Clinical application of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in laparoscopic cholecystectomy with common bile duct exploration and J-Tube drainage

BACKGROUND Intraoperative and postoperative biliary injuries remain significant complications of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE).Indocyanine green(ICG)has been shown to significantly reduce injuries caused by intraoperative operational errors.We found that the J-tube can reduce postoperative strictures and injuries to the common bile duct.At this moment,we aim to analyze and compare the complications,efficacy,short-term outcomes,and feasibility of these two adjunctive tools for LCBDE.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of ICG fluorescence imaging In LCBDE and J-tube drainage for patients with common bile duct stones.METHODS We retrospectively collected the clinical case data of patients who were treated at the Hepatobiliary Surgery Department of the Third People’s Hospital of Nantong,affiliated with Nantong University,from January 2016 to January 2021 due to gallbladder stones with choledocholithiasis and who underwent LCBDE combined with a primary suture and either J-tube or T-tube drainage.The patients were divided into groups:Traditional white-light laparoscopy+T-tube group(WL+T-tube),traditional WL+J-tube group,fluorescent laparoscopy+T-tube group(ICG+T-tube)and fluorescent laparoscopy+J-tube group(ICG+J-tube).The preoperative and postoperative clinical case data,laboratory examination data,and intraoperative and postoperative complications(including postoperative bile leakage,electrolyte disturbances,biliary peritonitis,and postoperative infections)and other relevant indicators were compared.RESULTS A total of 198 patients(112 males and 86 females)were included in the study,with 74 patients in the WL+T-tube,47 in the WL+J-tube,42 in the ICG+T-tube,and 35 in the ICG+J-tube.Compared with the other groups,the ICG+J had significantly shorter operation time(114 minutes,P=0.001),less blood loss(42 mL,P=0.02),shorter postoperative hospital stays(7 days,P=0.038),and lower surgical costs(China yuan 30178,P=0.001).Furthermore,patients were subdivided into two groups based on whether a T-tube or J-tube was placed during the surgery.By the third postoperative day,the aspartate transaminase,glutamic pyruvic transaminase,total bilirubin,and direct bilirubin levels were lower in the J-tube group than in the T-tube group(P<0.001).At last,follow-up observations showed that the incidence of biliary strictures at three months postoperatively was significantly lower in the J-tube group than in the T-tube group(P=0.002).CONCLUSION ICG fluorescence imaging in laparoscopic cholecystectomy with common bile duct exploration and J-tube drainage facilitates rapid identification of biliary anatomy and variations,reducing intraoperative bile duct injury,blood loss,surgery duration,and postoperative bile duct stenosis rates,supporting its clinical adoption.

Mesozoic-Cenozoic Tectonics of the Yellow Sea and Oil-Gas Exploration

The purpose of the present study was to study the tectonics of the Yellow Sea. Although oilgas exploration has been undertaken for more than 30 years in the southern Yellow Sea, the exploration progress has achieved little. There are three tectonic periods with near N-S trending shortening and compression （260-200 Ma, 135-52 Ma and 23-0.78 Ma） and three tectonic periods with near E-W trending shortening and compression （200-135 Ma, 52--23 Ma and 0.78 Ma） at the Yellow Sea and adjacent areas during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. The lndosinian tectonic period is the collision period between the Sino-Korean and Yangtze Plates, which formed the basic tectonic framework for the Yellow Sea area. There were strong intraplate deformations during the Yanshanian （200-135 Ma） and Sichuanian （135-52 Ma） periods with different tectonic models, which are also the main formation periods for endogenic metallic mineral deposits around the Yellow Sea. The three tectonic periods during the Cenozoic affect important influences for forming oil-gas reservoirs. The Eocene-Oligocene （52-23 Ma） is the main forming period for oil-gas sources. The Miocene-Early Pleistocene （23-0.78 Ma） was a period of favorable passage for oil-gas migration along NNE trending faults. Since the Middle Pleistocene （0.78 Ma） the NNE trending faults are closed and make good conditions for the reservation of oil-gas. The authors suggest that we pay more attention to the oil-gas exploration at the intersections between the NNE trending existing faults and Paleogene- Neogene systems in the southern Yellow Sea area.

