The worm Eudrilus eugeniÃ¦ is a species adapted to tropical climates and is highly demanded as fishing bait, therefore possessing high economic value. Separation of worms from humus is typically performed by manual, mechanical, behavioral and electric methods. The objective of this study was to characterize electric pulses for separation of worms (Eudrilus eugeniÃ¦) from humus. To determine separation efficiency of worms from humus, a controlled pulse generator was used with frequencies of 1 and 5 Hz, voltages of 100 and 200Â V, peak widths of 2, 3 and 4 x 10-3 s and exposure times of 15 and 30 min. The electrical pulse characteristics which resulted in greatest separation efficiency were: 1 Hz, 2 x 10-3 s and 200Â V; and the maximum displacement index was 80% which occurred under these conditions. The survival index was 100% for the pulses which resulted in the greatest separation indices.
Formação docente: reflexões sobre o estágio curricular
Authors: Rosa Jeâni Kelle Landre , Weigert Célia , Souza Ana Cristina Gonçalves de Abreu
Published: September 2012

O presente artigo apresenta reflexões e discussões sobre a importância e o papel do estágio curricular na formação prática de alunos do curso de licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas. A partir da análise do estágio curricular dos acadêmicos do 7º e 9º período, foram identificados os aspectos favoráveis e desfavoráveis e formuladas sugestões que visam melhorar a qualidade do mesmo. A pesquisa acerca da realidade e dos problemas do estágio supervisionado foi realizada por meio de análise documental (diário de campo e narrativas) e questionários. Com auxílio da literatura especializada, conseguimos aprofundar a compreensão dos mecanismos de articulação entre teoria e prática no cotidiano escolar, o que poderá contribuir para a construção de um currículo mais coerente com a realidade da sala de aula da Educação Básica.
Professor pesquisador - educação científica: o estágio com pesquisa na formação de professores para os anos iniciais
Authors: Oliveira Caroline Barroncas de , Gonzaga Amarildo Menezes
Published: September 2012

Pesquisa desenvolvida durante período de estágio de docência, na disciplina Pesquisa e Prática Pedagógica II, no 9º período do curso de licenciatura em Pedagogia da Escola Normal Superior da Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, centrada no seguinte problema de investigação: como contribuição para a consolidação da educação científica, que impactos um plano de ação pode gerar na formação de professores para os anos iniciais, considerando-se, prioritariamente, as possibilidades de ressignificação da concepção de professor pesquisador centrada na articulação entre estágio-pesquisa? Os fundamentos do percurso metodológico foram subsidiados pela pesquisa participante, consolidada a partir de um plano de ação, constituído de quatro fases: diagnóstico, elaboração, execução e avaliação. Constatou-se que a formação do professor pesquisador, quando ressignificada a partir da concepção do estágio com pesquisa, é uma alternativa inovadora e capaz de contribuir no desenvolvimento da educação científica, em processos de formação de professores.
Tagging microsatellite marker to a blast resistance gene in the irrigated rice cultivar Cica-8
Authors: Pinheiro Thiago Martins , Araújo Leila Garcês de , Silva-Lobo Valácia Leme da , Prabhu Anne Sitarama , Filippi Marta Cristina de
Published: September 2012

The rice cultivar Cica-8 exhibit differential reaction to several pathotypes of Magnaporthe oryzae. The objective of the present investigation was to determine the number of alleles involved in the expression of resistance to leaf blast and identify microsatellite markers linked to these alleles. A cross between cultivar Metica-1 and Cica-8 susceptible and resistant, respectively, to pathotype IB-1 (Py1049) was made to obtain F1, F2, BC1:1 and BC1:2 progenies. Greenhouse tests for leaf blast reaction showed that resistance is controlled by a monogenic dominant gene. For testing microsatellite markers, DNA of both resistant and susceptible parents and F1 and F2 populations was extracted. As expected for single dominant gene the F2 populations segregated at a ratio of 3:1. Of the 11 microsatellite markers tested, one marker RM 7102 was found to be closely linked to the resistant allele at a distance of 2.7 cM, in the cultivar Cica-8 to pathotype IB-1.
Phenotypic correlations between combining abilities of F2 cowpea populations
Authors: Carvalho Leonardo Castelo Branco , Silva Kaesel Jackson Damasceno e , Rocha Maurisrael de Moura , Sousa Massaine Bandeira de , Pires Carolline de Jesús , Nunes José Airton Rodrigues
Published: September 2012

