bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Enterprise Production Activities Aimed at its Energy Efficiency Increase
Authors: Anisimova Tatiana , Lukishina Ludmila
Published: April 2017

In the period of crisis in the economy of Russia the changes in the priorities in the solution of the goals of functioning of enterprises has become characteristic for many of them. Among the main goals one can determine the holding of their own positions in the outlets or reorientation of activities in response to changing demands of customers. The solution of the goal of energy efficiency increase which is actual for many enterprises in developed and developing countries has come to the second level. Momentary incomes are now more important than the goals of the increase of utilized resources efficiency that are solved in a planned way every year. Due to this, the main aim of our research is the rationalization of the production programme of the enterprise of chemical industry JSC "KazanOrgSyntez" in the way that the maximization of the income, that is so necessary in the current conditions, would be possible under the conditions of the simultaneous growth of its energy efficiency. Methods of economical and mathematical modeling and linear programming were used in the process of the calculations that were carried out. As a result of the optimization of the production activities of an enterprise, aimed at its energy efficiency increase, the decrease of electrical energy consumption comprised 4.7% with regard to  real data. The research showed that enterprises even in hard economic conditions are able to combine the solution of current and long-term goals, not depending on external circumstances.

 

Keywords: optimization of production activities, enterprise, production plan, economic-mathematical model;
The effectiveness of finances used for safety by the local government
Authors: Kubas Jozef , Stofkova Zuzana
Published: April 2017

One of the institutions, which directly reports to the city and participates on tasks influencing the security, is the municipal police. The cities spend their finances for the program of safety, which main purpose is to ensure a safe city. The contribution will be primarily focused on subprogram's budget of public order and security dedicated to the safeguarding of public order, property and health of inhabitants. In this subprogram are the funds of the municipal police. It is very important that the municipal police use these funds effectively in order to try to increase the quality and effectiveness of the provided services. This paper deals with the activities of the municipal police in the local government and its results in a certain period of time. We also include the amount of finances allocated in certain period of time and how the municipal police use them.
Keywords: Municipal police, private security service, government, security
Spatial Potential as an Aspect of Territorial Competitiveness
Authors: Dvorsky Jan , Betakova Jana
Published: April 2017

States, regions, cities and villages are nowadays forced to compete for attention, the interest and respect of clients, as well as the users of the territory in question (visitors, business people, investors, gifted and agile workforce). The value of a territory is created by its potential, which may have material or immaterial character. A territorial plan not only complexly resolves the spatial arrangement and functional use of a territory but also creates the prerequisites for the permanently sustainable development of a municipality. The aim of the research was the assessment of the potential participation barriers in the implementation of selected environmental management instruments and their impact on permanently sustainable development of urban settlement as well as to develop the recommendations to make this action more effective. On the basis of a research it is possible to assess identified participation barriers using a method of mathematical statistics â€“ Analysis of variance (ANOVA). Through a process of risk assessment and subsequently its implementation into strategic documents on territorial management, the increased competitiveness of the territorial unit can be expected.

Keywords: Assessment; analysis of variance; barriers of participation; territorial plan; competitiveness;
Effectiveness of Expectation Channel of Monetary Transmission Mechanism in Inflation Targeting System: An Empirical Study for Turkey
Authors: Guler Asli
Published: April 2017

Monetary policy can affect economy through out various transmission mechanisms. One of this transmission mechanisms is expectations channel. The monetary policy can get involved in expectation channel of transmission mechanism by affecting the process of expectations formation. Because  the results of policies to be implemented vary according to the expectations, the main challenge in monetary policy is to correctly manage expectations. Because of the fact that only the systematic component of monetary policy (estimated component) can affect forward looking expectations, systematic behavior of the central bank has a critical role in determining the economic consequences of monetary policy. In this study, the effectiveness of expectation channel of transmission mechanism   was analyized by VAR model.  According the results  TCMB cannot affect inflation expectations via both the inflation targets and the policy interest. On the other hand, inflation expectations are affected significantly from actualized inflation rates and exchange rates.

Keywords: Central bank, Expectations, Monetary transmission mechanisms,  Monetary policy
Penerapan Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah untuk Meningkatkan Ketrampilan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Kelas IX dalam Pelajaran Ekonomi [Problem-Based Learning Implementation to Increase Grade IX Students' Critical Thinking Skill in Learning Economics]
Authors: Susanti Asih Enggar , Suwu Selvi Ester
Published: April 2017

This study aims to determine grade IX students’ response to the application of problem-based learning in economics and to determine the increase in students' critical thinking skills using the problem-based learning method. The design of this research is Class-Action Research (CAR), with the subjects being 31 grade IX students at a Christian junior high school in the city of Tangerang. The research instruments used in the application of problem-based learning are the students’ daily test scores, surveys, feedback from supervising teachers and fellow students, interviews with mentor teachers, and journal reflections. Analysis of the data used is descriptive analysis of the value of students' daily tests, observations of feedback from fellow students and their teachers, interviews, and students’ questionnaires. The results show that students' response to problem-based learning can improve critical thinking skills of students in learning economics. It could be seen from the increase in students' critical thinking skills in both students’ ability to ask questions, answer questions, and analyze and solve problems presented by the author.

