bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subsea Dispersant Injection (SSDI) - Summary Findings from a Multi-Year Research and Development Industry Initiative
Authors: Brandvik P.J. , Johansen Ø. , Davies E.J. , Leirvik F. , Krause D.F. , Daling P.S. , Dunnebier D. , Masutani S. , Nagamine I. , Storey C. , Brady C. , Belore R. , Nedwed T. , Cooper C. , Ahnell A. , Pelz O. , Anderson K. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTNew and novel results regarding effectiveness and use of subsea dispersant injection (SSDI) are presented in this paper. These findings are relevant for operational guidance, decision making and improvement of models of subsea releases of oil and gas. More specifically, the paper presents data from a comprehensive set of laboratory experiments to measure the initial formation of oil droplets and gas bubbles from a subsea blowout with and without SSDI.Many subsea blowout scenarios for oil and gas will form relatively large oil droplets (multiple millimeters) which rise rapidly through the water column to possibly form thick slicks on the ocean surface, potentially very near the source. On the other hand, smaller oil droplets (&lt; 500 microns) rise more slowly and can stay suspended in the water column for days to weeks.Our laboratory studies examined the influence of different variables on the initial oil droplet size including oil release velocity, dispersant dosage, dispersant injection method, oil temperature, pressure, gas-to-oil ratio, oil type, and dispersant type. Results revealed that dispersant injection is highly effective at reducing droplet size. SSDI has, for this reason, a potential to reduce floating oil and associated volatile hydrocarbons that may threaten worker health and safety. Reduced surfacing may also reduce the amount of oil that reaches ecologically sensitive shoreline environments. Oil that disperses into the water column, as small droplets, may cause temporarily elevated exposure to marine organisms, but these droplets rapidly dilute and later naturally degrade. Dispersed oil dilutes in three dimensions rather than only the two dimensions available for surface oil, and mostly one dimension available to shoreline oil.Our data fit a modified Weber scaling algorithm that predicts initial oil droplet size for both laboratory and field scales. Predictions indicate that SSDI can reduce oil droplet sizes by an order of magnitude for field scales like those experienced in the Deep Water Horizon.In summary, this paper shows that SSDI applied to a subsea blowout is a highly efficient oil spill response tool that, under the appropriate conditions, can substantially delay oil surfacing, reduce the amount of surfacing and reduce the persistence of surface slicks by reducing oil droplet size. The net result is enhanced worker safety and health as well as reduced oil impacts on the surface and shoreline.
Ongoing Research on Herding Agents for In Situ Burning in Arctic Waters: Laboratory and Test Tank Studies on Windows-of-Opportunity
Authors: Buist Ian , Cooper David , Trudel Ken , Zabilansky Len , Fritt-Rasmussen Janne 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT
Researching the use of herding agents to contain and thicken oil slicks for in situ burning in Arctic waters continues under the auspices of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) Arctic Oil Spill Response Technology-Joint Industry Programme. In 2014/2015 laboratory and test tank studies were conducted on defining potentials for effective herder use. The objective of these experiments was to determine the window-of-opportunity for two commercially available herders (ThickSlick 6535 and OP 40) to contract slicks of weathered oils to ignitable thicknesses. The experiments involved a range of crude oils that were quantitatively evaporated and emulsified (ANS, Endicott, Grane and Terra Nova). Small and medium-scale herding experiments (1-m2 quiescent pans, Dynamic Film Performance tests on a Rocking Shaker, 10-m2 quiescent pools and tests in an indoor wind/wave tank) were carried out at the SL Ross laboratory in Ottawa, ON. Larger-scale tests were conducted in 28.5-m2 quiescent refrigerated pools at the US Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, NH. The purpose of these experiments was to determine at what point (defined by oil type, evaporation and emulsion water) the herders could no longer contract the slicks to an ignitable thickness in cold ice-free water and slush ice. Some laboratory tests involved burning the herded slicks under a fume hood.
