bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated Well Control Decision-Making during Managed Pressure Drilling Operations
Authors: Vajargah Ali Karimi , Hoxha Besmir Buranaj , van Oort Eric 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBlow-out prevention and formation gas/fluid influx control is a major concern in any drilling operation. In conventional drilling, the only widely accepted response to a gas influx is to shut the well in on the BOPs. New Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) technology using the constant bottom-hole pressure (CBHP) technique allows for circulating small and medium-sized influxes out without the need to shut in the well, either by increasing casing back-pressure and/or adjusting pump flow rate. Evident benefits include a faster response to the influx (with clear safety benefits) and a considerable time and cost savings compared to the conventional approach.Unfortunately, there is currently no method available to decide upon the best MPD-CBHP response during an influx, because such a response depends on many parameters, such as Maximum Allowable Surface Pressure (MASP), wellbore geometry, fracture pressure of any weak zones exposed in open hole, type of drilling fluid, influx size, etc. To remedy this situation, we present a fast and accurate decision-making method that overcomes the traditional difficulties and automatically selects a best well control response. The method incorporates a transient multi-phase model based on mass, energy and momentum conservation. A sophisticated numerical simulator was developed for this purpose. Comparing the actual well response with simulated results during an influx event and following the proposed algorithm allows the best response to be taken in a quick, convenient, and accurate manner. Moreover, the approach lends itself well to fully automated control.Here, we describe the new method and its validation using available two-phase experimental data for annular air-mud flow for a wide range of flow rates and flow regimes. We believe that the method provides a powerful new decision-making and design tool in MPD operations that ensures delivery of safer wells with lower non-productive time and associated trouble cost spent on well control operations.
Contamination of Deepwater Well Cementations by Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Aughenbaugh Katherine , Nair Sriramya , Cowan Mike , van Oort Eric 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Synthetic based mud (SBM) contamination of portland cement slurries negatively affects the integrity of cementations in oil and gas wells, particularly drilled in deepwater environments. Few systematic studies to assess the effects of SBM contamination on portland cements have been reported in the literature, despite the industry understanding that such detrimental contamination occurs. In addition, solutions to reduce or eliminate the effects of SBM contamination of slurries have not been developed. A multi-phase project has been initiated to study the effects of SBM contamination on slurries, particularly those employed in deepwater wells (where long displacements, restricted circulation rates in tight annular clearances etc. can exacerbate the impact of mud contamination), and to assess which chemical interactions are causing the unfavorable behavior. The first phase of the project was to quantify the effects of contamination on typical portland slurries and to explore formulation changes that would make such slurries more tolerant to contamination. The control in the study was Class H portland cement, which has been the long-standing "workhorse" of the oil and gas industry for primary cementations. Two class H cements and other API cement types were investigated in the work. Alternative cements were also contaminated with the SBM for comparison with the Portland slurries.
Results from the first phase of our work clarify the detailed contamination behavior of portland cements, showing the susceptibility of portland slurries to such contaminations. Results for alternative cementing formulations indicate distinctly lower sensitivity to SBM contamination. These results then provide a first set of guidelines on how to minimize and possibly avoid SBM cement contamination, which is expected to greatly help guarantee primary cementing success and proper zonal isolation in deepwater wells.
The Use of Metalmorphology to Create Metal-to-Metal Solutions for Deepwater Liner Tieback and Completions Designs.
Authors: Campbell Roy , Wood Peter 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Patented by Meta, Metalmorphology™ uses established metal working principles that balance the mechanical strength of steel to shape metal downhole and create metal-to-metal solutions that ‘morph’ together and conform perfectly to the shape of the well.
The V0 ISO14310 certified 14" × 16.5" Meta Liner Tieback™ is a full axial load bearing, downhole tubular connection system, gas tight, that connects the liner to a tieback string of casing using Meta's patented Metalmorphology technology. No other technology achieves the durability and permanence of the Meta Liner Tieback in deepwater operations. This is compared to elastomeric-based solutions in particular that are perishable and sometimes last only up to six months in V0, deepwater conditions.
As well as demonstrating compliance, there are other benefits. The solution requires minimal rig time for the landing and spacing out of the casing string – a practice that without this technology can take up to several days. Limited IDs in casing strings can also be overcome to achieve high load bearing capabilities. Finally, the Meta Liner Tieback and the establishment of structural integrity will allow asset teams to drill deeper.
This paper will underline the development of deepwater products born from Meta's proven technology and will examine how the dynamics of new well challenges through redesign were applied in deepwater Liner Tieback and completion designs.
It will also explain the methodology and evolution in design which has enabled major operators to meet new legislative well design requirements in the Gulf of Mexico and the advantages of using Meta technology as ‘planned in’ casing, liner and completion design.
