bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning of spinel magnesium ferrite nanoparticles with enhanced magnetic properties
Authors: Zheng Liyun , Fang Kan , Zhang Meiling , Nan Zhixian , Zhao Lixin , Zhou Dong , Zhu Minggang , Li Wei
Published: November 2018

Monodispersed magnesium ferrite nanoparticles with enhanced magnetic properties were successfully fabricated by a simple solvothermal method without employing any templates, complex apparatus or techniques.
Fabrication of novel AgBr/Bi24O31Br10composites with excellent photocatalytic performance
Authors: He Zuming , Xia Yongmei , Su Jiangbin
Published: November 2018

XRD patterns of pure AgBr, Bi24O31Br10and AgBr/Bi24O31Br10nanocomposites.
Continuous flow processing as a tool for the generation of terpene-derived monomer libraries
Authors: Galaverna Renan , Fernandes Lucas P. , Browne Duncan L. , Pastre Julio C.
Published: November 2018

A Diels–Alder reaction employing terpenes for rapid synthesis of monomer libraries under flow conditions is presented.
Creating ionic channels in single-ion conducting solid polymer electrolyte by manipulating phase separation structure
Authors: Li Zhen , Yao Qiming , Zhang Qi , Zhao Yangqiang , Gao Dangxun , Li Shuangshou , Xu Shengming
Published: November 2018

An approach to construct ionic channels in SICSPEs by blending pre-assembled ionic nanowires and hyperbranched polymers for high lithium-ion conductivity.
Revisiting polymeric single lithium-ion conductors as an organic route for all-solid-state lithium ion and metal batteries
Authors: Jeong Kihun , Park Sodam , Lee Sang-Young
Published: November 2018

This review describes the current status and challenges of polymeric single lithium-ion conductors for all-solid-state lithium ion and metal batteries.
Mechanically robust cationic cellulose nanofibril 3D scaffolds with tuneable biomimetic porosity for cell culture
Authors: Courtenay James C. , Filgueiras Jefferson G. , deAzevedo Eduardo Ribeiro , Jin Yun , Edler Karen J. , Sharma Ram I. , Scott Janet L.
Published: November 2018

Robust 3D modified cellulose scaffolds, with exquisite tuneable structure, in the form of foams, with meso and macro scale pores were prepared by a “bottom-up” approach.
A CuI modified Mg-coordination polymer as a ratiometric fluorescent probe for toxic thiol molecules
Authors: Wu Zhao-Feng , Tan Bin , Gong Liao-Kuo , Zhang Xu , Wang Hao , Fang Yang , Hei Xiu-Ze , Zhang Zhi-Zhuan , Zhang Guo-Yu , Huang Xiao-Ying , Li Jing
Published: November 2018

A ratiometric fluorescent probe for toxic thiol molecules was established based on a CuI modified Mg-coordination polymer.
New anthracene derivatives integrating high mobility and strong emission
Authors: Li Jinfeng , Zheng Lei , Sun Lingjie , Li Chenguang , Zhang Xiaotao , Cheng Shanshan , Hu Wenping
Published: November 2018

Two new anthracene derivatives were designed and synthesized. Ant-Th-Ph and Ant-ThPh show high single crystal mobilities of 1.1 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 4.7 cm2 V−1 s−1. Moreover, strong solid state emission was determined to be 36.52% and 33.32% for Ant-Th-Ph and Ant-ThPh respectively.
LRRK2 and Rab GTPases
Authors: Pfeffer Suzanne R.
Published: November 2018

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is mutated in familial Parkinson's disease, and pathogenic mutations activate the kinase activity. A tour de force screen by Mann and Alessi and co-workers identified a subset of Rab GTPases as bona fide LRRK2 substrates. Rab GTPases are master regulators of membrane trafficking and this short review will summarize what we know about the connection between LRRK2 and this family of regulatory proteins. While, in most cases, Rab GTPase phosphorylation is predicted to interfere with Rab protein function, the discovery of proteins that show preferential binding to phosphorylated Rabs suggests that more complex interactions may also contribute to mutant LRRK2-mediated pathology.
Role of environment and gas temperature in the formation of multiple protostellar systems: molecular tracers
Authors: Murillo N. M. , van Dishoeck E. F. , Tobin J. J. , Mottram J. C. , Karska A.
Published: November 2018

Context. Simulations suggest that gas heating due to radiative feedback is a key factor in whether or not multiple protostellar systems will form. Chemistry is a good tracer of the physical structure of a protostellar system, since it depends on the temperature structure.

Aims. We aim to study the relationship between envelope gas temperature and protostellar multiplicity.

Methods. Single dish observations of various molecules that trace the cold, warm, and UV-irradiated gas were used to probe the temperature structure of multiple and single protostellar systems on 7000 AU scales.

Results. Single, close binary, and wide multiples present similar current envelope gas temperatures, as estimated from H2CO and DCO+ line ratios. The temperature of the outflow cavity, traced by c-C3H2, on the other hand, shows a relation with bolometric luminosity and an anticorrelation with envelope mass. Although the envelope gas temperatures are similar for all objects surveyed, wide multiples tend to exhibit a more massive reservoir of cold gas compared to close binary and single protostars.

