bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agriculture in India: a case-study of Burdwan
Authors: Raychaudhuri A
Published: July 2017

Burdwan, in West Bengal, a densely-populated and relatively prosperous area of Eastern India, was chosen for the first of a series of detailed analyses of the socio-economic effects of the so-called ‘green revolution’ of the past decade. The new technology has put a premium on land. Expenditure on fertilizers, tractors and tubewells has ‘increased dramatically’. Medium to large farmers’ efficiency and incomes have improved but benefits have been distributed less than equitably.
Tick-borne disease as a barrier to efficient land use
Authors: Purnell R E
Published: July 2017

Tick-borne diseases world-wide are responsible for the deaths of millions of cattle each year, and chronic anaemia in millions more. Their distribution often coincides with that of trypanosomiases of man and animal, onchocerciasis and malaria, and minimal use of the areas in which they occur. To develop such areas needs careful management with regard to improved grazing, up-grading of stock, control of ticks by dipping or spraying and, where possible, exclusion of wild host animals.
The role of research in combating desertification and in the development of arid zones.
Authors: Schlechter J
Published: July 2017

The tragedy of recurring drought in the Sahel has served as a warning of the grave consequences of mankind's increasingly destructive pressures on the world's marginal areas. What is not so generally realized is that more than a third of the world's land surface is classed as ‘arid’ or ‘semi-arid’, and much of this is subject to such pressures. Research-based new technology is vital to any programme for the containment and eventual rehabilitation of the areas at risk.
Measurement of Energy Use in Agriculture
Authors: Singh Amarjit
Published: July 2017

Historically, energy utilization efficiency has been measured using energy ratio and energy productivity. Both these measures have their limitations. So a new measure of energy productivity, i.e. the value of product per unit of energy input, is proposed to measure energy utilization at macro levels. This measure will enable comparison of the efficiency of different agricultural systems, agricultural regions, farm size classes, countries, etc. Comparisons over time of the changes within an agricultural system are also possible, even if the product mix changes. It will help in Identifying regions of comparative advantage for various agricultural activities, and may also aid policy formulation for the location of agriculture and agricultural development. This measure of efficiency is a midway approach to net energy analysis and traditional economic analysis.
Future Perspectives on Food Supply in Developing Countries
Authors: Pinstrup-Andersen Per
Published: July 2017

Dramatic increases during the 1980s in agricultural production, particularly in the developing world, are due to both the increased area under cultivation and growth in yields per unit area. However, growth in food production has failed to keep pace with population growth in the majority of countries surveyed, and especially in Africa. Changes in rural infrastructure, agricultural technology, environmental management and government policy will influence food production in the future, while food consumption patterns in developing countries will change as a result of population growth, urbanization and changing lifestyles. Shortfalls are likely to occur, especially in Africa, where the availability of new land for cultivation is declining. The pressures on food production will rise, unless efforts are increased to reduce population growth.
Prospects for the 21st Century—The Global Challenge: Tasks for the 21st Century
Authors: Whiston Thomas G.
Published: July 2017

The most pressing problems facing the world in the 21st century are considered to be population growth together with depletion of the world's resources, social instability, poverty in developing countries, consumerism and the division between North and South, None is held solely responsible, for all these factors interact, and all will contribute to the global challenge facing the next generation. The removal of barriers between North and South is called for, enabling a transfer of knowledge and technology from one to the other, Systems are required that do not squander materials and energy, and that provide for collaboration and cooperation between North and South in technical research and economic development, Only then will the ultimate goal of global sustainability be achieved.
Constraints and opportunities for livestock development in mixed farming systems in tropical Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Vaccaro L.
Published: July 2017

Mixed systems including both crops and livestock are widespread at all altitudes in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) on small and medium-sized farms. On larger farms, as in the South American savannas, integration is becoming common despite traditional separation of crops and livestock (Vera et al., 1992). This paper examines opportunities for development of the animal component of mixed farming systems in the tropical countries of the region. The emphasis is on cattle because they are the most widely distributed species and they contribute nearly half the meat and almost all of the milk produced in the LAC countries.
Integrated crop-livestock systems in sub-Saharan Africa: an option or an imperative?
Authors: Smith J.W. , Naazie A. , Larbi A. , Agyemang K. , Tarawali S.
Published: July 2017

Rapid growth of the human and livestock populations in sub-Saharan Africa is creating unprecedented increases in food and feed demands. These population pressures on a fixed landbase are likely to promote severe competition for resources and drive agriculture progressively towards intensification. Integrated crop-livestock systems, already common in the highlands, are expected to evolve rapidly elsewhere. Research is required to develop technological alternatives which promote better resource use through synergies from crop-livestock integration. Maintenance of soil fertility and provision of livestock feeds appear to be the main areas of reciprocal benefits, while animal traction may be an option for increasing land and labour productivity. In this paper we assess the challenge facing sub-Saharan agriculture and the potential contribution of crop-livestock integrated systems towards agricultural growth and sustainability.
A holistic approach to animal health research: increasing livestock production under disease challenge
Authors: Irvin A. D.
Published: July 2017

