bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful Implementation of Managed Pressure Drilling and Managed Pressure Cementing Techniques in Fractured Carbonate Formation Prone to Total Lost Circulation in Far North Region
Authors: Kazakbayeva Zhanna , Kaidarov Almas , Magda Andrey , Aliyev Fuad , Patil Harshad , Dietrich Earl , Cook Iain
Published: November 2021

Drilling reservoir section in the oilfield located in Far North region is challenged with high risks of mud losses ranging from relatively minor losses to severe lost circulation. Numerous attempts to cure losses with traditional methods have been inefficient and unsuccessful. This paper describes implementation of Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) and Managed Pressure Cementing (MPC) techniques to drill 6-1/8″ hole section, run and cement 5″ liner managing bottomhole pressure and overcoming wellbore construction challenges.

Application of MPD technique enabled drilling 6-1/8″ hole section with statically underbalanced mud holding constant bottom hole pressure both in static and dynamic conditions. The drilling window uncertainty made it difficult to plan for the correct mud weight (MW) to drill the section. The MW and MPD design were chosen after risk assessment and based on the decisions from drilling operator. Coriolis flowmeter proved to be essential in deciphering minor losses and allowed quick response to changing conditions. Upon reaching target depth, the well was displaced to heavier mud in MPD mode prior to open hole logging and MPC.

MPD techniques allowed the client to drill thru fractured formation without losses or gains in just a couple of days as compared to the months of drilling time the wells usually took to mitigate wellbore problems, such as total losses, kicks, differential sticking, etc. This job helped the client to save time and reduce well construction costs while optimizing drilling performance.

Conventional cementing was not feasible in previous wells because of risks of losses, which were eliminated with MPC technique: bottomhole pressure (BHP) was kept below expected loss zones that provided necessary height of cement and a good barrier required to complete and produce the well. Successful zonal isolation applying MPC technique was confirmed by cement bond log and casing integrity test.

Throughout the project, real-time data transmission was available to the client and engineering support team in town. This provided pro-active monitoring and real-time process optimization in response to wellbore changes.

MPD techniques helped the client to drill the well in record time with the lowest possible mud weight consequently reducing mud requirements. The MPD system allowed obtaining pertinent reservoir data, such as pore pressure and fracture pressure gradients in uncertain geological conditions.
Manuscript Title: Unlocking New/Missed Reservoir Zones at Shallow Depth Based on Integrating Post-Hydraulic Fracture Performance with Reservoir, Petrophysics, and Geology Data
Authors: Nashaat Michael , Kolivand Hassan , Zhiyenkulov Murat , Seilov Yerlan , Ghorayeb Kassem , Shah Abdur Rahman , Madatov Roman , Grytsai Svetlana , Filatov Viacheslav
Published: November 2021

Skhidno-Poltavske Field is a Ukrainian gas field producing mostly from commingled wells. These commingled wells have no information about the production split and the pressure data measured for each formation separately. This was one of the main challenges to study the field and understand the potential of each individual formation. Many wells were hydraulically fractured (HF) and showed a wide range of production and pressure performance after the stimulation.

Six of these HF wells showed atypical pressure and production behavior after the HF compared to the rest of the wells. The main challenge in the reservoir simulation study was to understand whether these HFs reached isolated lateral segments of the same producing zones or accessed other reservoir zones by/due to vertical propagation of the hydraulic fracture plane.

Understanding the pressure and production performance of these wells and comparing them to the other wells was the key to revealing their behavior. This was integrated with the petrophysical data to understand the potential formations and the uncertainty range of their properties. The geomodeling was the destination to translate these uncertainties into different realizations that were all dynamically tested to generate the most probable realization.

The integration between different domains resulted in unlocking an overlooked productive zone that was out of consideration. This increased the reserves of this field and extended its life. One of the study recommendations was to test and develop this formation through perforating the existing wells or drilling new wells targeting the overlooked productive zone.
A Novel Integrated Approach to 3D Modeling and History Matching of Gas Condensate Fields with Paucity of Geological and Production Data
Authors: Grytsai Denys , Shtefura Petro , Dodukh Vadym
Published: November 2021

A methodology has been developed that, in conditions of limited geological and production data, ensures the integration of petrophysical, geological, and hydrodynamic models as components of a permanent 3D model, establishing physical relationships between parameters that describe the entire system.

In the proposed method, the modelling is based on the results of the interpretation of continuous shale volume and porosity curves. Based on the analysis of core data, the multi-vector physical correlations with other parameters are made. To distinguish the reservoirs and non-reservoirs, the cut-off values of shale volume are defined; to exclude tight reservoirs with no filtration, the cut-off values of porosity are set. Using the Winland R35 method the radius of the pore throat is computed, allowing dividing the reservoirs into classes. For each class of reservoirs, the permeability vs porosity dependence is determined, and the Wright-Woody-Johnson method allows deriving equations for the bound water content. A system of configured workflows has been developed and allows automating re-modelling and simplifying its history matching.

