bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic Processes and Turning Points in ICT Business
Authors: Rusko Rauno
Published: December 2012

Nokia is one of the pioneering companies in ICT, especially in the mobile phone business. Nokia has 30 years experience in mobile phones. This research explores the strategic turning points of this history, providing applicable findings for other mobile phone companies and the needs of information communication technology (ICT) in general. This article shows that strategic turning points in this case follow technical turning points in the systems and platforms of mobile phones. Furthermore, the article considers and analyses the specific features of turbulence in the business and industry of mobile phones.
Sociomateriality Implications of Multi-Agent Supported Collaborative Work Systems
Authors: Gasmelseid Tagelsir Mohamed
Published: December 2012

Recent technological advancements significantly redefined the context in which organizations acquire, process, and share information. The transformations that emerged across the organizational and institutional landscapes have led to the emergence of new forms of organizational design and business models. Within this context, the new business patterns, platforms and architectures have been developed to enable for the maximization of benefits from data through the adoption of collaborative work practices. The main focus of such practices is oriented towards the improvement of responsiveness, building of alliances and enhancing organizational reach. The use of global networks and web based systems for the implementation of collaborative work has been accompanied with a wide range of computer supported collaborative systems. This paper examines the context of collaboration, collaborative work and the development of agent-supported collaborative work system and examines the implications of the ontological positions of sociomateriality on agent-supported collaborative work domains in terms of multi-agent architecture and agent-oriented evaluation.
Deontic Logic Based Ontology Alignment Technique for E-Learning
Authors: Deborah Lazarus Jegatha , Baskaran Ramachandran , Kannan Arputharaj
Published: December 2012

The recent explosion in web services usage and information technology has led to the challenging issue of Ontology Construction and Alignment in order to enhance the semantics of web documents in E-Learning scenarios. In such a circumstance, it is necessary to provide an effective solution for Ontology Alignment that can help in student performance evaluation. The authors propose a rule-based solution for evaluating the students using Ontology Alignment techniques. For this purpose, they make use of the rules based on Deontic Logic and hence make a positive attempt in analyzing the presence of some of the non-dominant categorization of words like determiners, time clauses and modal verbs occurring in the text documents using Standard Deontic rules. The experiments have been carried out on evaluating the learning of C programming language using an E-Learning framework. From these evaluations, it has been observed that the proposed evaluation technique improves the accuracy of student evaluation significantly.
Evaluation of a Maturity Model for IT Dependability in Emergency Management
Authors: Weyns Kim , Höst Martin
Published: December 2012

The IDEM3 maturity model is a process improvement framework that can be used by an organisation to assess and improve their IT dependability management processes. The framework focuses on the coordination of IT management and safety management within an organisation. In this paper, an evaluation plan for the maturity model is presented to evaluate its applicability, assessment accuracy, and practical value. Based on this plan, two evaluations were carried out in two case studies at two Swedish hospitals. The evaluations indicate that the IDEM3 maturity model can be a valuable tool for an organisation to quickly identify the main strengths and weaknesses of the organisation in the field of IT dependability management. Therefore, this study provides a strong argument for a further evaluation based on the developed evaluation plan.
A Model-Driven Approach for the Design and Implementation of Software Development Methods
Authors: Cervera Mario , Albert Manoli , Torres Victoria , Pelechano Vicente
Published: December 2012

The Situational Method Engineering (SME) discipline emerged two decades ago to address the challenge of the in-house definition of software development methods and the construction of the corresponding supporting tools. Unfortunately, current SME approaches still have limitations that are hindering their adoption by industry. One of these limitations is that most approaches do not properly encompass two phases of the SME lifecycle, which refer to the method design and the method implementation. To address this limitation, this paper demonstrates how Model-Driven Development (MDD) techniques can contribute to successfully cover both phases. The proposal is illustrated by a real case study that is currently being used at the Valencian Regional Ministry of Infrastructure, Territory and Environment.
Secure and Optimized Mobile Based Merchant Payment Protocol using Signcryption
Authors: Ahamad Shaik Shakeel , Sastry V. N. , Udgata Siba K.
Published: December 2012

The authors propose a Secure and Optimized Mobile based Merchant Payment (SOMMP) Protocol using Signcryption scheme with Forward Secrecy (SFS) based on elliptic curve which consumes less computational and communication cost. In SOMMP client sends message in the form of TransCertC (Transaction Certificate) which is a X.509 SLC (X.509 Short Lived Certificate) thereby reducing the client interactions with the engaging parties thereby reducing the consumption of resources (from Client’s perspective) which are very scarce in Resource Constrained Devices like Mobile Phones. In SOMMP protocol WSLC (WPKI Short Lived Certificate) eliminates the need of certificates validation and removes the hurdle of PKI thereby reducing storage space, communication cost and computational cost. Their proposed SOMMP ensures Authentication, Integrity, Confidentiality and Non Repudiation, achieves Identity protection from merchant and Eavesdropper, achieves Transaction privacy from Eavesdropper and Payment Gateway, achieves Payment Secrecy, Order Secrecy, forward secrecy, and prevents Double Spending, Overspending and Money laundering. In addition to these SOMMP withstands Replay, Man in the Middle and Impersonation attacks. The security properties of the proposed SOMMP protocol have been verified using BAN Logic, AVISPA and Scyther Tools and presented with results.
Knowledge Management Processes
Authors: Haapalainen Päivi , Pusa Kirsi
Published: December 2012

