bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les intermédiaires financiers publics face au changement climatique
Authors: Plihon Dominique , Rigot Sandra
Published: April 2022

Les intermédiaires financiers publics (IFP) jouent un rôle stratégique dans de nombreux pays pour leur capacité à financer des projets de taille importante, à maturité longue, générant des externalités positives. Cet article propose un cadre d’analyse de ces acteurs qui va au-delà de leur justification habituelle en termes de défaillances du marché. Puis il présente une analyse historique et une typologie originale des IFP – absente de la littérature existante – qui révèle leur diversité et leurs avantages respectifs face à la transition énergétique. Enfin, il dresse un premier état des lieux des politiques des principaux IFP européens face au changement climatique, avant de proposer des recommandations pour améliorer leur action. Classification JEL  : G21, G28, Q01, Q48.
Medication Literacy in Hospitalized Older Adults: Concept Development
Authors: Gentizon Jenny , Bovet Emilie , Rapp Elise , Mabire Cedric
Published: April 2022

Background:

Medication literacy encompasses the cognitive and social skills necessary for individuals to obtain, comprehend, communicate, calculate, and process medication-related information necessary to make informed decisions. Personal and contextual factors are widely recognized to influence the way that individuals acquire and maintain medication literacy skills. Despite a growing number of studies on medication literacy, current definitions remain general, lacking consideration for the specificities of older adults and hospitalization.

Objective:

The project was conducted to identify, compare, and summarize the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of medication literacy in hospitalized older adults and to propose a refined definition.

Methods:

A three-phase hybrid model of concept development was performed that included a literature review and focus groups with hospital nurses. In the final analytic phase, findings from the literature and focus groups were compared, and a refined definition of the concept was elaborated.

Key Results:

From the synthesis of 24 publications and the narrative data of 14 hospital nurses, 19 themes were described: 4 related to attributes, 8 to antecedents, and 7 to consequences. Medication literacy of hospitalized older adults has been further defined as the degree to which older adults and/or their natural caregivers can develop and maintain multidimensional skills, namely functional, interactive, and critical medication literacy skills. Adjustment of these skills is characterized by a dynamic and potentially complex process. In practice, optimal medication literacy might be achieved through control of and involvement in the medication regimen and the decisions related to it, and/or by using practical means to facilitate medication self-management (e.g., using lists, notes, reminders).

Conclusions:

The proposed refined definition might enhance professionals' common understanding of the concept and its application in practice, policy, and research. Managing a medication regimen is a complex activity that requires a high level of integration and coordination of cognitive and social skills. [

HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2022;6(2):e70–e83.

]

Plain Language Summary:

Based on the literature on medication literacy and the experiences of nurses working in hospitals, this article defines medication literacy in hospitalized older adults. This definition will help professionals to better understand challenges related to medication literacy in older patients and to propose adequate support (i.e., provide education, simplify medication prescriptions, propose practical aids such as a pillbox).
Some Psychometric Properties of the Brazilian CDC Clear Communication Index
Authors: Marinho Angélica Maria Cupertino Lopes , Baur Cynthia , Costa Lucas Emanuel Oliveira , Mambrini Juliana Vaz de Melo , Ferreira Fernanda Morais , Borges-Oliveira Ana Cristina , de Abreu Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães
Published: April 2022

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Clear Communication Index (CCI) was cross-culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese (BR). It was necessary to analyze the reliability and validity of the BR-CDC-CCI for its use in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the instrument in its Brazilian version. Four specialists in health education used the BR-CDC-CCI to evaluate a population-level health education material. Primary health care professionals (
n
= 105) evaluated the same health material using the BRCDC-CCI, and 30 professionals performed the retest 15 to 20 days after the first assessment. Cohen Kappa and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were developed. Inter-rater agreement ranged from
moderate
to
almost perfect
, with 90% of the items
almost perfect
. The percentage of agreement ranged from 8.6% to 98.1%. For the analyzed questions, the area on the ROC curve was 0.9412 (confidence interval [CI] 95%; [0.8259, 1.000]). The BR-CDC-CCI had sufficient validity and reliability for its use in the evaluation of educational/informational materials in health in the Brazilian context. In view of the good results from this psychometric assessment, we anticipated the BR-CDC-CCI could contribute to improvements in Brazilian professionals' skills in developing health communication materials, thereby improving the quality of education and, possibly health outcomes. [

HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2022;6(2):e84–e87.

