bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineral Nutrition of Young Ash in Latvia
Authors: Čekstere Gunta , Osvalde Anita , Laiviņš Māris
Published: August 2016

The research objectives were: 1) to determine healthy young ash supply with nutrients and their concentrations in natural growth conditions; 2) to estimate nutrient balance and inter-correlations within a system “soil-plants”; and 3) to determine the potential effect of environmental conditions (forest type, plant phytosociological group, soil group, etc.) on nutrient accumulation in soil and leaves of young ash. The investigation was conducted in 28 different forest sites with young ash in Latvia. The results demonstrated that young ash grows well on a wide range of site types in terms of soil composition, forest type and phytosociological tree group. Although highly heterogeneous, soil in ash stands in Latvia can provide a sufficient supply of nutrients. Therefore, the nutrient status of healthy young ash leaves can be characterized as sufficient, although low levels of P, Zn, and K in leaves was found for most sites. Significant impact of soil group and forest type was found on nutrient composition of ash soil, while leaf nutrient concentrations were more dependent on the forest type and phytosociological tree group. The obtained results confirmed the ability of ash to accumulate nutrients within a certain range from soils of different fertility, organic matter content and soil reaction in Latvia.
Attributes of natural and synthetic materials pertaining to slow-release urea coating industry
Authors: Naz Muhammad Yasin , Sulaiman Shaharin Anwar
Published: August 2016

Urea is one of the spirited input materials for plant growth. However, more than half of conventional urea applied to the soil may not reach the plants and be washed off by rain and irrigation water. The high lost proportion results not only in economic losses but also in environmental pollution. Alleviation in cost and nitrogen pollution is possible by mitigating the nitrogen release rate and synchronizing it with the plant’s need. A wide range of synthetic and natural materials are being tested for production of slow-release fertilizers. Each one of these materials has its own merits, with accompanying disadvantages. This study critically reviews the most featured natural and synthetic materials pertaining to the slow-release urea industry. The focused review was aimed at elaborating the benefits and limitations of polymeric and nonpolymeric coating materials, release mechanism of conventional and coated urea, methods to characterize the coated urea, slow-release characteristics imparted by a coating to the coated urea, and release patterns of conventional and coated urea. This discussion was further extended to commercially available coatings and slow-release potential of superabsorbent, urethane, and starch-based coatings.
Optimization of glucoamylase production by Mucor indicus, Mucor hiemalis, and Rhizopus oryzae through solid state fermentation / Mucor indicus, Mucor hiemalis, ve Rhizopus oryzae tarafından üretien glukoamilazın katı hal fermantasyonu ile optimizasyonu
Authors: Behnam Sanaz , Karimi Keikhosro , Khanahmadi Morteza , Salimian Zahra
Published: August 2016

Objective: Glucoamylase is a hydrolyzing enzyme with several industrial applications. Glucoamylase was produced via a solid state fermentation by three naturally occurring zygomycetes fungi of Mucor indicus, Mucor hiemalis, and Rhizopus oryzae on wheat bran.

Methods: The effects of cultivation temperature, medium moisture content, and cultivation time on the enzyme production were investigated. Experiments were designed with an orthogonal central composite design on the three variables using response surface methodology (RSM).

Results: For glucoamylase production, the optimum temperature and medium moisture content for the three fungi were 26.6°C and 71.8%, respectively. The optimum cultivation time for M. hiemalis and R. oryzae was 33.1 h, while it was 66.8 h for M. indicus. At optimum conditions, glucoamylase production by M. indicus, M. hiemalis, and R. oryzae was respectively 255.3, 272.3, and 1545.3 U per g dry substrate.

Conclusion: R. oryzae is a suitable candidate for industrial production of glucoamylase.
miR‐132 loss de‐represses ITPKB and aggravates amyloid and TAU pathology in Alzheimer's brain
Authors: Salta Evgenia , Sierksma Annerieke , Vanden Eynden Elke , De Strooper Bart
Published: August 2016

microRNA‐132 (miR‐132) is involved in prosurvival, anti‐inflammatory and memory‐promoting functions in the nervous system and has been found consistently downregulated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Whether and how miR‐132 deficiency impacts AD pathology remains, however, unaddressed. We show here that miR‐132 loss exacerbates both amyloid and TAU pathology via inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate 3‐kinase B (ITPKB) upregulation in an AD mouse model. This leads to increased ERK1/2 and BACE1 activity and elevated TAU phosphorylation. We confirm downregulation of miR‐132 and upregulation of ITPKB in three distinct human AD patient cohorts, indicating the pathological relevance of this pathway in AD.
BMP2, 4 and 6 and BMPR1B are altered from early stages of bovine cystic ovarian disease development
Authors: Díaz Pablo U , Hein Gustavo J , Belotti Eduardo M , Rodríguez Fernanda M , Rey Florencia , Amweg Ayelén N , Matiller Valentina , Baravalle María E , Ortega Hugo H , Salvetti Natalia R
Published: August 2016

Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is an important cause of subfertility in dairy cattle. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), mainly BMP2, BMP4 and BMP6, play a key role in female fertility. In this study, we hypothesized that an altered BMP system is associated with ovarian alterations contributing to COD pathogenesis. Therefore, we examined the expression of BMP2, BMP4 and BMP6 and BMP receptor 1B (BMPR1B) in the ovaries of animals with spontaneous or ACTH-induced COD, as well as during the development of the disease, in a model of follicular persistence induced by low doses of progesterone (at 5, 10 and 15 days of follicular persistence). Results showed changes in BMP2, BMP4 and BMP6 expression during folliculogenesis, in granulosa and theca cells in the COD groups, as well as at different stages of follicular persistence. Results also showed changes in BMPR1B expression in developing follicles in animals with COD, and at the initial stages of follicular persistence (P5). Comparison between groups showed significant differences, mainly in BMP4 and BMP6 expression, in granulosa and theca cells of different follicular categories. The expression of these BMPs also increased in cystic and persistent follicles, in relation to antral follicles of the control group. BMPR1B showed high expression in cystic follicles. Together, these results may indicate an alteration in BMPs, especially in BMP4 and BMP6, as well as in BMPR1B, which occurs early in folliculogenesis and incipiently during the development of COD, which could be a major cause of recurrence of this disease in cattle.

Free Spanish abstract: A Spanish translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/152/4/333.abstract.
Effects of neonatal exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide on female rat reproduction
Authors: Ingaramo Paola I , Varayoud Jorgelina , Milesi María M , Schimpf Marlise Guerrero , Muñoz-de-Toro Mónica , Luque Enrique H
Published: August 2016

In this study, we investigated whether neonatal exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) alters the reproductive performance and the molecular mechanisms involved in the decidualization process in adult rats. Newborn female rats received vehicle or 2 mg/kg/day of a GBH on postnatal days (PND) 1, 3, 5 and 7. On PND90, the rats were mated to evaluate (i) the reproductive performance on gestational day (GD) 19 and (ii) the ovarian steroid levels, uterine morphology, endometrial cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle regulators, and endocrine pathways that regulate uterine decidualization (steroid receptors/COUP-TFII/Bmp2/Hoxa10) at the implantation sites (IS) on GD9. The GBH-exposed group showed a significant increase in the number of resorption sites on GD19, associated with an altered decidualization response. In fact, on GD9, the GBH-treated rats showed morphological changes at the IS, associated with a decreased expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, a downregulation of COUP-TFII (Nr2f2) and Bmp2 mRNA and an increased expression of HOXA10 and the proliferation marker Ki67(Mki67) at the IS. We concluded that alterations in endometrial decidualization might be the mechanism of GBH-induced post-implantation embryo loss.
Criança dependente de tecnologia e a demanda de cuidado medicamentoso
Authors: Okido Aline Cristiane Cavicchioli , Cunha Suelen Teles da , Neves Eliane Tatsch , Dupas Giselle , Lima Regina Aparecida Garcia de
Published: August 2016

RESUMO Objetivo: compreender a vivência de mães de crianças dependentes de tecnologia em relação ao cuidado medicamentoso. Método: pesquisa qualitativa do tipo descritivo-exploratória, desenvolvida por meio de entrevistas abertas e aplicação de instrumento estruturado para caracterização, com 12 mães cuidadoras de crianças dependentes de tecnologia durante visita domiciliar. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo indutiva. Resultados: organizados em dois temas: a sobrecarga materna diante do cuidado medicamentoso, que revelou a necessidade da administração de medicamentos de forma contínua e as repercussões desse cuidado exaustivo para as cuidadoras; e as dificuldades e facilidades no acesso aos medicamentos, apontando as estratégias informais e redes de apoio. Conclusão: o cuidado medicamentoso configura-se um desafio diário expresso pela sobrecarga materna e dificuldade de acesso aos medicamentos, potencializado por falhas na constituição da rede de atenção e coordenação do cuidado.
Qualidade de vida profissional de atendentes de central de telecomunicações
Authors: Parise Janaina Amoriele , Soler Zaida Aurora Geraldes Sperli Geraldes
Published: August 2016

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar perfil e qualidade de vida profissional (QVP) de atendentes de uma central de telecomunicações. Método: pesquisa de natureza quantitativa, realizada em uma central de telecomunicações da cidade de São José do Rio Preto - SP, utilizando-se o questionário QVP-35. Resultados: Sobre o perfil: 80,2% mulheres; 66,3% solteiros, escolaridade até ensino médio e 6 horas diárias de trabalho; idade média de 28 anos; 92,9% único emprego e tempo médio de trabalho na empresa de 3 anos. Aspectos positivos da QVP: motivação intrínseca, capacitação para o trabalho, recursos disponíveis e apoio social. Aspectos negativos da QVP: carga de trabalho e apoio organizacional. Conclusão: os dados obtidos apontam necessidade de melhor organização do processo de trabalho dos teleatendentes na empresa e subsidiam outras pesquisas neste contexto.
Consumo alimentar dos portadores de Doença Hepática Gordurosa Não Alcoólica: comparação entre a presença e a ausência de Esteatoepatite Não Alcoólica e Síndrome Metabólica
Authors: CRISPIM Fany Govetri Sena , ELIAS Maria Cristina , PARISE Edison Roberto
Published: August 2016

