bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introducing the Power of Augmented Reality Revolutionizes Subsea Installation in Gulf of Suez. Case History: - First Time in Egypt
Authors: Ismail A. , Abdelrazik. M. , Salama A. , Abouelmaati L. , Saloma M. , Medany M.
Published: May 2024

Offshore drilling in the Gulf of Suez (GOS) poses major challenges when subsea structure insulation is required especially when high water depths and rough weather are encountered. A big-bore mud-line well was drilled, in the preparation to drill the second appraisal well from the same surface location, a subsea structure is required to be installed at the mud line level achieving a certain heading using smart vision Camera.

To overcome the safety and operation challenges, a pre-well planning meetings were done to survey all new technologies that can help to achieve optimum performance and cost effective solutions to run and orient subsea structure safely to the desired direction. Hence, a team form multiple discipline was performed to utilize an innovative smart camera technology benefits the power of augmented reality for the first time in Egypt to land and orient the platform template at the desired heading. The smart camera attached to a remotely operated vehicle used to determine the heading and attitude while landing the subsea structure.

Historically, conventional survey sensors are typically attached to subsea structures along with diving operations were used to run and orient substructure during installation process, which have a lot of limitation in addition to multiple safety and operational risks as

Risks associated with vessel and Rig approach due to tight space along with template latch and unlatch operation to grantee mechanism functionality Rough weather conditions in GOS during summer time which require significant wait on weather time to have the required operational weather window. Water depth of 55 meter that leads to use a costly saturation diving operations.

To mitigate the above mentioned risks with lower project cost the team decided to utilize the innovative smart camera technology that successfully determined the heading and attitude of the platform template and precisely landed the subsea structure to the desired direction within the desired accuracy. This eliminates the requirement to pre-install a sensor package on the structure, and retrieve it once installation is complete, which reduces the time and costs associated with a dive support vessel.

The paper provides a detailed description of the safety and operational challenges in this application.
Pragmatic Approach to Capture System Age for Realistic Reliability Analysis
Authors: Kar Supriyo B. , Sengupta Subhadip
Published: May 2024

The temporal dimension of age is a universal truth. Since time immemorial, individuals from all walks of life have glorified age and the process of getting older from an abstract perspective. "The best tunes are played on the oldest fiddles!" - Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes." - Frank Lloyd Wright are some of the examples where aging and maturing into a better version have been projected as synonymous.

However, in the physical world of plants and machinery, age is generally looked down upon as a harbinger of reduced ability in terms of performance, dependability, efficiency etc. This is best resonated in the words of William Shakespeare – "Where Youth is full of sport, age's breath is short; Youth is nimble, age is lame; Youth is hot and bold, age is weak and cold; Youth is wild, and age is tame."

In a typical Oil & Gas environment, all the three primary reliability indices i.e. Reliability, Availability, Maintainability of equipment/system get adversely affected by age for many of the equipment type/family. Wear and tear, Degradation in strength, Fatigue, Creep, Corrosion, Deterioration of mechanical, electrical, chemical and hydraulic nature, Poor service (Maintenance, Repair, Replacement) e.g. replacement of failed parts by partially aged ones, incorrect fitment, imperfect repair etc. are all reasons of aging and sources of age-related failure. This necessitates that during Reliability Analysis of equipment and systems, age is effectively captured and factored in the calculation process. Capturing age becomes even more important when predictions and forecasts are to be made over a substantially long duration of operation and inability to do so widens the gap between analysis outcome and reality.
Customized High Performance Water Based Mud Substituting Oil Based Mud to Drill Nahr Umr Shale and High Over Balance Reservoirs in Onshore Abu Dhabi
Authors: Saragi Raymond , Husien Mohammad , Mubiru Gerald Wilson , Mahrous Mostafa Fekry Elsaid , Atabany Hosam Gamal
Published: May 2024

In alignment with Abu Dhabi onshore operation's sustainability pillar to reduce carbon emission in the operation and identified significant waste management cost saving of oil-based mud cuttings, operator and fluids provider team collaborated to customize and conduct trial for using a high-performance water-based mud to drill Nahr Umr shales, substituting normal practice with oil-based mud. Extensive laboratory work was carried out i.e., cation exchange capacity, capillary suction time, XRF/XRD analysis, linear swelling test, accretion and erosion test using Nahr Umr shales’ cuttings to customize the fit for purpose high-performance water-based mud.

Both parties successfully used a high-performance water-based mud system to drill challenged wells. Trials evaluated the fluid performance for different well designs – where the subjected section size varies between 8½ in and 12¼ in. Trials-as well-included wells with expected severe to complete loss of circulation scenarios therefore, expanding the evaluation of fluid ability for stabilizing the shale under such tough operational conditions. The operation's success in achieving well objectives depended on appropriate mud formulation and maintaining the right concentration of shale inhibitors.

