bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catch Rates and Biological Characteristics of Bluntnose Sixgill Sharks in Puget Sound
Authors: Williams Gregory D. , Andrews Kelly S. , Farrer Deborah A. , Levin Phillip S.
Published: December 2009

The bluntnose sixgill shark Hexanchus griseus is a wide‐ranging marine predator and the largest predatory shark in Puget Sound. Biological characteristics of the Puget Sound bluntnose sixgill shark population remain largely undocumented, despite a recent escalation in recreational angling for the species. Standardized longline sampling, supplemented with other opportunistic collections, was used to collect size, sex ratio, and relative catch rate data at three locations during 2006–2008. Fishing trials were also used to examine the effect of soak time, fishing depth, and time of day on catch rates. Captured bluntnose sixgill sharks were exclusively subadults (175–315 cm total length) found in approximately equal sex ratios in all seasons. Catch rates were highest in Elliott Bay, the urbanized port of Seattle, Washington, and were not affected by sampling season. Catch information derived from hook timers implies that the sharks locate and encounter baited hooks relatively rapidly (<2 h); diel fishing trials suggest some trend toward lower catch rates at shallower sites during the day. Data collected in this study provide some basic context for informing management decisions associated with a large marine predator in the Puget Sound–Georgia Basin ecosystem and improve our basic understanding of bluntnose sixgill shark biology in the region.
Recomposição da relação sujeito-trabalho nos modelos emergentes de carreira
Authors: Bendassolli Pedro F.
Published: December 2009

Nosso objetivo neste artigo é analisar a recomposição da relação sujeito-trabalho presente em modelos emergentes de carreira concebidos na confluência de tradições sociológicas, psicológicas e gerenciais. Utilizamos o termo recomposição, pois esses modelos têm em comum a partilha de um humor de época que se generalizou especialmente nos últimos quarenta anos, consistindo em enfatizar a fragilização, a precarização, a desmontagem e a consequente necessidade de transformação dos modelos de carreira tradicionais, calcados em torno da noção de emprego herdada da sociedade industrial. Apresentamos e analisamos os pressupostos centrais de oito modelos emergentes de carreira e questionamos como, a partir deles, sujeito, trabalho e organizações são reelaborados em resposta à desinstitucionalização do emprego observada no mesmo período em que eles foram propostos. Concluímos propondo que os modelos emergentes de carreira são dispositivos discursivos cuja crítica pode nos trazer informações valiosas sobre as ambiguidades e tensões do trabalho na atualidade.
Removal of organic matter and nutrients from slaughterhouse wastewater by using Eichhornia crassipes and evaluation of the generated biomass composting
Authors: Mees Juliana B. R. , Gomes Simone D. , Boas Márcio A. Vilas , Fazolo Ajadir , Sampaio Sílvio C.
Published: December 2009

The objective of this research was to evaluate the performance of the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes applied in situ in a slaughter house treatment system, located in the west of the Paraná state, Brazil, regarding the nutrients removal and organic matter. Moreover, it aimed to obtain data from the production, management and composting practices of the biomass generated in the system. During 11 months of macrophytes development, physic and chemical parameters were monitored and plant density was controlled by periodical removal of excess biomass, which was weekly monitored and it is expressed in kg of aquatic plant per m² covered area. The degradation of the macrophytes removed from the treatment system was evaluated at the pilot scale in eight composting piles of 0.60 m³ that underwent four different treatments and two repetitions: T1 - water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes); T2 - water hyacinth and swine excrement (7:1), T3 - water hyacinth, swine excrement and earth (7:1:0,67), and T4 - water hyacinth, swine excrement and cellulosic gut (7:1:0,67), for a period of 90 days. The results indicated maximum removal efficiencies of 77.2% for COD; 77.8% for BOD, 87.9% for total nitrogen, 47.5% for ammonia nitrogen and 38.9% for total phosphorus for a five-day retention time. For biomass stabilization by composting, considering the C:N ratio as an indicator of compost maturity, it was observed that treatment T4 resulted in the shortest stabilization period (60 days). No difference was verified in the biostabilization rates at 5% level by the F test.
Ontogenia e estrutura do pericarpo de Prestonia riedelii (Müll. Arg.) Markgr. (Apocynaceae)
Authors: Aguiar Shesterson , Carmello-Guerreiro Sandra Maria , Kinoshita Luiza Sumiko
Published: December 2009

O trabalho teve por objetivos descrever a ontogenia e estrutura do pericarpo de P. riedelii, visando fornecer subsídios aos trabalhos taxonômicos, filogenéticos e ecológicos realizados para família. Flores e frutos em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento foram fixados em FAA, incluídos em resina plástica, seccionados com 10 ìm e corados com azul de toluidina para análise estrutural. O fruto de P. riedelii é um folicarium, sendo formado por dois frutículos do tipo folículo. O epicarpo, originado da epiderme externa do ovário, é formado por uma camada de células epidérmicas de cutícula espessa e tricomas tectores multicelulares e unisseriados. O mesocarpo, originado a partir do desenvolvimento do tecido fundamental, é formado por várias camadas de células parenquimáticas, feixes vasculares, fibras não lignificadas e laticíferos. O endocarpo sensu lato é formado por duas camadas de esclerócitos de disposição cruzada, que se originam da epiderme interna do ovário e de uma camada de células do tecido fundamental. A deiscência de cada folículo é marginal e o processo de deiscência envolve um conjunto de características anatômicas, como células de parede delgada e sinuosa formando a linha de deiscência, fibras não lignificadas no mesocarpo e esclerócitos de disposição cruzada no endocarpo.
Gametófitos de Pleurosorus papaverifolius (Kunze) Fée (Aspleniaceae) y Cheilanthes glauca (Cav.) Mett. (Pteridaceae), dos helechos rupícolas sudamericanos
Authors: Gabriel y Galán Jose María , Prada Carmen
Published: December 2009

