Steel fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete for grid foundations of single-family houses

This paper describes the preliminary studies carried out in the scope of an applied research project for the design and construction of Steel Fibre Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete (SFRSCC) grid foundations for single-family houses. Adopting a constitutive model for the simulation of the post-cracking behaviour of fibre reinforced concrete, and modelling a complete typical singlefamily house by taking into account the soil-structure interaction, it was estimated the post cracking residual tensile strength for the SFRSCC to be developed. The aimed SFRSCC was prepared in a concrete mix plant, and standard specimens, ½ scale beam prototypes and a ¼ scale grid prototype were cast. To take into account, in the design context, the fibre distribution and orientation that can occur in grid foundations, core samples were extracted from distinct locations and depths in these beams, and the stress-crack width relationship, σ-w, was experimentally assessed. Based on the obtained σ-w curves, and using a cross-section layer model, the flexural capacity of the grid foundation was evaluated. The obtained results show the suitability of SFRSCC for this type of structures

Avaliação da heterogeneidade das propriedades mecânicas de um BACRFA em elementos estruturais

O presente trabalho refere-se à avaliação da heterogeneidade das propriedades mecânicas de um Betão Auto-Compactável Reforçado com Fibras de Aço (BACRFA) ao longo de elementos estruturais. O programa experimental foi composto por séries de elementos com diferentes alturas e distintos comprimentos de modo a avaliar a influência da direcção preferencial de fluxo do BACRFA nas propriedades deste. O estudo acerca da utilização de BACRFA em fundações contínuas foi iniciado neste trabalho por intermédio da sua aplicação num protótipo tipo grelha que pretende simular aquele sistema estrutural. O betão fresco foi descarregado na mesma zona em todos os elementos com o intuito de avaliar a influência da distância de percurso do BACRFA nas suas propriedades. A variação das propriedades do BACRFA ao longo do desenvolvimento dos elementos foi efectuada recorrendo aos seguintes ensaios: velocidade de propagação de ondas ultra-sónicas; peso volúmico; resistência à compressão; resistência à flexão; teor e distribuição das fibras de aço

Impact of tree species replacement on carbon stocks in a Mediterranean mountain area, NE Portugal

Forest species replacement can influence significantly the amount of carbon stored in the several compartments that compose the terrestrial ecosystems (biomass, forest floor and mineral soil). This study intends to evaluate the influence of the replacement of the Quercus pyrenaica species (QP), which represents the climax vegetation of Serra da Nogueira, NE Portugal, by the Pseudotsuga menziesii (PM) and Pinus nigra (PN) plantations (fast-growing species). For this purpose, three plots of 314m2 were established in each stand (9 plots in total) and the height and diameter at the breast height of all trees were measured, in order to characterize the stands and estimate the tree biomass. Herbaceous vegetation and forest floor were collected in areas of 0.49m2 in 15 points under each tree species (5 per plot). At the same points, disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected at depths 0–5, 5–10, 10–15, 15–20 and 20–30 cm. Thirty years after the climax vegetation replacement, carbon gains are observed in forest species biomass and forest floor (1.3 Mg C ha−1 year−1 in PN and 4.0 Mg C ha−1 year−1 in PM) and significant losses were recorded on soil carbon pool (about 2.2 Mg C ha−1 year−1). Total carbon accumulated is significantly higher in PM (331 Mg C ha−1) compared to PN (246 Mg ha−1) and QP (273 Mg C ha−1), which present statistically similar values. Tree biomass and mineral soil constitute the major carbon pools.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Correlations between physical and chemical characteristics of Cortibel guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruits grown in the Brazilian Cerrado

The correlation between physical and chemical attributes of fruits can serve as indicators for the ideal harvest time and function as selection criteria to enhance the management and productivity of crops. This study aimed to investigate the correlations among physical and chemical properties of Cortibel guava fruits grown in the Brazilian Cerrado. Parameters assessed included skin and pulp color, weight, diameter, length, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and the ratio of these characteristics. Data were analyzed using Pearson's linear correlation with a significance level of P < 0.05. Several physical and chemical properties of the fruits exhibited significant correlations. The highest correlation coefficients were observed between weight and fruit diameter, as well as between hue angle of the skin and skin lightness. The properties of Cortibel guava fruits cultivated in the Brazilian Cerrado exhibit significant correlations. These findings enable the utilization of straightforward parameters in the selection processes of Cortibel guava for breeding objectives. Highlights: Guava is a significant crop with high economic value. The characterization of fruits assists in selecting genotypes with desirable commercial properties. Cortibel guava fruits exhibited significant correlations between some physical and chemical characteristics. The correlations between the physical and chemical characteristics of the fruits allow the selection of materials of interest for breeding.The correlation between physical and chemical attributes of fruits can serve as indicators for the ideal harvest time and function as selection criteria to enhance the management and productivity of crops. This study aimed to investigate the correlations among physical and chemical properties of Cortibel guava fruits grown in the Brazilian Cerrado. Parameters assessed included skin and pulp color, weight, diameter, length, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and the ratio of these characteristics. Data were analyzed using Pearson's linear correlation with a significance level of P < 0.05. Several physical and chemical properties of the fruits exhibited significant correlations. The highest correlation coefficients were observed between weight and fruit diameter, as well as between hue angle of the skin and skin lightness. The properties of Cortibel guava fruits cultivated in the Brazilian Cerrado exhibit significant correlations. These findings enable the utilization of straightforward parameters in the selection processes of Cortibel guava for breeding objectives. Highlights: Guava is a significant crop with high economic value. The characterization of fruits assists in selecting genotypes with desirable commercial properties. Cortibel guava fruits exhibited significant correlations between some physical and chemical characteristics. The correlations between the physical and chemical characteristics of the fruits allow the selection of materials of interest for breeding

Educomunicação e suas áreas de intervenção: Novos paradigmas para o diálogo intercultural

oai:omp.abpeducom.org.br:publicationFormat/1O material aqui divulgado representa, em essência, a contribuição do VII Encontro Brasileiro de Educomunicação ao V Global MIL Week, da UNESCO, ocorrido na ECA/USP, entre 3 e 5 de novembro de 2016. Estamos diante de um conjunto de 104 papers executivos, com uma média de entre 7 e 10 páginas, cada um. Com este rico e abundante material, chegamos ao sétimo e-book publicado pela ABPEducom, em seus seis primeiros anos de existência. A especificidade desta obra é a de trazer as “Áreas de Intervenção” do campo da Educomunicação, colocando-as a serviço de uma meta essencial ao agir educomunicativo: o diálogo intercultural, trabalhado na linha do tema geral do evento internacional: Media and Information Literacy: New Paradigms for Intercultural Dialogue

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat