Static Design of Systems with Semi-Rigid Connections Based on Experimental Investigation of the Full Scale Structure

The paper presents the basic theory and corresponding equations for calculation of the static influences of the structures with semi-rigid connections in joints. The static design of system in which connections of members are absolutely rigid or perfectly pinned has been thoroughly worked out in the existing literature. In real structures in general, and particularly in the precast ones, connection in joints may be partially rigid, which can have a significant impact on the change of stresses and strains in the structure. In the world there are several procedures, with different approaches, to the structural design with semi-rigid connections, however, it is proved that they all lead to the same results. All of these approaches in addition to theoretical deal with experimental analysis of results. According to the approach that will be presented in this paper, typical prefabricated structures "Minoma" 1, "Minoma" 2, and "Minoma" 3 with span of 12m, 20m and 27m respectively, and the height of the column up to 9m, have been experimentally analyzed. A numerical example will be given and discussed, where bending moments due to a given load, as well as due to input force in the tensioner, have been calculated for defined levels of rigidity of connection using the deformation method. The obtained superimposed bending moment diagram will be analyzed too

Effect of water activity on the radial growth of fungi isolated from dry-cured sheep ham, in vitro (Serbia)

In the Western Balkans, traditional dry-cured sheep ham called Pastrma or Stelja is produced. Dry-cured sheep ham from Sjenica is produced in a very complex manner, and a prerequisite for its production is the sanitary safety of raw materials in accordance with veterinary and sanitary regulations. Isolation and preliminary identification of fungi from sheep ham were carried out in this study, as well as in vitro testing of the effects of water activity (aw) on the growth of isolated fungi. Fungi were isolated from 9 samples of dry-cured sheep meat taken from three households in the area of Sjenica in two productive years (2015 and 2016). Species of genus Penicillium were isolated as dominant in all the investigated samples. Water activity was tested on MY50GF agar from the series of malt extract yeast extract glucose fructose agar. Water activity was set to values of 0.87, 0.89, and 0.97. The results of the research showed that the growth of fungal colonies is under the direct influence of water activity. Fungi grew fastest at water activity of 0.97, and the highest growth of all tested species was recorded after 3 (A. niger), 7 (P. patulum), and 10 days (A. nidulans).Publishe

Astral path to soul salvation in late antiquity? The orientation of two late Roman imperial mausolea from Eastern Serbia

The following study advocates an archaeoastronomical approach to interpreting the orientation of two Late Antique mausolea and associates them with the Mithraic circle of belief. The mausolea in question are the so-called Romula's mausoleum at Gamzigrad and the mausoleum at Šarkamen, both believed to have contained burials of women belonging to the imperial family. On the basis of measurement, comparison, and analysis of the orientation of these two structures, it is argued that they were intentionally orientated toward the same celestial event and that this orientation has a cultic explanation.<br/

Urbanism and settlement in the Roman province of Moesia Superior

The study presented here therefore represents an analysis of just one aspect of observed cultural change, that of settlement patterns, and comprises in the main part of a geo-referenced Site Gazetteer, compiled to study changes in settlement patterns. The data is provided in the main as a platform for further research and analysis, and in the first instance this book thus provides a compilation of primary data with comprehensive bibliographies for further research for those with an interest in the pre-Roman and Roman settlement of the Central Balkans. In the chapters that precede the Gazetteer an analysis of the settlement patterns is presented and discussed, contextualizing the results and providing interpretation. For the reader not familiar with the historical geography of the region the opening sections provide a necessary background with references for further reading