bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significant Cost Reduction of Subsea Boosting Systems by Innovative Technologies
Authors: Jahnsen Ove Fritz
Published: October 2016

The oil market is in a state of rapid change due to the decreasing oil price, with an urgent need for radical cost reduction of existing development solutions. For the subsea boosting market this comes on top of a historically slow market adoption of subsea processing technology in general. Now, with the new market situation, the incentives for solutions that can increase recovery are strengthened and should become more important to Operators for both Greenfield and Brownfield. The opportunity for subsea process solutions and in particular subsea boosting solutions to become a standard in the industry is right now. To realize this opportunity there is a significant need for change in the knowledge and cost of subsea boosting solutions, to strengthen the business case and thereby grow the market for subsea boosting

Many factors will contribute to this change, but this paper will focus particularly on innovative technical solutions that will simplify existing systems, prepare for true standardization and by this significantly reduce size, weight and cost compared to existing designs. Furthermore, introducing innovative technologies supports simplified installation and intervention as well as deepwater and long step-out developments. All of this is possible without introducing big technology leaps or compromising the reliability of the overall solution.

The paper will provide case studies demonstrating cost savings including size / weight comparisons of conventional and new solutions, as well as dives into certain technology elements with proven results.
Meeting the Demand for Barrier Plug Integrity Assurance & Verification of Well Abandonment Barriers
Authors: Stein Arild
Published: October 2016

There are multiple issues involved in gaining verification of an installed barrier, for example, when two wellbore barriers are installed in close proximity, the well's general ability to support an inflow test, and the time it takes to get a segregating well stable.

The wireless Barrier Verification System (BVS) was developed to meet the demand for barrier plug integrity assurance. Its transmitter is configured to send pressure readings but can also record for multiple days depending on battery configuration, wellbore temperature and logging frequency. The receiver records and stores the pressure information collected above the installed plug for reference and wirelessly receives the values from below the barrier plug.

The BVS provides valuable information to determine the overall quality of the barrier installed, allowing operators to obtain a positive verification of well barrier and integrity with a higher degree of confidence.

With the supply of downhole data from mechanical wireline operations available online and even in real-time, the BVS can save operational time with a more efficient verification of the barrier, especially in low pressure wells with free gas.
Process Safety in Front-End Loading for Delivery of Mega Sour Gas Projects
Authors: Al-Dousari Fahad
Published: October 2016

Major oil producing countries are affected by the recent drop in oil price and lack of local gas production available for consumption in the local society. With oil prices more than halved over the last year, the oil industry is gradually slipping into the red. However, significant volume of local gas supply need is critical to catch-up day to day local consumption demands (i.e. power plant, house-hold consumption), hence Jurassic gas reservoirs have been explored to develop and produce huge amount of sour gas fluid which is associated with significant HSE risks due to very high toxicity and corrosion impact (in addition to lack of local expertise in sour gas facility design and production). Although many articles have been published on how to execute mega sour gas projects, the industry will need to make a step change in its delivery performance of mega sour gas projects with improved know-how and expertise, and will need to re-energise it’s focus on how to avoid unnecessary process safety and HSE concerns, risks, cost and schedule overruns. This paper describes our perspective on the principles of delivering successful and safe mega sour gas projects and discusses the criticality of consideration for process safety (including HSE) aspect that is essential in the front-end loading engineering stages (i.e. Identify-Assess, Concept-Select, Front-End Engineering FEED).

It is mostly based on our personal experiences as Senior Project Engineer in Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) and from insights that we gained through working with Major International Oil Companies (IOCs) and with the recognized Engineering Contractors. The article will address the following topics; Poor Front End Loading in the early engineering stagesLack of understanding the Risk associated with the project including Societal Risk exposureSignificant changes during project execution due to design inadequacy of process safetyNo or small Owner’s team, Project is Schedule driven with lack of resourcesInsufficient capability with Project Design and Execution ContractorsInsufficient early Operations input into the design of toxic facilityMega projects are often considered to be just "bigger" projectsRisk can be transferred to Contractors, lack of robust quality assurance plansNo integrated teams, insufficient stakeholder management & Industrial Land allocationSignificant CAPEX/OPEX Investment in Sour Gas project (compared to Sweet Facilities)
An analysis on the factors affecting profitability level of Sharia banking in Indonesia
Authors: Said Muhammad , Ali Herni
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this research is to analyze the influence of Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) Third Party Funds (TPF), Non Performing Financing (NPF), Financing to Deposit Ratio (FDR), Operation Cost Operating Income (OCOI), Net Operating Margin (NOM), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation and Return on Asset (ROA) as a proxy of Islamic bank’s profitability in Indonesia during 2011-2014 periods. The population of study was Sharia banking (BS) in Indonesia. Time series data from Indonesian Banking Statistics 2011-2014 were used as the primary data. Multiple linear regression was applied as method of analysis. The result shows that CAR, NPF, FDR and NOM did not affect profitability, while TPF, OCOI had negative effect on profitability. Meanwhile, GDP and inflation variable had significant effect with positive direction.
Keywords: Sharia bank, ROA, TPF, NPF and inflation. JEL Classification: G21, E31
An empirical investigation into the information management systems at a South African financial institution
Authors: Adonis Ridoh , Sibongiseni Ngcamu Bethuel
Published: October 2016

