bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing the Reliability of Oil Spill Contingency Using Hair Waste Used as Absorbent Pad Material
Authors: Hidayat Teguh Rachman , Almadani Nadir Faisal , Nugroho Jalu Waskito , Baswedan Abdul Rozak , Pranada Guntur Putra , Hartono Rudi , Setiawan Sigid
Published: September 2024

Oil spills occur due to unsafe actions and unsafe conditions as well as asset reliability, which requires comprehensive improvement. Leakage incidents result in losses in the company's operational costs in the form of costs for leak prevention activities, costs for purchasing leakage equipment, and costs for managing hazardous and toxic waste. Implementing clean production processes through reducing, reuse, recycling waste, including implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as well as using and selecting environmentally friendly raw materials, is the basis for carrying out innovations related to oil spill equipment. This research aims to reduce and save costs on using oil spill equipment by replacing it with natural absorbent materials. Natural absorbent materials that are often found in Indonesia include palm fiber, husks, sea mango seeds and hair waste. To test absorbent capacity, ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) is used as another standard procedure for testing absorption capacity. The test method applied for oil absorption by various absorbent media is ASTM D/483-60 "Oil Absorption of Pigment by Gardner-Coleman Method". The results of testing using the ASTM D/483-60 method showed that the absorbency by Volume of palm fiber was 53%, husk 36%, sea mango seed 135%, and hair 149%. Meanwhile, data on the absorbency by Weight of palm fiber is 42%, husk is 43%, sea mango seed is 133%, and hair is 102%. On the other hand, hair also has the highest recovery factor, namely 72%, while the other materials have recovery factor around 30-40%. Comparison of the factory absorbent pad with the hair absorbent pad after 50 uses, the hair absorbent pad remained stable, while the absorbent pad decreased and could not be used again because it had been damaged. After implementing hair absorbent pads, companies can save operational costs due to the decrease in the number of uses of absorbent pads which are replaced with hair absorbent pads, decreased waste of hazardous and toxic materials, and decreased purchases of Oil Spill Equipment.
The Application of Behavioral Science for Safety: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Morton K. , Comanescu R. , Saim R. , Lowry J. , Rusu M. , Luca C. , Necula A. , Gradinaru A. , Dragoi G. , Aldea A. , Enache V. , Briquet S.
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a pilot study conducted to explore the feasibility and acceptability of providing coaching to a health, safety, and environment (HSE) team in the basics of behavioral science and human-centered design (behavioral design). The aim was to provide the team with a better understanding of human behavior and behavioral design principles and use this information to create impactful localized solutions to address key location-specific safety-related challenges.

The HSE team was coached in the basics of behavioral science, with a focus on behavioral design. This included identifying, prioritizing, and measuring target behaviors; frameworks such as the capability, opportunity, motivation and behavior (COM-B) model to better understand performance-influencing factors and the behavior change wheel (BCW) to encourage a more holistic set of solutions; and pragmatic outcome and process evaluation, including how to design brief surveys and gather meaningful data to assess the impact and explore the acceptability of the solutions.

The HSE team selected three key site-safety topic areas: pallet loading and transporting, flipping parts, and safe stair behaviors. The team embraced the process of designing solutions to enable safe behaviors, which involved holding structured sessions with employees and more data gathering than used in more traditional approaches to designing HSE solutions. The COM-B model was used to identify key behavioral barriers and the BCW to develop a holistic set of solutions, including technical solutions, persuasive communications, and nudges that focused on changing social norms and establishing habits. Process evaluation of the implemented project demonstrates that the solutions are positively impacting behavior, are acceptable to operational end users, have been low cost and highly feasible to implement. The HSE team also found significant benefit from the behavior change and human decision-making skills coaching.

Finding pragmatic ways to positively influence human performance at the location level can be challenging, often because of a lack of understanding of the fundamentals of human decision-making, motivation, behavior and the skills needed to design feasible solutions that are cost effective and easy to implement. This feasibility study explored whether it would be possible to provide brief training and coaching to an HSE team in the basics of behavioral design to empower them to create localized solutions that go beyond changing mindsets.

The paper describes the benefits of providing training and coaching for HSE teams, site managers, and other key decision-makers in the basics of behavioral science to supplement more general human factors training to maximize the impact of initiatives designed to enhance human performance, outline next steps, and key learnings.
Development of a Six Degrees of Freedom Simulator for Desert Driving Training
Authors: Al Shidhani Hamad , Al Sulaimi Sulaiman , Atiah Waeel , Al Shidhani Ally , Twilhaar Dick Nijen , Sarwary Sayed
Published: September 2024

A century ago, the Wright Brothers developed the first plane. It was not very safe at first. Throughout the world many engineers developed solutions for making flying safer. Key component of that was to train the pilots. Very sophisticated flight simulators are essential in pilot training now. From its very unsafe start, flying is now often the safest mode of transport.