Knowledge management includes several processes, e.g., knowledge creation, knowledge storing, sharing, and using knowledge. When these processes run smoothly, an organization can confirm that information is available for users whenever needed. This is essential for organizations that sell knowledge based services. However, often these processes are not as effective as they could be. In this article the authors concentrate on the following knowledge management processes: storing, searching, and sharing knowledge. The purpose of the research was to find out the different kind of practices companies use for these processes and how information technology can help companies produce these processes more effective. This paper includes the theoretical background of knowledge management and its processes as well as the results of an empirical benchmarking research done among medium sized and large organizations in knowledge intensive businesses.
Framing the Business Case for IT Purchases
Authors: Cua Francisco Chia , Reames Steve
Published: December 2012

This paper discusses the dilemma that upper management has during the cycle of purchase for technology base products. The executive must sort through the executive sponsor’s rationale and attempt to rely upon their unstructured personal assessment. The authors present a methodology that is based upon a plan of reasoning and assessment called “process innovation.” They maintain that the executive decision makers will rely upon this new methodology to improve their judgment by diffusing the overall purchase process with sound reasoning that leads to good judgment.
IT Value Management as a Vehicle to Unleash the Business Value from IT Enabled Investments
Authors: Maes Kim , De Haes Steven , Van Grembergen Wim
Published: December 2012

Already in the nineties studies which discussed the IT productivity paradox, where no clear correlation could be found between IT spend and the bottom-line impact, other research streams emerged, revealing findings that do illustrate the positive impact of IT enabled investments on firm performance. Several studies concluded that the necessary conditions to overcome the IT productivity paradox are to be found in a better IT value management approach. New IT value management frameworks and models are emerging and promoted by both academics and advisory entities, while organizations recognize its importance, they still struggle with getting such IT value management practices implemented into their organizations. This paper investigates prior research on IT value management and the implementation of it using a model of structures, processes and relational mechanisms. By doing so, this paper hopefully will create interest in exploring future research opportunities for academics and provide practitioners with an accurate overview of proven governance and management practices described in literature that can be used in their day-to-day operations.
Finding Balanced Scorecards for Business Driven IT Service Portfolio Management
Authors: Györy Andreas , Cleven Anne , Uebernickel Falk , Brenner Walter
Published: December 2012

During the last decades information technology (IT) management has changed. Starting from being a costly and rare resource, IT has evolved into a vital enabler for almost any kind of business today. This development demands for highly flexible management concepts allowing the business to actively control and govern IT performance. A widely used approach for multi-dimensional performance measurement in the context of IT management is the Balanced Scorecard (BSC). The authors aim at investigating the state of the art of IT BSC use through a comprehensive literature analysis. They also evaluate the adaptability of the different types of this concept to the most recent developments in IT management.
Secure Electronic Healthcare Records Management in Wireless Environments
Authors: Belsis Petros , Skourlas Christos , Gritzalis Stefanos
Published: December 2012

Wireless technologies have lately been integrated in many types of environments; their development is able to provide innovative services minimizing costs and the time necessary to identify the necessary information. However medical information is very sensitive since it contains critical personal data. Security and privacy preservation are very critical parameters. Lately, innovative technologies such as software agents’ technology have been utilized to support distributed environments. Presented is an architecture that allows secure medical related information management using software agents; this work expands previous research (Belsis, Skourlas, & Gritzalis, 2011). The authors present a security oriented solution and also provide experimental evidence about the capability of the platform to operate in wireless environments with large number of users.
Enhancing the Disaster Recovery Plan Through Virtualization
Authors: Guster Dennis , Lee Olivia F.
Published: December 2012

Currently, organizations are increasingly aware of the need to protect their computer infrastructure to maintain continuity of operations. This process involves a number of different concerns including: managing natural disasters, equipment failure, and security breaches, poor data management, inadequate design, and complex/impractical design. The purpose of this article is to delineate how virtualization of hosts and cloud computing can be used to address the concerns resulting in improved computer infrastructure that can easily be restored following a natural disaster and which features fault tolerant hosts/components, isolates applications security attacks, is simpler in design, and is easier to manage. Further, because this technology has been out for a number of years and its capabilities have matured an attempt has been made to describe those capabilities as well as document successful applications.
Understanding the Context of Large-Scale IT Project Failures
Authors: Rich Eliot , Nelson Mark R.
Published: December 2012

