Concrete damage analysis based on higher-order beam theories using fracture energy regularization

This paper presents the numerical damage analysis of concrete structures using higher-order beam theories based on Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF). The concrete constitutive relation is modeled using continuum damage mechanics based on a modified Mazars concrete damage model, in which both the tensile and compressive softening behaviors are regularized with classical fracture energy methodology. An expression is proposed to estimate the characteristic length in higher-order beam theories, to prevent mesh dependency. Both softening constitutive laws and fracture energy calculations are obtained according to Model Code 2010. To assess the efficiency of the proposed model, three classical benchmark quasi-static experiments are taken for validation. From the comparison between numerical and experimental results, the proposed CUF model using continuum damage mechanics can present 3D accuracy with low computational costs and reduce the mesh dependency

Mesh objective characteristic element length for higher-order finite beam elements

The use of fracture energy regularization techniques can effectively mitigate the mesh dependency of numerical solutions caused by the strain softening behavior of quasi-brittle materials. However, the successful regularization depends on the correct estimation of the crack bandwidth in Finite Element solutions. This paper aims to present an enhanced crack band formulation to overcome the strain localization instability especially for the higher-order elements developed in the framework of Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF). Besides, a modified Mazars damage method incorporating fracture energy regularization is employed to describe the nonlinear damage behavior of the concrete. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed crack band formulation, three experimental concrete benchmarks are selected for the numerical damage analysis. By comparing numerical and experimental results, the proposed method can guarantee mesh objectivity despite varying finite element numbers and orders, indicating perseved fracture energy consumption within proposed higher-order beam models

Information communication between the library and the extension in the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa).

The exponential increase of information available and the potential mechanisms for storage and recovery made clear the need to extend the traditional concept of reference services/ mediation of information from libraries. The offer of information is located at the intersection of two fields of information science: the study of demands for profiles, and the organization, processing and availability of information for effective use. This work aims to present the experience related to the development of a project Embrapa Library System (SEB), whose main objective was to build interactive strategies of dissemination of knowledge generated by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa). This project first resulted in a diagnosis of the extension in the state of Rondônia, which supported the creation of online and offline customer service in libraries, creating an information channel with news about the world of scientific and technological information and training for extension in the use of database and digital repositories of Embrapa

Fano resonances in plasmonic core-shell particles and the Purcell effect

Despite a long history, light scattering by particles with size comparable with the light wavelength still unveils surprising optical phenomena, and many of them are related to the Fano effect. Originally described in the context of atomic physics, the Fano resonance in light scattering arises from the interference between a narrow subradiant mode and a spectrally broad radiation line. Here, we present an overview of Fano resonances in coated spherical scatterers within the framework of the Lorenz-Mie theory. We briefly introduce the concept of conventional and unconventional Fano resonances in light scattering. These resonances are associated with the interference between electromagnetic modes excited in the particle with different or the same multipole moment, respectively. In addition, we investigate the modification of the spontaneous-emission rate of an optical emitter at the presence of a plasmonic nanoshell. This modification of decay rate due to electromagnetic environment is referred to as the Purcell effect. We analytically show that the Purcell factor related to a dipole emitter oriented orthogonal or tangential to the spherical surface can exhibit Fano or Lorentzian line shapes in the near field, respectively.Comment: 28 pages, 10 figures; invited book chapter to appear in "Fano Resonances in Optics and Microwaves: Physics and Application", Springer Series in Optical Sciences (2018), edited by E. O. Kamenetskii, A. Sadreev, and A. Miroshnichenk

Change-of-direction deficit vs. deceleration deficit: a comparison of limb dominance and inter-limb asymmetry between forwards and backs in elite male rugby union players

The aims of the present study were to: 1) determine whether limb dominance and inter-limb asymmetry were the same across both change of direction (COD) and deceleration (DEC) deficits and, 2) determine the association between the COD and DEC-deficits and other physical performance tests in elite male rugby union players. Twenty five players performed a series of bilateral jumps, linear and COD speed tests at the end of the pre-season period. COD and DEC-deficits were calculated for both left and right sides, and inter-limb asymmetry thereafter. Kappa coefficients revealed moderate levels of agreement in limb dominance between COD and DEC-deficits (Kappa = 0.41 on left; 0.48 on right). For the direction of asymmetry, perfect levels of agreement (Kappa = 1) were evident between 505 time and COD-deficit, but only moderate levels of agreement (Kappa = 0.41) between other asymmetry measures. Pearson’s r correlations showed moderate to large relationships between jumps and linear (r = -0.42 to -0.68) and COD speed (r = -0.41 to -0.58), but not with the COD-deficit (r = 0.15 to -0.31), DEC-deficit (r = 0.01 to -0.32) or asymmetry (r = 0.16 to -0.29). When analyzing by playing position, backs were significantly faster than forwards over 15-m (ES = -0.86) and across all jump tests (ES = 0.86-0.94), with the exception of the squat jump. This study is the first to provide a direct comparison of the COD and DEC-deficits and highlights that limb dominance and asymmetry cannot be guaranteed between tasks

