Economic Impact of Deer Breeding Operations in Texas

The deer breeding industry is a growing industry in the Texas economy, particularly the rural economy. Industry participants were surveyed to provide estimates of economic activity, which was then input into the IMPLAN model. The industry generates an estimated $652 million in economic activity, while supporting 7,335 jobs.Industrial Organization,

Guardrails for Use on Historic Bridges: Volume 2—Bridge Deck Overhang Design

Bridges that are designated historic present a special challenge to bridge engineers whenever rehabilitation work or improvements are made to the bridges. Federal and state laws protect historically significant bridges, and railings on these bridges can be subject to protection because of the role they play in aesthetics. Unfortunately, original railings on historic bridges do not typically meet current crash-test requirements and typically do not meet current standards for railing height and size of permitted openings. The primary objective of this study is to develop strategies that can be used to address existing railings on historic bridges and to develop solutions that meet current design requirements. In addition to the modification, selection, and design of the bridge railing, the bridge deck is also impacted by changes made to the railing. Due to increased force levels recently required by AASHTO, deck overhangs require significantly more reinforcement than for past practice. These increases are being realized on all bridge decks and may pose particular challenges for the attachment of railing to historic bridges. Therefore, a secondary objective of this project is to investigate the design of the deck overhang and determine whether reduced amounts of reinforcement are possible. For Volume 1 (Replacement Strategies), three phases of research were conducted. First, an overview of current practice for addressing historic bridge railings was performed. Second, an investigation was conducted to document historic bridge railings in Indiana. Finally, rehabilitation solutions were developed to address the specific bridge railings found in Indiana. Based on this research, three retrofit strategies were developed which include an inboard railing, curb railing, and a simulated historic railing. These rehabilitation solutions can be used to address historic bridge railings not only in Indiana, but across the country. For Volume 2 (Bridge Deck Overhang Design), experimental testing of half-scale and full-scale overhang specimens was conducted, and the results were analyzed. Failures of in-service bridge railings were also evaluated. Based on this research, recommendations are provided for the more efficient and economic design of bridge deck overhangs. These recommendations are applicable not only for historic bridges, but for all concrete bridge decks

Combined Effects of Myeloid Cells in the Neuroblastoma Tumor Microenvironment

Despite multimodal treatment, survival chances for high-risk neuroblastoma patients remain poor. Immunotherapeutic approaches focusing on the activation and/or modification of host immunity for eliminating tumor cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, are currently in development, however clinical trials have failed to reproduce the preclinical results. The tumor microenvironment is emerging as a major contributor to immune suppression and tumor evasion in solid cancers and thus has to be overcome for therapies relying on a functional immune response. Among the cellular components of the neuroblastoma tumor microenvironment, suppressive myeloid cells have been described as key players in inhibition of antitumor immune responses and have been shown to positively correlate with more aggressive disease, resistance to treatments, and overall poor prognosis. This review article summarizes how neuroblastoma-driven inflammation induces suppressive myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment and how they in turn sustain the tumor niche through suppressor functions, such as nutrient depletion and generation of oxidative stress. Numerous preclinical studies have suggested a range of drug and cellular therapy approaches to overcome myeloid-derived suppression in neuroblastoma that warrant evaluation in future clinical studies

Implementation of a Non-Metallic Reinforced Bridge Deck, Volume 1: Bond Behavior

The primary maintenance problem with bridges in Indiana has been deterioration of the concrete deck which is often related to corrosion of the reinforcing steel. While a corrosion protection system consisting of epoxy-coated reinforcement in combination with 2-1/2 in. of Class C concrete cover has been used in Indiana, research and experience have demonstrated that this system can be compromised. As an alternative solution to the corrosion problem in reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars which are corrosion resistant can be provided as reinforcement. This research was divided into two phases directed towards the implementation of a nonmetallic reinforced bridge deck. The first phase evaluated the bond strength of fiber reinforced polymer reinforcement with the goal of developing a design expression for the calculation of development and splice lengths. Forty-six glass FRP, carbon FRP, and steel reinforced concrete beams with unconfined tension lap splices were tested. The second phase consisted of the design, construction, and performance evaluation of a glass FRP bar reinforced concrete bridge deck. Based on this study, design recommendations are provided for the calculation of development and splice lengths of both FRP and steel reinforcement. Furthermore, the behavior of the FRP reinforced bridge deck is assessed and compared with its design assumptions. The findings of this study provide design tools and behavioral data that will assist in the future development and deployment of this technology