Cowpea is a crop that has become socio-economically relevant, mainly in developing countries. Correlation studies are important to determine the association between quantitative traits and yield to guide the selection, i.e., choose direct or indirect selection. The objective was to estimate the correlations between six agronomic traits in cowpea as well as the correlations between the estimates of combining abilities of parents. Genotypes with high pod weight and pod length, 100-grain weight, and number of beans per pod should be used to improve grain yield in cowpea. The breeder should preferably insert plants into his group of crosses that have a high combining ability for pod length, number of grains per pod and yield per plot.
Experimental plant communities develop phylogenetically overdispersed abundance distributions during assembly
Authors: Allan Eric , Jenkins Tania , Fergus Alexander J. F. , Roscher Christiane , Fischer Markus , Petermann Jana , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Schmid Bernhard
Published: September 2012

The importance of competition between similar species in driving community assembly is much debated. Recently, phylogenetic patterns in species composition have been investigated to help resolve this question: phylogenetic clustering is taken to imply environmental filtering, and phylogenetic overdispersion to indicate limiting similarity between species. We used experimental plant communities with random species compositions and initially even abundance distributions to examine the development of phylogenetic pattern in species abundance distributions. Where composition was held constant by weeding, abundance distributions became overdispersed through time, but only in communities that contained distantly related clades, some with several species (i.e., a mix of closely and distantly related species). Phylogenetic pattern in composition therefore constrained the development of overdispersed abundance distributions, and this might indicate limiting similarity between close relatives and facilitation/complementarity between distant relatives. Comparing the phylogenetic patterns in these communities with those expected from the monoculture abundances of the constituent species revealed that interspecific competition caused the phylogenetic patterns. Opening experimental communities to colonization by all species in the species pool led to convergence in phylogenetic diversity. At convergence, communities were composed of several distantly related but species‐rich clades and had overdispersed abundance distributions. This suggests that limiting similarity processes determine which species dominate a community but not which species occur in a community. Crucially, as our study was carried out in experimental communities, we could rule out local evolutionary or dispersal explanations for the patterns and identify ecological processes as the driving force, underlining the advantages of studying these processes in experimental communities. Our results show that phylogenetic relations between species provide a good guide to understanding community structure and add a new perspective to the evidence that niche complementarity is critical in driving community assembly.
Seeing the forest and the trees: multilevel models reveal both species and community patterns
Authors: Jackson Michelle M. , Turner Monica G. , Pearson Scott M. , Ives Anthony R.
Published: September 2012

Studies designed to understand species distributions and community assemblages typically use separate analytical approaches (e.g., logistic regression and ordination) to model the distribution of individual species and to relate community composition to environmental variation. Multilevel models (MLMs) offer a promising strategy for integrating species and community‐level analyses. Here, we demonstrate how MLMs can be used to analyze differences in species composition of communities across environmental gradients. We first use simulated data to show that MLMs can outperform three standard methods that researchers use to identify environmental drivers of the species composition of communities, redundancy analysis (RDA), canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). In particular, MLMs can separate the effects of collinearity among environmental drivers and factor out the effect of changes in overall species abundances or occurrences that do not involve changes in composition. We then apply MLMs to presence/absence data for 14 species of understory herbs and topographic, biotic, and edaphic variables measured in 54 forested plots in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. In addition to providing information about community composition, MLMs simultaneously identify the responses of individual species to the environmental variables. Thus, MLMs not only have potentially superior statistical properties in analyses of community composition compared to standard methods, but they simultaneously provide detailed information about species‐specific responses underlying the changes in community composition.
A Prospective Investigation of the Relationship Between Child Maltreatment and Indicators of Adult Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Herrenkohl Todd I. , Klika J. Bart , Herrenkohl Roy C. , Russo M. Jean , Dee Tamara
Published: September 2012

