bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Reported Energy Intake by Age in Overweight and Healthy-Weight Children in NHANES, 2001–2008
Authors: Skinner Asheley Cockrell , Steiner Michael J. , Perrin Eliana M.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Variation in energy intake by weight status at different ages may explain inconsistencies in previous research on energy intake and obesity. Therefore, our objective was to determine the relationship between reported daily energy intake and categorized weight status across childhood.

METHODS:

We examined dietary reports of children ages 1 to 17 years by using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001–2008 (N = 12 648). Using measured height and weight, we categorized weight status based on weight-for-length percentile (age <2 years) or BMI percentile (ages 2–17 years) using current recommendations. Dietary intake was reported by using the repeatedly validated automated multiple pass method, a detailed 2-day 24-hour recall. We used ordinary least squares regression to examine the interactions of age and weight category on total energy intake, controlling for gender, race, ethnicity, and income.

RESULTS:

Weight status and age both have positive associations with self-reported energy intake. However, the interaction between weight and age demonstrates a negative effect throughout childhood, such that young obese/overweight children reported consuming significantly more calories and obese/overweight adolescents reported consuming fewer calories than their same-age healthy-weight peers.

CONCLUSIONS:

In a nationally representative cross-sectional sample, overweight and obese girls older than 7 years and boys older than 10 years reported consuming fewer daily calories than their healthy-weight peers. One explanation for this would be that increased energy intake in early childhood is related to the onset of obesity, but other mechanisms, such as differences in energy expenditure, may contribute more to maintaining obese/overweight status through adolescence.
Trends of Transcutaneous Bilirubin in Neonates Who Develop Significant Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Mantagou Lito , Fouzas Sotirios , Skylogianni Eleni , Giannakopoulos Ioannis , Karatza Ageliki , Varvarigou Anastasia
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVES:

To provide data on the natural course of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) levels in neonates before the development of significant hyperbilirubinemia, and to assess the effect of different demographic and perinatal factors on the rate of TcB increase.

METHODS:

We analyzed 2454 TcB measurements from 419 neonates before the development of significant hyperbilirubinemia. Mean TcB values and TcB percentiles for designated times were calculated, and the effect of different risk factors on the rate of TcB increase was assessed. TcB percentile curves were plotted for comparison on a population-based TcB nomogram.

RESULTS:

Blood incompatibilities and glucose-6-phosphate dehy-drogenase deficiency were associated with higher rates of TcB in-crease during the first 36 to 48 postnatal hours, whereas smaller gestational age, increased weight loss, and exclusive breastfeeding had a similar but later effect. Compared with general population norms, a different pattern of TcB increase was noted in neonates who developed significant hyperbilirubinemia, but with a sub-stantial overlap of TcB values during the first 24 to 48 postnatal hours.

CONCLUSIONS:

We provide data on the natural course of TcB levels before the development of significant hyperbilirubinemia in a white population of term and near-term neonates. Smaller gestational age, blood incompatibilities, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, increased weight loss, and exclusive breastfeeding significantly affected the rate of TcB increase in a time-dependent manner. These findings may assist in assessing the risk for significant hyperbilirubinemia and planning appropriate follow-up strategies for neonates with borderline bilirubin levels.
Duration effects of wave overtopping: application of EurOtop on three reservoirs in the North West
Authors: Patel Junaid A.
Published: September 2012

The action of waves on embankment dams combined with high still water levels can have a detrimental impact on reservoir structures. The problem of overtopping has been described in detail in the European overtopping manual (EurOtop) for sea defences. Although this methodology was not developed for inland reservoirs, its application to reservoirs is considered acceptable in certain cases. This paper describes the process of applying the EurOtop methodology to three inland reservoirs, the development of the significant wave height, breaker parameter, wave period and ultimately the overtopping discharge. The EurOtop methodology allows a simple look-up of peak discharges against tolerable discharges to determine whether erosion resistance is required. This paper describes a method to derive a discharge–time relationship based on the probable maximum flood flow through the reservoir and in turn derive the velocity–duration relationship. Using this relationship an additional check of tolerable velocities was performed and checked against recommended limiting values for erosion resistance. Finally, an optioneering exercise was carried out to determine the generic options available to address overtopping discharge.
Subcontractor Management: A Key Safety Issue In Geophysical Operations
Authors: Threadgold Ian M.
Published: September 2012

Subcontractors are frequently brought into a geophysical operation by the prime contractor to support the contractor's capabilities. Anecdotal evidence suggests that subcontracted personnel often have higher incident rates than contractor personnel. This is understandable given that subcontractor personnel are often contracted to undertake higher risk activities and sometimes work on the periphery of an operation, with less supervision, or at times even operate as a lone worker.

A workshop was held to attempt to develop industry guidelines for improving subcontractor management performance across the geophysical industry. This guidance may also prove useful for other sectors of the oil and gas industry, as other activities also utilize significant numbers of subcontractors.

The workshop focused on three main topic areas: defining exactly what is meant by "subcontractor management", agreeing what the barriers are to good subcontractor management, and lastly identifying over 30 recommended practices for improving subcontractor management across the industry. The work also gave clarity to six categories of people potentially found at geophysical worksites, besides the prime contractor's staff.

A subcontractor management industry guidance document will be published based on the workshop findings. No other industry guidance document exists (to the author's knowledge) specifically addressing the issue of subcontractor safety management. It is hoped that this will improve safety performance within the subcontractor workforce, as well as drive the industry to break out separately subcontractor safety statistics from the contractor workforce, in much the same manner that oil and gas company employee statistics were separated from the contracted work force in the past.
Integrating the Emerging Concepts of Ecosystem Services into Oil and Gas Industry Environmental Management Practices
Authors: Pedroni Paola Maria , Springer Nina , Spurgeon James , Romer Ruth
Published: September 2012

The Oil and Gas industry has long recognised the importance in assessing interactions of its activities with the natural environment and the need to integrate biodiversity issues into environmental management practices. This is key to ensuring business continuity, access to new resources and the sustainable shared use of nature. The joint work of the oil and gas trade associations, IPIECA and OGP, addresses biodiversity risk management and the increasingly-adopted concept of ecosystem services. This concept considers humans as an integral part of an ecosystem economy that both depends on, and potentially affects, natural capital through a supply and demand process. To achieve sustainable, shared use of natural resources, we must ensure that combined demand does not exceed nature's ability to supply. Governments, organisations and the financial sector are embracing the concept, which enables more rigorous determination of environmental and business risk, but also highlights new revenue generation and cost saving opportunities. Oil and gas activities both depend upon and impact biodiversity and the services ecosystems provide (such as by using water and relying on natural waste assimilation). Therefore, there is a clear business case for companies to identify and manage dependencies and impacts effectively, as well as to consider the maintenance or enhancement of ecosystems providing valuable services. This paper overviews the recent IPIECA-OGP publication, Ecosystem Services Guidance, drawing on a hypothetical arctic case study. This guide was produced to help member companies apply the concept of ecosystem services as part of existing environmental assessment and management practices. The guide explains the relationships among biodiversity, ecosystem services and oil and gas activities; provides a set of checklists for identifying important ecosystem service dependencies and potential impacts through the asset life-cycle stages and key habitat types, onshore and offshore; and finally highlights some associated risks and opportunities, providing guidance on management measures.
Learning from MAEs and building local capacity to prevent them
Authors: Bills Kym M.
Published: September 2012

If the upstream petroleum industry wishes to retain its social licence to operate it should consider taking some additional steps to help prevent major accident events (MAEs). In Australia, establishing a Centre for Upstream Petroleum Safety (CUPS) based in Perth with an initial focus on human and organisational factors, safety culture and learning would be a concrete and substantive step forward to build capacity and capability. Internationally, an agreement among states and with industry is needed to require and protect reporting of more significant safety events, to systemically investigate MAEs and to promulgate lessons in a timely ‘no blame’ manner as occurs in aviation under Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention. Better learning from past MAEs in oil and gas and from other high risk and high technology industries such as transport, nuclear, underground coal mining and petrochemicals is also crucial. Some examples of such MAEs are provided and key aspects of the billion dollar Varanus Island gas pipeline explosions that occurred in Western Australia in June 2008 are highlighted. Incorporating these into an active learning CUPS curriculum would help build local capacity and capability to prevent future MAEs.
Prelude FLNG Development Environmental Footprint and Conditions of Approval in a Post Montara and Macondo World
Authors: Caymo Arphee , Cohen Brian
Published: September 2012

In May 2011 Shell announced its commitment to the development of a Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) concept by taking the Financial Investment Decision on the Prelude FLNG Project. Prelude is located in Australian offshore waters, approximately 475 km north-northeast of Broome and 825 km west of Darwin, and will be Shell's and possibly the world's first FLNG development. FLNG offers a number of environmental advantages over traditional onshore LNG developments. This paper describes some of these and the associated environmental permitting/approval conditions for the project.
Transforming Safety Leadership within the Hydrocarbon Sector - A Global Analysis
Authors: Broadbent David G.
Published: September 2012

Over the past decade there has been increasing interest in safety leadership as a key driver toward sustained improvement of organizational safety cultures. Within many investigations into hydrocarbon incidents, the failure of existing safety cultures has almost universally been identified. Texas City1, Gulf of Mexico2, and Varanus Island3 are just a few examples.

