bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of the method of electroerosion treatment to improve the quality of the treated surface
Authors: Khafizov I I , Nurullin I G , Sadykov Z B
Published: August 2019

Intensive use of electrical discharge machining is currently determined by the very dynamic development of domestic engineering. The use of electrical discharge machining helps us to achieve the desired results, namely high machining accuracy, low surface roughness and low dependence of performance on the mechanical properties of the processed materials. Thus, the study of processes and tools of electrical discharge machining to improve the quality of machined parts is one of the urgent tasks.
Investigation of Properties of Electro-metallized Coatings Deposited by Supersonic Air Stream with Aerosol Fluxing
Authors: Kolomeichenko A V , Sharifullin S N , Logachev V N , Izmalkov A A
Published: August 2019

The article presents the results of studies of the effect of flux components on the adhesive strength, porosity and oil absorption of coatings obtained by supersonic arc metallization (EM) using aerosol fluxing (AF) deposited on 45G2 steel with a speed v = 400-410 m / s. Due to the use of AF in EM, the adhesion strength of electrometallization coatings (EM coatings) increases. The highest value of adhesive strength is 66 MPa. Porosity due to the use of AF decreases by 1.5 - 1.6 times, in comparison with EM coatings without AF. At the same time, the oil absorption of EM coatings using AF decreases 1.6–1.7 times. It is advisable to use EM coatings with AF when restoring worn-out parts for various purpose equipment, as well as for eliminating defects at the production stage.
Features of the formation of interdisciplinary competencies in engineering education
Authors: Kosmodemyanskaya S S , Gilmanshin I R , Azimov Yu I
Published: August 2019

The contradiction between the demands of employers and the insufficiently developed methodology for the formation of over-subject competencies of graduates of technical universities has been revealed. On the example of federal universities, the technology of forming “flexible skills” in mechanical engineering, allowing to be successful regardless of the specifics of a person’s professional activity, is considered.
Improving the efficiency of energy output from landfill gas by controlling the morphological composition of MSW
Authors: Sabirzyanov R G , Nurmatova N A , Galeeva A I , Gilmanshin I R , Gilmanshina S I
Published: August 2019

The change of the elemental composition and increase of the amount of waste, in particular MSW, is urgent environmental and socio-economical problem for Russia today. The main part of MSW is transported to landfills and utilized by inefficient or environmentally unsuitable disposal methods.
Intelligent management of supply chains and outsourcing in mechanical engineering under “Industry 4.0” conditions
Authors: Sabitov R A , Smirnova G S , Elizarova N U , Sabitov Sh R
Published: August 2019

Mechanical engineering industry has recently been seriously affected by achievements and progress of artificial intelligence and by extremely rapid evolution of Industry 4.0. Considering that the market will rapidly change in the coming decades, the only way to preserve and strengthen market positions for enterprises, is the transformation of production processes within the framework of new technological trends and integrated networked cluster ecosystems.
Promising processing technologies of glass-filled polyurethane materials
Authors: Shafigullin L N , Romanova N V , Gabdrakhmanov A T , Shabaeva E S , Sarimov D R
Published: August 2019

The review of modern methods of glass-filled polyurethane materials processing is presented. A possibility to use of glass-filled PU in the manufacture of interior parts with different surface textures (instrument panels, door trim, armrests) has been revealed.
Experimental study of the work of a temporary structure of a dismountable bar system
Authors: Shmelev G N , Khaidarov L I , Sabitov L S , Gimranov L R , Kashapov N F
Published: August 2019

Mobile spatial bar designs are widely used in the construction of temporary buildings and structures, such as scenes, stands, awnings, pavilions, etc. Such structures are statically indefinable and have gaps in the nodes of the connection. To study the actual work of such systems, an experimental study of the construction of the stage was carried out and a comparative analysis of the results of testing and calculation was performed.
Numerical study and calculation of the structures of the stands with canopies on the wind impact, taking into account the terrain
Authors: Shmelev G N , Sabitov L S , Galimullin I A , Khaidarov L I , Antonov A S
Published: August 2019

Operation of stands with canopies is possible under different landscape conditions, including conditions in areas with a slope or in areas with various obstacles that change the profile of the wind flow and, accordingly, affect the distribution of wind pressure acting on the surface of the canopy. Determination of the actual wind loads on the stands with a canopy is an important task due to the lack of appropriate schemes in the SP 20.13330.2016 “Loads and impacts”. The relevance of this problem is associated with the complexity of tests in specialized wind tunnels, as well as with the rapid development of computational fluid dynamics. In this regard, a numerical study of the aerodynamics of these structures was made in the software package ANSYS Fluent for the analysis of flows of liquids and gases. The article presents a comparison of the results with the schemes of wind pressure for awnings from SP 20.13330.2016 “Loads and effects” and Eurocode “Wind effects”. The obtained results were used for verification of similar calculation technologies and specialized software systems, addition of regulatory documents and for “adjustment” of newly commissioned wind tunnels (in order to optimize and improve the efficiency of tests).
Minimum density of irrigation of the rotor of a film centrifugal heat and mass-exchange apparatus
Authors: Zinnatullin N H , Zinnatullina G N , Haibullina A I , Sabitov L S , Kashapov N.F.
Published: August 2019