]
Spatial mechanistic modeling for prediction of 3D multicellular spheroids behavior upon exposure to high intensity pulsed electric fields
Authors: Collin Annabelle , Bruhier Hadrien , Kolosnjaj Jelena , Golzio Muriel , Rols Marie-Pierre , Poignard Clair
Published: April 2022

The objective of this work was to investigate the growth specificities of cancer cells spheroids subjected to pulsed electric field. Multicellular HCT-116-GFP spheroids were exposed to different electric field intensities and the volume of multicellular spheroids was monitored by fluorescence and bright field microscopy. Thanks to an advanced mathematical model, based on differential equations and well-adapted estimation strategies, our modeling enables us to characterize the multicellular spheroids growth after permeabilizing pulsed electric field. In particular, we identify the percentage of cells which are destroyed and the percentage of cells which exhibit an altered growth pattern for different magnitudes of the electric field. We also quantify the growth resumption upon reversible and partially irreversible electroporation. Our preliminary results provide a first quantification of the impact of electroporation on multicellular spheroids growth, and suggest a booming growth of partially irreversible electric pulses, leading to an accelerated regrowth.
Computational identification of Shenshao Ningxin Yin as an effective treatment for novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) with myocarditis
Authors: Zhang Ze-Yu , Mao Zhu-Jun , Ruan Ye-ping , Zhang Xin
Published: April 2022

Background: The newly identified betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative pathogen of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which has killed more than 4.5 million people. SARS-CoV-2 causes severe respiratory distress syndrome by targeting the lungs and also induces myocardial damage. Shenshao Ningxin Yin (SNY) has been used for more than 700 years to treat influenza. Previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated that SNY can improve the clinical symptoms of viral myocarditis, reverse arrhythmia, and reduce the level of myocardial damage markers. Methods: This work uses a rational computational strategy to identify existing drug molecules that target host pathways for the treatment of COVID-19 with myocarditis. Disease and drug targets were input into the STRING database to construct proteinɃprotein interaction networks. The Metascape database was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Results: SNY signaling modulated the pathways of coronavirus disease, including COVID-19, Ras signaling, viral myocarditis, and TNF signaling pathways. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), cellular tumor antigen p53 (TP53), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were the pivotal targets of SNY. The components of SNY bound well with the pivotal targets, indicating there were potential biological activities. Conclusion: Our findings reveal the pharmacological role and molecular mechanism of SNY for the treatment of COVID-19 with myocarditis. We also, for the first time, demonstrate that SNY displays multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics with a complex mechanism of action.
A machine learning approach to differentiate between COVID-19 and influenza infection using synthetic infection and immune response data
Authors: Farhang-Sardroodi Suzan , Ghaemi Mohammad Sajjad , Craig Morgan , Ooi Hsu Kiang , Heffernan Jane M
Published: April 2022

Data analysis is widely used to generate new insights into human disease mechanisms and provide better treatment methods. In this work, we used the mechanistic models of viral infection to generate synthetic data of influenza and COVID-19 patients. We then developed and validated a supervised machine learning model that can distinguish between the two infections. Influenza and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses that are caused by different pathogenic viruses but appeared with similar initial presentations. While having the same primary signs COVID-19 can produce more severe symptoms, illnesses, and higher mortality. The predictive model performance was externally evaluated by the ROC AUC metric (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) on 100 virtual patients from each cohort and was able to achieve at least AUC = $ 91\% $ using our multiclass classifier. The current investigation highlighted the ability of machine learning models to accurately identify two different diseases based on major components of viral infection and immune response. The model predicted a dominant role for viral load and productively infected cells through the feature selection process.
PercolationDF: A percolation-based medical diagnosis framework
Authors: Jiang Jingchi , Yu Xuehui , Lin Yi , Guan Yi
Published: April 2022

Goal: With the continuing shortage and unequal distribution of medical resources, our objective is to develop a general diagnosis framework that utilizes a smaller amount of electronic medical records (EMRs) to alleviate the problem that the data volume requirement of prevailing models is too vast for medical institutions to afford. Methods: The framework proposed contains network construction, network expansion, and disease diagnosis methods. In the first two stages above, the knowledge extracted from EMRs is utilized to build and expense an EMR-based medical knowledge network (EMKN) to model and represent the medical knowledge. Then, percolation theory is modified to diagnose EMKN. Result: Facing the lack of data, our framework outperforms naïve Bayes networks, neural networks and logistic regression, especially in the top-10 recall. Out of 207 test cases, 51.7% achieved 100% in the top-10 recall, 21% better than what was achieved in one of our previous studies. Conclusion: The experimental results show that the proposed framework may be useful for medical knowledge representation and diagnosis. The framework effectively alleviates the lack of data volume by inferring the knowledge modeled in EMKN. Significance: The proposed framework not only has applications for diagnosis but also may be extended to other domains to represent and model the knowledge and inference on the representation.
La citoyenneté dégradée
Authors: Bur Clément
Published: April 2022

