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Cartilage defects can be difficult to treat; therefore, tissue engineering of cartilage is emerging as a promising potential therapy. One interesting area of research explores the delivery of cells to the cartilage defect via scaffold-based cell delivery vehicles and microsurgery. This study explores the use of novel poly(glycerol sebacate) methacrylate (PGSm)-polymerised high internal phase emulsion (polyHIPE) microspheres as scaffolds with embedded cells for cartilage tissue engineering. Porous microsphere scaffolds (100 µm–1 mm diameter) were produced from emulsions consisting of water and a methacrylate-based photocurable resin of poly(glycerol sebacate). These resins were used in conjunction with a T-junction fluidic device and an ultraviolet (UV) curing lamp to produce porous microspheres with a tuneable size. This technique produced biodegradable PGSm microspheres with similar mechanical properties to cartilage. We further explore these microspheres as scaffolds for three-dimensional culture of chondrocytes. The microspheres proved to be very efficient scaffolds for primary chondrocyte culture and were covered by a dense extracellular matrix (ECM) network during the culture period, creating a tissue disk. The presence of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and collagen-II was confirmed, highlighting the utility of the PGSm microspheres as a delivery vehicle for chondrocytes. A number of imaging techniques were utilised to analyse the tissue disk and develop methodologies to characterise the resultant tissue. This study highlights the utility of porous PGSm microspheres for cartilage tissue engineering.

PURPOSE: Pre-participation screening (PPS), using a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), is recommended to identify athletes at risk of sudden cardiac death. ECG interpretation criteria have been developed to address the concern arising from high false-positives in athletes. There are limited ECG data in elite female footballers. The aims of this study were to 1) compare the ECG outcomes using three published ECG criteria (European Society of Cardiology [ESC], Seattle, International) in elite female footballers and 2) compare ECG data at three different stages of a competitive season. METHODS: Eighty-one elite female footballers (21±4 yr) completed a medical assessment, anthropometrics, resting blood pressure and a resting 12-lead ECG. Each 12-lead ECG was interpreted in accordance with 1) ESC; 2) Seattle; 3) International Criteria to determine training-related and non-training related ECG changes. A subset of thirteen (26±4 yr) footballers had repeated resting ECG tests at three time points across the competitive season. RESULTS: Eighty percent of females had training-related ECG patterns. Sinus bradycardia (65%) and early repolarization (42%) were the most common. Using the ESC Criteria 25% (20/81) of the athletes were considered to have an abnormal ECG, compared to 0% using the Seattle and International Criteria, mainly due to alterations in QT length criteria. There were no clinically significant differences in ECG data across a competitive season. CONCLUSION: The Seattle and International ECG Criteria significantly reduced the number of ECG false-positives in elite female footballers and the time point of PPS within a competitive season is unlikely to alter the PPS outcome.

To perform a quality-improvement project to increase the rate at which expedited partner therapy is offered and prescribed at our clinic, in line with Connecticut Department of Public Health regulations.We conducted quality-improvement interventions at an urban hospital-based outpatient clinic in Hartford, Connecticut, to improve prescribing of expedited partner therapy to at least 70% of eligible patients. We defined appropriate provision of expedited partner therapy by infection type (gonorrhea or chlamydia only per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines) and method of prescription per Connecticut Department of Public Health regulations (paper prescription or in-clinic dispensing).Rates of appropriate provision of expedited partner therapy improved with our interventions (21.6% vs 75.5%). We found an unexpected decrease in acceptance by patients after initiation of our interventions (81.3% vs 50.5%).We achieved our goal of improvement of rates of appropriate provision of expedited partner therapy to greater than 70% and have maintained this improvement over time. Future work should investigate potential barriers to expedited partner therapy acceptance, including type of infection, the effect of Department of Public Health regulation of prescribing options, and standard workflow in patient counseling.

Typhoid became a low priority on the global public health agenda when it was largely eliminated from developed countries in the 1940s. However, communities in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa continue to bear the brunt of the disease burden. One strategy to increase attention and coordinate action is the creation of a coalition to act as a steward for typhoid. The Coalition against Typhoid (CaT) was created in 2010 with the mission of preventing typhoid among vulnerable populations through research, education, and advocacy. CaT successfully raised the profile of typhoid through convening the community with a biennial international conference that has experienced growing participation, disseminating data and news through a website and newsletter with increasing readership, and advocating through social media and a blog reaching a diverse audience. In 2017, CaT joined forces with the Typhoid Vaccine Acceleration Consortium to “Take on Typhoid,” combining advocacy and communications efforts to mobilize researchers, clinicians, and decision makers at the global, regional, and local levels to introduce the new typhoid conjugate vaccine. As a result, the knowledge base, political will, and momentum are increasingly in place to implement prevention and control interventions including the typhoid conjugate vaccine in the poor communities that have historically been left behind.

