bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development & Implementation of a New Technology known as the "AEROS System"® (Airborne Robotic Oil Spill Recovery System) - Improving the State-of-the-Art of Offshore Oil Spill Emergency Response
Authors: Sullivan Myron 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Our world is increasingly prone to environmental disasters with the public and governments worldwide demanding more effective solutions. Global Response Group "GRG" has proprietary technology that will contribute immensely to solving two serious global problems: large marine oil spills and global warming. GRG provides industry and governments the ability to quickly and effectively respond to large marine oil spills and to control destructive forest fires, (both on a global scale) using fleets of Lockheed L-100 and C-130 Hercules aircraft and crews integrated with GRG patented technology using satellite remote sensing/GPS/remote control/ telemetry systems.
The AEROS® Airborne Robotic Oil Spill Recovery System
Large offshore marine oil spills have never been effectively controlled and oil spill pollution remains a serious global problem. The ever-growing public concern for the environment will only escalate the costs and penalties of future spills. Therefore, GRG developed the AEROS® Robotic Oil Spill Recovery System, a truly effective and extremely rapid, robotic, satellite controlled oil spill containment and recovery system. AEROS&copy; is demonstrated on the GRG web site: www.globalresponsegroup.com
Global Response Group (GRG) has invested approximately $10 Million to date in the development of GRG's AEROS Technology. The AEROS system, as shown on the GRG web site and CD ROM presentation, demonstrates GRG's ability to rapidly contain, recover and recycle a marine oil spill of any size with much higher recovery efficiencies than ever achieved by other systems currently on the market. Potential customers for AEROS include: all oil companies and tanker fleet owners; the governments of all oil producing and consuming countries with a shoreline; and, all offshore drilling and production rigs. Other customers include: the insurance underwriters industry; the entire merchant marine shipping industry; and, all private and public oil spill response organizations. GRG'S AEROS System combines proven technology that has already demonstrated its durability and effectiveness with a unique robotic oil spill recovery vehicle (patented). Another unique feature of the system is GRG's ability to rapidly deploy AEROS using Lockheed L-100 and C-130 Hercules aircraft and to control AEROS oil spill recovery operations with satellites.
Another significant operational capability of the AEROS System is its potential to fight malaria and dengue fever on a very large scale. GRG has developed a scientific business plan, called the "MEP" = Malaria Eradication Program. GRG's "MEP" has received indications of serious interest from the U.N. World Health Organization ("WHO"). Upon request, GRG can provide a detailed business plan for the "MEP" Malaria Eradication Program, as well as the credentials of the scientists who back this program.
Economic Viability of Gas-to-Liquids in Nigeria
Authors: Balogun O. M. , Onyekonwu M. O. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
With recent oil price escalation, declining oil reserves and global warming, interest has been shown world-wide in the production of clean liquid fuels through Fischer-Tropsch (FT) Synthesis. FT Synthesis is a proven technology but development of commercial GTL has been very slow. For resource holders, the major challenge is economics thus, the economic viability of GTL calls for critical analysis.
This paper reviewed FT process and investigated its economics with principal interest in the production of Syncrude, DME and Methanol in Nigeria. A sound appraisal technique was later used to measure and rank GTL proposals with the LNG in Nigeria.
The results show that GTL-Diesel would be economically feasible when applied to a typical offshore Niger Delta resource at oil prices of above US$35/bbl and feedstock gas price in range of US$0.25-1.5/mmBtu. GTL-DME economics looks encouraging and could be introduced at a price lower than that of LPG. However GTL-Methanol will only be viable at a distress gas price of US$0.25-0.5/mmBtu and in a condition of preferential tax treatment. LNG and GTL-Syncude have the same value at discount rate of 16.84% with LNG giving higher profits if the cost of capital is less than 16.84%. The profitability of LNG and GTL (Syncrude and DME) is very close, with GTL having a potential superior return at high oil prices and preferable under conditions of limited capital. In Nigeria, GTL-Syncrude could be used to monetize "leftover" gas that doesn't merit a standalone new LNG train and provide the country an opportunity to enjoy direct exposure to oil price upsides.
Impact of Borehole Washout on Acoustic Logs and Well-to-Seismic Ties
Authors: Ugborugbo Omuvwie , Rao Tummala 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Good well-to-seismic ties are key to proper seismic reservoir rock property characterisation. Acoustic log measurements are significantly affected by unstable hole conditions that can impact on the usual porosity computation from the sonic and density logs within these bad hole intervals. It is commonly assumed that sonic logs are not significantly impacted by these bad hole conditions.
In this study, sonic, density and caliper logs were each taken from one field located in the eastern and western Niger delta. The acoustic logs were recreated by a Neural Network technique in intervals where the hole indicates extensive wash out. Cross-plots of the acoustic logs against calipers were made for both the measured and recreated logs. Well-to-seismic ties were also completed using both the measured and the recreated logs.
In both fields, a dependence of sonic velocity on hole size was observed for the measured logs. Across washout regions, an improved well to seismic tie was obtained from the sonic and density logs when corrected for the effect of borehole washout. Cross-plots of p-impedance versus density using uncorrected logs showed no significant differentiation between sands and shales. However, sands and shales showed good separation in the reconstructed logs, enabling more accurate lithologic calls. It is concluded that hole washout affects sonic and density log readings more substantially than is commonly recognized, and that the quality of the sonic log has a significant impact on the quality of subsequent seismic to well ties and inversion results used in reservoir characterisation.
Improving the Reliability of Subsea Valves
Authors: Mamman Saidu , Andrawus Jesse A. , Iyalla Ibiye 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Subsea valves are critical component used for the control of fluid flow in sub-sea Oil & Gas (O&G) production equipment. Subsea Valves are susceptible to early-life failure and, are increasingly utilised in production equipment due to the current deep water exploration of O&G. The reliability of valves is indispensable to the availability of sub-sea production equipment. Failure of subsea valves can have significant financial, environmental, health and safety consequences. Failure Mode and Effect Criticality Analysis (FMECA) is a technique that permits evaluation of assets functions to predict critical failure modes and the resultant consequences in order to determine appropriate maintenance tasks for the assets. In this paper, the technique of FMECA is used to assess the failure characteristics of sub-sea valves. Common and dominant failure modes of the valves are identified. The failure consequences are calculated in financial terms by taking into account production losses, intervention cost, repair and environmental cleaning costs. Failure Elimination and Prevention Strategy (FEPS) is designed to prevent early-life failures and improve the overall reliability of subsea valves.
Key Elements of Successful Well and Reservoir Management in the Bonga Field, Deepwater Nigeria
Authors: Sathyamoorthy S. , Olatunbosun O. , Sabatini D. , Orekyeh U. , Olaniyan E. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Production from the deepwater Bonga turbidite reservoirs was started in November 2005. As with all waterflood and Enhanced Oil Recovery schemes, ‘world-class’ Well and Reservoir Management (WRM) is the foundation of a successful project. A comprehensive WRM plan was defined for Bonga very early in the project, and its implementation from start-up has demonstrated tremendous value.