À Rome, la dignité était au cœur de la hiérarchie civique. Dès lors, les citoyens qui ne répondaient plus aux attentes liées à leur rang étaient déclassés et perdaient certains droits. Devenus infâmes, ils jouissaient désormais d’une citoyenneté amoindrie. Ce livre est consacré à ces formes de dégradations civiques prononcées par un représentant de la cité et pour un motif moral. Le choix de la prosopographie (catalogue disponible en ligne : https://poolcorpus.univ-jfc.fr/infames-romani) ainsi que d’une approche globale et diachronique a permis de proposer une synthèse renouvelée sur l’infamie. Cela passe d’abord par une étude d’ensemble des peines infamantes de la discipline militaire et surtout du regimen morum des censeurs. On saisit ainsi combien ces spectacles du déshonneur caractérisaient la culture politique romaine et contribuaient à définir le mos maiorum, tandis que le problème des candidats aux élections déboutés pour indignité en dessine les limites. Se pose ensuite la question des peines prescrites par les lois pénales et des réglementations écartant de diverses fonctions (témoins, juges, décurions…) certaines catégories de citoyens méprisés de longue date, comme les acteurs, les gladiateurs, ou les prostitués. Cette analyse dévoile un phénomène de juridicisation de l’infamie amorcé à partir du IIe siècle avant J.‑C. Mais l’on ne peut se passer d’un examen des infâmes eux-mêmes : leurs origines, leur situation et les possibilités de sortir de leur condition. L’étude des formes d’infamie révèle ainsi en négatif la définition du bonus ciuis et les attentes des Romains envers leurs dirigeants. La question de l’évaluation morale du citoyen dans la société d’ordres qu’était Rome conduit à une histoire de la citoyenneté romaine sur la longue durée : c’est donc une réflexion sur le caractère méritocratique de la hiérarchie civique et sur le mode de légitimation de l’aristocratie qui est proposée ici.
La fabrique transnationale de l’accountability
Authors: Deforge Quentin , Perez Déborah
Published: April 2022

Cet article cherche à identifier, dans les pratiques de l’organisation Al-Bawsala (la boussole), ce qui relève de l’importation du modèle voyageur des Parliamentary Monitoring Organization (PMO), et de l’effervescence pluraliste propre au contexte postrévolutionnaire tunisien, pour étudier l’imbrication de ces deux dynamiques. En analysant conjointement la construction de ce modèle voyageur et la mise en place de l’ONG, on montre que les militants d’Al-Bawsala se sont faits les importateurs du cadre et de la problématisation en termes d’« accountability » sur lesquels les professionnels de la « bonne gouvernance » ont construit ce modèle, tout en l’incarnant par de nouvelles pratiques politiques répondant aux spécificités du contexte tunisien. L’article invite ainsi à dépasser la dichotomie existante entre construction de modèles voyageurs et processus de transferts.
La GIRE : un modèle voyageur confronté à la revanche de territoires
Authors: Baron Catherine , Siri Yamba , Belbéoc’h Anne
Published: April 2022

La gestion intégrée des ressources en eau (GIRE) illustre les modèles voyageurs standardisés qui circulent à l’échelle internationale. En se référant aux travaux sur les modèles voyageurs, cet article mobilise les concepts de (dé)territorialisation/(re)territorialisation et de « revanche des contextes ». Il décrypte le voyage de la GIRE jusqu’au Burkina Faso, qualifié de success story du fait d’un mimétisme institutionnel. Mais si les dispositifs institutionnels sont conformes aux principes du modèle, l’opérationnalisation aux échelles locales rencontre des résistances, symboles d’une revanche des territoires. Les conflits documentés traduisent la non-adhésion des populations à cette GIRE institutionnelle qui marginalise les règles pré-GIRE, éléments structurant des territoires locaux de l’eau.
A Many-Objective Practical Swarm Optimization Based on Mixture Uniform Design and Game Mechanism
Authors: Yan Chen , Mengxiang Cai , Mingyong Zheng , Kangshun Li
Published: April 2022

In recent years, multi-objective optimization algorithms, especially many-objective optimization algorithms, have developed rapidly and effectively.Among them, the algorithm based on particle swarm optimization has the characteristics of simple principle, few parameters and easy implementation. However, these algorithms still have some shortcomings, but also face the problems of falling into the local optimal solution, slow convergence speed and so on. In order to solve these problems, this paper proposes an algorithm called MUD-GMOPSO, A Many-Objective Practical Swarm Optimization based on Mixture Uniform Design and Game mechanism. In this paper, the two improved methods are combined, and the convergence speed, accuracy and robustness of the algorithm are greatly improved. In addition, the experimental results show that the algorithm has better performance than the four latest multi-objective or high-dimensional multi-objective optimization algorithms on three widely used benchmarks: DTLZ, WFG and MAF.
Developmental Trajectory of the American Yacht Clubs
Authors: Chen Wanxin , Chen* Xiao
Published: April 2022

The yacht industry is one of the leading industries used to guide residents’ increase in consumption. This study analyzes the evolving spatial pattern of yacht clubs in the United States from 1900-2017, aiming to explore the developmental trajectory of yacht clubs in the United States. This study finds that: 1) Yacht clubs in the United States clustered aggregately and unevenly. The concentration of yacht clubs ranges from the northeastern part of the United States to the western and southern regions. 2) The driving factors influencing the development of yacht clubs in the United States changed along with time. The state ship and boat building industry was the main driving factors in phase I (before 1900). The state steel industry was the main driver in phase II (1900-1950). In phase III (1950-2000), state tourism GDP became the main driver, and in phase IV (2000-2017), state GDP and state ocean tourism and recreation GDP became the main factors. This study enriches the literature in the area of yacht tourism in terms of understanding the temporal-spatial pattern of yacht clubs.
Hybrid Bacteria Foraging Algorithm With PSO and DE Algorithm for Optimal Cluster Head Selection in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Bose Pitchaimanickam
Published: April 2022

