bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-strengthening of reinforced concrete beams with prestressed CFRP strips. Part 1: analysis under static loading
Authors: Garcez M. R. , Silva Filho G. L. C. P. , Meier Urs
Published: September 2012

Different FPR post-strengthening techniques have been developed and applied in existing structures aiming to increase their load capacity. Most of the FRP systems used nowadays consist of carbon fibers embedded in epoxy matrices (CFRP). Regardless of the advantages and the good results shown by the CFRP post-strengthen technique, experimental studies show that, in most cases, the failure of post-strengthened structures is premature. Aiming to better use the tensile strength of the carbon fiber strips used as post-strengthening material, the application of prestressed CFRP strips started to be investigated. The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of the composite prestressing in the performance of the CFRP post strengthening technique. The experimental program was based on flexural tests on post-strengthened reinforced concrete beams subjected to static - part 1 and cyclic - part 2 loading. Experimental results allowed the analysis of the quality and shortcomings of post-strengthen system studied, which resulted in valuable considerations about the analyzed post-strengthened beams.
Probe penetration test applied for evaluating shotcrete compressive strength
Authors: Silva W. R. L. da , Prudencio Jr L. R. , Oliveira A. L. de
Published: September 2012

This study presents a methodology for evaluating shotcrete compressive strength. Because of the high surface roughness and low thickness of the concrete layer observed in shotcrete structures, the proposed methodology is based on the probe penetration test. In a first phase, the variability of the probe penetration test was investigated to define the number of tests that are required to characterise the test correlation curve. Then, a procedure that can be applied to define the correlation curve was described. This procedure includes the moulding of shotcrete plates in loco, the control of the discharge energy of the pins, the extraction of the plates' samples to determine the concrete compressive strength, and statistical analysis. With the test correlation curve, an evaluation of the structure and data analysis can be performed. To verify the applicability of the proposed methodology, the structure of a shotcrete tunnel in a small hydropower plant was investigated. In the analysed structure, strength results that were non-compliant with the project specifications and a lack of concrete homogeneity were observed. Since the analysed methodology allowed for the characterisation of the considered structure conditions, the proposed solution is adequate for evaluating the compression strength of shotcrete structures.
Reinforced concrete bridges: effects due to corrosion and concrete young modulus variation
Authors: Mendes P. T. C. , Moreira M. L. T. , Pimenta P. M.
Published: September 2012

Most of the Brazilian bridges of federal road network are made of reinforced concrete and are more than 30 years old, with little information about the mechanical properties of their constitutive materials. Along the service life of these bridges much modification occurred on vehicles load and geometry and in design standard. Many of them show signs of concrete and steel deterioration and their stability conditions are unknown. With the aim of contributing to the structural evaluation of reinforced concrete bridges it was decided to analyze the stresses in reinforced concrete bridge sections to verify the effects due to reinforcement corrosion and variation of the concrete Young modulus on the stress distribution regarding several load patterns and cracking effects in a representative bridge of the Brazilian road network with different longitudinal reinforcement taxes and two concrete Young modulus, Ec and 0.5Ec, and with different percentage of reinforcement corrosion. The analysis considered two finite element models: frame and shell elements as well as solid elements. The results indicate that these variation effects are more significant in reinforcement bars than in concrete.
Post-strengthening of reinforced concrete beams with prestressed CFRP strips: part 2: analysis under cyclic loading
Authors: Garcez M. R. , Silva Filho L. C. P. , Meier Urs
Published: September 2012

Different FPR post-strengthening techniques have been developed and applied in existing structures aiming to increase their load capacity. Most of the FRP systems used nowadays consist of carbon fibers embedded in epoxy matrices (CFRP). Regardless of the advantages and the good results shown by the CFRP post-strengthen technique, experimental studies show that, in most cases, the failure of post-strengthened structures is premature. Aiming to better use the tensile strength of the carbon fiber strips used as post-strengthening material, the application of prestressed CFRP strips started to be investigated. The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of the composite prestressing in the performance of the CFRP post strengthening technique. The experimental program was based on flexural tests on post-strengthened reinforced concrete beams subjected to static - part 1 and cyclic - part 2 loading. Experimental results allowed the analysis of the quality and shortcomings of post-strengthen system studied, which resulted in valuable considerations about the analyzed post-strengthened beams.
Reliability algorithms applied to reinforced concrete structures durability assessment
Authors: Nogueira C. G. , Leonel E. D. , Coda H. B.
Published: September 2012