En este trabajo se estudia la germinación de la espora, el desarrollo morfológico de los gametófitos y la expresión sexual de dos pteridófitos sudamericanos rupícolas: Pleurosorus papaverifolius (Kunze) Fée. y Cheilanthes glauca (Cav.) Mett. Las esporas mostraron una germinación vigorosa, y se alcanzaron porcentajes relativamente altos de germinación (>70%) en menos de tres semanas. Pleurosorus papaverifolius desarrolló una fase filamentosa de lento crecimiento, con células gruesas e hinchadas que daban al gametófito un aspecto algo redondeado; por el contrario, en Cheilanthes glauca esta etapa fue efímera y rápidamente se dio paso a la fase laminar. Las formas presexuales fueron cordadas en ambas especies, pero en Pleurosorus papaverifolius se desarrollaron, además, abundantes protalos alargados de mayor tamaño. Mientras que los protalos de Cheilanthes glaucafueron desnudos, los de Pleurosorus papaverifoliuspresentaron numerosos tricomas unicelulares tanto marginales como superficiales. Ambos pteridófitos difirieron también en su expresión sexual, que comenzó con el desarrollo de anteridios en Pleurosorus papaverifolius y de arquegonios en Cheilanthes glauca. En Pleurosorus papaverifolius nunca se observaron gametófitos femeninos, pero sí abundantes bisexuales. Cheilanthes glauca mantuvo durante largo tiempo un número similar de gametófitos femeninos y masculinos, produciendo solamente un reducido número de protalos bisexuales.
Estresse ocupacional em profissionais de saúde: um estudo com enfermeiros portugueses
Authors: Gomes A. Rui , Cruz José Fernando , Cabanelas Susana
Published: December 2009

Este trabalho analisa o estresse ocupacional em 286 enfermeiros de hospitais e centros de saúde portugueses. Avaliaram-se as fontes de estresse, o burnout, os problemas de saúde física, a satisfação e a realização profissional. Os resultados apontaram 30% de enfermeiros com experiências significativas de estresse e 15% com problemas de exaustão emocional. As análises de regressão múltipla apontaram maior capacidade preditiva das dimensões de estresse na exaustão emocional, na saúde física, na satisfação e na realização profissional. As análises comparativas evidenciaram maiores problemas de estresse e reações mais negativas ao trabalho nas mulheres, nos enfermeiros mais novos e com menor experiência, nos trabalhadores com contratos a prazo, nos profissionais que realizam trabalho por turnos e nos que trabalham mais horas.
Adequação ao Real de adolescentes: possibilidades informativas do Questionário Desiderativo
Authors: Guimarães Nicole Medeiros , Pasian Sonia Regina
Published: December 2009

O presente trabalho constitui-se em um recorte de uma investigação voltada para a busca de padrões de desempenho de adolescentes diante do Questionário Desiderativo. Responderam, individualmente, a essa técnica projetiva, 120 adolescentes, voluntários de ambos os sexos, sem história de transtornos no desenvolvimento, estudantes do Ensino Médio de escolas públicas e particulares de Ribeirão Preto (SP). Suas respostas ao Desiderativo foram avaliadas às cegas por três examinadores independentes. Neste trabalho foram destacados os indicadores técnicos do Desiderativo referentes à Adequação ao Real, a saber: Tempo de Reação Médio, Sequência das Escolhas, Necessidade de Indução, Respostas Antropomórficas e Respostas Vulgares (mais frequentes). Os resultados apontaram indícios de precisão, oferecendo bons subsídios para a utilização, cientificamente fundamentada, do Questionário Desiderativo por psicólogos brasileiros.
As relações entre a satisfação conjugal e as habilidades sociais percebidas no cônjuge
Authors: Sardinha Aline , Falcone Eliane Mary de Oliveira , Ferreira Maria Cristina
Published: December 2009

As relações entre habilidades sociais percebidas pelo cônjuge e satisfação conjugal foram investigadas. Cinquenta casais (n=100), com idades entre 29 a 69 anos e tempo de união entre sete e 38 anos, responderam à Escala de Satisfação Conjugal, ao Inventário de Habilidades Sociais Conjugais e ao Questionário de Empatia Conjugal. A análise de regressão múltipla apontou forte relação entre a empatia do cônjuge e a satisfação conjugal, seguida pela expressão de sentimentos e defesa dos próprios direitos. O número de filhos se correlacionou inversamente com a satisfação e as mulheres foram percebidas como mais empáticas. As habilidades sociais, especialmente a empatia, parecem ser facilitadores da satisfação conjugal. Recomenda-se o desenvolvimento dessas habilidades no tratamento de casais em crise.
O efeito da terapia comportamental para enurese sobre outros problemas de comportamento
Authors: Pereira Rodrigo Fernando , Costa Noel José Dias da , Rocha Marina Monzani da , Arantes Mariana Castro , Silvares Edwiges Ferreira de Mattos
Published: December 2009

