bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The single-cell transcriptomic landscape of early human diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Wilson Parker C. , Wu Haojia , Kirita Yuhei , Uchimura Kohei , Ledru Nicolas , Rennke Helmut G. , Welling Paul A. , Waikar Sushrut S. , Humphreys Benjamin D.
Published: September 2019

Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by damage to both the glomerulus and tubulointerstitium, but relatively little is known about accompanying cell-specific changes in gene expression. We performed unbiased single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) on cryopreserved human diabetic kidney samples to generate 23,980 single-nucleus transcriptomes from 3 control and 3 early diabetic nephropathy samples. All major cell types of the kidney were represented in the final dataset. Side-by-side comparison demonstrated cell-type–specific changes in gene expression that are important for ion transport, angiogenesis, and immune cell activation. In particular, we show that the diabetic thick ascending limb, late distal convoluted tubule, and principal cells all adopt a gene expression signature consistent with increased potassium secretion, including alterations in Na
+
/K
+
-ATPase,
WNK1
, mineralocorticoid receptor, and
NEDD4L
expression, as well as decreased paracellular calcium and magnesium reabsorption. We also identify strong angiogenic signatures in glomerular cell types, proximal convoluted tubule, distal convoluted tubule, and principal cells. Taken together, these results suggest that increased potassium secretion and angiogenic signaling represent early kidney responses in human diabetic nephropathy.
Performing (in) places, moralizing (through) spaces
Authors: Martínez Guillem Susana
Published: September 2019

This paper offers an account of the co-constitutive interaction between spatial and discursive dynamics in present-day politics. I focus on Podemos, a recently established party in Spain that was able to secure 20% of votes in the 2016 general election. Building on critical geography’s political understanding of space, together with cultural and discourse studies’ insights on place representation, formulation, and embodiment, I examine Podemos’ parliamentary performances, as well as their different moral evaluations by opposing parties. Throughout my analysis, I show, first, that the transgressive nature of certain acts is intrinsically linked to the particular spatial relations enforced in institutional contexts, and second, how, in their discursive struggles over common sense, different actors consistently mobilize space as a moralizing agent. The different strategies adopted reveal a tension between dominant and emergent ways of ‘doing politics’ that parallels competing visions of the relationship, in contemporary Spain, between civic and institutional spaces.
On the translation of Manner-of-motion in comics
Authors: Molés-Cases Teresa
Published: September 2019

This paper focuses on the translation of Manner-of-motion in comics, a genre in which information is conveyed in both verbal and visual language. The study draws on Slobin’s Thinking-for-translating hypothesis, according to which translators tend to distance themselves from the source text in order to conform to the rhetorical style of the target language. Special attention is devoted to the role of visual language within this framework, with the ultimate aim of identifying translation techniques adapted to the issue of translating Manner-of-motion in comics, in both inter- and intratypological translation scenarios. This paper analyses a corpus that includes a selection from the Belgian comic seriesLes aventures de Tintinand its translation into two satellite-framed languages (English and German) and two verb-framed languages (Spanish and Catalan). Overall, the results highlight the key role of visual language in the translation of Manner-of-motion in comics, since this can compensate for alterations in the verbal code of target texts, by comparison with originals, and thus minimize the consequences of Thinking-for-translating. Moreover, the (limited) space in the balloons and the respective stylistic conventions of comic books in each language are shown to constrain translation to some extent.
The titanium structure after a thermoplastic compression at elevated temperatures
Authors: Bańczerowski Jakub , Jeleńkowski Jerzy , Płociński Tomasz , Skalski Konstanty
Published: September 2019

In the biomedicine, titanium with the refined grain is of great demand. The microstructure of the Grade 2 titanium samples was produced by the plastic forming at elevated temperatures and with different strain rates. Sellers–Tegartt equation was applied to verify that plastic forming stresses required to achieve the desired structure. Microstructure was observed with scanning electron and transmission electron microscopes. To characterise the elements of the structure, the electron backscatter diffraction was used. Grains were fragmented mostly with a twinning mechanism. Observations of strain–stress graphs obtained during the deformation indicate that the equilibrium between flow stress and loaded strain was achieved after the processes of dynamic polygonisation and/or recrystallisation.
Near-resonance tidal evolution of the Earth-Moon system influenced by orbital-scale climate change*
Authors: Wang Nan , He Zhi-Guo
Published: September 2019

We build a conceptual coupled model of the climate and tidal evolution of the Earth-Moon system to find the influence of the former on the latter. An energy balance model is applied to calculate steady-state temperature field from the mean annual insolation as a function of varying astronomical parameters. A harmonic oscillator model is applied to integrate the lunar orbit and Earth’s rotation with the tidal torque dependent on the dominant natural frequency of ocean. An ocean geometry acts as a bridge between temperature and oceanic frequency. On assumptions of a fixed hemispherical continent and an equatorial circular lunar orbit, considering only the 41 kyr periodicity of Earth’s obliquity ε and the M
2 tide, simulations are performed near tidal resonance for 106 yr. It is verified that the climate can influence the tidal evolution via ocean. Compared with the tidal evolution with constant ε, that with varying ε is slowed down; the Earth-Moon distance oscillates in phase with ε before the resonance maximum but exactly out of phase after that; the displacement of the oscillation is in positive correlation with the difference between oceanic frequency and tidal frequency.
A strange phenomenon in XZ Andromedae: two Keplerian periods with a 1:3 ratio
Authors: Yuan Jin-Zhao , Qian Sheng-Bang
Published: September 2019

