bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-Phase Fluid Flow Behaviour of Minagish Ooilte Dynamic Rock Types and Their Impact on Reservoir Management Practices
Authors: Dipankar Dutta , Nasser Al-Khalifa , Raj Kishore Prasad , Tahani Al-Rashidi , Meshari Al-Subaihi , Meshari Al-Zamanan , Noura Al-Kudhur , Aurora Diya , Roth Sven , Blunt Martin
Published: October 2019

Nine capillary constrained pore facies have been used to characterize the static rock types of the Minagish Oolite reservoir. However, this classification resulted poor history match on dynamic platform. An in-depth review indicated that two representative textural facies - connected vuggy limestone and fractured limestone - were not captured in the model due to either non-availability of suitable plug samples or respective bed thickness below log resolution. To resolve this issue, high resolution X-ray tomographic whole core data was generated in order to capture continuous pore network records along a 337ft core section.

Using CT based pore typing, six representative dynamic rock types were created with 10 cm vertical resolution. Out of these, two are vug/fracture dominated high permeability type and three are matrix pore dominated rock types. One is tight and non-reservoir facies. The high-permeability connected vuggy or fractured limestone samples show a wide range of pore size. Under weakly oil-wet conditions, the relative permeabilities of these rock types indicate unfavorable waterflood performance and only the oil from the vugs or fractures could be recovered in a full field dynamic setting.

In case of grainstones with separate vug porosity, the non-connected vugs are connected through the macropore system. After drainage of the macropore and vugs, the micropores get invaded, which contributes well to the changes in saturation profile. In fractured limestone, in particular, the connected fractures control the fluid flow behavior, which has extremely low waterflood relative permeability cross-over saturation of 0.11. This indicates a very unfavorable oil recovery where essentially only the oil in the fractures can be displaced.

Wettability variations from strongly oil-wet to mixed-wet conditions had little impact on likely recovery and the overall assessment of waterflood behavior. The scanning curves, representing waterflooding a transition zone, again displayed similar behavior, in that the flow was still controlled by the preferential displacement of oil from the larger connected pore space.

High permeability vuggy limestones and low permeability mudstones, when captured within the dynamic model provide better history match for the last 60 years of production and thus, improved production forecasts for upcoming wells. Identification of perforation intervals avoiding the high permeability zones, selective plug back, choke back in production wells and deciding the rate and suitable intervals for injection are some of the important tools used for well-based production optimization.
Development of New Rheology Modifier for Invert Emulsion Drilling Fluids
Authors: Wagle Vikrant , AlYami Abdullah , Alanqari Khawlah , Alkhalaf Sara
Published: October 2019

It is of prime importance for a drilling fluid to have good and optimal rheology in order to achieve good hole-cleaning and have good barite sag resistance. Invert emulsion drilling fluids with organoclay as a viscosifier sometimes fail to maintain sufficient rheology during drilling due to the thermal degradation of organoclay with time and temperature. Thus, there was a need to develop a drilling fluid with optimal rheology sufficient to give good hole cleaning and barite sag resistance in high temperature and pressure conditions.

This paper describes the formulation of invert emulsion drilling fluids formulated with a synergistic rheology modifier combination comprising of two different additives viz. rheo1 and rheo2. Invert emulsion fluids formulated with either rheo1 or rheo2 did not show good and optimal rheology required for successful drilling. However, the synergistic effect of these two additives rheo1 and rheo2 resulted in fluids with low PV and enhanced yield point and low end rheology thereby increasing their capacity for better hole-cleaning and barite-sag resistance.

The effectiveness of this rheology modifier combination was shown by formulating 68pcf low density, 90pcf medium density and 120pcf high density invert emulsion drilling fluids. The 68pcf, 90pcf and 120pcf fluids were hot rolled at 250°F, 300°F and 325°F respectively. Rheology of the 120pcf invert emulsion fluid was measured across high temperature and pressure range. The paper also describes the contamination and static aging studies of 90pcf and 120pcf fluids at 300°F and 325°F respectively.

68pcf, 90pcf and 120pcf invert emulsion drilling fluids formulated with the novel rheology modifier combination of rheo1 and rheo2 showed optimal rheology and low HTHP fluid loss. Static aging studies of 90pcf and 120pcf fluids at 300°F and 325°F respectively showed that the fluids were resistant to barite sag. Contamination studies of 90pcf fluid showed that the contaminants have minimal effect on the rheology and filtration properties of the invert emulsion fluid. HTHP rheology of the 90pcf invert emulsion fluid shows consistent rheology across high temperatures and pressures. The paper thus demonstrates the superior performance of the rheology modifier combination to achieve good rheological and filtration properties.
Green Transition by Green Refrigerants for HVAC System
Authors: Mohammad Shakeel , Al-Ajmi Obaid Mohamamed
Published: October 2019

Recently, the Climate Change has become a major challenge across the globe. It is disrupting national economies, costing us dearly today and will cost even more tomorrow. Therefore, ‘2015 Paris Climate Change’ marked a historic turning point as it arrived at a universal agreement on climate to keep global warming below 2 °C.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilating & Air conditioning) system in general and its refrigerants (heat transfer media) in particular, has significantly impact Green House Gases (GHG) and climate change. Such systems contribute to GHG emission in terms of direct non-green refrigerant emissions and indirect CO2 emissions associated with the energy needed to operate / run the HVAC system. Hence, HVAC industry has been constantly supporting the global efforts for Green Transition.

