bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Expert Knowledge and Automation to Maximize Pipeline Route Optionality and Defensibility: A Case Study of the Aurora Pipeline
Authors: Seel Kevin , Phillips Adam
Published: November 2018

It has become increasingly difficult to successfully develop pipeline projects in North America. This stems from complex matters including environmental opposition, Indigenous rights, regulatory uncertainty, investor indecision and evolving policy. To manage these challenges, developers are advised to consider a route development methodology that provides both optionality and defensibility. This can be achieved through a process that characterizes the landscape based on level of constraint related to environmental and social factors, construction and operational limitations, strategic drivers and cost. Such a process must be analytically robust and able to adapt to new information and priorities emerging throughout the development phase. Particularly in the case of large-scale pipeline projects, traditional routing methods may prove too costly and time-consuming to undertake this analysis in a practical manner. Consequently, proponents may be left with fewer and less defensible route options.

Recently, the Aurora Pipeline Team sought to advance preliminary corridor routing under a paradigm of maximum optionality and defensibility in evaluating pipeline routes across northern British Columbia, inclusive of strategic interconnections. Implementing Golder Associates Ltd. automated routing decision support system called “GoldSET” the team was able to rapidly perform a robust corridor options analysis covering over 400,000 km2. This systematic, data-driven process involved subject matter expert assessment of the level of constraint or opportunity associated with individual data layers in consideration of multiple, thematic scenarios. Having consolidated and mapped the aggregated level of constraint across northern BC, routes were generated along paths of least constraint with segments tested for agreement across multiple scenarios. In total, 72 routes comprising more than 50,000 km in total length were developed and evaluated for feasibility. This refinement process ultimately resulted in an interconnected network of approximately 180 pre-screened route segments totaling nearly 12,237 km of potential routes. The advantage provided in subsequent stages of the project was the ability to recognize, quantify and evaluate the tradeoffs between segments, and adapt the route as fatal flaws were encountered. During ensuing, constructability-focused phases of the routing process, optionality had been pre-established, and route changes were able to be made quickly where required. The automated process, in companion to subject matter expert participation, also provided a clear and defensible rationale as to why routes were considered optimal, and how potential impacts to sensitive features were addressed. The evaluation was completed in far less time and more cost-effectively than otherwise possible with traditional methods.
Challenges to Repair a Damaged NGL Pipeline by Third Parties in the Andean Mountains Without Stopping Pumping
Authors: Ramos Sandro
Published: November 2018

One of the challenges of transporting Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) is to ensure that the flow should be delivered with standards of safety, reliability, and efficiency while conducting repairs on the pipeline. This paper discusses the difficulties that had to be overcome to repair a damaged NGL pipeline by third parties performed in the Andean Mountains in Ayacucho, Perú, on NGL pipeline operated by Compañía Operadora de Gas del Amazonas (COGA). This pipeline and a parallel one also operated by (COGA) are the main source of supply of NGL and Natural Gas (NG) to the city of Lima, capital of Perú.

To repair the Third-Party damage, an emergency committee COLE by its acronym in Spanish (Local Emergency Operative Committee) was formed with the purpose to coordinate the actions for the execution of the repair and meet the Quality, Safety, Social and Environment standards. The committee had an important tool, the Operational Contingency Plan, which provided guidelines for dealing with an emergency. The job required isolating a section of 14-inch NGL transportation pipeline and a bypass to keep the pipeline operational. The work had a tight schedule that needed to be followed to reduce the environmental, safety and service risks. The situation presented several challenges including the use of double barriers to safeguard personnel and facility equipment during the pipeline repair. This double block methodology had to be applied to meet environmental and safety concerns. The damage was located at 4,495 meters above sea level (masl). The strike caused an NGL leak resulting in the installation of an NGL containment and storage system. This location lacked the logistical facilities for the attention of a pipe repair operation, adverse conditions of cold climate, desolate land and other conditions that had to be overcome. This paper discusses how social, safety, environment and logistical challenges were overcome to repair a damaged caused by third parties in an NGL pipeline, which resulted in timely repair completion and uninterrupted flow of NGL.
A Non-Intrusive Pipeline Leak Detection Service Using Pressure-Wave Analysis
Authors: Jagannathan Srinivasan , Stewart Neil , Jack Graham
Published: November 2018

Product losses from pipelines, whether attributed to acts of man or nature, amount to operator losses of approximately USD 133 billion annually [1], not even considering costs associated with remediation, environmental damage, and reputational harm. When an incident occurs, pipeline operators need to minimize the event by quickly and accurately locating and quantifying the pipeline loss and its cause. Having this detailed knowledge enables determination of the best method for dealing with possible issues while helping minimize remediation costs, pipeline downtime, and the impact of the work on surrounding infrastructure.

Currently, most systems for pipeline leak detection are limited to either listening methods, which require being online and monitoring both pipeline ends at the moment the leak occurs, or intrusive methods that require the insertion of a pig into the pipeline. Both of these techniques are restricted in usage because access should be available to both ends of the pipeline. Additionally, for the intrusive method, the pipeline should be piggable and, for the listening method, the instrumentation should be able to communicate with a central data processing point placed at both pipeline ends as they rely on travel time difference between signals received at either end of the pipeline.

The method this paper describes is a proven, nonintrusive technology that can be used by pipeline operators to identify losses quickly and safely with a repeatable and verified high level of accuracy. It monitors the signature response of a generated fluid hammer and resulting pressure wave transiting within the pipeline and analyzes the reflected signature wave and pressure data to extrapolate both the location and magnitude of the loss with all pipeline parameters taken into account. The method enables operators to detect, locate, and quantify the loss of pipeline inventory in a safe and cost-effective manner without having to stop production, beyond the temporary closing of a mainline valve, or risk tools or personnel, due to exposure to pressurized fluids, before performing any intervention at the leak site.
Post-Construction ILI Execution Planning Guidelines for Pipeline Quality Verification
Authors: Brooks Brian D. , Lindner Hubert
Published: November 2018

Inline inspections following new pipeline construction completion as a means of ensuring specific quality requirements are fulfilled poses unique challenges when compared with inline inspections in operating pipelines. Construction contractors are often responsible for conducting a post-construction inline inspection as part of construction quality verification; however, construction contractors often lack expertise in planning and conducting inline inspections. Schedule constraints for conducting inline inspections, often introduced because of other prior construction delays, can contribute to poor planning and execution. The consequent undesirable outcome may be failed inspections further delaying pipeline construction completion, turnover to the Client, and final payments.

It is in the interest of all stakeholders to ensure inline inspections be completed in a timely manner and in a way that maximizes the likelihood that the needed pipeline data will be successfully acquired. It is crucial for post-construction inline inspection success, that all stakeholders poses basic knowledge of operational requirements and inspection proceedings. Additionally, adequate planning of the inline inspection proceedings can greatly mitigate the risks associated with the inline inspection.

To ensure necessary considerations and the division of responsibilities is clear and understood among all stakeholders; a Post-Construction ILI Execution Plan is prepared. The Inline Inspection Contractor is responsible for completion of the Post-Construction ILI Execution Plan in consultation with other stakeholders. The contents of the Post-Construction ILI Execution Plan include project information, run conditions, and stakeholder contact information. Moreover, it defines the assignment of stakeholder responsibilities and involvement for all inspection planning and execution aspects.
The Application of Bayesian Network Threat Model for Corrosion Assessment of Pipeline in Design Stage
Authors: Liu Guanlan , Ayello Francois , Zhang Jiana , Stephens Peter
Published: November 2018

Internal corrosion modeling of oil and gas pipelines requires the consideration of interactions between various parameters (e.g. brine chemistry, flow conditions or scale deposition). Moreover, the number of interactions increases when we consider that there are multiple types of internal corrosion mechanisms (i.e. uniform corrosion, localized corrosion, erosion-corrosion and microbiologically influenced corrosion). To better describe the pipeline internal corrosion threats, a Bayesian network model was created by identifying and quantifying causal relationships between parameters influencing internal corrosion. One of the strengths of the Bayesian network methodology is its capability to handle uncertain and missing data. The model had previously proven its accuracy in predicting the internal condition of existing pipelines. However, the model has never been tested on a pipeline in design stage, where future operating conditions are uncertain and data uncertainty is high. In this study, an offshore pipeline was selected for an internal corrosion threat assessment. All available information related to the pipeline were collected and uncertainties in some parameters were estimated based on subject matter expertise. The results showed that the Bayesian network model can be used to quantify the value of each information (i.e. which parameters have the most effect now and in the future), predict the range of possible corrosion rates and pipeline failure probability within a given confidence level.
Formalizing Integrity Management Workflows: Towards Integrity Process Modelling
Authors: Reyes Alejandro , Huisman Otto
Published: November 2018

Workflows are the fundamental building blocks of business processes in any organization today. These workflows have attributes and outputs that make up various Operational, Management and Supporting processes, which in turn produce a specific outcome in the form of business value. Risk Assessment and Direct Assessment are examples of such processes; they define the individual tasks integrity engineers should carry out.

According to ISO 55000, achieving excellence in Asset Management requires clearly defined objectives, transparent and consistent decision making, as well as a long-term strategic view. Specifically, it recommends well-defined policies and procedures (processes) to bring about performance and cost improvements, improved risk management, business growth and enhanced stakeholder confidence through compliance and improved reputation. In reality, such processes are interpreted differently all over the world, and the workflows that make up these processes are often defined by individual engineers and experts. An excellent example of this is Risk Assessment, where significant local variations in data sources, threat sources and other data elements, require the business to tailor its activities and models used.

Successful risk management is about enabling transparent decision-making through clearly defined process-steps, but in practice it requires maintaining a degree of flexibility to tailor the process to the specific organizational needs. In this paper, we introduce common building blocks that have been identified to make up a Risk Assessment process and further examine how these blocks can be connected to fulfill the needs of multiple stakeholders, including data administrators, integrity engineers and regulators. Moving from a broader Business Process view to a more focused Integrity Management view, this paper will demonstrate how to formalize Risk Assessment processes by describing the activities, steps and deliverables of each using Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) as the standard modeling technique and extending it with an integrity-specific notation we have called Integrity Modelling Language or IML.

It is shown that flexible modelling of integrity processes based on existing standards and best practices is possible within a structured approach; one which guides users and provides a transparent and auditable process inside the organization and beyond, based on commonalities defined by best practice guidelines, such as ISO 55000.
The Application of a Knowledge Transfer Taxonomy to Pipeline Construction Inspection Best Practices
Authors: Rappel Ritch , Dorscht Julian , Sahney Reena
Published: November 2018

The pipeline sector is facing a multi-faceted challenge regarding its workforce. Valuable knowledge is being lost as increasing numbers of technical experts and long-term employees exit the industry (due to retirement). Concurrently, the public spotlight is focused on the environmental impact of the pipeline industry. Therefore, robust construction of new pipelines and effective maintenance of aging infrastructure is increasingly important. Herein lies the challenge — How does the industry transfer the knowledge required to ensure that personnel have suitable competency to maintain the integrity of the pipeline system? A scenario where new personnel efficiently gain knowledge through experience is critical.

An important aspect of achieving this is a more systematic and thoughtful approach to knowledge transfer. As part of its fundamental methodology for developing training and alternate methods for knowledge transfer, the team launched an initiative to review the literature and current industry approaches. This was done as a key input to developing a “Knowledge Taxonomy.” This tool simplifies the process for selecting the optimal method for effectively transferring key technical knowledge based on the desired level of competency (e.g., awareness building vs. mastery).

Specifically, the team identified a number of consistent themes and combined them with both sound educational theory and industry experience to develop a tool in the form of a practical framework. This Knowledge Transfer Taxonomy was then applied to a specific knowledge gap in industry as a case study. This paper will

1. Summarize, at a high level, the results of the literature review and current approaches;

2. Describe the framework (i.e., Knowledge Taxonomy) developed by the team;

3. Discuss a case study involving the application of this framework to a specific and real challenge; and

Through this work, the team identified and developed specific strategies and tactics to effectively overcome some of the barriers to knowledge transfer. These experiences will be shared in the context of a specific situation that typifies the current challenges industry is facing in effective knowledge transfer.
Motorized Valves Control System Centralization: How Does it Impact on Reliability, Costs and Performance?
Authors: Fonseca Alessandro Moreira , Fernandes Fernando Henrique , Lima Valdivino José , Souza Vilmar Bento
Published: November 2018

The master-slave topology, based on programmable logic controllers and their respective controlled equipment are often characterized by the use of intermediate devices called Master Stations that perform the interface between data processing and triggering unit, and are responsible for protocol conversion, data acquisition, priority setting, and management of slave devices. For the most part, these intermediate control devices are systems developed by manufacturers and process equipment suppliers themselves, more specifically in the control of large quantities of motorized valves in industrial plants. As a result, a project was implemented to implement control and supervision information exchange routines of the motorized valve system directly through the PLC / Supervisory System, eliminating the need for the use of intermediate control devices. The results show high simplification in the architecture by removing the Master Station and changing the network topology, attaining an overall cost reduction, and a great improvement on performance, by the higher communication speed levels, especially for decreasing the latency delays; lastly, control centralization into more robust equipment and network segregation of the valve system, turned it easier to diagnose failures, ensured operational continuity, reduced the statistic of failures and increased the reliability of the process.
Testing of an Oil-on-Water Sensing Technology for Detecting Pipeline Leaks in Remote Locations Subject to Freezing Conditions
Authors: Balatchev Stefan
Published: November 2018

This paper presents the results of the testing of an oil-on-water leak detection technology for isolated locations without power or communications infrastructure. A special attention was paid to the ability of the sensors to detect hydrocarbon leaks under freezing conditions, with thick ice formed on the surface of the water. A viable solution for remote locations and large water crossings needs ultra low-power solution and/or cyclic operation. The technology evaluated was a fully passive impedance polymer-absorption sensor (PAS) featuring “zero-power” consumption. This technology also provides an additional advantage, “an event memory”, and is perfectly suitable for cyclic operation for detecting moving oil stains. In October 2017 three polymer-absorption sensors of different lengths were placed in outdoor location in Ontario, Canada for long-term testing of reliability in freezing conditions. The sensors were connected to cellular modem for generating alerts. Another battery of three sensors of same lengths was installed in outdoor testing facility near Ottawa, ON, Canada and connected to real-time data acquisition equipment. A preliminary series of leak tests performed in October/November 2017 confirmed the initial assumptions of excellent sensitivity of the hydrocarbon oil-on-water detection based on polymer absorption. The average power consumption of the sensor excitation and its measurement frontend during the first two months of testing were found to be extremely low, a fraction of the power needed for the wireless modem itself. The leak tests were extended to oil under ice detection performed with 5 North-American crude oils and with 3 refined products from Mid-December 2017 to Mid-February 2018. The sensitivity, the sensor excitation/measurement front end power consumption, and the reliability of the sensors were assessed at freezing temperatures, with thickness of the ice comprised between 80 and 100 mm. The paper also presents the availability of stand-alone communication equipment suitable for integrating oil-on-water sensors, as well the energy harvesting or energy storage technologies for different climatic conditions.
Development of Pinhole Corrosion Management Using MFL
Authors: Desjardins Guy , Falk Joel , Vorontsov Vitaly
Published: November 2018

While In-line Inspection Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) tools have been used for many years to successfully manage corrosion related threats, small pinhole-sized metal-loss anomalies remain a significant concern to pipeline operators. These anomalies can grow undetected to develop leaks and cause significant consequences. The physical dimensions of these anomalies, their proximity to and/or interaction with other nearby anomalies can challenge MFL’s detection and sizing capabilities. Other factors such as tool speed, cleanliness of the line and incorrect assumptions have an impact as well. For pipeline operators to develop effective and efficient mitigation programs and to estimate risks to an asset, the underlying uncertainties in detection and sizing of pinholes need to be well understood.

By using magnetic modeling software, the MFL response of metal-loss anomalies can be determined, and the effect of a number of factors such as radial position, wall thickness, depth profile, pipe cleanliness and tool speed on MFL response and reporting accuracy can be determined. This paper investigates these factors to determine the leading causes of uncertainties involved in the detection and sizing of pinhole corrosion. The understanding of these uncertainties should lead to improvements in integrity management of pinhole for pipeline operators.

This paper first investigates the physical measurement methodology of MFL tools to understand the limitations of MFL technology. Then, comparisons of actual MFL data with field excavation results were studied, to understand the limitations of specific MFL technologies. Finally, recommendations are made on how to better use and assess MFL results.
A Robust Risk Assessment Model for Stress Corrosion Cracking
Authors: Al-Amin Mohammad , Kariyawasam Shahani , Riverol Elvis SanJuan
Published: November 2018

Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) is a time dependent mechanism. Three conditions are required at the same location for the formation of SCC namely, susceptible material, susceptible environment and sufficient stress. Pipe age, operating stress level and coating type are significant parameters in determining the susceptibility to near-neutral pH SCC; whereas, additional parameters such as operating temperature and distance from compressor station are considered for high pH SCC. Environmental conditions such as soil type, topography and drainage have also shown correlation to SCC susceptibility. Several integrity assessment methods can be used to identify SCC on pipeline including hydrostatic testing, in-line inspection (ILI), and direct assessment (DA). Because the occurrence of SCC is a complex phenomenon and it depends on many parameters, it is important to develop a risk assessment model that can systematically incorporate all relevant evidences of SCC in a sensible way. This paper presents a robust risk assessment model for SCC, which uses evidence from failure histories, observation from assessments (i.e., digs, pressure tests, and ILIs), and mechanistic understanding of SCC (i.e. susceptible coating, pipe material, stress level, soil properties, etc.). This risk model is transparent and updateable, which allows incorporation of new scientific learnings and findings of SCC.
Integration of Data From Multiple In-Line Inspection Systems to Improve Crack Detection and Characterization
Authors: Piazza Mark , Harkrader Justin , Guajardo Rogelio , Henning Thomas , Urrea Miguel , Krishnamurthy Ravi , Tandon Samarth , Gao Ming
Published: November 2018

In-line inspection (ILI) systems continue to improve in the detection and characterization of cracks in pipelines, and are relied on substantially by pipeline operators to support Integrity Management Programs for continual assessment of conditions on operating pipelines that are susceptible to cracking as an integrity threat. Recent experience for some forms of cracking have shown that integration of data from multiple ILI systems can improve detection and characterization (depth sizing, crack orientation, and crack feature profile) performance. This paper will describe the approach taken by a liquids pipeline operator to integrate data from multiple ILI systems, namely Ultrasonic axial (UC) and circumferential (UCc) crack detection and Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) technologies, to improve detection and characterization of cracks and crack fields on a 42 miles long, 12-inch OD liquid pipeline with a 38-year operating history. ILI data has indicated a large number of crack features, including 4000+ crack features reported by UC, 1000+ crack features by UCc, and 2500+ metal loss features reported by MFL. Initial excavations demonstrated a unique pattern of blended circumferential-, oblique- and axial-orientated cracks along the entire extent of the 42-mile pipeline, requiring advanced methods of data integration and analysis. Applying individual technologies and their analysis approaches showed limitations in performance for identification and characterization of these blended features. The outcome of the study was the development of a feature classification approach to classify the cracks with respect to their orientation, and rank them based on the depth sizing by using multiple datasets.

Several sections of the 42-mile pipeline were cut-out and subjected to detailed examination using multiple non-destructive examination (NDE) methods and destructive testing to confirm the crack depths and profiles. These data were used as the basis for confirming the ILI tool performance and providing confirmation on the improvements made to crack detection and sizing through the data integration process.
First report of Ornithodoros peropteryx in Brazil, and the occurrence of Ornithodoros cavernicolous in the western Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Muñoz-Leal Sebastián , Terassini Flavio A. , Luz Hermes R. , Fontana Isabella , Camargo Luís Marcelo A. , Labruna Marcelo B.
Published: November 2018

More than half of the Brazilian soft ticks (Argasidae) are represented by species associated with bats. Based on a morphological and molecular approach of free-living ticks collected inside two unexplored caves in Rondônia state, western Brazilian Amazon, we report the occurrence of Ornithodoros peropteryx for the first time in Brazil. Our findings also extend the distribution of Ornithodoros cavernicolous towards western Brazilian Amazon. Additionally, our collections include previously unknown male of O. peropteryx. In both species, partial 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene sequences showed >99% of identity when compared to available conspecific data from other localities. Although more data is necessary to make a general conclusion, high vagility of hosts could be favoring low genetic structure among these ectoparasites.
Next ones to fill the gap—first tanaupodids (Trombidiformes: Prostigmata, Tanaupodidae) from Baltic amber with notes on extant genera and species
Authors: Mąkol Joanna , Konikiewicz Marta , Klug Birgit
Published: November 2018

Propolyssenia gen. nov. with Propolyssenia wohltmanni sp. nov., based on larva, and Eothrombium fortesambiense sp. nov. based on active postlarval form, are described from Baltic amber. The new genus shares some characters with the extant Polydiscia and Lassenia. The new species are among the three fossil amber representatives of Tanaupodidae known to date. The present-day fauna of Tanaupodidae is revisited.
Contribution to the knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Belloppia (Acari, Oribatida, Oppiidae)
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Minor Maria
Published: November 2018

A new species of the genus Belloppia (Oribatida, Oppiidae) is described from New Zealand; Belloppia bella sp. nov. differs from all species of the genus by the presence of a distal row of clear barbs on the bothridial heads and the median part of the tripartite rostrum strongly protruding and distinctly longer than the lateral parts. Supplementary descriptions for two species, Belloppia wallworki Hammer, 1968 and B. shealsi Hammer, 1968 are given based on new material from New Zealand. A revised generic diagnosis and an identification key to known species of Belloppia are presented.
First new species of the family Stigmocheylidae (Acari: Prostigmata: Paratydeoidea) from Asia
Authors: Damavandian Mohammad Reza , Paktinat-Saeij Saeid
Published: November 2018

A new species, Stigmocheylus persicus sp. nov. (Trombidiformes: Prostigmata: Stigmocheylidae) is described based on adult females from Noor, Mazandaran province, northern Iran. The new species can be distinguished from other species by the following features: non-segmented peritremes; absence of setae c3; presence of setae g2; coxa II with four setae; genu I with nine setae; tarsi I–IV with 24(+2ω)–11(+1ω)-11-10 setae. This finding presents the first new species of the family Stigmocheylidae Berlese, 1910 from Asia. Additionally, an identification key to known species of Stigmocheylus is updated.
Engineering allosteric regulation in protein kinases
Authors: Pincus David , Pandey Jai P. , Feder Zoë A. , Creixell Pau , Resnekov Orna , Reynolds Kimberly A.
Published: November 2018

Mutations in conserved surface regions facilitate the regulatory diversity of kinases.
An Approximation Algorithm for Threshold Voltage Optimization
Authors: Daboul Siad , Held Stephan , Vygen Jens , Wittke Sonja
Published: November 2018

We present a primal-dual approximation algorithm for minimizing the leakage power of an integrated circuit by assigning gate threshold voltages. While most existing techniques do not provide a performance guarantee, we prove an upper bound on the power consumption.

The algorithm is practical and works with an industrial sign-off timer. It can be used for post-routing power reduction or for optimizing leakage power throughout the design flow.

We demonstrate the practical performance on recent microprocessor units. Our implementation obtains significant leakage power reductions of up to 8% on top of one of the most successful algorithms for gate sizing and threshold voltage optimization. After timing-aware global routing, we achieve leakage power reductions of up to 34%.
Evaluating the Longitudinal Item and Category Stability of the SF-36 Full and Summary Scales Using Rasch Analysis
Authors: Cordier Reinie , Brown Ted , Clemson Lindy , Byles Julie
Published: November 2018

Introduction. The Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) is widely used for measuring Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and has undergone rigorous psychometric evaluation using Classic Test Theory (CTT). However, Item Response Theory-based evaluation of the SF-36 has been limited with an overwhelming focus on individual scales and cross-sectional data.Purpose. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal item and category stability of the SF-36 using Rasch analysis.Method. Using data from the 1921-1926 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, responses of the SF-36 from six waves of data collection were analysed. Rasch analysis using Winsteps version 3.92.0 was performed on all 36 items of the SF-36 and items that constitute the physical health and mental health scales.Results. Rasch analysis revealed issues with the SF-36 not detected using classical methods. Redundancy was seen for items on the total measure and both scales across all waves of data. Person separation indexes indicate that the measure lacks sensitivity to discriminate between high and low performances in this sample. The presence of Differential Item Functioning suggests that responses to items were influenced by locality and marital status.Conclusion. Previous evaluations of the SF-36 have relied on cross-sectional data; however, the findings of the current study demonstrate the longitudinal efficacy of the measure. Application of the Rasch Measurement Model indicated issues with internal consistency, generalisability, and sensitivity when the measure was evaluated as a whole and as both physical and mental health summary scales. Implications for future research are discussed.
Antimicrobial Silver-Polyethyleneimine-Polylactic Acid Polymer Composite Film for Coating Methacrylate-Based Denture Surfaces
Authors: Géczi Zoltán , Hermann Péter , Kőhidai László , Láng Orsolya , Kőhidai Zsófia , Mészáros Tamás , Barócsi Attila , Lenk Sándor , Zelles Tivadar
Published: November 2018

To prepare an antimicrobial polymer composite composed of silver- (Ag-) polyethyleneimine- (PEI-) polylactic acid (PLA) in chloroform, for coating the mucosal surfaces of methacrylate-based dentures as a prospective therapy for denture stomatitis.The water-insoluble, tightly bound, hard, micrometre-thin, and colourless film exerts its effects by direct contact with the pathogens and via the active constituents (Ag, PEI, and Ag-PEI) released slowly into the mucosa’s salivary layer. Silver and PEI were blended at 140°C, then bound to PLA. The Ag-PEI complex was characterised by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, and the Ag-PEI-PLA composite was examined by atomic force microscopy and micro-computed tomography. The characteristic was measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The quantity of water-soluble Ag-PEI complex released from the composite film was measured with gravimetry. The cellular physiological effects were analysed by impedimetry and computer-based morphometry using human gingival epithelial cells. A real-time cell proliferation assay revealed moderate toxic effects of Ag-PEI on the epithelium. The viscous Ag-PEI-PLA solution produced could be applied as a thin film on methacrylate surfaces. Active antimicrobial components (Ag, PEI, and Ag-PEI) were released from the hard, tightly bound Ag-PEI-PLA coating. This study’s findings verified the applicability of the antimicrobial Ag-PEI-PLA composite for coating the inner surfaces of acrylate dentures. Owing to the well-known antimicrobial effects of silver and PEI and the supplementary effects of chloroform, this composite provides a new therapeutic method for denture stomatitis that can be easily performed by dentists.
The Polymorphisms at PRSS1-PRSS2 and MORC4 Loci and the Risk of Post-ERCP Pancreatitis
Authors: Angsuwatcharakon Phonthep , Sodsai Pimpayao , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Hirankarn Nattiya
Published: November 2018

Background and Aim. The risks of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) are identified as patient- and procedure-related factors. However, the genetic contribution for PEP is still unclear. Recent data show that the polymorphisms of PRSS1-PRSS2 (rs10273639) and MORC4 (rs12688220) are associated with recurrent acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. We aim to evaluate the association between these polymorphisms and post-ERCP pancreatitis in order to improve better prognosis and better care for these patients. Methods. This is a retrospective, case-control study which includes 49 cases and 97 controls that are age-, procedure-, and risk of PEP-matched with the cases in 1 : 2 fashion. The PEP was diagnosed and graded for severity according to the standard consensus, and the risk factors of PEP were identified according to the ESGE guideline. Polymorphisms at rs10273639 and rs12688220 were evaluated by TaqMan technique and were identified in 133 (40 cases and 93 controls) and 146 patients, respectively. Results. The demographic data between 2 groups are not significantly different. The genotype frequencies of PRSS1-PRSS2 (TT, TC, and CC) are 26, 13, and 1 vs. 67, 25, and 1 in cases and controls, respectively (p=0.642). The genotype frequencies of MORC4 in female (TT, TC, and CC) are 8, 23, and 5 vs. 12, 26, and 21 in cases and controls, respectively (p=0.071). The genotype frequencies of MORC4 in male (T and C) are 5 and 8 vs. 21 and 17 in cases and controls, respectively (p=0.468). The allelic frequencies of MORC4 in combination of both genders (T, C) are 44 and 41 vs. 71 and 84 in cases and control, respectively (p=0.431). In PEP cases, the allelic frequencies of PRSS1-PRSS2 (T and C) are 59 and 13 vs. 6 and 2 in mild and moderate/severe cases, respectively (p=0.633). The allelic frequencies of MORC4 (T and C) are 38 and 39 vs. 4 and 4 in mild and moderate/severe cases, respectively (p=0.972). Conclusion. Polymorphisms at PRSS1-PRSS2 and MORC4 are not associated with the risk or severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis.
Effect of Comorbidity on Lung Cancer Diagnosis Timing and Mortality: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Dima Shinechimeg , Chen Kun-Huang , Wang Kung-Jeng , Wang Kung-Min , Teng Nai-Chia
Published: November 2018

The effect of comorbidity on lung cancer patients’ survival has been widely reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of comorbidity on the establishment of the diagnosis of lung cancer and survival in lung cancer patients in Taiwan by using a nationwide population-based study design. This study collected various comorbidity patients and analyzed data regarding the lung cancer diagnosis and survival during a 16-year follow-up period (1995–2010). In total, 101,776 lung cancer patients were included, comprising 44,770 with and 57,006 without comorbidity. The Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to compare overall survival between lung cancer patients with and without comorbidity. In our cohort, chronic bronchitis patients who developed lung cancer had the lowest overall survival in one (45%), five (28.6%), and ten years (26.2%) since lung cancer diagnosis. Among lung cancer patients with nonpulmonary comorbidities, patients with hypertension had the lowest overall survival in one (47.9%), five (30.5%), and ten (28.2%) years since lung cancer diagnosis. In 2010, patients with and without comorbidity had 14.86 and 9.31 clinical visits, respectively. Lung cancer patients with preexisting comorbidity had higher frequency of physician visits. The presence of comorbid conditions was associated with early diagnosis of lung cancer.
Dynamic Compressive Characteristics of Sandstone under Confining Pressure and Radial Gradient Stress with the SHPB Test
Authors: Wang Shiming , Liu Yunsi , Zhou Jian , Wu Qiuhong , Ma Shuyi , Zhou Zhihua
Published: November 2018

Research on the dynamic compressive characteristics of sandstone under radial gradient stress and confining pressure is conducive to understanding the characteristics of the surrounding rock, especially in an excavation operation for an underground mine roadway and tunnel. The present work aimed at studying the effects of radial gradient stress and confining pressure on the impact of compression of sandstone using a large‐diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar. The results showed that the dynamic strength of sandstone under radial gradient stress increased with strain rate following a power function, and the dynamic strength of the sandstone under radial gradient stress was lower and more sensitive to strain rate. The increase in strain at peak stress (peak strain) was linearly correlated with the strain rate under different confining pressures. The sensitivity of the peak strain to confining pressure was lower for the sandstone with a hole, while the values of the elastic modulus were decreased. However, further increasing the stain rate would lead to an increase in the elastic modulus. Also, the ductility of the sandstone with a hole tested in this study was found to improve more significantly. Finally, with an increase in the incident energy, the absorbed energy per unit volume would increase, but would not be affected obviously by the radial gradient stress.
Effect of Expanding a Rectangular Tunnel on Adjacent Structures
Authors: Wang Ya-Qiong , Kong Wei-Kang , Wang Zhi-Feng
Published: November 2018

The expansion of urban underpass has become the mainstream of development to cope with urban congestion, and the effect on adjacent existing structures during enlarging construction is also an important issue in the construction process. In order to better understand the influence of tunneling on adjacent structures, the pedestrian underpass expanding project above‐crossing Xi’an Metro Line 1 was investigated. The aim was to analyze the deformation curves characteristics of adjacent structures by field observation of ground settlement, heave of existing tunnels, and settlement of piles. The results show that the ground settlement curve in the vertical direction of the underpass is similar to the shape of V, and the maximum settlement appearing in the center line of underpass is 18.7 mm. Due to the effect of existing tunnels on the ground deformation, the settlement curve in the parallel direction of the underpass is similar to the shape of M. Above‐crossing tunneling would cause the existing tunnels to heave, and the heave mainly occurs in the range of −6 m to 12 m between the pedestrian tunnel face and the center line of each tunnel. The heave curve is similar to the shape of inverted U. The settlement of piles is linear with its axial stress and significantly affected by its location. The settlement curve of piles is similar to the shape of S in two dimensions. On the basis of deformation curves, this paper presents some equations to describe the shape of V, M, inverted U, and S, respectively, by the inverted Gaussian distribution curve, superimposed Gaussian distribution curve, Gaussian distribution curve, and arctangent function.
Numerical Contour Integral Methods for Free-Boundary Partial Differential Equations Arising in American Volatility Options Pricing
Authors: Chen Yong , Ma Jianjun
Published: November 2018

