bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the effects of 3D porous architectures on promoting lithium or sodium intercalation in iodine/C cathodes synthesized via a biochemistry-enabled strategy
Authors: Wang Huifeng , Zhang Guoming , Ke Linlin , Liu Baodong , Zhang Sen , Deng Chao
Published: June 2017

Biochemistry-enabled synthesis provides a new approach to the controlled design of diverse architectures for high-performance iodine/C electrode materials in lithium–iodine and sodium–iodine batteries.
Direct characterization of the native structure and mechanics of cyanobacterial carboxysomes
Authors: Faulkner Matthew , Rodriguez-Ramos Jorge , Dykes Gregory F. , Owen Siân V. , Casella Selene , Simpson Deborah M. , Beynon Robert J. , Liu Lu-Ning
Published: June 2017

The spatial protein organization, topography and physical mechanics of native carboxysomes, the self-assembling carbon-fixation machinery in cyanobacteria, were characterized.
In situ cathodic activation of V-incorporated NixSy nanowires for enhanced hydrogen evolution
Authors: Shang Xiao , Yan Kai-Li , Rao Yi , Dong Bin , Chi Jing-Qi , Liu Yan-Ru , Li Xiao , Chai Yong-Ming , Liu Chen-Guang
Published: June 2017

In situ cathodic activation (ISCA) of V-incorporated NixSy nanowires supported on nickel foam (VS/NixSy/NF) can be realized in an alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) process, which provides not only obviously enhanced activity but also ultrahigh stability for HER.
Base-catalyzed diastereoselective trimerization of trifluoroacetone
Authors: Silvestri Anthony P. , Dawson Philip E.
Published: June 2017

The base-catalyzed trimerization of trifluoroacetone delivers one of four possible diastereomers of a highly fluorinated sugar analog. The reaction proceeds in high yield with no purification when run under thermodynamic control. Mechanistic considerations, crystallographic analyses, and functionalization with boronic acids are presented.
A microporous yttrium metal–organic framework of an unusual nia topology for high adsorption selectivity of C2H2and CO2over CH4at room temperature
Authors: Liu Kang , Li Xu , Ma Dingxuan , Han Yi , Li Baiyan , Shi Zhan , Li Zhenjiang , Wang Lei
Published: June 2017

A new microporous yttrium MOF Y-H3TDPAT with Lewis basic sites on the pore surfaces was hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized as an unusualniatopology.
Facile synthesis of novel CuCo2S4 nanospheres for coaxial fiber supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Qiufan , Liang Xiao , Yang Depeng , Zhang Daohong
Published: June 2017

A flexible coaxial supercapacitor was designed using CuCo2S4 nanospheres on Ti wire, which exhibit satisfactory performances with high capacitance, excellent cycle stability and high energy density.
Correlating photovoltaic properties of a PTB7-Th:PC71BM blend to photophysics and microstructure as a function of thermal annealing
Authors: Krishnan Jagadamma Lethy , Sajjad Muhammad T. , Savikhin Victoria , Toney Michael F. , Samuel Ifor D. W.
Published: June 2017

The effect of thermal annealing on a polymer solar cell is investigated and related to changes in the photophysics and structure.
Controllable synthesis of LiFePO4in different polymorphs and study of the reaction mechanism
Authors: Guo Hua , Ping He , Hu Jiangtao , Song Xiaohe , Zheng Jiaxin , Pan Feng
Published: June 2017

Controllable synthesis of LiFePO4with different crystal polymorphs can be obtained by controlling certain conditions.
Tuning the optoelectronic properties for high-efficiency (>7.5%) all small molecule and fullerene-free solar cells
Authors: Privado María , Cuesta Virginia , de la Cruz Pilar , Keshtov Mukhamed L. , Sharma Ganesh D. , Langa Fernando
Published: June 2017

A novel non-fullerene acceptor is used to build an all small molecule BHJ OSC with a PCE of 7.76%, applying vacuum drying.
Facile synthesis of ultrathin Ni-MOF nanobelts for high-efficiency determination of glucose in human serum
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Zheng Shasha , Li Xinran , Zhang Guangxun , Guo Xiaotian , Xue Huaiguo , Pang Huan
Published: June 2017

Ultrathin Ni-MOF nanobelts, [Ni20(C5H6O4)20(H2O)8]·40H2O(Ni-MIL-77 NBs), were synthesized by a facile one-pot solution process and can be used as an efficient catalyst electrode for glucose oxidation under alkaline conditions.
Progress in rigid polysaccharide-based nanocomposites with therapeutic functions
Authors: Liu Qingye , Duan Bingchao , Xu Xiaojuan , Zhang Lina
Published: June 2017

Nanocomposites engineered by incorporating versatile nanoparticles into different bioactive β-glucan matrices display effective therapeutic functions.
An activatable anticancer polymer–drug conjugate based on the self-immolative azobenzene motif
Authors: Eom Taejun , Yoo Wonjae , Lee Yong-Deok , Park Jae Hyung , Choe Youngson , Bang Joona , Kim Sehoon , Khan Anzar
Published: June 2017

