bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social Performance in the Gulf of Mexico: Crisis-Ready Stakeholder Engagement
Authors: Jain Samina , Slocum Dean 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Oil and gas operators in the Gulf of Mexico face a number of important risks. Traditionally, social performance and third-party stakeholder risks do not tend to be among those that receive the highest priority attention. While this level of attention is likely appropriate under normal operating conditions, advance planning and preparations for managing social risks have become critical to emergency preparedness. This paper discusses the importance of crisis-ready, community-based stakeholder engagement to managing emergencies in this operating environment, and what operators can do to strengthen emergency response planning through improved social risk management.
Despite the financial, reputational and environmental costs resulting from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon incident, industry actors count on strong stakeholder support for oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Economically, the region depends on the industry for jobs, spending, and taxes. Stakeholder engagement is often limited to local, regional, and national regulatory and elected officials, or industry groups. Many of the GOM operators' social performance management efforts are focused on philanthropy, supporting education and local businesses, and employee/labor pool engagement.
The oil and gas industry has learned important lessons about how critical stakeholder engagement and community support is to protecting value. Nonetheless, operators still sometimes underestimate the dynamic, multifaceted community relationships in Gulf Coast communities. The level of understanding and response to stakeholder concerns on the local level can distinguish companies when negative incidents occur. Strong relationships with local civil society are invaluable in emergency response situations, especially when existing feedback mechanisms are well-known and utilized.
Successful operations in the GOM may not require the same level of stakeholder engagement rigor as operations in conflict-affected, on-shore operating environments. But they do need risk-based applications of current good international industry practices that are both fit-for-purpose and capable of functioning effectively both in normal operating conditions and crisis conditions. Even in areas with decades of industry activity, world-class stakeholder engagement strategies are critical to managing health, safety and environmental, and business risks, especially in preparation for potential emergencies.
Monitoring ad Conservation Program for Umbrella Species: The Northern Screamer as a Strategic Element for Floodplain Biodiversity in the Middle Magdalena Region, Colombia
Authors: Carmona Luis Gabriel , Cardenas Juan , Navarreta Mauricio , Cardenas Laura , Montenegro Paola 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The northern screamer (chauna chavarria) is a large-sized bird that belongs to Anhimidae family. It is an almost endemic species found in northern Colombia and in a small strip of land around Maracaibo Lake, Venezuela. The Middle Magdalena, Mansarovar's area of influence, corresponds to the southern limit of the species' location. Hence the importance of its conservation by not causing a reduction in its territory due to changes in land use. The purpose of the monitoring and conservation program is to protect natural wetlands and habitat, where the chavarria's presence is crucial. The program was developed in the following stages: identification of the flagship species, which means that is a key, umbrella, indicator, vulnerable and emblematic species; characterisation of species and habitats, from monitoring, to establish their spatial temporal relationship and analysis of ecological connectivity and fragmentation; evaluation of land use and land cover, including the consequences of agricultural expansion and extractive activities, among others; risk analysis for habitat loss for the species and an assessment of its effects; establishment of priority conservation areas; and communication and the provision of education for internal and external communities. To date, monitoring has been undertaken during the last 12 months, to find new solutions in conservation efforts. Program effectiveness has been evaluated via the following indicators: relative abundance and population density.
Water Footprint for Heavy Oil Extraction in Colombia: Relationship Between Oil and Water
Authors: Carmona Luis Gabriel 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
This study aims to measure the water footprint for conventional oil production over the entire life cycle. The overall methodology for the development of net water footprint (cubic meters of water/barrel of oil produced) included the modelling of different unit operations and an assessment of both primary and secondary data. A case study for three fields of Mansarovar Energy, Colombia, was performed. A water footprint calculation allowed the organization to carry out a sustainability analysis of resource consumption, improve corporate image strategies, detect avoidable consumption costs and optimize processes and operations. It also provided specific actions with which to tackle sector sensitivity and answer stakeholder concerns with regards to responsible water use. These results are relevant in the decision making process for oil production. The following steps in the management process of water footprint were developed: a description of facilities and processes, organizational and operational boundaries in the definition of a functional unit; a water inventory, in order to quantify resource inputs and outputs; calculations of blue, green and gray water footprint; an assessment as to the degree of water footprint sustainability and water stress; actions to reduce the water footprint. Results indicate that the blue water footprint was the most significant compared to the green and gray. The value, the first ever calculated for a Colombian hydrocarbon company, was between 0.2 and 0.4 m3/barrel, considering both indirect and direct consumption.
