Horizontal Barriers Research Articles

Numerical Study on the Effects of Horizontal Barriers on Fire Behavior in Logistics Facility Racks

In this study, a numerical analysis was conducted to derive the optimal installation conditions for flame-spread barriers within racks, to reduce the damage caused by recurrent fire accidents in logistics facilities. The effectiveness of the fire extinguishing system according to domestic regulations was reviewed to ensure the feasibility of installation of the horizontal barrier. This review revealed that sprinkler systems were ineffective in delaying or preventing the initial spread of fire under certain fire conditions, confirming the need for horizontal barriers. Furthermore, although the installation of horizontal barriers was effective in delaying the initial fire spread, it led to an increase in fire size by blocking the extinguishing water and altering the fire spread path. It was confirmed that deriving the optimal installation conditions for barriers requires the consideration of the interactions between the in-rack sprinkler heads and the surrounding fire extinguishing systems.

Enhancing thermal efficiency in flat plate solar collectors through internal barrier optimization

This study investigates the impact of introducing horizontal barriers within the internal cavity of flat plate solar collectors on their thermal efficiency. The primary objective is to enhance thermal performance by reducing convective heat loss. An experimental test bench was constructed to evaluate five solar collectors under controlled conditions. One collector was unmodified as a reference, while the other four had 1 to 4 horizontal barriers inserted between the absorber plate and glass cover. Each collector’s efficiency was assessed by measuring inlet and outlet water temperatures, incident solar radiation, ambient temperature, and water flow rate. Efficiency versus heat loss parameter curves were generated, and correction factors were applied to account for material and sensor differences. The collector with four barriers demonstrated the highest overall thermal efficiency, achieving an efficiency improvement of up to 12 % compared to the reference collector. Specifically, the efficiency of the reference collector was around 70 %, while the collector with four barriers reached an efficiency of approximately 82 %. Introducing two barriers resulted in a 9 % increase in efficiency, bringing it to about 79 %. Conversely, the collector with three barriers showed a slight decrease in efficiency to 68 %. The barriers effectively reduced internal convective heat loss, enhancing the collector’s ability to harness incident solar radiation. Inserting horizontal barriers within the internal cavity of flat plate solar collectors significantly improves thermal efficiency by reducing convective heat loss. The optimal configuration, based on this study, involves using four barriers. This method presents a straightforward yet effective approach to enhancing solar collector performance. Future research should focus on refining barrier design and placement for different collector sizes and geometries, potentially supporting broader adoption of solar thermal energy systems and contributing to sustainable energy solutions.

Biodiversity and conservation of conservation priority fish species in the Nicaraguan volcanic crater lakes

The theory of island biogeography was tested in Nicaraguan volcanic crater lakes, colonized by fish from the older and larger source Nicaraguan Great Lakes. Spearman correlations of ranked molecular phylogenetic diversity in the Midas cichlid species complex (Amphilophus cf. citrinellus) were significant (p ≤ 0.05) or marginally significant (0.05 < p ≤ 0.10) with diversity with crater lake age in three of four data sets tested. Correlations were noted with deepwater area, the product of littoral area and age, and with the product of horizontal and vertical barriers between the crater lakes and the nearest source lakes divided by the product of littoral area and age. By treating the Midas cichlid species complex as a single taxon, ranked fish taxon richness in each lake correlated significantly with lake age, littoral area, and with the product of age and littoral area. These results support the concept that littoral area and lake age may be factors in the colonization of volcanic crater lakes from the source lakes, and the amount of deep water in a lake as well as lake age may be important factors in speciation in the Midas cichlid species complex. Seven species from the crater lakes have been classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.

A Two-dimensional Analytical Model for Volatile Organic Compound Diffusion Through the Unsaturated Soil and Horizontal Permeable Reactive Barriers

A Two-dimensional Analytical Model for Volatile Organic Compound Diffusion Through the Unsaturated Soil and Horizontal Permeable Reactive Barriers

Mengatasi Hambatan Komunikasi Horizontal PT.Masterindo Jaya Global Indonesia

This research aims to identify horizontal communication barriers faced by PT Masterindo Jaya Global Indonesia. Using a qualitative approach, descriptive data were obtained through literature study and observation of the research subjects, namely companies in Indonesia that experience horizontal communication problems. The results of qualitative data analysis show that communication barriers between units within the company can interfere with operational efficiency and effectiveness. Based on the findings, several solutions are proposed, such as choosing the right communication method, using easy-to-understand language, giving and asking for feedback in communication, increasing openness, maintaining harmonious inter-personal relationships, planning job placements correctly, and clarifying relationships within the organisation. This research is expected to provide better insight into horizontal communication and provide guidance for managers and management system developers to improve communication effectiveness within the company.

