Original Element Research Articles

Towards improving the 2D-MITC4 element for analysis of plane stress and strain problems

In this paper, we improve the performance of the 2D-MITC4 element for analysis of plane stress and plane strain problems. While the element shows excellent convergence behavior in regular meshes, it exhibits accuracy loss in distorted meshes, as many other elements do. We focus on improving performance in distorted meshes for general use in engineering practice. We simplify the assumed strain field of the original 2D-MITC4 element and introduce the geometry dependent Gauss integration scheme, in which integration points vary according to element geometry distortion. Consequently, a new 2D-MITC4 element is developed. The new 2D-MITC4 element passes the basic tests: patch, zero energy mode, and isotropy tests. Through various numerical examples, improved convergence behaviors of the new element are demonstrated, especially in distorted meshes.

:Phoenicians and the Making of the Mediterranean

:<i>Phoenicians and the Making of the Mediterranean</i>

H. George Fink Studio, Coral Gables, Florida

This article discusses the challenges associated with the preservation and hurricane code compliance of a significant 1920s Mediterranean Revival building in South Florida: the H. George Fink Studio. It is seen as the first Mediterranean Revival building in Coral Gables, Florida. Though almost 100 years old, most of its significant original elements and finishes are intact, providing a special opportunity to preserve those elements and finishes. Martinez Alvarez Architecture and partners performed a thorough on-site assessment, documentation and study of contemporary buildings in order to arrive at a final strategy for preservation and adaptive reuse. The firm also prepared construction documents for permitting and provided construction administration services for the final project, all the while managing the project team of conservators, engineers, and craftspersons.

Reception of the values of the Aeschylus drama and mnemonic imprints by ancient tragedy spectators.

Background: Ancient Greek tragedy remains today a special dramatic genre that expresses the concept of the classic through time, perhaps better than any other form of art and culture, representing, as a theatrical expression, the vision of the conception and expression of values of a particular era. In this context, the purpose of the present research is to study the humanitarian values of European culture, as they are expressed in ancient Greek drama, and to highlight the way in which these values are projected through modern drama and are impressed on the spectators. Methods: To achieve this goal, 105 spectators watched the tragedy of Aeschylus 'Seven against Thebes' directed by Cesaris Grauzinis and answered, both immediately after watching the performance and six months later, a questionnaire, in order to record their opinions about the theatre performance they had attended. Results: According to the findings of the comparative analyses, it emerged that the messages and values governing the work remain unchanged for its viewers over time. The memory is based on original audio-visual elements and directorial findings, confirming that it preserves the messages of the symbolism of the performance as well as the channels through which they were conveyed to the audience. Conclusions: The correspondences between the past and the present, as well as the contrasts on stage, contributed to the reproduction of the fundamental moral values that the dramatic work brought, highlighting the work and messages of Aeschylus.

A dual-branch multi-feature deep fusion network framework for hyperspectral image classification

Recent research has proven that deep learning models are effective at mining the rich spectral-spatial information of hyperspectral images and attaining high classification performance. In this study, an end-to-end two-branch multi-feature deep fusion network framework (MFDFN) is proposed, combining object-oriented features of hyperspectral images after multi-scale super-pixel segmentation and original image point-image element neighbourhood block features, and designing different network modules in the upper and lower branches for different features in order to extract more distinguishable and advantageous features for classification. For the second part, a series spectral-spatial feature learning modules and augmentation modules for spatial feature learning are being developed to learn these features in a continuous manner while also effectively fusing features from various depth layers. It also uses a variety of techniques (BN, Dropout, residual join, etc.) to speed up the model’s convergence, avoid overfitting, and improve the model’s generalization performance. In addition, experiment results on the Indian Pines, University of Pavia, Tea, and Salinas datasets reveal that the proposed MFDFN framework outperforms current deep-learning-based methods in terms of comprehensive classification effectiveness evaluation.