For anomalous-viscous centrifugal film based on the energy and moment approaches, equations for the critical fracture radius and minimum irrigation density are obtained. Experimental results are more consistent with data from the moment approach.
A vision of sustainable & smart knowledge based urban development in Iraqi cities: adopting GIS to determine knowledge capital elements and strategies in the city of Hila
Authors: Khafaji Rashaa M Al
Published: August 2019

The research seeks to explain the dimensions of development in cities according to the foundations and mechanisms of knowledge capital, especially urban capital, which contributes to enhancing the characteristics that create successful knowledge cities and support their strategies. A local case study was conducted to determine the potential of applying knowledge-based urban development strategies, and in accordance with the specific analytical framework for the characteristics and indicators of knowledge cities. The analytical framework for knowledge cities indicators will be adopted as a baseline for the analysis of the characteristics of the cluster and diversity. Two basic studies included: the structural plan for Babil province ( five phases prepared between 2009 and 2010), and the master plan for Hila 2006. A survey method applied to collect the required, and use the latest available statistics about the city. The master plan of the city was analyzed, updated for specific indicators through GIS method. Opportunities for development of two axes were developed in the center of the northern and southern university. Implementation of the cluster strategy. In the center of the ancient city of Babylon, with knowledge gathering support strategy, and knowledge capital indicators are monitored according to the framework tested to determine the course of the three strategies.
Influence of Curing Conditions and Filler Type on Mechanical Properties of Cold Asphalt Emulsion Mixtures
Authors: Al-Jumaili Mohammed Abbas , Abdulateef Shakoree Ahmad Saleem
Published: August 2019

Strength enhancement in cold asphalt emulsion mixtures (CAEMs) is continuing and reliant on the rate at which curing proceeds. The initial life strength is low and exhibits a challenge in asphalt pavement design. The solution can be made through subjecting the specimens to accelerate laboratory curing for achieving practical conditions. Kind of mineral filler, asphalt emulsion type, curing time and temperature, and moisture content is five major factors in early age advancement of designing properties. By studying these factors, there is a requisite to build up a curing system that simulates as reasonably as actual conceivable conditions of pavement during early life. This study examines the requirement for speeded curing strength that is reasonable by concentrate distinctive curing protocols and the impact on mechanical properties of cold asphalt emulsion mixes. The experimental configuration is cautiously chosen so as to the curing conditions incorporate protocols which are trailed by various literary works and furthermore circumstances that are required for simulating different times and temperatures. The examination incorporates both cement kiln dust (CKD) and limestone mineral filler (LMF) as a filler to be utilized in the blends. One of the findings of this study is, the inclusion of (CKD) leads to strong results better than those of lime stone mineral filler mixes.
Evaluation of vertical drain with different materials
Authors: Akhtarpour Ali , Mahmood Mohammed Sh , Alali Ameer
Published: August 2019

Accelerate the drainage process and consolidate saturated clay soils is important to achieve stability of the construction. Vertical drains, with a suitable grid and depth, the result of shortening the path of water flow inside the soil and soil consolidation rate increases from several years to several months. Sombar earth dam, a case study, in Gholaman village in North Khorasan province, Iran, is used to provide agricultural and drinking water in the area. The recent paper shows a comparison between the results of Sombar dam stability with vertical drains of two different materials using the Mohr-Coulomb model with the aid of GeoStudio 2012 computer software. The drains materials are sand and geotextile and the investigated parameters are permeability ratio (ky/kx), drains geometry and time of the dam construction. The results are presented as ratios, settlement ratio (SSAND/SGEOTEX) and safety factor ratio (FSSAND/FSGEOTEXT). The results revealed that there are clear increases in the consolidation settlement ratio, but, slightly increase in safety factors ratio using sand drains comparing to the geotextile. The ky/kx has a clear effect on settlement and factor of safety in sand drains.
Asphalt damage reservation due to self-repair: A literature review
Authors: Al-Mansoori T , Hussein J , Aziz H
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a comprehensive state-of-the-art study regarding the mechanism and enhancement of self-repair in asphalt pavement is presented. The review starts with defining the self-repair phenomenon as a natural property in asphalt materials that is associated with other properties such as the viscoelastic response. The difference between self-repair and the viscoelastic response is also presented. In addition, the factors influencing the self-repair mechanism (positively and negatively) are investigated. However, some of these factors remain vague and need to be investigated further. Furthermore, two enhancing self-repair processes, which are extrinsic technologies such as induction heating and encapsulated rejuvenators, are presented as alternative preventive maintenance applied to asphalt pavement. In conclusion, the self-repair could be achieved in an economic way in countries with hot climates, such as Iraq where temperature plays a significant positive role in enhancing the asphalt repair if enough rest period is provided, without the need to other extrinsic technologies to be applied.
Improvement Properties of Self -Healing Concrete by Using Bacteria
Authors: Hussein Z M , Abedali A H , Ahmead A S
Published: August 2019