Triggered cellular uptake of a synthetic graft copolymer carrying an anticancer drug is achieved through self-immolation of the side-chain azobenzene groups.
Leakage current analysis of polymeric insulators under uniform and non‐uniform pollution conditions
Authors: Ahmadi‐Joneidi Iman , Shayegani‐Akmal Amir Abbas , Mohseni Hossein
Published: June 2017

This study presents two different methods under uniform and non‐uniform pollution layer in order to measure and calculate the leakage current (LC) of silicone rubber insulators. Experimental test for evaluating the LC analysis of polluted insulator have been done in a laboratory clean fog chamber. The electric field and potential distributions were obtained from finite element method software for 3D models. The mathematical background and circuit theory are described in details by a section of insulator and using the extended form factor formula. The surface conductivity used in the calculations was extracted from the measured LC after wetting rate. LC characteristics under 1 : 1, 1 : 2, 1 : 5 and 1 : 10 ratios of top to bottom surface salt deposit density on polymeric insulators are studied. To verify the proposed models of this study, the results of experimental data and two other approaches are compared with together before dry‐band formation. Moreover, a dynamic LC model under uniform pollution layer has been introduced and extended in order to calculate the LC when the formation of dry‐bands along the insulator surface occurs. The dynamic model is drawn from experimental data and measured surface conductivity.
Optimal PMU placement solution: graph theory and MCDM‐based approach
Authors: Ghosh Pronob K. , Chatterjee Soumesh , Saha Roy Biman Kr.
Published: June 2017

In this study, a new method using graph theory and analytical hierarchy process (AHP)‐based multi‐criteria decision making approach has been proposed to solve optimal phasor measurement unit (PMU) placement (OPP) problem for complete network observability. The proposed approach assures maximum measurement redundancy too. A decision matrix is formed with some unique criteria from the concept of network graph theory and this helps to formulate priority vertex ranking using AHP. Candidate vertex search technique is used to enumerate the candidate PMU placement vertices from priority vertex ranking. The contribution of zero injection buses (ZIBs) in PMU placement problem has been considered. The proposed technique is further analysed for complete observability under single PMU loss or line outage cases. The proposed approach is tested on IEEE 14‐bus, 24‐bus, 30‐bus, 57‐bus, 118‐bus, and New England 39‐bus systems. To verify the computational efficiency and higher redundancy of solutions of the proposed method, the results are compared with some well‐established methods reported in the literature. The proposed method is further applied to IEEE 300‐bus, Polish 2383‐bus and 3120‐bus system to show the efficacy of the proposed approach in solving OPP in large scale power systems.
AVSF‐based control algorithm of DSTATCOM for distribution system
Authors: Ahmad Md. Tausif , Kumar Narendra , Singh Bhim
Published: June 2017

Recent trends have shown that the power quality has been adversely affected due to increased power electronics based devices at the utility grid in the distribution system. Suppression of harmonics and reactive power current compensation at point of common coupling (PCC) improve the power quality using distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM). The development of new control algorithm based on adaptive Volterra second‐order filter (AVSF) for DSTATCOM to extract the fundamental power current components from the polluted load current of non‐linear load in distribution system is presented in this study. The AVSF is a combination of linear and non‐linear functions of the input signals. Both linear and quadratic functions optimise filter coefficients with fast convergence, which is quite important in the success of an adaptive solution. The proposed algorithm is also related to autocorrelation matrix and step size, which are used for rapid convergence. The performance of proposed algorithm for DSTATCOM is validated through experimental results for unity power factor of AC source and zero voltage regulation of the terminal voltage at PCC.
Accelerated distribution systems reliability evaluation by multilevel Monte Carlo simulation: implementation of two discretisation schemes
Authors: Huda A.S. Nazmul , Živanović Rastko
Published: June 2017

This study presents the performances of two discretisation schemes which are implemented in a novel multilevel Monte Carlo (MLMC) method for reliability calculation of power distribution systems. The motivation of using the proposed approach is to reduce the computational effort of standard Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) and accelerate the overall distribution system reliability evaluation process. The MLMC methods are implemented through solving the stochastic differential equations (SDEs) of random variables related to the reliability indices. The SDE can be solved using different discretisation schemes. Two different discretisation schemes, namely Euler–Maruyama (EM) and Milstein are utilised in this study. For this reason, the proposed MLMC methods are named as EM‐MLMC and Milstein MLMC. The reliability evaluation efficiency of the methods is analysed and compared based on accuracy and computational time saving for basic reliability assessment of Roy Billinton test system. Numerical results show that both methods reduce the computational time required to estimate the reliability indices compared with the same discretisation schemes used in MCS and maintain satisfactory accuracy levels.
The Impact of Deep Brain Stimulation on the Quality of Life and Swallowing in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Olchik Maira , Ghisi Marciéle , Ayres Annelise , Schuh Arthur , Oppitz Paulo , Rieder Carlos
Published: June 2017

Introduction Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there is little evidence regarding the effect of DBS on dysphagia.

