Curriculum innovations through advancement of MEMS/NEMS and wearable devices technologies

State of the art technologies using both micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS) and wearable and Internet of Things (IoT) devices have impacted our daily lives in applications including wearable devices and sensor technology as applied to renewable energies and health sciences, among others. Several examples are device implants, optical devices, micro and nanomachining, embedded systems and integrated nano sensor systems. The recent Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and Mechanical Engineering (ME) curricula lacked inclusion of these elements within their programs. Close scrutiny to the need of local industry from engineering graduates has emphasized the motivation to develop these materials into the engineering curricula. Within the ECE curriculum, a new senior course was developed to cover MEMS/NEMS devices as well as wearable and IoT devices with Bluetooth and wireless features. The MEMS/NEMS module of the new course integrates software CAD tools and hardware implementations. It is a project-based course where students learn software for the device process, then fabricate the device in the school laboratories. The wearable and IoT devices module introduces the students to Wearable and Internet of Things systems. It covers sensors and sensor fusion, embedded processors, tools for wearable and IoT applications, and design using Bluetooth and wireless IoT systems. The new course development objectives are hands-on practice, and preparation of senior students for industrial and research careers. In addition, an introductory MEMS topic section is added in the sophomore level electrical engineering course offered to mechanical engineering students. It introduces MEMS devices employed as energy conversion devices. Based on our recent feedback, the students have favorably accepted this MEMS addition to the course. This paper details the software and hardware development elements of the new course. It also presents the assessment data for students' satisfaction for both the electrical and computer engineering (ECE), and mechanical engineering (ME) students. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2017

Identification and assessment of geohazards affecting pipelines and urban areas

The paper addresses methods and criteria of risk assessment associated with land subsidence threatening pipelines, buildings, and constructions. Currently, there are some practical issues relating to geohazards that should be taken into account while constructing a pipeline. The article provides comparison data on the effects of Spitak earthquake and the natural disaster in Neftegorsk in terms of geohazards impact on the pipeline systems. The suggested risk assessment procedure embraces a wide range of aspects: from soil properties to economic and management issues

Bond Behavior of MMFX (ASTM A 1035) Reinforcing Steel

This summary report provides a brief description of the research program and presents the research findings and recommendations. Detailed discussions of the research are documented in several publications prepared by different authors at the three institutions. These publications are listed in the appendix and can be obtained without charge from the indicated Web sites

Bond Characteristics of ASTM A1035 Steel Reinforcing Bars

The results of a coordinated research program on the bond characteristics of the high-strength steel reinforcing bars that conform to ASTM A1035 are presented. Concrete with nominal strengths of 5000 and 8000 psi (35 and 55 MPa) were used. Sixtynine large-scale beam-splice specimens were tested. Maximum bar stresses are compared with predictions obtained using the bond equations in the ACI 318-05 code provisions and those proposed by ACI Committee 408. Maximum stress levels of 120, 110, and 96 ksi (830, 760, and 660 MPa) were developed in No. 5, No. 8, and No. 11 (No. 16, No. 25, and No. 36) bars, respectively, not confined by transverse reinforcement. Providing confinement for No. 8 and No. 11 (No. 25 and No. 36) spliced bars using transverse reinforcement allowed stresses of up to 150 ksi (1035 MPa) to be developed. The ACI Committee 408 equation provides a reasonable estimate of the strength for both unconfined and confined splices using a strength reduction factor (f-factor) of 0.82 and design parameters (cover, spacing, and concrete strengths) comparable to those used in this test program. The design equations in ACI 318 are less conservative, with a large percentage of the developed/calculated strength ratios below 1.0, and should not be used for development and splice design with high-strength reinforcing steel in their present form

Characterization of Antiallodynic Actions of ALE-0540, a Novel Nerve Growth Factor Receptor Antagonist, in the Rat1

There is growing evidence that nerve growth factor (NGF) may function as a mediator of persistent pain states. We have identified a novel nonpeptidic molecule, ALE-0540, that inhibits the binding of NGF to tyrosine kinase (Trk) A or both p75 and TrkA (IC50 5.88 6 1.87 mM, 3.72 6 1.3 mM, respectively), as well as signal transduction and biological responses mediated by TrkA receptors. ALE-0540 was tested in models of neuropathic pain and thermally-induced inflammatory pain, using two routes of administration, a systemic i.p. and a spinal intrathecal (i.th.) route. Morphine was also tested for comparison in the antiallodynia model using mechanical stimuli. We show that either i.p. or i.th. administration of ALE-0540 in rats produced antiallodynia in the L5/L6 ligation model of neuropathic pain. The calculated A50 values (and 95% confidence intervals) for ALE- 0540 administered i.p. and i.th. were 38 (17.5– 83) mg/kg and 34.6 (17.3– 69.4) mg, respectively. ALE-0540 given i.th., at doses of 30 and 60 mg, also blocked tactile allodynia in the thermal sensitization model. Although morphine displayed greater potency [A50 value of 7.1 (5.6–8.8) mg/kg] than ALE- 0540 in anti-allodynic effect when given i.p. to L5/L6-ligated rats, it was not active when administered i.th. These data suggest that a blockade of NGF bioactivity using a NGF receptor antagonist is capable of blocking neuropathic and inflammatory pain and further support the hypothesis that NGF is involved in signaling pathways associated with these pain states. ALE-0540 represents a nonpeptidic small molecule which can be used to examine mechanisms leading to the development of agents for the treatment of pain

