bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE ENERGY SITUATION IN THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT
Authors: ABDALLAH HUSSEIN 
Published: October 2009

This article reviews the present energy situation in the Arab Republic of Egypt and planning for future development. The article presents energy demand and supply statistics reviewing current and past consumption and production as well as projections through the year 2000.Institutional changes introduced to enhance Egypt's capabilities in the fields of analysis, assessment and programming of energy are described, including the establishment of the Supreme Council of Energy and the regrouping of several ministries.The major constraints affecting Egyptian energy policies are reviewed, including the difficulty of changing the heavily subsidized price of fuel without affecting the overall social balance, limits on indigenous resources and rapid growth of demand. The article examines the critical energy issues that are being addressed in the context of a broad national energy planning effort.Cet article passe en revue la situation énergétique actuelle en République arabe d'Egypte et al planification pour la mise en valeur des ressources dans ce domaine. II présente des statistiques sur l'offre et la demande en énergie tout en examinant la production et la consommation actuelles et antérieures ainsi que les projections jusqu'à l'an 2000.L'article décrit les changements institutionnels qui ont été entroduits afin de mettre en valeur les capacités de l'Egypte dans les domaines de l'analyse, l'évaluation et la programmation en matière d'énergie, y compris la création d'un Conseil suprême de l'énergie et le regroupement de plusieurs ministères.Les contraintes majeures qui affectent l'Egypte dans le domaine de la politique énergétique sont examinées, y compris la difficulté de reconsidérer le prix du pétrole déjà fortement subventionné sans affecter l'équilibré social général, les limites des ressources indigènes et la croissance accélérée de la demande. L'article examine également, dans le domaine de l'énergie, les aspects critiques qui se situent dans le cadre d'un effort de planification énergétique au niveau national.Este articulo examine la situación de la energía y la planifcación de su futuro desarrollo en la República Arabe de Egipto. Las estadisticas sobre demanda y oferta de energía y su proyección al año 2000 son presentados. Se describe los cambios institucionales introducidos para acrecentar la capacidad del pais en analisar y programmar el desarrollo energético incluyendo el establecimiento del Consejo Supremo de Energia.Políticas de energía relacionadas con el subsidio de combustibles, el rápido crecimiento de la demanda y los limitados recursos son examinados. El artículo termina con la revisión de problemas críticos enfrentados en la planificación energética del país.
The Future Role of Natural Gas in Europe
Authors: SCHNEIDER HANS K. 
Published: October 2009

This paper provides an overview of the Western European natural gas market and discusses its future development. Price data are presented. Current utilization is evaluated and projection of future consumption of natural gas by market sectors is given. The factors effecting future demand for natural gas as well as those effecting price are evaluated. The author concludes that it is unlikely that natural gas reserves indigenous to Western Europe will be sufficient to meet future demands. Importation of natural gas from outside the area will be necessary. Potential natural gas exporters to Western Europe are identified.Cet article présente une vue d'ensemble du marché du gaz naturel de l'Europe occidentale et étudie ses possibilités de développement. II donne également des indications sur l'évolution des prix. De plus, il passe en revue son usage courant ainsi que les tendances de sa consommation future par marchés sectoriels. L'article étudie aussi les facteurs affectant la demande future de même que ceux affectant les prix. L'auteur conclut qu'il est peu probable que les réserves de gaz naturel domestique de l'Europe occidentale soient suffisantes pour répondre à la demande future. L'importation du gaz naturel apparaît donc comme une nécessité. Enfin, les exportateurs éventuels de gaz naturel à destination de l'Europe occidentale sont répertoriés.Este artículo presenta una visión general del mercado de gas natural en Europa Occidental y analiza su desarrollo futuro. Se presenta información sobre precios y se evalúa la utilización presente y proyección futura del consumo de gas natural por sectores. Se evalúa también los factores que afectan la demanda y precios futuros del gas. El autor concluye que es improbable que el gas natural de Europa Occidental sea suficiente para cubrir la demanda futura de gas. La importación de gas será por tanto necesaria. En el artículo se identifican los exportadores potenciales de gas natural destinado a Europa Occidental.
