bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Powder Obtained from Surface of Waste-Plastic Bricks
Authors: Kedare Rutticka
Published: April 2020

The basic aim of this work is to perform characterization of the powder obtained from surface of waste plastic brick which in turn provides a base to study the physical and chemical composition of bricks made from waste plastic bags and sand (Plastic bricks). The powder used for characterization was obtained from the surface of waste plastic bricks by scratching the surface of bricks with knife-like stainless-steel instruments. Before characterization, this powder was strained through a double layer strainer (mesh number 325, pore size 44 microns) to obtain fine powder particles. This fine powder was further characterised for determining the particle size, crystallinity percentage, elemental composition and to find functional groups present. The techniques used in characterization of powder includes X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy / Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FESEM/EDS). The results obtained from XRD data analysis showed the particle size to be 9.595 nanometres with a crystallinity percentage of 2.113275 percent. EDS and FTIR results when studied simultaneously showed presence of clay minerals like MgO, SiO2, Al2O3, etc.
ANÁLISIS CRÍTICO DEL CONCEPTO DE APÁTRIDA DE FACTO
Authors: Peruana de Derecho Internacional Sociedad
Published: April 2020

El presente artículo tiene como finalidad analizar de forma concisa la definición deapatridia de iure contenida en el artículo 1, inciso 1 de la Convención sobre el Estatuto de losApátridas (1954) y criticar el concepto de apatridia de facto que ha desarrollado un grupo deexpertos convocado por el Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Refugiados(ACNUR).
FOREIGN OWNERSHIP AS A NEGLECTED FACTOR IN REGIONS’ SMART SPECIALISATION EXPORTS
Authors: Nazarczuk Jarosław M. , Umiński Stanisław , Jurkiewicz Tomasz
Published: April 2020

A region can internationalise in various ways. The question is what type of internationalisation at regional level
can be regarded as “smart” and what role should be played in it by foreign owned entities (FOEs)? The paper aims at identifying the role
played by FOEs in NUTS-2 smart specialisations’ (SS’s) internationalisation through exports. With the use of a set of PCSE regressions,
the paper depicts the role of FOEs in creating SS-compliant exports against the background of their influence on total regional exports.
The obtained results proved the positive role of FOEs in regional exports per se and SS-compliant exports. Yet, FOEs differed substantially,
as compared to indigenous entities, in terms of product/regional specialisation and technological advancement. The findings imply the importance
of FOEs’ embeddedness in regions’ economies and possibility of their incorporation in creating or enhancing regional comparative advantages.
The paper contributes by: (i) providing empirical verification of one of the aspects of SS strategy which is exports and establishing
comprehensive insight into the evaluation of SS, (ii) depicting the role of FOEs in generating SS-compliant exports, (iii) proposing a set
of measures to be used in the extended empirical evaluation of SS consequences in the sphere of exports.
Evaluation of Biting Force of New Design of Extracoronal Castable Precision Attachment versus Conventional Partial Denture for Treatment of Unilateral Mandibular Distal Extension Area: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Afify Mohamed , Helmy M. , Abbas N.
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate biting force of patients with unilateral mandibular distal extension area treated with two different designs of the removable partial denture (RPD), conventional RPD, and new design of extracoronal castable precision attachment (OT Unilateral attachment).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 16 patients with unilateral mandibular distal extension area with the second premolar is the last abutment teeth. The patients were divided into two equal groups, Group I received conventional RPD, which provides cross arch stabilization and a double Aker clasp was fabricated. Group II received new design of extracoronal castable precision attachment (OT Unilateral attachment). Evaluation of biting force by loadstar sensor, patients of both groups were evaluated at the time of prosthesis insertion, 3, 6, and 1 year later. Statistical analysis performing one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukeyâ€™s post hoc test to compare between all follow-up periods within each group, comparison between two groups regarding each follow-up period was performed by independent t-test.
RESULTS: Both treatments yielded better after-treatment summary when compared with the baseline; however, better results were obtained and showed a statistically significant increase in Group II (OT unilateral design), especially after 3, 6 months, and 1 year later.
CONCLUSION: From the results of this study, it was concluded that: It is preferable to use the new design of extracoronal castable precision attachment (OT unilateral) being simpler, more comfortable to the patients and give high masticatory efficiency in the form of biting force than conventional RPD.
Medium-term adaptation of public health systems under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic: challenges and proposals
Authors: Malofeeva Ekaterina V.
Published: April 2020

The research note examines some aspects of the medium-term adaptation of public health care systems to the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic consequences of the pandemic are likely to tighten the budget constraints in public healthcare, what will force policymakers to reallocate, rather increase financing; this reallocation should be done taking into consideration new disease and disability risk profile. Epidemiological uncertainty will additionally complicate the planning.
A checklist of the amphibians and reptiles of Sinaloa, Mexico with a conservation status summary and comparisons with neighboring states
Authors: Lemos-Espinal Julio A. , Smith Geoffrey R.
Published: April 2020

