Search

Copyright of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseño y Comunicación is the property of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseno y Comunicacion and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The bitter drug, warfarin, has a narrow therapeutic index (NTI) and is used in paediatrics and geriatrics. The aim of this feasibility study was to formulate the taste-masked warfarin-containing pellets to be applicable for dose personalisation and to improve patient compliance, as well as to investigate the effect of the core type (PharSQ® Spheres M, CELPHERE™ CP-507, and NaCl) on the warfarin release from the Kollicoat® Smartseal taste-masking-coated pellets. The cores were successfully drug-loaded and coated in a fluid-bed coater with a Wurster insert. An increase in particle size and particle size distribution was observed by optical microscopy. In saliva-simulated pH, at the Kollicoat® Smartseal level of 2 mg/cm2, none of the pellets demonstrated drug release, confirming their efficient taste-masking. However, in a stomach-simulated pH, a faster drug release was observed from PharSQ® Spheres M- and CELPHERE™ CP-507-coated pellets in comparison with NaCl cores. Additional experiments allowed us to explain the slower drug release from NaCl-containing pellets because of the salting-out effect. Despite the successful taste masking, the drug release from pellets was relatively slow (not more than 91% per 60 min), allowing for further formulation improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O trabalho apresenta um exercício analítico sobre as cores na cinematografia do filme No coração do mar (Ron Howard, 2015, EUA). Discutimos a presença das camadas de cor nas imagens da obra, entendendo este elemento plástico, aplicado pela direção de fotografia, como um recurso dramático de suma relevância para a narrativa, o qual denominamos de aquarela fotográfica. No filme, as cores exercem um movimento gradativo de tons e matizes conforme o desenvolvimento da trama, tal qual uma tinta aquarelada sobre uma tela. Utilizamos uma metodologia de análise flexível e multidisciplinar para apontar como o método de referência utilizado pela direção de fotografia do filme fez entrelaçar as imagens em suas dimensões diversas e as cores em suas significações. Nosso estudo demonstra, com isso, características da cinematografia do diretor de fotografia Anthony Dod Mantle, pela destreza com que manuseia as cores no cinema.

A key objective of the Perseverance rover mission is to acquire samples of Martian rocks for future return to Earth. Eventual laboratory analyses of these samples would address key questions about the evolution of the Martian climate, interior, and habitability. Many such investigations would benefit greatly from samples of Martian bedrock that are oriented in absolute Martian geographic coordinates. However, the Mars 2020 mission was designed without a requirement for orienting the samples. Here we describe a methodology that we developed for orienting rover drill cores in the Martian geographic frame and its application to Perseverance's first 20 rock samples. To orient the cores, three angles were measured: the azimuth and hade of the core pointing vector (i.e., vector oriented along the core axis) and the core roll (i.e., the solid body angle of rotation around the pointing vector). We estimated the core pointing vector from the attitude of the rover's Coring Drill during drilling. To orient the core roll, we used oriented images of asymmetric markings on the bedrock surface acquired with the rover's Wide Angle Topographic Sensor for Operations and eNgineering (WATSON) camera. For most samples, these markings were in the form of natural features on the outcrop, while for four samples they were artificial ablation pits produced by the rover's SuperCam laser. These cores are the first geographically‐oriented (<2.7° 3σ total uncertainty) bedrock samples from another planetary body. This will enable a diversity of paleomagnetic, sedimentological, igneous, tectonic, and astrobiological studies on the returned samples. Plain Language Summary: The central goal of the Perseverance rover is to drill rock samples that can be brought back to Earth. Future laboratory studies of these samples could tell us about the history of Mars' climate, its interior structure and whether it was once habitable. These studies would greatly benefit from information about how the rock samples were oriented relative to Martian geographic coordinates. Here we show how we developed a technique to orient cores drilled by the rover and applied it to Perseverance's first 20 rock samples. Like all methods for orienting three‐dimensional objects, this required measuring three angles which are analogous to the pitch, yaw, and roll of a boat. We measured the the first two angles using the known orientation of the rover arm during drilling. We measured the third angle using rover photographs of markings on the rock face prior to drilling. These markings were either natural features on the outcrop or, for rock faces with no clear natural markings, an artificial L‐shaped pattern of pits produced by the rover's laser. These cores are the first geographically‐oriented samples of bedrock from another planet. This will enable a diversity of geological, geophysical, and paleontological studies on the samples in Earth laboratories. Key Points: The Perseverance rover has acquired drill cores of Martian igneous and sedimentary bedrock for future potential return to EarthUsing rover engineering data, we have oriented all rock cores in Martian geographic coordinates to better than 2.7° uncertaintyOrientation enables future studies of the paleodirections associated with Martian magmatic, sedimentary, tectonic, and magnetic processes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos del CEMYR is the property of Cuadernos del CEMYR (Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de La Laguna) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Stratum Plus Journal is the property of P.P. Stratum plus and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract A key objective of the Perseverance rover mission is to acquire samples of Martian rocks for future return to Earth. Eventual laboratory analyses of these samples would address key questions about the evolution of the Martian climate, interior, and habitability. Many such investigations would benefit greatly from samples of Martian bedrock that are oriented in absolute Martian geographic coordinates. However, the Mars 2020 mission was designed without a requirement for orienting the samples. Here we describe a methodology that we developed for orienting rover drill cores in the Martian geographic frame and its application to Perseverance's first 20 rock samples. To orient the cores, three angles were measured: the azimuth and hade of the core pointing vector (i.e., vector oriented along the core axis) and the core roll (i.e., the solid body angle of rotation around the pointing vector). We estimated the core pointing vector from the attitude of the rover's Coring Drill during drilling. To orient the core roll, we used oriented images of asymmetric markings on the bedrock surface acquired with the rover's Wide Angle Topographic Sensor for Operations and eNgineering (WATSON) camera. For most samples, these markings were in the form of natural features on the outcrop, while for four samples they were artificial ablation pits produced by the rover's SuperCam laser. These cores are the first geographically‐oriented (

