bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
It's not easy to collaborate, but it's essential!
Authors: Cullinane Bernadette , Harrison Paul
Published: June 2017

While emerging as a world leader in liquefied natural gas production, overall, Australia’s oil and gas industry is disadvantaged by the remoteness and geographical breadth of our operations, our limited infrastructure and insufficient economies of scale. These factors drive up the cost of production and make it difficult for both operators and service companies to balance the trade-offs between building scale and capability. Despite our rich resource base, these structural factors make it challenging for the Australian oil and gas industry to compete globally.
Additionally, traditional project development and contracting practices rely on bespoke, bi-lateral agreements between operators and service companies, resulting in inconsistencies and inefficiencies that limit the reuse of solutions and technology, driving costs even higher.
This has created an imperative for new collaborative industry platforms in areas of workforce competency management and integrated activity planning, which leverage standardised processes and common infrastructure.
This paper will explain how to overcome collaboration obstacles by cultivating a culture of transparency and will discuss the steps undertaken to develop trust within a diverse stakeholder group, enabling the creation of shared solutions. This paper gives concrete recommendations on how to create a new mindset around the appropriate company structure for the development of collaborative and innovative platforms that deliver more competitive outcomes to the Australian oil and gas industry.
Where, when and how a field-scale 4D geomechanical model should be built
Authors: Younessi Ahmadreza
Published: June 2017

Analytical approaches have been successfully used for decades to analyse different geomechanical related problems in the oil and gas industry. These approaches are still applicable for most problems. However, they may not be suitable for complex environments that the industry is increasingly facing nowadays. The challenges to develop complex fields require the industry to have a better understanding and prediction of the behaviour of reservoir rocks and their overburden formations during field production. This can be partially achieved by conducting a more comprehensive analysis by means of numerical methods in a wider scale of space and time. We refer to this as 4D geomechanical modelling.
The concept of 4D geomechanical modelling is relatively new in the industry, and there is limited knowledge regarding the applications and advantages of this type of modelling within disciplines other than geomechanics. It is essential to understand in which type of reservoirs and at what stage of development this type of modelling should be considered. Here in this manuscript, after discussing these considerations, the techniques and procedures to build and interpret a 4D geomechanical model are discussed.
Building the regional understanding of the deep-water geology and benthic ecology of the Great Australian Bight
Authors: Ross Andrew , Williams Alan , Talukder Asrar , Parr Joanna , Trefry Christine , Kempton Richard , Stalvies Charlotte , Althaus Franziska , Kulpecz Andrew , Schaefer Carole , Rarey Phil
Published: June 2017

The Great Australian Bight (GAB) represents one of Australia’s most prospective frontier hydrocarbon exploration regions. Its largest subregion – the Ceduna sub-basin – is a deep (slope to abyss) area of 126 300 km2 with a 15-km deep sedimentary sequence that remains effectively untested. Knowledge of the Ceduna sub-basin’s geology is rapidly evolving following recent collection of 3D seismic datasets, but many questions remain about its geological evolution. The composition of the seabed biota and its ecology in the deep GAB was virtually unknown. To address a range of geological and biological questions, the multidisciplinary Great Australian Bight Deepwater Marine Program aims to build a more comprehensive regional understanding of the geology of the deep (~700–5437 m) GAB, with a focus on rocky outcrops, segif and volcanic seamounts, and to document aspects of the biota and benthic ecology for the first time. A field campaign of 63 days in 2015 aboard the RV Investigator and a second support vessel for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle completed a detailed mapping of 10 225 km2 of seabed. In addition, physical geological and biological sampling collected 1.3 tonnes of volcanic and sedimentary rocks and over 25 553 biological specimens. A surprisingly complex deep-water sedimentary environment was revealed, including several previously unmapped deep-water canyons and 10 previously unmapped volcanic seamounts. A total of 430 species were collected, of which nearly half appeared to be unknown to science. This paper uses results from this survey to provide insights into the geological processes that have shaped the GAB, and briefly describes the makeup of biological assemblages present on the seabed.
Demonstrating good practice in the safe operation of gas assets with predictive analytics
Authors: Engelbrecht Hennie , Abbaspour Nesa
Published: June 2017