Exploration Potential of Marine Source Rocks Oil-Gas Reservoirs in China

So far, more than 150 marine oil-gas fields have been found onshore and offshore about 350. The marine source rocks are mainly Paleozoic and Mesozoic onshore whereas Tertiary offshore. Three genetic categories of oil-gas reservoirs have been defined for the marine reservoirs in China： primary reservoirs, secondary reservoirs and hydrocarbon-regeneration reservoirs. And three exploration prospects have also been suggested： （1） Primary reservoirs prospects, which are chiefly distributed in many Tertiary basins of the South China Sea （SCS）, the Tertiary shelf basins of the East China Sea （ECS） and the Paleozoic of Tarim basin, Sichuan basin and Ordos basin. To explore large-middle-scale even giant oil-gas fields should chiefly be considered in this category reservoirs. These basins are the most hopeful areas to explore marine oil-gas fields in China, among which especially many Tertiary basins of the SCS should be strengthened to explore. （2） Secondary reservoirs prospects, which are mainly distributed in the Paleozoic and Mesozoic of the Tarim basin, Sichuan basin, Qiangtang basin and Chuxiong basin in western China, of which exploration potential is less than that of the primary reservoirs. （3） Hydrocarbon-regeneration reservoirs prospects, which are chiefly distributed in the Bohai Bay basin, North Jiangsu-South Yellow Sea basin, southern North China basin, Jianghan basin, South Poyang basin in eastern China and the Tarim basin in western China, of which source rocks are generally the Paleozoic. And the reservoirs formed by late-stage （always Cenozoic） secondary hydrocarbon generation of the Paleozoic source rocks should mainly be considered to explore, among which middle-small and small oil-gas fields are the chief exploration targets. As a result of higher thermal evolution of Paleozoic and Mesozoic source rocks, the marine reservoirs onshore are mainly gas fields, and so far marine oil fields have only been found in the Tarim basin. No other than establishing corresponding marine oil-gas exploration and development strategy and policy, sufficiently enhancing cognition to the particularity and complexity of China＇s marine petroleum geology, and applying new thoughts, new theories and new technologies, at the same time tackling some key technologies, it is possible to fast and effectually exploit and utilize the potential huge marine oil-gas resources of China.

Exploration Potential of Atectonic Oil-gas Pools in the Northern Shelf Basin of the South China Sea

Large-scale oil exploration has been done and large quantities of oil-gas fields have been found in the northern shelf basin of the South China Sea for more than 20 years. The tectonic oil-gas pools are the main type. With the exploration to be deepened, looking for atectonic oil-gas pools is listed in China's exploration strategy. There are advantages for the forming of atectonic oil-gas pools in the northern shelf basin of the South China Sea. Because the level of water has been frequently changing within all historical periods, lithozones are changed alternately in both vertical and lateral directions and formed lithologic deposition especially at low water level stages, such as the low-lying fans of basin-floor fans and slope fans. Due to frequent tectonic movement within all historical periods, many structural surfaces and structural unconformities were formed. At the same time, they also formed many kinds of structural unconformity oil-gas pools. According to our exploration and research, the promising areas of atectonic reservoirs within marine basins include: (1) the basin-floor fan of the deep water district, such as the central depression of the Southeast Qiong basin and Baiyun sag in the Zhujiangkou basin; (2) the frontal area of the large ancient delta, such as the Lingao structural belt in the Yingge Sea basin and Huizhou sag in the Zhujiangkou basin; (3) the unconformity pinchout belt or denudation belt in the slope area and the uplift area, for instance, the Yingdong slope belt in the Yingge Sea basin and Yacheng 13-1 structural belt in the southeast Qiong basin. All this proves that the prospects for atectonic oil-gas pools in the northern shelf basin of the South China Sea are very broad.

Research and Application of New Methods to Oil-Gas Geochemical Exploration

Based on the results of researches and applications for many years, it has been discovered that new methods and techniques for geochemical exploration of oil and gas such as δC, altered carbonate, Hg in absorption phase, Ks, Fe2+, δ13C, fluorescence in two and three dimensions, and N2 and O2 in heat release can give full play in the following five fields: (1) optimization of the favourable target or hollow zones and structural zones in a region; (2) evaluation of oil traps and delineation of prospective oil and gas areas; (3) prediction of deep-seated oil-bearing horizons; (4) evaluation of the genesis of oil and gas geochemical anomalies and determination of the types of oil and gas accumulations; (5) forecast of the burial depths of oil and gas pools.

