bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Special Issue on Novel Fabrication Processes for Tailored Functional Materials and Surfaces
Authors: Yoshino Masahiko , Moronuki Nobuyuki
Published: March 2020

The properties of a mechanical material depend not only on its chemical components but also on the micro/nano structures of its surface and interior. Attempts have been made in recent years to develop new surface/material functions through mechanical processes. For example, technologies to control various characteristics, such as friction, water repellency, and optical properties, have been developed by constructing micro/nano periodic structures on the surfaces of materials. Since these properties depend on the geometry of the surface morphology, micro/nano fabrication processes can produce a variety of properties. This indicates that the surface properties and material properties of portions of the materials can be controlled to reach optimal conditions required by machine product design. This technology is expected to lead to the advanced production of products integrating design, manufacturing, and materials in an organic way. Here, we call the materials and surfaces with their properties arbitrarily controlled in accordance with machine design “tailored functional materials and surfaces.”

This special issue features various studies and reports related to tailored functional materials and surfaces, and it includes 12 related papers and a review. They cover processing technologies that create and control various surface functions, such as water repellency, friction, biological and chemical reactions, and optical properties. They indicate the possibilities and future of new precision processing technologies.

We deeply appreciate all the authors and reviewers for their efforts and contributions. We also hope that this special issue will encourage further research on tailored functional surfaces.
Fabrication of Optimally Micro-Textured Copper Substrates by Plasma Printing for Plastic Mold Packaging
Authors: Aizawa Tatsuhiko , Saito Yasuo , Hasegawa Hideharu , Wasa Kenji ,   Surface Engineering Design Laboratory 3-15-10 Minami-rokugo, Ota, Tokyo 144-0045, Japan,   Chuo Denshi Kogyo, Co., Ltd., Uki, Japan,   MicroTeX Labs, LLC, Tokyo, Japan
Published: March 2020

Micro-embossing using plasma printed micro-punch was proposed to form micro-groove textures into the copper substrate for plastic packaging of hollowed GaN HEMT-chips. In particular, the micro-groove network on the copper substrate was optimized to attain uniform stress distribution with maximum stress level being as low as possible. Three-dimensional finite element analysis was employed to investigate the optimum micro-grooving texture-topology and to attain the uniform stress distribution on the joined interface between the plastic mold and the textured copper substrate. Thereafter, plasma printing was utilized to fabricate the micro-punch for micro-embossing of the micro-grooving network into the copper substrate as a designed optimum micro-texture. This plasma printing mainly consisted of three steps. Two-dimensional micro-pattern was screen-printed onto the AISI316 die surface as a negative pattern of the optimum CAD data. The screen-printed die was plasma nitrided at 673 K for 14.4 ks at 70 Pa under the hydrogen-nitrogen mixture for selective nitrogen supersaturation onto the unprinted die surfaces. A micro-punch was developed by mechanically removing the printed parts of die material. Then, fine computer numerical control (CNC) stamping was used to yield the micro-embossed copper substrate specimens. Twelve micro-textured substrates were molded into packaged specimens by plastic molding. Finally, gross leak testing was employed to evaluate the integrity of the joined interface. The takt time required to yield the micro-grooved copper substrate by the present method was compared to the picosecond laser micro-grooving; the former showed high productivity based on this parameter.
Elevated Forearm Coactivation Levels and Higher Temporal Variability in String Players with Musicians’ Dystonia During Demanding Playing Conditions
Authors: Worschech Florian , Großbach Michael , Bläsing Bettina , Altenmüller Eckart
Published: March 2020

AIMS: There is a lack of an objective measurement tool for evaluating the quality of bowing performance in string players. The present study aimed to assess kinematic features of bow strokes performed by violinists and violists affected by bow arm dystonia, compared to healthy controls.
METHODS: Seven musicians with musician’s dystonia and 20 healthy controls participated in the study. A 3D motion capture system was used to record repetitive bowing on a single string at fixed velocities. Temporal variability, an indirect indicator for motor disturbances, was computed
in order to evaluate the musicians’ performance during the repetitive movements. Simultaneously, muscular activity of essential flexors and extensors of the right arm was recorded using surface electromyography. Antagonistic muscular coactivation and temporal variability were analyzed
in a multilevel linear model framework. RESULTS: The results revealed generally higher forearm coactivation during upstrokes as compared to downstrokes in both groups. Whereas coactivation levels of the upper arm did not significantly differ between groups, we found increased forearm coactivation
in patients during the more demanding playing conditions. Increased coactivation may represent an adaptive motor control strategy that is applied in order to reduce noise entering the motor system. Furthermore, affected musicians executed bow strokes with higher temporal variability than healthy
controls, especially during fast playing. CONCLUSIONS: Building on these results we introduce a novel approach using simple kinematic measures to quantifying dystonic symptoms in string players. Even though dystonia patients showed higher temporal variability and elevated forearm coactivation,
both variables were not correlated. This finding is discussed with respect to the heterogeneity of musicians’ dystonia and its individual-specific manifestations in dystonic symptoms.
New Produced Water Risk Based Approach Guidance
Authors: Smit Mathijs , Hayes Sean , Pelz Oliver , Arnold Ray , Brown Wendy
Published: March 2020

