bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near‐Surface Refractory Black Carbon Observations in the Atmosphere and Snow in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, and Potential Impacts of Foehn Winds
Authors: Khan Alia L. , McMeeking Gavin R. , Schwarz Joshua P. , Xian Peng , Welch Kathleen A. , Berry Lyons W. , McKnight Diane M.
Published: January 2018

Measurements of light‐absorbing particles in the boundary layer of the high southern latitudes are scarce, particularly in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV), Antarctica. During the 2013–2014 austral summer near‐surface boundary layer refractory black carbon (rBC) aerosols were measured in air by a single‐particle soot photometer (SP2) at multiple locations in the MDV. Near‐continuous rBC atmospheric measurements were collected at Lake Hoare Camp (LH) over 2 months and for several hours at more remote locations away from established field camps. We investigated periods dominated by both upvalley and downvalley winds to explore the causes of differences in rBC concentrations and size distributions. Snow samples were also collected in a 1 m pit on a glacier near the camp. The range of concentrations rBC in snow was 0.3–1.2 ± 0.3 μg‐rBC/L‐H2O, and total organic carbon was 0.3–1.4 ± 0.3 mg/L. The rBC concentrations measured in this snow pit are not sufficient to reduce surface albedo; however, there is potential for accumulation of rBC on snow and ice surfaces at low elevation throughout the MDV, which were not measured as part of this study. At LH, the average background rBC mass aerosol concentrations were 1.3 ng/m3. rBC aerosol mass concentrations were slightly lower, 0.09–1.3 ng/m3, at the most remote sites in the MDV. Concentration spikes as high as 200 ng/m3 were observed at LH, associated with local activities. During a foehn wind event, the average rBC mass concentration increased to 30–50 ng/m3. Here we show that the rBC increase could be due to resuspension of locally produced BC from generators, rocket toilets, and helicopters, which may remain on the soil surface until redistributed during high wind events. Quantification of local production and long‐range atmospheric transport of rBC to the MDV is necessary for understanding the impacts of this species on regional climate.
Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity Obtained From Multimillennial Runs of Two GFDL Climate Models
Authors: Paynter D. , Frölicher T. L. , Horowitz L. W. , Silvers L. G.
Published: January 2018

Equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS), defined as the long‐term change in global mean surface air temperature in response to doubling atmospheric CO2, is usually computed from short atmospheric simulations over a mixed layer ocean, or inferred using a linear regression over a short‐time period of adjustment. We report the actual ECS from multimillenial simulations of two Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) general circulation models (GCMs), ESM2M, and CM3 of 3.3 K and 4.8 K, respectively. Both values are ~1 K higher than estimates for the same models reported in the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change obtained by regressing the Earth's energy imbalance against temperature. This underestimate is mainly due to changes in the climate feedback parameter (−α) within the first century after atmospheric CO2 has stabilized. For both GCMs it is possible to estimate ECS with linear regression to within 0.3 K by increasing CO2 at 1% per year to doubling and using years 51–350 after CO2 is constant. We show that changes in −α differ between the two GCMs and are strongly tied to the changes in both vertical velocity at 500 hPa (ω500) and estimated inversion strength that the GCMs experience during the progression toward the equilibrium. This suggests that while cloud physics parametrizations are important for determining the strength of −α, the substantially different atmospheric state resulting from a changed sea surface temperature pattern may be of equal importance.
Salivary proteome profiling of oral squamous cell carcinoma in a Hungarian population
Authors: Csősz Éva , Márkus Bernadett , Darula Zsuzsanna , Medzihradszky Katalin F. , Nemes Judit , Szabó Emese , Tőzsér József , Kiss Csongor , Márton Ildikó
Published: January 2018

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the seventh most common malignancy and the ninth most frequent cause of cancer death in Europe. Within Europe, Hungary has one of the highest rates of OSCC incidence and mortality. Thus, there is an urgent need to improve early detection. Saliva, as a readily available body fluid, became an increasingly important substance for the detection of biomarkers for many diseases. Different research groups have identified salivary biomarkers specific for OSCC for different countries. In this study, saliva samples of Hungarian patients with OSCC were studied to discover disease‐specific and perhaps region‐specific biomarkers. LC‐mass spectrometry (MS)/MS analysis on a linear ion trap‐Orbitrap mass spectrometer was used for qualitative and quantitative salivary protein profiling. More than 500 proteins were identified from saliva by shotgun proteomics. The up‐ and downregulated proteins in the saliva of patients with OSCC highlighted the importance of protein–protein interaction networks involving the immune system and proteolysis in disease development. Two potential biomarkers from our shotgun analysis and a third candidate reported earlier by a Taiwanese group were further examined by ELISA on a larger reference set of samples. Resistin, a biomarker reported in Taiwan but not validated in our study, highlights the necessity of application of standardized analysis methods in different ethnic or geographical populations to identify biomarkers with sufficient specificity and sensitivity.
Methyltert‐butyl ether – Determination of methyltert‐butyl ether in blood and urine using headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry [Biomonitoring Methods, 2018]
Authors: Hoppe H.‐W. , Zarniko M. , Müller J. , Göen T. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2018

The working group “Analyses in Biological Materials” of the Permanent Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area verified the present biomonitoring method.

