bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extending Coiled Tubing String Utilization by Real-Time Field Inspections
Authors: Gallagher P. , Kemp C. , Hudson L. , Liu Z. , Rivas O. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
In volatile times, when oil prices are in a decline, efficiencies and asset utilization are critical elements to ensure sustainability in the market for both operators and service companies. However, maximizing utilization and pushing equipment to the maximum could potentially have negative repercussions and ultimately result in failures causing loss of time and other potential damages. Thus is it critical to closely monitor and evaluate the assets conditions to ensure both safe and efficient operations are performed.
In the case of coiled tubing (CT) strings, monitoring and proper evaluation can be performed by utilizing an infield nondestructive evaluation (NDE) device that employs magnetic flux leakage (MFL) to detect flaws and monitor, wall thickness, outer diameter, and various other properties. The real-time device requires no direct contact with pipe, and its compact design allows it to be run continuously throughout the life of the CT. Damage can then be detected and managed before a failure occurs. The ultimate goal is to reduce CT failures while increasing CT longevity throughout the operations.
This paper covers three specific examples of NDE inspection conducted on site that increased the utilization of the CT string without compromising the service quality delivery. It also reviews the various parameters that were monitored and evaluated on location and the decision-making process used to keep the strings in service longer than previous methods would have allowed thus safely increasing the utilization and improving the efficiency.
The first two cases are out of Texas, USA. The objective of the NDE was monitoring the pipe for corrosion or physical plastic deformation. This region regularly performs high-pressure cycling operations and in the past relied mostly on calculated fatigue models with significant derated values and safety factors to retire strings from use. Utilizing the scanning devices from after manufacturing through the strings' life allowed both the operator and the service company get more useable footage and still retire the strings after getting indications of irreversible geometric changes. They were able to plan and control the CT retirement around operational well plans to ensure no delays were seen in the field.
The third example is out of Alberta, Canada. A CT string being used on a long-term project was damaged. The NDE inspection allowed for continued use of a pipe that had visible surface damage. In the past, this string would have been immediately retired and removed from service after a mechanical defect of the same nature was observed; however, the NDE device aided in adressing the severity of the damage, by MFL, and monitored its progress while continuing to use the string. The 2.375-in. string was able to be run an additional 53,203-m [174,550-ft] in a safe and controlled manner before reaching retirement.
The Significance of Pro-active Online Monitoring with Stick-slip Mitigation
Authors: Efteland F. , Creegan A. , Jordan L. , Caraway C. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Stick-slip is recognized as a major cause of drilling inefficiency and non-productive time (NPT) due to excessive bit wear, premature tool failure, drill string fatigue, and poor rate of penetration. The drilling industry is suffering from high well construction cost and are moving slowly toward automated well manufacturing. An important strategy is to reduce NPT, improve safety, and increase efficiency. Reduction of downhole vibration addresses all these issues.
Surface based stick-slip mitigation systems have been available to the drilling industry for decades and are very effective when used correctly. However, history has shown that rig crews only use a fraction of its capability. The efficiency is trending downwards. There is potential for large performance gains with small changes to drilling practices. Real-time monitoring of selected key metrics showed to maximize the use of this tool and go beyond the limiters caused by stick-slip vibrations.
The purpose of this paper is to inform operators and contractors about the positive performance effect with a remote monitoring system. It demonstrates a vibration mitigation tool significantly improved when guided by a remote operating center and enabled the user to stretch the limiters even more. Monitoring ensured correct tuning of the mitigation tool, correct use and identified problems before the rig saw it. Once the rig crew was comfortable with the new technique, they consistently drilled smoother in a stick-slip free environment. The system allowed more weight on bit without inducing further vibrations. It is possible to drill faster, but more importantly reduce the number of expensive bit/BHA trips to replace broken tools. Five case examples are discussed.
Economic and Technical Value of Remotely Operated Services in Real Time
Authors: Saeverhagen Erland , Bouillouta Fouzi , Cranfield Adam , Hall Warren 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
The oil industry has experienced an unprecedented cycle of growth during recent years. Exceptional growth brings challenges such as continuous staffing and competency levels for field operations and technical support. To address these challenges a new staffing model based around re-manning has been implemented across Regions, Geo-markets and Product Lines, reducing personnel at the rig site by 30 to 50%; transforming the organization from being equipment focused to become service-centric.
Re-manning initiatives have had a direct impact on operational cost and footprint by reducing the number of personnel required to cover the different field operations. 24/7 real-time services also provides the ability to conduct existing standard drilling and MWD services remotely as well as remote support to most new product introductions to the field. 24/7 Remote Technical Support functions deliver a significant reduction in Non-Productive Time (NPT) and associated costs and customer concessions. This dedicated round-the-clock support and advisory network has increased reliability, service delivery and quality assurance.
In today's market situation with declining oil price, where all actors are being pressured from every angle to reduce cost of operation, the Re-manning initiatives are more important than ever to be more efficient e.g. better utilization of personnel pool with reduced personnel requirement and cost as a consequence. This paper will show examples from Iraq, UAE and Brazil operations.
Auto-Gas Lift and Smart Well Completion Challenges to Extend Well Life and Running Toward Cost Effective Program, Field Case Study
Authors: Elbarbary Abdalla , Mahmoud Gehad , Bahrom Abdulraman , Gebaly Mohamed El , Mohamed Zeid , Kurian Alex , Bahrom Abdul Raman , Hussain Mohamed Qassem , Kshada Ali 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
As known the first application experiment for lifting fluids was conducted in Germany in 1797. Then the idea was developed in 1846 utilized compressed air to lift oil from wells.
In year 1900 the lifting done by compressed air injected through the annulus or tubing where numerous patents were applied for and issued, but it took nearly 20 years before gas lift became an acceptable lifting method. In 1945 nearly 25,000 different flow conventional valves were patented. Later the pressure operated valve has practically replaced all other types of gas lift valves. The first WL retrievable gas lift valve was introduced in 1957. This pressure with the introduction of the bellows charged gas lift valve in 1940, gas lifting of low pressure wells with a controlled change in the surface injection pressure was achieved.
As all the above types is required heavily and costly facility in addition to losing energy, big oil companies such as ADCO started digging for innovative and creative ideas to overcome the disadvantage of the surface injection valves such as corrosion, well control and upstream risk. Although the conventional gas lift system still required but due to harsh environment especially in SOUR fields the Auto-Gas Lift Smart well completion become one of the innovative solutions.
Recently ADCO investigated and has successfully installed the first Auto-Gas Lift Smart completion in the UAE. The concept of this completion is to use the gas cap energy from different reservoirs to lift the heavy and high water cut wells. This will eliminate conventional gas lift approach as well as intervention cost meanwhile extends the well life. Candidate selection for this new approach was considered as the main challenge as step one to avoid the project failure. Second main challenge of Auto-Gas Lift was nonstandard completion material and accessories which required special design.
As case study this paper will introduce challenges starting from well planning, designing, material selection, and execution. This paper also will demonstrate different problems such as reservoir pressure regime, Slickline line up normal operation through high deviated hole hence it wasn't easy at a high angle to retrieve the plugs, and finally controlling the higher differential pressure of upper formation was also a big challenge. A smart well head was finally installed and tested for the integrity.
Talent Pipeline Management: Attracting, Developing, and Retaining Talents to Meet Future Drilling Challenges
Authors: Alkhalaf A. H. , Zaballero A. , Alzahmi R. A. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Oil and gas continue to be the key source of energy for the modern economy. However, workforce related issues have continued to fuel the war for talent. All over the world, organizations are struggling to find an adequate supply of qualified and talented individuals and are compelling many industries globally to change how they attract and employ talent (Wall, 2007). According to Molavi and Satterlee (2014) "industry in general and the energy sector in particular are experiencing a sharp decline in skilled and experienced workers at every level. The oil and gas industry in spite of global expansion in this area, are struggling to hire qualified staff to respond to the volume of demand for these commodities" (p. 17751). There, are two primary issues confronting the oil and gas industry: deficient supply of people with the necessary skills and the aging demographics with the high rate of retirees. Based on the literature review, the authors explored the changes and challenges in the oil and gas workforce and reviewed current practices in talent management and development. To address the various challenges and limitations that the oil and gas industry face, implementing a talent management strategy utilizing a competency-based approach to close skills gap is imperative. This approach can help fast-track talents in high demand positions and develop the capabilities necessary for sustaining talent pipeline. By identifying the right competencies, firms will be able to recruit and manage talents effectively. Based on the work of the world-renowned author Dr. William J. Rothwell, the authors will provide an overview of the Seven Pointed Star Model as an effective method that can guide talent initiatives. In addition, the authors will discuss a competency-based system as a strategy to develop and manage an effective talent pipeline.
Shell Maintenance Excellence
Authors: Jansen Michel 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
The main deliverables of Maintenance Excellence are
Ensuring Technical Integrity Ensuring a safe workplace Safe and reliable asset availability Optimal unit operating cost
Having safe and reliable asset availability allows operations to maximize the use of the installation in order to create value for the business. Without effective Maintenance Excellence an asset cannot be a sustainable competitor in the oil and gas industry.
The first important pillar of Maintenance Excellence is a strong asset focus on equipment and/or system reliability. More reliable equipment in general leads to increased asset availability and less unscheduled deferment. Secondly, more reliable equipment suffers fewer breakdowns which results in lower cost of maintenance. Last, but not least, it creates a safer environment to work in. Worldwide industry benchmark data indicates that an overall focus on reliability will increase asset availability and reduce cost levels (due to fewer breakdowns) in the long run. The same data shows that a sole focus on cost will generally reduce reliability and hence asset availability. In time this usually leads to high unscheduled deferment of oil and gas production combined with an expensive firefighting culture.
A Single Pore Model for Displacement of Heavy Crude Oil With Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Tran Truynh Quoc , Ahmad Mohammed Almabrouk , Neogi P.. , Bai Baojun 
Published: November 2015