Objective To assess the swallowing and quality of life of individuals with PD before and after DBS surgery.

Methods Our sample consisted of people who had undergone DBS surgery in a referral hospital in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of PD and having undergone DBS surgery. A cognitive screening, through a questionnaire about depression and quality of life, was conducted. Evaluations of each patient's swallowing were performed before and after surgery. The assessment consisted of anamnesis, clinical assessment, the Functional Oral Intake Scale, clinical evaluation of swallowing, and the Hoehn and Yahr scale.

Results The sample included 10 individuals, all male, with a mean age of 57.3 years (±4.7), a mean disease duration of 13.0 years (±2.4), and mean level education of 8.1 years (±4.0). In the clinical evaluation of the swallowing, a significant improvement after DBS was not observed. However, little changes in the signs and symptoms of dysphagia that had a positive impact on the quality of life were observed. Furthermore, there was no relation between the patients' motor subtype and swallowing pre- and post-DBS.

Conclusion There was an improvement in the quality of life of the patients after DBS. However, the improvement in the clinical signs and symptoms of dysphagia did not cause an overall improvement in the swallowing function.
Management of Advanced and Terminal Hepatocellular Carcinoma: When and How to Treat, and When not to Treat?
Authors: Rilling William , White Sarah
Published: June 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer worldwide according to the National Cancer Institute. If treated with liver directed therapy, patients' median overall survival is significantly improved at 20.1 versus 4.3 months without treatment. The purpose of this article is to give an overview on when and how to treat, and when not to treat patients with advanced or terminal HCC. Treatment of patients with advanced HCC can be challenging, as patients are often already debilitated due to their chronic underlying liver disease. Performance status, hepatic function, tumor characteristics, and the patient's desire to maintain their quality of life should be at the forefront of deciding when and how to treat this patient population. If patients are found to be outside treatment criteria, referral to palliative care can be beneficial.
Association of Resident Duty Hour Reform and Neonatal Outcomes of Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Piedboeuf Bruno , Platt Robert , Barrington Keith , Bizgu Victoria , Shah Prakesh , Beltempo Marc ,   on behalf of the Canadian Neonatal Network Investigators
Published: June 2017

Objective To assess the association of the 2011 Quebec provincial resident duty hour reform, which reduced the maximum consecutive hours worked by all residents from 24 to 16 hours, with neonatal outcomes.

Study Design Retrospective observational study of 4,271 infants born between 23 and 32 weeks, admitted at five Quebec neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) participating in the Canadian Neonatal Network (CNN) between 2008 and 2015 was conducted. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were calculated to compare mortality and the composite outcome of mortality or major morbidity before and after the implementation of the duty hour reform.

Results The mortality rate was 8.4% (218/2,598) before the resident duty hour reform and 8.6% (182/2,123) after the reform (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83–1.26). The composite outcome rate was 32% (830/2,598) before the duty hour reform and 29% (615/2,123) after the reform (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.77–0.98). In the adjusted analyses, the resident call-hour reform was not associated with a significant change in mortality (AOR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.91–1.50) or composite outcome (AOR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.74–1.03).

Conclusion Reducing residents' duty hours from 24 to 16 hours in Quebec was not associated with a difference in mortality or the composite outcome of very preterm infants.
Broadband energy harvesting from parametric vibrations of a class of nonlinear Mathieu systems
Authors: Alevras Panagiotis , Theodossiades Stephanos , Rahnejat Homer
Published: June 2017

The nonlinear dynamics of the Mathieu equation with the inclusion of a cubic stiffness component is considered for broadband vibration energy harvesting. The results of numerical integration are compared with the corresponding solution of a regular Duffing oscillator which is widely used to model nonlinear energy harvesting. The use of Duffing oscillators has shown direct correspondence between the effective frequency range of the associated hysteretic phenomenon and the value of the nonlinearity coefficient. A broadband energy harvester requires strong nonlinearity, especially for high frequencies of interest. This letter demonstrates that the effectiveness of parametrically excited systems is not constrained by the same requirement. Based on this, it is suggested that parametrically excited systems can be a robust means of broadband vibration harvesting.
Quantifying fermionic decoherence in many-body systems
Authors: Kar Arnab , Franco Ignacio
Published: June 2017