The two measures of environmental effect are Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP). ODP represents the relative ability of a refrigerant (CFC & HCFC), used in Air conditioning System, to destroy stratospheric ozone molecules when released to the atmosphere and thereby increasing the UV radiation reaching the earth. CFCs (Chloro Fluoro Carbons like R 11) have the highest ODP, HCFCs (Hydro Chloro Fluoro Carbons like R 22) have comparatively less and HFCs (no Chlorine Content, like R 410A) have zero ODP.

The Montreal protocol stipulates that HCFCs (like R 22) are scheduled to be phased out by 2040 (likely to be advanced to 2030) in Article 5 countries like Middle East and others. In non-article 5 countries (developed countries), the environmentally friendly substitutes for HCFCs are being developed and used. Currently Middle East is under extended phase out schedule for R 22 till 2030. The local regulatory bodies (like EPA, MEW–Kuwait) have not yet published any recommendations for its environmentally substitute.

Air conditioning & Refrigeration system is extensively used for Control Rooms, Electrical Substations and Offices etc. within KOC premises. This paper provides a detailed study of ‘Refrigerants Progression’ towards Green transition while providing excellent performance benefits. It also provides KOC best practices considering challenges & implementation while taking into account the merits and limitations of Refrigerant(s) for "KOC Air-conditioning system". It is worth broadening our choice of HVAC and applicable Green Refrigerant.

This paper also discusses the steps being taken by KOC towards adopting "Green Refrigerants" to improve KOC's image in protecting our fragile environment, in line with the Paris COP 21Climate Change agreement.
Going Fast Track for Well and Reservoir Evaluations
Authors: Lopez David , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: October 2019

The aim of this paper is to outline a fast and reliable workflow that allows delivering a rapid and high-level evaluation of reservoir performance based on surveillance data. Exploration prospects, single well analysis and quality control of full field models are typical opportunities for the application of fast track evaluations. The integration of data in simplified workflows is a sufficiently robust approach to provide reasonable analyses, mainly where time and resources are limited.

To illustrate the fast track process, petrophysical and well test evaluations are combined to generate sufficient information to enable the prediction of reservoir performance using a very simplistic and optimized workflow. Wireline data and information from permanent downhole pressure and temperature gauges are used to assess well performance and to forecast potential reservoir offtake. To test the effectiveness of the workflow, a case study from a field in Europe has been carried out.

Well production testing is extensively used during the appraisal stage, to build confidence that hydrocarbons can be commercially produced, and during field development, to monitor well productivity performance through time. Using well test analysis (WTA) reservoir characterization, reservoir container volume, depletion mechanisms, reservoir connectivity and distance of wells to boundaries can be addressed, using as input, petrophysical, geological data and fluid properties. Petrophysical data is fundamental to the evaluation of well potential and the identification of possible productivity issues related to well integrity and/or formation damage. A pressure derivative plot against time, with both axes on a logarithmic scale, shows a specific fingerprint associated to geological features such as layering, permeability, faults, fractures and channels.

This paper will be of interest to engineers, geoscientists and asset managers who need a quick evaluation workflow that integrates well and reservoir data to deliver consistent and robust assessments. The ability to complete reliable fast track well test analysis has a direct impact on reduction of cost and deferred production for operators and joint venture partners.
Application of Big Data Techniques in a Greenfield Heavy Oil Asset in Kuwait – a Feasibility Study
Authors: Kharghoria Arun , Gonzalez Santiago , Al-Rabah Abdullah Abdul , Kaushik Alok , Ujjal Manu , Singhal Manu , Montero Jacobo , Gonzalez Gregorio , Cheers Mike , Zijlstra Ellen , Rawnsley Keith
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of application of analytics techniques in a new heavy oil asset in Kuwait in the following areas: data integration and visualization to support Well, Reservoir and Facility Management (WRFM), understanding well production behavior and their link to reservoir parameters, investigating reasons for sand failure. The study also aimed to highlight focus areas that would facilitate the full field implementation of analytics as a viable WRFM tool.

Due to the green field nature, the current volume of data is relatively small (versus mature assets), and not all the data required is available yet. The study started with formatting, processing and integrating all the available field data into a data management tool. Integrated visualizations were tested to detect early trends of sand and water production. Machine Learning algorithms such as Random Forest, Decision Tree and Neural Network were applied next to the sand prediction problem, focusing on identifying root causes for repetitive sand failures in wells and if possible to predict initial or subsequent sand failures.