Aerial Application of Herding Agents can Enhance In-Situ Burning in Partial Ice Cover
Authors: Potter Stephen , Buist Ian , Cooper David , Aggarwal Srijan , Schnabel William , Garron Jessica , Bullock Robin , Perkins Robert , Lane Peter 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT
In situ burning (ISB) aided by herding agents is a promising tool for oil spill response in Arctic waters. An advantageous aspect of the herder mediated ISB approach is that the application of herders as well as the subsequent ignition of the slick could potentially be carried out from aerial platforms. This could obviate the need for personnel to conduct operations on the surface near the burn, as well as reduce the response time required to mobilize the spill response equipment, especially in challenging Arctic conditions. In the last decade, several laboratory and field-scale tests have been conducted to prove the efficacy of herder-assisted ISB operations, sometimes achieving burn efficiencies greater than 90 %. However, there have been no field tests of aerial herder application followed by ignition. This paper presents results from a series of field experiments performed in a custom-built test basin 50 km northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska, in April 2015. A helicopter was employed to first apply herding agents (Siltech OP-40 or ThickSlick 6535) to Alaska North Slope crude oil slicks in simulated drift ice conditions, and then ignite the herded slicks using a Heli-torch. Two of five test burns yielded measurable outcomes, resulting in 70% - 85% removal of the test oil as it was drifting freely. Three of five test burns did not yield reliably measurable results, as wind action at the site prevented an accurate measurement of free-drifting burn efficiency. An unmanned aircraft, carrying prototypical payloads for herder spraying and in situ burn ignition was also tested. This is the first time successful aerial application of herders for ISB in the Arctic or elsewhere has been accomplished, and furthers the development of better tools for oil spill response in Arctic waters and beyond.
Natural Resource Damage Assessments: Is Cooperation a Good Thing?
Authors: Haddad Robert , Israel Brian D. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
It has been nearly 55 years since the United States enacted the Clean Water Act (CWA) in which natural resource damages (NRD) were codified.1 The NRD cause of action, originally derived from the public trust doctrine and common law, was later integrated into the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) in 1980 and into the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) in 1990. In response to the establishment of CERCLA and OPA, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) was charged with developing and promulgating NRD regulations under CERCLA while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was charged to do so under OPA.
Originally, DOI’s approach to assessing NRD under CERCLA emphasized monetary compensation, as this was a simple common denominator. Later, under OPA, NOAA’s regulations allowed NRD to be determined by, and compensated with, an ecological currency, e.g., using a Habitat or Resource Equivalency Approach (HEA2, REA3). This focus on putting restoration front and center in NRD assessments (NRDAs)4 was ultimately integrated into the DOI regulations in 2008.
A critical and evolving aspect of NRDAs has been the concept of cooperation between the responsible party (RP) and the trustees in undertaking the NRDA (e.g., Israel 2006a; Connor and Gouguet 2005; Reinharz et al. 2005). This approach, supported by NOAA and others, is an effective means to identify and resolve legal uncertainties through stipulations and create working relationships that effectively focus on assessment resolution and restoration implementation; the ultimate outcome being a more rapid path to restoration and a significant decrease in litigation and other transactional costs.
Over the past decade, the benefits of cooperative assessments have been questioned. It has been suggested that cooperative NRDAs do little to move the process forward in a timely manner. It has been further implied that cooperation equates to RPs paying up front for the cost of the assessment while the trustees conduct the assessment. In truth, both perspectives are correct, the reality being that cooperation means different things to different people.
In this paper, we examine the historical underpinnings of the NRDA regulations, how this led to the development of the cooperative, restoration-based NRDA process, and the pros and cons of the cooperative NRDA process. We identify some of the inherent political, technical, cultural, and legal challenges with the cooperative NRDA paradigm as well as some of the benefits. Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of cooperation in the context of future NRDA cases, with an eye towards identification of specific processes that may help better understand or predict if cooperation is the best path forward for resolution of NRD liability.
