bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasting interactivities: BBC Radio message boards and listener participation
Authors: Klein Bethany
Published: February 2010

Through a case study of BBC Radio message boards, this article explores the relationship between new interactivity, as exemplified by online forums, and methods of contact associated with radio's long history of encouraging listener feedback and participation. It considers the unresolved
definition of interactivity as it relates to traditional and new media, and it suggests that provision of an environment that encourages deliberation is important not only for politically oriented radio but also for entertainment radio. Open-ended survey responses from 76 users of the Radio
1 and Radio 2 message boards demonstrate a perception of the boards as a site for communicating with the BBC as well as with other listeners, with features and tools not always successfully facilitating both roles. Salient foci include user experiences with contacting the BBC, user understanding
of the purpose of the boards and user frustration around the terms of board communication.
Specialist music, public service and the BBC in the Internet age
Authors: Wall Tim , Dubber Andrew
Published: February 2010

This article reports on a study into the implications of the development of online fan communities for specialist music broadcasting on the domestic radio stations controlled by the United Kingdom's publically funded the British Broadcasting Company. In particular it focuses on jazz,
soul reggae/urban and indie rock. The early sections explore ideas of specialist music and their role in the development of the idea of public service broadcasting within the United Kingdom. This is followed by an analysis of the activities and communities of specialist music fans online.
The final section reports on the way the BBC organizes the production of radio and online media around specialist music forms. We also outline our proposals on modularization and dissemination of content, the exploitation of the taste-leadership of the stations' presenters and experts, and
the possible ways in which changes in the production of programmes could serve broadcast and online media. The study concludes that the BBC places the support of specialist music as a key argument in defence of their role as a public service broadcaster, and thus for public funds, as well
as demonstrating significant policy and organizational support for the implications of new online media. However, we argue that an appreciation of the place of radio and online media in specialist fan culture is not the basis for organizing production. This results in two orientations amongst
staff: a broadcast one built around the centrality of the station brand and an emergent interactive one built around the potential of the new media and the BBC as a provider of public service media.
Book Reviews
Authors: Berry Richard , Haynes Richard
Published: February 2010

Sound Moves; iPod Culture and Urban Experience, Michael Bull, (2007), London: Routledge, 192 pp., ISBN 978-0-415-25752-7, Paperback, 21.99

Talking of Sport: The Story of Radio Commentary, Dick Booth, (2008), Cheltenham: Sports Books, 320 pp., ISBN 978-1899-807642,
Paperback, 17.99
Leaf reddening in seagrasses
Authors: Novak Alyssa B. , Short Frederick T.
Published: February 2010

Leaf reddening is well documented in terrestrial angiosperms, but has rarely been reported in seagrasses. In a survey of the world's six seagrass bioregions, we documented leaf reddening in 12 seagrass species from intertidal and shallow subtidal waters at 25 locations in the tropical Atlantic and tropical Indo-Pacific Oceans. Including additional observations of seagrasses with reddened leaves from Australia, the phenomenon is now documented in 15 seagrass species at 29 locations worldwide. Similar to terrestrial angiosperms, leaf reddening in seagrasses may relate to enhanced production of anthocyanins after exposure to one or more stressors.
A Paradigm for the Telephonic Assessment of Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Halderman Brent L. , Eyman James R. , Kerner Lisa , Schlacks Bill
Published: February 2010

A three‐stage paradigm for telephonically assessing suicidal risk and triaging suicidal callers as practiced in an Employee Assistance Program Call Center was investigated. The first hypothesis was that the use of the procedure would increase the probability that callers would accept the clinician's recommendations, evidenced by fewer police interventions. The second hypothesis was that there would be an increase in confirmed appointments with providers. Samples involved three separate 6‐month periods. Results indicate the effectiveness of the paradigm with both hypotheses supported. Follow‐up data for the year after completion of this study yielded similar results.
Does a Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Program Work in a School Setting? Evaluating Training Outcome and Moderators of Effectiveness
Authors: Tompkins Tanya L. , Witt Jody , Abraibesh Nadia
Published: February 2010

The current study sought to evaluate the suicide prevention gatekeeper training program QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) among school personnel using a non‐equivalent control group design. Substantial gains were demonstrated from pre‐ to post‐test for attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs regarding suicide and suicide prevention. Exploratory analyses revealed the possible moderating effects of age, professional role, prior training, and recent contact with suicidal youth on QPR participants' general knowledge, questioning, attitudes toward suicide and suicide prevention, QPR quiz scores, and self‐efficacy. The need for replication using a more rigorous experimental design in the context of strong community collaboration is discussed.
The Effect of Recombination on the Reconstruction of Ancestral Sequences
Authors: Arenas Miguel , Posada David
Published: February 2010

