bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Assessment of a “Crossover” Translation Technique for Innovative Development of Central Asia Mining Regions
Authors: Islamov Roman , Greenwald Oksana
Published: June 2019

Innovative development of mining regions is undoubtedly determined by efficient specialists in mining engineering, ecology and natural resources management. Due to close integration and economic relations of Kemerovo Region, a leading mining region in Russia, with the adjacent states of Central Asia many young people from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have chosen Kemerovo Region universities to get higher education necessary to develop mining industry in their native countries. Taking higher education courses there they are to study English via Russian as an intermediate language, both languages being foreign to them. To assist themselves in studying the subject, international students from Central Asia use a “crossover” translation technique by means of machine translation at EFL lessons. The assessment of the technique has been carried out and some advice is given to both international students from Central Asia and teachers of EFL. Practical value of the “crossover” translation technique promotes training efficient specialists for mining industry capable to learn and apply advanced technologies for innovative development of Central Asia mining regions.
Application of the AHP Method to Select an Optimal Source of Financing Innovation in the Mining Sector
Authors: Pukala Ryszard , Petrova Mariana
Published: June 2019

This study intends to present a possibility of applying the AHP method in the process of making managerial decisions concerning the selection of sources of financing innovation by mining enterprises. Such companies, active in a turbulent market environment marked by increasing competition, are looking for new tools and solutions with a view to supporting and optimising their activity. Development and implementation of innovations, principally aimed at improving the effectiveness of enterprise operation and lowering operating costs, is an efficient tool for the sake of gaining competitive advantage. As shown by studies, the presented method can make an appropriate instrument when it comes to selecting sources of financing for an enterprise. The conducted analyses demonstrated that offtake agreements can be an optimal method of financing innovation in mining companies, in line with indications of experts participating in the study.
Sustainability of Business with Earth Sources in V4 Countries
Authors: Cehlár Michal , Čulková Katarína , Pavolová Henrieta , Khouri Samer
Published: June 2019

Due to the availability of earth sources there is necessary to provide business sustainability that refers the effort of a company to reduce negative impacts on social, environmental and economic area. This can be search through various indexes that are directly or indirectly influencing effectiveness of any business, not excluding mining industry presenting base of industries in number of countries. The objective of the paper is to evaluate and compare business environment in area of earth sources in V4 countries according Global competitiveness index, Doing Business and Index of business environment with aim to identify obstacles that limit business development. From the results we can evaluate that business with earth sources has number of obstacles that company must overcome with aim that earth sources can be further sold at a favourable price. Business with earth sources in V4 could be improved by permanent development of innovation for increasing of effectiveness in area of mining and processing, as well as better conditions for starting businessmen.
Towards an Integrated Approach to Improving Innovation Management System of Mining Companies
Authors: Lazarenko Yuliia , Garafonova Olga , Grigashkina Svetlana , Verezomska Irina
Published: June 2019

The paper is intended to examine core elements of an innovation management system which is aimed at maintaining a company’s innovation practices, improving its innovation performance, increasing innovation capacities and hence expanding the opportunities for future innovation-oriented activities on a continuous basis. Based on existing industry analysis reports, it is shown that mining companies need to develop specific innovation capabilities, both internal and external in order to adopt knowledge and devise appropriate innovation-driven growth strategies. As a result of the study, through an integrated approach a descriptive overview of the key components of the innovation management system according to the peculiarities of innovation activities in the mining sector is presented. From a practical perspective the paper provides a framework for the identification of the core managerial areas on which attention should be especially focused in order to increase innovation capabilities and improve innovation performance of mining enterprises in the current business environment.
Red giant stars: from mixed modes to angular momentum
Authors: Belkacem K.
Published: June 2019

Solar-like oscillations are ubiquitous to low-mass stars from the main-sequence to the red-giant branch as demonstrated by the space-borne missions CoRoT andKepler. Understanding the physical mechanisms governing their amplitudes as well as their behavior along with the star evolution is a prerequisite for interpreting the wealth of seismic data and for inferring stellar internal structure. In this paper, I discuss our current knowledge of mode amplitudes with particular emphasis on non-radial modes in red giants (hereafter mixed modes). Then, I will show how these modes permit to unveil the rotation of the inner-most layers of low-mass stars and how they put stringent constraints on the redistribution of angular momentum.
Mean flow evolution of saturated forced shear flows in polytropic atmospheres
Authors: Witzke V. , Silvers L.J.
Published: June 2019