This paper addresses the analysis of probabilistic corrosion time initiation in reinforced concrete structures exposed to ions chloride penetration. Structural durability is an important criterion which must be evaluated in every type of structure, especially when these structures are constructed in aggressive atmospheres. Considering reinforced concrete members, chloride diffusion process is widely used to evaluate the durability. Therefore, at modelling this phenomenon, corrosion of reinforcements can be better estimated and prevented. These processes begin when a threshold level of chlorides concentration is reached at the steel bars of reinforcements. Despite the robustness of several models proposed in the literature, deterministic approaches fail to predict accurately the corrosion time initiation due to the inherently randomness observed in this process. In this regard, the durability can be more realistically represented using probabilistic approaches. A probabilistic analysis of ions chloride penetration is presented in this paper. The ions chloride penetration is simulated using the Fick's second law of diffusion. This law represents the chloride diffusion process, considering time dependent effects. The probability of failure is calculated using Monte Carlo simulation and the First Order Reliability Method (FORM) with a direct coupling approach. Some examples are considered in order to study these phenomena and a simplified method is proposed to determine optimal values for concrete cover.
Effect of red mud addition on the corrosion parameters of reinforced concrete evaluated by electrochemical methods
Authors: Ribeiro D.V. , Labrincha J.A. , Morelli M.R.
Published: September 2012

Red mud, the main waste generated in aluminum and alumina production from bauxite ore by the Bayer process, is considered "hazardous" due to its high pH. The high pH also provides greater protection of rebars, which is reflected in the low corrosion potential and high electrical resistivity (filler effect) of concrete. The corrosion potential was monitored by electrochemical measurements and the electrical resistivity was evaluated using sensors embedded in concrete test specimens. The results showed that the addition of red mud is beneficial to concrete, reducing its corrosion potential and increasing its electrical resistivity. Red mud proved to be a promising additive for concrete to inhibit the corrosion process.
Parametric study on the behaviour of bolted composite connections
Authors: Kataoka M. N. , El Debs A. L. H. C.
Published: September 2012

The studied connections are composed of concrete filled steel tubes (CFT) connected to composite beams by passing through bolts, endplates and steel deck, which also contributes to support the applied loads. The parametric analysis presented in this work is based on numerical simulations performed with software TNO Diana, using experimental results to calibrate the reference numerical model. The influence of three main parameters, being them the bolts diameter, the slab height and the beams cross section, was evaluated. According to the obtained bending moment versus rotation curves, it was concluded that, among the three parameters analyzed, the most important one was the bolts diameter. About the beams cross section, inconclusive results were achieved, probably due to the incompatibility between the 16 mm bolts and the robust beam cross sections considered in the parametric analysis.
Self-compacting concretes (SCC): comparison of methods of dosage
Authors: Tutikian B. F. , Pacheco M.
Published: September 2012

The composition of a self-compacting concrete (SCC) should be defined to fulfills a number of requirements, such as self-compactibility, strength and durability. This study aims to compare three methods of dosage for SCC with local materials, so as to determine which one is the most economical and rational, thus assisting the executor in making a decision and enabling economic and technical feasibility for its application. The methods used in the experimental program were: Nan Su et al., which was developed in 2001 [1]; Repette-Melo, which was proposed in 2005 [2]; and Tutikian & Dal Molin, which was developed in 2007 [3]. From the results obtained in the experimental program, it was observed that the method which presented the lowest cost and highest compressive strength at the ages of 7, 28 and 91 days was Tutikian & Dal Molin, while the one which reached the lowest chloride ion penetration, best compactness and highest elasticity modulus was Repette-Melo. In tests carried out in the fresh state, all tested methods yielded mixtures which comply with the self-compactibility levels required by ABNT NBR 15823:2010 [4].
Short steel and concrete columns under high temperatures
Authors: Jacintho A. E. P. G. A. , Silva V. P. , Requena J. A. V. , Lintz R. C. C. , Barbosa L. A. G. , Pimentel L. L.
Published: September 2012

The growing demand for knowledge about the effect of high temperatures on structures has stimulated increasing research worldwide. This article presents experimental results for short composite steel and concrete columns subjected to high temperatures in ovens with or without an axial compression load, numerically analyzes the temperature distribution in these columns after 30 and 60 minutes and compares them with experimental results. The models consist of concrete-filled tubes of three different thicknesses and two different diameters, and the concrete fill has conventional properties that remained constant for all of the models. The stress-strain behavior of the composite columns was altered after exposure to high temperatures relative to the same columns at room temperature, which was most evident in the 60-minute tests due to the higher temperatures reached. The computational analysis adopted temperature rise curves that were obtained experimentally.
Design of slender reinforced concrete rectangular columns subjected to eccentric loads by approximate methods
Authors: Calixto J. M. , Souza T. H. , Maia E. V.
Published: September 2012