The oil and gas industry operates large and complex facilities. Technical integrity (and thus licence to operate) must be maintained through routine inspection and maintenance regimes. Corrosion attacks every component at every stage in the life of every oil and gas field or plant (Schlumberger 1994). Globally, corrosion management accounts for US2.5Tr cross-industry spend (NACE International 2016).
Risk-based approaches for internal corrosion based on susceptibility of a process item to corrode, have been utilised to assist with identifying appropriate and more cost-effective maintenance and inspection strategies. The aim of such approaches is to protect integrity and not compromise safety; however, they do nothing to minimise regret cost. These approaches use only known physical characteristics of piping equipment and rely on repeat inspection data to calculate corrosion rates and associated maintenance schedules.
The present paper will leverage the challenges and shortcomings of using existing risk-based inspection (RBI) approaches and demonstrate how Accenture in collaboration with Woodside and others is utilising predictive analytics to more accurately determine likelihood of corrosion to exist in a more granular resolution, thus managing likelihood and consequence of corrosion to produce an improved risk-based model. The analytics model considers physical, geospatial and external factors for external corrosion.
This is a work in progress, with very promising initial results, that leads into the implementation of an improved RBI strategy, enabling Woodside to reduce inspection scope, physical site activity and associated management cost. In addition, it better manages plant risk in conjunction with smart visualisation tools.
A reserves driven view of the eastern Australian gas supply and demand balance through the 2020's
Authors: Pulsford Will
Published: June 2017

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) issued a Gas Statement of Opportunities in March 2016, which reports that gas supply to the domestic and liquefied natural gas markets in eastern Australia will be largely satisfied by proved and probable reserves until 2026 and by the addition of contingent resources until 2030. However, in parallel, there are widely reported concerns by energy consumers of insufficient gas supplies to meet demand by the early 2020s and a lack of new gas supplies to replace existing expiring contracts. Gas shortages have already contributed to black outs and load shedding events in South Australia.
This paper reviews the eastern Australian gas supply position at a basin level. The AEMO basin level supply forecasts are reviewed and adjusted to generate forward profiles, which are consistent with reported reserves levels, production histories and depletion behaviour of typical gas fields.
The revised supply forecast is compared with the AEMO’s demand profiles, and the likely commercial behaviour of key participants in the market is considered to build a picture of the domestic gas supply-demand balance through the 2020s.
This analysis provides a transparent link from market outcomes back to the underlying reserves classifications to guide interpretation of supply-demand forecasts, and highlights the critical role of key suppliers in the eastern Australian gas market in the coming decade.
Lloyd's Register—Cyber CBM (Condition based maintenance)
Authors: Morelos Joseph
Published: June 2017

Classification survey requirements are anchored on the concept of a periodic, time-based preventive maintenance regime. The underlying principle of the periodic maintenance philosophy is that parts and components of equipment, machinery, systems and structures eventually wear out, thus the safety and reliability of parts and components – indeed the entire vessel – are directly correlated with time and operational age. While development of techniques and technologies have continuously improved surveys and inspection, the periodic maintenance philosophy has been the de-facto standard in marine and offshore industries for many decades.
This paper presents Lloyd Register’s Cyber condition based maintenance (CBM) technique: a scalable evaluation of components, equipment, machinery, systems and structures that detects their emergent faults, and characterises their progression to failure. This is an important step in the evolution of in-service classification:moving away from a periodic, time-based maintenance regime into an intelligent, real-time and predictive vessel health maintenance regime.
Learnings and best practices for operator and supplier social engagement in regional areas
Authors: Goldsmith Sam
Published: June 2017

Broadspectrum’s local content experience in the oil and gas, mining, industrial, defence, social, property and infrastructure industries has resulted in 85% local employment and 80% local purchasing across our contracts in Australia. An established pilot program in Chinchilla recognises the challenges facing operators and suppliers in many oil and gas hubs across Australia and will enable the region to respond quickly to the introduction of the Queensland Government Strong and Sustainable Resources Communities Bill (expected to be in place in 2016).
The approach facilitates collaboration between schools, workers, local chambers of commerce and businesses. Elements include

a community jobs portal to attract local workers and act as an information exchange for the relocating worker,
investing in the local Chamber of Commerce to provide a welcoming service,
redesigning the recruitment process to support local content, and
deploying a local registered training organisation.

We are committed to increasing our local workforce in the region by 25% over the next 2 years and recognise that many of our clients and suppliers in the region have similar objectives.
This talk will focus on lessons and best practices derived from delivery of our traditional approach in similar industries and regions, as well as learnings from the application of the pilot program in Chinchilla. A review of early achievements will be given, including measurable outcomes; support from government; investment in a long-term pipeline of local workers through collaboration with schools; and an update on the 25% increase in local workers objective.
Decommissioning and remediation challenges for the petroleum industry
Authors: Shaw Paul F.
Published: June 2017