More than 220 MMstb have been produced as of March 2009 from 13 subsea producers, and reservoir pressures have been maintained by water injection from the start of production in 13 subsea high rate water injectors, allowing high field production rates to be sustained. Well and reservoir performance data obtained during the first three years of production, and information from 4 D seismic shot in early 2008 are now used to optimize the planning and drilling of additional wells as part of the Phase 2 development drilling project. Bonga is a ‘brownfield’ that is not immune to normal well and asset integrity issues, and declines in well injectivity and productivity. Ability to respond swiftly to these issues is part of the Bonga WRM Plan.
This paper presents key elements of successful WRM in Bonga. These include people factor and cross discipline integration, Smart Fields® capability, ‘live’ WRM Plan and monitoring, good understanding of subsurface, application of integrated production modelling, intervention readiness and effective well integrity management. The paper concludes on key learnings applicable to future deepwater waterflood projects.
Nigerian Gas Transmission Tariff Framework Study
Authors: Chilaka Augustine , Onyekonwu Mike 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
The Federal Government of Nigeria intends to develop the domestic gas market by opening investment opportunity for infrastructural development, and by including gas pipeline construction among her key projects in 2009 budget. The domestic gas market is estimated to have an annual growth potential of about 15% to 18%, which attests to its potential profitability.
In this study, we investigated the gas transmission tariff and profitability potential for investment in the gas transmission investment opportunity proposed in the Nigerian Gas Master Plan. The gas transmission systems are the South-North System, the Western System, and the Interconnector System.
Deterministic and stochastic methods were used for cashflow modeling and sensitivity analysis. Using 17% internal rate of returns, the resulting tariffs for the gas transmission systems were the following: $0.47/Mscf for the Western Pipeline System, $0.97/MScf for South-North pipeline system, and $0.34/MScf for Interconnector pipeline system. The most sensitive cost items to internal rate of returns for investment in the pipeline systems were determined as the peak flow of gas, gas pipeline costs, and installation costs.
The calculated tariffs could be coupled with the casing head gas price and processing fee to yield the likely price of the lean gas.
Pre-Drill Pore Pressure Prediction From 3-D Seismic Data in Parts of the Onshore Niger Delta Basin
Authors: Opara A. I. , Onuoha K. M. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Geopressured sedimentary formations are common within the more prolific deeper hydrocarbon reserves in the Niger Delta basin. While overpressured zones could serve as tools for hydrocarbon prospectivity evaluation, they are significant safety concern to the driller. Pre-drill pore pressure prediction using 3-D seismic data was carried out in the Niger Delta basin to predict subsurface pressure regimes and further applied in the determination of hydrocarbon column, reservoir continuity, fault seal and trap integrity. Results revealed that overpressures in the area are associated with simple rollover structures bounded by growth faults, especially at the hanging walls, while hydrostatic pressures are often observed in areas with k-faults and collapsed crested structures. The depth to top of mild overpressures(&lt;0.71psi/ft) in the basin ranges from about 6000ftss to about 13000ft subsea. Similarly, the depth to top of hard overpressures(&gt;0.71psi/ft) ranges from about 13000ftss to over 30000ftss(throughout the Akata Formation).Post-depositional faulting is believed to have controlled the configuration of the overpressure surface and has played later roles in modifying the present day depth to top of overpressures.
Time-Lapse Feasibility Studies of Two Fields in the Niger Delta
Authors: Osayande Francesca , Ugborugbo Omuvie 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Time-lapse Feasibility Studies were carried out for two producing fields in the Niger Delta to assess the probabilities of success of acquiring 4D surveys. The two fields are located within onshore Niger Delta.
Agbada field is located on land 100km North West of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The field was discovered in 1960 and has been producing since 1965. To date some 66 wells have been drilled in the field. It has a STOIIP of about 1.5 billion barrels. Current estimate of undeveloped hydrocarbon reserves stand at Expectation Volume of 285 MMbbl and 0.8 Tscf. However, the field is experiencing high water cut and declining production. Agbada Field is covered by several vintages of 2D lines and one vintage of higher quality 3D seismic data that was acquired in the 1993.
Kolo Creek field is located within the swamp, 110km South West of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The field was discovered in 1961 but started production in 1973. It has a STOIIP of 495 MMSTB and an FGIIP of 1.3 TCF. Total Oil production to date is 254MMstb representing 45% of the STOIIP; and there has been no gas production. This field is also experiencing declining production and high water cut. It is also covered by several vintages of 2D lines and one vintage of higher quality 3D seismic data that was acquired in 1997.
For each of these fields, it was desired to determine whether time-lapse signals will be detectable and to ascertain the optimum time in which to carry out a time-lapse monitor survey. The history matched dynamic simulation models for each field were converted to acoustic properties through a suitable rock model, and resultant acoustic impedances were calculated. Synthetic seismograms were subsequently generated for several time steps and analyzed for production-induced 4D signals. The impact of various levels of random noise on the 4D response was also evaluated.
The results from both of these studies demonstrated that, even in the presence of significant random noise, production induced 4D changes should be observable if the monitor seismic survey is acquired in or beyond 2006. These results will be discussed.
Synthesis of MSn(OH)6 (where M = Mg, Ca, Zn, Mn, or Cu) materials at room temperature
Authors: Kramer Jonathan , Kelly Brandon , Manivannan Venkatesan 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Applying a metathesis approach (MCl2·xH2O+Na2SnO3·xH2O→MSn(OH)6+NaCl+xH2O), Schoenfliesite-type materials with general formula MSn(OH)6 (where M=Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn or Zn) were synthesized at room-temperature. The high lattice-energy of the by-product alkali halide NaCl drives the reaction in the forward direction leading to the formation of the desired materials. The materials synthesized were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to elucidate structural and micro structural features.
A Q-Ising model application for linear-time image segmentation
Authors: Bentrem Frank 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
A computational method is presented which efficiently segments digital grayscale images by directly applying the Q-state Ising (or Potts) model. Since the Potts model was first proposed in 1952, physicists have studied lattice models to gain deep insights into magnetism and other disordered systems. For some time, researchers have realized that digital images may be modeled in much the same way as these physical systems (i.e., as a square lattice of numerical values). A major drawback in using Potts model methods for image segmentation is that, with conventional methods, it processes in exponential time. Advances have been made via certain approximations to reduce the segmentation process to power-law time. However, in many applications (such as for sonar imagery), real-time processing requires much greater efficiency. This article contains a description of an energy minimization technique that applies four Potts (Q-Ising) models directly to the image and processes in linear time. The result is analogous to partitioning the system into regions of four classes of magnetism. This direct Potts segmentation technique is demonstrated on photographic, medical, and acoustic images.
Genesis and stability of accessory phosphates in silicic magmatic rocks: a Western Carpathian case study
Authors: Broska Igor , Petrík Igor 
Published: December 2009