Large-scale information technology (IT) projects experience higher failure or abandonment rates than smaller IT projects and represent significant costs to both organizations and society. This paper describes the context of a three-decade long attempt to modernize a critical IT application in the U.S. government. The project has been revamped, stopped and restarted several times, and as of the writing of this paper has not been completed. Archival analysis of this implementation history reveals a set of emerging project characteristics and how these contributed to a pair of capability gaps which, in turn, influenced modernization efforts both pre- and post-abandonment. From a systems perspective, the problem appears to be related to dynamic and repeating management failures with an embedded project management model. The authors illustrate their hypothesis with a simulation model of project managements and show that even a relatively small but persistent introduction of new requirements has a dramatic effect on project overruns, setting the stage for abandonment and restart.
Prominent Causal Paths in a Simple Self-Organizing System
Authors: Georgantzas Nicholas C. , Katsamakas Evangelos
Published: December 2012

The dynamic interactions of interdependent components in complex, adaptive, self-organizing systems (CASOS) often seem to sequester system entropy or uncertainty through distributed, as opposed to central, control. This article presents a system dynamics (SD) simulation model that not only replicates self-organizing system uncertainty results, but also looks at self-organization causally. The model analysis articulates how circular causal pathways or feedback loops in CASOS produce nonlinear dynamics spontaneously out of local interactions. The SD simulation and model analysis results show exactly how distributed control leads positive feedback to explosive growth, which ends when all dynamics have been absorbed into an attractor, leaving the system in a stable, negative feedback state. Cast as a methodological contribution, the article’s SD model analysis explains why phenomena of interest emerge in agent-based models, a topic crucial in understanding and designing CASOS. Moreover, CASOS concepts inspired by nature and biology can motivate biologically-inspired IS research.
Web Navigation Tool for Visually Impaired People
Authors: Babiker Sharief F. , Ahmed Alaeldin A. , Yasin Mustafa A. A.
Published: December 2012

Internet access has become a necessity for all sectors in communities. Conventional web navigation means hinder access to the visually impaired. Presented is a low cost tactile web navigator device aimed at enabling blind people to have efficient and economic internet accessibility. Presented in this paper centers around a microcontroller that communicates with a proxy transcoder browser server that runs on a PC to acquire the text from a target web page. An array of solenoid coils is used to output the text in tactile form to the end user. The device has the ability to output the text in Braille language format mode or in plain English character format using the usual dot-matrix representations mode. The navigator can also be configured to output the text in other languages using the Pattern-Generator tool Many navigation functions like loading a webpage address, clicking on links and entering data (E-mails, passwords, etc) have been provided. The navigator was tested by blind volunteer with excellent results. The cost of the implementation is an impressive ~12% of the price of commercial Braille displays.
Modeling of Complex Human-Process Interaction as Framework for Assistance and Supervisory Control of Technical Processes
Authors: Söffker Dirk , Fu Xingguang , Hasselberg Andreas , Langer Marcel
Published: December 2012

Interactive processes are omnipresent in fields dealing with automation of complex technical processes, allowing a wide range of application scenarios of assistance systems to support human operators. However, the definition and description of the interaction strongly depends on the application. The description of Human-Process-Interaction (HPI) in most cases is the key for the development of interaction models leading to a framework for the development of assistance systems. The goal of such assistance systems is to support human operators, or human factors, and thereby improve the considered process in parallel. For the purpose of creating a framework for the development of assistance systems, the Situation-Operator-Model (SOM) approach is applied. The SOM approach is capable of modeling HPI in a net-like structure representing the complex environment (or process) and human interactions. By this formal modeling of HPI for the development of human-centered assistance systems based on the underlying modeled interaction is available. In this contribution illustrative examples of different applications for the proposed approach are given by a cognitive, individualized driver assistance system for lane changing maneuvers, by the assessment of operator decisions in air traffic control as well as the operator supervision in semi-automated production process.
A Data-Integrated Tree-Based Simulation to Predict Financial Market Movement
Authors: Sundaramoorthi Durai , Coult Andrew , Nguyen Dung Hai
Published: December 2012

The Standard and Poor’s 500 Index (S&P500) is one of the commonly used indices on the New York Stock Exchange. The 500 publicly traded companies that make up the index are chosen by a committee to best reflect the overall market of the United States. The broader objective of this research is to estimate the dynamics of the financial market movement in the United States. It is achieved by developing a data-integrated tree-based simulation model to predict S&P500 open and close values for a week. Classification and Regression Trees (CART) - a data mining method - is utilized to extract patterns of the financial market dynamics based on a data set collected from May 1, 2008 to November 30, 2009. The data set included the daily movement of financial markets in seven countries in Asia and Europe in relation to the daily movement of the S&P500. CART also utilized data on the currency exchange rates to capture the financial dynamics between the US and other countries. The simulation model repeatedly samples from four trees developed by CART to know how the opening and closing values of the S&P500 move in tandem with the other markets.
Note on Assignment Algorithm with Easy Method of Drawing Lines to Cover All Zeros
Authors: Singh Sarbjit
Published: December 2012

