bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Study of the Impact of Permeability Barriers on Steam-Solvent Coinjection Using a Large-Scale Physical Model
Authors: Sheng Kai , Okuno Ryosuke , Al-Gawfi Abdullah , Nakutnyy Petro 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This paper presents a solvent-assisted steam-assisted gravity drainage (SA-SAGD) experiment using condensate in a large physical model. The main objective of this research was to study the impact of permeability barriers on the in-situ thermal/compositional flow and the produced bitumen properties in SA-SAGD using condensate.
A pressure vessel of 0.425 m in diameter and 1.2 m in length contained unconsolidated sands and two horizontal shale plates as permeability barriers. The two shale plates were placed at different elevations above the injection well and horizontally staggered so that they could make the main hydraulic paths tortuous during the experiment. The sandpack had a porosity of 0.34 and a permeability of 5.6 D, and it was initially saturated with 95% Athabasca bitumen and 5% deionized water.
After 24 hours of preheating, SA-SAGD with 2.8 mol% condensate was performed at 35 cm3/min (cold-water equivalent) at 3500 kPa for 4 days. The production, injection, and temperature distribution were recorded. Produced oil samples were analyzed for density and asphaltene content. The sandpack was excavated after the experiment to analyze the oil saturation and asphaltene content in the remaining oil at different locations. Results were compared with the previous SAGD and SA-SAGD experiments using the same physical model with a homogeneous sandpack.
Results showed that SA-SAGD was efficient in the presence of permeability barriers with a cumulative steam-to-oil ratio (SOR) that was two to three times smaller than that ofthe homogeneous SAGD case. Temperature data indicated that a steam chamber vertically expanded from the lower part to the upper part through tortuouspaths of lower temperatures.The emerging steam chamber above the shale plates occurred by convective heat from the injection well through lower-temperature hydraulic paths between shale plates. This should have involved light to intermediate solvent components that enabled the steam chamber to expand away from the injection well. This highlights the important role of volatile solvent components in the growth of a steam chamber in SA-SAGD under heterogeneity. The produced bitumen density in this research was closer to the original bitumen than in the homogeneous SA-SAGD case because the bitumen dilution and the solvent retention increased by the tortuous flow regime resulted in efficient drainage of oil at lower temperature.
Modeling of Foam Flow in Porous Media in the Presence of Residual Oil
Authors: Almajid Muhammad Majid , Kovscek Anthony R. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Foaming injected gas has the potential to overcome operational challenges encountered with pure gas injection. A mechanistic population balance model that integrates observed pore level events that are responsible for foam generation and coalescence in porous media was developed. The model is integrated in the AD-GPRS framework (Automatic Differentiation-General Purpose Research Simulator). Based on experimental pore-scale observations that show that the Roof snap-off geometric requirement for foam generation is affected due to the presence of residual oil in the pore, we upscale the pore-scale observations to the macroscale. We use experimental coreflood data from the literature to verify the performance of the model developed. The coreflood data are of two experiments that use the same core to perform a foam flood with and without the presence of oil. Pore-scale observations that show the effect of residual oil on the geometric Roof snap-off requirement translate into less germination sites at the macroscale. The generation constant used in the population balance model in the absence of residual oil reduces to one-fourth its original value when oil is present. The model developed was able to describe experimental data with good agreement both in the presence and absence of oil. In the presence of residual oil, all other foam parameters needed for the population balance model were fixed except the generation constant. The results demonstrate that the "hindered snap-off concept is able to describe foam flow when only residual oil is present.
