Form Of Strands Research Articles

Scheduling of parallel continuous annealing lines with alternative processing modes to optimize efficiency under tardiness constraints

Continuous annealing is a core process in steel cold-rolling facilities. It is used to set desired material properties by passing coils of flat steel through a high-temperature furnace in a precisely controlled manner. High efficiency is achieved by feeding the steel through the furnace in the form of a continuous strand. For this purpose, the coils are welded together before being fed into the furnace. Whenever two consecutive coils are incompatible, a special dummy coil called stringer is used to connect them, which reduces efficiency and adds costs and emissions. We consider the scheduling of coils with specific due dates and alternative order-specific processing modes on parallel heterogeneous lines. The problem is to simultaneously assign coils to lines and sequence them on these lines with a defined processing mode with adherence to tardiness constraints while minimizing the number of stringers needed. To address this problem, we formulate a mixed-integer linear program based on a model from the literature and propose a two-phase heuristic solution procedure. The procedure combines an opening phase using shortest path algorithms and local search with an improvement phase based on problem-specific decompositions according to the principles of an Fix-and-Optimize procedure. The results show that our heuristic outperforms a state-of-the-art commercial solver in finding good solutions in short computation time. Based on a sensitivity analysis for several industry-inspired data sets, we observe a trade-off between efficiency and tardiness which strongly depends on the operating conditions.

Applicability of available NDT methods for damage detection in concrete elements reinforced or strengthened with FRP

The application of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials in concrete structures has been rising due to their several advantages, including lightweight, high tensile strength, ease of installation, and corrosion resistance. They have been mostly implemented for strengthening and repairing existing structures in the form of an externally bonded system, i.e., sheet, jacket, near surface mounted. Furthermore, they have been recently utilized as internal reinforcement of concrete elements in the form of strands, bars, tendons, etc. Although higher durability and performance are associated with the FRP material in some aspects compared to steel, concerns remain regarding damages and defects in this material, many of which are related to their unique features. Importantly, debonding of FRP materials from a concrete surface or within a concrete element has always been an issue resulting in the premature failure of the structure. To this end, concrete elements strengthened or reinforced with FRP materials has to be inspected periodically to detect potential issues and hence prevent any premature failures. This study first determines all possible or potential damages and anomalies attributed to FRP reinforced/strengthened concrete (FRP-RSC) elements. It then investigates Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods that can be applicable to the inspection of FRP-RSC elements from a literature survey of past studies, applications, and research projects. Furthermore, this study evaluates the ability of two of the most commonly used NDT methods, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Phased Array Ultrasonic (PAU), in detecting FRP bars/strands embedded in concrete elements. GPR and PAU tests were performed on two slab specimens reinforced with GFRP (Glass-FRP) bars, the most commonly used FRP bar, with variations in their depth, size and configuration, and a slab specimen with different types of available FRP reinforcements. The results of this study propose the most applicable methods for detecting FRP and their damage/defects in FRP-RSC elements. This study further investigates the feasibility of two new methods for improving the detectability of embedded FRP bars. By providing the inspection community with more clarity in the application of NDT to FRP, this study offers means for verifying the performance and, therefore, help the proliferation of FRP materials in concrete structures.

Adipocytes in the Uterine Wall during Experimental Healing and in Cesarean Scars during Pregnancy.

