bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The practice of using a domestic antiviral drug in the etiotropic therapy of acute respiratory viral infection
Authors: Lioznov D. A. , Tokin I. I. , Zubkova T. G. , Sorokin P. V.
Published: February 2021

Aim.Evaluation of efficacy, safety, tolerability, and determination of the optimal dose of riamilovir in patients diagnosed with acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI).
Materials and methods.The study included 270 patients with uncomplicated ARVI of mild and moderate severity (with a laboratory-confirmed PCR method for the presence of ARVI antigens, absence of influenza virus antigens). Patients were included in the study after signing an informed consent. Patients were randomized into 3 groups in a 1:1:1 ratio of 90 patients in each group. Completed the study in accordance with the Protocol: 267 patients. The study involved patients diagnosed with ARVI.
Results.Confirmed the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the drug riamilovir. Adverse drug reactions associated, in the opinion of the doctor, with taking the drug and resulting in discontinuation of the drug, were not noted in this study.
Conclusion.As a result of clinical study, the effectiveness of both ARVI treatment regimens with drug riamilovir has been shown. There were no differences in the effectiveness and safety of the proposed treatment regimens. Practical use of both treatment regimens is recommended. However, according to the authors, taking the drug 3 times a day is much more convenient for patients, improves the quality of life and adherence to therapy.
Insulin therapy is a personalized approach to glycemic management in diabetes
Authors: Demidova T. Yu. , Titova V. V.
Published: February 2021

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and varying degrees of insulin resistance and insulinopenia. Achieving targeted glycemic control in diabetic patients is important to reduce the risk of late complications, and many patients with type 2 diabetes ultimately require insulin therapy to maintain adequate glycemic control. Timely administration of insulin can prevent the progression of diabetes, reduce the development of complications, and have fewer side effects. Basal insulin is the preferred option in most cases when glycemic control is not achieved. However, there is considerable therapeutic inertia in clinical practice, both with respect to initiation of insulin therapy and titration of the basal insulin dose. The longer duration of action, reduced glucose variability and a lower risk of hypoglycemia seen with the latest generation of basal insulin analogs compared to the previous generation simplify titration and may increase patient compliance.
Resected bowel syndrome: clinical course and treatment options
Authors: Hatkov I. E. , Kuzmina T. N. , Sabelnikova E. A. , Parfenov A. I.
Published: February 2021

The current concepts of the short bowel syndrome and malabsorption after intestinal surgery are generally accepted, but do not fully reflect the patients condition, making it difficult to diagnose and treat it.
Aim.The purpose of the study is to analyze the clinical course of the patients after bowel resection, to create a classification based on the variants identified to allow for a differentiated treatment and to introduce the concept of the resected bowel syndrome.
Materials and methods.We observed 239 patients (96 men and 143 women) aged 18 to 80 who underwent intestinal resection for 1 month to 16 years (from 2002 to 2018). The 1st group included 96 patients with small bowel resection (40 men and 56 women). The 2nd group included 39 men and 58 women with small bowel resection, including the resection of the ileocecal valve and the right-hand side of the colon (n=97). The 3rd group included 17 men and 29 women with the resection of the right-hand side of the colon or colectomy (n=46). The survey included the NRS-2002 (Nutritional Risk Screening 2002) screening test to identify nutritional risk, a clinical assessment of the symptoms that occurred after the surgery, instrumental methods (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy with biopsy, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity organs and the kidneys, a plain radiography of the abdominal cavity organs, an X-ray examination of the small intestine and the intestinal passage), serum citrulline and short-chain fatty acids in faeces.
Results.Based on the analysis of the clinical symptoms and the nutritional status of the patients, a new concept is proposed the resected bowel syndrome with two variants of its progression: either with or without the development of nutritional insufficiency of three types: the dehydration type, the protein-energy insufficiency type and a mixed type. Type 1 requires the use of antimicrobials with the control of SCFA concentrations in faeces. Type 2 requires the introduction of an optimal amount of easily digestible protein to correct protein-energy deficit. The 3rd (most severe) mixed type requires prescription of a parenteral nutrition component with the control of citrulline concentration in the blood serum.
Conclusion.The proposed concept the resected bowel syndrome makes it possible to improve its diagnosis, take into account the variants of its progression and allow for a differentiated treatment.
Immunosuppressive therapy as a risk factor for new-onset diabetes after transplantation
Authors: Allazova S. S. , Novikova M. S. , Kotenko O. N. , Shilov E. M.
Published: February 2021

