bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convergent and Nature-Like Technologies as the Basis for Sustainable Development in the 21st Century
Authors: Zhironkin Sergey , Demchenko Svetlana , Kayachev Gennady , Taran Ekaterina , Zhironkina Olga
Published: June 2019

The global challenge of the 21st century is associated with the need to ensure the sustainable development of modern countries. The basic condition for such development is an adequate amount of energy and resources. This means using not oil and gas only but supplies of drinking water, arable land, forests, and other mineral resources are being rapidly depleted. The industrial civilization, in only 200 years of its existence, has put the world on the threshold of a resource collapse. The reason for the current crisis situation is the antagonism of nature and the technosphere created by man. Technical progress has violated the natural resource turnover – a peculiar metabolism of nature, creating technologies that are hostile to it. These technologies, being torn from the natural context, are in fact bad copies of individual elements of natural processes and are based on a highly specialized model of science and industry-specific technologies. Consequently, the transition to sustainable development requires a radical technological modernization of the economy, in particular, widespread diffusion and inter-sectoral transfer of convergent and nature-like technologies.
Application of a roof support monitoring system for analysis of work parameters of a powered longwall system
Authors: Szurgacz Dawid , Brodny Jarosław
Published: June 2019

In recent years, the world economy has undergone dynamic technological changes known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. One of the main areas of these changes is the practical use of information systems to optimize production processes. Universal digitization results in the emergence of cyber-physical systems that, apart from the Internet of Things, are beginning to be used more and more widely in many industries. These changes are being applied also in the mining industry, including the Polish coal mining. Competition on the global energy market and growing requirements in the field of work safety and environmental protection make it necessary to take decisive action to modernize and adapt this industry to global standards. The article presents the results of the use of information technology in the process of hard coal production in mines owned by Polska Grupa Górnicza S.A., a leading coal mining company in Poland. The paper focuses on the operation of the powered roof systems which, in addition to protecting the work environment (longwall area), is also a construction base for the entire longwall system. The monitoring of the operation of individual sections of the support therefore allows control and evaluation of the condition and efficiency of the entire powered unit. The solution proposed by the authors should enable this process to be carried out.
Development of Powered Support Hydraulic Legs with Improved Performance
Authors: Buyalich Gennady , Byakov Maxim , Buyalich Konstantin , Shtenin Egor
Published: June 2019

The paper gives a description of the technical solution for the design of a hydraulic leg piston for mechanized roof supports. This technical solution allows the sealing gap to remain almost constant in a wide range of pressures of the working fluid, while significantly improving the working conditions of the lip seal on the piston. This technical solution consists in the fact that, on the side of the piston cavity of the hydraulic leg, the piston contains a sleeve with a seal located on it, which under the action of the pressure of the working fluid deforms in the radial direction, compensating for an increase in the diameter of the working cylinder. In this case, the described technical solution is not subject to inertia and is able to work with static and with dynamic external loads on a hydraulic leg. The results of a comparative finite-element simulation of the stress-strain state of a hydraulic leg at the junction of the piston and the working cylinder are given for the 360 mm dia hydraulic leg of Glinik support with serial and proposed pistons. It is shown that with the proposed piston, when the pressure of the working fluid in the piston cavity is 62 MPa, the change in the radial sealing gap is less than 20 times compared with the serial design.
Assessment of Socio-Economic Impacts of Zeolite Mining to Regional Development – Case Study
Authors: Šimková Zuzana , Grohol Milan , Kubacki Krysztof , Kapko Martin
Published: June 2019

The presented article deals with the impact of mining of mineral resources, namely zeolites, to the socio -economic area of regional development. Case study is focused on analysis of macroeconomic parameters of selected indicators for the implementation of the zeolite mining project in the Prešov region. This way we can point out to benefits for the state and the region. In accordance with the applicable legislation are quantified revenues for the municipality (or region) -the form of payments for the mining area, extracted minerals and local taxes and fees, for the state in the form of levies and taxes on employment, corporate income tax, VAT. In conclusion, it summarizes and quantifies the economic benefits of zeolite mining for the state and the investor through the duration of the surface mining of the mineral resource.
Rating System in Training Specialists for Coal Mining Region Enterprises
Authors: Islamov Roman , Sergeychick Tatyana
Published: June 2019

This paper is devoted to the experience of implementing the Rating System for Students’ Performance Assessment at the institution of higher education (Kemerovo State University) in coal-mining region. The focus is on the description of the Rating System and review of its key objectives in the process of training specialists for mining enterprises of Kuzbass. The assessment of students’ progress consists of grades for different activities such as studies, research, participation in sports competitions as well as social and cultural events. The purpose of paper is to evaluate the experience of implementing the Students’ Rating System at Kemerovo State University from the point of view of students as standard users. The paper highlights the results of the survey held among the students of the University on using the Rating System. The survey discovers its advantages such as motivating power, the ability to promote students’ academic activity, unbiased evaluation, convenience, etc. The Rating System is used as an important assessment tool in training future engineers, economists, exploration geologists, environmental managers etc. for coal-mining enterprises in Kuzbass region.
Development of a Competency Model for Selection of Human Resources in the Mining and Quarrying Sector in Bulgaria
Authors: Tepavicharova Milena , Dikova Lyudmila , Zahars Vitolds
Published: June 2019

