Separate-layer balanced waterflooding development technology for thick and complex carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East

Based on the waterflooding development in carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East,in order to solve the problem of the poor development effects caused by commingled injection and production,taking the thick bioclastic limestone reservoirs of Cretaceous in Iran-Iraq as an example,this paper proposes a balanced waterflooding development technology for thick and complex carbonate reservoirs.This technology includes the fine division of development units by concealed baffles and barriers,the combination of multi well type and multi well pattern,and the construction of balanced water injection and recovery system.Thick carbonate reservoirs in Iran-Iraq are characterized by extremely vertical heterogeneity,development of multi-genesis ultra-high permeability zones,and highly concealed baffles and barriers.Based on the technologies of identification,characterization,and sealing evaluation for concealed baffles and barriers,the balanced waterflooding development technology is proposed,and three types of balanced waterflooding development modes/techniques are formed,namely,conventional stratigraphic framework,fine stratigraphic framework,and deepened stratigraphic framework.Numerical simulations show that this technology is able to realize a fine and efficient waterflooding development to recover,in a balanced manner,the reserves of thick and complex carbonate reservoirs in Iran and Iraq.The proposed technology provides a reference for the development optimization of similar reservoirs.

The Effects of Age and Ejaculatory Abstinence on Semen Quality and Reproductive Hormones in Africa and the Middle East

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effects of male age and ejaculatory abstinence on semen parameters and reproductive hormones among men residing in Africa and the Middle East. A total of 70,142 semen analysis results were analysed and grouped according to the age intervals (16 - 20, 21 - 30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50, 51 - 60, >60) and ejaculatory abstinence (<2 days, 2 - 5 days and >5 days). Semen parameters i.e. volume, concentration, progressive motility, total progressively motile count, morphology, total normal sperm count, DNA fragmentation, viability, sORP, normed sORP were specifically evaluated. Additionally, for each age interval, reproductive hormones i.e. estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone and prolactin were evaluated. Semen volume, total progressively motile count, sperm morphology and total normal sperm count constantly decrease significantly after the age of 30 years. Sperm concentration started declining significantly after the age of 50 years. There was a constant age- related increase in number of spermatozoa with damaged DNA. sORP constantly increased up to 60 years. Furthermore, constantage-related decreases in FSH, serum testosterone and prolact in were observed from patients aged between 16 years and 60 years. Semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology were significantly higher in patients having > 5 days of abstinence. Patients having > 5 days of abstinence had the lowest normed sORP. Male age significantly affects sperm parameters and reproductive hormones in fertile and infertile men residing in Africa and the Middle East. Prolonged abstinence days provides better semen quality.

Performance evaluation of microemulsion acid for integrated acid fracturing in Middle Eastern carbonate reservoirs

Considering the characteristics of carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East,a low-viscosity microemulsion acid that can be prepared on site and has an appropriate retardation ability was developed.It was compared with four conventional acid systems(hydrochloric acid,gelled acid,emulsified acid and surfactant acid)through experiments of rotating disk,multistage acid fracturing and core flooding with CT scanning.The micro-etching characteristics and conductivity of fracture surfaces were clarified,and the variation of saturation field during water invasion and flowback of spent acid and the recovery of oil phase relative permeability were quantitatively evaluated.The study shows that the addition of negatively charged agent to the oil core of microemulsion acid can enhance its adsorption capacity on the limestone surface and significantly reduce the H+mass transfer rate.Moreover,the negatively charged oil core is immiscible with the Ca^(2+)salt,so that the microemulsion acid can keep an overall structure not be damaged by Ca^(2+)salt generated during reaction,with adjustable adsorption capacity and stable microemulsion structure.With high vertical permeability along the fracture walls,the microemulsion acid can penetrate into deep fracture wall to form network etching,which helps greatly improve the permeability of reservoirs around the fractures and keep a high conductivity under a high closure pressure.The spent microemulsion acid is miscible with crude oil to form microemulsion.The microemulsion,oil and water are in a nearly miscible state,with basically no water block and low flowback resistance,the flowback of spent acid and the relative permeability of oil are recovered to a high degree.

Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer in the Middle East: A new enigma?

