Land seismic repeatability prediction from near-surface investigations at Naylor Field, Otway

Time-lapse seismic is a powerful methodology for remotely monitoring changes in oil and gas reservoirs. Its high sensitivity and resolving power make it the methodology of choice for monitoring CO2 sequestration in deep saline aquifers or depleted oil and gas fields. This method is now routinely applied offshore but rarely onshore because of inherently poor repeatability of land seismic data. Considering that CO2 sequestration on land is becoming a necessity, there is a great need to evaluate the feasibility of this method for land based CO2 sequestration projects. A feasibility study, onshore Otway Basin, Australia, aims at evaluating the viability of monitoring methodologies for the case of CO2 storage into a depleted gas field. Since injection of CO2 into a depleted gas field at a depth of around 2 km causes very subtle changes in elastic properties of the reservoir rock, it is critical to achieve high repeatability of time-lapse seismic surveys if they are to be implemented into a monitoring program.The goal of this thesis is to analyse the main factors affecting seismic repeatability at the Otway site. I aim to achieve this goal through the deployment of pre-base line measurements and combining the results with detailed numerical modelling studies. Such measurements have to be rapid, effective and quantitative so that a seismic monitoring team can decide whether to use time-lapse methodology when processing their data.To find the most likely repeatability at the Otway site I used so-called micro-arrays (surface and borehole) in a time-lapse manner to determine the seasonal variation of elastic properties of the near surface. The measurements were aimed at determining directional P-wave velocity and attenuation (Q-factor). The top soil (0.5m thick agricultural layer or elasto-plastic zone) had a low velocity and low Qfactor and hence significantly attenuated seismic energy.The elastic parameters obtained were then used to numerically simulate real timelapse surveys. The results obtained were compared and verified against conventional time-lapse studies conducted at the Otway site over a three year period, at different times of the year and with different sources. The agreement between numerical and field data, expressed through a normalised root mean square (NRMS) difference confirms that the effect of the near surface variation in the time-lapse land seismic can be predicted with minimum cost and through the deployment of small, inexpensive experiments

Determination of Heavy Metals in Sheary Fish Lethrinus lentjan Imperors (Family: Lethrinidae “Teleost”) in United Arab Emirates Water

Investigation of heavy metals in fish is an important aspect of environmental pollution as human activities contribute to the progressive increase in the concentration of metals in the environment as well as aquatic system. Therefore, an analytical survey for the contents of copper, zinc, manganese, and cadmium in liver, heart, kidney, muscle and skin of Lethrinus lentjan, collected from the western coast of the United Arab Emirates (Ras AI-Khaima) was carried out. The range and mean values of the levels of metals were determined and compared with the reported values in the Arabian Gulf. Significant concentrations of the elements tested were detected by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique. Their values of metal levels were within the permissible limit for human consumption. The correlation coefficients between the metal concentrations in different tissues and various length groups were also determined. The accumulation pattern of the essential elements Zn, Cu and Mn, and non-essential element Cd in the liver follows the sequence: Zn \u3e Cu \u3e Mn \u3e Cd while in skin tissue the sequence of the metals follows the order: Zn \u3e Cu \u3e Mn \u3e Cd In muscle the sequence of the accumulation behavior follows the order: Zn \u3e Cu \u3e Cd ≅ Mn The distribution behavior of the elements in fish kidney was found to follow the sequence: Zn \u3e Cu \u3e Mn \u3e Cd However, in fish heart the sequencem as follows: Zn \u3e Cu \u3e Cd \u3e Mn The mean concentrations (mean ± 5.0) of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Cd in fish liver was found to be 48.8 ± 1.71, 55.3 ± 32.98, 1.22 ± 0.23, and 0.66 ± 0.28 ppm, respectively. However, in skin the concentration was much lower and were as follows: 0.33 ± 0.13, 38.59 ± 8.35, 0.16 ± 0.11, and 0.08 ± 0.06 ppm, respectively. Also in muscle the metals concentrations were found to be much lower than those in liver; the levels obtained were as follows: 0.17 ± 0.06, 3.31 ± 0.39, 0.11 ± 0.02, and 0.11 ± 0.02 ppm, respectively. The study shows a negative correlation between the concentrations of Mn and Cd in fish muscle and fish length (age). Also in skin tissues the concentration of Mn shows a negative correlation with fish length (age), while a positive correlation was observed with copper. Moreover, a positive correlation was noticed between Cu, Zn and Cd concentrations in liver and fish length (age)

