bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intimate‐Partner Violence: A Retrospective Review of Records in Primary Care Settings
Authors: Magnussen Lois , Shoultz Janice , Oneha Mary Frances , Hla Mya Moe , Brees‐Saunders Zavi , Akamine May , Talisayan Bryan , Wong Eddie
Published: May 2005

Purpose

The goals of this study were (a) to gather data regarding the documentation of disclosure of battering in primary care settings and (b) to collect demographic data, including ethnicity, of women who disclose intimate partner violence (IPV) in primary care settings in Hawaii.

Data Sources

We conducted a retrospective chart review focusing on documentation of IPV in four community health centers on Oahu. The review included 337 charts. The data were ana‐lyzed using descriptive statistics.

Conclusions

Of the 337 records reviewed, IPV was reported in 31 (9.1%). Documentation of reported IPV differed among members of the various ethnic groups seen in the clinics.

Implications for Practice

Practitioners should develop a common area for documenting reports of IPV. The level and depth of resources available within the setting and the community may affect providers' will‐ingness to screen for IPV.
Integrating Evidence‐Based Practice in Nurse Practitioner Education
Authors: Goolsby Mary Jo , Taylor‐Seehafer Margaret A. , Abel PhD Elizabeth , Tyler Diane O. , Sonstein Frances C.
Published: May 2005

This column normally focuses on a specific clinical practice guideline (CPG). This month's column deviates from that practice to demonstrate how evidence‐based practice (EBP) was integrated into the nurse practitioner (NP) curriculum at the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing. Processes of EBP were linked to student clinical assignments across core NP clinical courses, culminating in a student‐published CPG. When students research and analyze available scientific evidence for a CPG, they learn to critically evaluate and logically organize knowledge for use in clinical practice, and those critical‐thinking skills can lead to improved clinical reasoning and decision making.
Clinical Update on the Use of Niacin for the Treatment of Dyslipidemia
Authors: Berra Kathy
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with clinical and practical information about the use of niacin in the treatment of dyslipidemia.

Data Sources

Research‐based and review articles in the medical literature and National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines.

Conclusions

Niacin provides beneficial effects on all major lipid fractions, particularly high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Niacin also reduces low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; lipoprotein (a); and the number of highly atherogenic small, dense LDL particles. Niacin promotes angiographic regression when used in combination with other drugs that lower LDL cholesterol and can reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with coronary heart disease. Several niacin formulations are available, but the safety (i.e., from hepato‐toxicity) and tolerability (i.e., severity of flushing) of these niacin formulations may differ.

Implications for Practice

Niacin therapy is appropriate for many types of lipid abnormalities, including complex dyslipidemias. NPs can take several steps to minimize potential side effects of niacin therapy and to ensure that patients adhere to this important intervention.
Educating Advanced Practice Nurses for Collaborative Practice in the Multidisciplinary Provider Team
Authors: Spain Margaret P. , DeCristofaro Claire , Smith Carol A.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To describe the use of a clinical decision‐making work sheet as a tool to teach com‐munication skills to advanced practice nurse (APN) students. Achievement of competencies in communication and docu‐mentation that utilize language and communication strategies that are shared with other health professionals promotes effective collaborative practice among members of the multidisciplinary provider team.

Data Sources

Review of the recent Institute of Medicine report on health professions education and other health professional literature.

Conclusions

The Clinical Decision‐Making Work Sheet helps APN students effectively communicate in real‐world clinical settings. The clinical work sheet allows nurse practitioner students to communicate more effectively and efficiently, using a vocabulary that is shared with other members of the multidis‐ciplinary health care provider team. Use of the tool in students’ clinical‐rotation settings facilitates effective application and refinement of the clinical decision‐making skills that students learned in the advanced health assessment course.

Implications for Practice

Faculty have the responsibility to assist nurses as they transition from traditional nursing to APN roles. The work sheet facilitates learning the common language for data col‐lection, clinical decision making, documentation, and reporting that is shared with other health professionals. Using the tool, students learn to efficiently organize information that supports communication and documentation that enhances their clinical problem‐solving skills. Case presentation and documentation using the work sheet provide a basis for preceptor and student interaction and for student evaluation.
A Descriptive Correlational Study of Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnancy and Its Association With Preterm Birth: Implications for Advanced Practice Nurses
Authors: Mascagni Jennifer R. , Miller Lucy H.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To expand on prior (often contradictory) research implicating maternal infection as a cause of preterm birth, specifically exploring whether bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnancy caused preterm birth in a sample of 103 women in a rural Mississippi obstetric‐gyneco‐logic clinic.

Data Sources

This descriptive correlational study explored the relationship between BV and preterm birth, using retrospective chart data from a purposive sample of 103 women (for a power level of 95%) from one rural obstetric‐gyneco‐logic clinic.

