bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stratified estimation of forest inventory variables using spatially summarized stratifications
Authors: McRoberts Ronald , Wendt Daniel , Liknes Greg
Published: September 2014

Large area natural resource inventory programs typically report estimates for selected geographic areas such as states or provinces, counties, and municipalities. To increase the precision of estimates, inventory programs may use stratified estimation, with classified satellite imagery having been found to be an efficient and effective basis for stratification. For the benefit of users who desire additional analyses, the inventory programs often make data and estimation procedures available via the Internet. For their own analyses, users frequently request access to stratifications used by the inventory programs. When data analysis is via the Internet and stratifications are based on classifications of even medium resolution satellite imagery, the memory requirements for storing the stratifications and the online time for processing them may be excessive. One solution is to summarize the stratifications at coarser spatial scales, thus reducing both storage requirements and processing time. If the bias and loss of precision resulting from using summaries of stratifications is acceptably small, then this approach is viable. Methods were investigated for using summaries of stratifications that do not require storing and processing the entire pixel-level stratifications. Methods that summarized satellite image-based 30 m x 30 m pixel stratifications at spatial scales up to 2400 ha produced stratified estimates of the mean that were generally within 5-percent of estimates for the same areas obtained using the pixel stratifications. In addition, stratified estimates of variances using summarized stratifications realized nearly all the gain in precision that was obtained with the underlying pixel stratifications.
Kebijakan Perguruan Tinggi Negeri Yogyakarta Terhadap Penyandang Disabilitas
Authors: Soleh Akhmad
Published: September 2014

This study discusses the accessibility of university education in the four public universities in Yogyakarta; Indonesian Arts Institute (ISI), University of Gajah Mada (UGM),Yogyakarta State University (UNY), and State Islamic University (UIN) Sunan Kalijaga. Upto now, the disability groups have not got an equal access and the opportunity in a higher education. There are only a few students with disabilities that are accepted in Universities in Indonesia, because of physical limitations that would interfere the teaching-learning process in their classrooms. The research findings showed that the education systems in the UGM, Yogyakarta State University, and the ISI have a system of “integration”, while at UIN has led to the inclusion system, that is “accommodative” and has the ability to service for persons with disabilities.Penelitian ini membahas tentang aksesibilitas pendidikan di perguruan tinggi di empat perguruan tinggi negeri di Yogyakarta; yaitu Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI), Universitas Gajah Mada (UGM), Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), an Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sunan Kalijaga. Sampai saat, kelompok masyarakat yang menyandang disabilitas masih belum memperoleh persamaan dan kesempatan dalam mengakses pada pendidikan tinggi. Hanya sedikit mahasiswa penyandang disabilitas yang diterima pada Perguruan tinggi di Indonesia, karena keterbatasan fisik yang akan mengganggu proses belajar-mengajar di kelasnya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan baha pendidikan di UGM, UNY, dan ISI memiliki sistem “integrasi”,sedangkan di UIN telah memiliki sistem inklusi, yang “akomodatif”, dan mampu memberi layanan mahasiswa penyandang disabilitas.
Kebijakan Pendidikan Islam: Hibridasi Lembaga Pendidikan Tinggi
Authors: Wahyono Andi
Published: September 2014

This paper is going to discuss and to provide solutions for the problems of dualism policy in the Islamic higher education institution. The effort to integrate religious education and general education has not reached a satisfactory result. Several concepts have been offered, but they still leave the problems off dualism policy in the Islamic higher education institution. Therefore, I offer the concept of hybridization of higher educations. This endeavor is very urgent to be done because there is a tendency of Islamic higher education institutions and general higher education institutions to be more apart, although there are the offers of conceptof science Islamization, Islam as Science, or the integration and interconnection of science.Tulisan ini hendak mempersoalkan sekaligus memberi solusi terhadap permasalahan dualisme kebijakan lembaga pendidikan tinggi islam. Upaya memadukan pendidikan agama dan pendidikan umum belum sampai pada kata memuaskan. Beberapa konsep sudah ditawarkan namun masih menyisakan persoalan berupa dualisme kebijakan lembaga pendidikan tinggi Islam. Oleh karena itu, saya menawarkan konsep tentang hibridasi lembaga pendidikan tinggi. Usaha ini sangat mendesak untuk dilakukan karena ada kecenderungan lembaga pendidikan tinggi Islam dan lembaga pendidikan tinggi umum justru semakin berjalan sendiri-sendiri, sekalipun sudah ada tawaran konsep tentang Islamisasi ilmu, Islam sebagai ilmu, ataupunintegrasi dan interkoneksi keilmuan.
Inequity Aversion and Fair Selling
Authors: Guo Liang
Published: September 2014