Objective Despite evidence that mandatory pelvic examinations deter contraceptive use and are not clinically necessary, survey research suggests that clinicians regularly perform pelvic examinations prior to prescribing contraceptives. This study estimates prevalence of nonindicated pelvic exams during contraceptive encounters, and variation in prevalence by provider specialty. Study design Using a national sample of commercial claims data, we identified contraceptive encounters without concurrent indication for pelvic examination among females aged 15 to 49 from 2007 to 2017. We first calculated the nonindicated exam rate by provider specialty and patient age. Using data from 2017 and linear probability models with metropolitan statistical area fixed effects, we estimated the differences in adjusted rates of nonindicated pelvic examination by provider specialty. To assess trends by provider specialty, we used all years of data and interacted specialty with year. Results Of 7.9 million identified contraceptive encounters, 81.8% had no identified indications for pelvic exam. Exams were billed at 17.7% of these visits (2007–2017), and this rate increased from 13.4% in 2007 to 20.7% in 2017. The largest increase occurred among encounters with an obstetrician-gynecologist. In 2017, obstetrician-gynecologists were 20.3 percentage points (95% CI: 19%–21%) more likely to perform a concurrent pelvic exam compared to family physicians. Conclusions Pelvic examinations during contraceptive visits increased from 2007 to 2017. Increases occurred across all provider specialties, but were largely driven by obstetrician-gynecologists, who oversaw over half of all contraceptive encounters and performed non-indicated pelvic exams at the highest rate. Implications This research provides real-world evidence that suggests pelvic exams are increasingly performed during contraceptive encounters and that patients regularly undergo a low-value, invasive examination while obtaining contraceptive care. Continuing education, reimbursement reform, and more evidence on the harms of non-indicated pelvic exams will be necessary to change clinical practice.

This chapter looks at Lois McMaster Bujold’s use of medievalism, specifically at how Bujold uses feudalism in her Vorkosigan science fiction novel The Warrior’s Apprentice as a bridge between past and future. In constructing Barrayaran politics, Bujold simplifies feudalism by only showing us the basic chain from emperor to Vor nobility to armsman. She also presents an Imperium that, over the course of a century, has broken the power of the Vor nobility (as happened in late medieval and early modern France) and is moving towards a more parliamentary form of government (as happened in late medieval and early modern England). The chapter thus shows how Bujold’s feudalism is simplified from medieval European feudalism and, in terms of its history, is beginning to move beyond the medieval period. Nevertheless, as the chapter concludes, on Barrayar the bonds of mutual obligation created by feudalism remain crucial, as does the centrality of military protection and service.

There are different frameworks to describe how people make decisions. One framework, maximization, is an approach where individuals approach choices with a goal of finding the 'best' possible alternative. We sought to determine the relationship between maximization and patient reported disability in patients with hand problems. We performed a cross-sectional study of 119 patients who presented to a hand surgery clinic. Patients completed a questionnaire that included sociodemographics, QuickDASH, Decisional Conflict Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, Health Anxiety Inventory and General Self-Efficacy. Maximization did not correlate with subjective disability in patients with hand problems. Depression, pain catastrophizing and a diagnosis of upper extremity fracture had the greatest independent association with disability.In patients presenting for an initial hand surgery consultation, maximization was not associated with variation in patient reported disability or symptoms of psychosocial disease. Alternative factors influencing patient decision-making and outcomes should be explored. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 29(2):106-111, 2020).

We present a conceptual framework for strategic management instructors to enhance teaching of strategy implementation. Strategy textbooks are valuable in teaching certain aspects of implementation ...