The aim of this investigation, self-healing of cracks in concrete by using named Bacillus Subtilis bacteria isolated from agricultural soils and dry soil. Four concrete mixes include, one plain mix without bacteria, other mixes containing a different concentrations of bacteria 10 3, 106 and 109 cell/ml respectively were prepared. Hardened properties of concrete water absorption, ultrasonic plus velocity, and compressive strength at 7, 28, 60 and 90 days. Also concrete specimens applied to load 10% of compressive strength at 28 days were studied. The result indicate there is decrease in water absorption of (15-38)%, as well as the decrease in the concrete specimens of loading 10% of compressive strength of (23- 41%) relative to control concrete. Increase in compressive resistance of concretes specimens of (6- 20)%, (6-17)%, (8-22)% and (7-20)% for ages 7, 28, 60 and 90 days respectively, concrete specimens loaded by 10% of compressive strength, increased by (25-34%) and (34-39%) for 60 and 90 days relative to control concrete . It was observed that the UPV test of concrete specimens was increased. Scanning Electron Micrographic gave an increased in density, deposition of calcite carbonates in the voids and closure of the crack by precipitation of calcium carbonate layers was observed.
Influence of current density and electrodes spacing on reactive red 120 dye removal from dyed water using electrocoagulation/electroflotation (EC/EF) process
Authors: Abdulhadi B A , Kot P , Hashim K S , Shaw A , Khaddar R Al
Published: August 2019

The current study investigates the influence of the current density (CD) and electrodes gap (EG) on the removal of reactive red 120 dye (RR-120) from drinking water using electrocoagulation (EC) process. The influence of CD was studied by treating the dyed water at three different CDs (2, 4 and 6 mA/cm2). While the influence of EG was investigated at three EGs (5, 10, and 15 mm). The Results obtained showed that increasing the CD enhanced the removal of the dye. However, increasing the EG significantly decreased the dye removal efficiency. It was found that dye removal increased from 87% to 98%, as the CD increased from 2 to 6 mA/cm2, respectively. While increasing the EG from 5 to 15 mm decreased the dye removal from 96% to 80%, respectively.
Dissipation of Energy of Flow by Conventional Type of Gabion Weir
Authors: Al- Fawzy A M , Al- Mohammed F M
Published: August 2019

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of using the conventional (rectangular) shape of gabion weir in dissipating the energy of flow. For that a series of laboratory tests (25 experiments and 194 test runs) were conducted on the gabion weir by using of a laboratory flume of 12 m long by a cross section of 0.3 m width, and 0.5 m height to test five different lengths of the weir, (40 cm, 60 cm, 80 cm, 100 cm, and 120 cm), with five respective monosized samples of natural quarry gravel with diameters (9.5-14) mm, (14-19) mm, (19-25) mm, (25-37.5) mm, and (37.5-50) mm. The tests were conducted for a range of discharge (0.7-15.0) l/s. Dimensionless analysis was used to analyze the data by using Buckingham Pi-Theorem to find the relation between the difference in energy of gabion ends and the unit discharge. Beside, a comparison discharge was chosen to find the relation between the difference in energy of gabion ends and the other variables. Results of experiments showed that the difference in energy increase by increasing both the unit discharge and the length of the gabion weir and decrease by increasing the equivalent diameter of the gravel sample.
Hot Asphalt Mixture Characteristics with Nano-Metakaolin Materials
Authors: Kareem Mustafa A , Al-Hdabi Abbas , Al-Sahaf Nibras A , Hasan Laith F
Published: August 2019

In this research, Nano-metakaolin was used to investigate the achievable prospects to enhance asphalt mixture properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding Nano-Metakaolin on the properties of asphalt mix and comparing it with the local and international requirements, besides identifying the optimum percent of NMK to be incorporated in the hot mix asphalt. As a modifier to the bitumen several percentages of Nano-Metakaolin was used i.e. 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 20% by weight of bitumen. Modified asphalt binders were subjected to physical and conventional tests which were penetration, kinematic viscosity, softening point, and ductility. From these tests, optimum Nano-Metakaolin was 16%. After obtaining the optimum Nano-Metakaolin, two sets of asphalt concrete mixtures were prepared, the first was with the pure asphalt (control mixture) and the second was with the optimum Nano-Metakaolin i.e. 16% (modified mixes). The control and modified mixtures have been evaluated based on experimental tests, such as Marshall Stability (MS), Marshall flow, Marshall stiffness, Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) and Index of Retained Strength (IRS). The results for these tests indicated an improvement in the mechanical proprieties i.e. increased Marshall Stability, Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS), and index of retained strength. As a final result, the use of (16%) Nano-metakaolin by weight of asphalt enhanced asphalt concrete properties and produce durable mixtures for highway construction.
Performance of piled raft foundation supported by either connected or unconnected piles
Authors: Alhassani Athraa M J , Aljorany Ala Nasir
Published: August 2019

