bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shale Gas Predictive Model SGPM – An Alternate Approach to Predict Shale Gas Production
Authors: Biswas Deepankar 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Immense potential of shale gas to supplement domestic energy needs and the recent engineering strides in multi-staged fractures in long horizontal well laterals have inevitably increased interest in exploitation of such plays across the country. However, because of the continuous nature of these plays, the production potential can change significantly from one location to the other often within close proximity. For a project to be economically viable, under downward price pressures, large number of wells in multi-well drilling campaigns needs to produce commercial quantities of gas. Not surprisingly, numerous attempts are being made to type-cast mineralogy, organic contents, fracture design and completion optimization in order to reduce exploration and exploitation risks. Many uncertainties still remain, however. The proposed model (SGPM) is developed to mitigate some of these challenges. It is simple and easy-to use and unlike grid-based fine-grid models it focuses more on the flow around individual wells while conserving overall mass. First, the current status of modeling from fine grid dual-porosity/dual permeability simulations to analytical models for horizontal wells with multiple vertical fractures is explained. The assumptions, formulation and the need for SGPM are described next. The model is validated with vertical and horizontal well productions from various shale gas plays. Results of extensions to the model to account for multi-phase flow are displayed thereafter.
This paper contributes in the following manner:
Provides an alternate framework to history match and forecast shale gas production. This model is better suited for reservoir engineers’ routine reserves estimation work because of its quicker turnaround time. Provides a relatively simpler framework to incorporate specialized asset specific physics and geomechanics. Multi-phase flow feature enables accurate condensate production in plays like Marcellus and Eagle Ford.
Study of Drilling Fluid Additives and their Impact on Smectite Inhibition, Marcellus Shale Inhibition and Filtration & Rheological Properties of Bentonite Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Onuoha Ike Eleanya , Bilgesu H. Ilkin , Ameri Sam 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Shale makes up 75% of drilled formations and causes over 90% of wellbore instabilities. Although drilling fluids with acceptable performance in Shale have been formulated, the industry is still endeavouring to formulate an optimum inhibitive drilling fluid for the Marcellus Shale. In accordance, this research seeks to fabricate a means of reducing formation damage (permeability reduction leading to poor hydrocarbon production), stuck pipe incidences, heaving, sloughing and caving which are all due to the swelling of Smectite clay and shale.
This research paper, in its infinite practicality, expounds upon the predicaments associated with swelling and dispersion of shale, the chemistry behind the swelling/dispersion of shale, justification of this research and the results obtained from laboratory work and experiments, experimental procedures performed in the formulation of an optimum inhibitive drilling fluid for the Marcelus Shale such as rheological, filtration and linear swelling experiments.
Most importantly, this paper introduces a novel approach and experiment towards the development of an optimum inhibitive drilling fluid, utilizing a novel chemical in the industry: ω-α Diamino Alkanes (Diamino Butane and Diamino Hexane) as well as comparing the inhibitive capability of two familiar chemicals in the industry in conjunction with Chlorides and Hydroxides of numerous Alkali metals, Alkaline earth metals and Transition metals (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Li+ etc) in various concentrations.
The rheological, shale inhibition and filtration effects of the aforementioned Hydroxide and Chloride chemicals were tested and examined which led to the subsequent elimination and selection of certain fluids which this research has recommended for testing in Marcellus Shale formations in West Virginia and similar shales in the globe. Universally acceptable filtrate loss correlations have been formulated, during the course of this research, for various base drilling fluids.
Finally, it was observed that a drilling fluid system comprising of KCl, Diamino Hexane and Bentonite was effective in reducing shale and Smectite swelling when compared to the currently leading inhibitive mud currently used in drilling shale formations. This research project was limited to the Marcellus Shale formation in the State of West Virginia and the results obtained from the inhibition/swelling tests may not be universally acceptable in the evaluation of other shale formations. However, the generated rheological and filtrate loss results and correlations may be universally applied.
