Study of railway track stiffness modification by polyurethane reinforcement of the ballast

This paper presents the measured results of full-scale testing of railway track under laboratory conditions to examine the effect on the track stiffness when the ballast is reinforced using a urethane cross-linked polymer (polyurethane). The tests are performed in the GRAFT I (Geopavement and Railways Accelerated Fatigue Testing) facility and show that the track stiffness can be significantly enhanced by application of the polymer. The track stiffness is measured at various stages during cyclic loading and compared to the formation stiffness, which is determined prior to testing using plate load tests. The results indicate that the track stiffness increased by approximately 40–50% based on the measured results and from the previously published GRAFT I settlement model. The track stiffness was monitored during loading for a maximum of 500,000 load cycles. The paper concludes by presenting and commenting on, the application of the technique to a real site where the Falling Weight Deflectometer was used before and after polymer treatment to determine the dynamic sleeper support stiffness. The very challenging site conditions are highlighted, in particular the water logged nature of the site, and comment made on the effect of the water on polymer installation. The results of the FWD measurements indicate that a good increase in overall track stiffness was measured. These results are consistent with the laboratory tests which are performed on a different soil and use a different measurement technique and hence confirm that regardless of the soil and measurement system track stiffness increases are observed using this technique

Genetic study of umbilical hernia in thoroughbred race horses

Umbilical hernia is a congenital and inherited disease. Swine is the most affected species followed by young equines. Our aim was to analyze hereditary umbilical hernia in a family of pureblood race horse belonging to one Haras. First, we estimated the prevalence in 155 foals from four families to determine the one with the highest prevalence (20.5%). We performed umbilical hernia digital palpation exam in such a family at 18 months of age for three generations and we developed the genealogy with the purpose of studying the inheritance mechanisms by sex and umbilical hernia size. Umbilical Hernia findings by the sex of the offspring were not significant (c2 1 = 0.26; P=0.61), however mares showed a higher relative risk (1.27) than male horses and her size was smaller (8.69%) than in males (21.75%) (c2 1 =1.77; P=0.18). According to our results we can conclude that umbilical hernia is an oligogenic disease.Fil: Kelly, L. Universidad de la República Oriental del Uruguay. Facultad de Veterinaria. Area Genética; UruguayFil: Medero, A. Universidad de la República Oriental del Uruguay. Facultad de Veterinaria. Departamento de Equinos; UruguayFil: Nicolini, P. Universidad de la República Oriental del Uruguay. Facultad de Veterinaria. Area Genética; UruguayFil: Nimo, A. Universidad de la República Oriental del Uruguay. Facultad de Veterinaria. Area Genética; UruguayFil: Rincón, G. University of California Davis. Department of Animal Science; Unites States of AmericaLa hernia umbilical (HU) es una patología congénita hereditaria que afecta principalmente a suinos y a equinos jóvenes. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar la herencia de HU en 155 potrillos pertenecientes a cuatro familias paternas de equinos Sangre Pura de Carrera de un Haras. Para ello se calculó la prevalencia de HU con el fin de determinar la familia que tuvo mayor prevalencia (20.5%). En dicha familia se estudiaron, durante tres generaciones, el tamaño de la hernia umbilical mediante palpación digital a los 18 meses de edad y se elaboró una genealogía con el fin de estudiar los mecanismos de herencia considerando el sexo y el tamaño de la HU. No se observaron diferencias significativas de la prevalencia de HU entre sexos (c2 1 =0.26; P=0.61), aunque las hembras presentaron un riesgo relativo mayor (1.27) que los machos. El tamaño del anillo herniario fue menor en las hembras (8.69%) que en los machos (21.75%) (c2 1 =1.77; P=0.18). Se concluye que según el análisis de la genealogía de la familia podría ser una enfermedad oligogénica en la que estarían interactuando varios genes

An overview of research activities and achievement in Geotechnics from the Scottish Universities Geotechnics Network (SUGN)