The study has been triggered by the increase in information breaches in financial organizations worldwide. Such organizations may have policies and procedures, strategies and systems in place in order to mitigate the risk of information breaches, but data breaches are still on the rise. The objectives of this study are to explore the shortfalls of information security on a South African financial institution and further investigate whether business processes are responsive to organization’s needs. This study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Questionnaires were sent to staff level employees, and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with senior management at the organization. The study revealed that employees require training on information management and that there are major training deficiencies for training officers to conduct beneficial information management training at the organization. Information security program that include business risk analysis were not implemented, which results in inadequate information management planning and decisions. A standardized or uniform house rule policy was not consistently implemented across the organization, which resulted in certain areas not protecting information. The qualitative findings revealed that the external cleaning company could obtain access to customer information, if customer data are left lying around. Furthermore, there is major misalignment between policy setters and employees in this organization. The findings allow senior managers to construct projects and program with their teams to improve the state of information management in the organization which spans across the people aspect, technology systems and general information management processes. Furthermore, external companies should start signing Non-Disclosure Agreements - which is not being done currently as this opens the door for data fraud. The organization has information management and security policies in place, but the study concluded that employees do not understand these policies and should receive specialized training to ensure understanding and, ultimately, have employees following these information security policies.
Keywords: data breach, information management, business processes, information legislation. JEL Classification: G2
Some leading causes of emerging rural poultry small and medium enterprises failure in South Africa
Authors: Leakalala Moloto Mahlatse , Matshonisa Seeletse Solly
Published: October 2016

This study examines the factors that cause failures of many South African rural small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in poultry business. The research method was qualitative phenomenology using in-depth, semi-structured interviews to explore the factors considered by rural chicken SMEs owners to be causes of their business difficulties. The study revealed that these entrepreneurships knew chicken business only from the home-grown chickens, and the local poultry was usually providing only meat. Compared to the local chickens that were cheap to acquire and nurture, the commercial ones had to be purchased, nourished with purchased foods, supported with electricity light at night, and still, some died. It was much cheaper to raise indigenous chickens. The results indicate that rural poultry SMEs owners did not know that buying a commercial chick carries benefits that range from eggs, feathers, meat, and other chicken products. Also, after purchasing each chick, there are more additional investments needed to maintain the market standard. The study enlightens chicken entrepreneurs that they should, first, learn the insight of business, the poultry industry, and the context of the business they wish to pursue.
Keywords: competition, formal market, informal business, SMEs, poultry, rural, tax. JEL Classification: Q13, O17
Tendencias organizativas y tipos de poder en doce líderes del municipio de San Gil, Santander
Authors: Hernández-Velandia Wilmer
Published: October 2016

El presente artículo da a conocer los resultados de la investigación basada en la recuperación etnográfica de los discursos de doce líderes sociales, culturales y de partidos políticos en el municipio de San Gil, Santander, en el marco de las Elecciones Legislativas de 2010 en Colombia. Se logran distinguir dos propuestas así: se identifican dos tendencias organizativas, una partidista y otra de autonomía social, cada una con interpretaciones distintas sobre problemas, propuestas de solución, roles y conceptos base; de otro lado, se deducen dos tipos de poder, uno representativo y otro diversificante, explicando la manera como éstos se fortalecen o debilitan en una u otra tendencia organizativa.
Arqueología por contrato y nuevos contratos arqueológicos
Authors: Londoño Wilhelm
Published: October 2016

Este artículo discute dos temas que están relacionados. El primer tema es el impacto de la arqueología por contrato en Colombia. Se sabe que la demanda de programas de arqueología preventiva se ha incrementado en los últimos años, pero no se sabe realmente cuánto. La primera parte de este artículo está dedicada a aproximar al lector a esta problemática para el caso colombiano. La segunda parte discute, por medio del análisis de dos sitios arqueológicos, los actuales debates en torno a áreas arqueológicas que involucran políticas de turismo globales y procesos de recuperación locales. El caso de recuperación de un área arqueológica se toma como punto de referencia para hablar de un nuevo contrato arqueológico, que se opone a una arqueología por contrato, que es la tendencia dominante.
Metodologia para a identificação de fatores que contribuam para a melhoria da qualidade dos cursos de pós-graduação com base nas avaliações trienais da Capes
Authors: Da Silva Licinio Esmeraldo , Cunha Karin Soares Gonçalves , Dias Eliane Pedra
Published: October 2016