Practical measures of electronic decoherence, called distilled purities, that are applicable to many-body systems are introduced. While usual measures of electronic decoherence such as the purity employ the full N-particle density matrix which is generally unavailable, the distilled purities are based on the r-body reduced density matrices (r-RDMs) which are more accessible quantities. The r-body distilled purities are derivative quantities of the previously introduced r-body reduced purities [I. Franco and H. Appel, J. Chem. Phys. 139, 094109 (2013)] that measure the non-idempotency of the r-RDMs. Specifically, the distilled purities exploit the structure of the reduced purities to extract coherences between Slater determinants with integer occupations defined by a given single-particle basis that compose an electronic state. In this way, the distilled purities offer a practical platform to quantify coherences in a given basis that can be used to analyze the quantum dynamics of many-electron systems. Exact expressions for the one-body and two-body distilled purities are presented and the utility of the approach is exemplified via an analysis of the dynamics of oligo-acetylene as described by the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger Hamiltonian. Last, the advantages and limitations of the purity, reduced purity, and distilled purity as measures of electronic coherence are discussed.
Low-cost electrodes for stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Bastos João P. , Manghooli Sara , Jaysankar Manoj , Tait Jeffrey G. , Qiu Weiming , Gehlhaar Robert , De Volder Michael , Uytterhoeven Griet , Poortmans Jef , Paetzold Ulrich W.
Published: June 2017

Cost-effective production of perovskite solar cells on an industrial scale requires the utilization of exclusively inexpensive materials. However, to date, highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells rely on expensive gold electrodes since other metal electrodes are known to cause degradation of the devices. Finding a low-cost electrode that can replace gold and ensure both efficiency and long-term stability is essential for the success of the perovskite-based solar cell technology. In this work, we systematically compare three types of electrode materials: multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), alternative metals (silver, aluminum, and copper), and transparent oxides [indium tin oxide (ITO)] in terms of efficiency, stability, and cost. We show that multi-walled carbon nanotubes are the only electrode that is both more cost-effective and stable than gold. Devices with multi-walled carbon nanotube electrodes present remarkable shelf-life stability, with no decrease in the efficiency even after 180 h of storage in 77% relative humidity (RH). Furthermore, we demonstrate the potential of devices with multi-walled carbon nanotube electrodes to achieve high efficiencies. These developments are an important step forward to mass produce perovskite photovoltaics in a commercially viable way.
Anti-saturation system for surface nuclear magnetic resonance in efficient groundwater detection
Authors: Lin Jun , Zhang Yang , Yang Yujing , Sun Yong , Lin Tingting
Published: June 2017

Compared to other geophysical techniques, the surface nuclear magnetic resonance (SNMR) method could provide unique insights into the hydrologic properties of groundwater in the subsurface. However, the SNMR signal is in the order of nanovolts (10−9 V), and the complex environmental noise, i.e., the spike and the harmony noise (10−4 V), can reach up to 105 times the signal amplitude. Saturation of the amplifier is therefore a serious problem in current SNMR systems. In this study, we propose an anti-saturation method based on an instantaneous floating-point amplifier. The gain of a programmable amplifier is controlled by the value of the input signal. A regulating speed of 50 kS/s is thus achieved to satisfy the self-adaptive adjustment of the real-time SNMR system, which replaces the original man-made setting gain. A large dynamic range of 192.65 dB with a 24-bit high speed analog-digital converter module is then implemented. Compared to traditional SNMR instruments, whose magnification factor is fixed during the experiment, our system can effectively inhibit the distortion of the SNMR signal in both laboratory and field settings. Furthermore, an improved SNR, which is realized by the real-time SNMR system, enables the accurate inversion of the aquifer. Our study broadens the applicability of SNMR systems to use in and around developed areas.
Depiction of interfacial morphology in impact welded Ti/Cu bimetallic systems using smoothed particle hydrodynamics
Authors: Nassiri Ali , Vivek Anupam , Abke Tim , Liu Bert , Lee Taeseon , Daehn Glenn
Published: June 2017

Numerical simulations of high-velocity impact welding are extremely challenging due to the coupled physics and highly dynamic nature of the process. Thus, conventional mesh-based numerical methodologies are not able to accurately model the process owing to the excessive mesh distortion close to the interface of two welded materials. A simulation platform was developed using smoothed particle hydrodynamics, implemented in a parallel architecture on a supercomputer. Then, the numerical simulations were compared to experimental tests conducted by vaporizing foil actuator welding. The close correspondence of the experiment and modeling in terms of interface characteristics allows the prediction of local temperature and strain distributions, which are not easily measured.
Laser-driven magnetized liner inertial fusion
Authors: Davies J. R. , Barnak D. H. , Betti R. , Campbell E. M. , Chang P.-Y. , Sefkow A. B. , Peterson K. J. , Sinars D. B. , Weis M. R.
Published: June 2017

