Office High Rise Building- Fire Protection and Life Safety Analysis

This project developed the traditional prescriptive-based design analysis of the fire protection features of an existing office high rise building in the city of Sao Paulo, in Brazil. The analysis was then complemented by performance-based analysis of the building. The building is a high rise office located in a metropolitan area, provided also with underground car parking garages and a small theater. The fire protection analysis was conducted based on the local Sao Paulo state fire codes, mainly the Sao Paulo State enactment (Decreto Nº56.819/2011) and Sao Paulo Fire Department Technical Instructions; and, in addition to the local codes, the analysis was also conducted in accordance with internationally recognized codes, primarily the International Building Code (IBC 2012) and NFPA standards. The local codes requirements were compared with the international codes requirements in each section, with the objective of providing an overview of the main differences and possible opportunities for improvement or further studies. The main differences between the codes were observed in the construction features to avoid vertical fire spread, egress design, standpipe design and overall reliability and maintenance requirements for fire protection systems. A detailed discussion is presented in Section 5 Conclusion. The design of the building has been evaluated based on prescriptive requirements for construction fire resistance and compartmentation, fire detection and alarms, automatic and manual fire suppression systems, smoke management systems and egress arrangement and capacity. A performance based design was developed for six selected fire scenarios, being three fire scenarios for existing office floors of different arrangements, one for existing theater building and two proposed improvement scenarios for a specific office floor with customized internal layout. Fire scenario simulations were developed in Pyrosim to evaluate the ASET (Available Safe Egress Time) calculations and Pathfinder was used to determine the RSET (Required Safe Egress Time). A successful scenario was determined by the ASET being greater than RSET with an appropriate margin of safety, so that all occupants will reach a safe area before the environment becomes untenable. The main conclusions and recommendations are presented in Section 5 Conclusion. The building is mostly compliant with the local regulations with a few recommendations being presented. In addition, comments were made for it to be safer and, where possible for an existing building, compliant with the reference international regulations. The most important recommendations refer to the egress features (remoteness and common paths of travel), considering that there is the possibility that the two existing exits in the office floors are blocked by one fire scenario in the exit hallway. In addition to that, it is possible that the unique door leading to the hallway from either the west or east open office areas of the building is blocked by one fire. Special attention should be given to office floor layouts that are modified by tenants, where make-up air or smoke extraction flows, as well as egress paths may be different from original design. The performance based design conclusions will show this same risk when applied to the office floors, reinforcing the recommendations provided for the prescriptive based design

REFLEXIÓN RESPECTO AL REGLAMENTO DEL PARLAMENTO EUROPEO Y DEL CONSEJO SOBRE LA LUCHA CONTRA LA DIFUSIÓN DE CONTENIDOS TERRORISTAS EN LÍNEA

La evolución tecnológica del ser humano trae repercusiones, sea de manera negativa o positiva, en el primer aspecto ha generado que herramientas necesarias y cotidianas en décadas precedidas se volvieran obsoletas, mientras que el segundo aspecto, contrajo nuevas formas de comunicación y nuevas realidades. La nueva realidad hace referencia a la interacción que genera el área digital con el ser humano (redes sociales, nuevas formas de negociar y trabajar, entre otras), lo cual va a ser de interés para la comunidad internacional

Splenic vein leiomyosarcoma: case report and review of the literature

Context Primary venous leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare disease, most commonly affecting the retroperitoneal veins and in particular the inferior vena cava. Five-year survival rate ranges between 33% and 68%. Case Report Complete surgical resection represents the only potentially curative treatment, occasionally achieving long-term survival. LMS of the splenic vein is extremely rare, with only three cases reported in the literature. Conclusion We report a case of primary venous LMS arising from the splenic vein and we briefly review the relevant literature.Image: Intraoperative snapshot

Geochemical tracers in complex hydrogeological settings: the Roccamonfina volcanic vs. mt. massico sedimentary aquifers (southern Italy)

Volcanic aquifers, sedimentary basins, hydrogeochemistry, hydrogeology, isotopic composition

La aplicación del consentimiento previo, libre e informado de los Pueblos Indígenas en la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Constitucional Peruano, 2022

En el presente trabajo de investigación se tuvo como objetivo determinar de qué manera el Consentimiento Previo, Libre e Informado en la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Constitucional Peruano resulta ser restrictiva respecto a los derechos fundamentales de los pueblos indígenas en Perú, en 2022, el cual responde a la pregunta ¿De qué forma el Consentimiento Previo, Libre e Informado en la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Constitucional Peruano resulta ser restrictiva respecto a los derechos fundamentales de los pueblos indígenas, Perú, 2022?. La metodología fue de tipo básica, con un enfoque cualitativo, de tipo descriptivo, con un diseño basado en teoría fundamentada, utilizando como instrumento la entrevista y como participantes a 12 expertos especializados en materia de derechos humanos, pueblos indígenas y derecho constitucional. Concluyendo que, el Tribunal Constitucional Peruano a través de su jurisprudencia ha desarrollado una línea argumentativa que imposibilita el reconocimiento como derecho al consentimiento previo, libre e informado, así también, en nuestro país el derecho fundamental a la consulta previa resulta insuficiente para resguardar los derechos colectivos e individuales de los pueblos indígenas, tales como a la libre determinación y a sus territorios