Network lifetime and energy constraint are the main issues for the application of wireless sensor networks. Sensor nodes spend more energy in the communication process and affect the network lifetime. Clustering is the technique for choosing the optimal cluster head from the clusters. LEACH-C is the clustering protocol in WSN. BFA is applied in the LEACH-C protocol to form the optimal clusters. This optimization obtains more steps in the tumbling process and reaches the global optimum solution very slowly. This method directly affects the network lifetime. The above limitations are overcome by introducing the hybrid approach of bacteria foraging algorithm by integrating the PSO, and DE is applied in LEACH-C algorithm for finding the optimal cluster head. The best foraging solution is utilized in the chemotactic behavior of the bacterium by using PSO and DE algorithms. The proposed methodology increases by 66% and 77% of the alive nodes when compared to FA and BFPSO.
An Updated Discrete Element Model for the In-Plane Behaviour of NFRCM Strengthened Masonry Walls
Authors: Baraldi Daniele , Boscato Giosuè , Cecchi Antonella , de Carvalho Bello Claudia Brito
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Masonry strengthened with natural fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (NFRCM-strengthened masonry) is investigated by updating an existing discrete element model. Masonry walls are modelled by rigid blocks and elastoplastic interfaces that are able to account for mortar joints and block cracking. The reinforcement is modelled in a simplified manner considering perfect adhesion between wall and reinforcement and by adopting further spring elements connecting block centres. The model is validated by comparing it with an existing FEM based on a multi-step homogenization, where reinforced masonry is considered as a whole. Both approaches are used for performing nonlinear pushover tests with an increasing shear action applied to unreinforced and reinforced panels. The updated discrete model turns out to be able to represent the strength increment given by the reinforcement, but it is less able to represent the corresponding ductility increment.
Durability of a Glass Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix Composite under Different Environmental Conditions
Authors: Calabrese Angelo Savio , D'Antino Tommaso , Colombi Pierluigi , Poggi Carlo
Published: April 2022

The use of fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites for strengthening and retrofitting of existing masonry structures is nowadays a well-established practice, due to the speed and ease of application, low invasiveness, and high performance-to-cost ratio. Among different FRCMs, those comprising glass fiber textiles (GFRCM) represent an excellent choice due to the good mechanical properties and low cost of the raw material. However, limited information is available on the effect of environmental conditions on the performance of GFRCM composites and on their long-term behavior. This paper investigates the effect of different environmental conditions on the tensile performance of a GFRCM composite comprised of a cement-based matrix reinforced with an open-mesh alkali-resistant glass textile. Namely, the effect of hygrothermal conditioning, saline environment, alkali environment, freeze-thaw cycles, and dry heat conditioning were considered. After conditioning, specimens were tested using a clamping-grip tensile test configuration and the effect of the various exposure was analyzed comparing the composite tensile strength, ultimate strain, and elastic modulus of conditioned and control specimens. The experimental results show a good performance of the tested GFRCM composite with respect to the conditions considered.
Experimental Study on the Local Behavior of CFRP Anchor Spikes Fixed to Masonry Substrates
Authors: Fagone Mario , Rotunno Tommaso , Bertolesi Elisa , Grande Ernesto , Milani Gabriele
Published: April 2022

An experimental investigation aimed to analyze the mechanical behaviour of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composite (CFRP) anchor spikes inserted in a brick substrate is reported in this paper. As is well known, such devices can improve the structural performance of CFRP sheets externally bonded to masonry elements (as well as others substrate materials). In structural applications, spike anchors can be subjected to both shear and/or normal actions; the first commonly occurs in structural applications, while the latter may occur in specific applications, such as CFRP sheets bonded to curved surfaces. For this reason, the experimental program described in this paper analyzes the mechanical behavior of a typology of anchor spikes loaded (separately) by pure shear or normal actions. Although, obviously, in anchored CFRP sheet reinforcements the contribution to the bearing capacity of the sheet and of the anchors cannot be additively superimposed (the total capacity is of course not equal to the sum of the capacity of the sheet and of the anchor), the results described in this paper can still give useful indications in practical applications.
Numerical Simulations of Masonry Elements Strengthened through Fibre-Reinforced Mortar: Detailed Level Modelling Using the OOFEM Code
Authors: Boem Ingrid , Patzák Bořek , Kohoutkova Alena
Published: April 2022

