Structural Components Research Articles

Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and disodium succinate regulate the pulp softening and breakdown in fresh longan by modulating the metabolism of cell wall polysaccharides

Cell wall polysaccharides (CWP) are an important component of cell structure, and its content variation is a primary factor affecting the texture of fresh longan. The influences of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and disodium succinate (DS) treatments on the pulp softening and pulp breakdown, and their relation to CWP metabolism in pulp of longan fruit were explored. Compared with the control longan, DCC-treated fruit showed lower value of pulp firmness, higher index of pulp breakdown, higher expression levels of cell wall disassembly enzymes (CWDEs)-related genes (DlPME1, DlPME3, DlPG1, Dlβ-Gal1, Dlβ-Gal16, DlCx7, DlXET3, DlXET27), and higher activities of CWDEs including pectin methyl esterase (PME), polygalacturonase (PG), β-galactosidase (β-Gal), cellulase (Cx), xyloglucan endotransglycosylase (XET), lower values of cell wall materials, and lower levels of CWP including ionic-soluble pectin, covalent-soluble pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. Whereas, the opposite effects were exhibited in DS-treated fruit. The above data indicate that DCC-hastened longan pulp softening and pulp breakdown was due to the up-regulating expressions of CWDEs-related genes, the activating activities of CWDEs, and the accelerating CWP disassembly by DCC treatment. Whereas, DS repressed longan pulp softening and pulp breakdown through down-regulating the expressions of CWDEs-related genes, inhibiting CWDEs activities, and reducing CWP degradation.

Effect of pulse current density on creep ageing behavior of 2195 Al-Li alloy

Electrical pulse-assisted creep ageing forming can effectively improve the mechanical properties and forming efficiency of large aluminum components. However, it is difficult to achieve uniform and consistent current density at different positions in complex components. Thus, the creep behavior, mechanical properties, and microstructure evolution of 2195 Al-Li alloy under three pulse current densities (0A/mm2, 3A/mm2 and 8A/mm2) was systematically studied. The experimental results showed that the creep deformation increases with increasing current density during the 1st hour stage of electric pulse-assisted creep ageing process. However, the total creep strain of 8 h shows a trend of decreasing and then increasing. Low density pulsed currents (non-thermal effect) can promote the precipitation of the T1 phases and θ′ phases, and narrow the precipitates free zone compared to conventional creep aged sample (0A/mm2). High density (Both of non-thermal effect and Joule heating effect) pulsed currents can promote the precipitation of T1 phases, inhibit θ′ phases and form the precipitated phase penetrate the grain boundaries. A gratifying finding is that an increase in current density accelerates the aging hardening process, but the peak strength after creep ageing is the same for different current densities. This indicates that high pulse current density can improve creep ageing forming efficiency and ageing hardening process, and can use non-uniform current densities to solve the problem of significant differences in overall structural component formability while maintaining final performance consistency.

Intellectual capital measurement in higher education institutions context from the professors perspective

Intellectual capital has aroused growing interest in higher education; however, one area for improvement in its study is how to measure it adequately. Therefore, it is necessary to have instruments based on current models of intellectual capital. This study aims to design and validate an intellectual capital measurement scale in accredited higher education institutions (HEIs) from the perspective of professors. The study was instrumental because a measurement scale was developed. The sample consisted of 341 professors from six accredited HEIs on the Colombian Caribbean Coast. The statistical analysis consisted of three stages: item analysis, collection of validity evidence based on the internal structure and the relationship with other variables, and reliability analysis using the internal consistency method. The scale’s internal structure corroborated intellectual capital composition based on human, structural, and relational components. Regarding convergent evidence, all variables possess this source of validity evidence. Reliability levels were also good. Previously, an instrument has yet to be developed those measures intellectual capital in HEIs from the perspective of professors. This study provides a scale that focuses on the characteristics of this stakeholder and is based on an innovative model of intellectual capital composed of human, structural, and relational capital. The theoretical contribution of the study lies in developing a test based on two current models of intellectual capital: the Intellectus model and the Balanced Scorecard model. It also contributes to practice by providing a tool for measuring intellectual capital that allows its adequate management, improvement, and decision-making within higher education.