This technique was successfully applied to several 3D models of gas condensate fields, which, with a significant drilling level on the areas and a long development history, are characterized by limited geological and production data. Workflows System together with the proposed approach allowed simplifying the history matching process by splitting it into several stages. At each stage, depending on the type of input data, various parameters were matched (production, reservoir and wellhead pressures, etc.). Due to cross-functional correlation of all components, the model has significantly reduced the uncertainty parameters and allowed a detailed history matching of the development history for the entire well stock. The results obtained were tested by several geological and technological measures, including drilling new wells, and showed high convergence with the forecast indicators.

The proposed approach to modelling and history matching in conditions of limited geological and production data allows:

– ensuring integration and correlation of petrophysical, geological, and hydrodynamic models as components of a permanent 3D model; – automating and simplifying the modelling, history matching, and updating a model; – improving the quality of parameters’ matching results.
Modeling the Effects of Various Liquid Droplet Sizes in Acoustic Deliquification Techniques
Authors: Al Munif Eiman , Alrashed Ahmed , Karatayev Kanat , Miskimins Jennifer , Fan Yilin
Published: November 2021

Liquid loading is a major challenge in natural gas wells. Enhancing the production in liquid loading natural gas wells using an acoustic liquid atomizer tool is proposed as a possible artificial lift method. The effect of different droplet sizes on the transport efficiency and the performance of the proposed technique during production are studied using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. Also, the liquid behavior and fluid dynamics after applying the atomization mechanism are reviewed.

In the model, the tool is placed axially in the middle of the gas/air flowing wellbore. To reduce computational time, the tool and pipe are cut symmetrically. The pipe diameter is 4 in, and the four injectors diameters are each 0.04 in. The orientation of the injectors is set to 90° with the sprayers facing sideways, while water liquid droplets are injected from the tool surface into the air flow at angles from 45° to the flow direction. Unstructured hybrid mesh is used to allow the cells to assemble freely within the complex geometry. Sensitivity tests were conducted with droplet sizes ranging between 30-300 µm.

The CFD results showed that water liquid droplets of size 30 µm followed the pathway along the tool surface due to the low mass of the droplets and high air velocity. This phenomenon is called wall impingement and occurs where the droplets are very small and clustering on the wall. The 200 and 300 µm water liquid droplets kept their inertial high chaotic movements in all directions within the computational fluid domain due to the increased weight of the droplets. These larger sized droplets withstand the backpressure from high turbulent air velocity and tend to keep their inertial turbulent movement.

This research presents a set of CFD results to further evaluate acoustic atomization as a possible artificial lift technique. This technique has never been commercially applied in the oil and gas industry, and continued evaluation of such methods is a vital addition to the industry as it brings the potential for new lower cost artificial lift technologies. If completely developed, this technique can bring a cost-effective solution compared to conventional artificial lift methods.
The Results of an Integrated Study of Unconventional Reservoirs and a First Attempt at their Development
Authors: Kudryashov Alexey
Published: November 2021

Rechitsa multi-play oilfield is located within the Rechitsko-Vishanskaya subregional area of local uplifts of the Rechitsko-Vishanskaya tectonic stage of the Northern structural zone of the Pripyat Trough in the Republic of Belarus. Since 2014, Production Association Belorusneft has been conducting integrated research to study oil bearing capacity of sediments within rock Units I-III, which were previously considered to have no potential. Since then, the lithological and petrophysical, pyrolytic, and geomechanical features of the structure of these sediments have been studied. The research has confirmed the initial hypothesis that the studied sediments are unconventional reservoirs with source-rock genesis and contain hydrocarbons both of their own genesis and those which migrated from other rocks. The results of drilling and completion of horizontal exploration wells with multi-stage hydraulic fracturing confirmed the potential for obtaining commercial oil from the sediments of the unconventional reservoirs. At the same time, there were doubts about the optimal placement of the horizontal wells, the choice of completion strategy, and if the well performance lived up to the actual maximum potential of these sediments.

The paper sums up the main results of implementing an integrated program for studying unconventional reservoirs of the Rechitsa oilfield, as well as of drilling and operating production wells to date.
Basins Analysis and Petroleum Systems Modeling of Western Black Sea, Ukrainian Sector
Authors: Karpenko Ivan , Ischenko Ihor , Nikolenko Olha , Rodrigues Felipe , Levonyuk Serhii , Glon Vitalii , Wygrala Bjorn , Privalov Vitalii
Published: November 2021

The Ukrainian sector of the Western Black Sea (WBS) is one of the last remaining exploration frontiers in Europe. This area, which includes shelf to deepwater environments, is underexplored with no drilling of targets in water depths exceeding 100 meters. That is why, the Ukrainian sector of the WBS is attractive for exploration, especially in the context of new play types and targets such as biogenic gas. These hydrocarbon formations have been proven by neighboring Romania and Turkey in the areas adjacent to Ukrainian waters.