A qualidade do ensino de pós-graduação no Brasil é verificadapela Capes por meio de acompanhamentos anuais e avaliações trienaisdos programas e cursos de mestrado e doutorado, cujos resultadossão sintetizados na Ficha de Avaliação do Programa, por meio da qualpoderão ser identificados aqueles itens que contribuíram para a perdade qualidade. Para o estabelecimento de prioridades para a melhoriada qualidade, apresenta-se uma metodologia baseada na análisede Pareto para determinar os itens vitais que alavancarão o melhorposicionamento em próxima avaliação. O método é exemplificado comum caso real e orienta para quais itens de avaliação o esforço deve sermais intenso. Conclui-se que o método é robusto o suficiente para queas abordagens para a solução não recaiam em áreas que sejam menosrelevantes.
Doutoramento e perspectivas de integração profissional: um estudo baseado nos doutorados pela Universidade do Minho
Authors: Quintas Carla , Araújo Emília
Published: October 2016

Este artigo fornece informação sobre os percursos profissionais dos doutorados, enfatizando a necessidade de debate teórico acercadas representações e dos lugares do doutoramento, face a contextos de ação cada vez mais complexos e diversos, caracterizados pelo aumento do número de doutorados e pelas dificuldades várias de entrada deles no mercado de trabalho, especialmente o acadêmico, e a persistência de uma representação dualista sobre os modos de aplicação e interesse do doutoramento nos contextos acadêmico e não acadêmico. O texto baseia-se em uma pesquisa realizada junto dos doutorados da Universidade do Minho, Portugal.
Avaliação da qualidade do periódico científico para indexação: estudo de caso ilustrado na Revista Ibero-Americana de Engenharia Industrial (IJIE)
Authors: Ensslin Sandra Rolim , Merlin Fabrício Kurman , De Souza Juliane Vieira , Ensslin Leonardo , Pereira Vera Lúcia Duarte do Valle , Stefano Nara Medianeira
Published: October 2016

O objetivo do presente trabalho é apresentar um modelo de avaliação construído para o periódico Revista Ibero-Americana de Engenharia Industrial (IJIE, sigla em inglês), levando em conta os critérios necessários e suficientes, segundo a percepção do editor científico (decisor), para apoiar sua gestão, a fim de buscar a indexação no portal de periódicos da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC). Trata-se de um estudo de caso de natureza exploratória. Para acoleta de dados, utilizaram-se fontes primárias, por meio de entrevista com o editor do periódico. A partir do modelo construído, possibilitou-se:(i) identificar 84 critérios julgados relevantes pelo decisor; (ii)avaliar o periódico segundo esses critérios; e (iii) gerar alternativas para aperfeiçoar o desempenho, permitindo, ao decisor, compreender as consequências dessas ações. Os resultados apontaram para autilidade da proposta, que conseguiu cumprir os objetivos de identificar,organizar e mensurar os aspectos relevantes segundo a percepção do editor, responsável pelo gerenciamento do periódico.
Explorando a aprendizagem independente integrada e a inovação nos programas de pós-graduação brasileiros
Authors: Mota Ronaldo
Published: October 2016

Este artigo apresenta observações sobre aprendizagem independente integrada, com ênfase no papel do professor, acompanhando as experiências de aprendizagem dos estudantes, e tendo os estudantes compartilhando com o professor a centralidade do processo ensino-aprendizagem. Essa estratégia de ensino, aplicável a qualquer nível educacional, inclusive aos cursos de pósgraduação, é apresentada como poderoso instrumento motivador para contribuir com a formação de profissionais capazes de enfrentar os desafios associados com o novo cenário brasileiro, em que inovação e empreendedorismo são prioridades centrais.
Inovação tecnológica na área de Educação em contexto de disseminação tecnológica – a experiência da Pós- Graduação em Educação, Cultura e Comunicação nas Periferias Urbanas – FEBF/Uerj
Authors: Garcia Sobreira Henrique , Leroux Liliane , Lima Sampaio Leonardo , Lopes Bastos Felype , Mesquita da Silva Rodrigo
Published: October 2016

As reflexões que apresentamos aqui são derivadas de quase uma década de pesquisas envolvendo docentes e discentes da Faculdadede Educação da Baixada Fluminense (FEBF), campus da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Uerj), as quais, inclusive, originaram e constituem o núcleo das atividades do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação, Cultura e Comunicação nas Periferias Urbanas. O que tentamos colocar em perspectiva é que, quando pesquisadores do campo de Educação iniciam sua intervenção tratando as tecnologias socialmente disseminadas como novos dispositivos culturais, ou seja, para além de meras ferramentas, não há como persistir na forma como fazíamos pesquisas em Educação. A pesquisa tecnológica convoca pesquisadores, docentes, discentes, participantes e o público a serem todos produtores de tecnologia e não apenas críticos do seu uso.
Mestrado profissional interdisciplinar em desenvolvimento local: uma proposta inovadora
Authors: De Miranda Maria Geralda , Pires Novaes Ana Maria , Santos Avelar Kátia Eliane
Published: October 2016