Conclusions

Contrary to the majority of published research, this study did not find a positive correlation between BV and preterm birth. This unexpected result raises questions, particularly given that the preponderance (86%) of women who tested positive for BV during their pregnancy were African American, a population in which both BV and preterm birth are more prevalent.

Implications for Practice

Whether to screen for BV in pregnancy is a clinically important question not only in terms of the health of mother and child but also in terms of responsible use of resources. Clear findings supporting beneficial health results for screening would dictate screening regard‐less of the cost. But research continues to lack consensus on the efficacy of BV screening during pregnancy in preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this study, as in some of the literature, the risk of preterm birth did not correlate positively with BV during pregnancy. In the absence of that correlation, cost gains importance. Nurse practitioners (NPs) must use resources wisely, including time, laboratory tests, and medications. Although some specialists recommend screening or treating all pregnant patients for BV, the current practice of not screening or treating all pregnant patients seems warranted until definitive findings establish a conclusive correlation between BV and preterm birth.
Appropriate Outpatient Macrolide Use in Community‐Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Gotfried Mark H.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To r eview current guidelines concerning the outpatient management of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP), to discuss antibi‐otic resistance and its relation to outcomes, and to define the appropriate use of newer macrolides in CAP.

Data Sources

Comprehensive review of the scientific litera‐ture, comparison of published clinical practice guidelines, and expert opinion.

Conclusions

Despite increasing knowledge regarding its etiology and pathogenesis, CAP remains the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Although 80% of all patients with CAP are treated as outpatients, over 1 million hospital admissions due to CAP occur each year. From an employer perspective, total annual employer costs were fivefold greater patients with pneumonia than for those who were not affected. Appropriate antimicrobial choices should lead to improved outcomes. Reports of increasing resistance of pathogens associated with CAP, increasing frequency atypical pathogens, and the availability of increasing number of antimicrobials have made treatment decisions more involved.

Implications for Practice

In an effort to improve outcomes, several guidelines have been published recommending appropriate antimicrobial agents to treat CAP in different patient populations. All guidelines base treatment recommendations on the hos‐pitalization status of the patient, and all agree that coverage of atypical pathogens as part of an initial empirical regimen is important. Comorbidity and modifying factors that may increase the risk of infection with resistant organisms also are taken into account. Controversy exists regarding the use of newer macrolides versus newer fluoroquinolones as initial empirical therapy. The applicability of the reported increasing resistance of common pneumonia pathogens to outcomes in regimens containing newer macrolides is a subject of debate. Defining appropriate antimicrobial use in different patient groups should help achieve better outcomes and allay the development of resistance.
Clinical Evaluation and Treatment of the Adult Patient With Suspected Primary Immunodeficiency Disease: A Case Analysis
Authors: Ciesielka Debbie
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To describe immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2) sub‐class deficiency in the context of primary immunodeficiency disorders, their pathophys‐iology, epidemiology, clinical evaluation, and management.

Data Sources

Actual case study and extensive review of the scientific and medical literature.

Conclusions

Consideration should be given to primary immunodeficiency diseases as one possible cause of recurrent upper and lower respiratory tract infections in patients at any age. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly reduce the burden of these diseases.

Implications for Practice

Advanced practice nurses need to keep pace with the ever‐expanding field of immunity. Knowledge of basic principles of the immune system facilitates a logical approach to the evaluation and management of primary immunodeficiency diseases.
Integrating the Principles of Evidence‐Based Practice: Prognosis and the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Goolsby Mary Jo , Meyers Wendy C. , Johnson Judith A. , Klardie Kathleen , McNaughton Molly Ann
Published: May 2005

Current health care trends and pressures have based decision making and practice of practitioners. Evidence‐based practice has evolved in response to these trends. Evidence‐based practice requires providers to be proficient in statistical analysis and critique of the evidence. This article user a hypothetical patient's prognostic concerns to depict a practitioner's integration of the principles of evidence‐based practice as she considers clinical practice guidelines, expert opinion, and a prognostic study relative to her patient's prognosis. Statistical measures evident in a prognostic study, such as a absolute risk, baseline risk, relative risk, survival curves, and hazard ratios are defined.
Industry‐Sponsored Weight Loss Programs: Description, Cost, and Effectiveness
Authors: Witherspoon Barbara , Rosenzweig Margaret
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To describe three commercial weight loss programs (Jenny Craig, LA Weight Loss, and Weight Watchers), including efficacy data when available, and to provide clinicians with information for patient counseling.

Data Sources

Personal interviews, journal articles, and Web site information.

Conclusions

Commercial weight loss programs provide weight loss services. Benefits are experience, planned menus, and psychological support. Limitations are cost, sales promotions that encourage on‐the‐spot commitment to prepaid contracts, and the cost of program food and additional vitamins.