The sophistication of technology, the globalization and the prolongation of active work age in recent decades require continuous adaptation of the workers’ personal skills and professional abilities. This is associated with a number of changes and challenges in the professional development. At present, in the mining industry organizations, the issue of lifelong careers is becoming more and more relevant, requiring a broad set of skills and knowledge. They provide the opportunity for a person to successfully find work, adapt and develop at their workplace, to cope with the professional tasks and to feel satisfaction and receive adequate remuneration for their work. Building a competency model for human resource selection requires targeted actions to improve certain skills and abilities. They represent the common language used by employers and employees, showing the quality of the individual’s social and personal orientation in the organizations. The purpose of this article is to identify the set of competencies and on this basis to create a competent model for the management of the human resources selection in the extractive industries in Bulgaria.
Impact of stellar evolution on planetary habitability
Authors: Gallet F. , Charbonnel C. , Amard L. , Brun S. , Palacios A. , Mathis S. , Bolmont E.
Published: June 2019

With the ever growing number of detected and confirmed exoplanets, the probability to find a planet that looks like the Earth increases continuously. While it is clear that being in the habitable zone does not imply being habitable, a systematic study of the evolution of the habitable zone is required to account for its dependence upon stellar parameters. In this study, we aim to provide the community with the dependence of the habitable zone upon the stellar mass, age, metallicity, and rotation. We use stellar evolution models computed with the STAREVOL code to study the evolution of the habitable zone. Mass and metallicity are the stellar parameters that have the most dramatic effects on the habitable zone limits. The evolution of the habitable zone limits is also linked to the evolution of the stellar activity (through the Rossby number) that depends on the considered stellar mass and rotation. Using observed trends of stellar magnetic field strength we also constrain the planetary magnetic field (at the zero order) required for a sufficient magnetospheric protection during the whole stellar evolution. We explicit for the first time the systematic dependence of planet habitability on stellar metallicity and rotation along the full evolution of low- and intermediate-mass stars. These results can be used as physical inputs for a first order estimation of exoplanetary habitability.
Third-body perturbed apsidal motion in eclipsing binaries
Authors: Borkovits T. , Forgács-Dajka E. , Rappaport S.A.
Published: June 2019

Tidally forced apsidal motion in eccentric eclipsing binaries is a key observable of stellar structure studies, and may serve as important probe for different tidal dissipation theories. There are, however, alternative physical processes which result in additional contributions to the observed apsidal motion. Here we mainly concentrate on the perturbing effect of a third, distant stellar companion, forming a hierarchical triple system with the eclipsing pair. First we discuss the mathematical form of the combined third body and tidally forced apsidal motions, and its observational aspects. Then we present a brief description of an eclipse timing variation study (based on the above mentioned analytical formulae) of 26 Kepler spacecraft-discovered 3-rd body perturbation-dominated compact hierarchical triples.
Linear approximation of seismic inversions: new kernels and structural effects
Authors: Buldgen G. , Reese D.R. , Dupret M.A.
Published: June 2019

Thanks to the space-based photometry missions CoRoT and Kepler, we now benefit from a wealth of seismic data for stars other than the sun. In the future, K2, Tess and Plato will provide further observations. The quality of this data may allow kernel-based linear structural inversion techniques to be used for stars other than the sun. To understand the limitations of this approach, we analyse the validity of the linear assumption used in these inversion techniques. We inspect various structural pairs and see how they are affected by structural changes. We show that uncertainties in radius strongly affect structural pairs of nondimensional variables, and that various other effects might come into play. Amongst these, the importance of micro-physics give the most striking example of how uncertainties in stellar models impact the verification of the linear relations. We also point out that including seismic constraints in the forward modelling fit helps with satisfying the linear relations.
Sustaining turbulence in spectrally stable shear flows – interplay of linear transient growth and nonlinear transverse cascade
Authors: Gogichaishvili D. , Mamatsashvili G. , Horton W. , Chagelishvili G.
Published: June 2019

