Risk Reduction Engineering Research Articles

Economic and Environmental Conditions for the Diffusion of Insurance in Three Non-Euro-American Regions During the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries

Abstract This paper discusses the macroeconomic and environmental conditions for the spread of insurance in three non-Western world regions (China, Middle East and sub-Sahara Africa). Focusing on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, it examines the patterns of economic development relevant for the growth of insurance in these regions, and compares these against standard economic models of insurance diffusion. The paper argues that the growth of insurance must be explained by more than a simple linear relationship with the growth of per capita incomes. As well as income levels, other factors affecting insurance development include urbanization, taxation, savings rates, legal compulsion to insure, state provision of social security, state-owned insurance bodies and the presence of large infrastructural projects. The second part of the paper focuses on environmental conditions in these regions that drove insurance growth, including climate and geography, demography, drought and disease, building materials and risk-reduction technologies.

Scientific challenges in disaster risk reduction for the Sichuan–Tibet Railway

Traversing the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, the Sichuan–Tibet Railway is by far the most difficult railway project in the world. The Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau features the most active crustal dynamics on earth, the strongest coupling effects of endogenic and exogenic dynamics, and the environment most sensitive to global climate change. The project area is characterized by extremely cold climate, high elevation and relief, high seismic intensity, high geothermal activity, and high tectonic stress. Consequently, the threat of various disaster risks is ever-present at different stages of the entire life cycle of the Sichuan–Tibet Railway. There is urgent need to systematically study these problems at various levels from the fundamental science to the development of key technologies. This article investigates the different disaster risks recognized during the various stages of construction of the Sichuan–Tibet Railway project, and summarizes the scientific challenges and technical problems faced in relation to disaster risk prevention and control. This work also introduces the scientific deployment and relevant research progress of the Sichuan–Tibet Fund special project initiated by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Here, we also aim to solve the major fundamental scientific challenges in terms of long-term risk prevention and control during the construction of the Sichuan–Tibet Railway, and lay a theoretical foundation to promote breakthroughs in the bottleneck of key technologies. The scientific challenges addressed in the study of disaster risk associated with the Sichuan–Tibet Railway include the following: The quantitative assessment of the activity of deep-large faults and strong earthquake prediction, the evolution of physical fields in areas of strong tectonic activity, the development mechanisms of tunnel hazards, the slope evolution processes under coupled endogenic and exogenic dynamics in alpine gorges, the impact of climate change on the formation and evolution of surface hazards, and the evolution of extreme wind fields in deep-cut canyons. The technical problems faced in disaster risk prevention and mitigation in relation to the Sichuan–Tibet Railway are as follows: Advanced identification, monitoring, and early warning of geological disasters in mountainous areas with steep and complex terrain; risk analysis, prevention, and control of railway engineering disasters based on their dynamic processes; tunnel engineering hazard monitoring, early warning, risk analysis, prevention, and control technologies; key technologies for emergency response; and the green and resilient railway system and lifecycle risk management. The Sichuan–Tibet Fund special project will include five key research topics: (1) the interior geological structure and dynamic evolution of the eastern plateau; (2) the hazard-inducing mechanisms of coupled internal and external forces in canyons and gullies within plateaus; (3) the cataclysm mechanics of deeply buried long-distance tunnel engineering; (4) risk identification and projection of major disasters affecting the railway; and (5) the integrated management of scientific innovations and super large-scale railway construction. Systematic research is expected to reveal the evolution of earth surface movements and coupled engineering-disturbance related disasters. It will also enable the formation of a comprehensive risk analysis method for major engineering disasters, and promote the development of green, safe, efficient, and resilient engineering disaster risk reduction technologies that will support the disaster risk management during the entire lifecycle of the Sichuan–Tibet Railway.