Genesis and stability of accessory phosphates in silicic magmatic rocks: a Western Carpathian case studyThe formation of accessory phosphates in granites reflects many chemical and physical factors, including magma composition, oxidation state, concentrations of volatiles and degree of differentiation. The geotectonic setting of granites can be judged from the distribution and character of their phosphates. Robust apatite crystallization is typical of the early magmatic crystallization of I-type granitoids, and of late magmatic stages when increased Ca activity may occur due to the release of anorthite from plagioclase. Although S-type granites also accumulate apatite in the early stages, increasing phosphorus in late differentiates is common due to their high ASI. The apatite from the S-types is enriched in Mn compared to that in I-type granites. A-type granites characteristically contain minor amounts of apatite due to low P concentrations in their magmas. Monazite is typical of S-type granites but it can also become stable in late I-type differentiates. Huttonite contents in monazite correlate roughly positively with temperature. The cheralite molecule seems to be highest in monazite from the most evolved granites enriched in B and F. Magmatic xenotime is common mainly in the S-type granites, but crystallization of secondary xenotime is not uncommon. The formation of the berlinite molecule in feldspars in peraluminous melts may suppress phosphate precipitation and lead to distributional inhomogeneities. Phosphate mobility commonly leads to the formation of phosphate veinlets in and outside granite bodies. The stability of phosphates in the superimposed, metamorphic processes is restricted. Both monazite-(Ce) and xenotime-(Y) are unstable during fluid-activated overprinting. REE accessories, especially monazite and allanite, show complex replacement patterns culminating in late allanite and epidote formation.
Genetic Analysis of Inonotus Obliquus Strains by RAPD
Authors: Chen Yan-Qiu , Guo Xiao-Fan , Li Chang-Tian , Li Yu 
Published: December 2009