Reinforced concrete codes worldwide establish that the design of slender columns must ensure that under the most unfavorable load combination, there is neither instability nor material failures. Thus, it is mandatory to consider material as well as geometrical nonlinearities. The consideration of second order effects can be done using simplified methods or the general method. This work analyses second order effects based on the approximate methods shown in NBR 6118 [1]: approximate curvature method and approximate stiffness procedure. Due to the importance of the columns in the stability of buildings is essential that these simplified design methods provide safe solutions for the design of columns. In this scenario, the objective of this study is to evaluate these simplified design procedures in terms of safety, precision and economy with respect to test results of RC slender columns subjected to eccentric loads found in the literature. The comparative analysis reveals that the approximate stiffness procedure provides better results.
Characterization of effluents from bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus, Shaw, 1802) grow-out ponds
Authors: Borges Fernanda de Freitas , Amaral Luiz Augusto do , De Stéfani Marta Verardino
Published: September 2012

AIM: Current analysis characterizes the effluent from bullfrog-rearing ponds during the grow-out phase; METHODS: Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electric conductivity, turbidity, total phosphorus, N-NH3, N-NO3, BOD5 and COD and the number of thermotolerant coliforms (Escherichia coli) of the inlet and outlet water of the ponds were analyzed twice a week. Assay consisted of a completely randomized experimental design with two treatments (inlet and outlet water) and six repetitions in a split-plot, coupled to collection over time as subplot; RESULTS: All variables were significantly different (p < 0.05) between treatments and over time (p < 0.05). Average rates of temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen levels of the supply water were higher when compared to those of the effluent. The other variables such as conductivity, turbidity, total phosphorus, ammonia, nitrate, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and E. coli were higher in the effluent when compared to rates in the supply water; CONCLUSIONS: The management during grow-out phase caused the deterioration of the water quality, with increasing levels of dissolved nutrients and the number of thermotolerant coliform. Ammonia and phosphorus levels in the effluent, caused by waste food, skin and feces, accelerate the eutrophication process of the receiving water body. Further studies on effluent treatment are required.
Biogeochemical cycling of urea in the aquatic systems of Pindaré and Turiaçu River basins, a pre-Amazonian floodplain, Baixada Maranhense, Brazil
Authors: Mitamura Osamu , Nakamoto Nobutada , Ibañez Maria do Socorro Rodrigues , Cavalcante Paulo Roberto Saraiva , Costa Neto José Policarpo , Barbieri Ricardo
Published: September 2012

AIM: This work is aimed at extending the understanding of urea cycle in freshwater ecosystems. Its degradation rate concerning microorganisms activities was measured in the turbid waters of Pindaré and Turiaçu rivers located on the pre-Amazonian floodplain, Brazil; METHODS: The Pindaré and Turiaçu aquatic systems have distinct dry and rainy periods. The investigation was developed in the middle of the rainy period, and field activities were carried out in the extensive water bodies from the middle to lower reaches. The rate of degradation in the surface waters of the two aquatic systems was determined with in situ simulation technique using 14C-labelled urea. Photosynthetic rates were determined by the radiocarbon technique simultaneously with experimental measurements of urea degradation rate; RESULTS: Urea degradation rates (sum of carbon incorporation into particulate matter and CO2 liberation into water) were 2.0 mg urea C m-3 day-1 in the Pindaré and 17.1 mg urea C m-3 day-1 in the Turiaçu waters. Daylight values were obviously higher than those in the dark, and the urea degradation rates in Turiaçu showed much higher values than those in Pindaré. Most of the urea degradation occurred during the CO2 liberation phase. The average of chlorophyll a specific urea degradation rate was 0.13 and 0.83 mg urea C mg chl.a-1 day-1 in both river waters. The ratio of urea carbon degradation to photosynthetic carbon assimilation in both waters averaged 1.2 and 4.2%, respectively. The residence time of urea in the surface water was calculated as 2.3 to 4.5 days in the Pindaré and 0.21 to 0.50 days in the Turiaçu. Much shorter residence times were obtained in the Turiaçu due to the high degradation rate of urea; CONCLUSION: The correlation coefficient between the urea degradation rate and chlorophyll a or photosynthetic rate showed a statistically significant value in the Turiaçu. This indicates that in the Turiaçu system the urea degradation rate was proportional to the standing crop of phytoplankton and their photosynthetic rate. A strong relationship between the urea carbon incorporation rate and photosynthetic rate in the light bottles was observed, indicating that the carbon incorporation into the phytoplankton cells was also related to the photosynthetic rate. The present brief residence time indicates that the urea was being rapidly recycled in the euphotic zone of the investigated systems in the rainy period.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approval: Peginterferon-alfa-2b for the Adjuvant Treatment of Patients with Melanoma
Authors: Herndon Thomas M. , Demko Suzanne G. , Jiang Xiaoping , He Kun , Gootenberg Joseph E. , Cohen Martin H. , Keegan Patricia , Pazdur Richard
Published: September 2012

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the setting in which the use of peginterferon-alfa-2b is appropriate for melanoma patients.Define the expectations with regard to survival and side effect profile in patients with melanoma receiving peginterferon-alfa-2b.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

On March 29, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved peginterferon alfa-2b (PEG-IFN) (Sylatron™; Schering Corporation, Kenilworth, NJ) for the adjuvant treatment of melanoma patients with microscopic or gross nodal involvement following definitive surgical resection including complete lymphadenectomy.

