Effects Of Cable Diameter Reduction And Snapping On The Behavior Of Cable-Stayed Bridges

Cable–stayed bridges are usually constructed in coastal area in which the surrounding atmospheric is considered as severe environmental condition. This atmosphere helps in building up quickly the corrosion of steel cables with time. Visual inspection of cable-stayed bridges built up worldwide shows that the bridge cables suffer from serious corrosion although the cables are protected using different techniques. There is a considerable reduction in cable diameter due to corrosion, which depends on the severity of the environmental condition. There is no sufficient information regarding the effect of reduction in cable diameter on the structural response of cable-stayed bridge. Furthermore, snapping of cables due to accidental and /or corrosion is another important issue which affecting the structural response and safety of cable stayed bridges and need to be addressed for safe design.In this research, the effect of reducing cables diameter, cables layout and snapping of individual cables on the structural behavior and safety of cable-stayed bridge are presented. Three cable layouts are analyzed in this study i.e. harp, semi harp and fan layouts. In each layout, five different reductions in cables diameters are considered i.e 12.50%, 25.00%, 37.50%, and 50.00%. To address snapping of cable, harp bridge layout is considered and the structural behavior of the bridge due to snapping individual cables in the bridge are presented and discussed. The analysis starts with initial shape analysis to stress the cables to minimize the deformation under self-weight of the structure. The analysis was carried out using stiffness method considering the geometrical nonlinearities. The results of initial shape analysis show that in all bridge layouts reflect comparable behavior. The cable forces were found to be the lowest in fan layout cable bridge compared to harp and semi harp layouts. Reducing cables diameter will lead to a redistribution of forces and moment in different components of the bridge and alter the structural behavior in a nonlinear fashion. Reducing cables diameter by 25% will compromise the bridge safety as the stresses in cables, deformation, and bending moment will be increased significantly. The bridge cable layouts have little effect on the structure response of the cable-stayed bridge with reduced cables diameter. The fan layout shows better structural response compared to harp and semi harp layout, especially in term of cable forces and deformation profile. Notwithstanding this fact, 25% of cables reduction diameter will significantly affect the moment in girder of fan bridge layout compared to other layouts of cables Snapping the individual cable in the bridge has a significant effect on the cable force and bending moment distribution in the girder, tower and will cause bridge failure

Developing a monitoring and evaluation system for the ceasefire gang violence programme in Hanover Park, Cape Town

Includes bibliographical references.This study is a formative evaluation of the Ceasefire gang violence programme in Hanover Park, Cape Town, South Africa. The primary audience of this evaluation is the Ceasefire programme management. The Ceasefire programme is a project of the City of Cape Town's Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading Unit (VPUU). The Ceasefire programme is run by the First Community Resource Centre (FCRC) in Hanover Park. The main aim of this evaluation is to develop a results-based monitoring and evaluation system for the Ceasefire programme

A rhetorical cristism of speeches delivered by Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz on the issues of Islamic banking and finance locally

Malaysian International Islamic Financial Centre was set up by Malaysian government to transform Malaysia into a vibrant International Islamic Financial hub. Malaysian Central Bank plays an important role in this transformation. One of the efforts is through the formal speeches delivered by the Central Governor, where it could be used to create and direct the necessary actions. Their speeches within and outside the company are important in motivating others and gaining support for their plan (Hartog, 1997). This study was designed to discover the application of the canon of logos by Malaysian Central Bank Governor, Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz. A modified version of neo Aristotelian criticism was used to analyse three formal speeches delivered locally with the focus of Islamic Finance products and services, from 2002 to 2006. This analysis indicated that Dr. Zeti only applied four types of proofs in her speeches; example of quantification, explanations, fact and serial examples. It could be due to the audiences, who were mostly local where they were exposed to the extensive exposure and education program on the Islamic banking done by local commercial banks. Practically, this study could assist and guide corporate leaders, especially those from banking industry to advance their business rhetorical skills in a more practical way

