Construction Elements Research Articles

The Environmental Influencing Factors of the Realization of Engineering Construction Harmony from the Perspective of Ren–Shi–Wu: Evidence from China

Engineering construction involves many internal factors and external environmental factors, resulting in conflict or uncoordinated problems in engineering management. The harmonious management of engineering construction is the process of coordinating and solving the contradiction between construction elements and the problems between them and the external environment. The connotations of three subsystems of engineering harmony, namely, Ren harmony (RH), Wu harmony (WH), and Shi harmony (SH), are defined, and the system architecture of engineering harmony is constructed. Then, a hypothetical model is proposed to deeply explore the impacts of subsystems such as Ren harmony, Wu harmony, and Shi harmony on engineering harmony, as well as the moderating effects of the natural ecology, social humanities, and political economy on engineering harmony. The results show that (1) natural ecology has a significant promotion effect on RH, SH, and engineering harmony; (2) social humanities have a significant enhancement effect on SH and engineering harmony; and (3) political economy does not play a significant role in any process. “Engineering harmony” is used to measure the effectiveness of engineering management, and a scientific scale is used to reflect this index. It provides a new idea for theoretical exploration and practical guidance in engineering construction management.

Cloning and functional characterization of oxidosqualene cyclase gene for α-amyrin synthesis

Ursolic acid has gradually attracted much attention due to its unique pharmacological activities and valuable market value in recent years. Currently, ursolic acid is mostly extracted from loquat leaves, but the plant extraction method has low yield and high cost, and chemical synthesis is not readily available, so the biosynthesis method provides a new source for ursolic acid. α-amyrin acts as the main precursor for the synthesis of ursolic acid, and its yield is positively correlated with ursolic acid yield. Oxidosqualene cyclase(OSC) belongs to a multigene family which can catalyze the common precursor 2,3-oxidosqualene to generate different types of triterpene backbones, and plays a decisive role in the synthesis of triterpenoids. However, there are fewer reported key genes catalyzing the synthesis of α-amyrin in medicinal plants, and the yield and proportion of α-amyrin in the catalyzed products have always been a focus of research. In this study, ItOSC2, MdOSC1, AaOSC2 and CrAS, four enzymes capable of catalyzing the production of α-amyrin from 2,3-oxidosqualene, were cloned from Iris tectorum, Malus domestica, Artemisia annua and Catharanthus roseus, subject to sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree analyses, and transformed into Saccharomyces cerevisiae as plasmids. After 7 days of fermentation, the yield and proportions of α-amyrin, β-amyrin and ergosterol were measured. Finally, AaOSC2 with the best ability to catalyze the generation of α-amyrin was filtered out, providing a key gene element for the later construction of engineered yeast strains with high production of α-amyrin and ursolic acid.

Mental health intervention development for indigenous youth: Essential elements and guiding principles

There is a need for intervention studies to address mental health issues with Indigenous youth. The purpose of this work is to: 1) consider calming approaches introduced by Native-American adolescents who described in writing how they manage day-to-day stress; and 2) identify culturally relevant constructs (elements and principles) for development of mental health promotion interventions for use with Indigenous youth. Central ideas shared by Native-American adolescents were merged with existing literature to identify essential elements and guiding principles for intervention development. Three essential elements (talking circles; mindfulness practice; tailored educational content) with associated guiding principles are recommended for intervention development.

An Adversarial Approach for Automated Pokémon Team Building and Metagame Balance

Meta-game balance is a crucial task in game development, and automation of this process could assist game developers by vastly reducing time costs. We explore and evaluate a meta-game balance model over the recently proposed VGC AI Competition Framework. We propose an adversarial model where team builder agents try to maximize their win rate by narrowing to the most optimal team configurations, resulting in a reduction of the diversity of Pokémon employed, while a balancing agent re-adapts the Pokémon inner attributes to incentive the team builder agents to incorporate a greater variety of Pokémon into their teams increasing the meta-game's overall diversity and balance. one Furthermore, we developed multiple team builder agents divided into two groups: the first group assumes that individual Pokémon advantages are the primary factor to determine the outcome of game matches; the second group also exploits the implicit synergy between teammates. These agents make use of meta-gaming, linear optimization, and evolutionary search to find strong combinations against the current meta-game. The strongest team builder is faced against the team meta-game balance agent for its evaluation. Deep learning is also employed to predict the outcome of matches and recommend constructive elements of teams.

