bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porosity estimation at depths below the borehole bottom from resistivity logs and electromagnetic resistivity
Authors: Spichak Viacheslav V. , Zakharova Olga K.
Published: November 2016

A neural network approach to porosity prediction below the well bottom from either the electrical resistivity logs or electromagnetic resistivity profiles is developed using the data from Soultz‐sous‐Forets area (France). It is shown that the neural network approach enables the porosity to be predicted at the depths below the bottom of the borehole from the resistivity well‐logging data and by resistivity profiles determined by inversion of the electromagnetic sounding data collected in the vicinity of the well. The results indicate that the forecasts based on the electrical logging data are more accurate (average relative errors being equal to 3%–5%) when the target depths do not exceed the double length of the well log used for calibration. In the absence of the resistivity logs at target depths or when the target to well depth ratio is large enough, the forecasts based on the electromagnetic resistivity data are more preferable.
A comparison between 2D azimuthal and 3D resistivity imaging techniques in determining the subsurface fracture zones within Abu‐Jir Fault Zone, Southwest Karbala, Central Iraq
Authors: Al‐Zubedi Ahmed Srdah , Thabit Jassim M.
Published: November 2016

This experimental study presents a comparison between two‐dimensional azimuthal and three‐dimensional electrical resistivity imaging techniques at a given location within the Abu‐Jir Fault Zone, Central Iraq. The aim is to examine which one is a better technique in one order to study the subsurface fracture zones and to use it within and outside the fault zone. Our results show that the two‐dimensional azimuthal imaging technique is quite successful in imaging the structural geology, particularly for effective identification and delineation of the subsurface fracture zones in all directions, whereas the three‐dimensional imaging technique, carried out using data acquired in parallel two‐dimensional imaging lines, gives limited and distorted images about these zones because the Y‐spacing between the survey lines is quite small compared to the length of these lines. The two‐dimensional azimuthal technique can be useful in deep investigations to determine the extent of the structures, particularly in areas with unknown geological and structural settings.
Strictly horizontal lateral parameter correlation for 1D inverse modelling of large datasets
Authors: Christensen Niels B.
Published: November 2016

This paper presents new developments to the lateral parameter correlation method, a method that can be used to invoke lateral smoothness in model sections of one‐dimensional inversion models. The lateral parameter correlation method has three steps. First, all datasets are inverted individually. Next, a laterally smooth version of each model parameter is found by solving a simple constrained inversion problem by postulating identity between the uncorrelated and correlated parameters and solving the equations including a model covariance matrix that ensures lateral smoothness. As a final step, all sounding data are reinverted with the correlated model parameter values as a priori values to produce models that better fit the data. Because the method separates inversion and correlation, it is much faster than methods where the inversion and correlation are solved simultaneously. The new development to the lateral parameter correlation method presented in this paper is an option to perform a strictly horizontal correlation, thereby avoiding the model artefacts sometimes seen when correlating along layers, namely that formations tend to follow the topography. Furthermore, a solution to the intractable computation times arising with large datasets is formulated, employing a tessellation of the plane and an averaging scheme within the subareas that reduces the size of the numerical lateral parameter correlation inversion problem while maintaining correct correlation within a very large area. In a field example, correlation along layers and the new strictly horizontal correlation are compared, and it is demonstrated that the horizontal correlation removes the above mentioned artefacts that can appear when correlating along layers. The lateral parameter correlation method is very flexible and is capable of correlating models from inversion of different data types, including information from boreholes, and it lends itself easily to “embarrassingly parallel” computation.
1D sequential inversion of portable multi‐configuration electromagnetic induction data
Authors: Guillemoteau Julien , Simon François‐Xavier , Lück Erika , Tronicke Jens
Published: November 2016

We present an algorithm that performs sequentially one‐dimensional inversion of subsurface magnetic permeability and electrical conductivity by using multi‐configuration electromagnetic induction sensor data. The presented method is based on the conversion of the in‐phase and out‐of‐phase data into effective magnetic permeability and electrical conductivity of the equivalent homogeneous half‐space. In the case of small‐offset systems, such as portable electromagnetic induction sensors, for which in‐phase and out‐of‐phase data are moderately coupled, the effective half‐space magnetic permeability and electrical conductivity can be inverted sequentially within an iterative scheme. We test and evaluate the proposed inversion strategy using synthetic and field examples. First, we apply it to synthetic data for some highly magnetic environments. Then, the method is tested on real field data acquired in a basaltic environment to image a formation of archaeological interest. These examples demonstrate that a joint interpretation of in‐phase and out‐of‐phase data leads to a better characterisation of the subsurface in magnetic environments such as volcanic areas.
Estimation of sediment texture from spectral induced polarisation data using cluster and principal component analysis
Authors: Inzoli Silvia , Giudici Mauro , Huisman Johan Alexander
Published: November 2016