This research investigates optimal selling strategies and equilibrium welfare implications in markets with buyer inequity aversion. When buyers care about their surplus relative to seller profits but are uncertain about seller costs, buyers’ fairness perceptions and, thus, their willingness to pay may be malleable and susceptible to seller influence. If a seller's optimal behavior (e.g., pricing) is not completely unvarying in variable costs, buyers can rationally make inferences about seller costs from observed seller behavior. Consequently, buyers’ fairness perceptions and their willingness to pay can influence, and be influenced by, optimal selling strategies. The study characterizes a fair selling equilibrium in which optimal seller behavior and buyer perceived fairness are interactively derived. The author shows that seller ex ante profit may increase as more buyers become inequity averse. In addition, buyer ex ante surplus can be nonmonotonically influenced by an increase in the number of fair-minded buyers or in the degree of inequity aversion. These counterintuitive results pinpoint the importance of investigating the strategic interaction between buyer fairness perceptions and selling strategies. Finally, the basic model is extended to examine how the fair selling equilibrium may be influenced by cost disclosure, buyer dynamic learning, and seller competition.
A parabolic flow of balanced metrics
Authors: Bedulli Lucio , Vezzoni Luigi
Published: September 2014

We prove a general criterion to establish existence and uniqueness of a short-time solution to an evolution equation involving “closed” sections of a vector bundle, generalizing a method used by Bryant and Xu [8] for studying the Laplacian flow in

G
2

$G_{2}$

-geometry. We apply this theorem in balanced geometry introducing a natural extension of the Calabi flow to the balanced case. We show that this flow has always a unique short-time solution belonging to the same Bott–Chern cohomology class of the initial balanced structure and that it preserves the Kähler condition. Finally, we study explicitly the flow on the Iwasawa manifold.
Induced characters with equal degree constituents
Authors: Gagola, Jr. Stephen M. , Sezer Sezgin
Published: September 2014

We study the situation of a finite group G having
a subgroup H with the property that each of its nonprincipal
irreducible (complex) characters induce to G as a sum of irreducible
characters all having the same degree. When this happens, the subgroup
H either contains, or is contained in, the commutator subgroup G'
of G. In any case, the normal closure HG
is always proper in G
whenever H is proper (even when G is perfect), and HG
is solvable
whenever this normal closure is a proper subgroup of G'.
Übersicht zu Sensordatenfusionsansätzen in der Thermografie
Authors: Soldan Samuel , Kroll Andreas
Published: September 2014

In diesem Beitrag wird eine Übersicht über verschiedene Ansätze
gegeben, um durch Fusion bzw.
Kombination von mehreren, unterschiedlichen Aufnahmen
die Qualität des thermografischen Messergebnisses zu verbessern und/oder
die Menge an nutzbaren Informationen über ein Messobjekt zu
erhöhen. Dabei wird sowohl die Kombination
verschiedener Thermografiedaten (uni-modale
Fusion), als auch die Sensordatenfusion mit anderen
bildgebenden Messverfahren (multi-modale Fusion)
behandelt.
ZIPCO, a putative metal ion transporter, is crucial for Plasmodium liver‐stage development
Authors: Sahu Tejram , Boisson Bertrand , Lacroix Céline , Bischoff Emmanuel , Richier Quentin , Formaglio Pauline , Thiberge Sabine , Dobrescu Irina , Ménard Robert , Baldacci Patricia
Published: September 2014

The malaria parasite, Plasmodium, requires iron for growth, but how it imports iron remains unknown. We characterize here a protein that belongs to the ZIP (Zrt‐, Irt‐like Protein) family of metal ion transport proteins and have named ZIP domain‐containing protein (ZIPCO). Inactivation of the ZIPCO‐encoding gene in Plasmodium berghei, while not affecting the parasite's ability to multiply in mouse blood and to infect mosquitoes, greatly impairs its capacity to develop inside hepatocytes. Iron/zinc supplementation and depletion experiments suggest that ZIPCO is required for parasite utilization of iron and possibly zinc, consistent with its predicted function as a metal transporter. This is the first report of a ZIP protein having a crucial role in Plasmodium liver‐stage development, as well as the first metal ion transporter identified in Plasmodium pre‐erythrocytic stages. Because of the drastic dependence on iron of Plasmodium growth, ZIPCO and related proteins might constitute attractive drug targets to fight against malaria.
Time for a forum on terms used for textile fibers
Authors: Zawistoski Patsy Sue
Published: September 2014

The advances in manufactured fibers and textiles have garnered interest and excitement of textile artists and consumers alike for a myriad of reasons, including health, environmental, and fashion. The chemical and molecular nature of these advances, however leads to confusion and misunderstanding of the new fibers in the materials. This is exacerbated by the current climate of distrust for chemical words and desire for “green” products and the unregulated (mis)information and marketing on the web. Textile artists, consumers, and the clothing and household textile industry need clear names and labels to identify the materials they are using.
Soil Properties Influence Saflufenacil Phytotoxicity
Authors: Gannon Travis W. , Hixson Adam C. , Keller Kyle E. , Weber Jerome B. , Knezevic Stevan Z. , Yelverton Fred H.
Published: September 2014