Therefore, a rigorous Basin Analysis program has been initiated to assess the petroleum systems and play risks in the entire Ukrainian sector of the WBS. The goals of this program are: 1) to establish a regional geoscience foundation following best industrial practices in exploration; 2) to enable establishing more accurate risking and ranking procedures for an exploration portfolio and 3) to provide critical support for the analysis of a new generation of seismic data that is currently being acquired. In this paper the initial scope of work is presented.
A Comprehensive Machine Learning Approach for Quantitatively Analyzing Development Performance and Optimization for a Heterogeneous Carbonate Reservoir in Middle East
Authors: Huang Ruijie , Wei Chenji , Wang Baohua , Li Baozhu , Yang Jian , Wu Suwei , Xiong Lihui , Li Zhengzhong , Lou Yuankeli , Gao Yan , Liu Shuangshuang , Sudakov Vlad
Published: November 2021

Compared with conventional reservoir, the development efficiency of the carbonate reservoir is lower, because of the strong heterogeneity and complicated reservoir structure. How to accurately and quantitatively analyze development performance is critical to understand challenges faced, and to propose optimization plans to improve recovery. In the study, we develop a workflow to evaluate similarities and difference of well performance based on Machine Learning methods. A comprehensive Machine Learning evaluation approach for well performance is established by utilizing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in combination with K-Means clustering. The multidimensional dataset used for analysis consists of over 15 years dynamic surveillance data of producers and static geology parameters of formation, such as oil/water/gas production, GOR, water cut (WC), porosity, permeability, thickness, and depth. This approach divides multidimensional data into several clusters by PCA and K-Means, and quantitatively evaluate the well performance based on clustering results. The approach is successfully developed to visualize (dis)similarities among dynamic and static data of heterogeneous carbonate reservoir, the optimal number of clusters of 27-dimension data is 4. This method provides a systematic framework for visually and quantitatively analyzing and evaluating the development performance of production wells. Reservoir engineers can efficiently propose targeted optimization measures based on the analysis results.

This paper offers a reference case for well performance clustering and quantitative analysis and proposing optimization plans that will help engineers make better decision in similar situation.
Specifics of Implemented Development System of Shtormove Field Black Sea Offshore
Authors: Bahniuk Mykhailo Mykytovych , Vladyka Vitaliy Mykolaiovych , Hotsynets Oleh Stepanovych , Dmyshko Oleksandra Olehivna , Dorokhov Maksym Volodymyrovych , Bodlak Vasyl Petrovych , Kozak Lesia Mykhailivna
Published: November 2021

The development system of the main hydrocarbon deposit of the Shtormove field was designed taking into account the change in reservoir rock properties in horizontal and vertical sections of the gas-saturated interval. Based on the results of core analyses and interpretation of logging data from exploration and appraisal wells, maximum porosity values were assigned to the top part of the deposit, with lower porosity values assigned closer to the gas-water contact area. The analyzed thin sections demonstrated vertical and subvertical fractures, as well as multiple pores and dissolution vugs. Most of the fractures occur in the top part of the gas-condensate deposit. Natural fractures in the rocks of the productive interval were confirmed by well testing using a steady flow analysis.

Taking into account the determined reservoir properties’ distribution pattern in the gas-condensate deposit II, the wells were drilled in the top part of the deposit from a fixed offshore platform during the pilot development period. During this period, the estimated recoverable gas reserves’ values matched the values obtained using the volumetric estimation method. In the following years, in order to increase the gas recovery rate, the infilling production wells were drilled in the top part of the deposit. Based on the analysis of the development, it was determined that the addition of new wells had little effect on the performance of existing ones. As a result, attributable to infill drilling in the top part of the deposit, the annual gas production increased. Given the similarity of the geological model and distribution of reservoir properties, the implemented development system of the Shtormove field should be recommended for new development targets.
List of Analogues for Highly Productive Rocks Around Salt Domes
Authors: Loktyev Valentyn , Zharkeshov Sanzhar , Hotsynets Oleh , Davydenko Oleksandr , Machuzhak Mikhailo , Pavlo Kuzmenko , Repryntsev Vitalii
Published: November 2021

In the Dnipro-Donets depression, the Devonian salt during Carboniferous time became movable and created salt domes in the Permian, moving to the sea bottom and flowing therewith, forming bodies visible today as salt canopies and overhangs. These features are clear pieces of evidence of salt exposure on the surface, especially considering belts of reservoirs around salt domes. These reservoirs can be extremely prolific in some wells.

Previous exploration targeting such deposits was driven mainly by drilling wells within the areas of known deep fields such as Medvedivske, Zakhidno-Khrestyschenske and others in the central part of the DDB. These reservoirs are composed of poorly sorted coarse material of wide variety of rocks including sandstones, carbonates, dolomites, igneous rocks of deep (granites), and shallow (diabases) formations. Currently, with the availability of 3D seismic surveys, these deposits become visible as bright spots and flat spots. Although it is not a 100% indicator due to fact that shallow salt canopies and lithology changes of rocks around salt domes may also interpret seismic reflections.

