CH Values Research Articles

Factors influencing nonstandard piezocone dissipation curves and interpreting the coefficient of consolidation

Piezocone dissipation curves can be categorized as standard (monotonic) or nonstandard (nonmonotonic) curves. However, most methods to evaluate the horizontal coefficient of consolidation (ch) from piezocone dissipation tests are only applicable to standard dissipation curves. The factors that influence nonstandard piezocone dissipation curves were numerically investigated, and a method to interpret the ch from nonstandard dissipation curves was proposed. Nonstandard dissipation curves appear if the maximum excess pore pressure is located some distance away from the pore pressure sensor (sensor located on the cone shoulder or penetration in overconsolidated soils) when the penetration is halted to carry out the dissipation test. Some factors result in more marked nonstandard dissipation phenomena, e.g., a larger overconsolidation ratio (OCR) and a smaller horizontal permeability (kh). Assuming that the ch calculated based on the time for 50 % dissipation of the maximum excess pore pressure (t50) from the standard dissipation curve by the existing method is the “real” value, an equation for correcting t50 from nonstandard dissipation curves was proposed based on the initial value of excess pore pressure (ui), the maximum value of excess pore pressure (umax) and the time for reaching the maximum excess pore pressure (tumax). The ch values interpreted by the corrected t50 (t50c) were larger than those interpreted by the method of shifting log t and were more representative of the actual ch values in the field.

Lipid profile in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. Characteristics and effects of the program. The importance of small and dense LDL (LDLpd)

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Introduction Recently it has been shown that not all lipid risk for atherosclerosis is due to LDL cholesterol. Both remnant particles and small and dense LDL (LDLpd) have been associated with a higer risk of the first cardiovascular events and recurrences. Methods We analyzed the lipid profile at admission of patients undergoing a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program in a tertiary referral hospital, in association with other analytical parameters, clinical characteristics and outcomes of CR in these patients. We collected data from patients who completed the programme between January 2022 and March 2023 on admission and at the end of the programme. Clinical and anthropometric data and the results of the stress tests were collected. We defined a TG/HDL ratio greater than 2 as being associated with the presence of small and dense LDL. Results 170 patients who had complete analytical profiles at hospital admission were included, 80.5% were male with a mean age 57.9+/-9 years, 92.5% were referred after an acute coronary syndrome, 25.6% were diabetic, 56.6% were smokers and 37.7% were obese. LDLpd at hospital admission was present in 73.4% of the patients. Male gender was more likely (86.3 vs. 68.9%, p=0.01, p=0.01) as well as being obese (83.9 vs 68.8%, p=0.04). No differences were found in terms of age, presence of DM, smoking or peripheral arterial disease. Nor did functional capacity or baseline quality of life. Less improvement was found in the SF 36 questionnaire (-6 vs +20, p=0.011), but similar in ergometry. Basal lipid profile was associated with higher total Ch values (173 vs 149, p=0.002), Ch LDL (104 vs 79, p=0.000), remnants (32 vs 14, p=0.000). As for baseline LDL, 51.6% with LDLpd,had it high LDL Ch>100 mg/dl, compared to 22.2% of those without LDLpd (P=0.002). As for the profile at discharge, we found that 63.5% still had LDLpd at discharge from the CR program ( vs. 15.9% of those without elevated LDLpd, P=0.000) and 22% had elevated remnants (P=0.002). After CR, these patients still had higher TG values (128 vs 81, p=0.000), lower HDL-C (44 vs 56, p=0.003) and higher remnants (24 vs 17, p=0.000) despite the fact that a greater decrease in remnants and TG/HDL in this group. Conclusions More than one third of the patients who undergo a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in our centre have LDLpd. Initially, male and obese patients have higher LDL and remnants. A weaker effect of the CR program in improving the lipidic profile has been observed in those patients. Consideration should be given to enhance lipid-lowering and intensive weight-loss treatments to decrease cardiovascular risk in this population.

