Masonry compressive strength prediction using artificial neural networks

The masonry is not only included among the oldest building materials, but it is also the most widely used material due to its simple construction and low cost compared to the other modern building materials. Nevertheless, there is not yet a robust quantitative method, available in the literature, which can reliably predict its strength, based on the geometrical and mechanical characteristics of its components. This limitation is due to the highly nonlinear relation between the compressive strength of masonry and the geometrical and mechanical properties of the components of the masonry. In this paper, the application of artificial neural networks for predicting the compressive strength of masonry has been investigated. Specifically, back-propagation neural network models have been used for predicting the compressive strength of masonry prism based on experimental data available in the literature. The comparison of the derived results with the experimental findings demonstrates the ability of artificial neural networks to approximate the compressive strength of masonry walls in a reliable and robust manner.- (undefined

Key issues of the upstream segment of biofuels supply chain: a qualitative analysis

The role that liquid biofuels will play in future energy systems will depend on biomass-to-energy supply chain to overcome the barriers that may hinder the development and international trade, as well as a sustainable and efficient production of biomass resources. This research paper is based on an extensive literature review, and its purpose is to identify and to investigate the variables that, throughout the agricultural biomass-to-energy supply chain, give rise to the barriers that are common to most varieties of biomass. For achieving it and to assess the effects of referred barriers were used techniques of the Soft Systems methodology. Although biomass-to-energy supply chains are diverse in terms of pattern and operations, the characteristic of the barriers involved in the research provides a broad insight into the issues and challenges to define consistent strategies and interventions for overcoming them. So, this review might be useful for further research related to agricultural biomass-to-energy supply chain optimization that is needed

Solid-State Stability Issues of Drugs in Transdermal Patch Formulations

The transdermal patch formulation has many advantages, including noninvasiveness, an ability to bypass the first-pass metabolism, low dosage requirements, and prolonged drug delivery. However, the instability of solid-state drugs is one of the most critical problems observed in transdermal patch products. Therefore, a well-characterized approach for counteracting stability problems in solid-state drugs is crucial for improving the performance of transdermal patch products. This review provides insight into the solid-state stability of drugs associated with transdermal patch products and offers a comprehensive update on the various approaches being used for improving the stability of the active pharmaceutical ingredients currently being used