ABSTRACT: Design of geotechnical systems is often challenging as it requires the understanding of complex soil behaviour and its influence on field-scale performance of geo-structures. To advance the scientific knowledge and the technological development in geotechnical engineering, a Scottish academic community, named Scottish Universities Geotechnics Network (SUGN), was established in 2001, composing of eight higher education institutions. The network gathers geotechnics researchers, including experimentalists as well as centrifuge, constitutive, and numerical modellers, to generate multiple synergies for building larger collaboration and wider research dissemination in and beyond Scotland. The paper will highlight the research excellence and leading work undertaken in SUGN emphasising some of the contribution to the geotechnical research community and some of the significant research outcomes. RÉSUMÉ: Conception de systèmes géotechniques est souvent difficile car elle nécessite la compréhension du comportement des sols complexes et son influence sur la performance échelle du champ de géo-structures. Pour faire avancer la connaissance scientifique et le développement technologique en ingénierie géotechnique, une communauté universitaire écossais, nommé écossais universités Géotechnique réseau (SUGN), a été créé en 2001, la composition des huit établissements d'enseignement supérieur. Le réseau réunit géotechnique chercheurs, y compris les expérimentateurs ainsi que centrifugeuse, constitutif, et les modélisateurs numériques, de générer des synergies multiples pour la construction de plus grande collaboration et une plus large diffusion de la recherche en Ecosse et au-delà. Le document mettra l'accent sur l'excellence de la recherche et de diriger le travail entrepris dans SUGN soulignant certains de la contribution à la communauté de recherche en géotechnique et certains des résultats importants de la recherche

Monitoreo de glifosato en agua superficial en Entre Ríos: La investigación acción participativa como metodología de abordaje

Las pérdidas de glifosato desde agroecosistemas y su impacto sobre el agua superficial generan preocupación en los actores de la comunidad rural y urbana de Entre Ríos, habiéndose generalizado percepciones de riesgo. La ausencia de información ha agudizado la sensibilidad social, requiriéndose un abordaje adecuado. Los objetivos fueron: conformar una red de monitoreo del efecto del uso de glifosato sobre la calidad del agua (RMCA) en el área agrícola de Entre Ríos; estimar la concentración de glifosato en agua superficial, y acordar prácticas agronómicas de bajo impacto ambiental. Se desarrolló una investigación acción participativa (IAP), con participación de diferentes actores en todas las instancias del estudio. Se llevó adelante un programa de sensibilización de profesionales, productores y organismos interesados en conocer la calidad de aguas. La selección de sitios y el muestreo fueron realizados por los integrantes de la RMCA. Se establecieron tres períodos de muestreo: 1.°: 15 agosto – 15 setiembre 2012; 2.°: 15 noviembre – 15 diciembre 2012, y 3.°: 15 marzo – 15 abril 2013. Las concentraciones de glifosato fueron clasificadas en 3 categorías: <0,1 μg L-1; 0,1-240 μg L-1 y ˃240 μgL-1. La RMCA resultó integrada por 70 miembros. Se evaluaron 311 puntos y 703 muestras de agua. En el primer período, 4,7% de los puntos superó el nivel de 240 μgL-1, mientras que en el segundo todas las concentraciones resultaron inferiores, de las cuales un 69,2% presentó valores inferiores a 0,1 μg L-1. El 76% de las muestras de marzo/abril presentó concentraciones inferiores a 0,1 μg L-1. Los resultados se discutieron con los integrantes de la RMCA en un taller replicado en cuatro localidades y en un segundo evento se acordaron prácticas agronómicas de bajo impacto ambiental. La IAP demostró ser una metodología adecuada para analizar los cambios en la calidad del agua superficial debidos al uso de glifosato en Entre Ríos. La cuantificación de la concentración de glifosato permitió analizar el riesgo de contaminación no medido precedentemente, lo cual fue motor de búsqueda de soluciones consensuadas entre los diferentes actores del sector agroalimentario para mitigar o remediar impactos ambientales por el uso de agroquímicos.There is concern about glyphosate losses from agroecosystems and its impact on surface water in urban and rural communities of Entre Rios, having a widespread perception of risk in public opinion. Social awareness was exacerbated by lack of information, which requires an adequate approach. The objectives were: i) to set up a network for monitoring the effect of glyphosate use on water quality (RMCA) in the agricultural area of Entre Rios, ii) to estimate glyphosate concentration in surface water as a result of losses from the agroecosystem, and iii) to identify management practices of low environmental impact to be agreed on with members of the agro alimentary sector. The methodological framework applied corresponds to a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. An awareness program for professionals, farmers and organizations interested in knowing water quality was carried out. Site selection and water sampling were carried out by RMCA members. A schedule of 3 sampling periods was established: 1º) August 15th - September 15th 2012, 2º) November 15th - December 15th 2012 and 3º) March 15th - April 15th 2013. Concentration of glyphosate in the water samples was determined by the Elisa technique, using as a UPLC-MS/MS verification method. Glyphosate concentrations were classified according to the guide levels defined by the Undersecreatriat of Water Resources of Argentina and the European Union: < 0.1 µg L-1; 0.1-240 µg L-1 y ˃ 240 µg L-1. The RMCA network was integrated by 70 members becoming a community-based organization to promote the preservation of surface water. 311 monitoring points and 703 water samples were evaluated. In the first period, 4.7% of the monitoring points overcame the level of 240 µg L-1 whereas in the second sampling instance all concentrations results were lower, 69% of them showing values below 0.1 µg L-1. 76% of the March-April samples resulted in concentrations below 0.1 µg L-1. Results were discussed by RCMA members in a workshop that was replicated at 4 locations. In a second meeting, the members identified on agronomic practices of environmental low impact. The PAR proved to be an adequate methodology to analyze changes in the quality of surface water due to the use of glyphosate in the agricultural area of Entre Rios. The quantification of glyphosate concentration in water allowed to know the risk of pollution, not previously measured, which promoted the search for consensual solutions among stakeholders of the agro alimentary sector to either mitigate or solve environmental impact by the use of agrochemicals.Fil: Sasal, Maria Carolina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Wilson, Marcelo Germán. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Sione, Silvana. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Beghetto, S. M.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Rios. Estacion Experimental Agropecuaria Parana. Agencia de Extension Rural Crespo.; ArgentinaFil: Gabioud, Emmanuel Adrián. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Oszut, José D.. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Paravani, Enrique Valentin. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ingeniería; ArgentinaFil: Demonte, Luisina Delma. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ingeniería Química. Programa de Investigación y Análisis de Residuos y Contaminantes Químicos; ArgentinaFil: Repetti, María Rosa. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ingeniería Química. Programa de Investigación y Análisis de Residuos y Contaminantes Químicos; ArgentinaFil: Bedendo, Dante Julián. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Medero, Silvina Laura. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación de Recursos Naturales. Instituto de Recursos Biológicos; ArgentinaFil: Pautasso, Natalia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Schulz, G. A.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación de Recursos Naturales. Instituto de Suelos; Argentin