O objetivo do estudo foi investigar o efeito do tratamento para enurese sobre os escores de outros problemas de comportamento. Foram coletadas as informações de 97 prontuários de crianças e adolescentes atendidos no período de 2002 a 2006 em uma clínica-escola de psicologia, em programa específico para enurese com uso do alarme de urina. Os dados sobre problemas de comportamento foram avaliados por meio do Child Behavior Checklist, respondido pelas mães antes e depois do tratamento. Foi encontrada uma redução significativa nos escores de problemas de comportamento, independentemente do sucesso ou não no tratamento para enurese.
Comportamento humano e recursos naturais: qualidade e disponibilidade da água avaliadas pelos usuários
Authors: Kuhnen Ariane , Improta Rafaella Lenoir , Silveira Scheila Machado da
Published: December 2009

A pesquisa buscou conhecer as representações da água em cidades de São Paulo e Santa Catarina. Foram realizadas 296 entrevistas estruturadas com uso de questionário elaborado a partir de eixos temáticos, categorias e variáveis. Para análise dos resultados, realizou-se a exploração textual dos questionários, reconhecendo os núcleos dos discursos e suas características, agrupadas por semelhança de conteúdo. A maioria dos entrevistados indica a água como fundamental para a sobrevivência, sendo suficiente no momento atual, porém temem pela sua indisponibilidade no futuro. Apontam as ações humanas como principal responsável pela situação. Conclui-se que os entrevistados questionam os modos de vida e de produção atual, a organização da sociedade e, por consequência, chamam a atenção para o modo insustentável de consumo de água.
Álcool e direção: uma questão na agenda política brasileira
Authors: Nascimento Andréa dos Santos , Garcia Maria Lúcia Teixeira
Published: December 2009

Analisar como o problema do álcool e direção foi incorporado à agenda política brasileira é o objetivo deste trabalho. Entre as décadas de 1980 e 1990, as taxas dos acidentes de trânsito correspondiam a quase metade dos óbitos por causas externas, com tendências crescentes. Foi nas últimas duas décadas do século XX, que os acidentes de trânsito foram definidos como problema de saúde pública e, dentro da discussão dos acidentes, violência e óbitos por causas externas, a combinação álcool e direção foi configurada como um problema que requer políticas públicas.
The influence of nicotine on the population of fibroblasts in cutaneous scars in rats
Authors: Biondo-Simões Maria de Lourdes Pessole , Spelling Natali Weniger , Ioshii Sérgio Issamu , Biondo-Simões Rachel , Repka João Carlos Domingues
Published: December 2009

PURPOSE: To study the collagen density and the population of fibroblasts in cutaneous injuries in rats under the influence of nicotine. METHODS: The scars of abdominal wounds in rats were analyzed. 2 mg/kg/d of nicotine was administered to the animals in the experiment group and the solution used as a vehicle for the animals in the control group. Treatment was begun seven days prior to surgery and maintained for seven or fourteen days following surgery. The removed scars were prepared for histopathological study. Histological cuts were stained by Sirius Supra red F3BA for collagen analysis and submitted to the examination using the immunohistochemical technique, which enabled us to recognize the population of fibroblasts. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in type I collagen density after seven days (p=0.912), nor after fourteen days (p=0.211). The control group had more type III collagen after seven days (p=0.004), but after fourteen days there was no significant difference (p=0,720). The total quantification of collagen, although higher in the control group, was not significantly so at any time during the study (p=0.103 after seven days and p=0.549 after fourteen days). The average of fibroblasts per field was lower after seven days (p=0.0001) and after fourteen days (p=0.0000). CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this experiment, nicotine reduced the fibroblast population without modifying collagen density significantly.
Cetoacidose diabética canina
Authors: Crivelenti Leandro Zuccolotto , Borin Sofia , Brum Alexandre Martini de , Tinucci-Costa Mirela
Published: December 2009

A cetoacidose diabética (CAD), uma das complicações metabólicas em pacientes com diabetes mellitus (DM), caracteriza-se por hipercetonemia e alterações do equilíbrio ácido-base, juntamente com as alterações clínicas e laboratoriais compatíveis. Este trabalho objetiva apresentar uma revisão crítica dos principais pontos da etiopatogenia, dos sinais clínicos e das alterações laboratoriais da CAD, bem como discorrer sobre prognóstico e modalidades terapêuticas mais recentes, visando a fornecer subsídios ao clínico de pequenos animais.
Método para mapeamento de locos controladores de características oligogênicas
Authors: Rocha Rodrigo Barros , Barros Willian Silva , Muro-Abad Júpiter Israel , Tomaz Rafael Simões , Cruz Cosme Damião , Barros Everaldo Gonçalves de , Araújo Elza Fernandes de
Published: December 2009