This paper describes the development and field trial of fit for purpose solution of high-performance water-based mud that enhances shale stabilization properties much like oil-based mud but without the associated waste management cost and it is an environmentally friendly system. Furthermore, other benefit is to overcome the logistic challenges of handling oil-based mud in the event of total losses that quite often happened across the high over balance formations below Nahr Umr shales as the rigs are remotely located in the desert.
Produced Water Management Integrated Workflow and Innovative Approach: Case Study from GUPCO/DO
Authors: Aboelhassan Mohamed Gamil , Mousa Hisham Elsaid , Shahin Eman Sayed , El-Shiekh Mahmoud Ibrahim , Elwan Mahmoud Attia
Published: May 2024

Excess water production is becoming a major problem in mature oil fields as the oil reservoir is subject to long water flooding process. As the oil field matures, producing more oil out of maturing reservoirs entails more water production. It is essential to have a robust water management process in place.

Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company (GUPCO) is a pioneer in Egypt and middle east when it comes to applying a very advanced water flood projects for secondary recovery, Starting from Morgan field, Ramadan, October and July field by injecting into different reservoir Lower Rudies, Upper Rudies and Cretaceous, these successful examples have been done and still running to recover great amount of oil.

Some of company reservoirs as Nubia Reservoirs produce under strong water aquifer drive mechanism other reservoirs like Morgan field where the majority of production comes from Kareem and Belayim reservoirs under depletion drive mechanism that's why water flooding was crucial to maintain reservoir energy and increase recoverability thus increasing total water production as well

The presence of water in the production stream can have several effects specially on GUPCO offshore production facilities, and managing water production is a critical aspect of offshore operations as it may affect several aspects of production oil cycle like; Increasing Operating Costs, Corrosion and Scaling, Wellbore Issues and Environmental and Disposal Challenges.

Produced water management is now under great concern from the company management that's why a multidisciplinary team consisting of Reservoir Engineers, Production Engineers and field engineers aiming to work on reducing water production by 30% as well as saving 30% from injection gas lift gas.

The team worked in an integrated and innovated approach with a detailed workflow with 3 phases of implementation, the output was an initiative plan, which includes actions in the high-water rate producers like direct water shut-offs for the water source zone, surveillance for future actions and Actions in the offset injectors that includes isolating perforation intervals or surveillance in addition to new water injection conformance.
In-Situ Generated Acid Stimulation for Productivity Enhancement – A North Sea Case Study
Authors: Smith F. T. , Forsyth J.
Published: May 2024

A new approach to acidizing gas wells where an inert dry chemical hermetically was sealed inside a metal carrier and deployed downhole via slick-e-line. Once in place downhole, an exothermic chemical reaction was initiated which produces hot acid vapour. This method permits target acid placement in a heated vapour form. The well was a depleted deviated gas well in a sandstone reservoir at approximately 15000 ft MD with 4 1/2" tubing. Three unique intervals were treated using 5 runs using a combination of HCl and Mud Acid (12:3 HCl/HF mixtures). Post-treatment, the production and operational/up-time increase of 30% was sustained for over a year.

A process to determine the optimal tool quantity, placement and type was conducted by the operator and the service company. It was important to minimize total fluid pumped and to employ HF but also minimize the risk of handling live acid at surface. It was determined that one 2 ½" HCl tool, one 2 ¼" HCl/HF and three 2 ½" HCl/HF tools would adequately treat the interval. Another consideration was that a hold-up depth (HUD) was present half-way through the interval. It was decided to attempt to remove this deposit by spotting tools immediately above the HUD. The HUD was thought to comprise primarily of heavier solids originating from the formation combined with CaCO3.

The first two runs used a 2 ½" HCl tool and a 2 ½" HCl/HF to remove scale and stimulate the near well bore. The third and fourth runs were ignited immediately above the HUD to remove some of the HUD and to squeeze and treat the interval below the HUD. The final run was done on an interval roughly 20 feet above the HUD. After each run, a build-up test was performed that showed a progressive improvement in the build-up time. Prior to treatment, the well had been consistently producing at 1.9 MMscf/day with a 32% uptime. Post-treatment, the well produced at 2.0 MMscf/day with a 42% uptime which was sustained for a year. Each run from run in hole to laying out the tool post-treatment was approximately 6.5 hours. The tools were deployed on slick-e-line and temperature and pressure was recorded downhole. All tools were deployed and operated successfully maximizing the amount of acid generated in-situ.

