bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Feature Selection and Random Forests for Inter-patient Heartbeat Classification
Authors: Saenz-Cogollo Jose Francisco , Agelli Maurizio
Published: March 2020

Finding an optimal combination of features and classifier is still an open problem in the development of automatic heartbeat classification systems, especially when applications that involve resource-constrained devices are considered. In this paper, a novel study of the selection of informative features and the use of a random forest classifier while following the recommendations of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and an inter-patient division of datasets is presented. Features were selected using a filter method based on the mutual information ranking criterion on the training set. Results showed that normalized R-R intervals and features relative to the width of the QRS complex are the most discriminative among those considered. The best results achieved on the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database were an overall accuracy of 96.14% and F1-scores of 97.97%, 73.06%, and 90.85% in the classification of normal beats, supraventricular ectopic beats, and ventricular ectopic beats respectively. In comparison with other state of the art approaches tested under similar constraints, this work represents one of the highest performances reported to date while relying on a very small feature vector.
Automated Inundation History Mapping over Large Areas using Landsat and Google Earth Engine
Authors: Inman Victoria L , Lyons Mitchell B
Published: March 2020

Accurate inundation maps for flooded wetlands and rivers are a critical resource for their management and conservation. In this paper we automate a method (thresholding of the short-wave infrared band) for classifying inundation, using Landsat imagery and Google Earth Engine. We demonstrate the method in the Okavango Delta, northern Botswana, a complex case study due to the spectral overlap between inundated areas covered with aquatic vegetation and dryland vegetation classes on satellite imagery. Inundation classifications in the Okavango Delta have predominately been implemented on broad spatial resolution images. We present the longest time series to date (1990-2019) of inundation maps at high spatial resolution (30m) for the Okavango Delta. We validated the maps using image-based and in situ data accuracy assessments, with accuracy ranging from 91.5 - 98.1%. Use of Landsat imagery resulted in consistently lower estimates of inundation extent than previous studies, likely due to the increased number of mixed pixels that occur when using broad spatial resolution imagery, which can lead to overestimations of the size of inundated areas. We provide the inundation maps and Google Earth Engine code for public use.
Collaborative Groundwater Modeling: Open-Source, Cloud- Based, Applied Science at a Small-Island Water Utility Scale
Authors: Shuler Christopher , Mariner Katrina
Published: March 2020

Recent advancements in cloud-computing and social-networking are influencing how we communicate professionally, work collaboratively, and approach data-science tasks. Here we show how the groundwater modeling field is well positioned to benefit from these advancements. We present a case study detailing a vertically-integrated, collaborative modeling framework jointly developed by participants at the American Samoa Power Authority and at the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center. The framework components include direct collection and analysis of climatic and streamflow data, development of a water budget model, and initiation of a dynamic groundwater modeling process. The framework is entirely open-source and applies newly available data-science infrastructure using Python-based tools compiled with Jupyter Notebooks and cloud computing services such as GitHub. These resources allow for seamless integration of multiple computational components into a dynamic cloud-based workflow that is immediately accessible to stakeholders, resource managers, or anyone with an internet connection
On the Relationship between the Cosmological Background Field and the Higgs Field
Authors: Roza Engel
Published: March 2020

It is shown that gravity and quantum physics can be unified upon the basis of a quark description in terms of a recently discovered third type Dirac particle. It requires the awareness of a polarisable second elementary dipole moment next to the angular moment (spin) and the awareness of an (unbroken) omnipresent energetic cosmological background field. The unification has been made explicit by relating the two major gravitational constants of nature (the gravitational constant and Milgrom’s acceleration constant) with the two major nuclear constants of nature (the weak interaction boson and the Higgs boson).
A Chemically Safe Way to Produce Insect Biomass for Possible Application in Feed and Food Production
Authors: Cristina Truzzi , Annibaldi Anna , Girolametti Federico , Giovannini Leonardo , Riolo Paola , Ruschioni Sara , Olivotto Ike , Illuminati Silvia
Published: March 2020

Among other species, Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens, HI, Diptera, Stratiomydae) has the great potential as food and feed ingredient in the EU, particularly thanks to its preference for organic waste as growth substrate. The production of insects as livestock feed or as food ingredient requires a strict monitoring of heavy metal content in the growth substrate in order to secure its safe. This study aims to investigate the presence of toxic metals cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic, and nickel in HI prepupae and their growth substrates based on coffee roasting by-product and microlagae Schizochytrium sp. and Isochrysis sp. Analyses were carried out via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry for Cd, Pb, Ni, and As, and via Direct Mercury Analyzer for Hg. All metal concentrations found in growth substrates were below the legal limit of undesirable substances in animal feed (2002/32/EC). Metals concentrations in HI prepupae were in the range (mg kg-1 wet weight): Cd 0.072–0.084, Pb 0.018–0.026, Hg 0.010–0.032, As 0.036–0.047, Ni 0.18–0.76. HI prepupae accumulate Cd, Pb and Hg, but our results indicate that the risk of exposure to metals from consumption of HI prepupae is relatively low and in compliance with European Union regulations.
Diabetic Foot Ulcer with Alcaligenes Faecalis Infection
Authors: Huang Chienhsiu
Published: March 2020

