bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative Analytical Method for X-Ray Imaging and Space-Resolved Spectroscopy of ECR Plasmas
Authors: Naselli Eugenia , Rácz Richard , Biri Sandor , Mazzaglia Maria , Celona Luigi , Gammino Santo , Torrisi Giuseppe , Perduk Zoltan , Galatà Alessio , Mascali David
Published: October 2021

At INFN-LNS, and in collaboration with the ATOMKI laboratories, an innovative multi-diagnostic system with advanced analytical methods has been designed and implemented. This is based on several detectors and techniques (Optical Emission Spectroscopy, RF systems, Interfero-polarimetry, X-ray detectors) and here we focus on high resolution spatially-resolved X-ray spectroscopy, performed by means of a X-ray pin-hole camera setup operating in the 0.5−20 keV energy domain. The diagnostic system was installed at a 14 GHz Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) ion source (ATOMKI, Debrecen), enabling high precision X-ray spectrally-resolved imaging of ECR plasmas heated by hundreds of Watts. The achieved spatial and energy resolution were 0.5 mm and 300 eV at 8 keV, respectively. We here present the innovative analysis algorithm that we properly developed for obtaining Single Photon-Counted (SPhC) images providing the local plasma emitted spectrum in a High-Dynamic-Range (HDR) mode, by distinguishing fluorescence lines of the materials of the plasma chamber (Ti, Ta) from plasma (Ar). This method allows a quantitative characterization of warm electrons population in the plasma (and its 2D distribution) which are the most important for ionization, and also to estimate local plasma density and spectral temperatures. The developed post-processing analysis is also able to remove the readout noise, that is often observable at very low exposure times (msec). The setup is now under update including fast shutters and trigger systems in order to allow simultaneously space and time-resolved plasma spectroscopy during transients, stable and turbulent regimes.
The Importance of Screening for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer: Epidemiological Review
Authors: Hardikar Navneetha
Published: October 2021

Abstract – Objective: Ovarian cancer, although not possessing a high incidence, is still the most common cancer-related deaths among women diagnosed with a gynecologic malignancy. The present study aims to highlight the epidemiology, risk factors of this disease and the significance of development of improved early detection strategies. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using current published English studies by searching PubMed and Google Scholar. The search strategy included the keywords “ovarian cancer”, “diagnosis”, “risk factors”, “screening”, “epidemiology”. Studies on incidence and mortality were also considered. Case reports were excluded.Results: The highest incidence and mortality rates are observed in Central and Eastern Europe, while rates are relatively low in Asia and Africa. These rates are highest among the white population (14.3 per 100,000) and lowest among blacks (10 per 100,000) and Asians (9.7 per 100,000). The risk factors for this disease includes a family history, hormonal factors, nutrition and diet and physical activity, with some of them playing protective roles in reducing risk of ovarian cancers. There are no reliable screening methods for ovarian cancers. The most common diagnosis methods include a transvaginal ultrasound and a blood test to detect CA125 markers.Conclusions: The mortality rate of ovarian cancer is gradually increasing; thus, preventative measures are required to reduce lifetime risk of ovarian cancers and improve mortality rate.
Modifying Geopolymer Wettability by Plasma Treatment and Fly Ash
Authors: Růžek Vojtěch , Louda Petr , Just Paweł , Prałat Karol , Ciemnicka Justyna , Plaskota Przemysław , Buczkowska Katarzyna Ewa
Published: October 2021

This paper deals with investigation of changes in geopolymer wettability with increasing mass fraction of high-carbon fly ash and surface treatment by cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). In this study, multiple samples of geopolymers were prepared, including those with 5% and 10% of high-carbon fly ash from coal-fired power station. Wettability of samples was then measured before and after plasma treatment, both on surface and cut surface. While addition of fly ash only had low effect on the wettability, as in most cases, it only lowered the initial contact angle without speeding up the speed of soaking for compact geopolymer and actually slowed the soaking for foamed geopolymer, plasma treatment had significant impact and made the geopolymer hydrophobic.
The Application of Blockchain-Based Life Cycle Assessment on an Industrial Supply Chain
Authors: Lin Xuda , Li Xing , Kulkarni Sameer , Zhao Fu
Published: October 2021

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a widely recognized tool used to evaluate environmental impacts of a product or process, based on the environmental inventory database and bills of material. Data quality is one of the most significant factors affecting the analysis results. However, currently most datasets in inventory databases are generic i.e., they may represent material and energy flow of a process at market average, instead of a specific process used by a manufacturer. As a result, stockholders are unable to track their supply chain to find out the actual environmental impact from each supplier and to compare the environmental performance of alternative options. In this paper, we developed a new framework i.e., blockchain based LCA (BC-LCA), where block-chain technology is adapted to secure and transmit inventory data from upstream suppliers to downstream manufacturers. With BC-LCA, more specific data can be acquired along the supply chain in a real-time manner. Moreover, the availability, accuracy, privacy, and automatic update of inventory data can be improved. A case study is provided based on an industrial supply chain, to demonstrate the utilization of BC-LCA.
A Simulation Analysis of an Influenza Vaccine Production Plant in Areas of High Humanitarian Flow. A Case Study for the Region of Norte de Santander (Colombia)
Authors: Contreras-Ropero Jefferson Eduardo , Ruiz-Roa Silvia Liliana , García-Martínez Janet B. , Urbina-Suarez Néstor A. , López-Barrera Germán L. , Barajas-Solano Andrés F. , Zuorro Antonio
Published: October 2021