Conclusions. Although the sample of protostellar systems is small, the results suggest that gas temperature may not have a strong impact on fragmentation. We propose that mass, and density, may instead be key factors in fragmentation.
The EDIBLES survey
Authors: Bacalla Xavier L. , Linnartz Harold , Cox Nick L. J. , Cami Jan , Roueff Evelyne , Smoker Jonathan V. , Farhang Amin , Bouwman Jordy , Zhao Dongfeng
Published: November 2018

We report cosmic ray ionization rates toward ten reddened stars studied within the framework of the EDIBLES (ESO Diffuse Interstellar Bands Large Exploration Survey) program, using the VLT-UVES. For each sightline, between two and ten individual rotational lines of OH+ have been detected in its (0,0) and (1,0) A3Π − X3Σ− electronic band system. This allows constraining of OH+ column densities toward different objects. Results are also presented for 28 additional sightlines for which only one or rather weak signals are found. An analysis of these data makes it possible to derive the primary cosmic ray ionization rate ζp in the targeted diffuse interstellar clouds. For the ten selected targets, we obtain a range of values for ζp equal to (3.9–16.4) × 10−16 s−1. These values are higher than the numbers derived in previous detections of interstellar OH+ in the far-infrared/submillimeter-wave regions and in other near-ultraviolet studies. This difference is a result of using new OH+ oscillator strength values and a more complete picture of all relevant OH+ formation and destruction routes (including the effect of proton recombinations on PAHs), and the relatively high N(OH+) seen toward those ten targets.
Fast Magnetic Measurements Of 8.6 m Undulator
Authors: Davidyuk I.V. , Gorbachev Ya.I. , Shevchenko O.A.
Published: November 2018

The design of the large-aperture variable-period undulator (VPU) developed for the Novosibirsk free electron laser (FEL) is shortly described. High amplitude of on-axis field is achieved due to the arc shape of the magnet blocks and poles of the undulator. To conduct magnetic measurements and fine tuning of the undulator as well as to perform real time position tracking of magnet blocks, pulsed wire technique was adopted.
Design of mm-wave slow-wave devices with sheet and hollow electron beams
Authors: Fedotov A.E. , Bratman V.L. , Makhalov P.B. , Manuilov V.N.
Published: November 2018

The frequency increase of the slow-wave electron devices is accompanied by inevitable increase of the electron current density and ohmic losses which strongly restricts the attainable power. In recent years, the use of the spatially-developed sheet electron beams is considered as the major way to develop the medium-power slow-wave devices at mm and sub-THz waves. Hollow electron beams is another configuration which could be used for this purpose. The designs of the oscillators and amplifiers in Ka-band and W-band with both sheet and hollow electron beams are considered and compared.
Assessment: Lucerne ICF-Based Multidisciplinary Observation Scale (LIMOS) – ADLs von Patienten nach Schlaganfall bewerten
Authors: Ottiger Beatrice , Vanbellingen Tim , Nyffeler Thomas
Published: November 2018

Die Neuroreha von Patienten nach Schlaganfall muss zielgerichtet und individuell sein. Ein Team am Luzerner Kantonsspital entwickelte deshalb LIMOS, eine Beobachtungsskala, mit der sich Aktivitäts- und Partizipationsfähigkeit von Patienten untersuchen und Therapieschwerpunkte ableiten lassen.
Stammzellen statt Knochenblöcke – Healing-Response-Operation am Kniegelenk
Authors: Schwencke Silja
Published: November 2018

Nach einer Kreuzbandruptur macht oft die Instabilität des Kniegelenks Probleme. Nach einem Eingriff mit der Healing-Response-Methode ist das anders. Über Bohrlöcher um den Kreuzbandstumpf herum regt der Operateur die Selbstheilung an. Vorteil: Das Kreuzband kuriert sich selbst, und die Tiefensensibilität bleibt erhalten.
Improved methods for identifying and selecting development concepts
Authors: Moore Richard
Published: November 2018

Identifying and selecting development concepts is a basic prerequisite for commercialising any hydrocarbon discovery. Anyone familiar with this activity knows of the high level of effort that can be expended by companies in what appears, on the surface, to be a relatively straightforward task.
Several processes are proposed that provide structure, simplicity, and clarity to this task. A development theme analysis (DTA) provides a sound structure for identifying development themes, as well as clearly separating the high-level development considerations from the more detailed engineering concept issues that can usually be resolved in subsequent work phases. A development driver's analysis (DDA) provides a structure to identify the most significant elements and, hence, allows concentration of study effort in the most important areas.
Added to these processes is a discussion of fundamental error types. Knowledge of error types and where the process can stray from the business objective is an important factor in ensuring its success. Equally these processes should challenge the status quo and still permit adequate brainstorming, blue-sky thinking.
These processes are not difficult to understand, and will at least in part be familiar to many concept development practitioners; however, the application of this structure with its associated clarity should not only simplify the process, but also provide a much improved level of confidence to all stakeholders that the best possible concepts have been identified, both efficiently and without any omissions.
Human factors in process safety: the top 10 issues
Authors: Lardner Ronny
Published: November 2018