We analyze the sustaining mechanism of nonlinear perturbations/turbulence in spectrally stable smooth shear flows. The essence of the sustenance is a subtle interplay of linear transient growth of Fourier harmonics and nonlinear processes. In spectrally stable shear flows, the transient growth of perturbations is strongly anisotropic in spectral (k-)space. This, in turn, leads to anisotropy of nonlinear processes ink-space and, as a result, the main (new) nonlinear process appears to be not a direct/inverse, but rather a transverse/angular redistribution of harmonics in Fourier space referred to as the nonlinear transverse cascade. It is demonstrated that nonlinear state is sustained owing to the interplay of the linear nonmodal growth and the transverse cascade. The possibility of such course of events has been described ink-space byG. Chagelishvili, J.-P. Zahn, A. Tevzadze and J. Lominadze, A&A, 402, 401 (2003)that reliably exemplifies the well-known bypass scenario of subcritical turbulence in spectrally stable shear flows. We present selected results of the simulations performed in different (HD and MHD; 2D and 3D; plane and Keplerian) shear flows to demonstrate the transverse cascade in action.
Electrochromic properties of Mo-doped V2O5 thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis process
Authors: Mrigal Asmaa , Temsamani Rajae , Addou Mohammed , Hssein Mehdi , El Jouad Mohamed
Published: June 2019

In this work, we have studied the Mo effect on V2O5 thin films, the samples were deposited by spray pyrolysis technique on heated glass substrates at 500 °C. The dopant amount was varied at different concentration, 2%, 4% and 6%. Different techniques were carried out, in order to studied the Mo effect on V2O5, such as XRD, Raman, SEM, AFM and electrochemical analysis. From the obtained results, all the samples exhibited orthorhombic structure with (001) predominant orientation. The optical properties of Mo concentration effect were studied in their colored and discolored states. These electrochemical studies were performed in LiClO4 electrolyte with 0.5 mol/L of C4H6O3. The transmittance value of the samples decreased from 76% to 10% at 690 nm, when the samples have changed color, from colored state to discolored state respectively.
Interspecific effects of the cladoceran- (Moina macrocopa) and the rotifer- (Brachionus calyciflorus) conditioned medium on main life history variables in relation to temperature and algal density
Authors: Huang Lin , Xi Yilong , Wen Xinli
Published: June 2019

Current research on the effects of cladoceran allelochemicals on rotifers has been inconclusive and the allelopathic effects of rotifers on cladocerans are unknown. We sought to fill this knowledge gap with life table demography experiments assessing the interspecific effects ofMoina macrocopa-conditioned mediums (MCM) andBrachionus calyciflorus-conditioned mediums (CCM) on the main life history variables under different temperatures and algal densities. Our results demonstrate that, when compared to the allelopathic effects ofM. macrocopaonB. calyciflorus,M. macrocopahad higher sensitivity to the allelochemicals fromB. calyciflorus. When compared to the controls, the chemically-mediated effects ofM. macrocopaon the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of population growth (rm) and total number of offspring (NO) ofB. calycifloruswere non-significant in many cases while in a few the impacts were stimulatory or inhibitory under different concentrations of MCM, temperatures, and food densities. However, when compared to the controls, the allelopathic effects ofB. calycifloruson theR0,rmand NO ofM. macrocopawere stimulatory in many cases; some impacts were inhibitory or non-significant under different concentrations of CCM, temperatures, and food densities. In addition, life expectancy at birth (e0), generation time (T), and average lifespan (LS) ofB. calyciflorusandM. macrocopacultured in the conditioned medium nearly did not differ significantly from the controls. Our results suggest that the interspecific allelopathic effects ofB. calyciflorusandM. macrocopaare dependent on the origin and concentration of the allelochemical, life history variable, temperature, and food (algal) density. Additionally, the underlying mechanisms should be further investigated.
Validating the performance of the Empirical Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Model (E-CHAIM) with in situ observations from DMSP and CHAMP
Authors: Themens David R. , Jayachandran P. Thayyil , McCaffrey Anthony M.
Published: June 2019

The Empirical Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Model (E-CHAIM) is a new empirical model of high latitude ionospheric electron density. While the introductory studies regarding E-CHAIM include validations, E-CHAIM’s topside model was notably excluded from independent validation using datasets not included in the model fitting. In this study, we undertake such a validation using in situ electron density observations from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) constellation of satellites and the Challenging Mini-satellite Payload (CHAMP) mission. Through this validation, we show that E-CHAIM generally outperforms the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) at DMSP orbit (~830 km altitude), with RMS errors of 8.3–9.8 × 109 e/m3 versus the IRI’s 1.2–1.3 × 1010 e/m3. E-CHAIM’s improvement over the IRI is consistent at all latitudes but is particularly noted in sub-auroral regions and is mainly limited to summer and equinox periods. At CHAMP orbit, E-CHAIM and the IRI are found to perform largely comparably, with E-CHAIM outperforming the IRI only marginally with RMS errors of 7.11 × 1010 e/m3 versus the IRI’s 7.48 × 1010 e/m3. This improvement is found to be largely constrained to sub-auroral latitudes with both models performing comparably at higher latitudes. An observed tendency for the IRI to overestimate electron density in the near-peak (at CHAMP orbit) and underestimate electron density at higher altitudes (DMSP orbit) appears to be consistent with previous work, which identified this pattern to result from shortcomings in the NeQuick topside function curvature at high latitudes.
Übung des Monats – Der Wall Slide
Authors: Keller Matthias , Hacker Volker
Published: June 2019

