Examination of influential factors on shear strength of externally bonded FRP reinforcement in RC beams

The fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) retrofitting technique has been increasingly created to enhance the capacity of the existing concrete members. In this study, the shear contribution of the external FRP strengthening system in the reinforced concrete (RC) beams is estimated by the semi-empirical models available in the open literatures and guidelines. Number of beams monitored in the previous studies are first considered to assess the reliability of the models. Afterwards, the investigation of influential factors such as the beam configurations, the strengthening characteristics and the material properties are implemented. With high accuracy and low coefficient of variation, the model proposed in a previous study of the authors gains the mostly considerable estimation for the shear resisting strength of FRP strengthening system compared to the accessible data base from the experiments. In addition, the critical properties of the materials associating with the retrofitting systems for the strengthened beams are investigated to obtain the acquired shear performance

Examination of influential factors on shear strength of externally bonded FRP reinforcement in RC beams

The fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) retrofitting technique has been increasingly created to enhance the capacity of the existing concrete members. In this study, the shear contribution of the external FRP strengthening system in the reinforced concrete (RC) beams is estimated by the semi-empirical models available in the open literatures and guidelines. Number of beams monitored in the previous studies are first considered to assess the reliability of the models. Afterwards, the investigation of influential factors such as the beam configurations, the strengthening characteristics and the material properties are implemented. With high accuracy and low coefficient of variation, the model proposed in a previous study of the authors gains the mostly considerable estimation for the shear resisting strength of FRP strengthening system compared to the accessible data base from the experiments. In addition, the critical properties of the materials associating with the retrofitting systems for the strengthened beams are investigated to obtain the acquired shear performance

Ecpoc: an evolutionary computation-based proof of criteria consensus protocol

Recently, blockchain technology has been applied in many domains in our life. Blockchain networks typically utilize a consensus protocol to achieve consistency among network nodes in a decentralized environment. Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) is a popular mechanism adopted in many networks such as BitShares, EOS, and Cardano because of its speed and scalability advantages. However, votes that come from nodes on a DPoS network tend to support a set of specific nodes that have a greater chance of becoming block producers after voting rounds. Therefore, only a small group of nodes can be selected to become block producers. To address this issue, we propose a new protocol called Evolutionary Computation-based Proof of Criteria (ECPoC), which uses ten criteria to evaluate and select a new block procedure in each round. Next, a set of optimal weights used for maximizing the network’s decentralization level is identified through the use of evolutionary computation algorithms. The experimental results show that our consensus significantly enhances the degree of decentralization in the selection process of witness nodes compared to DPoS. As a result, ECPoC facilitates fairness between nodes and creates momentum for blockchain network developmen

The effect of polyamine 70000 (BT70) on the zinc plating process in the non-cyanide alkaline plating bath

The effect of polyamine having molecular weight 70,000u (BT70) in the non-cyanide alkaline plating bath on the morphological zinc electrodeposited coating was investigated. The obtained results from the reflectance of electrodeposited zinc coating by a suitable range of electro-current density and SEM images showed that BT70 had effect on the zinc plating in comparison with the zinc deposits from plating bath without BT70. The electrodeposited coating surface was rough and poor adhesion. However, adding BT70 into the plating bath led to the surface roughness of electrodeposited coating and grand size being reduced. Zinc electrodeposited coating from a plating bath containing BT70 at 0.5 g/L, respectively, experienced the highest reflectance, equal 46 % of the electrodeposited coating from the bath containing commercial additives. Hull method showed that the zinc deposited coating surface became smoother with the presence of polyamine in non-cyanide alkaline zinc plating solution. The zinc deposited coating had a semi-gloss scope at 10 A/dm2. If the BT70 content increased, the semi-gloss scop and the gloss of samples’ surfaces also grew up. Keywords. Polyamine, additive, non-cyanide alkaline zinc plating, zinc coating

Rice farmers' perception and determinants of climate change adaptation measures: a case study in Vietnam

The study used Mann Kendall's and Sen's slope tests to elicit rice farmers' perceptions of climate change due to extreme weather occurrences and compared them to hydro-meteorological data. According to the findings, temperatures increased by 0.4 degrees during the last 35 years. While rainfall has increased, the pattern has been difficult to discern. The test results corroborated farmers' perceptions of increased heat spells, but rainfall frequency and intensity vary and are difficult to anticipate. Three adaptation strategies are frequently employed in the Nong Cong district: adjusting the seasonal calendar to alter transplanting and harvesting timing; increasing fertiliser and pesticide application; and changing variety to short-time kinds. Due to the interdependence of adaption techniques, the study used a multivariate probit model. The regression findings indicated that several relevant variables influence the decision to apply adaption methods. Numerous policy ideas for enhancing adaptation to climate change can be derived from the results of this study. District governments must improve their capacity to forecast weekly weather and train how to adapt production to climate change.Le Phuong Nam (Viet Nam National University of Agriculture (VNUA)), Nguyen Dang Que (National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA)), Nguyen Van Song (Viet Nam National University of Agriculture (VNUA)), Tran Thi Hoang Mai (Vinh University (VU)), Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong (Vinh University (VU)), Nguyen Thi Xuan Huong (Viet Nam National University of Forestry (VNUF)), Nguyen Cong Tiep (Viet Nam National University of Agriculture (VNUA)), Tran Ba Uan (Dien Bien Technical Economic College)Includes bibliographical references

Lung Volume Reduction Surgery in Patients with Heterogenous Emphysema: Selecting Perspective

BACKGROUND: Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) was introduced to alleviate clinical conditions in selected patients with heterogenous emphysema. Clarifying the most suitable patients for LVRS remained unclear. AIM: This study was undertaken to specifically analyze the preoperative factor affecting to LVRS. METHODS: The prospective study was conducted at 103 Military Hospital between July 2014 and April 2016. Severe heterogenous emphysema patients were selected to participate in the study. The information, spirometry, and body plethysmographic pulmonary function tests in 31 patients who underwent LVRS were compared with postoperative outcomes (changing in FEV1 and CAT scale). RESULTS: Of the 31 patients, there was statistically significant difference in the outcome of functional capacity, lung function between two groups (FEV1 ≤ 50% and > 50%) (∆FEV1: 22.46 vs 18.32%; p = 0.042. ∆CAT: 6.85 vs 5.07; p = 0.048). Changes of the FEV1 and CAT scale were no statistically significant differences in three groups residual volume. Patients with total lung capacity < 140% had more improved than others (∆FEV1: 23.81 vs 15.1%; p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Preoperative spirometry and body plethysmographic pulmonary function tests were useful measures to selected severe heterogenous emphysema patients for LVRS. Patients with FEV1 ≤ 50%, TLC in the range of 100-140% should be selected

The results of deep magnetotelluric sounding for studying the Nha Trang - Tanh Linh fault

The profile of deep magnetotelluric sounding (MT) from Duc Trong - Tuy Phong has been carried out in Lam Dong and Binh Thuan  provinces. The length of the Duc Trong - Tuy Phong profile is about 80 km with 15 stations and the distance between the stations measures about 5 km. Two-dimensional MT inversion was used to find a resistivity model that fits the data. The 2D resistivity model allows determining position and development formation of the Nha Trang - Tanh Linh  fault. This is the deep fault, which is showed by the boundaries of remarkable change of resistivity. In the near surface of the Earth (from ground to the depth of 6 km), the angle of inclination of this fault is about 60o; in the next part, the direction of the Nha Trang - Tanh Linh  faut is vertical. Geoelectrical section of the Nha Trang - Tanh Linh  profile shows that the resistivity of mid-crust is higher than that of lower-crust and of upper-crust

CAMELLIA SINENSIS VAR. MADOENSIS (SECT. THEA, THEACEAE), A NEW TAXON FROM VIETNAM

Camellia sinensis var. madoensis is described and illustrated as a new variety of Camellia sinensis (section Thea, Theaceae) from Xuan Loc Commune, Song Cau District, Phu Yen Province. The new variety is easily distinguishable from C. sinensis var. sinensis by style free ½ to the base. The ITS sequence of this variety is also different from that of Camellia sinensis and its other varieties, while the matK gene sequences are nearly identical among Camellia taxa.Camellia sinensis var. madoensis được mô tả và minh họa với vai trò là một thứ mới của Camellia sinensis (section Thea, Theaceae) ghi nhận tại xã Xuân Lộc, huyện Sông Cầu, tỉnh Phú Yên. Thứ mới này có thể dễ dàng phân biệt với C. sinensis var. sinensis bởi vòi nhụy rời ½ tính từ đế. Trình tự ITS của thứ này cũng khác với Camellia sinensis và các thứ khác của nó

Enhanced growth and development of Chrysanthemum morifolium in microponic system under light-emitting diodes

This paper investigated the growth and development of Chrysanthemum shoots in microponic systems in comparison with shoots in micropropagation system. A microponic culture system, combining micropropagation and hydroponics, could reduce the drawbacks of micropropagation system such as reduction of infection, saving of labor, material, space, etc. In this study, Chrysanthemum morifolium shoots with 3 cm in length were cultured in MC (microponic system with circular container - 12 cm diameter at top, 9 cm diameter at bottom and 8.5 cm in height), MR (microponic system with rectangular box - 8.5 cm in height, 35 x 28 cm at top and 30 x 25 cm at bottom) and micropropagation system (MO - rectangular plastic box with 800 ml of half-strength MS medium containing 30 g/l sucrose and 8 mg/l agar). The results indicated that shoots pretreated with 500 ppm IBA, cultured in MC (15 shoots per container) and ventilated with millipore membrane (MillisealTM, pore size 0.5 µm of diameter 2 cm) under 70% red LED combined with 30% blue LED gave thebest plant height, number of roots, fresh weight, and chlorophyll content (a, b and a+b) (5.18 cm, 12.50, 0.52 g, 28.19 µg/g, 13.56 µg/g and 41.75 µg/g, respectively). The survival rates of plants derived from MC and MR in the greenhouse were higher than those in MO (100%, 100% and 85%, respectively). This study indicated that MR was an effective and simple system for large-scale production of Chrysanthemum morifolium