It is good to mention that the Permian is an aridic environment with gradually losing water influx to the basin from base to top within the thickness of more than 1-2 kilometers. It could be utilized as boundary analogues to cover most of the possible intermediate scenarios in three areas. The first analogue is the outcropped salt dome in Solotvyno village in Carpathian mountains in western Ukraine close to the Romania border. This salt dome is an important example of showing the current deposition of transported coarse material from depth around salt domes. The second one is salt domes exposed as mountains of the Oman desert where it is possible to follow the material path approaching the salt uplift. And the third example is the Death Valley in Arizona, USA. The valley is an example of fans mostly deposited by gravity rather than permanent water flows. It good to mention that there are more examples that could be treated as direct analogues (the Zagros mountains in Iran) but they are not easily accessible for field trips if needed.

For recognizing real targets vs artifacts, applying the knowledge of current deposition examples around the world would help dramatically (Western Ukraine, Oman, Death Valley in Arizona).
Using Basin Modelling to Understand Injected CO2 Migration and Trapping Mechanisms: A Case Study from the Sleipner CO2 Storage Operation
Authors: Kaeng Geovani Christopher , Evans Kate , Bebb Florence , Head Rebecca
Published: November 2021

CO2 migration and trapping in saline aquifers involves the injection of a non-wetting fluid that displaces the in-situ brine, a process that is often termed ‘drainage’ in reservoir flow dynamics. With respect to simulation, however, this process is more typical of regional basin modelling and percolating hydrocarbon migration. In this study, we applied the invasion percolation method commonly used in hydrocarbon migration modelling to the CO2 injection operation at the Sleipner storage site.

We applied a CO2 migration model that was simulated using a modified invasion percolation algorithm, based upon the Young-Laplace principle of fluid flow. This algorithm assumes that migration occurs in a state of capillary equilibrium in a flow regime dominated by buoyancy (driving) and capillary (restrictive) forces. Entrapment occurs when rock capillary threshold pressure exceeds fluid buoyancy pressure. Leaking occurs when fluid buoyancy pressure exceeds rock capillary threshold pressure. This is now widely understood to be an accurate description of basin-scale hydrocarbon migration and reservoir filling.

The geological and geophysical analysis of the Sleipner CO2 plume anatomy, as observed from the seismic data, suggested that the distribution of CO2 was strongly affected by the geological heterogeneity of the storage formation. In the simulation model, the geological heterogeneity were honored by taking the original resolution of the seismic volume as the base grid. The model was then run at an ultra-fast simulation time in a matter of seconds or minutes per realization, which allowed multiple scenarios to be performed for uncertainty analysis. It was then calibrated to the CO2 plume distribution observed on seismic, and achieved an accurate match.

The paper establishes that the physical principle of CO2 flow dynamics follows the Young-Laplace flow physics. It is then argued that this method is most suitable for the regional site screening and characterization, as well as for site-specific injectivity and containment analysis in saline aquifers.
An Integrated Approach to Well Logging: The Case of the Bazhenov Formation
Authors: Lazutkin Dmitry Mikhailovich , Bukov Oleg Vladimirovich , Kashapov Denis Vagizovich , Drobot Albina Viktorovna , Stepanova Maria Alexandrovna , Saprykina Ksenia Mikhailovna
Published: November 2021

New geological structures – displaced blocks of salt diapirs’ overburden – were identified in the axial part of the Dnieper-Donets basin (DDB) beside one of the largest salt domes due to modern high-precision gravity and magnetic surveys and their joint 3D inversion with seismic and well log data.

Superposition of gravity lineaments and wells penetrating Middle and Lower Carboniferous below Permian and Upper Carboniferous sediments in proximity to salt allowed to propose halokinetic model salt overburden displacement, assuming Upper Carboniferous reactivation.

Analogy with rafts and carapaces of the Gulf of Mexico is considered in terms of magnitude of salt-induced deformations.

Density of Carboniferous rocks within the displaced flaps evidence a high probability of hydrocarbon saturation. Possible traps include uplifted parts of the overturned flaps, abutting Upper Carboniferous reservoirs, and underlying Carboniferous sequence. Play elements are analyzed using analogues from the Dnieper-Donets basin and the Gulf of Mexico.

