bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case of spontaneous hypoglycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance in the same patient
Authors: Thabit Hood , Healy M L , Royston Derval , Broe Patrick , Scarramuzzi N , Walsh Thomas N , Sreenan Seamus
Published: February 2011

We present a rare case of an insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2)-secreting tumour of the thorax. This patient demonstrated the combination of fasting hypoglycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance on oral glucose tolerance testing, which has not been previously described in this condition. A review of the literature of IGF-2-secreting intrathoracic tumours is presented here.
Application of Supervised Self-Organizing Maps in Breast Cancer Diagnosis by Total Synchronous Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Dramićanin Tatjana , Dimitrijević Bogomir , Dramićanin Miroslav D.
Published: February 2011

Data from total synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (TSFS) measurements of normal and malignant breast tissue samples are introduced in supervised self-organizing maps, a type of artificial neural network (ANN), to obtain diagnosis. Three spectral regions in both TSFS patterns and first-derivative TSFS patterns exhibited clear differences between normal and malignant tissue groups, and intensities measured from these regions served as inputs to neural networks. Histology findings are used as the gold standard to train self-organizing maps in a supervised way. Diagnostic accuracy of this procedure is evaluated with sample test groups for two cases, when the neural network uses TSFS data and when the neural network uses data from first-derivative TSFS. In the first case diagnostic sensitivity of 87.1% and specificity of 91.7% are found, while in the second case sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 94.4% are achieved.
Simultaneous Quantitative Analysis of Arsenic, Bismuth, Selenium, and Tellurium in Soil Samples Using Multi-Channel Hydride-Generation Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhang Gai
Published: February 2011

The basic principles and the application of hydride-generation multichannel atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-MC-AFS) in soil analysis are described. It is generally understood that only one or two elements can be simultaneously detected by commonly used one- or two-channel HG-AFS. In this work, a new sample-sensitive and effective method for the analysis of arsenic, bismuth, tellurium, and selenium in soil samples by simultaneous detection using HG-MC-AFS was developed. The method detection limits for arsenic, bismuth, tellurium, and selenium are 0.19 μ/g, 0.10 μg/g, 0.11 μg/g, and 0.08 μg/g, respectively. This method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of arsenic, bismuth, tellurium, and selenium in soil samples.
Herausforderungen und Grenzen der interferometrischen Präzisionsmesstechnik
Authors: Jäger Gerd
Published: February 2011

Die Prinzipien, die Grundlagen und die Arbeitsweise von Zweifrequenz- und Einfrequenz-Interferometern werden beschrieben. Auf der Grundlage einer messtechnischen Analyse werden die Vorteile aber auch die Grenzen der laserinterferometrischen Messverfahren dargestellt. Die Ermittlung des kleinsten auflösbaren Weginkrements erlaubt die Berechnung der Auflösung von Interferometern. Neben den Abbé-Fehlern werden weitere Einflüsse aufgeführt, welche sich auf die Messunsicherheit interferometrischer Längenmessungen auswirken. Eine 3D-Abbéfehlerfreie Anordnung wird am Beispiel einer Nanopositionier- und Nanomessmaschine erläutert. Diese Maschine wurde in Zusammenarbeit zwischen dem Institut für Prozessmess- und Sensortechnik und der SIOS Messtechnik GmbH entwickelt.
Optische Oberflächenmesstechnik in der Motorenproduktion
Authors: Geus Dieter A. , Berberich Niklas , Stiebler Max
Published: February 2011

Die Ansprüche an Oberflächen moderner Motorlaufbahnen sind mit den gesteigerten Umwelt- und Leistungsanforderungen ebenfalls stark gewachsen. Die Entwicklung geht immer mehr in Richtung komplex strukturierter Oberflächen mit stochastisch angeordneten Strukturen. Neuerdings kommen Verbundwerkstoffe zum Einsatz, deren Herstellprozesse rein mit taktilen Oberflächenmessungen nicht mehr sicher überwachbar sind. Die große Veränderungsgeschwindigkeit und notwendige Flexibilität lässt sich nur durch Entwickeln funktionsorientierter Kennwerte unter Verwendung bekannter Messmethoden abdecken.
GH replacement therapy in elderly GH-deficient patients: a systematic review
Authors: Kokshoorn Nieke E , Biermasz Nienke R , Roelfsema Ferdinand , Smit Johannes W A , Pereira Alberto M , Romijn Johannes A
Published: February 2011

Context

Recombinant human GH (rhGH) is prescribed for the treatment of adults with GH deficiency (GHD). However, conflicting data are available on the efficacy of rhGH treatment in elderly GHD patients.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of rhGH treatment in elderly GHD subjects.

Methods

We searched the available literature in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and EMBASE.

Study selection

Studies on GHD patients, aged >60 years, treated with rhGH were eligible for inclusion. Data extraction was performed by two reviewers independently.

