bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching bioinspired design using C–K theory
Authors: Nagel Jacquelyn K. , Pittman Peyton , Pidaparti Ramana , Rose Chris , Beverly Cheryl
Published: November 2016

The engineer of 2020 is expected to not only offer technical ingenuity but also adapt to a continuously evolving environment while being able to operate outside the narrow limits of one discipline and be ethically grounded in solving the complex problems of the future. To address the competencies of the future engineer, undergraduate education must train students to not only solve engineering challenges that transcend disciplinary boundaries but also communicate, transfer knowledge and collaborate across technical and non-technical boundaries. One approach to training engineers in these competencies is teaching biomimicry or bioinspired design in an engineering curriculum, which offers relevance to professional practice as well as an effective hook to frame complex, cross-disciplinary problems. This research aims to address the need for undergraduate student training in multidisciplinary design innovation through the creation of instructional resources grounded in the concept–knowledge theory that scaffolds discovery and knowledge transfer processes such that natural designs can be used to inspire engineering solutions. Qualitative content analysis of second-year engineering student reflection statements shows that the instructional resources resulted in significant learning and engagement.
Mitochondrial NADP+-Dependent Isocitrate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Exacerbates Mitochondrial and Cell Damage after Kidney Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Han Sang Jun , Jang Hee-Seong , Noh Mi Ra , Kim Jinu , Kong Min Jung , Kim Jee In , Park Jeen-Woo , Park Kwon Moo
Published: November 2016

Mitochondrial NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH2) catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate, synthesizing NADPH, which is essential for mitochondrial redox balance. Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is one of most common causes of AKI. I/R disrupts the mitochondrial redox balance, resulting in oxidative damage to mitochondria and cells. Here, we investigated the role of IDH2 in I/R-induced AKI. I/R injury in mice led to the inactivation of IDH2 in kidney tubule cells. Idh2 gene deletion exacerbated the I/R-induced increase in plasma creatinine and BUN levels and the histologic evidence of tubule injury, and augmented the reduction of NADPH levels and the increase in oxidative stress observed in the kidney after I/R. Furthermore, Idh2 gene deletion exacerbated I/R-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and morphologic fragmentation, resulting in severe apoptosis in kidney tubule cells. In cultured mouse kidney proximal tubule cells, Idh2 gene downregulation enhanced the mitochondrial damage and apoptosis induced by treatment with hydrogen peroxide. This study demonstrates that Idh2 gene deletion exacerbates mitochondrial damage and tubular cell death via increased oxidative stress, suggesting that IDH2 is an important mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme that protects cells from I/R insult.
Transnacionalismo e Gnose Liminar em “As Brasíadas” (2013), de Diana Menasché
Authors: Barzotto Leoné Astride
Published: November 2016

Este artigo faz uma análise pós-colonial do poema “As Brasíadas”, de Diana Menasché. Este poema é parte da obra Traz o esqueleto que eu ponho a carne (2013) e, por meio dele, a autora faz uma releitura, à luz da contemporaneidade, da canônica obra de Luís de Camões, Os Lusíadas. Apesar de manter a forma do épico de Camões, Menasché atualiza o discurso e revela aspectos de transnacionalismo e de gnose liminar em sua escrita. Assim, eu proponho expor que, enquanto escritora brasileira imigrante nos Estados Unidos, ela constrói uma literatura híbrida e transfronteiriça, marcada pelo trânsito de saberes interamericanos e pela proposta de uma gnose (epistemologia) liminar que revela o vínculo entre nações e práticas culturais emancipatórias.

Palavras-chave: Transnacionalismo. Gnose Liminar. As Brasíadas. Diana Menasché. Literatura Pós-Colonial.
The Effects of a Class-wide Behavior Intervention for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Weeden Marc , Wills Howard P. , Kottwitz Esther , Kamps Debra
Published: November 2016

Class-wide interventions have strong empirical support for improving behavior in general education classes but are rarely tested in special education classes. The present study examined the effects of the Class-wide Function-related Intervention Team (CW-FIT) program, a group contingency intervention, on the on-task behavior of six elementary school children with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) in a self-contained, urban classroom. Using an ABAB design with brief withdrawals of the independent variable, the class-wide component of CW-FIT was implemented during a 20-min reading and spelling period 1–3 days per week. Procedures included teaching attending skills, setting a goal and awarding points for appropriate behavior, and providing differential reinforcement. Implementing the class-wide component of CW-FIT resulted in increased on-task behavior for students with EBD, with concomitant increases in teacher praise and reductions in teacher reprimands.
To analyze and use the parameters in post-operative unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated using dynamic hip screw fixation as guidelines for re-operation
Authors: Aathipan K. Thirusenthil , Ashok T. R. , Ram Ganesan G.
Published: November 2016

Background: The treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures is challenging due to the difficulty in obtaining anatomical reduction. The purpose of this study was to analyse and use the parameters (lateral femoral wall integrity and tip-apex distance) in post-operative unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated using dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation as guidelines for re-operation.

