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Under South Dobrudzha climatic conditions (Haplic Chernozems soil) wheat yield (grain, protein and structional components) is strongly influenced by application of different main soil tillage systems (MSTS) in 4-field crop rotation. For the period 2018-2021 in Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute - General Toshevo seven MSTS were tested: 1. CP - Conventional plowing (24-26 cm); 2. D - disking (10-12 cm) 3. C - cutting (24-26 cm); 4. NT - NT (direct sowing); 5. CP-NT (CP for spring crops - NT for wheat); 6. C-D (C for spring crops-D for wheat) and 7. CP-D (CP for spring crops-D for wheat). The objectives were: to investigate the seasonal variability in wheat grain and protein yield and the structural yield components as influenced by the main tillage systems; to investigate the variability in the physical properties of wheat grain and to evaluate the correlations between the grain yield and all other investigated indices. The meteorological conditions have a decisive influence on the values of the studied indices. The highest average yield for the 2018-2021 was obtained in the CP-D system (6953.7 kg/ha) and excess over CP-CP by 6.4%. The same is true for crude protein yield, where the increase is with 70.0 kg/ha. Prolonged application of deep irreversible tillage in the crop rotation has a strong negative impact on the amount of the grain and crude protein yield. Significant dynamics has been established in the values of the yield structural elements. The largest grain was obtained in the D-D (41.56 g), and the heaviest - in the CP-CP (77.94 kg). Tillage combination systems are characterized by lower values of the physical characteristics of the grain compared to their individual application. Numerous correlations in both directions between yields (grain and crude protein) and its structural elements have been found. The positive reaction of wheat under the conditions of NT and minimal tillage in the crop rotation show that they can definitely replace conventional plowing in the growing climate changes, causing stress in critical phases of wheat development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for calculating the Hansen solubility parameter of organic solvents by taking the sum of the contribution of each structural element of a solvent molecule is considered. Two variants are proposed for calculating this parameter. Comparison of the calculated and experimental values of these parameters fora 20 organic compounds of different classes showed satisfactory accuracy of the proposed calculation procedure. Feasibility was demonstrated for the use of this method of selecting solvents for dissolving polymers as well as for calculating some physicochemical characteristics of solvents such as molar volume, enthalpy of formation, and Gibbs free energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Zagros fold-thrust belt, the Fars region is affected by the basement left-lateral strike-slip faults such as the Nezamabad, Razak, and Hendurabi faults which these faults have affected on the folding system of this area and the effect of these faults activity is one of the factors in the folding diversity. Also, the Fars region anticlines are very important in the Zagros fold-thrust belt, due to their huge gas reserves in the Permian‒Triassic carbonate sediments. The Hendurabi faults have major effects on folding style base on changes of the folding geometry. For more analysis, when the effective stress and deformation value is different, the type of fold has been changed in different parts of fold. This case may be created by cropping out of the salt domes, activities of main active faults and other structural elements. The studied area is a special structural feature in the Zagros fold-thrust belt that is shown the effects of the strike slip faults on the folding geometry. In the study area, close fold type in all parts has shown the study anticline affected by the special may be from deformation of the Razak and Hendurabi sinistral strike-slip faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The segmentation of point clouds obtained from existing buildings provides the ability to perform a detailed structural analysis and overall life-cycle assessment of buildings. The major challenge in dealing with existing buildings is the presence of diverse and large amounts of occluding objects, which limits the segmentation process. In this study, we use unsupervised methods that integrate knowledge about the structural forms of buildings and their spatial dependencies to segment points into common structural classes. We first develop a novelty approach of joining remotely disconnected patches that happened due to missing data from occluding objects using pairs of detected planar patches. Afterward, segmentation approaches are introduced to classify the pairs of refined planes into floor slabs, floor beams, walls, and columns. Finally, we test our approach using a large dataset with high levels of occlusions. We also compare our approach to recent segmentation methods. Compared to many other segmentation methods the study shows good results in segmenting structural elements by their constituent surfaces. Potential areas of improvement, particularly in segmenting walls and beam classes, are highlighted for further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents and discusses the results of an experimental study aimed at characterizing the mechanical properties of an innovative and patented concrete masonry solid block with non-conventional geometry. The measured response in the new non-conventional block is compared with a conventional solid block. The experimental program was planned to verify whether the new block complies with the minimum values prescribed by the NSR-10 Colombian Code for being used as an unreinforced structural masonry block. The verification includes tests of water absorption