In road safety we have seen many developments as well. Several features make vehicles safer in case of incidents. Some of these new features help to avoid accidents. However, almost always the driver remains essential in preventing accidents. Therefore, drivers have a major responsibility for people and equipment. We trust our lives in the driver's hands when we are a passenger. For decades driver training has played an important role in preventing incidents. Current "on the road" driver training remains essential for road safety. However, like in the airline industry, adding risk-free realistic simulator training is expected help making a step-change for driving safety.

This paper describes a recently developed desert driving simulator. It is new for the oil and gas industry and signifies a major step forward in the ongoing journey to zero road accidents. The simulator offers hands-on training. It uses no written language. This is of importance for drivers from all cultural backgrounds and native languages. The simulator can be used for many driving conditions or moving equipment. For now it was specifically tailored to provide training to drivers who drive on graded desert roads. This is a high risk activity for those who work at remote desert installations.
Systemizing Biodiversity: Developing Framework of Managing Biodiversity to Achieve Net Positive Impact – Tuban GRR Project Case Study
Authors: Suripno S. , Perdhani R. , Permadi J. , Darmawan R.
Published: September 2024

This study introduces a comprehensive Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) framework, exemplified through the Grass Root Refinery (GRR) Tuban project. The primary objective is to illustrate how strategic biodiversity management employing the Mitigation Hierarchy can lead to a positive net gain in biodiversity. This framework serves as a valuable model for similar projects aiming to achieve sustainable environmental outcomes.

The methodology involves cascading Pertamina's Sustainability and HSSE Policies into actionable technical guidelines. A multifaceted approach encompassing ecological inventory, habitat mapping, stakeholder engagement, and robust monitoring was adopted. By focusing on minimization and restoration, the GRR Tuban's BAP includes activities such as planting Cemara Laut (Casuarina equisetifolia L.) and managing green belts, effectively integrating the Mitigation Hierarchy into project operations.

The results demonstrate a significant net positive gain in biodiversity, quantified using Habitat Hectare metrics, with gains observed at Y0 (gain=4), Y25 (gain=46.5), and Y50 (gain=50.6). Additionally, an offset area in Banyuwangi is projected to further enhance biodiversity gains. The GRR Tuban case study highlights the success of an adaptive management approach, emphasizing the importance of integrating biodiversity action plans with project planning and development from the outset. This framework offers valuable insights and strategies for engineers involved in similar initiatives, promoting sustainable development with net positive environmental impacts.
Carbon Light Brine Plant by Using High Efficiency Continuous Ion Exchange Technology to Treat Unusable Brackish Water for Sustainable Water Management
Authors: Muhammad M. , Gendron B. , Samouei H.
Published: September 2024

The escalating demand for freshwater in oil and gas (O&G) completion brines poses a significant challenge to global water security, especially in water-scarce regions. This paper presents the Carbon Light Brine Plant, a revolutionary approach that leverages Continuous Ion Exchange (CIE) technology to generate high-quality sodium chloride (NaCl) brine from previously unusable brackish water sources. Unlike conventional methods reliant on freshwater and mined salt, the Carbon Light Brine Plant selectively removes problematic ions (sulfate, calcium, magnesium) from brackish water while preserving the essential NaCl component. This innovative system offers a multitude of advantages: significantly reduced dependence on precious freshwater resources, sustainable NaCl brine production, a minimized environmental footprint through substantial reductions in carbon emissions, and potential economic benefits for O&G companies. We delve into the technical underpinnings of CIE technology and its efficacy in meeting stringent completion brine specifications. Furthermore, the paper quantifies the environmental benefits of the Carbon Light Brine Plant, including water conservation and carbon footprint reduction. This technology presents a replicable model for sustainable completion brine production, fostering regional water security and promoting responsible resource utilization within the O&G industry.
Uncovering Synergies: A Comprehensive Case Study on Incorporating API Q2 into an Upstream Provider's Integrated Management Framework with a Focus on ISO14001 and ISO45001
Authors: Akram A. , Affandi B.
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the integration of API Q2 within the existing management framework of an upstream service provider certified in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. The primary objective of this integration was to align the company's operational strategy with international service standards, thereby enhancing its global competitiveness and service quality. The study's primary objectives are twofold: firstly, to understand the synergy and alignment of API Q2 criteria for critical Service-Related Products (SRPs) with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001, and secondly, to investigate the strategic decision-making process during the integration of API Q2. The approach involved a detailed analysis of the integration process, particularly focusing on identifying and managing critical SRPs. This phase included an extensive review of company documentation to evaluate the impact of API Q2 integration on the overall effectiveness of the Integrated Management System (IMS). The study then compared two strategies for incorporating API Q2: developing an independent manual dedicated to additional requirements and embedding these requirements within the existing IMS framework. This comparison examined alignment with existing standards, operational efficiency, compliance, and ease of implementation, considering the company's size and business lines.