While a variety of methods exist to reconstruct ancestral sequences, all of them assume that a single phylogeny underlies all the positions in the alignment and therefore that recombination has not taken place. Using computer simulations we show that recombination can severely bias ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR), and quantify this effect. If recombination is ignored, the ancestral sequences recovered can be quite distinct from the grand most recent common ancestor (GMRCA) of the sample and better resemble the concatenate of partial most recent common ancestors (MRCAs) at each recombination fragment. When independent phylogenetic trees are assumed for the different recombinant segments, the estimation of the fragment MRCAs improves significantly. Importantly, we show that recombination can change the biological predictions derived from ASRs carried out with real data. Given that recombination is widespread on nuclear genes and in particular in RNA viruses and some bacteria, the reconstruction of ancestral sequences in these cases should consider the potential impact of recombination and ideally be carried out using approaches that accommodate recombination.
Patterns of Neutral Genetic Variation on Recombining Sex Chromosomes
Authors: Kirkpatrick Mark , Guerrero Rafael F , Scarpino Samuel V
Published: February 2010

Many animals and plants have sex chromosomes that recombine over much of their length. Here we develop coalescent models for neutral sites on these chromosomes. The emphasis is on expected coalescence times (proportional to the expected amount of neutral genetic polymorphism), but we also derive some results for linkage disequilibria between neutral sites. We analyze the standard neutral model, a model with polymorphic Y chromosomes under balancing selection, and the invasion of a neo-Y chromosome. The results may be useful for testing hypotheses regarding how new sex chromosomes originate and how selection acts upon them.
Effective Educational Instruction in Preventive Oral Health: Hands-on Training Versus Web-Based Training
Authors: Talib Nasreen , Onikul Robin , Filardi Delsie , Simon Stephen , Sharma Vidya
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the effect of Web-based training (WBT) on resident knowledge of preventive oral health and compare the addition of hands-on training (HOT) to WBT on resident skills, confidence opinions, and practice.

METHODS:

Pediatric residents participated in a WBT on preventive oral health. After the WBT, subjects were randomly assigned to receive HOT by a dentist (WBT + HOT) or WBT alone. All subjects were assessed on knowledge by a pretest/posttest questionnaire and assessed on skills in the performance of an oral examination by direct observation. Residents' confidence regarding oral health counseling and their opinions about the importance of the incorporation of oral health into the well-child visit were measured by surveys that used a Likert scale. Residents' change in practice was assessed by a retrospective chart audit.

RESULTS:

Fifty-six residents were included in the analysis (WBT + HOT: 29; WBT: 27). Resident knowledge improved after the WBT from 69% to 81% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9%–15%). Overall skills improved in the WBT + HOT group participants compared with those in the WBT group (87% vs 73%; difference: 14% [95% CI: 1.2%–26.6%]). Seventy-nine percent of participants in the WBT + HOT group compared with 44% of those in the WBT provided follow-up instructions (relative risk: 0.56 [95% CI: 0.35–0.89]). Resident opinions regarding incorporating preventive oral health into the well-child visit decreased by 33% in the WBT + HOT group compared with 11% in the WBT group (95% CI: 2%–43%). There were no significant differences in confidence regarding preventive oral health and practice between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Both instructional methods resulted in increases in knowledge, efficacy, and practice of preventive oral health. The addition of hands-on training by a dental provider increased the overall skills of oral examination, but this increase was largely a result of the provision of follow-up instruction.
National Profile of Nonemergent Pediatric Emergency Department Visits
Authors: Ben-Isaac Eyal , Schrager Sheree M. , Keefer Matthew , Chen Alex Y.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:

Emergency department (ED) crowding prevents the efficient and effective use of health services and compromises quality. Patients who use the ED for nonemergent health concerns may unnecessarily crowd ED services. In this article we describe characteristics of pediatric patients in the United States who use EDs for nonemergent visits.

METHODS:

We analyzed data from the 2002–2005 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey is conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and consists of a nationally representative sample of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States. Our study sample consisted of 5512 person-years of observation. We included only ED visits for children from birth to 17 years of age with a specified International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code. The main dependent variable for our multivariate logistic model was nonemergent ED use, which was constructed by using the New York University ED-classification algorithm. Independent variables were derived from Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Utilization.

RESULTS:

We found that from 2002 to 2005, a nationally representative sample of US children from birth to 17 years of age used EDs for various nonemergent or primary care–treatable diagnoses. Overall, children from higher-income families had higher ED expenditures than children from lower-income families. Children with private insurance had higher total ED expenditures than publicly insured or uninsured children, but uninsured children had the highest out-of-pocket expenditures. We found that children from birth to 2 years of age were less likely to use the ED for nonemergent diagnoses (odds ratio [OR]: 0.13; P < .01) compared with older children. Non-Hispanic black children were also less likely to use the ED for nonemergent diagnoses (OR: 0.40; P = .03) than were non-Hispanic white children.

CONCLUSION:

Children's sociodemographic characteristics were predictors of nonemergent use of ED services.
Barriers to the Adoption and Implementation of Preventive Dental Services in Primary Medical Care
Authors: Close Kelly , Rozier R. Gary , Zeldin Leslie P. , Gilbert Allison R.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the barriers to adopting preventive oral health procedures in medical primary care.