The study indicated that integrated visualizations are very promising in support of WRFM in this field in the short term. Early signs of water breakthrough were correlated, particularly in wells with specific combinations of geological features and completion strategies. The sand prediction problem proved to be very challenging to the Machine Learning approaches, with limited success in predicting the historical occurrences. The results indicated that these techniques are likely to be more applicable once the volume of data increases, particularly the higher resolution data (real time data from artificial lift equipment), as well as by incorporating additional data types (sand production measurements during tests, which require additional resources to execute) and other data types available but not tested yet (log data derived parameters). Overall results indicated that analytics should be strongly considered as a valuable tool in the short to medium term in this new field, with efforts in data acquisition and management of the data types identified.

Most of the existing publications on this topic are related to analytics applied in mature fields. This study, conducted in a field still in the early stages, showed the value for early implementation, and highlights that early planning for focused data acquisition can facilitate building initial data-driven models which can be used for prediction purposes. The paper is expected to provide a valuable reference for new heavy oil projects, either under definition or in early production, for the application of data analytics and extend learnings based on machine learning.
A Scalable Approach to Modeling and Integrating a Supergiant Multi-Field Surface Facility Network to Meet Production Optimization Goals - Challenges & Lessons Learned
Authors: Cornwall Rachelle Christine , Al Nuimi Saber Mubarak , Gutierrez Daniel , Tripathi Deepak Tripathi , Hidalgo Melvin Hidalgo , Alkuwaiti Hamda , Soni Sandeep
Published: October 2019

This paper describes the construction, calibration, and analysis of a multi-field integrated asset operations model (IAOM). The strategy is based on a hierarchical approach that introduces process concepts to assure simplicity, flexibility, and scalability as well as integration with external platforms without compromising on accuracy.

As a part of ADNOC Onshore's implementation of the IAOM, well and network models were constructed and calibrated for modelling field scenarios, identifying bottlenecks, and replicating business requirements. The new approach is rooted in concepts to assure maintainability of the network model. A hierarchical approach implemented during construction and calibration was defined in levels from wells to processing facilities, and was later standardized for ease of replication of structures.

Without compromising on accuracy, the new approach delivered ease of construction, calibration, and analysis that was not possible in an earlier field model. The flexibility in the hierarchical construction approach facilitated faster analyses of scenarios such as commingled flow-line effects and the impact of gas lift conversion. Additionally, model convergence time was reduced by half. The embedded scalability features increased efficiency in the modelling process such that the addition of a newly commissioned field to the network model became a simplified task, ensuring the model will be kept up to date. Hierarchy features facilitated ease of scenario definitions at different levels in the network and supported specific analyses.

A nomenclature structure provided flexibility in classifying grouped or related objects for changes in status in defining scenarios. Additional benefits were gained through the ability to easily integrate with other analytical tools such as forecasting software and other intelligent monitoring platforms owing to standardizations built into the network model.

This new approach allows engineers to understand the nuances of modeling and execute associated tasks in a structured and simplified manner, which can be replicated across other assets for increased efficiency and model performance.
Holistic Approach to Estimate Water Breakthrough; A Case Study
Authors: Opoku Daniel , Shehri Dhafer Al , Adjei Stephen
Published: October 2019

Historically, it has been a challenge to analyze and predict water cut or water production. While predicting water production may seem less relevant as compared to oil production, produced water poses many challenges. The difficulty rises when surface facilities cannot handle the water produced and reservoir pressure declines sharply as a result of excess water production.

Multiphase flowmeters (MPFMs) have in the past few decades gradually replaced the conventional approach of metering multiphase flow streams using test separators. However, MPFMs have been faced with several challenges including flow assurance problems and high bottomhole temperatures and pressures. In addition, they have a threshold below which the accuracy of the measurement of water production will be highly questionable due to design and technology limitations. As a matter of economic decisions, it is necessary to detect and estimate early and post water breakthrough trends respectively. Several models to forecast water breakthrough have been developed. Among them is the famous water cut (WC) versus cumulative production (Np) plot.

This paper presents two empirical models to address the inability of MPFM to detect early water breakthrough below a threshold and to provide an alternative technique for modeling post water breakthrough. The models developed in this work predict water breakthrough using fluid volumes, bottomhole pressure and temperature. The first technique predicts early water breakthrough when the plotted function shows a deviation from a straight-line trend. In the second model, the water cut equation is modified for post water breakthrough prediction.

Previous studies of water cut (WC) have focused on the production of water above the MPFMs threshold. The models derived in this paper provide accurate water cut estimates below MPMFs threshold and reliable post water breakthrough analysis.
Innovative Milling Technology Enhances P&A Performance to Save 11 Rig Days
Authors: Stanko Tomasz , Aliyev Mirhuseyn , Maliekkal Harish , Issa Ali , Hamilton Graeme , Stokes David , Gjertsen Ole , White Allen , Den Besten Hendri , Walburg Edward
Published: October 2019

With the increase in Plug and Abandonment activities worldwide, Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Companies are always looking for ways to reduce rig time and overall costs involved in such activities. One of the plug and abandonment objectives is to seal the well and isolate permanently. This requires milling a window inside the casing to set a cement plug to seal the reservoir and prevent hydrocarbon leakage to surface or hydrocarbon movement between different formations, as well as preventing contaminations of aquifers.

