bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
West Gate Bridge Strengthening Project - Ongoing Operation and Maintenance Strategies
Authors: Polymenakos Dimi , Taylor Scott , Percy Robert
Published: February 2013

The West Gate Bridge lies at the heart of Melbourne's and Victoria's transportation network, providing the only major East-West crossing of the Yarra River estuary, and connecting the surrounding urban and state freeways. As a result, it sees in excess of 170,000 vehicles per day, and its continued operation and uninterrupted availability is vital to both the local and wider economy.

The recently completed strengthening and refurbishment project included both a review of the approach to operation and maintenance, and provision for the crossing's future care in a way that accommodates the age and current condition of the bridge. This review gave rise to a combination of new works to facilitate ongoing operation and maintenance, the implementation of maintenance reducing strengthening schemes, and an updating of inspection and maintenance procedures.

Major works undertaken along with the strengthening project included an upgrade of the electrical system, installation of a Freeway Management System and replacement of street lighting. A host of other issues were addressed including remediation of the Demag expansion joints and the roller bearings, settlement of the approach embankments, maintenance of the pavement on the steel deck, fire-fighting systems, internal and external steel protective treatment, the approach to routine maintenance and inspection intervals and implementation of state-of-the-art bridge management and monitoring systems. In keeping with all major steel bridges of this type and age, the management of weld defects, corrosion and other issues presents a significant task. Of particular interest is the strategy for inspection and maintenance of external portions of the steel bridge over the river which cannot be accessed from below.

All of these issues will be addressed in this paper which presents the strategies for economic and efficient ongoing operation and maintenance of this vital transport asset. The benefits are manifold to both those who depend upon the bridge for their transport needs and for those who are charged with its care. The result is not only a technocratic response to urban congestion but a human one.
Prestress Effect of Composite Girder Bridge with Corrugated Steel Webs
Authors: Zheng Shuangjie , Liu Yuqing , He Jun , Lin Zhaofei
Published: February 2013

The joints connecting corrugated steel webs and concrete slabs are significant to the structural behaviour of composite girder bridges. Flanged Connection, Embedded Connection and Wrapping Connection were compared and discussed. Both global and local prestress effects were analysed on the basis of finite element method. The numerical results indicated that composite girder bridges with corrugated steel webs could save 20% of the tendons applied in concrete girder bridges. The global prestress efficiency could hardly be affected by using different web-slab joints. To ensure the concrete slab's durability in Serviceability Limit State (SLS), precise analysis should be performed to evaluate the local stress concentration of the connections. The results indicated that the Wrapping Connection had favourable structural behaviour under prestressing, with high global prestress efficiency and low stress concentration at the web-slab joint.
Detailed Study of Perforated Beams with Closely Spaced Novel Web Openings
Authors: Tsavdaridis Konstantinos Daniel , D'Mello Cedric
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a detailed study of the behaviour of perforated steel beams with closely spaced web openings. Seven specimens including two typical cellular beams (i.e. circular web openings) and five perforated beams with novel web opening shapes were tested previously by the authors, to investigate the failure mode and load strength of the web-post between two adjacent web openings. These new novel web opening shapes improve the structural performance of the perforated beams with respect to web-post buckling failure. In addition, the manufacturing procedure of these novel web openings is improved and leads to sustainable design. The effects of web opening spacing/web opening depth of web-posts as well as the web opening depth/web thickness were studied to investigate the stability (slenderness) of the web-post subjected to vertical shear load. In comparison with the conventional cellular beams, significant advantages were obtained.
Design of innovative fabric formed beams in shear
Authors: Orr John , Darby Antony , Ibell Timothy , Evernden Mark , Otlet Mike
Published: February 2013

Concrete is our most widely used man-made material (≥1.5m3/person/year) and whilst its constituent materials are widely and readily available, cement manufacturing is estimated to account for some 5% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Recent research has shown that as much as 40% of the concrete used in new office buildings does little but add weight, adding credence to the suggestion that concrete should be cast in variable section elements whose final form is determined by the requirements of the design loading envelope.

However, cost concerns, construction difficulties and an increased complexity in structural analysis have all hampered the widespread use of non-prismatic concrete elements. Recent research at the University of Bath has shown that using simple design methods and replacing conventional steel or timber moulds with flexible sheets of fabric can provide an effective means by which optimised (and therefore low carbon) concrete structures can be cast. The resulting forms have provided us with a new architectural language for concrete structures.

This paper reports on recent advances in the design of fabric formed concrete elements. The shear behaviour of non-prismatic steel reinforced concrete beams is discussed, and the results of an extensive testing program are presented and analysed, with recommendations for code writers presented. The results demonstrate that fabric formwork may be used to create optimised structures in which material is provided where it is needed, providing significant new opportunities for savings in the embodied carbon of our new concrete structures.
Design of UHPC Wind Turbines
Authors: Jammes François-Xavier , Cespedes Xavier
Published: February 2013

Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) has impressive characteristics in terms of fatigue and durability which seem perfectly suited for the erection of wind turbine masts. A two-stage feasibility study is carried out to come up with an efficient design for the tower. First, an approach using linear finite elements based on the beam theory enables to define the global geometry. Then the latter is checked locally through shell elements in order to perform the necessary updates. Finally, a construction sequence shows the advantage of such a material when combined with prestressing for the erection process.
Design Life and Reliability-based Design Concept for Long-Span Cable-Supported Bridge
Authors: Paik Inyeol , Lee Seung Han , Lee Jinho , Yun Jae-Ung , Lee Hae Sung
Published: February 2013

The basic design concepts for the limit state design code under development in Korea for the longspan cable-supported bridge are presented. Considering the importance of the structure, higher target reliability level and longer design life are defined compared to those of the ordinary bridges. In deciding the amount of safety increase, the construction cost and the consequence of structural
failure are examined. Safety factors including the importance factor which is multiplied to the design strength of the structural member are calibrated through reliability analysis of the actual design examples. It is also shown that the nonlinear analysis of the cable-supported bridge yields higher reliability index of the main cable than that obtained by the linear analysis.
Estimation of Dynamic Characteristics of Long-span Bridge Cables Using Image Signal Processing
Authors: Kim Sung-Wan , Kim Nam-Sik
Published: February 2013

As to the long-span bridges, the health monitoring of a bridge can be identified by measuring tension force on cable repeatedly. The tension force on cable is measured either by direct measurement of stress of cable using load cell or hydraulic jack, or by vibration method estimating tension force using cable shape and measured dynamic characteristics. In this study, image signal processing was used to estimate the tension force of the remote cable using vibration method. A portable digital camcorder was used as a vision-based system in consideration of user convenience and economic feasibility. A digital image correlation (DIC) technique as one of digital image processing algorithm is applied to develop the image processing algorithm. The image transform function (ITF) was used to correct the geometric distortion between the deformed and undeformed images, and to calculate the subpixel. The motion of the vision-based system was corrected using a fixed object in the image, without installing an additional sensor, the resolution of dynamic responses and modal frequencies were improved.
Earthquake Response Analysis Model of Offshore Bridge Piers Considering Fluid-Structure-Soil Interaction
Authors: Lee Jin Ho , Kim Jae Kwan
Published: February 2013

An analysis method for earthquake responses of offshore bridge piers is developed considering the effects of fluid-structure-soil interaction. The pier is modeled as lumped mass at the top of a tower, idealized as a cantilever founded on the flexible seabed. Substructure method and Rayleigh-Ritz method are used to derive governing equations of a coupled structure-fluid-soil system

incorporating interactions between tower and sea water and between foundation and flexible seabed. The sea water is assumed to be compressible but non-viscous fluid. Impedance functions of a rigid foundation in water-saturated soil strata are obtained from thin-layer method and combined with the superstructure model. The developed method is applied to earthquake response analysis of an offshore bridge pier model. The effects of several factors such as flexibility of the pier and stiffness of soil are examined. It is observed from the calculations that the flexibility of the pier and the stiffness of soil can influence responses of the offshore bridge piers.
The development of a structural design method in the pile-head seismic isolation approach based on static horizontal load tests
Authors: Terada Ryuichi , Fukushima Takashi , Yamano Yuji , Yanagi Masayuki , Kaihotsu Miyuki , Maeno Satoshi
Published: February 2013

The pile-head seismic isolation approach, which installs seismic-isolation apparatus directly on pile heads to omit grade beams in the foundation, is an economical option but has an issue of pile heads rotating during earthquakes, causing the upper and lower flanges to lose parallel alignment. This study conducted life-size static horizontal load tests to clarify the correlation between the flanges’ relative rotation angles and performance, and reflected them in the structural designs for large-scale logistics buildings.
Key Technology of Middle Pylon Design in Three-Pylon Multi-span Suspension Bridge
Authors: Zhu Mengya , Ji Lin , Ruan Jing
Published: February 2013

The three-pylon multi-span suspension structure is one of the proper structure types for continuous large spans crossing rivers and straits. Based on the design of Taizhou Bridge, stiffness selection for the middle pylon is introduced in this paper. In order to solve the design difficulty of three-pylon multi-span suspension bridge, the multi-scale elastic-plasticity stability analysis and the study on the anti-slippage safety between the cable saddle on the middle steel pylon and the main cable are carried out, which have been presented in this paper. The key design technology for the middle pylon of three-pylon multi-span suspension bridges would provide the powerful support to the design of the middle steel pylon structure.
Research on the bearing capability of the middle tower caisson foundation of Taizhou bridge
Authors: Ruan Jing , Feng Zhaoxiang , Shao Guojian
Published: February 2013

An caisson was adopted for the middle tower foundation of Taizhou Bridge. The shallow foundation calculation formula commonly used by chinese designer is not applicable for the middle tower foundation located above the 200-meter overlying deposit in the water. Model test and 3D numerical simulation analysis are simultaneously conducted for Taizhou Bridge, to obtain the foundation soil bearing capacity of the open caisson foundation of the middle tower and ensure the structural safety and stability.
Fire Protection Panel for Bridges
Authors: Yanagisawa Norifumi , Echigo Shigeru , Ohyama Osamu , Kurita Akimitsu
Published: February 2013

