bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Evolution of PM2.5 Levels Related to COVID-19 Mortality in Europe for the Early-2020 to End-2022 Period
Authors: Renard Jean-Baptiste , Surcin Jeremy , Annesi-Maesano Isabella , Poincelet Eric
Published: June 2023

Rationale: The possible effect of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5 of diameter 10 and 2.5 µm respectively) levels on Covid-19 mortality is now well established. However, time-evolution of Covid-19 mortality according to PM2.5 levels has been scarcely investigated.
Aim: To understand this relationship at the European level for the period 2020 (beginning) - 2022 (end).
Methods: 16 representative locations in Europe (81 million people) with heterogeneous levels of PM2.5 (µg.m-3), from low to high. PM2.5 levels were assessed by various methods, and Covid-19 mortality was reported by Johns Hopkins University.
Results: The trend of Covid-19 mortality vs. PM2.5 levels varied among locations. Overall, the estimated mean value was of a 40±20% mortality increase per 1 µg.m-3 PM2.5 increase. The stronger the positive gradient of the PM peak, the stronger the positive gradient of the Covid-19 mortality. Exposure to several PM peaks during about a 2-month period was the main contributor to Covid-19 mortality increases.
Conclusion: Our data confirm a temporal relation between PM2.5 exposure and Covid-19 mortality, considering a 2-month integration-time for pollution events. Number-concentrations of PM should be used in the future rather than the PM2.5 mass-concentrations (µg.m-3) with the consideration of PM composition to better explain this finding.
Tree Legumes of Temperate Climate: Effect on the Mitigation of Enteric Methane and Ruminal Fermentation In Vitro
Authors: Aragadvay-Yungán Ramón Gonzalo , Barros-Rodríguez Marcos Antonio
Published: June 2023

The effect of legumes adapted to a temperate climate on gas production kinetics, enteric methane, and rumen fermentation in vitro was evaluated. The species studied were Acacia dealbatha, Acacia melanoxylon, Albizzia lopantha, Lupinus pubescens, Inga insignes, Senna multiglandulosa and Tecoma stans. The effective degradation of the dry matter was estimated, the in vitro gas production was measured up to 120 hours of incubation, and the production of enteric methane, VFAs, and ammonia were measured at 24 hours. Dry matter, organic matter, ash, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and acid detergent lignin were evaluated. The content of total phenols and condensed tannins was quantified. To determine digestibility, the samples were incubated for up to 120 hours. I. insignes presented a higher dry matter content and a high crude protein content. L. pubescens presented low dry matter digestibility. The neutral detergent fiber content was higher in I. insignes and with a higher value in dry matter digestibility and lower content of total phenols and condensed tannins. While S. multiglandulosa showed low detergent acid fiber content. The acid detergent lignin value was higher in I. insignes and lower in L. pubescens. In vitro gas and enteric methane production was higher in L. pubescens. propionic acid and ammonia they were higher in S. multiglandulosa. It is concluded that the amount of secondary compounds affects methane production, compromises digestibility and rumen kinetics of the legumes studied.
Improving Brain Stroke Prediction through Oversampling Techniques: A Comparative Evaluation of Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Paliwal Sushila , Parveen Suraiya , Alam M.Afshar , Ahmed Jawed
Published: June 2023