The life cycle of the petroleum industry in Australia is necessitating decommissioning and remediation of aging onshore and offshore assets. This activity provides significant challenges for operators. Decommissioning and remediation is neither a core capability of operators nor a key driver of value for businesses that derive value from exploration, development and production.
There is no revenue stream at the completion of decommissioning and remediation. This exacerbates the need for accurate cost estimates and well-planned projects. International experience has demonstrated that remediation costs have often significantly exceeded provisioning for rehabilitation. These issues are felt even more acutely in a low oil price environment.
Finally, some Australian jurisdictions are currently developing policy frameworks and guidelines around the decommissioning and remediation responsibilities. This creates uncertainty for operators in planning and costing decommissioning and remediation work scopes. As well as satisfying legislative and policy requirements of governments, operators need to manage a range of other stakeholders that have interests in the decommissioning methodologies and remediation outcomes. This paper addresses these challenges and proposes that innovative decommissioning and remediation strategies are required to shorten project execution times, reduce costs, maintain high safety standards and produce suitable environmental outcomes. Decommissioning and remediation requirements differ significantly from development requirements; decommissioning project organisational capabilities should be structured to reflect these requirements.
Case studies are used to demonstrate that effective waste management strategies are key determinants of success due to high waste disposal costs and the sensitivity of waste handling and disposal for key stakeholders.
Will Australian liquefied natural gas demand soar under the 21st Annual Conference of the Parties (COP21) targets?
Authors: Tibi Francois , Reid Nicolas , Skinner Whitney , Grosvenor Rob , Smith Anthony
Published: June 2017

The ambitious 21st Annual Conference of the Parties (COP21) targets of over 200 countries to limit global warming require a significant reduction in green house gas (GHG) emissions by signatories; these reductions will require major shifts in the way that countries think about their supply mix. Although renewables are often the primary focus of emissions reductions, the role of natural gas in GHG emissions warrants consideration. Gas is ‘triple A’: affordable, abundant and available. It is also lower in GHG than other fossil fuel alternatives.
The future success and price stability of liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects is intrinsically linked to the success of natural gas as a bridge fuel to a lower carbon future; although there was initial optimism about the potential of natural gas as a bridge fuel under COP21, further analysis shows that forecast demand for natural gas and LNG in new policy scenarios is likely lower than original forecasts, placing Australian producers’ existing and future projects in a challenging position; moving down the cost-curve where possible is the best way to ensure resilient demand even in a slower growth future environment.
Australian exploration review 2016
Authors: Mackie Steve
Published: June 2017

In 2016, explorers in Australia were called upon to demonstrate realistic optimism. The year clearly demonstrated that during an industry contraction, such as that seen by the upstream oil and gas industry since the oil price crash of late 2014, near field conventional exploration still produces discoveries. These include Shefu, Muruk, Davis, Outtrim and Spartan. Amungee NW demonstrated unconventional gas flows in the Beetaloo Basin. As usual, new reservoirs were discovered in appraisal programs such as at Roc and Phoenix South.
Exploration lows, however, were the general mood with the inevitable unsuccessful wells, decreases in permit awards and associated work programs, the general low level of drilling activity both offshore and onshore, frustrations at approval delays and constraints and the still contracting business environment.
This Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia review looks in detail at the trends and highlights for oil and gas exploration both onshore and offshore Australia during 2016; not just outcomes with the drill bit, but also leading industry health indicators such as drilling, seismic data acquisition and permit awards. It also seeks to be insightful and to make conclusions about the condition of oil and gas exploration in Australia, as well as comment on future implications for the industry.
Production and development across Australia 2016
Authors: Cullen Frankie
Published: June 2017

In 2016, sustained depressed and volatile oil prices led companies to continue cost reduction strategies. Proposed developments have seen delays and reductions in scope as a result. Australian oil production declined by around 10%.
However, new and continued liquefied natural gas (LNG) production bolstered both Australian and global gas supply. Australia was the strongest contributor to global LNG growth in 2016, showing the biggest year-on-year increase. In the first half of 2016, 20% of global LNG came from Australia, second only to Qatar with 29% of the market share. Australia remains on track to become the world’s largest LNG producer in the next 3–5 years.
2016 saw the start-up of Gorgon LNG in March, the first of Chevron’s two North West Shelf LNG projects and the third of several producing, developing and proposed LNG projects within the North Carnarvon Basin – already Australia’s most prolific producing basin. On the east coast, development of the coalbed methane (CBM) to LNG projects continued with an additional train brought onstream at each of the Origin/ConocoPhillips-operated APLNG Project and Santos’ GLNG Project. This further increased production in the Bowen–Surat Basins and drove discussions around the ability of east coast gas to meet both the demands of the LNG projects and ensure continued domestic gas reliability. Additional gas may be required for both, opening opportunities for production from other basins.
Gas production continues to drive the Australian industry, with substantial inputs from LNG and unconventional operations. The next phase, in all sectors, will be key to Australia’s future in the global energy market. Will it be able to overcome the expected challenges of global oversupply, continued price volatility and domestic reliability concerns to fulfil its potential?
Carbon capture and storage in the oil and gas industry: 40 years on
Authors: Consoli Christopher , Zapantis Alex , Grubnic Peter , Irlam Lawrence
Published: June 2017

