bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of methods to analyse Plasmodium falciparum single nucleotide polymorphisms in PfCRT (А > C), PfMDR1 (A > T) and PfDHFR (G > A) genes that determine resistance to quinoline, diamino-pyrimidine and sulfonamide groups of antimalarial drugs
Authors: Ariukov Artem R. , Solovyov Aleksey I. , Kapatsyna Vladimir A. , Krutikova Anna A. , Romanenko Vladimir A. , Kovalenko Aleksander N. , Kolesnik Akim A. , Zinin Artem S.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: The drug resistance of tropical malaria pathogens to mefloquine, chloroquine, pyrimethamine and their derivatives is associated with three single nucleotide polymorphisms: K76T (A403627C), S1034C (A960989T) and S108N (G748410A). These mutations are linked to changes in the structure of the PfCRT and PfMDR1 genes of Plasmodium falciparum.
AIM: Develop methods for identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms that are suitable for early diagnosis of drug-resistant forms of tropical malaria.
RESULTS: A method was developed based on restriction fragment length analysis using ApoI endonuclease to detect the K76T polymorphism (A403627C). The criterion for determining parasite resistance to chloroquine was the appearance of a single 145 bp band on the electropherogram. The genotype of the pathogens remained unchanged and their drug sensitivity was preserved, as indicated by the separation of two fragments of 98 and 47 bp.
A system for detecting S108N (G748410A) was developed using the Bse1I endonuclease. The appearance of a single 507 bp band on the electropherogram indicated the mutant genotype of the pathogens, while the appearance of two fragments (323 and 184 bp) indicated an unchanged genotype and preservation of drug sensitivity of plasmodiae.
To identify the A T polymorphism in the PfMDR1 gene at position 960989, polymerase chain reaction technology will be used with two allele-specific primers. One primer will detect the wild-type allele, and the other will detect the mutant genotype. The amplifiable fragment of the PfMDR1 gene contains sequences of the 1034th codon. Depending on the P. falciparum genotype, 261 bp fragments will be obtained with one of the allele-specific primers.
CONCLUSION: Criteria for assessing drug resistance of P. falciparum were developed based on the analysis of obtained data. Haplotypes K76T (band 145 bp) and S1034C (band 262 bp with the direct primer S1034C-F2) serve as indicators of the relative resistance of pathogens to chloroquine, mefloquine, and their derivatives. Positive results of examination for haplotype S108N (bands 323 and 184 bp) should be considered as a sign of decreased sensitivity to pyrimethamine. The developed methods can be used in clinical practice and for epidemiological monitoring.
Exploring the intersection of neuroscience and the soul: Understanding the mysteries of the mind
Authors: Singh Deepak Kumar , Singh N
Published: April 2024

Over the past five decades, scientific progress has underscored the imperative of integrating diverse fields of human inquiry, highlighting their interdependence. Thus, the segregation of humanities from neuroscience appears ludicrous, akin to a jest played upon rational thinkers. With the imminent advent of the human genome project, biotechnology is forging ahead, offering prospects for significant advancements in organ regeneration. While macro evolution may have concluded, micro-evolution persists within the realm of the brain. Neural Darwinism evolves continuously as long as consciousness and memory endure. Amidst diverse internal physiological mechanisms and external stimuli, an alternative theory to preprogrammed directionalism emerges, positing three mechanisms: developmental variation and selection, experiential selections, and reentrant signaling. Reentrant signaling reorients and correlates external inputs, preceding the development of consciousness and psychic evolution. Cholinergic and aminergic neuro-modelling systems emerge as fitting value systems. The primary function of consciousness lies in unifying the myriad categorizations inherent in perception into a cohesive SCENE. Evolution further entails the capacity of reentrant signaling to be guided by a value system, presenting abundant choices. With trillions of neurons and connections, freedom of choice may yield either enlightenment or tyranny. Intriguingly, the evolutionary progression toward worship has shifted from external environments to internal contemplation. Neuroscience stands poised as the next frontier in unraveling the mysteries of the mind and soul, representing the next stage in human understanding and evolution.
Drying up the drip- A case report
Authors: Nair Poornima , K Sivakumar
Published: April 2024

Cerebral Venous sinus thrombosis is an uncommon entity, which is usually associated with thrombosis of the dural venous sinuses due to local and clotting mechanism abnormalities. CVT secondary to CSF rhinorrhea has been recorded in literature but the relationship is uncertain.

