Area under Rapeseed Cultivation as a Factor Differentiating the Economic Performance of Biodiesel Producers

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the area under rapeseed cultivation on the economic performance and organization of farms. The study was conducted in 164 rapeseed farms in different Polish voivodeships. A targeted sampling procedure was used to select farms for the study. The studied population was divided into four groups depending on area under rapeseed cultivation rates. The selected farms were located in voivodeships with the highest rapeseed acreage rates of the total cropped area. The economic performance of the examined farms improved with increases in rapeseed area. Farms with larger rapeseed areas were characterized by higher production values and better economic performance. On average, the total production value per farm was highest in the group of farms with rapeseed areas of 20.1–30 ha. Similar results were noted when total production values were expressed per ha of arable land, per full-time employee and per man-hour. Total production value was lowest in farms with the smallest rapeseed areas. Farms with the largest areas under rapeseed cultivation achieved the highest farm household income. The farm household income values per full-time employee and per man-hour were highest in farms with the largest areas under rapeseed cultivation. The values of fixed assets and current assets increased with increases in rapeseed area. Most farms were run by owners with secondary school education. The highest percentages of farmers with university education were noted in farms with rapeseed areas of 10–20.1 ha (37.5%) and above 30 ha (30.4%). The vast majority of farms from all groups were run by male farmers. The research results could be useful for policy makers, because they indicate that rapeseed production can not only be profitable but can also be used for biofuel production.

Producción de metano in vitro y parámetros fermentativos de mezclas de ensilado de girasol silvestre y pasto elefante, inoculadas o no con cepas de bacterias ácido-lácticas epífitas

The present investigation was carried out to determine the extent of the incorporation of Tithonia diversifolia (TD) and the possibility of blending it with Pennisetum purpureum (PP) to obtain the maximum benefit for ensilability and for animal nutrition. Silage mixtures of wild sunflower (TD) and elephant grass (PP) were evaluated based on chemical composition, quantification of gas production, methane release and fermentation parameters. The silage blends were arranged in four T. diversifolia / P. purpureum proportions, namely: 100/0; 67/33; 33/67; and 0/100 (fresh weight). Silages with higher proportions of T. diversifolia increased crude protein content, in vitro digestibility while decreasing NDF and ADF fractions (P<0.05). High amounts of T. diversifolia showed the lowest gas production values (160.2 ml), while treatments with higher grass inclusion produced a greater amount of gas up to 194.5 ml. Methane production was higher by increasing the proportion of P. purpureum into the silage blends. The silage inoculum did not have any impact on in vitro gas production (P<0.05). Also, higher proportions of T. diversifolia reduced acidification process while P. purpureum inclusion facilitated lower pH values. Lactic acid bacteria inoculum tended to decrease pH of silages but no clear effects on silage temperature were observed. Silages with high proportions of T. diversifolia (67 % of inclusion) would be more palatable for animals and might also translate into larger animal performance due to greater protein supply and better digestibility than silages with larger proportion of P. purpureum (67 and 100 % of inclusion).

Geology-Driven EUR Forecasting in Unconventional Fields

EUR (Estimated Ultimate Recovery) forecasting in unconventional fields has been a tough process sourced by its physics involved in the production mechanism of such systems which makes it hard to model or forecast. Machine learning (ML) based EUR prediction becomes very challenging because of the operational issues and the quality of the data in historical production. Geology-driven EUR forecasting, once established, offers EUR forecasting solutions that is not affected by operational issues such as shut-ins. This study illustrates the overall methodology in intelligent fields with real-time data flow and model update that enables optimization of well placement in addition to EUR forecasting for individual wells. A synthetic but realistic model which demonstrates the physics is utilized to generate input data for training the ML model where the spatially-distributed geological parameters including but not limited to porosity, permeability, saturation have been used to describe the production values and ultimately the EUR. The completion is given where the formation characteristics vary in the field that lead to location-dependent production performance leading to well placement optimization based on EUR forecasting from the geological parameters. The algorithm not only predicts the EUR of an individual well and makes decision for the optimum well locations. As the training model includes data of interfering wells, the model is capable of capturing the pattern in the well interference. Even though a synthetic but realistic reservoir model is constructed to generate the data for the aim of assisting the ML model, in practice, it is not an easy task to (1) obtain the input parameters to build a robust reservoir simulation model and (2) understanding and modeling of physics of fluid flow and production in unconventionals is a complex and time-consuming task to build real models. Thus, data-driven approaches like this help to speed up reservoir management and development decisions with reasonable approximations compared to numerical models and solutions. Application of machine learning in intelligent fields is also explained where the models are dynamically-updated and trained with the new data. Geology-driven EUR forecasting has been applied and relatively-new in the industry. In. this study, we are extending it to optimize well placement in intelligent fields in unconventionals beyond other existing studies in the literature.