Results indicate that a strategic middle-ground approach was adopted, wherein the company began the integration process by developing a dedicated API Q2 manual. This initial step provided a focused platform for comprehensively understanding API Q2's specific requirements without the immediate pressure of aligning them with the broader IMS framework. The standalone manual facilitated meticulous compliance and a deep understanding of API Q2 standards. Subsequently, the company planned for a phased integration of the API Q2 manual into the established IMS. This staged approach aimed to facilitate a seamless transition, allowing for necessary adjustments and alignment with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards. The objective was to gradually merge API Q2's unique elements with the existing system, mitigating the risk of operational disruptions and ensuring the long-term cohesiveness of the management system. This study provides valuable insights and practical guidance for organizations in the petroleum industry seeking to enhance their quality, environmental, and safety management systems through the integration of API Q2 with existing ISO standards.
Understanding Challenges Managers Face in Enforcing Procedures to Reduce High Incident of Accidents Occurring in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: George N.
Published: September 2024

The oil and gas industry spends billions of dollars yearly on health, safety, and environmental sustainability (HSES) programs to avoid accidents but have no success in achieving zero accidents (Yang, 2019). The purpose of the qualitative exploratory study is to examine and understand the challenges line managers face when implementing and enforcing policies and procedures to reduce high accident incidents in the oil and gas industry. The researcher selected five production line managers or supervisors and five production employees as participants in the oil and gas industry located in the United Arab Emirates. Each participant participated in one semi-structured interview via Zoom. Data analysis included the transcription of audio recordings via Zoom and interview notes into transcripts, and the researcher conducted inductive six-phase thematic coding analysis. Study findings indicated oil and gas industry managers face employee, management, and organization-driven challenges. Findings also highlighted the importance of applying leadership tactics to eliminate workplace accidents and managing logical, psychological, or sociological resistance to change. Integrating social, economic, and environmental sustainability dimensions will result in the efficiency of HSES policy change, overall performance increase, and sustained accident reduction efforts. Any organization can adopt the implications for practice as it applies to the environment, social (health), and economy. Recommendations for further studies include the use of a whole-system approach to solve complex organizational issues (Stansfield et al., 2020).
Comprehensive Study of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in the UAE: A Step Towards Sustainable Future
Authors: Alqaydi M. , Almazrouei A. , Alameri A.
Published: September 2024

This research paper aims to analyze the primary sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and assess the implemented and potential carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies and initiatives in the UAE. It highlights the UAE's commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and achieving a sustainable future. This paper comprehensively analyzes peer-reviewed articles, reports, government announcements, and publications related to CCUS in the UAE. The research examines the challenges and barriers facing carbon capture and explores potential future CCUS strategies suitable for the UAE. The findings suggest that the UAE has significant potential for CCUS technologies, with the energy sector and industrial processes being the primary sources of carbon dioxide emissions. The paper also investigates the readiness of the current infrastructure and the practicality of CO2 storage capacity in the UAE and identifies potential future CCUS technologies suitable for the region, such as CO2 geothermal power plants, mineralization, and CO2 injection in enhanced oil recovery. Eventually, the paper concludes with a discussion of the challenges and opportunities ahead for the UAE in its journey to meet its decarbonization targets.
Contributing Towards the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in a Transitioning Energy System
Authors: Wong J. W. , Castillo Y. J.
Published: September 2024

This paper analyses the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and its relevance to the transitioning energy system. Ipieca is the global oil and gas association for advancing environmental and social performance across the energy transition. In 2023, the Ipieca Global Biodiversity Framework Task Force was formed as a reflection of Ipieca members’ commitment to biodiversity and nature. This paper documents the work that has been completed, and that which is still ongoing, by the Task Force. Results from a literature review of the Ipieca publications library and case studies collection exercise involving the Task Force members suggest that contribution opportunities towards the GBF from the energy industry exist beyond target 15 (which is regarded as the target for business), and that there is in fact significant potential to contribute to the GBF across its other 22 targets.
The Psychosocial Factors of Occupational Stress of Oil Exploration Workers
Authors: Korneeva Ya. A. , Simonova N. N.
Published: September 2024