Spectral induced polarisation data are usually interpreted with simple models in order to derive petrophysical relationships between electrical and sedimentological properties, such as texture, clay content, and permeability. The aim of this work is to explore the value of spectral induced polarisation in addition to conventional direct‐current resistivity measurements for determining textural properties of saturated samples collected from alluvial deposits. For this, an advanced data processing approach that combines cluster and principal component analysis was developed and applied to integral parameters derived from Debye decomposition of spectral induced polarisation data. This data processing procedure allowed identifying groups of samples with a similar spectral induced polarisation response and to derive a characteristic grain‐size distribution for each group of samples. The method to estimate the grain‐size distribution from spectral induced polarisation data was successfully validated using independent sediment samples. The remaining uncertainty in the estimation of sediment texture from spectral induced polarisation data was attributed to the effect of pore size distribution and mineralogy, which were not considered in the present work but can be added in the future within the same conceptual workflow.
The Institutional Imperatives of Local Economic Governance
Authors: Schoburgh Eris Dawn
Published: November 2016

In Jamaica, a “new” local governance framework comprises a federated system of development committees (community development committees [CDCs], development area committees [DACs], and parish development committees [PDCs]) purportedly working in partnership with local authorities. Local governance is thus premised on the idea that utilization of local skills, knowledge, assets, and initiatives will lead to economic transformation. Focus has also shifted to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), given their local embeddedness and potential to foster local economic growth. This chapter investigates the extent to which local economic development (LED) model implementation is supported by appropriate governance structures. It argues that implementation of an LED model represents a decisive shift from local governance to local economic governance, which currently lacks a cohesive policy framework. The consequent effect is nothing more than atomized organizational actions that engender competition among localities and communities rather than a clear growth strategy at the local level.
Local Representation in Australia
Authors: Tan Su Fei
Published: November 2016

This chapter explores the challenges of local representation within the context of Australian local government reform. Since the 1990s Australian local government has been undergoing a continuing process of reform that has reshaped the role of the elected members or councilors. In many states, changes to the legislation since the 1990s clearly demarcate the role of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and that of councilors. The CEO generally has management responsibility, while councilors are responsible for strategy and policy making. While a great deal of effort has been expended in developing and effecting these reforms on an institutional level, little is known about whether councilors themselves understand their responsibility or how they view their role. This research seeks to address this gap.
Decision-Making Models of the Human-Operator as an Element of the Socio-Technical Systems
Authors: Rizun Nina , Shmelova Tetiana
Published: November 2016

The authors of the chapter proved that the fundamental intellectual processes, which lie on the basis of decision-making behavior of the human-operator, could be identified on the bases on the analogies with the devices (elements). The basic intellectual processes of the Rational decision-making models can be adequately identified by the transient processes of the PID-controller; the intellectual processes of the Bounded Rationality and Intuitive decision-making models can be identified by the transient processes of the nonlinear elements. Taxonomy of the most typical automatic control theory elements and their compliance with certain decision-making models with a point of view of decision-making processes specificity and on human-operator behavior in the context of the socio-technical concept was obtained Authors of the chapter also accept the suggestion that the instruments of collective multi-criteria decision-making and social-network analysis theory have similar mathematical and methodological bases.
Exploring the Educational Potential of Internet of Things (IoT) in Seamless Learning
Authors: Demirer Veysel , Aydın Betül , Çelik Şeyma Betül
Published: November 2016

One of the new concepts that appear in the learning revolution with emerging technological advances is seamless learning. This type of learning involves the continuity of learning experiences by means of technology regardless of environment and time, and without any interruption. A necessary and useful technology in realizing seamless learning is “Internet of Things”. IoT technology is an infrastructure on which things can communicate with one another or with human beings by connecting to the Internet, and which has the capability of simultaneously storing and exchanging the collected data on cloud computing systems. With its potential in a wide area of applications in the future, this technology is expected to be used in education as well. Furthermore, it has a huge potential to contribute to seamless learning experiences. Development and expansion of this technology will make future educational institutions feel the necessity to accept and adapt this technology. In this regard, this study aimed to introduce IoT technology and to explore educational potential of seamless learning.
Motivational and Ethical Issues in Seamless Learning
Authors: Yüksel Pelin , Şad Süleyman Nihat , Yıldırım Soner
Published: November 2016

This chapter aims to explain seamless learning with regard to motivational issues and ethical usage of technology in the context of a mobile and ubiquitous Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL). The examined TEL environment consisted of a popular technology integration project in Turkey called FATIH (in English, The Movement to Enhance Opportunities and Improve Technology). The FATIH project aims to provide students with opportunities for self-regulated, mobile, and ubiquitous learning via tablet computers, technology-rich classroom environments, and online digital sources. This chapter investigates and presents findings on the effects of technology-enhanced learning environments in terms of students' motivation and ethical issues during their interaction with the learning environment and community.
English Journal Writing on Moodle for EFL College Learners
Authors: Yang Pei-Ling
Published: November 2016