ВИКОРИСТАННЯ АЛГОРИТМУ ДЕЙКСТРИ ПРИ КОМП'ЮТЕРНОМУ ПОШУКУ ОПТИМАЛЬНОГО ШЛЯХУ НЕОРІЄНТОВАНОГО ГРАФА З УРАХУВАННЯМ ВПЛИВУ РАДІАЛЬНОГО ОХОПЛЕННЯ НА ВАГОВІ ФУНКЦІЇ РЕБР

Taking into account the influence of radial coverage, the weight functions of the edges of an undirected graph during the computer search for the optimal path are determined. Algorithms and computer programs were used to find the optimal path of the graph using the Dijkstra algorithm, which made it possible to determine the tension and changes in the relative tension in the filling zones of knitted and textile machines, taking into account the specifics of the design of the thread feeding system. This leads to a decrease in thread breakage. The development of mathematical models for determining the reduced coefficient of friction during the interaction of the thread with the ring and tubular thread guides of knitting machines allows the use of algorithms and computer programs to find the optimal path of the graph, using Dijkstra's algorithm, in which the tension of the thread at the exit point will be minimal. This makes it possible to determine the tension and change of relative tension in the filling zones of knitted and textile machines, taking into account the specifics of the design of the thread feeding system, taking into account the effect of radial coverage. Searching for the optimal path of the graph allows you to reduce thread breakage and optimize thread tension in the working area of ​​the initial product formation. Determining the weight functions of edges, taking into account the influence of radial coverage, unoriented graph during the computer search for the optimal path is an important component of the optimization of thread tension in the working zone of the formation of the output product. Tension optimization is carried out on the basis of its minimization, which allows to reduce the probability of a break in the working area. Optimization of the geometric parameters of the thread feeding system on the technological equipment, namely the construction of such a broken form of the thread, in which the total angle of coverage of the constructive structural elements of the technological equipment in the form of guides of a cylindrical shape and in the form of a torus, elements of tensioning devices, devices for monitoring breakage will have a minimum value. This will reduce the amount of friction force between the thread and the guide surfaces and obtain minimum tension in the working area. Taking into account the large number of structural elements of the thread feeding system on technological machines, their location in the plane and space, there is a need to use modern information technologies.

The Aesthetics of Timurid and Safavid Miniatures

This research studies the aesthetics of Timurid and Safavid miniatures in a comparative manner. The first chapter deals with the research problem, its importance, and defining the most important terms used in it. The research problem included the topic of the aesthetics of Timurid and Safavid miniatures in the drawings of both eras through the artistic works produced by Islamic painting schools, where each school has characteristics that distinguished it from the other. The research problem was overcome through the following question: How did the Muslim artist achieve the miniatures aesthetics in manuscripts for both eras?The II chapter, the theoretical framework, includes four sections: the first on the aesthetics of Islamic art, the second on the art of Islamic miniatures, the third on the most important artistic features of painting (the Timurid era), and the fourth of the (Safavid) era. The third chapter included the research procedures, and the fourth chapter included the results and conclusions.The functional treatment of the concept of space designated for Islamic miniatures came according to a fruitful and sincere artistic and functional emotional approach within the relationships of creation that give it a spiritual feeling due to what the elements of construction have of multiple intellectual meanings and connotations, such as transferring the stories and events that were prevalent at that time, to documenting the style of Islamic architecture and the type of clothing worn by Muslims, the moral and social values that appeared through the interpretation of the movements of people in the Islamic miniature, as came in most of the sample models.