Oil and gas industry workers often operate in extreme conditions and are exposed to a variety of physical stressors, including adverse weather conditions, long working hours, shift work, night work, noise, vibration, poor ventilation, etc. [1]. The specific nature of the work of oil and gas industry employees in remote locations and difficult geographical conditions makes them more vulnerable and high risk of danger [2; 3]. In a systematic review of research analysis of psychosocial factors in oil and gas workers that lead to mental health problems worldwide, N.D. Mohd Rani et al found that employees are affected by chemical and physical factors: noise, vibration and excessively high or low temperatures; ergonomic factors: manual work, repetitive movements and awkward postures; and psychosocial factors: fatigue, long working hours, isolated location of objects [3]. These factors can be considered as threats to the physical and mental health of employees [3].

The following psychosocial stressors have been identified for workers: social isolation, lack of family support, high responsibility and work pressure, fatigue and lack of sleep [1]. As a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies conducted by L. Torquati et al. showed, shift work is a serious stress factor [4]. One of the most important characteristics of work on drilling and offshore rigs in the oil and gas industry is the collective team nature of the activity, which requires workers to have good teamwork and compatibility [5]. Long-term exposure to stressors in the oil and gas industry can potentially contribute to the development of psychological disorders and adverse functional conditions of workers, which can lead to occupational accidents and significant material losses. Therefore, increasing awareness of workplace stressors is important to improve and implement safety measures [6].

A number of studies have shown that workers in the oil and gas industry are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depressive disorders than the general population [6-8]. Austrian researchers have identified key stressors for mining industry personnel: absence or lack of interesting life events, problems in relationships with spouses, financial stress, shift schedules and social isolation [7]. It has been established that those employees who work long, uneven and repetitive shifts are especially at risk of developing anxiety [9; 10] and depression [4;8; 10]. In addition, night shift work is associated with higher levels of irritability, depression and an increased risk of suicide [4; 8; eleven]. Factors of stress and the development of other unfavorable psychological phenomena among oil and gas production personnel include age, length of service, position, shift work and marital status [12].
Mitigating Shale Swelling by Using Pomelo Peel Powder and Activated Carbon Prepare from Waste Material in Pakistan Shale Formation
Authors: Rahman Saad Ur , Siddiqui Rida , Lalji Shaine Mohammadali , Ali Syed Imran , Junaid Mohammad , Burney Muneeb , Mustafa Muhammad
Published: September 2024

The research highlight an eco-friendly method to prevent shale swelling during drilling,with a focus on evaluating the effectiveness of pomelo peel powder and activated carbon prepare fromwaste material as potential additives to drilling fluids in Pakistan shale formation. Optimizing the inhibition of selected drilling fluid. Various experiments,including immersion test, determination of contact angle, determine rheological properties, filtration loss,hydration inhibition, dynamic linear expansion of bentonite, LDSM and quality control, UV test and withoutUV test are conducted to study the effectiveness in preventing shale swelling. Equipment like mortargrinder, sieve shaker, pH meter, heating oven and hydraulic compactor and ImageJ software for analysisare used. Pomelo peel powder and Activated carbon are considered aspotential additives to water-based drilling fluids. The results indicate that mass fraction solution of pomelopeel powder with optimized particle size can effectively reduce shale collapse and mud loss by filtration.While activated carbon directly purifying water won't prevent swelling, using purified water with lowerimpurity levels can contribute to a more stable drilling process, it reduces the risk of clay swelling. Pomelopeel powder improve the rheological properties of drilling mud. Activated carbon can adsorb variousorganic and inorganic compounds. Pomelo peel powder and Activated carbon both are eco and environmental friendly. This paper presents novel findings on the potential of Lady Pomelo peel asa clay swelling inhibitor in water-based drilling muds. It contributes to the existing literature bydemonstrating its inhibitory properties, improving drilling mud characteristics, and offering anenvironmentally friendly alternative for clay swelling inhibition. These insights support the petroleum industry's pursuit of sustainable and eco-friendly drilling practices.
The Environmental Dimension in the Petroleum Engineering Curriculum at a Global Level: Importance of the Holistic Education of Professionals Who Will Manage the Energy Industry
Authors: Yrigoyen Andres F. , Quaglia Alfonso , Saputelli Luigi
Published: September 2024

Scientific studies have shown there is a high probability that greenhouse gases emitted by human activity have caused an essential portion of the observed increase in the earth's temperatures during the last 50 years. To achieve the scenario of net zero emissions for 2050 proposed by the International Energy Agency (IEA), a great effort must be made to transform the way of thinking of professionals who work in the energy generation sector.

