Balanced Sections Research Articles

Balanced Switchable Bandpass Filter With All‐Port Reflectionless and Common‐Mode Suppression Characteristics

ABSTRACTA novel balanced switchable bandpass filter with all‐port reflectionless characteristics is proposed in this paper. The balanced switchable bandpass filter comprises a balanced switchable filtering section with bandpass response and two absorptive networks. The absorptive network proposed in this paper adopts only one structure to achieve both differential‐ and common‐mode reflectionless characteristics. The proposed switchable resonators in the filtering section and the proposed absorption networks excited under even‐ and odd‐modes are analyzed in detail. For the purpose of verification, a prototype is manufactured based on the simulated results, and it has a good consistency. The experimental results exhibit that the proposed balanced bandpass filter exhibits a differential‐mode bandpass filtering function and all‐port reflectionless performance in the ON‐state, differential‐mode isolation function, common‐mode suppression, and reflectionless behavior in the OFF‐state, which verifies the feasibility of the design theory.

Structural evolution and exhumation events recorded in the Huingancó Granodiorite, Cordillera del Viento, Southern Central Andes, Argentina

This study seeks to unravel the exhumation history of Permian granodiorites corresponding to the Huingancó volcano-plutonic Complex in the southern sector of the Cordillera del Viento (∼37°S), located within the Chos Malal fold-thrust belt. In this context, mineral chemistry analyses were conducted on the granodiorites using electron microprobe data to infer the P-T conditions of emplacement, resulting in 700–900 °C and pressures ranging between 1 and 2.4 kbar. Employing a geostatic gradient of 3.7 km/kbar, these values give an estimate of emplacement depths between 4 and 9 km. In order to understand their exhumation path, five samples from the Huingancó Granodiorite were taken along the Huaraco creek on the western flank of the Cordillera del Viento anticline to perform apatite fission track (AFT) analysis. This analysis yielded new cooling ages for the study area ranging between 50 and 80 Ma. Furthermore, inverse thermal modeling using the fission track data revealed two significant exhumation events during the Andean cycle: one during the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene and the other in Miocene times, separated by a period of gradual cooling or stability during Eocene-Oligocene times. These important cooling events are associated with the main construction phases of the Cordillera del Viento. Finally, to characterize its deformation evolution, a structural kinematic model is proposed based on a balanced structural section and its reconstruction to its non-deformed pre-Cretaceous state. The resulting model allows us to identify the structures and mechanisms of uplift rising the Cordillera del Viento, and their association with the main exhumation events depicted in the inverse thermal modeling. The main structure of the Cordillera del Viento corresponds to a fault bending fold that involves the basement in the deformation. Subsequently, its insertion as an intracutaneous wedge is related with the development of the thin-skinned structures at the internal sector of the Chos Malal fold and thrust belt.

Electrochemical machining of titanium alloy blades using optimized cathode with built-in insulators

ABSTRACT The passivation characteristics of titanium alloys in electrolytes are often the main reason that impede the electrochemical reaction process. Hence, maintaining uniform electrochemical dissolution is a prerequisite for stable electrochemical machining (ECM) of titanium alloys. In this study, a novel cathode structure with built-in insulator is proposed, whichimproves machining stability of titanium alloys in ECM. Flow dynamics simulation results show that the cathodes with built-in insulator 1 or insulator 3 demonstrate more uniform flow effect. ECM experiments reveal that the optimized cathode can reduce the time of current from transition section to balance section, presenting a optimal transition time of 180 s. Compared with the original cathode, the sample surface machined using the optimized cathode is smooth without defects. Additionally, the optimal width of the non-processing stray corrosion area decreases from 603.47 μm to 214.54 μm, and 1010.47 μm to 349.25 μm. The optimal machining taper angle is 9.85°.