A laser-driven, magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) experiment is designed for the OMEGA Laser System by scaling down the Z point design to provide the first experimental data on MagLIF scaling. OMEGA delivers roughly 1000× less energy than Z, so target linear dimensions are reduced by factors of ∼10. Magneto-inertial fusion electrical discharge system could provide an axial magnetic field of 10 T. Two-dimensional hydrocode modeling indicates that a single OMEGA beam can preheat the fuel to a mean temperature of ∼200 eV, limited by mix caused by heat flow into the wall. One-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modeling is used to determine the pulse duration and fuel density that optimize neutron yield at a fuel convergence ratio of roughly 25 or less, matching the Z point design, for a range of shell thicknesses. A relatively thinner shell, giving a higher implosion velocity, is required to give adequate fuel heating on OMEGA compared to Z because of the increase in thermal losses in smaller targets. Two-dimensional MHD modeling of the point design gives roughly a 50% reduction in compressed density, temperature, and magnetic field from 1-D because of end losses. Scaling up the OMEGA point design to the MJ laser energy available on the National Ignition Facility gives a 500-fold increase in neutron yield in 1-D modeling.
Comments on plasma diagnostics with microwave probes
Authors: Godyak Valery
Published: June 2017

Analysis of recent publications on microwave probe diagnostics shows that some assumptions used in microwave probe models are unrealistic and ambiguous, which puts into question the validity of those diagnostics.
Non-invasive depth-resolved imaging through scattering layers via speckle correlations and parallax
Authors: Shi Yaoyao , Liu Youwen , Wang Jiming , Wu Tong
Published: June 2017

Various approaches for imaging through scattering layers have been proposed, but very few of them provide depth-resolved images. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate an approach for non-invasive depth-resolved imaging of objects hidden behind a scattering medium based on speckle correlations and parallax. The relative intensities of the objects' autocorrelations and the positions of the cross-correlations, both change from different apertures. The reconstruction of objects is achieved by subtraction of the autocorrelations and the conventional Fienup-type iterative phase-retrieval algorithm, and the objects' relative position is retrieved from the relative position of the cross-correlation to the central; moreover, the depth information of objects is decoded by the displacement of the cross-correlations through different apertures. This multi-aperture technique allows sharp imaging of objects with full actual depth information at once.
Decommissioning of Australia's oil and gas facilities in the 21st century
Authors: Barrymore Stuart
Published: June 2017

Through 2016, there has been increasing interest in the rules and regulations that apply to decommission facilities in Australia’s offshore waters. APPEA is developing guidelines as is the State of Western Australia. The Department of Industry Innovation and Research is preparing a discussion paper on Australia’s decommissioning laws, regulation and practice. It is expected to issue by the end of 2016.
These developments are long overdue. Australia’s laws regarding these activities have barely changed since the offshore legislation was enacted in 1967. How major facilities are decommissioned in Australia will be a matter of interest to numerous stakeholders. It seems likely that decisions taken in the next two years will result in a modernisation of Australia’s law and practice and will determine how the major offshore facilities will be decommissioned over the next 30 years.
The paper canvasses the reform process, considers the more modern regimes overseas and whether they have achieved their objectives, looks at regional (Asia–Pacific) practice and informs delegates as to the path forward on any legislative reform. The position of the States and the Commonwealth are contrasted.
Challenges and lessons learned from environmental approvals for drilling in frontier offshore basins, using the Great Australian Bight as an example
Authors: Pinzone Giulio B.
Published: June 2017

The recent withdrawal of BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd from its exploration drilling efforts in the Great Australian Bight (GAB) has brought focus to the challenges of obtaining environmental approvals for offshore petroleum exploration projects, particularly in frontier, deep-water basins such as the GAB. In preparing the first two environment plan (EP) submissions for the BP GAB drilling exploration project, Aventus Consulting Pty Ltd has come across numerous such challenges, which are summarised in the present paper.
Not all barrels are created equal: understanding the difference between standards of regulatory disclosure can impact your investment decisions
Authors: McMullen Arthur L. , Chung Warren
Published: June 2017

Petroleum industry stakeholders rely on estimates of petroleum reserves and resources as a cornerstone for making informed strategic investment decisions. Whether assessing a property or corporate target in a mergers and acquisitions process, seeking or providing equity or debt financing, developing upstream or downstream projects, engaging in sales contract negotiations or satisfying regulatory disclosure requirements, a clear understanding of the basis of these estimates is critical. Worldwide, several standards of resource estimation are widely accepted (Society of Petroleum Engineers Petroleum Resources Management System (SPE-PRMS), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidelines and Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (COGEH)) and disclosure requirements depend on the regulatory jurisdiction (i.e. Australia, Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) Listing Rules Chapter 5; USA, SEC Regulation S-K; Canada, NI 51-101). Understanding the differences in these standards is imperative for correctly assessing value, development potential and project risks.
Focusing on Australia, the United States of America and Canada, this presentation identifies key differences in these standards, and the potential implications affecting your strategic investment decisions.
Exploring the Beetaloo: will Australia's first viable shale play be sourced by billion year old gas?
Authors: Close David , Côté Alexander , Baruch Elizabeth , Altmann Carl , Mohinudeen Faiz , Richards Brenton , Ilett Rachael , Evans Ross , Stonier Stephanie
Published: June 2017