In order to protect a bridge against the fire attack mainly due to the turning over accident of a tank lorry vehicle, a Fire Protection Panel has been developed by the authors, because it can see some serious damaged examples of viaduct and bridge by fire accident in USA, Germany, Japan and so on in a last decade. Some of those bridges had fall down by fire attack and self-weight of bridge. The developed standard external dimension of the fire protection panel has 500mm wide, 2000mm long and 80mm thickness. The panel consists of a steel frame, meshed bars and fire protecting materials of Ceramic Fiber Blanket and Autoclaved Lightweight aerated Concrete plate. The fire test of this panel was carried out to confirm the fire resisting performance by using the Hydrocarbon curve given by Eurocode. This paper shows the applicability of the Fire Protection Panel based on the test results and its construction details.
Structural Protection of Long Span Bridges
Authors: Fobo Wolfgang , Braun Christian
Published: February 2013

This paper addresses the special and additional requirements that a structural protection system has to cope with when it has to protect large span bridges. In large span bridges it is the often the service state (e.g., wind, traffic) rather than the ultimate limit state that dictates the characteristics of suitable structural protection elements, like shock transmitters with force limiters, or bridge bearings, or expansion joints. We come to conclude that extending the limits of large span bridges requires the input of additional design parameters for their structural protection systems. Which, if not considered, may lead to excessive wear and consequently to frequent maintenance or even replacement. Case studies will prove that point.
Finite Element Analysis on the Mechanical Behaviour of High Strength Bolted Friction Type Joint with Filler Plate
Authors: Peng Xue , Takai Toshikazu , Sun Honghe , Yamaguchi Takashi
Published: February 2013

Resent year, the filler plate should be used in high strength bolted frictional type joint. However, it is lack of enough technical information on influence of the thickness of the filler plate and the number of bolts in a line to the slip strength focused on extremely thick steel plate and high thickness change ratio. In this study, the tensile experiment for the high strength bolted joints with filler plates, using extremely thick plates, has been carried out to understand the mechanical behaviour of them. Also, complementing experiment results, and analysing the slipping behaviour of the joints with filler plates in detail, the finite element analysis (FEA) has been carried out. It is considered that FEA model is reasonable since comparing results of experiment and FEA. And based on FEA results by this model, the mechanical behaviour of such joints is explained.
Analysis of the Temperature Changes in the Steel Structure of the Puławy Bridge over the Vistula River, Poland
Authors: Onysyk Hanna
Published: February 2013

The paper presents results of the temperature measurement of the steel arch bridge in Puławy, Poland, over the Vistula River. Measurement data were obtained from the construction monitoring system which is one of three subsystems of which the monitoring system is composed to measure various physical quantities. Presented data refer to period of time from May 2009 to April 2011. Based on the gathered measurement data, the range of temperature changes, extreme values and differences between the values for specific types of elements were analyzed. The differences between various types of elements were analyzed as well. Presented data give an overview of the temperature level of the arch steel bridge with mediate location of the deck. A comparison of selected values with normative values in Polish code as well as in Eurocode has been made.
The Key Technique Development of Fatigue Researches on Steel Bridges and Its New Achievements in China
Authors: Liu Xiaoguang
Published: February 2013

This paper first describes the historical development of steel bridge in China, and then mainly introduces the technique development of fatigue for research on steel bridges in China. There are two main aspects of fatigue research for steel bridges, one is the research on existing steel bridges to evaluate the remaining life of steel bridges, in order to decide whether to reinforce the old bridge or replace the old bridge with a new one. The other aspect is the researches on newly built steel bridges to determine suitable structural details for bridges, such as anchorage structure unit fatigue experiments, orthotropic steel deck fatigue experiments, bi-axle structural detail fatigue experiments, etc. Furthermore, the future of steel bridge fatigue research in China is proposed.
Reasonable Construction Procedures and Control Methods for a Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Arch Bridge Erected with Low Buckle Towers
Authors: Li Chuanxi , Dong Chuangwen , Zuo Yan , Zhang Yuping , Ke Hongjun
Published: February 2013

For the erection of an arch bridge with the method of inclined cable-stayed buckle, differently from high buckle tower scheme, the remarkable characteristic of low buckle tower scheme is that buckle cables near the vault have small horizontal inclinations and can provide minor vertical component forces. Take the Mengdonghe Bridge of Zhangjiajie-huayuan Expressway in Hunan Province of China as the engineering background, reasonable construction procedures and control methods were gained by mechanism analysis and numerical calculation of Finite Element Method under different construction procedures. The results show that: i) buckle and anchor cables should be loosen and removed before the pumping of filled concrete, ii) the order of the pumping of filled concrete should be from top chord steel tubes to bottom chord ones, iii) the loading sequence of spandrel constructions should be symmetrical from vault to skewback in classification with strips.
The Effects of Holes in the Web on the Multi-stage Prestressed Concrete Girder
Authors: Han Manyop , Lee Chiho , Lee Sangmin
Published: February 2013

Bulb-T girders are mainly using under 50m span bridges in Korea even though these are more economical than the other girder types. To solve demerits and limits of the current bulb-T girders, Holed Incrementally Pre-stressed Concrete (H-IPC) is recently developed at Ajou Univ. in the Republic of Korea.

