Evaluation Of Stress Parameters Research Articles

Detailed vulnerability assessment and seismic upgradation of non-engineered masonry building

ABSTRACT Structural safety of code deficient non-engineered buildings relies on adequate strengthening measures, which demands detailed structural assessment and strengthening using the appropriate technique. Structural appraisal of non-engineered buildings with poor construction practices is a key issue, which requires immediate attention. This paper deals with seismic evaluation and rehabilitation of a seismically deficient unreinforced masonry (URM) building. A Detailed Vulnerability Assessment (DVA) was carried out, which included visual inspection; on-site and laboratory tests on building elements, linear static and dynamic analysis to identify structurally deficient elements through evaluation of stress parameters. The existing building was found to be in distressed condition with regards to material and structural requirements as speculated from DVA, further to which adequate strengthening techniques for seismic upgradation of the building were proposed. The main strengthening measures included galvanized iron welded wire mesh (GI WWM) and shotcrete for walls and columns, along with micro-piles-cum-raft for foundation. The building was re-analyzed after strengthening, which showed improved structural parameters complying with the codal limits. It is expected that the proposed seismic evaluation and rehabilitation methodology will be helpful to practising engineers for improving the seismic resilience of URM buildings.

Evaluation of Deltamethrin Induced Stress on Teleost Model, Common Molly Poecilia sphenops (Valenciennes, 1846)

Deltamethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide contaminating aquatic ecosystem as a potential toxic pollutant is under investigation in the present study of chronic toxicity. Bony fishes were selected for the bioassay experiment. The 96hr LC50 value, behavioural assessment post treatment and evaluation of stress parameters by studying the histopathology of the fish tissues were the primary components of the study. For the experimental setup, a commonly available teleost fish, Common Molly Poecilia sphenops (Valenciennes, 1846) was obtained and kept in well aerated aquarium tanks for a period of 7 days to acclimatize. The water parameters like pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen were regularly checked and observed every day. Fishes were divided in groups (low concentration, medium concentration, high concentration and control group). We recorded a continuous observation of changes in fish behaviour after giving different dose of deltamethrin. After exposure of the different concentrations of deltamethrin, random samples were collected from the each of the group and were sacrificed for their regular histo-pathological studies for gills and muscles.

Evaluation of stress parameters in new medical entrants based on their admission criteria to a south Indian medical college

Objectives: Globally medical education is now recognized as a highly stressful course and students that enter this program are subject to multiple stress producing factors that affect their academic performance as well as their mental and physical well being. This study was done to determine the prevalence of stress among first year medical (MBBS) students based on their admission criteria and to identify the sources of stress among them. Material and method: A Cross sectional study. The study was conducted in a semi-government medical college, Kerala, India. Subjects included first year medical students (both male and female) enrolled in the college during the year of study. Interventions: GHQ-12 Questionnaire was used to assess the psychological stress. A pretested structured closed ended questionnaire to collect information regarding the academic and non-academic sources of stress was charted out. Result: A total of 100 students were admitted to the first year of which 85 consented to take part in this study. Of the 85 students, 42 (49.4%) were having stress. Of these, 35 (83.3%) were repeaters (attempted the medical entrance examination more than once) and among them, 26 (61.9%) were students who secured admission based on merit. A statistically significant association was seen between the number of attempts, admission criteria and stress (p<0.05). The main academic stressors identified were language of communication, peer competition, long working hours, frequent examinations and increased study work load. The main nonacademic stressors identified were parental pressures, decreased recreation period and stay away from home. Conclusions: This study found that stress was more among repeaters and those who secured admission based purely on merit. Nonresident Indian (NRI) students who secured admission through higher financial investments along with sudden displacement from home environment also suffered from significant stress levels. The possible sources of stress found in the study can be a preliminary step towards developing solutions for stress management and stress prevention in new medical entrants which could help in developing a new generation of stress free doctors capable of effectively providing high quality medical care to the community at large.

Effect of viscosity on radial stress, drawing stress and drawing force in fluid assisted deep drawing process

In this paper the influence of viscosity of fluid on radial stress, drawing stress and drawing force of magnesium alloys are presented through fluid-assisted deep drawing process. In this process, hydraulic pressure is to be applied in radial direction on the periphery of the blank for successful formation of cup. The fluid is placed in the die cavity and punch chamber, which are connected through bypass path in the die. The punch movement in the fluid chamber produces pressure in the fluid. This pressurised fluid is directed through the bypass path and acts radially on the blank periphery which reduces tensile stresses acting on the wall of the semi drawn blank. Due to punch force applied on the blank, radial and hoop stresses are produced and also shear stresses are acted by fluid on blank surface. Thus, viscosity phenomenon is applied in this process for evaluation of stress parameters.