The Middle East is the home of ethnic groups from three main backgrounds: Semitic (Arabs and Jews), Indo-European (Persians and Kurdish) and Turkic (Turkish and Turkmens). Its geographic location, which has been under continuous influences from Asia, Europe and Africa, has made it an ideal site for epidemiological studies on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and genotyping. The gastric cancer rate differs in this region from very high in Iran (26.1/105) to low in Israel (12.5/105) and very low in Egypt (3.4/105). Epidemiological studies showed that the prevalence of H. pylori is almost similar in those countries with a high level of infection in childhood. Importantly, the frequency of vacA s1 and m1 regions and cagA+ genotypes were higher in non Semitic populations who inhabit the North than Semitic populations, the inhabitants of Southern parts of the Middle East. H. pylori infection prevalence, distribution pattern of virulence factors, diet and smoking could not have explained the difference in cancer rate. This reflects the multifactorial aetiology of gastric cancer and suggests that H. pylori infection does not always directly correlate with the risk for gastrointestinal disease, such as gastric cancer. Further detailed investigations and international comparative studies of each risk factor needto be performed to investigate whether this represents a true enigma.

Celiac disease in Middle Eastern and North African countries:A new burden?

Celiac disease(CD) is now recognized as a common disorder among Middle Eastern(ME) and North African(NA) populations.The aim of this review is to assess the available data regarding CD in the ME and NA and to compare this information with that of Western countries.A literature review was performed using the electronic databases PubMed and Medline(1950-2008) as search engines,and "celiac disease" was used as a Mesh term.The search was limited to ME and NA countries.The prevalence of CD in ME and NA countries among low risk populations is similar to that of Western countries,but is higher in high risk populations such as those with type 1 diabetes.It is underestimated because of lack of clinical suspicion and lack of patient awareness.Clinical presentations in term of gastrointestinal,hematologic,skeletal,and liver manifestations are similar between both populations except for a high prevalence of short stature in some ME and NA countries.Few studies have addressed atypical or silent CD.As in the West,diagnosis is initially made by serological tests and is confirmed by small intestinal biopsies.Gluten-free diet is the main mode of treatment with a higher apparent adherence rate than in the West.Most disease complications result from malabsorption.The disease is strongly associated with HLA DQ2 and to a lesser extent with HLA DQ8 alleles.In conclusion,CD prevalence is underestimated,with little data available about its malignant complications.Disease parameters in the ME and NA are otherwise similar to those in Western countries.

WINTERTIME MIDDLE EAST SUBTROPICAL WESTERLY JET STREAM INTERANNUAL VARIATION CHARACTERISTICS AND ITS POSSIBLE PHYSICAL FACTORS

Using National Centers for Environmental Prediction/Department of Energy(NCEP/DOE) monthly reanalysis data and an extended reconstruction of the sea surface temperature data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the basic characteristics of the interannual variation in the wintertime Middle East subtropical westerly jet stream(MEJ) and its possible physical factors are studied. The results show that the climatological mean MEJ axis extends southwestward-northeastward and that its center lies in the northwest part of the Arabian Peninsula. The south-north shift of the MEJ axis and its intensity show obvious interannual variations that are closely related to the ElNio-Southern Oscillation(ENSO) and the mid-high latitude atmospheric circulation. The zonal symmetric response of the Asian jet to the ENSO-related tropical convective forcing causes the MEJ axis shift, and the Arctic Oscillation(AO)causes the middle-western MEJ axis shift. Due to the influences of both the zonal symmetric response of the Asian jet to the ENSO-related tropical convective forcing and the dynamical role of the AO, an east-west out-of-phase MEJ axis shift is observed. Furthermore, the zonal asymmetric response to the ENSO-related tropical convective forcing can lead to an anomalous Mediterranean convergence(MC) in the high troposphere. The MC anomaly excites a zonal wave train along the Afro-Asian jet, which causes the middle-western MEJ axis shift. Under the effects of both the zonal symmetric response to the ENSO-related tropical convective forcing and the wave train along the Afro-Asian jet excited by the MC anomaly, an east-west in-phase MEJ axis shift pattern is expressed. Finally, the AO affects the MEJ intensity, whereas the East Atlantic(EA) teleconnection influences the middle-western MEJ intensity. Under the dynamical roles of the AO and EA, the change in the MEJ intensity is demonstrated.

Serological Study of An Imported Case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and His Close Contacts in China, 2015

The first imported Middle East respiratory syndrome （MERS） case in China was identified in May 2015. We determined the kinetics of antibody （IgG and IgM） and neutralizing antibodies against MERS-coronavirus （MERS-CoV） in this case before discharge. Moreover, no seroconversion was found among 53 close contacts by anti-MERS IgG antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） of paired serum samples. These findings suggest that neither community nor nosocomial transmission of MERS-CoV occurred in China.