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers are an increasingly common complex problem and are associated with a very considerable health care burden. Diabetic foot ulcer with Alcaligenes faecalis infection is rarely reported in the literature. We report a case series of diabetic foot ulcer with Alcaligenes faecalis infection treated at our facility. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients with diabetic foot ulcer with Alcaligenes faecalis infection seen from January 2014 to April 2019. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, ulcer lesion classification, comorbidities, prior intravenous antibiotic use within three months, wound culture, antibiotics sensitivity test, and clinical outcomes of these patients. Results: Eight cases of diabetic foot ulcer with Alcaligenes faecalis infection were seen in five males and three females. The mean age was 54.6 years. All patients had other comorbidities, and all ulcer lesions were of chronic duration ( more than 14 days ). All wound cultures revealed polymicrobial infection, with two cases of diabetic foot with extensive-drug resistant Alcaligenes faecalis infection found in 2019. All patients needed intravenous antibiotic therapy and surgical interventions for the chronic ulcer lesion. The wound failed to heal in three patients. Conclusions: All diabetic foot ulcers with Alcaligenes faecalis infection were of chronic duration ( more than 14 days ) and had polymicrobial infection. Extensive-drug resistant Alcaligenes faecalis emerged in 2019. Definitive antibiotic therapy is necessary for all infected wounds and should be based on both the culture results and susceptibility data. All patients will need appropriate wound care, and most will need rapid surgical intervention for an optimal outcome.
The Constitutional Interpretation on the Natural Resource: Originalist Vs Non-Originalist Interpretation
Authors: Hamzah Herdiansyah
Published: March 2020

Judges served in constitutional court have freedom to utilize and elaborate constitutional interpretation method used to examine the law of the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia year 1945 in accordance to their own understanding. Not only that the constitutional interpretation was not regulated in positive law, judges also have independency in making new law discovery (rechtsvinding). Therefore, the interpretation method used by judges in the constitution court is basically determined by each case displayed at the moment. It means that the future of constitutional interpretation regulated by the judges in constitutional court is depending on the lawsuit reported in judicial review. On the other hand, constitutional interpretation on natural resource has to be based on original (originalist) interpretation rooted by original intent or text stated in the constitution of the republic of Indonesia year 1945, along with document of disagreement on its formulation (memorie van toelichting). Original interpretation is aimed at avoiding the shift at the origin of substantial intention of natural resources management.  Nevertheless, non originalis interpretation will remain usable, but it is limited only for technical level, so that natural resources management will stay updated while keeping the basic foundation of natural resources management as firmly stated in constitution.
Functional Superhydrophobic Coating Systems for Possible Corrosion Mitigation
Authors: Jurak Sarah F. ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Wichita State University 1845 Fairmount Street, Wichita, Kansas 67260, USA, Jurak Emil F. , Uddin Md. Nizam , Asmatulu Ramazan
Published: March 2020

Because of their repellent, corrosion-mitigating, anti-icing, and self-cleaning properties, superhydrophobic coatings have numerous applications from windshields to textiles. A superhydrophobic coating is defined as one having a water contact angle (WCA) greater than 150° with a surface sliding angle less than 10°, and very low hysteresis between the advancing and receding angles. Its surface exhibits the so-called “lotus leaf effect,” whereby water bounces and balls up on contact. Here, water droplets run off readily, taking along dirt and dust for a self-cleaning effect that keeps the surface dry. The chemical composition of a surface affects the WCA, which can rise to 120°, but to achieve a WCA greater than 150°, which is considered superhydrophobic, an additional micro- and nanostructural component is needed. This functional hierarchical micro- and nanomorphology is exhibited in nature by plants and insects. A superhydrophobic coating on metallic substrates promises to provide corrosion mitigation by blocking oxygen and electrolytes, which are needed for the initiation of corrosion at the surface and interface. The methods used for preparing functional superhydrophobic coatings include sol-gel processing, layer-by-layer assembly, etching, lithography, chemical and electrochemical depositions, chemical vapor deposition, electrospinning, hydrothermal synthesis, and one-pot reactions. In this work, some research studies conducted to develop robust and durable superhydrophobic coatings are discussed in detail and analyzed for possible corrosion mitigation on the surfaces of metals and alloys. Scientists, engineers, students, and other participants in automotive, aircraft, energy, defense, electronics, and other industries will benefit greatly from this work.
Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Stainless Steel Nozzles by Femtosecond Laser Micro-/Nano-Texturing
Authors: Aizawa Tatsuhiko , Inohara Tadahiko , Wasa Kenji ,   Surface Engineering Design Laboratory 3-15-10 Minami-rokugo, Ota, Tokyo 144-0045, Japan,   L.P.S. Works Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan,   MicroTeX Labs, LLC, Tokyo, Japan
Published: March 2020