Livestock disease is only one of a number of constraints to improving productivity in smallholder systems, and research is only one approach to alleviating that constraint. However, within the correct context, animal health research that alleviates the constraint of disease can bring enormous benefits, as the example of controlling East Coast fever (ECF) in small-holder dairy systems demonstrates. In this way, ILRI's research not only contributes to improving livestock productivity directly but, through resultant contributions to improving animal health in general, also contributes to wider goals of food security, poverty alleviation, environmental conservation and gender equality – key objectives of developmental aid.
A Strategy for Technology Development for Semi-Arid Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Sanders John H. , Shapiro Barry I. , Ramaswamy Sunder
Published: July 2017

This article proposes a strategy for agricultural technology development for semi-arid West Africa. The strategy evaluation consists of two aspects: a) a review of the successes in the region; and b) analysis with mathematical programming of the potential impacts and constraints to various new technologies tested in the region. The technology development strategy indicates how further productivity gains can be made by responding to the two principal constraints of water availability and soil fertility. These constraints must be simultaneously resolved but the strategy needs to be adapted for different soil characteristics and economic environments. The major emphasis is on the importance of the rapid introduction of inorganic fertilizers combined with techniques to increase water availability; organic and inorganic fertilizers need to be considered complements in the semi-arid regions. Farmers are already introducing labour intensive variations of these techniques in the most degraded regions. The policy concern is to encourage government policymakers to put a high priority on fertilizer and increase the availability of inorganic fertilizer while research efforts continue to develop improved methods for complementary use of organic fertilizer.
Poultry Production in and around Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Competition and Complementarity
Authors: Sumberg James
Published: July 2017

This paper describes poultry production in and around the city of Dar es Salaam. The emphasis throughout is on the relationship between small-scale producers and the large, integrated firms which supply them with essential inputs such as chicks and feed, and also produce poultry products on their own account. It is argued that while at one level the integrated firms and the small-scale producers are unequal competitors, complementarity is probably the more important aspect of their relationship. Based on the limited profitability of small-scale egg and broiler production it is concluded that this is not an appropriate arena for poverty-oriented development intervention.
Ecotourism Behavior of Nature-Based Tourists: An Integrative Framework
Authors: Lee Tsung Hung , Jan Fen-Hauh
Published: July 2017

This study aims to examine an ecotourism behavioral model using environmental attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, perceived ecotourism usefulness, biospheric value, ecotourism self-identity, ecotourism behavioral intention, and ecotourism behavior among nature-based tourists. The analysis tested ten hypotheses and integrated the theory of planned behavior, the technology acceptance model, value-belief-norm theory, and social identity theory to provide an integrated ecotourism behavioral model for four important Taiwanese nature-based tourism destinations. This integrated framework provides an approach to creating critical insights for nature-based tourism researchers and managers to accurately grasp the factors that influence ecotourism behavior. Managers of nature-based tourism destinations should offer ecotourism programs that focus on ecotourism experiences that increase ecotourism behavioral intentions by increasing levels of perceived ecotourism usefulness, biospheric value, ecotourism self-identity, environmental attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, thereby enhancing ecotourism behavior at nature-based tourism destinations and assisting in the development of sustainable tourism.
Employee Engagement Using the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey
Authors: Byrne Zinta S. , Hayes Theodore L. , Holcombe Kyla J.
Published: July 2017

To determine the consistency of the practice-oriented Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey–Employee Engagement Index (FEVS-EEI) with growing academic consensus around engagement as a motivational state, we examined the fit of the FEVS-EEI within two major theoretical frameworks relative to an academically derived engagement scale. Using a government sample ( n = 241,465), we first examined the factor structure of the FEVS-EEI (Leaders Lead, Intrinsic Work Experience, Supervisors). Using a second field sample ( n = 206), our results from dominance and relative weights analyses showed that only one factor of the instrument significantly predicted worker engagement as assessed using a scale validated for measuring engagement and not antecedents of engagement. With the same field sample, we used structural equation modeling to examine the fit of the practice-oriented FEVS-EEI to science-oriented theoretical frameworks of engagement and found the FEVS-EEI acts like an indicator of job resources, which itself is a predictor of engagement.
The Guatemalan Campesino Movement and the Postconflict Neoliberal State
Authors: Granovsky-Larsen Simon
Published: July 2017

The Guatemalan peace process helped to shape both the form of state that emerged following armed conflict and the constraints and opportunities faced by contemporary social movements. Despite the reconfiguration of power by Guatemalan elites through peace negotiation and accord-based reforms, social movements have harnessed neoliberal projects to strengthen grassroots resistance and alternative-building. An overview of the campesino movement and the case of the Comité Campesino del Altiplano indicates that campesinos have engaged strategically with neoliberal resources in order to construct counterhegemonic projects.