The Assignment algorithm is around 54 years old and a lot of work has been done on this algorithm. In this study various aspect of assignment algorithm has been considered. The endeavor of this note is to make solution of assignment problem so simple that even class tenth student can easily solve it. One of the most important aspects of assignment algorithm (Hungarian Algorithm) is to draw lines to cover all the zeros, in this study a new and easy method has been proposed to cover all the zeros, which helps to make this algorithm easy.
Evacuation in Ice: Field Trials of a Conventional Lifeboat in Pack and Level Ice
Authors: Re Antonio J. Simoes , Veitch Brian
Published: December 2012

Offshore exploration and production operations in sea ice conditions mustface the challenges of working in frontier environments. In the context of thecorresponding regulatory environment, operators will be expected to show thatnew technical and operational challenges have been addressed. Emergencyresponse in sea ice conditions is a case in point. In the event that marineevacuation of an installation is necessary, the lifeboat will have to becapable of being launched safely into ice, propelling itself away from thehazard area to some safe distance, and then affording a haven until personnelcan be recovered.

Some ideas are presented in this paper for improving the capabilities oflifeboats and for meeting the expectations embodied in regulations. The designand operational elements contemplated here are broadly based on model scaleexperiments and full-scale trials with conventional TEMPSC lifeboats that havebeen done over the course of a multi-year test program. Design considerationsinclude powering and propulsion, maneuvering, structural resistance to iceloads, and arrangement of the coxswain's cockpit (visibility). Operationalconsiderations include the coxswain's tactics in ice, simulator training forcoxswains, and ice management of evacuation routes. Finally, the use oftraining simulators for evaluating and demonstrating the efficacy of these andother improvements is discussed.

Approach

A program of model scale experiments and full-scale field trials has beenunderway for a period of several years to investigate the performancecapabilities and limitations of evacuation craft in sea ice. This paper focuseson a series of field trials with a small, conventional totally enclosed motorpropelled survival craft (TEMPSC). The lifeboat was tested in pack iceconditions in an ice channel cut in landfast ice on a freshwater lake. Thechannel was about 55m long and 32m wide and the ice was between 300mm and 400mmthick (with an average measured thickness of 340mm). The ice that was cut outof the level ice sheet to make the channel was further cut into floes of twobasic sizes, the smaller about 1.65m×2m and the larger about 3.2×2m. Thesecorresponded to floes that were about 30% and 50% the mass of the lifeboatitself. The ice concentration in the channel was controlled by removing some ofthe ice floes from the channel. Several ice channel transit tests werecompleted, starting with a pack concentration of 9/10ths. At the end of thetests in those conditions, more ice was removed from the channel until thegross concentration was 8/10ths and another set of transit trials was done. This process was repeated for consecutive concentrations of 7/10ths, 6/10ths,5/10ths, and 4/10ths. The same procedure was used in model scale tests reportedby the same authors (Simões Ré & Veitch 2003, Simões Ré et al. 2006). Indeed, the field tests replicated the model scale experiment conditions to theextent practicable. The field trials were done over a five-day period in March2010.
Experience of Designing Offshore Pipelines During Development of Arctic Offshore Fields
Authors: Mansurov M.N. , Lapteva T.I.
Published: December 2012

Development of offshore hydrocarbon (HC) fields is today's oil and gasindustry priority in the Russian Federation. Water areas of the Arctic shelfare considered to be potential offshore HC production regions. When designingpipelines for such fields it is necessary to take into account the impact ofspecific Arctic conditions including hazardous ice impact (ice gouging), possible presence of permafrost on the seabed, lithological andgeomorphological distinctive features of bottom soils. All main parametersensuring safety of offshore pipelines must be determined and validated at theearly design stage.

The paper reviews one of the main conditions that influences reliable operationof underwater pipeline systems, namely, stable position of the underwaterpipeline at design reference marks.

Calculations of offshore pipeline stability on the seabed use the followingmain conditions:–environmental conditions;–geotechnical conditions of the seabed;–bathymetrical conditions (water depth);–pipeline parameters (diameter, wall thickness).

Criteria of pipeline stability on the seabed include:floating up or submerging of pipeline;transversal stability;longitudinal stability.

