Cut Samples Research Articles

Quantitative assessment of rock lithology from gamma-ray and mud logging data

The data on vertical variations of the rock lithological content along the geological profiles of boreholes are essential for interwell correlation, geological or hydrodynamic modeling, optimization of drilling process, etc. There are direct (investigation of core samples) and indirect (processing and interpretation of well-logging data) methods applied in petroleum engineering to determine rock lithology. Both approaches have several limitations (such as low quality of logging data in case of washouts, low frequency of sampling of drill cuttings, limited number of wells drilled with coring, etc.) calling for alternative approaches to determine rock lithological content along the borehole. One of the alternative solutions could be application of mud logging (drilling and mud gas data) due to the strong physical background of interrelations between drilling and mud gas data on one side and rock lithology on the other. Literature review shows that many of existing machine learning-based solutions assume application of mud logging data mainly for rock typing (qualitative assessment of rock lithology). Concurrently, many applied problems require quantitative data on rock lithology (volumetric concentrations of rock lithological components). To fill this gap, we assessed the capabilities of mud logging data for quantitative characterization of rock lithology. We proposed a new algorithm for the task at hand relying on special data processing and machine learning algorithms. As an input data we used drilling, mud gas, and gamma-ray data. The results of the developed algorithm application for three industrial wells confirmed the effectiveness of the developed algorithm. During our research we compared the performance of XGBoost algorithm and 1-D convolutional neural network. Obtained results allow concluding that the obtained regression models and developed algorithm exhibit good generalization ability providing the average total prediction uncertainty on unseen well of less than 0.15 c.u.

Formation Damage Caused by Wax Deposition Results in Shale Production Decline

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 210414, “First Evidence for Shale Production Decline as a Result of Formation Damage Caused by C60+ Paraffin Wax Deposition: A Permian Case Study,” by Amir Mahmoudkhani, SPE, Locus Fermentation Solutions, and Jonathan Rogers and Martin Shumway, SPE, Locus Bio-Energy Solutions, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ Analysis of production decline curves revealed that three candidate wells in West Texas depleted faster than indicated by a type decline curve, indicating a potentially abnormal permeability-reduction mechanism. A biosurfactant-based squeeze program was recommended and applied in three horizontal wells. The biosurfactant treatment offers an alternative and economical method for remediation of formation damage caused by high‑molecular‑weight paraffin wax deposition in porous media that does not require costly intervention techniques to apply. Introduction The Bone Springs horizontal oil play in the Delaware Basin spans from southeast New Mexico into West Texas. Stacked, multipay reservoirs, each with diverse rock properties, possess upside but also complexity. The initial targets in the play were conventional sandstones. Wells then tapped into carbonate lenses and, ultimately, low-permeability sandstones. As a result of horizontal drilling technology combined with hydraulic fracturing, very thin sands and other facies are now being produced. Generally, reservoir quality of this unconventional hydrocarbon system is controlled by carbonate content, where increased carbonate content typically is associated with lower productivity. Experimental Methods All crude oils exhibited precipitation of organics at ambient laboratory temperatures. Even after storing crudes at the bottomhole temperature of 140°F, a small amount of wax remained insoluble in bulk liquid. Samples of formation drill cuttings were received for various depth intervals between 8,500 and 12,000 ft. X‑ray diffraction analyses of solids revealed quartz as the major mineral phase, with clays and carbonates account for remaining phases. Combined fractions with 160-micron size were used for microcolumn oil-recovery screening tests. Carbon distributions of oils and waxes were performed by high-temperature gas chromatography (HTGC). The Du Noüy ring method was used to measure static surface tensions of biosurfactant solutions at different concentrations and was applied to calculate critical micelle concentrations at ambient temperature. Interfacial tension (IFT) measurements were performed using a drop-shaped tensiometer using the pendant-drop method. Finally, the IFTs of oil in synthetic formation water and in biosurfactant solutions prepared in city tap water were determined. Contact-angle measurements also were performed. The wax-appearance temperature (WAT) of crude and wax samples was determined by the differential scanning calorimetry method. Spontaneous imbibition experiments were performed using the Amott-cell method at reservoir temperature. Berea sandstone core plugs (25×50 mm) with a permeability of 385 md and porosity of 18.4% were used. Core plugs were saturated with homogenized crude oil samples at 140°F for 7 days.

