Greening the Desert While Helping Business and Caring for the Environment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasbindra Singh ◽  
Mustafa Lawati ◽  
Abdulkareem Hindawi ◽  
Mohammed Harthi ◽  
Abdel Samiee Rady ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Produced Water ◽  
Material Balance ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Tree Plantation ◽  
Simple Material ◽  
Carbon Footprints ◽  
Treated Water ◽  
Palm Trees ◽  
Water Disposal ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This paper describes the utilization of produced and treated formation water for planting trees and growing algae in large ponds; in a massive scale in South Oman. A detailed study has been carried out to assess the injection requirements for pressure maintenance in the producing reservoir and using the remaining excess pot-treated water for farming of the palm trees. The produced water has been used as disposal in formations deeper than the producing horizons in the past. The produced water was separated in a processing station that received gross production from a number of fields in South Oman. This water was disposed in the aquifer underlying a producing reservoir that has experienced pressure maintenance due to this disposal. The impact of this excess water disposal on the aquifer was studied to evaluate the risk of breaching cap rock integrity. The risk was not significant but to ensure "no damage to the environment and people" it was decided to reduce or optimize injection rates to maintain the reservoir pressure safeguarding reserves. In addition, the disposal of the water required significant amount of power equivalent to emitting significant amount of CO2 annually just for water disposal. The study was carried out using simple material balance methods to predict the pressure behaviour given an injection profile. The recommendations from the study have already been implemented to convert the deep-water disposal to injection in the aquifer. This has been achieved by the integration of number of interfaces from sub-surface to field operations. All the pieces are in place to take it the next level of execution that is to treat the water at surface for oil removal, hence rendering the water at acceptable quality levels for tree plantation and algae ponds. The project also aims in a future second phase to further treat the water to higher specifications allowing the use of it for agricultural purposes. This would introduce a commercial farm that will depend on this source of water. This would be a novel concept in South Oman where the treated water will be used for farming solving multiple issues at multiple levels namely helping the business achieve its objective of sustained oil production, helping local communities with employment via farming and helping the organization care for the environment by reducing carbon footprints.

scholarly journals Does Multidisciplinary Team Simulation-Based Training Improve Obstetric Emergencies Skills?

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 170
Author(s):  
Encarna Hernández ◽  
Marcos Camacho ◽  
César Leal-Costa ◽  
María Ruzafa-Martínez ◽  
Antonio Jesús Ramos-Morcillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Multidisciplinary Team ◽  
Simulation Training ◽  
Observer Agreement ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
High Fidelity ◽  
Breech Delivery ◽  
Obstetric Emergencies ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact

Clinical simulation in obstetrics has turned out to be a tool that can reduce the rate of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact and evaluate the effects of training with high-fidelity simulation of obstetric emergencies on a multidisciplinary group. The quasi-experimental research study was structured in three phases: a first phase where the most important obstetric emergencies were determined, a second phase of design and development of the selected cases for simulation training, and a third and final phase where the abilities and satisfaction of the multidisciplinary team were analyzed. Three scenarios and their respective evaluation tools of obstetric emergencies were selected for simulation training: postpartum hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, and breech delivery. The health professionals significantly improved their skills after training, and were highly satisfied with the simulation experience (p < 0.05). An inter-observer agreement between good and excellent reliability was obtained. Regarding conclusions, we can state that high-fidelity obstetric emergency simulation training improved the competencies of the health professionals.

scholarly journals Fragility assessment of existing low-rise steel moment-resisting frames with masonry infills under mainshock-aftershock earthquake sequences

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 2483-2504
Author(s):  
Luigi Di Sarno ◽  
Jing-Ren Wu
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Vulnerability ◽  
Steel Frames ◽  
Steel Frame ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Moment Frames ◽  
Damage Level ◽  
Masonry Infills ◽  
Aftershock Sequences ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Multiple Earthquakes

