Saipem (Italy)

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is common in women and negatively affects quality of life. Although pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is effective, most studies have focused on isolated muscle contractions. Less is known about multimodal programs integrating posture, breathing, and intra-abdominal pressure management. This study examined how urinary loss (UL) and moderate physical activity (MPA), measured objectively, relate to perceived pelvic floor disorders after a five-week multimodal intervention. Methods: Twenty women (40–70 years) with UI participated in three weekly 60 min sessions for five weeks. Outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention: UL using the pad test, physical activity with a wrist-worn accelerometer, and pelvic floor disorders with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20). Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon tests and regression models were used to analyze changes and associations between variables. Results: UL significantly decreased after treatment (p < 0.001) as did total PFDI-20 (p = 0.007). Before treatment, PFDI-20 was mainly predicted by MPA (β = −0.537, p = 0.013). After treatment, UL became the strongest predictor of PFDI-20 (β = 0.587, p = 0.008) while Δ analyses confirmed that changes in both UL (β = 0.444, p = 0.026) and MPA (β = −0.461, p = 0.021) predicted improvements in perceived pelvic floor disorders. Conclusions: A five-week multimodal program reduced UL and improved perceived pelvic floor disorders. After treatment, symptoms were more strongly related to UL than to MPA. This study suggests that a multimodal exercise approach may represent a feasible and potentially effective option for improving both objectively measured urinary loss and perceived pelvic floor symptoms.

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), treatment decisions are guided by clinical judgment based on disease manifestations and safety profiles rather than standardized protocols, particularly for extra-renal involvement. In this study of 356 SLE patients, 190 receiving non-biologic immunosuppressants and 166 receiving biologics, we investigated the association of clinical phenotypes with treatment initiation and the impact of damage (SLICC-DI), comorbidities, and hospitalization history on these choices. Dominant clinical phenotypes were defined qualitatively using BILAG and SLEDAI domains. Logistic regression models with Simes-Hochberg correction revealed that renal phenotypes were strongly associated with mycophenolate initiation (OR = 4.09, p < 0.001), musculoskeletal phenotypes with methotrexate (OR = 4.86, p < 0.001). Belimumab was preferentially initiated in patients with musculoskeletal involvement and high SLEDAI scores (OR = 1.84, p = 0.03; OR = 2.03, p = 0.03, respectively). Notably, the association between mycophenolate and the renal phenotype persisted in the presence of comorbidities but was not observed in patients with SLICC-DI > 0 or more than one hospitalization in the previous year. Similarly, methotrexate and belimumab associations were diminished in patients with a Charlson comorbidity index > 1 or damage (SLICC-DI > 0). This study offers novel insights into the clinical determinants of immunosuppressive therapy selection in SLE and underscore the potential for tailoring treatment strategies to individual patient profiles.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-19654-8.

Abstract The birth of autonomous system in a high stake deepwater operation has consistently set new benchmarks for operational excellence, enhancing consistency, improving operational safety and reduction in CO2 emission. The paper will present the first application globally for O&amp;G of autonomous drilling in deepwater and the journey to reach the optimal drilling parameters in the entire campaign, integrating proprietary tools from Business Partners of the project. The autonomous solution facilitates seamless integration and interface with the Rig Control System (RCS) and downhole tools, achieving peak automation on a Drillship fostering a forward-looking intelligent execution of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), ensuring procedural compliance, minimizing operational and personal risks, and adapting dynamically to the ever-evolving drilling conditions. Multidisciplinary collaboration during the Well Engineering planning phase, combined with strategic change management and stakeholder engagement in the execution phase, allows the drilling crew to concentrate on engineering processes, thereby enhancing performance through data-driven insights, training and mentoring. This was the first deployment of the automation system on a 7th generation drillship and has significantly improved the rate of penetration (ROP), reduced the well construction days, by decreasing Invisible Lost Time (ILT) thereby bringing down the overall AFE days. The well-to-well learning curve has also ensured each well is better than the previous. The AI adaptive technologies have removed repetitiveness, ensure task consistency and operational efficiency. Its self-driven downhole dysfunctional mitigation capabilities continue to sustain the integrity of both surface equipment and Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) thereby reducing overall operating cost. With the system automated validation protocol and the Automated Trajectory Design (ATD) engines, the well planning cycle has been reduced delivering a coherent Digital Drilling Program (DDP) allowing for a digitally orchestrated well construction processes while the AI completes the close loop for a seamless drilling execution. The high-performance Edge computing device aggregates data that is available through a secured cloud environment for on-site support team to aid Real-Time decision-making processes. Solutions have been applied on all the drilling campaign project, allowing operator to run entire drilling section in autonomous mode on Drilling ship already equipped with orchestration solution. Benefit extended also to the second drilling ship in use during the campaign, allowing application of AI in advisory mode. The paper will briefly describe real case application and the end-to-end requirement for running an AI enabled autonomous solutions either in an advisory or close loop mode especially on a floater and enumerate the challenges that might be encountered and how to overcome them in close collaboration with all the stakeholders involved.

