bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les livres du prophète Jaguar
Authors: Boccara Michel
Published: October 2020

Les livres du Chilam Balam, ou livres du prophète Jaguar, sont des textes maya yucatèques écrits avec l'alphabet romain. Ils ont été rédigés tout au long de l'époque coloniale, probablement dès le XVIème siècle jusqu'au XXème siècle. D'après des mentions manuscrites sur les livres, la plupart des textes que l'on possède, tout au moins dans leur version définitive, datent du XIXème siècle. On possède cependant un extrait datant du XVIIème siècle recopie par un moine franciscain sur un manuscrit original aujourd'hui disparu. Ces livres sont vraisemblablement le produit d'une élaboration continue: certains textes on été écrits très tôt et au cours des siècles de nouveaux textes sont venus s'y ajouter. 11 est possible aussi que les premiers textes aient été alors réécrits et adaptes a la nouvelle situation historique. Les livres du Chilam Balam sont nommes d'après le lieu ou ils on été trouves et certains auteurs ont propose une hypothèse selon laquelle chaque communauté importante avait son livre conservé par le chamane. Cet ancrage communautaire des livres correspond a l'importance politique, économique et religieuse de la communauté Maya.
La deidad fingida. Antonio Margil y la religiosidad quiché del 1704
Authors: Dupiech-Cavaleri Daniele , Ruz Mario Humberto
Published: October 2020

Hace apenas cinco años, Carmelo Saenz de Santa María publicaba un documento del Archivo General de Indias, Sevilla, que contenía una serie de certificaciones pedidas por el famoso franciscano Antonio Margil de Jesús sobre sus actividades misionales en la provincia de Suchitepéquez, Guatemala (1704), y las actividades idolátricas que descubrió durante ellas. El documento en cuestión se reve1ó como una valiosa fuente para los interesados en la religiosidad maya colonial, pues no sólo da cuenta de la persistencia de creencias y actitudes prehispánicas a casi 200 años de la conquista, sino que hacia evidente la transculturación para entonces sufrida en el ámbito religioso permitiendo comprender algunos puntos y mecanismos claves del llamado  "sincretismo" que en tal aspecto muestran hoy en día los grupos mayanses. No obstante, la brevedad y estilo del texto -propios de una certificación con visos oficiales- no posibilitaron mas que un acercamiento superficial a varios de los aspectos allí tratados.
El dragón, símbolo por excelencia de la vida y la muerte entre los mayas
Authors: De la Garza Mercedes
Published: October 2020

Fertilidad es vida, potencialidad y realización de la vida, y la vida fue el bien por excelencia para los mayas antiguos, por lo que la fertilidad, tanto la de la naturaleza como la del hombre, entendida como energía sagrada, fue su preocupación principal. De este modo, las mas importantes manifestaciones y símbolos de lo sagrado fueron aquellas que propiciaban la fertilidad y que mantenían la vida. Pero la fertilidad lleva en sí misma la muerte en una armonía de contrarios, por lo que los símbolos mayas de la fertilidad, como potencia de vida en el universo, conllevan la fuerza de muerte.
MODERN STAGE OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE YAROSLAVL REGION
Authors:   FSBEI HE ", Volkov Andrey Yu. ,   Yaroslavl state university named after P. G. Demidov"
Published: October 2020

The article analyzes the indicators that characterize the dynamics of socio-economic development of the region on the example of the Yaroslavl region. The correspondence of actually achieved indicators with the forecast of regional development is considered. The regional economy depends on the Russian economy, which is characterized by slow development dynamics and inertia. Reformatting the economy requires both time and costs. In turn, the regional economy has at its disposal both financial instruments and other ways of influencing the country's economy. The results of this impact can be tracked through a number of statistical indicators. According to initially published data, the industrial production index in the Yaroslavl region in 2019 compared to 2018 was 98.4%. Since February 2020, a retrospective recalculation of industrial production indices for 2015-2019 has been made based on the new base year 2018. As a result, industrial production in 2019 increased by 5.6% compared to the same period last year. Given the transition period in the formation of the industrial production index and the difference in the value of the indicator for 2019 at the level of 7.2 percentage points, there may be risks of interpretation of this indicator. The growth rate in 2019 compared to 2018 for most other indices that characterize the economy has decreased, with the exception of growth in the turnover of public catering and real disposable income. Comparison of actual data on socio-economic development of the region with forecast data indicates that there are deviations in most indicators. At the same time, insufficient accuracy of macroeconomic forecasts can lead to errors in choosing priorities for socio-economic and fiscal policy, and lead to further incorrect goal setting and forecasting.
Representasi Biblioterapi Dalam Serial Televisi When Calls The Heart
Authors: Hapsari Maya Pradhipta
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui representasi biblioterapi dalam serial televisi When Calls The Heart sebagai sarana pembelajaran karena televisi merupakan media yang sangat berpengaruh dalam penyebaran nilai-nilai dalam masyarakat termasuk literasi dan budaya baca. Representasi ini mencakup tahapan-tahapan yang terdiri dari kesiapan, seleksi buku, memperkenalkan buku, dan strategi tindak lanjut yang ditambah dengan hasil yang dicapai dari biblioterapi. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif menggunakan metode analisis semiotika dengan unit analisis teks-teks berupa narasidan gambar dalam satu episode When Calls The Heart yang ditetapkan sebagai objek penelitian, yang berkaitan dengan praktik biblioterapi. Hasil penelitian ini adalah bahwa dalam serial televisi When Calls The Heart, bibliografi direpresentasikan dalam adegan-adegan antara guru yang bertindak sebagai terapis dengan muridnya yang bermasalah sebagai klien mulai dari kesiapan hingga strategi tindak lanjut hingga akhirnya memperoleh hasil yang diharapkan dari tujuan biblioterapi.
NKX6.1 Transcription Factor: A Crucial Regulator of Pancreatic β-Cell Development, Identity, and Proliferation
Authors: Aigha Idil , Abdelalim Essam
Published: October 2020