Methods: This was a prospective study and included 40 patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated using DHS fixation from December 2014 to September 2016. The AO/OTA classification was used to classify each of the patients and their lateral femoral wall integrity and tip-apex distance was assessed in the post-operative radiographs.

Results: In this study, 3 patients out of 40 (7.5%) had screw pull out within 5 months of surgery. 2 pull outs occurred when the screw was in the antero-superior zone and 1 when it was in the centre to centre zone. Thus, the rate of screw pull out was higher in the antero-superior zone. The 3 patients with screw pull out had a mean tip-apex distance (TAD) of 36.01 mm as compared to 32.96 mm of those who did not have screw pull out. We further found that pre-operatively 6 patients out of 40 (15%) had lost lateral femoral wall integrity whereas post-operatively 26 patients out of 40 (65%) had lost it. In summary, there is a 5 times higher risk of losing lateral femoral wall integrity if DHS is the implant of choice.

Conclusions: On conclusion, unacceptable TAD limit with loss of lateral femoral wall integrity was found to be a definite indicator of DHS implant pull out. And also found that by using the DHS as an implant of choice, there is a 5 times higher risk of losing lateral femoral wall integrity intra-operatively and that its use for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures must be guarded.
La relación entre la responsabilidad social empresarial y el desempeño financiero: estado del arte de estudios y metaanálisis
Authors: Rosero Villabón Omar Giovanni , Pinzón José Victor , Rodríguez Fernández José Miguel
Published: November 2016

Investigar la relación entre el nivel de comportamiento social (RSE) de una organización y su correspondiente desempeño financiero (DF) y económico ha sido una labor de más de 30 años. En la actualidad, se han desarrollado más de 25 metaanálisis o estudios de resúmenes, donde se ha llegado a evidenciar hasta 186 trabajos. El artículo presenta de forma detallada los estudios más reconocidos y cifras de cómo ha sido la evolución de la investigación en esta área del conocimiento. Se identifican las variables, tanto de responsabilidad social como de desempeño financiero, utilizadas con mayor frecuencia por los investigadores. En estas investigaciones, se evidencia una alta presencia de resultados que indican que existe una relación positiva entre la RSE y el DF. Unos pocos manifiestan que esa relación no es fuerte o relevante, y son menos los que señalan que la relación es negativa.
Foreign Country-Specific Experience And Ownership Level: Moderating Effect Of Host Country’s Government Corruption
Authors: Kim Kyungho
Published: November 2016

According to internalization theory, corporate international expansion occurs as a series of incremental commitment processes, such as an increased level of ownership. In addition, it is well known that host country-specific experience facilitates the increased ownership level. However, the existing empirical studies show the mixed results about the relationship between host country-specific experience and ownership level: positive, negative, and non-significant. To elucidate these mixed results, this study carefully explores how host country’s government corruption moderates the relationship, given that institutional environments influence standard economic activities within a specific economy. This study found that host country-specific experience has a positive effect on the ownership level in their foreign subsidiaries but the positive relationship was moderated by the negative effect of host countries’ government corruption. Accordingly, this study carefully qualifies the direct relationship between country-specific experience and ownership strategy, suggesting that an institutional contingency perspective needs to be considered to understand corporate international expansion strategies by the increased ownership level.
What Explains The Equity Risk Premium In ASEAN Countries?
Authors: Kim Soo-Hyun , Villalobos Katherine
Published: November 2016

This paper aims to mainly investigate the impact of the selected macroeconomic variables such as inflation (INF), gross domestic product (GDP), foreign direct investment (FDI) and stocks traded turn-over ratio (STTR) on equity risk premium (ERP) of six major ASEAN member countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.  Applied methods are panel pooled regression and panel vector error correction model (VECM) through the latest version of Eviews9. In the former approach, among the selected macroeconomic variables, both INF and STTR significantly and positively affect the ERP. Both periods and years show to have fixed effects as dummy variables. One cointegration has been determined among macroeconomic variables and ERP suggesting a long term equilibrium association which led to employ Panel VECM. INF denotes a significant long-run relationship with ERP and the error correction term results suggest deviation of INF is a relevant factor but not the errors of liquidity as the STTR didn't show any significant impact in the model. Granger Casuality test suggests both INF and ERP do granger causes each other in the short run. Thus, inflation is a robust factor of ERP in two different methods while the STTR is not a robust as it shows different results.
Las Escuelas Normales universitarias y el problema educativo en Michoacán, 1917-1930
Authors: Gutiérrez López Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2016

Las escuelas normales formaron parte del proyecto inicial de Universidad en Michoacán. Las escuelas normales se crearon en 1915 y partir de 1917 se integraron a la Universidad Michoacana, donde permanecieron hasta 1930. Su existencia enfrentó problemas derivados de la violencia y la inestabilidad política del momento. Además de la crisis económica por la que atravesaba el estado, la Universidad y las escuelas normales realizaron sus actividades en una sociedad que enfrentaba un grave rezago educativo heredado del siglo XIX. Sin embargo, a pesar de las dificultades, estas instituciones y sus miembros asumieron la responsabilidad de formar a los profesores de educación básica que tratarían de cambiar la realidad social a partir de la alfabetización.           