In this Paper we shall review the latest research concerned with optimizing your safety culture toward maximum workforce participation.

A few of the globally recognized thinkers in safety that you shall be introduced to shall be Bruce Avolio, Rhona Flin, Dov Zohar, Edgar Schein, and David G Broadbent.

One of the most critical points of failure within workplace safety systems is leadership (or failure of it) as a key input into the negative outcome. The author has defined this as "pinball leadership" and it is in existence within 90%+ of workplace systems. Recognition of this toxic influence is the first step toward engineering a consistent leadership framework throughout all levels of operational integrity within the business.

We shall explore the world's foremost safety leadership approach, that has been shown to have a sustained positive influence within offshore and onshore petrochemical assets. Having identified that path, we shall further demonstrate an effective system for integrating optimal safety leadership within workplace systems.

The developmental journey of one of Australia's leading petro-chemical support companies shall be demonstrated as a best-practice case study toward effective and sustained optimization of safety leadership technologies. Methods for measuring success shall be presented.

With the exponential expansion of petrochemical assets throughout the global community, and a consequent increase in risk profiles, as we continue to drill deeper than ever before, the critical nature of engineering optimal safety cultures is paramount. We see many organizations promoting themselves as "best practice" with regard to safety, and then when the investigation occurs we find that the "reality" is somewhat different. The gap between "word & deed" MUST be shrunk. This strategic investigation of these issues shall show you how to achieve the sustained development of an optimal safety culture with embedded resilience.
Emerging Pandemic Threats and the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Flynn Louise , Kaitano Anne-Elizabeth , Bery Renuka
Published: September 2012

Description

Emergence of zoonotic infectious diseases, such as Ebola, Nipah, and SARS, is directly related to increased interaction between human and animal populations resulting from changing patterns of wildlife populations and human intrusion into habitats. Because the frequency of human interaction with animal hosts is a critical factor; those human populations with the most frequent direct and indirect exposure to animal hosts are the most susceptible.

Application

Timber harvesting, onshore oil and gas, and mining operations increase human incursions into wildlife areas, facilitating mechanisms for potential zoonotic pathogen transmission. Land clearing and road construction change forest ecosystem dynamics by fragmenting habitats, increasing the edge effect, and decreasing biodiversity. These ecosystem modifications alter wildlife dynamics in forested ecosystems to favor species that are hosts for zoonoses and can thrive in environments with people. The presence of extractive industries also often creates a labor influx and additional demands on local resources, such as increased demand for bushmeat and agricultural products. Food storage facilities, housing, and waste handling facilities also can attract certain wildlife species. These dynamics increase the potential for wildlife-human interaction, thus increasing the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.

Results, Observations, and Conclusions

Extractive industries have developed best management practices to address both environmental and health issues. Addressing emerging zoonotic disease crosses the boundaries of both topics. Best management practices/mitigation strategies exist to maintain biodiversity, ensure habitat connectivity, prohibit bushmeat hunting, construct and maintain acceptable camp/facilities, manage solid and liquid waste, and maintain worker and community health. These practices and others can also serve to limit the potential transmission of zoonotic diseases.

Significance of Subject Matter

While we often know what to do to mitigate disease transmission, industries do not always ensure that such practices are followed for myriad reasons: knowledge, political will, cost, etc. This presentation will outline the links between extractive industry activities and the potential for zoonotic disease transmission. It will also highlight some known best management practices that companies can take to encourage biodiversity, protect worker and community health and limit the possibility of global epidemics.
Stress and Social Anxiety Assessment among Offshore Personnel in Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Mika Frano , Dalida Ronan , Kapanadze Eka , Visnjic-Pichler Nebojsa , De Sanctis Sabatino
Published: September 2012

Stress adds anticipation and excitement to life but it can also results to destructive feelings, anxiety and depression; and if left unchecked can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes and in extreme cases, suicide attempts. Prolong exposure to work related stressors may lead not only to number of illnesses but it will also increases absenteeism, increases accident cases, reduced employees morale, increase staff turnover and reduce productivity at work. Offshore working environment is categorically consider as extreme, isolated and remote where psychological challenges are reportedly experienced even among physically healthy individuals. Saipem analyzes the mental stress level of its employees working offshore in Kazakhstan in different vessels conditions to determine their mental health status. It shows an increase prevalence of anxiety disorder and depression among offshore workers living on recently mobilized vessels compared to the old ones. Local female, local male and expat male working on recently mobilized vessels are more prone to depression than their counterpart on old vessels. Social anxiety was separately evaluated in seven different vessels and confirmed increase prevalence among offshore workers (19%) compared to the general population (7–12%). Stress and social anxiety can lead to debilitating disorders, reduce workers productivity and drive to unsafe practices. Acknowledging its impact to the company, Saipem developed programs that promote health and Safety in the workplace with accent to mental health. As such, the company has established a psychologically acceptable living and working condition offshore and lay down its plan on commencing the use Telepsychiatry and Telepsychology system in managing mental health.
OGP/IPIECA Guidance for Developing a Simple and Accessible Operating Management System to Control Risks
Authors: Hirst Robert
Published: September 2012