Epidemiology of type 2 diabetes in the Middle East and North Africa:Challenges and call for action

Type 2 diabetes continues to be a serious and highly prevalent public health problem worldwide.In 2019,the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world at 12.2%,with its associated morbidity and mortality,was found in the Middle East and North Africa region.In addition to a genetic predisposition in its population,evidence suggests that obesity,physical inactivity,urbanization,and poor nutritional habits have contributed to the high prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in the region.These risk factors have also led to an earlier onset of type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents,negatively affecting the productive years of the youth and their quality of life.Furthermore,efforts to control the rising prevalence of diabetes and its complications have been challenged and complicated by the political instability and armed conflict in some countries of the region and the recent coronavirus disease 2019.Broad strategies,coupled with targeted interventions at the regional,national,and community levels are needed to address and curb the spread of this public health crisis.

Occult hepatitis C virus infection in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean countries:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The presence of hepatitis C virus(HCV)RNA in liver tissue or peripheral blood mononuclear cells with no identified virus genome in the serum has been reported worldwide among patients with either normal or elevated serum liver enzymes.The characterization of occult HCV infection(OCI)epidemiology in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean(M and E)countries,a region with the highest incidence and prevalence rates of HCV infection in the world,would be effective for more appropriate control of the infection.AIM To estimate the pooled prevalence of OCI in M and E countries using a systematic review and meta-analysis.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using international,regional and local electronic databases.Some conference proceedings and references from bibliographies were also reviewed manually.The search was carried out during May and June 2020.Original observational surveys were considered if they assessed the prevalence of OCI among the population of M and E countries by examination of HCV nucleic acid in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in at least 30 cases selected by random or non-random sampling methods.The meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-analysis software based on heterogeneity assessed by Cochran’s Q test and I-square statistics.Data were considered statistically significant at a P value<0.05.RESULTS A total of 116 non-duplicated citations were found in electronic sources and grey literature.A total of 51 non-overlapping original surveys were appraised,of which 37 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis.Data were available from 5 of 26 countries including Egypt,Iran,Pakistan,Saudi Arabia,and Turkey.The overall prevalence rate of OCI was estimated at 10.04%(95%CI:7.66%-13.05%).The lowest OCI rate was observed among healthy subjects(4.79%,95%CI:2.86%-7.93%).The higher rates were estimated for patients suffering from chronic liver diseases(12.04%,95%CI:5.87%-23.10%),and multi-transfused patients(8.71%,95%CI:6.05%-12.39%).Subgroup analysis indicated that the OCI rates were probably not associated with the studied subpopulations,country,year of study,the detection method of HCV RNA,sample size,patients’HCV serostatus,and sex(all P>0.05).Meta-regression analyses showed no significant time trends in OCI rates among different groups.CONCLUSION This review estimated high rates of OCI prevalence in M and E countries,especially among multi-transfused patients as well as patients with chronic liver diseases.

Impact of Green Buildings( LEED and Estidama) in the Middle East and China

0 Introduction The growing number of accredited green buildings reflects the development and adoption of various green building rating systems in our building construction industry globally and within the Middle East over the past 5 years.While the US based LEED system,Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,has been widely utilized as an international

The Influence of Jewish Americans on U. S. Middle East Policy

Ever since the establishment of Israeli statehood in 1948, the United States has been its staunch supporter. This is because of their common beliefs in values, political system and ideology, and America’s interests in the Middle East. However one important factor cannot be ignored., the influence of Jewish Americans’ political forces on U. S. Middle East policy. Since few articles deal with such a topic systematically in China, this essay tries to make a preliminary study on it.

Cloud Computing Perceived Importance in the Middle Eastern Firms: The Cases of Jordan, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates from the Operational Level

Firms need cloud computing adoption for strategic and competitive goals, generating business value, and at last gaining competitive advantage. This study reviews the literature regarding cloud computing and IT governance, and presents a research model along with its hypotheses formulation to examine the factors impacting cloud computing perceived importance in several Arab firms, specifically Jordan, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates by using the integration of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) model and Technology-Organizational-Environmental (TOE) framework as adapted from [1]. 329 returned surveys from top, middle-level IT managers, and IT employees from the operational level of the studied firms were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique. The study found relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, organizational readiness, top management commitment, and training and education as important variables for impacting cloud computing adoption using perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness as mediating variables. The model explained 61%, 63%, and 74% of cloud computing adoption for perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived importance respectively.