Soils with weak strength properties, especially when they are used forbackfilling, may be potentially dangerous due to liquefaction underhydrodynamic forces. It is especially dangerous in the first years of operationwhen the soil is not consolidated enough. Relief in a local zone of dilutedsoil causes longitudinal stresses in pipeline, which may result in offshorepipeline stability loss. Liquefied soil potential depends also on backfillingprocess technology. This operation is performed by special ships - dredgers. Such ship has two pipes, one for soil suction, and the other equipped withwater injection nozzles - for washing out and backfilling. When a trench isbackfilled with controlled soil flow, " front" of backfill material is formedunder pipe working head and a layer of fluidized material appears in the upperpart of this " front". Therefore, if weak soil is used as backfill material, asize of liquefied soil layer will be considerable, as well as its impact on thepipeline. This process may lead either to floating up or submerging of pipelineinto the soil. To stabilize offshore pipelines position the following measurescan be taken: backfilling with soil not subject to liquefaction; pipelinelaying below the layer of liquefied soil to eliminate risks related to soilliquefaction; using different methods of ballasting.
North Slope Hydrate Fieldtrial: CO2/CH4 Exchange
Authors: Schoderbek David , Martin Kenneth Lloyd , Howard James , Silpngarmlert Suntichai , Hester Keith
Published: December 2012

CO2/CH4 exchange in a sandstone-hosted methane hydratereservoir was executed in the field, following several years of laboratoryexperimentation. Reservoir simulation and laboratory data informedfieldtrial design, including use of a cell-to-cell model that included correctliquid/vapor/hydrate phase behavior of methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, andwater.

Most concepts for producing methane from hydrate deposits rely ondepressurization, heating, or chemical melting. These techniques resultin dissociation of hydrate into its water and gas constituents. Effectiveexchange of CO2 for CH4 in the crystalline hydratelattice, without dissociation, was long deemed an improbable recovery strategybecause experimental results on bulk hydrate samples indicated very slowreaction kinetics. Recent laboratory tests documented enhanced exchangekinetics and efficiency, attributed to the increased surface area present inporous media. A series of laboratory tests ranging from simple gas-richsystems to more complex gas-deficient / water-rich systems guided the design ofa field test program. Ignik Sikumi #1 was drilled in 2011 on the AlaskaNorth Slope, designed specifically for testing CO2/CH4exchange in hydrate-bearing sandstones.

Ignik Sikumi #1 was drilled vertically with chilled oil-based mud to a depthof 2600ft. Four hydrate-bearing sandstones were encountered, andpetrophysical evaluation indicated the Sagavanirktok " C Sand" hosted thehighest hydrate saturations. These sandstones occur in the subsurface atreservoir conditions similar to temperatures and pressure conditions of labtests. Reservoir modeling with conventional simulators and in-housecell-to-cell models guided both equipment design and test parameters. Anticipated low injection rates and cryogenic injectant required the design ofspecialized pumping equipment. Operations at Ignik Sikumi #1 re-commencedin December 2011. Following perforation, over 200,000 scf of mixedCO2/N2 gas was injected. A short unassisted flowperiod was followed by extended production testing via jet pumping. Results from the production test will be shown.

CO2/CH4 exchange is a novel approach to recovermethane from sandstone-hosted hydrates. Field trial has validatedlaboratory results and reservoir simulations, and has proven thatCO2 can be injected into naturally occurring sandstone-hostedhydrates. Subsequent flowback/drawdown testing produced injectants(nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and tracer gases) methane, water, and very finesand.
Probabilistic Methods for Ice Gouge Hazard Analysis in the Beaufort Sea
Authors: Caines Jonathan , Lanan Glenn , Sturge Amy , Georghiou Andreas , Paulin Mike
Published: December 2012

There are many challenges associated with the design and installation ofArctic subsea pipeline. A leading example is the Northstar developmentpipelines currently operating safely offshore the Alaskan North Slope. Uniqueoffshore Arctic environmental loading conditions, such as ice gouging, influence each pipeline design differently. Statistical distributions andprobabilistic assessments of ice gouge records can be used to predict designextreme gouge depths which can then be used to determine pipeline burial depthsrequired for protection against ice keels.

The Northstar subsea pipeline project used the statistical ice gougeanalysis method described by Lanan et al. (1986), based on the exponentialprobability distribution, to select design pipeline burial depths forprotection against ice gouging. This method was applied to publicly availabledata and site-specific survey data collected prior to the pipeline installationin 2000, to predict the design extreme ice gouge depths expected along thepipeline route. Each year since the pipeline installation, new ice gouge datahas been collected by BP Exploration (Alaska).

This paper reviews additional ice gouge data collected since installation ofthe Northstar pipelines and has assessed the use of alternate ice gougeanalysis methods to predict extreme ice gouge design depths for future pipelineinstallations in the Beaufort Sea, Data available from all Alaskan Beaufort Seaice gouge surveys in the Northstar pipeline area was also included in some ofthe statistical comparisons.

