bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Economic Security on Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe – from the Financial Crisis to the COVID–19 Pandemic
Authors: Kowalska Magdalena , Misztal Anna , Matera Rafał
Published: March 2024

The article’s main aim is to assess the impact of economic security on sustainable entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs), including Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia from 2008 to 2020. The paper’s novelty is the development of indicators of sustainable entrepreneurship and its three pillars: economic, social and environmental. Moreover, we assessed the impact of economic security on sustainable entrepreneurship and conducted a comparative analysis of its consequences on the economic, social and environmental components of entrepreneurship. We use the Pearson correlation coefficient, the Ordinary Least Square Method, and the SUR estimations for structural equations. The results of the analysis indicate that sustainable entrepreneurship and economic security in the analysed countries are growing. However, their dynamics are varied, and what is more, economic security has a statistically significant impact on sustainable entrepreneurship. The impact of economic security on sustainable entrepreneurship from 2008 to 2020 is highest in Slovakia, Bulgaria and Poland. The lowest is in Latvia, Romania and Czechia. We notice that pursuing a stable and responsible macroeconomic policy affects the implementation of sustainable development goals. It is important to create the best conditions for growth in the long term, which is a challenge because of the problem of finding optimal relationships between factors that determine economic security.
The role of ammonium transport proteins in improving nitrogen use efficiency in crop production
Authors:   University of Sydney, Australia, Uddin Muhammad K. , Perrine-Walker Francine ,   University of Sydney, Australia, Kaiser Brent N. ,   University of Sydney, Australia
Published: March 2024

Nitrogen (N) is a key macronutrient required for plant growth and reproduction. Ammonium (NH4+) is a readily available nitrogen source for plant growth and an important contributor to net plant nitrogen uptake and utilisation. It is suggested that members of the high-affinity ammonium transporter family (AMT) and the low-affinity ammonium major facilitator (AMF, non-AMT type) NH4+ transporters operate respectively as high-affinity (HATS) and low-affinity (LATS) transport pathways, both contributing to the management of overall plant NH4+ transport, uptake and cellular redistribution. In this chapter, we will examine NH4+ transport systems operating across different plant cell types and tissues in both a N2-fixing legume root nodule and in the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana.
Operationalizing the Social Capital of Organizations: Is it Possible to Measure the “Immeasurable”
Authors: Igumnov Oleg
Published: March 2024

Social capital in the modern sense can be described as the capacity for socially oriented management of organizations. As social capital serves this purpose, it needs to be measured using relevant sociological tools based on the principles of operationalizing it as a complex social concept and a resource of immaterial nature. The purpose of the article is to present the results of social capital operationalization problem study that were obtained during the empirical portion implemented within the framework of the socio-resource approach towards managing organizations. The data obtained as a result of a panel study in 2022 give grounds for concluding that the basic process of operationalizing social capital proposed by the author provides an opportunity to substantiate variables and correlations between them for subsequently measuring the development of certain components of social capital. The suggested approach also allows asserting that social capital operationalization largely allows for solving the problem of “measuring the immeasurable” which involves, based on evaluating the current state of an organization’s social capital, developing management decisions aimed at the effective formation and development of said human capital. The author offers practical recommendations for correcting managerial actions while taking into account the problematic aspects of social capital formation.
The Effects of Participating in International Mobility for Russian Scientists
Authors: Nefedova Alena , Dyachenko Ekaterina
Published: March 2024

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the opening of borders, numerous measures have been taken to internationalize Russian science. In particular, publications in journals that are listed in international scientific citation databases have become a point of closer focus. Universities and scientific organizations began inviting foreign professors and sending their own staff and students abroad on international internships. After the start of the Special Military Operation in Ukraine in 2022, Russian science faced numerous sanctions that entailed a reduction in international cooperation. However Russian scientists have accumulated 30 years of experience in active participation in international cooperation and academic mobility. Nevertheless, there is still a significant lack of understanding of how this experience will impact the scientific careers of Russian scientists going forward. In this article, the authors present the results of a study dedicated to exploring this issue. The theoretical framework for the analysis is based on such a concept as “the Three Careers of an Academic” (organizational, cognitive, and community careers) proposed by German experts in sociology of science Johan Gläser and Grit Laudel. The empirical data used in the study include materials from in-depth interviews with young scientists under the age of 39, collected in 2020–2021 as part of a project known as “International Mobility of Russian Young Researchers”, as well as the results of a sociological survey of 7,255 highly productive scientists conducted under the “Monitoring of education markets and organizations” in 2022. All respondents had spent more than three months abroad. The study revealed that international mobility has a comprehensive impact, noticeable in all three components of a scientific career. Acquired knowledge and skills, as well as involvement in international projects contribute to the development of a researcher’s cognitive career, while new professional connections promote advancement in the international scientific community. As for the “organizational dimension” of a career, mobility does not have a direct influence on career advancement. However, mobility often leads to personal changes, particularly influencing one’s determination to switch jobs and seek better conditions. These assessments are presented for the first time and can be useful in developing recommendations for science and technology policies regarding the revision of mobility support programs in light of the new geopolitical reality.
EXPLORING ALGORITHMIC EXPERIENCES IN OTT: WITH A MIXED-METHODS APPROACH
Authors:   Graduate School of Information, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea, Jeong DongA , Lee Sang Woo ,   Graduate School of Information, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
Published: March 2024