We have suggested that adipocytes in uterine scars may affect the development of the placenta accrete spectrum (PAS). In the experimental part, we explored adipocytes in the uterine wall by the twelfth sexual cycle after surgery. In the clinical part, we investigated adipocyte clusters in the cesarean scar of pregnant women with and without PAS. The uterine wall was evaluated in gross and histological sections using morphometry, histochemistry (hematoxylin and eosin stain, Mallory stain), and immunohistochemistry for FABP4 (adipocyte markers), CD68, CD163, CD206 (macrophages), CD 34 (endothelium), cytokeratin 8 (epithelium), aSMA (smooth muscle cells). The design included an experimental study on Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 18) after a full-thickness surgical incision on the seventh (n = 6), 30th (n = 6), and 60th day (n = 6). The clinical groups include pregnant women without uterine scars (n = 10), pregnant women with a uterine scar after previous cesarean sections (n = 10), and women with PAS (n = 11). Statistical processing was carried out using nonparametric methods. Comparisons were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. On the seventh day, the rat uterine horn was enveloped by adipose tissue, which contained crown-like structures with FABP4+, CD68+, CD206+, and CD163+ cells. FABP4+ cells in the uterine wall were absent by the 30th day. The number of CD206+ and CD163+ cells in the adipose tissue decreased by the 30th day. On the 60th day, the attachment of fat tissue was revealed in the form of single strands. The serous layer around the damaged area totally recovered on the 60th day. FABP4+ cells were not detected in the uterine wall samples from pregnant women without a previous cesarean section. Adipocytes were found in the scar during non-complicated pregnancy and with PAS. Reducing the number of CD68+ cells in adipocyte clusters, there were in myometrium with PAS. Increased CD206+ and CD163+ cells were revealed in uterine adipocyte clusters of the group. According to the experimental finding, adipocytes should be absent in the uterine wall by the 12th sexual cycle after a full-thickness surgical incision. The presence of adipocyte clusters in cesarean scar indicated the disturbance of cell interaction. Differences in the numbers of CD206 and CD163 cells in adipocyte clusters between groups with and without PAS may be indirect evidence that uterine adipocytes affect the development of PAS.

Plasma Pharmacokinetics of N-Acetylgalactosamine-Conjugated Small-Interfering Ribonucleic Acids (GalNAc-Conjugated siRNAs).

Small-interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNAs) with N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) conjugation for improved liver uptake represent an emerging class of drugs that modulate liver-expressed therapeutic targets. The pharmacokinetics of GalNAc-siRNAs are characterized by a rapid distribution from plasma to tissue (hours) and a long terminal plasma half-life, analyzed in the form of the antisense strand, driven by redistribution from tissue (weeks). Understanding how clinical pharmacokinetics relate to the dose and type of siRNA chemical stabilizing method used is critical, e.g., to design studies, to investigate safety windows, and to predict the pharmacokinetics of new preclinical assets. To this end, we collected and analyzed pharmacokinetic data from the literature regarding nine GalNAc-siRNAs. Based on this analysis, we showed that the clinical plasma pharmacokinetics ofGalNAc-siRNAs areapproximately dose proportional and similar between chemical stabilizing methods. This holds for both the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax). Corresponding rat and monkey pharmacokinetic data for a subset of the nine GalNAc-siRNAs show dose-proportional Cmax, supra-dose-proportional AUC, and similar pharmacokinetics between chemical stabilizing methods​. Together, the animal and human pharmacokinetic data indicate that plasma clearance divided by bioavailability follows allometric principles and scales between species with an exponent of 0.75. Finally, the clinical plasma concentration-time profiles can be empirically described by standard one-compartment kinetics with first-order absorption up to 24h after subcutaneous dosing, and by three-compartment kinetics with first-order absorption in general. To describe the system more mechanistically, we report a corrected and unambiguously defined version of a previously published physiologically based pharmacokinetic model.

Damage and Defects in Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Reinforced and Strengthened Concrete Elements

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to conventional civil engineering materials in existing structures as externally applied systems for strengthening purposes, and in new structures as internal reinforcements in the form of bars, meshes, and strands. The next phase of development in the application of FRPs in concrete structures could culminate in elements possessing both internal and external FRP systems simultaneously. With these advancements in the application of FRP in civil engineering, it is conceivable that traditional steel reinforcements could become obsolete in certain aggressive and hostile environments, such as coastal areas. Although higher durability and performance are associated with FRP materials in some respects when compared to steel, concerns remain regarding the damage and defects in this material, many of them related to their unique features. Regardless, similarly to other structural materials, it is necessary to understand the damage and defects associated with the use of FRP composites, as well as to identify their sources. This knowledge will support the positive prospects for FRP technology, promoting its application in civil infrastructure. Accordingly, this study investigated the types, characteristics, and identification of the observed or expected damage and defects associated with using FRP in reinforced and strengthened concrete elements. The damage was classified according to location and time of initiation. In addition, the sources of these defects and damage were determined, and a damage etiology was established for preventing the occurrence of such damage in future use. The results of this study are intended to provide the background for the development of a guide and training material for the inspection of structures that use FRP materials. The ability to inspect and properly maintain structures containing FRP will result in the enhanced durability and service life of concrete structures reinforced or strengthened with FRP materials.