Study on cluster centers optimization of max-min distance k-means clustering algorithm based on inter-cluster separation measure

Clustering is an essential unsupervised technique when category information is not available. Although K-means and Max-min distance K-means clustering algorithms are widely used, they have some disadvantages such as dependence on the initial centers, sensitivity to outliers caused by using only distance as the clustering criterion. To overcome the problems, this paper proposes SMM-K-means algorithm which overcomes the dependence on the initial cluster centers and the initial number of clusters and the sensitivity to the outliers. First, the initial value K of the optimal cluster number is determined by the elbow method, and K-means is used for initial clustering. A new inter-cluster separation measure is then constructed based on the idea of q-nearest neighbors, which is constructed by comprehensive considering the separation between clusters and the distribution compactness of clusters themselves. Finally, the two sample points with highest degree of separation are brought into Max-min distance K-means algorithm as new initial centers for clustering. The definite determining method of cluster centers eliminates the complicated iterative calculation, and the construction of inter-cluster separation measure overcomes the sensitivity of clustering results to noise points and isolated points, and has good applicability and generalization. In addition, this algorithm is not limited by the shape and size of the clusters and has better flexibility. The experimental results show that the SMM-K-means algorithm has higher CH values, resulting in a better clustering effect and stability.

Analyzing the changing trend of corneal biomechanical properties under different influencing factors in T2DM patients

To analyze the changing trend of CH and CRF values under different influencing factors in T2DM patients. A total of 650 patients with T2DM were included. We discovered that the course of T2DM, smoking history, BMI, and FBG, DR, HbA1c, TC, TG, and LDL-C levels were common risk factors for T2DM, while HDL-C levels were a protective factor. Analyzing the CH and CRF values according to the course of diabetes, we discovered that as T2DM continued to persist, the values of CH and CRF gradually decreased. Moreover, with the increase in FBG levels and the accumulation of HbA1c, the values of CH and CRF gradually decreased. In addition, in patients with HbA1c (%) > 12, the values of CH and CRF decreased the most, falling by 1.85 ± 0.33 mmHg and 1.28 ± 0.69 mmHg, respectively. Compared with the non-DR group, the CH and CRF values gradually decreased in the mild-NPDR, moderate-NPDR, severe-NPDR and PDR groups, with the lowest CH and CRF values in the PDR group. In patients with T2DM, early measurement of corneal biomechanical properties to evaluate the change trend of CH and CRF values in different situations will help to identify and prevent diabetic keratopathy in a timely manner.

Influence of type of drainage boundary on coefficient of horizontal consolidation

Vertical drains are used widely to accelerate the consolidation of soft clay deposits when preloading is used as a ground improvement technique. One of the essential input parameters required in Barron's theory is the coefficient of horizontal consolidation, ch. The values of ch can be determined by the radial consolidation test, using either a central sand drain or a porous plastic peripheral drain. This paper presents the laboratory tests carried out to understand the reason for the difference in values of ch determined from inward and outward radial flow consolidations tests. A 150 mm wide instrumented consolidation cell was used to carry out the inward or outward radial consolidation tests. The total stress measurements during consolidation showed non-uniform stress distribution in clay with higher effective stress values close to the drainage boundary. This stiffening of the clay close to the drain retards the consolidation rate resulting in reduced values of ch. As a result, the ch values determined by radially outward consolidation tests with a larger drainage boundary area are lower to those obtained by inward radial flow tests. The pore water pressure measurements showed significantly higher undissipated pore water pressure away from the drainage boundary for the outward flow tests.

Prediction of Three-Dimensional Consolidation Settlement: Observational Method and Its Applicability

This paper presents a closed form of the simplified three-dimensional (3D) (vertical and radial) consolidation solution, which has negligible errors for practical cases. Based on the simplified solution, two observational methods (namely, 3D modified curve fit and linear rule methods) that could predict the actual 3D consolidation settlement behaviors by reflecting the effect of sampling range were newly developed. The appropriateness of the proposed methods was verified by using 3D and two-dimensional (2D) theoretical data. Then, the proposed methods were applied to three case records. Back-analyzed results (i.e., the end of consolidation settlement S100 and consolidation coefficient ch(n)) were slightly affected by the differently approached methods and the inputted value of vertical consolidation coefficient (cv). S100 and ch(n) values obtained from the 3D modified methods were close to those secured from the 2D modified methods due to the insignificant effect of vertical drainage for the cases. Owing to incomplete measurement (93%–98% of S100, i.e., no consideration of sampling range effect), an existing 3D method and the original 2D Asaoka and exponential methods predicted a lower S100 and higher ch(n) than those predicted by the 3D or 2D modified curve fit methods. Therefore, the proposed 3D methods can be recommended for practical applications.

