Asset Integrity Management in Mitigating Oil and Gas Pipeline Vandalism in the Niger Delta Region—Deep Burial Solution

Pipelines, as means of transportation of water and hydrocarbon have been considered “effective, safe and reliable”. Over the years, pipeline failures in Niger Delta region of Nigeria have resulted in loss of lives, water pollution, soil contamination, air pollution, destruction of infrastructures and aquatic lives, and other losses. The study area, Niger Delta region is located on Latitude 4°50' 00"N, longitude 6°00'00"E and comprised of nine coastal states of Nigeria (about 70,000 km2). Failure data were collected using: Questionnaires administered to experienced pipeline engineers in the International oil and gas companies (IOCs), Personnel interviews, and reports from the Department of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). This study assessed the strategies employed by four IOCs to mitigate pipeline failures in the process of asset integrity management. Design and construction methods detailing pipelines laying to infiltration discouraging-depth were studied. The results obtained showed that vandalism is presently the major cause of pipeline failures. Deep burial solution was therefore explored as a vandalism mitigation approach and its cost of implementation for a typical Φ20"× 15 km trunkline in the region showed 9.627% (≈809.3 million Naira) rise compared to the normal burial option, and this difference accrued mainly from equipment and personnel cost. This is a paltry sum compared to the huge losses due to vandalism. Finally, this study posits that the available regulatory framework is now inadequate for pipeline design, construction, and operations due to this challenge and requires urgent amendment in favour of deep burial option.

Integrity-Management Characteristics and Efficiency Evaluation of Oil and Gas Pipelines

Pipeline integrity is a cornerstone of the operation of many industrial systems, and maintaining pipeline integrity is essential for preventing economic losses and ecological damage caused by oil and gas leaks. Based on integritymanagement data published by the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, this study applied the k-means clustering and data envelopment analysis(DEA) methods to both explore the characteristics of pipeline-integrity management and evaluate its efficiency. The k-means clustering algorithm was found to be scientifically valid for classifying pipeline companies as either low-, medium-, or high-difficulty companies according to their integrity-management requirements. Regardless of a pipeline company's classification, equipment failure was found to be the main cause of pipeline failure. In-line inspection corrosion and dent tools were the two most-used tools for pipeline inspection. Among the types of repair, 180-day condition repairs were a key concern for pipeline companies. The results of the DEA analysis indicate that only three out of 34 companies were deemed to be DEA-effective. To improve the effectiveness of pipeline integrity management, we propose targeted directions and scales of improvement for non-DEA-effective companies.

Water and nitrogen footprint assessment of integrated agronomic practice management in a summer maize cropping system

The footprints of water and nitrogen(WF and NF)provide a comprehensive overview of the type and quantity of water consumption and reactive nitrogen(Nr)loss in crop production.In this study,a field experiment over two years(2019 and 2020)compared three integrated agronomic practice management(IAPM)systems:An improved management system(T2),a high-yield production system(T3),and an integrated soil-crop management system(ISCM)using a local smallholder farmer’s practice system(T1)as control,to investigate the responses of WF,Nr losses,water use efficiency(WUE),and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE)to IAPM.The results showed that IAPM optimized water distribution and promoted water use by summer maize.The evapotranspiration over the whole maize growth period of IAPM increased,but yield increased more,leading to a significant increase in WUE.The WUE of the T2,T3,and ISCM treatments was significantly greater than in the T1 treatment,in 2019 and 2020respectively,by 19.8-21.5,31.8-40.6,and 34.4-44.6%.The lowest WF was found in the ISCM treatment,which was 31.0%lower than that of the T1 treatment.In addition,the ISCM treatment optimized soil total nitrogen(TN)distribution and significantly increased TN in the cultivated layer.Excessive nitrogen fertilizer was applied in treatment T3,producing the highest maize yield,and resulting in the highest Nr losses.In contrast,the ISCM treatment used a reduced nitrogen fertilizer rate,sacrificing grain yield partly,which reduced Nr losses and eventually led to a significant increase in nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen recovery.The Nr level in the ISCM treatment was34.8%lower than in the T1 treatment while NUE was significantly higher than in the T1 treatment by 56.8-63.1%in2019 and 2020,respectively.Considering yield,WUE,NUE,WF,and NF together,ISCM should be used as a more sustainable and clean system for sustainable production of summer maize.