H-IPC girder is applied in several revolutionary design concepts compared with the current bulb-T girder. At first, a large number of holes are introduced in the web of the girder and the arrangement of tendons is optimized because some anchorages at the girder end are moved into holes in the web. Prestressing force is introduced in multiple stages by each loading stage to minimize the section of the girder.

This study shows the deflection behavior analysis of full scale H-IPC girder, which was 2m in height and 50m in length, with holes of differing diameters in the web.
Development of innovative lightweight cardboard elements for sustainable constructions
Authors: Klingsch Eike W. , Knobloch Markus , Fontana Mario
Published: February 2013

Aproject on the development ofresourceefficient lightweight cardboard elements for sustainable constructions was launched at ETH Zurich, with partners from architecture, structural engineering, material science and industry. In an initial research project [1], [2] the general feasibility of using cardboards for construction as well as aspects of sustainability werestudied. It was foundthat moisture and fire are the two major technical obstacles for general structural application of cardboard, while the study of the socio-architectural aspects showed no critical criterions prohibiting the use of cardboard in buildings.For both technical problems, a solution with an inorganic coating of the cardboard cells, offeredpromising results. In a second phase of the project the inorganiccoating was optimized and the initial application process wasmodified from dipping into a high quality industrial coating process. This paper focuses on design aspects ofcoated cardboard as cores of sandwich panelsfor structural applications. Furthermore a test program to generate mechanical properties for cardboard elements and first results arepresented.
Design and Construction of Wando Grand Bridge in Korea
Authors: Yu Wonjin , Yang Jongho , Chun Changho
Published: February 2013

The Wando grand bridge has been designed in 2003 and main structure has constructed in 2010. The bridge is composed of 75 m steel tower, 500 m steel girder and 32 cables. This paper presents the design, fabrication, erection, and cable installation of the bridge.

The main bridge is 500m long and composed of 70 m, 90 m, 200 m, and 140 m spans. Super structure of Wando grand bridge is orthotropic steel deck with U-rib. The width of the deck is 24.8 m and is composed of four lanes for vehicle + one lane for pedestrian. Diaphragm is located at every 6 m, and interval of U-rib is 0.64 m. The material for main plates is SM520B(tensile strength is 520 MPa) which is used widely for bridge superstructure in Korea. Multi strand cables are installed at 32 points in a 2-face fan type. Total length of cable is 3,587 m and the total length of strand is 188,266 m. The ultimate tensile strength of strand, Fpu is 1,770 MPa. Allowable strength of cable is 0.45 Fpu at completed stage, 0.65 Fpu at erection stage, respectively.

The verticality of tower was given as 1/2000 at construction site. Considering construction error, the target for verticality was set to 1/5000. To get the accurate straightness, every structural element at the internal joint of pylon was milled using facing machine. Girder was diveded to nine segments in which 4 segments have been erected by crawler crane and others have been erected by floating crane. As the bridge was constructed at shallow sea zone, special floating crane having 2 booms and 4 hooks was utilized.

Geometric control was utilized to make accurate erection. At the first step, weight of some blocks were measured in factory using load cell and compared with shop drawing net weight. The target value of geometric control of the bridge is ± 60mm for girder deflection, ± 35mm for tower horizontal displacement, and 10% for cable tension. Construction has been performed successfully, and there is no adjustment for cable tension. Cable has been installed at average three days erection cycle. As the cable is mono strand type of Freyssinet, ISO tensioning method has been used.

The pavement for the bridge was finished last year and bridge has been opened.
Geometry Control of Mokpo Cable Stayed Bridge: Dimension Based Control
Authors: Leem Kyoung-hoon , Hong Young-jun , Lee Yoon-soo
Published: February 2013

Mokpo Bridge is a 3-span cable stayed bridge with a steel box girder and a main span of 500m, located in Mokpo city, Korea. Geometry control method based on dimension of structural elements was applied to construct the bridge. The error was wholly controlled from the prefabrication phase of bridge element to the construction phase. During construction, error estimation and correction was done by forecasting analysis through computer model updated in accordance with the situation of the site. The tension forces of stay cables and geometry of the bridge could be controlled by this process within target range during construction and after completion. This paper presents the main features of geometry control method adopted for Mokpo Bridge.
Geum-gang 1st Bridge–Extradosed Bridge with V-Shape Pylon
Authors: Kim Hyun Kioo , Lyoo Jae Kwang , Ahn Yang Kwang , Cheong Jae Kweon
Published: February 2013

This paper introduce Geum-gang 1st Bridge–Extradosed Bridge with V-Shape Pylon which will operate on October 2012. Geum-gang 1st Bridge is the first bridge of the outer circulation road in Sejong multifunctional administrative city.