Aim.To analyze the modes of immunosuppressive therapy as a risk factor for new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) in kidney recipients.
Materials and methods.The retrospective analysis included data from 1367 recipients (755 men and 612 women) who lived more than one year after NODAT and were observed at the Moscow City Nephrology Center from January 1989 to December 2018. NODAT was established for 178 (13%) patients based on criteria from the World Health Organization and the American Diabetes Association. The modes of immunosuppressive therapy using cyclosporin A (CSA), tacrolimus (Tac), mTOR inhibitors, glucocorticoids in patients with NODAT and without NODAT were evaluated. To assess the impact of risk factors, descriptive statistics methods were used, the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.
Results.NODAT was diagnosed in 105 men and 73 women. The OR for men was 1.19 (95% CI 0.871.64), the OR for women was 0.84 (95% CI 0.611.15). At the time of transplantation, the average age of the kidney recipients in the NODAT group was higher than in the group without NODAT: 51 [43; 57] and 43 [32; 52] years, respectively (p=0.0001). Most patients with NODAT (82%) were older than 50 years, while in the group without NODAT, the proportion of patients of the same age was 48.5% (p=0.0001). Among patients without NODAT, transplantation of a kidney from a living donor was significantly more often compared with the group with NODAT+ (7.1% vs 1.1%;p=0.001). Among the recipients who received the regimen with CSA, diabetes developed in 75 (42.1%), those who received Tac in 102 (57.3%;p0.05). The chance (risk of development) of NODAT in patients receiving i-mTOR + Tac was 3.2 (95% CI 1.476.78;p=0.032), and for patients receiving i-mTOR + cyclosporin A, the chance of development NODAT was 1.95 (95% CI 0.884.35;p=0.044).
Conclusion.13% of recipients developed de novo kidney diabetes after allograft. Age at the time of allotransplantation, gender, as well as the use of tacrolimus in combination with i-mTOR are the most significant risk factors for the development of NODAT.
Diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Galstyan G. M. , Klebanova E. E.
Published: February 2021

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare, life-threatening disease, disease, characterised by microangiopathic hemolytic anaemia, consumption thrombocytopenia, and organ dysfunction. The pathogenesis of TTP is attributed to the deficiency in the activity of the metalloproteinase ADAMTS13, specific von Willebrand factor cleaving protease. TTP is suspected when detecting microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, damage to various organs. Diagnosis of TTP is confirmed by the detection of ADAMTS13 activity in plasma less than 10%. Plasma samples for the study of ADAMTS13 activity should be taken before the start of plasma transfusions or plasma exchange. In patients with severe ADAMTS-13 deficiency autoantibodies anti-ADAMTS13 and inhibitor ADAMTS13 should be investigated. Anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies belonging to IgG not always have inhibitory effects. The inhibitory effect of anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies is confirmed by mixing test. All patients with the first established diagnosis of TTP should be examined for mutations of the ADAMTS13 gene.
Association of rs3025058 polymorphism with the development of stroke in patients with cardiovascular pathology
Authors: Nikulina S. Yu. , Shulman V. A. , Chernova A. A. , Prokopenko S. V. , Nikulin D. A. , Platunova I. M. , Tretyakova S S. , Semenchukov A. A. , Marilovtseva O. V. , Lebedeva I. I. , Maksimov V. N. , Gurazheva A. A.
Published: February 2021

Aim.To study the association of single-nucleotide polymorphismrs3025058(5а/6а) with the development of stroke in patients of the East Siberian population with cardiovascular pathology and risk factors for its development.
Materials and methods.The study involved 260 patients with stroke (age [57.0; 51.062.0]) and 272 patients of the control group (age [55.0; 51.062.0]). Among the patients who underwent stroke, 157 men and 103 women. The control group included 170 men and 102 women. The examination of the main group included: collection of complaints, anamnesis, clinical examination, computed tomography of the brain, electrocardiography, echocardioscopy, ultrasound duplex scanning of the extracranial brachiocephalic arteries, 24-hour monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate, analysis of the blood coagulation system. The patients of the main group had the following cardiovascular pathology and risk factors: arterial hypertension, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis of extracranial brachiocephalic arteries, disorders of the hemostasis system. The control group was examined within the framework of the international project HAPIEE. Molecular genetic research was carried out by real-time PCR. Statistical processing of the material was carried out using the Statistica for Windows 7.0, Excel and SPSS 22 application software.
Results.The study established statistically significant associations between the 5a/5a genotype and the 5a allele and stroke in the general group of patients, as well as in the subgroup of men, subgroups of patients with extracranial brachiocephalic arteries atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia. In the subgroup of patients with cardiac arrhythmias, statistically significant results were obtained only for allele 5a, and in the subgroup of women with stroke, subgroups of patients with arterial hypertension and hypercoagulation, no significant associations ofrs3025058(5a/6a) polymorphism with stroke were found.
Conclusion.Genotype 5a/5a and allele 5a of the single-nucleotide polymorphismrs3025058(5а/6а) increase the risk of stroke in individuals from the East Siberian population, including those in the presence of such risk factors as extracranial brachiocephalic arteries atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia.
Contrast-associated acute kidney injury in patients with arterial hypertension and coronary artery disease and its long-term prognosis
Authors: Mironova Olga Iu. , Fomin Viktor V.
Published: February 2021