There is an increasing emphasis on the importance of managing human factors to achieve improved safety and business performance in the chemical process industries and resource sector. Major process safety accidents, including those at Texas City, Varanus Island and Montara have again highlighted the importance of addressing this aspect of performance. Recently the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) announced an additional focus on human factors as part of their regulatory activities, noting that these factors are relevant to performance across safety, integrity, and environmental management.
This extended abstract explains how the subject of human factors in process safety has been defined in the UK, categorised by the top 10 key topics. How this targeted approach helps manage this aspect of process safety performance is also discussed. Finally, this extended abstract shows how safety culture and behavioural safety are not the same as human factors.
Case studies of the oil and gas industry show how attending to the top 10 delivers benefits by strengthening the effectiveness of management systems, and improving human reliability.
This extended abstract directs the reader to a range of high-quality, open-source research, guidance, tools, and techniques to improve across the top 10 human-factors subjects in process safety.
Tax-efficient sourcing and supply-chain management
Authors: Gillin Michael , Peacock Jonathon
Published: November 2018

With such significant growth in the LNG industry and the broader energy and natural resources sector, the supply-chain risk and the cost of sourcing capital equipment and materials is increasingly difficult to manage. Many organisations are beginning to consider the merits of moving to a tax-efficient supply chain and procurement model, both through sourcing from a low-cost country and also centralising purchasing and supply operations in a tax-efficient location.
Tax-efficient sourcing integrates supply chain and procurement-operating model design with tax planning to deliver significant cost reductions and profit increases through centrally controlling procurement operations. The consideration of the most efficient tax structures to support sourcing and distribution of equipment also delivers.
Centrally controlled strategic and tactical supply chain and procurement operations in a tax-efficient location support an organisation in:

realising benefits through leveraging scale in operations and procurement;
designing a flexible framework that can be used to decide which categories of spending are managed globally, regionally, and locally;and,
the acceleration and sustainability of significant procurement savings delivery from low-cost locations.
Planning and management of the tax implications of physical supply-chain operations to reduce the actual taxes paid on profits and operations happen through:

the potential to reduce corporate taxes on company profits;
reducing absolute value-added tax (VAT) payable or cash-flow cost of VAT;
reducing duty payable;
optimising the indirect taxes paid on physical flows; and,
change of transfer pricing driving reduction in effective corporate tax rates.
Seismic forward modelling for shale gas characterisation in the Laurel Formation, north Canning Basin
Authors: Zadeh Ebrahim , Rezaee Reza , Sams Mark
Published: November 2018

The Carboniferous Laurel Formation is a thick, regionally extensive package of sand, shale, and limestone with significant liquids content. This study aims to investigate the relationship between total organic carbon (TOC) content and seismic attributes by forward modelling of seismic response to variations in TOC content and calibrating the models using available well and seismic data.
A regional relationship between acoustic impedance and TOC content has been established based on the TOC measurements of core samples taken from wells penetrating the Laurel Formation. This regional function has then been calibrated to the Sundown–1 well, which is located in the Bunda 3D seismic survey in the northern Canning Basin. The calibrated function has been used to estimate the acoustic impedance of the shale interval for a range of TOC values. Based on these acoustic impedance estimates, the reflectivities have been calculated and the synthetic seismograms for corresponding TOC values have been generated. A direct transformation of seismic amplitudes to TOC content has been achieved by plotting the AI against TOC and fitting the appropriate trend function to the data.
The seismic tuning effect has been modelled as an important cause of variations in amplitudes to be considered and compensated for in TOC estimates. A map of scale factors has been generated based on results of a wedge model to remove the seismic tuning effect from TOC estimates. The resulting TOC content map includes some interesting features that can be considered as shale gas sweet spots.
Worker protection in the Migration Act and Regulations: illusion or reality in the offshore oil and gas industry?
Authors: Barton Chris
Published: November 2018

Reforms to the Migration Act and Regulations in 2008 were designed to prevent the subclass 457 visa program from being used to exploit migrant workers and undercut Australian conditions.
Stakeholder consultation, market-rate requirements, and ongoing compliance obligations extending to workplace and occupational health and safety laws were intended to restore confidence in the integrity of the temporary skilled migration scheme.
The application of Australia’s migration laws to the offshore oil and gas industry is complicated by issues surrounding the definition of the migration zone and confusion about the circumstances in which employees may or may not require a visa to work. The recent Federal Court decision in Allseas Construction SA and the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship found that overseas employees working on vessels engaged in laying gas field pipelines are not working in the Australian migration zone and therefore are not required to have working visas.
Recent changes to the employer sanctions regime were intended to discourage employers from breaching the rules and encourage strict compliance. Some overseas workers, however, are excluded altogether from regulation under the Migration Act and Regulations, even though the skills shortages in the resources sector have created strong demand for overseas workers. Unions and others have, therefore, expressed renewed concerns about the potential for overseas workers to be exposed to underpayment, abuse, and substandard working conditions.
Producibility and commerciality of shale resource systems: contrasting geochemical attributes of shale gas and shale oil systems
Authors: Faraj Basim , Jarvie Daniel
Published: November 2018