Auto-encoder-assisted analysis of amplitude and wavelength modulation of near-wall turbulence by outer large-scale structures in channel flow at friction Reynolds number of 5200

This paper reports a novel methodology that allows the intensity of, and the underlying mechanism for, the amplitude and length-scale modulation (amplification or attenuation) of turbulent stresses in the inner layer of a channel flow at Reτ≈5200 to be clarified. A unique aspect of the present framework is the use of an auto-encoder algorithm to separate full-volume extremely large direct numerical simulation (DNS) fields into large-scale and small-scale motions. This approach is adopted in preference to the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) previously used by the present authors at the lower Reynolds number, Reτ≈1000, because resource requirements posed by the EMD quickly become untenable due to the extremely large DNS dataset and the large solution box needed to capture the wide spectrum of scales at the present Reynolds number. A second original element is a formalism that derived the modulation, conditional on large-scale fluctuations, from continuous statistical quantities represented as multivariable-joint probability-density functions, thus obviating the need for any discrete representation or binning beyond that imposed by the discrete DNS solution. A third novel aspect is the use of the length-scale-wise derivative of the second-order structure function to quantify the modulation (increase or decrease) in the length scale, again conditional on large-scale structures. Apart from illuminating the modulation itself, the study examined the validity of the quasi-steady hypothesis that proposes that the near-wall turbulence is universal when scaled by the spatially and temporally varying large-scale wall shear stress rather than its time average.

Reconstruction of Orbital Wall by Using Hybrid Manufacturing Operations

This paper will discuss the solutions and the main parameters used to print a mold that will be used in a manufacturing process for a personalized implant in orbital fracture situations. The main purpose of this article is to rebuild the damaged orbit. The new orbit should have dimensions and accuracy similar to one of the original elements. Based on the computed tomography (CT) of the patient, the images are extracted and processed. With that information, a customized implant is manufactured. In this article, a case study of a patient suffering from an orbital fracture is presented. Based on the CT images, a mold was printed on additive manufacturing equipment (AM). The manufacturing parameters being highly correlated with the requirements that are needed for this case such as hardness, accuracy, surface roughness and support removal were chosen based on a series of tests and results from other studies. Another aspect that was analysed was related to the material from which was manufactured the mold. The forming and cutting of the mesh are simplified, by introducing the formed metallic mesh making it ready to be applied to real patients and therefore decreasing the effective time required for this kind of operation.

Morphological and physical characterization of construction and demolition waste

The proportion of India’s population living in urban regions has climbed from 14 per cent at the time of Independence to roughly 31 per cent at now. Demand for housing and transportation infrastructure in metropolitan areas is also similarly expanding. Rising environmental challenges has enforced the stakeholder to utilize the construction and demolition waste with more efficacy in the road and other building construction. Incorporation of C&D waste for manufacturing of aggregates is a step towards efficient management and consumption of this material. This yet, takes appropriate attention when generating aggregates to maintain their efficiency in their usage as part of concrete and roadway pavements. These aggregates may be of two kinds namely Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) and Recycled Aggregate (RA). Recycled aggregate is manufactured from demolition waste that may consist brick, concrete, tiles, glass etc. and RCA is obtained from concrete following mandatory processing. The purpose of this research is to analyse the morphological and physical properties of C&D waste. Also, the study covers the effective utilisation of this waste in the building sector along with its benefits and limits. Previous research have demonstrated that the usage of secondary sustainable material not only offer an effective waste disposal approach but also minimise demand for virgin material and lower overall building cost. Construction and demolition waste characteristics vary based upon nature of waste, strength attributes of original elements, age of the destroyed structure, etc. Hence each sample of processed C&D waste should be examined to identify its physical and engineering strength attributes before employing it in any road project. This study also presents an outline of functioning of C&D waste processing plant with the aid of schematic flowchart.

THE MOTIVATION OF LEARNING IN STUDENTS

The motivation for learning illustrates the determination each student has towards this important process. When the motivation starts from within each student, we say that it is an intrinsic motivation, and when it comes from the outside we will call it an extrinsic motivation. The motivation for learning is the dynamic and directional energetic process of the entire learning process. Motivation is the key to our entire behavior, and therefore to our learning behaviour. It is also important to note that the motivation for learning is vital for the efficiency of learning. In our research we aim to investigate some elements related to students` motivation for learning. The method of investigation of the problem of students` motivation in learning is the survey, conducted using the questionnaire as a tool. The sample of subjects consists of two hundred and twenty-two students from the “1 December 1918” University of Alba Iulia, year I, II and III, from different specializations. Among the indicators presented in the questionnaire we can include: aspects that lead to the increase of motivation for learning, which is the main reason for which they learn, how much time they spend daily on learning, whether they carry out a specific program when they learn; what solutions they resort to when they encounter a learning problem, etc. The conclusions are drawn up based on the statistical analysis and confirm the presence of original elements about the motivation of students’ learning.

