bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Radio Frequency Heating Pattern of Heavy Oil Reservoir Based on Multi-Antenna Configuration
Authors: Wang Zhengxu , Gao Deli , Liu Kui , Tan Teichuan , Wang Zhiyue , Li Wenlong
Published: December 2018

Compared with other electrical heating processes, RF heating has the advantages of volumetric heating, therefore it has great development potential in extracting heavy oil resources. Because the EM waves used to heat reservoir are mainly derived from RF antennas, it is necessary to determine the multi-antennas layout in the horizontal wellbore to maximize the thermal energy dissipation in a single reservoir layer with uneven thickness, and minimize the extra heat loss in non-reservoir.

In this work, the combination of three antenna arrays is considered during RF heating process, and the effects of their distance and operating parameters (voltage, and frequency) on heating patterns are analyzed. In addition, in order to achieve the purpose of heating reservoir at the expense of the least amount of electrical energy, the heating efficiencies of the antenna arrays with equal and different spacing are compared. At last the mathematical model used to describe RF heating process is solved by COMSOL to obtain the reservoir temperature profiles.

Simulation results indicates that the frequency and voltage applied to each dipole antenna have a contribution to the heating pattern, including heating range and direction. With the increasing antenna array spacing, the heating range expands, but the maximum reservoir temperature declines. In addition, the temperature distributions in the perpendicular bisectors of any two adjacent antennas trend to gradually diminish with the increasing spacing. Gradually increasing antenna spacing will also weaken the temperature accumulation effect at the center of the reservoir. When the single reservoir layer with different thicknesses is heated, the maximum heating efficiency is 0.73 in the condition of the antenna configuration with the same spacing. Whereas, the efficiency is up to 0.88 if the optimized spacing is adopted. Results indicate that the heating mode can be governed by optimizing the heating distance, as well as selecting the appropriate operating parameters.

The determination of RF heating pattern can provide the solutions for the placement of multiple antennas in horizontal boreholes. Ultimately, the extra energy waste is avoided and the maximum heating efficiency is accomplished.
The Role of Big Data Analytics in Exploration and Production: A Review of Benefits and Applications
Authors: Noshi Christine I. , Assem Ahmed I. , Schubert Jerome J.
Published: December 2018

Due to the decrease in commodity prices in a constantly dynamic environment, there has been a constant urge to maximize benefits and attain value from limited resources. Traditional empirical and numerical simulation techniques have failed to provide comprehensive optimized solutions in little time. Coupled with the immense volumes of data generated on a daily basis, a solution to tackle industry challenges became imminent. Various expert opinion fraught with bias has posed extra challenges to obtain timely cost-effective solutions. Data Analytics has provided substantial contributions in several sectors. However, its value has not been captured in the Oil and Gas industry.

This paper presents a review of various Machine Learning applications in exploration, completions, production operations to date. An overview of data-driven workflows in the fields of electric submersible pump (ESP) failure and shutdown prediction, reservoir databases’ analysis, reduction of subsurface uncertainty, EOR decisions using scarce data, improved oil recovery estimation, production impact assessment, horizontal completion, fracturing techniques, production optimization in unconventional reservoirs, production management, and field surveillance, is presented.

The review attempts to shed light on the benefits and applications of multiple challenges faced on a daily basis by scientists, field personnel, and engineers to help solve and optimize the industry's multi-faceted data-intense challenges.
In Situ Heavy Oil Upgrading by Electric Enhanced Oil Recovery, Complex Carbonate Heavy Oil Field Case
Authors: Keglevic Kresimir
Published: December 2018

This paper describes novel electrochemistry based in situ heavy crude oil upgrading technology and also field case and results of In Situ Oil Upgrading from Visoke Heavy Oil Field, Albania, produced oil changing chemical composition results, as well as gains in crude oil production and reducing water cut.

EOR technologies such as various thermal methods, CO2 flooding and chemical floods have gained increased interest due to the decreasing number of new-field discoveries, increasing number of maturing fields and higher oil price.

Among the emerging EOR technologies, electro chemical Electric Enhanced Oil Recovery is the new generation of tertiary oil recovery enhanced by electro kinetics (electro osmosis) and electro chemistry.

By tailored application of direct current on hydrocarbon reservoir between two wells, which serve as anode (+) and cathode (-), usually several fold oil production increase is achieved at cathode well, while production at anode well, if production well serves as anode, stays as before or slightly increased.

Method, if anode and cathode wells are cased and perforated, does not require any work over for field application, just connecting control panel with power source (3 phase 380 V, 18 A, 50 or 60 Hz) and electrically connecting control panel with well heads (casing or tubing) which previously should be electrically insulated by insertion of resistive tube in production line.
Application of Data Analytics to Improve Drilling Performance and Manage Drill Stem Vibrations
Authors: Al Dushaishi Mohammed , Hellvik Svein , Aladasani Ahmad , Alsaba Mortadha , Okasha Qutaiba
Published: December 2018

Data mining and Artificial Intelligence (AI) methodologies are underdeveloped in the oil and gas industry, despite the need to improve drilling performance and remain globally competitive in all capital-intensive projects.

