Examining the potential of damage in threat zones around LPG storage sphere in Hassi R’Mel city, Algeria

Purpose This study aims to determine the maximum extent of damage in the threat zones, the result of a catastrophic failure in one liquefied petroleum gas storage sphere, located in storage and transfer center in Hassi R’Mel city, Algeria. Design/methodology/approach To reach the desired results, we relied on ALOHA® v. 5.4.7 software (Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres) for accidents simulation, and on Google Earth as an output tool to show results on the city map. Findings The results prove that the city of Hassi R’Mel is almost completely threatened by thermal effects resulting from a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion phenomenon, which can reach a distance of 3.9 km. Originality/value Determining the extent to which the damages resulting from an industrial accident may reach is of great importance in preventing industrial hazards, as well as in decision-making in the field of urbanization.

Re-purposing Universities: The Path to Purpose

As the extent of damage to environmental systems from our business-as-usual activity becomes ever more alarming, Universities as core social institutions are under pressure to help society lead the transition to a sustainable future. Their response to the issues, that they themselves have helped reveal, has, however, been widely criticised for being wholly inadequate. Universities can be observed to engage with sustainability issues in ad-hoc ways, with the scale of attention and commitment dependant mainly on the level of pressure exerted by stakeholders that works to overcome aspects of inherent inertia. Sustainability initiatives can therefore be regarded mainly as bolt-ons. This mirrors how other sectors, including businesses, have tended to respond. As the environmental and social crisis mounts and the window for adaptive change to ensure long-term wellbeing for all narrows, the pressure for deeper systemic change builds. It is in this context that transformation to a “purpose-driven organisation” has emerged as a systemic approach to change, enabling an organisation to align deeply and rapidly with society's long-term best interest and hence a sustainable future. Nowhere has this concept been taken forward more obviously than in the business sector. As business leadership towards purpose becomes more apparent, so the lack of action in this area by universities appears starker. In this paper we clarify what it means to be a purpose-driven organisation, why and how it represents a deep holistic response to unsustainability, and what core questions emerging from the business world university leaders can ask themselves to begin the practical journey to transform their institutions into purpose-driven universities.

Partial Least Squares Regression Approach in the Analysis of Damage Intensity Changes to Prefabricated RC Buildings during the Long Term of Mining Activity

This article presents the results of the analysis of the extent of damage to 138 multi-storey buildings with reinforced concrete prefabricated structure, which are located in the mining terrain of the Legnica-Głogów Copper District. These objects are residential and public utility buildings of up to 43 years old, erected in industrialized prefabricated technologies: large-block and large-panel systems. The research was based on the results of technical condition inventory carried out in 2002, 2007 and 2012. As part of the analysis, the damage intensity index wu was established for individual structural and finishing elements of the studied buildings. This index is defined on a six-point scale, which includes a detailed description of the extent of damage that corresponds to the successive degrees of intensity. As part of the research, the databases were significantly expanded and the generalized formulas of the damage intensity index wu for individual groups of buildings were verified. For this purpose, the partial least squares regression (PLSR) method was applied. Thereafter, the analysis of changes of this intensity in time was carried out and the relations between the extent of damage and the impacts of mining exploitation were examined. The approach presented in this paper and obtained research results are characterized by a high degree of utilitarianism and can be applied to increase the efficiency in the optimal maintenance management of buildings, including planning of repairs and retrofits throughout the technical life cycle of the buildings.

Suggestions for large-scale, postdisaster reconstruction involving indigenous populations: a participatory approach to recovery after Typhoon Morakot

Purpose The participatory method, a major factor for a successful post-disaster reconstruction (PDR) project, is applied in various stages of the PDR. However, the application of this method for PDR involving indigenous populations is underexplored. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the critical factors that can influence the participatory PDR in the indigenous context. Design/methodology/approach Two large-scale, indigenous, post-disaster relocation projects after the 2009 Typhoon Morakot were selected as case studies. The qualitative and quantitative methodology (semi-structured interview and questionnaire) were applied in the research. Findings A participation-friendly policy, community organization, the extent of damage, flexibility of nongovernmental organizations, understanding of the participatory concept and mutual trust were found to be essential factors that profoundly influence participation in PDR projects. Originality/value This study contributes by providing guidelines for future participatory PDR projects, especially in the indigenous context.

