Heavy Damage Research Articles

Review of the Methods for Strengthening and Retrofitting Cultural Heritage Structures

Referring to the fact that the history of each country is the identity of its people and the preservation of originality and culture is also considered as a social value, the maintenance of valuable historical monuments, which indicates the path to the growth of human civilization, is of particular importance. Each country is trying to prevent the destruction of its historic buildings and cultural heritage by applying various methods of reparation and retrofitting. Iran, as a country with an ancient civilization, is a heritage of many valuable historical monuments. Traditional construction materials included masonry materials such as clay and mud, stone, wood and brick, and due to the weakness in physical structure and their low shear capacity and tensile strength, these materials do not have strength for example against strong forces from earthquakes and are suffered heavy damages. Unfortunately, in our country, fundamental work has not been performed on historical sites and complexes so far, and practically, the measures have been taken without any improvement in the structural performance of the buildings. Using special technical and specialized methods, the seismic behavior of such buildings could be enhanced against the seismic forces caused by the earthquake, and minimize the damage on the historical buildings to the least possible extent by strengthening historical monuments. In this paper, by separating the components, we examine a number of strengthening methods belonging to each of them.

Popular Biofortified Cassava Cultivars Are Heavily Impacted by Plant Parasitic Nematodes, Especially Meloidogyne Spp.

The development of new biofortified cassava cultivars, with higher micronutrient contents, offers great potential to enhance food and nutrition security prospects. Among the various constraints affecting cassava production are plant parasitic nematodes (PPN), especially root-knot nematodes. In this study, six popular biofortified cultivars were field-evaluated for their response to PPN in Nigeria. A field naturally infested with a diversity of PPN but dominated by root-knot nematodes was used. Application of the nematicide carbofuran significantly reduced PPN densities, and at harvest, no root galling damage was observed, compared with untreated plots, which had heavy galling damage. Plant height, stem girth, plant weight, marketable storage root number and weight were significantly lower for most cultivars in untreated plots. Percentage yield losses in the range of 21.3–63.7% were recorded from two separate trials conducted for 12 months each. Lower total carotenoid and dry matter contents were associated with higher PPN densities in some biofortified cultivars, resulting in a loss of as much as 63% of total carotenoid and 52% of dry matter contents. The number and weight of rotted storage roots were significantly greater in untreated plots across cultivars, reducing in-field and post-harvest storability. This study demonstrates that natural field populations of PPN can substantially affect yield, quality and nutritional value of released biofortified cassava cultivars.

Shenhuang granule in the treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): study protocol for an open-label randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundCurrently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is continuously and rapidly circulating, causing heavy damage on public health. No effective antiviral treatment has been proved thus far. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely applied in the treatment of a variety of infection diseases in China, hoping to produce clinical effects and reduce the use of antibiotics and glucocorticoid. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shenhuang granule in treatment of severe COVID-19.Methods/designThis multicenter, open-label randomized controlled trial is conducted in 160 participants with severe COVID-19. The participants will be randomly (1:1) divided into treatment group or control group. All participants are given standard therapy at the same time. The experiment will receive Shenhuang granule treatment twice a day for 14 days. The clinical indicators of patients will be assessed at baseline and at 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after treatment initiation. The primary outcome is 14-day clinical outcome. Adverse events will be monitored throughout the trial.DiscussionThis will be the first randomized controlled trial, which evaluate the effect of Shenhuang granule in patients with severe COVID-19 in China. The results of this trial may not only provide evidence-based recommendations to clinicians to treat severe COVID-19, but also enrich the theory and practice of TCM in treating infectious diseases.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000029777. Registered on 13 February 2020.

Examination of heavy flooding over the desert state of Rajasthan in India

Abstract online onlyMultiple days with periods of torrential rain in Rajasthan (an arid state of India) during July and August 2019 resulted in extreme flooding in several districts, causing heavy damage to lives and property. The research described in this short communication examines this flood event using observations from satellite data. Baran, Bhilwara, Pali, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur, Dungarpur and Banswara districts of Rajasthan were severely affected. Banswara, Dungarpur, Pali, Bhilwara, Kota and Jhalawar districts of Rajasthan received a cumulative rainfall total in excess of 1000mm for July and August 2019. Peak precipitation was in excess of 300mm day−1 on 15–16 August 2019 over some of these districts. Pali district recorded maximum rainfall rates in excess of 50mmh−1 on 15th and 16th August at 0630 utc and 0500 utc, respectively. Over a few of the regions of these districts, rainfall totals were in excess of 150% of the normal during July–August 2019, resulting in flash flooding. We also report that severe flood events are on the rise in recent decades over Rajasthan. Therefore, a proper flood management strategy is required to combat the risk of future flood disasters.