Understanding the biology underlying the mechanisms and pathways regulating pancreatic β-cell development is necessary to understand the pathology of diabetes mellitus (DM), which is characterized by the progressive reduction in insulin producing β-cell mass. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can potentially offer an unlimited supply of functional β-cells for cellular therapy and disease modeling of DM. Homeobox protein NKX6.1 is a transcription factor (TF) that plays a critical role in pancreatic β-cell function and proliferation. In human pancreatic islet, NKX6.1 expression is exclusive toβ-cells and is undetectable in other islet cells. Several reports showed that activation of NKX6.1 in PSC-derived pancreatic progenitors (MPCs), expressing PDX1 (PDX1+/NKX6.1+), warrants their future commitment to monohormonal β-cells. However, further differentiation of MPCs lacking NKX6.1 expression (PDX1+/NKX6.1-) results in an undesirable generation of non-functional polyhormonal β-cells. The importance of NKX6.1 as a crucial regulator in MPC specification into functional β-cells directs attentions to further investigating its mechanism and enhancing NKX6.1 expression as a mean to increase β-cell function and mass. Here, we shed light on the role of NKX6.1 during pancreatic β-cell development and in directing the MPCs to functional monohormonal lineage. Furthermore, we address the transcriptional mechanisms and targets of NKX6.1 as well as its association with diabetes.
Efficiency of Selective Solar Absorber in High Vacuum Flat Solar Thermal Panels: The Role of Emissivity
Authors: De Maio Davide , D'Alessandro Carmine , Caldarelli Antonio , Musto Marilena , De Luca Daniela , Di Gennaro Emiliano , Russo Roberto
Published: October 2020

This study refers to the optimization of a Selective Solar Absorber to improve the Sun-to-thermal conversion efficiency at mid temperatures in high vacuum flat thermal collectors. Efficiency has been evaluated by using analytical formula and a numerical thermal model. Both results have been experimentally validated using a commercial absorber in a custom experimental set-up. The optimization procedure aimed at obtaining Selective Solar Absorber is presented and discussed in the case of a metal dielectric multilayer based on Cr2O3 and Ti. The importance of adopting a real spectral emissivity curve to estimate high thermal efficiency at high temperatures in selective solar absorber is outlined. Optimized absorber multilayers can be 8% more efficient than the commercial alternative at 250 °C operating temperatures and up to 27% more efficient at 300 °C. Once the multilayer has been optimized the choice of a very low emissivity substrate such as copper allows to further improve efficiency and to reach stagnation temperature higher than 400 °C without Sun concentration.
The Driving Force and Progressive Mechanisms of Evolution Deduced from Thermodynamics
Authors: Chen Ji-Ming
Published: October 2020