Drilling companies allocate significant resources to improve well planning, drilling schedules and rig management. Well planning comprises of two main elements; drilling performance and the reduction of drill stem vibrations. Therefore, modeling methodologies such as drill string statics, dynamic tools and rate of penetration modeling are applied to determine the optimum bottom hole assembly (BHA) components and drill bit design. However, more attention is required on drill stem fatigue, non-productive time (NPT) and their impacts on drilling operations.

In this paper, Data Analytics (DA) is applied to drilling logs taken from three wells that recorded vibration readings from different geological stratification. In turn, the work in this paper establishes a relationship between drill stem vibrations and various measurement and logging data while drilling. Statistical regression and multivariate analysis were used to examine correlations of drilling parameters, including BHA assembly, to vibration data. Therefore, the results include a composite vibration model that describes the drilling stem vibration behavior as a function of drilling parameters, and geological formations.

Results of the vibration models built in this study indicate that the drill stem lateral vibration behaves parabolically as a function of the drill pipe length, length of drill collar, gamma ray (GR) response, and weight on bit (WOB). The analysis of drill stem vibration effect on the mechanical specific energy (MSE) was inconclusive for depths below 1350 meters. However, for depths above 1350 meters a strong correlation was observed to ROP.
Enhancing Safety Culture through Changing the Mindset : Business Partners' HSE Performance: Practical Evaluation, Benchmarking & Path to Improvement
Authors: Al-Qallaf Yousef , Al-Azmi Abdulla , Adivi Bala Siva , Al-Harbi Musaed , Devaraj Christopher
Published: December 2018

Achieving excellent HSE performance is one of the main objectives of any industry, especially by High Hazard or Major Accident Hazardous (MAH) industries. Considering various national and global market demands, Oil & Gas industry must be ready to embark on challenging scenarios. To ensure such challenges are successfully addressed, the role of business partners (Business Partners) is very much vital and important as many projects are to be executed to achieve the set objects/targets safely.

In many organizations, HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) or HSSE (Health, Safety, Security and Environment) has been considered as one of the strategic objectives. In order to achieve such objectives, moving together with Business Partners (Contractors) bring lot of importance. In addition, this makes organizations to uphold a safe work environment at the work sites that demands and expects collaboration and support from the Business Partners who are on board as well as who will be on board with the respective organizations.

Considering the dynamic challenges, achieving and sustaining excellent HSE performance is very essential, specifically in High or Major Accident Hazardous (MAH) industries such as Oil & Gas. Such industry who is having Business Partners from various countries, having multi-nationals as work force gives challenge to ensure Organization's HSE expectations are understood and implemented.
Thru-Tubing Conveyed Rigless ESP Technology: A 20-Year Case History of Wireline Retrievable ESPs.
Authors: Patterson John , Dornan Grant , Targac Gary , Malone David , Cheblak Samer , Julian Jennifer , Walker Matthew
Published: December 2018

Electrical submersible pump (ESP) technology is a proven artificial lift method for shallow, low pressure reservoirs like those found in the West Sak viscous oil field in Alaska. However, the unconsolidated nature of the West Sak sands challenges the long-term lifting performance and reliability of conventional ESP systems due to sand production. This challenging environment causes ESP pump erosion and accumulation of sand in the tubing above the pump and in the lower completion below the ESP.

This paper presents a 20-year case study of the of the world’s largest, longest-running population of thru-tubing conveyed (rigless) electric submersible pumps. Conventional ESP’s require a rig to replace a pump or motor when either fails. In "rigless" systems, some of the components (pump only for Generation 1, and pump, seal, and motor for Generation 2) can be pulled and replaced using slickline (SL), coiled tubing (CT), or tractor, depending on wellbore deviation. Generation 2 systems consist of a downhole side pocket mandrel (or docking station) with a wet-connect attached to the electric cable and deployed on 4-1/2" or larger tubing. Not only do these systems allow both the pump, seal, and motor to be retrieved without a rig, they have the significant advantage of allowing 3.80" fullbore access below the pump setting depth without pulling tubing. This allows non-rig interventions such as reperforating, production profiles, CT cleanouts, CT drilling etc. to be performed after the pump, seal, and motor are pulled with conventional SL or CT. Once the desired intervention has been completed, the pump, seal, and motor can be redeployed with SL — wet-connecting to the downhole side pocket mandrel. A well with a conventional ESP would require pulling the tubing with a rig prior to and reinstalling the tubing following any well intervention below the pump setting depth. "Rigless" technology has significantly increased production uptime and reduced the cost of ESP interventions in these wells.