The present study is to explore the effect of Moodle English journal writing for general purposes on language learners' writing performance, conjunction preferences and English self-efficacy. Self-efficacy, claimed by a large number of researchers, has a direct and powerful influence on learners' academic accomplishments. However, there is little research on enhancing the level of English self-efficacy and writing performance through keeping E-journals, particularly in an EFL context where the learners develop both native and foreign languages and cultures. Multiculturalism should be taken into consideration before language curricula are designed. The participants, in the study, 40 non-English-majored college students in Taiwan, were required to keep a journal through Moodle. The findings of the study reveal that the participants' general perceived English abilities and writing confidence were enhanced after their efforts on Moodle E-journal writing. From the pieces of writing, they present both characteristics of the native and target languages and cultures.
Multimodal Narratives and iPad in Second Language Teaching
Authors: Bañares-Marivela Elena , Rayón-Rumayor Laura
Published: November 2016

The present study analyses a group of students' multimodal productions who are learning a second language within a cooperative learning context using the iPad in a 1:1 format. They turn the act of creating free narrative written texts into a complex communicative process where two modes of representation are employed: written text and still images. These narratives become documents where the language of words and images are interrelated, generating production and communicative processes which should be understood in their double dimension: a) analyse the value the students give to the images in their compositions; and b) taking the narrative as an integrated text, where the systems of representation interact. Examples of experiences using mobile technologies studying the processes of learning generated in school contexts are still scarce. It is important to analyse didactic proposals which incorporate formative tasks in the classroom using these technologies, such as this case.
Dynamic Assessment and Multi-Media Language Instruction
Authors: Azad Mahnaz
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACT Dynamic Assessment (DA) illustrates classroom interactions in which teaching and assessment must be integrated as a single activity seeking to identify learner abilities by actively supporting their ongoing developmental process. DA is based on the Vygotskian notion of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) which captures the uniquely human potential to exceed our present capabilities by working in cooperation with others. Moreover, with prevalence of multimedia language learning materials in foreign/ second language classrooms, their design is an important avenue of research in computer assisted language learning. This chapter will present an in-depth analysis of DA's application to particular problems of L2 development. It includes detailed discussions of the core DA theoretical tenets as well as implementing multi-media based DA principles in L2 classrooms. The information can be beneficial for language teacher educators, language testers, students and researchers in the areas of SLA, language pedagogy, and assessment.
Analysing Online Social Networks from a Soft Systems Perspective
Authors: Cooray Shavindrie , Gunning Steven
Published: November 2016

In recent years online communities have become popular as a way for dispersed members to interact and share ideas. However, there is limited research on the systemic analysis of such groups. In this paper the authors draw on systems research to suggest that one can only understand or interpret data gathered from an online group by assigning meaning to it in the context of a wider ‘system'. Here they demonstrate that conventional methods of offline group analysis are ineffective when applied within online communities. As an alternative they offer a means of importing big data from a community on social media and identifying the kinds of information that would be typically gathered during an offline systemic analysis into a problem situation. The authors offer as an aid to managers a framework that identifies appropriate Social Network Analysis (SNA) metrics (from the imported data) that corresponds to soft systems concepts. During their analysis of a community on Twitter they found that their ideas provided a way to gain a more holistic understanding of the roles and interactions in a virtual community. The authors also found examples of the use of informal power in the Twitter community under study. This information can be useful to managers when producing marketing plans, during product development and when identifying opportunities for growth.
Effect of CuO-TiO2 Eutectic on Thermal and Electrical Conductivities of CaCu3Ti4O12 Ceramics
Authors: Gonçalves Flavia dos Reis , Thomazini Daniel , Gelfuso Maria Virginia
Published: November 2016

In this work, CaCuxTiyO12 ceramics (2.7 ≤ x ≤ 3.3 and 3.25 ≤ y ≤ 4.75), related to excess and deficiency of CuO-TiO2 eutectic phase have been synthesized by coprecipitation method. The crystalline phases in the ceramics were identified by X-ray diffraction patterns, and the pellets have mainly presented CCTO and also exhibited CuO, TiO2 and CaTiO3 as secondary phases. The thermal conductivity of the ceramics was determined using the laser flash method in the temperature range of 300-1000 K. It was observed a decrement in thermal conductivity values as the amount of the eutectic phase decreased. The electrical DC conductivity has been measured by the two-probe method from 300-1000 K and it has been noted that both grain size and amount of eutectic phase influenced the electrical conductivity results.
Gamma-Alumina Synthesis from Ceramic Powders of Pseudoboehmite Obtained by the Sol-Gel Process
Authors: Andrades Raphael Cons , Munhoz Jr. Antônio Hortêncio , de Miranda Leila Figueiredo
Published: November 2016