Bewegungen über Kopf sind für viele Sportarten und Alltagsfunktionen elementar. Nach Verletzungen ist es daher wichtig, diese schnell wiederzuerlangen. Der Wall Slide eignet sich, um die Überkopfposition zu testen und auf das Training vorzubereiten.
Erfolgreicher Kämpfer für die Manuelle Therapie – Nachruf auf Prof. (MI/USA) Freddy Kaltenborn
Authors: Zöller Matthias
Published: June 2019

Einer der größten Manualtherapeuten, der die Manuelle Therapie für Physiotherapeuten weltweit mit aufgebaut und geprägt hat, verstarb am 2. Mai im Alter von 96 Jahren in seinem Wohnort Scheidegg im Allgäu.
Infantile-Onset Paroxysmal Movement Disorder and Episodic Ataxia Associated with a TBC1D24 Mutation
Authors: Zimmern Vincent , Riant Florence , Roze Emmanuel , Ranza Emmanuelle , Lehmann-Horn Frank , de Bellescize Julitta , Ville Dorothée , Lesca Gaetan , Korff Christian M.
Published: June 2019

Mutations that disrupt the TBC1D24 presynaptic protein have been implicated in various neurological disorders including epilepsy, chronic encephalopathy, DOORS (deafness, onychodystrophy, osteodystrophy, mental retardation, and seizures) syndrome, nonsyndromic hearing loss, and myoclonus. We present the case of a 22-month-old male with infantile-onset paroxysmal episodes of facial and limb myoclonus. The episodes were linked to biallelic variants in exon 2 of the TBC1D24 gene that lead to amino acid changes (c.304C >T/p.Pro102Ser and c.410T > C/p.Val137Ala), each variant being inherited from a parent. Follow-up imaging in adolescence revealed widened right cerebellar sulci. We discuss the evolving landscape of TBC1D24 associated phenotypes; this case adds to a growing body of evidence linking this gene to movement disorders in children.
The Contribution of B Cells in Autoimmune Liver Diseases
Authors: Taylor Sarah A. , Assis David N. , Mack Cara L.
Published: June 2019

Autoreactive B cells can promote autoimmunity through antigen presentation to autoreactive T cells, production of autoantibodies, generation of cytokines promoting T cell activation and differentiation, and inhibition of regulatory T cells and B cells. Here, the authors highlight studies pertaining to B cell mechanisms associated with disease pathogenesis and outcomes in autoimmune hepatitis and the immune-mediated cholangiopathies (primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and biliary atresia). The vast majority of investigations focus on autoantibodies and future research endeavors should include deciphering the role of the B cell in T cell activation (through antigen presentation, cytokine/chemokine production, and inhibition of regulation). Targeting B cell mechanisms in the treatment of autoimmune liver diseases is also highlighted.
A Classification for the Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery—Subarcuate Artery Complex Based on the Embryological Development
Authors: Rasmussen Jorge , Plou Pedro , Campero Álvaro , Ajler Pablo
Published: June 2019

Objective To hierarchize the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA)–subarcuate artery (SAA) complex's variations in the surgical field.

Background The AICA's “subarcuate loop” (SL) presents multiple variations, closely related to the SAA. AICA-SAA complex's variations may represent major issues in cerebellopontine angle (CPA) surgery. As the spectrum of configurations is originated during the development, a systematized classification was proposed based on the interaction between the petrosal bone and the AICA in the embryonic period.

Methods The variations were defined as follow: Grade 0: free, purely cisternal AICA, unidentifiable or absent SAA; Grade 1: purely cisternal AICA, loose SL, SAA > 3 mm; Grade 2: AICA near the subarcuate fossa, pronounced SL, SAA <3 mm; Grade 3: “duralized” AICA, unidentifiable SAA, or included in the petromastoid canal (PMC); and Grade 4: intraosseous AICA, unidentifiable SAA, or included in the PMC. The classification was applied to a series of patients assessed by magnetic resonance constructive interference in steady state sequence. Surgical examples were also provided.

Results Eighty-four patients were evaluated, including 161 CPA. The proportions found in the gradation remained within the range of previous publications (Grade 0: 42.2%; Grade 1: 11.2%; Grade 2: 35.4%; Grade 3: 10.6%; and Grade 4: 0.6%). Moreover, the degrees of the classification were related to the complexity of the anatomical relationships and, therefore, to the difficulty of the maneuvers required to overcome them.