Using this novel technique, the overall gas production and well up-time was markedly improved. The operation was conducted in an efficient manner with simplified logistics when compared to conventional acid treatments. The use of HF was identified in the selection process as being key to the success of the operation and the option to deploy in a safe manner that didn't expose personnel to acid was a key determinant in employing this novel technique in the field.
Sweet Spots in Coal Bed Methane (CBM): Major Controlling Parameters Identification Through Reservoir Modeling, Simulation, and Uncertainty Analysis to De-Risk Field Development
Authors: Parida B. P. , Sinharay R.
Published: May 2024

Sweet spots are the areas where reservoir parameters are suitable for maximum production with the least possible footprint and investment. The high complexity of reservoirs, absent or insufficient seismic data and the requirement of a great number of wells are the major challenges and hence, sweet spot identification during the exploration stage is key for the optimized appraisal of a Coal bed Methane (CBM) field. Identifying major controlling parameters that impact production is the first and foremost step towards demarcating the sweet spot.

A unique workflow consisting of reservoir characterization, modelling and simulation was used along with both short- and long-term uncertainty analysis. Different reservoir parameters analysis acquired from different sources like laboratory or field tests are critically analyzed to characterize reservoirs. Data were analyzed to define the range of variation of individual parameters to build reservoir models for uncertainty analysis. The single well models on each of the 50 cases were run in prediction mode in Eclipse as a dual-porosity system. The model results of estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) are plotted in a tornado plot to analyze the relative impact of each parameter.

From the analysis, it is found that Gas content, Permeability, thickness, and gas saturation are the dominant parameters for sweet spot demarcation although a few other parameters like bottom-hole pressure constraint, and relative permeabilities are also impacting the production, especially during early periods of production. As per plots, porosity also plays a role but as its range is very low, it could be ignored. It is interesting to note that the order of impacting parameters changes from long-term to short-term. In the long term, thickness and gas content i.e., resources play a bigger role than saturation, permeability, or relative permeability. But in the short term, which is important for the economic success of the field, permeability, saturation, and relative permeability plays a more important role. This helped in identifying sweet spots in this coal reservoir by shortlisting the areas where these dominant controlling parameters coexist and are well developed. Further, sweet spots are used to plan appraisal or pilot production test wells whose success ultimately leads to field-scale development.

The present study brings uniqueness in the form of an innovative workflow consisting of reservoir characterization, modelling, and simulation. This has been used along with both short and long-term uncertainty analysis that adds considerable value to the existing knowledge. This workflow can be applied in other reservoirs or basins which may help CBM exploitation time and cost effective and optimize the field development.
Innovative Modeling Maximizes Value from Smart Well Completion
Authors: Aljauydi H. S. , Winarno M. B. , Ciufu A. C. , Isichei O. L.
Published: May 2024

The objective of this paper is to optimize the production contributions of each lateral in oil wells using smart well completion (SWC). This includes enhancing sweep efficiency, increasing oil production, and minimizing water production. The paper also aims to address the challenges that arise when the SWC system is installed with Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs).

Lateral pre-testing is conducted to assess the contribution of each producing zone, and this data is combined with reservoir information to build and optimize SWC physical models. The approach involves adjusting Inflow Control Valves (ICV) positions based on the calibrated model to achieve an optimum production rate across the laterals and restrict water production. For ESP systems, the production rate is optimized by adjusting surface Flow Control Valve (FCV) positions while maintaining the pressure above the bubble point to avoid gas lock. The valve settings are optimized to ensure the ESP operates within the best efficiency range and extends the pump's lifespan. This novel approach has been thoroughly tested on representative samples of producing wells.

The study utilized the physical model with the most efficient ICV and FCV positions. Evaluation of the results demonstrated the contribution and behavior of the laterals under isolated and commingled flow configurations at various ICV settings. After optimizing the wells, an average oil increment of 25% and a decrease in water production by 10% per well were observed. By restricting highly fractured laterals, there was further reduction in water contribution and prevention of the water coning phenomenon. The flow contribution across all laterals was optimized, leading to improved sweep efficiency and enhanced ESP run life and performance. These results build confidence in the long-term potential of smart well completions.

This paper presents a novel approach to optimizing oil wells production using SWC technologies. The integration of reservoir data, lateral pre-testing, and calibrated models to adjust ICV and FCV positions ensures optimum production rates and addresses the challenges posed by ESP systems. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in enhancing sweep efficiency and extending the ESP pump's lifespan. This paper adds to the existing body of literature by providing valuable insights into the optimization of well productivity and ESP performance in the context of smart well completions.
An Investigation of Core Plug Heterogeneity Effect on Estimated Relative Permeability
Authors: AlMansour Osama , AlSaud Moataz Abu , Ayirala Subhash , Cinar Yildiray
Published: May 2024