En este artículo se hace un recuento histórico del papel desempeñado por las escuelas normales dentro del proyecto inicial de la Universidad Michoacana. Se hace referencia al establecimiento de esta institución y al lugar que ocupó la enseñanza normal, en un contexto de crisis social derivado de la agitación política de la época. También se hace alusión a los problemas educativos y al papel que ante éstos se asignó a las escuelas normales. A la par de estas referencias institucionales y del contexto social, se muestran algunos elementos para entender las características de la organización y funcionamiento académico de las escuelas normales.
Educación en movimientos populares rurales: un estado del arte
Authors: Palumbo María Mercedes
Published: November 2016

La literatura académica sobre movimientos sociales se caracteriza por un derrotero que comenzó en las academias estadounidense y europea en las décadas del sesenta y setenta para arribar con fuerza en América Latina en las décadas del ochenta y noventa. En nuestra región, esta categoría sufre un desplazamiento semántico hacia la noción de movimiento popular a la luz de las experiencias de resistencia al neoliberalismo. Así, se abrieron nuevas líneas de indagación dentro de las cuales se destaca el área temática que trabaja la vinculación entre movimientos populares y educación, entendiendo que las prácticas políticas son inescindibles de las prácticas pedagógicas.

El presente artículo recupera particularmente las principales producciones académicas sobre movimientos populares rurales y educación elaboradas en Argentina y Brasil y las ordena en tres categorías en función del tipo de espacio-momento focalizado: las escuelas gestadas y conducidas por movimientos, el movimiento como sujeto y principio formativo, y, finalmente, los talleres creados con fines formativos sobre distintas temáticas relacionadas con la construcción política. El objetivo del artículo apunta a visibilizar un área académica novedosa y en construcción al mismo tiempo que destaca la centralidad de las experiencias educativas rurales como cita ineludible de las investigaciones en el área temática.
Reseña de Eventos
Authors: Autores Varios
Published: November 2016

Simposio: “Los retos de la pedagogía frente a los conflictos sociales y la inclusión de poblaciones vulnerables” Octubre, 6 y 7 de 2015IV JORNADA ACADÉMICA E INVESTIGATIVA CADE –UPTCPRIMER SIMPOSIO INVESTIGATIVO“Formación de Educadores en Iberoamérica” Noviembre 17 – 21 de 2015 EL FUTURO DE LA UNIVERSIDAD EN GUATEMALA, ESPAÑA, BRASIL Y COLOMBIA Tunja – 24 febrero de 2016GRADOS EN EL DOCTORADO DE CIENCIAS DE LA EDUCACIÓNCADE. UPTC  Tunja 20 AÑOS
Secure Disclosure of Trespassing Mechanisms using Digital Signature Algorithm
Authors:   Research Scholar, Department of Computer Applications, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute University, Chennai, Priya V.Vishwa , Vinod Viji ,   Professor, Department of Computer Applications, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute University, Chennai
Published: November 2016

The migration to wireless network from wired network has been a global trend in the past few decades. The mobility and scalability brought by wireless network made it possible in many applications. Among all the contemporary wireless networks, Mobile Ad hoc NETwork (MOBILE ADHOC NETWORK) is one of the most important and unique applications. On the contrary to traditional network architecture, MOBILE AD-HOC NETWORK does not require a fixed network infrastructure; every single node works as both a transmitter and a receiver. Nodes communicate directly with each other when they are both within the same communication range. It is crucial to develop efficient intrusion-detection mechanisms to protect MOBILE AD-HOC NETWORK from attacks. With the improvements of the technology and cut in hardware costs, we are witnessing a current trend of expanding MOBILE AD-HOC NETWORKs into industrial application
Inovação e melhoria contínua no laboratório de análises clínicas Búrigo
Authors: Búrigo Renan Grijó , Amboni Nério
Published: November 2016