In stellar interiors shear flows play an important role in many physical processes. So far helioseismology provides only large-scale measurements, and so the small-scale dynamics remains insufficiently understood. To draw a connection between observations and three-dimensional DNS of shear driven turbulence, we investigate horizontally averaged profiles of the numerically obtained mean state. We focus here on just one of the possible methods that can maintain a shear flow, namely the average relaxation method. We show that although some systems saturate by restoring linear marginal stability this is not a general trend. Finally, we discuss the reason that the results are more complex than expected.
Some travels in the land of nonlinear convection and magnetism
Authors: Toomre J.
Published: June 2019

Rotating stars with convection zones are the great builders of magnetism in our universe. Seeking to understand how turbulent convection actually operates, and so too the dynamo action that it can achieve, has advanced through distinctive stages in which Jean-Paul Zahn was often a central player, or joined by his former students. Some of the opening steps in dealing with the basic nonlinearity in such dynamics involved modal equations (with specified horizontal structure) to study convective amplitudes and heat transports achieved as solutions equilibrated by feeding back on the mean stratification. These dealt in turn with laboratory convection, with penetrative convection in Boussinesq settings, then with compressible penetration via anelastic equations in simple geometries, and finally with stellar penetrative convection in A-type stars that coupled two convection zones. Advances in computation power allowed 2-D fully compressible simulations, and then 3-D modeling including rotation, to revisit some of these convection and penetration settings within planar layers. With externally imposed magnetic fields threading the 2-D layers, magnetoconvection could then be studied to see how the flows concentrated the fields into complex sheets, or how new classes of traveling waves could result. The era of considering turbulent convection in rotating spherical shells had also arrived, using 3-D MHD codes such as ASH to evaluate how the solar differential rotation is achieved and maintained. Similarly the manner in which global magnetic fields could be built by dynamo action within the solar convection zone took center stage, finding that coherent wreaths of strong magnetism could be built, and also cycling solutions with field reversals. The coupling of convection and magnetism continues as a vibrant research subject. It is also clear that stars like the Sun do not give up their dynamical mysteries readily when highly turbulent systems are at play.
Angular momentum transport in accretion disks: a hydrodynamical perspective
Authors: Fromang S. , Lesur G.
Published: June 2019

The radial transport of angular momentum in accretion disk is a fundamental process in the universe. It governs the dynamical evolution of accretion disks and has implications for various issues ranging from the formation of planets to the growth of supermassive black holes. While the importance of magnetic fields for this problem has long been demonstrated, the existence of a source of transport solely hydrodynamical in nature has proven more difficult to establish and to quantify. In recent years, a combination of results coming from experiments, theoretical work and numerical simulations has dramatically improved our understanding of hydrodynamically mediated angular momentum transport in accretion disk. Here, based on these recent developments, we review the hydrodynamical processes that might contribute to transporting angular momentum radially in accretion disks and highlight the many questions that are still to be answered.
EPG5 Variants with Modest Functional Impact Result in an Ameliorated and Primarily Neurological Phenotype in a 3.5-Year-Old Patient with Vici Syndrome
Authors: Kane Megan S. , Zhao Jia , Muskett Julie , Diplock Amelia , Srivastava Siddharth , Hauser Natalie , Deeken John F. , Niederhuber John E. , Smith Wendy E. , Vilboux Thierry , Ebrahimi-Fakhari Darius
Published: June 2019

Congenital disorders of autophagy are multisystem disorders with significant neurological involvement. Ectopic p-granules protein 5 (EPG5)-associated Vici syndrome is a prototypical congenital disorder of autophagy and presents with the cardinal features of agenesis of the corpus callosum, cataracts, cardiomyopathy, immunodeficiency, and oculocutaneous hypopigmentation. The majority of EPG5 variants leading to Vici syndrome are null alleles with only a few missense variants published to date. Here we report a 3.5-year-old male with compound heterozygous EPG5 variants [NM_020964.2: c.772G > T/c.5943–9_5943–5del]. His clinical presentation deviates notably from classic Vici syndrome with a lack of hypopigmentation, cataracts, immunodeficiency, cardiomyopathy, or failure to thrive. Neurological manifestations within the known disease spectrum include early-onset global developmental delay, hypotonia, and postnatal microcephaly. Seizures, hearing loss, or optic nerve atrophy are absent, however. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates a thin but fully formed corpus callosum. Based on the ameliorated and primarily neurological phenotype, we hypothesized that the functional impact of the EPG5 variants present would be milder with a higher amount of residual EPG5 expression. Analyses of EPG5 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in the patient and his parents were performed to examine expression level and splicing; mRNA from a healthy control and a patient with classic Vici syndrome was also included. Aberrant splicing due to the intronic mutation was detected, but no loss of expression. In contrast, we observed a 50% reduction in mRNA expression in classic Vici syndrome patient fibroblasts. These results support a model of disease severity, which correlates to the dosage of EPG5 expression.
Impaired Glycoprotein VI-Mediated Signaling and Platelet Functional Responses in CD45 Knockout Mice
Authors: Inamdar Vaishali V. , Kostyak John C. , Badolia Rachit , Dangelmaier Carol A. , Manne Bhanu Kanth , Patel Akruti , Kim Soochong , Kunapuli Satya P.
Published: June 2019

Background and Objective CD45 is a receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase present on the surface of all hematopoietic cells except for erythrocytes and platelets. Proteomics studies, however, have demonstrated the presence of a CD45 c-terminal catalytic peptide in platelets. Therefore, we investigated the functional role of this truncated isoform of CD45 in platelets, which contains the c-terminal catalytic domain but lacks the extracellular region.