BAHASA INDONESIA ABSTRAK: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui respon siswa kelas IX terhadap penerapan pembelajaran berbasis masalah dalam pelajaran ekonomi, dan untuk mengetahui peningkatan ketrampilan berpikir kritis siswa melalui pembelajaran berbasis masalah. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK), dengan subjek penelitian adalah siswa kelas IX yang terdiri dari 31 siswa pada salah satu SMP Kristen di kota Tanggerang. Instrumen penelitian yang digunakan pada penerapan pembelajaran berbasis masalah adalah nilai ulangan harian siswa, angket, hasil observasi berupa umpan balik dari guru pembimbing dan rekan mahasiswa, hasil wawancara bersama dengan guru mentor, dan jurnal refleksi. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis deskriptif, yaitu pada nilai ulangan harian siswa, hasil observasi, wawancara serta angket siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa respon siswa terhadap pembelajaran berbasis masalah adalah positif dan dapat meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kritis para siswa dalam mempelajari ekonomi. Hal ini terlihat dari peningkatan kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa baik dalam kemampuan bertanya siswa, menjawab pertanyaan, menganalisis serta menyelesaikan permasalahan yang diajukan oleh penulis.
Mengkaji Revolusi Mental dalam Perspektif Pendidikan Kristen [Assessing the Mental Revolution from a Christian Education Perpective]
Authors: Kadarmanto Mulyo
Published: April 2017

Mental Revolution is a priority program of the Indonesian government that aims to produce individuals with good character, an independent mindset, and a national identity that makes them ready to compete in the global era.  It also aims to help them see education as the main path to implementing this mental revolution, particularly in character development. Through a review of the literature, the writer will examine the Mental Revolution from the perspective of Christian education:  its background, its processes, and its objectives.  By comparing and analyzing the Mental Revolution, this study will show the uniqueness of Christian education in realizing transformative education that produces learners as restorative persons, servants, and globalizer in all aspects of life.

BAHASA INDONESIA ABSTRAK: Revolusi mental sebagai program prioritas pemerintah Indonesia memiliki tujuan untuk menghasilkan individu dan bangsa yang berkarakter, mandiri dan beridentitas dalam menjadikan bangsa yang siap berkompetisi di era global; dan melihat pendidikan sebagai jalur utama melaksanakan revolusi mental, terutama dalam mengembangkan karakter. Melalui tinjauan literatur, penulisan akan mengkaji revolusi mental dari perspektif pendidikan Kristen; latar belakang, proses, dan tujuan dari revolusi mental. Dengan membandingkan dan menganalisis revolusi mental, diharapkan kajian ini dapat menampilkan keunikan pendidikan Kristen dalam mewujudkan pendidikan yang transformatif untuk menjadikan nara didik sebagai restorater, penatalayan dan globalizer dalam seluruh aspek kehidupan di era global.
Analysis of Time-on-Task, Behavior Experiences, and Performance in Two Online Courses with Different Authentic Learning Tasks
Authors: Park Sanghoon
Published: April 2017

This paper reports the findings of a comparative analysis of online learner behavioral interactions, time-on-task, attendance, and performance at different points throughout a semester (beginning, during, and end) based on two online courses: one course offering authentic discussion-based learning activities and the other course offering authentic design/development-based learning activities. Web log data were collected to determine the number of learner behavioral interactions with the Moodle learning management system (LMS), the number of behavioral interactions with peers, the time-on-task for weekly tasks, and the recorded attendance. Student performance on weekly tasks was also collected from the course data. Behavioral interactions with the Moodle LMS included resource viewing activities and uploading/downloading file activities. Behavioral interactions with peers included discussion postings, discussion responses, and discussion viewing activities. A series of Mann-Whitney tests were conducted to compare the two types of behavioral interactions between the two courses. Additionally, each student's behavioral interactions were visually presented to show the pattern of their interactions. The results indicated that, at the beginning of the semester, students who were involved in authentic design/development-based learning activities showed a significantly higher number of behavioral interactions with the Moodle LMS than did students involved in authentic discussion-based learning activities. However, in the middle of the semester, students engaged in authentic discussion-based learning activities showed a significantly higher number of behavioral interactions with peers than did students involved in authentic design/development-based learning activities. Additionally, students who were given authentic design/development-based learning activities received higher performance scores both during the semester and at the end of the semester and they showed overall higher performance scores than students who were given authentic discussion-based learning activities. No differences were found between the two groups with respect to time-on-task or attendance.
A Team of Instructors’ Use of Social Presence, Teaching Presence, and Attitudinal Dissonance Strategies: An Animal Behaviour and Welfare MOOC
Authors: Watson Sunnie Lee , Watson William R. , Janakiraman Shamila , Richardson Jennifer
Published: April 2017