Here we report a case of a 28yr old male with a past history of road traffic accident who presented with features suggestive of meningoencephalitis. He was diagnosed to have Cortical Venous Thrombosis, on further evaluation he was found to have CSF rhinorrhea.
Poner manos a la obra con la integridad: herramientas para evaluar, gestionar y fortalecer la integridad en organizaciones del sector de agua y saneamiento en América Latina y el Caribe
Authors: Acuña Mantilla Kelly , Vergara Stuardo Josefa
Published: April 2024

La integridad en la gobernanza del agua, definida como o el uso ético y honesto de los poderes y recursos conferidos para la prestación sostenible y equitativa de los servicios, es crucial para garantizar el derecho humano al agua y saneamiento. La aplicación de estos principios en la gestión de las entidades del sector de agua y saneamiento (AyS) contribuye a su buen desempeño y a un mayor rendimiento. Un elemento clave al momento de aplicarlos es tener datos precisos e información estandarizada y transparente. La información proveniente de una medición creíble de los riesgos de integridad, con base en indicadores cuantitativos y cualitativos y en la percepción de las partes interesadas, ayuda a cuantificar y calificar con claridad los problemas del sector AyS. A partir de esta información, se puede convocar a diferentes actores, con un entendimiento común, para priorizar los riesgos relevantes que deben ser tratados. Con el objetivo de apoyar al sector AyS en la evaluación y la gestión de sus prácticas de gobernanza, WIN, en colaboración con el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) y sus socios, ha desarrollado e implementado un grupo de herramientas destinadas a promover una cultura de transparencia, integridad y rendición de cuentas en las entidades relacionadas con agua y saneamiento en América Latina y el Caribe (ALC). El objetivo es que estas herramientas conduzcan al desarrollo de políticas y a la toma de decisiones informadas en los distintos niveles de responsabilidad en el sector AyS. Asimismo, el propósito de los mecanismos de datos abiertos es ayudar a los usuarios y a las organizaciones de la sociedad civil a comprender con mayor claridad las áreas en las que pueden existir fallas de integridad o donde es preciso trabajar de forma más adecuada para evitar que los riesgos de integridad se materialicen. El presente documento, que está dirigido a todos los actores del sector AyS que buscan metodologías para mejorar las prácticas de integridad al interior de sus organizaciones, describe las herramientas para la evaluación de la integridad (primera sección), las herramientas para la gestión de la integridad (segunda sección), los cursos en línea sobre integridad (tercera sección) y la metodología InWASH (cuarta sección). Por último, se reseñan las conclusiones.
Formation of innovative culture of an organization
Authors:   Saratov State University, Dorofeyeva L. I.
Published: April 2024

The paper is devoted to problems of formation of innovative culture, the culture of continuous training and changes, which is a necessary element of a self-training organization. Characteristics and functions of innovative culture are treated, which support permanent innovations and provide internal integration and long-term external adaptation of an organization. Characteristics of the personnel of an innovative organization and its internal and external competences are formulated.
Features of the «Principal–Agent» Relations or «Insider Capitalism» in the Corporate Governance of the Russian Enterprises
Authors:   Saratov State University, Levanova L. N.
Published: April 2024

The article is devoted features of relations of the principal – the agent in the Russian corporate governance. Privatization processes have generated corporate governance model in Russia, representing «insider capitalism» in which as it is possible to assume, the contradiction between proprietors and managers is reduced to a minimum. Owing to it, by consideration of a corporate governance of the Russian enterprises it is necessary to lean against the concept of the accomplices which subject is the analysis of relations of corporation with proprietors, creditors, employees, clients, suppliers, consumers, the state, and also a social corporate responsibility.
Properties of the ideal-intersection graph of the ring Zn
Authors: Utenko Yelizaveta
Published: April 2024

In this paper we study properties of the ideal-intersection graph of the ring Zn. The graph of ideal intersections is a simple graph in which the vertices are non-zero ideals of the ring, and two vertices (ideals) are adjacent if their intersection is also a non-zero ideal of the ring. These graphs can be referred to as the intersection scheme of equivalence classes (See: Laxman Saha, Mithun Basak Kalishankar Tiwary “Metric dimension of ideal-intersection graph of the ring Zn” [1] ).In this article we prove that the triameter of graph is equal to six or less than six. We also describe maximal clique of the ideal-intersection graph of the ring Zn. We prove that the chromatic number of this graph is equal to the sum of the number of elements in the zero equivalence class and the class with the largest number of element. In addition, we demonstrate that eccentricity is equal to 1 or it is equal to 2. And in the end we describe the central vertices in the ideal-intersection graph of the ring Zn.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLIED TO QUALITY DEFECTS CLASSIFICATION FOR TYRES
Authors: Da Silva Alves Alex , Sampaio dos Santos Michael , Gomes da Silva Kenshima Gedeane
Published: April 2024

The manufacture of radial tires is complex, and for this reason some defects inevitably end up appearing in the production process. Currently the commonly used defect detection is manual detection, among these techniques are ultrasound testing, thermal detection, X-ray detection, digital holography, among others. The X-ray or technical radiography allows the analysis of all the internal components of the tire, such as the bead structure and the different layers of rubber and cords, whether metallic or textile. The task of detecting defects using X-ray images is done manually, which causes loss of time and costs for the company. Furthermore, it is a subjective, inefficient, time-consuming and even biased process as it requires a high level of concentration and focus. The objective of this work is the digitization of the conventional process of analysis of quality failures in metallic radial tires using algorithms developed with Artificial Intelligence resources, capable of identifying and classifying defects present in X-Ray images. This work presents a brief introduction about what the tire is, as well as the development of the proposed algorithm, using classic image segmentation techniques with a Computer Vision library and two different convolutional neural network structures. Through the comparison, it was verified that the algorithm based on U-Net obtained more relevant results, however, the algorithm based on Mask R-CNN was also promising and could be useful in new works, with a larger database and different settings parameters.
Fertilizer and Global Food Security
Authors: Roy Amit
Published: April 2024