Six mid-eclipse times of the eclipsing binary XZ And are obtained, which are analyzed together with others collected from the literature. Two sets of cyclic variations with periods of 33.43 and 100.4 yr are found if a double-Keplerian model is used to fit the data. The 1:3 ratio of the periods suggests that both cyclic variations arise from dynamic motions of two companions rather than magnetic activity of the eclipsing pair. According to the double-Keplerian model, the companions have masses of ∼ 1.32 M
⊙ and ∼ 1.33 M
⊙, respectively. Comparing with the total mass of the eclipsing pair of 3.12 M
⊙, it is obvious that XZ And is a general N-body system. The strong gravitational perturbation between the two companions invalidates the double-Keplerian model. It is strange that two Keplerian periods with a 1:3 ratio are derived from the best fits with an “inappropriate” model. This illogical, but interesting phenomenon also appears in two other Algol systems, suggesting that our discoveries deserve attention from astronomers.
The alpha parameter of the Cole-Cole model as an indicator of fibromyalgia
Authors: González-Correa C A , Colina-Gallo E , Miranda-Mercado D A
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition characterized by chronic widespread pain and generalized tenderness accompanied by fatigue, disturbed sleep and cognitive difficulties. Several types of muscle abnormalities have been reported in FM at tissue, cellular and subcellular level, which could eventually alter the passive electrical response of the muscle. Methods: We evaluated the brachial musculature of 41 women, 21 with FM and 20 without, using multi-frequency electrical impedance myography and the characteristic parameters of the Cole-Cole model were obtained (R
0, R∞, τ and α). Results: The alpha parameter of the FM group was statistically different (0.21 ± 0.05 against 0.17 ± 0.05 p = 0.008). Discussion: The higher values of alpha parameter in the FM group may suggest that the behaviour of the cell membrane in FM is more permeable to the ions than in the non FM group and, therefore, less resistive.
Physical performance and muscular status in sarcopenic elderly following exercise and dietary supplement
Authors: Marulanda-Mejia F , Gonzalez-Correa C H , Vidarte-Claros J A , Castiblanco-Arroyave H D
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study is to establish the effect of a functional and nutritional intervention on the physical performance and muscular state of elderly people with sarcopenia in Manizales, Colombia. 28 sarcopenic patients, aged between 60 and 85 years old, underwent evaluation before and after 12 weeks of nutritional intervention and aerobic and resistance exercises. The latter was-gradually increased, with a frequency of 3 days per week and for 3 months. Muscle mass was estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and corroborated by dual x-ray absorptiometry. The gait speed and the short battery of physical performance (SPPB) complemented the diagnosis. People with sarcopenia improved significantly with the intervention in their physical functionality, shown by physical performance tests (SPPB), and in the calf circumference, with no significant increases in grip strength or muscle size. A 12-week intervention with nutritional supplements and physical training improved physical performance without increasing skeletal muscle mass or grip strength. These results reinforce the findings of other researchers and suggest the need to continue investigating the most effective of supplements and exercises as well as the time required to impact the study variables.
Combined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment, body composition and muscle strength
Authors: Gaona-Arias J A , González-Correa C H , Sepúlveda-Gallego L E , Duque-González L M
Published: September 2019

Body composition, respiratory and skeletal muscle function have not been studied in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using the combined COPD assessment recommended by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). An assessment was carried out n 27 COPD to relate body composition and muscle strength, with the combined COPD assessment. Fat free mass (FFM) was estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and body mass index (BMI). Percentage body fat was estimated by plicometry and muscle strength by hand dynamometry. For the women studied, the average FFM was 35.6 kg and for the man, this was 45.1 kg. 55.5% of the population was normal, 11.1% was underweight and 33.3% was overweight or obese in terms of BMI but 92.6% of the participants were at risk of hyperadiposity-associated diseases. Dynapenia was found in 59.3% of patients. There were no differences in body composition or muscle strength between the groups created with combined COPD assessment categories or their components except in FFM among patients with less than 2 vs those with 2 or more exacerbations. There were not differences in body composition or muscle strength between the combined COPD assessment and its components except in FFM in patients with different numbers of exacerbations.
Electrical bioimpedance spectroscopy measurement of polyphenols in three Colombian passifloras
Authors: Carmona-Hernández J C , Cabrera-López J J , González-Correa C H , Velasco-Medina J
Published: September 2019

