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Maryam Hafizi,1,2 Masoud Soleimani,3 Sajad Noorian,4 Somayeh Kalanaky,2 Saideh Fakharzadeh,2 Nafiseh Tavakolpoor Saleh,5 Mohammad Hassan Nazaran,2,* Mohammad Esmaeil Akbari,1,*1Cancer Research Centre, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2Department of Research and Development, Sodour Ahrar Shargh Company, Tehran, Iran; 3Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; 4Department of Statistics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Qom, Qom, Iran; 5Stem Cell Technology Research Center, Tehran, Iran*These authors contributed equally to this work.Background: Our previous findings showed that BCc1, a nanoparticle designed based on nanochelating technology, can be considered a new anti-cancer nanoparticle if confirmed by complementary studies.Goal: In the present study, we investigated the effects of the BCc1 nanoparticle alone on some gene expressions influencing the apoptosis pathway, and also the effect of the mixture of BCc1 nanoparticle and doxorubicin on survival.Method: Using an in vitro study, the effects of the BCc1 nanoparticle on Bax, Bcl2, p53, Caspase7 and p21 gene expressions were assessed after a 24-h treatment using real-time PCR in MCF-7 and MEFs; in addition, using an in vivo study, 4T1 tumor-bearing female Balb/c mice were treated with different doses of the BCc1 nanoparticle and doxorubicin alone and together and then their mean and median survival was evaluated.Result: The results showed that the BCc1 nanoparticle increased gene expressions of RB, p53, Caspase7, p21, and Bax and decreased gene expressions of Bcl2 in MCF-7 significantly, but no change was observed in MEFs expressions. The findings revealed that the BCc1 nanoparticle, when used orally, had the highest mean and median survival time. A mixture of a high dose of the BCc1 nanoparticle (1 mg/kg) and a low dose of doxorubicin (0.1 mg/kg) showed synergistic effects on enhanced life span, while doxorubicin dose was prescribed approximately 50 times less than the murine applicable dose (5 mg/kg).Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that the BCc1 nanoparticle not only has the potential to become a novel nanomedicine for cancer therapy, but it can also provide the basis of a new medicine for cancer management when mixed with a lower applicable dose of doxorubicin.Keywords: BCc1 nanoparticle, cancer, doxorubicin, nanochelating technology, murine 4T1 tumor model

Production Enhancement (PE) opportunities in a 30 years-old Field D in Balingian province, offshore of Sarawak, Malaysia are dwindling. Behind casing opportunities (BCO) in relation to bypassed pay with good reservoir properties are either already perforated and produced or too costly and complex to be executed due to well issues. An in-house evaluation tool, Resolution Enhanced Modelling (REM), was developed by PETRONAS Petrophysics Department to evaluate and characterize thin beds or laminations. These Low-Resistivity-Low-Contrast (LRLC) sands are commonly bypassed as conventional logging tools cannot resolve their true parametric values and the apparent log responses across these zones appeared as shaly sand. By running REM across these intervals, the properties of the thin sands can be properly characterized, improving the net pay and economics of perforating and producing these reservoirs. In addition, a Rock Type (RT) based technique was used to evaluate some LRLC candidates in Field D. REM was run on LRLC sections in idle wells to evaluate their potential. To derisk and test the methodology, Well A3 with relatively more promising results was chosen as the first well to be perforated. Moreover, both strings of Well A3 were idle which makes it operationally easier to carry out the perforation job. From the initial analysis, the LRLC intervals in Well A3 could contribute to additional reserves of 0.3 MMstb with start rate of 300 bopd. The job required usage of barge assisted coiled tubing to pump cement and shut off existing high watercut zone and slickline to perforate through tubing. The actual job duration was prolonged from 30 days to 50 days due to monsoon season, driving the cost up to twice the planned amount. Post perforation, the initial oil rate was tested to be 500 bopd. After increasing the choke size, the well could flow at 800 bopd. Convinced by the success of Well A3, the same methodology was applied to Well C8 located at the north side of the field. Well C8 encountered operational difficulties such as lower than expected top of cement and perforation gun malfunction, resulting in only 54% of the proposed depth being perforated. Well C8 produced high gas, with initial well test rate of 10 bopd. Managing a brownfield where the easy oil is mostly exhausted can be challenging. Therefore, the team has to be more creative in unlocking the remaining oil and prolonging the life of a well. By using REM, the overlooked potentials hidden in LRLC sands can be accurately estimated, making the economics to perforate them more attractive to pursue.