Experimental investigation of the effect of longitudinal tensile reinforcement ratio on ductility behaviour in GPC beams

This research first determined the strength of the cylindrical geopolymer concrete materi- als under compressive stresses. Secondly, conventional and geopolymer-reinforced concrete beams were manufactured in different reinforcement ratios, and their mechanical properties were compared under bending. The main aim of this study is to experimentally compare the effect of reinforcement ratio on the ductility behavior of an alkali-activated geopolymer con- crete (GPC) beam with that of an ordinary Portland cement (OPC) beam. First, balanced reinforcement calculations were made considering the mechanical properties obtained from the material tests. The load-displacement, moment-curvature, and crack development results obtained from beam tests are interpreted with this information. OPC and GPC beams exhibit- ed similar strength and crack development behavior. However, the behavior of GPC and OPC concretes differs regarding the ductility index. Therefore, to achieve similar ductility in the conduct of GPC and OPC beams, the balanced reinforcement ratio and section dimensions of GPC beams should be chosen to be larger than OPC.

Functional evaluation of physical performance, gait, balance and activities of daily living in older individuals with long COVID syndrome.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the physical performance, balance, gait and activities of daily living (ADL) of older individuals with long COVID syndrome (LCS). A total of 124 individuals (49% women) with a mean age of 71.8 ± 5.8 years were included in the study. Participants were divided into two groups, older individuals with LCS in the LCS group and older individuals who were not diagnosed with COVID-19 in the CON (control) group. Physical performance of participants was evaluated with the Alusti Test, balance and gait assessment was evaluated with the Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment (TBGA), and ADL were evaluated with the Barthel Index (BI). In the evaluations between groups, the mean score of active muscular mobility of right and left upper extremities, transfer supine position to sitting, trunk in sitting position and standing, which are among the subparameters of the Alusti Test, were statistically significantly lower in LCS compared to CON (p < .05). TBGA total score and gait section mean score of TBGA were statistically significantly lower in LCS than in CON (p < .05). There was no significant difference between the groups in the balance section of the TBGA and the mean BI scores (p > .05). It was concluded that physical performance parameters related to active muscular mobility of the upper extremity, transfer supine position to sitting, trunk in sitting position and walking in LCS were negatively affected by the disease, but this did not affect the level of balance and independence in ADL.

An intelligent human‐centric systems to diagnose breast cancer using machine learning and optimized feature selection techniques

AbstractAll over the world, breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women. Computer‐aided methods can assist in early diagnosis. The proposed approach used SMOTE filter with Ch2 test techniques for class balance and feature section using eight different ML models Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM) with Linear and Radial Basis Function (RBF), Logistic Regression (LR), K‐nearest neighbor (KNN) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). A Ch2 test determines the top five features—glucose, HOMA, resistin, BMI, and insulin. Metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1‐Score are used to compare the performance of models. More than 99% accuracy was achieved by the proposed XGBoost model. Compared to the other breast cancer prediction models, the proposed model had an average accuracy improvement of 9.30%. As a result of our proposed model, breast cancer diagnosis will be more efficient based on risk factors. The proposed prediction model can also predict various breast cancer features. In addition to improving diagnostic decision‐support systems, the proposed model should be able to predict breast cancer disease accurately.

Validation of the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (Tinetti Test) Scale in Russia for Stroke Patients