Saflufenacil, a pyrimidinedione herbicide, is used for contact and residual broadleaf weed control in various crops. Bioactivity of saflufenacil in soil was tested in greenhouse and laboratory studies on 29 soils representing a wide range of soil properties and geographic areas across the United States. A greenhouse bioassay method was developed using various concentrations of saflufenacil applied PPI to each soil. Whole canola plants were harvested 14 d after treatment, and fresh and dry weights were recorded. Nonlinear regression analysis was used to determine the effective saflufenacil doses for 50% (ED50,), 80% (ED80), and 90% (ED90) inhibition of total plant fresh weight. Bioactivity of saflufenacil in soil was strongly correlated to soil organic (R= 0.85) and humic matter (R= 0.81), and less correlated to cation exchange capacity (R= 0.49) and sand content (R= −0.32). Stepwise regression analysis indicated that organic matter was the major soil constituent controlling bioactivity in soil and could be used to predict the bioactivity of saflufenacil. Saflufenacil phytotoxicity was found to be dependent on soil property; therefore, efficacy and crop tolerance from PRE and PPI applications may vary based on soil organic matter content and texture classification.
Horizontal Well Placement Optimization for Heavy-Oil Production in Complex Heterogeneous and Thin Reservoirs: A Case Study from the South China Sea
Authors: Luo Donghong , Li Lin , Tao Bin , Halomoan P. M. , Bisain A. S. , Wang Chao
Published: September 2014

Located in offshore South China, Panyu oil field has entered into mature development phase after a decade of intensive production the water cut of the field had raised to 91%. It was then decided to start targeting less than 5m thin heavy oil reservoirs with density 0.93 - 0.96 g/cm3, 14-17API Gravity and with dynamic viscosity of 275 cP to increase the production and reserve recovery of the overall field. The only way to extract heavy oil from these reservoirs was from drilling horizontal wells.

However, exploiting these targets presents operational challenges with increasing complexity with heterogeneous formation, presence of bottom water and heavy oil property. To overcome, need strategic well planning, the horizontal well needs to be optimally placed within complex target zone, the lateral also needs to be placed as close as possible to the reservoir top to keep it away from the unknown current fluid contact and design a completion to minimize water conning.

This paper features the best practices of making strategic planning and spacing of horizontal wells in the field for efficient draining of the reservoir, drilling of horizontal wells close to top of reservoir to optimize the distance between horizontal section and oil water contact that is very sensitive to well performance and reserve recovery. This includes precise landing with low incident angle and lateral placement within less than 0.5m window below the reservoir top utilizing the directional electromagnetic and wellbore imaging applications for detail reservoir profiles description and current OWC level identification while drilling and further designing a completion in a combination of step screen and stinger to balance the pressure drawdown along the lateral for minimizing the water coning.

Multiple wells' field cases will be discussed in the paper based on 16 horizontal wells completed during the course of the project. Several key outcomes that have been observed during the execution and upon the completion of the well will be highlighted, including: –Clear identification of the reservoir geo-bodies and their interfaces including the current fluid contact level–Optimum lateral placement in the best position to drain the reservoir–Completion design for optimal production

The authors conclude that heavy oil reserve recovery enabled through horizontal wells drilling and completion program. The implementation of the best practices in operation is the key to drain the heavy oil effectively and optimally.
Optimizing Navigation Well-Path Design on Thin-Bed, Highly Stratified Heavy-Oil Reservoirs by Using Seismic Attributes and Well Logs, Rubiales Field, Eastern Llanos Basin, Colombia
Authors: Penaloza Edinson David , Nunez Fernando Jose
Published: September 2014

Normally, oil fields develop, once the exploratory phase and reservoir delineation are concluded, is performed based on a geometric arrangement that involves the spacing of wells according to their drainage radius and therefore avoid drain areas overlap.

The Rubiales field in the eastern plains of Colombia is characterized by high stratification and sand thicknesses of economic interest that are on average below 10 feet and are mostly drained horizontally on having only 3-4 feet Net Pay although in specific cases, have been drilled thicknesses less than 2 feet, always coexisting with the water and having to manage it for doing this field economically profitable. Generally speaking, could be considered a reservoir of low structural complexity.

However compiled drilling experience in thin beds has shown problems questioning lateral continuity of sand bodies in the original length of the paths well designed, affecting the forecasted production commitment, raising operational risk having to make changes on well paths during drilling and finishing doing “pilot holes” being already in horizontal sections to resizing the stratigraphy and the placement of sand bodies and lateral continuity involved.

This job is a compilation of some experiences obtained at Rubiales field having seismic data as support and powerful tool for minimizing risk of total or partial navigation target loss in heavy oil thin beds reservoirs.
Complex Well Design for Multilaterals Offshore North Caspian Sea
Authors: Valisevich Alexey , Zvyagin Vasiliy , Famiev Robert , Kozhakhmetov Mirat , Paramonov Alexey , Akhmetov Marat
Published: September 2014

The success of the drilling campaign including drilling efficiency, service quality, personnel safety and cost is critically dependent on robust solutions developed during the design phase of the overall well construction process.

One of the most critical stages of the overall well construction process is the well design phase. The drilling project service quality, personnel safety, drilling efficiency and cost directly depend on the robust solutions elaborated at the design phase.

