bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Damage evolution of coated steel pipe under cathodic-protection in soil
Authors: Li Ximing , Castaneda Homero
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the damage evolution (DE) of coated API5L-X52 steel pipe with cathodic protection (CP) in nature soil. Also, different coating conditions, intact coating and coating with artificial holiday defect are considered to study the electrochemical behavior combined with soil properties and CP potential. An approach of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis is also developed.

Design/methodology/approach

This work developed a laboratory experimental set-up of coated pipeline under CP in nature soil. The electrochemical behavior has been investigated using EIS. The CP potential provided by a DC power supplier has been adjusted and recorded to maintain the protective potential of pipe at −850 mV vs Cu/CuSO4.

Findings

Various parameters were derived from the EIS fitting data by equivalent circuit models to illustrate the three DE stages of coated carbon steel in soil. Each stage changes faster for the artificial defect coating system compared to intact coating, especially at the initial water uptake and ion transport stage. The CP potential has been proved to be correlated to the soil properties, coating conditions and DE stages of pipeline samples.

Originality/value

This work is the first one to study DE of coated pipeline system under CP in soil. It introduces an electrochemical method to study coating defects which can promote to design the deterministic model to detect coating defects of buried pipe using AC impedance technique.
Inhibition effect of E and Z conformations of 2-pyridinealdazine on mild steel corrosion in phosphoric acid
Authors: Belghiti Mohammed Elalaoui , Nahlé Ayssar , Ansari Abdeslam , Karzazi Yasser , Tighadouini S. , El Ouadi Yassir , Dafali A. , Hammouti Belkheir , Radi Smaail
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to study the inhibition effect of 2-pyridinealdazine on the corrosion of mild steel in an acidic medium. The inhibition effect was studied using weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Tafel polarization measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

Weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and spectral and conformational isomers analysis of A (E-PAA) and B (Z-PAA) were performed were investigated.

Findings

2-pyridinealdazine (PAA) acts as a good inhibitor for the corrosion of steel in 2.0 M H3PO4. The inhibition efficiency increases with an increase in inhibitor concentration but decreases with an increase in temperature.

Originality/value

This paper is intended to be added to the family of azines which are highly efficient inhibitors and can be used in the area of corrosion prevention and control.
Drivers and barriers to reshoring: a literature review on offshoring in reverse
Authors: Wiesmann Benedikt , Snoei Jochem Ronald , Hilletofth Per , Eriksson David
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the rather blurry concept of reshoring and its main drivers and barriers. At the same time, the paper seeks to provide a much-needed overview of the scientific theories used in previous research on reshoring.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper gathers information from previous published research. Data were collected through a systematic literature review on “reshoring” using primarily qualitative research techniques. Through a structured keyword search and subsequent elimination of papers, 22 peer-reviewed journal papers made it into the final review.

Findings

There is currently no consensus on the definition or “theory of reshoring”. Drivers and barriers could be grouped into five different sets of dynamics: global competitive dynamics, home country, host country, supply chain and firm-specific.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers need to consider the future development of the field and work toward an accepted terminology. Models about reshoring decisions need to include several decision criteria, which goes beyond financial metrics.

Practical implications

Practitioners need to carefully consider the decision to reshore as to not make rushed decisions. The final decision needs to consider factors such as quality, risk and brand reputation.

Originality/value

The paper is, to authors’ knowledge, the first overview of earlier research in a research journal. It provides a much-needed overview of an emerging field that can hold great importance for both future research and production. The constructed framework structures the dynamics (drivers and barriers) associated with reshoring.
China’s regional science and technology innovation policy
Authors: Yong’an Zhang , Zhe Geng , Jie Tian
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Science and technology innovation policy has important strategic significance with respect to the promotion of an innovation orientation in our country, and the classification and measurement of regional science and technology innovation policy urgently require research attention.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, we use text mining and principal component analysis to analyze the classification and measurement of technology innovation policy based on data obtained from Zhongguancun Science Park.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that regional science and technology innovation policy can be divided into four types: authoritative, guiding, urgent and periodical. The key measurements are function type, intensity, resource supply, funding level and funding effectiveness.

Originality/value

A comparative analysis is performed to investigate the different types of regional science and technology innovation policy measurement. Additionally, the study’s limitations are discussed, and future research directions are proposed.
A practical tool for evaluation of innovation outcomes in building projects
Authors: Maghsoudi Soroush , Duffield Colin , Wilson David
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a practical tool to evaluate the outcomes of innovative practices in the building and construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A practical tool was proposed. It is an online tool programmed in a JavaScript environment. A previously developed and tested framework was the basis for this tool. Six case projects were used to test and validate the reliability of the tool. The outcomes of the building projects were categorized into six categories of economic, quality, social, environmental, satisfaction and soft and organizational impacts.

