bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Seismic Collapse Capacity Spectra and Parametric Study
Authors: Shi Wei , Lu Xinzheng , Guan Hong , Ye Lieping
Published: August 2014

Single-Degree-of-Freedom (SDOF) systems are widely used to investigate the collapse resistance of building structures. A SDOF model capable of representing the key properties associated with earthquake-induced collapse is outlined in this study. The seismic collapse capacity of SDOF systems is evaluated via an incremental dynamic analysis, based on which the collapse capacity spectrum is developed. The computational procedure and engineering significance of the collapse capacity spectrum are elaborated in some detail. The influence of various structural properties on the collapse resistance of SDOF structural systems is also comprehensively discussed, which include fundamental period, ductility ratio, post-capping stiffness, hysteretic pinching, cyclic deterioration and P-Δ effect. Furthermore, the influence of ground motion features on the collapse resistance of SDOF systems is examined by using the proposed collapse capacity spectrum.
A Probabilistic Study on the Ductility of Reinforced Concrete Sections
Authors: Baji Hassan , Ronagh Hamid Reza
Published: August 2014

Although the current design codes apply reliability-based calibration procedures to evaluate safety factors for the strength based limit state, the safety factors used to ensure minimum ductility capacities are rather simple and are not resulted from a probability-based procedure. This study examines level of safety delivered by the current design codes with regards to providing minimum curvature ductility for reinforced concrete (RC) beams made with normal strength concrete. Reliability analysis results show that with regard to the strength limit state, the considered design codes are in good agreement with one another. However, there is considerable disparity in the level of safety provided for minimum curvature ductility amongst the codes. The provided reliability for the design to remain ductile is too low in some and just about acceptable in the others. This signifies the importance and the need to introduce reliability based methods of design for ductility.
Numerical Investigations of Tonal Noise of Counter-Rotating Open Rotors
Authors: Rossikhin Anton A. , Brailko Igor A. , Mileshin Victor I.
Published: August 2014

In the work are presented the results of a three dimensional computational analysis of tonal noise of two counter-rotating open rotors. The analysis was performed using 3DAS (3 Dimensional Acoustics Solver) CIAM in-house solver, designed for three dimensional calculation of turbomachinery tone noise generation, propagation and radiation in the near and the far acoustic fields. The results of the computations were compared with the results of experiments performed in the wind tunnel of Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI), Russia, within the project DREAM (Validation of radical engine architecture systems) of European Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The comparison showed satisfactory correspondence between directivity diagrams for the tone noise on combinational harmonics.
Cabaret Scheme for Computational Aero Acoustics: Extension to Asynchronous Time Stepping and 3D Flow Modelling
Authors: Semiletov V.A. , Karabasov S.A.
Published: August 2014

Explicit time stepping renders many high-resolution schemes in Computational Aeroacoustics to become less efficient when dealing with non-uniform meshes in multiple dimensions. In the present paper, the Compact Accurately Boundary-Adjusting high-REsolution Technique (CABARET) Euler scheme is extended to asynchronous time-stepping which allows it to significantly boost computational performance with non-uniform grids. Numerical examples for 1D and 2D CABARET with asynchronous time stepping are provided. For further demonstration of the CABARET's capabilities in 3D where the asynchronous time stepping is expected to bring a step change in the scheme efficiency, Large Eddy Simulation of subsonic flow over a NACA0012 airfoil at zero angle of attack is conducted. The aerodynamic and acoustic results obtained with a single time stepping CABARET method are compared with the experimental data available.
Comparison of magnetic and microwave absorbing properties between multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite, nickel zinc ferrite nanocomposite and hybrid nanocomposite
Authors: Yu L. , Ahmad S. , Appadu Sivanesan , Kong I. , Tarawneh Mou'ad , Flaifel Moayad
Published: August 2014

Three types of fillers were incorporated in the thermoplastic natural rubber by melt blending process. They are NiZn ferrite, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and hybrid NiZn ferrite/multiwalled carbon nanotubes followed by weight ratio of 1:1. Their magnetic properties and microwave absorbing properties were investigated. The ball-milled techniques, resulted good filler dispersion in hybrid nanocomposite, proven by the matching saturation magnetization experimental values with the theory calculation. It was found that the magnetic property strongly depends on the amount of magnetic particles in the nanocomposites. The mixing of two different types of filler (multiwalled carbon nanotubes and NiZn ferrite) showed an enhancement of the microwave properties at lower filler loading.
Modeling of thermal contact problem of disc brake system with frictional heat generation
Authors: Belhocine A. , Bouchetara M. , Bakar Ar. , Nouby M.
Published: August 2014

Safety aspect in automotive engineering has been considered as a number one priority in development of new vehicle. Each single system has been studied and developed in order to meet safety requirement. Instead of having air bag, good suspension systems, good handling and safe cornering, there is one most critical system in the vehicle which is brake systems. The objective of this work is to investigate and analyze the temperature distribution of rotor disc during braking operation using ANSYS Multiphysics. The work uses the finite element analysis techniques to predict the temperature distribution on the full and ventilated brake disc and to identify the critical temperature of the rotor. The analysis also gives us, the heat flux distribution for the two discs.
Validation of in-cylinder flow of a controlled auto-ignition engine
Authors: Beauquel J. , Ibrahim S. , Chen R.
Published: August 2014

