bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Pressure Interference During Fracture Injection Tests and Stimulation Treatments
Authors: Rakkah A. M. , Abu Hassan M. A. , Altarteer H. A. , Albuaijan A. A. , Shaiban S. H. 
Published: September 2023

Summary
Hydraulic fracturing in tight rocks is a prime strategy in unconventional resources. A key parameter to determine the success of a Frac job is the Stimulated Reservoir Volume (SRV), a volume of a network of induced hydraulic fractures and natural fractures. Due to the low-permeable, micro fracture dense nature of tight carbonate shale, induced fractures can continue propagating in natural fractures, bypassing a large volume of unstimulated rock. Natural fractures have a variety of effects on hydraulic fracturing, including the stimulated fracture pattern, leak off, and the transport of proppants, etc. because some natural fractures may be reactivated or crossed during the propagation of hydraulic fracture. Therefore, adequate well spacing is essential to maximize SRV with the lowest number of wells drilled. Pressure monitoring a stimulation treatment from adjacent wells in the same formation and other layers can be utilized to estimate fracture propagation behavior and SRV extension. This allows for optimum well placements and intervention operations scheduling. Pressure monitoring was done using downhole measuring gauges (DHMG) and surface gauges to monitor the pressure response during several fracturing operations, such as Diagnostic Fracture Injection Tests (DFIT) and hydraulic stimulation treatments. The gauges can be installed with direct communication with the rock (open perfs) and in sealed wellbores. Multiple horizontal wells at different spacing with toe sections in communication with the rock are used to measure the pressure response from a stimulation treatment in an adjacent well. The monitoring wells are landed in the same layer and other formations to test the fracture propagation path.
Increasing Production and Reserves Through Fracture Stimulation in Challenging, Multi-Zone, Vertical Well Completions
Authors: Boucher A. , Shaoul J. , Tkachuk I. , Spitzer W. , Ahmed T. , Khetib T. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The oilfield is scattered with wells that did not initially require fracture stimulation for economic production but could now benefit from hydraulic fracturing to improve well performance, increase reserves and accelerate production. Many of these wells are producing from multiple perforated intervals through completions with production tubing that were not designed for fracturing and cannot be worked over. This paper is a case study of a North African oil field producing from two Ordovician sands, one with a higher permeability (5 mD) and one with a much lower permeability (0.5 mD), where significant benefit was achieved by fracture stimulating one or both intervals in two wells, despite completion and operational limitations. The design of the fracture treatments and the methods used to try to achieve stimulation of the selected intervals are discussed in detail.
Pre-fracture well test, PLT and production history data were all used to history match the pre-frac production using reservoir simulation modeling, to determine which intervals were contributing and to estimate the kh of each interval. Fracture design models were made using these results and different scenarios were evaluated, including the possibilityto cover both intervals with a single fracture and the effect on fracture placement of different fracture initiation locations. Contingencies were developed based on these fracture design simulations to use degradable diverting materials and proppant plugs if needed. Post-fracture production, well test and PLT results were analyzed to determine the fracture properties, the connected kh and if all stimulation objectives were met.
In the first well, by-passing a high skin in the lower interval was the primary goal, but both intervals would benefit from fracture stimulation. The treatment had to be pumped down tubing and performed in a single operation. Temperature logging after the minifrac showed that both intervals were broken down and could be treated with a single large, propped fracture treatment, avoiding the use of mechanical diversion. In the second well, only the tighter upper interval was targeted, but a tubing completion with a slotted liner across the target interval made zonal isolation of the lower interval challenging. In both cases, results were above expectations and showed a stimulation of both the targeted intervals and an increase in the connected kh compared to log and well test data. This is common in fracturing of layered heterogeneous reservoirs, where a perforated completion does not contact all the potential thin pay layers.
This paper describes real-world success stories of fracturing with multiple intervals open through an existing completion that is not designed for fracturing. It highlights the potential for fracturing in many existing reservoirs to improve productivity, increase reserves and improve acceleration, without having to recomplete the well.