Investigación experimental sobre los modelos normativos de fisuración en piezas de hormigón armado sometidas a flexión pura

La presente investigación analiza la idoneidad de las formulaciones propuestas por EHE, Eurocódigo 2 y ACI 318 Building Code para el control de la fisuración en elementos de hormigón armado mediante el ensayo de elementos a escala real, 14 vigas a flexión pura. Además analiza la influencia de la variación de parámetros tales como el diámetro, cuantía y disposición de armadura comprimida. En esta investigación se analiza el ajuste de las formulaciones teóricas antes referidas y los resultados experimentales obtenidos, con resultados en algunos casos más desfavorables que los previstos. También pone de manifiesto la notable influencia de algunos parámetros, tales como la cuantía en el control de la fisuración, y por el contrario, la poca influencia de parámetros tales como el diámetro, la separación de armaduras, y la disposición de armadura comprimida. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos en la investigación, finalmente se evalúan posibles variantes de la formulación existente, concretamente de la formulación que ha presentado una tendencia más adecuada frente a los resultados de los ensayos (EC-2), con objeto de mejorar el ajuste de dicha formulación a los resultados experimentale

Reduction of Bridge Construction and Maintenance Costs through Coupled Geotechnical and Structural Design of Integral Abutment Bridges

Elimination expansion joints in the superstructure of integral abutment bridges offers the advantage of reducing the initial and life cycle costs of the structure. However, such elimination may have an adverse effect on the displacement demand at the pile-abutment connection and on the earth pressures on the abutment wall due to the thermal expansion/contraction cycles of the bridge. These adverse effects have resulted in regulations that impose restrictions on the maximum length and skew angle of integral abutment bridges. This research consisted of a deep analysis of the problem by considering soil-structure interaction. The approach was multifaceted as it included experimental and numerical analysis. Upon calibration and verification of the constitutive model, it was used as part of a parametric analysis to provide recommendations for the design limits of integral abutment bridges. The analysis results showed that active state earth pressure is reached after the first contraction cycle. The displacement demand on piles is a function of the abutment wall displacement. Larger displacement demand of the pile at the acute corner when compared to the obtuse corner was observed during expansion and contraction cycles. The inflection point of the piles deformed shape was found to be at relatively shallow depth. Concrete shrinkage and sequence of loading affected significantly the displacement demand of the supporting piles, lower displacement demand of piles during the expansion cycle and larger displacement demand during contraction cycles. The analysis showed that a 500 ft bridge with 60° skew will provide acceptable long term performance

Increasing Bridge Deck Service Life: Volume I—Technical Evaluation

Deterioration of bridge decks is a primary factor limiting the lifespan of bridges especially in cold climates where deicing salts are commonly used. While controlling deck cracking or decreasing the permeability and porosity of concrete can improve performance and service life, chloride and moisture ingress as well as cracking cannot be eliminated. Full-depth cracks which are caused by restrained shrinkage allow for corrosive conditions at early ages for both the top and bottom reinforcement mats. Therefore, the use of corrosion-resistant reinforcement is essential to mitigate deterioration of bridge decks. The objective of this research program to examine the efficacy of using alternative materials in a bridge deck from both technical and economic perspectives. For the technical evaluation (Volume I), a three phase experimental investigation was conducted considering a wide range of corrosion-resistant reinforcing materials. These materials included stainless steels, microcomposite steel, and coated steels considering a variety of metallic and nonmetallic coatings. The first phase evaluated the bond between corrosion-resistant reinforcement and concrete using lap splice tests. The second phase evaluated the cracking behavior of slabs reinforced with corrosion-resistant reinforcement. Finally, the third phase evaluated corrosion resistance under uncracked and cracked conditions using macrocell test specimens. Transverse steel was also tied to the longitudinal steel to simulate actual bridge deck conditions. Recommendations are provided on development and splice lengths for both conventional black and corrosion-resistant reinforcing steel, control of cracks widths, as well as the selection, design, and construction of corrosion-resistant reinforcement. For the economic evaluation (Volume II), a decision support methodology and associated spreadsheet tool for robust analysis of the cost-effectiveness of alternative material types for bridge deck reinforcement was developed. The two evaluation criteria are agency and user costs, and the input data that influence this criteria include the deck service life, material process, discount rate, detour length, and bridge size. The methodology incorporates analytical techniques that include life cycle analyses to evaluate the long-term cost and benefits of each material over the bridge life; Monte Carlo simulation to account for the probabilistic nature of the input variables; stochastic dominance to ascertain the probability distribution of the outcome that a specific reinforcement material is superior to others; and analytical hierarchical process to establish appropriate weights for the agency and user costs. The study methodology is demonstrated using a case study involving three reinforcement material alternatives: traditional (epoxy-coated) steel, zinc-clad steel, and stainless steel. Through this study, it is demonstrated that the use of corrosion-resistant reinforcing materials can significantly increase bridge deck life, reduce agency and user costs associated with bridge deck rehabilitation and maintenance, and thus lower the financial needs for long-term preservation of bridges