The production of vaccines of biological origin presents a tremendous challenge for researchers. In this context, animal cell cultures are an excellent alternative for the isolation and production of biologicals against several viruses since they have an affinity with viruses and a great capacity for their replicability. Different variables have been studied to know the system's ideal parameters, allowing it to obtain profitable and competitive products. Consequently, this work focuses its efforts on evaluating an alternative for producing an anti-influenza biological from MDCK cells using SuperPro Designer v8.0 software. The process uses the DMEN culture medium supplemented with nutrients as raw material for cell development; the MDCK cells were obtained from a potential scale-up with a final working volume of 500 L, four days of residence time, inoculum volume of 10%, and continuous working mode with up to a total of 7400 h/Yr of work. The scheme has the necessary equipment for the vaccine's production, infection, and manufacture with yields of up to 416,698 units/h. In addition, it was estimated to be economically viable to produce recombinant vaccines with competitive prices of up to 0.31 USD/unit.
On the Relationship between Corneal Biomechanics, Macrostructure and Optical Properties
Authors: Ávila Francisco J. , Remón Laura , Marcellán Maria Concepción
Published: October 2021

Optical properties of the cornea are responsible for correct vision, ultrastructure allows optical transparency and biomechanical properties governs the shape, elasticity or stiffness of the cor-nea affecting ocular integrity and intraocular pressure. Therefore, optical aberrations, corneal transparency, structure and biomechanics play a fundamental role in the optical quality of hu-man vision, ocular health and refractive surgery outcomes. However, the convergence of those properties is not yet reported at macroscopic scale within the hierarchical structure of the cornea. This work explores the relationships between biomechanics, structure and optical properties (corneal aberrations and optical density) at macrostructural level of the cornea through dual Placido-Scheimpflug imaging and air-puff tonometry systems in a healthy young adult popula-tion. Results showed convergence between optical transparency, corneal macrostructure and biomechanics.
Precision Public Health Through Serological Biomarkers: An Integrated Surveillance Platform to Inform Public Health Interventions
Authors: Wiens Kirsten , Jauregui Barbara , Arnold Benjamin , Banke Kathryn , Wade Djibril , Hayford Kyla , Costero-Saint Denis Adriana , Hall Robert , Salje Henrik , Rodriguez-Barraquer Isabel , Azman Andrew , Vernet Guy , Leung Daniel
Published: October 2021

The use of biomarkers to measure immune responses in serum is crucial for understanding population-level exposure and susceptibility to human pathogens. Advances in sample collection, multiplex testing, and computational modeling are transforming serosurveillance into a powerful tool for public health program design and response to infectious threats. In July 2018, 70 scientists from 20 countries met to perform a landscape analysis of approaches that support an integrated serosurveillance platform, including the consideration of issues for successful implementation. Here, we summarize the group’s insights and proposed roadmap for implementation, including objectives, technical requirements, ethical issues, logistical considerations, and monitoring and evaluation.
Characteristics of the Recovery of the Coenzyme A-Synthesizing Protein Complex from Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Authors:   ,   University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Tarnowski Stanley
Published: October 2021

A multienzyme complex contained in Bakers' yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which synthesizes CoA has been named the coenzyme A-synthesizing protein complex (CoA-SPC). The CoA-SPC has been shown to be insoluble in the crude Bakers' yeast cell lysate formed by exposing the yeast cell to ether and dry ice. Only after solubilization has this multienzyme complex been shown to catalyze the formation of bound dephospho-CoA utilizing the substrates adenosine triphosphate, D-pantothenic acid and L-cysteine. A low molecular weight component or components of the soluble fraction of the yeast cell and chloride ion appears to be responsible for the solubilization of CoA-SPC. This endogenous component of the yeast cell is referred to as t-Factor. Purification of t-Factor has been accomplished by techniques which have included dialysis, ultrafiltration and paper, permeation, adsorption and ion-exchange chromatography. Although the t-Factor has not been identified, several properties have been demonstrated: (1) the molecular weight is between 400 to 1,000; (2) it is stable to heat at 80°C for 24 hours; (3) it is resistant to hydrolysis by trypsin and protease; (4) it is inactivated by ashing; and (5) has no ultraviolet absorption at 260 mu and 280 my. Replacement of t-Factor by commercially available compounds or solubilizing agents has failed to reveal its identity. A "one-step" purification of CoA-SPC may be obtained by combining partially purified t-Factor with insoluble yeast cell residue. An alternate procedure was developed for the preparation of CoA-SPC. This procedure involves the slow drying and rehydration of the yeast cells, but the need for t-Factor still remains. Sonic oscillation and passage through a french pressure cell, two of the more classical cell breakage techniques, fail to produce active CoA-SPC preparations.
Management Boards and Indonesia's Company Innovation Performance
Authors: Ilona Desi , Zaitul Zaitul , Kwakye Eugene Okyere
Published: October 2021