Tin Availability in Market Economy Countries
Authors: SABIN A.E. , BLEIWAS D.I. , PETERSON G.R. 
Published: October 2009

The U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Mines determined costs associated with the production of tin from 18 market economy countries (MECs). The resource and relative economic positions of 146 tin deposits were evaluated. Demonstrated resources of recoverable tin metal are estimated to be 2.8 million metric tons. Over 70% of this material is recoverable from three south‐east Asian countries ‐ Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia; all are members of the International Tin Agreement (ITA).In the last five years, Brazil has become a major, low‐cost tin producer. In light of their large resources Brazil has become a dominant MEC tin producer and one of the world's few tin producers that can prosper during a protracted period of low tin prices.
The Worldwide Availability of Gold
Authors: THOMAS P. R. , BOYLE E. H. , LUCAS J. M. 
Published: October 2009

This paper summarizes Bureau of Mines research relating to the state of the world gold industry. The authors discuss the world gold industry structure, demonstrated gold resources, current production, and the long‐term cost and availability of potential future gold production.The long‐term cost and availability of primary gold production from 111 significant producing mines and developing deposits in 13 market economy countries (MECs) is evaluated. Total recoverable gold available (as of January 1984) from the evaluated mines and deposits is estimated at 819 million troy ounces. The Republic of South Africa is estimated to account for 87% of total recoverable gold. The USA and Canada account for 4% and 4.5% of the total, respectively. Eighty‐three per cent of total recoverable gold is available at a constant 1984 break‐even price of $400 per ounce, and 70% is available at $300 per ounce. South Africa accounts for 90% of the gold available at $400 per ounce or less. Gold resources in the Soviet Union and China are discussed but not evaluated for costs of production. Some conclusions of the analyses are that South Africa should remain the largest world producer until the year 2000 and annual MEC output in the year 2000 should not be significantly different from current output, given constant 1984 gold prices of more than $300 per ounce.
The Economics of Geothermal Power Development in the Philippines
Authors: VASQUEZ NAZARIO C. 
Published: October 2009

In the Philippines the development of geothermal energy resources for electricity generation is undertaken by two independent agencies. One develops the steamfield and sells the steam. The second buys the steam, which, in the case of the Philippines, is the National Power Company (NPC), a government‐owned corporation mandated to produce electricity for sale and distribution to various consumers.One such steamfield developer is the Philippine National Oil Company‐Energy Development Corporation (PNOC/EDC), Geothermal Division. At present PNOC is operating in two areas, the Tongonan Field and the Palimpinon Field. This paper discusses the economics of the development of these two steamfields. Historical investments are presented for both. Past and projected additional investments up to commissioning for a new field are also presented. Variations in the investment levels for the three fields are discussed, and explanations for the variances are presented.
Utility of non‐timber forest products in a small watershed in the Indian Himalayas: the threat of its degradation
Authors: Singh Gopal S. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis study discusses the use of non‐timber forest products (NTFP), especially medicinal plants, by traditional communities in the western Himalaya, India. The great socio‐cultural diversity and ecological complexity of the region is also matched by an unusually large variety of forest species being used. A wide range of plants, comprising herbs, shrubs and trees are used for different domestic purposes, such as food, fodder, materials for construction and handicrafts. Wild plants also play a vital role in providing primary health care in the region. In earlier times, forest products were harvested only on a subsistence basis. However, in recent decades, factors such as rising market demand, increasing population pressure, and changes in socio‐cultural and socio‐economic values have led to overharvesting. It is now estimated that most of the useful wild herbs in the region are overexploited and some of them have become locally extinct. Government forestry policies have, in the past, exclusively emphasized plantation and management of trees and have, unfortunately, ignored non‐timber products, as these are usually of comparatively lesser economic importance. However, it is suggested that proper management of NTFP will help upgrade rural economies. Recommended policies to this effect include empowerment of local communities and their involvement in development plans as well as strengthening of indigenous knowledge. To foster sustainable use of NTFP, the following steps are also suggested: integrating traditional and scientific knowledge; safeguarding regeneration potential; cultivating wild species, making appropriate changes to extraction processes used; and establishing more transparency in prices and marketing channels.