Management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the Middle East

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)in the Middle East is increasing in parallel to an increase in the prevalence of associated risk factors such as obesity,metabolic syndrome,and type 2 diabetes mellitus.About 20%to 30%of the patients progress to develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH),a histological subtype of NAFLD,with features of hepatocyte injury such as hepatocyte ballooning.NASH can progress to fibrosis,cirrhosis,and even hepatocellular carcinoma.NAFLD thus causes a substantial burden on healthcare systems and it is imperative that appropriate strategies are discussed at a regional level to facilitate effective management tailored to the needs of the region.To fulfil this unmet need,expert gastroenterologists,hepatologists,and endocrinologists from the region came together in three advisory board meetings that were conducted in Saudi Arabia,United Arab Emirates,and Kuwait,to discuss current local challenges in NAFLD screening and diagnosis,and the different available management options.The experts discussed the disease burden of NAFLD/NASH in the Middle East;screening,diagnosis,and referral patterns in NAFLD;and available treatment options for NAFLD and NASH.This paper summarizes the discussions and opinion of the expert panel on the management of NAFLD/NASH and also presents an extensive literature review on the topic.

Dietary phytochemical consumption is inversely associated with liver alkaline phosphatase in Middle Eastern adults

BACKGROUND The hepatoprotective effects of phytochemicals are controversial.A dietary phytochemical index(DPI)has been suggested as an alternative method for quantifying the phytochemical content of foods.AIM To assess the DPI in relation to liver function tests among a representative sample of Iranian adults.METHODS A total of 5111 participants aged 35-70 years old were included in this cross-sectional study by a multistage cluster random sampling method.Dietary intakes were collected by a validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire with 121 items.DPI was calculated by the percent of daily energy intake taken from phytochemical-rich foods.Fasting serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and gamma glutamyl transferase(GGT)were determined.Linear regression was used to investigate the association between DPI and levels of liver enzymes using crude and adjusted models.RESULTS There was an inverse association between DPI score and serum ALP in the crude model(β=-0.05;P<0.001).This association remained significant after adjustment for body mass index,age,smoking,energy intake,history of diabetes,and education(β=-0.03;P=0.01).No significant associations were found between DPI score and serum levels of AST,ALT,and GGT.The individuals with the highest DPI scores consumed significantly higher amounts of fruits,vegetables,legumes,nuts,and cereals,yet were shown to have significantly higher serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,as well as several other metabolic abnormalities.CONCLUSION Higher adherence to phytochemical-rich foods was associated with lower levels of ALP,but no change in other liver enzymes.Those with higher DPI scores also consumed food items associated with a healthier overall dietary pattern;however,they also presented several unexpected metabolic derangements.Additional randomised trials are needed to better determine the effects of phytochemical-rich foods on liver function.

Mental health impact of the Middle East respiratory syndrome,SARS,and COVID-19:A comparative systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Over the last few decades,3 pathogenic pandemics have impacted the global population;severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus(SARS-CoV),Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus(MERS-CoV)and SARS-CoV-2.The global disease burden has attributed to millions of deaths and morbidities,with the majority being attributed to SARS-CoV-2.As such,the evaluation of the mental health(MH)impact across healthcare professionals(HCPs),patients and the general public would be an important facet to evaluate to better understand short,medium and long-term exposures.AIM To identify and report:(1)MH conditions commonly observed across all 3 pandemics;(2)Impact of MH outcomes across HCPs,patients and the general public associated with all 3 pandemics;and(3)The prevalence of the MH impact and clinical epidemiological significance.METHODS A systematic methodology was developed and published on PROSPERO(CRD42021228697).The databases PubMed,EMBASE,ScienceDirect and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were used as part of the data extraction process,and publications from January 1,1990 to August 1,2021 were searched.MeSH terms and keywords used included Mood disorders,PTSD,Anxiety,Depression,Psychological stress,Psychosis,Bipolar,Mental Health,Unipolar,Self-harm,BAME,Psychiatry disorders and Psychological distress.The terms were expanded with a‘snowballing’method.Cox-regression and the Monte-Carlo simulation method was used in addition to I2 and Egger’s tests to determine heterogeneity and publication bias.RESULTS In comparison to MERS and SARS-CoV,it is evident SAR-CoV-2 has an ongoing MH impact,with emphasis on depression,anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.CONCLUSION It was evident MH studies during MERS and SARS-CoV was limited in comparison to SARS-CoV-2,with much emphasis on reporting symptoms of depression,anxiety,stress and sleep disturbances.The lack of comprehensive studies conducted during previous pandemics have introduced limitations to the“know-how”for clinicians and researchers to better support patients and deliver care with limited healthcare resources.