Biocomposite materials based on polyethylene and amphiphilic polymer-iron metal complex

Objectives. To obtain and study the properties including degradability of polymer composite materials (PCM) based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) obtained by introducing an environmentally friendly additive comprising an oxo-decomposing additive (ODA) based on an amphiphilic polymer-iron metal complex, which accelerates the process of polymer degradation.Methods. PCMs based on LDPE and ODA were produced by processing in laboratory extruders in the form of strands, granules, and films. Thermodynamic properties were determined by differential scanning calorimetry in the temperature range 20-130 °C. In order to assess the performance characteristics (physical and mechanical properties) of the PCM, tensile strength and elongation at break were determined. The biodegradability of PCM was evaluated by Sturm's method, with the biodegradation index being determined by the amount of CO2 gas released as a result of microorganism activity, as well as composting by placing the PCMs for six months in biohumus. Changes in physical and mechanical properties and water absorption of the films during storage were evaluated. The photochemical degradability of the PCM was determined by exposing it to ultraviolet radiation for 100 h (equivalent to approximately one year of exposure of the films under natural conditions). The appearance of the composite samples following removal from the biohumus was determined using an optical microscope with ×50 magnification in transmitted and reflected light.Results. Following biodegradation by composting, the physical and mechanical properties of PCMs decrease by an average of 40.6%. This is related to the structural changes that occur in composites during storage in biohumus, i.e., the formation of a looser structure due to the development of large clusters of microorganisms that affect the formation of microcracks. It leads to the stage of fragmentation of the polyethylene matrix and indicates the progress of biological degradation of composites. In this case, the water absorption of the composite samples was 63% after 96 h of exposure. The biodegradability index determined by the Sturm method after 28 days of bubbling had changed by 82%, indicating an intensive biodegradation process. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation for 96 h resulted in the complete destruction of the PCMs, which turned into small “flakes.” This method is the most effective for the degradation of LDPE- and ODA-based PCMs.Conclusions. According to the results of the study of ODA-containing PCMs based on an amphiphilic polymer-iron metal complex, the tested filler-modifier can be recommended for the production of PCMs offering an accelerated degradation period.

Ovary micromorphology in hormogastrid earthworms with a particular emphasis on the organization of the germline cysts

There is a gap in our knowledge of microorganization and the functioning of ovaries in earthworms (Crassiclitellata) and allied taxa. Recent analyses of ovaries in microdriles and leech-like taxa revealed that they are composed of syncytial germline cysts accompanied by somatic cells. Although the pattern of cyst organization is conserved across Clitellata – each cell is connected via one intercellular bridge (ring canal) to the central and anuclear cytoplasmic mass termed the cytophore – this system shows high evolutionary plasticity. In Crassiclitellata, only the gross morphology of ovaries and their segmental localization is well known, whereas ultrastructural data are limited to lumbricids like Dendrobaena veneta. Here we present the first report about ovarian histology and ultrastructure in Hormogastridae, a small family of earthworms inhabiting the western parts of the Mediterranean sea basin. We analyzed three species from three different genera and showed that the pattern of ovary organization is the same within this taxon. Ovaries are cone-like, with a broad part connected to the septum and a narrow distal end forming an egg string. Ovaries are composed of numerous cysts uniting a small number of cells, eight in Carpetania matritensis. There is a gradient of cysts development along the long ovary axis, and three zones can be distinguished. In zone I, cysts develop in complete synchrony and unite oogonia and early meiotic cells (till diplotene). Then (zone II), the synchrony is lost, and one cell (prospective oocyte) grows faster than the rest (prospective nurse cells). In zone III, oocytes pass the growth phase and gather nutrients; at this time, their contact with the cytophore is lost. Nurse cells grow slightly, eventually die via apoptosis, and are removed by coelomocytes. The most characteristic feature of hormogastrid germ cysts is the inconspicuous cytophore in the form of thread-like thin cytoplasmic strands (reticular cytophore). We found that the ovary organization in studied hormogastrids is very similar to that described for D. veneta and propose the term "Dendrobaena" type of ovaries. We expect the same microorganization of ovaries will be found in other hormogastrids and lumbricids.