Studies on evolution have made significant progress in multiple disciplines, but evolutionary theories remain scattered, complicated, elusive, and controversial. To address this issue, a novel evolutionary theory is deduced from thermodynamics in this article. As per the formula of Gibbs free energy, carbon-based entities (CBEs) on Earth tend to absorb more energy. This is the evolutionary driving force leading to organic synthesis of higher-hierarchy CBEs (HHCBEs). The organic synthesis raises the amount of HHCBEs and increases the structural complexity and hierarchy of CBEs. Increased structural complexity and hierarchy spontaneously offer complicated functions to HHCBEs. Genetic mutations, epigenetic changes, and uninheritable variations provide diversified HHCBEs for natural selection which is redefined as survival of the fit and elimination of the unfit, leading to increase of diversity and fitness of HHCBEs. Order in biology resulting from permanent natural selection is largely contrary to order in physics. Natural selection acts on the overall fitness involving all traits through the co-action of positive selection and negative selection. Natural selection can establish biological traits in short geological periods. Different combinations of traits can lead to sympatric speciation targeting the same niche. Altruism, collaboration, and obeying rules with balanced freedom are all important throughout the CBE evolution, which harbors three overlapping phases including chemical evolution (abiogenesis), biological evolution, and group evolution. Altogether, this theory termed the CBE evolutionary theory (CBEET) suggests that evolution which favors fitness and diversity is driven hierarchy-wise by energy. It reveals the driving force of evolution and reestablishes the key role of natural selection. It integrates with advances from multiple disciplines and provides simple and rational answers to some evolutionary conundrums. It removes several elusive or erroneous views including the one regarding negative entropy. It bridges natural sciences and social sciences and sheds novel insights into harmonious development of human society.
Maxmal Order of NG-Transformation Group
Authors: Abdunabi Faraj
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we consider the problem that the maximal order consider the groups that consisting of transformations we called NG-Transformation on a nonempty set A has no bijection as its element. We find the order of these groups not greater that (n-1)!. In addition, we will prove our result by showing that any kind of NG-group in the theorem be isomorphic to a permutation group on a quotient set of A with respect to an equivalence relation on A.
Numerical Analysis for Hydrogen Flame Acceleration during a Severe Accident in the APR1400 Containment Using a Multi-Dimensional Hydrogen Analysis System
Authors: Kang Hyung Seok , Kim Jongtae , Hong Seong Wan , Kim Sang Baik
Published: October 2020

Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) established a multi-dimensional hydrogen analysis system to evaluate a hydrogen release, distribution, and combustion in the containment of a nuclear power plant using MAAP, GASFLOW, and COM3D. KAERI developed the COM3D analysis methodology on the basis of the COM3D validation results against the experiments of ENACCEF and THAI. The proposed analysis methodology accurately predicts the peak overpressure with an error range of approximately ±10% using the Kawanabe turbulent flame speed model. KAERI performed a hydrogen flame acceleration analysis using the multi-dimensional hydrogen analysis system for a severe accident initiated by a station blackout (SBO) under the assumption of 100% metal-water reaction in the reactor pressure vessel for evaluating an overpressure buildup in the Advanced Power Reactor 1400 MWe (APR1400). The COM3D calculation results using the established analysis methodology showed that the calculated peak pressure in the containment was much lower than the fracture pressure of the APR1400 containment. This calculation result may have resulted from a large air volume of the containment, a reduced hydrogen concentration owing to passive auto-catalytic recombiners installed in the containment, and a lot of stem presence during the hydrogen flame acceleration in the containment. Therefore, we can know that the current design of the APR1400 containment maintains its integrity when the flame acceleration occurs during the severe accident initiated by the SBO accident.
A Teleparallel Type Theory for Massless Spin 2 Fields
Authors: Maluf José Wadih , Ulhoa Sérgio Costa
Published: October 2020

We present the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of a theory for spin 2 fields. The construction is developed in flat space-time. The construction in curved space-time is conceptually straightforward, although it is not unique. The theory is based on a symmetric tensor $S_{\mu\nu}$, contains two degrees of freedom of radiation, is motivated by the teleparallel formulation of general relativity, and displays a certain resemblance with Maxwell's theory for the electromagnetic field.
The TanDEM-X Change DEM: the New Temporal DEM of the TanDEM-X Mission
Authors: Lachaise Marie , Bachmann Markus , Fritz Thomas , Huber Martin , Schweißhelm Barbara , Wessel Birgit
Published: October 2020

The TanDEM-X mission is acquiring a new dataset to provide a temporally independent DEM, called "TanDEM-X Change DEM". This set of acquisitions taken between 2017 and 2020 has a clear temporal separation to the TanDEM-X global DEM data which were acquired between 2010 and 2015. Therefore, this new DEM aims to enable the characterization of terrain changes. Improvements in the acquisition planning and the data processing were necessary to generate this Change DEM with fewer acquisitions but still very high accuracy. For this, the use of an edited TanDEM-X DEM as a "starting point" for the interferometric processing is mandatory.
Modified Cascaded Z-Source High Step-Up Boost Converter
Authors: Salehi Navid , Martinez-Garcia Herminio , Velasco-Quesada Guillermo
Published: October 2020

To improve the voltage gain of step-up converters, cascaded technique is considered as a possible solution in this paper. By considering the concept of cascading two Z-source networks in a conventional boost converter, the converter takes the advantages of both impedance source and cascaded converters. However, by applying some modifications, the proposed converter provides high voltage gain while the voltage stress of switch and diodes are still low. Moreover, the low input current ripple of the converter makes it absolutely appropriate for photovoltaic applications in order to expand the lifetime of PV panels. After analyzing the operation principles of the proposed converter, simulation and experimental results of a 100W prototype are presented to verify the proposed converter performance.
Towards the Next Generation of Tsunami Impact Simulations
Authors: Marras Simone , Mandli Kyle
Published: October 2020