A numerical study is presented to explore the impact of core plug heterogeneity on the interpretation of relative permeability (kr) curves from steady-state (SS), unsteady-state (USS), and centrifuge core-floods (CF). We consider a homogeneous core plug model and several heterogenous core plug models, where theaverage permeability of the heterogeneous models is equivalent to that of the homogeneous model. Simulation results of the heterogenous plug models are compared to equivalent homogenous models (representing the base case) to systematically evaluate the effect of core plug heterogeneity on interpreted kr curves. Any difference between the results of the heterogeneous and homogenous models should therefore be solely attributed to the heterogeneity effect. The investigation reveals that core plug heterogeneity has a significant impact on kr curves depending on how the heterogeneous portions are distributed within the rock sample. The effect may become significant in core plugs with unique characteristics such as high permeability streaks or composite nature. A composite core of varying permeability has a major effect especially on the kro curve. In core plugs with randomly distributed porosity and permeability, heterogeneity appears to have negligible impact on interpreted kr curves. The practice of selecting homogeneous plugs for special core analysis (SCAL) tests is a challenge and often becomes difficult to satisfy in core analysis studies. Instead, characterizing plug heterogeneity and including it in the interpretation of core-flood data for estimating kr curves offers an attractive and easy solution for obtaining more representative kr curves.
Unlocking Reservoir Potential in Low Reservoir Pressure Through Efficient CO2 Foamed Acid Fracturing
Authors: Asel Sultan , Alabdulmuhsin Ali , Ashby Scott , Hoong Marcus Chan Choon
Published: May 2024

Acid fracturing in challenging gas wells imposes multiple areas for improvement. The objective is to implement effective acid fracturing treatment with combination of CO2 foam and the use of dissolvable plugs to maximize diversion across the net pay and to improve overall operations efficiency. The scope of the paper shows improved well production and operations efficiency using CO2 foamed acid fracturing and dissolvable frac plugs compared to conventional acid fracturing.

The area of improvement for acid fracturing is to ensure effective fluid diversion across target pay. Effective stimulation is through shorter interval with multiple stages using temporary isolation rather than through single stage and longer interval. The choice of dissolvable frac plugs for temporary isolation is to eliminate coiled tubing milling operations.

The use of CO2 foamed technique provides good acid retardation for effective diversion and extended reaction with formation. CO2 foamed acid fracturing treatment uses lower stimulation fluid volume compared to conventional treatment. Volume reduction and the energized foam accelerates flowback for effective well cleanup.

The combination of CO2 foamed fracturing technique and the use of dissolvable frac plugs were applied in gas Well-A, having high temperature and low reservoir pressure. Well (A) was completed with two stages treatment with temporary isolation using a dissolvable plug to ensure good stimulation across the pay.

CO2 foam lowers the formation temperature which reduces acid reactivity on sand face resulting in deeper etched fracture length. Foaming agents are included in the stimulation fluid to maximize CO2 entrainment producing stable foam for effective diversion and energizing the fluid to accelerate well flowback. Reduction of flowback time and enhanced clean-up can be attributed to the CO2 energize assist and significant fluid volume reduction, up to 50% reduction compared to conventional treatment. The use of dissolvable frac plugs coupled with CO2 stimulation, eliminates the need of coiled tubing milling and N2 lifting intervention as a result of reducing the wellbore hydrostatic column.

The effectiveness of this technique can be proven from higher production in gas rate compared to other reference wells that were not treated similarly. Overall operations efficiency is improved due to reduced logistics, reduced fluid mixing, enhanced flowback rate and eliminating the need of Coiled Tubing intervention.
Multilateral Technology Innovations Ready to Maximize Field Development
Authors: Kelsey Matthew , Fanchin Thomas
Published: May 2024

For a quarter of a century sustained technological advances in multilateral technology have enhanced economics and extended the production life of fields in the Middle East.

Multilateral well construction, once considered to be complex, costly and a higher risk when compared to the drilling of a single wellbore, has been widely adopted in the Middle East as a robust, reliable and value adding method of field development or field rejuvenation. Having established confidence in existing multilateral technology and methods, operators in the region have challenged multilateral technology providers to expand and evolve to address more challenging reservoir needs and enable more advanced multilateral wells delivering even greater value.

Multilateral applications have evolved in capabilities from simple dual laterals to the addition of allowing intervention capabilities, along with improved junction integrity, and the integration of lateral flow control and monitoring. The use of multilateral technology can deliver a significant increase in reservoir contact compared to single horizontal wells. A dual lateral well can deliver twice the reservoir contact while eliminating the drilling, casing, and cementing of an additional vertical wellbore section. Operators are implementing multilateral field strategies to reduce overall development cost, cycle times, and carbon footprint and providing a new lease of life to existing fields. Further benefits include delivery of wells with more production with less surface facility systems requiring less in-field construction hours and maintenance at a lower baseline cost and risk over the life of the field.

This paper discusses the latest multilateral technology developed for operators in the Middle East. It highlights the continuous improvement of multilateral technology used in the region by demonstrating how application of multilateral well strategy is a proven and reliable method to reduce time-intensive operations by eliminating additional vertical wellbore sections and utilizing existing surface infrastructure. Case studies will include discussion of workover intervention operations, completions, infill drilling and lateral creation systems.