Controlling Formation Hydrostatic to Prevent Cross-Flow During Stimulation and Media Placement
Authors: Pineda Francisco , Franklin Bernard , Turner Dewayne , Hansen Cody 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Conventional service tools utilized to stimulate and frac pack typically isolate the above annulus when hoisted from treating to reverse position or the treatment excesses have to be reversed out against formation, creating issues in certain formations in the GoM. Operators have elected to utilize service tools without the isolation feature to treat formations where cross-flow is suspect. This treatment requires careful job planning to control media loading to prevent excessive slurries remaining in the work string. This paper addresses some of the issues associated with cross-flow by utilizing a service tool that maintains hydrostatic on the formation from deployment until reversing out after media placement. The service tool system provides complete hydrostatic at all times by using well synchronized valves and is completely anti-swabbing to the formation during the tool positioning manipulation. The unique service tool design utilizes a restrictor which is bypassed when the service tool is in treating position providing true full open communication (live annulus). Hydrostatic communication is restricted to limit swabbing while controlling losses when it becomes necessary to reverse prior to media placement. Reverse position is repeatable and selected downhole allowing the operator to reverse against the formation, a predetermined restrictor or to bi-directionally isolate the formation.
Identification and Gene Mapping of anearly senescence leaf 4Mutant of Rice
Authors: Guo Shuang , Zhang Tianquan , Xing Yadi , Zhu Xiaoyan , Sang XianChun , Ling Yinghua , Wang Nan , He Guang‐hua 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTAnearly senescence leaf 4(esl4) mutant of rice (Oryza sativaL.) displayed yellowing followed by severe chlorosis of the leaf apex and margin from the late jointing stage to maturity. The content of photosynthetic pigments in the mutant was significantly lower than in wild‐type plants, and abnormalities in cell structure were detected in the mutant leaf blade. Stomatal conductance and rates of photosynthesis and transpiration were lower inesl4than in wild‐type plants. Furthermore, compared with the wild‐type, the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly lower inesl4, whereas peroxidase activity was significantly higher inesl4. Genetic analysis indicated that the early senescence ofesl4was controlled by a recessive nuclear gene. A population of 879 F2mutants was used to fine‐map theESL4gene to chromosome 4 between the insertion and deletion primers S4–42 and S4–67. This 63‐kb stretch encodes 12 uncharacterized open reading frames. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis (qRT‐PCR) revealed that levels ofSGRtranscripts were considerably more abundant inesl4than in wild‐type. These results provide a foundation for map‐based cloning and functional analysis of theESL4gene.
Changes in Forage Nutritive Value among Vertical Strata of a Cool‐Season Grass Canopy
Authors: Nave Renata L. G. , Sulc R. Mark , Barker David J. , St‐Pierre Normand 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTAn understanding of the vertical distribution of nutritive value in cool‐season grasses could support decisions regarding the management of residual mass and plant height to meet nutritional value targets. The objective of this study was to characterize the vertical distribution of nutritive value within a grass sward and to relate it to the morphological components of the herbage (lamina, stem + sheath, and dead matter). The research was conducted from April to October 2009 and 2010 in a mixed cool‐season grass sward consisting primarily of tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons., formerly Festuca arundinacea Schreb.]. Growing periods were initiated in April, May, June, July, and August, during which forage was allowed to accumulate for the remainder of the growing season, with weekly sampling for nutritive value and morphological composition. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was significantly greater in the 5‐ to 15‐cm strata than in the 15‐ to 25‐cm in 32% of all initiation date × days after cutting combinations across years. The NDF concentration increased as the season progressed, which was associated with increasing dead matter and declining lamina content in the canopy. Differences in NDF digestibility among strata were less consistent than for NDF. For the May through August initiation dates, few nutritive value differences were found among strata, which were attributed to lower nutritive value in the 10‐cm strata immediately above the stubble height. Consequently, we anticipate a small decrease in nutritive value of the diet of a grazing animal as it consumes tall fescue–dominant pasture.