The approval was based on a single, open-label, multicenter trial enrolling 1,256 patients. After surgical resection, patients were randomized (1:1) to either PEG-IFN or observation for 5 years. PEG-IFN, 6 μg/kg per week, was administered s.c. for eight doses, followed by 3 μg/kg per week for up to 252 weeks.

Stratification factors included microscopic or gross nodal involvement, number of positive nodes, Breslow thickness, ulceration, sex, and study center. Patients were assessed for recurrence by the investigators based on physical examination every 3 months for 2 years and every 6 months thereafter.

The relapse-free survival (RFS) interval, the primary efficacy endpoint, was significantly longer in PEG-IFN–treated patients. The median RFS times were 34.8 months and 25.5 months, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall survival time.

The most common (>60%) grade 1–4 adverse reactions were fatigue, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), pyrexia, headache, anorexia, myalgia, nausea, chills, and injection site reactions. The most common serious adverse reactions were fatigue, increased ALT and AST, and pyrexia. Thirty-three percent of patients receiving PEG-IFN discontinued treatment as a result of adverse reactions. Five deaths were reported within 30 days of the last treatment dose, two resulting from cardiovascular disease considered as possibly related to treatment.
A Randomized Feasibility Study of Docetaxel Versus Vinorelbine in Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Palmieri Carlo , Alifrangis Constantine , Shipway David , Tat Tri , Watson Vivienne , Mackie Diane , Emson Marie , Coombes R. Charles
Published: September 2012

Background.

Docetaxel and vinorelbine have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). This prospective feasibility study compared the efficacy of these two treatments in MBC.

Methods.

Patients with MBC progressing following anthracycline treatment were randomly assigned to either docetaxel (100 mg/m2 day 1 q3W) or vinorelbine (25 mg/m2 day 1 q2W). Patients were eligible to cross over at progression. Objective response rates (ORR), time to progression (TTP), and overall survival (OS) were measured.

Results.

Thirty-seven patients were randomized. Two patients were excluded due to protocol violations. Of 35 remaining patients, 17 received docetaxel and 18 received vinorelbine per protocol. ORR was 12.5% and 6.0%, respectively, for docetaxel and vinorelbine. The median time to progression was 10.4 weeks (range, 6–14 weeks) in docetaxel arm and 7.6 weeks (range, 4–11 weeks) in vinorelbine arm (p = .82). The clinical benefit rate (defined as complete response, partial response plus stable disease) was 44% in the docetaxel arm and 12% in the vinorelbine arm. Based on intent to treat, the median OS in the docetaxel arm was 34 weeks (95% CI, 20.7–48) and 21.2 weeks (95% CI, 17–25.4) in vinorelbine arm (p = .388). Sixteen patients crossed over, 5 from docetaxel to vinorelbine and 11 from vinorelbine to docetaxel. At crossover, the ORR was 0% and 18% on crossover to vinorelbine and docetaxel, respectively, with a median TTP of 17.3 weeks (95% CI, 16.3–18.1) and 18.7 weeks (95% CI, 13.9–23.4) for those receiving vinorelbine and docetaxel at crossover, respectively. Vinorelbine, however, was much better tolerated with fewer grade 3–4 toxicity events (n = 4) than docetaxel (n = 27).
Pegylated Interferon for the Adjuvant Treatment of Melanoma: FDA Approved, but What Is Its Role?
Authors: Sondak Vernon K. , Kudchadkar Ragini
Published: September 2012

The article by Herndon and colleagues on the approval of peginterferon-alfa-2b for the adjuvant treatment of patients with resected node-positive melanoma, published in this issue of The Oncologist, is examined, and the relevance of this therapy in clinical practice discussed.
The Shard, London, UK: response of arches to ground movements
Authors: Parker John , Sharratt Matthew , Richmond John
Published: September 2012

The Shard is a 310 m high mixed-use tower, built next to the masonry arches that support London Bridge railway station in central London. Ground movements have occurred because of the demolition of the 26 storey tower that previously occupied the site, the excavation of a three storey basement, and the construction of the new building. These ground movements have led to axial and rotational strains in the masonry arches. Enabling works for the Shard in the vicinity have also caused arch movements. Initial assessments of the effects of movement on the arches, including the likelihood of cracking, were carried out using charts published by Boscardin and Cording. However the arches at London Bridge consistently performed better than predicted. This paper presents the results from the Shard project, and discusses possible reasons for the difference from Boscardin and Cording's findings.
Rationalising assessment approaches for masonry arch bridges
Authors: Gibbons Niamh , Fanning Paul J.
Published: September 2012