Este artigo tematiza as construções de infâncias e de gênero na e por meio da significação das cores nas infâncias a partir da análise de uma produção cultural midiática intitulada AZUL OU ROSA - Nosso mundo com Golias (2018), publicada pelo canal Meu amigãozão, na plataforma virtual Youtube. Como objetivo, busca verificar no vídeo as possíveis confluências e contribuições que acompanham as discussões sobre os Estudos de Gênero e propiciam às crianças se relacionarem com o gênero enquanto uma construção passível de questionamentos e modificações. Para tal, relacionou-se, inicialmente, a construção de gênero e sexualidade aos universos e artefatos endereçados às infâncias, sublinhando que, desde os primeiros momentos da vida, meninos e meninas são envolvidos/as (convocados/as) a serem cúmplices de um projeto de normatização dos corpos a partir de uma concepção biológica e binária – portanto limitada – do gênero. Em seguida, realizou-se a análise da produção audiovisual em questão, conforme os procedimentos de investigações visuais críticas e inventivas propostos pelo PROVOQUE, atentando-se aos discursos relacionados à significação das cores e às construções de gênero na infância. Como resultado, observou-se que o vídeo trabalha as relações entre cores e gênero de formas sutis, atravessadas em atividades lúdicas e em diálogo com as crianças da Educação Infantil, questionando e subvertendo essas construções em torno de artefatos, brincadeiras e elementos cromáticos.

The night is a complex subject of study due to the many aspects with which it presents itself and the multiple identity that places it both outside and inside the individual. Objective event and inner evidence offers sensory knowledge and emotional and spiritual resonances at the same time. The dark space has always inspired literature and the arts, but has long been neglected by geography. This indifference seems motivated by having thought of the night as an external, objective phenomenon, neglecting its interiority and the spiritual resonances it arouses. The emphasis that the discipline places on the gaze did not help the subject, since its fundamental method is direct observation, based on the view that the night shields. The indifference to the theme is also justified by the rationalist disciplinary orientations of the past. The argument has been highlighted from the last years of twentieth century with the affirmation of cultural and emotional geography. It is a vision that enhances the poetics and interior values transmitted by the night. It is the latter that make the night a topic of particular interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of Antarctic first‐year sea‐ice biogeochemistry has been limited by samples mostly being collected in pack ice during summer, with few winter data available. Measurements from the Antarctic marginal ice zone (AMIZ) have proven even more difficult to obtain. The AMIZ is a broad, circumpolar feature of the Southern Ocean found at different latitudes during the year where light and nutrients are high enough to sustain primary production and influence ecosystem functioning. We present the first biogeochemical data set from growing ice collected in the Atlantic AMIZ during winter 2019, including measurements from young pancake ice (YI) and consolidated first‐year ice (FYI). Measurements of sea‐ice temperature, salinity, crystal structure, δ18O, chlorophyll, and nutrient concentrations were used to investigate the winter sea‐ice habitat and decipher the conditions under which the ice formed and grew. Model simulations support the hypothesis that nutrient accumulation in advancing sea ice cannot be explained by passive seawater entrainment and thermodynamics alone. Our data confirm that winter sea ice is biogeochemically active and accumulates remineralized nutrients. We further propose that mechanical thickening enhances the reservoir of nutrients during the ice growth season. The biogeochemical transition from YI to FYI does not appear to be a linear progression of thickness with habitat space reduction as sea ice consolidates. Instead, FYI bulk biogeochemistry results from multiple cycles of rafting of YI, which conserves the biogeochemical properties of YI in the FYI, ultimately increasing the overall nutrient and chlorophyll content. Plain Language Summary: The Antarctic marginal ice zone (AMIZ) is a region of intense air‐sea interactions where sea ice begins to form during winter. It is generally assumed that little to no biological activity occurs in winter sea ice, with the chemical and biological composition of the ice instead set by seawater that is incorporated during ice formation. We sampled young ice (YI) and first‐year ice (FYI; collectively, growing sea ice) in the Atlantic AMIZ in winter 2019, the first such collection from this region. Our measurements of sea‐ice crystal structure and oxygen isotopes suggest that the FYI formed from repeated breaking and piling up of younger ice. This idea is supported by model experiments showing that the FYI was the result of more than just temperature‐driven thickening of YI. Additionally, our measurements and modeling of nutrients and chlorophyll in the ice strongly suggest that the biological community was active during winter. Our findings challenge the assumption that winter sea ice is biologically inactive and suggest that the biological and chemical signatures of YI are conserved as growing ice is broken up and reformed. The results of our study will help to improve and validate future modeling efforts. Key Points: We present the first biogeochemical data for young and growing sea ice in the Atlantic Antarctic marginal ice zoneWinter sea ice is biogeochemically active and acts as a reservoir of concentrated nutrients during the ice growth seasonThe biogeochemical signature of individual floes is conserved during rafting, leading to enhanced nutrients and chlorophyll‐a in first‐year sea ice [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bitter drug, warfarin, has a narrow therapeutic index (NTI) and is used in paediatrics and geriatrics. The aim of this feasibility study was to formulate the taste-masked warfarin-containing pellets to be applicable for dose personalisation and to improve patient compliance, as well as to investigate the effect of the core type (PharSQ® Spheres M, CELPHERE™ CP-507, and NaCl) on the warfarin release from the Kollicoat® Smartseal taste-masking-coated pellets. The cores were successfully drug-loaded and coated in a fluid-bed coater with a Wurster insert. An increase in particle size and particle size distribution was observed by optical microscopy. In saliva-simulated pH, at the Kollicoat® Smartseal level of 2 mg/cm2, none of the pellets demonstrated drug release, confirming their efficient taste-masking. However, in a stomach-simulated pH, a faster drug release was observed from PharSQ® Spheres M- and CELPHERE™ CP-507-coated pellets in comparison with NaCl cores. Additional experiments allowed us to explain the slower drug release from NaCl-containing pellets because of the salting-out effect. Despite the successful taste masking, the drug release from pellets was relatively slow (not more than 91% per 60 min), allowing for further formulation improvements.