Food waste composting in cafeterias: a case study

Excessive waste has become the environmental issue that cannot be neglected. Food wastes are among the waste that filled up the landfill sites and they are abundance. The impacts of massive mountains of food waste in the landfills affect the local community surrounding the area. They do not only cause unattractive sight but also produce bad odour and gas such as methane gas. This gas is dangerous than any greenhouse gasses because it can easily explode. Another problem is leachate, which can affect the clean ground water. Thus, this project proposes a conventional method to reduce the food waste by composting. The proposed approach is made because the compost materials will breakdown and can be used as fertilizer for gardening. As the project reached the end, it is found that composting is a very effective way to reduce food waste and it gives more benefits

Possibilità di sviluppo della coltivazione del sorgo per l'alimentazione del bestiame in Somalia

In 1979, a trial concerning yield differences between 2 different periods of harvesting (soft dough and complete maturation of the grain) of a sorghum hybrid BR has been carried out in Afgoy (Somalia). The effects of four nitrogen level have been also evaluated. The results show no effect of different nitrogen levels on total dry matter production and grain quality. Maximum dry matter yield and maximum F.U. production has been reached at complete maturation of the grain. General level of grain yield has been restricted in consequence of bird damage in spite of the presence of the gene BR

Extracellular adenosine signaling induces CX3CL1 expression in the brain to promote experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) are debilitating neuroinflammatory diseases mediated by lymphocyte entry into the central nervous system (CNS). While it is not known what triggers lymphocyte entry into the CNS during neuroinflammation, blockade of lymphocyte migration has been shown to be effective in controlling neuroinflammatory diseases. Since we have previously shown that extracellular adenosine is a key mediator of lymphocyte migration into the CNS during EAE progression, we wanted to determine which factors are regulated by adenosine to modulate EAE development. METHODS: We performed a genetic analysis of wild type and CD73−/− (that are unable to produce extracellular adenosine and are protected from EAE development) to identify factors that are both important for EAE development and controlled by extracellular adenosine signaling. RESULTS: We show that extracellular adenosine triggered lymphocyte migration into the CNS by inducing the expression of the specialized chemokine/adhesion molecule CX3CL1 at the choroid plexus. In wild type mice, CX3CL1 is upregulated in the brain on Day 10 post EAE induction, which corresponds with initial CNS lymphocyte infiltration and the acute stage of EAE. Conversely, mice that cannot synthesize extracellular adenosine (CD73−/− mice) do not upregulate CX3CL1 in the brain following EAE induction and are protected from EAE development and its associated lymphocyte infiltration. Additionally, blockade of the A2A adenosine receptor following EAE induction prevents disease development and the induction of brain CX3CL1 expression. The CX3CL1 induced during EAE is found on the choroid plexus, which is the barrier between the blood and cerebral spinal fluid in the brain and is a prime entry point into the CNS for immune cells. Furthermore, CX3CL1 expression can be induced in the brains of mice and in choroid plexus cell line following A2A adenosine receptor agonist administration. Most importantly, we show that CX3CL1 blockade protects against EAE development and inhibits lymphocyte entry into the CNS. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that extracellular adenosine is an endogenous modulator of neuroinflammation during EAE that induces CX3CL1 at the choroid plexus to trigger lymphocyte entry into the brain

CD73 Is Critical for the Resolution of Murine Colonic Inflammation

CD73 is a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-(GPI-) linked membrane protein that catalyzes the extracellular dephosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to adenosine. Adenosine is a negative regulator of inflammation and prevents excessive cellular damage. We investigated the role of extracellular adenosine in the intestinal mucosa during the development of Dextran-Sulfate-Sodium-(DSS-)salt-induced colitis in mice that lack CD73 (CD73−/−) and are unable to synthesize extracellular adenosine. We have found that, compared to wild-type (WT) mice, CD73−/− mice are highly susceptible to DSS-induced colitis. CD73−/− mice exhibit pronounced weight loss, slower weight recovery, an increase in gut permeability, a decrease in expression of tight junctional adhesion molecules, as well as unresolved inflammation following the removal of DSS. Moreover, colonic epithelia in CD73−/− mice exhibited increased TLR9 expression, high levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, and constitutive activation of NF-κB. We conclude that CD73 expression in the colon is critical for regulating the magnitude and the resolution of colonic immune responses.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (grant A1072434-A2)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (grant R01NS063011