Este artigo parte de discussões sobre o mundo do trabalho,ressaltando a importância da educação continuada como fator fundamental para o desenvolvimento do Brasil. Faz um breve balanço das medidas governamentais (Ministério da Educação, Capes eagências de fomento) visando à inserção do País em uma situação mundial mais favorável, no que tange à pesquisa científica e à inovação. Aborda a importância da normatização dos mestrados profissionais pela Capes e, por fim, mostra algumas experiências do Programa dePós-Graduação Interdisciplinar em Desenvolvimento Local (PPGDL)do Unisuam, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, que tem procurado estabelecer relações entre universidade, governo, iniciativa privada e terceiro setor com vistas à realização de projetos de desenvolvimento sustentável.
A kortárs magyar építészet és képzőművészet metszetei
Authors: Harangi Attila , Török Dávid
Published: October 2016

TDK dolgozatomban a kortárs magyar építészet és képzőművészet metszeteit kutatattam. A történeti áttekintésben kristályosodott ki, hogy két fordulópont hatott napjaink művészetére - a gótikus és barokk összművészeti alkotások. Kortárs építészetünk és képzőművészetünk összemetsződéseit pedig három kategóriába soroltam: metamorfózis, kapcsolat és metszet. Az metszetekben valósul meg a legmagasabb szinten az összemetsződés. Ezt Megyik János képzőművész művészetének elemzésével és a Debreceni Egyetem Élettudományi Épület és Könyvtár épületéhez készített Kapuzat szobrán keresztül fejtettem ki.
Reduced-thickness CVN testing to represent slant failure of pipelines
Authors: Van Wittenberghe Jeroen , Thibaux Philippe , Goes Patrick
Published: October 2016

To avoid longitudinal ductile crack propagation along a gas pipeline, the Batelle Two Curve method is used during pipeline design. This method states that a running crack will be arrested if the gas decompression velocity exceeds the crack propagation speed at the internal gas pressure. The crack propagation curve is scaled by impact energy values obtained through Charpy V-Notch (CVN) testing. However, for high-strength steel grades this scaling leads to unconservative predictions, because the experiment does not sufficiently represent the pipeline failure mode. The CVN specimen exhibits mainly mode I failure, without significant shear lips, while real failure is a combined mode often described as slant failure. In the present study, instrumented CVN tests are carried out on samples with different thickness reduction levels. To get a better insight in the crack initiation and propagation behaviour, the CVN test is simulated by finite element analysis. The dissipated energy and resulting fracture surfaces can be successfully represented. It is observed that slant failure is promoted by reducing the specimen thickness. In addition, the specific absorbed energy is decreased. However, most of the difference of absorbed energy is in crack initiation. This means that the fraction of the total energy dissipated in crack propagation is increased for reduced thickness specimens, making it a possible tool to assess the resistance of a material to crack propagation, provided that brittle fracture is avoided.
Latest developments in mechanical properties and metallurgical features of high strength line pipe steels
Authors: Belato Rosado Diego , De Waele Wim , Vanderschueren Dirk , Hertelé Stijn
Published: October 2016

In response to the increasing demand to improve both transportation efficiency and performance, the steel pipe industry has conducted extensive efforts to develop line pipe steel grades with superior metallurgical and mechanical (strength, toughness and ductility) properties in order to allow exploitation in hostile environments. This paper aims to give an overview of recent developments of high strength pipe steel grades as API 5L X70 and beyond, providing a detailed understanding of the continuous improvements with respect to a strain-based design context. Information regarding the metallurgy and processing, such as chemical composition, microstructural design, thermo-mechanical controlled process (TMCP) and accelerated cooling process (AcC), to achieve the target strength, ductility and toughness properties are discussed.
Considerations in selecting laboratory scale test specimens for evaluation of fracture toughness
Authors: Verstraete Matthias , Hertelé Stijn , Van Minnebruggen Koen , Denys Rudi , De Waele Wim
Published: October 2016

