bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automatic Integration of Streamline Information in Finite Difference Simulation during Optimization to Enhance History Matching
Authors: Siu Alan L. , Al-Turki Ali A. , Al-Zawawi Ahmed S. , Al-Nahdi Omar A. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Matching water cuts of production wells is one of the most challenging tasks in the history matching process. When conducting history matching with a finite difference simulator, one of the challenges is how to define a suitable region for the permeability modifier to obtain a good match, and yet, retain major geological description. In the case of large models, the presence of several wells in a region where permability is adjusted makes simultaneous matching for these wells almost impossible.
Commercial streamline simulators are best in reducing the mismatch in water cuts; however, it is cumbersome to include other uncertainty parameters such as water-oil contact, relative permeability, pressure-volume-temperature data, etc., during the optimization process. To combine the power of finite difference simulators and streamline technology, an in-house developed reservoir simulator was linked to a customized streamline tracing software package. This solution is capable of generating streamlines that represent a snapshot of the flow pattern within the reservoir, and providing well drainage region information and injector-producer relationships.
This paper presents an automatic process in which the reservoir simulator is run via the control of a commercial optimizer, the simulation results are transferred to the streamline tracing package, which also tags the simulator cells to be modified by the optimizer without running a full streamline simulation. The optimizer then uses a global minimization method to fine-tune the permeability modifiers for reducing the water cut errors. This approach was verified by using two synthetic models in which the solution is known. Excellent results were obtained. Therefore, this approach makes it possible to employ the power and flexibility of finite difference simulators and optimization algorithms, with the crucial fluid flow information provided by streamline technology.
Holistic Approach in Deriving the Optimum Value of Smart Completions in MRC Wells
Authors: Rowaihy Feras , Pham Tony 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The technology of smart completions has gained a big momentum in oil and gas industry and marked a significant paradigm shift in terms of optimizing production, enhancing sweep per lateral, managing water production and prolonging wells’ life. HRDH Increment-III is Saudi Aramco’s first Increment that was initially developed with intelligent field technology and maximum reservoir contact multi laterals wells equipped with smart completions. Field performance was put under detailed evaluation where positive results acted as a basis for further implementation of such technologies in other fields in Saudi Aramco. While objectives of smart completion were fully achieved with excellent sustainability in maintaining oil production plateau under very low water cut that was beyond initial expectations, Haradh team experience with smart completions indicated that benefits could be further enhanced by tackling identified challenges with the initial design to further enhance the ultimate value of such technologies.
This paper describes a case study that illustrates in details, Haradh experience with optimizing production from a Maximum Reservoir Contact well. This entails completion design enhancement to add more pressure data points into the system and then the holistic approach taken to achieve the ultimate value of the smart completions by integrating each lateral’s reservoir characterization analysis, production data and pressure data to select the right down hole valves adjustments. Leveraged knowledge from this case provides an insight into smart completion capabilities and utilization strategies to maximize the values from these technolgies.
Zero Oil Flaring Concept and Implementation in Saudi Aramco Offshore Fields
Authors: Al-Jamal Abdulrahman A. , Kilany Khaled A. , Riza Iskandar X. , Yateem Karam S. , BoKamseen Yaseen A. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The main objective of the zero flaring concept in Saudi Arabian offshore fields is to further fully comply with the environmental regulations and to continue ensuring zero hydrocarbon discharge to the environment during well cleanup, through zero flaring practice without compromising safety. The first implementation was carried out back during the last decade with workover operation in offshore field’s sweet crude and then extended to sour fields with an excellent success1, 2. The workover wells that were cleaned up utilizing this practice resulted with zero hydrocarbon discharge to the atmosphere. The same concept of well cleanup was considered for new drilling wells, therefore the new platforms that are currently under drilling or those that will be drilled and completed in the future have to accommodate this technique. The current plan is to modify in-water platforms for zero oil flaring technique, however, the needed zero oil flaring facilities for all future platforms will be installed on the onshore fabrication yard to optimize operational logistics.
The required facilities to accommodate the zero oil flaring practice on new drilling offshore installed platform include constructing of a 4" jumper line and running inline inspection (ILI) of the subsea flow line to the tie-in platform (TP). The zero flaring operations can be done once the jumper line has been installed and ILI of the subsea flow line to the TP has been performed as part of the subsea flow line mechanical certification. Upon completing drilling on the platform, the portable skid on the drilling rig is connected to the jumper line, and then, the wells are flowed for cleanup through the flow line to the TP and then through the trunkline to the GOSP.
