Influence of Span to depth ratio in designing concrete bridges

The influence of the span-to-depth ratio in designing concrete bridges is a critical aspect of bridge engineering. This study focuses on investigating the span-to-depth ratios of reinforced concrete bridges and post-tensioned concrete bridges. The main objective of the research is to establish a new basis for determining the height of the bridge deck based on selected span lengths for three-span simply supported reinforced and post-tensioned plate bridges. Nine bridge models with varying mid-span lengths ranging from 8 to 40m are analyzed to examine the relationship between the mid-span length and plate thickness. These models cover a range of mid-span to plate thickness ratios from 17.77 to 34.28. The side spans is set to 0.3 times the total bridge length (L), and the mid-span is set to 0.4 times the total bridge length (L). The transition point from reinforced to post-tensioned concrete is identified, and the optimal span-to-depth ratio for reinforced concrete bridges is determined. The bridge models are analyzed using the Sofistik software and its Teddy programming language (CADINP), considering design requirements for ultimate limit state (ULS) and serviceability limit state (SLS). The research adopts a parameterized approach, utilizing code in Sofistik to automatically generate bridge models based on input parameters, such as bridge length and depth. This parameterization allows for efficient and automated generation of loads and actions, dynamically adjusted whenever new structural parameters are inputted. As a result, comprehensive analysis of various load and action scenarios can be performed, specifically tailored to the specific bridge length. This approach enables a thorough exploration of the bridge's behavior under different loading conditions, leading to a more informed and optimized design. The analysis reveals that the ULS governs the design for bridge models 8, 12, and 16, while the SLS governs the design for bridge model 20. For post-tensioned bridge models, the SLS governs the design for all of them. The findings demonstrate that the required cross-section height of a bridge varies with the span length. Specifically, the transition from reinforced to post-tensioned concrete occurs at a bridge length of 60m or when the middle span length is 24m. Additionally, the deflection control meets the requirements specified by EC2 and N400, ensuring the structural functionality of the bridges

Studies on new tumour active compounds with one or more metal centres

The present study deals with the synthesis, characterization, determination of anticancer activity of three mononuclear trans-planaraminepalladium(II) complexes code named TH5, TH6 and TH7 and three trinuclear complexes code named TH1, TH8 and TH14. The activity of the compounds against human cancer cell lines: A2780, A2780cisR and A2780ZD0473R, cell uptake, DNA-binding and nature of interaction with pBR322 plasmid DNA have been determined. Whereas cisplatin binds with DNA forming mainly intrastrand GG adduct that causes local bending of a DNA strand, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH1 and TH8 bind with DNA forming mainly interstrand GG adducts that causes more of a global change in DNA conformation. Although TH5, TH6 and TH7 each have two substituted pyridine ligands in a trans-geometry (3-hydroxypyridine in TH5, 2-hydroxypyridine in TH6 and 4-hydroxypyridine in TH7), the compounds differ in their activity against ovarian cancer cell lines, indicating that non-covalent interactions involving the hydroxyl group may be playing a significant role in activity of the compounds. Among trinuclear complexes TH1 is found to be significantly more active than cisplatin. It is actually twice as active as cisplatin against the parent cell line A2780, thirteen times as active as cisplatin against the cisplatin-resistant cell line A2780cisR and 11.5 times as active as cisplatin against the cell line A2780ZD0473R. Whereas the resistance factor for cisplatin as applied to the cell lines A2780 and A2780cisR cell lines is 12.9 that for TH1 is 1.98. The results suggest that TH1 has been able to significantly overcome resistance operating in A2780cisR cell line. The compound is soluble in water so that it may be taken orally. Provided it has favourable toxicity profile, TH1 has the potential to be developed into a highly active anticancer drug with a wider spectrum of activity than cisplatin. Although platinum drugs use a shot-gun approach to kill cancerous cells, widespread use in the clinic and increasing volume of their sale indicate that even in the genomic age, there is still need for shot-gun drugs in the clinic

Identification of Adolescents with Adiposities and Elevated Blood Pressure and Implementation of Preventive Measures Warrants the Use of Multiple Clinical Assessment Tools.