The ability of early hominins to overcome the constraints imposed by the characteristics of raw materials used for stone tool production is a key topic on the discussion about the evolution of hominin cognitive capabilities and technical behaviours. Thus, technological variability has been the centrepiece on this debate. However, the variability of lithic assemblages cannot be correctly interpreted without understanding site occupational models and function and considering that individual tools represent specific discard moments in a continuous reduction process. In Europe, the earliest technological record is represented by the scarce and scattered Mode 1 technologies, often deriving from occasional occupations or restricted activity areas yielding unrepresentative assemblages. In this paper, we approach the technological behaviours exhibited by Lower Palaeolithic hominins from the subunit TD6.2 of the Gran Dolina site (Atapuerca, Burgos) by including the perspective of reduction intensity studies on the analysis of technological variability. Gran Dolina TD6.2 is a unique and extremely significant archaeological context, as it represents the oldest multi-layered unit of domestic hominin occupations in the Early Pleistocene of Europe. We use the Volumetric Reconstruction Method (VRM) to estimate the original volume of the blanks and quantify the reduction intensity of each core individually to characterise the reduction distribution patterns using Weibull probability distribution functions. Our results suggest differential raw material management in terms of reduction intensity, according to the characteristics of each lithology. This could reflect a solid understanding of raw material qualities and a certain degree of planning. Altogether, the continuity between knapping strategies through reduction denotes constant adaptation to raw material constraints as well as particular knapping conditions, rather than specific compartmentalised mental schemes. In conclusion, Homo antecessor toolmakers would have been situational knappers whose technological behaviour would be highly adaptive. This research constitutes the first reduction approach for the European Early Pleistocene assemblages that will lead to a referential framework for other European Early Pleistocene sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crack resistance of asphalt pavement mixtures directly impact pavement service condition and pavement distress. And characterizing the crack resistance of a pavement mixture can reflect the crack resistance potential of asphalt pavement. This study analyzes several representative highway sections based on time, material, and service conditions to identify the mixture type of three layers. Semi-circular bending tests are conducted at 15 °C, and load–displacement curves are recorded. Factor independence analysis is performed, and combinations showcasing the cracking performance of the surface layer, middle layer, and bottom layer are selected. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) evaluating the indices versus selected factors for the three layers identifies significant influencing factors, and the crack resistance is analyzed based on these significant factors. The crack resistance of the middle layer with the highest truck loads is significantly lower than the two other lanes and the shoulder. Transverse crack spacing (TCS) can be used to directly evaluate the crack resistance of the mixture. The Factor dots upper rate (FUDR) and absolute Factor dots upper rate (absFUDR) indices are introduced to quantify the percentage deviation of a factor specimen from the average crack resistance index–fracture energy ratio, indicating whether the crack curve becomes sharper or flatter. The factor dots upper rate index is then applied to characterize the factors, and the results are reasonable. It is found only on the surface and middle layers that the service age has significant impacts on crack resistance, the Transverse crack spacing has significant impacts on crack resistance index, and the Factor dots upper rate can identify the brittleness of mixtures with different factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of the work is caused by the need to solve the problems arising in the development of oil fields: reducing the production rate; deterioration of reservoir filtration properties; increasing water cut of produced oil. The impact on the formation of elastic vibrations in a wide frequency range is considered a promising technology to stimulate and increase oil production. However, the large-scale introduction of such methods is constrained by insufficient understanding of the physics of the processes involved. Objective: to identify mechanisms of improving the permeability of porous media and reservoirs under acoustic influence on them based on theoretical and experimental studies, field tests; to identify priorities for future scientific and practical developments in the application of acoustic technologies to intensify oil production. Methods: analysis of the results of laboratory studies and generalization of experience in the application of acoustic and ultrasonic impact methods on productive formations to intensify oil production. Objects: productive formations of oil fields; contaminated bottomhole zone of wells; samples of porous medium from terrigenous and carbonate reservoirs. Results. The paper introduces the review of the results of theoretical, laboratory, and field studies of methods to improve the efficiency of oil production due to the wave action on the environment by elastic oscillations. The authors analyzed the phenomena occurring during this action in the productive formation. It is noted that most studies in this area refer to the ultrasonic exposure and mainly in laboratory conditions. The paper considers the phenomenon leading to increase in porous media permeability under this impact. In particular, the propagation of elastic vibrations contributes to the prevention of deposition of organic and inorganic sediments, restoration and increase of permeability of saturated porous media, removal of plugs and various deposits in carbonate and terrigenous reservoirs. The directions of promising research are formulated; recommendations for improving oil production through acoustic impact are given. The conducted analysis and generalization confirm that the impact of elastic oscillations in a wide range of frequencies activates various chemical and physical processes, affects the filtration-capacitive properties of productive formations and contributes to oil production intensification.

