Field Data Research Articles

Spectral analysis of seismic data based on a combined generalized S transform

The S transform is widely used to delineate seismic spectral anomalies associated with hydrocarbons during reservoir characterization. To overcome the relatively poor time-frequency resolution due to the fixed varying pattern of the window used in the S transform, we present a combined generalized S transform (CGST) for the spectral analysis of seismic data. First, the CGST decomposes the signal into a series of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) using a complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD). An objective function is defined to quantitatively determine the spectral energy concentration criteria for optimal parameter selection of the improved Gaussian windows. Then, the time-frequency spectra for all the IMFs within narrower frequency bands are calculated using the respective Gaussian windows with normalized energy and individual optimal controlling parameters. We applied the CGST to spectral analyses of both synthetic signals and seismic field data. The results indicate that the CGST exhibits good performance with a higher time-frequency resolution. Field examples illustrate that the CGST can be used to characterize the spectral behavior of thin beds and indicate low-frequency shadows associated with hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Comparison of measured and LES-predicted wind pressures on the Space Needle

The majority of wind damage is to building envelope components. Large eddy simulations (LESs), which can predict flow fields at high resolution, have significant potential for analyzing component loads. This study aims to (1) demonstrate that LESs can elucidate flow phenomena behind peak pressure loads, and (2) quantitatively compare LESs to full-scale measurements performed on the roof of the 184 m tall Space Needle. The simulations revealed unsteady flow features responsible for pressure signals observed in separation regions and shear layers. Furthermore, predictions for fluctuation pressure coefficients were quantitatively representative of field data. The main discrepancy observed was a more pronounced variability of measured, compared to simulated, shear layer peak pressures. Detailed measurements of the incoming wind field would be needed to further investigate this discrepancy. The results demonstrate the value of joint field measurements and LESs for studying wind effects.

Performance evaluation of low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy-based cluster routing protocols in wireless sensor networks using a new graphical user interface

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is widely used for field data acquisition and monitoring in different domains. To make this type of network functional, efficient routing protocols must be implemented. Nevertheless, WSNs have an energy constraint due to limited batteries. Many clustered protocols are proposed to overcome it. However, the implementation of these protocols would be difficult to understand without a simulation tool, as some problems may arise during their development. Testing real-world applications requires a lot of effort and cost because they often use many nodes in large networks. Therefore, the simulation tool is the most relative way to evaluate these protocols. This paper presents graphical-based cluster protocols simulation interface for WSN(GCPS-WSN), a new interface to simulate some clustered protocols in WSNs. GCPS-WSN allows the user to evaluate the performance of certain low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) enhanced protocols to choose the most appropriate one for his system. The user can simulate protocols without any knowledge of software programming.

Enhancement of transmission line parameters for the supply of energy in the Rivers state local government area of Obio Akpor

Efficient energy transmission is crucial for meeting the growing demand for electricity, particularly in urban and rural areas. In the Rivers State Local Government Area of Obio Akpor, Nigeria, ensuring reliable power supply is essential for supporting economic development and improving quality of life. However, challenges such as transmission line losses, voltage fluctuations, and inadequate infrastructure hinder the effective distribution of energy in the region. This article presents a comprehensive study on enhancing transmission line parameters to improve energy supply in Obio Akpor. Through field measurements, data analysis, and simulation studies, the performance of existing transmission lines is evaluated, and strategies for enhancing efficiency and reliability are proposed. The literature review explores previous research on transmission line optimization, emphasizing factors such as conductor material, line design, and insulation to minimize losses and maximize power transfer capability. Materials and methods encompass data collection, including impedance measurements, voltage profiles, and load characteristics, followed by computer simulations to assess proposed enhancements.

Digital twin-enabled robust production scheduling for equipment in degraded state

Technological advancements are leading to a world where digital twins will become integral to manufacturing operations management. While wide-ranging applications of digital twins are being researched, robust production scheduling remains an enduring challenge, especially considering the numerous sources of uncertainty in a complex manufacturing system that can affect the validity of the obtained solution. Thus, the article proposes a Prognostics and Health Management (PHM)-enabled digital twin framework to perform job scheduling for a flow shop scheduling problem considering real-time equipment health state. The framework combines the adoption of a Genetic Algorithm optimizer with data-driven modelling leveraging algorithms like Principal Component Analysis and models like Discrete Event Simulation with the purpose to solve the engineering task of scheduling at hand. Building on such a technological blend, the framework incorporates the degradation and fault detection and diagnosis of failure modes across multiple components. The effect of degradation and faults on job processing times is learned as a distribution from the field data. The proposed framework is then validated in a laboratory environment where degradation is produced by inducing degradation and faults in the equipment. By means of various experiments, the optimized makespan is compared for the output schedules in different configurations. When equipment is degraded, production scheduling with PHM-enabled field-synchronized digital twin results in better makespan estimation, if compared to the digital twin without PHM. This shows the superiority of the framework in terms of more realistic makespan estimations, which finally corresponds to improved production schedule optimization, sensitive also to degraded states.