Fruits and vegetables in the daily diet offer protective action against free radicals, inflammatory agents, and fungi. Polyphenols, found in these natural products, have been studied in order to understand their contribution to the prevention of multiple diseases. The identification and quantification of polyphenols have been evaluated uding the Folin-Ciocalteu method. This procedure requires several chemical reagents and different electrical devices, generating chemical waste and at great expense. There is a need to develop polyphenol identification and quantification techniques that are less costly and generate minimum contamination. Electrical bioimpedance spectroscopy (EBS) is a promising alternative that could contribute to measuring total polyphenol content in fresh fruits and vegetables. This study focused on using EBS and characterizing electrical response in fruit pulp from three different Colombian passifloras. The study aimed to compare the electrical parameter values of an Equivalent Electrical Model (EEM) to the total polyphenol content quantified by the Folin-Ciocalteu method.
PCB-3D-Printed, Reliable and Reusable Wells for Impedance Spectroscopy of Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Cabrera-López J J , García-Arrunátegui M F , Neuta-Arciniegas P , Campo O , Velasco-Medina J
Published: September 2019

Impedance Spectroscopy (IS) has been shown to be a non-invasive and reliable technique for the electrical characterization of biological materials. This paper presents the design and implementation of reliable, reusable wells that are used to perform IS measurements of aqueous solutions. These reusable wells are detachable, easy to clean and low-cost and they are made up of a platen on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and the chambers are manufactured using 3D-printing technology. In this case, in order to verify its functionality, IS measurements of electrolytic and non-electrolytic aqueous solutions were carried out. Initially, as a reference, the impedance spectrum of a Hanks’ solution was obtained following a proposed measurement protocol. Then, we analyse this spectrum and we propose an Equivalent Electrical Model (EEM) for validating the reusable wells. Finally, IS measurements are carried out on aqueous solutions of molecular D-glucose and sodium chloride prepared in Hanks’ solution and deionized water, by considering physiological concentrations. The parameter values of the EEMs of each solution tested were obtained using genetic algorithms and Matlab and, from these values, it is possible to conclude that the measurements performed are unable to differentiate the physiological concentration of glucose in the aqueous solution used. Also, from these results, it can be concluded that the designed wells are suitable for IS measurements of aqueous solutions and that they can be used in Electrical Cell Impedance Sensing (ECIS) or applications that require electrical characterization of solutions.
Development and testing of a customizable and portable bioimpedance spectroscopy meter (BioZspectra-v1)
Authors: Jaimes S A
Published: September 2019

A portable, 4-electrode bioimpedance spectroscopy meter called BioZspectra-v1 was developed, based on thinking about a cost-competitive, highly flexible, nimble and easily customizable solution for the differing needs of researchers and scientists. There are diverse alternatives on the market but they are costly and designed for specific applications. However, research into new topics requires the manipulation of raw data and different configurations that BioZspectra-v1’s hardware and software can supply, enabling customized experiments. Output current is available in 4 discrete values: 10 µA, 20 µA, 40 µA and 100 µA; frequency range is from 1 Hz to 100 kHz, with 0.1 Hz resolution; the communication port is either USB or Bluetooth, the spectrum recording can be pseudo-real-time, and point-by-point and wide types of cell connector can be used. In addition, the circuit topology is as simple as possible, without detriment to performance; weight is light, for field and in situ applications and the design complies with IEC-60601-1, for patient safety. The equipment was tested obtaining a maximum measurable impedance of 100 kΩ with an error of below 2%, and a minimum of 10Ω with an error of below 1.5%. Applied current error was below 1.5% for the whole frequency range.
Saline solution impedance sensor based on Poly Methyl Methacrylate and graphite: preliminary results
Authors: Gómez-Sánchez J A , Bertemes Filho P
Published: September 2019

This paper shows a preliminary study of behaviour comparison in NaCl and KCl saline solutions of three screen printed bipolar electrodes with a coating mixture of Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA) and graphite. Results indicate greater selectivity of the coating electrodes with partial ring geometry compared with concentric and spiral bipolar, cover mixture allows eliminating electrolyte electrode interface in low frequencies. The benefits of using this electrode are: optimize sample measurements; low-cost manufacturing; integration feasibility into a mobile device. Upcoming research requires including test with other ionic solutions and new doped graphite composes.
Measurement of the cell density of microalgae by an optical method
Authors: Wungmool Piyachat , Rangsi Nattha , Hormwantha Tongchai , Sutthiopad Malee , Luengviriya Chaiya
Published: September 2019