METHODS:

Medical providers who participated in a Medicaid demonstration in North Carolina completed questionnaires reporting their experiences with providing preventive dental services for children from birth to 3 years of age. Eleven factors were established as possible obstacles to the adoption of an oral health program. After 12 months of participation in the Into the Mouths of Babes training program, providers (N = 231) from 49 pediatric practices and 28 family physician practices reported if any of the 11 factors had been an obstacle to adoption and, if so, whether these obstacles were overcome. Program adoption and implementation, defined as providing all of the services on a regular basis, were predicted by using logistic regression to analyze the responses from providers who reported 1 or more barriers, the number of barriers identified (knowledge, attitudes, and external factors), and the number that were overcome.

RESULTS:

Program-adoption rates were high, with 70.3% of the participants providing dental services on a routine basis. Attitude and external factors were positively associated with adoption, particularly with difficulty in applying the varnish, integration of the dental procedures into practice, resistance among staff and colleagues, and dentist referral difficulties. From 40.4% to 61.5% of providers overcame these 4 most common barriers. Those who reported external barriers and were unable to overcome them were less likely to provide the services, compared with those providers who reported no barriers (odds ratio: 0.08 [95% confidence interval: 0.01–0.44]).

CONCLUSIONS:

The number of barriers to adopting preventive dental procedures in primary care medical practices is associated with implementation. A large proportion of these barriers can be overcome, leading to high adoption rates in a short amount of time. The barriers to adoption are similar to those identified in the literature on changing patient care, with the unique aspects of fluoride application to teeth. Interventions to promote preventive dental care in medical settings should rely heavily on empirical literature. Training physicians in preventive dentistry should identify and target potential barriers with information and options for introducing office-based systems to improve the chances of adoption.
Incidence and Trends of Pediatric Ovarian Torsion Hospitalizations in the United States, 2000–2006
Authors: Guthrie Bridgette D. , Adler Mark D. , Powell Elizabeth C.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:

There is significant variation in the literature regarding the characteristics that are associated with pediatric ovarian torsion and its management. National data regarding the demographics and management of pediatric ovarian torsion are lacking. Our objective was to describe the epidemiology of pediatric ovarian torsion and the rate of oophorectomy by using nationally representative data. Demographic factors and hospital characteristics that are associated with rates of oophorectomy were also explored.

METHODS:

This was a cohort analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) 2000, 2003, and 2006. All females aged 1 to 20 years who were hospitalized with ovarian torsion in states participating in KID 2000, KID 2003, and KID 2006 representing 900, 1224, and 1232 ovarian torsion-related hospitalizations, respectively, were included. Primary outcome measures included the incidence of ovarian torsion and rate of associated oophorectomy. Multivariable regression was used to control for patient and hospital characteristics.

RESULTS:

Among females aged 1 to 20 years, there were 1232 cases of ovarian torsion in KID 2006, an estimated incidence of 4.9 per 100000. A total of 713 (58%) were treated with oophorectomy. The rate of ovarian torsion–associated oophorectomy remained unchanged from 2000 to 2006. The adjusted odds of having an oophorectomy decreased by 0.95 for every increasing year of age. Residing in a lower quartile of household income by zip code increased the adjusted odds of oophorectomy. A diagnosis of benign neoplasm increased the adjusted odds of oophorectomy by 2.16. Fewer than 0.5% of ovarian torsion hospitalizations were associated with malignant neoplasm.

CONCLUSIONS:

Nationally representative hospital data indicate that ovarian torsion is uncommon but occurs in all ages and is typically associated with normal ovaries or benign lesions. Improved awareness of the epidemiology may help to guide management. Ongoing analysis to identify factors that are associated with successful conservative management is warranted.
Balamuthia mandrillaris Meningoencephalitis: Survival of a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Cary Larry Curtis , Maul Erich , Potter Chrystal , Wong Peter , Nelson Peter T. , Given Curtis , Robertson William
Published: February 2010

Balamuthia mandrillaris infections are rare and almost always fatal. This ameba is a naturally occurring soil inhabitant that can cause disease in immunocompetent hosts, with early diagnosis typically proving difficult. We recently cared for a previously healthy 2-year-old boy who was diagnosed with meningoencephalitis secondary to B mandrillaris relatively early in his presentation, which enabled us to initiate targeted antimicrobial therapy. Since discharge from the hospital the child has shown slow, steady improvement with dramatic improvements seen on follow-up brain imaging. Our observations suggest that early diagnosis and treatment may significantly reduce mortality and morbidity rates from this highly virulent organism.
Hungarian indoor air quality study
Authors: Tárnoki Dávid László , Tárnoki Ádám Domonkos , Hyland Andrew , Travers Mark J. , Dobson Katharine , Mechtler Laszlo , Cummings K. Michael
Published: February 2010