In 1972, carbon dioxide (CO2) began to be captured from natural gas processing plants in West Texas and transported via pipeline for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) to oil fields also in Texas. This marked the beginning of carbon capture and storage (CCS) using anthropogenic CO2. Today, there are 22 such large-scale CCS facilities in operation or under construction around the world. These 22 facilities span a wide range of capture technologies and source feedstock as well as a variety of geologic formations and terrains. Seventeen of the facilities capture CO2 primarily for EOR. However, there are also several significant-scale CCS projects using dedicated geological storage options. This paper presents a collation and summary of these projects.
Moving forward, if international climate targets and aspirations are to be achieved, CCS will increasingly need to be applied to all high emission industries. In addition to climate change objectives, the fundamentals of energy demand and fossil fuel supply strongly suggests that CCS deployment will need to be rapid and global. The oil and gas sector would be expected to be part of this deployment. Indeed, the oil and gas industry has led the deployment of CCS and this paper explores the future of CCS in this industry.
Enhancing SAR seep interpretation with broadband seismic: a case study from the Timor Trough
Authors: Edwards Rowan , Sanderson Marcus , Duran Pedro Martinez , Duval Gregor , King Mike
Published: June 2017

By combining sea surface seep data derived from synthetic aperture radar imagery and 2D seismic acquired by CGG’s Multi-client New Ventures, a seeps to seismic workflow has been developed which allows the linking of interpreted surface seeps with features on the seabed and within the subsurface related to seepage.
The project combines these data sources in order to create hotspot maps which describe the quality and frequency of these seep related features, be it direct hydrocarbon indicators, possible migration pathways, fluid escape features or seabed features. By combing these maps with the surface seeps, localised points of hydrocarbon generation, migration and escape are able to be identified.
3D modelling software is utilised to link these hot spots within the seismic along strike and identify the most important and continuous structures. By identifying and understanding the geology where hydrocarbons are reaching the surface it is possible to better identify potential locations where the same hydrocarbons may instead be properly trapped. This allows the efficient identification of prospects within a basin.
Electrophoretic Deposition of SnFe2O4–Graphene Hybrid Films as Anodes for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Tao , Meng Qinghan , Yang Meng , Zhi Wanyuan , Cao Bing
Published: June 2017

Binder-free SnFe2O4–submillimetre (hundreds of micrometres)-sized reduced graphene oxide (SnFe2O4–srGO) hybrid films were synthesized through electrophoretic deposition and subsequent carbonization treatment. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results revealed that SnFe2O4–srGO hybrid films exhibit both horizontal and vertical channels. SnFe2O4–srGO hybrid films were used as binder-free anodes for lithium ion half-cells and revealed a high capacity of ~1018.5 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 200 cycles. During rate performance tests, a high capacity of 464.1 mA h g−1 (~61.2 % retention) was maintained at a current density of 4 A g−1, indicating an excellent structural stability of SnFe2O4–srGO hybrid films at high current densities.
Friedel–Crafts Chemistry. Part 48. Concise Synthesis of Condensed Azaheterocyclic [1,8]naphthyridinones, Azepino-, Azocino-, and Azoninoquinoline Systems via Friedel–Crafts Ring Closures
Authors: Abd El-Aal Hassan A. K.
Published: June 2017

Unprecedented construction of a novel series of quinoline heteropolycycles (tetracyclic keto-analogues of [1,8]naphthyridinones, azepino-, azocino- and azonino[2,3-b]quinolinones systems) 10a–i by Friedel–Crafts cycliacylation reactions is described. Starting heterocyclic acids precursors 3a–i were prepared from easily accessible 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde 1 via a three different synthetic pathways. Acid-catalyzed ring closures of the resulting tosylated acids were achieved under the influence of both Brønsted and Lewis acid catalysts. The present strategy enables a straightforward synthesis to fused tetracyclic quinolinone skeletons as demonstrated by concise and atom-economical syntheses.
Identification of new resistance sources to powdery mildew, and the genetic characterisation of resistance in three common bean genotypes
Authors: Murube Ester , Campa Ana , Ferreira Juan José
Published: June 2017

