bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upscaling in Partially Fractured Oil Reservoirs Using Homogenization
Authors: Salimi Hamidreza , Bruining Johannes
Published: October 2009

Flow modeling in fractured reservoirs is largely confined to the so-called sugar cube model. Here, we consider a situation where matrix blocks are connected to neighboring blocks so that part of the global flow occurs only in the matrix domain. We call this a partially fractured reservoir (PFR). As opposed to the sugar cube model, global flow in the matrix blocks plays an important role in the PFR when the interconnections between the matrix blocks are sufficiently large. We apply homogenization to derive an upscaled model for partially fractured reservoirs that combines dual-porosity and dualpermeability concepts simultaneously. We formulate a well-posed fully implicit 3D upscaled numerical model and investigate oil recovery mechanisms for different dimensionless characteristic numbers. As we found previously for the sugar cube model, the Peclet number, defined here as the ratio between the capillary diffusion time in the matrix and the residence time of the fluids in the fracture, plays a crucial role. The gravity number and specific fracture-matrix interface area play a secondary role. For low Peclet numbers and high gravity numbers, the results are sensitive to gravity and water injection rates, but relatively insensitive to the specific fracture-matrix interface area, matrix block size, and reservoir geometry, i.e., sugar cube versus PFR. At low Peclet numbers and high gravity numbers, ECLIPSE simulations (Barenblatt or Warren and Root (BWR) approach) give poor predictions and overestimate the oil recovery, but initially show good agreement with the solution of the PFR model at intermediate Peclet numbers. At high Peclet numbers, the results are relatively insensitive to gravity, but sensitive to the other conditions mentioned above. In particular, when the specific fracture-matrix interface area is large, it enhances the imbibition and consequently leads to a higher oil production. If this fraction is low, it leads to a considerable retardation of the imbibition process, which leads to an earlier water breakthrough and lower oil recovery. The ECLIPSE simulations and the sugar cube model result in inaccurate predictions of the oil production rate at high Peclet numbers. This can be inferred from the discrepancy with respect to the PFR model for which we assert that it accurately predicts the oil recovery. We conclude that at low Peclet numbers and large gravity numbers it is advantageous to increase the water injection rate to improve the Net Present Value. However, at high Peclet numbers increasing the flow rate may lead to uneconomical water cuts.
Single Porosity Simulation of Fractures With Low to Medium Fracture-to-Matrix Permeability Contrast
Authors: Abdel-Ghani Rida
Published: October 2009

The use of single porosity models to simulate fracture flow is a challenge for simulation engineers. The main challenge remains in the speed at which water advances in the fracture system with little production from the producers that intersect the fractures. In single porosity modeling, water has to displace the oil ahead of the flood front to reach a producer. Due to the high matrix to fracture storage ratio, this usually results in over-prediction of the produced oil volume prior to water breakthrough. One typical solution to this problem is the use of local grid refinement, where an engineer will represent the fracture or fracture corridor with a "thinner" line of cells.

Another alternative solution is to modify the relative permeability curves of oil and water, to slow the oil movement and speed up the water movement in these cells. Paul van Lingen et al (2001) presented a technique that relies on modifying the relative permeability curves to produce "pseudo relative permeability" curves for the grid blocks containing fractures, without the need for grid modification. This method reflects a considerable advancement in the modeling of fracture system behavior in single porosity systems. It allowed to model faster breakthrough times and higher water production rates after breakthrough.

This paper describes a modified pseudo relative permeability correlation, which is based on the van Lingen et al method, that improves the water breakthrough time and water cut predictions, especially in the low to medium fracture-to-matrix permeability contrast cases. The new method restricts the pseudo curves to the widely known straight line curves that are typically used to represent fracture flow in dual porosity modeling. The modified correlation was numerically tested with various permeability contrast cases and was compared to a dual porosity model. The method is currently being used for modeling a large Middle East oil reservoir.
A Novel Method to Develop a New Scaling Equation for Modeling of Asphaltene Precipitation
Authors: Bagheri M. B. , Kharrat R. , Mirzabozorg A. , Ghotbi C. , Dastkhan Z.
Published: October 2009

Most investigations showed that the prevalent thermodynamic models are incapable of predicting asphaltene precipitation without extensive data fitting. This is primarily due to lack of knowledge of the asphaltene properties, its complex nature and the large number of parameters affecting precipitation. Hece, several authors tried to generate a simple and universe mathematical model in order to predict the amount of asphaltene precipitation. In spite of these efforts, the authors only considered temperature and type of solvents as the effective parameters in generating their scaling equations. The major disadvantage of these models is their inability in predicting the amount of asphaltene precipitation for different crude oils. Therefore, this deficiency contradicts to the universality of these models. In this work by performing experimental tests on different crude oils and analyzing their properties such as GOR, Resin to Asphaltene ratio, mole percent of plus fractions and residual oil density, a new scaling equation was developed for the predicting of asphaltene precipitation of different crude oil samples. The developed correlation can be used to estimate the amount of precipitated asphaltene at different dilution ratios and the onset dilution ratio of precipitation. The new scaling correlation has been validated with another experimental precipitation data generated after developing the scaling correlation.
Ensuring Water Saturation Consistency Between Static (Fine-Grid) and Dynamic (Upscaled) Models—A Case Study of the North Kuwait Jurassic Complex
Authors: Ghorayeb Kassem , Tan Leong Hooi , Limsukhon Manoch , Aziz Rafi Mohammad
Published: October 2009

The North Kuwait Jurassic Complex (NKJC) consists of six fields with four identified reservoirs in the naturally fractured Jurassic carbonate section. An integrated model incorporating seismic, geological, petrophysical, and engineering data is built to estimate the hydrocarbon volumes and provide multiscenario production forecasts for the NKJC.