Findings

The most important finding of this research was that the evaluation of innovation in building and construction would be possible only if the subjective assessment is tolerated to include the non-monetary outcomes in the evaluation, as well as the monetary outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this research are limited to the domestic and medium density building projects; thus, the outcomes might be generalized with appropriate care. The developed tool would assist practitioners in the field of building and construction to realize the impacts of innovation introduced into their projects. The project owners and developers could be the main audience of this tool.

Practical implications

The main contribution of the current study into the literature is the consideration of tangible and intangible outcomes of innovation together. In other words, this tool not only evaluates monetary outcomes but also takes into account non-monetary outcomes. It has been stated in the literature that 80 per cent of firms choose “non-numeric” project selection models (Meredith and Mantel, 2006). To provide a full representation of the reality, this model considers both numeric and non-numeric measures by applying both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods. The project owners and developers could be the main audience of this tool. It is worth mentioning that this tool is the first attempt of its kind for building and construction projects, and it is applicable and fully practical.

Originality/value

This tool is the first attempt of its kind to evaluate practically the outcomes of innovation in the building and construction industry. The tool practicality and applicability in the real-world project is a privilege which gives more reliability and credibility to the proposed approach of innovation evaluation.
The Nigerian Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2016: a critical appraisal
Authors: Esoimeme Ehi Eric
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to critically examine the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2016. It also aims to determine the level of effectiveness of the preventive measures in the Bill.

Design/methodology/approach

The appraisal took the form of a desk study, which analyzed various documents and reports such as the Financial Action Task Force Recommendations 2012, Mutual Evaluation Reports conducted by the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) on Nigeria, the judgment delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court Abuja and the United Kingdom’s national risk assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing.

Findings

This paper determined that the Bill could achieve its core objectives if the following recommendations are implemented: section 15 of the Bill should be modified to include the definition of “Arrangement”; lawyers should be allowed to send their Suspicious Transaction Report to the Nigerian Bar Association, provided that there are appropriate forms of cooperation between the NBA and the Financial Intelligence Unit, and this approach is in line with the Financial Action Task Force Recommendations; the Bill should expressly prohibit retaliation by employers against whistleblowers and provide them with a private cause of action in the event that they are discharged or discriminated against by their employers, and this approach is being adopted by the US Dodd–Frank Act; a request for customer information, by the Director-General of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Centre, should be made pursuant to an order of the Federal High Court obtained upon an ex-parte application supported by a sworn declaration by an authorized officer of the Centre, justifying the request for customer information.

Originality/value

This paper offers a critical appraisal of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2016. The paper will identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Bill. This is the only paper to adopt this kind of approach.
Money laundering and illicit flows from China – the real estate problem
Authors: Naheem Mohammed Ahmad
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to review some of the current challenges that international money laundering schemes are posing for the Chinese banking sector. Anti-money laundering (AML) systems in China are relatively new, and customer due diligence checks and other AML systems are underdeveloped in some areas.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers the specific issues that laundering money through the real estate sector poses to the Chinese banking system and other global banks that could be in receipt of illicit funds from China. The paper also discusses the source of most of China’s illicit flows, which are believed to be from corruption and financial crime offences rather than drug or organised criminal gangs.

Findings

The paper uses empirical evidence, including media coverage and academic studies from other authors working on this issue, and supports the need to develop stronger risk-based systems, as opposed to rules-based systems, for managing AML risk assessment. Previous work by the author and suggestions from other authors are both used to suggest a basic framework for AML risk assessment.

Originality/value

The paper concludes by reiterating the fact that China like all other countries is now operating in an international banking context, in much the same way that international organised crime is also operating at a global level. It also emphasises that real estate remains a targeted sector for criminals seeking to launder funds.
An integrated modelling strategy between a CFD and an FE software
Authors: Tondini Nicola , Morbioli Andrea , Vassart Olivier , Lechêne Sullivan , Franssen Jean-Marc
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present the assumptions and the issues that arise when developing an integrated modelling methodology between a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software applied to compartment fires and a finite element (FE) software applied to structural systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Particular emphasis is given to the weak coupling approach developed between the CFD code fire dynamics simulator (FDS) and the FE software SAFIR. Then, to show the potential benefits of such a methodology, a multi-storey steel-concrete composite open car park was considered.

Findings

Results show that the FDS–SAFIR coupling allows overcoming shortcomings of simplified models by performing the thermal analysis in the structural elements based on a more advanced modelling of the fire development, whereas it appears that the Hasemi model is more conservative in terms of thermal action.

