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This paper investigates the change in hull girder failure probabilities and partial safety factors caused by the implementation of the new procedure for direct computation of wave loads recommended by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). Differences between new and previous procedures are primarily related to the different associated scatter diagrams, and secondarily due to the assumptions on wave spectrum, wave energy spreading, and ship speed. This study performs a comparative structural reliability analysis of the global longitudinal bending of five oil tankers of different sizes between two procedures for wave load computation. Firstly, failure probabilities are compared, and secondly, modified partial safety factors are proposed, resulting in similar failure probabilities according to two separate procedures. It is found that implementation of the new revision of the IACS procedure for direct computation of wave loads results in a reduction of the minimum required ultimate vertical bending capacity of a ship hull by 10%. In addition to the novel investigation of the safety of oil tankers using a revised wave scatter diagram, this study offers a new rapid method for calculation of extreme vertical wave bending moments based on the regression of the parameters of the Weibull function, used for the long-term probability distribution of wave-induced loads.

An innovative tourist submarine was studied by scale-model tests in a towing tank to determine its steering capabilities and detect motion instabilities during usual manoeuvres and emergency rising. Motion instabilities are caused by the combination of the submarine motions and the fluid flow, leading to excessive roll and pitch that can cause severe endangerment to passenger safety. The submarine model was built on a scale of 1:9. The model had six thrusters to conduct the tested manoeuvres, i.e., two main thrusters at the stern, two side thrusters, and two vertical thrusters. The thrusters were computer-controlled, so each thruster had a speed controller and could run forwards and backwards. Six different steering tests and four rising tests were conducted, with at least two runs per test. During the tests, the roll and pitch were measured. Lifting the submarine by a crane was also a part of the experimental campaign. In general, the steering capabilities of the submarine were satisfactory and rolling instabilities were absent. Just a few deficiencies in the steering capabilities were detected. The rising tests were performed without any major motion instabilities, but in one case, the final position of the model at the surface was unstable.

This Special Issue includes eleven research studies on structural design, analysis and maintenance of green, innovative marine structures [...]

This paper deals with the resistance, towing, seakeeping, and open water propeller tests of an innovative tourist submarine model. Tests were performed in a 276 m long towing tank. As the submarine model is a complex structure composed of various parts attached to the pressure hull, the largest possible model, in the scale of 1:5.0, was produced, considering the towing tank depth and the capabilities of the measurement equipment. Resistance tests were performed in deep water and on the surface in calm water. The tested speed range in both cases was up to 5.5 knots. To ensure the avoidance of free surface effects, resistance tests in deep water were performed for different draughts and then extrapolated to infinite water depth. Smaller effective powers were found for the surface condition. The results are compared to an independently performed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis using OpenFOAM. A fair agreement between the experimentally and numerically predicted effective power is found, while the reasons for the differences found are explained. The free submarine model was towed with a rope performed for the speed range 1.7 kn–3.5 kn, and the towing force in the rope was measured. Seakeeping tests in irregular beam waves at zero speed were performed to check the flooding risk on open hatches. Open water tests of the main thrusters for propelling the submarine were conducted, indicating that both power demand and propeller thrust are slightly larger compared to the initial estimates.

A new uncertainty quantifier is presented for linear transfer functions of wave-induced ship motions and loads obtained by various seakeeping codes. The numerical simulations are conducted for the high-speed Flokstra container ship in regular waves at various heading angles, and the results are compared with existing experimental data. The study employs five numerical codes that are based on three different seakeeping theories, namely strip theory, 3D frequency-domain method, and 3D time-domain method. Multiple measures are applied to quantify the uncertainty in the calculated transfer functions, such as frequency-independent model error, coefficient of determination, and the total difference. In addition, a new measure of uncertainty, termed modified total difference, is proposed for determining the uncertainty of individual seakeeping codes based on experimental data rather than the mean of results obtained by numerical codes. Results show that the uncertainty measures can identify differences between the codes. The predicted wave-induced loads have higher uncertainties compared to motions. The uncertainty assessment shows that none of the applied codes can produce accurate estimates for all wave-induced motions and loads at all heading angles at the same time.