In most of the wells, where the cement plug is to be set there are two overlapping casing strings. In standard Plug and Abandonment applications, this will need pilot milling of the inner casing string from surface (couple of 100s to 1000s meters) to the required depth and then section milling a window in the outer casing string, then opening the formation to set a cement plug and seal the reservoir.

Responding to such application, the plug and abandonment research and development team from the service company carried out several studies and conducted multiple simulations to optimize milling performance, which resulted in a new mill cutting structure design called WavEdge technology.

New cutting structure is enhancing the performance of milling by achieving increase in ROP, Durability and getting better swarf quality for easy handling.
A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Characterize a Heterogeneous Carbonate Reservoir
Authors: Eadulapally Satish Kumar , Al-Murayri Mohammed Taha , Hossam El-Din Ibrahim , Gustin Daniel. P
Published: October 2019

High permeable layers are one of the key factors of heterogeneity in the Mauddud carbonate reservoir. The objective of this study is to use a field scale definitive approach to characterize high permeable layers with limited data control and derisk their presence at pilot scale using multi-disciplinary data sets acquired from EOR pilot wells

An appropriate definition is assigned to characterize high permeable layers based on core and log data. High permeability layers thus defined were indexed as facies logs at well locations. The indexed facies logs were correlated with different data sets in connection with from NMR, FMI, mud logs and tracers. Before incorporating surveillance data, a base case facies model was generated out of multiple distribution runs using facies index logs from pilot wells. The geological uncertainty associated with high permeable facies identified at pilot wells was decreased by incorporating previously acquired PNL logs, C/O logs, tracer, ILTs, PLTs and SNL-HPT data.

It is found that there is no mud loss or any fractured core detected in pilot wells, thus indicating that there is no interference with faults or fracture networks. Tracer test data show short breakthrough times and are correlatable to identified high permeable intervals in the reservoir. The correlation of TDT log saturations, RFT fluid samples and cooling anomalies behind the casing based on SNL-HPT data matches with interpreted Hi Perm layers. This explains a preferential movement of water into the pilot area resulting from potential connection between Hi Perms and surrounding water injector wells outside the pilot area. Finally, the modelling of identified high permeable layers as imprinted facies established quantification of high permeable layers in terms of areal extension, thickness and connectivity between the pilot wells. This multi-disciplinary approach is useful to de-risk the geological uncertainty associated with high permeable intervals in carbonate reservoirs.

Early detection and characterization of high permeable layers within a selected EOR pilot area is beneficial to mitigate preferential sweep and maximize the ultimate oil recovery as a result of chemical EOR depolyment.
Polymer Flood Pilot Design in a Heavy Oil Field North Kuwait
Authors: AlAbbasi Lulwa , Garcia Jose , Zijlstra Ellen , AlMatrook Mohammad , AlRabah Abdullah , Qureshi Faisal , AlMurayri Mohammad
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the design of a polymer flood pilot in a very heterogeneous, sour Heavy Oil reservoir (referred to as HO Reservoir in this paper), which has three times the salinty of sea water with a high mineral content. In addition, the paper illustrates the methodology for the pilot design, location selection, modelling, water source selection, data acquisition plan, and polymer selection and testing.

The purpose of the polymer flood pilot is to derisk a full field development plan, which aims at improving recovery by flooding processes in a shallow Heavy Oil Field with only two years of production data. The aim is to demonstrate polymer flood technical feasibility in the field and to provide data to evaluate economic viability for further expansion to full field. Therefore, the pilot had to be designed in such a way that it leads to representative results and data for the full field development and enables identification of potential risks and reduction of uncertainties. The multi-well pilot is preceded by polymer lab tests and by single-well injection testing.

By a thorough field analysis including static and dynamic modelling, a pilot pattern shape and size were selected and the pilot wells were drilled last year. An extensive data acquisition plan has been made to optimize learnings from the pilot execution phase. Pressure gradients and vertical interference tests measured in open hole on the injector wells show the presence of short scale heterogeneity. This provided also learnings for the variable water cut development observed in other parts of the field. Since produced water was selected as water source for chemical EOR, another challenge that was successfully overcome was the qualification of a HPAM polymer tthat performed stably under highly saline water conditions and high dissolved H2S concentration. This was the result of a comprehensive polymer formulation laboratory program and subsequently followed by a single well chemical tracer test.