To control and equalize the horizontal well drawdown, Autonomous Inflow Control Device (AICD) are planned to be installed along the homogenous reservoirs in five infill wells at B field, Sarawak offshore (Malaysia). The very low viscosity contrast between oil and water (0.6cp and 0.5cp) with 37API degree at B gives unfavorable mobility ratio and water flows with a higher velocity than the oil. This paper presents the interdisciplinary approach to completion design needs which evaluated the efficiency and performance between conventional completions compared with passive inflow control device (ICD), AICD namely Rate Control Production (RCP) and Fluidic Diode to qualify the representative technologies for use at B fields. The very purpose of this flow control device is the extension of well life due to deferment of water and/or gas production prior to water and/or gas breakthrough occurs. Flow performance tests are used to measure the performance of these various flow control devices at representative downhole conditions. The comparative analysis was primarily based on elapsed time comparisons for water/oil ratio (WOR), gas/oil ratio and water cut and sensitivity to historical drawdown, productivity index and production cumulative performance. To reduce formation damage and screen plugging effect in these horizontal section, appropriate fluid conditioning, fluid displacement, filter cake breaker system and compatibility between screen and the fluid in which the bottom hole assembly (BHA) will be deployed are discussed in this paper. The gas-water-control completion using AICD technology is predicted to provide significant benefit during the field development with incremental oil recovery around 10-40%, allowing well production with low water and gas production.

Oil production from the field begin with the first oil in January 2003. Unfortunately, the wells produced viscous emulsion which caused the production decline rapidly. Further analysis of the production data showed that the decline in production over a long period of time is very consistent with organic deposition at or near the perforation interval. Over the years, several analyses and production enhancement efforts including chemical and mechanical treatments have been attempted with minimal success. The damaging mechanism was determined to be caused by rare High Molecular Weight Organic Deposit (HMWOD) that have caused a significant pressure drop in the tubing, which consequently restrict oil production and tested to only disperse at above 90°C. It was suspected that the deposit was a naturally-occurring component of the crude oil itself, separating from the bulk of the crude as a consequence of the fluids movement towards the wellbore and the consequent drop in fluid pressure. An eco-friendly nano-fluid was developed and pilot treatment conducted in February 2014, which successfully rejuvenated the well back to production. Subsequent treatment was conducted in early 2018 on the same well and later replicated on another well as part of technology maturation process. This paper incorporates laboratory tests conducted to customize the nano-fluid, engineering approach on the treatment volume, simulation analysis on treatment schedules, treatment procedure as guidance for offshore personnel and actual field result of the treatments. Remedial treatment for near wellbore HMWOD using novel nano-fluid has successfully revived the wells back to production. Further development and replication would open-up bigger opportunities to unlock potential of wells with similar organic deposit issue throughout PETRONAS' operation.

When a well has been diagnosed with formation damage, the norm is for operators to propose reservoir stimulation via acid/solvent pumping. In Field T, located offshore Bintulu in Malaysia, mineralogy understanding is limited as cores available only represent a few reservoirs. For those reservoirs which do not possess representative cores, it is a risk to prescribe any chemical. Historically, acid and solvent stimulation do not hold a good track record in T field. Hence, it is essential seek other stimulation methods that do not involve the requirement for mineralogy. The UST (ultrasonic stimulation) technology operates on the concept of ultrasonic waves combined with low frequency waves breaking nearby damage up to 1000m into the reservoir. The resonator is conveyed by E-line, hence, possessing a smaller footprint as compared to mobilization of a pumping unit and chemical tanks. Platforms in Field T are small, hence, bringing a pumping package onboard will require hiring a barge due to limited deck space. Seemingly, operational risks are reduced as there is no need for manual chemical handling. The selling point of this technology is minimal well downtime as the stimulation can be performed on a live well, which further reduces possibility of damaging formation during stimulation due to secondary chemical reactions. UST was piloted on 2 wells in Field T: Well X and Y. Well X showed an initial 30% gain post stimulation. Well Y was showing signs of clogged gas lift valves. Post operation observed pressure communication between tubing and casing which suggests that UST successfully broke the wax that was clogging the gas lift valves. A takeback from this project would be to not only stimulate the target reservoir, but to also stimulate the tubing walls and gas lift valves if there are any suspected valve plugging in the well. This paper will describe the technology that was used to stimulate the well in an environmentally friendly, non-invasive method. For fields with limited mineralogy data and deck space, it is recommended to explore an alternative stimulation method, such as UST, on the wells.