Sinaloa possesses a rich biota with unique characteristics due to its proximity to the northern deserts, the tropical lowlands of the south, and the temperate environments of the western slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico. However, threats to its environment makes understanding the biological diversity of Sinaloa crucial. A checklist of the amphibians and reptiles has been generated, and the conservation status of Sinaloa’s herpetofauna summarized with the aim of understanding the potential conservation or management needs. Sinaloa has 159 species of amphibians and reptiles, including 39 species of amphibians and 120 species of reptiles. The herpetofauna of Sinaloa has relatively few species of conservation concern at a global and national scale (IUCN and SEMARNAT lists), but Environmental Vulnerability Scores suggest that there might be greater conservation concerns for the Sinaloa herpetofauna. Families of particular conservation concern include Craugastoridae, Eleutherodactylidae, Ambystomatidae, Crocodylidae, Dactyloidae, Eublepharidae, Helodermatidae, Iguanidae, Phrynosomatidae, Phyllodactylidae, Colubridae, Natricidae, Viperidae, Cheloniidae, and Dermochelyidae.
Pour une métropole circulaire, ici et maintenant
Authors: Grosse François
Published: April 2020

Comme le soulignait à nouveau Jean Haëntjens dans notre numéro de janvier-février 2020 1 , face à la lenteur sinon l’inertie des États en matière de lutte contre le changement climatique, les échelons locaux, et les villes en particulier, pourraient bien prendre les choses en main et devenir « locomotives » des États pour enclencher des actions concrètes. François Grosse va dans le même sens, dans cet article de notre deuxième volet de la série consacrée aux questions climatiques et énergétiques : il plaide pour la mise en place rapide de « métropoles circulaires » en France, afin de transformer au plus vite l’économie et les modes de vie pour répondre aux défis qu’impose l’objectif de ne pas dépasser un réchauffement supérieur à 2 °C d’ici la fin du siècle. Après avoir montré combien ces défis sont énormes (et largement sous-estimés en France faute de prendre en compte les émissions indirectes, importées) et urgents, et combien la stratégie française est « inconséquente » pour y répondre, François Grosse montre qu’il est devenu impérieux d’agir là où il est possible de le faire, là où l’ensemble des acteurs peuvent mobiliser leur intelligence et leur énergie autour d’un projet collaboratif efficace. C’est donc à l’échelon des métropoles et de leur périphérie immédiate, en allant bien au-delà de la notion de ville durable qui a émergé ces dernières décennies, en développant de véritables métropoles circulaires, que l’on pourra atteindre les objectifs nécessaires à une véritable transition écologique appréhendée au travers de toutes ses dimensions, et ainsi transformer radicalement le système socio-économique de sorte qu’il devienne compatible avec notre écosystème.  S.D.
Une utopie en actes ? Réflexions sur la naissance du Service national de santé italien (1945-1978)
Authors: Pavan Ilaria
Published: April 2020

L’article reconstruit le parcours qui mena en 1978, après un débat de plus d’une décennie, à la mise en place du Servizio Sanitario Nazionale italien. Il s’agit d’un système de protection de la santé pour tous les citoyens, à caractère universaliste et financé par l’État. Bien qu’il ait été construit en prenant en compte l’expérience du National Health System britannique, le Servizio Sanitario Nazionale eut ses propres caractéristiques : un lien entre protection de la santé, attention portée à l’environnement de travail et protection du territoire ; un accent particulier mis la prévention, l’éducation et la participation du citoyen, qui d’usager passif des soins médicaux devait devenir un sujet conscient du nouveau système.
Strategies for the Planning and Handling of Missing Data in Nursing Research
Authors: Aycock Dawn M. , Hayat Matthew J.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Missing data are an inevitable reality in research. Nurse educators can promote proactive thinking about this topic to help avoid excessive missingness. The purpose of this article is to encourage nurses to view missing data as an accepted reality and to consider strategies for anticipating and minimizing missing data throughout the research process.

Method:

The common causes of missing data and ways to minimize their occurrence are discussed, along with suggestions for adopting a statistical mindset about missing data. Rubin's framework for missingness as a random process, modern statistical methods for analyzing missing data, and recommendations for reporting also are discussed.

Conclusion:

Nurse educators and researchers should understand all aspects of missing data, including the types, occurrence, causes, potential problems, and strategies for preventing, handling, and reporting missing data. By doing so, the occurrence of missing data can be lessened, thereby minimizing various problems that can result.

[
J Nurs Educ
. 2020;59(5):249–255.]
Fourth-Year Baccalaureate Nursing Students' Perceptions of Inclusive Learning Environments
Authors: Metzger Maureen , Taggart Jessica , Aviles Emerson
Published: April 2020

Background:

Creating inclusive learning environments is a priority in nursing education, yet faculty are hindered by a dearth of evidence-based inclusive pedagogical strategies. In addition, little is known about students' perceptions of inclusive learning environments.

Method:

Fourth-year baccalaureate nursing students from majority and underrepresented minority groups (
n
= 13) participated in focus groups at two time points across the academic year. Discussion topics included pedagogical strategies most strongly associated with inclusivity, facilitators and barriers to inclusivity, outcomes of inclusive learning experiences, and recommendations for promoting inclusivity in education and nursing practice.

