bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Charcot Reconstruction Preoperative Prognostic Score's Evaluation with Complication Rate and Functional Outcome
Authors: Yontar Necip Selcuk , Aslan Lercan , Can Ata , Ogut Tahir
Published: December 2021

Background

Charcot's neuroarthropathy (CN) treatment is still controversial, and the results are controversial. Owing to patient comorbidities, surgical intervention carries a high risk of complications. Thus, foreseeing the possible results of planned treatment is crucial. We retrospectively evaluated the Charcot Reconstruction Preoperative Prognostic Score (CRPPS) in patients with surgically treated CN.

Methods

Twenty-two feet of 20 patients were included in the study. Two groups were formed according to their CRPPS. Twelve patients with values less than 4 were defined as group A, and eight patients with values of 4 or greater were defined as group B. Mean follow-up was 61 months (range, 5–131 months). Groups were compared according to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) scores, and complication rates.

Results

Group A and B mean AOFAS scores were 76.83 (range, 71–85) and 70.5 (range, 20–85), respectively. All of the patients were improved according to AOFAS and FADI scores, but no correlation was found with the CRPPS. None of the group A patients required additional intervention, but five patients in group B underwent revision surgery. No amputations were performed.

Conclusions

The CRPPS is focused on feasibility. The data needed to fill the scoring system is easily obtainable from medical records even retrospectively, and the score is helpful to predict a patient's outcome after CN-related surgery. Herein, CRPPS values of 4 or greater were related to high complication rates and lower functional outcomes.
Toe Support Pattern as a New Predictive Factor Associated with Falls in Older People with Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Pico Ana María Pérez , Sánchez María José Iglesias , Tejedor Félix Marcos , Acevedo Raquel Mayordomo
Published: December 2021

Background

Maintaining autonomy is one of the principal objectives for seniors and people with psychiatric disorders. Podiatric medical care can help them maintain autonomy. This work aimed to characterize and quantify the support of the toes in a psychiatric population by analyzing the influence of psychotropic medications and toe and foot support parameters on the prevalence of falls.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in 67 participants (31 people with psychiatric disorders and 36 without diagnosed disorders [control population]). Toe support pattern was analyzed with a pressure platform. Variables were measured in static and dynamic loading and related to falls and psychotropic medication use.

Results

The psychiatric population fell more than the control population and presented less toe-ground contact in static measurements, although it has more foot-ground contact time. Maximum toe pressure during toe-off is also less intensive in the psychiatric population and is related to people who take psychotropic medications.

Conclusions

Toe support pattern could be used as a predictive factor for falls and to improve stability in these populations.
Saphenous Nerve Denervation for Chronic Pain After Compartment Syndrome of the Foot
Authors: Nirenberg Michael S. , Ansert Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2021

Denervation has been a recommended treatment option for a range of pathologies, including relief from chronic pain; however, literature discussing complete denervation of the distal saphenous nerve for foot pain has not been found. A case report of surgical decompression for compartment syndrome resulting in chronic, debilitating foot pain that was successfully alleviated by complete saphenous nerve denervation is presented. The predominant area of the patient's pain was on the medial aspect of the foot, where a thickened scar from a decompression fasciotomy was noted. The patient's initial pain score was reported as 10 of 10, with no relief from numerous conservative treatments attempted over an 11-year period. After a diagnostic injection of a local anesthetic to the distal saphenous nerve provided the patient with immediate, temporary relief, complete denervation of the distal saphenous nerve was performed. The patient reported significant pain reduction shortly after the procedure. This case suggests that physicians should be cognizant of the saphenous nerve and its branches, as well as its variable pathways during surgery. In addition, practitioners should be aware of its influence as a progenitor of pain in the foot that may require denervation.
Ivan Karamazov as a Philosophical Type—but which one?
Authors: Mjør Kåre Johan
Published: December 2021

The article analyses a set of philosophical statements made by and attributed to Ivan Karamazov in Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov, in order to answer the question as to what kind of philosophy Ivan may be said to express in the novel. My close reading reveals that there is a significant distinction between, on the one hand,  Ivan's most radical statements, that is his rational egoism and the idea that "everything is permitted," which are always given in reported speech, and on the other the “Ivan of direct speech,” a character characterized by far more moral sensibility (e.g. in the Pro et contra part). On the basis of these findings the article seeks to bring together two traditions in the reception of Dostoevsky—the philosophical and the narratological. By letting these approaches inform one another I suggest ways in which the structural organization of the text is itself a bearer of philosophical meaning. Moreover, the article takes seriously Bakhtin's claim that Dostoevsky's heroes are not merely stable representations of ideas, but engage with them through dialogue and encounters with others, as exemplified by Ivan Karamazov himself as well as by other characters' responses to his articulations.
Bases conceptuales para la doctrina del secreto profesional del abogado en Chile
Authors: Anríquez Novoa Alvaro , Vargas Weil Ernesto
Published: December 2021