Mining and sustainable development: considerations for minerals supply
Authors: Lambert Ian B. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractSustainable development involves meeting the needs of human societies while maintaining viable biological and physical Earth systems. The needs include minerals: metals, fuels, industrial and construction materials. There will continue to be considerable demand for virgin mineral resources, even if levels of recycling and efficiency of use are optimal, and rates of population growth and globalisation decrease significantly. This article aims to stimulate debate on strategic issues for minerals supply. While the world has considerable stocks of mineral resources overall, international considerations of the environmental and social aspects of sustainable development are beginning to result in limitations on where mining will be conducted and what types of deposits will be mined. Current and emerging trends favour large mines in parts of the world where mining can be conducted within acceptable limits of environmental and social impact. Finding new deposits that meet such criteria will be all the more challenging given a disturbing global decline in the rate of discovery of major economic resources over the last decade, and the decreasing land area available for exploration and mining.To attract responsible exploration and mining, governments of mining nations will need to provide: regional‐scale geo‐scientific datasets as required to attract and guide future generations of exploration; resource access through multiple and sequential land use regimes, and frameworks for dealing with indigenous peoples' issues; and arrangements for consideration of mining proposals and regulation of mines that ensure responsible management of environmental and social issues.The minerals industry will need to continue to pursue advances in technologies for exploration, mining, processing, waste management and rehabilitation, and in public reporting of environmental and social performance.
Investigation of the Relationship Between Stimulus Parameters and a Human Muscle Contraction Force During Stimulation of the Gastrocnemius Muscle
Authors: Kaczmarek Piotr , Huber Juliusz , Lisiński Przemysław , Witkowska Alicja , Kasiński Andrzej 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe article presents the results of investigations on the influence of biphasic stimulus parameters such as duration and stimulus interphase interval (IPI) on a gastrocnemius muscle contraction force. Seven healthy volunteers participated in this experiment, and 24 different stimuli patterns were tested. Special attention was paid to the comfort level of a sensory perception while the electrostimulation was applied. During the test, an optimal stimulus pattern evoking contraction at the level over 15% maximum voluntary contraction force and preserving a good comfort perception reported by all of the participants was investigated. It was found that bursts of pulses with width 175 µs and the IPI from 50 to 1000 µs satisfied these criteria. Moreover, it was observed that the increase of the IPI duration generated a significantly stronger contraction force in comparison with the stimulation with the standard biphasic pulses (IPI = 0 µs) having the same amplitude, frequency, and pulse duration. This shows that the modulation of the IPI might be a potentially useful support for the standard force‐control methods and may find an application in neuromuscular electrical stimulation systems.
Ductular Cholestasis, an Unusual Form of Intrahepatic Cholestasis, Associated With Cardiogenic Shock and Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Mohedano‐Gómez Alberto , Pérez‐Vela José L. , Renes‐Carreño Emilio , De‐Andrés Carolina Ibarrola , Corres‐Peiretti María A. , Arribas‐López Primitivo , Gutierrez‐Rodriguez Julián , Perales‐Rodríguez‐De‐Viguri Narciso 
Published: October 2009

AbstractVentricular assist devices have been shown to be effective in advanced heart failure selected patients. They often have borderline end‐organ function, what facilitates organ dysfunction. Liver failure is difficult to manage and leads to increased morbidity and mortality. We report a case of ductular cholestasis, an unusual cholestatic hepatic failure with untractable coagulopathy, developed during the use of a magnetic levitation centrifugal pump, implanted as a bridge to heart transplantation, in a patient with cardiogenic shock (as an end‐stage disease of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy). We discussed the pathophysiology of this entity and the possible related factors, including the assist device. Preemptive interventions have been advocated as the primary way of treatment. Preoperative optimization of heart function and avoidance of visceral hypoperfusion and sepsis may play a major role.