Locational enrichment of low-abundance analytes through force-environment-modulation microsystem with ion concentration polarization

Ion concentration polarization (ICP) effect in micro-nanofluidic devices can concentrate low-concentration molecules. In this paper, we proposed a novel ICP-based enrichment system with horizontal barriers that adjust the force environment of charged particles, to achieve specific locational analytes enrichment. Mechanism of analyte enrichment through force modulation is revealed through numerical simulation using microchannels with varied channels widths, which is further validated through physical experiment. Overall, a specific target-oriented structure and load regulation method was proposed, under which the low-abundance analytes could be locationally concentrated by ∼ 4000 times. This study is expected to develop an innovative method for specifically locational ion enrichment in terms of scientific principles, providing theoretical and technical support for concentration and detection of charged substances in both research and industry such as biology, environment, chemistry studies, etc.

Cork barriers for the remediation of soils polluted with lindane

The in-situ removal of lindane from spiked soil was studied using cork barriers combined with electrokinetic and ohmic heating soil remediation processes. Both vertical and horizontal cork barriers have been evaluated to retain pollutants mobilized by electro-osmotic flow or volatilized by ohmic heating. Moreover, the addition of surfactant solutions in electrolyte wells has been evaluated to promote the dragging of lindane by electrokinetic fluxes. Results indicated that the drag of lindane by liquid flows is not as important as expected, opposite to what happened with the dragging by gaseous flows. The retention of gaseous lindane was also confirmed in adsorption tests carried out in a column packed with cork granules. The addition of surfactant had a very limited effect on the mobility of lindane, and dragging of this species to the electrode wells or to a permeable reactive barrier. On the contrary, the reactivity of lindane during the electrochemical treatments is relevant due to the electrokinetic basic front promoting the in-situ conversion of lindane into less chlorinated pollutants.

Evaluation of Effectiveness of Application of Horizontal Inertial Barriers to Reduce Vibrations Propagating in Ground Environment

The paper presents calculations of vibrations of the soil mass when a horizontal inertial barrier in the form of a rectangular concrete slab buried in the ground is placed on the propagation path of vibrations. The damping effect of a surface wave upon its contact with an inertial plate is associated with its reflection, refraction and partial absorption. Theoretical studies have been carried out using the finite element method. The ground medium has been considered as an elastic inertial array bounded by non-reflecting boundaries. Various variants of the geometry of the inertial plate and its spatial arrangement on the surface of the soil medium between the vibration source and the considered point behind the barrier are modeled. The effectiveness of each variant of vibration isolation has been quantified by the value showing how many times the speed of vertical oscillations of the ground behind the barrier decreases compared to the free propagation of surface waves. It is shown that an intensive decrease in vertical displacements occurs starting from the side face of the inertial plate. Here, the amplitude of vertical oscillations decreases by 9,8 times for a concrete slab 15 m long, and by 4,2 times for a 3-meter slab. At a distance of 22 m from the point of application of the dynamic load, the amplitudes decrease by factors of 5.48 and 2.95, respectively, for slabs of 15 and 3 m width. This method of reducing vibro-dynamic effects has a simple design and can be used in cramped conditions of urban development to protect existing and planned buildings and structures.

Degradation of trichloroethylene vapors by micrometric zero-valent Fe[sbnd]Cu and Fe[sbnd]Ni bimetals under partially saturated conditions