Implications for Practice

Weight loss is a necessary goal for many patients. Clinicians are mandated to provide counseling regarding weight loss.
Nurse Practitioners’ Behavior Regarding Teaching Testicular Self‐Examination
Authors: Kleier Jo Ann S.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To test a model derived from the theory of reasoned action and to determine the behavior of nurse practitioners (NPs)regarding teaching testicular self‐examination (TSE).

Data Sources

A cross‐sectional, explanatory design was used to survey a random sample of 1,490 members of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Conclusions

NPs had positive attitudes toward teaching TSE and were engaged in such teaching. They perceived that other NPs, physicians, and patients also value TSE teaching. The theoretical was supported.

Implications for Practice

The results have implications for research, practice, and education. The theory was shown to be useful as a framework for the study of NP behavior. The results highlight the importance of including strategies to promote positive values as components of nurse preparation. For practice, patient adherence to illness detection activities may be fostered by positive attitude, perception that significant others also value these activities, and belief that failure to do so may result in personal loss.
Collaborative work model under distributed construction environments
Authors: Kim K J , Lee C K , Kim J R , Shin E Y , Cho M Y
Published: May 2005

Efficient management of construction project information is essential for the successful performance of a construction project. This paper investigates a standard information classification system, which represents a data model relating 3D CAD drawing, costing, scheduling, resource information, specification, and other information for multiple uses in the project. In sharing information among independent applications in distributed construction environments, a distributed transaction service module that manages information-sharing processes through an integrated database is also desirable. To examine a distributed database structure and data transaction services, this paper analyzes a standard information classification system and business process. A distributed database structure model and a data transaction service module for information sharing are designed. A prototype system is implemented and then applied to a real project for its validation. The target application area of the prototype is a high-rise steel-structure apartment building. The scope of the application includes information on the architectural and structural design, the cost, the schedule, the resources, the quality of the management, and the specifications.Key words: CIC, PMIS, 4D CAD, construction management, construction information, information classification system, integrated management.
Predicting the safety performance associated with highway design decisions: A case study of the Sea to Sky Highway
Authors: Sayed Tarek , Leur Paul de
Published: May 2005

An important component of any highway design project is the explicit evaluation of safety, leading to the quantification of the safety impacts resulting from changes in highway design parameters and the safety associated with the level of design consistency. Quantification of these safety impacts supports the design process by allowing decision makers the opportunity to analyse the safety benefits in relation to the cost of the highway improvement. This trade-off analysis allows for the justification of highway infrastructure investment. The ability to accurately quantify safety impacts is achieved by using evaluation tools such as collision prediction models, collision modification factors, and measures of design consistency. Although described and available in the safety engineering literature for years, these tools are now becoming widely accepted, since their use responds to the need to quantify safety. This is in sharp contrast to many traditional highway safety assessments, which often relied solely on expert opinion and often failed to adequately support difficult design decisions. Realizing the value of quantifying the safety impacts associated with design decisions, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation tested an explicit safety evaluation approach for a new design of a section of the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, located between Vancouver and Whistler, in southern British Columbia, Canada. This paper describes the study, illustrating the benefits of this approach for the design process. The paper also offers some improvement over existing safety evaluation techniques.Key words: safety evaluation, collision prediction, collision modification factors, highway design, safety evaluation techniques.
Experimental assessment of the shear strength of an asymmetric steel composite beam with web openings
Authors: Ju Young K , Kim Do-Hyun , Kim Sang-Dae
Published: May 2005

The number of high-rise buildings has greatly increased in Korea, and storey height is a significant component of tall residential buildings due to the limited city area. To reduce storey height, the wide beam has been adopted in some projects in Seoul such as Trump World, Galleria Palace, and Richencia. The joints between the wide beam and the core wall were too narrow to place the reinforcement, however. This paper investigates a newly developed structural system called the innovative, technical, economical, and convenient hybrid system (iTECH system). The iTECH system has an asymmetric steel assembly with web openings, where the top plate is welded on top of inverted structural "tees" whose cut is referred to as a "honeycomb" type. Both sides of the web and the slab are filled with cast-in-place concrete. The shear capacity was experimentally evaluated and verified, with parameters determined by factors that shared the shear strength of the iTECH beam. The steel web, inner concrete panel, and outer concrete panel contributed to the shear strength of the iTECH beam. The shear stirrup did not contribute much to the shear strength, however, and therefore a design equation using the steel web and inner concrete panel was suggested.Key words: composite beam, shear capacity, monotonic test, high-rise building.
Parametric study of truss bridges by the post-tensioning method
Authors: Han Kyoung-Bong , Park Sun-Kyu
Published: May 2005