Recent Advances of Alkali-Surfactant-Polymer ASP Flooding in China
Authors: Guo Hu , Lyu Xiuqin , Zhang Menghao , Xu Yang , Meng En , Liu Huifeng , Wang Zhengbo , Fu Hongtao , Zhang Yuxuan , Song Kaoping 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Alkali-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding is very promising chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technique which has drawn lots of attention. Compared with surfactant-polymer (SP) flooding and polymer flooding, ASP flooding incremental oil recovery can be much higher. This has been verified by several field tests in China. Alkali distinguishes ASP flooding and SP flooding. Alkali plays an important role in ASP flooding. How to select the alkali in the ASP flooding involves ASP flooding mechanisms. Although it is generally a consensus that the ASP flooding adopts weak alkali Na2CO3, strong alkali NaOH was also used both in laboratory and many field tests in China. ASP flooding field tests in Daqing oilfields are notable for the largest number and the biggest size in the world. ASP flooding was first put into commercial application in Daqing. Hence, the lessons and learnings from Daqing field practices as well as laboratory studies can help to provide insights into ASP flooding mechanisms. The number of strong alkali ASP flooding (SASP) field pilot projects is three times that of weak alkali ASP flooding (WASP) in Daqing. This was mainly caused by the difficulty to find suitable surfactants that can reduce oil water IFT to ultra-low for Daqing high wax content and low acid value oil. Earlier surfactants can only attain ultra-low IFT in presence of NaOH. The performance of WASP field tests (B-2-X) using surfactant Daqing petroleum sulfonate (PS) was well above expectation, and some SASP blocks had too high rate of corrosion and scaling. This makes WASP feasible and more attractive than SASP. Due to the sharp fall of oil price, how to choose alkali in Daqing oilfield is of great importance for optimum economic benefit. In 2012 and 2013, the first SASP and the first WASP demonstration project were put into operation in Daqing oilfield. In 2014, Daqing oilfield started to promote ASP flooding in an industrialized manner. In 2015, Daqing oilfield's ASP Flooding production accounted for nine percent of the oilfield's total oil production. In 2016, Daqing oilfield's ASP Flooding oil production reached more than 4 million tons, accounting for more than ten percent of the total oil production. This paper investigated the mechanisms of ASP flooding with a focus on alkali effect. The interaction between different chemicals, polymers, alkalis, surfactants were also studied. Surfactants screening has also been reviewed. The surfactants screening process differences between China and the USA were discussed.
Polymer Stabilized Foam Rheology and Stability for Unconventional EOR Application
Authors: Griffith Christopher , Jin Julia , Linnemeyer Harry , Pinnawala Gayani , Aminzadeh Behdad , Lau Samuel , Kim Do Hoon , Alexis Dennis , Malik Taimur , Dwarakanath Varadarajan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
It has been shownthat injecting surfactants into unconventional hydraulically fractured wells can improve oil recovery. It is hypothesized that oil recovery can be further improved by more efficiently distributing surfactants into the reservoir using foam. The challenge is that in high temperature applications (e.g., 240 F) many of these formulations may not make stable foams as they have only moderate foaming properties (short half-life). Therefore, we are evaluating polymers that can be used to improve foam stability in high temperature wells which has the potential to improve oil recovery beyond surfactant only injection.Surfactant stabilized nitrogen foams were evaluated using a foam rheometer at pressures and temperatures representative of a field pilot well. The evaluation process consisted of measuring baseline properties (foam viscosity and stability) of a surfactant stabilized foam without any added stabilizer. Next, conventional enhanced oil recovery polymers (HPAMs, modified-HPAMs, and nonionic polymers) were added at different concentrations to determine their impacts on foam stability.
Our results demonstrate that inclusion of a relatively low concentration (0.05 wt% – 0.2 wt%) of polymer has a pronounced impact on foam stability. It was determined that reservoir temperature plays a key role in selecting astabilizing polymer. For example, at higher temperatures (&gt;240 F), sulfonated HPAM polymers at just 0.2 wt% more than doubled the stability of the foam. The polymer that was selected from this lab work was tested in a foam field trial in an unconventional well. It is thought that improved foam stability could potentially help improve the distribution of surfactants in fracture network and further improve oil recovery.