Numerical calculations have been carried out to investigate the in-cylinder transient flow structure of a controlled auto-ignition (CAI) engine running at speeds of 1500 rpm and 2000 rpm. The calculated turbulent flow structure and velocities are validated against published laser doppler anemometry (LDA) experimental data (Pitcher et al., 2003). The experimental data was reprocessed to represent the time dependent mean velocities for all measured points. The actual geometry configuration of the engine is imported into the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code used in this study. The simulations take into account the movement of the inlet, exhaust valves and the piston. The CFD simulations replicate the experimental work where only air was inserted into a driven optical engine. Also, to simulate an engine in controlled auto-ignition (CAI) mode, the same valve timing that allows 36% internal exhaust gas recirculation (IEGR) was applied for the air intake. The calculated results found to agree well with the LDA measurements with an overall agreement of 75.06% at 1500 rpm and 73.42% at 2000 rpm.
Preventive Effects of Fibers on Spalling of UFC at High Temperatures
Authors: Ozawa Mitsuo , Bo Zhou , Uchida Yuichi , Morimoto Hiroaki
Published: August 2014

This paper investigates the relationship between spalling behavior and weight loss for ultra-high-strength fiber-reinforced concrete (UFC) containing different types short fibers (jute, PP, WSPVA) in high-temperature environments at 400, 600 and 800 °C. The explosive spalling that occurred under these conditions caused severe damage to the control specimen but only slight damage to the specimen with jute fiber. It was therefore inferred that adding 0.19% by volume of natural jute fibers (length: 12 mm) to UFC is effective in the prevention of spalling-related damage.
Steel Ring-Based Restraint of HSC Explosive Spalling in High Temperature Environments
Authors: Tanibe Toru , Ozawa Mitsuo , Kamata Ryota , Rokugo Keitetsu
Published: August 2014

This paper reports on an experimental study regarding the behavior of restrained high-strength concrete in response to the type of extreme heating associated with fire. The study was intended to support estimation of thermal stress from the strain in a restraining steel ring and vapor pressure in restrained concrete under the conditions of a RABT 30 rapid heating curve. The size of the specimens was φ300 X 100 mm, and the results showed that explosive spalling occurred between 4 and 10 minutes in terms of heating time. It was also observed that the thermal stress was greater than the vapor pressure value of 0.1 MPa at a point 10 mm from the heated surface at 5 minutes. The maximum spalling depth was about 61 mm. It was inferred that spalling behavior caused by thermal stress may become predominant under restrained conditions.
Mechanical Properties of Undamaged and Damaged Steel Rebars at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Kamath Praveen , Sharma Umesh , Bhargava Pradeep , Bhandari N. , Usmani Asif
Published: August 2014

Evaluation of mechanical properties of undamaged and damaged steel rebars at elevated temperature finds its applications in development of steel material models likely to be used in designing reinforced concrete structural members subjected to earthquake triggered fire. In the present experimental investigation, 84 rebar specimens (cylindrical) of length 700 mm and diameters 8 mm, 10 mm, 16 mm and 20 mm were tested. Test specimens were prepared from the materials used in construction of full-scale reinforced concrete frame subjected to earthquake and fire. The specimens were initially stressed to a certain known limit (0.58 times yield stress fy) to simulate damage caused by an earthquake. After inducing the damage, they were exposed to a desired temperature level (20 °C, 250 °C, 500 °C and 750 °C) in a circular furnace arrangement coupled with a 400 kN universal testing machine. The temperature was sustained inside the furnace for about 30 minutes to ensure a steady state heat transfer inside the specimen. The bars were then tested under uniaxial tensile loading conditions to failure. The elongation was recorded by using two LVDTs fixed between gauge lengths of 265 mm at the mid-height. Results obtained in the tests were utilized to carry out multiple linear regression analysis and propose constitutive models for damaged steel rebars and various relationships: Tensile Strength, Peak-Strain, Elongation and Elastic Modulus vs. Temperature, Stress vs. Strain at elevated temperatures.
Thermal Performance of Load Bearing Cold-formed Steel Walls under Fire Conditions using Numerical Studies
Authors: Keerthan Poologanathan , Mahendran Mahen
Published: August 2014

Cold-formed Light gauge Steel Frame (LSF) wall systems are increasingly used in low-rise and multi-storey buildings and hence their fire safety has become important in the design of buildings. A composite LSF wall panel system was developed recently, where a thin insulation was sandwiched between two plasterboards to improve the fire performance of LSF walls. Many experimental and numerical studies have been undertaken to investigate the fire performance of non-load bearing LSF wall under standard conditions. However, only limited research has been undertaken to investigate the fire performance of load bearing LSF walls under standard and realistic design fire conditions. Therefore in this research, finite element thermal models of both the conventional load bearing LSF wall panels with cavity insulation and the innovative LSF composite wall panel were developed to simulate their thermal behaviour under standard and realistic design fire conditions. Suitable thermal properties were proposed for plasterboards and insulations based on laboratory tests and available literature. The developed models were then validated by comparing their results with available fire test results of load bearing LSF wall. This paper presents the details of the developed finite element models of load bearing LSF wall panels and the thermal analysis results. It shows that finite element models can be used to simulate the thermal behaviour of load bearing LSF walls with varying configurations of insulations and plasterboards. Failure times of load bearing LSF walls were also predicted based on the results from finite element thermal analyses. Finite element analysis results show that the use of cavity insulation was detrimental to the fire rating of LSF walls while the use of external insulation offered superior thermal protection to them. Effects of realistic design fire conditions are also presented in this paper.
EpiCollect+: linking smartphones to web applications for complex data collection projects
Authors: Aanensen David M. , Huntley Derek M. , Menegazzo Mirko , Powell Chris I. , Spratt Brian G.
Published: August 2014