The environmental contours represent an approach for defining extreme environmental conditions, resulting in extreme responses of marine structures with a given return period. Over the past decade, an increasing number of studies have been developed dealing with the methods for defining environmental contours and enhancing their practical application in different marine environments. In the present study, environmental contours describing significant wave heights and peak wave periods are created for the Adriatic Sea. This small semi-enclosed sea basin within the Mediterranean Sea encounters increasing maritime and offshore activities. Considering also a great but still unused potential for the installation of renewable energy facilities, the main motives for the presented study are concluded. The environmental contours are established based on 24 years of hindcast wave data extracted from the WorldWaves database. Joint distributions consisting of the marginal distribution of significant wave height and conditional distributions of peak wave periods are used as a basis for the creation of environmental contours using the IFORM and ISORM methods. Return periods of 1 year, 25 years, and 100 years are considered relevant for the marine operation, design of ships, and offshore structures, respectively. A possibility of environmental contour practical application to the calculation of global wave loads upon ship structures is presented. Based on the uncertainty assessment performed, conservative environmental contours for the whole Adriatic are also presented.

Tourist submersibles are a new class of underwater vehicles where new materials and innovative structural concepts are used. Because of the lack of experience with these innovative vessels, prescribed rules of classification societies are not directly applicable in their structural design. Thus, a novel design-by-analysis approach, as given in the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code of ASME, is employed for dimensioning structural components. Design-by-analysis stands for a consistent set of loads, boundary conditions, modelling principles, failure modes, and safety factors if the finite element analysis is performed instead of using rule formulas. The approach has been used until now in the structural design and optimization of unconventional pressure vessels, while in this paper it is for the first time employed in structural design of the underwater vehicle. This study can serve as guidance for future applications of design-by-analysis in the development of the innovative structures exposed predominantly to the pressure loading.

The extreme significant wave height predictions often neglect within-year wave climate variability and wave directionality. Depending on a geographical region, local wind patterns and year climate variability could have an influence on the long-term prediction of waves. The Adriatic Sea having two dominant wind patterns of different characteristics, Bura and Jugo, is a great example for the case study. The 23-year hindcast wave data used in the presented study is extracted from the WorldWaves database. Based on wind and wave data, annual extreme significant wave heights generated by different wind patterns and for different months are fitted by Gumbel distribution using maximum likelihood estimation. Combined long-term extremes are then predicted by calculating system probability. It was found that considering the wave directionality, and especially the seasonality of wave climate, leads to a larger prediction of extreme significant wave heights. The extreme value prediction considering wave directionality on average yields 4% larger significant wave heights, while considering within-year climate variability leads to, on average, 8% larger extremes compared to the predictions when both effects are neglected.