Research in brain stroke prediction is very crucial as it can lead to the development of early detection techniques and interventions that can enhance the prognosis for stroke victims. Early detection and intervention can help to minimise the damage caused by a stroke, reduce the risk of long-term complications, and enhance the general quality of life for people who have survived a stroke. Additionally, research in stroke prediction can help to identify risk factors and improve understanding of the underlying causes of stroke, which can lead to the development of better prevention strategies. Research on brain stroke prediction is ongoing and has led to the development of various models and tools for predicting the risk of stroke and detecting it early. However, the implementation and use of these tools in clinical practise vary depending on several factors, such as the availability of resources, the specific healthcare system, and the level of awareness and acceptance of these tools among healthcare providers and patients. In general, risk prediction models may be used to quickly identify individuals at high risk of stroke and target them for preventive interventions, such as lifestyle changes, medication management, and screenings. Early detection tools can be used to quickly identify stroke symptoms and initiate appropriate treatment, which can improve outcomes for stroke patients. However, it is important to note that research and development of these models and tools are ongoing, and their use in clinical practise is constantly evaluated and updated. It may take time for these tools to be widely adopted in clinical practise and to see their real-world impact. This research paper focuses on predicting brain stroke occurrence using a range of machine learning algorithms such as Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), Bernoulli Naive Bayes (BNB), and a Voting Classifier. The main emphasis of this research was to compare the effectiveness of oversampling techniques, as the data was significantly imbalanced. We have used evaluation metrics in this research to assess the accuracy, precision, recall, and other key performance indicators of a model's predictions. Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve (AUC), minority class accuracy, and majority class accuracy were used to assess the approaches.
Application of Magnetic Field to Accelerate the Crystallization of Scopolamine Hydrobromide
Authors: Wu Zeyu , Bian Huixi , Chen Pengpeng , Zhou An , Xu Kun , Zhang Wencheng
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a quick and efficient method for preparation of scopolamine hydrobromide with high purity was introduced, named as magnetic field induced crystallization. Based on the solubility difference between scopolamine and scopolamine hydrobromide, salifying crystallization was selected and then treated with the synergistic effect of magnetic field to achieve the aim of scopolamine purification. The effects of crystallization solvents and magnetic field intensity on the crystallization process of scopolamine hydrobromide, as well as the influnence of magnetic field on the crystal growth direction were investigated. The results revealed that after treatment under magnetic field, the shortened induction time (25.64%-75.46%), the increased purity of crystals (0.95%-2.92%) and the improved recovery rate (4.51%-10.78%) were achieved. Furthermore, we also found that magnetic field could destroy the hydrogen bond in the solution, and change the physical properties of the mother liquid, so as to promote the nucleation formation and crystal growth. The above experiments suggested that the external magnetic field has the potential to be a feasible method for scopolamine preparation.
Nebulized recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) for acute COVID-19-induced severe respiratory failure: an exploratory proof of concept trial
Authors: Chowdary Pratima , Agarwal Banwari , Peralta Maria Rita , Bhagani Sanjay , Lee Simon , Goldring James , Lipman Marc , Waqif Emal , Phillips Mark , Philippou Helen , Foley Jonathan H , Mutch Nicola J , Ariens Robert , Stringer Kathleen A , Ricciardi Federico , Watissée Marie , Hughes Derralynn , Nathwani Amit , Riddell Anne , Patch David , Buckley Jim , De Neef Mark , Dimber Rahul , Diaz-Garcia Cecilia , Patel Honey , Nandani Aarti , Dissanayake Upuli , Chadwick Nick , Alkhatip Ahmed , Watkinson Peter , Raith Eamon , Singh Suveer , Wolff Tony , Jha Rajeev , Brill Simon E , Bakhai Ameet , Evans Alison , Gilani Farhat , Gomez Keith
Published: June 2023

Nebulized thrombolysis offers locally targeted therapy with potentially lower bleeding risk than systemic administration for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) respiratory failure. In a proof-of-concept safety study, adult patients with COVID-19-induced respiratory failure and a <300mmHg PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio, requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or non-invasive respiratory support (NIRS) received nebulized rt-PA in two cohorts (C1 and C2), alongside standard of care during the first two UK COVID-19 waves. Matched historical controls (MHC; n=18) were used in C1. Safety co-primary endpoints were treatment-related bleeds and fibrinogen reduction to <1.0–1.5 g/L. A dose escalation strategy for improved efficacy with the least safety concerns was determined in C1 for use in C2; patients were stratified by ventilation type to receive 40–60 mg rt-PA per day for ≤14 days. Nine patients in C1 (IMV, 6/9; NIRS, 3/9) and 26 in C2 (IMV, 12/26; NIRS, 14/26) received nebulized rt-PA for a mean (SD) of 6.7 (4.6) and 9.1(4.6) days, respectively. Four bleeding events (one severe and three mild) in three patients were considered treatment-related. No significant fibrinogen reductions were reported. Greater improvement in mean P/F ratio from baseline to end of study was observed in C1 compared with MHC [C1; 154 to 299 vs MHC; 154 to 212). In C2, there was no difference in the baseline P/F ratio of NIRS and IMV patients. However, a larger improvement in P/F ratio was observed in NIRS patients [NIRS; 126 to 240 vs IMV; 120 to 188) and they required fewer treatment days (NIRS; 7.86 vs IMV; 10.5). Nebulized rt-PA appears to be well-tolerated, showing a trend of improved oxygenation and faster recovery in patients with acute COVID-19-induced respiratory failure requiring respiratory support; this effect was more pronounced in the NIRS group. Further investigation is required to study the potential of this novel treatment approach.
Cerebrovascular Disease in COVID-19
Authors: Siegler James E. , Dasgupta Savanna , Abdalkader Mohamad , Penckofer Mary , Yaghi Shadi , Nguyen Thanh N.
Published: June 2023

Not in the history of transmissible illnesses has there been an infection as strongly associated with acute cerebrovascular disease as the novel human coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. While the risk of stroke has known associations with other viral infections, such as influenza and human immunodeficiency virus, the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke related to SARS-CoV-2 is unprecedented. Furthermore, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has so profoundly impacted psychosocial behaviors and modern medical care that we have witnessed shifts in epidemiology and have adapted our treatment practices to reduce transmission, address delayed diagnoses, and mitigate gaps in health care. In this narrative review, we summarize the history and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cerebrovascular disease, and lessons learned regarding the management of patients as we endure this period of human history.
Risk factors associated with intestinal parasites found in fecal samples from dogs and cats
Authors: Souza Juliana Bruno Borges , Silva Zara Mariana de Assis , Alves-Ribeiro Bruna Samara , Moraes Iago de Sá , Alves-Sobrinho Ana Vitória , Saturnino Klaus Casaro , Ferraz Henrique Trevizoli , Machado Mônica Rodrigues Ferreira , Braga Isis Assis , Ramos Dirceu Guilherme de Souza
Published: June 2023