The described analytical method allows the specific and sensitive determination of methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) in blood and urine of persons occupationally exposed to this substance. The volatile MTBE is determined using static headspace GC‐MS. Before analysing an aliquot of the headspace, the urine and blood samples are diluted 1:10 with water, spiked with internal standard and incubated for 45 min at 60 °C. The isotope‐labelled d3‐MTBE serves as internal standard. Aqueous standard solutions are used for calibration.

The method was extensively validated and the reliability data were confirmed by an independent laboratory, which has established and cross‐checked the whole procedure.
Formamid, Dimethylformamid – Bestimmung von Formamid in Urin mittels Gaschromatographie‐Massenspektrometrie [Biomonitoring Methods in German language, 2018]
Authors: Scherer G. , Gilch G. , Aust B. , Blaszkewicz M. , Göen T. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2018

The working group „Analyses in Biological Materials“ of the Permanent Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area verified the presented biomonitoring method.

The method described herein allows the determination of formamide in urine by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Due to its sensitivity, this method is suitable for the detection of occupational and environmental exposure to formamide. For the analytical determination 1 mL of urine is lyophilized after being spiked with13C,15N‐formamide as the internal standard. The lyophilisate is extracted with 200 µL methanol. After centrifugation, 1 µL of the extract is injected into a GC‐MS system. The method was extensively validated and the reliability data were confirmed by an independent laboratory, which has established and cross‐checked the whole procedure.
Ethylbenzol [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2018

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) and the Pregnancy Risk Group of ethylbenzene [
100‐41‐4
].

Critical effect is the liver toxicity, which is observed as centrilobular hypertrophy and liver weight increase resulting from the induction of enzymes and proliferation of hepatocytes, in long‐term studies with rats and mice. In an oral 13‐week study a NOAEL of 75 mg/kg bodyweight and day for rats and a NOAEC of 75 ml/m
3
for liver cell proliferation in mice were established. Based on this data a MAK value of 20 ml/m
3
had been set. This value is now reaffirmed even considering the increased respiratory volume at the workplace for the cell proliferation study (see List of MAK and BAT values, chapters I b and I c). Since a systemic effect is critical, Peak Limitation Category II is retained and since it is not clear whether the effects are due to the metabolites or ethylbenzene the default factor of 2 is confirmed.

The NOAEC for developmental toxicity in rats is 500 ml/m³ and after considering the increased respiratory volume at the workplace the difference to the MAK value is sufficient. Therefore, damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely when the MAK value is observed and ethylbenzene remains in Pregnancy Risk Group C.
2‐Butenal (Crotonaldehyd) [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2018

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the germ cell mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of crotonaldehyde [
4170‐30‐3
,
123‐73‐9
].

Crotonaldehyde is a highly reactive mutagenic and cytotoxic compound without metabolic activation.

An oral carcinogenicity study in male rats, with the liver as the only organ examined, provides at most only an indication of a carcinogenic potential. Crotonaldehyde remains assigned to Carcinogen Category 3 B because of the still limited database.

Despite some methodical deficiencies, new in vivo studies with positive results for bone marrow and spermatocyte chromosomal aberrations as well as dominant lethal mutations in mice lead to a reclassification in Category 3 A for Germ Cell Mutagens.
Petroleumsulfonate, Calciumsalze (technisches Gemisch in Mineralöl) [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2018

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) and the Pregnancy Risk Group of petroleum sulfonates, calcium salts [
61789‐86‐4
].

Petroleum sulfonates, calcium salts are manufactured as solution in mineral oil. Critical effect is lung toxicity which is observed as macrophage accumulation and hyperplasia of the bronchioli in a 4‐week inhalation study with petroleum sulfonates, calcium salts in rats at a respirable aerosol concentration of 156 mg/m
3
with a NOAEC of 49.5 mg/m
3
. These effects are similar to those with highly refined mineral oils observed in rats and dogs. A MAK value of 5 mg/m
3
had been set for petroleum sulfonates, calcium salts as the respirable fraction (R), which corresponds to the MAK value of white mineral oil. This value is now reaffirmed even considering the increased respiratory volume at the workplace (see List of MAK and BAT values, chapters I b and I c).

There is still no data on developmental toxicity with petroleum sulfonates, calcium salts. The classification in Pregnancy Risk Group D is therefore retained.
Polyalphaolefine [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2018

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) and the Pregnancy Risk Group of polyalphaolefins [e. g.
68649‐11‐6
].

