Risk Assessment for Marine Construction Projects

Marine-construction projects are becoming increasingly important for the development of the maritime industry. However, such increases are hampered by various risks that can significantly impact growth. Natural forces, political events, administrative and operational mistakes, equipment failures, external attacks such as arson, and economic events are some of the major risks faced by firms in this industry. Researchers have paid little attention on marine- construction risk assessment, despite the importance of such research. This study sought to develop a generic risk-levels predictor framework, using the integrated definition function model (IDEF0) and the case-based reasoning approach (CBR), to predict levels of risk associated with a new marine-construction project. This framework can be developed through the following three phases: (a) Cases collection: previous marine-construction projects (cases) were investigated for identification, classification, and evaluation of risk factors and triggers, (b) Cases classification: the cases were organized and stored in a marine construction database (MCDB) and compiled into risk-triggers and risk-levels data for each case, (c) Cases reasoning: using the information from previous phases, when risk-triggers data for a new case is entered into a system knowledge database (i.e., a temporary database that keeps the new risks triggers and proposes prediction data for further knowledge and validation) looking for risk-levels prediction, the system searches into the MCDB for known risk-triggers that are similar to the new case. The similar cases are retrieved, and their risk-levels data are used to propose a risk -levels prediction for the new case. Finally, when the proposed prediction is revised and approved by users, the risk-triggers and risk-levels prediction data for the new case are stored in the system knowledge database for further learning. The implementation of the proposed risk-level predictor framework (RLPF) was tested in this study on 10 hypothetical marine construction projects conducted in Saudi Arabia. The automated systematic approach—the RLPF proposed in this study—can address specific and time-urgent decisions invariably and accurately. Future researchers should use the RLPF to gain knowledge on risk aspects in marine construction projects

Preliminary Study of Risk Factors in Marine Construction Projects in Saudi Arabia

Marine-construction projects are becoming increasingly important for the development of the maritime industry. However, such increases are hampered by various risks that can significantly impact growth. Natural forces, political events, administrative and operational mistakes, equipment failures, external attacks such as arson, and economic events are some of the major risks faced by firms in this industry. Researchers have paid little attention to marine-construction risk assessment, despite the importance of such research. This study sought to investigate risks associated with marine construction projects. A questionnaire survey tool was conducted in this study targeting expertise in Saudi Arabian marine-construction industry resulting in a response rate of 62.5%. Participants were asked to rate the occurrences and impacts on project’ safety, schedule, and cost of 37 identified marine construction risk factors. Reliability of gathered data, correlation among the variables, and risk score analyses were performed in this study. The findings of this study indicated that “Unskilled Contractor Labor” had the highest risk scores on marine-construction projects. The study recommends that the marine-construction industry should conduct additional studies to investigate and evaluate risks aspects.     

Experiences of COVID-19 Recovered Patients: A Qualitative Case Study from a Hotspot in Saudi Arabia

It is difficult to maintain social distancing in highly populated areas where people live in proximity. This study aimed to qualitatively explore experiences of COVID-19 recovered patients residing in one such area. We employed semi-structured face-to-face interviews. An interview guide was developed, validated, piloted, and minor changes were made. People living in this area, above 18 years of age, and recovered from COVID-19 were approached for the interviews, 11 of them were recruited to be interviewed, and their verbal informed consent was audio recorded. The interviews were conducted in the Arabic language in a semi-private area of the community center, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed later. Thematic analysis generated 30 subthemes, which were categorized into seven overarching themes: information about COVID-19; life during COVID-19 illness; spreading of COVID-19; precautionary measures; interventions that helped in recovery; impact of COVID-19 on life; support received during COVID-19 illness. Experiences of people from the hotspot who had recovered from COVID-19 highlighted what life had been like in the hotspot under lockdown, especially with having been afflicted with the infection, factors that facilitated their recovery, and the way their lives were and have been affected due to COVID-19