Gastrointestinal diseases caused by parasites are frequently diagnosed in the clinical routine of domestic animals, especially dogs and cats. In general, they trigger factors that can affect individual health due to zoonoses. Therefore, this study aims to identify the main intestinal parasites obtained from the fecal samples of dogs and cats in the municipality of Jata, Brazil, and their associated risk factors. Between October 2020 and March 2022, fecal samples were collected from 359 dogs and 55 cats through spontaneous defecation and subsequently subjected to coproparasitological analyses using the Willis fluctuation and Hoffman spontaneous sedimentation techniques. The following parasitic species were identified: Ancylostoma, Toxocara, Trichuris vulpis, Dipylidium caninum; Giardia, Entamoeba, Cystoisospora, and Platynosomum fastosum. The risk factors associated with parasitism include age, average income of owners, access to garbage, sewage, waste, outdated deworming, and contact with animals. The results demonstrate the need to establish public policies and implement preventive and control measures to reduce the occurrence of parasites in animals and the exposure of humans to pathogenic agents.
Ten-Year Outcomes of Second-Generation, All-Inside Meniscal Repair in the Setting of ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Wright Rick W. , Huston Laura J. , Haas Amanda K.
Published: June 2023

Background:

Meniscal repair is the goal, whenever possible, for the treatment of meniscal injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical success of meniscal repair performed with a second-generation, all-inside repair device with a concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods:

This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected patients who underwent meniscal repair by a single surgeon using the all-inside FAST-FIX Meniscal Repair System (Smith & Nephew) in conjunction with a concurrent ACL reconstruction. Eighty-one meniscal repairs (81 patients) were identified: 59 medial repairs and 22 lateral repairs. Clinical failure was defined as repeat surgical intervention involving resection or revision repair. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and Marx Activity Rating Scale score.

Results:

Ten-year follow-up was obtained for 85% (69) of 81 patients. Nine patients (13% of 69) underwent a failed meniscal repair (6 medial, 3 lateral), corresponding to a failure rate of 12% (6 of 50) for medial repairs and 16% (3 of 19) for lateral repairs. The mean time to failure was 2.8 years (range, 1.2 to 5.6 years) for the medial repairs and 5.8 years (range, 4.2 to 7.0 years) for the lateral repairs (p = 0.002). There was no difference in mean patient age, sex, body mass index, graft type, or number of sutures utilized between successful repairs and failures. Postoperative KOOS and IKDC outcome scores significantly improved over baseline scores (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in patient-reported outcomes at 10 years between the group with successful repairs and those who had a failed repair.

Conclusions:

This report of long-term follow-up results of primary second-generation, all-inside meniscal repair demonstrates its relative success when it is performed with concurrent ACL reconstruction. After a minimum follow-up of 10 years, 84% to 88% of the patients continued to demonstrate successful repair. Failure of medial meniscal repairs occurred significantly earlier compared with lateral meniscal repairs.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Multifunctional Biosurfactants with Unusual pH Sensitive Interfacial Behavior for Remediation of Iron and Zinc Sulfide Formation Damage
Authors: Au Yong Hin Cheong , Tooker Kortney , Van Pham Khanh , Arriaga Richard , Mahmoudkhani Amir
Published: June 2023

Metal sulfide scales are found in several fields in onshore and offshore oil and gas wells around the world. Although there has been some success in the development of sulfide scale inhibitors, significantly high concentration of inhibitor is often required specially to mitigate zinc sulfide. Microbial biosurfactants have an inherent affinity towards different mineral surfaces including sulfides. The unique surface and interfacial properties of these naturally derived products make them potential candidates for development of new products for metal sulfide scale management and control. In this work the properties of sophorolipids and rhamnolipids as dispersion and modification agents for iron and zinc sulfide precipitates were investigated. Surface and interfacial tension behaviors of microbial biosurfactants were measured using a drop shape tensiometer. Accelerated dispersion stability testing were used to determine the efficiency of biosurfactants for dispersing field collected and lab-made iron and zinc sulfides. Fourier transform – infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet – visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy was used to determine the mode of interaction of the biosurfactant active sites with metal sulfide surfaces.
A Novel Green Friction Reducer That Helps to Achieve the Goals of ESG Standards
Authors: Siddiqui Farhan , Emrani Arezoo
Published: June 2023

Large volumes of treatment fluid are required to contact an adequate surface area of shale formations for the economic production of hydrocarbons. These large-volume fracturing treatments are accomplished by pumping at very high down-hole rates to create adequate fracture volume and for sufficient proppant transportation. Polyacrylamide-based friction reducers (FR) are implemented to minimize the friction in the wellbore in shale/tight reservoirs for stimulation and drilling processes. They reduce turbulence and decrease friction losses. However, these polyacrylamide-based friction reducers are limited by poor water quality tolerance, which negatively affects proppant carrying capacity.

