First Successful Application of Multi-Stage Proppant Fracturing on Horizontal Well in Carbonate Reservoirs in Iraq

The carbonate reservoir S is a giant limestone reservoir in H Oilfield, Iraq. Although the reserves account for 25%, the production contribution is only 0.4% to the total oilfield production due to poor petrophysical properties. Accordingly, the first proppant fracturing on vertical well was successfully executed in December 2016, which has already achieved a steady production period over than 3 years. In order to further improve the productivity, the first multi-stage proppant fracturing(MSPF) on horizontal well(SH01X) was successfully applied in November 2019, a technique which is rarely reported for porous limestone reservoir in the Middle East. Proppant fracturing in carbonate reservoirs is a technique difficulty worldwide, especially this is a lack of experiences in the Middle East. To ensure the success of this campaign, a holistic technical study including geology evaluation, reservoir performance analysis, drilling trajectory design, completion and fracturing technique design have been carried out based on principle of "geology-engineering integration". This paper will present a comprehensive illustration including treatment design (main completion-fracturing technique, total scale, fracturing fluid, proppant), job execution (mini-frac, main-frac) and post-frac production performance for this successful campaign. True vertical depth (TVD) of Well SH01X is 2720 m and the horizontal section length is 811 m. Based on the main technique of multi-stage proppant fracturing with open hole packers and sliding sleeves, totally 3784.3 m3 fracturing fluid and 452 m3 proppant were pumped in 8 stages. The test production was 3214 BOPD (choke size: 40/64", wellhead pressure: 970 psi). A historical breakthrough in the productivity of S reservoir has been achieved by the campaign. The post-frac evaluation shows that the treatment parameters are consistent with the design. The connectivity between artificial fractures and formation is greatly improved, and the stimulation effect is significant. Currently the "production under controlled pressure" mode has been executed and the stable production under stimulation target rate has been maintained. The systematic "geology-engineering integration" workflow is of significance to the success of the treatment as well as the stimulation effect. MSPF is planned to be a game-changing technique to develop the huge reserves of S reservoir. The experience gained from this case could provide theoretical as well as practical references for similar reservoirs in the Middle East.

Phacoemulsification and calculation of intraocular lenses in patients given keratorefractive surgery. Part 2

Effective rehabilitation of patients with cataracts who underwent keratorefractive surgeries requires that the optical power of the IOL be calculated correctly to avoid hyperopic error. The purpose of the 2nd part of the research (for the 1st part, see ROJ, 2021; 14 (2): 55–58) is to present the results of cataract phacoemulsification in patients subjected to keratorefractive surgery based on the author’s algorithm for calculating the optical power of the IOL. Material and methods. The algorithm used optical biometry with an IOL-Master device. The main technique of improving the accuracy of IOL calculation after keratorefractive operations has been to introduce amendments to standard IOL calculation formulas. This work proposes an alternative, which consists in using the Hoffer Q formula, as it is more consistent with changes in the anterior segment of the myopic eye after keratorefractive surgery than other basic. The main distinguishing feature of the Hoffer Q formula is that the corneal refraction is not converted into the radius of curvature but is applied directly as the optical power of a “thin lens”. Results. The empirical customized correction was +1.0 D with regard to the estimated planned postoperative refraction (for patients with initial myopia from -3 to -9 D). The use of the “thin lens” principle made it possible to extrapolate this formula and apply it after LASIK surgery and after radial keratotomy. Conclusion. The proposed technique of IOL calculation was implemented for cataract phacoemulsification in over 200 patients who underwent keratorefractive surgeries. No cases of hyperopic shift of postoperative refraction were noted. The deviation from the planned myopic refraction did not exceed 1.0 D.

Stiffener Design to Maintain Line Heating Efficiency during the Lifting Process Considering Phase Transformation

In the shipbuilding industry, welding is the main technique used to join steel structures. There is a lifting process, post-welding, that can eliminate the correction effect of line heating. Line heating is reperformed after the lifting process. This can significantly delay the ship assembly process. Herein, we present a design method for installing a permanent stiffener to avoid the disappearance of the line heating effect during the lifting process. The change in physical properties due to heating and cooling of the line heating is calculated. The limiting stress, at which the effect of the line heating completely disappears, based on the inherent strain theory, is obtained. The phase fraction by the cooling rate is calculated using the continuous cooling transformation diagram and the Kiustinen–Marburgerm equation. Physical properties affected by the phase transformation are calculated, considering the physical properties and fraction of each phase. The square plate theory and superposition principle are used to construct a local model, with a stiffener, of the ship block. The stress caused by the shape of the stiffener and the distance between the stiffeners were calculated for the local model. The calculated stress and the limiting stress were compared to determine, for the expected line heating efficiency, the most acceptable stiffener design. Finally, to confirm the elimination of the problem, the designed stiffener is analyzed using the finite element method.