This research aims to analyze the current petroleum engineering curricula offered by high-ranked universities worldwide and to understand how the environmental subject is included, what environmental content is being taught, and what percentage of the curriculum is aligned with environmental protection and emissions reduction.

To achieve this objective, the petroleum engineering curricula of 17 universities were reviewed in detail, and the relationship between the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and the countries where such petroleum engineering universities are located was examined. It was found that only 3 of the 17 (17.6%) universities include environmental courses as part of the core (compulsory) subjects in their undergraduate PE curricula; 2 of 17 (11.8%) universities include environmental courses as part of the core subjects in their master's curricula; and 1 of 17 (5.9%) universities include environmental courses as part of the core courses in their Ph.D. curricula. Based on this research, three main pillars that support the petroleum engineering curriculum were found.

Finally, a new structure for the petroleum engineering curriculum is proposed based on three fundamental pillars identified during this study, which are the pillar related to the area of science and new technologies aligned with the reality of the IR 4.0, the pillar pertaining to the core area of geosciences, petroleum engineering, drilling and completion, and economics; and the pillar associated with the environmental area. These three fundamental pillars that support the petroleum engineering curriculum were associated with the triple bottom line theory proposed by Elkington (Elkington, 1997), which shows the importance of considering a balance of these three pillars in the structure of the petroleum engineering curriculum. This research incorporates novel ideas to enhance the structure of the petroleum engineering curriculum, considering the current challenges we can find nowadays in the oil and gas industry and the energy generation sector.
Investigation of Boiler Feed Water Oxygen Scavenger Adverse Results
Authors: Bu Shulaiybi , Ahmed Y
Published: September 2024

Industrial boilers and Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG) play a crucial role in generating superheated steam for various industrial processes. To ensure the efficiency and longevity of these systems, it is essential to maintain water quality. Typically, water used in these systems undergoes filtration to remove suspended and dissolved solids. Subsequently, the water is treated by deaerators, with their primary function being the removal of dissolved gases, particularly oxygen. Oxygen is considered one of the most important contributors to pitting and corrosion in boilers and piping. To fulfill the critical role of eliminating oxygen, plant utilities such as deaerators use chemicals known as oxygen scavengers. One notable chemical in this category is carbohydrazide, known for its volatility and non-solid contributing properties. Carbohydrazide serves as an effective oxygen scavenger, aiding in the prevention of corrosion within the boiler feed water system.

All deaerators in utilities plants are operated at temperatures above 275°F. This leads oxygen scavenger to decompose to hydrazine at the operating temperature of deaerators, which in turn leads the residual oxygen scavenger to be unrepresentative of the actual injected amount.

In this assessment, the oxygen scavenger performance was reviewed and a better allowable sample result limit was found to capture the effect of the oxygen scavenger decomposition to hydrazine.
Charting Oman's Path to Green Hydrogen: Embracing Opportunities and Overcoming Challenges
Authors: Al-Khayari H. A. , Farrag M. E. , Elgenedy M. A.
Published: September 2024

Achieving net-zero emissions is a global obligation that requires everyone's participation. In its unwavering commitment to this cause, the Sultanate of Oman (Oman) considers green hydrogen to be a crucial element in its decarbonisation plan, in which green hydrogen is expected to reduce the total carbon emissions in 2050 by 8% (8.5 Mt). Furthermore, Oman intends to position itself as a global hub for the production and export of green hydrogen by 2030, a testament to its dedication to environmental sustainability.

The objective of this study is to explore how Oman's abundant natural resources can be harnessed to address the challenges posed by current technologies used for green-hydrogen production and promote the adoption of renewable energy sources in the country. The paper presents an analysis of the unique opportunities available in Oman: first, in green-hydrogen production by using natural minerals and critical elements extracted from the country's land for the manufacturing of electrolysis systems; and second, in renewable energy sources to power hydrogen plants with clean electrical power, including electrolysis systems. The discussion covers different types of electrolysis, including alkaline water electrolysis (AWE), proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, solid oxide electrolysis (SOE), and anion-exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis. Additionally, it delves into various renewable energy sources, such as onshore wind, solar photovoltaics (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), among others, all of which are abundant in Oman.