This work aims to introduce a novel formula for a green friction reducer, which will serve to both decrease costs and enhance retained conductivity. The new technology described in this paper is used to produce a friction reducer that helps to achieve the goals of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Similar to guar gum, the new friction reducer can be utilized as a linear gel, or it can be crosslinked to enhance its viscosity, making it ideal for proppant transportation and the protection of surface equipment. It is worth noting that the presence of iron in water can have an adverse effect on the rheology and friction of both conventional and high viscosity friction reducers (HVFR).

The research findings demonstrate the proposed product's effectiveness, even in water containing exceptionally high concentrations of ferric iron (Fe+3). The study presents the results of employing a new friction-reducing polysaccharide that achieves comparable friction reduction to that of a polyacrylamide friction reducer while also enabling proppant suspension, akin to a crosslinked guar system. This innovative system is versatile and can be used with both fresh and saline water with high concentration of divalent and trivalent metal ions. This feature allows the operator to use any water source, thereby streamlining water analysis procedures before commencing a frac job. Results also show that the new product can produce less nitrogen compared to synthetic polymers which means that it can achieve ESG standards. The novel FR gives excellent retained permeability on cores when compared to guar gum and its derivatives.

Experimental outcomes of this work also show that the new formulation can be broken by both oxidizing and enzyme breakers. Results show that the new friction reducer is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Moreover, the use of the novel product will decrease the production of CO2 as compared to conventional FRs.
A Review of 50 Years of SPE Oilfield Chemistry
Authors: Silva Celia , Hull Katherine , Beteta Alan , Sorbie Ken , Mackay Eric
Published: June 2023

This paper reviews the past 50 years of the SPE Oilfield Chemistry Conference to understand how the event and papers published at it have evolved, what function does the conference serve today, and what future trends should the oilfield chemistry community anticipate and adapt towards.

All the papers from the 26 conferences run by the SPE since 1973 have been collated and analyzed for data such as topic, keywords, authorship (and number of authors), number and type of organizations involved, and number of citations (to 2022 Q4). The data are plotted to enable analysis of the evolution of trends over time. In addition, professionals in the earlier, mid and later stages of their careers contribute their perspectives on the conference content and what benefits they derive from participation.

Over the years the number of topics has expanded, as have the number and range of contributors. For example, in the first year of the conference (1973) there were 12 papers on 8 topics, written by 23 authors, averaging 2 authors per paper. In the most recent year (2021), there were 68 papers on 11 topics, with an average of 4.8 authors per paper. For a majority (7 out of 12) papers in 1973 the lead authors were from academia, with only one paper from an operator, whereas by 2021 there was a more balanced spread, with 37% papers led by universities/research institutes and the remainder well distributed amongst operators, service companies and chemical manufacturers. While the overall number of topics and papers has expanded over 50 years, some topics have appeared and then disappeared, and others have made a comeback. Indeed, for six conferences between 1977 and 1985, the word "geothermal" was included in the conference name, before being dropped again. In 1973, the paper contributed by an operating company was cited 8 times more than all the other 11 papers put together, whereas 85% of the citations at the following conference are associated with six university authored papers.

Much has changed in the past half century, and yet some of the papers from the early years remain very relevant today, and will undoubtedly impact how we address future challenges. The oil and gas industry has been challenged to engage with the Energy Transition: we show that the technologies and information introduced at this conference are and will be at the forefront of the emerging energy production landscape.
Physicochemical Phenomena of Diffusion Relaxation: Experimental Results and Application for Acid Stimulation Operations
Authors: Ivanishin Igor , Kudrashou Viacheslau
Published: June 2023