Polyalphaolefins are synthetic mineral oils. For refined mineral oils, the critical effect is lung toxicity which is observed as microgranulomas in two long‐term studies with rats and dogs at a respirable aerosol concentration of 100 mg/m
3
with a NOAEC of 5 mg/m
3
. With these studies, a MAK value of 5 mg/m
3
had been set as the respirable fraction (R) for polyalphaolefins. This value is now reaffirmed even considering the increased respiratory volume at the workplace (see List of MAK and BAT values, chapters I b and I c).

Polyalphaolefins had been classified in Pregnancy Risk Group C because of studies with oral and dermal application in rats. Additionally, now an inhalation study with white mineral oil and a NOAEC for developmental toxicity of 1000 mg/m
3
in rats is used to confirm the assignment of polyalphaolefins to Pregnancy Risk Group C even considering the increased respiratory volume at the workplace.
Weißöl, pharmazeutisch [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2018

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) and the Pregnancy Risk Group of pharmaceutical white mineral oil [
8042‐47‐5
].

Critical effect is lung toxicity which is observed as microgranulomas in two long‐term studies with rats and dogs at a respirable aerosol concentration of 100 mg/m
3
with a NOAEC of 5 mg/m
3
. A MAK value of 5 mg/m
3
had been set as the respirable fraction (R). This value is now reaffirmed even considering the increased respiratory volume at the workplace (see List of MAK and BAT values, chapters I b and I c).

Pharmaceutical white mineral oil had been classified in Pregnancy Risk Group C because the NOAEC for developmental toxicity is 1000 mg/m
3
in rats. There is no new data on developmental toxicity. This classification is retained even considering the increased respiratory volume at the workplace.
Decahydronaphthalin [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2018

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) for decahydronaphthalene [
91‐17‐8
].

Critical effect is kidney toxicity which is observed as increased activity of urinary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in a 14‐week inhalation study with rats beginning at the lowest concentration of 25 ml/m
3
with a lower confidence limit of the benchmark dose (BMDL) of 12 ml/m
3
. A MAK value of 5 ml/m
3
has been set. This value is now reaffirmed even considering the increased respiratory volume at the workplace (see List of MAK and BAT values, chapters I b and I c).

As there is no new data, Peak Limitation Category II with excursion factor of 2 is retained and decahydronaphthalene remains assigned to Pregnancy Risk Group D.
iso‐Propylbenzol (Cumol; 2‐Phenylpropan) [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2018

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) for isopropyl benzene [
98‐82‐8
].

Critical effects after repeated inhalation exposure to isopropyl benzene are the induction of tumours in the lung of mice and in the nose of rats as well as effects on the liver in these species. The classification of isopropyl benzene in Category 3 B for carcinogenic substances is retained. Based on the increased liver weight in a 14‐week inhalation study with rats, a MAK value of 10 ml/m
3
has been set. This value is now reaffirmed even considering the increased respiratory volume at the workplace (see List of MAK and BAT values, chapters I b and I c). As there was a change in the Commissions evaluation on the adversity of increased liver weight, the new evaluation is based on the lower confidence limit of the benchmark dose (BMDL) of 42 ml/m
3
for nasal adenoma in male rats in a two‐year inhalation study.

As there is no new data, Peak Limitation Category II with excursion factor of 4 is retained and isopropyl benzene remains assigned to Pregnancy Risk Group C. Isopropyl benzene also remains designated with an “H” (for substances that can be absorbed through the skin in toxicologically relevant amounts).
Structural Design in Ice
Authors: Nyseth Håvard
Published: January 2018

This article discusses the practical implications of main structural design parameters of ice strengthened ships and shows how an intelligent selection of different design parameters may have a significant weight‐saving potential for design optimization. Optimal balancing of the additional structural strengthening of ships is of major importance in order to maximize structural resistance to ice with a minimal impact on construction cost, cargo capacity, fuel consumption, and so on. The different parameters determining the shell plating and frame requirements, including stiffening arrangement, frame spacing, frame span, are quantified, providing a direct overview of the relative importance of each parameter in terms of steel weight for Baltic ice classes and polar classes.
Icebreakers
Authors: Andryushin Alexander V.
Published: January 2018

The economic development of the industrial countries deals with seaborne transportation in the freezing seas and other water areas. Development of carbon deposits along the Arctic shelf is of great importance nowadays. Icebreaking fleet is an inseparable part of transportation scheme in these areas. An important role is played by icebreakers—special vessels intended to escort transport ships, break ice, and realize other icebreaking operations. Mission of the icebreakers as well as operating conditions determine typical requirements to their design and operational characteristics such as special hull lines to reduce ice resistance, high power of propulsion plant, and strengthened hull and propulsion complex. The history of the icebreakers has been tremendously developing during the past 200 years. This article presents the chronology of the main stages of this process. Main design solutions, hull shape, type, and arrangement of the propulsion plant are considered here. This article presents a lot of unique photographs as well as drawings of the famous icebreakers, which determined the main directions of the development of this type of ships. This article also presents the composite tables containing technical and operational characteristics of all main icebreakers that can be used in the design works. Trends of the modern development of icebreaking construction during the twenty‐first century are considered.
Propeller Blade Strength
Authors: Carlton John
Published: January 2018