Assessment of Uncertainty in Porosity Measurements Using NMR and Conventional Logging Tools in Carbonate Reservoir
Authors: Kharraa Hamad S. , Al-Amri Meshal A. , Mahmoud M. A. , Okasha T. M. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Porosity is an important volumetric parameter used to estimate the reserves for oil and gas reservoirs and as an input for reservoir simulation. Porosity can be classified into effective porosity (interconnected pores) and ineffective porosity (isolated pores), while total porosity (ϕT) is defined as the sum of effective porosity and the porosity associated with Clay Bound Water. In clean formations, total porosity is equal to effective porosity, whereas in shaly formations it must be corrected for clay effect. Formation porosity can be determined using several methods. These methods include: measuring actual porosity in the core laboratory, Computerized Tomography (CT) scan, neutron-density logging, sonic tools and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance NMR logging tools.
The NMR logging is unique compared to all other methods since it is independent of the reservoir lithology. It can be used to estimate the reservoir porosity directly without the knowledge of matrix lithology. On the other hand, conventional logging such as neutron-density and acoustic depend strongly on lithology which might yield incorrect porosity measurement. Several studies have been conducted to estimate porosity for both sandstone and carbonate reservoirs using different logging tools, however, determining porosity is a challenge in complex and unconventional lithologies. In sandstone, the presence of shale and clay minerals will affect the response of all porosity tools. Carbonate is even more complicated than sandstone due to its heterogeneity and triple porosity system (pores, vugs, and fractures). In addition, the assessment of porosity measurements accuracy using NMR logging will be considered in this study. An attempt will be made to develop an empirical correlation from NMR data to obtain reliable porosity estimation.
In this work, case studies will be presented using NMR logging tool to show how NMR reduces the uncertainty of porosity measurements in carbonate reservoirs compared to other conventional logging tools, which will improve reserves estimation. The study will also show the effect of impurities in the carbonate formation porosity measurements by conventional and NMR logging methods compared to stress core porosity by graphical means. Results of this study showed that a clear criterion to divide the formations into dolomitic and clean formation (pure limestone) should be established to get more accurate result. In the dolomitic formation, Neutron-Density showed the least AARE of 40.2% compared to 84% for the NMR tool and 174% for the sonic tool. However, for clean formation NMR tool was the most accurate tool with AARE of 10% compared to 14.3% for N-D tool and 42.3% for sonic tool.
Consideration of ICD-9 Code-Derived Disease-Specific Safety Indicators in CKD
Authors: Hartley Iris R. , Ginsberg Jennifer S. , Diamantidis Clarissa J. , Zhan Min , Walker Loreen , Rattinger Gail B. , Fink Jeffrey C. 
Published: September 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
The Agency for Healthcare and Research Quality patient safety indicators track adverse safety events in hospitalized patients but overlook safety incidents specific to CKD. This study considers candidate CKD-pertinent patient safety indicators and compares them with the Agency for Healthcare and Research Quality patient safety indicators.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Using a national Veterans Health Administration database of hospitalized veterans from fiscal year 2005, 247,160 hospitalized veterans with prehospitalization measures of renal function were retrospectively examined for proposed CKD patient safety indicators versus Agency for Healthcare and Research Quality patient safety indicators using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis codes. Candidate CKD-pertinent patient safety indicators included in-hospital acute kidney failure; in-hospital congestive heart failure (and related diagnostic codes); electrolyte disturbances; and medication errors, poisoning, and intoxication. Patients with a prehospital estimated GFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (CKD group) were compared with a non-CKD group. For CKD patient safety indicators, hospitalizations were excluded if the admitting condition was a potential cause of the secondary condition. Regression methods were used to present adjusted rates in study groups of interest.

Results
The CKD patient safety indicators were generally more common than the Agency for Healthcare and Research Quality patient safety indicators in all groups, tended to occur in different patients than those patients who experienced Agency for Healthcare and Research Quality patient safety indicators, and were more common in the CKD group than the non-CKD group, except for hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and hyponatremia. The adjusted composite CKD patient safety indicators rate (per 1000 patient-hospitalizations) was 398.0 (95% confidence interval, 391.2 to 405.0) for patients in the CKD group and 250.0 (95% confidence interval, 247.4 to 252.7) for patients in the non-CKD group. The prevalence ratio of CKD patient safety indicators to Agency for Healthcare and Research Quality patient safety indicators was 23.4 (95% confidence interval, 21.9 to 25.0).

Conclusion
The candidate CKD patient safety indicators that occur in hospitalized patients are distinct from the Agency for Healthcare and Research Quality patient safety indicators and tend to be more common in CKD than non-CKD patients. These measures have the potential to serve as sentinel tools for identifying patients with CKD who warrant examination for disease-pertinent safety events.