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o consumo alimentar de portadores de Doença Hepática Gordurosa Não Alcoólica, comparar com as recomendações nutricionais diárias e analisar a correlação da dieta com a presença de Síndrome Metabólica e com a gravidade da doença, uma vez que estudos sobre os hábitos alimentares dos portadores de Doença Hepática Gordurosa Não Alcoólica ainda são escassos na literatura. Métodos Nesse estudo foram avaliados, inicialmente, 158 pacientes com diagnóstico de Doença Hepática Gordurosa Não Alcoólica. Analisou-se exames laboratoriais, biópsia hepática, dados antropométricos e consumo dietético (registro alimentar de três dias). Dentre os pacientes avaliados, alguns já haviam sido orientados nutricionalmente e foram divididos em dois grupos: "sem dieta" e "com dieta". Para o cálculo de comparações de médias entre os grupos estudados, empregou-se o teste t de Student, considerando o nível de significância de 5% (a£0,05). Resultados Do total inicial de participantes, 59 apresentavam modificação significativa da dieta a partir de alguma orientação nutricional prévia e, por isso, foram excluídos da análise. Dos 99 pacientes restantes, quando confrontados com a ingestão dietética recomendada, 26% apresentavam maior ingestão energética e 80%, de ácidos graxos saturados, além de deficiente ingestão de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados e monoinsaturados, fibras e vitamina E, confirmando estudos prévios nessa mesma população. Entretanto, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na dieta desses pacientes quando divididos de acordo com a presença ou ausência de Síndrome Metabólica e Esteatoepatite Não Alcoólica. Conclusão Esses dados, à luz dos conhecimentos atuais, sugerem que a dieta, especialmente quando rica em ácidos graxos saturados e deficiente em fibras e vitaminas antioxidantes, pode ter importante papel no aparecimento da Doença Hepática Gordurosa Não Alcoólica, mas que outros fatores exercem papel mais relevante na sua progressão para a Esteatoepatite Não Alcoólica.
A MILITÂNCIA FEMINISTA NA WEB: O FUNCIONAMENTO DA ARGUMENTAÇÃO EM DISCURSOS SOBRE A VIOLÊNCIA NO PARTO
Authors: Bocchi Aline Fernandes de Azevedo
Published: August 2016

Resumo Neste estudo, são examinadas as categorias discursivas e argumentativas dos discursos feministas militantes, priorizando os metadiscursos léxico-semânticos que textualizam a violência médica contra a mulher durante o parto, ou seja, as formulações linguísticas que materializam o modo como as relações de poder atravessam e constituem esses discursos. Questionam-se, deste modo, as evidências ideologicamente construídas acerca das categorias de violência e militância por meio de uma abordagem discursiva que permite a análise e problematização de discursos designados como feministas e textualizados na materialidade significante digital. O interesse está voltado, principalmente, para o funcionamento das designações e dos testemunhos em blogs militantes considerados lugares de interpretação e reformulação da experiência da violência no espaço digital.
Alzheimer disease neuropathology:understanding autonomic dysfunction
Authors: Engelhardt Eliasz , Laks Jerson
Published: August 2016

Abstract Alzheimer's disease is a widely studied disorder with research focusing on cognitive and functional impairments, behavioral and psychological symptoms, and on abnormal motor manifestations. Despite the importance of autonomic dysfunctions they have received less attention in systematic studies. The underlying neurodegenerative process of AD, mainly affecting cortical areas, has been studied for more than one century. However, autonomic-related structures have not been studied neuropathologically with the same intensity. The autonomic nervous system governs normal visceral functions, and its activity is expressed in relation to homeostatic needs of the organism's current physical and mental activities. The disease process leads to autonomic dysfunction or dysautonomy possibly linked to increased rates of morbidity and mortality. Objective: The aim of this review was to analyze the cortical, subcortical, and more caudal autonomic-related regions, and the specific neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer's disease that affects these structures. Methods: A search for papers addressing autonomic related-structures affected by Alzheimer's degeneration, and under normal condition was performed through MedLine, PsycInfo and Lilacs, on the bibliographical references of papers of interest, together with a manual search for classic studies in older journals and books, spanning over a century of publications. Results: The main central autonomic-related structures are described, including cortical areas, subcortical structures (amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus, brainstem, cerebellum) and spinal cord. They constitute autonomic neural networks that underpin vital functions. These same structures, affected by specific Alzheimer's disease neurodegeneration, were also described in detail. The autonomic-related structures present variable neurodegenerative changes that develop progressively according to the degenerative stages described by Braak and Braak. Conclusion: The neural networks constituted by the central autonomic-related structures, when damaged by progressive neurodegeneration, represent the neuropathological substrate of autonomic dysfunction. The presence of this dysfunction and its possible relationship with higher rates of morbidity, and perhaps of mortality, in affected subjects must be kept in mind when managing Alzheimer's patients.
Association of caregiver demographic variables with neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease patients for distress on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI)
Authors: Godinho Cláudia , Camozzato Analuiza , Kochhann Renata , Chaves Márcia Lorena Fagundes
Published: August 2016

