Strengthening of Concrete Beams Using FRP Composites

Finite element analysis (FEA) is used to predict the behavior of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP). To verify and measure the accuracy of the FEM model, the current model results were compared with both experimental and theoretical available results. Four beams were studied simulating the Horsetail Creek Bridge, Oregon, USA. The first one is a control beam with no strengthening fiber.The second beam is strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) oriented along the length of the beam to reinforce the flexure behavior. The third beam is wrapped with glass fiber reinforced polymer(GFRP) laminates representing the shear beam. The fourth one is strengthened with CFRP and GFRP laminates representing the flexure-shear beam.The load-strain for concrete, steel and fiber as well were represented and compared. In addition, the load deflection curves and crack patterns were developed and represented. The results showed that the modeling process was accurate in simulating the tested beams. It was also clear that using FRP in strengthening reinforced concrete beams is an effective method in improving both shear and flexural behavior of the beams

A Targeted Parathyroidectomy Using Guide Wire Technique in a Pregnant Patient with Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism may cause fetal demise in pregnant patients if prompt diagnosis and treatment is not initiated. The paper describes a novel guide wire technique for a targeted parathyroidectomy, which may reduce the risk to mother and fetus and be useful in other related circumstances

A technical study to economize the amount of zinc used in the production of radiogallium

Abstract For the production of radiogallium, the targets were prepared in two forms, namely, electroplated metal and pressed oxide. The target holder was selected from Cu-metal as a circular disk. The experimental yields of 66,67,68Ga produced from both irradiated natZnO and zinc metal targets are given and compared with the estimated yields as well as with the previously reported values. The ZnO target developed in this work appears to be more convenient and economical for local production of short-lived radiogallium, e.g. 66Ga and 68Ga.</jats:p

Analysis of Performance Parameters of Amorphous Photovoltaic Modules under Different Environmental Conditions

The effects of temperature and radiation intensity on the performance parameters of amorphous hydrogenated silicon (a-Si:H) photovoltaic module have been investigated. An outdoor experimental setup is installed to carryout a series of I-V curve measurements under different irradiance and temperature conditions for the module. A numerical model which considers the effect of series and shunt resistances is developed to evaluate the different parameters of PV modules. Orthogonal distance regression (ODR) algorithm is adapted for fitting I-V measurements and extracting module parameters from I-V measurements. The values of module parameters, series resistance Rs, shunt resistance Rsh, diode ideality factor n and reverse saturation current Io determined from I-V measurements at different irradiation intensity and temperature range are in good agreement with the corresponding parameters obtained from the developed numerical model. The module parameters extracted from I-V measurements are employed to calculate the module performance parameters, i.e. open circuit voltage Voc, fill factor FF and module efficiency h at different irradiation intensity and temperature range. Present results indicate that the module parameters have a significant effect on module performance. Also, the behavior of Voc is completely different at higher temperatures.Key words: Amorphous module parameters;  Ideality factor; Series resistance; Shunt resistanc

Why honey is effective as a medicine. 1. Its use in modern medicine

Honey has been used as a medicine for thousands of years and its curative properties are well documented. However, modern medicine turned its back on honey and it is only now, with the advent of multi-resistant bacteria, that the antibiotic properties of honey are being rediscovered