Background. Arterial hypertension (AH) is frequently associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), especially in older patients and patients with comorbidities. Kidneys eliminate the contrast media after percutaneous coronary interventions and are considered target organs of AH, what makes the research of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) and its long-term prognosis important topics for the researchers nowadays.
Aim. To assess the incidence of CA-AKI in patients with CAD and AH and its prognostic significance.
Materials and methods. 435 patients with stable CAD and AH and indications for studies with intraarterial iodine contrast media administration were included in the prospective open observational cohort study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04014153) with a follow-up period more than 5 years. CI-AKI was defined as the 25% rise (or 0.5 mg/dl) of serum creatinine from baseline assessed 48 hours after administration of contrast media. The primary endpoint was CI-AKI according to KDIGO criteria. The secondary endpoints were total mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, acute decompensation of heart failure, coronary artery bypass grafting, repeat percutaneous coronary intervention.
Results. Most of the patients, included in the study, were overweight (BMI 29.14.8 kg/m2) males. 88 (20.2%) patients suffered from diabetes mellitus and 3.9% had heart failure. The mean volume of contrast media administered was 236.690.2 ml. The rate of CA-AKI was 82 (18.9%) cases. The cardiovascular mortality rate was 3.9%, myocardial infarction 9.4%, stroke 2.5%, acute decompensation of heart failure 9.7%.
Conclusion. The rate of CA-AKI in patients with stable CAD and AH is slightly higher than in patients without such a combination of diseases. There is a trend towards better survival free of myocardial infarction, stroke or acute decompensation of heart failure in patients without CA-AKI.
Efficacy and safety of using a fixed-dose combination of azilsartan medoxomil and chlorthalidone in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhernakova Juliya V. , Chazova Irina E.
Published: February 2021

All resent international and national guidelines for the treatment of patients with arterial hypertension offer a unified approach to the prescription of antihypertensive therapy. The vast majority of patients, including those with diabetes mellitus, require combined drugs. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers, calcium channel blockers or diuretics are recommended as first-line therapy. The requirements for diuretics which can be used in this category of patients are especially strong. If patients with diabetes mellitus need diuretics as part of their antihypertensive therapy, thiazide-like diuretics should be preferred. Edarbi Clo, which is a fixed-dose combination of angiotensin receptor blocker azilsartan medoxomil and thiazide-like diuretic chlorthalidone met all these requirements. Along with its strong antihypertensive effect, Edarbi Clo has a beneficial effect on metabolism parameters, inflammation parameters and prevents damage to target organs, which makes it possible to recommend it as a drug of choice in this category of patients.
Political Disagreement and Minimal Epistocracy
Authors: Gibbons Adam F.
Published: February 2021

Despite their many virtues, democracies suffer from well-known problems with high levels of voter ignorance. Such ignorance, one might think, leads democracies to occasionally produce bad outcomes. Proponents of epistocracy claim that allocating comparatively greater amounts of political power to citizens who possess more politically relevant knowledge may help us to mitigate the bad effects of voter ignorance. In a recent paper, Julian Reiss challenges a crucial assumption underlying the case for epistocracy. Central to any defence of epistocracy is the conviction that we can identify a body of political knowledge which, when possessed in greater amounts by voters, leads to substantively better outcomes than when voters lack such knowledge. But it is not possible to identify such a body of knowledge. There is simply far too much controversy in the social sciences, and this controversy prevents us from definitively saying of some citizens that they possess more politically relevant knowledge than others. Call this the Argument from Political Disagreement. In this paper I respond to the Argument from Political Disagreement. First, I argue that Reiss conflates social-scientific knowledge with politically relevant knowledge. Even if there were no uncontroversial social-scientific knowledge, there is much uncontroversial politically relevant knowledge. Second, I argue that there is some uncontroversial social-scientific knowledge. While Reiss correctly notes that there is much controversy in the social sciences, not every issue is controversial. The non-social-scientific politically relevant knowledge and the uncontroversial social-scientific knowledge together constitute the minimal body of knowledge which epistocrats need to make their case.
Evaluation of microbial contamination level and the drug susceptible pattern of the isolates cultivated from famous dessert food
Authors: Akter T. , Ishma T. , Razzeb S.R. , Uddin S.H.M. , Islam M. , Saha S. , Shomi F.Y. , Feroz F. , Acharjee M.
Published: February 2021

Present study endeavored to evaluate the microbial contamination level along with their
drug resistant pattern in some popular desert food items collected from different food
shops in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. The microbial evaluation was conducted through
conventional cultural methods and drug susceptibility test was executed through disc
diffusion method. All the samples were found to be contaminated with heterotrophic
bacteria as well as fungi within the range of 103
to 105 CFU/g. In case of specific
microflora, the growth of Staphylococcus spp. was very high in sweet, faluda, milk cake
and ice cream as estimated up to 105 CFU/g, halua and sweet yogurt showed 104 CFU/g
while rest of the samples revealed 103 CFU/g. E. coli was found only in faluda and ice
cream up to 103 CFU/g whereas Klebsiella spp. was estimated in all the samples within the
range of 102 CFU/g to 105 CFU/g. Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp.
were totally absent in all the samples. Most of the isolates were found to be resistant
against most of the antibiotics. Meanwhile, streptomycin (10 µg), gentamicin (10 µg),
azithromycin (15 µg), and nalidixic acid (5 µg) were effective drug against both E. coli
and Staphylococcus spp.
PEMANFAATAN LINGKUNGAN SEBAGAI SUMBER BELAJAR ANAK SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Wulandari Fajar
Published: February 2021

Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kajian lieratur, yang mengkaji tentang sumber belajar, terutama lingkungan sebagai media belajar bagi siswa di kalangan sekolah dasar. Lingkungan merupakan objek belajar yang dapat dilihat langsung oleh siswa dan dapat ditunjukan kepada siswa secara langsung pula. pemanfaatkan lingkungan sekitar sebagai sumber belajar, maka diharapkan dapat membantu dalam peningkatan mutu pembelajaran siswa dalam proses pembelajaran. Sumber belajar sebagaimana diketahui adalah sarana atau fasilitas pendidikan yang merupakan komponen penting guna terlaksananya proses belajar mengajar di sekolah, khususnya di lingkungan anak sekolah dasar. Berdasarkan hasil analisis yang dilakukan oleh peneliti dengan mengumpulkan data sekunder melalui jurnal-jurnal penelitian terdahulu menunjukkan bahwa media ajar melalui lingkungan memberikan rangsangan positif kepada siswa untuk dapat mudah memahami materi ajar khususnya pada materi yang bertema lingkungan dan menunjukkan nilai yang tinggoi pada beberapa jurnal yng dianalisis pada siswa di sekolah dasar
Kajian Tingkat Kepuasan Pengguna Jalur Penyeberangan Orang (JPO) pada Central Business District (CBD) Surabaya
Authors: Pattisinai Amanda Ristriana , Widayanti Fitri Rohmah , Nadiar Feriza
Published: February 2021

Berjalan sangat penting untuk mengakses transportasi umum. Sebelumnya, menyelidiki kepuasan berjalan dilakukan dengan skema nyata. Tetapi sekarang pejalan kaki tidak hanya dilihat sebagai orang yang menggunakan fasilitas ini setiap hari. Melalui penilaian pengguna Jalur Penyeberangan Orang (JPO), kita dapat memahami faktor mana yang lebih (atau kurang) penting dan signifikan. Elemen-elemen yang dibahas dalam penelitian ini adalah elemen kepuasan berjalan, yaitu keselamatan, keamanan, kenyamanan, kontinuitas, kenyamanan, koherensi sistem, dan daya tarik. Untuk mengeksplorasi ini, kami mensurvei Jalan Basuki Rahmad, Surabaya, Indonesia sebagai Central Business District (CBD) (N = 120). Metode yang digunakan adalah Importance - Performance Analysis (IPA) yang merupakan ukuran tingkat kepuasan layanan yang masuk kuadran pada peta Importance Performance Matrix. Dalam metode ini, perlu untuk mengukur tingkat kesesuaian untuk mengetahui seberapa besar pengguna merasa puas dengan kinerja jembatan penyeberangan. Faktor yang paling membuat pengguna tidak puas adalah B2 yaitu lampu yang menyala di malam hari, diikuti oleh D1 (pegangan tangan di Jembatan Pedestrian yang mudah dijangkau dan tidak berkarat) dan D5 (Bangunan yang dapat mengurangi getaran saat kendaraan melaju kencang) diatasnya.
Kajian Peningkatan Keselamatan Pada Simpang Dengan Menerapkan Ruang Henti Khusus Sepeda Motor (Studi Kasus Simpang Empat Bersinyal Srikandi Kabupaten Pasuruan)
Authors: Muryanto Dwi , Suryoatmojo Yordan
Published: February 2021

Pasuruan merupakan salah satu kabupaten di provinsi Jawa Timur yang saat ini mengalami pertumbuhan penduduk dan ekonomi yang cukup tinggi. Salah satu simpang yang terpengaruh adalah Simpang Empat Srikandi yang berlokasi di Kecamatan Pandaan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kinerja simpang dengan menggunakan perhitungan MKJI 1997 serta menghitung luasan Ruang Henti Khusus (RHK) sepeda motor yang mengacu pada Pedoman Perancangan RHK Sepeda Motor Pada Simpang Bersinyal Di Kawasan Perkotaan. Lengan simpang empat Srikandi yang dikaji adalah Jalan R.A. Kartini dan Jalan A. Yani yang merupakan lengan pendekat terpadat. Metode yang digunakan untuk merencanakan RHK sepeda motor ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kuantitatif dan metode deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil kinerja simpang untuk kondisi eksisting adalah kapasitas pendekat Utara (Jalan Urip Sumoharjo) sebesar 252 smp/jam, panjang antrian 131 m, derajat kejenuhan 0,85. Kapasitas pendekat Timur (Jalan Pahlawan Sunaryo) 265 smp/jam, panjang antrian 146 m, derajat kejenuhan 0,85. Kapasitas pendekat Selatan (Jalan R.A. Kartini) 579 smp/jam, panjang antrian 134 m, derajat kejenuhan 0,85. Kapasitas pendekat Barat (Jalan A. Yani) 730 smp/jam, panjang antrian 104 m, derajat kejenuhan 0,85, sedangkan tundaan rata-rata simpang adalah 59,10 detik/smp. Panjang RHK sepeda motor untuk Jalan R.A. Kartini sepanjang 11,5 meter, sedangkan untuk Jalan A. Yani sepanjang 10,3 meter.
Hydrogen adsorption and storage on palladium-functionalized graphyne and its boron nitride analogue
Authors: Ghiasi R. , Valizadeh A.
Published: February 2021