The Requirements about Geum-gang 1st Bridge in the bid document are that the length of the main span is over 180m and the height of the pylon is under 26.4m(from ordinary water level ??? to bridge-deck). Because of these regulations, Geum-gang 1 st Bridge is designed to extradosed bridge with the V-shape pylon to cover the cable-load distribution ratio of the pylon.

In preliminary design, bikeway was applied only one side. But, after design optimization, plan is changed with the application of both sides under the main girder. By separating each bike way, both car drivers and bike drivers can get a clear view and enough pedestrian space so they feel safe and pleasant. At the ramp of the bike way near the abutment, the observation space is installed and make people take a view of Gum-gang and Sejong multifunctional administrative city.
A study on the target 2D tracking analysis using digital image correlation at bridge deck wind tunnel test
Authors: Oh Seung-Taek , Chun Nak-Hyun , Yoo Seung-Young , Lee Ho-Yeop , Lee Hak-Eun
Published: February 2013

The aim of this paper is a position image tracking analysis for reducing geometric displacement error in bridge deck wind tunnel test. When wind blow on the scaled bridge deck in wind tunnel test, traditional experiment method includes geometric error compared with extracting laser displacement transducer. DIC technique can be represented lateral and vertical displacement respectively with no interference each displacement factor. This paper includes template matching technique, geometric error, wind tunnel experimental test. at the result of wind tunnel test, lateral displacement error is increased according to increase wind force.
Dynamic Design of Elastomeric Bearings for Vibration Isolation
Authors: Gerhaher Ulrich , Strehler Hans-Jakob
Published: February 2013

Reinforced elastomeric bearings can be used as high quality vibration isolators for buildings, the separation of different sections of buildings or isolation of heavy machines. In contrast to the static behavior of elastomeric bearings the construction codes do not provide formulas to calculate their dynamic behavior. Extensive tests are required to specify the dynamic stiffness of bearings being essential for the optimization of the efficiency of isolation applications.

Thepresent paper describes the procedure of the calibration of a set of semi empiric formulas to describe the dynamic behavior of reinforced elastomeric bearings. The basis of this calibration is given by static and dynamic measurements on ten different bearing types.
Shear strength Evaluation of Hybrid Coupling Walls using Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Authors: Choi Ji Hoon , Bae Baek-Il , Choi Chang-Sik
Published: February 2013

Compressive stress at embedded region of steel coupling beam which is the main design parameter of HCW, is sensitive to the magnitude and locate of axial load because overturning moment is the main design load for this type of structure. The hybrid coupled shear wall joint were studied to identify the strength, stiffness and hysteretic characteristics etc. This analytic study was performed using FEA (Finite Element Analysis). For the verification of FE model, previously tested specimens were compared with analysis results. Total of variables were studied with FEA. From the analytical study higher axial load tends to increase the strength of hew connection but decrease the ductility comparing the results of this study to present guideline, evaluation of ductility and strength according to the axial load variation was carried out Suitable vertical reinforcement ratio and axial stress ratio for optimized connection design was suggested.
Rapid retreat, acceleration and thinning of Glaciar Upsala, Southern Patagonia Icefield, initiated in 2008
Authors: Sakakibara Daiki , Sugiyama Shin , Sawagaki Takanobu , Marinsek Sebastián , Skvarca Pedro
Published: February 2013

The Patagonia Icefields are characterized by a large number of outlet glaciers calving into lakes and the ocean. In contrast to the recent intensive research activities on tidewater glaciers in other regions, very few observations have been made on calving glaciers in Patagonia. We analysed satellite images of Glaciar Upsala, the third largest freshwater calving glacier in the Southern Patagonia Icefield, to investigate changes in its front position, ice velocity and surface elevation from 2000 to 2011. Our analyses revealed a clear transition from a relatively stable phase to a rapidly retreating and fast-flowing condition in 2008. The glacier front receded by 2.9 km, and the ice velocity increased by 20–50%, over the 2008–11 period. We also found that the ice surface lowered at a rate of up to 39 m a−1 from 2006 to 2010. This magnitude and the rate of changes in the glacier front position, ice velocity and surface elevation are greater than previously reported for Glaciar Upsala, and comparable to recent observations of large tidewater glaciers in Greenland. Our data illustrate details of a rapidly retreating calving glacier in Patagonia that have been scarcely reported despite their importance to the mass budget of the Patagonia Icefields.
Recent changes (1991–2010) in glacier mass balance and air temperature in the European Alps
Authors: Braithwaite Roger J. , Raper Sarah C.B. , Candela Romain
Published: February 2013

