An automated system for detection, classification and rehabilitation of defects in sewer pipes

The poor status of sewer pipes in North America has been reported by many researchers, revealing the presence of many defects that impact their performance. Inadequate inspection is considered as one of the main causes behind the declining condition of this class of pipes. This could be attributed to high cost of inspection and inadequate funds allocated to this purpose. The high cost is due to the current manual and high labor intensive inspection practice. Sewer rehabilitation methods are numerous and are constantly being developed. One of the rapidly expanding fields in the sewer rehabilitation industry is trenchless technology. Due to the large number of methods associated with this field, selecting the most suitable method manually can be a challenging task. Selection in this environment may also suffer from the limited knowledge and/or experience of the decision-maker. This research presents two developed automated systems: AUTO-DETECT and AUTO-SELECT. AUTO-DETECT detects and classifies defects in sewer pipes automatically. The system utilizes image analysis techniques, artificial intelligence (AI) and Visual Basic programming language for performing its task. A multiple classifier module encompassing a total of fifteen classifiers was developed to counter-check the results generated by the system. A solution strategy was also developed for efficient utilization of the developed specialized classifiers in an effort to improve the system's performance. The automated system was validated using actual data from randomly selected sections of the sewer network of a major Canadian municipality. The system's accuracy was found to range from 80% to 100%. AUTO-SELECT is essentially a multi-attribute decision support system designed to select and rank the most suitable trenchless rehabilitation methods for sewer pipes. The system utilizes two modules: (1) database management system (DBMS) and (2) decision support system (DSS). The developed relational database assists in identifying suitable trenchless rehabilitation techniques that satisfy a total of sixteen factors which account for technical, contractual and cost requirements of projects as well as user specified preferences. In case of having more than one suitable rehabilitation method, a DSS was developed to evaluate and rank them and, accordingly, suggest the most suitable one. A case example has been worked out to demonstrate the use and capabilities of the developed system

Preconstruction Support Cost Hours Estimating on Caltrans Pavement Rehabilitation Projects

Because the construction phase accounts for the majority of project costs for pavement rehabilitation projects, most research on infrastructure project cost estimating focuses on that phase, rather than on the preconstruction phases. Nevertheless, costs incurred prior to construction, referred to in this report as preconstruction costs are significant and worthy of consideration (See Section 2.1 of the report for a more detailed and precise definition of preconstruction). In the 20202021 fiscal year, for instance, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) spent more than $169 million on preconstruction work for pavement rehabilitation projects. This report presents the results of a study of preconstruction cost estimating for pavement rehabilitation projects undertaken by Caltrans. It uses data on the 139 pavement rehabilitation projects for which Caltrans opened bids in the five-year period from April 26, 2016 to May 11, 2021. A data set was developed that combined the preconstruction hours for each project with the primary bid items for the pavement rehabilitation projects. Two models were developed to estimate preconstruction hours from the bid items, one using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and the other a parametric exponential model developed using multiple regression. The models had coefficients of determination of 0.85 and 0.80, respectively. Tools were then developed to assist professional users in validating their preconstruction cost estimates using each of the models. CTC staff or Caltrans can use these tools to evaluate the reasonableness of the preconstruction estimate on an individual project, or on the sum of an entire biennial SHOPP pavement rehabilitation portfolio, in order to assure the most efficient use of infrastructure funding to best serve the community\u27s transportation needs

Survey of Building Information Modeling for Infrastructure (BIM4I)

The rapid development of information technologies is transforming how data and information are produced, shared, exchanged, and managed. This transformation is accelerating in state departments of transportation (DOTs) across the country due to the pressing need for efficient means of delivering transportation projects and an enhanced need for internal and external collaboration. A key driver for this transformation is the implementation of Building Information Modeling for Infrastructures (BIM4I). The primary objective of this research was to develop actionable recommendations for DOTs to facilitate the effective adoption of BIM4I, based on national and international lessons learned and best practices. A four-step methodology was employed including: (1) a literature review identified key stakeholders and best practices; (2) data collection targeting transportation agencies included a survey of 94 participants and 18 follow-up interviews; (3) data analysis utilized statistical and content analysis to extract themes and insights; and (4) tailored recommendations were formulated based on findings. Main recommendations include: • Strategic Planning: Establish a clear definition of Building Information Modeling (BIM), create an implementation plan including a roadmap with defined objectives, and assess organizational readiness for BIM adoption. • Standardization and Training: Develop clear standards and guidelines for BIM usage, prioritize data quality, and invest in training. • Technology Integration: Ensure that BIM tools and software are compatible with existing systems and establish a user-friendly Common Data Environment (CDE) for effective data sharing. • Collaboration and Communication: Foster interdepartmental and cross-stages collaboration and engage stakeholders early in the design process to enhance understanding of project impacts. Recommendations from this research will help DOTs transitioning to digital delivery to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and project outcomes, providing a framework for effective BIM integration

Unveiling the mechanisms of neuropathic pain suppression: perineural resiniferatoxin targets Trpv1 and beyond