Coal-fired thermal power plant ash (CTPA) has been widely used in construction works not only as a partial replacement for conventional cementitious binders but also as a substitute for fine aggregates. However, higher volumes of CTPA in concrete typically lead to non-satisfactory performance of concrete in terms of strength and durability. This was remedied by incorporation of hyperplasticisers, which offset the negative effects of loss of workability, segregation, bleeding and strength reduction. This study describes three field studies undertaken with ultra-high volumes of CTPA in terms of class F fly ash and coarse bottom ash in M40 grade sustainable pavement-quality concrete at National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Khargone, Khargone, India; NTPC Mouda, Nagpur, India; and Dhariwal Infrastructure Limited Tadali, Chandrapur, India. Core samples of 100 mm diameter and varying slenderness (H/D) ratios were drawn from cast segments at the sites after 28 days of curing, and the results in terms of compressive strength and durability characteristics were evaluated against the results of laboratory investigation. Statistical analysis was also conducted using Student's t-test to analyse the variance in the results. The effects of the H/D ratio of core samples on the compressive strength of cores were also analysed. The results indicate a non-significant difference in the values of the means of the compressive strength of the batches for H/D = 1, indicating the field applicability of the developed mix designs for severe exposure conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concrete cores extracted from the same structural element may show variations in strength resulting from a lack of homogeneity and variations in the grade of compactness. This paper, while accounting for such variability, introduces a new formulation to assess both in situ and the potential characteristic strength of concrete. The first part addresses the Concrete Society report 11 on formulations and the formulation introduced by the author that considers new coefficients that take into account the addition of water to the cement mixer and the influence of excess voidage. The second part describes a case study in that the procedures were applied to an experimental campaign carried out on two series of cores. The visual means method proposed by report 11 is applied for excess voidage assessment to the first series of cores, while a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan allowing a direct estimate of the percentage of voids in different sections is applied to the cores of the second series. Results show noticeable variations in the percentage of voids within the same drilling. Moreover, the proposed formulation can estimate the actual value of both the in situ and potential characteristic strengths of concrete with a reasonable degree of approximation. Finally, a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan leads to extremely precise results, making it possible to evaluate the percentage of voids in different sections of the same core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV-1 Tat is a key viral protein that stimulates several steps of viral gene expression. Tat is especially required for the transcription of viral genes. Nevertheless, it is still not clear if and how Tat is incorporated into HIV-1 virions. Cyclophilin A (CypA) is a prolyl isomerase that binds to HIV-1 capsid protein (CA) and is thereby encapsidated at the level of 200 to 250 copies of CypA/virion. Here, we found that a Tat-CypA-CA tripartite complex assembles in HIV-1-infected cells and allows Tat encapsidation into HIV virions (1 Tat/1 CypA). Biochemical and biophysical studies showed that high-affinity interactions drive the assembly of the Tat-CypA-CA complex that could be purified by size exclusion chromatography. We prepared different types of viruses devoid of transcriptionally active Tat. They showed a 5- to 10 fold decrease in HIV infectivity, and conversely, encapsidating Tat into DTat viruses greatly enhanced infectivity. The absence of encapsidated Tat decreased the efficiency of reverse transcription by ;50% and transcription by more than 90%. We thus identified a Tat-CypA-CA complex that enables Tat encapsidation and showed that encapsidated Tat is required to initiate robust viral transcription and thus viral production at the beginning of cell infection, before neosynthesized Tat becomes available. IMPORTANCE The viral transactivating protein Tat has been shown to stimulate several steps of HIV gene expression. It was found to facilitate reverse transcription. Moreover, Tat is strictly required for the transcription of viral genes. Although the presence of Tat within HIV virions would undoubtedly favor these steps and therefore enable the incoming virus to boost initial viral production, whether and how Tat is present within virions has been a matter a debate. We here described and characterized a tripartite complex between Tat, HIV capsid protein, and the cellular chaperone cyclophilin A that enables efficient and specific Tat encapsidation within HIV virions. We further showed that Tat encapsidation is required for the virus to efficiently initiate infection and viral production. This effect is mainly due to the transcriptional activity of Tat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New methodological approaches focused on studying the reduction and use-life of stone tools have emerged in recent years, enabling researchers to move beyond strict technical and technological characterizations and explore specific aspects of occupation dynamics and economic management of resources. Previous studies have shown the importance of reduction distributions of individual measurements rather than averaged values. In this sense, survival analysis, and more specifically Weibull distributions, are one of the main inferential tools used in reduction studies. However, the resolution of Weibull distribution obtained from different methods has not been tested experimentally. In this paper, we present an evaluation of some of the main methods used in the study of core reduction intensity, such as the Volumetric Reconstruction Method, the Scar Density Index, and the non-cortical surface percentage. Our results show 1) strong and positive correlations between these approaches and actual reduction intensity, 2) similar Weibull distributions for non-cortical surface percentage, Volumetric Reconstruction Method, and logarithmic transformation of Scar Density Index. In addition, 3) the results from each method show a similar intra-assemblage variation, with a high percentage of agreement between them. As a result, all the evaluated proposals are useful and reliable methods for estimating the degree of reduction. Finally, a workflow is proposed for approaching reduction in archaeological assemblages by integrating different methods in the same study.