Hydrocarbon reserves of the overturned flaps within the study area are estimated to exceed Q50 (Р50) = 150 million cubic meters of oil equivalent.
Increasing the Productivity of Gas Wells in Conditions of High Water Factors
Authors: Matkivskyi Serhii , Khaidarova Liliia
Published: November 2021

The overwhelming majority of natural gas fields are at the final stage of development, which, along with other features, is characterized by selective watering of productive deposits and production wells. The difficulty of extracting residual gas reserves under such development conditions is associated with depletion of productive reservoirs, accumulation of fluid at the bottom of wells, corrosion of downhole equipment and the inability to reduce wellhead pressures due to restrictions on the supply and preparation of hydrocarbon products with the existing surface infrastructure. Production wells in conditions of formation water inflow into productive deposits are decommissioned after relatively small gas withdrawals. This is due both to the insufficient implementation of methods for intensifying the removal of fluid from the bottom of the wells, and to the peculiarities of the arrangement of fields, which are usually not designed for the collection and preparation of hydrocarbon products with a high liquid content. In order to remove the gas-liquid mixture from the bottom of the wells, many techniques and inventions have been developed that are widely used in production. The developed technologies are characterized by different efficiency and have a number of technological limitations, mainly due to the peculiarities of the geological structure of hydrocarbon deposits. Considering the above, there is a need for additional research in order to improve the existing and develop new technologies for the operation of water cut wells. Using the special software package, studies were carried out to optimize the operating conditions for a water cut well under conditions of active formation water inflow into gas-saturated horizons. The study was carried out for various depths of gas-lift valves (3500 m; 3000 m; 2500 m; 2000 m; 1500 m; 1000 m) and liquid flow rates (22.5 m3/day; 33.75 m3/day and 45 m3/day). Based on the research results, graphical dependences of gas flow rates and bottomhole pressure on the amount of gas-lift gas were built; the maximum gas flow rate and the required amount of gas-lift gas from the liquid flow rate; maximum gas flow rate versus liquid flow rate at different depths of gas-lift valve installation. Based on the results of statistical processing of the calculated data for each value of the liquid flow rate, the optimal value of the depth of the gas-lift valve was established. According to the results of the studies performed, to ensure the stable operation of high-water cut gas wells, it is effective to locate the gas-lift valve at a distance of 55-58 % from the wellhead of the tubing (2033-2137 m).
Application of Synthesized Novel Biodegradable Pour-Point Depressant from Natural Source on Flow Assurance of Indian Waxy Crude Oil and Comparative Studies with Commercial Pour-Point Depressant
Authors: Pal Biswadeep , Naiya Tarun Kumar
Published: November 2021

Pour-point depressants (PPDs) were synthesized from natural sources and used in waxy crude oil transportation to reduce the pour point and improve flow. A biodegradable PPD (BPPD) was synthesized and tested to mitigate crude oil flow assurance problems in the present work. The transesterification process was used to synthesize coconut oil ethyl ester (COEE, termed as BPPD). Fourier transform electron spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H-NMR), and microscopic analysis were performed for better understanding of mechanisms for both BPPD and a commercially available PPD named PPD-A. The pour point of crude oil was reduced by 12 and 9°C after the addition of 800 ppm BPPD and PPD-A, respectively. The microscopic analysis confirms that the crystals of wax converted to very fine and dispersed particles during mixing of additives, which in turn increase flowability. BPPD performs better to reduce interfacial tension than PPD-A. The maximum reduction of 19% in interfacial tension was observed after the addition of 800 ppm BPPD. BPPD alters the wettability of the pipeline surface from intermediate wet to water-wet within 60 seconds, which results in reduced slip velocity and consequently lessens the deposition of wax. As a result, crude oils will not stick to the wall of the pipe surface and will experience less resistance to flow through pipelines. FTIR analysis indicated that long-chain alkane and aromatic groups are responsible for a higher pour point, and their concentration level was reduced after the addition of BPPD. The viscosity of crude oil was reduced by almost 94% after the addition of 800 ppm BPPD with crude oil, which in turn minimizes pumping costs for crude oil. As a result, the total project cost was reduced substantially. Biodegradability tests confirm that the BPPD is biodegradable and nontoxic. Due to its biodegradability and nontoxic nature, BPPD has a promising capacity to be used in the petroleum industry for easier pipeline transportation of waxy crude.
Thermal structuring of metal-semiconductor core
fibres: toward optoelectronic device fabrication
Authors: Song Seunghan , Laurell Fredrik , Meehan Bailey , Hawkins Thomas , Ballato John , Gibson Ursula
Published: November 2021

Combining metal and semiconducting components in the core of a glass-clad fibre brings new breadth to the range of structures that can be fabricated using localized thermal gradients. Both axial and lateral structuring of fibres drawn withm ultiple components is demonstrated, as well as the introduction, segregation and chemical reaction of metal components within an initially pure silicon core. Gold and tin longitudinal electrodes fabrication, segregation of GaSb and Si in an initially inhomogeneous fiber into parallel axial layers and Al doping of a GaSb core were demonstrated. Gold was introduced into Si fibers to purify the core or weld an exposed core to a Si wafer. Ga and Sb introduced from opposite ends of a silicon fibre reacted to form III-V GaSb within the Group IV Si host, as confirmed by structural and chemical analysis and room temperature photoluminescence.
Developing a Method for Assessing Environmental Sustainability Based on the Google Earth Engine Platform
Authors: Xia Xianwang , Jiao Chentai , Song Shixiong , Zhang Ling , Feng Xingyun , Huang Qingxu
Published: November 2021