The aim of this work was to synthesize eight samples of pseudoboehmite obtained by the sol-gel process under different conditions in a two level factorial experimental design consisting of three variables. It was observed how the properties of pseudoboehmites (crystallinity and morphology) were affected by the three analyzed variables, namely: aging temperature, aging time and addition of polyvinyl alcohol. The samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with secondary electrons detector, differential thermal analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. After being characterized, the pseudoboehmite powders were calcined in an electric furnace at 500°C. After calcination, the resultant powders were analyzed via x-ray diffraction. One of the most important results achieved in this work was the successful synthesis of gamma-alumina from pseudoboehmite, as well as high crystallinity in the pseudoboehmite samples aged at high temperatures.
Influence of Sintering Conditions on Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of an Yttria Partially Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Schanuel Fabiana Ribeiro da Silva , Acchar Wilson
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dependence of sintering conditions on mechanical properties and microstructure of zirconia stabilized by yttria. Commercial blocks of pre-sintered of zirconia stabilized (DeguDent Dentsply, Germany-Cercon) were investigated in this study. The blocks belonging to group 1 were sintered under the recommended conditions by the manufacturer (1350°C for 6 hours). The blocks of group 2 were sintered under 1500°C for 6 hours. The blocks of group 3 were sintered under 1350 C for 14.5 hours. The results indicated that the sintering conditions influenced the mechanical properties and microstructure of zirconia. The three sintering conditions analyzed in this study produces zirconia bodies with properties adequate to be used in clinical function. However, the decisive factor for change in the sintering conditions should be the cost/benefit during the prosthetical process and longevity of clinical material to perform its function in the oral cavity.
Study of Stability of Al2O3-Y2O3-ZrO2 Composite Ceramics in Crude Petroleum Environment for Inert Coating Applications in Petroleum Industry
Authors: Pontual Júlia Oliveira , Silva Noelle D’emery Gomes , Sanguinetti Ferreira R.A. , Yadava Yogendra Prasad
Published: November 2016

Crude petroleum storage and transportation systems suffer from constant physical stress caused by chemical attack of crude petroleum on its structure. Ceramics are materials with high chemical stability in hostile environment and therefore can be used as an inert coating material. In the present work we have produced Al2O3-Y2O3-ZrO2 composites with high mechanical strength, through thermo-mechanical processing. To evaluate the quality of materials developed and the possibility of using them as inert protective coatings, storage and transportation systems, we have studied the physic-chemical and mechanical stability of these materials in crude petroleum originated from onshore and offshore. Structural, microstructural and mechanical tests showed that 15-20wt% ZrO2 composite ceramics with 2 wt% of Y2O3 additives presented better results in terms of mechanical hardness and microstructural characteristics. The study of stability of composite ceramics in crude petroleum environment showed that ceramics did not present any additional phase except the constituent phases. Result of microscopy and Vickers hardness tests also showed that there is no visible change in these characteristics after even 90 days of submersion in crude petroleum. Thus we conclude that composite ceramics could be potential materials for inert coating in crude petroleum environment.
Use of Sugarcane Bagasse Ashes as Raw Material in the Replacement of Fluxes for Applications on Porcelain Tile
Authors: Paranhos Raimundo J.S. , Acchar Wilson , Silva Vamberto Monteiro
Published: November 2016

This study evaluated the potential use of Sugarcane Bagasse Ashes (SBA) as a flux, replacing phyllite for the production of enamelled porcelain tile. The raw materials of the standard mass components and the SBA residue were characterized by testing by XRF, XRD, AG, DTA and TGA. Test samples were fabricated, assembled in lots of 3 units and sintered at temperatures of 1150 ° C to 1210 ° C. The results of the physical properties, mechanical properties and SEM of the sintered samples, showed that the formulation, G4 - in which applied 10% of SBA replacing phyllite, sintering temperature 1210 ° C showed better performance as the previously mentioned properties due to the formation of mullite crystals, meeting the prerequisites of standards for enamelled porcelain tile, while reducing the environmental impact and the cost of production.
WO3:TiO2 Particle Characterization Obtained by High Energy Milling for Application in Photocatalysis
Authors: Faleiros Raphael Rodrigues , Giraldi Tania Regina , Dias Jeferson Almeida , Arantes Vera Lúcia , Ramos Alfeu Saraiva , da Silva Bruno Felisberto , Maestrelli Sylma Carvalho
Published: November 2016

Effective ways to treat textile industrial effluents have been studied in attempt to find alternatives to reduce the imminent risk of water resources contamination. The heterogeneous photocatalysis stands out in this scenario working in the organic waste mineralization, such as dyes. The objectives of this study were to investigate the obtaining of fine powders of the WO3:TiO2 (the investigated proportions in this work were 0: 100; 30:70; 50:50; 70:30; 100:0) using the high energy milling technique and to evaluate the photocatalytic efficiency of the Rhodamine B dye in this system. The oxides precursors were characterized by X-ray diffraction, BET and Helium pycnometry. After dry milling for 4 hours, the obtained powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction and tested to the photocatalysis in UV-C. The results indicate that the milling process has a direct influence on the photocatalytic properties of the investigated systems, and that the greater presence of titania in the mixture leads to a greater catalytic effect.
Comparative Study of Geopolymeric Materials Using Different Precursors
Authors: da Silva André Miranda , Pereira Carlos Eduardo , de Sousa Bianca Viana
Published: November 2016