Purpose To investigate the relative contributions of workplace type, occupational violence and aggression (OVA) strategies and interventions along with perceptions of the occupational health and safety (OHS) environment on the likelihood of receiving postincident support following the experience of OVA. Design We used a cross-sectional study design with an online survey to collect data from employees in nursing and midwifery in Victoria, Australia. Methods Survey data collected from 3,072 members of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian branch) were analyzed using logistic regression. Findings Of the 3,072 respondents who had experienced OVA in the preceding 12 months, 1,287 (42%) reported that they had received postincident support. Hierarchical logistic regression revealed that the OHS environment was the dominant factor that predicted the likelihood of workers receiving postincident support. Working in a positive OHS environment characterized by higher levels of leading indicators of OHS, prioritization of OHS, supervisor support for safety, and team psychological safety was the stronger predictor of postincident support. Being employed in a workplace that offered training in the management and prevention of OVA also increased the likelihood of receiving postincident support. Conclusions While training in the management and prevention of OVA contributed to the likelihood of receiving postincident support, a greater emphasis on the OHS environment was more important in predicting the likelihood that workers received support. Clinical relevance This study identifies workplace practices that facilitate the provision of postincident support for healthcare workers. Facilitating effective postincident support could improve outcomes for workers, their patients and workplaces, and society in general.

Turnover intention and knowledge sharing of local employees in multinational enterprise (MNE) subsidiary workgroups have received relatively little attention in IHRM research, yet are centr...

The Scottish Government’s vision of improving outcomes for children prioritises attachment theory and research in promoting children’s well-being across children’s services. This theme is also noted as increasing international relevance. Our narrative research springs from the experience of designing and delivering the first course within initial teacher education in Scotland to focus on the application of attachment theory to the role and identity of the teacher – particularly, in supporting children vulnerable through experiences of trauma and adversity. We capture students’ ‘real time’ learning moments through reflective journaling during school experience within the analytic ‘Doing, knowing, being and becoming’. Emergent themes include: looking behind and responding to behaviours, making links with ‘lived lives’, understanding teachers’ potential as attachment figures and ‘secure base’, understanding the relevance of adult attachment theory and resilience/self-care to teachers’ emotions and th...

Background: The use of simple preparatory methods, such as listening to relaxing music, may decrease negative emotions and enhance performance. The purpose of this research was to explore whether certain types of music, as a preparatory task, could enhance motor performance. Method: Fifty-six participants were randomly assigned to a condition before completing a pre and post-dexterity test using the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT). Performance was assessed with the PPT and arousal of mood was assessed with the Affect Grid. During the postdexterity test, the participants heard no music or specific music based on their condition. The experimental conditions included listening to an uptempo Mozart sonata to elicit a high arousal, positive valence mood, or a down-tempo version of the same sonata to achieve a low arousal, positive valence mood. Results: ANOVAs showed a significant increase between pre and post-tests over time in participant arousal and performance. In addition, there was a significant interaction term between performance and gender, where women improved significantly more than men. Conclusion: The results suggest that the up-tempo and down tempo Mozart sonatas do not play a significant role in motor performance, yet gender significantly affects performance, regardless of the type of music.

This article draws on the author’s experience of a narrative inquiry project with young people who were designated within the policy context in Scotland as at risk of social exclusion and in need of ‘More Choices, More Chances’. The project explored how the young people’s narratives of transition integrated the concept of ‘critical moments’, namely how the complex interplay between self and social structures was seen to be embedded at key transitional stages. The relevance of professional support was also examined through engaging with themes of identity construction and inclusion at these ‘moments’, and through highlighting choices and constraints to choice as the overarching theme. This article focuses on the methodological dimensions of the research through the lens of ethical practice and social justice, interrogating notions of researcher reflexivity, empowerment, authenticity and transferability in accessing and representing the marginalized ‘voices’ of the participants, and exploring the ethical dilemmas which arose in this process. The use of visual tools to prompt and represent the young people’s narratives is examined in the light of the interweaving of substantive and participatory aims. In conclusion key questions are posed in relation to how far the research may contribute to a social justice agenda.

Germline mutations are a driving force behind genome evolution and genetic disease. We investigated genome-wide mutation rates and spectra in multi-sibling families. Mutation rate increased with paternal age in all families, but the number of additional mutations per year differed more than two-fold between families. Meta-analysis of 6,570 mutations showed that germline methylation influences mutation rates. In contrast to somatic mutations, we found remarkable consistency of germline mutation spectra between the sexes and at different paternal ages. 3.8% of mutations were mosaic in the parental germline, resulting in 1.3% of mutations being shared between siblings. The number of these shared mutations varied significantly between families. Our data suggest that the mutation rate per cell division is higher during both early embryogenesis and differentiation of primordial germ cells, but is reduced substantially during post-pubertal spermatogenesis. These findings have important consequences for the recurrence risks of disorders caused by de novo mutations.