INTRODUCTION. Balance disturbances are frequent syndromes after a cerebral stroke (CS). The availability of a validated tool for balance and walking functions comprehensive assessments is very important part of real clinical practice, for rehabilitation diagnosis and individual medical rehabilitation plan.&#x0D; AIM. To determine the psychometric properties of the Motor Activity Performance Assessment Scale (Tinetti Test, TT) for measuring balance and walking in patients with ischemic stroke (IS).&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS. 200 patients were included, 100 in the early (ERP) and 100 in the late (LRP) recovery periods of IS. The average age of patients was 55 [51; 57] years. The average of IS-duration were 99.3 ± 30.9 days (ERP) and 267.7 ± 27.8 days (LRP). Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients in two groups were comparable. The median and interquartile interval of TT were 20 [14; 24] points out of 28 possible. Content validity and intra-rater reliability were assessed by 10 clinicians. The test-retesting method was used to determine the intra-rater reliability. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Stand Up and Go for Time (TUG), and the 10-meter walk test (10MWT) were used for concurrent validation.&#x0D; RESULTS. Two-stage linguistic and cultural adaptation made it possible to construct a Russian-language version of TT that was tested in a pilot study of 30 patients. The subsequent study of the psychometric properties of TT demonstrated high level of content validity and internal consistency of TT (α-Kronbach: 0.74 for TT-Balance and 0.72 for TT-Gait). BBS data significantly correlated with TT-Balance scores (r = 0.73, p = 0.001), TUG showed a negative correlation with TT-Gait (r = −0.69, p = 0.02). Retest reliability ranged from 0.72 to 0.86. The Bland-Altman plot showed the loss of one data point for TT-total beyond 95 % CI.&#x0D; DISCUSSION. The Tinetti test indicates high substantive validity and internal consistency of the scales (the α-Kronbach for the balance and walking sections are 0.74 and 0.72, respectively), which is consistent with the data of foreign authors.&#x0D; CONCLUSION. The linguistic and cultural adaptation and psychometric testing of the Russian version of the Motor Activity Performance Assessment Scale demonstrated the validity and reliability of this test as a tool for balance and walking assessment in patients with IS.

The Nonlinear Dynamics of a MEMS Resonator with a Triangular Tuning Comb.

The nonlinear dynamic response of a MEMS resonator with a triangular tuning comb is studied. The motion equation with dis-smooth tuning electrostatic force is derived according to Newton's second law. The analytical solution of the periodic response is obtained using the harmonic balance method and section integral method. The singularity theory is then applied to investigate the bifurcation of the periodic response of the untuned system. The transition sets on the DC-AC voltage plane dividing the planes into several persistent regions are obtained. The bifurcation diagrams' topological structures and jump phenomena corresponding to different parameter regions are analyzed. We explore the effects of tuning voltage on the response. This demonstrates that the amplitude-frequency curves present more hardening characteristics with increased tuning voltage. Many twists, bifurcation points, and unstable solutions appear, leading to complicated jump phenomena. Two bifurcation points exist on the response curves: the smooth and dis-smooth bifurcation points, with the latter occurring on the switching plane of non-uniform fingers.

Developing a serious game for gaze stability rehabilitation in children with vestibular hypofunction

BackgroundChildren with vestibular hypofunction (VH) may have gaze instability, balance disorders, and delayed postural-motor development. Gaze stabilization exercises (GSE) are designed to improve dynamic visual acuity (DVA). We aimed to assess the acceptability of a serious game prototype called Kid Gaze Rehab (KGR) designed to implement GSE training in children with VH, combined with traditional vestibular rehabilitation. Effects on DVA and motor performance were also analyzed.MethodsTwelve children (6 to 9 years old) were included. Sessions were held at the hospital twice a week, for 5 weeks. An adapted French version of The Child Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) and the Face Scale Pain-Revised (FPS-R) were used to assess pain in the cervical region and undesirable side effects after each session. Vestibular and motor function parameters (active and passive DVA and Movement Assessment Battery for Children–Second Edition, MABC-2) were assessed before and after the training.ResultsAll children included completed the 10 sessions. The FPS-R visual analog scale and SSQ showed good cervical tolerance and no oculomotor or vegetative adverse effects nor spatial disorientation. After training, active DVA scores were significantly improved for the right, left, and up directions (p < 0.05). Passive DVA scores were significantly improved for the left and down directions (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). MABC-2 scores were improved in the balance and ball skill sections (p < 0.05).ConclusionAn innovative pediatric training method, the use of a dedicated serious game for gaze stabilization was well-tolerated as a complement to conventional vestibular rehabilitation in children with VH. Moreover, both DVA and motor performance were found to improve in the study sample. Although replication studies are still needed, serious game-based training in children with VH could represent a promising rehabilitation approach for years to come.Trial registrationThe study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by an Institutional Review Board (local ethics committee, CPP Sud-Est IV, ID 2013–799). The study protocol was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04353115).

