bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Association of Testosterone Levels with Overall Sleep Quality, Sleep Architecture, and Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Authors: Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Dam Thuy-Tien , Stone Katie , Harrison Stephanie Litwack , Redline Susan , Orwoll Eric ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study Group
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Context: Little is known about the association of low endogenous testosterone levels and abnormal sleep patterns in older men, although pharmacological doses of testosterone are associated with increased severity of sleep apnea and other sleep disturbances.
Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the association between serum testosterone levels with objectively measured sleep characteristics.
Design: This was a cohort study.
Setting: Community-dwelling men aged 65 yr or older from six clinical centers in the United States participated in the study.
Participants and Main Outcome Measures: A total of 1312 men had baseline total testosterone levels measured in 2000–2002, followed 3.4 yr later by 72-h (minimum) actigraphy and one-night in-home polysomnography to assess sleep duration, sleep fragmentation, and sleep apnea. Analyses were performed by quartile of total testosterone and categorically defined low vs. higher total testosterone (&lt;250 ng/dl vs. ≥250 ng/dl). Lifestyle and body size were covariates.
Results: Total testosterone levels were unrelated to age or duration of sleep. Men with lower testosterone levels had lower sleep efficiency, with increased nocturnal awakenings and less time in slow-wave sleep as well as a higher apnea-hypopnea index and more sleep time with O2 saturation levels below 90%. Low testosterone levels were associated with overweight, and all significant associations were attenuated or absent after adjusting for body mass index or waist circumference. In a post hoc analysis in men with higher body mass index (&gt;27 kg/m2), testosterone was significantly associated with more periods awake after sleep onset and lower sleep efficiency.
Conclusion: Low total testosterone levels are associated with less healthy sleep in older men. This association is largely explained by adiposity. Clinical trials are necessary to determine whether body weight acts directly or indirectly (via low testosterone) in the causal pathway for sleep-disordered breathing in older men.
HS&E Management System Audit Program as a Risk Management Tool
Authors: Silverstone Mark , Kuykendall Dina 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Baker Hughes’ internal HS&E Audit Program has evolved into a standard approach used across the entire Enterprise. Audits are conducted to verify conformance with elements of the Company HS&E MS (Management System) and local operational procedures and compliance with applicable regulations. The choice of audit sites is based on risk. Emphasis is placed on making the audit a constructive exercise by highlighting positive aspects of HS&E performance. At the same time, the highest levels of management pay close attention to progress in reducing the incidence and potential severity of high-risk conditions.
Standardization of audit procedures and reporting serve to highlight results in the form of special HS&E achievements, known as "Noteworthy Efforts" to be shared within the organization and important opportunities to improve, known as "Findings". The severity of typical Findings range from "Observations" that merely suggest specific actions to improve HS&E performance to "Major Findings" that are brought to the immediate attention of management and the Executive Leadership of the Company. Use of a database to collect and compile information on Audit results and to track progress on Corrective Action Plans (CAP) provides accountability for reduction of risks to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) levels. The database further provides indications of the need for increased focus on certain MS elements when audit results indicate trends in the form of frequently noted or especially high-risk Findings. Therefore, these data provide a means to measure "leading indicators" of HS&E performance.
The keys to success of the Program include consistency and standardization provided by auditor mentoring, training and practice at numerous sites, as well as an understanding of the value of the Audit Program and commitment in the form of resources and attention at all levels of the organization. The true value of the Audit Program is that the commitment to it both depends upon and, at the same time, reinforces the Company culture of achievement and continuous improvement to which the audit program contributes.
This paper presents the basic design of the Audit Program, features of the database and some of the results that make the Program a valuable risk control and performance enhancement tool.
HSE Leadership Development Programmes—What Really Works
Authors: Siokos George , Karish John M. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The oil and gas industry recognizes that leadership is a key consideration in the creation of an incident free workplace. While definitions around leadership seem to have a consistent flavor, usually worded as "walking the talk, leading cultural change, developing people", or similar, the methodology and success to achieve these outcomes is often more problematic and varies from one organization to the next.
Our experience in working globally, with many oil and gas operators and contractors, in many worksites and with thousands of employees who have safety as a prime value, is that effective leadership and incident free workplaces are inseparable. And yet it seems that the standard response to developing the strength of leaders is to ‘sheep-dip’ them in ineffective non-related training programs.