O artigo tem por objetivo analisar os impactos dos projetos Escalpe, SMS e Vacinas para pacientes, implantados pelos Grupos de Melhoria do Laboratório Búrigo nas dimensões de inovação (produtos, processos, marketing e organizacional), propostas pelo Manual de Oslo da Organização para a Cooperação e Desenvolvimento Econômico (ODCE). Os fundamentos teóricos envolvem os temas qualidade e inovação nas organizações. Os dados e as informações são oriundos de pesquisa bibliográfica, análise documental, entrevista e observação. Os resultados alcançados evidenciaram que os Grupos de Melhoria contribuem na inovação em produtos/serviços e nos processos do Laboratório Búrigo. Os achados também estão em sintonia com a classificação de Oslo e de que as inovações em serviços são muito mais incrementais do que radicais. Os Grupos de Melhoria representam uma estratégia da busca contínua da excelência em serviços e dos relacionamentos entre os stakeholders.
The Acquisition of Parameters for Word Stress Production and Perception among Iraqi EFL Learners: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ali Zainab A. , Ghani Alias Abd
Published: November 2016

This study investigates the acquisition of the parameters of word stress production and perception by 10 Iraqi learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). It aims at investigating Iraqi learners’ difficulties in resetting the parameters of word stress production and perception in L2. Two experiments are conducted to test the learners’ production and perception of word stress in isolation and in sentences. The first experiment is the production test and the second one is the perception test. The learners’ responses of word stress in both experimental tasks are elicited manually and analysed according to [7] model of metrical parameters   which is used to investigate the acquisition of parameters of word stress production and perception by Iraqi learners. The findings reveal that Iraqi EFL learners are able to reset the parameters of L2 but even though they failed in resetting all the parameters completely. Besides, the learners used more ranking level kinds of the parameters in the perception task than in the production task which may cause Iraqi learners assign wrongly the word stress placement.
Prospect of Tourism Development on the Mambilla Plateau: Lessons From Obudu Mountain Resort, Nigeria
Authors: E.D. Oruonye , Y.M. Ahmed , T.H. Ejiati
Published: November 2016

Tourism provides one of the most important avenues to achieve economic diversification in Taraba State and Nigeria in particular in the face of the present economic challenges all over the world. This study examines the prospect of tourism development on the Mambilla plateau of Taraba State Nigeria and the lessons that can be drawn from the Obudu Mountain Resort. The data used in this study was generated from existing sources of data, journal articles, relevant textbooks, online materials, field trips and interviews with government officials and individuals from the study area. The findings of the study shows that despite the rich tourism potentials of the area, traffic flow has been very low owing to a number of challenges. Some of these challenges include inaccessibility of most of the important tourist sites, poor transportation network and connectivity, lack of awareness and poor infrastructural development. The findings of the study also shows striking similarity in the physical environment of Obudu mountain and Mambilla plateau and some of the advantages of the Mambilla plateau over Obudu mountain. Based on the findings of this study, there is need for the government to be more proactive towards tourism development in the area. The state can do well by completing the design of the state tourism development master plan that started many years back. This will provide the required roadmap to tourism development in the state.
A Survey on Audit Free Cloud Storage via Deniable Attribute Based Encryption
Authors: Santhi P. , Thilagamani S.
Published: November 2016

Cloud computing is a rising technology which provider an assortment of opportunities for online distribution of resources or services. The most effective advantage of using cloud computing is higher availability of services with less cost and simple scalability. While the storage space of shared data on remote servers is not a new development, current development of cloud computing validates a more careful look at its actual consequences involving privacy and confidentiality issues. As users no longer actually possess the storage of their data, traditional cryptographic primitives for the purpose of data protection cannot be directly accepted. In particular, simply downloading all the data for its integrity confirmation is not a realistic explanation due to the expensiveness in I/O and transmission cost across the network. Besides, it is often not enough to detect the data corruption only when contacting the data, as it does not offer users correctness assurance for those un-accessed information and might be too late to recover the data loss or damage. To fully make sure the data integrity and save the cloud users’ calculation resources as well as online burden, it is of critical importance to allow public auditing service for cloud data, so that users may choice to an independent third party auditor (TPA) to audit the contract out data when needed. The TPA, who has expertise and abilities that users do not, can occasionally check the honesty of all the data stored in the cloud on behalf of the users, which provides a much more better and reasonable way for the users to ensure their storage rightness in the cloud. In a word, allowing public auditing services will play an important role for this emerging cloud market to become fully recognized; where users will need ways to evaluate risk and gain hope in the cloud. 
An Investigation of Gas Recycling in Fractured Gas-Condensate Reservoirs
Authors: Temizel Cenk , Kirmaci Harun , Tiwari Aditya , Balaji Karthik , Suhag Anuj , Ranjith Rahul , Wijaya Zein , Zhu Ying , Yegin Cengiz , El Gazar Ashraf Lofty
Published: November 2016

Condensate banking results from a combination of factors including fluid properties, formation flow characteristics, and pressures in the formation and wellbore. The production performance may suffer provided these factors are not understood at the beginning of field development. Determining the fluid properties can be vital in any reservoir, hence it plays a crucial role in gas-condensate reservoirs where condensate/gas ratio is significant in estimates for the sales potential of gas and liquid. Once reservoir fluids enter a wellbore both temperature and pressure conditions may change, where condensate liquid can be produced into the wellbore but liquid can also drop out within the wellbore. If the liquid falls back down the wellbore, the liquid percentage will increase and may eventually restrict the production. Thus, it is very important for robust reservoir management that each and every control and uncertainty parameter is understood not only in theory but also in practice with solid examples as done in this study.