AbstractThis paper presents the fragility assessment of non-seismically designed steel moment frames with masonry infills. The assessment considered the effects of multiple earthquakes on the damage accumulation of steel frames, which is an essential part of modern performance-based earthquake engineering. Effects of aftershocks are particularly important when examining damaged buildings and making post-quake decisions, such as tagging and retrofit strategy. The procedure proposed in the present work includes two phase assessment, which is based on incremental dynamic analyses of two refined numerical models of the case-study steel frame, i.e. with and without masonry infills, and utilises mainshock-aftershock sequences of natural earthquake records. The first phase focuses on the undamaged structure subjected to single and multiple earthquakes; the effects of masonry infills on the seismic vulnerability of the steel frame were also considered. In the second phase, aftershock fragility curves were derived to investigate the seismic vulnerability of infilled steel frames with post-mainshock damage caused by mainshocks. Comparative analyses were conducted among the mainshock-damaged structures considering three post-mainshock damage levels, including no damage. The impact of aftershocks was then discussed for each mainshock-damage level in terms of the breakpoint that marks the onset of exceeding post-mainshock damage level, as well as the probability of exceeding of superior damage level due to more significant aftershocks. The evaluation of the efficiency of commonly used intensity measures of aftershocks was also carried out as part of the second phase of assessment.

scholarly journals Effect of Short-Term Carbapenem Restriction on Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli in an ICU

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s200-s201
Author(s):  
Mariana Melo ◽  
Raquel Bandeira ◽  
lio de Castro Giselle Dias ◽  
Braulio Couto
Keyword(s):  
High Mortality ◽  
Bacterial Resistance ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Resistance Rate ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Intervention Phase ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant ◽  
The Impact

Background: Carbapenem-resistant GNB infections are a serious public health problem worldwide, particularly due to the high mortality associated with them and the low number of therapeutic options. One approach to this challenge is the development of antimicrobial stewardship programs. Objective: We evaluated the impact of a carbapenem restriction program on reducing of bacterial resistance in an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A retrospective study conducted in 2 phases in the 80-bed ICU of an acute-care public hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The preintervention phase lasted 16 months (January 2018–April 2019) and the second phase (carbapenem restriction), after the intervention, lasted 4 months (May–August 2019). The intervention was defined as carbapenem-sparing and the use of meropenem was authorized in 3 situations: (1) treatment of serious infections documented by extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Enterobacteriacea (ESBL); (2) therapeutic failure with the use of another antimicrobial; and (3) infectious disease recommendation. Data were obtained through consultation of electronic medical records and microbiological results, as standardized by the CLSI, for patients with a >48-hour stay in the ICU and who met the criteria for healthcare-associated infection (HAI) according to the CDC NHSN definition. Results: Before the intervention, on average, 50 cultures were obtained with positive results for multidrug-resistant GNB–MER-GNB (SD, 12.2) and in the intervention phase, this number was 31 cultures (SD, 12.8; P = .010). Average carbapenem consumption decreased significantly with corresponding increase in cefepime consumption in the same period (Fig. 1). The ATB (DDD per 1,000 patient days) before the intervention for carbapenems was 110.6 (SD, 97.1) and for cefepime was 8.2 (SD, 5.9). In the intervention phase, the ATB for carbapenems was 44.7 (SD, 38.5; P = .015) and for cefepime it was 32.0 (SD, 20.3; P < .001). In terms of multidrug resistance rate, before the intervention, 95 of 149 of Acinetobacter (64%) were resistant and during the intervention, 13 of 30 Acinetobacter (43%) were resistant (P = .043). Other GNB (Klebsiella, Proteus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas) reduced the resistance rate, but without statistical significance. We observed a reduction in the HAI rate per MDR-GNB (Fig. 2): before the intervention, it was 22.7 (SD, 5.5) and during the intervention phase it was 16.5 (SD, 7.7; P = .07), although this change did not reach statistical significance. Nevertheless, the ICU Klebsiella infection rate did significantly decrease; it was 5.5 (SD, 1.9) before the intervention and 2.4 (SD, 1.8) after the intervention (P = .009). Conclusions: Short-term carbapenem restriction may be an effective strategy to reduce the incidence of carbapenem-resistant GNB infections in the ICU. The scarce arsenal available for the treatment of MDR-GNB and the high mortality rate justify the growing need for stewardship programs in Brazilian ICUs.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Sodium Hypochlorite Treatment: The Impact on Bacteria and Endotoxin Concentrations in Drinking Water Pipes of A Pig Nursery