Summary
The present problem analyzes displacement of heavy crude oil in a capillary by carbon dioxide (CO2) as seen in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In immiscible displacement of viscous liquid in a tube by a gas with lower viscosity than the liquid, a gas bubble moves steadily and leaves behind a thin liquid film of thickness h∞ which is known as the Bretherton problem. With the recovery of crude oil in mind, the analysis was confined to cylindrical pores of diameter ≈1 µm, and hence disjoining pressures are included and added to the Laplace pressures. It is observed that, at small capillary numbers, the effect of disjoining pressure dominates, and at large capillary numbers, the Laplace pressure dominates. The key contribution here is the solutions to the mass-transfer problem in the form of CO2 dissolving in oil. We included the changes of the physical properties of heavy crude oil on carbonation on the basis of a real system. The thickness of thin residual oil film decreases in the presence of mass transfer, leading to an increase in oil recovery, but lowers the carbonation because of the convection in the reverse direction. The opposite is true of displacements at low capillary numbers in which the disjoining pressure dominates. The numerical solutions were obtained with ANSYS® FLUENT software for the profile shapes, capillary numbers, the thicknesses of thin oil films left behind, and the net mass-transfer rates. The capillary pressure dominates the net pressure drop that one can lower by lowering the surface tension.
First-Trimester Maternal Abdominal Adiposity Predicts Dysglycemia and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Midpregnancy
Authors: De Souza Leanne R. , Berger Howard , Retnakaran Ravi , Maguire Jonathon L. , Nathens Avery B. , Connelly Philip W. , Ray Joel G. 
Published: November 2015

OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the association between first-trimester abdominal adiposity and dysglycemia and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in midpregnancy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
In a prospective cohort of 485 women, we measured subcutaneous (SAT), visceral (VAT), and total (TAT) adipose tissue depth, using ultrasound at 11–14 weeks’ gestation. Logistic regression analysis assessed the relation between quartiles of SAT, VAT, or TAT depth and the composite outcome of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or GDM, based on a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks.

RESULTS
Adjusting for maternal age, ethnicity, family history of diabetes, and BMI, quartile 4 versus quartile 1 VAT (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.1, 95% CI 1.1–9.5) and TAT (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–7.8) were significantly associated with the composite outcome, but SAT was not (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 0.70–4.8). The same was seen for GDM alone.

CONCLUSIONS
Elevated first-trimester VAT and TAT depth independently predicted the risk of dysglycemia later in pregnancy.
The expression of Cx43, TGF&beta;/Smads signaling pathway and PCNA in the occurence and development of gastric carcinoma and the relationship among them
Authors: Li Chun-Hui , Liu Hai-Wang , Pan Li-Hui , Shahi R , Zhao Xing , Cheng Yu 
Published: November 2015

Background: To detect the Protein expression level of Cx43, Smad4 and PCNA in normal and gastric carcinoma tissue by immunohistochemistry, western blotting and RT-PCR method.Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were adopted to detect the expression and expression level of Cx43, Smad4 and PCNA protein in normal and carcinomatous gastric tissue. Experimental data were analyzed by combining clinical pathology data using statistical tools.Results: The expression levels of Cx43 and Smad4 in carcinomatous gastric tissue were lower than they were in normal gastric tissue. The expression level of PCNA in carcinomatous gastric tissue was higher than that in normal gastric tissue. The expression levels of Cx43, Smad4 and PCNA in groups of age and gender is not significant. The expression of Cx43, Smad4 and PCNA in different clinic pathologic features of carcinomatous gastric tissue which includes degrees of pathological differentiation, lymph node metastasis condition, depth of tumor invasion and TNM stages is statistically significant. With the progression of gastric carcinoma, the expression levels of Cx43 and Smad4 were decreased, conversely PCNA showed a high expression level.Conclusion: The protein and mRNA expressions of Cx43, Smad4 and PCNA were significantly different between normal gastric tissue and gastric carcinoma and also were concerned with degree of differentiation, lymph node metastasis, TNM stages and depth of invasion, though not significant with age and gender. This suggests that they may play an important role in occurrence and development of gastric carcinoma, but also may have some interaction.Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2015) Vol. 5, 696-704
Incidental Enterobius Vermicularis infestation in surgically removed appendices with a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Upadhyaya P , Sinha AK , Agarwal M , Paudyal P , Shrestha A 
Published: November 2015