A robust commercial optimization and uncertainty software is coupled with a full-physics commercial simulator that models the phenomenon so as to investigate the significance of major parameters on performance of gas-condensate reservoirs under recycling. Control and uncertainty variables have been investigated via several simulation runs in specified ranges to represent real reservoir and performance conditions rather than theoretical assumptions.

This study aims to prepare an insight into the mechanism of gas injection process in reducing gas-well productivity losses due to condensate blockage in the near wellbore region. The main goal of this work is to investigate gas recycling into the reservoir to enhance condensate recovery. The results show the influence of each control or uncertainty variable, leading to a better understanding of management of gas-condensate reservoirs under gas recycling. Impact of fractures is significant and the tornado diagrams illustrate the relative significance of each factor.

The results and sensitivities are compared and discussed in light of a comprehensive literature review of recycling gas-condensate reservoirs with different process optimization methods. The significance of all major parameters are outlined using tornado charts to serve as a practical example for optimization of relevant future applications.
Development of Excel Based Cost Estimating Module for Process & Utility Piping and Pipelines
Authors: Emam Ahmed , AL Badi Rahma
Published: November 2016

This report details the process to develop excel based piping bulk parametric cost estimating module which might be used as quick standardized computer based tool to estimate process& utility piping costs for oil and gas projects executed within Abu Dhabi region. It is also useful estimating tool especially during Conceptual and FEED design stages when 3D CAD models are not available to extract detailed piping Material Takeoff's (MTO's) or in these cases when we have new project where we don't have enough historical cost data/benchmarks to use as basis to predict piping cost account based on Factoring / Lang approach.

This module can be used as powerful tool to estimate the supply and installation costs for pipes, fittings and flanges based on normal bare carbon steel material of construction or solid exotic materials like stainless steel, INCONEL 625, INCOLOY 825 and Histalloy. It can be also used to estimate the cost for lining with fusion bond epoxy (FBE), cladding with corrosion resistant alloys (CRA) and external coating with three layers of high density polypropylene (3LHDPP).

Published piping supplier's weight data tables have been analyzed and weight curves have been plotted against the key technical parameters such as pipe size/schedule and pressure rating. Curve fitting approach has been followed to extract weight parametric equations for each piping sub-commodity which have been used as reference equations to build the subject module. The same approach has been followed for installation man-hours, material supply unit rates, coating/painting unit rates, lining/cladding unit rates and all inclusive construction labor hourly as extracted from oil and gas projects executed recently within Abu Dhabi region.

This report will also describe the approach followed to benchmark the material supply/installation unit rates as estimated by this module as compared with recent awarded contractual unit rates for the same piping commodity, also benchmark on the overall project cost estimate level as compared with recent bids for the same scope.
Improved Reservoir Characterization with Lower Risk and Higher Efficiency Using a New Wireline Formation Tester Module in a Giant UAE Offshore Field
Authors: Sarsekov Arlen , Al-Neaimi Ahmed Khalifa , Abed Abdalla , Akram Fazeel Ahmed , Cig Koksal , Osunluk Halil Ibrahim , Al Shaikh Firas
Published: November 2016

One of the giant mature carbonate offshore field with multilayer hydrocarbon reservoirs in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is undergoing further development in its deeper, heterogeneous and more structurally complex carbonate sub-zones. The reservoirs in this field have a range of low to high permeabilities, several oil-water contacts and relatively big transition zones. There has been extensive water and gas injection operations in this field, which changed the fluid saturations with varying amounts in some of the zones.

The main challenges in the current development wells are to have an extensive data gathering program to recover representative fluid samples, to identify altered fluid saturations and contacts and decide on the optimum completion intervals of the work-over and/or new wells. One of the most important requirement at offshore fields obtaining pressure measurements and samples efficiently with minimum risk while maintaining the quality at the highest level due to offshore operational risk.

Historically, a large number of formation testing and sampling operations with wireline formation tester (WFT) tools were conducted in this field using straddle dual-packer and single-probe type inlets. A recently introduced new inlet module shows a significant improvement in risk minimization and increased operational efficiency over the dual-packer and single-probe inlets by reducing the sampling durations while maintaining high quality fluid sample recovery even in low mobility formations. High efficiency and low risk operations offered by the new WFT inlet has enabled the operator to include extensive formation testing and sampling operations in their drilling programs that resulted in better reservoir characterization especially in the deeper, undeveloped and less developed carbonate sub-layers even in difficult borehole conditions where the data gathering program was difficult to tackle.