Previously, we have described the development of the generic mobile phone data gathering tool, EpiCollect, and an associated web application, providing two-way communication between multiple data gatherers and a project database. This software only allows data collection on the phone using a single questionnaire form that is tailored to the needs of the user (including a single GPS point and photo per entry), whereas many applications require a more complex structure, allowing users to link a series of forms in a linear or branching hierarchy, along with the addition of any number of media types accessible from smartphones and/or tablet devices (e.g., GPS, photos, videos, sound clips and barcode scanning). A much enhanced version of EpiCollect has been developed (EpiCollect+). The individual data collection forms in EpiCollect+ provide more design complexity than the single form used in EpiCollect, and the software allows the generation of complex data collection projects through the ability to link many forms together in a linear (or branching) hierarchy. Furthermore, EpiCollect+ allows the collection of multiple media types as well as standard text fields, increased data validation and form logic. The entire process of setting up a complex mobile phone data collection project to the specification of a user (project and form definitions) can be undertaken at the EpiCollect+ website using a simple ‘drag and drop’ procedure, with visualisation of the data gathered using Google Maps and charts at the project website. EpiCollect+ is suitable for situations where multiple users transmit complex data by mobile phone (or other Android devices) to a single project web database and is already being used for a range of field projects, particularly public health projects in sub-Saharan Africa. However, many uses can be envisaged from education, ecology and epidemiology to citizen science.
The power of the elements – ice
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: August 2014

In the second of our elements series, Lynne Garner uses practical activities to examine the forces of nature that shape our lives and the very places we live. This month, ice.
Methotrexate in the treatment of arthritis
Authors: Palmer Deborah , El Miedany Yasser
Published: August 2014

Methotrexate is considered the cornerstone in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis
Dry skin: a common but treatable condition
Authors: Watkins Jean
Published: August 2014

Dry skin, with its associated symptoms, is a common problem. Jean Watkins considers the signs and symptoms that alert health professionals to the need to find a cause, treat and, where possible, prevent problems
The managerial costs of nurse call systems
Authors: Dewsbury Guy , Ballard Debbie
Published: August 2014

Nurse call systems can be expensive, with ongoing costs of maintenance and servicing. Guy Dewsbury and Debbie Ballard highlight a number of points to be aware of before a purchase is made
»Io credo proprio che il mio destino profondo sia la spaccatura«. Zu Primo Levis Deutung der Figur des Odysseus bei Dante
Authors: Begenat-Neuschäfer Anne
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

Il presente contributo intende approfondire i diversi significati attribuiti alla figura di Ulisse così come viene presentato da Dante nel XXVI canto dell.Inferno. L.interpretazione della critica tedesca dantesca attuale si divide principalmente in due tendenze: secondo Karlheinz Stierle, Ulisse rappresenta essenzialmente la proiezione del desiderio di conoscenza dello stesso Dante nel quale è insita una pulsione autodistruttiva; per Reinhard Klesczewski, invece, in Ulisse sono raffigurati i tratti della curiositas eccessiva e dell'hybris. Entrambe le tendenze convergono nella lettura del XXVI canto proposta da Primo Levi. Tuttavia vengono arricchite da una fondamentale dimensione supplementare rispetto a quella originaria dell'Ulisse dantesco: la prospettiva del narratore dopo Auschwitz.
Der Widerstand der Fortuna: Zur christlichen Deutung einer paganen Allegorie in Dantes Göttlicher Komödie
Authors: Trávníček Reinhard
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

Il concetto di fortuna è indissolubilmente legato al problema filosofico- telelogico dell’ordine e della contingenza, già espresso dagli Antichi. Il cristianesimo anziché risolvere l’antagonismo, facendo sparire la contingenza nella divina provvidenza, lo rende ancora più acuto, poiché è proprio il carattere assoluto della provvidenza che costringe l’uomo a concepirsi come contingente. E questa è l’esperienza fondamentale di Dante che, a differenza di Tommaso, non si limita alla contemplazione dell’ordine divino, bensì dà voce alle vicende più intrinsecamente umane. In tal modo egli scopre - non senza inquietudine - lo stato irrimediabilmente inconsistente del mondo terreno, eppur da lui così appassionatamente amato. Secondo la nostra lettura, fedele a Auerbach e Jauss, la Commedia non è un poema teologico, ma apre un campo discorsivo del tutto nuovo che tratta in maniera insolita dell’esistenza umana e lascia trasparire dietro l’edificio scolastico l’angosciosa visione di un mondo soggetto a disordine, decadenza e caos
»Wer ist Dante?« Zu Tomaž Pandurs Dante- Inszenierung Inferno. A book of the soul am Hamburger Thalia-Theater (2001)
Authors: Schrader Sabine
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

Il successo della messinscena Inferno. A book of the soul dello slovacco Tomaž Pandur al Thalia-Theater 2001 testimonia dell’attualità della Divina Commedia. In una prima parte, l’articolo accenna alla ricezione produttiva (intra- e intertestuale) del testo dantesco negli ultimi anni (tra l’altro le illustrazioni di Miguel Barcelò e l’evento musicale curato dal Monsignor Marco Frisina in collaborazione con il Vaticano). In secondo luogo cerca di chiarire il procedimento metodologico dalla trasposizione mediale dall’epopea trecentesca alla messinscena teatrale attuale. La terza parte si concentra sull’analisi dell’adattamento teatrale di Pandur. Seguendo ciò che ormai costituisce una tradizione della ricezione novecentesca (Peter Weiss oppure Primo Levi), Pandur reinterpreta il testo di Dante per mettere in luce l’impossibilità di raccontare l’orrore della guerra balcanica. La presenza del testo, sul palcoscenico, passa certo in secondo piano rispetto all’espressività fisica, acrobatica e musicale; inoltre, il finale non fa più scorgere, come nella Commedia, la luce, ma un caos totale. Malgrado qualche gioco postmoderno con gli elementi danteschi, l’opera teatrale rimane però fondamentalmente umanista, dimostrando come l’umanità si salvi attraverso la memoria culturale.
Die Goldene Zeit bei Vergil: Die Historisierung des Paradieses
Authors: Suerbaum Werner
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