Accuracy, precision and robustness of in vivo dry matter digestibility estimates by different markers in ovine

O objetivo foi avaliar a acurácia, precisão e robustez das estimativas da digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca obtidas utilizando-se como indicadores fibra em detergente ácido indigestível (FDAi), fibra em detergente neutro (FDNi) indigestível, lignina em detergente ácido (LDA), LDA indigestível (LDAi) e óxido crômico em comparação ao método de coleta total de fezes. Dezoito ovinos (56,5 ± 4,6 kg PV) foram designados aleatoriamente a dietas compostas de 25, 50 ou 75% de concentrado e feno de Coast cross por 25 dias. As fezes foram coletadas por cinco dias para determinação da digestibilidade aparente da MS. As amostras de alimentos e fezes foram incubadas no rúmen de três bovinos por 144 horas, para obtenção das frações indigestíveis. Óxido crômico foi administrado a 4,0 g/animal/dia. A acurácia foi avaliada pela comparação do viés médio (DAMS predito - DAMS observado) entre os indicadores; a precisão, por meio da raiz quadrada do erro de predição e do erro residual; e a robustez, pelo estudo da regressão entre o viés e o consumo de matéria seca, o nível de concentrado e o peso vivo. A recuperação fecal e a acurácia das estimativas da digestibilidade aparente da MS foram maiores para FDAi, seguida pela FDNi, LDAi, pelo óxido crômico e depois pela lignina em detergente ácido. O viés linear foi significativo apenas para FDAi, FDNi e LDAi. O uso de óxido crômico permitiu estimativas mais precisas da digestibilidade aparente da MS. Todos os indicadores foram robustos quanto à variação no consumo de matéria seca e apenas LDAi e óxido crômico foram robustos quanto aos níveis de concentrado na dieta. O óxido crômico não foi robusto quando houve variação no peso vivo animal. Assim, a FDAi é o indicador mais recomendado na estimativa da digestibilidade aparente da MS em ovinos quando o objetivo é comparar aos dados da literatura, enquanto o óxido crômico é mais recomendado quando o objetivo é comparar tratamentos dentro de um mesmo experimento.This study aimed at evaluating the accuracy, precision and robustness of in vivo dry matter apparent digestibility estimates (DMAD), using as markers indigestible acid detergent fiber, indigestible neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, indigestible acid detergent lignin and chromic oxide in comparison to the fecal total collection. Eighteen wethers (56.5 ± 4.6 kg BW) were randomly assigned to diets containing 25, 50 or 75% of concentrate and Coast cross hay for 25 days. Feces were collected during the five days to determine apparent digestibility of dry matter and samples of feed and feces were incubated for 144 hours in bovine rumen to obtain the indigestible fractions. Chromic oxide (4.0 g/animal) was offered daily. Accuracy was evaluated by comparing mean bias of estimates (predicted dry matter apparent digestibility - observed dry matter apparent digestibility) among markers. Precision was assessed by the root mean square prediction error and the residual error; robustness was studied by the regression between bias and dry matter intake, diet concentrate level and animal body weight. Fecal recovery and accuracy of dry matter apparent digestibility estimates were higher for indigestible acid detergent fiber, followed by indigestible neutral detergent fiber, indigestible acid detergent lignin and chromic oxide, and at last for acid detergent lignin. Linear bias was significant only for indigestible acid detergent fiber, indigestible neutral detergent fiber and indigestible acid detergent lignin. By using chromic oxide it was possible to estimate dry matter apparent digestibility more precisely. All markers were robust regarding to variation of dry matter intake while only indigestible acid detergent lignin and chromic oxide were robust regarding to concentrate levels in the diet. Chromic oxide was not robust when animal body weight varied. In this experimental condition, indigestible acid detergent fiber is the most recommended marker to estimate dry matter apparent digestibility in ovine when the objective is to compare the results with the ones found in literature. On the other hand, chromic oxide is the most recommended marker when the objective is to compare treatments within the same experiment

Groundwater monitoring in the archaeological site of Ostia Antica (Rome, Italy): first results