Safety Management Systems were initially developed two decades ago and some have stood the test of time well, having since been expanded to include health issues and later environmental issues. In 1994 OGP (the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers) presented a model for an Upstream Industry Health, Safety & Environmental Management System which has been adopted widely by member Companies and their Contractors. However, emerging knowledge and recent catastrophic events have highlighted the need not only for change, but for an encompassing management system to address all Operating Risks.

This has application across the petroleum industry, both for large mature multinationals and for smaller newer ventures, not to mention support Companies. A simple but powerful model for an Operating Management System (OMS) will assist established Operators to address differences in embedded systems, to challenge thinking, and it will inspire newer Operators to develop their own systems in such a way as to treat risks holistically rather than in a compartmentalised or "silo" way of thinking.

A framework management system model was published in April 2012 and this is being followed by roll-out of the full system and a virtual toolkit of good practice during late 2012/early 2013 along with collaboration with Stakeholder Organisations. Results and observations are therefore premature but there is a strong drive from OGP and IPIECA (the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association) members to push the work forward.

This joint OGP/IPIECA initiative is highly significant in moving risk management and operational performance forward at a time when the petroleum industry faces serious negative public concerns and regulatory challenges. Many of the OGP and IPIECA member Companies and other associations utilize the current model (Report 210) either directly or indirectly. The time is therefore ripe for change and the OGP Task Force has embraced that opportunity.

This SPE paper looks from the Task Force Chairman's perspective at; the drivers for change in management systems thinking, the progression and direction of the OGP/IPIECA Task Force work and its modus operandi, the current status of the work and the future deliverables which can be anticipated along with the benefits which this should bring.
Assessing Major Incident Potential in Non-Operated Joint Venture Activities
Authors: Smith D. , Linzi P.
Published: September 2012

E&P organisations continue to strive towards improving HSE performance within their own operated activities. However, an area where organizations have had relatively little focus, is on how Joint Venture Operators manage major incident risk within JV operations. Within these types of activities, the JV Operator is relied on to deliver the appropriate HSE performance, with the other JV partners adopting a predominately reactive approach to HSE issues that occur during the operation.

Against the background of a continued drive to improve HSE performance within all its activities (both operated and non-operated) and to understand and manage its exposure to major incidents within a JV operation, a methodology has been developed within eni UK to provide an indicator of the major incident potential within the non-operated joint ventures the organisation is engaged in within the UK sector.

The methodology is based on comparing and combining different measures of major incident risks. In particular two aspects are addressed: the estimation of major incident risk inherent in the JV operation by virtue of the operation it is carrying out, and a measure relating to the manner in which the operator is managing the barriers required to prevent a major incident from occurring.

The methodology is to be applied to a number of joint venture operations, ranging from HPHT developments from fixed installations, to mature developments based on floating systems.
Medical Crew Preparedness for Offshore Helicopter Evacuations: Necessary Skills Training for a Ditching Emergency
Authors: Taber Michael J. , Carroll Joel , Douglas Paul
Published: September 2012

The average offshore population age is increasing (Kozey et al., 2009). With this increase in age of workers it can be expected that medical evacuation flights will increase which, regardless of the cause (e.g., cardiac, respiratory, or injury), should be considered in emergency management planning. As such, the practical applications of training emergency responders in a realistic (i.e., high fidelity) environmental simulation cannot be overstated.

Recent accident investigation research (Worth & Elgin, 2009) has highlighted the need to consider the unique aspects of medical helicopter operations. To ensure crew and patient safety in the event of an emergency, operational requirements should be assessed prior to every deployment. Given possible environmental conditions associated with transporting offshore workers from a remote location, it is important to ensure air medical crewmembers are fully prepared to care for patients in the event of a ditching (Hopkins Taylor et al., 1993; Mair et al., 2008). Training and preparation for such an event (particularly at night) should be completed in a controlled setting that is capable of simulating realistic environment conditions (e.g., high winds, rain, and waves). Crewmembers should be trained in pre- and post-crash preparation that includes underwater stretcher extraction and casualty handling techniques to ensure effective emergency management.By practicing these tasks, crews have an opportunity to identify limitations to interior configurations, equipment, and current response protocols.