Results:

Qualitative content analysis resulted in three themes: 1) underrepresented minority and majority groups described inclusive learning environments differently, 2) every aspect of the learning community affects inclusivity but teachers are especially influential, and 3) the outcomes of an inclusive learning environment extend beyond the classroom.

Conclusion:

These findings may help create inclusive learning environments that support diversity and inclusive excellence in nursing education.

[
J Nurs Educ
. 2020;59(5):256–262.]
Curricular Innovation for Quality and Safety Certification in a Graduate Program
Authors: Hulett Becky , Davis Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

Background:

Faculty desired to improve student preparation regarding quality and safety and to differentiate student profiles. The master's entry and postbaccalaureate programs collaborated to improve and standardize quality and safety education in nursing.

Method:

The Graduate Program integrated the evidence-based Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety into the master's entry and postbaccalaureate curricula. Institute for Healthcare Improvement modules were embedded into both didactic and clinical courses, beginning with core courses and extending to the final residency course. Didactic modules are graded as scored assignments; clinical modules are graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

Results:

Graduates are better prepared to transform the care environment based on student feedback. Graduates also experience an improved graduate curriculum based on end-of-program surveys and portfolio evidence. Continuous improvement of the curriculum also assists in meeting accreditation standards.

Conclusion:

This collaborative effort within the graduate program is viewed as a key program improvement from both student and program perspectives.

[
J Nurs Educ.
2020;59(5):291–292.]
Applying Social Determinants of Health to Nursing Education Using a Concept-Based Approach
Authors: Porter Keevia , Jackson Gabrielle , Clark Ricketta , Waller Melody , Stanfill Ansley Grimes
Published: April 2020

Background:

The assessment of a patient's social determinants of health (SDOH) may uncover potentially modifiable factors that each contribute to or detract from the health and wellness of individuals, families, and groups. A concept-based curriculum may offer advantages for introducing SDOH assessment to nursing students.

Method:

The concept of SDOH was threaded throughout a baccalaureate concept-based curriculum using innovative and team-based learning strategies.

Results:

A concept-based curriculum provides an effective platform for introducing SDOH topics in nursing education, but many of the learning activities also could be incorporated into traditional curricula.

Conclusion:

Nursing education should incorporate teaching about SDOH to prepare students for high-quality nursing practice and better patient advocacy. Assessment of SDOH also allows treatment plans to be tailored to the needs of that patient or population, which in turn may improve health outcomes.

[
J Nurs Educ
. 2020;59(5):293–296.]
Improvements in Cervical Spinal Canal Diameter and Neck Disability Following Correction of Cervical Lordosis and Cervical Spondylolistheses Using Chiropractic BioPhysics Technique: A Case Series
Authors: Fedorchuk Curtis , Lightstone Douglas Frank , Comer Robert DeVon , Katz Evan , Wilcox Justin
Published: April 2020

Cervical spondylolisthesis indicates instability of the spine and can lead to pain, radiculopathy, myelopathy and vertebral artery stenosis. Currently degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis is a wait-and-watch condition with no treatment guidelines. A literature review and discussion will be provided. 8 females presented with neck pain, disability, and history of motor vehicle collision. Radiographs revealed abnormal cervical alignment, spinal canal narrowing, and spondylolistheses. After 30 sessions of Chiropractic BioPhysics® care over 12 weeks, patients reported improved symptoms and disabilities. Radiographs revealed improvements in cervical alignment, spondylolistheses, and spinal canal diameter. Motor vehicle collision may cause instability and abnormal alignment of the cervical spine leading to cervical spondylolisthesis. Improving spinal alignment may be an effective treatment to reduce vertebral subluxation and cervical spondylolistheses and improve neck disability as a result of improved spinal alignment.
The no‐upward‐crossing condition, comparative statics, and the moral‐hazard problem
Authors: Chade Hector , Swinkels Jeroen
Published: April 2020

We define and explore no‐upward‐crossing (NUC), a condition satisfied by every parameterized family of distributions commonly used in economic applications. Under smoothness assumptions, NUC is equivalent to log‐supermodularity of the negative of the derivative of the distribution with respect to the parameter. It is characterized by a natural monotone comparative static and is central in establishing quasi‐concavity in a family of decision problems. As an application, we revisit the first‐order approach to the moral‐hazard problem. NUC simplifies the relevant conditions for the validity of the first‐order approach and gives them an economic interpretation. We provide extensive analysis of sufficient conditions for the first‐order approach for exponential families.
INTEGRATING EARTHEN BUILDING MATERIALS AND METHODS INTO MAINSTREAM CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Ben-Alon Lola , Loftness Vivian , Harries Kent A , Hameen Erica Cochran , Bridges Michael
Published: April 2020