Fertilizer and Global Food Security By Amit H. Roy www.ifdc.org Presented at the 6th National Fertilizer Conference “Towards Increased Use of Fertilizer and Improved Seed for Food Security and Economic Growth”for Food Security and Economic Growth” August 20-21, 2009, Nairobi, Kenya
Developing creative thinking abilities in mathematics education: A systematic literature review
Authors: Susilawati Susilawati , Prabowo Ardhi , Zaenuri Zaenuri , Waluya Budi
Published: April 2024

Mathematical creative thinking ability is the ability to think logically and divergently to produce ideas or various kinds of solutions to given mathematical problems. This systematic review of literature aims to look at research trends related to creative thinking abilities in mathematics education, indicators, research methodology, and learning models used in developing mathematical creative thinking abilities. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was carried out using the PRISMA method. This paper reviews 30 research articles from 2019 to 2023 from which such data were obtained from Scopus. The findings show that research themes such as tests, abilities, and creative thinking have been widely carried out. Indicators of creative thinking abilities that are often used are fluency, flexibility, and originality. The learning models or approaches that are widely used in developing creative thinking skills in mathematics education are contextual learning models such as problem-based learning and STEM/STEAM. These findings are useful for researchers and teachers.
Keywords: Creative thinking; learning model; mathematics education; PRISMA; systematic literature.
Widening the Circle: Teaching English for Specific Purposes in the Light of Content-Based Instruction
Authors: Abdat Yassamina
Published: April 2024

Language instruction based on content is not a new idea; it originated in English-speaking countries such as the USA, Canada, and many European countries that study content subjects in English. Accordingly, it has become a widely adopted pedagogical approach to English for Academic Purposes. The teaching of English to speakers of other languages, including Algeria, however, abounds with multiple acronyms, causing teachers to become confused, and even disoriented when considering English for Specific Purposes, English for Academic Purposes, and Content-Based Instruction. The rationale of this purely theoretical-based article is to understand the current pedagogical practices in language across the curriculum and strive to unearth and uncover how English for Specific Purpose courses can be taught by implementing Content-based Instruction as a syllabus, by reviewing some linguistic, and pedagogical rationales as well as principles for the application of this framework for foreign language learners in higher education, more precisely in the ESP context. Besides, the study suggests some teaching models that are meant to help English language instructors to be content teachers in some circumstances and language-competent teachers in other contexts.

Keywords:  Content-Based Instruction; teacher; Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
L1 content adaptations and English language teaching at tertiary level: Case of EFL learners at Tlemcen University
Authors: Hadjadj Choayb
Published: April 2024

The Algerian reforms in higher education have shifted from the communicative approach towards the Competency-Based Instruction and the role of the teacher has changed to someone who caters to his learner's needs. On the other hand, the Englishization process of Algerian higher education obliged subject matter teachers in different fields to learn English, which is considered a foreign language in Algeria. This exploratory research paper strives to present the findings of a study measuring the success of English Medium lectures relying on L1 content adaptations. In other words, this study examines the adapted English lectures’ content taught to students belonging to the Department of Political Sciences studying at Tlemcen University, to investigate which changes, if any, accompany the linguistic shift from L1 to English-medium teaching. It takes into account our target population, which is represented by 50 Master One Public Administration students who belong to the University of Tlemcen. Two research instruments were used in this study: an achievement test and a questionnaire.  The analysis revealed the learner's good quality output and positive response to the Learning Oriented Assessment (LOA) model.

Keywords: Content adaptations; Englishization; integrated content and language; learning-oriented assessment ; political sciences.
The Needs and Attitudes of Disciplinary-Based Teachers in the Pursuit of an English Language Reform in Algerian Higher Education
Authors: Benabdallah Awicha
Published: April 2024

Future change is urged by the Algerian Higher Education and Scientific Research. This includes introducing English as a language of instruction at the tertiary level due to the critical importance of this target as a language of science and technology. The purpose of this study is to investigate how university teachers perceive this shift and its primary potentials, attitudes, and needs. To this end, an exploratory case study was conducted with 66 disciplinary teachers and 4 administrative responsible from the University of Tlemcen and the Higher School of Management. The data collection was conducted using a questionnaire and semi-structured interview. Results revealed that this current reform would be of great benefit to the Algerian university and scientific research, as most of the teachers expressed their positive attitude due to the various opportunities and benefits it would create for the teacher as a researcher.
Keywords: Algerian education; language reform; needs, teachers’ attitudes.
Eficiencia de un sistema de fertirrigación en la aplicación de un bioestimulante a base de microalgas Phyco Plus usando filtros de malla y anillos
Authors: Gómez-Calderón Natalia
Published: April 2024