We estimate temperature sensitivity of observed mass balance for glaciers in the European Alps to compare with our earlier estimates from modelling. We treat 1961-90 as our reference period and compare mass balance for 1991-2010 with this reference period. There are eight Alpine glaciers with long enough records. The mean mass balance for the eight glaciers is close to zero for the reference period, very negative for 1991-2010 and highly negative in the exceptionally warm year 2003. Mass-balance changes are compared with 1991-2010 temperature anomalies to give an average temperature sensitivity of approximately -0.7 ± 0.2 m w.e. a-1 K-1 for the eight glaciers. There is considerable variation between individual glaciers, with higher sensitivity for western glaciers and lower sensitivity for eastern glaciers. Temperature sensitivity for the eight glaciers is strongly correlated with the standard deviation of observed mass balance, which from earlier work is known to be correlated with winter balance. The mean temperature sensitivity for observed mass balance is in reasonable agreement with values from earlier models, but changes in glacier hypsometry during 1991-2010 may have further increased observed mass loss.
On the accuracy of glacier outlines derived from remote-sensing data
Authors: Paul F. , Barrand N.E. , Baumann S. , Berthier E. , Bolch T. , Casey K. , Frey H. , Joshi S.P. , Konovalov V. , Le Bris R. , Mölg N. , Nosenko G. , Nuth C. , Pope A. , Racoviteanu A. , Rastner P. , Raup B. , Scharrer K. , Steffen S. , Winsvold S.
Published: February 2013

Deriving glacier outlines from satellite data has become increasingly popular in the past decade. In particular when glacier outlines are used as a base for change assessment, it is important to know how accurate they are. Calculating the accuracy correctly is challenging, as appropriate reference data (e.g. from higher-resolution sensors) are seldom available. Moreover, after the required manual correction of the raw outlines (e.g. for debris cover), such a comparison would only reveal the accuracy of the analyst rather than of the algorithm applied. Here we compare outlines for clean and debris-covered glaciers, as derived from single and multiple digitizing by different or the same analysts on very high- (1 m) and medium-resolution (30 m) remote-sensing data, against each other and to glacier outlines derived from automated classification of Landsat Thematic Mapper data. Results show a high variability in the interpretation of debris-covered glacier parts, largely independent of the spatial resolution (area differences were up to 30%), and an overall good agreement for clean ice with sufficient contrast to the surrounding terrain (differences ∼5%). The differences of the automatically derived outlines from a reference value are as small as the standard deviation of the manual digitizations from several analysts. Based on these results, we conclude that automated mapping of clean ice is preferable to manual digitization and recommend using the latter method only for required corrections of incorrectly mapped glacier parts (e.g. debris cover, shadow).
Editorial
Authors: Chowdhury Saleha Begum
Published: February 2013

Not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjog.v26i1.13750 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2011; Vol. 26(1) : 1-2
Reproductive Health and Service Delivery Status in a Rural Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid Fahmida , Begum Shireen , Sattar M A , Sharmin Shahanaj , Begum Kamrun Nesa
Published: February 2013

Background: Reproductive Healthcare Services is a service that contributes to reproductive  health and wellbeing through preventing and solving reproductive health problems.Objective of the Study: To find out the reproductive health status and also the service  delivery pattern in a rural area.Methodology: It is a cross sectional study done in a village named Kalirbazar, 3km away  from the BARD, Comilla, during the period of13th February to 13th March, 2011. Data were  collected purposively by Individual interview through a structured questionnaire. A total 30  women of reproductive age group (15-45yrs) were taken. Both adolescent unmarried girls and  married women of reproductive age group were included in this study. After collection, data  were analyzed, tabulated and presented.Results: Respondents were mostly married( 63%), unmarried 33%; almost all of the women were Muslim (93%) and from low socioeconomic status(77%). Sixty six percent of women got  married before 18 yrs of age and 47% were illiterate, more than half of the women (60%) were  housewives and 28% dropped out from schools. Forty percent of married women had 2-3  children.Most of the Women had knowledge about contraception, like-OCP (33%), inj. (27%),  barrier (17%), female sterilization (06%) and 17% had no knowledge. Among the married  women 53% use OCP, 32% injectable contraceptives, 11% sterilization and 04% had  vasectomy. Among respondents, 70% had some sorts of menstrual problem, 85% women  lacked of antenatal checkup, 95% delivery occurred at home, 90% delivery conducted by  local dhai and unexpectedly 73% of women had knowledge of STD/HIV&AIDS. 60% of the  women got the information related to reproductive health from relatives and also from media,  health care provider. Most of the women (87%) said that whatever the health service status;  there were problems in getting the services. Only few of them were satisfied with the services  getting either from GO or NGO or from private sector. Almost all the women were buying the  reproductive healthcare services (83%).Conclusion: Reproductive health status in the rural area is not at all satisfactory. GO. and  NGO often fail to make health services available to the doorstep of the users in the community  who are in dire need of it . DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjog.v26i1.13756 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2011; Vol. 26(1) : 27-30
Role of Misoprostol in Missed Abortion
Authors: Nahar KN , Chowdhury SB , Shamim Shayela , Nasrin Begum , Hossain Fawzia , Begum Nurjahan
Published: February 2013