Results

We found 11 eligible studies with a total of 534 patients. Only two studies had prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study designs of rhGH treatment with a duration of 6 (n=15) and 12 months (n=62), respectively. Treatment with rhGH decreased total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by 4–8 and 11–16%, respectively, but did not alter high density lipoprotein or triglyceride levels. RhGH did not affect body mass index, but decreased waist circumference (by ∼3 cm) and waist/hip ratio. RhGh did not consistently affect blood pressure or bone mineral density. RhGH increased lean body mass by 2–5% and decreased total fat mass by 7–10% in four studies, but did not affect body composition in two other studies. RhGH consistently improved quality of life (QoL) parameters reflected in AGHDA-scores. There were no explicit data on elderly GHD patients aged >80 years.

Conclusion

RhGH replacement in elderly subjects with GHD decreases LDL cholesterol levels and improves QoL, but the effects on other parameters are not unequivocal. There were no data on the efficacy and safety of rhGH treatment in octogenarians with GHD.
The integrin-binding motif RGDS induces protein tyrosine phosphorylation without activation in Bufo arenarum (Amphibia) oocytes
Authors: Mouguelar Valeria S , Cabada Marcelo O , Coux Gabriela
Published: February 2011

Integrins are cell adhesion molecules that are thought to be involved in sperm–oocyte interaction. Nevertheless, their function in mammalian fertilization is still controversial, as different species behave differently. In amphibians, their role is mainly supported byXenopus laevisstudies, where RGDS peptide induces oocyte activation. We recently provided evidence suggesting the presence and involvement of integrins in the interaction of the oocyte plasma membrane (PM) with sperm in the amphibianBufo arenarum. In order to understand the role of integrin homologs in oocytes and their possible contribution to egg activation mechanisms, we examined the presence of integrin subunits and the effect of RGDS peptide on oocytes and during fertilization. Western blot studies detected integrin subunits α5, αV and β1 in oocytes. In sperm, we could detect only the αV integrin subunit. We found that RGDS peptide was unable to elicit egg activation or MAPK dephosphorylation, but can induce reversible inhibition of fertilization. A similar partial inhibition was produced by an anti-β1 integrin antibody. Using an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody we found major changes in phosphotyrosine-containing proteins in egg extracts minutes after fertilization. Cytosol and PMs isolated from oocytes and fertilized eggs showed additional fertilization-induced phosphorylated proteins. Some of these were also present in cytosol and PMs from RGDS-treated oocytes (partially mimicking fertilization). These findings suggest thatB. arenarumfertilization involves integrins (e.g. β1 subunit) as adhesion proteins. Our data support the view that RGDS-binding receptors may function as signaling receptors inB. arenarumoocytes, but integrin engagement by RGDS is not sufficient for oocyte activation.
Placental Pathology in Neonatal Stroke
Authors: Elbers Jorina , Viero Sandra , MacGregor Daune , deVeber Gabrielle , Moore Aideen M.
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Neonatal stroke is increasingly recognized, and risk factors have been identified. The placenta has been implicated as a potential contributor to neonatal stroke; however, pathology has not been previously described. This case series systematically evaluates prenatal, maternal, and neonatal risk factors and describes placental pathology in 12 cases of neonatal stroke.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We reviewed the Canadian Pediatric Ischemic Stroke Registry from 1992 to 2006, which consists of 186 neonatal stroke patients. Twelve patients with symptomatic cerebral arterial ischemic stroke or sinovenous thrombosis had their placenta available for pathologic examination. Clinical presentation; maternal, prenatal, and neonatal risk factors for stroke; and patient outcome were collected retrospectively from patient charts. Gross and microscopic placental pathology was described and classified into 4 pathologic categories.

RESULTS:

Of 12 patients studied, 10 patients were male, 5 patients had arterial ischemic stroke, and 7 patients had sinovenous thrombosis. Maternal risk factors were identified in 5 cases, prenatal risk factors in 10 cases, and neonatal risk factors in 10 cases. Placental lesions were present in 10 cases and were classified as thromboinflammatory process in 6 cases, sudden catastrophic event in 5 cases, decreased placental reserve in 3 cases, and stressful intrauterine environment in 2 cases.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study reviews detailed placental pathology in a selected cohort of patients presenting near the time of delivery and correlates this with clinical presentation, outcome, and risk factors for neonatal stroke. Our results suggest that multiple risk factors are involved in neonatal stroke, and placental pathology may be a contributing factor. The implications of specific placental lesions remain to be determined with larger, case-controlled studies.
Gaya-Bodhgaya
Authors: Sayers Matthew R.
Published: February 2011