To obtain geopolymeric materials, different waste materials can be used as precursors to be applied as sources of alumina and silica, which are activated by alkaline solutions. The aim of this study is to compare the obtainment of geopolymeric materials using different precursors, besides a single complementary source of silica (rice husk ash) and as an activator, the sodium hydroxide. After the geopolymeric materials synthesis, they were poured into cylindrical containers and cured in the incubator at 60 °C for 6 hours, followed by curing at room temperature for 7 and 28 days. The samples were characterized, and then it was proved the obtainment of geopolymeric materials through the formation of hydrated calcium silicate. Mechanical behavior showed that the resistances of the obtained materials have been affected in accordance with the composition of precursor used in the synthesis.
Study of Thermal Degradation of PEG/PVP Coating Adsorbed in Fe3O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Sampaio da Silva Fernanda A. , Rojas Edwin E.G. , de Campos Marcos Flavio
Published: November 2016

The nanoparticle materials have been intensively studied in recent decades aiming mainly at the medical fields. In particular, nanoparticles of magnetite, Fe3O4, because it has physical and magnetic properties compatible with in vivo applications. However, even if the magnetite has low toxicity, it is necessary that the particles are coated with biocompatible material. In this work, Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated by a polymer blend of polyethylene glycol / polyvinylpyrrolidone (type core / layer) were analyzed. It was performed to study the thermal degradation of the polymer coating layer aimed at understanding the nature of the forces involved in adsorption surface of the metallic core.
Using Hybrid Propulsion Autonomous Marine Vehicles to Better Characterize Geomagnetic Fields Offshore
Authors: Poedjono Benny , Pai Sudhir , Maus Stefan , Paynter Ryan
Published: November 2016

This paper describes a study conducted to develop new capabilities for offshore geomagnetic surveying. To conduct the research we equipped two (2) new generation autonomous marine vehicles (AMVs) with towed marine magnetometers. This paper describes the validation study of the measurement system offshore between 2013 and 2015 that compares a regular pattern with main, tie and perimeter lines.

It was investigated whether the new AMV was suitable for use as a "base station" to monitor time variations of the disturbance field. The geomagnetic data measured by the vehicles from May 11 - 14, 2015 was analyzed and compared against data obtained from the USGS Honolulu Geomagnetic Observatory (HON). Highly sensitive sensors were used to establish the minimum required separation between the AMV and the magnetic sensor payload.

Directional drilling requires accurate knowledge of the geomagnetic field direction and strength in the wellbore. To compute wellbore azimuth, the measurement while drilling (MWD) tool takes a measurement of the magnetic field and then the directional driller compares it with the geomagnetic field reference in order to position the wellbore in real-time while drilling. By utilizing the AMV we were able to accurately map the crustal field direction and strength in the area of interest where the drilling activity for oil and gas will take place.

This study shows that the AMV is ideally suited to carry out geomagnetic surveys in offshore remote locations. Correction for the disturbance field is essential for crustal field mapping that requires a base station recording the variations of the disturbance field. A second AMV circulating at a fixed location provides a more accurate base station than a land-based station. This is due to two factors: The land- based station is further away from the measurement site and the disturbance fields are different on land than in the ocean, due to the different electrical conductivity of the subsurface.

The new generation AMV offers distinct advantages for data collection in offshore environments. Their low cost compared to seaborne or airborne vehicle allow them to be deployed in tandem and collect data repeatedly over predefined areas yielding accurate measurements to determine the disturbance and crustal fields. It solves the problem of accurately mapping the geomagnetic reference field in offshore locations that previously unknown of.
Technical and Legal Considerations on the Design of an Effective Arctic Lease Tenure System
Authors: Denstedt Q. C. Shawn
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a case for flexibility in the design of an effective and efficient Arctic lease tenure system, with a particular focus on the Canadian Arctic lease tenure system. The author will outline aspects of the legal approaches that have been adopted in the countries with Arctic coastlines and recommend modifications to the Canadian Arctic tenure system that are necessary to enable the effective exploration and development of hydrocarbons in deepwater areas of the Beaufort Sea.
Survival in the Canadian Arctic Recommended Clothing and Equipment to Survive Exposure
Authors: Power J. T. , Kennedy A. M. , Monk J. F.
Published: November 2016

The reduction in sea ice in the Arctic has produced new routes for shipping, thereby increasing the amount of marine traffic that can transit through the area. Additionally, the Arctic has become a popular destination for cruise ships some of which are increasingly large capacity ships that are operating a great distance from search and rescue assets and other assistance. If a marine accident were to occur in the Arctic and people became exposed to the elements then the clothing they could use may not provide sufficient thermal protection while waiting for rescue.