The case study includes the analysis of the two generations of rigless ESP systems, quantifying the success rate in varying conditions in over 300 rigless ESP replacements in a high sand, high deviation environment on Alaska’s North Slope.
Evaluating the Performance of CO2 Foam and CO2 Polymer Enhanced Foam for Heavy Oil Recovery: Laboratory Experiments in Unconsolidated and Consolidated Porous Media
Authors: Telmadarreie Ali , Trivedi Japan J
Published: December 2018

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) from heavy oil reservoirs is challenging. The higher viscosity of oil in such reservoirs, add more challenges and severe the difficulties during any EOR method (i.e. high mobility ratio, inadequate sweep, reservoir heterogeneity) compared to that of EOR from light oil reservoirs. Foam has gained interest as one of the EOR methods especially for challenging and heterogeneous reservoirs containing light oil. However, the foam and especially polymer enhanced foam (PEF) potential for heavy oil recovery is less studied.

The current study aims to evaluate the performance of CO2 foam and CO2 PEF during heavy oil recovery from both unconsolidated (i.e. sandpack) and consolidate (rock sample) porous media with the help of fluid flow experiments. The injection pressure profile, oil recovery, and CO2 gas production were monitored and recorded to analyze and compare the performance of CO2 foam and PEF for heavy oil recovery. A visual sandpack made of glass column and a core-flood system capable of measuring the pressure at different sections of the core were used in this study. Homogenous and fractured sandstone core samples, as well as a fractured carbonate core sample, were selected for the core-flood study.

Static stability results revealed slower liquid drainage and collapse rates for PEF compared to that of foam even in the presence of heavy crude oil. The addition of polymer significantly improved the performance of CO2 foam flooding during heavy oil recovery in dynamic experiments. This result was inferred from faster propagation rate, higher dynamic stability, and higher oil recovery of CO2 PEF over CO2 foam injection. Moreover, the visual analysis demonstrated more stable frontal displacement and higher sweep efficiency of PEF compared to the conventional foam flooding. In the fractured porous media, additional heavy oil recovery was obtained by liquid diversion into the matrix area rather than gas diversion inferred from pressure profile and gas production data.

The results obtained from this study show that CO2 PEF could significantly improve the heavy oil recovery and CO2 sequestration, especially in homogeneous porous media.
Balancing Sub-Surface Needs, Surface Planning and Reduction in Operational Cost for Placement of Observation Wells in a Kuwait Heavy Oil Field
Authors: Benham Philip , Zhang Ian , Freeman Mike , Choudhary Pradeep , Montero Jacobo , Spring Laurent , Warrlich Georg , Shen Chonghui , Ahmad Khalid , Ren Zubiao , Al-Dohaeim Khalid , Al-Rabah Abdullah
Published: December 2018

As KOC prepares for production ramp up in a North Kuwait Heavy Oil field, one key for cost efficient development is in optimizing information from observation wells. Given multiple objectives for data collection and restrictions due to dense well spacing and surface infrastructure, it is critical to apply an efficient methodology for the selection of observation well locations. This paper describes the interplay between subsurface needs and urban planning in decisions for placement of observation wells to reduce operational costs, enforce effective field development planning and ensure robust production levels.

The observation well location selection protocol in a heavy-oil steam development requires initial focus on identifying the key subsurface parameters and risks including cap-rock integrity, role of baffles in steam conformance, gas caps, aquifer influx as well as development decisions like adequate well spacing to apply micro-seismic, e.g. Key parameters were mapped and rated with a "traffic-light" approach to distill the diverse datasets into manageable form. Next, different observation well location strategies (evenly distributed, clustered and blended) were assessed and locations (driven by subsurface objectives) were chosen. Finally these locations were reconciled against the surface restrictions, HSSE and operational constraints to determine the final program.

A successful observation well strategy will have:

– Good subsurface models capturing heterogeneities in order to predict production performance – Sufficient well number and thorough reservoir architecture characterization underpinning well placement – Robust data collection plan (including production data) – Proper staff resources applied to monitor and QC the data – Up-to-date and accessible data-base, that can be interactively interrogated – Cross-discipline integration, regular data reviews and alignment with urban planning

The inherent value in observation wells is optimized by defining key objectives with broad across discipline engagement, aligning data collection objectives and engaging urban planning and field development with sufficient lead time. This collaborative approach reduces costs for KOC by avoiding rework, missed data collection opportunities or missed value adds if options such as conversion of observers to producers are not considered.
Process Safety Management Challenges in Heavy Oil Production
Authors: Ketavarapu Sridhar Raju , Sawlikar Vishal , Qabazard Ahmad
Published: December 2018

The complexity of the production from Heavy Oil Field increases many folds during the lifecycle of the field. The inclusion of Process Safety Management (PSM) from concepts of the project adds value; however, the uncertainty can be very canny as the parameters keep varying over each production cycle.

A large field development and the operation during the lifecycle should be harmonious; it is supported by PSM and Barrier Management which plays a vital role in preparing and guiding towards a holistic Risk Management.

Technical Safety Studies can be challenging as scenarios keep changing on every production cycles and each of the uncertainty has to be compounded with different iterative simulations. They shall as minimum include H2S, Thermal expansions and possible thermal releases, corrosion rates, flow parameters and monitoring.

The challenges has been addressed based on KOC's understanding of the risk, the Pilot Project experience. The significant barriers and process safety challenges had been incorporated during the engineering stages of the large field production design. A set of barriers has been identified to ensure a smooth operation during the entire life cycle.