La parola paradisus non appare in Virgilio. Chi vuole indagare sul concetto del paradiso in Virgilio, deve quindi andare alla ricerca, nelle opere virgiliane (composte tra il 42 e il 19 a.C.), di passi che descrivano condizioni che »noi« oggi definiremmo come »paradisiache«, di comunità viventi in luoghi utopici. Si tratta soprattutto di cinque passi, che possono essere sintetizzati come segue: per Virgilio, il paradiso non è una mera immagine utopica; è invece storicizzato: esisteva, una volta, sotto le specie delle Saturnia regna, nell’arcaico Lazio; all’epoca attuale ne persistono tracce nella vita contadina in Italia e in quella bucolica in Arcadia; la sua realizzazione è imminente (così dice la quarta Ecloga); esiste, sotto il regno di Augusto, nel mondo intero, sotto le forme degli aurea saecula ripristinati (così dice la visione della discendenza d’Enea nel VI libro dell’Eneide). L’Elisio è invece piuttosto un luogo di transizione per le anime dei morti (egualmente in Eneide VI). (Eine ausführlichere (vom Autor stammende) deutsche Zusammenfassung dieses Vortrages ist enthalten im Mitteilungsblatt der Deutschen Dante-Gesellschaft vom Juni 2008, S. 10-11.)
Der ›Neue Dante‹: Eine gekürzte Fassung der Commedia im Dante historiato da Federico Zuccaro
Authors: Stoltz Barbara
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

Federico Zuccaro (1541-1609) ha creato con il suo volume di disegni e testi sulla Commedia, il così detto Dante historiato, non solo un’interpretazione specifica di Dante bensì una propria edizione critica ovvero una nuova versione del poema. In quest’articolo si analizzeranno sia la strategia iconografica e estetica dei disegni, sia la tattica seguíta nella scelta dei versi dal testo dantesco, proponendo così l’opera di Zuccaro come una riflessione della critica letteraria del Cinquecento su Dante Alighieri
Musik im Zwischenreich. Zur Bedeutung und Funktion von Singen und Gesang im Purgatorio
Authors: Ley Klaus
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

Nella Divina Commedia, il canto viene rappresentato secondo uno schema che corrisponde a quello della teoria musicale tardomedioevale. Se nell’Inferno non vi è spazio per suoni armoniosi, nel Paradiso regna un’ armonia celeste. Nel Purgatorio la musica può assumere invece forme e significati svariati. Così, il canto liturgico rimanda direttamente alla perfezione del Paradiso: lo mostra chiaramente il contesto del canto di Matelda (Purg. 28). Meno evidente appare inizialmente il significato del canto di Casella (Purg. 2, 112 segg.), che le anime e il viator Dante ascoltano rapite: viene bruscamente interrotto, ma non condannato. Un’analisi più approfondita chiarisce la funzione che musica, arte e poesia svolgono nel Purgatorio: in questo regno mediano, ordinato analogamente al mondo terreno, il canto deve perdere qualsiasi funzione consolatoria: la musica non serve al sollievo, ma unicamente alla purificazione delle anime e assume il posto assegnatole da Dante, che la collega all'infuocato pianeta Marte. La genesi della concezione del Purgatorio e l'idea della »musica coelestis« dovuta a Joannes de Muris, sono contemporanee della Divina Commedia. Così, rispetto alla primitiva concezione cristiana del Purgatorio come »refrigerium interim«, diventa chiaro l'effetto ancora relativamente debole attribuito in questa sede alla musica. Se nel mondo terreno può essere di temporaneo sollievo ai sensi, tale compito viene meno in quella sfera mediana che è il Purgatorio: il vero refrigerio (»ploia«; Par. 14, 27) appartiene soltanto al Paradiso. Tuttavia, il mondo terreno necessita della musica - veritiera -, per offrire un orientamento. La visione onirica della sirena (Purg. 19) esprime invece l'ambivalenza dell’arte, con tutto il suo pericoloso potenziale.
Lectura Dantis: Paradiso XXVI
Authors: Steigerwald Jörn
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

La lectura presente dimostra in che modo Dante, nel XXVI Canto del Paradiso, rappresenti il potere della musica, trasfigurando l’interazione tra canto, linguaggio e conoscenza nel suo stesso comporre poetico. In primo luogo Dante trasforma l’impossibilità di rendere a parole la sua esperienza personale nel paradiso in una rappresentazione poetica del paradiso stesso, basandosi su due vocaboli: egli inventa innanzitutto il verbo ›trasumanare‹ per significare l’andare oltre la condizione umana e fare così esperienze altrimenti non recepibili dall’uomo a livello sensoriale o intellettivo; poi ricorre al nome ›spiro‹, per definire la musica angelica e in modo tale il potere degli angeli con un termine appartenente all’area semantica della corporeità. In secondo luogo, si nota che Dante elabora un modello d’antropologia cristiana letteraria, che utilizza i due principi guida della musica - la scienza e la bellezza - per attirare gli spiriti umani, in altre parole l’anima stessa dell’uomo, a Dio. Oltre a ciò il poeta rappresenta una visione musicale della gloria di Dio, creando così un’eco lirica della sua esperienza e soprattutto della sua conoscenza del paradiso celeste nella cantica del Paradiso.
»Amor, ch’a nullo amato amar perdona«. Biblische und danteske Intertextualität in Michel Houellebecqs La possibilité d’une île
Authors: Ott Christine
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