Results obtained using the exponential analysis method were compared toanalyses using alternate probability distribution functions (PDFs), such as theWeibull, gamma, and log-normal. Data thresholds have also been investigated forPDF fitting. Work by Caines (2009, 2011) has shown that alternate probabilitydistribution functions might be more appropriate for modeling ice gouge depthdata, compared to the traditional exponential method. A brief comparativeanalysis was conducted using known age Northstar pipeline route data toinvestigate the effects of using all available gouge depth data versus annualmaximums only.
Pipeline Engineering Solutions for Harsh Arctic Environments: Technology Challenges and Constraints for Advanced Numerical Simulations
Authors: Pike K. , Kenny S. , Kavanagh K. , Jukes P.
Published: December 2012

The design of offshore arctic pipelines must evaluate technical engineeringchallenges, primarily related to system demand and system capacity, and addressproject execution risk, primarily associated with pipeline trenching andlogisitics. One of the significant hazards, particularly in deeper water, isthe presence of extreme ice features; such as icebergs and multi-year pressureridges, that may gouge the seabed. A comprehensive engineering framework existsto support the analysis and design of offshore pipelines in ice gougeenvironments. However, there exists some aeas of technical uncertainty withinthe current state-of-practice that are highlighted in this paper. This studyfocuses on specific technical issues associated with the simulation of contactmechanics, definition of interface parameters, and need for physical datasetsfor the validation of advanced numerical simulation tools. Study specificconclusions and recommendations that address these technology needs to resolveuncertainty associated with the simulation of ice gouging events areprovided.

Introduction

Over the past decade, numerous studies have illustrated the simulationpotential of recent advancements in computational hardware and softwareplatforms to solve complex multi-physics problems involving large deformations, large strains and advanced constitutive models. For example, the ArbitraryLagrange Eulerian (ALE) modelling framework has been used to examine manypractical engineering problems such as ice gouging and ice/structureinteraction (e.g. Kenny et al., 2007; Konuk et al., 2005; 2009). Although theunderlying technical basis is sound and the innovative efforts are recognized, application of these advanced numerical procedures is ahead of the curve withrespect to the requisite benchmarks and validation (Pike et al., 2011a,b). Forice gouge events, there has been recent effort to address this issue (e.g. Panico et al., 2012; Phillips et al., 2010; Sancio et al., 2011); however, asshown in this study and others (e.g. Pike et al., 2011c; Rossiter and Kenny,2012), there is a need for a focused and collaborative effort in order toimprove confidence and reduce uncertainty in the numerical modelling proceduresthrough model validation (e.g. Panico et al., 2012; Phillips et al., 2010; Pikeet al., 2011a,b; Pike and Kenny, 2012a).
Evaluation of Lateral Vertical Pipeline/Soil Interactions
Authors: Rossiter C. , Kenny S.
Published: December 2012

Pipeline systems are integral components of the system infrastructure forthe transport of hydrocarbon resources. In arctic and harsh environments, thesepipelines may be subject to large deformation geohazards. Pipeline/soilinteraction events are often examined using a structural pipe/spring model. This approach does not account for more realistic soil constitutive behaviour, soil deformation mechanisms and effects of soil load transfer on pipelinemechanical response. This paper examines pipe/soil interaction events duringoblique lateral-vertical soil movements using plane strain finite elementanalysis. The results from this study provide a technical framework to assessthe effects of geotechnical loads on buried pipelines, highlight key parametersinfluencing soil yield envelopes, and identify soil failure mechanisms foroblique pipe/soil interaction events that can be used in the design of buriedpipelines for large deformation geohazards. The results may be used tobenchmark more complex loading events, such as coupled ice keel/seabed/pipelineinteraction, that has limited physical basis for validation.

Introduction

Current engineering practice recommends the use of structural beam/springmodels to simulate pipeline/soil interaction events for the prediction ofpipeline mechanical response (e.g. ALA, 2002; Honegger and Nyman, 2004). The" continuum" soil behaviour is idealised by a series of discrete, independent, orthogonal springs representing the distributed mechanical response along theaxial, lateral and vertical pipe axes. The soil spring load-displacementrelationship is generally defined by bilinear or hyperbolic expressions as afunction of the peak load and displacement at peak load. For large deformationground movement events; such as ice gouging or seismic fault movement, recentstudies indicate the structural models are deficient and do not account for thecomplex response including load coupling and superposition errors (Daiyan etal., 2010a; Peek and Nobahar, 2012; Phillips et al., 2004a). There is a need toevaluate the current state of practice for the numerical modelling ofpipeline/soil interaction events with respect to the simulation of morerealistic soil behaviour and complex loading events; such as obliquepipeline/soil interaction.