Research on the Use of Aerial Scanning and Gis in the Design of Sustainable Agricultural Production Extension Works in an Agritourist Farm in Romania

The use of scanning technologies and digital photogrammetry with the help of drones in the field of agritourism activities in Romania is a topic of novelty, because all the data necessary for the implementation or development of such research can be collected very quickly and with maximum efficiency. The classic methods are cumbersome and with a high consumption of inputs, and human and financial resources. The case study presents a practical method of applying this technology in the case of the agritourist farm REMMAR, from Vâlcea county, Romania, which wants to expand its agricultural production capacity with ecological products. Graphic support was obtained by scanning or digitizing existing maps in the physical/printed format and by acquiring data of interest in the digital format by photogrammetric methods and aerial field scanning of the studied area. The original elements of the topic are: how to obtain images by using photogrammetric methods; developing the methodology of the research and the actual development, from setting the basic objectives to obtaining and presenting the final results; elaboration of the methodology of the needs analysis and designing the specific data model; designing and the practical implementation of the geographic information system in terms of structure, methods, and means of software implementation. The successful implementation of the system was achieved only under the conditions of the existence of a data model specific to the field of action, and first realizing the conceptual foundation of the applicable data model, which would allow the registration, storage, extraction, processing, and effective analysis of the data of interest. From a theoretical and practical point of view, the research has a unique character in Romania, because it presents for the first time the development of a standard methodology for the design, expansion, and promotion of agritourism farms. The built geographic information system (GIS) is an effective tool for the management and control of the quality and efficiency of works specific to sustainable agricultural production.

Physicochemical characterization and oxidative potential of size fractionated Particulate Matter: Uptake, genotoxicity and mutagenicity in V-79 cells

For many years, the impact of Particulate Matter (PM) in the ambient air has been one of the major concerns for the environment and human health. The consideration of the heterogeneity and complexity of different size fractions is notably important for the assessment of PM toxicological effects. The aim of the study was to present a comprehensive size-composition-morphology characterization and to assess the oxidative potential, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity of the atmospheric PM fractions, collected by using MOUDI near a busy roadside in Lucknow, India. Physicochemical characterization of ambient coarse particles (1.8–10 µm), fine particles (0.32–1.8 µm), quasi-ultrafine (0.1–0.32 µm) and ultrafine particles (≤0.1 µm) along with SRM 1649b was done using TEM, SEM, DLS, NTA, ICP-MS, and IC in parallel with the estimation of exogenous Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) by acellular assays. In this study, two different acellular assays, dithiothreitol (DTT) and the CM-H2DCFDA assay, indicated stronger mass-normalized bioactivity for different size ranges. Enrichment factor analysis indicated that the different size fractions were highly enriched with elements of anthropogenic origin as compared to elements of crustal origin. The endotoxin concentration in different size fractions was also estimated. Cellular studies demonstrated significant uptake, cytotoxicity, ultrastructural changes, cellular ROS generation, and changes in the different phases of the cell cycle (Sub G1, G1, S, G2/M) exposed to different size fractions. The Comet assay and the Micronucleus assay were used to estimate genotoxicity. Mutagenic potential was revealed by the HGPRT gene forward mutation assay in V-97 cells. Conclusively, our results clearly indicate that the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of the coarse PM was greater than the other fractions, and interestingly, the ultrafine PM has higher bioactivity as compared to quasi-ultrafine PM.

Coffered ceilings in the churches of Rome, from the 15th to the 20th century

The contribution concerns the coffered ceilings in Roman churches, which have been built between the mid-fifteenth and the mid-twentieth century and represent ornamental components of great value. The coffered ceilings still visible today are approximately sixty; many others have been demolished or destroyed by calamities through the time. The attention on the subject revived after the collapse in the church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami occurred in August 2018; the event highlighted the vulnerability of the coffered ceilings and a lack of historical and technological knowledge regarding individual cases. Referring to the architectural treatises on the subject, this article focuses on the early-nineteenth-century texts by Jean-Baptiste Rondelet and Giuseppe Valadier, illustrating two different criteria in creating coffered ceilings. In the first one, the coffered ceilings are directly connected to the roof trusses, providing for the lining of the tie beams. In the second one, the coffered panels are nailed to wooden frames hanging from purlins placed over the tie beams. Both construction methods can be found in the coffered ceilings of Rome, but most of the cases refer to the second system. Thus, the contribution delves into the construction process in detail and focuses on the arrangement of the elements, reporting the analysis of some study cases, based on direct checks and surveys. In this regard, knowledge of the extrados of the ceilings is crucial foreseeing possible conservation works, allowing to avoid the risk of inappropriate restoration or replacement of original elements.