This paper contains the results from two studies. The first measured the amount of thermal protection provided by various clothing ensembles that could be used in a mass Arctic evacuation, which were then used to calculate predicted survival time (PST). The second study evaluated the length of time a person may be exposed to the environment if they were forced to abandon a vessel or installation at one of eight different locations in the Arctic. These exposure times are based on the range of times search and rescue assets would take to reach the individual. The results from these two previous studies were combined to provide recommendations for clothing ensembles for different locations in the Canadian Arctic while awaiting rescue.

The estimated exposure time while awaiting rescue varied considerably, ranging from a minimum of 14 hours to a maximum of 261 hours.

In certain conditions, the thermal protection provided by eight of the ten clothing ensembles tested was sufficient to delay death from hypothermia. However, it should be noted that if PST is greater than 36 hours then factors other than hypothermia are likely to result in death (e.g. drowning or dehydration). The majority of the ensembles did not provide a sufficient level of thermal protection to prevent death from hypothermia in less than 36 hours when wetted and exposed to wind.

It is concluded that certain clothing ensembles that could be used during a marine accident in the Arctic would not provide sufficient thermal protection to survive exposure to the environment while awaiting rescue. This finding is particularly important given the relatively recent increase in marine traffic through the Arctic and the subsequent increase in the likelihood of a marine accident that may require abandonment and result in direct exposure to the environment.
Iceberg Risk Analysis for Strait of Belle Isle Cable Crossing
Authors: King Tony , Dover Keith , Fleming Greg
Published: November 2016

In 2016 Nalcor Energy installed subsea cables across the Strait of Belle Isle, which comprises part of the Lower Churchill Transmission Project linking Muskrat Falls, Labrador, and Soldier's Pond, Newfoundland. The cable crossing site is southwest of a shoal which filters out deeper draft icebergs which could potentially contact and damage the cable. An initial study in 2011 was followed by iceberg tracking and current monitoring programs at the cable crossing site and a final study incorporating these data 2015-2016. This paper describes the application of a drift-based Monte Carlo model to assess iceberg risk to cables laid on the seabed in the Strait of Belle Isle. The model considers the effect of iceberg rolling which could potentially result in icebergs increasing draft and contacting cables laid on the seabed. Modeled iceberg drift was based on field observations, and measured and modeled currents. Based on results from the 2011 analysis it was decided to use directional drilling to route the initial portions of the cable from shore to break-put locations on the seabed in water depths in excess of 70 m. Rock dumping is used to stabilize the cables on the seabed at deeper water depths. Due to the extreme difficulties in trenching the very strong seabed or tunneling across the Strait of Belle Isle, the selected solution offers the most technically feasible and cost-effective solution for cable routing across the Strait of Belle Isle.
Oden Arctic Technology Research Cruise 2015
Authors: Lubbad Raed , Løset Sveinung , Hedman Ulf , Holub Curtis , Matskevitch Dmitri
Published: November 2016

In the autumn of 2015, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat (SPRS) performed a research cruise, named the "Oden Arctic Technology Research Cruise 2015" (OATRC2015) involving the two Swedish icebreakers Oden and Frej in the international waters north of Svalbard. The ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company supported and participated in OATRC2015. The overall objective of OATRC2015 was to perform a safe cruise collecting valuable and important scientific data and to conduct full-scale field trials for testing of key technologies. The scientific scope of OATRC2015 included three major fields of studies, namely: 1) collection of full-scale data necessary to build, calibrate and validate numerical models for floaters in ice, 2) collection of full-scale data necessary to build, calibrate and validate numerical models for Ice Management operations, and 3) collection of data for health, safety and environmental research. This paper presents OATRC2015, including the objectives of the expedition, and provides an overview of the performed research and the major findings. Several companion ATC 2016 papers are complementary to this paper.
DP in Ice Environment - Improving Safety and Efficiency of Arctic Operations
Authors: Islam Mohammed , Wang John , Mills Jason , Sayeed Tanvir , Gash Bob , Lau Michael , Millan David , Millan Jim
Published: November 2016

This paper presents an overview of a five year research and development project aiming to develop dynamic positioning (DP) system technologies specifically for ice-rich environments. It has been initiated by the Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) at the Fisheries and Marine Institute (MI) of Memorial University of Newfoundland, with its technical partner National Research Council’s Ocean Coastal and River Engineering (OCRE-NRC) and commercial partner Kongsberg Maritime Simulation Ltd. (KMS). The primary objective of the project is to develop solutions for some of the critical challenges related to safe Arctic offshore operations by dynamic positioning. More specifically, the objective is to improve the safety and efficiency of oil and gas operations in ice infested environments through the enhancement of existing DP system technologies and training of DP operators in simulated realistic ice environments for ship operations. The project is envisioned to achieve its objective through developing a modularized simulation platform for prototype integration, validation, testing and operational studies/training. Prototypes of a DP control system, a vessel model, an ice force model, and other environmental force models will be developed.