Water saturation is populated in the static (fine-grid) model using a saturation height function (SHF), which is a continuous function of porosity and height above free-water level (HAFWL). The SHF is equivalent to a capillary pressure (at reservoir conditions), which is a function of porosity and water saturation. Capillary pressure curves based on the SHF are used to initialize water saturation in the dynamic (upscaled) model.

Given the fact that reservoir simulators cannot handle capillary pressure curves as continuous functions of porosity, discretization of the porosity-dependent capillary pressure function was performed. For this purpose, 15 capillary pressure curves (corresponding to 15 porosity categories) were used. Populating initial water saturation in the dynamic model using the SHF (or the equivalent capillary pressure curves) results in a substantial discrepancy in terms of water saturation between the static model and the dynamic model. The discrepancy is mainly because of the nonlinear dependency of the SHF versus porosity and the averaging of HAFWL. Upscaling tends to eliminate the high and low porosity values in favor of the average porosity, which leads to substantial changes in the resulting water saturation.

Because the calculated water saturation is highly dependent on the porosity and HAFWL, upscaling results in a mismatch between static and dynamic models in terms of hydrocarbon estimates. To overcome this problem, the initial water saturation in the simulation model is populated using the pore volume–weighted, upscaled water saturation from the static model. The endpoint-scaling functionality in the simulator is then used to modify the discrete set of capillary pressure curves to support the provided initial water saturation.

Results show that the correction of the capillary pressure curves needed by the simulator to support the provided initial water saturation values is relatively minor while full consistency between the static and dynamic models in terms of water saturation is obtained.
Development of Early Water Breakthrough and Effectiveness of Water Shut off Treatments in Layered and Heterogeneous Reservoirs
Authors: Ghedan Shawket , Boloushi Younes , Khan Karim , Saleh Moutaz
Published: October 2009

Progressive percentage of total fluid produced in the oil industry is formation brine. Ever, increasing water cut will reduce oil recovery, diminish wells' productivity and increase cost of eventual artificial lift and produced water handling. This paper investigated the problem of early water development in layered and heterogeneous reservoirs and determined the effect of different reservoir parameters on the development of water front movement in the presence of what is considered as a thief zone. A water injection in a line-staggered pattern was simulated to analyze the effect of various reservoir parameters on the water breakthrough time, WBTT, and the evolution of water front in the thief zone as well as other reservoir layers.

Sensitivity analysis was conducted to investigate and determine the effect of most reservoir parameters that would cause and aggravate irregular advancement of injected water resulting in early water breakthrough and high water cut wells. These reservoir parameters included layers' horizontal permeability, Kv/Kh ratio, and thickness of high permeability layers. Threshold of these parameters beyond which its effect would be constant was determined to help operators to predict the possibility of early water breakthrough through thief zones for better waterflood performance and hence better decision making process.

From the first part of the study, a range of extreme cases was then selected to test the effectiveness of the currently available water shut off, WSO, methods of Cement squeeze, polymer-gel, as well as mechanical isolation. This paper simulated these WSO treatments to investigate its effectiveness in delaying the water breakthrough time, reducing high water cuts, and reducing the water handling problem. The paper summarizes the applicability of these WSO treatment methods and the condition under which they are effective and when they are not so.
Novel In-Situ Combustion Technique Using a Semi-Permeable Igniter Assembly
Authors: Limkar Parikshit S.
Published: October 2009

In-Situ combustion process is one of the most suitable methods, which are being applied to heavy oil reservoir. It has out-performed in many respects, as compared to other recovery methods such as, polymer flooding, surfactant flooding and ASP flooding, etc. However there are certain issues that have been posing hindrance to the efficient sweeping of the reservoir in a secondary and tertiary application of this recovery method such as, high air requirement in order to burn all the deposited coke, high residual saturation in the swept/burned zone and long initial period to initiate sponteneous ignition in the reservoir. This paper proposes the novel technique in order to perform conventional wet in-situ combustion operation in a maximum efficient way, which overcomes the issues discussed above.
Permeability Updating of the Simulation Model Using 4D Seismic Data
Authors: Villegas R. , MacBeth C. , Paydayesh M.
Published: October 2009