Anchorage performance of group anchored 1860-grade high-strength steel strands for beam-column connection

• An overall pull-out test device for group anchored steel strands is developed. • The influence law of the layout quantity of steel strands on the pull-out load and average bond stress is analyzed. • The influence law of the embedment length of steel strands on the pull-out load and average bond stress is investigated. • The calculation formula for the critical anchorage length of the group anchored steel strands embedded in the concrete column is also proposed. • The difference of stress development of steel strands at different positions in group anchor specimens is revealed. To determine the rational anchorage form of group anchored 1860-grade high-strength steel strands adopted in the beam-column connection of the Precast Prestressed Assembled Structural (PPAS) system frame, the overall pull-out test was carried out to investigate the influence of the anchorage type, embedment length and arrangement form (layout quantity) of steel strands on the overall pull-out behavior of group anchored steel strands. Test results indicated that the influence of the interaction of multiple steel strands in concrete columns (i.e., group anchor effect) on the anchorage performance should be taken into consideration. The layout quantity and embedment length of the steel strands have a significant influence on the anchorage performance of group anchored steel strands, such as the overall slip, ultimate anchorage capacity, and average bond stress at each characteristic point, but the influencing law is different obviously. In addition, a calculation formula for critical anchorage length of the group anchored steel strands embedded in the concrete column was also proposed, and relevant design suggestions for anchorage length were recommended for various arrangement forms of steel strands. The bond properties of the steel strands in concrete columns vary with their positions in group anchor specimens, which indirectly affects the anchorage performance of the group anchored steel strands, but its influence degree is strongly related to the stress development level of steel strands at that position.

Biodegradable packaging materials based on low density polyethylene, starch and monoglycerides

Objectives. To investigate the production and biological degradation of biodegradable hybrid compositions (BHCs), dispersed-filled with starch-containing products of various origins and distilled monoglycerides, along with the biodegradation of compositions based on low density polyethylene and thermoplastic starch (TPS) of various origins: corn, pea, and rice.Methods. Thermoplastic starch was obtained based on native starches of several types, which were processed in Brabender and MashkPlast (Russia) laboratory extruders. BHCs in the form of strands, granules, and films were obtained by mixing thermoplastic starches with polyethylene in extruders. Structural BHC parameters were studied by optical and electron scanning microscopy. The biodegradability of the composite films was evaluated by placing them in biohumus for six months; during storage, the change in water absorption of the films was determined. Before and after the biodegradation process, tensile fracture stress and elongation at rupture were determined to evaluate BHC performance (physical and mechanical characteristics of films). Changes in the chemical structure during biodegradation were determined by Fourier infrared spectroscopy.Results. The positive effect (acceleration of the biodegradation process) of using a novel type of starch plasticizer—monoglycerides distilled in TPS–polyethylene compositions—was confirmed. After six months, intensive sporulation of active microorganisms was observed on the surface of the samples. At the same time, water absorption by the samples reached 30%. The observed 60% decrease in strength and deformation properties indicates an intensive process of biodegradation.Conclusions. The biodegradation rate was shown to depend on the concentration and even distribution of the natural biodegradable filler in the synthetic polymer composition.

Experimental investigation of the overall pull-out behavior of group anchored straight-type steel strands

The Precast Prestressed Assembled Structural (PPAS) system frame is a novel prefabricated concrete structure, which has been widely applied in building and storage structures due to the advantages of the large structural bearing capacity, high construction efficiency, low cost, and the overall structural performance is not lower than the cast-in-place structure system. Good beam-to-column connection performance is a prerequisite for the PPAS system to bear the external load. However, the non-prestressed steel strand group anchor technology used in the beam-to-column connection of the PPAS system is still lacking corresponding research. For this reason, the overall pull-out tests on 2 single anchor specimens and 10 group anchor specimens of straight-type steel strands with a nominal diameter of 15.2-mm were performed in this research. The results indicated that the pull-out failure of steel strands is the main failure mode for single anchor and group anchor specimens. Meanwhile, the anchorage type of test specimens had no significant effect on the pull-out load-slip response, except for the slight difference in the linear elastic ascending stage. Furthermore, as the arrangement form (layout quantity) of the steel strands increased, the ultimate anchorage capacity of the specimens presented a nonlinear growth trend, whereas the anchoring efficiency of group anchor specimens exhibited a three-stage variation law of sharp attenuation, slow attenuation, and fast attenuation. the ultimate anchorage capacity of group anchor specimens increased linearly with the embedment length of the steel strand.