Earthen Building Materials and Methods (EBMM) exhibit excellent environmental, health, indoor air quality and affordability benefits. Despite these advantages, EBMM are not yet broadly implemented in mainstream construction. The main barriers and gaps to implementing earthen construction are analyzed through 126 survey responses and 10 in-depth interviews of a range of experts and end-users, and possible solutions to overcoming these barriers are presented. Specifically, the research indicates that according to earthen construction experts and potential homeowners, inability or difficulty in obtaining building permits is the strongest barrier to implementation. Additionally, existing technical data and environmental assessments must be synthesized and enumerated in order to support decision makers in advancing earthen building policy.
Culture du risque cyclonique et résilience individuelle en Guadeloupe et à Saint-Martin
Authors: Benitez Fanny , Reghezza-Zitt Magali , Meschinet de Richemond Nancy
Published: April 2020

L’objet de cet article est d’interroger l’utilisation de la notion de « culture du risque » par les différents acteurs du champ de la prévention des catastrophes naturelles et de la gestion de crise. Suite à la saison cyclonique 2017, différents gestionnaires ont mis en avant la culture du risque des populations des « Antilles françaises », pour expliquer leur résilience. En croisant les témoignages d’habitants et de gestionnaires de crise, nous montrons que les individus ont conscience du risque cyclonique et connaissent les mesures de sauvegarde, mais que le danger est sous-évalué et la préparation inégale. Nous revenons alors sur la nécessaire contextualisation de la construction d’une « culture du risque » à l’échelle individuelle, pour discuter son rôle dans la résilience des personnes.
Changements côtiers et inondations suite au passage d’un ouragan extrême (Irma, 2017) aux Petites Antilles
Authors: Rey Tony , Candela Thomas , Péroche Matthieu , Leone Frédéric
Published: April 2020

Cette étude porte sur les changements côtiers et les inondations suite au passage d’un ouragan de catégorie 5 (Irma) les 5 et 6 septembre 2017 sur les îles de Saint-Martin et Saint-Barthélemy aux Antilles. Deux missions de terrain à t+2 mois et t+8 mois sur les deux îles ont permis d’analyser les impacts de l’ouragan Irma sur des côtes basses particulièrement sensibles aux événements météo-marins extrêmes et aux pressions anthropiques. Le retour d’expérience a été réalisé sur les côtes les plus touchées par l’évènement. Pour comparer les impacts de l’ouragan Irma et les interactions avec les systèmes côtiers et les infrastructures côtières, nous avons choisi d’analyser des côtes peu urbanisées et des littoraux densément aménagés. La méthode a reposé sur l’analyse d’images satellites avant le passage de l’ouragan Irma et l’analyse d’images drones post-évènement. Elle s’est aussi appuyée sur des observations géomorphologiques, la mesure des hauteurs de vagues et la cartographie des espaces inondées. Les systèmes côtiers ont répondu très différemment en fonction du degré d’artificialisation de la côte, révélant des changements côtiers variés, des transferts sédimentaires perturbés et une influence sur les hauteurs d’eau maximales à la côte.
Activités cycloniques et nouveaux risques dans le golfe d’Aden
Authors: Cherel Jean-Philippe , Omar Ali Bouh , Nour Ayeh Moustapha , Vinet Freddy
Published: April 2020

Les régions du golfe d’Aden, qui connaissent une situation anticyclonique permanente, sont théoriquement en dehors des zones affectées par les cyclones tropicaux. Pourtant, l’analyse des données sur les quarante dernières années recense trente cyclones ou dépressions tropicales ayant touché la région. Fait plus remarquable, leur incidence semble avoir largement augmenté, tout comme leur intensité, sans que l’on sache clairement si cette recrudescence est à mettre au crédit du réchauffement climatique tant la machine climatique sur ce petit bassin est complexe. La faible capacité de résistance des pays de la région face à ces phénomènes météorologiques est révélée par l’impact du cyclone Sagar les 19 et 20 mai 2018 à Djibouti. Bien que rétrogradé en tempête tropicale, Sagar a coûté la vie à deux personnes et a inondé et impacté plus de 40 % de la population de la capitale djiboutienne (soit plus de 200 000 habitants). Cette catastrophe a clairement montré l’état d’impréparation d’une ville pauvre de climat aride face à ce type d’événement.
Mortalité et cyclones en Guadeloupe (Antilles françaises)
Authors: Leone Frédéric , Battut Samuel , Bigot Victoria , Thorez Guilhem Cousin , Candela Thomas , Vinet Freddy
Published: April 2020

Cet article pose les bases méthodologiques d’un catalogue historique des évènements hydro-météorologiques significatifs et mortels qui ont frappé l’archipel de Guadeloupe et les îles du Nord (Saint-Martin et Saint-Barthélemy) depuis 1635. Pour la période récente, post 1950, il est doublé d’un Système d’Information Géographique permettant de localiser et de renseigner chaque victime avec son profil, son comportement, les circonstances et causes du décès. Outre l’apport de bilans humains consolidés, ce nouveau référentiel géo-historique permet d’analyser l’évolution de la mortalité au cours du temps en lien avec les principaux facteurs de vulnérabilité. On peut en tirer un certain nombre d’enseignements utiles pour guider la prévention des risques en Guadeloupe.
Organisation de la post-catastrophe après Irma à Saint-Martin
Authors: Moatty Annabelle , Grancher Delphine , Virmoux Clément , Cavero Julien
Published: April 2020