En el marco del proyecto de investigación “Determinación de las características fisicoquímicas y evaluación de la viabilidad económica de un prototipo de biofertilizante a base de microalgas costarricenses (Fase II)”, se evalúo la eficiencia de un sistema de fertirrigación al aplicar el bioestimulante a base de microalgas Phyco Plus comparando la filtración con malla y anillos de 120 mesh, debido a que son los filtros de uso común en la horticultura costarricense. Se realizaron pruebas en el campo de prácticas de la Escuela de Ingeniería Agrícola del TEC en un sistema de fertirriego con emisores de 1,9 Lh-1 a una presión de 7 mca siguiendo la metodología propuesta por Christiansen para determinar uniformidad de distribución del riego. Se determinó que la filtración con anillos de 120 mesh, ofrece un coeficiente de uniformidad más alto al aplicar el bioestimulante y que es recomendable considerar en el tiempo del fertirriego la limpieza del lateral después de la aplicación de la dosis inyectada en el sistema.
Extracción de modelos de conocimiento a partir de libros de texto y su aplicación en los negocios
Authors: Alpizar-Chacon Isaac
Published: April 2024

Este artículo describe un enfoque innovador para la extracción de modelos de conocimiento a partir de libros de texto y su aplicación en los negocios. A través de un proceso detallado, que incluye la extracción, vinculación, enriquecimiento, análisis y formalización, se crean modelos de conocimiento de alta calidad. Este proceso es el resultado de una investigación doctoral, y en este artículo se ofreceun resumen ejecutivo de la misma. Los modelos creados tienen aplicaciones en la educación, pero también pueden ser usados potencialmente en el ámbito empresarial. En ese sentido, este artículo explora también las posibilidades de adaptar este proceso para interpretar y procesar documentos empresariales esenciales.
A Study on the seal of Lee, in-sang(1710-1760
Authors:   The Korean Society of Calligraphy, Sung In-guen
Published: April 2024

李麟祥自當世代以来，作为书法家名声远扬，而不是作为画家。但是,他早早地就在美術史方面受到关注,从1980年代开始, 对他的画的研究成果。 此后,进入2000年代后,他的书法研究成果不断。 书法家研究较晚的原因有研究者背负,也有他知名作品较少的原因。 他虽然是老論出身,但一生都无法摆脱曾祖父是庶子的身份弱点。 这种制约使他走上了与崇明主义相同的时代保守性相伴的步伐。 但也有人认为,他的那种保守倾向反而成为他更加回归艺术根源的因素。 李麟祥所属的18世纪執权老論層,对政治权力进行了專擔,因此在文化全般中巩固了正統性和保守意識,在确保书法正统性的篆书方面也培养出了很多名家。 可以看出,李麟祥从很早开始就投入于篆书的背景也是与从西人系中传来的书法氛围和軌一起的。 他在书体中也沉迷于篆书的第二个背景是他一生中堅持的,也许是在时代错误的“对命义理”中寻找的。 他的这种时代認識使他先秦文字的原形性回歸，并被视为与文人们一起守护名分和节义的“清流意識”。 这种现象源于生活在明末清初的王族及士大夫们成为“遺民”,埋头于书畫这一点。 本论文试图接近此前未能正式进行的李麟祥的篆刻。 他是18世纪中后期文学和藝術史中处于重要地位的人物，特别是在篆刻方面取得了不同于以往的高水平自家风，这一点应该被重视。 本论文首先确认了他的篆书淵源，综合至今为止可以确认的篆刻印影，试图确认篆刻和特質。
On one problem of quadcopter control with given intermediate values of different parts of coordinates
Authors: Barseghyan Vanya R. , Simonyan Tamara A.
Published: April 2024

The work is devoted to the issues of mathematical modeling of the spatial motion of a quadcopter and the construction of program control laws that ensure flight with the values of part of the coordinates of the phase vector specified at intermediate times. A structural diagram of a quadcopter with four propeller engines is used, which allows for movement in space, vertical takeoff and landing. Based on the laws of theoretical mechanics, a system of differential equations is obtained that describes the spatial motion of such a quadcopter. For a linearized mathematical model of quadcopter motion, the problem of constructing program control laws with given initial and final values of the phase vector, as well as the values of part of the coordinates of the phase vector at two intermediate moments of time, has been solved. A necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of program control is obtained and the corresponding movement of the quadcopter is described. Control functions and corresponding phase trajectories of motion are constructed. To illustrate the results obtained, for specific initial, final and intermediate values, explicit expressions of the program control function, program motion are obtained and the corresponding graphs are constructed.
On well-posedness of a mathematical model of evoked activity in the primary visual cortex
Authors: Burlakov Evgenii O. , Verkhlyutov Vitaly M. , Malkov Ivan N.
Published: April 2024