The study of psychological well-being will advance understanding of child maltreatment effects and resilience processes. In this study, the mean level of anger in adulthood was significantly higher for those identified three decades earlier as having been maltreated. Mean levels of self-esteem, autonomy, purpose in life, perceived (fewer) constraints, and happiness and satisfaction were lower for those who were maltreated according to child welfare reports. Officially recorded child maltreatment was moderately (r < .30) correlated with several psychological well-being indicators and predictive of adult anger, self-esteem, autonomy, and happiness/life satisfaction after accounting for childhood socioeconomic status (SES), gender, and other sources of data on child abuse and neglect. Parent-reported abusive disciplining also uniquely predicted several outcomes, as did a measure of observed child neglect to a lesser extent.
Correlates of Serious Violent Crime for Recently Released Parolees With a History of Homelessness
Authors: Nyamathi Adeline , Marlow Elizabeth , Zhang Sheldon , Hall Elizabeth , Farabee David , Marfisee Mary , Khalilifard Farinaz , Faucette Mark , Leake Barbara
Published: September 2012

This study used baseline data on recently released paroled men who are homeless (N = 157), residing in a residential drug treatment program, and enrolled in a longitudinal study to examine personal, developmental, and social correlates of parolees who are homeless and who have committed serious violent offenses. Having experienced childhood sexual abuse, poor parental relationships, and early-onset incarceration (prior to 21 years of age) were important correlates of serious violent crimes. These findings highlight the need for interventions that address offenders’ prior adult and childhood victimization and suggest that policies for reentering violent offenders should encompass an understanding of the broader family contexts in which these patterns of maltreatment often occur.
The Bakken: Utilizing a Petroleum System Based Analysis to Optimally Exploit One of the World's Largest Oil Deposits
Authors: Alcoser L. , Ovalle A. , Parsons M.
Published: September 2012

This paper is a comprehensive literature survey and analysis of the Bakken Oil play, Williston Basin, which is one of the largest known oil accumulations in the world. This analysis includes; examining reservoir characterization and resource assessments, and evaluating project economics as well as current operators activities. These characteristics and assessments are then used to better understand and put context around the current drilling and completion best practices as well as water handling and operational constraints. The paper thoroughly analyzes the prolific Bakken petroleum system and describes the successful application of technologies and efficient operating practices that have enabled current Bakken production to increase to the cusp of the 500,000 BOPD mark.

The hydrocarbon charge comes from two very organic-rich shales, which have matured and expelled oil both into the fractured clastic layer that separates them and the fractured mixed clastics and carbonates that bound them above and below. Where the upper and lower Bakken shale members are both thick and mature, the middle member has high residual oil saturation and high fracture density. Although the natural fractures are well interconnected over large portions of the basin, the highest resource density occurs in areas with the highest fracture densities. Through rapid dynamic evolution and application of new horizontal drilling and multistage fracturing technologies, this prolific play has experienced a recent resurgence in activity. Today, operators are able to produce the Bakken at reported rates of up to 7,000 bopd, utilizing (typical) well designs consisting of horizontal wells with 10,000’ nominal lateral lengths, stimulated with 18–36+ fracture stimulation stages. Since 2000, Bakken activity has surged, with 1,946 horizontal wells completed between January 2000 and July 2010. Operators, from small private firms to large public multinationals, are continuing to invest heavily in the Bakken.

The continuation of this rapid pace of development has led to many challenges, including; water supply and handling challenges, increased infrastructure and human resource demands, and environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, the industry continues to rise to meet these challenges and is betting on continued Bakken success.
Rapid Work Flows for Accurately Determining Optimal Horizontal Well Spacing and Fracture Cluster Spacing
Authors: Buchwalter James L , Craig Mark , Wardlow Richard
Published: September 2012

This paper will discuss how accurate infill well development strategies for horizontal wells are efficiently developed using production and pressures from vertical discovery wells.