This study aims to investigate the influence of the management board's characteristics on company innovation performance. Management board characteristics are female in the management board, education background, and Chinese ethnicity in the management board. Resources dependency theory is applied to understand the research phenomena. Using 109 companies listed in the Indonesian stock market, multivariate regression analysis was employed. This study also employed five control variables: family ownership, foreign ownership, company profitability, company leverage, and company size. The result shows that female in management board is negatively related to innovation performance. Besides, family ownership, company profitability, company leverage, and company size positively affect innovative performance.
Trifocal Tibial Bone Transport Using a Magnetic Intramedullary Nail
Authors: Hwang James , Sems Stephen , Yuan Brandon
Published: October 2021

Case:

The patient sustained a pathologic fracture through chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia. Treatment involved resection of bone and soft tissue, leaving a 15-cm diaphyseal tibial defect. We designed a construct to allow for trifocal bone transport using a magnetic intramedullary lengthening nail connected to cables. This technique uses cables secured to the proximal tibia, the nail, and the transport segments.

Conclusion:

This case details the successful use of trifocal cable-assisted bone transport through a magnetic lengthening intramedullary nail. This technique can successfully be used to reconstruct diaphyseal bone defects that are longer than the stroke length of the magnetic nail.
In Situ Reconstruction of a Painful Sternal Z-Deformity Nonunion in a Severely Osteoporotic and Kyphotic Patient
Authors: Mavrommatis Sophia , Thomas Claire N. , Schroder Lisa K. , Cole Peter A.
Published: October 2021

Case:

An osteoporotic and kyphotic 72-year-old woman presented with sternal pain, severe chest instability, and shortness of breath secondary to a traumatic sternal nonunion resulting from an unhealed sternal fracture sustained in a motor vehicle accident several months earlier. One-year functional and radiographic outcomes are presented with complete resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion:

Consideration for treatment with multiplanar, contourable, locked plating, augmented by autogenous graft, is warranted in the setting of sternal deformity and nonunion, particularly in the setting of osteoporosis and other sagittal plane deformity.
Posterior Talar Body Fracture With Flexor Hallucis Longus Incarceration
Authors: McLaughlin William M. , Moran Jay , Brand Jordan , Kahan Joseph B. , Yoo Brad
Published: October 2021

Case:

A 58-year-old man presented with entrapment of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon between fractured fragments of the talar body. The patient was successfully treated with atypical operative approaches to release the tendon and reduce the fracture. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic with the ability to extend and flex of all toes. This case illustrates a unique surgical approach for this presentation.

Conclusions:

With proper utilization of positioning and fluoroscopy, posterior talar body fractures with entrapment of the FHL can be stabilized and corrected with dual use of medial-sided approaches.
Avaliação da Eficiência do Programa Bolsa Família nos Municípios do Paraná
Authors: Cattelan Renata , Bezerra Fernanda Mendes , Mello Gilmar Ribeiro de
Published: October 2021

Este artigo procurou avaliar a eficiência relativa dos municípios paranaenses na aplicação dos valores repassados pelo Programa Bolsa Família nos anos de 2006 e 2015, levando em consideração os resultados de três variáveis consideradas condicionalidades do programa. Na área de saúde a imunização por cobertura vacinal total, na área de educação a taxa de aprovação e a taxa de não distorção idade/série, utilizadas como outputs. Os inputs selecionados foram o número de famílias beneficiárias e o valor repassado ao município pelo programa. A metodologia utilizada foi a Análise Envoltória de Dados (DEA). Os resultados demonstraram que houve melhoras nos outputs de 2006 para 2015, mas que tendo em vista os recursos aplicados pelo programa, os resultados poderiam ter sido melhores. Dos 399 municípios paranaenses, 11 foram considerados eficientes em cada ano da pesquisa.
Theoretical Approaches to the Fragility of States: Proposal for a Comprehensive Model from Political Legitimacy in Statehood Construct
Authors: Rosvadoski-da-Silva Patrícia , Corrêa Gomes Ricardo , Pinheiro Deboçã Leonardo
Published: October 2021

In the academic agenda and in international organizations, the strength or fragility of states is a relevant thematic, especially in light of geopolitical changes and security issues in recent decades. While the concept of state refers to the methods of control that a government employs to manage a given territory, which refers to regimes and forms of government, the fragility of states, as well as concerns of the international community motivated by incapacities, generates a loss of legitimacy internal politics, leading to possible regional collapses and instabilities, the capacity for action is then seen as linked to political legitimacy, which is nourished by the confidence conferred on the internal and external levels. In this context, this work seeks to articulate some theoretical propositions in an attempt to broaden the view on the phenomenon of statehood and its relations with political legitimacy, such propositions are then guiding to a comprehensive model at the end of the article. In this sense, this essay presents as a general proposition: Political Legitimacy, constituent of Statehood, in its relations with regimes and forms of government, and with the trust attributed to political actions, is an intervening factor in Fragility manifest in the States.
Retos de futuro en la gestión de los recursos humanos públicos en Brasil y España
Authors: Nebot Carmen Pineda
Published: October 2021

