scholarly journals XBLOC-PLUS – DEVELOPMENT OF A REGULAR PLACED INTERLOCKING ARMOUR UNIT

2018 ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Robert Jacobs ◽  
Pieter Bakker ◽  
Ineke Vos-Rovers ◽  
Bas Reedijk
Keyword(s):  
Single Layer ◽  
Regular Pattern ◽  
Random Orientation ◽  
Individual Unit ◽  
Block Placement ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Efficient Option ◽  
Regular Placement

Randomly placed single layer interlocking concrete armor units are currently the most advanced and cost-efficient option for the protection of breakwaters. The key feature of these units is the random orientation of the units, which requires the crane operator to assess the orientation of each individual unit during block placement. DMC noticed the desire for a block which can be placed in a regular pattern as this will increase the placement rates. Apart of this, regular placement of armor units can also be preferred for aesthetical reasons. Fifteen years after the introduction of Xbloc, DMC therefore introduces a new breakwater armour unit called XblocPlus which is placed with uniform block orientations.

scholarly journals XBLOC-PLUS: THE INTERLOCKING, PATTERN PLACED AND EFFICIENT ARMOUR UNIT

2020 ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
James Donnelly ◽  
Pieter Bakker ◽  
Bas Reedijk ◽  
Yang Zi Qian
Keyword(s):  
Single Layer ◽  
Regular Pattern ◽  
Individual Unit ◽  
Cost Efficient

Most breakwaters are built with randomly placed single layer armour units as these are most cost-efficient. Most single layer blocks require random unit orientations, which requires the crane operator to assess the orientation of each individual unit during placement. DMC noticed the desire for an interlocking block which can be placed in a regular pattern as many crane operators find it easier to place units uniformly, which requires less intuition. Fifteen years after the introduction of Xbloc, DMC introduces a new interlocking breakwater armour unit called XblocPlus which is placed with uniform block orientations.Recorded Presentation from the vICCE (YouTube Link): https://youtu.be/oEb1vsYfjL8

scholarly journals The Economic Influence of Breastfeeding on the Health Cost of Newborns

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 340-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esmeralda Santacruz-Salas ◽  
Isaac Aranda-Reneo ◽  
Álvaro Hidalgo-Vega ◽  
José M. Blanco-Rodriguez ◽  
Antonio Segura-Fragoso
Keyword(s):  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Healthcare Costs ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
Medical Tests ◽  
Specialized Care ◽  
Medical Emergencies ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Efficient Option

Background: Breastfeeding provides health benefits for women and newborns. However, few studies have explored how these health benefits translate into economic savings. Research aim: This study aimed to estimate the healthcare costs savings generated by exclusive breastfeeding for healthy newborns. Methods: We designed a longitudinal two-group observational study that included healthy women and newborns ( N = 236) in Toledo, Spain. Over the first 6-months of the infants’ lives, we reviewed their clinical histories to determine their consumption of healthcare resources and the type of nutrition provided. The sample was categorized into two groups: exclusive breastfeeding ( n = 46) and non-exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months ( n = 190). Two-part regression models were applied to determine whether there were differences in healthcare costs between the groups. Results: The average age of the women was 32 ( SD: 5.3). The average birth weight of the newborns was 3.3 kg. ( SD: 0.38). At 6 months, 19.5% ( n = 46) of the women breastfed exclusively, 28.4% ( n = 67) combined breastfeeding with formula, and 45.8% ( n = 108) used formula only. Healthcare costs during follow-up reached €785.58 (44% for specialized care, 42% for primary care, 9.8% for medical emergencies, 3% for medications and approximately 1% for medical tests). The statistical analysis estimated a lower healthcare cost of between €454.40 and €503.50 for exclusively breastfed newborns. Conclusion: Breastfeeding generated savings in healthcare costs; therefore, it could be a cost-efficient option compared with alternatives. Researchers who evaluate the efficiency of strategies that promote breastfeeding can contribute to the sustainability of health services.

Complex Subsurface Well Abandonments Using Relief Well Methodologies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Dorey ◽  
Georgy Rassadkin ◽  
Douglas Ridgway
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Gas Seepage ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Well Abandonment ◽  
Efficient Option ◽  
Practice Methods