Genetic Analysis ofInonotus ObliquusStrains by RAPDRAPD profiling of eightInonotus obliquusstrains isolated from sclerotia collected from different areas of China was conducted to determine the genetic variability within this important medicinal fungus and to better define relationships between the genotype and geographical origins of isolation. Twelve 10-mer primers generated a total of 167 stable and reproducible DNA fragments, of which 101 (60.5%) were polymorphic. DNA fingerprints revealed genetic diversity among the strains tested, but there was the little intraspecific difference between the fingerprints of individual strains. A phenogram constructed based on UPGMA analysis of genetic distances calculated from RAPD fragment data identified three distinct groupings: (1) BCX01 and BCX02, (2) JL01, JL02, JL03, JL04 and JL05, (3) HLJ01. Our data confirm that the genetic variability among different strains may be a useful ancillary tool for identifyingl. obliquussclerotia of different geographical origins.
Comparison of Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover in Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis and Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Novaković Neda , Pejanović Svetlana , Jovanović Dijana , Majkić-Singh Nada 
Published: December 2009

Comparison of Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover in Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis and Maintenance HemodialysisThe aim of this study was to compare the biochemical markers of bone formation - bone isoenzyme alkaline phosphatase, /BALP/ bone resorption - tartarat resistant acid phosphatase /TRAP/ and parameters of bone turnover (Ca, P and iPTH) between 108 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 112 patients on hemodialysis (HD). Parameters were determined by spectrophotometry (TRAP, Ca, P), electrochemiluminiscent method (iPTH) and electrophoresis (BALP). There was significant correlation between BALP levels of CAPD patients and Ca values of HD patients (r = 0.216, p < 0.05), but comparison of P, iPTH and BALP showed no significant difference between the groups. We found significant correlation between BALP and TRAP (r = 0.570, p < 0.01) and BALP and iPTH values (r = 0.551, p < 0.01) in HD patients. Also, significant correlations in CAPD patients between BALP and TRAP (r = 0.194, p < 0.05) and BALP and iPTH values (r = 0.283, p < 0.01) were found. Our results suggest that the effect of CAPD and HD on bone turnover may be monitored most conclusively via BALP levels. This biochemical marker is a very good index of bone turnover in patients undergoing dialysis and it could indicate an early stage of decreased bone turnover.
Cognitive Load and Dual-Task Performance During Locomotion Poststroke: A Feasibility Study Using a Functional Virtual Environment
Authors: Kizony Rachel , Levin Mindy F. , Hughey Lucinda , Perez Claire , Fung Joyce 
Published: December 2009