Технологии снижения риска возникновения чрезвычайных ситуаций на автодорожных развязках тоннельного типа

PURPOSE. Tunnel type road junctions considerably reduce traffic load in metropolitan areas, but they are also high-risk facilities. Any emergency in a confined space can result in loss of life and significant property damage. This is confirmed by the fact that over the past decade alone, more than 100 people have died in the tunnel fires. Thus, the development of emergency situations risk reduction technology is a crucial task. METHODS. A review of regulatory documents that establish requirements for the integrated safety of high-risk facilities, including tunnels, has been carried out. The ways of improving safety of tunnel type road junctions have been analyzed. The findings of our own research as well as the international and national experience of integrated safety provision for high-risk facilities have been discussed. FINDINGS. Based on the analysis of literature references and the results of our own experimental studies, the prospects for scientific research on creating integrated automated systems for monitoring safety and life support of tunnel type road junctions have been defined. It is determined that in order to improve the safety of tunnels it is necessary to use the technology of structured systems for monitoring and controlling engineering systems of buildings and structures developed with the participation of the authors (SMIS). RESEARCH APPLICATION FIELD. The obtained results provide the basis for further technologies development for improving the integrated safety of high-risk facilities by using automated systems integrated with each other for monitoring safety and life support of buildings and structures. CONCLUSIONS. The proposed technology for creating SMIS at tunnel type road junctions makes it possible to significantly increase their security. At the same time, when creating SMIS for tunnels it is appropriate to comply with the following requirements: to develop SMIS in the form of a modular structure, automated control over the operation of safety and life support systems should be provided, to develop SMIS as of an “open system” to which it will be possible to extra connect new safety and life support systems.

5G Technology for healthcare and its health effects: Wonders, dangers, and diligence.

"Radiation uses and ubiquitousness: The good, bad, and limits" an earlier review was published before launch of 5th Generation (5G) mobile networks technology. Now with 5G technology's upcoming use, its advantages need to be used for advancing healthcare. All this for best applications possible and as safely as possible. The review update aims at reviewing the 5G technology benefits, risks, and its reduction. All this is important for rationale use. We searched the MedLine database and relevant statutory government recommendations. Results are discussed and put in proper perspective. Advantages are higher data transmission rates, lower latency and better quality of service. 5G technology will be beneficial for health services with shortened time and space. It will aid overcoming some of the current challenges to healthcare. The advantageous applications are elaborated for (1) proper assessment, (2) pertinent treatment, (3) progress monitoring, (4) prevention applications, and (5) professional standards. The concerns about possible adverse effects to human health needs to be addressed. The health effects of frequencies in the range 450 to 6,000 MHz are cautioned. There is a need of studies on nonthermal effects of the higher frequencies. In our present state of understanding and evidence, the useful strategies suggested are the "3Rs": (1) risk-reducing devices, (2) risk-reduction necessarily, and (3) risk-reduction engineering and environment. Balancing risks and rewards are the best strategy forward. Robust communication will make excellent healthcare reach all, always and especially in times of need.

Chemical supply chain coordination based on technology level and lead-time considerations

The production and transportation of chemicals is a risky process with high-cost operations for members of the supply chain, where some of the materials deteriorate over time and deal with value-reduction challenges. This paper studies a two-stage hazardous chemicals supply chain with a supplier and a manufacturer in a finite time horizon with a constant deterioration rate for both sides. To prevent potential hazards and improve product quality, the manufacturer invests in risk reduction and quality improvement technologies that can also attract more market demand. Owing to the importance of time in the storage and production of chemical products, this study focuses on a novel lead-time based discount contract to coordinate the channel members. The contract seeks to maximize the total profit of the chain by determining the optimal lead-time and manufacturer’s technology level. By doing so, the supplier provides high-quality products and the manufacturer’s unit supplying cost reduces and can buy more chemicals from the supplier. On the other hand, the supplier will have more time to supply the product and its initial cost will be reduced. As a result, the profit of both sides increases simultaneously. Some numerical examples are applied to examine the applicability of the proposed models. Finally, several sensitivity analyses on the main parameters are conducted to extract some in-depth managerial implications.

Evaluasi Penerapan Sistem Peringatan Dini Bencana Longsor di Kampung Jatiradio, Desa Cililin, Kecamatan Cililin, Kabupaten Bandung Barat

Indonesian territory is a disaster-prone region. There are at least 12 disaster threats that are grouped in geological disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, landslides), hydrometeorological disasters (floods, flash floods, droughts, extreme weather, extreme waves, forest and land fires), and anthropogenic disasters (epidemics of disease outbreaks and failed technology-industrial accidents). Landslides or land movements in Indonesia in recent years have increased in intensity and frequency. One of the efforts to reduce the risk of landslides that has been carried out by the Disaster Risk Reduction Technology Center-BPPT is to build an Landslide Early Warning System in Jatiradio Village, Cililin District, West Bandung Regency. In order to uniform the implementation of an early warning system for landslides or land movements in disaster prone areas, the government has established a national standard namely SNI 8235: 2017 on the Early Warning System for Land Movements. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the compliance between the Landslide Early Warning System that has been developed by PTRRB-BPPT with the Indonesian National Standard for the Land Movement Early Warning System (SNI 8235: 2017). Based on the results of data analysis and evaluation, it can be concluded that the implementation of the landslide early warning system in Jatiradio Village, Cililin Village, Cililin District, West Bandung Regency is in accordance with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 8235: 2017) concerning the Soil Movement Early Warning System.

Development of nitrogen fertility management and cadmium risk reduction technology for stable production of safe and high quality rice

Development of nitrogen fertility management and cadmium risk reduction technology for stable production of safe and high quality rice

Risk Compensation Following Medical Male Circumcision: Results from a 1-Year Prospective Cohort Study of Young School-Going Men in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

This study sought to assess risk compensation following voluntary medical male circumcision of young school-going men. Risk compensation is defined as an inadvertent increase in sexual risk behaviors and a corresponding decrease in self-perceived risk for contracting HIV following the application of a risk reduction technology. This study documented the sexual practices of circumcised (n=485) and uncircumcised (n=496) young men in 42 secondary schools at three time points (baseline and 6 and 12months) in a sub-district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Study participants were aged from 16 to 24years old. At the end of the study period, there was no significant difference between the two cohorts concerning learners' perceptions of being at risk of contracting HIV (interaction effect: b=-0.12, p=0.40). There was also no significant difference in the number of sexual partners in the previous month (interaction effect: b=-0.23, p=0.15). The proportion of learners who have never used a condom decreased significantly over time (time effect: b=-0.27, p=0.01), and there was no difference between the circumcised and uncircumcised learners (interaction effect: b=-0.09, p=0.91). Risk compensation, as evidenced in this study over a 1-year period, was not associated with undergoing voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) in our sample of young school-going men. However, it is of concern that at the end of this study, less than half of the sexually active sample in a high-HIV-prevalence community used condoms consistently in the previous month (39% for both study cohorts). The latter underscores the need to view VMMC as a potential entry point for planned HIV and sexuality education interventions targeting young men in this community.

Urban thermal risk reduction: Developing and implementing spatially explicit services for resilient cities

Elevated urban temperatures and heatwaves are a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of the continuously growing urban population and are projected to worsen under climate change. For this reason well-informed disaster risk reduction (DRR) actions, where science and technology play a key role, are required. However insufficient communication between scientific and policy-making communities (known as the science-policy gap) hampers the use of science in DRR. Hence there is a strong need to interpret existing scientific knowledge into actionable knowledge, i.e. science that is useful, usable and used. This article presents a series of services and tools that build-upon existing scientific knowledge and aim to provide actionable knowledge to authorities and citizens for reducing the risks of elevated urban temperatures. The above were implemented in the context of the European Commission’s Thermal Risk rEduction Actions and tools for secURE cities (TREASURE) project, and address many of the goals and priorities for action set in the Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction (SFDRR) of the United Nations. A key policy-making user of the implemented services and tools is the City of Athens in Greece, which is one of the largest metropolitan areas in Europe.