El proceso de paz en Guatemala ayudó a definir tanto al Estado que surgió después del conflicto armado como las limitaciones y oportunidades que caracterizan a los movimientos sociales contemporáneos. A pesar de la reconfiguración del poder llevada a cabo por las élites guatemaltecas a través de las negociaciones de paz y las reformas basadas en los acuerdos, los movimientos sociales han utilizado proyectos neoliberales para fortalecer la resistencia popular y la construcción de alternativas. Un vistazo al movimiento campesino y el caso del Comité Campesino del Altiplano da muestra de como los campesinos se han relacionado estratégicamente con recursos neoliberales para construir proyectos contrahegemónicos.
Fighting Stereotypes
Authors: Collins-Dogrul Julie , Ulrich Jaimis Rebecca
Published: July 2017

This study examines reader responses to opinion editorials about women in combat and contributes to the literature on women in the military by explaining how contests over sex–gender essentialism and diversity underlie public debates about individual rights and military effectiveness. Comments in favor of women’s ground combat exclusion use a logic of averages to promote essentialist thinking about men and women. They categorize women as inferior soldiers and argue that desegregation puts individual soldiers and the nation at risk. Conversely, comments in favor of integration advance a view of sex–gender diversity that places men and women along a continuum with overlapping qualities, suggesting further that giving exceptional women the freedom to serve in ground combat will advance both equality and military readiness. We argue that public commentary about women in combat concerns more than the military, underlying this discourse are distinct conceptions and expectations of men and women.
A new capacity controller for a direct expansion air conditioning system for operational safety and efficiency
Authors: Xia Yudong , Yan Huaxia , Deng Shiming , Chan Ming-Yin
Published: July 2017

For achieving a balance between the operational safety and efficiency of a variable speed direct expansion air conditioning system, a new capacity controller that can not only simultaneously control indoor air temperature and humidity, but also select an optimized degree of superheat setting to properly balance the operational safety and efficiency has been developed, by adding a control module to a previously developed capacity controller. The core of the control module was an artificial neural network based model representing the known relationship between the inherent operational characteristics and operational stability of a variable speed direct expansion air conditioning system. Using the control module developed, the degree of superheat setting could be varied in accordance with the variation in operating conditions for ensuring a safe and an efficient operation. The performance of the new capacity controller was experimentally tested using an experimental variable speed direct expansion air conditioning system. Controllability test results showed that the system hunting was mitigated when a larger degree of superheat setting was selected by the developed control module and an improvement in COP at about 3.4% was achieved when a smaller one was selected when using the new capacity controller for simultaneously controlling indoor air temperature and humidity.

Practical application: This paper reports a new capacity for a VS DX A/C system, which can not only control indoor air temperature and humidity through varying compressor and supply fan speeds, but also select an optimized DS setting for ensuring both a safe and efficient system operation. The controllability test results showed that the new capacity controller could be applied to DX A/C systems for indoor thermal control with a higher operational safety and energy efficiency.
Uncertainty and the Changing Oil Business Worldwide: Norwegian Petroleum Lawyers' Seminar, October 30, 1986
Authors: McNabb J. E.
Published: July 2017

The petroleum industry is being challenged by price volatility and substantially reduced cash flow. In recent years, the decline in worldwide oil demand coupled with rising non-OPEC production has resulted in considerable excess productive capacity in the hands of OPEC. If OPEC fails to adhere to production restraint, world oil prices could tumble toward their short-term economic floor of less than $10. It appears more likely, however, that OPEC will manage its surplus capacity reasonably well and prices will fluctuate around the upper teen level for the near term. As the supply and demand balance tightens in the 1990s, prices can be expected to move up significantly.

Free-world oil demand is expected to rise about 1% a year, with much of that growth in the developing nations and in the United States. Oil supply from sources outside OPEC will likely decline about 2% a year. The net result will be an expanded market for OPEC oil, and a rising world dependence on Middle East sources.