This case study examined a team of instructors’ use of social presence, teaching presence, and attitudinal dissonance in a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) on Animal Behaviour and Welfare (ABW), designed to facilitate attitudinal learning. The study reviewed a team of six instructors’ use of social presence and teaching presence by applying the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework, as well as the establishment of attitudinal dissonance within the announcements and discussion forums. The instructors entered the MOOC as a collaborative facilitation team and created a highly balanced manner of communication and positive atmosphere within the course. The instructional design focused on creating an informative and knowledgeable network of global learners that would agree that animal welfare was a critical social issue in today’s society. These course goals and facilitation intentions were demonstrated through a high number of social and teaching presence indicators, with a significant use of all social presence, teaching presence, and attitudinal dissonance categories in evidence. The results present a review of an instructional team’s facilitation that focused on shaping attitudes about the topic of animal behaviour and welfare within a MOOC. We conclude by providing insights into instructional design and facilitation of MOOCs in general or attitudinal learning specifically.
Review and Content Analysis of the International Review of Research in Open and Distance/Distributed Learning (2000–2015)
Authors: Zawacki-Richter Olaf , Alturki Uthman , Aldraiweesh Ahmed
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a review of distance education literature published in the International Review of Research in Open and Distance/Distributed Learning (IRRODL) to describe the status thereof and to identify gaps and priority areas in distance education research based on a validated classification of research areas. All articles (N = 580) published between 2000 and 2015 were reviewed for this study. An analysis of abstracts using the text-mining tool Leximancer over three 5-year periods reveals the following broad themes over the three periods: the establishment of online learning and distance education institutions (2000–2005), widening access to education and online learning support (2006–2010), and the emergence of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and Open Educational Resources (OER) (2011–2015). The analysis auf publication and authorship patterns revealed that IRRODL is a very international journal with a high impact in terms of citations.
Networked Scholarship and Motivations for Social Media use in Scholarly Communication
Authors: Manca Stefania , Ranieri Maria
Published: April 2017

Research on scholars’ use of social media suggests that these sites are increasingly being used to enhance scholarly communication by strengthening relationships, facilitating collaboration among peers, publishing and sharing research products, and discussing research topics in open and public formats. However, very few studies have investigated perceptions and attitudes towards social media use for scholarly communication of large cohorts of scholars at national level. This study investigates the reasons for using social media sites for scholarly communication among a large sample of Italian university scholars (N=6139) with the aim of analysing what factors mainly affect these attitudes. The motivations for using social media were analysed in connection with frequency of use and factors like gender, age, years of teaching, academic title, and disciplinary field. The results point out that for the most used tools the influence of the variables examined was higher in shaping scholars’ motivations. In fact, frequency of use, age, years of teaching, and disciplinary field were found to be relevant factors especially for LinkedIn and ResearchGate-Academia.edu, while gender and academic title seemed to have a limited impact on scholars’ motivations for all social media sites considered in the study. Considerations for future research are provided along with limitations of the study.
Student Voices on the Roles of Instructors in Asynchronous Learning Environments in the 21st Century
Authors: Gómez-Rey Pilar , Barbera Elena , Fernández-Navarro Francisco
Published: April 2017

This paper determines which instructional roles and outputs are important in the 21st century from the perspective of students in asynchronous learning environments. This research work uses a literature review, in-depth interviews with experts, and a pilot study with students to define the instructors’ outputs. Following this, roles are determined by using a quantitative methodology (in a sample of 925 students). To our knowledge, the remaining research works on this topic identify the online instructors' roles by a qualitative analysis. The findings suggest that a new role, the life skill promoter, has emerged. Furthermore, analysis of the remaining roles (pedagogical, designer, social, technical and managerial) showed that: (i) online instructors are, first and foremost, pedagogues; (ii) the design of the particular online program influences the pedagogical and designer roles and; (iii) the managerial role has declined in importance over the years due to the development of more intuitive and transparent online scenarios from the beginning of the course onward.
Virtual Reality Compared with Bench-Top Simulation in the Acquisition of Arthroscopic Skill
Authors: Banaszek Daniel , You Daniel , Chang Justues , Pickell Michael , Hesse Daniel , Hopman Wilma M. , Borschneck Daniel , Bardana Davide
Published: April 2017

Background:

Work-hour restrictions as set forth by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and other governing bodies have forced training programs to seek out new learning tools to accelerate acquisition of both medical skills and knowledge. As a result, competency-based training has become an important part of residency training. The purpose of this study was to directly compare arthroscopic skill acquisition in both high-fidelity and low-fidelity simulator models and to assess skill transfer from either modality to a cadaveric specimen, simulating intraoperative conditions.