The assessment of defects in large steel structures requires a trustworthy evaluation of the material’s toughness. This toughness is not only a material property but is also influenced by the loading conditions and geometry; the so-called constraint. The resulting representative value is referred to as the apparent toughness. The evaluation of apparent fracture toughness in a flawed structure is preferentially performed through laboratory scale testing, as full scale tests are both expensive and often challenging to perform. Several laboratory scale test specimens are available, among which a Single Edge Notch Bending specimen, Single Edge Notch Tensile specimen, Double Edge Notch Tensile specimen and Centre Cracked Tensile specimen. Each of these specimens has its own specific constraint. Therefore, the selection of an appropriate test specimen is of primary importance for limiting the conservatism and avoiding potential unconservatism with respect to full scale behaviour. This paper provides a general framework to select an appropriate test specimen based on detailed finite element simulations of both the full scale structure and the laboratory scale test specimens. These finite element calculations allow for a characterization of the crack tip stress fields in both situations. Different theoretical frameworks are available for this characterization; theQ -parameter is considered in this paper. To demonstrate the applicability of this procedure, an example case is presented for circumferentially oriented defects in pressurized pipelines under longitudinal tension. It is concluded that the presented framework allows for efficiently selecting a laboratory scale test specimen, which enables to evaluate the apparent fracture toughness for a given large scale structure. The obtained toughness can thus be incorporated in analytical flaw assessment procedures, reducing the degree of conservatism. This in turn allows an economically effective design.
Increase of the load carrying capacity of aluminum 2024-T3 by means of a NiP-CrC-DLC coating
Authors: Staia Mariana H. , Puchi-Cabrera Eli S. , Santana Y. Y. , La Barbera-Sosa J. G. , Iost Alain , Chicot Didier , Delgado Yeczain Perez , De Baets Patrick
Published: October 2016

The present investigation has been conducted in order to evaluate the tribological behavior of an AA2024-T3 aluminum alloy, coated with a NiP-CrC-DLC coating. The effect of NiP as intermediate layer was evaluated by carrying out calculations using ELASTICA© in order to determine its adequate thickness needed to avoid the plastic deformation of the substrate, ensuring then the integrity of the coating. To evaluate the efficiency of these calculations, a number of dry sliding wear tests were performed employing a ball-on-disk configuration, where alumina balls of 6 mm in diameter were used as counterpart. The sliding wear tests were carried out up to a sliding distance of 800 m, with a normal load of 5 N, a linear speed of 5 cm/s and a contact radius of 3 mm. The wear tracks were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The wear volume was determined by means of optical profilometry. The results indicate that, under the present testing conditions, the NiP-CrC-DLC coating exhibits a satisfactory behavior from the mechanical stability point of view when the thickness of the NiP layer is higher than 60 μm, since no surface failures were observed at the end of the tests. For the coated system, the magnitude of the friction coefficient was found to be of approximately 0.1 and that of the wear rate was of about 2.31 ± 0.09 x 10-16 m3/N.m. On the contrary, for the uncoated substrate, the friction coefficient was of approximately 0.5 and the wear rate of 5.46 x 10-13 m3/N.m, that is to say, 3 orders of magnitude greater than that determined for the coated system.
Application of subloading-overstress friction model to finite element analysis
Authors: Kuwayama T. , Hashiguchi K. , Suzuki N. , Yoshinaga N. , Ogawa S.
Published: October 2016

Accurate prediction of contact behaviour between machine tools and metals is required for the mechanical design of machinery. In this article, the numerical analysis of the contact behaviour is described by incorporating the subloading-overstress model [6] which is capable of describing the contact behaviour for a wide range of sliding velocity including the increase of coefficient of friction with the increase of sliding velocity. And its validity is verified by the comparison with some test results. First, in order to examine the influence of sliding velocities on the friction properties, the flat-surface friction tests for lubricated interfaces between galvannealed steel sheet and SKD-11 tool steel were performed. As a result, It is observed that the friction smoothly translate to kinetic friction, after exhibiting the peak at the static friction. In addition, it is observed that the higher the sliding velocity, the larger the friction resistance, meaning the positive rate sensitivity. Then the subloading-overstress model is implemented in the finite element analysis program ABAQUS/Standard, and it is used to simulate the flat-surface friction tests. The predictions from the finite element analysis are shown to be in very good agreement with experimental results.
Radial error motion of porous gas bearings: theoretical modelling and experimental validation
Authors: Cappa S. , Reynaerts D. , Al-Bender F.
Published: October 2016

Gas bearings are part of many modern (precision) machines. Machine spindles, measurement machines, lithography machines and motion systems are only a few examples that incorporate gas bearings. In analysing the accuracy of such machines or systems, it is convenient to represent the characteristics of gas bearings. The present paper describes a method for analysing the radial error motion of porous gas journal bearings. An orbit model for porous gas journal bearings, based on the time-dependent boundary-slip Reynolds equation, the continuity equation (derived from Darcy’s law) and the equations of motion, is developed and validated experimentally. Experiments show that the orbit model proposed in this work is accurate to the nanometre level.
Polymer Composites in sliding bearing applications contributions to sustainable construction and future opportunities
Authors: Bakker Peter
Published: October 2016

This paper highlights features of polymer materials consisting of woven fabrics for reinforcement, impregnated with thermo set resins and with solid lubricants.
SCAD Journal Volume 4, Issue 2
Authors: Van Wittenberghe Jeroen , Hertelé Stijn
Published: October 2016

SCAD Journal Volume 4, Issue 2, Content
SCAD Journal Volume 5, Issue 1
Authors: Hertelé Stijn , Van Wittenberghe Jeroen
Published: October 2016