The project commenced in 2013 and is set to complete in late 2018. In this first article of the project, a discussion on the contextual aspects and formation of the project, its planning and status to-date is presented. A synopsis of the scientific and engineering research performed to-date within the project scope, with a justification of their relevance to the safe DP operations in ice is given. The high level system design of the validation platform and the deployment strategies of its major components are presented. An introductory discussion on the novel ice force modeling approach is provided. Finally, an overview of the model test program of a fully DP controlled vessel in managed ice conditions, which was completed to provide a database for building and validating the ice force model, is also offered.
Large Scale Satellite-Based Wireless Sensor Networks for Arctic Monitoring
Authors: Zhou Zhongliang , Zhang Lihong
Published: November 2016

Nowadays wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been widely used as a field information gathering technology in remote monitoring and control areas. However, deploying WSNs in the Arctic areas is still facing some special challenges. The extremely low temperature (below -40°C degrees) and frequent snow/ice covering may affect the stable operation of regular electronic circuitry. And inaccessibility makes the Arctic WSNs be isolated from human's maintenance most of the time. In this paper, we propose a Large-Scale Satellite-based Wireless Sensor Network (LSSWSN) architecture for the Arctic areas. Based on ZigBee-Pro protocol, our proposed LSSWSN holds the capacity of 64,000 nodes in total, which are divided into 100 sub-networks with 640 nodes for each sub-network. This proposed design can make sure some critical network faults to be isolated into small sub-network domain. Moreover, FPGA-based hardware implementation of AES has been integrated to improve communication security. Special considerations have been also taken into account for the enclosure design of the sensor nodes, routers, and coordinator within LSSWSN.
Arctic Pipeline Integrity Management using Real-Time Condition Monitoring
Authors: Thodi P. , Khan F. , Imtiaz S.
Published: November 2016

Integrated and automated integrity management is essential for Arctic and cold region pipeline failure prevention, predictive maintenance, and life extension because the consequence of a failure will be disastrous both environmentally and economically. Without managing integrity, the condition of pipeline would continue to deteriorate until found unfit for service or premature failure. Real-time Condition Monitoring (CM) is a sensor- based monitoring technique aimed at enhancing the productivity of pipeline operation. The main intent of condition monitoring is to assess operating conditions and performance, improve performance, aid maintenance, extend life, and inform operator if the integrity is compromised. Other purpose of monitoring is to provide warning when something is starting to go wrong, and provide instantaneous information when things have gone wrong. This paper presents a recently developed concept and methodology for Arctic pipeline integrity management using Inspection, Maintenance and Repair (IMR) strategy using real-time CM data by probabilistic risk assessment. The probabilistic risk assessment is performed by combining advanced probabilistic analysis with computation. In this paper, the joint probability of failure arising from potential pipeline defects (e.g. corrosion, cracking, and strain) and likely operational deviations (e.g. pressure, temperature, and vibration) is computed real-time using the CM data to predict a condition-based IMR strategy. Having such a model would enable rapid decision-making regarding pipeline failure prevention, predictive maintenance and life extension.
The Application of Automated SEM-Based Identification of Detrital and Diagenetic Mineral Phases in Offshore Cuttings from the Labrador Sea - Looking for the Source
Authors: Wilton Derek , Feely Martin , Carter James , Costanzo Alessandra , Hunt Jon
Published: November 2016

MLA-SEM analyses can quantitatively define the modal mineralogy of detrital components in a variety of sample material including offshore well cuttings such that the possible source(s) of the detrital material might be ascertained. The MLA data can be queried for combinations of detrital minerals that might reflect a specific source terrane (e.g., igneous suite, metamorphic complex, etc.). In some cases, minerals may be identified that might have a unique sediment source region. The MLA data can also be examined to evaluate whether trends of changing detrital mineral compositions through time (i.e., stratigraphically) can be documented that may reflect regional changes in the level of tectonism, potential unroofing a given sediment source area, and/or shifts between sediment source areas. The MLA analyses can be used to produce maps of radiometrically dateable mineral phases within a given sample, that might be used to derive radiometric dates.
Ice Resistant Structure Optimisation of the Steel Conductor Supported Wellhead Platform in the Caspian Sea
Authors: Tleshev M. , Spitas C. , Kim J.
Published: November 2016