There is a global trend towards the application of risk based assessment (RBA) techniques for assessing and managing environmental risks and considering the potential impacts from discharges of produced water. One of the benefits of RBA is the absence of generic end-of-pipe limits for individual produced water components. Instead, it allows for flexibility to evaluate environmental risks and potential impacts of site-specific discharges on a case-by-case basis. Several global oil and gas operators have developed in-house approaches, guidelines and principles for evaluating these risks for communication to agencies and the public and for decision making. As such, a range of risk endpoints is being applied, each of them based on specific assumptions, input parameters with varying levels of empirical data requirements, and conservatism. This situation hampers straightforward comparison across companies and regulatory frameworks. The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) has recognized a need for alignment to support more consistent application and communication of RBA concepts. Therefore, a new IOGP project was sponsored, including formation of a Task Force to define industry good practice for RBA approaches, based on an inventory of methods currently used by member companies together with a review of existing regulatory approaches around the world. Tools have been catalogued and the strengths and weaknesses of the underlying risk principles have been analysed along with the protection goals they support. Two main principles were identified; Uncertainty-implicit and uncertainty-explicit approaches, each with their own application areas. The second phase of the project focused on the development of consensus industry guidance including a common tiered framework for RBA. The main objective of this work is to achieve harmonization in the way operators execute RBA for offshore produced water discharges as this will likely enhance broader understanding and acceptance of RBA techniques internationally.

This paper will provide a summary of the inventory of RBA methods and tools collected by the Task Force and will present the main elements of the proposed common RBA framework for produced water discharges. This will include recommendations e.g. on how to characterize produced water composition, how to define appropriate mixing zones, and what data is needed to decide whether risk can be considered adequately controlled.
Proprietary Digester Design with Bacteria Metabolic Activator Provides Ultimate Solution to Petroleum Waste Bottle Neck Processing
Authors: Evangelista Lucas , Chen Jeffrey
Published: March 2020

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) categorizes "oil sludge" as a hazardous waste that is subject to hazardous waste handling rules. The oil sludge may contain many different compositions. The challenge is that these sludges cannot be disposed of safely in landfills unless de-oiled (Hydrocarbon separation: 99% oil removal) and properly remediated water and soils (Total petroleum hydrocarbons less than 1%). Facilities accumulate the sludge that is considered waste because most common solutions are not environmentally considerate or available. This paper presents a novel method to process the oil sludge to the existing effluent discharge standards.

Samples of oil sludge were acquired from various oil fields and terminals in Argentina, The Netherlands and China. The preliminary analysis revealed a very high concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons-TPH (29%) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-PAH (11%) on average between the samples. The test was performed for biological processing was aimed at environmentally friendly degradation and discharge of the waste by introducing selected specialized bacterium into the contained and regulated host environment of the Proactive Digester designed in California.

The results have shown a significant reduction in both the TPH and PAH. The 90 minutes biological processing of waste sludge reduces the TPH to 0.41% and PAH to 0.35%. The results are in accordance with effluent standards defined by EPA i.e. TPH below 1% and PAH below 0.5%.

In the second test, standard complex oil separation methods were carried out to recreate industry processes of hydrocarbon recovery with resulting reduction of the TPH to 2.76% and PAH to 1.36% in the resulting sludge. This residue was then treated in a proactive digester with bacteria to predictably bring the values in accordance with EPA effluent limits.

Biological/bacterial processing have can significant advantages over other processes used in the industry. One of the major advantages is the low-cost standardized process that can be applied to both modular stationary and mobile units. Another benefit of standardized processes is that the calculations for the whole process of sludge contaminant neutralization including retrieval, separation and full remediation treatment can be predefined. Increased success of these efficient systems of biological selection in combination with sustained host environments will increase the future use of bacteria degradation processing equipment.
Methodology for Energy Consume Optimization with a High GHG Reduction Emissions, Application in the Largest Colombian Oil Field
Authors: Sachica Avila Jorge Andres , Bravo Oscar , Díaz Jairo , Nieto Iván , Lopez Jacobo , Sachica Claudia
Published: March 2020