This paper presents a reinvestigation of archaeological material at Rat Island (AhGx-7), a proposed Princess Point period site in Cootes Paradise, Ontario, Canada. Applying a minimally invasive coring and augering strategy paired with soil properties and high-resolution multi-element chemical evaluation, we established that a low rise on the landscape, previously attributed to Princess Point or Woodland period occupation, is instead associated with the a.d. 1830s construction of the Desjardins Canal. Comparing the distribution of anthropogenically associated chemicals across Rat Island, our results suggest that the portion of the Island impacted by canal construction likely contained the most intense evidence for human occupation. Furthermore, the distributions of chemicals across undisturbed portions of Rat Island fail to support previously postulated settlement patterning models, suggesting instead a location of variable and potentially ephemeral occupation. This study establishes the utility of core and auger sampling and Itrax™ multi-element analysis when seeking to understand site formation, presenting an alternative to more time-consuming excavation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capacities are a common tool in decision making. Each capacity determines a core, which is a polytope formed by additive measures. The problem of eliciting a single probability from the core is interesting in a number of fields: in coalitional game theory for selecting a fair way of splitting the wealth between the players, in the transferable belief model from evidence theory or for transforming a second order into a first order model. In this paper, we study this problem when the goal is to determine the centroid of the core of a capacity, and we compare four approaches: the Shapley value, the average of the extreme points, the incenter with respect to the total variation distance and the limit of a procedure of uniform contraction. We show that these four centroids do not coincide in general, we give some sufficient conditions for their equality, and we analyse their axiomatic properties. We also discuss how to define a notion of centrality measure indicating the degree of centrality of an additive measure in the core. Finally, we also analyse these four centroids in the more general context of imprecise probabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core sampling is the most accurate method of evaluating the compressive strength of concrete structures. However, it is preferable to take only small cores to avoid damaging the structures. It turns out that various elements influence the strength of compressed cores. This study examines the influence of specimen size, aggregate size, concrete class, and curing method on compressive strength. Three aggregates measuring 3/8, 8/15, and 15/25 mm are used to make six sets of concrete compositions with strengths of 25 MPa and 30 MPa. Nine specimens are made, one for each variety of aggregate and concrete. Cores of 100 mm, 75 mm, and 50 mm sizes are made. These cores are extracted from concrete blocks curing in the outside air to simulate the real concrete curing environment. Cast specimens cured in water and air with diameters of 50 mm, 100 mm, and 150 mm are also made. The objective is to compare the average compressive strength of all cast or extracted specimens with that of cylindrical standard specimens of diameter 150/300 mm and the cores and cast specimens. The obtained findings showed that the compressive strength is overestimated when we compare fp100 cores and standard air-cured specimens (fc), with a conversion factor varying from 0.69 to 0.96. However, a decrease is observed in comparison with water-cured specimens. The use of fp75 cores reduced the conversion factors, which are between 0.83 and 0.87 for B25 concrete. The highest fp/fc ratios are obtained for fc50 cores, which can reach 1.24. It turns out that the size of the core and the class of concrete have a much greater influence on the fp/fc ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we prove the non-emptiness of the fuzzy core in a finite coalition production economy under some standard assumptions which generalizes the results by Boehm [Rev Econ Stud (1974) 41: 429-436] and Predtetchinski [Economic Theory (2005) 26: 717-724], where we allow the utility functions to be possibly discontinuous. We also derive the non-emptiness of α -cores for production economies with possibly discontinuous payoff functions which implies the well-known α -core existence theorem by Scarf [Journal of Economic Theory (1971) 3: 169-181], and derive the non-emptiness of fuzzy α -cores for production economies with continuous payoff functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scar-pattern or working step analysis is one of the main components of technological analysis. This analysis is usually applied to reconstruct the technological sequence of Middle and Upper Palaeolithic bifacial tools. In addition to bifacial implements, the scar-pattern analysis is applied to geometric microliths and to macro-implements made on large flakes, such as Quina scrapers. However, the potential of this analysis is much wider. Here we present the basic approaches and algorithm for the application of scar-pattern analysis to core analysis. The analysis algorithm includes five main research activities: determining the directions of all negatives, determining the mutual sequence of adjacent negatives, combining negatives into “technological units”, determining the mutual consistency of the groups of combined negatives and complicating of scheme. As an example, two carinated technological sequences in the Kulbulakian from Western Central Asia are provided. Scar-pattern analysis applied to reconstruct the technological sequences of the cores is devoid of the disadvantages inherent in this analysis applied to bifacial tools. We believe that scar-pattern analysis is the most promising in Paleolithic technological reconstructions.

