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Describes a set of numerical techniques which implement the rate‐dependent multi‐mechanism deformation (M‐D) constitutive model for rock salt in a finite element code for use in three‐dimensional, finite strain simulations of creep closure in deeply buried salt excavations. Presents essential details of the numerical implementation. The constitutive model is exercised in a three‐dimensional closure simulation of a large underground field experiment. Compares results from the simulation against actual closure measurements taken from the experiment.

The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of the effect of the temperature on the creep deformation during vertical well drilling in salt rocks in selected cases.

The authors performed numerical simulations by Finite Element Method, using non-linear viscoelastic models and weak thermomechanical coupling. The authors evaluated, in selected cases, the effect of temperature during salt rock vertical well drilling. Numerical examples were performed to validate the studies. More specifically, the authors considered the problem of vertical well drilling for oil exploration below these salt layers.

The authors concluded that the biggest reduction in the wellbore closure rate occurs when the wellbore is at low temperature with respect to the rock initial. This is due to two factors, namely, a reduced salt viscous strain rate and the thermal strain contrary to the well radial closure caused by the temperature variation. Beyond the creep effect, the thermal strain also affects the stress in the creep constitutive equation.

With recent oil discoveries in deep water, for example, in the pre-salt, where temperatures are high, the study of the influence of temperature is important, since it contributes to the increase of the creep. The results here presented are relevant, although the engineering aspects of a practical solution for reducing the wellbore displacement based on temperature variation is challenging. Such approach requires cooling mechanisms that delay the heating of the drilling fluid, which is surrounded by rocks at high temperature.

The main contribution of this paper is to present a numerical study, in selected cases, of the effect of temperature on the creep deformation during vertical well drilling in salt rocks, analyzing a possible reduction of these deformations when subjected to a temperature variation.

Suggests that successful managers develop practical theories or frameworks to guide their decision making and problem solving. Describes how managers developed a framework for focusing performance appraisal, training and career development opportunities in a long‐term care hospital.

Gives a bibliographical review of the error estimates and adaptive finite element methods from the theoretical as well as the application point of view. The bibliography at the end contains 2,177 references to papers, conference proceedings and theses/dissertations dealing with the subjects that were published in 1990‐2000.

Gives a bibliographical review of the finite element meshing and remeshing from the theoretical as well as practical points of view. Topics such as adaptive techniques for meshing and remeshing, parallel processing in the finite element modelling, etc. are also included. The bibliography at the end of this paper contains 1,727 references to papers, conference proceedings and theses/dissertations dealing with presented subjects that were published between 1990 and 2001.

Managers and entrepreneurs are increasingly being challenged to respond to a world where it is harder to effectively make and implement their decisions. Over half the decisions managers make are never implemented. We have observed entrepreneurs and managers in a wide range of situations in various countries, who illustrate a different set of assumptions for making decisions. They illustrate an entrepreneurial logic, a process of creatively defining and taking action to make sense out of situations which require new frameworks, assumptions and understandings. They assume that many challenges are not predictable and controllable. Certain control‐oriented attitudes and behaviors inhibit people from thinking this way, such as attempts to make decisions without fully understanding the right question, and overly relying on statistics. Certain reframing attitudes and behaviors – diversity in thinking, asking the right questions, and reframing and adapting quickly – illustrate ways to make sense of the paradoxes and uncertainties in the new economy.

Describes how HIV and AIDS are carried and spread, particularly for high‐risk groups, but adds that it is not only behavioural but also those behaviours in conjunction with others. Employs figures and tables for added explanation and emphasis. Chronicles some individual case studies showing different “risk” behaviours and types of “unsafe” practices. Makes clear that the use of varied types of education are of major importance in the fight against ignorance and nonchalance in the battle against AIDS.

In recent years, school districts have faced numerous questions surrounding accommodations of transgender students. Strong objections to accommodations have been voiced in public argument and litigation, primarily in the areas of athletics, bathrooms, and dress codes. As younger transgender students express their gender identity at school, however, the existing objections are weakened by considering the context of elementary rather than high school students. Greater numbers of young transgender students will likely encourage accommodation of trans students of all ages, as well as challenge the gender binary unconsciously taught in school.

The fact that the ME has been an area of conflicts throughout its history is an indication of its utmost relevance to the strategy formulations of major powers. The ME can be called “the land bridge of civilization” because it links Africa with Eurasia, and it has been the trade route of peoples from Asia, Africa, and Europe. Ancient empires, as well as contemporary major powers, have competed for power and influence in the region to enhance their relative economic and military positions. The discovery of oil in the region escalated the struggle among major powers, created societal dislocations, and increased internal and external conflicts. The ME has been the major artery of contact for over 3000 years (Weatherby, 2001, pp. 1–4). One hundred years ago, scholar-adventurer John L. Stoddard recognized this fact when he described a small portion of the region, Palestine. According to Stoddard, “Palestine has an area only a little larger than the state of Massachusetts, while Russia occupies one seventh of the habitable globe: yet in the scales of intellectuals and moral value the little province of Judea outweighs beyond comparison the empire of Czar” (Weatherby, 2001, pp. 1–4).