A holistic analysis of Chinese sponge city cases by region: Using PLS-SEM models to understand key factors impacting LID performance

Sponge city is a national sustainable stormwater management program proposed by the Chinese government to deal with urban water issues (e.g., flooding, poor water quality) brought on by climate change and urbanization. Various strategies for sponge city construction are required since environmental constraints differ regionally across the country. To identify regional variations, reveal the inner links between externalities and design elements in sponge city construction, and offer practical suggestions, efforts in two directions are made based on the data of 68 sponge city cases around China: 1) discussing design parameters of four Low Impact Development (LID) facilities, including bioretention cell, permeable pavement, grass swale, and sunken green space, under four regionalization maps of hydrologic, climatic, landform and soil texture factors, and 2) building a holistic Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) model illustrating the relationship between local characteristics, LID system design, and LID system performance in sponge city construction. The results show that: 1) rainfall and landform factors have great impact on LID facilities design, as their depths tend to be higher in water rich areas and coastal areas. 2) LID types and areas are positively influenced (+0.745) by the total area and permeable portion of a project, while the LID system performance (water quantity and quality control) is negatively impacted (−0.407) by the rainfall amount and clay fraction. 3) comprehensive LIDs choice instead of single LID facility shows more significant effect on improving LID system performance. It is recommended to establish different design standards and assessment indexing systems tailored to local environment when constructing sponge city projects.

On the role of values in judgements on conflicting planning processes – prospects for agonistic planning? Basic considerations from Germany

ABSTRACT Adapting political science’s model of agonistic pluralism, literature in spatial planning reinterprets conflicts as constructive elements. The impact of stakeholders and their management of conflicting values remains uncertain. However, planning requires continual validation of its values. The article delves into the role of values in judgments on conflicting planning processes. An explorative German study reveals that courts prioritise procedural over substantive values, although they acknowledge the latter, such as environmental protection. We argue in favour of considering values in research on agonistic planning but acknowledge that the influence of courts is limited due to institutional constraints.

Utterance-genre-lifeworld and Sign-habit-Umwelt Compared as Phenomenologies. Integrating Socio- and Biosemiotic Concepts?

This study develops a biosemiotic framework for a descriptive phenomenology. We incorporate the set utterance-genre-lifeworld in biosemiotic theory by paralleling it with the Peircean-Uexküllean notions of sign, habit, and Umwelt (respectively). This framework for empirical semiotic studies aims to complement the concepts of affordance and scaffold, as applied in studies on learning.The paper also contributes to bridging Bakhtinian-Hallidayian-Habermasian views on utterance, genre, and lifeworld with biosemiotics. We exploit the possibility that biosemiotics offers to bring together hermeneutic and phenomenological analysis. We relate these views to integrated levels in a systemic framework for communication. Signs are seen as inter-dependent construction elements in utterances. Repeated use of utterances in shifting contexts generates shared recognizable kinds of communication, or genres. ‘Life-genre’ is used in a zoo-communication context, to avoid anthropocentrism. Life-genre serves animals’ life-functions. Genres make up a systemic network of communicational resources, along with the related concepts of event, affordance, and scaffold. Utterance, genre, and lifeworld have five aspects, constituting an integrative approach to communication: form, content, act, time, and space. Semiosis and positioning are processes that connect aspects and levels. Levels, aspects, and processes make up the framework as a system.While biosemiotics supports a phenomenological notion of life-genre, in turn, this notion also contributes to the development of the former, bridging a gap between organisms’ sign experience on a micro-level and organisms’ phenomenal lifeworld/Umwelt. Comparisons of lifeworld and Umwelt reveal that, although not identical, these are sufficiently similar to be perceived as an overall macro-level for signs and communication. Starting from a construal of utterance and genre as dynamic, dialogical, and reciprocal, genre is positioned as meso-level, mediating between signs in utterances and the lifeworld/Umwelt level. We propose genres, understood as semiotic scaffoldings built through affordances, as an analytical concept to capture meso-level phenomena. Scaffolding is determined by both ongoing events and (pre-)available genres. Events are manifestations of these scaffolding processes.Identifying animal and educational communication as two particularly relevant fields for future applications, we compare key socio-semiotic concepts to the notions of sign, habit, and Umwelt. The notions affordance and scaffolding are particularly important to think of learning as continuous with adaptation.An overall aim is to broaden as well as finetune semiotic phenomenology as a platform for empirical analyses of communication. We conclude by exemplifying and summarizing how the framework facilitates this.