We propose a mathematical model that formalizes the macro- and meso-level dynamics of electrical potentials in the primary visual cortex of subjects, which corresponds to the presentation of visual stimuli to them. The mathematical framework is based on a twolayer neural field model, represented by a system of integro-differential equations, where the deep layer of the neural field models electrical activity that does not depend directly on the spatial orientation of the visual stimuli, whereas the activity of the superficial layer is sensitive to spatially oriented stimuli. The experimental design of presenting a series of visual stimuli is formalised in the present study in terms of an impulse control problem for the aforementioned two-layer neural field model. We propose a special metric space for construction of a unique solution to the control problem under standard assumptions for mathematical neurobiology regarding the functions involved in the modeling equations. We formulate sufficient conditions for continuous dependence of the solutions on the impulse control.
Processos de Apreciação Ética como Barreira à Investigação nos Cuidados de Saúde Primários: Reflexão sobre a Submissão de um Estudo Multicêntrico
Authors: Gil Conde Margarida , Correia Gil , Ramos Raquel , Santiago Luiz Miguel
Published: April 2024

N/a.
Fatores promotores de satisfação dos coordenadores de cursos de doutorado em universidades portuguesas
Authors: Gonzaga Kátia Valéria Pereira , Pedro Neuza Sofia Guerreiro
Published: April 2024

Introdução/Objetivo: Este artigo trata sobre os fatores promotores de satisfação dos coordenadores, dos cursos do terceiro ciclo da pós-graduação portuguesa, programas de doutoramento, na área da Educação, em quatro universidades públicas portuguesas, tendo em vista as exigências legais, o contexto contemporâneo europeu e as práticas regulatórias vigentes. Metodologia/Resultados: O estudo de abordagem quali-quantitativa, com revisão bibliográfica e documental, entrevistas semiestruturadas e análise de conteúdo, sinalizou os seguintes resultados: que o nível de satisfação moderada, elevada, ou ausência dela, expressam relação com três grandes dimensões: desafios contextuais (pandemia do COVID 19, uso de tecnologia e pressão vivida frente à globalização econômica), interesses e valores pessoais e da equipe docente, e, influências políticas (Institucionais, Governamentais e Europeia). Conclusão: O estudo reforça que a Universidade, como espaço legítimo de produção de conhecimento para transformação social, não pode se eximir da sua função legítima de uma sociedade com igualdade e equidade, contrabalançando os efeitos da atual hegemonia econômica global.
The Treatment of Steroid-Refractory Severe Gastrointestinal Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Children after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Single-Centre Experience
Authors: Aygüneş Utku , Karagün Barbaros , Şaşmaz Hatice İlgen , Antmen Ali Bulent , Tümgör Gökhan
Published: April 2024

Acute graft-versus-host disease is a common complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Systemic steroid therapy is the first-line treatment for acute graft-versus-host disease, although about half of patients will become refractory to treatment. We aimed to evaluate treatment options by reviewing available alternatives for patients with steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease by comparing data from recently published studies. We retrospectively studied the safety and efficacy of treatment in 22 children with steroid‐dependent/refractory acute GVHD between the years 2010 and 2023. Seven (31.8%) out of 22 patients with acute graft-versus-host disease were still alive. The seven surviving patients have been followed for an average of 1141 (±403) days. 15 non-responders with grade III/IV acute graft-versus-host disease died from causes associated with acute graft-versus-host disease and/or other conditions. Among 15 patients who died, the number of patients who received all three treatments, MSC, ECP and infliximab, was 5 (33%). The most common cause of death was infection (8 cases in 15 patients, 53.3%). Other causes of death were gastrointestinal hemorrhages (n=5, 33.3%), and intracranial hemorrhages (n=2, 13.3%). When factors causing morbidity were evaluated, it was observed that three patients developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, two patients developed hepatic veno-occlusive disease, and one patient developed hypertension. The estimated probability of survival after 1 year was 31.8%, and the median survival was 655 days. We believe that it would be crucial to show the safety and efficacy of novel treatments in comprehensive, randomized clinical trials.
Analysis of seed dormancy breakage and seedling growth in sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) through the electrical stimulation method: a scientific perspective aimed at promoting bioethanol production
Authors: Sousa Johann Pereira , Lima Claudio
Published: April 2024

This pioneering study meticulously focused on the underexplored realm of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), utilizing commercial seeds to mitigate potential biases. The research intricately interwove the intricate facets of electrical stimulation, delineating its profound implications on the estimative bioethanol production of sweet sorghum, with potential extrapolation to future investigations involving sugarcane. Executed within the controlled confines of a greenhouse, after seed treatment procured from a local market, the commercial seeds underwent an electrifying metamorphosis. In the pursuit of enhancing the fresh biomass output of sweet sorghum, a nuanced interplay with electrical currents transpired. Noteworthy findings surfaced, elucidating that the attainment of optimal outcomes necessitated meticulous control over the applied electrical current. The identified optimal parameter advocated maintaining a conservative threshold of 50 mA during a seed treatment duration spanning approximately 15 min. However, as the experimental cadence intensified, the narrative evolved with a bold revelation, indicating that exploration of higher electrical currents, peaking at 150 mA, could yield favorable results under the condition of a truncated seed treatment time, notably as brief as 5 min. The delicate equilibrium achieved in this electrical choreography presented a compelling prospect for redefining the production paradigm of sweet sorghum. After analyzing the germination results, the estimative production projections derived from treatment #3 paint a vivid picture of the sorghum biomass production potential. A visionary forecast materialized, envisioning an impressive 25 t/ha of sweet sorghum, coupled with a remarkable total conversion rate into bioethanol reaching 1.5 million cubic meters. This transcendence transcends the boundaries of a conventional study; it signifies a leap into the future, pushing the envelope of conventional wisdom in the relentless pursuit of innovation in sustainable energy.
Potential of Albizia zygia and Albizia lebbeck leafy biomasses as organic soil amendments on the growth and yield of okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench
Authors: Mohammed Adams Latif , Tackie Yasser Arafat , Addai Frank
Published: April 2024