Origin Energy completed exploration campaigns in 2015 and 2016 in the Beetaloo Sub-basin of the Greater McArthur Basin in the Northern Territory, drilling three vertical wells and one horizontal well. These wells have provided a wealth of technical data to assist in the characterisation of the primary source rock reservoirs or ‘shale gas’ plays in the Basin – the Velkerri Formation Play and the Kyalla Formation Play. In this paper we demonstrate the presence of thick, gas saturated and over-pressured source rocks across the sub-basin. In addition to the drilling campaign, the multi-stage hydraulic fracture stimulation of the Amungee NW-1H horizontal well was completed in 2016 – this operation was unique as it represents the first horizontal stimulation operation in the Beetaloo Sub-basin and the longest ‘plug and perf’ type horizontal completion in Australia. Data from the extended production test of the Amungee NW-1H are critical from a technical and, potentially, economic and political perspective.
In addition to the technical work program, Origin has undertaken preliminary environmental baseline studies and substantial stakeholder engagement. Ensuring environmental baseline data are available is key to demonstrating that onshore gas developments can be undertaken without adverse environmental outcomes, and also for gaining social acceptance. However, data and facts alone are not sufficient to build community confidence. Origin has engaged extensively with pastoralists, local communities and Traditional Owners to build direct relationships and partnerships that encourage acceptance of the gas industry’s ability to coexist and deliver mutual benefits to the businesses and communities of the Barkly region and the Northern Territory more broadly.
Creating a resilient management system delivering a flexible foundation for growth in an energy organisation
Authors: Barlow Sunny
Published: June 2017

Many organisations find it challenging to effectively integrate separate internal management systems and processes into one cohesive framework that supports organisational strategy. A management system is a framework of policies, processes and procedures developed to ensure an organisation can complete the tasks necessary to achieve its strategic objectives. International and industry standards typically take a functional view of management systems, often resulting in silos of information. In addition, inefficient and isolated safety, environmental, process safety, risk, compliance and quality management systems cost time and money, and can increase the likelihood of safety incidents in critical development and production environments. To support Woodside’s vision to be a global leader in upstream oil and gas, Woodside needed to establish a common approach to how it operates, wherever the location, and develop a strong foundation to support its strategic objectives.
Woodside recently undertook an internally led company-wide project to renew its Woodside Management System (WMS) to improve integration between disparate functionally based management systems and capture the way we work more effectively. As part of the project, Woodside took the opportunity to redesign its WMS framework and streamline its processes and procedures by simplifying and removing duplicate or redundant existing information. Through the project, Woodside developed a single integrated management system that is independent of organisational structure and closely linked to our vision. The integrated control framework created within the WMS supports conformance to process and forms the foundation of assurance activities across the entire company. The WMS integrates a hierarchy of business processes, focused upon value stream activities, and clearly defines operational processes and activities.
This paper discusses the objectives and outcomes of the project, some challenges during implementation and the change management approach to develop the culture and behaviours to drive continuous improvement and unlock the benefits of an integrated management system.
Open-access midstream infrastructure and its effects on the Australian gas market
Authors: Lewis Steve , Serfaty Jon , Brooks Michael , Smith Ben
Published: June 2017

Australia’s energy industry has evolved around a vertically integrated structure with exploration and production (E&P) companies carrying out production, processing and development of associated infrastructure, such as pipelines. We suggest the next innovation for productivity improvements is a ‘North American model’, whereby a midstream service industry develops, owns and operates shared gas processing and transport infrastructure, allowing the E&P sector to direct limited capital to focus on exploiting and marketing the resource without necessarily building or operating the associated infrastructure.
E&P companies are being challenged by the lower oil prices, and balance sheets are under strain from high debt levels. Large joint ventures are no longer the natural owners of gas processing facilities as the original gas reserves decline and other reserve owners seek to use spare capacity. Junior explorers are also challenged as capital is redirected elsewhere while oil prices remain low.
Herein we demonstrate that collaboration in shared infrastructure will restore value. Benefits to E&P companies include minimising upfront capital, lower unit cost through scale and sharing of risks with other projects and partners.
Midstream infrastructure owners and operators can provide additional benefits because they typically have lower rates of return expectations, lower capital costs and debt premiums, have specialist knowledge and enable sharing of production and transportation costs.
Through case studies, we outline the key commercial considerations from the perspective of both the explorer and the asset owner, demonstrate the potential financial benefits and promote further debate on what is stopping the development of this midstream service industry in Australia.
Managing integrity of operating FPSOs
Authors: Barros Astrid
Published: June 2017

The last few years have been challenging ones for the oil and gas industry with a significant drop in oil price. At the same time ageing facilities and a more dynamic market have been driving the need for becoming more efficient in the way we do our business, i.e. business as usual is not enough anymore. It is not only about individual efforts, the global response to the need for becoming more efficient has driven an increase in collaborative initiatives among the industry which we will all benefit from. A few of these initiatives have significantly improved the way we manage offshore floating structures engineering at Woodside.
Impact of faults and compartmentalisation on geological carbon storage estimates in highly faulted basins
Authors: Poesse Jorik W. , Ricard Ludovic P. , Hortle Allison
Published: June 2017