Electronic structure, optical and thermoelectric response of lead-free double perovskite BaMgLaBiO6: A first-principles study
Authors: Munir Junaid , Jamil Muhammad , Jbara Ahmed S. , Fatima Kaneez , Murtaza Hudabia , Ain Quratul 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Electronic structure, optical and transport properties of double perovskite BaMgLaBiO6 have been investigated theoretically with density functional theory (DFT) implemented in WIEN2k code. The structure is optimized to achieve the minimum energy at the ground state and the optimized lattice parameters. The calculated formation energy shows the stability of the compound, which confirms the possibility of synthesizing it. A band-gap of 2.7 eV is calculated with generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and further improvement, i.e., 3.8 eV is achieved with modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) exchange potential. The electron density plots show both the covalent and ionic nature between the atoms. The calculated total density of states shows a good agreement with the band structure. The optical parameters are also calculated and a good optical conductivity is achieved in the selected energy range. The figure of merit is achieved up to 0.71 with mBJ which shows the suitability of the studied material for alternative energy devices. The overall response of the compound makes it a potential candidate for LED’s, lasers, power switching and thermoelectric applications.
Toxoplasmosis and abortive chlamydia in small ruminant farms in Cameroon: Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Perception of zoonotic risks of farmers.
Authors: Nankam Roland Chimi , KOUAMO Justin , NGOULA Ferdinand , BOUKAR Bakari , TCHINZE Grace Jedida TOUKEM , GAPGUEU Sandra Vanessa , Kouengoua Armelle Prudence Kouengoua , NOUMEDEM Ranyl NGUENA GUEFACK , NJAYOU Arouna NGAPAGNA , POUEME Rodrigue NAMEGNI , SIMO Josué 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Zoonotic abortive diseases represent a significant health and economic risk for livestock farmers and animal health stakeholders in Cameroon. This cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to October 2021 among 200 selected small ruminant farmers in the three northern regions of Cameroon. Data collection was done through semi-structured questionnaires administered by exchange with the herder and responses were coded and recorded on an Excel spreadsheet. The data were then analyzed with R software, version 2.13.0. An ANOVA test was used to assess significant differences in mean KAPP scores between regions. Pearson correlations were used to calculate the association between KAPP scores within regions. Small ruminant farmers surveyed had low mean scores for knowledge of abortive Toxoplasmosis and Chlamydia (0.1 ± 0.2), desirable attitude (0.32 ± 0.07), appropriate practice (0.36 ± 0.13) in managing abortion, and positive perception of zoonotic risks of Toxoplasmosis and Chlamydia in small ruminants (0.12 ± 0.33), respectively. KAPP was significantly (p<0.01) and positively associated with knowledge (r=0.98) and risk perception (r=0.99). However, attitudes (r=0.06), practices (r=0.05) and risk perception of toxoplasmosis (r=0.07) and abortive chlamydia (r=0.08) were not associated with farmers' knowledge. This study revealed significant knowledge gaps, low levels of desired attitudes, and high-risk behavioral practices. These results therefore call for capacity building of health professionals and farmers to better integrate the One Health concept in the management of neglected zoonotic diseases.
Optimizing intra-facility crowding in Wi-Fi environments using continuous-time Markov chains
Authors: Mizuno Shinya , Ohba Haruka 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Recently, increased measures are being devised to reduce crowdedness as a countermeasure for the spread of COVID-19. In this study, we propose a solution to reduce intra-facility crowdedness based on the usage of Wifi networks. This study maximizes the Wi-Fi logs that are continually generated in vast quantities in the ever-expanding Wi-Fi network environment to calculate the transition probabilities between nodes and the mean stay time at each node. Then, we model this data as a continuous-time Markov chain to obtain the variance of the stationary distribution, which we use as a metric of intra-facility crowdedness. Therefore, to minimize intra-facility crowdedness, we solved the optimization problem using stay rate as a parameter and demonstrated a numerical solution. In the optimization results, we succeeded in reducing intra-facility crowding by approximately 30%. This solution is a realistic approach for reducing intra-facility crowdedness as it makes adjustments to people’s stay times without any changes in their movements. We used the k-means method to categorize Wi-Fi users into a set of classes and documented the behavioral characteristics of each class, which helped implement class-specific measures to reduce intra-facility crowdedness. This enables facility managers to implement fine-grained countermeasures against crowdedness according to circumstances. Herein, we describe our computing environment and workflow for the basic analysis of vast quantities of Wi-Fi logs. Because the data we used are general-purpose, we believe that this research will be useful for both analysts and facility operators.