Experimental and numerical analyses of the tensile strength and mixed-mode fracture behavior of sheet molding compound plates

Polymer matrix composites are the most prevalent ones among all the composite materials because they offer high specific strength to weight ratio, toughness, and ease of processing. These composites own most of their properties to the high-strength reinforcement materials as carbon, glass, and aramid fibers. The mass production method of such composites is basically the sheet molding compound (SMC) compression molding technology. However, regarding the inherent defects of SMCs, such as porosities and internal cracks, the current trend of improving their performance requires a thorough understanding of mechanical and fracture properties of such products. Therefore, in this work, the commercially available chopped glass-fiber reinforced polyester SMC has been subjected to uniaxial tensile and mixed-mode fracture experiments, along and perpendicular to the rolling direction. The results of these experiments were employed as input data in a finite element model to determine the fracture toughness (KIC and KIIC) and critical strain energy release rate (GIC and GIIC) of material under mixed-mode loading conditions. Overall, although the reinforcing material were in the form of strands of glass fiber, SMC specimens exhibited lower mechanical properties and fracture toughness in transverse direction as compare with that of the longitudinal (rolling) direction under all modes of loadings.

Dynamic experiments on post-tensioned beam-column substructures following the sudden removal of a single interior column

Most experimental investigations about post-tensioned (PT) substructures have been conducted statically, neglecting the dynamic characteristic of progressive collapse. Dynamic performances of PT frame structures against progressive collapse are imperative to study under the sudden column removal scenario, which can reflect the actual progressive collapse more convincingly. This paper presents experimental programs on six half-scaled beam-column substructures, which were tested to evaluate dynamic responses after the sudden removal of a single interior column. During the tests, extensive instruments were installed in prescribed locations to record various dynamic responses such as displacements, loads, strains, and crack patterns. By comparison, the influences of post-tensioned strands (PTS) on the structural mechanisms of reinforced concrete (RC) frames against collapse were demonstrated. The findings cover the span–depth ratio of beam, bonded form of bonded post-tensioned strands (BPTS), and unbonded form of unbonded post-tensioned strands (UPTS). Experimental results highlight that the initial stiffness of RC substructures can be significantly enhanced by the PTS. Resistant mechanisms are mobilized to resist progressive collapse, such as compressive arch action and catenary action. The catenary action develops to resist progressive collapse if a larger span–depth ratio is applied in the design. Moreover, both UPTS and BPTS can increase the damping ratio of the corresponding RC, and the damping ratio of the PT specimen can reach up to 217.23% of that of the corresponding RC. And also, the proposed analytical model and theoretical equations can be well verified by the experimental results.

The influence of particle soaking in acetic acid and NaOH solutions on the quality of sandwich particleboard from raru wood and belangke bamboo

As a composite product, particleboard has disadvantages related to low dimensional stability. The research purpose was to analyze the effect of immersion in acetic acid and NaOH solution on the quality of the particleboard sandwich. Sandwich particleboard (SPb) was made in a size of 25 cm length and 25 cm width. The target thickness and density are 1 cm and 0.75 g/cm3, respectively. The adhesive used was isocyanate adhesive with a content of 7%. First, The particles, which were in the form of wood shavings and bamboo strands, were soaked in a solution of acetic acid and NaOH at various concentrations (0, 1, 2, and 3%). The moisture content of the particles to be made SPb was set at 7%. After evenly mixing the particles (wood shavings and bamboo strands) and the adhesive, the sheet was created. The board sheets were made into three layers, namely 40% face layer in the form of a bamboo strand, 20% core layer in the form of wood shavings, and 40% back layer in the form of the bamboo strand. The next stage was the hot pressing process at 160 °C for 5 min and 30 kg/cm2 pressure. The following process was conditioning the board for seven days. Testing of quality refers to the standard JIS A5908 (2003). The results showed that the immersion of Raru wood particles in acetic acid and NaOH significantly affected the value of density, water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and internal bond. Except for the moisture content on the AA3 and NA2 boards and the internal bond value on the untreated (control) board, all of the panel properties in this study met the standard.