Microalgae are currently interesting in industry because it can generate many useful products, such as supplementary food, cosmetic and biomass energy. During the cultivation, the growth of microalgae is traditionally followed by cell counting with an optical microscope and a calculation of the cell density. To obtain a precise value of the cell density, the measurement should be performed by ones with good laboratory skills and it takes a long time. We develop a photometer to determine the cell density of microalgae. The photometer consists of a light dependent resistor as the sensor, a light emitting diode as the light source, and a microcontroller which controls all components as well as the cell density calculation using a calibration equation. To test the performance of our device, we cultivate marine microalgae Dunaliella Salina with different aerations and measure the cell density during 18-day cultivation period by using the photometer and the cell counting with an optical microscope. The results show that the cell density values obtained from both measurement methods increase with day of cultivation in a similar manner. Thus, the photometer is a good alternative device to follow the growth of microalgae. Furthermore, it is relatively inexpensive, quick and easy for the operator to use.
Comparing the sandpile model with targeted triggering and the Olami-Feder-Christensen model as models of seismicity using recurrence network analysis
Authors: Biton D C , Batac R C
Published: September 2019

Slowly driven sandpile models has found applications in modelling earthquakes due to the observed power law statistics in its magnitude distributions, like the behaviour of earthquakes. Adding a probability to target the most susceptible site in the grid, the sandpile model recovers even the spatio-temporal statistics of earthquake events. In this work, we compare the sandpile model with targeted triggering to the Olami-Feder-Christensen (OFC) model: a standard earthquake model that also exhibits self-organized criticality. The sandpile model captures the magnitude distributions of earthquake events at a value of targeted triggering probability p = [0.004,0.007]. The triggering probability value p = 1.0, showing that the most susceptible site is always triggered, follows the magnitude distribution of the OFC model. A comparison was done by constructing a record-breaking recurrence network for the events. Spatial and magnitude criteria set the temporally directed links between events across the entire record. Both the models recover power-law exponents comparable to those previously obtained for earthquake data, which is 1.0 for recurrence distance and recurrence time distributions, and 2.1 for the in-degree distributions for the farthest recurrence criteria. The sandpile model with targeted triggering exhibits a behaviour in between a slowly driven sandpile and the OFC model.
Optimization of pathology diagnosis by applying chaos theory and fractal analysis to EEG-signal processing
Authors: Kornilov Vasily , Ostroukhov Maxim , Dmitriev Andrey
Published: September 2019

By 2018, there are more than 70 million people suffering from various forms of one of the most common neurological diseases – epilepsy. In fact, epipelsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder, manifesting itself in anomalous brain activity. Nowadays, most of the patients do not have the ability to foresee the onset of an attack in advance, which is due to the complex symptoms that are difficult to predict. One of the best way to analyze such kind of behaviour is electroencephalography (EEG). This research paper considers the problem of EEG epileptic seizures prediction from the point of the theory of nonlinear dynamical systems. According to the study, signals of cerebral cortex neural networks corresponds to multifractal nature which gives an opportunity to analyze changes between states in phase space during the abnormal electrical activity. Therefore, monitoring the preictal stage and early indication of an attack may help patients to avoid problems related to sudden seizures. This research will provide valuable information regarding the mechanism of epilepsy onset and introduce a prediction model using machine learning algorithm based on fractal analysis of RQA.
An Analysis of Active Region as a Trigger of Solar Flares
Authors: Hamidi ZS , Noh M.F.M. , Toni W.N. , Shariff N.N.M.
Published: September 2019

Sunspot number, solar radio flux and solar wind involve in interpreting the movements of CMEs and solar flare. Rotating sunspots are an extremely efficient way to inject energy into the magnetic field of the sun’s atmosphere. A solar flare is essentially a blast on the surface of the sun going from minutes to hours long. Therefore, the objective of this study is to state that the active region sunspot waves as a trigger solar flare. Equally important, the energy efficiency associated with solar flares may take several hours or even days to build up, but most flares take only a matter of minutes to release their energy. Detailed analyzed of solar flare event on 2016 and 2017 based on e-CALLISTO, the higher the number of active region sunspots, the higher the class of flares produced and released. Four classes of solar are observed in categories of frequency, interplanetary magnetic field and sunspot number emitted by the solar. By using the interplanetary magnetic field data, the magnetic energy contained in the active region sunspots has been calculated which this magnetic energy triggered the emission of solar flare. This study exposed us to analyze the active region waves as a trigger of solar flares and also the factor influenced by it. The physical element that triggers the solar flare by measuring the magnetic energy in the flaring site.
The Impact on Climate Change Due to the Effect of Global Electromagnetic Waves of Solar Flare and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) Phenomena
Authors: Mohamad Ansor N , Hamidi Z S , Shariff N N M
Published: September 2019

Climate change has a close relation with the variability of the Sun’s energy radiated, which is associated with solar activity and this issue has been the top debate topic among climate scientists in finding out the main source of the changing in Earth’s climate. Previous studies were discussing on human activities and formation of 14
C and 14
Be isotopes which are likely contributing to the temperature increment of Earth’s surface. However, the pattern of climate on this planet is always depending on the condition of its main source of energy; the Sun. In this paper, we briefly review the impact of production of 14
C and 14
Be isotopes to Earth’s temperature. We also discussed in this article on how the variability of solar activity contributes to climate change. The main method in carrying out this study is by solar observation. We present the summary of several sets of significant solar events in 2017 and its relationship with Earth’s temperature. It is believed that Earth’s climate is likely to be affected by the variability of solar activity, in the sense that solar minimum in 2017 causes it to be the second highest annual temperature with 0.89°C warmer than normal temperature.
Effect of Soret and Dufour numbers on double diffusive mixed convection boundary layer flow induced by a shrinking sheet
Authors: Suzilliana Putri Mohamed Isa Siti , Md. Arifin Norihan , Farooq Umer
Published: September 2019