The approach to tsunami modeling and simulation has changed in the past few years more than it had in the previous two decades. This brief review describes why this modeling shift is happening and attempts to provide some insight into the future of computational tsunami research
A Way Forward To Promote The Farming Contracts Between Firms And Farmers In Cultivation Productions: A CASE STUDY Of VIETNAM
Authors: Van Song Nguyen , Huyen Vu Ngoc , Thuy Nguyen Thi , Tien Dinh Van , Ha Thai Van , Diep Nguyen Xuan , Huyen Vuong Thi Khanh
Published: October 2020

In an age of market liberalization, globalization, and expanding agribusiness, there is a danger that small-scale farmers will find difficulty in fully participating in the market economy. One of the solutions to solve the above situation is to strengthen linkages between farmers and firms through contract farming. The purpose of this study is to assess the factors affecting the level of linkages between businesses and farmers in crop development in Thai Binh province, Vietnam. The two main research methods used were exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and regression analysis with survey data which was conducted from 300 farmers, 10 firms, and 15 factors related to contract-farming. The results indicated that there are 5 factors that significantly affect the level of participation of farmers in the linking process, the order of impacts from strong to weak is as follows: (1) Commitment and sharing of benefits and risks between farmers and firms in the linking process, (2) Issues related to management skills and enterprises capacity of link firms, (3) Price issues that farmers are interested in in the process of implementing links with firms, (4) Policy environment - Institutions related to farmer contracts between firms and farmers, (5) Household awareness about the benefits brought about by farmer contracts with firms. Based on results, a number of specific solutions have been proposed to enhance the efficiency of farming contracts between firms and farmers in cultivation production.
Vitamin C—An Adjunctive Therapy for Respiratory Infection, Sepsis and COVID-19
Authors: Holford Patrick , Carr Anitra , Jovic Thomas H. , Ali Stephen R. , Whitaker Iain S. , Marik Paul , Smith David
Published: October 2020

There are limited proven therapies for the treatment of COVID-19. Vitamin C’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects, make it a potential therapeutic candidate, both for the prevention and amelioration of COVID-19 infection, and as an adjunctive therapy in the critical care of COVID-19, supporting anti-inflammatory treatment. This literature review focuses on vitamin C deficiency in respiratory infections including COVID-19; the mechanism of action in infectious disease and adrenal function supporting the anti-inflammatory actions of glucocorticosteroids: its role in preventing and treating colds and pneumonia and its role in treating sepsis and COVID-19. The evidence to date indicates that oral vitamin C (2-8g/d) may reduce incidence and duration of respiratory infections and intravenous vitamin C (2-24g/d) has been shown to reduce mortality, Intensive Care Unit and hospital stays, time on mechanical ventilation in severe respiratory infections. Further trials are urgently warranted. Given the favourable safety profile and low cost of vitamin C, and frequency of vitamin C deficiency in respiratory infections it may be worthwhile testing patients’ vitamin C status and treating accordingly with intravenous use within ICUs and orally with doses between 2 and 8g/day in hospitalised and infected persons.
Staphylococcus aureus Internalization in Osteoblast Cells: Mechanisms, Interactions and Biochemical Processes. What did We Learn from Experimental Models?
Authors: Musso Nicolò , Stracquadanio Stefano , Costantino Angelita , Lazzaro Lorenzo Mattia , Stefani Stefania , Bongiorno Dafne
Published: October 2020

Bacterial internalization is a strategy that non-intracellular microorganisms use to escape the host immune system and survive inside the human body. Among bacteria species, Staphylococcus aureus showed ability to interact and infect osteoblasts causing osteomyelitis as well as bone and joint infection, while also becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotic therapy and a reservoir of bacteria that can make the infection difficult to cure. Despite being a serious issue in orthopedic surgery, little is known about the mechanisms that allow bacteria to enter and survive inside the osteoblasts, also due to the lack of consistent experimental models. In this review, we describe the current knowledge about S. aureus internalization mechanisms and various aspects of the interaction between bacteria and osteoblasts (e.g. best experimental conditions, bacteria-induced damages and immune system response), focusing on studies performed using the MG-63 osteoblastic cell line, so far the best model for the study of this phenomenon.
Special Issue on Fluid Powered System and its Application
Authors: Takaiwa Masahiro , Noritsugu Toshiro , Tsukagoshi Hideyuki , Ito Kazuhisa , Tanaka Yutaka
Published: October 2020

It is well known that fluid-powered systems are used practically in almost all industrial fields, including construction, manufacturing, transportation, among others.

Nowadays, the rapid growth in the development of the mechanical elements in fluid-powered systems, such as control valves, actuators, and sensors, and the rapid growth in control strategies have given rise to pioneering in some novel application fields in ways that were thought to be impossible a decade ago. High-precision positioning control using the compressible fluid of pneumatic driving systems and multi-legged robots equipped with standalone hydraulic components are simple examples. Moreover, soft robotics based on fluid-powered technologies has attracted attention not only in academia but also in human support fields, which will become more important as Japan’s society ages.