In this paper we present a practical methodology for updating the reservoir simulation model by incorporating permeability derived directly from time-lapse seismic data. The proposed method builds new permeability distributions by integrating the prior 3D simulation model with 2D permeability maps from the time-lapse seismic results. Application of this approach to a West of the Shetland Isles turbidite field under waterflood shows that the misfit to the water cut data can be improved. The updates using this procedure appear to provide a good alternative to those obtained using a conventional gradient based history matching tool on its own. The main advantage of our methodology is the ease of implementation but also that the largely uncertain petroelastic model can be avoided when history matching to the time-lapse seismic data.
A New Enriched Finite Element Method to Simulate Hydrocarbon Reservoirs Containing Subsurface Features
Authors: Huang Hao , Wan Jing , Dale Bruce , Brown William , Long Ted
Published: October 2009

In this paper, we present a new computational framework to simulate reservoirs containing complicated geological and engineering features (for example, faults, induced or natural fractures, and perforations). Unlike traditional computational methods, the new approach does not require the mesh to honor the geometrical shapes of subsurface features. The effects of these features on the solution are captured by enriching the finite element approximation based on the Partition of Unity theory.

This new simulation capability eliminates the laborious meshing work traditionally required for modeling complicated subsurface features without compromising solution accuracy. It is especially useful in the detailed analysis of near-well physics where subsurface features at this scale need to be modeled both accurately and efficiently. In cases where the subsurface features are evolving, the computational mesh does not have to know a priori the shape of the evolving subsurface features. This method is particularly useful in the study of curvature changes of hydraulic fractures due to evolving stress fields away from the well.

A number of examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The examples are grouped into three broader application areas: (1) well performance analysis of fractured completions, (2) deformation characteristics of reservoirs containing fracture networks, and (3) simulation of fracture interference and re-orientation.
Ready for Gas Injection: Asphaltene Risk Evaluation by Mathematical Modeling of Asphaltene Precipitation Envelope (APE) With Integration of all Laboratory Deliverables
Authors: Yonebayashi Hideharu , Masuzawa Tsutomu , Dabbouk Chawki , Urasaki Daisuke
Published: October 2009

An offshore carbonate oil field in the Arabian Gulf is exhibiting asphaltene deposition problem mainly inside tubing of production wells completed in one of two main producible limestone reservoirs. This problem significantly reduces well profitability due to production loss and frequent asphaltene removal job (solvent soaking). Furthermore, future full-field EOR development, namely gas injection, is now planned and might have a risk to enhance the asphaltene problem. Therefore, comprehensive study has been carried out not only to establish less frequent and more effective remedy than the current action but also to evaluate a future risk of gas injection.

The study was initiated with careful review of the fundamental measurements, collected during the 20 years production history, of asphaltene properties, i.e. SARA (saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltenes) analysis, asphaltene contents, AOP (asphaltene onset pressure) measurement, etc. Subsequently, the mathematical modeling analysis using those properties was incorporated into the study in order to develop APE (asphaltene precipitation envelope) for better understanding/predicting of asphaltene precipitation behavior. Therefore, this paper describes the integration/optimization of the APE modeling based on all available laboratory data, and consequently suggests representative APE. The APE model validity was evaluated by comparison with actual observation data in the problematic reservoir.

Based on the mathematical models once established, several sensitivities, namely mixing with injection gas and blending oils produced from two main producible reservoirs, were investigated in order to assess impacts of the future EOR on asphaltene risk from sub-surface and surface point of views. Several types of injection gas were examined, and their risks were compared and identified. Consequently, the surface facility design was adequately modified and optimized in order to minimize asphaltene risk assisted by gas injection.
Tunisian Sidi El Kilani Oil Field Modeling
Authors: Al Ajeel Mohamed , Aladwani Faisal
Published: October 2009

For more than 30 years of exploration in Tunisia, the Upper Cretaceous Campanian - Maastrichtien Abiod formation carbonates were not considered as a potential reservoir. This view was held in spite of the numerous hydrocarbon shows observed in several wells. With the discovery of oil in Maamoura followed by Sidi El Kilani (SLK) and Zinnia, the Abiod formation carbonates have become the focus of further exploration interest in northern and central Tunisia.

The attraction of this play is enhanced by the presence of fractures and an excellent overlaying seal provided by the formation shales. The Tunisian Sidi El Kilani Field was discovered by Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC) in 1989 with the successful drilling and completion of SLK-1 well, which tested 3,360 bopd from fractured limestones of the Campanian-Mastrichtian Abiod formation. Production commenced from several SLK wells in 1993 and cumulative production had passed 45 mmbo by the end of January 2005.

3D seismic survey along with several boreholes studies were conducted to better understand and characterize the fractured reservoir behavior within the hydrocarbon system. In late 2004 KUFPEC decided to run 3D visualization reservoir modeling for understanding the geological, geophysical and petrophysical data that is available to estimate the remaining reserves.