Características oligogênicas de distribuição discreta e expressão governada por poucos genes de maior efeito têm se mostrado importantes na condução dos programas de melhoramento, com destaque para a resposta de resistência das plantas às doenças. Métodos tradicionais de detecção de QTL's, que pressupõem normalidade e herança governada por múltiplos fatores, não deveriam ser utilizados para mapeamento dessas características de distribuição discreta e interação epistática predominante. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar os resultados de um método para mapeamento e detecção de locos controladores da expressão de características oligogênicas, OTL's (Oligogenic Trait Loci). Esse método, definido como MMCO (Método de Mapeamento de Características Oligogênicas), utiliza funções de verossimilhança para obtenção de estimativas de ligação fatorial entre locos marcadores e locos controladores de características oligogênicas. Os resultados indicam que o método foi adequado para detecção de OTL's em populações F2 relativamente pequenas, compostas por 200 indivíduos, e que a determinação a priori do padrão de herança é condição necessária para a utilização dessa estratégia, que se diferencia por atender as pressuposições de análise, não necessitar de informação prévia de ordenamento entre as marcas e por permitir a obtenção de estimativas a partir da informação contida em todas as classes genotípicas.
Broiler and swine production: animal welfare legislation scenario
Authors: Silva Raquel Baracat Tosi Rodrigues da , Nääs Irenilza de Alencar , Moura Daniella Jorge de
Published: December 2009

Brazil is the world largest meat exporter and one of the most recent demands of the import market is directed towards animal welfare. Codes, norms and legislations used in Brazil are out of date, and in most cases those adopted for both poultry and swine production are based on international standards to meet trade requirements. This research aimed to study and describe an overall scenario of the standards, norms and legislations for animal welfare items applied to broiler and swine production: rearing, handling and transportation. The critical points of these items were identified in accordance to standards and current literature on animal welfare issues, effective on January 2008. The comparison was based on given scores varying from 1-5 (very bad to very good) as function of the existence of standard norms and legislations for each country and/or economic block, and for each type of demand, as well as the level of adoption by producers. When compared to counterparts Brazil detained the lowest score for all types of demands, and its mean score of norms is lower (p < 0.05). For both poultry and swine production the European Union provides detailed information to producers, followed by Australia and United States. Exception is made to standards in moving or transporting swine within the farm. Brazilian legislation for poultry production presents a general insufficiency of 58%, while in swine production the highest deficit is in transportation. There is a need to invest in updating animal welfare standards, norms and legislation in the country for maintaining its international competitiveness.
Hepatopulmonary syndrome: an update
Authors: Macêdo Liana Gonçalves de , Lopes Edmundo Pessoa de Almeida
Published: December 2009

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a clinical threesome composed of liver disease, intrapulmonary vascular dilatation (IPVD) and arterial gas abnormalities. Its occurrence has been described in up to 32% of cirrhotic candidates for liver transplantation. It also affects non-cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. Its pathogenesis is not well defined, but an association of factors such as imbalance in the endothelin receptor response, pulmonary microvascular remodeling and genetic predisposition is thought to lead to IPVD. Diagnosis is based on imaging methods that identify these dilatations, such as contrast echocardiography or perfusion scintigraphy with 99mTc, as well as analysis of arterial gases to identify elevated alveolar-arterial differences in O2 or hypoxemia. There is no effective pharmacological treatment and complete resolution only occurs through liver transplantation. The importance of diagnosing HPS lies in prioritizing transplant candidates, since presence of HPS is associated with worse prognosis. The aim of this paper was to review the pathogenetic theories and current diagnostic criteria regarding HPS, and to critically analyze the prioritization of patients with HPS on the liver transplant waiting list. Searches were carried out in the Medline (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online) via PubMed, Cochrane Library and Lilacs (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde) databases for articles published between January 2002 and December 2007 involving adults and written either in English or in Portuguese, using the term hepatopulmonary syndrome. The studies of greatest relevance were included in the review, along with text books and articles cited in references that were obtained through the review.
Métodos de avaliação da fadigabilidade muscular periférica e seus determinantes energético-metabólicos na DPOC
Authors: Rondelli Rafaella Rezende , Dal Corso Simone , Simões Alexandre , Malaguti Carla
Published: December 2009

Está bem estabelecido que, além do acometimento pulmonar, a DPOC apresenta consequências sistêmicas que podem convergir para a disfunção muscular periférica, com maior fadigabilidade muscular, menor tolerância ao exercício e menor sobrevida nesses pacientes. Tendo em vista as repercussões negativas da fadiga muscular precoce na DPOC, esta revisão teve como objetivo discutir os principais achados da literatura relacionados aos seus determinantes metabólicos e bioenergéticos e suas repercussões funcionais, bem como seus métodos de identificação e de quantificação. O substrato anatomofuncional da maior fadigabilidade muscular na DPOC parece incluir a redução dos níveis de fosfatos de alta energia, a redução da densidade mitocondrial, a lactacidemia precoce, o aumento da amônia sérica e a perfusão muscular reduzida. Essas alterações podem ser evidenciadas por falência de contração, redução da taxa de disparo das unidades motoras e maior recrutamento de unidades motoras numa dada atividade, exteriorizando-se funcionalmente por redução da força, potência e resistência musculares. Esta revisão mostra também que diversos tipos de regimes contráteis e protocolos têm sido utilizados com o intuito de detectar fadiga nessa população. A partir de tais conhecimentos, estratégias reabilitadoras podem ser traçadas visando o aumento da resistência à fadiga muscular nessa população.
Capítulo 4: histoplasmose
Authors: Aidé Miguel Abidon
Published: December 2009