To explore the development of a full-scale study that considers the tasks needed during the extraction of a stretcher from an inverted flooded helicopter, a two-day testing session was conducted. The purpose of the two-day testing session was to identify key aspects of the egress and liferaft boarding tasks that influence performance outcomes. The following information outlines data collection methods used during the trials. The results section includes qualitative (difficulty ratings and comments) as well as quantitative data (extraction and liferaft boarding times). As this was a small sample size (n = 4), the results section displays preliminary statistical tests that could be used for a full-scale study. Finally, the discussion/recommendations section offers a broad overview of the findings and suggests future training of extraction and liferaft boarding techniques, as these issues will be critical to a successful extraction and survival.
The Challenge of Fatigue Management in a Global Company
Authors: Lillington Teri , McLeod Ron
Published: September 2012

Structured and systemic fatigue management is gaining momentum as an important part of safety management systems. Fatigue is increasingly recognised as a hazard in legislation, and has been reported to be a contributing factor in workplace incidents, from the minor to the catastrophic. The challenge for Shell has been to communicate the Groups’ assessment of the risk in terms of standards and to provide process and guidance to our diverse businesses across the world on management of fatigue. Allied to this is a need to provide a governance structure that includes provision of assurance systems. There are challenges taking the research from the laboratory to operations. There is also a need to for more research to help manage fatigue more effectively in the workplace.
Emergency Response Plan Exploration Drilling Operation - Setting up a Comprehensive Response Team for New Business Area within Small Organization
Authors: Triaswari Niesharsa , Sulaimansyah Dicky , Måland Arne
Published: September 2012

A new business activity with its head quarter in Norway is currently running its first project in Indonesia. The project is to drill three (3) deep-water exploration wells at Karama Block in Makassar Strait, offshore of West Sulawesi Indonesia.

The HSE goal is "Zero harm". To achieve this goal, the main focus is to ‘know how’ to deal with all project risks. The comprehensive risk assessment and rating including Defined Situation of Hazard and Accident (DSHA) have been done as part of identifying and managing risk. The Emergency Response Plan covers the organization, mitigation/ action, reporting systems and communication, both internal and external.

The challenges in this project are: Working in frontier areaSafe deep water exploration drillingApproaching and coordination with Authority and establishing trustOil Spill Response / CombatDefine the gaps between Indonesian legislation and internal company requirementsEstablish rapport and make effectively coordination with relevant Authorities and external stakeholdersIdentify and co-ordinate to enable swift access from external back up resources in emergency situationsDevelop Emergency Response Team competencies up to standardSelection of Emergency Response Procedure and Team must be done base on available personnel

To solve all of these challenges, the main focus is to set up response team "Emergency response team line 2" Jakarta Indonesia. Establishing communications between authorities, stakeholders/ all relevant third parties and headquarter. Set up an Integrated Response plan form line 1 (site), 2 (Jakarta Office) and 3 (Head quarter - Norway).

This paper describes how Statoil Indonesia Karama AS (SIKAS) prepares an emergency response plan to be able to answer the following question: How well prepared are your organization now?What procedures do you already have in place for an emergency situation?What potential emergency situations could occur?

The above summaries is detailed in the following paper provides an overview of Statoil work process flow diagram to guide how ER team work in preparing comprehensive ERP and solve the in order to ensure operation drilling is running safely and smoothly as planned.
Upstream Air Quality Monitoring and Emissions’ Assessment: Definition of a Methodological Tool Based on Field Activities
Authors: Monfredini Claudia , Aiello Gennaro , Tegami Alice , Morichini Marta , Stillavato Alex , Sandri Simonetta , Mondzali Laurent , Bouzid Meriem
Published: September 2012

In 2010, eni e&p developed the Air Quality Monitoring Standard, a specific guide for eni e&p Subsidiaries for the design, installation and management of fixed Air Quality Monitoring Systems (AQMS).

Although fixed AQMS are the most complete and precise monitoring tools, their installation is not always necessary in order to manage air quality issues. Therefore, before installing a monitoring station, a general structured assessment of air quality and emissions’ should be carried out in order to eventually identify different/cheaper monitoring options.

eni e&p gained some important expertise regarding this issue in 2011 via a structured project implemented in 2 Tunisian oil centres, one located in the desert, the other in a coastal area. The project has foreseen the on-site detailed evaluation of emission sources, the monitoring of air quality through a 2 weeks spot campaign and the implementation of a gap analysis based on reference limits mainly provided by the Tunisian normative framework and by the Company Standard.