The post-tensioning method has been successfully used to improve the performance of existing concrete structures. Applications of the method are rare in steel structures, however. Post-tensioning using high-strength cables or bars can be effectively used to increase the working load carrying capacity of steel structures. In this paper, the elastic behavior of post-tensioned trusses with straight and draped tendon profiles for truss strengthening is examined. The effects of design parameters such as the tendon profile, truss type, prestressing force, and tendon eccentricity on working load and deflection of trusses are studied. The results show that the allowable load of a truss increases proportionally with the increase in prestressing force and eccentricity. Post-tensioning enlarges the elastic range, increases the redundancy, and reduces the deflection and member stresses, eventually increasing the load-carrying capacity of truss bridges.Key words: post-tensioning method, steel structures, post-tensioned trusses, truss strengthening, design parameters, load-carrying capacity.
Effect of speed prediction models and perceived radius on design consistency
Authors: Richl Laurel , Sayed Tarek
Published: May 2005

The most frequently used criteria to evaluate design consistency are the difference between design speed and operating speed, operating speeds on successive elements, and assumed side friction of the road and that demanded by the driver. The operating speed, often obtained using speed prediction models, influences each design consistency criteria. There has been considerable research in developing design consistency measures and evaluation tools, but little research has been done on the influence that different speed prediction models have on design consistency criteria. In addition, there has been little research as to how design factors such as driver perception of combined horizontal and vertical curves influence speed prediction models. This paper investigates how the selection of speed prediction models and driver perception of combined horizontal and vertical curves influence design consistency evaluation. The selection of the speed prediction model has a significant impact on design consistency evaluation. The use of perceived radius, which accounts for driver perception of combined alignments, slightly influenced the outcome of the design consistency evaluation.Key words: design consistency, speed prediction models, driver perception, combined horizontal and vertical curves, perceived radius, geometric design.
Contribution à l'étude du renforcement en cisaillement des poutres en béton armé à l'aide de matériaux composites avancés
Authors: Bousselham Abdelhak , Chaallal Omar
Published: May 2005

This paper presents results of an investigation on the shear strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with externally applied fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. The first part of the study reviews and synthesizes the state of the art in the subject. Also, the requirements and recommendations specified in the Canadian CSA S806-02 standards, the American ACI-440 guidelines, as well as the European fib TG9.3 recommendations are compared with the test results reported in the literature so far. This part of the study indicates that the major parameters involved in the behaviour of RC beams strengthened in shear with FRP were not fully investigated. This can explain the observed discrepancies between the resistance values predicted by the codes and guidelines, and those obtained by tests. This has been the main impetus to carry out an experimental investigation, which is the subject of the second part of this paper. The objective of this experimental investigation was to study the influence of the following parameters on the performance of RC beams strengthened in shear with FRP composites: (i) the FRP ratio, (ii) the transverse steel reinforcement ratio, and (iii) the type of beam (deep versus slender). Results clearly showed the interaction between the FRP composite and the internal transverse steel reinforcement in the shear resistance mechanism. Results also showed the influence of the type of beam on the gain due to FRP on the carrying capacity of the beam.Key words: shear, reinforcement, concrete, composites, experimental, parameters.
Finite element analysis and theoretical study of punching shear strength of concrete bridge decks
Authors: Mufti Aftab A , Hassan Tarek K
Published: May 2005

The problem of punching shear usually arises in reinforced concrete slabs subjected to concentrated loads and particularly in concrete bridge decks due to development of an internal arching system. Ongoing research revealed that the governing mode of failure of concrete bridge decks is not flexure and that using a flexural design method usually led to unnecessary high levels of steel reinforcement. This paper examines the applicability of nonlinear finite element formulation of restrained concrete bridge decks. A general purpose finite element program ANACAP was employed in this study. The accuracy of the nonlinear finite element analysis is demonstrated using test results conducted by other researchers. The results of the finite element analysis are also compared with those obtained from a rational model. The experimental results and the theoretical model provide insight to the fundamental behavior of concrete bridge decks.Key words: bridges, concrete, deflections, FRP, punching, reinforcement, slabs.
Total maximum daily load (TMDL) approach to surface water quality management: concepts, issues, and applications
Authors: Elshorbagy Amin , Teegavarapu Ramesh S.V , Ormsbee Lindell
Published: May 2005

The total maximum daily load (TMDL) approach is an emerging paradigm in surface water quality management and has been adopted and applied in many states in the US. The paper explains the conceptual development of the general TMDL process for surface water quality management of three water quality impairment constituents, namely, nutrients, pathogens, and acid load. The application of the TMDL approach to a stream impaired due to high acidic concentrations from mine drainage in southeastern Kentucky is explained and used to demonstrate the complete development of the TMDL process. The paper highlights a number of issues, ranging from assessment of pollution-causing sources to development of practical methods for implementation of TMDLs.Key words: total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), nutrients, pathogen and pH impairment, TMDL implementation.
Étude des efforts hydrodynamiques sur un fond mobile en aval d'un dissipateur d'énergie de type auge
Authors: Amri A El , Verrette J -L
Published: May 2005

