Blast operations in the vicinity of residential areas usually produce significant environmental problems which may cause severe damage to the nearby areas. Blast-induced air overpressure (AOp) is one of the most important environmental impacts of blast operations which needs to be predicted to minimize the potential risk of damage. This paper presents an artificial neural network (ANN) optimized by the imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) for the prediction of AOp induced by quarry blasting. For this purpose, 95 blasting operations were precisely monitored in a granite quarry site in Malaysia and AOp values were recorded in each operation. Furthermore, the most influential parameters on AOp, including the maximum charge per delay and the distance between the blast-face and monitoring point, were measured and used to train the ICA-ANN model. Based on the generalized predictor equation and considering the measured data from the granite quarry site, a new empirical equation was developed to predict AOp. For comparison purposes, conventional ANN models were developed and compared with the ICA-ANN results. The results demonstrated that the proposed ICA-ANN model is able to predict blast-induced AOp more accurately than other presented techniques.
The explosion of biomedical publishing makes keeping up with the primary studies an impossible task. The often disparate, confusing and contradicting findings of individual studies makes healthcare professionals turn to review articles where knowledge has been collated and published in summaries. Narrative reviews lack rigorous, systematic and reproducible synthesis. In contrast, systematic reviews are conducted using systematic and explicit methods to identify, select and critically appraise relevant research, and to collect and analyse data from the studies that are included in the review. The final pathway for systematic review is a statistical summary of the results of primary studies, or meta-analysis. This article provides some guidelines to health care providers in understanding the key aspects of systematic review and meta-analysis. Steps involved in systematic review are discussed. The potential pitfall of meta-analysis was also explored.
Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) nowadays is an established risk assessment method used worldwide for the evaluation of risks on onshore plant and offshore facilities which associated with the major hazard installations. However, there are still many issues on QRA used. These include lack of consistency, complexity of the overall model structure, incorporation of new data, methodology and model analysis. Common problem observed for the onshore QRA methodology is conservatism of fire and explosion consequence results using DNV PhastRisk 6.7 software which is mainly contributed from the high release rate due to loss of containment. This paper presents an alternative way to predict the actual release rate for fire and explosion modelling which called limiting flowrate technique. This method has been applied for calculating risk in Onshore Gas Terminal (OGT) Plant. Adopting the limiting flowrate technique has provide more precise model towards real scenarios. Challenges facing during this research such as using the unmodified United Kingdom (UK) HSE hydrocarbon release database without integrate with the actual failure frequencies from the plant, the risk results tend to be much higher than actual experience. It should be noted that the development of improved onshore risk model has been used as an example for this research but many of the issues are equally applicable to offshore studies as well.
Company A is a brownfield refinery that had been in service for over 25 years and has its own system to generate GOX for its needed utility usage. Noting of the hazards of GOX and in consideration of an aged refinery, this research is of the intent to evaluate the risk of GOX in the aspect of personnel and process safety; and to provide recommendation or mitigations planning with regards to Company A’s existing hardware through Bow Tie review. The analysis was done taking into consideration the data compiled as well as the inherited Process Safety Assessment (PSA) findings of Company A that served as secondary data to this research. It was observed that Company A personnel are well versed with the risk and hazards of GOX system and through the plant rejuvenation and material upgrade works, the hazards were mitigated to a lower risk within the risk matrix. The implementation and upgrade works had served to add more barriers to the left side of the bow tie as well as ensuring that the aged complex is well equipped with needed safeguarding strategies (from inherent safer design, passive & active safeguarding and procedural controls) to avoid the occurrence of potential oxygen fire or explosion incident.
The effects of propylene stored in pressurized spherical vessel were investigated using radiation & explosion modeling using PHAST 6.7 software in one of the refinery in Malaysia. The simulations were performed for various weather conditions with different leak scenarios in deterministic approach. Modeling approach was standard with current industry practice. Resulting events such as jet fire, vapor cloud explosion, boiling liquid evaporating vapor explosion effects shown in thermal radiation and overpressure towards targeted technical buildings. The effects of resulting jet fire flame length increase with release rate and explosion overpressure effects increase with degree of confinement and volume fraction respectively. The results were reviewed, interpreted against industry standard. The sensitivity cases show that, using lower inventory with moderate operating conditions will keep the consequence in acceptable region. This consequence analysis will form a basis for layout development, safety distance and fire zone segregation during conceptual design stage. Propylene storage conditions, layout arrangements and blast protections were recommended as part of preventive and mitigative measures.