Long-Term Seismometric Monitoring of the Two Towers of Bologna (Italy): Modal Frequencies Identification and Effects Due to Traffic Induced Vibrations

TThe rise of human activities and the constant increase of vehicles traffic in the cities, and in particular of heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks, causes continues ambient vibrations that can detrimentally affect the conservation of built artifacts, especially historical constructions. The effects of urban vibrations on buildings and monuments are far from being fully investigated. In general, peak levels of traffic-induced vibrations are rarely high enough to be the main cause of heavy structural damages. On the other hand, they contribute to the process of deterioration by adding extra stresses—through fatigue damage accumulation occurring as a result of long periods of exposure to low levels of vibration—or by contributing to soil densification—which can lead to the settlement of building foundations. As such, the estimation of threshold levels above which traffic-induced vibrations may cause damages to monumental buildings requires specific studies including long-time monitoring campaigns. Data from experimental campaign can, indeed, be used to extract information on the variation of dynamic properties of buildings, thus providing valuable pieces of information for a complete knowledge to plan effective preservation interventions. The present work aims to identify the effects of traffic induced urban vibrations on the two Towers of Bologna, particularly prone to fatigue-related damages and close to a high transit of vehicles, through a preliminary analysis of data from several dynamic monitoring campaigns conducted during the last years.

Heavy ion radiation-induced DNA damage mediates apoptosis via the Rpl27a-Rpl5-MDM2-p53/E2F1 signaling pathway in mouse spermatogonia.

The risk of exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) environments has increased with the development of nuclear technology. IR exposure induces excessive apoptosis of the spermatogonia, which leads to male infertility. Spermatogonia apoptosis may be involved in ribosomal stress triggered by DNA damage following exposure to IR because ribosomal proteins (RPs) directly interact with mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) to induce apoptosis. This study aimed to use comparative proteomics and transcriptomics approach to screen the differential RPs and ribosomal mRNAs in mouse testes following high linear energy transfer (LET) carbon ion radiation (CIR). The expression of ribosomal large subunit protein 27a (Rpl27a) decreased at both protein and mRNA levels in the spermatogonia in vivo. After 6h of CIR, the immunofluorescence signal of 8-oxo-dG and phosphorylated ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated protein (ATM)/histone H2Ax increased, but that of Rpl27a decreased in the spermatogonia of p53 wild-type and knockout mouse testes. Moreover, the nucleolin was scattered throughout the nucleoplasm after CIR. These results suggested that CIR-induced DNA damage might trigger ribosomal stress, and the reduction in the expression of Rpl27a was associated with DNA damage in the spermatogonia. Similarly, in vitro, the immunofluorescence signal of 8-oxo-dG increased in the GC-1cells after CIR. Moreover, the expression of Rpl27a was regulated by DNA damage because the co-transfection of ATM and Rpl27a or inhibition of ATM-treated CIR could restore the expression of Rpl27a. Furthermore, the reduction in the expression of Rpl27a led to weakened binding of E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) and p53 to MDM2, causing p53 activation and E2F1 degradation in p53 wild-type and knockdown GC-1cells. This study proposed that heavy ion radiation-induced DNA damage mediated spermatogonia apoptosis via the Rpl27a-Rpl5-MDM2-p53/E2F1 signaling pathway. The results provided the underlying molecular mechanisms of spermatogonia apoptosis following exposure to high LET radiation.