Le 3 septembre 2017 alors que le cyclone Irma s’approche de Saint-Martin, la rentrée scolaire est reportée sine die pour les 8 000 élèves inscrits dans les écoles publiques et les 900 personnels de l’Éducation Nationale. Le cyclone ayant endommagé une majorité de bâtiments et d’infrastructures (dont les établissements scolaires) certains élèves de l’île n’ont pas été scolarisés pendant deux mois. Nous proposons dans ce travail de considérer les récits des adolescents en tant que données susceptibles d’alimenter les retours d’expérience post-catastrophe. Notre objectif est de comprendre le vécu des adolescents et de caractériser les actions qu’ils ont menées en période post-crise. Si leur rôle est reconnu, leurs actions et les contextes de mise en œuvre méritent alors d’être précisés.
Le tourisme comme enjeu dans la reconstruction post-catastrophe naturelle
Authors: Cherchelay Marie
Published: April 2020

Le tourisme est le moteur économique de nombreuses îles caribéennes. C’est le cas de Saint-Martin, partie française de l’île franco-néerlandaise de Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten. Particulièrement touchée par l’ouragan Irma en 2017, Saint-Martin connaît une période de reconstruction de son territoire et de son économie. Basé sur un travail de terrain, cet article s’intéresse à ce processus, par le prisme du tourisme, afin d’analyser les jeux d’acteurs complexes qui se développent, autour des enjeux et attentes qui émergent en période de reconstruction.
Quelles interventions humanitaires internationales pour la reconstruction ?
Authors: Veitl Simon
Published: April 2020

Suite à une catastrophe, l’assistance internationale se structure selon des normes (cadres d’actions de l’agence des Nations Unies Pour la Réduction des Risques et Catastrophes, UNDRR, et du Global Assessment Report, GAR, de 2015), appliquées par des acteurs (ONU, États et ONG). Les normes cadrent l’organisation de la gouvernance (le cluster), qui définit la trajectoire de « relèvement » et met en place des modalités d’actions. C’est ce système et son impact socio-spatial que nous proposons d’éclairer par un regard critique qualitatif. Pour ce faire, nous avons pris l’exemple de la reconstruction des écoles dans le département du Sud en Haïti après l’ouragan Matthew de 2016. La communauté internationale, via la reconstruction, tente d’y insuffler un nouveau modèle de développement pour la résilience des territoires et de ses habitants. Nous verrons que la réalité résiste à cette injonction d’adaptation.
Adaptation aux cyclones et au risque de submersion marine dans les communes littorales de Guadeloupe
Authors: Desse Michel , Gherardi Monique , Charrier Simon
Published: April 2020

La Guadeloupe est soumise aux cyclones qui génèrent des dégâts importants. En fonction du contexte économique local et mondial, les cyclones engendrent des ruptures positives ou négatives pour les sociétés et les économies insulaires. Les formes adaptatives demeurent les plus nombreuses à toutes les échelles du territoire à l’initiative des collectivités territoriales, des filières de production comme des habitants. Les fronts de mer, moins habités, demeurent cependant le support d’activités à grande valeur ajoutée souvent en lien avec le tourisme à grande valeur ajoutée.
Managing Risks Associated with Upstream Oil and Gas Field Operations: A Specialized Field Risk Management SFRM Program
Authors: Ballon Alison Cramer , Barrow Robert , Slezak Mark , Laskar Sandipan
Published: April 2020

Oxy places the highest value on maintaining safe operations that not only seek to protect the health and safety of on-site company personnel and contractors but also strives to prevent potential adverse impacts to the environment, people, and property in the communities where we operate. Achieving our goals requires proactive and effective management of potential business risks and development and implementation of appropriate mitigation actions.

Oxy operates field assets utilized in the production of oil and gas that are located near public receptors. The risk team developed and implements a preventive risk identification and management program to identify, evaluate and manage these risks posed by assets located near public receptors using a consistent method.

This paper describes the overall framework of this program, referred to as a specialized field risk management (SFRM) program, and the processes and methodologies used to evaluate and manage assets located near public receptors. The program first evaluates field assets in comparison with conservative criteria to identify the assets that may have the greatest potential to injure people, harm the environment or damage property should an event occur. Risks are then assessed, mitigation plans developed, and risk mitigation measures implemented. The SFRM program covers topics that include release scenarios, receptor types, impact thresholds, screening methodology, dispersion modelling, and risk mitigation measures.