Methods and Results We used an antibody specific to the c-terminus of CD45 to confirm the presence of a truncated CD45 isoform in platelets. We also examined ex vivo and in vivo platelet function using CD45 knockout (KO) mice. Aggregation and secretion mediated by the glycoprotein VI (GPVI) receptor was impaired in CD45 KO platelets. Consequently, CD45 KO mice had impaired hemostasis indicated by increased tail bleeding times. Also, using a model of pulmonary embolism we showed that CD45 KO mice had defective in vivo thrombus formation. Next, we investigated whether or not the truncated isoform of CD45 had a role in GPVI signaling. The full-length isoform of CD45 is known to regulate Src family kinase (SFK) activation in lymphocytes. We find a similar role for the truncated isoform of CD45 in platelets. SFK activation was impaired downstream of the GPVI receptor in the CD45 KO murine platelets. Consequently, Syk, PLCγ2, and pleckstrin phosphorylations were also impaired in CD45 KO murine platelets.

Conclusion We conclude that the truncated CD45 isoform regulates GPVI-mediated signaling and platelet functional responses by regulating SFK activation.
Stress Radiography for the Diagnosis of Medial Glenohumeral Ligament Rupture in Canine Shoulders
Authors: Livet Véronique , Harel Mathieu , Taroni Mathieu , Carozzo Claude , Viguier Éric , Sonet Juliette , Cachon Thibaut
Published: June 2019

Objectives This study aimed to describe a stress radiography to detect medial glenohumeral ligament rupture and to investigate the repeatability and reproducibility of this test.

Materials and Methods Six adult Beagle cadavers were used. Both shoulders of each dog were randomly assigned into two groups: a normal shoulder group (NS group) and an affected shoulder group (AS group) where the medial glenohumeral ligament was arthroscopically transected. Goniometry, image analysis and radiography (normal and stress views) were performed before and after arthroscopic procedures. An abduction angle was determined for each stress view and an evaluation of the repeatability and the reproducibility was performed.

Results Abduction angles were significantly larger in the AS group as measured by goniometer (p < 0.001), image analysis (p < 0.001) and radiographic stress view (p < 0.001) than in the NS group. The abduction angle difference varied from 12° to 29.3° (median difference of 19.4°) between NS and AS groups. There were good intra-observer and very good inter-observer agreements. A very good (r = 0.74; r = 0.72, respectively) significant (p < 0.001) positive correlation between goniometric and radiographic techniques and between image analysis and radiographic techniques was observed.

Clinical Significance Shoulder abduction angles measured with a stress radiograph-specific view provide objective data that may contribute to diagnosis of medial shoulder instability in dogs.
Risk Factors for 30-Day Non-Neurological Morbidity and Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Gelfand Yaroslav , Longo Michael , Berezin Naomi , Nakhla Jonathan P. , De la Garza-Ramos Rafael , Agarwal Vijay
Published: June 2019

Introduction We analyzed perioperative risk factors for morbidity and mortality for the patients undergoing surgical intervention for vestibular schwannoma along with rates of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks that required surgery.

Materials and Methods Patients undergoing surgery vestibular schwannoma were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2012 to 2016 using current procedural terminology (CPT) codes for posterior fossa surgical approaches and International Classification of Diseases 9th revision (ICD 9) and ICD 10 codes for peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Preoperative laboratories, comorbidities, and operative times were analyzed along with CSF leaks and unplanned returns to the operating room.

Results Nine-hundred ninety-three patients fit the inclusion criteria. Average age was 51, 41% were male, and 58% were female. Mortality within 30 days of the operation was very low at 0.4%, complications were 7% with infection being the most common at 2.3%, and unplanned reoperations happened in 7.4% of the cases. Dependent functional status (odds ratio [OR]: 5.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.9–16.6, p = 0.001), preoperative anemia (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2–4.5, p = 0.009), and operative time over 8 hours (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.4, p = 0.017) were the only significant predictors of perioperative complications. CSF leak postoperatively occurred in 37 patients (3.7%). Reoperation for CSF leak was necessary in 56.3% of the cases. Operative time over 8 hours was the only independent significant predictor of postoperative CSF leak (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.3, p = 0.028).