The burden of abdominal adiposity has increased globally, which is recognized as a key condition for the development of obesity-related disorders among youth, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. High blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular diseases increase the rates of premature mortality and morbidity substantially. Aims: to investigate the relation between abdominal adiposity and elevated BP among adolescent males in Jordan. Methods: Nationally representative sample of male adolescents was selected using multi-cluster sampling technique. Study sample included 1035 adolescent males aged 12 to 17 years. Multiple indicators were used to assess adiposity including waist circumference (WC) and total body fat (TF), truncal fat (TrF), and visceral fat (VF). Systolic blood pressure was measured to assess hypertension. Results: After adjusting for age, smoking status, and physical activity, the odds of having stage two hypertension increased 6, 7, and 8 times for adolescents who were on 90th percentile or above for Trf, VF, and WC, respectively. Conclusion: Elevated BP was significantly associated with total and abdominal adiposity among adolescent males in Jordan. Use of multiple clinical assessment tools is essential to assess abdominal obesity among adolescents

Nutrient Intakes among Jordanian Adolescents Based on Gender and Body Mass Index

Background: This study was conducted to examine the dietary intakes of macro- and micronutrients for a Jordanian adolescents based on gender and compare their intake to the Dietary Recommended Intakes (DRIs). Methods: A sample of 398 male and female adolescents, aged 14-18 years, were recruited from private and public schools using convenience sampling. Socio-demographic questionnaire and 3-days food record were self-reported. Bodyweight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated for all participants. Results: There were no significant differences between male and female adolescents regarding the intake of micro and macronutrients except for protein, insoluble fibre, saturated fat, cholesterol, omega-6, vitamin E and calcium. The intake of insoluble fibre (g/day), omega-6(g/day), and vitamin E (mg/day) was significantly higher in female adolescents (3.1±0.1, 5.6±0.5, and 3.1±0.3, respectively, P≤0.05) compared to male adolescents (2.9±0.1, 5.1±0.4, and 2.5±0.2, respectively, P≤0.05). On the other hand, the intakes of protein (g/day), saturated fat (g/day), cholesterol (mg/day), calcium (mg/day) were significantly higher in male adolescents (90.1±2.3, 31.7±1.0, 339.2±18.3, and 651.5±27.8) as compared with female adolescents (79.2±2.1, 29.2±1.2, 263.6±14.9, and 555.2±21.7) (P≤ 0.05). Comparing of the adolescents’ nutrients intake to the DRIs, many nutrients were found to be below or above the recommendations. Conclusion: The study findings highlighted that there is an urgent need to establish a plan of action to combat malnutrition among adolescents in Jordan

Prevalence of Food Insecurity among Women in Northern Jordan

Food insecurity—not having sufficient quantities of good-quality foods—is inversely related to physical and mental health and directly related to poor dietary intake. The objectives of this research were to (a) measure the prevalence of food insecurity among women in northern Jordan, (b) study the socioeconomic factors associated with an increased risk of food insecurity, and (c) investigate the relationship between household food insecurity and women's reported body-weight. This cross-sectional study was conducted using an interview-based questionnaire. In total, 500 women were interviewed in the waiting rooms of the outpatient clinics of two major public hospitals in northern Jordan. Food insecurity was assessed using the short form of the U.S. food security survey module. The prevalence of food insecurity was 32.4%. Income below the poverty-line, illiteracy, unemployment, rented housing, and woman heading the household were among the socioeconomic factors that increased the probability of food insecurity. No evidence was found to support the relationship between obesity and food insecurity. Except grains, food-insecure women with hunger had lower intake of all food-groups. This study demonstrated that the problem of food insecurity is present in Jordan. Food-insecure women with hunger are at a risk of malnutrition. Interventions that target reduction of the factors associated with food insecurity are necessary

Studies on the synthesis, characterization, binding with DNA and activities of two cis-planaramineplatinum(II) complexes of the form: cis-PtL(NH(3))Cl(2 )where L = 3-hydroxypyridine and 2,3-diaminopyridine