To Remove or Not to Remove? Dealing with pollution risks from ship wrecks
Authors: Whittington Mark , Zhang Ann , Campion David 
Published: December 2017

Abstract (ID: 2017-155) ABSTRACT
The navigational and environmental risks posed by ship wrecks have presented a challenge to governments and the maritime industry for decades. In more recent years a consensus has developed worldwide based on assessing these risks and undertaking measures proportional to the severity of those risks. This approach has been formalised in the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks 2007.
With recent developments in salvage technology and equipment, the options for pollutant removal from wrecks, and the removal of entire wrecks, are becoming viable for scenarios which were previously deemed infeasible. Together with a general heightened environmental concern worldwide about impacts to the marine environment, decision-making on wreck removal and associated pollutants is under the spotlight.
Based on ITOPF’s extensive experience providing advice on pollution mitigation and environmental risks posed by wrecks, this paper examines recent issues in the treatment of wrecks. The authors highlight some key concerns regarding the equitable treatment of wrecks and argue that a more rigorous, technically-based decision making process be adopted and promoted to ensure clarity and consistency for all parties.
Improving Biological Assessments and Consultations for Regional Response Team Preauthorization Plans: An Example with Federal Region 4 Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic
Authors: Huyser Matthew , Boyd LCDR Kevin , Bejarano Adriana C. , Michel Jacqueline 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT
Immediately following the unprecedented use of dispersants in response to the Deepwater Horizon (a.k.a. MC252) incident, the National Response Team (NRT) issued a memorandum to NRT members and Regional Response Team (RRT) co-chairs recommending review and revision of all dispersant preauthorization plans. During this review process, the Regional Response Team 4 (RRT4) (North Carolina to Mississippi) determined that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultations would likely require further revisions and that the assessment should also be prepared to request consultation in accordance with Section 305(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) (i.e. Essential Fish Habitat (EFH)).
The RRT4 Science & Technology Committee Biological Assessment Workgroup developed a functional outline that included narrowing the focus of the assessment to evaluate only oil spill scenarios where dispersant is applied under preauthorized protocols and locations. An analysis of oil spill incidents using U.S. Coast Guard Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement (MISLE) data was performed to develop spill scenarios, each with dispersant response scenarios using the NOAA Dispersant Mission Planner (DMP2). The General NOAA Oil Modeling Environment (GNOME) model was used to quantitatively describe the average concentration of oil within the water column at different time steps. In close coordination with the Services, species and habitats were selected for evaluation based on their likelihood to occur in the proposed preauthorized geographic area, with effects of the action assessed for species groups. The same framework was used in preauthorization planning for in-situ burning. The summation of these steps resulted in a swift and cost-effective biological assessment process that incorporated both response tactics.
Initiating or revising biological assessments and consultations to oil spill contingency plans will continue to expand beyond preauthorization for alternative countermeasures under the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) Subpart J). The RRT4 efforts contribute to the body of practical practices as national recommendations continue to be developed.
Overview of the American Petroleum Institute (API) Joint Industry Task Force Subsea Dispersant Injection Project
Authors: Nedwed Tim 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT 2017-330
Oil spill response is a challenging task, especially for a deep water well release. The efficiency of mechanical recovery equipment deployed at the sea surface may be reduced due to challenges with detecting oil and then deploying equipment while slicks are continuing to move, weather, break apart, and spread. In-situ burning may have similar limitations. The ability to use dispersants could provide significant benefits when other response techniques have reduced efficiency. Subsea injection of dispersants offers some significant benefits for oil spill response including access to the freshest and non-emulsified oil in a high turbulence environment, ability to reduce the amount of dispersant by injecting it directly into the oil stream, ability to operate day and night under a wider range of weather conditions, and availability of a large water volume to rapidly decrease the concentration of a dispersed oil plume.
