scholarly journals Review and problem definition of water/rock reactions associated with injection of spent geothermal fluids from a geothermal plant into aquifers

1986 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.A. Elders
Keyword(s):  
Problem Definition ◽  
Geothermal Fluids ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Geothermal Plant

A Reverse Glue Approach to Automated Construction of Multi-Piece Molds

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Chen ◽  
David W. Rosen
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Problem Definition ◽  
Mold Cavity ◽  
Mold Design ◽  
Difficult Time ◽  
Construction Step ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Face Generation ◽  
Construction Algorithms

Mold design can be a difficult, time-consuming process. Determining how to split a mold cavity into multiple mold pieces (e.g., core, cavity) manually can be a tedious process. This paper focuses on the mold construction step of the automated mold design process. By investigating glue operations and its relations with parting faces, an approach based on reverse glue operation is presented. The key of the reverse glue operation is to generate parting faces. A problem definition of parting face generation for a region is provided. Correspondingly, three face generating criteria are identified. Based on the parting lines of a region, our algorithms to generate the parting faces are presented. Our mold construction algorithms for two-piece molds and multi-piece molds are also presented with brief discussions. Some industrial examples are provided which illustrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our approach. We tested our mold designs by fabricating stereolithography mold inserts (a rapid tooling method) and molding parts.

Measuring Congruence in Problem Definition of Latino Patients and Their Psychotherapists: An Exploratory Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 392-411
Author(s):  
Sylvanna M. Vargas ◽  
Richard S. John ◽  
Linda C. Garro ◽  
Alex Kopelowicz ◽  
Steven R. López
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Initial Therapy ◽  
Problem Definition ◽  
Therapy Session ◽  
Quantitative Index ◽  
Presenting Problems ◽  
Coding Scheme ◽  
Thematic Approach ◽  
Definition Of

The current study developed a mixed-methods coding scheme to explore the degree of correspondence between Latino patients’ and their psychotherapists’ descriptions of the presenting problems. We interviewed 34 patients and clinicians (17 dyads) following an initial therapy session. Using a theoretical thematic approach, we generated a list of problem areas reported in participants’ descriptions. Independent coders reliably rated the presence and salience of these problems using a quantitative index. We then statistically estimated the fit between corresponding narratives. We found poor congruence across dyads’ descriptions of all problem areas, with two exceptions. We also noted patterns of incongruences, primarily characterized by therapists providing explanations that went beyond what their patients said. This study provides an innovative objective approach to estimate the nuanced degrees of concordance within dyads’ narratives. Our findings provide initial evidence of poor match between views held by Latino patients and their clinicians.

scholarly journals Social Justice: A Missing, Unelaborated Dimension in Humanitarian Engineering and Learning Through Service

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon A. Leydens ◽  
Juan C. Lucena
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Problem Definition ◽  
Service Work ◽  
Human Engineering ◽  
The Core ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
The Social ◽  
Humanitarian Engineering ◽  
Barriers And Opportunities ◽  
Definition Of

Negotiations between engineering and non-engineering perspectives are central in humanitarian engineering and learning through service initiatives, and these negotiations inevitably include dimensions of social justice. But what frameworks guide engineers through such negotiations? To date, in published scholarship, social justice has played little to no role in providing structure for work in humanitarian engineering and learning through service. Yet structure is needed to think and act systematically on the social justice dimensions inherent in humanitarian engineering and learning through service initiatives and practices. Drawing from multiple data sources, including interviews with engineering education faculty on the barriers and opportunities to integrating social justice dimensions in such initiatives, we provide a social justice definition and criteria that serve as flexible guidelines for humanitarian engineering and learning through service initiatives. Grounded in a synthesized definition of social justice, the social justice criteria can guide engineers to recognize and map human and non-human, engineering and non-engineering components in problem definition and solution—with social justice at the core. Along with other benefits, these criteria can act as a foundation from which to launch, evaluate, and improve on humanitarian engineering and learning through service work, serving as a vehicle for project initiation, reflection, and self-critique. 

The Implications of the Term ‘Elder Abuse’ for Problem Definition and Response in Health and Social Welfare

1995 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 493-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Hugman
Keyword(s):  
Social Policy ◽  
Social Welfare ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Elderly Person ◽  
Problem Definition ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Professional Practices ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Social Responses ◽  
Definition Of

ABSTRACT‘Elder abuse’ has recently emerged as an important phenomenon, with implications for social policy and professional practices. In this article it is argued that responses must be based on a more thorough definition. of ‘elder abuse’. A distinction between acts which can be regarded as ‘abuse’ and those which could be seen as ‘criminal’ is seen to be necessary for the development of policy and practice, recognising that these two ideas are grounded in competing discourses. The concept of an ‘obligation of care’ between perpetrator and elderly person is proposed as the basis for establishing a boundary between the two discourses and their policy implications. It is argued that this concept will enable a more focused definition of ‘elder abuse’ to be developed which will provide a more effective foundation for policies and subsequent social responses.