Piled raft is commonly used as foundation for high rise buildings. The design concept of piled raft foundation is to minimize the number of piles, and to utilize the entire bearing capacity. High axial stresses are therefore, concentrated at the region of connection between the piles and raft. Recently, an alternative technique is proposed to disconnect the piles from the raft in a so called unconnected piled raft foundation UCPR, in which a compacted soil layer (cushion) beneath the raft, is usually introduced. The piles of the new system are considered as reinforcement members for the subsoil. In the current study, the behavior of both connected and unconnected piled rafts systems has been studied experimentally. The effects of different factors, such as; the piles number and configuration, on the load settlement behaviour and pile load sharing are also investigated. The results indicate that when unconnected piles are used, the total settlement of the piled raft system is significantly reduced, and the pile load sharing considerably decrease, e.g., for piled raft with nine piles the total settlement has decreased by 35.6% and pile load sharing has decreased by 20.9%.
Experimental Investigation of Concrete Columns Enhanced by PVC Tubes
Authors: Raheemah Murtaza Allawi , Resan Sa’ad Fahad
Published: August 2019

An experimental investigation of PVC-concrete columns is presented to assess the efficiency of using PVC tube for enhancing strength and ductility of PVC-concrete columns. Study was conducted to assess provided PVC casing confinement mechanism efficiency for enhancing strength and ductility of considered PVC- concrete columns. To investigate the composite mechanism and confining mechanism of the PVC tube, fabricated specimens are tested under uniaxial compression loading in two modes of load application; composite mode and confining mode. The results showed that the composite mode columns exhibit more strength improving than those of confining mode. The upgrading rate in sustained loading resistance of composite mode columns varied from 2.25 to 1.56, while it was 2.07 to 1.55 for confining mode columns. The same comparison is entirely reversed in scope of ductility, where confining mode columns exhibited more axial and lateral deformations than the corresponding composite mode columns. The results are normalized in term of radial stress (fr
) and concrete compressive strength (f’
e
), determined enhanced confined concrete strength (f’
ee
) could be used to predicate plastic capacity of columns of different mechanism.
Properties of different types of concrete containing waste tires rubber- a review
Authors: Ali A S , Hasan T M
Published: August 2019

According to Rubber Manufacturer’s Association, about 270 million waste tires are produced in United States each year. Also about 300 million scrap tires are stockpiled at the United States. Significant development in transportation and an enormous increment in the quantity of vehicles create various issues, for example, environmental contamination. Many research studies utilized scrap tires rubber in different types of concrete mixes such as normal concrete and self-compacting concrete to produce rubberized concrete and self-compacting rubberized concrete.

This review paper presents important results and conclusions that obtained from previous studies which used waste tires rubber as aggregates (fine and coarse aggregates). The results showed that the mechanical properties (compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength) decreased by adding rubber particles. Also the fresh properties negatively affected as rubber contain was increased but stay in the acceptable limits. The failure mode of concrete change from brittle to ductile by incorporating scrap tires rubber in concrete.
Experimental study on torsional behavior of fiberious reifoced concrete beams with different concrete strength
Authors: Waryosh Waleed A. , mohaisen Saad Khalaf , Dkhel Raed Hamed
Published: August 2019

This study is intended to deal with twelve reinforced concrete beams cast into three categories of Concrete type with Normal, Self Compacted and High Strength Concrete. Two beams of each category have steel fibers and the other used as reference one. Test results are presented in graphs also listed in Tables. Test results indicated that, category of High Strength Concrete beams is the strongest category depending onto the ultimate load capacity and the highest stiffness, followed by the Self Compacted Concrete beams category then the Normal Strength Concrete beams category comes later, with an increase of about (3.6-5.3%). Increasing steel fibers contained in concrete beam section will rise the ultimate load capacity of fiberious concrete beam, an increase of about 36% has been obtained. Increasing steel fiber contained with increasing concrete compressive strength of the fiberious concrete section will help increasing the ultimate load capacity of beam, an increase of about 166% has been noted. Due to continuing in rising the steel fibers contained in fiberious concrete section, the rate of development of ultimate load capacity of the fiberious concrete beam will decrease.
Evaluation of the Dynamic Behavior of Green Concrete under Impact Load by Using CEB-FIP Code
Authors: Abdulabbas Zainab H. , Sahib Jumana H. , Bashboosh Nabaa N.
Published: August 2019