Methods:

Forty surgical novices (pre-clerkship-level medical students) voluntarily participated in this trial. Baseline demographic data, as well as data on arthroscopic knowledge and skill, were collected prior to training. Subjects were randomized to 5-week independent training sessions on a high-fidelity virtual reality arthroscopic simulator or on a bench-top arthroscopic setup, or to an untrained control group. Post-training, subjects were asked to perform a diagnostic arthroscopy on both simulators and in a simulated intraoperative environment on a cadaveric knee. A more difficult surprise task was also incorporated to evaluate skill transfer. Subjects were evaluated using the Global Rating Scale (GRS), the 14-point arthroscopic checklist, and a timer to determine procedural efficiency (time per task). Secondary outcomes focused on objective measures of virtual reality simulator motion analysis.

Results:

Trainees on both simulators demonstrated a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in arthroscopic skills compared with baseline scores and untrained controls, both in and ex vivo. The virtual reality simulation group consistently outperformed the bench-top model group in the diagnostic arthroscopy crossover tests and in the simulated cadaveric setup. Furthermore, the virtual reality group demonstrated superior skill transfer in the surprise skill transfer task.

Conclusions:

Both high-fidelity and low-fidelity simulation trainings were effective in arthroscopic skill acquisition. High-fidelity virtual reality simulation was superior to bench-top simulation in the acquisition of arthroscopic skills, both in the laboratory and in vivo. Further clinical investigation is needed to interpret the importance of these results.
The Relationship Between Subluxation Percentage of the Femoroacetabular Joint and Acetabular Width in Asian Women with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Okuzu Yaichiro , Goto Koji , Kawata Tomotoshi , So Kazutaka , Kuroda Yutaka , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: April 2017

Background:

Implantation of the acetabular cup insert in the “true” location of the acetabulum is a fundamental principle of total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of secondary osteoarthritis due to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). As knowledge of the morphology of the acetabulum is required for accurate placement, we investigated the relationship between acetabular width and the Crowe classification of subluxation percentage of the hip. We also analyzed factors associated with the acetabular width ratio (AWR), defined as the acetabular width of the dysplastic hip divided by that of the unaffected, contralateral hip.

Methods:

We completed a retrospective review of the preoperative standard anteroposterior radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans of 207 female patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty for unilateral DDH. The “true” acetabular plane was defined on each CT reconstruction as a plane perpendicular to the anterior pelvic plane, parallel to the teardrop line, and passing through the center of the femoral head on the unaffected, contralateral side. The acetabular width was measured for both the affected hip and the contralateral, reference hip on the true acetabular plane, with the acetabular width defined as the distance between the edges of the anterior and posterior walls of the acetabulum. All hips were classified according to the Crowe groupings on the basis of the subluxation percentage of the dysplastic hip; the subluxation percentage increased from groups I to IV, with group IVb showing joint dislocation.

Results:

The acetabular width decreased from Crowe groups I to IVb, with a negative correlation found between the AWR and the subluxation percentage (Spearman correlation coefficient, ρ = −0.404; p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis identified subluxation percentage and femoral neck-shaft angle as independent factors associated with the AWR.

Conclusions:

Characterization of factors associated with the AWR, namely subluxation percentage and femoral neck-shaft angle, will guide surgeons in correctly implanting the acetabular cup insert during total hip arthroplasty in patients with DDH.
Ratio of Range of Motion of the Ankle and Surrounding Joints After Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Dekker Travis J. , Hamid Kamran S. , Easley Mark E. , DeOrio James K. , Nunley James A. , Adams Samuel B.
Published: April 2017

Background:

This study attempted to identify where motion occurs after total ankle replacement, the difference in range-of-motion contributions between fixed-bearing and mobile-bearing total ankle replacements, and the contribution of abnormal peritalar motion. We hypothesized that sagittal plane radiographic assessment would demonstrate that actual ankle motion through the prosthesis is less than the total arc of ankle motion that may be observed clinically secondary to contributions from adjacent joints.

Methods:

Patients underwent routine standardized weight-bearing maximum dorsiflexion and plantar flexion sagittal radiographs. Sagittal plane ankle and foot measurements were performed on each dorsiflexion and plantar flexion radiograph to determine the total arc of ankle motion, actual ankle motion through the prosthesis, motion through the subtalar and talonavicular joints, and midfoot motion. Motion radiographs were routinely made at 1 year postoperatively and at the time of the most recent follow-up. A minimum follow-up of 2 years was required of all patients.