Numerical simulation study of the contact relationship between the external supporting arch and the surrounding rock in a soft rock roadway

To develop an effective research tool for special contact behaviors observed in the field measurements of large deformation roadway to simulate the radial separation and circumferential friction sliding contact between the supporting arch and the surrounding rock, especially in the process of arch yielding. In view of the fact that the traditional method unable to achieve both the yield of the arch and the contact behavior with the surrounding rock, as well as the practicality of the engineering. The improved numerical simulation approach is constructed through additional development of FLAC3D. The yield criterion of the supporting arch was embedded in the modified Liner element via the FISH language programming, and the separable arch-rock interaction module is realized. Taking an actual mining roadway tunnel as the simulation object, three simulation schemes adopting the newly improved approach and the original methods were carried out respectively, and verified by the field measured data. The results show that: (1) the bending moment and axial force at the yielding moment of the supporting arch change from independent to related after modification, and the computed deviation of the arch model caused by the shortcomings of the original Liner element were effectively suppressed; (2) the surrounding rock controlling and the supporting arch stress results in the modified model scheme are closer to the actual; and (3) the modified Liner element is proved effective to simulate the supporting arch by the responses of supporting forces curves and relative displacement of the supporting arch and surrounding rock. The analysis shows that the improved numerical simulation approach is much more reliable to simulate the contact relationship between the supporting arch and the surrounding rock.

Trade-off between Image Quality and Computational Complexity: Image Resizing Perspective

This study proposed a new approach for resizing image deal with quality and computational complexity. Here, previous methods in image resizing do analytical works to approximate the original picture element (pixel) or to remove high frequency coefficients. For images with huge pixel, this will result in computational burden due to number of multiplication and addition in the synthesized formula. Instead of the works, this study proposed a new approach in removing the coefficients by exploiting the second-order block matrix without the need to synthesize the formula. It can be called a fully numeric image resizing method. The result shows that the resized version of original image has peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) equal to 35.24 dB for resizing the famous Lena image which means compareable to the conventional which has PSNR value around 35 dB but here deriving analytical formula is not required. Reducing computational complexity is also achieved as expected with result only 16 addition involved with no multiplication required. This is lower than the conventional in term of computational complexity. Overall, the proposed method has a good balance for both performances than the conventional approaches.

Elementi orientali nelle lettere di Andrea Berengo (1553–1556)

AbstractThe letters of the Venetian merchant Andrea Berengo, written in the mid-16th century, are not only a precious testimony of Venetian commercial history, but also a particularly rich source for linguistic and lexicographic studies on Renaissance Venetian. The present paper examines selected oriental elements of Arabic, Turkish and Persian origin from the point of view of historical lexicography. The special linguistic interest of Berengo's letters is confirmed by the fact that most of the terms studied are early or even first attestations in Italian.

Интерпретация семантики и функционирования иноязычных элементов в художественном тексте: лингвистический и психолингвистический аспекты

Interpretation of semantics and functioning of foreign language ele-ments in fiction: linguistic and psycholinguistic aspects. The article analyzes the results of a psycholinguistic experiment devoted to the perception and un-derstanding of foreign-language elements of Polish origin. The regularities of the "alienness" degree interpretation of the presented word from the type of the presented borrowing (polonism, exoticism, inclusion) and the possibility of identifying its meaning in the context are established.

A coupled hygro-thermo-mechanical fiber beam model for reinforced concrete structures

The mechanical behavior of reinforced concrete is affected by the environmental fluctuations of temperature and humidity. In traditional structural analysis of the using beam element, the influence of coupled hygro-thermo-mechanical effect was considered by correction coefficient terms based on data fitting of specimens, which was not very suitable for the analysis of large or complex structures. In order to catch complex behavior of reinforced concrete using beam element, a coupled hygro-thermo-mechanical fiber beam model is developed for the analysis. The model uses a sequential coupled analysis approach based on the framework of original microprestress solidification (MPS) theory and fiber beam element method, which contains important features of reinforced concrete beam such as non-uniform ageing, creep, shrinkage, thermal dilation. Several concrete beam and reinforcement concrete beam experiment data, contrasting examples between the fiber beam element model and conventional 3D solid element model and a typical example of reinforced concrete box beam on structural scale were used to verify the presented model. Overall, good results were obtained in all the tests. The results show that the MPS intrinsic creep property could predict the behavior of concrete beams well. Area weighted average temperature and average relative humidity is an efficient simplified method to catch the MPS intrinsic creep property. Fiber beam element model coupled with MPS intrinsic creep property and a finer subdivision scheme can predict the behavior of beam well under complicated conditions as well as 3D solid element model. The model developed in this study can be used for large structures efficiently.

Biogeochemical behaviour of geogenic As in a confined aquifer of the Sologne region, France.

Arsenic (As) is one of the main toxic elements of geogenic origin that impact groundwater quality and human health worldwide. In some groundwater wells of the Sologne region (Val de Loire, France), drilled in a confined aquifer, As concentrations exceed the European drinking water standard (10μgL-1). The monitoring of one of these drinking water wells showed As concentrations in the range 20-25μgL-1. The presence of dissolved iron (Fe), low oxygen concentration and traces of ammonium indicated reducing conditions. The δ34SSO4 was anticorrelated with sulphate concentration. Drilling allowed to collect detrital material corresponding to a Miocene floodplain and crevasse splay with preserved plant debris. The level that contained the highest total As concentration was a silty-sandy clay containing 26.9mgkg-1 As. The influence of alternating redox conditions on the behaviour of As was studied by incubating this material with site groundwater, in biotic or inhibited bacterial activities conditions, without synthetic organic nutrient supply, in presence of H2 during the reducing periods. The development of both AsV-reducing and AsIII-oxidising microorganisms in biotic conditions was evidenced. At the end of the reducing periods, total As concentration strongly increased in biotic conditions. The microflora influenced As speciation, released Fe and consumed nitrate and sulphate in the water phase. Microbial communities observed in groundwater samples strongly differed from those obtained at the end of the incubation experiment, this result being potentially related to influence of the sediment compartment and to different physico-chemical conditions. However, both included major Operating Taxonomic Units (OTU) potentially involved in Fe and S biogeocycles. Methanogens emerged in the incubated sediment presenting the highest solubilised As and Fe. Results support the hypothesis of in-situ As mobilisation and speciation mediated by active biogeochemical processes.

Characteristics and seasonality of trace elements in fine aerosols from Tianjin, North China during 2018-2019

To better understand the characteristics and seasonality of trace elements in fine aerosols (PM2.5) in the Tianjin region, North China, we conducted a long-term PM2.5 sampling during July 2018 to July 2019 (n = 121) at an urban location in Tianjin. We measured 28 trace elements in PM2.5 using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Zn, As, Cd, V, and Ni, which are mainly emitted from anthropogenic sources, found to be abundant followed by the elements of natural origin and of dust, respectively. Concentrations of most of the elements varied substantially from season to season, indicating the seasonal differences in emission sources. However, V, Ni, and Cr did not show any significant seasonal variation during the whole campaign, which suggested that the impact of local emissions from the industry was significant throughout the year at Tianjin. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis of the data resulted six factors, representing the sources: emissions of coal combustion, industries, biomass burning, soil dust, vehicle exhaust and secondary formation, with the relative contributions of 17.3%, 12.5%, 14.3%, 18.8%, 25.3% and 11.9%, respectively. Although the annual contribution to PM2.5 from vehicle exhaust was higher, the contributions from biomass burning, secondary formation, coal combustion and the vehicle exhaust were dominated in spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. This study provides insights on PM2.5 seasonal characteristics and to develop a controlling strategy for air pollution in mid-latitude coastal cities, especially in northeastern Asia.

Importance of posterior tibial slope in joint kinematics with an anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee.

To fully quantify the effect of posterior tibial slope (PTS) angles on joint kinematics and contact mechanics of intact and anterior cruciate ligament-deficient (ACLD) knees during the gait cycle. In this controlled laboratory study, we developed an original multiscale subject-specific finite element musculoskeletal framework model and integrated it with the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints with high-fidelity joint motion representations, to investigate the effects of 2.5° increases in PTS angles on joint dynamics and contact mechanics during the gait cycle. The ACL tensile force in the intact knee was significantly affected with increasing PTS angle. Considerable differences were observed in kinematics and initial posterior femoral translation between the intact and ACLD joints as the PTS angles increased by more than 2.5° (beyond 11.4°). Additionally, a higher contact stress was detected in the peripheral posterior horn areas of the menisci with increasing PTS angle during the gait cycle. The maximum tensile force on the horn of the medial meniscus increased from 73.9 N to 172.4 N in the ACLD joint with increasing PTS angles. Knee joint instability and larger loading on the medial meniscus were found on the ACLD knee even at a 2.5° increase in PTS angle (larger than 11.4°). Our biomechanical findings support recent clinical evidence of a high risk of failure of ACL reconstruction with steeper PTS and the necessity of ACL reconstruction, which would prevent meniscus tear and thus the development or progression of osteoarthritis.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res2022;11(10):708-719.