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Background and Objective: Noise is a kind of mechanical energy that is sensed by the human auditory system. It can cause physiological and psychological disturbances, therefore controlling the exposure to this harmful factor is highly important in industrial and non-industrial work environments. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of acoustic barriers on noise reduction in one generator building. Materials and Methods: This case study was conducted in four stages in January 2020, which included: determining the purpose of the measurement, gathering information from the site, selecting the proper material, designing, installing the noise barrier, and evaluating its effectiveness. The level of environmental noise was measured according to ISO 9612-2009 [E] using Casella CEL-450 Sound Level Meter. Results: The average noise reduction, 1 m from the noise barrier was 19.5 dB, the highest recorded transmission loss was 22.4 dB. at 8000 Hz. Conclusion: The sound barrier introduced in this project is recommended for similar conditions with effectiveness of 19±0.5 dB due to the simplicity of the design, ease of implementation, and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an outline of the basic organizational structure of the oil industry in south-eastern Poland in the years 1944–1989 from the perspective of national levels of management and the conditions of the Polish People’s Republic. The paper begins with an exploration of the current state of research, describing the previous principles of functioning of the industry in Galician times and the period of the Second Republic of Poland. Particular attention is given to the transformation to the socialist model of oil industry management after WWII, its national and territorial organization, and the functioning of branches of central institutions in companies located in the territory of the contemporary Podkarpacie. The paper then examines changes to the organizational structure of local extraction plants and refineries. In conclusion, the article states that frequent and poorly justified (at least financially) structural changes demonstrate a lack of comprehensive and long-term of management of this branch of economy in the economic plans of People’s Poland.

The paper reviews an approach to systemic evaluation of projects implemented in the oil industry in connection with preferences granted for paying the resource extraction tax. The project under consideration concerns a set of solutions aimed at increased oil production by a large oil company (hereinafter the Company). The approach put forward by the authors of the paper is based on the input-output table analysis that allows demonstrating and appraising commercial effect of proposed solutions as well as tracing the full chain of inter-industry collaboration and the impact of the project on the Russian economy at large. Calculations have been made on the basis of the dynamic input-output model of the Russian economy developed at the Institute of Economics and Industrial Engineering of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science). This approach, among other things, makes it possible to estimate those additional revenue inflows to the consolidated budget of Russian Federation that relate in particular to indirect effects from implementation of the project. An important feature of the proposed approach is consideration of dynamic economic processes that take place not only in the oil industry but also industries adjacent to it and with due regard for interaction between industries in the Russian economy as a whole.

Abstract Bentonite used for drilling operations in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria is mainly imported into the country. This project evaluated the efficiency of additives and their function in enhancing the rheological and flow properties of local bentonite clay, obtained from Ibule-soro in Ondo State, Nigeria. X-Ray diffraction analysis of clay samples from previous research around the study area indicated large amount of silica, alumina, and iron contents suggesting that the clays were kaolinite in nature. The clay samples were analyzed for their rheological properties and subsequently compared with the imported bentonite with American Petroleum Institute (API) specifications as standard. The results obtained showed that the local bentonite exhibited low viscosity and high filtration loss. Therefore, to enhance the quality of the clay, it was beneficiated with sodium carbonate ( $${\text{Na}}_{2} {\text{CO}}_{3}$$ Na 2 CO 3 ) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Seven different formulations were made: (20 g of Imported bentonite), (20 g of local Bentonite Clay), (20 g of local Bentonite Clay + 3.3 g of $${\text{Na}}_{2} {\text{CO}}_{3}$$ Na 2 CO 3 + 10 g of CMC), (25 g of local Bentonite Clay + 4.2 g of $${\text{Na}}_{2} {\text{CO}}_{3}$$ Na 2 CO 3 + 10 g of CMC), (30 g of local Bentonite Clay + 5.0 g of $${\text{Na}}_{2} {\text{CO}}_{3}$$ Na 2 CO 3 + 10 g of CMC), (35 g of local Bentonite Clay + 5.8 g of $${\text{Na}}_{2} {\text{CO}}_{3}$$ Na 2 CO 3 + 10 g of CMC), and (40 g of local Bentonite Clay + 6.7 g of $${\text{Na}}_{2} {\text{CO}}_{3}$$ Na 2 CO 3 + 10 g of CMC).The addition of additives (CMC and $${\text{Na}}_{2} {\text{CO}}_{3}$$ Na 2 CO 3 ) reduced the calcium content via the cation exchange process and enhanced the rheological properties of the mud samples. The research work revealed that beneficiation of local bentonite with sodium carbonate, the addition of polymer (CMC), and an increase in clay concentration influenced the rheological and flow properties of mud samples. With proper beneficiation of local bentonite in Nigeria, they can be made suitable for drilling operations in the oil and gas industry.