This paper addresses the challenge of 'poverty in the midst of abundance' in OTT services, where a vast array of content makes it difficult for users to find what suits their tastes, often leading to subscription cancellations. U.S. market studies show users spend an average of 10.5 minutes searching for content, while in South Korea, they experience psychological fatigue during this process. This indicates a need for improved recommendation algorithms to enhance user experience and reduce service churn The research focuses on identifying attributes in OTT recommendation algorithms that users prefer, aiming to understand which specific features of recommendations are most valued by users. Findings reveal that effective recommendation systems, tailored to user preferences and feedback, can significantly enhance the user experience. Improved search interfaces and content curation are crucial for increasing user trust and satisfaction. The paper provides an academic foundation for understanding algorithmic interplay in OTT services and practical guidance for companies to develop more effective recommendation strategies. This research underscores the importance of user-centric approaches in OTT platforms to address the content overload problem and enhance overall service quality.
THE IMPACT OF RISK MANAGEMENT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors:   Second-year doctoral student - Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Mofleh Alshehhi Hamad Saleh
Published: March 2024

This research navigates the intricate landscape of the risk management in the construction industry. This paper also illuminates its profound influence on the success of the project. Diverse risk mitigation strategies have been investigated based on the impact of the same in the critical project metrics, such as adherence schedule, quality benchmark, and control of the cist; all this combined forms the foundation of this research. The objective of this research revolves around evaluating the correlation of the project's outcomes with the identification of risk. This quantifies the mitigation strategies' measurable impacts and compares their effectiveness in the stakeholders' satisfaction and the budget's control. With the empirical insights, this study aims to address the critical gap in understanding the direct link of risk management with the project's success. It equips the industry professional with evidence-based approaches to optimize risk practices, fostering resource allocation and resilience. The comparative analysis of risk management approaches empowers informed and appropriate decision-making. This reduces the disruption of and enhances financial outcomes. These findings signify a paradigm shift in project management in construction, advocating for a culture of effective and proactive risk management. It can revolutionize industry practices, increase predictability, and elevate the project's success. Implementing recommended strategies, inculcating adaptability cultivation, clear communication, and theoretical framework, and embracing complexity promises to enhance risk management effectively, guiding the instruction industry toward continuous improvement and innovation.
Ventajas y desventajas de la modalidad virtual de enseñanza-aprendizaje percibidas en un curso de semiología en una facultad de medicina de Lima, Perú
Authors: Lecarnaqué Rojas César G. , Del Castillo Miranda José C. , Gonzales Nacarino Mauricio , Guillén-López Otto Barnaby
Published: March 2024

La pandemia de la Covid 19 forzó a las facultades de medicina a optar por una metodología virtual de enseñanza por la suspensión de las prácticas presenciales con pacientes reales en los establecimientos de salud, debido al confinamiento social y riesgo de contagio. Objetivo: Determinar las ventajas y desventajas percibidas por los estudiantes de medicina en relación con la transición de las prácticas presenciales en hospitales a las sesiones virtuales de aprendizaje en un curso de semiología en una facultad de medicina de Lima, Perú. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal realizado en estudiantes del 4to año de la carrera de Medicina. Los datos se recolectaron mediante una encuesta virtual no validada. Resultados: 94 estudiantes respondieron la encuesta (tasa de respuesta: 51,1%). Las ventajas percibidas fueron: 57,4% tener mayor tiempo para estudio teórico y 38,3% en ahorro de tiempo en transporte y movilidad. Las desventajas fueron: 42,6% falta de contacto con pacientes reales y 39,4% no poder realizar una historia clínica adecuada. En cuanto al logro de objetivos de aprendizaje, el 72,3% consideró que logró identificar los problemas de salud del paciente, mientras que el 24,4% afirmó que logró realizar una adecuada historia clínica, y sólo el 9,6% que logró realizar un examen físico completo en pacientes. Conclusión: La modalidad virtual de enseñanza permitió a los estudiantes tener más tiempo para revisar aspectos teóricos del curso, pero limitó la adquisición de habilidades prácticas, como realizar una anamnesis adecuada, presentar historias clínicas y examinar pacientes.
Efectividad de una estrategia educativa en la prescripción de la tromboprofilaxis adecuada en un servicio de Medicina Interna de un hospital general
Authors: Vásquez Kunze Sergio , Sosa Valle Hector , Leiva Reyes Natalí , Loza Munarriz César , Pulcha Guerra Alejandro , Villaverde Peláez Homarh
Published: March 2024