DRR technology sharing and transfer through web-based platforms

Purpose– Disaster risk reduction (DRR) technology sharing has emerged as an important global issue across national boundaries. As a result, the DRR technology-sharing environment needs strengthening based on the findings of difficulties in sharing, investment, and commitment. The purpose of this paper is to three fold: first, it will clarify that a web-based platform is the best conduit for linking DRR technology from the supplier to the beneficiary developing countries. Second, it will find the most evolutionary path based on Korean case studies. Finally, it will make recommendations for the efficient implementation of a web-based platform for DRR technology sharing.Design/methodology/approach– This paper posits that DRR technology sharing is a necessary part of enhancing resilience to disasters in the Asia-Pacific region. The evolution of web-based approaches (a merchandise display-type platform, a journal-type platform, an electronic market-type platform, and an architecture and governance-type platform) and an actual case of space technology sharing providing support for an evolution toward community-based technology sharing in DRR. The research will find the most efficient way going forward based on the case study of a four-year R & D project sponsored by the South Korean Government. It will also find the success factors for the way to establish and operate the platform efficiently and effectively through case studies of the four types of web-based platforms.Findings– Sharing of DRR technology through a web-based platform among Asia-Pacific countries is necessary in order to equip all parties with essential technology to mitigate intensifying disasters, to overcome the barriers of technology sharing, to breakdown transfer issues due to language barriers, and to strengthen insufficient DRR budgets. Among the four types of web-based platforms, the architecture and governance-type platform proved to be the most effective and efficient. In addition, four principles for an efficient implementation are identified through case studies, analysis, and research.Originality/value– This paper reports on the reasons why it is difficult for DRR technology sharing in the Asia and Pacific regions and suggests a web-based DRR technology-sharing platform as a solution for the region. Moreover, it substantiates that the architecture and governance platform type as the most efficient and effective evolution with four principles: develop based on end-user’s needs; take a problem-solving approach; contain interactive communication tools; and provide business opportunity.

Reflections on a Science and Technology Agenda for 21st Century Disaster Risk Reduction

The first international conference for the post-2015 United Nations landmark agreements (Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, Sustainable Development Goals, and Paris Agreement on Climate Change) was held in January 2016 to discuss the role of science and technology in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. The UNISDR Science and Technology Conference on the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 aimed to discuss and endorse plans that maximize science’s contribution to reducing disaster risks and losses in the coming 15 years and bring together the diversity of stakeholders producing and using disaster risk reduction (DRR) science and technology. This article describes the evolution of the role of science and technology in the policy process building up to the Sendai Framework adoption that resulted in an unprecedented emphasis on science in the text agreed on by 187 United Nations member states in March 2015 and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in June 2015. Contributions assembled by the Conference Organizing Committee and teams including the conference concept notes and the conference discussions that involved a broad range of scientists and decision makers are summarized in this article. The conference emphasized how partnerships and networks can advance multidisciplinary research and bring together science, policy, and practice; how disaster risk is understood, and how risks are assessed and early warning systems are designed; what data, standards, and innovative practices would be needed to measure and report on risk reduction; what research and capacity gaps exist and how difficulties in creating and using science for effective DRR can be overcome. The Science and Technology Conference achieved two main outcomes: (1) initiating the UNISDR Science and Technology Partnership for the implementation of the Sendai Framework; and (2) generating discussion and agreement regarding the content and endorsement process of the UNISDR Science and Technology Road Map to 2030.

APPLICATION OF RISK REDUCTION STRATEGIES IN THE CHEMICAL PROCESS INDUSTRY

Recent accident analyses show that the accident rates in the chemical process industry (CPI) were still not decreasing. In the paper, the issues and challenges of risk reduction strategies were discussed. A case study using accident cases, extracted from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) database was conducted. The results of the accident analysis were discussed and then compared to previous analysis of the Failure Knowledge Database (FKD, Japan). The CSB analysis shows that the industry had moved from procedural risk reduction strategies to inherently safer and add-on engineered strategies. After 10years improvement, the industry was approaching towards more balanced safety management to prevent occurrence and recurrence of accidents with the emphasis on both management and engineering risk reduction strategies.