Expatriate managers often encounter considerable obstacles in their overseas workplaces. While there is significant research on expatriate management and adjustment, relying on social identity and acculturation theories, little research addresses the expatriate experience of ethnic diversity in the host country. To address this gap, the aim of this study is to explore how Australian expatriate managers interpret their experience of working in a new and ethnically diverse workplace in Malaysia. The qualitative analysis suggests that the key to performing in such a context lies in the individual's ability to change and adapt beyond culture and language skills. The key managerial implication is that cross-cultural training can assist with the development of personal attributes by expatriate managers involved in ethnically diverse workplaces. Implications for future research are provided. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

This paper tells the story of how a model of action research was used to examine my own development and emerging identity as a researcher through the Master of Research programme at my employing university in Scotland. It is located within a context of increasing expectations on academics within vocational training departments of UK universities to give priority to research activity. My story aims to engage with how the challenges in developing ‘self-as-researcher’ were interwoven with my learning through undertaking a narrative inquiry project with ‘More Choices, More Chances’ young people, as part of the Master of Research. The key stages of the research process, notably the search for authentic ways of gathering and representing the stories of the young people around the key themes of identity and inclusion, evoked the resonance of these themes with my own narrative of shifting and overlapping identities. In setting this paper within the context of current international literature I aim to add to curre...

Using narrative enquiry, this paper accesses the construct of identity through exploring resilience in newly qualified social workers based in statutory children's services. In seeking to avoid deficit-based models of this role, this paper aims to present inductively the ‘voice’ of three social workers in a semi-rural authority, storying the positive ways in which resilience has developed during their first year. Using the Grotberg resilience framework (1995) –‘I am, I have, I can’– as an analytical tool at the interface of personal, professional and organizational identities, we conclude that ‘I am’ and ‘I have’ are more important than the skills dimension of ‘I can’. Positive role models, trust, ‘managed’ optimism, flexibility of support in and beyond induction, and, crucially, self-efficacy and space for reflexivity, are more prominent as sources of resilience and strong identity. The reflexivity, inspired by the process of narrative enquiry, is an important contributor to self-efficacy. We propose that a positive view of growth and identity is preferable to deficit models in the context of the transition between the two ‘communities of practice’ and of the challenges of the workplace. Organizational approaches based on this view will be more likely to promote a sustainable workforce.

The Jeaste of Sir Gawain critiques the repeated failure of chivalric violence to build relationships among knights, protect women or provide beneficial solutions to conflicts. Through the character of the woman, the romance suggests that verbal and legal modes of reconciliation could create more social benefit than knightly violence does.

The sequence of the human genome encodes the genetic instructions for human physiology, as well as rich information about human evolution. In 2001, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium reported a draft sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome. Since then, the international collaboration has worked to convert this draft into a genome sequence with high accuracy and nearly complete coverage. Here, we report the result of this finishing process. The current genome sequence (Build 35) contains 2.85 billion nucleotides interrupted by only 341 gaps. It covers approximately 99% of the euchromatic genome and is accurate to an error rate of approximately 1 event per 100,000 bases. Many of the remaining euchromatic gaps are associated with segmental duplications and will require focused work with new methods. The near-complete sequence, the first for a vertebrate, greatly improves the precision of biological analyses of the human genome including studies of gene number, birth and death. Notably, the human genome seems to encode only 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes. The genome sequence reported here should serve as a firm foundation for biomedical research in the decades ahead.

J.B.S. Haldane proposed in 1947 that the male germline may be more mutagenic than the female germline. Diverse studies have supported Haldane's contention of a higher average mutation rate in the male germline in a variety of mammals, including humans. Here we present, to our knowledge, the first direct comparative analysis of male and female germline mutation rates from the complete genome sequences of two parent-offspring trios. Through extensive validation, we identified 49 and 35 germline de novo mutations (DNMs) in two trio offspring, as well as 1,586 non-germline DNMs arising either somatically or in the cell lines from which the DNA was derived. Most strikingly, in one family, we observed that 92% of germline DNMs were from the paternal germline, whereas, in contrast, in the other family, 64% of DNMs were from the maternal germline. These observations suggest considerable variation in mutation rates within and between families.