This paper demonstrates the benefits of the new WFT module, which achieves operational efficiency and obtains quality PVT samples and accurate downhole data for the reservoir characterization. In addition, this paper shows the differences between the new WFT inlet and the previous WFT inlets, such as the dual packer and the single probes.
Reducing the Uncertainty of Static Reservoir Model in a Carbonate Platform, Through the Implementation of an Integrated Workflow: Case A-Field, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Authors: Torres Kevin Michael , Al Hashmi Noor Faisal , Al Hosani Ismail Ahmed , Al Rawahi Ali Salem , Parra Humberto
Published: November 2016

The prediction of the spatial distribution of petrophysical properties within heterogeneous reservoirs are affected by significant uncertainties when based only on well information. However, integrating additional constraints such as 3D seismic data and sedimentary concepts can significantly improve the accuracy of reservoir models and help reduce uncertainties on predictions away from wells.

The aim of this study is to build a reliable 3D geological static model through an integrated workflow using petrographic and sedimentary reports and the current understanding of the sedimentary conceptual model for the field in order to reduce the uncertainty. These core interpretations provide a clear description of the facies architecture across the A-Field, serving as excellent reference during seismic stratigraphy interpretations and lead into a geological distribution of the petrophysical properties in the reservoir through the facies models.

An integrated approach for facies modeling was implemented in order to generate stochastic models of the facies associations capable to reproduce the natural transition through the sequences. This method was adopted to model the high-resolution prograding pulses in the carbonate platform that were interpreted through cores description and facies association interpretation for both reservoirs.

The final 3D sedimentary-stratigraphic architecture is used as main constrain to model the petrophysical properties for each reservoirs. Under this approach, these models can account for varying the spatial continuity of reservoir properties honoring the different sedimentary facies. Facies-based property models preserve the facies-specific statistical distribution of the property, as well as its depositional direction. The facies-based 3D petrophysical models provide an improved prediction of petrophysical properties distribution and reservoir heterogeneity. The permeability simulation based on facies and the cloud transform between porosity and permeability allows better control of spatial connectivity patterns across the reservoir that could be used for improving reservoir performance predictions as it was carried out in the present static model.
Recent Advancements in Temporary Diversion Technology for Improved Stimulation Performance
Authors: Shahri Mojtaba P. , Huang Jian , Smith Clayton S. , Fragachán Francisco E.
Published: November 2016

Temporary fluid diversion using solid particulate systems has been used in several field applications in both conventional (acidizing) and unconventional (fracturing/refracturing) stimulation operations. Besides extensive successful field applications, less attention has been paid to the underlying physics and mathematical modeling of the diversion process. The aim of this study is to propose a comprehensive workflow for designing and optimizing different stages of diversion; i.e., slurry displacement from surface to downhole, sealing and fluid diversion, stimulation efficiency, and corresponding production enhancement. Coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM) numerical simulations are used to better understand the parameters controlling the fluid diversion process. These results are coupled to a 3D fracture simulator for investigating stimulation efficiency and production enhancement corresponding to successful fluid diversion.
Creative Solution for Cutting of Blast Joint at High lnclination Wells +/-75 Degrees in Horizontal Wells
Authors: Gebaly M. A. , Mufti A. S. , Al-Hammadi A. M. , Qutob A. , Makkawi S. , Mathew T.
Published: November 2016

Recovery of dual completion strings within horizontal wells is almost always a challenging and risky operation. This is generally due to presence of high concentration H2S along with a typically corrosive environment. Also, hard scale within the internal diameter of the completion string accumulated inside the tubing could prevent access to the desired location of a severance operation – which eases the transition of the overall recovery and subsequent work over.

Typically, dual completion horizontal wells contain approximately 200ft or more sections of blast joint above the single packer – essentially across upper perforation. This sort of arrangement and design of completion prevents washing over and leads to excessively long and occasionally complicate fishing operation. This typically involves hard jarring with maximum over pull to retrieve single packer – which can create complications and possible issues with the overall fishing operation. In most cases, the usual option to create the necessary cut to sever the production tubing is via electric line conveyed chemical cutters or radial torch cutters. The deployment of these types of tools offer a more cost effective and faster rig up and rig down – allowing for the required work over to take place is a rapid way. However, due to the typical orientation of these wells, being deviated (+/- 75 degrees) as such – this would prove to be difficult. Also, there often is a significant accumulation of scale inside the diameter of the production tubing which will not allow access to such tools to reach the required cut point.

The general methods, procedures and processes involved in this case were quite novel. The case was studied and came up with creative solution to cut the blast joint at approximately 20ft above single packer at high inclination of approximately 75 degree with a hydraulically actuated through tubing cutter with coil tubing conveyance. The overall project objectives were to minimize the risk of fishing operation, avoid dropped object and avoid the risk of washing over single packer with 4 to 6 joints of wash pipe at high inclination wells which consider weak point with high dog leg severity by conventional fishing tools. The hydraulically actuated through tubing cutter with coil tubing conveyance to cut long string close to the single packer revealed a lot of benefits – primarily in terms of cost and time savings.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Miscible Process in CO2 and Crude Oil System
Authors: Yang Siyu , Lian Liming , Yang Yongzhi , Ma Desheng , Tang Jun , Su Xuefeng
Published: November 2016

Different from the physical simulation, this method could describe the movement and interaction of molecules in detail in calculation and research with virtual system. Through this process, minimum miscible pressure is calculated as well as the influence of temperatures, pressures and components on miscible process. Four steps have been taken to study these factors and four conclusions were obtained. Low temperatures cause low minimum miscible pressures (MMP), MMP is low with low CO2 contents in the system, MMP of system is basically increasing with the increase of carbon number, and MMP of system is critically influenced by the structure of aromatic, naphthenic and paraffinhydrocarbons with different carbon number.
Evaluating a Complex Low-Resistivity Pay Carbonate Reservoir Onshore Abu Dhabi: From Model to Implementation
Authors: Ashqar Ayham , Uchida Miho , Salahuddin Andi A. , Olayiwola Saheed O. , Awolayo Adedapo N.
Published: November 2016

Early identification of low resistivity pay (LRP) reservoir is vital in assessing its prospect and capability. Productive reservoirs may exhibit low resistivity and consequently, their potential is simply overlooked. Remapping these intervals can have significant production and reserve implications. Traditionally, resistivity logs are used to identify pay intervals due to the resistivity contrast between oil and formation water. However, when pay intervals exhibit low resistivity, such logs return low confidence in defining hydrocarbon potential.

Due to the complexity of low resistivity pay (LRP), its cause and proper mitigation should be determined prior to applying a solution. Researchers have identified several reasons responsible for this occurrence; among which are the presence of heterogeneous pore structures specifically micro-porosity, fractures, paramagnetic minerals, and deep conductive mud invasion.

Almost all preceding publications assume a technique will work but not the other. However, this is the first time, to our knowledge; an integrated approach is used to develop LRP assessment workflow. We have integrated the information coming from geology (e.g., thin-section, XRD), formation pressure and well tests, NMR, MICP, and dean stark data. The integration successfully identified and remapped the carbonate low resistivity reservoir. This model was validated in an appraisal well on Abu Dhabi mainland, for that an extended data was acquired.

Thereafter, the integrated LRP model was compared with the computed water saturation from conventional resistivity tools. The validation was successful in terms of confirming the prognosis. Interpreting the results from the multidisciplinary integrated model confirms a deeper Free Water Level (FWL), hence oil pool extension. Further analysis showed that the causes of LRP in this considered formation was limited to presence of micro-porosity and high saline mud invasion.
Abu Dhabi Stress Map, UAE
Authors: Noufal Abdelwahab , Obaid Khalid , Ali Mohammed Y.
Published: November 2016

As drilling of horizontal wells is increasing in Abu Dhabi, so is the need for a stress map. In this paper, such a map, composed of the in-situ stress field of Abu Dhabi, is determined by the analysis of borehole breakouts and drilling-induced tensile fractures along with the results of 1-D Mechanical Earth Models. Stress orientations are variable across the Abu Dhabi fields as a whole; however, within 3 of 5 individual stress provinces defined in Abu Dhabi, mean stress orientations are statistically significant. The stress provinces and stress trajectory mapping reveal that they are systematic continental-scale rotations of stress orientations within Abu Dhabi. The stress orientations are not parallel to the direction of absolute plate motion of the Arabian plate, nonetheless; the regional pattern of stress orientation is consistent with plate boundary forces controlled by the complex nature of the subduction in the northeastern boundary of the Eurasian-Arabian plates.

To date, 130 1-D MEM's were generated, 98 of them expose the in-situ stress orientations, which have been compiled as the cornerstone of Abu Dhabi Stress Map. Of these, over 57 are considered reliable tectonic stress indicators, recording horizontal stress orientations to within ±15°. Remarkably, a good correlation was observed among stress orientations deduced from in-situ stress measurements and geologic observations made in the upper 1–2 km and in well bore breakouts extending to 2–3 km depth. The stress fields are believed to be largely the result of compressional forces associated with the subduction of the Arabian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate and possibly from the divergent movement of the Red Sea along with the sinistral movement of the Aqaba-Levant fault boundaries. Knowledge of the contemporary crustal in-situ stress is of great importance for several applications, such as, borehole stability, hydraulic stimulation and understanding of the structural evolution of the terrain.
Taking Ownership of the F&G System While Reducing Costs and Increasing Safety - A practical Approach to F&G Mapping
Authors: McNay James , Farmer Murray
Published: November 2016

Objectives/ scope

This paper analyses the dangers of inappropriate design of Fire and Gas (F&G) systems not only to the hazards in question, but in failing to take account of the hardware/ environmental drawbacks to ensure a safe and reliable system. The review will detail common misconceptions of F&G devices, focusing on flame detectors and flammable gas detectors.