Objetivo: Determinar el impacto de una intervención educativa sobre la frecuencia de prescripciones médicas adecuadas de tromboprofilaxis en un servicio de medicina de un hospital general. Material y métodos: Estudio quasi experimental, en el cual en la fase pre-intervención se obtuvieron las frecuencias de indicación de tromboprofilaxis adecuada por parte de los médicos del servicio de medicina. Se realizó una intervención educativa de 8 semanas a este mismo grupo de médicos. En la fase post intervención se midió la frecuencia de la tromboprofilaxis adecuada a los 2 y 4 meses después de la intervención. Resultados: La intervención educativa se implementó en 112 médicos residentes de las especialidades de medicina. La totalidad de prescripciones fueron hechas por los médicos residentes de primer año y refrendadas por su médico supervisor. Previamente a la intervención se obtuvieron 47 (44,35%) prescripciones adecuadas, 13 (12,26%) subóptimas, 4 (3,77%) inadecuadas y 42 (39, 62%) ausencia de prescripción. Luego de la intervención se obtuvieron a los 2 meses subsiguientes: 78 (75,72%) prescripciones adecuadas, 7 (6,79%) subóptimas, 4 (2,91%) inadecuadas y 15 (14,58%) ausencias de prescripción, habiendo diferencia significativa con el nivel basal. A los 4 meses subsiguientes postintervención se obtuvieron:  86 (83,49%) adecuada, 5(4,85%) subóptima, 2 (1,94%) inadecuada y 10 (9,72%) ausencia de prescripción, habiendo diferencia significativa con el nivel basal. No hubo aumento en la frecuencia de sobre uso. Conclusiones: La aplicación de una estrategia educativa al personal médico fue efectiva en el incremento de las prescripciones de tromboprofilaxis correctamente indicadas en un servicio de medicina. No se encontró sobreuso de la tromboprofilaxis luego de la intervención.
Excess Mortality Calculations to Assess the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Concepts and Methodological Issues
Authors: Vandenbroucke Jan P. , Pearce Neil
Published: March 2024

We discuss some intriguing methodological aspects of excess mortality analyses, which have been widely used to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We describe the main ways of presenting excess mortality: as a mortality rate (incidence rate) or as a percentage increase (relative risk or rate ratio).

We discuss what should be regarded as the null value of excess mortality (i.e., when countries or regions can be judged as having fared equally well) and when age and sex standardization, adjustment for other determinants of the spread of a pandemic, or both is necessary. We discuss the level of detail by time and place and person that may be necessary. We note that an excess mortality comparison is essentially a difference-in-differences analysis.

We conclude that, although one cannot rule out using excess mortality analyses for causal effect estimates, such analyses will remain most fruitful for generating hypotheses about both the efficiency of measures to curtail the pandemic and factors that cannot be influenced. Nevertheless, a judicious use of arguments and counterarguments can then lead to identifying best practices for various situations. ( Am J Public Health. 2024;114(6):593–598. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307572 )
Produced Water Treatment and Reuse Options: Alternatives for Sustainable Water Resources
Authors: Dawoud Mohamed A. , Sefelnasr Ahmed , Ebraheem Abdel Azim , Alnaimat Fadi , Mathew Bobby , Hamouda Mohamed A. , Hassan Ashraf Aly , Zubari Waleed Khalil , Sherif Mohsen
Published: March 2024

Water conservation and sustainability are of utmost importance in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, and they are considered key areas of strategic significance for the United Arab Emirates. The escalating demand for freshwater resources, coupled with the absence of a proportional rise in surface and groundwater supplies, necessitates the exploration of other water sources. Among these potential alternatives, produced water (PW) holds significant promise. Nevertheless, there is a lack of comprehensive characterization of the amounts of the generated produced water, as well as the quality and management of such water in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. The primary aim of this research was to study the amount and quality of produced water (PW) connected with the oil and gas sector, with the goal of evaluating its potential contribution to the water budget of Abu Dhabi Emirate. PW refers to the water that is naturally occurring in subsurface formations and is extracted to the surface during oil or gas production operations. The composition of the fluid may include water sourced from the reservoir, water that has been previously injected into the formation, and any chemical substances that have been incorporated throughout the various stages of production. The majority of PW has a significantly high salinity level and may consist of a combination of mineral salts, organic compounds, hydrocarbons, organic acids, waxes, and oils. Additionally, it may include inorganic metals, other inorganic components, naturally occurring radioactive material, chemical additives, as well as other constituents and byproducts. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to explore a multitude of viable management methods and treatment technologies aimed at mitigating salinity, which is recognized as a significant constraint in the usage of produced water. Furthermore, an examination was conducted on the origins, features, and magnitude of several contaminants present in the PW. In addition to total volumes produced, the water-to-oil ratio (WOR) from production activities was considered as this information can be used to evaluate the relative production age of resources within the production lifetime. On a global scale, the average PW production is around 280 million barrels per day, in contrast to the production of oil which stands at roughly 97 million barrels per day. This research included an update to the worldwide water-oil ratio (WOR) to a value of 4:1, indicating a water reduction of around 75%. The WOR ratio in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries has considerable heterogeneity, with an average value of 7:1. In this regard, it should be noted that the highest PW contributors are not always the most prolific producers of oil and gas.
Optimizing Sustainable Polysaccharide-Based Drilling Muds with Red Mud for Geothermal Applications
Authors: Ba Saloom Salem , Ba Geri Mohammed , Suhail Mohamed
Published: March 2024