Global warming is one of the most serious environmental, social and economic threats currently facing the planet, so many companies and organizations have generated a strategic approach to combat it. One of the most efficient strategies is the reduction of energy consumption, which not only positively affects the reduction of fuel consumption, but also shows improvements in both financial and technological efficiency. This project allowed to create an analysis methodology applicable in the oil and gas industry, in whose process of analysis, important alternatives for optimization of energy consumption are detected, which contribute to the Greenhouse Gas Emission balance (GHG), a fundamental theme of Sustainability Worldwide. This methodology was applied in the field of higher production of hydrocarbons currently in Colombia, whose energy consumption is significant at the national level. The methodology included activities to measure energy consumption per well, coupled with a rigorous financial analysis that allowed the evaluation and selection of candidate wells for different optimization actions. As a result, technically applicable actions were obtained for the reduction of energy consumption, which were classified under an analysis of expected net present value and investment efficiency.
Predictive and Prescriptive Fatigue Management Through Wearable Technology
Authors: Go Chang Hua , Chan Boon Hwee , Arbi Kartina Wati , Sia Wan Cian , Tan Nian Wei
Published: March 2020

Fatigue has long been identified as a major contributing factor that influence human reliability and performance leading to deadly and ill-health incidents. Traditionally, fatigue management in Oil and Gas industry has been mostly limited to managing hours of service limit. Project Delivery and Technology (PD&T) Division of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) embarks on Wearable Technology for Fatigue Management (WTFM) program with the aim to transform fatigue management to be proactive and predictive, hence creating value through early intervention and mitigations. The program started with a Proof of Concept (PoC) to determine the major factor/parameter that influenced fatigue that can be tracked via wearable device. Results and analysis from PoC reaffirms that sleep quality and quantity are the main contributing factor to fatigue, aligned with Hazards and Effects Management Process (HEMP) where the prominent threats to fatigue are extended work hours leading to lack of sleep & poor quality of sleep. Physical activeness measured in terms of step count contributes to sleep quality thus indirectly having influence on fatigue. It was also found that certain job types such as mentally and physically demanding jobs have impact on fatigue to a certain extent. Other tested parameters such as resting heart rate, BMI and age group did not contribute to fatigue, thus it was concluded that proactive fatigue management can be achieved using wearable technology with sleep quality and quantity tracking as well as identifying the key job type at risk of fatigue.
Taking Goal Zero Outside the Fence: Lifestyle and Health Influences on Tanker and Commercial Drivers’ Performance and Road Safety
Authors: Fajola A.. , Oduneye F.. , Ogbimi R.. , Mosuro O O.. , Oyo-Ita A A.. , Ovwigho U..
Published: March 2020

Background

Drivers are key contributors to economic development. Poor health and behavior poses a challenge to their work performance and safety of even road users. Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN), has demonstrated the impact of Human Performance and care agenda on Driver engagement, behaviour, performance and road safety. An ‘outside the fence’ approach is therefore critical towards reaching a larger pool and achieving drivers’ health and public safety

Aim

To determine and intervene on the risk factors from lifestyle, affecting the health of tanker and commercial drivers as a social investment strategy to improve drivers’ health and foster ‘goal zero culture’ (no incidents, no fatalities).

Method

A baseline survey among 731 randomly selected consenting commercial and tanker drivers from three motor parks in Rivers (Mile 3 & Eleme), and Lagos (Ojota) states using close ended Interviewer-administered questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions. Health Screening (for Blood Alcohol Concentration {BAC}, visual acuity, blood pressure, random blood sugar, cholesterol and Body Mass Index). Interventions included Health education, medical consultations, treatment of minor ailments, eye care including glasses. Data was analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics.

Results

Findings showed that 36.9% had raised blood pressure with only 11.5% being known hypertensives; 19.5% of the drivers had trace to significantly raised BAC; 66% of respondents had never had an eye test. Also, 40.7% had visual impairment (with 4% glaucoma-related); 35.5% had elevated blood cholesterol; 18% obese, while 3.6% had elevated blood sugar.

Conclusion

The lifestyles of these drivers were risk factors for the observed non communicable diseases among them which could potentially interfere with their work performance and invariably, Goal Zero. Health education on, lifestyle modification, continuous monitoring and policy changes to driver monitoring are recommended.
Manuscript Title: Changing Behaviours Through the Universal Language of Film: The Power of Storytelling to Reduce Risks and Improve Safety Engagement
Authors: Scotti Davide , Matkin Darren , Stockham Neil , Katis Paul , de Lotbiniere Andrew , Satta Marco
Published: March 2020

Objectives/Scope: In the last thirteen years, as part of its Leadership in Health & Safety program, Saipem has produced several award-winning movies, with the aim of creating immersive learning experiences to improve the health and safety culture within the organisation. This paper will share our long and successful experience, demonstrating the power of storytelling to change behavior, reduce risks and improve safety in workplaces.