Methods, Procedures, Process

This will also review the significant cost savings which can be introduced when incorporating knowledge of how these instruments operate, and the hazards in question, in the F&G design. Taking account of these factors has been demonstrated to increase overall plant safety and greatly reduce the CAPEX costs of projects. It is also evident that when these systems are not adequately designed, the costs in unwanted shutdown/ plant down time can be unnecessarily excessive.

The paper will discuss the matters in light of the current challenging climate of the Oil and Gas Industry and how different disciplines must work together to ensure while overheads are being reduced, this is not at the expense of safety.

Results/ Observations/ Conclusions

The main conclusion to be drawn is that: 1) too much emphasis is placed on the simple percentage coverage achieved which can significantly over engineer a system; and 2) not enough emphasis is placed on the characteristics of the hardware being mapped which can cause issues at a later date with unwanted downtime.

Novel/ Additive Information

As the process industry moves towards the reduction of the potential for ‘fail to danger’ in safety related systems (with an increase in the prevalence of IEC 61508 and IEC 61511), it is of great concern that designs of fire and gas detection technologies (whether classed as a SIS or not) applied today still provide this potential, and even worse, these drawbacks may never be accounted for in design. In light of this, the guidance within the recent guidance document ‘ISA TR84.00.07 Guidance on the Evaluation of Fire and Gas System Effectiveness’ shall be reviewed with reference to its efficiency and what can be done better by those following the guidance, to ensure it remains relevant in the current challenging climate.
Ten Year ESP Mean Time between Failures, Reality or Fiction
Authors: Lastra Rafael
Published: November 2016

Improving Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) system reliability, eliminating or reducing failures, comprise the most frequent requests from O&G operators. Over the last few decades, notable design improvements have been made with the use of computer aided design, rapid prototyping techniques, and use space age materials. But the average ESP run life has increased marginally, and remains at around three years.

ESP failures have important economic implications for O&G operators, including: nonproductive time, production deferral, production losses, and high cost of ESP replacements, especially for offshore or remote wells. Operators have tried different approaches to incentivize ESP vendors to improve ESP reliability, including: performance based contracts, internal research, open research, joint industry projects, and market competition. Despite these efforts, the goal of a ten-year run life remains elusive.

Saudi Aramco has set a very aggressive target of operating ESPs for an average of ten years without failure. This paper explores the likelihood of developing an ultra-reliable submersible pump system that can meet this challenging objective. It discusses the fundamental issues that currently prevent achieving higher ESP reliability, and also evaluates potential approaches to the reliability improvement challenge. Finally, the paper examines technical, operational, economic and market implications of such alternatives, for both O&G operators and ESP vendors
Characterization of Stress Induced Azimuthal Anisotropy Using AVOAz Inversion
Authors: Nakayama Shotaro , Benson Mark Allen , Al-Khamiri Ahmed Mubarak
Published: November 2016

An OBC seismic data generally provides an opportunity to acquire wide azimuth data via azimuthal anisotropy analysis. However, it generally requires large amount of survey effort so OBC seismic data is sometimes sparsely and irregularly sampled. This led to several challenges during original processing and reservoir characterization using an OBC seismic data acquired in offshore Abu Dhabi.

To deal with spatial sampling sparseness and irregularity, we reprocess the data. For the improvement of spatial sampling, data interpolation and regularization using anti-leakage Fourier transform is applied. The process employs anti-aliasing capability along with 5D implementation (4 spatial coordinates and time) so reliable data reconstruction can be performed at any desired trace distributions. This yields enhancement of fold, offset and azimuth distributions of the data. In addition, 3D algorithms are implemented in several stages of reprocessing such as de-noise, de-multiple, imaging and velocity analysis, allowing for the preservation of offset and azimuth information. As a consequence, the reprocessing successfully addresses challenges in sparsely and irregularly sampled OBC seismic data, and consequently provides an optimum data sets for subsequent azimuthal anisotropy analysis.

Although the use of amplitude and/or velocity is considered as relatively quick and easy approaches to analyze magnitude and orientating of azimuthal anisotropy, they employs undesired effects and inherent limitations. To overcome those, AVOAz inversion is performed using the azimuthally sectored angle-stack data. The azimuthal attributes from the inversion clearly indicate a preferred orientation of NNE-SSW. By integrating different observations such as core description, well data and regional geology in a comprehensive manner, the inversion results can be interpreted as an indication of current stress regime in the field. The results also infer that the OBC seismic data with insufficient spatial sampling can potentially achieve to an equivalent data quality to a dense and full azimuth survey.