Results:

There were 197 patients who met the inclusion criteria (75 INBONE, 52 Salto Talaris, and 70 STAR prostheses). The mean time to the latest radiographs (and standard deviation) was 42.9 ± 18.8 months. The mean actual ankle motion through the prosthesis was 25.9° ± 12.2°, which was significantly less (p < 0.001) than the mean total motion arc of 37.6° ± 12.0°. The motion of the ankle accounted for 68% of total range of motion, and motion of the peritalar joints accounted for 32%. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) among the 3 prostheses or when comparing fixed and mobile-bearing designs for both ranges of motion.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that actual ankle motion after total ankle replacement is approximately 12° less than the total arc of motion that might be observed clinically because of increased midfoot and subtalar motion.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Minimally Invasive Osteosynthesis with a Bridge Plate Versus a Functional Brace for Humeral Shaft Fractures
Authors: Matsunaga Fabio Teruo , Tamaoki Marcel Jun Sugawara , Matsumoto Marcelo Hide , Netto Nicola Archetti , Faloppa Flavio , Belloti Joao Carlos
Published: April 2017

Background:

Nonoperative treatment has historically been considered the standard for fractures of the shaft of the humerus. Minimally invasive bridge-plate osteosynthesis for isolated humeral shaft fractures has been proven to be a safe technique, with good and reproducible results. This study was designed to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes between patients who had been treated with bridge plate osteosynthesis and those who had been managed nonoperatively with a functional brace.

Methods:

A prospective randomized trial was designed and included 110 patients allocated to 1 of 2 groups: surgery with a bridge plate or nonoperative treatment with a functional brace. The primary outcome was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at 6 months. The score on the Short Form-36 (SF-36) life-quality questionnaire, complications of treatment, Constant-Murley score for the shoulder, pain level, and radiographic results were assessed as secondary outcomes. Participants were assessed at 2 weeks; 1, 2, and 6 months; and 1 year after the interventions.

Results:

The mean DASH score of the bridge plate group was statistically superior to that of the functional brace group (mean scores, 10.9 and 16.9, respectively; p = 0.046) only at 6 months. The bridge plate group also had a significantly more favorable nonunion rate (0% versus 15%) and less mean residual angular displacement seen on the anteroposterior radiograph (2.0° versus 10.5°) (both p < 0.05). No difference between the groups was detected with regard to the SF-36 score, pain level, Constant-Murley score, or angular displacement seen on the lateral radiograph.

Conclusions:

This trial demonstrates that, compared with functional bracing, surgical treatment with a bridge plate has a statistically significant advantage, of uncertain clinical benefit, with respect to self-reported outcome (DASH score) at 6 months, nonunion rate, and residual deformity in the coronal plane as seen on radiographs.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Testing Tiny Grains Seeking More Output
Authors: Rassenfoss Stephen
Published: April 2017

The challenge of selling microproppant was obvious when the first question asked after a recent presentation was: “I thought 100 mesh [fine proppant] was dust. So what is microproppant?”

Rather than repeat the explanation in his talk, the speaker James Calvin, a technical sales advisor at Halliburton, responded, “It is even finer.”

The exchange drew a laugh from the audience at this year’s SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference and Exhibition in January, which had heard him explain that proppant that is a fraction of the size of the smallest now used—about 300 mesh—may be able to significantly increase production by holding open fractures that cannot be reached by widely used grains of sand or ceramic.

The question suggests that it is still hard for experts in this field to conceive of how particles whose size is typically measured in microns could offer meaningful benefits. And even among those who see value, there are conflicting theories about what it does in the ground.

At this stage the only company reporting results is Halliburton, which pumps microproppant as part of its MicroScout service. “Field results for MicroScout have shown a positive uplift of production in most of the wells that we have field trialed,” said Philip Nguyen, the chief technical advisor for Halliburton’s production enhancement line. “To be frank, there are lots of unknowns with the application of microproppant as we are only beginning to scratch the surface of using this material in shales.”

That paper (SPE 184863) and others from Halliburton dating back to 2015 offer examples of wells with double-digit production gains when a relatively small volume of these particles are pumped early in each stage, and can reduce the treating pressure required while pumping a job.

“We have seen about a 15% uplift in production over 12-month time frame,” said Mark Parker, technology manager for the Mid-Continent area at Halliburton, which includes the South Central Oklahoma Oil Province (SCOOP) in Oklahoma, where it has been used on nearly 20 wells.

In the Permian Basin, gains have ranged from 15% to 30% where this has been pumped during the early part of each stage. “Theoretically, you are getting secondary fractures [propped] and getting added flow from reservoir to the well,” said Dean Prather, area technology manager for Halliburton’s production enhancement business line.

In a sense this is the logical next step. Over time operators have slowly embraced the idea that using higher percentages of 100-mesh sand to prop early in the job can open smaller fractures and reduce the required pressure needed to treat stages.