Considering the oil prices hovering at low levels, opportunities to reduce the cost and enhance productivities becomes the new routine, to improve the net present value, and reduce operating cost. Field A is located offshore West Malaysia with production started in 1960's. Idle or uneconomic producing wells went through detailed study to identify and appraise possible behind casing opportunities prior to plug and abandon. The detailed assessment targeted to verify hydrocarbon-bearing sands, in reservoirs known to be fine to very fine and interbedded silts and clays layers. To identify the present behind casing hydrocarbon saturation, and assess reservoir depletion, advanced pulsed neutron capture surveillance is used in the low contrast reservoir. A combination of elastic and inelastic pulse neutron logging, supplemented with total organic carbon (TOC) was carried out. TOC, Sigma, and near to far detectors were used to ascertain the presence of hydrocarbon. Results were compared to the open-hole saturation to identify possible depletion, and differentiate it from annulus-trapped hydrocarbon. Completion was cemented and considered as a new casing. Two self-oriented perforation runs were carried out in each interval to ensure penetrating the two casings into the reservoir. Results coming from pulsed neutron capture indicated presence of HC in various reservoirs; these results were cross-confirmed by sigma and carbon/oxygen logging. TOC computed oil volume is compared to the CO yields computed oil volume, and Sigma derived saturation to identify water bearing zones. Fluid typing was carried out to confirm the fluid properties are not changed. Contradicting results were looked into and verified. Sigma derived saturation was found to be influenced by complex lithology patterns such as carbonate and coal streaks. False HC indications such as behind annulus trapped oil and gas were identified using combination of thermal and burst rations with far and deep late capture curves. Redistributed saturation lead to firming new opportunities that were not considered earlier. Identified prospects were later categorized, and further allocated between long and short strings to minimize depletion and maximize well potential. Tubing annulus is cemented to ensure zonal isolation and ensure well integrity, as a result, two runs of perforations were planned for each interval to increase depth of penetration and improve productivity. The use of all available data allowed to derisk planned perforations and add additional resources. The developed workflow enlightens the best practice to budgetary recomplete low producing offshore wells. The niche low cost data acquisition, and assessment maximized and ascertained reservoir potential and ensure all available opportunities are looked into without being misled by late well life completion, cementation problems accumulated over time. The followed workflow ensured booking the additional reserves and allowed bringing well back to life at low cost.

Flow assurance has been a big focus of oil and gas operation in ensuring the delivery of the targeted production. A few fields located offshore Malaysia have been experiencing solid deposition inside tubing and stable micro-emulsion from early stage of their life. Oil production from Field W begin in January 2003, unfortunately the wells produced viscous stable emulsion which caused the production decline significantly. Multiple analyses and efforts, including chemical and mechanical treatments, conducted over the years with minimal success. The damaging mechanism was determined to be caused by rare organic deposit that have caused a significant pressure drop in the tubing, which consequently restrict oil production and tested to only disperse at above 90°C. It was suspected that the organic deposit was a naturally occurring component of the crude oil itself, separating from the bulk of the crude as a consequence of the fluids movement towards the wellbore and the consequent drop in fluid pressure. This paper focuses on the step-by-step workflow developed to identify the solid deposition, laboratory testing, treatments conducted and the result of different chemical treatments in Field W. The ultimate effort was by developing an advanced eco-friendly nano-fluid to remediate the rare issue of High Molecular Weight Organic Deposit (HMWOD) in the fields. The nano-fluid pilot treatment was conducted in 2014 and successfully rejuvenate the well with total of 20,000bbl incremental oil volume. Early 2018, subsequent treatments were conducted that contributed substantial improvement to the field production and at lower total treatment cost. This advanced chemical using nano-fluid technology concept is deemed feasible and will be further replicated in other fields. This paper is highly beneficial to Operators, Petroleum and Flow Assurance Engineers experiencing flow assurance issue on organic scale such as microcrystalline wax, high molecular weight wax and stable emulsion in the crude production. This paper also promotes the use of nano-fluid technology as part of the solution to flow assurance issue in Oil and Gas industry.