Originality/value

A typical design approach using the Hasemi model is compared with a more advanced analysis that relies on the proposed FDS–SAFIR coupling.
Creep-free fire analysis of steel structures with Eurocode 3 material model
Authors: Toric Neno , Sun Rui Rui , Burgess Ian W.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a methodology to remove inherent implicit creep from the Eurocode 3 material model for steel and to present a creep-free analysis on simply supported steel members.

Design/methodology/approach

Most of the available material models of steel are based on transient coupon tests, which inherently include creep strain associated with particular heating rates and load ratios.

Findings

The creep-free analysis aims to reveal the influence of implicit creep by investigating the behaviour of simply supported steel beams and columns exposed to various heating regimes. The paper further evaluates the implicit consideration of creep in the Eurocode 3 steel material model.

Originality/value

A modified Eurocode 3 carbon steel material model for creep-free analysis is proposed for general structural fire engineering analysis.
Influence of web stiffeners on cold-formed steel beams subjected to fire
Authors: Rodrigues Joao Paulo C. , Laim Luis , Craveiro Hélder David
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present the results of a study on the behaviour of cold-formed galvanized steel beams subjected to fire, using the results of a large programme of experimental tests.

Design/methodology/approach

The research investigated the influence of web stiffeners in the sections and the stiffness of the surrounding structure, including the axial and rotational restraining to the thermal elongation, on the flexural behaviour of the beams in case of fire. In other words, the structural response of different open cold-formed steel beams, with and without web stiffeners, was compared in case of fire.

Findings

The results showed that a good choice between using cold-formed steel beams, with and without web stiffeners, may depend on the section shape and the internal forces generated in these members during a fire.

Originality/value

Temperatures in the furnace and at several points of the beams, as well as deformations and restraining forces and moments, were measured to achieve those goals and consequently to assess the critical time and temperature of these beams.
Calibration of a simplified method for fire resistance assessment of partially encased composite beams
Authors: Del Prete Iolanda , Cefarelli Giuseppe , Nigro Emidio
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with the evaluation of the bending moment resistance of partially encased composite beams, heated from below by the standard-time temperature curve (ISO 834).

Design/methodology/approach

EN 1994-1-2 provides two calculation models for evaluating the sagging and hogging moment resistance: the “general simplified rules” and the “simplified models” proposed in the Annex F.

Findings

In this paper, these simplified calculation models were implemented on several partially encased composite beams, by means of a parametric analysis. Then, the results were compared to those obtained through an advanced calculation model, such as the Moment–Curvature model, by means of a comparative analysis.

Originality/value

The aim of the “parametric-comparative” analysis is the evaluation of the reliability of the Annex F simplified models. This analysis was conducted by means of both numerical-numerical and numerical-experimental comparisons. This paper provides an alternative simplified calculation model, which is easy to implement and very reliable.
Behaviour and resistance of cold-formed steel beams with lipped channel sections under fire conditions
Authors: Arrais Flávio , Lopes Nuno , Vila Real Paulo
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Steel beams composed of cold-formed sections are common in buildings because of their lightness and ability to support large spans. However, the instability phenomena associated to these members are not completely understood in fire situation. Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyse the behaviour of beams composed of cold-formed lipped channel sections at elevated temperatures.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical analysis is made, applying the finite element program SAFIR, on the behaviour of simply supported cold formed steel beams at elevated temperatures. A parametric study, considering several cross-sections with different slenderness’s values, steel grades and bending diagrams, is presented. The obtained numerical results are compared with the design bending resistances determined from Eurocode 3 Part 1-2 and its French National Annex (FN Annex).

Findings

The current design expressions revealed to be too conservative when compared with the obtained numerical results. It was possible to observe that the FN Annex is less conservative than the Annex E, the first having a better agreement with the numerical results.

Originality/value

Following the previous comparisons, new fire design formulae are tested. This new methodology, which introduces minimum changes in the existing formulae, provides safety and accuracy at the same time when compared to the numerical results, considering the occurrence of local, distortional and lateral torsional buckling phenomena in these members at elevated temperatures.
Experimental and numerical study on the fire response of cold-formed steel beams with elastically restrained thermal elongation
Authors: Laím Luis , Rodrigues João Paulo C.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper is mainly aimed at the structural performance of compound cold-formed galvanised steel beams under fire conditions based on the results of a large programme of experimental tests and numerical simulations. The main objective of this research was to assess the critical temperature and time of the studied beams. Other important goals of this research work were to investigate the influence of the cross-sections (C, lipped-I, R and 2R beams) and, above all, of the axial restraint (0, 0.45, 3, 7.5, 15, 30, ∞ kN/mm) to the thermal elongation of the beam and the rotational restraint at beam supports (0, 15, 80, 150, 300, 1,200 and ∞ kN.m/rad) on the fire resistance of this kind of beams.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper still provides details of the simulation methodology for achieving numerical stability and faithful representation of detailed structural behaviour and compares the simulation and experimental results, including beam failure modes, measured beam axial forces and beam mid-span deflections.

Findings

Good agreement between Abaqus simulations and experimental observations confirms that the finite element models developed with the Abaqus/standard solver are suitable for predicting the structural fire behaviour of restrained cold-formed steel beams.

Originality/value

The results showed above all that the effect of the stiffness of the surrounding structure seems to decrease with the increasing slenderness of the beams.
Comparison between RST and PID controllers performance of a reduced order model and the original model of a hydraulic actuator dedicated to a semi-active suspension
Authors: Babesse Saad , Ameddah Djameleddine , Inel Fouad
Published: January 2017

Purpose

In this paper, an effective method to calculate the reduced-order model (ROM) of high-order linear time-invariant system is elaborated; this is done by evaluating time moments of the original high-order model (HOM).

Design/methodology/approach

The developed method has been applied to a hydraulic actuator of antiroll bar mechanism dedicated to heavy vehicle semi-active suspension. And as the actuator is a large-scale system; and that in this case, the only control applied is a classical control and with trial and error procedure (like PID), the use of an order reduction method is necessary. Hence, the actuator that has an eighth-order transfer function with uncontrollable states has been approximated by fully controllable second-order model, which is suitable for feedback controllers (RST, LQR […]). The RST control is applied to control the roll angle of the actuator and simulations are carried out to show the effectiveness of the procedure.

Findings

It is clear that RST shows good tracking as compared to PID. For further work, the given RST controller has a discrete character and can be easily implemented on the real process and then as a further simulation, one can use another controller such as fractional adaptive controller.

Originality/value

In the recent years, the technological need of modeling order, thus the complexity of the systems, directed the researchers toward the reduction of order of these systems, not only to facilitate the analysis but also to find a suitable approximation of the high-order systems while keeping the same important characteristics as closely as possible. Several methods are available but they fail to give stable transfer functions or important characteristics of the original system.
Performance of energy scavenging device by considering fatigue of PZT
Authors: Allamraju K. Viswanath , Korla Srikanth
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Purpose is to design the energy harvesters and to know the limit of the application of load on the PZT material. Fatigue failures of the designed products is merely bothering the modern engineers and scientists for the research communities of all fields. Especially in the field of Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS), durability of low power systems is very important under the climates of both at high temperature and low temperature zones. And also continuous electrical power requirement is important for the MEMS and wireless sensor networks. Electricity is the greatest crisis in the world on one side and on the other side, durability of smart devices such as mobile phones, laptops, compact devices, computer spare parts are unrecyclicable batteries for reducing the rate of pollution in the environment.

Design/methodology/approach

By considering these problems, authors have taken up a research in finding the first fatigue characteristics, which are fatigue failure and durability of ferroelectric material as lead zirconate titanate, and then designed the scavenging device by using harmonically excited vibrations for getting optimum power output which is about 15.6 mW.

Findings

Under the resonance operated condition at the frequency of about 50 Hz, a prototype of scavenging device is about 90 V AC peak-to-peak voltage and the durability of scavenging device is 9.715 years.

Originality/value

Durability of PZT at different environmental conditions plays a very important role for the continuous function of low power devices. The output of PZT may change when the working time increases in addition with the mechanical properties.
Evaluation of bond strength between fire-damaged normal concrete substance and ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete as a repair material
Authors: Baharuddin Nur Khaida , Mohamed Nazri Fadzli , Putra Jaya Ramadhansyah , Abu Bakar Badorul Hisyam
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate and compare the interfacial bond characteristics between fire-damaged normal concrete substrate and ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) as a repair material.

Design/methodology/approach

First, fire-damaged normal concrete was prepared. Then, with a cast surface, the substrate was subjected to different surface moisture conditions. Three types of moisture conditions were set, namely, air dry, saturated surface dry (SSD) and wet. Slant shear and splitting cylinder tests were conducted to determine the interfacial bond strength of the composite.

Findings

In general, results indicate that surface moisture conditions significantly influence bond strength. The substrate under SSD condition exhibited the highest bond strength. The findings suggest that UHPFRC is a promising material for the repair and reuse of fire-damaged concrete structures.