Structural geometry and kinematic evolution of the central Canadian Rocky Mountain Foothills fold-and-thrust belt: Complex kinematic relationships controlled by detachment utilization

Abstract Balanced regional cross sections based on surface, seismic, and subsurface data show that the thin-skinned fold-and-thrust belt in the Rocky Mountain Foothills of the Kakwa area of the central Canadian Rockies consists of a lower buried thrust belt developed in Paleozoic and Triassic strata and an upper exposed faulted fold belt of Jurassic to Cretaceous strata. Changes in fold wavelength, amplitude, and geometry with stratigraphic level indicate that multiple detachments were utilized in the upper faulted fold belt. Exposed folds are chevron or box shaped. Most appear to be detachment or fault propagation folds formed by fault-to-fold displacement transfer. Geometric and kinematic relationships in the upper faulted fold belt vary from thrust faults congruently folded by underlying folds (early fault) to folds abruptly truncated by thrust faults (late fault). In contrast, folding of thrust sheets in the buried thrust belt is consistent with in-sequence deformation for all faults except one. A sequential restoration of the balanced regional cross section shows that the variable kinematic relationships observed in the upper faulted fold belt can be explained by changes in the detachment level utilized by successive faults as they climbed out of the buried thrust belt. Chevron-folded thrust faults indicate a younger fault with associated fault displacement transfer folds formed in the footwall of an older fault. These folded thrusts formed by in-sequence faulting and utilization of successively higher detachment levels. Late faults that truncate preexisting folds required out-of-sequence (hinterlandward) utilization of a higher detachment level, and they illustrate another mechanism by which critical taper is maintained in a fold-and-thrust belt.

Distribution, evolution and structural properties of Wushenqi paleo-uplift in Ordos Basin, NW China

This paper depicts the distribution of the Wushenqi paleo-uplift in the Ordos Basin by using the latest drilling and seismic data, and analyzes the tectonic evolution of the paleo-uplift with the support of Bischke curve and balanced section. The compressional Wushenqi paleo-uplift which developed in the Early Caledonian orogeny (Huaiyuan orogeny) is approximately a ellipse extending in S-N direction. Its long axis is about 194 km and short axis is about 55–94 km in nearly W-E direction. The denudation thickness and area of the Cambrian in the core are 170–196 m and 11 298 kmbrespectively. It was mainly formed during the Huaiyuan orogeny according to the chronostratigraphic framework. It was in the embryonic stage in the Middle–Late Cambrian, denuded after developed obviously at the end of Late Cambrian. The paleo-uplift of the 3rd member of the Ordovician Majiagou Formation was reactivated and reduced in area. In the sedimentary period of the Ma4 Member–pre-Carboniferous, the paleo-uplift experienced non-uniform uplift and denudation. It entered the stable period of burial and preservation in the Carboniferous and later period. The Wushenqi paleo-uplift was formed on the weak area of the basement and tectonic belts, into an compressional structure with irregular morphology, under the control of the non-coaxial compression in the south and north and the stress transmitted by the uplift in the basin. The Wushenqi paleo-uplift has a controlling effect on the sedimentary reservoirs and hydrocarbon accumulation.

Analytical load-moment (P-M) interaction diagram for GFRP-reinforced rectangular concrete column in uniaxial bending

The commercially available Glass Fiber-Reinforce Polymer (GFRP) structural sections and reinforcing bars have high durability, low self-weight, and low maintenance costs. As a result, they are expanding their opportunities by replacing structural steel sections and reinforcing bars in corrosive environments. The current study presents a mechanics-based analytical derivation for the load-moment (P-M) interaction diagram of rectangular concrete columns in uniaxial bending reinforced with steel reinforcement and GFRP bars. The approach incorporates strain compatibility, force equilibrium, and the constitutive relations of the materials into the derivation. In addition, a parametric study analyzed the effects of the percentage of longitudinal reinforcement, concrete strength, and cover thickness. The P-M curve for GFRP reinforced column deviate from the conventional form with increased value of axial load and moment at balance section. Additionally, the balance moment value surpasses the value given by the steel reinforced column for higher reinforcement. Increasing the concrete compressive strength and decreasing the cover thickness has same effect on steel reinforced and GFRP reinforced column.[Copyright information to be updated in the production process]