Fluid Inclusions in the Xichang Basin and Their Applications in Oil-Gas Exploration

Fluid inclusions are commonly observed in various stages during the diagenetic evolution and the generation, migration and arcumulation of hydrocarbons in LowerPermian carbonate rocks in the Xichang Basin, providing direct physico-chemical evidencefor the process. Altogether seven stages can be recognized, i.e., the penecontemporaneous, early and mid-late diagenetic stages, the epidiagenetic stage and the eary, middleand late reburying stages. Karst and dissolution pores and structural fissures developedduring the epidiagenetic and reburying stages constitute the major reservoirs for hydrocarbon accumulation. Oil generation and migration began in the early reburying stagein Late Permian time and decloped to its climax in the middle reburying stage in theTriassic period, followed by extensive generation and migration of natural gases duringthe late stage of reburying in tbe Jurassic and later periods. The generation, migrationand accumulation of hydrocarbons are closely related to Hercynian basalt eruption andIndosinian and Yenshanian tecto-magmatism.

Application of Organic Inclusions in Offshore Oil-Gas Exploration

Studies of organic inclusions from the offshore oil and gas fields provide much information about the number of times, temperature, depth, time and phase state of oil\|gas migration, as well as about the composition of organic inclusions. On the basis of the type, character, composition and distribution of organic inclusions in the Zhu\|Ⅲ Depression at the Pearl River Mouth, information can be developed about the source rocks of oil and gas, and their evolution and migration.

Geological characteristics and exploration breakthroughs of coal rock gas in Carboniferous Benxi Formation,Ordos Basin,NW China

To explore the geological characteristics and exploration potential of the Carboniferous Benxi Formation coal rock gas in the Ordos Basin,this paper presents a systematic research on the coal rock distribution,coal rock reservoirs,coal rock quality,and coal rock gas features,resources and enrichment.Coal rock gas is a high-quality resource distinct from coalbed methane,and it has unique features in terms of burial depth,gas source,reservoir,gas content,and carbon isotopic composition.The Benxi Formation coal rocks cover an area of 16×104km^(2),with thicknesses ranging from 2 m to 25 m,primarily consisting of bright and semi-bright coals with primitive structures and low volatile and ash contents,indicating a good coal quality.The medium-to-high rank coal rocks have the total organic carbon(TOC)content ranging from 33.49%to 86.11%,averaging75.16%.They have a high degree of thermal evolution(Roof 1.2%-2.8%),and a high gas-generating capacity.They also have high stable carbon isotopic values(δ13C1of-37.6‰to-16‰;δ13C2of-21.7‰to-14.3‰).Deep coal rocks develop matrix pores such as gas bubble pores,organic pores,and inorganic mineral pores,which,together with cleats and fractures,form good reservoir spaces.The coal rock reservoirs exhibit the porosity of 0.54%-10.67%(averaging 5.42%)and the permeability of(0.001-14.600)×10^(-3)μm^(2)(averaging 2.32×10^(-3)μm^(2)).Vertically,there are five types of coal rock gas accumulation and dissipation combinations,among which the coal rock-mudstone gas accumulation combination and the coal rock-limestone gas accumulation combination are the most important,with good sealing conditions and high peak values of total hydrocarbon in gas logging.A model of coal rock gas accumulation has been constructed,which includes widespread distribution of medium-to-high rank coal rocks continually generating gas,matrix pores and cleats/fractures in coal rocks acting as large-scale reservoir spaces,tight cap rocks providing sealing,source-reservoir integration,and five types of efficient enrichment patterns(lateral pinchout complex,lenses,low-amplitude structures,nose-like structures,and lithologically self-sealing).According to the geological characteristics of coal rock gas,the Benxi Formation is divided into 8 plays,and the estimated coal rock gas resources with a buried depth of more than 2000 m are more than 12.33×10^(12)m^(3).The above understandings guide the deployment of risk exploration.Two wells drilled accordingly obtained an industrial gas flow,driving the further deployment of exploratory and appraisal wells.Substantial breakthroughs have been achieved,with the possible reserves over a trillion cubic meters and the proved reserves over a hundred billion cubic meters,which is of great significance for the reserves increase and efficient development of natural gas in China.