Thanks to the experience gained during the project implementation in Tunisia, now it is possible to complete the currently available Air Quality Monitoring Company Standard by adding a methodological tool for carrying out a structured Air Quality Monitoring and Emissions Assessment (AQMEA) which should support Subsidiaries identifying suitable air monitoring strategies based on local particular needs. The present paper is aimed to describe the new possible methodology to be proposed.
Mosquito management in Western Australia - An overview of the challenges facing major capital projects and key components of a successful program
Authors: Chandran Andrew
Published: September 2012

Mosquito management is a "cradle-to-the-grave" responsibility facing many new major capital projects (MCPs) operating in or around mosquito breeding habitats. The costs associated with developing and implementing an appropriate program can be substantial, resulting in expenditure in the order of tens of millions of dollars over a project's lifetime.

This paper discusses the challenges that face new MCPs in Western Australia (WA), which have responsibility for managing mosquito borne diseases. These challenges can broadly be categorised as: Legislative e.g. balancing occupational and public health and safety objectives against environmental objectives, which are sometimes misaligned;Competency surrounding development of an appropriate project level mosquito management plan (MMP);Complexity and costs surrounding mosquito monitoring and chemical treatment programs;Timing and relevance of stakeholder engagement; andOwnership of mosquito control measures.

A best industry practice mosquito management program can be achieved by ensuring integrity in the following key areas: Understanding the legislative environment and processes involved in program approval;Design and implementation of a comprehensive chemical treatment program;Clear definition of internal company roles and responsibilities for implementing the program; andAppropriate stakeholder engagement and buy-in.

This paper explains the social, economic and legislative challenges facing MCPs when developing their own mosquito management programs and offers some key insights into components of a successful program.
Private Sector Health Investment, Leveraging Resources for Sustainable Health Care
Authors: Okala Chinwe , Okegbemiro Sunday
Published: September 2012

Private Sector Health Investment, Leveraging Resources for Sustainable Health Care

Community participation is key to developing sustainable healthcare in Africa. A community-directed approach engenders strong partnerships, ownership, political support and participation by the people. A critical question facing business is planning health intervention programmes that empower target communities to take ownership and be part of the solution to addressing their healthcare needs.

Public-Private Partnerships, but also the gains from Private-Private Partnerships and Community Private-Partnerships for health are creating opportunities to support the provision of sustainable healthcare. Public resources in tandem with private sector leadership, efficiency, creativity and diversity are contributing to improving health care outcomes in Africa. The paper will discuss an award winning partnership and investment model, developed and deployed by Chevron Nigeria Limited since 2007; and how it has harnessed these gains and impacted on private sector investment in healthcare in Africa. The model builds on the hub and spoke investment model and utilises peer health education as an entry point.

Based on a needs assessment, the primary initiative was to establish a sustainable health investment programme targeting our workforce, other private sector partners and our communities of operation. Effective preventative measures initially targeting HIV, malaria and tuberculosis and later non-communicable diseases were developed. Gaps and challenges were identified and strategies adopted to mitigate the impact of these diseases.

From surveys, our Operational Excellence Management System, an engaged committed leadership, effective processes and OE culture indicate positive gains. The paper will share the model, best practices, lessons learned and programme future plans. This model can be replicated by private sector partners including other Oil and Gas partners to promote productivity and protect the health of their workforce while still protecting the environment.
Installing PEMS on an Offshore Oil and Gas Complex: Developing Atmospheric Emissions Abatement Strategies with Reliable Scientific Data
Authors: Duguay Alexandra , Baeckeroot Morgane , Siddiqui Sameer
Published: September 2012

TOTAL Abu Al Bukhoosh (TABK) is an offshore Oil and Gas facility producing an average of 100 000 boepd. This activity is inevitably associated with environmental impacts and in particular with atmospheric emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). Fully adhering to international strive to curb GHG emission, TABK has implemented innovative solutions by equipping all its air pollution emission sources (flares, power generation turbines and gas compression turbines) with Predictive Emissions Monitoring Systems (PEMS).

PEMS are software based continuous monitoring systems that are using process data such as, but not limited to, fuel consumption, power output, combustion exhaust temperature, etc to predict air pollutant emissions. PEMS models were designed, tested, and certified in compliance with current best international practices and now allows TABK to continuously quantify the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) on its offshore facility.

Results indicate that atmospheric emissions have a direct correlation with operation of the emission source; load, firing temperature, fuel flow and quality. Calibrated emissions models utilize measurements from existing instruments already available in the site control system (DCS) and calculate, display, trend and report the emissions of NOx, CO, O2, SO2, CO2.