Increasing the producibility of petroleum from shale is a key challenge for this decade and beyond. While understanding of producing petroleum from shales has advanced rapidly during the past decade, many unknowns remain. In addition, fundamental differences remain between high-thermal maturity shale gas systems (gas-window shales) and oil-window shales. Although it is shown that oil is produced from the shale matrix similar to gas shales, it is not known what improvement to recovery factors should be expected due to the fundamental differences and uniqueness of shale oil systems.
Some of the challenges in early exploration of shales in the oil window are related to the loss of oil from rock samples (cuttings, core), sample processing, storage conditions, sample preparation, oil type, API gravity, gas-oil ratio (GOR), rock lithofacies, and analytical conditions. It is shown that old cuttings may lose up to 300% of their free oil content simply due to evaporation, even in tight shale with black oil having a GOR of about 500 scf/bbl. When cuttings are compared with RSWC or core chips, the loss increases to almost 500%.
Projection of oil content to match measured GOR values of oils or even extracts of organic-rich tight shales allows prediction of this oil loss—this impacts calculations of original oil in place (OOIP) and, hence, hydrocarbon recovery estimates from such systems.
Can community concerns be alleviated using science?
Authors: Rowe Naomi , Ross John
Published: November 2018

AGL’s manager of hydrogeology John Ross and community relations manager Naomi Rowe look at case studies about communicating the science of groundwater to answer the question of whether community concerns can be alleviated using science.
Successful project delivery is now directly related to a company’s success in engaging the community. Boards demand it, government approvals are sped up, and operations run more smoothly when the company’s activities are accepted by the community.
Like most companies in the upstream sector, AGL is facing significant community challenges as the company aims to advance its CSG exploration in the face of sophisticated and emotional opposition in search of scientific guarantees. Much of the infrastructure associated with CSG development is below ground, making the science surrounding such projects difficult to convey. In particular, water management and groundwater effects that cannot be seen are difficult to conceptualise.
The present community climate of increasing scepticism of corporations, where Facebook and university professors are equally trusted sources of information, requires a new community-engagement approach.
Community engagement is no longer just the province of community relations staff. AGL is engaging communities differently in delivering project information. Science is not absolute in its answers; rather, it suggests explanations of what is happening in nature then proves or disproves these theories.
The head of operations to field workers and all layers between need to have a clear role in understanding community concerns and in actively working as part of a multidisciplinary team to resolve them.
Shale gas in Australia: a great opportunity comes with significant challenges
Authors: Warner David
Published: November 2018

Australia could have shale gas resources several times bigger than the existing conventional gas resource base, which is estimated at about 5,300 BCM (190 TCF) by Geoscience Australia (GA). The Australian Government has no estimate of potential shale gas resources. The US Department of Energy (EIA) in 2011 estimated Australian shale gas resources to be 400 TCF. The quantity of this estimate is supported by an Australian study—which estimates resources of 600 TCF—conducted by Advanced Well Technologies (AWT) in conjunction with DSWPET.
While there are significant technical differences between the shale gas plays in the US and Australia, it is too early to tell if the technical differences are barriers. There are also significant differences in the commercial landscape. The lack of capacity in Australia has lead to much higher costs for drilling and fracture stimulation than in the US. The size of the domestic gas market is much greater in the US and its existing infrastructure allows for production to come onstream quickly. In Australia this infrastructure is not present in most areas and the domestic market cannot support another large gas development.
Perhaps the greatest challenge to this great opportunity is politics. There is a public, hence political,perception that all gas sources have the same gasland problems. These perceptions can be changed. First, the petroleum industry and governments need to understand the potential size of the gas resource and the possible strategic opportunity for Australia. Also these parties need to recognise that the shale gas resources are often located away from areas of high social and environmental impact. Once these factors are understood by these parties, factual information about the environmental impact of shale gas plays in comparison with coal seam methane and other alternative gas supplies can be factored into gas resource planning.
Managing limited subsurface data in a mature oil field case study: extending the production lifetime of a 50-year-old oil field in Indonesia: Rantau oil field Waterflood Pilot Project
Authors: Ardianto Reza
Published: November 2018

Business management of oil and gas in Pertamina State Oil enterprises was handed to one of its subsidiaries: Pertamina EP (PEP). With a vast working area of 140,000 km2, it consists of 214 fields where 80% is an old field (mature field or brown field). Most of these oil fields were discovered during Dutch colonialism. One of these fields was Rantau oil field, discovered in 1928; it is considered one of potential structure at the time. Peak oil production was achieved at 31,711 barrels of oil per day (BOPD) (wc 17.2%) in 1969, and it is still producing 2,500 BOPD from primary stage.To get better recovery from the Rantau oil field, it is necessary to identify the potential of secondary recovery water-flooding. Some screening criteria had been completed to select an appropriate method that could be applied in the Rantau field. PEP is preparing an Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) program to be applied in some oil fields with subsurface and surface potential consideration. The implementation was initiated by the EOR Department at PEP.
The issue of the national oil production increasing program from the government has to be realised by the EOR Department at Pertamina EP. Following the national oil increasing program, management of PEP urged to increase oil production in a rapid and realistic way. As a result, the program of secondary and tertiary recovery pilot project should be conducted simultaneously by the EOR Department on some of the fields that have passed their peak.
On the other hand, PEP has only limited geology, geophysics, reservoir, and production (GGRP) data, and most of the oil fields have been producing since 1930s. The conditions that have to be dealt with are as follows: production from the existing field is declining, data is collected and interpreted during a long period, huge amounts of production data, and reservoir model and simulation do not exist and are not frequently updated. Based on this, the planning of EOR struggled due to length of time needed versus the need for quick development. It has become much more of a challenge for the team consisting of integrated geophysics, geology, reservoir, production, process facility, project management and economic evaluation.
This extended abstract presents the term of managing limited GGRP data that contributes to the successful pilot waterflood project in the Rantau field. It also explains the uses of limited subsurface GGRP data to overcome the uncertainty for planning of the waterflood pilot project in the Rantau field, as a part of planning using limited data.
Harnessing the value of data in asset management for production assurance and to lower operating costs
Authors: Agar Paul
Published: November 2018