La possibilité d’une île di Michel Houellebecq è un romanzo apocalittico: racconta l’avvento, in un prossimo futuro, di una razza neo-umana, che si riproduce per via asessuata (il clonaggio) e mira all’abolizione delle emozioni, considerate come fonte di ogni infelicità, a favore di un’ esistenza contemplativa e solitaria. Alla base di questa ideologia sta la fondazione di una nuova religione, atto cruciale che avviene a costo di un doppio sacrificio umano. Le vittime si chiamano Gianpaolo e Francesca, e l’allusione all’Inferno dantesco non è affatto casuale. Nella Divina Commedia, infatti, i sentimenti ambigui che la vicenda della celebre coppia di amanti suscita nel narratore-protagonista, serve a problematizzare la necessità, imposta a »Dante«, del passaggio da una pietà ancora troppo umana ad una comprensione più profonda della giustizia divina. Il »trasumanare« dantesco deve avvenire a costo della pietà: ora, un simile nesso fra il superamento della vecchia condizione umana e l’abolizione dei sentimenti di compassione e misericordia sta al centro della riflessione moralistica di Houellebecq. L’allusione a Dante serve dunque a precisare, mediante una sottile mise en abyme, la critica culturale che motiva la visione distopica tracciata dal romanziere francese
Gemalte Visionen. Farbtheorien, Malereipraxis und die Farben des Paradieses in der Dantezeit
Authors: Kruse Christiane
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

L’intervento si apre con un’introduzione sugli aspetti storicoculturali del colore, la percezione del colore, lo sviluppo di una terminologia del colore e i significati che nel tardo Medioevo venivano attribuiti alle diverse tonalità. Successivamente vengono illustrati alcuni aspetti della prassi pittorica di Giotto e il ruolo del colore nella sua opera. La terza parte è dedicata alla teoria della prassi pittorica nel Libro dell’arte di Cennino Cennini. Nell’ultima parte, infine, sull’esempio del manoscritto miniato per Alfonso V, re di Napoli, illuminato da Giovanni di Paolo verso la metà del quindicesimo secolo, si esaminano i modi in cui il colore viene impiegato nelle illustrazioni del Paradiso di Dante e la funzione che esso assolve in tale contesto
›Colore rettorico‹ oder ›color del core‹: Dantes Farben der Glückseligkeit
Authors: Kleinhans Martha
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

Partendo dai vari significati del termine »colore«, questo contributo esamina le varie funzioni figurative che il colore può acquistare in Dante, in particolare nella figurazione di Beatrice nella Vita nova e nel Canto XXX del Purgatorio. Viene mostrato come i colori, in Dante, facciano balenare un plusvalore estetico, che va oltre lʼallegoria teologica e trasmette unʼevidenza sui generis. Nel discorso che Dante fa con e sopra i colori, lʼermeneutica medievale, il discorso medico-scientifico e il discorso amoroso (quello profano e poetico, e quello religioso) sono strettamente legati fra di loro: Dante ricorre alla dottrina di Aristotele sui colori ed alla sua psicologia amorosa natural-filosofica, ma anche al simbolismo dei colori presente nella teologia ed agiografia contemporanea (cf. la Vita della Beata Umiliana deʼ Cerchi). Soprattutto nellʼopera giovanile Dante utilizza una strategia del cifrare, per poi portare, nel Purgatorio, al suo compimento lo sviluppo di un linguaggio dellʼindicibile.
Von der Unausweichlichkeit menschlichen Verfehlens
Authors: Köhler Hartmut
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

La descrizione delle pene infernali ha sempre suscitato turbamento nei lettori. Che si trattasse di C.F. Meyer, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche o Gombrowicz: vi sono molti che se ne sono addirittura crucciati con Dante, ancora di più ai nostri tempi. Tuttavia, sin dai primi commentatori, si sono anche cercati degli argomenti per parare ai rimproveri. Così, Buti e Landini hanno proposta unʼinterpretazione allegorica che trasferisce lʼistanza di Minosse, giudice spietato, nella coscienza del singolo. Altri si sono rifatti, nella ricerca di giustificazioni, al carattere onirico della peregrinazione oltremondana, altri ancora invece proprio al riscontro reale del narrato nella prassi giudiziaria medievale. Ma non si fa forse sentire, talvolta, anche un certo umorismo? Tutto ciò, però, non basta a compensare le scene più cruenti, soprattutto quella del Canto XXVIII. In questi casi, sarà adeguata solo una rimembranza pietosa
Spunti di interpretazione dell’Eneide nella Commedia di Dante
Authors: Scafoglio Giampiero
Published: August 2014