Conclusion Dependent functional status preoperatively, preoperative anemia, and duration of surgery over 8 hours are the greatest predictors of complications in the 30-day postoperative period.
Development of gas jet targets for laser-plasma experiments at near-critical density
Authors: Henares J. L. , Puyuelo-Valdes P. , Hannachi F. , Ceccotti T. , Ehret M. , Gobet F. , Lancia L. , Marquès J.-R. , Santos J. J. , Versteegen M. , Tarisien M.
Published: June 2019

Computational fluid dynamics simulations are performed to design gas nozzles, associated with a 1000 bars backing pressure system, capable of generating supersonic gas jet targets with densities close to the critical density for 1053 nm laser radiation (1021 cm−3). Such targets should be suitable for laser-driven ion acceleration at a high repetition rate. The simulation results are compared to the density profiles measured by interferometry, and characterization of the gas jet dynamics is performed using strioscopy. Proton beams with maximum energies up to 2 MeV have been produced from diatomic hydrogen gas jet targets in a first experiment.
The Stokes-Einstein relation in water/methanol solutions
Authors: Corsaro C. , Fazio E. , Mallamace D.
Published: June 2019

The hydrogen bonding ability of both water and methanol, together with the occurrence of hydrophobic interactions, makes their solutions nonideal. This nonideality is reflected in both dynamic and thermodynamic quantities at different extent depending on temperature and concentration. The thermal behavior in terms of transport quantities is investigated for different methanol molar fractions by using the concepts of the Stokes-Einstein relation. Starting from the pure compounds, we compare self-diffusion and viscosity data as a function of the temperature for methanol molar fractions XMeOH = 0.22, 0.5, and 0.7. The results are interpreted within the scenario of the mode coupling theory and show that the Stokes-Einstein relation is violated in a different way depending on the solution concentration.
Foil explosion and decay of metastable state
Authors: Oreshkin V. I. , Zhigalin A. S. , Rousskikh A. G. , Baksht R. B.
Published: June 2019

The mechanism of decay of the superheated metastable metal produced by a thin foil explosion was investigated experimentally. The decay of the metastable metal was indicated by the occurrence of bubbles detected using soft x-ray backlighting. The experiments were carried out on a research facility comprising three current generators. One of them was used to initiate the explosion of a test foil, and the other two, X-pinch backlighting sources, were used for diagnostics. In the experiments, an upper limit has been determined for the decay time of the metastable state of a superheated metal. For aluminum, at a foil thickness of 6 μm and a deposited energy of 1.49 ± 0.08 eV/atom, the metastable state decay time was about 90 ns; for copper, at the same foil thickness and a deposited energy of 1.46 ± 0.07 eV/atom, it was about 250 ns. Analysis of the experimental results based on the classical nucleation theory has made it possible to estimate the work required for the formation of a critical bubble, the radius of the critical bubble, and the Tolman length, which characterizes the effect of the surface curvature on the surface tension. The work required for the formation of a critical bubble has been estimated to be 16.6 ± 1.5 eV for aluminum and 18.3 ± 1.2 eV for copper. The critical bubble radius and the Tolman length turned out to be several nanometers for both test metals.
New dynamic diamond anvil cells for tera-pascal per second fast compression x-ray diffraction experiments
Authors: Jenei Zs. , Liermann H. P. , Husband R. , Méndez A. S. J. , Pennicard D. , Marquardt H. , O’Bannon E. F. , Pakhomova A. , Konopkova Z. , Glazyrin K. , Wendt M. , Wenz S. , McBride E. E. , Morgenroth W. , Winkler B. , Rothkirch A. , Hanfland M. , Evans W. J.
Published: June 2019

Fast compression experiments performed using dynamic diamond anvil cells (dDACs) employing piezoactuators offer the opportunity to study compression-rate dependent phenomena. In this paper, we describe an experimental setup which allows us to perform time-resolved x-ray diffraction during the fast compression of materials using improved dDACs. The combination of the high flux available using a 25.6 keV x-ray beam focused with a linear array of compound refractive lenses and the two fast GaAs LAMBDA detectors available at the Extreme Conditions Beamline (P02.2) at PETRA III enables the collection of x-ray diffraction patterns at an effective repetition rate of up to 4 kHz. Compression rates of up to 160 TPa/s have been achieved during the compression of gold in a 2.5 ms fast compression using improved dDAC configurations with more powerful piezoactuators. The application of this setup to low-Z compounds at lower compression rates is described, and the high temporal resolution of the setup is demonstrated. The possibility of applying finely tuned pressure profiles opens opportunities for future research, such as using oscillations of the piezoactuator to mimic propagation of seismic waves in the Earth.
Increasing surface-enhanced Raman scattering density using gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles controlled via a magnetic field for sensitive and efficient biomarker detection
Authors: Shibusawa Kazuki , Hase Takumi , Tsukada Kosuke
Published: June 2019