The American Petroleum Institute has sponsored research on subsea dispersant injection for over 5 years. Project teams are looking into subsea dispersant injection effectiveness, fate and effects, subsea plume monitoring, and numerical modeling. The information from these projects along with information in the literature are being used to conduct a comparative risk assessment on a hypothetical blowout assuming different response strategies. This effort is ongoing.
As a result of this research, the body of knowledge regarding subsea dispersant injection has grown. Laboratory studies have demonstrated the utility of directly injecting dispersants at the source of a blowout. Work has begun to understand the biodegradation potential and toxicity of a subsea plume to deep-water organisms. Additionally, progress has been made on enhancing numerical models to predict the fate of oil dispersed subsea. This paper provides an update of the recent progress made on this research.
THE DOSE-RESPONSE HILL SLOPE USED IN THE AQUATIC TOXICITY MODULE OF OIL SPILL MODELS SHOULD BE MUCH STEEPER
Authors: Kubitz J. A. , Goodrum P. , Bohrmann T. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT
One useful tool for assessing the potential adverse effects of oil spills on aquatic and marine environments are computational models that calculate the transport, fate and effects of substances. The use of computational models is authorized by 43 CFR 11, and has been codified in the Natural Resources Damage Assessment for Coastal and Marine Environments (NRDAM/CME). The code in the NRDAM/CME is incorporated into modules that compute how a spilled substance moves through a marine environment and affects biological resources. This paper describes an apparent error in one module of the NRDAM code, the one that calculates the mortality rate of exposed organisms to concentrations that are less than the medial lethal concentration (LC50) of a mixture of dissolved petroleum hydrocarbons. Based on a review of the original publication, we have concluded the original mean “hill slopes” range from 4.34 to 24.16, which are much greater than the slope (functions) of 1.1 to 1.7 that are used in a module of the NRDAM/CME code. The use of a probit slope function as a logistic slope has the effect of overestimating the mortality rate for marine species exposed to low hydrocarbon concentrations and underestimating mortality of marine species exposed to concentrations greater than the LC50. The “shallow” slope function also calculates a much lower threshold concentration at which adverse effects are expected, than is supported by slope values indicated by the original source. The error in the slope of this module may also explain, in part, why field personnel have not observed fish kills when the NRDAM/CME has predicted mortalities occurred.
Damage‐Based Time‐Dependent Modeling of Paraglacial to Postglacial Progressive Failure of Large Rock Slopes
Authors: Riva Federico , Agliardi Federico , Amitrano David , Crosta Giovanni B. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLarge alpine rock slopes undergo long‐term evolution in paraglacial to postglacial environments. Rock mass weakening and increased permeability associated with the progressive failure of deglaciated slopes promote the development of potentially catastrophic rockslides. We captured the entire life cycle of alpine slopes in one damage‐based, time‐dependent 2‐D model of brittle creep, including deglaciation, damage‐dependent fluid occurrence, and rock mass property upscaling. We applied the model to the Spriana rock slope (Central Alps), affected by long‐term instability after Last Glacial Maximum and representing an active threat. We simulated the evolution of the slope from glaciated conditions to present day and calibrated the model using site investigation data and available temporal constraints. The model tracks the entire progressive failure path of the slope from deglaciation to rockslide development, without a priori assumptions on shear zone geometry and hydraulic conditions. Complete rockslide differentiation occurs through the transition from dilatant damage to a compacting basal shear zone, accounting for observed hydraulic barrier effects and perched aquifer formation. Our model investigates the mechanical role of deglaciation and damage‐controlled fluid distribution in the development of alpine rockslides. The absolute simulated timing of rock slope instability development supports a very long “paraglacial” period of subcritical rock mass damage. After initial damage localization during the Lateglacial, rockslide nucleation initiates soon after the onset of Holocene, whereas full mechanical and hydraulic rockslide differentiation occurs during Mid‐Holocene, supporting a key role of long‐term damage in the reported occurrence of widespread rockslide clusters of these ages.
