Innovative solutions in bridge construction, rehabilitation, and structural health monitoring

This dissertation includes three technical papers that investigate the development of innovative technologies for bridge construction, rehabilitation, and structural health monitoring, respectively, at different stages of the technology transfer process...The research impact is twofold: first is the introduction of promising innovative technologies in development and implementation projects with the direct involvement of forward-thinking industry partners; second is the demonstration of the validity of these technologies on the basis of a rigorous scientific approach --Abstract, page iv

Investigation of Cause of Cracked Stringer on the Blanchette Bridge

The Blanchette Bridge carries Interstate 70 across the Missouri River, connecting St. Louis and St. Charles counties in eastern Missouri. The westbound bridge was constructed in 1958. In 1979, the original reinforced concrete roadway deck on the bridge was replaced with a steel grid deck system, welded to supporting girders and stringers. In 1999 and 2005, cracks were discovered in stringers on the bridge approach spans. The stringers were repaired with bolted splices. The investigation of the cracking included preliminary analyses, review of historical documents, detailed finite element analyses, and field testing of the bridge. The cracking was determined to result from the field weld detail used combined with the load distribution effects of the stiff grid deck. Recommended mitigation measures are included

Case-specific parametric analysis as research-directing tool for analysis and design of GFRP-RC structures

This paper presents a parametric analysis of the ACI440 (2015) and AASHTO (2009) algorithms governing the flexural design of a one-way concrete member internally reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars. The influence of specific design parameters on the required amount of reinforcement is investigated. The aim is to identify variables and requirements governing the design of a large-section GFRP reinforced concrete (RC) member. The member considered for this case-specific analysis is the reinforced concrete pile cap of the Halls River Bridge (Homosassa, FL), which is deemed representative of large-section GFRP-RC members operating as bent caps in short-span bridges. The influence of four critical parameters on the required amount of reinforcement is assessed. Salient analysis and design implications are discussed with respect to creep and fatigue rupture stress limits, minimum amount of flexural reinforcement, and applicable strength reduction factors. The outcomes of the parametric analysis highlight an untapped potential to reduce the required amount of reinforcement, and prioritize research areas to advance the development of rational design algorithms. Cyclic fatigue and creep rupture are identified as governing mechanisms

Comparative Analysis of Continuous versus Reciprocating Instruments in Retreatment of Flat-oval Root Canals

Introduction: Flat-oval root canals of incisors can be problematic in retreatments. This study assessed the efficacy of continuous and reciprocating rotation instruments in retreatment of flat-oval root canals in lower incisors via micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). File systems studied were ProTaper universal retreatment rotary system associated with ProTaper Next (PTUR+PTN), D-RaCe associated with iRaCe (DR+iR), Reciproc (REC), and WaveOne (WO). Materials and Methods: Thirty-two mandibular incisors with flat root canal were divided into 4 groups (n=8). The groups were initially prepared with PTN, iRaCe, REC, and WO, then instrumented, filled, and subjected to micro-CT analyses. All the canals were then retreated with the PTUR+PTN, DR+iR, REC, and WO, and then subjected to new micro-CT analysis  which allowed quantification of residual filling material volume and change in the diameter of the root canal apical third. Endodontic retreatment time was also quantified. Data were analyzed with One-Way ANOVA and post hoc t tests. Results: None of the systems completely removed the filling material. The groups differed in terms of remnant filling material volume (PTUR+PTN=2.9±1.1 mm3; DR+iR=3.6±3.1 mm3; REC=4.9±1.9 mm3; WO=3.1±1.9 mm3) and retreatment time (PTUR+PTN=1:36±0:12 sec; DR+iR=0:57±0:13 sec; REC=2:10±0:44 sec; WO=2:03±0:31 sec), but had similar values in terms of change in apical root canal diameter (P>0.05). Conclusions: Based on this in vitro study, the type of endodontic instrument did not affect the diameter of the root canal apical third. However, PTUR with ProTaper Next had the lowest residual filling material volume and second lowest retreatment time, in flat-oval root canals in mandibular incisors

Personal data usage and privacy considerations in the COVID-19 global pandemic

Data has become increasingly important and valuable for both scientists and health authorities searching for answers to the COVID-19 crisis. Due to difficulties in diagnosing this infection in populations around the world, initiatives supported by digital technologies are being developed by governments and private companies to enable the tracking of the public’s symptoms, contacts and movements. Considering the current scenario, initiatives designed to support infection surveillance and monitoring are essential and necessary. Nonetheless, ethical, legal and technical questions abound regarding the amount and types of personal data being collected, processed, shared and used in the name of public health, as well as the concomitant or posterior use of this data. These challenges demonstrate the need for new models of responsible and transparent data and technology governance in efforts to control SARS-COV2, as well as in future public health emergencies

Does methylene blue attenuate inflammation in nonischemic lungs after lung transplantation?