Accurate prediction of the rock dissolution process is crucial for designing efficient acid stimulation treatments. At typical conditions, the dissolution of carbonates in most acids is limited by the rate of convective diffusion of reactive species to the surface of the rock. The experimental techniques used to determine the acid-diffusion coefficient are comparably well-understood by the research and engineering community. However, one important physicochemical phenomenon termed diffusion relaxation has not been studied in detail and accounted for in all the existing acid fracturing and matrix acidizing modeling software programs. The objective of this work is to address these gaps in research and optimize acid treatment designs. Diffusion relaxation occurs downstream of an inert or less reactive rock layer and results in higher mass transfer, i.e., dissolution rate of the rock located immediately downstream of an inert layer. To study the process of diffusion relaxation, 15 wt% hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 150°F was injected through a composite acid fracture model. This model was prepared by inserting 0.5 and 0.25 in.-long sandstone layers into a standard 7 in.-long fracture model made of Indiana limestone. Laser profilometry of the fracture surfaces after the experiment revealed the presence of 0.1 in.-deep channels of more etched limestone downstream of inert layers, as compared to the upstream of inert layers. The zone of an enhanced dissolution rate—termed diffusion relaxation zone—extends to a distance comparable to the length of an inert layer and appears because of the following. As soon as the acid flow encounters inert areas, the concentration of reactive species at the fracture surface starts to accumulate since there is no dissolution reaction. Right downstream the inert areas, the limestone surface contacts with the acid that has not been spent by the diffusion of reactive species. Because of that and an impact of tangential mass transfer in the diffusion boundary layer, downstream of inert areas the diffusional mass transfer significantly—often more than two times—exceeds the limiting mass transfer established upstream of the inert areas. Etched channels formed in diffusion relaxation zones contribute to the fracture conductivity, which is not considered in existing modeling software programs. Results indicate that the observed phenomenon is universal, i.e, it also occurs during dissolution of rocks with different reactivities. This research innovatively discusses the impact of physicochemical phenomena of diffusion relaxation on the dissolution of carbonate rocks, and formation of conductive flow channels. Presented results are integral for designing acid stimulation operations.
Kinetic Experimental and Modeling Evaluations of Asphaltene Morphology and Growth Rate under Varying Temperature and Brine Conditions
Authors: Quainoo Kwamena Ato , Abdulmohsin Imqam , Borecho Bavoh Cornelius
Published: June 2023

The utilization of predictive mechanisms to resolve asphaltene precipitation during oil production is a cleaner and less expensive means than the mechanical/chemical remediation techniques currently employed. Existing models lack predictive success due to opposing views on temperature-asphaltene precipitation interactions. In this study, the effect of varying temperatures (40, 50, 60, 70 80 and 90 °C) and brine concentrations (0 – 5 wt.%) on the long-time kinetics of asphaltene precipitations was evaluated. A series of experiments were conducted using the filtration technique and the confocal microscopy to study asphaltene precipitation on a model oil system consisting of asphaltenes, a precipitant, and a solvent. Furthermore, the Avrami modeling technique was employed to predict the morphology, and growth rate of the precipitating asphaltenes. The experimental results suggested that temperature significantly affects asphaltene precipitation including imparting its precipitation mechanism with a cross-behavioral pattern. Asphaltene precipitation in the system displayed an initial fast kinetics upon increasing temperature. The fast kinetics observed in the early times is due to the increasing dipole-dipole interactions between asphaltene sub-micron particles stimulated by increased temperature. However, the pattern changes into slower precipitations as the time progresses upon continuous heating of the reservoir fluid. The reason is the increased solubility of the asphaltenes imparted into the model oil system upon further increments in temperature. The presence of brine in the model-oil system also enhanced the rate and precipitation of asphaltenes. The experimental data were further analyzed with the Avrami crystallization fitting model to predict the formation, growth, morphology, and growth geometry of the precipitating asphaltenes. The Avrami model successfully predicted the asphaltene morphologies, growth rates and the crystal growth geometries. The growth geometries (rods, discs, or spheres) of the asphaltenes in the model oil systems upon temperature increments, ranged from 1.4 – 3.5. These values are indicative that temperature impacts the growth process of asphaltenes in the model system causing variations from a rod-like sporadic process (1.0 ≤ n ≤ 1.9) to a spherical sporadic growth process (3.0 ≤ n ≤ 3.9). This work precisely emphasizes the impact of temperature on asphaltene precipitations under long kinetic time, thus, providing a clear pathway for developing successful kinetic and thermodynamic models capable of predicting asphaltene precipitation reliably. The accurate prediction of asphaltene precipitation will eliminate the need for the use of harmful remediation solvents like benzene/toluene/ethylbenzene/xylene (BTEX). This study is therefore a critical step in the right direction to achieving accurate predictive model evaluations of asphaltene precipitations.
New Diversion Fluid for Chelate-Based Acid Systems
Authors: Nazari Moghaddam Rasoul , Van Doorn Marcel , Oskarsson Hans , Ferm Paul
Published: June 2023

Chelating agents have been used in the upstream oil and gas industry as a scale remover, iron control agent and acidizing fluid. Despite several studies on diversion techniques for conventional acid systems (i.e., HCl or organic acid), the application of diverting systems has rarely been studied during acidizing jobs using chelating agents. In this study, a new diverting system is introduced and experimentally evaluated during the stimulation of carbonate cores by a chelate-based acid.

The diverting system introduced in this study is a unique blend of viscoelastic surfactants based on sulfobataine and amine oxide chemistries. The new diverting system was examined during carbonate acidizing by Glutamic acid N, N-diacetic acid (GLDA). The diverting system, which is specially designed for high temperature applications, was used during dual coreflooding experiments at 130°C. In these evaluations, Indiana limestone cores with various permeability contrasts were used. The pressure behavior, permeability improvement/reduction, and the production flow rates from each core plug were measured. Finally, to visualize the wormhole propagation inside each core, CT scanning was conducted after the treatments.