Analysis of Production Data in Shale Gas Reservoirs: Rigorous Corrections for Fluid and Flow Properties
Authors: Nobakht M. , Clarkson C. R. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Analysis of long-term linear flow periods associated with shale gas production has received much attention in recent literature as a means of obtaining information about stimulation efficiency. However, the most popular methods for analysis (ex. square-root of time plot) can lead to incorrect characterization. Nobakht and Clarkson (2011a) demonstrated that the square root-time plot may not be a straight line for constant gas rate production linear flow and the non-linear shape may lead to incorrect flow regime identification. The square root-time plot is however a straight line for constant flowing pressure (Nobakht and Clarkson, 2011b). Ibrahim and Wattenbarger (2005; 2006) and Nobakht and Clarkson (2011b) showed that using the slope of square root-time plot, for constant flowing pressure constraint, leads to an overestimation of fracture half-length. Additional important considerations for shale gas analysis are non-Darcy flow and non-static reservoir properties. Clarkson et al. (2011) demonstrated that ignoring gas slippage effects, thought to be important in ultra-low permeability reservoirs, can cause errors in reservoir characterization. They incorporated slippage into pseudo-variables for production data analysis, as has been done with non-static permeability (Thompson et al., 2010). Finally, Nobakht et al. (2011) extended the methodology proposed by Nobakht and Clarkson (2011b) to properly analyze linear flow in the presence of slippage and desorption.
The purpose of the current work is to evaluate the current methods for analyzing linear flow in shale gas reservoirs, and establish which method is the most accurate for reservoir characterization. First, recent studies addressing linear flow under constant flowing pressure and constant gas rate production are briefly reviewed. Then, a comparison among the above-mentioned methods for calculating fracture half-length or contacted matrix surface area is made. It is shown that Nobakht et al. (2011) method yields the fracture half-lengths that best match the expected values for constant flowing pressure. Finally, we present a method for analyzing linear flow for real production data, where neither flowing pressure nor gas rate is constant. The method is validated using three numerically-simulated cases. It is found that this method works well for the three cases provided.
Low Environmental Impact Non-Silicone Defoamers for use in Oil/Gas Separators
Authors: Rocker Jacob , Mahmoudkhani Amir , Bava Luciana , Wilson Robert 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Significant quantities of water are produced alongside crude oil production which, following treatment on the platform, are then discharged into the marine environment. This water contains residues of treatment chemicals including separator additives intended to aid in oil/water/gas separation and improve operational efficiency.
Silicone products have been widely used as defoamers for oil/water/gas separators due to availability and performance. However, silicones are known to foul catalyst activity in downstream upgrading refineries and present unfavorable environmental profiles. As environmental regulations tighten, alternative chemistries will be needed to take the place of traditional additives such as silicone.
Simulated produced waters of low (0%), medium (7%), and high salinity (14%) were evaluated in combination with untreated crude oil at 0, 30, and 80% ratios to replicate typical compositions of produced fluids. Experimental data were obtained based on separator operating pressure and temperature. Sodium Sulfosuccinates have shown promise in previous evaluations and case studies of oil/water/gas separators (Wylde, 2010). The dioctyl sodium sulfoccunate (DOSS) chemistries evaluated by the above methods present valid alternatives to silicone systems, minimize environmental impact, and maintain or improve operational performance.
Several benefits and drawback to DOSS usage as a silicone alternative were realized during this study. DOSS was found to be a sufficient defoamer and antifoamer at low water ratios, though not as immediately effective as silicone. DOSS was also found to antifoam more efficiently than silicones at low water ratios and remain as effective as silicone at high water ratios. Increasing salt content was found to negatively affect DOSS defoaming and antifoaming performance. In high salt content and high water content conditions, DOSS generates more foam than the blank solution and thus may be more effectively used as a foam assisted lift (FAL) agent or during enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
International Financial Integration, Investment and Economic Performance in Sub-Saharan African Countries
Authors: Ahmed Abdullahi D. 