The numerical study of double diffusive mixed convection boundary layer flow over a shrinking sheet are presented in the presence of Soret and Dufour effects. Shrinking velocity, wall temperature and wall concentration are assumed to have exponential function forms. Non-similarity method is applied for the governing basic equations (flow, momentum, energy and concentration equations) before they are solved numerically using bvp4c program in Matlab software. The numerical results of velocity, temperature and concentration are reported graphically for various values of suction parameter, dimensionless coordinate along the plate parameter, shrinking parameter, mixed convection parameter, buoyancy ratio parameter, Soret parameter and Dufour parameter. Since dual solutions is obtained, stability analysis is performed to select the stable solution.
Bearing capacity assessment for a timber girder when subject to a localised fire
Authors: Kmiecik K
Published: September 2019

Timber girders are often used as roofs in large-area buildings. One of the most important issues concerning the design of timber structures are fire safety requirements. Safe design requires adequate knowledge and modelling of the physical and chemical reactions inside the timber members exposed to fire. Wood is a combustible material. At 300°C the pyrolysis takes place which cause loss in mass and decrease the strength and mechanical properties. European standards introduce simplified methods for assessing load-bearing capacity in fire conditions. The second approach is advanced numerical modelling. This paper presents results from numerical studies on fire resistance of timber girder when subject to a localised fire. The numerical simulations have been performed with application of the SAFIR computer program. The numerical model of a timber girder was made. European standards recommend estimating the fire resistance of a structure based on the ISO fire curve. The advantage of such an approach is simplicity. It can lead to overestimating load-bearing capacity. Therefore, the cost of construction and fire protection will be higher. Another approach is implementation of appropriate fire models. Then, determining the temperature-time relationship for the analysed structure members. In this paper localised and IS0 fire were assumed. The heat was applied for three sides of the beam. An uneven cross-section along the length was also assumed. The obtained results indicate that advanced numerical analysis allows for a more accurate estimation of the load-bearing capacity of timber elements exposed to fire.
A posteriori modelling of a fire spreading in selected types of industrial halls
Authors: Maslak M , Pazdanowski M , Suchodola M , Wozniczka P
Published: September 2019

Two different scenarios of fire development identified for two industrial halls are considered and discussed in detail. In both cases an attempt is made, using the appropriate numerical models, to describe a posteriori the spread of a fire that has already occurred in the past. The numerical model is implemented in a Fire Dynamic Simulator (i.e. FDS) computer program and used for simulation. The first considered hall is an one-storey two-aisled steel structure with an incomplete covering of its side walls. Recyclable materials were stored inside, mainly the plastic waste. The fire observed in this hall developed slowly, being repeatedly partly suppressed and then subjected to flashover again. The other building described in this contribution is an one-bay steel hall located in a transhipment terminal, in which the crude oil was stored in railroad tank cars. In this case, a fire initiated by the ignition of oil leaking from the damaged tank car and quickly intensified by the collapse of a part of the hall roof proceeded rapidly until the fuel supply ran out. The basic parameters of both models developed by the authors were calibrated on the basis of available material data as well as of the reports received from meteorological stations located in the vicinity of the destroyed halls.
Study regarding the stiffness influence of slab to beams for a plan structural reinforced concrete frame system in seismic zones
Authors: Sococol I , Mihai P , Iftode V I , Olteanu-Dontov I
Published: September 2019

For monolithic reinforced concrete structures, it is known that beams and slabs form a common body, so that the stiffness of the dissipative elements (beams) increases significantly. Also, it is known the fact that the beams are the principal structural dissipative elements. In these circumstances, it will try through numerical simulations (nonlinear calculation) a theoretical reproduction of a recently executed structure, so as to take into consideration the effect of excess rigidity brought to the horizontal dissipative structural elements (beams). It will be pursued the dissipation mode of seismic energy through plastic deformations (formation the punctual plastic hinges at the end zones of the beams and especially at the end regions of the columns).
The influence of construction and service stages on the internal forces of prestressed precast beams
Authors: Stan I L , Florea N , Mihai P , Tănăsucă V C
Published: September 2019

The accurate design of prestressed precast beams is correlated with the proper evaluation of construction and service stages. On usually are considered the following construction stages: casting, transfer of prestressing, storage time, transport and mounting stage. In the presented paper, it will be illustrated the stress development on the beams by altering the specific times between different construction and service stages as a result of using different construction technologies as well as a consequence by imposing in advance different requirements during the design phase. To highlight these particularities IDEA StatiCA software was used, and a comparison between various cases is presented.
Design of a high-rise building with hybrid steel-concrete structural elements
Authors: Venghiac V-M , Budescu M , Băetu S-A
Published: September 2019