Cohesive failure analysis of carbon-fiber composite patch repair in perforated steel tubular elements

The use of composite materials to repair corroded steel structural components has expanded in the offshore oil and gas sector. The effective use of composites requires a meticulous process for choosing appropriate constituent elements. In this regard, numerical modeling is an efficient tool to better understand the impact of associated variables and enables the identification of failure causes and simulation of failure propagation. This study aims to assess the mechanical behavior of the adhesive layer at the steel - composite material interface in the repair of perforated tubular structures under bending, compression, and bending-compression. A numerical model is developed simplifying the examination and characterization of the cohesive failure mechanisms and modes occurring between the laminate patch repair and the perforated steel tubular element. The stress distribution and cohesive failure at the interface are then thoroughly investigated. The impacts of the inclusion of fillets at the patch repair ends to smoothen the transition between the composite material and the tube and the repair length are also evaluated. A Python subroutine is developed to identify the failure mode mechanisms to characterize the adhesive areas subjected to peel, shear, or mixed modes. Results suggest that pure shear mode is predominant in most of the repair locations across the three types of loading. For bending loads, the cohesive failure close to the cutout shows prominent shear mode. In the other loading conditions, the adhesive nearly fails in the vicinity of the cutouts (i.e., damage values are close to 1) in a predominant near pure shear failure mechanism. The use of fillets displaces the failure location for bending load, hence increasing the failure load level. Repairs were more extensive under Bending Moment load conditions compared to other load types. The mode ratio analysis and methodology presented in this work offer valuable tools for understanding the causes of failure modes.

BIM-Based Digital Construction Strategies to Evaluate Carbon Emissions in Green Prefabricated Buildings

In this paper, we explore the integration of building information modeling (BIM) technology to assess carbon emissions, emphasizing the unique contributions to smart and sustainable approaches in prefabricated buildings and focusing on the application of digital construction strategies facilitated by BIM to evaluate carbon emissions in green prefabricated buildings, with a detailed case study on C-House at Southeast University, Nanjing, China. The research methodology involved creating a BIM model of C-House in Rhino and collecting data from the operationalization phase. This research work delves into analyzing the structural components, on-site assembling process, and evaluation of carbon emissions by using a BIM-based assessment, as well as the energy load and consumption of prefabricated components, including sustainable PV panels, to enhance building efficiency and sustainability. The findings uncover the life cycle of C-House, which spans seven stages, compared with the five stages of conventional builds. Currently in its third cycle, C-House exhibits significant reductions of 70.57% in carbon emissions during the second cycle and 43.53% in the first one. This highlights the pattern showing that the prolonged reuse of prefabricated buildings leads to decreasing emissions over time. Such results underscore the potential carbon emission reductions and environmental advantages of reusing green prefabricated buildings. Furthermore, this study provides insights into the entire life cycle of the building, from inception to occupation and post-phase performance evaluation. By employing BIM for modeling, simulation, and analysis, we offer practical insights into the application of smart technologies for sustainable construction practices, significantly contributing to the advancement of green and digital construction technologies.

Phosphorus: Chronicles of the epistemology of a vital element.