In the array to assess the suitability of using amendments from nitrogen fixing trees in agroforestry, the response of okra to Albizia lebbeck and Albizia zygia leafy biomasses as soil amendments were investigated at the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources Demonstration Farm in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of different levels of A. lebbeck and A. zygia leafy biomasses on the growth and yield of okra in a randomized complete block design. Four treatments were used and allocated as T1 (Control, no biomass), T2 (0.2454 kg of A. lebbeck leafy biomass per 2.7 m2), T3 (0.2932 kg of A. zygia leafy biomass per 2.7 m2), T4 (0.2127 kg of A. lebbeck leafy biomass + 0.1466 kg of A. zygia leafy biomass per 2.7 m2. The treatments were replicated four times. Growth in height, stem diameter, fruit yield and fruit dry weight were the parameters investigated on. The application of A. lebbeck and A. zygia leafy biomasses as soil amendment significantly improve the growth (height and stem diameter) and yield (fruit yield and fruit dry weight) of okra compared to the control treatment during the twelve weeks period of the experiment (p˂0.05). Therefore, A. lebbeck and A. zygia leafy biomass amendments are recommended for use by okra farmers, as it has great prospects for use in soil fertility improvement.
Simulation and synoptic investigation of a severe dust storm originated from the Urmia Lake in the Middle East
Authors:   Air and Climate Technology Company (ACTC), Iran, Hossein Hamzeh Nasim , Ranjbar Saadat Abadi Abbas ,   Atmospheric Science & Meteorological Research Center (ASMERC), Iran, Abdukhakimovich Shukurov Karim ,   A.M. Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Russia, Mhawish Alaa ,   National Center for Meteorology, KSA, Alam Khan ,   University of Peshawar, Pakistan, Opp Christian ,   Philipps-Universität Marburg, Germany
Published: April 2024

Dried lake beds are one of the largest sources of dust in the world, causing environmental problems in the surrounding areas. In this study, the desiccated Urmia Lake was the primary source of dust for all nearby synoptic stations during the April 24-25, 2017 dust episode. Synoptic analysis revealed that the heavy dust storm was triggered by a strong Black Sea cyclone and a low-pressure system over central Iraq in conjunction with a vast high-pressure system. HYSPLIT-based trajectory analysis showed that high PM10 recorded over the Urmia Lake region on April 23-26, 2017, influenced western Azerbaijan, the south of the Caspian Sea, southwestern Kazakhstan, northwestern Uzbekistan, and western Turkmenistan. The dustiest air masses (PM10 > 400 µg m–3) affected the south of the Caspian Sea and western Azerbaijan. Furthermore, the WRF-Chem model was run to evaluate the spatial distribution of dust particles in the study region. The vertical profile revealed that the simulated dust concentration ascended to 5 km from the lake. The WRF-Chem dust schemes accurately simulated dust propagation and the vertical dust profile over Urmia Lake; however, the AFWA and GOCART dust schemes showed that PM10 fluctuating changes were earlier than the measured surface PM10 at five stations around Urmia Lake on April 23-26, 2017. Furthermore, the maximum amount anticipated by the model simulation was 12 h earlier than the maximum surface mass concentration of measured PM10 at the stations throughout the period.
Cyclic Gas Injection EOR Pilot in Tight Viking Sand Pool
Authors: Xie Jin , Neima Andrew
Published: April 2024

The primary goal of this project was to prove the feasibility of a Cyclic Gas Injection/Production (Huff & Puff) enhanced oil recovery (EOR) scheme and evaluate its economic viability in the Viking formation in Saskatchewan, Canada. Historically, the Viking formation has challenging waterflood economics due to limited injectivity into the tight sand reservoir and formation damage caused by movable and swelling clays. The objectives were to test horizontal well injectivity at desired pressures, assess the use of produced gas injection to repressurize the extremely depleted Viking reservoir, evaluate enhanced oil recovery with various inter-well spacings, and to optimize injection and production cycle lengths.

This pilot was designed by utilizing analytical evaluation and numerical simulation. The Huff & Puff pilot consists of four 0.7 mile (1100 m) horizontal wells with two different inter-well spacings; 667 ft vs 1333 ft (200 m vs 400 m). The pilot consisted of two parallel horizontal well pairs, which were designed to alternate injection and production cycles. A detailed reservoir surveillance program was implemented to collect extensive data, including reservoir and wellhead pressures, gas composition analysis, production and injection rates of the pilot wells, and the production rates of surrounding wells to evaluate reservoir response and pilot performance.