scholarly journals Top-down characterization of resource use in LCA: from problem definition of resource use to operational characterization factors for dissipation of elements to the environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 2255-2273
Author(s):  
Lauran van Oers ◽  
Jeroen B. Guinée ◽  
Reinout Heijungs ◽  
Rita Schulze ◽  
Rodrigo A. F. Alvarenga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Resource Use ◽  
Problem Definition ◽  
Characterization Factors ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Common Understanding

Abstract Purpose The methods for assessing the impact of using abiotic resources in life cycle assessment (LCA) have always been heavily debated. One of the main reasons for this is the lack of a common understanding of the problem related to resource use. This article reports the results of an effort to reach such common understanding between different stakeholder groups and the LCA community. For this, a top-down approach was applied. Methods To guide the process, a four-level top-down framework was used to (1) demarcate the problem that needs to be assessed, (2) translate this into a modeling concept, (3) derive mathematical equations and fill these with data necessary to calculate the characterization factors, and (4) align the system boundaries and assumptions that are made in the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) model and the life cycle inventory (LCI) model. Results We started from the following definition of the problem of using resources: the decrease of accessibility on a global level of primary and/or secondary elements over the very long term or short term due to the net result of compromising actions. The system model distinguishes accessible and inaccessible stocks in both the environment and the technosphere. Human actions can compromise the accessible stock through environmental dissipation, technosphere hibernation, and occupation in use or through exploration. As a basis for impact assessment, we propose two parameters: the global change in accessible stock as a net result of the compromising actions and the global amount of the accessible stock. We propose three impact categories for the use of elements: environmental dissipation, technosphere hibernation, and occupation in use, with associated characterization equations for two different time horizons. Finally, preliminary characterization factors are derived and applied in a simple illustrative case study for environmental dissipation. Conclusions Due to data constraints, at this moment, only characterization factors for “dissipation to the environment” over a very-long-term time horizon could be elaborated. The case study shows that the calculation of impact scores might be hampered by insufficient LCI data. Most presently available LCI databases are far from complete in registering the flows necessary to assess the impacts on the accessibility of elements. While applying the framework, various choices are made that could plausibly be made differently. We invite our peers to also use this top-down framework when challenging our choices and elaborate that into a consistent set of choices and assumptions when developing LCIA methods.

Participatory modeling to support gender equality

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 422-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inge Bleijenbergh ◽  
Marloes Van Engen
Keyword(s):  
Gender Equality ◽  
Gender Inequality ◽  
Problem Definition ◽  
Transformative Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Participatory Modelling ◽  
Causal Loop ◽  
Causal Loop Diagrams ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Interventions to support gender equality in organisations are often unsuccessful. Stakeholders disagree about the causes and problem definition of gender equality or pay lip service to the principle of gender equality, but fail to implement gender equality in practice. The purpose of this paper is to examine participatory modelling as an intervention method to support stakeholders in: reaching a shared problem definition and analysis of gender inequality; and identifying and implementing policies to tackle gender inequality. Design/methodology/approach – The authors apply participatory modelling in case studies on impediments to women’s careers in two Dutch universities. Findings – This study shows that participatory modelling supported stakeholders’ identification of the self-reinforcing feedback processes of masculinity of norms, visibility of women and networking of women and the interrelatedness between these processes. Causal loop diagrams visualise how the feedback processes are interrelated and can stabilise or reinforce themselves. Moreover, they allow for the identification of possible interventions. Research limitations/implications – Further testing of the causal loop diagrams by quantifying the stocks and the flows would validate the feedback processes and the estimated effects of possible interventions. Practical implications – The integration of the knowledge of researchers and stakeholders in a causal loop diagram supported learning about the issue of gender inequality, hereby contributing to transformative change on gender equality. Originality/value – The originality of the paper lies in the application of participatory modelling in interventions to support gender equality.

scholarly journals Frames and counter-frames giving meaning to palliative care and euthanasia in the Netherlands