This paper describes the advanced technical engagement between an operator and an integrated services company to generate a basis of design for drilling and completing development wells in the Filanovskogo offshore field, in the north of Caspian Sea. The basis of design is a document that describes well design principles, engineering solutions and technologies required to drill and complete the wells. The paper explains the design approach selected by the project team, project design stages, foreseen challenges and technical solutions to deliver efficient well designs that could meet operator requirements and comply with Russian regulatory rules.

The key technical challenges of the Filanovskogo field are that the reservoir zone is located at shallow true vertical depth (TVD); the high formation collapse gradients and low mud loss gradients create a narrow mud weight window environment, along with complicated well profiles involving – multilateral horizontals and extended reach (ER) wells. This paper illustrates the development of a basis of design to ensure cost-effective access to reserves. It covers the operator and the service company experience in the drilling of ERD wells, applying advanced technologies for windows milling, completion options screening process and designing a multilateral junction. It also provides an understanding of the importance of operator and service company departments integration processes in order to achieve well objectives. To support the basis of design development, a comprehensive risk register was generated to minimize drilling risks.

The process of technical integration between the operator and the service company in the early stages of operational planning by developing drilling and completion design is unique for Russian O&G operators and was done by assuming that it would be very efficient through providing technical integrity and minimizing the project risks. The drilling and completion design consideration processes described in this paper can be used to provide valuable insight for future projects where up-front complex technical study is key to success.
Improvement of Drilling Technology for the Yarega Heavy Oil Field Development By SAGD Method with Counter Producing and Injecting Wells
Authors: Chertenkov Mikhail V. , Loparev Denis S. , Buslaev George V. , Yusifov Asif A. , Klyavlin Aleksey V.
Published: September 2014

Utilization of thermal production technologies in Yarega heavy oil field exemplifies a large-scale experiment of paramount importance for future development of oil industry, science, economics and technology. This paper presents a review of over than 75 year history of production technological development in Yarega heavy oil field. It shows that Russia pioneered and advanced in time in heavy oil and bitumen production, the world resources of which greatly exceed the light oil resources. The authors emphasize the LUKOIL-Komi experience, obtained during SAGD technology introduction in Yarega heavy oil field and drilling long horizontals (up to 1000 m) at shallow depths (200-210 m). SAGD technology was an alternative to oil mining, that had been used their since 1939. In 2006 three pairs of horizontals have been drilled in pilot testing area. Steam injectors were 5 m above producers, and average length of horizontal sections was about 300 m with total length of 610 m. In 2011-2012 another five pairs of producers and steam injectors have been drilled from two different clusters located 1400 m apart. Left and right pairs were azimuthally deviated. The problem in drilling of such wells was that the pay zone TVD was up to 220 m, and, therefore, the dog leg severity was 3.50° per 10 m. And the event of azimuth changes it increased up to 4° per 10 m and more. This resulted in problems with pushing BHA and casing, and also with placing fiber optic cable on the outer casing walls. In 2013 started the opposing wells drilling using the rack type rigs with 45-72° spudding angle, which decreased the dog leg severity and provided the longer horizontal sections. The paper provides a comparative analysis of advantages and disadvantages of vertical rigs and rack type rigs based on projected and actual field data.
Best Practices for Horizontal Wells Completion Technology and Multistage Fracturing for High Pressure Achimov Formation at Urengoyskoe Field
Authors: Abalev A. , Zaichenko D. , Tyutikov S. , Inyushina A. , Koncheko A.
Published: September 2014

Reserves of Achimov formation of Urengoyskoe gas field is approximately 3 trillion cubic meters of gas and condensate. (Total reserves of Urengoy gas field 10 trillion cubic meters). About 83 % of Achimov reserves stored in two main reservoirs Ach3-4 and Ach5. Operator Company of the gas field has hard objectives to drill sub horizontal well that will cross both mentioned formations at angle of 80-90 degrees.

Due to the complex geological conditions of Achimov layers with abnormal high pressure, narrow Equivalent Circulating Density window, construction of these types of wells associated with high drilling and completions risks. 

In 2013-2014 operator company together with service providers successfully build ten sub horizontal wells with horizontal departure at 2403 meters and a length of sub horizontal section for production liner for 1000-1230 meters.

152.4mm open hole were completed with 114mm perforated liner with cementing stage tool for cementing top section of production liner.  Despite a number of technological limitations and risks related to high pressure, all six wells were successfully completed as planned.

This article related to describing experiences of completion technologies for sub horizontal wells with long horizontal departure, also article will provide recommendations for completion systems with the ability to use multi-stage hydraulic fracturing for sub horizontal of horizontal wells for Achimov or other low-permeability formations.

The recommended completion technology will reduce probability of risks and technical incidents during well construction and completion, also proposed completion technology will increase productivity and life cycle of mentioned subhorizontal wells.
Horizontal Well Drilling in Bashneft Oil Company. Current Situation and Prospects
Authors: Khamitov Oleg , Prostyakov Kirill , Khasanov Renat
Published: September 2014

Bashneft Oil Company has rich drilling history. First well in Bashkiria was drilled in Ishimbaiskoe oil field in 1932, the oil flow rate was 20 ton/day. Thereby oil exploration in Bashkiria commenced. Petroleum refinery was founded in Ishimbay city in 1935. The same year Bashneft oil company was founded. Initially the company composed of Ishimbayskoe oil field, logging and exploration facilities. 90 % of total oil production in west part of Soviet Union has been produced on Bashneft in 1939. Cumulative oil production was more than 15 million tons in 1955, Bashneft was the first company in USSR by cumulative oil flow rate per year.