In this paper I bring the history of the Hindu traditions of sraddha and the traditions surrounding Gaya to bear on the history of Gaya and Bodhgaya in order to answer a simple question: Why did the Buddha go to Bodhgaya to achieve enlightenment? The first half of my paper briefly address the textual history of sraddha in the Brahmanical sources from the earliest domestic ritual manuals, the Grhyasutras, to the dharma and Epic literature, where its centrality to the Gaya pilgrimage is commonly accepted. I then examine the Buddhist texts from the same time frame that evidence the practice of sraddha, highlighting the conceptions of ancestor worship shared by both Brahmanical and Buddhist sources. In the second half of my paper I synthesize the history of sraddha and the evidence of the Hindu conception of Gaya and the Buddhist descriptions of Gaya and Uruvela to describe Gaya during the life of the Buddha and reflect upon why the Buddha is said to have gone there to achieve enlightenment. In the end I hope to expand the context within which we study Bodhgaya, problematizing it to some degree, in order to understand why this place attracted the Buddha.
Outcomes of Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated in a Phase I Clinic
Authors: Janku Filip , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Wang Xuemei , Hong David S. , Naing Aung , Gong Jing , Garrido-Laguna Ignacio , Parsons Henrique A. , Zinner Ralph G. , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: February 2011

Background.

The outcomes of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated in phase I clinical trials have not been systematically analyzed.

Methods.

We reviewed the records of consecutive patients with advanced/metastatic NSCLC who were treated in the Phase I Clinical Trials Program at MD Anderson from August 2004 to May 2009.

Results.

Eighty-five patients (51 men, 34 women) treated on various phase I protocols were identified. The median age was 62 years (range, 30–85). The median number of previous systemic therapies was two (range, 0–5). A partial response was observed in eight patients (9.5%) and stable disease lasting >4 months was observed in 16 patients (19%). The median overall survival time was 10.6 months and median progression-free survival (PFS) time was 2.8 months, which was 0.6 months shorter than the median PFS of 3.4 months following prior second-line therapy. Factors predicting longer survival in the univariate analysis were an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) score of 0–1, no prior smoking, two or fewer organ systems involved, a hemoglobin level ≥12 g/dL, liver metastases, a history of thromboembolism, and a platelets count > 440 × 109/L. In the multivariate analysis, a PS score of 0–1 and history negative for smoking predicted longer survival. Sixty-two (73%) patients had grade ≤2 toxicity, and there were no treatment-related deaths.

Conclusion.

Phase I clinical trials were well tolerated by selected patients with advanced NSCLC treated at M.D. Anderson. Nonsmokers and patients with a good PS survived longer. PFS in our population was shorter in smokers/ex-smokers and patients with a PS score of 2. It is reasonable to refer pretreated patients with a good PS to phase I clinical trials.
Gingival Crevicular Fluid Osteocalcin, N‐Terminal Telopeptides, and Calprotectin Levels in Cyclosporin A–Induced Gingival Overgrowth
Authors: Becerik Sema , Gürkan Ali , Afacan Beral , Özgen Öztürk Veli , Atmaca Harika , Töz Hüseyin , Atilla Gül , Emingil Gülnur
Published: February 2011

Background: The aim of this cross‐sectional study is to investigate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) osteocalcin, cross‐linked N‐terminal telopeptide (NTx), and calprotectin levels in cyclosporin A (CsA)–induced gingival overgrowth (GO).

Methods: Forty medicated patients with CsA including 20 with GO (CsA GO+), 10 without GO (CsA GO−), 10 with GO and chronic periodontitis (CsA CP) and 60 patients with CP alone, 20 patients with gingivitis, and 20 healthy patients were enrolled. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, and papillary bleeding index were recorded. GCF calprotectin, osteocalcin, and NTx levels were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Parametric tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results: The CsA GO+ and CP groups had significantly lower GCF osteocalcin levels and osteocalcin/NTx ratio than the healthy group, whereas GCF osteocalcin levels and osteocalcin/NTx ratio in the gingivitis group were higher than the CsA GO+, CsA GO−, CsA CP, and CP groups (P <0.05). The CP group had elevated GCF calprotectin levels compared to the other study groups (P <0.05). The CsA GO+ and CsA GO− groups also had higher GCF calprotectin levels compared to the CsA CP, gingivitis, and healthy groups (P <0.05).

Conclusions: Increased GCF calprotectin and decreased GCF osteocalcin levels in the CsA GO+ and CsA GO− groups might suggest that CsA plays a role on the levels of these markers. The similarity of GCF osteocalcin, NTx, and calprotectin levels in the CsA GO+ and CsA GO− groups might suggest that these molecules are not involved in the pathogenesis of GO.
Using an Artificial-Neural-Network Method To Predict Carbonate Well Log Facies Successfully
Authors: Tang Hong , Toomey Niall , Meddaugh W. Scott
Published: February 2011

The Maastrichtian (Upper Cretaceous) reservoir is one of five prolific oil reservoirs in the giant Wafra oil field. The Maastrichtian oil production is largely from subtidal dolomites at an average depth of 2,500 ft. Carbonate deposition occurred on a very gently dipping, shallow, arid, and restricted ramp setting that transitioned between normal marine conditions to restricted lagoonal environments. The average porosity of the reservoir interval is approximately 15%, although productive zones have porosity values up to 30–40%. The average permeability of the reservoir interval is approximately 30 md. Individual core plugs have measured permeability up to 1,200 md.