Abstract Behavioral symptoms are frequently observed in Alzheimer's disease patients and are associated to higher distress for patients and caregivers, early institutionalization, worst prognosis and increased care. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of neuropsychiatric symptoms in a sample of Alzheimer's disease patients and to analyze association between caregiver demographic characteristics and patient symptoms. Methods: Sixty Alzheimer's disease patients (NINCDS-ADRDA) and their caregivers were consecutively included in the investigation by the Dementia Outpatient clinic of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) was applied to evaluate behavioral symptoms and their impact upon caregivers. Age, sex, educational attainment, relationship to the patient, and time as caregiver were obtained from all caregivers. Results: Apathy was the symptom responsible for the highest distress level, followed by agitation and aggression. A significant correlation between total severity NPI and distress NPI was observed. None of the caregiver demographic data showed association to distress. The most frequent symptoms were apathy and aberrant motor behavior. Patients' relatives also considered apathy as the most severe symptom, followed by depression and agitation. Conclusions: Apathy was the most frequent and severe neuropsychiatric symptom. No relationship between caregiver demographic characteristics and distress was observed.
Mild behavioral impairment: A prodromal stage of dementia
Authors: Taragano Fernando E. , Allegri Ricardo F. , Lyketsos Constantine
Published: August 2016

Abstract Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was defined by Petersen et al. (1999) as progressive memory loss, a prodrome of Alzheimer's disease. MCI is a well-established entity that can be both a diagnosis in medical practice and a valid target of Alzheimer's prevention therapy. More recently MCI has expanded to include other cognitive domains with other potential causes: amnestic MCI, multiple domains MCI, and single domain non-amnestic MCI. Behavioral symptoms in MCI are associated with a higher risk of dementia, but their association with dementia risk in patients without MCI is unknown. The objective of our paper was to address the question of whether aging patients with behavioral symptoms with or without cognitive impairment represent a population at risk for dementia. Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI) defines a late life syndrome with prominent psychiatric and related behavioral symptoms in the absence of major cognitive symptoms. MBI also appears to be a transitional state between normal aging and dementia. MBI may carry a higher risk for dementia than MCI. A subgroup of MBI patients is likely to exhibit symptoms of a frontotemporal dementia (FTD) prodrome. We proposed 4 subtypes of patients at risk for dementia: amnestic MCI (which is said to progress preferentially to Alzheimer's disease), multiple domain MCI (which may represent normal aging or may progress to vascular cognitive impairment or a neurodegenerative disorder), single domain non-amnestic MCI, and MBI (which may progress to frontotemporal dementia, Lewy Body dementia or Alzheimer's disease). We concluded that MBI is a counterpart of MCI as a transitional state between normal aging and dementia. These findings have implications for early detection, prevention, and treatment of patients with late-life dementia.
Dementia with Parkinson's disease: Clinical diagnosis, neuropsychological aspects and treatment
Authors: Otero Jorge Lorenzo
Published: August 2016

Abstract Dementia with Parkinson's disease represents a controversial issue in the complex group of alpha-synucleinopathies. The author acknowledges the concept of a "continuum" between Parkinson disease's (PD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), and dementia in Parkinson's disease (PDD). However, the practicing neurologist needs to identify the phenotypic signs of each dementia. The treatment and prognosis are different in spite of the overlaps between them. The main aim of this review was to characterize the clinical diagnoses of dementia associated with Parkinson's disease (PDD). Secondarily, the review discussed some epidemiological and neuropsychological issues. Selection of articles was not systematic and reflects the author's opinion, where the main text selected was the recommendations from the Movement Disorder Society Task Force for PDD diagnosis. The Pub Med, OVID, and Proquest data bases were used for the search.
Preparation and evaluation of azithromycin binary solid dispersions using various polyethylene glycols for the improvement of the drug solubility and dissolution rate
Authors: Adeli Ehsan
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT Azithromycin is a water-insoluble drug, with a very low bioavailability. In order to increase the solubility and dissolution rate, and consequently increase the bioavailability of poorly-soluble drugs (such as azithromycin), various techniques can be applied. One of such techniques is "solid dispersion". This technique is frequently used to improve the dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble compounds. Owing to its low solubility and dissolution rate, azithromycin does not have a suitable bioavailability. Therefore, the main purpose of this investigation was to increase the solubility and dissolution rate of azithromycin by preparing its solid dispersion, using different Polyethylene glycols (PEG). Preparations of solid dispersions and physical mixtures of azithromycin were made using PEG 4000, 6000, 8000, 12000 and 20000 in various ratios, based on the solvent evaporation method. From the studied drug release profile, it was discovered that the dissolution rate of the physical mixture, as the well as the solid dispersions, were higher than those of the drug alone. There was no chemical incompatibility between the drug and polymer from the observed Infrared (IR) spectra. Drug-polymer interactions were also investigated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) and Scanning Election Microscopy (SEM). In conclusion, the dissolution rate and solubility of azithromycin were found to improve significantly, using hydrophilic carriers, especially PEG 6000.
Delivering London 2012: master planning
Authors: Nimmo Alison , Frost Jerome , Shaw Steve , McNevin Niall
Published: August 2016