The main result gained from this study is indicated by the new reserve calculation and adding 2 million barrel of oil as a new recoverable attic reserve from SLK field to KUFPEC reserves.
Answers to Some Questions About the Coupling Between Fluid Flow and Rock Deformation in Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Inoue Nelson , da Fontoura Sergio A. B.
Published: October 2009

In recent years operators have shown great interest in the coupling between the multiphase fluid flow and the rock deformation in oil reservoirs and surrounding rocks. Frequently, the geomechanical effects are approximated in a conventional reservoir simulation through only the rock compressibility. This means that the stresses in the reservoir and surrounding rocks may not be in equilibrium with the pore pressure, since the geomechanical behavior is not considered. The ideal solution for this coupled problem is to introduce the geomechanical effects through the stress analysis solution and to implement a scheme that assures that the governing laws of the flow simulation and stress analysis are obeyed simultaneously in each time step. It was developed one methodology to couple a conventional reservoir simulator (ECLIPSE) and a stress analysis program (Abaqus/CAE) that employs the pseudo-compressibility and the porosity as coupling parameters. It was implemented a C++ source code that manages all the work flow of the partial coupling in a fully automated manner. Two schemes of partial coupling were implemented: a) an iteratively two way coupled scheme and b) a one way coupled scheme. In this paper, it was examined the hydromechanical interaction results of these coupling schemes evaluating a problem of the soft reservoir and its surrounding stiff rock that was presented in others works. The results of average pore pressure in the reservoir, pore pressure field, subsidence and compaction were calculated. The results of the simulations using pseudo-compressibility as a coupling parameter in an iteratively two way coupled scheme are showed and compared with a fully coupled scheme.
Optimization of 3-D Gas Permeability Measurement: Utilization of Field Data
Authors: Belhaj Hadi , Mtawaa Bechir , Haroun Mohammed , Lay Terry
Published: October 2009

Gas permeability measurement is introduced to replace liquid permeability that has been associated with several complications and thus poses serious concerns. The resultant permeability value is an average property of the whole sample based on Darcy's approach. The Automated Probe Gas Permeameter (APGP) is gaining greater acceptance in lab and field applications for its simplicity and flexibility in measuring permeability at any petite spot on a sample surface and the ability to take measurements from irregular-shaped/different-sized samples at relatively short time intervals as compared to conventional techniques. The main concerns regarding the minimum sample size that can sustain permeability measurement, the question of how far the permeameter probe should be placed away from the boundary of the sample and the optimum size of the probe raise many doubts about the fate of this technology.

The lab program utilized five standard Berea sandstone samples, three carbonate samples retrieved from currently producing oil reservoirs and one outcrop limestone sample. Obtained data have been analyzed using a designated regression package of modeling variograms. An analysis of bivariate modeling has been used to relate measured permeability to petrophysical properties of samples; mainly porosity, bulk permeability, pore throat quality/distribution and fracture parameters, if any.

Existed concerns about the use of the Automated Probe Gas Permeameter have been investigated. Results show a strong relation between sample size, lateral/axial radius of investigation, and measured permeability. Other petrophysical properties show interesting, but moderate relationships. Fractured and vugy samples should be treated very carefully in terms of deciding probe position and data interpretation.

Employment of set criterion may dramatically increase the implementation of the Automated Probe Gas Permeameter and improve confidence in resulting data. Field utilization of the equipment enhances efficiency in decision making right on the spot.
Simulation of CO2 Storage in Saline Aquifers
Authors: Nghiem Long , Shrivastava Vijay , Tran David , Kohse Bruce , Hassam Mohamed , Yang Chaodong
Published: October 2009

This paper describes the essential features for the simulation of CO2 storage in saline aquifers. Important physical processes that occur during CO2 storage are addressed: solubility trapping, residual gas trapping, mineral trapping and caprock integrity. The paper shows how these modeling techniques can be used to design a CO2 storage process in saline aquifers.

The following results are obtained: Solubility trapping and residual gas trapping are competing mechanisms. Residual gas trapping is important in low-permeability aquifers and water injection can be used to accelerate and enhance residual gas trapping. Mineral trapping is a very slow process and depends on the mineralogy of the aquifers. Geomechanics calculations coupled with the flow simulation can be used to predict potential failure of the caprock and subsequent leakage of CO2 to upper formations.
Water quality and food safety: a review and discussion of risks
Authors: Jawahar Puja , Ringler Claudia
Published: October 2009

While increased diversification of developing-country diets as a result of agricultural and economic growth has improved nutritional status and human health, the increased consumption of high-value products—particularly fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and animal products—has lead to significant food safety risks associated with unsafe management and use of water resources These risks are both magnified and masked in developing countries due to a lack of regulation combined with a dearth of data and information on the relations between water use, water quality and food safety risks. Given the likely estimated rapid increase in production, trade, and consumption of agricultural commodities with high water-related food safety risks, avoiding contamination and maintaining water quality and food safety are becoming growing public health issues in developing countries. This paper introduces the linkages between water quality and food safety, describes the causes for declining water quality levels, and identifies the various stages of the production process that are vulnerable to contamination due to water use. It concludes with a review of constraints to food safety and water quality management and identifies the main research gaps relevant to agricultural water management in developing countries.
Application of a district management approach to Southern African river basin systems: the case of the Umbeluzi, Incomati and Maputo river basins
Authors: Juízo Dinis , Hjorth Peder
Published: October 2009