Association analysis of alpha-amylase (AMY) and cathepsin L (CTSL) SNPs with growth traits in giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon

Alpha-amylase (AMY) and cathepsin-L (CTSL) were selected as candidate genes for SNP discovery for growth traits of P. monodon. Six SNPs were found in AMY and three in CTSL in P. monodon. Association analyses for the candidate SNPs with important economic traits were performed in populations. That allele A at CTLS-213 SNP, AA, and GA, tended to be associated with increased body weight. Shrimps with genotype GG had significantly smaller CL, CW, and CH values than those with GT and TT genotypes (P < 0.05). While CTLS-820 SNP was found to be significantly associated with CH and FSL (P <0.05). These SNPs will be valid for marker-assisted selection breeding programs in P. monodon.

Early quantitative pupillary response parameters have high predictive value for 30-day mortality in patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Abstract Background Despite adequate post-resuscitation treatment following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), early risk of death remains high due to irreversible anoxic brain injury. Objective Neuroprognostication is pivotal, and automated quantitative pupillometry has become an essential part of early multimodal approach. Several quantitative pupillary response parameters are now available, but little evidence exist on their value and timing in neuroprognostication. Purpose To evaluate prognostic value of standard parameters of quantitative pupillometry in OHCA patients. Methods In this observational study we included 138 comatose patients resuscitated from OHCA admitted to a tertiary cardiac intensive care unit. With quantitative pupillometry, change in pupil size (%CH, %), Neurological Pupil index (NPi, scalar value 0–5), constriction velocity (CV, mm/s), maximum CV (MCV, mm/s), dilation velocity (DV, mm/s) and latency of constriction (Lat, s) were measured at admission, at the 24 hours (24h), and 48-hours (48h) time points. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves with calculation of area under the curve (AUC) were applied for assessment of association with 30-day mortality. Results The population were predominantly males, had a mean age of 61±12 years, and 120 (87%) had shockable primary rhythm, 122 (88%) had witnessed cardiac arrest and 51 (37%) died in the first 30 days. Median %CH, CV, MCV, DV and NPi values were significantly lower for diseased patients compared to survivors. ROC analyses (Figure 1) present all parameters, except NPi, at admission with numerically highest values of AUC at 0.82, 0.76, 0.73, and 0.81 for %CH, CV, MCV, and DV respectively, and for NPi at 48h with AUC at 0.81. The admission time point still presented the highest AUC values, >0.84, for CV, MCV, and DV in an adjusted model. Of all the parameters, %CH and NPi maintained the highest prognostic values through all time points, and %CH performed best at admission with AUC at 0.87 and NPi at 24h with AUC at 0.91. At admission the threshold value with 100% specificity for predicting 30-day mortality were 3.75, 0.09, 0.33, and 0.05, with negative predictive value (NPV [95% confidence interval]) at 71% [67–74], 66% [64–69], 67% [65–70], and 69% [66–72] for %CH, CV, MCV, and DV respectively. NPi had best performance at 24h with a cutoff value of 2.90 and NPV at 64% [63–64]. Conclusion %CH and NPi were the strongest prognostic tools for 30-day mortality. Values below 3.75% for %CH at admission and 2.90 for NPi at 24h after archived 100% specificity for 30-day mortality, with NPV at 71% [67–74] and 64% [63–64] respectively. Although performance was persistently high, %CH, CV, MCV, and DV presented numerically highest AUC at admission. Additional parameters of CV, MCV, and DV were also significantly associated with outcome and future research should focus on validation and possible combining these measures into useful indices. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Novo Nordisk Foundation

Glycemic control and dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic patients in an Indian rural tribal locality: A family medicine practitioner’s perspective