The clinical relevance of oliguria in the critically ill patient : Analysis of a large observational database

Funding Information: Marc Leone reports receiving consulting fees from Amomed and Aguettant; lecture fees from MSD, Pfizer, Octapharma, 3 M, Aspen, Orion; travel support from LFB; and grant support from PHRC IR and his institution. JLV is the Editor-in-Chief of Critical Care. The other authors declare that they have no relevant financial interests. Publisher Copyright: © 2020 The Author(s). Copyright: Copyright 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.Background: Urine output is widely used as one of the criteria for the diagnosis and staging of acute renal failure, but few studies have specifically assessed the role of oliguria as a marker of acute renal failure or outcomes in general intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Using a large multinational database, we therefore evaluated the occurrence of oliguria (defined as a urine output 16 years) patients in the ICON audit who had a urine output measurement on the day of admission were included. To investigate the association between oliguria and mortality, we used a multilevel analysis. Results: Of the 8292 patients included, 2050 (24.7%) were oliguric during the first 24 h of admission. Patients with oliguria on admission who had at least one additional 24-h urine output recorded during their ICU stay (n = 1349) were divided into three groups: transient - oliguria resolved within 48 h after the admission day (n = 390 [28.9%]), prolonged - oliguria resolved > 48 h after the admission day (n = 141 [10.5%]), and permanent - oliguria persisting for the whole ICU stay or again present at the end of the ICU stay (n = 818 [60.6%]). ICU and hospital mortality rates were higher in patients with oliguria than in those without, except for patients with transient oliguria who had significantly lower mortality rates than non-oliguric patients. In multilevel analysis, the need for RRT was associated with a significantly higher risk of death (OR = 1.51 [95% CI 1.19-1.91], p = 0.001), but the presence of oliguria on admission was not (OR = 1.14 [95% CI 0.97-1.34], p = 0.103). Conclusions: Oliguria is common in ICU patients and may have a relatively benign nature if only transient. The duration of oliguria and need for RRT are associated with worse outcome.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Effect of temperature on collapse potential of kaolin clay

The understanding of the fundamental behaviour of clays subjected to high temperatures is essential when working with clay barriers in nuclear waste storage, drilling of deep offshore wells or using clay liners on landfills. The effect of temperature on the soil’s response under different wetting and stress paths has been studied on this research project. A series of single and double temperature-controlled oedometer tests were performed on kaolin clay samples at different initial suction values. Initial suction of the studied material, at different temperatures, was obtained using the filter paper methodology. The oedometer tests were under-taken to characterise the thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of the kaolin clay and to quantify the collapse potential at different temperature levels. Based on the experimental results, it was possible to observe a significant influence of the temperature magnitude as well as the initial level of suction on the material’s behaviour