Microbiological quality and safety of vacuum-packaged white-tailed deer meat stored at 4 °C

Vacuum packaging is widely used for extending the shelf life of commercial fresh meat products. It also ensures product hygiene during distribution and storage. However, very little information exists concerning the effects of vacuum packaging on the shelf life of deer meat. One of our aims was to evaluate how storage under vacuum at 4 °C affects the microbial quality and safety of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) meat cuts. This was assessed in a longitudinal study based on sensory analyses and measurements of (1) mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB), (2) lactic acid bacteria (LAB), (3) enterobacteria (EB), (4) and Escherichia coli (EC) counts, and the presence of foodborne pathogens (Campylobacter, Salmonella, stx-harbouring E. coli (STEC), Yersinia and Listeria). Microbiomes were additionally investigated by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing at the time of spoilage. In total, 50 vacuum-packaged meat cuts from the carcasses of 10 wild white-tailed deer harvested in southern Finland in December 2018 were analysed. A significant (p < 0.001) drop in the odour and appearance scores and a significant increase in MAB (p < 0.001) and LAB (p = 0.001) counts of the vacuum-packaged meat cuts were observed after 3 weeks of storage at 4 °C. A very strong correlation (rs = 0.9444, p < 0.001) between the MAB and LAB counts were found during the 5-week sampling period. Clear spoilage changes, manifested as sour off-odours (odour scores ≤2) and pale colour, were detected in the meat cuts spoilt after 3-week storage. High (≥8 log10 cfu/g) MAB and LAB counts were also detected. According to the 16S rRNA gene amplicon analyses, Lactobacillus was the dominant bacterial genus in these samples, demonstrating that LAB can cause rapid spoilage of vacuum-packaged deer meat cuts stored at 4 °C. The rest of the samples were spoilt after four or five weeks of storage, and a vast number of bacterial genera were identified in them. Listeria and STEC were detected by PCR in 50 % and 18 % of the meat cut samples, respectively, which may indicate a public health problem. Our results demonstrate that it is very challenging to ensure the quality and safety of vacuum-packaged deer meat stored at 4 °C, and freezing is therefore recommended to prolong the shelf life.

Nature of Hydrocarbon Fluids at the Fields in the North of Western Siberia: the Geochemical Aspect

The paper presents original results of comprehensive geochemical studies of samples of oils, condensates, gases, core, and cuttings from wells drilled in the north of Western Siberia. The studies involved chromatographic and mass spectrometric determinations of the molecular and isotopic composition of the oils, gases, condensates, and rock extracts. Analysis of the results, considered together with literature data, made it possible to draw conclusions regarding the source of the hydrocarbons and the mechanism of formation of their accumulations. Information on the molecular and isotopic composition of the fluids and the distribution of their accumulations and fields in the sedimentary cover shows that most of them are of polychronic and polygenic origin. Features of the molecular and isotopic composition of the fluids make it possible to evaluate the contribution of various sources to the formation of hydrocarbon accumulations. The composition of their liquid component was formed as a result of the generation of hydrocarbons by the organic matter of Jurassic source rocks. The Lower and Middle Jurassic rocks with non-marine organic matter also made a significant contribution to the formation of the gas component of deposits in the north of Western Siberia, whereas the Cretaceous rocks generated only dry gas and were likely the main source of gas for the giant fields, whose methane has a light carbon isotope composition. The use of the isotopic composition of carbon in combination with molecular parameters makes it possible to clarify the conditions under which a particular field was formed and to elucidate the migration pathways and distances of hydrocarbon fluids to their accumulation sites

Duna menti homoki gyepek domináns Festuca fajainak beltartalmi értékei (előzetes tanulmány)

There is a very old practice of grazing livestock in Hungary. Plants of the pastures are the most valuable feed for grazing animals. Supplementation of feed rations with fibre improves the saturation of the digestive tract, resulting in calmer animals and improved animal welfare. Grasses of pastures can be a useful supplement as they contain a lot of digestible fibre. Our purpose was to find out the grassland management values of sandy grasslands dominated by Festuca species along the Danube. We carried out cutting samples along the Danube, from the north-western part of the Little Hungarian Plain, through the sandy plains of the Carpathian Basin, Serbia, Romanian Plain to Bulgaria. The cut samples were analysed in the laboratory of MATE based on Weende analysis. The original dry matter, crude protein, crude fat and crude fibre content, as well as the measurement of fibre fractions (NDF, ADF, ADL) were analysed. The results showed that absolute dry matter, crude fibre and NDF contents were high in all samples. The five samples of Festuca species analysed showed significant differences in dry matter and crude fibre. Festuca wagneri had the highest dry matter content. The highest crude protein content was found in samples of Festuca vaginata, Festuca wagnerii and Festuca rupicola, but the highest crude fibre content was found in samples of Festuca tomanii.

Biostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy of the Minjur and Marrat Formations (Upper Triassic to Middle Jurassic) in Kuwait

This paper summarizes sedimentological and biostratigraphic data for the Minjur and Marrat Formations in Kuwait and places them within an expanded sequence stratigraphic framework based on the letter and number scheme initiated by Sharland and others (2001). Only two sequences (Tr80 and J10) were identified in this interval in the original scheme, whereas, between Tr80 and the top of the Upper Marrat, 18 sequences are now recognized and their sequence boundaries and maximum flooding surfaces identified and illustrated herein. One new sequence (Tr90) was proposed in the underlying Jilh A Member. Three new sequences (Tr100, Tr105 and Tr110) are recognized in the Minjur Formation (= Lower Minjur in Saudi Arabia). Four sequences (J02, J04, J06 and J08) and part of a fifth (J10) are recognized in the Lower Marrat. Seven sequences (part of J10 and J11-J16) are recognized in the Middle Marrat. Three sequences (J17, J18 and J19) are recognized in the Upper Marrat. Biostratigraphic data are sparse for the Minjur and Marrat Formations. In the Marrat Formation, calcareous nannofossils are extremely rare, benthic foraminifers are relatively common but long-ranging and palynomorphs are sparse and most commonly non-age diagnostic. Published and unpublished proprietary data from 33 wells have been combined to determine the ages of the succession. Using palynology, the Minjur Lower Member was dated as Norian. An undifferentiated Norian-Rhaetian age range is assigned to the Middle and upper Members of the Minjur Formation. The Triassic/Jurassic boundary is placed just below the base of the Lower Member of the Marrat Formation, where cuttings samples from a thin interval of strata yielded long age-ranging palynomorphs. The Sinemurian/Pliensbachian boundary occurs in the Lower Marrat at the base of the S J06 transgressive systems tract. The Pliensbachian/Toarcian boundary, dated on the basis of Nannoceratopsis triceras and Lotharingius crucicentralis, is also in the Lower Marrat at the base of the S J10 transgressive systems tract. The contact of the Middle and Upper Marrat is unconformable and locally karsted but appears to correlate to the Toarcian/Aalenian boundary. The upper section of the Upper Marrat and the base of the overlying Dhruma Formation have not been cored but the Aalenian/Bajocian boundary is placed in the upper portion of Sequence J19. SB J20 is placed at the top of the Upper Marrat Member. Change in the age of the Late Triassic Baluti Formation in Iraq has resulted in changes in correlations of the Minjur and Marrat Formations to each other and to other formations in the region. The Lower Marrat is shown to be the shallow marine equivalent of the Upper Minjur siliciclastics in the subsurface Rub al Khali Basin and in the shallow subsurface Arabian Basin near the outcrop belt in Saudi Arabia. The Lower Marrat correlates to the Adaiyah Formation and the Upper Sarki Formation in Iraq. The Middle Marrat correlates to the Mus and Alan Formations in Iraq and to all of the Marrat Formation as defined in outcrop in Saudi Arabia. The Upper Marrat is largely represented by an Aalenian-age hiatus in the Saudi Arabian outcrop belt but a thin, condensed Aalenian section is present in the subsurface, basinward of the outcrop belt, and correlated with the Lower Dhruma (D1-D2). The Upper Marrat is correlated to the lower Sargelu Formation in Iraq. These new and revised correlations clarify the timing of the Late Triassic (Norian) uplift of the Qatar Arch.

AN ANALYSIS ON IMPROVEMENT OF X-RAY DIFFRACTOMETER RESULTS BY CONTROLLING AND CALIBRATION OF PARAMETERS

The X-ray diffractometer in the laboratory is a crucial instrument for analyzing materials in science. It can be used on almost any crystal material, and if the machine parameters are appropriately controlled, it can offer a lot of information about the sample’s characteristics. Nevertheless, the data obtained from these machines are complicated by an aberration function that can be resolved through calibration. In this study, a powder comprising of Barium Sulfate (BaSO4), Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Aluminum (Al) was used as the first sample and a single crystal sample comprised of Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3). The required calibration parameters of the X-ray diffractometer namely: Straight Beam Alignment, Beam Cut Alignment and Sample Tilt Alignment for two samples were analyzed and carried out. Using the results of the X-ray spectrum, important parameters such as corresponding planes for peak positions, d-spacing of planes, intensities, smallest crystallite sizes and lattice parameters, and a comparison with the reference data were all carried out. As another result, the out-of-plane alignment and Full-Width- at Half-Maximum (FWHM) value for GaN could be determined using the rocking curve.

Prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in meat products during 2017–2019 depending on technological factors and seasons

Microbiological examination of contamination of imported and domestic meat products with pathogenic bacteria Listeria monocytogenes depending on a meat type, technology and season was carried out during 2017–2019. In total, 2777 product samples were analyzed; the presence of this pathogen was revealed in 8.8% of products (244 positive samples). It was found that the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in meat products increased over three years of observation (2017–2019). The highest occurrence of this pathogen was found in poultry meat (on average 18.7%) followed by products from beef (13.2%). Meat products from mixed raw materials (beef and pork) accounted for 5.3% of tested samples, while in pork semi-finished products L. monocytogenes was found only in 3.2% of cases. It was noted that the technology of semi-finished products significantly affected the level of contamination of meat products with L. monocytogenes. Various technological approaches are used in the production process increasing the risk of contamination of the finished product since there is no timely data on Listeria contamination of raw materials used for production of a particular product. It has been established that a significant role in microbiological studies is played by various approaches to sample preparation of analyzed samples of meat cuts, semi-finished products in large and small pieces, as well as minced semi-finished products. Not knowing the real level of surface contamination with L. monocytogenes of carcasses, half-carcasses, semi-finished products in large pieces, manufacturers use such raw materials for the subsequent production of other types of semi-finished meat products, increasing the risk of manufacturing unsafe products with following contamination of equipment, work surfaces and other objects of the production environment. The highest occurrence of L. monocytogenes in meat products during three years of observation was found in the summer period (14.2%). The proportions of positive samples in the winter, spring and autumn months varied on average within 6.7–7.1%.

Nutritional properties of spectacled caiman (Caiman yacare) meat marketed as part of a wildlife management strategy in the Beni river basin

We determined the nutritional quality of yacare meat (Caiman yacare) in the Beni river basin. Commercial cut samples were obtained from the tails of four males harvested as part of a management plan implemented in the Tacana Indigenous Territory. This plan guarantees long-term sustainability of caiman hunting. pH analysis, the Eber test, and the ammoniacal nitrogen test suggest that the meat was of good quality, processed properly, and free of contamination. Nutritional analyses suggest that yacare meat is a healthy alternative for human consumption, as it has a high protein value (23.02 g/100g) and low fat concentration (0.67g/100g). Yacare meat has a high concentration of minerals such as phosphorus (227.53 g) and calcium (11.84 g), both beneficial for memory and cardiovascular health. Caiman meat can be considered as a valuable nutritional supplement in human diets both in urban and rural areas

Paleoenvironmental, paleoclimatic, and organic matter assessment of the hybrid Kharita Formation (Albian) in the Abu Gharadig Basin, Egypt: Integration between palynology, organic petrography, and organic geochemistry

The Early Cretaceous (Albian) was a time of equatorial to polar temperature warming and increased environmental perturbations of the global carbon cycle and oceanic anoxia, which resulted in the widespread accumulation of organic carbon-rich sediments. During the Albian, the southern margin of the Tethys Ocean was characterized by marginal to shallow water conditions with minor phases of enhanced stratification and bottom water anoxia in northern Egypt. At this time, accumulation of the thick siliciclastic succession of sandstones versus shale intercalations of the Kharita Formation took place in the Abu Gharadig Basin. The Kharita Formation is investigated for palynological composition and palynofacies analysis, organic matter characterization, hydrocarbon generation potential, and thermal maturity assessment based on 30 and 26 drill cuttings samples from the BED2-3 and BED2-1x wells, respectively. A rich palynological assemblage of herbaceous hygrophilous plants, including pteridophyte spores and water ferns, along with Elaterates and Afropollis pollen indicated warm humid climate conditions. Furthermore, abundant occurrences of Araucariaceae and Cheirolepidiaceae, including Araucariacites, Inaperturopollenites, and Classopollis, reinforcing warm climatic conditions and their climax in areas near coastal vegetation. Statistical cluster analysis identified two palynofacies assemblages (PFA) based on stratigraphic variation in the particulate organic matter (POM). The PFA-1 characterized all samples of the BED2-3 and some intervals of the BED2-1x wells and comprised moderate abundances of phytoclasts and amorphous organic matter (AOM) that defined a kerogen Type II, whereas the PFA-2 was recorded only in the BED2-1x well and is dominated by phytoclast fragments of kerogen Type III. The geochemical screening revealed, based on the low average values of TOC (1.2 wt%), S2 (1.8 mg HC/g rock), and HI (146 mg HC/g TOC), that the Kharita Formation is characterized by a kerogen Type III of gas-prone hydrocarbon but with low generation potential. Tmax and vitrinite reflectance measurements along with greenish-to golden-yellow liptinite macerals indicated that the thermal maturity of preserved organic matter is still in the immature to the early mature stage of the oil window. Inconsistency in kerogen types between PFA-1 and geochemical deductions was interpreted in terms of microscopic investigations of the recovered AOM. Morphologic characteristics observed that most AOM particles were of terrigenous origin due to the impact of biodegradation and transformation of phytoclast particles into AOM, confirming a kerogen Type III of gas-prone hydrocarbons instead of Type II that was elucidated by palynofacies ternary diagrams. The occurrence of coaly matter in the BED2-1x infers closer proximity to fluvio-deltaic sources during deposition of the lower part of the Kharita Formation than in the BED2-3.