From the results, it was found that the diverting system can block the formation for a certain period of time (<2 hours). During this period, the diverting system shows the highest viscosity and can temporarily block the high permeability cores (>100 mD) which diverts the injected acid to the lower permeability core. It was found that the acid diversion lasts for a longer time when the system has a higher permeability contrast. From the CT-scan images, it was found that the wormholes were propagated up to 50% across the low permeability core when 0.3 PV of the diversion fluid was injected. With enough volume of the diversion fluid, the acid system was fully diverted, and the treatment fluid achieved full-length wormholes in both high permeability (HP) and low permeability (LP) cores. It was also shown that required volume of the diverting fluid is a function of permeability contrast. It was demonstrated this pre-flush diversion technique can be successfully applied and it needs less VES volume compared to the continuous VES injection with acid.

The novel formulation introduced in this study is a cost-effective solution specially designed for the chelate-based acid systems. The proposed formulation can also be optimized to resolve diversion challenges in other applications at high temperature.
New Visco-Elastic Surfactant Formulation with Excellent Carrying Properties in Multiple Brine Systems and Wide Temperature Ranges
Authors: Oskarsson Hans , Ferm Paul M. , Heck Kiernan , Nazari Moghaddam Rasoul
Published: June 2023

Visco-elastic surfactants (VES) are widely used in oil and gas-well drilling and completion operations, mainly due to their non-damaging characteristics and excellent sand and proppant carrying properties. A challenge of VES is to maintain visco-elasticity over a wide set of temperature and brine conditions. The scope of this study was to develop a VES system with a robust rheology stability in low density to high density monovalent and di-valent brines and in wide temperature ranges aiming for a versatile formulation applicable for many conditions. Rheology of VES formulations of zwitterionic and cationic surfactants were screened in a wide range of typical drilling and completion brines with densities ranging from 8.7 −16.5 PPG of different monovalent and divalent salts and in temperatures up to 350 °F.

As a final test, the capacity to hold and disperse sand and gravels at different conditions were investigated for selected brine formulations.

A specific long-chained zwitterionic surfactant exhibits excellent brine stability in many situations as a stand-alone surfactant and here are shown to show improved temperature and brine stability when formulated with various cationic quarternary ammonium-based surfactants. Further improvements in temperature and brine stability are seen both types of surfactants in the formulation had long tail-groups and in many cases if both had unsaturation. For these formulations, even when changing brine conditions from 8.7 ppg CaCl2/MgCl2 to 16.5 ppg CaCl2/ZnCl2/CaBr2, they show improved visco-elasticity and carrying properties compared to standalone surfactant formulations and in a wide temperature range from 75 °F to above 245 °F.

The viscoelastic behavior over broad brine and temperature ranges also showed excellent carrying properties in gravel sedimentation tests. The proposed formulations are of advantage both in water-based drilling and completion fluids and are non-damaging to the formation.
Synergistic Scale Inhibitor Blends Provide Enhanced Carbonate Scale Management- Laboratory to Field
Authors: Jordan Myles , Vikshåland Kim , Johnston Michael
Published: June 2023

Control of inorganic sulphate and carbonate scales with polymer, phosphonate and phosphate ester scale inhibitors is well established within the oilfield service industry. Less well understood is the potential for synergistic interactions with blends of polymers/phosphonates/phosphate esters to give reduced treatment rates, lower chemical discharge volumes and potentially lower treatment cost specifically for carbonate scale control.

In this paper selection and field trial application of such a synergistic blend is presented to control severe scaling within produced fluid heaters on a North Sea platform.

Dynamic scale loop (DSL) tests were carried out to evaluate inhibition of a range of single component inhibitors before blends of these chemicals including biopolymer/phosphonate and carboxylic acid functionalized polymer/phosphonate were evaluated to try to reduce the inhibitor concentration required to control both calcium carbonate (saturation ratio, SR 550, mass 1100mg/l) and barium sulphate (SR 55, mass 450mg/l) scale formation.

For this challenging carbonate (milder sulphate) scale environment at high temperature (105°C), it was observed that a blend of a polymer (carboxylic acid functionalized polymer) and currently applied low molecular weight phosphonate was more effective than either of the components by themselves, suggesting synergistic interaction.

Results from the initial field trial of the synergistic blend are presented with monitoring methods outlined to confirm that the formulation is as effective as the laboratory evaluated tests suggested.

The initial trial started at the incumbent products injection rate for 1 week with differential pressure across the production and test heaters carefully trended (along with fluid flow rate and fluid heating performance) to confirm scale control prior to a 20% reduction in treatment rate being applied for 1 week with a further reduction of 40% of the incumbent being applied for another 7 days prior to the incumbent chemical being reinstated to allow review of the trial formulations performance. Along with differential pressure trending scaling ions, suspended solids assessment via environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) and measurement of inhibitor concentration within the produced water was carried out to ensure scale control was effective.