Efforts to predict sedimentary facies from well logs in carbonate reservoirs is difficult because of the complex carbonate sedimentary facies structures, strong diagenetic overprint, and challenging log analysis in part owing to the presence of vugs and fractures. In the study, a workflow including (1) core description preprocessing, (2) log- and core-data cleanup, and (3) probabilistic-neural-network (PNN) facies analysis was used to predict facies from log data accurately. After evaluation of a variety of statistical approaches, a PNN-based approach was used to predict facies from well-log data. The PNN was selected as a tool because it has the capability to delineate complex nonlinear relationships between facies and log data. The PNN method was shown to outperform multivariate statistical algorithms and, in this study, gave good prediction accuracy (above 70%). The prediction uncertainty was quantified by two probabilistic logs—discriminant ability and overall confidence. These probabilistic logs can be used to evaluate the prediction uncertainty during interpretation. Lithofacies were predicted for 15 key wells in the Wafra Maastrichtian reservoir and were effectively used to extend the understanding of the Maastrichtian stratigraphy, depositional setting, and facies distribution.
Environmental Risk Assessment of Discharges from Onshore Facilities to Coastal Environments
Authors: Rye Henrik , Reed Mark , Durgut Ismail , Arzlanoglu Yilmaz , Brørs Bård , Ditlevsen May Kristin , Smit Mathijs G. , Frost Tone K.
Published: February 2011

Environmental management of discharges to the marine environment can be based on an assessment of the environmental risks of these discharges. For offshore discharges from the oil and gas industry like produced water risk-based management tools have been developed earlier. For coastal regions, however, modeling the fate and transport of discharged components is much more complicated compared to offshore waters. In addition, the limited mixing near shore causes a need to evaluate risks associated with other stressors like temperature change and potential oxygen depletion. The Environmental Impact Factor (EIF) for coastal discharges was developed especially to evaluate environmental risks in near shore areas and addresses special characteristics of these areas. The risk approach is based on a comparison of the Predicted Environmental Concentration (PEC) and the Predicted No Effect Concentration (PNEC). Toxicity risks as well as risks from temperature increase, oxygen depletion and suspended particles are included in the tool. The EIF is calculated for both that water column and the seafloor representing the volume or area of the recipient where PEC exceeds PNEC. The main elements causing the risk are presented in a pie chart which facilitates the definition of risk mitigating measures. The methodology has been tested on a fictive discharge from a petrochemical plant (Mongstad) located on the Norwegian coast. This case study showed that the EIF tool can be used to assess the overall environmental risk in near shore areas and to identify the main risk contributors in the discharge.
Drilling Towards HSE Excellence
Authors: Smith D.. , Kennedy R..
Published: February 2011

From a HSE perspective few E&P operations present a more complex risk management challenge than a typical offshore, exploration drilling operation.

Managing the HSE interfaces between a large number of contractors, each of which brings its own portfolio of hazards and risk management barriers, is difficult at any time. Against the background of a confined working environmental typical of mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) and the limited duration of many drilling operations, the challenge is further enhanced.

The ability of the MODU to be brought onto station and to maintain station throughout the drilling period presents its own series of challenges. Transit planning, towing, stability, jacking operations, structural strength, foundation, moorings and DP analyses; over the past decade failures in each of these areas have led to significant incidents in which people, the environment or assets have been impacted.

Below the rotary table certain aspects of HSE risk management are handed over to specialists who understand how to interpret the uncertainty in an organisation's understanding of the subsurface geology and the nature of the hydrocarbon bearing zones (should they exist). They will design the well and the operator will normally select the contractors, equipment and systems required to deliver it. All these elements will be expected to come together during the drilling operation in an effective, efficient and HSE compliant manner.

For certain drilling activities, additional hazards such as deepwater, harsh environments, HPHT wells and the potential for sour gas, further complicate the problem.

Identifying and managing in a consistent manner this complex portfolio of risk can be a major challenge for any organisation.

This paper considers what are viewed within Eni UK as some of the key HSE challenges associated with a typical offshore, exploration drilling operation and discusses how they may be addressed.
International Travel - High Risk Activity for Oil & Gas Employees
Authors: Gomez Guillermo , Irons Gregor , Mortara Simone , Uberti Filippo
Published: February 2011

Travel medicine aims at assessing the potential risks deriving from travel and operations in remote locations with different environments and public health conditions.

Eni E&P has a complex operating environment that includes 1,093 expatriates (478 family members), 12,303 locals (family:15000), 43,450 Air tickets per year to overseas destinations, 972 workers in working missions in 36 Business Units in 25 countries. This operational environment is often characterized by: Remote locations; Health and social underdevelopment in some countries; Lack of medical legislation and procedures in some countries; Socio-political implications & Lack of security

There are factors that can affect overall risk including: Duration of the trip, Individual factors, Housing, Eating and Drinking, Work and recreational activities, Contact with animals, Sexual contacts, and the epidemic diseases that include as happened in April and May 2009, the pandemic risk.