Pipeline/soil interaction is a multifaceted problem that involves theinterplay between factors including the magnitude and distribution of soilproperties (e.g. type, unit weight, strength parameters, constitutiverelationships, rate sensitivity), contact mechanics (e.g. interface properties)pipeline characteristics (e.g. diameter, burial depth) and load effects (e.g.oblique coupling, strain localization, discontinuous behaviour). This drivesthe development of a robust and comprehensive technical framework includinglaboratory tests to refine soil constitutive models and physical models tovalidate advanced computational models in support of engineering analysis anddesign activities (Kenny et al., 2007; Pike and Kenny, 2011, 2012).
Autonomous Surface Vehicle Operations in the Arctic: Regional Baseline Data Acquisition
Authors: Anderson Brian S. , Beatman Luke
Published: December 2012

Based on Wave Glider supported data acquisition operations in the Arctic, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific Ocean, a framework and rationale for theacquisition of baseline acoustic, hydrocarbon seeps, vessel traffic, meteorological and oceanographic data is described. Applications for thistechnology are pre-exploration environmental baseline assessments, oil and gasoperations, and physical environmental data for facilities design. Fielddata examples of passive acoustic, fluorometry, AIS (vessel traffic) andmetocean data from prior offshore survey operations are provided, along withinterpretive assessments of the data. The significance of this approachis the emerging capability to remotely control these types of data acquisitionoperations with zero environmental impact, minimized HSE risk to personnel, anddecreased cost of operations. The Wave Glider introduces a newmethodology for regional baseline environmental data acquisition.

Introduction

Since its introduction into offshore data acquisition operations in 2007, the Wave Glider has quickly become a well used tool by academic, government, and industrial users. In this paper we provide an introduction to theplatform, and examples of data from ocean missions performed to date. With the growing interest in Arctic industrial activities, the ability toconduct detailed, remotely operated data collection operations is increasinglyimportant to all stakeholders. Initial work with the Wave Glider AMVplatform indicates that it may provide a new tool in the Arctic dataacquisition toolkit.

Wave Glider Operations and Sensory Equipment

The Wave Glider is an Autonomous Marine Vehicle with a unique propulsionsystem, the key to which is the direct conversion of kinetic energy from theparticle motion in ocean waves into forward thrust, which is used as propulsionfor the vehicle. The vehicle is also equipped with solar panels on thetopsides of the surface float, which provide power for the instrument payloadof the system. It should be noted that during summer operations there issufficient solar power for Wave Glider function, however during winter this isnot the case. Alternative strategies for expanded battery payload forlimited duration winter operations are under review.

The pacing item for the duration of extended field operations isbiofouling. In practice, due to the decreased rate of growth in theArctic Summer, this is not anticipated to be a limiting factor during longduration Arctic operations. Several months of continuous operation in theArctic are possible with the Wave Glider platform. At the time of thiswriting, there are currently four Wave Glider systems on a record settingtransit from the West Coast of the United States, two units transiting toSouthern Japan via Hawaii, and two units transiting to the East Coast ofAustralia. This trans-Pacific Ocean crossing illustrates the durabilityand persistence of these systems. Data from the sensors on these units ismade available to the public.
Time Domain Analysis of a MODU Moored in Ice
Authors: Keijdener C. , Arens E. , Bereznitski A.
Published: December 2012

In light of the recent increasing interest in the oil and gas developmentsin the arctic region, Huisman Equipment B.V. has developed a Mobile OffshoreDrilling Unit (MODU) named JBF Arctic suited for arctic condition. The stationkeeping in ice is one of the crucial factors determining the feasibility of thedesign. As one of the first steps of the design process ice model tests wereperformed at the Krylov Shipbuilding Research Institute (KSRI) to gain insightin the ice forces acting on the unit. During the model tests the model of theJBF Arctic was retained in a fixed position while being towed through the ice. In reality the station keeping of the unit will be ensured by a mooring system, which has certain flexibility compared to the rigid constrains in the modeltests. This paper elaborates on the creation of a numerical model that canperform time-domain simulations of the dynamic interaction between the vesseland the ice-loads. Using these simulations the mooring system is optimized inorder to cope with the ice loads corresponding to unbroken level ice withthickness up to 3.1m. Several important conclusions were drawn. One is the factthat no dominating frequencies of the ice failing could be identified from themodel tests. This can be explained by a large ratio between the diameter of theunit and the ice thickness. So the ice failure mechanism has a chaoticcharacter. Another conclusion is that the unit does not exhibit significantdynamic behavior. This means that a quasi-static approach can be generally usedfor initial design of the mooring system.

Introduction

The JBF Arctic is a semi-submersible drilling unit designed to cater thefuture needs for year-around drilling in the arctic region (Bereznitski, 2011). In the topside of the vessel this is reflected in the fully sheltered workingareas and number of other features needed for the winterization.
Methods for Efficient and Safe 3D Seismic Acquisition in Arctic Conditions
Authors: Rypdal Cato , Lippett David , Hedgeland David , Baker Steve , Lie Frode
Published: December 2012

There is a growing interest in seismic surveys in arctic areas. Normally 2Dsurveys can be carried out with limited risk, as long as the area is reasonablyfree of ice. However, 3D seismic surveys are an essential tool for explorationin order to de-risk prospective areas ahead of expensive and challengingdrilling operations. Acquisition of 3D surveys, with multiple streamers, is farmore difficult than single streamer 2D surveys, as the amount of in-seaequipment is an order of magnitude higher and the data density for a given areacovered is far greater: the physical footprint of a 3D equipment spread beingtowed behind a vessel can be about a kilometer wide by several kilometers long. This significantly increases the risk of equipment damage due to ice. Thispaper summarizes experiences from several 3D surveys in the Arctic, andaddresses how the use of new equipment and techniques can reduce such risks toacceptable levels.

