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A novel approach using artificial neural networks (ANNs) for predicting temperature profiles evaluated 27 wells in the Gulf of Mexico. Two artificial neural network models were developed that predict the temperature of the flowing fluid at any depth in flowing oil wells. Back propagation was used in training the networks. The networks were tested using measured temperature profiles from the 27 oil wells. Both neural network models successfully mapped the general temperature‐profile trends of naturally flowing oil wells. The highest accuracy was achieved with a mean absolute relative percentage error of 6.0 per cent. The accuracy of the proposed neural network models to predict the temperature profile is compared to that of existing correlations. Many correlations to predict temperature profiles of the wellbore fluid, for single‐phase or multiphase flow, in producing oil wells have been developed using theoretical principles such as energy, mass and momentum balances coupled with regression analysis. The Neural Network 2 model exhibited significantly lower mean absolute relative percentage error than other correlations. Furthermore, in order to test the accuracy of the neural network models to that of Kirkpatrick’s correlation, a mathematical model was developed for Kirkpatrick’s flowing temperature gradient chart.

The purpose of this survivor-researcher-led study is to explore the agency of voice-hearers who are migrants and/or from black and minority ethnic backgrounds in actively negotiating the gaps between their understanding of hearing voices, and those of their family, their society or the medical establishment.

This study draws four case studies of voice-hearers, who are migrants and/or from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. Data were thematically analysed.

This study shows how bilingual voice-hearers related emotionally to voices in one or two languages.

This study is original in that it shows that bilingual voice-hearers may hear their voice/s in either their native language or second language, but that in both cases voices may embody strong positive or negative emotions.

Fingerhut, based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, is a direct-marketing company that sells a smorgasbord of consumer goods through an array of specially targeted catalogs. In November 1996, an article in the Star Tribune, a major Minneapolis newspaper, drew attention to a class-action lawsuit pending against Fingerhut that suggests the firm made its profits by exploiting the poor. Several civil rights groups rallied around the suit and submitted amicus curiae in favor of the litigation. The case illustrates issues in ethics and management communication. Discussions focus on the constituencies. Is Fingerhut exploiting its customers or providing them with an affordable method of obtaining valued consumer goods on credit? Do retailers have a duty to offer products at reasonable prices? Are the high interest rates reasonable given the risk? What are the options: pawn shops, rent-to-own? What is the profile of the typical Fingerhut customer? Discussions also focus on the issues communicating to the constituencies. How much damage will the lawsuit do to Fingerhut's image as an ethical, socially conscious company? What communication strategies can the firm employ? Should it react to the lawsuit? What should it tell its employees?