The Youth Justice Intensive Support and Supervision Program (ISSP) is offered to high-risk, justice-involved youth as an alternative to custody or as a means of facilitating community re-entry after a period of custody. The aim of ISSP is to reduce recidivism by increasing supervision and supporting activities to reduce participants’ criminogenic needs. Research on similar programs has yielded mixed findings for reductions in recidivism, although the way programs are delivered appears to be a key factor influencing their effectiveness. For the current study, an evidence-based evaluation framework of best practices was developed for ISSP from the research literature on similar and general youth justice programs. File data for 176 ISSP participants were used to evaluate the program’s delivery against the best practice framework as well as ISSP’s program guidelines to determine how well the program was implemented and whether a better-implemented program led to better outcomes. A questionnaire study was also conducted with Youth Probation Officers. Adherence to individual program guidelines and best practices varied from 11% to 92% of youth, while the mean of overall best practices implemented was approximately 50%. An implementation composite of best practices was associated with marginal reductions in multiple recidivism outcomes and the positive relationships with intermediate targets such as school and employment outcomes approached significance. Moreover, the relationship between ISSP implementation and recidivism was strongest for younger, for Aboriginal, and for higher-risk participants. An index of level of engagement in ISSP also predicted reductions in recidivism in the year following ISSP. The quality of the ISSP documentation on the files limited the interpretation of the study findings. Several recommendations are offered to support and improve current practice.

Recent violations of the Air Force Core Values by Airmen at all grades have caused some observers to question the ethical and moral health of the US Air Force. By introducing the Core Values, the US Air Force established an ethical foundation for all Airmen. Both intrinsic moral values and external drivers influence the decisions and actions of an individual. While many different factors may influence an individual to violate the Core Values, the common theme is that the Core Values, especially Integrity First, have lost connection to mission accomplishment. We define this disconnect as the Core Values Gap. Airmen often do not connect the Core Values to mission accomplishment and as a result many may not have a deep understanding or adoption of the Core Values in their work and personal lives. Four main drivers of this gap are examined and a four-step approach aimed to empower leaders and reform policies is recommended to enable the US Air Force to address the problem. By reviewing research on the theory of moral decision-making, examining case studies, and discussing ethics in the Air Force with two focus groups of Senior NCOs and Air War College students, a clear picture emerged that leadership is a key center of gravity to establishing an ethical climate. In addition, policies and institutional mechanisms play a major role in either incentivizing or discouraging ethical behavior. A four-step approach to address the problem is proposed; namely, equip commanders with a tool called the Core Values Check; educate them on how to instill the Core Values into their unit's daily operations; provide commanders with a Core Values Toolkit to help them start regular Core Values discussions; and reduce barriers to reporting infractions. By focusing on commanders as centers of gravity for influencing moral action, the US Air Force can create an environment that improves and promotes ethical behavior.

The International Association of Geophysical Contractors (IAGC) has several subcommittees and workgroups focusing on specific subject areas in order to achieve its overall mission, which includes promoting the conduct of the geophysical industry's business in a professional, safe, and environmentally responsible manner. In 2011, the Association's Sound & Marine Life Workgroup completed an updated version of its Recommended Mitigation Measures for Cetaceans during Geophysical Operations (IAGC 2011a). Several documents have been developed to complement these recommended measures. Among these are the IAGC Recommended Visual Observer Reporting Forms (IAGC 2011b). Numerous countries require the use of visual observers who are responsible for monitoring the presence of marine mammals within defined zones during geophysical operations and implementing procedures to mitigate potential impacts. Various reporting forms have been developed for these observations. IAGC members identified a need to have a standard set of forms that could be used on a global basis to collect and report visual observer data, unless a country stipulates the use of different forms. In addition to streamlining the process for geophysical companies, the use of standardized forms encourages the collection of visual observation data in a consistent manner that facilitates meaningful analysis. A centralized database is being considered for collecting the data, further facilitating objective scientific research on the topic. IAGC has also prepared and published the document Guidance for Marine Life Visual Observers (IAGC 2011c), intended for use by third party visual monitoring personnel such as marine mammal observers (MMOs) or marine wildlife observers (MWOs) operating onboard vessels conducting marine seismic surveys. The document explains the role and responsibilities of the MMO/MWO, the role and responsibilities of the permit-holder and seismic contractor company, lines of communication between all onboard and information on reporting, conflict management, health, safety and environment (HSE) aspects and standards of conduct. These publications are examples of initiatives by IAGC, often working in partnership with other organizations, to minimize potential environmental impacts of geophysical operations and demonstrate the commitment of its members to working responsibly.