The traditional method of evaluating the stress in a propeller blade against a criterion of stress has been the cantilever beam method. This approach in its various ways has until relatively recently formed the cornerstone of commercial propeller stressing practice. However, this relatively simple approach has, in many instances, been superseded by finite element methods that lend themselves to a more detailed stress analysis for the complex blade forms of many modern propellers. This article explores these approaches in relation to propeller materials as well as considering the implications of transient operation on the integrity of propeller blades.
Hydrodynamic Analysis of Marine Propulsors
Authors: Kinnas Spyros A.
Published: January 2018

In this article, several basic concepts for the hydrodynamic analysis and performance prediction of marine propulsors are presented. These (potential flow) methods range from very simple (actuator disk or lifting line method) to more elaborate ones (vortex‐lattice methods (VLM) or boundary element methods (BEM)). Comparisons are provided of results obtained with different methods. It is shown that in particular the VLM and BEM methods can predict the performance of several types of propulsors in wetted and cavitating condition, over a range of operating conditions. Application of RANS methods is discussed. These, or even more sophisticated methods, like LES or DES, are typically needed for cases where the presented potential flow methods are not valid.
Fabrication Welding Processes
Authors: Jukes Paul
Published: January 2018

The fabrication of marine and offshore structures requires the welding together of individual components such as steel plates or pipe joints. The permanent process of welding has allowed the construction of modern ships, offshore structures, and pipelines to be made possible. This article looks at the different welding processes that are commonly used in the industry today. There are many types of welding processes, but the main ones used for marine construction are shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), submerged arc welding (SAW), flux‐cored arc welding (FCAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). The advantages and disadvantages of each of these are discussed. Additionally, important welding/welder qualification processes such as welding procedure specification (WPS), procedure qualification record (PQR), welder performance qualification record (WPQR), pipe welding positions, terminology for the position of the weld, and weld quality are also described. It is important to use the correct welding type for the application.
Risk Analysis
Authors: Hassanin Ahmed , Jukes Paul
Published: January 2018

Studying the underlying uncertainty associated with a decision is the basis of risk analysis. On the basis of qualitative and/or qualitative studies, a risk can be identified early in the project in attempts of avoiding it in the future, minimizing the effect in case it occurs, or safeguarding against the consequences. There are several methods of risk analysis that have been developed over the years, which have shaped the regulatory actions that are undertaken in the offshore oil and gas industry. Many of the studies that are developed are based on inducing or deducing the occurrence of an event based on actions. The risk associated with an event can then be quantified or qualified to improve decision‐making and overall safety.
Introduction to Port Systems
Authors: Bichou Khalid
Published: January 2018

Ports are critical infrastructure resources and serve a key role in the transportation of freight and people. With more than 80% of international trade by volume is being carried by sea, ports are vital for seaborne trade and international commerce. This chapter covers such aspects as port facilities and services, port ownership, and port developments and trends.
Container Terminals
Authors: Pachakis Dimitrios
Published: January 2018

This article describes the main features of a container terminal, its planning principles, and the various infrastructure components that require engineering design. In addition, it provides some experience‐based recommendations for the successful development of the container terminal infrastructure.
Break Bulk and Bulk Terminals
Authors: Schott Dingena L. , van den Hoed Mariëlle
Published: January 2018

This article reviews the equipment and technology used for transport and handling of break bulk or general cargo on break bulk terminals. The product groups in break bulk are categorized into five groups: bags, bananas, steel and timber, project cargo, and roll‐on roll‐off. Each of the categories has its own specialized equipment for efficient and safe cargo handling, which means break bulk terminals are specialized in handling of a single product group. An outlook over the future of break bulk reveals expected growth in steel and timber due to increasing infrastructural projects. In addition to heavy lift project cargo, an increase is foreseen driven by oil and gas developments together with clean energy projects. An increase in containerization worldwide will ultimately lead to a reduced share of bags and bananas transported as break bulk. Perhaps, the most prosperous of all break bulk shipping is the roll‐on roll‐off product group and more specifically wheeled cargo.
Lubricant Types and Performance in Marine Propulsion Systems
Authors: Cumberlidge Phil
Published: January 2018

This article deals with the lubricant types suitable for ship propulsion systems. It looks at the varied requirements and performance of lubricants for different pieces of propulsion machinery and discusses the attributes and weaknesses of the various lubricants available today and how one can select the best lubricant for a particular application. Only oils are included in this article; marine engine lubricants and greases, while mentioned, are not discussed, because they are wholly separate lubricant stories.