An mehreren Stellen der Commedia deutet Dante eine kritische Sicht auf Personen und Episoden der Aeneis an und liefert auf diese Weise einen Schlüssel zur Deutung einiger Passagen von Vergils Epos. Eins dieser Beispiele betrifft Vergils Haltung gegenüber den italischen Völkern. Dante stellt die Krieger der antiken Rutuler und Trojaner auf eine Stufe (Inf. I, 106-108), ähnlich dem lateinischen Dichter, der keinen Unterschied zwischen Guten und Bösen, Siegern und Besiegten macht, sondern gleichermaßen Achtung und Mitleid gegenüber ihrem Opfer ausdrückt. Ein anderes Beispiel betrifft die Gestalt des Ripheus, den Gerechtesten unter den Trojanern, der bei der Eroberung Trojas elend ums Leben kommt (Aeneis II, 426 f.). Dante versetzt ihn in den Jupiterhimmel, löst so das von Vergil aufgeworfene Paradox und gibt unter christlichem Vorzeichen eine Antwort auf die beunruhigende Frage nach der Gerechtigkeit Gottes.
UWB Band-notched Adjustable Antenna Using Concentric Split-ring Slots Structure
Authors: Yin Y. , Hong J. S.
Published: August 2014

In this paper, a kind of concentric split-ring slots structure is utilized to design a novel triple-band-notched UWB antenna. Firstly, a concentric split-ring slots structure that has a higher VSWR than that of a single slot at notch frequency is presented. What's more, the structure is very simple and feasible to obtain notched-band at different frequency by adjustment of the length of slot. Secondly, a triple-band-notched antenna, whose notched bands are at 3.52–3.81 GHz for WiMAX and 5.03–5.42 GHz and 5.73–56.17 GHz for WLAN, is designed by using this structure. At last, a compact size of 24 × 30 mm
A Perspective on Energy Storage and Other Means to Integrate Increasing Shares of Renewable Electricity Generation
Authors: Neuhaus Arndt , Drake Frank-Detlef , Hoffmann Gunnar , Schulte Friedrich
Published: August 2014

The transition to a sustainable electricity supply from renewable energy sources (RES) imposes major technical and economic challenges upon market players and the legislator. In particular the rapid growth of volatile wind power and photovoltaic generation requires a high level of flexibility of the entire electricity system, therefore major investments in infrastructures are needed to maintain system stability. This raises the important question about the role that central large-scale energy storage and/or small-scale distributed storage (“energy storage at home”) are going to play in the energy transition. Economic analyses show that the importance of energy storage is going to be rather limited in the medium term. Especially competing options like intelligent grid extension and flexible operation of power plants are expected to remain favourable. Nonetheless additional storage capacities are required if the share of RES substantially exceeds 50% in the long term. Due to the fundamental significance of energy storages, R&D considers a broad variety of types each suitable for a specific class of application.
The effect of tailoring of cornstarch intake on stature in children with glycogen storage disease type III
Authors: El-Karaksy Hanaa , El-Raziky Mona S. , Anwar Ghada , Mogahed Engy
Published: August 2014

To determine the individual fasting tolerance for patients with glycogen storage disease type III (GSD III) and to assess their linear growth velocity after tailoring of dose intervals of oral uncooked cornstarch.

A prospective cohort study included 32 patients with GSD III aged 6 months–11.5 years (median: 3.3 years). The fasting tolerance of each patient was determined as the time interval between starch administration until the drop in blood glucose level was below 60 mg/dL.

Some 27 patients (84.4%) developed hypoglycemia. The intervals between oral cornstarch administration were tailored for each child according to his/her individual fasting tolerance. After a 6-month follow up there was a significant reduction in seizure attacks (p<0.01) and liver size (p<0.01), but there was no statistically significant difference in liver transaminase and serum lactate levels. There was a significant improvement in height (p<0.01) and linear growth velocity (p<0.05) of these patients after at least a 12-month follow up.

: Adjusting the intervals between the cornstarch doses for each patient with GSD III, according to individual fasting tolerance test was very beneficial and resulted in improvement of the linear growth velocity and reduction in the frequency of hypoglycemic seizures as well as the size of the liver. Individual scheduling of cornstarch doses prevents complications in those who develop hypoglycemia at short intervals; it also allows some relaxation in schedule for those who can tolerate longer fasting hours to improve their appetite and prolong their uninterrupted sleep hours.
Peroxide vulcanization of natural rubber. Part II: effect of peroxides and co-agents
Authors: Kruželák Ján , Sýkora Richard , Hudec Ivan
Published: August 2014

Four types of peroxides in combination with two types of co-agents were used as cross-linking agents for the preparation of rubber compounds based on natural rubber. The effects of Type I and Type II co-agents on cross-linking and physical-mechanical properties of vulcanizates were investigated. The correlation between mechanisms of the interaction of co-agents with the rubber matrix in relation to the characteristics of tested systems was discussed. The results showed that the Type I co-agent influenced the rate and the state of cure. Physical-mechanical properties were improved by addition of the Type I co-agent. By contrast, the Type II co-agent had no contribution to the rate and state of cure. Moreover, physical-mechanical properties of vulcanizates deteriorated in the presence of this type of co-agent.
The Joy of Bioresources: Sustainable Forest-Recreation Connections
Authors: Leung Yu-Fai , Catts Glenn
Published: August 2014

Forests have long-standing relationships with humanity beyond the material aspects. Recreation is an essential human need, and forests possess intrinsic values to support such a need in direct, authentic, and emotional ways. Quality recreation experiences can lead to a greater appreciation of bioresources and deeper support for forest conservation. The forest-recreation connections should be celebrated and sustained in this age of rapid social, environmental, and technological changes.
Reconsidering the concept of dry surface treatment of cellulosic paper to produce coated paper products
Authors: Yang Fei , Shen Jing
Published: August 2014