Economic Feasibility of Ethanol Production from Sweet Sorghum Juice in Texas

The economic feasibility of producing ethanol from sweet sorghum juice is projected using Monte Carlo simulation models to estimate the price ethanol plants will likely have to pay for sweet sorghum and the uncertain returns for ethanol plants. Ethanol plants in high yielding regions will likely generate returns on assets of 11%-12% and in low yield areas the returns on assets will be less than 10%.Sweet Sorghum, Ethanol, Monte Carlo Simulation, Agribusiness, Agricultural Finance, Crop Production/Industries, Farm Management, Risk and Uncertainty, D20 G10 D81 C15,

Guardrails for Use on Historic Bridges: Volume 1—Replacement Strategies

Bridges that are designated historic present a special challenge to bridge engineers whenever rehabilitation work or improvements are made to the bridges. Federal and state laws protect historically significant bridges, and railings on these bridges can be subject to protection because of the role they play in aesthetics. Unfortunately, original railings on historic bridges do not typically meet current crash-test requirements and typically do not meet current standards for railing height and size of permitted openings. The primary objective of this study is to develop strategies that can be used to address existing railings on historic bridges and to develop solutions that meet current design requirements. In addition to the modification, selection, and design of the bridge railing, the bridge deck is also impacted by changes made to the railing. Due to increased force levels recently required by AASHTO, deck overhangs require significantly more reinforcement than for past practice. These increases are being realized on all bridge decks and may pose particular challenges for the attachment of railing to historic bridges. Therefore, a secondary objective of this project is to investigate the design of the deck overhang and determine whether reduced amounts of reinforcement are possible. For Volume 1 (Replacement Strategies), three phases of research were conducted. First, an overview of current practice for addressing historic bridge railings was performed. Second, an investigation was conducted to document historic bridge railings in Indiana. Finally, rehabilitation solutions were developed to address the specific bridge railings found in Indiana. Based on this research, three retrofit strategies were developed which include an inboard railing, curb railing, and a simulated historic railing. These rehabilitation solutions can be used to address historic bridge railings not only in Indiana, but across the country. For Volume 2 (Bridge Deck Overhang Design), experimental testing of half-scale and full-scale overhang specimens was conducted, and the results were analyzed. Failures of in-service bridge railings were also evaluated. Based on this research, recommendations are provided for the more efficient and economic design of bridge deck overhangs. These recommendations are applicable not only for historic bridges, but for all concrete bridge decks

Development and Splice Lengths for High-Strength Reinforcement, Volume I: General Bar Development

To support the adoption of high-strength reinforcement (fy \u3e 60 ksi) into widespread use, it is fundamental that appropriate development and splice lengths be calculated. The objective of this research is to evaluate the development of high-strength reinforcing steel and establish a design expression for the development and splicing of this steel. Two phases of experimental tests were conducted along with analytical evaluation. Based on the research, a design expression was developed that will enable appropriate design and detailing of concrete structures containing high-strength reinforcement