The bases of lubricants are dug out of the ground, grown on the ground, or designed and developed in laboratories. There are three primary sources of lubricants: (i) mineral‐based, from crude oil; (ii) vegetable oils; and (iii) man‐made “synthetic” lubricants.

Each does a reasonable job, but with more and more requirement for better equipment performance, more equipment utilization time, less maintenance, less environmental damage, and, lower cost, the requirements on lubricants today are more demanding.

What are the specific requirements of lubricants for machinery like gearboxes, stern tubes, and controllable pitch propeller systems, and how can one evaluate the various lubricant options currently available and select the most appropriate one?
Power Generation and Distribution Systems
Authors: Atutxa Iñigo , Abad Gonzalo , Carlton John
Published: January 2018

This article considers issues relating to power generation onboard ships and the associated electrical distribution systems. Having first introduced some typical electrical systems, discussion moves on to generators and frequency and voltage control together with the concept of droop. The problem of power management is also considered. Finally, some discussion on power cables is offered.
Subsea Production Control Systems
Authors: Maxwell Jamie P.
Published: January 2018

This article discusses subsea production control systems. The systems are explained by the differences and similarities between them. Control systems that are covered include the following, direct hydraulic (D/H), electro‐pilot and electro‐hydraulic (E/H).
Blowout Risk in Drilling and Production
Authors: Khan Faisal , Abimbola Majeed , Hashemi Seyed Javad
Published: January 2018

The risk of blowout is one of the major threats for the safe operation of offshore drilling and production. Although conventional risk assessment methods have played an important role in identifying major risks and maintaining safety in offshore facilities, they have several disadvantages due to their structural limitations. The complex dynamic mechanism of blowouts, well‐specific risk factors due to specific reservoir and underground conditions, environmental and operational uncertainties, complexity of the decisions needed to respond to well control incidents, and time‐dependent degradation of blowout barriers require the development and implementation of advanced risk assessment and management techniques to incorporate these risk factors. This article describes the blowout scenarios and important risk factors that should be taken into account for blowout risk assessment. Then, a comparative study of existing blowout risk assessment techniques is provided. The main technological challenges and the requirements to implement an effective dynamic risk management of drilling and production facilities are discussed. The integration of the dynamic risk assessment of blowout with management systems is also discussed, which helps to enable safer complex offshore operations in extreme environments.
Jack‐Up Foundations
Authors: Menzies David , Young Alan G , Templeton John S.
Published: January 2018

Mobile jack‐up rigs with independent legs have played a significant role in offshore oil and gas exploration on the continental shelf areas around the world. Operation of mobile jack‐up rigs involves significantly different risks than most engineering structure by the nature of their design. Their initial design concept requires a standard operating practice of preloading the foundation spud cans. This increase in foundation capacity provides a proof‐test under controlled conditions in advance of storm loading. Certain geotechnical site conditions and potential geohazards pose risks to the safe operation of mobile jack‐up rigs. The article describes how these risks may be avoided if site conditions are investigated by acquiring site‐specific geophysical and geotechnical data in advance of the rig arriving at the site. In addition, the article presents analytical methods that have evolved to accurately assess the potential for these risks.
Design of Jack‐Ups
Authors: Kudsk Gregers
Published: January 2018

This article describes the historical development of the design of Jack‐Ups since their origin in 1955. It furthermore covers the design aspects specific to Jack‐Ups including the structural designs, the jacking systems, legs and leg footings (spudcans) as well as the various operating elements associated with its primary function as a drilling unit or its use in other offshore operations.
The Properties of Steels Used in Jack‐Up Platforms
Authors: Herion Stefan
Published: January 2018

Choosing the right material for offshore oil and gas jackets and all related construction is becoming more and more challenging. On one hand, the jackets are planned larger and larger, and on the other, new fields with harsher conditions like in the Arctic region are under exploration. Depending on this, and also and the needs of the owners and the certification companies, several standards and requirements need to be fulfilled.

In addition, steel fabricators are developing better production lines and steel qualities resulting in very thick plates and also high‐strength materials. But not only is the strength of the material is important but also the toughness and the weldability as well as the fatigue behavior are, of course.

The use of high‐strength steel grades in offshore applications requires certified materials. Extensive mechanical testing on these materials is conducted to qualify them. Accreditation companies such as the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd (DNVGL) are active worldwide in the shipping and offshore sector and contribute to a continuous increase in safety standards.