Temperature Affects the Germination of Forage Legume Seeds
Authors: Butler Twain J. , Celen Ahmet E. , Webb Stephen L. , Krstic Djordje , Interrante Sindy M. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTTemperature, in addition to moisture, oxygen, and light, plays an important role in seed germination. Early seedling emergence and stand establishment can be promoted by germination of seeds under a wide range of temperatures; therefore, it is desirable for commercial legume cultivars to germinate over a range of temperatures. The objective of this growth chamber experiment was to determine the effects of temperature on seed germination of seven annual warm‐season and 11 annual cool‐season legumes. Greatest germination of warm‐season and cool‐season legumes occurred at 25 and 20°C, respectively. Germination of warm‐season legumes tended to be maximized at 25°C, while cool‐season legume germination was greatest from 10 to 25°C. Cultivars ‘Rio Verde’ lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] and ‘Whitetail Thicket’ soybean [Glycine soja Siebold and Zucc. × Glycine max (L.) Merr.] had greater germination than the other entries at 35°C, indicating their potential for use in warmer climates or in delayed planting dates. Additionally, Whitetail Thicket had the greatest germination of summer legume entries at 10°C. The germination of ‘Dixie’ crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), PI 419238 button medic [Medicago orbicularis (L.) All.], and 600RR and ‘Bulldog 505’ alfalfas (Medicago sativa L.) were less sensitive to temperature than the other cool‐season legume entries. Germination of ‘Devine’ little burr medic (Medicago minima L.), ‘Armadillo’ burr medic (Medicago polymorpha L.), and ‘Apache’ arrowleaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi) were severely reduced at temperatures above 30°C.
Evidence for Outcrossing in the Perennial Forage Legume Tedera
Authors: Pradhan Aneeta , Besharat Naghmeh , Castello Marieclaire , Croser Janine , Real Daniel , Nelson Matthew N. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTTedera [Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) C.H. Stirt. vars. albomarginata and crassiuscula] is a traditional perennial forage legume of the Canary Islands (Spain). There is growing interest in expanding its cultivation into other Mediterranean‐type climates due to its high‐quality feed characteristics and its excellent productivity in dry conditions. Plant breeding programs have been established in mainland Spain and Australia, which are tasked with developing well‐adapted and productive cultivars for these new environments. Being a new arrival to modern plant breeding, there are many gaps in our basic understanding of tedera including its mode of reproduction. Previous research suggested that tedera is mainly self‐pollinating with some degree of outcrossing. The purpose of this experiment was to confirm that outcrossing occurs in tedera in normal field conditions. Six elite parents were clonally propagated and single clones of each parent were allowed to open‐pollinate at three field sites and in a phytotron control. Four microsatellite markers were used to determine unambiguously the provenance of 362 seeds sampled evenly from parental clones grown in four environments. We found that most tedera elite parents outcrossed at moderate frequencies (up to 40%; average 7.8%) at two out of the three field sites, including between botanical varieties. These findings have clear implications for the new tedera breeding programs where outcrossing levels are sufficiently high to require plant bagging or plot isolation to prevent unintended cross‐pollination between breeding lines. Conversely, outcrossing levels are likely to be too low for the development of synthetic varieties.
Resistance to Clover yellow vein virus in Common Bean Germplasm
Authors: Hart John P. , Griffiths Phillip D. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTClover yellow vein virus (ClYVV) is a potentially devastating viral pathogen of temperate common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production. Recent research demonstrated that resistance to ClYVV is conditioned by bc‐3 and bc‐32 and that a nonsynonymous mutation in P. vulgaris eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (PveIF4E) is the putative functional determinant of this resistance. The objective of this research was to expand the characterization of ClYVV resistance in common bean through greenhouse‐based phenotypic evaluation of 391 accessions of the USDA P. vulgaris Core Collection, a collection of 99 snap bean cultivars and breeding lines, and an extended host differential panel of 75 genotypes with known response to other viral pathogens and to determine if previously designed Kompetitive Allele Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (KASP) assays could be validated for future bc‐3 resistance allele mining. As a result, one accession from the Core Collection, one additional snap bean breeding line, and 19 dry bean genotypes representing most major market classes of common bean were identified to be resistant. All genotypes that remained symptomless throughout the evaluation were demonstrated to possess mutations in PveIF4E that corresponded with either bc‐3 or bc‐32. In addition, the bc‐u bc‐22 allele combination and the By‐2 allele were also demonstrated to condition resistance phenotypes to ClYVV. These results synthesize a new model for genetic resistance to ClYVV and validate the use of the KASP assays for large‐scale bc‐3 allele mining.
Does Ineffective Internal Control over Financial Reporting affect a Firm's Operations? Evidence from Firms' Inventory Management
Authors: Feng Mei , Li Chan , McVay Sarah E. , Skaife Hollis 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
We investigate whether ineffective internal control over financial reporting has implications for firm operations by examining the association between inventory-related material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and firms' inventory management. We find that firms with inventory-related material weaknesses have systematically lower inventory turnover ratios and are more likely to report inventory impairments relative to firms with effective internal control over financial reporting. We also find that inventory turnover rates increase for firms that remediate material weaknesses related to inventory tracking. Remediating firms also experience increases in sales, gross profit, and operating cash flows. Finally, we assess the generalizability of our findings by examining all material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, regardless of type, and provide evidence that firms' returns on assets are associated with both their existence and remediation. Collectively, our findings support the general hypothesis that internal control over financial reporting has an economically significant effect on firm operations.