Antiresonance reflection (ARR) effectively turns tubular structures into functional devices ranging from waveguides to spectrometers and sensors, thus attracting a growing number of interests in recent years. Yet, ARRs are generally enabled inside the designed tube cladding with certain structural properties, which essentially acts as a quasi‐Fabry–Pérot (F–P) cavity. This limits the application of the ARR effect on popular tubular entities in non‐F–P cladding morphology, such as the chiral helical material or the self‐rolled‐up ultrathin/meshy membrane. Here, the scheme of core‐antiresonant reflection (core‐ARR or CARR) based on the leaky F–P effect is proposed, which validates ARRs inside the central core rather than the cladding of hollow tubes, hence expanding the optional scope of materials and constructions for tubular substances. Briefly, the CARR behavior is demonstrated in cylindrical, polyhedral, spiral, meshy, and notched hollow tubes with either transparent or opaque cladding materials. More importantly, tubular structures with CARR modes can be flexibly tuned in terms of the resonant frequency, which is used herein for sensitive detection of the environmental pressure, humidity, and thermal influence. As the CARR effect promotes interactions between light and various tubular structures, it holds promise for future opportunities in fields of physics, biophotonics, and material science.

Cores were recovered from the right wheel path and between wheel paths at 8 locations US 34 in Mills and Wapello Counties. The cores were cut into discs to isolate the pavement layers and the discs were fabricated into semicircular bending test specimens. Asphalt contents among CIR cores varied significantly and that CIR specimens with higher asphalt binder contents exhibited higher flexibility index values. From the output of these tests, the CIR pavement layers were found to be more flexible in comparison to the HMA layers, that CIR layers have higher flexibility that allow them to serve as a stress relieving layer and mitigate reflective cracking.

Sandwich panels are commonly used in the construction industry as wall panels due to their quick and easy construction, light weight, and thermal and insulation characteristics. Sandwich composite panels using textile reinforcement are in the developing stage and further work is required to be carried out in this field. Thin sandwich panels can be manufactured using textile reinforcement, which is of lighter weight and gives better structural performance. This paper first reviews the different core materials that can be used in manufacturing of sandwich panels with this manufacturing technique adopted. Next, it critically reviews the work done thus far regarding textile-reinforced sandwich panels, and their performance evaluated by researchers is presented with a statistical study performed. The practical applications are also discussed with the future scope. In general, this paper presents a clear view on textile-reinforced sandwich panels with their advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When using a plastic hinge analysis, an estimate of the ultimate displacement capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) structural wall buildings is highly dependent on the assumed plastic hinge length. A plastic hinge length equal to 0.5 times the wall length has typically been regarded to provide a safe and lower-bound estimate and has subsequently been used in building codes internationally. Recent numerical and experimental research has shown that the typical design plastic hinge length of 0.5 times the wall length can give an overestimate of the actual length, which would provide false indication of the ultimate displacement capacity of the wall. This research uses a large database of planar and nonplanar experimental and numerical research results with a wide range of design parameters to investigate the plastic hinge length and efficacy of some of the empirical expressions that exist in the literature. A simple expression is derived that can be used by design engineers to calculate a conservative estimate of the plastic hinge length of planar and nonplanar RC walls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colors can be used to influence the attentional process and, consequently, the learning process. The visual gaze mapping technique using an eye-tracking system is a promising way to investigate this relation between colors and visual attention. The purpose of this literature review was to analyze studies about the use and influence of colors, along with the use of eye-tracking, in the educational context in Sciences and Mathematics. Studies published from 2005 to 2020 were considered in order to identify the state-of-the-art and possible gaps in this field. The results indicated that there are few studies which analyzed color as an isolated variable and the way that colors were used in the material. In addition, there is a scarcity of studies about the use of dynamic materials, studies that are carried out with participants from other levels besides higher education, and with participants with atypical neurodevelopment. The area of knowledge with most research on the topic was Biology and the most used pedagogical resource was figures with text

Concrete cores extracted from the same structural element may show variations in strength resulting from a lack of homogeneity and variations in the grade of compactness. This paper, while accounting for such variability, introduces a new formulation to assess both in situ and the potential characteristic strength of concrete. The first part addresses the Concrete Society report 11 on formulations and the formulation introduced by the author that considers new coefficients that take into account the addition of water to the cement mixer and the influence of excess voidage. The second part describes a case study in that the procedures were applied to an experimental campaign carried out on two series of cores. The visual means method proposed by report 11 is applied for excess voidage assessment to the first series of cores, while a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan allowing a direct estimate of the percentage of voids in different sections is applied to the cores of the second series. Results show noticeable variations in the percentage of voids within the same drilling. Moreover, the proposed formulation can estimate the actual value of both the in situ and potential characteristic strengths of concrete with a reasonable degree of approximation. Finally, a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan leads to extremely precise results, making it possible to evaluate the percentage of voids in different sections of the same core.