Changes in Plasma Amino Acids During Extracorporeal Liver Support by Fractionated Plasma Separation and Adsorption
Authors: Rifai Kinan , Das Anibh , Rosenau Jens , Ernst Thomas , Kretschmer Ulrich , Haller Hermann , Fliser Danilo , Manns Michael Peter 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn patients with liver failure, amino acid dysbalance is common and associated with hepatic encephalopathy. Prometheus is a newly designed extracorporeal liver support system based upon fractionated plasma separation and adsorption (FPSA). We evaluated the influence of FPSA on plasma amino acid patterns in patients with liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy. We studied nine patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, and concomitant renal failure. A single session of FPSA therapy for 5 ± 1 h was performed in all patients. Twenty‐six different plasma amino acids were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography before and after FPSA treatment. Total amino acids as well as Fischer index were calculated. Additionally, a variety of clinical and biochemical parameters were assessed. Before FPSA was started, plasma levels of most amino acids were elevated. Plasma ammonia levels correlated with glutamine levels (P < 0.04). During FPSA, plasma levels of nearly all amino acids significantly decreased except for branched‐chain amino acids. The Fischer index improved without reaching statistical significance. FPSA therapy tends to normalize plasma amino acids in patients with combined liver and renal failure. This may contribute to positive pathophysiologic effects, especially on hepatic encephalopathy. However, the clinical significance of these findings needs to be further evaluated.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Blade Tip Clearances on Hemodynamic Performance and Blood Damage in a Centrifugal Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Wu Jingchun , Paden Bradley E. , Borovetz Harvey S. , Antaki James F. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAn important challenge facing the design of turbodynamic ventricular assist devices (VADs) intended for long‐term support is the optimization of the flow path geometry to maximize hydraulic performance while minimizing shear‐stress‐induced hemolysis and thrombosis. For unshrouded centrifugal, mixed‐flow and axial‐flow blood pumps, the complex flow patterns within the blade tip clearance between the lengthwise upper surface of the rotating impeller blades and the stationary pump housing have a dramatic effect on both the hydrodynamic performance and the blood damage production. Detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses were performed in this study to investigate such flow behavior in blade tip clearance region for a centrifugal blood pump representing a scaled‐up version of a prototype pediatric VAD. Nominal flow conditions were analyzed at a flow rate of 2.5 L/min and rotor speed of 3000 rpm with three blade tip clearances of 50, 100, and 200 µm. CFD simulations predicted a decrease in the averaged tip leakage flow rate and an increase in pump head and axial thrust with decreasing blade tip clearances from 200 to 50 µm. The predicted hemolysis, however, exhibited a unimodal relationship, having a minimum at 100 µm compared to 50 µm and 200 µm. Experimental data corroborate these predictions. Detailed flow patterns observed in this study revealed interesting fluid dynamic features associated with the blade tip clearances, such as the generation and dissipation of tip leakage vortex and its interaction with the primary flow in the blade‐blade passages. Quantitative calculations suggested the existence of an optimal blade tip clearance by which hydraulic efficiency can be maximized and hemolysis minimized.