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) of electromagnetic (EM) survey techniques used for oil and gas exploration in the marine environment was completed and published in November 2011. The EIA was funded by the member companies of the International Association of Geophysical Contractors (IAGC) EM Subcommittee and prepared by an independent environmental consulting company.EM survey technologies currently utilized offshore use either the Earth's natural electromagnetic field or an induced low-frequency electromagnetic field transmitted by an antenna towed behind a vessel. The electric and magnetic fields are measured and recorded by an array of receivers. To date, these receivers have usually been deployed on the seafloor and then retrieved to process the measurements. Tests are currently being conducted to commercialize a system that tows the receivers underwater behind the vessel, similar to the method used in most marine seismic surveys. The data from EM surveys can help identify differences in the resistivity of subsurface rocks that may be related to the presence of hydrocarbons.The goal of the EIA was to provide a comprehensive resource summarizing available literature and potential effects of EM technologies on marine life. Designed for a broad audience, the document provides a basic description of EM survey technologies, naturally-occurring EM fields, and the potential use of these fields by diverse animal groups. The assessment focuses on survey activities considered to have at least some potential to affect marine animals, such as EM, noise, light emissions, and accidental events.The EIA concluded that EM sources as presently used have no potential for significant effects on animal groups such as fish, seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. In addition, cumulative effects from EM surveys are negligible compared to natural EM anomalies, induced fields from natural water currents, and other anthropogenic EM sources such as those originating from permanently installed undersea equipment.

A group of 14 oil and gas companies and the International Association of Geophysical Contractors (IAGC) through the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) have been funding the Exploration and Production (E&P) Sound and Marine Life Joint Industry Programme (JIP). The JIP funds research to reduce the uncertainty around the risk of negatively impacting marine animal populations during E&P activities. Although there is little to no scientific evidence demonstrating significant negative impacts to marine animal populations, there are some gaps in the scientific knowledge that can contribute to uncertainty in industry risk assessments. In the absence of complete data, environmental regulators may, and do, impose conservative restrictions on E&P activities intended to prevent or mitigate the possibility of significant impacts (Tsoflias and Gill 2008).

The international oil and gas industry recognizes there is increased interest by multiple stakeholder groups on the effects of anthropogenic sound in the marine environment. This interest is focused on, but not limited to seismic surveying. While little to no scientific evidence exist associating seismic surveys with significant adverse impacts on marine animal populations, gaps in knowledge increase the uncertainty in identifying key risks that can be adequately mitigated. Consequently, the regulatory community often imposes very precautions and often impracticable restrictions on seismic surveys to prevent or mitigate perceived impacts. With the implementation of such restrictions, the cost of data acquisition can ultimately triple with no more than an incremental benefit to the receiving environment. To this end, the Joint Industry Program on Sound and Marine Life (JIP) has implemented a robust research and monitoring program to compile and/or acquire scientific information to fill gaps in knowledge concerning the impacts of anthropogenic sound on marine life. The projects, conducted by independent research entities, are focused on three key areas: 1) inventory the various sounds introduced to the water by the oil and gas industry (source); 2) understand the propagation of sound in the marine environment (pathway); and 3) identify any potential physical or physiological impacts on marine life (receiver). The JIP has funded approximately 70 research projects with the overarching goal of understanding the environmental risks (exposure and consequences or effects) associated with offshore Exploration and Production (E&P) operations. Improved scientific knowledge surrounding the consequences of exposure to sound will help inform risk assessments conducted by industry project teams, as well as inform the scientific community and regulators about the potential environmental effects of these operations. The availability of these project data should result in permit decisions by regulators that are supported by sound science with appropriate mitigation and monitoring procedures. Examples of representative projects being sponsored by the JIP are described in this paper. Updated information on the progress of the JIP founded research can be found at www.soundandmarinelife.org