Originality/value

This study compares the bond strength between fire-damaged normal concrete and UHPRC.
Warping deformation of 316l/q345r stainless composite plate after removal strake
Authors: Qin Qin , Wu Zu-huai , Zang Yong , Guan Ben , Zhang Jinxin
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study aims to reduce the warping deformation of the stainless composite plate after removal strake by using a finite element method. A three-dimensional thermo-mechanical coupled elastic-plastic finite element model has been suggested by using ABAQUS to simulate the multi-pass hot rolling of stainless composite plate.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-dimensional thermo-mechanical coupled elastic-plastic finite element model has been suggested by using ABAQUS to simulate the multi-pass hot rolling of stainless composite plate. Warping deformation rules of 316L/Q345R stainless composite plate after removal strake have been analyzed. Moreover, the influences of some different rolling parameters on this deformation have been discussed.

Findings

The warping deformation just varies in the range of cladding ratio from 0.1 to 0.25. Therefore, cladding ratio does not have a great influence on warping deformation.

Originality/value

The results show that higher heating temperature, larger final thickness and less rolling passes are beneficial for reducing the warping deformation.
The response of ecosystem service value to land-use change in the upper Zhang River region from 2001 to 2013
Authors: Liu Haixin , Liu Xinxia , Zhao Yuling , Wang Hefeng , Wang Dongli
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the changes in the ecosystem service value (ESV) in response to land use and contribute significantly to ecological construction and sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study was conducted in the upper Zhanghe River region based on the moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer Land Cover Type product MCD12Q1 by using geographic information system (GIS) methods to process and re-classify the land-use data and using the Chinese ESV equivalent weight factors to investigate changes in land use and resulting changes in ESV between 2001 and 2013.

Findings

The results showed significant fluctuations in ESV between 2001 and 2013: there was a decline in ESV from 2001 to 2004, followed by a gradual rise after 2004, and the overall ESV exceeded 2001 levels by the end of 2013. However, the pattern of ESV change differed across geographic locations, and each administrative region contributed differently to the overall trend. The analysis confirmed that the land-use change was closely related to the change in its ESV, and the coefficients of sensitivity of ESV for all types of land use were less than one, indicating that the coefficient value of ESV lacked elasticity.

Research limitations/implications

Therefore, to promote sustainable development in the upper Zhanghe River region, ESV should be taken into consideration when planning land use, especially for land types with high ESV, such as water bodies and forestlands.

Originality/value

The results can provide scientific support for the sustainable development of the ecological, economic and societal aspects of the upper Zhanghe River region. In addition, county-level administrative divisions were set as the basic research unit for the analysis and discussion of ESV changes in each unit within the research period and its impact on the overall ESV of the entire area to lay down a foundation for the analysis of the ESV spatial dynamic distribution in the entire research site.
Evolution of heavy metal contents in the soil of protected vegetable fields and its environmental quality evaluation in Yongnian county of Hebei province in China
Authors: Xi Zengfu , Xu Yunhong , Ma Baoguo , Wang Shuji
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the contents of heavy metals Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb and Zn in the soil of vegetable production bases in the Yongnian County of Hebei Province by random sampling.

Design/methodology/approach

The environmental quality conditions of these heavy metals were evaluated by both the single quality index and comprehensive quality index methods.

Findings

It was concluded that the average heavy metal contents in the soil of protected vegetable fields in the Yongnian County are all under the limit values prescribed by the environmental quality evaluation standard for farmland of greenhouse vegetables production (2007), so the soil’s environmental quality is classified as first class regarding cleanliness. It is fit for the plantation of non-polluted vegetables. It is shown that there is a cumulative trend of heavy metal contents in the soil with age after analysis of a correlation coefficient between heavy metal contents and age in Yongnian’s protected fields and excessive application of fertilizers or organic fertilizers, which is the main factor leading to an increase in heavy metal contents in the soil.

Originality/value

It is suggested that the amount of fertilizer should be properly reduced to prevent the soil’s environmental deterioration, the vegetable planting structure should be improved and the vegetables grown in areas with weaker accumulation of heavy metals should be cultivated.
An algorithm for energy consumption reduction of air cooler through a convenient control system and effects on GHG emissions
Authors: Zardoshti Zadeh Yazdi Mohammad , GhasemiKafrudi Esmaeil , Javdan Hamidreza
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to study the minimizing of energy consumption in air cooled-heat exchanger through a convenient control system. Thus, the performance of a given air cooler has been considered in different weather conditions for both ideal and non ideal operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The minimum number of fans in service has been calculated and used for the study and assessment of a proper controlling system with the purpose of energy saving in air coolers. On-Off controlling has been compared to variable speed drivers controlling to determine a feasible method for the process control of this cooling equipment.

Findings

Economical parameters show that installing variable speed drivers could be rational, as the payback period, the net present values of investment and the internal rate of return are completely persuading. The internal rate of return (IRR) for installation of variable speed driver (VSD) controls is 69 per cent. According to the results, there is a possibility of 0.45 and 0.33 MWh energy consumption reduction for VSD control under ideal and non-ideal conditions and consequently reduces annually 318 and 237 ton equivalent CO2.

