An adaptive methodology for risk classification of small homogeneous earthfill embankment dams integrating climate change projections

This paper presents the application of the advanced probabilistic slope stability model with precipitation effects developed to assess the performance of small homogeneous earthfill embankment dam slopes, when exposed to future seasonal precipitation scenarios. Here, the UK's latest probabilistic climate model known as UKCP09 is applied. To reflect the critical conditions conducive to slope failure, a benchmark has been developed to identify the change, if any, in the risk classification of the slope's performance level due to precipitation. Thus, enabling the reassessment of the dam's risk classification, as categorised by the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. Such an approach could therefore be well placed to support and enhance the decision-making process, its impact on the public, especially in relation to future climate effects

Embankment dam probabilistic assessment for climate scenarios

For small earthfill dams exposed to climate scenarios such as those defined in UKCP09, deterministic assessments are insufficient, and more sophisticated models are required. This paper presents a hybrid probabilistic methodology that quantitatively measures the notional reliability index against upstream and downstream slope failure for such dams exposed to variable precipitation. Upstream and downstream slope stability are selected here as representative significant limit states governing the dam's long-term performance. The governing equations for the limit states are defined using the sliding-block method incorporating the effects of infiltration through the embankment. Using standard and sloping Green–Ampt and closed-form van Genuchten methods, the rainfall effects on soils with variable saturation are considered, and the standard first-order second moment method is applied. The probabilistic model encompasses uncertainties associated with soil properties, dam geometry and rainfall parameters. The paper demonstrates notional reliability indices for the dam for selected precipitation scenarios. A benchmark is developed that reflects the critical conditions conducive to slope failure. The paper reflects on the implication of inclusion of probabilistic climate models for associated risks. Therefore the analysis is an effective new management tool for risk assessment of embankment dams as categorised by the Flood and Water Management Act 2010

Operator inequalities of Jensen type

We present some generalized Jensen type operator inequalities involving sequences of self-adjoint operators. Among other things, we prove that if $f:[0,\infty) \to \mathbb{R}$ is a continuous convex function with $f(0)\leq 0$, then {equation*} \sum_{i=1}^{n} f(C_i) \leq f(\sum_{i=1}^{n}C_i)-\delta_f\sum_{i=1}^{n}\widetilde{C}_i\leq f(\sum_{i=1}^{n}C_i) {equation*} for all operators $C_i$ such that $0 \leq C_i\leq M \leq \sum_{i=1}^{n} C_i$ \ $(i=1,...,n)$ for some scalar $M\geq0$, where $\widetilde{C_i} = 1/2 - |\frac{C_i}{M}- 1/2 |$ and $\delta_f = f(0)+f(M) - 2 f(\frac{M}{2})$.Comment: 17 pages, to appear in Topological Algebra and its Applications (a newly established journal by Versita Ltd.)

Dynamical aspects of Galactic habitability in N-body simulations

Recent studies of Galactic evolution revealed that the dynamics of the stellar component might be one of the key factors when considering galactic habitability. We run an N-body simulation model of the Milky Way, which we evolve for 10 Gyr, to study the secular evolution of stellar orbits and the resulting galactic habitability-related properties, i.e., the density of the stellar component and close stellar encounters. The results indicate that radial migrations are not negligible, even in a simple axisymmetric model with mild levels of dynamical heating, and that the net outward diffusion of the stellar component can populate galactic outskirts with habitable systems. Habitable environment is also likely even at sub-Solar galactocentric radii, because the rate of close encounters should not significantly degrade habitability. Stars that evolve from non-circular to stable nearly-circular orbits typically migrate outwards, settling down in a broad Solar neighborhood. The region between $R \approx 3$ kpc and $R \approx 12$ kpc represents the zone of radial mixing, which can blur the boundaries of the Galactic Habitable Zone, as it has been conventionally understood. The present-day stable population of the stars in the Solar neighborhood originates from this radial mixing zone, with most of the stars coming from the inner regions. The Solar system can be considered as a typical Milky Way habitable system because it migrated outwards from the metal-rich inner regions of the Disk and has a circular orbit in the present epoch. We conclude that the boundaries of the Galactic Habitable Zone cannot be sharply confined for a given epoch because of the mixing caused by the stellar migrations and secular evolution of stellar orbits.Comment: Accepted for publication in PAS

