Improving the lateral load resistance of vernacular masonry walls subject to flooding

Low-rise vernacular masonry buildings are vulnerable to damage from extreme flooding. This paper presents findings from a study based in Sri Lanka assessing the structural resilience of non-engineered single-storey houses constructed with either fired clay brickwork or cement block masonry walls. A structural survey of flood-damaged houses enabled characterisation of masonry materials, and development of proposals to improve the lateral load capacity of masonry walls. The structural survey revealed that a combination of low-quality masonry units and variable thickness of mortar beds may have contributed to flexural failure due to the hydrostatic pressures during flood events. An experimental programme investigated the impact of differing masonry units and mortar thickness on masonry properties under dry and saturated conditions. A simple retrofit method has been developed, using reinforced renders, that enhances sectional flexural capacity by over 11 times, offering greater resilience to lateral flood loads. The impact of this research study will have direct welfare benefits for Sri Lankan people living in flood-risk areas, reducing the risk of structural collapse and enabling people to remain safely in their homes during flood events. </p

Retrofitting and Rehabilitation of Vernacular housing in Flood Prone Areas in Sri Lanka

This paper presents findings from an investigation into applications to improve the structural resilience and safety of low-rise vernacular masonry homes when subject to extreme flooding. In 2016 and 2017 flooding brought devastation throughout many areas in Sri Lanka. Findings from field investigations to evaluate, characterize, and quantify the extent and nature of structural damage to low rise vernacular masonry houses from these flood events are presented. Low cost solutions were developed to enhance the flexural capacity of masonry walls using reinforced plasters. Single storey homes in rural areas are particularly at risk from rapid flood events, and limited evacuation opportunities require a means of in-situ refuge. Focusing on these risks, a unique retrofitting project, including an elevated refuge area for occupants to escape and shelter during flood events, is also presented. This research will directly improve the welfare of vulnerable communities living in flood risk areas, minimizing the risk of flood induced structural failure, while enabling people to safely remain in their homes

Development of moisture isotherms for Momordica charantia and Carica papaya

Safe moisture of a product is important in drying of agricultural products to prevent it from deterioration. The equilibrium moisture content (EMC) is an important parameter in modeling and simulation of drying process. The objectives of the research are development of an EMC curve for Agricultural Products; bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) and papaya (Carica papaya) and to test the suitability of mathematical models of modified Henderson’s equations. The study is performed on the basis of adsorption of moisture content, at three temperatures (30, 40 &amp; 50°C) and four relative humidity (Rh) (10, 30, 50 and 80%). Salt solutions with concentrations were used to maintain Rh. The statistical analysis was done to find the best model and the significant different between observed and calculated values were tested by coefficient of regression value and Reduced Chi squared test. EMC curve is developed for Bitter gourd and Papaya. The constants of mathematical models of Bitter gourd are estimated as N= 3.9, C=15.336 and K=1.05×10-7 and for Papaw as N= 15.3, C=13.75 and K=3.433×10-29. The modified Henderson’s equation was found to be the most appropriate model to describe the adsorption EMC isotherm equations of the given Agricultural products.

Effectiveness of targeting fathers for breastfeeding promotion: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Further research gaps exist in relation to the promotion of breastfeeding. Robust scientific evidence obtained by a meta-analysis would provide objectively summarized data while enabling the assessment of consistency of findings. This review includes the first documented meta-analysis done on the effectiveness of targeting fathers for promoting breastfeeding (BF). Assessments have been done for a primary outcome and for six more secondary outcomes. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, CENTRAL databases and unpublished researches were searched. Selections of randomized-controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies were done in three rounds. Heterogeneity and potential publication bias were assessed. Eight studies were included in meta-analysis and others in narrative synthesis of the outcomes. Pooling was done with the Mental- Haenszel method using risk ratio (RR). Summary-of-Findings table was composed by Review-Manager (version 5.3) and GRADEproGDT applications. Subsequent sensitivity analysis was done. Results Selected eight interventional studies included 1852 families. Exclusive BF at six months was significantly higher (RR = 2.04, CI = 1.58–2.65) in the intervention groups. The RR at 4 months was 1.52 (CI = 1.14 to 2.03). Risk of full-formula-feeding (RR = 0.69, CI = 0.52–0.93) and the occurrence of lactation-related problems were lower in the intervention groups (RR = 0.24, CI = 0.10–0.57). More likelihood of rendering support in BF-related issues was seen in intervention groups (RR = 1.43, CI = 1.22–1.68). Increase of maternal knowledge and favorable attitudes on BF were higher in the intervention groups (P ≤; 0.001). The quality of evidence according to GRADE was “low” (for one outcome), “moderate” (for four outcomes), and “high” (for two outcomes). Conclusions Targeting fathers in promotion of BF has provided favorable results for all seven outcomes with satisfactory quality of evidence. This review was registered in the PROSPERO-registry (ID: 2017-CRD42017076163) prior to its commencement