This paper will focus on how the latest multilateral technology options enable operators in the Middle East to consistently meet challenges and maximize asset value. Wells originally planned as a single wellbore or a simple dual lateral are now drilled and completed using intelligent flow control and, in some cases, installations with pressure-controlled junctions.

The paper focuses on a region and the technology used to increase efficiencies, enabling the reliable delivery of increased reservoir contact in less operational days. The paper also provides insights as to the methodology adopted to continually improving reliability of multilateral installations and to maximize efficiencies.
Accelerated Mobilisation in a Month for Plug and Abandonment Project - Resolving Gas Leak on a Well
Authors: Hamid A. Abdul , Razak M. N. Abdul , Zawawi A. , Khalid M. , Shah S. Masroll , Ezani F. , Sellapan S. , Jamal J.
Published: May 2024

An incident of a gas leak was reported on an offshore platform in Malaysia. Observers noticed a gas cloud emerging from a well on the platform, accompanied by water and mud returning to the conductor and surface casing of the wellhead. At the same time, a drilling rig was operating on an adjacent platform. As a result of this incident, an immediate evacuation was carried out on the platform, and well control measures were implemented on the drilling rig. The management made the decision to address the gas leak problem by plugging and abandoning (P&A) the well before resuming production and drilling activities on the platform. Production was halted, and drilling operations were suspended until the well was secured, causing financial and production losses for the company.

Within a month of preparation, the HWU Rig, along with well services, was mobilized to an offshore location. This paper discusses on the comprehensive planning, challenges, steps, and arrangements involved in the execution of the plug and abandonment (P&A) project. The topics covered range from rig readiness and acceptance to engineering planning, contracts, manpower, services, governance, and more. Various stakeholders, such as Facilities, Production, Intervention, and others, collaborated to make this endeavour feasible. All these parties were brought together as a cohesive team to ensure its success.

The traditional approach to project execution, which has been widely accepted in the industry for many years, is being strongly challenged by fast-track projects. This project demanded added flexibility in decision-making processes, without compromising governance and safety. The project team encountered various challenges and devised solutions to achieve project success. Some of these challenges and solutions include: HWU Rig Readiness and Acceptance - Partial acceptance was conducted at different locations to meet the project timeline. Acceptance requirements were innovatively engineered to suit the time constraints.Stakeholder Management - Multiple stakeholders were integrated to enable concurrent activities and resource sharing, thereby minimizing costs and improving efficiency.Engineering & Technology - Offline jobs were performed on the well to gather more information and optimize time. New technologies ( First In the world Technology Application – Perf, Wash & Bismuth) were explored and deployed to enhance assurance and ensure the secure P&A of the well.

This paper highlights the significance of meticulous planning, engineering, and an innovative approach in successfully executing a time and cost-constrained fast-track project. The collaborative efforts of numerous stakeholders were essential in ensuring that the project was accomplished while upholding governance and safety standards. This approach facilitated the implementation of cutting-edge technology at each stage, setting a benchmark for excellence.
Stranded Gas Field Development Economics – Justifying Incentives to Boost Investment
Authors: Daramola B. , Iheobi C.
Published: May 2024

Why does the USA make money from gas but Nigeria flares most of its gas as waste? Why does Qatar make money from gas but the United Arab Emirates struggles to do so? This paper evaluates the profitability of developing a stranded gas field. It was initially developed for the 2017 Nigerian Gas Policy consultation roadshow, and recommends actions to monetise gas resources in countries struggling to develop their gas fields.

Field D is a stranded gas field offshore Nigeria and has remained undeveloped as at 2024. An initial economics evaluation suggested that its development would be uneconomic. A sensitivity analysis of gas prices indicated that the field’s breakeven gas price (19 USD/KSCF) was too high and it was deemed too small. The team re-evaluated seismic data and nearby gas prospects, and increased the gas initially in place (GIIP) volume from 800 BSCF to 4800 BSCF. This expanded the field development plan from 5 to 20 production wells, but did not deliver profit to the investors.

Sensitivities to fiscal terms and gas price were evaluated, and a combination of profit tax reduction, royalty reduction, and a fixed gas price made the project economic. The economic impact of Nigerian government approval delays, asset sabotage, and national oil company (NNPC) cash call shortfalls was also evaluated.

Most Nigeria gas field developments are uneconomic due to low domestic gas price, tough fiscal terms, government approval delays, high risk of asset sabotage, and NNPC cash call shortfalls. The evaluation suggests that Field D can be monetised with a reduced petroleum profit tax (30%), reduced royalty (10%), and a fixed gas sales contract (gas price = 5 USD/KSCF).