With rising costs, a tight labour market, and prolonged global economic uncertainty, it is unsurprising that investment decisions are being re-evaluated across Australia's resources and energy industry.
Amid this tough market environment, effective asset management has never been more important.
Asset management was first adopted by Australia's oil and gas industry in the early 90s and is now well entrenched. There is widespread acknowledgement that it breaks down project complexity and plays a critical role in maximising project net present value.
If done well, asset management takes a long-term view of asset life-cycles–from concept and creation, to services that deliver production assurance and lower costs.
While these principles are well understood across the market, asset data capture and analysis–a critical element to successful asset management–requires ongoing review.
Accurate and comprehensive asset data is the basis on which all good asset-management decisions are made.
Developments in geographic information systems, SAP, and cloud-based technology are redefining the way asset data is collected, stored, analysed, and fed back into asset-management decisions.
Asset managers of oil and gas assets should, therefore, be asking themselves three important questions:

Are we using the latest technology to collect, store, and analyse asset data?
Which project stakeholders need to interact with the data?
Do our existing or planned asset-management models have the capacity to integrate and evolve with new technology as it develops?
RLG field conversation-card program: improving safety leadership at the frontline
Authors: Aplanalp Benjamin
Published: November 2018

After a safety incident at RGL International's client's facility in 2012, the leadership team asked: how do we as leaders in a safety-centric industry interact with frontline workgroups to ensure incident-free operations? How often are we doing this? Where in our facility are we doing this? In response to these questions, the team developed the Field Conversation Card program, which employs simple pocket-sized cards and a visual map of the plant.
Data from the cards is recorded daily when supervisors and managers engage workgroups in the field, then overlaid onto a map (aerial view) of the plant. The product is a visual depiction of field safety conversations on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Each morning the map is assessed and the previous day's conversations highlighted to identify key observations, risks, or trends worthy of discussion or action.
Field conversations often uncover safety risks and improvement opportunities. They also serve to showcase positive behaviors and successful risk mitigation by frontline workgroups. These positive observations lead to formal recognition and sharing of best practices.
The Field Conversation Card program has motivated supervisors more than ever to engage their teams at the frontline. Site leaders now have a better understanding of where and how often these conversations take place. Leaders also have a renewed sense of urgency regarding worker engagement. Each day the management team is sharing relevant, important experiences that come from these simple, but critical field interactions. The result is a work environment where safety leadership is highly visible and quick to respond to ever-changing needs at the frontline.
SATELLITE DETECTION OF NATURAL HYDROCARBON SEEPAGE: PALM VALLEY GAS FIELD, AMADEUS BASIN, CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
Authors: Simpson C.J. , Wilford J.R. , Macias L.F. , Korsch R.J.
Published: November 2018

Digital image processing of advanced aircraft and Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) satellite remotely sensed data over sandstones of the Palm Valley Gas Field, central Australia, showed a distinct colour anomaly about 6 km long by 1.5 km wide which is not obvious in visible wavelength imagery. Field inspection showed that the colour anomaly was characterised by different rock- weathering colour, a geobotanical anomaly, calcium carbonate precipitation within rock fractures, and different soil pH. Inorganic rock geochemistry indicates significant chemical differences in some major elements. A limited number of soil gas samples were analysed and within the remotely sensed colour anomaly some had above- threshold concentrations of methane, ethane, propane and butane. Preliminary processing of airborne magnetic and gamma spectrometric data over the anticline did not indicate any significant values that suggested abnormal development of magnetite or clay minerals within the colour anomaly. Carbon and oxygen isotope analyses on calcrete from within the colour anomaly suggest, somewhat inconclusively, that hydrocarbons have not contributed significantly to the formation of the calcium carbonate component of the calcrete. Consideration of all available information suggests that the colour anomaly detectable by aircraft and Landsat TM satellite remote sensing corresponds to a zone of surface alteration resulting from long- term seepage of hydrocarbon gases. This colour anomaly, the first of its type reported from Australia, was detected because of spectral reflectance differences resulting from a combination of increased soil carbonate and different geobotanical characteristics from those of the surrounding terrain.
INTEGRATED PETROLEUM EXPLORATION PROGRAM — EP- 20, AMADEUS BASIN, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Authors: Saunders Donald F. , Thompson C. Keith
Published: November 2018