El objetivo del trabajo es conocer, mediante el estudio comparativo de dos países: Brasil y España, si a pesar de las diferencias tanto de tamaño, territorial como humano, como de desarrollo son similares los retos de futuro a los que se enfrentan en la gestión de los recursos humanos públicos.  Las políticas públicas actuales cada vez más complejas, interconectadas, volátiles y fragmentadas junto con las nuevas  herramientas tecnológicas hacen cada vez más necesario un nuevo perfil de empleados públicos, empleados que deben ser innovadores, con orientación estratégica, flexibles, creativos y motivados. Para ello es preciso, y así lo están planteando muchos expertos, modificar tanto los sistemas de selección de nuevos talentos como de formación de los existentes. Es importante, por tanto, que se utilice una gestión estratégica de los recursos humanos, gestión que debe tener en cuenta las especiales características de lo público.
Dimensões estatal, gerencial e individual da Política Nacional de Prevenção e Controle do Câncer (de Mama): um modelo avaliativo
Authors: Roque Ferreira Daiane Medeiros , Lima Afonso Augusto Teixeira de Freitas de Carvalho , Ferreira Marco Aurélio Marques
Published: October 2021

O objetivo desse estudo foi evidenciar a existência de três dimensões teóricas condicionantes do desempenho na Política Nacional de Prevenção e Controle do Câncer (PNPCC), a saber: a dimensão estatal, em seu aparato legal e estrutural; a dimensão gerencial, por meio da capacidade gerencial municipal; e a dimensão individual, pelo envolvimento da sociedade com comportamentos difundidos pela política.  Além disso, tem-se como proposta desenvolver um modelo para avaliar a PNPCC, o qual denominou-se de Modelo Sinérgico de Avaliação de Desempenho de Política Pública em Saúde (MoSADPPS). Para cumprir os objetivos propostos, foram adotados procedimentos metodológicos quantitativos como a Regressão Linear Logística e a Análise Fatorial. Os resultados confirmam a influência dessas três dimensões no resultado da PNPCC. Também encontrou-se que o melhor desempenho com a Política não está relacionado com melhores níveis de desenvolvimento econômico e social do município, mas possivelmente pela capacidade de gerenciar as políticas públicas de saúde.
Resenha do livro “Inovação e Políticas Públicas: superando o mito da ideia”
Authors: Tonelli Dany Flávio
Published: October 2021

Resenha de livro sobre Inovação e Gestão Pública escrita pelo Prof. Dany Tonelli, coeditor da edição especial da APGS com a SBAP.
Spatiotemporal Rates of Tectonic Deformation and Landscape Evolution above a Laterally Propagating Thrust Fault: Wheeler Ridge Anticline, California, USA
Authors: Kleber Emily J. , DeVecchio Duane E. , Arrowsmith J. Ramón , Rittenour Tammy M.
Published: October 2021

The Wheeler Ridge anticline, located in the southern San Joaquin Valley of California, USA, is a well-studied and classic example of a laterally growing fault propagation fold. New high-resolution lidar elevation data combined with nine infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) ages of discrete geomorphic surfaces that are bounded by prominent transverse wind and river gaps allow for investigation of tectonic topography through time. Luminescence ages from four of the six surfaces yield depositional ages that range from 32 ka to 153 ka, which are broadly consistent with a previously published soil chronosequence. Our graphical modeling indicates an average surface uplift rate of ~2.1 mm/yr and an average along-strike fold propagation rate of ~20 mm/yr. However, our probabilistic modelling and topographic analysis suggest a rate decrease of both uplift and lateral propagation toward the fault tip from ~2.4 to 0.7 mm/yr and from ~49 to 14 mm/yr, respectively. Rate decreases are not progressive but rather occur in punctuated deformational intervals across previously documented structural barriers (tear faults) resulting in a fold that is characterized by discrete segments that exhibit a systematic deformational decrease toward the east. The punctuated tectonic growth of Wheeler Ridge has also locally controlled the topographic evolution of the anticline by effecting the formational timing and position of at least seven wind and river gaps that result from multiple north-flowing antecedent streams that traverse the growing structure. We quantify the timing of wind and river gap formation, based on IRSL results and inferred incision rates, and present a model for the spatiotemporal evolution of transverse drainages and the topographic development of Wheeler Ridge. Our chronology of gap formation broadly correlates with regional Late Pleistocene dry climate intervals suggesting that both tectonics and climate were integral to the geomorphic development of the Wheeler Ridge anticline.
Experimental and Numerical Simulation Study of Flow and Solute Transport in Pore-Fractured Media Based on High-Density Resistivity Method
Authors: Yan Xiaosan , Wang Xiaoyong , Ma Lei , Ge Can , Qian Jiazhong
Published: October 2021

Pore-fractured media is a ubiquitous phenomenon throughout the world and is a high degree of heterogeneity. The mechanism of water flow and solute transport in the media is still not fully clear. In this study, experiments were conducted in pore-fracture media with various hydraulic gradients to establish the relationship between the hydraulic gradient and specific discharge by using a side guide and to test the resistivity of tracer (sodium chloride) by using a high-density resistivity monitoring system. Quantifying models were, respectively, set up, and results were compared with the traditional methods. Main results are obtained that (1) the phenomenon from Darcian flow to non-Darcian flow was found in pore-fractured media. Both the Forchheimer and Izbash equations can well describe the flow process in the back part of the curve; (2) the phenomenon from non-Fickian to Fickian then to non-Fickian was found in fractured media; (3) good performance of CTRW-TPL has been obtained for both the larger R2 and smaller RMSE values, their counterparts resulting from the ADE model.
Shoreline Evolution, Aeolian Deflation and Anhydrite Distribution of the Holocene, Abu Dhabi
Authors: Kirkham Anthony
Published: October 2021