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
Regina Böger ◽  
Karl Rohn ◽  
Nicole Kemper ◽  
Jochen Schulz
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Sodium Hypochlorite ◽  
Coliform Bacteria ◽  
Treated Water ◽  
Water Pipes ◽  
Pseudomonas Spp ◽  
Untreated Water ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Total Bacteria

Poor drinking water quality can affect pigs’ health and performance. The disinfection of water may enhance microbial water quality. In this study, bacteria and endotoxins in sodium hypochlorite-treated and -untreated water from one pig nursery were analyzed. Water samples were taken from incoming water and from compartments with treated and untreated water at the beginning and end of pipes and from nipples. The farm was visited 14 times to measure total bacteria counts and concentrations of Pseudomonas spp. and endotoxins. Additionally, the occurrence of coliform bacteria was analyzed. A mixed model analysis revealed significant reductions in total bacteria counts and Pseudomonas spp. in treated water at the beginning of pipes and at nipple drinkers. The differences between bacteria concentrations at the end of pipes had no clear trend. Endotoxin concentrations were approximately equal at the beginning of pipes and at nipple drinkers but were found to have differences at the end of pipes. The occurrence of coliform bacteria was significantly reduced in treated water. The application of sodium hypochlorite can significantly reduce bacteria in water pipes. Endotoxin concentrations were mostly unaffected by water treatment. Disinfection of the dead-end pipe sections failed, and thus these parts should be regarded as potential contamination sources.

scholarly journals Integrative analysis of <i>Geobacter</i> spp. and sulfate-reducing bacteria during uranium bioremediation

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 1033-1040 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Barlett ◽  
K. Zhuang ◽  
R. Mahadevan ◽  
D. Lovley
Keyword(s):  
Sulfate Reducing Bacteria ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Sulfate Reducing ◽  
Organic Electron ◽  
Poor Understanding ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Reducing Bacteria ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Enhancing microbial U(VI) reduction with the addition of organic electron donors is a promising strategy for immobilizing uranium in contaminated groundwaters, but has yet to be optimized because of a poor understanding of the factors controlling the growth of various microbial communities during bioremediation. In previous field trials in which acetate was added to the subsurface, there were two distinct phases: an initial phase in which acetate-oxidizing, U(VI)-reducing Geobacter predominated and U(VI) was effectively reduced and a second phase in which acetate-oxidizing sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) predominated and U(VI) reduction was poor. The interaction of Geobacter and SRB was investigated both in sediment incubations that mimicked in situ bioremediation and with in silico metabolic modeling. In sediment incubations, Geobacter grew quickly but then declined in numbers as the microbially reducible Fe(III) was depleted whereas the SRB grow more slowly and reached dominance after 30–40 days. Modeling predicted a similar outcome. Additional modeling in which the relative initial percentages of the Geobacter and SRB were varied indicated that there was little to no competitive interaction between Geobacter and SRB when acetate was abundant. Further simulations suggested that the addition of Fe(III) would revive the Geobacter, but have little to no effect on the SRB. This result was confirmed experimentally. The results demonstrate that it is possible to predict the impact of amendments on important components of the subsurface microbial community during groundwater bioremediation. The finding that Fe(III) availability, rather than competition with SRB, is the key factor limiting the activity of Geobacter during in situ uranium bioremediation will aid in the design of improved uranium bioremediation strategies.