Abstract As of today, hydrogen can play a significant role in decarbonizing the world’s energy supply to mitigate climate change and can be transported via pipeline. Hence, it is becoming more and more important in many companies’ strategies to build a clean-energy business, exploring ways of transporting hydrogen as a gas replacement for natural gas or as an addition in blended configuration using existing pipeline networks, or new designed pipelines fit for full hydrogen transport. However, for steel pipelines, it is well recognized that hydrogen presents some peculiarities to be considered during pipeline system design as may promote hydrogen embrittlement phenomena which potentially could have an adverse effect on the pipeline integrity properties such as ductility, fracture toughness and fatigue performance. Fatigue is considered a major failure mode for Offshore pipeline girth welds where the longitudinal stresses can be as high as the actual yield of the line (sometimes even more) and subject to fluctuations that are significant during lifetime. Same conclusions can be observed for longitudinal flaws in the seam weld/base material in case the trunkline is used as a hydrogen storage tank. In that case high stress cycles contribute to a consistent fatigue crack growth with respect to natural gas scenario where the pressure and temperature fluctuations induce low stress cycles which have negligible effect on fatigue growth. The combination of embrittlement with the severe loads occurring to an offshore pipeline calls for a comprehensive awareness of material performance under such conditions. To achieve that, the first step has been the classification of failure modes by type of installation condition and selection of the tests required to characterize materials against them. Consequently, Saipem, as pipeline construction contractor, funded a test campaign to start filling the gap. The purpose of the testing campaign is to assess the behavior of base material, seam weld and Girth Welds under different hydrogen environments, to establish the limiting criteria for their resistance to H2 embrittlement, to contribute to the reduction of any over-conservatism in ASME B31.12 and bring solutions for the development of an achievable and affordable hydrogen pipeline network. This paper provides the experimental results in terms of fatigue endurance (S-N curves) and fatigue crack growth (FCGR curves) properties of testing performed in hydrogen environment at pressure of 200bar. Tests were also performed in air to compare the influence of hydrogen gas on the fatigue life of Saipem offshore girth welds. Additionally, a comparison of fatigue properties in severe H2S environment was conducted. The conclusions and the next steps of the campaign will be summarized in the paper, written for the sake of sharing knowledge and experience for a faster and efficient transition toward a sustainable and safe economy in offshore hydrogen transportation systems.