This special issue on “Fluid Powered System and its Application” includes one review paper and 22 other interesting papers related to the state of the art in the development of mechanical elements, total drive systems, motion control theory, and concrete applications of fluid-powered systems.

We thank all of the authors and reviewers of the papers and hope this special issue helps readers to develop fluid powered systems that will contribute to developments in the academia and industry.
Development of Pneumatically Driven Hand Capable of Grasping Flexible Objects
Authors: Nishikawa Kotaro , Hirata Kentaro , Takaiwa Masahiro ,   Department of Integrated Science and Technology, National Institute of Technology, Tsuyama College 624-1 Numa, Tsuyama, Okayama 708-8509, Japan,   Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan,   Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University 2-1 Minamijyousanjima-cho, Tokushima 770-8506, Japan
Published: October 2020

Industrial robots equipped with various grippers have been introduced in production sites and most of them are electrically driven. Because of the electric actuator’s characteristics, they have no back drivability, making it difficult for them to grasp flexible objects. In this study, therefore, we propose a pneumatically driven robot hand capable of grasping flexible objects by effectively employing the compressibility and back drivability of air.
Optimization of the Electrode Arrangement and Reliable Fabrication of Flexible EHD Pumps
Authors: Seki Yumeta , Kuwajima Yu , Shigemune Hiroki , Yamada Yuhei , Maeda Shingo ,   Smart Materials laboratory, Shibaura Institute of Technology 3-7-5 Toyosu Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8548, Japan,   Active Functional Device laboratory, Shibaura Institute of Technology 3-7-5 Toyosu Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8548, Japan
Published: October 2020

Soft robots have great potential to realize machines that interact and coexist with humans. A key technology to realize soft robots is soft fluidic actuators. Previously, we developed a soft pump using the electrohydrodynamics (EHD) phenomenon. EHD is a flow phenomenon, which is generated by applying a high voltage to a dielectric fluid. In this study, we developed flexible high-power-density EHD pumps. First, a pump was fabricated by a simple design with interdigitated electrodes. Second, a mathematical model was used to analyze the pressure generated per length assuming that electric fields only act between neighboring electrodes in a flexible EHD pump with interdigitated electrodes. The results were used to optimize the gap between electrodes to maximize the pressure per length. Third, we used the optimized process to fabricate multiple flexible EHD pumps. The procedure produced pumps easily and reliably. Fourth, we compared the experimental values with the analytical solutions. The good agreement confirmed that the generated pressure per unit length can be approximated in a uniform electric field between neighboring electrodes. Because our flexible EHD pump can operate even when deformed, it has potential for wearable device applications.
Pallet Handling System with an Autonomous Forklift for Outdoor Fields
Authors: Iinuma Ryosuke , Kojima Yusuke , Onoyama Hiroyuki , Fukao Takanori , Hattori Shingo , Nonogaki Yasunori ,   Ritsumeikan University 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu-shi, Shiga 525-8577, Japan,   Toyota Industries Corporation 2-1-1 Toyota-chou, Takahama-shi, Aichi 444-1393, Japan
Published: October 2020

In Japan, the aging and depopulation of its workforce are issues. Therefore, the development of autonomous agricultural robots is required for saving manpower and labor. In this paper, we described an autonomous pallet handling system for forklift, which can automatically unload and convey pallets for harvesting vegetables outdoors. Because of inserting the forks into a narrow pallet hole, accurate pallet posture estimation and accurate control of a forklift and the forks are required. The system can detect the pallet by deep learning based object detection from an image. Based on the results of object detection and measurement by horizontal 3D light detection and ranging (LiDAR), the system accurately estimates a distance as well as horizontal and vertical deviation between the forklift and the pallet in the outside field. The forklift is controlled by sliding mode control (SMC) which is robust to disturbances. Furthermore, the vertical LiDAR scans the pallet for precisely adjusting the height of the fork. The system requires the environment with no or little preparation for the automation process. We confirmed the effectiveness of the system through an experiment. The experiment is assumed that the forklift unloads the pallet from the vehicle as the real task of agriculture. The experimental results indicated the suitability of the system in real agricultural environments.
Production of silumins with highly dispersed inverted microstructure
Authors: Marukovich E. I. , Stetsenko V. Yu.
Published: October 2020