Synchrosqueezing Voices Through Deep Neural Networks for Horizon Interpretation

Horizon picking stands as a crucial element in reservoir characterisation, yet it remains a labour-intensive process. The manual interpretation of horizons across thousands of vertical seismic slices in a 3D seismic survey significantly further amplifies the time and effort invested in this task. While several automatic methods have been developed for extracting horizons in seismic images, their effectiveness can be compromised in the presence of interruptions in lateral continuity, such as faults and noise. Additionally, closely spaced horizons pose a challenge, making it even more difficult to accurately depict their exact locations. For tracking the horizon surfaces through a 3D seismic volume, it is necessary to exploit other seismic attributes extracted from the 3D seismic data. We proposed to use spectral voice components together with the original seismic amplitudes to track target horizon surfaces. We generated the time-frequency spectrum using a high-resolution method namely the synchrosqueezing wavelet transform (SWT) method, and the real part of the complex SWT spectrum is the voice component. We imported the spectral voice component and the seismic amplitude into a neural network. A framework of deep convolutional neural network (dCNN) was adopted for tracking horizon surfaces within a 3D seismic volume. We demonstrated this application on a field seismic dataset where closely spaced thin layers are within a complex faulted formation with noisy and low signal to noise ratio seismic data. The integration of amplitude and phase within the voice component attribute demonstrates its efficacy in enhancing the quality of the generated horizons, particularly when compared to using only seismic amplitude for this task. A field data example from the F3 dataset showcases the capability of our method in accurately delineating horizons across fault surfaces and in close proximity to unconformities. This surpasses the current limitations of existing horizon-picking methods.

Mosses from Kashmir

A collection of mosses was made by the author during Sept.-Oct., 1961, from Kashmir which lies between 32° 18'-37° N and 73° 26'-80° E in N. W. corner of India. The areas covered are the mountainous regions surrounding the Kashmir valley with altitudes ranging from 2000-4500 m above sea level. Altogether 414 packets of mosses were collected which yielded 107 species and 6 varieties, spreading over to 51 genera and 22 families. These include one new species Habrodon kashmiriensis Vohra sp. nov. and 6 species and 1 variety new to India. In this paper all the species are enumerated with field data and distribution.

Enhancing survey field data with artificial intelligence: a real-time kinematic GPS study

Enhancing survey field data with artificial intelligence: a real-time kinematic GPS study

Critical Rhetoric Meets Community-Based Participatory Research

ABSTRACT This project responds to a set of methodological challenges for the critical commitments of rhetorical fieldwork and investigates how community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods can help address them. As an example, we draw on Bailey Flynn’s CBPR research with Resilience, a not for-profit “rape crisis center” that provides services and therapy to thousands each year in Illinois. CBPR, like participatory critical rhetoric (PCR) methods, privileges field data as objects of rhetorical analysis. Unlike PCR and other approaches, CBPR methods prioritize the formalization of collaborative relationships with community stakeholders at every stage of research. We argue that greater integration of CBPR methods in rhetorical field methods will aid in privileging the epistemological perspectives of community stakeholders, solidifying critical communication scholarship’s commitment to conducting research with consequences, and providing a common ground for interdisciplinary exchange between critically trained rhetoric scholars and qualitative communication researchers.

Characterizing Spatial and Temporal Trends in Net Sediment Accumulation in Seagrass Meadows

AbstractSeagrass meadows are known as hot spots for carbon accumulation, but there is limited field data on the variability of sediment accumulation across time and space. We developed a method to assess spatial and temporal heterogeneity in net sediment accumulation in seagrass meadows using small, inexpensive samplers, allowing for over 200 unique measurements across multiple transects within our study site. Using this method, we assessed sediment accumulation across seagrass meadow edges, and in varying weather conditions. We found the greatest accumulation of sediment 5 m outside of seagrass meadow edges, with sediment accumulation rates averaging just under 100 g m−2 day−1, though rates were highly variable. Carbon accumulation from settled sediment was generally greater outside of seagrass meadow edges than within the bed, especially at sites undergoing recent expansion. Measurements made during tropical storms showed both scouring of sediment away from sites, and increased accumulation, depending on site properties as well as individual tropical storm characteristics. In the storm that had a measurable storm surge, scouring of sediment was a more dominant mechanism, whereas deposition dominated in the storm that had high winds but no associated storm surge. Our data demonstrate the necessity of including measurements that characterize both spatial and meteorological variability to develop a more holistic understanding of the movement of sediment and particulate organic carbon associated with seagrass meadows, especially as meadow area becomes increasingly fragmented with human activity and global change.