Background
Gait and cognitive functions can deteriorate during dual tasking, especially in people with neurological deficits. Most studies examining the simultaneous effects of dual tasking on motor and cognitive aspects were not performed in ecological environments. Using virtual reality technology, functional environments can be simulated to study dual tasking.

Objectives
The aims of this study were to test the feasibility of using a virtual functional environment for the examination of dual tasking and to determine the effects of dual tasking on gait parameters in people with stroke and age-matched controls who were healthy.

Design
This was a cross-sectional observational study.

Methods
Twelve community-dwelling older adults with stroke and 10 age-matched older adults who were healthy participated in the study. Participants walked on a self-paced treadmill while viewing a virtual grocery aisle projected onto a screen placed in front of them. They were asked to walk through the aisle (single task) or to walk and select (“shop for”) items according to instructions delivered before or during walking (dual tasking).

Results
Overall, the stroke group walked slower than the control group in both conditions, whereas both groups walked faster overground than on the treadmill. The stroke group also showed larger variability in gait speed and shorter stride length than the control group. There was a general tendency to increase gait speed and stride length during dual-task conditions; however, a significant effect of dual tasking was found only in one dual-task condition for gait speed and stride duration variability. All participants were able to complete the task with minimal mistakes.

Limitations
The small size and heterogeneity of the sample were limitations of the study.

Conclusions
It is feasible to use a functional virtual environment for investigation of dual tasking. Different gait strategies, including an increase or decrease in gait speed, can be used to cope with the increase in cognitive demands required for dual tasking.