An Algorithm of compromise structural Optimisation of Bar Structures

Authors' own research in applied unicriterial and multicriterial optimisation of bar structures, and also an analysis of accessible bibliography on structural synthesis allows to present herein an attempt to define a general algorithm for proceeding in formulation of a structural optimisation problem. A practical aspect of such an algorithm consists, in author's opinion, in enabling a designer a correct creation of a mathematical model of synthesis problems, independently of known mathematical methods employed to looking for an unconditional extremum of function of several variables. A proposed algorithm is not a ready-for-use tool for solving all the optimisation problems, but it constitutes an easy-to-expand theoretical basis. This basis should allow a designer to create a proper set of compromises on the way to construct a mathematical model of a specific optimisation problem. The algorithm, presented in the paper, is constructed as a sequence of the one-after-another problem questions, on which the designer answers: yes or no, and a set of selections from the knowledge base consisting of the elements of an optimisation problem components. The order of making questions adopted by the authors in the algorithm is subjective, however it is supported by their experience, both in applied optimisation and in designing of structures like trusses or frames

1,2-Di-4-pyridylethane N,N′-dioxide–acetic acid (1/2)

The title compound, C12H12N2O2·2C2H4O2, was prepared from 1,2-di-4-pyridylethane, acetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide. The 1,2-di-4-pyridylethane N,N′-dioxide mol­ecule is located on an inversion center. π–π stacking inter­actions between neighboring 1,2-di-4-pyridylethane N,N′-dioxide mol­ecules are observed with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.613 Å, an inter­planar distance of 3.317 Å, and a slippage of 1.433 Å. O—H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter­actions between 1,2-di-4-pyridylethane N,N′-dioxide and acetic acid mol­ecules result in distinct hydrogen-bonded units made of one N-oxide and two acetic acid mol­ecules. These units are then linked into a three-dimensional network through weaker C—H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter­actions

An Algorithm of compromise structural Optimisation of Bar Structures

Authors' own research in applied unicriterial and multicriterial optimisation of bar structures, and also an analysis of accessible bibliography on structural synthesis allows to present herein an attempt to define a general algorithm for proceeding in formulation of a structural optimisation problem. A practical aspect of such an algorithm consists, in author's opinion, in enabling a designer a correct creation of a mathematical model of synthesis problems, independently of known mathematical methods employed to looking for an unconditional extremum of function of several variables. A proposed algorithm is not a ready-for-use tool for solving all the optimisation problems, but it constitutes an easy-to-expand theoretical basis. This basis should allow a designer to create a proper set of compromises on the way to construct a mathematical model of a specific optimisation problem. The algorithm, presented in the paper, is constructed as a sequence of the one-after-another problem questions, on which the designer answers: yes or no, and a set of selections from the knowledge base consisting of the elements of an optimisation problem components. The order of making questions adopted by the authors in the algorithm is subjective, however it is supported by their experience, both in applied optimisation and in designing of structures like trusses or frames

Feasibility of Knots to Reduce the Maximum Dynamic Arresting Load in Rope Systems

Impact loads to the human body due to falls from height can be mitigated by well-designed and characterized fall protection systems. While energy absorption methods using rope deformation and/or accessory components have previously been evaluated, the ability for simple knots tied in the system to alter impact loads has not been studied in detail. We quantify the effectiveness of various common knots to reduce dynamic loads in typical fall scenarios for which the systems are designed, and interpret this change in the context of rope strength reduction due to the knot. Knots are shown to significantly (45–60 %) reduce the quasistatic strength of rope when compared to a manufactured sewn-eye (40 %). A single exception to this outcome is with the quadruple overhand on a bite (30–35 %). Knots significantly reduce the maximum arresting load due to a dynamic impact event when compared to ropes without knots, providing significantly more energy absorption than the sewn-eye alone. In nearly all rope/knot combinations, the ratio of maximum arrest load (MAL) to breaking strength was lower with the knotted ropes when compared to the sewn-eye terminations. In particular, the quadruple overhand on a bite tied in the Technora–Technora rope resulted in MALs that were only 33 % of the minimum breaking strength (MBS). Ropes with sewn-eye terminations resulted in MALs that were 80 % of the MBS. From the scenarios investigated, the quadruple overhand on a bite provides a favorable reduction in arrest loads with the smallest associated loss of strength.This research was funded by the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program’s Fire Prevention and Safety Grants through Grant # EMW-2008-FP-02504.Ope

Karyotype and genome size of Iberochondrostoma almacai (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) and comparison with the sister-species I.lusitanicum

