bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Experimental Study to Determine Optimal Injection Strategies for Water-Alternating-Solvent Process in Green and Brownfields
Authors: Babadagli T. , Cao N. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Considering more than 50% of oil is left on average after primary and secondary methods in conventional reservoirs, techniques to recover the remaining oil from these proven and mature reserves is critically important to meet the future energy demand. Miscible solvent (usually gas) injection is performed in the form of water-alternating gas rather than continuous injection of expensive injectant. In this case, the process should be optimally designed for slug sizes and proper sequences of the solvent considering several controlling parameters including past history of waterflooding (water content) and wettability.
We performed a set of experiments on vertically situated sand pack models saturated with 14cp oil. Heptane was selected as the solvent phase due to high miscibility conditions. Tests were started with waterflooding or solvent injection. Different slug sizes of solvent and water were tested on fully oil- saturated water, oil-wet samples, and samples with connate water (10 and 30%). The amounts of oil and solvent retrieved were monitored using refractometer. Using the collected data, the recovery rates and ultimate recoveries were comparatively analyzed. In addition to the technical feasibility, an economic analysis was performed considering the amount of solvent injected, oil and solvent recovered, and time for recovery.
Starting the process with heptane was technically and economically feasible (pay-out time is shorter) in the short run for both the oil- and water-wet cases. This was true especially if the rock was oil-wet, which yielded faster recovery and higher ultimate recovery. Excessive water injection (up to the plateau level) preceding the solvent injection in the oil-wet case resulted in lower recovery factor whereas this design was very effective in the water-wet case. Therefore, the time to switch to solvent injection was critical in the oil-wet case and a short initial cycle of solvent injection followed by short waterflooding cycle is suggested. In the oil-wet case, initial waterflooding resulted in an inefficient process; while it yielded high ultimate recoveries, the process time was longer than other injection options. In the water- wet case, a greater amount of solvent was needed in the first cycle.
Does the Horizontal Fracture Limit the Fracture Height Growth in Jubaila Source Rock?
Authors: Lubis Wirdansyah , Mulhim Nayef , Al-Sultan Ali , Asiri Khalid , Buraiki Muhammed , Bartko Kirk , Alvarez Angelica Rios 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing is widely implemented in stimulation of unconventional reservoirs to unlock the hydrocarbon potential in ultra-low permeability formations. Fracture height growth is a critical parameter in unconventional reservoir to maximize the hydrocarbon productivity. The integrated vertical well interpretations from a case study of the pilot well demonstrates the effect of the vertical stress distribution which impacts fracture height growth.
Geomechanical model of a pilot hole was constructed to provide vertical variation of mechanical properties and in-situ stresses. The calibrated geomechanical model has shown that Jubaila source rock has less stiff rock and lower stress than bounding formations. The geomechanical model of the vertical pilot well has shown the overlapping between the minimum horizontal stress and vertical stress in particular, depths restricts the fracture height growth and creates longer horizontal fracture.
Pre-frac injection test was performed, analyzed, and integrated into the geomechanical model. Temperature log was performed to identify the fracture height growth and the results of the temperature log were proportional with the geomechanical model. 3D fracture simulation software was utilized to determine the hydraulic fracture properties. The created fracture simulation model was calibrated to the geomechanical model and temperature log interpretations.
Furthermore, improving hydraulic fracture design depends on understanding the key parameters and lessons learned from the stimulated vertical well and the integrated process. This will help in selecting the landing point, redesign the completion strategy, and optimize the production in the future horizontal wells.
Digital Revolution: How Digital Technologies Will Transform E&P Business Models in Asia-Pacific
Authors: Volkenborn Arnold , Lea-Cox Andrew , Tan Wei Yi 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Disruptions, both to what the industry does and how it does it, have the potential to transform the oil and gas (O&G) industry. 3 main trends will impact future exploration and production (E&P) business models, namely: (i) lower oil price environment resulting in shrinking margins; (ii) changing energy mix towards natural gas and non-hydrocarbons; and (iii) increased level of connectivity that is driving digital technology adoption and automation.