Polymer flood in a highly saline, sour reservoir is unprecedented worldwide and needs careful derisking by a pilot. Using produced water instead of seawater will reduce disposal and treatment costs as well as follow KOC's environmental strategy.
Advancing the CFD Simulation of Flashing in Inflow Control Devices
Authors: Nigim Tarek H. , Li Lei , Zhu Da , Lange Carlos F.
Published: October 2019

Flashing flow is a common phenomenon in many industrial applications and, in steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), it is considered a significant process. Flashing may occur if there is a sudden pressure drop in the production well in SAGD, which is a typical in-situ way to extract heavy oil from tar sands. This may change the expected pressure drop across inflow control devices (ICDs), which are the controllers installed within the production well. Flashing is defined as self-boiling of a liquid due to a reduction of pressure, and it is a complex, multiphase flow phenomenon. The main objectives of the present work are to develop and to validate a multiphase computational model that has the ability to predict the thermo-fluid behaviour of the flow during the flashing process inside ICD nozzles, and to assess its effect on the pressure distribution through ICDs in a predictive way. Our computational model is applied to time-averaged, two-phase, adiabatic, turbulent flows. The new computational model can predict the phase changes between liquid and vapour phases based on mechanical effects (pressure). This is achieved by comparing the local pressure in each computational cell with the local vapour pressure. Considering the thermo-fluid complexity together in one model gives such a simulation the potential to be invaluable for a better understanding of roles of the combined mass transfer and the flashing dynamics during the flashing flow process, and to be applied as an industrial inflow control device to choke back steam for SAGD production system. It may assist in obtaining insight and information where measurements would be difficult. Furthermore, the CFD results can be used to generate compact predictive functions of pressure drop within ICDs, and to investigate the effects of both non-condensable gases and solvents in ICDs performance.
Inhibition and Interaction between Iron Sulphide, Zinc Sulphide and Lead Sulphide
Authors: Alharbi Bader , Aljeaban Norah , Graham Alexander , Sorbie Ken
Published: October 2019

Iron sulphide (FeS), zinc sulphide (ZnS) and lead sulphide (PbS) scales have been observed in many sour oil and gas wells. Sulphide scales often form alongside other scales such as calcium carbonate and barium sulphate and such scales can be removed using chemicals like hydrochloric acid (HCl) and chelating agents. However, there are several drawbacks associated with the removal of sulphide scales, for example, HCl acid, which outperforms other dissolvers has a high corrosion rate and generates hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas as a byproduct. Other dissolvers, including chelating agents, have very low dissolution rates. Therefore, FeS inhibition is much preferred to its removal, if this can be achieved efficiently and economically.

The objective of this paper is to investigate the inhibition efficiency of inhibitors/dispersants for preventing FeS, ZnS and PbS scales. Different scale inhibitor chemistries have been examined over a wide range of parameters, including temperature, salinity, pH and concentrations of Fe, Zn, Pb and sulphide. Static formation and inhibition experiments were conducted and the progress of the reaction was monitored by ion tracking using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis and pH monitoring. Also, filter-blocking inhibition tests were carried out to examine the impact of scale inhibitor concentration on the scaling time.

Polymeric scale inhibitors showed a high inhibition efficiency for ZnS while no inhibition was observed for phosophonate based scale inhibitors. Unlike ZnS, none of the tested scale inhibitors inhibited FeS. High molecular weight scale inhibitors performed well even at high temperature and salinity and maintained the particles suspended in solution for several days. However, high scale inhibitor concentrations were required to prevent the deposition of FeS, particularly when the iron concentration was raised to 100 ppm and above. In SI-1 solutions, it was easier to inhibit PbS and ZnS when they formed concurrently rather than forming PbS followed by ZnS. These results are in line with the difference in the MIC (Minimum Inhibitor Concentration) observed in SI-2 solutions.

Based on these results, the tested polymeric scale inhibitors managed to inhibit ZnS and PbS but failed against FeS under the same conditions despite the fact that the solubility of ZnS and PbS is less than FeS. It was also found that, cation displacement and the sequence of the scale formation had a significant impact on the inhibition efficiency. The size of scale particles was dependent on the type of scale inhibitor and concentration and this was reflected in the scaling time in the dynamic inhibition tests.
Potassium Fertilization for Fresh Market Potato Production in Tropical Soils
Authors: Job André L.G. , Soratto Rogério P. , Fernandes Adalton M. , Assunção Natália S. , Fernandes Fabiana M. , Yagi Renato
Published: October 2019

Potassium (K) is the most taken up and removed nutrient by potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), and has a great influence on tuber yield and quality. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of three rates (100, 200, and 400 kg K2O ha−1) and two timings of application of K (single application at planting furrow and split application of 50% at planting furrow plus 50% at hilling), as potassium chloride, as well as a control (without K application) on the plant nutrition and tuber yield and quality of potato ‘Agata’ grown in tropical clay soils. The split application of K fertilizer had little influence on plant nutrition and tuber yield and quality. The influence of K fertilization on increasing K and reducing Ca and Mg concentrations in the leaf was more significant in soil with low exchangeable K. In this soil, the maximum tuber yield (33.6 Mg ha−1; 107% higher than the control) was obtained with an estimated rate of 325 kg K2O ha−1, while in the soils with medium and high exchangeable K, the tuber yield was increased between 22 and 34% and only up to a rate of 200 kg K2O ha−1. The critical leaf K concentration to reach 95% of the maximum yield was 29.3 g K kg−1, but there was an extreme increase in the tuber yield even with K rates that provided leaf K concentrations above this limit. Potassium fertilization increased the firmness and reduced soluble solids and protein in tubers.