This study aimed to define the karyotype of the recently described Iberian endemic Iberochondrostoma almacai, to revisit the previously documented chromosome polymorphisms of its sister species I.lusitanicum using C-, Ag-/CMA3 and RE-banding, and to compare the two species genome sizes. A 2n = 50 karyotype (with the exception of a triploid I.lusitanicum specimen) and a corresponding haploid chromosome formula of 7M:15SM:3A (FN = 94) were found. Multiple NORs were observed in both species (in two submetacentric chromosome pairs, one of them clearly homologous) and a higher intra and interpopulational variability was evidenced in I.lusitanicum. Flow cytometry measurements of nuclear DNA content showed some significant differences in genome size both between and within species: the genome of I. almacai was smaller than that of I.lusitanicum (mean values 2.61 and 2.93 pg, respectively), which presented a clear interpopulational variability (mean values ranging from 2.72 to 3.00 pg). These data allowed the distinction of both taxa and confirmed the existence of two well differentiated groups within I. lusitanicum: one that includes the populations from the right bank of the Tejo and Samarra drainages, and another that reunites the southern populations. The peculiar differences between the two species, presently listed as “Critically Endangered”, reinforced the importance of this study for future conservation plans

The increasing threat to European forests from the invasive foliar pine pathogen, Lecanosticta acicola

European forests are threatened by increasing numbers of invasive pests and pathogens. Over the past century, Lecanosticta acicola, a foliar pathogen predominantly of Pinus spp., has expanded its range globally, and is increasing in impact. Lecanosticta acicola causes brown spot needle blight, resulting in premature defoliation, reduced growth, and mortality in some hosts. Originating from southern regions of North American, it devastated forests in the USA's southern states in the early twentieth century, and in 1942 was discovered in Spain.Derived from Euphresco project 'Brownspotrisk,' this study aimed to establish the current distribution of Lecanosticta species, and assess the risks of L. acicola to European forests. Pathogen reports from the literature, and new/ unpublished survey data were combined into an open-access geo-database (http://www.portaloff orestpathology.com), and used to visualise the pathogen's range, infer its climatic tolerance, and update its host range. Lecanosticta species have now been recorded in 44 countries, mostly in the northern hemisphere. The type species, L. acicola, has increased its range in recent years, and is present in 24 out of the 26 European countries where data were available. Other species of Lecanosticta are largely restricted to Mexico and Central America, and recently Colombia.The geo-database records demonstrate that L. acicola tolerates a wide range of climates across the northern hemisphere, and indicate its potential to colonise Pinus spp. forests across large swathes of the Europe. Pre-liminary analyses suggest L. acicola could affect 62% of global Pinus species area by the end of this century, under climate change predictions.Although its host range appears slightly narrower than the similar Dothistroma species, Lecanosticta species were recorded on 70 host taxa, mostly Pinus spp., but including, Cedrus and Picea spp. Twenty-three, including species of critical ecological, environmental and economic significance in Europe, are highly susceptible to L. acicola, suffering heavy defoliation and sometimes mortality. Variation in apparent susceptibility between reports could reflect variation between regions in the hosts' genetic make-up, but could also reflect the signif-icant variation in L. acicola populations and lineages found across Europe. This study served to highlight sig-nificant gaps in our understanding of the pathogen's behaviour.Lecanosticta acicola has recently been downgraded from an A1 quarantine pest to a regulated non quarantine pathogen, and is now widely distributed across Europe. With a need to consider disease management, this study also explored global BSNB strategies, and used Case Studies to summarise the tactics employed to date in Europe

Expression of calcification‐related ion transporters during blue mussel larval development

The physiological processes driving the rapid rates of calcification in larval bivalves are poorly understood. Here, we use a calcification substrate‐limited approach (low dissolved inorganic carbon, CT) and mRNA sequencing to identify proteins involved in bicarbonate acquisition during shell formation. As a secondary approach, we examined expression of ion transport and shell matrix proteins (SMPs) over the course of larval development and shell formation. We reared four families of Mytilus edulis under ambient (ca. 1865 μmol/kg) and low CT (ca. 941 μmol/kg) conditions and compared expression patterns at six developmental time points. Larvae reared under low CT exhibited a developmental delay, and a small subset of contigs was differentially regulated between ambient and low CT conditions. Of particular note was the identification of one contig encoding an anion transporter (SLC26) which was strongly upregulated (2.3–2.9 fold) under low CT conditions. By analyzing gene expression profiles over the course of larval development, we are able to isolate sequences encoding ion transport and SMPs to enhance our understanding of cellular pathways underlying larval calcification processes. In particular, we observe the differential expression of contigs encoding SLC4 family members (sodium bicarbonate cotransporters, anion exchangers), calcium‐transporting ATPases, sodium/calcium exchangers, and SMPs such as nacrein, tyrosinase, and transcripts related to chitin production. With a range of candidate genes, this work identifies ion transport pathways in bivalve larvae and by applying comparative genomics to investigate temporal expression patterns, provides a foundation for further studies to functionally characterize the proteins involved in larval calcification