Early detection of various diseases is expected using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). For example, a method of labeling an antibody of a disease-related molecule on metal nanoparticles and detecting the SERS signals of the particles bound to the antigen is a promising approach. However, the problems of a slow antigen–antibody reaction and low sensitivity remain unsolved. In this study, we fabricated nanoparticles that can be freely moved using an external magnetic field for rapid antigen–antibody reaction and also nanoengineered the substrate to increase the density of hotspots required for SERS. Gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles (Au-MNPs) with a core–shell structure were prepared by applying multiple coatings of gold onto magnetic iron(II,III) oxide nanoparticles, which were used as the core. A neodymium magnet easily moved and converged the Au-MNPs in the solution within a few seconds. In addition, a silver nanoparticle substrate (Ag-NS) with a hexagonal close-packed structure fixed on a polydimethylsiloxane thin film was prepared, and the stable generation of SERS was confirmed over the entire substrate. Upon aggregation of the Au-MNPs onto Ag-NS using a neodymium magnet, the total SERS strength per unit area drastically increased, suggesting that the combination of Au-MNPs and Ag-NS increased the density of the generated hotspots. In future work, with the labeling of antibodies onto Au-MNPs, we expect the proposed method to be applied in the sensitive measurement of biomarkers associated with diseases.
What were they thinking? How the brain is wired for Limbic RiskTM
Authors: Wentzel Robert , Wentzel Nada
Published: June 2019

A common response following an incident is, ‘What were they thinking?’. This rhetorical question implies blame. While all incidents can be linked to human error, a more insightful and expansive question would be ‘Were they thinking?’. This question leads to identifying broader organisational factors that contributed to the error in decision making. Understanding thinking is critical in taking the next step to prevent harm. Neuroscience provides us with insight into how we think; how the brain makes decisions and introduces additional risk we refer to as Limbic RiskTM. The majority of our thinking is in fact unconscious, automatic and reactive and stems from the oldest part of our brain called the limbic system. The minority of decisions are conscious, logical and responsive and use a newer part of our brain called the pre-frontal cortex (PFC). The ability to use our PFC is significantly impacted by stress. There are five significant stressors; pressure, fatigue, irritation, distraction and complacency which impact our ability to use our PFC and add Limbic RiskTM to the environment. Traditional safety management focuses on managing external, observable including physical and behavioural risk. Preventing harm requires an expanded perspective to understand, interrupt and prevent Limbic RiskTM, and importantly equip leaders with the capability to create a LimbicSafe® environment given their influence on others is a significant 70%.
Renewables, gas and batteries: reliable and efficient power for industry
Authors: Lukatela Tom
Published: June 2019

Woodside believes gas-fired power and renewables are ideal partners to power industry. There are environmental and commercial reasons to integrate solar photovoltaic panels, or other intermittent renewable generation, with gas-fired power generation to support industry, especially in the Pilbara where sunlight is plentiful. This would increase energy efficiency, and reduce emissions, enabling a transformative shift towards a lower carbon future without compromising reliability or affordability. Woodside is studying a concept to integrate an industrial-scale solar farm, a battery energy storage system and reciprocating gas engines, to provide hybrid renewable, dispatchable, power generation for industry on the Burrup Peninsula. Feasibility studies have identified that a combination of solar photovoltaics, with high efficiency, fast starting, medium speed gas engines, can supply reliable power at world class energy efficiencies, while meeting local cyclonic design conditions and proposed grid stability requirements.
Approaches to data-driven exploration in Queensland
Authors: Knight Tony
Published: June 2019

Queensland has a very significant petroleum resource endowment within 27 hydrocarbon basins spread across the state. Three of those basins already host Australia’s largest onshore gas supply industry, leaving significant opportunity to develop additional gas resources. To optimise the development of new resources, the Geological Survey of Queensland (GSQ) is implementing an integrated approach to exploration and appraisal called ‘data driven exploration’. Working in collaboration with industry, the research sector and relevant government agencies, GSQ is promoting data-driven exploration in four ways: by (1) optimising the type and quality of geoscience data collected and reported by industry; (2) improving data curation practices in government data repositories; (3) creating value-added opportunities for the use of geoscience data; and (4) improving industry capability and capacity through skills enhancement, collaborative mechanisms, and access to an expert capability network. The overarching objective of ‘data-driven exploration’ is to enable industry exploration and appraisal success by making best use of geoscience data coupled with supporting mechanisms to improve competency and capability to derive, interpret and employ geoscience information. The expression of success will vary depending on individual circumstances, but is intended to encompass a range of outcomes including improvements in the rate, cost and efficiency of discovery and appraisal.
Better project delivery: Australia's value opportunity
Authors: Rodger Angus
Published: June 2019