Programs which rarely translate back to the workplace can confuse and make more difficult the role of leaders in such a unique environment. How should a leader interpret "walk the talk" in an environment inundated with paperwork and systems checks? How do they know where to begin cultural change on a rig with many and significant cultural groups? Our experience is that with the best of intentions we provide leaders with more questions than practical solutions.
Research and experience suggests that for a leadership program to impact positively on an incident free workplace there are four key elements which must be present. These are: A clear and articulated organisational need,A strong link to the role of leaders in terms of accountability and responsibility for addressing the need,An intervention program tailored around the organisation's culture andStrong support after the program to assist leaders apply new learning in the workplace.
Irrespective, the specific methodology may differ from one location to the next and one organisation to the next. There are some common themes amongst the variety of (HSE) leadership programs that we can learn from to ensure that future programs are designed in a way that maximizes the opportunity for success.
This paper will explore two case studies, arising from work done by the authors across major operators and drilling contractors to compare and contrast methodology and results. For the purposes of this comparison we also provide a further third case study from outside the E&P industry which we believe adds valuable insights to this debate
Managing Marine Mammal Issues: Corporate Policy, Stakeholder Engagement, Applied Research, and Training
Authors: Streever Bill , Ahmad Lidia , Barley Brian , Edwards John , Gnecco Claudia , Herlugson Chris , Walls Anne 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Offshore development requires management of potential impacts of industry sounds on marine mammals. From a business perspective, industry representatives should realize that stakeholders and the regulatory community often assume, a priori, that industry sounds will impact whales, seals, and other marine mammals. The onus is on industry to demonstrate that potential impacts—including behavioral impacts—can be mitigated to an acceptable level. Furthermore, acceptable levels of mitigation must be demonstrated against a backdrop of confusion caused in part by a poor understanding of industry sounds and underwater sound propagation, incomplete knowledge of marine mammal hearing ability, and limited data on the ability of sound to injure or change the behavior of marine mammals. This paper describes BP's strategy for managing this issue. The key elements of this strategy include: A flexible corporate approach through adherence to environmental performance requirements, which guide operations globally but allow the flexibility needed to consider regionally or locally important issues, such as differences in species, sound sources, business requirements, and other factors.Constructive engagement with stakeholders who might influence business outcomes.Support of applied research that might yield results with either regional or global business ramifications.Establishment of a training program to better prepare the BP work force involved with marine mammal issues.
While this approach may not be well suited for every oil and gas company, it is clear that all companies need to articulate, at least internally, a strategy that recognizes the issue of marine mammals and underwater sound in a business context. Ignoring the issue, or hoping that it will not impact operations, is to run an unacceptable risk of delayed or inefficient projects and expensive lost opportunities.
Linking Management Responses to Quantitative Assessment of Cumulative Environmental Impact Consequences
Authors: Winton Trevor , Lorkin Mark , Papiccio Emilio 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
As part of the Cumulative Environmental Impact Study for Australia's North West Shelf (NWS) province, and in the absence of suitable techniques linking management responses to cumulative impacts, a methodology was developed to assess cumulative impact consequences, both on a qualitative and quantitative level, for existing and future activities.
An Impact Consequence Assessment Matrix was developed, derived from the combination of Environmental Effect (qualitatively or quantitatively assessed from ‘Serious’ to ‘Non-Significant’) and Effect Duration (‘Permanent’ to ‘Transient’). In a manner familiar within risk matrices, the combined position within the Matrix defines the Impact Consequence Level. Using these defined impact consequences, ALARP principles are applied to environmental impact assessment in a structured and systematic manner to guide management responses, in a similar manner to their traditional use within risk assessment.
The technique was applied to the assessment of cumulative impacts for both oil & gas and non-O&G industry activities affecting the offshore and nearshore marine, atmospheric and terrestrial environments on the NWS. Due to the very high levels of environmental assessment and management embedded into the design and operation of existing projects, individual environmental impact consequences were typically quantified at the lower impact levels which are tolerable without further additional management action. Some individual and a number of cumulative effects from multiple projects/activities resulted in higher level impact consequences requiring management response appropriate to the level and certainty of consequence.
This innovative methodology has the ability to identify appropriate environmental management actions, for currently operated projects and potential future projects, based on quantification and ranking of individual and cumulative environmental impacts across all environmental settings. It is immediately applicable for environmental managers to help better manage the environment for which they are responsible, as well as a tool to assist with environmental planning of future projects.