Preposition Pied Piping and Stranding in Academic and Popular Nigerian English Writing

This paper examined preposition pied piping and stranding in academic and popular Nigerian English writing with a view to determining their pattern of occurrence. Preposition placement has not been studied in Nigerian English and in specific genres. The 160 246-word relevant component of ICE-Nigeria was the sub-corpus used, and the Systemic Theory guided the study. Analysed using a multi-layered qualitative approach, the data comprised 112 cases of pied piping, 64 of stranding and 4 of doubling. Pied piping was dominant over stranding in Academic Writing (78 percent v 22 percent), and stranding was 1.7 times more frequent in Popular Writing than in Academic Writing. Though evenly distributed in Popular Writing (44 each), pied piping was about twice as frequent as stranding in Popular Natural Sciences while stranding was virtually non-existent in Academic Natural Sciences. Whereas to-infinitive and passive clauses were stranding favourite sites (21 and 15 respectively), only in wh-relative clauses did pied piping operate and in which was the prominent sequence. In Academic Writing prepositions were pied-piped and stranded at an average of 3.83 and 1.82 per form respectively, but the rates were 3.31 and 3.1 in Popular Writing. Whereas in was the most pied-piped preposition and was 5.2 times more likely to be pied-piped than stranded, up was the most stranded form and its stranding relative to pied piping was infinitely more. Subtle differences in the genres&amp;rsquo; degree of formality explain the disparities in the distribution of pied piping and stranding in the sub-corpus analysed.

Generation of nylon copolymer reinforced with carbon nanotubes and thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers for use in fused filament fabrication

AbstractMultiscale thermoplastic composites consisting of nylon copolymer (PAc) reinforced with thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were generated in the form of strands and then processed via fused filament fabrication (FFF). The tensile modulus and strength of the laid‐up strands were found to be similar to those reported for polymer reinforced with nearly continuous carbon fibers. In this paper, 1 wt% CNTs were discovered to significantly enhance tensile properties of a nylon copolymer (PAc) reinforced with 20, 30, and 40 wt% TLCP wholly thermoplastic composite (WTC). The WTC filaments were then laid down via fused filament fabrication (FFF). Based on the previous work carried out in our lab, 1 wt% CNTs were the crucial concentration to efficiently enhance carbon fiber (CF) reinforced multiscale composites. The deagglomerated CNT dispersion in the WTCs was accomplished by using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). The effects of TLCP concentration and printing patterns in the lay‐down processes were explored. The most improvement in tensile properties due to the 1 wt% addition of CNTs was observed to be for the 20 wt% TLCP/1 wt% CNTs/PAc samples. The resulting composite filaments exhibited 225% and 80% improvement in the tensile modulus and strength, respectively, compared to the wholly thermoplastic composites (WTCs) without CNTs. In addition, 40 wt% TLCP/1 wt% CNT/PAc 3D printed specimens with filaments laid parallel to the printing direction exhibited excellent tensile modulus and strength of 38.92 GPa and 127.16 MPa, respectively. The measured tensile modulus of 40 wt% TLCP reinforced WTC is even higher than the reported 69 wt% long glass fiber (LGF) or 26 wt% long carbon fiber (LCF) reinforced nylon in fused filament fabrication with the same printing pattern.

The Analysis of Function and Poetry Content of Traditional Marriage in Seusina Village Community, Sikka Regency

This study aims to analyze the function and poetry content of traditional marriage in Seusina Village community, Kewapante District, Sikka Regency, NTT Province. Traditional poetry as an oral tradition contains teachings and values of life that are passed down from generation to generation. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative with content analysis. Sources of data in the study were informants who met certain criteria and the data in the study were traditional old utterances in the form of word strands that form lines and stanzas. The data validation used the method of triangulation technique, namely by comparing the results of observations in the traditional wedding ceremony of the Seusina Village community. The results showed that the traditional marriage poetry of the Seusina Village community functions as a means of education (didactic) and a means of teaching about good and bad things (morality). The contents of the traditional marriage poetry of the Seusina Village community include strengthening the values of politeness, generosity, patience, and tenacity.