Can We Manage Coastal Area? Will We?——The Institutional Change of the Coastal Area Management of Taiwan

The Coastal Zone Management Act was finally promulgated in 2015,while Ministry of the Interior was asked to draft a coastal management act in 1991 by Executive Yuan.It was until the government’s lifting of martial law in 1987,vigorous activities started prevailing on coastal areas.And relevant legal documents were on sea reclamation for development in the 1980’s by Council of Agriculture.The approval of“Taiwan Coastal Area Natural Environment Protection Plan”showed an era of environmental protection in 1980s.However,it was surely not market driven,similar to land development,but some efforts by the administration systems.Through all the years,the efforts were put on drafting plans and these efforts were not quite sounding.The coastal disasters and further climate change caught the attention of relevant NGOs,scholars,politicians,and the society.At the critical juncture the government was made to react to outside demands.And then the Coastal Zone Management Act was passed by Legislative Yuan,establishing an integrated coastal management system in Taiwan.As such,it is proposed to look into this long process of the attempt with the concept of institutional change in order to understand this coastal environmental preservation and protection issue in a broader scope.

Effectiveness of Implementing an Integrated Care Management Program for Rabies Vaccination Patients

Objective:To analyze the effect of implementing a comprehensive nursing management program for rabies vaccination patients.Methods:100 cases of rabies vaccination patients were selected as observation objects from January 2022 to December 2023,and after enrollment,they were grouped according to the different nursing management programs,with 50 cases in each group.The control group was only given routine nursing management,and the observation group was combined with comprehensive nursing management on the basis of routine nursing management.The completion rate of vaccination,the rate of adverse reactions,and the satisfaction rate were assessed,comparing the clinical effects of different nursing management programs.Results:The completion rate of the 5th shot of rabies vaccination in the observation group was 82.00%higher than 64.00%in the control group(χ^(2)=4.1096,P<0.05);the rate of adverse reaction of vaccination in the observation group was 4.00%lower than 18.00%in the control group(χ^(2)=5.0051,P<0.05);the vaccination satisfaction in the observation group was 98.00%higher than 86.00%in the control group(χ^(2)=4.8913,P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of comprehensive nursing management program can help rabies vaccination patients to improve the completion rate of vaccination and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions to vaccination,with clear effects.

Application Strategy of Digital Comprehensive Management and Maintenance System for Bridges

Effective application of digital integrated management and maintenance systems is essential for successful operation and maintenance management of bridge projects.This article analyzes the application strategy of such systems.It provides an overview of comprehensive digital management and maintenance of bridges,an analysis of the basic components of the integrated management and maintenance system,and its application strategies.This study aims to offer guidance for the application of the system and to improve the quality of modern bridge engineering management and maintenance work.

Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste Management in the Farmgate Area of Dhaka North City Corporation

This investigation is focused on conducting a thorough analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM). MSWM encompasses a range of interdisciplinary measures that govern the various stages involved in managing unwanted or non-utilizable solid materials, commonly known as rubbish, trash, junk, refuse, and garbage. These stages include generation, storage, collection, recycling, transportation, handling, disposal, and monitoring. The waste materials mentioned in this context exhibit a wide range of items, such as organic waste from food and vegetables, paper, plastic, polyethylene, iron, tin cans, deceased animals, byproducts from demolition activities, manure, and various other discarded materials. This study aims to provide insights into the possibilities of enhancing solid waste management in the Farmgate area of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). To accomplish this objective, the research examines the conventional waste management methods employed in this area. It conducts extensive field surveys, collecting valuable data through interviews with local residents and key individuals involved in waste management, such as waste collectors, dealers, intermediate dealers, recyclers, and shopkeepers. The results indicate that significant amounts of distinct waste categories are produced daily. These include food and vegetable waste, which amount to 52.1 tons/day;polythene and plastic, which total 4.5 tons/day;metal and tin-can waste, which amounts to 1.4 tons/day;and paper waste, which totals 5.9 tons/day. This study highlights the significance of promoting environmental consciousness to effectively shape the attitudes of urban residents toward waste disposal and management. It emphasizes the need for collaboration between authorities and researchers to improve the current waste management system.

Green High-yield and High-efficiency Cultivation Techniques of Integrated Management of Water and Fertilizer for Maize under Mulch Drip Irrigation

The green high-yield and high-efficiency cultivation techniques of integrated management of water and fertilizer for maize under mulch drip irrigation are described from the aspects of high yield target of maize and its component factor indexes,pre-sowing preparation,sowing,post-sowing management,field management at the seedling stage,integrated management of water and fertilizer for target yield of maize,rational application of micro-fertilizer,comprehensive prevention and control of diseases and pests,timely harvest,etc.,in order to provide a reference for agricultural technicians,maize farmers and maize industry development in northern Xinjiang.