Industrial Hygiene Risk Assessment Using a Risk Assessment Software: A Nigerian Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Company's Experience
Authors: Wokomah Ajukwura Lymn , Courandier Jean-Michel 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Exploration and production of oil and gas exposes workers to some inherent health hazards associated with use of chemicals, exposure to physical and biological agents and poor ergonomic design of work places. Health hazards and the associated occupational illnesses can be easily overlooked in a regular HSE Management system since health hazards are not always apparent and may take many years for the effects to manifest in workers. Putting in place an effective risk assessment tool and an employee health management system will help employers to answer the very important question - when, where, how and to what hazard is an employee potentially exposed at work? An industrial hygiene risk assessment methodology was developed and tested in an oil and gas exploration and production multinational company in Nigeria. The method entails the systematic assessment of the potential risk of tasks resulting from the intrinsic hazard of chemical products and other hazardous agents (noise, radiations, extreme temperatures, biohazards, etc), and estimating the duration and frequency of tasks carried out by Similar Exposure Groups (SEGs) of workers. The method also estimates the protection means available in the workplace and hence calculates the residual risk to be managed by employers. The results of the risk assessment exercise are consolidated in a Risk Assessment File document detailing action plans to mitigate high potential residual risks. To facilitate this risk assessment process and enhance employee health data archiving and retrieval, a database management and risk assessment software was employed. The software includes Chemical/MSDS management, Human Resources information, Risk Assessment/Estimation, Personnel Monitoring and link to Occupational Medical data. The use of the software has greatly enhanced access to employee exposure assessments records and overall management of occupational health of the Company's workforce.
Building Stakeholder Consensus for an Oil Pipeline in Lago Agrio, Ecuador
Authors: Benalcazar Fernando L. , Thurber Mark William 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Petroleum companies operating in the Ecuadorian Amazon historically have been faced with strong community opposition to large infrastructure projects, particularly pipelines. Pipelines have been delayed in government permitting, communities have attempted to stop construction, legal actions have been initiated for environmental and community damages during and after construction, and operating pipelines have been sabotaged causing lost production and significant environmental damage from oil spills and significant social impact from contamination or explosions.
AEC Ecuador Ltd., a subsidiary of EnCana Corporation (EnCana), and Walsh began evaluating strategies in 2002 for mitigating these costly impediments to permitting, building and operating a crude oil pipeline around the rapidly growing Amazonian city of Lago Agrio. A total of 13 different right-of-way (ROW) alternatives were investigated in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment process to determine the three best and potentially least controversial routes. The Company encouraged four other petroleum producers to share a single ROW – a proposal without precedent in Ecuador – and a decision was made: all committed to use the same ROW to reduce social and environmental impacts from multiple ROWs crossing Lago Agrio.
A comprehensive and transparent stakeholder engagement strategy was developed to facilitate community participation and evaluation of the three alternatives. The stakeholders included local, regional and national government; community councils and associations; non-governmental and religious organizations; and individual landowners. Field visits were conducted, technical presentations were provided, formal and informal comments were solicited and workshops were conducted to arrive at a hybrid alternative with micro routing around areas of stakeholder concern. A key strategic decision was made by the Company to maintain transparency throughout consultation process and flexibility in the final design, despite an atmosphere of continuous conflict stemming from another recently constructed pipeline in the city. The affected communities also participated directly in construction monitoring and environmental and social compliance assessment. Due to the high level of community acceptance and proactive environmental approach, the government regulators allowed for a special exemption from the hydrocarbon law to allow multiple pipelines in a single ROW and as consequence, the existing regulation was identified as outdated compared with current international industry practice for ROW.
The pipelines in the ROW were constructed in 2003 with no public controversy and have been operating to date without incidents and without any complaint about the stakeholder strategy and methodology. There have been no legal challenges.
Plant Threats management
Authors: boukoftane Abderrahmane 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The "Plant Threats Management" is an HSE system developed in GASCO ASAB (UAE) and has been in application for more than two years now.
It is a live HSE system, in the way that it treats mainly the live threats which exist in the plant. A live threat is a risky situation which exists anywhere in the plant and is waiting to be converted to an incident. We know its presence, its location and its threat level.
In general a live threat is difficult to correct in the immediate stage, leaving us with an on-going live risk.
This HSE system focuses on the live threats, as opposed to other systems, which assess the potential threats or hazards which can be controlled or eliminated with proper and adequate controls.
The paper will describe: –The live threats.–The identification of live threats.–The "Live Threats Register".–The Risk-ranking of the threats.–Providing short-term and long-term solutions.–The "Threats register" Review.