A detailed level numerical model for Fibre Reinforced Mortar (FRM) using the free, opensource code OOFEM has been recently calibrated and validated by the authors through comparisonwith experimental characterization tests (i.e. pull-off tests, tensile tests and shear bond tests). In thispaper, the developed model is adopted to perform numerical simulations on FRM strengthenedmasonry elements. In particular, out-of-plane and in-plane bending tests and in-plane diagonalcompressiontests are simulated by adopting the same modelling hypostasis and characteristics andthe results are compared with experimental tests available in the literature. Both the masonry and themortar are modeled through solid elements, the yarns of the fibre-based mesh with truss elements andthe interactions among the components (yarns, mortar, masonry) by means of interface elements.Non-linear static analyses are performed, considering the materials and interfaces non-linearity. Thesimulations result capable to realistically reproduce the typical performances of masonry elements interms of global performances and damage pattern and permit to investigate on the resistingmechanisms and on the interactions between the components.
Cyclic Out-of-Plane Behavior of FRCM-Strengthened Masonry Walls
Authors: Bellini Alessandro , Incerti Andrea , Mazzotti Claudio
Published: April 2022

Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) composite materials represent one of the most interesting retrofitting methods for improving the out-of-plane flexural capacity of masonry walls. Despite their use is becoming more and more widespread, the actual knowledge about the out-of-plane behavior of FRCM-strengthened masonry panels needs further improvements, analyzing in particular the effectiveness of the reinforcement under cyclic loads. In this framework, an innovative experimental set-up, capable of applying a vertical axial load and cyclic out-of-plane horizontal forces on full-scale masonry panels, was used for testing walls retrofitted with glass, aramid-glass, basalt and steel fabrics. The presented experimental study is focused on the analysis of the effectiveness of the different FRCM systems, analyzing in detail failure modes, maximum capacity and the potential performance degradation of the strengthened panels under cyclic actions, providing also a useful comparison with the corresponding monotonic results.
A Design-Oriented Stress-Strain Constitutive Model for Clay-Brick Masonry Columns Confined by FRP
Authors: Sandoli Antonio , Lignola Gian Piero , Calderoni Bruno , Prota Andrea
Published: April 2022

Experimental tests proved that the external confinement of masonry columns through Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRP) induces increment of axial strength and ductility. Contrary to FRP-confined concrete, for which reliable unified theoretical stress-strain models are available in literature or included in the codes, to develop easy-to-use constitutive models valid for whatever type masonry represents a difficult challenge. In fact, several parameters influence the axial stress-strain response of confined masonry, such as the relative mortar-to-stones strength, masonry texture, deformation capacity of materials, type of reinforcement ad its arrangement. In this paper, a design-oriented stress-strain model devoted to describe the compressive behavior of FRP-confined clay-brick masonry columns is presented. The main scope of the research consists of providing an easy-to-use predictive model, applicable both in the research field and design practice. The stress-strain response of the confined masonry has been idealized in a parabola-rectangular behavior described by Lam and Teng’s equations - originally developed for FRP-confined concrete - adapted to masonry elements. The equations are ruled by the mechanical properties of confined and unconfined masonry, those of composite material and by a parameter that takes into account the dispersion of the experimental data (i.e., variability of materials properties, different stone arrangements and masonry textures). The entire stress-strain behavior has been calibrated by means of the least-squares optimization criterion, based on a sufficient number of experimental results available in the literature. Comparisons between experimental and theoretical stress-strain curves show good accordance of the results. The design-oriented model is able to capture the experimental response of the confined masonry, in terms of initial elastic stiffness, ductility ad maximum confinement pressure.
A Simplified Modelling Approach for the In-Plane Analysis of Masonry Structures Strengthened by FRCMs
Authors: Zampieri Paolo , Piazzon Riccardo , Pantò Bartolomeo , Pellegrino Carlo
Published: April 2022

Among the many strengthening techniques introduced for the seismic retrofitting of the masonry structures, FRCM strategies, based on the application of fibre-reinforced composite materials on the masonry surface through inorganic mortar layers, has become object of research due to their good performances in terms of physic and mechanic compatibility with historical substrate, low invasiveness and capacity to improve both the in-plane and the out of plane masonry behaviour increasing the capacity and the ductility of the structure. In this paper, a simplified discrete model is proposed to simulate the in-plane behaviour of masonry panels strengthened by FRCM systems. The proposed modelling approach is based on the DMEM model, whose numerical configuration can adapt to encompass the properties of the externally bonded strengthening system. According to the proposed strategy, the masonry support and the FRCM layers are simulated by an equivalent homogeneous material, discretized by a mesh of shear-deformable articulated quadrilaterals interacting along their edges by means of cohesive-friction links. The model is implemented in OpenSees and validated by simulating experimental shear-diagonal tests, available in literature.
The Potential of Beeswax Colloidal Emulsion/Films for Hydrophobization of Natural Fibers Prior to NTRM Manufacturing
Authors: Abbass Ali , Paiva Maria Conceição , Oliveira Daniel V. , Lourenço Paulo B. , Fangueiro Raul , Alves Natália M
Published: April 2022