The present study investigates the effects of close-range blast loading of fibre metal laminates (FMLs) fabricated from woven glass polypropylene and aluminium alloy 2024-T3. The polypropylene layers and anodized aluminium are stacked in 3/2 layering configuration to investigate the impact energy absorbed through deformation and damage. In order to study the blast responses of FMLs, a 4-cable instrumented pendulum blast set-up is used. Effects of blast impulse and stand-off distance were examined. Investigation of the cross-section of FMLs are presented and damages such as fibre fracture, debonding, and global deformation are examined. Increasing stand-off distance from 4 to 14 mm resulted in a change of damage mode from highly localized perforation to global deformation.
The trends of safety incident process have been put in the statistical research and development in order to prevent
and mitigate the phenomenon. One of the incidents is known as dust explosion. It represents a constant hazard to
industries which includes any manufacturing using and handling combustible dust materials. Lack of sharing and
know-how on best practices in managing the workplace must be avoided throughout the industries. The severity and
the consequences of not taking the safety precautions at workplace have not been foreseen by the process team. This
present paper discusses the best practices in managing the hazards from the catastrophes to happen again. In addition,
the mitigation response has also been explored thoroughly through database of best practices.
Little is known about the spatial and temporal distribution of blast fishing which hampers enforcement against this activity. We have demonstrated that a triangular array of hydrophones 1 m apart is capable of detecting blast events whilst effectively rejecting other sources of underwater noise such as snapping shrimp and nearby boat propellers. A total of 13 blasts were recorded in Sepangor bay, North of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia from 7th to 15th July 2002 at distances estimated to be up to 20 km, with a directional uncertainty of 0.2 degrees . With such precision, a network of similar hydrophone arrays has potential to locate individual blast events by triangulation to within 30 m at a range of 10 km.
Cancer research is an extremely broad topic covering many scientific disciplines including biology (e.g. biochemistry and signal transduction), chemistry (e.g. drug discover and development), physics (e.g. diagnostic devices) and even computer science (e.g. bioinformatics). Some would argue that
cancer research will continue in much the same way as it is by adding further layers of complexity to the scientific knowledge that is already complex and almost beyond measure. But we anticipate that cancer research will undergo a dramatic paradigm shift due to the recent explosion of new discoveries in cancer biology. This review article focuses on the latest horizons in cancer research concerning cancer epigenetics, cancer stem cells, cancer immunology and cancer metabolism.
Heat explosions are sometimes observed during the synthesis of phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin. This scenario can be attributed to the high latent heat that was released and not dissipated leading to the occurrence of a runaway reaction. The synthesis temperature and time played important roles in controlling the heat release, hence preventing the resin from hardening during the synthesis process. This study aims to assess the rheological and viscoelasticity behaviors of the PF resin prepared using paraformaldehyde. The prepared PF resin was designed for laminate applications. The rheological behavior of the PF resin was assessed based on the different molar ratios of phenol to paraformaldehyde (P:F) mixed in the formulation. The molar ratios were set at 1.00:1.25, 1.00:1.50 and 1.00:1.75 of P to F, respectively. The rheological study was focused at specific synthesis temperatures, namely 40, 60, 80 and 100 °C. The synthesis time was observed for 240 min; changes in physical structure and viscosity of the PF resins were noted. It was observed that the viscosity values of the PF resins prepared were directly proportional to the synthesis temperature and the formaldehyde content. The PF resin also exhibited shear thickening behavior for all samples synthesized at 60 °C and above. For all PF resin samples synthesized at 60 °C and above, their viscoelasticity results indicated that the storage modulus (G'), loss modulus(G″) and tan δ are proportionally dependent on both the synthesis temperature and the formaldehyde content. Heat explosions were observed during the synthesis of PF resin at the synthesis temperature of 100 °C. This scenario can lead to possible runaway reaction which can also compromise the safety of the operators.