Background: Diabetes and dyslipidemia commonly coexist, frequently associated with various cardio-vascular (CV) risk factors and good glycemic control is key for prevention of long-term CV complications. Although diabetes and dyslipidemia commonly coexist in India, there is a lack of evidence on pattern of dyslipidemia and whether dyslipidemia is adequately managed or not, particularly in rural population in a real-world setting. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to assess present glycemic status and lipid profile of the population residing in a rural tribal locality of Jharkhand (India) as part of project for fellowship in diabetes course by Department of Endocrinology, DEDU, CMC, Vellore. Materials and Methods: This non-interventional cross-sectional study was conducted in a tribal locality of Jharkhand (India) after concept note approval for ethical clearance from CMC Vellore. Whole-blood and sera of diabetic patients were analyzed for fasting-blood-sugar, Glycated-hemoglobin (HbA1c), total-cholesterol (CH), triglycerides (TGs), high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol, and very-VLDL-C. Correlation test of HbA1c with lipid-ratios and individual lipid indexes was done. Results: Mean Hb1Ac level was 7.24 ± 1.80 and interestingly, was marginally higher (7.31 ± 1.92 vs. 6.92 ± 1.16) in patients with DM <5 years as compared to those with DM >5 years. Mixed dyslipidemias were common with abnormal TG, LDL, VLDL, High-density lipoprotein (HDL), and Total CH values. Hb1Ac-levels showed significant positive correlation with serum CH, TG, LDL, and VLDL levels while significant negative correlation with HDL levels in the study. Conclusion: Apart from a reliable indicator of long-term glycemic control, HbA1c can also be used as a predictor of dyslipidemia and thus early diagnosis of dyslipidemia can prevent life-threatening CV-complications.

Experimental study of boulder concentration effect on flow resistance in gravel bed channels

Previous studies demonstrated that for open channel flows the power velocity profile can be integrated to obtain the flow resistance law. In this paper the relationship between Γ coefficient of the power velocity distribution, the channel slope and Froude number (Eq. (9)) is firstly presented. Then the measurements carried out in a laboratory flume covered by hemispheric elements for two different hydraulic conditions (partially inundated and inundated) are used to calibrate this relationship. These elements are placed with a square arrangement and have a concentration range 4–64%. For the two investigated hydraulic conditions, this analysis demonstrates that the relationship to estimate the coefficient of the velocity profile is characterized by the same exponent of slope and Froude number while a different scale factor a has to be used. The effect of roughness element concentration Ch on flow resistance is also studied by the calibration of Eq. (9) for each experimental series characterized by a single value of Ch. For the partially inundated condition and values of the roughness element concentration less than 25%, the coefficient a increases with Ch while for Ch values ranging from 25 to 64% a decreases with concentration. For the submerged condition, the coefficient a increases with Ch and results almost constant for concentration values greater than 49%. The variability of the coefficient a with Ch is the effect of the variability of the reference plane for the water depth measurement with the concentration. Finally, the obtained relationships to estimate Γ function and the theoretical flow resistance law are verified by 205 measurements carried out in gravel bed rivers. In conclusion, the developed analysis demonstrates that an accurate estimate of the friction factor can be obtained for the investigated gravel surfaces by the proposed flow resistance equation and the obtained relationship to estimate Γ function.

Effect of Nosodes on Lettuce, Parasitized or Not by Meloidogyne enterolobii.

Nosodes are homeopathic preparations (HPs) obtained from tissues or substances associated with the targeted disease or from culture of the pathogenic agent. Nosodes are thought to modulate host resistance, easing symptoms or promoting cure. A few studies have been published about control of plant-parasitic nematodes with HPs, but none with nosodes. Conceptually, nosodes prepared from nematode infective stages might interact with the plant's pathogen-recognition system and initiate or modulate plant resistance to nematodes. Our goal was to investigate whether nosodes prepared from second-stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne enterolobii can affect the moderate resistance already existing in the lettuce cultivar 'Elisa'. Nosodes at the Hahnemannian concentrations (cH) 6, 18, 30 and 42 were applied on lettuce plants through irrigation, with a constant daily dosage. The nosode treatment started at the seedling stage, before nematode inoculation with 3,000 eggs + J2 per plant. A series of absolute and relative controls, and 10 replicates per treatment, were employed. At harvest, variables related to plant growth and nematode reproduction were assessed. The nosode at 6, 18, and 30cH reduced (p <0.05) the nematode reproduction factor and root density. The nosode effect was cH-dependent since nematode reproduction was favored by treatment with 42cH. The nosode also affected (p <0.05) lettuce roots, which presented higher or lower fresh weight and volume depending on the cH applied and the condition-parasitized or not. Nosodes obtained from Meloidogyne J2 may affect plant parasitism by nematodes, possibly by interfering with plant resistance. The nature-positive or negative-and intensity of the nosode effect depends on the cH applied to the plants. Further studies are necessary to identify which cH values are more effective in reducing nematode reproduction without causing negative side effects on plant growth.