Recon Exploration Pty Ltd is conducting an integrated petroleum exploration program covering the EF- 20 Concession. It utilises several effective, unconventional methods, including photogeology/geomorphology, remote hydrocarbon sensing and surface geochemical prospecting.The probability of wildcat drilling success is enhanced by several recent developments of prospecting methods being applied in EP20. One of these involves geomorphic detection of diagenetic induration of near- surface sediments over both structural and stratigraphic petroleum- bearing traps believed to be caused by products of bacterial alteration of hydrocarbon micro- seepages. The new giant Alabama Ferry Field strati- graphic trap in Texas showed strong stream drainage deflection anomalies which correlated strongly with the most productive regions of the field. The use of recently available high- resolution Russian satellite photography has disclosed untested similar anomalies in EP20 in the Amadeus Basin. Interstitial soil gas hydrocarbon surveys have been supplemented by simultaneous soil magnetic susceptibility measurements which have been found to complement and fill in some gaps in the soil gas anomalies.At the time of writing, the photogeologic and geomorphic study is complete and it has disclosed many promising areas for further investigation. Of them, 20- 25 per cent have been surveyed using Recon Exploration's helicopter- borne microwave spectrometer hydrocarbon sensor, finding 14 prospects for surface geochemical study and validation. Preliminary surface surveys have demonstrated active hydrocarbon micro- seepages over the 'benchmark' fields — Mereenie, Dingo and Palm Valley — and have covered six of the airborne hydrocarbon anomalies. Twenty- five designated areas remain to be prospected.
THE PETROLEUM PROSPECTIVITY OF THE JOSEPH BONAPARTE GULF AREA, NORTHWESTERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Gunn PJ. , Ly K.C.
Published: November 2018

The Joseph Bonaparte Gulf area of northwestern Australia contains a Devonian- Tertiary depocentre whose origins and subsequent history can be related to an episode of Devonian rifting. Three decades of petroleum exploration have delineated large offshore gas accumulations. However, despite the apparent existence of all the factors necessary for oil generation and entrapment, only traces of liquid hydrocarbons have been found to date. The location of good- quality sealed reservoirs is the main challenge facing continued oil exploration.
ASPECTS OF EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT, VULCAN SUB- BASIN, TIMOR SEA
Authors: Lawrence B.L. Smith R.B.
Published: November 2018

The Timor Sea, comprising the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands and adjacent waters, is emerging as a major Australian oil- producing area which will contribute significantly to the national economy and Australia's oil self- sufficiency in the 1990s. From the Jabiru field alone, Timor Sea oil production contributes 9 per cent of Australia's oil production. The Timor Sea will soon rank second only to Bass Strait in terms of daily production from any one area. If success rates are maintained, Timor Sea could be producing 200 000 BOPD (32 000 kL/d) by the mid- 1990s.Early phases of exploration in the area focused on the detection and drilling of large structures. Success rates were low, mainly because of poor quality seismic data which hindered structural definition and lack of geological understanding as to the controls of hydrocarbon accumulations. Since the Jabiru discovery in 1983, better exploration methods have resulted in the delineation of many prospects which could contain significant oil reserves. New play concepts being developed will result in additional prospects.Economic forecasting and modelling are key factors in determining exploration and development project viability in the area, owing to the wide range in size of the prospects and discoveries. Assuming current economic factors remain in place, modelling indicates that field sizes likely to be found in the Timor Sea will be commercial.
Effects of the seasonal availability of short-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus tenuirostris) on the diet of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on Phillip Island, Victoria
Authors: Kirkwood R , Dann P , Belvedere M
Published: November 2018

The diet of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on Phillip Island, Victoria, was assessed from the frequency of occurrence and volume of food items in stomachs of foxes killed during a 16-year control program (1983 to 1998). Of the 289 stomachs examined, 244 (85%) contained recognisable food items. Based on frequency of occurrence, the most common prey were short­tailed shearwaters (Puffinus tenuirostris, 47%), European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus, 30%), house mice (Mus musculus, 15%), insects (15%), little penguins (Eudyptula minor, 12%), other birds (12%), sheep (Ovis aries 8%) and black rats (Rattus rattus 5%). The seasonal attendance patterns of P. tenuirostris caused substantial variations in the fox diet. When P. tenuirostris were present, between September and April each year, they were the most common food item, and when absent, they were replaced by rabbits. The sex of foxes did not appear to influence diet, but age did. Juvenile (Rubus fructicosus), than did adult foxes.
Observations of probable camouflaging behaviour in a semi-commensal common spotted cuscus Spilocuscus maculatus maculatus (Marsupialia: Phalangeridae) in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.
Authors: Heinsohn TE
Published: November 2018