Ice infested shallow waters of the North Caspian Sea imposes challenging tasks like ice pile up, fatigue due to ice-induced vibrations and ice impact loads, which strongly affect the structural integrity of offshore installations. This paper explores the potential application of a Minimal Facilities Platform or is also known as a Conductor Supported Wellhead Platform (CSWP) in the North Caspian Sea region and specifically focuses on the design optimization of the substructure due to ice loads. The CSWP has not been used in the cold climate regions before. The intention of this research is to prove feasibility of CSWP to withstand loads in the ice infested shallow waters. The substructure design was optimized by application of an ice resistant conical structure with specific inclination angle at the ice-structure interface. Usually conical structures reduce ice loads and ice induced vibrations. However, a fatigue capacity may be reduced due to geometrical discontinuity with the increase of inclination angle. This was shown in the design analysis.
Riser Solutions for Turret Moored FPSO in Arctic Conditions
Authors: Brouard Yann , Seguin Blaise , Germanetto Florian , Shah Vinanti
Published: November 2016

Turret-Moored FPSOs are frequently used for deepwater developments worldwide, with consideration of disconnectable turrets for harsh environment applications. This trend makes the interaction between the FPSO hull, mooring system, and riser systems a vital design parameter for arctic conditions.

This paper provides a review of the various riser systems that can be considered for turret-moored FPSOs. These include proven coupled and decoupled systems (flexibles, Steel Catenary Risers, Steel Lazy Wave Risers, and hybrid decoupled riser systems), and also new riser concepts (e.g. the TCR - Tethered Catenary Riser, or the TSLWR - Tethered Steel Lazy Wave Riser). These systems are described in terms of design and functionality.

These riser systems are discussed with consideration of the particular challenges of disconnectable turret-moored FPSOs and specificities of arctic conditions.
Regional Crustal Structure Across Baffin Bay, Northern Canada, From Constrained 3-D Gravity Inversion
Authors: Welford J. Kim , Dehler Sonya A.
Published: November 2016

Baffin Bay, northern Canada, represents the northernmost segment of rifting between Greenland and North America, and can be considered a northern extension of the Labrador Sea extinct rift system between Labrador and Greenland. Many questions remain about the nature of the crust beneath parts of Baffin Bay, although extinct spreading axes and a fracture zone have been previously identified based principally on gravity data. Existing deep seismic coverage over Baffin Bay is spatially limited and mostly concentrated in the north, although two regional 2-D transects span the region from the centre to the southern end of the bay. One of the regional 2-D refraction transects revealed a thick sedimentary package overlying oceanic crust along most of the profile, despite a lack of clear magnetic anomalies within Baffin Bay. To extrapolate the 2-D seismic refraction results offline and resolve the regional crustal structure across Baffin Bay, a constrained 3-D gravity inversion was undertaken. Bathymetry and depth to basement were used to constrain the 3-D inversion and the resolved crustal geometry from existing refraction lines was used to gauge the quality and reliability of the inverted model. The final inverted 3-D crustal structure model for Baffin Bay will provide useful constraints for basin studies and will shed light on its tectonic evolution.
Mechanisms of Sedimentary Filling & Hydrocarbon Accumulation of Multi-Cycle Superimposed Basin of the East Barents Sea
Authors: Yiping Wu , Lunkun Wan
Published: November 2016

The formation and evolution of the East Barents Sea basin were related to the closure of Ural Ocean, which resulted in three different prototype basins. Based on dynamic research on basin-forming & hydrocarbon generation & hydrocarbon accumulation, filling mechanisms of the East Barents Sea Basin in different superimposed-phases are proposed. By adopting the approach of multi-factor joint control, hydrocarbon accumulation and distribution laws of the basin are raised. The East Barents Sea Basin was characterized by multiple reservoir-cap combinations, multi-phase generation and expulsion of hydrocarbon and multi-cycle hydrocarbon accumulation in the basin . Its stratigraphic sequences can be divided into three sets by two major geological events I1 (P2) and B (T-J, K1), the lower carbonate sedimentary sequence (LCSS) was related to the closure of the Ural Ocean in the passive continental margin, as well the middle rift sedimentary sequence (MRSS) to the Ural movement and the upper depression sedimentary sequence (UDSS) to the Novaya Zemlya movement . Multifunctional elements influenced hydrocarbon reservoirs both in formation and distribution in the superimposed basin. Post basin's forming did great damage to the earlier basin's. The rapid stretch and subsidence (maximum speed of 150 mm/a) of the basin controlled the high maturity of source rocks during Late Permian – Triassic rift period . Thus during depression period reservoir-cap assemblages revealed two sets of favorable plays. The two structural inversions in Mesozoic and Cenozoic impacted dramatically on the main types and distribution of the hydrocarbon traps. In this case the match of hydrocarbon from different source rocks and different generation phases with traps brought about the hydrocarbon reformation models with strong and weak superimpositions. So five hydrocarbon accumulation models are presented . The favorable exploration areas are in the large scale conversion anticlines, Tertiary strike-slip faults, the slope deltas on basin edge, the inherited protrusions in the depression center related to the Late Triassic inversion, the uplifts inside the basin, the horsts and the grabens, and also the reefs in the LCSS .