Has the industry seen the light on project delivery? Numerous signs of improved execution through the downturn in Australia and across the globe suggest oil and gas companies are finally getting it right after a lengthy period of dismal performance. Even before prices went to US$100 per barrel and beyond, the oil and gas industry had a poor track record of delivering major projects. However, higher prices exacerbated the situation, encouraging poor capital discipline and overconfidence in undertaking large-scale, highly complex projects that overstretched the supply chain. The results were delays, cost overruns and billions of dollars in value destroyed. Over the past decade the average project was delivered 6 months late, with costs up 14% compared with the forecast at final investment decision. The top 15 cost blowouts were a cumulative US$80 billion over budget. Much of that was in Australia. But lessons have been learned. Without the safety net of higher prices, the successful execution of capital projects has become of crucial importance to the industry. There is now evidence of post-downturn projects being delivered on time and on budget; in Australasia, recent examples include Greater Western Flank Phase 2 and the Bayu-Undan infill drilling campaign. But do these successes mean execution has really improved? It can be argued these are relatively simple brownfield, subsea developments. When we enter the next investment cycle with bigger projects (Scarborough, Browse and Barossa), will we see the same old mistakes repeated again?
Subsurface engineering of CCUS in Australia (case studies)
Authors: Bagheri Mohammad B. , Raab Matthias
Published: June 2019

Carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) is a rapidly emerging field in the Australian oil and gas industry to address carbon emissions while securing reliable energy. Although there are similarities with many aspects of the oil and gas industry, subsurface CO2 storage has some unique geology and geophysics, and reservoir engineering considerations, for which we have developed specific workflows. This paper explores the challenges and risks that a reservoir engineer might face during a field-scale CO2 injection project, and how to address them. We first explain some of the main concepts of reservoir engineering in CCUS and their synergy with oil and gas projects, followed by the required inputs for subsurface studies. We will subsequently discuss the importance of uncertainty analysis and how to de-risk a CCUS project from the subsurface point of view. Finally, two different case studies will be presented, showing how the CCUS industry should use reservoir engineering analysis, dynamic modelling and uncertainty analysis results, based on our experience in the Otway Basin. The first case study provides a summary of CO2CRC storage research injection results and how we used the dynamic models to history match the results and understand CO2 plume behaviour in the reservoir. The second case study shows how we used uncertainty analysis to improve confidence on the CO2 plume behaviour and to address regulatory requirements. An innovative workflow was developed for this purpose in CO2CRC to understand the influence of each uncertainty parameter on the objective functions and generate probabilistic results.
Improving decision making through data analytics to drive best-in-class CSG rig performance
Authors: Koziol Kyle
Published: June 2019

The well servicing industry is demanding increased operational efficiencies and reduced variability in activity times across an expanding fleet. Improvements in operational efficiency are also improvements to safety outcomes because of the reduction of process variability. The rig performance monitoring system called ‘eTour’ has been designed and implemented to give increased and timely visibility of rig performance across the fleet. The system is focused on delivering clear data about key phases of the operation, including rig moves and pulling/running completions. The analytics that sit behind the system allow for consideration of variabilities such as operating region, site equipment, leading safety indicators and crew experience to provide a clear view of performance of each rig across 14+ rigs working in coal seam gas (CSG) operations. The information from eTour is used by operations and support teams to improve decision making for management of equipment, procedures and personnel at the rig site. The information can be viewed daily or used for trending over time, depending on requirements. Objective data have been used for the identification of top performing rigs for each phase of the workover or initial completion that supports the sharing of work procedures across the fleet to gain consistency. The data have also played a key role in justifying capital spend to modify equipment and reduce loads for rig moves and other operational efficiencies. eTour relies on a platform that is widely available and, therefore, the process and outputs from the system can be shared across the industry for greater improvements.
Tailored acquisition and processing providing an enhanced subsurface image of the basin architecture, Exmouth Sub-basin, North West Shelf, Australia
Authors: Karvelas Alexander , Lim Bee Jik , Zhang Lianping , Trihutomo Haryo , Schenk Oliver , Tewari Sugandha
Published: June 2019