Rising Damp Treatment in Historical Buildings by Electro-Osmosis: A Case Study

Throughout the past century, numerous technologies have been suggested to deal with the capillary rise of water through the soil in historic masonry buildings. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of capillary moisture repulsion apparatus that uses the electro-osmosis approach over a prolonged period of time. The Gül mosque was selected as a sample historical building affected by structural problems caused by the absorption of water through small channels on its walls due to capillary action. The moisture repulsion mechanism efficiently decreased the moisture level in the walls from a ‘wet’ state to a ‘dry’ state in roughly 9 months. After the installation of the equipment, the water mass ratio of the building decreased from 14.48% to 2.90%. It was determined that the majority of the water in the building was relocated during the initial measurement period. Furthermore, it inhibited the absorption of water by capillary action by protecting the construction elements that were in contact with the wet ground. Lastly, capillary water repulsion coefficients (C) for various measurement durations and time factors were proposed. The average value of C was calculated to be 0.152 kg/m2 s0.5 by measuring the point at which the water repulsion remained nearly constant.

Typology, current state and non-destructive testing of timber roof trusses of historic churches in the West Vistula Delta, Poland

This paper presents the current state of conservation of historic roof churches located in the Żuławy of Gdańsk (Poland). It also describes the architecture of these temples, the region itself and old carpentry techniques for constructing roof trusses. Interdisciplinary tests were carried out in six churches. The geometry of the load bearing structures, the moisture content and the carpentry technique were specified. The field survey also included visual inspections and non-destructive testing of timber structural elements of the roof constructions. The ground penetrating radar and ultrasonic testing methods were used to assess the structure and extent of the damage to the timber elements. The interdisciplinary research presented in this article is important in the planning of historic buildings conservation works and it might be applied to other timber structures.

Assessing the Impact of Climate Changes, Building Characteristics, and HVAC Control on Energy Requirements under a Mediterranean Climate

Assessing the Impact of Climate Changes, Building Characteristics, and HVAC Control on Energy Requirements under a Mediterranean Climate

Equity Concentration and Inefficient Investment

Enterprise investment efficiency has been a hot topic of concern to all walks of life, and equity concentration, as an important element of corporate governance and modern enterprise construction, has attracted extensive attention from the academic community. Hence, this paper provides theoretical analyses and empirical tests on the relationship between corporate inefficient investment and equity concentration. After regression analysis, this paper finds that there is a significant negative relationship between equity concentration and the degree of inefficient investment, which confirms the hypothesis that equity concentration reduces the level of inefficient investment; compared to the company with CEO duality, in the case of equity concentration, the separation of decision-making power and decision-controlling power is more able to reduce the level of inefficient investment; However, the allocation of decision-making power does not have a significant effect on this relationship mechanism. This paper provides some theoretical basis and implications for how enterprises can optimise their shareholding structure and promote the reform of corporate governance modernisation so as to enhance investment efficiency.

Thermal analysis of fire effects on fire doors using the finite element method

The goal of this paper is to use the finite element method and computer simulation to prove the effectiveness in assessing the fire resistance of building construction elements, specifically on the example of the fire resistance of fire doors. For that purpose, data from the building where fire doors with defined characteristics were installed were used. For simulation purposes, numerical modelling with thermal and structural analysis will be used. In this way, the parameters of the temperature distribution on the fire door and the contact material due to fire will be obtained, as well as the distribution of strain and stresses, which will indicate the fire resistance of the used structure. Computer simulation with numerical modelling offers a number of advantages both in the speed of providing results of a larger number of variants of the simulation model and in the accuracy of the results obtained once the model is calibrated. Also, the mentioned type of predicting the effect of fire can be applied to other elements of the structure of the construction object, which can significantly influence the decision-making that will prevent the negative consequences of the occurrence of a possible fire.

Processing of hemp and cannabis residue into non-adhesive chipboards and wall panels

As woods are dwindling and agriculture waste burning causes severe air pollution and releases greenhouse gases, processing Hemp and lignocellulosic surplus materials into chipboards and other construction elements may substitute timber and reduce environmental pollution. The presented environmental-friendly technology can potentially process hemp and recycle residual materials into industrial woodchip boards and structural elements without the use of hazardous expensive resins. By applying cold plasma pre-treatment followed by the pressing stage acceptable wood chip standard physical properties are achieved. The irradiation dosage is probably optimal since once exceeding the dosage applied, wood disintegration starts; the process improvement may be related to the pressing configuration. Since the pressing temperature and duration are probably higher than required, the element that may still be aligned is the pressing pressure. Moreover, the positive correlation between sample strength and pressing pressure did not reach a steady state value even when pressing the sample to the maximum possible pressure allowed in the existing equipment (5.5 tons). It is suggested that a significant strength improvement will be attained by increasing the pressing pressure and decreasing the pressing temperature. It is assumed that 20 tons/m2 pressing pressure will be sufficient to attain the desired properties.