Marketing in the Tax Administration in Albania
Authors: Manoku Elfrida , Kalia Mimoza 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
After the late 1970s the marketing discipline has known a considerable expansion and application not only in private sector but also in public or non-profit sector. Currently the debate is focused on how to better integrate the marketing concept and marketing function into the activities of government organizations as means of increasing the effectiveness of the delivery of public policy and citizens satisfaction. Public marketing is a new concept for the Albanian reality and very slowly is entering into the management approach. The aim of this paper is to evaluate how much is known and accepted the concept of marketing in the Albanian public sector and if this level of acceptance or rejection is reflected in the use of marketing strategies and tactics as instruments of public management.
After a critical review of the literature about the last trends and research in this issue, qualitative methods are used through a case study in General Directorate of Taxation in Albania. In depth semi-structured interviews with several senior directors and officers were conducted to see the level of perceptions and practices thorough the major departments of this Institution. From the analysis of data gathered resulted that marketing is mostly equated with public relations function and was considered unnecessary and as a significant consumer of public funds. A number of recommendations are given on how to build an efficient marketing model for the General Directorate of Taxation in order to help increasing efficiency and quality of service to citizens.
Hedge Funds Development and their Role in Economic Crises
Authors: Palaskas Theodosios , Stoforos Chrysostomos , Drakatos Costantinos 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The rapid development of hedge funds and their emanating critical role in the financial markets and the financial system globally, combined with the increased frequency of economic crises during the last 25 years, brought them to the centre of discussions concerning the following issue: «To what extent the operation of hedge funds can affect the birth, peak and even geographic expansion of economic crises?». In this context, the present paper aims to contribute to the limited and sporadic discussion of whether the hedge funds could be held responsible for economic crises. To this extend the growth and the impact of hedge funds on financial crises is analysed and evaluated using the HFR database -in their birth, aggravation or even geographic expansion- both from a historical perspective and in relation to the 2007-today crisis. Based on the evidence presented in this paper, hedge funds cannot be blamed for the birth of the crises of the last 25 years. Comparing the data across the different crises, it becomes obvious that, with the exception of the 2007 subprime crisis, where almost all hedge fund strategies suffered considerable losses, in all other crises studied in the present paper, the hedge fund strategies with a negative return were the ones that had an exposure to the specific sector and/or region that was in the centre of the crisis i.e. Emerging market strategy presented substantial negative monthly performance over the Asian crisis, Convertible arbitrage strategy was affected by the dot-com crisis, etc.
Socially Responsible Mutual Funds – A Profitable Way of Investing
Authors: Slapikaite Indre , Tamosiuniene Rima 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
In the presented paper there is analyzed the idea, essence and strategies of socially reponsible investing, there is also made a review of socially responsible mutual fund market worldwide and in the Baltics, and made a research on the relation between financial and social performance of mutual funds. Finally, there are presented results of a comparative analysis of S&P 500 TR and Index Morningstar Moderate Target Risk to their benchmarks. The presented results show the trends of socially responsible market and the effectiveness of socially responsible mutual funds comparing to their benchmarks. The specifics of socially responsible mutual market in the Baltics and research of the link between financial and social performances of mutual funds may lead to the further scientific researches.
Geothermal heat flux anomaly due to a 3D prismoid situated in the second layer of a three-layered Earth
Authors: Hvoždara Milan , Majcin Dušan 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
We present mathematical modelling of the stationary geothermal field for the three-layered earth which includes a three-dimensional perturbing body below the first layer (over the halfspace substratum). The unperturbed temperature field corresponds to the uniform vertical heat flux. The perturbing body is in the form of 3D prismoid with sloping side faces, while its upper and lower face are rectangles at the planes z = z1, z2. The theoretical formulae are based on the generalized theory of the double-layer potential and boundary integral equation (BIE). Special attention is paid to the quadrilateral prismoids bounded by planar skew faces. The numerical calculations were performed for the 3D prismoids (blocks), the thermal conductivity of which was greater than that in the ambient second layer, while the upper face of the prismoid may be in contact with the upper layer and the lower face may touch the bottom halfspace. Numerous graphs are shown for the disturbance of the temperature and heat flow distribution on the surface of the Earth or inside all three layers.