Digital is the latest buzzword, but what are the implications for an industry that is not new to digital technology? The increasing pace of innovation is driving opportunity for the sector to re-imagine their business models. Digital transformations could unlock USD 1.6-2.5 trillion for the industry, its customers, and wider society (World Economic Forum, 2017). Currently, only 6% of companies can be described as "Digital High Performers" – those who have successfully altered existing business models to capture opportunities for sustainable top-line growth (Accenture Digital, 2017). This paper identifies potential business models for the upstream sector that are built upon technologies such as advanced real-time 3D seismic studies, dynamic portfolio and margin management, well & facilities standardisation, and predictive analytics for flow assurance. Becoming a Digital High Performer requires a mindset shift, which results in completely different lifecycle processes (from workflow-driven to decision time-driven) and organisational structures (from rigid partnerships to a fluid capability ecosystem). Extracting resources faster and cheaper will replace maximising total recovery as a strategic goal; companies that achieve this have the potential to increase returns on invested capital by 3-10 times current levels (Refined, 2016).
The path to capturing the future of O&G requires the right investments in technology and people, paired with flawless execution and governance. Economic scenarios suggest that the combined impact of technology and socio-economic factors could accelerate peak oil demand to as early as 2030 (World Energy Council, 2016). This increases the urgency for energy companies to rethink their strategic direction and how they generate competitive advantage in a rapidly changing world.
An Innovative Organophillic Clay-Free Invert Emulsion Fluid OCF-IEF Facilitates the Successful Running of the Longest 6 5/8-in. Liner in the World
Authors: Nasrallah Mena , Gaber Mohamed 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
To maximize reservoir drainage and production volumes from a field in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), extremely long horizontal sections are necessary through the producing interval. Extended reach drilling (ERD) imposes significant requirements on the drilling operation and complicates the running of the production liner because of the long horizontal displacement. This paper details the design and field execution of an organophillic clay-free invert emulsion fluid (OCF-IEF) that met these ERD requirements and facilitated the longest liner run in the world.
Successfully delivering a gauge wellbore with &gt;20,442 ft of open hole at 90° inclination, followed by running and setting a production liner at target depth (TD), was not deemed achievable using a conventional invert emulsion fluid (IEF). A correctly designed fluid system was necessary to deliver success. The necessary fluid properties included a low rheology profile to minimize equivalent circulating density (ECD) to keep within the fracture gradient, long-term fluid stability, minimal formation damage risk, and low solids content to help minimize friction. A calcium-bromide brine-based low-solids OCF IEF was selected to meet these requirements.
Through the use of this OCF-IEF system, the operator was able to achieve the well objectives, drilling one of the longest wells in the UAE, reaching a TD of 29,075 ft, including a record-breaking 20,442-ft openhole.
The 8 1/2-in. reservoir section was drilled in 37 days, with only three trips necessary to change the bottomhole assembly (BHA). The average rate of penetration (ROP) varied between 70 to 100 ft/hr. The maximum ECD observed did not exceed the fracture gradient at any stage. Consequently, no downhole losses were experienced during the drilling phase. The engineered OCF-IEF achieved a low rheology profile, which minimized the contribution to annular pressure losses. The low rheology profile and low solids content in the IEF resulted in excellent fluid stability with no weighting material SAG. No losses were observed while running the liner, and no indications of tight spots were observed. Friction factors were low (between 0.15 and 0.25), and this facilitated the liner to be run without any issues. Total days on the well were 30 less than planned, which significantly saved both costs and rig time for the operator.
The organophillic clays and organophillic lignites are replaced with various organic polymers to achieve different fluid behaviours (Strand et al. 2016). The novel polymer chemistry of this OCF-IEF together with a low solids content (attributed to using calcium-bromide base brine) resulted in desirable fluid properties that allowed the operator to extend limits, reach new depths, and break records to maximize production and increase revenue.