The current regulatory challenges with REACH (registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals) mean that the methods outlined in this study offer the potential to reduce chemical treatment rate, cost and environmental impact by evaluating the synergistic interaction of the current range of commercially available environmentally suitable scale inhibitors and therefore eliminating the very high registration costs/ time delays to the market associated with new inhibitor molecule development.
Effect of Thio-Chemicals Molecular Structure for Corrosion Inhibition in CO2 Corrosive Environments
Authors: Yang Jiang , Wang Xintong
Published: June 2023

Carbon dioxide often exists in oil and gas fields, and CO2 flooding is also increasingly used to enhance oil recovery. CO2 is highly corrosive to steel in oilfield fluid. The effective and economical method for controlling corrosion is the addition of corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel materials. Small thio-compounds have been found effective to enhance corrosion inhibition of imidazoline inhibitors. In this study, several small thio-derivatives inhibitor including mercaptoethanol (ME), thiourea (TU), and mercaptoacetic acid (TGA) and 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (MBI) were compared to inhibit the CO2 corrosion. They were used as synergists to enhance corrosion inhibition of oleic imidazoline (OIM) for carbon steel at 60 °C in CO2-saturated brine. The corrosion inhibition was investigated by weight loss and electrochemical methods. The surface was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanism of corrosion inhibition was studied by quantum chemical calculations. The results show that the MBI with the aromatic group gave the best corrosion inhibition than that of ME, TGA, and TU. The surface characterization showed no pitting and localized corrosion at 10 ppm of inhibitor. The model of interaction is proposed that OIM is protonated and coupled with MBI by electrostatic attraction to co-adsorb on the carbon steel surface. MBI adsorbs on Fe by a bidentate binding-N-S-bridge connection, which effectively prevents the corrosion of carbon steel in the CO2 environment. The research provides a structure-properties relationship of thio-chemicals to develop more effective corrosion inhibitors.
Siderite Formation Kinetics, Solubility, and Phase Transformation on CO2 Corroding Mild Carbon Steel Under High Temperature
Authors: Ye Yuqing , Wang Xin , Reiss Amit G. , Kan Amy T. , Tomson Mason B.
Published: June 2023

The solubility and precipitation kinetic of siderite were measured under 90, 120, and 150 °C, with 1m of NaCl under unchanged pH (pH=6). The solubility data were in agreement with SSP prediction and a diffusion-controlled precipitation was determined for siderite with an active energy of 5.66 kJ/mol. Furthermore, temperature-driven phase transformation was imaged by SEM, in which multiple crystal were observed co-existing under same experimental condition. We discuss the mechanism of transformation among chukanovite, siderite, and magnetite; and how it can attribute to the difficulty in measuring siderite solubility and precipitation kinetic. Lastly, we outline some future work in optimizing our study. Overall, this method can be used for extensive investigations in additional factors that affect the siderite formation, such as ionic strength, pH, CO2 partial pressure, and the presence of inhibitors.
Geomechanical investigation of the Jurassic Khatatba reservoir in Qasr Field, Shushan Basin,north Western Desert, Egypt: implications for reservoir management
Authors: Harby Hane , Abu-Hashishb Mohamed , Leilac Mahmoud , E Faragd Ali
Published: June 2023

A proper investigation of geomechanical properties of reservoir sediments allows accurate prediction of both magnitude and direction of different stress regimes which are crucial for hydrocarbon production and reservoir management. The syn-rift Jurassic facies host the main reservoir targets in the north Western Desert, Egypt which produces more than 50% of the country’s daily oil production. However, a detailed assessment of the geomechanical behavior of the main Jurassic reservoirs has never been investigated. Thus, the present study integrates the available wireline log data in order to determine the geomechanical properties of the Middle Jurassic gas-bearing Khatatba sediments in Qasr Field, Shushan Basin, north Western Desert. Mechanical earth model (MEM) was constructed and formation microimager logs (FMI) were interpreted for the Qasr-5 well to investigate the geomechanical behavior and wellbore stability of the Lower Khatatba reservoir facies. The stress direction was determined from FMI by identifying drilling-induced fractures, breakout, and formation fractures. Resistive, conductive, and partially conductive fractures are oriented in NE–SW, ESE–WSW, NW–SE, NE–SW, and SW–NE directions coinciding with the Jurassic syn-rift structures. The ENE–WSW direction of breakout and minimum horizontal stress (SHmin) in Qasr-5 well are the same as that of the primary fault in the Shushan Basin contrasting with the NNW–SSE direction of maximum horizontal stress (SHmax) and induced fractures. Fracture analysis of Qasr-5 revealed that only two points in the well were affected by critical stress. Based on the interpreted geomechanical properties, optimal drilling conditions to ensure wellbore stability in Shushan Basin were proposed.
Financial Scarcity, Psychological Well-Being and Perceptions: An Evaluation of the Nigerian Currency Redesign Policy Outcomes
Authors: Ani Judith Ifunanya , Ajayi-Ojo Vincent O.
Published: June 2023