Hydrocarbon exploration has resulted in the discovery of a variety of oil and gas accumulations mainly in Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous intervals. However, the distribution of the different petroleum system elements including Jurassic and Triassic intervals is poorly determined, but required for improved understanding of the complex charge history, as indicated by the variety of hydrocarbon types encountered in the basin.
The new WesternGeco multiclient 3D seismic survey extends to the edges of the basin to give a comprehensive picture. Raw hydrophone data were delivered from the vessel as acquisition progressed to begin the near-surface model building. The model building consisted of two major stages: first, using full waveform inversion (FWI) to derive the near-surface velocity field; and, second, common image point (CIP) tomography to update the deeper section beyond the FWI illumination zone.
As illustrated herein, various stages of processing and imaging provided a cleaner and crisper dataset across the record length, allowing (1) detailed picking of the events within the entire Mesozoic (Cretaceous–Triassic) section allowing key events to be interpreted and correlated across the area and (2) accurate investigation of the complexity of different aged fault networks and their relationships across the full Exmouth Sub-basin for the first time.
In summary, this survey provides a detailed insight into the deeper basin architecture of the Exmouth Sub-basin. The seamless volume imaged to depth allows accurate mapping which is critical to unravel the complex evolutionary history in a basin with proven and significant remaining hydrocarbon potential.
Natural gas separation at CO2CRC's Otway National Research Facility
Authors: Qader Abdul , Pandit Jai Kant
Published: June 2019

CO2CRC, in collaboration with the University of Melbourne and the University of New South Wales, is testing two novel CO2 capture technologies designed for both on-shore and off-shore natural gas applications in a state-of-the-art experimental capture rig at CO2CRC’s Otway National Research Facility. The goal is to develop robust and compact technology for high pressure natural gas separation over a range of adjusted high CO2 concentrations mimicking various gas field conditions. These technologies would facilitate developing new gas fields to recover methane in a cost-effective manner which is currently uneconomical with conventional technologies. In the first stage of testing, commercially available materials (adsorbents and membranes) were used for benchmarking. Results from both adsorbent and membrane technologies are encouraging with respect to recovery and purity of CO2 and methane with the prospect of commercial application.
Zero Waste Well – the beneficial use of produced water from CSG projects
Authors: Wybrew Paul
Published: June 2019

Most onshore gas provinces in Australia are in remote locations where it is expensive to bring materials to, and take waste away from, well sites. Importantly, water is not only an input to, and a product of, the drilling, completion, construction and production process, it is also a precious resource. That is why Santos has been working towards the ‘Zero Waste Well’. Historically, separate drilling, completion, construction and operational teams were involved in sourcing and disposing of water without taking a holistic view of the water cycle. By taking a collaborative approach and looking at the complete water cycle, Santos has been able to reduce its water use and eliminate wastewater by reusing all of the produced water in its Queensland coal seam gas upstream activities for beneficial purposes. As part of the Zero Waste Well concept, Santos has identified and implemented a range of initiatives for beneficially reusing produced water. These include stock watering, construction, dust suppression, rehabilitation, and drilling and completion activities. One of the most exciting innovations is to beneficially reuse produced water for localised irrigation. This avoids or minimises the need for large centralised water gathering systems and large static centralised water storages and treatment plants. This also minimises the environmental footprint, energy intensity, carbon emissions and brine wastes from Santos’ activities. Localised irrigation not only reduces construction and operating costs, and engineering design and construction timeframes for Santos, it provides a valuable pasture irrigation source for local landholders.
Securing industrial systems in a digital world
Authors: Dickinson Benjamin , Wilkinson Daniel
Published: June 2019

Operational technology, largely industrial equipment, has become increasingly connected, and the integration of information technology components allows such devices to leverage software that drives data collection and analysis, resulting in enhanced performance and ultimately ‘smarter’ machines. With these benefits come vulnerabilities, including the possibility of malicious actors gaining access to critical assets through networks. The growing recognition of cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure (e.g. oil, gas, chemicals, energy, water) has brought the topic into the spotlight. Further, regulatory requirements on these industries have increased. Standards and policies have been created in an attempt to address the rapid technological changes; however, it is still challenging for companies to implement needed processes and keep personnel up to date and aligned, given the pace of change. Designing products to be secured from cyberattack only became a topic of concern about a decade ago, and the prevailing sense at that time was that isolation (‘air gap’) and limited availability of technical knowledge (‘security by obscurity’) protected industrial control systems products. This false belief was quickly dismissed as wishful thinking after Stuxnet and vendors began to respond to customer demands for more secure products. However, with often heterogeneous equipment and life cycles counted in decades, it will take time for secure components to become the norm. In this extended abstract we share insights to enhance your understanding of how governance, technology and business requirements intersect, illustrate ways in which organisations can leverage digitalisation opportunities to manage increasing risks better and offer recommendations for organisations to improve their cybersecurity posture in a holistic and sustainable model.
Critical success factors for achieving environmental approvals
Authors: Raitt Petrina
Published: June 2019