Este trabajo propone bases conceptuales para caracterizar dogmáticamente el secreto profesional del abogado. Argumenta que este es parte de un arreglo institucional mayor que busca permitirle al abogado acceder fluidamente a los hechos respecto de los cuales sus servicios son requeridos. Para entender cómo funciona ese entramado normativo es necesario distinguir el secreto profesional del deber de confidencialidad del abogado, por la vía de considerar al primero como una inmunidad procedimental que hace operativo el segundo frente a un requerimiento de información por el Estado. En la medida en que la inmunidad colisiona con el interés del Estado por acceder a los hechos necesarios para el ejercicio de jurisdicción, su ámbito de aplicación debe ser menor al del deber de confidencialidad
La deformación del principio de especialidad de la empresa pública y su imposible fundamentación en el principio de subsidiariedad
Authors: Soto Delgado Pablo
Published: December 2021

El ar tículo plantea que el principio de especialidad de la empresa pública, defendido por parte de la doctrina iuspublicista chilena, es una argumentación defectuosa que, por una parte, deforma la construcción dogmática francesa sobre la cual se funda, y, por otro lado, no puede justificarse en el principio constitucional de subsidiariedad. Adicionalmente, el trabajo propone que la única forma de restringir el objeto de la empresa estatal es a través de una ley de quorum calif
La forma como debe decidir el juez Hércules. Descripción y análisis de la teoría de la argumentación jurídica desde la visión de Ronald Dworkin. Estudio de caso basado en la jurisprudencia colombiana
Authors: Guette Hernández David Modesto , Rodríguez Cuadrado Angie Carolina
Published: December 2021

A lo largo de estas líneas se pretende realizar una reconstrucción de la metodo- logía decisoria del juez Hércules, para luego, mostrar a los lectores la importancia que supone la aplicación de los criterios de integridad y coherencia al momento de interpretar las normas jurídicas, así como la incidencia que tienen estos enfoques en las decisiones judiciales, la ma- nera en cómo varían estas cuando se omiten y cuando se toman en consideración; lo anterior se hará aplicado a la interpretación que se le otorgó a la regla contenida en el ar tículo 121 del Código General del Proceso (Estatuto Procesal Colombiano) por parte de los jueces de la jurisdicción ordinaria, quienes al omitir en su actividad interpretativa los criterios de integri- dad y coherencia devinieron en la previsible declaratoria de inexequibilidad de la nulidad de pleno derecho contenida en esta norma por parte de la Corte Constitucional.
De la prueba de los hechos a la verificación del supuesto normativo. Hechos institucionales y sana crítica.
Authors: Benfeld E. Johann S.
Published: December 2021

Se afirma en esta investigación que una adecuada comprensión de la sana crítica demanda considerar los aspectos normativos de la prueba judicial. En un proceso judicial la prueba de los hechos se encamina a la verificación de hechos institucionales, cuestión que supone tanto la prueba de las proposiciones empíricas sobre hechos brutos, como su calificación. El tránsito desde el hecho bruto al supuesto normativo implica subordinar, muchas veces, recursos epistémicos a criterios normativos dentro de un proceso argumental. Y es precisamente en esto en lo que consiste la ponderación de la prueba judicial conforme a la sana crítica.
Long-term Implication of Metronidazole Induced Reversible Cerebellar Toxicity and Peripheral Neuropathy- A Case Report
Authors: Sirohi Parmendra , Nehara Hardeva Ram , Arakeri Avadusidda , Chhimpa Atma Ram , Sunil IH
Published: December 2021

Metronidazole Induced Encephalopathy (MIE) is rare and serious central nervous system toxicity. A 40-year-old male, on long-term self treatment with metronidazole (cumulative dose: 102 gm) presented with dysarthria, nystagmus, unsteadiness, and numbness in both legs. A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the brain revealed a symmetric hyperintensity in both the dentate nuclei of cerebellum on both T2 weighted and Fluid-Attenuated Inversion-Recovery (FLAIR) imaging. Discontinuation of metronidazole resulted in resolution of the imaging findings and clinical improvement occurred within one month. Metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity should be considered in patient who present with cerebellar symptoms and characteristic lesion on MRI in close temporal relation with metronidazole intake and drug should be discontinued to prevent permanent neurological deficit.
Forecast of oil slick drift from Ulysse/ CSL Virginia and Grande America accidents
Authors: Daniel Pierre , Paradis Denis , Gouriou Vincent , Le Roux Anne , Garreau Pierre , Le Roux Jean-François , Louazel Stéphanie
Published: December 2021

Abstract number 1141410

Two recent accidents with a significant oil spill occurred near the French coast. One in the Mediterranean Sea and the other in the Bay of Biscay.