A dispensing nozzle is an essential mechanical element in inkjet, dot, and bioprinting. To improve the printing resolution, the inner diameter of the nozzle outlet must be as small as possible. A droplet dispensed through a hydrophilic stainless steel outlet expands on the whole outlet surface and along the side surface of the nozzle. This issue can be solved by physical surface modifications. In the present paper, a femtosecond laser micro-/nano-texturing method was developed to transform the originally hydrophilic stainless steel surface of a nozzle to a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic one. First, an AISI304 plate was used to demonstrate experimentally that, on its surface, the tailored micro-/nano-patterns were reproduced as micro-/nano-textures, making the surface superhydrophobic. Second, the technique was applied to the physical surface modification of an AISI304 stainless steel nozzle outlet by optimizing the femtosecond laser machining conditions. A high-speed camera was used to take a snapshot of the dispensed droplet from the surface-modified outlet. Finally, a line-printing experiment was performed to characterize the dispensing behavior of the stainless steel nozzles with and without physical surface modification.
New Droplet Removal Polishing Method for Diamond-Like Carbon with Carbon Fiber Brush
Authors: Murashima Motoyuki ,   Department of Micro-Nano Mechanical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8603, Japan, Imaizumi Yusuke , Umehara Noritsugu , Tokoroyama Takayuki
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we propose a new polishing method for diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings using a carbon fiber brush (CFB). Surface finishing is an important process for DLC coating applications. A lapping process is widely used for attaining tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) coatings, which are a type of DLC coating containing many droplets, to obtain fine flat surfaces. The lapping process removes protuberant parts of droplets rather than the entire droplet. In this paper, we propose a new polish brush material made of carbon fiber, called CFB. Carbon fiber has both mechanical strength due to its hard carbonaceous material and flexibility due to its fiber structure. In polishing tests, CFB removed droplets from ta-C coatings and the removal effect increased with the shortening of the brush length. The surface profiles of the polished surfaces indicated that a shorter brush length yielded deep scratch marks on ta-C surfaces. Consequently, the arithmetic average surface roughness of the polished ta-C surfaces, Sa, had almost the same value as that of a non-polished surface. Here, we show the ability of CFB to remove the droplets without an increase in the surface roughness. The CFB with the longest brush length in the present study (12 mm) showed a ten-point average roughness SZJIS= 75 nm and Sa= 4.7 nm, which were 59% and 22% lower than those of the non-polished surface, respectively. Furthermore, the longest CFB removed the entire droplets whereas a shorter CFB merely removed the protuberant part of the droplets. The result indicates that CFB polishing can remove entire droplets, which result in abrasive wear or deterioration. From other polishing tests, the optimum polishing distance was determined. Shorter polishing distances could not remove droplets sufficiently whereas longer polishing distances caused deep scratches on ta-C surfaces due to the material transferred to the CFB. Accordingly, the polishing distance of 600 m showed the best surface finishing with SZJIN= 25 nm and Ra= 0.43 nm, which were 86% lower than and similar to those of the non-polished ta-C surface, respectively.
Evaluation of Machine Tool Spindle Using Carbon Fiber Composite
Authors: Kondo Ryo ,   Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University Kyoto daigaku-katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan, Kono Daisuke , Matsubara Atsushi
Published: March 2020

Spindle is one of the most important component of machine tools because spindle’s performance including thermal property and dynamic property greatly influences the accuracy and productivity in machining process. This study investigates the effect of the application of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) to the spindle shaft on the performance of machine tool spindles. CFRP and steel spindle shafts with the same geometry were developed for fair comparison. Thermal and dynamic properties of the developed shaft and spindle unit were evaluated and compared. The experimental and simulation results showed that the CFRP spindle shaft improved the axial thermal displacement and dynamic stiffness. The axial thermal displacement was decreased to 1/3 of that of the steel spindle. The compliance was also decreased to 1/2. The design of the thermal displacement distribution around the bearing should be an important issue in the CFRP spindle for the thermal stability of the dynamic property.
Design of Lightweight Cutting Tools
Authors: Häusler Andreas ,   Institute for Machine Tools, University of Stuttgart 17 Holzgartenstrasse, Stuttgart 70174, Germany, Werkle Kim Torben , Maier Walther , Möhring Hans-Christian
Published: March 2020