THE common spotted cuscus Spilocuscus maculatus
is a relatively large nocturnal arboreal possum with a
preference for tropical lowland forests. Its
distribution is centred on New Guinea, but extends to
some adjacent landmasses, including a number of
satellite islands and Cape York Peninsula in Australia
(Flannery 1994; Winter and Leung 1995; Heinsohn
2000). It appears to be principally folivorous and
partially frugivorous and forages in the canopy, subcanopy,
and understorey of tropical forests, though it
may venture to the ground to cross gaps. After a
night of foraging, S. maculatus typically rests by day
hidden amidst the thick foliage of the canopy, in liana
tangles or thickets, and appears to be less dependent
on, or less inclined to use tree hollows than some
other possum species (Heinsohn 1998b, pers. obs.).
Identifying Little Sandy Desert bat species from their echolocation calls.
Authors: McKenzie NL , Bullen RD
Published: November 2018

In combination, the frequency maintained for the greatest number of cycles (FpeakC) and the
width of this peak (quality factor) identified search-mode echolocation calls of nine species
comprising the bat fauna of Australia's Little Sandy Desert. These data were derived from the
frequency spectrum profile of frequency-divided calls. Differences between FpeakC quality
factors of arid-zone emballonurid and molossid calls were functionally consistent with their
different foraging strategies.
Platypus immunoglobulin M and the divergence of the two extant monotreme lineages
Authors: Belov K , Hellman L
Published: November 2018

A full-length cDNA clone encoding the platypus (Ornithorynchus anatinus) immunoglobulin
M (IgM) heavy chain was isolated from a spleen cDNA library using a short-beaked echidna
(Tachyglossus aculeatus) IgM constant region (Cµ) probe. The isolation of platypus IgM shows
that O. anatinus, like all other examined jawed vertebrates, express a classical IgM molecule.
Amino acid sequence comparisons of the constant regions of IgM reveals a high level sequence
conservation between O. anatinus and T. aculeatus sequences (87%), and only approximately
48% identity between O. anatinus and therian Cµ sequences. The variable region of this clone
belongs to clan 3, supporting the view that this family is used preferentially, if not exclusively
by O. anatinus, as opposed to the use of all three variable region clans by T. aculeatus.
Phylogenetic analysis of Cµ sequences supports the traditional Theria hypothesis and suggests
that the O. anatinus and T. aculeatus lineages separated from their last common ancestor
approximately 21 million years ago.
Apparent twin pups of the Weddell seal Leptonychotes weddellii (Carnivora: Phocidae) near Mawson, Antarctica.
Authors: Shaughnessy P , Erb E
Published: November 2018

PHOCID seals give birth annually, generally to a
single pup. Twins have been reported occasionally,
either from observations made in utero or from
observations of live pups in the field. Examples of
the former are reports of two embryos in a Weddell
seal, Leptonychotes weddellii (Bertram 1940) and of
twin foetuses of a southern elephant seal, Mirounga
leonina (Bryden 1966). Observations of two pups
suckling one adult female have been reported for L.
weddellii (e.g., Gelatt et al. 2001). For M. leonina,
Carrick et al. (1962) reported an adult female that
expelled two placentae and gave birth to a pup while
another newborn pup was nuzzling the female. The
occurrence of twin pups in several pinniped species is
reviewed by Spotte (1982). Here we use the
expression 'apparent twins' to refer to reports of twin
L. weddellii pups that are based solely on field
observations of two pups with the same adult female
on several occasions.
A biological review of Pseudomys oralis: a response to Pyke and Read.
Authors: Meek PD
Published: November 2018

IN their recent paper, Pyke and Read (2002) provide
a detailed review of the biology and ecology of the
Hastings River mouse Pseudomys oralis. The authors
should be commended for compiling this
information, however, there are some comments I
would like to make to provide a contemporary review
of this species. The authors note there has been no
discussion of geographic variation within P. oralis or
recognition of a subspecies. However, the recovery
plan (NPWS 2003), which has been in draft for many
years, emphasises the need to survey populations
between the mitochondrial DNA haplotype sites
identified by Jerry et al. 1998 to determine whether
there are two distinct species. Pyke and Read (2002)
also maintain the historical belief that P. oralis is
mostly found in open habitat associated with riparian
features (gullies and watercourses). Based on the
studies of Townley (2000), Keating (2000) and new
data collected by Meek (2002) and Meek et al.
(2003), there is evidence that P. oralis is not
dependent on riparian habitat. The species has been
captured at many ridge and mid-slope sites where
sedges and/or grasses are not found in high
abundance. High numbers of P. oralis trapped and
monitored at Marengo State Forest since 2000 have
been found living on a ridge top in an open forest
habitat dominated by fern (Meek 2002; Meek et al.
2003). Radio tracking and spool-and-line tracking
from this forest showed that P. oralis did not favour a
microhabitat of grasses or sedges and when riparian
habitat was available the tagged animals rarely used
it. Habitat at known P. oralis sites indicate that
shelter is an important factor in population size,
however emphasising the value of rock shelter as an
indicator of capture success (Keating 2000) ignores
the value of head and butt residue and fallen timber
for the species. In all of the trapping sites described
in Meek et al. (2003), none contained large amounts
of large or small rock. However, occurrence of the
species and trap success does correspond with the
amount of hollows in fallen timber and residues from
previous logging events and is further supported by
tracking observations (Meek 2002, 2003).
John Hilary Seebeck 1939 - 2003. An obituary by Peter Menkhorst (with assistance from Ian Mansergh, Ian Temby and Robert Warneke)
Authors: Menkhorst P
Published: November 2018