Masonry arch bridges, most of which have far exceeded modern design lives, have demonstrated themselves to be sustainable structures with low life-cycle costs. However, increased traffic loading and material deterioration over time necessitate periodic reassessment of these structures. There are numerous different analytical methods available for the assessment of masonry arch bridges. The expectation is that for increasing levels of assessment complexity an increase in load capacity converging on the ultimate capacity would be achieved. In this paper it is demonstrated that this is not always the case. This has cost implications for both the bridge assessment itself and for costs associated with load restrictions and strengthening measures. Five different assessment methods were selected to assess a set of 11 single-span bridges, ranging in span from 2·4 m to 15·2 m, with the objective of reviewing and rationalising current assessment guidelines for masonry arch bridges. The bridges chosen are a representative sample of the stone arch bridges on the Irish National Roads network. It was found that there is a significant variation in assessed capacity depending on the assessment method used. Limit state analysis methods were found to generally result in higher ratings for segmental bridges while elastic methods resulted in higher ratings for three-centred or semi-circular bridges. Assessment ratings found using the Military Engineering Experimental Establishment (MEXE) method were difficult to rationalise across the bridge set considered in this study. Following a review of the origins of the MEXE method and its current form as set out in the assessment guidance, it is recommended that its use as the predominant tool in a simplified assessment procedure is not appropriate and that a more rational approach is required for a more realistic and reliable calculation of bridge capacity. The development of an improved assessment methodology is being considered as part of the current study.
Influence of backfill on the capacity of masonry arch bridges
Authors: Callaway Phillip , Gilbert Matthew , Smith Colin C.
Published: September 2012

The influence of the presence of backfill on the load-carrying capacity of a masonry arch bridge can be considerable. The backfill is responsible for transmitting and distributing live loads from the road or rail surface through to the arch barrel and also for laterally stabilising the arch barrel as it sways under load. However, it can be difficult to separate these two distinct effects, and hence also difficult to ascertain whether existing assessment code recommendations are realistic. To address this, a series of experiments designed to separate these two effects have been performed. A total of 27 small-scale bridge tests were undertaken and the experimentally obtained peak loads then compared with results from limit analysis software of varying complexity. It was confirmed that passive restraint and live load distribution both contribute significantly to bridge-carrying capacity, and that, when failure involves a four-hinge failure mechanism, even comparatively simple limit analysis software can model the various effects remarkably well.
Experimental evaluation of utilizing geogrids under subbase layers to decrease rutting and increasing bearing capacity
Authors: Mardookhpour A. R.
Published: September 2012

Utilizing polymer materials in order to improve the performance of road structures is based on two factors, decreasing deformation and increasing bearing capacity. The purpose of this research work is to find a relationship between the loading of the geogrid, the thickness of the aggregate layer and its bearing capacity. In this research study, according to the results obtained from soil mechanics laboratory, it will be demonstrated that, by utilizing geogrids, the probability of rutting occurrence decreases by 30% and the bearing capacity of soil increases by 40% approximately.
Development and performance testing of the world’s first automated individual body armor inspection system
Authors: D'Aries Lawrence J.
Published: September 2012

With the onset of conflict and large troop deployments into South West Asia in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Radiography Laboratory at the US Army Armaments, Research, Development and Engineering Center at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ, USA, was approached to investigate the feasibility of designing an automated inspection system to examine the integrity of all the small arms ceramic armor plates currently in service. This amounted to ~1 million units; therefore, the need for a high-throughput, fully automated system was apparent, and this included automated defect recognition software and automated material handling.
Silver nano-ink for aerosol-jet (M3D) printed solar electrodes
Authors: Shankar Ravi , Amert Anthony , Kellar Jon J. , Whites Keith W.
Published: September 2012

The authors have developed a silver-nanoparticle-based ink formulation for aerosol-jet-based printing technique called "Maskless Mesoscale Material Deposition" or M3D™. A wet chemistry precursor-based approach was used to prepare ligand-capped silver nanoparticles where the reduction of silver salt was carried out in a controlled organic media. This synthesis yields 4–5-nm particles, which were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis Absorption spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA results show weight loss and sintering at low temperature (~170ºC) due to the burning off the ligands. Low-temperature sintering makes the use of this ink attractive for printing conductive patterns on flexible substrates such as Kapton or photo paper. A four-point probe resistance measurement was done on printed tracks, which yields conductivity ~40% of bulk silver.
Briefing: Delivering London 2012: Meeting the transport challenge
Authors: Sumner Hugh
Published: September 2012

Upgrading London's transport network to allow for nearly a million more journeys every day during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was an unprecedented challenge. This article provides an overview of the requirements together with a summary of the key roles and responsibilities, the transport plans produced for each games, the main transport projects undertaken and the successful outcome. It then introduces four detailed papers which explain in more detail how London 2012's transport solution was successfully delivered.
Posttraumatic Growth and Transformation as Outcomes of Perinatal Loss
Authors: Black Beth Perry , Wright Patricia
Published: September 2012