In recent years, industry has experienced increased regulatory scrutiny and public interest in the environmental approvals of oil and gas activities, with common challenges across industry in areas such as impact and risk assessment, stakeholder consultation and risk and impact reduction measure application. Some critical success factors for a project team to meet its targets for environmental approval are:
• early planning
• access to information
• use of appropriately skilled resources.
Environmental approvals take time, and scheduling and planning for their preparation and submission should be high on the list of priorities when planning a project. Understanding the regulatory process and knowing what level of information is required at each point is critical. Information to support environmental approvals is available in various forms, including referencing previous approval documentation, reviewing scientific literature and leveraging the skills and experience of project team members. With a common regulator across all offshore petroleum approvals, having ready access to the best and most up-to-date information is critical to meet their expectations. The impact and risk assessment process that underpins the environmental approval is complex and requires a step-by-step approach to establish context (both technical and environmental), identify and assess impacts and propose controls, all while seeking input from stakeholders and monitoring performance. Each of these tasks requires different skill sets, and the key to success is in recognising this and responding by finding the right combination of competency and experience in project team resources. This paper discusses these critical success factors and explores in detail the skill sets that best support impact and risk assessment and subsequent environmental approval for oil and gas activities in Australia.
IEA perspectives on the global energy landscape
Authors: Simons Paul
Published: June 2019

The global energy landscape continues to be in a state of flux and understanding the ongoing shifts in markets, technology and policy—and the impact of this interplay on the energy sector—has never been more critical. Each year, the IEA’s World Energy Outlook provides updated and comprehensive quantitative modelling and analysis on the evolution of the global energy system, incorporating the latest data and market developments. Amb Paul Simons will outline the key findings of the most recent edition of the World Energy Outlook, including the outlook for global oil and gas markets, and explain their implications for energy security, sustainability and growth. He will also cover recent developments and future prospects for a range of low-carbon technologies, including renewables, nuclear power, hydrogen and CCUS, that will be needed to speed up global clean energy transitions.
To view the video, click the link on the right.
Unlocking Australia’s natural advantage
Authors: Coleman Peter
Published: June 2019

Australia has a rich resource endowment but there are challenges to developing it, and stiff global competition. However, there are also opportunities, amid rising demand for sustainable energy. As federal parliament embarks on a new term, Woodside CEO Peter Coleman will discuss how Australia can make the most of its natural advantage. He will consider the roles of industry and government in securing the responsible development of resources that are ultimately owned by the Australian people and that can make a major contribution to meeting the world’s energy needs.
To view the video, click the link on the right.
The face of energy
Authors: Bennett Peter
Published: June 2019

In this era of technological disruption, when many industries are fighting to stay relevant, the oil and gas industry seems to be stagnant.
It is in this environment where public perception of the modern industry is becoming more critical and as younger consumers grow in both number and political influence, their viewpoints will become especially vital to the continued relevance of the industry.
The oil and gas industry gives itself high marks for innovation, safety and environmental sustainability, and yet the public opinion in these areas is often portrayed very negatively. We have an image problem.
The belief that oil and gas is good for society seems to decline with each younger generation. The public believes the industry is necessary for society, though they still see it as a problem causer, not a problem solver. But support for the industry falls with each generation and millennials are more likely to believe the industry is bad for society and a problem causer.
The oil and gas industry needs to communicate and engage with consumers to identify ways to better understand their motivations and concerns. Clearly there is a gap in how the public and executives view the industry and the time to address these perceptions is now.
To view the video, click the link on the right.
It's time to get emotional with your customers
Authors: Corbett Christine
Published: June 2019

In the era of the highly connected and informed consumer, where choice is endless and loyalty is in short supply, the challenge lies in how to take the leap from having passive customers with low engagement to ones that will advocate for you.
There needs to be an unprecedented focus on the customer to accelerate growth and meet the needs of consumers against a backdrop of economic, regulatory and technological change.
Organisations must bring together new capabilities across strategy, experience, operations and technology to unite the delivery of compelling propositions that deliver value for customers, employees and the company itself.
The key is creating an emotional connection to your company and being transparent on where you are now, where you want to go and how you will involve your employees, your customers and the wider community along the way.
So what are the new expectations of consumers? Who are your stakeholders and what do you know about them? How do they behave? What do they expect from you? How are you using data to drive decision making? How is value being created and how is value being shared? Do you bring together your customers, people and partners to co-design the future? Are you experiences, operations and technology platforms connected to bring your strategy to life? Do your customers and people believe you have the conviction to stay the course and deliver?
Christine will share her experiences and lessons learnt along the way. To view the video, click the link on the right.