Histoplasmose é uma micose sistêmica causada por um pequeno fungo, Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum, cujo habitat é o solo rico em excrementos de pássaros e morcegos. A incidência da histoplasmose é mundial. No Brasil, a doença incide em todas as regiões; porém, o estado do Rio de Janeiro é responsável pelo maior número de microepidemias descritas até hoje. A infecção humana ocorre pela inalação de esporos do H. capsulatum. A forma clínica mais freqüente é a assintomática. Na histoplasmose aguda ou epidêmica, os sintomas são febre alta, tosse, astenia, dor retroesternal, acompanhados de aumento dos linfonodos cervicais, fígado e do baço. Os achados radiológicos mais frequentes são o infiltrado reticulonodular difuso em ambos os pulmões, associados a linfonodomegalias hílares e mediastinais. Na forma pulmonar crônica, o quadro clínico e radiológico é idêntico ao da tuberculose pulmonar do adulto. O diagnóstico da histoplasmose é feito pela identificação do fungo ou crescimento em cultura de escarro ou de material obtido por fibrobroncoscopia. A histopatologia identifica o fungo dentro e fora do macrófago em meio à lesão granulomatosa com ou sem necrose caseosa. A imunodifusão em duplo gel de ágar é o teste sorológico mais fácil e disponível para o diagnóstico imunológico. As formas agudas com sintomas prolongados, as formas disseminadas e a forma pulmonar crônica requerem tratamento. A droga de escolha é o itraconazol.
Optical Properties of Atmospheric Aerosol over the Black Sea from May 2006 to September 2007
Authors: Yakovleva D. V. , Tolkachenko G. A.
Published: December 2009

Measurements of the spectral aerosol optical depth (AOD), moisture content and Angstrom parameter (α) were carried out in Sevastopol under the AERONET program. The graphs and histograms of the Angstrom parameter (α) versus the moisture content and AOD were analyzed, and the spectral dependency of AOD was plotted. All measurements are presented in the plots and tables. Daily and monthly average characteristics of general parameters are described. Results allow one to reveal regional features of optical properties of atmospheric aerosol and their temporal variability over the Black Sea in the Sevastopol region.
Briefing: Europe gets real on sustainable development
Authors: Maxwell Diana
Published: December 2009

The European environment commissioner recently announced she is converting ‘sustainable development’ from buzzwords into policies. The ICE's European affairs manager Diana Maxwell says civil engineers would be wise to watch out.
The impact of IT on design and construction
Authors: Broyd T.
Published: December 2009

Information technology has transformed many aspects of our daily lives, and revolutionized industries in both the manufacturing and service sectors. However, within the construction industry, the changes have so far been less radical. This paper considers the impact that IT has currently had on the construction industry and demonstrates how novel design, visualization and communication techniques are beginning to allow both specialists and lay people to impart ideas more effectively, with consequently quicker, better and more informed decisions. It also considers some of the barriers that remain before the use of truly ‘virtual project teams’ can become a reality.
Sainsbury's millennium store at Greenwich peninsula
Authors: Slade R. E. , Woodward A. J. , Shaw I.
Published: December 2009

Sainsbury's recently completed millennium store on the Greenwich peninsula sets out to redefine supermarkets both in terms of environmental performance and appearance. Its low energy design features—such as a naturally lit sales floor, passive ventilation, combined heat and power plant and groundwater cooling system—help to deliver a building that uses up to 50% less energy than a similar-sized conventional store.This paper describes how civil and structural engineers contributed to this ground-breaking project by adapting both modern and historic structural solutions to develop, design and construct what should set a new benchmark for environmentally friendly and sustainable construction.
New Civil Procedure Rules
Authors: Rogers I.
Published: December 2009

The new Civil Procedure Rules introduced in April 1999 are arguably one of the most fundamental reforms of the UK's civil justice system. They are the result of Lord Woolf's wide-ranging inquiry into civil justice in England and Wales, which was highly critical of the time and expense involved in litigation. Legal costs were frequently becoming disproportionate to the sums in dispute. The new rules are primarily geared towards cases brought by individuals but could also make it more straight forward for businesses to resolve disputes with their clients and suppliers. This paper summarizes the key points of the new rules and comments on how they are affecting the civil engineering industry.
Remediation of contaminated land at Greenwich peninsula
Authors: Barry D. L. , Steeds J. E. , Micklam A.
Published: December 2009