The relevance of the study is due to the critical importance for the country of technological breakthrough, overcoming the inhibition of modernization processes. The novelty of the study is in the fact that on the basis of published and declassified archival documents, the problem of implementing the development plans for the oil industry in the years of the first five-year plans is investigated, factors that determine their failure are identified. As the main reasons, based on the results of the analysis of documentary data, serious strategic miscalculations in planning, the elimination of a whole cohort of brilliant oil workers were identified. The studied documents and materials made it possible to formulate the conclusion that large-scale plans were not fully supported by financial, human, technological resources. It is proved that this caused a disproportion between the growth of the national economy and the country's fuel balance. Particular attention is paid to the serious miscalculations of the Soviet government regarding the creation of an oil base in the east of the country. It is proved that, despite the recommendations of prominent scientists, only in the late 1930s the course changed, the realization of the need to search and develop new deposits in the Ural-Volga region came. It is concluded that as a result, by 1941, this oil-bearing region was not sufficiently mastered, but the foundation of “Second Baku” was laid.

Iran holds the first and third rank worldwide in gas and oil reservoirs, respectively; therefore, projects executed in this noble industry requires accurate contracts.In order to optimize accomplishment of industrial design-build projects, designing new coordinates of EPC identical documents with the least potential problems is inevitable, In a way that, with certifying the time and fee stated in the contract to the most possible extent, with the highest quality and fewest claims, the desired results be obtained and the project be fulfilled with the best quality. To this end, with the pursuit of library based studies, investigating international documents particularly FIDIC silver book, reviewing articles, theses, rules and regulations, existing problems and deficiencies have been identified through designing, distributing, and collecting a survey from the elites after having the obtained results analyzed and thus this conclusion has been drawn that, in addition to reforming the structure and conceptual model of the document, it is also required that the obligations and liabilities of both parties of the contract be minutely specified and the logical distribution of the risk be conducted. Especially, in the area of delay in payment to the contractors, the mechanism required for compensating the loss needs to be anticipated. moreover, the articles related to contract price, commencement date conditions, basic design, assurance, guaranty letters, contractors facilities, suspension, provisional taking over, termination, waiver and other cases need to be corrected and the rules that are required to be expressly mentioned in the context of general conditions of the contract be stated.

Projects play an important role in various organizations, especially in project and executive organizations, but currently, projects especially industrial projects are associated with time delays. Predicting the time delay in carrying out oil projects is of particular importance. It is beneficial because of the 25% role of the oil industry in GDP and 85% in the share of exports and the average delay of 30% in EPC projects. In this research, the most important factors affecting time delay of the projects and the rules, which shows reasons of the delay are identified. The data were collected from the database of contracts and projects sector of South Pars Oil and Gas Company. Two hundred six projects were selected and considering different criteria, the time delay were predicted. Five decision tree algorithms were used to predict the project time delay, including C&R, C5, CHILD, QUEST, and AS. Validation results showed C5 and CHILD three algorithms are the bests with the accuracy of about 91%.

Introduction. The relevance of the subject is proved by the interest in the activity of the fuel and energy complex which remains for Russia one of the economic system donors. In this regard, there is growing interest in the experience of the energy industry development in other states, for example to the oil industry reforms in the Great Britain in the last quarter of the 20th century. Methods and materials. The basis of the research is made by works of foreign authors and sources in English. The complex structure of the object of study determines using general historical techniques and the system approach. Analysis. The research of the evolution of the British oil industry is connected with considering the general economic situation in the country and the dominating ideological attitudes of the United Kingdom authorities concerning the economic system during the post-war period. It is possible to note that British authorities paid close attention to the oil industry. The privatization of oil enterprises, which began in the second half of the 1970s, became a reaction to the changes of the economic situation within the country and in the world. It was the tactical maneuver under the Labourists directed to stabilization of the economic system without its essential updating. The subsequent transformations of the oil industry under the Conservatives were based on the basis of the economic paradigm revision, with the expectation of reducing the state’s participation in the ownership of enterprise assets, forming a broad layer of owners, both among small and large holders of securities, as well as strengthening the independence of fuel companies. Results. As a result of the reforms in the market, several fuel companies different in power, continued working. The authorities got an opportunity not only to replenish the budget, but also to fulfill the mechanisms of indirect impact on the oil industry that, on the one hand, allowed to differentiate the spheres of the parties’ responsibilities, and on the other hand, to maintain the influence of the state in the strategic segment of economy.