From Face-to-Face to Digital Learning; Seen from EFL Student's Lenses Enrolled in Online Group Work

Numerous higher education institutions around the world must shift their instructions from face-to-face (FTF) to online learning due to Corona Virus Disease in 2019 (Covid19). Furthermore, with the increase in popularity of group work in higher education, especially in the language classroom, and the pivotal changes over the last years, the group works encounter new challenges as they transition to the online world. The study aims to explore the experiences of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students' engagement in online group works to explore the benefits and challenges in a new learning environment. The qualitative research design provided an in-depth understanding of the students' perceived value of online group work. Further, an interview was used as the main technique in collecting the data from the entire participants. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that students had generally good attitudes about online group work; however, some students noted that language and communications concerns presented difficulty at times. Nevertheless, the findings also demonstrated that the benefits of this experience surpassed the drawbacks. Thus, the study's findings can be valuable for practitioners and curriculum designers since they highlight the benefits of group work in an online learning setting and the students' problems they may confront during these classes.

Yugan Khanty Phonetic Features Based on the Experimental Data

The paper deals with the phonetics of Yugan idiom of Surgut Khanty. The research is a part of the project aimed at describing Surgut Khanty phonetics. The Yugan idiom has significant differences from the Tromyegan idiom described before. The analysis is based on the data collected during the expedition to the settlement Ugut in 2019. The experimental part includes 130 words list read out three times by four native speakers from different traditional settlements on the Malyi Yugan river and on the Bolshoi Yugan river. The research was conducted using experimental techniques: Praat, Emu-SDMS software. The main technique was a formant analysis that deals with resonant frequencies in vowel spectra to obtain data on articulation features. Statistical evaluations and visualization were established via R programming language. We found differences between the Malyi Yugan river and the Bol’shoi Yugan river idioms. 12 vowel phonemes were found in the Malyi Yugan idiom. Compared to the Tromyegan system the phoneme /ɔ/ (traditionally /ȯ̆/) is absent. It was replaced by /ɛ/ (traditionally /ȧ̆/) or /o/ (traditionally /ŏ/). The phoneme u̇ described in previous literature on the topic disappeared and was replaced by /iː/. The Bolshoi Yugan vowel system includes these phonemes and also diphthongs [ui], [ɔɛ]. They appear after [k] where etimological u̇, ȯ̆ used to be. They probably are the realizations of the phonemes /iː/, /ɛ/ in the position after labialized k, which has become a phoneme. Non-initial [w] is reported to be specific Jugan feature and appears to have parallels in Tromyegan idiom too. It is an evidence for the rearranging of the Surgut idioms. In this pronunciation type /w/ is realized as a labial approximant in an initial position and after not-rounded vowels in a non-final position. After not-rounded vowels in a final position it comes as an initial-voiced fricative evoking preceding vowel diphthongization. After rounded vowels it is labiovelar [γʷ] or non-syllabic [ʊ] (before consonants). This pronunciation type is similar to the Tromyegan type, but it differs from the Pim type where /w/ comes as a labial approximant consistently. The disappearance of labial fricatives is a new phenomenon which has not been described properly. Territorial and social factors for this process are given. The Malyi Yugan speakers use lateral fricatives /ł/, /ʎ̥/ and the Bolshoi Yugan speakers replace it by /t/, /c͡c̦/. In the settlement Ugut where Bolshoi and Malyi Yugan natives contact in Russian-spoken environment both variants are used with t-pronunciation evaluated by speakers as new and declining from the ‘'right’ speech.

Map Evaluation under COVID-19 restrictions: A new visual approach based on think aloud interviews

With the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the execution of eye-tracking user studies in indoor environments was no longer possible, and remote and contactless substitutes are needed. With this paper, we want to introduce an alternative method to eye tracking, completely feasible under COVID-19 restrictions. Our main technique are think aloud interviews, where participants constantly verbalize their thoughts as they move through a test. We record the screen and the mouse movements during the interviews, and analyse both the statements and the mouse positions afterwards. With this information, we can encode the approximate map position of the user’s attention for each second of the interview. This allows us to use the same visual methods as for eye-tracking studies, like attention maps or trajectory maps. We implement our method conducting a user study with 21 participants to identify user behaviour while solving high-level interpretation tasks, and with the results of this study, we can show that or new method provides a useful substitute for eye-tracking user studies.

Bioelectric activity of the brain in 3-4 years old children in eyes-open resting state