20-40대 한국 남녀 성인의 밀키트 이용실태와 영양지수

Background/Objects: This study was conducted in order to investigate the relationship between the frequency of using meal kits and the Nutrition Quotient (NQ) of adult men and women by age group.&#x0D; Methods: An online survey was conducted on 301 people (170 females/131 males; age group 138/20s, 82/30s, 81/40s; using frequency, 70 in high-frequency/166 in low-frequency) nationwide.&#x0D; Results: The usage status was compared by gender More of high-frequency group (57.1%) and in the high-age group (57.8%) purchased meal kits online market, regardless of gender. The rate of spending ‘more than 13,000 won' on purchases was high among men (52.1%), 40s (59.4%), and high-frequency group (65.7%). When purchasing meal kits, the first priority was ‘taste' in both gender, but the second priority was ‘convenience' in men and ‘contents' for women. The purpose of purchasing meal kits ‘family meal’ was ranked first for both gender, but ‘meals while traveling' (9.2%) and ‘snacks' (11.7%) ranked second for women and men, respectively. Without difference by gender, age group, or frequency of use, the most answered reasons for using meal kits were ‘simple cooking', followed by ‘short cooking time' &gt; cheaper than eating-out &gt; various menu &gt; shorter shopping time &gt; sense of accomplishment of cooking by myself &gt; convenient storage and the most frequently using menu was soup/tang/stew, followed by noodles &gt; rice &gt; snacks &gt; side dishes &gt; salads. The frequency of using meal kits was positively associated with NQ in balance section for men in their 30s and women in their 40s and negatively with that in moderation section, especially for men in their 30s and 40s and women in their 40s.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results suggested that frequent meal kit eaters need to be educated on the quality of meals and eating behaviors to keep in mind.

Structural evolution characteristics and genesis of buried hill faults in the Chengdao–Zhuanghai area

The buried hills in the Chengdao–Zhuanghai area are rich in oil and gas resources, and their structures exhibit complex styles with unique evolutionary characteristics. Based on the most recent exploration progress in this region, the structural characteristics and active parameters of the buried hill faults in this region were quantitatively analyzed using the balanced section technique. In addition, the structural evolution process of the study area was reproduced by combining the structural-physical simulation experiment. Its spatio-temporal evolution characteristics and genesis mechanisms were also systematically investigated. As observed, the study area developed three basic sets of fault systems: the NW-trending extensional strike-slip fault, the NNE-trending left-handed compression–torsion fault, and the near-EW-trending extensional fault. The study area was further segmented into six buried hills: West Row Hill, Middle Row Hill, East Row Hill, Zhuanghai Buried Hill, Zhuangxi Buried Hill, and Changdi Buried Hill. The inner fault of the NW-trending Buried Hill is a strike-slip extensional fault that formed under the influence of the right-lateral strike-slip activity of the NW-trending Chengbei Fault from the Late Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous. In particular, the NNE-trending fault was a left-handed compression–torsion fault that formed under the left-handed strike-slip activity and regional compression stress field of the Tanlu fault zone. The near-EW fault was closely related to the near-SN extension stress field in the Late Cretaceous. Since the late Triassic, the study area has experienced six evolution stages, namely, overall uplift erosion (T3), overall coating deposition (J1+2), fault segmentation (J3-K1), extrusion uplift differentiation (K2), middle buried hill differentiation E), and overall stable subsidence (N-Q). Its tectonic evolution was primarily controlled by the significant variations in the tectonic stress field in the study area as well as its adjacent areas since the late Triassic, which were controlled by the tectonic stress field.