The Heavy Oil Operations is yet to commence but the simulated model has been showing a satisfactory result considering the Accidents, lessons learnt from incidents world over, brainstorming from Industry experts and consultants from all relevant domains.

The study has resulted in the identifying the various process and non-process (including human factor aspects).

These barriers identified and its impact shall benefit in creating a basket of barriers to easily choose on a similar project. Further the studies concluded resulted in barrier of mitigation and controls incorporated in the project and highlighted in the operational manuals

The novelty of the understanding of the Challenges, risk management, Barriers Controls and Mitigation by creating a Basket of Issues that can be included in complex Heavy Oil Operations project by ensuring large coverage of Process Safety Activity.
Optimization of a Thermochemical Recovery Process Using Global Optimization Methods to Enhance Heavy Oil Recovery
Authors: Moussa Tamer , Mahmoud Mohamed , Patil Shirish , Elkatatny Salaheldin , Abdelgawad Khaled
Published: December 2018

Thermal recovery methods are viable and commonly used to recover heavy oil reservoirs by reducing oil viscosity and improving oil displacement. However, there are many challenges associated with conventional steam injection methods. These challenges include the significant heat energy losses before steam reaches the reservoir, the high cost of steam generation and injection, as well as the emission of greenhouse gases. Therefore, it is essential to introduce a heavy oil recovery approach in which steam can be generated downhole to overcome these challenges associated with conventional steam injection methods. However, this novel heavy-oil recovery method has several designs and operational parameters that must be efficiently optimized, to achieve maximum recovery from heavy-oil reservoirs with less cost and minimum environmental impact.

The objective of this work is to introduce a novel heavy-oil recovery technique using in-situ steam generated by downhole thermochemical reactions and investigate the key design and operational parameters of this complex recovery process. Modified self-adaptive differential evolution (MSaDE) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) methods are used in this work as global optimizer to find the optimum design and operation parameters to achieve the maximum net present value (NPV) and highest oil recovery (RF) of a heavy-oil reservoir after ten years of development. Comparison of the two proposed optimization methods is introduced as well.

The results show that downhole thermochemical reactions can be used to generate in-situ steam, to efficiently reduce the heavy-oil viscosity and improve oil mobility. It has also shown that utilizing MSaDE and PSO methods to optimize the key components of this novel recovery process, significantly enhanced the recovery performance, in terms of higher NPV and RF.

This study provides the first known in-depth optimization and uncertainty analysis to outline the significance of each design and operation parameter of the proposed novel thermochemical recovery process. This work showed and verified the concept of using downhole thermochemical reactions as an environmental-friendly solution to recover oil from heavy-oil reservoirs and is considered as a step forward to eliminate the greenhouse gases emission related to thermal recovery methods.
Identification of Field-Wide Well Performance Enhancement Strategies in a Heavy Oil Field in Northern Kuwait Using Parametric Analysis Techniques
Authors: Garcia Jose Gregorio , Kharghoria Arun , Al-Rabah Abdullah Abdul , Montero Jacobo
Published: December 2018

Production in a green, heavy oil field in Northern Kuwait with limited production history is in a fast track delivery to increase production in the short term. A fast but insightful evaluation was required to identify field-wide productivity enhancement opportunities needed to increase oil production. A parametric analysis methodology was applied to a "typical well" to first obtain the factors that limit the well's production thorough understanding of the overall well potential, to finaly identify inflow and outflow enhancement opportunities.

Nodal analysis based on Darcy inflow model was utilized and multiple sensitivities were run for parameters prevoisuly identified. The parameters were expanded in value considering possible technical solutions applicable but not limited to: completion and perforation design, artificial lift performance and surface equipment, in order to determine technical limits applicable for each parameter using a combination of proven and novel technologies.

The parametric analysis helped to identify inflow and outflow enhancement opportunities (from the sand face to the separator), including but not limited to: well stimulation, re-perforation, pump efficiency and back pressure reduction. The range of the theoretical oil rate improvement identified from the analysis was from 20 to 50%. Based on the model results, additional resources were alloactred for a more detailed validation and study work using simulation. The parametric modeling approach was subsequently crosschecked on individual well reviews, where detailed inflow and outflow evaluations were conducted resulting in good agreement in terms of value in production gains.

The applied methodology showed to be a valid and fast track approach, readily to identify field-wide production issues and opportunities, particularly at the start of field production. The results obtained from this study provide a comprehensive approach to understand how well design, engineering decisions and field operational practices will impact well productivity. The methodology can be easily replicated by engineers in similar fields.
Doing the Right Things…Taking Risk Management to the Next Level: Managing H2S Risks in Heavy Oil Facilities in Kuwait Oil Company
Authors: Al-Qallaf Yousef , Qabazard Ahmad , Chakrapani Ravi , Devaraj Christopher
Published: December 2018

""A challenge only becomes an obstacle when you bow to it — Ray A. Davis". The development of heavy oil resources at North Kuwait Fields is an important strategic project for Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). With the target of reaching 4 million barrels per day (MBPD) production capacity by the year 2020, KOC is expected to produce 900,000 BPD of heavy oil by the year 2020. However, while cruising towards this ambitious target, KOC is also facing some unique HSE challenges - risk of exposure to high concentration of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) especially in the Heavy Oil Fields. The objective of this paper is to present KOC's strategies in the management of H2S in heavy oil drilling and processing activities.