The work flow requires developing pattern* models for the vertical wells using best engineering assumptions for parameters, and then improving the reservoir description in the models using computer assisted history matching. The resulting rock properties are mapped between wells using a Kriging geostatistic algorithm. In the final step, different horizontal well locations and completion strategies are investigated to create an optimal well spacing and completion strategy. Close agreement between model production forecasts and recent horizontal well production and pressure records validates the accuracy of the approach.
Identifying Arbitrage Opportunities in Today's Energy Market Utilizing Portfolio Optimization, the Efficient Frontier Method, Risk Management and Market Correlations
Authors: Alcoser L.
Published: September 2012

This paper outlines an innovative technique for identifying and subsequently optimizing superior investments in the energy sector, both from the point of view from the individual and institutional investor. The first step presents how to organize perspective energy stocks and then subsequently calculate expected returns based on historical stock prices. The expected return results from the selected energy stocks are then contrasted against the S&P 500 performance over the same period to eventually illustrate the energy stocks generally performed significantly better than the market over the past 5 years. The next step outlines how to calculate and determine the optimum energy portfolio utilizing advanced portfolio theory and the efficient frontier methodology. Analysis of this optimum portfolio indicates that the optimal portfolio mix, for the given stocks, is comprised of nine energy stocks and his heavily leveraged in Super Major stock. Finally, risk mitigation strategies are discussed and a workflow for optimizing portfolio diversification is presented. The results of which indicate that seven individual stocks were needed to effectively diversify a portfolio of positively correlateable stocks to a point where the standard deviation of the portfolio would be below 8%. This information can be used by investors to identify trends and arbitrage opportunities in the energy sector. In addition, this information can be used by operating companies to effectively contrast their performance versus their peers and the sector as a whole in an effort to attract new investors and secure market confidence. Additionally, individuals and institutions can use the information and techniques presented to optimize their own risk management strategies.
Impact of Uncertainty in Estimation of Shale Gas Reservoir and Completion Properties on EUR Forecast and Optimal Development Planning: A Marcellus Case Study
Authors: Jayakumar R. , Rai Rakesh
Published: September 2012

The use of multi-stage fractured horizontal wells has made production from shale gas plays feasible. The production history from these wells is characterized by long transient linear transient flow. The key reservoir (nature) and completion (nurture) properties that impact flow behavior of the well are permeability, Original Hydrocarbon in Place (OHIP), number of hydraulic fractures, fracture area and fracture spacing. Understanding the interrelationship between these parameters is critical for optimal development of shale gas resource plays. The proposed shale gas workflow uses a hybrid analytical model. An analytics based diagnostic process analyzes well performance history and a numerical model validates the feasible history match models for representative forecasts. The model results allow the user to capture the range of uncertainty in estimating individual reservoir or completion properties, such as permeability, fracture area, fracture spacing, etc. The diagnostic process provides the relationship between key factors dictating well performance such as OHIP, effective fracture area, effective reservoir permeability, effective fracture spacing and well spacing. In this paper, wells from the Marcellus play, in Pennsylvania, USA are evaluated using the proposed shale gas workflow. Surveillance is an integral part of this workflow. The paper shows how surveillance can be used for resource management and exception management. Along with data mining, the workflow accelerates the learning curve to evaluate the effectiveness of current field practices. The results help with understanding the effectiveness of proppant pumped, the potential number of contributing clusters and production issues. Continued surveillance reduces the uncertainty surrounding all parameters. This knowledge base can then be used to optimize the asset development strategy, maximizing the return on investment (ROI).
The Economic Folly of Chasing Schedules in Oil Developments and the Unintended Consequences of Such Strategies
Authors: Nandurdikar Neeraj S. , Kirkham Peter Michael
Published: September 2012

Most oil and gas executives and financial analysts have long believed that minimizing the time to first oil is one of the most important parameters to maximize the economic value of exploration and production (E&P) projects. This belief has driven project teams and oil company executives to push ever faster schedules. Our data show that chasing fast project schedules inadvertently destroys more value than it creates. We use a detailed database of oil and gas projects to conduct a rigorous statistical analysis, comparing project economics promised at sanction to the actual results achieved. Using performance data from the database, we can statistically quantify the change in expected outcomes (cost, production, reserves), and therefore the net present value (NPV) realized, as a result of different schedule targets.