Taking into account the growing demand for sophisticated cutting tools in terms of their performance, new approaches, besides the development of the tool’s cutting edge, have to be investigated and validated by physical tests. In this study, methods of topology optimization and hybrid design are adopted for cutting tools. After a quick overview of its motivations, reduction of mass, the design of load paths, and beneficial functions within tool bodies, a structured method and its application on a long shell end mill for metal cutting is described as part of a holistic approach at the system and component levels. The manufacturing of the resulting geometry is examined for additive manufacturing. The optimized structures reduce the spindle power required, especially for acceleration to the desired speed; this, in turn, decreases the energy consumption of the process. Besides bearing static and dynamic loads, composites provide the adjustable option in process-stabilizing damping. In the field of wood cutting, the cutting forces are lower than those in the machining of metals. Here, we describe a planing tool with a large overhang and the first step in its development. The finite element analysis within the software Ansys Workbench and CompositePrep/Post (ACP), the special tool for modeling reinforced structures, are utilized for preparing the layout of the tool. To ensure the structural integrity of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), the failure criteria proposed by Puck are applied. The overhanging planing tool is clamped on one side. It shows the principles for the development of a prototype and forms the basis for tools with even larger diameters and benefits. The underlying concept of the planing tool prototype is an innovative sandwich concept, wherein sleeves are used to join metal with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in a micro-forming process. Besides the abovementioned advantages, the reduction of acoustic emissions in the very noisy field of wood machining is a promising application.
Adaptive Sliding Mode Fault-Tolerant Control for Uncertain Systems with Time Delay
Authors: Yang Pu , Liu Zhangxi , Wang Yuxia , Li Dejie ,   College of Automation Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics 29 Yudao Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211106, China,   Chinese Flight Test Establishment, Shanxi, China
Published: March 2020

In this work, an adaptive sliding mode fault-tolerant controller is proposed for a class of uncertain systems with time delay. The integral term is added to the traditional sliding surface to improve the robustness of the control system, and then a type of special sliding surface is designed to cancel the reaching mode based on global sliding mode method. Without the need for fault detection and isolation, an adaptive law is proposed to estimate the value of actuator faults, and an adaptive sliding mode fault-tolerant controller is designed to guarantee the asymptotic stability of sliding dynamics. Finally, the presented control scheme is applied to the position control of a Qball-X4 quad-rotor UAV model to verify the effectiveness.
Pengaruh Brand Identification dan Sense of Community terhadap Brand Loves (Survei pada Pengguna Forum Jual Beli Kaskus di Kota Bandung)
Authors: Fajar Fajar , Hurriyati Ratih , Dirgantari Puspo Dewi
Published: March 2020

Tujuan - Untuk mengetahui pengaruh brand identification dan sense of community terhadap brand loves pada pengguna forum jual beli kaskus di Kota Bandung.

Desain/metodologi/pendekatan – Desain penelitian ini adalah cross sectional method. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif dengan metode explanatory survei. Sebanyak 107 responden dipilih dengan menggunakan non-probability sampling. Sebuah kuesioner digunakan sebagai instrumen penelitian untuk mengumpulkan data dari responden. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah teknik deskriptif dengan menggunakan distribusi frekuensi.

Temuan – Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengaruh brand identification berada pada kategori cukup baik dan sense of community terhadap brand loves berada pada kategori baik.

Orisinalitas/nilai – Perbedaan dalam penelitian ini terletak pada objek penelitian, waktu penelitian, alat ukur, literatur yang digunakan, teori yang digunakan dan hasil penelitian.

Kata kunci: Brand Identification, Sense of Community, Brand Loves, Kaskus
PERSEPSI MASYARAKAT TERHADAP KEUNIKAN ALAM DANAU BATUR BALI
Authors: Dewi Riyawati Ika
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to obtain information about the public perception of the effect of supporting the infrastructure development of the unique nature of Lake Batur Lake Batur, in the district of Kintamani, Bangli regency of Bali Province. This study used survey method with descriptive quantitative approach. Collecting data using the questionnaire technique. The data analysis technique used is the test requirements analysis, simple linear regression analysis with a sample of 20 people (10 women and 10 men). The result is the development of supporting infrastructure implemented in the ecotourism object of Lake Batur in harmony with the natural beauty of Lake Batur. This can be seen from the opinions and perceptions of visitors who say that the uniqueness of Lake Batur nature is maintained and still can be enjoyed from the first until now.