Unsuccessful attempts of horizontal and multilateral well drilling were initiated in the beginning of 20 century in USA. However first multilateral well was completed in Ishimbaiskoe oil field under the guidance of Alexander Grigoryan in 1953. The well had of 9 boreholes, total effective length was 322 meters and initial oil flow rate was about 200 ton/day.

The oil cumulative production peak of 47 million tons was reached in 1967. One billion tons had been produced in Bashneft by 1980. Significant amounts of oil production were huge amounts of new drilling as green fields in region were discovered. In 1935 Bashneft had 19 wells, in 1970 were 7050. In 1980 total number of production wells in Bashneft was about 14 000. Large deposits were drilled the Soviet period. The last decade of the XX century drilling came mainly in new fields, small in size and reserves, as well as at during the main large fields of Bashkortostan. New reserves in old fields discovered due to detailed 3D seismic survey and processing of well data archives.

During period of 2008 – 2013 new well drilling decreased. 220 new wells were drilled in 2008 and 35 new wells were drilled in 2012. Average oil flow rate of new wells increased many times this period (figure 1).
Decision for Optimum Number of Well Pads During Phase of Field Development Design
Authors: Karsakov Valery A.
Published: September 2014

In this paper presented method of optimum well numbers determination based on technical and economics calculations by using advanced software tools. The obtained results allow with arguments to justify quantity and location of well pads for field. Also author point out relations between all aspects during design filed development and indicate valuable and importance of well padding stage for reservoir engineering.
Decision-Making for Fast Start of Offshore Fields Development
Authors: Shandrygin Alexander N. , Dyakonov Igor I. , Dubrovsky Dmytry A.
Published: September 2014

Development of offshore fields at an early stage is connected with significant uncertainties and risks because of poor knowledge of reservoirs characteristics and the low reliability of hydrocarbon reserves. In this paper we present the methodology to assess the possibility to start offshore fields development in condition of limited geological information. The methodology is implemented as a workflow, the result of which is the conclusion about: types of production units, number of wells and their placement boundaries, required minimum reserves density to begin field development, as well as types of exploration work on fields. The application of the methodology and workflow are demonstrated on the examples of assessment of the potential of development of some Russian arctic offshore fields.
Subsea Gas Pipeline Coiled Tubing Intervention for Hydrate Plug Removal
Authors: Nepomiluev M. , Streletskaya V.
Published: September 2014

Subsea pipeline transportation is a subject of hydrates/ice associated problem, risk of exposure of hydrates-related issues is significantly increased in extremely cold arctic condition. In case of emergency situation or technology process failures could result to partial chock or complete hydrates blockage of long part of subsea transportation system. In such case scenario costly and time-consuming replacement of affected pipeline section could not be carry out in safe manner because of presents of high pressure gas pockets distributed in hydrate plug. To reduce the overall risks, new technology and improved operational efficiency are required to meet the ambitions for hydrates plug removal. Coiled Tubing conveyed method is proposed as a light weight and efficient in both mobilization and operations point of view that enables operations to be performed more quickly and put pipeline on stream faster. Coiled Tubing equipment could be installed on wide range of types of marine vessels that helps to perform the job in a more cost and time effective way.

This paper review the engineering and operational challenges related to utilizing Coiled Tubing in offshore pipeline intervention and the solutions required overcoming these issues.

Advantages of usage Coiled Tubing technology: Small footprint;Versatile service offerings;Not rig-dependent;Reduce risk of damaging pipeline;Return pipelines to transportation faster;Lower risk of equipment getting stuck;Reduced personnel;Fewer lifts;Cost-effective;Improved logistics;Increased flexibility;Less people are being exposed to fewer risks;HSE advantages.
Channel Fracturing Improves Stimulation Efficiency by 30% in the Achimov Gas Condensate Formation
Authors: Yudin A. , Tarakanov I. , Klyubin A. , Ablaev A. , Zharikov M. , Vashkevich A. , Yaskin I. , Sabirov L.
Published: September 2014

In the Urengoyskoe field, Russia, the Achimov deposits are found at depths of nearly 4000 m and feature a more complex geological structure when compared to the Cenomanian and the Valanginian deposits. Furthermore, the Achimov deposits feature abnormally high formation pressure (over 600 bar) and are characterized by a multiphase state of hydrocarbons. To achieve economic well production, performing stimulation treatments in the Achimov formation of Urengoyskoe gas condensate field is required.

Hydraulic fracturing proved to be a reliable method for increasing well productivity from the Achimov formation by a factor of 2.5; however, well completion restrictions allow for placing only small-size proppant mesh. Proppant fracturing treatments are conducted with high-polymer loading to ensure fluid stability at high formation temperatures, which leads to further reduction of fracture cleanup efficiency. These effects reduce the effective half-length and compromise the full production potential.