Design limits for RC slabs strengthened with hybrid FRP–HPC retrofit system

A polymeric hybrid composite system made of high-performance concrete (HPC) and an innovative carbon/epoxy reinforced polymer (CFRP) unidirectional laminates was proposed as a retrofit system to enhance flexural strength and ductility of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs. The effectiveness of the proposed system was confirmed through experimental evaluation of three full-scale one-way slabs having two continuous spans. In this study, the results of the loading tests for the hybrid high-performance retrofit system are presented and discussed. Design limits to derive a flexural failure of a continuous RC slab strengthened with the hybrid retrofit system are extracted. Using the proposed design limits, the procedure of a flexural failure design for a continuous RC slab strengthened with the hybrid retrofit system is demonstrated with numerical examples for two types of the retrofit systems with respect to overlay strength. The flexural failure design limits can be extended for flexural and shear strengthening design with externally bonded FRP to ensure flexure failure for a continuous flexural members. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd

Dietary factors and low-grade inflammation in relation to overweight and obesity

Low-grade inflammation is a characteristic of the obese state, and adipose tissue releases many inflammatory mediators. The source of these mediators within adipose tissue is not clear, but infiltrating macrophages seem to be especially important, although adipocytes themselves play a role. Obese people have higher circulating concentrations of many inflammatory markers than lean people do, and these are believed to play a role in causing insulin resistance and other metabolic disturbances. Blood concentrations of inflammatory markers are lowered following weight loss. In the hours following the consumption of a meal, there is an elevation in the concentrations of inflammatory mediators in the bloodstream, which is exaggerated in obese subjects and in type 2 diabetics. Both high-glucose and high-fat meals may induce postprandial inflammation, and this is exaggerated by a high meal content of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and partly ablated by inclusion of certain antioxidants or antioxidant-containing foods within the meal. Healthy eating patterns are associated with lower circulating concentrations of inflammatory markers. Among the components of a healthy diet, whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and fish are all associated with lower inflammation. AGE are associated with enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation. SFA and trans-MUFA are pro-inflammatory, while PUFA, especially long-chain n-3 PUFA, are anti-inflammatory. Hyperglycaemia induces both postprandial and chronic low-grade inflammation. Vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids decrease the circulating concentrations of inflammatory markers. Potential mechanisms are described and research gaps, which limit our understanding of the interaction between diet and postprandial and chronic low-grade inflammation, are identifie

New Mediterranean Biodiversity Records (April 2015)

The Collective Article ‘New Mediterranean Biodiversity Records’ of the Mediterranean Marine Science journal offers the means to publish biodiversity records in the Mediterranean Sea. The current article is divided in two parts, for records of native and alien species respectively. The new records of native fish species include: the slender sunfish Ranzania laevis and the scalloped ribbonfish Zu cristatus in Calabria; the Azores rockling Gaidropsarus granti in Calabria and Sicily; the agujon needlefish Tylosu¬rus acus imperialis in the Northern Aegean; and the amphibious behaviour of Gouania willdenowi in Southern Turkey. As regards molluscs, the interesting findings include Ischnochiton usticensis in Calabria and Thordisa filix in the bay of Piran (Slovenia). The stomatopod Parasquilla ferussaci was collected from Lesvos island (Greece); the isopod Anilocra frontalis was observed parasit¬izing the alien Pteragogus trispilus in the Rhodes area. The asteroid Tethyaster subinermis and the butterfly ray Gymnura altavela were reported from several localities in the Greek Ionian and Aegean Seas.The new records of alien species include: the antenna codlet Bregmaceros atlanticus in Saronikos Gulf; three new fish records and two decapods from Egypt; the establishment of the two spot cardinal fish Cheilodipterus novemstriatus and the first record of the marble shrimp Saron marmoratus in semi-dark caves along the Lebanese coastline; the finding of Lagocephalus sceleratus, Sargocentron rubrum, Fistularia commersonii and Stephanolepis diaspros around Lipsi island (Aegean Sea, Greece); the decapod Penaeus Hathor in Aegean waters; the decapod Penaeus aztecus and the nudibranch Melibe viridis in the Dodecanese islands; the finding of Pinctada imbricata radiate in the Mar Grande of Taranto (Ionian Sea, Italy) and the Maliakos Gulf (Greece)

New Mediterranean Biodiversity Records (December 2017)

The “New Mediterranean Biodiversity Records” series includes new records of marine species found in the Mediterranean basin and/or information on the spatial distribution of already established species of particular interest. The current article presents information on 20 marine taxa classified per country according to their geographic position in the Mediterranean, from west to east. The new records per ecoregion are as follows: Algeria: the first record of the fish Etrumeus golanii is reported along the Algerian coast. Tunisia: the alien jellyfish Phyllorhiza punctata is reported for the first time in the Gulf of Gabès. Italy: the first record of Siganus rivulatus in the Strait of Sicily and a new record of Katsuwonus pelamis from the central Tyrrhenian Sea are reported. The establishment of the isopod of the genus Mesanthura in the northern Tyrrhenian with some notes on its ecology are also included. Croatia: signs of establishment of the Lessepsian Siganus luridus and the occurrence of the alien mollusc Rapana venosa are reported. Albania: the first record of the elasmobranch Alopias superciliosus and a recent sighting of the rare monk seal Monachus monachus in Albanian waters are given. Greece: signs of the establishment of the fish Parupeneus forsskali and of the ascidian Hermania momus in Hellenic Aegean waters are reported. Turkey: a new record of the fish P. forsskali and of the Acarea of the genus Acaromantis and Simognathus are given, while the first case of Remora australis in association with delphinids and the occurrence of the sea star Coscinasterias tenuispina are reported. Also, the establishment of the two alien species Isognomon legumen and Viriola sp. [cf. corrugata] are presented. Egypt: the fish Bathygobius cyclopterus is reported for the first time in Mediterranean Sea waters. Also, a new record of Pagellus bogaraveo and a first record of Seriola fasciata in Egyptian Mediterranean waters are reported. Lebanon: the first record of Dondice banyulensis is presented