This study investigates adsorption of a hydrogen molecule on palladium-functionalized graphyne and its boron nitride analogue using the mPW1PW91 functional. The stability of various isomers of hydrogen adsorption are analyzed. The adsorption energy values are estimated in these systems. Changes in the dipole moment and structural parameters are illustrated. Also, a variation in frontier orbital energy and HOMO—LUMO gap values are revealed. A charge transfer between fragments is exemplified by the electrophilicity-based charge transfer (ECT). Recovery times of the hydrogen molecule in the studied systems are calculated. Also, field emission properties of the studied system are illustrated.
Новые металл-органические координационные полимеры из предсинтезированных гетерометаллических пивалатных комплексов: синтез и кристаллическая структура
Authors: Дудко Е.Р. , Сапьяник А.А. , Самсоненко Д.Г. , Федин В.П.
Published: February 2021

В результате взаимодействия гетерометаллического пивалатного комплекса состава [Li2Zn2(Py)2(piv)6] (piv– — пивалат-анион, Py — пиридин) с раствором нафталин-1,4-дикарбоновой кислоты (H2ndc) в DMF получен гетерометаллический металл-органи­ческий координационный полимер (МОКП) (H2NMe2)[Li5Zn4(DMF)2(Hndc)2(ndc)6]·11DMF·2H2O (1), диметиламмоний образуется в результате гидролиза DMF. В ходе синтеза наблюдается как сложная фрагментация, так и полное сохранение исходного тетраядерного гетерометаллического фрагмента {Li2Zn2}. При взаимодействии того же молекулярного комплекса с раствором нитротерефталевой кислоты (H2NO2-bdc) образуется МОКП (H2NMe2)[LiZn(NO2-bdc)2]·0.5DMF·0.5H2O (2), в котором наблюдается частичное разрушение исходного каркаса с формированием биядерного блока {LiZn}. При взаимодействии гетерометаллического комплекса состава [Zn2Eu(phen)2(OH)(piv)4(NO3)2] (phen — фенантролин) с раствором 1,3,5-бензолтрикарбоновой кислоты (H3btc) в DMF получен гомометаллический координационный полимер [Zn3(phen)3(btc)2]·DMF·3H2O (3), при этом наблюдается полное разложение трехъядерного гетерометаллического фрагмента.
Конформационный дуализм дипиридилзамещеного формамидина
Authors: Сухих Т.С. , Колыбалов Д.С. , Баширов Д.А. , Громилов С.А. , Конченко С.Н.
Published: February 2021

Получена новая полиморфная β-модификация N,N'-ди(пиридин-2-ил)формамидина, более термодинамически стабильная по отношению к известной α-модификации. В кристалле β-модификации присутствуют связанные парной водородной связью димеры молекул, имеющие скрученную геометрию, поэтому пространственная группа нецентросимметрична — P42. Такая геометрия — следствие реализации E-син,син конформации молекулы в кристаллах β-фазы, отличающейся от E-анти,син конформации в α-фазе. Число кристаллографически неэквивалентных молекул (8) в β-модификации необычно большое для органических соединений. Проведен анализ упаковки структуры, показано, что центры димеров следуют узлам искаженной объемно-центрированной кубической псевдорешетки (Ат ≈ 10 Å, αт = 90°) с уменьшенным в 16 раз объемом примитивной ячейки. Рассмотрены причины нарушения симметрии, приводящие к появлению модуляции.
Analysis and Repair of Vestmoen Bridge
Authors: Toverud Lars , Magerøy Tønnessen Aja Anta
Published: February 2021

Vestmoen Bridge at Oslo Airport Gardermoen was constructed in 1995. During construction cracks
were discovered in the bottom surface of the girder in one of the spans when scaffolding was
removed. This was the first incident in a series caused by inadequate design. The design had to be
revised several times during the construction period in due cooperation between the designer, the
owner and the contractor in order to get a satisfactory result for the Road Administration.
Improving Structural Safety in the Alteration and Refurbishment of Old Buildings
Authors: Oloke David
Published: February 2021

Building alteration and refurbishment continue to dominate the construction activities in the UK
and many developed economies. This is because the need to upgrade older buildings to achieve
better functional usage and energy (or even) structural performance standards are continuously
required. However, due to the fact that in many cases, such older buildings usually have very little
information available on the as-built (or historical modification) status; there is a need to plan the
proposed works effectively to ensure that health and safety is not compromised in any way.
Structural safety must be assessed before, during and after the works and the need to incorporate
this into the work programme is highly essential. This research examines some recent projects in
the UK where the author was consultant structural engineer and researcher. It explores the methods
used to ensure that structural safety is achieved throughout the works. These principles were
incorporated into the project cycles involving the: brief, initial assessment, initial design, initial strip
out, construction stage 1, complementary designs, construction stage 2 and project completion and
hand over. This strategy is innovative as it facilitated an integrated and systematic approach to the
use of risk assessment for structural safety in the light of the dynamic nature of construction
refurbishment sites. Key learning points are discussed with a view to contribute to knowledge and
engender wider debate in the development of current Guides and Approved Codes of Practice.
Issues for further research are also highlighted.
Shortsighted Leadership in Construction
Authors: Sarlos Peter
Published: February 2021