The article deals with the external and internal barriers and the results of the impact of such restrictions on the development of the innovation process in the oil and gas complex of Russia, as well as an objective assessment of the current situation in the field of innovations in the oil and gas industry. The aim of the study is to analyze the current barriers and opportunities to overcome them on the way to unlocking the potential of Russian import substitution programs, as well as the introduction of new technologies in the oil and gas industries. The study is based on the hypothesis that process innovations in the oil and gas sector have an obvious impact not only on the final results of specific companies in the industry, but also on the overall state of the national economy. Today we can observe the process of transition of the Russian economy to an innovative way of development. Such a transformation is of great importance for the further development of the country, and the strategic directions of transition to an innovative type of economic development were identified in the Concept of long-term socio-economic development in 2020. One of the long-term goals was to increase the share of innovation in the economic growth of the Russian Federation. The process of innovation in enterprises is usually long-term and involves some barriers that require systematization and substantive consideration. Thus, the article assesses the potential economic damage from the existing barriers to the innovative development of the oil and gas sector. The analysis of the sanctions pressure of Western countries on the Russian oil and gas complex companies and the effect of sanctions restrictions in the long term. The scientific base of the work is based on the data of state statistics, analytical data of fuel and energy complex companies, foreign sources, as well as on the assessments of independent experts.

The studies devoted to the analysis of the diversification of production activities of the largest public oil companies and its impact on their cost do not consider production or financial factors, which are important indicators for assessing the development prospects of companies.In this article, an econometric analysis will be carried out to identify the external and internal factors affecting the capitalization of the largest vertically integrated oil companies, and for the first time, profitability ratios for each of them will be used to test the hypothesis about the positive impact of diversification of activities on the upstream and downstream segments.As a result of the study, it was found that an increase in profitability in the upstream segment leads to an increase in the value of oil companies shares, while profitability in the downstream segment turned out to be an insignificant factor that negatively affects the dependent variable.The obtained results indicate that investors are more oriented to the financial indicator related to the production sector, ignoring the refining segment, which may lead to underestimation of oil companies and subsequent adjustments of stock prices.The final conclusions can be used by investment companies and other stock market participants as part of investment decision making process regarding the acquisition/sale of shares of large vertically integrated oil companies.As part of the development of a study on the valuation of oil companies, it could be analyzed the influence of the factors considered in the work on firms that conduct production activities separately in upstream and downstream segments.

Nowadays, oil companies have to deal with an increasingly competitive environment. In this sense, the optimization of operational processes to enhance efficiency is crucial. This article addresses the design of a decision support tool for the inland upstream transport logistics in the oil industry based on a case of study in Argentina. This problem is traditionally difficult to solve for managers due to the large number of demand facilities scattered on a large geographic area that have to be served and the consideration of several operational requirements, such as maximum allowable travel times for vehicles, availability of a limited fleet size with a small number of drivers, plus the usual demand constraints as well as those arising from security risks derived from the incompatibility of chemical products. A novel mathematical formulation and a constructive heuristic are proposed in order to address this problem. The results allow to reduce the time that the company spends for obtaining a feasible distribution plan that minimizes the time horizon of the distribution schedule provided to the clients and enhances customer satisfaction.