Integrating Project Management, Software Development, and Knowledge Management Models: A Case Study in a Public ICT Services Organization

In project-based organizations knowledge is a critical resource used to develop and deliver products and services with a high level of quality. Therefore, a systematic and sustainable process is necessary to coordinate knowledge management, project management and product lifecycle. This scenario predominates in companies focused on the creation and maintenance of information systems. This article presents an exploratory study based on a framework that integrates cognitive, managerial, and operational processes in a public Brazilian organization that provides services in the area of information and communications technology, focusing on the construction and maintenance of information systems. Those processes are operationalized by three management models considering knowledge, project, and software development processes. Our proposal aims to understand the relationships between those three management models and their influence on the software development process in the organization under study. Our premise is based on the principle that cognitive management, project management, and software development management must be integrated to fulfill the demands of product development and service provision. The research data was composed of registers of working hours spent on software development and maintenance projects involving 244 people allocated to 5064 projects in the period from 2007 to 2013. The study resulted in the identification of the relationships among the three management models adopted by the organization, with emphasis on knowledge management activities, which were not directly identified, making it difficult to account for and measure them. We established a set of activities connected to each one of the knowledge management model phases. Since those activities were not visible before, our approach contributed to build a systematic process to register and relate activities linked to the dimensions of cognitive processes, project management, and software construction.

Development of an Integrated System to Enhance Spatial Data Processing & Management for Planning Authorities

In a world where there is constant data generation and processing, the need for an integrated system cannot be overemphasized. The systems that enable storage of large amounts of spatial data and must be made available to multiple users in real time. Studies have shown that standalone desktop spatial systems are often rigid and inflexible to support multiple data processing or demands from multiple users. The integrated spatial management system was designed to address the above highlighted challenges by bringing enhanced possibilities of utilization of spatial data though improving accessibility, visualization, and processing spatial information. The present work employed a mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative techniques to obtain the desired result. Qualitative data collection tools were used to collect field data required to design the prototype. The research sought to establish whether the integrated systems are in use by the targeted institutions, the findings highlighted that 71.4% have no integrated spatial data systems while 28.6% have partial-integrated systems. An overview of the architecture of integrated spatial systems consists of a well distributed database linked to multiple tools and platforms to query both the spatial and non-spatial data. The WEB-GIS and Mobile GIS interfaces were developed to allow multiple users to access information through the web in real time and data collection, respectively.

Mapping and understanding degradation of alpine wetlands in the northern Maloti-Drakensberg, southern Africa

The alpine terrestrials of the Maloti-Drakensberg in southern Africa play crucial roles in ecosystem functions and livelihoods,yet they face escalating degradation from various factors including overgrazing and climate change.This study employs advanced Digital Soil Mapping(DSM)techniques coupled with remote sensing to map and assess wetland coverage and degradation in the northern Maloti-Drakensberg.The model achieved high accuracies of 96%and 92%for training and validation data,respectively,with Kappa statistics of 0.91 and 0.83,marking a pioneering automated attempt at wetland mapping in this region.Terrain attributes such as terrain wetness index(TWI)and valley depth(VD)exhibit significant positive correlations with wetland coverage and erosion gully density,Channel Network Depth and slope were negative correlated.Gully density analysis revealed terrain attributes as dominant factors driving degradation,highlighting the need to consider catchment-specific susceptibility to erosion.This challenge traditional assumptions which mainly attribute wetland degradation to external forces such as livestock overgrazing,ice rate activity and climate change.The sensitivity map produced could serve as a basis for Integrated Catchment Management(ICM)projects,facilitating tailored conservation strategies.Future research should expand on this work to include other highland areas,explore additional covariates,and categorize wetlands based on hydroperiod and sensitivity to degradation.This comprehensive study underscores the potential of DSM and remote sensing in accurately assessing and managing wetland ecosystems,crucial for sustainable resource management in alpine regions.

Adaptive Integrated Coastal Zone Planning:History,Challenges,Advances,and Perspectives

Coastal zones are dynamic,rich environments,now densely populated,and increasingly challenged by human and climatechange pressures.Effective long-term integrated coastal zone planning is needed to ensure sustainable environmental protection and economic development.In this study,we reviewed the history of coastal zone planning since its birth in the 1950s based on the literature retrieved from the Web of Science(Core Collection)from 2000–2023,then summarized the tools and spatial allocation methods commonly used in the planning process,and finally proposed potential solutions to the challenges faced.The results show that after decades of development,coastal zone planning has changed from a decentralized activity to a targeted and integrated one,with an increasing emphasis on the ecosystem approach and the use of multiple planning tools.Spatial analysis techniques and environmental modelling software have become increasingly popular.Linear programming and overlay analysis are common approaches when performing spatial optimization,but land-sea interactions and planning in the marine parts still lack in-depth analysis and practical experience.We are also aware that the challenges posed by the integration of administrative hierarchies,scoping and conservation objectives,stakeholder participation,consideration of social dimensions,and climate change are pervasive throughout the planning process.There is an urgent need to develop more flexible and accurate spatial modelling tools,as well as more efficient participatory methods,and to focus on the holistic nature of the land-sea system to create more resilient and sustainable coastal zones.