This paper describes the complex process of designing and planning development of the Olympic Park for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and for its immediate conversion after the games. It provides examples of the tests applied to the design process to ensure buildings and infrastructure were designed to meet long-term regeneration ambitions as well as the unique technical requirements for the games. It also describes the way temporary buildings, infrastructure and seating were used to resolve the tension between the short-term needs for the games and the long-term viability of venues and parklands.
Delivering London 2012: environmental management
Authors: Jackson Richard , Bonard Christian
Published: August 2016

The Olympic Park site in east London was fragmented, polluted and divided by pylons and railways. In preparation for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the UK's Olympic Delivery Authority has implemented environmental improvement on a huge scale – including remediating large swathes of the former industrial land, repairing and improving the waterways, removing invasive plants in river and rail corridors, and creating new habitats for native flora and fauna. This paper considers the London 2012 environmental strategy, the challenges in developing and implementing the strategy across the project, the achievements with regard to ecology, air quality, noise and waste, and the lessons which have been learned.
Delivering London 2012: health and safety
Authors: Shiplee Howard , Waterman Lawrence , Furniss Kevin , Seal Ros , Jones Jonathan
Published: August 2016

This paper describes the challenge of managing health and safety during construction of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The workforce on the Olympic Park site in east London peaked at 12 000 and a total of 30 000 people will have worked on the project through its lifetime. Through careful planning, implementation of strategies with a proven track record and clear leadership, the Olympic Delivery Authority managed to achieve an accident frequency rate comparable to the average for all British employment, significantly better than the construction sector. The project's health programme also provided a degree of care and campaigning not previously experienced in construction.
Delivering London 2012: power lines undergrounding
Authors: Twine David , Shiplee Howard , Thurston Mark
Published: August 2016

The complex and challenging project to move two sets of existing power lines from pylons into tunnels was fundamental to unlocking the Olympic Park site for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the first major construction project for the games, the careful planning, collaborative working and innovation used by the project team set a benchmark for all subsequent contracts on the park. This paper describes the fundamentals of the project, which included ten shafts and 13 km of tunnels in difficult ground, as well as the challenges that were overcome and the key features of success.
Reservoir management offers something for all civil engineers
Authors: Hamilton Alexander
Published: August 2016

Alexander Hamilton of Black & Veatch says there is a lot more to reservoir management than safety. Modern reservoirs need to be run as multi-purpose assets beyond their primary functions of water supply, flood mitigation and energy generation − they play a key social and ecological role too.
A graphical method for predicting ground movements from pipe jacking
Authors: Chapman D. N.
Published: August 2016

The need for a relatively simple graphical technique for predicting the likely ground movements caused by pipe-jacking operations is established. The two analysis methods used to derive the graphs are briefly described. The first of these methods is based on the Gaussian distribution curve analysis and the second uses an analysis based on constant volume shearing (termed herein ‘modified Sagaseta analysis’). The derivation of the graphs used for predicting ground movements, based on these two methods, is then discussed. Two graphs are presented: one enables the immediate vertical surface and subsurface ground deformations to be predicted; the other enables the immediate horizontal surface and subsurface deformations to be predicted for a plane perpendicular to the direction of pipe-jacking operations. These two graphs, together with the application notes, allow the complete immediate two-dimensional ground displacement field associated with pipe-jacking operations to be determined. The graphs are applicable to tunnel diameters in the range 0·h.5–3·h.0 m and depths up to 15 m. Good quality field monitoring data associated with pipe-jacking operations are quite limited. However, the accuracy of the graphical method presented in this paper is tested using the data from three instrumented pipe-jacking operations described in the literature. It is shown that the predictions made by the proposed graphical method are reasonable, although there are some anomalous results. It is envisaged that as more field monitoring data become available the graphical method can be updated to incorporate new findings, thereby improving the accuracy of the predictions obtained. The practical need for establishing the ground movements for pipe-jacking operations is shown in terms of the likely effects these movements have on adjacent existing services, such as cast-iron pipelines.
Measurement of temporary prop loads at Mayfair car park
Authors: Richards D. J. , Holmes G. , Beadman D. R.
Published: August 2016

The construction of an underground car park in Park Lane, London using diaphragm walls has provided a further opportunity to investigate the development of loads in temporary props during construction of a braced excavation. Two transverse and two corner props in one half of the symmetrical excavation were monitored using vibrating wire strain gauges incorporating thermistors. The prop temperatures were also monitored independently using an additional set of thermistors attached directly onto the steel prop. The prop loads are presented both with and without correction for temperature effects and are compared with the design loads, which significantly underestimated the effects of temperature on prop loads. The horizontal force parallel to the wall generated by the corner props is assessed and its implications for the design of waling systems are discussed.
The structural performance of flexible pipe for landfill drainage
Authors: Rogers C. D. F.
Published: August 2016

The structural performance of perforated plastic pipelines used for landfill drainage is difficult to predict. This paper aims to describe their structural action on the basis of field measurements, and thereby make recommendations for their design and installation. The key requirements for structural support of buried plastic pipes and development of stable arching are described for both embankment and trench conditions. The most important is the relative stiffness of the pipe surround, which is directly related to the degree of confinement. The ‘ground conditions’ in a landfill, however, are far removed from those of embankment fill, the variable nature of the waste resulting in a complex loading pattern and variable degrees of local confinement. Field measurements of pipes buried in different surround conditions in a landfill as the waste progressively increases in height are reported and compared with laboratory results. The deformed shape in the smaller gravel surrounds was found to differ from that in simulated laboratory tests, although classical theory was found to predict baseline pipe deformations reasonably well. Landfilling practice close to the gravel mounds was found to be critical to pipe performance.
A bright future for Hong Kong’s construction industry
Authors: To Christopher
Published: August 2016

The Construction Industry Council in Hong Kong provides a platform for the many different stakeholders in the region’s construction industry to express their views on the sustainable and long-term development of the industry. The council also works for the betterment of the society as a whole by working towards improvements in construction skills, the safety and welfare of practitioners and workers, environmental awareness, professionalism, efficiency and competitiveness. This paper examines the work undertaken by the council to achieve its vision of driving for unity and excellence in the construction industry of Hong Kong.
Creating inter-tidal and freshwater habitat on a brownfield site
Authors: Latham Dorian , Milburn Chris , Munro Bruce , Wilson John , Sherry Stephen , Baker Katy
Published: August 2016

The Saltern wetlands is a new wildlife habitat in the Tees estuary floodplain near Middlesbrough, north-east England. Created by carefully breaching an existing flood embankment in two places, the managed realignment project is part of the Environment Agency’s tidal flood risk management strategy for the heavily industrialised estuary. Rising sea levels and higher flood defences will lead to a loss of existing mudflats, which are both vitial for wildlife and provide a natural system for nutrient dispersal and cycling. This paper explains the challenges faced in recreating inter-tidal and freshwater habitats in a heavily industrialised environment. It analyses the changes in the site over the first 6 months following the breaches, looking in particular at the development and function of the adjacent creek system, the changing use of the site by birds and other wildlife, and the establishment of the target habitat across the freshwater and inter-tidal areas.
New UK code sets out how to link design, construction and operation through BIM
Authors: Van Sant Kasha
Published: August 2016

BSI has recently published an updated code of practice on how to reinforce the links between design, construction and operation through building information modelling (BIM). Stephanie Kosandiak of BSIand lead technical author Brian Atkin introduce BS 8536-1:2015.
New UK code of practice provides guidance on alliancing and supply chain integration
Authors: Evans Dale
Published: August 2016

Alliancing is a form of collaborative working being adopted in the UK and other countries for more cost-effective delivery of infrastructure. Dale Evans of the Infrastructure Client Group introduces a new UK alliancing code recently launched at the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Innovative design for drainage structure on deep soft ground
Authors: Yang Daiquan , Ameratunga Jay , Dunstan Jacob , Shipway Ian
Published: August 2016

A new northern access road located to the north of the existing Airport Drive on a currently undeveloped area was proposed by Brisbane Airport Corporation to link the new duplicated Gateway Motorway to the Brisbane international and domestic terminals. One of many design and construction challenges faced in this project was to build five drainage structures on deep soft ground at specified locations to enable excavation of a drainage channel underneath the pavement in future, to divert flood water across the alignment without affecting traffic or causing adverse impacts on the structure itself and adjacent embankments. Considering the presence of deep compressible clays, it was critical to employ appropriate ground improvement techniques to reduce in-service settlements along the embankment and in particular adjacent to rigid piled structures. In addition to the appropriate ground treatment, design of cost-effective retaining structures to confine earth behind the abutment piles, with a view to controlling ground displacements and improving long-term stability, also became a critical item to be resolved during the design phase. This paper discusses the design of the structure approaches, the retaining structures and the pile foundations associated with the construction of drainage structure A within the west area of the project.
Tunnelling and compensation grouting at Bond Street, London
Authors: Farrell Ruaidhri P.
Published: August 2016