Perinatal loss in its many forms results in profound grief and distress for women, their partners, and families. The possibility of personal growth in the aftermath of perinatal loss has been suggested through early research; however, systematic research on posttraumatic growth after perinatal loss has not been well-developed. Posttraumatic growth is positive psychological change as a result of confronting a challenging life experience. After a short description of perinatal loss, this article presents the conceptual development of posttraumatic growth, its measurement, and early research suggesting that posttraumatic growth occurs after perinatal loss. Finally, future avenues for research are recommended, and suggestions are made as to how clinicians may acknowledge the positive transformative work of bereavement in order to enhance posttraumatic growth in their patients who have experienced the painful loss of their expected children.
Narratives of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses: Experience with End-of-Life Care
Authors: Lindsay Gail , Cross Nadine , Ives-Baine Lori
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this interpretive narrative research is to explore the experiences of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses with end-of-life care of infants and their families. Guided by Newman's Research-as-Praxis, we met with nurse participants from a tertiary care NICU twice in small groups and once on the telephone to share their stories. Patterns of relationship were discerned and shared with our participants for their affirmation, challenge, and elaboration. NICU nurses' end-of-life experiences include relationship patterns, knowledge construction, and tensions of temporal and spatial proximity of suffering and death. Arts-based forms of dissemination of our findings have been developed to invite readers into reconstruction of their experiences and to demonstrate the transferability of the method.
Definitional Distinctions in Response to Perinatal Loss and Fertility Barriers
Authors: Price Sarah Kye , McLeod David A.
Published: September 2012

Women of childbearing age may face unanticipated perinatal losses and fertility barriers which challenge emotional well-being. However, the conceptual fit of perinatal and reproductive loss into contemporary grief theory is less well defined. This article utilizes secondary data from the National Survey of Fertility Barriers (NSFB) (Johnson & White, n.d.) to examine the definitional distinctions between depression, complicated grief, and personal growth. In the study ( N = 4,712), approximately one-third of participants (34%) had experienced a pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or infant/child death, while another one-third (33%) experienced some degree of fertility challenge other than miscarriage. Through descriptive multi-group comparisons and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), we explore definitional distinctions between these groups within constructs of depression, complicated grief, and personal growth. Study findings highlight the complex interrelationships among grief, depression, and personal growth which are interwoven with experiences of perinatal and infant death as well as fertility challenges.
The Evolution of Group and Online Support for Families Who Have Experienced Perinatal or Neonatal Loss
Authors: Carlson Rose , Lammert Catherine , O'Leary Joann M.
Published: September 2012

This article examines how group and online support for bereaved parents has evolved over the past 35 years. From little to no support at all, support for grieving parents has evolved from face-to-face peer support groups and one-on-one telephone support, into online support, specialized groups for pregnancy and parenting after a loss, and, finally, into groups that provide care for those making decisions when the baby is not expected to survive. This article also explores current research into the history and effectiveness of both face-to-face and online support groups. Caregivers will gain information to help them in their work with bereaved families.
Unintended Pregnancy among Rural Women in Bangladesh
Authors: Noor Forhana Rahman , Rahman Md. Moshiur , Rob Ubaidur , Bellows Benjamin
Published: September 2012

Unintended pregnancies are associated with unsafe abortion and greater risk of maternal morbidity and maternal deaths. In Bangladesh, approximately one-third of pregnancies are unintended. Considering the magnitude of the situation and its consequences, this article explores factors associated with the prevalence of unintended pregnancies in rural Bangladesh with implications for policy intervention. A total of 3300 women were interviewed from 22 sub-districts to collect information on unintended pregnancy related issues. Findings reveal that about 29% of the pregnancies were unintended and the frequency of unintended pregnancy was higher among the older, less educated, higher parity, and poor women. Findings also suggest that unintended pregnancy rate was higher (33%) among women who used contraceptive before their last pregnancy than women (23%) who did not use any contraceptive. The rate of unintended pregnancy also varied, by the types of contraceptive methods used before their last pregnancy. The women who were using traditional methods or temporary modern methods were more likely to experience unintended pregnancy than longer acting method users. The findings underscore the importance of measuring contraceptive discontinuation rates in addition to prevalence of all modern methods. When discussing policy interventions to generate demand for family planning, consideration of differences in method-specific discontinuation rates is important if policy objectives to reduce unintended pregnancies are to be achieved.
Reproductive Health Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviors of Technical College Students in Velikye Novgorod, Russia
Authors: Lukovitskaya Elena , Buchanan David
Published: September 2012