This paper presents the challenges encountered during the structural design of a high-rise building located in a seismic area. The construction is an office building, it has 20 stories including the basement levels and a narrow base. Some of the challenges are: providing an accurate structural system to resist the wind and earthquake actions and to design a proper foundation to avoid the overturning of the entire structure. Another important aspect is to limit the stories drift but at the same time provide an open space for the office area. Hybrid structures do not behave like reinforced concrete structures in the sense of Eurocode 2 nor like composite structures in the sense of Eurocode 4. For this reason and due to the lack of knowledge related to the problem of force transmission between steel and concrete the design of structures with hybrid steel-concrete elements can become very difficult. Several models are analysed comparing structural systems made of reinforced concrete, ones made of hybrid steel-concrete elements and several other types of systems.
Finite element modelling of different strengthening strategies for reinforced concrete deep beams
Authors: Gergely V , Pop M , Campian C , Chira N
Published: September 2019

The paper is focused on the behavior of deep beams retrofitted with FRP sheets and layers In order to understand the behavior of these beams, and an advanced nonlinear finite element model is used. The nonlinear analyses were performed based on the Modified Compression Field Theory which is a smeared rotating crack approach implemented in program VecTor2. The predictions of the finite element models were compared to the test results in order to validate the models and to further understand the behavior of the test specimens. Finally, the validated model was used to perform parametrical studies to investigate the effect of FRP sheets and UHPFRC layers on the behavior of true-scale deep beams. The variables investigated in a systematic manner included the aspect ratio of the member, the layout of the FRP sheets, the thickness and fiber content of the UHPFRC layers. The results were used to compare the effectiveness of the two retrofitting techniques.
Nonlinear FEM analysis of steel beam-to-column connections with extended end plate
Authors: Stașcov M , Venghiac V M , Luca S G
Published: September 2019

Even if it has been shown that steel beam-to-column connections with extended end plate has a semi-continuous behaviour, many structural analyses consider these joints either fixed or pinned. For advanced structural analysis of connections and frames it is necessary to know the behaviour of the joint. The characteristics of the joint can be identified on the moment-rotation curve. This paper presents a comparative study of the moment-rotation curve for a standardized node calculated according Eurocode 3, and obtained by FEM analysis using IDEASTATICA and ANSYS finite element analysis program. The analyses were performed for the models with non pre-tensioned bolts. Also, an additional study was performed in ANSYS to identify the influence of the thickness of the extended end plate.
Evaluation of the thermal performance of composite insulated panels with metallic skin through steady-state numerical analysis – Part 2
Authors: Măgurean A M
Published: September 2019

Although the constructive detail type approach analysis already offers an extensive image about the influence of thermal bridges that occurs in the composite insulated panels with metallic skin, studies of the subject go further, by integrating the detail obtained results into parts of the building analyses, with the purpose to identify how factors such as occurrence frequency of the thermal bridge, or the percent of the glazed surfaces existent in regular facades influence the thermal behaviour of the building part, along with the numerical value of the linear thermal transfer coefficients obtained in Part 1 of the paper. Also, for the identified constructive detail with the lowest thermal performance, framework solutions were identified and analysed through steady-state FEM analysis in order to offer a working tool for building energy auditors.
Numerical analysis of heat exchanger with uniform heat flux used in heat pumps systems
Authors: Popovici C G , Hudișteanu S V
Published: September 2019

The paper presents a numerical analysis of an innovative heat exchanger with uniform heat flux, integrated as a cold source, for heating and air-conditioning systems which are equipped with heat pumps. The ground-water or water-water surface heat exchanger type is modelled, having variable geometry, uniform efficiency and heat flux along the system. The purpose of the work is to analyse a heat exchanger with uniform thermal flux, in order to offer an alternative to actual technical solutions using polyethylene pipes mounted in parallel on horizontal or vertical drilling. For typical geothermal heat exchangers, both the surface and the depth are characterized by non-uniform exploitation of the soil. The uniformity of the thermal load of the earth mass can be an energy efficiency solution in terms of optimizing the storage capacity and consequently the reduction of the land used, respectively the length of the drilling needed for mounting the source. The analysed heat exchanger with uniform thermal flux, designed to achieve low or medium sources of thermal energy, offers an efficient energy consumption, being environmentally friendly and has a reduced relative cost. It can be an attractive alternative for the residential buildings or Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZBE).
Comparative analysis of heating systems used in Orthodox churches
Authors: Hudișteanu S V , Ciocan V , Verdeș M , Cherecheș N C , Bălan M C , Țurcanu E F
Published: September 2019