In reality, most state actors—especially those in the developing world—are usually incapable of effectively governing all facets of their territory. This has necessitated the intervention of non-state actors (in this instance, corporations), who through their social responsibility engagements act as functional equivalents to state-driven government. Using empirical data, this article evaluates the "governance" interventions of corporations in the oil industry in Nigeria's Delta region. While arguing that the area qualifies as an area of limited statehood, the article asserts that corporate social responsibility practices that are based on Western (neoliberal) approaches cannot contribute effectively to the sustainable development of host-communities. In this context, the article contends that since the social responsibility engagements of corporations in the Niger Delta (as in most developing countries) are influenced by a pro-West philosophy, the end result is a business responsibility engagement which is ineffective as a development strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The probability of being injured or killed from an occupational incident is much higher than a process mishap in the oil and gas industry. The aim of this study was to establish a model for predicting the probability of occupational fall incidents using Bayesian networks. Methods. The study was performed in a selected number of oil refineries. Bayesian network variables (n = 18) were identified using literature as well as expert knowledge. These contributing factors were categorized into four layers (organizational, supervisory, preconditions and unsafe acts) according to the Swiss cheese model. Causal relationships among contributing factors were determined using expert judgment in combination with Dempster–Shafer theory. The conditional probability table of each contributing factor was measured using a questionnaire. Results. The prior probability of fall events was 5.34% (53 cases per 1000 operational workers in 12 months). The posterior probability predicted that using fall protection devices and safe working platforms will decrease more than half (58%) of fall occupational incidents. Conclusion. Bayesian network features including graphical representation, easy belief updating, performance testing and sensitivity analysis facilitate the process of predicting occupational incident probability including fall events. The proposed approach is a step toward quantitative risk analysis of occupational incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Studies point to a complex and multifactorial aetiology for sickness absence, but there is still insufficient evidence on how occupational and non-occupational risk factors contribute to this phenomenon. This study aimed to identify occupational and non-occupational factors related to sickness absence in oil industry workers, as well as their population attributable fractions (PAF). Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 2028 oil industry workers was conducted in the state of Bahia, Brazil, between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2016. Study data were obtained from workers´ medical register. The dependent variable was the first event of sick leave for five or more days, and the independent variables were gender, age, years of work, type of work activity, level of education, work schedule, awkward working postures, body mass index, smoking, physical activity and alcohol consumption. Cox regression analysis identified risk factors to the outcome and PAF were calculated. Results: Being female (HR 1.79), being older (HR 1.44), non-graduated ones (HR 1.44), being of operational staff (HR 1.18), overweight (HR 1.13), obesity (HR 1.39), smoking (HR 1.61) and former smoking (HR 1.30) were risk factors for sickness absence in this cohort. Of all sickness absence in the study population, 6% could be attributed to overweight, 10% to obesity, and 8% to smoking. Conclusion: To prevent sick leave, we recommend programs focused on combating smoking and encouraging healthy habits, aiming at weight control and the prevention of chronic diseases. Population attributable fractions point that a universal approach, aimed at the total population will be more cost-effective than health promotion programmes restricted for high-risk populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 1860s, petroleum companies, through their influence on local governments, port authorities, international actors and the general public gradually became more dominant in shaping the urban form of ports and cities. Under their development and pressure, the relationships between industrial and urban areas in port cities hosting oil facilities evolved in time. The borders limiting industrial and housing territories have continuously changed with industrial places moving progressively away from urban areas. Such a changing dynamic influenced the permeability of these borders. Port cities are nodes and logistic points where various flows of commodities, wealth, and knowledge gathered before further re-distribution. These flows affected port cities by changing their spatial organization and the availability of space between borders. The main question here is: How did industrial and urban borders evolve through time in port cities? Through a historical analysis, the article explores the settlements of oil facilities and the influence of oil companies over local, regional, and national governments in creating borders and how it influenced the porosity of port cities. This article, through the petroleum narrative, illustrates the impacts of past borders on the contemporary urban form through the evolution of the French port city of Dunkirk, in the North of France. As a historical study, the article analyzes the changing relationships between petroleum industrial sites and housing areas in the city of Dunkirk, using aerial pictures, archival sources, and regulations of different periods. The importance of this analysis lies in knowing that former oil sites previously located on the periphery of Dunkirk, that were forgotten by the authorities are now located within the current urban tissue. This process demonstrates the importance of historical developments to understand current challenges in the urban planning of industrial port cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the political interplay between Norway's national oil company Statoil and its government during a period when a truly global debate over climate emerged. The article sheds light on how the climate issue concerned the relationship between a Nordic state and its most important state-controlled enterprise, and exposes how Statoil responded to increasing calls for decarbonization while being privileged in climate policy-making processes. Furthermore, the article explores the origin and shortcomings of the puzzling argument about Norway's 'environment-friendly' oil and gas, and discusses how this argument helped enable Statoil and the rest of the industry to continue with business as usual despite growing social demands for the oil industry to step up its climate efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oil pipeline network requires periodic monitoring to detect pipeline damages, which may cause oil leakage with severe environmental contamination. These damages can be generated by interference from third parties such as construction works, sabotage, vandalism, excavations, and illegal oil theft. To detect the oil pipeline damages, it can be used aerodynamic aerial vehicles (UAVs) with infrared cameras and image processing systems. This paper presents the aerodynamic analysis of a UAV with a hawk shape (wingspan of 2.20 m and length of 1.49 m) for potential application in the detection of oil pipeline failures. A 1:6.5 scale prototype of the UAV is fabricated using a 3D printer. The aerodynamic coefficients of UAV are determined using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations and experimental testing with a subsonic wind tunnel. In addition, the lift and drag coefficients of UAVs are obtained as a function of Reynolds number and angle of attack. Also, the air velocity profile around UAV is estimated with the CFD model. The proposed UAV could decrease the inspection costs of pipeline networks in comparison with the use of helicopters or light aircraft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the harmful occupational factors, noise is the most common exposure in the oil industrial workplaces. The present study aimed to prioritize sound pollution areas in central processing facilities (CPF) of an oil field in order to provide corrective action in the studied industry and similar industries. After reviewing the issued permit to work, job description and noise dosimetry test, the evaluated areas were selected then sound pressure levels in the referenced areas investigated according to ISO 9612-2009 (E) next the noise map prepared for all selected areas. For identifying the prioritized areas to implement the control measures NCPI was used. After identifying the first priority area with sound pressure levels greater than 85 dB, the frequency analysis was performed and Isosonic map was prepared by Surfer v10 and AutoCAD 2014. In the last step, in order to provide appropriate corrective action plan, the compatibility of the determined control actions with the production process was examined. The findings of this study indicates that 74% of the aforesaid area has the first priority to perform control measures in the caution zone and the remaining 26% is in the danger zone. In this study it has been demonstrated that implementing control measures for Zone 2 have first priority. The main source of the noise in this zone is fluid (Gas) flow through the piping and HP Gas Compressors. The results of this study shows that using effective factors such as exposure time, sound pressure level and number of exposed persons, can be present suitable model to prioritize noise control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Business Economics & Management Research is the property of Bayburt University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Engine oil is one of the key elements to protect and to increase the life of the lubricated engine parts. However, it gets contaminated by external particles either in filtration or during combustion, which produces deterioration in some of the engine parts which are being lubricated. In that sense, delays and very expensive repairs are generated at the maintenance workshops due to the high contamination in oils and to the late detection of the deteriorated parts. This work presents an analysis of used oils, extracted from hot and cold engines of 2.5-liter engine pick-up trucks, by using the two methods of the X-ray fluorescence technique (XRF): standard-less and calibrated, in order to determine the elements present and to establish the engine parts that wear out more easily and thus, to help with predictive maintenance of the trucks. The results are also useful for comparison purposes and to evaluate the effectiveness of the XRF technique in analyzing these types of samples.