Environmental sustainability is the foundation and of great significance for the sustainable development of urban agglomerations. Taking the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration as an example, we developed a method to effectively assess long-term regional environmental sustainability based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. We used the GEE to obtain 5206 Landsat remote sensing images in the region from 1983 to 2016 and developed the comprehensive environmental index (CEI) to assess regional environmental sustainability based on the theme-oriented framework proposed by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. We found that the environmental sustainability of the urban agglomeration showed a trend of first rising, then falling, and then rising again in the past 30 years. The average CEI increased from 0.621 to 0.631 from 1985 to 1990, dropped to the lowest value of 0.618 in 2000, and then rose to the highest value of 0.672 in 2015. In particular, the extent of areas in which environmental sustainability improved (56% of the region) was greater than the extent of areas in which environmental deterioration occurred. The environmental sustainability of Hengshui, Xingtai and Cangzhou in the southeast of the region has been significantly improved. The method proposed in this study provides an automatic, rapid and extensible way to assess regional environmental sustainability and provides a scientific reference for improving the sustainability of the regional ecological environment.
Production of Bio-ethanol from Solid Waste Paper Using Biological Activation
Authors: Awol Zeynu Shamil , Abate Rezika Tofike
Published: November 2021

Biomass energy is renewable energy source that comes from the material of plants and animals. Forms of biomass energy are bio-ethanol, bio methanol, and biodiesel. Bio-ethanol is one of the most important alternative energy sources that substitute the fossil fuels. The focus of this research is to produce bio-ethanol from waste office paper. Five laboratory experiments were conducted to produce bio-ethanol from wastepaper. The wastepaper was dried in oven and cut in to pieces. Then it passed through dilute acid hydrolysis, fermentation and distillation process respectively. High amount of ethanol was observed at 20 ml/g (liquid to solid ratio) and at the time of 2hr. Cost and economic analysis for ethanol production from wastepaper was performed. Results from the analysis indicated a paper to ethanol plant was feasible from the economic point of view with rate of return (RR) 38.61% and the payback period of 2.2 years.
Longitudinal Study of Individuals with Differences in Sex Development: A 15-20-year Follow-Up of Mental Health, Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life in a Cohort of Norwegian Patients.
Authors: Waehre Anne , Heggeli Charlotte , Myhre Anne Grethe , Hald Kirsten , Trond Diseth
Published: November 2021

Our main aim was to explore any associations in mental health, psychosocial functioning and quality of life (QoL) between childhood, adolescence, and adulthood in the same cohort of patients with a difference in sex development (DSD) born from four decades ago up until early 2000. The first part of the study took place in 2002-2004 in a mixed cohort of children and adolescents born with a DSD in 1982 to 2002, compared to a control group. This part involved semi structured interviews and self-reported and proxy reported questionnaires. The second part of the study is a longitudinal study of the same participants 15-20 years later (2018-2020). The participants in part 1 of the study consisted of 33 patients; 24 assigned females (congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen insensitivity syndrome, gonadal dysgenesis and ovotesticular DSD) and nine assigned males; all with a hypospadias diagnosis. A key finding was more psychopathology in the adolescents with a DSD, and females with a 46, XX karyotype had more psychosocial problems compared to the 46, XY females. Two of the 16 patients in the follow-up had performed gender reassignment. Less than half of the female participants reported a heterosexual orientation. Another important finding was a correlation between psychosocial function in childhood with later adult QoL. As we do find a correlation with psychosocial problems in adolescence and later adult QoL, it is of great importance to respond to these behaviors in early life and to have a psychological aspect in the follow up.
Natural and Artificial Oxidation of Grape Seed Phenolics are Influenced by Extractability and Galloylation Pattern
Authors: VanderWeide Joshua , Zozzo Filippo Del , Nasrollahiazar Esmaeil , Kennedy James A. , Peterlunger Enrico , Rustioni Laura , Sabbatini Paolo
Published: November 2021

In cool-climate viticulture, the short growing season can influence grape seed maturation by reducing the apparent oxidation of flavan-3-ols and associated increase in seed browning. A reduction in seed maturation increases the potential extraction of flavan-3-ols into wine during maceration operations, heightening bitterness. Here, we carried out a 2x2 factorial experiment to test the ability of freezing and heating treatments to artificially “ripen” seeds (decrease flavan-3-ols, improve browning) of (Vitis vinifera L.) Pinot noir and Cabernet Sauvignon over a 24-hour incubation period. Only freezing significantly increased seed browning in both cultivars. Subsequent correlations with seed flavan-3-ols concentrations suggest that freezing enhanced the oxidation of these compounds. Interestingly, natural ripening and freezing reduced galloylated flavan-3-ols to a greater extent than non-galloylated ones. This study provides new information regarding the susceptibility of flavan-3-ols to freezing and heating, and also suggests that freezing can artificially ripen the seeds of under-ripe red vinifera grapes.
Latina Mothers Recommendations on a Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group Intervention for Perinatal Depression
Authors: Merced Kritzia , Parameswaran Uma D. , Dearden Susan , Pentecost Ryoko , Latendresse Gwen
Published: November 2021