It was in the philosopher's stone quest that the alchemist Hennig Brand isolated chemiluminescent white phosphorus (P), Greek for "light bearer", from urine in 1669. By 1771 phosphorus was isolated from bone, and in 1777 it was identified by Antoine Lavoisier as a highly reactive element that exists predominantly in nature as ionic phosphate (PO43-) and in solution as phosphoric acid (H3PO4). Early 20th century studies revealed phosphorylated biomolecules as essential components of replicative nuclear material (RNA, DNA), a metabolic source of energy (ATP), and structural components of cellular membrane (phospholipid bilayer). Life on earth began as organophosphates of a self-replicating RNA that evolved into DNA and acquired a membrane to form the original eukaryotes, which eventually joined to form multicellular organisms of the deep sea. Tissue mineralization during transition from the ocean to land generated the endoskeleton, the largest phosphorus stores of evolving vertebrates. Subsequent studies of phosphate homeostasis elucidated its complex regulatory system based on the interaction of the kidney, small intestine, bone, and parathyroid glands, orchestrated by hormones (PTH, calcitriol, FGF23, Klotho), and carried out by phosphate-specific transporters (SLC34 and SLC20 families) all to ensure adequate phosphate for survival and health. Paradoxically, kidney replacement therapy in the 1970s, by prolonging the lives of millions of individuals with kidney failure, revealed the hazards of phosphorus excess. "Phosphorus the light bearer" has become in the eyes of many nephrologists "Phosphorus the cardiovascular toxin".

Upregulation of caveolae-associated structural proteins in the hair follicle bulge of lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) are primary cicatricial alopecia that cause a major impact on quality of life due to irreversible hair loss and symptoms as itching, burning and pain. They are characterized by permanent loss of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) by pathomechanisms still poorly understood, resulting in poor efficacy of currently available treatments. Caveolae are flask-shaped lipid rafts invaginated within the plasma membrane of multiple cell types. Although their role in the HF physiology and pathophysiology is relatively unknown, we have previously demonstrated that the primary structural component of caveolae (caveolin-1 or Cav1) is upregulated in FFA. Thus, we propose to investigate the expression and localization of caveolae-associated structural proteins (Cav1, Cav2, and Cavin-1) and HFSCs (identified by K15) in both LPP and FFA. We analyzed 4 patients with LPP biopsied in affected and non-affected (NA) scalp, 4 patients with FFA biopsied in affected scalp and 4 healthy controls. Affected scalp of LPP and FFA demonstrated increased levels of Cav1 and Cavin-1 compared with HC and LPP-NA. Moreover, Cav1, Cav2 and Cavin1 all exhibit high colocalization with K15 and their expression appears to be negatively correlated, supporting the hypothesis that these proteins are important players in LPP/FFA and may serve as therapeutic targets in future treatments.

Investigation of Hydrothermal Carbonization of Exhausted Chestnut from Tannin Extraction: Impact of Process Water Recirculation for Sustainable Fuel Production

This study explores the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process applied to the exhausted chestnut produced by the tannin extraction industry, utilizing process water recirculation to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the conversion process. Tannin extraction from wood typically involves hot water treatment, leaving behind residual wood biomass known as exhausted wood. These by-products maintain their renewable properties because they have only been exposed to hot water under a high pressure, which is unlikely to cause major alterations in their structural components. Hydrothermal treatment was carried out at temperatures of 220 °C and 270 °C for 1 h, with process water being recirculated four times. This investigation focused on analyzing the effects of recirculation on the yield and fuel properties of hydrochar, as well as characterizing the combustion behavior of the obtained hydrochar. The results indicated that recirculation of process water led to improvements in both the mass and energy yields of hydrochar. The mass yield of the hydrochar samples increased by 5–6%, and the ERE of the hydrochar samples increased by 5–8% compared to the HTC reference sample. However, alterations in the combustion characteristics were observed, including decreases in ignition temperature and combustion reactivity. The results indicate that, with PW recirculations, the combustion index decreased by about 14% and 18% for 220 °C and 270 °C, respectively. Overall, this research demonstrates the potential of utilizing HTC on chestnut tannin residue with process water recirculation to produce stable solid fuel and provides insights into the combustion behavior of the resulting hydrochar.