The paper compares the different types of electrolysis and different renewable energy sources in terms of the costs of installation, operation and maintenance, produced electricity, and system lifetime. Additionally, the study examines the challenges associated with electrolysis, such as the limitation of pure water resources required for water-splitting operations in Oman's environment. Moreover, the study discusses challenges associated with renewable energy sources, such as their impact on flora and fauna, the effects of high temperatures and dusty climates on solar systems, and the challenge of cost-effectiveness, providing a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.

The most significant findings can be summarised as follows. First, using platinum, which accounts for more than 50% of the total stack costs, makes PEM electrolysers expensive. Oman produces and exports platinum, which could be an opportunity. Second, the installation cost of the CSP system is higher than that of other renewable energy sources. This discourages most investors. It has the advantage, however, of being capable of energy storage. Third, the mountain ranges in Oman provide lower temperatures and dust levels, which minimise the negative impact of high temperatures and dust accumulation on PV cells.

The findings will help future researchers in identifying opportunities for Oman to produce green hydrogen and overcome the current challenges.
The Application of a Parametric Model to Track Methane Emissions from Flares – New Insights from a Global Deployment Programme
Authors: Evans P. , Lowe J. , Newman D. , Washington M. , Tao C. , Bottino G.
Published: September 2024

Continuous tracking of methane emissions from flaring using a parametric model are presented in which measurement of flare volumes and composition are combined with flare design information and wind speeds to provide a continuous measure of how flare combustion efficiency (CE) and destruction efficiency (DRE) change under varying process conditions and wind speeds. The accuracy of the method is determined relative to empirical experimental data and extended into high wind scenarios using computational fluid dynamic models. Uncertainty of the method is assessed using both classical error propagation and Monte Carlo techniques.

Results are presented from a global deployment of flares ranging in design and size, including both onshore and offshore applications. Under benign conditions, many flares burn with efficiency greater than the convention that uses a constant 98% DRE, but this can be compromised by low flow and low net heating values. This highlights the importance of accurate flare metering and tracking composition changes and the additional challenges that initiatives to drive down total flare volumes may place upon the installed global fleet of flares and flare meters.

Where flares are exposed to high wind conditions, rapid changes in flare efficiency are observed, highlighting the importance of continuous tracking of DRE for improved accuracy in reporting and differentiating short-lived periods of lower DRE from systemic operational problems, resulting in persistently poor combustion and increased emissions. Improved accuracy of methane emissions reporting from flaring is shown to be constrained, but existing limitations in the standardization of how flares are tested, and their performance tracked.

Rapid deployment using cloud computing reduces the need for in-field operations and shows how digital technology can help to enable the transition to lower emissions from oil and gas production.
The Impact of Salinity on H2/brine Interfacial Tension at Natural Reservoir Conditions: Implications for Hydrogen Geo-Storage
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Hoteit Hussein
Published: September 2024

The large-scale H2 economy may provide a solution to restrict carbon emissions and meet global energy demand. In this regard, underground H2 storage is of keen interest to researchers, which may contribute to the possibility of an H2 economy. The interfacial tension (IFT) and wettability of any liquid/gas system are crucial parameters that determine the gas storage capacities and control the fluid flow through the pore matrix and containment security. Therefore, we have measured the IFT of the H2/brine system at realistic reservoir pressure (10 to 100 bars) and temperature conditions (20 to 80 °C) and compared it to the H2/distilled water system to comprehend the salinity effect. The results show that IFT marginally decreases with the increase in temperature. This effect is the combined effect of temperature and brine. With temperatures where H2 density changes significantly, IFT should have increased (as happens in H2/distilled water systems); however, the presence of saline water supersedes the temperature effect, and IFT behaves oppositely. Similarly, IFT marginally decreases with the increase in pressure due to the marginal changes in H2 density irrespective of presence of salinity. The results of this study provide a fundamental understanding of the H2/brine/distilled water systems at higher pressure and temperature conditions and aid value for accurate calculations to determine the H2 structural and residual geo-storage capacities.
Creating Value Through Energy Transition
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Al Harbi Majeed Mohammed , Al Harmi Sultan Ibrahim , Abdulla Majid Abdul Majeed
Published: September 2024

This paper presents an extensive case study and success story from the upstream oil and gas sector, proving how adopting a similar strategy can significantly contribute to achieving energy usage reduction, aligning with energy management and sustainability goals.

One of the major functions within accommodation complexes is the use of split air conditioning units, which consume substantial amounts of electricity. The continuous operation of these systems often leads to early breakdowns, thereby reducing the lifespan of both minor and major components. Replacing these parts introduces numerous challenges, including excessive costs and the environmental impact associated with recycling them.