Background. Electroencephalography is the main technique for assessing the functional state of the brain. Indications for EEG are diagnosis of paroxysmal states, prediction of the outcome of a pathological state, evaluation of bioelectrical activity if brain death is suspected. Up to 90 % of the native EEG in calm wakefulness in healthy individuals is occupied by “alpha activity”. In children in active wakefulness, the EEG pattern depends to a great extent on their age.Objective. The aim of the work was to assess EEG parameters in children aged 3–4 years in eyes-open resting state. Design and methods. 31 healthy participants aged 3–4 years were enrolled. EEG was registered for 30 minutes in a state of passive wakefulness in the supine position with open eyes. Average values of the power of the spectra for the alpha-rhythm, delta-rhythm and theta-rhythm in the frontal and temporal leads, as well as the ratio of the average power of alpha/theta and alpha/delta rhythms in the frontal and temporal leads were calculated.Results. Average power of the alpha-rhythm was significantly higher over the right frontal lobe than over the right frontal-temporal area, as well as average amplitude of it was significantly higher in F3-A1 than F7-A1, F4-A2 than F8-A2, which is associated with the articulatory praxis. Average alpha-rhythm power was significantly higher in T5-A1 than T3-A1 and T6-A2 than T4-A2, which corresponds to the recognition and naming of objects optically. Significant differences according to the total average power of the alpha- and theta-rhythms above the frontal and frontal-temporal regions reflect the relationship between the frontal cortex temporal lobes and the premotor zones, i.e. arcuate bundle, responsible for the “speech system”.Conclusion. The identified patterns can reflect the characteristics of the state of active wakefulness in a 3–4-year-old child and can be used for comparison in the future (both in the course of behavioral experiments and observation of patients with certain pathological processes).

An ICT-Based Distance Education Model: an Evaluation of ICT-Based Modes at the University of the South Pacific

<p>This study developed a model for evaluating the ability of ICT-based modes of communication to foster an effective learning environment, by creating telepresence, flexibility, interaction and collaboration, for distance learners at the University of the South Pacific (USP). The model is formulated on the basis of the educational relationship triad developed by Hall and Kidman (2002). Concepts and attributes from foundations of distance education; new models of distance education; and learning theories, which build on the educational relationships are identified and integrated into the ICT-based distance education model developed in the thesis. The study employed a multi-perspective evaluation design with survey questionnaires as the main technique of data collection. Interviews and online conferencing data was used in triangulation to support the main technique of data collection. Nine ICT-based modes of communication used for distance education at USP were assessed in this study. These are video broadcast, audio conferencing, video conferencing, the Web, email, and WebCT-based homepages, text chat, mail and discussion boards. There are two key findings of this study. The first set of findings reveals that the ICT-based distance education model developed in the thesis provided a useful framework for the evaluation of ICT-based modes of communication at USP. The second set of findings shows that distance learners at USP found the use of ICT-based modes of communication fostered an effective learning environment for them, by enhancing telepresence, flexibility, interaction and collaboration. The extent to which the four key attributes were enhanced in each course was influenced by the use of varying modes of communication, the pedagogical design of the course, access to Internet facilities, and the age, occupation and cultural background of distance learners.</p>

An ICT-Based Distance Education Model: an Evaluation of ICT-Based Modes at the University of the South Pacific

<p>This study developed a model for evaluating the ability of ICT-based modes of communication to foster an effective learning environment, by creating telepresence, flexibility, interaction and collaboration, for distance learners at the University of the South Pacific (USP). The model is formulated on the basis of the educational relationship triad developed by Hall and Kidman (2002). Concepts and attributes from foundations of distance education; new models of distance education; and learning theories, which build on the educational relationships are identified and integrated into the ICT-based distance education model developed in the thesis. The study employed a multi-perspective evaluation design with survey questionnaires as the main technique of data collection. Interviews and online conferencing data was used in triangulation to support the main technique of data collection. Nine ICT-based modes of communication used for distance education at USP were assessed in this study. These are video broadcast, audio conferencing, video conferencing, the Web, email, and WebCT-based homepages, text chat, mail and discussion boards. There are two key findings of this study. The first set of findings reveals that the ICT-based distance education model developed in the thesis provided a useful framework for the evaluation of ICT-based modes of communication at USP. The second set of findings shows that distance learners at USP found the use of ICT-based modes of communication fostered an effective learning environment for them, by enhancing telepresence, flexibility, interaction and collaboration. The extent to which the four key attributes were enhanced in each course was influenced by the use of varying modes of communication, the pedagogical design of the course, access to Internet facilities, and the age, occupation and cultural background of distance learners.</p>

Communicating sustainable environment and pro-poor policy in tourism in Indonesia: A discourse network analysis

The development of tourism to increase the regional economy sometimes becomes a source of environmental damages. The problem that is addressed in this paper is: how can tourism development support the sustainable environment policy and at the same time increase the economy. This study aims to analyze how the values of sustainable environment and economic development are represented and discussed in the tourism policy of Geopark Karangsambung-Karangbolong (GKK), Kebumen, Central Java, Indonesia. This study employs a quantitative approach with Discourse Network Analysis as the main technique. The data is taken from the news stories published on the geopark.kebumenkab.go.id before the Covid-19 pandemic (January 2019 – March 15, 2020) and during the pandemic (March 16, 2020 – June 30, 2021). The unit of analysis is words or phrases in the news story which represent: (1) discourses on preserving the healthy environment; (2) discourses on improving the economic welfare and reducing poverty; and (3) network of actors related to the discourse. This study finds that the communication of GKK sustainable environment policy contains discourses on sustainable tourism, affirmative actions to poverty reduction in the region, and the involvement of the pentahelix elements.