The degradation of trichloroethylene (TCE) vapors by zero-valent Iron-Copper (Fe–Cu) and Iron-Nickel (Fe–Ni) bimetals with 1%, 5% and 20% weight content (%wt) of Cu or Ni was tested in anaerobic batch vapor systems carried out at ambient room temperature (20 ± 2 °C) under partially saturated conditions. The concentrations of TCE and byproducts were determined at discrete reaction time intervals (4 h-7 days) by analyzing the headspace vapors. In all the experiments, up to 99.9% degradation of TCE in the gas phase was achieved after 2–4 days with zero-order TCE degradation kinetic constants in the range of 134–332 g mair−3d−1. Fe–Ni showed a higher reactivity towards TCE vapors compared to Fe–Cu, with up to 99.9% TCE dechlorination after 2 days of reaction, i.e., significantly higher than zero-valent iron alone that in previous studies was found to achieve comparable TCE degradation after minimum 2 weeks of reaction. The only detectable byproducts of the reactions were C3–C6 hydrocarbons. Neither vinyl chloride or dichloroethylene peaks were detected in the tested conditions above their method quantification limits that were in the order of 0.01 g mair−3. In view of using the tested bimetals in horizontal permeable reactive barriers (HPRBs) placed in the unsaturated zone to treat chlorinated solvent vapors emitted from contaminated groundwater, the experimental results obtained were integrated into a simple analytical model to simulate the reactive transport of vapors through the barrier. It was found that an HPRB of 20 cm could be potentially effective to ensure TCE vapors reduction.

Discussion on Mechanism of Public Participation in Community Governance

With the development of innovative social governance models, the grassroots social governance model led by the government is transforming into a new governance model with the participation of multiple subjects. In practice, it is necessary to bring into play the importance of multi-subject participation in community governance (CG), including community party organizations, street offices, social organizations, and residents. The pluralistic subjects have the problems of imperfect development of community party organizations, unclear legal status of street offices, inadequate development of social organizations, and low enthusiasm of resident participation. Therefore, in the process of participating in the CG mechanism, there are problems such as lack of effective communication horizontally and lack of smooth channels vertically. Multiple subjects should communicate closely to effectively break through the horizontal barriers and actively participate in the governance system to smoothly run through the vertical channel. These play crucial roles in the participation of multiple subjects in CG.

Pan-Chromosome and Comparative Analysis of Agrobacterium fabrum Reveal Important Traits Concerning the Genetic Diversity, Evolutionary Dynamics, and Niche Adaptation of the Species.

Agrobacterium fabrum has been critical for the development of plant genetic engineering and agricultural biotechnology due to its ability to transform eukaryotic cells. However, the gene composition, evolutionary dynamics, and niche adaptation of this species is still unknown. Therefore, we established a comparative genomic analysis based on a pan-chromosome data set to evaluate the genetic diversity of A. fabrum. Here, 25 A. fabrum genomes were selected for analysis by core genome phylogeny combined with the average nucleotide identity (ANI), amino acid identity (AAI), and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) values. An open pan-genome of A. fabrum exhibits genetic diversity with variable accessorial genes as evidenced by a consensus pan-genome of 12 representative genomes. The genomic plasticity of A. fabrum is apparent in its putative sequences for mobile genetic elements (MGEs), limited horizontal gene transfer barriers, and potentially horizontally transferred genes. The evolutionary constraints and functional enrichment in the pan-chromosome were measured by the Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) categories using eggNOG-mapper software, and the nonsynonymous/synonymous rate ratio (dN/dS) was determined using HYPHY software. Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in the functional enrichment and the degree of purifying selection between the core genome and non-core genome. We demonstrate that the core gene families undergo stronger purifying selection but have a significant bias to contain one or more positively selected sites. Furthermore, although they shared similar genetic diversity, we observed significant differences between chromosome 1 (Chr I) and the chromid in their functional features and evolutionary constraints. We demonstrate that putative genetic elements responsible for plant infection, ecological adaptation, and speciation represent the core genome, highlighting their importance in the adaptation of A. fabrum to plant-related niches. Our pan-chromosome analysis of A. fabrum provides comprehensive insights into the genetic properties, evolutionary patterns, and niche adaptation of the species. IMPORTANCE Agrobacterium spp. live in diverse plant-associated niches such as soil, the rhizosphere, and vegetation, which are challenged by multiple stressors such as diverse energy sources, plant defenses, and microbial competition. They have evolved the ability to utilize diverse resources, escape plant defenses, and defeat competitors. However, the underlying genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of Agrobacterium spp. remain unexplored. We examined the phylogeny and pan-genome of A. fabrum to define intraspecies evolutionary relationships. Our results indicate an open pan-genome and numerous MGEs and horizontally transferred genes among A. fabrum genomes, reflecting the flexibility of the chromosomes and the potential for genetic exchange. Furthermore, we observed significant differences in the functional features and evolutionary constraints between the core and accessory genomes and between Chr I and the chromid, respectively.