The article deals with optimization of control variables and design of management strategy for a hybrid hydraulic vehicle in parallel configuration. Conventionally driven delivery truck with experimentally verified data from the previous research is taken as a starting base and benchmark for comparison of the benefits of hybridization. Optimization of control variables is carried out using dynamic programming (DP) algorithm to gain insight into optimum operation of the driveline and minimum possible fuel consumption for five different driving cycles. Two rule based management strategies are given and compared, one of which is improved and innovative, based on the knowledge gained from DP results. Hybrid driveline can reduce fuel consumption from 5% to 30% depending on the driving cycle. More dynamic cycles with lot of "stop-and-go" events score greater reduction. Innovative management strategy has achieved a similar distribution of internal combustion engine (ICE) operating points as DP optimization but this did not result in a consistent reduction of fuel consumption compared to basic management strategy for all cycles. That is explained by the state of charge (SoC) behaviour and reducing the potential for recovery of regenerative braking energy.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the cause of the COVID-19 disease. Infection can take a wide variety of forms, from asymptomatic to severe, with numerous complications that can even lead to death. Since the beginning of the pandemic, numerous studies have been carried out to find out the exact expression of the virus. COVID-19 infection also increases the risk of developing neuropsychiatric symptoms, including psychosis. The paper presents the case of a 35-year-old woman with no prior psychiatric interview who developed acute psychosis after being infected with COVID-19. She was treated in the standard way: haloperidol, lorazepam and diazepam. The symptoms disappeared quickly. At the moment, the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection are not known, therefore further observation and research in this direction is necessary. Treatment, as shown in this case report, appears to be supportive and symptomatic. The optimal antiviral treatment has yet to be clearly defined, and research into the best treatment for the virus itself is still ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: One of the ways to increase the content of biologically active substances in plants is elicitation. Elicitors cause moderate stress and induce the activity of antioxidant enzymes and accumulation of secondary metabolites. The study investigated the effect of elicitors on yield, nutrients content as well as phenolics and antioxidant properties of fully ripened winter wheat grain and the expression of genes related to antioxidant enzymes in grain at the milk‐dough ripeness stage. Findings: Among the elicitors used, only potassium iodide and UV‐C significantly decreased the yield. Treatments did not affect phenolics content but distinctly elevated antiradical properties by about 28% in the case of crickets powder and hydrogen peroxide. After the application of L‐phenylalanine, the grains were characterized by the highest values of chelating and reducing power. Only the treatment with L‐phenylalanine modulated the relative expression level of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Conclusion: L‐phenylalanine, hydrogen peroxide, and crickets powder showed the most pronounced potential to increase the functional value of the wheat grain. Potassium iodide and UV‐C significantly reduced the grain yield, therefore their using as elicitors is questionable. Significance and novelty: These results are important for the global economy because increasing the functional value of the grain will improve human health and reduce medical costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Overweight and obesity affect an increasing number of children and adolescents in Poland. This excessive body weight usually coexists with sleep disorders and other afflictions, which is worrisome. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and sleep disorders among adolescents and demonstrate their relationships. Material and methods: The study included 1,002 students. Nutritional habits and subjective assessment of sleep were evaluated with the author's survey; daytime sleepiness and sleep quality were assessed with Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Sleep Quality Scale (SQS). Statistical calculations were performed with the STATISTICA 12.0 programme. Results: 24.7% of adolescents suffered from overweight or obesity, 38% reported sleep problems in subjective assessment, 10.5% exhibited excessive daytime sleepiness, determined by ESS, and 14.3% had impaired quality of sleep as determined by SQS. Gender affected all the discussed problems. Type of school affected all the above, except for daytime sleepiness. In the group with overweight and obesity, 46.6% of individuals reported sleep problems in subjective assessment. About 59.1% of adolescents reported chronic fatigue. Reduced concentration and difficulties in learning were reported in 36.3% of all students, and in 46% of students with overweight and obesity. Conclusions: The problem of excess body weight is a very alarming phenomenon since it affects almost 1/4 of the students. Almost half of the students with overweight and obesity reported sleep problems, which is strongly correlated with the type of school. Furthermore, excess body weight influenced the prevalence of reduced concentration and learning difficulties among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approach to converting general cargo ship to cement carrier is analysed in the present study, emphasising the structural aspects of the conversion. A comprehensive re-appraisal of the conditions of the ship hull, considering her history and present condition of the structure, is provided. Two case studies are presented where the strength assessment has been performed using 2D sectional and 3D finite element models, generated according to the available hull drawings and thickness measurement reports. The results of the two studies are interpreted with respect to the structural modifications carried out during the conversion process, and some general conclusions are drawn.