Global, regional, and national prevalence of adult overweight and obesity, 1990–2021, with forecasts to 2050: a forecasting study for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background: Overweight and obesity is a global epidemic. Forecasting future trajectories of the epidemic is crucial for providing an evidence base for policy change. In this study, we examine the historical trends of the global, regional, and national prevalence of adult overweight and obesity from 1990 to 2021 and forecast the future trajectories to 2050. Methods: Leveraging established methodology from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, we estimated the prevalence of overweight and obesity among individuals aged 25 years and older by age and sex for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2050. Retrospective and current prevalence trends were derived based on both self-reported and measured anthropometric data extracted from 1350 unique sources, which include survey microdata and reports, as well as published literature. Specific adjustment was applied to correct for self-report bias. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression models were used to synthesise data, leveraging both spatial and temporal correlation in epidemiological trends, to optimise the comparability of results across time and geographies. To generate forecast estimates, we used forecasts of the Socio-demographic Index and temporal correlation patterns presented as annualised rate of change to inform future trajectories. We considered a reference scenario assuming the continuation of historical trends. Findings: Rates of overweight and obesity increased at the global and regional levels, and in all nations, between 1990 and 2021. In 2021, an estimated 1·00 billion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 0·989–1·01) adult males and 1·11 billion (1·10–1·12) adult females had overweight and obesity. China had the largest population of adults with overweight and obesity (402 million [397–407] individuals), followed by India (180 million [167–194]) and the USA (172 million [169–174]). The highest age-standardised prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in countries in Oceania and north Africa and the Middle East, with many of these countries reporting prevalence of more than 80% in adults. Compared with 1990, the global prevalence of obesity had increased by 155·1% (149·8–160·3) in males and 104·9% (95% UI 100·9–108·8) in females. The most rapid rise in obesity prevalence was observed in the north Africa and the Middle East super-region, where age-standardised prevalence rates in males more than tripled and in females more than doubled. Assuming the continuation of historical trends, by 2050, we forecast that the total number of adults living with overweight and obesity will reach 3·80 billion (95% UI 3·39–4·04), over half of the likely global adult population at that time. While China, India, and the USA will continue to constitute a large proportion of the global population with overweight and obesity, the number in the sub-Saharan Africa super-region is forecasted to increase by 254·8% (234·4–269·5). In Nigeria specifically, the number of adults with overweight and obesity is forecasted to rise to 141 million (121–162) by 2050, making it the country with the fourth-largest population with overweight and obesity. Interpretation: No country to date has successfully curbed the rising rates of adult overweight and obesity. Without immediate and effective intervention, overweight and obesity will continue to increase globally. Particularly in Asia and Africa, driven by growing populations, the number of individuals with overweight and obesity is forecast to rise substantially. These regions will face a considerable increase in obesity-related disease burden. Merely acknowledging obesity as a global health issue would be negligent on the part of global health and public health practitioners; more aggressive and targeted measures are required to address this crisis, as obesity is one of the foremost avertible risks to health now and in the future and poses an unparalleled threat of premature disease and death at local, national, and global levels. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Potential of wind energy in Medina, Saudi Arabia based on Weibull distribution parameters

This study aims to assess the potential of wind energy in Medina by using Weibull probability distribution to provide an insight concerning the energy production from the selected wind turbine Aventa AV-7. Scale factors c and shape k of Weibull distribution, were determined for wind speed frequency. Significant findings included a wind speed recurrence of 2.9 m/s with a probability of 30% approximately. The average c and k were found to be 3.467 and 2.923 m/s, respectively. The estimated average k is relatively high, which indicates that the spread in wind speeds is small. Aventa AV-7 turbine was chosen to test the power generation of wind in Medina. It was found that this wind turbine can generate 8648 kWh/year in the Medina region, which is only 15.2% of the maximum power production. This turbine is expected to generate the maximum possible power output at a wind speed of 7 m/s. </jats:p

Opioid Prescribing Patterns Before and After an Inpatient Palliative Care Consultation

Background: To the best of our knowledge, the change in opioid prescription patterns upon referral to a palliative care team (PCT) was not previously investigated in the Middle East. Objective: This study aimed to explore the change in the pattern of opioid prescription and the pain scores before and after referring inpatients to a PCT. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients’ records including all inpatients ≥15 years newly referred to the PCT over a period of 21 months at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh. Results: Of 631 patients, 52.3% were females, the median age was 54 years, and 96.7% had cancer. The proportion of patients on opioids before referral (83.4%) increased to 93.3% in the postreferral period, P &lt; .0001. Patients receiving opioids on a regular basis increased from 31.9% before referral to 49.9% after referral to the PCT, P &lt; .0001. Morphine was the most commonly prescribed opioid on a regular basis pre- and postreferral. Upon referral, the administration of opioids through the subcutaneous route increased from 3.7% to 10.9%, P &lt; .0001. On average, pain scores were reduced by 1 point on a 0 to 10 numeric scale within 48 hours of seeing a patient by the PCT, P &lt; .0001. Conclusion: Patients referred to a PCT are likely to get their opioid prescription optimized and pain scores improved shortly after the PCT involvement. Patients with cancer-related pain requiring opioids should be referred to a PCT as early as possible. </jats:sec

Fuzzy Contra gprw-Continuous Mappings

t: In this manuscript new types of fuzzy mappings namely fuzzy contra gprw-continuous mappings have been introduced & investigated. Also we found out its relation with various other fuzzy contra mappings introduced earlier. We also introduced fuzzy contra gprw-open mappings and fuzzy contra gprw-closed mappings in this paper

A Comparative Analysis of Standard and Nano-Structured Glass for Enhancing Heat Transfer and Reducing Energy Consumption Using Metal and Oxide Nanoparticles: A Review

The thrust to find new technology and materials has been greatly increasing due to environmental and technological challenges in the progressive world. Among new standard materials and advanced nano-materials that possess a huge potential and superior thermal, mechanical, optical, and magnetic properties, which have made them excellent and suitable components for mechanical engineering applications. The current review paper deals with recent enhancements and advances in the properties of nano-structured glasses and composites in terms of thermal and mechanical properties. A fabrication method of nano-structured glass has briefly been discussed and the phase change material (PCM) method outlined. The comprehensive review of thermal and optical properties confirms that nano-fabricated glasses show both direct and indirect running of band gaps depending on selective nano-structuring samples. The electrical and magnetic properties also show enhancement in electrical conductivity on nano-structured glasses compared to their standard counterparts. The realistic changes in thermal and mechanical properties of nano-structured glasses and composites are commonly attributed to many micro- and nano-structural distribution features like grain size, shape, pores, other flaws and defects, surface condition, impurity level, stress, duration of temperature effect on the selective samples. Literature reports that nano-structuring materials lead to enhanced phonon boundary scattering which reduces thermal conductivity and energy consumption