New channel fracturing technology that creates open-flow channels inside the proppant pack was selected to improve production. Channels are created by pulsating proppant at surface. Pulses with proppant are separated by pulses of clean fluid, which creates proppant clusters inside the fracture, holding the walls of the fracture open. Fracture cleanup is conducted through channels without restrictions to fluid and polymer flowback. Thus, the channels improve effective fracture half-length and, consequently, gas condensate rates. The increased drainage area also improves hydrocarbon recovery.

Previously in Russia, channel fracturing was used primarily in oil fields. The largest gas operator in Russia has initiated an extensive pilot campaign for channel fracturing in new areas of the Urengoyskoe field. To date, seven wells have been successfully completed with channel fracturing, leading to a significantly higher productivity of 30% versus offset conventionally stimulated wells and lower drawdown.
Automation of Optimal Well Trajectory Calculations
Authors: Ilyasov R. R. , Svechnikov L. A. , Karimov M. R. , Kravets M. Z. , Solodov A. N. , Porolo I. O.
Published: September 2014

Determination of optimal well trajectories constitutes one of the problems of field development planning. This problem must be solved when a well pad pattern is being selected; all existing engineering constraints must be taken into consideration; at the same time the cumulative length of all trajectories must be minimal to reduce capital costs for drilling.

Well trajectories are classified according to the number of wellbore intervals. A well section having a steady dogleg severity is taken as an interval. A number of parameters define every well section: length, dogleg severity, inclination angle change. The values of parameters can be changed within the limits of the engineering constraints. A minimum distance between two wells is 1.5 % of the trajectory length.

A genetic algorithm based on the mechanisms of natural selection and inheritance has been chosen to solve the problem. The algorithm defines values for unknown parameters of the trajectories which must meet the engineering constraints. The purpose of this algorithm is to minimize the trajectory length. The algorithm is searching from the initial population of solutions – trajectory options, their values of parameters being filled in randomly. A pair of solutions is selected from the population in each iteration. Their parameters are combined and set to a new solution. If trajectories created from a new solution are shorter than those created earlier, then the new solution is placed into the population. The performance of the search is provided for by including expert actions on selecting the values of unknown parameters into the mechanism of new solution generating. The algorithm generates new solutions until the desired result is reached.

The algorithm described in this work has been implemented in "Trajectory design" software, and it is included into Rosneft corporate software product. The software calculates optimal well trajectories fast, and automatically prevents possible wellbore collisions.

"Trajectory design" software has been tested using Rosneft oil fields models. Calculated trajectories proved to be shorter than real ones by around 13-15%. This proves high performance of the software for well trajectory computations.
The Effect of Linkage on Genetic Variances within Biparental Simulated and Zea mays Populations
Authors: Khanal R. , Navabi A. , Lee E. A. , Lukens L. N.
Published: September 2014

Hybrid yield improvement in maize (Zea mays L.) has been attributed in part to the development of elite inbred lines within distinct germplasm groups adapted to distinct environments. Breeding largely within groups has caused the accumulation of distinct favorable alleles for adaptation, yield, and yield component traits. Favorable alleles may be linked to other favorable alleles in coupling phase or linked to unfavorable alleles in repulsion phase. To investigate the effects of linkage on genetic variances, we used a simple, two‐locus model to simulate populations of intermated and standard recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from parental lines with coupling or repulsion phase loci. Genetic variances differ between simulated intermated RILs (IRIL) and RIL testcross populations as a function of population size, the effect sizes of linked loci, and the genetic distance between loci. We also generated RIL and IRIL testcross (TC) populations from two short‐season inbred lines from different heterotic groups and evaluated yield, three yield component traits, and five flowering time–associated traits. For all nine traits, the inbred lines have accumulated distinct favorable alleles. Genetic variances are high and transgressive phenotypes are frequent in both testcross populations. Intermating does not increase genetic variation. Genetic variances of six traits within the RIL‐TC population are nominally between 1.25 and 1.75‐fold greater than variances within the IRIL‐TC population. We conclude that the genomes of the parental inbred lines may harbor coupling rather than repulsion phase loci and heterosis is unlikely due to pseudo‐overdominance.
Characterization of Thinopyrum Species for Wheat Stem Rust Resistance and Ploidy Level
Authors: Zheng Qi , Klindworth Daryl L. , Friesen Timothy L. , Liu Ai‐Feng , Li Zhen‐Sheng , Zhong Shaobin , Jin Yue , Xu Steven S.
Published: September 2014