Abstract The field experience in the continental US suggests that approximately 33% of plug and abandonment operations are non-routine, and 5% require re-entry (Greer C.R., 2018). In some scenarios, the most cost-efficient option for the intervention is drilling an intercept well to re-enter the target well or multiple wells externally using advanced survey management and magnetic ranging techniques. This paper presents the methods applied of relief well methodologies from the planning to execution of a complex multiple-well abandonment project. Improvements in Active Magnetic Ranging sensor design and applications have improved the availability of highly precise tools for the purpose of locating and intercepting wellbores where access is not possible. These instruments were commonplace on relief well interventions, however, have found a new application in solving one of the major issues facing the oil and gas industry. Subsurface abandonments are a complex task that requires a robust methodology. In this paper, we describe the techniques that have been built upon the best practices from industry experience (ISCWSA WISC eBook). This paper also illustrates how the combination of advanced survey management, gyro surveying, and magnetic ranging can be used following the best industry practices for fast and cost-efficient non-routine plug and abandonment. Case studies of several abandonment projects are presented showing the various technical challenges which are common on idle and legacy wells. The projects include wells that are currently under the ownership of an operator and orphaned wells that have been insufficiently abandoned and left idle over many decades. The case studies outline how the application of relief well methodologies to the execution of complex sub surface interventions led to the successful outcomes of meeting environmental and government regulations for wellbore abandonment. This includes performing multiple zonal isolations between reservoirs, water zones and preventing oil and gas seepage to the surface. The projects and their outcomes prove economically viable strategies for tackling the growing issue of idle and orphaned wells globally in a fiscally responsible manner. Combining industry best practice methods for relief well drilling, along with the technological advancements in magnetic ranging systems is a solution for one of the largest dilemmas facing the oil and gas industry in relation to idle and orphaned wellbores. These applications allow previously considered impossible abandonments to be completed with a high probability of long-term success in permanent abandonment.

scholarly journals Role and function of Chondrostereum purpureum in biocontrol of trees

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leena Hamberg ◽  
Timo Saksa ◽  
Jarkko Hantula
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Treatment ◽  
Control Efficacy ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Chondrostereum Purpureum ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Efficient Option ◽  
Mechanical Cutting ◽  
And Function ◽  
Role And Function

Abstract A decay fungus, Chondrostereum purpureum (Pers. Ex Fr.) Pouzar, has been investigated in Europe, Northern America and New Zealand for its ability to decay hardwood stumps and thus prevent sprouting. The aim of these investigations has been to find an alternative to mechanical (cutting only) and chemical sprout control (cutting and applying chemicals to stumps in order to prevent sprouting). Mechanical sprout control is not an efficient option due to hardwood tree species’ ability to re-sprout efficiently after cutting, and therefore management costs are high. Chemicals would be efficient but due to their harmful effects on the environment, alternatives are needed. The fungal treatment, i.e., cutting accompanied with C. purpureum inoculum is an environmentally friendly and efficient option for sprout control. This mini-review comprises the role and function of C. purpureum in biocontrol of trees: the ecology of C. purpureum, its sprout control efficacy, factors affecting sprout control efficacy, devices in biological sprout control, potential risks, and the future perspectives of biological sprout control. Key points • A fungus Chondrostereum purpureum is efficient in preventing sprouting of hardwoods • C. purpureum is not sensitive to environmental conditions • Devices should be developed for cost-efficient biological sprout control

Locate Damage Based on Change in Structural Shape Calculated From Uniform Load Surface

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guirong Yan ◽  
Jianxin Zu ◽  
Yi Zhao ◽  
Yan Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Single Layer ◽  
Regular Pattern ◽  
Uniform Load ◽  
Structural Shape ◽  
Flexibility Matrix ◽  
Modal Flexibility ◽  
Detection Approach ◽  
Dome Structure ◽  
Load Surface ◽  
Different Levels

Reticulated shell structures have been widely built for public assembly venues, where many people get together during events. Therefore, it is important to conduct condition assessment for this type of structure to ensure the safety of the general public. Considering that the member configuration of this type of structure may follow a regular pattern and damage in a local region may destroy the regular pattern, a damage detection approach based on the change in structural shape is proposed in this study. The change in structural shape can be obtained from the displacement at each joint. Since it may be difficult to measure displacements on this type of structure, it is proposed to use the uniform load surface calculated from the constructed modal flexibility matrix to represent displacements at joints. Therefore, this approach requires the measurement of acceleration responses, instead of displacement measurement. For validating the feasibility of the proposed approach, numerical simulations are conducted on a single-layer dome structure with different levels of damage severity considered. The obtained results verify that the proposed approach is capable of locating damage to exact members.

scholarly journals STABILITY OF XBLOCPLUS ARMOUR LAYERS AFTER INITIAL DAMAGE

2020 ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Pieter Bakker ◽  
Tiemen de Hoop ◽  
Markus Muttray
Keyword(s):  
Physical Model ◽  
Model Test ◽  
Safety Margin ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Physical Model Test ◽  
Stability Number ◽  
Random Orientation ◽  
Initial Damage ◽  
Physical Model Tests ◽  
Hydraulic Stability