Hand grenade explosion is a rare occasion in our local community. Most of us have seen or heard about the injuries only from the TV news or newspaper. We report two cases of bomb blast injury that occurred in an army camp in September 2000. These case studies illustrate the clinical presentations of hand grenade blast injures that present with multiple organ involvement. We would like to share our experience in managing such cases in a busy emergency department and highlight the outcome of those two cases. Certain issues pertaining to the complexity of the injuries and mass casualty management are also highlighted.
Transport of fuel is essential to ensure supplies are delivered as per requested by the industrial sites or other demands. Numerous accidents have been reported and recorded in which loss of containment of hazardous chemicals occurred and led to disastrous outcomes. This paper presents the analysis of Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE) due to loss of containment for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) road tankers. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the potential consequences resulting from overpressure blast and thermal radiation of tankers carrying LPG to the people and the surrounding. The aim is also to compare the outcomes obtained from PHAST software simulator 8.11 with that of established mathematical model. Malaysia North-south Expressway (NSE) was selected as the location of the incident. The volume, weather parameters and properties of LPG were identified. It was found that the effect of BLEVE on people and structures was catastrophic. The results obtained from the mathematical model were similar with that modelled using PHAST software simulator.
This article presents a Wall Climbing Robot (WCR) that able to move on ferromagnetic vertical surface to carry out visual inspection process. Visual inspection process is important in the industry to check the condition of storage tank, surface of building, piping or equipment thus can prevents structures collapsing or explosion which would bring a huge loss to the company. Moreover, most of the structures nowadays is expose under the sun and rain, corrosion and cracks could easily occur on the surface after exposing under sunlight and rain a long period of time. Therefore the periodic visual inspection process need to be carry out to detect the damaged occur on the surface of the structure and take action at the fastest time to ensure the safety of the structures and extend the lifespan of the structures. With the well maintenance to the structures, the condition of the structures is monitored and the lifespan is longer. The risk of collapse of the building is decrease by a large margin. Normally, the periodic visual inspection process is performed by operator. Sometime the temporary scaffolding is needed to reach the higher place to carry out the inspection. However, this method create a hazardous environment to the operator and cause the safety of the operator threatened. Therefore, the proposed WCR could help operator to work at the hazardous environment. The permanent magnet is used to provide adhesion for WCR, thus WCR able to move on vertical ferromagnetic surface. The WCR is controlled by operator via wireless remote to reach the higher place or the hazardous environment. The operator then can stream the on the real time images via web browser which connected to the same network with the WCR. Hence, the condition of the surface can be observed.
Malaysia is blessed with oil and gas resources, which form raw materials for the petrochemical industry. The petrochemical industry creates added value to this resource and is an important contributor to the national economy. The petrochemical industry however also creates hazards of which fire or explosions and chemical release are of special concern. These hazards pose a risk not only to workers but also to the surrounding population and environment. To ensure industry is prepared to cope with emergencies, a comprehensive emergency response programme is necessary. This is inline with both the Malaysian Occupational Safety and Health (Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards) Regulations 1996 and the Responsible Care initiative of the chemical industry. This paper describes elements to be considered in an emergency response programme for industry such as the concept of emergency management, organisation, duties and responsibilities, emergency system, training and mutual aid plans and agreements. We shall provide related examples based on a multinational petrochemical company practice.
Analysis of data, recorded on March 8th 2014 at the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation's hydroacoustic stations off Cape Leeuwin Western Australia, and at Diego Garcia, reveal unique pressure signatures that could be associated with objects impacting at the sea surface, such as falling meteorites, or the missing Malaysian Aeroplane MH370. To examine the recorded signatures, we carried out experiments with spheres impacting at the surface of a water tank, where we observed almost identical pressure signature structures. While the pressure structure is unique to impacting objects, the evolution of the radiated acoustic waves carries information on the source. Employing acoustic-gravity wave theory we present an analytical inverse method to retrieve the impact time and location. The solution was validated using field observations of recent earthquakes, where we were able to calculate the eruption time and location to a satisfactory degree of accuracy. Moreover, numerical validations confirm an error below 0.02% for events at relatively large distances of over 1000 km. The method can be developed to calculate other essential properties such as impact duration and geometry. Besides impacting objects and earthquakes, the method could help in identifying the location of underwater explosions and landslides.