Water wave interaction with dual unequal horizontal flexible porous barriers using integral equations

ABSTRACT Under the assumption of linear wave theory, this work investigates the interaction of surface gravity waves with two asymmetric horizontal flexible porous barriers. Three types of barriers are considered, namely, (i) step barriers, (ii) partially overlapped barriers and (iii) fully overlapped barriers. Green's integral theorem and the boundary condition on the barriers are utilised to produce four integral equations for functions related to potential difference and normal velocity of fluid across the barriers which are solved numerically by an expansion-collocation method. As a result, the role of asymmetric flexible porous barriers with an additional comparison between dual and single horizontal flexible porous barriers is studied by analysing numerical solutions of different hydrodynamic quantities. This study shows that the upper barrier plays a major role compared to the lower one in the propagation of surface waves. The current analysis is validated by reviving previous results and utilising energy balance relationship.

Thermal impact of dykes on ignimbrite and implications for fluid flow channelisation in a caldera

Ignimbrites within calderas host intrusions with hazardous and/or economically significant hydrothermal systems. The Hvítserkur ignimbrite at Breiðuvík caldera, north-eastern Iceland, is intruded by basaltic dykes. Our data show that the ignimbrite immediately adjacent to the dyke is hard, dark-coloured, recrystallised quartz, plagioclase, and alkali feldspar with a low permeability and porosity and frequent macrofractures. At 1-2 m from the dyke, the ignimbrite is hard, dominantly glassy with pervasive perlitic microfractures, has high permeability, but low porosity and frequent macrofractures. A narrow zone of pervasive unlithified clay exists 2 m from the dyke. Beyond this, the ignimbrite is soft and zeolite-rich, has low permeability, high porosity and fewer macrofractures. The dyke intrusion promoted a narrow zone of welding, fracturing and perlitisation in the ignimbrite resulting in high permeability and focussed alteration. Our study shows how intrusions and their thermal aureoles create vertical pathways for, and horizontal barriers to, geothermal fluid flow.

Thermal impact of dykes on ignimbrite and implications for fluid flow compartmentalisation in calderas

Ignimbrites within calderas host intrusions with hazardous and/or economically significant hydrothermal systems. The Hvítserkur ignimbrite at Breiðuvík caldera, north-eastern Iceland, is intruded by basaltic dykes. Our data show that the ignimbrite immediately adjacent to the dyke is hard, dark-coloured, recrystallised quartz, plagioclase, and alkali feldspar with a low permeability and porosity and frequent macrofractures. At 1-2 m from the dyke, the ignimbrite is hard, dominantly glassy with pervasive perlitic microfractures, has high permeability, but low porosity and frequent macrofractures. A narrow zone of pervasive unlithified clay exists 2 m from the dyke. Beyond this, the ignimbrite is soft and zeolite-rich, has low permeability, high porosity and fewer macrofractures. The dyke intrusion promoted a narrow zone of welding, fracturing and perlitisation in the ignimbrite resulting in high permeability and focussed alteration. Our study shows how intrusions and their thermal aureoles create vertical pathways for, and horizontal barriers to, geothermal fluid flow.

Fire Safety of External Thermal Insulation Systems (ETICS) in the Aspect of Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) are the most common technical solution to improve the thermal efficiency of existing buildings. In the light of the applicable regulations, ETICS are kits that apply only one type of thermal insulation material. All typically used ETICS introduced into the market classify as non-combustible. Despite that, the emerging recommendations in some countries point to the need for the introduction of barriers of non-combustible material such as mineral wool (MW) around the openings and horizontal isolation barriers around the building between different floors to prevent fast fire spread. That raises an important question: Do MW partitions significantly improve the fire safety of the building and balance other aspects such as the sustainability and durability of such combined insulation materials with different properties? Here, we assessed the impact of MW partitions in EPS-based ETICS on the spread of the fire according to the requirements of BS 8414-1: 2020. Four different variants were investigated. The study showed slight differences in average temperatures and the size of the polystyrene melting area for various insulation variants with the introduced horizontal MW partitions. The introduction of MW partitions shows no significant benefits or improvement of fire safety of the investigated ETICS.