Powdery mildew (PM) is a devastating disease of many legume species, including common bean. In this work, we assessed the responses of 108 dry and snap bean accessions to PM, and characterised the genetic control of the resistance in three bean genotypes. Resistance tests under controlled conditions led to the identification of 11 dry bean accessions with total resistance. However, no snap bean accessions showed total resistance, although two cultivars showed mixed phenotypes including seedlings with total resistance. The inheritance of resistance was analysed in three F2:3 populations involving the resistant bean genotypes BelNeb, G19833 and BGE003161. In the three populations, the segregation for PM resistance fit the expected ratio for one dominant gene. The resistance loci were mapped to the beginning of the linkage group Pv04. The physical positions of the flanking markers indicated that the three resistance genes were located between the physical positions 0 and 1.09 Mb. This work provides new PM-resistance sources and markers linked to resistance genes, which will be very useful in common bean breeding programs focussed on protecting bean crops against this disease.
Metabolomics analysis of postphotosynthetic effects of gaseous O2 on primary metabolism in illuminated leaves
Authors: Abadie Cyril , Blanchet Sophie , Carroll Adam , Tcherkez Guillaume
Published: June 2017

The response of underground plant tissues to O2 limitation is currently an important topic in crop plants since adverse environmental conditions (e.g. waterlogging) may cause root hypoxia and thus compromise plant growth. However, little is known on the effect of low O2 conditions in leaves, probably because O2 limitation is improbable in these tissues under natural conditions, unless under complete submersion. Nevertheless, an O2-depleted atmosphere is commonly used in gas exchange experiments to suppress photorespiration and estimate gross photosynthesis. However, the nonphotosynthetic effects of gaseous O2 depletion, particularly on respiratory metabolism, are not well documented. Here, we used metabolomics obtained under contrasting O2 and CO2 conditions to examine the specific effect of a changing O2 mole fraction from ambient (21%) to 0%, 2% or 100%. In addition to the typical decrease in photorespiratory intermediates (glycolate, glycine and serine) and a build-up in photosynthates (sucrose), low O2 (0% or 2%) was found to trigger an accumulation of alanine and change succinate metabolism. In 100% O2, the synthesis of threonine and methionine from aspartate appeared to be stimulated. These responses were observed in two species, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Our results show that O2 causes a change in the oxygenation : carboxylation ratio and also alters postphotosynthetic metabolism: (i) a hypoxic response at low O2 mole fractions and (ii) a stimulation of S metabolism at high O2 mole fractions. The latter effect is an important piece of information to better understand how photorespiration may control S assimilation.
The primary health care of transgender adults
Authors: Aitken Stuart
Published: June 2017

Gender dysphoria is associated with significant health disparity. Gender services perform specialised activities such as diagnosis, endocrine management and liaison with surgical services. Although providing these specialised transition services appears to be safe and improves well-being, significant health disparity remains. Engaging primary care providers is an important part of any strategy to improve the health care of transgender people. The relationships between gender dysphoria and a range of primary care issues such as mental health, cardiovascular disease and cancer are explored.
Carbohydrate mouth rinse improves morning high‐intensity exercise performance
Authors: Clarke Neil D. , Hammond Scott , Kornilios Evangelos , Mundy Peter D.
Published: June 2017

Oral carbohydrate (CHO) rinsing has been demonstrated to provide beneficial effects on exercise performance of durations of up to one hour. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of CHO mouth rinsing on morning high‐intensity exercise performance. Following institutional ethical approval and familiarisation, 12 healthy males (mean ± SD age: 23 ± 3 years, height: 175.5 ± 7.4 cm, body mass: 75.4 ± 7.5 kg) participated in this study. Countermovement jump (CMJ) height, isometric mid‐thigh pull peak force, 10 m sprint time and bench press and back squat repetitions to failure were assessed following CHO and placebo (PLA) rinsing or a control condition (CON). All testing took place at 07:30 following an 11 hour overnight fast. Performance of CMJ height (CHO: 39 ± 7 cm; PLA: 38 ± 7 cm; CON: 36 ± 6 cm; P = .003, = 0.40), 10 m sprint time (CHO: 1.78 ± 0.07 s; PLA: 1.81 ± 0.07 s; CON: 1.85 ± 0.05 s; P = .001, = 0.47), the number of bench press (CHO: 25 ± 3; PLA: 24 ± 4; CON: 22 ± 4; P < .001, = 0.55) and squat (CHO: 31 ± 4; PLA: 29 ± 5; CON: 26 ± 6; P < .001, = 0.70) repetitions and mean felt arousal (CHO: 5 ± 1; PLA: 4 ± 0; CON: 4 ± 0; P = .009, = 0.25) improved following CHO rinsing. However, isometric mid‐thigh pull peak force was unchanged (CHO: 2262 ± 288 N; PLA: 2236 ± 354 N; CON: 2212 ± 321 N; P = .368, = 0.08). These results suggest that oral CHO rinsing solution significantly improved the morning performance of CMJ height, 10 m sprint times, bench press and squat repetitions to failure and felt arousal, although peak force during an isometric mid‐thigh pull, rating of perceived exertion and heart rate were unaffected.
Evaluation of the epistemic state of the speaker/author
Authors: Clifton Charles , Frazier Lyn
Published: June 2017