Since the 1860s, petroleum companies, through their influence on local governments, port authorities, international actors and the general public gradually became more dominant in shaping the urban form of ports and cities. Under their development and pressure, the relationships between industrial and urban areas in port cities hosting oil facilities evolved in time. The borders limiting industrial and housing territories have continuously changed with industrial places moving progressively away from urban areas. Such a changing dynamic influenced the permeability of these borders. Port cities are nodes and logistic points where various flows of commodities, wealth, and knowledge gathered before further re‐distribution. These flows affected port cities by changing their spatial organization and the availabiity of space between borders. The main question here is: How did industrial and urban borders evolve through time in port cities? Through a historical analysis, the article explores the settlements of oil facilities and the influence of oil companies over local, regional, and national governments in creating borders and how it influenced the porosity of port cities. This article, through the petroleum narrative, illustrates the impacts of past borders on the contemporary urban form through the evolution of the French port city of Dunkirk, in the North of France. As a historical study, the article analyzes the changing relationships between petroleum industrial sites and housing areas in the city of Dunkirk, using aerial pictures, archival sources, and regulations of different periods. The importance of this analysis lies in knowing that former oil sites previously located on the periphery of Dunkirk, that were forgotten by the authorities are now located within the current urban tissue. This process demonstrates the importance of historical developments to understand current challenges in the urban planning of industrial port cities.

Since the development of the oil industry in the 1860s, petroleum products became increasingly important in economies and shaped the urban form. The impact of oil exploration, exploitation, and transformation led to the creation of districts and cities entirely dedicated to the oil industry. This dynamic relationship between economic activity and urbanization was presented in the shaping of cities and their borders. Although important, the notion of borders and its consequences on the uses of land as well as on the life of inhabitants are often ignored. This paper first conceptualizes the term borders in understanding the interlinkages between oil and other areas closely related, either geographically or for the functioning of the oil industry; it then illustrates the intertwined borders of all these spaces from the contemporary example of the city of Daqing, in Northeast China. The paper answers the question of how past borders designed during the development of Daqing in the 1960s are impacting future planning strategies and the health of local inhabitants? By mapping the current land-use of the city, this paper elaborates on the need to consider borders beyond two-dimensional perspectives by revealing how spatial planning practices in oil-dependent cities can be an environmental issue today and in the future. The objective is to demonstrate the influence of past planning decisions linked to industrial activities on contemporary urban spaces.