SCAD Journal Volume 5, Issue 1, First pages
Multi-wire submerged arc welding: a study of secondary process parameters
Authors: Boudry W. , Delboo E. , Faes K. , Van Pottelberg E. , De Waele W.
Published: October 2016

The goal of this thesis is to investigate the effect of secondary process parameters on the geometry of the weld bead in multi-wire submerged arc welding. Bead-on-plate welding experiments will be conducted using 3, 4 and 5 wires. The parameters being varied will be the wire stick out, the angles of the torches and the spacing in between. Primary process parameters like voltage, current and welding speed will be kept constant. Penetration, bead width and height, percentage dilution, HAZ, weld penetration shape factor and weld reinforcement shape factor will be measured and evaluated. Fewer experiments will be needed because of the use of a design of experiments approach, namely a fractional factorial design. This will allow to determine the significance of each single parameter and their mutual interaction with respect to weld bead shape.
R-curve evaluation of pipeline girth welds using advanced measurement techniques
Authors: Geldhof Nick , Van Iseghem Joeri , Verstraete Matthias , Hertelé Stijn , Van Minnebruggen Koen , De Waele Wim
Published: October 2016

A strain-based flaw assessment procedure is recommended for girth welded pipelines subjected to large deformations. To evaluate the allowable defect dimensions, the tearing resistance needs to be characterized. This paper investigates the effect of weld metal strength mismatch on the resistance curve using Single Edge Notched Tension (SENT) specimens. Several advanced measurement techniques are applied during the tests in order to obtain a continuous measurement of crack extension and to visualize the deformation fields near the crack. The resistance curves are determined using a single specimen technique. The unloading compliance method and the potential drop method result in similar predictions of ductile crack extension, yielding similar resistance curves. Next to these measurements, the full field deformations are determined using digital image correlation. The experiments indicate that the position of the applied notch in the weld has the potential to influence the strain fields.
Remote data acquisition for condition monitoring of wind turbines
Authors: De Maré Bavo , Sukumaran Jacob , Loccufier Mia , De Baets Patrick
Published: October 2016

While the number of offshore wind turbines is growing and turbines getting bigger and more expensive, the need for good condition monitoring systems is rising. From the research it is clear that failures of the gearbox, and in particular the gearwheels and bearings of the gearbox, have been responsible for the most downtime of a wind turbine. Gearwheels and bearings are being simulated in a multi-sensor environment to observe the wear on the surface.
Control of the boundary conditions of a dynamic knee simulator
Authors: Tiré Jan , Victor Jan , De Baets Patrick , Verstraete Matthias
Published: October 2016

At Ghent University a dynamic knee simulator to analyse the kinematics of a human knee has been developed. The rig is designed to perform tests on a mechanical hinge or on a human knee (with or without a prosthesis). The rig has one degree of freedom in a hip joint and four degrees of freedom in an ankle joint. There is currently one actuator that simulates the quadriceps forces. Two additional actuators are proposed in this paper to simulate the hamstrings forces. The magnitude and phase of the forces varies significantly during the movement (e.g. cycling or squatting). Literature indicates that the maximum muscle forces do not exceed 2000 N. An inverse dynamic analysis, using the musculoskeletal software AnyBody, is proposed to determine the evolution of these forces during the studied movements.
Evaluation of ductile tearing for API-5L X70 pipeline grade steel using SENT specimens
Authors: Ohms Nicholas , Belato Rosado Diego , De Waele Wim
Published: October 2016

Pipelines in harsh environments may be subjected to large deformations. Classic stress-based design needs to be complemented with strain-based design. An important parameter in the design is the crack growth resistance. SENT testing (Single Edge Notch Tension) allows to determine the so-called material’s tearing resistance curve. Very recently the first standard on SENT testing, BS 8571:2014, has been published. SENT testing is however still subject to extensive research and different approaches with respect to eg. notch placement, crack extension measurement and analysis exist. In this paper two methods for calculating crack extension based on the unloading compliance procedure are used and compared, proving that they show little difference. This is performed on an API-5L X70 steel grade and this for different configurations, namely an inner diameter notch and a through thickness notch. The results showed little difference between the different configurations, although the inner diameter showed higher crack growth resistance. Furthermore, the results are compared to visual observations of the fracture surfaces and a hardness map. The fracture surfaces corresponded to the obtained resistance curves. However, no real correlation between the hardness map and the other results could be seen.
Validation of three-dimensional total knee replacement kinematics measurement using single-plane fluoroscopy
Authors: Daems R. , Victor Jan , De Baets Patrick , Van Onsem S. , Verstraete Matthias
Published: October 2016