In recent years, the ‘river basin as a management unit’ approach has been adopted as a solution to water management. The situation between Swaziland, Mozambique and South Africa regarding managing the water resources of the Incomati, Maputo, and Umbeluzi shared river basins is an interesting case that might need a different approach. These rivers flow downstream to the Maputo estuary where their waters are needed for urban water supply (Maputo city) and fresh water pulses for the estuary. The Incomati and Umbeluzi are heavily committed upstream while the Maputo appears still to have a relative abundance of untapped water resources. At basin level, the three countries fail to reach a consensus on the best strategies to accommodate multiple demands, particularly in the downstream area. The IncoMaputo agreement that was concluded by the three governments is unique in that it comprises two basins (Maputo and Incomati), allowing a multi-basin approach to the problem. However, the Umbeluzi was left out of the agreement. This paper discusses the possible benefits of a multi-basin approach to water resources for the three rivers discharging into Espírito Santo Estuary in Maputo. Using the provisions set out in the European Union Water Framework Directive (WFD) it is found that the three rivers of this study may well be suitable for implementing the District Water Management approach as proposed in the WFD.
How well is the demand-driven, community management model for rural water supply systems doing? Evidence from Bolivia, Peru and Ghana
Authors: Whittington Dale , Davis Jennifer , Prokopy Linda , Komives Kristin , Thorsten Richard , Lukacs Heather , Bakalian Alexander , Wakeman Wendy
Published: October 2009

This paper reports the main findings of a multi-country research project designed to develop a better understanding of the performance of community-managed rural water supply systems in developing countries. Data were collected from households, village water committees, focus groups of village residents, system operators and key informants in 400 rural communities in Peru, Bolivia and Ghana. Our findings suggest that the demand-driven, community management model, coupled with access to spare parts and some technical expertise, has come a long way toward unraveling the puzzle of how best to design and implement rural water supply programs in developing countries. In all three countries, rural water supply projects were working. Among the households included in our sample in Peru and Bolivia, 95% had operational taps at the time of our field visit. In 90% of the villages in Ghana, all project handpumps were still working. Not only had the rural water systems not broken down, but almost all the households in these communities were obtaining at least some of their water from the systems. However, some households were also still using water from other sources. In Ghana, 38% of households still reported using water from unprotected sources (e.g. springs, river, open wells) for drinking and/or cooking. Another troublesome finding is that rural households in the sample villages are paying very little for the improved water services and, as a result, the finances of many village water committees are in poor shape.
Effect of Growth Regulators on Peanut “Florman Inta” Regeneration
Authors: Faustinelli P. C. , Racca R. W. , Collino D. J. , de L. Avila A. , Ozias-Akins P.
Published: October 2009

Tissue culture is a necessary tool in the genetic modification of peanut for the improvement of its agronomic and nutritional attributes. Since genotype can affect tissue culture responses, the main objective of this research was to determine the optimum concentration of auxins and cytokinins in the basal media needed for organogenesis from Arachis hypogaea L. cv. Florman INTA. The first two leaves (2–5 mm in length) were dissected from aseptically germinated seeds and cultivated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 16 combinations of α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) (0.01 and 1 mg/l) and benzyladenine (BAP) or kinetin (KIN) (1 to 10 mg/l) during the initiation stage. Bud regeneration occurred in all growth regulator combinations, but the maximum number of buds per explant (1.2) was regenerated at 1 mg/l NAA with 3 mg/l BAP. Development of buds into shoots was readily achieved by transferring regenerated buds onto fresh medium containing 0.01 mg/l NAA (without BAP). Roots were induced to grow when shoots were transferred to medium containing 3 mg/l of NAA. The vigorous root system allowed for a high survival rate of the plantlets after transplanting. The overall efficiency of the system was 15%. Plants transplanted into soil were completely normal and capable of producing seeds.
Factors Influencing Response of Virginia Market Type Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) to Paraquat under Weed-Free Conditions
Authors: Carley Danésha S. , Jordan David L. , Brandenburg Rick L. , Dharmasri L. Cecil
Published: October 2009

Experiments were conducted during 2003 and 2004 to determine if peanut yield and market grade characteristics differed when paraquat was applied 24 to 28 days after emergence to peanut seeded in early, mid-, and late May and early June. Peanut pod yield and percentages of extra large kernels, total sound mature kernels, and farmer stock fancy pods were affected by planting date and paraquat independently. Paraquat did not affect yield compared with non-treated peanut regardless of planting date. In other experiments from 2003–2005, peanut was planted with or without aldicarb in the seed furrow and followed either paraquat applied 24 to 28 days after emergence or 2,4-DB applied in mid-August during 2003 and 2004. In 2005, experiments included a no-paraquat control rather than 2,4-DB. Pod yield was reduced at 3 of 9 sites due to damage from tobacco thrips, Franklinella fusca Hinds, feeding when aldicarb was not applied. Paraquat reduced yield in 4 experiments during 2005 but not in 5 experiments during 2003–2004. Aldicarb and paraquat affected peanut independently. Experiments were also conducted during 2005 and 2006 to compare interactions of paraquat formulations alone or with co-applied herbicides. Paraquat formulation (Gramoxone INTEON versus Gramoxone MAX or Firestorm) did not affect peanut response to paraquat, and interactions of paraquat formulation (Gramoxone MAX or Gramoxone INTEON) with bentazon, bentazon plus diclosulam, bentazon plus dimethenamid, bentazon plus imazethapyr, and bentazon plus S-metolachlor was similar to paraquat alone. Peanut injury and pod yield was the same when paraquat (Gramoxone INTEON) was applied alone or with carfentrazone and was similar to carfentrazone alone.
Comparison of Virginia-Type Peanut Cultivars and Interspecific Hybrid Derived Breeding Lines for Leaf Spot Resistance, Yield, and Grade
Authors: Tallury S. P. , Isleib T. G. , Stalker H. T.
Published: October 2009