In the tribe Triticeae, several Thinopyrum species have been used as sources of resistance to stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis Pers.:Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn., abbreviated as Pgt) and other wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) diseases. To identify novel sources of resistance to Pgt race TTKSK (Ug99), we evaluated and characterized the stem rust resistance of 242 accessions belonging to five Thinopyrum species, including beach wheatgrass [Th. bessarabicum (Savul. & Rayss) A. Löve], diploid tall wheatgrass [Th. elongatum (Host) D.R. Dewey], intermediate wheatgrass [Th. intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D. R. Dewey], sand cough or sea wheatgrass [Th. junceum (L.) A. Löve], and decaploid tall wheatgrass [Th. ponticum (Podp.) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey]. These accessions were evaluated for seedling reactions to nine Pgt races (TTKSK, TTTTF, TRTTF, RTQQC, QFCSC, TCMJC, TPMKC, TMLKC, and TPPKC), genotyped with molecular markers linked to four stem rust resistance genes (Sr24, Sr25, Sr26, and Sr43) derived from Thinopyrum species, and examined for ploidy levels. All accessions but one (Th. elongatum PI 531718) were resistant to all or most races. Most of the Th. elongatum and Th. ponticum accessions showed near‐immunity to all of the races while the accessions of the other three species (Th. bessarabicum, Th. intermedium, and Th. junceum) had varied levels of resistance ranging from near immunity to moderate resistance. Molecular marker analysis showed that most of the markers appeared to be species‐ or genus‐specific rather than linked to a gene of interest, and thus genotyping analysis was of limited value. Comparisons of infection types of accessions based on ploidy level suggested that higher ploidy level was associated with higher levels of stem rust resistance. The results from this study substantiate that the Thinopyrum species are a rich source of stem rust resistance.
Overwinter Low‐Temperature Responses of Cereals: Analyses and Simulation
Authors: Fowler D. B. , Byrns B. M. , Greer K. J.
Published: September 2014

Winter survival of cereals is dependent on complex, environmentally induced responses that affect just about every measurable morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristic of the plant. Simulation models offer a valuable means for the integration of knowledge accumulated from detailed physiological, agronomic, genetic, and genomics studies, thereby improving our understanding of complicated plant responses. A well‐designed model also provides an effective extension and teaching tool and the opportunity for systematic investigation of production risks, cause‐and‐effect processes, genetic theories, and adjustments needed to mitigate the possible effects of climate change. Earlier, we developed and deployed a Winter Cereal Survival Model based on a series of equations that described acclimation, vernalization, dehardening, and damage due to low temperature (LT) stress. A modular design has permitted modification and allowed for interfacing with other simulation models. Recent advances in our understanding of this agronomically important character have provided us with the opportunity to develop a more robust winter survival simulation model with a wider geographic application that now also considers cultivar acclimation threshold induction temperature (Ti), respiration stress, photoperiod, and other developmental factors. The model has been field validated and provides the opportunity for the simulation of a wide range of species and overwinter environments.
Determinants of Aesthetic Preference for Product Metaphors
Authors: Cila Nazli , Borsboom Frank , Hekkert Paul
Published: September 2014

To generate a product metaphor, designers have to come up with a metaphorical association between a target and a source, and then apply this association to physical form. In this article, we address the interplay between novelty and understandability of a metaphorical association, and subtlety and identifiability of metaphor application, via two studies conducted to investigate how these four factors affect aesthetic preference for product metaphors. In Study 1, it was shown that these four factors jointly explain the preference, but each factor suppresses the effect of its counterpart. Direct correlations between variables and aesthetic preference were only moderate or not significant, but each relationship became significant when the influence of the other factor was statistically controlled for. Study 2 focused on the application component of a metaphor by systematically manipulating the factors of subtlety and identifiability in the design of two product metaphors. It was again shown that these factors together explain aesthetic preference: metaphors that maximize identifiability and subtlety were found to be most aesthetically pleasing. In combination, these studies demonstrate that the aesthetic quality of product metaphors results from simultaneously maximizing clarity (i.e., the metaphor is understandable and identifiable) and interestingness (i.e., the metaphor is novel and its application subtle) at the association and application levels. This finding is discussed in light of a “dual impulses” model of aesthetic preference.
How Narcissistic Employees Respond to Abusive Supervision: Two Roles of Narcissism in Decreasing Perception and Increasing Deviance
Authors: Wang Rong , Jiang Jiang
Published: September 2014

Abusive supervision, a type of interpersonal mistreatment from direct supervisors toward subordinates, has received growing attention in leadership research. However, the role of narcissism related to abusive supervision is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations of narcissism with subordinates' perceptions of abusive supervision and deviance toward the supervisor. Ratings on the aforementioned variables were collected from 403 full-time employees at two different times with one week in between (95 men, 308 women; M age = 26.0 yr.; M tenure = 5.1 yr.). The results of regression analyses showed that narcissism was significantly and negatively related to abusive supervision. Moreover, narcissism moderated the positive relationship between abusive supervision and deviance toward the supervisor.
Subjective Measures in Sit-to-Stand Task in Post-Stroke Hemiparesis: Comment on Brière, Nadeau, Lauzière, and Gravel (2013)
Authors: Ng Annie W. Y. , Chan Alan H. S.
Published: September 2014