The SFRM program supports the company's proactive approach towards managing risk and increases company confidence with the assurance of the identification and management of risks associated with assets located near public receptors.
A Novel Approach for Modelling Leakage through Elastomer Seals
Authors: Patel Harshkumar , Salehi Saeed
Published: April 2020

Elastomer is a widely used seal material in oil and gas wells. Seal components in wellhead and completion equipment are important barrier elements for maintaining well integrity. In general, unlike metallic seals, it is believed that elastomer seal's performance is not highly dependent on its surface characteristics. However, there are some evidences that suggest that elastomer surface quality or defects like wear, blistering, etc. can impact fluid penetration risk and leakage.

The effect of elastomer surface quality on sealability is difficult to investigate using macroscopic (equipment level) finite element models. This paper presents a novel modelling approach that can simulate fluid penetration and predict leakage rates considering surface topography/characteristics of the elastomer sealing interface. The leakage model consists of a contact mechanics model and a fluid flow model. Deterministic contact-mechanics model can take surface topographical measurements as an input and simulate actual contact area, and microscopic gaps at different loads. This contact gap information is then used by the fluid flow model to predict flow path and calculate leakage rates.

To represent elastomer seal surface and apply the developed model, different types of rough surfaces were generated. Various operational, design, and failure scenarios were simulated to investigate the effects of surface characteristics, elastomer material properties, fluid properties, etc. on the elastomer sealability. Preliminary results demonstrate that elastomer surface characteristic such as degree of finishing can have notable influence on the seal quality as measured by contact pressure required to achieve zero leakage rate. As expected, harder elastomer seal material exhibited more sensitivity to surface quality than softer material. High fluid pressure and low viscosity were observed to increase the leakage rates for similar contact pressure distribution.

Finite element modelling based seal design is typically limited to the analysis of contact pressure distribution at the sealing interface. Presented leakage model helps further extend the design workflow by enabling consideration of surface characteristics of the seal. With further refinement and experimental validation, the model could be used to create lookup tables of contact pressures. These values can be used as target for finite element analysis of seal equipment design.
Prelude FLNG Driven Anchor Piles in Australian Carbonate Soils: Free-Fall Risk Management by Design
Authors: Dechiron Cyrille , Coste François , Erbrich Carl , Heerkes Marcel , Lange Frank , Frankenmolen Sebastiaan , Van Haaften Ewoud
Published: April 2020

The Prelude FLNG facility anchoring system is based on a turret with 16 anchor legs, each connected to driven anchor piles in generally very weak and variable carbonate soils. Driven piles have a chequered history offshore Australia, due to the very low skin friction that is typically mobilized. At Prelude, the combination of weak soils with some harder layers and low expected skin friction led to numerous installation challenges such as free-fall, overpenetration, soil blow-out and plug depression risks.

Mitigating these risks was achieved in a joint risk-based approach resulting in the unique combination of floating plate parachute, bearing V-shaped cruciform and "pushing" weight tool and installation methodology. Post-treatment of the lifting crane data allowed taking benefit of the experienced soil behavior during the campaign to improve the methods with every pile, leading to the successful installation of the 16 anchors. It also improved the knowledge of the heterogeneous Australian carbonate soils including sand/silt/clay layers through comparison with geotechnical original geotechnical investigations and laboratory tests.

This paper describes the various design and installation challenges and the novel solutions which were applied to manage the substantial risk of failure to install these anchor piles. The successful installation and associated data acquired is unique and have led to invaluable improvements in the understanding of pile-soil interaction in carbonate soils.
The Development of a Machine Learning-Based Image Recognition Tool for Coating Inspections
Authors: Wen Feng , Gu Hai , Wang Bo , Vitali Tyler , Rasberry Hunter
Published: April 2020

Improved remote inspection technologies (such as drones) are enabling safer and more efficient visual inspections of coating conditions in historically hard to reach and dangerous locations on marine and ffshore assets. These technologies may generate a significant amount of data (still images, video) and thus can be challenging for inspectors to identify potential coating failures. This paper presents the development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Machine Learning (ML) - based image recognition tool to aid inspectors in the review of data to help make coating condition assessments.

The machine learning algorithm/model development utilizes images taken from different types of maritime assets. These images depict different structural components, coatings, lighting conditions and corrosion. Images were processed and analyzed to create a database for training, validation and testing of the machine-learning model. Multiple machine learning models were developed and then the model with the best performance rate was selected for implementation. Case studies using the tool to process on-site inspection images are presented in this paper. Additionally, a comparison study between the tool performance and human judgment is discussed.

Distribution of the dataset shows that selected images can represent various types of coating failures under different conditions. A recall-oriented metric was selected to evaluate the performance of different machine learning models. Test results of the best performing model show its ability to identify coating failures from field images that have not been previously processed. Comparison studies show the tool can match human accuracy well. These factors support the value of the tool to act as a scanning tool for inspection with remote inspection technologies and as an electronic coating evaluation standard/guideline to aid inspectors.