Natural gas exploration potential and favorable targets of Permian Fengcheng Formation in the western Central Depression of Junggar Basin,NW China

Based on the organic geochemical data and the molecular and stable carbon isotopic compositions of natural gas of the Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation in the western Central Depression of Junggar Basin,combined with sedimentary environment analysis and hydrocarbon-generating simulation,the gas-generating potential of the Fengcheng source rock is evaluated,the distribution of large-scale effective source kitchen is described,the genetic types of natural gas are clarified,and four types of favorable exploration targets are selected.The results show that:(1)The Fengcheng Formation is a set of oil-prone source rocks,and the retained liquid hydrocarbon is conducive to late cracking into gas,with characteristics of high gas-generating potential and late accumulation;(2)The maximum thickness of Fengcheng source rock reaches 900 m.The source rock has entered the main gas-generating stage in Penyijingxi and Shawan sags,and the area with gas-generating intensity greater than 20×10^(8) m^(3)/km^(2) is approximately 6500 km^(2).(3)Around the western Central Depression,highly mature oil-type gas with light carbon isotope composition was identified to be derived from the Fengcheng source rocks mainly,while the rest was coal-derived gas from the Carboniferous source rock;(4)Four types of favorable exploration targets with exploration potential were developed in the western Central Depression which are structural traps neighboring to the source,stratigraphic traps neighboring to the source,shale-gas type within the source,and structural traps within the source.Great attention should be paid to these targets.

Two stages power generation test of the hot dry rock exploration and production demonstration project in the Gonghe Basin,northeastern Qinghai-Tibet plateau,China

The Hot Dry Rock(HDR)is considered as a clean and renewable energy,poised to significantly contribute to the global energy decarbonization agenda.Many HDR projects worldwide have accumulated valuable experience in efficient drilling and completion,reservoir construction,and fracture simulation.In 2019,China Geological Survey(CGS)initiated a demonstration project of HDR exploration and production in the Gonghe Basin,aiming to overcome the setbacks faced by HDR projects.Over the ensuing four years,the Gonghe HDR project achieved the first power generation in 2021,followed by the second power generation test in 2022.After establishing the primary well group in the initial phase,two directional wells and one branch well were drilled.Noteworthy progress was made in successfully constructing the targeted reservoir,realizing inter-well connectivity,power generation and grid connection,implementing of the real-time micro-seismic monitoring.A closed-loop technical validation of the HDR exploration and production was completed.However,many technical challenges remain in the process of HDR industrialization,such as reservoir fracture network characterization,efficient drilling and completion,multiple fracturing treatment,continuous injection and production,as well as mitigation of induced seismicity and numerical simulation technology.

Notes for the 50th Anniversary Special Issue of Petroleum Exploration and Development

The year of 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Petroleum Exploration and Development.For half a century,Petroleum Exploration and Development has been committed to disseminating petroleum technology,witnessing and recording the glorious journey of China's petroleum industry from being weak to becoming strong.The journal has also become a bright banner in China's petroleum technology industry.

New Data on Coal, Gypsum, Iron and Silica Sand Deposits and Geochemical Exploration (Pakistan): Revision of 25 Years History of Dinosaur Discoveries from Pakistan

Discoveries of many coal seams at depths by drilling carried by Geological Survey of Pakistan in Sor Range and Harnai Gochina, extended the coal seams at depth which is challenge for mine owners to exploit feasibly. Bed to bed gypsum samplings (and their chemical analyses) of huge gypsum deposits from Sulaiman foldbelt is a base for industrialist and also planers to develop cement and gypsum industries to increase export and foreign exchange for the development of area and Pakistan. Low and high grade sedimentary iron deposits, silica sand and uranium host rocks and their extensions in Sulaiman and Kirthar foldbelts are presented. Anomalies of a few base metals arise as a result of geochemical exploration carried at part of Loralai District of Balochistan. Theropod dinosaurs were frequent in India, while Poripuchian titanosaurs (Sauropoda, Dinosauria) were frequent in Pakistan. Besides some ichnotaxa, many bone taxa such as 1 titanosauriform, 14 titanosaurian sauropod (including one new titanosaur), and 3 theropod dinosaurs are established from Pakistan. Among these 12 titanosaur species and 3 theropod species are named in about 10 km2 area of Vitakri dome and 2 titanosaur species are named in about a few hundred square meter area of Mari Bohri (Kachi Bohri) which is about 10 km westward from Vitakri dome. Pakistan is a unique country which discoverd 14 diversified titanosaurs in a short area and also in a short period (67 - 66 million years ago/Ma). About 400 bones found from a few meter thick upper part of upper shale horizon of latest Maastrichtian Vitakri Formation which is base for titanosaur taxa. Cranial material is in low fraction (but include significant diverse snouts), caudal vertebrae are prominent, the cervicals, dorsals and sacrals have significant numbers, forelimb and hind limb bones have balanced fraction. Humeri, femora and tibiae are most common. To know the position of Pakistani titanosaurs among titanosaurs and sauropods, there is a need to extend list of characters for phylogenetic analyses. This broad feature list should include main characters of titanosaurs from Pakistan and also from global world.