and compressive strength of blocks, compressive strength of prisms, and flexural bond strength of standard beams. The similitudes or differences between the two types of blocks and prisms were evaluated using ANOVA tests. The results obtained demonstrated that both types of blocks comply with the requirements prescribed by NSR-10. Moreover, the flexural bond strength of the new block is roughly two times higher than that of the conventional block. The study results confirm that the new innovative block can be used for masonry structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early fault signature detection and background noise removal are essential for bearing fault diagnosis. A novel multiscale enhanced morphological top-hat filter fault diagnosis method, adaptive variational mode decomposition-sample entropy-multiscale enhanced top-hat filter (AVMD-SE-MEMTF), is proposed based on AVMD-SE noise reduction. First, gray wolf optimization algorithm is proposed to optimize the VMD to achieve the optimal decomposition parameters adaptively and combine with SE to eliminate the high noise components and improve the noise reduction effect. Then, based on the pulse extraction property of morphological operations, the concept of MEMTF is proposed. To enhance the multiscale index selection strategy, a synthesis method of eigenfrequency envelope coefficients is constructed to increase the accuracy of the operator during the vibration signal process. Finally, experimental and engineering results show that the proposed method has good diagnostic performance for weak faults in the presence of noise interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconstructing the stratigraphic paleosurfaces of a fold is essential for deciphering the folding mechanism, simulating landscape evolution processes, and investigating mineral resource distribution. However, standard methods for reconstructing paleosurfaces in tectonic landforms, primarily applied on large-scale sedimentary basins and orogenic belts, heavily rely on extensive geological data and generally yield low-accuracy results. This limits their applicability to small to intermediate-scale geological structural areas. Therefore, this paper introduces a stratigraphic paleosurface reconstruction method tailored for small and intermediate-scale folds, leveraging structural element features to constrain this reconstruction, which is notably helpful when dealing with sparse geological and topographic data. This method involves several steps. Firstly, define the fold units for diverse landforms. Secondly, extract fold structural elements (FSEs) with diverse geological data. Next, fit the paleo-boundary of each stratum within the two-dimensional (2D) cross-section using elemental feature constraints. Finally, the Morphing technique is applied to interpolate multiple paleo-boundaries, which are then utilized in reconstructing the stratigraphic paleosurfaces through the Contour Reconstruction Algorithm (CRA). To validate the method, tests were conducted on three representative folds in China: the eastern Sichuan comb-like fold belt, the Dayueshan Anticline on Mount Lu, and the Wulongshan Dome near the Huangling Dome. Experimental results demonstrate that utilizing structural features as constraints enables automatic, accurate, and reliable stratigraphic paleosurface reconstruction. The reconstructed paleosurfaces facilitate the analysis of geometric characteristics and structural development mechanisms of folds within the study area. Furthermore, they can be readily incorporated into landscape evolution models (i.e., TTLEM) to simulate realistic topographic evolution and tectonic paleogeographic mapping or construct three-dimensional (3D) solid models. • Develop a novel stratigraphic paleosurfaces reconstruction method for small and intermediate-scale folds. • Define the boundaries of fold units using the entity division method of fold landform. • Fold structural elements (FSEs) constrain the fitting and optimization of fold stratigraphic paleo-boundaries. • Interpolate stratigraphic transition paleo-boundaries by applying the Lagrange function and Morphing technique. • Test the method in three areas with different fold types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lubrication properties of food are considered to be closely related to complex sensorial attributes such as creaminess and mouthcoating. In ice cream, these properties can be presumed to be partly linked to the product's melting. It is still unclear how to measure the lubrication properties of ice cream during the melting process and which ice cream characteristics affect lubrication. In this study, a new method was developed to measure the lubrication properties of ice cream both during melting and in a molten state. Different structural elements, including fat content, ice fraction, fat aggregation, viscosity and overrun, were modified to identify the main factors influencing lubrication. Representative tribological parameters were extracted from the tribological curves and were related to ice cream characteristics. Using a tribometer with adjustable probe height, lubrication properties throughout the entire melting process could be measured. The results showed that lubrication behavior of ice cream were mainly positively influenced by the ice fraction and overrun, while the fat content mainly affected the lubrication behavior of molten ice cream. Fat aggregation and serum phase viscosity did not appear to have a significant effect on the lubrication properties during melting. In addition, the penetration distance of the probe into the ice cream samples was measured during the melting process, providing an alternative method to characterize the melting profile of ice cream. This distance was related to changes in the hardness, which were mostly influenced by the ice fraction and overrun. This study indicates that different structural features determine