Batata 2 Well Pad: Succesfull Life Cycle Management in a Remote Sensitive Area of the Amazon Basin
Authors: Valdivieso S. , Benalcazar F.L. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
In Ecuador, back in 2006-2007, A Chinese Operator completed a large exploration project with the construction of Batata 2 well pad and the drilling of two exploratory wells to confirm a potential development of oil reserves identified during the seismic survey executed ealier in 2003 by EnCanEcuador (Subsidiary of EnCana), in the north side of Block 14. All this within the Yasuni National Park, one of the natural areas with the highest biodiversity in South America and also traditional land of peoples living in voluntary isolation (Tagaeri and Taromenani). These special social and environmental conditions called the attention of NGOs that predicted large impacts as well as permanent impact to local communities.
The early planning and execution of this project included the development of a long-term strategy and abiding to a set of high social and environmental practices to minimize company's exposure to potential future liabilities, and to guarantee the success of this challenging project. Unfortunately, by first-half-2007-, after drilling the above-mentioned exploratory wells, the prospects were declared non-commercial, triggering the process for decommissioning and reclaiming the Batata 2 well pad. The loop was closed and the success of the project was dimmed by the lack of expected drilling results. Nevertheless, the project demanded an important set of best practices to guarantee an impeccable HSE and Social Performance.
This paper summarizes some of the most important elements of project planning and execution of the Batata 2 well pad.
Case Study: Maintaining Preparedness During Transition of an Organization's Emergency Response Model
Authors: Dulisse Carmine 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Description of the material
This presentation will provide an overview of how companies can effectively maintain a constant state of readiness while navigating changes to its emergency response model by reviewing Marine Well Containment Company's (MWCC) recent experience in this area. The speaker will address the planning, preparation, training and execution required internally to maintain an organization's ability to respond to an incident during periods of flux. The presentation will cover all facets of preparedness efforts and best practices – from training and emergency response drills, to ongoing communications and education in order to ensure standards are being met.

Application
In 2014 MWCC made changes to its emergency response model, including expanding its scope of responsibilities related to equipment deployment for its well containment system in the deepwater U.S. Gulf of Mexico. In order to effectively prepare for and implement the changes to its model, a robust plan was developed – which included mid-plan evaluations – to ensure all elements of the project rollout were appropriately accounted for and any identified improvements were implemented throughout the process. The plan included:

Results, Observations, and Conclusions
MWCC proactively planned for challenges it could face during the transition period, which was a beneficial exercise and helped the company achieve its goals and objectives. In addition, there are several critical facets of preparedness that MWCC focused on throughout the development and implementation of its plan to rollout a new emergency response model that were key to its success. These and other best practices and lessons learned will be shared in the presentation.

Significance of subject matter
MWCC's mission is to be continuously ready to respond to a well control incident in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, making it essential that changes to the company's response model would not inhibit this readiness. Sharing best practices could help other companies with managing significant organizational change.
A Barrier Based Methodology to Assess Site Security Risk
Authors: van Staalduinen Mark , Khan Faisal 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The recent attacks on petroleum plants in various countries such as Algeria, Nigeria, and Iraq have greatly changed the risk mindset of the chemical industry (Johnson and Gilbert, 2013; Nordland and Al-Sahy, 2014). Risk assessments and management traditionally are conducted on unintended (safety related) incidents and not on intentional acts. These intentional acts could either be from an internal or external source. This paper extends the probabilistic risk assessment methodology (generally focus on safety unintended) to the security facet (focusing on intended incidents) of a processing facility. The methodology is based on the barrier approach. Five security barriers are proposed throughout the facility to help deter an attack. These security barriers are external, internal, interior, critical, and the fail-safe barrier, which are implemented at various stages of a plant with varying objectives. For example, the fail-safe barrier aims to bring the plant to safe shutdown mode, once it observes breach of the barrier. Breach of each barrier is modeled using fault tree approach. A number of monitoring parameters are proposed to track the effectiveness of the barrier, which are modeled as basic events in the fault tree. The occurrence of each basic event is modeled using two failure modes: i) natural, and ii) forced failure. Conditional probability with soft computing theory is used to model occurrence probability. The proposed methodology also takes into account effectiveness of the management, and political parameters in an impeding attack.
In addition, the fault trees modeled are mapped into respective Bayesian Networks. Bayesian networks allow for manipulation of the conditional probability table. There are three relaxation assumptions that manipulate the conditional probability table that is explored in this paper. In order to eliminate uncertainty developed in the data, an updating mechanism is used along with a predictive component to make the model dynamic. This is significant as the model can be become dynamic to reflect any changes that may have occurred.