Cu-Zn isotope compositions of hydrothermal sediments from the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge:implications to the sediment formation and mineral exploration

Six hydrothermal sediment samples were collected from the Xunmei and Tongguan hydrothermal fields along the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge during the China Ocean Cruise DY46 in 2017.Sulfides and oxides in the samples were separated,and Cu and Zn isotope compositions were analyzed.Results show that the ranges ofδ^(65)Cu values of the bulk sediments,sulfides,and oxides were 0.36‰-2.46‰,-0.21‰-1.10‰,and 0.68‰-1.52‰,respectively.Theδ^(65)Cu values of sulfides in four samples(46II-14,46II-30,46III-06,and 46II-09)were relatively low(-0.21‰-0.50‰),corresponding to theδ^(65)Cu values of sulfides from inactive old hydrothermal chimneys in northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge(n MAR),suggesting that the sulfides in the sediments were originated from collapsed dead chimney mainly.While theδ^(65)Cu values of the other two samples(46III-02 and 46III-08)were relatively high(1.10‰-0.96‰),corresponding to theδ^(65)Cu values for active hydrothermal chimneys sulfides in n MAR,which indicated that the sulfides in these two samples might mainly come from sulfide particles settled from active hydrothermal plume.Because of the high density of sulfide particles,they tended to settle near the hydrothermal vents first.Therefore,highδ^(65)Cu values of sulfides in 46III-02 and 46III-08 implied that undiscovered active hydrothermal vents near the sampling positions of 46III-02 in the Xunmei hydrothermal field and 46III-08 in the Tongguan hydrothermal field.Theδ^(66)Zn values of hydrothermal sediments and sulfides ranged 0.11‰-0.43‰and 0.29‰-0.67‰,respectively.In the four samples from the Xunmei hydrothermal field,a positive correlation was found between the distance of the sampling position from sulfide mineralized spot and the Zn isotopic ratio,showing that the greater the distance from the mineralized spot,the heavier the Zn isotope composition as seen in two samples(46II-30 and 46II-14)of the Xunmei-3 spot.This result aligned with the findings of Wilkinson et al.(2005)and Baumgartner et al.(2023),suggesting that the lower the Zn isotope composition,the closer it is to the hydrothermal vent.However,in the Xunmei hydrothermal field,the Zn isotope composition in the other two samples(46III-02and 46III-06)showed the opposite trend.This indicated that there might be an active hydrothermal vent near the sampling location of sample 46III-02.This observation aligned with the Cu isotope analysis results.This study showed that Cu-Zn isotopes are good indicators for understanding the formation mechanisms of hydrothermal sediments and for locating active hydrothermal vents.

Review of Artificial Intelligence for Oil and Gas Exploration: Convolutional Neural Network Approaches and the U-Net 3D Model

Deep learning, especially through convolutional neural networks (CNN) such as the U-Net 3D model, has revolutionized fault identification from seismic data, representing a significant leap over traditional methods. Our review traces the evolution of CNN, emphasizing the adaptation and capabilities of the U-Net 3D model in automating seismic fault delineation with unprecedented accuracy. We find: 1) The transition from basic neural networks to sophisticated CNN has enabled remarkable advancements in image recognition, which are directly applicable to analyzing seismic data. The U-Net 3D model, with its innovative architecture, exemplifies this progress by providing a method for detailed and accurate fault detection with reduced manual interpretation bias. 2) The U-Net 3D model has demonstrated its superiority over traditional fault identification methods in several key areas: it has enhanced interpretation accuracy, increased operational efficiency, and reduced the subjectivity of manual methods. 3) Despite these achievements, challenges such as the need for effective data preprocessing, acquisition of high-quality annotated datasets, and achieving model generalization across different geological conditions remain. Future research should therefore focus on developing more complex network architectures and innovative training strategies to refine fault identification performance further. Our findings confirm the transformative potential of deep learning, particularly CNN like the U-Net 3D model, in geosciences, advocating for its broader integration to revolutionize geological exploration and seismic analysis.