Copyright of Historia Contemporanea is the property of Historia Contemporania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Global warming and deterioration of the ecological situation trigger the necessity of innovation development and implementation to reduce the negative impact of industry on the environment. It is considered that the oil industry is one of the most environmentally damaging industries. Therefore, the implementation of environmental innovation in the oil industry becomes crucial. This paper is dedicated to identifying environmental innovation impact on country socio-economic development parameters in countries specialized in oil extraction and production. The article realized a bibliometric analysis with VOSviewer v.1.6.16 to identify critical contextual directions of scientific research on environmental innovation. In the paper, it is developed and tested a scientific hypothesis about the positive influence of environmental innovation on country socio-economic development (CO2 emissions from manufacturing industries and construction, electricity production from oil sources, employment in industry, and industry value added are chosen as proxies of environmental innovation, while GDP growth, current account balance, foreign direct investment and gross fixed capital formation -- as proxies of country socio-economic development). Under testing of the research hypothesis, it is realized several procedures: 1) correlation analysis aimed at identification of strongly correlated explanatory variables and their elimination to avoid multicollinearity problem; 2) comprehensive analysis of descriptive statistics aimed at identification of data sufficiency; 3) identification of model specification with Hausman test (random or fixed effects model); 4) regression modeling and characteristics of its results (in this research, it is developed four regression models with different dependent variables). Technically all these procedures are realized in Stata 12/SE software. Research is realized based on data for 9 countries specializing in oil extraction and production, such as Azerbaijan, Canada, Brazil, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Romania, the Republic of Yemen, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The time horizon is 2005-2019 (or the available last year). Bibliometric and panel data regression analysis allows concluding that oil-producing countries' environmental innovation improves oil enterprises' competitiveness and stimulates socio-economic growth in these countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agency workers (AWs) were originally employed on a substitutional and short-term contract basis, but recently they are found to be employed on a long-term purpose in Nigeria. Although agency labour helps solve recruitment challenges, it correspondingly erodes employment relations and causes conflicts across employers, trade unions and agency workers. As such, the current research aimed to examine the rise of AWs and analyse its influence on the union's representation. The samples were 36 respondents (management, agency workers and trade unions) recruited from three oil multinational companies in Nigeria and were interviewed. Research data were analysed through thematic analysis and NVivo, revealing three important findings. First, AWs were often asked to take the posts which used to be taken by the permanent staff, but without the right to join the union. Second, the unions did not welcome AWs and concerned its implication on the recruitment of permanent staff. Third, AWs were reluctant to join the unions as their contract might not be renewed. Research findings brought new insights into the literature of agency workers. Managers are reminded that AWs are suffering from the issues identified above. Any management strategies will not reach their maximum effect unless these issues are rectified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of the Cukurova University Institute of Social Sciences is the property of Cukurova University Institute of Social Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Spent caustic wastewater from petrochemical industries is a complex concoction of various pollutants, not only making it a threat to the environment, but also very difficult to treat using conventional treatment processes. In this study, electrocoagulation with iron electrodes was investigated as an option for the removal of sulfide from synthetic spent caustic. The pH of the treatment (3–12), the electrode distance (1–4 cm), the treatment duration (15–60 min), and the current density (1.4–20.8 mA/cm2) were varied, and their contribution to sulfide removal percent was investigated. The results showed that as current density increased to 7.4 mA/cm2 there was a pronounced increase in sulfide removal. Beyond that, increasing the current density slightly improved removal results. Interestingly, it was also observed that with process times above 30 min and a voltage of 20 V, the initial pH had no impact on removal percentage. After the parametric study of contributing factors, response surface methodology was used for further scrutiny and optimization. Under optimum conditions of electrode distance = 3 cm, voltage = 11 V, and treatment duration of 30 min, a sulfide removal of nearly 93% was obtained which showed the effectiveness of the proposed electrocoagulation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a multi-decade decrease in cardiovascular disease, geographic disparities have widened, with excess mortality concentrated within the United States (U.S.) South. Petroleum production and refining, a major contributor to climate change, is concentrated within the U.S. South and emits multiple classes of atherogenic pollutants. We investigated whether residential exposure to oil refineries could explain variation in self-reported coronary heart disease (CHD) prevalence among adults in southern states for the year 2018, where the majority of oil refinery activity occurs (Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma). We examined census tract-level association between oil refineries and CHD prevalence. We used a double matching method to adjust for measured and unmeasured spatial confounders: one-to-n distance matching and one-to-one generalized propensity score matching. Exposure metrics were constructed based on proximity to refineries, activities of refineries, and wind speed/direction. For all census tracts within 10 km of refineries, self-reported CHD prevalence ranged from 1.2% to 17.6%. Compared to census tracts located at ≥5 km and <10 km, one standard deviation increase in the exposure within 5 km of refineries was associated with a 0.33 (95% confidence interval: 0.04, 0.63) percentage point increase in the prevalence. A total of 1119.0 (123.5, 2114.2) prevalent cases or 1.6% (0.2, 3.1) of CHD prevalence in areas within 5 km from refineries were potentially explained by exposure to oil refineries. At the census tract-level, the prevalence of CHD explained by exposure to oil refineries ranged from 0.02% (0.00, 0.05) to 47.4% (5.2, 89.5). Thus, although we cannot rule out potential confounding by other personal risk factors, CHD prevalence was found to be higher in populations living nearer to oil refineries, which may suggest that