Total organic carbon variability of lower Jurassic successions in the Mandawa Basin, SE Tanzania

Over many decades, an understanding of total organic carbon (TOC) variability in various sedimentary basins has been constrained by the availability of suitable samples for geochemical analysis. Many attempts rely on selected sidewall core or cuttings samples, which do not provide a continuous lithological record of the succession. As a result, TOC variability as a response to facies evolution is often underestimated. An advancement in TOC evaluation from well logging techniques often has permitted a continuous analysis of source rock intervals, while eliminating issues associated with obtaining discrete physical samples. Geochemical and wireline geophysical logs investigation here aimed at constraining TOC variability and depositional conditions prevailing during the early Jurassic in the Tanzanian Mandawa Basin (Mbuo, Nondwa and Mihambia Formations), which to date are poorly documented. TOC was deduced from both well cuttings samples and wire log data. Depositional conditions were defined via the use of spectral Gamma-Ray (Th/U, U) logging and lithofacies data. Sediment composition and TOC from cuttings were compared to illustrate how organic matter distribution is influenced by changes in sediment type. Complex mineral composition of heterolithic facies dominated log-response, complicated log interpretation, and thus limited the effectiveness of well logging techniques to predict TOC. Cuttings data reveal three organic-rich intervals, i) at the transition of Upper Mbuo to basal Nondwa Formation with the highest TOC of 3.5 (wt%), ii) in the Nondwa Formation with a TOC of 2 (wt%), and iii) in the Mihambia Formation with a TOC of 2.8 (wt%). An inverse linear relationship between Th/U and TOC signifies relatively shallow deposition in a well-mixed water column under oxic conditions. Intervals with higher TOC imply organic matter preservation under suboxic conditions upon two marine incursions in the Mihambia and Nondwa Formations, whereas a limnic environment prevailed at the Upper Mbuo to Nondwa transition. Inverse trends in TOC versus clastic components, a positive linear relationship between TOC and carbonates, and higher amount of clastics (>57 wt%) in the Mbuo and Mihambia Formations suggest a dominantly clastic sedimentary system with relatively stable carbonate and organic matter input in proximity to the source area. We, therefore, argue that the organic rich intervals observed in the Upper Mbuo, Nondwa and Mihambia Formations were deposited during periods of higher organic productivity driven by a rise in eustatic sea level, and coincide with a decline in terrigenous input from the hinterland.

Experimental Research on Sheared Edge Formation in the Shear-Slitting of Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel Workpieces.

This study sought to experimentally develop guidelines for shaping 0.3-mm-thick cold-rolled grain-oriented ET 110-30LS steel using a shear-slitting operation. Coated and non-coated steel was used for the analysis. The coated sheet had a thin inorganic C-5 coating on both sides applied to the C-2 substrate. The first part of this paper presents an analysis of the quality of the cut surface depending on the adopted machining parameters, which were the control variables on the production lines. The second part presents an analysis of the magnetic parameters of the cut samples, which allowed for the specific impact of the quality of the cut edge on the selected magnetic features. Finally, an optimization task was developed to obtain a set of acceptable solutions on the plane of controllable process variables such as slitting speed and horizontal clearance. The obtained results can be used to control the shear-slitting process on production lines and obtain high-quality workpieces.