PEMS reporting solution was granted approval by ADNOC, the local regulator, and is recognized as being a Best Available Technique for UAE Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control emissions compliance reporting. Furthermore, this continuous quantification of the main air pollutant emissions can now support adequate modeling and assessment that enables accurate air quality forecasting and can support any development of cost-effective abatement philosophy and strategy with clear and precise scientific information.
A Methodology for Assessing Environmental Risks Associated with Air Quality
Authors: Goldstone Mark , Ratcheva Daniela
Published: September 2012

This paper presents a methodology for a systematic, robust and conservative ecological risk assessment for estimating environmental consequences and associated risk from ambient air concentrations of atmospheric pollutants and air toxics (also referred to as criteria pollutants and hazardous atmospheric pollutants in the United States legislation respectively), as arising from industrial activities. The paper details the main steps of the risk assessment process and makes a contribution in deriving conservative and safe Reference Concentrations (RfC) such as No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) and Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) for fauna in their natural habitat, using published scientific dose-response toxicological studies with laboratory animals. It then uses these derived RfCs to determine step changes in consequence levels, from incidental to major, in order to complete the risk assessment. A similar approach is used to assess impacts on the marine environment. This methodology is repeatable and robust and can be applied as a screening level environmental risk assessment to establish conformance to legally postulated levels of acceptable environmental consequences, where available, or acceptable levels of environmental risk, associated with air quality.
Applying Sustainability and Ecosystem Services Enhancement to Site Restoration
Authors: Clodfelter Chris
Published: September 2012

Sustainable site restoration involves balancing community concerns, protecting the environment and economic factors. Consideration of ecosystem services is an element of environmental protection that should be integrated into site restoration. This is caused by the rapid loss of biodiversity as well as the burgeoning mitigation market. A project where both sustainability and ecosystem services were applied following site decommissioning is presented.

As part of site decommissioning, an area of historical demolition debris disposal needed to be addressed. Early in the restoration process, options for addressing the waste included complete removal to a commercial landfill or placing an engineered cap on the material at the site. The disposal area is historical and as such, habitat that includes mature vegetation and wildlife, has re-established itself in the area. Both of the original alternatives would have resulted in the loss of habitat, in addition to the aesthetic, recreational and stormwater control functions provided by the area. Qualitative evaluations of area ecosystem services and sustainable restoration alternatives were undertaken to determine the most environmentally protective options and to provide a basis for community input.

Three restoration alternatives were evaluated with regards to sustainability. These alternatives included 1) excavation and removal of the waste to a commercial landfill; 2) placing an engineered cap on the waste; and 3) restricting site access to protect public health but still maintain the habitat that developed over more than 40 years. The sustainability analysis supports the latter option. The ecosystem services evaluation shows there are many services provided in the area which should be protected. The ultimate restoration solution includes enhancing current ecological services as well as placing the land in a protective trust. These outcomes offer potential revenue in addition to protecting biodiversity.
Developing CCS In The EU: Pioneering The Winding ROAD Towards The First CO2-Storage Permit
Authors: Huber Erik , Holleman Evert , Thonon Ivo , Hans Ingmar , Schoenmakers Hans , Kombrink Marc
Published: September 2012

In both the Netherlands and the EU, government policy is directed towards a clean, affordable and reliable energy mix. This goal demands not only energy savings and investments in renewables, but also support of CCS in order to achieve a low carbon footprint in the energy mix. However, public acceptance of onshore CCS in the Netherlands is low; therefore, the government has chosen to support only offshore CCS for the moment.

To facilitate the development of offshore CCS, the Dutch government and the European Union are co-funding the ROAD project together with the initiators, E.ON and GDF SUEZ. The ROAD project aims to develop a large-scale, integrated CCS demonstration project. This demonstration project encompasses the capture of 25% of the CO2 in the flue gases of a coal-fired power plant (owned by E.ON), transporting this through a 25 km pipeline (operated by GDF SUEZ) and storing it via an injection platform in a 3.5 km deep depleted gas reservoir (operated by TAQA).