exposure to oil refineries can increase CHD risk, warranting further investigation. • Association of oil refineries with coronary heart disease (CHD) was examined. • We found positive association in seven states of the southern U.S. • The prevalence of CHD explained ranged from 0.02% to 47.4%. • Residents living nearer to oil refineries may have a higher risk of CHD. • Oil refineries may explain small area variation in the risk of CHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase of environmental concerns in recent years and the prevalence of such issues, which originate mainly from large industries and manufacturing plants, green supply chain management (GSCM) issues have been given special attention among researchers. GSCM is a group of management applications integrating supply chain management with criteria related to environment and supplier selection with the purpose of reducing environmental pollution caused by processes involved in a company supply chain. In this research the main contributions is to draw a decision-making structure addressing the applicability of the green supplier selection (GSS) and order allocation (OA) problem in an Iranian Oil refinery company. A combination of Cloud-PROMETHEE along with using GBWM was taken into account for GSS as the first phase and MCGP method for OA as the second phase, in order to solve the GSSOA problem. The proposed technique lets the vagueness and uncertainty of experts' judgments be obtained by assisting uncertain linguistic variable derived from the cloud model. Furthermore, the group best-worst method (GBWM) obtains the optimal criteria weights by forming a nonlinear programing model and the prioritizing of nominated suppliers is established using the PROMETHEE method with the possibility to pick a distinct preference function for each criterion and draw a graph of supplier preferences. At last, MCGP method was applied considering with the possibility of multi-choice aspiration levels (MCAL) for each goal. The suggested model illustrated with actual figures in an oil refinery to provide insight to decision-makers of green supplier selection and order allocation. To do so, initially nine criteria have been derived after vast research on literature and experts' opinions. Then the suppliers was successfully evaluated with considering uncertainties and randomness in a group of decision maker judgments. The order allocation was also completed by minimizing total cost and delays and maximizing purchase using results of supplier ranking in the first phase. Results have shown that the supplier with better ranking in GSS is preferred in allocating orders. A sensitivity analysis then performed and confirmed that the suggested method is highly stable against different changes in the data. The proposed method was also compared with the basic MCGDM cloud model and the method is approved. Finally, managerial implications and conclusions for additional researches are demonstrated. • A novel MADM model entitled CLOUD-PROMETHEE model is introduced. • This model is a combination of uncertainty concerns and MADM methods. • A real study in an Oil refinery was solved and numerical data was provided. • Uncertain linguistic variables were utilized in data collection from experts. • Sensitivity analysis was conducted to illustrate the applicability of model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing global awareness of social and environmental issues has led investors to prioritize sustainable investments. This study examines the relationship between ten Islamic and conventional sector indices, which include stocks screened for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, across three energy-related fields: renewable energy, energy efficiency, and oil equipment and services. Using a quantile cross-spectral approach, this research finds a high level of long-term synchronization among all energy-related sectors and indices. However, as markets shift from bearish to bullish, the current relationship between energy-related sectors and Islamic and conventional indices weakens. To support the findings in this research and investigate potential financial implications, this investigation applies a causality-in-quantiles approach. The research in this study shows a bidirectional causal relationship between conventional and Islamic indices, particularly in the energy efficiency sector during bearish market conditions. At lower tails, ESG market indices are found to cause renewable energy products, suggesting a hedging mechanism. The findings of this study assert that investments that do not possess any ESG shortcomings are imperative for effectively bolstering renewable energy companies and fostering opportunities for energy efficiency. These conclusions hold considerable ramifications for energy policymakers as they strive to devise more robust financial mechanisms that can provide substantial support to the burgeoning green sector. [Display omitted] • Nexus of three heterogenous energy-connected areas and sectoral investments studied. • Considerable dependence of budding health care-related investments on renewables. • Distinguished coherence of conventional financials stocks on all energy companies. • The renewable energy sector could benefit from ESG investments. • Shariah indices are more associated with renewables industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of the research is conditioned by widespread use of unregulated sucker-rod pumping units, equipped only with mechanical adjustment tools. Application of that type of units results in considerable losses of both electricity and crude oil related to machine operating in non optimal regime. To solve this problem both new and already exploited sucker-rod pumping units are equipped with means of intelligent control and monitoring, which are included within control stations equipped with frequency converter and controller. Implementation of these tools on sucker-rod pumping units control station controller requires the development of appropriate algorithms to ensure autonomous, high performance, cost-effective and reliable function of plant during all life cycle. The main aim of the research is elaboration of the algorithms for determining pumpjack balance, optimal counterbalance position and polished rod dead centres passing moment. Objects of the research are the sucker-rod pumping unit in different operating modes and pumpjack balance, defined by the counterbalance position on the crank. Methods: mathematical analysis tool of differential equations and transfer functions, computer simulation, comparison and analysis of charts and diagrams. Results. The paper considers the existing ways of pumpjack balance detection and their shortcomings. It turns out that wattmetering is the most available and fail-safe sucker-rod pumping unit condition monitoring method which does not require installation of additional external sensors. The authors have developed the sucker-rod pumping unit computer model for investigating principles and load cycles of unit operation. Based on the data obtained by simulations the authors developed the algorithm of pumpjack balance detection, which can work as sucker-rod pumping unit intelligent control station software ensuring easy control, timely service and cost reduction.