The study proves the value of using AI technology in the marine and offshore industry. The AI tool supports inspectors with a fast and reliable means to aid them in their decision-making processes during coating assessment tasks, especially when remote inspection technologies are applied. Utilizing more data in the future, the AI tool can be further improved to handle other visual inspection tasks like defect detection, such as cracks and structural deformations.
VXTe Deepwater Tree Development – Cost and Risk Reduction Through New and Advanced Technology
Authors: B Mitchell Andrew , K Norwood Gregory , D Bartlett Chris
Published: April 2020

The oil and gas industry continues to face low energy prices, which has pushed manufacturers to re-think conventional designs and methods that may not be at the efficiency levels required to operate under today’s environmental and economic conditions. This paper describes the development of a new and advanced subsea tree technology that reduces equipment cost and installation time, thereby reducing risk and adding significant value to the end user.

Traditional completion systems have become increasingly complex as efforts were made to address individual problems as they arose. These challenges included wellhead interfaces capable of handling the stack-up tolerances of casing hangers, and a need to orient the tubing hanger relative to a flowline connection system. The solution utilized by most conventional systems was the incorporation of a tubing head spool or some other elaborate means of orienting within the BOP, which created the need for temporary well barriers, required costly workover riser systems and wireline trips, and ultimately led to concentric bore systems with annulus valves located on a tubing head spool.

The VXTe subsea tree system solves the problems associated with wellhead stack-up tolerances and orientation of the tubing hanger, in a simple, robust and elegant manner. The simplicity of the system allows the tubing hanger to be installed like a casing hanger. In this way, the drilling and completion operations may be undertaken without the cost and safety concerns normally associated with temporary well suspensions or BOP trips, and the orientation requirements for flowline connections are completely decoupled from the tubing hanger installation. The requirement for well barriers is also eliminated, thereby trimming the costs of additional spools, and further eliminating leak paths and failure modes. By eliminating the cumbersome solutions employed by conventional systems, our system also eliminates the need for the extensive SIT testing required to validate working interfaces. The VXTe system is a simple, robust and elegant answer to the industry's most pressing subsea tree challenges and aligns with the IOGP requirements agreed upon by most of the major operators.

The VXTe system has undergone a number of verification analysis and validation testing adhering to API standards. In addition to meeting applicable API testing requirements, additional cycle testing was performed to validate the performance of the system over the anticipated life cycle. This included installation and removal cycle testing in addition to pressure and temperature testing. The design details, analysis, and test results will be presented.
Subsea Asset Life Extension in Harsh Environments
Authors: Coupland Benjamin Robert , Avery Mike , Greenaway Robert , Rice Phillip Adam , Weir Douglas
Published: April 2020

West of Shetland, BP North Sea discovered they had a problem with subsea tree mounted pressure and temperature sensors that whilst dual redundant, still completely failed over time. The measurements are required by the local regulatory body to comply with monitoring of asset integrity and as such once failed the subsea trees were forced to be shut in. Reinstating this production-critical monitoring equipment significantly reduces downtime and deferred production. Later in the life of the field the same damage mechanism that contributed to erosion and fouling of tree mounted sensors had also begun to reduce injectivity within the subsea injection wells and eroded the subsea insert retrievable chokes installed on those trees. BP North Sea initially planned for a campaign of choke insert replacements but later realized the ideal opportunity to incorporate stimulation treatments during the same intervention campaign

The original retrofit package restored an injection well at a cost saving of 70% compared to conventional solutions. However, continued development led to a next generation retrofit package which allowed streamlined configurability to suit a range of choke types across the BP's subsea infrastructure. This enabled life extension whilst introducing enhanced functionality, all whilst optimizing inventory and minimizing capital investment. In parallel, well stimulation operations on 4 water injection wells yielded injectivity improvements of up to 300%, compelling BP to continue to plan further stimulations for future wells. This scenario led to the next generation of retrofit packages including an additional feature of a dedicated hydraulic access point. The access allowing more efficient stimulation operations and providing significant cost saving in terms of vessel time and in-field operations.

The paper discusses the benefits of combining production enhancement technologies and well status monitoring sensors to enable significant improvements in field recovery. Production improvement metrics and lessons learned shall be shared to provide a robust economic justification.

Operational lessons learned from these various activities show how modularity and product streamlining can significantly reduce operating expenditure, time in field, and overall safety of a product.

Collaboration with invested parties can offer additional sources for product improvement which further contributes to product optimization and successful project execution.
Total Experience on Structural Integrity Management of Fixed Steel Offshore Platforms
Authors: Birades Michel , Cholley Jean-Marc , Gillieron Olivier
Published: April 2020

This paper presents the process and methodologies put in place by Total, a major operating company, to manage the structural integrity of its fixed steel offshore platforms located in 12 different affiliates. This paper presents the STIMS (Structural Integrity Management System) which has been put in place to address the integrity of fixed steel offshore platforms. A FUIMS (Floating Units Integrity Management System) is in place for many years to address the integrity of floating units. The STIMS allows in particular the operating company to cope with the recently published third edition of ISO 19900 which requires: "Models used in the analysis and the design/assessment verification of the offshore structure shall be maintained and kept up to date throughout all phases of the structure's life cycle. The operator shall be responsible for ensuring this."