Taking all factors that can affect hazard exposure into consideration, appear the question about what we can do for our travellers?. Taking the tools available for risk mitigation and in consideration with the operating areas where our travellers work, Eni E&P - SMES have developed an effective and consistent approach:

Health Risk Assessments, Fitness to Work, Personal Meeting, Brochures, Vaccinations, Anti Malarial Prophylaxis, Country Guides, Health Resources, Health Community, Human Resources – International mobility, International References and epidemiological monitoring, Special Kits (Malaria and Influenza A), Medical Support, International Evacuation & Insurance, Behavioural information.

International References and epidemiological monitoring are important tools to verify the changes in the risk related with the transmission diseases. During the period of pandemic or epidemic situations, the information to all the travellers and business units, the elaboration of contingency plans, and the measures in place all in accordance with the international and national health organizations, allow to be prepared in the moment of the confront with the risk.

The Travel medicine program aims to prevent ill health and promote the workers’ health and well-being while abroad, and are part of a wider activity aiming to steer business units and subsidiaries in the implementation of an occupational health and medical support program.
Assessing the Quality of Oil and Gas Project Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) – A Preface
Authors: Anifowose Babatunde , Lawler Damian , Horst Dan van , Chapman Lee
Published: February 2011

Environmental Impact Assessment (ElA) is designed to anticipate and mitigate project impacts starting from the front-end engineering design stage to decommissioning. To further our understanding of the gaps between EIA predictions and the actual impacts of oil and gas projects, it may be plausible to independently review the quality of projects' EISs. There is currently no published academic literature on the role of EIS quality as a precursor to socio-environmental consequences of oil and gas exploration, production and transportation. The only known study of EIS quality in the oil industry was commissioned by UK Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR).

This paper examines the quality of nineteen sampled EISs using the Lee and Colley model. The model was adapted based on local and international best practices, peculiarity of oil and gas projects and learning from past research. The European Commission checklist on EIA-EIS quality (2001) and World Bank EA Sourcebook (Energy & Industry) (1999) were also consulted. Lee and Colley model was modified by adding a new review area on decommissioning/abandonment.

Preliminary findings reveal a marginal but not significant improvement in the quality of sampled EISs. The analysis suggests 53% of the sampled EISs were of satisfactory quality. The main weakness common to about 80% of sampled EIS include decommissioning, impact evaluation and impact prediction. There is the problem of environmental stasis which has resulted in impacts not being predicted as deviation from baseline condition. Key areas of strength include descriptive and presentational tasks.

Independent review of oil and gas project EISs is imperative given the recent Gulf of Mexico Macondo oilfield deepwater disaster. Preliminary investigations into this disaster suggest the drilling operation was exempted from detailed EIS. Independent quality review of EISs could help restore public confidence in the oil industry.
An Integrated Approach to Improved Process Safety Management
Authors: Bennett Rachel
Published: February 2011

This paper describes an innovative approach to improving safety management in major hazard industries. It sets out how technical risk management can be integrated with people centered methods to support Oil & Gas businesses in improving Safety Performance. It considers the practical application of this safety improvement approach in the Oil and Gas Industry.

The ability to assess, understand and effectively manage both technical risk controls, people, systems and the characteristics of their safety culture in a ‘joined up’ integrated fashion, supports businesses in implementing effective and efficient safety improvement interventions. This includes asset integrity, layers of protection, technical controls, management systems, critical procedures, leadership, attitudes and behaviours – all of which have been seen as contributory factors to major accident hazards.
Environmental Sensitivity In An Insensitive Environment
Authors: Mahmood Madiha , Khan Nasir Zaman
Published: February 2011

This paper shares an overview of how OMV was able to achieve environmental excellence in Pakistan in a remote, rural, socio-economically deprived environment.

OMV Pakistan operates in a challenging environment in the Sukkur and Khairpur districts of the province of Sindh. Major issues facing the country in general and Sindh in particular are poverty, low education levels and lack of adequate infrastructure. As is often the case with developing countries, the provision of basic social needs takes precedence over environmental considerations.

This paper describes how despite these challenges, OMV Pakistan established a worldclass environment management system at its sites in stark contrast to the external factors and the conditions just outside its perimeter.
From Basic Regulatory Compliance ESIA to Full Project Sustainability
Authors: Kirk P. W. , Quijano A. P. , Quintana M.. , Ortuño C..
Published: February 2011

Whilst it is widely acknowledged that oil and gas development projects can have impacts on the environment and communities, the significance of those impacts can be substantially reduced and positive benefits to the community enhanced, if appropriate actions are taken at the right time. Identifying and understanding these impacts is a fundamental role of ESIA, which is a requirement of international funding agencies and many local regulatory agencies.