The results show that chasing aggressive first oil dates has a consistent negative effect on NPV because of worse than expected cost and production attainment. These effects are more damaging than the loss of value that occurs if a project is slowed down early in the project cycle to improve the quality of front-end preparation and planning that helps to mitigate cost and production attainment shortfalls.

When speed becomes paramount, reservoir appraisal and project definition phases are shortened projects proceed without high-quality basic subsurface data, and often short-cut crucial planning phases. As the quality of data and planning degrades, teams are forced to make more assumptions, which increases uncertainty in cost, production, and reserves estimates. During execution, these major uncertainties, along with incomplete data and planning, drive cost growth, reserves downgrades, production shortfalls and, ironically, schedule slip. The poor than expected outcomes have a negative influence on the project economics, but are often ignored by economic models.

In all projects there are choices to be made that lead to trade-offs between cost, schedule and production. Many companies prioritize their focus primarily on meeting their schedule and then, cost targets in order to achieve maximum economic returns. The reason production is often not part of the trade-off is because because of the belief that there is no trade-off between schedule and production, only between schedule and cost. Our analysis provides evidence to the contrary leading us to conclude that the order of priority should be reversed. We go beyond this observation and provide the reader with insights into how the unintended consequences of certain project drivers can be incorporated into more realistic economic models.
Reining In the Data Junkies -- Having the Guts Not to Appraise
Authors: Burdett Patrick O. , Haskett William J.
Published: September 2012

With multi-billion dollar price tags for developments in deepwater, it is important to be prudent in reducing subsurface risk. But ultimately, the deepwater oil and gas business is a risky one, and sometimes the best course forward is to stop looking for unobtainable information and just proceed with development. And at $100+ million per well, deepwater appraisal is certainly not the place to be conducting science experiments. Subsurface experts are always hungry for more information, but this is not the realm of information for its own sake. Unless an appraisal well can affect key development decisions, it should probably be forgone. This paper reviews an actual application of a value of information (VOI) approach to putting a number on the value that each of several different appraisal wells could add to a potential development. The theoretical basis of this analysis has been covered by other authors -- the focus here is on the practical application of the method and advice on carrying it out.

A VOI assessment is made on three proposed appraisal well targets in a discovered deepwater oil field. A standard application of VOI is used, using several key subsurface risks and uncertainties as the learning priorities for appraisal. These are built into a reservoir model and incorporated into an Experimental Design process to derive a regression equation for ultimate recoverable oil. Decision trees using discrete realizations as endpoints and an economic model are used to understand the various development decision paths with no additional information, with perfect information, and with imperfect information on the target uncertainties.

The assessment of two of the three appraisal targets does not show enough information to change the original development plan. While the information does affect the estimate of ultimate recoverable oil, it does not change well placement, the optimal host capacity, or the basic Go/No-go decision on the development. A third target, penetrating multiple potential stacked reservoirs, does show the potential to materially change the development plan and is pursued. In the analysis, several factors are critical, including:

clarity on the reference case decision with no additional information; clear benchmarks on threshold economic criteria; good reliability assessments and sensitivity testing; a good Design of Experiments process incorporating all key uncertainties; inputs from development planners and engineers to understand the impact of subsurface information on the development plan.