Structural deformation and its implication for hydrocarbon accumulation in the Wuxia fault belt, northwestern Junggar basin, China

Abstract With the great discovery of unconventional oil in the Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu sag, the Wuxia fault belt, which shows similar lithological characteristics and lithofacies, is considered the most favorable area for future petroleum exploration. However, the complicated structural patterns remain unclear and restrict the petroleum exploration and development. In this study, combined with new seismic data and some borehole data, we conclude the structural styles in the Wuxia fault belt and analyze their distribution characteristics, and further investigate their implications for tectonic evolution and hydrocarbon accumulation. Five typical seismic sections are captured from the west to the east of the fault belt. Decollement folds and fold accommodation faults superimpose on the underlying basement fault related folds. Structure patterns also show a zonation in S–N direction and a segmentation in E–W direction. The balanced section reveals that the present-day structure features were fundamentally formed by Late Permian. The structural deformation shows distinctive features of a foreland basin which may develop in Early Permian and continue until the Late Permian. The oil reservoirs in the Fengcheng Formation in deeper detachment fold and the autochthonous Fengcheng Formation in fault propagation folds are the most favorable regions for further unconventional petroleum exploration.

Tectonic evolution of the eastern margin of the Southern Patagonian Andes fold-thrust belt: U-Pb detrital zircon geochronology and kinematic-structural modelling

We present a multidisciplinary study in the Austral-Magallanes basin combining U-Pb geochronology and provenance analysis with structural modelling to unravel the evolution of the fold-thrust belt and related foreland basin sedimentation. Our approach is innovative for the studied area, where the foreland stratigraphic record comprises a stack of marine deposits exceeding 5000 m in thickness. Using zircon U-Pb geochronology from 13 samples distributed through the foreland deposits in the Southern Patagonian Andes at 51°20′S latitude, we calculated maximum depositional ages and analyzed regional variations in provenance. The older sample, with an age of 96.0 ± 1.5 Ma, corresponds to the first sandstone beds of the Punta Barrosa Formation, whereas the uppermost sample, with an age of 17.9 ± 0.4 Ma stems from the Santa Cruz Formation. Furthermore, the presented data help to complete the geochronological information existing for the South Patagonian Andes, by informing the regional geodynamic framework and timing variations. Linking new and previously published data regarding detrital zircon provenance, maximum depositional ages analysis, thermochronology and stratigraphic data with a balanced structural cross section, we propose a step-by-step model combining the kinematic evolution of the fold-thrust belt orogenic front with the basin history. A wedge-top setting for the Late Cretaceous is recognized, as well as two minor uplift events by Eocene time, followed by a major Miocene tectonic exhumation event.

The Sukil River valley: a natural geological laboratory (case studies from the Ukrainian Carpathians)

Abstract In this chapter we present a brief geological description of the Sukil River valley, which is located in the Ivano-Frankivsk region in the western part of Ukraine, and the interesting geological features found there. Here, different types of rocks are exposed over a small area. The area is rich in various structural features such as joints, small faults, and different types of folds, duplexes and clastic dykes. Two outcrops of folds found in the Cretaceous deposits in the village of Bukivets are unique geosites. In addition, in the city of Bolekhiv, there are the ruins of a saltery. We describe the types of research conducted in this natural laboratory, most of which concerns structural geology. Geological phenomena are studied using both classical approaches and the latest technologies. Electronic compasses were used widely in the study of mesostructures. For the first time, balanced geological sections have been constructed for the territory of the Ukrainian Carpathians both for outcrops and for the entire Sukil River valley. Ground-based laser scanning was used for the detailed mapping of folds in Bukivets. Subsequently, the exposure was studied using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry, which was used to construct virtual geological outcrops that can be used widely for educational purposes. The urgency for creating virtual tours became apparent during the COVID pandemic. These models were also used to create the ‘Geo-Carpathians’ project, a Polish–Ukrainian geotourism route through the Carpathian Mountains. These models can be also used to assist in the teaching of the structural geology of the Carpathians, in the geological training of Earth Sciences students, in excursions for different types of Ukrainian and international conferences, for high-school students, and, indeed, for anyone interested in geology.