Objective: To evaluate whether methylene blue (MB) could minimize the effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury in the nonischemic lung on a lung transplantation rodent model. Methods: Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 20 donors and 20 recipients. The 20 recipient rats were divided into two groups (n = 10) according to the treatment (0.9% saline vs. 1% MB solutions). All animals underwent unilateral lung transplantation. Recipients received 2 mL of saline or MB intraperitoneally prior to transplantation. After 2 h of reperfusion, the animals were euthanized and histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed in the nonischemic lung. Results: There was a significant decrease in inflammation-neutrophil count and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in lung parenchyma were higher in the saline group in comparison with the MB group-and in apoptosis-caspase-3 expression was higher in the saline group and Bcl-2 expression was higher in MB group. Conclusions: MB is an effective drug for the protection of nonischemic lungs against inflammation and apoptosis following unilateral lung transplantation in rats.

Evaluation of ultrastructural changes and cell death on Leishmania amazonensis promastigote forms induced by a new coordinated complex Co (II) / Avaliação de alterações ultraestruturais e morte celular em formas promastigotas de Leishmania amazonensis induzidas por um novo complexo coordenação Co (II)

Leishmaniasis are diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by vectors of the phlebotomine subfamily. In Brazil, the species Leishmania amazonensis is the etiological agent of the diffuse cutaneous form. Currently, the treatment employed is associated with several side effects, which stimulated the development of new alternatives for the treatment of this important neglected disease. Thus, metallocomplexes appear as a new alternative for antiparasitic therapy. Its action has been evaluated on different species of parasites of the Trypanosomatidae family, including species of the genus Leishmania. In this work, we evaluated the effect of a new Co (II) complex, against promastigotes of L. amazonensis of strain WHOM / BR / 75 / Josefa. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to evaluate the parasite's ultrastructure and confocal laser microscopy to check for death by autophagy of the parasite. The complex was able to induce ultrastructural changes in the parasite, such as the formation of autophagic vacuoles near the pouch region flagellar and myelin figure formations. Finally, tests with anti-LC3B labeling indicated the possible death of the parasite by autophagy

ANÁLISE BIBLIOMÉTRICA SOBRE POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS

Este trabalho tem como objetivo mostrar a evolução do tema políticas públicas no contexto mundial e nacional por meio de uma análise bibliométrica. Faz um levantamento de indicadores mais gerais na avaliação global, como o histórico temporal das publicações e os países que mais debatem sobre o tema; enquanto na conjuntura brasileira traz indicadores mais específicos, tais como a rede de colaboração do Brasil com outros países e instituições. Os resultados mostraram que a primeira publicação sobre o tema estudado surgiu em 1909, no cenário mundial, e em 1987 no Brasil; os Estados Unidos destacaram-se na pesquisa com maior número de publicações. Apesar do desenvolvimento tardio na área de políticas públicas, o Brasil ocupa o quarto lugar no ranque mundial. Em relação às instituições, a USP concentra o maior volume de trabalhos publicados, no entanto, Estados Unidos ganha no todo.Palavras-chave: Bibliometria. Políticas Públicas. Indicadores.BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC POLICIESAbstractThis work aims at showing the evolution of the public policy theme in a national and worldwide context by means of a bibliometric analysis. More general indicators on the global assessment were proposed, such as the timeline of publications and countries that most debate the theme; while in the Brazilian conjuncture, more specific indicators were generated, such as the partnership network between Brazil and other countries and institutions. The main results showed that the first publication in the world about the theme under study was in 1909, while in Brazil it was in 1987. They also demonstrated thatthe United States stood out relating to the number of publications. Another question was that, despite the late development of the area of public policies, Brazil ranks fourth worldwide. Regarding institutions, Universidade de São Paulo-USP (Sao Paulo University) concentrates the largest amount of published works, however, the United States stands out as a whole.Keywords: Bibliometry. Public Policies. Indexes