Correlations between corneal biomechanics and specular microscopy in patient with cataract

This study aimed to analyze the connection between corneal biomechanics (corneal hysteresis, CH) and endothelial cell density of cornea (mean endothelial cell density, MCD) in patients diagnosed with cataract. This retrospective, observational study was performed in the Ophthalmology Clinic of the University Emergency Hospital in Bucharest. Of 60 patients (120 eyes) with cataract, who were included in this study, we analyzed the CH values obtained using with the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) and the MCD values obtained using the specular microscopy. The study groups comprised both men and women with ages ranging from 45 to 63 years. Patients were divided into three study groups according to CH values. In each batch, the CH values obtained with the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) were correlated with age, gender and MCD, then the subgroups were compared. All the data gathered showed no correlation to be statistically significant regarding the biomechanical properties of the cornea and the corneal endothelial cell density in patients with cataract.

Effect of nettle (Urtica spp.), marigold (Tagetes erecta), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) extracts and synthetic xanthophyll (zeaxanthin) carotenoid supplementations into diets on skin pigmentation and growth parameters of electric yellow cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus)

This study was conducted to investigate the effects nettle (Urtica spp.), marigold (Tagetes erecta), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) plant extracts and synthetic carotenoid supplementations into diets (150 mg kg−1) on growth parameters and skin coloration of electric yellow cichlids. Five experimental groups included control, nettle, marigold, alfalfa and synthetic xanthophylls (Zeaxanthin; Zeax) treatments in 3 replications in 15 aquariums. Fifteen fish in each aquarium were fed ad-libitum (a total of 225 fish) twice a day for 3 months. Initial weight of the fish was 0.560 g. The weights were monthly measured and fish weights exceeded 2 g at the end of 3rd month (P > .05). The differences in weight gain, specific growth rate, feed consumption, total weight gain, feed conversion ratio and survival rate of the experimental groups were not found to be significant. The color parameters of L *, a *, b*, Hue and Chroma were calculated for all plant extracts. The greatest brightness (L*) value was obtained from the nettle extracts (61.850) and such a value was significantly different from the L* values of the control, zeax and marigold groups (P < .05). Hue (Hab°) angle at the end of the experiments was within yellow color in all groups. Hab° angle was calculated as 99.391° for alfalfa, 98.993° for marigold and 98.800° for nettle groups and they were greater than Zeax (94.881°) and Control (91.090°) groups (P < .05). The greatest chroma (Ch) was obtained from alfalfa extract (27.407) and differences in Ch values of the control and supplementation groups were found to be significant (P < .05). Obtained findings revealed that zeaxanthin supplementation as synthetic xanthophyll source and plant extract supplementations as natural carotenoid source yielded sufficient pigmentation on skin of electric yellow cichlids. Skin color of carotenoid-supplemented groups was brighter and purer as compared to the control group.

Generation of chilling hours maps using surface observations and satellite data

Abstract In complex terrain, the topography influences the air temperature near the surface since cold air pooling and thermally-generated winds might respectively enhance or diminish the nocturnal cooling rate. The characterization of the temperature patterns in agricultural areas is important because many crops need a certain amount of time under cold temperatures. This is usually given by the Chilling Hours (CH, number of hours below a certain temperature threshold). In this work the number of CH has been estimated in the island of Mallorca using in-situ and satellite Meteosat data for the period 2008–2018, taking a threshold value of 7 °C, applying corrections for missing data in both cases, including cloudiness for the satellite data. CH values per year obtained are small for stations near or at the coast (CH below 400) and large at mountain tops (CH above 1500), whereas at the foothills and central plain the values vary between 500 and 1000. Cold events contributing to the number of CH happen mostly between December and March and they may be related to cold synoptic advection (with clear or cloudy skies) or mostly to clear nights with weak local winds that may end in late night fog. Satellite-derived CH maps indicate that the coldest areas are located in the central lowlands between the two major mountain ranges and the elevated area in the center of the island, where cold air pools are usually found. Significant differences between in-situ and satellite CH may exist due to the topographical local features compared to a surface-averaged value from the satellite pixel. Furthermore, existing CH parameterizations making use of daily extreme temperatures are checked and adjusted coefficients are proposed.