Core Ideas

K is the nutrient that is most taken up and removed by the potato crop.

In clay soils, the splitting of K fertilization has little influence on potato tuber yield and quality.

K fertilization increases tuber yield more, and up to higher rates in soil with low K concentration.

K fertilization increases the tuber firmness, but reduces the soluble solids and protein concentration.
Not by Salinity Alone: How Environmental Factors Shape Fungal Communities in Saline Soils
Authors: Zhao Shuai , Liu Jun‐Jie , Banerjee Samiran , White James F. , Zhou Na , Zhao Zhen‐Yong , Zhang Ke , Hu Ming‐Fang , Kingsley Kathryn , Tian Chang‐Yan
Published: October 2019

Core Ideas

Fungal diversity exhibits a longitudinal gradient in saline soils.

Soil moisture, then salinity and total potassium, were the main environmental drivers of fungal communities.

Environmental variables were more important than geographical distance to variation in trophic guilds.

The fungal community assembly was mainly stochastic.

Soil salinity is prominent in arid and semiarid regions, especially in local agricultural systems. Fungi play major roles in ecosystem processes, but the determinants of fungal diversity and biogeographical patterns in saline agricultural systems remain poorly understood. Here we performed Illumina MiSeq high throughput sequencing of the fungal ITS1 region from 31 soils covering representative saline agricultural lands in northwest China. The results showed that Dothideomycetes, Eurotiomycetes and Sordariomycetes were the dominant taxonomic groups across all soil samples (>5% of all sequences), while saprotroph, pathotroph‐saprotroph‐symbiotroph and pathotroph were the main functional guilds across all soil samples. Interestingly, the fungal abundance and α diversity increased with increasing longitudinal gradient from 84°13′ E to 89°11′ E. Soil moisture, followed by salinity and total potassium, were the primary environmental drivers of the fungal community; these soil parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with longitude, and therefore potentially result in longitudinal fungal gradients. Furthermore, the fungal community assembly was mainly stochastic; fungal community exhibited distance‐decay distribution patterns, which were mainly influenced by geographical distance. By contrast, environmental factors (such as salinity pH, soil moisture, or nutrients) mainly contributed to the variation in trophic guilds. These findings enhance our understanding of fungal biogeography in saline agricultural soils.
Fixeddose combination of rosuvastatin + ezetimibe: ease of use, safety and efficacy
Authors: Alekseeva I. A. , Kolmakova T. E. , Ezhov M. B.
Published: October 2019

Today, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia are key points in the occurrence and progression of CVDs, as well as the development of its complications. Elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is the target of lipid-lowering therapy. The LDL-C target level is often not achieved in everyday clinical practice, which is especially important for patients at high and very high risk for cardiovascular complications. Furthermore, in some patient subgroups, atherogenic dyslipidemia is observed. Due to use of intensive and prolonged lipid-lowering therapy, the problem of its tolerability and patient adherence to the treatment becomes a live issue today. In addition, the use of drugs with effect that complements and enhances the effect of statin helps to achieve targets and improve long-term prognosis. Statins and ezetimibe are effective and widely used drugs to treat dyslipidemia. Clinical studies show that ezetimibe can be safely co-administered with statins to enhance lipid-lowering activity. In this regard, a statin and non-statin drug fixed-dose combination tablet may have additional advantages both for enhancing the lipidlowering effect and for greater patient convenience. Rosuvastatin is more effective than other statins in reducing low density lipoprotein cholesterol. The article provides a rationale for the possibility, efficacy, safety and convenience of using an ezetimibe and rosuvastatin fixed-dose combination tablet in patients with a high and very high risk and unattained target level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol.
The Role of Rivaroxaban in the Treatment of Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Averkov O. V.
Published: October 2019

An analytical article discusses the design and results of the recent COMPASS study. Particular attention is paid to the details of comparison of the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban combined with acetylsalicylic acid and the efficacy and safety of drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid only in patients with stable coronary artery disease. In addition to a significant reduction in the risk of the sum of traditionally recognizable events (myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular mortality), among the arguments in favour of fairly widespread prolonged use of the antiplatelet agent combined with anticoagulant is an attractive effect of the debated antithrombotic strategy on the overall mortality of patients, an acceptable ratio of efficacy and hemorrhagic safety, first of all the absence of the increased risk of fatal bleeding and the risk of intracranial bleeding. The article describes approaches to the selection of patients with coronary artery disease for the participation in the long-term treatment with rivaroxaban combined with acetylsalicylic acid. Alternative possibilities for enhancement of the secondary prophylactic effects of acetylsalicylic acid are mentioned, the arguments supporting the preference of the approach discussed in the article are presented.
Modern view on hemostasis system: cell theory
Authors: Schastlivtsev I. V. , Lobastov K. V. , Tsaplin S. N. , Mkrtychev D. S.
Published: October 2019