Pulsed Radio Wave as a Sustainable Control Technology to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Authors: UNDI G S N V K S N SWAMY , Sola Sreekanth , Kanniganti Radhica , Shinde Kiran , Balan Cheramangalath Ramya 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The need for interior air purification systems has increased in response to the escalation of outside pollution levels. The maintenance of flexibility within the interior environment necessitates the implementation of a permanent air purification system, that can effectively regulate the levels of PM2.5 and 10 particles. In conjunction with conventional approaches to air purification, it is essential to prioritize the development of sophisticated control systems that can efficiently and durably mitigate particulate matter (PM) concentrations. The use of pulsed radio waves has the potential to accelerate the process of dry deposition for particles with aerodynamic dimensions that are less than 30 micrometers. The evaluation of the charging and coagulation processes is conducted in a controlled indoor setting. The experimental findings exhibit a similar trend to that seen in the Monte Carlo simulations. The characteristics of the charging environment led to an increase in charge dispersion, which improves the coagulation rate. The current study supports the experimental testing's findings that the filtering system performs as intended. The daily average concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were lower in three indoor settings, according to research using control technology, by a range of 55% to 41%. The findings from research done throughout several seasons consistently show the efficacy of the technique in lowering PM2.5/10. The use of pulse radio wave technology has shown a reduction in PM concentrations by about 45 percent, thereby leading to the aforementioned result. The use of electromagnetic waves, often referred to as EM waves, for the purpose of mitigating air pollution, has been proposed as a novel and innovative strategy. When contemplating measures to mitigate air pollution, it is crucial to acknowledge the constraints of previously used tactics.
A broadly distributed new class of quorum sensing signals mediate bacterial intercellular signaling
Authors: Kumaraswami Muthiah , Huang Elaine , Do Hackwon , Makthal Nishanth , Aggarwal Shifu , Li Yanyan , Bapteste Eric , Lopez Philippe , Bernard Charles 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The gram-positive bacteria use quorum sensing secreted peptides to communicate and control critical bacterial phenotypes. All the bacterial peptides are produced in a longer inactive form that is secreted and processed into shorter active peptides. Recently, we discovered a new class of bacterial peptide in human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes, a leaderless communication peptide (LCP), that is encoded as an 8 amino acid long active peptide without secretion signal sequence and processing sites. Nevertheless, LCP mediates intercellular communication and controls bacterial virulence. However, except for LCP from S. pyogenes, the occurrence of this unique class of intercellular signals in bacterial genomes and their contribution to bacterial biology remain unknown. Here, we report the widespread presence of LCPs among firmicutes encompassing broad taxonomic diversity and displaying diverse peptide communication codes. We further show that the newly identified LCPs act as bacterial intercellular signals and carry out gene regulation. Our results suggest that LCPs are more widespread than indicated by our study, and their characterization may uncover new signaling mechanisms and roles in coordinating diverse bacterial traits.
Early versus Late Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction in Triplet Pregnancies after In Vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Authors: Lu Shiya , Zhang Fangfang , Lin Xinfei , Zhang Yang , Liu Peihao , Qin Yingying 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MPR) has emerged as an important option to improve the obstetric outcomes in high-order multiple pregnancies (HOMPs, n ≥ 3). However, information regarding the optimal timing of MPR for triplet pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) is based on limited and contradictory data. Methods A retrospective cohort study including triplet pregnancies conceived by IVF/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was conducted in a reproductive center. According to the timing of MPR, participants who underwent MPR operations were divided into the early MPR group (MPR before 9 weeks) and late MPR group (MPR at 11–20 weeks). Spontaneous reduction (SR) occurred in part of the participants, therefore, the incidence of SR was calculated. The pregnancy outcomes as well as maternal and perinatal complications were compared among the groups. Result(s): The prevalence of spontaneous loss of at least one fetus was 38.3% in triplet pregnancies, of which 89.3% occurred before 12 weeks. The final sample sizes for the three groups were: early SR group (SR before 12 gestational weeks, n = 209), early MPR group (n = 131) and late MPR group (n = 107). Singletons born after early MPR had a higher mean birth weight than those in the late MPR group (3268 ± 516g vs. 2955 ± 626g, P = 0.010). Compared to late MPR, early MPR was associated with a higher risk of spontaneous fetal loss (14.5% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.020, OR:3.23) and postprocedural fetal loss (13.7% vs. 3.7%, P = 0.007, OR: 4.84). No significant difference was manifested in the pregnancy outcomes as well as maternal and perinatal complications between the early SR group and early MPR group. Conclusion Despite the comparable maternal and perinatal outcomes, early MPR increased the risks of spontaneous fetal loss and postprocedural fetal loss compared to late MPR. And the overall SR rate was 38.3%, with most of which occurred before 12 gestational weeks. Waiting for a late MPR for IVF triplet pregnancies might be a preferable choice.
