Structural modelling of suspension bridges with particular reference to the humber bridge

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.The purpose of this research was to investigate the parameters that influence the structural behaviour of a specific suspension bridge, The Humber Bridge. Three finite element computer models of increasing complexity were created for the analyses. They were validated against field measurements for both static and dynamic loading, and good correlation was obtained. The programs were used to a) Assess the integrity of the bridge as a whole were three failures of certain individual elements, such as a hanger falling under vehicle impact; b) Determine the influence of the sizing of individual components, such as deck plate thickness or main cable diameter, on overall behaviour; c) ascertain the capability of the structure to cope with loading (traffic, wind orthermal), above the original design values; and d) consider the performance of the bridge had other configurations of hangers been adopted in the original design. From the results of this work, recommendations are made which could influence the future design of long-span suspension bridges

Infrared Characterisation and Prediction of Aviation Turbine Fuel Plume

Broad (3.7 μm - 4.8 μm) as well as narrow band (4.16 μm - 4.24 μm) mid wave infrared characterisation of plume has been reported here. Multiple angular measurements (azimuth) were carried out on a laboratory developed plume source with aviation turbine fuel (ATF) using thermal imaging systems. Correlation of IR prediction to experimental results is the key objectives of this study. As this narrow band covers the blue spike of plume, a comparison of the same with broad band plume contribution has been reported for the first time. Also, a model to simulate the IR radiation of two-dimensional parabolic jet was developed and used to predict spectral contribution from major hydrocarbon fuel combustion products (CO2 and H2O). In addition, it was found that the plume transmission characteristics extracted form imager measurements are qualitatively in agreement with prediction results.

Obstetric outcome in elderly gravida

Background: Maternal age is an important determinant of the outcome of pregnancy. Advanced maternal age generally signify age after 35 years at the time of delivery. It is associated with decreased fertility and increased risk. Elderly gravida is associated with many complications during pregnancy, labour and also for the baby. In recent times women has changed their lifestyles such as pursuit of higher education and entry into work forces and career advancement outside the home.Methods: This was a retrospective study done in 57 elderly pregnant women more than 33 years age, over a period of 18 months, conducted in a multi-specialty hospital.Results: 57 elderly pregnant women were selected for the study. 47% were in age group of 33-35 years and 42% were in age group of 36-40 years. 61.40% patients were housewives and 38.59% were employed. 50.8% of patients had history of previous abortions and 35% were conceived after treatment for sterility. 64.9% of patients conceived spontaneously and 35% by assisted reproductive technology. Majority of patients (33.3%) required Invitro-fertilization. Multiple pregnancy was high- 21.05%. Hypertension was observed in 26.3% of patients, Antepartum haemorrhage in 4.34%,  Preterm delivery  49.1%, Induction of labour in 10.52%, Normal vaginal delivery only in14%. Majority of patients (80.7%) were delivered by caesarean section.Conclusions: Elderly pregnant patients have higher risks of specific pregnancy complications which contribute to a higher frequency of maternal morbidity and greater health care costs. The risks are due to Hypertension, diabetes, multiple pregnancy, preterm labour, antepartum haemorrhage, PROM, malpresentation, prolonged labour, increased caesarean section rate and postpartum haemorrhage

Combined effect of positioning and conventional respiratory physical therapy in complicated case of COVID-19: a case report

Many neurological and cardiovascular complications have been discovered post-COVID 19 infections. Long-term pulmonary complications like pneumonia, respiratory failure, ARDS, and lung abscess are described in different studies. To overcome these complications respiratory chest physiotherapy plays an important role for an individual. Respiratory chest physiotherapy has been shown to improve gas exchange, reverse pathological progression, and reduce or avoid the need for artificial ventilation when it is provided very early in other respiratory conditions. This case study highlights the combined effects of positioning with conventional Respiratory chest physiotherapy in post-COVID 19 respiratory complications in a 26-year-old young individual, presenting with complaints like dyspnoea. Changes in modified medical research council (MMRC) score and chest X-ray were seen by end of discharge of the patient

A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY ON INCIDENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AMONG INSTITUTIONAL DELIVERIES IN KATHMANDU, NEPAL

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) in developing countries are mainly due to preterm delivery and intrauterine growth retardation. Among other causes of low birth weight, maternal factors are predominant. Aim: This study aimed to identify how strongly maternal risk factors associated to low birth weight. Method and Materials: The study used cohort prospective design among 700 pregnant women attended in antenatal care outdoor patient in Paropakar Maternity Women's hospital with 6 months follow up. Results: Among 700 respondents, 23 (3%) were lost in follow up. Out of 677 mothers, 151 (22%) gave birth of LBW. The mean birth weight was 2724gm. The mean maternal weight was 48kg, height was150cm and BMI was 21.2kg/m2. The cumulative incidence of LBW in the cohort was 22%. Mothers with weight <45kg had 11 times higher risk of giving of LBW babies (RR=10.92, CI:7.90-15.08); BMI <18.5kg/m2 had 3 times higher risk of giving LBW babies (RR=3.08, CI: 2.30 - 4.12). Mothers without having past history of LBW, and preterm delivery were 0.3 times, and 0.44 times chances of giving LBW babies respectively. There are positive association of LBW with primigravida (RR=1.09), and primiparity (RR=1.41), however, it could not reach statistically significant. Conclusion: The study concluded that maternal weight <45kg is the strongest risk factor for LBW. Other maternal risk factors were weight <45kg, BMI<18.5kg/m2, mothers without past history of LBW, and preterm are also statistically significant to LBW. KEYWORDS: Low birth weight; Cohort; Hospital-based; Maternal anthropometry

Ethanolic extract of Commiphora mukul gum resin attenuates streptozotocin-induced alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Commiphora mukul gum resin ethanolic extract (CMEEt) administration against altered activities of key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism and changes in glycogen content (liver and muscle) and lipids (liver and heart) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced insulin deficient diabetic Wistar albino rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg body wt) to male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups: Control (C), control-treated (C+CM), diabetic (D) and diabetic-treated group (D+CM). Diabetic-treated and control-treated rats were treated with C. mukul gum resin ethanolic extract (CMEEt) in 2 ml distilled water, orally (200 mg/kg body weight/day for 60 days). At the end of the experimental period, biochemical parameters related to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were assayed. The significant enhancement in tissue lipids (heart and liver) total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and free fatty acids of diabetic rats were nearer to normalized in diabetic treated rats (D+CM). Alterations in the activities of enzymes of glucose metabolism (hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, and glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) and lipid metabolism (fatty acid synthase, malic enzyme and lipoprotein lipase) as observed in diabetic (D) rats were prevented with CMEEt administration. In conclusion, our findings indicate improvement of glucose and lipid metabolisms in STZ induced diabetic rats by treatment with Commiphora mukul and suggest that the plant can be used as an adjuvant for the prevention and/or management of insulin deficiency and disorder related to it

High Temperature Calibration of Thermal Imagers for Infrared Measurements on Military Platforms

Calibration of thermal imaging system is not a straight forward process and hence manufacturers suggest re-calibration at factory itself. However, it is time consuming and expensive. A few research papers refer various approaches to perform low temperature calibration considering the wide requirement of low temperature measurements (typically less than 150 °C). However, no reference is available in open literature about high temperature calibration of thermal imagers. Hence, the possibility of high temperature calibration of thermal imaging systems has been explored using high temperature blackbody sources available at laboratory. With the use of neutral density filters, calibration has been performed in mid-wave (3.7 μm - 4.8 μm) and long-wave (7.7 μm - 9.5 μm) bands of imagers for IR measurements. The developed calibration has also been tested for field measurements

A Panel of Protein Kinase Chemosensors Distinguishes Different Types of Fatty Liver Disease

The worldwide incidence of fatty liver disease continues to rise, which may account for concurrent increases in the frequencies of more aggressive liver ailments. Given the existence of histologically identical fatty liver disease subtypes, there is a critical need for the identification of methods that can classify disease and potentially predict progression. Herein, we show that a panel of protein kinase chemosensors can distinguish fatty liver disease subtypes. These direct activity measurements highlight distinct differences between histologically identical fatty liver diseases arising from diets rich in fat versus alcohol and identify a previously unreported decrease in p38α activity associated with a high-fat diet. In addition, we have profiled kinase activities in both benign (dietinduced) and progressive (STAM) disease models. These experiments provide temporal insights into kinase activity during disease development and progression. Altogether, this work provides the basis for the future development of clinical diagnostics and potential treatment strategies

Quantitative Imaging of B1 Cyclin Expression Across the Cell Cycle Using Green Fluorescent Protein Tagging and Epifluorescence

In this article, we report the number of cyclin B1 proteins tagged with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) in fixed U‐2 OS cells across the cell cycle. We use a quantitative analysis of epifluorescence to determine the number of eGFP molecules in a nondestructive way, and integrated over the cell we find 104 to 105 molecules. Based on the measured number of eGFP tagged cyclin B1 proteins, knowledge of cyclin B1 dynamics through the cell cycle, and the cell morphology, we identify the stages of cells in the cell cycle

Esters of petroselinic acid containing Trachyspermum copticum seed oil: Potential industrial lubricant base stocks

126-134Trachyspermum copticum seed oil contains volatile oil rich in thymol, which is distilled out and used for medicinal and aromatic formulations. The seed powder after removal of the volatiles loses its importance. However, the fixed oil being rich in unsaturation with petroselinic acid (18:1, Δ6; 68.3%) and linoleic acid (18:2; 25.3%) is used for preparing biolubricant base stocks. Methyl, isopropyl and 2-ethyl hexyl esters of the oil have been converted to epoxides, followed by in situ hydroxylation and acylation using hexanoic and butyric anhydrides. The acylated products have been evaluated for lubricant properties, and are found to exhibit density (0.91-0.97 g/cc); viscosity of 23.5-27.3 cSt at 40°C and 4.85-5.33 cSt at 100°C. The values are comparable to jatropha acylated products. The products exhibited good copper corrosion resistance value of ‘1a’ and high flash points of 230-242°C. The acylated esters with good weld load behavior, and lower wear and pour point values and viscosity indices, 128.84-138.94, can be potential base stocks belonging to group III category lubricants with ISO VG Grade about 22. These products can be further explored for the preparation of hydraulic, metal working and other industrial fluid formulations