Calvin described the production gain by saying: “We placed it in the secondary fracture network and it can go where 100 mesh cannot go. It can keep the secondary fracture network open through production and help minimize the production loss.”
Integrating Social Performance into Management System Towards Achieving Sustainability
Authors: Choon Foo Siang , Rj Musa Rj Tatina
Published: April 2017

Social responsibility is vital for companies to manage social impacts in its areas of operations. Integrating key elements of social responsibility into a management system demonstrates PETRONAS' commitment in managing its social risks and leveraging on opportunities to improve the business.

In PETRONAS, Social Performance is integrated into a management system. It applies the ‘plan’, ‘do’, ‘check’ and ‘act’ (PDCA) cycle towards continual improvement and sustainability of the business. Therefore, Social Performance is a key consideration in business and project decision making. It offers great clarity and guidance to PETRONAS to conduct its business activities as a socially responsible corporate entity.

The focus of this paper is the component of Risk Management. Majority of social risks in PETRONAS are related to human rights which cut across the PETRONAS Social Performance Framework. A robust Social Risk Assessment (SRA) is established by integrating it into a management system. SRA enables projects and businesses to identify risks and impacts, as well as develop and prioritise the appropriate mitigation measures. The paper also discusses other integral elements of Social Performance in a management system.

Social Performance in a management system allows the company to identify and mitigate both actual and potential social risks across projects and facilities lifecycle. Hence, effective mitigation plans can be developed to manage these risks which aim to secure privilege to operate to avoid project delays, cost overrun, and opportunity loss as well as reputation damage. It supports PETRONAS projects to meet requirements for project financing, legislative and voluntary requirements. In addition, PETRONAS is aligning itself to industry's good practices.

In managing social risks, the integration benefits the organisation to improve its performance, productivity, overcoming the barriers to communications, clear accountabilities and reduce cost overruns. It also helps companies to save time, reduce conflicts and ensure performance efficiency and consistency in managing social risks.
Studies on a Hybrid of Movable Gel and ASP Flooding Further EOR for the Reservoir after Polymer Flooding
Authors: Zhu Youyi , Fan Jian , Tian Jing
Published: April 2017

Most of the high permeability reservoirs in Daqing Oilfield have been conducted by water flooding and polymer flooding. 507 million tons geological reserves have entered post-polymer flooding stage. The average recoverable oil recovery has reached to 53.2% after polymer flooding. Currently, the further development of such reservoir has become a big challenge due to both of serious heterogeneity of reservoir and highly dispersed residual oil. The reservoir development has entered into quaternary recovery stage. Most of conventional enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques could not achieve the desired effects. A hybrid flooding combine movable gel (MG) with alkali-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding, as a candidate further EOR technique integrating both properties of mobility control and oil displacement has been proposed for Daqing reservoir after polymer flooding.

In this study, systematic laboratory experiments on MG formulation, ASP formulation and hybrid of MG/ASP flooding for Daqing reservoirs after polymer flooding have been performed. Several important parameters of the hybrid systems of MG/ASP flooding were investigated and optimized based on formulation selection and core flooding experiments. Further EOR effect of the hybrid flooding on core flooding was evaluated.

The main factors that influences on oil recovery by a hybrid of MG/ASP flooding were described as follows. Firstly, the properties of MG and slug sizes were the key factors to improve the mobility ratio. The MG formulas were optimized with good performance of gel property and indepth profile control property of displacement fluid. Secondly, the properties of ASP formulations and slug sizes play the important roles in oil displacement efficiency. The ASP formulations were developed with ultralow interfacial tension between crude oil and ASP solution. Concentration of chemicals and slug sizes were optimized for high EOR efficiency. Thirdly, a hybrid of MG/ASP flooding was optimized at the reservoirs condition. EOR effect of the hybrid flooding was studied upon three-layer positive rhythm sandpack core flooding experiments. Results indicated that hybrid flooding could contribute to incremental oil recovery of 14.7%-18% (OOIP) even if the recovery after polymer flooding was nearly 53%.

The MG could block preferential flow path of high permeability layer in heterogeneous reservoirs, and avoid the fluid channeling during oil displacement process. On the other hand, ASP flooding also had higher oil displacement efficiency for the relatively low permeability layer. The hybrid of MG/ASP flooding might become a promise alternative further EOR method for Daqing reservoirs after polymer flooding.
Mechanistic Study of Surfactant/Polymer Adsorption and Its Effect on Surface Morphology and Wettability
Authors: Al-Wahaibi Yahya , Al-Hashmi Abdul-Aziz , Joshi Sanket , Mosavat Nader , Rudyk Svetlana , Al-Khamisi Sami , Al-Kharusi Thuraya , Al-Sulaimani Hanaa
Published: April 2017