According Deputy for Tourism Destination Development and Investment of the Ministry of Tourism, 2016 for tourist visit to Indonesia, there are 3 kinds of products that interest are Natural (nature) 35%, Culture 60% and Man Made 5%. Lake Batur is a product for tourism objects that combine natural products and cultural products. One thing that can not be separated from the existence of Mount Batur is Lake Batur. Lake Batur is located in the District Kitamani, Bangli regency, is the largest lake on the island of Bali. Data on the potential of natural resources in a volcano ecosystem as a whole and comprehensive is important to know as the basis for making sustainable development planning.

 

Keywords: Public perception, uniqueness of nature, Lake Batur
Supporting Economic Development Initiatives in Local Communities: A Case Study in the Latin American Region
Authors: Paz Manuel , Zambrano Celly John J. , Vallejo Gabriela , Abrahams Nicholas , Pérez Benítez Marcelo
Published: March 2020

This paper outlines an oilfield services company's approach to supporting local economic development in areas surrounding an oilfield project in the Latin American region. The paper describes how the company identified local community needs and committed resources to contribute to sustainable economic improvements.

Both the community and the company benefit from local economic development. Communities benefit from the stimulation of robust and varied local business enterprise development, which helps to improve local employment opportunities. The company benefits include meeting regulated local content targets.

A long-term view of developing the local economy was taken. The oilfield services company partnered with the operator to promote learning and fund programs to build local workforce capacity. The company also partnered with businesses in collaboration with local authorities, educational establishments and non-governmental organizations.

To understand the community needs, the company worked with the operator to prepare an inventory of relevant community assets for economic development, and map stakeholders such as educational establishments, NGOs, local contractors and registered business associations, which constituted the baseline.

Rather than taking the lead on the project, the company adopted a multi-stakeholder process to development involvement of the local communities. This approach allowed the project to benefit from the various stakeholder contributions for example social investment, training, capability building and know-how transfer. This collaborative approach enabled the company to develop and implement a targeted local economic development plan for the area of operations.

The paper describes the company framework, assessment approach and design of specific initiatives to promote local economic development. The paper demonstrates how a risk and outcomes based approach can be used to progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4, 8) that are most relevant to a company's operations.
Development of Emergency Response Plans for External Investment on Mexican Offshore Projects, in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Monroy Jose L , Saud Yaneira E , Lopez Ricardo A
Published: March 2020

Incidents that have occurred in worldwide waters and in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) have provided lessons for an enhanced approach and better content of Emergency Response and Control Plans (ERCP). The focus is to timely incorporate response aspects that must be taken into account from the early project stages. A complete, current ERCP is an effective mitigation control to limit consequences arising from uncontrolled loss of containment events.

A sequence to develop an ERCP compliant with Mexican guidelines and regulations is presented. It involves the collection of information from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Hazard Identification Analysis (HAZID) for the project. Credible major hazardous events, such as loss of containment scenarios, are extracted and analyzed to constitute the basis for ERCP development based on maximum credible estimated risk. Besides sound event planning content, the paper also discusses other key elements required to produce a complete and effective ERCP.

The strategy includes the identification of ERCP requirements from different entities such as; financial institutions, oil and gas operators, local and regional legislation requirements applicable to GOM, and best-recognized emergency planning and response practices. Available project information sources include design bases, EIA, HAZID and Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) studies.

The collected requirements are used to unfold the content of the ERP, including required elements such as Introduction, Incident Command System (ICS), Unified Command System (UCS), Emergency Scenarios, Action Plans per Accident Type, Available Sources, Training and Competencies, and Drills and Supporting Information. In addition, a flow chart for the ERCP is included describing the sequence of steps from the accident initiation, notifications, response, and recovery until the emergency transient has been adequately controlled.

An ERCP implementation and content access is proposed as well in this paper.
API 754 Process Safety Indicators for a Colombia Oil Field
Authors: Ribón María José , Acevedo Héctor
Published: March 2020

As the API 754 RP states, process safety incidents should be categorized in to four different key performance indicators according to the recommended practice definitions analyzed in this article. To normalize the data and allow comparison between business units and operations, the PSI rate is calculated based on the total worked hours (employees and contractors). The classification of the process incidents is based on the Loss of primary containment quantification and comparison to the API 754 thresholds of LOPC and its consequence on people, environment or property.

Through this document statistics and examples are shown, supporting how the implementation of API 754 safety performances is been improved for a Colombia oil field operation, having a trend of less Tier 1 and Tier 2 events each year. The API 754 process safety incidents methodology was implemented as part of the process safety program, improving and strengthening it.