Spatial structure digital twins: Application in intelligent health monitoring of cable dome structures

Traditional structural health monitoring (SHM) based on contact sensors has drawbacks, such as high cost, susceptibility to interference, and narrow coverage. Digital twins (DTs) present an effective intelligent solution. However, the real-time monitoring of all structural components remains challenging due to high computational cost of high-order models in underlying framework. Additionally, the vast number of spatial structures globally and their long service time indicate the potential necessity of introducing SHM based on DT. In this context, this study proposed a reduced-order model-based DT framework for spatial structures. By compressing the experimental design samples, the multidimensional high-order physical models were reduced to several approximate low-order models for constructing a DT model, thereby achieving real-time calculation covering all components. The proposed framework was applied and validated through an experiment on a scale model of cable dome structure, and real-time interactive visualisation of monitoring data was displayed on a self-developed platform. The results demonstrate that the DT model enabled real-time presentation of calculation results (the calculation speed of <0.5 s/time), the mean relative error of cable tension monitoring was <3.85%, the strut stress monitoring could be controlled within 7.5%, and the mean absolute error of nodal displacement could be maintained at around 1 mm.

Time history response prediction of stochastic SDOF structures through Kriging-NARX modeling and adaptive real-time hybrid simulation

Emulating time history response is a critical benchmark for evaluating the seismic resilience of structures and assessing their reliability in the face of uncertainties. Traditional computational simulations, while commonly favored, often fall short in accurately describing the behavior of intricate structural components. Real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) offers an effective and efficient experimental technique for replicating the responses of deterministic systems in a cyber-physical manner but encounters challenges when dealing with stochastic systems. This study proposes an innovative application of RTHS for time history response prediction of nonlinear stochastic structures. A cross-validation (CV)-Voronoi sampling strategy is applied to sequentially select uncertain parameter samples for RTHS. Nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input (NARX) model is identified and updated from RTHS results in a sequential manner. Coefficients of final NARX model are surrogated using the Kriging meta-models to account for given uncertainties. Laboratory tests on single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structures with self-centering viscous dampers (SC-VD) were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Predicted time history responses from the final Kriging-NARX model are further compared and validated. It is demonstrated that the proposed approach provides an effective and efficient method for time history response prediction of stochastic systems especially when accurate numerical models are not available.

Experimental study on the flexural performance of FRP grid-reinforced ultra-high-performance concrete I-beams with different steel fiber contents

To adapt to harsh engineering environments, the use of structural components with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) grid-reinforced ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is considered a new development trend. Twelve FRP grid-reinforced UHPC I-beams are fabricated to investigate the effects of the thicknesses of FRP grids (0 mm, 1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm) and the steel fiber contents of UHPC (0%, 1%, and 2%) on their flexural performance. Four-point bending tests are conducted to obtain the failure modes, load-deflection characteristics, and strain responses of each testing beam, and a simplified calculation method for cracking loading and flexural bearing capacity is proposed. The results reveal that the increase in FRP grid thickness, the ultimate load bearing capacity of FRP grid-reinforced UHPC structural beams increases and the ductility also can be enhanced. The presence of steel fiber effectively inhibits the cracking and increases the first cracking load of the beam during the test process, although its influence on the ultimate bearing capacity is limited. Besides, until to the cracking stage, there is no noticeable change in the tensile strain of the FRP grids as the applied load increases. It has been used to simplify theoretical calculations, which shows good agreement with the experimental results.

Sulfonate Group Improves the Solubility and Electrocatalytic Performance of Ru‐based bda‐ and pda‐type Water Oxidation Catalysts Under Neutral Conditions

Four ruthenium water oxidation catalysts that bear carboxylate and sulfonate groups in the active site have been synthesized and analyzed for their catalytic activity. The sulfonate‐containing catalysts show higher electrochemical activity in pH 7 phosphate buffer with 3‐5 times larger catalytic current, improved durability with sacrificial oxidant, and increased solubility compared to similar species containing two carboxylate groups. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the sulfonate group provides more a favorable geometry for water nucleophilic attack, which is both the energetically most favorable mechanism calculated and the experimentally predicted mechanism under electrochemical conditions. Further experimental studies have been performed to show that under certain conditions catalysts can perform well electrochemically under pH conditions as low as 1.6 and that various structural components can greatly change solubility and catalytic operation.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and brain functions

