Damage Source Identification of Reinforced Concrete Structure Using Acoustic Emission Technique

Acoustic emission (AE) technique is one of the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques that have been considered as the prime candidate for structural health and damagemonitoring in loaded structures. This technique was employed for investigation process of damage in reinforced concrete (RC) frame specimens. A number of reinforced concrete RC frames were tested under loading cycle and were simultaneously monitored using AE.The AE test data were analyzed using the AE source location analysis method. The results showed that AE technique is suitable to identify the sources location of damage in RC structures

Development and Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Sexual Communication Model Counseling Package on the Satisfaction and Sexual Intimacy of Iranian Couples

Introduction: Sexual satisfaction is considered one of the most important factors in marital happiness, and it plays a significant role in the health, well-being, and overall quality of life for individuals in a society. Therefore, the research aims to develop and assess the effectiveness of a counseling package based on the sexual communication model on the level of satisfaction and sexual intimacy in Iranian couples.Methods: The research was conducted using a mixed exploratory research design. Initially, qualitative methods were employed to identify the factors influencing couples' sexual exchange. Subsequently, a counseling package was developed based on these factors. For the purpose of quantitative validation, the relative content validity ratio and content validity index were utilized. In the next research phase, an applied and semi-experimental method with a pre-test and post-test design was employed, including a one-month follow-up with a control group. Data analysis was carried out using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the SPSS software version 26.Results: The results showed that the relative content validity coefficient and content validity index were higher than the required size (CVR≥49 and CVI≥79) and a valid counseling package was prepared. The results of the next stage also showed that the sexual communication pattern counseling package significantly increased sexual satisfaction (P<0.01) and sexual intimacy (P<0.01); the experimental group had a significant increase in sexual satisfaction and intimacy compared to the control group.Results: The results indicated that the content validity ratio and content validity index exceeded the required thresholds (CVR≥0.49 and CVI≥0.80), establishing the validity of the counseling package. Subsequently, the results of the next phase demonstrated that the sexual communication pattern counseling package significantly contributed to sexual satisfaction (P<0.01) and sexual intimacy (P<0.01). The experimental group exhibited a substantial increase in sexual satisfaction and intimacy compared to the control group.Conclusion: The counseling package based on the sexual communication pattern is valid and can lead to an increase in the sexual satisfaction and intimacy of Iranian couples

The Effect of Adding Zirconium Oxide Nanoparticles on Fracture Strength of Heat Cured Acrylic Resin

Zirconium oxide nanoparticles have high strength and transparency to light and have been used in dentistry in dental restorations, production of high glass fillers, and improving the material's resistance to mechanical impact. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zirconium oxide nanoparticles on the fracture strength of heat-cured acrylic resin.Materials & Methods:This laboratory experimental study was conducted in the laboratory of the Faculty of Dentistry of Khorasan Azad University and Dr. Mousavi Research Center of Isfahan University during the spring and summer of 2018, 90 samples (22 × 10 × 2.5) were made using wooden blocks to make acrylic samples. After flasking, the samples were divided into 3 equal groups. In the first group no powder of zirconium oxide was added. In the second group, 2.5% by weight of zirconium oxide and in the third group 7.5% by weight of zirconium oxide were added to the mixture. Then, the fracture strength of the samples was evaluating using auniversal testing machine and 3-point bending test. The data were analyzed using ANOVAone-way and Tukey's test (α = 0.05).Results:There was a significant difference (p value <0.001) between the mean fracture strength of heat cured acrylic resin samples in the three studied groups (p value < 0.001). The lowest mean fracture strength was observed in the group with7.5 % weight of zirconia.Conclusion:The average strength to failure of heat-cured acrylic is reduced by adding zirconia oxide

Contact erosional behaviour of foundation of pavement embankment constructed with nanosilica-treated dispersive soils

To overcome the problems associated with the construction of pavement layers on soft subgrade, working platforms constructed with granular soils are normally placed beneath the overlying paving layers. Sometimes, the embankment layer located between the pavement and the working platform layers may have dispersive nature. In such case, the dispersive soil particles can be easily transported through the large pores of the working platform layer under water movement, resulting in soil loss of the dispersive embankment and the subsequent settlement of the pavement layers. In other words, dispersive soils are susceptible to contact erosion. Therefore, the contact erosional behaviour of the dispersive embankment layer placed on granular materials must be investigated. In the current study, the contact erosion of both the dispersive embankment and also the nanosilica-treated dispersive embankment cured for periods of up to 28 days was investigated experimentally under the vertical flow of groundwater. The significant mass loss was measured when the embankment layer was highly dispersive. However, the mass loss decreased by treating the dispersive embankment layer using an environmentally friendly stabilizer named nanosilica, which reflected the high potential use of the nanosilica to improve the dispersive soils. Besides, it was verified by the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra tests on the natural dispersive soil samples and the ones after being treated by nanosilica. The plasticity index decreased and unconfined compressive strength increased due to addition of nanosilica to the dispersive soil; thus, its workability improved. The dispersion and contact erosion tests results indicated that there was a very good correlation between dispersivity potential and some contact erosion assessment parameters, such as void ratio, collected eroded soil and settlement. In conclusion, the contact erosion rate can be estimated based on the relationships proposed in this study.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Glucose oxidase: Applications, sources, and recombinant production

Glucose oxidase is a subset of oxidoreductase enzymes that catalyzes the transfer of electrons from an oxidant to a reductant. Glucose oxidases use oxygen as an external electron acceptor that releases hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Glucose oxidase has many applications in commercial processes, including improving the color and taste, increasing the persistence of food materials, removing the glucose from the dried egg, and eliminating the oxygen from different juices and beverages. Moreover, glucose oxidase, along with catalase, is used in glucose testing kits (especially in biosensors) to detect and measure the presence of glucose in industrial and biological solutions (e.g., blood and urine specimens). Hence, glucose oxidase is a valuable enzyme in the industry and medical diagnostics. Therefore, evaluating the structure and function of glucose oxidase is crucial for modifying as well as improving its catalytic properties. Finding different sources of glucose oxidase is an effective way to find the type of enzyme with the desired catalysis. Besides, the recombinant production of glucose oxidase is the best approach to produce sufficient amounts of glucose oxidase for various uses. Accordingly, the study of various aspects of glucose oxidase in biotechnology and bioprocessing is crucial