Originality/value

Air cooled heat exchangers are used as one of the energy consumption equipment in most plants, but before the emergence of serious problems, not enough attention was given to their operation.
Test uncertainty reduction via a modified method for estimating steam turbine HP-IP packing leakage
Authors: Amini Meysam , Dorosti Qaran , Rahimyar Davood , Biglarian Hassan , GhasemiKafrudi Esmaeil
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study aims to introduce a new modified method for estimating steam turbine high pressure (HP)-intermediate pressure (IP) leakage flow based on the experimental data extracted from a 250 MW re-heat steam turbine.

Design/methodology/approach

Effects of measurement uncertainties on the test results are investigated and key parameters are specified via a new modified method to diminish the test uncertainties. The recommended method is based on a constant IP turbine pressure ratio at the same loads. Considering this assumption, it was found that the turbine pressure ratio can be achieved in the second and the third tests with a much longer duration.

Findings

The results showed that the cross-over temperature is a major parameter in the leakage flow estimation tests, whereas hot reheat and cross-over pressures are the next priorities. It was also observed that as the cross-over temperature varies by 1°C, the estimated leakage flow error significantly differs by up to 72.6 per cent.

Originality/value

It is concluded that the present modified HP-IP leakage flow estimation method seems to be more accurate in comparison with previously proposed methods in literature.
Effect of Human Behaviour in Shipboard Firefighting Decisions: The Case of Fire in Engine Rooms
Authors: Karahalios Hristos
Published: January 2017

This study highlights the hazards associated with the development of a fire onboard a ship, with respect to the decision‐making alternatives of its captain. In this context, a risk assessment methodology is proposed, using the AHP method, to identify the expected hazards, caused by a fire in the engine room of a ship, as a part of a contingency planning. An analysis of 77 casualties, revealed that ships aged over 15 years and/or designed to carry RO‐RO cargoes, containers, or passengers, have a relatively high frequency of fire events in their engine rooms. Furthermore, the element of time was found to be a factor, which affects the human behaviour of the captain of a ship, as fire growths.
Causes and Mechanisms of Death in Fatal Water Buffalo Attacks
Authors: Byard Roger W.
Published: January 2017

Deaths due to buffalo attack have not been well described. A 72‐year‐old man was trampled by a water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) while attempting to move the animal within an enclosed area at an abattoir. At autopsy, there were numerous injuries involving the chest, head, neck, and left upper arm. Blunt force injury had resulted in multiple rib fractures with a flail chest and fracture/dislocation of the mid‐cervical vertebrae caused either by physical crushing by the animal against the walls of the enclosure or by stomping. There was also evidence of crush asphyxia with bilateral conjunctival hemorrhages and petechial hemorrhages. In addition, there was a deep degloving injury of the upper left arm compatible with goring by one of the buffalo horns. While large animal attacks may result in death from multiple injuries, careful dissection and examination of specific injuries at autopsy may clarify the complex interaction of lethal mechanisms.
Surgical and Oncologic Outcomes of Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy for Non‐Metastatic Renal Cancer in Long‐Term Dialysis Patients
Authors: Omae Kenji , Kondo Tsunenori , Takagi Toshio , Iizuka Junpei , Kobayashi Hirohito , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Tanabe Kazunari
Published: January 2017

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) between patients undergoing dialysis for ≤240 and >240 months. Data from all dialysis patients with non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with LRN between 2008 and 2015 in our hospital were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups, shorter‐ and longer‐term dialysis patients, according to the preoperative duration of dialysis (≤240 vs. >240 months). Of 174 patients, 58 (33.3%) were on longer‐term dialysis. Perioperative minor complications were significantly more frequent in the longer‐term dialysis patients (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference between the two groups in other perioperative outcomes. Patients on longer‐term dialysis more frequently had pathologically advanced RCC (P = 0.009) with poorer prognosis (P = 0.005). LRN for RCC in longer‐term dialysis patients appears to be safe and feasible; however, careful follow‐up is needed because these patients tend to have poorer prognosis.
Migration as flow: using hydrological concepts to estimate the residence time of migrating birds from the daily counts
Authors: Drever Mark C. , Hrachowitz Markus
Published: January 2017

Estimating the length‐of‐stay, the number of days a bird can be expected to stay at a site, at stopover sites is critical to understanding the migration ecology and estimating the population sizes of birds as they move between breeding and non‐breeding sites.