Faults have extensively been studied for hydrocarbon exploration and production; however, previous studies on fault behaviour for geological carbon storage have focused on sealing capacity or reactivation potential during injection or post-injection phases. Little is known on the impact of faults for estimating storage capacity in highly faulted basins. A geological conceptual model of a representative compartment was designed to identify the key drivers of storage capacity estimates in highly faulted basins. An uncertainty quantification framework was then designed upon this model to address the impact of geological uncertainties such as fault permeability, reservoir injectivity, compartment geometry and closure on the compartment storage capacity. Pressure-limited storage capacity was estimated from numerical simulation of CO2 injection under the constraints of maximum bottom hole pressure and fault reactivation pressure. Interpretation of the simulation results highlights that (1) two injection regimes are observed: borehole- or fault-controlled, (2) storage capacity can vary more than an order of magnitude, (3) fault and reservoir permeability can be regarded as the most influential properties with respect to storage capacity, (4) compartment geometry mainly influences the injection regime controlling the storage capacity and (5) the large sensitivity of storage capacity to the type of enclosure and fault permeability indicates that pressure build-up at the fault is often the deciding factor for CO2 storage capacity.
The impact of competition law on destination restrictions in Asia-Pacific LNG contracts
Authors: Grime Mark , Poddar Dave , Kalic Nadia
Published: June 2017

The continual decline in prices for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the Asia-Pacific is changing the commercial dynamics between LNG suppliers and buyers, particularly in the context of renegotiating LNG sale and purchase agreements (LNG SPAs) across the Asia-Pacific region.
Although prevailing market dynamics across Asia-Pacific LNG markets has created opportunities for buyers to renegotiate supply agreements, many remain subject to long-term agreements with destination restrictions that limit buyers from reselling cargoes or taking delivery outside their home jurisdiction, and which impact arbitrage and trading opportunities in spot markets.
The investigation by the Japan Fair Trade Commission into whether destination restrictions in LNG SPAs contravene Japanese competition laws, highlights the importance of competition law as a key issue and commercial consideration for both LNG suppliers and buyers in the Asia-Pacific.
This paper will examine what role competition law may play in the future renegotiation of LNG SPAs, and the extent to which this may provide a basis to impact the efficacy of destination restrictions in LNG SPAs under the competition laws of several key Asian jurisdictions.
Application of dynamic simulation to assess the effectiveness of well clean-up in a horizontal gas well
Authors: Wun Moh Hsiao , Putra Erni Dharma , Yusuf Rahel
Published: June 2017

Well clean-up operation involves the removal of drilling and completion fluids from the wellbore before diverting the well to production facilities. Natural flow clean-up is preferred due to its relatively low cost and simplicity. Depending on the weight of the initial contents in the wellbore and the reservoir properties, artificial lift assisted clean-up such as nitrogen injection through coiled tubing may be required for some wells to ensure the well clean-up objectives are achieved. Well clean-up is transient in nature thus necessitating the need for a dynamic simulation approach to assess the effectiveness of different clean-up options and arrive at the optimal procedure before embarking on the actual field operation.
In the current study, a comprehensive-multiphase-transient-simulator (OLGA) was used to predict the clean-up of a gas well with relatively short horizontal open-hole section and low reservoir pressure. Dynamic simulations of clean-up operations for different scenarios such as mud cake lift-off pressures and uncertainties in well productivity were conducted to assess the effectiveness of natural clean-up. Well clean-up failure could lead to impaired deliverability and potential for preferential flow hotspots. The study also assessed if coiled tubing-assisted operations would be beneficial in cases of natural clean-up being ineffective.
This paper demonstrates the importance of using transient simulations to provide useful insights into flow and pressure dynamics inside the wellbore during clean-up which can help engineers to predict, design and optimise well clean-up operations, thus increasing the probability of a successful clean-up operation.
Grazing pressure impacts on two Aristida/Bothriochloa native pasture communities of central Queensland
Authors: Hall Trevor J. , Jones Paul , Silcock Richard G. , Filet Piet G.
Published: June 2017