An analysis of five focus groups conducted with students ages 16–20 attending technical college in Velikye Novgorod regarding reproductive health issues. The results show a high level of sexual activity, but low levels of contraceptive use and negative attitudes toward modern contraceptive methods. Despite public disapproval of induced abortion, its use appears widespread.
Reliability of the High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey When Administered Online
Authors: Raghupathy Shobana , Hahn-Smith Steve
Published: September 2012

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is frequently used by states and local school districts for monitoring and assessing health risk behaviors among middle and high school youth in the United States. This study assessed the reliability of the High School YRBS questions when the survey is administered as a web-based survey. A test-retest reliability study was conducted on a sample of high school students in grades 9–12. Students self-administered an online version of the high school YRBS at two different time periods. Kappa scores were computed for all items in order to measure reliability. Items measured prevalence estimates of behaviors related to unintentional injuries and violence, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, and sexual behaviors. The mean kappa reliability score was similar to scores obtained in prior reliability studies of the YRBS when administered as paper surveys; 87% of the 69 selected items from the 79-item paper survey used had kappa scores that indicated moderate or substantial reliability. Findings indicate the reliability of the online High School YRBS when administered to students online and its potential as an alternative to paper survey.
Identifying Barriers and Sustainable Solution to Childhood Immunization in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Tobin-West C. I. , Alex-Hart B. A.
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to uncover barriers to childhood immunization in order to make recommendations that will address the problem in Rivers State and Nigeria. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in September 2008, among mothers and caregivers of children aged 0–5 years, to examine the various barriers to childhood immunization in the Khana Local Government Area of the State. Data was analyzed using Epi Info version 6.4d software. A total of 1560 mothers and caregivers were interviewed. Their knowledge about immunization was low. Only 15.2% was able to define immunization and mention six vaccine preventable diseases. Most children (46.8%) did not complete their immunization schedule because of frequent shortage of vaccines in the health facilities. Long-term and advance commitment by the government to vaccine manufacturers to purchase vaccines and engaging communities in dialogue over benefits of immunization is advocated to improve immunization in the State.
Factors Contributing to Participation of a Rural Community in Health Education: A Case Study from Ethiopia
Authors: Adamu Abebaw Yirga
Published: September 2012

This study investigated factors that contributed to the participation of a rural community in health education. It was conducted in the Awi zone of the Amhara region in Ethiopia. The participants were rural community members and health extension workers. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit rural community members, whereas convenient sampling was used to recruit health extension workers. Data was collected through in-depth individual interviews, and focus group discussions. The study revealed various factors contributing to the participation of a rural community in health education, including attainability of the objectives of health education, profiles of the health extension workers, peer influence, organization of the health education program in terms of place and time, and meaningfulness of the health education in terms of rural community lives. Although the ultimate goal of participation in health education is similar for all rural community members, they were attracted to the program by one or more than one different factor. Efforts aimed at enhancing participation of a rural community in health education program should address each factor that contributes to the participation of community members.
Pilot Training of Community Mobilizers as Health Educators to Prevent Onchocerciasis in Bugai, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Okanlawon F. A. , Osanyintolu G. D.
Published: September 2012

About 33 million Nigerians are at risk of onchocerciasis (river blindness) including people in Bugai community where the prevalence is high. This is attributed to poor knowledge of preventive measures, so there is a need to empower people with health information. This pilot study aimed at training 38 volunteered community leaders as mobilizers with the intention of using them to disseminate health information on prevention of onchocerciasis to the entire Bugai community. The intervention study made use of an adapted preventive health education manual. Selection was based on interest and influential ability of the mobilizers. Pre- and post-test on knowledge of prevention was conducted. Post-test results showed increased knowledge due to significant effect of the training ( P = 0.00). Thereafter, the trained community mobilizers disseminated the same information to the entire community. Overall result showed that empowering people with adequate health information is a good means of preventing onchocerciasis where prevalence is high.
Determinants and Short-Term Reproducibility of Relative Plasma Volume Slopes during Hemodialysis
Authors: Anand Sanjiv , Sinha Arjun D. , Agarwal Rajiv
Published: September 2012

Background and objectives

Hypervolemia is a major cause of morbidity, in part because of the lack of well characterized diagnostic tests. The hypothesis was that relative plasma volume (RPV) slopes are influenced by ultrafiltration rate, directly associate with improvement in arterial oxygen saturation, and are reproducible.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

RPV slopes were measured on three consecutive hemodialysis sessions. Various relationships were tested using mixed models. Reproducibility was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results

RPV slopes averaged 1.37±1.45% per hour. The mean RPV slopes were steeper on the first dialysis of the week, which correlated with a higher ultrafiltration rate; RPV slope and ultrafiltration rate were directly related. Increasing ultrafiltration rate quartiles were associated with similar change in RPV in the first 1 hour of dialysis but steeper changes in RPV subsequently. A direct relationship emerged between increasing RPV slopes and increasing arterial oxygen saturation slopes. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the relative plasma volume slope was 0.77.