Deformation structural style of the rioni foreland fold-and-thrust belt, western greater caucasus: Insight from the balanced cross-section

The Rioni foreland fold-and-thrust belt is part of the Greater Caucasus pro-wedge and is one of the most important examples of the collision-driven far-field deformation of the Arabia-Eurasia convergence zone. Here we show the deformation structural style of the Rioni foreland fold-and-thrust belt based on seismic reflection profiles and regional balanced cross-section. The main style of deformation within the Rioni foreland fold-and-thrust belt is represented by a set of fault-propagation folds, duplexes, and triangle zone. The regional balanced cross-section shows that fault-propagation folds above the upper detachment level can develop by piggyback and break-back thrust sequences. Formation of fault-bend fold duplex structures above the lower detachment is related to piggyback thrust sequences. A balanced section restoration of compressional structures across the Rioni foreland fold-and-thrust belt provides a minimum estimate of shortening of −40%, equivalent −42.78 km. The synclines within the Rioni foreland fold-and-thrust belt are filled by the Middle Miocene-Pleistocene shallow marine and continental syn-tectonic sediments, forming a series of typical thrust-top basins. Fault-propagation folds and duplex structures formed the main structure of the thrust-top basin. The evolution of the thrust-top basins was mainly controlled by the kinematics of thrust sequences. Using end-member modes of thrust sequences, the thrust-top basins are divided into: 1) Type I-piggyback basin, 2) Type II-break-back basin, and 3) Type III—formation of thrust-top basin characterized by bi-vergent geometry and related to combined, piggyback and piggyback back thrust sequences.

Flexural Behavior of Fly ash and GGBS Based Ambient Cured Geopolymer Concrete Beams

Abstract: Concrete is the world’s most versatile, durable and reliable construction material. Next to water, concrete is the most used material, which required large quantities of Portland Cement. Ordinary Portland Cement production is the major generator of carbon di oxide, which polluted the atmosphere. In addition to that large amount energy was also consumed for the cement production. Hence, it is essential to find an alternative material to the existing most expensive, most resource consuming Portland Cement.The study describes experimental investigation on flexural behavior of reinforced GPC. A total of eighteen beams were tested. From this, nine were of M20 mix, i.e., conventional concrete beams while nine were of geopolymer concrete,from this nine beams, three beams with the ratio of binder i.e., flyash:GGBS ratio as 75:25, other three with 70:30 while remaining three beams with 65:35. Also, 12 cubes &amp; 12 cylinders were also casted and tested for compressive strength and split tensile strength respectively. From them, three were of conventional concrete while other nine of GPC with three different ratios as mentioned above. The reinforcement was designed considering a balanced section for the expected characteristic strength. All the beam specimens were tested under two point static loading. The studies demonstrated, the study of conventional and geopolymer concrete beams related to deflection, first load at which crack appeared and their crack patterns.

Uncertainties of balanced sections and the role of basement in the southern Fars area, Iran

The frontal Zagros fold belt in the Fars area of Iran is generally considered to be detached on the Hormuz salt. Shortening rates and the proportion of thick-skinned deformation are debated and published balanced sections show large differences in style and amount of deformation. We believe that the main uncertainties are related to stratigraphic thickness variations, the degree of thick-skinned deformation and/or the flexural response of the crust. We analysed the stratigraphic thickness ranges interpreted from seismic data and conclude that the interpretational uncertainties, combined with the uncalibrated interval velocities of the largely undrilled Paleozoic strata, yield a wide range of outcomes for the total Phanerozoic thickness (9.5–16.5 km). With an area balancing approach, we show that geological surface cross sections could be matched by various structural subsurface scenarios, including pure thin-skinned deformation with flexure and/or thick-skinned deformation. Given the input uncertainties, we discuss the merits and shortcomings of our balanced sections and propose a geological model including a subtle control on the deformation style by the inherited pre-salt basin morphology. Given the uncertainties, we conclude that the contribution of thick-skinned deformation to the structural evolution remains indefinite and published shortening values may be much more unconstrained than typically specified.