Direct evaluation of J-Integrals by Gauss-Legendre quadrature in the Dual Boundary Element Method
Authors: Peixoto Rodrigo Guerra , Fonseca Beatriz Borges Faria 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The Dual Boundary Element Method (DBEM) has successfully been applied to fracture mechanics problems for the last three decades. Restricting the approach to Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM), a fundamental task in a numerical analysis is the evaluation of stress intensity factors, which completely characterizes the mechanical behavior at the crack tip. The use of the J-Integral procedure for this purpose is particularly interesting in the DBEM context, once the strain and stress fields at any internal point can be evaluated accurately by specific boundary integral equations. Such a methodology requires the solution of an integral around an arbitrary path enclosing the crack tip and historically it has been done by some discretization procedure (in constant or higher-order elements) of the referred path. In this paper, however, it is shown, by an extensive number of tests, that no discretization is actually necessary for an accurate evaluation of J-Integrals in the DBEM. A direct integration by Gauss-Legendre quadrature is sufficient, which represents less time consuming in a numerical analysis, mainly for problems involving multiple cracks propagation. Moreover, an optimal integration points quantity is proposed.
Cellular Automata Based Simulators for the Design of Prescribed Fire Plans: the Case Study of Liguria, Italy
Authors: Perello Nicolò , Trucchia Andrea , Baghino Francesco , Asif Bushra Sanira , Palmieri Lola , Rebora Nicola , Fiorucci Paolo 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Socio-economic changes of the last decades have led to fuel buildup in Mediterranean forests. In the context of Climate Change, this situation has resulted in the formation of potential fire traps that could lead to catastrophic events. Several wildfire management systems have therefore started to use prescribed fires for land management and wildfire risk mitigation. Prescribed fires are prepared by designing a plan, where specific objectives are identified, prescriptions are checked, and scenarios are defined. In the plan definition phase, simulation models can provide an additional decision-support tool, allowing the different scenarios to be qualitatively and quantitatively assessed. We used the well-established wildfire simulation tool PROPAGATOR to identify potential areas of treatment and to assess different scenarios of hypothetical prescribed fires.
In the present work, we prepared the model for use in prescribed fires by changing the native space-time resolution to a finer scale. We selected a case study in the Liguria region, Italy, where the model is operationally used by the regional wildfire risk management system during emergencies.
Results
We first used the propagation model to simulate a wildfire event, to show the potentiality of the model as an emergency response tool. We selected the most important fire incident that occurred in the Liguria region in 2022. We then used PROPAGATOR to identify the optimal treatment areas to maximize wildfire risk mitigation effects and reduce the costs of treatment. In the identified areas, we used the model to simulate ignition scenarios in different weather conditions allowed by the regional regulation. The scenarios developed by the model made it possible to differentiate between situations that are under control and those that pose greater risks.
Conclusions
We showed how PROPAGATOR can provide quantitative and qualitative information that can be used in prescribed fire planning. Our methodology involved incorporating expert opinions throughout the process and providing scenarios based on this information. The possibility of evaluating different scenarios and having quantitative information helps make informed decisions, promoting safer and more efficient fire management practices.
Effects of progressive muscle relaxation combined with head-acupoint massage on postoperative symptom clusters in breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Li-Zhen , Lai Cui-Wei , Xu Tai , Song Jun-Feng , Wen Shi-Qi , Zeng Yu-Ting , Zeng Dan-Na , Zhang Si-Ming , Lai Xiu-Hua 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Purpose
We aimed to access the combined effect of progressive muscle relaxation and head-acupoint massage on postoperative symptom clusters among breast cancer patients.
Patients and methods:
In this preoperative, assessors-blinded, and two arms randomized controlled trial, we recruited 95 adult women who had undergone breast cancer surgery. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to intervention (received the combined treatments of progressive muscle relaxation in combination with head-acupoint massage) or placebo group (received routine care) using random permuted blocks of randomly varying size. The primary outcomes included sleep status (sleep quality, sleep efficiency, number of awakenings during the night) and a variety of symptoms (pain, upper limb weakness, fatigue, anxiety, poor appetite).
Results
In the period between the second or third day of starting to the seventh day of the intervention, patients in the intervention group (n = 46) were less affected by sleep disturbance, including having better quality and efficiency of sleeping but having a smaller number of nocturnal awakenings (all P < 0.05), compared with the control group (n = 49). They also had less common post-surgical symptoms, such as pain, upper limb weakness, fatigue, anxious and poor appetite in the same period (all P < 0.05). These relief of symptoms persisted in the first and third months of follow-ups after the intervention.