On October 7, 2018, the Tunisian ro-ro vessel Ulysses collided with the Cypriot container ship CSL Virginia at anchor off northern Corsica. The spilled bunker oil could not be fully recovered by the French and Italian anti-pollution vessels due to unfavourable weather conditions. Pellets and highly viscous patties arrived on the beaches of the French Riviera on October 16, 2018. The beaching dates and locations of the main slicks were perfectly predicted using the MOTHY drift model combined with the currents of the CMEMS MED-Currents system.

On March 12, 2019, the merchant ship Grande America sank at a depth of 4600 m, 350 km off the French coast, in the Bay of Biscay. It caused a spill of bunker oil and loss of containers. The MOTHY drift model is used daily during the aerial surveillance and recovery at sea period. It provides drift forecasts for oil slicks and containers up to 3 days in deterministic mode and up to 10 days in probabilistic mode. Long-term modelling of residual diffused pollution is also carried out, in particular to manage continuous leakage from the wreck. A technical committee of experts meets daily to evaluate drift observations and forecasts. It focuses on the best choices of available ocean models. Drift forecasts did not indicate any oil arrival to the coast. This allowed the authorities to organise the response at sea without mobilising resources ashore. Indeed, no pollution was observed on the coasts.
The level of oil spill risk in Northwest Pacific and regional cooperation activities of NOWPAP MERRAC on marine pollution preparedness and response.
Authors: Kang Seong-Gil , Joung Tae Hwan , Lee Siyeon , Lee Joung-Yun , You Young
Published: December 2021

1. ABSTRACT

The Northwest Pacific region, covering the four member states namely, People's Republic of China, Japan, Republic of Korea and Russian Federation, has been severely exposed to oil and HNS spills due to its high shipping density and high levels of industrial and economic growth and became a hotspot worldwide. Since member states are geographically close to each other, it is possible to cause transboundary issue affecting neighboring countries when oil and HNS spill incidents occur. In accordance with the need, the NOWPAP member states adopted the Regional oil and HNS spill Contingency Plan (RCP) in 2008, which provides the technical and operational framework for regional cooperation on major spill accidents, is a major achievements among the various regional cooperation activities. This was the first agenda actually adopted in the NOWPAP region and shows a national level of cooperation to protect the marine and coastal environment of the region. Particularly, to enhance the response capacities under the RCP, since 2006, member states jointly conduct oil and HNS spill response exercises (DELTA exercise) biannually, mobilizing actual response resources from the member states in a rotational basis. The 7th NOWPAP DELTA exercise was organized by Japan and Russia in Maizuru city, Japan (Oct. 2018). In addition to this, 19 communication exercises (BRAVO exercise) have also been implemented to test joint operational response procedures and associated communication tools in case of major spills. To further facilitate the exchange of information on marine pollution and preparedness in the region, MERRAC developed and operates the online pollution reporting system (POLREP) since 2015, which enables real-time exchange of information not only with the emails and fax but also through personal mobile phones of competent national authorities of member states. During the Sanchi spill incident (Jan 2018), the member states and MERRAC exchanged almost 300 notifications through POLREP concerning the location and trajectory of the spill and response operations. Furthermore, Member states exchange information on their national policies and response resources and has been building regional cooperation to strengthen its capabilities. In order to establish and maintain such regional cooperation system, MERRAC has been holding Focal Points meetings every year and Expert meetings every two years to exchange information on oil and HNS spill preparedness and response and implement Specific projects for various purposes by the national experts from the member states. In this presentation, we will review the oil and HNS risk levels in the NOWPAP region and examine the various cooperative activities and achievements and discuss the future prospects which MERRAC should go in through.
Comparative Toxicity of Oil Spill Response Agents and Crude Oils to Five Species of Aquatic Test Species
Authors: Barron MG , Bejarano AC , Conmy RN , Sundaravadivelu D , Meyer P , Moso E
Published: December 2021

The majority of aquatic toxicity data for petroleum products has been limited to a few intensively studied crude oils and Corexit chemical dispersants, and toxicity testing in two standard estuarine test species: mysids (Americamysis bahia) and inland silversides (Menidia beryllina). This study compared the toxicity of three chemical dispersants (Corexit EC9500A®, Finasol®OSR 52, Accell Clean®DWD), two less studied agents (CytoSol® surface washing agent; Gelco200® solidifier), and three crude oils differing in hydrocarbon composition (Dorado, Endicott, Alaska North Slope). Consistent with listings on the U.S. National Contingency Plan Product Schedule, general rank order toxicity was greatest for dispersants and lowest for the solidifier. The results indicate that freshwater species can have similar sensitivity as the conventionally tested mysids and silversides, and that the sea urchin (Arbacia punctulata) appears to be a reasonable addition to increase taxa diversity in standardized oil agent testing.
Towards Transparency in Oil Spill Management in Africa: Nigeria As A Case Study
Authors: *Ekperusi Abraham O. , Ekperusi Omesiri H.
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT (684687)