This work displays a numerical examination of the improvement of indoor atmosphere conditions inside an Orthodox church of Iasi. The objective consists in proposing a solution for reducing the risk of condensation for the case of the real heating system with hot air, used in Three Holy Hierarchs Monastery of Iasi. The solution was to use the local ventilation at towers, that generates air flow in these zones and evacuate humidity. This configuration was tested numerically and the results highlighted its effects. For comparison, the local ventilation was studied for two other heating solutions that are largely used in this type of buildings, underfloor heating and static heaters. The simulations demonstrated that the local ventilation represents a suitable solution when it is combined with the hot air heating.
Microclimate analysis in Gheorghe Asachi auditorium: showcase for the indoor climate performance
Authors: Verdeș M , Ciocan V , Țurcanu E F , Luciu R S , Bălan M C , Hudișteanu S V , Burlacu A
Published: September 2019

The subject of this paper is to the study the microclimate inside a heritage building. The Gheorghe Asachi Auditorium is one of most important building in the university and in the history of Jassy. Build in 1897, it was inaugurated by King Carol I. The auditorium serves as meeting place and manifestations for different occasions. Auditorium is built in baroque style with multiple paintings, artworks and wooden elements sensitive to moisture and temperature variations. CFD analysis is the proper tool for understanding the phenomena’s regarding the movement of large volume of warm and moisture air. The analysis allowed us to make some recommendations to the conservation of such historical place but with regard to main human comfort.
The effect of wave crest speed in breaking waves
Authors: Craciunescu C C , Christou M
Published: September 2019

The present work focuses on the evolution of the crest speed around large focal type water wave events. The phenomenon of crest slowdown around the point of maximum elevation is studied numerically using a boundary element model. The model is used to generate large design waves based on realistic ocean spectra. The evolution in terms of coupling between crest speed reduction and increase in particle velocities is studied up until initiation of wave breaking. It is shown that this coupling is a viable mechanism that leads to the formation of large deep water unidirectional breaking waves regardless of spectral shape and bandwidth.
IR thermography applied in church heritage conservation
Authors: Țurcanu E F , Ciocan V , Verdeș M , Luciu R S , Bălan M C , Hudișteanu S V , Burlacu A
Published: September 2019

IRT – infrared thermography has met an extensive popularity among the non-destructive technologies. This paper is presenting some of the monumental church that had been examine with thermovision camera in order to assess the behavior of structure to ageing, earthquake damages, detect hidden characteristics or order anomalies. IRT investigation is based on principle that heat flowing in a material is altered by presence of all kind of anomalies, our job been to discover and interpreting. Thus heat bridges can be detected, heat loses and air leakage can be identify or the presence of mold, moisture is growing in a particular area.
Pass design and thermal analysis of high thermal resistance multi-row sintered bricks
Authors: Jiang W , Liu D , Yang Z H
Published: September 2019

In the thermal analysis, a numerical calculation method to verify the steady heat transfer coefficient of multi-row bricks was obtained. The effects of thermal conductivity, the number of rows and holes, the ratio of transverse wall area to wall rib area were analyzed with a view to finishing the optimal pass design for the 240 thick high thermal resistance of multi-row bricks. And the influence laws of heat transfer change of multi-row bricks were probed both in the steady state and unsteady state.
Stress Simulation Study on a Novel Combination String of Transmission Line Insulators
Authors: Wang Dapeng , Xie Tao , Yuan Zuhui , Niu Jingping , Xia Wei , Bao Yang
Published: September 2019

The insulator string mainly plays a role of fixing wire and preventing the current from returning to the ground in the power transmission and transformation project. In order to compress the corridor width of the transmission line and make it convenient for breaking line, we proposed a novel structure in which the V-type fittings and the tensile insulator string are optimally combined. In this paper, the mathematical model of mechanical analysis for the structure is established. According to the equilibrium conditions of space force system, the factors affecting the stress of the structure are analysed. In addition, a simulation model is built in the finite element analysis software. The stress distributions of the new structure by setting two installation angles are calculated and the special parts with weak mechanical properties in the new structure are explored based on the generated stress cloud diagram. We compare the maximum value of the von Mises equivalent stress in the two arrangements. A conclusion of better than 45° at a mounting arrangement angle of 50° was obtained. The research results provide a theoretical reference for further optimization design and installation of the combined structure in the future.
Analysis of gravity heat pipe for anti-icing and snow melting on road surface
Authors: Qing Qian , Zhang Deng-Chun , Chen Da-Wei
Published: September 2019

Road icing is a serious hazard to highway traffic safety, so it is necessary to develop the anti-icing and de-icing technology. In this paper, theoretical and simulation analysis was carried out based on the idea that the gravity heat pipe uses shallow geothermal energy to meet the requirements of highway de-icing. The maximum heat transfer limit of different working media was calculated, and the two-dimensional pavement heat transfer model and thermal resistance model were established. The effect of different pipe diameters, pipe spacing and length of evaporation and condensation section on the heat transfer efficiency of gravity heat pipe to the surface of road was considered. It is concluded that ammonia can maximize the heat transfer limit of heat pipe due to its high latent heat, which is the best working fluid for preventing ice and snow melting of gravity heat pipe. When the pipe spacing is 150mm, the road surface temperature can be more than 2 °C. Considering the maximum heat transfer per unit area, the optimal length of the gravity heat pipe is 30m for the evaporation section and 10m for the condensation section, and the unit heat transfer is 205W/m2.
Rapid supercritical fluid chromatography analysis for 18 phthalate esters and bisphenol A in dairy products
Authors: Qiu Yue , Xia Zhining , Li Genrong , Yu Qiuling , Lu Jiali , Li Yanfei
Published: September 2019