In Russia, there are all conditions for the development and construction of wind turbines systems to generate carbon free electricity. Cheap factors are the projected rise in demand for energy, the climatic conditions and the use of existing wind power on the large Russian territory. In the manufacture of pipes, the Russian oil industry and mechanical engineering industry have a modern state of the art and technology. The development of wind turbines systems can promote the oil industry in the power supply of new oil fields and the engineering industry in the development of wind energy systems.

In the article the main problems of development of world oil processing in the conditions of cyclic development of world economy are generalized. The regional structure of world oil processing is estimated, the main tendencies of its modern development are revealed. The main changes which have happened in branch in the last decades are shown.

The article analyzes the relationship between the assets of the oil industry and the industry organizational structure at the level of the producing regions. When considering assets in oil production, we focus on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the resource base, primarily on the volumes of recoverable reserves and their depletion. The analysis of the organizational structure of the industry is based on the estimates of the concentration levels of companies in oil production. The performed analysis allows to conclude that in most of the Russian Federation subjects, the organizational structure of the oil industry does not correspond to the assets. For example, in a number of regions, there is a high concentration of companies with a high depletion of reserves. This situation is largely determined by a weak development of small and medium-sized oil business. The development of the organizational structure should be connected with the reform of the institutional conditions in resource management. Currently, these conditions are formed at the federal level and are outside the scope of the regional authorities. Resource base, primarily in mature oil and gas regions, requires stimulating the development of small and mediumsized oil business including support from the regional authorities. The study of regional aspects of the organizational structure of oil production allows identifying the characteristics of certain regions, dependencies and drivers that are not visible when considering these issues at the country level. The obtained results can be used for the development of the system of state regulation in the oil and gas sector both at the federal and regional levels.

Abstract Mexico’s 2008 energy reform established that Petróleos Mexicanos and its subsidiary entities could contract with individuals or corporate entities for labor and the provision of required services to improve the implementation of its activities. The reform has allowed private companies to become more involved in the process of oil extraction and to implement Integrated Petroleum Exploitation Contracts. This participation of the private sector has brought with it the need to evaluate its activities’ social and environmental impact on the territory. One of these evaluations’ main objectives is to project Corporate Social Responsibility schemes. We can see from experience that it is possible for private oil companies’ participation in CSR schemes to contribute to local development, but the application of CSR actions does not in itself imply an impact on local development. This article aims to show the case of a pioneering experience in Mexico concerning the link between academics and the segment of oil companies that try to assess their activities’ social impact and implement Corporate Social Responsibility schemes under federal regulations. In order to achieve it, a work team belonging to Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana has developed a methodology that uses quantitative and qualitative data. The main results of this case study show us that it is necessary to develop appropriate approximation and assessment methodologies for implementing Corporate Social Responsibility actions in each territory in order to stimulate local development. Moreover, there are two essential conditions for actually achieving results for local development by investing in communities within the context of CSR actions in oil-production regions. The first of these conditions is a ‘territorialization’ of the proposals, and the second is the creation of different types of CSR actions. These last two conclusions are also challenges that Mexico’s fledgling private oil sector will have to solve in the very near future with the objective of improving its relations within the social and environmental context where it carries out its activities.

The development of the Romanian oil industry covers a relatively short period of only 160 years, but the interest that oil has produced has been and still remains enormous. The influx of foreign capital in the Romanian oil industry has undoubtedly contributed to its development, but foreign capitals have monopolized almost all the oil industry in the country. Romania has experienced the consequences of this situation, which has marked the future general development of the country. The year 1947, or "the final year of the Romanian oil industry based on private capital", did not complete the period of restoration, despite the aggressive intervention of the communist power. The Nationalization of the Romanian and foreign oil companies from June 11, 1948, made the first step towards the absolute management and control of the Romanian oil industry, the clear signal of Romania's political and economic isolation, with all its consequences, at least until 1964. Hence, in the year 1918, when Romania celebrates 100 years from it's formation as an Unitary State, this paper aims at presenting some facts and figures about the Romanian oil industry from year 1918 up to 1948 (the year of Nationalization).