Climate change impacts on Australia's eucalypt and coral species: Comparing and sharing knowledge across disciplines

AbstractTwo of Australia's most iconic ecosystems have recently sustained heavy damage related to climatic changes: the extensive eucalypt forests from catastrophic bushfires and the Great Barrier Reef from mass coral bleaching. Despite obvious differences, eucalypt trees and reef corals share some similarities in biology and ecology, particularly in relation to climate change impacts and adaptation. Both groups are the focus of an increasing research effort to characterize and respond to climate changes and here we examine how sharing research experiences can benefit both fields. Four key areas of research are considered: (a) modeling current distributions, (b) assessing impacts of climate change on future distributions, (c) using human‐assisted migration to improve survival, and (d) applying genetic enhancement to improve the species’ survival. Examples of each research area are used to examine potential crossovers, limitations of the methods, and future requirements. We conclude that eucalypt and coral researchers, and indeed researchers for many other endangered taxa, can gain much by comparing experiences and methods, despite the apparent differences in their respective taxa.This article is categorized under:Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Observed Impacts of Climate Change

Networked microgrids with roof-top solar PV and battery energy storage to improve distribution grids resilience to natural disasters

Electric power systems are prone to several threats. However, some potential threats e.g., extreme weather or natural disasters, are unavoidable and this can affect socio-economic activities, energy security, and also quality of life. Hence, improving the electric power grid resilience in order to reduce the impact from natural disasters has to be thoroughly studied and understood. This paper presents the challenges and advantages of having sections of a power distribution system constituted by networked microgrids (MGs) to efficiently manage distributed energy resources (DERs), in particular roof-top solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems, in order to improve the power distribution system resilience to natural disasters. In this regard, this paper provides a detailed resilience analysis process considering two major case studies, moderate damage and heavy damage, which are tested under different scenarios and levels of disruption, that are evaluated utilizing various resilience metrics. Test results indicate that networked MGs incorporating DERs show the potential to provide support to the power distribution system by scheduling the discharge of battery energy storage systems during outages and improve the resilience of the distribution grid to natural disasters.

Children of a Lesser Seismological God: The 1971 Tuscania (Central Italy) “Historical” Earthquake

Abstract The 6 February 1971 Tuscania (central Italy) earthquake belongs to a peculiar family of destructive seismic events that have occurred in an area classified as low-seismic hazard, causing heavy damage and tens of casualties. However, this earthquake took place at the dawn of modern seismology in Italy and is far from being fully characterized from an instrumental and macroseismological point of view. This article aims at bridging the gap of information that affects that earthquake, through a twofold research path: (1) with an archival investigation looking for new available sources and with the use of the European Macroseismic Scale-98 (EMS-98) intensity scale, and (2) with the calculation of a more constrained hypocentral location. The results of this investigation can be summarized as follows: the reappraisal of the earthquake in terms of EMS-98 provides a maximum intensity 8 in Tuscania (previously quoted 8–9 Mercalli–Cancani–Sieberg [MCS] in the catalog), and a general decrease of intensity in many damaged localities. The new epicenter location is shifted almost 10 km southeast of the old one, at about 3 km depth. This new location is more robust than the previous one and is consistent with the general distribution of the most damaged localities; however, we cannot exclude that effects of directivity might have played a role in the peculiar pattern of damage caused by the event. Finally, we provide new values of magnitude (MD 4.9 and ML 5.1) that point to an upward scaling of the earthquake. The ultimate lesson of this work is that a deepening of the research can always provide room for an improvement of our knowledge even for significant earthquakes that have occurred relatively recently.

A STUDY OF THUNDERSTORM FEATURES OVER SRIKAKULAM REGION ON 26TH APRIL, 2020

Thunderstorms are the most destructive activities that pose a serious threat to mankind. The rainfall associated with these events cause heavy damage to crops, property and human lives. Studies analyzing these parameters have great significance. Srikakulam is one of the frequently exposed regions to intense thunderstorms during pre-monsoon season. An attempt has been made to study the thunderstorm features over Srikakulam region (18.34oN 83.9oE) using the ECMWF ERA5 reanalysis data. We examined the hourly data for the entire Andhra Pradesh (AP) region for the particular date (26th April, 2020). We used parameters like Lifted Index (LI), K-Index (KI), Humidity Index (HI), Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), Convective Inhibition (CIN), Thunderstorm Prediction Index (TPI) and Total precipitable water (TPW) for analyzing the thunderstorm activity. High rainfall activity was seen over Srikakulam region. Almost 16 cm rainfall occurred during thunderstorm activity. LI, HI, KI, CAPE, CIN, TPI and TPW parameters were indicated high threshold before 4 hours at the region of thunderstorm occurrence. CAPE values were greater than 3500 J/kg.

Natural compounds attenuate heavy metal-induced PC12 cell damage.