Easier access to most parts of the Abu Dhabi coastline, combined with satellite imagery, has enabled a more detailed examination of the Holocene strata than was possible twenty or thirty years ago. Whilst the basic principles of coastal progradations documented in those early days are still valid, they portrayed an oversimplified picture of the Holocene coastal geomorphology and sabkha sedimentology. New data re-emphasises the importance of antecedant topography in imposing depositional complexity on the Holocene System. Former Holocene shorelines can now be mapped with greater clarity and reveal its highly embayed nature. The Holocene transgressive limits are locally redefined. Some palaeo-highs, that formed earlier Holocene peninsulas, have been completely removed by deflation. Two phases of sabkha anhydrite are recognised and their distributions are largely predictable by remote sensing.
Surface Geology, Lithostratigraphy and Tertiary Growth of the Dammam Dome, Saudi Arabia: A New Field Guide
Authors: Weijermars Ruud
Published: October 2021

The surface geology of the Dammam Dome, Saudi Arabia, is documented in the geographic context of the modern and extensive urban and industrial developments in this area. A new geologic road map shows where key Tertiary outcrops occur relative to major roads, and columnar sections and field photographs illustrate the stratigraphic relationships and support the discussion on depositional environments. Surface geology is also used to infer growth rates for the Dammam field. These rates are generally consistent with those determined from subsurface data in the Awali field. The Dammam Dome is here estimated to have risen at time-averaged rates of 7.5 meters per million years for the Neogene and 7 meters per million years for the Oligocene. The nearby Awali Dome below Bahrain Island, likewise cored by Hormuz Salt, grew at 2.5 meters per million years during the Early Cretaceous, accelerated to 9 meters per million years during the Late Cretaceous, and uplift continued at 5.6 meters per million years during the Tertiary and Quaternary. This paper may also serve as a practical field guide for geologists visiting the Eastern Province, whether industry professionals, students or faculty.
Structural Influences on Facies Trends of Carbonate Inner Ramp Systems, Examples from the Kuwait-Saudi Arabian Coast of the Arabian Gulf and Norhtern Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Lomando Anthony J.
Published: October 2021

The value of integrating structural influences with sedimentology is identifying the significant changes that occur along strike and downdip. Understanding where and how these changes occur can have a profound influence on exploration risk assessment along inner ramp and inner shelf trends, particularly in the search for stratigraphic traps. Dip-oriented structural elements along depositional strike of inner ramps of the discussed areas include major fault zones, folds, smaller faults, and impact craters. These tectonic influences control often discontinuous facies distribution patterns of barrier islands, lagoons, sabkhas, and inner ramp carbonate factories. In contrast, strike-oriented structural influences often control the location of facies trends which promotes trend continuity. Wave-dominated Holocene and modern inner ramp deposits from southern Kuwait-northern Saudi Arabia and Northern Yucatan, Mexico, provide complementary models to the classic channelized ramp system of Abu Dhabi. Structural influences relative to coastal orientations control regional and local depositional styles, trend continuity/discontinuity, the location of carbonate factories and landward lagoon and tidal flat depositional characteristics. As reservoir-updip seal pairs for stratigraphic trap exploration, these analogues also demonstrate that changes along depositional strike should be expected, and in many cases could be predictable. These relationships emphasize the need to carefully integrate structure with facies and paleo-environmental reconstructions when mapping trends and assessing exploration risk in the search for stratigraphic and combination traps.
Stratigraphic and Petrophysical Characteristics of Cored Arab-D Super-k Intervals, Hawiyah Area, Ghawar Field, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Meyer Franz O. , Price Rex C. , Al-Raimi Saleh M.
Published: October 2021

Super-permeability or super-k (as defined here), refers to confined intervals that have production or injection rates of at least 500 barrels of fluid/day/foot. Eight cored wells—four producers and four injectors—show super-k performance within the northern Hawiyah study area. One injector well had multiple super-k flow intervals. Super-k flow correlates with specific limestone, dolomite, or fractured intervals based on an analysis of core and flowmeter data. A thin, high-permeability unit sandwiched between low-permeability strata characterizes the sequential stratification of stratiform super-k flow units. Oolitic, mixed skeletal pelletoidal, foraminiferal, fragmented Cladocoropsis or Cladocoropsis lithofacies may make up the high-permeability conduits in limestones, and various mud-dominated facies form the tight enclosing layers. Sucrosic or vuggy fabrics characterize the highly permeable layers in dolomite-controlled intervals, and mosaic textures form the tight envelope. Production from stratiform dolomite is typically from one or more thin (generally less than six-inch thick) stringers some of which represent tempestite deposits. Super-k flow from fracture-controlled intervals has no correlation with either facies or dolomite textural boundaries. An unexpected result of this study was the discovery that not all super-k flow comes from high-permeability features such as fractures or zones of dolomitized leached Cladocoropsis. Instead, ordinary rock fabrics with normal permeability ranges (0.1 to 1 darcy) characterize most of the super-k intervals in six of the eight wells examined.
Bioecostratigraphy of the Shu’aiba Formation, Shaybah field, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hughes Geraint Wyn
Published: October 2021

