Investigation of hydraulic fracture complexity and the benefits of maximizing or minimizing complexity in unconventional resources

This dissertation discusses two separate, yet inter-related studies. The first study was an extension of historical work comparing transversely fractured versus longitudinally fractured horizontal wells in multiphase flow environment. The second study investigated hydraulic fracture complexities and the benefits of maximizing or minimizing complexities in unconventional resources and tight reservoirs. The main objective of this research was to investigate fracture complexity and its impact on well performance and economics. To achieve that objective, three different integrated completions and reservoir models were built. Two of the three models, a hybrid reservoir model and micro-seismic based SRV (stimulated reservoir volume) model, were built to capture presences of discrete fracture networks (DFN). The results of the DFN-based models were compared to an integrated planar fracture model, which had bi-wing fractures with limited or no fracture complexity. The second objective of this research was to determine reservoir permeability based cut-off criterion that can be used as guide when selecting whether to drill transversely fractured versus longitudinally fractured horizontal wells in multiphase flow environment. The reservoir models built for the multiphase flow would also investigate the effects of stress dependent permeability, adsorption gas and non-Darcy flow effect. The third objective of this research was to develop a calibrated hydraulic fracture and reservoir model for the Montney shale, particularly for the Upper Montney Formation. This model would help companies select best lateral placement options in the Upper Montney, stage perforation targets and model-based stage spacing --Abstract, page iii

Turkey and the Balkan States: Justice and Development Party’s role in filling the void with Balkans

A century after the collapse of Ottoman empire, Turkey is trying to bridge the gaps again with the Balkans, some calling it a way of reviving the Ottoman empire, while as few see it as a way of making allies in the region to join European Union. There are many such narratives.  This paper will try to analyze how Turkey is trying to make its presence strong in Balkans, whether it is investing in their education, building religious monuments, or bringing stability and peace in the region. This paper will also focus on the growing relations between Turkey and Balkans during the ongoing governance of the Justice and Development Party (AKP)

Kautilya, the Indian Machiavelli; On War and diplomacy in Ancient India

In the contemporary times because of a little fluctuation in the global situation different variations have likewise occurred in act of diplomacy. Previously the emphasis was actually on hard power as a method of diplomatic preparation. However with establishment of the notion of soft power diplomatic practice became modernized in light of the fact that the idea of soft power gives a contrasting option to the discretionary emissaries to lead conciliatory practice without relating to candy and twig method. Despite India’s long history of reflection on interstate relations, Western assessments and theorizations continue to dominate the modern scholarship on India’s IR, with Indians mostly reacting to foreign assessments. This paper will elucidate various diplomatic views of Kautiya in the ancient India period that are still valuable for the Indian and world diplomacy. This paper will also try to shed light on Kautilya’s view on spies, agents and interstate relations

Farmers’ Perceptions of Agricultural Land Values in Rural Pakistan

Pakistan’s agriculture sector is crucial because it is responsible for providing food, shelter, and clothing to a massive population of 180 million people which is growing at a rate of 2 percent per annum. Land is a valuable asset and a symbol of prestige for the rural population in Pakistan. According to the recent Pakistan Economic Survey of 2013- 14, the agriculture sector contributes around 21 percent to GDP and provides employment for around 45 percent of the work force, who are primarily based in rural areas. The total geographic area of Pakistan is approximately 79.6 million hectares. Around 27.7 percent of Pakistan’s land is currently under cultivation and the cultivatable waste lands offer good possibilities for crop production. The total cropped area of Pakistan increased from 21.82 million hectares in 1990-91 to 22.72 million hectares in 2010-11 [Agricultural Statistics of Pakistan (2010-11)] and the total population of Pakistan increased from 118 million to 175 million during the same time period. Similarly the tenancy status of land management and land ownership pattern has changed over time. For example, large landowners are shifting their preferences from managing their land on their own towards leasing or sharecropping the land to be managed by others [Agricultural Census (2010)]

Practice pointer - Consultations for people from minority groups

This article provides practical suggestions on ways to improve communication with people from minority ethnic and faith group