Hemodynamic Changes in a Model of Chronic Heart Failure Induced by Multiple Sequential Coronary Microembolization in Sheep
Authors: Schmitto Jan Dieter , Coskun Kasim Oguz , Coskun Sinan Tolga , Ortmann Philipp , Vorkamp Tobias , Heidrich Florian , Sossalla Samuel , Popov Aron‐Frederik , Tirilomis Theodor , Hinz José , Heuer Jan , Quintel Michael , Chen Frederick Yen‐Ching , Schöndube Friedrich Albert 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAlthough a large variety of animal models for acute ischemia and acute heart failure exist, valuable models for studies on the effect of ventricular assist devices in chronic heart failure are scarce. We established a stable and reproducible animal model of chronic heart failure in sheep and aimed to investigate the hemodynamic changes of this animal model of chronic heart failure in sheep. In five sheep (n = 5, 77 ± 2 kg), chronic heart failure was induced under flouroscopic guidance by multiple sequential microembolization through bolus injection of polysterol microspheres (90 µm, n = 25.000) into the left main coronary artery. Coronary microembolization (CME) was repeated up to three times in 2 to 3‐week intervals until animals started to develop stable signs of heart failure. During each operation, hemodynamic monitoring was performed through implantation of central venous catheter (central venous pressure [CVP]), arterial pressure line (mean arterial pressure [MAP]), implantation of a right heart catheter {Swan‐Ganz catheter (mean pulmonary arterial pressure [PAPmean])}, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), and cardiac output [CO]) as well as pre‐ and postoperative clinical investigations. All animals were followed for 3 months after first microembolization and then sacrificed for histological examination. All animals developed clinical signs of heart failure as indicated by increased heart rate (HR) at rest (68 ± 4 bpm [base] to 93 ± 5 bpm [3 mo][P < 0.05]), increased respiratory rate (RR) at rest (28 ± 5 [base] to 38 ± 7 [3 mo][P < 0.05]), and increased body weight 77 ± 2 kg to 81 ± 2 kg (P < 0.05) due to pleural effusion, peripheral edema, and ascites. Hemodynamic signs of heart failure were revealed as indicated by increase of HR, RR, CVP, PAP, and PCWP as well as a decrease of CO, stroke volume, and MAP 3 months after the first CME. Multiple sequential intracoronary microembolization can effectively induce myocardial dysfunction with clinical and hemodynamic signs of chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy. The present model may be suitable in experimental work on heart failure and left ventricular assist devices, for example, for studying the impact of mechanical unloading, mechanisms of recovery, and reverse remodeling.
The Work/Health Insurance Nexus: A Weak Link for Mexican‐Origin Men*
Authors: Angel Ronald J. , Angel Jacqueline L. , Montez Jennifer Karas 
Published: October 2009

Objectives. The employment‐based health insurance system of the United States means that those individuals who are disadvantaged in the labor market are also disadvantaged in terms of health insurance coverage. The Mexican‐origin population has historically been disadvantaged in both domains. We examine the extent to which low rates of health insurance coverage among Mexican‐origin adult male workers are the result of overrepresentation in the types of employment in which coverage is low for everyone.Methods. We use logistic regression models to analyze data from 80,827 employed Mexican‐origin, African‐American, and non‐Hispanic white men in the 2004 and 2006 Current Population Surveys.Results. The results suggest that although such overrepresentation contributes to low rates of coverage among Mexican‐origin workers, even within employment sectors, industries, and occupations, Mexican‐origin workers are less likely to have coverage than non‐Hispanic whites or African Americans.Conclusions. These results make it clear that the health insurance vulnerability of the Mexican‐origin population reflects multiple barriers to coverage in addition to those related to employment.
Nativity Status and Depressive Symptoms Among Hispanic Young Adults: The Role of Stress Exposure*
Authors: Tillman Kathryn Harker , Weiss Ursula Keller 
Published: October 2009

Objective. This article documents nativity differentials in depressive symptoms among Hispanics during their initial years of adulthood and explores how ethnicity, sociodemographic characteristics, and exposure to stressful life events and changes in social roles help explain those differentials.Methods. Data are drawn from a large‐scale two‐wave community study of stress, psychiatric well‐being, and substance use disorders among young adults. Our analytic sample includes 553 Hispanic respondents and we employ multivariate regression techniques.Results. Regardless of age at immigration, foreign‐born women experience greater declines in depressive symptoms than native‐born women during early adulthood. This advantage is explained by differences in perceptions of discrimination, family‐based stress, and social role changes. The association between nativity and depressive symptoms is not conditioned by ethnicity, but ethnicity does condition the association between stressful events and depressive symptoms.Conclusions. The findings suggest that mental health treatment and prevention efforts should focus more heavily on stress exposure.