From the recommended practice, Tier 1 and 2 correspond to lagging indicators and Tier 3 and 4 are leading indicators. The objective of a mature process safety program is to have a low number of Tier 1 and 2 incidents and a larger number of Tier 3 and 4 events that can be managed and resolved, this strategy allows to develop a robust barrier program. In addition, PSI performance indicators are now included as annual KPIs and analyzing the incident investigations, allows to stablish year-to-year action plans. Additionally having the statistics with normalized and uniform criteria let the managers compare facilities and business units, having a better general view about process safety and allowing them to have better data based decision-making.

The API 754 allows the standardization of process incident classification across operations. This methodology seeks to minimize near misses than can lead to a significant incident. It allow us to detect common failures, generate action plans, and measure our performance and define annual goals.
Advancing Country SDG Impacts
Authors: Collacott Rebecca , Depraz Sophie
Published: March 2020

Since the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, countries around the world have begun to consider how to achieve the 17 Goals. In order to do so, it will be essential to have the support of other actors from both the private sector and civil society. So in turn, companies have responded by starting to design strategies that align with the SDGs at a corporate and global level.

But the SDG priorities of host governments can vary greatly between countries of operation. Navigating this at a local level can be challenging. To support companies in their efforts, in 2019 IPIECA commissioned a research project with Earth Security Group to help companies identify country-level issues, priorities and opportunities and enable them to align their SDG initiatives with a host country's priorities. The pilot project identified Brazil, the country-level focus for the project because many IPIECA members and key stakeholders are operating there.

The project consisted of desk research to; identify country priorities relevant to the sector and national government SDG priorities, map existing sector initiatives and stakeholder partnerships which are addressing priority areas, and identify the key gaps and opportunities. This was supplemented by interviews with IPIECA member companies operating in Brazil and key Brazilian external stakeholders to discuss their views on social and environmental priorities for the business and SDG-related plans and initiatives.

Based on the findings, the project made several recommendations for the industry operating in Brazil to build on the industry's potential to have a strong positive impact on the environment and communities existing in Brazil.

The paper shows how through research, engagement and collaboration with IPIECA members and key stakeholders in Brazil, it is possible to enhance understanding and identify where the industry can work together to have the biggest impact on the SDGs at a country level. Through IPIECA's ongoing work on the SDGs, it is hoped that the industry can build on opportunities to positively contribute to sustainable development by identifying key impact areas and opportunities for partnerships and collaboration.
Improving Workforce Health – The Evolution of Measurement in an Energy Company
Authors: Davis-Street Janis , Grimsley Michael , McDonald Susanne
Published: March 2020

Background and Scope

Addressing health promotion and health protection is a key expectation for workforce health and safety within an operational excellence management system. Effective integration of health and safety has been described as part of the value proposition for high-performing companies. We describe the evolution of measurement approaches for determining programming impact on lifestyle risk factors.

Methods, Procedures, Process

Utilizing elements of the World Health Organization's Healthy Workplace framework, we describe program alignment with industry benchmarking around health promotion. A wellness scorecard was used to compare multiple business unit wellness index scores to performance on validated health performance indicators. We describe how these analyses have evolved over time to inform scores within a proposed corporate health index and compare responses to employee surveys about health and well-being. The primary goal of the corporate health index is to encourage organizational behavior to promote the health and safety of our employees through prevention and early intervention.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

Wellness index data can differentiate between organizations in a global energy company based on their adherence to programming best practices. Cohort risk data from targeted cardiovascular health programing in the US demonstrates that addressing health from multiple dimensions can result in meaningful health improvements. Further, in business units where health and safety messaging are integrated, employee health risk appears to be positively impacted. Wellness index data also show good alignment with industry benchmarking data. Wellness scores were compared to organizational parameters within a corporate health index that describes health risk, commitment to health and the built environment. Opportunities exist in several business units and locations to improve or sustain their commitment to health and built environment. Consistent high scores in measures describing closing health risk gaps reflect a 10-year global focus on lifestyle risk factors that increase cardiovascular disease risk. As we transition to focus on other health issues the corporate index will provide a method for evaluating how organizations progress in addressing new risks.

New information

Tools described here will provide mechanisms for evaluating emerging health focus areas, e.g. mental health and emotional well-being, and validate the appropriateness of the corporate health index and wellness scorecard as monitoring tools for mitigating health risks.
Applying Behavior Engineering to Procedural Adherence
Authors: Lopez Juan Carlos , Jeffries Jon , Gonzalez Jairo , Capote Wilmar , Martinez Lina , Pazmino Klever , Claros Liliana , Miranda Gabriel , Alavosius Mark , Houmanfar Ramona
Published: March 2020

Research shows that human factors play a large part in incident prevention; operational discipline being an important contributing factor. An oilfield services company has developed an innovative methodology to apply the principles of behavioral science to improve procedural adherence. The methodology considers the environment in which people are working, allows for changes to that environment, systematically measures expected behaviors, and gives soon and certain feedback to employees to increase adherence to company procedures to reduce losses and improve operational efficiency. Positive results have been obtained after six years of application to several critical processes.

