MODULAR COMPOSITE SANDWICH STRUCTURES FOR THERMAL AND STRUCTURAL RETROFITTING OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

Around 40% of global energy consumption and 30% of worldwide carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are attributed to buildings. Most of this consumption is dedicated to ensuring thermal comfort. The goal of this research was to develop and field validate retrofit solutions to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Exterior cladding panels were designed and tested to ensure adequate thermal and structural performance. Sandwich panels (glass fibers reinforced polymer (GFRP) skins and polymeric foam cores) were fabricated using the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. Extruded polystyrene (XPS) and polyurethane (PU) foams were compared as core materials through a series of thermal and mechanical tests. Thermal resistances of 3.62-4.66 h.ft2.°F/Btu (0.64-0.82 K.m2/W) per inch were obtained for sandwich structures. XPS samples were 26% lighter, 24%-40% stronger, and 16%-28% more brittle than PU in quasi-static loading configurations. PU absorbed 11% more energy than XPS in a low-velocity impact (LVI) test. Flatwise tensile test showed that the bonding strength between XPS and GFRP was 47% higher than PU foam. Consequently, XPS was chosen as core material and further tests were conducted accordingly. Tensile testing performed on the GFRP material resulted in a 3,191 ksi (22 GPa) elastic modulus, 42,786 psi (295 MPa) tensile strength, and 0.165 Poisson’s ration. To predict the wind loads according to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) building standard, flexural tests were conducted on a 4 x 8 ft2 (121.92 x 243.84 cm2) sandwich panel. FEA simulations were also developed to accurately predict the behavior of the retrofit panels based on actual dimensions and connections. Less than 4% variation was noted between experimental and numerical data. The deflections were within the allowable limits set by the International Building Code (IBC). The panels were supposed to be used as an exterior application; therefore, it was important to understand the environmental effects. Discoloration of the GFRP skin due to v ultraviolet (UV) and moisture exposure was observed. Ceramic coating was applied to eliminate the discoloration effect. A fire simulation (ASTM E84) was conducted on a 2 x 24 ft2 (60.96 x 731.52 cm2) panel to obtain surface burning characteristics

DETERMINATION OF PROTEIN AND FAT OXIDATION LEVELS IN IMPORTED INFANT FORMULA AVAILABLE IN SYRIA

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate fat and protein oxidation levels in imported infant formulas [infant formula (IFa1) and follow up formula (IFa2)]; which are available in Syrian market. In addition, the aim was to determine the best conditions for preparing the feeds, and for storage of the opened cans. Methods: Fat oxidation was evaluated by peroxide value (PV) using the iodometric method. Protein oxidation was assessed by the selective indicator protein carbonyls (PCs), using the spectrophotometry method at 280 nm to measure the protein content. Next, the effects of storage at room temperature and refrigerator temperature on both fat and protein oxidation were studied. Furthermore, we studied the changes on fat and proteins oxidation caused by reconstituting the feeds by 40 áµ’C and 70 áµ’C water. Results: PV levels of IFa1 ranged between 0.88 and 1.30 mEqO2 ∕ kg, and were higher than those of IFa2 which ranged between 0.76 and 1.24 mEqO2 ∕ kg. Similarly, PCs levels of IFa1 ranged between 40.5 and 87.6 m mol ∕ kg protein, and were also higher than PCs levels of IFa2 which ranged between 27.78 and 82.96 m mol ∕ kg protein. We found no differences between PCs levels of samples stored at refrigerator and room temperature for 21 d, while PV levels of samples stored at refrigerator temperature were lower than those stored at room temperature for 21 d. For preparation conditions, no differences were observed in oxidation levels between the feed reconstituted by 40 áµ’C and 70 áµ’C water. Conclusion: All IF samples available in Syrian market showed oxidation levels using PV and PCs. Additionally, it is better to keep the opened IF cans at refrigerator temperature than keeping them at room temperature, especially for fat oxidation. Finally, no differences were observed by reconstitution IF by 40 áµ’C and 70 áµ’C water.Â

Stability-indicating method for the determination of Rivaroxaban and its degradation products using LC-MS and TLC

A validated stability indicating thin layer chromatographic (TLC) and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry LC/MS methods were developed to analyse Rivaroxaban and its degradation products. Forced degradation studies under stress conditions were carried out in order to establish its stability profile. Stress conditions recommended by the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) including oxidative, photolytic, thermal, acidic, and basic hydrolysis were applied. Rivaroxaban found susceptible to acid and base hydrolytic stress conditions. Degradation products were identified isolated and characterized using LC-MS and TLC. Three major degradation products were detected, separated and determined and two of them were further characterized by NMR spectroscopy and FT-IR

A Challenging Case of Adrenal Insufficiency Presenting with Hypertensive Crisis

Adrenal insufficiency is the deficient production or action of glucocorticoids, with or without deficiency in mineralocorticoids or adrenal androgens. It usually presents with anorexia, abdominal pain, weakness, weight loss, fatigue, and hypotension. We report a case of 67 year old male, who is known to have hypertension, presented to emergency room with severe headache and was found to have high blood pressure 241/135mmHg and hypoosmolar hyponatremia. He was started on intravenous nicardipine and his blood pressure dropped suddenly, became orthostatic, and required fluid resuscitation but his headache resolved. On next day, the cosyntropin test was suggestive of primary adrenal insufficiency. The patient was started on oral hydrocortisone with improvement in his blood pressure and hyponatremia

Tumour to Tumour Metastasis of Malignant Melanoma to Intracranial Tumour

Tumours can metastasize to sites of other tumours but this is a rare event. The phenomenon has been well described in primary tumours of the lung and breast. This has been described in melanomas but as very rare occurrence. We describe a case of a malignant melanoma that metastasized to a pre-existing meningioma. We have tried to highlight this phenomenon in patient with melanoma and need for close vigilance of other pre-existing tumours to identify early metastasis

A mobile-programmable smart mirror for ambient IoT environments

© 2017 IEEE. The purpose of this paper is to present a smart interactive mirror interface. In this paper, we describe the design and development of a futuristic mirror that offers simplified and customisable services to the home environment. On a par with the recent advances in the Internet of Things standards and applications, the mirror is designed to enable residents to control the household smart appliances and access personalised services; ensuring convenience in accessing these services with the slightest possible user intervention. The multipurpose user-friendly functionalities of the proposed mirror interface provide users with the versatility needed for better management and integration of daily tasks. A service oriented approach is adopted in the architecture of the proposed system. It consists mainly of two mobile applications devoted to the customisation of user profiles, which are displayed on the smart mirror interface once successfully paired. Moreover, in the proposed system, emphasis is particularly given to the user profile personalisation, as well as planned system interactivity and adaptability. Hence, the proposed system is set apart from others for its ease of use as well as its provision of various customised information services for user profile generation