Thermodynamic calculations of the structure of metal melts, processes of their crystallization and degassing in the eutectic reaction have been made. It is shown. That the main structural elements are nanocrystals, and hydrogen bubbles have a direct effect on the morphology of eutectic crystals and the phase structuring process. Physical and chemical principles and mechanisms for modifying the microstructure of silumins have been developed. It has been found that the main processes affecting the modification of phase crystals are the intensity of coagulation of nanocrystals, refining from adsorbed oxygen and hydrogen atoms, and preventing the release of hydrogen bubbles on eutectic crystals. Environmentally safe methods of casting silumins with highly dispersed inverted microstructure are developed, based on mixing of liquid metal and liquid-hard alloy, accelerated hardening and structural-hereditary modification. Antifriction silumin has been developed, which in terms of friction wear resistance exceeds and replaces industrial aluminium and tin bronzes, but is cheaper and lighter in 2–3 times. Universal silumin modifiers for steel, bronze, cast iron, brass have been developed. Devices and crystallizers with a flood-jet cooling system have been developed, which are 2–3 times more effective than normal ones. Experimental-industrial casting section for production of solid and hollow billets from silumins with highly dispersed inverted microstructure has been created. These pieces are supplied to more than 100 industrial enterprises of Belarus, Russia, Korea and Ukraine.
Influence of alloying elements and heat treatment on the mechanical properties of chromium cast iron
Authors: Marukovich E. I. , Ilyushenko V. M. , Pumpur V. A. , Andrienko V. M. , Duvalov P. Yu
Published: October 2020

The results of experimental studies to determine the effect of alloying and heat treatment on the mechanical properties of the high-chromium cast iron are described. When alloying the melt with nickel, molybdenum and manganese, as well as during heat treatment by quenching, specific wear, tensile strength in bending of the obtained samples, their hardness and microhardness were studied. A comparative analysis of the influence of alloying elements and heat treatment methods has been performed. When alloying Ni, Mo, and Mn, cast specimens that have not undergone heat treatment have the highest specific wear. It was established that the hardened Ni alloyed samples have the greatest bending strength. It was found that cast samples that were not subjected to heat treatment have much lower hardness and microhardness. The approximate composition of chromium cast iron was determined for further studies to increase its wear resistance. The research results are used in the manufacturing process of parts for crushing and grinding equipment.
Research of high strength steels bending
Authors: Tаmila V. A. , Nesterovich M. L.
Published: October 2020

The article deals with the issues of obtaining high-strength steels. A conclusion about the effect of the temperature on the steel was drawn based on the research of the microstructure. To check the effect of the welding process on the steel under study, the hardness of the weld and the zone of thermal influence were measured. The weld was checked by X-ray television control for defects in the weld joint.

To analyze the possibility of free bending with local heating experiments on tempering samples were conducted in order to identify its optimum temperature at which no cracking occurs in the steels after bending. Bending experiments were carried out after local heating.

A comparison of the results of measuring the hardness of the weld, as well as samples obtained after tempering and local heating of the bending line were made. Graphs of the drop in hardness of the studied steel depending on the tempering temperature, as well as the drop in hardness as it moves away from the local heating line, are constructed. Bending experiments with compression of high-strength steels were performed using a substrate material.

The samples obtained during the experiments were examined by X-ray for defects in the bending line. The value of compressive stresses acting on bent sample is calculated.
Utilizing Agile Approach for Well Construction Planning
Authors: Kussanov Ilyas , Puche Ernesto , Yung Kyle
Published: October 2020

An Agile well construction planning method was implemented to aid in a significant cycle time reduction for the completion of all necessary steps in technical design and review in well plan delivery. By utilizing this novel method, 8 fit for purpose well plan packages were completed and delivered in 3.5 weeks. While traditional process is often characterized by multiple, interdependent sequential steps and as such, can typically take 1-2 months for a single well. This prolonged timeframe is incompatible with an ever-fluctuating market environment and as such, a more rapid, well delivery method is required in order to deliver significant cost savings in a competitive price environment.

The Agile well planning approach deployed incorporated iterative and incremental development processes enabling decision making to be employed efficiently with a high degree of quality to any responding changes. This novel planning approach is based on working in self-organized, multi- disciplinary team, responsible for developing a project incrementally by periodically reviewing, assessing and applying any required course corrections to meet the project goal. It works by splitting the whole project into parallel tasks called ‘swimlanes’ that incorporate clearly defined individual timeframes, entry and exit criteria for each work item. This is opposed to the traditional waterfall method of delivering a final product only at the end of the planning phase, which may require lengthy rework if market and operational conditions change. The Agile well planning process resulted in the delivery of high quality and up to date well programs through synergies found in dynamic integration of geological, economical and engineering data. Interactive review provided us with a quick 1-day response to any changes while planning without major reworking of past material.

The result of applying these best practices helped in improving well planning documentation delivery pace from 1.5 wells per month to 8 well per months. This was achieved by the full integration of different disciplines, avoiding repetitive tasks and providing management more influence on the inflight product. Therefore, application of the novel Agile management approach in well construction planning allows more rapid well delivery whilst still maintaining quality in the final deliverables.
Digitalization of Simple Things Cost Savings from Basic Transformation Case: Karachaganak Field
Authors: Bekbossynova Anara , Bekniyazov Yermek
Published: October 2020

Abstract & Introduction

"Transformation are hard and digital ones much harder…"

Digital transformation has been on the agenda of all organizations for many years across Oil and Gas industry. It has proven that digital transformation can bring various benefits to day-to-day operations and cost reduction.