In a recent study, Brière, Nadeau, Lauzière, and Gravel (2013) examined the perceptions of individuals post-stroke on their weight-bearing distribution and knee effort distribution in sit-to-stand tasks. The present comment emphasized the importance of the feeling of post-stroke hemiparesis in sit-to-stand task and identified areas of improvements of the target study.
Pick-up of Early Visual Information to Guide Kinetics and Kinematics within a Group of Highly Skilled Baseball Batters
Authors: Müller Sean , Lalović Alex , Dempsey Alasdair R. , Rosalie Simon M. , Harbaugh Allen G.
Published: September 2014

This pilot study integrated sport expertise and biomechanics methodologies within a baseball batting task. Purpose was to examine differences within a highly skilled group of baseball batters to use visual information to guide weight transfer and bat movements. One batter who played at Major League Baseball (MLB) level was compared to five batters who played at Australian Baseball League (ABL) level in a case-control design. Batters faced pitchers in a simulated competition and attempted to hit pitches, while vision was temporally occluded during ball flight or not occluded. Time of weight transfer (kinetics), as well as bat downswing initiation and duration (kinematics) from the point of ball release, were compared between the MLB batter and ABL batters. Results indicated that the MLB batter coordinated his striking pattern by completing his weight transfer earlier than the ABL batters. His bat downswing was also initiated earlier than some ABL batters, but there was no difference in duration of bat downswing between batters. All batters initiated bat downswing prior to completion of weight transfer. Understanding of motor expertise is furthered using a novel methodology.
Gis Approach to Estimation of the Total Phosphorous Transfer in the Pilica River Lowland Catchment
Authors: Magnuszewski Artur , Kiedrzyńska Edyta , Kiedrzyński Marcin , Moran Sharon
Published: September 2014

In this paper, the Pilica River catchment (central Poland) is analyzed with a focus on understanding the total phosphorous transfer along the river system which also contains the large artificial Sulejów Reservoir. The paper presents a GIS method for estimating the total phosphorous (TP) load from proxy data representing sub-catchment land use and census data. The modelled load of TP is compared to the actual transfer of TP in the Pilica River system. The results shows that the metrics of connectivity between river system and dwelling areas as well as settlement density in the sub-catchments are useful predictors of the total phosphorous load. The presence of a large reservoir in the middle course of the river can disrupt nutrient transport along a river continuum by trapping and retaining suspended sediment and its associated TP load. Analysis of the indirect estimation of TP loads with the GIS analysis can be useful for identifying beneficial reservoir locations in a catchment. The study has shown that the Sulejów Reservoir has been located in a subcatchment with a largest load of the TP, and this feature helps determine the problem of reservoir eutrphication
Sandstone Geomorphology of South-West Jordan, Middle East
Authors: Migoń Piotr , Goudie Andrew
Published: September 2014

In the desert environment of south-west Jordan thick sequences of continental sandstones of Cambrian-Ordovician age support spectacular scenery, comparable with that of the Colorado Plateau of south-west USA or the central Sahara and similar in many aspects to the Danxia landform of southern China. Dissection of a sandstone tableland has given rise to numerous inselbergs and large mesas, rising from the sand-covered desert floor. The height of the hills varies from a few tens to 500-700 m in the Wadi Rum area, whereas their slope shapes are controlled by lithological properties of particular sandstone units. Rock walls of the sandstone inselbergs are subject to frequent rock falls and rock slides and host an impressive array of tafoni and honeycombs due to selective weathering, as well as a number of rock arches. Lithological differences within the sandstone sequence are crucial controls on the shape and evolution of rock slopes, exerting the influence via contrasting patterns of weathering and slope failures. The presence of ferruginous layers in the Umm ‘Ishrin Sandstone is of major importance and explains the fundamental morphological differences between the otherwise similar Umm ‘Ishrin and Disi sandstone units
Work Hard, Party Harder: Drug Use and Sexual Behaviour in Young British Casual Workers in Ibiza, Spain
Authors: Kelly Danielle , Hughes Karen , Bellis Mark
Published: September 2014

Background: Every summer, young people flock to nightlife-focused holiday resorts around the world to find casual work. Despite being exposed to hedonistic environments, often for several months, little is known about their substance use, sexual activity and health service needs over this extended amount of time abroad. Methods: A short anonymous questionnaire examining alcohol and drug use, sexual behaviour and use of health services was administered to young British casual workers aged 16–35 in San Antonio, Ibiza (n = 171). Results: 97.7% of casual workers used alcohol in Ibiza, and the majority (85.3%) used drugs. Almost half (43.5%) of all participants used a drug in Ibiza that they had never used in the UK. Most casual workers arrived in Ibiza without a partner or spouse (86.5%). Of these, 86.9% had sex during their stay and 50.0% had unprotected sex; often while under the influence of alcohol. Only 14.3% of those having unprotected sex with a new partner sought a sexual health check-up in Ibiza, although 84.1% intended to do this on their return to the UK. Conclusion: Substance use and sexual risk taking is widespread among young British casual workers in Ibiza. Such international nightlife resorts represent key settings for substance-related health and social problems, and for the international spread of sexually transmitted infections. Addressing the health needs of casual workers and the environments that permit and promote their excessive behaviour requires collaboration between authorities in home and destination countries and the tourism industry.