The archaeological site of Ostia Antica hosts the ruins of the ancient roman city called Ostia founded in the VII century B.C. near the mouth of Tiber River. The area was strategically important for Rome, not only for the control of the river, but also for some salt marshes (Ostia Pound). During the XIX century, the whole area was reclaimed and the salt production stopped. Nowadays drainage canals and pumps avoid the flood of zones placed below sea level, keeping dewatering below the ground surface. In February 2014, the site was largely flooded after an exceptional rainfall event and the Superintendence for Archaeological Heritage of Rome ordered the closure for 15 days. Few months later (July 2014) a groundwater monitoring project started with the aim of studying the aquifer response to local rainfall and prevent future damage and groundwater flooding. The activity consisted in water-table monitoring, groundwater electrical conductivity (EC) and temperature continuous measurements, coupled with chemical analysis of major ions. Preliminary results shows the link between water table fluctuations and rainfall distributions. The average elevation of the archaeological area is about 2,5 m a.s.l. and the local water-table depth is of about 0,5 m a.s.l.; groundwater flows from the Tiber River to the reclaimed area according to regional flowpath. Groundwater sampled from three wells is Ca-HCO3 freshwater (600 - 1000 μS/cm), while the sample collected from a well located close to ancient salt storage warehouse (now Ostia Antica museum), is Na-Cl brackish water (about 4000 μS/cm). The chemical evolution of groundwater from summer to winter suggested a possible lateral inflow from the Tiber River, affected by salt-wedge intrusion. The inflow of Ca-Cl, SO4 Tiber's water with an intermediate salinity could determine salinization of Ca-HCO3 freshwaters and refreshing of Na-Cl brackish water

Influência da fonte de luz polimerizadora na microdureza da resina composta de diferentes cores

INTRODUCTION: The evolution of light curing units can be noticed by the different systems recently introduced. The technology of LED units promises longer lifetime, without heating and with production of specific light for activation of camphorquinone. However, further studies are still required to check the real curing effectiveness of these units. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the microhardness of 4 shades (B-0.5, B-1, B-2 and B-3) of composite resin Filtek Z-250 (3M ESPE) after light curing with 4 light sources, being one halogen (Ultralux - Dabi Atlante) and three LED (Ultraled - Dabi Atlante, Ultrablue - DMC and Elipar Freelight - 3M ESPE). METHODS: 192 specimens were distributed into 16 groups, and materials were inserted in a single increment in cylindrical templates measuring 4mm x 4mm and light cured as recommended by the manufacturer. Then, they were submitted to microhardness test on the top and bottom aspects of the cylinders. RESULTS: The hardness values achieved were submitted to analysis of variance and to Tukey test at 5% confidence level. It was observed that microhardness of specimens varied according to the shade of the material and light sources employed. The LED appliance emitting greater light intensity provided the highest hardness values with shade B-0.5, allowing the best curing. On the other hand, appliances with low light intensity were the least effective. It was also observed that the bottom of specimens was more sensitive to changes in shade. CONCLUSION: Light intensity of LED light curing units is fundamental for their good functioning, especially when applied in resins with darker shades.INTRODUCTION: A evolução dos aparelhos fotopolimerizadores pode ser notada nos diferentes sistemas introduzidos recentemente no mercado. A tecnologia apresentada pelos aparelhos LED promete maior tempo de vida útil, não gerar aquecimento e produzir luz específica para a ativação da canforoquinona. No entanto, ainda são necessários estudos complementares para se conhecer a real efetividade destes aparelhos na polimerização dos materiais. PROPOSTA: Neste trabalho foi verificada a microdureza de 4 cores (B-0,5, B-1, B-2 e B-3) da resina composta Filtek Z-250 (3M ESPE) quando polimerizadas com 4 fontes de luz, sendo uma halógena (Ultralux - Dabi Atlante) e três LED (Ultraled - Dabi Atlante, Ultrablue - DMC e Elipar Freelight - 3M ESPE). MÉTODOS: Os 192 corpos-de-prova foram distribuídos em 16 grupos e os materiais foram inseridos em único incremento em matrizes cilíndricas de 4mm X 4mm, sendo polimerizados pelo tempo preconizado pelo fabricante. Em seguida, foram submetidos ao teste de microdureza na superfície superior e inferior dos cilindros. RESULTADOS: Os valores de dureza obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de Tukey ao nível de 5%. Foi observado que a dureza dos corpos-de-prova variou conforme a cor do material e aparelhos utilizados. O aparelho LED que emite maior intensidade luminosa proporcionou a obtenção dos maiores valores de dureza, com o croma B-0,5 possibilitando a melhor polimerização. Por outro lado aparelhos com baixa intensidade luminosa foram os menos efetivos. Também foi observado que a região do fundo dos corpos-de-prova foi mais sensível à mudança das cores. CONCLUSÕES: A intensidade de luz dos fotopolimerizadores LED é fundamental para seu bom funcionamento, principalmente quando empregadas resinas com croma mais acentuado