Our primary aim is to control the usage of air conditioning equipment, limiting it to the active occupancy of spaces. By introducing smart thermostats with centralized management integrated with split units, we can enhance operational comfort while promoting sustainability goals through efficient control mechanisms and scheduled operations.
Work Safe, No Regrets – A Campaign to Encourage People to Intervene in Case of Unsafe Conditions
Authors: Scotti D.
Published: September 2024

Saipem is committed to the health and safety of all people undertaking work in and for our business. Our Leadership in Health and Safety Programme (LiHS) is the foundation upon which the organisation has built its safety success. The LiHS programme is based upon attaining global alignment of leaders and workers to a common set of values related to safety and where safe work is seen as simply ‘the way that we do things around here.’

The LiHS programme was implemented in 2007 at a time when our organisation, despite having the tools, rules, and procedures, etc. was experiencing an unacceptable accident frequency rate. Saipem top management identified a number of failings that stemmed from deep rooted failings in our safety culture that had to be addressed to maximise the safety of personnel. The LiHS programme uses a top-down, bottom-up approach that engages personnel at all levels, allowing them to each make their own personal contribution to the growth of a solid culture of safety. Between 2007 and 2023, LiHS has been responsible for an 86% reduction in our Total Recordable Incident Frequency Rate (TRIFR) and is estimated to have prevented 116 fatal accidents. This is due to both the dedication of management and workers and the ‘snowball’ effect of new safety campaigns, programmes and initiatives that could have only been created in an organisation that puts safety at the forefront of everything that it does.

This paper describes an accident prevention communication campaign, mandated by Saipem Top Management, which was created to raise awareness of the risks that are present when personnel are working at height (WAH). Key areas of focus include the adoption of safe behaviours and compliance with the rules to be observed when planning and executing WAH activities. Saipem's ‘Work Safe No Regrets’ (WSNR) demonstrates a firm management commitment to addressing emerging threats to our workforce.
Linking Chamber-Specific Spatial Chromatin Interactions to Disease Variants and Gene Programs in Human Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Haydar S. , Bednarz Rebecca , Laurette Patrick , Pedrosa Núria Díaz i , Videm P. , Lueneburg T. , Kuss S. , Lahm Harald , Dressen Martina , Krane Markus , Schmidt C. , Grüning B.A. , Streckfuß-Bömeke Katrin , Gilsbach Ralf
Published: September 2024

Cell-type specific gene expression programs and response to stimuli are modulated by cis-regulatory elements (CREs). CREs modulate the activity of spatially interacting gene promoters. Heart disease is a major cause of death worldwide. Here, we aim to decode CRE-promoter interactions in atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes and link them to heart disease and genetic risk factors. Therefore, we analyze the epigenetic features and chromatin interactions of human atrial, ventricular, and failing cardiomyocytes (CM). In failing CM a limited number of genes, including NPPA, showed rewiring events orchestrating differential gene expression. Remarkably, we find that atrial and ventricular CM harbor chamber-specific chromatin interactions which are linked to gene expression indicating that chromatin organization underlies atrial and ventricular CM specification. The chamber-specific chromatin interactions also explain the contribution of non-coding genetic CRE variants to the occurrence of atrial and ventricular diseases, including atrial and ventricular arrhythmia. Functional silencing of CREs carrying genetic QT-duration risk factors confirmed their functional relevance.
Our human CM data demonstrates that cell type-specific chromatin interaction analysis provides crucial insights into regulatory mechanisms and aids the interpretation of genetic risk factors identified in patients and association studies.
A convolutional attention model for predicting response to chemo-immunotherapy from ultrasound elastography in mouse tumor models
Authors: Voutouri Chrysovalantis , Englezos Demetris , Zamboglou Constantinos , Strouthos Iosif , Papanastasiou Giorgos , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos
Published: September 2024