TVARUS MOKINIŲ PATIRTINIS UGDYMAS(IS) STEAM MOKSLŲ PROJEKTE „OKSIDACIJOS BRĖŽINYS“

Applying a special technique, a pattern (tattoo) is created on the banana peel. The use of banana peels and other secondary raw materials creates a collage on the theme of nature conservation. In the course of the work, a new technology is tested - testing a banana peel with a toothpick and creating a pattern. The concept of "banana tattoo" is introduced and the phenomenon of oxidation is explained. Creating a sustainable collage on the theme "Let's protect hedgehogs" is an example of sustainable work, the details of which "return" to the second or third use and do not harm the Earth, and the photo of the collage remains and testifies to the children's work. Measures. Secondary raw materials: brown and green plastic bottles, cardboard box, leaflets, banana peel. Toothpicks, sand, gouache. Educational methods. Inclusive story, review of filmed documentaries, practical activities, group work, discussion. Learning strategy. I stage. Familiarity with the oxidation-reduction phenomenon (observation of cut fruit samples: just after cutting and an hour later, clarification of what happened during oxidation). Phase II. Perception of how real tattoos are done (review and discussion of filmed documentary). Stage III. Presentation of the necessary tools for the experiment (conversation-discussion about secondary raw materials, interpretation of the concept of sustainability). Stage IV. Creating a sketch of a drawing (writing a pattern on a piece of paper). Stage V. Performing an oxidation drawing (transferring the created pattern to the banana peel). Stage VI. Creating a collage: sandblasting, bottle cutting, letter cutting, preparation of a “hedgehog”, creation of a sign “Hedgehog Passage”, arrangement of banana peel-needles. Stage VII. Observation of the oxidation phenomenon on banana peels: after an hour, after 4 hours, after a day, etc. Stage VIII. Conclusion, reflection: sustainability, what is difficult, what is new, what I like and so on. Based on the activities, the film “The STEAM Challenge. Oxidation drawing (banana tattoo): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBVWNAjgzG0 Purpose. Apply a special technique on the banana peel to create a pattern (tattoo). Using banana peels and other secondary raw materials to create a collage on the theme of conservation. Tasks of integrated subjects. Knowing the world/science - to look at the natural conditions under which the phenomenon of oxidation takes place, to give examples. Chemistry - get acquainted with the oxidation-reduction process on the banana peel. Art and technology - to learn new art techniques, to create a collage from secondary raw materials. Finish the work neatly. Civic education - to understand that it is possible to use secondary raw materials for a work of art and thus protect nature from pollution. Understand that oxidative drawing can be applied in various advertising, branding projects, marketing. Keywords: STEAM, oxidation drawing, banana tattoo, hands-on activities

Turmeric Extraction (Curcuma Longa L) Using The Reflux Method And Characterization

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L) is one of the many spices that grow on the Asian continent, especially Southeast and South Asia, which can be utilized to its full potential, especially the antioxidant compounds contained in curcuminoids. This study aims to determine the effect of different forms of turmeric, powder and fresh, on the extraction using the reflux extraction method and antioxidant activity using the DPPH method (2,2-Diphenyl-1-PicrylHydrazyl). The reflux extraction process was carried out using distilled water with three variations of sample forms, turmeric powder, fresh turmeric (grated turmeric and pieces of turmeric) with a solute/solvent ratio (w/v) (1:5). The viscous extract in the form of a paste was obtained after the distillation process and solvent evaporation. The best extracts and essential oils obtained were extracts from powdered turmeric samples with yields of 8.28 (% w/w) and essential oils of 0.44 g, which were clearer than the other two samples. The analysis showed that the sample of turmeric with the highest antioxidant activity was a sample of freshly grated turmeric with an IC50 value of 114.7 ppm with a moderate level of antioxidant activity. The cut turmeric sample has an IC50 value of 158.3 ppm, which is included in the weak antioxidant activity. The powdered turmeric sample has an IC50 value of 134.1 ppm with moderate strength.