The concept of dry surface treatment for paper coating applications has been available for more than ten years. Different from conventional coating methods such as extrusion coating and suspension coating, dry surface treatment involves a combined process of non-contact deposition of coating materials and surface smoothening of the coated paper. Pronounced features of this concept include avoidance of the need for paper drying and elimination of various negative consequences related to rewetting of the paper with water, etc. However, to date the concept has not been commercialized. Some significant challenges remain. Commercializable technologies for production of size-controllable coating particles and their electrostatic deposition onto paper are the key. Reconsidering this interesting concept may at a minimum shed light on the technological advancement in the area of pulp and paper.
The Investigation of the Charge Transport Properties of Ionic Liquids in Response to Step Voltages in Ionic Polymer Actuators
Authors: Lin Jun-Hong
Published: August 2014

Developing advanced ionic electroactive devices such as ionic actuators and supercapacitors requires the understanding of charge drifting and diffusion processes, which depends on the distances over which the ions travel. The charge dynamics of Aquivion membrane actuators with EMI-Tf ionic liquid are investigated over a broad film thickness (d) range. A time domain charge dynamic method based on Poisson-Nernst-Planck relation is employed to evaluate the charge transport behaviors in the actuators. It is found that for the initial charging process the double layer time τDL is linearly proportional to the film thickness (d). However, for the later charging process under a high applied voltage (>0.5V ) where the substantial electromechanical reaction occurs, the charge transport behavior does not follow the d2 dependence as predicted by the random walk diffusion model. For comparison the charge dynamics of BMI-PF6 ionic liquid films without polymer was also investigated.
The Influence of Water Absorbed in Grain Boundary of a Polycrystalline NiO Layer on the Memory Characteristics of Pt/NiO/Pt Resistive Random Access Memory (ReRAM)
Authors: Ogata Ryosuke , Yoshihara Masataka , Murayama Naohiro , Kishida Satoru , Kinoshita Kentaro
Published: August 2014

We focused on the presence of water absorbed in the grain boundary of a polycrystalline transition metal oxide (TMO) film in an EL/poly-TMO/EL structure. The effect of supplying water to resistive random access memories (ReRAMs) of Pt/NiO/Pt structure on switching voltages and data retention characteristics was investigated. As a result, switching voltages were decreased by supplying water and reset switching was confirmed to be strongly induced by supplying water even at room temperature without applying voltage. These results suggest that water enhances resistive switching effect by providing reducing species and oxidizing species respectively such as H+ and OH-.
Green synthesis of gold nanoparticle–decorated graphene oxides that enhance the photocurrent in polymer solar cells
Authors: Chuang Ming-Kai , Chen Fang-Chung , Hsu Chain-Shu
Published: August 2014

Metal nanoparticle–decorated graphene oxides are promising materials for use in various optoelectronic applications because of their unique plasmonic properties. In this paper, a simple, environmentally friendly method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticle–decorated graphene oxide that can be used to improve the efficiency of organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs) is reported. Here, the amino acid glycine is empolyed as an environmentally friendly reducing reagent for the reduction of gold ions in the graphene oxide solutions. Furthermore, these nanocomposites are empolyed as the anode buffer layer in OPVs to trigger surface plasmonic resonance, which improved the efficiency of the OPVs. The results indicate that such nanomaterials appear to have great potential for application in OPVs.
Persistent Photoconductivity in Bulk Strontium Titanate
Authors: McCluskey Matthew D. , Corolewski Caleb D. , Poole Violet M. , Tarun Marianne C.
Published: August 2014

Strontium titanate (SrTiO3) has novel properties, including a large temperature-dependent dielectric constant, and can be doped to make it metallic or even superconducting. The origin of conductivity observed at the SrTiO3/LaAlO3 interface is a topic of intense debate. In the present work, bulk single crystal SrTiO3 samples were heated at 1200°C, with the goal of producing cation vacancies. These thermally treated samples exhibited persistent photoconductivity (PPC) at room temperature. Upon exposure to sub-band-gap light (>2.9 eV), the free-electron density increases by over two orders of magnitude. This enhanced conductivity persists in the dark, at room temperature, for several days with essentially no decay. Light excites an electron from the vacancy to the conduction band, where it remains, due to a large recapture barrier. These observations highlight the importance of defects in determining the electrical properties of oxides and may point toward novel applications.
Ethnic aspects of vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Correia Aline , Azevedo Maria do Socorro , Gondim Fernando , Bandeira Francisco
Published: August 2014

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to bone fragility in children and adults, and to an increased risk of chronic diseases. The main sources of vitamin D are the diet and cutaneous synthesis, the latter being the most important one, since foods are relatively poor in vitamin D. The main factors influencing this endogenous production are the seasons, the time of day, latitude and skin phototype. Due to the contribution of sun exposure in maintaining vitamin D levels, it would be expected that this deficiency would be more prevalent in countries at a high latitude; it has been shown, however, that hypovitaminosis D is commonly found in tropical regions such as Brazil. In high latitude regions in which extreme skin phototypes have been compared, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is more common in people with originally darker skin who have a natural barrier to the already lower UV irradiation penetrating the skin. In Brazil, particularly in the areas where sun rays are more abundant, the difference in sunlight exposure between subjects showed no significant variation in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD).
Modifiable factors of vitamin D status among a Brazilian osteoporotic population attended a public outpatient clinic
Authors: Camargo Marília Brasilio Rodrigues , Kunii llda Sizue , Hayashi Lilian Fukusima , Muszkat Patrícia , Anelli Catherine Gusman , Marin-Mio Rosângela Villa , Martini Lígia Araújo , França Natasha , Lazaretti-Castro Marise
Published: August 2014