Gamma process model for timber-concrete composite beam deterioration prediction

This paper presents the application of the advanced probabilistic slope stability model with precipitation effects (APSMP) developed to assess the performance of small homogeneous earthfill embankment dam slopes, when exposed to future seasonal precipitation scenarios. Here, the UKs latest probabilistic climate model known as UKCP09 is applied. To reflect the critical conditions conducive to slope failure, a benchmark has been developed to identify the change, if any, in the risk classification of the slope’s performance level due to precipitation. Thus, enabling the reassessment of the dam’s risk classification, as categorized by the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. Such an approach could therefore be well placed to support and enhance the decision making process, its impact on the public, especially in relation to future climate effects

Effect of metabolic and antioxidant supplementation on sperm parameters in oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia, with and without varicocele: a double-blind placebo-controlled study

Since sperm require high energy levels to perform their specialised function, it is vital that essential nutrients are available for spermatozoa when they develop, capacitate and acquire motility. However, they are vulnerable to a lack of energy and excess amounts of reactive oxygen species, which can impair sperm function, lead to immotility, acrosomal reaction impairment, DNA fragmentation and cell death. This monocentric, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effect of 6 months of supplementation with l-carnitine, acetyl-l-carnitine and other micronutrients on sperm quality in 104 subjects with oligo- and/or astheno- and/or teratozoospermia with or without varicocele. In 94 patients who completed the study, sperm concentration was significantly increased in supplemented patients compared to the placebo (p =.0186). Total sperm count also increased significantly (p =.0117) in the supplemented group as compared to the placebo group. Both, progressive and total motility were higher in supplemented patients (p =.0088 and p =.0120, respectively). Although pregnancy rate was not an endpoint of the study, of the 12 pregnancies that occurred during the follow-up, 10 were reported in the supplementation group. In general, all these changes were more evident in varicocele patients. In conclusion, supplementation with metabolic and antioxidant compounds could be efficacious when included in strategies to improve fertility

Comparative Assessment of the Fracture Behaviour of API‐5L X65 and Micro‐alloyed Steels in E80 Simulated Fuel Ethanol Environment

Monotonic J‐integral tests were carried out on API‐5L X65 steel and micro‐alloyed steel (MAS) in E80 simulated fuel grade ethanol (SFGE) environment using three‐point bend specimens. A ramp rate of 10-04 mm/s was used for loading in each sequence so as to enhance stress corrosion cracking (SCC) influence if any. The influence of the SFGE environment on tearing resistance and fracture toughness of the steels was studied. Both steels exhibited decrease in fracture toughness in E80 in relation to air. The decrease in fracture toughness may be due to anodic dissolution at the crack tip. Ductile tearing resistance of the steels increased in E80 due to decline in toughness property. In comparison with X65 steel, MAS showed better fracture properties

Surface and thermomechanical characterization of polyurethane networks based on poly(dimethylsiloxane) and hyperbranched polyester

Two series of polyurethane (PU) networks based on Boltorn® hyperbranched polyester (HBP) and hydroxyethoxy propyl terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (EO-PDMS) or hydroxy propyl terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (HPPDMS), were synthesized. The effect of the type of soft PDMS segment on the properties of PUs was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurements, surface free energy determination, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The surface characterization of PUs showed existence of slightly amphiphilic character and it revealed that PUs based on HP-PDMS have lower surface free energy, more hydrophobic surface and better waterproof performances than PUs based on EO-PDMS. PUs based on HPPDMS had higher crosslinking density than PUs based on EO-PDMS. DSC and DMTA results revealed that these newlysynthesized PUs exhibit the glass transition temperatures of the soft and hard segments. DMTA, SEM and AFM results confirmed existence of microphase separated morphology. The results obtained in this work indicate that PU networks based on HBP and PDMS have improved surface and thermomechanical properties