The approach is able to put a dollar value on appraisal information and tie subsurface uncertainties directly back to critical development decisions. The analysis uses inputs that are all currently available or readily obtained from the project team. Most importantly, the analysis shifts the focus of appraisal from uncertainty to decisions, and this shift in perspective can have a profound effect on how a company approaches appraisal.
Leveraging Stochastic Analysis to Optimize Pioneer Natural Resources’ Spraberry Trend Portfolio
Authors: Nelson Scott L. , Hudson Jeffery W. , Hooker Andrew
Published: September 2012

Prompted by the need to fully characterize a 10,000 plus undrilled well inventory, Pioneer Natural Resources began using a stochastic system to evaluate its Spraberry Trend portfolio. The system incorporated methods advocated in the recently published SPEE Monograph 3, "Guidelines for the Practical Evaluation of Undeveloped Reserves in Resource Plays." This paper reviews the tools and processes employed to statistically value Pioneer's undeveloped potential across its Spraberry Trend acreage. Clearly defining the entire well inventory enabled Pioneer to economically optimize the development of its entire Spraberry Trend portfolio.

Evaluating opportunities using a stochastic process enables the historical production performance to be analyzed over a broad test area as opposed to being confined to a location's "direct offsets". The Spraberry Trend has a large existing well count that can be leveraged for statistical analysis. However, its complex development history and variability in vertical well production horizons can make this difficult. To adjust for these impedances, analogue well sets were defined by generating standardized multi-zone production groups and categorizing the increased density drilling by well vintage. Several unique tools and an extensive individually forecasted well data set were created to increase the efficiency of the process.

A robust statistical definition of Pioneer's entire Spraberry asset facilitated the optimization of its entire Pioneer portfolio through: allocation of the 36 rig program based on economics and land requirements, comparing potential acquisitions to the current portfolio, and increasing clarity of the Net Asset Value of the Spraberry.

Methods reviewed in this paper have applications beyond portfolio optimization; Pioneer has already modified these stochastic evaluation methods to book proved reserves across its acreage position in the Spraberry Trend. Additionally, other operators could employ similar techniques for economic assessments of their portfolios in other resource plays.
A Foilized Polyethylene Pouch for the Prevention of Transmission of HIV from Mother to Child
Authors: Malkin Robert , Howard Caroline
Published: September 2012

Many children become HIV+ due to mother-to-child transmission, a risk that can be largely eliminated if infants ingest antiretroviral (ARV) medications immediately after birth. As most mothers in Africa deliver at home, the ARV must be provided at their last antenatal visit, sometimes months before birth. No current drug delivery system allows the mother to store the medication at home long enough to be effective. We propose a preserving, foilized, polyethylene pouch to be pre-dosed and sealed by a pharmacist for later delivery to the newborn.

Pouches were filled with 0.6 ml of Nevirapine (NVP). Thirty-three pouches were immediately studied to measure the impact of medication handling (oxygen, light, filling and sealing the pouches). The remaining samples were stored for up to one year at three storage conditions (25°C/60%RH, 30°C/65%RH, and 40°C/75%RH). Every two months, moisture loss, preservative concentration, impurity concentrations and NVP concentration were measured. Flora and fauna challenges were conducted.

The pouch nearly eliminated moisture loss: pouches lost less than 0.7% of their weight over twelve months. As expected, exposing the medication to light, oxygen, and handling significantly affected the sacrificial preservative concentrations (Propyl paraben dropped 38%, Methyl paraben dropped 12% at time point zero). However, after the initial time point, preservative levels were stable in the package over twelve months under all storage conditions (4.1% average concentration drop), leaving sufficient preservatives to protect the medication. The concentration of NVP changed an average of only 1.3% over all storage conditions and times points (maximum 1.4%).