Neuropathic pain arises from damage or disorders affecting the somatosensory system. In rats, L5 nerve injury induces thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity/hyperalgesia. Recently, we demonstrated that applying resiniferatoxin (RTX) directly on uninjured L3 and L4 nerves alleviated thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity resulting from L5 nerve injury. Herein, using immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and qRT-PCR techniques, we reveal that perineural application of RTX (0.002%) on the L4 nerve substantially downregulated the expression of its receptor (Trpv1) and three different voltage-gated ion channels (Nav1.9, Kv4.3, and Cav2.2). These channels are found primarily in small-sized neurons and show significant colocalization with Trpv1 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). However, RTX treatment did not affect the expression of Kv1.1, Piezo2 (found in large-sized neurons without colocalization with Trpv1), and Kir4.1 (localized in satellite cells) in the ipsilateral DRGs. Furthermore, RTX application on L3 and L4 nerves reduced the activation of c-fos in the spinal neurons induced by heat stimulation. Subsequently, we investigated whether applying RTX to the L3 and L4 nerves 3 weeks before the L5 nerve injury could prevent the onset of neuropathic pain. Both 0.002 and 0.004% concentrations of RTX produced significant analgesic effects, while complete prevention of thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity required a concentration of 0.008%. Importantly, this preventive effect on neuropathic manifestations was not associated with nerve degeneration, as microscopic examination revealed no morphological changes. Overall, this study underscores the mechanisms and the significance of perineural RTX treatment applied to adjacent uninjured nerves in entirely preventing nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain in humans and animals

Preconstruction Support Cost Hours Estimating on Caltrans Pavement Rehabilitation Projects

ZSB12017-SJAUXBecause the construction phase accounts for the majority of project costs for pavement rehabilitation projects, most research on infrastructure project cost estimating focuses on that phase, rather than on the preconstruction phases. Nevertheless, costs incurred prior to construction, referred to in this report as "preconstruction costs" are significant and worthy of consideration (See Section 2.1 of the report for a more detailed and precise definition of preconstruction). In the 2020\u2013 2021 fiscal year, for instance, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) spent more than $169 million on preconstruction work for pavement rehabilitation projects. This report presents the results of a study of preconstruction cost estimating for pavement rehabilitation projects undertaken by Caltrans. It uses data on the 139 pavement rehabilitation projects for which Caltrans opened bids in the five-year period from April 26, 2016 to May 11, 2021. A data set was developed that combined the preconstruction hours for each project with the primary bid items for the pavement rehabilitation projects. Two models were developed to estimate preconstruction hours from the bid items, one using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and the other a parametric exponential model developed using multiple regression. The models had coefficients of determination of 0.85 and 0.80, respectively. Tools were then developed to assist professional users in validating their preconstruction cost estimates using each of the models. CTC staff or Caltrans can use these tools to evaluate the reasonableness of the preconstruction estimate on an individual project, or on the sum of an entire biennial SHOPP pavement rehabilitation portfolio, in order to assure the most efficient use of infrastructure funding to best serve the community's transportation needs

Impact of opioid-free analgesia on pain severity and patient satisfaction after discharge from surgery: multispecialty, prospective cohort study in 25 countries

Background: Balancing opioid stewardship and the need for adequate analgesia following discharge after surgery is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes for patients discharged with opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after common surgical procedures.Methods: This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study collected data from patients undergoing common acute and elective general surgical, urological, gynaecological, and orthopaedic procedures. The primary outcomes were patient-reported time in severe pain measured on a numerical analogue scale from 0 to 100% and patient-reported satisfaction with pain relief during the first week following discharge. Data were collected by in-hospital chart review and patient telephone interview 1 week after discharge.Results: The study recruited 4273 patients from 144 centres in 25 countries; 1311 patients (30.7%) were prescribed opioid analgesia at discharge. Patients reported being in severe pain for 10 (i.q.r. 1-30)% of the first week after discharge and rated satisfaction with analgesia as 90 (i.q.r. 80-100) of 100. After adjustment for confounders, opioid analgesia on discharge was independently associated with increased pain severity (risk ratio 1.52, 95% c.i. 1.31 to 1.76; P < 0.001) and re-presentation to healthcare providers owing to side-effects of medication (OR 2.38, 95% c.i. 1.36 to 4.17; P = 0.004), but not with satisfaction with analgesia (beta coefficient 0.92, 95% c.i. -1.52 to 3.36; P = 0.468) compared with opioid-free analgesia. Although opioid prescribing varied greatly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, patient-reported outcomes did not.Conclusion: Opioid analgesia prescription on surgical discharge is associated with a higher risk of re-presentation owing to side-effects of medication and increased patient-reported pain, but not with changes in patient-reported satisfaction. Opioid-free discharge analgesia should be adopted routinely

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Automated measurement of earthwork volume in construction projects

PurposeThis paper aims to present an automated system that measures the volume of excavated soil in earthmoving operations. It focuses primarily on presenting the use of the radio frequency identification – real time location technology and image analysis techniques in isolation of stockpiles from their noisy backgrounds, extraction of their geometrical attributes and determination of their location.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive literature review of image analysis techniques is performed to identify the ones most applicable in developing the proposed automated system. A set of techniques are selected and experimented to evaluate their effectiveness in the proposed application. A review of the state‐of‐the‐art distance measurement technologies is also conducted to identify the most suitable system to be used in the proposed system.FindingsA set of image analysis techniques that positively contribute to the accuracy of the proposed system is identified. Geometrical attributes of stockpiles are automatically extracted for volume measurement purposes. The use of an affordable and reliable automated distance measurement tool is also suggested.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the proposed methodology is believed to be applicable to most configurations of stockpiles, it was tested on conical ones only.Originality/valueThe current practice of measuring the volume of excavated soil is time consuming and costly. Furthermore, it does not facilitate monitoring of excavation activities on close time intervals. The proposed system overcomes the problems associated with the current practice and provides an automated strategy that can be easily used by field personnel and/or home office management staff to closely monitor the progress of their earthmoving operations without physical human intervention.</jats:sec