In the recent decade, injection of nanoparticles (NPs) into underground formation as liquid nanodispersions has been suggested as a smart alternative for conventional methods in tertiary oil recovery projects from mature oil reservoirs. Such reservoirs, however, are strong candidates for carbon geo-sequestration (CGS) projects, and the presence of nanoparticles (NPs) after nanofluid-flooding can add more complexity to carbon geo-storage projects. Despite studies investigating CO2 injection and nanofluid-flooding for EOR projects, no information was reported about the potential synergistic effects of CO2 and NPs on enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and CGS concerning the interfacial tension (γ) of CO2-oil system. This study thus extensively investigates the effect of silica NPs on the γ of CO2/decane system at elevated pressure and temperature to recognise the potential impact of NPs-injection on the future CGS projects. To achieve this, a wide-ranging series of tests have been conducted to reveal the role of hydrophilic and hydrophobic silica NPs on γ of the CO2/oil system. n-decane was utilized as model oil and different amounts of NPs were mixed with the oil phase. Oil-NPs dispersions were formulated using an ultrasonic homogenizer. The γ of the CO2/oil system was measured at different pressures (0.1 to 20 MPa) and temperatures (25 to 70 °C) using a high-pressure temperature optical cell. The γ data were measured using the pendant drop technique via axisymmetric drop shape analysis (ADSA). The results showed that, generally, CO2/oil γ subjected mainly to pressure, temperature, and with less extent to NPs load in the oil phase. γ decreases with increased pressure until reaching a plateau where no more significant decrease in γ was observed. The γ trend with increased temperature, on the other hand, was more completed. No significant impact of temperature on γ was recorded with low pressure (≤ 5 MPa). Similarly, at relatively high pressure (≥ 25 MPa), only a slight variation of IFT with temperature change was recorded. However, for the pressure range from 5 – 25 MPa, IFT was increased remarkably with temperature. Furthermore, NPs in the oil phase exhibit a remarkable influence on IFT. In this context, the presence of hydrophilic silica NPs in the oil phase can significantly reduce the γ of the CO2/decane system. However, hydrophobic silica NPs showed less influence on IFT reduction. The outcomes of this work afford good understandings into applications of NP for EOR and CGS applications and help to de-risk CO2-geological storage projects.
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Despite extensive investigations, an effective treatment for sepsis remains elusive and a better understanding of the inflammatory response to infection is required to identify potential new targets for therapy. In this study we have used RNAi technology to show, for the first time, that the inducible lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 2 (LPCAT2) plays a key role in macrophage inflammatory gene expression in response to stimulation with bacterial ligands. Using siRNA- or shRNA-mediated knockdown, we demonstrate that, in contrast to the constitutive LPCAT1, LPCAT2 is required for macrophage cytokine gene expression and release in response to TLR4 and TLR2 ligand stimulation but not for TLR-independent stimuli. In addition, cells transfe
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Unconfined Compressive Strength is considered the most important parameter of rock strength properties affecting the rock failure criteria. Various research have developed rock strength for specific lithology to estimate high-accuracy value without a core. Previous analyses did not account for the formation's numerous lithologies and interbedded layers. The main aim of the present study is to select the suitable correlation to predict the UCS for hole depth of formation without separating the lithology. Furthermore, the second aim is to detect an adequate input parameter among set wireline to determine the UCS by using data of three wells along ten formations (Tanuma, Khasib, Mishrif, Rumaila, Ahmady, Maudud, Nahr Um
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Activation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) markedly attenuates development of atherosclerosis in animal models. However, the underlying mechanism is not well elucidated. Here, we show that the FXR agonist, obeticholic acid (OCA), increases fecal cholesterol excretion and macrophage reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) dependent on activation of hepatic FXR. OCA does not increase biliary cholesterol secretion, but inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption. OCA markedly inhibits hepatic cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase (
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Amputation of the upper limb significantly hinders the ability of patients to perform activities of daily living. To address this challenge, this paper introduces a novel approach that combines non-invasive methods, specifically Electroencephalography (EEG) and Electromyography (EMG) signals, with advanced machine learning techniques to recognize upper limb movements. The objective is to improve the control and functionality of prosthetic upper limbs through effective pattern recognition. The proposed methodology involves the fusion of EMG and EEG signals, which are processed using time-frequency domain feature extraction techniques. This enables the classification of seven distinct hand and wrist movements. The experiments conducte
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Tirzepatide is a revolutionary and promising medication with a high impact in the treatment of Obesity and T2DM with their complications. Its efficacy was proven through different trials in achieving favorable weight loss and a significant reduction in glycemic index. It also treated a large diversity of related co-morbidities, including fatty liver, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and more. Tirzepatide is well tolerated, has a good safety profile, and is highly reliable and suitable for use in a population.
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The study examines Julia Alvarez's role as a Dominican American author, poet, and essayist. Despite being born in New York City in 1950, she was raised in the Dominican Republic by a family with Dominican heritage. Her residence in her ancestral homeland significantly influenced her subsequent literary works. Upon her father's implication in a conspiracy against Dominican President, he departed from the Dominican Republic. Alvarez encountered the challenge of the English language. They were compelled to acquire proficiency in English due to the prevailing perception that anyone who spoke a language other than English were deemed "un-American" during that period. Alvarez recounted her initial encounters in the United States and the subseque
... Show MoreThis contribution evaluates the influence of Cr doping on the ground state properties of SrTiO3 Perovskite using GGA-PBE approximation. Results of the simulated model infer agreement with the previously published literature. The modification of electronic structure and optical properties due to Cr3+ doping levels in SrTiO3 has been investigated. Structural parameters infer that Cr3+ doping alters the electronic structures of SrTiO3 by shifting the conduction band through lower energies for the Sr and Ti sites. Substituting Ti site by Cr3+ results the energy gap in being eliminated revealing a new electrical case of conducting material for the system. Furthermore, it has been noticed that Cr doping either at Sr or Ti positions could effectiv
... Show MoreAims: The present study aims at assessing mothers’ knowledge of breastfeeding in Kirkuk governorate,
besides determining the relationship between mothers’ knowledge and some of their demographic
attributes.
Methodolgy: A descriptive study was used the assessment approach and applied on mothers in Kirkuk
governorate from January 15th 2011 to July 25th
, 2011. Non-probability sampling a convenience sample of
(72) mothers, attending pediatric general hospital in Kirkuk governorate for following up the health status
of their children, was selected for the purpose of the study. A questionnaire was developed for the
purpose of the study. It was comprised of two parts; the first part includes the mothers' demographic