In the following, some aspects and some assistance are offered on how and where to find the right material and which standards have to be followed. Also, some new developments of steel producers will be mentioned.
Risk Reduction Strategies
Authors: van der Stap Andre C.M.
Published: January 2018

Risk management has been one of the key enablers of the global oil and gas industry. It is the mechanism by which to control the risk of a calamity, thus allowing the processing of flammable and explosive hydrocarbons in an effective, safe, and controlled manner. In the offshore oil and gas industry, this impact of risk management has a visible importance: the hazardous combination of confined and congested space, fierce environmental conditions, and the offshore workers working and living at the site itself forces design engineers to dramatically improve their understanding of the phenomena that could occur to jeopardize people and assets.

This article outlines the hazard and effect management process as commonly used and placed in its historic context. It describes which risk reduction strategies are available to pursue the goal setting approach toward risk levels deemed acceptable to both industry and society also known as
as low as reasonably practicable
. Finally, some trends in risk and risk reduction strategies are discussed. The article focuses on asset integrity and process safety risks. Project risk management, for example, technical, economical, commercial, organizational, and political risks, is not part of this article.
Offshore Pipeline Construction and Installation
Authors: Jukes Paul
Published: January 2018

Flowlines are used to transport oil or gas from subsea wellhead locations back to a host or to the shore. Flowlines and pipelines are constructed using pipeline joints consisting of 40‐ft lengths of pipe welded together to form a pipeline. The welding of the pipe joints to form a pipeline is traditionally undertaken on a construction lay barge, for S‐lay and J‐lay, and this is effectively a large mobile factory offshore. Pipelay construction barges can be large, and it is not uncommon for a barge to be more than 1000 ft in length and has over 400 workers on it. This section looks at the following: milestones in the offshore pipeline and construction, the principle of pipelay, construction techniques and equipment, and installation design.
Anchoring Systems: Anchor Types, Installation, and Design
Authors: O'Loughlin Conleth , Neubecker Steven , Gaudin Christophe
Published: January 2018

Station keeping of floating facilities requires mooring lines that terminate at anchors located on or within the seabed. This article provides an overview of currently available anchoring technology, including guidance on the types of seabed and mooring configurations that each are suited to, and the considerations that need to be made in the design process. Design approaches for the various anchor types are outlined, with examples showing how these approaches capture observed performance both during installation and in service. The information and guidance provided in this article serves as a stepping‐stone toward a complete design, which should be based on expert geotechnical advice and appropriate use of design codes, design recommendations, and the literature.
Pipe–Seabed Interaction
Authors: White David , Bransby Fraser
Published: January 2018

Subsea pipelines rest on or in the seabed, and therefore their behavior and condition depends on pipe–seabed interactions. Pipelines expand and contract during operation and can also be loaded by hydrodynamic action, turbidity flows, or debris flows. These actions are resisted by seabed reaction forces in the vertical, axial, and lateral directions.

In some situations, the pipeline may be deliberately buried, for example, to allow overtrawling, provide thermal insulation, or prevent expansion‐induced buckling. However, in many cases, the pipeline may be laid directly onto the seabed. It may self‐bury through the action of sediment transport, remain only partially embedded into the soil, or some intermittent combination of these effects along its route.

Assessments of pipe–seabed interaction forces for all the abovementioned burial conditions begin with estimation of the as‐laid (or as‐constructed) embedment. Classical methods such as limit plasticity underpin solutions for embedment and the limiting pipe–soil resistance in each direction. The critical uncertainties are usually the operative soil strength—which is affected by the seabed disturbance during the lay (or backfilling) process and throughout the operating life—and the pipeline embedment (or cover depth). Specific geotechnical testing technologies have evolved to reduce uncertainties in pipe–seabed assessments, including tools for determining the near‐seabed (and disturbed) soil strength and the pipe–soil interface strength at very low stresses. The associated analysis methods also aim to quantify the variability of the seabed reaction forces along the pipeline.

The abovementioned predictions of pipe–seabed interaction behavior are performed to feed into structural analyses of the pipeline, which often use a reliability‐based framework. Pipe–soil interaction assessments require close collaboration between the pipeline and geotechnical experts due to the inherent influence of soil–structure interaction, as well as the aim of tailoring the geotechnical assessment to address the particular design criticalities, which vary depending on the seabed and pipeline conditions.
Port Environmental Management
Authors: Zis Thalis P. V. , Angeloudis Panagiotis A. , Bichou Khalid
Published: January 2018

The environmental impacts of ports have seen increasing attention in recent years, from the academic community, regulatory bodies, and port authorities. The growth of maritime transport has led to the expansion of ports that now need to handle larger vessels—this has a severe impact on local air quality and the marine environment. This article reviews prominent environmental issues that port operations are responsible for and presents the most important regulations, technologies, and initiatives from port associations and authorities that seek to address the issue of pollutant emissions, ballast water treatment, and energy consumption. This article finishes off with suggestions for closer cooperation of regulators and port authorities in developing improved initiatives to reduce the negative effects of port operations.
Flood, Gauge, and Test; Pre‐Commission; Commission; and Decommission
Authors: Hassanin Ahmed , Jukes Paul
Published: January 2018