Oil spill is an inevitable occurrence in the production, transportation and processing of crude oil. Either in drilling platforms, oil tankers and interstate pipelines, oil spill incidence can occur, no matter the safeguard and precautionary practices in the oil and gas industry. Despite significant improvement over the years in oil spill prevention, preparedness, response, and restoration, oil spill management remains one of the most controversial issues across the world. In many developing countries including Nigeria, the management of oil spill is poorly coordinated, complicated and lacks transparency between the oil industry, spill contractors, regulators, environmental agencies, affected communities and other interested parties. From decision making to mobilization, post-impact assessment, spill response and mitigative approaches, there is a high level of laxity, mistrust, opacity and deliberate misinformation in dealing with oil spill issues. These practices in the oil industry is supported by a weak institutional and regulatory framework which affects the management of oil spill. Such lapses are creating a delicate system leading to the degradation of the natural environment, threatening ecological life support systems for biodiversity and indigenous people. There is a need for a comprehensive overhaul in oil spill practices and to adopt global best practices for oil spill management in developing regions of the world including Nigeria.
Flume Experiments to Assess the Effect of Bottom Roughness, Temperature, Water Velocity and Oil Condition on Critical Shear Stress Estimates of Heavy Fuel Oil
Authors: GLOEKLER MELISSA , KINNER NANCY , BALLESTERO TOM , DAVE ESHAN
Published: December 2021

Non-floating oil is challenging to detect, track, and recover due to limited visibility inhibiting verification of the oil's location and subsurface movement. Oil that sinks to the bottom (i.e., sunken oil) can form large mats or small agglomerates on the bottom, mix into sediments, or remobilize into the water column and move with currents potentially impacting shorelines, benthic and pelagic organisms, intakes for drinking water, and power plants. Trajectory models exist that predict movement of floating and submerged oil; however, many models cannot accurately address sunken oil movement because the bed shear stress (BSS) necessary to mobilize oil (i.e., critical shear stress (CSS)), neglects the effects of bottom roughness and assumes an immobile bed. The goal of this research is to provide responders and modelers with more precise CSS estimates that include the effect of bottom roughness and incorporate results into a response tool to predict sunken oil movement. The transport of oil depends upon in-situ environmental conditions and oil properties. This research used the Coastal Response Research Center's (CRRC) 2180-liter straight flume to test the effects of water velocity, water temperature, oil mass, and bottom friction on fresh and weathered No. 6 Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) on an immobile boundary. The flume's test section provided a uniform, one-dimensional flow field measured in 3D by an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV), a Nortek AS (Norway) Vectrino II Profiling Velocimeter. The fresh or weathered (%Ev=5) HFO was mixed with kaolinite clay as a sinking agent, and 100 grams of the mixture was injected into static water via subsurface injection. The water velocity was incrementally increased in a stepwise manner by 0.07 m/s intervals and held for 15 minutes at each velocity. This occurred until: (1) oil had stopped eroding or was completely eroded from the substrate, or (2) the maximum velocity of 1.04 m/s was reached. Bottom roughness was evaluated using the velocity profile and bed shear stress (BSS) was calculated using multiple methods applicable to lab and field conditions. The oil's behavior was documented by downward- and side-facing GoPro cameras and reviewed to estimate mass loss per velocity interval, the distance the oil migrated along the bottom, and the corresponding CSS. In the case of an oil spill, responders can compare CSS estimates, determined through this research, with in-situ BSS estimates predicting under what conditions the sunken oil will become mobile.
Massachusetts DEP Marine Oil Spill Prevention and Response Program: Geographic Response Plan Development, Testing, and Training Program
Authors: Hutcheson Julie , Popovich Mike , Packard Rich
Published: December 2021

This program reached a milestone in 2018 which marked the tenth consecutive year of conducting training and exercises. The MassDEP GRP Field Testing and First Responder Training began in 2009 and since then, 66 field exercises have been conducted throughout coastal Massachusetts with over 1,700 first responders trained to date. Beyond the obvious enhancement of overall response capability and capacity at the local, state and federal levels, this long-term HSEEP-compliant training and exercise program has resulted in numerous improvements in both intra and inter-town operational coordination and communication, as well as enhancements to the pre-positioned equipment caches and training delivery and content.
Oil Spill Response in Remote Inland Locations
Authors: Dyer Nick
Published: December 2021

There are many factors that contribute to the complexity of co-ordinating effective oil spill response in remote locations. This poster will focuses on the complexities associated with unique risks encountered in remote locations, with an emphasis on water resources.

The hydrogeological setting must be understood if oil spill response organisations (OSRO) are to co-ordinate a response that affords the environment and local populations the best level of protection.