Conclusion The proposed AICA-SAA complex classification allowed to distinguish and objectify pre- and intraoperatively the spectrum of variations, to thoroughly plan the required actions and instrumentation.
Efficacy and Side Effects of Topical Applications of Two Different Solutions in the Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum in a City in Africa: An Open, Randomized, Comparative Clinical Trial
Authors: Kibar Ozturk Melike
Published: June 2019

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is one of the most common viral infections in African children. However, there is no work investigating the treatment of MC in dark skinned children in Africa. In this study, we aimed to compare efficacy and side effects of topical application of 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 16.7% salicylic acid (SAL) and lactic acid (LAC) combination in the treatment of MC in Sudan, Africa. This is a prospective, randomized, and comparative study. The inclusion criterion was the presence of at least 10 lesions. The exclusion criteria were the use of any topical MC treatment during the last 2 weeks, immunosuppression, periorbital and perioral involvement, the history of hypersensitivity to any kind of keratolytics, and the presence of concomitant bacterial skin infections. The main efficacy outcome was the complete remission or partial remission. Three visits were performed: baseline visit (diagnosis, randomization, and therapy initiation), visit 1 for follow-up (at 15–30 days after initiation of therapy and for study end), and visit 2 for postclearing assessment (at 60th day after the initiation of therapy). Chi-squared (χ2) test was used. All patients (n = 101) participating completed the 60 days of follow-up period. Post 60 days of treatment, the rates of complete resolution in 55 patients treated with 10% KOH solution and 47 patients treated with 16.7% SAL + LAC combination solution were 87.0 and 85.1% (p > 0.05), respectively. The rates of partial resolution in the group treated with KOH solution and in patients treated with SAL + LAC combination solution were 12.9% and 14.8% (p > 0.05), respectively. Major side effects in KOH group were burning sensation or stinging during application (48.1%, p = 0.0009) and hypopigmentation (38.8%, p = 0.007) while it was desquamation (23.4%, p > 0.05) in the SAL + LAC combination group. Results indicate both 10% KOH solution and SAL + LAC combination solution showed good efficacy in the treatment of MC in African children. Neither 10% KOH nor the SAL + LAC combination solution was found superior to other in the treatment, while the latter was noted to have fewer side effects. Permanent hypopigmentation is an important and undesired side effect of 10% KOH treatment.
Arguments for an additional long-lived intermediate in the photocycle of the full-length aureochrome 1c receptor: A time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering study
Authors: Bannister Saskia , Böhm Elena , Zinn Thomas , Hellweg Thomas , Kottke Tilman
Published: June 2019

Aureochromes (AUREO) act as blue-light photoreceptors in algae. They consist of a light-, oxygen-, voltage-sensitive (LOV) domain and a DNA-binding basic region/leucine zipper. Illumination of the flavin cofactor in LOV leads to the formation of an adduct, followed by global structural changes. Here, we first applied UV/vis spectroscopy to characterize the photocycle of full-length aureochrome 1c (PtAUREO1c) from the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. With a time constant of 850 s and a quantum yield of 23%, PtAUREO1c reveals a faster recovery time and a much lower sensitivity toward light than PtAUREO1a, pointing to its role as a high light sensor in vivo. UV/vis spectroscopy offers details on the local recovery of the flavin chromophore. However, kinetic information on the global structural recovery of full-length AUREO or any other multidomain LOV protein is missing. This information is essential not least for the photoreceptors' applications as optogenetic devices. Therefore, we established a procedure to apply small-angle X-ray scattering on PtAUREO1c in a time-resolved manner employing an in-house setup. In combination with UV/vis spectroscopy under similar conditions, we revealed a discrepancy between the recovery of the global protein structure and the adduct lifetime. Accordingly, we propose to supplement the photocycle by an intermediate state (I447), which decays with a time constant of about 800 s and prolongs the lifetime of the signaling state.
Performance and flow analysis of an elliptic bladed Savonius-style wind turbine
Authors: Banerjee Abhisek
Published: June 2019

This paper describes the results of a three-dimensional numerical investigation conducted on an elliptic bladed Savonius-style wind turbine (SSWT) and the flow field around it. The investigation is also enriched by the comparison of the performance and flow characteristics of this turbine to that of a conventional semicircular bladed SSWT. Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved using a k-ω shear stress transport turbulence model under dynamic conditions. The numerical results indicate the highest power coefficient (CP) of 0.25 for an elliptic bladed SSWT in comparison with 0.21 for a semicircular bladed SSWT. Furthermore, the computational findings are strengthened by the wind tunnel experiments. From both studies, better torque and power characteristics are obtained with the elliptic bladed turbine in comparison with the semicircular bladed turbine. The deviation of computational results from experimental findings for both kinds of turbines is studied here. The flow field in the vicinity of the blades for both the SSWTs has been studied and compared using the parameters, namely velocity, pressure, and turbulent intensity.
Lasers advance 2D quantum material manufacturing
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: June 2019

A review of recent developments in laser-based methods for synthesis and processing of 2D quantum materials.
An integrated approach to the Surat Basin stratigraphy
Authors: Reilly Mark , Hurter Suzanne , Hamerli Zsolt , de Andrade Vieira Filho Claudio L. , LaCroix Andrew , Gonzalez Sebastian
Published: June 2019