The £21·5 million project to clean up the massive former gasworks site on the Greenwich peninsula was one of the most extensive and integrated ground contamination remediation exercises ever carried out in the UK. It included removing a 7 Ml litre tar well at the site of the Millennium Dome, washing 30 000 m3 of soil, treating 66 000 m3 of contaminated groundwater and effluent and recycling 245 000 m3 natural and engineering materials for backfill. This paper describes the various engineering and environmental techniques that were used in both the statutory clean-up operation and the subsequent remediation required for redevelopment
Setting out the Channel Tunnel Rail Link
Authors: Kelly C.
Published: December 2009

The £5·2 billion Channel Tunnel Rail Link is the largest single civil engineering project currently under construction in the UK. Due for completion by end 2006, it will cut train journeys to Europe by 35 minutes and make it possible to get from London to Paris in just 140 minutes. On the first 74 km section, which is now 60% complete, all setting out and as-built surveys are being undertaken by way of an innovative shared network of state-of the-art global positioning system (GPS) base stations. Using compatible GPS rover units, contractors are able to transfer project design information directly to the field to an accuracy of ±25 mm horizontally and ±20 mm vertically. This paper describes the thinking behind the approach, how it has worked in practice and in particular how it has helped to foster a partnering environment.
Learning project management skills online
Authors: Browne M. , Hannigan C.
Published: December 2009

Project management, once the preserve of the construction industry, is now increasingly sought after by all types of business worldwide. Construction training organisations are thus looking at how they can deliver their services to this much wider market and, not surprisingly, the internet looks set to play a major role. This paper reports on a small pilot study to investigate student perceptions of traditional and online learning as part of the University of Ulster's plans to develop a new distance-education master's course in project management for overseas students. It concludes that online education can be just as effective as traditional teaching but that stimulating course material and high-quality software are critical to success.
Graduate shortage: the key to civil engineering's future?
Authors: Byfield M. P.
Published: December 2009

Recent years have seen a steady decline in admissions to UK civil engineering degree courses such that an intense skills shortage looms. Civil engineering graduates will be in greater demand than ever before—but ironically this could finally trigger the increase in status that the profession has sought for so long. This paper reveals the roller-coaster trend in university admissions since 1966 and shows why many of the engineering departments across the country are now struggling to survive. But, reassuringly, there are signs that the profession is at last attracting an increasing number of high-calibre students.
Poland—the last 10 years and future development
Authors: Minasowicz A. , Whyte I. , Nowak P.
Published: December 2009

Poland is the tiger economy of central and eastern Europe and is likely to become a member of the EU within the next five years. The country has undergone a remarkable transformation since 1989 in all sectors—including government, economy, industry, construction and training and education. It has successfully made the transition from command to market-led systems. Nearly all construction companies are now in the private sector and benefiting from investment in the economy. This paper reviews the developments in Poland over the last decade and considers the opportunities for future collaboration and partnership.
EN1992 Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures
Authors: Narayanan R. S.
Published: December 2009

EN1992 Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures is of fundamental importance to civil engineers given the predominance of concrete in civil engineering construction. The first part of the code, covering common design rules and design requirements for fire, is likely to be approved in January 2002 and should be released in EN standard form by 2003.The second and third parts, covering design of bridges and liquid-retaining structures respectively, are due for release in 2005.This paper looks primarily at the two sections that make up the first part. It explains the principles of ultimate and serviceability limit state design and the requirements for shear, durability and fire in particular. It also lists the other European standards to which concrete designers will need to refer.
EN1999 Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures
Authors: Mazzolani F. M.
Published: December 2009

Eurocode 9 for the design of aluminium structures was a late addition to the proposed suite of European structural design codes, reflecting the relatively recent introduction of aluminium alloys in the construction industry as an alternative to steel. With only a third of the weight and a self-protecting surface, the material has clear advantages over steel but it also behaves very differently—with a high buckling tendency, no yield plateau and complex strain-hardening characteristics.The code, currently being converted to EN standard, features several innovations including behavioural cross-section classes and new calculation methods for verification of local buckling, evaluation of rotation capacity and design of connections.
EN1990 Eurocode—Basis of structural design
Authors: Gulvanessian H.
Published: December 2009

EN1990 Eurocode—Basis of structural design was finally approved in October 2001.As well as being one of the first structural European design standards to be published it is the world's first ‘material-independent’ design code, a major achievement in its own right. EN1990 is also a highly strategic document, establishing for all nine other structural Eurocodes the principles and requirements for safety, serviceability and durability.This paper provides an introduction to the head Eurocode, its innovative approach to reliability and risk-management and its limit-state design philosophy. It also summarises the loading combinations for which all European structures will need to be assessed in the forseeable future.
Historic contamination law empowers civil engineers to clean up
Authors: O'Reilly M. , Sfakiananki E.
Published: December 2009

Around 100 000 sites in Britain—a total of 300 000 ha—are contaminated from past industrial activity. Following the completion of a detailed site-identification planning in July 2001, local authorities can now force these sites to be cleaned up under part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990—and the cost may fall to the present occupier if the original polluter cannot be found. Civil engineers stand to benefit significantly, not just from assessing and remediating contaminated sites but also from the much greater level of technical risk-assessment likely to be associated with all future land purchase and development. This paper gives a brief overview of the complex and controversial new regime, and offers some suggestions to overcome some of its more operationally and democratically difficult aspects.
Funding first for Athens' new Olympic airport
Authors: Hadjihambi Michael , Deriziotis Athanasios
Published: December 2009