Background
The relationship between insufficient financial resources and psychological health has been extensively studied and established in various contexts. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the potential impact of the Nigerian naira currency redesign policy on the psychological well-being of Nigerians. This policy, which aimed to demonetize the economy and promote economic stability, involved changes to the physical appearance of the currency. Understanding the effects of this policy on psychological health is essential for evaluating its overall societal impact and identifying potential areas for improvement in future currency redesign initiatives.
Methods
A cross-sectional study involving 2237 respondents across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Utilizing the snowball and convenience sampling technique, social media platforms (Facebook and WhatsApp) were used to recruit respondents. Variables were analyzed at descriptive and inferential levels.
Results
The perceptions of respondents towards the policy were diverse across different demographic groups. It was widely perceived that the timing of the policy was inappropriate, considering the challenges faced in utilizing online payment platforms and the significant inaccessibility of cash. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that demographic variables played a role in explaining systematic variations in the experience of financial scarcity and its effect on psychological health during the cash crunch that ensued as a result of the Nigerian naira currency redesign policy.
Conclusions
This study identified a significant association between the psychological inventory of financial scarcity and psychological well-being among residents in Nigeria during the cash crunch resulting from the Naira redesign policy. The findings suggest that the financial scarcity experienced by Nigerians due to the policy had a substantial impact on individuals' psychological well-being. We recommend that holistic approach be undertaken by policymakers to ensure that policy actions not only address economic objectives but also safeguard the mental health and overall well-being of the population.
An Enhanced Diagnosis of Monkeypox Disease using Deep Learning and a Novel Attention Model SENet on Diversified Dataset
Authors: Surati Shivangi , Trivedi Himani , Shrimali Bela
Published: June 2023

With the widespread of Monkeypox and increase in the weekly reported number of cases, it is observed that this outbreak continues to put the human beings in risk. The early detection and reporting of this disease will help monitoring and controlling the spread of it and hence, supporting international coordination for the same. For this purpose, the aim of this paper is to classify three diseases viz. Monkeypox, Chikenpox and Measles based on provided image dataset using trained standalone DL models (InceptionV3, EfficientNet, VGG16) and Squeeze and Excitation Network (SENet) Attention model. The first step to implement this approach is to search, collect and aggregate (if require) verified existing dataset(s). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper which has proposed the use of SENet based attention models in the classification task of Monkeypox and also targets to aggregate two different datasets from distinct sources in order to improve the performance parameters. The unexplored SENet attention architecture is incorporated with the trunk branch of InceptionV3 (SENet+InceptionV3), EfficientNet (SENet+EfficientNet) and VGG16 (SENet+VGG16) and these architectures improve the accuracy of the Monkeypox classification task significantly. Comprehensive experiments on three datasets depict that the proposed work achieves considerably high results with regard to accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score and hence, improving the overall performance of classification. Thus, the proposed research work is advantageous in enhanced diagnosis and classification of Monkeypox that can be utilized further by healthcare experts and researchers to confront its outspread.
Indications of younger age at menarche in Greek adolescents but no relation to body mass index
Authors: Papageorgiou Anastasia , Charmandari Evangelia , Efthymiou Vasiliki , Vlachakis Dimitrios , Bacopoulou Flora
Published: June 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to present recent trends in the pubertal timing of a Greek female sample.
Methods
Data were collected retrospectively from medical records of healthy females aged 6–18 years who attended a tertiary Adolescent Friendly Health Center over a 5-year period (2016–2020) and included gestational age, birth weight, age of thelarche and/or pubarche and/or menarche along with corresponding anthropometric, hormonal, and biochemical measurements.
Results
Data from 298 girls’ medical records were included in the analysis. Median age at menarche and thelarche was 12 and 9 years respectively, while mean age at pubarche 8.97 years. The mean interval between pubertal onset and menarche was 1.99 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) at menarche and thelarche was 20.99 kg/m2 and 18.90 kg/m2 respectively. Mean weight at menarche was 49.6 kg, whereas the mean height difference between thelarche and menarche was 19.17cm. Among participants, 6.3% had premature menarche, while 24.0% had premature thelarche. Birth weight was moderately correlated with BMI at thelarche/pubarche (rs=0.334, p = 0.005). Birth weight and BMI at thelarche/pubarche were not predictive of premature menarche or premature thelarche. Median (interquartile range, IQR) levels at menarche vs. thelarche were higher for insulin-like growth factor-1 [358.00(140.50) vs. 176.00(55.00) ng/ml], follicle stimulation hormone [5.65(3.14) vs. 3.10(4.23) mIU/ml], testosterone [25.50(31.00) vs. 13.00(21.00) ng/dl], dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [117.00(112.50) vs. 46.40(51.90) µg/dl] and insulin [17.40(15.05) vs. 8.47(4.97) µIU/ml].
Conclusion
The timing of pubertal stages in the Greek female sample studied followed the recent international downward trends. Younger age at menarche was not related to body mass index.