Objectives To evaluate the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration in Brazilian osteoporotic patients and the modifiable factors of vitamin D status in this population. Subjects and methods In a cross-sectional study, 363 community-dwelling patients who sought specialized medical care were evaluated between autumn and spring in São Paulo, Brazil. Serum levels of 25(OH)D and parathormone (PTH), biochemical and anthropometric measurements, and bone density scans were obtained. The group was assessed using two questionnaires: one questionnaire covered lifestyle and dietary habits, skin phototype, sun exposure, medical conditions, and levels of vitamin D supplementation (cholecalciferol); the other questionnaire assessed health-related quality-of-life. Logistic regression and a decision tree were used to assess the association between the variables and the adequacy of vitamin D status. Results The mean age of the overall sample was 67.9 ± 8.6 years, and the mean 25(OH)D concentration was 24.8 ng/mL. The prevalence of inadequate vitamin D status was high (73.3%), although 81.5% of the subjects were receiving cholecalciferol (mean dose of 8,169 IU/week). 25(OH)D was positively correlated with femoral neck bone mineral density and negatively correlated with PTH. In the multivariate analysis, the dose of cholecalciferol, engagement in physical activity and the month of the year (September) were associated with improvement in vitamin D status. Conclusions In this osteoporotic population, vitamin D supplementation of 7,000 IU/week is not enough to reach the desired 25(OH)D concentration (≥ 30 ng/mL). Engagement in physical activity and the month of the year are modifiable factors of the vitamin D status in this population.
Bone disease in hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Clarke Bart L.
Published: August 2014

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disorder that may be acquired or inherited. Postsurgical hypoparathyroidism is responsible for the majority of acquired hypoparathyroidism. Bone disease occurs in hypoparathyroidism due to markedly reduced bone remodeling due to the absence or low levels of parathyroid hormone. Chronically reduced bone turnover in patients with hypoparathyroidism typically leads to higher bone mass than in age- and sex-matched controls. Whether this increased bone density reduces fracture risk is less certain, because while increased bone mineralization may be associated with increased brittleness of bone, this does not appear to be the case in hypoparathyroidism. Treatment of hypoparathyroidism with recombinant parathyroid hormone may reduce bone mineral density but simultaneously strengthen the mechanical properties of bone.
Implementação da presença de acompanhantes durante a internação para o parto: dados da pesquisa nacional Nascer no Brasil
Authors: Diniz Carmen Simone Grilo , d'Orsi Eleonora , Domingues Rosa Maria Soares Madeira , Torres Jacqueline Alves , Dias Marcos Augusto Bastos , Schneck Camilla A. , Lansky Sônia , Teixeira Neuma Zamariano Fanaia , Rance Susanna , Sandall Jane
Published: August 2014

As evidências sobre os benefícios do apoio contínuo durante o parto levou à recomendação de que este apoio deve ser oferecido a todas as mulheres. No Brasil, ele é garantido por lei desde 2005, mas os dados sobre a sua implementação são escassos. Nosso objetivo foi estimar a frequência e fatores sociodemográficos, obstétricos e institucionais associados à presença de acompanhantes durante o parto na pesquisa Nascer no Brasil. Foi feita análise estatística descritiva para a caracterização dos acompanhantes (em diferentes momentos do tempo da internação), fatores maternos e institucionais; as associações foram investigadas em modelos bi e multivariada. Vimos que 24,5% das mulheres não tiveram acompanhante algum, 18,8% tinham companhia contínua, 56,7% tiveram acompanhamento parcial. Preditores independentes de não ter algum, ou parcial, foram: menor renda e escolaridade, cor parda da pele, usar o setor público, multiparidade e parto vaginal. A implementação do acompanhante foi associada com ambiência adequada e regras institucionais claras sobre os direitos das mulheres ao acompanhante.
Incidência do near miss materno no parto e pós-parto hospitalar: dados da pesquisa Nascer no Brasil
Authors: Dias Marcos Augusto Bastos , Domingues Rosa Maria Soares Madeira , Schilithz Arthur Orlando Corrêa , Nakamura-Pereira Marcos , Diniz Carmen Simone Grilo , Brum Ione Rodrigues , Martins Alaerte Leandro , Filha Mariza Miranda Theme , Gama Silvana Granado Nogueira da , Leal Maria do Carmo
Published: August 2014

Este estudo avaliou os dados sobre a incidência do near miss materno, identificados segundo os critérios da Organização Mundial da Saúde, na pesquisa Nascer no Brasil. O estudo foi realizado entre fevereiro/2011 e outubro/2012 e os resultados apresentados são estimativas para a população estudada (2.337.476 partos), baseados na amostra de 23.894 puérperas entrevistadas. Os resultados mostraram uma incidência de near miss materno de 10,21 por mil nascidos vivos e uma razão de mortalidade do near miss materno de 30,8 casos para cada morte materna. Os critérios clínicos para identificação do near miss materno foram os mais prevalentes e tiveram incidência de 5,2 por mil nascidos vivos. O near miss materno esteve associado com a idade materna de 35 anos ou mais (RR = 1,6; IC95%: 1,1-2,5), com história de cesariana anterior (RR = 1,9; IC95%: 1,1-3,4) e gestação de risco (RR = 4,5; IC95%: 2,8-7,0). Os hospitais localizados nas capitais (RR = 2,2; IC95%: 1,3-3,8) e os pertencentes ao SUS (RR = 3,2; IC95%: 1,6-6,6) também apresentaram maior incidência de casos de near miss materno. A qualificação dos serviços de assistência ao parto pode ajudar a reduzir a mortalidade materna no Brasil.