Horizontal Regulatory Barriers in International Trade: Evidence from Electric Plugs

Horizontal Regulatory Barriers in International Trade: Evidence from Electric Plugs

Highlights of the 1st Latin American Conference of Women in Bioinformatics and Data Science

Highlights of the 1st Latin American Conference of Women in Bioinformatics and Data Science

Geomorphological Geometries and High-Resolution Seismic Sequence Stratigraphy of Malay Basin’s Fluvial Succession

This study identified the Pleistocene depositional succession of the group (A) (marine, estuarine, and fluvial depositional systems) of the Melor and Inas fields in the central Malay Basin from the seafloor to approximately −507 ms (522 m). During the last few years, hydrocarbon exploration in Malay Basin has moved to focus on stratigraphic traps, specifically those that existed with channel sands. These traps motivate carrying out this research to image and locate these kinds of traps. It can be difficult to determine if closely spaced-out channels and channel belts exist within several seismic sequences in map-view with proper seismic sequence geomorphic elements and stratigraphic surfaces seismic cross lines, or probably reinforce the auto-cyclic aggregational stacking of the avulsing rivers precisely. This analysis overcomes this challenge by combining well-log with three-dimensional (3D) seismic data to resolve the deposition stratigraphic discontinuities’ considerable resolution. Three-dimensional (3D) seismic volume and high-resolution two-dimensional (2D) seismic sections with several wells were utilized. A high-resolution seismic sequence stratigraphy framework of three main seismic sequences (3rd order), four Parasequences sets (4th order), and seven Parasequences (5th order) have been established. The time slice images at consecutive two-way times display single meandering channels ranging in width from 170 to 900 m. Moreover, other geomorphological elements have been perfectly imaged, elements such as interfluves, incised valleys, chute cutoff, point bars, and extinction surfaces, providing proof of rapid growth and transformation of deposits. The high-resolution 2D sections with Cosine of Phase seismic attributes have facilitated identifying the reflection terminations against the stratigraphic amplitude. Several continuous and discontinuous channels, fluvial point bars, and marine sediments through the sequence stratigraphic framework have been addressed. The whole series reveals that almost all fluvial systems lay in the valleys at each depositional sequence’s bottom bars. The degradational stacking patterns are characterized by the fluvial channels with no evidence of fluvial aggradation. Moreover, the aggradation stage is restricted to marine sedimentation incursions. The 3D description of these deposits permits distinguishing seismic facies of the abandoned mud channel and the sand point bar deposits. The continuous meandering channel, which is filled by muddy deposits, may function as horizontal muddy barriers or baffles that might isolate the reservoir body into separate storage containers. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th orders of the seismic sequences were established for the studied succession. The essential geomorphological elements have been imaged utilizing several seismic attributes.

A Virtual Emotion Detection System With Maximum Cumulative Accuracy in Two-Way Enabled Multi Domain IoT Environment

In this letter, we introduce a multiplex cumulative virtual emotion detection system for two-way enabled multi domain IoT environment, which avoids detection holes in all IoT domains. Formally, we define a problem whose objective is to maximize cumulative accuracy of detection holes on condition that perpendicular barriers or horizontal barriers are constructed in every domain area. After presenting the defined problem with ILP formulation, we devise a novel scheme to solve the problem. Moreover, we evaluate the obtained results through extensive experiments.

Wave Dissipation Characteristics of A Mountain-Type Breakwater

One mountain-type breakwater consisting of two inclined plates and one vertical plate is proposed based on several types of traditional free surface breakwaters, including the horizontal plate, curtain wall, and trapezoidal barriers. The interaction between the regular waves and the fixed free surface mountain-type breakwater is measured in one wave flume (15.0 m×0.6 m×0.7 m). The wave propagation, reflection, and transmission process are simulated using the VOF method and the hybrid SAS/laminar method. The simulated wave profiles are consistent with the experimental observations. For waves with a length smaller than four times width of the mountain-type breakwater, the reflected wave amplitudes are slightly larger than those of the vertical-plate breakwater, while the wave transmission coefficients are all smaller than 0.5, and the wave loss coefficients are larger than 0.7. The wave energy is dissipated by wave breaking on the windward inclined plate, and turbulent flow around the vertical plate and the leeward inclined plate.