Damage to Residual Trees in Thinning of Broadleaf Stand by Mechanised Harvesting System

This research was conducted to determine the cause, intensity and location of damage (stem, butt end, root collar, root) and the extent of damage to standing trees during felling and processing by an harvester and timber extraction by a forwarder (cut-to-length system). The research was conducted in the central part of the Republic of Croatia in the Management Unit (MU) “Bjelovarska Bilogora” during the thinning of Subcompartment 14b, area of 18.28 ha, in the stand of hornbeam (Carpino betuli—Quercetum roboris fagetosum Rauš 1975), age 70, and of Subcompartment 14c, area of 9.07 ha, in a stand of common beech (Carici pilosae—Fagetum Oberdorfer 1957) aged 79 years. The thinning intensity was 12.13% in Subcompartment 14b and 13.72% in Subcompartment 14c. Field measurements were carried out on sample plots—the first time in 2017 to determine the intensity and characteristics of the damage to standing trees with regard to the cause of the damage (harvester or forwarder), and the second time in 2018 to determine the overall intensity and features of the damage to standing trees after finishing harvesting operations. For all trees remaining in the stand after the harvesting operations, the following were determined: tree species, diameter at breast height (DBH), the position of the tree in the stand depending on the forest traffic infrastructure, and—if damaged—cause of damage, type of damage, the position of damage on the tree, and dimensions of damage. The intensity of the damage was expressed by the ratio of damaged and undamaged trees, with a detailed analysis of bark damage (squeezed-bark damage and peeled-bark injuries). The results of the research indicate the highest prevalence of peeled-bark injuries. In relation to the total number of standing trees, trees with peeled-bark injuries were more represented in Subcompartment 14c (39%) than in Subcompartment 14b (33%). In Subcompartment 14b, the harvester and the forwarder damaged an equal number of trees, while in Subcompartment 14c, the harvester damaged 59% of the damaged trees. In both subcompartments, an average of 83% of (peeled bark) injuries were up to 1.3 m above the ground. In both subcompartments, the most common (67%) were injuries up to 100 cm2 in size, for which many authors claim the tree can heal by itself. Given the increasing use of harvester-forwarder systems in deciduous stands and research results that indicate possible damage to standing trees, it is necessary to pay attention to all phases of planning and execution of timber harvesting operations, thus minimising negative effects.

Stroke Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy in Low Resource Settings

The long-term complications of stroke interfere with function, and the level of disability varies based on the type of stroke, location, and the extent of damage. Rehabilitation services are important in the recovery of stroke patients, but not all survivors have access to the services especially in low resourced settings where accessibility and economic challenges are the major barriers. Inadequate fulfilment of stroke survivors’ rehabilitation needs contribute to poor functional outcomes and slow recovery. The objectives of this chapter is therefore to give an overview of stroke and stroke rehabilitation with specific emphasis on occupational therapy, discuss the activities and areas of participation considered important by stroke patients, stroke patients’ needs and perceived fulfilment of these needs in order to provide targeted interventions. Data to inform the chapter is based on research done in a low resource setting. The perceived important activities and participation areas, and the needs of stroke patients are discussed in light of literature on the subject and findings from the studies done in Zimbabwe.

Holistic Approach In Human Error Management

Despite all safety measures taken in oil and gas plants, serious vehicular accidents happen during maintenance/ shutdown activities, due to human errors such as inadequate planning, improper decision making/ behaviour etc. affecting structural integrity/ process safety, resulting in catastrophic events. In most of such incidents, swift safety measures need to be undertaken to control the extent of damage and limit additional risks cascading from the main event. This paper presents the case study of a vehicle impact incident on an existing main piperack located in the process plant, its root causes and immediate actions adopted in controlling major hazard and ensuring uninterrupted plant operation by maintaining structural integrity. Prime factors considered while arriving solutions to structural damages due to the vehicular impact include, incident cause, extent of damages, availability of restoration material, execution feasibility under plant operating conditions and skillsets of work force that carries out the restoration activities. Due to various constraints, solution arrived are temporary, averting multiple structural failures/ major accident. Further investigation and studies were required to identify root cause of the incident and enhance the implemented solution that would reaffirm long-term integrity of the piperack structure. The vehicular impact loads are generally not accounted in general structural design, since necessary safety measures are considered while finalizing the plant layout. Such unanticipated vehicular impacts on the structural system can result in local/ global structural damages such as failure of critical pipe supports, consequential damage to adjacent pipes, other structural components etc. In this case, although there was a warning signboard (installed on the pipe rack) indicating maximum permissible height, contractor tried to drive the container vehicle having height more than the stipulated height. Since the vehicle passed through first obstruction (beam) located at much higher level, driver negligently moved the vehicle further ahead hitting internal beam located slightly above the limiting height thereby damaging structural beam supporting critical piping. In this incident, site surveys to inspect the damage, data review, structural assessment and details of material in stock are some of the common steps followed for swift restoration of structural integrity. Based on the same, temporary support to prevent further structural damages and restoring operational integrity was designed and implemented in a short time. Other main activities followed were, Walk through the incident to derive the root cause Review work instructions and communication protocol Human factors pertaining to the incident Review the application of management and administrative control Permanent solution for structural restoration Ensuring safety of critical assets is the top most priority for the asset owner. Further, any accident related to safety shall be dealt swiftly to control major hazard, maintain asset integrity and ensure process safety. Such incidents could happen in any industrial facility, oil and gas or other industries. The lessons learnt from this accident and fit for purpose swift actions employed for restoration can be shared with the industry professionals to ensure 100% HSE in projects, operations and maintenance activities.