The relationship between communities and their environment should be clearly understood as part of preparedness work. This will facilitate the implementation of a suitable and timely response with pre-defined ‘end-points’.
High Viscosity Land Based Oil Flow Model
Authors: Mendelsohn Daniel , Comerma Eric , Bernardo Matt , Fontenault Jeremy , Baboolal Sitara
Published: December 2021

Highly viscous oil does not behave the same as other regular liquid hydrocarbon mixtures. To evaluate the effects of a potential land-based blowout on the surrounding environment, RPS implemented a multi-step approach to simulate the trajectory and fate of high viscosity oil downslope flow. If spilled on land, initially warm oil cools and tends to gel, implying a non-Newtonian flow. To predict the behavior of high viscosity oil as it flows downslope, spreads and cools, RPS developed a new unique land-based spill model. The behavior of highly viscous crude oil has many similarities to volcanic lava flows, particularly the stark changes in oil viscosity and shear stress as the fluid cools. This study describes a “lava” flow numerical model developed to simulate the response of high viscosity oils.

The viscous flow model is based on the lava model of Griffiths (2000) which simulates the unconfined motion of a Bingham fluid down a plane of constant slope. The model allows all physical and chemical parameters to vary continuously downslope. The lateral flow is assumed to cease when the cross-slope pressure gradient is balanced by the basal-yield stress also giving the height of the flow (H) on the center line of the flow as a function of shear stress. For oil flow motion the downslope pressure gradient must be greater than the oil shear stress and hence there is a critical height, based on the local oil shear stress and slope, below which there will be no downslope motion. An atmospheric heat transfer equation was applied to the oil surface as the surface boundary condition.

The model was applied to a hypothetical on land release of highly viscous oil in a one-dimensional, downslope form, where the ground slope was assumed constant along the flow path. As the oil progresses downslope, its temperature was updated each time step in each cell and used to calculate new oil properties for density, specific heat, viscosity, and shear stress. The model results provide information about the rate and total distance travelled and time for the downslope flow to stop.
Communicating Internally and Externally during a Response: Life's Lessons Over 32+ years…
Authors: Levine Ed
Published: December 2021

The author has served over 32 years with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) first in the role of Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) for 28 years and then as a supervisor of SSCs for five years. During this period, he participation in hundreds of actual emergency response events and exercises. He had numerous opportunities to witness both effective and not-so-effective methods of communicating, within a command post situation with other responders and incident command staff, and externally with the general public and media. The effective delivery of a message is greatly affected by circumstances under which you are operating, with whom you are talking, the information or message you are conveying, and the situation surrounding the event. Over many years, the author has gained practical experience through a variety of learning opportunities including professional development programs and on-the-job. His insights on effective communications are provided in this paper to show how messages can be delivered effectively, heard clearly and understood. Practical “tips,” best practices, anecdotes, and concrete examples will be shared to help ensure your message is heard and understood. The author provides examples drawn from actual incidents including the Deepwater Horizon, MT Heibi Spirit, TS Athos I, as well as exercises including PREPs, EcoCanal, and SONS. In addition to these incidents, exercises and drills, the author has continued to expand his knowledge through classes presented by leading subject matter experts involved with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, National Academy of Science, US Coast Guard, and NOAA.
The Biodegradation of Dispersed Oil Does Not Induce Toxicity
Authors: Prince Roger C. , Hedgpeth Bryan M. , Redman Aaron D. , Butler Josh D.
Published: December 2021

The acute toxicity of dispersed oil is well understood, and oil dilutes to levels below those of acute concern within hours of dispersion whether oil is dispersed by waves or by lower energy turbulence in the presence of chemical dispersants. Once dispersed, the hydrocarbon components of the spilled oil are degraded promptly by the native microbes in seawater, typically with an apparent half-life of 7–30 days even under Arctic conditions. Nevertheless, concern has been raised that this biodegradation might increase the oil's acute toxicity by generating and releasing toxic by-products. We show here, using Americamysis bahia as the test species, that this does not occur when dispersed oil is present at environmentally-relevant concentrations (initially 3 ppm oil dispersed with Corexit 9500 at a dispersant to oil ratio of 1:20). The guidelines for this toxicity test mandate a temperature of 26 ± 1C, rather warmer than the temperature of collection of the seawater from the New Jersey shore that we used as our experimental medium, so it is not surprising that biodegradation was especially rapid with a half-life for the loss of detectable hydrocarbons of approximately 4 days. We conducted sequential 4-day acute toxicity tests for 20 days, by which time the indigenous microorganisms had removed almost 80% of the detectable hydrocarbons in the lightly weathered crude oil. We saw no mortality in any of the five sequential tests.
The Marine Salvage Industry: Proven in Preventing Oil Spills
Authors: Elliott Jim
Published: December 2021