The aim of this paper is to study the numerical contour integral methods (NCIMs) for solving free-boundary partial differential equations (PDEs) from American volatility options pricing. Firstly, the governing free-boundary PDEs are modified as a unified form of PDEs on the fixed space region; then performing Laplace-Carson transform (LCT) leads to ordinary differential equations (ODEs) which involve the unknown inverse functions of free boundaries. Secondly, the inverse free-boundary functions are approximated and optimized by solving of the free-boundary values of the perpetual American volatility options. Finally, the ODEs are solved by the finite difference methods (FDMs), and the results are restored via the numerical Laplace inversion. Numerical results confirm that the NCIMs outperform the FDMs for solving free-boundary PDEs in regard to the accuracy and computational time.
A Synchronous Optimization Model for Multiship Shuttle Tanker Fleet Design and Scheduling Considering Hard Time Window Constraint
Authors: Jiang Zhenfeng , Chen Dongxu , Yang Zhongzhen
Published: November 2018

A Synchronous Optimization for Multiship Shuttle Tanker Fleet Design and Scheduling is solved in the context of development of floating production storage and offloading device (FPSO). In this paper, the shuttle tanker fleet scheduling problem is considered as a vehicle routing problem with hard time window constraints. A mixed integer programming model aiming at minimizing total transportation cost is proposed to model this problem. To solve this model, we propose an exact algorithm based on the column generation and perform numerical experiments. The experiment results show that the proposed model and algorithm can effectively solve the problem.
Gender Classification Based on Multiscale Facial Fusion Feature
Authors: Zhang Chunyu , Ding Hui , Shang Yuanyuan , Shao Zhuhong , Fu Xiaoyan
Published: November 2018

For gender classification, we present a new approach based on Multiscale facial fusion feature (MS3F) to classify gender from face images. Fusion feature is extracted by the combination of Local Binary Pattern (LBP) and Local Phase Quantization (LPQ) descriptors, and a multiscale feature is generated through Multiblock (MB) and Multilevel (ML) methods. Support Vector Machine (SVM) is employed as the classifier to conduct gender classification. All the experiments are performed based on the Images of Groups (IoG) dataset. The results demonstrate that the application of Multiscale fusion feature greatly improves the performance of gender classification, and our approach outperforms the state-of-the-art techniques.
Towards Smart Healthcare: Patient Data Privacy and Security in Sensor‐Cloud Infrastructure
Authors: Masood Isma , Wang Yongli , Daud Ali , Aljohani Naif Radi , Dawood Hassan
Published: November 2018

Nowadays, wireless body area networks (WBANs) systems have adopted cloud computing (CC) technology to overcome limitations such as power, storage, scalability, management, and computing. This amalgamation of WBANs systems and CC technology, as sensor‐cloud infrastructure (S‐CI), is aiding the healthcare domain through real‐time monitoring of patients and the early diagnosis of diseases. Hence, the distributed environment of S‐CI presents new threats to patient data privacy and security. In this paper, we review the techniques for patient data privacy and security in S‐CI. Existing techniques are classified as multibiometric key generation, pairwise key establishment, hash function, attribute‐based encryption, chaotic maps, hybrid encryption, Number Theory Research Unit, Tri‐Mode Algorithm, Dynamic Probability Packet Marking, and Priority‐Based Data Forwarding techniques, according to their application areas. Their pros and cons are presented in chronological order. We also provide our six‐step generic framework for patient physiological parameters (PPPs) privacy and security in S‐CI: (1) selecting the preliminaries; (2) selecting the system entities; (3) selecting the technique; (4) accessing PPPs; (5) analysing the security; and (6) estimating performance. Meanwhile, we identify and discuss PPPs utilized as datasets and provide the performance evolution of this research area. Finally, we conclude with the open challenges and future directions for this flourishing research area.
Sparse Representation Based on Tunable Q‐Factor Wavelet Transform for Whale Click and Whistle Extraction
Authors: Chen Hailan , Yan Jiaquan , Junejo Naveed Ur Rehman , Qi Jie , Sun Haixin
Published: November 2018

Whale sounds may mix several elements including whistle, click, and creak in the same vocalization, which may overlap in time and frequency, so it leads to conventional signal separation techniques challenging to be applied for the signal extraction. Unlike conventional signal separation techniques which are based on the frequency bands, such as WT and EMD, tunable‐Q wavelet transform (TQWT) can separate the objected signal into particular components with different structures according to its oscillation property and eliminate in‐band noise using the basis pursuit method. Considering the characteristics of oscillatory and transient impulse, we propose a novel signal separation method for whale whistle and click extraction. The proposed method is performed by the following two steps: first, TQWT is used to construct the dictionary for sparse representation. Secondly, the whale click and whistle construction are performed by designing the basis pursuit denoising (BPD) algorithm. The proposed method has been compared with one of the popular signal decomposition techniques, i.e., the EMD method. The experimental results show that the proposed method has a better performance of click and whistle signal separation in comparison with the EMD algorithm.
Surgical Intervention for Pectoralis Major Muscle Rupture: Report of Acute and Chronic Cases
Authors: Kholinne Erica , Lim Cheong-su , Kho Julius I. , Jeon In-Ho
Published: November 2018

Pectoralis major muscle rupture is becoming more frequent due to the current trends toward high-contact sports. We reported 2 cases with acute and chronic injury settings along with the strategy to treat each of it.