Conclusions

Although ultrafiltration rate is a major determinant of RPV slope, similar ultrafiltration rates are associated with varying RPV between individuals. Because RPV is associated with little change by ultrafiltration rate during the first 1 hour of dialysis, probing dry weight during the earlier part of dialysis may be safer. RPV slopes are physiologically meaningful, because they are associated with parallel changes in arterial oxygenation saturation slopes. RPV slopes are reproducible, and therefore, RPV may serve as a useful marker to judge changes in volume status within an individual.
Asymptomatic carriers of clostridium difficile in serbian population
Authors: Stojanović Predrag , Stojanović Nevena , Kocic Branislava , Stanković-Đorđević Dobrila , Babić Tatjana , Stojanović Kristina
Published: September 2012

The aim of the research was to determine the intestinal carriers of C. difficile in different human population groups in Serbia. The research enrolled 877 persons with formed stools: (newborn children in maternity hospitals for up to two weeks old) (23), group A; children aged from two weeks to two years (121), group B; children aged two to 10 years (54), group C, healthy individuals aged 10 and over (516), group D; patients hospitalized for at least 48 hours (100), group E; staff of the Clinical Center in Nis, Serbia, (63), group F. The toxins A and B of C. difficile were detected by ELISA-ridascreen Clostridium difficile Toxin A/B (R — Biopharm AG, Darmstadt, Germany). The toxin A of C. difficile was detected using ColorPAC Toxin A test (BectonDickinson, New Jersey, USA). Out of the total number of persons (877), the carriers of certain types of toxin-producing strains of C. difficile were distributed as: 6.04% (A−/B−), 1.83% (A+/B+) and 0.11% (A−/B+). In most groups (5/6), the dominance of non-toxigenic (A−/B−) isolates was established, with the rate of carriers 1.75 – 30.43% depending on the group. Toxigenic isolates were prevalent only in the group F in relation to non — toxigenic (7.94% versus 4.76% of persons). In other groups, the carriers of toxigenic strains ranged from 0.00 – 17.45%. The presence of asymptomatic intestinal carriers of C. difficile in the human population, indicate the possible reservoirs and sources of infection.
Evaluation of melanogenesis in A-375 melanoma cells treated with 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin and valproic acid
Authors: Chodurek Ewa , Orchel Arkadiusz , Orchel Joanna , Kurkiewicz Sławomir , Gawlik Natalia , Dzierżewicz Zofia , Stępień Krystyna
Published: September 2012

Malignant melanoma (melanoma malignum) is one of the most dangerous types of tumor. It is very difficult to cure. In recent years, a lot of attention has been given to chemoprevention. This method uses natural and synthetic compounds to interfere with and inhibit the process of carcinogenesis. In this study, a new treatment strategy was proposed consisting of a combination of 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin (DMC), an activator of melanogenesis, and valproic acid (VPA), a well-known drug that is one of the histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis). In conjunction with 1 mM VPA, all of the tested concentrations of DMC (10–150 μM) significantly decreased the proliferation of A-375 cells. VPA and DMC also induced the synthesis of melanin and the formation of dendrite and star-shaped cells. Tyrosinase gene expression and tyrosinase activity significantly increased in response to VPA treatment. Pyrolysis with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was used to investigate the structure of the isolated melanin. This showed that the quantitative and qualitative components of melanin degradation products are dependent on the type of applied melanogenesis inductor. Products derived from eumelanin were detected in the pyrolytic profile of melanin isolated from A-375 cells stimulated with DMC. Thermal degradation of melanin isolated from melanoma cells after exposure to VPA or a mixture of VPA and DMC revealed the additional presence of products derived from pheomelanin.
Dynamics and local policy in labour commuting
Authors: Drobne Samo , Bogataj Marija , Lisec Anka
Published: September 2012

Dynamics and local policy in labour commuting

Background: In the paper, the influence of the selected parameters, which are population, travel time to work by car, employment rate and average gross earnings, to labour commuting flows in Slovenia is analysed for the period 2000 - 2009. Furthermore, the dynamics of the analysed parameters have been studied to be implemented in the local policy application. Objectives: The main goal of this research has been to study the stickiness and attractiveness of Slovenian municipalities regarding the analysed parameters to support local labour commuting policy. Methods/Approach: The influence of the analysed parameters to the labour commuting flows has been studied in the extended gravity model. The change of the influence of parameters on commuting flows has been studied separately for each year in the analysed period. Additionally, the calculation of the extended gravity model has been performed for the whole analysed period. Results: The results show that the analysed parameters more attracted than dispatched the inter-municipal labour commuting flows in Slovenia in the study period. The results of the study of the dynamics of the analysed parameters have been implemented in the case study at the local level. Conclusions: The results provide the important empirical contribution to physical planners at the state, regional and/or local level for creating development policies. The results show that some factors in the gravity model can be compensated with the change of the others and vice-versa.