Surfactant and Friction Reducer Interaction in High Salinity Slickwater Fracturing

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdelrahman Kotb ◽  
Tariq Almubarak ◽  
Hisham A. Nasr-El-Din
Keyword(s):  
Ethylene Oxide ◽  
Produced Water ◽  
High Salinity ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Friction Reduction ◽  
Water Salinity ◽  
Ethylene Oxide Chain ◽  
Chain Lengths ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Slickwater Fracturing

Abstract Slickwater fracturing has been phenomenally successful in unconventional shale formations due to their unique geomechanical properties. Nevertheless, these treatments consume large volumes of water. On average, hydraulic fracturing treatments use up to 13,000,000 gallons of water in unconventional wells. In an effort to reduce the use of freshwater, research has focused on developing friction reducers (FR) that can be used in high salinity brines such as seawater and produced water. However, commonly used friction reducers precipitate in high salinity brine, lose their friction reduction properties, and cause severe formation damage to the proppant pack. Consequently, this work proposes the use of common surfactants to aid the FR system and achieve salt tolerance at water salinity up to 230,000 ppm. This paper will (a) evaluate five surfactants for use in high salinity FR systems, (b) evaluate the rheological properties of these systems, and (c) evaluate the damage generated from using these systems. Four types of tests were conducted to analyze the performance of the new FR at high salinity brine. These are (a) rheology, (b) static proppant settling, (c) breakability, and (d) coreflood tests. Surfactants with ethylene oxide chain lengths ranging from 6 to 12 were incorporated in the tests. Rheology tests were done at temperatures up to 150°F to evaluate the FR at shear rates between 40-1000 s-1. Proppant settling tests were performed to investigate the proppant carrying capacity of the new FR system. Breakability and coreflood tests were conducted to study the potential damage caused by the proposed systems. Rheology tests showed that using surfactants with high ethylene oxide chain length (&gt;8) improved the performance of the FR at water salinity up to 230,000 ppm. Anionic surfactants performed better than cationic surfactants in improving FR performance. The ammonium persulfate was used as a breaker and showed effectiveness with the proposed formula. Finally, the retained permeability after 12 hours of injecting the FR was over 95%. This shows that after using this system, the productivity of the formation is minimally affected by the new FR system. This research provides the first guide on studying the impact of using different ethylene oxide chain lengths of surfactants in developing new FR systems that can perform well in a high salinity environment. Given the economic and environmental benefits of reusing produced water, this new system can save costs that were previously spent on water treatments.

The Impact of Composition and Sintering Temperature for Stainless Steel Foams (SS316L) Fabricated by Space Holder Method with Urea as Space Holder

2017 ◽  
Vol 888 ◽  
pp. 413-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zulaikha Abdullah ◽  
Sufizar Ahmad ◽  
Musfirah Ramli
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Biomedical Application ◽  
Metal Foams ◽  
Morphological Properties ◽  
Solid Matrix ◽  
Morphological Observation ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Space Holder ◽  
Closed Cell ◽  
The Impact

Metal foams are a cellular structure that has a solid matrix made of metal and has pores in their structure. Metal foams offer excellent combination of properties which led researchers interested in investigation in recent years. Closed-cell stainless steel (SS316L) foams for biomedical application were prepared by space holder method and the physical and morphological properties of SS316L foams were studied. Stainless steel (SS316L) powders as metallic material, polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a binder and Urea as a space holder material were mixed homogenously to avoid the particle wrecked. This mixture was compacted using uniaxial pressing machine and pressurized to 8 tons to formed the green body. By using tube furnace, the SS316L foams was two-stage sintered, the first phase at 600°C for 2 hours to decompose the urea, and the second phase at 1000°C, 1100°C, and 1200°C respectively to sinter the steel. The porosity and density test was carried out by applying Archimedean principles, while morphological observation was done by using Field Emission Scanning Electron (FESEM). The samples with 40wt.% SS316L composition and sintered at temperature of 1100°C, leads to porosities of about 44.539% and show the potential as the best metal foams.

scholarly journals Diferencias cinemáticas del golpeo de fútbol entre futbolistas expertos y sujetos inexpertos (Soccer kick kinematic differences between experienced and non-experienced soccer players)

Retos ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 63-66
Author(s):  
Alejandro Muñoz López ◽  
José Antonio González Jurado
Keyword(s):  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Maximum Power ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Film System ◽  
Phase Duration ◽  
Soccer Kick ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hip Extension