The stratigraphy of the Surat Basin, Queensland, has historically been sub-divided by formation and unit nomenclature with a few attempts by other authors to apply sequence stratigraphy to existing formation boundaries. At a local- to field-scale, lithostratigraphy may be able to represent stratigraphy well, but at regional-scale, lithostratigraphic units are likely to be diachronous. To date, this lithology-driven framework does not accurately reflect time relationships in the sub-surface. An entirely new integrated methodological approach, involving well tied seismic data and sequence stratigraphic well-to-well correlations compared with published zircon age dates, has been applied to hundreds of deep wells and shallower coal seam gas wells. This method sub-divides the Surat Basin stratigraphy into defendable 2nd order to 3rd order sequence stratigraphic cycles and has required the use of an alpha-numeric sequence stratigraphic nomenclature to adequately and systematically label potential time equivalent surfaces basin-wide. Correlation of wells is the first step in building models of aquifers and coal seam gas fields for numerical simulation of fluid flow, which is necessary for responsible resource management. Lithostratigraphic correlations will overestimate the extent and hydraulic connectedness of the strata of interest. The result may be fluid flow models that do not represent a realistic pressure footprint of the flow. The present sequence stratigraphic method more accurately reflects the disconnectedness of sub-surface coals and sandstones (aquifers) on a field-to-field scale, adjacent field-scale, and basin-wide scale. It forms the basis for improved and more representative modelling of the sub-surface.
Well log data analytics: overview of applications to improve subsurface characterisation
Authors: Emelyanova Irina , Dyt Chris , Ben Clennell M. , Peyaud Jean-Baptiste , Pervukhina Marina
Published: June 2019

Wireline log datasets complemented with core measurements and expert interpretation are vital for accurate reservoir characterisation. In many cases, effective use of this information for predicting rock properties requires application of advanced data analytics (DA) techniques. We developed non-linear prediction models by combining data- and knowledge-driven methods. These models were used for predicting total organic carbon and electro-facies from basic wireline logs. Four DA approaches were utilised: unsupervised, supervised, semi-supervised and expert rule based. The unsupervised approach implements ensemble clustering for detecting variations in sedimentary sequences of the subsurface. The supervised approach predicts rock properties from well logs by applying ensemble learning that requires core data measurements. The semi-supervised approach builds a decision tree for iterative clustering of well logs to locate a specific facies and uses criteria determined by a petrophysicist for making decisions at each tree node whether to continue or stop the partitioning. The expert rule based approach combines clustering techniques at individual wells with an expert’s methodology of interpreting facies to determine field-wide rock characterisation. Here we overview the developed models and their applications to log data from offshore and onshore Australian wells. We discuss the deep thinking–shallow learning versus shallow thinking–deep learning approaches in reservoir modelling and highlight the importance of close collaboration of data analysts with domain experts.
The Great Australian Bight Right Whale Study, 1991–2018: bridging the gap between science and industry to provide baseline data for impact assessment in oil and gas
Authors: Charlton Claire , McCauley Robert D. , Ward Rhianne
Published: June 2019

The Curtin University Great Australian Bight Right Whale Study (GABRWS) delivers cost effective scientific research to inform risk-based decision making and conservation management of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) listed endangered southern right whales (Eubalaena australis). The GABRWS has operated annually on Yalata Aboriginal lands at the Head of Bight in Australia’s largest calving ground, between 1991 and 2019, and at Fowlers Bay in the Nuyts Archipelago Marine Park between 2013 and 2019. The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009 require operators to demonstrate an understanding of values and sensitivities (particularly EPBC-listed threatened species and Matters of National Environmental Significance) in the environment and show that impacts and risks from proposed activities are as low as reasonably practicable and of an acceptable level. The GABRWS delivers peer reviewed science on southern right whale recovery and population trends critical for stock and impact assessment. The study promotes collaboration between the scientific institutions, the community, oil and gas (O&G) operators, stakeholders, government and regulators. Data are publicly available through published scientific literature and communicated through university and sponsor reports, sponsor presentations, community events and international conferences. The GABRWS provides a unique win-win example of a university program bridging the gap between science and industry to promote species conservation management and provide cost effective baseline scientific data for impact assessment in O&G. Benefits to sponsors also include collaboration with research, community and government organisations; access to scientific data in real time; and promotion of community stewardship and reputation.
Signposts to a robust liquid LNG market
Authors: Cullinane Bernadette , Sakmar Susan , Hill Nye
Published: June 2019