Growing environmental pollution, rapid depletion of natural resources (virgin), need for larger areas of landfill and the increased cost of landfill are the factors that led to focus on the recycling of concrete and the demolition of waste in the new concrete. The principle of recycling for sustainable construction was adopted during the present study by recycling plastic and glass waste as an alternative to aggregates in concrete. Eight concrete mixes were tested, and production of green concrete with waste content of 35% and residual strength about 83% was achieved. The dynamic properties of green concrete under impact load were calculated. Dynamic properties are very useful in the design of civil structures exposed to impact loads such as a gas explosion, runways, etc. CEB-FIP Model code (2010) show the most inclusive forms for expecting the strain rate development of concrete. The dynamic of compressive and flexural calculated by CEB-FIP models under strain rates range 10−2and 100. This range used to predict dynamic loads in structures of civil engineering within the quasi-static strain level.
Hydraulic conductivity estimation by using groundwater modelling system program for upper zone of Iraqi aquifers
Authors: Khayyun T S , Mahdi H H
Published: August 2019

Estimating of soil hydraulic conductivity was so important and essential parameter for designing systems. Hydraulic conductivity measurements need many activities beginning from extract samples. Therefore it is having been found costly and time-consuming. At the present time, geo-statistical ways were used to estimate the hydraulic conductivity on the basis of restricted data. The aim of this research is to characterize hydraulic conductivity for the upper zone of Iraqi aquifers using groundwater modelling system (GMS) software and to build two dimensions geo-statistical analysis model depending on the application of 868 wells.These wells were divided into 778 wells for building the model and 90 wells for the verification. The hydraulic conductivity parameter which was obtained from the geo-statistical analysis model results indicated that the best fitted theoretical model was the inverse distance weighted (IDW) model with a coefficient of determination (R2 ) equal to 87.43% and root mean square error (RMSE) equal to 1.853. Also, by conducting many trails, it was found that the optimal distance range for estimating the hydraulic conductivity was 3800 to 5000 meters. A comparison between the kriging and IDW interpolation methods indicated that both methods could estimate the hydraulic conductivity with good accuracy and less error.
Experimental investigation for the behavior of concrete slab rests on sandy soil contains cavities
Authors: Attiya Muhammad Abed , Aziz Laith Jawad , Makki Ola Mazen
Published: August 2019

Cavities formation into soil media is a very common problem that occurs in the gypseous soils (in which the gypsum content equals 2% and more). The gypsum dissolves by water flow leaching and leaves cavities in different shapes and sizes. In slab on grade system, the American concrete institute (ACI 360) recommends, the concrete slab transforms the load to the ground by about less than 50% of the allowable bearing capacity thereof, but when the soil contains cavities and excavation, the concrete slab behavior will change. In order to investigate the changing in behavior, twelve concrete slabs were prepared and tested on a soil media contains cavities. The investigated parameters were: cavity depth, steel wire reinforcement existence, bearing load plate shapes, and the load distributed parallel or perpendicular to the cavity. From the experimental results, it has been concluded that, the plain and reinforced concrete slab capacity decreases by (30.7%) and (7.4%) when a cylindrical continuous cavity forms at (30% mm) depth from the soil surface. However, when the cavity forms at a distance equal to (15%) from the soil surface, the plain and reinforced concrete slab capacity reduced by (70%) and (61%) respectively.
Assessment of Soil Tunnel Interaction in Sand Soil
Authors: Almashhadany Omar Yaseen , Albusoda Bushra Suhale
Published: August 2019

In this study, series of shaking table tests were carried out to investigate the effect of tunnel model depth and direction of ground acceleration on the ground surface settlement and the dynamic earth pressure on the tunnel wall. Box tunnel model is embedded in dry and saturated soil (Karbala Sand). It subjected to three input sinusoidal motions 0.05g, 0.1g, and 0.2g. Two relative densities were used, 30% for the upper layer and 70% for the lower layer. The results obtained indicate that the settlement of soil surface increases with an increase in ground acceleration. The increase in tunnel model depth leads to an increase in settlement especially at 0.2g earthquake loading (for saturated and dry soil). The change of direction of seismic loading leads to a small change in the settlement for dry soil. The results appear that dynamic earth pressure (DEP) was positive in dry soil and negative in saturated soil in all test. In saturated soil, the effect of direction of ground acceleration and depth of tunnel model on DEP in 0.2g is quite little.
Effect of Partial Replacement with Crushed Concrete on Settlement and Bearing Capacity of Soft clay
Authors: Mohammed Al-Waily Maki Jafar
Published: August 2019