The Aptian Shu’aiba Formation forms a major carbonate reservoir in the Shaybah field of eastern Saudi Arabia. Lack of exposures and poor seismic data have forced the cored intervals to be fully exploited to provide evidence of the depositional environment and layering of the reservoir rocks and associated lithofacies. Rudist, foraminiferal and coccolith evidence indicates an Aptian age for the entire Formation, most of it being early Aptian. A major unconformity at the top of the Shu’aiba separates it from the overlying Nahr Umr Formation. Rapid biofacies variations suggest possible sequence boundaries within the Shu’aiba Formation. Semi-quantitative macropaleontological and micropaleontological analyses indicate significant paleoenvironmentally influenced lateral and vertical bioassemblage variations. Lagoon, rudist-associated back-bank, bank-crest and fore-bank, and upper-ramp depositional environments have been interpreted, of which the bank represents the gradual amalgamation of earlier isolated rudist shoals. Integrating the micropaleontological analyses with rudist assemblages has facilitated the prediction of rudist-associated reservoir facies. Variations in the micro- and macrofacies permit the Formation to be divided into three layers. (1) The “lower Shu’aiba” (without rudists) is dominated by a regionally extensive, moderately deep marine planktonic foraminiferal/algal association of Palorbitolina lenticularis-Hedbergella delrioensis-Lithocodium aggregatum and the benthonic foraminifera Debarina hahounerensis, Praechrysalidina infracretacea, Vercorsella arenata and rotalids. (2) The “middle Shu’aiba” shows the significant lateral and vertical differentiation of a rudist-rimmed shallow carbonate platform typically associated with a marine highstand. A predominance of rudist species Glossomyophorus costatus and Offneria murgensis occurs together with Lithocodium aggregatum, Palorbitolina lenticularis, Trocholina spp. and miliolid foraminifera. (3) The “upper Shu’aiba” represents an expansion of the lagoon (associated with a marine transgression), and a predominance of Agriopleura cf. blumenbachi and A. cf. marticensis rudists, together with Debarina hahounerensis, Praechrysalidina infracretacea and Vercorsella arenata. The localized distribution of the rudist Horiopleura cf. distefanoi in association with corals, is a feature of the eastern flank of the field. A coarse assemblage-based biozonation for the Shu’aiba has been proposed, but a detailed scheme is precluded by rapid diachronous biofacies variations across the Shaybah field. In addition to the major biocomponent assemblages, minor variations reveal high-frequency depositional cycles that may assist in the interpretation of the distribution and correlation of reservoir facies. The identification of bioassemblages, and the paleoenvironmental interpretation of formation micro-imager logs from vertical cores in exploration wells, has assisted the calibration of images from uncored horizontal development wells.
The Minagish Field Tar Mat, Kuwait: Its Formation, Distribution and Impact on Water Flood
Authors: Al-Ajmi Hamad , Brayshaw Andrew C. , Barwise Anthony G. , Gaur Ram S.
Published: October 2021

In common with many giant oilfields world wide, the Minagish field (Minagish Oolite Formation) in Kuwait has an areally extensive heavy oil zone of variable thickness at the base of the oil column. The heavy oil zone, or tar mat, is thought to act as a partial permeability barrier between the aquifer and oil leg, but its field-wide effect and properties were unknown. A full-field water flood is planned for the Minagish field. Therefore, an understanding of the distribution and properties of the heavy oil zone is critical in deciding whether to inject water above the tar mat (with unavoidable reserve losses) or directly into the aquifer in areas where the tar mat is poorly developed.

The difficulty in discriminating between cemented and bituminous intervals on electric logs has led to the adoption of geochemical techniques to detect the presence and thickness of heavy oil zones. By using detailed Iatroscan analysis, the tar mat is characterized by a high proportion of asphaltenes, but low concentration of saturates, polars and aromatics. Results of geochemical analyses demonstrate that the Minagish tar mat is the result of de-asphalting rather than gravity segregation. Compositional variations through the oil column have been mapped using geochemical parameters measured on core samples. A predictive model for API gravity and live oil viscosities has been established for the field. This new understanding of the Minagish tar mat, its genesis and spatial distribution has helped in developing a water injection strategy that maximizes recovery in the Minagish field.
Late Permian to Holocene Paleofacies Evolution of the Arabian Plate and its Hydrocarbon Occurrences
Authors: Martin A.Ziegler
Published: October 2021

A series of 19 paleofacies maps have been generated for given time intervals between the Late Permian and Holocene to reconstruct the depositional history of the Arabian Plate. The succession of changing lithological sequences is controlled by the interplay of eustacy and sediment supply with regional and local tectonic influences. The Mesozoic paleofacies history of the Plate is, in its central and eastern portion east of Riyadh, strongly influenced by an older N-trending, horst and graben system that reflects the grain of the Precambrian Amar Collision and successively younger structural deformations. The late Paleozoic Hercynian orogenic event caused block faulting and relative uplift and resulted in a marked paleorelief. This jointed structural pattern dominated the entire Mesozoic and, to some extent, the Cenozoic facies distribution. The relationship between producing fields and the paleofacies maps illustrates the various petroleum systems of particular times and regions.
Permeability and Rock Fabric from Wireline Logs, Arab-D Reservoir, Ghawar Field, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Lucia F. Jerry , Jennings James W. , Rahnis Michael , Meyer Franz O.
Published: October 2021