In this environment, companies need responsive strategies and reasonable government policies to preserve their viability and to provide an energy-secure future for consumers.
Energy Policy of Industrialized Countries: The Austrian Experience Evaluated within an Empirical Framework
Authors: Wirl F.
Published: July 2017

Issues related to energy problems play an important role in the current public and political discussion. This paper analyses recent energy policy utilizing the Austrian experience and an econometric demand/supply model. The policy failures and the wrong perceptions of the functioning of the national and international energy markets are not limited to Austria but are typical for many other industrialized countries. In addition to the criticism of public policies, the impact from the 1986 collapse in oil prices on the changes in energy demand growth and pattern is investigated.
Wanganui and East Coast Basins - Two of New Zealand's Little Explored Sedimentary Basins
Authors: Katz H.R.
Published: July 2017

Of the 5 largest basins, with over 20,000 km and 4 km plus of sediments, only one (Taranaki) has seen more than reconnaissance exploration. The other basins have barely been scratched, with results that in all cases remain inconclusive. There is a wide potential still untested in New Zealand.

Two examples are presented:

The Wanganui Basin, where the older part of the sequence has never been drilled. Wells were located on buried hills with older sediments onlapping along flanks. There are extensive updip wedgeouts and potential for structural-stratigraphic trap combinations. Aspects of source rock and flushing, while initially thought of as downgrading prospects, may look more favourable upon proper evaluation. East Coast Basin. With very thick. Cretaceous-Tertiary sediments, multiple deformation, local unconformities and facies changes, this is one of the more exiting basins, measuring 40,000-50,000 km2 on and offshore. Oil and gas generation is widespread, source rocks being of Paleocene and Cretaceous age. Potential reservoirs are Cretaceous and Miocene sandstones and Oligocene and Pliocene limestones, the latter of excellent qualities. Lower Tertiary, undercompacted and gas-charged mudstones may be an additional target for gas production. Shale diapirism has contributed widely to structural trap formation. Since 1960, only 14 wells have been drilled, of which I offshore. This amounts to 0.3 wells per 1,000 km2, or 0.6 m/km2.
“Kuwait Petroleum Corporation: New Horizons for National Oil Companies”
Authors: Hussain Hani A.
Published: July 2017

Kuwait, in nationalising our production of oil, formed the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) to operate as an integrated oil company with satelite specialised companies. Since its formation in 1980, KPC, like other suppliers, has had to cope with soft markets, low prices and the consequent reduced revenues and limitation on development. KPC's goals have been to both stabilise and maximise revenues and diversify its source. This has been facilitated through the use of the expertise in the public companies under its control. As a result KPC has invested US $4.5 billion in upgrading projects, acquired technology through purchasing Santa Fe International and entered downstream marketing successfully in Europe.
Canadian Market Developments
Authors: Cameron G.W.
Published: July 2017

Domestic and export sales of gas had risen to 25,800 million cu. metres by 1986. Prices appear to have settled near $Can 1.75 MMbtu after deregulation. The pipeline system now in place allows adequate transmission to most regions of Canada and into the U.S. Deregulation has seen a marked increase in sales, sometimes in circumstances where there is fierce competition from alternative energy sources such as from electricity in Quebec. The number of shippers active in inter-provincial markets has increased. Exports to the U.S. have grown despite shrinking gas consumption. Sales in the future will be even more competitive but the prospects of expanded sales to the U.S. North East and Midwest are excellent. Prices will continue to be influenced by those for crude oil
U.S. Regulatory Environment
Authors: Court Susan J.
Published: July 2017

Decontrol of natural gas prices created more competition at the wellhead and the need for greater flexibility in the transportation rules to allow sales directly to end users and distribution without middlemen. In 1987, the Commission issued Order No. 500 which would end the disputes that had arisen by addressing three concerns: take-or-pay, contract demand adjustments, and ‘grand fathering’. The first and the most important was dealt with by a flexible crediting mechanism, the second eliminated and the third of insufficient importance to change the rules. Other issues about natural gas trade of concern to the Commission include: Marketing affiliates which threatened monopolistic practices that have required procedures to eliminate prohibitive practices and to deal with complaints: Rate design, which is the principal role of the Commissions that is treated on an individual basis; Certificate Proceedings for new construction that involve solving issues of rates and environmental impact.
The Greenhouse Issue - The Iniquity of a Carbon Tax
Authors: Sullivan Ken
Published: July 2017

The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Brazil in June 1992 reached international consensus on the need to stabilise greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.

The use of energy in all its forms, contributes to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. However, energy is a fundamental requirement for human existence, and the demand for energy increases with improved lifestyle, urbanisation and population growth.

Approximately 90% of the world's energy needs are currently met by the use of fossil fuel. In spite of technological and economic developments with renewable sources of energy, it is unlikely that they will be a major contributor to the world's energy needs for the foreseeable future. In consequence, fossil fuel must and will continue as the major source of the world's energy.