Accident in an organization is one of the most undesirable phenomenons all over the world. The consequences of accidents in workplace are numerous which include damages of resources and cost of lives of many workers. For example, in 1991 a major disaster occurred in U.S. at triangle Shirtwaist factory, which cost the life of 100 garments workers (Greenwald & Richard, 2005). In Bangladesh accidents in workplace are more frequent and devastating, for which Bangladesh has been criticized severely worldwide. Recently one of those unfortunate phenomenons in Bangladesh was fire at Nimtoli of old Dhaka which cost 117 people burnt alive in June 2010. Another accident took place in Tazreen Fashion, Dhaka in 2012 which caused at least 112 workers either burnt to death or died while trying to escape the blaze. These are the short picture of loss of lives. Yet the losses of resources are not few. Sometimes accidents create threats for human and animal kingdom also by large rate of environmental pollution. For Example, in 2005 devastating Texas City Refinery explosion cost lives of many workers as well as light hydrocarbons concentrated at ground level throughout a large surrounding area which caused long lasting environmental pollution (Baldwin & Lisa, 2008). Furthermore, economic loss cannot also be over looked. A little mistake costs huge loss in assembly line of work. Thus accidents reduce production rate, lessen the quality of product and the reputation of industry also.
This study aims to describe the epidemiology of ocular burns and related injuries due to fireworks during the Aidil Fitri celebration on the East Coast of the Peninsular Malaysia. A prospective analysis of all patients with ocular burns and related injuries due to fireworks attended three tertiary hospitals in East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia during Aidil Fitri, which was from 10 September to 17 October 2008. We observed the demographic and injury characteristics, extent of the injuries and presenting visual symptoms. Thirty patients with 34 eyes with ocular burns and related injuries were identified. Patients ranged between 2 and 43 years of age. 70.00% of the patients were 12 years old and below. Of the 30 patients, 29 (96.67%) were male and the left eye was affected in 14 (46.70%). Thermal injuries accounted for 60.0% of the injuries whereas 40.0% were due to exploding firework. Burns to the eyelid and cornea (35.29%) were the most common injuries noted. Fifteen patients (50%) were bystanders whilst a majority of patients (96.67%) had no eye protection. At presentation, 15 (44.12%) eyes had a visual acuity of 6/6 to 6/9 in the injured eyes, while 3 out of 34 eyes (8.82%) had vision acuity 6/60 or worse. In conclusion, fireworks cause serious preventable ocular burns and related injuries especially in children who are the most affected age group. It affects mainly eyelid and anterior segment structures which result in moderate visual loss on presentation. Health education, public awareness and tighter legislation are essential preventive measures to limit the effect of fireworks to the public.
A bank explosion in a neighbouring country over 1000 km away resulted in ten badly burned victims being airlifted to the Burns Centre, Singapore General Hospital (BCSGH) for treatment. The severely injured included patients with 90%, 80%, 74%, 66%, 45%, 33% and 31% burns. Nine had respiratory burns (four severe, one moderate, four mild). One patient died, thus, the mortality rate for the six most severely injured was 16.7%. This differs from predicted mortality rates of 78% according to McCoy or 54% according to Thompson, Herndon et al. The factors contributing to this result were the small size of the disaster, the use of an established Burns Mass Disaster plan and an individual management policy that incorporates carefully monitored fluid resuscitation, recognition of respiratory burns with early treatment by intubation thus pre emptying complications, early surgery and a multidisciplinary approach to complications such as infection and renal failure. The average length of stay was 43 days (range 5-122 days). The cost of the hospitalisation of the ten casualties was $312,317.00.
Building on two decades as a private health professional university, the International Medical University prepares for the third decade, taking stock of the challenges in changing epidemiology and pattern of disease, changing demography and healthcare, as well as explosion in knowledge and information technology. The Global Independent Commission1 provided a framework for instructional and institutional reforms, and the IMU will use its 3 I’s (insight, imagination & innovation) in adopting these measures. Some of the instructional reforms are already in place, others need to be further nurtured and promoted. In its third decade, competency based curriculum, inter-professional learning, IT, global collaboration, educational resources, new professionalism and emphasis on quality improvement will help ensure IMU train and produce competent, caring and ethical health professionals fit to tackle 21st century challenges.