Actions for both Operators and Consultants that become sustainability enhancing practices include: Fully Understand the Limitations Imposed by Sensitivities in the Project Area at an Early Stage - by conducting a baseline prior to FEED;Simple presentation of information - use of GIS as an interactive tool within the project decision process;Key Project Staff Endorsement - during FEED phase work closely with the Engineers to define which mitigation measures are practical and feasible. A workshop to discuss this at the mitigation definition stage with the FEED Engineers is key;Identify Initiatives - Through the entire process identify initiatives that could enhance environmental and social performance. During the baseline, identify key community's needs and potential synergies to achieve social benefits, economic feasibility, and the enhancement of company reputation;Enforcement - Clear definition of responsibilities in the ESMP allows the operator to define at an early stage the requirements related to EPC activities, and include these as contractual obligations.

Implementing these key actions while developing the ESIA will enhance the integration of environmental, social, and economic aspects. A successful example in which CH2MHILL and a worldwide O&G leading company have followed the steps outlined above with outstanding results will be presented.

With a commitment to sustainable solutions from Operators and good guidance from advisers, an ESIA and associated action plan can be developed which materially enhances project sustainability.
HSEQ Development in OMV Petrom
Authors: Banghea Bogdan
Published: February 2011

This paper focuses on the process of creating a sustainable HSE performance within a Field Cluster in an oil and gas producing company which has gone through a stage of transition from a state company to a private company alining itself to the others oil and gas producers in Europe. It was necessary to understand how a company could create a HSE culture where health, safety and environment are integrated in the business and how the company could go from an old system, based on a reactive method of working to a proactive system based on a sustainable HSE management. Since December 2004, this Field Cluster is committed to transforming everything related to business, process, employees and management into a whole that is based on the fact that the HSE is integrated in the business

Results obtained in the improvement of HSE performance that are presented in this paper show the direction taken by HSE in the Field Cluster which led, besides a Safety Leadership and a moral imperative that everyone must return home safely from work, also to the fact that these two generate business development and material savings as well as changing stakeholders’ perception of the Field Cluster from an incident generator to a partner in work and community development.
Research Progress and Applications of the Joint Industry Programme on Exploration and Production Sound and Marine Life
Authors: Weissenberger Jürgen , Campbell John , Notor Lori , Hedgeland David , Jenkerson Mike , Melton Rodger , Rea Caryn L. , Tait Russell D. , Tsoflias Sarah L. , Brookes Chisa K. , Michael Jennifer Liebeler
Published: February 2011

The international oil and gas industry recognizes there is increased interest by multiple stakeholder groups on the effects of anthropogenic sound in the marine environment. This interest is focused on, but not limited to seismic surveying. While little to no scientific evidence exist associating seismic surveys with significant adverse impacts on marine animal populations, gaps in knowledge increase the uncertainty in identifying key risks that can be adequately mitigated.

Consequently, the regulatory community often imposes very precautions and often impracticable restrictions on seismic surveys to prevent or mitigate perceived impacts. With the implementation of such restrictions, the cost of data acquisition can ultimately triple with no more than an incremental benefit to the receiving environment. To this end, the Joint Industry Program on Sound and Marine Life (JIP) has implemented a robust research and monitoring program to compile and/or acquire scientific information to fill gaps in knowledge concerning the impacts of anthropogenic sound on marine life. The projects, conducted by independent research entities, are focused on three key areas: 1) inventory the various sounds introduced to the water by the oil and gas industry (source); 2) understand the propagation of sound in the marine environment (pathway); and 3) identify any potential physical or physiological impacts on marine life (receiver).

The JIP has funded approximately 70 research projects with the overarching goal of understanding the environmental risks (exposure and consequences or effects) associated with offshore Exploration and Production (E&P) operations. Improved scientific knowledge surrounding the consequences of exposure to sound will help inform risk assessments conducted by industry project teams, as well as inform the scientific community and regulators about the potential environmental effects of these operations. The availability of these project data should result in permit decisions by regulators that are supported by sound science with appropriate mitigation and monitoring procedures. Examples of representative projects being sponsored by the JIP are described in this paper.

Updated information on the progress of the JIP founded research can be found at www.soundandmarinelife.org
HVAC as Major Safety Parameter in Arctic Environment
Authors: Dalheim J.. , Nodland S..
Published: February 2011

The harsh environment of the arctic requires specialized safety solutions. One main safety issue in the arctic is the need for more enclosed modules. Enclosed modules are used for two reasons; to prevent: process equipment from ice and snow exposure; the cold climate imposing an unduly harsh working environment for operators. The enclosed mechanically ventilated process modules are different from the open naturally ventilated process modules that are normally used in offshore facilities. The explosion safety performance of the non-standard mechanically ventilated process modules has therefore been studied in detail through an extensive program of CFD simulations. It is seen that mechanically ventilated modules have explosion risk drivers that are distinctly different from risk drivers in naturally ventilated modules. Several unique factors are seen to have significant impact on the explosion risk levels of confined process modules; the module size; the HVAC philosophy; the ignition source isolation efficiency; and the use of pressure relief panels. This paper discusses one of the main explosion safety drivers for mechanically ventilated modules; the HVAC system. The presented conclusions are of great importance for future development in the arctic climatic environment.
Gas-Lift Optimization Using Proxy Functions in Reservoir Simulation
Authors: Lu Qin , Fleming Graham C.
Published: February 2011