Introduction

There are a number of operational challenges for surveys in arcticwaters:–Short seasonavailable for operations–Ice in the water andextreme weather impacting efficiency and data quality–Logistics in remoteareas–Low temperatureeffects on equipment–Crew safety andcomfort in severe conditions–Poor visibility -fog and snow showers

The focus of this paper is risks associated with ice in the water. This isoften the most critical issue for surveys in arctic areas. Ice conditions canvary significantly from year to year, creating major uncertainties regardingsurvey duration and potential equipment damage. This paper outlines how thesechallenges have been addressed on several 3D surveys that have been acquired inarctic conditions offshore Greenland, Canada and Russia. Methods and technologyto improve efficiency will be outlined; experiences of ice damage riskmitigation will be shared; data quality issues will be addressed and areas forfuture development focus will be identified. Opportunities for equipmentmanufacturers to further improve their products will be highlighted.
Aurora Slim Polar Research Icebreaker
Authors: Niini Mikko , Arpiainen Matti , Mattsson Tom
Published: December 2012

Dedicated research vessels that are capable to operate during all seasons ofthe year and under unfavourable weather conditions in the central Arctic Oceanand in the Southern Ocean are required to fulfil the new needs of polar oceanresearch for all marine disciplines. Today, no available research vessel hasthe capabilities required for this.

The European Research Icebreaker Consortium (ERICON-AB) project wasone the 35 projects identified in the 2006 roadmap of the European Forum onResearch Infrastructure (ESFRI) as a new Research Infrastructure ofpan-European interest. It was the largest project in the environmentalsciences. Funded by the European Commission for a duration of four years, theERICON project generates the scientific, strategic, legal, financial andorganisational frameworks required for advancing the decision-making process ofnational governments to commit financial resources for the construction andrunning ofan European Polar Research Icebreaker.

The initial design, however, appeared to be verycostly, a costestimate of up to 800 M EUR was presented, which ledEuropen Commission todrop the project from the ESFRI list of prioritized pan-Europeanprojects. However, as a lot of goodresultshad been achieved inother parts of the project (science missions, co-operation models, legalstructures etc) the ERICON-AB Stakeholder Councilin 2011 asked AkerArctic tostudy the possibilities for a more cost-efficient version forthe task.

Having received a positive response from ABB for the possibility to use PC1ice class pods as propulsion devices in the concept, AARCcreated a " SLIM" versionfor the vessel and ended up in a cost estimateunder 500 MEUR, without compromising any of the scientific goals. The performance of theAURORA SLIM was verified by ice model tests in early 2012. The AURORA SLIM byAker Arctic is operated on the Aker Arctic DAS™ principle, is based on triple15 MW pods and has a displacement of only 42.000 tons instead of the previous65.000 tons. Similarly the installed power has been reduced from 101 MW to 58,5MW. A reduction of close to 45% in operating costs was estimated. The newversion also incorporates the possibility to run the icebreaker for one weekwith LNG fuel, stored in containers on the deck.

The European research icebreaker project fullfils also another importantgoal; the vessel serves in an efficient way also as a platform for newtechnical innovation, and thus serves the purpose of other EU FP7 programtargets. The AURORA SLIM, with the new pod drives and use of LNG as clean fuel, is an example of such efforts, bringing an opportunity to the European maritimeindustry to introduce new state-of-the-art solutions, thus strengthening theEuropean industries' competitiveness and leading role in technologicaldevelopments.
Managed Ice Loads on a Dynamically Positioned Vessel
Authors: Gash R. , Millan J.
Published: December 2012

Stationkeeping in ice-covered waters has become a large area of interest forresearch and development in light of heightened interest in Arctic oil and gasexploration. The performance of Dynamic Positioning (DP) control systems forstationkeeping purposes in ice conditions is a difficult challenge fornumerical modeling assessment. Given that full-scale validation data for DP inice operations is often scarce, physical modeling of stationkeeping in iceoffers the best method for assessing the performance of dynamically positionedvessels in these conditions. A series of model tests carried out at theNational Research Council of Canada's Ice Tank facility in August and Septemberof 2011 attempted to observe the effects of various managed ice conditions(i.e. ice floes which have been broken into manageable pieces by an icebreaker) on DP performance. Results from these tests are discussed. Ofparticular interest in this study is the observation of non-linear effects ofvarying ice conditions on DP performance. The use of machine vision-based dataproducts as potential estimators of ice loading is discussed. It is concludedthat simple statistical observations of these conditions will be unable tofully characterize the effects of various ice parameters on performance, andthat investigation into more advanced data products available from machinevision systems may be able to aide in characterizing these effects as well asin the development of models capable of predicting ice loads.