The marine salvage industry plays a vital role in protecting the marine environment. Governments, industry and the public, worldwide, now place environmental protection as the driving objective, second only to the safety of life, during a marine casualty response operation. Recognizing over 20 years after the passage of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 that the effectiveness of mechanical on-water oil recovery remains at only about 10 to 25 percent while the international salvage industry annually prevents over a million tons of pollutants from reaching the world's oceans, ten years ago the United States began implementing a series of comprehensive salvage and marine firefighting regulations in an effort to improve the nation's environmental protection regime. These regulations specify desired response timeframes for emergency salvage services, contractual requirements, and criteria for evaluating the adequacy of a salvage and marine firefighting service provider. In addition to this effort to prevent surface oil spills, in 2016, the U.S. Coast Guard also recognized the salvage industries advancements in removing oil from sunken ships and recovering submerged pollutants, issuing Oil Spill Removal Organization (OSRO) classification standards for companies that have the capabilities to effectively respond to non-floating oils. Ten years after the implementation of the U.S. salvage and marine firefighting regulatory framework, this paper will review the implementation of the U.S. salvage and marine firefighting regulations and non-floating oil detection and recovery requirements; analyze the impacts and effectiveness of these new policies; and present several case studies and recommendations to further enhance salvage and oil spill response effectiveness.
Contradictory Conclusions Surrounding the Effects of Chemical Dispersants on Oil Biodegradation
Authors: McFarlin Kelly M. , Prince Roger C.
Published: December 2021

Dispersed oil has now been shown to have a ‘half-life’ of 10–30 days in numerous lab and field-based experiments. On the other hand, the biodegradation of floating oil slicks is much slower, and unless dispersed by heavy weather or the addition of chemical dispersants, spilled oil will likely strand on a shoreline where it may persist for years. Dispersants are designed to mix into the oil to lower the interfacial tension between the oil and the seawater, allowing even minor turbulence to generate small droplets that have essentially neutral buoyancy. Whether droplets are generated by breaking waves in the absence of added dispersants, or by much less turbulence after dispersant application, the enormous volume of seawater available for dilution impedes the coalescence of the droplets. Droplet formation stimulates biodegradation by dramatically increasing the oil surface area for microbial colonization. Even though the majority of peer-reviewed literature strongly indicates that chemical dispersants have minimal effects once oil is dispersed, a sub-set of publications report negative effects of dispersants on microorganisms and oil biodegradation. It is likely that differences in experimental design and expectations have led to different conclusions regarding the effects of dispersants. As interest in oil spill response grows throughout the scientific community, it is important to understand how similar scientific questions have led to varying conclusions. Here we highlight the importance of experimental design and how the use of specific methods can produce apparently contradictory results. Various methods from numerous publications involving the fate of undispersed oil and dispersed oil will be compared and contrasted. We will focus on specific details of experimental design that impact the results and conclusions of various oil biodegradation studies, such as temperature, concentration, media storage, and substrate handling. An emphasis will be placed on experimental relevance and challenges associated with replicating real world phenomena in the laboratory.
California's Response to USCG Nationwide Standardization of Area Contingency Plans
Authors: Shinn Cassidee
Published: December 2021

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) - Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR), working with the United States Coast Guard (USCG), and Area Committee members, made significant strides to streamline the Area Contingency Plans (ACPs) for improved efficiency and statewide consistency to adhere to new USCG guidance. Beginning with Sector San Diego's ACP, which underwent major revision in 2018, and Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach in 2019, OSPR worked closely with USCG to ensure that there is comparable information statewide, improved maps and GIS compatibility, and updated environmentally and economically sensitive site information. OSPR created a new environmental sensitive site database, including more user-friendly Geographic Response Strategy pages for those identified sites. OSPR also revised the content of Section 9800, which describes the environmental, cultural, historic, and economic sensitivities of a given ACP area, and includes the Geographic Response Strategies. This paper describes in detail the contributions and changes that OSPR has made to California ACPs since 2018. It highlights its approaches to streamlining for efficiency and statewide consistency and lessons learned from the new revision and approval processes.
Evolution of Contingency Planning in California – a Federal and State Coordinated Effort
Authors: Shinn Cassidee , Burkholder Anna
Published: December 2021

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) agreed to the joint preparation of oil spill contingency plans following the enactment of California and federal laws in 1990. With little guidance initially, six Area Committees embarked on a new process to create the first coastal Area Contingency Plans (ACPs) in 1992. In 2015, when emergency regulations to expand OSPR's jurisdiction statewide became effective, developing inland Geographic Response Plans (GRPs) became a top priority. Over the last 30 years, the ACPs have evolved into robust, nationally recognized planning documents, and response plans have expanded into inland environments.