This paper aims to examine the effect of partial replacement with crushed concrete as a recycled material to enhance the bearing capacity and to decrease the settlement of soft clay. To clarify the effect of scale factor, four cubic steel soil tank with four dimensions of (250 x 250 x 250) mm; (300 x 300 x 300) mm;(400 x 400 x 400) mm; and (500 x 500 x 500) mm are used to carry out the experimental works, by using a foursizes for each square and strip footings with varying the depth of replacement (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 width of square footing) and (0.33, 0.67 and 1 width of strip footing).The effect of replacement wasevaluated with regard to settlement control and bearing capacity. It is found from results of experimental works that a significant decreasing in settlement and increasing in bearing capacity of treated soil with increasing the depth of the partial replacement layer for both square and strip footing compared to untreated soil. The study also shows that the use of partial replacement layer with a depth of 0.4 B for strip footings results in reducing the settlements by an averaged percentage of 72 % and increasing the bearing capacity with an average of 96%. Also the results demonstrates that clear increasing in bearing capacity for all depth of replacement under square footing with indistinct in settlement
Application of the design code for steel fibre reinforced concrete into finite element software
Authors: Dlouhý L , Pouillon S
Published: August 2019

Steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) is more and more used as construction material. Well-known are applications for industrial floors. Nevertheless, this material is also widely used in structural concrete elements where it is especially effective to cover crack widths in combination with standard conventional reinforcement. Currently there is no general part in Eurocode 2 [1] for buildings regarding steel fibre concrete. There are various standards and recommendations for the calculation of the steel fibre contribution. One of the most applied publications is the German guideline DAfStb [2] which was used as a basis for the numerical analysis outlined in this paper. Thus, company SCIA N.V. together with Bekaert N.V. as producer of DRAMIX® fibres developed a special tool for designing and checking SFRC structures. This tool was built in into finite element software SCIA Engineer and based on the German guideline. To gain a fundamental understanding of the structural behaviour, we have also developed non-linear FEM models, which contain a built-in module for SFRC structures. Numerical simulation results are compared to experimental performance of SFRC slab on piles of the Nanhui project in Shanghai in terms of ultimate load and crack pattern.
Properties of cement-lime render containing perlite as lightweight aggregate
Authors: Pokorný J , Pavlíková M , Pavlík Z
Published: August 2019

Lightweight renders with improved thermal performance, resistant against moisture and respecting specific behaviour of original plasters and substrates became attractive materials for surface finishing of both historical and old wall structures. In this respect, structural, mechanical and thermal properties of cement-lime based renders containing a different amount of perlite as fine silica sand substitution are researched in the presented paper. Experimental tests conducted for 28 days samples showed significant lightening of hardened renders with increased perlite content in their fresh mix. Gained strength parameters were, because of higher total open porosity of perlite enriched samples, lower compared with reference material. On the other hand, newly developed lightweight renders exhibited improved thermal insulation performance due to the highly porous perlite particles. In summary, cement-lime renders with incorporated lightweight aggregate based on expanded perlite were considered as alternative and promising materials for application in repair and restoration of historical masonry.
Behaviour of recycled aggregates RC columns strengthened with CFRP under uniaxial compressive loadings
Authors: Khan A R , Fareed S
Published: August 2019

The recent development in the construction industry has significantly influenced the socio-economic growth and the built environment of the mega cities around the globe. However, these developments have also resulted in millions of tonnes of construction demolition waste, which is mainly dumped, in the already populated landfills. As a result, the construction waste is not only causing a threat to the natural resources but also to the already deteriorating environment. Over recent past, studies have been conducted which investigated the use of concrete based construction waste as recycled coarse aggregates in preparing concrete for structural purposes. Based on these studies, in general it was found that the concrete compressive strength decreases with the increase in the percentage of recycled aggregates. Furthermore, studies have also been carried out in which use of Carbon Fiber Polymers wrapped along the outer surfaces of the structural elements resulted in significant increase of load carrying capacity. Therefore, in this study, investigation aims at the behaviour of reinforced concrete columns made with recycled aggregates and wrapped with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers under uniaxial static compressive loading. For this purpose, 12 rectangular specimens having cross section dimensions of 150mm x 300mm and height of 600mm reinforced both longitudinally and transversely were used. The specimens were made with three different mixes of concrete having 0%, 30% and 50% of recycled aggregates. It was found that the recycled aggregates reinforced concrete specimens wrapped with CFRP exhibited higher compressive loads as compared to their corresponding specimens made with natural aggregates.
Utilization of recycled plastic for plastic-based concrete
Authors: Horáková A , Novák J
Published: August 2019

The environmental aspects of sustainable development in the construction industry consist in the utilization of secondary raw materials in a design and construction of new structures. The fact that China significantly reduced the import of plastic waste in 2017 raises the question of dealing with this waste in other states. A complicated recycling process of waste plastics puts pressure on scientific community to find new, more efficient ways of using this waste. The paper deals with the behaviour and mechanical properties of a completely innovative material called waste plastic-based concrete composed of natural aggregate and plastic waste which replaces cement as a binder. The completely unique composition of this concrete required to firstly test production technology and subsequently to conduct standard quasi-static experimental tests to obtain basic knowledge about the behaviour and mechanical properties of this composite. The obtained knowledge show that special attention must be paid to the production of the material which takes place under elevated temperature. The investigated composite has a relatively high tensile strength compared to conventional concrete and brittle fracture behaviour. In the next phases of the research the optimization of the production technologies and the composition of the composite will be provided.
Visualization and analysis of concrete specimens damage after fire and blast experiments
Authors: Štefan R , Foglar M
Published: August 2019