Methods, Procedures, Process: To emotionally engage an audience, a highly qualitative and credible content is a critical factor: hence, the decision to use movies in our Leadership in Health&Safety program. Our films are based on compelling stories, set in a fictional world that presents the viewer with scenarios and characters that they identify with, enabling them to experience the characters’ journey and to contemplate how they would feel, think and behave in similar situations. This has the effect of anchoring the sensory experience of analogous situations to remembered emotions from the film, which the viewer then rationalises with thoughts that trigger behavior.

Results, Observations, Conclusions: Research has shown that the neurochemistry of learning works in just the same way whether we are participating in an activity or simply observing it, provided that we’re emotionally engaged in the events we see. This is why dramatic storytelling is such an effective tool for neuro-linguistic programming and learning, as it stimulates memory access and provides neurochemical highs that reward the viewer when they interpret meaning. In our experience, emotionally engaging, memorable stories with powerful underlying messages have the capacity to provide the physiological and psychological stimuli necessary to engender lasting attitudinal, behavioral and cultural change. Behavior repeated over the longer-term become habits, and group habits are ultimately what shape a culture.

Novel/Additive Information: Why don't fatal accidents stop? Behavior does not change with a document or imposing a procedure. To improve the health and safety culture within our organisations, today we need to change people's mindset. And, in order to make a difference to the way that people feel, think and behave, there is nothing as powerful and effective as the universal language of film, able to leave a deep mark in individuals and lead to real, measurable results.
Quick Screening for CO2-EOR as CCUS Technology: A Case Study in Recôncavo Basin
Authors: Coelho Sacha da , Almeida Alana , Lima Rui , Câmara George Augusto , Rocha Paulo , Andrade José Célio
Published: March 2020

The carbon, capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is a technology that allows the use of fossil fuels to energy generation and reduction the CO2 emissions to the atmosphere simultaneously. As part of this technology, CO2 can be used as an assessment for the oil industry, as well as an Enhanced Oil Recovery method by injecting CO2 in the oil reservoirs (CO2-EOR). An advantage of using the CO2-EOR is that oil and gas fields in production, either depleted or mature fields, can be targets to implement a storage project after the CO2 injection and oil production. However, not all fields are suitable to implement the CO2-EOR project and a screening process to select fields that can use the EOR method should carefully be chosen. To perform this screening is a hard task due to the need to gather enough data to the analysys, which the population to be studied might be huge, becoming difficult to collect all data needed. The aim of this paper is to present a quick screening process to select oil fields for CCUS, reducing the population studied. A study case and methodology was carried out, consisting in perform a quick screening and the analysys of reservoir data using a real fluid sample collected from a oil reservoir in Reconcavo basin. This data is primary data and was collected from a company. First, the fluid was characterized and the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) was performed using the Rising Bubble apparatus (RBA). In addition, it was used CMG-Winprop to match the experimental and simulation data for MMP, and MMP was also calculated using the proper correlation developed for the Reconcavo. After that, the MMP was analysed by screening criteria to evaluate if the reservoirs criteria collected were significant for applying the process. The quick screening process was appropriate to show the potential of a basin to use CO2-EOR and to propose this method of previous studies at the Reconcavo were used as a guide. Even if the result is negative for the CO2-EOR, the studied reservoir can be used only for CO2 storage, and other criteria needed to be analyzed. Medium and small companies in the petroleum areas can use this quick process to do a preliminary study at the basin to select potential fields to apply the CO2-EOR, having a small population to study can reduce the costs of a big process that is the viability study of a project. Petroleum agencies and energy and technology departments can use this process as well to promote public energy policy and perform preliminary studies at the Reconcavo Basin to prove its potential to be used as sites for carbon sequestration to reduce CO2 emissions to the atmosphere.
Management of Infectious Diseases Offshore
Authors: Ibrahim Salwan
Published: March 2020

International SOS has led medical services operations on offshore installations globally and managed clinical cases where patients were presented with signs and symptoms of known infectious illnesses. Most recently (3) cases of mumps were identified among the work force on an operating oil and gas rig offshore Guyana in the Caribbean Sea. Due to the anticipated risk to the health of the offshore employees and the risk to operational continuity, certain steps in case management, needed to ensure proper patient health care, employees' safety and ongoing operations, were recommended to be followed. While this paper will describe the recommended action steps that were followed in the management of mumps cases as best practices in infectious diseases management on offshore installations, it can be adopted as a guideline towards management of various infectious illnesses as well, with special consideration to the different diseases specifics like mode of transmission and infectivity, thus prevention techniques and infection control procedures.
Applying Technology and Innovative Solutions to Enhance Driver Engagement and Performance
Authors: Perez Freddy , Walker Kirsty , Parkar Junaid
Published: March 2020

This paper describes an oilfield services company's approach to the development and application of technology and innovative solutions to improve driving performance based on extensive data analysis. Driving performance data identified potential scenarios where outcome focused solutions can be used to influence driver behaviors and actions. Tailored solutions were identified and implemented, ranging from innovative vehicle enhancements to high technology and mobile applications.