The continuous scour of an erodible bed downstream a roller bucket energy dissipater makes it difficult to quantify the efforts applied on the bed. An astute technique allows the measurement of these efforts for various stages of scour and facilitates a better comprehension of the interaction between these efforts and the scour downstream. This technique consists in measuring the bed profile (downstream the dissipater) as a function of time and reproducing scoured profiles using a solid model (concrete) that allows the setting of the measuring devices. The analysis of the efforts has shown that as soon as the scour starts, a small bed deformation induces important changes in the pressure and in the pressure fluctuation distributions in the vicinity of the structure. As erosion goes on, the efforts vary slightly and the distributions remain unchanged. The behaviour of the efforts regarding the erosive process could be interpreted by the nature of scour phenomenon, which develops strongly during the initial phase, and by the specific behaviour of the zone in the vicinity of the bucket, which evolves rapidly and stabilizes quickly.Key words: hydrodynamic efforts, pressure, pressure fluctuation, energy dissipater, roller bucket, movable bed.
Maximum and mean velocity relationships in laboratory flumes with different cross-sectional shapes
Authors: Seckin Galip
Published: May 2005

A series of experiments was conducted to measure velocity distributions in a straight compound-channel flume. Additional velocity data measured in flumes with single rectangular and V-shaped channels were also collected from the work of other researchers to compare the relation between cross-sectional mean and maximum velocities in different shaped flumes with different bed slopes and flow regimes. The results showed that there is a significant linear relationship between the maximum velocity and the cross-sectional mean velocity in flumes with both compound and single rectangular and V-shaped channels. An attempt was also made to determine the relation between cross-sectional mean and maximum velocities in both compound- and single-channel flumes. Key words: mean velocity, maximum velocity, open channel flow.
Experimental study of as-built and composite materials retrofitted reinforced concrete columns
Authors: Chang Shuenn-Yih , Tsai I-Chau
Published: May 2005

Four full-size reinforced concrete columns as used in school buildings were cast and tested under reversed cyclic loading. Test results of the two as-built columns confirm that the hysteresis behaviours of a column are considerably improved if special seismic design provisions are used in addition to general design requirements instead of using general design requirements only. Although lateral strength and stiffness are not increased, ductility increases and pinching decreases in hysteretic loops. It is also found that the column conformed to general design requirements can be effectively retrofitted by wrapping with either carbon fibre fabrics or carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) L-shaped plates if its lateral confinement is upgraded to the same level as that designed based on special seismic design provisions. This retrofitting of lateral confinement is effective at improving the ductility of a column and mitigating the strength degradation, stiffness degradation, and pinching in the hysteretic loops, although the strength and stiffness of the column are not increased.Key words: CFRP L-shaped plate, carbon fibre fabric, retrofit, cyclic loading test.
Dynamic traffic signal control using a nonlinear coupled oscillators approach
Authors: Akbas A , Ergun M
Published: May 2005

Traditional signal control systems use prestored timing plans that have been developed offline using historic data. These systems are not responsive to dynamical demand changes of traffic and may deteriorate in performance over time. Dynamic traffic signal control systems can adapt to actual traffic conditions, coping with complex flow patterns and unpredictable variations. They seek continuous optimal system performance. The main goal of this paper is to design a methodology for control of arterial traffic flows. To fulfill this goal, the nonlinear coupled oscillators model is adapted to the traffic signal system of a two-way arterial road. The control methodology is based on measurements of the microscopic occupancy parameters for incoming flows at intersections that have a four-way geometrical structure with four-green splits. The desired signal parameters such as cycle times, green splits, and offsets are adjusted dynamically according to local traffic data. Thus, the desired signal patterns are self-organized through the mutual interactions among the signals. The numerical and case study simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the control methodology under the dynamical demand changes of traffic. Key words: traffic control, control systems, nonlinear coupled oscillators, signal control.
Forecasting Fraser River flows and temperatures during upstream salmon migration
Authors: Morrison John , Foreman Michael G.G
Published: May 2005