Over the past 50 years there has been a significant decline in the quality of constructed outcomes
in the Australian building industry. The decline can be readily attributed structural changes in
project delivery methodologies that have been brought about by the focus of some industry
participants on time, cost and profit at the expense of quality, durability and the project
encapsulated environmental health. The changes have been stimulated by legislative changes that
have increased the complexity of compliance while at the same time reducing the oversight of work
to ensure compliance. A striking impact of these changes has been to force changes to the
leadership of the project delivery process where the focus of the effort is on project economics to
the exclusion of meeting the project brief and the projects long term durability.
A simplified method for evaluation of robustness of bridges
Authors: Kainulainen Martyna
Published: February 2021

Many theoretical methods for assessing robustness introduced so far, due to their complexity,
appear to be almost impossible to use in practical design. Therefore, the present study proposes
a simplified method for evaluation of the robustness of bridges.
In the proposed methods two strategies for providing robustness are utilised: increasing local
resistance in order to prevent the key element from failing; increasing damage tolerance by
providing redundancy in order to recompense failure of the element. Accordingly, two separate
approaches for evaluating bridge robustness are introduced. Both of them are based on a rating
system, where each evaluated component is assigned with a partial factor, which value can vary
from 0 to 10. Next, in each approach, all points from partial factors are summed up. The
robustness of the bridge can be evaluated by comparing the final value with possible minimum
and maximum values.
The proposed evaluation method has been implemented in a case study: 118,8 m long four spans
prestressed concrete girder overpass. The method appears to be promising in estimating the
robustness level in considered bridges. Furthermore, it can provide assistance in identification of
the components of the bridge that contribute to its local resistance and redundancy level.
Structural robustness at the conceptual stage
Authors: Deschuyteneer Aurélie , Zastavni Denis
Published: February 2021

The aim of this paper is to develop a complementary method to the numerical approaches proposed in the literature on the subject, which will help in assessing the constitutive dimensions of structural robustness at the conceptual stage. Based on geometrical thinking, this method defines robustness as the ability of a structure to maximise the rearrangement of its internal forces. This can be expressed graphically by admissible geometrical domains. The purpose and extent of this new approach are summarised and illustrated by the detailed robustness analysis of two case studies. The areas obtained for the admissible geometrical domains are then compared with values of the minimal load path and with structural stiffness, in order to decide on the right modelling strategy.
An innovative methodology to determine the partial load factor for prestressing in cable supported bridges
Authors: Carlucci Alberto , Pahisa Mariona , Moneypenny Kelvin
Published: February 2021

The design of cable supported bridges of short to medium spans requires the resolution of how to separate the load and effect of the major components of permanent loading: Gravity and Prestressing.

The Eurocode allows to use the same Ultimate Limit State factor for the Gravity “G” and the Prestressing “P” for flexible bridges and prescribes to use different factors for stiff bridges. However, there is no clear definition in the Eurocode of when a bridge can be considered flexible.

The paper introduces the concept of the Stay Force Response Index (SFRI) to define the degree of flexibility of the bridge and describes a method for the definition of the prestressing partial factor derived through a parametric analysis of concrete cable supported bridge.

This method, which is generally applicable beyond the Eurocode, would allow the designer to have the confidence in undertaking optimized hence, more economic and more sustainable designs.
Lateral Bending and Torsion Buckling Analysis of Jiujian Yangtze River Arch-Stiffened Truss Bridge
Authors: Huang Dongzhou
Published: February 2021

Jiujiang Yangtze River Bridge is a double-deck highway and railway bridge over Yangtze River, the longest river in China. The central segment is a three-span continuous arch-stiffened truss structure with a longest span of 216 meters and maximum bridge height of 64 meters. This bridge is one of the longest continuous truss bridges in the world. Due to its high rise and long span length, the bridge lateral torsion bending buckling is of special concern. The purpose of the study presented here is to investigate the lateral buckling strength of the bridge. As there are numerous truss members, a new model for analyzing the buckling behaviors was developed. First, the truss and the arch are transformed into a continuous thin-wall structure and the rigidity of the cross-frame is distributed uniformly over its spacing. Then the simulated thin wall structure is further divided into a number of generalized arch-beam elements in the bridge longitudinal direction. The proposed model significantly reduces the number of finite elements and simplifies the input and output data files and engineers can quickly identify the main function of each type of member and improve their designs. The analytical results show that the proposed method provides good accuracy and that the most economical way to increase the bridge lateral buckling strength is to increase the lateral shear stiffness of the bridge arch portals. The proposed method and analytical results can be used in arch-truss bridge design and analysis.
Structural Configuration of Cable-stayed Suspension Bridge from Aerodynamic Stability Point of View
Authors: Katsuchi Hiroshi , Yamada Hitoshi , Imai Junya
Published: February 2021

Structural configuration of a cable-stayed suspension bridge with the main span length of 2,500m was analytically studied from aerodynamic stability point of view. Effects of cable-stayed section length, tower height and safety factor of cables were investigated. As a result, the lower tower height and smaller safety factors make the cable-stayed suspension bridge advantageous to the same scale suspension bridge in terms of the structural weight and flutter critical wind speed.
Why strengthen? Repair mitigation with finite element assessment
Authors: Oliveira Alexandre , Wojnarski Lukasz Leszek
Published: February 2021