Electrical engineering equipment for generating and measuring of complete pulse current of artificial lightning in the conditions of high-voltage electrophysics laboratory

Goal. Decision of problem scientific and technical task on the reliable generating and measuring in the conditions of high-voltage electrophysics laboratory basic component of complete pulse current of artificial lightning with the rationed amplitude-temporal parameters (ATPs) with the use of the modernized generator of current of lightning of type of UITOM-1. Methodology. Bases of the applied electrical engineering, electrodynamics and electrophysics, electrophysics bases of technique of high-voltage and high pulse currents, bases of high-voltage pulse technique and measuring technique. Results. Information, which specify on a decision at Research and Design Institute «Molniya» of National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» problem scientific and technical task, related to the reliable generating and measuring in the conditions of high-voltage electrophysics laboratory of complete pulse current of artificial lightning, which contains pulse A- (repeated pulse D-), intermediate B- and long-term C- (shortened long C*-) components of this current, is resulted, ATPs which answer the hard technical requirements of normative documents of the USA of SAE ARP 5412: 2013, SAE ARP 5414: 2013 and SAE ARP 5416: 2013. Short information is indicated about the applied electrical circuits of separate high-voltage generators of pulse currents of condenser type of GIC-A (GIC-D), GIC-B and GIC-C (GIC-C*), which it is worked as synchronous appearance on the general electrical loading in composition the modernized powerful high voltage generator of complete pulse e current of artificial lightning of type of UITOM-1, and in-use high-voltage measuring facilities which contain the heavy-current low-resistance shunts of type of SHK-300 for simultaneous registration with their help on examinee on stability to lightning devices objects of aviation and space-rocket technique of ATPs proper component of complete i pulse current of artificial lightning. Technical examples are resulted and the row of results of practical application of the indicated domestic powerful high-voltage proof-of-concept electrophysics equipment is described at the tests of elements of some aircrafts (ACs) on resistibility to the direct action on them of complete pulse current of artificial lightning with rationed ATPs. Originality. A problem is formulated and having the important applied value in area of aviation and space-rocket technique for the leading countries of the world scientific and technical task on the reliable generating and measuring in the conditions of high-voltage electrophysics laboratory indicated component of complete pulse current of artificial lightning with rationed ATPs and concrete electro-technological ways and hardware are indicated for its successful decision. Practical value. The use of the modernized powerful high-voltage generator of complete pulse current of artificial lightning of type of UITOM-1 developed in practice and created in Ukraine will allow to conduct the real verification on resistibility to the action of lightning of different side systems, devices and construction elements, containing metallic and composition materials, both again developed and modernized ACs, that will be instrumental in the increase of vitality of such ACs in the extreme terms of their flight and stay in an electrical active earthly atmosphere with flowing in it storm electrical discharges. References 30, tables 3, figures 20.

Some aspects of biomechanics of the operated thoracolumbar junction following two-level corpectomy

Traumatic spinal injuries pose a significant medico-social challenge, with about 60% of all spine fractures occurring at the thoracolumbar junction. Optimizing care for these patients remains a critical issue, despite the development of numerous surgical and conservative treatment methods, with outcomes still far from ideal. A key factor contributing to the consistently high rate of unsuccessful surgical interventions, which lead to stabilization failures in both the early and late postoperative periods, is the disregard of the biomechanical characteristics of the thoracolumbar junction area. Clinical protocols often regulate intervention methods based on the degree and nature of damage to the thoracolumbar spine as a whole. Enhancing the reliability of fixation, while maintaining the number of transpedicular screws, can be significantly achieved by using cross-links and adjusting screw length. The purpose of our study was to investigate the distribution of loads on the metal construct elements and bone structures in the thoracolumbar junction after extensive decompressive-stabilizing interventions. The load was modeled with a backward tilt. A mathematical finite element model of the human thoracolumbar spine segment was developed, incorporating vertebrae Th9-Th11, L2-L5, with Th12-L1 vertebrae removed, as well as elements of the metal construct—interbody support and a transpedicular system. We modeled four variants of transpedicular fixation using both short and long screws that penetrate the anterior surface of the vertebral body, with and without the use of two cross-links. Stress parameters were monitored at 20 control points in the models. Comparative analysis of the results revealed that models including long bicortical screws and two cross-links demonstrated the best biomechanical performance when the torso was tilted backward, effectively reducing stress in critical areas and enhancing the durability and effectiveness of the fixation.