Prussian Blue@MoS2Layer Composites as Highly Efficient Cathodes for Sodium‐ and Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Morant‐Giner Marc , Sanchis‐Gual Roger , Romero Jorge , Alberola Antonio , García‐Cruz Leticia , Agouram Said , Galbiati Marta , Padial Natalia M. , Waerenborgh João C. , Martí‐Gastaldo Carlos , Tatay Sergio , Forment‐Aliaga Alicia , Coronado Eugenio 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPrussian blue (PB) represents a simple, economical, and eco‐friendly system as cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, structural problems usually worsen its experimental performance thus motivating the search for alternative synthetic strategies and the formation of composites that compensate these deficiencies. Herein, a straightforward approach for the preparation of PB/MoS2‐based nanocomposites is presented. MoS2provides a 2D active support for the homogeneous nucleation of porous PB nanocrystals, which feature superior surface areas than those obtained by other methodologies, giving rise to a compact PB shell covering the full flake. The nanocomposite exhibits an excellent performance as cathode for SIBs with discharge capacity values up to 177 mA h g−1and a specific capacitance of 354 F g−1. These values are even larger for the intercalation of K+ions (up to 215 mA h g−1, reaching a specific capacitance of 489 F g−1). Compared to similar composites, superior performance can be ascribed to a synergistic effect of the coordination compound with the 2D material.
Heparinization of Beta Tricalcium Phosphate: Osteo‐immunomodulatory Effects
Authors: Diez‐Escudero Anna , Espanol Montserrat , Bonany Mar , Lu Xi , Persson Cecilia , Ginebra Maria‐Pau 
Published: December 2017

AbstractImmune cells play a vital role in regulating bone dynamics. This has boosted the interest in developing biomaterials that can modulate both the immune and skeletal systems. In this study, calcium phosphates discs (i.e., beta‐tricalcium phosphate, β‐TCP) are functionalized with heparin to investigate the effects on immune and stem cell responses. The results show that the functionalized surfaces downregulate the release of hydrogen peroxide and proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1 beta) from human monocytes and neutrophils, compared to nonfunctionalized discs. The macrophages show both elongated and round shapes on the two ceramic substrates, but the morphology of cells on heparinized β‐TCP tends toward a higher elongation after 72 h. The heparinized substrates support rat mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) adhesion and proliferation, and anticipate the differentiation toward the osteoblastic lineage as compared to β‐TCP and control. The coupling between the inflammatory response and osteogenesis is assessed by culturing MSCs with the macrophage supernatants. The downregulation of inflammation in contact with the heparinized substrates induces higher expression of bone‐related markers by MSCs.
3D Carbon Scaffolds for Neural Stem Cell Culture and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Fuhrer Erwin , Bäcker Anne , Kraft Stephanie , Gruhl Friederike J. , Kirsch Matthias , MacKinnon Neil , Korvink Jan G. , Sharma Swati 
Published: December 2017

Abstract3D glassy carbon structures with percolated macropores are obtained by pyrolysis of chemically synthesized cryogels featuring tunable porosity. These batch‐fabricated structures are used as scaffolds for culturing neural stem cells (NSCs) and are characterized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With the aid of MRI, the successful cultivation of NSCs on a glassy carbon surface and the precise 3D locations of these cell clusters within the opaque scaffold are demonstrated. MRI also yields pore morphology and porosity analyses, pre‐ and post‐pyrolysis. This integrated approach yields a complete 3D dataset of the NSC network, which enables the visual inspection of the morphological details of individual cell clusters without disturbing them or destroying the scaffold. Reported experimental methodology is expected to have an impact on studies designed to understand the mechanism of neurodegenerative disease (ND) development, and can serve as a protocol for the culture of various other types of cells that display compatibility with glassy carbon surfaces.