Conclusions
This trial shows that the progressive muscle relaxation in combination with head-acupoint massage may be beneficial to improve various symptom clusters of postoperative breast cancer patients.
Trial registration:
Chinese clinical trial registry (registration number ChiCTR2300069542, 20/03/2023).
Ethanol templated synthesis of microporous/mesoporous nano zinc oxide with multi-level structure and its outstanding photo-catalytic properties
Authors: Zhang Yucong , Luo Xuebo , Ma Lijie , Feng Linxin , Wu Yangchen , Qin Binbin , Ji Xiujie , Liu Chao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The microporous/mesoporous nano zinc oxide with a multi-level structure was successfully synthesized via using ethanol template. Ethanol not only improves the crystallinity of nano-ZnO, but also induce pore structure which provides more active sites for photocatalysis. The specific B.E.T surface area of the nano-ZnO sample is 28.05m2/g, the pore volume is 0.069cm3/g, and the surface is covered with 1-30nm deep pits. The nanostructured structures at higher levels are composed of 300 to 500nm nanosheets. Compared with hard templates and other surfactant soft templates, this method of using Ethanol as a template not only has the advantages of green, simple reprocessing, and low price, but also provides an idea for synthesizing other multi-stage structures.
Health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with Marfan syndrome or related disorders: a controlled cross-sectional study
Authors: Edouard Thomas , Picot Marie-Christine , Bajanca Fernanda , Huguet Helena , Guitarte Aitor , Langeois Maud , Chesneau Bertrand , Kien Philippe Khau Van , Garrigue Eric , Dulac Yves , Amedro Pascal 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
This cross-sectional controlled study aims to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents with a molecular diagnosis of Marfan syndrome (MFS) or related disorders and to evaluate the factors associated with HRQoL in this population. Sixty-three children with MFS and 124 age- and sex-matched healthy children were recruited. HRQoL was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) generic questionnaire. The correlation between HRQoL scores and the different continuous parameters (age, body mass index, disease severity, systemic score, aortic sinus diameter, and aerobic physical capacity) was evaluated using Pearson’s or Spearman’s coefficient. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed on the two health summary self-reported PedsQL™ scores (physical and psychosocial) to identify the factors associated with HRQoL in the MFS group.
Results
Except for emotional functioning, all other domains of HRQoL (psychosocial and physical health, social and school functions) were significantly lower in children with MFS compared to matched healthy children. In the MFS group, the physical health summary score was significantly lower in female than in male patients (self-report, P = 0.04; proxy-report: P = 0.05) and also negatively correlated with the systemic score (self-report: P = 0.06; proxy-report: P = 0.03) and with the height Z-score (proxy-report: P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in the physical health summary scores between the different genetic subgroups. In the subgroup of 27 patients who performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test, self- and proxy-reported physical health summary scores were highly correlated with their aerobic physical capacity assessed by peak oxygen consumption (VO2max) and ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT). In the multivariate analysis, the most important independent predictors of decreased physical health were increased height, decreased body mass index, decreased VAT and use of prophylactic therapy.
Conclusions
This study reports an impaired HRQoL in children and adolescents with MFS or related conditions, in comparison with matched healthy children. Educational and rehabilitation programs must be developed and evaluated to improve exercise capacity and HRQoL in these patients.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03236571. Registered 28 July 2017, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03236571
Design of Mechanical Stirring Device with Ultrasonic-Alternating Electric Field Coupling Cycloidal Motion
Authors: He Lihua , Liu Yaolin , Wang Yuchen , Gao Xinyu , Ni Jing 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In an effort to overcome the problem of ineffective cutting or broaching caused by the agglomeration phenomenon during the production of green nano-cutting fluids, a novel agitator was developed. This design employs the mathematical mechanism of ultrasonic-alternating electric field coupling cycloid motion to prepare a green nano-cutting fluid with improved dispersion uniformity. The non-uniform alternating electric field generated by the arc electrode is used to establish a coupled physical field with the ultrasonic field. Meanwhile, the motor-driven ultrasonic stirring rod’s cycloid motion stirring, in conjunction with the temperature control system, is utilized to facilitate the preparation of the cutting fluid. After that, the cutting fluid is used for broaching tests. The comparative analysis of the test results demonstrated that the utilization of the stirrer in the preparation of green nano-cutting fluid yields a significant reduction in broaching load during the broaching test, as compared to cutting fluids prepared using alternative methods.