Background: Perinatal depression affects 5-15% of childbearing women. However, literature suggest that Latina women are twice as likely to experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy. Group telehealth-based interventions are a promising approach to increasing access and reducing barriers to mental health services. However, little is known about the experience that childbearing Latinas have with navigating this approach. This paper aimed to explore Latina mothers’ perspectives and recommendations in using a telehealth modality to deliver a mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (MBCBT) group intervention.Methods: Fourteen pregnant or postpartum women participated in focus groups and individual interviews. Interview topics included perinatal depression, knowledge and content of interventions, and the feasibility and acceptability of the telehealth approach. Data were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a grounded theory approach.Results: Three broad themes emerged; (1) accessibility to telehealth, (2) relational connection through technology, and (3) and technological issues affecting access (i.e., level of familiarity with portal, video quality, etc.). Enhancers promoting participation in the telehealth intervention included reduced scheduling concerns and no need for childcare. Barriers included mistrust of providers’ engagement, concerns about privacy, and potential for lack of relational connection through technology. Conclusion: Specific recommendations were provided to increase participation and effectiveness of telehealth groups among Latinas. Recommendations included conducting an initial assessment of women’s familiarity with and access to technology, having a tech-trained individual available to troubleshoot, as well as provider’s intentionality in conveying active listening and relational empathy (i.e., using eye contact during telehealth intervention, avoid limited distractions).Trial Registration: NCT03932760
Identification of Two Novel Alternative Splicing-related Genes in the Cervical Cancer Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Sun Dan , Zhi Zhifu , Zhang Aiqian , Gao Bingsi , Zou Lingxiao , Huang Huan , Zhao Xingping , Xu Dabao
Published: November 2021

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the female reproductive system. The tumor immunotherapy showed the remarkable effect. Associated alternative splicing (AS)-event signatures provide potential therapeutic targets and improved strategies for new drug development in CC management.Methods: Clinical information and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Hub genes were extracted from the 7 AS-related genes for correlation analysis with clinical parameters and tumor-immune microenvironment. The relationship between the risk score and the 6 most important checkpoint genes was investigated. Finally, we estimated the Stroma and Immune cells using the Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm.Results: It was revealed that T cells CD8, T cells regulatory (Tregs), T cells CD4 memory activated, neutrophils, mast cells resting, mast cells activated, and macrophages M0 had a significant difference between the low- and high risk-score groups. The genes SHF and FOXRED2 were extracted as hub genes. High expression of SHF (P < 0.002) and low expression of FOXRED2 (P < 0.001) were associated with poor prognosis..Immune checkpoint genes IDO1, PDCD1, and HAVCR2, were negatively correlated with risk-score.Conclusions: We used bioinformatics to assess the heterogeneity of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in CESC and discovered out 2 hub genes, SHF and FOXRED2, from the AS prognostic model. The immune checkpoint genes IDO1, PDCD1, and HAVCR2, showed negative correlations with risk-score. The outcomes were significant for studying tumor progression's immune-related mechanisms and exploring novel prognostic predictors and precise therapy methods.
The Key Role of Mendeleev's Forces In Intermolecular Interactions
Authors: Neruchev Yuriy Anatolievich , Korotkovskii Vadim Igorevich , Bolotnikov Michail Feliksovich
Published: November 2021

In this paper, it is shown that a physically correct description of the thermophysical properties of liquid hydrocarbons is possible only when non-covalent long-range bond forces are taken into account
Pulmonary Embolism And Bradycardia in a NSCLC Patient Treated With Crizotinib For a Rare Mutation: A Case Report
Authors: Shi Yunjing , Qiu Zeping , Ding Yongjie , Chen Yanjia , Zhang Andi , Jin Wei
Published: November 2021

Lung cancer is a major global health problem because of its high incidence and mortality. Targeted therapies have transformed treatment of driver-mutated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, recent studies demonstrated that cardiovascular disease (CVD) was the second leading cause of mortality in cancer survivors now, management of patients’ cardiovascular health during the course of anticancer therapy has become a great challenge faced by the oncologists. Anticancer related CV complications are not limited to traditional chemotherapy, but are also increasingly recognized in targeted therapy. We present a case of pulmonary embolism and bradycardia in a 91-year-old NSCLC patient treated with crizotinib for a rare MET Y1003S mutation. To our knowledge, this is the second report to show antitumor response of crizotinib in lung cancer patients with such a rare mutation. However, the patient complained chest tightness and shortness of breath after a month of standard dose crizotinib therapy. Non-invasive examination revealed new onset bradycardia and pulmonary embolism (PE). Such clinical manifestations were associated with targeted therapy-related cardiovascular（CV）toxicity, on which the emerging discipline cardio-oncology focused, and a multidisciplinary investigation and treatment was conducted. The case highlights the CV adverse events of novel therapies and the current challenges to be tackled in cardio-oncology.
A Re-Analysis of EU’s COVID-19 Vaccine Procurement Strategy in View of the An-Ticipated Cost-effectiveness of Vaccination
Authors: Gandjour Afschin
Published: November 2021