Background. In the era of personalized cancer treatment, understanding the intrinsic heterogeneity of tumors is crucial. Despite some patients responding favorably to a particular treatment, others may not benefit, resulting in varied efficacy of standard therapies. This study focuses on the prediction of tumor response to chemo-immunotherapy, exploring the potential of tumor mechanics and medical imaging as predictive biomarkers. We have extensively studied "desmoplastic" tumors, characterized by a dense and very stiff stroma, which presents a significant challenge for treatment. The increased stiffness of such tumors can be restored through pharmacological intervention with mechanotherapeutics.
Methods. Here, we developed a deep learning methodology based on shear wave elastography (SWE) images, which involved a convolutional neural network (CNN) model enhanced with attention modules. The model was developed and evaluated as a predictive biomarker in the setting of detecting responsive, stable and non-responsive tumors to chemotherapy, immunotherapy or the combination, following mechanotherapeutics administration. A dataset of 1365 SWE images was obtained from 630 tumors from our previous experiments and used to train and successfully evaluate our methodology. SWE, in combination with deep learning models, has demonstrated promising results in disease diagnosis and tumor classification but their potential for predicting tumor response prior to therapy is not yet fully realized. Here we show, strong evidence that integrating SWE-derived biomarkers with automatic tumor segmentation algorithms enables accurate tumor detection and prediction of therapeutic outcomes,
Conclusions. This approach can enhance personalized cancer treatment by providing non-invasive, reliable predictions of therapeutic outcomes.
Plasma metabolomic signatures for copy number variants and COVID-19 risk loci in Northern Finland Populations
Authors: De Tisham , Coin Lachlan , Herberg Jethro , Johnson Michael , Jarvelin Marjo-Riitta
Published: September 2024

Here, we present genome-wide metabolomic signatures for copy-number variants (CNV) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in two Finnish cohorts - The Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC 1966) and NFBC 1986. This work builds upon our earlier study of characterising common CNVs in the TSPAN8 gene. Here, we have carried out an analysis of CNVs in over 9,300 individuals and characterised their dosage effect (CNV-metabolomic QTL) on 228 plasma lipoproteins and metabolites. We have reported reference (normal physiology) metabolomic signatures for up-to ~ 2.6 million COVID-19 GWAS results from the GRASP database, including for outcomes related to COVID-19 death, severity, and hospitalisation. Furthermore, by analysing two exemplar genes for COVID-19 severity namely LZTFL1 and OAS1, both reported to have Neanderthal ancestry, we have reported here two additional candidate genes for COVID-19 severity biology, namely 1) NFIX, a gene related to viral (adenovirus) replication and hematopoietic stem cells and 2) ACSL1, a known candidate gene for sepsis and bacterial inflammation. Based on our results and current literature we hypothesise that 1) charge imbalance across the cellular membrane between cations (Fe2+, Mg2+ etc) and anions (e.g., ROS, hydroxide ion from cellular Fenton reactions, superoxide etc), 2) iron trafficking within and between different cell types e.g., macrophages and 3) systemic oxidative stress response (e.g., lipid peroxidation mediated inflammation), together could be of relevance in severe COVID-19 cases. To conclude, our unique atlas of univariate and multivariate metabolomic signatures for CNVs (~ 7.2 million signatures) and SNPs (~ 0.7 million signatures) with deep annotations of various multi omics data sets provide an important reference knowledge base for human metabolism and diseases.
Determinants of Quality Laboratory Service Provision among Government Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Nigatu Tsegalem , Deress Teshiwal , Mezgebu Bahriew , Adane Kasaw
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Clinical laboratory services are crucial for diagnosis and disease management, but their quality in developing countries is often poor due to technical and administrative limitations. Incorrect results can lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate interventions, increased patient suffering, and unnecessary expenses. This study aimed to identify key determinants affecting the quality of laboratory services among government referral hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2023 at comprehensive specialized hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire and checklist. After coding, data were entered into Epi Data Version 4.6 and exported to STATA version 14.1 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings of the study. Further, multivariable logistic regression has assessed the association between the dependent and independent variables. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Three hundred six medical laboratory professionals from five government comprehensive specialized hospitals participated. Over half had a bachelor’s degree, and about 58% had more than 11 years of experience. The overall quality of laboratory services was 51.6% [95% CI: (46.01–57.22)]. Factors significantly associated with higher quality laboratory services included communication with physicians (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.28, 6.59), the opportunity to attend continuing professional education and development programs (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.29, 5.52), participation in laboratory refresher training (AOR = 3.99, 95% CI: 2.03, 7.85), availability of adequate laboratory equipment (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.81, 6.8), and sufficient active laboratory staff (AOR = 3.75, 95% CI: 1.95, 7.2).
Conclusion
The overall quality of laboratory services was poor. Gaps were identified in laboratory staff communication with physicians, access to continuing professional education and refresher training, adequacy of laboratory equipment, and staffing levels. These gaps highlight the need for improved communication between laboratory staff and physicians, increased opportunities for continuing professional education and development and refresher training, ensuring sufficient and well-maintained laboratory equipment, and adequate staffing levels.