Instability of the knee after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is today the number one reason for aseptic revision surgery. In vivo evaluation of knee kinematics using single-plane fluoroscopy has become an important method to investigate knee stability and compare dierent implant designs. A validation experiment was performed to assess the accuracy of this method. A total knee implant was installed on sawbones and a flexion extension movement was performed with the sagittal plane parallel to the detector panel of the fluoroscope. Simultaneously, the sawbones were tracked using a conventional motion tracking system and rigidly attached markers. That measurement can be seen as a golden standard and is therefore believed to represent the real positions. The results indicate that knee rotations can be measured with an accuracy of approximately 0.6 and sagittal plane translations can be measured with an accuracy of approximately 0.4 mm. These results prove that the method is sufficiently accurate for clinical use.
Hydrostatic pressure device for evaluation of contact pressure sensor characteristics
Authors: Smet O. , Van de Vyver S. , De Baets Patrick , Matthias Verstraete , Herregodts Stijn
Published: October 2016

In order to gain more insight in the characteristics of Tekscan contact pressure mapping sensors, a hydrostatic pressure cell is designed. The main research topics are load history dependency, inter-pixel output variation and output drift behaviour of the sensors. This leads to a state of the art preconditioning and post processing method which yields a higher accuracy of the measurement data.
Online fatigue crack growth monitoring with clip gauge and direct current potential drop
Authors: De Tender Steven , Micone Nahuel , De Waele Wim
Published: October 2016

Fatigue is a well-known failure phenomenon which has been and still is extensively studied. Often structures are designed according to the safe-life principle so no crack initiation occurs. Nowadays there is a high emphasis on cost-efficiency, and one might rather opt for a fail-safe design. Therefore a certain amount of crack growth can be allowed in structures, but then a good knowledge of stresses and related crack growth rates is needed. To this end, extensive studies are done to obtain a material’s Paris law curve. Within the framework of research for offshore wind turbine constructions, tests were done to determine the crack growth rate of a high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel. A dedicated LabVIEW program was developed to be able to determine an entire Paris law curve with a single specimen, by controlling the stress intensity factor range (ΔK). The program is controlled by the readings of a clip gauge, which make it possible to plan the amount of crack growth per ΔK block and thus plan an entire test in advance. The potential drop technique was also applied in order to obtain the Paris law curve. Clip gauge results were compared with direct current potential drop monitoring. This comparison was done by means of an a/W-N diagram and the resulting Paris law curves. The results show a very good correlation between both methods and with the visual confirmation.
Evaluation of a finite element model for SENT testing of welded connections
Authors: De Visschere M. , Naib Sameera , De Waele Wim , Hertelé Stijn
Published: October 2016