Various controls including access control, mandatory H2S Awareness and Escape training courses for personnel, provision of fixed and portable H2S detectors, facility alarms, emergency planning, PPEs including respiratory protective equipment, work permits etc. are strictly implemented across the Facilities. All personnel working in heavy oil Facilities are trained for emergency to ensure that they react to protect themselves (and others) in the event of an H2S release incident.

This paper introduces some practical strategies adopted in KOC to handle H2S hazards, which have contributed in effective management of the associated risks in "sour gas handling in heavy oil drilling and process plants". It is expected that this paper will initiate further consideration and new measures/ways to enhance H2S risk management and thereby significantly reduce the occurrence of losses to personnel, environment, asset and reputation. From our experience, we feel that the effectiveness of the overall H2S risk management can be ensured by establishing a structured system consisting of proper identification of the hazards, assessment of risk, identification of control measures to contain the risks at ALARP level and dissemination of information amongst the workforce.
Experimental Investigation of Nanoparticles/Polymer Enhanced CO2- Foam in the Presence of Hydrocarbon at High-Temperature Conditions
Authors: Bashir Ahmed , Sharifi Haddad Amin , Rafati Roozbeh
Published: December 2018

This study, aims to investigate the effect of nanoparticles/polymer on CO2-foam stability and foamability of Alpha Olefin Sulfonate, AOS at high temperature and salinity conditions. Moreover, the effect of extra hydrocarbon phase on foam stability at high temperature and salinity conditions is studied. Static CO2-foam experiments were conducted according to ASTM: D3601 standard method for bulk foam stability in aqueous media, to analyse the foam half-life and its real time stability with nanoparticles and polymer at high temperature and salinity conditions in the presence of hydrocarbons. The average bubbles size distribution and foam texture were analysed using an Olympus stereo microscope SZX100 equipped with 5 mp camera.

The results show that the CO2-foam stability enhanced with increasing nanoparticles/polymer concentrations up to threshold values. The optimum concentrations to achieve the maximum stability were 0.2 wt% and 0.3 wt% for silica and xanthan gum, respectively.

In order to understand the performance of the optimum foam composition in presence of extra hydrocarbon phase at reservoir condition, foam then brought into contact with a North Sea oil sample. The results shown that the foam stability was not changed when oil saturation increase up to 3.0 vol%, but was completely deteriorated when the concentration reaches 40.0 vol%.

This study suggests that optimum concentrations of nanoparticles and polymer at a high temperature and salinity conditions should be determined before the design of any foam-based enhanced oil recovery process.
Seismic Facies Classification and Rock Typing to Better Understand Heavy Oil Reservoirs: A Case Study from North Kuwait
Authors: Moubarak Hesham , Al-Rashid Tasneem , Ren Zubiao
Published: December 2018

This paper describes seismic attributes approaches and rock typing in channelized reservoirs of North Kuwait. Seismic facies with a range of frequencies from 10 - 50 Hz, along with four other attributes: semblance, RMS frequency, instantaneous phase, relative acoustic impedance and RMS amplitude of shallow upper Cretaceous channelized system are calculated and the channel infill and overbank deposits are represented in maps. Five classes are used and found to be sufficient in the unsupervised classification method. The seismic facies classification was matched against the above-mentioned four attributes and found to correspond to them. The major channel components are illustrated with the figure 1. Additionally, the seismic facies classification workflow is summarized in figure 4. Results of seismic facies classification using Neuronal classification and log-based rock typing are illustrated in figures 11, 12, 13 & 21. The lessons learned from the use of different seismic attributes and rock typing in such heavy oil reservoirs are discussed.

Steam injections in shallow heavy oil targets come with a risk of breaching the thin cap shale sealing layer and not fully understanding the thickness and continuity of shale barriers within the reservoirs. This paper presents an investigation to mitigate those risks through different seismic attributes and rock typing for shallow Tertiary and Cretaceous reservoirs in North Kuwait which extended to a deeper heavy oil targets in neighboring fields. This work that studies all the key risk elements in such heavy oil reservoirs mitigates the drilling and steam injection risks of heavy oil field development. Those who utilize seismic data to map heterogeneities must realize that the changes we observe in our seismic events can be due to one of the following items: depositional environments, sweet spots, stratigraphic features, lithology, petrophysical properties such as porosity or fluid or clay content, geohazards, etc.