Obstacles to the Integrated Care of Children Aged 6 to 59 Months Suffering from Acute and Severe Malnutrition at the Chu-Me and HATC of N’Djamena/Chad

Introduction: the problem of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and its consequences concern and challenge all social actors worldwide. The objective of the study was to identify the real obstacles that actors face in the integrated management of children aged 6 - 59 months suffering from SAM at the University Hospital of Mother and Child (CHUME) and the Chad-China Friendship Hospital (HATC) of N’Djamena. Methodology: this is a cross-sectional descriptive and interpretative study conducted from January to October 2023 at the CHUME and HATC of N’Djamena. It is based on questionnaires and direct observation of two hundred and thirty-six (236) parents or guardians of malnourished children admitted to these health facilities. All 236 agreed to participate freely in this study. Results: it appears from this study that the obstacles to the integrated management of malnourished children were: poor care-care relationship (26.7%) permanent product breaks (22.9%), the direct costs of services ranged from 30,000 to 60,000 FCFA (41.53%), drugs used for the treatment of patients came from the street (66.10%), malaria and anemia occupy an important place (27.5%), 57.2% respondents had monthly income below 60,000 CFAF. Conclusion: the present study carried out has identified the real bottlenecks to the integrated management of children suffering from SAM in the therapeutic nutritional units of the city of N’Djamena. .

Exploration of the Path of Intelligent Development of Continuing Education in the Digital Age

With the rapid development of big data and intelligent technology,opportunities and challenges coexist in continuing education work,and the integration of continuing education and intelligent education is imperative.Therefore,China’s continuing education should strengthen the construction of the education system,make long-term plans,strengthen overall management in system construction,promote the transformation of continuing education models,and accelerate the modernization process of education.Based on this,this article analyzes and studies the path of intelligent development of continuing education in the digital era,explores its inevitability,analyzes the main characteristics of intelligent continuing education,explores the problems of intelligent development of continuing education,and proposes strategies for the intelligent development of continuing education.

DNA Barcoding of Insects and Its Direct Application for Plant Protection

The introduction of invasive insect pests across national borders has become a major concern in crop production. Accordingly, national plant protection organizations are challenge to reinforce their monitoring strategies, which are hampered by the weight and size of inspection equipment, as well as the taxonomic extensiveness of interrupted species. Moreover, some insect pests that impede farmer productivity and profitability are difficult for researchers to address on time due to a lack of appropriate plant protection measures. Farmers’ reliance on synthetic pesticides and biocontrol agents has resulted in major economic and environmental ramifications. DNA barcoding is a novel technology that has the potential to improve Integrated Pest Management decision-making, which is dependent on the ability to correctly identify pest and beneficial organisms. This is due to some natural traits such as phenology or pesticide susceptibility browbeaten by IPM strategies to avert pest establishment. Specifically, Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence information was applied effectively for the identification of some micro-organisms. This technology, DNA barcoding, allows for the identification of insect species by using short, standardized gene sequences. DNA barcoding is basically based on repeatable and accessible technique that allows for the mechanisation or automation of species discrimination. This technique bridges the taxonomic bio-security gap and meets the International Plant Protection Convention diagnostic standards for insect identification. This review therefore discusses DNA barcoding as a technique for insect pests’ identification and its potential application for crop protection.

Integrated Approaches of Mechanical Barrier, Insecticide and Botanicals against Mango Mealybug (Drosicha mangiferae)

An experiment was conducted to test the efficacy of a mechanical barrier around the tree trunk with one spray of Cypermethrin @ 1 ml/l and turmeric powder extract @ 15 g/500ml of water applied in integrated approaches against mango mealybug on mango tree. There were 7 treatments including a control. The treatments were Mechanical barrier, Cypermethrin spray @ 1 ml/l, Turmeric powder spray @ 15 g/500ml of water, Cypermethrin spray + Turmeric spray, Cypermethrin spray + Mechanical barrier, Turmeric + Mechanical barrier and untreated control. Three-year-old mango plants grafted from a 5-year-old mango tree (Variety Amropali) and planted in pots were used in the experiment. The treatment, Cypermethrin spray + Mechanical barrier gave the highest reduction of mango mealybug population 87.06% to 93.90% followed by Turmeric spray + Mechanical barrier and showed 81.13% to 86.04% and Mechanical barrier alone showed 81.13% to 84.59% population reduction. Turmeric powder extract showed only (8.42% to 23.77%) population reduction of mango mealybug which was lowest compared to other treatments.