Nano-TiO2, ultrasound and sequential nano-TiO2/ultrasonic degradation of N-acetyl-para-aminophenol from aqueous solution
Authors: Ayanda Olushola S. , Nelana Simphiwe M. , Petrik Leslie F. , Naidoo Eliazer B. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe application of nano-TiO2 as adsorbent combined with ultrasound for the degradation of N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (AAP) from aqueous solution was investigated. The nano-TiO2 was characterized by means of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Experimental results revealed that the adsorption of AAP by nano-TiO2 fitted the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, the equilibrium could be explained by the Freundlich isotherm and the treatment process is exothermic. The optimum removal efficiency of AAP (128.89 mg/g (77.33%)) was achieved at pH 4 when 0.03 g of nano-TiO2 was mixed with 50 mL of 100 mg/L AAP aqueous solution at ambient temperature, 60 min contact time, and a stirring speed of 120 rpm. Ultrasound at 20 kHz and pH 3 was favorable and it resulted in 52.61% and 57.43% removal efficiency with and without the addition of nano-TiO2, respectively. The degradation of AAP by ultrasound followed by nano-TiO2 treatment resulted in approximately 99.50% removal efficiency. This study showed that a sequential ultrasound and nano-TiO2 treatment process could be employed for the removal of AAP or other emerging water and wastewater contaminants.
Mechanism of 1,4-dioxane microbial degradation revealed by 16S rRNA and metatranscriptomic analyses
Authors: Guan Xiangyu , Liu Fei , Wang Jing , Li Caoxiang , Zheng Xiaoxuan 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
1,4-Dioxane (dioxane), a probable human carcinogen, often exists in industrial wastewater and domestic sewage. In this study, we applied 16S rRNA and metatranscriptomic methods to analyze the dioxane biodegradation mechanism by activated sludge. Tetrahydrofuran (THF) was added as an essential co-metabolite to promote the degradation of dioxane. We found the dioxane removal ratio increased with increasing THF concentrations. When the THF concentration increased from 60.0 to 200.0 mg/L, the dioxane degradation rate was stable. Three additions of ∼60.0 mg/L THF resulted in better dioxane degradation than one addition of 200 mg/L THF. Ammonia-oxidizing and denitrifying bacteria with methane monooxygenases (MOs) and ammonia MOs played the most important roles during the degradation of dioxane. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes metabolic pathway and functional genes analyses showed that the activated sludge system was complex and stable when dioxane was added. In future studies, primers should be designed to identify specific bacteria and functional MO genes, which would help reveal the function of various bacteria and their MOs during dioxane degradation.
Autologous Cell Therapy for Vascular Regeneration: The Role of Proangiogenic Cells
Authors: Bianconi Vanessa , Fallarino Francesca , Mannarino Massimo Raffaele , Bagaglia Francesco , Kararoudi Meisam Naeimi , Aragona Caterina Oriana , Romani Rita , Pirro Matteo 
Published: October 2017

Background:
Autologous cell therapy represents a novel treatment option for vascular
regeneration in different disease conditions, with experimental and clinical studies indicating a therapeutic
potential for proangiogenic cells (PCs), including endothelial progenitor cells, in the treatment of
coronary and peripheral artery disease.
<p>
Objective: To provide a summary of the therapeutic potential of PCs administration or mobilization in
peripheral artery disease, ischemic heart and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetic microvascular complications
and inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
<p>
Methods: We undertook a search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature on the
role of PCs in vascular regeneration in preclinical and clinical models.