This paper will describe in detail the contributions and advancements in California oil spill contingency planning over 30 years. It will highlight OSPR's approaches for statewide consistency and coverage, interoperability between various state and federal plans, tools (including Geographic Information System (GIS) and various databases), improved sensitive site contacts and management, and lessons learned. It will also cover goals for future improvements in both marine and inland contingency plans.
Response Coordination Between Multiple Countries in the Wider Caribbean Region Following a Possible 6 Million Gallon Oil Spill
Authors: Donohue Keith M. , Richards Matthew , Folbert Maartje
Published: December 2021

As the 2017 International Oil Spill Conference (IOSC) was wrapping up in Los Angeles, CA, an oil spill on a magnitude no one had expected was making its way across the lower Wider Caribbean Region. The Regional Activity Center, The Regional Marine Pollution Emergency, Information and Training Centre – Caribe (RAC/REMPEITC-Caribe), that was established in 1994 under the Cartegena Convention, stood up for the first time as a regionally coordinating body to facilitate communication, coordination and exchange of information during a major spill as was designed and intended under the Caribbean Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC) Plan. What was confirmed months later, was that a large spill from a refinery in Trinidad and Tobago had in fact impacted the States of Venezuela, Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba. On April 23, 2017, it became public knowledge that a spill had occurred from a 150,000 barrel (6.3 million gallon) waste oil tank at the Petrotrin Refinery in Pointe-a Pierre, Trinidad. What fallowed was successive reporting of subsurface oil and tarballs washing ashore over a thirty-six day period: first on Venezuelan Gulf of Paria coasts; then Paria, Isla Margarita, Los Roques and La Orchila coasts; followed by Bonnaire; then Klein Curacao and Curacao; and ultimately beaches in Aruba. Had it not been for the coordinating body of RAC/REMPEITCCaribe, these impacts may have never been officially connected to a single point source. Miraculously, through the Regional Center each of the impacted States exchanged oil samples from each other's coasts and the potential source tank in Trinidad. Subsequent analysis from laboratories in the Netherlands proved that the oiling events, which occurred across 600 nautical miles of ocean, were in fact from the same source, Storage Tank #70 of the Petrotrin Refinery.

This paper discusses how RAC/REMPEITC-Caribe worked across borders to help identify the source of a spill that reached across more than 600 miles of the Wider Caribbean Region, and shows just how connected these countries are. It sheds light on a major oil spill that few people outside the impacted countries are aware of, and it presents the April 2017 Petrotrin Spill as a realization that, not only are these scenarios likely, they are real cause for increased regional spill coordination and preparation.
Integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems into Alaskan Oil Spill Response–Applied Case Studies and Operational Protocols
Authors: Garron Jessica , Altendorf Jereme M.
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT>

(PS1-02) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have a high potential value to support oil spill response activities due to their capabilities to provide real-time situational awareness. A variety of UAS are available to support response activities, and determining the precise aircraft, sensor payload and flight patterns will depend on the operational need for surveillance. In support of UAS integration into America's airspace, the FAA has defined general protocols for the commercial use of small UAS (less than 55 lbs. total take-off weight) in 14 CFR Part 107. However, these regulations do not address any other concerns associated with flight of these small aircraft, such as shared operational airspace within a temporary flight restriction area, or regulations for flight over animals that fall under state or federal management. To address this lack of policy, a UAS protocol for flights of small UAS during oil spill response activities was developed and integrated into a series of tabletop oil spill exercises conducted in Alaska during 2018. The UAS protocol was vetted with state and federal agencies responsible for wildlife management both on and offshore, was modified for execution in remote as well as urban locations, and has been integrated into Area Contingency Plans in Alaska. This presentation will highlight the operational components of the UAS operational protocol, as well as the challenges, both perceived and actual, to UAS integration into the incident management structure of an oil spill response.
Oil Spill Modeling Lessons Learned over Four Decades of Catastrophic Spills
Authors: French-McCay Deborah
Published: December 2021