BACKGROUND: Cis-planaramineplatinum(II) complexes like their trans isomers are often found to be active against cancer cell lines. The present study deals with the synthesis, characterization and determination of activity of new cis-planaramineplatinum(II) complexes. RESULTS: Two cis-planaramineplatinum(II) complexes: cis-(3-hydroxypyridine)(ammine)dichloroplatinum(II) (code named AH3) and cis-(2,3-diaminopyridine)(ammine)dichloroplatinum(II) (code named AH7) have been prepared and characterised based on elemental analyses, IR, Raman, mass and 1H NMR spectral measurements. The interactions of the compounds with pBR322 plasmid DNA have been investigated and their activity against ovarian cancer cell lines: A2780, A2780(cisR )and A2780(ZD047R)have been determined. Like cisplatin, AH3 and AH7 are believed to form mainly monofunctional N7(G) and bifunctional intrastrand N7(G)N7(G) adducts with DNA, causing a local distortion of a DNA strand. As a result, gel mobility of the DNA changes. Both AH3 and AH7 are found to be less active than cisplatin against the three cell lines with AH3 being the more active compound of the two. The higher activity of AH3 is in line with its lower molar conductivity value corresponding to a lower degree of dissociation. CONCLUSION: The differences in activity of AH3, AH7 and cisplatin against the cell lines illustrate structure-activity relationship

Tramadol-Induced Liver and Kidney Toxicity among Abusers in Gaza Strip, Palestine.

Tramadol, a centrally acting analgesic opioid, is considered to have a low abuse potential and is devoid of side effects like drug dependence, liver and kidney toxicity.. The present study was conducted to assess the tramadol addiction effects on both liver and kidney functions among tramadol abusers. A total of 50 male individuals with a tramadol abuse problem were referred to psychiatric clinics in Gaza Strip, along with an age matched normal control. An informed consent was obtained, a questionnaire was filled, blood samples were collected, serum was separated, and tested serologically to detect antibodies to hepatitis A virus, the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen, and IgM antibodies to hepatitis A virus. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid and blood urea nitrogen (BUN

Abdominal Fat Is Directly Associated With Inflammation In PersonsWith Type-2 Diabetes Regardless Of Glycemic Control – A Jordanian Study

Background and aim: Systemic inflammation is related to the progression of complications associated with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the association between general and abdominal obesity and inflammation in patients with type-2 diabetes with or without glycemic control. Methods: A total of 198 men (n=73) and women (n=125) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes participated in this study. General obesity markers, body mass index (BMI), and abdominal fat were assessed. Circulating concentrations of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined. Poor glycemic control and good glycemic control were defined as having fasting HbA1C concentrations ≥7% and <7%, respectively. Multivariate adjusted analysis of covariance was used to determine the relation between BMI and abdominal fat and markers of inflammation in patients with good and poor glycemic control. Results: Patients in <7% HbA1C category, those with high abdominal fat had ≈262% higher CRP and ≈30.6% higher IL-6 compared to those with low abdominal fat (p˂0.05). Patients in ≥7% HbA1C category, those with high abdominal fat had ≈41.4% higher CRP and ≈33.9% higher IL-6 compared to those with low abdominal fat (p˂0.05). Abdominal fat was directly related to CRP (p˂0.023) and IL-6 (p˂0.002) concentrations in both groups of type-2 diabetic patients with <7% and ≥7% HbA1C. In patients with ≥7% HbA1C, BMI was directly related to CRP (p˂0.02) and IL-6 (p˂0.047). Whereas in patients with <7% HbA1C, BMI was not associated with CRP or IL-6 concentrations. Conclusion: High level of abdominal fat is associated with systemic inflammation in type-2 diabetes regardless of glycemic control. Abdominal fat is a better predictor (determinant) of inflammation than BMI in patients with type-2 diabetes with or without glycemic control. Keywords: BMI, C-reactive protein, diabetes, IL-6, inflammation, obesityThis research is funded by Jordan University of Science and Technolog