Wound healing properties of a fibrin-based dermal replacement scaffold

When serious cutaneous injury occurs, the innate wound healing process attempts to restore the skin’s appearance and function. Wound healing outcome is affected by factors such as contraction, revascularisation, regeneration versus fibrosis and re-epithelialisation and is also strongly influenced by the pattern and extent of damage to the dermal layer. Dermal replacement scaffolds have been designed to substitute for lost tissue, provide a structure to promote dermal regeneration, and aid skin grafting, resulting in a superior healing outcome. In this study the wound healing properties of a novel fibrin-alginate dermal scaffold were assessed in the porcine wound healing model and also compared to two widely used dermal scaffolds and grafting alone. The fibrin-alginate scaffold, unlike the other scaffolds tested, is not used in combination with an overlying skin graft. Fibrin scaffold treated wounds showed increased, sustained superficial blood flow and reduced contraction during early healing while showing comparable wound closure, re-epithelialisation and final wound outcome to other treatments. The increase in early wound vascularisation coupled with a decrease in contraction and no requirement for a skin graft suggest that the fibrin-based scaffold could provide an effective, distinctive treatment option to improve healing outcomes in human patients.

Fatigue damage and life evaluation of thick bi-material double strap joints for use in marine applications

The present-day interest in the use of composite-steel joints in primary marine applications requires an in-depth knowledge of the fatigue performance of thick adhesive joints. This paper reports on experimental tests, quasi-static and fatigue, performed on unaged and aged bi-material double strap joints with thick adhesive bondlines. The specimens are monitored by Digital Image Correlation and Infrared Thermography techniques to evaluate the types and extent of damage that occur in the joint during fatigue loading. The S-N curve of the aged joint is evaluated along with it’s fatigue limit. It is found that the unaged specimens fail due to cohesive damage, hackles and disbond at the adhesive-adherend interface and the aged specimens failed due to delamination within the composite. The specimens that survived fatigue loading showed similar residual strength as specimens that were not fatigue loaded.

Visualization of osteochondral fragments in the cavity of the knee joint in case of patellar dislocation in children

The objective was to assess the capabilities of MRI and CT in visualizing free bone and cartilage fragments in the knee cavity after lateral dislocation of the patella. Materials and methods. CT and MRI were performed in 220 patients, including 127 girls and 93 boys aged 12 to 18 years (mean age 14.5 years), with acute lateral patellar dislocation. Results. Lateral dislocation of the patella in 25% of cases led to the appearance of osteochondral fragments. CT scan revealed and confirmed osteochondral fragments surgery in 55 people (100%), MRI scan - in 50 people (90%). The sites of the detachment of the osteochondral fragments were: a medial facet of the patella in 22 (38.8%), the outer edge of femur lateral condyle in 33 (58.2%), t patella and lateral condyle of the femur in 2 patients (3%). Free cartilage fragments not detected by CT were detected by MRI in 2 patients. Conclusion. Patellar dislocation is an injury that is likely to require surgery. The volume of osteochondral and soft tissue lesions can be established with the maximum degree of probability by MRI while detecting small osteochondral fragments is most reliable with CT. Combining these two observation methods provides the complete possible information about the extent of damage, which allows timely resolution of treatment tactics.