Despite all the advantages of applying natural fibers in structural composites, their expected short life span constitutes a challenge due to their hydrophilicity and deterioration in alkaline lime or cement matrices. The present paper proposes eco-friendly hydrophobic coatings to protect natural fibers in lime mortars resorting to polymers reinforced with hydrophobic beeswax micro colloids. The physical, mechanical and chemical characterization suggest the potential of the coated fibers for NTRM casting and further investigation of their interface and bond behavior with the mortar.
Durability of Stainless-Steel Reinforced Grout against Salt Attack
Authors: Fares Sara , Fugger Rebecca , de Santis Stefano , de Felice Gianmarco
Published: April 2022

Steel reinforced grout is one of the most effective mortar-based composites for the strengthening of masonry structures. Nonetheless, the deterioration of steel cords, especially when embedded in lime-based matrices, may compromise the long-term effectiveness of the strengthening systems. The use of stainless-steel may overcome this drawback, but it has received limited attention so far, since its higher cost makes it less competitive in the market. This work presents a laboratory investigation on the durability of stainless-steel reinforced grout against salt attack, which is the most severe aging condition. Tensile tests were carried out on bare textiles and composite specimens before and after aging in substitute ocean water for up to 5000 hours. Bent textiles, which are required by a number of structural applications, were aged and tested as well. Test outcomes indicate that this technology may be successfully used for the life-span strengthening of the built heritage.
FLAX-TRM for the In-Plane Shear Strengthening of Masonry
Authors: Trochoutsou Niki , Pilakoutas Kypros , Guadagnini Maurizio
Published: April 2022

The present study investigates the use of Flax Textile-Reinforced Mortars (FTRM) as a strengthening and seismic retrofitting solution for unreinforced masonry. The FTRM system comprised flax textiles embedded in lime-based mortar and was externally bonded to the surface of four medium-scale masonry walls on both sides, in strengthening configurations including one and two FTRM layers. One bare wall and one wall strengthened only with lime-based mortar were additionally examined as reference samples. All specimens were tested in in-plane shear under quasi-static cyclic loading conditions, while axial load equal to 10% of the masonry compressive strength was constantly applied throughout the test. The effectiveness of the developed FTRM system is assessed in terms of strength, deformability, energy dissipation and failure modes. The obtained results highlight the promising potential of this system as an in-plane strengthening solution for masonry, with FTRM-retrofitted specimens able to promote strain redistribution and ensure the structural integrity. Two-layer configurations were evidenced to sustain up to 118% higher load capacity, improved ductility, and provided significant energy dissipation capacity.
Bamboo Fibers for the Reinforcement of Mortar and Plaster
Authors: Catalogna Giammarco , Molari Luisa
Published: April 2022

Over the decades, innovative techniques have been introduced and developed in the building heritage which make use of composite materials whose main objectives are bending and shear reinforcement, increasing ductility and limiting cracks. The use of composite materials with steel, carbon, glass and aramid fibers are already codified in the technical standards, now the challenge is the use of more sustainable materials. This paper focuses on a simple and effective bamboo fibers reinforcement of structural and non-structural commercial products such as mortar and plaster with different mechanical characteristics, trying to improve ductility without worsening their strength and mechanical stiffness. In particular, a plaster and a mortar with 2% (by weight) of bamboo fibers of Phyllostachys Iridescens species has been analyzed. A mechanical characterization is carried out evaluating flexural strength, compressive strength and fracture energy. The effectiveness of the reinforcement is shown through the comparison with the unreinforced materials.
Experimental Investigation on Flexural Performance of Masonry Wallettes Strengthened with Cementitious Matrix Grid
Authors: Tripathy Dattatreya , Gupta Akshay , Singhal Vaibhav
Published: April 2022

A large experimental study was conducted at IIT Patna, India to evaluate the effectiveness of different types of cementitious matrix grids (CMGs) in improving the flexural performance of unreinforced masonry specimens. Four types of masonry wallettes: brick-lime mortar, brick-cement mortar, brick-mud mortar and autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) block masonry were prepared in the laboratory. In this study, eleven different CMG comprising of glass fabric and steel wire meshes embedded in the five different grades of cementitious matrix were used to strengthen the masonry assemblages. The aim of this study is to understand the role of various parameters such as tensile strength of CMG, compressive strength of masonry and cementitious matrix in influencing the efficiency of the strengthening scheme. In total 130 specimens with failure plane-parallel and perpendicular to the bed joint were prepared and tested under quasi-static displacement control loading. Considering the ease of installation, the fabric was directly placed on the masonry wallette using mechanical anchors and then covered with a thick layer of cementitious matrix.Test results highlights that all strengthening schemes are effective and can significantly enhance the flexural moment capacity in the range of 2.5 - 63.0 times the flexural moment of the respective control specimens. These strengthening schemes effectively mitigate the brittle behaviour of masonry wallettes and improved the deformation capacity by 1.2 - 18.1 times when compared to the respective control specimens. The study also illustrated that the strength of cementitious matrix can play an important role in contributing to the strength and deformability of the masonry specimens strengthened with CMG. For low strength cementitious matrix, debonding failure was commonly observed, whereas, for high strength cementitious matrix, the failure/rupture of reinforcement was noticed. In addition, the shear failure of masonry or debonding failure of reinforcing mesh was observed for specimens in which CMG had higher percentage of reinforcement.
In-Plane Behavior of Adobe Masonry Wallets Strengthened through Inorganic Matrix-Grid Composites
Authors: Cassese Paolino , Fenu Luigi , Asprone Domenico , Occhiuzzi Antonio , Parisi Fulvio
Published: April 2022

