Lateral Displacement Behavior of IBS Precast Concrete Elements Reinforced with Dual System

Throughout history, the construction industry has been a significant contributor to construction waste, presenting an ongoing challenge in efficiently managing this waste to mitigate environmental pollution. The Industrialized Building System (IBS) stands out as a construction approach that utilizes prefabricated components made from various waste materials, implemented with machinery and formwork, leading to minimal waste production. The potential failure of IBS blockwork columns under lateral loads is a significant concern, and the deformation of these columns is crucial in assessing overall structural performance against lateral forces. This study focuses on examining the deformation and flexibility of components in IBS blockwork columns when subjected to lateral loads. Using Finite Element Modeling (FEM), a 1:5 scale prototype model of the dual-reinforced system IBS Block Work Column is analyzed. The IBS Block Work Column, comprising four prefabricated components assembled in the form of a crucifix plan to enhance lateral stability, is subjected to FEM analysis and experimental investigations. The study aims to explore the impact of four different shapes of reinforcement on deformation resistance. The findings suggest that employing a dual-reinforced system in the IBS Block Work Column enhances its resistance to lateral loads compared to a column with conventional reinforcement. Moreover, the assembled IBS Block Work Column exhibits greater stiffness than a single prefabricated component when subjected to lateral loads. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-01-020 Full Text: PD

Potentials of enhancing the physicochemical and functional characteristics of <em>Nigella sativa</em> oil by using the screw pressing technique for extraction

In the current investigation the crude oil of Nigella sativa was extracted from seeds using hydraulic and screw pressing techniques. Different parameters were evaluated in order to find out the appropriate technique to enhance the physicochemical and functional-related characteristics of the extracted crude oil. Results showed that the acid and peroxide values were significantly lower in the screw pressed oil (SPO) than in the hydraulic pressed oil (HPO). The total phenolic content of the SPO was significantly higher than that of HPO. Evaluation of the oxidative stability using the Rancimat test showed that SPO recorded a much higher oxidative stability index (40.07 h) than HPO (0.51 h). The yield of the volatile oil fraction and its contents of thymoquinone isolated from the SPO were higher than that from the HPO. Biological evaluation revealed that the SPO had significantly higher antimicrobial activity than HPO against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus at 40 μL/well

Mejoras potenciales de las características físico-químicas y funcionales del aceite de Nigella sativa mediante extracción con prensa de tornillo

In the current investigation the crude oil of Nigella sativa was extracted from seeds using hydraulic and screw pressing techniques. Different parameters were evaluated in order to find out the appropriate technique to enhance the physicochemical and functional-related characteristics of the extracted crude oil. Results showed that the acid and peroxide values were significantly lower in the screw pressed oil (SPO) than in the hydraulic pressed oil (HPO). The total phenolic content of the SPO was significantly higher than that of HPO. Evaluation of the oxidative stability using the Rancimat test showed that SPO recorded a much higher oxidative stability index (40.07 h) than HPO (0.51 h). The yield of the volatile oil fraction and its contents of thymoquinone isolated from the SPO were higher than that from the HPO. Biological evaluation revealed that the SPO had significantly higher antimicrobial activity than HPO against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus at 40 μL/well.En la presente investigación se extrajo el aceite crudo de Nigella sativa de las semillas utilizando técnicas hidráulicas y de prensado de tornillo. Se evaluaron diferentes parámetros para conocer la técnica apropiada que potencie las características fisicoquímicas y funcionales del aceite extraído. Los resultados mostraron que los valores de ácido y peróxido fueron significativamente más bajos en el aceite de presión con tornillo (SPO) que en el aceite prensado hidráulico (HPO). El contenido fenólico total del SPO fue significativamente mayor que el de HPO. La evaluación de la estabilidad oxidativa mediante Rancimat demostró que el aceite SPO tiene un índice de estabilidad oxidativa mucho más alto (40,07 h) que el HPO (0,51 h). El rendimiento de la fracción volátil y su contenido de timoquinona aislada del aceite SPO fueron superiores a los del HPO. La evaluación biológica reveló que el aceite SPO tenía una actividad antimicrobiana significativamente mayor que el HPO contra Listeria monocitogenes y Staphylococcus aureus a 40 μL/pocillo

Discrete Source Survey of 6 GHz OH emission from PNe & pPNe and first 6 GHz images of K 3-35