The objective of this study was to evaluate nano-Cu-plant interactions under Cu deficiency. Nano-Cu at rates of 100 and 1000 mg L-1 was applied as foliar spray to Hordeum vulgare L. during increased demand for nutrients at tillering stage. Corresponding treatment with CuSO 4 was used to exam the nano-specific effects. Cu compounds-plant leaves interactions were analyzed with spectroscopic and microscopic methods (ICP-OES, FTIR/ATR, SEM-EDS). Moreover, the effect of Cu compounds on plants in terms of biomass, pigments content, lipid peroxidation, antiradical properties, the activity of enzymes involved in plant defense against stress (SOD, CAT, POD, GR, PAL, PPO) and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH, GSSG, TPC) was determined after 1 and 7 days of exposure. Cu loading to plant leaves increased over time, but the content of Cu under treatment with nano-Cu at 100 mg L-1 was lower by 76% than CuSO 4 at 7th day of exposure. The changes induced by applied Cu compounds in biochemical traits were mostly observed after 1 day. Our data showed that CuSO 4 exposure induce oxidative stress (increased MDA level and GSSG content) when compared to control and nano-Cu treated plants. Noteworthy, nano Cu at 100 mg L-1 demonstrated enhanced stress tolerance as indicated by boosted GSH content. After 7 days, the antioxidant response was almost same compared to control sample. However, based on other indicators (pigment content, chlorosis sign, biomass), it should be noted that CuSO 4 caused serve oxidative burst of plant which may resulted in damage of defense system. Nano-Cu, especially at 100 mg L-1, showed promising effect on plant health, and obtained results may be useful for optimizing of nano-Cu application as fertilizer agent. [Display omitted] • Cu content in leaves applied with nano-Cu at 100 mg L−1 was lower than under CuSO 4 treatment. • AsA-GSH cycle involvement in plant response to Cu compounds was confirmed. • Nano-Cu at 100 mg L−1 boosted GSH and TPC content. • CuSO 4 at both rates reduced chlorophylls level and increased lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance of the bare hull of the tourist submarine with spherical heads, moving in forward and transverse directions is analyzed in OpenFOAM using Computational Fluid Dynamics. The resistance coefficients of the submarine are estimated for different length-to-diameter ratios and Reynolds numbers. The Artificial Neural Network with the optimum number of neurons is then trained to predict the resistance coefficients. Two simplified Artificial Neural Network models and Nonlinear Least Squares Marquardt-Levenberg algorithm are employed to fit the results in the form of equations that may be used in the initial design of this type of submarines. The comparative analysis of different prediction models is performed and guidelines for their practical application are given.

Submersible vessels designed to operate at low speeds are often designed with an intricate exostructure, as well as other elements that are located outside of the main pressure hull. Exostructure elements are often of cylindrical or rectangular shape, positioned perpendicularly to the flow direction. For this reason, their resistance coefficient is relatively large compared to the pressure hull or appendages of a classical submarine. In some cases, the exostructure can significantly increase the wetted surface of the vessel and dominate its resistance. This paper presents a study on how different exostructure elements impact the overall resistance of a submarine relative to the resistance of the cylindrical, smooth, pressure hull. Additionally, the effect of depth is also considered. The study is conducted using the RANS-based CFD method. The subject of the study is a 25 m long tourist submarine designed for depths up to 40 m and a speed of up to 3 knots.