Based on the behavior engineering model (BEM) the methodology identifies the most critical processes and reduces variance in their execution. BEM utilizes the knowledge of field personnel to understand the work environment and human factors that influence behaviors. Solutions are then developed to enable procedural adherence in a consistent manner. The methodology encompasses four steps: the selection of the critical process, behavior analysis in the field, intervention in pilot locations, and scale up. Scaling up of the pilot project is conducted when intervention results are endorsed by line management.

The company developed and tested this program with support from academic behavioral scientists. The program includes work environment improvements such as the simplification of standard operating procedures and associated checklists as well as positive and constructive feedback to manage behavioral variance. The use of soon and certain feedback mechanisms inform personnel of their performance versus expectations to encourage improvement.

The paper describes the critical behaviors identified in the process, the improvements in procedural adherence, and the benefits in a variety of applications such as stuck pipe prevention, rig floor safety, well construction operations, forklift operations and hand injury prevention. The paper also explains how the application of this methodology is being expanded through a formal academic training program for personnel.

This unique and innovative methodology achieves procedural adherence with a bottom up approach.

The paper describes principles, process, results, and recommendations from this multi-year project designed to support the company's performance management system. It facilitates teamwork, increases operational efficiency and simplifies compliance requirements in planning and executing activities in a consistent manner. The key to success is having field personnel willingly adhere to procedures through their active involvement and increased awareness of the program benefits
Community Liaison Officers - Generating Pride and Enabling Engagement
Authors: Murphy Helen , Valiyev Tural , Astudillo Paredes Diego , De Leon Maria Divina , Edwards Elizabeth
Published: March 2020

IPIECA's Community Liaison Officers team building and management guidance and toolkit, published in October 2018, assists community relations managers in planning their community liaison teams and recruiting community liaison officers (CLOs). The Guidance aims to enable managers to systematically manage the CLO role, improve companies’ understanding and organizational integration with CLOs, as well as providing tools and training resources. It provides practical guidance and support for a critical but often neglected set of employees, who can often feel vulnerable and unsupported. Prior to the development of the Guidance, there was limited research or guidance available to help oil and gas companies in this area.

A mini survey conducted by IPIECA members in 2017 found that there were challenges around CLOs’ relationship to company systems and processes, skills development, training and recruitment of CLOs. IPIECA resolved to help offer solutions to these challenges by developing guidance and a supporting toolkit. The Guidance is based on the results of a global online survey, commissioned by IPIECA in 2017, of more than 120 CLOs based in 31 countries, representing more than 25 companies, and covering all stages of the project/asset lifecycle.

The Guidance covers four phases of CLO team management: assessment; planning; recruitment; and evaluation. This is accompanied by a six-part toolkit which is designed to help deliver these four phases. The toolkit is designed to be flexible and for use in any global context. This paper will provide an overview of the content of the Guidance and how it was developed, as well as the context and background for CLO management and recruitment. Additionally, some IPIECA members (BP Mauritania & Senegal, Repsol Peru, and Shell) have been piloting the Guidance throughout their operations and have shared case studies on the effectiveness of the toolkit.
Overview of Drill Cuttings Management Options Through Modeling, Monitoring and Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Puiseux Aurélien , Guillou Anaïs , Merzi Thomas
Published: March 2020

Drilling operations produces drill cuttings, which need to be managed to minimize their potential environmental impacts. Nowadays, legislation worldwide moves towards limiting discharge at sea to decrease impacts on ocean. But cuttings must still be managed, and alternatives are not necessarily more environment friendly.

In this article, three approaches of cutting management environmental impacts were compared. Modeling studies were compared to field data, to assess the relevance of these modeling studies in the evaluation of drilling discharge acceptability. The results of monitoring campaigns conducted on three offshore field in Myanmar, Congo and Angola were collected and analyzed. Lastly, a comparative attributional life cycle analysis (or LCA) of drill cuttings management options was conducted, comparing discharge at sea, reinjection into a disposal well, onshore landfill containment and onshore thermo-desorption.

Environmental risk calculation through discharge modeling is robust and constitutes a good tool to evaluate the drilling discharge strategy, but it focuses on the sole discharge at sea option. Results from monitoring campaigns shows that fifteen to twenty years after drilling operations, decreasing trends are observed for drill cutting tracers. For other metals, concentration levels are similar to those of the baseline. Slight impacts on benthic macrofauna community keep on being observed, and processes of initial diversity recovery are in progress locally. At the scale of the entire fields, biodiversity has recovered almost similar levels as initially. With current practices, impacts can be estimated to last around ten years. The LCA was hampered by a lack of standardized indicators for marine compartment impacts and poor characterization of some drilling muds additives in LCA reference databases. Considering these limitations, the results and their interpretations state a higher impact of onshore management with thermo-desorption on most indicators. Discharge at sea has the biggest initial impact on marine ecotoxicity. Onshore landfill has the biggest impact on freshwater eutrophication, freshwater ecotoxicity, human carcinogenic toxicity and land use.