Improving Re-Fracturing Efficiency and Performance Through Targeted Candidate Well Selection

This paper details how the application of a combination of video-led multi-sensor technology and advanced 3D modelling can help select the best candidate wells for re-fracturing. By shifting focus towards the higher-potential re-frac candidates, operators can maximize return on investment in a multi-billion-dollar market. Deployment of high resolution, high frame rate video and multi-sensor technology enables the selection and prioritization of high-potential candidate wells, through rigless intervention performed as part of the planning phase. Rigorous, perforation-level analysis of this acquired data enables ranking with respect to unstimulated reserves and hazards that may affect re-frac performance to identify the highest potential candidates upon which a bespoke re-frac design can be applied and executed. This engineering-led approach is only possible with up-front data and knowledge gathering, prior to commencing re-frac operations. The result to the operator is higher yields in production gains for an optimized operating expenditure, with production rates potentially reaching or exceeding initial production values. This significantly reduces the time to pay-back the required operating expenditure and increases long-term profitability for the operator. The paper will use real-world case studies to demonstrate how the application of quantified visual analysis, multi-sensor measurements and 3D modelling makes it possible to plan for the best candidate wells for re-fracturing, thus improving the probability of success and increased economic return. The following problem areas will be analyzed in detail: Production Enhancement: Understanding initial frac performance and identifying under stimulated or unexploited reservoir zones. Effective Diversion: Identifying zones of over-stimulation in order to select appropriate diversion solutions to isolate these. Well integrity: 360-degree quantified visual inspection of barrier integrity and evaluation of the limits of operation of the pressure envelope. Wellbore Access: Identifying obstructions such as proppant flow-back or milling debris to assist with wellbore clean-up or quantifying casing deformation for optimization of the plug and perforation BHA design to ensure that target depths are reached. Refrac Optimization: Evaluation and performance benchmarking of refrac stage designs for optimization of fracture initiation and refrac operational costs. The techniques described in this paper involves the application of the world's first array side-view camera combined with auxiliary services, and bespoke data analysis and visualization suite to deliver the results in an intuitive and interactive platform. Further analysis of datasets is performed using patented 3-dimensional forward modelling techniques for computational analysis of well access.

Benefits in the Tilapia Growth, by Vetiver Grass in an Aquaponics System

Tilapia aquaculture has growing vertiginously in the world, reaching 7.02 million tons in 2020. In Mexico, the same year reached 72.6 thousand tons. This production values have increased environmental impact and production costs. In Mexico there is a pre-Hispanic aquaponics system, where people culture corn, bean fishes and other organisms. Taken this system as basis, the aim this work was demonstrate the benefits in tilapia aquaculture, by Vetiver grass. Three mini-ponds make up by tilapia juveniles and Vetiver in aquaponics system, and one mini-pond without Vetiver, were cultured during ten weeks. The ammonia, nitrates, dissolved O2, pH etc., and also tilapia weights were recorded along experiment. Results indicated that, ammonia decreased, nitrate increased and tilapia weight increased significantly in mini-ponds with Vetiver than without Vetiver. A von Bertalanffy simplified model was used to calculate time required for tilapias reached 500 g (commercial size) with Vetiver and without Vetiver; it was 48.6 and 54.4 weeks respectively. An extrapolation to commercial tilapia aquaculture, will decreased production cost, due to lower amount of feed and water in tilapia hatcheries; also, a lower environmental impact by wastes discharged to coastal ecosystems, e.g., the amount of ammonia produced in mini-ponds with Vetiver was 4.56 times less than mini-pond without Vitier at week ten. Moreover, tilapia culture with Vetiver, have an aggregated value, because Vetiver is used in perfumes production, reaching 45.2 billons US dollars in 2020.

Measurement report: Observation-based formaldehyde production rates and their relation to OH reactivity around the Arabian Peninsula

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is the most abundant aldehyde in the troposphere. While its background mixing ratio is mostly determined by the oxidation of methane, in many environments, especially in the boundary layer, HCHO can have a large variety of precursors, in particular biogenic and anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their oxidation products. Here we present shipborne observations of HCHO, hydroxyl radical (OH) and OH reactivity (R(OH)), which were obtained during the Air Quality and Climate Change in the Arabian Basin (AQABA) campaign in summer 2017. The loss rate of HCHO was inferred from its reaction with OH, measured photolysis rates and dry deposition. In photochemical steady state, the HCHO loss is balanced by production via OH-initiated degradation of VOCs, photolysis of oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs) and the ozonolysis of alkenes. The slope αeff from a scatter plot of the HCHO production rate versus the product of OH and R(OH)eff (excluding inorganic contribution) yields the fraction of OH reactivity that contributes to HCHO production. Values of αeff varied between less than 2 % in relatively clean air over the Arabian Sea and the southern Red Sea and up to 32 % over the polluted Arabian Gulf (also known as Persian Gulf), signifying that polluted areas harbor a larger variety of HCHO precursors. The separation of R(OH)eff into individual compound classes revealed that elevated values of αeff coincided with increased contribution of alkanes and OVOCs, with the highest reactivity of all VOCs over the Arabian Gulf.