A correction factor for the resistivity log in gas reservoirs with low resistivity pay zone in the Poti Formation, Parnaiba Basin, Brazil

The Parnaiba Basin, even being a new frontier basin, it’s already one of the most profitable for natural gas in Brazil. The shallow marine sandstones of the Poti Formation are the main gas reservoirs at Park of the Hawks. These reservoirs hold anomalously low resistivities which directly impacts water saturation calculations and leading to underestimations of their true potential as gas reservoirs. We propose a method for the characterization and mitigation of the problem and for the correction of the resistivity log based on the case study of well PGN-5, seeking to obtain more adjusted results for the reservoir evaluation. The methodology used is based on the integration data, where the main inputs were drill cuttings samples, well logs, gamma-spectral data and geochemical analyzes through X-rays fluorescence. We observed that the presence of pyrite and clay minerals are the causes of the low resistivities, still in the presence of gas-charged intervals, attested by crossover between density and neutron logs and through pressure gradients data. We propose a correction factor for the resistivity log in the anomalous low resistivity zone, allowing a new evaluation of the well, leading to a significant reduction in water saturation and a remarkable net pay gain.

Estimating rock mechanical properties from microrebound measurements

Understanding rock mechanical properties is essential to many engineering geology applications. Comprehensive rock mechanics testing, however, is often not practical due to limited available sample volume, time constraints, and cost. Therefore, an alternative means for estimating mechanical properties at relatively low cost is desirable. In this investigation, we evaluate microrebound measurement on cut rock surfaces as a substitute for rock mechanical testing. We first explore the influences of rock sample thickness and testing substrate (material upon which samples rest) on microrebound, then perform systematic microrebound analysis of a range of well-characterized rock types with associated rock-mechanics datasets. Our analyses show that microrebound measurements are not sensitive to sample thickness greater than approximately 5 cm. Microrebound appears to be insensitive to the substrate among tested substrates including 2-mm-thick foam rubber, three different thicknesses of polystyrene foam (1.1 cm, 2.2 cm, and 3.6 cm), and standard lab tabletop. Strongest relationships between microrebound and rock properties are for unconfined compressive strength, tensile strength, and cohesion. Moderately strong correlations were found for density, Young's modulus, and porosity. A weak correlation was found for Poisson's ratio, and a very weak correlation was found for friction angle. Microrebound data can be obtained quickly and in a non-destructive manner using cut samples collected from outcrop or core, and at relatively low cost compared to traditional rock mechanics tests. Microrebound measurement can substitute for rock mechanics measurements for a multitude of applications in engineering geology where rock property data are needed, but full rock mechanics testing is not practical.

Performance properties of machine woven carpets produced from splittable microfilament pile yarns

In this study, splittable microfilament yarn is implemented as pile yarn for machine woven carpet. Firstly, the optimum process parameters of splittable microfilament yarns were determined in particular to carpet pile usage. Then, the cut and loop pile carpet samples were produced with the same production parameters. The half of the carpet samples were treated to the splitting process in order to obtain microfilament pile yarns. In doing so, loop and cut pile woven carpet samples with microfilament and conventional filament pile yarns were obtained. Then, the carpet performance properties were investigated for microfilament pile carpets in comparison to conventional filament ones. For this aim, thickness loss after static and dynamic loading, compression recovery, pile withdrawal force, appearance retention and soiling properties of the samples were tested. Consequently, it is seen that thickness loss after static and dynamic loading can be decreased by using microfilament pile yarns. Regarding the compression recovery, it is observed that the microfilament piles provided a very compact structure which causes lower compression recovery in comparison to conventional pile structure. Also, pile withdrawal force is increased for both cut and loop pile carpets as a result of using microfilament pile yarn whereas soiling and appearance retention properties have no considerable changes.

Dual X-ray- and Neutron-Shielding Properties of Gd2O3/NR Composites with Autonomous Self-Healing Capabilities.

The neutron- and X-ray-shielding, morphological, physical, mechanical, and self-healing properties were investigated for natural rubber (NR) composites containing varying gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) contents (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 parts per hundred parts of rubber; phr) to investigate their potential uses as self-healing and flexible neutron- and X-ray-shielding materials. Gd2O3 was selected as a radiation protective filler in this work due to its preferable properties of having relatively high neutron absorption cross-section (σabs), atomic number (Z), and density (ρ) that could potentially enhance interaction probabilities with incident radiation. The results indicated that the overall neutron-shielding and X-ray-shielding properties of the NR composites were enhanced with the addition of Gd2O3, as evidenced by considerable reductions in the half-value layer (HVL) values of the samples containing 100 phr Gd2O3 to just 1.9 mm and 1.3 mm for thermal neutrons and 60 kV X-rays, respectively. Furthermore, the results revealed that, with the increase in Gd2O3 content, the mean values (± standard deviations) of the tensile strength and elongation at break of the NR composites decreased, whereas the hardness (Shore A) increased, for which extreme values were found in the sample with 100 phr Gd2O3 (3.34 ± 0.26 MPa, 411 ± 9%, and 50 ± 1, respectively). In order to determine the self-healing properties of the NR composites, the surfaces of the cut samples were gently pressed together, and they remained in contact for 60 min; then, the self-healing properties (the recoverable strength and the %Recovery) of the self-healed samples were measured, which were in the ranges of 0.30-0.40 MPa and 3.7-9.4%, respectively, for all the samples. These findings confirmed the ability to autonomously self-heal damaged surfaces through the generation of a reversible ionic supramolecular network. In summary, the outcomes from this work suggested that the developed Gd2O3/NR composites have great potential to be utilized as effective shielding materials, with additional dual shielding and self-healing capabilities that could prolong the lifetime of the materials, reduce the associated costs of repairing or replacing damaged equipment, and enhance the safety of all users and the public.

Surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma–treated pork cut parts: bactericidal efficacy and physiochemical characteristics

Maintaining agro-food product safety remains a significant challenge for satisfying local and global consumers in tropical countries. This issue has been growing due to new pathogen strains, low infectious doses, increased virulence, antibiotic resistance, cross-contamination or recontamination of foods, food-contact surfaces, and biocontamination of water within the food production chain. To respond to this situation, we studied the inactivation efficacy of surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) plasma against pathogens on the surface of various pork cut parts, including the loin, hip, belly, liver, and intestine. The SDBD plasma was operated at 0.30 W/cm2 in ambient air, with a gap of 5.0 mm between the plasma generator and the sample surface. Up to 96% germicidal efficiency against surface pathogens were observed, showing after 1 min of SDBD plasma exposure. Visualization of reactive species deposition on the treated surface using KI–starch agar gel reagent indicated a non-uniform distribution of the SDBD-generated reactive species on the treated surface. Following the indirect plasma treatment by the SDBD reactor, the overall color of pork cut samples after plasma treatment was significantly different compared with before. However, the surface morphology and structural characterization of the treated pork cut samples were not significantly altered, and residual nitrites and nitrates were lower than the restriction level for safe consumption. The SDBD reactor should be developed further to produce a uniform distribution of reactive species on the meat surface for the improvement of the decontamination effect without undesirable effects on meat quality parameters.

Paleoenvironmental Conditions and Factors Controlling Organic Carbon Accumulation during the Jurassic–Early Cretaceous, Egypt: Organic and Inorganic Geochemical Approach

The Jurassic–Early Cretaceous was a time of variable organic carbon burial associated with fluctuations of marine primary productivity, weathering intensity, and redox conditions in the pore and bottom water at paleo-shelf areas in north Egypt. This time interval characterized the deposition of, from old to young, the Bahrein, Khatatba, Masajid, and Alam El Bueib Formations in the north Western Desert. Although several studies have been devoted to the excellent source rock units, such as the Khatatba and Alam El Bueib Formations, studies on paleoenvironmental changes in redox conditions, paleoproductivity, and continental weathering and their impact on organic carbon exports and their preservation for this interval are lacking. This study presents organic and inorganic geochemical data for the Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous sediments from the Almaz-1 well in the Shushan Basin, north Western Desert. A total of 32 cuttings samples were analyzed for their major and trace elements, carbonates, and total organic carbon (TOC) contents. Data allowed the reconstruction of paleoenvironmental conditions in the southern Tethys Ocean and assessment of the changes in paleo-redox, paleo-weathering, and marine primary productivity, and the role of sediment supply. Additionally, factors that governed the accumulation of organic matter in the sediment were interpreted. Results showed that the Khatatba Formation was deposited during a phase of enhanced marine primary productivity under prevalent anoxia, which triggered enhanced organic matter production and preservation. During the deposition of the Khatatba Formation, significant terrigenous sediment supply and continental weathering were followed by a limited contribution of coarse clastic sediment fluxes due to weak continental weathering and enhanced carbonate production. The Bahrein, Masajid, and Alam El Bueib Formations were deposited during low marine primary productivity and prevalent oxygenation conditions that led to poor organic matter production and preservation, respectively. A strong terrigenous sediment supply and continental weathering predominated during the deposition of the Bahrein Formation and the lower part of the Alam El Bueib Formation compared to the limited coarse clastic supply and continental weathering during the deposition of the carbonate Masajid Formation and the upper part of the Alam El Bueib Formation. Such conditions resulted in the enhanced dilution and decomposition of labile organic matter, and, thus, organic carbon-lean accumulation in these sediments.