Geothermal drilling demands specialized drilling fluids to handle extreme high temperature high pressure (HTHP) environments. Conventional water-based muds (WBMs) utilize mined minerals like bentonite with toxic polymers, causing environmental harm. Produced water (PW) is an abundant byproduct of oil/gas production posing disposal issues. Red mud (RM) is an alkaline waste from aluminum refining that is landfilled. This research investigates formulating sustainable PW-based muds (PWBMs) with RM for geothermal drilling. RM was characterized and hot-rolled PWBMs were optimized evaluating rheology, fluid loss, and solids suspension capacity at HTHP conditions.

PW displayed high salinity up to 224,937 ppm and hardness up to 15,932 ppm, presenting technical barriers including clay swelling, scale potential, and incompatible fluid chemistry. However, engineered PWBM formulations resolved these issues. Increasing polysaccharide concentrations enhanced yield point, gel strength, and low-shear rate viscosity of PWBMs. At 8 ppg polysaccharide dose, saline PWBMs achieved viscosity surpassing freshwater WBMs. RM inclusion further reduced fluid loss by 50% versus conventional calcite mud system (CCMS). PWBMs also demonstrated superior sag resistance, with 8 ppg polysaccharide enabling sag factors as low as 0.5-0.53 in vertical and inclined orientations.

This pioneering research successfully developed sustainable PWBMs leveraging two waste streams. RM improved filtration control as a benign substitute for lignosulfonates. Demonstrated technical performance resolves produced water reuse limitations in geothermal drilling. Optimized PWBMs met drilling fluid specifications while utilizing only non-potable resources. This eliminates sourcing, water, energy for conventional WBM components with associated environmental and economic savings. Integrating green design principals, this study provides a sustainable technology pathway significantly reducing impacts for geothermal well construction. Field validation is recommended to facilitate commercial adoption.

Overall, red mud is a promising new option for geothermal drilling fluid additives. It is more environmentally friendly, and it can improve the performance of drilling fluids under HPHT conditions. The possibility does exist for the red mud additive to be used as an inert additive to optimize various drilling fluid properties.
Integrating Water Management Life Cycle Assessment in Upstream Oil and Gas: A Pathway to Enhanced Waterflood
Authors: Maire F. , Alblooshi J. R. , Ali A. E. , Littler D. , De Plaa P. J. C.
Published: March 2024

The urgency of optimizing water management in the oil and gas industry has never been more pronounced, as mega reservoirs and basins approach later life, especially against the backdrop of intensifying environmental regulations and the global push for sustainable practices. As conventional onshore and offshore oil developments mature, particularly in the context of the Middle East's carbonate reservoirs, the need for efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible water management strategies becomes paramount. This paper presents a comprehensive study aimed at integrating Water Management Life Cycle Assessment (WMLCA) in the context of Upstream activities.

The study focuses on Produced Water Handling (PWH) and Water Injection (WI) systems. The model is built upon a bottom-up assessment of water-related costs and is positioned as a strategic tool for high-level cost / emission estimation and planning. By focusing on the conventional oil fields of the Middle East, the study steers clear of more complex scenarios such as Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and deep offshore developments, thus providing a clear, focused analysis relevant to the region's predominant operations. A critical component of this study is its alignment with ADNOC's net-zero ambitions and its broader Waterflood Excellence framework. The increasing relative volumes of produced water (PW) and water injection (WI), coupled with the imperative for emission reduction, present both challenges and opportunities. This study not only scrutinizes these aspects but also offers strategies to optimize waterflood processes, enhance water quality management, develop technologies, and contribute to ADNOC's sustainability goals.