From a previous study presented this year at Geo 2018 for Tertiary targets, we concluded that Simultaneous geostatistical inversion (SGI) added much value in terms of delineating the shale barriers and enhancing resolution, in addition to estimating effective porosity for well releases.
Comments on a state-operator correspondence for the torus
Authors: Belin Alexandre , de Boer Jan , Kruthoff Jorrit
Published: December 2018

We investigate the existence of a state-operator correspondence on
the torus. This correspondence would relate states of the CFT Hilbert
space living on a spatial torus to the path integral over compact
Euclidean manifolds with operator insertions. Unlike the states on the
sphere that are associated to local operators, we argue that those on
the torus would more naturally be associated to line operators. We find
evidence that such a correspondence cannot exist and in particular, we
argue that no compact Euclidean path integral can produce the vacuum on
the torus. Our arguments come solely from field theory and formulate a
CFT version of the Horowitz-Myers conjecture for the AdS soliton.
EDMUND “NTEMI” PILISO JAZZING THROUGH DEFEAT AND TRIUMPH: AN INTERVIEW by
Authors: Ballantine Christopher
Published: December 2018

Associated with the local swing style usually described as African jazz, Edmund “Ntemi” Piliso was one of the most highly regarded, frequently recorded, extensively consulted and best known South African musicians of the twentieth century. Renowned for his deep knowledge of the urban black South African popular music of his time, as well as for his reflexively intelligent insights into its relationship with mainstream international jazz, he is perhaps more appropriately thought of as an “organic intellectual” of his time, place, and musical culture. The article introduces Piliso and then presents a wide-ranging interview dealing with his life and work. Piliso recounts this history, offering numerous insights into many of the key social, political, and musical developments of his time.
Clogging limitation of nitrifying biofilters: BiostyrDuo® process study
Authors: Rocher Vincent , Mailler Romain , Mèche Perrine , Pichon Sébastien , Bernier Jean , Guérin Sabrina , Ferro Olivier , Augé Anthony , Boursaud Lina , Bord Geneviève , Bulteau Jean-François , Azimi Sam
Published: December 2018

The biological conventional removal of nitrogen is achieved through nitrification and denitrification steps using several types of technologies, including fixed-film reactors. This type of technology allows the nitrifying bacteria to grow on a media that remains inside the reactor. This process requires tight control and is known to progressively clog during treatment as the filtered particles accumulate and biofilm grows on the media. Thus, clogging management is generally considered as a key factor in biofiltration. So, increasing the filtration time and reducing the number of backwashes are possible ways of achieving a more efficient nitrification step. The objective of the work presented here is to verify the influence of a media, named K5, added to the Biostyr® beads inside a biofilter. With a greater density than Biostyr® beads, this media stays at the bottom of the biofilter and improves operating conditions, reducing both the headloss during filtration time and the number of backwashes. The addition of such media in biofilters may reduce significantly the energy consumption of the process and the risk of hydraulic short-circuiting while limiting biofilter clogging.
Towards a sustainable city: planning the fulfilment of urban fresh water needs of Depok in both dry and rainy seasons
Authors: Herdiansyah Herdis , Putra Gede Aswin Yoga
Published: December 2018

Population growth over recent years in Depok has increased demand for fresh water for daily necessities. These necessities include the fresh water required by both settlements and commercial operations. The purpose of this study is to analyse the demand for fresh water created by the population growth of Depok in realising its development as a sustainable city. This study uses a quantitative approach presented through narrative analysis. In 2016, the average water requirement of Depok's population of 2,180,000 people was 3,070 litres/second in the dry season and 5,983 litres/second in the rainy season. Population projections for 2030 suggest that the population of Depok will have increased to 3,543,101 people, and that the average water requirement will then be 4,990 litres/second in the dry season and 9,724 litres/second in the rainy season. Planning alternatives proposed to meet these needs include improving the evaluation of freshwater production capacity and developing freshwater supply systems. Thus, it expected that the projected freshwater needs of Depok in 2030 can be fulfilled. This expectation can be managed and achieved through participation by society and government. However, obstacles are still faced, mainly due to more recent cultural attitudes towards using water.
Development of treatment media for advanced stormwater treatment at an industrial site
Authors: Pitt R. E. , Clark S. E. , Steets B.
Published: December 2018

The Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) occupies about 2,850 acres and is located in Ventura County, California. The site is jointly owned by the Boeing Company and the federal government (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration administers the federal portion of the property). Much of the site was historically used as a rocket engine testing and energy research facility from 1949 to 1998. The site stormwater discharges are permitted by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board through an individual industrial NPDES permit that includes numeric effluent limits for a wide range of constituents, including dioxins and metals. A large portion of the site uses distributed source stormwater controls with natural treatment systems utilizing chemically active media. As part of this approach, extensive research was conducted to develop a robust media for use in these controls to meet the discharge objectives. This paper describes the development of the media and its characteristics.
Going real time in water conservation – the Singapore experience
Authors: Wong W. C. , Ng H. T. , Chan Roland , Evain Benjamin , Ang Huiling
Published: December 2018