Prevalence of Salmonella and Escherichia coli and Associated Risk Factors Among Camel and Bovine Meat Slaughtered at Jigjiga Municipal Abattoir, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study involving microbiological analysis was conducted from March 2021 to August 2021 in Jigjiga town to isolating and identifying Salmonella and E. coli from raw meats of camels and bovines slaughtered at the Jigjiga municipal abattoir and assessing possible associated related risk factors for the isolates. A total of 384 examined samples for the presence of Salmonella and E. coli. From the total samples examined, 64 (16.7%) and 44 (11.5%. were found to be E. coli and Salmonella positive respectively. Out of the 199 meat samples taken from camel, 31 (15.6%) and 32 (16.1%) were found positive for Salmonella and E. coli respectively while a total 185 meat samples of bovines, 13 (7%) and 32 (17%) were found positive for Salmonella and E. coli, respectively. In the univariable logistic regression analysis result, Salmonella revealed a statistically significant difference among different ages (OR (CI) = 2.36 (1.195–4.679); p-value = 0.013). The multivariable regression analysis showed there was no statistically significant difference between the two sex groups (OR (CI) = 2.01 (0.892–4.544); p = 0.092). In an univariable logistic regression analysis result, the odds of meat contamination in young-aged animals with E. coli were three times higher than in adult animals, showing a statistically significant difference (OR = 2.83 (1.567–5.095; p = 0.001). The prevalence of E. coli was higher in animals with poor body condition (31.9%), followed by medium (15.5%) and good body-conditioned animals (1.8%). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the odds of contamination of samples with E. coli from poor-body condition animals were 22 times higher than samples taken from good-body condition animals (OR (CI) = 21.8 (5.022 - 95.059); p = 0.000). To prevent cross-contamination of Salmonella and E. coli, hygiene must be improved, standardized procedures, and training programs should be implemented. Further studies on molecular characterization and serotyping of these species are also needed

Hidden association of knee-related disability with physical activities among community-dwelling older male Saudi Arabians with knee osteoarthritis

Introduction: The impact of knee osteoarthritis (OA) on physical activities of daily life was studied extensively among the elderly across the globe but not well understood in the Saudi Arabian populace with cultural consideration. This paper assessed the association between knee flexion range of motion (ROM) and ritual physical activities among elderly males due to knee OA.Methods: A cross-sectional study with a sample of 139 males aged 56–74 years diagnosed with knee OA recruited at prayer places. The subjective evaluation was carried using a disease-specific Arabic knee physical functional questionnaire Knee injury and OA Outcome Score-Physical Function Short form (KOOS-PS), and the anthropometric measure of knee flexion ROM was objectively measured by a manual goniometer.Results: The mean and standard deviation of the study sample age, height, weight, and body mass index were 66.9 ± 4.09 years, 158.4 ± 6.1 cm, 74.6 ± 7.1 kg, and 29.6 ± 1.9 kg/m2, respectively. The mean, standard deviation and median of the knee flexion ROM and Arabic-KOOS-PS Questionnaire score were 100.7 ± 7.9, 101.5 and 12.9 ± 13.7, 13.4. The non-parametric Spearman correlation coefficient between the knee stiffness and KOOS-PS physical activities resulted very strong positively correlation, r = 0.967.Conclusion: A strong positive correlation has been found between hidden knee disability and ritual physical activities among male cohorts in Saudi cultural community with knee O