Aim

The EU has received criticism for being slow to secure COVID-19 vaccine contracts in 2020 before the approval of the first COVID-19 vaccine. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively analyze the EU’s COVID-19 vaccine procurement strategy. To this end, the study retrospectively determines the minimum vaccine efficacy that made vaccination cost-effective from a societal perspective in Germany before the clinical trial announcements in late 2020. The result is compared against the expected vaccine efficacy before the announcements.
Methods

Two strategies were analyzed: vaccination followed by complete lifting of mitigation measures and a long-term mitigation strategy. A decision model was constructed using, e.g., information on age-specific fatality rates, intensive care unit costs and outcomes, and herd protection threshold. The base-case time horizon was 5 years. Cost-effectiveness of vaccination was determined in terms of costs per life year gained. The value of an additional life year was borrowed from new, innovative oncological drugs, as cancer reflects a condition with a similar morbidity and mortality burden in the general population in the short term as COVID-19.
Results

A vaccine with 50% efficacy against death due to COVID-19 was not clearly cost-effective compared to a long-term mitigation strategy if mitigation measures were planned to be lifted after vaccine rollout. The minimum vaccine efficacy to achieve cost-effectiveness was 40% in the base case. The sensitivity analysis shows considerable variation around the minimum vaccine efficacy, extending above 50% for some of the input variables.
Conclusions

This study shows that vaccine efficacy levels expected before clinical trial announcements did not clearly justify lifting mitigation measures from a cost-effectiveness standpoint. Hence, the sluggish EU’s procurement strategy still appeared to be rational at the time of decision making.
Impact of Multiple Factors on the Incidence of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Pulik Łukasz , Romaniuk Krzysztof , Sibilska Aleksandra , Jedynak Andrzej , Tołowiński Ignacy , Kumięga Paulina , Wojtyński Paweł , Łęgosz Paweł
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions in children. Not treated DDH leads to disability, gait abnormalities, limb shortening and chronic pain. Our study aims to determine the impact of multiple risk factors on the occurrence of DDH and develop an interactive risk assessment tool.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in the Outpatient Clinic for Children of University Hospital. The Graf classification system was used for ultrasonographic universal screening. In total, 4881 infants met the eligibility criteria (n = 9762 hip joints). Hypothesis testing was performed with χ² test and logistic regression.Results: The incidence of DDH was 4.57%. We have proven risk factors of DDH: female gender (OR=7.11), breech position (OR=3.65), Caesarean section (OR=1.43), positive family history in parent (OR=1.92) or sibling (OR=3.84). Preterm delivery decreased the risk (OR=0.17). Logistic regression was used to construct the interactive risk calculator.Conclusion: The DDH risk calculator was built but needs external validation in prospective study before being used in a clinical setting. We confirmed well-known DDH risk factors in the studied population. Our results support the recent hypothesis that preterm infants (37 < week) have lower rate of DDH.Level of Evidence:Retrospective cohort study: Level III
High IKBIP expression as a biomarker for poor prognosis and correlated with immune infiltrates in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Authors: Lin Mingxin , Liu Jingping , Shi Xiaoli , Li Jiajun , Ye Huiming
Published: November 2021

Background: I kappa B kinase interacting protein (IKBIP) is dysregulated and closely correlated with prognosis in tumor. However, the potential functions of IKBIP have not been utterly revealed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, we explored the clinical values of IKBIP and its correlation with immune infiltrates in HCC.Methods: IKBIP expression in different tumor types was analyzed through the Tumor Immunity Evaluation Resource (TIMER) database. IKBIP expression between HCC and normal tissues were readily available for retrospective analyses from GEPIA, UALCAN and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. The association between clinical features and IKBIP expression in HCC was analyzed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression. Human Protein Atlas (HPA) was used to analyze the protein expression of IKBIP. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to explore diagnostic potential of IKBIP. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) method and Cox regression were conducted to evaluate the influence of IKBIP on the prognosis of HCC patients. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established using STRING. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used for gene functional enrichment analysis. The interrelation between IKBIP expression and immune infiltrates in HCC was analyzed through TIMER and tumor-immune system interaction database (TISIDB).Results: Our results revealed that IKBIP expression was abnormally upregulated in HCC, and ROC curve analysis confirmed the diagnostic power of IKBIP. High IKBIP expression was related to tumor sizes, pathologic stage and histologic grade. K-M plotter analysis showed that high IKBIP expression was correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. Moreover, multivariate Cox analysis further verified that high IKBIP expression was an independent risk factor in HCC patients. Correlation analysis found that IKBIP expression was associated with infiltrating immune cells.Conclusion: High IKBIP expression is associated with poor prognosis and immune infiltrates, which may serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.