International visitors to the Athens Olympics in August 2004 should enjoy a relatively congestion-free journey thanks to Europe's first privately financed airport on a greenfield site. The £1·3 billion Eleftherios Venizelos airport opened at Spata last year, replacing the old, notoriously overcrowded Hellinikon airport in the Athens suburbs. With twin runways capable of simultaneous operation, it will eventually be able to handle up to 50 million passengers a year. This paper describes the planning, design and construction of this new state-of-the-art airport and in particular the steps taken to control noise.
Flood risk modelling: a crisis of confidence?
Authors: Hamer B. A. , Mocke R.
Published: December 2009

The flood events of October 2000 brought significant damage and disruption to wide swathes of the UK. Lessons learnt included the need to improve on the rather simplistic approaches to assessing flood risk that are commonly in use. Both the operating authorities and the insurance industry have sharpened their resolve to improve on flood risk assessment in order to ensure that limited resources are focused on the most effective means of mitigation. This paper describes the research work of the UK Environment Agency's primary consultancy on flood risk. It demonstrates the range of sophisticated tools currently available—from broad-scale appraisals of assets at risk to site-specific flood propagation models—and calls for civil engineers to put more confidence in their application.
Legal issues of collaborative electronic working in construction
Authors: Carter Chris , White Ed , Hassan Tarek , Shelbourn Mark , Baldwin Andrew
Published: December 2009

The use of email and project collaboration websites for construction project communications is now relatively common. However, these communications generally operate without contractual support, resulting in a number of potentially serious legal implications—such as validity of contract notices, ownership of data and intellectual property rights. This paper reports on findings from eLEGAL, an EU-funded research project to enable the legally admissible use of information and communication technology in construction projects.
Arenium—a new element in Stockton's design management
Authors: McGuckin Richard
Published: December 2009

Stockton's highway design team are experienced users of three-dimensional computer-aided design software. However, they are all too well aware that communication breakdowns can occur when they start sharing the underlying three-dimensional model data: a single unreported change can have a significant financial impact. This paper reports on the council's successful introduction of a new collaborative system that ensures everyone—wherever they are—is working to the latest data.
Software process improvement at ABB
Authors: Larsson Stig , Kolb Peter
Published: December 2009

Software is critical to the success of Swiss-based power and automation technology giant ABB. It is the ‘glue’ that holds the £15 billion company's systems together—which means a high level of consistency is required in development and application. This paper describes the company's approach to harmonising and expediting software processes through the group—including the establishment of a common framework for software development and maturity, an online experience database to share lessons learned and a ‘decision gate’ model to expedite projects.
Briefing: ICE—an international centre for excellence
Authors: Long Adrian
Published: December 2009

Adrian Long, head of civil engineering at Queen's University of Belfast and current ICE president, stresses the importance of the Institution as an international centre for engineering information and excellence.
Briefing: ICE launches sustainable development charter
Authors: Ekins John
Published: December 2009

The Institution of Civil Engineers has launched a new charter which obliges civil engineers to avoid compromising society's future. Environment and sustainability board chairman John Ekins reports.
Channel Tunnel Rail Link: 1971 to 1990
Authors: Gambrill Bernard
Published: December 2009

The £5·2 billion rail link between London and the Channel Tunnel opens in 2007, a full 13 years after the tunnel it is built to serve. As this paper shows, a detailed design was all but ready to be built in 1990—but a combination of heavy-handed consultation, loss of public confidence and lack of Government funds left it for dead. Nevertheless, some valuable lessons were learnt.
Channel Tunnel Rail Link: the case for safety
Authors: French Simon
Published: December 2009

The Channel Tunnel Rail Link is designed to carry up to 16 international passenger trains an hour, travelling at speeds approaching 300 km/h, high speed trains and freight traffic. Safety is thus absolutely critical, but fortunately the project team had the perfect model just at the other end of the Channel Tunnel: there has not been a single passenger fatality on the French Ligne à Grande Vitesse in 20 years. This paper describes the processes and systems that are enabling the project to achieve its all-important railway safety case.
Channel Tunnel Rail Link section 1: archaeology and heritage works
Authors: Glass Helen
Published: December 2009

Building a continuous 74 km stretch of new railway through the historic south-east corner of England presented an unrivalled opportunity to learn more about past settlements, cultures and technologies. As such, the archaeological investigation associated with section 1 of the £5·2 billion Channel Tunnel Rail Link was one of the biggest ever undertaken in the UK and produced a wealth of new information. This paper explains how integrating the archaeological team within the project management team ensured that disruption to construction work was kept to an absolute minimum. It also highlights some of the more significant archaeology and heritage works on section 1.
Channel Tunnel Rail Link section 1: North Downs tunnel
Authors: Watson Paul
Published: December 2009