We conclude that the foilized polyethylene pouch can preserve NVP, and perhaps other ARV’s, for up to one year.
Deep Foundation Numerical Analysis Using Modified Compression Modulus
Authors: Yousif Aziz Hussein , Ma Jianlin
Published: September 2012

This paper is a study on the behavior and prediction of settlement values of bridge pile foundations due to con-struction loads. Field test results show new field technique using the single point of account settlement meter to estimate the thickness of compressed layer in the deep soft soils which is considered as a difficult task in the field. The settlement is predicted using hyperbolic model and statistical regression. The statistical models indicate that the structure would re-main safe for a long period of time, and the field measurements are compared with the hyperbolic model results and those predicted by the statistical regression. The finite element Plaxis 3D Foundation program is used in the analysis with a new empirical equation to modify the input parameters represented by the soil compression modulus. The foundation soils are modeled with the Mohr-Coulomb plasticity material model. The piles are represented with pile elements, between the pile and the surrounding soil, interface elements are automatically generated by the program. In the analysis, the effects due to soil stiffness, pile length and pile spacing are considered. The calculated results for the simulation of the pile installation sequence are compared with the measured results obtained from the field monitoring. The results of the numerical analy-sis using the proposed empirical equation provide insight to the settlement analysis of pile groups in soft clayey soils and the finite element Plaxis 3D program can be a useful tool for numerical analysis. In this paper, the numerical analysis cal-culations are modified using a new empirical equation to calculate the compression modulus from those obtained from the test which modify the results of the settlement and thus become close to the reality. Finally, the numerical finite element analysis produced logical and conservative results as compared to the statistically derived equations and those calculated by hyperbolic model analysis. This scenario can be applied to the similar problems in the theoretical applications of bridge foundations.
Quelques elements pour introduire a la lecture de Rosenzweig
Authors: Bensussan Gérard
Published: September 2012

Par la guerre, la philosophie en son entier, ?l?id?alisme?,
s?av?re selon Rosenzweig dans son mensonge, c?est-?-dire dans sa fausset? ?
la fois ?pist?mologique et existentielle. Cette double le?on le portera ?
esquisser les contours d?un ?nouveau penser? issu du bris de la totalisation
universelle de toutes les particularit?s. Ce bris passera par la voix
revivifi?e de la r?sistance du singulier. Il faut alors s?interroger sur ce
que Rosenzweig nomme lui-m?me dans La pens?e nouvelle le ?syst?me? de
l?Etoile. En lisant ce ma?treouvrage, et en particulier sa deuxi?me partie,
on remarque la double fonctionnalit? de la R?v?lation. D?une part, elle
irradie l?ensemble du livre, le ?syst?me? en son entier en quelque sorte,
c?est-?-dire les parties I et III, la Cr?ation aussi bien que la R?demption.
D?autre part, la R?v?lation rev?t un sens ?troit: elle r?v?le la Cr?ation,
elle r?v?le la R??demption et elle s?autor?v?le comme ??me aim?e? dans
l?ips?it? tragique du soi. Au sens fort, ou large, seule existe la R?v?lation
d?un pass? cr?ationnel et d?un avenir r?dimant. L?Etoile dessine donc une
?conomie g?n?rale des flux, des multiplicit?s ouvertes les unes sur les
autres. Le ?syst?me? est un syst?me des temps (Schelling). Le Syst?me, c?est
la R?v?lation. Le ?philosopher dans la forme du monde ? que promeut
Rosenzweig s??claire de ce constat qui emporte ? son tour une repens?e du
rapport de la philosophie ? la religion.
Management's Role in Declining Productivity
Authors: Shetty Y. K.
Published: September 2012

When productivity decline is analyzed, two things always come up—government regulation and labor. Scattered evidence suggests that responsibility for our recent productivity decline may belong partly to management.
Selection and Training Procedures of U.S., European, and Japanese Multinationals
Authors: Tung Rosalie L.
Published: September 2012

The policies and practices of U.S., West European, and Japanese multinationals differ with respect to the procedures used for selecting personnel to fill positions overseas and the training programs used to prepare candidates.
The Product Portfolio and Man's Best Friend
Authors: Hambrick Donald C. , MacMillan Ian C.
Published: September 2012

Boston Consulting Group's Dogs reconsidered: Their efficiency, superior product quality, and focus mean high performance.
Webb-Pomerene and the Construction Industry
Authors: Rabino Samuel
Published: September 2012