Fossil fuel reserves are finite, those of oil and gas are estimated to last for several decades, whilst those of coal will last for centuries. Therefore, when developing strategies for greenhouse gas stabilisation, it is important to consider the relative magnitude of these reserves and the best use to which each form of energy is suited, taking note of environmental, technical and economic requirement and consequences. The misuse of potential transport fuels in stationary applications may result in a short term reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, but could ultimately result in a significant increase in greenhouse emissions, once oil and gas reserves are depleted.

It is equally important to consider all greenhouse gas emissions associated with the energy chain. These include emissions associated with the winning, preparation, storage and transport of coal, which constitute a very small component of the total greenhouse gas emissions from the use of coal. However, in the case of natural gas, although greenhouse gas emissions, associated with the winning, treatment, transmission and distribution or liquefaction, transport, storage and distribution will vary for each situation, nevertheless they constitute a significant component of total greenhouse gas emissions from the use of natural gas.

Control strategies aimed at stabilising greenhouse gas emissions from the use of fossil fuels should encourage more efficient production, treatment, transport and use of energy. They should not include control measures simply aimed at emissions resulting from their use. Control measures, such as a carbon tax or a CO2 tax would distort the energy mix, would impact most on those in the community who are least able to afford the cost and would not take account of total greenhouse emissions associated with energy use. In fact, they could result in a real increase in greenhouse emissions. In addition, it would hasten depletion of scarce resources of energy, ultimately leading to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the production of transport fuels by conversion technologies.
Alberta's Sub-Bituminous Coal – Building on its Strengths
Authors: Popowich Jim
Published: July 2017

The 1973 decision to base Alberta's electrical generation on sub-bituminous coal has provided a balance between economic, environmental and social goals in the province. Presently six strip mines produce more than 22 million tonnes of low-sulphur coal for 6 thermal stations that generate 90% of the province's electricity needs. Alberta has relatively low-cost power, high coal-related job creation and an industry meeting the goals of sustainable development.
Changing Efficiencies in Petroleum Energy Use in New Zealand
Authors: Ellis A.J.
Published: July 2017

The paper introduces the work of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority relating to gas and petroleum usages, with the dual imperatives to gain technical and economic efficiencies; and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Factors inhibiting greater efficiency include current investments, competition for new investment capital, price structures, and public attitudes.

The current usage of petroleum products is presented with trends in sectors. Current gas use, from our history of development, wastes resources and produces high carbon dioxide emissions. Alternative trends can gradually be imposed to improve efficiency and lower environmental effects. Particular opportunities are in substituting direct use of natural gas and cogeneration for gas-fired electricity generation.

There is a continuing upward trend in transport fuel use. Changing utilisation efficiencies in various modes of transport are reviewed and compared with overseas trends. While some progress has been made, considerable further improvement is possible by implementing regulatory, behavioural, and technical changes. The rising diesel and petrol usage relating to CNG and LPG is of concern.

Overall, improvements in energy efficiency in New Zealand do not compare well with most OECD countries, but there are some positive trends in a number of sectors. The scope for improved efficiencies in New Zealand from newer technologies is reviewed with respect to domestic, commercial, industry and transport sectors. Means are outlined for taking opportunities with today's technologies through changing attitudes, standards, improved design of buildings, improved industrial processes, and financial packaging.
Britain's North Sea Oil and Gas Production: A Critical Review
Authors: Odell P.R.
Published: July 2017

The size and longevity of Britain's offshore hydrocarbons resources have been underestimated. Gas reserves were seriously under-exploited for almost 20 years from the late 1960s, given a belief that gas should be used only as a premium fuel and in the context of an uncompetitive market. Oil reserves' development and production has suffered from time to time from inappropriate politico-economic conditions. Nevertheless, offshore oil and gas has come to dominate the UK's energy production over the past 20 years and currently accounts for 85% of the country's total energy output.

Fears for resources' exhaustion remain unjustified, as the industry continues to replace oil and gas reserves used each year. The North Sea is still not comprehensively explored: the continuation of the process will enable oil production to remain at high levels and that of gas to expand further. Supplementary output from the new west of Shetland province will become progressively more important after 2000. But continued intensive production overall depends on the maintenance of attractive politico-economic conditions and on present oil prices. It also requires the European gas market to remain firm but, ironically, the planned flow of UK gas to the mainland constitutes a threat to this condition.
Petroleum Exploration Risk Reduction Using New Geoscience Technology
Authors: Burnett T. L.
Published: July 2017

As economics of the oil and gas industry become more restrictive, the need for new means of improving exploration risks and reducing expenses is becoming more acute. Partnerships between industry and academia are making significant improvements in four general areas: Seismic acquisition, reservoir characterization, quantitative structural modeling, and geochemical inversion.