The goal of reservoir characterization is to distribute petrophysical properties in 3-D. Porosity, permeability, and saturation values have no intrinsic spatial information and must be linked to a 3-D geologic model to be distributed in space. This link is provided by relating petrophysical properties to rock fabrics. The vertical succession of rock fabrics was shown to be useful in constructing a geologic framework for distributing porosity, permeability, and saturation in 3-D. Permeability is perhaps the most difficult petrophysical property to obtain and image because its calculation from wireline logs requires the estimation of pore-size distribution. In this study of the Arab-D reservoir, rock fabric and interparticle porosity were used to estimate pore-size distribution. Cross-plots of water saturation and porosity, calibrated with rock-fabric descriptions, formed the basis for determining the distribution of rock fabric and pore size from resistivity and porosity logs. Interparticle porosity was obtained from travel-time/porosity, cross-plot relationships. A global porosity-permeability transform that related rock fabric, interparticle porosity, and permeability was the basis for calculating permeability from wireline logs. Calculated permeability values compared well with core permeability. In uncored wells, permeability was summed vertically and the horizontal permeability profile compared with flow-meter data. The results showed good correlation in most wells.
Permeability Determination from Stoneley Waves in the Ara Group Carbonates, Oman
Authors: Qobi Latifa , de Kuijper André , Tang Xiao Ming , Strauss Jonathan
Published: October 2021

Measurement of continuous permeability profiles on a routine basis has become possible through recent advances in wireline logging hardware and software. Continuous permeability profiles allow geologists and reservoir engineers to better characterize their reservoirs and to more efficiently complete and manage the production of the hydrocarbon reserves. One of the most promising methods for the calculation of continuous permeability information is the use of Stoneley wave data acquired using a monopole acoustic device.

This paper presents the results of a case study conducted for Petroleum Development Oman. In this study, permeability was determined from Stoneley wave data from the Sarmad-1H2 and Sarmad-2H1 wells that penetrated the carbonate reservoirs of the Ara Group of Oman. The Stoneley-wave derived profile was compared with permeability data from other sources; such as, cores, wireline pressure tests, and the interpretation of nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. The results demonstrated the validity of the methodology and showed that Stoneley-wave data can be used on a routine basis to obtain a continuous permeability indication for completion evaluation purposes. The method has great potential in permeability prediction.
Tilted original oil/water contact in the Arab-D reservoir, Ghawar field, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Stenger Bruno , Pham Tony , Al-Afaleg Nabeel , Lawrence Paul
Published: October 2021

A review of the electrical logs, fluid properties, and production history of 195 flank wells drilled in the Arab-D carbonate reservoir of the Ghawar field, Saudi Arabia, showed that the original oil/water contact was regionally tilted. The contact was about 200 ft higher in the southern Haradh sector than in the northern Shedgum and ‘Ain Dar sectors. In Haradh, the fluid contact was also locally tilted down from west to east by as much as 800 ft. In the reservoir, the oil and aquifer densities changed from lighter oil and denser water in the north to lighter water and denser oil in the south. Decreasing methane content caused the increase in oil density and a reduction in the water density was the result of a salinity decrease. The evolution of fluid densities was closely correlated to a decreasing regional-scale geothermal gradient, probably indicating that temperature controlled the distribution of fluid densities. Simple analytical calculations showed that the magnitude of the observed tilt of the original oil/water contact from north to south might be explained by changes in fluid densities. On the western flank of central Haradh, the Arab-D reservoir water was anomalously young and fresh and this created a large salinity gradient between the western and eastern aquifer legs. This anomaly was explained by pressure-dependent vertical leakage along the Wadi Sahba structural trough between the Arab-D reservoir and the shallower Biyadh aquifer. Consequently, the integrity of the Hith Formation seal above the Arab-D reservoir might be locally compromised under particular conditions. A full-field reservoir simulation model, specific geological features, and examples from the technical literature supported a static interpretation of the tilted original oil/water contact in the Arab-D reservoir of Ghawar through the combined effects of changes in oil and water densities.
The Arab Formation in central Abu Dhabi: 3-D reservoir architecture and static and dynamic modeling
Authors: Grötsch Jürgen , Suwaina Omar , Ajlani Ghiath , Taher Ahmed , El-Khassawneh Reyad , Lokier Stephen , Coy Gordon , Weerd Erik van der , Weerd der , Masalmeh Shehadeh , Dorp Johan van
Published: October 2021

A 3-D geological model of the Kimmeridgian-Tithonian Manifa, Hith, Arab, and Upper Diyab formations in the area of the onshore Central Abu Dhabi Ridge was based on a newly established sequence stratigraphic, sedimentologic, and diagenetic model. It was part of an inter-disciplinary study of the large sour-gas reserves in Abu Dhabi that are mainly hosted by the Arab Formation. The model was used for dynamic evaluations and recommendations for further appraisal and development planning in the studied field.