Exploring the Effectiveness of AI Algorithms in Predicting and Enhancing Student Engagement in an E-Learning

The shift from traditional to digital learning platforms has highlighted the need for more personalized and engaging student experiences. In response, researchers are investigating AI algorithms' ability to predict and improve e-learning student engagement.  Machine Learning (ML) methods like Decision Trees, Support Vector Machines, and Deep Learning models can predict student engagement using variables like interaction patterns, learning behavior, and academic performance. These AI algorithms have identified at-risk students, enabling early interventions and personalized learning. By providing adaptive content, personalized feedback, and immersive learning environments, some AI methods have increased student engagement. Despite these advances, data privacy, unstructured data, and transparent and interpretable models remain challenges. The review concludes that AI has great potential to improve e-learning outcomes, but these challenges must be addressed for ethical and effective applications. Future research should develop more robust and interpretable AI models, multidimensional engagement metrics, and more comprehensive studies on AI's ethical implications in education

Implementation of Focus on Form in a Task-Based Language Teaching Context in the United Arab Emirates EFL Middle School Setting

Task-based language teaching (TBLT) has been researched from various perspectives for more than two decades. While research into the theoretical background of the framework and the design and implementation of tasks is growing worldwide, there is little experimental research in the Gulf area and, in particular, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study investigates the implementation of TBLT in an intermediate English as a foreign language (EFL) classrooms context in the UAE, focusing specifically on how teachers focus on form (FonF) in their teaching practice. The study explores the differences between four teachers when they introduced meaning-oriented tasks based on the textbook and two learning outcomes (LOs) proposed by the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). The study also investigates teachers’ views and perceptions towards the TBLT framework, FonF, and the prescribed textbook. It also examines the views of students towards their classroom teachers’ implementation of FonF and the challenges and constraints facing the implementation of TBLT and FonF in the UAE. Adopting a mixed-methods experimental study approach, the data set included a total of one unit taught by four teachers on the same theme, with individual lesson plans and teaching materials. Data were collected from classroom observations, field notes, and documentation of students’ work, as well as interviews with teachers and surveys for both teachers and students. Results show that teachers differed in their teaching practice along four dimensions: (a) the successful fulfillment of the LOs; (b) the type of FonF employed; (c) strategies used in FonF; and (d) the possibility of implementing TBLT successfully in their teaching. All teachers and students agreed that form was important for language learning and mastering. Further, teachers agreed on the efficiency of TBLT as a teaching and learning approach, but time-consuming. Additionally, teachers found the textbook a useful resource but not useful enough when they have to prepare extra materials to fulfill the LOs required by ADEK. Students also found the textbook a great resource for learning form and believed that it offered sufficient explanation for the targeted structures. Further, challenges and limitations that face implementing TBLT in the UAE are: (a) lack of motivation (b) the gap between students\u27 current level of proficiency and the required level; (c) class size; (d) sticking with the learning outcomes; (e) time; and (f) the effect of L1. Findings imply that the most important factors that contribute to enhancing language learning are not the task or the pedagogic framework of the textbook per se, but rather the teachers’ successful understanding of the framework and their reactions to students’ needs in the classroom. It is expected that findings of the study will influence the instructional practices of teachers so as to better teach language form in their classrooms and help students achieve grammatical competence, which is an essential part of language proficiency. It may also help curriculum developers and material designers to amend the existing textbooks to best fit students’ needs. Additionally, this study creates more research opportunities in the context of intermediate EFL school classrooms in the UAE. It is hoped the study will emphasize the benefits of implementing TBLT in UAE educational settings in terms of quantity (or amount) and quality (or depth) of learnin

The impact of liquidity risk, credit risk and operational risk on the performance of Iraqi private banks