Artificial lift by means of gas injection into production wells or risers is frequently used to increase hydrocarbon production, especially when reservoir pressure declines. We propose an efficient optimization scheme that finds the optimal distribution of the available gas-lift gas to maximize a benefit function subject to surface pipeline network rate and pressure constraints. This procedure is formulated as a nonlinearly constrained optimization problem solved by the Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) method. The values of benefit function, constraint functions, and derivatives needed for optimization can be evaluated through two methods. The first method repeatedly solves the full-network equations using Newton iteration, which takes into account the flow interactions among wells; however, this method can be computationally expensive. The second, and more efficient, method constructs a set of proxy functions that approximates the benefit function and constraints as functions of gas-lift rates. They are obtained by solving part of the network that consists of a gas-lifted well or riser, assuming a stable pressure at the terminal node where the partial network is decoupled from the rest of the network, and are used to inexpensively evaluate the benefit function, constraints, and necessary derivatives for the optimizer. A procedure to predict the proxy functions based on previous values can be used to reduce the number of partial network solves, and the partial network solution has been parallelized for faster simulation. The proposed methods are implemented within a generalpurpose black-oil and compositional reservoir simulator and have been applied to real-field cases.
An Advanced Framework for Simulating Connected Reservoirs, Wells and Production Facilities
Authors: Hiebert Allan , Khoshkbarchi Mohammad , Sammon Peter , Alves Ibere , Rodrigues Jose Roberto , Belien Alexander , Howell Benjamin , Saaf Fredrik , Valvatne Per
Published: February 2011

The ability to accurately simulate and optimize fully integrated oil and gas fields is of critical importance in the development and operation of an asset. To this end, a novel and comprehensive framework for simulating fields comprised of connected reservoirs, wells, and production facilities is presented. Individual field components may be connected to each other through physical equipment such as pipes, and operations may be subject to field-wide constraints, such as limits on total production of green house gases. The proposed framework allows for simulation of the evolution of such a field, optimization of the field under various constraint choices, and planning and scheduling of the entire field operations. The framework is founded on representing each component using appropriate sets of Models, Equations and Variables (MEV) combined with a common Physical Property Manager that ensures a consistent calculation methodology, and uses grid-level partitioning to support parallelism. The MEV system operates in concert with customized nonlinear and linear equation solvers to generate updated values for variables in all the different sub-systems, regardless of their originating component. Optimizers in the system manipulate the same variables employed in the MEV solution process to assemble objective functions, act on decision variables, and satisfy constraints. These variables may also be parameterized to support uncertainty analysis or design possibilities. The componentized nature of the equation set allows the ability to plug in alternate custom technologies to replace or augment capabilities. The framework supports multiple fidelities for modelling the components, and enables the use of different coupling styles between them. Choices range from using simple proxy models for certain components, to explicit one- and two-way coupling of more rigorous models, up to solving a fully coupled, detailed field representation. It will be demonstrated that this approach allows for efficient simulation of the combined systems under different constraints.
Near-Well Subdomain Simulations for Accurate Inflow Performance Relationship Calculation to Improve Stabil ity of Reservoir-Network Coupling
Authors: Guyaguler B. , Zapata V. J. , Cao H. , Stamati H. F. , Holmes J. A.
Published: February 2011

Externally coupled workflows that rely on exchanging Inflow Performance Relationships (IPRs) at the coupling points, such as those between reservoir and surface network simulators, may exhibit instabilities due to the fact that the IPR calculated at the beginning of a timestep is not representative of the IPR at the end of the timestep. One solution is to have an implicitly coupled reservoir-surface system. This is often impractical because reservoir and surface networks are modeled using different applications, but also in cases where the resulting coupled system becomes too large and complex to solve implicitly due to processing time and convergence issues. We propose the calculation of multipoint, nonlinear IPRs by solving near-well subdomains for the subsequent timestep. A flexible reservoir simulation architecture enables the dynamic creation and simulation of near-well subdomains at run time. Subdomains are automatically created within the vicinity of the well, or defined dynamically from the pressure gradient. These near-well subdomain simulations are embedded within the full-field simulation, and extract all the required model properties (PVT, rock, etc.) from the full-field model. The most recent fluxes from the global solution are used as boundary conditions of the near-well subdomains. The IPRs created through subdomain solutions agree with those generated by carrying out the full-field simulation multiple times. In this paper, the subdomain IPRs are used within reservoir-network coupling workflows in which regular IPRs result in oscillations and high errors. Sensitivity analysis is carried out on the extent of the subdomains and the size of the coupling timestep. It is shown on a real field case that the subdomain IPRs result in stable coupling for the otherwise unstable model and also help in reducing the balancing errors.
History Matchinga Field Case Using the Ensemble Kalman Filter with Covariance Localization
Authors: Emerick Alexandre A. , Reynolds Albert C.
Published: February 2011