The present paper consists in two parts, determined by the historical emerging production of Dipole Sonic Imager (DSI1) measurements and results in the early 1990's. The DSI data were processed following two methods simultaneously developed in France and in USA by Schlumberger. In the first part the early dipole sonic S-wave velocity results obtained in late 1993 are confronted with the other borehole data obtained in the scientific borehole MM-1, entirely cored and extensively logged, as part of the comprehensive scientific project named Géologie Profonde de la France (GPF), conducted by the Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM, i.e. the French Geological Survey), in Ardèche, southern France. In 1994, José Perrin summarized and integrated all the borehole information including the preliminary results from an azimuthal "rotation scan" of S-wave sonic slowness determination method quickly developed in Schlumberger-France and aiming at detecting only the presence of S-wave velocity anisotropy in a first step. The initial results were presented to the French industrial logging community in April 1994, prior to the commercialization of any S-wave splitting computer detection routine applied to dipole sonic data. The second part focuses on the comparison of the dipole sonic S-wave anisotropy detection results from two methods produced at a later time by Schlumberger, namely: a) results from the commercial S-wave anisotropy detection routine based on cross energy minimization, obtained in October 1994, and b) principal S-wave azimuth results sorted from the "rotation scan" azimuthal method, produced in 1995 and further improved in July 1997. After discussing the discrepancies of the principal fast S-wave azimuth derived from the two methods with diverse specialists in Schlumberger, over several years, and on a spare time basis, the authors expose constructive explanations in the present paper. A limited overview of the latest dipole sonic data processing developments has also been attempted to better understand the differing S-wave birefringence results obtained in MM-1, suggesting that the rock formation in the immediate borehole vicinity, up to three times the borehole radius, may not be homogeneous along the borehole depth depending on the local geological context. Besides, the Fast Azimuth split S-wave (FAZ) fits with the strike of major regional faults and parallel to the maximal horizontal palaeo-stress, which happens to be nearly orthogonal to the local present stress direction accepted by the geologists! The present case study suggests that the S-wave anisotropy results ought to become more reliable, mainly on the accuracy and precision of the FAZ. Additionally, the efficiency of the semblance parameter for S-wave attenuation anisotropy detection is pondered, where no S-wave velocity anisotropy is detected over the dipole sonic receiver array. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies about the lithic supply within the Quinto river basin and some of its tributaries have allowed increasing knowledge about the availability of raw materials and the technological strategies linked to their use. In the present work we focus on the analysis of a set of cores recovered in quarries-workshops and sites of multiple activities located in different sectors of the area. The results obtained together with the distribution of the sources allowed tracing the different technological trajectories of the main recognized lithic resources. There is evidence of a wide use of two raw materials, quartz and chalcedony, of local and extra-regional origin. Their availability and linked sourcing strategies were different in each portion of the basin. Finally, a wide circulation of rocks is observed that seems to reflect the movement of human groups and the exchange with neighboring areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The influence of the geometric features of composite cores on the fracture resistance of ceramic crowns has not hitherto been considered. The present in vitro study evaluated the effect of the Total Occlusal Convergence (TOC) of direct composite cores on the fracture resistance of the overlaying ceramic crowns. Materials and methods: Two groups of extracted premolars with dentine and composite foundations were prepared with 6o (n=10), 12o and 18o TOCs. The fracture resistance of the overlaying IPS e.max press crowns was assessed after thermocycling and cyclic fatigue loading. Results and discussion: All dentinesupported crowns showed a higher fracture resistance than the composite-supported ones (p<0.05). All crowns within each group showed comparable fracture resistance (p>0.05), yet those overlaying dentine foundation with 12o TOC defied heavier loads (p<0.05). Conclusions: Although composite cores provide lower support to the overlaying all-ceramics, no influence of the tested TOCs on crowns' fracture resistance was evidenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Silicate, sulfate, carbonate and other minerals can be identified by infrared reflectance spectroscopy which is a non-destructive and rapid batch method. In recent years, infrared reflectance spectroscopy has played an important role in mineralogical research, mineral exploration and prospecting, mining and metallurgy. Altered minerals such as pyroxene, garnet, olivine and rock-forming minerals such as feldspar and quartz can be identified rapidly with thermal infrared (6000-14500nm, TIR), which is important for mineralogical research, mineral exploration and prospecting of skarn type, copper-nickel sulfide type and quartz-vein type deposits. OBJECTIVES To quickly characterize the type and assemblage of alteration minerals. METHODS Shortwave-thermal infrared reflectance spectroscopy was used to analyze the drill cores of the Makeng iron deposit in the National Geological Archives. The spectral characteristics of the altered minerals in this deposit were summarized, the type and assemblage of alteration minerals were quickly determined. RESULTS The results showed that the altered minerals in Makeng include garnet, pyroxene, carbonate, chlorite, sericite, hornblende, epidote, montmorillonite and gypsum. There were significant reflections at 9199nm, 9730nm, 10500nm and 11100nm for garnet. For pyroxene, the significant reflections were mainly located at 11500nm and 12150nm. Infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that altered minerals displayed obvious zoning in space, and the assemblage and distribution of altered minerals were strictly controlled by the lithology of country rocks and hydrothermal metasomatism. Garnet+pyroxene can be used as the typical mineral assemblage of skarn deposits, and the characteristics of alteration zoning indicated a process from high temperature to low temperature. CONCLUSIONS Combined with the geological features, the Makeng iron deposit can be defined as a stratabound skarn deposit. This research can provide scientific support for the understanding of skarn-type deposits and related prospecting and exploration.

Based on the tree-ring chronology, we studied the radial increment of Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra L.) and common spruce, or Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) as indicators of dendrochronological studies and, based on tree-ring chronology, reconstructed the annual changes of stem biomass and the amount of carbon accumulated in it by P. cembra and P. abies in the Gorgany Nature Reserve. Swiss stone pine stands are of great zoological importance as biotopes of nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes L.), crossbill (Loxia curvirostra L.), capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) and other representatives of rare boreal fauna. Samples were taken from trees of the Playa forest district of the Brusturyan Forest Hunting Range State Enterprise of the Transcarpathian Regional Forestry Administration (P. cembra and P. abies) from trees that did not have visual signs of damage in the Gorgany Nature Reserve. By cross-dating the radial increments of two radii for each tree, individual chronological series were drawn up. Carbon sequestration in P. cembra and P. abies stem wood was evaluated on the basis of dendrochronological analysis of radial increment. The accuracy of cross-dating of dendrochronological series of individual trees, individual chronological series, and representativeness of the generalized series were verified by conventional methods. It was found that the average annual radial increment of the trees under study is 11.48 mm in P. cembra and 14.39 in P. abies, and varies in the range of 1.86–5.49 mm. The data obtained indicate an increase in the ability of P. cembra and P. abies to accumulate carbon with increasing age. The study of carbon sequestration in the stem wood of P. cembra and P. abies, based on dendrochronological analysis, made it possible to reconstruct the annual variation in stem biomass increment and accumulated carbon. The analysis of interdependence of the radial increment of P. cembra and P. abies in the Gorgany Nature Reserve and the value of carbon-containing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, carried out by the augmented data sample, made it possible to specify the periods most significant for the formation of annual rings. The reaction in radial increment is most pronounced from June to September, with the annual values of carbon-containing greenhouse gases being maximally reflected in radial increment for the period from October to April.

Although numerous studies on heavy metals (HMs) in sediments have been carried out in the East China Sea (ECS), the knowledge on the recent pollution levels of HMs in coastal region remains not well understood due to the rapid developments of urbanization in eastern China. In this study, 23 surface samples and 4 core samples are collected in the inner shelf of the ECS. The average dry-weight concentrations follow the descending order of Zn, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, As, Cd, and Hg (103.6 ± 26.0, 42.8 ± 12.4, 37.0 ± 9.1, 34.7 ± 11.1, 19.5 ± 10.3, 15.7 ± 11.6, 0.056 ± 0.017, and 0.041 ± 0.017 μg g−1, respectively). HMs concentrations share a similar spatial distribution pattern of TOC content with a decreasing trend from coastline to outer sea. Additionally, HMs concentrations exhibit a decreasing trend from top to bottom sediments, especially for Hg at the open sites due to the wet and dry deposition of atmospheric Hg besides the riverine inputs. The potential ecological risk indices (PERI) values in coastal sediments were about 2–4 times higher than those in open sea. Although the Hg and Cd concentrations were lower by 2–3 orders of magnitude than those of other six metals, the PERI values of Hg (65.5) and Cd (52.1) were 3–40 times higher than those of others. The hierarchical cluster result is consistent with the PCA result, suggesting that Hg, Cd, and As have similar sources and probably mainly originated from anthropogenic emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In real practice, to assess concrete strength in structures, engineers usually use non-destructive tests (NDT) (e.g. rebound hammer or ultrasonic pulse velocity) in addition to destructive tests (DT) that are carried out on cores extracted from the structure. The results of these tests (NDT and DT) are used to identify a relationship (a conversion model) between the non-destructive measured features and the concrete strength. This model can be then used to assess the strength at any location within the structure under consideration, as well as the mean strength and the strength standard deviation (strength variability). In fact, the assessment of concrete strength variability is as important as the mean strength since the mean strength alone cannot provide a clear picture about the concrete under investigation. However, due to the presence of many uncertainties, the reliability of the values estimated by NDTs need to be improved. In the present study, a wide range of concretes having mean strengths of 10–50 MPa and concrete strength variabilities of 10–30% (defined by the coefficient of variation) is analysed. The main target of this paper is to analyse how would the reliability of assessing the concrete strength variability changes if the bi-objective method is used as a model identification approach and the conditional coring concept is applied for selecting core locations. Results are analysed in terms of the minimum number of cores NC that corresponds to a specific uncertainty level, concrete characteristics, and quality of NDT measurements. The results show an important improvement in the reliability of assessing the strength variability when both the bi-objective method and conditional coring are applied together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]