ObjectivesTo investigate the neuroprotective effects of six natural compounds (caffeine, gallic acid, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate [EGCG], L-ascorbic acid and alpha tocopherol [Vitamin E] on heavy metal-induced cell damage in rat PC12 cells.MethodsIn this in vitro experiment, rat PC12 cells were exposed to four heavy metals (CdCl2, HgCl2, CoCl2 and PbCl2) at different concentrations and cell apoptosis, necrosis and oxidative stress were assessed with and without the addition of the six natural compounds.ResultsThe metals decreased cell viability but the natural compounds attenuated their effects on apoptosis, necrosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Mitochondrial protein changes were involved in the regulation.ConclusionOverall, the natural compounds did provide protection against the metal-induced PC12 cell damage. These data suggest that natural compounds may have therapeutic potential against metal-induced neurodegenerative disease.

Comment on “Active Crustal Deformation in the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt as Evidenced by Historical Earthquakes During the Last 450 Years” by G. Suárez et al.

Comment on “Active Crustal Deformation in the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt as Evidenced by Historical Earthquakes During the Last 450 Years” by G. Suárez et al.

TEN YEARS AFTER ETHNIC CONFLICT IN SOUTHERN KYRGYZSTAN: SOCIO-ECONOMIC CAUSES AND EFFECTS

In June 2010, a fierce ethnic conflict erupted in southern Kyrgyzstan, causing heavy casualties and property damage. The ethnic conflict occurred for both historical reasons and realistic backgrounds, especially the policy mistakes of the interim government. This article analyses the causes and effects of this ethnic conflict based on relevant information and reports that have been disclosed by international media. This ethnic conflict not only caused a huge negative impact on the social stability of Kyrgyzstan, but also worsened the security situation in Central Asia. At present, with the national conflict as a lesson, the governments of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are working hard to improve the relationship between the two countries and the two major ethnic groups.

Erosion Wear on Runner of Francis Turbine in Jhimruk Hydroelectric Center

Abstract Erosion wear is a major problem for hydraulic turbines operating on rivers from the Himalaya Mountains. The runner is the most important energy conversion component but it suffers heavy damage due to direct contact with the sediment-laden water. In this research, the runner's physical erosion wear mechanism is revealed using numerical simulations and the results are compared with damaged runners from Francis turbines in the Jhimruk Hydroelectric Center (JHC). Simulations show that high erosive wear occurs near the blade outlet on the suction side, which is consistent with site observations. Because of the high relative velocity at the runner outlet, the high accretion rate appears to be directly responsible for the heavy erosion rate. The adjustment of the guide vanes is the main action available in real situation to change the operation condition of turbine and flow separation can easily occur under off-design conditions, causing interblade vortex production. The vortex guides particles to one location where they gather, producing high accretion rates and aggravating erosion wear. This implies that the interblade vortex is the main factor that induces severe erosive wear at the blade outlet. When the angle of the guide vanes is adjusted to provide the highest efficiency, the erosion rate can be greatly reduced.

A Multi-Spatial Assessment Framework To Geological Hazard For High-Rise Building Project In Metro Manila, Philippines

On Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS) conducted from 2002 to 2004 by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) together with the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), a worst-case scenario with a 7.2 earthquake magnitude in Makati, would have structural impacts on 50% of infrastructures from partial to heavy damage, 18.3% would be heavily damaged, 32.8% would be partially damaged, and major lifelines and utilities that provide electricity, telephones, and water could be cut off. There will be 2,300 casualties, 7,700 injuries, and 156,000 displacements. Geological hazard threatens the City residents and its attractiveness as the preferred residential and business location in the country. In this study, we model the earthquake risk of high-rise building projects in Global City, located at the eastern portion of Makati City near Marikina Valley Fault System. To accomplish this, we identified important geological hazard-related factors and distributed survey question to experts to gather estimation of the importance of each factor, and Monte Carlo Analytic Hierarchy Process (MCAHP) was used to determine the consistency of the expert’s judgment. These factor weights from the MCAHP are applied to the gathered data, and a Quantum GIS software tool was utilized for visualization, producing a geo-hazard map that is color-coded representing weighted-simulation levels of estimated earthquake hazard risks.

Comparative Study of Separation of Heavy Metals from Leachate Using Activated Carbon and Fuel Ash

Abstract Dumpsite leachate contains heavy metals, which eventually get discharged into natural water bodies inflicting heavy damage on the environment and human health. The separation of heavy meta...