For many years, there has been no model capable of explaining the complex processes of interaction between various bloodclotting factors leading to a stop of bleeding. One of the most successful models able to partially reflect the mechanisms of hemostasis for a long time was the cascade theory. The cascade model perfectly explains the processes occurring during coagulation in vitro, but was completely inadequate in attempts to evaluate the processes occurring in vivo. A significant drawback of the cascade model is the impossibility to trace the interaction of cells carrying the tissue factor, platelets and plasma coagulation factors on their surface, since these conditions cannot be imitated. The cell theory, which has replaced the cascade theory, pays attention not only to the interaction of plasma coagulation factors, but also takes into account the role of platelets as important participants of coagulation processes. It is based on a four-stage reaction cascade that includes the following stages: initiation, amplification, propagation, and termination.

The cell theory of hemostasis is able to reflect the complex process of interaction of all the links of hemostasis and answer questions related to the problems in patients with disorders of the coagulation system. The cell theory of hemostasis allows to reflect more precisely the processes of hemostasis in vivo and to interpret correctly the results of tests and pathophysiological mechanisms of disorders of the coagulation system. Global tests (thrombin generation assay, thromboelastography, thrombodynamics) used for hemostasis system evaluation are more complimentary with cell theory of hemostasis.
Current perspectives in the management of blood pressure and reduction of cardiovascular risks. Based on the proceedings of the XXVI Human and Medicine Congress and 3rd Cardiovascular Summit
Authors: Evsjutina Yu. V.
Published: October 2019

Current perspectives in the management of blood pressure and reduction of cardiovascular risks. Based on the proceedings of the XXVI Human and Medicine Congress and 3rd Cardiovascular Summit.
Treatment of real dairy wastewater by electrolysis and photo-assisted electrolysis in presence of chlorides
Authors: de Sousa Diego Domingos Pereira , Pinto Camila Ferreira , Tonhela Marquele Amorim , Granato Ana Claudia , Motheo Artur de Jesus , Lima Alexandre de Faria , Ferreira Deusmaque Carneiro , Fernandes David Maikel , Fornazari Ana Luiza de Toledo , Malpass Geoffroy Roger Pointer
Published: October 2019

The efficiency of electrolysis (EC/Cl2) and photo-assisted electrolysis (EC/UV/Cl2) methods, in the presence of chloride, for the abatement of real dairy waste from a producer in the Triangulo Mineiro region of Brazil, was evaluated. A complete 23 factorial design was performed for the variables time, pH and current. After determining the ideal pH, a Central Compound Design (CCD) was performed, where the applied current (533.42 mA) and treatment time (60.45 minutes) were maximized. The effluent was subsequently submitted to prolonged EC/Cl2 and EC/UV/Cl2 treatment in order to evaluate the behaviour of specific environmental parameters over time. The EC/UV/Cl2 method was more efficient than simple EC/Cl2 treatment. The EC/UV/Cl2 method resulted in a reduction of all environmental parameters investigated to levels within legal standards for effluent discharge. A relatively low cost of treatment is obtained with Energy per Order (EEO) values of 0.89 and 1.22 kWh m−3 order−1 for the EC/UV/Cl2 and EC/Cl2 treatments, respectively. The electrochemical production of free chlorine species followed by subsequent photolysis and production of radical species can convert a simple electrochemical process into an advanced oxidation process (AOP).
HIPERINFORMAÇÃO NA ERA DIGITAL: VALIDAÇÃO DAS INFORMAÇÕES SOBRE SAÚDE
Authors: Maia Mariangela Rebelo , Biolchini Jorge Calmon de Almeida
Published: October 2019

A ampliação dos modos de acesso à informação, particularmente através da internet, facilita que as pessoas busquem informações sobre saúde e doença. Isto inclui sintomas, diagnósticos, exames, tratamentos, medicamentos e outros itens. O objetivo nesta pesquisa é evidenciar que a hiperinformação atinge diretamente o processo de validação das informações, a disseminação de fake news e o cotidiano das pessoas. Em tempos de “informações espetacularizadas”, os discursos são construídos sem compromisso com a veracidade daquilo que é informado. Não revelando as intenções pragmáticas de domínio, poder, indução e manipulação, entre outras formas de retórica. Conclui-se que a hiperinformação sobre saúde aponta para a fragilidade da veracidade informacional. Entende-se que é necessário criar condições para que a busca e o uso de informações em saúde inclua filtro e seleção de fontes comprometidas com a veracidade e a ética.Palavras-chave: Validação da informação. Hiperinformação. Fake News.
Privileged Structures in the Design of Potential Drug Candidates for Neglected Diseases
Authors: Leite Ana Cristina  Lima , Espíndola José Wanderlan Pontes , de Oliveira Cardoso Marcos Veríssimo , de Oliveira Filho Gevanio Bezerra
Published: October 2019