The SENT test has recently gained popularity for the characterization of the ductile tearing resistance of welded connections under low crack tip constraint. In addition to this practical purpose, Soete Laboratory adopts the SENT test as a tool to investigate effects of weld strength heterogeneity on the crack driving force response of weld defects. The numerical aspect of this investigation relies on a finite element model of a SENT specimen in which the heterogeneous strength properties of the weld region are defined on the basis of an imported hardness map. This paper evaluates the model in two respects. First, crack driving force response is validated on the basis of an experimental SENT test result of a non-welded specimen. Second, the potential effect of the transfer function between hardness and constitutive properties is illustrated. It is concluded that more work is required to improve the feasibility of weld hardness data as a means to characterize effects of weld strength heterogeneity.
SELF-MICROEMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM
Authors: Anand Sonia , Gupta Rishikesh , Sk Prajapati
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT
Oral route is the most convenient route of drug administration in many diseases and till today it is the first way investigated in the development of
new dosage forms. The major problem in oral drug formulations is low and erratic bioavailability, which mainly results from poor aqueous solubility,
thereby pretense problems in their formulation. More than 40% of potential drug products suffer from poor water solubility. For the therapeutic
delivery of lipophilic active moieties (biopharmaceutical classification system Class II drugs), lipid-based formulations are inviting increasing
attention. Currently, a number of technologies are available to deal with the poor solubility, dissolution rate, and bioavailability of insoluble drugs.
One of the promising techniques is self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS). SMEDDS have gained exposure for their ability to increase
solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. SMEDDS, which are isotropic mixtures of oils, surfactants, solvents, and co-solvents/surfactants
can be used for the design of formulations to improve the oral absorption of highly lipophilic drug compounds. Conventional SMEDDS are mostly
prepared in a liquid form, which can have some disadvantages. SMEDDS can be orally administered in soft or hard gelatin capsules and form fine
relatively stable oil-in-water emulsions. Solid-SMEDDS are prepared by solidification of liquid/semisolid self-micron emulsifying ingredients into
powders, have gained popularity. This article gives a complete overview of SMEDDS, but special attention has been paid to formulation, design,
evaluation, and little emphasis on application of SMEDDS.
Keywords: Self-microemulsifying drug delivery system, Surfactant, Oil, Co-surfactant, Bioavailability, Lipophilic, Biopharmaceutical classification
system Class II drugs.
NASAL CARRIAGE OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON METHICILLINRESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AMONG STUDENTS OF A SOUTH INDIAN MEDICAL COLLEGE - PREVALENCE AND ANTIBIOGRAM PATTERN
Authors: Manipura Radhakrishna , Taneja Aishwarya , Rao Pooja
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT
Objective: There is paucity of information on carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin Resistant S.aureus from developing nations including
the medical students who could be the potential transmitters. Present study was aimed at establishing the prevalence and antibiogram pattern of
S. aureus with special emphasis on MRSA among II year MBBS students of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore.
Methods: A total of 148 students were participated in this study. Swabs taken from both anterior nares were processed, and the growth of S. aureus
was confirmed by standard procedure. Further categorization of S. aureus into MRSA was done using cefoxitin disc diffusion method, along with the
antibiogram to other common drugs.
Results: The number of strains of S. aureus isolated from our 148 participants was 78 with a percentage rate of 52.7. Of the 78 isolates of S. aureus,
9 (11.5%) were MRSA. The overall MRSA carriage rate was 6.1%.
Conclusion: The S. aureus and MRSA carriage rates recorded in this study were significantly higher when compared with other reported studies. It
was observed that risk factors like use of antibiotics in past 6 months and snoring were found to be statistically significant in nasal carriage status of
S. aureus. Out of nine MRSA carriers, six were found to be having the parents who were busy clinicians by occupation and the close contact with them
could be the prime factor in the acquisition of MRSA carriage status.
Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Nasal carriage, Medical students.
KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS REGARDING ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS FOR INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS
Authors: Kumar Santhosh , S Sneha
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and awareness regarding antibiotic prophylaxis for infective endocarditis (IE) among undergraduate dental
students.
Methods: A validated questionnaire of 16 questions, regarding the basic knowledge and awareness about antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention
of IE, was distributed among 100 students randomly belonging to final year and internship (5
 year trainee) of the undergraduate dental program in
Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha University, Chennai. The data extracted were tabulated, statistically analyzed, and results obtained.
Results were calculated on the basis of frequency and percentages using SPSS Version 20.0.
th
Results: About 73% of the students were aware of IE prophylaxis, and 40% of dental students were exposed to treating patients susceptible to IE.
56% of participants answered that amoxicillin is the first line of antibiotic for IE prophylaxis and 59% replied 2 g PO 1 hr before the appointment is
the recommended regimen. 36% said that erythromycin is no longer recommended by American Heart Association for IE prophylaxis. However, only
one-third of the participants knew about the cardiac conditions and dental procedures that require antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of IE.
Furthermore, only 16% knew about the recommended dosage of clindamycin.
Conclusion: This study revealed a reasonable knowledge and awareness about IE prophylaxis among undergraduate dental students but was
inadequate. Hence, this study emphasizes the need for improved education in the teaching curriculum for dental students regarding IE prophylaxis.
A standard protocol regarding the training as well as preventive measures for IE should be formulated for the dental students and the knowledge
acquired must be transferred into practice.
Keywords: Infective endocarditis, Prophylaxis, Antibiotics, Dental students, Knowledge.
THE SURVEY OF THE BARRIERS TO NOT REPORTING MEDICATION ERRORS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF NURSING STUDENTS
Authors: Zare Sadegh , Pournamdar Zahra , Shameli Alireza , Jafari Hossein
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT
Objective: Reporting the medication errors, on the one hand, causes the preservation and observation of the patient security, and on the other hand,
it is regarded as a valuable information treasure in line with the prevention of the medication errors expression in the future. Therefore, the present
study has been conducted with the objective of the survey of barriers to medication errors reporting from the perspective of the nursing students.
Methods: This study is a descriptive research which has been conducted on 87 nursing students who have been selected based on a random method. To
gather the required information, there has been made use of a two-part questionnaire, the first part of which deals with the study of the demographic
characteristics and the second part pertains to the factors influencing not reporting the medication errors. In the end, after the necessary information
collected the data were analyzed by taking advantage of SPSS 19 and descriptive statistics.
Results: The individuals average age in the present study was 21.09±2.48, 51 individuals were female. 24 individuals were studied in semester
4, 31 people were passing term 6, and 32 individuals were in term 8. The highest mean score as obtained in managerial aspect. In addition, the highest
mean score was related to the items “concentration of the managers solely on the person who has made the mistake and disregarding of the other
factors involved in mediation error” and “lack of receiving a positive feedback from the nursing supervisors following reporting the medication error”
and the lowest mean score was related to the item “not being considerate to some of the medication errors reporting.”
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the highest mean score for not reporting the medication errors went to the managerial dimensions.
Therefore, the supervisors and the nursing staff should be cautioned regarding their behavior, regarding the medication errors reporting, and consider
the problems and issues systematically.
Keywords: Medication error, University students, Zahedan, Nursing.