In marine seismic acquisition the vertical cable concept utilizes hydrophones suspended at fixed locations vertically within the water column by buoys. There are numerous advantages of vertical cable technology over conventional 3-D seismic acquisition. In a related methodology, ‘Borehole Seismic,’ seismic energy is passed between wells and valuable information on reservoir geometry, porosity, lithology, and oil saturation is extracted from the P-wave and S-wave data.

In association with seismic methods of determining the external geometry and the internal properties of a reservoir, 3-dimensional sedimentation-simulation models, based on physical, hydrologic, erosional and transport processes, are being utilized for stratigraphic analysis. In addition, powerful, 1-D, coupled reaction-transport models are being used to simulate diagenesis processes in reservoir rocks.

At the regional scale, the bridging of quantitative structural concepts with seismic interpretation has lead to breakthroughs in structural analysis, particularly in complex terrains. Such analyses are becoming more accurate and cost effective when tied to highly advanced, remote-sensing, multi-spectral data acquisition and image processing technology. Emerging technology in petroleum geochemistry enables geoscientists to infer the character, age, maturity, identity and location of source rocks from crude oil characteristics (‘Geochemical Inversion’) and to better estimate hydrocarbon-supply volumetrics, which can be invaluable in understanding petroleum systems and in reducing exploration risks and associated expenses.
Geological Models for the Next Decade: What Do We Need to Reduce Hydrocarbon Exploration Risk?
Authors: Lerche I.
Published: July 2017

Several main areas of quantitative geologic model development, needed over the next decade, are outlined using illustrative examples to emphasize need. In order of importance these areas are: (i) motion of multiple faults in 3-D tied to multi-phase fluid-flow and overpressure evolution in sediments: (ii) dynamical primary and secondary hydrocarbon migration in 3-D; (iii) self-consistent salt and sediment dynamical interactions; (iv) turbidite and sequence stratigraphic models; (v) self-consistent dynamical tectonic and sediment evolution models; (vi) integrated economic and geological relative importance and risking methods.

As vital adjuncts, each area of model development should include the capabilities: (a) of forward and inverse modes of operation; (b) of being able to provide quantitative measures of uniqueness, resolution, precision and sensitivity in relation to intrinsic model assumptions, parameters in the model, numerical limits, and in respect of quality, quantity and sampling frequency of present-day data used as control information; (c) of yielding quantitative probabilistic assessments of the range of results in view of the indeterminancy of point (b); (d) of culling needed data from a common data base; (e) of being built and used in a user-friendly, technology-transferable mode.

No crystal ball is perfect, so this present view of the next decade's needs in geologic modeling should be continuously up-dated and modified as future information becomes available, which will influence the values, worth, and priorities of the presently estimated future needs in geologic model requirements.
Changes in the Estimates of Natural Gas Reserves and Supplies Worldwide
Authors: Chabrelie Marie-Françoise
Published: July 2017

From the level of near 2 trillion (1012) cubic metres in 1990, natural gas consumption could expand to over 4 trillion cubic metres by the year 2030 or consumption could be as low as 3 trillion cubic metres. Cedigaz monitors all developments in natural gas worldwide and included in this note are statistics and commentary from recent Cedigaz reports
Evaluation of Ordovician Carbonate Source Rocks in the Dagang Oilfield, China
Authors: Luofu Liu , Lei Yang
Published: July 2017

Ordovician carbonates in the Dagang Oilfield are of wide distribution and have large thickness. Though their organic matter abundance is relatively low, it has reached the standards for carbonate source rock, with most of them being thought to be medium source rocks. These carbonates, whose bio-inputs were mainly of blue bacteria, were deposited in a weakly reducing or weakly oxidizing environment. Their organic maturity is at mature to over-mature phases in most areas, therefore, they should possess geological and geochemical conditions for oil/gas generation and expulsion. Attention should be paid to the Ordovician carbonates in future exploration.
Influence of Sulfide Formation on Organic Matter in Carbonates of Basal Zechstein from Southwestern Poland
Authors: Sun Yu-Zhuang
Published: July 2017

The mineral composition, Cu, Pb, Zn and organic matter contents (Corg) of carbonate samples from southwestern Poland have been analyzed by microscopical and organic geochemical methods in order to study the influences of sulfide formation on organic matter of the samples from the basal Zechstein. The results indicate that sulfide formation is associated with organic matter. Organic matter was depleted and served as hydrogen donors for thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR). The formation processes of sulfide are the destruction processes of organic matter.
Calcareous Upper Pleistocene Lowstand Deposits Indicate Shelf/Slope Tectonic Instability
Authors: Lowrie Allen , Meeks Patricia
Published: July 2017