Finally, a case study of a typical processing facility is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model and to indicate areas of further improvement. This paper aspires to bring awareness to security risk assessments and the need to create a database for security related failures.
Strategies for Managing Greenhouse Gas Issues in an Ever-Growing Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Woerner A. , Campbell L. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
For each new major capital project or development activity, issues related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions quantification, reporting, and controls seem to gain a greater amount of attention and scrutiny. Being prepared for and addressing this scrutiny in a robust manner can help ensure project timelines are met, add value by accelerating product delivery to market, and minimize the potential for adverse public perception of a project or the sponsoring company.
Navigating the current landscape of GHG issues is not a small challenge. The evolving environment of scientific, socioeconomic, political, and media inputs to regulatory development is resulting in a patchwork of mandatory and voluntary programs and legal requirements.
From the investor perspective, there is an increasing prevalence of shareholder proxy votes that are calling for increased transparency on environmental issues, specifically issues related to GHG emissions. During the development of major capital projects, environmental non-governmental organizations are using permit challenges as a means to delay major projects to which they are opposed. From a regulatory perspective, the challenges range from reliably and accurately accounting for emissions where required, to preparing for emerging legislation. In particular, the move towards low carbon fuel standards (LCFS) must be watched closely. If implemented, such standards would have a significant impact on the oil and gas industry—at a minimum by increasing compliance obligations, but potentially leading to new crude valuation issues or a “crude source differentiation” trend.
This paper describes how an array of tools can be used as part of a comprehensive approach to project planning. Such an approach is critical to confidently managing the landscape, which continues to shift for GHG management. Key elements of planning include (1) identifying options (technology or operating practices) to reduce emissions, (2) assessing energy flows (source and sinks) to further identify areas for improvement, and (3) establishing a framework for prioritizing the identified GHG mitigation options.
Barrier Verification: A Pillar of Industry Well Control
Authors: Ahluwalia A.I. , Novia M.D. , Fernandes M. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The oil and gas industry is well aware of the criticality of well control barriers; they are often what stand between us and catastrophe. Emphasis on barriers has become more prominent within the Oil and Gas industry, which has utilized several methods to keep the hydrocarbons where they belong. However, most provide little insight into methods of barrier verification, and the assurance of such methods.
Building on the results of previous studies that emphasize the criticality of barriers in relation to well control by J.G. Go Boncan and G.E. King & D.E. King in publications titled “BowTie and Job Hazard Analysis: A Case Study to Communicate the Barrier Philosophy as it Relates to Process Safety in Well Operations” and “Environmental Risk Arising From Well-Construction Failure—Differences Between Barrier and Well Failure, and Estimates of Failure Frequency Across Common Well Types, Locations, and Well Age” respectively, this paper addresses the need for barrier verification assurance, which is seen as the next logical step in achieving the ultimate goal of well control. Well control barriers are critical, but how is the industry verifying them? And if so, how are they assured? More importantly, is there a way to measure barrier assurance?
This paper explains an evaluation of several barrier verification methods, their strengths and limitations, taking into account various geographical, technological and resource considerations. The output of the evaluation is a Barrier Assurance Metric (BAM) which can be used to determine if there is an adequate level of barrier assurance at the well site.
A Holistic Approach to Environment and Safety in ESIAs
Authors: Pettitt G. , Westfall S. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) are a critical project tool in identifying potential impacts to the environment, and appropriate risk reduction options to manage these impacts and associated risks. Concurrent to the ESIA process, safety studies must also be undertaken for safety risks. Many of these safety risks are associated with unplanned events, and can also have environmental and social consequences.
Most impacts, including unplanned events, can be either prevented or mitigated through their early consideration during project design. If ESIA considerations and safety studies are evaluated in parallel at the concept and feasibility stages, a project will have more options available to avoid or mitigate impacts. This has a critical financial benefit, as early changes to project design are generally less expensive.
A holistic approach during the early stages of the project's concept design requires collaboration between safety professionals and ESIA specialists to identify the various hazards, their consequences, and potential risk reduction mechanisms.
This paper advocates holistic team organization, which will have the following key aspects: An outcome-focused, well organized and front-loaded approach;Collaboration to carry out project definition, ESIA, and safety studies in parallel;Embed the risk reduction measures within the project definition in collaboration with stakeholders;Satisfy the regulatory requirements and prevent environmental, social, and safety impacts from the outset; andFacilitate a positive outcome that results in sustainable development.
The integration of environmental, social, and safety considerations at the early concept and feasibility stages of a project represents a holistic approach that will result in significant cost savings and reduced risk to schedule delays as the project progresses.