Many oil and gas fields have long been suffering from sand production due to either the absence or failure of primary well sand control. To avoid mobilizing costly work-over rig to pull out the tubing, operators have tried various thru-tubing remedial sand control. The well's condition such as sands accumulation and space constraints due to small inner diameter of tubing always make this remedial job challenging. It is not surprising that the results are not all satisfactory. Among the industry-recognized remedial sand control, Stand Alone Screen (SAS) is the simplest and the cheapest method. Many SAS have been installed but most were failed with screen erosion as the main failure mechanism. Flowing high velocity fluid with sands wears out the screen fast making it impossible for the sands to bridge and to create formation sand pack around the screen. Ceramic Sand Screen (CSS) technology which was recently introduced to the industry aims to address this erosion issue. Having more than ten times hardness of stainless steel, sintered silicon carbide ceramic material in CSS offers superior resistance to wear. The pilot was conducted by installing CSS in three (3) selected wells with sand production history. While waiting for acoustic sand monitoring installation, the wells were put on production with the same choke size and regular manual samplings were conducted to monitor the sand production. The acoustic sand monitoring campaign began in November 2017. Sands production was carefully monitored during the process to determine the final choke size at which the wells would continuously produce. In the middle of the campaign due to adverse weather conditions, all non-essential personnel had to be abruptly demobilised from the field leaving acoustic sensors hooked-up to the respective flow line. This gave opportunity to have unplanned extended sand monitoring window. Loss of Primary Containment (LOPCs) occurred in two CSS wells not long after that. In one the choke body was heavily eroded and the other well had a punched hole at the first elbow of the flowline. These incidents prompted full investigation to be conducted. This included pulling out the installed CSS and performed tear down analysis. Acoustic sand monitoring that just happened to be available in one of the wells proved to be critical in understanding the CSS failure. The paper presents briefly on the CSS pilot project, the chronology of events until the incident, sands production trend from the acoustic sand monitoring. Using all available information, the paper provides details analysis on CSS failure mechanism.

Foreign exchange is among the most important transactions in any economy. It can affect positively or negatively the relative price of domestic and foreign goods, which in turn has an effect on the country’s economic growth, employment rate, inflation and balance of payments, among others. Yet, foreign exchange has remained a contentious issue among Muslim jurists and scholars. There are those who approve spot transactions but regard forward transactions as unlawful. Conversely, some scholars and jurists do not see any problem with the forward transactions if they are used for hedging purposes. In the context of the contemporary business environment, this contention requires pertinent research in need of revisiting the illah (effective cause/reason) for determining whether a given foreign exchange transaction is Shari’ah compliant. The present study has critically reviewed the major literature and fatwas issued in relation to foreign exchange. It has adopted content analysis to categorize these various views on the subject and preponderated the major ones relevant to modern business. The authors have concluded that the only possible illah to be considered for modern paper money is a thummuniyah (means of payment). The study concludes with recommendations and suggestions for future research.

In this work we consider an isothermic relativistic kinetic gas under relativistic conditions, as a model for high center density galaxies. We apply the radius cutoff of the Emden type, in order to remove infinities. Numerically we find some theoretical configurations with very high values of masses concentrated in small volumes. Profiles of some thermodynamic quantities such as density, presure, will be independent from the choice of radius cutoff, whereas temperature and gravitational potential depend essentially on the cutoff value.

Background: Ferulago carduchorum Boiss and Hausskn belongs to the Apiaceae family. This plant grows in west part of Iran that local people added it to dairy and oil ghee to delay expiration date and give them a pleasant taste. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, acetyl cholinesterase inhibition, cytotoxic, larvicidal activities and composition of essential oil of F. carduchorum. Methods: Acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory, larvicidal activities and chemical composition of essential oil of F. carduchorum were investigated. Besides, antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of essential oil were tested using DPPH, microdilution method and MTT assay, respectively. Results: The major components of essential oil were (z)-β-ocimene (43.3%), α-pinene (18.23%) and bornyl acetate (3.98%). Among 43 identified components, monoterpenes were the most compounds (84.63%). The essential oil had noticeable efficiency against Candida albicans (MIC= 2340 μg ml-1) and it was effective against Anopheles stephensi with LC50 and LC90 values of 12.78 and 47.43 ppm, respectively. The essential oil could inhibit AChE (IC50= 23.6 μl ml-1). The essential oil showed high cytotoxicity on T47D, HEP-G2 and HT-29 cell lines (IC50< 2 μg ml-1). Conclusion: The essential oil of F. carduchorum collected from west of Iran had anti-Candida, larvicidal and cytotoxicity effects and should be further investigated in others in vitro and in vivo experimental models.