Célunk az volt, hogy összehasonlítsuk a dohányzó és nemdohányzó beltéri közösségi helyek légszennyezettségszintjét Magyarországon. Itthon még nem készült ilyen tanulmány.
Módszer:
TSI SidePak AM510 Personal aerosolmonitorral mértük a 2,5 mikrométer átmérőnél kisebb részecskék (PM
2,5
) koncentrációját 6 kocsma, 5 étterem, 11 kávézó és 20 egyéb helyiség környezeti levegőjében Budapesten és Zalakaroson 2008. január és augusztus között.
Eredmények:
Azon a 26 helyen, ahol dohányoztak, az átlag-PM
2,5
-szint 102,3 μg/m
3
(tartomány: 3–487 μg/m
3
); a nemdohányzó 16 hely átlagértéke pedig 5,1 μg/m
3
(tartomány: 0–28 μg/m
3
) volt.
Következtetések:
A magyarországi dohányzó beltéri közösségi helyeken a mért kisméretű részecske koncentrációja 18-szor volt magasabb, mint azokon a helyeken, ahol nem dohányoztak. Közel minden esetben a mért értékek túllépték az Egészségügyi Világszervezet (World Health Organization) és a US Environmental Protection Agency által az emberi egészségre károsnak tartott tartományt.
Causas do declínio acelerado da desnutrição infantil no Nordeste do Brasil (1986-1996-2006)
Authors: Lima Ana Lucia Lovadino de , Silva Ana Carolina Feldenheimer da , Konno Silvia Cristina , Conde Wolney Lisboa , Benicio Maria Helena D'Aquino , Monteiro Carlos Augusto
Published: February 2010

OBJETIVO: Descrever a variação temporal na prevalência de desnutrição infantil na região Nordeste do Brasil, em dois períodos sucessivos, identificando os principais fatores responsáveis pela evolução observada em cada período. MÉTODOS: Os dados analisados provêm de amostras probabilísticas da população de crianças menores de cinco anos estudadas por inquéritos domiciliares do programa Demographic Health Surveys realizados em 1986 (n=1.302), 1996 (n=1.108) e 2006 (n=950). A identificação dos fatores responsáveis pela variação na prevalência da desnutrição (altura para idade < -2 z) levou em conta mudanças na freqüência de cinco determinantes potenciais do estado nutricional, modelagens estatísticas da associação independente entre determinante e risco de desnutrição no início de cada período e cálculo de frações atribuíveis. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da desnutrição foi reduzida em um terço de 1986 a 1996 (de 33,9% para 22,2%) e em quase três quartos de 1996 a 2006 (de 22,2% para 5,9%). Melhorias na escolaridade materna e na disponibilidade de serviços de saneamento foram particularmente importantes para o declínio da desnutrição no primeiro período, enquanto no segundo período foram decisivos o aumento do poder aquisitivo das famílias mais pobres e, novamente, a melhoria da escolaridade materna. CONCLUSÕES: A aceleração do declínio da desnutrição do primeiro para o segundo período foi consistente com a aceleração de melhorias em escolaridade materna, saneamento, assistência à saúde e antecedentes reprodutivos e, sobretudo, com o excepcional aumento do poder aquisitivo familiar, observado apenas no segundo período. Mantida a taxa de declínio observada entre 1996 e 2006, o problema da desnutrição infantil na região Nordeste poderia ser considerado controlado em menos de dez anos. Para se chegar a este resultado será preciso manter o aumento do poder aquisitivo dos mais pobres e assegurar investimentos públicos para completar a universalização do acesso a serviços essenciais de educação, saúde e saneamento.
Risk factors for cesarean section by category of health service
Authors: Mendoza-Sassi Raúl Andrés , Cesar Juraci Almeida , Silva Patricia Rodrigues da , Denardin Giovana , Rodrigues Mariana Mendes
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the rate of cesarean section and differences in risk factors by category of health service, either public or private. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out including all pregnant women in labor admitted to hospitals in the city of Rio Grande, Southern Brazil, between January 1 and December 31, 2007. A pre-coded and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect on social, demographic, obstetric and newborn care information. Two regression models were constructed: one for public users and the other one for private ones. Poisson regression was used in each model in the multivariate analysis. Prevalence rates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each adjusted factor. RESULTS: The rate of cesarean section was 43% and 86% among public and private users. Sociodemographic factors and twin births have a more significant impact among public users as well as number of pregnancies (25% vs. 13% reduction in public and private users, respectively) and previous cesarean section (86% vs. 24% increase in public and private users, respectively). Prenatal care visits and hospital admissions affected the outcome only in women users of public services. CONCLUSIONS: Cesarean section rates were high in both groups studied, but it was twice as high among women cared in the private sector. Associated factors differ in magnitude by category of service used.
Impact on human health of particulate matter emitted from burnings in the Brazilian Amazon region
Authors: Ignotti Eliane , Valente Joaquim Gonçalves , Longo Karla Maria , Freitas Saulo Ribeiro , Hacon Sandra de Souza , Artaxo Netto Paulo
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact on human health of exposure to particulate matter emitted from burnings in the Brazilian Amazon region. METHODS: This was an ecological study using an environmental exposure indicator presented as the percentage of annual hours (AH%) of PM2.5 above 80 μg/m3. The outcome variables were the rates of hospitalization due to respiratory disease among children, the elderly and the intermediate age group, and due to childbirth. Data were obtained from the National Space Research Institute and the Ministry of Health for all of the microregions of the Brazilian Amazon region, for the years 2004 and 2005. Multiple regression models for the outcome variables in relation to the predictive variable AH% of PM2.5 above 80 μg/m3 were analyzed. The Human Development Index (HDI) and mean number of complete blood counts per 100 inhabitants in the Brazilian Amazon region were the control variables in the regression analyses. RESULTS: The association of the exposure indicator (AH%) was higher for the elderly than for other age groups (β = 0.10). For each 1% increase in the exposure indicator there was an increase of 8% in child hospitalization, 10% in hospitalization of the elderly, and 5% for the intermediate age group, even after controlling for HDI and mean number of complete blood counts. No association was found between the AH% and hospitalization due to childbirth. CONCLUSIONS: The indicator of atmospheric pollution showed an association with occurrences of respiratory diseases in the Brazilian Amazon region, especially in the more vulnerable age groups. This indicator may be used to assess the effects of forest burning on human health.
Cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of Brazilian Need for Recovery Scale
Authors: Moriguchi Cristiane Shinohara , Alem Michele Elisabete Rubio , Veldhoven Marc van , Coury Helenice Jane Cote Gil
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE: To translate the Need for Recovery Scale (NFR) into Brazilian Portuguese and culturally adapt it and assess the stability, internal consistency and convergent validity of the Brazilian scale among industrial workers. METHODS: The translation process followed the guidelines for cultural adaptation of questionnaires including the steps of translation, synthesis, back translation, expert committee review, and pre-testing. The Brazilian Portuguese NFR, final version (Br-NFR) was assessed for stability (n=52) and internal consistency (n=192) and for convergent validity through simultaneous assessment with other instruments: the Borg Scale (n=59); the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (n=57) and 3 subscales of the SF-36 (n=56). RESULTS: Stability and internal consistency met the criterion for a reliable measure (ICC=0.80 and Cronbach's alpha =0.87, respectively). The convergent validity between Br-NFR and other instruments also showed good results: Borg Scale (r= 0.64); Chalder Questionnaire (r= 0.67); SF-36 subscales: vitality (r= -0.84), physical functioning (r= -0.54), and role-physical (r= -0.47). CONCLUSIONS: The Br-NFR proved to be a reliable instrument to evaluate work-related fatigue symptoms in industrial workers. Furthermore, it showed significant and good correlations with well-established instruments such as the Borg Scale, the Chalder Questionnaire and SF-36 vitality subscale, supporting the validity of the Br-NFR.
Thru Tubing Installation of Gravel Pack Completion Solves Long Term Sanding Problem in Offshore Indonesia Well
Authors: Murphy Robert , Overman John Richard , Harjo Lasmono
Published: February 2010