The Webb-Pomerene Act exempts manufacturing associations formed for the purpose of export trade from the Sherman Antitrust Act. By combining together in export associations, small firms can compete with foreign cartels. A current move is to extend the act to include the service sector.
Organizing a Strategic Information Scanning System
Authors: Aaker David A.
Published: September 2012

For a strategic information scanning system to provide useful strategic information at a low cost when it is needed, it should focus on target information needs, allocate effort among those exposed to relevant information, and have an effective system for storing, processing, and disseminating information.
The “Internationalization” of the Japanese Economy
Authors: Johnson Chalmers
Published: September 2012

Foreign businesspeople have experienced difficulty in selling to or investing in the Japanese market. Often, they explain their frustration in terms of Japan's allegedly “closed” economy. This article explores why and how Japan's economy was closed and details efforts made in recent years to open it. It rejects the argument that Japan's culture is itself a nontariff barrier to trade and instead argues that Japanese government policy has been the main barrier. Underlying this analysis is a comparison of the Japanese capitalist developmental state and the American regulatory state.
Dealing with Premature Employee Turnover
Authors: Seybolt John W.
Published: September 2012

Focusing on the turnover intentions of present employees may help curb unwanted turnover. A model of work-role design can help determine which facets of work are critical in the prediction of premature turnover as well as suggest how these facets change during an employee's career.
Point of View: Corporate Social Responsibility in the Reagan Era and beyond
Authors: Frederick William C.
Published: September 2012

No significant gains in corporate social performance are to be expected during the Reagan era. Mandated social performance standards have been relaxed, and voluntary private initiatives cannot match social needs. One way to move beyond present levels of corporate social responsiveness is to form social partnerships or coalitions of business, government, labor unions, universities, and various community groups. These coalitions might be able to address social needs that are beyond the economic and technological reach of corporations acting alone.
Industrial Policy: A Solution in Search of a Problem
Authors: Schultze Charles L.
Published: September 2012

Evidence from the 1970s does not support the view that the United States is “deindustrializing.” Nor is there evidence that, in periods of normal (nonrecession) economic conditions, American labor and capital cannot successfully make the gradual but inevitable transition from older to newer industries and occupations. There is no need for a new “industrial policy” under which the federal government attempts to influence industrial structure by some combination of “picking the winners” and “protecting the losers.” Industrial policy is not the secret of Japanese industrial success. And in the American political and governmental structure, such a policy would almost surely do much more harm than good.
Can Industry Self-Regulation Work?
Authors: Garvin David A.
Published: September 2012

What has been our experience with industry self-regulation—the setting of standards, the policing of deceptive practices, and the grading of products by industry groups in the absence of federal or state regulation? What are its implications for effective public policy? The author reviews a number of examples of industry self-regulation, presents a simple classification scheme to help evaluate the social desirability of the practices that result, and concludes by suggesting that mixed systems combining industry standard setting with government oversight may be the most desirable policy option.
Managerial Values and Corporate Codes of Ethics
Authors: Cressey Donald R. , Moore Charles A.
Published: September 2012

An analysis of 119 corporation conduct codes suggests that top executives of American corporations only weakly shared the concern for social responsibility so often voiced by business leaders in the mid-1970s, when most of the codes were written. The documents give more attention to unethical conduct likely to decrease a firm's profits than to similar conduct that might increase profits. Familiarity with changing societal values is evident, but the executives that authored the codes tended to consider themselves, not the society or even apart of it, to be the conscience of the corporation. The codes have neither relieved organizational pressures to be unethical nor convinced opinion leaders that corporations have become more socially responsible in recent years.
Looking Back at Topeka: General Foods and the Quality-of-Work-Life Experiment
Authors: Whitsett David A. , Yorks Lyle
Published: September 2012

The Topeka Pet Food Plant has been one of the most highly publicized examples of organizational innovation in recent times. However, some of the publicity associated with it has been highly misleading. The authors offer a careful reexamination of the development and operation of the plant, outline the role that publicity has played in its history, and discuss the use of case studies in general.