Adobe masonry (AM) dwellings are a considerable portion of existing buildings stock worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Several earthquakes occurred during last decades dramatically showed a high seismic vulnerability of such constructions, which are not generally engineered. Therefore, several research groups have been involved in the investigation about effective and viable retrofitting solutions for AM buildings. Currently, most of studies available in literature addressed the issue by means of experimental programs consisting of dynamic or static tests on reduced- or full-scale specimens, representing partial or complete AM dwellings. Nevertheless, in those works, limited or no attention was generally paid to the crucial issue of the spatial variability of material properties within AM, which can produce critical forms of mechanical response and premature failure. In this study, three series of seven AM wallets were tested under monotonic diagonal compression load: one series consisted of unreinforced specimens (used as benchmark) and the remaining series were strengthened with two textile reinforced matrix (TRM) systems, made of either hemp or glass meshes. Masonry joints and matrix were produced using the same mud mortar, which is a typical mortar of existing Italian AM buildings. Experimental outcomes of tests in terms of observed damage and response curves are presented, along with a comprehensive characterization of mortar and bricks. Then, with the aim to draw out general and robust trends about TRM effectiveness as strengthening solution in the improvement of shear strength and ductility capacity, the response variability was quantitatively investigated via statistical analysis of recorded stress–strain samples.
Numerical Analysis of Masonry Structures through a Modified Composite Interface (MCI) Model
Authors: Di Lallo Ylenia , Rapone Davide , Masciotta Maria Giovanna , Brando Giuseppe
Published: April 2022

This paper presents an innovative modelling approach for evaluating the structural response of new and existing masonry buildings characterized by a periodic arrangement of units and mortar joints. The aim is to provide a calculation tool that allows to model the non-linear behaviour of masonry structures under lateral and vertical loads with a reduced numerical effort, without compromising the accuracy of the results. The proposed model is a typical D-FEM (Discontinuum - Finite Element Model) consisting of deformable blocks, which incorporates several masonry units. The blocks are separated by interface elements placed along predetermined surfaces on which cracks, sliding or crushing planes can develop. The surface layout is conceived to replicate all the fundamental failure mechanisms that can occur in real masonry structures. To adequately describe the non-linear behaviour of the interface elements, a Modified Composite Interface (MCI) model is formulated by modifying the "Combined Cracking-Shearing-Crushing" model originally proposed by Lourenço to simulate the cracking mechanisms along the interface elements of simplified micro-models in FEM analysis. The proposed D-FE model has been already calibrated and validated by the Authors on different masonry panels and, through an Evolutionary Polynomial Regression (EPR), expressions in closed form have been defined to calculate the mechanical parameters of the new MCI model starting from the original CI. Particularly, for each mechanical parameter, six formulas of increasing complexity have been identified through non-linear regression, progressively including a greater number of input variables to increase the precision of results. The aim of this study is to determine the accuracy of these formulas. Numerical analyses are carried out on a population of sixty-four masonry walls already used in the previous calibration phase, modeling each panel with all available equations. This allows to evaluate the average accuracy of each formula and to understand their efficiency in terms of calculation effort and correctness of the results.
Editor's Note Vol.7(2)
Authors: Sivakanthan Subajiny
Published: April 2022

No Abstract available.
Impact of different border crops on growth and yield performance of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis L.) varieties
Authors: Jayamini A.G. Iresha , Pradheeban L. , Nishanthan K.
Published: April 2022

The use of border crops in cauliflower was an eco-friendly method for the management of pests. The present study was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kilinochchi from December 2018 to April 2019. The experiment was carried out in a split-plot design with three replicates. Four different borders, such as sunflower (T1), lemongrass (T2), chrysanthemum (T3), and no border (T4) were selected as the main plot treatments, and two different cauliflower varieties such as Mareet (V1) and White Shot (V2) were used as subplot treatments. The cauliflower varieties were planted at the spacing of 60 cm × 45 cm. All the agronomic practices were done according to the recommendations of the Department of Agriculture except plant protection methods. The growth, plant protection measures, and yield parameters were recorded. ANOVA and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) were used for data analysis. There was no interaction effect between the type of border crops and varieties in all measured parameters. The border and the variety were not significant for plant height and the number of leaves per plant. The curd weight, circumference, diameter, total yield, and marketable yield were significantly different among the border crops, while the greater performances were observed in the lemongrass border (T2). The varieties of cauliflower showed a non-significant effect on the yield parameters, and the highest was recorded in the white shot variety. Marketable yield and infested yield have significantly (p=0.05) differed among the different border crop treatments and the highest marketable yield was obtained from lemongrass border (T2) in both varieties. The plant protection parameters such as the number of damaged leaves per plant and damaged curds significantly differed among the border crops. The highest was recorded in the control (T4) treatment in Mareet variety. It can be concluded that lemongrass border and white shot variety can be recommended as the best treatment combination for cauliflower cultivation in the Kilinochchi district of Sri Lanka during the Maha season.
Production and optimization of bioethanol from over ripen sour banana fruit wastes (Musa sapientum) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Vivekanandaraja R. , Kapilan R.
Published: April 2022