This paper explains how the complete WMLCA model was created, developed, and used. It shows the method, data, and the advanced analytics we used to make this happen. The paper wants to help industry professionals and stakeholders understand, plan, and use tools for water management in oil and gas operations.
Rig Less Solution for Permanent Isolation of Unwanted Water Production Zone in an Oil Well to Sustain the Oil Production and Reduce the Water Production and Treatment Cost
Authors: Douik H. , Rachapudi R. , Negi Rohit S , Abaza Fayez , Ubedulla Shaik Saheb
Published: March 2024

This paper describes the systematic approach towards nullifying the water production from the oilwell by setting an inflatable and pumping water shut off solution beneath. An onshore oil producing well in the United Arab Emirates was producing high water-cut impacting overall oil production and increasing water production and treatment requirements. The objective of the well is to improve oil production and reduce water production. Well data was reviewed systematically including completion limitations, deviation survey, sour conditions along with recently carried out production logging information. The production logs identified that the lowermost zone is producing most of the water and needed to be shut off.

The solution was designed with an inflatable retainer system having 2.125″ outer diameter and customized water shut off solution. The pressure differential capacity of this inflatable packer was evaluated using a software simulation and chemical water shut-off solution was designed within the limitation inflatable packer minimum differential capability. Proper lab testing of the Chemicals was carried out to finalize the setting time. The volume of chemical was finalized based on geological features and shut-off intervals. In summary a Coil tubing Conveyed solution was finalized after screening other possible bull head options.

The solution was implemented at the candidate well after overcoming the operational challenges, completion restrictions and resources limitations. The paper highlights the candidate evaluation, solution screening, lab testing, execution challenges and successful results. In summary the solution reduced more than 700 BWPD of water production that resulted in saving treatment cost, water handling capability limitation and power optimization in producing the well using ESP system. This rig less solution provided an economic alternative for avoiding unwanted water while enhancing oil production capacities that resulted in increasing well life and profitability.

This new approach of setting an inflatable cement retainer and pump the water shut off solution in rig less environment at wells having tubing restrictions provides an alternative solution that avoids the requirement of workover rigs and minimum timeframe to put back well on production.
Nano Chemical Technology to Reduce Produced Water from Oil Wells
Authors: Dhafeeri Abdullah , Almusabeh Muzher , Bukhari Syed Muzafar Ali
Published: March 2024

The excess of water production from oil and gas wells in several areas of the oil field is a subject of concern for reservoir management. A conformance chemical treatment can be used to improve the production profile of a well and minimize unwanted water. Unwanted water production causes major economic, operational, and environmental problems during oilfield operations. First time, Nano chemicals are implemented as a safe and unique system with a great deal of benefit in terms of well productivity enhancement taking into consideration the most challenging limestone carbonate reservoir characteristics such as tight permeability. In addition, selection well candidates from Middle East oil fields were made to treat subject oil wells that encountered high water cuts. The designed nano chemical is to be more reliable and new advanced technology to reduce produced water in oil wells. Nano chemicals have no negative impact on artificial lift systems such as ESP equipment. The nano chemical is biochemical and friendly environmental handling. Chemistry solutions are required to remove the negative impacts of high-water cut on oil wells through well treatments by reducing/minimizing the produced water from a reservoir. That water contains natural salts and organic compounds with injected chemicals that need pre-treatment up to the permissible limit of environmental legislation at onshore environments. Smart nanotechnology with biosurfactants demonstrated high thermal stability and affinity to meet the technical challenges of reservoir conditions, element environmental crises, and improve deep reservoir penetration. The first time Smart nano-based particles are combined with biochemical to develop stronger and more durable formulations for water applications in the oil and gas industry and has been implemented in the Middle East successfully. This paper explores chemical water shutoff techniques, and well stimulation technologies to lower unwanted water production, improve sweep efficiency, and reduce the environmental impact. The wells criteria selection for field trial is based on treating the most difficult and challenging wells with serious issues related to productivity decline, and high water cut. Several previous chemical treatment attempts were conducted with a low rate of success. The field cases showed a high rate of success and an increase in the productivity rate of treated oil wells with a reduction in produced water.
Sustainable Approach of Turning Oily Produced Water into Slickwater for Unconventional Reservoir Development
Authors: Xu L. M. , Qi Z. Y. , Huang T. P. , Kalgaonkar R.
Published: March 2024