As part of the London Underground Bond Street station upgrade works, a Costain, Laing O'Rourke and London Underground One team is constructing over 450 m of tunnels using the sprayed concrete lining method. The risk of damage to overlying listed buildings from tunnel-induced settlement was mitigated through, among other measures, the use of compensation grouting. Installation of the compensation grouting array was observed to coincide with settlements of over 10 mm. The source of the settlement is attributed to the wet flush open bore method employed to install the tubes à manchettes. Subsequent heave and building settlements are correlated with changes in pore pressures beneath the array following grouting and tunnelling excavation phases, respectively. It is demonstrated that grouting causes large pore pressure increases which, while dissipating, coincide with ‘relaxation’ settlements. Analysis of surface and subsurface settlements indicates that the staged construction of a large-diameter tunnel reduces the ultimate volume losses. Deformations of the tunnel lining following spraying exceeded 25 mm, although this could not be directly attributed to compensation grouting.
Bearing capacity of precast thin-walled foundation in sand
Authors: Momeni Ehsan , Nazir Ramli , Armaghani Danial Jahed , Sohaie Houman
Published: August 2016

The prime objective of this study is to look at the bearing capacity of a thin-walled spread foundation system in cohesionless soils. In this regard, laboratory-footing load tests were on the aforementioned footing in loose and dense sands. The Johor Bahru sand used is this study was dried and characterised in the laboratory. To investigate the beneficial effect of the thin walls on the bearing capacity of the footing, laboratory footing load tests were also conducted on a simple surface footing and the results were compared. For verification purposes, the experimentally obtained bearing capacities of thin-walled foundation were checked against finite-element analyses. The experimental findings show an enhancement of the bearing capacity by a factor of almost 2 when the thin-walled footing is used instead of a simple footing. The bearing capacities of the thin-walled footing in loose and dense sands predicted using finite-element analyses were different to the laboratory observations by 10%.
Three-dimensional effects on deformation of deep excavations
Authors: Li Dapeng , Li Zhaoqi , Tang Degao
Published: August 2016

To research the influence of three-dimensional (3D) effects on the deformation of deep excavations, a database of 30 deep excavations of Nanjing metro stations in China was analysed and comparisons with worldwide cases were conducted. It was found that maximum wall deflections in zones influenced by 3D effects are generally less than those in zones not influenced by 3D effects, while the normalised locations of maximum wall deflections are the same in the two zones. The ratios of maximum wall deflection to excavation depth in zones influenced by 3D effects was found to be generally less than those in zones not influenced by 3D effects. 3D effects were also found to influence ground settlement. Three settlement models – for zones not influenced by 3D effects, zones influenced by 3D effects and zones of soil arch springs – are proposed and comparisons are made. The ratio of maximum ground settlement to excavation depth was found to be 0·12% on average and the ratio of maximum ground settlement to maximum wall deflection was 0·64 on average. The findings of this research can be applied to predict deformation and protect surrounding buildings.
Characteristic triaxial strength of intact rock for LSD
Authors: Bozorgzadeh Nezam , Harrison John P.
Published: August 2016

Determination of characteristic values may be a fundamental step in the design process when reliability-based design (RBD), limit states design (LSD) and load and resistance factor design (LRFD) approaches are applied. However, there seems to be no recognised approach for obtaining characteristic values of triaxial rock strength. This paper compares the use of non-linear regression and non-linear quantile regression models for obtaining estimates of characteristic triaxial strength of intact rock by fitting the non-linear Hoek–Brown empirical strength criterion to published datasets of triaxial rock strength. It is shown that the form of results obtained from a quantile regression model (i.e. a ‘characteristic criterion’) may be more useful to practising engineers than those produced by a non-linear regression model. For an extensive dataset, the methods give similar results. However, with small datasets of a size generally encountered in geotechnical engineering, both methods may be unreliable. This suggests that objective techniques that augment the limited test data should be developed.
Briefing: Defining safety leadership in construction
Authors: Umar Tariq
Published: August 2016

This briefing explores the tenets of safety leadership within the construction environment. The scope of this briefing aims to define a universal definition of safety leadership with key components from literature review. Without a clear definition towards safety leadership, a misalignment between safety expectations may occur which can create a misappropriation towards safety efforts. This may adversely impact injury rates within the workplace due to ill-conceived safety leadership behaviours. A detailed definition of safety leadership may serve as a foundation for other industries such as mining, manufacturing or petrochemicals.
Delivering the Exe Estuary Trail cycling and walking route, UK
Authors: Kanani Anjumn , North Roger
Published: August 2016