The 3·2 km tunnel under the North Downs in Kent is the longest tunnel on the first section of the £5·2 billion Channel Tunnel Rail Link. It is also has the largest cross-section of any rail tunnel in Europe since no pressure relief shafts were allowed in the environmentally protected area above. This paper reports on how a value engineering process led to a significant change to the tender design, resulting in a 15% saving in cost and programme. Extensive tests of the overlying chalk showed it was stiffer than predicted, thus permitting the use of a thinner unreinforced secondary lining and a flat invert.
Channel Tunnel Rail Link section 1: Ashford
Authors: Hollaway John
Published: December 2009

Ashford in Kent is the only station on the first section of the £5·2 billion Channel Tunnel Rail Link, requiring the high-speed route to run directly through the town and connect with local services. It is perhaps therefore not surprising that this was one of the most difficult parts of the project, requiring complex tunnelling and bridging works in a busy urban environment. This paper provides a brief overview of contract 430, which—thanks partly to an innovative working relationship between the contracting and project management teams—was completed on schedule despite one of the wettest winters on record.
Briefing: Re-using urban foundations
Authors: Chapman Tim , Butcher Tony , Fernie Rab
Published: December 2009

Continuing redevelopment of the world's cities is getting more difficult as the earth beneath them fills up with foundations and tunnels. Tim Chapman of Arup, Tony Butcher of BRE and Rab Fernie of Cementation report on an EU-funded research programme that aims to encourage re-use of existing foundations.
Choosing the right contract: a probabilistic model
Authors: Stovin Virginia , Eccles Stephen , O'Reilly Michael
Published: December 2009

The inherent risks of civil engineering projects mean the choice of contract can have a significant impact on cost and duration. In the absence of any quantitative comparisons, the decision tends to be based on qualitative criteria or personal preference—which may not result in the best solution either for the client or contractor. Help is now at hand in the form of a spreadsheet-based, probabilistic model which uses a Monte Carlo simulation to plot the possible range of costs and durations associated with each type of contract. This paper shows how the model can be applied to a small tunnelling project, making a comparison between fixed-priced and cost-plus-fixed-fee arrangements. The results are quite striking, showing the substantial potential cost savings offered by the cost-plus route in this case.
Channelling research funding into civil engineering
Authors: Clarke Barry , Bracegirdle Tony
Published: December 2009

The major problems the world faces—ranging from energy, water and food supplies to poverty, primary resource depletion and terrorism—are the key drivers to the European Union's publicly funded research programmes. For civil engineers, however, it is research into business processes, materials, design and construction technologies that is needed if they are to remain competitive and able to adapt to change. As this paper explains, attracting research funding means promoting the direct benefits of the profession to society and showing how research will enhance and extend those benefits.
Restoring power in Kosovo
Authors: Cannons Simon
Published: December 2009

When NATO moved into Kosovo in June 1999 there was no indigenous power generation. UK Royal Engineers were tasked with restoring power within Kosovousing the existing generating capability and distribution system, which were both in a very poor condition. UK industry expertise provided the knowledge to enable the military to reopen a lignite mine, assess and repair power lines and finally restart a single generator thus restoring mains power to much of Kosovo. This paper highlights the interactions between the local labour force, the UK military, various non-government organisations and UK experts.
Sustainable poverty alleviation—changing role for engineers
Authors: Singleton David , Hahn Nicole
Published: December 2009

A significant proportion of volunteer engineers are involved with poverty alleviation in the developing world. Such work invariably involves a contribution from professional engineers, whether voluntary or otherwise. However, there is an increasing danger of using good engineering to support poor policy. The role of engineers is important, but they must work in collaboration with other professionals if long-lasting solutions are to be achieved. As illustrated by the case studies in this paper, sustained alleviation of poverty through implementation of infrastructure solutions requires careful attention to underlying social, economic and political influences.
Briefing: Health and safety—the case for education
Authors: Carpenter John
Published: December 2009

Health and safety is being taught on accredited engineering degree courses in Britain, but in reality it's a low priority. John Carpenter reports on recent successful initiatives to get health and safety risk management moved up the academic agenda.
Delivering integrated transport: the role of communications
Authors: Foster-Clark Jonathan , Fox Stuart
Published: December 2009

One of the biggest barriers to introducing sustainable local transport initiatives—be it bus lanes, cycle paths, speed humps or congestion charges—is failure to communicate the benefits of such schemes to the communities they will serve.This paper reports on research that was undertaken in response to increasing evidence that negative media coverage, poor relations with the media, poor communication practices and public resistance to projects were acting as barriers to the delivery of transport programmes for a number of UK local authorities.The work culminated in the production of a ‘toolkit’ for local authorities to help them communicate more effectively, both with the media and directly with the public.
Guided bus—an attractive public transport alternative?
Authors: Cuthbert Tim
Published: December 2009

Light rail public transport schemes are well-liked by the public, who find their efficiency and reliability levels and general ‘high tech’ image far superior to buses. However, light rail schemes are also proving increasingly expensive to build and operate and the UK Government has recently withdrawn support for a number of future schemes. This paper suggests that public transport schemes incorporating guided busways—of which there are already six schemes operating in the UK—could be a viable alternative for busy urban areas, potentially combining the efficiency and reliability benefits of light rail with the traditional flexibility of bus operations.