Published: December 2011

This paper examines the issues of international and regional financial integration and its impact taking a sample 25 SSA countries. The research tests both the direct and indirect channels through which the impact of financial integration works and is transmitted to the real economy. Directly, it is argued that financial openness affects economic growth through enabling access to foreign financial markets, increasing financial service efficiency and helping in diversification of risks and consumption smoothing. Thus while inducing additional capital investment, it also fosters macroeconomic discipline. Indirectly, the process of international financial integration facilitates the transfer of technological know-how, promotes trade and enhances specialization. While financial openness of recent years has laid a strong foundation to consolidate financial integration between regions and with international financial markets, we do not observe a robust link between financial openness and economic growth in SSA region. The empirical analysis considers the possibility of a positive indirect effect, and we report evidence in favour of the indirect transmission root. From our results, we observe a positive and statistically significant association between international financial integration and financial development under all its selected indicators. This finding suggests that financial capital market integration aids growth indirectly through promoting domestic financial markets. The study reports evidence suggesting that good institutions, higher level of human capital, and stable macroeconomic environment play an important role in mitigating the negative impacts of international financial openness.
Effect of submaximal aerobic exercise on platelet function, platelet activation, and secondary and tertiary hemostasis in dogs
Authors: Bauer Natali B. , Er Elif , Moritz Andreas 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Objective—To investigate whether submaximal aerobic exercise in dogs is followed by activation of all phases of coagulation as has been reported for humans.
Animals—9 healthy Beagles.
Procedures—30 minutes before dogs were exercised, a 16-gauge central venous catheter was placed in a jugular vein of each dog by use of the catheter-through-the-needle technique. Samples were collected before exercise, after running on a treadmill (6 km/h for 13 minutes), and at 60 minutes. Platelet activation was evaluated with platelet morphology indices (mean platelet component, mean platelet volume, and number of large platelets) provided by a laser-based hematology system. Platelet function was assessed in hirudin-anticoagulated whole blood with an impedance-based aggregometer with collagen as the agonist (final concentrations, 0, 1.6, 3.2, 5, and 10 μg/mL). Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and concentrations of fibrinogen, factor VIII, antithrombin, protein C, protein S, and fibrin D-dimer were determined automatically. Kaolin-activated thromboelastography variables R (reaction time), K (clot formation time), angle α, maximal amplitude, and G (clot stability) were measured in recalcified citrated whole blood.
Results—Exercise resulted in a significant decrease in mean platelet volume and the number of large platelets but did not change the mean platelet component, which reflected platelet activation as well as platelet function. Secondary and tertiary coagulation did not change significantly, nor did thromboelastography variables.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Aerobic exercise resulted in a decrease in the number of large and thus most likely activated platelets but otherwise had no major impact on coagulation in dogs.
Development and validation of a canine radius replica for mechanical testing of orthopedic implants
Authors: Little Jeffrey P. , Horn Timothy J. , Marcellin-Little Denis J. , Harrysson Ola L. A. , West Harvey A. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Objective—To design and fabricate fiberglass-reinforced composite (FRC) replicas of a canine radius and compare their mechanical properties with those of radii from dog cadavers.
Sample—Replicas based on 3 FRC formulations with 33%, 50%, or 60% short-length discontinuous fiberglass by weight (7 replicas/group) and 5 radii from large (> 30-kg) dog cadavers.
Procedures—Bones and FRC replicas underwent nondestructive mechanical testing including 4-point bending, axial loading, and torsion and destructive testing to failure during 4-point bending. Axial, internal and external torsional, and bending stiffnesses were calculated. Axial pullout loads for bone screws placed in the replicas and cadaveric radii were also assessed.