Spontaneous abortion or miscarriage is the spontaneous end of a pregnancy at a stage where  the embryo or fetus is incapable of surviving independently, generally defined in humans at  prior to 20 weeks of gestation, but in our country before 28 weeks of gestation. Nearly 20% of  all confirmed pregnancies end in abortion. The incidence of this type of abortion is very high  during first trimester and decreases with increasing gestational age. Of many types of abortion, missed abortion occurs when the embryo or foetus has died, but a miscarriage has not yet  occurred. The retention of a fetus known to be dead for >4 weeks. The cervix is closed and   there is no or only slight bleeding. Ultrasound examination shows an empty gestational sac or  an embryo/fetus without cardiac activity. Surgical evacuation is the most common method of  treatment of missed abortion.It is considered to be safe but carries some risk of complications  related to anaesthesia and of surgical complications such as uterine perforation, cervical trauma, intrauterine adhesions and infections. Expectant management and medical treatment  are the two other ways of treatment of missed abortion. Based on a review of the published  literature, a single dose of 800?g vaginal misoprostol may be offered as an effective, safe and acceptable alternative to the traditional surgical treatment for this indication in the first trimester. Alternatively, 800?g misoprostol can be administered sublingually. Treatment may be repeated  twice with a 3-4 hour interval for maximum three doses can be given orally or sublingually. Where as, vaginally, dose can be repeated 6-8 hourly for three doses. For the rest, 12-28 weeks of missed abortion,400?g of misoprostol every 4 hours until expulsion. Majority of  cases have the expulsion within 48 hours. After administration of misoprostol, hospitalization  is not necessary and the time of expulsion varies considerably. Bleeding may last for more than 14 days with additional days of light bleeding or spotting. The woman should be advised  to contact a provider in case of heavy bleeding or signs of infection. A follow up is recommended  after 1 to 2 weeks.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjog.v26i2.13787Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2011; Vol. 26(2) : 92-99
Extracellular vesicle sizing and enumeration by nanoparticle tracking analysis
Authors: Gardiner Chris , Ferreira Yannick J. , Dragovic Rebecca A. , Redman Christopher W.G. , Sargent Ian L.
Published: February 2013

Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) is a light‐scattering technique that is useful for the rapid sizing and enumeration of extracellular vesicles (EVs). As a relatively new method, NTA has been criticised for a lack of standardisation. We propose the use of silica microspheres for the calibration of NTA measurements and describe in detail a protocol for the analysis of EVs by NTA which should minimise many of the sources of variability and imprecision associated with this technique.
Arthroscopic Rotator Interval Closure by Purse String Suture for Symptomatic Inferior Shoulder Instability
Authors: Moon Young Lae , Singh Harpreet , Yang Hun , Chul Lee Kwang
Published: February 2013

Multidirectional instability of the shoulder is a complex condition that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Clinically, it is characterized by symptomatic global laxity of the glenohumeral joint and may present either traumatically or atraumatically, unilaterally or bilaterally, and with or without generalized joint laxity. Capsular plication is a primary treatment option in these patients and is used to tension the redundant or lax capsule. We evaluated the role of rotator interval closure in restoring stability as a primary procedure in patients with multidirectional instability and a positive and painful sulcus sign.

Twenty adult patients (16 men and 4 women) presenting with multidirectional instability were evaluated clinically and radiologically to assess the degree and direction of instability, were treated by arthroscopic rotator interval closure and inferior capsular plication, and were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. Clinical and functional results were excellent at 2-year follow-up. The results of the study indicate that the closure of the rotator interval in patients with symptomatic inferior instability will have a long-lasting effect on the stability and function of the shoulder, as the closure improves not only the static restraints but also the dynamic restraints of the shoulder through the improved proprioception secondary to restoration of the rotator interval structures.
Arthroscopic Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair for Chronic Ankle Instability with a Suture Anchor Technique
Authors: Kim Eung Soo , Lee Kyung Tai , Park Jun Sic , Lee Young Koo
Published: February 2013

The goal of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic repair for chronic ankle instability using a bioabsorbable anchor with 2 sutures. We evaluated the results of 28 ankles treated with arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament repair using bioabsorbable anchors with a FiberWire and TigerWire suture (Arthrex, Inc, Naples, Florida) placed on the fibula from March 2008 to January 2009. Average follow-up was 15.9 months (range, 13–25 months). Patients were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot ankle score and stress radiographs. Mean AOFAS hindfoot ankle score was 92.48±6.14 at last follow-up compared to the mean preoperative score of 60.78±16.38 (P=.041). Mean postoperative anterior draw test score difference between 2 ankles was 0.61±0.75 compared to the mean preoperative score difference of 3.59±0.68 (P=.00). There was a 14% complication rate, including 3 cases of portal site irritation and 1 case of superficial infection. Stress radiographs revealed 3 cases of anterior displacement >3 mm compared to the other side. All patients returned to their previous activity level.