Analysis of global driving performance data, generated over several years, was used to identify trends in the type of vehicle impacts and associated driving conditions as well as driver behaviors. This process enabled the identification of specific issues where targeted solutions could be deployed to reduce undesired outcomes. In some cases, the solutions were within the company control and targeted to the workforce. In other cases, solutions were developed to influence other road users.

Identified solutions include advanced driver assistance systems retrofitted into company vehicles. This technology provides pedestrian and cyclist collision warning, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, headway monitoring warning as well as a speed limit indicator. The instantaneous in-vehicle warnings provide the driver with additional reaction time to avoid potential collisions as well as giving real time feedback on critical behaviors, which act as performance coaching in improving driving performance.

Two innovative mobile technologies have been implemented to target driver behaviors and develop a self-improvement mindset for driving performance as well as engaging drivers in a more active trip risk evaluation. These technologies also assist line management by providing a simple digital trip approval process and the opportunity to give personalized feedback to the driver on their performance, including recognition and targeted coaching. Driving performance data collected is used to encourage healthy competition between individuals and teams through a variety of global and local recognition programs.

Another simple and easily deployable solution to avoiding rear-end collisions, by influencing the behavior of other road users, has reduced this type of impact to company vehicles by over 30%.

Collectively these solutions have resulted in significant improvement to the company's driving performance.

This paper describes how an oilfield services company has used global event data to identify and apply technologies and innovative solutions to improve driving safety through driver engagement and vehicle enhancements. Monitoring of the data generated by these technologies is used to proactively identify further areas of improvement.
6 Fatalities in 1 Year, What Else on Human Factor!
Authors: Shittu Ganiyu
Published: March 2020

In a space of less than a year, in fact between February to October 2018, 4 fatal accidents happened with six persons died as consequence. We have heard and read a lot about human factors and how unsafe acts account for >85% of incidents, what has remain a big challenge for employees and management across decades is an almost foolproof approach to learn from the experiences of others incidents to prevent the incidents from happening again.

To understand the precarious challenge, let us look at the summary of the four sad events that led to the six fatalities.

On 5th May 2018, a contracted truck loaded with 23m3 of gasoil and 25m3 of kerosene overturned 120km from Addis-Ababa. It then collided with a 4tonne truck that came in front and caught fire. Both drivers died.

On 22nd July 2018, death of a contracted Driver occurred following handling operation accident on the Total E & P Congo Industrial Base. During a storage operation of steel slings, the mast of a forklift has dislodged at the bottom of the mast and has tilted to the driving position of the machine (around the axis of the inclination cylinders). While falling, the mast crushed the cabin and the operator.
Nudging HSE Positive Behaviors: A Case Study in Workforce Safety Engagement
Authors: Scott Hannah , Mohammed Al Hinai Lujaina
Published: March 2020

This paper describes a program to pilot the use of nudge techniques within an oilfield services company to encourage and reinforce positive health, safety and environmental (HSE) behaviors. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the nudges on the workforce in developing desired behaviors and the associated HSE benefits.

Academics have explored the concept of nudge theory to influence decision making for over 20 years. The HSE function sought to identify how these nudge techniques and behavioral science could be practically applied to improve safety behaviors and performance in office, operational and manufacturing locations.

The HSE function was educated on nudge theory and encouraged to build nudge techniques into training, safety meetings, and other communications. The introduction of nudge techniques was intended to supplement the company's mature HSE Management system and culture with visible, engaging, subtle, and occasionally less subtle behavioral prompts.

A nudge toolkit was developed, with individual nudges to address behaviors related to health, safety and the environment such as healthy food choices, anti-smoking, using the stairs, holding handrails, safe walkways and energy efficiency. Each nudge was accompanied by instructions for implementation and a methodology for measuring the behavioral impact. The nudge toolkit was launched in stages, allowing different geographical organizations to select and implement elements within the nudge toolkit as appropriate to their local culture, languages, and activities.

This pilot program provided an introduction of nudges to the workforce. The ability to provide empirical data to support the success of the program is limited at this time. Feedback from the workforce indicates the initiative has been well received and that the nudging tools have helped to improve HSE engagement by initiating interest and discussion. A future phase of the program aims to consolidate the pilot study learnings and develop more robust data collection methods for monitoring effectiveness.