Language users are sensitive to their language’s grammatical requirements, the plausibility of the situation described and the information shared by speaker and listener. We propose that they are also sensitive to whether an author is likely to be in a state of knowledge that actually supports the assertion being made. Failure to be in such a state reduces the naturalness of the assertion. Consistent with this proposal, sentences with a disjoined noun phrase are judged to be less natural than their conjunctive counterparts, presumably because the author of a disjunctive sentence must know that an event took place but not know which of the two individuals was the agent. This unlikely state of knowledge reduces the naturalness of the sentence. The results of three experiments indicate that providing evidence that the speaker could be in an unlikely epistemic state reduces the disjunction penalty; a fourth extends the demonstration of the penalty from coordinated noun phrases to coordinated verb phrases. We also present one experiment that explores the possibility that disjunction penalty is due to the unexpectedness of a disjunction. These findings demonstrate that language users evaluate linguistic input in light of the epistemic state of its author.
An application of positive definite functions to the problem of MUBs
Authors: Kolountzakis Mihail , Matolcsi Máté , Weiner Mihály
Published: June 2017

We present a new approach to the problem of mutually unbiased bases (MUBs), based on positive definite functions on the unitary group. The method provides a new proof of the fact that there are at most

d
+
1

d+1

MUBs in

C

d

\mathbb {C}^d

, and it may also lead to a proof of non-existence of complete systems of MUBs in dimension 6 via a conjectured algebraic identity.
The Nodule Microbiome: N2-Fixing Rhizobia Do Not Live Alone
Authors: Martínez-Hidalgo Pilar , Hirsch Ann M.
Published: June 2017

For decades, rhizobia were thought to be the only nitrogen-fixing inhabitants of legume nodules, and biases in culture techniques prolonged this belief. However, other bacteria, which are not typical rhizobia, are often detected within nodules obtained from soil, thus revealing the existence of a phytomicrobiome where the interaction among the individuals is not only complex, but also likely to affect the behavior and fitness of the host plant. Many of these nonrhizobial bacteria are nitrogen fixers, and some also induce nitrogen-fixing nodules on legume roots. Even more striking is the incredibly diverse population of bacteria residing within nodules that elicit neither nodulation nor nitrogen fixation. Yet, this community exists within the nodule, albeit clearly out-numbered by nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. Few studies of the function of these nodule-associated bacteria in nodules have been performed, and to date, it is not known whether their presence in nodules is biologically important or not. Do they confer any benefits to the Rhizobium-legume nitrogen-fixing symbiosis, or are they parasites/saprophytes, contaminants, or commensals? In this review, we highlight the lesser-known bacteria that dwell within nitrogen-fixing nodules and discuss their possible role in this enclosed community as well as any likely benefits to the host plant or to the rhizobial inhabitants of the nodule. Although many of these nodule inhabitants are not capable of nitrogen fixation, they have the potential to enhance legume survival especially under conditions of environmental stress. This knowledge will be useful in defining strategies to employ these bacteria as bioinoculants by themselves or combined with rhizobia. Such an approach will enhance rhizobial performance or persistence as well as decrease the usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Multiple Disease Resistance Loci Affect Soilborne Disease Resistance in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
Authors: Drake-Stowe Katherine , Bakaher Nicolas , Goepfert Simon , Philippon Berangere , Mark Regis , Peterson Paul , Lewis Ramsey S.
Published: June 2017

Phytophthora nicotianae and Ralstonia solanacearum are two of the most important pathogens affecting tobacco worldwide. Greater insight regarding genetic systems controlling resistance to these two soilborne pathogens, as well as identification of DNA markers associated with genomic regions controlling this resistance, could aid in variety development. An evaluation of 50 historical tobacco lines revealed a high positive correlation between resistances to the two pathogens, preliminarily suggesting that some genomic regions may confer resistance to both pathogens. A quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping experiment designed to investigate the genetic control of soilborne disease resistance of highly resistant ‘K346’ tobacco identified four QTL significantly associated with resistance to P. nicotianae (explaining 60.0% of the observed phenotypic variation) and three QTL to be associated with R. solanacearum resistance (explaining 50.3% of the observed variation). The two QTL with the largest effect on Phytophthora resistance were also found to be the QTL with the greatest effects on resistance to Ralstonia. This finding partially explains previously observed associations between resistances to these two pathogens among U.S. current cultivars and within breeding populations. Further study is needed to determine whether these relationships are due to the same genes (i.e., pleiotropy) or favorable coupling-phase linkages that have been established over time.
Exploring the salt–cocrystal continuum with solid-state NMR using natural-abundance samples: implications for crystal engineering
Authors: Rajput Lalit , Banik Manas , Yarava Jayasubba Reddy , Joseph Sumy , Pandey Manoj Kumar , Nishiyama Yusuke , Desiraju Gautam R.
Published: June 2017