Disease resistant cultivars with good quality are needed by U.S. peanut growers to lower production costs. In the Virginia-Carolina (V-C) production area, use of resistant cultivars to reduce leaf spots would be a cost-effective and environmentally safe alternative to chemical applications. Twenty-six interspecific hybrid derived breeding lines with 5 Arachis species in their pedigrees, six resistant A. hypogaea checks and 11 susceptible cultivars were evaluated for leaf spot resistance in field tests at the Peanut Belt Research Station in Lewiston, NC from 2004 to 2006 without leaf spot fungicides. Defoliation was rated on a 1–9 proportional scale with 1  =  no defoliation (resistant) and a 9  =  complete defoliation (susceptible). The mean defoliation score of the cultivars was 6.8±0.1 (range  =  6.4 to 7.4), compared to 5.3±0.1 (range  =  4.4 to 6.3) for the interspecific hybrid derived breeding lines. Some of the interspecific hybrid derived breeding lines showed levels of leaf spot resistance similar to the resistant A. hypogaea checks (mean  =  4.3±0.2), suggesting that these breeding lines contain genes conditioning resistance to the leaf spots. The combined mean yield of the cultivars was 2709±103 kg/ha (range  =  2296 kg/ha to 3070 kg/ha), whereas that of the interspecific hybrid derived breeding lines was 3169±119 kg/ha (range  =  2467 kg/ha to 3767 kg/ha). Evaluation of selected grade characteristics showed that several interspecific hybrid derived breeding lines have grade similar to those of the commercial cultivars. Sixteen of the 26 interspecific hybrid derived breeding lines with five different diploid species in their pedigrees and NC 7, the commercial flavor standard for the V-C area, were also evaluated for sensory quality. No significant variation among test entries was found for the roasted peanut, sweet, or bitter sensory attributes. This suggests that high levels of leaf spot resistance can be combined with superior yield, grade and other quality factors and that some of these lines may become useful for commercial production in the V-C area.
Peanut Yield and Grade Responses to Timing of Bahiagrass Termination and Tillage in a Sod-based Crop Rotation
Authors: Zhao Duli , Wright David L. , Marois James J.
Published: October 2009

Rotation of row crops with perennial grasses has been shown to improve soil quality characteristics, decrease pest incidence, and increase crop yield. Experiments were conducted in Florida during 2006 and 2007 at Marianna and Quincy to determine effects of termination date and subsequent tillage of established bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum L.) on peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) yield and market grade characteristics when rotating from bahiagrass to a row crop. Treatments included two bahiagrass termination dates (fall vs. spring) and six tillage methods [strip-till (in-row subsoiling), disk plus moldboard plow, disk plus chisel, disk plus paratill plus strip-till, disk, and strip-till with 45 kg N/ha]. Bahiagrass termination timing did not affect soil mechanical resistance, peanut yield or market grade characteristics, including percentages of sound mature kernels, split kernels, other kernels, and hulls. Although significant differences in soil mechanical resistance were detected among tillage treatments, peanut yield did not differ among the tillage methods except for the disk alone in 2007 at Quincy. Strip-till peanut yield did not respond to N application. When pooled over termination timing, peanut yields in strip-till, disk plus moldboard plow, disk plus chisel, disk plus paratill plus strip-till, disk, and strip-till plus 45 N were 4830, 5000, 4810, 4810, 4770, and 4620 kg/ha, respectively. These results indicate that when using perennial grasses in sod-based rotations, farmers have a wide window from fall to spring to terminate bahiagrass for optimum peanut production regardless of tillage system.
Antifungal Activity in Transgenic Peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) Conferred by a Nonheme Chloroperoxidase Gene
Authors: Niu C. , Akasaka-Kennedy Y. , Faustinelli P. , Joshi M. , Rajasekaran K. , Yang H. , Chu Y. , Cary J. , Ozias-Akins P.
Published: October 2009