XblocPlus is an interlocking single layer armour unit that is placed with uniform orientation. The unit is applied with a large safety margin. Physical model test were performed without damage up to stability numbers of Hs/dDn=5.5 whereas a design stability number of Hs/dDn=2.5 has been adopted. The behaviour of an XblocPlus armour layer after initial damage is has been investigated by physical model tests with broken and manually removed model units. XblocPlus armour layers (with uniform orientation) respond differently to initial damage than interlocking armour units with random orientation. The latter are moving and re-arranging in order to bridge a gap in the armour layer (de Rover et al., 2008). XblocPlus units in contrast hardly move and nonetheless maintain the hydraulic stability of the damaged section. Details of the experiments and findings as well as implications for design and maintenance of breakwater armour layers will be discussed in the final paper.Recorded Presentation from the vICCE (YouTube Link): https://youtu.be/izwm60IBx-4

Clean Bus Technologies and the Cost-Effectiveness of Emissions Reductions in Latin America

2019 ◽  
Vol 2673 (8) ◽  
pp. 136-144
Author(s):  
Fiamma Pérez-Prada ◽  
Bianca Bianchi Alves ◽  
Kavita Sethi ◽  
Diego Puga Barrés ◽  
Yin Qiu
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
High Capacity ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
Financial Barriers ◽  
Diesel Buses ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Mitigate Climate Change ◽  
Efficient Option

The transport sector in Latin America accounts for over one-third of CO2 emissions. Shifting passengers from private vehicles to high capacity public transit has been identified as critical to relieve congestion and decarbonize transport, and switching to cleaner bus technologies can provide additional benefits in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions while reducing noise and air pollution. The uptake of clean bus technologies in Latin America and the Caribbean is slower than in China, Europe, and the U.S.A. This paper focuses on deepening understanding of the financial barriers to adopting clean bus technologies by developing a cost-effectiveness analysis that (i) assesses the marginal cost of reducing an additional ton of CO2 when switching from diesel buses to clean bus options and (ii) identifies the main drivers that determine this cost. The methodology has been applied to Santiago, the capital city of Chile, and results show that, given the current context, compressed natural gas is not a cost-efficient option for this city, while both hybrid electric and electric buses are already a cost-efficient option to mitigate climate change.

scholarly journals Damage localization using shape change in uniform load surface for civil large-span space structures

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 1339-1354
Author(s):  
Guirong Yan ◽  
Tiantian Li ◽  
Jianxin Yu ◽  
Ruoqiang Feng ◽  
Xiaoyun Shao
Keyword(s):  
Shape Change ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Mode Shapes ◽  
Space Structures ◽  
Damage Localization ◽  
Regular Pattern ◽  
Uniform Load ◽  
Structural Shape ◽  
Large Span ◽  
Load Surface

Civil large-span space structures have been widely built for public assembly venues. The failure of this type of structure may endanger the lives of many people. Considering that the member configuration of this type of structure may follow a regular pattern and damage in a local region may destroy the regular pattern, a damage detection approach based on the change in structural shape has been proposed by the present authors. In that approach, to obtain the change in structural shape due to damage, the displacements at joints between members are required to be measured. Since it is difficult to measure displacements on this type of structure in practice, in this study, the authors proposed to use the shape change of the uniform load surface for damage localization. Uniform load surface physically represents the deflection profile of the structure under the assumed uniformly distributed loading and can be calculated from the flexibility matrix constructed from the identified natural frequencies and mode shapes. This approach can locate damage to exact structural members. It will avoid costly and tedious work in measuring displacements. This approach has been numerically validated on single-layer space structures with two different member configurations.

Assessing Measures of Religion and Secularity with Crowdsourced Data from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph O. Baker ◽  
Jonathan P. Hill ◽  
Nathaniel D. Porter
Keyword(s):  
Religious Identity ◽  
Mechanical Turk ◽  
Religiously Affiliated ◽  
Question Format ◽  
Religious Traditions ◽  
Crowdsourced Data ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Efficient Option ◽  
Amazon's Mechanical Turk ◽  
Measurement Effects

This chapter examines Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk), a crowdsourcing pool of potential participants for completing online tasks, as a resource for gathering novel data on religiosity and secularity (or other topics). MTurk provides an easily accessible, cost-efficient option for piloting new measures and conducting split-ballot experiments to assess measurement effects. The authors use MTurk data to evaluate measures of religious identity, demonstrating how question format can influence the percentage of respondents classified as religiously affiliated. They also use new measures to provide descriptive and analytical information on the rationales individuals give for being either religious or secular across different religious traditions and types of secularity. They conclude by outlining the opportunities and limitations of crowdsourcing data for exploring issues of measurement—as well as substantive areas of inquiry—in religion and beyond.

Damage evolution in single-layer cube armoured breakwaters with a regular placement pattern

2021 ◽  
pp. 103943
Author(s):  
Filipe Vieira ◽  
Francisco Taveira-Pinto ◽  
Paulo Rosa-Santos
Keyword(s):  
Damage Evolution ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Regular Placement
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