Sound and Marine Life: An International Joint Industry Programme for Research and Development
Authors: Smies M. , Young J. V. , Gentry R. L. , Campbell J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The international Oil and Gas industry recognises the interest of regulators and environmental interest groups in the effects of man-made sound in the marine environment. For offshore oil and gas activities, this interest is focussed on, but not limited to, seismic surveying. Marine seismic surveys use air guns to produce pressure waves that are reflected by the subsurface geological strata. The reflected acoustic signals are processed to obtain two- or three-dimensional models of the geological structure.
While there is little evidence that seismic surveys have significantly negative impacts on populations of marine animals, there are considerable knowledge gaps that prevent comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation. In consequence, environmental regulators may and do impose limitations on seismic survey work to prevent or mitigate potentially negative impacts.
A number of oil and gas companies together with the International Association of Geophysical Contractors have initiated a Joint Industry Programme on Sound and Marine Life. This programme is funding research to obtain a better understanding of industry sound sources, the propagation of sound and the effects of such sounds on marine life. In addition, the programme is directed at the development of risk assessment and mitigation methodologies, including alternative technologies that produce less sound.
"Shadows", A Dynamic Safety Initiative
Authors: Genevois Jean-Michel , Bouillet Michel , Nilsson Torgny , Bergerot Jean-Louis , Vidal Jean-Claude 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
In 2005, it was evident for Total E&P UK that the battle for incident free drilling and well maintenance operations would become more difficult, with activity booming, lack of experienced workforce and the arrival of a younger generation of recruits. In the mature operating environment of the North Sea, a new Safety initiative needed to alert offshore teams to hazards around them and without adding procedures on top of existing ones.
The vision was to enhance risk awareness of newcomers who were not familiar with the hazards of the oil and gas industry and to refresh memory of the more experienced personnel through a paper and procedure less program.
The drilling team's initial inspiration was the power of the black silhouettes displayed on roadsides where traffic accidents had occurred.
The idea was to build our own silhouettes to display them on the drilling rigs, at locations where real or potential incidents had happened. Newcomers would immediately recognise hazards from the silhouettes and would learn details of the incident from an associated Safety Alert displayed on the provided "Shadows Board". The silhouettes stay in a given place for not more than three weeks for each Safety Alert, before being re-positioned. This is the dynamic aspect of the process. Contractors, as well as Operators, had collections of Safety Alerts which were gathered to construct a Safety Alert data bank which now contains around 1000 alerts, all laminated and part of the "Shadows Kit". Total E&P UK drilling and well maintenance team also produce its own Safety Alerts.
After a Shadows pilot test of six months on 4 drilling units, early positive results indicated a significant reduction of high potential incidents. From these encouraging results, Exploration and Production branch's Drilling Division of Total extended the initiative to fifty rigs worldwide.
The paper will detail how the project was handled with Contractors’ participation and will present the outcome of the project in terms of Safety culture, learning organisation and performance achievements, as well as future perspectives.
Improving Accuracy in Calculating NOx Emissions from Gas Flaring
Authors: Bakken Jørn , Langørgen Øyvind , Husdal Geir , Henriksen Tonje S. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The paper will present a proposal for a more accurate NOX emission factor and methodology for reporting NOX emissions from offshore gas flaring. The work has been performed by the authors on behalf of the Norwegian Oil Industry Association and the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate.
There are large uncertainties in reported NOX emissions from gas flaring. In Norway, a default emission factor of 12 g NOX/Sm3 of flare gas has been used since 1993 for reporting NOX emissions from offshore flaring. Increased focus on NOX emissions has raised the question how correct this constant value is. The factor does not account for variations in gas compositions, flare rates or flare types. Furthermore, this Norwegian default factor for offshore flaring is about 10 times higher than in other comparable countries. This emphasizes the need for further work in this field and that the basis for data brought into international treaties may vary significantly.
The present work has reanalysed earlier small and medium scale experimental data, and also included more recent DIAL measurements performed on full scale onshore flares (DIAL is a laser based measurement system). A new scaling law for the NOX emissions is proposed, which accounts for both the different gas types and pipe dimensions used in the experiments and measurements. Data scatter is significantly reduced compared to the original scaling law.
NOX emissions from several offshore flares have been calculated with the new scaling law by using recent flare data. Estimated total NOX emissions are reduced by 83% compared with today's calculation methodology in Norway using a constant value of 12 g NOX/Sm3 of flared gas.