Adaptation Strategies after Cyclone in Southwest Coastal Bangladesh – Pro Poor Policy Choices

People live under the constant threats of natural hazards in the coastal areas all over the world. Thus raise the questions: how do they react to the risk of those natural calamities and how do they adapt with the adverse situations that are derived by those calamities. Taking these into considerations, this research explores the ‘atlas of the locally adopted strategies’ to cope with adverse effects of cyclone Aila in southwest coastal Bangladesh. Particularly, this research has explored the community level practices in agriculture, housing, water resources, communication and employment generations. An empirical survey was undertaken with 145 respondents by using semi-structured interviews with selected social groups and their households’ assistants. Besides face-to-face interviews, this survey applied group level qualitative assessment methods i.e. FGD (focus group discussion), Social Domain Analyses, and In-depth Interviews to collect the data. Results show that people have started to cultivate saline tolerant rice and vegetables on raised homesteads. They are using dripping irrigation methods. Rain water harvesting and artificial aquifer tube-well have been introduced for water management. The houses’ mud walls have been replaced by or even newly rebuilt with Goran wood or bamboo sticks to save lives. They have formed groups to save money for the next disaster and taken out loans for small entrepreneurship projects. Due to the crises of fodder, pastureland and freshwater, people have started to rear small animals and birds like sheep, goat and pigeon instead of cow and buffalo. New technology based shrimp farming is another new innovation. Discussions were held on the pros and cons of all of the above strategies that help to design the long-term risk reduction planning at the local level and addresses the ‘not the need-based planning but the acceptance-based strategies’ mantra of development in context of community based disaster management planning. This paper adds values to the climate change adaptation field by addressing the acceptance of modern disaster risk reduction technologies into a traditionally modified approach based on the empirical evidence of coastal livelihood analysis in Bangladesh.

Developing a Web-Based Platform to Share Disaster Risk Reduction Technology

This paper introduces a technology sharing platform for the global network on climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR). The platform defines a foundation that provides various products or services and its objective is to allow demanders, suppliers and experts to share DRR technology.The platform is divided into architecture and governance. The fundamental component of architecture relies on detailed technology information which includes structured technology such as technology, systems, tools, analytical models, and non-structured technology such as standards, codes, process, and consulting. The architecture also includes a case study of the application and evaluation for the DRR technology to determine its performance level. Finally, architecture will include a function that enables stakeholders to provide their opinions, experience, and judgements related to the case study.The primary function of the platform’s governance is to exchange the opinions and prepare incentives for sharing information among demanders like the UN organizations and Asia-Pacific nations, as well as suppliers of private sectors and institutions. In addition, subject matter experts can provide input on DRR technology as gatekeepers and participate in the community by presenting their opinions to technology applications.The expert survey from multiple Asian-Pacific countries reached the conclusion that the even distribution of DRR technology through a web based platform among the countries is necessary. In addition, the case studies from technology in practice were deemed as more critical than the DRR technology content itself due to their practical applications.

Does Health Risk Reduction Technology Really Work?

Does Health Risk Reduction Technology Really Work?