This study shows that given current practices, impacts of drill cuttings discharge at sea are well predicted and last around 10 years. Alternative management options have impacts as well, mainly on human health, land use and non-marine environmental compartments. Decision-makers must balance the impacts on each compartment to choose the better management option given the context they face.

This study highlights the interest of using life cycle analyses to compare management options rather than focusing on the impacts of only one option. To be able to do so, there is a need of developing LCA methodology on marine compartments.
Sagari Project: Towards a Strategy for Sustainable Environmental Management
Authors: Gutierrez Mesías Fernando , Changano Guevara Humberto Felipe , Díaz Venero Carlos Alfonso , Garcia Espinoza Alan Marlon , Zorrilla Salazar Ruth Celina , Ahumada Morales Carlos
Published: March 2020

Repsol Exploración Perú (Repsol) develops its operations in accordance with its integrated policy and incorporates the criteria of safety, health and environment in all activities. In compliance with this policy, Repsol develops environmental management strategies (EMA) for its projects. The EMA prepared for the Environmental Impact Study of the Sagari Field Development Project - Block 57 is based on the mitigation hierarchy. This hierarchy proposes measures to avoid, mitigate, restore or compensate for the negative challenges identified for the project in its planning, construction, operation and abandonment stages. This project includes the completion of a well in Sagari BX, the drilling and completion of 2 development wells in Sagari AX, the drilling of an injector well, and the construction and operation of an 18.7 km conduit that joins the new facilities of production and connections to the affected facilities in Kinteroni. The project is located in an area of high biodiversity and overlaps the buffer zones of the Machiguenga Communal Reserve and Otishi National Park. This document has two objectives: The first is to show the mitigation measures incorporated into the project, which meet the highest industry standards. The second objective is to serve as a guide and reference during the planning of similar hydrocarbon exploration and development projects in the Amazon.
A First-Of-Its-Kind Framework for Commercializing Associated Gas
Authors: Berg B. Van , Bamji Z.. , Sucre F.. , Murphy-McGreevey C..
Published: March 2020

Gas flaring, the practice of burning off gas associated with oil production, is a significant waste of a valuable resource, and a major contributor to global emissions. Nigeria is one of the highest gas flaring countries in the world, with 178 flare sites and 7.4 billion cubic meters of gas flared in 2018. The country has taken ambitious steps to reduce gas flaring, with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the World Bank-managed Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership (GGFR) and other international agencies working to design and implement a regulatory programme that creates value through associated gas commercialization.

Limited resources and often competing priorities, portfolios, and assets restrict the oil industry to provide adequate, conclusive and fast track solutions to reach Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 (defined as: not routinely flare associated gas in new oil field developments and ending existing (legacy) flaring as soon as possible and no later than 2030). The paper demonstrates how Nigeria is creating an enabling and compulsory environment to monetize associated gas and utilize it for energy use, primarily for the domestic market, and substituting diesel, heavy fuel oil and other higher cost (often imported) fuels. Going further, the paper asserts that the government must take ownership and control of gas flaring reduction, where the industry can or will not put in place solutions to achieve this goal. The paper concludes that monetizing associated gas brings multiple benefits, including reduced emissions, a lower cost energy mix, greater energy sovereignty and a stronger "license to operate" for international oil companies operating in the country.
The Role of Health in Building a Culture of Care in Projects During Construction
Authors: Sanchez Marcos , Bhojani Faiyaz
Published: March 2020

In this review, the role of the Health function is examined in relation to Safety, Security, Environment, and Social Performance in selected Shell capital projects over the previous ten years. The Health function has been identified as a critical enabler of a "Culture of Care" which contributed to additional value attributed to the function beyond its role of promotion and implementation of a healthy workplace. In the projects reviewed here, the intentional strategy to deploy Health function elements, activities and interventions incorporated into the framework of a "Care Strategy" was strongly associated with excellence in project performance and business outcomes. Measures for the assessment, including workforce engagement, participation in wellness activities, perceived level of care, total recordable case frequency (TRCF), and productivity expressed as hands on tools time average (HoTT) which all demonstrated a positive impact of Care Strategies. This finding supports the experience of Shell that when the Health function became a true project-business partner it contributes a positive impact on behaviors, communication, psychological safety and interaction with community.