Objetivo: Examinar las diferencias cinemáticas del golpeo con empeine entre futbolistas expertos y sujetos inexpertos. Sujetos: Se analizaron 17 hombres de 17 a 21 años. Metodología: Se utilizó un sistema de fotogrametría 3D con cuatro cámaras. Los sujetos ejecutaron golpeos con el empeine a máxima potencia. Se analizó la Velocidad del Pie en el Impacto, la Máxima Extensión de Cadera, la Máxima Flexión de Rodilla y la Duración de las Fases del gesto. Resultados: Se hallaron diferencias significativas en la Velocidad del Pie de la pierna no hábil en el momento del impacto (m/s) (Expertos: 14,5±.52, Inexpertos: 12.5±.5; p<.001) y Máxima Extensión de Cadera (grados) (Expertos: 39.2±1.3, Inexpertos: 34.28±3.2; p<.001). También hubo diferencias significativas en la Duración de la Fase 2 en ambas piernas (p<.05). Conclusiones: El golpeo con el empeine total en fútbol presenta diferencias significativas entre grupos de diferente nivel tan solo en la pierna no dominante. Palabra clave: golpeo, fútbol, biomecánica, empeine.Abstract: T; Purpose: to examine kinematic differences of instep soccer kick between experienced and non-experienced soccer players. Subjects: 17 men between 17 and 21 years old. Methodology: a 3D film system with 4 cameras was used. Maximum power instep kicks were executed. It was analyzed feet velocity in the impact, maximum hip extension, maximum knee flexion and kick phases duration. Results: were found significant differences in feet velocity with non-dominant leg in the impact moment (m/s) (Experienced: 14.5±.52, Non-experienced: 12.5±.5; p<.001) and maximum hip extension (degrees) (Experienced: 39.2 ± 1.3, Non-experienced: 34.28±3.2; p<.001). Also were significant differences in the second phase duration in both legs (p<.05). Conclusions: Maximum instep soccer kick show significant differences between groups of different level only in non-dominant leg.Key words: kick, soccer, biomechanics, instep.

scholarly journals New Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon T. Shaheen
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Quality Control ◽  
New Mexico ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Produced Water ◽  
Recycled Water ◽  
Water Quality Control ◽  
Treated Water ◽  
Gas Drilling ◽  
Legislative Session

Under the Produced Water Act (“Act”) enacted in the 2019 regular legislative session, the New Mexico Legislature authorized the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (“OCD”) and the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission (“WQCC”) to regulate produced water resulting from oil and gas drilling or production. The Act governs the transportation and sale of produced water, recycled water (also referred to as recycled produced water), and treated water (also referred to as treated produced water).

scholarly journals A Comparison between Dedicated and Flexible Manufacturing Systems: Optimization and Sensitivity Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-139
Author(s):  
Abdul Salam Khan ◽  
Khawer Naeem ◽  
Raza Ullah Khan
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Flexible Manufacturing ◽  
Manufacturing Systems ◽  
Manufacturing System ◽  
Cost Minimization ◽  
Process Time ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Solution Approach ◽  
The Impact

An abrupt change requires a robust and flexible response from a manufacturing system. Dedicated Manufacturing System (DMS) has been a long practiced taxonomy for mass production and minimum varieties. In contrast, Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) has been introduced for responding to quantity as well as variety issues. This study considers both production taxonomics by using a multi objective model of cost and time. An Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulation is presented and subsequently validated. The analysis procedure is administered in two phases. In the first phase, comparison of production cost and process time in DMS and FMS is presented. The model is implemented by using an exact solution approach and results show that FMS is a viable option, compared to DMS, according to the criteria of cost, time, and productivity. In the second phase, sensitivity analysis is performed by using several FMS (n) and the impact of cells selection on the performance of system is studied. It is concluded that n=1 (single cell-based FMS) is more relevant for cost minimization; however, n = 6 is a suitable candidate for producing more quantity in given time horizon (process time minimization). Lastly, key findings are reported, and future research avenues are provided.

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