An integrated pest management program for managing fusarium head blight disease in cereals

Fusarium head blight(FHB)is a worldwide devastating disease of small grain cereals and Fusarium graminearum species complex(FGSC)is the major pathogen causing the disease.The epidemics of FHB lead to the reduction of grain yield and economic losses.Additionally,mycotoxins produced by the FHB pathogens are hazardous to the health of human and livestock.In this review,we summarize the epidemiology of FHB,and introduce effects of this disease on economy,environment and food safety.We focus on the integrated management approaches for controlling FHB including agronomic practices,resistant cultivars,chemical control,and biocontrol.In addition,we also discuss the potential novel management strategies against FHB and mycotoxin.

Potato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans:From molecular interactions to integrated management strategies

Over 170 years after the infamous Irish Potato Famine,potato late blight(PLB)caused by Phytophthora infestans remains the single most devastating disease of global potato production,causing up to 10 billion USD in yield loss and management costs.Through decades of research,growers and agronomists in the field as well as laboratory scientists have made significant progress in understanding the molecular pathogenesis process of this critical pathosystem and effective management strategies to control PLB.Yet,the need to feed an ever-increasing global population under changing climate demands continued improvement in efficient and sustainable PLB management schemes that can be implemented across a broad economic spectrum.In this review,we briefly summarize the current understanding of the molecular interaction between P.infestans and its host plants,highlight the current integrated pest management strategy to control PLB on local and continental scales,and discuss the potential of further improvement of sustainable PLB control through genetic enhancement of crop resistance and emerging crop protection technologies.

SWOT Analysis and Challenges of Nile Basin Initiative:An Integrated Water Resource Management Perspective

River Nile is one of the longest transboundery rivers and it is shared and used by Burundi,Democratic Republic of Congo,Egypt,Ethiopia,Eritrea,Kenya,Rwanda,Sudan,Tanzania and Uganda.As of today,the Nile is a crucial resource for the economic development of the Nile Basin countries and a vital source of livelihood for 160 million inhabitants as well as 300 million people living in the 10 riparian countries.The Nile Basin Initiative(NBI) is one of the international cooperative river basin management program and regional partnership where all the Nile Basin countries except Eritrea unite to pursue long-term sustainable development,improved land use practices and management.This review therefore focused on the challenges not faced on NBI in terms of integrated use of the river and conducted analysis of strengths,weaknesses,opportunities and threats(SWOT) based on secondary data.The result of the review revealed that for decades,the Nile Basin people have been facing many complex environmental,social,economic and political challenges that have made it difficult for the proper management and sustainability of Nile water.The initiative provides training to develop skills in government ministries,non-governmental organizations and local communities in each country.It is also working to raise awareness of critical environmental issues by strengthening networks of environmental education practitioners;developing curriculum in the education sector.The challenges of NBI include the involvement and funding of World Bank,lack of sufficient staff,procedural and policies conflicts,lack of coordination and linkage with other regional institutions and lack of recognition as river basin organization.Considering the complex nature of the project,it is recommended that the NBI should come up with a strong multi-disciplinary monitoring and evaluation team to follow up all implemented projects.The NBI should carry out participatory land use planning in communities along the river basin.Moreover,livelihood analysis should be carried out especially in communities along the Nile to come up with poverty eradication projects which are socially acceptable,applicable,economically viable and affordable.

The use of Bacillus thuringiensis on Forest Integrated Pest Management

Bacillus thuringiensis is a major microbial insecticide and a source of genes encoding several proteins toxic to insects. In this paper the authors g ive a brief summary of Bacillus thuringiensis used on the integrated pest manage ment in forestry. The derivatives of Bt strain HD1 subsp kurstaki have been wide ly used to control the forest pests such as the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), s pruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana), the pine processionary moth (Thaumetop oea pityocampa), the European pine shoot moth (Rhyacionia buoliana) and the nun moth (Lymantria monacha). Some progresses of transferring and expressing Bt toxi n gene in forest trees are offered with a discussion on the limits and future pr ospects of using Bt products in forestry.