Arthroscopic ligament reconstruction for chronic lateral ankle instability using suture anchors is effective in returning patients to their preinjury function levels. Good clinical results were obtained with some minor complications. This minimally invasive technique is a reasonable alternative to other open surgical procedures for chronic ankle instability.
Surgical Versus Nonsurgical Treatment of the SE4-Equivalent Ankle Fracture: A Retrospective Functional Outcome Study
Authors: Yang Edward , Wu Yangguan , Dorcil Job
Published: February 2013

Treatment of Lauge-Hansen supination–eversion (SE)4-equivalent ankle fractures is controversial. This retrospective study conducted at a level-I trauma center compared the clinical outcome of nonsurgical vs open management of these fractures. One thousand eight ankle fractures treated between 1998 and 2003 were reviewed. Forty-three patients who met the criteria for a SE4-equivalent ankle fracture were identified. Average patient age of 23 men and 20 women was 42 years (range, 18–84 years). Olerud Molander ankle scores were recorded. Medical records and radiographs of all patients were reviewed. Average follow-up was 20 months.

Twenty-six patients were treated nonsurgically, with an average ankle score of 84±4. Seventeen patients treated surgically had an average ankle score of 63±5. The difference is statistically significant (unpaired t test,
P
=.0035). There was no difference between open vs closed treatment in maintaining a reduction. To investigate the reason for poor results in the surgical group, we sought an association between functional ankle score and common covariables and found that age and preoperative radiographic grading were important variables for ankle score. Patients younger than 30 years had an average ankle score of 85, whereas those older than 50 years had an average score of 61 (
P
<.001). Type 1 fractures (medial clear space >5 mm in stress view only) had an average ankle score of 89, type 2 (medial clear space >5 mm but <10 mm) an average score of 76, and type 3 (medial clear space >10 mm or presented with fracture dislocation and/or syndesmosis injury) an average score of 61. Our data support that type 1 and 2 fractures can effectively be treated nonsurgically.
Lateral Epicondylitis: An Internal Comparison in the Same Patient
Authors: Behrens Steve B. , Deren Matthew E. , Blaine Theodore A.
Published: February 2013

Chronic lateral epicondylitis is a common painful condition affecting the elbow. Many treatments have been proposed to alleviate the pain. Surgical treatment options include open, arthroscopic, and percutaneous debridement techniques, while nonoperative modalities have traditionally included physical therapy, bracing, and cortisone injections. Platelet-rich plasma injections have recently gained popularity as an additional treatment option, with early reports of success in elite athletes. The largest study of platelet-rich plasma injections for treatment of lateral epicondylitis showed improvement by platelet-rich plasma compared to corticosteroid injections. This article presents a case of a 55-year-old right-hand-dominant woman with bilateral lateral epicondylitis refractory to multiple corticosteroid injections and physical therapy, treated with platelet-rich plasma injection in the right elbow and concomitant arthroscopic extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon release and debridement in the left elbow. At 4-month follow-up, her visual analog scale was 80/100 in the elbow receiving platelet-rich plasma compared to 10/100 on her operative side, and platelet-rich plasma treatment was considered a failure. The patient then underwent arthroscopic debridement of the right elbow for recalcitrant pain. At 1-year follow-up, both elbows were improved after operative treatment (visual analog scale 10/100 right and 0/100 left), consistent with several studies that have reported improvements from arthroscopic extensor carpi radialis brevis debridement as high as 95%. In our experience, arthroscopic extensor carpi radialis brevis debridement is a safe and efficacious method for treating chronic lateral epicondylitis. Further studies are required to define the role of platelet-rich plasma injections in the treatment of this condition.
Implementing a Nursing Civility Code: Implications for Education
Authors: Williams Susan C. , Lauerer Joy
Published: February 2013

This article provides an overview of one nursing department’s experience with implementation of a formalized civility code to address increasing incidents of incivility within the classroom and educational environment. The plan-do-study-act improvement model is used as a framework to describe the process. Discussion of next steps in the improvement process relates to three key elements: theoretical and technical aspects, faculty modeling, and policy and procedure development.
Control and Conversion of Solar Power
Authors: Guo Liping
Published: February 2013

Solar energy conversion is one of the most addressed topics in the field of renewable energy. Solar radiation is usually converted into two forms of energy: thermal and electrical energy. Solar electricity has applications in many systems such as rural electricity, water pumping, and satellite communications. A solar power system consists of solar panels, dc-dc converters, controller, and load. Charging a rechargeable battery requires a regulated dc voltage. However, the voltage supplied by a solar panel can vary significantly depending upon the day, time, weather condition, and irradiation from the sun. Since solar power is unregulated, it cannot be supplied to the load directly. Solar power is harvested and stored by charging rechargeable batteries. A dc-dc converter is connected between the solar panel and the battery to charge the battery with a regulated voltage. Therefore, solar power can be properly converted and controlled to provide required electrical power to the load, and excessive power can be sent back to the electrical grid.
CuInGaSe Based Thin Films for Photovoltaic Solar Cells
Authors: Efstathiadis Harry , Filios Adam
Published: February 2013

This chapter mainly focuses on two promising technologies, Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) and nanocrystalline silicon solar cells. Heterojunctions based on CIGS have been studied for several years, and have shown very stable performance in field tests.