This study was carried out to produce bioethanol from low quality over ripen Musa sapientum (sour banana) fruit wastes to enhance the yield of bioethanol. When the sour banana juice was inoculated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (2 g/L) in the fermentation media (100 mL, 8° Brix) composed of 10 g/L yeast extract, 10 g/L KH2PO4, 2 g/L (NH4)2SO4, 2 g/L peptone, and 0.5 g/L MgSO4·7H2O and fermented for 24h at 30 °C and 100 rpm, the ethanol yield was 0.8% v/v. When nitrogen sources urea, ammonium sulphate, ammonium carbonate, and ammonium nitrate were used in the fermentation media (2.0 g/100mL), significantly higher ethanol yield (p<0.05, 0.90%) was produced with ammonium carbonate. When yeast inoculum was increased to 5 g/L, the ethanol yield was significantly higher (p<0.05, 1.00%, 1.11 times) than the control. When the temperature was 25 °C, the ethanol yield was significantly increased (p<0.05) by 1.2 times the control temperature of 30 °C. When the rotation speed was 150 rpm, the ethanol yield was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the control (100 rpm). Ethanol yield was significantly higher (p<0.05, 0.15 times - 4.10 %) with 90% of banana juice. With 0.1 g/100mL of ammonium carbonate, ethanol yield was significantly increased by 1.1 times (p<0.05, 40 %) than the non-optimized control (0.2 g/100mL). Sucrose significantly stimulated ethanol yield than the other sugars. Fifteen grams per hundred milliliters of sucrose yielded significantly higher ethanol (p<0.05, 2.33 times) than the non-optimized control (2 g/100mL). When the pH of the medium was optimized at 6.0, the ethanol yield was significantly higher (p<0.05, 12.60%). Therefore, Musa sapientum could be an effective substrate for bioethanol production and optimization process increased the bioethanol yield significantly by 15.75 times (12.60% - 1.6°Brix).
Biological control of Freshwater Cyanobacterial blooms; A Review
Authors: Wijesooriya M. M. , Widanagamage S. M. K. , Masakorala K.
Published: April 2022

Outbreaks of cyanobacterial blooms in freshwaters have been increasingly reported worldwide during the last few decades. One of the major problems with cyanobacterial blooms is that some species can be toxic. Their toxins (cyanotoxins) can have mild to serious health effects on humans and animals due to direct contact or ingestion with drinking water and food. Due to the unavailability of efficient testing methods for cyanotoxins especially in developing countries, people may consume toxin contaminated water and foods. Non-toxic cyanobacterial blooms may cause other ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Therefore, physical and chemical control methods are currently being employed as direct control or removal of cyanobacterial blooms. However, due to some intrinsic adverse consequences of physical and chemical control of blooms on the ecosystem and high operational cost, biological control has gained attention as an alternative sustainable bloom management strategy. A diverse array of control agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, protozoa, flagellates, and macrophytes with the potential to terminate or suppress the growth of cyanobacteria have been isolated and identified from freshwater bodies in different parts of the world. Among the controlling agents, heterotrophic bacteria in the aquatic environment are of high interest owing to their high specificity on the targeted cyanobacteria and high survival ability during non-bloom conditions. Heterotrophic bacteria antagonize cyanobacteria either through direct contact or indirectly by the secretion of allelopathic compounds. The mechanisms of antagonism are known to be physiological and metabolic dysfunctions and transcriptional regulation of genes. In addition, there are some evidence to show regulation of antagonism through cell density-dependent quorum-sensing (QS) mechanisms. In response, cyanobacteria induce defensive mechanisms such as alteration of colony morphology and activation of chemical defences against microbial antagonists. This review article aimed to encompass the current status of knowledge on the biological control of freshwater cyanobacterial blooms and to highlight the existing knowledge gap in the available literature. We highlight that although a large number of microbial antagonists have been isolated, identified, and demonstrated their cyanobacteria lytic activity in the laboratory, their field application is still challenging. Understanding the spatial and temporal variations in antagonists and cyanobacteria in a particular aquatic ecosystem is essential for planning an effective bloom management strategy. We also highlight the necessity in expanding research focus towards novel strategies to enhance application potential and overcome existing challenges.