Mature salmon returning to spawn in their natal streams are sensitive to both river flows and temperatures. Enhancements to existing forecast models result in significant reductions in the root mean square (RMS) forecast errors for both flow and temperature in the semi-weekly 10-day forecasts made during the salmon migration season. The Fraser watershed model is replaced by a statistical model that projects future flows using the latest observation as an initial condition and a slope consistent with the historic rate of change. This new method reduced RMS errors by as much as 38%. When the model flows were adjusted iteratively by feeding the flow error back into the system, the average RMS forecast flow error was reduced from 18.7% to 6.4% in 2000 and from 16.8% to 7.4% in 2002. The coupled temperature model combines atmospheric forcing with transport and velocities from the flow models. When the temperature model was run using the iterative feedback scheme, the RMS forecast error was reduced from 0.85 °C to 0.59 °C in 2000 and from 1.18 °C to 0.94 °C in 2002. Key words: Fraser River, temperature model, flow model, data assimilation, salmon.
El Niño southern-oscillation prediction using southern oscillation index and Niño3 as onset indicators: Application of artificial neural networks
Authors: Baawain Mahad S , Nour Mohamed H , El-Din Ahmed G , El-Din Mohamed Gamal
Published: May 2005

El Niño southern-oscillation (ENSO) is known to be the strongest climatic variation on seasonal to inter-annual time scales. It causes severe droughts, floods, fires, and hurricanes leading to economical disasters. This study explores the use of relatively simple inputs in developing artificial neural network (ANN) models for predicting the onset of ENSO by forecasting some of its indicators. Two indicators, southern oscillation index (SOI) and Niño3, were used one at a time to model the ENSO occurrence using monthly averaged data. Both models performed well in forecasting and predicting ENSO occurrence up to 12 months in advance. Correlation coefficient values of more than 0.8 and 0.9 (one month lead time), and above 0.7 and 0.8 (12 month lead time) were obtained for SOI and Niño3, respectively. Both models apply the feed forward multilayer perceptron network trained with error back-propagation algorithm. The final models were compared with each other and found to be highly consistent with 75% agreement in their forecasting ability. Key words: climate anomalies, ENSO, El Niño, La Niña, artificial neural networks, southern oscillation index (SOI), Niño3, teleconnections.
Influence of groundwater on the bearing capacity of shallow foundations
Authors: Ausilio Ernesto , Conte Enrico
Published: May 2005

In this paper, the kinematic approach of limit analysis is used to analyse the influence of groundwater on the bearing capacity of shallow foundations. Analytical expressions are derived allowing the bearing capacity of strip footings resting on a soil where the water table is at some depth below the footing base to be calculated. Results from these expressions are compared with those obtained using other theoretical solutions available in literature. Moreover, a parametric study is carried out to illustrate the effects on bearing capacity of submergence of the soil below the footing. The importance of these effects is discussed, and remarks are also made on the results provided by some simplified methods that are currently used in practice. Finally, a simple approximation of the theoretical solution derived in this study is suggested for practical purposes.Key words: bearing capacity, limit analysis, groundwater, strip footings.
Stability of highly fractured infinite rock slopes with nonlinear failure criteria and nonassociated flow laws
Authors: Serrano Alcibíades , Olalla Claudio , Manzanas Jesús
Published: May 2005

The effect of the dilatancy phenomenon on rock masses is not usually considered when calculating slope stability. A theoretical analysis has been conducted on the stability of infinite rock slopes, with varied hypotheses of simplified seepage flow nets. The calculations were made in the most general way possible, for any type of failure criterion and for linear-type flow laws. When the calculations were completed they were applied to the original and modified HoekBrown failure criteria and also to the associated flow and constant-dilatancy conditions. The study reveals the great importance of the dilatancy value and the "non-conservative" nature of an associated flow law hypothesis, which is the hypothesis that is generally used. The important effect of groundwater flow in the slope has also been enhanced. A quantitative estimation of the stability is provided for homogeneous and isotropic rock media under different angles of dilatancy and water flow nets. Lastly, the equilibrium is dependent on the following parameters: slope inclination angle (α), specific weight of the rock mass (γR*), type of rock (m0), unconfined compression strength (σc*), and geological strength index (GSI).Key words: infinite rock slope, Hoek Brown, dilatancy.
Effect of stress state on the unsaturated shear strength of a weathered granite
Authors: Lee In-Mo , Sung Sang-Gyu , Cho Gye-Chun
Published: May 2005

The effect of stress state on the unsaturated shear strength of a Korean residual soil was studied using modified triaxial tests. Experimental results show that the soil-water characteristic curve and shear strength of this soil are significantly affected by the change of net normal stresses. This effect should be taken into consideration in the model to precisely describe the shear strength envelope of unsaturated soils. Thus, a new model for estimation of unsaturated shear strength is proposed using the soil-water characteristic curve and the saturated shear strength parameters.Key words: prediction model, soil-water characteristic curve, matric suction, triaxial test, unsaturated shear strength.
Microstructural model for delayed deformation of clay: loading history effects
Authors: Alonso Eduardo E , Navarro Vicente
Published: May 2005