Introduction and purpose. Long-chain ω-3 PUFAs such as DHA and EPA are often present in high amounts in algae and fish. DHA in particular is crucial for the proper progress and functioning of the cerebrum because it is the main structural component of ω-3 PUFA in the brain. This makes it an indispensable element of the phospholipids of the nervous membrane. The purpose of this article is to present the assistance of Omega-3 acids in the functioning of the nervous system. State of knowledge. The text discusses a literature review focusing on the impact of omega-3 fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential for overall health and have been extensively studied for their contributions to human wellbeing and disease management. Recent research indicates their effectiveness in preventing and treating various diseases. Omega-3 PUFAs have been identified as therapeutic agents, particularly in combating inflammatory conditions like cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Material and method. The aim of this article is to present the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids augmentation. We used publications outlining properties of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the brain, articles presenting the outcomes of polyunsaturated fatty acids were reviewed using the PubMed platform. The review included the keywords “Omega-3 fatty acids”, “DHA”, “EPA”, “PUFA”. Summary. The review managed to present the influence of Omega-3 fatty acids on brain development, aging and a useful addition to the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's and drug-resistant epilepsy. By receiving multiple studies, the author confronted various opinions of specialists regarding the approach to supplementation of PUFA. Additionally, the conclusion was that marine fish oils in the appropriate doses do not cause any serious side effects. Considering their broad positive effect on the nervous system, every person should consume them.

Material characterization of iron-based shape memory alloys for use in self-centering columns

Iron-based shape memory alloys (FeSMAs) are emerging as a promising material for use in post-tensioning concrete structures to provide self-centering capabilities during a seismic event. Past experimental studies on FeSMA focused on strengthening or repairing existing structural components under gravity loading. In addition to the structural rehabilitation, FeSMA also have potential for use in self-centering columns subjected to seismic loads. However, the basic material properties, such as strength, ductility, recovery strain, actuation stress (i.e. prestress) stability, low-cycle fatigue resistance, and temperature dependence of FeSMA related to self-centering column applications have not been studied extensively to-date. To fill this knowledge gap and determine the feasibility of using FeSMA in self-centering columns, this study performed a comprehensive characterization and analysis of FeSMA both before and after actuation (i.e. thermal stimulation). The strength, ductility, energy dissipation, and recovery strain of FeSMA before actuation were tested at different temperatures from −40 °C to 50 °C. After actuation, the actuation stress, low-cycle fatigue resistance, and strain capacity of FeSMA were tested at different temperatures from −40 °C to 50 °C and prestrain levels from 4% to 30%, and under low-cycle fatigue loading with strain amplitudes from 0.5% to 1.0%. The results from this study demonstrated that FeSMA exhibit high ductility, cyclic actuation stress stability, and low-cycle fatigue resistance at temperatures from −40 °C to 50 °C. Furthermore, it was found that increasing the prestrain level can effectively increase the post-actuation strain amplitude at which the actuation stress reduces to zero. A prestrain level between 15% and 20% is recommended for application of FeSMA in self-centering columns. The research findings from this study demonstrated the feasibility of using FeSMA in self-centering columns subject to seismic loading.

RESEARCH ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE THICKNESS AND THE STRUCTURAL CONDITION OF ROLLED METAL FROM LOW-CARBON LOW-ALLOY STEEL 10G2FB