Calcareous deposits, including shell, hash, and oolites, have been recorded in Upper Pleistocene lowstand deposits seaward of major rivers such as the Mississippi and the Ganges. These calcareous sediments indicate a major reduction or cessation of terrigenous deposition during lowstand/glacial maximum. Extensive high-energy sediments, including coarse sands and gravels, can bracket thin, low-energy, fine-grained calcareous deposits within lowstand sequences. These various sequences may indicate up to three orders of magnitude of variations in deposition rates. Summarizing glacial lake outbursts/rapid stream rerouting suggests that during final deglaciation there could have been massive outflows at multiple decade to century intervals. Continental glacial oscillations throughout the entire glacial maxima could also have produced massive, short-term floods and deposition rates. Such swings in deposition rates must impact on geologic processes within the underlying sedimentary wedge. Processes impacted include (but are not limited to) compacting, faulting, dewatering, diapiric motion, diagenesis, and heat generation.
3D Simulation and Visualization of Carbonate Platform Stratal Geometries
Authors: Thomsen René O. , Galperin Pavel , Mastrolorenzo Maurizio
Published: July 2017

Three-dimensional simulation of carbonate platform stratal geometries requires a robust mathematical formulation for the growth carbonate fades, a good understanding of the spatial distribution of various fades types, and a spatial grid that will accommodate rapid lateral changes in stratal geometries and depositionalfades. The simplest spatial grid is a rectangular (equal spacing in x and y \ dx(dy) grid and in this paper, the application of simple rectangular gridding is investigated for validity. A synthetic case is constructed and several model grids are built to investigate the impact of grid-spacing. The results of the different simulations are compared using 3D visualization. 3D visualization of 3D model results is as crucial as the mathematical formulation of the model and can be done in various ways, including contour maps, and full 3D rendering of model output. The transfer of the spatial grid into a full 3D model and the advantages of utilizing 3D visualization are discussed.
Legal Challenges of New Trends in LNG Trade and Projects
Authors: Cardosa Chooi
Published: July 2017

The paper is concerned with key issues in the new trends and changes in LNG trade and projects with the emergence of new markets such as India, China, Brazil and the resurgence of LNG demand from the United States and Europe. I will briefly review the traditional LNG chain and consider how the entry of these new markets have impacted on the contractual structure and what some of the legal implications are arising from this, particularly in respect of the paradigm of single buyer and seller, increase in short-term and spot sales, onerous take or pay terms and the issues of choice of law. I will focus in greater detail on these last two aspects as with LNG supply entering into new and unfamiliar markets for suppliers, financiers and sponsors alike, the choice of law governing project documentation is vital. I will then look at the change of contractual matrix for some of the new LNG projects.
Comparison of the Reorganisations of BP and Shell and Possible Opportunities for Middle East and North African Oil Companies
Authors: Jenkins Gilbert
Published: July 2017

A critical analysis is provided of the recent reorganisations of the downstream and petrochemical activities of BP and Shell.

BP (or BP Amoco including Arco) and Shell are preparing for the next decade anticipating the environment and changing the companies to maximise their profitability in that environment. For the oil producing countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), there are lessons to be learned both from the forecasts which BP Amoco and Shell are making and from the way these companies intend to operate.

BP Amoco's view of oil refining is that the surplus capacity is endemic; Shell's view is that it is transient. BP Amoco will market oil products selectively across the world; Shell is still intent on a global approach. Both BP Amoco and Shell will minimise their wholesaling activities in the retail market and expand their merchandising with ever better quality sites. In the petrochemicals sector, the companies are taking similar actions, ie concentrating on positions of strength and selling business activities with low market shares or poor profitability. Petrochemical sites will be favoured when they have access to company produced hydrocarbon feedstocks.

From the analysis, it is suggested that MENA oil companies will need to consider carefully the timing of any new refinery building. The reorganisation of the major OECD-based oil companies should offer opportunities for MENA companies to secure outlets for LPG and condensates, to form marketing alliances in OECD markets and to become involved in OECD-based petrochemical businesses.
Diabetes Camp Counselors: An Exploration of Counselor Characteristics and Quality of Life Outcomes
Authors: Nicholl Meg C. , Valenzuela Jessica M. , Nierenberg Barry , Mayersohn Gillian S.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of volunteering at a diabetes camp on emerging adults with and without type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods

Thirty counselors with and 22 without T1DM (19.07 ± 2.71 years old) volunteered at a 1-week T1DM camp in the northeastern United States. Counselors with T1DM had a range of self-reported A1C scores (5.8% or 39.9 mmol/mol to 14.0% or 129.5 mmol/mol). Self-report measures of quality of life, hope, and well-being were completed pre- and postcamp at 4 time points: 1 month before camp, arrival at camp, final day of camp, and 2 months postcamp. Open-ended questions regarding counselor experiences were analyzed to understand camp effect.