There has been significant recent interest in differentiating multicomponent solid forms, such as salts and cocrystals, and, where appropriate, in determining the position of the proton in theX—H...A—YX−...H—A+—Ycontinuum in these systems, owing to the direct relationship of this property to the clinical, regulatory and legal requirements for an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). In the present study, solid forms of simple cocrystals/salts were investigated by high-field (700 MHz) solid-state NMR (ssNMR) using samples with naturally abundant15N nuclei. Four model compounds in a series of prototypical salt/cocrystal/continuum systems exhibiting {PyN...H—O—}/{PyN+—H...O−} hydrogen bonds (Py is pyridine) were selected and prepared. The crystal structures were determined at both low and room temperature using X-ray diffraction. The H-atom positions were determined by measuring the15N—1H distances through15N-1H dipolar interactions using two-dimensional inversely proton-detected cross polarization with variable contact-time (invCP-VC)1H→15N→1H experiments at ultrafast (νR≥ 60–70 kHz) magic angle spinning (MAS) frequency. It is observed that this method is sensitive enough to determine the proton position even in a continuum where an ambiguity of terminology for the solid form often arises. This work, while carried out on simple systems, has implications in the pharmaceutical industry where the salt/cocrystal/continuum condition of APIs is considered seriously.
Communicative sensitivity in palliative care: a case on the “Happiness Angels” of Rajbala Foundation
Authors: Shukla Sangeeta , Sinha Saloni
Published: June 2017

Subject area

The subject areas are business communication, human resource management and health care.

Study level/applicability

The case was designed for use in a first-year MBA-level course in business communication but would serve well in a course for executives or for advanced undergraduates. It might also be assigned in general management courses to evoke discussion on communication skills required in sensitive and critical situations; human resource courses; and course on health care.

Case overview

Palliative care is a specialized medical care focussing on improving the quality of life of patients suffering from life-threatening illnesses. It addresses symptom management and psychosocial and spiritual concerns of the patient and its caregivers. With the intent to alleviate the sufferings of terminally ill patients, Rajbala Foundation, a non-government organization (NGO), works at the psychosocial and spiritual levels. While training their volunteers in effective palliative care communication, it often encounters challenges such as socio-cultural variations, organizational challenges, appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication, etc. This teaching case focuses on the communication challenges faced by the volunteers of Rajbala Foundation. It would lead to a broader discussion on communicating empathically during critical situations. The case has a focus on NGOs, and non-profit organizations, public sector management, health-care management and human resources management. There is significant literature on communication skills for medical practitioners in palliative care. As an increasing number of NGOs step in to provide the second level of care to critically ill patients in non-physical domains, there is a need to understand the role of effective communication for such care providers. This case deals with non-medical care providers in palliative care; the issues of communication they face as they interact with patients; and the skills they require to address the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

Expected learning outcomes

The aim of this case is to raise awareness of the complexities involved in the communication process during an emotional and sensitive interaction. It aims to encourage volunteers involved in palliative care to reflect on good communication practices when communicating with patients and family members. After reading this case, the students should be able to discuss the complexities involved in the communication process when communicating in situations with high emotional involvement; understand the core elements of emotional interactions for effective practice; and emphasize the need for the development of communication skills within palliative care.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 6: Human Resource Management
Overcoming the HR challenge: a case of merger of Kotak Mahindra Bank and ING Vysya Bank
Authors: Jain Neena Rohit , Jaisinghani Dinesh
Published: June 2017

Subject area

Human Resources and Organizational Behavior – dealing with the HR issues in mergers and acquisitions (M&As).

Study level/applicability

MBA and other similar programs at the post-graduation level.

Case overview

The current case deals with human resource (HR) issues in the merger of Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) and ING Vysya Bank (IVB). The case discusses various aspects of the merger process and focuses on the key challenges that firms face while integrating the employees of the merged entities. The case also highlights the steps taken by KMB to ensure that the merger process is smooth and employees are adequately motivated. The case also discusses the process adopted by the merged entity to efficiently integrate the employees.