Evolution of Middle East's Power Structure

Wang: The U. S. stated purposes of military actions against Iraq are to "overthrow Saddam" and "transform Iraq. " I am afraid such actions would cause a big stir. Tang: I think so. American military actions against Iraq will not only promote the birth of a new Iraq but also change the international relations and military balance in the Middle East. Washington’s revealed intention shows that it hopes to create a democratic and pro-

MIDDLE EAST

What is waiting ahead for the Middle East peace is anything but a smooth sail-ing. Shortly after assuming power in June, 1996, Benjamin Netanyahu, leader ofthe Israeli Likud group, switched from the stand of the former Labor Party gov-ernment by rejecting the principle of "land for peace". This threw the Middle

Life after recovery from SARS,influenza,and Middle East respiratory syndrome: An insight into possible long-term consequences of COVID-19

Viral infectious diseases have become an increased public health issue in the past 20 years.The outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus(SARSCoV-1)in 2002,influenza H1N1 in 2009,Middle East respiratory syndrome-CoV in 2012,and the current new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 have shown that viral infectious diseases are a major concern in the 21st century.As the world lives under the pandemic of a new coronavirus(COVID-19),knowing the clinical characteristics from those past diseases and their long-term outcomes is important to understand the current coronavirus pandemic and its complications and consequences better and plan for possible future outbreaks.Several long-term complications have been described with these respiratory viral diseases,such as decreased pulmonary function,pulmonary fibrosis,chronic fatigue syndrome,avascular necrosis of bone,polyneuropathy,encephalitis,posttraumatic stress disorder,depression,and anxiety.This article summarizes several studies describing chronic complications and long-term outcomes of patients recovered from these viral syndromes.

Hepatitis C virus among blood donors and general population in Middle East and North Africa:Meta-analyses and meta-regressions

BACKGROUND Despite the Middle East and North Africa(MENA)Region reported to have the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus(HCV)globally,HCV infection levels in the majority of MENA countries remain inadequately characterized.Blood donor data have been previously used as a proxy to assess levels and trends of HCV in the general population,however,it is unclear how comparable these populations are in MENA and whether blood donors provide an appropriate proxy.AIM To delineate HCV epidemiology among blood donors and the general population in the MENA.METHODS The data source was the systematically gathered MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project Database.Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were conducted.For comparison,analyses were conducted for Europe,utilizing the Hepatitis C Prevalence Database of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.RESULTS One thousand two hundred and thirteen HCV antibody prevalence measures and 84 viremic rate measures were analyzed for MENA.Three hundred and seventyseven antibody prevalence measures were analyzed for Europe.In MENA,pooled mean prevalence was 1.58%[95%confidence interval(CI):1.48%–1.69%]among blood donors and 4.49%(95%CI:4.10%–4.90%)in the general population.In Europe,pooled prevalence was 0.11%(95%CI:0.10%–0.13%)among blood donors and 1.59%(95%CI:1.25%–1.97%)in the general population.Prevalence in the general population was 1.72-fold(95%CI:1.50–1.97)higher than that in blood donors in MENA,but it was 15.10-fold(95%CI:11.48–19.86)higher in Europe.Prevalence was declining at a rate of 4%per year in both MENA and Europe[adjusted risk ratio:0.96(95%CI:0.95–0.97)in MENA and 0.96(95%CI:0.92–0.99)in Europe].Pooled mean viremic rate in MENA was 76.29%(95%CI:67.64%–84.02%)among blood donors and 65.73%(95%CI:61.03%–70.29%)in the general population.CONCLUSION Blood donor data provide a useful proxy for HCV infection in the wider population in MENA,but not Europe,and could improve HCV burden estimations and assess progress toward HCV elimination by 2030.

Four Characteristics of Current Political Situation in the Middle East

In the second decade of the 21st century,turmoil in the Middle East is doomed to be one of the chief events of international politics.The basic characteristics of the Middle East politics has changed,due to complicated reasons related to political turbulence,the change of energy structure,the adjustments in the policies of the leading world powers,and other factors.These changes could well be a beginning of the long-term trend,and eventually change the history of the Middle East politics.