WITH the passing of John Seebeck on 8 September
2003, Victoria lost a true champion of nature
conservation. Born on 28 September 1939, John grew
up in Northcote, Melbourne, and attended local State
schools. He joined the fledgling Wildlife Research
Section of the Fisheries and Game Department in
1960 as a technical assistant. The following year,
John received a Government studentship allowing
him to study part-time for a B.Sc. at The University
of Melbourne. On returning to full-time employment,
John worked assiduously with Keith Dempster,
Robert Warneke and others to build the Wildlife
Research Section into a springboard for better
conservation in Victoria.
Differential responses by sympatric macropodids to severe drought.
Authors: Hornsby PE , Corlett EY
Published: November 2018

Responses to severe drought by two sympatric macropodids, the yellow-footed rock-wallaby
(Petrogale xanthopus) and the euro (Macropus robustus erubescens) were examined at a site in
the North Flinders Ranges of South Australia. The results indicate that the two species respond
differentially to drought conditions. It was observed that small fluctuations occurred in the P.
xanthopus population. In contrast, M. r. erubescens evidenced significant mortality, especially
among larger animals.
Immediate post-release survival of eastern barred bandicoots Perameles gunnii at Woodlands Historic Park, Victoria, with reference to fox activity.
Authors: Long K , Robley AJ , Lovett K
Published: November 2018

On mainland Australia, eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii) are now restricted to a
single wild population at Hamilton in western Victoria, and recovery efforts are focussed on
establishing new populations at reintroduction sites. The success in founding these populations
has been variable, and post-release survival has not been accurately quantified. It is believed
that predation by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is largely responsible for post-release loss of P.
gunnii, despite the implementation of predator control programs at release sites. An intensive
fox control program was established to protect 10 released P. gunnii at Woodlands Historic
Park, near Melbourne. Monitoring of fox activity was undertaken prior to and after the release
in an attempt to better understand the effectiveness of control operations. Seven bandicoots
were known to be alive at the conclusion of the study five weeks after their release (and an
additional animal was trapped four months later), with weight loss appearing to be an important
factor in determining post-release survival. Despite constant levels of bait-take by V. vulpes,
fox activity measured from sand-pads remained high. We hypothesise that the presence of
suitable refugia is allowing the persistence of a low-density bandicoot population at Woodlands
despite constant, high levels of fox activity.
Den sites and habitats utilised by the northern common cuscus Phalanger orientalis (Marsupialia: Phalangeridae) in East Timor.
Authors: Heinsohn TE
Published: November 2018

THOUGH a common and widespread phalangerid
possum with populations occurring in Timor, the
Moluccas, northern New Guinea, Bismarck
Archipelago and Solomon Islands (Flannery 1994;
Heinsohn 2000, 2002a; Heinsohn and Hope 2004);
comparatively little research has been conducted on
the ecology of the northern common cuscus
(Phalanger orientalis). Its general niche is thought to
be that of a nocturnal arboreal folivore, with
frugivorous tendencies, and a preference for closed
tropical forests (Heinsohn 1998a, 2000, 2002a).
Zoonoses and Communicable Diseases Common to Man aqnd Animals. Third Edition. Pedro N Acha and Boris Szyfres. A Review by Peter Kerr.
Authors: Kerr P
Published: November 2018

THE three volumes of this book set out to cover the
common and not so common zoonotic diseases. As
the title implies, in many cases, for example
actinomycosis, the diseases covered are common to
humans and animals rather than being transmitted
from animals to man. Volume 1 covers bacterial and
mycotic diseases, volume 2, chlamydial, rickettsial
and viral diseases and volume 3 deals with parasitic
diseases. Each disease is dealt with systematically
under the headings of: Etiology, Geographic
Distribution, Occurrence in man, Occurrence in
animals, Disease in man, Disease in animals, Source
of infection and mode of transmission, Role of
animals in the epidemiology of the disease,
Diagnosis, and Control. This is followed by a
bibliography. The style makes it easy to gain a quick
overview or refresher on any particular disease that is
covered. However, it does not lend itself to
differential diagnosis based on clinical signs or
symptoms. This means that the books are probably
more useful for students, clinicians, epidemiologists,
researchers and public health workers needing a
quick update on a particular disease than for the
diagnostician in the field or clinic.
An improved diagnosis for Dactylopsila megalura (Marsupialia: Petauridae) of New Guinea.
Authors: Menzies JI , Singadan RK
Published: November 2018

We examined all the known specimens of Dactylopsila megalura and compared the skulls and
skins with those of Dactylopsila trivirgata and Dactylopsila palpator. We selected a suite of
skull characters that appear to be diagnostic for D. megalura and constructed a new diagnosis
for the species enabling isolated skulls to be identified with some degree of certainty. Notes on
the pelage of the three species, which is often used in traditional decoration, are added.
A new trap design for capturing squirrel gliders and sugar gliders.
Authors: Winning G. , King J.
Published: November 2018

A trap constructed from 90 mm PVC stormwater pipe and attached to the trunk of trees was more effective for trapping sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) and squirrel gliders (P. norfolcensis).