<p>
Results: Improvement of ischemic symptoms has been reported in different trials evaluating PCs for the
treatment of critical limb ischemia. However, in this setting, contrasting results from meta-analyses
question the long-term clinical efficacy of PC-based approaches. Preclinical studies and clinical trials
support the safety and feasibility of PC therapy in the treatment of ischemic heart and cerebrovascular
diseases, while evidence indicating a benefit on hard clinical outcomes is uncertain. Despite accumulating
experimental results support a therapeutic role for PCs in diabetic retinopathy, results from randomized
clinical trials are lacking. Whether PC therapy may limit premature atherosclerosis and reduce cardiovascular
risk in inflammatory rheumatic diseases needs to be investigated.
<p>
Conclusion: Although the potential clinical applications of PCs are accumulating, there is also evidence
of multiple limitations for autologous PC therapy. Thus, novel strategies aimed at improving PC
viability and angiogenic function are warranted in order to improve the efficacy of cell therapy
applications.
Pharmacological Targeting of Neuronal Kv7.2/3 Channels: A Focus on Chemotypes and Receptor Sites
Authors: Miceli Francesco , Soldovieri Maria V. , Ambrosino Paolo , Manocchio Laura , Mosca Ilaria , Taglialatela Maurizio 
Published: October 2017

Background:
The Kv7 (KCNQ) subfamily of voltage-gated potassium channels
consists of 5 members (Kv7.1-5) each showing characteristic tissue distribution and
physiological roles. Given their functional heterogeneity, Kv7 channels represent important
pharmacological targets for the development of new drugs for neuronal, cardiovascular
and metabolic diseases.
<p>
Objective: In the present manuscript, we focus on describing the pharmacological relevance
and potential therapeutic applications of drugs acting on neuronally-expressed
Kv7.2/3 channels, placing particular emphasis on the different chemotypes, and highlighting
their pharmacodynamic and, whenever possible, pharmacokinetic peculiarities.
<p>
Methods: The present work is based on an in-depth search of the currently available scientific
literature, and on our own experience and knowledge in the field of neuronal Kv7
channel pharmacology. Space limitations impeded to describe the full pharmacological
potential of Kv7 channels; thus, we have chosen to focus on neuronal channels composed
of Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 subunits, and to mainly concentrate on their involvement in epilepsy.
<p>
Results: An astonishing heterogeneity in the molecular scaffolds exploitable to develop
Kv7.2/3 modulators is evident, with important structural/functional peculiarities of distinct
compound classes.
<p>
Conclusion: In the present work we have attempted to show the current status and growing
potential of the Kv7 pharmacology field. We anticipate a bright future for the field,
and express our hopes that the efforts herein reviewed will result in an improved treatment
of hyperexcitability (or any other) diseases.
Longitudinal Neuropsychological Outcome in Taiwanese Alzheimer's Disease Patients Treated with Medication
Authors: Yang Yuan-Han , Wu Meng-Ni , Chou Ping-Song , Su Hui-Chen , Lin Sheng-Hsiang , Sung Pi-Shan 
Published: October 2017

Background:
The longitudinal change of neuropsychological tests (NPTs) in treated Alzheimer's
disease (AD) is essential to understand the interplay of a therapeutic response from medication
and a disease decline due to degenerative processes. The aim of our study is to investigate the annual
cognitive progression as measured by commonly used NPTs in treated AD patients and to assess the potential
predictors of disease progression.

Methods:
Participants (N=455) diagnosed with AD and treated with cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) or
memantine at memory clinics in three hospitals in southern Taiwan from January 2009 to December
2014 were enrolled in this prospectively registered study. The mean follow-up duration was 3.2 ± 0.9
years. The patients' severity of AD ranged from very mild (clinical dementia rating (CDR) scales = 0.5)
to moderate (CDR = 2.0). At baseline and for each year, participants were assessed by various NPTs
commonly used in clinical practice, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Cognitive
Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), CDR and CDR-sum of boxes (CDR-SB). All enrolled participants
were assessed for at least two years during follow-up. We used mixed-effect models to examine
annual progression in the whole group and to compare the cognitive progression between the subgroups
with very mild AD and mild to moderate AD. Potential predictors of disease progression, including age,
gender, the type of ChEI, and Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, were also analyzed.