A group of 14 oil and gas companies and the International Association of Geophysical Contractors (IAGC) through the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) have been funding the Joint Industry Programme on Exploration and Production (E&P) Sound and Marine Life (JIP). The JIP funds research to reduce the uncertainty around the risk of negatively impacting marine animal populations during E&P activities. While there is little to no scientific evidence showing significant negative impacts, there are gaps in scientific knowledge that create uncertainty in industry risk assessments. In the absence of complete data, environmental regulators may, and do impose, conservative restrictions on E&P activities aimed to prevent or mitigate the possibility of significant impacts.JIP funded research is conducted by independent researchers and contractors and aims to advance understanding of the characteristics of industry sound sources, how sound emitted from these sources propagates in the marine environment and what the effects of these sounds are on marine life. The results of this research will inform risk assessment activities and help determine appropriate mitigation technologies and methods. It will inform the scientific community and regulators about potential environmental effects of operations; ultimately resulting in improved science-based decisions by regulators, and increased permitting efficiency for oil and gas projects. This paper discusses JIP projects underway and presents results that are improving understanding of offshore E&P operation and any associated environmental risks.JIP funded research has made substantial progress in describing industry sound sources and developing mitigation and monitoring technologies that detect animals in the water column. Additional progress has been made in understanding the effects of sound on tissues and animal behavior and the biological significance of these effects.

The seismic source soft-start or ramp-up procedure involves the progressive activation of individual airguns within a seismic source array over a period of time to gradually increase the emitted sound pressure levels. The intent of the soft-start procedure is to warn nearby marine mammals of pending seismic operations and to allow sufficient time for those animals to leave the immediate vicinity. This is perceived as a ‘common sense’ procedure that assumes animals will move away from lower sound pressure levels and thereby avoid exposures to higher sound levels later in the soft-start process and during full array operations. However, the efficacy of soft-start has not been scientifically evaluated. The approach is commonly used as a mitigation measure during seismic survey operations in order to reduce the risk that marine mammals in close proximity to the source at the time of activation are exposed to levels which might cause auditory or physiological injury. A computer modeling study was performed to estimate sound levels received at various locations in the water column near an industry-standard seismic airgun array during a typical soft-start procedure in 2000 m water depth. The models included an airgun array source model and an acoustic propagation model. Received pressure levels were computed for receiver positions at several distances perpendicular to one side of the seismic vessel tow line and at multiple receiver depths. The computer model generated predictions of per-shot sound exposure level (SEL). These were summed over a number of shot points to compute cumulative SEL at each fixed receiver position. The model predictions indicate that sound levels present during the initial stages of soft-start are below the cumulative SEL thresholds that might lead to Permanent Threshold Shift (PTS) auditory system injury in cetaceans even at receiver locations 100 m off the seismic vessel sail line or 100 m depth when sail line passes directly overhead. The cumulative SEL levels could reach auditory system injury thresholds for pinnipeds at 100 m depth directly beneath the sail line at the third stage of soft-start, but this exposure level would only occur if the animal remained stationary during the approach of the seismic source.

There are increasing concerns about potential impacts from anthropogenic sound on marine mammals and marine life, including sounds generated by oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) operations. The scientific understanding of the potential impacts of anthropogenic sound has expanded significantly in the last two decades as the issue has gained public attention and research prioritization, but important gaps in knowledge still exist. The complexity of the ocean environment, the variety of species, and the different types of sounds generated by E&P operations make it difficult to generalize about what impacts, if any, E&P sounds have on marine mammals and marine life. Seismic surveys (including near surface, shallow hazard surveys) have so far received the most scrutiny. Legitimate concerns also exist regarding sounds produced by other E&P operations such as subsea processing and production equipment, pipeline dredging, construction operations (especially those involving pile-driving), and even traffic from helicopters and service and supply vessels.Although fewer today, the remaining gaps in knowledge mean the E&P industry often cannot characterize with sufficient certainty what impacts, if any, are caused by sounds produced from E&P operations, nor can we demonstrate with scientifically verified knowledge that potential impacts are biologically insignificant. As a result, governments are increasingly taking a precautionary approach, thus requiring the management of sounds from E&P operations based on the assumption these sounds cause significant negative impacts on marine mammals and marine life. This precautionary management of sounds from E&P operations has become a significant issue for the E&P industry.In order to responsibly and effectively manage the sound and marine life (SML) issue, E&P industry personnel need to understand the issue and its importance as well as how it effects E&P industry activities. Recent experiences illustrate the many challenges our industry faces in globally managing the SML issue. The E&P industry's response to the SML issue, including key recent developments and areas for improvement based on lessons learned, will be presented.