Results—Axial, internal and external torsional, and 4-point bending stiffnesses of FRC replicas increased significantly with increasing fiberglass content. The 4-point bending stiffness of 33% and 50% FRC replicas and axial and internal torsional stiffnesses of 33% FRC replicas were equivalent to the cadaveric bone stiffnesses. Ultimate 4-point bending loads did not differ significantly between FRC replicas and bones. Ultimate screw pullout loads did not differ significantly between 33% or 50% FRC replicas and bones. Mechanical property variability (coefficient of variation) of cadaveric radii was approximately 2 to 19 times that of FRC replicas, depending on loading protocols.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Within the range of properties tested, FRC replicas had mechanical properties equivalent to and mechanical property variability less than those of radii from dog cadavers. Results indicated that FRC replicas may be a useful alternative to cadaveric bones for biomechanical testing of canine bone constructs.
Validation of spectrophotometric assays for serum paraoxonase type-1 measurement in dogs
Authors: Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Tecles Fernando , Caldin Marco , Tasca Silvia , Cerón José 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate and validate 3 spectrophotometric assays for measuring serum activity of paraoxonase type-1 (PON1), an enzyme associated with high-density lipoproteins, in dogs.
Animals—22 healthy adult dogs and 10 dogs with eccentrocytosis.
Procedures—2 methods were adapted for use in 96-well microplates with phenyl acetate and 5-thiobutyl butyrolactonase as substrates, and 1 was adapted for use in an automated analyzer with p-nitrophenyl acetate as substrate. Blood samples were collected from all dogs, serum was harvested, and serum PON1 activity was measured with each method.
Results—Imprecision was low for all 3 methods, with the exception of interassay imprecision for 5-thiobutyl butyrolactonase, and results were linear across serial sample dilutions. The 3 methods were able to detect low PON1 activity when EDTA was used for blood sample collection, yielded lower PON1 values in sick dogs with eccentrocytosis than in healthy dogs, and yielded highly correlated results.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The methods described here may allow a wider use of PON1 activity as a biomarker of oxidative stress in dogs in clinical and research settings. Results of each method were robust and precise (with the exception of the interassay values for the lactonase method), and the methods were easy to set up in a laboratory.
The Effect of Laurel Leaf Extract Against Toxicity Induced by 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-P-Dioxin in Cultured Rat Hepatocytes
Authors: Turkez Hasan , Geyikoglu Fatime 
Published: December 2011

The Effect of Laurel Leaf Extract Against Toxicity Induced by 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-P-Dioxin in Cultured Rat Hepatocytes2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a very toxic environmental pollutant that raises great public concern about its impact on human health. Recent studies indicate that laurel leaf extract exhibits antioxidant properties that can counter the toxic effects of certain compounds in the liver. The aim of this study was to assess how effective LE is against the toxicity of TCDD in a primary culture of rat hepatocytes. The extract (50 mg L-1, 100 mg L-1, and 200 mg L-1) was added to cultures alone or with TCDD (1.61 mg L-1 and 3.22 mg L-1) for 48 hours. Cell viability was measured using the [3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay, while oxidative damage was assessed by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative stress (TOS). DNA damage was also analysed using the micronucleus (MN) assay of the cultured hepatocytes. TCDD alone lowered, and laurel extract had no effect on cell viability. TCDD also increased TOS and significantly decreased TAC. It significantly increased the frequency of micronucleated hepatocytes in a dose-dependent manner. In cultures exposed to LE alone, TOS did not change and TAC significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. Added to TCDD, laurel countered its toxic effects and showed protective effects against TCDD-mediated DNA damage. This points to the therapeutic potential of laurel against TCDD toxicity in the liver.
Impact of 10 Sessions of Whole Body Cryostimulation on Cutaneous Microcirculation Measured by Laser Doppler Flowmetry
Authors: Renata Szyguła , Tomasz Dybek , Andrzej Klimek , Sławomir Tubek 
Published: December 2011

Impact of 10 Sessions of Whole Body Cryostimulation on Cutaneous Microcirculation Measured by Laser Doppler Flowmetry
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the basic and evoked blood flow in the skin microcirculation of the hand, one day and ten days after a series of 10 whole body cryostimulation sessions, in healthy individuals.