A major operator’s well in the Offshore North West Java area of Indonesia was completed as a gas lift installation, but it has had a lengthy history of severe sanding problems from each of 4 separate producing zones. A recent well test produced a rate of 135 BOPD however frequent sand clean out jobs (a total of 4 in the last 5 years) using coiled tubing (CT) together with choke up strategy have been needed to maintain production. The well has low rate marginal reserves, which cannot economically justify re-completion with conventional gravel pack techniques and so, in reviewing the alternatives available to permanently correct the problem, it was decided to install a gravel pack (GP) completion thru tubing using CT techniques.

In January 2008 the well was killed, the wellbore was cleaned out with CT, the zones were re-perforated and injectivity tests performed to establish suitable rates for pumping of GP sand. A bottomhole assembly was then run that consisted of a retrievable packer, a frac valve to provide access to the annulus below the tubing and GP screens with centralizers/spacers to place them across the zones. The whole assembly was run on a hydraulic setting tool with CT and the packer was set in the 2-7/8" tubing tailpipe placing the sand screens at each of the four perforated intervals. Some 10,000lbs of sand were then pumped into the tubing and out into the GP/Casing annulus by way of the frac valve until screen out pressure was reached. The CT was then rerun to clean out the sand down to the frac valve following which the frac valve plug was pulled to open the GP completion for production.

In this paper the authors will discuss the sanding problem and the various alternative solutions considered. They will go on to describe in detail the GP installation operation, the subsequent results where the objectives of sand free production were successfully achieved and their implication for remediating other wells with similar problems.
Deepwater Directional Drilling in Soft Formations: Lessons Learned in West Africa Applied to Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Prieto Olga , Symons Graeme , Pardo Nesny
Published: February 2010

Post-well analysis of data acquired during a major operator’s field development in West Africa led to best practices and recommendations for wells that require high buildup rates at shallow depths. This paper describes the successful application of these lessons learned to deepwater Gulf of Mexico.