Oil spill modeling developed tremendously over the past four decades, from simple floating particle trajectories of the 1979 Ixtoc spill to four-dimensional oil trajectory and fate models coupled with biological exposure, toxicity, and population models begun in the late 1980s to early 1990s, spurred by the Exxon Valdez, other major spills at that time and the Oil Pollution Oct of 1990. While many of the basic concepts and algorithms were developed in the 1990s, advances in computer hardware/software, as well as modeling techniques, have allowed for much better resolution of the needed model inputs, computations and outputs. Data availability and assimilation has greatly improved the performance of meteorological, hydrodynamic and ice (metocean) models, which are critical inputs to oil spill modeling. While large oil spills are traumatic events adversely impacting the environment and socioeconomic interests, they provide opportunities for process studies, model development and validation due to resources supporting the efforts and collections of needed data. Among other lessons, the Ixtoc spill modeling demonstrated the need for comprehensive, time-varying winds and currents from metocean models as input. In modeling the Exxon Valdez, spatially and temporally (hourly) varying winds driven by mountainous terrain, as well as coastal currents, were highly influential to the trajectory and fate of the oil. Measurement data was needed to drive modeling as the existing metocean models were not sufficiently accurate to account for observed oil movements. Other large spills in 1989 were in estuaries and coastal areas where oil movements were primarily driven by river and tidal currents, for which hydrodynamic models were reliable. The 1996 North Cape oil spill was the first for which water column exposure and effects modeling could be verified with field data. The Erika and Prestige spill trajectories were largely driven by the ships' movements while releasing oil and the winds. In modeling the Deepwater Horizon spill, metocean models were able to predict observed surface oil movements for several days and in terms of general overall direction. However, the modeled deepwater plume moved in various directions depending upon the hydrodynamic model used as input, highlighting the need for more accuracy in ocean models below surface waters. Recent developments in instrumentation, remote sensing, and data assimilation should improve both deepwater and surface trajectories. This combined with advancements in toxicity modeling and supporting data will facilitate confidence in biological effects modeling results. Described research and monitoring needs are based on modeling lessons learned.
Genomics Tools and Microbiota: Applications to Response in Coastal Ecosystems
Authors: Kostka Joel E. , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. , Huettel Markus
Published: December 2021

Microorganisms are central and cross-cutting to oil spill response strategies. Biodegradation mediated by indigenous microbial communities is the ultimate fate of the majority of petroleum (oil and gas) that enters the marine environment. Key ecosystem services provided by microbes, such as organic matter and nutrient cycling, may be adversely affected by oil contamination. The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill was the first large scale environmental disaster to which the methods of genomics were applied to determine microbial response to a major perturbation. Here we present a case study on coastal ecosystems to highlight the knowledge gained by application of genomics tools to interrogate mechanisms of petroleum hydrocarbon degradation and to elucidate impacts of oil exposure on ecosystem health and functioning.

At Pensacola Beach, results showed that oiling led to a large increase in the growth of indigenous microbes in the form of a series of bacterial blooms. Oil contamination strongly selected for microbial groups capable of hydrocarbon degradation. Oil was degraded and benthic microbial communities returned to near baseline levels approximately one year after oil came ashore. These results indicate that when small particles (< 1 cm) of weathered light oil are buried in the coastal zone, biodegradation by indigenous microbial communities is sufficient for the rapid mitigation of oil contamination after a major spill, whereas larger sand-oil-aggregates take longer to completely degrade because of their unfavorable surface to volume ratio. “Operation Deep Clean” removed these aggregates and enhanced biodegradation insofar as many larger oil aggregates were broken down into smaller ones thereby increasing the surface area available for microbial attack. For environmental managers, these results suggest that biodegradation in beach sands is relatively rapid because oxygen can easily penetrate to the buried oil, and resources may be better placed elsewhere in environments where degradation is limited by oxygen availability or microbial access to hydrocarbons. While specialist microbial groups such as nitrifiers show promise as bioindicators of oil contamination in coastal ecosystems, more work is needed to further validate these biomarkers. Despite substantial progress, a predictive understanding of the fate and impacts of oil spills remains hampered by challenges in interpreting the in situ activity and ecosystem response of benthic microbial populations. To advance this understanding, a dedicated funding mechanism is needed to support fundamental research. A polyphasic approach is encouraged that employs metagenomics in the field along with cultivation and microcosm or mesocosm experiments in the laboratory. Further, research during future disasters would be greatly facilitated by improved coordination between the emergency responders directing mitigation efforts and scientists investigating the success of those efforts.
Improving Situational Awareness Using a Comprehensive Surveillance Strategy
Authors: Cramer Martin , Santner Richard
Published: December 2021

Having accurate, timely, and relevant situational awareness information is vital during an oil spill response to ensure informed operational and strategic decision making as well as effective coordination of field operations. Recent technological advancements have greatly enhanced situational awareness data collection capabilities such that numerous real-, or near real-time, data streams and inputs into the Incident Management Team are now possible. Although these advancements are generally beneficial, they can easily result in data overload and the subsequent burial or masking of critical information. This issue is compounded by the absence of standardized mechanisms or processes to assess and manage the data. Another area of concern is while surveillance is a key component of situational awareness, it is often comprised of random acts of surveillance rather than an objective driven, fit-for-purpose strategy.

To address these issues, IPIECA, in coordination with the American Petroleum Institute (API), held stakeholder workshops in the United States and United Kingdom on situational awareness needs as well as the development of a comprehensive surveillance strategy. The results are being incorporated into an Oil Spill Surveillance Strategy technical support document currently under development by IPIECA.

This paper will primarily focus on the key components of situational awareness as well as considerations for developing a comprehensive surveillance strategy. Additionally, it will discuss key findings of the workshops, exercise blind spots, data flow and timing, who should own the data collection process and other related topics.