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Baldwin Van Gorp ◽  
Gert Olthuis ◽  
Anneleen Vandekeybus ◽  
Jelle van Gurp
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Public Debate ◽  
Problem Definition ◽  
Framing Analysis ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Medical Progress ◽  
Heavy Burden ◽  
Axial Coding ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract Background Based on the case of palliative care and euthanasia in the Netherlands, this paper presents an analysis of frames and counter-frames used in the ongoing public debate about these two intertwined topics. Each (counter)frame presents a cultural theme that can act as a prism to give meaning to palliative care and/or euthanasia. Each frame comprehends a different problem definition, consequences and policy options. Typical word choices and metaphors are identified that can evoke these frames and the underlying reasoning. The frames do not belong to a specific stakeholder but a pattern can be seen in their use that is related to interests and ideology. Methods An inductive framing analysis was conducted of 2,700 text fragments taken from various Dutch newspapers, websites of stakeholders and policy documents in the period 2016–2018. After an extensive process of thematic coding, axial coding, selective coding and peer review seven frames and seven counter-frames about palliative care and euthanasia were constructed. Fifteen experts in the field of palliative and/or end-of-life care commented on the overview during a member check. Results Two frames about palliative care were constructed: the Fear of death frame, which stresses the hopeless ‘terminality’ of palliative care and the Heavy burden frame, in which palliative care is too big a responsibility for the relatives of the patient. In addition, two counter-frames were constructed: palliative care as a contributor to Quality of life and Completion. With regard to euthanasia, five frames were identified that lead to a problematising definition: Thou shalt not kill, Slippery slope, Lack of willpower, I am not God, and Medical progress. Five counter-frames offer a non-problematising definition of euthanasia in the debate: Mercy, Prevention, Triumph of reason, Absolute autonomy, and Economic utility thinking. Conclusions The debate in the Netherlands on euthanasia and palliative care is characterized by a plurality of angles that goes beyond the bipolar distinction between the pros and cons of euthanasia and palliative care. Only with an overview of all potential frames in mind can an audience truly make informed decisions. The frame matrix is not only useful for policy makers to know all perspectives when joining public debate, but also to health care workers to get into meaningful conversations with their patients and families.

scholarly journals Interactions between the calcium scaling inhibitor NC47.1 B, geothermal fluids, and microorganisms – results of in situ monitoring in the Bavarian Molasse Basin (Germany) and accompanying laboratory experiments

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 217-227
Author(s):  
Christoph Otten ◽  
Beate Dassler ◽  
Sebastian Teitz ◽  
Joy Iannotta ◽  
Florian Eichinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Community ◽  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
In Situ Monitoring ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Batch Experiments ◽  
Geothermal Fluids ◽  
Fermentative Bacteria ◽  
Geothermal Plant

Abstract. Application of the environmentally friendly scaling inhibitor NC47.1 B in geothermal systems was studied in laboratory and field-scale experiments. Biodegradation was investigated under anaerobic, in situ-like conditions and a mass balance confirmed the almost complete conversion of the polycarboxylate to e.g. acetate, formate, methane and CO2. Much higher concentrations of inhibitor were chosen than applied in situ and rapid degradation was observed in biofilm-inoculated setups: A concentration of 100 mg/L of the inhibitor was degraded below detection limit within 8 d of incubation. Furthermore, the inhibitor was applied at the geothermal plant in Unterhaching, Germany. Monitoring of the microbial community in situ showed an increase in the abundance of Bacteria. Particularly, relatives of the fermenting Caldicellulosiruptor dominated the biocenosis after about six months of continuous inhibitor dosage (5–10 mg/L). However, in long-term laboratory experiments representatives of Caldicellulosiruptor were only detected in traces and the microbial community comprised a broader spectrum of fermentative bacteria. The different composition of the biocenosis in situ and in laboratory experiments is probably caused by the different inhibitor concentrations, temperatures as well as nutrient availability in situ compared to the closed system of the batch experiments.

scholarly journals A Geothermal Plant from a Time-Scale Perspective

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (19) ◽  
pp. 6096
Author(s):  
Jacquelin E. Cobos ◽  
Christen Knudby ◽  
Erik G. Søgaard
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Water Chemistry ◽  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Iron Concentration ◽  
Halide Ions ◽  
Economic Issues ◽  
Geothermal Fluids ◽  
Local Geology ◽  
Geothermal Plant

In recent years, geothermal energy use from low-temperature sandstone reservoirs has sharply increased. Nonetheless, the injection of heat-depleted geothermal fluids has not been an easy task because of well/formation damage and operational/economic issues. Sønderborg geothermal plant is a case example of heat-mining from a low-temperature reservoir. It is in the northeast of Sønderborg towards Augustenborg Fjord. The present work takes into consideration the regional and local geology of the Sønderborg area, construction of the wells, field experience and water chemistry. The main issues of the geothermal plant appear to be related to the construction of the wells and reinjection of the heat-depleted brine. Our water chemistry analysis and PHREEQC simulations indicate that geothermal brine was saturated with respect to carbonate and barite minerals. The excess of Ca2+ and SO42− ions could have led to the formation and precipitation of carbonate and sulfate scales. Moreover, the increment of iron concentration over time could suggest the ingress of oxygen and pitting corrosion due to the presence of halide ions.

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