At shallow depths in deepwater environments around the world, geological sediments are very soft and unconsolidated, making kickoff and buildup operations challenging.

In soft formations, achieving a consistent dogleg severity with mud motors is a common operation and is successfully proven around the world.

However, rotary steerable systems (RSSs) are now recognized as the preferred technology for some deepwater applications. Four years ago, the first attempts to build angle with large-size RSS in soft formations showed erratic results. Comprehensive analyses and tests were conducted to define the optimum bottomhole assembly (BHA) design, hydraulics, wellbore trajectory and directional drilling practices. Subsequently, implementing the lessons learned and best practices developed as a result of this study resulted in consistent success achieving the required well objectives.

This paper discusses how these lessons learned and best practices from West Africa were applied to extended reach drilling (ERD) required to penetrate shallow reservoirs in deepwater Gulf of Mexico.

This paper also discusses the various reasons why it is critical to achieve the required build rates in ERD wells and consequences of failing to do so.
Design Methodology and Operational Practices Eliminate Differential Sticking
Authors: Dupriest Fred E. , Elks William C. , Ottesen Steinar
Published: February 2010

This paper discusses a successful initiative begun six years ago to eliminate differential sticking across global operations. In the five year period from 2004 through 2008, there were only 3 differential sticking events in 3,476 wells drilled with the recommended practices. There were an additional 17 sticking events with designs that did not conform to recommended practices, and 14 of these were freed. The drilling environment was diverse. Overbalances in excess of 1,000 to 2,000 psi were common in multi-darcy rock and high angle, and depleted reservoirs have been drilled with overbalance as high as 7,800 psi in vertical wells.

The early focus of the Stuck Pipe Avoidance practices was the elimination of differential sticking. However, some level of sticking occurs routinely in drilling operations and these events only become problematic if the force required to initiate pipe movement exceeds what can be delivered to the stuck point. It is now accepted that sticking cannot be prevented and that elimination of sticking is not a proper design objective. The philosophical objective has now shifted from elimination of sticking to "maintaining conditions that allow the pipe to be pulled free," assuming that it will become differentially stuck. The desire to maintain this ability to move the pipe has required the implementation of a range of practices, some of which were not common in the industry.

Changes were made in bottomhole assembly (BHA) design, fluid design, real-time cake shear strength recognition, and real-time cake remediation practices. A finite element (FE) model was also applied to redesign new systems or applications that lie outside the operator's previous experience. The stochastic model predicts cake growth and sticking force and the probability that it will be possible to deliver a force that can free the pipe for any given still-pipe time. The model inputs were calibrated through pullout tests with a variety of fluids to determine mechanical cake strength properties, the rate at which those properties develop, changes in the pressure transient through the cake as it matures, and the cake contact areas and geometry at any point in time.

Engineering and operations training also contributed greatly and allowed relatively uniform implementation to be achieved across a large, globally diverse operation in less than one year. A small number of non-compliant designs continued to be used and these contributed greatly to the incidence of stuck pipe in the first three years. Last year, there was only one incident of stuck pipe with a non-compliant design.

The paper describes the underlying sticking concepts, the engineering design and field practices used, the modeling capability, and the field results.
Case History: Deepwater Drilling Campaign on the Norwegian Continental Shelf in 2008 and 2009: A Success Story
Authors: Cruickshank Stian Haugland , Kirkemo Erik Gustav , Gabrielsen Glenn , Hovden Øystein , Tryland Reino Tommy
Published: February 2010

Statoil drilled 7 deepwater wells, including one sidetrack, on the Norwegian Continental Shelf from 2007 to 2009. The semi-submersible rig Transocean Leader was used for these drilling operations.

All the wells were drilled and abandoned in a total of 460 days, some 135 days ahead of schedule. Gas and/or condensate were discovered in 6 out of these 7 wells. The wells were all drilled with higher efficiency compared to previous deepwater wells drilled on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The water depth for the wells ranged from 950 m to 1350 m.

In the planning phase, the proposed well designs were challenging. However, continuous improvement in drilling performance and risk management were achieved through comprehensive and systematic work in the multi-disciplinary project team of geologists and drilling engineers. Additional contributing key factors to success were good cooperation and planning between the offshore and onshore project team including personnel from the rig contractor and service companies.

In the planning phase, early identification of technical challenges and solutions were discussed. Key learning from international deepwater projects in StatoilHydro and other operators were also highlighted.

The geological and pore pressure prognosis for all the wells were quite accurate compared to the measured values during drilling and logging.