ROAD needs a number of permits and consents to set up the demonstration project. The permitting process is the main process in which stakeholders can participate. By using this permitting process as a case study, and comparing it to a previous (unsuccessful) onshore CCS project in the Netherlands, we argue that it is best to start with a successful offshore CCS demonstration project. Mainly because the NIMBY effect does not play a role, public resistance against such an offshore CCS project is low. The government can then use this project to show that CCS can be done safely and without negatively impacting the environment or the public. In short: a successful offshore CCS project will help establish the necessary societal embedding for future CCS projects in the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe, both onshore and offshore.
Oil and Gas and NGOs: New Rules of Engagement?
Authors: Buchman Andrew
Published: September 2012

How ‘engaged’ are oil companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)? Are the relationships between these actors exclusively and energetically adversarial, or have new forms of interaction emerged? This paper focuses on Corporate – NGO engagement during major oil and gas (O&G) projects and suggests some developing models for mutually valuable relationships. The paper also offers recommendations for project managers based on ‘field experience’ working with NGOs and companies on some of the world's largest oil and gas projects.

Expectations have continued to rise over recent years regarding how major O&G projects analyze, manage and communicate about their social and environmental performance. NGOs are among the most interested and active stakeholders, particularly with regards to projects located in developing regions, and those undertaken in countries with poor governance, financial transparency and human rights records. Around the world, NGOs increasingly expect meaningful and prolonged company engagement. No longer is it typical that a government-issued permit marks the sole purpose of, and mutually satisfactory end to project-driven stakeholder engagement.

NGO and O&G company relationships are commonly portrayed as a tug-of-war, a battle of opposing sides. But while some ‘watch-dog’ NGOs are quite adamantly and categorically opposed to oil companies and associated projects, this strident position is far from universal. Increasingly one can find recognition among civil society actors that O&G projects are often uniquely positioned to make significant positive contributions to local development. Many NGO representatives would agree with the assessment of a researcher who noted that oil and gas "footprints can be seen in developing countries in the transfer of foreign direct investment (FDI), skills, and technology; as major employers of labour; and accounting for a large proportion of state revenue. Their contribution to development in many countries via programmes in education, health, commerce, agriculture, transport, construction, etc., cannot be ignored."
PAM Chlorophyll a Fluorometry for Monitoring Health of Corals along the Coast of Qatar
Authors: Febbo Eric , Richard Cecile , Horlin Edouard , Dutrieux Eric , Le Gall Romain , Adenekan Adeyinka
Published: September 2012

The Arabian Gulf is shallow, sub-tropical, and semi-enclosed, all factors that promote considerable variations in water quality properties. A one and half year study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulation) chlorophyll a fluorometry in monitoring the health of coral reefs. The objectives were: (i) to evaluate the efficacy of PAM chlorophyll fluorometry as a means of assessing sub-lethal stress in corals; (ii) to calibrate and validate this technique for future monitoring applications; (iii) to collect field data to correlate detected changes in stress status to changes in the magnitude of environmental factors that are known to affect these organisms. The study consisted of five field surveys covering seasonal variations. PAM fluorometry measurements were completed with detailed visual assessments of the health status of the corals. While the visual signs of stress were difficult to quantify, the PAM fluorescence data provided a better objective and quantitative measure of stress at the time of the surveys than those afforded by traditional visual observations. The reduced photosynthetic efficiency indicated by the PAM, without clear visual signs of impairment in coral structure, was generally followed by necrosis of parts of the colonies; this was visually verified in subsequent campaigns. Moreover, corals experienced severe bleaching during summer 2010 and PAM fluorometry data allowed a detailed analysis of the process including recovery.

This study demonstrated that PAM fluorometry can improve efforts for monitoring coral health and protecting coral reef communities in the Qatar and Gulf environment by providing objective data on the photosynthetic performances and the state of stress of these organisms.
Worldwide Rapid Medical Response System for Large Populations
Authors: Belliard P. , Legeron E. , Jean F.
Published: September 2012

From the beginning of Oil & Gas exploration, accidents have been a known risk associated with the industry. While some are limited in size and may not endanger the lives of those involved, others can cause casualties comparable only to natural disasters. Others yet result in deaths, injuries, destruction, and oil spill, and all must be addressed swiftly.

While it is clearly the operators and their main contractors’ area of expertise to make the needed repairs on the installations and to address spillage and recovery, taking care of the injured, be they employees or members of the community, and of the deceased's remains is an entirely different task which should be handled with specific, dedicated means and personnel.

Taking the example of an accident causing deaths, injuries, destruction and oil spill, it becomes clear that there are several groups who are directly impacted and must be considered when addressing the medical emergency management plan: –Employees–Members of the community–Members of the cleaning, repair/maintenance, and recovery teams dispatched on site

As stated above, the management of such a crisis must address the following tasks: -Repatriation of the deceased's remains to their respective countries/hometowns-Evacuation of the injured employees following stabilization-Psychological/Grief counseling for the individuals impacted/witnesses-Treatment of the injured employees and members of the community-Medical support to potential cleaning operations-Follow up psychological support to all impacted