Estimating the length‐of‐stay of migrating animals at stopover sites has an analogue in the hydrological concept of transit time, the amount of time that water spends in a reservoir, which can be calculated as a numerical integration of inflow and outflow rates with an underlying Storage Age Selection function.

We used this approach to estimate the lengths‐of‐stay of migrating Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) and Dunlin (Calidris alpina) based on the time series of daily counts at two sites in British Columbia, Canada. The approach yielded mean transit times for Western Sandpiper during southward migration at Sidney Island that ranged between 9·6 days and 3·8 days, and showed a significant decline over time, 1992–2001, and is consistent with the estimates obtained from the capture‐mark‐resight studies. Transit times during northward migration at Roberts Bank, Fraser River Delta, based on the best available information ranged from 1·8 to 3·2 days for Western Sandpiper, and had a median value of 2·0 days for Dunlin, which is consistent with the estimates obtained from the radio‐telemetry studies.

These results indicate that the hydrological flow models may offer a means to estimate the length‐of‐stay from the daily counts of birds during migration. The models present an opportunity for testing the alternate hypotheses concerning the roles of behavioural‐ vs. habitat‐related mechanisms driving shorebird population sizes.
Virtual screening, SAR, and discovery of 5‐(indole‐3‐yl)‐2‐[(2‐nitrophenyl)amino] [1,3,4]‐oxadiazole as a novel Bcl‐2 inhibitor
Authors: Ziedan Noha I. , Hamdy Rania , Cavaliere Alessandra , Kourti Malamati , Prencipe Filippo , Brancale Andrea , Jones Arwyn T. , Westwell Andrew D.
Published: January 2017

A new series of oxadiazoles were designed to act as inhibitors of the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein. Virtual screening led to the discovery of new hits that interact with Bcl‐2 at the BH3 binding pocket. Further study of the structure–activity relationship of the most active compound of the first series, compound 1, led to the discovery of a novel oxadiazole analogue, compound 16j, that was a more potent small‐molecule inhibitor of Bcl‐2. 16j had good in vitro inhibitory activity with submicromolar IC50 values in a metastatic human breast cancer cell line (MDA‐MB‐231) and a human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). The antitumour effect of 16j is concomitant with its ability to bind to Bcl‐2 protein as shown by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (IC50 = 4.27 μm). Compound 16j has a great potential to develop into highly active anticancer agent.
Integrating Social and Ecological Knowledge for Targeting Voluntary Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Paloniemi Riikka , Hujala Teppo , Rantala Salla , Harlio Annika , Salomaa Anna , Primmer Eeva , Pynnönen Sari , Arponen Anni
Published: January 2017

Improving the effectiveness of voluntary biodiversity policies requires developing trans‐disciplinary conservation plans that consider social constraints to achieving ecological objectives. We integrated data on landowners’ willingness to participate in voluntary conservation efforts with ecological data on conservation values in a spatial prioritization, and found that doing so considerably reduced the loss in conservation value caused by landowners’ reluctance to participate. We learned that conducting prioritization with stakeholder input gained through dialogue during field visits could be beneficial for increasing the legitimacy of conservation plans with stakeholders. Thus, in addition to developing a methodology for using data on stakeholder perceptions of conservation in spatial prioritization, our study suggests that engaging landowners and other stakeholders in the conservation prioritization process will improve the success of conservation plans.
Sticking to the script: A curious case of confusion in an ESRD patient
Authors: Gorlitsky Barry R. , Herion John T.
Published: January 2017

A 60‐year‐old male Dialysis patient presented with altered mental status and Hypertensive Urgency. He had a significant lesion noted on his glans penis. He was treated for infection and hypertension with expectant management, without significant improvement in his mental acuity. Laboratory and radiologic workup were unrevealing for the etiology. Upon detailed review it was noted he had recently been given Acyclovir for a presumed Herpes Simplex Virus infection. He had been prescribed what is considered correct dosing for an ESRD patient. An Acyclovir level was obtained and urgent Dialysis was undertaken, presuming Acyclovir neurotoxicity may be the culprit. Initially no improvement was noted and a 2nd level and hemodialysis were undertaken. This case and review of the literature will highlight key aspects of acyclovir neurotoxicity in ESRD patients, including how to diagnose and treat, which laboratory tests to obtain and what one can expect from various dialysis modalities. We will also reveal how to dose Acyclovir to avoid toxicity and other key elements of the drug.
Overexpression of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 protein predicts shorter survival in metastatic bladder cancer patients treated with gemcitabine‐containing combination chemotherapy
Authors: Matsumura Nagahide , Nakamura Yasushi , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Nishizawa Satoshi , Kikkawa Kazuro , Iba Akinori , Kodama Yoshiki , Hara Isao
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To identify biomarkers predicting prognosis in bladder cancer patients undergoing the gemcitabine and cisplatin regimen.