This paper describes how deepwater exploration wells were planned and successfully completed with Transocean Leader. Good teamwork between offshore and onshore contributed to this success story.
Selecting Drilling Technologies and Methods for Tight Gas Sand Reservoirs
Authors: Pilisi N. , Wei Y. , Holditch S. A.
Published: February 2010

As compared to a well in a conventional gas reservoir, a well in a tight gas sand (TGS) reservoir will have a lower productivity index and a small drainage area. The economic risk involved in developing a TGS reservoir is much higher than the development of a conventional gas reservoir as the economics of developing most tight gas reservoirs borders on the margin of profitability. Therefore, it is important to select the appropriate drilling method and technology to drill a given TGS reservoir condition. In our review of the petroleum literature, we have found few papers that provide a logical method for selecting the best drilling method and technology for a given set of reservoir conditions. There are individual papers that discuss individual, successful field cases where specific drilling methods and technology seem to work for specific reservoirs. We have used many of these SPE papers to help define "best-practices" concerning the selection of drilling technologies and methods. We then developed logic to provide advice on the best drilling technologies and methods for specific reservoir conditions. In this paper, we will explain the logic we have developed for choosing drilling technologies and methods for drilling a TGS reservoir.

For several years, we have been working on software we call TGS Advisor. TGS Advisor can be used to provide advice to engineers developing TGS reservoirs. The program can be described as an ‘Advisory System’. The user enters the known reservoir data and the program provides advice on how to drill, complete and stimulate the reservoir. We have combined knowledge from the petroleum literature and interviews with experts to build the TGS Advisory system. We evaluated the results of the advisory system with published case histories in the SPE literature. In this paper, we will describe how we have included the selection of appropriate drilling technologies and methods used to develop TGS Reservoirs.
Unusual Underwater Pile Driving in "Iceberg Alley" off Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Harris David , Adams Paul G. , Bell Doug
Published: February 2010

This paper will describe the planning and execution of an unusual project for driving pin/foundation piles underwater with hydraulic hammers, in water depths up to 155 meters [ 510 feet ] offshore Eastern Canada.

The North Amethyst project is a series of tie-back satellites to the " Sea Rose " FPSO located in the White Rose area, approximately 300 miles [ 483 kilometers ] offshore from St.John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. This is in the so called " Iceberg Alley ".

The operator was Husky Oil and the prime contractor for the installation was Technip Canada Ltd. The subsea equipment is located in excavated " glory holes " where the top of the seabed equipment is placed approximately 3 meters [ 10 feet ] below the surrounding sea bed level to protect against iceberg scour.

The operations involved the installing of pin and foundation piles for both Manifold Support Frames [ MSF] and Subsea Distribution Units [ SDU ] from Technip’s support vessel, the " Well Servicer ", mobilized from Bay Bulls dock, near St.John’s, Newfoundland.

Four piles were required for each of the Manifold Support Frames and four piles were required for each of the Subsea Distribution Units. A total of fifteen 24 inch piles were driven [ 24 inches OD X 1.5 inch wall X 52 feet long, 610 mm X 38.1 mm wall X 15.8m long ].

Also six 36 inch X 1.5 inch wall [ 915 mm OD X 38.1 mm wall ] piles were driven.

Each pile was driven approximately 13 meters [ 43 feet ] below the mud-line in water depths ranging to 155 meters [ 510 feet ].

This paper will show how by careful design, pre planning, fabrication and the carrying out of a comprehensive Factory Installation Test [ FIT ] in Louisiana prior to the job, a successful operation was achieved in a very challenging operating area.
Novel Selection Tool Enables Scientific Approach to Matched Assemblies
Authors: Barton Steven , Murdock Andy , Gee Ryan
Published: February 2010

Matching the drill bit to a directional motor assembly is critical to efficiently attaining the desired well trajectory. However, selecting the correct bit for the motor in a vertical application is just as vital. If the bit is too aggressive, it can stall the motor and significantly reduce the average rate of penetration (ROP). It will also increase the likelihood of premature failure of the elastomeric liner of the motor power section or twist off of internal motor components. If the bit is not aggressive enough, it will not make full use of the available motor power and the ROP will be sub-optimal.

To ensure consistent and accurate matching of the bit to a specific downhole motor, an interactive, intranet tool was developed. This software incorporates logic regarding the configuration of the motor power section and assesses this against key characteristics of the drill bit including length, profile, gauge geometry, cutting structure, and secondary torque control components. The tool enables the user to first select the motor type and the key parameters from which the expected motor RPM, torque, and power are calculated.

This information can then be utilized to identify the ideal bit design based on the four fundamental performance indices, derived from a sophisticated mathematical model. These indices describe the performance of the bit in terms of ROP, Stability, Durability and Steerability. They represent a scientific and accurate means to match the relative aggressivity of the bit to the torque output of the motor.

Several case studies are documented which clearly demonstrate that matching the drill bits to motor power sections delivers greatly improved drilling efficiency and significantly lowered drilling cost. As a result, the latest generation of even-wall technology mud motors has been utilized to their full potential.
High Frequency Downhole Dynamic Measurements Provide Greater Understanding of Drilling Vibration in Performance Motor Assemblies
Authors: Craig Andrew D. , Goodship Rachel , Shearer David R.
Published: February 2010

The use of downhole mud motors to improve drilling performance in vertical wells is becoming more common throughout the oil and gas industry. The additional torque provided by a downhole mud motor allows for a more aggressive drill bit design to be selected, and achieve a greater ROP. This paper will present a series of case studies where a near bit dynamics recorder has been used to determine the dynamic conditions below a motor. In several cases a dynamics recorder was also located above the motor, providing two discrete points of measurement.