The main objectives of this research is to study the effect of liquidity risk, credit risk and operational risk on the performance of private banks in Iraq for the period 2009 to 2014. This study especially focus on Iraqi commercial private Banks. The dependent variables for bank performances are measured by return on asset (ROA) and return on equity (ROE), and independent variables which are, liquidity risks are measured by liquidity ratio and calculate as liquid asset to total asset, credit risks are measured by non-performing loan ratio and operational risks are measured by earnings before interest and tax divide on total asset. This study employs panel data regression analysis of fixed effects and random effects models. Furthermore, the results show that liquidity risk was found having positive significant relationship with ROA and ROE. While credit risk has negative significant relationship with ROA, and negative insignificant relationship with ROE. However, operational risk was found to have significant and negative effect on ROA. While operational risk was significant and positively related to ROE

Social Studies Teaching In Oman : Teachers' Concerns And Levels Of Use In The Adoption Of Student-Centered Teaching Approach [LB1584.A2 A266 2007 f rb].

Kajian ini adalah untuk menyelidik keperihatinan dan tahap Penggunaan guru-guru Pengajian Sosial dalam pengambilan dan pengamalan pendekatan pengajaran berpusatkan pelajar (S-CTA) dalam pengajaran dan pembelajaran Pengajian Sosial di sekolah sistem Pendidikan Asas di Oman. The purpose of this study was to investigate Social Studies teachers' concerns and their Levels of Use in the adoption of student-centered teaching approach in Social Studies teaching and learning at the Basic Education schools in Oman

The Impact of the Capital Regulations on Banking Risk and Banking Performance : Empirical Evidence from the OECD and the MENA Countries

The banking regulations have been developed over the last decades as reflected in the amendments of the Basel Accords Framework that is the most voluntary adopted international banking regulations. The new amendments have paid more attention to the banking capital framework as one of the major approaches to strengthen the stability of the banking system. Bankers have been pressurised to either increase regulatory capital or shrink investment in risky assets over the last decade. Yet, the recent wave of bank failures or restructurings indicates that previous regulations had not produced the desired results. Do the new capital regulations produce satisfying outcomes in terms of influencing the banking risk behaviour and improve banking performance level? This research aims to contribute to the Banking Capital, Risk Management, and Banking Performance literature by providing empirical evidence on the consequences of banking capital regulations on banking risk behaviour and banking performance using the most recent dataset (2003 to 2014). The research presents the experience of banks from financially developed markets, which are represented by banks from countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and banks from less-developed markets, which are represented by banks from the Middle East and North Africa countries (MENA), over a sample period that covers the transformation period before and after the implementation of the Basel Accords II, the Basel Accords II.5, and the Basel Accords III respectively. The analysis in this research uses a panel-based random effects model with error terms clustered at the firm level to accounts for the heterogeneity effects that derive from different ownership nature, regulatory pressure period, and economic and financial development level of countries.The empirical results of this research show that capital level could impact banking risk-level. However, this impact does not necessarily imply that high-capital banks are associated with less risk. Besides, not all undercapitalised banks are found to be associated with less risk during the post period of new reforms in the capital regulations. From the perspective of banking performance, the results show that the capital level influences the banking performance. The results show that this capital-performance nexus varies according to the capitalisation level. Undercapitalised banks are found to be associated with high earnings and low costs, while better-capitalised banks found to be associated with low earnings and high costs. Besides, the results of this research emphasise the importance of considering other heterogeneity factors to assess the impact of the capital and its regulations. The results show that ownership profile, capitalisation levels, and the level of economic and financial developments in a country are important factors to understand the capital and risk nexus as well as the capital and performance nexus

Exploring Effective Classroom Management Techniques in English Teaching

This article's objective is to investigate a variety of effective classroom management strategies that can be executed in the context of English instruction. Setting clear expectations, cultivating positive relationships, employing positive reinforcement, implementing consistent discipline, practising effective time management, employing a variety of teaching methods, making wise use of technology, organizing classroom seating arrangement, ensuring clear communication, incorporating student's voice, addressing issues promptly, and reflecting and adjusting are some of the techniques that are included in the techniques. English teachers can cultivate a constructive and fruitful learning environment for their pupils by learning about and putting into practice the aforementioned strategies