Communication and Information Sharing in Teams
Authors: Rothenberg Naomi R. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
This paper studies whether dissemination of private, pre-decision signals about productivity is valuable to the principal when agents work sequentially and observe each other's effort. The benefit of dissemination is that when productivity states are correlated, each agent's signal is useful as a performance measure for the other agent and for making efficient production choices. The more informative the signal is about agents' efforts, the greater the benefit of the additional performance measure, but there is a cost due to higher information rents. With no dissemination, the downstream agent learns about the upstream agent's productivity state by observing that agent's effort. The upstream agent's rents are lower because he has no incentive to free-ride on the downstream agent, who follows his effort, but there is less information on which to base the payments. The choice between dissemination and no dissemination depends on the informativeness of the signal about agents' efforts.
JEL Classifications: D82; D83; J41; M41.
Are Fraud Specialists Relatively More Effective than Auditors at Modifying Audit Programs in the Presence of Fraud Risk?
Authors: Boritz J. Efrim , Kochetova-Kozloski Natalia , Robinson Linda 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
Previous studies indicate that auditors are able to identify fraud risk factors, but may not be able to translate this knowledge into an audit plan that effectively takes these factors into account to increase the likelihood of detecting fraud. Fraud specialists may be able to compensate for such limitations. This study investigates the relative merits of involving fraud specialists in assisting auditors by developing an audit plan that would effectively address fraud risk in a revenue cycle. Results show that fraud specialists did not differ from auditors in the number of procedures selected from a standard audit program; nor were these procedures cumulatively more effective than those selected by auditors. Fraud specialists generated a greater number of non-standard additional audit procedures, and those procedures were marginally more effective, but less efficient, than those of auditors, except for certain groups of procedures. Finally, although the fraud specialists proposed significantly more additional (non-standard) procedures than auditors, their proposed budget increase for this category of procedures was significantly smaller than the budget increase proposed by auditors. Adjustments to the overall time budget did not differ between fraud specialists and auditors.
Data Availability: Data are available from the authors upon request.
Analyst Interest as an Early Indicator of Firm Fundamental Changes and Stock Returns
Authors: Jung Michael J. , Wong M. H. Franco , Zhang X. Frank 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
We posit that a change in analyst interest in a firm is an early indicator of the firm's future fundamentals, capital market activities, and stock returns. We measure increases in analyst interest by obser.ving analysts who do not cover a firm but participate in that firm's earnings conference call, and we measure decreases in analyst interest by observing analysts who cover a firm, yet are absent from that firm's call. We find that increases in analyst interest are positively associated with future changes in firm fundamentals and capital market activities, while decreases in analyst interest are negatively associated with capital market activities. We also find that increases (decreases) in analyst interest are positively (negatively) correlated with future stock returns over the next three months and that a hedge portfolio yields a significant abnormal return. Overall, our study shows that analyst interest is a novel and early indicator of future firm fundamentals and capital market consequences.
JEL Classifications: G11; G12; G14; G31; M41.
Addressing the Control Challenges of the Enterprise Architecture Process
Authors: Cram W. Alec , Brohman M. Kathryn , Gallupe R. Brent 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
This paper examines the enterprise architecture process from the perspective of information systems controls, which refer to attempts to influence the behavior of employees in order to achieve organizational goals. Although controls have been extensively studied in processes such as systems development, there is little research examining control within the enterprise architecture process, despite its rising importance in today's organizations. This paper examines how enterprise architecture controls are employed in practice and considers the challenges faced in their design and operation. Drawing on empirical data from two in-depth case studies, enterprise architecture controls are classified and analyzed using COBIT 5. Our findings identify a series of specific challenges with enterprise architecture controls. Based on these challenges, we outline recommendations to practitioners in overseeing the enterprise architecture process and develop propositions to help guide future research initiatives to enhance enterprise architecture performance.
Court Rulings in Estate Tax Cases: Is Gender a Factor?
Authors: Jackson Mark , Pippin Sonja , Wong Jeffrey A. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
The U.S. court system plays an important role in resolving asset valuation disagreements between taxpayers and the taxing authority. A recent study examining the relation between court valuations of estates and case/judge attributes finds evidence suggesting that the number of appraisers used by the taxpayer, the type of asset being valued, and the age and complexity of the case are related to the decisions of the court. We extend this study by testing for the effect of judges' gender. We find evidence that male judges tend to favor the taxpayer in valuation disputes.