The study group included 32 volunteers - 16 women and 16 men. The volunteers underwent 10 sessions of cryotherapy in a cryogenic chamber. The variables were recorded before the series of 10 whole body cryostimulation sessions (first measurement), one day after the last session (second measurement) and ten days later (third measurement). Rest flow, post-occlusive hyperaemic reaction, reaction to temperature and arterio-venous reflex index were evaluated by laser Doppler flowmetry.
The values recorded for rest flow, a post-occlusive hyperaemic reaction, a reaction to temperature and arterio - venous reflex index were significantly higher both in the second and third measurement compared to the initial one. Differences were recorded both in men and women. The values of frequency in the range of 0,01 Hz to 2 Hz (heart frequency dependent) were significantly lower after whole-body cryostimulation in both men and women. In the range of myogenic frequency significantly higher values were recorded in the second and third measurement compared to the first one.
Recorded data suggest improved response of the cutaneous microcirculation to applied stimuli in both women and men. Positive effects of cryostimulation persist in the tested group for 10 consecutive days.
Promoting Buddhism through Modern Sports: The Case Study of Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan
Authors: Yu Junwei 
Published: December 2011

Promoting Buddhism through Modern Sports: The Case Study of Fo Guang Shan in TaiwanIn the past, traditional Buddhism in China focused on chanting and meditation that detached itself from the society. However, after generations of strenuous efforts to promote ‘Humanistic Buddhism’, several Masters have been encouraging religion to engage more in daily lives. One of the proponents was Master Hsin Yun, who was born and raised in mainland China and subsequently moved to Taiwan along with the ‘Monk Rescue Team’. It was in Taiwan that Master Hsin Yun founded Fo Guang Shan, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites on the island. At the beginning, he started the place from scratch, setting up basketball courts for the followers to take part in basketball games. Upholding the notion that Buddhism needs to engage the public, Master, therefore, has a unique way of combing religion with modern sports in an attempt to let more people get in touch with religion. Accordingly, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and other sports were promoted and sponsored under the auspices of Fo Guang Shan, which certainly topples public stereotypes around sedentary Buddhism. In the end, Master hopes that, in the future, sports can unite healthy Fo Guang followers worldwide and bring honor to Taiwan.
System Concept of WIFI Based Passive Radar
Authors: Rzewuski Stanisław , Kulpa Krzysztof 
Published: December 2011

System Concept of WIFI Based Passive Radar
In this paper idea of passive radar system based on popular wireless networks commonly named WIFI is presented. In such an networks many transmitters operates in the same channel using multiple access. Wireless networks operating on frequencies 2.4GHz and 5GHz are very common today (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n). Classic passive radar determines bistatic distance and velocity by using cross-ambiguity function. To seek target position in XYZ space at least illumination of 3 different transmitters is required. In that paper it was assumed, that all transmitters operate on the same band frequency and the passive radar receiver has to couple each transmission burst with transmitter position by decoding the physical address of transmitter from captured data stream. Having most of the signal sources in our passive radar environment it is possible to detect and to localize objects of interest.
Infrared Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer as the Stand-Off Gas Detection System
Authors: Kastek Mariusz , Piątkowski Tadeusz , Trzaskawka Piotr 
Published: December 2011

Infrared Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer as the Stand-Off Gas Detection SystemThe article presents the detection of gases using an infrared imaging Fourier-transform spectrometer (IFTS). The Telops company has developed the IFTS instrumentHyperCam, which is offered as a short- or long-wave infrared device. The principle ofHyperCamoperation and methodology of gas detection has been shown in the paper, as well as theoretical evaluation of gas detection possibility. Calculations of the optical path between the IFTS device, cloud of gases and background have been also discussed. The variation of a signal reaching the IFTS caused by the presence of a gas has been calculated and compared with the reference signal obtained without the presence of a gas in IFTS's field of view. Verification of the theoretical result has been made by laboratory measurements. Some results of the detection of various types of gases has been also included in the paper.