Heavy metals such as beryllium (Be) have been identified as toxic for plants with a negative impact on plant growth. Therefore, there is an urgent need for environmentally friendly techniques to reduce Be toxicity on plant growth and productivity. To this end, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widely applied to induce plant growth and stress tolerance. However, how AMF-plant symbiosis can support plants under Be stress has not been studied. Accordingly, we investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of AMF inoculated ryegrass and chickpea plants to Be stress. The associated changes in Be uptake and accumulation, photosynthesis, oxidative stress, carbon and nitrogen metabolism were studied. Soil contamination with Be induced higher Be accumulation, particularly in ryegrass, which consequentially reduced plant growth and photosynthesis. However, photorespiration and oxidative damage (H 2 O 2 accumulation, lipid oxidation, and LOX activity) were increased, mainly in ryegrass. In both plant species, AMF inoculation reduced Be accumulation and mitigated growth inhibition and oxidative damage, but to a more extent in ryegrass. This could be explained by improved photosynthesis as well as the upregulation of osmoprotectants i.e., sucrose and proline biosynthesis pathways. The increase in proline level was consistent with higher nitrogen (N) metabolism as reflected by N level and nitrate reductase. Species-specific responses were recorded and supported by principal component analysis. This study provided insight into the mechanism of AMF's impact on Be-stressed ryegrass and chickpea plants. Hence, the current research suggested that AMF inoculation could be used as a viable strategy to mitigate Be phytotoxicity in ryegrass and chickpea plants. [Display omitted] • Ryegrass was more tolerant than chickpea to Be stress. • Inoculation with AMF reduced Be phytotoxicity and enhanced photosynthesis of both plants. • AMF inoculation reduced Be accumulation and mitigated growth inhibition and oxidative damage. • Sucrose and proline biosynthesis pathways were upregulated under Be stress. • Nitrogen level and nitrate reductase activity were induced by AMF under Be stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach to hybrid hydraulic vehicles drive component sizing methodology based on the Willans Line method is proposed in this paper. The proposed method is used to develop a scalable mathematical model of hydraulic unit efficiency maps, thus helping the designer regarding an appropriate hydraulic unit choice when target unit data is difficult to obtain. The hydraulic unit efficiency model is also verified against catalogue data for different unit sizes, and the method is validated by means of detailed approximation error analysis. The proposed method can be particularly useful in optimal component sizing and parameterization studies of hydraulic drives in general, with possible applications to hybrid hydraulic vehicle power-trains.

The aim of the research was the determination of the toxicity of photocatalytically treated water contaminated by different pharmaceuticals: chloramphenicol (CPL), diclofenac (DCF) or metoprolol (MT). Daphtoxkit F TM with Dapnia magna and Microtox® with Vibrio fischeri were used to evaluate the toxicity of the water before and after treatment. D. magna showed higher sensitivity to the presence of pharmaceuticals than V. fischeri. Generally, both tested organisms revealed the greatest sensitivity to the presence of CPL. The application of photocatalytic oxidation has resulted in decreased toxicity. It may confirm the reduction of high toxic parent compounds to less toxic metabolites. The toxicity was reduced in the range from 30% to 100% depending on pharmaceutical tested. The highest reduction of toxicity to V. fischeri and D. magna was observed to MT and CPL respectively. Depending on bioassay the toxicity decrease as follows: CPL>DCF>MT for D. magna and CPL>MT>DCF for V. fischeri. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This book contains fifteen recent research studies in the broad field of ship structural design, analysis and degradation, where two studies deal with corrosion degradation in ship structures, while the remaining contributions belong to three major steps in the efficient design and analysis of ship structures, i [...]