Heavy metal-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage as shown by RAPD-PCR in leaves of Elodea canadensis

The objective of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant response and DNA damage of heavy metals (Cd, Cu and Cr) in Elodea canadensis. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Glutathione reductase (GR) and lipid peroxidation levels of leaves of Elodea canadensis which was exposed to different concentrations of heavy metals (Cd: 2, 5, 10, 15, 25 ppb; Cu: 200, 500, 1000, 2500 ppb and Cr: 1, 3, 10, 15, 25 ppb) in a hydroponic culture were determined spectrophotometrically. The highest induction in SOD and CAT activities were determined at highest concentration of heavy metals. The Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR) technique was used to investigate the variation of DNA banding patterns of samples that exposed to different concentrations of heavy metals. Changing in band intensity and the gain and loss of bands were demonstrated the genotoxic effect of heavy metals. Bioaccumulation, oxidative responses and DNA damages were shown that Elodea canadensis represents a useful bioindicator.

Coral damage by recreational diving activities in a Marine Protected Area of India: Unaccountability leading to ‘tragedy of the not so commons’

Globally, coral reefs have drastically degraded due to local and global environmental stressors. Concurrently, coral reef tourism is rapidly growing in developing economies, which is one of many anthropogenic stressors impacting reefs. At the Malvan Marine Sanctuary, a Marine Protected Area (MPA) on the West coast of India, we investigated the impact of recreational diving on the reef from 2016 to 2019. To evaluate the diver's underwater behavior, a novel approach was used, wherein the video-log broadcasting website www.youtube.com was perused. Evidential proof substantiates heavy physical damage to corals because of recreational diving activity, which may lead to the collapse of coral habitat if it continues unabated. This resource depletion ironically elevates the economy of dependents averting consequences due to lost corals, thus making this a ‘tragedy’ for corals which are not meant to be ‘commons’. The study asserts need for proactive conservation efforts with stringent implementation and restoration initiatives in this MPA.

Decision Rules on Damaged House Data for Natural Disasters Using The If-Then Method Of The Rough Set Theory

Natural disasters remain a real threat for Indonesia. One province in Indonesia which has a high disaster risk is Nusa Tenggara Barat. The impact of disasters can be understood better if the data shape systematically. Data mining techniques that are used in this research is the Rough Set theory. It is an alternative analysis method for analyzing the imperfect data. Disaster that cause damaged houses in Nusa Tenggara Barat, including inconsistent data (rough). Researchers want to know the rules of data patterns (decision rules) using if-then rules from rough set theory. Based on the analysis, gained some rules of data patterns cause heavy damaged houses, minor and minor and heavy damaged houses. 32.75% of the houses were heavily damaged happens when a tornado disaster-stricken area with rain intensity is very low, flat topography and medium density of population. 89.93% of homes with minor damage occurs when an area flooded with low rainfall intensity, undulating topography of the area and the condition of the population is very dense. 38.45% of homes with minor and heavy damage occurred when a severe flood-stricken area with low rainfall intensity, topography of the area is very steep and very dense population conditions.

HISTOPATHOLOGYANDLEVELOF BIOACCUMULATION OFSOME HEAVY METALS IN FISH, CARASOBARBUSLUTEUS AND CYPRINUSCARPIOTISSUES CAUGHTFROM TIGRIS RIVER, BAGHDAD

This study was undertaken to detect the histopathology and level of bioaccumulation of lead and cadmium in water and in some freshwater fish (Carasobarbus luteus and Cyprinus carpio) tissues caught from Tigers River. A total of 100 water samples and 100 fish specimens (kidney, gills, liver and muscle) were collected from three sites of Tigris River. These samples were used to detect Pb and Cd via Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry.Results exhibited high concentrations of Pb and Cd in water samples (>0.03 for both metals) and insome organs of the selected fish. It was observed that the levels of Pb and Cd accumulated in most organs (kidneys being most influenced) followed by gills, livers and muscles at three sites. The levels of these heavy metals were much above the maximum acceptable limit recommended by FAO and WHO. Histopathology was also conducted where heavy damages were noticed in both livers and gills in both fish species. The current study present data about increasing pollution in the Tigris River and it approves that it is having strong impact on fish health and on human beings.