Feedback from both the workforce and the HSE function employees has been positive. It can be concluded that applying nudging techniques to achieve desired HSE behaviors is a useful addition to the company's toolkit for reinforcing a strong HSE culture and further developing workforce HSE engagement.
Detection and Quantification of Gas Leakage by Infrared Technology in TEPA Block 17 FPSOs
Authors: De Almeida Paulo , Correia Elliane , Quintas Sonia
Published: March 2020

Detection and quantification of gas leakage by infrared technology

This article aim to present the technology for detection and quantification of fugitive gas emissions in deep offshore activities of TOTAL E&P Angola (hereafter mentioned as "Company").

Company has been operating in Angola for more than 60 years, totally committed to the environmental sustainability through full compliance to the local regulation, Company standards, and best oilfield environmental practices.

Fugitive emissions represent a general set of emission from industrial sources that cannot be connected through controlled means to a definitive emission point. These normally and relatively small and hard-to- detect emissions from valve packing, pump seal, compressor seals and piping connections occur as part of normal industrial operations. They are characterized by a diffused release of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds: methane, ethane, methanol, etc) or other pollutants into the atmosphere.

Methane’s global warming potential is higher than carbon dioxide. Methane emissions in Company’s operated scope stood at 2.3 Mt CO2-eq in 2015 and nearly half or 1.1 Mt CO2-eq were specifically related to gas production. In all, they account for less than 0.5% of Company’s marketed operated production; therefore improving methane measurement and mitigating these emissions are part of climate change strategy of the Company.

Reducing oil and gas methane emissions is an essential, low-cost strategy for slowing the accelerated pace of today’s Global Warming. It is a major opportunity for climate progress that cannot be missed. This is why all efforts were centered to join the Climate and Clean air Coalition (CCAC) Oil & Gas Methane Partnership, important step to understand the scope of the company methane emissions. The CCAC Partnership provides companies with a credible mechanism to systematically address their methane emissions and demonstrate this systematic approach to stakeholders.
Global Environmental Baseline & Monitoring Survey GEMS - Over a Decade of Results Oriented, Monitoring and Assessing the Oil Industry Impacts on the Deep Offshore Environment Case Study: Block 17- Girassol field
Authors: Manuel Mario , Batalha Tania , João Josè-Cardoso
Published: March 2020

The aim of this paper is to present TOTAL E&P Angola (subsidiary of TOTAL in Angola, hereafter mentioned as "Affiliate") last environmental monitoring campaign. The document presents the strategy and summarizes the results of indicators which are used to follow up cumulative impacts on deep water environment. The campaign was performed between 1998 and 2015, and different laboratories were used. The impact of field operations proved to be rather low or negligible, and acceptable on the long term.

Since February 1998, when the first environmental baseline study (EBS) was performed (in Block 17: Girassol) to describe the initial state of the environment, the Affiliate has been conducting regular offshore monitoring campaigns with the aim of characterizing the water column, and marine sediments around existing installations and developing fields. These surveys are not limited to Block 17, but also extend to other Affiliate offshore blocks in Angola.

In March 2015, the Affiliate’s most demanding Global Environmental Baseline & Monitoring Survey (GEMS) was completed, which covered six different offshore blocks, with a work scope ranging between EBS and EMoS (environmental monitoring survey), comprising 226 sampling stations for sediment and benthic macrofauna, 26 for seawater, 17 for phytoplankton and 8 for foraminifera. Another specificity of this latest GEMS was the scientific vessel that was shared among Operators through a joint agreement, of course with some legal and operational constraints considering the socio-geographic context of the project. Technically, besides the Affiliate’s required guidelines and rules, the parameters to be tested also had to meet recent regulations from the Ministry of Petroleum. Physico-chemical and biological data obtained over the past 17 years have been used as indicators of environment quality, and its regular monitoring allows assessment of the sensitivity of the marine environment to petroleum activities.
Designing Wellbore Plugging and Abandonment Materials Based on Nature's Hydraulic Barrier Materials: A Solution to Prevent Hydrocarbon Leakage Over Time
Authors: Vissa Sai Vamsi , Radonjic Mileva
Published: March 2020