Microstructural observations of clayey soils indicate that clay particles are aggregated in units of low internal porosity (microporosity). Larger voids (macroporosity) between those units are associated with the flow of free water. Within this context, the secondary deformation of clay is interpreted as being a consequence of local mass transfer of water from the micropores to the macropores. The capability of a model based on this idea to reproduce the effects of loading history on the secondary compression of clay is explored. An experimental test program has been performed, secondary compression records have been interpreted within the proposed theoretical framework, and material parameters have been derived. The simulation of additional validation tests has been successful. The theory and model developed provide a unified framework for compression, as well as swelling secondary deformation.Key words: secondary consolidation, creep, preloading, overconsolidation ratio, oedometer tests, swelling.
A practical approach to falling-weight deflectometer (FWD) data reduction
Authors: Stolle Dieter , Guo Peijun
Published: May 2005

The authors present a simplified methodology for preprocessing falling-weight deflectometer (FWD) data, which identify a pseudo-static pavement response to surface loading. This allows one to employ static analysis to back-calculate the mechanical properties of the pavementsubgrade system. It is shown that the subgrade modulus can be identified, independent of the details of the pavement structure itself, at least for a two-layer system. The quality of the effective shear modulus is sensitive to the value of Poisson's ratio selected.Key words: pavementsubgrade system, subgrade modulus, back-calculation, FWD.
Simple approach to obtain ground amplification motion of surface soil deposits with a radical change of depth
Authors: Kim Dae-Sang , Konagai Kazuo
Published: May 2005

Earthquake observations at different sites within alluvial soil deposits have demonstrated that the motion of buried underground structures closely follows that of the surrounding soil. Therefore, it is usual in a seismic design process to apply free-field ground displacements through Winkler-type soil springs to an underground structure to evaluate stress patterns induced within its structural members. Using a simplified approach, this paper provides a clear understanding of resonant horizontal ground displacement of and strain in a surface soil deposit with a radical change of depth and of where they occur.Key words: simple approach, seismic design, earthquake, resonance, underground structures.
Effect of OCR on sampling disturbance of cohesive soils and evaluation of laboratory reconsolidation procedures
Authors: Santagata Marika , Germaine John T
Published: May 2005

The paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of sampling disturbance in cohesive soils through single-element triaxial tests on resedimented Boston blue clay (RBBC). The first part of the paper discusses the effect of the overconsolidation ratio (OCR) (18) of the soil on postdisturbance compression and undrained shear behavior. The results demonstrate that sensitivity to disturbance decreases markedly with OCR. It is also found that for the medium-sensitivity soil tested, the estimate of the preconsolidation pressure is not significantly affected by OCR. The second part of the paper discusses laboratory reconsolidation procedures. For OCR1 RBBC, the recompression method is not effective in recovering the stressstrain behavior of the soil and, for greater disturbance, provides an increasingly unsafe estimate of the strength. For OCR4, provided the reconsolidation path reproduces the path that occurred in the field, this procedure succeeds in recovering the intact stressstrainstrength behavior of the soil. SHANSEP reconsolidation was investigated for normally consolidated RBBC only. For modest levels of disturbance, this is an effective means of evaluating both the stressstrain and the strength behavior of the soil. For greater levels of disturbance, the stressstrain behavior is not fully recovered, but the method continues to provide conservative estimates of the undrained strength.Key words: sampling disturbance, clays, overconsolidation ratio, undrained strength, recompression, SHANSEP.
Self-weight consolidation of mixtures of mine waste rock and tailings
Authors: Wickland Benjamin E , Wilson G Ward
Published: May 2005

Mixtures of waste rock and tailings are compared with unmixed waste rock and tailings in a column study of self weight consolidation. Standard practice for surface mine waste disposal produces the two individual waste streams of waste rock and tailings. Waste rock dumps offer high strength and low compressibility characteristics but are prone to oxidation and metal leaching because of their high permeability and unsaturated conditions. Tailings deposits typically have low permeability and slow time rate consolidation properties but also have end land use issues and long term stability problems related to shear strength. Three mixtures of waste rock and tailings were loaded into columns and monitored for settlement, drainage, and pore-water pressure response for 100 days. A fourth column was built with waste rock only as a control. Mixtures with approximately 5:1 waste rock to tailings by dry mass were found to have a hydraulic conductivity similar to tailings alone and total settlements similar to waste rock alone. Mixture materials also remained saturated during the 100 day test. Results indicate that mixing waste rock and tailings for disposal is a promising idea that may help eliminate problems arising from current practices in mine waste disposal.Key words: co-disposal, hydraulic conductivity, self weight consolidation, tailings, waste rock.
Mathematical descriptions for the behaviour of ice-rich frozen soils at temperatures close to 0 °C
Authors: Arenson Lukas U , Springman Sarah M
Published: May 2005