The mechanism of concentric HfO2/Co3O4/TiO2 nanotubes investigated by intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for photoelectrochemical activity

In this work, we describe the preparation and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of concentric HfO2/Co3O4/TiO2 nanotubes (NTs). From a methodological point of view, we demonstrated, for the first time, that intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) efficiently complement and can be highly valuable to optimize PEC water-splitting devices. We verified that the CSC and CH values (the capacitance of space charge region and Helmholtz layer, derived from a phenomenological equivalent circuits model, ECM) are of similar magnitude and that the CH can be affected by applied bias, the nature of the catalytic material and the passivation layer. The calculated CH/(CH + CSC) are in agreement with the high frequency intercept (HFI) derived by the IMPS experimental data.The charge transfer efficiencies (ղtr) were obtained from the IMPS and ECM data: the ղtr values for HfO2/Co3O4/TiO2-NTs increased to 80.4% (0 V vs Ag/AgCl) compared to those in Co3O4/TiO2-NTs (56.9%,0 V vs Ag/AgCl) and in TiO2-NT (25.6%, 0 V vs Ag/AgCl).We proved that the excellent PEC properties of HfO2/Co3O4/TiO2-NTs are due to i) the band alignment between small bad gap of Co3O4 and TiO2 semiconductors, ii) increased hole transfer efficiency ղtr caused by excellent catalytic properties of Co3O4 and iii) the passivation effect on surface defects of a HfO2 layer with appropriate thickness.

History of volcanism and sedimentation synchronous with plutonism during Rhyacian in Serra das Pipocas Greenstone Belt, Borborema Province, NE Brazil

The Serra das Pipocas Greenstone Belt is one of the rare Paleoproterozoic greenstone belts within the Borborema Province. It is on the west border of the Archean/Paleoproterozoic Nucleus (Cruzeta and Mombaça Complex) of the Ceará Central Domain, northern portion of the Borborema Province. The Serra das Pipocas Greenstone Belt has an elongated sigmoidal shape encompassing about 1000 km2 of the Ceará Central Domain. It consists of a metavolcanosedimentary sequence formed by metasedimentary psammitic-pelitic-marly rocks and interleaved metaultramafic and metamafic rocks, represented by chlorite-anthophyllite-actinolite/tremolite schists and amphibolites. Layers of metatuffs, metabasic, meta-acid sills (metadacites), metacherts, gondites and banded iron formations occur within the metamafic rocks. Actinolite, metagabbro, metadiorite bodies, metabasic dike, Neoproterozoic metagranodiorites and leucogranites crosscut the metavolcanosedimentary sequence. Close to the borders of metagranodioritic bodies (zircon U–Pb 2181 ± 4.4 Ma), the metavolcanosedimentary sequence is hydrothermally altered. The metaultramafic rock (chlorite-anthophyllite-actinolite/tremolite schist) contains high MgO (>18 wt%), low alkali (≤1 wt%) and TiO2 (<0.8 wt%) and Al2O3/TiO2 ratios between 9.94 and 27.26, with a mean value of 17.13. Values of (Gd/Yb)N vary between 1.00 and 1.88, which attest affiliation with komatiite protoliths, between the Munro and Barberton types. The amphibolites are usually fine-grained and depleted in ΣREE (33.14–45.02 ppm), with low (La/Yb)CH values (0.74–3.82). This reflects weak LREE enrichment in relation to HREE, and no Ce and Eu anomalies [(Eu/Eu*)n between 0.98 and 1.04]. Such patterns are similar to T-MORB (1.7–4.3). Additionally, some mafic-ultramafic metaplutonic rocks present chemical composition similar to their volcanic counterparts, and this may indicate cumulates or sills contemporary to this sequence. Zircon U–Pb dating using LA-ICP-MS of three distinct metadacite occurrences (western border: 2234 ± 13 Ma, eastern border: 2212 ± 13 Ma, and central portion: 2156 ± 45 Ma) and metagranodiorites (2181 ± 4.4 Ma) indicates that the sequence was formed during the Rhyacian/Orosirian and later affected by late Neoproterozoic.