Abstract Energy transition from the current fossil fuel-based economy to the renewable and sustainable technology era is one of the most important challenges of the future. Different promising options are being investigated, with particular attention to carbon capture &amp; storage and hydrogen-based energy systems. Onshore and offshore pipelines have been identified as the primary mean for H2 transport and are now on stage for pipeline contractors. In the transportation of gaseous hydrogen one of the main issues is associated to hydrogen embrittlement (HE), in particular, gaseous hydrogen can dissociate into atomic hydrogen and permeate the metal matrix causing embrittlement of the steel, especially for high steel grades, manifested by a reduction in the material toughness and tensile ductility of the steel and an increased fatigue damage behavior. Hydrogen embrittlement reduces the steel’s tolerance to defects, making the pipeline more vulnerable to failure and potentially susceptible to worsen relevant failure modes. Therefore, for evaluating the effect of HE on metals, an Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA) using fracture mechanics principles can be used, to assess the consequences on fatigue resistance and fracture toughness properties for carbon steel pipelines in hydrogen service. The fracture mechanics assessment will also concur to the definition of the wall thickness, the fracture toughness and the fatigue testing requirements. The design by fracture and fatigue for hydrogen offshore pipelines is described in the paper along with a review of applicable standards and the ongoing research to fill the area of lack of evidence with respect to assumptions and material behavior, considering that for offshore pipeline no standard exists regulating hydrogen gas transport. Currently, a Joint Industry Project (JIP) from DNV (H2Pipe) is targeting the development of a DNV Recommended Practice within 2025 (Østby E., Thodla R., 2023 [1]). Also, EPRG guidelines aim to provide a recommended practice [2]. The paper addresses also the effect of transporting hydrogen on seam weld material and girth weld material providing the results in terms of fatigue and fracture resistance by design approach for new pipelines and by recommending interventions and remedial actions for existing lines to be retrofitted in hydrogen service. The work is part of the new qualification process required by an EPCI and T&amp;I contractor to guarantee the integrity of the new or the repurposed pipelines for Hydrogen transport.

Microbiologically influenced corrosion poses significant challenges to various industries, as metal surfaces degrade due to the formation of microbial biofilms. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are key contributors to this process in anoxic environments (e.g., oil and gas pipelines), mainly by producing highly corrosive hydrogen sulfide. Current prevention methods involving biocides often have drawbacks such as high toxicity and disposal costs, calling for novel environmentally friendly alternatives. Essential oils with their antimicrobial properties and biodegradability may represent promising candidates against microbial corrosion. In this study, cinnamaldehyde was selected both for its antimicrobial activity and its well-documented role as a corrosion inhibitor; then, its antibiofilm activity was investigated against Desulfovibrio vulgaris, in comparison with the well-known reference biocide glutaraldehyde. Both compounds were bactericidal against D. vulgaris at 12.5 µg/mL. D. vulgaris biofilms were developed and monitored by confocal microscopy, and then 72-h-old biofilms were exposed to serial cinnamaldehyde and glutaraldehyde concentrations (12.5-100 µg/mL) for a further 48 h, to evaluate their disruptive effects. Both compounds caused a significant disruption of pre-formed biofilms, at 50 µg/mL. The reduction compared to the untreated controls was ca. 90% vs 85% for biomass, 60% vs 45% for average thickness, and 85% vs 80% for surface area, respectively. Interestingly, cinnamaldehyde applied to a D. vulgaris biofilm grown on representative metal coupons completely inhibited the recovery of viable adherent cells. These data, altogether, highlight the potential of cinnamaldehyde as an effective alternative for controlling and mitigating microbiologically influenced corrosion, with comparable efficacy to glutaraldehyde.IMPORTANCEThe increasing environmental and health concerns associated with the use of conventional biocides to manage and control microbiologically influenced corrosion highlight the need for eco-friendly alternatives. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) represent the main players in this process, by adhering and proliferating as biofilms on metal infrastructures, producing metabolites that accelerate corrosion. Essential oils have long been regarded as potent antimicrobials endowed with low toxicity; however, there is limited knowledge about their potential use against anaerobic bacteria responsible for corrosion. This study focuses on the antimicrobial activity of cinnamaldehyde and shows its efficacy in eradicating biofilm-grown D. vulgaris, a model species to study SRB energy metabolism. Notably, cinnamaldehyde is also a well-known corrosion inhibitor, which makes it an appealing candidate for industrial applications, particularly where SRB-induced corrosion is prevalent. Altogether, our results pave the way for the future development of green sustainable strategies involving the use of cinnamaldehyde to mitigate microbiologically influenced corrosion.

This paper introduces a comprehensive framework for reliable damage assessment and decision making for bridge intervention planning. By utilising historical data and three-dimensional unmanned aerial vehicle (3D-UAV) photogrammetry, a detailed 3D numerical model is created, incorporating advanced modelling and scenario-based approaches. The methodology is applied to the Polyfytos bridge in Greece, which faces significant vertical deck deflections that disrupt traffic and have an impact on local communities. This approach offers a reliable, cost-effective, and efficient process, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions with minimal physical interaction with the bridge. The integration of advanced modelling with in situ measurements and expert judgement is emphasised. For the Polyfytos bridge, the framework helps prioritise retrofits and assess the deck’s remaining strength under various loads, providing estimates of its overstrength. This aids in evaluating the bridge’s ability to handle additional vertical loads through pushdown analysis. Overall, the framework is valuable for rapid infrastructure assessment, identifying damage patterns, severity and the urgency of interventions related to structural strength.