Because of its ease of implementation, computational efficiency and the fact that it generates multiple history-matched models, which conceptually allows one to characterize the uncertainty in reservoir description and future performance predictions, the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) provides a highly attractive technique for history matching production data. In this work, we apply EnKF with a recently proposed method of covariance localization to history-match production data from a real field to generate multiple realizations of the permeability field. A single manually history-matched model is available for comparisons. Only 7.6 years of the 10 years of history were matched with the remaining 2.4 years of history used to assess the predictive capability of the history-matched models. For this field case, covariance localization was necessary to avoid the propagation of spurious correlations and loss of variance and also resulted in better data matches and predictions than were obtained with EnKF without localization. EnKF with covariance localization also gave better data matches, more accurate "future" predictions and far more geologically realistic models than were obtained by manually matching production data. We also present results obtained using half-iteration EnKF (HI-EnKF) with covariance localization. For this field case, HI-EnKF gave a significant further improvement in the data match and predictions. However, as HI-EnKF requires rerunning the ensemble from time zero at every data assimilation step, it leads to a considerable increase in the computational time. The results for this field case indicate that we can reduce the computational cost of HI-EnKF, without compromising the quality of the results, by rerunning the ensemble from time zero only when "large" changes in the state vector occur.
Rigorous Coupling of Geomechanics and Multiphase Flow with Strong Capillarity
Authors: Kim J. , Tchelepi H. A. , Juanes R.
Published: February 2011

The average pore-pressure, p¯, defined as the sum of the product of the saturation and pressure of the fluid phases is widely used as the average pore-pressure of multiphase fluid systems in deformable porous media. Using the incremental formulation, Coussy (2004) shows that for systems with multiple fluid phases, the ‘equivalent’ pore-pressure, pE, defined as p¯ minus the interfacial energy is the appropriate quantity. We investigate the accuracy and stability of the fully implicit method (FIM) for multiphase flow and mechanical deformation based on p¯ and pE. We then study the convergence and stability properties of sequential-implicit coupling strategies. The findings from stability theory are verified using nonlinear simulation of two-phase flow with mechanical deformation. Our analysis of FIM for systems with strong capillarity indicates that using p¯ leads to serious numerical instabilities, and to significant deviations from the reference solution even when the solutions are stable. Our analysis and simulation results indicate that, in contrast, using pE leads to unconditional stability and accurate solutions.

For the sequential-implicit coupling strategies, our previously published results for single-phase flow carry over for multiphase systems when the equivalent pore-pressure, pE, is used in the conservation equations and constitutive relations. Specifically, the undrained and fixed-stress schemes are unconditionally stable. The fixed-stress split is superior to the undrained approach in terms of convergence behavior. Therefore, we recommend the incremental formulation based on the equivalent pore-pressure for coupled multiphase flow and mechanics. In terms of stability and convergence properties, we recommend the fixed-stress sequential-implicit scheme.
Maximization of a Dynamic Quadratic Interpolation Model for Production Optimization
Authors: Zhao Hui , Chen Chaohui , Do Sy , Li Gaoming , Reynolds Albert C.
Published: February 2011

We derive and implement a new optimization algorithm based on a quadratic interpolation model (QIM) for the maximization (or minimization) of a cost or objective function. Although we have also applied the algorithm in other petroleum engineering applications, this paper restricts the algorithm's application to the production optimization step of closed-loop reservoir management where the objective function is the net present value (NPV) of production from a given reservoir. The new algorithm does not require a gradient calculation with an adjoint method but does use an approximate gradient (AG). Thus, the general optimization algorithm is referred to as QIM-AG. At each iteration, the QIM-AG algorithm builds a quadratic model which approximates the objective function using the approximate gradient and interpolation points. As the number of interpolation points is usually far less than the number of coefficients in the quadratic model, the extra degrees of freedom are used to minimize the Frobenius norm of the Hessian matrix of the quadratic model. The quadratic model is then maximized using a trust-region method. As more objective function evaluations become available during iteration, the quadratic model is updated with new interpolation points and an approximate gradient. The performance of the new algorithm is compared with the performance of several algorithms which are either derivative-free or use only a derivative approximation which can be calculated without using the adjoint method. The derivative-free optimization algorithms considered for comparison include NEWUOA (New Unconstrained Optimization Algorithm), SID-PSM (Pattern Search Method guided by Simplex Derivatives), PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization), EnOpt (ensemble-based optimization) and SPSA. A brief conceptual summary of these other derivative-free algorithms is given and it is shown that the approximate gradient implicitly used in EnOpt can be directly related to the simplex gradient used in SID-PSM.

For a set of three distinct examples, the QIM-AG algorithm generally outperforms the other derivative-free optimization algorithms. Specifically, QIM-AG obtains an estimate of optimal controls that gives the highest NPV in two of the three examples and within 0.1% of the highest value in the third example.