This paper presents the viewpoints of the government and investors, outlines the reasons for the current low investment in stranded gas field developments, and recommends steps to monetise their development.
Innovative Risk Management Strategy for Integrated Services Projects in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Malegaonkar Abhijit , Rhodes Matthew , McCarty Thomas M. , Davila Andres Nunez , Alrasrumani Muhannad , Restrepo Juan
Published: May 2024

Drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) area, are characterized by high geological uncertainty, which requires optimum engineering, planning, and early risk detection. The expertise and technical knowledge must be complemented with a strategy that accomplishes a continuous and detailed risk evaluation and self-verification process, covering all drilling stages - design, execution, and evaluation. The objective of this paper is to describe how a risk management system was implemented within an integrated services model, resulting in a higher level of operational efficiency. The strategy is based on the technical risk evaluation and determination of initiatives to become effective and efficient during both planning and execution cycles. From the risk identification perspective, establishing different strategies and technologies to minimize the occurrence of undesirable events and defining mitigation measures to reduce the impact, with the inputs of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to determine the most appropriate technologies to de-risk operations. Project schedule management is part of the considerations, looking to facilitate the technology implementations and applications across the integrated project and align with the well scope and operational complexity. The implementation of the Risk Management strategy in projects operating under shared risks drilling modality, facilitates the definition of shared risk appetite, objectives, and key performance indicators. The time and cost estimation are the main input for the integrated services provider (ISP) and the Oil and Gas Operator in their performance partnership. This paper will describe different digital solutions that aid in risk management and performance optimization. Key initiatives employed were around resource optimization and dynamic update and reviews of a well’s critical path.
The prevalence and contributing factors of NSAIDs Prescription among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients in Primary Care: A mixed methods study from Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Husain Walaa A. , Moosa Rabab M. , Awadh Ameera M. , Aladraj Fadak M. , Mahdi Bayan , Haji Shereen M. , Chlif Sadok , Alonge Olakunle , Shehatathors Mohamed H.
Published: May 2024

Background The prevalence of Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) prescription and its contributory factors among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are unknown in the Kingdom of Bahrain – though NSAIDs are known to cause significant renal impairment. This study will determine the prevalence of NSAIDs prescription among CKD patients and the contributory factors to this behavior from the perspective of primary care physicians in Bahrain.Methodology: A sequential mixed-method design study comprising of a retrospective cross-sectional survey drawn from patients’ electronic medical records (EMR) and qualitative in-depth interviews with primary care physicians (PCPs) was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023 – with an EMR data lookback from 1st June 2021 to 1st June 2022 Quantitative descriptive analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of NSAIDs and their associations with sociodemographic and service delivery indicators. An Ishikawa diagram was used to describe contributory factors to NSAID prescription among CKD patients drawing from the literature and was used to guide a deductive thematic analysis of the qualitative data.Result Of the enrolled CKD patient population (4,380 patients), 17.4% had at least one inappropriate NSAID prescription. 80% of these patients had moderate renal impairment, while 19.3% had severe impairment. Most of the prescriptions were in 24-hour health centers (48.5%). A Bivariate relationship between the prescription and the sociodemographic factors showed a significant P value regarding age (P-value 0.008*) and the severity of the renal impairment (P-value < 0.001*). The contributory factors were divided into five themes: patient factors, physician factors, health team factors, I SEHA factors and system factors. Of these themes, patients and PCPs were identified by the primary care physicians as some of the most important reasons for NSAIDs prescription among CKD patients.Conclusion The prevalence of NSAIDs prescription among CKD patients is relatively high in the kingdom of Bahrain – largely due to patient and physician factors as identified by primary care physicians. Possible solutions for addressing these factors include raising awareness among patients, PCPs, and other healthcare workers and activating the Swiss Cheese Model that involves patients, PCPs, and other health team members to ensure appropriate medication practice and patients’ safety.
Construction of design for cropping sequence experiments in fractional replication
Authors: Dash Sukanta , Singh Ankit Kumar , Mandal Baidyanath , Parsad Rajender
Published: May 2024

Cropping sequence experiments are getting more popularize in the recent era of agriculture. Here, estimation of main effects applied in every season as well as residual effect and their interaction with application in next season are important for consideration. The problem of maintaining homogeneity in application of large number of factors can be handle by considering a fraction of complete factorial effects. Also, a little work based on fractional factorial experiments are available in literature and those designs are computer specific as based on algorithm. This article develops a simple construction method for generation 1/2k 2n i.e., factorial with fractional replicates which provides estimation of all main effects and two factor interactions between consecutive factors.
Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of a Temperature-Responsive Photocurable Resin for 3D Printed Orthodontic Clear Aligners
Authors: Choi Jin-Young , Kim Hoon , Kim Seong-Hun , Kim Su-Jung , Cha Jung-Yul , Kim Ki Beom , Kim Hyun-Joong , Lee Se Yeon , Jang Sunho , Khan Tanveer Ahmed , Min Jinhong , Lee Jiho
Published: May 2024