Background: Appendiceal parasites can cause symptoms of appendicitis. Although the symptomatology imitates acute appendicitis clinically, the true nature of disease is diagnosed through histological examination. The aim of this study is to therefore determine the prevalence of E. Vermicularis in appendicectomy specimens to relate this to acute inflammation histologically.Materials & Methods: Histological data on all appendectomy specimens with a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis were retrieved from the archives of department of pathology, B.P.K.I.H.S, over the period of five years (January 2004- December 2008) and was analyzed retrospectively.Results: There were a total of 1528 patients. M:F ratio being 1.2:1.Inflamed appendix constituted for 94.24% of all cases. There were a total of six (0.39%) appendicectomy specimens which showed presence of oxyuriasis appendix. Though all patients with oxyuriasis presented with appendicial colic only one (1) out of the six cases of oxyuriasis showed histologic evidence of inflammation. Conclusion: We conclude that enterobius does not frequently cause inflammation of appendix though it may clinically mimic acute appendicitis. Since it represents a disease curable without necessitating surgery, symptomatology awareness is stressed upon.Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2015) Vol. 5, 720-722
Estimation of experimental uncertainty for physical measurements based on the start-up data of the latest VVER-1000 units
Authors: Tsyganov S. , Kravchenko A. , Kraynov Yu. , Nasedkin A. , Chmykhun V. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
During the last decades several new VVER-1000 units of different projects have been commissioned. At some of them similar initial fuel loadings were implemented. To determine experimentally neutron-physics characteristics of those units almost similar physical start-up test programs were performed and measurement equipment were also similar. The paper presents the analysis of some result of neutron-physics characteristics that were carried out during physics start-up of VVER-1000 units with similar initial fuel loading. The subject of analysis is an estimation of experimental uncertainties. An effort is made to consider individual test result as a single random realization of universal set. It is assumed the analysis of individual results spread helps to estimate general inherent uncertainty of experiment.
Application of UN method to neutron transport equation in slab geometry using HG phase function
Authors: Bülbül A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe steady-state one speed neutron transport equation without sources is studied in slab geometry using Henyey-Greenstein scattering function. The critical thicknesses are calculated for various c (mean number of secondary neutrons per collision) and t scattering parameters using UN method and obtained values are compared with PN method. All the numerical results for different collision scattering functions and t parameters of UN and PN methods are presented in the tables.
Interface network groups
Authors: Mahmoud N. S. , Abdul Aziz L. K. , Lashin R. M. A. , Mostafa W. A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA network database consists of a collection of records connected to one another through links. Presence of database network increases transmission speed and accuracy of information, which are the most important factors for good regulatory functions. Therefore, the data bank for Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (NRRA) is proposed to be founded. Interface network group (ING) is the workers in the data bank. It is divided into three subgroups; scientific management (SMG), system analyst (SAG), and network management (NMG) subgroups. Their primary task is collect of data and information from different sectors in NRRA, and to transform these data to the organized database forms, which are available for all workers on the computer network. Meanwhile to face the very broad range of technical matters on which the regulatory related research activities, NRRA will need to rely on the ING. Accordingly, NRRA can address to the ING subsidiary tasks, which are not less important than their main duties, such as; scientific communications and demands, follow up plans and track problem solutions.
Chloroplasts in anther endothecium of Zea mays (Poaceae)
Authors: Murphy Katherine M. , Egger Rachel L. , Walbot Virginia 
Published: November 2015

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:Although anthers of Zea mays, Oryza sativa, and Arabidopsis thaliana have been studied intensively using genetic and biochemical analyses in the past 20 years, few updates to anther anatomical and ultrastructural descriptions have been reported. For example, no transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the premeiotic maize anther have been published. Here we report the presence of chloroplasts in maize anthers.METHODS:TEM imaging, electron acceptor photosynthesis assay, in planta photon detection, microarray analysis, and light and fluorescence microscopy were used to investigate the presence of chloroplasts in the maize anther.KEY RESULTS:Most cells of the maize subepidermal endothecium have starch‐containing chloroplasts that do not conduct measurable photosynthesis in vitro.CONCLUSIONS:The maize anther contains chloroplasts in most subepidermal, endothecial cells. Although maize anthers receive sufficient light to photosynthesize in vivo and the maize anther transcribes >96% of photosynthesis‐associated genes found in the maize leaf, no photosynthetic light reaction activity was detected in vitro. The endothecial cell layer should no longer be defined as a complete circle viewed transversely in anther lobes, because chloroplasts are observed only in cells directly beneath the epidermis and not those adjacent to the connective tissue. We propose that chloroplasts be a defining characteristic of differentiated endothecial cells and that nonsubepidermal endothecial cells that lack chloroplasts be defined as a separate cell type, the interendothecium.