The use of finite element analysis in bridge assessment is presented as a refined method to assess the structural capacity of bridges and their components, as compared to the use of resistance expressions prescribed by structural design standards. Case studies of the application of the methodology presented in this paper to historical steel bridges are presented. The majority of structural components, which had previously been assessed insufficient against structural codes, were assessed with significantly improved capacities by employing advanced finite element analysis. The use of sophisticated analytical methods allowed a reduction in the scope of required strengthening works, eliminating them entirely in some cases.
Bearing capacity of existing bridges - calculations and load tests
Authors: Raunio Heini
Published: February 2021

The Finnish Transport Agency (FTA) has carried out continuous studies on the bearing capacity of bridges. In 2013, the permissible loads were increased and the need for studies became even more urgent. The number of load tests and bearing capacity calculations increased largely. The FTA has made instructions for load capacity calculations that were published earlier this year. New instructions were needed because of the Eurocodes and increased permissible loads. The bearing capacity calculations allow lower safety levels than the design of new structures. With lower safety levels, more capacity can be taken into account and fewer bridges have to be limited or strengthened for heavier vehicles. In addition to the calculations, the FTA has done several load tests for bridges. The tests have been done to ensure the capacity of tested bridges to allow bigger loads without strengthening, or verifying after strengthening that there is an increase of capacity.
Recalculation and strengthening of the double arch bridge
Authors: van Alphen Sander , Steenbrink Arjen , Blom Anne , Hesselink Bert , Snijder Bert
Published: February 2021

Among the Netherlands’ present infrastructure, some bridges do not conform to the prevailing Eurocode for new construction; some steel bridges are showing signs of (fatigue) damage. Over recent years, the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management (RWS) has been engaged in renovating the most critical bridges of the Netherlands, one bridge at a time. RWS is currently making preparations for the reinforcement of 3 steel bridges along the A27 motorway. Last year, Movares made complete recalculations for these bridges in order to determine what measures are necessary to reinforce them. This paper discusses the Merwede Bridge over the Upper Merwede river.
Fatigue reliability assessment of welded bridge details using probabilistic fracture mechanics
Authors: Leander John , Zamiri Farshid , Al-Emrani Mohammad
Published: February 2021

The safe life method for the fatigue life prediction of steel bridges has for several cases been shown to render misleading results. To improve the accuracy, a probabilistic model based on linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) is suggested. The model is used for a sensitivity analysis on the influence of different modelling options pertinent for a fatigue assessment of bridge details. The influence of material parameters and the crack growth threshold have been investigated. The analyses have been performed for a bridge detail frequently occurring in old steel bridges and a stress range spectrum based on measurements. The results show a significant difference in the estimated fatigue life depending on the modelling options. Furthermore, the omission sensitivity factors have been estimated for the probabilistic model showing the influence of the uncertainties of the variables and which of them that needs to be determined with care.
‘Strengthening by Assessment’ Using Finite Element Approaches – Case Studies of Rail Bridges
Authors: Ilias Panagiotis , Ilias Evangelos , Popotas Vasileios
Published: February 2021

This paper presents the ‘strengthening by assessment’ of bridges achieved by the implementation of finite element techniques. The use of more accurate analysis methods and the implementation of non-linear modelling and functions to better understand buckling modes and the structural behaviour of historic construction details are outlined. Three case studies are presented, demonstrating the effectiveness of the sophisticated Level 2 Assessment methodology using finite element analysis against conservative hand calculation approaches. One rail overbridge and two rail underbridges that did not achieve the required load rating by means of a Level 1 Assessment are examined and the increase in assessed capacities given by the Level 2 Assessment is outlined.
Sustainable strengthening of structures using Ultra High Performance Fibre Reinforced Cement-Based Composites and Computational Verification
Authors: Martin-Sanz Henar , Egger Adrian , Chatzi Eleni , Brühwiler Eugen
Published: February 2021

The aging infrastructure demographic has in recent years led to a series of challenges relating to the monitoring and assessment of existing infrastructure, as well as to development of schemes fostering economical and sustainable infrastructure management. Within this context, Ultra High Performance Fiber Reinforced cement-based Composites (UHPFRC) have surfaced as a highly efficient and sustainable solution for improving existing structures and extending their lifespan.

Of the significant literature that is already available on UHPFRC applications, focus is herein shed on strengthening and rehabilitation of structures. A notable number of concrete structures have already been rehabilitated with UHPFRC, including building and bridge slabs, with further applications currently explored, including strengthening of orthotropic steel decks against fatigue. In materializing such solutions, it is of the essence to establish numerical tools that are capable of accurately simulating this behavior. This paper provides an overview of available approaches for the modelling and simulation of composite elements consisting of reinforced concrete and a layer of UHPFRC in the static and dynamic regime. A computational investigation is further conducted on the simulation of a four-point bending test on a UHPFRC strengthened concrete beam, on the basis of two approaches i) a macro-modeling approach, and ii) a finite element based approach, relying on an appropriate plasticity law. A computational multi-scale approach is finally proposed as a future step to an accelerated nonlinear dynamic structural analysis at a reduced computational cost..
Fatigue Design of Steel Bridges for Finnish Vehicle Traffic
Authors: Leskinen Ville Valtteri , Ryynänen Markus , Lilja Heikki , Tirkkonen Timo
Published: February 2021