Managing native pastures for sustainable and economic production requires a good understanding of grazing effects on pasture dynamics. The Aristida/Bothriochloa pastures of north-eastern Australia are important for cattle production but little data on grazing pressure impacts on pastures are available to guide management decisions of producers, for land management education programs, or for predictive modelling. To address this deficiency, four different continuous grazing intensities were imposed on woodland communities over 7 or 8 years at two sites: a Eucalyptus populnea (poplar box) and a E. melanophloia (silver-leaved ironbark) community. Both sites had replicated paddocks grazed at a low, medium or high grazing pressure by +/− tree killing using herbicide (12 paddocks), and 12 ungrazed (nil grazing pressure) 1-ha plots subjected to the same tree-killing contrasts. Grazed paddock areas were fixed and varied between 3.5 and 21.5 ha. Differential grazing pressures were reset each autumn, by adjusting cattle numbers to consume over the next year the equivalent of 0%, 25%, 50% or 75% of the standing pasture mass available. Pasture grasses suitable as indicators of grazing pressure were identified for both communities. Under low grazing pressure, Themeda triandra (kangaroo grass) was the only desirable grass to show a significant increase in total contribution over time at both sites, although Dichanthium sericeum (Queensland bluegrass) also increased its contribution at the poplar box site. Chloris species increased their contribution as grazing pressure increased. The proportion of less palatable Aristida spp. (wiregrasses) in the pasture was not affected by high grazing pressure, although they increased at low grazing pressure in the poplar box community. There were no consistent changes in native legumes or weedy forb species to any treatment. Increasing grazing pressure had a greater negative effect on pasture mass, ground cover and pasture crown cover area than on changing species composition. Most changes in composition due to grazing pressure were smaller than those associated with variable seasonal rainfall, and were greater in the poplar box community. In above-average rainfall years grazing up to 50% of autumn standing pasture mass had no detrimental effect on composition in treeless poplar box country in the short term. The pastures remained stable or improved in both communities when grazing pressure was set annually to utilise 25% of the standing autumn forage.
Critical assessment 26: Forensic metallurgy – the difficulties
Authors: Hainsworth S.V.
Published: June 2017

Forensic metallurgists are asked to address failures across a wide range of materials, length-scales, and applications. This requires in-depth knowledge of metallurgical principles, manufacturing, and engineering fields. The metallurgist will be asked to determine whether or not the appropriate engineering or quality standards have been followed – and this may be the Standards that were in place at the time of manufacture, not those currently in place – and whether the failure results from use or abuse. The paper reviews how these skills have been applied to a range of historical and contemporary cases involving failure and discusses some of the issues that are important for determining the root cause of a problem. Some difficulties in current approaches are also presented.
Translating Phytobiomes from Theory to Practice: Ecological and Evolutionary Considerations
Authors: Hawkes Christine V. , Connor Elise W.
Published: June 2017

The tremendous potential of the plant microbiome to improve plant growth and production means that microbes are in the process of becoming an everyday tool in agronomic practices. However, historically field applications of microbes have had low success. We propose that development and optimization of microbiome treatments will benefit from the integration of ecological and evolutionary niche theory into plant microbiome studies. Thus, we review several niche-based processes that can aid in the development and implementation of microbiome treatments. Current predictive approaches include evolutionary history, habitat origin, ecological traits, resource trade, and gene signatures, none of which are mutually exclusive. A robust predictive framework must further account for observed plasticity and context dependence in microbial function. Development of microbiome treatments that will successfully establish in the field can also benefit from a better understanding of niche-based processes such as niche partitioning to limit competitive interactions and maximize persistence, priority effects to allow establishment before resident taxa, storage effects that take advantage of temporal variation in niche availability, and local adaptation to specific environments. Using endophytic fungi as examples, we illustrate current knowledge and gaps in these areas. Finally, we address existing limitations to the broad-scale development of successful microbiome tools.
Bacterial Communities on Wheat Grown Under Long-Term Conventional Tillage and No-Till in the Pacific Northwest of the United States
Authors: Yin Chuntao , Mueth Nicholas , Hulbert Scot , Schlatter Daniel , Paulitz Timothy C. , Schroeder Kurtis , Prescott Aaron , Dhingra Amit
Published: June 2017

Cultural practices, such as tillage, often have widespread impacts on phytobiomes. No-till has been increasingly adopted by wheat growers in the dryland cropping areas of the inland Pacific Northwest in the United States to reduce soil erosion and decrease fuel and labor inputs, yet there are limited data on how conversion to no-till impacts plant-associated bacteria in this highly productive system. To address this knowledge gap, we evaluated bacterial communities in bulk and rhizosphere soil of wheat in two locations (Idaho and Washington) for 2 years, comparing long-term no-till plots and adjacent plots under conventional tillage. In this study, members of phylum Proteobacteria were relatively more abundant in rhizosphere soil, while Acidobacteria and Gemmatimonadetes were more abundant in bulk soil than in the rhizosphere. Bacteroidetes were more frequent under conventional than conservation tillage. In general, bacterial families were more affected by the position of the sample (rhizosphere versus bulk soil) than by tillage practices. Families generally regarded as copiotrophic (Oxalobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, and Cytophagaceae) were more abundant in rhizosphere soil than bulk in both years. On the contrary, oligotrophic families such as Gaiellaceae and those within Gemmatimonadetes were more abundant in bulk soil than in the rhizosphere. Families affected by tillage varied between the 2 years. These results suggest that bacterial communities in soil were more influenced by plant proximity (rhizosphere versus bulk soil) than by tillage practices, but that specific differences were not consistent and may vary among locations and years.