Fourth-order aggradational and progradational cycles are composed of small-scale fifth-order shallowing-upward cycles, mostly capped by anhydrite within the Arab-ABC. The study area is characterized by a shoreline progradation of the Arab Formation toward the east-northeast marked by high-energy oolitic/bioclastic grainstones of the Upper Arab-D and the Asab Oolite. The Arab-ABC, Hith, and Manifa pinch out toward the northeast. The strongly bioturbated Lower Arab-D is an intrashelf basinal carbonate ramp deposit, largely time-equivalent to the Arab-ABC. The deposition of the Manifa Formation over the Arab Formation was a major back-stepping event of the shallow-water platform before the onset of renewed progradation in the Early Cretaceous.

Well productivity in the Arab-ABC is controlled mainly by thin, permeable dolomitic streaks in the fifth-order cycles at the base of the fourth-order cycles. This has major implications for reservoir management, well completion and stimulation, and development planning. Good reservoir properties have been preserved in the early diagenetic dolomitic streaks. In contrast, the reservoir properties of the Upper Arab-D oolitic/bioclastic grainstones deteriorate with depth due to burial diagenesis.

A rock-type scheme was established because complex diagenetic overprinting prevented the depositional facies from being directly related to petrophysical properties. Special core analysis and the attribution of saturation functions to static and dynamic models were made on a cell-by-cell basis using the scheme and honoring the 3-D depositional facies and property model. The results demonstrated the importance of integrating sedimentological analysis and diagenesis with rock typing and static and dynamic modeling so as to enhance the predictive capabilities of subsurface models.
Surface-piercing salt domes of interior North Oman, and their significance for the Ara carbonate ‘stringer’ hydrocarbon play
Authors: Peters Jeroen M. , Filbrandt Jacek B. , Grotzinger John P. , Newall Mark J. , Shuster Mark W. , Al-Siyabi Hisham A.
Published: October 2021

The six surface-piercing salt domes of interior North Oman form prominent topographic and geological features in an otherwise flat, rocky desert environment. These domes in the central part of the Ghaba Salt Basin have been known since the 1950s but very little data has been published on them. Our geological survey in 2001 provided significant new lithological, stratigraphic, and sedimentological information on the rocks exposed in the domes. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the morphology, geometry, structural geology and geological evolution of the salt domes. Furthermore, it incorporates relevant information from unpublished subsurface studies to place the new geological field data in the context of ongoing exploration for deep hydrocarbon plays in Oman.

A wide variety of rocks is exposed in the salt domes: carbonates, clastics (conglomerates, sandstones, siltstones and clays), volcanics, evaporites and ‘caprocks’. Constituent rocks and structural style vary considerably from one dome to another, but at the surface the main lithological elements of the diapirs are carbonates and evaporites of the ‘Infracambrian’ (Late Precambrian to Early Cambrian) Ara Group, the uppermost unit of the Huqf Supergroup. Very large exotic blocks of bedded Ara carbonates––commonly hundreds of meters long––are well-exposed and form distinctive hills and ridges, thus allowing detailed field observations on intra-salt carbonate ‘stringers’ that have been carried up by rising diapiric salt. A close correlation exists between the facies of the carbonate exotics in the salt domes and Ara ‘stringer’ carbonates penetrated and extensively cored in recent deep exploration wells in the South Oman Salt Basin. This demonstrates the regional significance of the salt domes for the intra-salt ‘stringer’ hydrocarbon play in Oman. Our work has implications for the prospectivity of other ‘Infracambrian’ evaporite basins in Oman, and possibly also for time-equivalent (‘Hormuz’) salt basins elsewhere in the Middle East.
The Lower Cretaceous carbonate slope-to-platform-margin succession near Khatt, United Arab Emirates: sedimentary facies and depositional geometries
Authors: Eilrich Bernd , Grötsch Jürgen
Published: October 2021

The Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous carbonate succession exposed near Khatt provides exceptional conditions for the investigation of sedimentary facies and depositional geometries in a carbonate slope-to-platform-margin setting. A coarsening-upward sequence in Lower Cretaceous limestones indicates decreasing depth of deposition and platform progradation. A pronounced shedding of sediments containing reefal fragments occurs in a slope environment with a well exposed basin-to-platform transect. The carbonate succession consists of mudstone, wackestone, grainstone, coarse rudstone with conglomerate/breccia interbeds, and framestone at the top. The depositional architecture is characterized by the abundance of massive sheet- or channel-like limestone bodies within thinly bedded and generally uniform strata. Quantitative analysis of many carbonate channel deposits and their geometries measured in outcrop led to the distinction of two major types. Type I channel deposits are thin (0.3 to 5 m) but massive, and are commonly irregularly shaped in cross-section. They are as much as 200 m wide. Type I channel deposits are characterized by a wide size range of skeletal and non-skeletal carbonate components. Type II channel deposits, by contrast, are more regularly bedded and have much larger thickness-to-width ratios, in general close to 1:10. Furthermore, they are composed of packstone to grainstone calciturbidite sediments. As with some sheet deposits, they can be correlated through most of the 5.5-km-long Khatt outcrop. Stratigraphically, however, their occurrence is very much restricted, indicating significant alternation of depositional styles as a consequence of changing carbonate platform production and changing sedimentary environments. The data presented here can serve as input for 3-D geological modeling of equivalent depositional environments in the subsurface. They can also be applied to object-based deterministic and stochastic facies modeling.