Genus <i>Hedychium</i> in Eastern India

This paper re-evaluates the various morphological characters of taxonomic interest in the genus Hedychium, suggests recognition of only 17 species in Eastern India within the limits of 19 species studied, proposes a key for their easy recognition and presents an enumeration of the species together with field data on the habit and habitat of each species. It seems that the edges of the tropical and subtropical evergreen forests provide "natural home" for the genus Hedychium, although H. aurantiacum and H. densiflorum ascend higher to temperate altitudes. H. aureum, H. gratum, H. greenii, H. hookeri and H. marginatum and a few varieties of H. coronarium turn up as endemics to Eastern India.H. luteum Herb. Calcut. as a biotype of H. coronarium and H. griffithianum Wall. as synonymous to H. venustum Wight and finally, H. coronarium var. elwesii (Baker) Naik comb nov. and H. coronarium var. subditum (Turrill) Naik comb. nov. as two new combinations are proposed.

Herennius Germanus – veteranus of legio IIII Flavia and the Archeological Complexes of Ratiaria and Its Territory

The archaeological studies of the frontier zones of the Roman Empire are of particular importance due to the abundant excavated data that can be directly linked to historical sources and epigraphic evidence known for centuries. In the Lower Danube region of the Roman Limes, an area that has not been as extensively explored as the areas in Central and Western Europe, there are now a lot of new rescue and regular excavations. The new field data, which were obtained from details unearthed near the village of Sinagovtsi, Vidin region, only 15 km away from the ancient centre of Ratiaria, are important as they might help clarify the way of life in Antiquity if linked to and interpreted together with the already known epigraphic, historical and numismatic data.

Investigating the Relevance of the Development and Implementation of Strategic Plans in Public Sector Education Institutions: A Case of Public Teacher Training Colleges in Malawi

The hub of every academic institution of higher learning rests upon key areas of policies and how they are developed, managed and championed. This research study investigated the relevance of development and implementation of strategic plans in public sector education institutions in Malawi. In 2019 and 2020, GIZ championed the development of strategic plans in TTCs. This was done by facilitating the training of Principals in the quest to develop strategic plans. Field data was collected using both qualitative and quantitative approaches through document analysis, questionnaires, and focus group discussion guide. The findings of the study indicate that the strategic plans are relevant in public TTCs because of the following factors: government policy, strong committed leadership, organizational culture, structure and effective communication. The study findings support Bryant (2013) in his evaluation report in Malawi and the study by Nyakeriga (2015) who identified the same factors as influencing the development and implementation of strategic plans. The structure is identified by the setup of the public TTCs, with the principal being the top manager, followed by the Deputy Principal, Heads of Departments, Teaching Practice Coordinator, and Assessment Committee chairperson. through the organizational culture, Quality Assurance and Monitoring and Evaluation work to track the progress of the implementation process in the TTCs. The study also showed plans the activities in the strategic plan inform TTC budgets. However, the study has firmly established that completing the activities in the strategic plans is a challenge. The study attributes this to erratic and inadequate funding, lack of knowledge on the implementation process and lack of political will. The study proposes investment in continuous professional development with all education stakeholders to fully understand the concept of strategic planning and implementation in order to achieve set objectives.

Estimation of Phytoplankton Primary Productivity in Qinghai Lake Using Ocean Color Satellite Data: Seasonal and Interannual Variations

Estimation of primary production in Qinghai Lake is crucial for the aquatic ecosystem management in the northeastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. This study used the Vertically Generalized Production Model (VGPM) with ocean color satellite data to estimate phytoplankton primary productivity (PP) in Qinghai Lake during the non-freezing period from 2002 to 2023. Field data from 2018 and 2023 were used to calibrate and verify the model. The results showed a seasonal trend in chlorophyll-a and PP, with the lowest values in May and peaks from June to September. Qinghai Lake was identified as oligotrophic, with annual mean chlorophyl-a of 0.24–0.40 µg/L and PP of 40–369 mg C/m2/day. The spatial distribution of PP was low in the center of the lake and high near the shores and estuaries. An interesting periodic increasing trend in PP every 2 to 4 years was observed from 2002 to 2023. This study established a remote sensing method for PP assessment in Qinghai Lake, revealing seasonal and interannual variations and providing a useful example for monitoring large saline mountain lakes.