The need for a better understanding of surfactant/polymer adsorption, its quantification, and its influence on the physiochemical properties of reservoir rock can be crucial in the application and optimization of ASP flooding for EOR. This study is aimed to quantify surfactant/polymer adsorption onto Berea sandstone and reservoir rock. Surfactant and polymer adsorption onto crushed core samples and their consequent influence on surface morphology and wettability alteration were investigated. In addition, the effect of the presence of a pre-adsorbed polymer or surfactant layer on the subsequent surfactant or polymer adsorption was investigated. The chemicals used were a partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide and an Internal Olefin Sulfonate surfactant. Polymer and surfactant concentrations in solutions were measured using total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer and potentiometric titration, respectively. Crushed core samples were analyzed for clay content and minerals by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Contact angle was measured on glass slides that has been incubated in brine, polymer and surfactant solutions for brine/hexadecane and brine/crude-oil systems. Amott tests were performed to quantify the wettability alteration due to brine, polymer and surfactant solutions using reservoir oil and core plugs. Results show that polymer and surfactant adsorption follows Langmuir adsorption isotherms. The polymer adsorbed amount on crushed reservoir core was around 450 mg/100g at the plateau region using the synthetic brine (salinity of 1% and pH of 8). Surfactant adsorption on crushed Berea core and crushed reservoir core at the plateau region were 700 mg/100g and 400 mg/100g, respectively. The higher surfactant adsorption on Berea cores is attributed to its higher clay and calcite content compared to the reservoir core. Contact angle (CA) on glass slides increased against both hexadecane and crude oil after surfactant adsorption onto the glass surface, which indicates that wettability-altering effect of surfactant on the surface to be more oil-wet. However, the CA remained nearly unchanged after polymer adsorption. Glass slides treated with polymer adsorption followed by surfactant adsorption ‘P-S’ and surfactant adsorption followed by polymer adsorption ‘S-P’ changed towards more oil-wet indicating higher influence of surfactant adsorption on wettability alteration. The FESEM images showed different adsorption pattern for surfactant treated slides. The Amott index of original brine/oil system was altered from 0.87 to 0.67 and 0.50 for polymer/oil and surfactant/oil systems, respectively. Hence, surfactant shows a pronounced influence on altering the wettability of the original reservoir rock to be less water-wet.
Application of Heavy Weight Cement-Resin Blend System to Prevent CCA Pressure in Saudi Arabia Deep Gas Fields
Authors: Yami Abdullah , Buwaidi Husain , Al-Herz Ali , Mukherjee Tushar S. , Bedford David , Viso Ramon , Hugentobler Kory
Published: April 2017

Sustained casing pressure, otherwise known as casing-casing annulus (CCA) pressure, is a common problem encountered in the deep, high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) gas fields of Saudi Arabia, and in many other locations globally. Although many solutions have been tried in these fields over the years, none of the existing solutions have proven to be 100% effective. A new solution has recently been implemented in Saudi Arabian gas fields that features a combination of heavy-weight cement blends greater than 21ppg and a polymer resin to improve the mechanical properties of the cement, especially the shear bond, to prevent the CCA pressure. Polymer resin is also resistant to hydrocarbons, acids, and salts, enabling the cement-resin system to be placed in harsh environments. This resistance will help to maintain a dependable barrier throughout the life of the well.

This paper presents a case history of the application of this heavy-weight cement-resin (HWCR) system in the Saudi Arabia Harradh field where the failure of a differential valve (DV)packer meant that there would be no redundancy backup should the cement fail to provide a full barrier in the annulus. The paper describes the process used to design the HWCR system and how its application is critical to the success of the job.
Application of Closed Fracture Acidizing for Stmulation of Tight Carbonate Reservoir in Mumbai Offshore
Authors: Sarma Dilip Kumar , Pal Tej , Kumar Dileep , Lahiri Gopal , Manchalwar V V
Published: April 2017

Mumbai Offshore fields are consisting of heterogeneous limestone reservoirs. Some of the reservoirs consist of tight carbonate with poor wellbore transmissibility. With the maturity of the fields, improving production from tight reservoirs has become the main focus for sustaining overall production. However, the responses of conventional stimulation techniques such as matrix acidization with self-diverting acid, deep penetrated acid, conventional acid fracturing etc. are not very encouraging in a tight reservoir, which calls for novel stimulation approach.

To address the issues, reservoir properties, well completion strategies and previous stimulation practices were analyzed in collaborative approach. Based on analysis, a different stimulation approach Closed Fracture Acidizing (CFA) was identified as the potential technique. Closed Fracture Acidizing reopens previously created fracture system with a pre pad fluid pumped at high rates. It involves creating fractures with a viscous fluid, letting it close followed by pumping a suitable acid system at matrix rate for etching the fractures. To improve treatment efficiency vis-à-vis better etched conductivity, different techniques such as leak-off control additives, effective diversion system, viscous acid systems etc. are applied.