Traditional, mandatory water efficiency requirements such as maximum allowable flow rates for taps and showers, as well as water efficiency labelling for water fittings and appliances (taps, mixers, dual flush low capacity water closets (LCWCs), urinals and urinal flush valves, and washing machines) have helped achieve remarkable reductions in per capita household consumption over the years. To further boost domestic sector water conservation efforts in line with the vision for a Smart Nation where people are empowered by technology to improve living, PUB will seek to gain a deeper understanding of household water use patterns and habits, as well as what motivates water-saving behaviours. This will enable programmes to be designed and implemented in a more targeted manner. This paper shares the key findings and experiences from two projects – the Smart Shower Programme and the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) WaterGoWhere Project – whereby smart devices provide the technological means of modifying user attention to achieve greater water conservation.
Improving flood monitoring in rural areas using remote sensing
Authors: Ghofrani Zahra , Sposito Victor , Faggian Robert
Published: December 2018

Precise information on the extent of inundated land is required for flood monitoring, relief, and protective measures. In this paper, two spectral indices, Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), were used to identify inundated areas during heavy rainfall events in the Tarwin catchment, Victoria, Australia, using Landsat-8 OLI imagery. By integrating the assessed condition of levees, this research also explains the inefficiency of the flood control measures of this region of Australia. NDWI and MNDWI indices performed well, but water features were enhanced better in the NDWI-derived image, with an accuracy of 96.04% and Kappa coefficient of 0.83.
Mérnöki térszemlélet és térgeometria – Kutatási tapasztalatok 1.
Authors: Nagyné Kondor Rita
Published: December 2018

A mérnöki tudományok tanulásában és oktatásában rendkívül fontos szerepet játszanak a megfelelő szintű téri képességek. Kutatások szerint a térszemlélet szoros kapcsolatot mutat a természettudomány, a technológia, a mérnöktudomány és a matematikai készségek fejlődési szintjével. Számos mérnökhallgatónak gondot okoz a térgeometriai feladatok megoldása, emiatt lényeges a térszemlélet fejlesztése. Foglalkozásunkon az általunk e célra fejlesztett eszközökkel, feladatokkal történik e téri képességek fejlesztése.
Elementos da fenomenologia como uma das possibilidades de compreender o jogo como um movimento humano significativo
Authors: Cunha António Camilo Teles Nascimento , Surdi Aguinaldo Cesar , Marques Danieli Alves Pereira , Kunz Elenor , Moreira Evando Carlos
Published: December 2018

O presente ensaio tem como objetivo refletir sobre o Jogo como uma das dimensões do lúdico - a par do brincar e do competir. A reflexão vai fazer o elogio ao Jogo como um fim em si mesmo, contrariando a ideia do Jogo como um meio, um instrumento ao serviço de modelos teóricos e didáticos. O Jogo é capaz de emprestar a quem joga um movimento humano significativo, fundado a partir da concepção dialógica do movimento. Neste sentido serão apresentados alguns apontamentos que tornam o Jogo como parte essencial da Educação Física (e da educação em geral) e do movimento humano significativo; dentre eles, podemos citar a subjetividade, a criatividade, o sonho, a vontade, a possibilidade, a liberdade, … como constituintes do ser humano. 

Palavras-chave: Jogo; Movimento humano significativo; Subjetividade; Lúdico.
Editorial
Authors: Moreira Maria Alfredo , Casa-Nova Maria José , Oliveira Lia Raquel
Published: December 2018

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Helix aspersa (Stylommatophora: Helicidae) plaga emergente de la manzana (Malus Spp.) en Guerrero, Chihuahua
Authors: Ruiz-Galván Isabel , Pineda-Ríos José Manuel , García-Ávila Clemente de Jesús , Bravo-Pérez Daniel , Torres-Martínez José Gustavo , Florencio-Anastasio José Guadalupe , Quezada-Salinas Andrés , Vásquez-López Isabel
Published: December 2018

El manzano es uno de los principales frutales de importancia económica para México. Se ve afectado por diferentes plagas, una de ellas el caracol común de jardín (Helix aspersa), que se alimenta de hojas y fruta en desarrollo en la localidad de Mesa Miñaca, Guerrero, Chihuahua, desde 2013. A la fecha se desconocen las causas que han favorecido la presencia y dispersión de la plaga en esa localidad.
SİSTEMATİK TASARIM YAKLAŞIMI İLE YENİ BİR ZEYTİN HASAT MAKİNESİ TASARIMI
Authors: BÖRKLÜ Hüseyin , TOP Neslihan
Published: December 2018

Anavatanı Kuzey Mezopotamya olan ve
yıllardır sofraları süsleyen zeytinin üretim maliyeti içinde hasat masrafları
önemli bir yer tutar. Merdiven ve sırık kullanılan geleneksel hasat
yöntemlerinde fazla insan işgücü ihtiyacı, işçilik maliyetleri, olumsuz hava
koşulları ve engebeli arazi olması gibi nedenler zeytin hasat işinde
makineleşmeyi gerekli kılmıştır. Hasadın makine ile yapılması, zaman ve maliyet
tasarrufu yanında zeytine de daha az zarar vererek verimin artmasını sağlar. Bu
tebliğ kapsamında ve üretici ihtiyaçları doğrultusunda yeni bir zeytin hasat
makinesinin kavramsal tasarımı yapılmıştır. Bu tasarım işlemi Pahl ve Beitz’in
sistematik tasarım yaklaşımına dayanmaktadır. İşlem; problem tanımlama, formüle
etme (fonksiyon şeması), seçenekler oluşturma ve seçim şeklindedir. Kavramsal
tasarımı yapılan makine, zeytin üreticilerinin en kısa sürede en çok verimi
almasını sağlayacaktır.
A NEW METHOD FOR EDGE DETECTION IN INTERPRETATION OF POTENTIAL FIELD DATA
Authors: PHAM Luan Thanh , DO Thanh Duc , ÖKSÜM Erdinç
Published: December 2018