Behaviour of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete in Deep Beam for Flexure

Use of deep beam in construction field saves money as well as increase the strength of structure. Reinforced concrete deep beams have very useful structural application such as piles-caps, water tanks and tall buildings. Addition of steel fibers gives good results to both load carrying capacity and increase the flexural strength of the deep beam. Steel fiber is kind of newly developed reinforced material for concrete widely adopted globally now a day, which features good performance in anti-crack, pressure resistance, anti-abrasion bending toughness, affinity with concrete, reinforcement for construction element compjonent and lengthy service life. Thus by using the steel fiber reinforced deep beam with varying percentage of steel fibers increases the first crack load and the ultimate load which gives the high flexural strength to the structure and achieves economy. This paper includes study of behaviour of steel fiber reinforced concrete in deep beam with advantages, disadvantages, properties of steel fiber etc. Keywords: Steel Fiber, Beam, Anti-Abrasion Bending Toughness, Affinity, Reinforcement

Modal Analysis of Automobile Wheels based on Lightweight Technology

Compared with traditional wheels, magnesium alloy wheels have the advantages of higher strength, toughness, lighter weight, beautiful appearance and so on. This paper takes magnesium alloy wheel as the research object, and uses Pro/e and ANSYS to help complete a lot of work such as 3D model construction and finite element analysis and calculation, to ensure that the magnesium alloy wheel can meet its strength requirements while being lightweight. The strength analysis and modal analysis of the designed wheel model are carried out under various working conditions. According to the analysis results, the first design model is further simplified, and then the calculation and analysis are repeated many times. It is found that the new model meets the mechanical properties requirements under multi-working conditions, ensures that the requirements of lightweight design are met, and provides relevant theories and methods for wheel design and structural optimization of other materials.

Coordinated response of endemic gastropods to Late Glacial and Holocene climate-driven paleohydrological changes in a small thermal pond of Central Europe

The thermal spring-fed Lake Pețea located in NW Romania southeast of the city of Oradea harbors a unique endemic warm water biota. It is the only location in Europe where thermal water endemic melanopsid Microcolpia parreyssii (Philippi, 1847) lived along with the highly endangered warm-water relict neritid Theodoxus prevostianus. Lake Petea’s evolution was mainly controlled by major climate-driven hydrological changes also seen in regional records. The hydrological changes were mainly controlled by varying input of thermal water due to recurring increased/decreased recharge of the underground karst water system. The driving factor was warming connected to the interstadial GI 1 increasing recharge by melting of regional ice sheets in the Late Glacial. Conversely, during the Younger Dryas (H0) and the Holocene increasing/decreasing moisture availability was in control. Low stands created multiple bottlenecks reducing genetic variability seen in the appearance of extreme morphologies during next rapid climate melioration. The studied gastropods responded mostly similarly to changes controlling the availability of elements in shell construction and habitat reduction leading to changes in shape, density, size. Periods of lower lake levels and reduced warm water input are characterized by the emergence of elongated tightly coiled shells while globular, compressed loosely coiled shells develop at times of warmer water provision and increased Mg availability. In size there is a contrasting trend. Namely globose Th. prevostianus shells are larger than the elongated ones. Conversely globose, compressed Microcolpia are generally smaller than their elongated spindle-shaped counterparts. In this sense the development of dwarf morphotypes in warmer water habitats is characteristic of Lake Pețea melanopsids. This type of dwarfism i.e. the reduction of shell size is lacking though in Lake Pețea neritids. Our findings also confirm the presence of various ecophenotypes of Microcolpia in the pond degrading our endemic species Mi. parreyssii to a variety of Mi. daudebartii.