Characteristics and close-range exploration methods of near- Earth asteroid 2016HO_(3)

The characteristics of asteroids are vital parameters for planning asteroid exploration missions.These characteristics have been explored in close range for some typical asteroids,and are summarized in the article.This allows estimates of the characteristics of asteroid 2016HO_(3),the target of the first Chinese asteroid exploration mission,Tianwen 2.We obtain 80 characteristic parameters in 9 categories and analyze their impacts on the mission.By comparing three close-range exploration modes,we provide advantages and disadvantages of each,and propose suitable methods for the exploration of 2016HO_(3).Owing to the weak gravity and small size of 2016HO_(3),a combination of multiple hovering positions and active orbiting is recommended for scientific exploration.

Depositional model of the Member Deng-2 marginal microbial mound-bank complex of the Dengying Formation in the southwestern Sichuan Basin, SW China: Implications for the Ediacaran microbial mound construction and hydrocarbon exploration

Recent advances in hydrocarbon exploration have been made in the Member Deng-2 marginal microbial mound-bank complex reservoirs of the Dengying Formation in the western Sichuan Basin, SW China,where the depositional process is regarded confusing. The microfacies, construction types, and depositional model of the Member Deng-2 marginal microbial mound-bank complex have been investigated using unmanned aerial vehicle photography, outcrop section investigation, thin section identification,and seismic reflections in the southwestern Sichuan Basin. The microbialite lithologic textures in this region include thrombolite, dendrolite, stromatolite, fenestral stromatolite, spongiostromata stone,oncolite, aggregated grainstone, and botryoidal grapestone. Based on the comprehensive analysis of“depositional fabrics-lithology-microfacies”, an association between a fore mound, mound framework,and back mound subfacies has been proposed based on water depth, current direction, energy level and lithologic assemblages. The microfacies of the mound base, mound core, mound flank, mound cap, and mound flat could be recognized among the mound framework subfacies. Two construction types of marginal microbial mound-bank complex have been determined based on deposition location, mound scale, migration direction, and sedimentary facies association. Type Jinkouhe microbial mound constructions(TJMMCs) develop along the windward margin owing to their proximity to the seaward subfacies fore mound, with a northeastwardly migrated microbial mound on top of the mud mound,exhibiting the characteristics of large-sized mounds and small-sized banks in the surrounding area. Type E'bian microbial mound constructions(TEMMCs) primarily occur on the leeward margin, resulting from the presence of onshore back mound subfacies, with the smaller southwestward migrated microbial mounds existing on a thicker microbial flat. The platform margin microbial mound depositional model can be correlated with certain lateral comparison profile and seismic reflection structures in the 2D seismic section, which can provide references for future worldwide exploration. Microbial mounds with larger buildups and thicker vertical reservoirs are typically targeted on the windward margin, while small-sized microbial mounds and flats with better lateral connections are typically focused on the leeward margin.

On electro-acoustic characteristics of a marine broadband sparker for seismic exploration

The construction of major marine infrastructure projects and the exploration and development of deep-sea mineral resources require fine imaging of seabed strata and structures.The highresolution marine seismic exploration based on a high broadband sparker source is an important approach to reveal seabed stratum and reservoir structure,and identify geohazard.To optimize the performance of sparker seismic source,we investigated the electro-acoustic characteristics of spark discharge under conditions of different charging voltages and electrode numbers.Results show that the sound source level increased with the increase of the charging voltage,whereas the main frequency decreased when the charging voltage increases.In addition,it was found that the charging capacitance had more obvious influence on the main frequency than the sound source level did.Although the load energy decreased with increasing electrode number,the sound source level still increased but the main frequency decreased.Meanwhile,the primary to bubble(P/B)ratio increased with the increase of the electrode number.To gain a deeper insight into the electro-acoustic characteristics,we investigate the relationship between sound source level and power peak,from which a good correlation was observed.A more practical statistical analysis on the rise rate of current was processed,and a perfect logarithmic function was derived.Furthermore,we found that the main frequency was most possibly subjected to the electrical energy,especially the charging energy per electrode.The results indicate that the charging energy per electrode less than 10 J could increase the main frequency to above 300 Hz.At last,the main frequency could be reduced to 20 Hz when the charging energy of a single-electrode discharge was enhanced to over 4 kJ.This study shall be helpful in developing a sparker seismic source and improving the performance for marine engineering exploration and geohazard assessment.

Petroleum exploration and production in Brazil:From onshore to ultra-deepwaters

The Santos Basin in Brazil has witnessed significant oil and gas discoveries in deepwater pre-salt since the 21^(st)century.Currently,the waters in eastern Brazil stand out as a hot area of deepwater exploration and production worldwide.Based on a review of the petroleum exploration and production history in Brazil,the challenges,researches and practices,strategic transformation,significant breakthroughs,and key theories and technologies for exploration from onshore to offshore and from shallow waters to deep-ultra-deep waters and then to pre-salt strata are systematically elaborated.Within 15 years since its establishment in 1953,Petrobras explored onshore Paleozoic cratonic and marginal rift basins,and obtained some small to medium petroleum discoveries in fault-block traps.In the 1970s,Petrobras developed seismic exploration technologies and several hydrocarbon accumulation models,for example,turbidite sandstones,allowing important discoveries in shallow waters,e.g.the Namorado Field and Enchova fields.Guided by these models/technologies,significant discoveries,e.g.the Marlim and Roncador fields,were made in deepwater post-salt in the Campos Basin.In the early 21^(st)century,the advancements in theories and technologies for pre-salt petroleum system,carbonate reservoirs,hydrocarbon accumulation and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)logging stimulated a succession of valuable discoveries in the Lower Cretaceous lacustrine carbonates in the Santos Basin,including the world-class ultra-deepwater super giant fields such as Tupi(Lula),Mero and Buzios.Petroleum development in complex deep water environments is extremely challenging.By establishing the Technological Capacitation Program in Deep Waters(PROCAP),Petrobras developed and implemented key technologies including managed pressure drilling(MPD)with narrow pressure window,pressurized mud cap drilling(PMCD),multi-stage intelligent completion,development with Floating Production Storage and Offloading units(FPSO),and flow assurance,which remarkably improved the drilling,completion,field development and transportation efficiency and safety.Additionally,under the limited FPSO capacity,Petrobras promoted the world-largest CCUS-EOR project,which contributed effectively to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the enhancement of oil recovery.Development and application of these technologies provide valuable reference for deep and ultra-deepwater petroleum exploration and production worldwide.The petroleum exploration in Brazil will consistently focus on ultra-deep water pre-salt carbonates and post-salt turbidites,and seek new opportunities in Paleozoic gas.Technical innovation and strategic cooperation will be held to promote the sustainable development of Brazil's oil and gas industry.

Laboratory or Department?Exploration and Creation in Computer Science and Technology

In the very beginning,the Computer Laboratory of the University of Cambridge was founded to provide computing service for different disciplines across the university.As computer science developed as a discipline in its own right,boundaries necessarily arose between it and other disciplines,in a way that is now often detrimental to progress.Therefore,it is necessary to reinvigorate the relationship between computer science and other academic disciplines and celebrate exploration and creativity in research.To do this,the structures of the academic department have to act as supporting scaffolding rather than barriers.Some examples are given that show the efforts being made at the University of Cambridge to approach this problem.

Accurate Source-Receiver Positioning Method for a High-Resolution Deep-Towed Multichannel Seismic Exploration System

The near-seabed multichannel seismic exploration systems have yielded remarkable successes in marine geological disaster assessment,marine gas hydrate investigation,and deep-sea mineral exploration owing to their high vertical and horizontal resolution.However,the quality of deep-towed seismic imaging hinges on accurate source-receiver positioning information.In light of existing technical problems,we propose a novel array geometry inversion method tailored for high-resolution deep-towed multichannel seismic exploration systems.This method is independent of the attitude and depth sensors along a deep-towed seismic streamer,accounting for variations in seawater velocity and seabed slope angle.Our approach decomposes the towed line array into multiline segments and characterizes its geometric shape using the line segment distance and pitch angle.Introducing optimization parameters for seawater velocity and seabed slope angle,we establish an objective function based on the model,yielding results that align with objective reality.Employing the particle swarm optimization algorithm enables synchronous acquisition of optimized inversion results for array geometry and seawater velocity.Experimental validation using theoretical models and practical data verifies that our approach effectively enhances source and receiver positioning inversion accuracy.The algorithm exhibits robust stability and reliability,addressing uncertainties in seismic traveltime picking and complex seabed topography conditions.