Computation of gamma radiation shielding parameters of lead monoxide filled polycarbonate composite films
Authors: Kandagal Vijayashri Ashok , Lobo Blaise 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The gamma radiation shielding properties of lead monoxide filled polycarbonate composite materials for fourteen different filler levels (ranging from 0.25wt% up to 10wt%) have been studied theoretically by computing radiation shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient, linear attenuation coefficient, half value layer and mean free path. The mass attenuation coefficient of gamma rays having specific energies (from 59.54 keV up to 1332.5 keV) has been calculated by using polynomial formula method and also by using two other methods, namely, Lagrangean interpolation method and Logarithmic interpolation method. Other shielding parameters like linear attenuation coefficient, mean free path, half value layer and tenth value layer have been calculated for these composites. The calculated values of mass attenuation coefficients fit well with NIST-XCOM data. The results suggest that, at higher filler levels, PbO filled PC composites can be good gamma shielding materials for ionizing electromagnetic radiation, especially in the low energy gamma or x-ray region.
Engulfment and cell motility protein 1 fosters functional reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wen Bo , Li Sheng , Ruan Lei , Yang Yanping , Chen Zilin , Zhang Bin , Yang Xin , Jie Haiqing , Li Shujuan , Zeng Ziwei , Liu Sisi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background Functional reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is crucial to their potent tumor-supportive capacity. However, the molecular mechanism behind the reprogramming process remains poorly understood. This work aimed to investigate the involvement of engulfment and cell motility protein 1 (ELMO1) in TAM reprogramming in colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods The expression of ELMO1 in CRC was determined by western blots and immunohistochemistry. The biological effects of ELMO1 on TAM reprogramming were evaluated in vitro. The dependence of these effects on Rac1 was assessed using a Rac1 inhibitor (NSC23766). Cell function assays were performed to determine the role of ELMO1-reprogrammed macrophages in the context of CRC progression.Results The expression of ELMO1 in stromal but not epithelial tumor cells was positively associated with advanced clinical stage and poor disease-free survival in CRC. An increase in ELMO1 expression was specifically found in TAMs, but not in other multiple non-malignant stromal cells. Gain- and loss-of-function assays indicated ELMO1 reprogrammed macrophages to a TAM-like phenotype via Rac1 activation. In turn, ELMO1-reprogrammed macrophages were shown to not only facilitate the malignant behaviors of CRC cells but exhibited potent phagocytosis of tumor cells.Conclusion ELMO1 was shown to be a crucial player for TAM reprogramming in CRC. Our work underscores the importance of ELMO1 in determining functional reprogramming of TAMs and may provide new insights on potential therapeutic strategies against CRC.
Upregulation of metallothionein 1G (MT1G) negatively regulates ferroptosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma by reducing glutathione consumption.
Authors: Zhang Wu , Liu Xiuheng 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Ferroptosis is characterized by lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation, closely associated with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). It is great significance for prognostic prediction and treatment of ccRCC to find biomarkers related to ferroptosis.Methods: We conducted several bioinformatic analyses using the transcriptom data and clinical information derived from online databases. Firstly, we identified the differentially expressed target genes in ccRCC. Then, t test and COX analysis were used to determine whether it was an independent prognostic factor combined with clinical information. String and GSEA were used to predict its function. Finally, we used ccRCC cells: 769-P and KAKI-1 in vitro to verify the regulation of target genes on cell proliferation apoptosis, iron metabolism and GSH metabolism, which wereused to judge the effect of target genes on ferroptosis. Results: The study showed that MT1G is down-regulated in ccRCC tissues compared with normal renal tissues. However, the ccRCC patients with higher expression relatively had higher malignancy and advance stages. MT1G is an independent adverse factor for prognosis of ccRCC. The protein interaction network analysis and GSEA showed that MT1G was closely related to GSH metabolism-related proteins (GSR) and lipid oxidation-related proteins (PLA2G2A). Samples with high expression of MT1G were enriched in “glutathione metabolism,” “oxidative phosphorylation,” and “proteasome,” whose function was involved in GSH metabolism and lipid peroxidation. The term associated with the occurrence and development of tumors included “P53 signaling pathway”. Furthermore, In vitro experiments showed that MT1G partially blocked ferroptosis induced by erastin and sorafenib induced ccRCC cell lines (769-P and CAKI-1). The mechanism may be that MT1G affects ferroptosis by regulating GSH consumption in ccRCC cells. Conclusion: MT1G may be a negative regulator of ferroptosis in ccRCC cells and a biomarker of poor prognosis.
Effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist monotherapy and combination therapy with growth hormone on final adult height in girls with central precocious puberty
Authors: Cho Ah Young , Shim Young Suk , Lee Hae Sang , Hwang Jin Soon 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to compare clinical parameters, including final adult height (FAH), in girls with central precocious puberty treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) with and without growth hormone (GH).Methods: This retrospective study reviewed data of 210 girls with precocious puberty who had reached FAH in a long-term trial of GnRHa treatment. The subjects were divided into the GnRHa treatment group (n=188), and the combined GnRHa+GH treatment group (n=22). Chronological age, bone age, height, height standard deviation score (SDS), predicted adult height (PAH), FAH, Tanner stage, and hormone levels were assessed during the treatment period. Results: At the start of treatment, PAH was 156.35 ± 6.34 cm in the GnRHa monotherapy group and 150.41 ± 5.32 cm in the GnRHa+GH group (P<0.001). At the end of treatment, PAH was 166.25 ± 5.26 cm in the GnRHa group and 164.07 ± 4.99 cm in the combined GnRHa+GH treatment group, which had increased compared to the start of treatment. The FAH in the GnRHa group and GnRHa+GH combination group were 161.07 ± 4.78 cm and 159.63 ± 3.8 6 cm, respectively, without significant difference. In addition, the height gain (FAH−PAH) was significantly higher in the GnRHa+GH group than the GnRHa group (9.22 ± 6.03 cm vs. 4.72 ± 5.01 cm, P<0.001). Conclusion: In girls with central precocious puberty, the height gain in the FAH compared to PAH at the start of treatment was significantly higher with the GnRHa+GH combination treatment.
An optimization of supplements and physical factors for growth of hemocyte cell culture from Penaeus vannamei in selective medium
Authors: Selvaraj Sivakumar , N Kalaimani 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Optimization of cell culture medium was carried out with various supplements and physical factors for the growth of hemocyte cell cultures from Penaeus vannamei. Hemolymph-based shrimp culture medium (HBSCM-5 medium). Various concentrations of fetal bovine serum (FBS; 1–25%), shrimp muscle extract (SME; 1–25%) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF; 0.5 to 5 ng mL -1) were attempted to optimize the media for the development of primary hemocyte cell culture of P. vannamei. 15% FBS was ideal for the healthy morphology of cells with rapid replication. SME supplementation at 5–20% supported the cell growth for 24 hours but only 30% of cell viability was observed after 48 hours. bFGF (0.5 to 5 ng mL -1) enhanced cell growth in the medium with 15% FBS; Cells were healthy at all concentrations of bFGF and showed enlarged fibroblast-like morphology. HBSCM-5 medium containing 15% FBS was prepared with various levels of osmolality (540 to 1470 ± 20 mOsm kg ­1). The ideal pH level was examined by preparing the HBSCM-5 medium at pH between 6.8 and 8.0. Temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C and natural sea water (NSW) concentrations between 1% and 20% were also tested to determine their effect on cell growth and proliferation. Osmolality of 730 ± 20, pH of 7.2 and temperature of 28°C resulted in the healthy cells with good morphology. NSW supplement supported the cell growth at low concentrations of salt; however, at salt concentrations of more than 2%, cells did not form fibroblast-like morphology and instead a crystal-like morphology was observed.