In the oil and gas industry, drilling and completions of wellbores have undergone major technological improvements, that ultimately enabled safer exploration and production of fossil fuels. However, the plugging and abandonment (P&A) of wellbores had not attracted the same level of technological advancements. Wellbore plugging in offshore environments is challenging as the consequence of potential hydrocarbon leakage can cause cumulative damage to the fragile ecosystems for a long time before detection. Gas leakages are especially hard to detect and evaluate for appropriate wellbore intervention and mitigation. Preventing wellbore leakage requires a robust sealing material capable of reducing the permeability through wellbore infrastructure and surrounding formation to zero. One proposed way is to use zeolites as additives. Zeolites could act as scaffoldings for cement hydration reactions to take place and since they have crystal and pore structures similar to Calcium Silicate Hydrate (CSH), they have compatibility. This could act as a bridge between the natural formation and cement. Due to the non-hydraulic nature of zeolites, they could retain some pore water which could be released in an event of fracture providing water for secondary hydration of cement resulting in self-healing properties. Also, zeolites show a very strong skeletal structure despite their large reactive areas and pore sites. Hence, one of the ideas to be explored in this paper is to gain a deep understanding of the zeolite properties before adding it to cement in order to create an ideal hydraulic barrier material. By doing so, ultimately the aim is to achieve a barrier material which could mimic shale which is a natural cap rock and find application in wellbore plugging operation. This paper is focused on evaluation of a natural zeolite ferrierite, primarily microstructural characterization and its chemical stability in contact with fluids that resemble potential subsurface formation fluids. The data suggests that there is no major microstructural change in contact with: low pH aqueous solution, high salinity brine, synthetic oil and water, and some change in contact with high pH Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) solution, after 7days exposure at 95°C.
Rescue and Relocation of Orchids and Bromeliads as Impact Mitigation Measures in Linear Projects
Authors: Ahumada Morales Carlos , Gutierrez Mesías Fernando , Changano Guevara Humberto , García Espinoza Alan
Published: March 2020

The importance, usefulness and degree of threat of the orchids a general level, them considered priority species for conservation in the different investment projects that are developed mainly in the tropical forests of the Amazon and the eastern Andes of the Peru. With the purpose of minimizing the impact of the construction of platform and a pipeline in the Lower Urubamba (Cusco, Peru), the rescue and relocation of orchids and bromeliads has been carried out before clearing and deforestation. The present study identifies the physical characteristics of a host or phorophyte for the success of the natural establishment of an epiphytic orchid on it, the type of cortex being the variable that would be influencing the success of the relocation of rescued epiphytic orchids.
NPDB: a natural product database with relational data between natural products and biological sources
Authors: Xu Tingjun , Dai Jingfang , Chen Weiming , Li Yingyong , Zhao Yingli , Zhou Junhong
Published: March 2020

We designed a natural product database filled with hand-curated data of natural product information from journal literatures, to establish the relationships between natural products and biological sources. Therefore, we can figure out all the biological sources of a specific natural product reported in literatures, and also can inspect for the holistic view of a specific organism’s components, metabolites or extracts.
Prognostic analysis of 152 patients with distant metastasis after intensity-modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yang Hua , Ma Rui , Zhou Yan , Yin Yutian , Zhao Lina , Shi Mei
Published: March 2020

Purpose The objectives of this study were to analyze the prognostic factors of patients with distant metastasis after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of these patients. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted among 152 patients with distant metastasis after IMRT for NPC from January 2006 to December 2017 (median follow-up, 43 months). The survival rates were calculated and compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank tests, respectively. The Cox risk ratio model was used for univariateand multivariate analyses. Results Among all patients, the median interval from treatment completion to distant metastasis was 11.3 months. The median post-metastasis survival was 14 months, and the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 60.4%, 40.2%, and 27.6%, respectively. Upon univariate analysis, overall survival was found to be related to the N stage and induction chemotherapy at initial diagnosis, time from initial radiotherapy completion to distant metastasis, liver metastasis, and chemotherapy and palliative radiotherapy after metastasis. Liver metastasis, multi-organ metastasis, chemotherapy after metastasis, and the time from radiotherapy completion to distant metastasis were independent prognostic factors for patient survival in the Cox regression analysis. Conclusions The prognosis of patients with distant metastasis after IMRT for NPC was related to the time from radiotherapy completion to distant metastasis, regardless of liver or multiple organ metastasis and adjuvant chemotherapy after metastasis. Adequate adjuvant chemotherapy and local palliative radiotherapy could potentially prolong the survival of patients with distant metastasis of NPC.
Human Papilloma Virus Status in Upper Aero-digestive Squamous Cell Carcinoma using p16 Staining at Uganda Cancer Institute
Authors: Kabagenyi Fiona , Otiti Jeff , Namwagala Justine , Kamulegeya Adriane , Kalungi Sam
Published: March 2020