Produced water (PW) is generated in a large amount worldwide and has complex compositions. PW treatment is required to meet environmental regulations as well as reuse and recycling of PW. Meanwhile, plenty of water is needed for slickwater fracturing applications during unconventional reservoir development. This study aims to find effective ways to treat PW and formulate it into slickwater for fracturing operations to save fresh water and improve water sustainability. A synthetic high salinity oily produced water with overall salinity of more than 100,000 ppm was used. Searching effective chemicals and optimizing their dosages for PW treatment were based on measurements of oil-water separation time, floc volume and transmission intensity using stability analyzer which allows a step-by-step vertical scanning of dispersions. After treatment, PW was used to prepare slickwater. Hydration time and viscosity of selected dry friction reducer (DFR) in the PW were measured by rheometer, and friction reduction performance of the slickwater was evaluated by a standard friction flow loop system. The developed chemicals are efficient and economical for the PW treatment with short oil-water separation time, high oil removal efficiency, and low chemical dosage. Floc formed quickly and separated from the water phase in several minutes after chemical addition and clear bottom phase was observed. The oil content was reduced to less than 20ppm and total suspended solid was reduced by 80% within 10 minutes with the addition of 30ppm chemical. DFRs for unconventional reservoir development are selected in this work because of simple logistic handling under harsh environmental conditions comparing to liquid and emulsified friction reducers. An optimized DFR formulation which was compatible with treated PW was developed. The DFR was able to totally dissolve in PW in 1 minute. The viscosity of DFR in treated PW at different temperatures was almost same as that of solution prepared using synthetic brine. The friction reduction can reach up to 75% in less than 2 minutes. This indicates that the PW after treatment is applicable for either re-injection or reuse as base water for slickwater fracturing. This work provides the insight of oily produced water treatment by chemical method for slickwater fracturing. This significantly alleviates oilfield produced water discharge and improves water sustainability by saving large volume of fresh water for unconventional reservoir development.
Flowback Emulsions Issues for Complex Crude Oil Fluid-Phases Separation Testing and Manage by Demulsification or Water Clarification
Authors: Franca L. M. , Kotisso Y.
Published: March 2024

Drilling and completion of new or mature wells are a conventional method for companies to avoid standard oil production decline. Many of these wells are drilled in existing fields to produce from zones that are considered economical. Companies initially produce fluids into a frac tank to prevent production fluids contaminated with drilling mud or completion fluids from flowing to the production facilities. However, most wells still contain enough contaminants that cause drilling fluid induced emulsions during initial production to the plant such as chemical polymers, acids, surfactants, foamer agents, and others.

Some purposes of a drilling fluid or completion jobs and work over programs are to provide hydrostatic pressure to prevent formation fluids from entering the wellbore, carry the cuttings to the surface, minimize formation damage, and lubricate the drilling string and bit. Multiple chemicals and other compounds are combined to provide these functions. Traces of the filter cake and other skin damage remain in the near wellbore after the well is completed. These contaminants provide concern as they have potential to produce challenging drilling fluid induced emulsions in the production systems.

Several types of drilling fluids were identified as potential candidates for drilling the new wells on this work. The several candidates consisted of water-based, brine-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based drilling muds. Multiple tests were completed to simulate the effects of the drilling mud on the production system. These fluids were added in iterations of less than one percent based on total production. Each drilling fluid iteration was treated with varying fluid separation chemicals, applying different dosages and strategies. The fluids separation test provides the least impactful drilling fluid on the production fluids. The test also highlights the optimal fluids separation chemistry to treat the new wells.

This paper summarizes the best practice to identify the optimal drilling fluid and fluid separation chemistry via fluids separation testing. The paper discusses the crude oil characteristics and briefly describes the production system to provide the reader insight on the key areas when drilling induced emulsions create challenges with incumbent treatment programs.
Application of Autonomous Inflow Control Valve (AICV) Technology to Enhance Oil Production and Reduce Unwanted Water Production: Case Studies
Authors: Kherroubi D. , Cristea Z. , Alshehhi S. Saeed , Douik H. Mohammed , Celma R. , Alawadhi O. Abdulaziz , Albarracin R.
Published: March 2024

Managing water production in fractured carbonate reservoirs is a big challenge due to the uncertainties surrounding conductivity and the fracture matrix. Early water breakthrough from fractures due to the contrast in fluids mobility, particularly in horizontal barefoot completion wells, can lead to shut-in wells and by-passed oil, which cannot be produced without modifying the well design. Subsurface Technologies such as inflow control completions capable of stopping highly mobile water producing from fractures and stimulating by-passed oil to flow would be needed.

This paper describes a successful pilot application of the Autonomous Inflow Control Valve (AICV) completion in horizontal wells producing dead oil from two carbonate fields in UAE. It summarizes the technical learnings, the deployment strategy and the design philosophy followed.

The technology in principle can identify fluid flowing through it and restrict the high water or gas saturated zones autonomously while stimulating oil production from healthy oil-saturated zones.

The Autonomous Control valves can differentiate the fluid flowing through it via fluid properties such as viscosity and density at reservoir conditions, with a design based on Hagen-Poiseuille and Bernoulli's principles. Based on the Integrated performance reviews, the technology has shown the benefit of accelerating oil production as well as reduction of unwanted water which not only reduces the OPEX of these wells but at the same time has a positive impact on the environment and Green House Gases (GHG) emissions.