The paper is focused on visualization and analysis of concrete specimen damage after fire and blast experiments. A data visualization tool, based on an in-house MATLAB code, is described and its applicability and versatility are illustrated. In the first illustrative example, concrete spalling of fire exposed floor slab panels made of various types of concrete (without fibres, with polypropylene fibres, with steel fibres) is analysed. In the second example, the results of ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements of concrete bridge decks before and after blast experiments are shown in order to investigate the blast resistance of the decks made of different types of materials and to illustrate the damage of the decks in the form of the material degradation, surface spalling and puncture. The developed data visualization tool has been included in a freely available scientific computer program with a graphical user interface.
Classical general relativity effects to second order in mass, spin, and quadrupole moment
Authors: Arce-Gamboa J R , Frutos-Alfaro F
Published: August 2019

In this contribution, we calculate the light deflection, perihelion shift, time delay and gravitational redshift using an approximate metric that contains the Kerr metric and an approximation of the Erez-Rosen spacetime. The results were obtained directly using (Mathematica 2018 Wolfram Research, Inc., Version 11.3, Champaign). The results agree with the ones presented in the literature, but they are extended until second order terms of mass, angular momentum and mass quadrupole. The inclusion of the mass quadrupole is done by means of the metric; no expansion of the gravitational potential as in the parameterized post-Newtonian is required.
Excess phosphorus from compost applications in urban gardens creates potential pollution hotspots
Authors: Small Gaston , Shrestha Paliza , Metson Geneviève Suzanne , Polsky Katherine , Jimenez Ivan , Kay Adam
Published: August 2019

Urban sustainability initiatives often encompass such goals as increasing local food production, closing nutrient loops through recycling organic waste, and reducing water pollution. However, there are potential tradeoffs among these desired outcomes that may constrain progress. For example, expansion of urban agriculture for food production may create hotspots of nutrient pollution if nutrient recycling is inefficient. We used gardener and urban farmer survey data from the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (Minnesota, USA) to characterize phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) inputs and harvest in order to determine nutrient use efficiencies, and measured soil P concentrations at a subset of these sites to test whether excess soil P was common. All survey respondents (n = 142) reported using some form of soil amendment, with plant-based composts being the most common. Median application rates were 300 kg P/ha and 1400 kg N/ha. Median nutrient use efficiencies were low (2.5% for P, 5.0% for N) and there was only a weak positive relationship between P and N inputs and P and N harvested in crop biomass. Garden soils had a median Bray P value of 80 ppm, showing a buildup of plant-available P far exceeding recommended levels. Our results show that urban gardens are characterized by high nutrient inputs and inefficient conversion of these nutrients into crops, leading to buildup and potential loss of P and N from garden soils. Although urban gardens make up only 0.1% of land area in the Twin Cities, compost application to these urban gardens still constitutes one of the largest inputs of P to the watershed. In order to maximize desired outcomes from the expansion of urban agriculture (UA), it will be necessary to target soil amendments based on soil nutrient levels and crop nutrient demand.
Probing magnetism via spin dynamics in graphene/2D-ferromagnet heterostructures
Authors: Cummings Aron W
Published: August 2019

The recent discovery of two-dimensional magnetic insulators has generated a great deal of excitement over their potential for nanoscale manipulation of spin or magnetism. One intriguing use for these materials is to put them in contact with graphene, with the goal of making graphene magnetic while maintaining its unique electronic properties. Such a system could prove useful in applications such as magnetic memories, or could serve as a host for exotic states of matter. Proximity to a magnetic insulator will alter the spin transport properties of graphene, and the strength of this interaction can be probed with Hanle spin precession experiments. To aid in the analysis of such experiments, in this work we derive an explicit expression for Hanle spin precession in graphene interfaced with a ferromagnetic insulator whose magnetization points perpendicular to the graphene plane. We find that this interface results in a shifted and asymmetric Hanle response, and we discuss how this behavior can be used to interpret measurements of spin transport in these systems.
Intracranial Atherosclerosis and Stage 1 Hypertension Defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline
Authors: Nam Ki-Woong , Kwon Hyung-Min , Jeong Han-Yeong , Park Jin-Ho , Kwon Hyuktae , Jeong Su-Min
Published: August 2019

Background

In 2017, the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) released a new, stricter definition of stage 1 hypertension which was previously considered prehypertension. However, impacts of the novel stage 1 hypertension on deleterious target-organ outcomes are still controversial. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between this newly defined stage 1 hypertension and the presence of intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) lesions in neurologically healthy participants.