One Company's in Situ Wildlife Mitigation and Monitoring Program: An Industry-Leading Approach
Authors: Saxena Amit 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Minimizing and mitigating the environmental impacts of our developments and operations is a very important business driver for Devon Canada Corporation (Devon). Devon takes this responsibility seriously, and believes in maintaining social license to operate, respecting stakeholder interests, and not just meeting, but exceeding, regulatory requirements where it makes sense to do so. Our commitment to the environment is reflected in our corporate policies, which include a Biodiversity and Land Stewardship Policy that provides overarching top-level direction to wildlife, biodiversity and land issues. Wildlife and biodiversity are among the most tangible concerns for stakeholders in Alberta's oil sands region. In 2002, very little was known about wildlife responses to in situ oil sands development. Acknowledging this information deficiency, and recognizing that in situ oil sands development was a long term and incremental commitment, Devon initiated what would become an ongoing In Situ Wildlife Mitigation and Monitoring Program to monitor wildlife populations, conduct research to fill key data gaps, and mitigate negative impacts to wildlife and biodiversity in and around our project areas. To achieve our vision of minimizing impacts to wildlife in the oil sands region, we have made biologically sound commitments, collaborated with peers and other resource sectors, developed strategic research partnerships, and engaged employees at every level throughout the company in implementation. In its current state, the Program has now been endorsed by regulators as the best-in-industry for such initiatives, and has been recognized with numerous awards for its comprehensiveness, innovation and corporate commitment.
Urticaria as a Cutaneous Sign of Adult-Onset Still's Disease
Authors: Criado Roberta F. J. , Criado Paulo Ricardo , Vasconcellos Cidia , Szajubok José Carlos M. , Michalany Nilceo S. , Kadunc Bogdana Victoria , Costa Martins Jose Eduardo 
Published: March 2015

Background: The cardinal signs and symptoms of adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) include periodic fever, arthralgia and arthritis, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, an evanescent rash accompanied by neutrophilic granulocytosis, and a negative rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibody test. Objective: To alert clinicians and dermatologists to internal diseases such as AOSD when assisting patients with urticarial eruptions and systemic symptoms. Methods: A case report of a 52-year-old white woman who received conventional therapy for urticaria for 3 years, with no improvement. Following this period, a diagnosis of AOSD was performed based on the presence of systemic symptoms. Results: The inflammatory activity markers decreased by the second month of methotrexate therapy; however, the cutaneous lesions failed to disappear. Thalidomide was initiated, and total improvement of the cutaneous lesions was observed after 2 weeks. Conclusion: Urticarial rash is an uncommon presentation of AOSD, and clinicians must be alert to the possibility of a misdiagnosis in these cases.
Mixed Vitiligo
Authors: Mulekar Sanjeev V. , Al Issa Ahmed , Asaad Marwan , Ghwish Bassel , Al Eisa Abdullah 
Published: March 2015

Background: There are two commonly recognized forms of vitiligo—generalized and localized. This classification is important to understand the course of the disease and its prognosis. Most patients have generalized vitiligo; few patients have both segmented and generalized vitiligo. Observation: We report four more cases of mixed vtiligo, segmental with generalized type. This report is only the second to present a case of segmental with generalized vitiligo. Conclusion: Mixed vitiligo is not yet part of a standard classification. Its etiology is not yet fully defined. Further research is required to understand the course and prognosis of mixed vitiligo.
Survey of Antibiotic Prescription Use for Inflamed Epidermal Inclusion Cysts
Authors: Poonawalla Tasneem , Uchida Tatsuo , Diven Dayna G. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Symptomatic epidermal inclusion cysts (EICs) are variously called “inflamed” or “infected,” and the mechanism of inflammation or suppuration is controversial. Whether physicians routinely prescribe antibiotics for inflamed EICs is of concern owing to cost and bacterial resistance. Objectives: To determine whether there is any difference in the diagnosis and treatment of EICs between primary care physicians and dermatologists and to estimate the rate and cost of antibiotic prescriptions for EICs. Methods: One hundred twenty-five primary care physicians and 52 dermatologists were surveyed using a standard case study and a photograph. Results: Sixty-seven percent of the primary care physicians used the term “infected,” whereas 69% of the dermatologists used the term “inflamed” or “ruptured.” Eighty-four percent of the general practitioners and 94% of the dermatologists chose antibiotics for treatment. Conclusion: This study shows that despite the differences between general practitioners and dermatologists in diagnosis, the majority of physicians use antibiotics for the treatment of inflamed EICs.