After a description of the fleet of fixed platforms of the operating company (worldwide repartition, age, water depths…), the organization and process put in place between affiliates and Head Quarters, specifically dedicated to fixed steel platforms integrity, are presented. Then some specific methodologies are presented, in particular a new pragmatic approach to define Risk Based subsea inspection plans, which are essential to ensure structural integrity. First, a methodology for inspection prioritization by combining failure consequence, fatigue and inspections results is presented. This method has been implemented for a few decades and identifies the joints most critical to the structural integrity in order to inspect the relevant structural components for ensuring a lifetime extension of a jacket structure. Then, the definition of intervals between inspections is based on a new pragmatic simplified RBI process, called RBI-J. The outcome of the RBI-J analysis is the intermediate and major underwater inspection intervals of offshore structures. It is based on a semi-quantitative approach to estimate the global probability of failure of the platforms due to extreme storms or earthquake. It takes into account the results of the in-place and seismic analyses with some additional semi-quantitative parameters such as robustness, design life, inspection history, cathodic protection, and unprotected appurtenances. The consequences of failure are based on the risk matrix of the operating company, which allows also to estimate the global risk. In line with API RP 2 SIM this risk is then used to define underwater inspection intervals.

The paper concludes with some examples of application of the RBI-J methodology.

The RBI-J methodology is used on the vast majority of the fleet of fixed platforms of the operating company. Full probabilistic analyses are only used on a case by case basis (harsh environment, platforms in poor conditions…).
Additive Manufacturing In The Oil & Gas Industry And Status Update On The New API 20S Standard "Qualification Of Additively Manufactured Metallic Materials For Use In The Petroleum And Natural Gas Industries"
Authors: De Bernardi Carlo , Miller David
Published: April 2020

The API 20S Standard is designed to play a crucial role in leveraging Additive Manufacturing (AM) to foster innovation in the oil and gas industry. The paper, in association with the standard, will facilitate the understanding of how AM will enable equipment design improvements, faster prototyping, and better inventory management. By way of discussing the progress, challenges, and lessons learned from the standardization process, the paper aims to encourage a safer, broader, and faster adoption of AM technologies in the mainstream oil and gas applications.

The paper will summarize the streamlining process, feedback from the API 20S task group, and current status of the standardization efforts. Additionally, upcoming challenges and the potential for the oil and gas industry industries to contribute to the standard will be summarized. The paper will also showcase a novel tiered approach (Additive Manufacturing Specification Levels) to allow the users of the document to match different levels of criticality.
A Comprehensive Set of Round-Bar Stress Intensity Factor Solutions for ECA of Mooring Shackle and Chain Components
Authors: Aubert Jean-Michel , Dong Pingsha , Sauvage Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2020

Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA) has become essential for establishing if a mooring line in service is fit for continued service when low fracture toughness in some components is suspected or inspection results may suggest possible presence of discontinuities. Existing ECA codes and standards such as BS 7910 has rather limited stress intensity factor (K) solutions suitable for this type of applications, e.g., elliptical crack stress intensity factor solutions valid for a short crack regime with a/D ratio far less than 0.1 with different aspect ratios other than a/b =1. Here, D refers round bar diameter and a crack depth (minor axis) and b crack half length (major axis). As a result of a recent joint industry project (JIP), referred to as Mooring Component Assessment (MCA), a comprehensive set of K solutions have been developed for covering crack size a/D from 0.005 to 0.15 which associated with existing K solutions allows to cover a/D from 0.05 to 0.6, along a unified treatment of local stress gradients, e.g., at knuckle positions, for supporting ECA of mooring components and chain links. These K solutions are presented in a set of simple parametric forms and can be readily used for ECA assessment of shackle and chain-link components.
Standardized Offshore Waste Heat Recovery Behind Industrial Gas Turbines
Authors: Saab Richard , van den Bosch Rob
Published: April 2020

This paper focuses on the benefits of utilizing waste heat recovery units (WHRUs) in offshore oil and gas applications. Today, a high number of offshore installations use gas turbines (GTs) for power generation and as mechanical drivers for critical equipment, such as compressors. Most installations, however, do not employ any form of waste heat recovery. This results in wasted energy and increased emissions, as hot exhaust gases from the GT are vented to the atmosphere.

One of the factors that has contributed to the limited use of WHRUs on offshore facilities has to do with weight and space limitations. The paper discusses how original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are addressing that challenge through both design standardization and modularization. For illustrative purposes, the paper discusses a line of standardized WHRUs which are designed for industrial and aeroderivative gas turbines in the 10–70 megawatt (MW) range. The WHRUs can be used for thermal fluids or applied as a drum-type steam generator (DTSG) or once-through steam generator (OTSG). Their vertical compact layout makes them particularly well suited for offshore installations, such as floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels, where weight and footprint of topsides modules are of particular importance.

By standardizing the WHRU/DTSG/OTSG and leveraging a high degree of modularization, the units can be easily modified per project. Construction time can also be reduced by up to ~ 70% when compared to traditional horizontal gas turbine heat recovery designs. Standardization also enables a reduction in engineering efforts during project execution – resulting in increased product quality and lower CAPEX.