The world is experiencing a rapidly evolving energy transition and nowhere is this more evident than the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector. LNG is delinking from its crude oil heritage and displaying the hallmarks of becoming a global commodity. Europe has largely abandoned the use of oil-linked contracts and the Asia–Pacific region is moving similarly, linking with indices like Henry Hub or the Japan/Korea Marker (JKM) index. New digital trading platforms are emerging that support increased price transparency and lower the barriers to trading. The close-knit LNG ‘club’ is breaking up, and the increased number of market players has amplified the complexity of LNG trade. Other predictable patterns of a maturing market include:
• increased spot and short-term contracts;
• removal of destination clauses, leading to greater flexibility;
• deployment of floating storage regasification units, enabling new delivery options;
• greater diversity of market participants;
• emerging trading platforms; and
• the development of a futures market underpinned by physical trades.
Although there seems to be consensus the growing global LNG market needs a better pricing mechanism, it is unclear how this transition will unfold. The oil market experienced a similar evolution in the 1970s and 1980s and is an interesting proxy for LNG. However, LNG may be different; the large capital investment and long payback periods are in direct conflict with buyers’ demands for shorter-term, more flexible contracts. This divergence has contributed to a slowdown in final investment decisions and the emerging risk that the market may soon be undersupplied. This paper examines how the oil sector progressed through a similar turbulent period, weathering commodity cycles while remaining an attractive sector for investment. The paper also considers what it will take for investors to have confidence in new LNG projects within the realities of an increasingly liquid and global commodity.
Constructivism: an answer to activism
Authors: Diamond Tara
Published: June 2019

The rise of activism is impacting the future of the Australian resources and energy industry. New projects suffer delays on a myriad of regulatory fronts, and fall victim to coordinated activist campaigns seeking to undermine their social licence to operate. Public trust in the natural gas industry is declining more rapidly in Australia than any other country, followed closely by the United States. In Australia, the industry is looking internationally for best practice approaches to turning this issue of perceptions around. In this paper I have drawn on the latest research and practical case studies from the United States to argue that harnessing the power of the workforce is the key to a strong, constructive response to activism and shifting community perceptions of the industry. I articulate the concept of constructivism in support of the resources and energy industries as an answer to activism, outlining strategies for successful constructivist campaigns, ultimately led by highly engaged Australian workforces. The method involves applying this constructivist approach to ‘Industry Employee Engagement’, creating a clear sense of purpose and emotional bond between your employees, their work and the industry. This sees employees motivated to take action and, when equipped with the appropriate knowledge and skills, discuss and promote the industry within their own community networks. Success will provide an aligned and unified approach to turning around perceptions of the industry and ensuring all Australians are fully informed and behind the role the industry will play in our nation’s future.
Old rocks, new tricks: a reinvigorated Cooper Basin offers growth opportunity
Authors: Ovenden Bill
Published: June 2019

The Cooper Basin spans north-east South Australia and south-west Queensland and is Australia’s largest integrated onshore oil and gas development. Santos and Delhi first discovered commercial gas in 1963. First oil was discovered in 1970. Since then, the Cooper Basin has become a strategically important processing and transportation hub for produced gas and liquids. Continuous investment in new technology, the use of existing infrastructure and, recently, an unrelenting drive to lower drilling and production costs has delivered a low-cost, high-margin producer for east coast domestic and liquefied natural gas (LNG) export markets. This improved operating performance has, in turn, offered Santos the opportunity to reassess ‘our backyard’. The Cooper Basin boasts many growth options, remaining and emerging. Seismic advances are providing improved imaging. Data management, the use of play-based exploration studies, innovative geoscience thinking and renewed investment risk appetite are playing key roles in the development of discovered resources and the exploration of new and emerging plays. Targeted wildcat exploration and appraisal programs, supported by low-cost operations, offer the potential to unlock significant remaining oil and gas resources. The Cooper Basin is poised for another stage of growth. This tangible potential emphasises the critical future role the basin is likely to continue to play as an onshore Australian hydrocarbon supply hub.
Digitalisation as a critical tool in resource asset valuations, acquisitions and dispositions
Authors: Hollett Douglas W. , Phasey Craig N.
Published: June 2019

Digital twins and digital ‘solutions’ have become increasingly common in recent years, as companies recognise the benefit of greater visibility and control into their operations. When built and implemented properly, a digital twin (DT) offers the potential for significant cost savings, coupled with attractive add-on value in safety, operational integrity and predictive maintenance, all of which can also result in increased production. DTs are also critical for effective portfolio management, in allowing a full understanding of asset or field value, upside, and long-term potential. By identifying areas for optimisation, a DT can help the operator prioritise investment, and accurately understand which assets to keep or monetise. Through building DTs for operating properties, Nova Systems and PTC have gained a deep understanding of the upside potential inherent in the technology. This also means that DT technology can be invaluable in asset acquisitions. During merger and acquisition (M&A) analysis, a company typically looks for technical, operational and financial leverage which can unlock potential not seen by the current owner. These can be commercial (commodity contract, price deck and agreements), technical (e.g. engineering approach and models, and subsurface), operating synergies (common services, facilities and duplication) and digital solutions. While most companies utilise traditional and tested approaches to asset valuation, new digital solutions offer the opportunity for break-out higher valuations which can drive an entirely new approach to M&A growth. In today’s competitive marketplace, the company with an innovative digital solutions skillset will have the advantage.
Good, bad or ugly: all a matter of perspective?
Authors: Lovell Jane
Published: June 2019

Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) is the national peak body that represents the Australian seafood industry as a whole, including members from wild catch, aquaculture and post-harvest sectors. According to the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), the fishing and petroleum industries represent a combined contribution to the Australian economy of ~AU$28.5 billion (in 2015–2016) and employ (directly and indirectly) over 55000 Australians.1 At times, our industries’ interests have competed. However, we recognise that we can unlock value for the economy, and those who work in our industries, by finding effective ways to work together. In 2014, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between five commercial fishing and seafood industry associations and APPEA. This MOU committed to the core principles of improved cooperation, open communication and stronger consultation. There is significant benefit for both industries in learning how to improve shared access to marine resources, whether at the early stages of petroleum activities (e.g. seismic) or at the end of an asset’s life (e.g. decommissioning). This presentation will look at efforts to improve relationships between our two industries and make observations about potential ways forward.
No guarantees – setting Australian Energy Policy for 2040
Authors: Rennie Matt
Published: June 2019

The energy industry is transforming around three fundamental tipping points; in 2021 distributed energy systems will reach cost parity with grid connected energy; in 2025 electric vehicles will reach cost parity with combustion engines; and in 2045 it will be cheaper to produce electricity using decentralised systems than it will be to transport energy around the grid, excluding the costs of production. This new 'System 2.0' will have a number of defining characteristics: it will be heavily reliant on renewables, which will account for between 40% and 50% of generation; it will be characterised by a large build out of regulated architecture to support the new mix of generation, and heavy competition for unregulated connection assets; distribution systems will shift to the paradigm of the DSO, where load is moved around largely peakless networks using decentralised energy technologies; and retailing will have changed dramatically, away from high churn margin based operations to new digital relationships characterised by large scale operations across new technological platforms. With its high proportion of solar installations, system topography and customer willingness to embrace new technologies, Australia is in a position to lead the world in the transformational times ahead. It has never been more important than now for Governments, both State and Federal, to move beyond the politics and to set energy policy with this objective in mind, ensuring that initiatives across generation, transmission, distribution and retailing reflect long term objectives in market design, investment signalling and regulatory compacts.
To view the video, click the link on the right.
Climate change: the investor perspective
Authors: Herd Emma
Published: June 2019

There is not an abstract available for this presentation. To view the video, click the link on the right.
Securing competitive gas supply – a manufacturing perspective
Authors: Perrow Melissa
Published: June 2019

Brickworks is a domestic manufacturer and large consumer of natural gas and electricity on the east coast of Australia and in Western Australia. Brickworks manufactures building products including bricks which are primarily retailed under name of Austral Bricks. In 2018 Brickworks examined opportunities for securing gas for its business which lead it to transition from a retail customer to wholesale gas buyer. Brickworks will discuss its engagement process with wholesale gas suppliers and lessons learned from the process.
To view the video, click the link on the right.
Deep learning enables high-quality and high-throughput prediction of enzyme commission numbers
Authors: Ryu Jae Yong , Kim Hyun Uk , Lee Sang Yup
Published: June 2019

Significance

Identification of enzyme commission (EC) numbers is essential for accurately understanding enzyme functions. Although several EC number prediction tools are available, they have room for further improvement with respect to computation time, precision, coverage, and the total size of the files needed for EC number prediction. Here, we present DeepEC, a deep learning-based computational framework that predicts EC numbers with high precision in a high-throughput manner. DeepEC shows much improved prediction performance when compared with the 5 representative EC number prediction tools that are currently available. DeepEC will be useful in studying enzyme functions by implementing them independently or as part of a third-party software program.
SET binding to Sgo1 inhibits Sgo1–cohesin interactions and promotes chromosome segregation
Authors: Qu Qianhui , Zhang Qian , Yang Lu , Chen Yujue , Liu Hong
Published: June 2019

At anaphase onset, Sgo1 function of cohesion protection must be disabled to allow timely chromosome segregation, but how this is achieved is not fully understood. Here, we show that SET, a known PP2A inhibitor, directly binds to a domain in Sgo1 in close proximity to the cohesin-binding motif. The Sgo1–cohesin binding can be disrupted by SET in a dose-dependent manner in vitro as well as by SET overexpression in cells, suggesting that SET is also an inhibitor to the Sgo1–cohesin binding. Furthermore, the SET binding–deficient Sgo1 mutant fully supports centromeric cohesion protection but delays chromosome segregation, suggesting that the SET–Sgo1 binding is required for timely chromosome segregation. Moreover, overexpression of SET WT, not the Sgo1 binding–deficient mutant, exacerbates the occurrence of cohesion fatigue in MG132-arrested cells. Conversely, SET depletion delays it. Thus, we propose that a major function of SET during mitosis is to disrupt the Sgo1–cohesin interaction, thereby promoting centromeric cohesion de-protection and timely chromosome segregation at anaphase onset.