Results

There were significant differences between counselors’ levels of trait hope in comparison to published norms. There were few clear differences in psychosocial outcomes pre- and postcamp; however, some increases in well-being were revealed in anticipation of camp. Major reasons for volunteering included assisting others and reciprocating or continuing a perceived positive experience as a camper.

Conclusion

No changes in psychosocial outcomes pre- to postcamp were observed. However, measures used in this study may be poorly defined for a counselor population. Further research on the characteristics of emerging adults who choose to be camp counselors is needed. By understanding the demographics of this population, health professionals can help target individuals to become camp counselors as well as enhance the camp experience to fit their developmental needs.
Discussion—Information Externalities, Underinvestment, and Organizational Remedies
Authors: Kirby Alison J.
Published: July 2017

Levine and Smith (hereafter L&S) create a scenario in which there arises underinvestment in a risky project. They identify several regions, each one corresponding to a different type of underinvestment. Correspondingly, they suggest distinct remedies for each of the different types of underinvestment. A primary insight to come out of this research is that not all underinvestment can be remedied in the same way. For example, cutting out the opportunity to share information may counteract underinvestment in some situations, and yet exacerbate it in others.

In my comments below, I first provide a more detailed summary of the model and results and then describe two of my concerns with this paper. My first concern is whether this model captures innovation. My second concern is with the exogenous form of the compensation function as a function of divisional profits only. These concerns affect the interpretation and implications of the results rather than their validity.
Discussion—Differential Earnings Behavior and the Security Market Assessment of Variation in Seasonal Earnings Patterns
Authors: Thomas Jacob K.
Published: July 2017

Soffer and Lys (1999) investigate the fraction of predictable positive serial autocorrelation in seasonally differenced earnings reflected in stock prices and find no appreciation of serial correlation immediately after quarterly earnings announcements. Bathke, Lorek, and Willinger (2004) reexamine this result by separating firms with earnings that appear to follow a seasonal random walk (good-fit firms) from the remainder (bad-fit firms). They find that the Soffer and Lys result of zero autocorrelation implied by stock prices represents the combination of a negative implied autocorrelation for good-fit firms and a positive implied autocorrelation for bad-fit firms. This discussion considers different interpretations of that finding.
A Model of Auditing Under Bright-Line Accounting Standards
Authors: Caplan Dennis , Kirschenheiter Michael
Published: July 2017

This paper models auditors' preferences for bright-line financial reporting standards. Bright-line standards are unambiguous, requiring no judgment in their application. We characterize bright-line standards as one end of the continuum in the trade-off between relevance and reliability. We formally model two attributes of relevance and reliability as identified in Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts No. 2: the representational- faithfulness dimension of reliability and the predictive-value dimension of relevance. Also, we distinguish these two dimensions of financial reporting standards from the information economics concept of fineness.

The model allows auditors to vary in their financial reporting expertise. All auditors have a basic role to verify the accuracy of the financial statements. “Expert” auditors also fill an interpretation role. If financial reporting standards are not bright-line, expert auditors can use their financial reporting expertise to help generate a report that investors will understand.

We show how our three dimensions of reporting standards affect the audit market. We find that auditors' preferences for bright-line standards depend on whether auditor expertise is observable to investors. Comparing standards of the same level of detail and relevance, if expertise is observable, expert auditors prefer standards that are not bright-line, whereas auditors without such expertise prefer bright-line standards. If investors cannot observe auditor expertise, all auditors prefer bright-line standards, and the average level of auditor expertise increases under bright-line standards.
The Role of “Other Information” in the Valuation of Foreign Income for U.S. Multinationals
Authors: Hope Ole-Kristian , Kang Tony
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we examine investors' valuation of the domestic and foreign components of total earnings after controlling for information beyond current earnings. Our sample consists of U.S. multinationals during the 1985-2002 period. In a prior study, Bodnar and Weintrop (1997) find that investors place a higher weight on foreign earnings than on domestic earnings in valuing securities, and that this finding can be explained in part by the higher growth opportunities in foreign markets. While this explanation is intuitively appealing, other possible explanations include the varying importance of information other than current accounting earnings in pricing securities and the possible misspecification of their model. One potentially important source of other information is information contained in revisions of analysts' forecasts of future (abnormal) earnings and terminal values. Excluding this information from the regression specification potentially leads to a correlated omitted variables problem. In this paper, we use the Liu and Thomas (2000) proxy for “other information,” which is derived from analysts' revisions of near-term and long-term earnings forecasts and discount rate changes. Including the “other information” variable greatly improves the explanatory power of the returns—earnings regression. Consistent with our predictions, we find that the bias resulting from excluding other value-relevant information has a greater effect on foreign earnings than on domestic earnings. Foreign earnings are no longer incrementally value relevant when we control for “other information.”