When choosing steels for the design of high-rise and long-span buildings with increased load-bearing capacity, it is advisable to give preference to thick rolled steel from low-carbon, low-alloy steels, since it, with the same level of strength as construction steels, has a higher level of plasticity. At the same time, the problem of using thick rolled steel from low-carbon, low-alloy steels in the construction industry are the anisotropy of the rolled metal properties, which can increase with an increase in the thickness of the rolled metal. Currently, in Ukraine, controlled rolling is one of the most promising technologies of high-temperature thermomechanical processing for the production of thick rolled metal from low-carbon, low-alloy steels. At the same time, with an increase in the thickness of the rolled metal, which is produced with this technological scheme, the effect of the regulated formation of the structural state decreases due to the influence on the temperature of the surface layers of the rolled metal, the thermodynamic state of the inner layers and the inability of the rolling equipment available at domestic enterprises to deform the metal over the entire cross-sectional area. Therefore, the task of obtaining such a structural state in the thick sheet metal roll, which will ensure the reduction of the anisotropy of the properties, which will allow the use of such rolled metal in the construction industry, is urgent. Purpose of the article is to study of the structural state of low-carbon low-alloy steel 10G2FB, which was produced using the technology of controlled rolling, depending on the thickness of the rolled metal. Conclusion. The relationship between the structural state and the thickness of rolled metal from low-carbon low-alloy steel 10G2FB, which was produced by controlled rolling technology, was studied. It was established that with the increase in thickness, the percentage content of the ferrite component increases with a simultaneous decrease in the percentage content of the pearlite phase. It is shown that changes in the formation languages of structural components begin with an increase in the thickness of the rolled metal over 30 mm, which is explained by the influence of the temperature of the inner layers on the processes of forming the structural state, namely, with an increase in the thickness of the rolled metal, the thermodynamic rate of phase transformations in the middle layers of the rolled metal samples decreases. This conclusion is confirmed by two factors: firstly, an increase in the size of pearlite colonies, and secondly, a change in the morphology of the cementite framework of pearlite colonies from zigzag (thickness 16...30 mm) to ribbon (thickness 40...100 mm).

Interaction Assessment of Stress Intensity Factors of Surface Cracks on Thick Cylinders under Tension Force and Bending Moment

From an engineering perspective, hollow cylinders have various applications in the industry due to their strength, versatility, and geometric properties, making them vital for various applications in diverse industries. Therefore, it could be seen in many aspects such as fluid conveyance, manufacturing and fabrication, rotating machinery, structural components, storage, and pressure vessels. As it is well-known fracture is the most dominant type of failure in cylinders that is caused by defects or flaws. With time, these cracks (flaws) may extend and lead to a tragic failure, posing significant risks to both the nearby environment and humans. Moreover, crack cooperation which is known as (crack interaction) represents a chief apprehension, where cooperation or interaction may accelerate the crack growth and cause unpredictable failure. In this work, a wide variety of crack configurations were examined to quantify the interaction of double-interacting surface cracks located on a thick cylinder numerically via ANSYS software. The Stress Intensity Factor (SIFs) has been utilized as a driving force to describe the crack interaction. The results found that crack interaction influenced both cracks by the same rate, and SIFs distributed along the crack front by the same style as that of a single crack. Also, an inversely proportional relationship has been found between the crack interaction and the separation distance between the cracks. It is possible to conclude that the crack interaction of double interacting cracks exhibited a shielding effect, where SIFs for the case of double cracks were less than those of single crack.

Effect of V-shaped Side Groove on Shear Lips Formation of Aluminium Alloy 6061 by Charpy Impact Test

This study investigates the effect of V-shaped side grooves on shear lip formation in aluminium alloy 6061 through Charpy impact testing. Aluminium is used in machines and industry as a structural component due to its mechanical properties, lightweight characteristics, easy fabrication, and high specific strength. The presence of a V-shaped side groove alters the stress distribution during impact, potentially influencing the deformation behaviour and fracture characteristics of the material. In this work, the impact tests were conducted on specimens with and without a V-shaped side groove, and the resulting shear lips formation was analysed. The findings reveal that the V-shaped side groove minimises shear lip formation compared to specimens without side grooves. This can be attributed to the surface morphology, which shows a lesser shear lip area with an increasing side groove depth ratio. A smaller shear lips area in Charpy impact tests signifies reduced plastic deformation near the groove or notch region. It indicates the material’s fracture characteristic has lower ductility and limited ability to deform plastically before a fracture occurs. This implies decreased energy absorption capacity, equated to impact energy, and an increased likelihood of brittle fracture behaviour as the side groove depth ratio increases. The micrograph of the fracture surface shows dimples, shear, and cleavage patterns.