The delivered results supported the adoption of the technology on similar conditions and challenges. The provided solution effectiveness is continuously monitored to improve Lower completion design and increase production uptime.
Detailed Integrated Asset Model Boosts Water Injection Potential in Giant Fields
Authors: Mogensen K. , Samajpati S. , Kunakbayeva L. , Danardatu A. H. , AlZaabi M.
Published: March 2024

Integrated asset models for the water injection networks have been developed to complement the optimization of oil production while honoring system constraints and balancing offtake across the reservoirs. A well-calibrated asset model enables operation closer to the system constraints leading to higher water injection rate potential and the ability to better allocate water to the right drainage regions.

The integrated model comprises individual well models linked to a surface network model. While the well modeling itself is uncomplicated due to single-phase flow conditions, complications arise when hundreds of wells are tied together via multiple injection clusters linked together to provide optimum routing flexibility. Some of the routing options give rise to pressure imbalances in the network and require special attention to set up and solve.

The wells fall into three distinct categories. Category 1 includes wells that belong to injection clusters constrained by pump capacity. These wells may inject into different reservoirs; hence optimization requires redistributing a fixed volume according to voidage replacement ratio considerations. Category 2 consists of wells that inject just below fracturing pressure. Any increase in rate would require stimulation, in this case matrix acidization. The wells are therefore ranked based on the expected rate increase from a fixed injectivity improvement, such as 10, 15 or 25%. The predicted injectivity index improvement is then supplied to the network solver to predict the potential water injection increase at field level, considering all the system constraints. Category 3 comprises wells that should be ramped up after checking for well integrity and verifying the fracturing conditions.
Water Shut-Off Best Practices and Analysis of Effectiveness and Sustainability
Authors: Alkadem M. A. , Sharma H. K. , Benedek L. , Albaharna Z. A.
Published: March 2024

This study highlights the water shut-off best practices and state-of-the-art technologies that are implemented in a wide range of wells. The study analyzes the best practices and decision basis for the most optimum water shut-off techniques that result in a successful and sustainable arrest of water production.

Water management practices are an integral part of operations for mitigating premature water encroachment. Multiple techniques have been implemented by operating companies to shut off premature water entry zones using mechanical or chemical means; including mechanical and inflatable packers, retrievable and slim plugs, shifting sliding sleeve inflow control devices (ICDs), and chemical treatment to block undesired water-producing intervals. Historic water shut-off jobs were examined and the percentage of gain and water cut reduction for each well was calculated. This included the average sustainability time before wells revert back to their pre-water shut-off performance.

On average, over 50 operations varying between vertical water shut-offs, horizontal water shut-offs, and sliding sleeve ICD shifting were analyzed. A post-isolation oil production increase of an average of 15% and water cut reduction by an average of 35% were observed. By analyzing the wells that underwent the water management activities, it was concluded that several factors played major roles in the success of water shut-off jobs and sustainability of well performance. Maintaining the effectiveness of water shut-off in the well was controlled by well configuration and trajectory, pre-water-shut-off production behavior, placement of the isolation barrier, well location and other key factors.

This study acts as a valuable reference for future water management activities to ensure the success of the job and the longevity of producers.
Water Injection Optimization Based on Operational KPIs
Authors: Furtado C. J. A. , Lage G. G. , da Fonseca G. R. V. A. , Patrício A. A. R.
Published: March 2024

Waterflood is one of the main techniques to improve the oil recovery. Besides displacing and producing incremental oil, water injection helps to maintain the reservoir pressure close to its original value, keeping productivity in a high level. In offshore fields, seawater is fully available although it needs to have several quality controls to avoid undesirable consequences. Others water sources can be used such as aquifers or produced water, each of which with its specific needs in terms of quality [Chappel, 2020].

In the last decades, injection water process treatment is including more advanced equipment and chemicals to improve the water quality. Therefore, large footprint, high power supply and hard logistic have been required for water injection. Separation process based on membranes is an example of technology that has its use increased recently, mainly for: Nanofiltration membranes for sulfate removal; low sulfate content in water injection may reduce significantly the scale precipitation potential. A side benefit is reducing the biogenic H2S generation (souring) when low SO4 water is injected.Ultrafiltration membranes for solids removal. High solids content can cause pore rocks plugging near wellbore, reducing injectivity. Ceramic ultrafiltration membranes have also been used to remove solids from produced water with the same target.Reverse osmoses membranes to reduce water salinity. Low salinity water may increase the oil recovery when compared with brines such as the seawater.