Existence of High Temperature Geothermal Resources in the Igneous Rock Regions of South China

Large areas of Yanshan period granites with high heat production values (3–10 μW/m3) and mantle plume around Hainan province co-exist in Igneous Rocks Regions of South China (IRRSC). Surface manifestations are mainly warm/hot springs with temperatures below 90 °C and no typical phenomenon of high temperature resources have been observed. The main objective of this paper is to discuss the existence of high temperature geothermal resources and their possible locations under this kind of geothermal and tectonic background by analysis of high temperature heat sources, borehole temperature measurement, and reservoir temperature estimation. Two possible partial melts of the magma chamber were detected as high temperature heat sources in the Southern Leizhou Peninsular and North Hainan Island at a depth of 8–15 km. Other low resistivity zones in the upper crust are more likely caused by fluid in the formations or faults but not high temperature heat sources. This was also verified by borehole temperature measurement in these two areas, with maximum formation temperatures of 211°C and 185°C found, respectively. Reservoir temperatures from fluid geothermometers show lower temperatures of between 110–160°C for typical geothermal fields over the IRRSC but not in the Southern Leizhou Peninsular and Northern Hainan Island. In all, high temperature geothermal resources may be found in the Southern Leizhou Peninsular and on Northern Hainan Island.

Game of Thrones as a Gothic Horror in Quality Television

Quality television at its heart is designed to reward sustained viewing and involvement on the part of the audience. It has distinctive visual styles, serial characters and storylines and a filmic quality, all of which is evident in Game of Thrones (2011–2019). This article discusses how the scale and cinematic production values of quality television, adds value to the Game of Thrones series through the enhancement and articulation of the Gothic horror.

Making Performance Analysis of on Grid Photovoltaic Energy Systems: Example of Turkey

The globalizing world, the rapid increase in industrialization and urbanization rates have increased the world’s need for energy day by day, making energy one of the most important agenda items of the world. Increasing demand has led the countries to ensure supply-demand balance to become one of the basic energy policies. One of these prominent energy policies is to ensure diversity in supply and to turn towards renewable resources that are not dependent on exhausted fossil fuels. One of these renewable sources is photovoltaic (solar cell) energy generation systems that generate electrical energy from solar energy. Solar energy is a good alternative to fossil fuels as it has an environmentally clean source feature. In this study, the performance evaluations of power plants were made by comparing the simulation results with data obtained from established fields in three different geographical regions of Turkey. In addition, regional production efficiency was analyzed by comparing the production values of the plants among themselves. An interface program that analyses instant power plant values was designed and a practical evaluation software was created.

Analysis on Chemical Components of Woods to Predict Ethanol Production Values

This paper deals with analysis on chemical components of woods to predict ethanol production values. The aim is expected to give a reliable value of ethanol production, eliminating the effort needed to directly measure this ethanol production from each wood species. Since the data of wood chemical components is widely available, this result will be valuable in determining a potential use of a wood species as bio-ethanol feedstock. Saccharification and fermentation processes by enzymatic hydrolysis were applied for xylems derived from49 branch trees of Cibodas, 32 branch trees of Purwodadi, and 19 branch trees of Bali Botanical Gardens in Indonesia. Three major wood components were analysed, i.e. cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The results show varied relationships between ethanol production and chemical components of wood. The content of cellulose in wood was not exactly related to its ethanol production. This trend was also occurred for the relationship between hemicellulose and ethanol production. However, lignin content in woods gave an expected trend where the less lignin content, the higher the ethanol production.Furthermore, the ratios of cellulose-hemicelluloses and cellulose-lignin have been quantified. The result showed that the celullose-lignin ratio can potentially be used to predict the value of ethanol production which is expressed by linear regression y = 0.0616x + 0.8341; where R² = 0.4127, x = ethanol production and y = cellulose-lignin ratio. Gymnostoma sumatranum with cellulose content of 43.8% and lignin content of 24.1% (celullose-lignin ratio of 1.8) has actual ethanol production of 12.1 mg/100mg wood meal, compared to 15.7 mg/100mg wood meal resulted from above equation. Therefore, by using its cellulose-lignin ratio, the woods having high ethanol production can be screened from literatures.