Background:

Privileged motifs are recurring in a wide range of biologically
active compounds that reach different pharmaceutical targets and pathways and could represent
a suitable start point to access potential candidates in the neglected diseases field.
The current therapies to treat these diseases are based in drugs that lack of the desired effectiveness,
affordable methods of synthesis and allow a way to emergence of resistant
strains. Due the lack of financial return, only few pharmaceutical companies have been
investing in research for new therapeutics for neglected diseases (ND).

Methods:

Based on the literature search from 2002 to 2016, we discuss how six privileged
motifs, focusing phthalimide, isatin, indole, thiosemicarbazone, thiazole, and thiazolidinone
are particularly recurrent in compounds active against some of neglected diseases.

Results:

It was observed that attention was paid particularly for Chagas disease, malaria,
tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, dengue, African sleeping sickness (Human
African Trypanosomiasis - HAT) and toxoplasmosis. It was possible to verify that, among
the ND, antitrypanosomal and antiplasmodial activities were between the most searched.
Besides, thiosemicarbazone moiety seems to be the most versatile and frequently explored
scaffold. As well, phthalimide, isatin, thiazole, and thiazolidone nucleus have been also
explored in the ND field.

Conclusion:

Some described compounds, appear to be promising drug candidates, while
others could represent a valuable inspiration in the research for new lead compounds.
Hyperferritinaemia: An Iron Sword of Autoimmunity
Authors: Giemza-Stokłosa Joanna , Islam Md. Asiful , Kotyla Przemysław J.
Published: October 2019

Background::

Ferritin is a molecule that plays many roles being the storage for iron, signalling molecule, and modulator of the immune response.

Methods::

Different electronic databases were searched in a non-systematic way to find out the literature of interest.

Results::

The level of ferritin rises in many inflammatory conditions including autoimmune disorders. However, in four inflammatory diseases (i.e., adult-onset Still’s diseases, macrophage activation syndrome, catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, and sepsis), high levels of ferritin are observed suggesting it as a remarkable biomarker and pathological involvement in these diseases. Acting as an acute phase reactant, ferritin is also involved in the cytokine-associated modulator of the immune response as well as a regulator of cytokine synthesis and release which are responsible for the inflammatory storm.

Conclusion::

This review article presents updated information on the role of ferritin in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases with an emphasis on hyperferritinaemic syndrome.
Discrepancies in Demand of Internet of Things Services Among Older People and People With Disabilities, Their Caregivers, and Health Care Providers: Face-to-Face Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lee Heayon , Park Yu Rang , Kim Hae-Reong , Kang Na Young , Oh Gahee , Jang Il-Young , Lee Eunju
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Home Internet of Things (IoT) services and devices have the potential to aid older adults and people with disabilities in their living environments. IoT services and devices can also aid caregivers and health care providers in conveniently providing care to those in need. However, real-world data on the IoT needs of vulnerable people are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to conduct a face-to-face survey on the demand for IoT services among older people and people with disabilities, their caregivers, and health care providers in a real-world setting and to see if there are any differences in the aspects of need.

METHODS

We conducted a face-to-face survey with 500 participants between January 2019 and March 2019. A total of 300 vulnerable people (200 older adults aged ≥65 years and 100 physically disabled people aged 30-64 years) were randomly sampled from either a population-based, prospective cohort study of aging—the Aging Study of Pyeongchang Rural Area (ASPRA)—or from the outpatient clinics at the Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea. Simultaneously, their caregivers (n=150) and health care providers (n=50) participated in the survey. Detailed socioeconomic status, digital literacy, health and physical function, and home IoT service needs were determined. Among all commercially available IoT services, 27 services were classified into five categories: emergency and security, safety, health care, convenience (information), and convenience (operation). The weighted-ranking method was used to rank the IoT needs in different groups.

RESULTS

There were discrepancies in the demand of IoT services among the vulnerable groups, their caregivers, and health care providers. The home IoT service category that was required the most by the vulnerable groups and their caregivers was emergency and security. However, health care providers indicated that the safety category was most needed by the older adults and disabled people. Home IoT service requirements differed according to the different types of disabilities among the vulnerable groups. Participants with fewer disabilities were more willing to use IoT services than those with more disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Our survey study shows that there were discrepancies in the demand of IoT services among the vulnerable groups, their caregivers, and health care providers. IoT service requirements differed according to the various types of disabilities. Home IoT technology should be established by combining patients’ priorities and individualized functional assessments among vulnerable people.

CLINICALTRIAL

Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS; KCT0004157); https://tinyurl.com/r83eyva