A nonheme chloroperoxidase gene (cpo-p) from Pseudomonas pyrrocinia, a growth inhibitor of mycotoxin-producing fungi, was introduced into peanut via particle bombardment. The expression of the cpo-p gene is predicted to increase pathogen defense in peanut. Embryogenic peanut tissues were bombarded with gold particles coated with plasmid pRT66 carrying the cpo-p and hygromycin phosphotransferase (hph) genes, under the control of a double CaMV 35S and a single CaMV 35S promoter, respectively. Selection for hygromycin-resistant somatic embryos was performed on a liquid medium containing 10–20 mg/L hygromycin 3–4 days after bombardment. The integration and expression of the cpo-p gene was confirmed by Southern, Northern and Western blot analyses. In vitro bioassay using crude protein extracts from transgenic T0, T1, and T4 plants showed inhibition of Aspergillus flavus hyphal growth, which could translate to a reduction in aflatoxin contamination of peanut seed.
Temperature Effects on Carbohydrates of Hydroponically-Grown Peanuts
Authors: Burke John J. , Chen Junping , Rowland Diane L. , Sanders Timothy H. , Dean Lisa L.
Published: October 2009

In most years, peanuts from the south-central US have excellent soluble sugar levels for the food industry; however, in some growing seasons high sugar contents are a significant problem associated with roasted color variation. To test the hypothesis that high sugar concentration was related to low temperature extremes, this study evaluated temperature effects on carbohydrate levels in peanuts grown hydroponically. Peanuts were grown with separate pod-zone and shoot-root zone day/night temperatures. Peanut carbohydrate contents were evaluated in seed from pods grown at nighttime pod-zone temperatures of 15, 20, 22, 24 and 28 C. Total carbohydrates were higher in peanuts grown in 15 C pod-zone temperatures compared with those maintained at 28 C. Peanuts harvested at 120 d after planting (DAP) had the highest sucrose contents at 15 and 20 C, the second highest sucrose contents at 22 C, and the lowest sucrose concentration at 24 C. The temperature-induced differential in sucrose contents of 120 DAP peanuts was not observed in peanuts harvested at 141 DAP. These findings support the observation that soil temperature has a greater impact on peanut carbohydrate accumulation than air temperature. The results also suggest that nighttime soil temperatures of 15 C will result in more mature peanuts if they are grown for 141 d after planting; however, harvesting before the peanuts reach maturity may result in elevated sugar contents.
Comparison of ELISA and RT-PCR assays for the detection of Tomato spotted wilt virus in peanut
Authors: Dang P. M. , Rowland D. L. , Faircloth W. H.
Published: October 2009

Diagnosis of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in peanut can be accomplished by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) but there has been no report of a direct comparison of the success of the two assays in evaluating infection rates of field-grown peanut. We collected peanut root samples from field-grown plants, 76 in 2006 and 48 in 2007, and tested these samples by both ELISA and RT-PCR assays for the presence of TSWV. Out of 124 samples, 50 (40.3%) and 57 (46.0%) were positive for TSWV by ELISA and RT-PCR respectively. In 13.7% of these samples, ELISA and RT-PCR differed in their results. However, Chi square analysis showed no significant difference between the results for these two assays. This result supports the conclusion that ELISA and RT-PCR are comparable for detecting TSWV infection rates in field-grown peanuts.
A Novel Algorithm for Predicting Phycocyanin Concentrations in Cyanobacteria: A Proximal Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Approach
Authors: Mishra Sachidananda , Mishra Deepak  R. , Schluchter Wendy  M.
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the performance of existing spectral band ratio algorithms and develop a novel algorithm to quantify phycocyanin (PC) in cyanobacteria using hyperspectral remotely-sensed data. We performed four spectroscopic experiments on two different laboratory cultured cyanobacterial species and found that the existing band ratio algorithms are highly sensitive to chlorophylls, making them inaccurate in predicting cyanobacterial abundance in the presence of other chlorophyll-containing organisms. We present a novel spectral band ratio algorithm using 700 and 600 nm that is much less sensitive to the presence of chlorophyll.
Major Improvements of Quartz Crystal Pulling Sensitivity and Linearity Using Series Reactance
Authors: Matko Vojko , Šafarič Riko
Published: October 2009

This paper presents a new method of substantially improving frequency pullability and linearity using reactance in series with an AT fundamental crystal operated with a series load capacitance in the range of 3 to 50 pF and frequencies in the range of 3.5 to 21 MHz. The research describes high quartz pullability and linearity by varying the load capacitance. The paper also gives impedance circuits for crystal unit (3.5 MHz) together with load capacitance and compensation reactance. The experimental results show that the new approach using compensation method of quartz crystal connected in series reactance increases the frequency pulling range by ×25 to ×100 depending on the type of oscillator and compensation factor ˝k˝ in the temperature range of 10 to 40 °C.
La innovación educativa. Oportunidades y barreras
Authors: Michavila Francisco
Published: October 2009