A rapid and environmental method based on supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) was established for the simultaneous analysis of 18 phthalate esters (PAEs) and bisphenol A (BPA) in dairy products. The stationary phases, organic modifiers, back pressures and column temperatures were investigated for the optimal separation. The BEH chromatographic column (100 mm x 3.0 mm, 1.7 mm) with sub-2-micron particles was performed for the detection of target compounds. 18 PAEs and BPA can be effectively separated within 5.5 min with acetonitrile as solvent modifier at the optimal conditions. The correlation coefficients (R2) of 18 PAEs and BPA were more than 0.997 in the linear range of 0.3-10.0 mg/L, except for BMPP, DNOP and BPA in the range of 0.6-10.0 mg/L. The limits of quantification (LOQs) for PAEs and BPA were 0.15-0.60 mg/kg. The spiked recoveries and relative standard deviation (RSDs) were in the range of 88.2-120.5% and 1.55-13.51% for powdered milk infant formula samples, 89.6-114.2% and 0.69-10.06% for milk drinks samples, respectively. The SFC method can be used as a simple and efficient alternative route for the detection of 18 PAEs and BPA in dairy products.
Fabrication of superhydrophobic Fe2O3/Fe3O4 composite surface on N80 substrate
Authors: He S J , Cao X F , Hu J
Published: September 2019

Fe2O3/Fe3O4 composited film with micro-nano structures is prepared on the surface of N80 steel. The Fe2O3/Fe3O4 composited film after modification with stearic acid shows great superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 157.3° and sliding angle of 8.1°. Furthermore, the superhydrophobic Fe2O3/Fe3O4 composited film can keep anti-wettability when it is immersed in the water and make water droplets keep sphere on it. Furthermore, the superhydrophobic surface also shows excellent self-cleaning property. Our work finds that annealing in the atmosphere after egg white burning can produce nanoneedle structures perpendicular to the micro-octahedron, which plays a significant role to make micro-nano hierarchical structures for Fe2O3/Fe3O4 composite film.
Physical Properties of [BPy] [L-Pro] Chiral Ionic Liquids with Asymmetric Catalytic Performance
Authors: Chen Shiyu , Wu Cong , Li Ruoheng , Yao Shun , Huang Wencai , Song Hang
Published: September 2019

A pyridine-containing chiral ionic liquid [BPy][L-Pro] with an amino acid as the anion was synthesized, and its synthesis process is very simple with 86.6% yield and 97% purity. Some important physical properties including specific rotation, refractive index, conductivity and density of [BPy][L-Pro] have been comprehensively determined. The dependence of main properties of the [BPy][L-Pro] aqueous solution at different concentrations and temperatures was also explored and fitted, which can provide useful information for its asymmetric catalytic application.
Studies of Poly(L-lactic acid) Composites: Influence of 1H-Benzotriazole on Thermal and Mechanical Performance in Matrix
Authors: Zhao Lisha , Shen Yuanli , Cai Yanhua
Published: September 2019

This study reported the effect of the functional additive 1H-benzotriazole (BTA) on the thermal behaviour and mechanical properties of Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) through differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), infrared spectra (IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and tensile testing. The DSC measurement showed that both BTA and cooling rate greatly affected the crystallization process of PLLA, the introduction of BTA leaded to a positive effect on promoting PLLA’s crystallization, but an increase of a cooling rate was negative. Compared with other concentration of BTA, 0.5 wt% BTA had the best crystallization accelerating effect. Second, thermal decomposition indicated that the onset decomposition temperatures of all PLLA/BTA composites were higher than that of BTA at same heating rate; as well as the onset decomposition temperature of BTA increased with increasing of the heating rate. Third, the mechanical performance showed that PLLA/BTA samples presented the irregular trend in the elongation at break with increasing of BTA content, and the PLLA/3%BTA had the maximum value 2.87%.
Effects of the antioxidant CA ratio on the properties of UV-curable waterborne polyurethane for application in damping coating
Authors: Shan Changli , Ren Zeyu , Chen Qi , Ning Chuang , Xu Wei , Zhang Yingqiang
Published: September 2019

A series of UV-curable waterborne polyurethane with antioxidant CA (CWPU) were prepared successfully by FT-IR. The influence of CA on different properties of the CWPU emulsions and films was investigated using DLS, and DMA. The results indicated that with the increase of CA, the latex particle size increased. Meanwhile, all the films had the loss factor was≥0.3 spanning a temperature range of approximately 95°C, with a maximum value increased from 0.64 to 1.09, respectively. The CWPU films could be used as a coating for damping applications.