Eurocode fatigue load models for bridges have been developed using traffic information gathered from Western and Central European roads. This study was carried out to determine how fatigue loads from Finnish traffic typography compare to the fatigue load models defined in Eurocode. A comparison was made between Eurocode Fatigue Load Model 3 (FLM3) and damage determined from recorded Finnish traffic data. Computer software was developed for the analysis that utilizes the recorded traffic data to determine fatigue damage for selected representative structural details. The results indicate that generally FLM3 provides overly conservative results with the studied bridges, but can also theoretically underestimate fatigue loads when using Finnish traffic typography.
Wanted: a larger, different kind of box
Authors: Martinsson Achi Lina , Tibert Gunnar , Hällgren Mikael
Published: February 2021

To have the ability to “think outside the box” is generally regarded as something positive. At a moment in time when resources are scarce, and the problems facing us are many, innovation and professional excellence becomes a requirement, rather than a matter of choice. At the core of our attempts to come up with new, and better solutions are the digital technologies. Within the structural engineering context, the different types of off-the-shelf packages for finite element analysis play a central role. These “black-box” types of software packages exemplify how user- friendliness may have harmful consequences within a field where knowledge and the successful mastery of relevant skills is key, and consequently- ignorance may lead to fatal results. These tools make any effort “venturing outside” difficult to achieve. A technical paradigm shift is called for-that places learning and creative, informed exploration at the heart of the user experience.
BIM: Design Embedded Simulation of Road Bridges
Authors: Noeldgen Markus , Harder Jennifer
Published: February 2021

The application of Building Information Modeling is rapidly increasing worldwide. As a consequence 3D-CAD models are available in early project phases which give a well representation of the 3D-geometry ready to use for other purposes such as simulations. Why not use them for the preliminary design of the structure like it is done in other industries for many years? The terminus for this kind of simulation was here established as “design embedded simulation”.

This contribution picks up the idea of design embedded simulation for the structural preliminary design of road bridges. It was worked out within a research and development project at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with a structural engineering company, Schüßler-Plan.

A new methodology for design embedded FEM of road bridges is presented which includes three major steps:

An enrichment of the spatially double curved, object based CAD model for FEM simulations by geometrical and statical constraints.

The Finite Element Simulation of the enriched 3D-Model using tetrahedron-elements with a quadratic form function for linear elastic stress analysis.

The application of integration- and design-objects to derive global internal forces for a nonlinear design, according to standard design codes for R/C.

To investigate and prove the concept it was applied to case studies of pre-stressed concrete road bridges to compare the design results (stresses, internal forces, design, effort) to regular simplified FEM.
Challenges applying structural analysis software in a BIM workflow
Authors: Maly Stefan
Published: February 2021

Building Information Modeling (BIM), these words are mostly used to describe a process involving the digital representation of buildings and their associated data in all phases of the building’s life- cycle, from preliminary design to demolition [1]. Focusing on the field of structural engineering, this paper shall present several issues which arise especially when dealing with software during modelling, design and detailing of buildings. The paper shall outline key usability factors for structural software in building design based on one BIM model. Further aspects like specialities in the field of bridge engineering, the increased importance of interfaces for the exchange of structural data and an outlook shall conclude this work.
Probabilistic system identification of spatial distribution of structural parameter using Bayesian network
Authors: Lee Se Hyeok , Song Junho
Published: February 2021

System identification (SI) is a systematic process to estimate structural parameters by minimizing errors between measured and simulated responses of the structure. Existing SI algorithms have been suffering from ill-posedness, a well-known issue in inverse problems. To overcome challenges in SI, this paper investigates the potential use of Bayesian Network (BN) for the purpose of probabilistic identification of structural parameters. The relationships between the nodes in the BN graph are described by the conditional probability tables (CPT) obtained by Monte Carlo simulations of structural analysis. To depict the spatial distribution of deteriorating structural parameter in two-dimension effectively in a BN model, a bi- variate Gaussian function is employed. The performance of the proposed method is tested and demonstrated through comparison with the results by maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) using several assumed scenarios of structural deterioration.
Efficient Methods for Design of Cable Bridge and Roof Structures
Authors: Kulbach Valdek , Öiger Karl
Published: February 2021

Cable-supported structures are special subjects for construction and design. Two types of roof networks are under investigation in our report: 1) networks, formed inside the contour of two inclined planar arches and 2) hypar-formed networks, surrounded by a closed contour ring, having an elliptical form on plan. The methods of analysis, worked out at Tallinn University of Technology [1…5] and partly presented in this report proceed from the conditions of equilibrium and equations of deformation compatibility. In our activities both discrete and continuous models have been used. Calculation models presented below take displacements of the supporting structure into account directly in the equations of deformation compatibility. Recommendations for choice the initial form and dimensions of the network and the contour ring are given. Methods of determination of inner forces and deflections for the network and the contour ring are presented. In this report the key formulas for suspension bridges are given.