With the use of creep and constant strain rate (CSR) tests, mathematical formulations were found that describe the thermomechanical behaviour of ice-rich frozen soils. A Glen-type relationship was chosen for the formulation of minimum creep strain rates at temperatures between 4 °C and 1 °C. The shear strength of the material could be described by a MohrCoulomb failure criterion. Furthermore, it was possible to compare the creep behaviour with the strength of similar soils under constant strain rates. The minimum creep strain rate increases proportionally as the temperature approaches the melting point of the ice, which can be attributed to the increasing amount of unfrozen water, which strongly influences the mechanical response. Even though only a few tests could be used for the determination of the angle of friction and the apparent cohesion, the trend showed that the volumetric ice content influences both parameters, but only the latter seems to be influenced by the temperature and the applied compression strain rate.Key words: permafrost, frozen soil, creep, strength.
Analytical studies on the geotechnical performance of shell foundations
Authors: Kurian Nainan P , Devaki VM Jayakrishna
Published: May 2005

Shell foundations are economic alternatives to conventional plain foundations where heavy superstructural loads are to be transmitted to weaker soils. The use of a shell is a material-saving technique, and for foundations, only forms that are not labour intensive are adopted. Shell foundations of different geometrical shapes have been extensively investigated on the structural side, at both the elastic and the ultimate stages. However, corresponding studies on their geotechnical performance in terms of bearing capacity and settlement, which are the basic parameters for their geotechnical design, are scarce. Because closed-form solutions are extremely complex, even in the limited cases where they have been attempted, the present investigations have resorted to numerical analyses by the finite element method, using the advanced Numerically Integrated Elements for Systems Analysis package. Three configurations of the shell, conical, spherical, and hyperbolic paraboloidal, have been taken up for these studies. The influence of the coefficient of interface friction (µ), type of soil (c, ϕ, and cϕ), and different loading conditions, involving vertical and horizontal loads and moments, on the bearing capacity and settlement of the shells and their plain counterparts has been studied for the sake of comparison. The results presented reveal the general superiority of shell foundations.Key words: shell foundations, plain foundations, bearing capacity, settlement, finite element analysis, relative performance.
Triaxial constant stress and constant strain rate tests on ice-rich permafrost samples
Authors: Arenson Lukas U , Springman Sarah M
Published: May 2005

A range of mechanical compression tests were conducted on frozen soil samples at temperatures close to the melting point of ice to determine both the creep and the strength properties under triaxial stress conditions. The samples were obtained from two rock glaciers in the Swiss Alps. For comparison, additional samples were prepared artificially for testing. The results showed that the minimum creep strain rate increases exponentially with increasing temperature and applied deviatoric stress. The applied strain rate is the main parameter influencing resistance. However, test results show that the micromechanical behaviour is similar for all tests and independent of the applied loading condition. Measurements of the volumetric strain showed that the sample composition has a major influence, so samples with high air void ratios resulted in continuous contraction (i.e., reduction of the sample volume), whereas samples with low volumetric air and ice contents demonstrated dilatant behaviour.Key words: permafrost, frozen soil, creep, strength, triaxial testing, self-healing.
Formulation and application of a general inelastic locus for geomaterials with variable porosity
Authors: Li Li , Aubertin Michel , Simon Richard , Bussière Bruno
Published: May 2005

Numerous expressions have been developed to represent the locus of yielding, plastic potential, and failure conditions of geomaterials. In this paper, the authors first recall the characteristics of some relatively common tridimensional criteria used to describe the elastic limit and failure strength of porous materials. It is then shown that the main features of a large number of existing expressions can be represented by a set of unified equations. The ensuing locus in the multiaxial stress space is applicable to a wide range of geomaterials and loadings. A particularity of the proposed formulation is that it is explicitly porosity dependent. The validity of the general formulation is demonstrated by experimental results obtained for various types of materials. A sample application is then shown for the elastoplastic analysis of the stress distribution around a cylindrical opening.Key words: failure, plasticity, yield, porous material, porosity, circular opening.
Consolidation of cement-treated sewage sludge using vertical drains
Authors: Chu J , Goi M H , Lim T T
Published: May 2005

The disposal of sewage sludge and other waste materials has become a problem in many cities around the world. A study on the use of sewage sludge and other waste materials for land reclamation has been conducted. One of the methods studied is to dispose of the sludge after it has been mixed with binders or other waste materials and then to consolidate the mixture on site using surcharge and prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs). To study the consolidation behaviour of the sludgebinder mixtures around PVDs, model tests using a fully instrumented consolidation tank were conducted. Some of the test results are presented in this paper. The study shows that PVDs are effective in consolidating the sludge and binder mixtures, provided that the PVDs used can sustain large bending and resist corrosion by the chemicals in the sludge.Key words: consolidation, geoenvironmental, land reclamation, prefabricated vertical drains.