The first tidal analysis based on the CG-5 Autograv gravity measurements at Modra station
Authors: Mikolaj Michal , Hábel Branislav 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
We present the tidal parameters estimated for the absolute gravity site in Modra (Slovakia). This is the first tidal analysis based on gravity measurements for this location. Relative gravity variations observed by Scintrex CG-5 Autograv gravimeter were used for the tidal analysis. We observed large and non-linear instrumental drift which cannot be effectively eliminated by polynomial approximation. Drift was eliminated by a filtering. New set of tidal parameters was estimated and analyzed with the focus on diurnal and semi-diurnal tidal waves. Time and frequency domain comparison between new parameters and those obtained from the superconducting gravimeter located in Vienna was performed. A maximum amplitude factor difference of 0.2% was found between main tidal waves corrected for ocean tides and non-hydrostatic body tide model. New estimated tidal parameters can serve for the correction of local relative gravity measurements
Habitat selection by two species of dung beetle, Anoplotrupes stercorosus (Scriba) and Trypocopris vernalis (L.) (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae), changes with stand age in a fresh pine forest
Authors: Marczak Dawid 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
In Poland, Anoplotrupes stercorosus (Scriba) and Trypocopris vernalis (L.), are very common throughout the whole country and belong to the most numerous representatives of the Geotrupidae family. Research on the habitat selectivity of Anoplotrupes stercorosus (Scriba) and Trypocopris vernalis (L.) was conducted in the years 2004-2006 in the Wipsowo Forest Inspectorate (Regional Forest Department in Olsztyn). The dung beetles were collected using Barber traps installed in a clearcut comprising, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 16 year old thickets and tree-stands aged 30, 45, 60, 80, 100 and 135 years. According to phytosociology these tree-stands are a plant community of fresh continental pine forest (Peucedano-Pinetum), while typologically all sites are within the fresh coniferous forest. During the course of this research 29197 individual dung beetles were captured, including 23137 individuals of A. stercorosus and 6060 individuals of T. vernalis. Both species were caught at each research site. At nearly all sites A. stercorosus dominated. Only within the clearcut area were the number of T. vernalis was higher than at other sites. Very many individuals of T. vernalis were present in the clearcut area but their numbers decreased gradually with increasing tree-stand age. An opposite situation was noted for A. stercorosus. There was an interesting statistically-significant decrease in the abundance of both species in the middle-aged tree-stands - 30, 45 and 60-year-old. Analysing the seasonal dynamics revealed one peak in the population of T. vernalis in July, whereas there were two peaks in the population of A. stercorosus: a small peak in July and a much larger peak in September. There was a significant negative correlation between the numbers of T. vernalis and tree-stand age (p<0.05, r =-0.57), and a significant positive correlation between the A. stercorosus population size and tree-stand age (p<0.05, r = 0.48)
Globe flower Trollius europaeus L. in forest and forest edge communities of the northern part of Południowopodlaska Lowland
Authors: Ciosek Marek Tadeusz , Piórek Katarzyna 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The distribution of Trollius europaeus in the northern part of the Południowopodlaska Lowland was described and a phytosociological study made of the localities where it was present between 2010 and 2012. The condition of all sites where T. europaeus was historically present was also verified. These field studies reveal that the number of sites of occurrence and the abundance of T. europaeus populations have rapidly diminished over recent years. Only 15 populations of the species in the vicinity of 7 sites were confirmed. Trollius europaeus is usually considered a species characteristic of moist meadows of ordo Molinietalia and in the plant community type, Polygono bistortae-Trollietum. In the northern part of the Południowopodlaska Lowland, no meadow sites containing Trollius europaeus still remain according to our survey. All the confirmed stands are situated in deciduous forests of class Querco-Fagetea (Tilio-Carpinetum and Potentillo albae-Quercetum) and moist forest edge communities of ordo Glechometalia. The disappearance of all meadow populations is mainly considered a result of intensification of the agricultural use of these habitats. We suggest that the category of threat to Trollius europaeus is increased on the regional list from VU to EN, and consolidated with further monitoring and active protection of stands where it is present
Effect of resin-tapping on the radial increment of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) – case study of a stand from Lidzbark Forest District
Authors: Magnuszewski Michał , Tomusiak Robert 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The study makes an attempt to evaluate the effect of resin-tapping on the radial increment of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Increment cores were taken from two groups of trees: resin-tapped trees and normal trees growing in a 148-year-old pine stand in the Lidzbark Forest District. The cores were taken with the Pressler increment borer from two heights on the tree trunk: 1,30 m and 3,30 m. Using dendrochronological methods, real chronologies were built for each of the four analysed groups of cores. The value and variability of increments for each group were investigated in 20 and 40 year time periods, before and after the start of resin-tapping. In next step, the chronologies were compared and their coefficients of conformity were calculated. As a result, we can state that the radial increments were larger are at 1,3 m height after resin-tapping than before resin-tapping. There was also significant effect of resin-tapping on radial growth at the height 3,3 m, above the resin-tapping face.