Methods

We studied 52 patients with metastatic bladder cancer treated with the gemcitabine and cisplatin regimen by evaluating the relationship between the expression of two biomarkers, ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 and excision repair cross complementing 1, by immunohistochemistry and clinical outcomes.

Results

The patients with low expression of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 showed a higher objective response rate by the gemcitabine and cisplatin regimen than those with high expression of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 (80.0% and 45.5%, respectively). No differences were observed according to the expression level of excision repair cross complementing 1. Low expression of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 significantly prolonged overall survival and progression‐free survival compared with the high expression group. Low expression of excision repair cross complementing 1 tended to prolong overall survival and progression‐free survival, but there were no significant differences (P = 0.07 and 0.10, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that the expression of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 was the only independent prognostic factor (P = 0.012).

Conclusions

The expressions of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 seem to be associated with clinical response and survival in patients with metastatic bladder cancer treated with gemcitabine and cisplatin‐based chemotherapy.
Does It Pay to Communicate with Firms? Evidence from Firm Site Visits of Mutual Funds
Authors: Liu Shasha , Dai Yunhao , Kong Dongmin
Published: January 2017

By using a unique dataset on mutual fund visits to listed firms in China, we investigate whether mutual funds are able to obtain private information or benefit from their communication with firms. Our findings are as follows: 1) such communication significantly increases the subsequent trading magnitude of mutual funds; 2) mutual fund trades that rely on communication significantly predict the unexpected earnings of visited firms, which is further supported by IV‐regressions that use the number of direct flights between two cities as the instrument of communication; and 3) comprehensiveness of communication topics and firms’ information environment significantly affect the benefits that mutual funds obtain from communication. Our results are robust to alternative measures and specifications, and provide insights for regulators who are concerned with fair disclosure.
Familial Hepatitis E Outbreak Linked to Wild Boar Meat Consumption
Authors: Rivero‐Juarez A. , Frias M. , Martinez‐Peinado A. , Risalde M. A. , Rodriguez‐Cano D. , Camacho A. , García‐Bocanegra I. , Cuenca‐Lopez F. , Gomez‐Villamandos J. C. , Rivero A.
Published: January 2017

An HIV‐infected patient was diagnosed with acute hepatitis E infection in our hospital. An epidemiological inquiry was performed to collect demographic, food and animal exposure variables in order to identify the potential route of transmission. The patient reported that his family traditionally hunted wild boar for food. All family members were analysed for hepatitis E virus infection. Additionally, route of transmission by wild boar meat consumption and prevalence of HEV infection among wild boar from the same hunting area were investigated. In all‐family members (n = 8), HEV‐RNA was amplified. Two wild boar meat slices consumed was analysed, showing the presence of HEV. The virus isolated was consistent with genotype 3, revealing 100% homology between family members and meat. Additionally, we tested nine wild boar hunted in the same hunting area. All of them were RNA‐HEV positive, isolating the same HEV genotype 3 viral strain. We demonstrated by phylogenetic analysis zoonotic transmission of HEV by wild boar meat consumption. The prevalence of HEV infection among wild boar found in our study suggests that this species is an important route of transmission to human.
Two new species of myrmecophilous scutacarid mites (Acari: Scutacaridae) from Chile
Authors: Khaustov Alexander
Published: January 2017

Two new species of myrmecophilous mites of the genus Scutacarus Gros, 1845 (Acari: Pygmephoroidea: Scutacaridae), S. camponoti sp. nov. and S. neotropicus sp. nov. are described from ants and their nests in Patagonia, Chile.
How pollen supplementary diet affect life table and predation capacity of Neoseiulus californicus on two-spotted spider mite
Authors: Khanamani Mostafa , Fathipour Yaghoub , Talebi Ali Asghar , Mehrabadi Mohammad
Published: January 2017

Supply of alternative food is generally thought to enhance the performance of generalist predatory mites. The effects of three different pollens (maize, date palm, and bee-collected pollen) as supplementary diets on the life table and predation capacity of Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) were determined. Total fecundity on TSSM in the presence of the pollen was significantly higher than those on the pollen alone. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) on TSSM in the presence of the maize pollen (0.1409 day-1) was significantly higher than those on TSSM (as control) and/or the other diets. In addition, N. californicus consumed fewer prey in the presence of the maize pollen than the other pollen types. However, lower prey consumption in the presence of this pollen was compensated by an increase in reproduction and survive. In conclusion, the effectiveness of N. californicus on TSSM in the presence of the maize pollen was superior to the other pollens. However, although the other pollen types had no obvious positive effect on the performance of N. californicus, they might increase long-term persistence of the predator-prey system.