Results:
Among the study population, the rate of change in MMSE scores were -1.15 points per year,
CASI scores were -4.27 points per year, and CDR-SB scores were 0.81 points per year. The slope of
annual changes of NPTs differed significantly between the CDR 0.5 group and the CDR 1 to 2 group.
The most significant predictors of the faster progression were increasing age and higher CDR stage at
entry; however, different types of ChEI therapy (donepezil vs. rivastigmine users), and APOE genotype
were not associated with the rate of disease progression.

Conclusions:
This longitudinal data shows the mean annual change of the MMSE, CASI, CDR, and
CDR-SB in treated AD patients. The data may provide clinicians with information regarding to the cognitive
decline rate in every year while their AD patients receive approved pharmacological therapy in
real-world practice. Increasing age and severity of dementia when receiving therapy are the main factors
that associated with faster deterioration.
Understanding Parent–School Communication for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Buchanan Rohanna , Clark Miriam 
Published: October 2017

Background:Parents of children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) often face barriers to effective communication with schools. They often feel blamed or stigmatized for their children’s behavior and, while advocating, can feel adversarial with the school.Objective:The current study aims to describe current communication for parents and teachers of students with EBD, identify parent–school communication barriers, and identify characteristics of effective parent–school communication.Method:We conducted 15 semi-structured, qualitative interviews with parents and teachers of students with EBD. Interview questions focused on descriptions of the tone of their current communication, perceived barriers to communication, and ideas for effective approaches to communication. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded.Results:Results show that parents’ feelings about their current parent–school communication varied by the type of school students were attending: day-treatment, neighborhood, military charter, or private treatment school. Both parents and teachers brought up complex issues with parent–school communication related to school culture and the impact of parents’ prior negative experiences communicating with schools. Parents and teachers identified barriers to communication and suggestions for effective communication related to technology, institutional issues, time, parents’ and teachers’ lack of interest in communicating, and school proximity to home.Conclusion:Parents and teachers identified parent–school communication as a critical factor to promote children’s school success. Three broad recommendations emerged from the interviews targeting malleable factors to increase effective parent–school communication. We also discuss limitations and implications for practice.
Synthesis and Characterization of B2O3Additive on Ni-Cu-Zn ferrites by Solid State Reaction Method
Authors: Gofur Abdul , Hossain Alamgir , Sikder Shibendra Shekher , Saha Dilip Kumar 
Published: October 2017

Ni-Cu-Zn ferrites are well-known technological magnetic materials used for manufacturing of multilayer chip inductor and applications in various electrical devices. The work is focused on the persuade of substitutions and sintering additive B2O3 on structural, transport and electromagnetic properties of Ni-Cu-Zn ferrites. The composition Ni0.28Cu0.10Zn0.62Fe2O4 + x wt. % where x= 0.2 to 0.8 for V2O5 was prepared by using the solid state reaction technique sintered at 1200oC with 6 hours holding time. Lattice parameters of Ni0.28Cu0.10Zn0.62Fe2O4 + x wt. % Bi2O3 are slightly decrease with increase x content. The grain growth by increasing the additives Bi2O3 content inter diffusion as results after > 0.4wt. % Bi2O3 content abnormal grain growth. Curie temperature (Tc) decreases continuously with increase of doped Bi2O3 additives in ferrite samples. The magnetization process all the samples are soft magnetic behavior of magnetic materials. Initial permeability (µi) decreases with increasing doped Bi2O3 content in ferrite samples and hence the highest value of quality factor is found for x = 0.4 within the range 20 kHz to 2MHz. The µi shows the flat profile from 1 kHz to 4MHz indicating frequency stability for all the ferrite samples. The visible grain growth indicates the improved electromagnetic properties. DC resistivity decreases with increasing temperature shows the semiconducting nature of the sample. With increasing the frequency, the dielectric constant is found to decrease continuously and remain almost frequency independent at higher frequency range.