El proyecto de una Universidad europea común alberga, además de una ordenación racional y una homologación internacional de los estudios, un cambio en las metodologías educativas. Este cambio de paradigma educativo se debe centrar en la sustitución de una enseñanza excesivamente teórica por una educación activa, apoyándose en una formación más práctica y en el uso de nuevas tecnologías. El presente trabajo, que parte de un análisis previo de la situación actual, examina estos escenarios y propone diferentes vías para la renovación pedagógica y la innovación educativa. Por un lado, a través de los cambios en la oferta y el replanteamiento del modo de enseñanza tradicional con el uso de las nuevas metodologías. Y por otro, con la implantación de las nuevas tecnologías educativas de apoyo a la docencia.
La tecnología como motor de la innovación educativa. Estrategia y política institucional de la Universidad de Alicante
Authors: Llorens Largo Faraón
Published: October 2009

La innovación educativa debe de oficializarse. No es sólo cuestión de unos pocos locos que no tienen otra cosa mejor a la que dedicar su tiempo que experimentar con las ideas y herramientas que los avances tecnológicos ponen a nuestro alcance. Las universidades deben reconocer y potenciar esas buenas prácticas innovadoras. Deben alinearlas con su misión y establecer estrategias que nos conduzcan a su cumplimiento. Pero la política interna de cada universidad debe basarse en unos fundamentos que la justifiquen y debe ser compartida por toda la comunidad universitaria. Así, este articulo se estructura en tres bloques. Un primer bloque, estrategias de mejora de la enseñanza+aprendizaje por medio de la tecnología, que establece esos principios sobre los que se sustenta la política de la Universidad de Alicante. El segundo bloque está dedicado a explicar la estrategia y política institucional de la Universidad de Alicante en el período 2005-2008, como algo ya establecido y pasado. El tercer bloque avanza el planteamiento y líneas estratégicas para el período 2009-2012. El artículo se cierra con unas reflexiones que nos permitan escarmentar de la experiencia y no cometer los mismos errores que han permitido a otros aprender y avanzar en la dirección correcta.
Políticas sobre innovación educativa en clave autonómica. La Comunidad de Madrid
Authors: Gisbert Xavier
Published: October 2009

La importancia de la innovación educativa se ha visto reforzada por la decisión del Parlamento Europeo de declarar 2009 “Año Europeo de la Creatividad y la Innovación”. La Consejería de Educación de la CAM ha introducido la innovación en el día a día de los profesores. Colegios bilingües, secciones lingüsticas, fomento del uso educativo de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación, iniciativas como El Plan General de Mejora de las Destrezas y El Plan de Fomento de la Lectura, los Campeonatos Escolares, la Formación del Profesorado y las Publicaciones han supuesto y suponen un gran avance de la Innovación Educativa en la CAM.
La organización y búsqueda de conocimiento en entornos amplios, dispersos pero limitados. El Mapa de ayudas a la I+D+i del CDTI 63
Authors: Ponce Martínez Javier
Published: October 2009

La organización y búsqueda de conocimiento dentro de entornos amplios, dispersos pero limitados y con una información relativamente estructurada y contrastada no necesita de grandes y costosas herramientas de búsqueda con ingentes volúmenes de información indexada. La utilización de ligeros sistemas de gestión del conocimiento haciendo uso de folksonomías y concebidos bajo una buena estrategia de visualización permiten acceder a la información de forma rápida, y con la potencialidad de estructurar el resultado de búsqueda con la orientación o punto de vista deseado por el usuario. Desde el departamento de promoción de la innovación del CDTI hemos puesto en marcha recientemente un sistema de esta naturaleza, a través del cual se presta un servicio electrónico de información sobre el conjunto de ayudas públicas a la I+D+i empresarial que ofrecen las distintas administraciones locales, autonómicas, estatal y europea.
Algunas experiencias de innovación educativa
Authors: De Haro J. José
Published: October 2009

Se presentan algunas de las experiencias llevadas a cabo en el ámbito de la innovación educativa con alumnos de ESO y Bachillerato en el centro concertado de educación primaria y secundaria Amor de Dios de Barcelona (www.amordedios.org). Se discuten las características de blogs, wikis y redes sociales, así como sus posibilidades de uso, todo ello en base a las experiencias realizadas con los alumnos. Igualmente se presentan algunas directrices que pueden ayudar para la selección de unos sistemas u otros según las necesidades educativas del profesor.
Una experiencia de innovación docente en el ámbito universitario. Uso de las nuevas tecnologías
Authors: Lerís López M.ª Dolores , Sein-Echaluce Lacleta M.ª Luisa
Published: October 2009

En este artículo exponemos algunas de las iniciativas docentes y experiencias que hemos llevado a cabo las autoras en algunas asignaturas de Matemáticas de titulaciones de Ingeniería de la Universidad de Zaragoza y dentro del ámbito de la enseñanza presencial con ayuda de la plataforma electrónica de aprendizaje Moodle. Los proyectos de aprendizaje que hemos ido poniendo en marcha durante estos últimos años han estado condicionados por el contexto en el que se están aplicando, por ello indicamos aquí las fortalezas y debilidades que hemos detectado como factores influyentes en el diseño de los cursos. Asimismo, presentamos nuestras experiencias explicando el diseño de los cursos, la metodología y actividades que usamos en las unidades de aprendizaje que los conforman y la forma en que hemos puesto en marcha tutorías proactivas y reactivas en el entorno de aprendizaje semipresencial.