In this paper, we will explore the impact of «digital transformation of simple things» on cost savings opportunities in operations. Data in this paper are based on the successful real cases of KPO's* digital projects implementation, which resulted in minimization of paper-intensive processes, and maximization of automated workflows.

This paper primarily focused on simple things (projects) transformation such as streamlining document management, enhancing business processes, warehouses management, and office environment.

General approach based on the KPO's Roadmap. The Roadmap consisted of detailed digital opportunities for basic transformations that linked with organization's principles such as agile philosophy (managing projects and teams for transformation of basic day- to-day activities that allowed "eliminating redundant" processes, continually providing feedback, learning and reacting quickly to change), sustainable development, and others. Processes in the Roadmap focused in the simple things changes (transformation) which are based on real digital cases.

*Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. (KPO) - is a joint venture between Royal Dutch Shell (29.25%), Eni (29.25%), Chevron (18%), LUKOIL (13.5%) and KazMunaiGas (10%). KPO oversees the expansion and development of the Karachaganak field – one of the world's largest oil and gas condensate fields. Located in northwest Kazakhstan it covers an area of over 280 square kilometres and holds estimated hydrocarbons initially in place (HIIP) of 9 billion barrels of condensate and 48 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas, with estimated gross reserves of over 2.4 billion barrels of condensate and 16 tcf of gas.
Case Study: IoT Production Intelligence Platform and its Field Implementation Results
Authors: Sultabayev Arkhat , Jilmagambetov Dauren
Published: October 2020

Application of digital oilfield solutions and widespread of Internet of Things (IoT) is getting more often in various oil and gas processes, especially for Production Optimization purposes. Rapidly developing technologies consistently taking a more significant role in forming an effective Production System. Oil and Gas Producers are going through different stages of the technology deployment: from well automation systems (SCADA) to the introduction of intelligent well control algorithms. Demonetization of technologies, in conjunction with a competitive technology environment, creates the best pre-requisites for widespread Digital Oilfield solutions (DOF). Years back, due to high investment costs, the payback period for the DOF was on a long-term scope, then nowadays it's possible to set KPIs with a short payback period. This article discusses the latest production optimization platform and real results of recent implementations in Kazakhstan.
Managed Pressure Drilling as an Advanced Solution for Deep HTHP Wells and Long Intervals with Narrow Safe Pressure Limits
Authors: Krivolapov Dmitry Sergeevich , Magda Andrey Vladimirovich , Soroka Taras Bogdanovich , Dobrokhleb Pavel Yurievich , Evdokimov Stanislav Aleksandrovich , Gagloyev Georgy Georgievich , Novoselov Aleksandr Vadimovich , Ramazanov Aynur Ravisovich , Attia Mohamed Samir , Zvyagin Vasiliy Fedorovich , Nabiullin Renat Ildusovich , Khamidullin Denis Radikovich
Published: October 2020

Managed Pressure Drilling technology became popular and widespread in Western countries in the early 2000s and has long been successfully used for drilling complex wells onshore and offshore projects (for example in the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico and etc.) In Russia this technology has found its application relatively recently and still has never been used for offshore drilling.

This article describes the results of the first MPD offshore application in Russia for drilling an HTHP exploration well in the Caspian Sea. A fully automated MPD set with early kick detection system (EKD) and back pressure pump (BPP) was applied, allowing to control pressure and drilling fluid outflow besides drilling, during connections. The drilling conducted using reduced mud weight in «near balanced» conditions, which compared to conventional strategy sufficiently reduced formation overbalance and losses risk as well.

Specialized MPD tests used to determine formation and fracturing pressure limit in uncertainty geological conditions, optimizing core sampling drilling and mud roll-over strategy.
Well Placement Helps to Manage Large Structural Uncertainty While Drilling a Horizontal Well in S Nurzhanov Field, Show Case from Kazakhstan
Authors: Adilbekov Kairat , Kozov Kairat , Mukanov Erlan , Chzhen Igor , Karychev Yakov , Nevzorov Ruslan , Makhambetov Aman , Ospanov Dastan , Shozhikov Daulet , Lukpanov Akimzhan , Medvedev Maxim , Alexeev Konstantin
Published: October 2020

When drilling horizontal wells, geological uncertainties have a much greater effect on the fulfillment of geological tasks than when drilling vertical wells. The combination of the classic geosteering methodology, complemented using logging while drilling (LWD) technologies, and rotary steerable systems, allows you to quickly make decisions on changing the well trajectory to optimize the entry into the target formation. During subsequent drilling within the target formation, the use of multilayer mapping technology in conjunction with an extended LWD and RSS system - helps to more accurately adjust the position of the horizontal section in the reservoir, thereby increasing the rate of reservoir penetration

This article describes the effectiveness of the geosteering service to reduce structural uncertainties of landing of the transport section and while placing a horizontal section in the productive part of the S. Nurzhanov field. Structural uncertainties were mainly caused by the proximity of the regional fault to the horizontal section and the variability in the thickness of the target intervals in the offset wells.