For application of the technique, some low producing wells completed in Mukta pay of Heera field, A1 and L1 layers of Mumbai High field and Panvel pay of B-192 field were identified. The well specific treatments were designed by using Cross-linked Guar gel for creating fractures and a customized foamed acid system for etching of fracture faces. Foamed acid has been selected in these treatments for better exposure of acids in the entire fracture network and effective flow back of the treatment fluids. The foamed acid was customized by using a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) as foaming as well as viscosifying agent. Converting the acid system to stable foam greatly controlled fluid leak-off, increased the effective fluid volume and retarded the reaction rate, which is desirable in carbonate reservoirs. The various additives such as cross-linker, breaker etc. were optimized at onboard laboratory in the well stimulation vessel.

The jobs have been implemented in ten wells under constant monitoring of treatment parameters during fracturing, closure and acidization. Post CFA jobs indicate 670 bbl/day of oil production from a non-flowing well and significant improvement of productivity in other wells.

This paper describes the details of Closed Fracture Acidizing technique, treatment design, lessons learned during execution and results. The novelty of the approach over the conventional stimulation techniques in tight carbonate reservoirs are the treatment methodology and use of foamed acid system for better acid etched fracture conductivity.
Failures and Remedial Measures for Cementing Vertical Shale Gas wells in India – Case histories
Authors: Lal Kishori , Rastogi Ravi , Singh Parvinder , Meher R K , Sinha M P
Published: April 2017

This paper discusses case histories with solutions-oriented approach to shale gas cementation problems. Shale gas exploration and production around the globe in general, and US in particular has witnessed surge in activity to the extent that Shale gas is often regarded as ‘a game changer’ in the hydrocarbon industry. The success in United States has prompted the governments of several countries to develop their own shale gas programmes.

In India, estimates of shale gas resources vary from 63 Trillion Cubic Feet by Energy Information Administration (US). In order to tap this resource, Government of India came out with a Shale Gas and Oil Policy in 2013. Consequently, ONGC and OIL were given blocks mainly in Gujarat to test shale production technology and potential.

ONGC drilled 1st shale gas well # JMSGA of Jambusar field and well # GNSGA of Gandhar field, Cambay basin successfully. But CBL - VDL shown very poor results. After this failures, two more shale gas wells were awarded to service provider to carry out cementation for GNSGC and GNSGB wherein the cement slurries were used by adding proprietary chemicals. Results shown some improvement in CBL-VDL against shale gas.

Poor CBL-VDL creates a problem in production operation both for geothermal wells and oil wells. To accomplish good cement bond, complete removal of mud /all well fluid is necessary to enhance the displacement efficiency by maintaining desired rheological properties. However, in spite of this, many times the cement bond leading to poor bonding/ insufficient zonal isolation.

As a part of strategic planning it was decided to develop in house innovative expertise to solve the problems. Accordingly an extensive experimental analysis were carried out specially using expanding additives (3-5% bwow) in cement system, exhibited improved properties like Right Angle Set, Compressive strength, Stability, fluid loss control and desired rheology. Practically, combinations of salts in cements and spacers in pre flushes in cementing fluids have provided means for managing shale instability. Learning experience from past utmost care was taken for optimization of rheological hierarchy for mud, spacer and cement using fluid friction chart and cement software shown a phenomenon improvements in achieving desired parameters.

The field trials have been carried out successfully in three shale wells in India. 1st Well # TVAU of Cauvery and recorded excellent CBL-VDL (1-2 mV) against shale gas. 2nd Well # WDAU of Ahmedabad. Achieved excellent slurry/spacer parameters.3rd Well # ROBB of Agartala for 5-1/2" casing cementation resulted in better CBL-VDL (02-07mV) against shale zones.

These innovative techniques are cost effective, easy to handle and technically suitable. Also establishes in-house technological advancement in designing cement slurries and become a proven approach for cementing Shale gas wells in near future.
Comparison Study of Asphaltene Precipitation Models Using UTCOMP, CMG/GEM and ECLIPSE Simulators
Authors: Al-Qasim Abdulaziz , AlDawsari Mudhish A
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a case study that describe the precipitation behavior of asphaltene and petroleum reservoir fluid. It includes a CO2 flooding process in a synthetic reservoir using CMG/GEM, ECLIPSE, and UTCOMP simulators. Solid model is used in UTCOMP, CMG/GEM and ECLIPSE simulators for asphaltene precipitation prediction. WinProp (a PVT utility from CMG/GEM) is used to generate the data for all simulators.

Different cases are run to investigate the production rates resulted from different simulators (UTCOMP, CMG/GEM, and ECLIPSE) during the waterflooding period with CO2 (WAG), with and without considering the asphaltene option.