Introduction Cancer burden is increasing in Sub-Saharan Africa(SSA), where one-third of cancers are estimated to be caused by infectious agents. Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is the sixth common malignancy in SSA, including tumours in the oral cavity (OC), oropharynx(OP), hypopharynx and larynx. Tobacco and alcohol exposure are established risk factors but the role of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has gained recent recognition. The HPV related HNC is seen predominantly in the oropharynx, presents at a younger age and has a better prognosis. With a rapidly increasing incidence of these cancers in the developed world, it was important to study HPV in HNC in Uganda. The HPV can be detected using P16 immunohistochemistry (P16 IHC) as a surrogate marker thus making it suitable for screening. The study aimed at establishing the presence of HPV and the sites it commonly affects in upper aero-digestive tract squamous cell carcinoma (UADT SCC) at Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) using P16 IHC. Methodology This was a cross sectional study in which 59 patients with histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma from the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx and hypopharynx at UCI were recruited. These patients’ demographics and clinical data were collected. Tissue sections from retrieved histology samples were stained by Haematoxylin and Eosin to reconfirm SCC. Subsequently, P16 expression was determined using P16 immunohistochemistry. Results 71 patients were enrolled and 59 patients with confirmed SCC of the sites of interest were analysed. The majority (79.7%) of the participants were male and over 50 years. 59.3% were tobacco smokers, 66.1% used alcohol, 52.2% used both. Only 27.1% used none of the substances. Only 27.1% of the participants were HIV positive. Most of the tumors were in the larynx (37.3%) and 64.4% were overall TNM stage 4. The overall prevalence of HPV in UADT SCC at UCI was 20.3%, 95%CI 10.9-32.8. The oropharynx had the highest prevalence (30.8%) closely followed by the oral cavity (29.4%). Conclusion The contribution of HPV in UADT SCC at UCI using P16 IHC is significant at 20.3%. The oropharynx is the most affected site and is closely followed by the oral cavity.
Detection of Canine herpesvirus 1 in the breeding kennel and farm dogs by Real-time PCR
Authors: Rezaei Mahdieh , Jajarmi Maziar , Kamani Saba , Khalili Mohammad , Babaei Homayoon
Published: March 2020

Background: Canine herpesvirus 1 (CHV-1) is known as a causal agent of death in newborn puppies and fertility problems in adults with a widespread distribution. There has been an increasing concern among dog breeders in Iran regarding CHV-1. This study is the first molecular detection of CHV-1 in breeding kennels and farm dogs in Iran using real-time PCR and investigation of various predisposing factors. Results: A total of 63 vaginal samples collected from 47 breeding kennels and 16 farm dogs were evaluated. In general, 21 out of 63 (33.3%) of vaginal samples were CHV-1-positive. The percentage of infection was higher in farm dogs, which was statistically significant. There was no significant association regarding other probable predisposing factors, including age, breed, pregnancy, and reproductive disorders. Conclusions: Considering the results of this study, CHV-1 is common in farm and breeding kennels and could pose a threat. Further studies are required to better understanding the distribution of the virus within Iran to advise dog breeders to more appropriate measures for management of CHV-1.
Production of Recombinant HA1 subunit from H5N1 Avian Influenza Hemagglutinin in Escherichia coli
Authors: López-Tavera Esteban , MARTINEZ LUIS MARIO RODRIGUEZ , Moreno-Martínez Ana Karen , Barrera-Saldaña Hugo A.
Published: March 2020

Influenza A/H5N1 represents a potential risk of a worldwide pandemic event, and as we have witnessed in past influenza outbreaks, the current production chains for vaccination cannot supply the demand for emergencies such as these. Limiting factors include the need for eggs and active virus handling as well as turnaround time and cost. Most of the influenza AH5N1 cases are contained in poultry; however, risk of zoonosis and spread of the virus in humans grows by the day, thus, a mass-produced fast-responding preventive vaccine is required. In this article, we describe the production of a recombinant HA1 subunit of influenza AH5N1 hemagglutinin as a potential key ingredient of a new avian vaccine, using a prokaryotic biotechnological platform. This system is potentially faster, cheaper, and more efficient than current means of vaccine production.
Early versus late initiation of renal replacement therapy impacts mortality in septic patients with acute kidney injury: a meta-analysis
Authors: Ge Chenglong , Jiang Yuan , Peng Qianyi , Ai Yuhang
Published: March 2020

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in septic patients and increases in-hospital mortality. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of early versus late initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) on clinical outcomes in septic patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis were used in this study. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library. Results: Nine studies (two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and seven retrospective cohorts) including 1694 patients were identified for detailed evaluation. This meta-analysis suggested that early RRT initiation within 48 hours (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.20 to 0.45; I 2 0%) in septic patients with AKI reduced 28-day mortality (odds ratio (OR) 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37 to 0.86; I 2 73%), but intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) (mean difference (MD) -1.49; 95% CI -3.65 to -0.67; I 2 53%), hospital LOS (MD -3.18; 95% CI -7.35 to 0.99; I 2 41%), the duration of RRT (MD -2.05; 95%CI -6.86 to 2.76; I 2 83%) and the duration of ventilation (MD 1.99; 95%CI -2.76 to 6.75; I 2 85%) were not influenced by the timing of RRT initiation. Conclusions: Early initiation of RRT within 48 hours in septic patients with AKI may have a beneficial impact on survival. However, this conclusion is based on heterogeneous trials of different quality and only two RCTs. Conclusive therapeutic recommendations regarding the optimal time to initiate RRT remain uncertain.