Expected learning outcomes

The case can be a part of an organizational behavior course and a banking course. The current case allows students to make decisions while dealing with situations pertaining to employees’ integration in an M&A deal. The major expected learning outcomes of the current case include being able to: understand industry structure using the Indian banking industry as a case in point; identify the major challenges in any M&A deal; list down key HR issues in any merger activity; analyse strategies that can be adopted to deal with HR challenges; and construct a plan of action for integrating employees in a merged entity.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS: 6: Human Resource Management.
Impact of regulatory changes on government bond market liquidity
Authors: Blommestein Hans
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the seriousness of the impact of new regulatory factors on liquidity in government bond markets since the onset of the global financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were circulated for examining the adverse impact of regulatory changes on liquidity. New evidence was presented about the adverse impact of the process of regulatory changes on market liquidity.

Findings

The paper presents new survey results on the adverse liquidity impact of regulations on market liquidity. Responses show that government issuers differ in their assessment on the severity of the impact of the various regulations. Determining this longer-term impact is quite complex because measures of liquidity may not only reflect the impact of regulatory changes, but also the responses by policymakers and market participants (to these regulatory changes), covering in particular the following: market transparency, trading practices, market infrastructure and other policies to promote liquidity, including by reducing unconventional monetary policy measures. Also, market dynamics may have become more complex due to responses by market participants.

Practical implications

Debt managers need to take into account regulations with a significant adverse influence on both market liquidity and the price discovery process. As liquidity in government bond markets also has a direct impact on funding possibilities and financing costs, funding liquidity may also be affected, especially during periods with market stress. This means that the funding strategy may need to be adapted.

Originality/value

The paper presents new survey results on the impact of new regulations on market liquidity. This assessment is quite complex because measures of longer-term liquidity may reflect the impact of regulatory changes and the responses by policymakers and market participants to these changes.
Recent changes in US regulation of large foreign banking organizations
Authors: Wall Larry D.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight some of the more important changes in US prudential regulation and their implications for the operation of large foreign banking organizations (FBOs) in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper begins with a summary of the regulatory status of FBOs prior to the crisis. It then discusses developments during the US financial crisis of 2007-2009 that motivated stricter US prudential regulation. The third part discusses some major post-crisis changes in prudential regulation. Finally, the paper considers two areas where important changes in US rules could not be applied in a straightforward manner to FBOs: non-bank financial subsidiaries and branches and agencies.

Findings

Most of the regulatory changes will enhance US financial stability, albeit in some cases at the cost of weakening FBOs consolidated risk management. However, a few of the regulatory changes have given foreign branches and agencies a significant competitive advantage in US money markets.

Originality/value

The paper provides an integrated analysis of both the why and the what of changes in US regulation with some discussion of the economic consequences.
Has regulatory reform been misdirected?
Authors: Goodhart Charles
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a provocative and critical introduction and solutions to significant contemporary issues of financial regulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an expert’s review of contemporary issues and challenges in financial regulation.

Findings

The paper advocates that contemporary financial regulation challenges are addressed through governance reforms and an enhanced focus on maturity transformation, rather than a focus on just capital and liquidity management. In particular, more emphasis should be given to individual decision-makers within banks rather than institutions.

Practical implications

The review paper considers areas where future regulatory reform may be enhanced and redirected.

Originality/value

The review provides original and critical perspectives on contemporary regulatory challenges.
Effectiveness and channels of macroprudential policies: lessons from the Euro area
Authors: Zhang Yuanyan , Tressel Thierry
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The design of a macro-prudential framework and its interaction with monetary policy has been at the forefront of the policy agenda since the global financial crisis. However, most advanced economies (AEs) have little experience using macroprudential policies. As a result, relatively little is known empirically about macroprudential instruments’ effectiveness in mitigating systemic risks in these countries, about their channels of transmission, and about how these instruments would interact with monetary policy. This paper aims to fill in the gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a new approach using the euro area bank lending survey to assess the effectiveness of macro-prudential policies in containing credit growth and house price appreciation in mortgage markets. Estimation is performed under the panel regressions (OLS, GLS) and panel VAR setup. Endogeneity issues arising from measures of macro-prudential policies are addressed by introducing GMM estimation and various instruments.

Findings

The authors find instruments targeting the cost of bank capital most effective in slowing down mortgage credit growth, and that the impact is transmitted mainly through price margins, the same banking channel as monetary policy. Limits on loan-to-value ratios are also effective, especially when monetary policy is excessively loose.

Originality/value

With limited data on macroprudential policy measures in the AEs, this paper proposed a new methodology of using answers from bank lending survey as proxies to assess the effectiveness of specific macroprudential measures and their transmission channels.