Methods

We assessed consecutive participants in routine health checkups between January 2006 and December 2013. Blood pressure (BP) was classified according to the 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline, and ICAS was defined as occlusion or ≥50% stenosis of intracranial vessels on flight magnetic resonance angiography.

Results

Among 3,111 healthy participants (mean age: 56 years, sex: 54% men), 85 (3%) had ICAS lesions. In multivariate analysis, stage 1 hypertension (adjusted odds ratio: 2.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.10–5.51, P = 0.029) remained an independent predictor of ICAS after adjustment for confounders. Stage 2 hypertension showed a higher odds ratio and a lower P value, indicating a dose–response effect. Age and HbA1c level were also significantly associated with ICAS, independent of the BP categories. The ICAS lesion burden showed a dose–response effect across the BP categories (P for trend <0.001), whereas ICAS lesion location did not (P for trend = 0.699).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that stage 1 hypertension, defined according to the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, was associated with a higher prevalence and burden of ICAS lesions in a neurologically healthy population.
Augmenting Renal Lymphatic Density Prevents Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension in Male and Female Mice
Authors: Balasubbramanian Dakshnapriya , Gelston Catalina A Lopez , Lopez Alexandra H , Iskander Geina , Tate Winter , Holderness Haley , Rutkowski Joseph M , Mitchell Brett M
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Renal inflammation and immune cell infiltration are characteristic of several forms of hypertension. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated that renal-inflammation-associated lymphangiogenesis occurs in salt-sensitive and nitric-oxide-inhibition-induced hypertension. Moreover, enhancing renal lymphatic density prevented the development of these two forms of hypertension. Here, we investigated the effects of angiotensin II-induced hypertension on renal lymphatic vessel density in male and female mice.

METHODS

Wild-type and genetically engineered male and female mice were infused with angiotensin II for 2 or 3 weeks. Isolated splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages from mice, and commercially available mouse lymphatic endothelial cells were used for in vitro studies.

RESULTS

Compared to vehicle controls, angiotensin II-infused male and female mice had significantly increased renal lymphatic vessel density in association with pro-inflammatory immune cells in the kidneys of these mice. Direct treatment of lymphatic endothelial cells with angiotensin II had no effect as they lack angiotensin II receptors; however, angiotensin II treatment of splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages induced secretion of the lymphangiogenic growth factor VEGF-C in vitro. Utilizing our genetic mouse model of inducible renal lymphangiogenesis, we demonstrated that greatly augmenting renal lymphatic density prior to angiotensin II infusion prevented the development of hypertension in male and female mice and this was associated with a reduction in renal CD11c+F4/80- monocytes.

CONCLUSION

Renal lymphatics play a significant role in renal immune cell trafficking and blood pressure regulation, and represent a novel avenue of therapy for hypertension.
Inanimation: A network of feeling and perception
Authors: Ravasio Matteo
Published: August 2019

We often use terms primarily concerned with the description of inanimate objects in order to characterize psychological states or dispositions, without being able to specify the connection between the two uses. I call this inanimation. In this paper, I propose an account of inanimation and of its connection to expressiveness.
LightDock goes information-driven
Authors: Roel-Touris Jorge , Bonvin Alexandre M J J , Jiménez-García Brian
Published: August 2019

Motivation

The use of experimental information has been demonstrated to increase the success rate of computational macromolecular docking. Many methods use information to post-filter the simulation output while others drive the simulation based on experimental restraints, which can become problematic for more complex scenarios such as multiple binding interfaces.

Results

We present a novel method for including interface information into protein docking simulations within the LightDock framework. Prior to the simulation, irrelevant regions from the receptor are excluded for sampling (filter of initial swarms) and initial ligand poses are pre-oriented based on ligand input information. We demonstrate the applicability of this approach on the new 55 cases of the Protein–Protein Docking Benchmark 5, using different amounts of information. Even with incomplete or incorrect information, a significant improvement in performance is obtained compared to blind ab initio docking.

Availability and implementation

The software is supported and freely available from https://github.com/brianjimenez/lightdock and analysis data from https://github.com/brianjimenez/lightdock_bm5.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
MEPSAnd: minimum energy path surface analysis overn-dimensional surfaces
Authors: Marcos-Alcalde Iñigo , López-Viñas Eduardo , Gómez-Puertas Paulino
Published: August 2019

n-dimensional energy surfaces are becoming computationally accessible, yet interpreting their information is not straightforward. We present minimum energy path surface analysis over n-dimensional surfaces (MEPSAnd), an open source GUI-based program that natively calculates minimum energy paths across energy surfaces of any number of dimensions. Among other features, MEPSAnd can compute the path through lowest barriers and automatically provide a set of alternative paths. MEPSAnd offers distinct plotting solutions as well as direct python scripting.

Availability and implementation

MEPSAnd is freely available (under GPLv3 license) at: http://bioweb.cbm.uam.es/software/MEPSAnd/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.