This study presents a novel technique for the direct 3D printing of TC-85, a biocompatible material specifically designed for orthodontic uses. This method aims to overcome the biomechanical constraints associated with the conventional thermoforming process used in aligner fabrication. The investigation emphasizes analyzing TC-85's mechanical and viscoelastic properties, focusing on how temperature changes impact these characteristics and their relevance to clinical outcomes. Using a Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printer, the photoreactive resin TC-85 is printed, and extensive thermo-mechanical testing is conducted, which includes evaluations of tensile modulus, stress relaxation, and creep behavior. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) is conducted at temperatures varying from 30 to 45°C to assess the material's adaptive response to thermal fluctuations. TC-85 is distinguished by its unique mechanical properties, which include a temperature-sensitive stiffness, stress relaxation capability, and shape memory feature. The results demonstrate that TC-85 maintains an enhanced level of residual force and a faster recovery of strain through numerous cycles of loading and unloading. At 40°C, TC-85 displays a substantial reduction in its storage modulus, while maintaining consistent strain recovery and volumetric constancy. The study highlights TC-85's potential in orthodontic treatments, providing adaptable mechanical and viscoelastic properties that enable the exertion of consistent, regulated forces on teeth. Its resistance to force decay, stable volume at raised temperatures, and built-in shape memory enhance hygienic upkeep and patient comfort, positioning TC-85 as a pioneering material for the next generation of clear aligners.
Promoting Food Tourism and Sustaining Heritage Innovating Mango Ice Cream with Tapol (Black Rice) for Generation Z Market
Authors: RODRIGUEZ MARY ROSE GEMMA , IDAGDAG CRIS ANDREI , OBANI DYNNIEL
Published: May 2024

As Food Tourism gains popularity, promoting local culinary heritage and sustaining cultural traditions become crucial. This research explores the acceptability of Tapol (Black) Rice as a topping for Mango Ice Cream to attract the Generation Z market in San Jose, Antique, Philippines. The study, employing an evaluation survey of 150 participants aged 18-24, focused on demographics, culinary preferences, perceptions of heritage integration, feedback on Mango Ice Cream with Tapol (Black) Rice, and open-ended suggestions. Aligned with cultural sociology, it delves into preserving culinary heritage while adapting to contemporary tastes. Survey results revealed 78% familiarity with traditional Antique dishes, and 89% emphasized the importance of preserving culinary heritage for cultural identity. Feedback on the Mango Ice Cream with Tapol (Black) Rice was positive, with 90% finding its color appealing and 95% rating its taste and presentation as satisfactory. Suggestions included commercial availability and adding more heritage ingredients like Taro. The study illuminates Generation Z’s positive reception to integrating traditional elements into popular treats, emphasizing cultural preservation while embracing culinary innovation. Findings suggest an opportunity to bridge tradition and innovation in culinary practices, reflecting a willingness to preserve cultural heritage amid evolving tastes and reconciling tradition with contemporary culinary preferences.
Modeling and simulation on mechanical behavior of repaired bismaleimide resin matrix composite laminates considering different repairing processes
Authors: Xu Aijun , Niu Zhiliang , Su Lianpeng , Gu Haiming , Dai Guobao , Hao Xiaoming , Yue Zhenming , Qiu Yuliang
Published: May 2024

Bismaleimide resin (BMPN) matrix composites are widely used in aircraft load-bearing components. Their damage assessment and repair schemes after impact are always the important issues in the researches of civil aircraft composite. In order to better understand their failure behaviors, especially after the cementing repair of the composite laminates, a three-dimensional finite element model of the BMPN matrix composite was established. The constitutive models of 3D Hashin criterion and B-K criterion were implemented through ABAQUS subroutine-USDFLD to simulate the damage behavior of composite laminates and adhesive layers respectively. Through the simulation the influences of the layer setting of the patch and the layer property on the strength recovery after the repair process were compared and discussed. The results show that the failure mode of the parent laminate highly depends on the fiber angle, and the recovery effect of the repaired composite laminates can be highly improved by adding additional layers with the increasing adhesive layer strength.
Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus for Parkinson’s disease: A network imaging marker of the treatment response
Authors: Unadkat Prashin , Vo An , Ma Yilong , Peng Shichun , Nguyen Nha , Niethammer Martin , Tang Chris C. , Dhawan Vijay , Ramdhani Ritesh , Fenoy Albert , Caminiti Silvia Paola , Perani Daniela , Eidelberg David
Published: May 2024

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) alleviates motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), thereby improving quality of life. However, quantitative brain markers to evaluate DBS responses and select suitable patients for surgery are lacking. Here, we used metabolic brain imaging to identify a reproducible STN-DBS network for which individual expression levels increased with stimulation in proportion to motor benefit. Of note, measurements of network expression from metabolic and BOLD imaging obtained preoperatively predicted motor outcomes determined after DBS surgery. Based on these findings, we computed network expression in 175 PD patients, with time from diagnosis ranging from 0 to 21 years, and used the resulting data to predict the outcome of a potential STN-DBS procedure. While minimal benefit was predicted for patients with early disease, the proportion of potential responders increased after 4 years. Clinically meaningful improvement with stimulation was predicted in 18.9 – 27.3% of patients depending on disease duration.
Experimental study of Dual-cycle Thermal Management System for Engineering Radiator
Authors: Yu Chao , Zhang Wenbao , Wang Guangyi , Huang Mian
Published: May 2024