Introdução: O mieloma múltiplo é uma neoplasia hematológica dos plasmócitos. Com o aumento na expectativa de vida houve um aumento da prevalência do mieloma múltiplo, já que é uma comorbidade predominante em indivíduos com mais de 60 anos. De acordo com dados da Agência Internacional de Pesquisa sobre o Câncer da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), em 2020, aproximadamente 176 mil novos casos de mieloma múltiplo foram registrados, resultando em mais de 117 mil mortes em ambos os sexos. Nesse cenário, faz-se fundamental um olhar aprofundado sobre esse tema entre os profissionais da saúde. Objetivo: Avaliar o quadro clínico do mieloma múltiplo e os fatores de risco associados. Materiais e métodos: Esta revisão sistemática integrativa foi conduzida por meio de uma busca nas bases de dados SciELO, PubMed e Web of Science. O processo incluiu as etapas de identificação, fichamento, análise e interpretação dos resultados dos estudos escolhidos. Para assegurar a qualidade e a validade desta revisão, foram seguidas as diretrizes do Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy. Aplicou-se a metodologia Prisma e 16 artigos atenderam os critérios de inclusão. A busca pelos artigos envolveu o uso de descritores do Mesh/Decs e operadores booleanos AND/OR. Resultados: Nos artigos selecionados o quadro clínico típico da condição caracterizou-se por: calcinose, anemia de doença crônica, dor lombar por lesão óssea lítica e disfunção renal. Sendo que esta última repercutiu em muitos pacientes com hiperpotassemia, hipercalcemia, presença de cadeias leves (proteína de Bence-Jones), anemia de fanconi e nefropatia por ácido úrico. Nos artigos incluídos nesta pesquisa a imunoglobulina G foi a mais relacionada ao mieloma múltiplo e a imunoglobulina D foi a de pior prognóstico. Sobre os fatores de risco analisados os trabalhos ressaltaram: sexo masculino, idade avançada, história familiar positiva e ser afroamericano. Conclusão: Em suma, para um diagnóstico precoce, tratamento eficaz e uma abordagem completa do paciente portador de mieloma múltiplo é imprescindível que a equipe multiprofissional esteja atenta ao quadro clínico e aos fatores de risco dessa condição.

Abstract As a major improvement to a Direct Electrical Heating Pipe-in-Pipe system reliability, an additional 3-layer polypropylene (3LPP) coating is used as electrical insulation system. 3LPP is a widely used system for subsea anti-corrosion application, that needs to be qualified for the electrical insulation purpose. Scope of the paper is to present the qualification path of the 3LPP electrical insulation system, from the requirement definition and product selection to the qualification plan execution and results application. Qualification of an anti-corrosion system for electrical insulation purpose requires gathering as much data as possible, mainly on its electrical characteristics. The steps followed to qualify the 3LPP for electrical insulation are the following: 1/Full characterization of the system under different temperatures. These data are used to properly size the system and adjust the electrical models; 2/Accelerated aging of the system for a 25-year life representativeness. Considering the few available data on the 3LPP aging, an extended electrical and thermal aging campaign has been performed. The aging test protocol has been designed to validate the system aging over 25 years, including a thermal cycling aging and a continuous multifactor thermal and electrical aging, and secondly to challenge/validate the aging data from literature. All the qualification steps have been completed on an extended number of scale-one samples to reach a maximum level of confidence. The results show a good viability of the product for the given purpose. The material properties are in line with the anticipated values, validating both the sizing model and finite element analysis model. The aging behavior of the system is found to be even better than expected (from literature), meaning that the system is withstanding 25 years of service life without reaching the viability threshold or end of life criteria. The work performed and presented in this paper brings additive information to the 3LPP range of use and brings a new occurrence of plastic materials multifactor aging test.