Creosote DNAPL Recovery‐Well Design for Mass Removal

AbstractSites with dense nonaqueous‐phase liquid (DNAPL) contamination present significant remediation challenges in terms of technical practicability and cost. Remedial approaches to DNAPL sites often follow a management approach rather than removal or eradication approaches, particularly due to the uncertainties associated with the benefits of partial source mass removal, as complete source removal is unlikely. Mass‐removal technologies should be evaluated for all DNAPL sites, although implementation of recovery technologies will be limited to a few sites based upon site‐specific factors. Sitewide remedial strategies that employ source reduction, where applicable, and incorporate associated risk‐reduction technologies, including monitored natural attenuation, are advised. Creosote DNAPL sites are particularly challenging, as they are predominantly composed of low‐solubility polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that form long‐term continuing sources. Additionally, the physical properties of creosote DNAPL, including high viscosity and relatively low density, result in significant migration potential and considerable dissolved‐phase groundwater impacts. An innovative creosote DNAPL source recovery well design was developed to achieve separate‐phase removal of pooled creosote DNAPL. The design presented herein employs modified circulation‐well technology to mobilize DNAPL to the engineered recovery well, where it is gravity‐settled into a sump to permit separate‐phase mass removal of the emplaced DNAPL source without groundwater production or treatment. A discharge mass flux protocol was developed to verify dissolved‐phase plume stability and the benefit of the source mass removal. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Technology as Risk

Technology is a source of risk. Technology is a risk not only because it often has unintended consequences, but also because accelerating technological change creates compound risks resulting from multiple interacting technologies. More importantly, a fast changing technological environment introduces additional risk because of the numerous social, economic, and political opportunities it creates, and because of the threats it facilitates. In a competitive world, taking advantage of these new opportunities, and protecting against emerging threats are constant battles not only for individuals, but also for businesses and governments. These risks are most pronounced in global communication, military, and banking systems, but no social institution is immune. Reduction of these risks should be a major concern for all social institutions. The undesirable consequences need to be dealt with before, not after they occur. There are numerous risk-reduction technologies that can be deployed to minimize risk while still maintaining the efficiencies created by efficiency-raising technologies.

Risk Reduction Technologies in General Practice and Social Work

General practitioners (GPs) and social workers (SWs) are professions whose professional autonomy and discretion have changed in the so-called risk and audit society. The aim of this article is to compare GPs’ and SWs’ responses to Evidence-Based and Organizational Risk Reduction Technologies (ERRT and ORRT). It is based on a content analysis of 54 peer-reviewed empirical articles. The results show that both professions held ambivalent positions towards ERRT. The response towards ORRT differed in that GPs were sceptical whilst SWs took a more pragmatic view. Furthermore the results suggest that SWs might experience professional benefits by adopting an adherent approach to the increased dissemination of risk reduction technologies (RRT). GPs, however, did not seem to experience such benefits. Keywords: Profession, risk, social worker, general practitioner, risk reduction technologies, evidence-based practice/medicine

Risk Reduction Technologies in General Practice and Social Work

General practitioners (GPs) and social workers (SWs) are professions whose professional autonomy and discretion have changed in the so-called risk and audit society. The aim of this article is to compare GPs’ and SWs’ responses to Evidence-Based and Organizational Risk Reduction Technologies (ERRT and ORRT). It is based on a content analysis of 54 peer-reviewed empirical articles. The results show that both professions held ambivalent positions towards ERRT. The response towards ORRT differed in that GPs were sceptical whilst SWs took a more pragmatic view. Furthermore the results suggest that SWs might experience professional benefits by adopting an adherent approach to the increased dissemination of risk reduction technologies (RRT). GPs, however, did not seem to experience such benefits. Keywords: Profession, risk, social worker, general practitioner, risk reduction technologies, evidence-based practice/medicine  

Risk Reduction Technologies in General Practice and Social Work

General practitioners (GPs) and social workers (SWs) are professions whose professional autonomy and discretion have changed in the so-called risk and audit society. The aim of this article is to compare GPs’ and SWs’ responses to Evidence-Based and Organizational Risk Reduction Technologies (ERRT and ORRT). It is based on a content analysis of 54 peer-reviewed empirical articles. The results show that both professions held ambivalent positions towards ERRT. The response towards ORRT differed in that GPs were sceptical whilst SWs took a more pragmatic view. Furthermore the results suggest that SWs might experience professional benefits by adopting an adherent approach to the increased dissemination of risk reduction technologies (RRT). GPs, however, did not seem to experience such benefits. Keywords: Profession, risk, social worker, general practitioner, risk reduction technologies, evidence-based practice/medicine &nbsp