The aim of this study is to investigate the physical properties of molecular envelopes of planetary nebulae in their earliest stages of evolution. Using the 100m telescope at Effelsberg, we have undertaken a high sensitivity discrete source survey for the first excited state of OH maser emission (J=5/2, 2PI3/2 at 6GHz) in the direction of planetary and proto-planetary nebulae exhibiting 18cm OH emission (main and/or satellite lines), and we further validate our detections using the Nan\c{c}ay radio telescope at 1.6-1.7GHz and MERLIN interferometer at 1.6-1.7 and 6GHz. Two sources have been detected at 6035MHz (5cm), both of them are young (or very young) planetary nebulae. The first one is a confirmation of the detection of a weak 6035MHz line in Vy 2-2. The second one is a new detection, in K 3-35, which was already known to be an exceptional late type star because it exhibits 1720MHz OH emission. The detection of 6035MHz OH maser emission is confirmed by subsequent observations made with the MERLIN interferometer. These lines are very rarely found in evolved stars. The 1612MHz masers surround but are offset from the 1720 and 6035MHz masers which in turn lie close to a compact 22GHz continuum source embedded in the optical nebula.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figures, published in A&

Transmission dynamics and vaccination strategies for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in Afghanistan: A modelling study.

BACKGROUND: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a highly pathogenic virus for which a safe and effective vaccine is not yet available, despite being considered a priority emerging pathogen. Understanding transmission patterns and the use of potential effective vaccines are central elements of the future plan against this infection. METHODS: We developed a series of models of transmission amongst livestock, and spillover infection into humans. We use real-world human and animal data from a CCHFV endemic area in Afghanistan (Herat) to calibrate our models. We assess the value of environmental drivers as proxy indicators of vector activity, and select the best model using deviance information criteria. Finally we assess the impact of vaccination by simulating campaigns targeted to humans or livestock, and to high-risk subpopulations (i.e, farmers). FINDINGS: Saturation deficit is the indicator that better explains tick activity trends in Herat. Recent increments in reported CCHFV cases in this area are more likely explained by increased surveillance capacity instead of changes in the background transmission dynamics. Modelling suggests that clinical cases only represent 31% (95% CrI 28%-33%) of total infections in this area. Vaccination campaigns targeting humans would result in a much larger impact than livestock vaccination (266 vs 31 clinical cases averted respectively) and a more efficient option when assessed in courses per case averted (35 vs 431 respectively). Targeted vaccination of farmers is impactful and more efficient, resulting in 19 courses per case averted (95% CrI 7-62) compared to targeting the general population (35 courses 95% CrI 16-107). CONCLUSIONS: CCHFV is endemic in Herat, and transmission cycles are well predicted by environmental drivers like saturation deficit. Vaccinating humans is likely to be more efficient and impactful than animals, and importantly targeted interventions to high risk groups like farmers can offer a more efficient approach to vaccine roll-out

Vaccine efficacy trials for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever: Insights from modelling different epidemiological settings

Background Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a priority emerging pathogen for which a licensed vaccine is not yet available. We aim to assess the feasibility of conducting phase III vaccine efficacy trials and the role of varying transmission dynamics. Methods We calibrate models of CCHF virus (CCHFV) transmission among livestock and spillover to humans in endemic areas in Afghanistan, Turkey and South Africa. We propose an individual randomised controlled trial targeted to high-risk population, and use the calibrated models to simulate trial cohorts to estimate the minimum necessary number of cases (trial endpoints) to analyse a vaccine with a minimum efficacy of 60%, under different conditions of sample size and follow-up time in the three selected settings. Results A mean follow-up of 160,000 person-month (75,000–550,000) would be necessary to accrue the required 150 trial endpoints for a target vaccine efficacy of 60 % and clinically defined endpoint, in a setting like Herat, Afghanistan. For Turkey, the same would be achieved with a mean follow-up of 175,000 person-month (50,000–350,000). The results suggest that for South Africa the low endemic transmission levels will not permit achieving the necessary conditions for conducting this trial within a realistic follow-up time. In the scenario of CCHFV vaccine trial designed to capture infection as opposed to clinical case as a trial endpoint, the required person-months is reduced by 70 % to 80 % in Afghanistan and Turkey, and in South Africa, a trial becomes feasible for a large number of person-months of follow-up (>600,000). Increased expected vaccine efficacy > 60 % will reduce the required number of trial endpoints and thus the sample size and follow-time in phase III trials. Conclusions Underlying endemic transmission levels will play a central role in defining the feasibility of phase III vaccine efficacy trials. Endemic settings in Afghanistan and Turkey offer conditions under which such studies could feasibly be conducted