Whitecap has been operating this pilot project since its initiation in September 2021 with technical success. Six Huff & Puff cycles with varying durations, between one to three months on injection, have been completed without major operating issues. Per-well injectivity has reached higher than designed 750 Mscf/d (21 e3m3/d) at desired surface pressures. Through the course of six injection cycles, average reservoir pressure has increased from an initial 174-319 psi (1.2-2.2 MPa) to 623-885 psi (4.3-6.1 MPa). The incremental oil recovery factor for the pilot area is expected to be 1%, which is considerable for a reservoir with typical primary recovery factors expected to be only 6-8%. The gas injection has resulted in production increases in some offset wells, and a higher degree of gas breakthrough has been observed in the section with 667 ft (200 m) well spacing. The 3-month injection cycle has resulted in the largest incremental recovery and cycle time optimization efforts are ongoing. The pilot results are encouraging, indicating that a cyclic gas injection EOR scheme could have potential for further commercial expansion.

The pilot has demonstrated Huff & Puff's potential economic viability as an EOR scheme for the tight Viking sand formation, which is one of the most prominent producing formations with low oil recovery factors in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB). There is no such published pilot information available before. Detailed pilot design, production performance evaluation and learnings are presented in this paper.
Lessons Learned from Laboratory Study and Field Application of Re-Crosslinkable Preformed Particle Gels RPPG for Conformance Control in Mature Oilfields with Conduits/Fractures/Fracture-Like Channels
Authors: Bai Baojun , Schuman Thomas , Smith David , Song Tao
Published: April 2024

This paper surveys the role of re-crosslinkable preformed particle gels (RPPG) in addressing conformance challenges within mature oilfields. Despite widespread preformed particle gel (PPG) application in 15,000+ wells, their limitations in sealing fractures and conduits prevalent in mature reservoirs have driven the development of RPPG formulations. Synthesized in various sizes from micrometer to millimeter levels, these environmentally friendly RPPGs are tailored for diverse reservoir conditions. Findings showcase the successful laboratory-scale creation and upscaling of RPPG products, offering adaptability to temperatures from 20 to 175°C, customizable sizes, swelling ratios (5 to 40 times), and re-crosslinking times spanning minutes to days. Field applications, notably in Alaska's West Sak field, demonstrate the efficacy of RPPG in resolving Wormhole/Void Space Conduit issues. The paper outlines preferred functionality, properties, evaluation methods, application conditions, and field outcomes, emphasizing RPPG's amalgamation of PPG advantages and in-situ gels into a singular composition, mitigating uncertainties while markedly improving plugging efficiency in fractures and conduits through a rubber-like bulk gel formation. This comprehensive review presents RPPG as a pivotal innovation, poised to revolutionize conformance strategies in many mature oilfields, offering a promising solution to prevailing reservoir challenges
Huff-N-Puff Foam Injection in Naturally Fractured Carbonates Using Supercritical CO2
Authors: Elkhatib O. , Abdallah M. , Elnaggar H. , Hanamertani A. S. , Al-Shalabi E. , Ahmed S.
Published: April 2024

Foam injection into naturally fractured reservoirs unequivocally has superior merits over pure gas injection. In this study, we present a novel foam generation strategy that incorporates the co-injection of surfactant and supercritical CO2 with huff-n-puff technique for the efficient diversion of the foaming gas into the rock matrix of fractured carbonates. A series of high pressure and temperature experiments were performed in fractured Indiana limestone cores with different permeabilities. First, gas injection was attempted to displace the oil from the fracture followed by foam flooding through the co-injection of a zwitterionic surfactant as a foaming agent and supercritical CO2. Then, a soaking period commenced at 200 psi above the preset pore pressure. Another co-injection of the foaming agent and scCO2 was carried out thereafter. The effect of the soaking pressure was evaluated by further utilizing 500 psi above the preset pore pressure in a subsequent soaking cycle. Similarly, this step was followed by a final foam injection to evaluate the potential increase in oil recovery.

The incremental recovery by foam injection over gas flooding, i.e., 21-24%, was attributed to the foam invasion into the permeable pathways in the rock matrix while the selective diversion of surfactant solution and the increase in foam strength were the responsible mechanisms for oil recovery from the low-permeability core. In the latter case, the gradual evolution of foam strength was corroborated by the rising pressure drop across the fractured core. Besides, the imbibing surfactant solution across the fracture surface behind the foam front drove the crude oil production along the path ahead of the foam front, aligning with the mechanism of countercurrent imbibition. Subsequent soaking of the foam into the fractured cores managed to provide enough pressure and time for the invading scCO2 to develop hydraulic conductivity throughout the rock matrix mobilizing and relocating crude oil from previously inaccessible and deep pores toward fracture-neighboring pores. Subsequent foam injection produced this mobilized oil inducing an incremental oil recovery of 6% and 17% from the high- and low-permeability cores, respectively. Higher soaking pressure yielded even more oil recovery highlighting the role played by the scCO2 phase pressure in overcoming the threshold capillary pressure of rock matrix in mobilizing their resident oil and brine phases. As a result, the proposed foam huff-n-puff technique has proven to produce significantly higher oil recoveries from both high and low permeable limestones. Besides, tighter rocks with lower permeability would have the greatest benefit from the proposed procedure which indicates its promising potential performance in unconventional and ultra-tight reservoirs.
An Improved Reservoir Understanding of the Impact of Initial Oil Composition and Residual Oil Saturation on Brine Composition and Calcite Scaling During CO2 – WAG EOR in Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Gusmao P. B. , Mackay E. J. , Sorbie K. S.
Published: April 2024