The provided geosteering service made it possible to complete all the tasks set for drilling the horizontal section, preventing the exit from going beyond the target zone and avoiding the unwanted approach of the wellbore to the unproductive rocks lying within its boundaries.
Re-Visiting the Project Risk Management Framework and Adapting it for the Kazakh Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Syzdykov Murat , Seitimov Talgat , Baibussinova Zhanar
Published: October 2020

Risk management has become of the utmost importance in the industrial world as it provides a common ground between opportunities and risks by addressing project uncertainties. In addition, inadequate risk quantification and management have a significant impact on the decision-making outcome and the success of the project. The aim of this research is to review existing literature on risk management, evaluate and rank selected resource-related risks, and propose a framework for the Kazakh oil and gas industry.

Traditional risk assessment considers risks from two perspectives: the probability of occurrence and possible consequences of a risk event. These two indicators are further multiplied to estimate the risk index. This research followed the same method, but took into account the preliminary qualitative step of correctly evaluating likelihood and effect of risks. We designed a questionnaire of 15 factors, divided into equipment, labor, materials and exogenous categories. The survey was then distributed to project engineers and management professionals working in the local oil and gas industry.

Price fluctuations, delays in delivery of materials, change orders, slow mobilization of equipment and its failures are identified as the most serious risks. These factors are also indicated the greatest in separate probability and impact rankings. Moreover, research findings demonstrate that the likelihood of occurrence of incompetent labor and equipment shortage is closely correlated with their possible consequences at statistically significant level using the Pearson test. Change orders and price volatility have once confirmed their importance. Finally, respondents described the amount of contingency as an indicator of a risk mitigation strategy.

The suggested framework is practical for the industry and increases the chances of success of oil and gas projects in Kazakhstan and the entire region. Complex projects have a high level of technological, organizational, and informational challenges and uncertainties and are heavily resource-dependent. The combination of experts, decision-makers, and stakeholders’ judgments and statistical interpretation tools provides additional insights into the nature of risks. This study sheds light on such an important topic and improves current risk management practices.
Wastes Injection Projects in North Caspian Sea Area
Authors: Galiyeva Gulnara , Gaz Ivan , Francia Luigi , Kuanyshkaliyeva Maigul , Yeskaliyev Nursultan
Published: October 2020

Wastes injection when implemented correctly allows reducing environmental impact and in many cases reducing projects costs. However, often such projects suffer the support from regulators, local communities as well as have little interest from technical professionals. The goal of the paper is to reduce the fear of wastes injection by sharing the acquired experience on waste injection project challenges and opportunities.

The paper describes subsurface aspects of wastes injection projects in stages of feasibility and implementation, performed by operator for the offshore area in North Caspian Sea and onshore area in western part of Kazakhstan.

The operator investigated several wastes injection opportunities in different time. Drill cuttings injection (DCI) was studied for two locations in the past and a pilot DCI project was successfully implemented in 2013-2014. Wastewater injection possibilities were studied for onshore locations for water injection from processing facilities. Currently the operator is pursuing the project, which will allow using a DCI well for the injection of wastewaters generated offshore.
Naval Architectural Challenges in Kashagan Oil Field Development
Authors: Putorti Emanuele , Cuomo Giovanni , Bridges Robert
Published: October 2020

In the early 2000, a consortium of Oil and Gas Companies operating the Kashagan, a super-giant oil field located in the North East of Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan area, embraced the challenge of maritime transportation in ultra-shallow waters, combined with a 5-months ice season per year and the potential risk of exposure to sour gas as a result of a blowout. The paper will present the ad hoc solution studied, tested and implemented for the first time in the naval architecture literature.

A fleet of bespoke vessels was designed, model tested in the ice tanks of internationally recognized research centers, constructed and successfully tested in real scale in the field. For such vessels, unique of their type, Classification Societies were involved through all project stages, in order to comprehend these new technical characteristics, thus issue a new set of Class Rules accordingly. A multidisciplinary activity of reverse engineering was performed, involving Environmental, Metocean, Ice Engineering and Naval Architecture teams, starting from the probabilistic forecasted of the ice thickness, its temperature and corresponding actual tensile strength. Vessels structure and propulsion power were dimensioned as a direct consequence of that, allowed to achieve minimum weight, hence minimum draft.

Such approach resulted in the construction of 2 highly specialized prototypes: the Mangystau, an ultra-shallow ice breaker for marine logistics supply chain, capable to break up to 1m level ice and navigate at 2.5m draft, as well as and the IBEEV, Ice Breaking Emergency Evacuation Vessel, intended to execute the task of EER - Emergency Evacuation Response, capable to rescue up to 340 people in ice infested waters, with the presence of an H2S toxic gas cloud. These pioneering vessels continue to support the development of the Kashagan oil field today.

The novelty of the above is mainly constituted by the nonstandard approach to the problem, exploring for a new way to apply technology rather than applying an existing one, which resulted in the realization of vessel prototypes and the publication of new set of Class Rules.