High torque tenovirus (TTV) load before first vaccine dose is associated with poor serological response to COVID-19 vaccination in lung transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: : Serological responses to COVID-19 vaccination are diminished in recipients of solid organ transplants, especially in lung transplant recipients (LTR), probably as result of immunosuppressive treatment. There is currently no marker of immunosuppression that can be used to predict the COVID-19 vaccination response. Here, we study whether torque tenovirus (TTV), a highly prevalent virus can be used as an indicator of immunosuppression. METHODS: : The humoral response to the mRNA 1273 vaccine was assessed in 103 LTR, who received a transplant between 4 and 237 months prior to vaccination, by measuring Spike (S)-specific IgG levels at baseline, 28 days after first, and 28 days after the second vaccination. TTV loads were determined by RT-PCR and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated to correlate serological responses to TTV load. RESULTS: : Humoral responses to COVID-19 vaccination were observed in 41/103 (40%) LTR at 28 days after the second vaccination. 62/103 (60%) were non-responders. Lower TTV loads at baseline (significantly) correlated with higher S-specific antibodies and a higher percentage of responders. Lower TTV loads also strongly correlated with longer time since transplantation, indicating that participants with lower TTV loads were longer after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: : This study shows a better humoral response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in subjects with a lower TTV load pre-vaccination. In addition, TTV load correlates with the time after transplantation. Further studies on the use of TTV load in vaccination efficacy studies in immunocompromised cohorts should provide leads for the potential use of this marker for optimizing vaccination response

Manejo nutricional e comportamental de filhotes de Cachorro- do- mato Cerdocyon thous mantidos para reabilitação em cativeiro na Fazenda Palmares no município de Santa Cruz das Palmeiras, SP, Brasil: Nutritional and behavioral management of Crab- eating Fox Cerdocyon thous kept for captive rehabilitation at Fazenda Palmares in the municipality of Santa Cruz das Palmeiras, SP, Brazil

O cachorro- do- mato ou lobinho, raposa, graxaim- do- mato ou lobete é uma espécie onívora com hábitos noturnos e costumam caçar em duplas, onde dificilmente são encontrados grupos dos mesmos, apenas pequenas famílias. Sua distribuição geográfica é dispersa por todo o território da América do Sul, excluindo áreas como a Floresta Amazônica. Estão acostumados a diversos biomas, incluindo locais próximos às habitações humanas, o que muitas vezes ocasiona em caças ilegais, morte ou traumas por máquinas agrícolas e o contato iminente com o homem.&nbsp; Este estudo tem como objetivo relatar a reabilitação em cativeiro, baseado na história de dois cachorros- do- mato encontrados em um canavial na cidade de Leme, interior do estado de São Paulo, logo após terem sido atropelados por uma máquina agrícola durante o processo de extração da cana-de-açúcar. O Estudo foi realizado no Núcleo de Pesquisas do IBIMM, onde fez-se uso de técnicas de enriquecimento ambiental e metodologias já aplicadas em outros casos parecidos. Apontou-se que a reabilitação foi um sucesso, com os animais capacitados ao convívio normal dentro do cativeiro e sem apresentar sequelas. Revela-se que um enriquecimento bem planejado, elaborado e seguido com precisão, faz a diferença para a vida e bem estar dos animais silvestres que precisam superar o estresse do cativeiro

Descrição anatômica esquelética de uma onça-parda, Puma concolor (Linnaeus 1771) encontrado morto em rodovia na região de Itirapina-SP: Skeletal anatomical description of a Cougar Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771) found dead on a highway in the region of Itirapina-SP

A onça-parda (Puma concolor) é a segunda maior espécie de felídeo no Brasil, pode ser encontrada em algumas regiões da América do Norte e distribuída amplamente em toda a América do Sul. São animais de hábitos solitários, terrestres e predominantemente noturnos. Este estudo retrata a descrição anatômica osteológica e as estruturas ósseas de uma onça-parda (Suçuarana), com informações pouco descritas na literatura, com finalidade de colaborar com profissionais das áreas de medicina veterinária, biologia e áreas afins. A carcaça de onça parda utilizada neste estudo teve a finalidade de separação e preparação dos ossos para montagem do esqueleto completo, foi oriunda de vítima de atropelamento em rodovia. Os métodos e técnicas utilizadas para a maceração e clareamento foram eficazes, sem a danificação dos ossos, o que favoreceu melhor o resultado e diminuiu significamente danos nas peças anatômicas. Construiu-se assim, um guia capaz de orientar e informar a comunidade cientifica em relação às composições anatômica esqueléticas de uma espécie pouca relatada na literatura internacional