Post pipeline‐laying activities are essential in ensuring a smooth flow of hydrocarbons in the flowline. Main steps involve pre‐commissioning, commissioning, and decommissioning. The system must be mechanically complete before the introduction of fluid into the pipeline (pre‐commissioning). A mechanically complete system is a milestone for the introduction of the fluid into the pipeline (commissioning). With production completed, the pipeline is prepared for abandonment or future user after production completion (decommissioning).
Lubrication of Propulsion Systems and Gearboxes
Authors: Cumberlidge Phil
Published: January 2018

This article deals with the lubrication of ship's stern tube, controllable pitch propeller, and gearbox equipment found in ships' propulsion systems; engine lubricants are not discussed. It looks at the varied requirements of lubricants for these different pieces of machinery and discusses the attributes and weaknesses of the various lubricants available today and how one can select the best lubricant for a particular application. Only oils are discussed in this article; greases, while mentioned, are a whole separate lubricant story.

There are three primary sources of lubricants: (i) mineral‐based, from crude oil; (ii) vegetable oils; (iii) man‐made “synthetic” lubricants.

Each does a reasonable job, but with more and more requirement for more equipment performance, more equipment utilization time, less maintenance, less environmentally damaging, at lower cost, and so on, the requirements on lubricants today are more demanding.

What are the specific requirements of lubricants for machinery like gearboxes, stern tubes, and controllable pitch propeller systems, and how can one evaluate the various lubricant options currently available and select the most appropriate ones?
COMP Report: CPQR technical quality control guidelines for CyberKnife® Technology
Authors: Vandervoort Eric , Patrocinio Horacio , Chow Tom , Soisson Emilie , Nadeau Dominic Béliveau
Published: January 2018

The Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists (COMP), in close partnership with the Canadian Partnership for Quality Radiotherapy (CPQR) has developed a series of Technical Quality Control (TQC) guidelines for radiation treatment equipment. These guidelines outline the performance objectives that equipment should meet in order to ensure an acceptable level of radiation treatment quality. This particular TQC contains detailed performance objectives and safety criteria for CyberKnife® Technology. The quality control recommendations in this document are based upon previously published guidelines and the collective experience of all Canadian sites using this technology. This TQC guideline has been field tested at the newest Canadian CyberKnife installation site and includes recommendations for quality control of the Iris™ and InCise™ MLC collimation systems.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals abnormalities of glucose metabolism in the Alzheimer's brain
Authors: Mullins Roger , Reiter David , Kapogiannis Dimitrios
Published: January 2018

Objective

Brain glucose hypometabolism is a prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and in this case–control study we used Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) to assess AD‐related differences in the posterior cingulate/precuneal ratio of glucose, lactate, and other metabolites.

Methods

J‐modulated Point‐Resolved Spectroscopy (J‐PRESS) and Prior‐Knowledge Fitting (ProFit) software was used to measure glucose and other metabolites in the posterior cingulate/precuneus of 25 AD, 27 older controls, and 27 younger control participants. Clinical assessments for AD participants included cognitive performance measures, insulin resistance metrics and CSF biomarkers.

Results

AD participants showed substantially elevated glucose, lactate, and ascorbate levels compared to older (and younger) controls. In addition, the precuneal glucose elevation discriminated well between AD participants and older controls. Myo‐inositol correlated with CSF p‐Tau181P, total Tau, and the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) sum‐of‐boxes score within the AD group.

Interpretation

Higher glucose to creatine ratios in the AD brain likely reflect lower glucose utilization. Our findings reveal pronounced metabolic abnormalities in the AD brain and strongly suggest that brain glucose merits further investigation as a candidate AD biomarker.
Synthesis of Predesigned Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals and Their Applications in Field‐Sequential Color Displays
Authors: Zhang Yan‐Song , Liu Chun‐Yen , Emelyanenko Alexander V. , Liu Jui‐Hsiang
Published: January 2018

A series of low transition temperature and fast response chiral smectic C (SmC*) liquid crystals is designed and synthesized. The phase transition behaviors and electrooptical properties of the synthesized compounds are investigated and compared with reported values. The ferroelectric phase of the liquid crystals is characterized by means of differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS), and electrooptical measurements. The wide SmC* phase is achieved via the induction of achiral trisiloxane and a chiral methyl‐lateral substituent onto the terminuses of the molecules. The optimized packing arrangement model is studied based on the exceptionally high apparent tilt angles (≈41°) and smectic layer spacing observed using WAXS. A fast response time of 0.3 ms in an electric field of 10 V µm−1 provides an opportunity to use the synthesized materials for field‐sequential color liquid crystal displays (FSCLCDs). An FSCLCD sample cell is fabricated using the synthesized ferroelectric liquid crystals via a red (R), green (G), and blue (B) backlight. A color‐frame frequency of more than 500 Hz (i.e., a frame frequency more than 166 Hz) is achieved. As a single material liquid crystal display cell, the synthesized ferroelectric liquid crystals show great performances at room temperature.
Flexible Interconnects for Electronic Textiles
Authors: Agcayazi Talha , Chatterjee Kony , Bozkurt Alper , Ghosh Tushar K.
Published: January 2018

Conformable electrical systems integrated in textiles offer revolutionary possibilities. Textiles constitute an obvious choice as a multifunctional electronic platform, since they are worn and used to cover many surfaces around us. The primary focus of the emerging area of electronic textiles (e‐textiles) is on developing transformative technologies to produce flexible, conformable, and large‐area textile‐based electronic systems. One of the main roadblocks to development of e‐textiles is making (fiber‐to‐fiber) interconnects within textiles, with rigid semiconductor‐based circuits and other devices, and efficiently routing these circuits. This problem is compounded by the need for the textile and other materials to withstand the stresses and strains of manufacturing and end‐use. The fundamental challenge of forming these interconnects involves making them flexible, robust, and environmentally stable while ensuring adequate electrical connectivity. From a mechanical standpoint, the transition from soft to hard materials should occur with minimum stress/strain concentration. These challenges, if unaddressed, will remain a barrier to large‐scale development of textile‐based electronic systems. This work reviews the technological issues related to the textile interconnect, providing an overview of flexible interconnects, including relevant materials, electrical and mechanical characterization techniques, ways of forming flexible conductive pathways, and potential research directions and challenges.
Front‐End‐of‐Line Integration of Graphene Oxide for Graphene‐Based Electrical Platforms
Authors: Lu Xiaoling , Munief Walid‐Madhat , Heib Florian , Schmitt Michael , Britz Anette , Grandthyl Samuel , Müller Frank , Neurohr Jens‐Uwe , Jacobs Karin , Benia Hadj Mohamed , Lanche Ruben , Pachauri Vivek , Hempelmann Rolf , Ingebrandt Sven
Published: January 2018

Scalable and routine integration of chemically exfoliated, graphene‐based materials such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into standard microelectronic fabrication is a tremendous technological challenge, blocking their advancement toward real applications. A unique approach for wafer‐scale fabrication of rGO devices by a synergistic combination of chemically exfoliated GO with photolithography processing is realized. Using graphite powder as source material, a GO solution is produced in a newly optimized, low‐temperature exfoliation and desalination protocol, resulting in high‐quality GO and confirmed by various characterization techniques. As substrates, 4 in. Si/SiO2 or glass wafers were first silanized in a well‐controlled, gas‐phase procedure. Large‐area GO thin films are then realized by standard spin‐coating resulting in highly homogeneous, covalently bound layers of controllable thicknesses of 3–7 nm depending on the amount of spin‐coatings. The robust thin films undergo routine photolithography for device fabrication, including reduction via thermal annealing into conductive rGO. The top‐down fabricated rGO devices display high uniformity with electrical resistances varying within only one order of magnitude over wafer‐scale and device yields as high as ≈93% on a wafer. The novel front‐end‐of‐line GO integration protocol offers robust electrical performances for future implementation toward various sensor applications.
DVS‐Crosslinked PEDOT:PSS Free‐Standing and Textile Electrodes toward Wearable Health Monitoring
Authors: del Agua Isabel , Mantione Daniele , Ismailov Usein , Sanchez‐Sanchez Ana , Aramburu Nora , Malliaras George G. , Mecerreyes David , Ismailova Esma
Published: January 2018

Conducting polymer electrodes based on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) present many advantages for biological signal recording over traditional metal electrodes and are being steadily evaluated in health monitoring applications. A main requirement for wearable electrodes based on PEDOT:PSS is that selected additives, such as crosslinking agents, avoid the redispersion of the polymer or its postprocess delamination. In this work, a novel approach is presented to fabricate water stable conducting free‐standing films and textile electrodes by using a divinyl sulfone (DVS) crosslinker. As opposed to pristine and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GOPS)‐crosslinked formulations, the stability of the conducting PEDOT:PSS/DVS is achieved without reducing its conductivity or an extreme stiffening of its mechanical properties. PEDOT:PSS/DVS formulation is easily processed on any substrate and forms low surface resistance free‐standing or textiles electrodes. Electrochemical and stretchable properties of the PEDOT:PSS/DVS in air and in an aqueous environment are demonstrated and its performance in recordings of electrophysiological signals such as electrocardiography is evaluated. This three‐component material shows great potential for making wearable and humidity stable devices in healthcare applications. Furthermore, it can also be highly attractive for the development of washable electroactive textiles.