Multivariate processing of airborne natural source EM data - application to field data from gobabis (Namibia)

Summary As deep-seated ore deposits become increasingly relevant for mineral exploration, the demand for time-efficient and powerful deep-sounding exploration methods rises. A suitable method for efficiently sensing ores at great depth is airborne electromagnetics (EM) using natural signal of atmospheric origin. The method relates airborne magnetic field recordings in the audio-frequency range to reference magnetic field recordings measured at a ground-based site and can achieve greater penetration depths when compared to controlled source airborne EM techniques. However, airborne natural source EM data are prone to noise caused by platform vibrations especially deteriorating data quality at low frequencies and thus narrowing the depth of investigation. Motional noise manifests as coherent noise on all airborne magnetic field components demanding for a powerful processing tool to remove such kind of noise. Unlike the bivariate approach, which is widely used in natural source EM, the multivariate approach is capable of detecting and reducing the effect of coherent noise. We introduce a robust multivariate processing for airborne natural source EM data and present the code implementation. The code was applied to a large-scale data set from the Kalahari-Copper-Belt in Namibia covering over 1, 000 km2. We obtained spatially consistent and smooth sounding curves in a frequency range of 10 to 1, 000 Hz including frequencies with prominent motional noise. Transfer functions are in good agreement with other geophysical and geological information.

Fuelling the Future with Safe Hydrogen Transportation Through Natural Gas Pipelines: A Quantitative Risk Assessment Approach

AbstractThe global transition to clean and sustainable energy sources has sparked interest in hydrogen as a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Efficient and safe transportation of hydrogen is crucial for its integration into the energy network. One approach is utilizing existing natural gas infrastructure, but it introduces unique challenges. Hydrogen has distinct characteristics that pose potential hazards, requiring careful consideration for safe transportation through natural gas pipelines. Moreover, the absence of field data on component failure rates adds to the existing uncertainty in Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) for hydrogen transportation. QRA plays a vital role in enabling the safe deployment of hydrogen transportation through existing pipelines and is increasingly integrated into the permitting process. The lack of data impedes the comprehensive understanding of risks associated with hydrogen transportation. This paper aims not only to analyse the effects of hydrogen blending ratios on gas dispersion, release rates, jet fires, and explosions in natural gas pipelines, but also highlight the disparities in leak frequencies currently used for hydrogen or blended hydrogen. A QRA for hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines is novel and timely because the behaviour of hydrogen in natural gas pipelines, a novel process with potential hazards, is not fully understood. Conducting a thorough QRA on hydrogen blending in gas pipelines, our study reveals innovative insights: higher blending ratios reduce release rates, impact safe distances, and maintain stable flame lengths. Despite an elevated explosion risk, scenarios remained below lethal overpressure values. This paper offers unique contributions to safety considerations in hydrogen transportation, guiding stakeholders toward informed decisions for a secure and sustainable energy future.

Post-stack 3D merging to fast-track regional interpretation – offshore Otway Basin case study

Ideally when combining legacy 3D seismic surveys, differences in acquisition parameters warrant full pre-stack reprocessing from field data. However, there are occasions where this is not possible due to time, financial or data access constraints; a valuable alternative is post-stack merging and enhancement of existing migrations. This case was to produce a regularised and seamless 3D dataset of the highest possible quality, for the offshore Otway Basin, within 2 months. The input migrated volumes varied by data extent, migration methodology, angle range and grid orientation. Fourteen input volumes totalling 8092 km2 were post-stack merged and processed to produce a continuous and consistent volume, enabling more efficient and effective interpretation of the region. The surveys were regularised onto a common grid, optimised for structural trends, prior to survey matching. A mis-tie analysis algorithm, applied over a time window optimised for interpretation of key events, was used to derive corrections for timing, phase and amplitude, using a reference. This was followed by time-variant spectral and amplitude matching to improve continuity between volumes. Additional enhancements including noise removal and lateral amplitude scaling were also applied. The final merged volume offers significant uplift over the inputs, providing better imaging of structure and events and dramatically improving the efficiency and quality of interpretation. This enables rapid reconnaissance of the area by explorers.