Complex Building’s Decision Support Method Based on Fuzzy Signatures

In the inner areas of large cities, many residential buildings built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries remain standing. The maintenance and renovation of these buildings have emerged as critical priorities over recent decades. E.g., in Budapest during the socialist era, the majority of these buildings were not renovated, and maintenance was largely neglected. In the subsequent 10–15 years following the end of socialism, financial resources for renovations were scarce due to the extensive transfer of properties from state to private ownership. It is only in the last decade or so that renovations have begun to be systematically addressed. Consequently, a significant portion of the building stock is still pending renovation. Given the current economic conditions, sustainable maintenance and necessary conversion are of paramount importance. Unfortunately, few standardized condition assessment methods are implemented in industrial practice, and the literature on this topic is limited. To address these challenges, we have developed an algorithm and model for condition assessment and decision support, which we refer to as the Complex Building’s Decision Support System based on Fuzzy Signatures (CBDF system). Our model employs a fuzzy signature-based approach to account for uncertainties, errors, and potentially missing data that may arise during the assessment process. The primary aim of this model is to equip professionals involved in building condition assessment with a tool that enables them to make consistent and objective decisions while minimizing errors. This paper provides a brief overview of the CBDF system and presents test results from the assessment of a selected structural component of a building, demonstrating the system’s functionality.

Assessment of a Simplified Methodology for Preliminary Blast-Resistant Design of Insulated Precast Concrete Wall Panels

Abstract A Blast loading history can be represented by the peak pressure value and the impulse. Combinations of pressure and impulse of various blast loading scenarios can be collected to draw a pressure-impulse (P-I) curve that corresponds to a level of damage of a blast-resistant structural component. The P-I curve is typically used for a preliminary design or assessment of blast resistance structural components. Generating a P I curve for a given structural component and level of protection requires repeatedly ru nning a single degree of freedom system (SDOF) model, which can be tedious for early design stages. Hence, a simplified approach (i.e., the normalization approach) was utilized to promptly generate the P- I curve for insulated precast concrete wall panels, which relies on shifting a control P I curve using normalization factors. The generated P-I curves using the normalization approach are validated with the traditional SDOF approach curves; 95% of the examined insulted panel configurations have an error between +/-7%. As a result of the reached low error percentages, a spreadsheet- design tool was developed using this approach. The tool can further enable rapid evaluation of the performance of insulated precast concrete panels under blast loading during the preliminary design phase.

The specifics of the monetary culture of students

In modern society, monetary culture of students plays a significant role in the context of forming their competent financial behavior. The financial sphere is constantly changing and influencing money management, which makes it interesting to study money culture. Based on the existing studies of students' monetary culture, the author's sociological research aimed at studying the monetary culture of student youth was conducted. Students of the Financial University acted as the empirical object of the study. The subject of the study was the peculiarities of monetary culture of student youth. The purpose of the study is to identify the specific features of students' monetary culture. A questionnaire survey (n=434) was chosen for the sociological study. The scientific novelty of the research consists in conducting a study according to the author's methodology aimed at quantitative analysis of the characteristic features of monetary culture in the context of its structural components. The main result of the study can be considered the analysis of monetary culture in the context of its structural components: monetary knowledge, monetary values and monetary behavior. The main conclusion of the study was the identification of fragmented formation of students' monetary culture. The index of cognitive component formation was higher than the index of behavioral component formation. At the same time, a significant part of students has no demonstration of conscious, rational monetary practices and attitudes. Understanding the specifics of monetary culture allows us to analyze the problem areas of student youth in the field of financial management, in this regard, the practical significance of the research results, on the one hand, opens opportunities for further research, and on the other hand, acts as an information base for the creation and implementation of strategies and techniques to improve financial literacy of young people.