In magnetic
interpretation, most existing edge detection filters have the disadvantages
that they require a reduction to the pole or pseudo-gravity transformation as a
pre-process of the magnetic data and beside this, the identified edges of deep
sources are generally diffuse and fuzzy, or cannot balance the edges of strong
and weak amplitude anomalies simultaneously. In order to overcome these
problems, we introduce a new filter, which can improve these disadvantages
effectively. The filter is based on the derivatives of the analytic signal
amplitude and the hyperbolic tangent function. The feasibility of the filter is
demonstrated on three cases of synthetic data caused by theoretical models in
variable depths and positions. The outcomes are compared with the results of
frequently used other edge detectors such as the analytical signal amplitude
and the tilt angle of the analytic signal amplitude. The results show that the
new filter can achieve better edge delineation.
Social Media Surveillance of Multiple Sclerosis Medications Used During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Content Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Rezaallah Bita , Lewis David John , Pierce Carrie , Zeilhofer Hans-Florian , Berg Britt-Isabelle
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease occurring mostly in women of childbearing age. Pregnant women with MS are usually excluded from clinical trials; as users of the internet, however, they are actively engaged in threads and forums on social media. Social media provides the potential to explore real-world patient experiences and concerns about the use of medicinal products during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the content of posts concerning pregnancy and use of medicines in online forums; thus, the study aimed to gain a thorough understanding of patients’ experiences with MS medication.

METHODS

Using the names of medicinal products as search terms, we collected posts from 21 publicly available pregnancy forums, which were accessed between March 2015 and March 2018. After the identification of relevant posts, we analyzed the content of each post using a content analysis technique and categorized the main topics that users discussed most frequently.

RESULTS

We identified 6 main topics in 70 social media posts. These topics were as follows: (1) expressing personal experiences with MS medication use during the reproductive period (55/70, 80%), (2) seeking and sharing advice about the use of medicines (52/70, 74%), (3) progression of MS during and after pregnancy (35/70, 50%), (4) discussing concerns about MS medications during the reproductive period (35/70, 50%), (5) querying the possibility of breastfeeding while taking MS medications (30/70, 42%), and (6) commenting on communications with physicians (26/70, 37%).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, many pregnant women or women considering pregnancy shared profound uncertainties and specific concerns about taking medicines during the reproductive period. There is a significant need to provide advice and guidance to MS patients concerning the use of medicines in pregnancy and postpartum as well as during breastfeeding. Advice must be tailored to the circumstances of each patient and, of course, to the individual medicine. Information must be provided by a trusted source with relevant expertise and made publicly available.
The effectiveness of the Volunteer Family Connect Program in supporting vulnerable families: A randomised controlled trial intention-to-treat analysis of primary outcome variables (Preprint)
Authors: Grace Rebekah , Baird Kelly , Elcombe Emma , Webster Vana , Barnes Jacqueline , Kemp Lynn
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Volunteer home visiting is a widely adopted community-based approach to supporting families by linking isolated or vulnerable families with community volunteers. This study seeks to robustly evaluate the effectiveness of this model of support for families with young children.

OBJECTIVE

This paper reports the intention-to-treat analysis of primary and secondary outcomes for a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the Volunteer Family Connect intervention, a volunteer home visiting program designed to support families with young children who experience social isolation or a lack of parenting confidence and skills.

METHODS

The RCT was conducted across seven sites in Australia. Overall, 341 families were recruited: 169 intervention (services as usual + volunteer home visiting) and 172 control (services as usual) families. Intervention families received the program for 3-12 months. Participants were invited to complete six data collection points over a 15-month period. Primary outcomes were community connectedness and parenting competence. Secondary outcomes included parent physical and mental health, general parent wellbeing, parent empowerment, the sustainability of family routines, and the parent-child relationship.

RESULTS

The intervention group demonstrated significant improvement compared to the control group in both of the primary outcomes. They were significantly more like to report improvements in the guidance available to them as measured by the Social Provisions Scale, a key measure of community connectedness and scores on the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale were significantly in favour of the intervention group. Intervention families also reported significantly higher wellbeing, and were significantly more likely to feel that life was improving. A number of positive trends were also evident within the findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The Volunteer Family Connect intervention was considered to be an effective intervention for improving the community connectedness and parenting competence of families with young children.

CLINICALTRIAL

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (Trial ID: ACTRN12616000396426).