Enhanced spectrum prediction using deep learning models with multi-frequency supplementary inputs

Recently, the rapid progress of deep learning techniques has brought unprecedented transformations and innovations across various fields. While neural network-based approaches can effectively encode data and detect underlying patterns of features, the diverse formats and compositions of data in different fields pose challenges in effectively utilizing these data, especially for certain research fields in the early stages of integrating deep learning. Therefore, it is crucial to find more efficient ways to utilize existing datasets. Here, we demonstrate that the predictive accuracy of the network can be improved dramatically by simply adding supplementary multi-frequency inputs to the existing dataset in the target spectrum predicting process. This design methodology paves the way for interdisciplinary research and applications at the interface of deep learning and other fields, such as photonics, composite material design, and biological medicine.

Research on Electromagnetic Environment Characteristic Acquisition System for Industrial Chips

With the system interconnection and intelligence of application scenario equipment, the electromagnetic environment of chips is becoming more and more complex. Problems such as communication interruption and data loss caused by electromagnetic interference often occur. The electromagnetic reliability of chips has become an important index to measure their availability. In order to effectively detect the electromagnetic reliability of industrial chips applied to specific scenarios, it is necessary to measure and analyze the electromagnetic characteristics of the application scenarios, as the boundary conditions of the electromagnetic protection simulation analysis and design of the chip, and to develop Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) test items, test limits and test methods suitable for carrying out tests and monitoring on chips. The paper presents an acquisition system, which can complete the collection of transient electromagnetic interference, steady electromagnetic field, temperature, humidity and near-field data. The transient interference measurement frequency range is 300 kHz–500 MHz, with a rising edge of 1.5 ns; the steady-state electromagnetic field measurement frequency ranges from 100 Hz to 3 GHz. By collecting the electromagnetic environmental characteristics of chips and analyzing situations in which chips are prone to interference, protective measures can be implemented.

Proposed improvements to Istibdal implementation management in the state of Penang

Purpose This study aims to examine the factors of implementing istibdal waqf and generating cash waqf funds through istibdal in Penang. This study was based on the previous problem statements, stating that waqf property could not be developed due to lack of cash funds. This has allowed the study to explore the factors for implementing istibdal waqf property and the extent to which the istibdal method can generate cash waqf funds in Penang. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative method by conducting semi-structured interviews to achieve its research goals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to comprehensively understand the current practice on istibdal cases in Penang State Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) through official institutions concerned with waqf management practices in Penang. This research relied on purposive sampling to select the informants. It is a sampling strategy to select the informants in advance based on the research question. To achieve the purpose of this study, two officers from MAINPP were selected based on their working experience and specialisation criteria. As a result, several themes were successfully defined from the interview data before being analysed based on the content analysis method. Findings The results present three istibdal implementation processes outlined by MAINPP, namely, the istibdal implementation process for waqf land involved in the acquisition by state authorities (PBN), non-productive waqf land and istibdal applications from certain parties. The results also reveal two factors in implementing istibdal in Penang: the acquisition of waqf land by PBN and the application of istibdal for cemeteries by the Islamic Centre of Universiti Sains Malaysia. From the point of cash fund generation, no case of istibdal implementation records the generation of cash funds to MAINPP. Thus, this study ends with proposals for improving the process and implementing istibdal in Penang to generate cash funds to help MAINPP manage waqf properties. Research limitations/implications The study only focused on implementing factors and generating cash waqf funds through istibdal in Penang. At the same time, it can be expanded to other states like Terengganu, Johor and Kelantan. This study only interviewed officers who manage matters related to the affairs of waqf properties. Therefore, it is believed that the study can be extended to other respondents, such as experts in cash fund generation investments and others. Practical implications This study proposed improvements to the policy and practice of istibdal waqf property to MAINPP after the shortcomings were identified throughout this study. If improved, these proposals will significantly impact the waqf properties involved in implementing istibdal, where it can generate cash and ensure the constant economic value of waqf properties. Social implications This study has great implications for society through the development of a cash waqf fund that can provide great benefits to the needy, in addition to increasing funds for the welfare expenditure of Muslims through rental income, investment and development. Progress and significant impact on waqf property can provide a high indicator of the efficiency of an organisation in managing waqf property. This can attract the interest of the public, especially the wealthy, to always fulfil welfare through the waqf mechanism and share the wealth with the needy. Originality/value This study contributes to comprehensive field data on the implementation of istibdal in Penang. The data analysis results are significant to be used by the waqf property management.