Effect of surcharge loading rate and mobilized load ratio on the performance of vacuum–surcharge preloading with PVDs

The results from three laboratory model tests performed under various vacuum and surcharge loads with PVDs are reported. Different SLRs were adopted to investigate the effect on the consolidation of dredged soil. To measure the lateral displacement, a refitted inclinometer was developed and tested. In the tests, the settlement, lateral displacement, and vane shear strength were measured, and the degree of consolidation (DOC), horizontal coefficient of consolidation (Ch), and bearing capacity were calculated. The results indicate that larger SLR values promote consolidation. The largest vane shear strength, settlement, and Ch values were all obtained under the highest SLR, and the bearing capacity under this SLR was more than double that under the lowest SLR. The DOC was found to increase with the growth of the SLR. However, considering the vacuum pressure was higher in Case-III, the influence of SLR on reinforcement effect may not be so significant.

Full-Match Method to Determine the Coefficient of Radial Consolidation

Abstract This study presents a novel approach to determine the coefficient of consolidation (ch), which represents the complete behavior of primary consolidation while instantaneously loading consolidation tests with central drainage (CD) and peripheral drainage (PD). The entire consolidation range (i.e., ultimate settlement δult) was graphically determined using settlement rate variations, and then ch was obtained by best fitting such data range with 2-D theoretical solutions. The proposed method and 11 existing methods were applied to 15 existing test data. The applicability of the estimated δult and ch values was verified via back analysis. Results indicate that the errors between the back-analyzed and measured settlements are within a maximum of 7 % in the case of the proposed method but within a maximum of over 50 % in the case of existing methods. Thus, the ch values obtained using existing methods on the CD and PD test results varied within the range of 60–120 % and 50–70 %, respectively, of those of the proposed method. Such substantial underestimation or overestimation was mainly attributed to the variations between the theoretical and experimental time–settlement relationships, incorrectly determined δult, and limitations in graphical procedures.

ILS: An R package for statistical analysis in Interlaboratory Studies

In this paper we present an R package with routines to perform Interlaboratory Studies (ILS). The aim of the ILS package is to detect laboratories that provide not consistent results, working simultaneously with different test materials, from the perspective of the Univariate Data Analysis and the Functional Data Analysis (FDA).The ILS package estimates the Mandel's h and k scalar statistics, based on the ASTM E691 and ISO 5725-2 standards, to identify laboratories that provide significantly different results. Cochran and Grubbs tests to evaluate the presence of outliers are also available. In addition, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) techniques are provided, both for the cases of fixed and random effects, including confidence intervals for the parameters.One of the novelties of this package is the incorporation of tools to perform an ILS from a functional data analysis approach. Accordingly, the functional nature of the data obtained by experimental techniques corresponding to analytical chemistry, applied physics and engineering applications (spectra, thermograms, and sensor signals, among others) is taking into account by implementing the functional extensions of Mandel's h and k statistics. For this purpose, the ILS package also estimates the functional statistics H(t) and K(t), as well as the dH and dK test statistic, which are used to evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility hypotheses where the critical ch and ck values are estimated by using a bootstrap algorithm.

Microstructure Dependent Opto-Electronic Properties of Amorphous Hydrogenated Silicon Thin Films

The variation in the formation of amorphous hydrogenated silicon (a-Si:H) network in DC, pulsed DC (PDC) and RF sputtering was studied. The effect of network formation on the photo-electronic properties is investigated along with its applicability to the Continuous Random Network (CRN) model. It was found that DC deposited a-Si:H films obey the CRN model up to a hydrogen concentration (CH) ∼ 10 at.% H and there after it starts deviating. The deviation is more prominent for a-Si:H films deposited by PDC and RF sputtering. Also it was found that, DC sputtering is more suitable to deposit device grade a-Si:H rather than PDC and RF sputtering. Also DC deposited films are found to be of more photoactive compared to PDC and RF films. The domination of dihydrides (Si-H2) over monohydrides (Si-H) start at very low CH values in PDC and RF films, whereas, in DC deposited films it started at CH ∼13 at.% H. DC films are found to be of good quality as hydrogen is dominantly present in Si-H configuration. The effect of CH is considerably more on dark conductivity of a-Si:H films. The variation in band gap and photo conductivity is also investigated.