The Exe Estuary Trail is a 25 km long sustainable cycling and walking route on the south coast of Devon, UK. The largely off-road facility links Exeter city centre to the coastal towns of Exmouth and Dawlish on either side of the Exe Estuary. The route mainly runs parallel to existing railway lines, and allows public access to the unique European environment and wildlife site. This paper describes the design and construction of the route. Designed for both leisure and commuter use, sustainable development was a key driver of this project. Delivery was led by Devon County Council working in close partnership with Parsons Brinckerhoff and key statutory authorities. The social and health benefits of this green infrastructure project are mirrored by the economic gains of new and existing businesses around the River Exe.
Book review
Authors: Jenkinson Ian
Published: August 2016

Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth
Ductility of post-Northridge connections with Angelina beams
Authors: Hedayat Amir A. , Saffari Hamed , Hadi Amid
Published: August 2016

Sinusoidal voids of the same size at the beam web can be easily created during fabrication of a castellated beam, when a sinusoidal cut shape is used. Such castellated beams are known as Angelina beams and are available in the market place. This study is designed to investigate the efficiency of using single and multi-sinusoidal voids at the beam web area, to enhance the ductility of the post-Northridge connections. For this purpose, a parametric study is carried out to determine the best configuration of such voids using the finite-element method. The investigation is carried out on more than 440 specimens of different design parameters. The optimum size of sinusoidal voids is proposed to achieve both adequate strength of connections and ductility. Present data indicate that creating a single void at the beam web with optimum size is only effective when the beam overall depth is limited to 750 mm, and the ratio of the beam length to the beam overall depth is equal to or greater than 11·5. For deeper and shorter beams, adequate strength of connection and ductility can be achieved when a modified specimen is used, with either multiple same-size voids with web stiffeners or multiple different-sized voids without web stiffeners.
Vibration stability of Orion laser facility
Authors: Brownjohn James M. W. , Zanardo Giovanna , Brown David G. , Prichard Sarah
Published: August 2016

In 2005 the UK Ministry of Defence awarded a contract for construction of the Orion laser facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE). Orion delivers a power density of 1021 W/cm2 on a 5 μm target, making it a world-class facility for the study of high energy density physics. The ability to target to such high precision depends on the ‘stability’ of the building and internal structures with respect to thermal expansion and vibration. This paper concerns experimental activities supporting the prediction and evaluation of the minute vibrations against a ‘budget’ comprising the effects of all vibration sources, internal and external, and the sequence of experimental campaigns and signal evaluation that fed into this process. This involved a sequence of dynamics-based measurements of foundation pile stiffness, vibration propagation from both controlled and uncontrolled sources at stages during the construction and, finally, evaluation of vibration levels in the as-built facility due to internal machinery and the few external vibration sources passing through the sophisticated vibration barrier. The approach focused on time series of vibrations in the design phase and on the evaluation of statistical properties of displacement power spectral density functions.
On the use of symbolic vibration data for robust structural health monitoring
Authors: Alves Vinicius , Cury Alexandre , Cremona Christian
Published: August 2016

Structural health monitoring is based on the development of reliable and robust indicators able to detect, locate, quantify or even predict damage. Studies related to damage detection in civil engineering structures are of interest to researches in this area. Indeed, the detection of structural changes likely to become critical can prevent the occurrence of major dysfunction associated with social, economic and environmental consequences. Recently, many researchers have focused on dynamic assessment as part of structural diagnosis. Most of the studied techniques are based on time or frequency domain analyses to extract information from modal characteristics or based on indicators built from those parameters. The main goal of this study relies on the application of symbolic data analysis coupled with classification methods to detect structural damage, especially using raw data (i.e. in situ measurements). Modal parameters, such as natural frequencies and mode shapes, are also considered in the analysis. In order to attest to the efficiency of the proposed approach, experimental investigations in the laboratory and on two real case studies – railway and motorway bridges – are carried out. It is shown that symbolic data analysis coupled with classification methods is able to distinguish structural conditions with very encouraging results.
Seismic response of subsystems in irregular buildings
Authors: Kasinos Stavros , Palmeri Alessandro , Lombardo Mariateresa
Published: August 2016

The component-mode synthesis method is applied to investigate the seismic response of secondary subsystems multi-connected to primary structures with irregularities. The proposed approach is more accurate than the cascade approximation, which is often used in the design practice, as the primary–secondary dynamic interaction is considered through the modes of vibration of the two components. The results of parametric analyses on a representative case study reveal similar trends in the displacements of the two components for mass irregularities in elevation, while stiffness irregularities in plan can result in significant torsional motion in both components, with the effects in terms of absolute accelerations being in general larger than those associated with the lateral drifts. This suggests that dynamic analyses with the component-mode synthesis method are particularly indicated for the seismic assessment of acceleration-sensitive secondary subsystems.