With the increasing demand for heat dissipation of engineering vehicles, a dual-cycle cooling system is introduced in this paper to prevent the adverse effects of engineering vehicles' equipment when operating at the overheating temperature. The performance of the new system is analyzed through tests, and the results show that the dual-cycle cooling system can meet the thermal balance requirements of the engineering vehicle during the shovel operation. Compared with the traditional cooling system, the new cooling system improved performance in terms of volume, engine energy consumption and working oil efficiency. The oil consumption of a wheel loader using the dual-cycle cooling system is reduced by 1% per hour, and the temperature of its transmission oil and hydraulic oil is reduced by more than 10 ℃. The new cooling system has bright future in energy saving and emission reduction of engineering vehicles.
Wavelength-accurate and wafer-scale process for nonlinear frequency mixers in thin-film lithium niobate
Authors: Xin C. J. , Lu Shengyuan , Yang Jiayu , Shams-Ansari Amirhassan , Desiatov Boris , Magalhães Letícia , Ghosh Soumya , McGee Erin , Renaud Dylan , Achuthan Nicholas , Zvyagintsev Arseniy , Barton David , Sinclair Neil , Lončar Marko
Published: May 2024

Recent advancements in thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonics have led to a new generation of high-performance electro-optic devices, including modulators, frequency combs, and microwave-to-optical transducers. However, the broader adoption of TFLN-based devices that rely on all-optical nonlinearities have been limited by the sensitivity of quasi-phase matching (QPM), realized via ferroelectric poling, to fabrication tolerances. Here, we propose a scalable fabrication process aimed at improving the wavelength-accuracy of optical frequency mixers in TFLN. In contrast to the conventional pole-before-etch approach, we first define the waveguide in TFLN and then perform ferroelectric poling. This sequence allows for precise metrology before and after waveguide definition to fully capture the geometry imperfections. Systematic errors can also be calibrated by measuring a subset of devices to fine-tune the QPM design for remaining devices on the wafer. Using this method, we fabricated a large number of second harmonic generation devices aimed at generating 737 nm light, with 73% operating within 5 nm of the target wavelength. Furthermore, we also demonstrate thermo-optic tuning and trimming of the devices via cladding deposition, with the former bringing ~96% of tested devices to the target wavelength. Our technique enables the rapid growth of integrated quantum frequency converters, photon pair sources, and optical parametric amplifiers, thus facilitating the integration of TFLN-based nonlinear frequency mixers into more complex and functional photonic systems.
Impact of dengue fever on depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Salazar Julio Patricio , Alvarado Fabián Andrés Zurita , Weyand Ines , Rosero Tamara , Tapia Boris , Olive Cecilia Solis , Rosero Karen , Bermudez Pablo , Gobbi Federico , Bottieau Emmanuel , Huits Ralph
Published: May 2024

Physical symptoms of dengue have been documented extensively, but knowledge gaps on dengue-associated mental health hazards remain. We investigated the frequency of psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety and stress) and neurocognitive performance during the first year after a dengue episode.
Using DASS-21 scores at 3, 6 and 12 months, we assessed depression, anxiety and stress in anti-dengue IgM-positive adults and matched controls during the 2021 dengue season in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador. Patients with DASS-21 scores ≤4 were considerednormal; those with scores of 5-7, 8-10 and ≥11 indicatedmild, moderate and severe depression, respectively; cutoff scores for anxiety and stress were ≥5 and ≥9, respectively. We also assessed ‘delayed matching to sample’ (DMS) and ‘spatial working memory’ (SWM) using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery.
We enrolled 102 cases and 78 controls. At 3 months,90 cases and 70 controls were available for follow-up, among these 40/90 (44.4%) cases and 12/70 (17.1%) controls had DASS-21 scores ≥5 (RR 2.7, 95% CI [1.5-4.7]). Dengue remained a predictor for depression after adjusting for age, sex, and COVID-19 status. We observed no difference inanxiety between the groups, but stress scores increased at month three (RR 1.87, 95% CI [1.01-3.4]). DASS-21 scores normalized during follow-up. DMS and SWM did not differ between groups at 3 and 6 months. At month 12, cases had lower SWM than controls did (p value <0.001).
Care providers should be aware of dengue-associated mood disorders and facilitate timely referral to mental health services. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to validate our observations regarding the impact of dengue on mental health and neurocognitive status in affected patients.