In the first case, near bit dynamic measurements allowed for BHA stick-slip to be identified as the cause for severe bit damage rather than difficult formation as was suspected. In the second case study, a near bit recorder coupled with a recorder above the mud motor identified that a significant level of vibration was generated by the motor. A different motor design was used on the following well and a reduction in vibration severity allowed for the section to be drilled in a shorter time. In the third case study, frequency analysis of near bit dynamic data conclusively identified backwards bit whirl as the cause for severe bit damage.

In conclusion, the use of a near bit dynamics recorder has allowed for a greater understanding of the dynamics involved in performance motor assemblies. The application of this knowledge has helped to address the root cause of previously misunderstood vibration problems and improve drilling performance.
Spud to Reservoir—With Casing While Drilling (CWD)/Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) Drill-out Technology Using an Automated Drilling Rig
Authors: Gussinklo R. T. , Hepp B. A. , Swart D. , Wingate J. H.
Published: February 2010

The first well drilled on any newly commissioned rig is fraught with challenges. This paper describes how these challenges were met with the successful introduction of Casing while Drilling (CwD) and polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill-out bits, employed over the entire length of a vertical exploration well.

The operator planned to drill a 12 1/4-in. hole from surface using a CwD bit conveyed on 9 5/8-in. casing. The intermediate casing (7-in.) would also include a CwD bit to ensure casing was set at the correct depth. The intermediate hole (8–1/2-in.) and reservoir section (6-in.) would entail drilling-out the previously run CwD bits and then continuing to drill to section Total Depth (TD).

CwD and PDC drill-out technologies were used to successfully drill from surface down into the reservoir (2,418m total length). CwD was used to drill and simultaneously case the 12–1/4-in. hole section with 9 5/8-in. casing to a depth of 780m. The 8 1/2-in. bit drilled-out the 12 1/4-in. CwD bit and drilled on to section TD at 2,075m. The 7-in. casing with an 8 1/2-in. CwD bit was successfully set at depth even though the casing stood up at 1,924 m and had to be drilled to bottom using the CwD bit. A 6-in. PDC bit successfully drilled out the 8 1/2-in. CwD bit and continued on to drill to 2,418 m. The well was completed and suspended inside the budget Authorisation for Expenditure (AFE).

This was the first well drilled with a newly commissioned state-of-the-art semi-automated drilling rig using CwD and PDC drill-out technology. The well included the first CwD run in the Netherlands. The 12 1/4-in. CwD run was the longest run in the Eastern Hemisphere with this system, drilling from surface to 780 m. The first 2,418 m (90%) of the well was drilled with CwD and PDC drill-out technology. Included in this paper are the application, technologies involved, results and lessons learned. It also summarises the performance witnessed on the second well using the same methodology.
Case Study--Field Implementation of Automated Torque-and-Drag Monitoring for Maari Field Development
Authors: Niedermayr M. , Pearse J. , Banks M. , Thonhauser G. , Zoellner P.
Published: February 2010

This case study presents a novel approach to capturing torque and drag trends real-time while drilling complex and extended reach wells. Data processing algorithms automatically process rig sensor data. They recognize current rig operations and log drill string torque and drag parameters. Data is automatically collected, presented and shared without any exposure to human error or interpretation in data recording, allowing engineered real-time and longer term decisions to be made with accurate and consistent data. The tool relies on updated torque and drag models but otherwise works without further input or drilling process interruptions and it does not require extra personnel on or off-site.

The main purpose of the new system is to confirm hole condition. The system acquires and displays well documented field and operation specific drag values. On Maari this information has been used to make strategic decisions on mud systems, critical casing runs, running strings, trajectories, accessible targets and contingency planning.

The paper outlines the monitoring process and system support. It will present actual results and detail how its use has aided planning, drilling and logistics. Field data will be presented in support of the examples listed below. minimized back-reaming during drilling connections and overall reduced hole cleaning effortsreal-time decisions on location, need and quantity of HWDPs or DCs in the screen running strings, avoiding rig time to pick up tubulars from deckconfident decisions to swap from synthetic to water-based mud in hole sections that industry experts have previously classified as ‘border line casing floatation area’elimination of synthetic-based mud in intermediate sections, the overall environmental impact of the drilling campaign has been drastically reducedplanning a new extended reach well based on monitoring results has allowed appraising and potentially producing off structure reserves otherwise strandedthe field application has also proven 24/7 support and maintenance of equipment far off service provider home base

The case study also outlines technical difficulties encountered and how these were addressed during product testing and its first commercial field application.