Açaí Seeds as a Prospective Biosorbent for Acid Dyes Removal

In this study, were used residual Açaí seeds as a biosorbent for two textile dyes (Acid Yellow 219 (AY) and Acid Red 361 (AR)), in single and binary solutions. Further, kinetic and isothermal studies were carried to evaluate if the chemical modifications in the Açaí seeds would promote an increase in biosorption. Kinetic assays for all solutions showed that more than 50 % of the dyes were removed in the first 15 minutes. The acid treatment of the biosorbent increased the removal of acid dyes in solution by 46 % and 32 %, respectively. In conclusion, chemically modified Açaí seeds showed high capacity for the removal of textile dyes in single (AY qe = 1.40 mg g-1; AR qe = 1.76 mg g–1) and multi-component solutions (AY MIX qe = 2.09 mg g–1; AR MIX qe = 2.23 mg g–1). These results demonstrate that Açaí seeds can be applied in an inexpensive strategy for removing pollutants (single or binary solutions) from wastewater. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

A contribuição do município de Guarulhos (estado de São Paulo) para a qualidade da água no Sistema Alto Tietê

The population growth in Guarulhos (São Paulo State) has been above the average for the São Paulo Metropolitan Region (RMSP). The Baquirivu-Guaçu River Basin (BHRBG), where the Baquirivu-Guaçu River is located, is exactly the urban expansion vector of Guarulhos municipality and neighboring areas. This study presents an analysis of the quality of the Baquirivu-Guaçu River waters at the entrance and at the exit of the Guarulhos municipality, in order to assess the effects of the implementation of sewage treatment plants (STPs) and land use on the Baquirivu-Guaçu River water quality between 2010 and 2014. For that were prepared the land use maps in the period analyzed, an analysis of the functioning of STPs in the study area, a statistical analysis of the Water Quality Index (WQI) and its parameters at different points of the river. The data relative to the Baquirivu-Guaçu River physico-chemicals and microbiological analyses indicate a much lower water quality in the exit of the Guarulhos municipality (WQI=16), when compared to that coming from the Arujá municipality (WQI=32). The mean values highlighted for BOD, DO, TU, TS and FC parameters indicate a considerable worsening of the Baquirivu-Guaçu River waters at point BQGU 03850. The values of TN, TP and pH parameters both at the entrance and exit of the basin are close. The analysis of land use evolution and water quality shows the consequences of an improper process of urban growth in the basin and that the domestic and industrial polluting sources represent considerable risk to water quality, attesting that the sanitation works carried out up to now have not been effective in reducing the polluting charges launched in the Baquirivu-Guaçu River waters.A contribuição do município de Guarulhos (Estado de São Paulo) para a qualidade de água do Sistema Alto Tietê. Guarulhos (SP) tem apresentado índices de crescimento populacional acima da média da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo (RMSP). A Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Baquirivu Guaçu (BHRBG), onde se localiza o Rio Baquirivu Guaçu, é o vetor de expansão urbana do município e da região. Este trabalho apresenta uma análise da qualidade das águas do Rio Baquirivu-Guaçu na entrada e na saída do município de Guarulhos, avaliando os efeitos da implantação das ETEs e do uso da terra sobre a qualidade das águas do Rio Baquirivu-Guaçu, entre os anos de 2010 e 2014. Para isto foram elaborados os mapas de uso de terra no período analisado, uma análise do funcionamento das ETEs na área de estudo, e a análise estatística dos Índices de Qualidade de Águas (IQA) e de seus parâmetros nos diferentes pontos do rio. Os dados referentes às análises físico-química e microbiológica do Rio Baquirivu-Guaçu indicam uma qualidade de água na saída do município de Guarulhos (IQA=16), muito inferior àquela que recebe do município de Arujá (IQA=32). Os valores médios, em especial para os parâmetros DBO, OD, TU, ST e CF indicam uma piora na qualidade das águas do Rio Baquirivu-Guaçu no ponto BQGU03850. Os valores dos parâmetros NT, PT e pH foram muito próximos para ambos os pontos da entrada e saída da bacia. A análise entre a evolução do uso da terra e a qualidade da água demonstra as consequências do processo inadequado de crescimento urbano na bacia e que as fontes poluidoras domésticas e industriais representam considerável risco à qualidade das águas, demonstrando que as obras de saneamento realizadas até o momento não foram eficazes na redução de cargas poluidoras das águas do rio Baquirivu-Guaçu

O "poder simbólico" do veículo automotor: desafio para mobilidade urbana sustentável.

Este artigo é resultado das discussões e reflexões suscitadas durante a disciplina Sustentabilidade e Sociedade, do Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências do Ambiente e Sustentabilidade na Amazônia. Ao longo do texto, pretende-se estabelecer a relação entre o ?poder simbólico? conceituado por Pierre Bourdieu e o uso do veículo automotor no Brasil. Contudo, para situar tal relação foi necessário contextualizar as cidades, enquanto ?espaços sociais?, onde esse poder se materializa. Assim, este trabalho, produto de uma pesquisa bibliográfica, discorre sobre as lutas estabelecidas nos ?campos do poder?, trazendo a compreensão de que as lutas travadas diariamente - entre condutores e pedestres, ciclistas e motociclistas - é reflexo do ideário da classe dominante nas cidades, presentes também no planejamento ou não das vias de circulação. Ao mesmo tempo, discorre sobre a evidente necessidade da efetivação da política pública de mobilidade urbana sustentável, a partir da análise dos critérios de sustentabilidade de Ignácio Sachs.SICASA 2018