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The recent studies indicated that the biochar (BC) may be a source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as well as their oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur-containing derivatives that are considered as more toxic pollutants than their parent compounds. Here, the assessment of the impact of various biochars addition (1% wt.) to soil on barley Hordeum vulgare L. growth was presented. The concentrations of bioavailable PAHs and their derivatives in biochar were determined. PAHs increased reactive oxygen species generation resulting in oxidative stress in organisms. In this study, the response of soil-grown plants was examined in terms of the activity of the antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase), lipid peroxidation, and the expression of genes related to oxidative stress. The results indicate that despite low content of a bioavailable fraction of parent compounds and their derivatives (up to 4.45 ± 0.24 ng g biochar −1 and 0.83 ± 0.03 ng L−1, respectively) the biochemical response of plant was present, the activity of superoxide dismutase increased up to 2 times, but the activity of the other enzymes was lowered. The transcript level values support the studies on enzymatic activity. The presence of PAHs and their derivatives induced oxidative stress slightly but the plant was able to mitigate it. [Display omitted] • Growth of barley in biochar-amended soil was enhanced. • Low content of bioavailable PAHs and derivatives affects plant growth. • PAHs slightly induce oxidative stress but the plant was able to mitigate it. • The activity of SOD increased; the other enzymes - lowered. • The most important enzymatic ROS scavengers in plant cells are CAT and APX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method for the prediction of extreme vertical wave bending moments on a passenger ship based on the hindcast database along the shipping route is presented. Operability analysis is performed to identify sea states when the ship is not able to normally operate and which are likely to be avoided. Closed-form expressions are used for the calculation of transfer functions of ship motions and loads. Multiple operability criteria are used and compared to the corresponding limiting values. The most probable extreme wave bending moments for the short-term sea states at discrete locations along the shipping route are calculated, and annual maximum extreme values are determined. Gumbel probability distribution is then fitted to the annual extreme values, and wave bending moments corresponding to a return period of 20 years are determined for discrete locations. The system reliability approach is used to calculate combined extreme vertical wave bending moment along the shipping route. The method is employed on the example of a passenger ship sailing across the Adriatic Sea (Split, Croatia, to Ancona, Italy). The contribution of the study is the method for the extreme values of wave loads using the hindcast wave database and accounting for ship operational restrictions.

Specialized procedures to help in the emergency response situations following ship accidents have been under development by the Classification Societies. Such procedures consider the hull-girder collapse as the most important failure mode, without the possibility of crack propagation caused by fluctuating wave loads. In the present study, the fatigue crack propagation in the main deck of the oil tanker damaged in collision during salvage is investigated. The shape and size of the damage are modelled using the realistic bow shape of the striking ship and historical data of ship accidents. The stress intensity factor (SIF) across the main deck of the struck ship is calculated numerically and by the method based on the available experimental results of the crack propagation in the stiffened panel. Fluctuating wave–induced stresses in short-term sea conditions during salvage are obtained by Monte Carlo simulation (MC) based on Rayleigh distribution. Cycle-by-cycle crack propagation is calculated using Paris law. Many salvage simulations are performed to cover different possible time-histories of the fatigue loading. Results of the analysis are presented as histogram of the crack increase during salvage. Parametric analysis is performed to investigate the influence of the sea state severity, initial crack size, and towing duration on the final crack size. The proposed procedure can be considered as a part of a software tool for emergency response action during salvage of damaged ship.

The most important degradation effects of ship structures are corrosion and fatigue cracks. Both of these aging effects have clear consequences of increasing the level of stresses and degrading the strength of ship structures for almost all relevant failure modes. This study presents an overview of some recent developments on the aging effects on the ship structural integrity. The analysis of the thickness measurements has been undertaken to improve understanding of the corrosion degradation phenomena and to develop prediction models of aging effects suitable for practical applications in the ship structural design and analysis. The study also deals with the application of the non-linear finite element analysis as a suitable tool for a collapse assessment of uniaxially loaded plates and stiffened panels of ship structures weakened by non-uniform corrosion degradation and fatigue cracks. Experimental studies have also been reviewed to better understand the recently found degradation of mechanical properties of corroded steel, while theoretical calculations have been performed to evaluate consequences of such degradation on the ship structural integrity.

Wind and waves present the main causes of environmental loading on seagoing ships and offshore structures. Thus, its detailed understanding can improve the design and maintenance of these structures. Wind and wave statistical models are developed based on the WorldWaves database for the Adriatic Sea: for the entire Adriatic Sea as a whole, divided into three regions and for 39 uniformly spaced locations across the offshore Adriatic. Model parameters are fitted and presented for each case, following the conditional modelling approach, i.e., the marginal distribution of significant wave height and conditional distribution of peak period and wind speed. Extreme significant wave heights were evaluated for 20-, 50- and 100-year return periods. The presented data provide a consistent and comprehensive description of metocean (wind and wave) climate in the Adriatic Sea that can serve as input for almost all kind of analyses of ships and offshore structures.