This paper provides an improved understanding of the impact of initial oil composition and residual oil saturation on brine composition and calcite scaling during CO2 Water-Alternating-Gas (WAG) Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) in carbonate reservoirs. It assesses the impact of different initial oil compositions and residual oil saturations in the reservoir using reactive transport modelling. Geochemical parameters, such as concentrations of CO2, Ca2+, HCO3- and pH are analysed as the propagating injection fronts reach the producer block.

The study uses a 1D model of WAG injection in a carbonate core, assuming a light oil and desulphated seawater injection into calcite as the rock substrate. The isothermal reactive transport modelling is performed using a compositional reservoir simulator coupled to a geochemical model that uses the WOLERY database. Formation water and injected water compositions are based on published data for Brazilian pre-salt fields. Henry's Law is used to calculate CO2 partitioning, particularly from residual oil into injected brine. Typically, solubility of CO2 will be greater in the injection than in the formation brines.

The results show that the higher the residual oil saturation, the longer that the injected brine becomes saturated with CO2 before the CO2 is depleted from the oleic phase. Hence, calcite dissolution due to acidification of the injection brine continues for longer, the higher the residual oil saturation. Therefore, calcium and bicarbonate concentrations remain high for longer in the produced brine after injection water breakthrough, increasing the scaling risk.

The scale risk becomes even greater in reservoirs with an initial oil composition rich in CO2. This is because there is more CO2 dissolved in the oil phase which will partition into the brine during the water injection cycle. As a result, the waterfront becomes more reactive for longer and hence dissolves more calcite, thus leading to a higher level of calcite scaling in the production system.

The conclusion is that CO2 partitioning from the oleic to the injected aqueous phase has a greater impact on in situ calcite dissolution and reprecipitation in the producer wells than does CO2 partitioning from the injected gas directly into the aqueous phase.

This work demonstrates, for the first time, how the residual oil saturation and initial oil composition impact geochemical reactivity in carbonate reservoirs, affecting the extent of in situ fluid-rock interactions. It demonstrates that the higher the CO2 concentration in the initial oil and the higher the residual oil saturation, the greater the calcite scaling risk in production wells during water breakthrough, with the residual oil facilitating mass transfer into injected brine.
Evaluation of Future CO2 Injection in Denver City Field for Enhanced Oil Recovery and CO2 Storage
Authors: Mukhtar Muhammad Haseeb , Ehlig-Economides Christine , Behm Ed , Zargar Zeinab , Lawson Jacob , Saihood Tariq , Yao Shengyu
Published: April 2024

Operating companies are finding that mature oil fields close to CO2 pipeline and processing infrastructure may offer an attractive option for enhanced oil recovery with improved returns aided by 45Q CO2 storage incentives. This case study evaluates future EOR and CCUS scenarios for the Denver City field in West Texas. Forecasts consider multiple options ranging from requiring little to no capital (more injection into existing patterns) to significant investment including the additional drilling of project expansion wells to prospective pattern areas.

The evaluation of the Denver City field with more than 50 wells penetrating a 50 ft oil column and 240 ft of residual oil zone included the historically active 1000-acre area includes surrounding area expanding evaluation considerations to about 5200 Ac for monitoring the area of potential CO2 influence. Analog Wasson Field information filled data gaps. Inter-well connectivity models suggested well constraints and identified workover opportunities. These analyses supported forecast assumptions made for continuous injection and WAG scenarios. Mature field areas with past CO2 injection for EOR purposes are contrasted with new patterns available for CCUS.

Out of the nine active inverted 5-spot patterns, six mature southern patterns offer diminishing EOR returns from additional CO2 injection. Converting adjacent waterflood patterns to continuous CO2 injection followed by water alternating gas (WAG) provides the best enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and CO2 storage value with less recycle volumes. Depending on the level of incentive provided to the EOR project, additional drilling may be warranted to extend oil recovery on the edges of the field and maximize the CO2 storage into additional available pore space.

Dimensionless modeling provided forecasts for various options while 45Q incentives are active. A low investment case injecting significantly more CO2 into existing CO2 patterns showed poor performance and efficiency. Horizontal wells added to the project may improve near term cashflow while providing future wells that can be used as in the CCUS project as injection wells or maintained as producing wells. Performance to date shows improved oil recovery from both main oil column and the residual oil zone due to CO2 injection. Based on these results, short-term and long -term recommendations address long-term CO2 storage volumes as well as expansion considerations.

45Q tax incentives for CCUS projects provide support for marginal mature field use for carbon capture projects. Maximizing short term oil production and CO2 retention while minimizing gas recycling may alter the priorities of conventional CO2 EOR flooding. Oil field anticlines provide excellent candidates for CCUS projects.