Advanced technologies normally imply into more laborious or time-consuming maintenance. As space in an offshore unit is very limited, facilities design normally considers a set of equipment that allow full capacity even during maintenance, like 5×25% or 6×20%. Although all these cares, uptime can reach low values mainly for units with high volume rates or any critical operational problem. For some kind of equipment, it is possible to bypass it or still operate it far from design conditions. It means that you may keep the injection rate needed, but the water quality will be poor, and you should deal with the consequences. In this work, we will introduce a methodology to check the consequences and benefits of manage water injection with different KPIs (key performance index) and show some cases where this methodology was adopted with success.
Advanced Technique of 360° Decompression for Thoracic Spondylotic Myelopathy Using the Biportal Endoscopic Posterior Approach
Authors: Kim Ji Yeon , Kim Kyoung Mo , Choi Su Yong , Heo Dong Hwa , Kim Hyeun Sung , Hong Hyeun Jin , Lee Dong Chan
Published: March 2024

Objective: Biportal endoscopic surgery was developed to treat degenerative pathologies that cause myelopathy. Thoracic disc herniation accelerates myelopathy at the level of thoracic stenosis caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF). This study describes a feasible surgical technique for the biportal endoscopic posterior approach for removing the thoracic OLF and herniated disc that cause thoracic myelopathy.Methods: Bilateral laminar thinning was performed while preserving the midline and contralateral bony structures. The thoracic OLF was thinned and cut at the bony drilled edge using a diamond drill. The OLF was elevated and removed using an en bloc technique after epidural dissection. The herniated disc was removed through the space created after medial facetectomy. All the procedures were performed without neural injury.Results: Postoperatively, the neurological symptoms of thoracic myelopathy improved, as did the upper back and chest wall pain.Conclusion: We successfully treated double-crushing lesions of the thoracic herniated disc and OLF using biportal endoscopy. In biportal endoscopic surgery, drills and instruments can be smoothly used in the narrow spinal canal of the upper thoracic vertebrae. The biportal endoscopic posterior thoracic approach may be an attractive surgical option for treating thoracic myelopathy caused by combined degenerative pathologies.
Coda wave attenuation in the Zagros collision zone in southwest of Iran and its tectonic implications
Authors: Talebi Amir , Rahimi Habib , Moradi Ali
Published: March 2024

The Zagros collision zone, located in the southwest of Iran, is experiencing to an immoderately large number of seismic hazards caused by the convergence between the two Arabia and micro-plate of central Iran. The coda Q have been widely used as a vital parameter to investigate the different tectonic features as well as seismic risk assessments. In this study, we have analyzed the spatial variation of coda wave attenuation in the Zagros region, to evaluate the different geological features affecting the seismic wave’s propagation. Our dataset comprises 87295 coda records of about 6421 local earthquakes, with magnitude greater than three recorded by 36 seismic stations in the period of 2006 to 2020. we have applied a very simple regionalization method to mapping spatial distribution of in Zagros area. The spatial distributions of coda Q have a positive correlation with the tectonically and lithology of the interested area. According to the results, three primary elements have been suggested as major controlling factors of variation of seismic Coda waves in different parts of the Zagros area. These factors include: 1) intra-crustal relamination process (crustal channeling), 2) 12 km thickness of sediment-filled by fluid (oil and gas) and 3) Hormoz salt (salt domes). Our results also revealed that the suture zone of Zagros (the Main Zagros Thrust fault, MZT) can be considered as a border in which the distribution of coda wave is different on the sides of the fault.
BnaC09.tfl1 controls determinate inflorescence trait in Brassica napus
Authors: Xutao Zhao , Du Dezhi , Liu Haidong , He Niaofei , Xing Xiaorong , Tang Guoyong , Li Kaixiang
Published: March 2024

Determinate inflorescence is a very important agronomic and plant architecture modified trait of Brassica napus (AACC, 2n = 38). Previous studies showed that determinate inflorescence trait could decrease plant height and lodging resistance in oilseed rape. A previous study identified a crucial gene Bnsdt2 that encodes the transcription factor BnaC09.TFL1 (Terminal Flower 1). In this study, we cloned and sequenced two alleles from two parents (indeterminate 2982 and determinate 4769, respectively). The results indicated that BnaC09.TFL1 harbors two T/C and G/C non-synonymous mutations in exon 1, and contains 66 differences in a 1.9 Kb promoter sequence. Subsequently, a NIL-BnaC09.TFL1IDT2982 line was built to verify the function of BnaC09.TFL1’s gene and its effect on agronomic traits of Brassica napus were designed. The results showed that BnaC09.tfl1 reduced the plant height and increased the branch number and branch thousand-grain weight of Brassica napus. Additionally, BnaC09.TFL1 was introduced into B. napus 571 lines (determinate inflorescence) by genetic complementation and overexpression, transgenic plants 571CTO lines and 571TClines were all restored to the indeterminate inflorescence. Intrerestingly, after BnaC09.TFL1 was knocked out in ‘Westar’ of Brassica napus, transgenic plants WestarTcr lines were mutated to determinate inflorescences. These findings demonstrate that BnaC09.tfl1 affects agronomic traits and controls the inflorescence characters of Brassica napus. Moreover, subcellular localization results showed the BnC09.TFL1 protein were located in the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus. Our findings provide a firm molecular foundation for the study of rapeseed’s molecular mechanism of determinate inflorescence formation, as well as theoretical guidance for the application of determinate inflorescence in rapeseed breeding.