Dynamic 3D scrambled image based RGB image encryption scheme using hyperchaotic system and DNA encoding

Hundreds of image encryption schemes based on the conventional 2D image space exist in the literature. Very few were built using the 3D image space. In this study, for better security, we present a new RGB (color image) encryption scheme based on the Dynamic 3D scrambled image (D3DSI), 5D multi-wing-hyperchaotic-system and DNA computing. After providing a color image as input, its three components are reshaped in a 1D array. These three components are concatenated to form a single 1D array. A 3D scrambled image with arbitrary dimensions is created. Pixels from the 1D array are shifted randomly to the different cells of the 3D scrambled image. Afterwards, for the realization of the diffusion effects, an XOR operation is performed between the key image and the 3D scrambled image. Next, the pixels data and the DNA key image are DNA-encoded. The pixels data in the form of DNA strands is once again scrambled using the same 3D scrambled image. Once again, the pixels data in DNA strands is XORed with the DNA-encoded key image. Lastly these DNA strands are transformed back to the decimal form. Out of this decimal form, three constituent color components, i.e., red, green and blue are separated and merged together to form the color cipher image. To obtain plaintext sensitivity, an image characteristic has been used to temper the one initial value of the chaotic map being used. The simulation results and the security analysis both portray better security, defiance to the varied threats and a real world applicability of the proposed image cipher.

Structure and binding ability of self-assembled α-lactalbumin protein nanotubular gels.

Partial hydrolysis of whey-based α-lactalbumin (α-La) with Bacillus licheniformis protease (BLP) induces the formation of nanotubular structures in the presence of calcium ions by a self-assembly process. α-La nanotubes (α-LaNTs) exist in the form of regular hollow strands with well-defined average dimensions. The growth of nanotubes induces the formation of stiff transparent protein gels due to the well-arranged networks that the strands can form; these gels can be used for entrapment, transportation, and target delivery of bioactive agents in the industry. High purity of α-La (free of other whey protein fractions) is desirable for nanotube formation; however, pure proteins are very expensive and not practically obtained for industrial applications. Thus, the purpose of this research was to construct α-LaNTs from an α-La preparation with lower purity and to study the gelation phenomena triggered by the self-assembled nanotubes. Some structural features of nanotube gels and their active agent-binding abilities were also investigated. A lower amount of α-LaNTs was observed when low purity α-La was used for nanotube formation. Nanotube growth induced gel formation and higher gel stiffness was obtained when compared to α-La hydrolysates. α-La was denatured after hydrolysis and self-assembly, and remarkable changes were observed in the α-helix and β-sheet domains of α-La structure. Increased intensity in Amide I and II regions indicated potential locations for binding of active agents to α-LaNTs. Whey-based α-La without much purification can be used to produce nanotubular gels and these gels can be considered carrying matrices for active agents in various industrial applications.

FEM Analysis of Bond between Concrete and Seven-Wire Prestressing Strand

Detailed FEM analysis of the pull-out test of seven-wire prestressing strand form concrete sample is the purpose of the article. A 3D numerical model of a seven-wire prestressing strand concreted in the concrete cube was made. The assumption of the most trusted modeling of the strand geometry for numerical calculations was assumed. The mechanical parameters of the materials and interface elements for analysis were adopted based on the results obtained from the experimental tests previously carried out by the author. As a result of numerical calculations, it was possible to trace the deformation state, stresses and cracking as well as their development along with the change of the strand displacement in the sample. The images of deformations and stresses in the sample confirmed theoretical considerations and suppositions from experimental tests about its accumulation of the largest values in longitudinal concrete wedges in the closest cover of the strand. During the test, the concrete inside the cube cracked quickly. The first cracks appear in the zone of the nearest cover of the strand. Numerical analysis made it possible to observe both the failure mechanisms identified in the experimental tests. The first mechanism consisted in cutting the longitudinal concrete wedges between the individual wires. The second mechanism was based on the rotation of the strand and its slip along the route of the twist.

Steel Reinforcement Corrosion - Its Impact on Features of Steel PSC Strand

Steel reinforcement made of refined maraging steel in the form of wires and strands has been for a long time used commonly for reinforcement of prestressed concrete structures. Defects on some of them and unfortunately even accidents of some cases of bridge objects, mainly recently published by media, related to corrosion of prestressed reinforcement awoke interest of both professional and wide non-professional public related to its durability. This issue also opens up a question of durability and liability of prestressed structures. In majority of existing prestressed structures the anticorrosion protection of reinforcement was traditionally secured mainly by alkalinity of the environment, i.e. concreting and/or grouting of prestressed elements in ducts. The abstract presents information related mainly to mechanical characteristics of corrosion-affected prestressed elements.