the lubrication properties of ice cream in different melting regimes, and the proposed methodology may provide new possibilities for measuring melting behavior or hardness during the melting process. [Display omitted] • Developed a method to access lubrication behavior of ice cream during melting. • Structural elements showed different effects in different melting regimes. • High ice fraction led to fast friction reduction at the initial melting process. • Overrun and fat content dominated the lubrication at the later stages of melting. • Fat aggregation negatively affects ice cream lubrication in molten state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of sustainability has become a priority in the construction field, in a context where there is an increasing discussion about reducing carbon dioxide emissions, as the construction industry is one of the most polluting industries with a focus on the production of building materials. At present, the classic solution used for structural masonry walls worldwide is the ceramic block. Given that the production of ceramic blocks represents an environmentally polluting process, the alternative solution of using concrete blocks with wood chips is proposed. The proposed solution is more environmentally friendly, both in terms of production technology and materials used, as it is made of wood chips, wood being a sustainable material. These types of blocks are currently used in non-seismic areas due to their poor structural performance. This paper deals with a study on the use of recyclable materials, such as wood chips, from waste materials and aims to propose viable solutions for the use of this type of blocks for structural walls in seismic areas. Two solutions, including concrete blocks with wood chips, have been proposed and numerical analyses have been carried out. Numerical analyses were also carried out for the classical solutions, so that, finally, a comparison could be made between them from a structural point of view. Following the numerical analysis of four types of walls, the two proposed solutions of concrete blocks with wood chips had the best results in terms of force–displacement relationship. Moreover, the quantitative results are presented in a force–displacement graph for the four wall types. This stage represents the first phase of the research, while phase II will continue with experimental tests of the proposed solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the novel, which is the narrative type of the modern world, a story that shapes the plot and the narrator, who is the narrator of the story, draw attention as two important elements of the novel. Some writers consider the story the essential element of the novel, but this does not change the importance and priority of the narrator. It is not possible to shape and construct the novel without the narrator. The novel is constructed and fictionalized by its presence. Without it, it would not be possible to narrate the events and introduce the characters taking part in the course of events. The narrator is both a 'constructive' and a 'reflective' element of the narrative world. The style of narration and the attitude of the narrator are extremely important in all narrative texts, especially in the novel. The novelist has to determine the narrator and his point of view, the narrator's attitude towards events. The narrator, one of the important elements of the fictional world, is the closest element to life. The reader looks at the events, characters, place and time through his eyes and tries to understand the events and situations. The position and stance of the narrator against the structural elements directly affects the reader's point of view. This study will deal with the narrator's attitude in transferring the structural elements in Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar's novel "Sahnenin Dışındakiler". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confined masonry buildings are common structural systems in many seismic-prone regions of the world. According to the building code provisions, an appropriate continuous tie system should be provided in these buildings to bind the structural elements together and stop separation and disintegration of these elements under ground shaking. Since usually prescriptive design provisions with minimum calculations are used for constructing confined masonry buildings, investigating their performance in real seismic events is of great importance. In this paper observations made on the performance of confined masonry buildings during the destructive Sarpole Zahab, Iran, earthquake of November 12, 2017 are reported. The earthquake had caused different types of damage in both the structural and non-structural elements of the buildings. Damages were found to be primarily due to large structural irregularities and poor workmanship. Nonetheless, it was noted that those buildings with no significant irregularities, in the construction of which all the code's main provisions had been followed, survived the earthquake and did not experience partial or total collapse. It is suggested that in the taller, two or three storey buildings, with the aim of enhancing the lateral deformation capacity of the load bearing walls, some modifications on the dimensions and reinforcement detailing of the vertical tie elements, particularly those located at the corners of the buildings, to be carried out. In addition, as it has been repeatedly observed in the past earthquakes that after the partial or total collapse of the load bearing walls the tie-beams and tie-columns have served as a secondary gravity load-resisting system and prevented collapse of floor and roof slabs, it is suggested that the adequacy of the current prescriptive detailing of the tie system in acting as a temporary secondary load-bearing system to be verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineered wood products, such as glulam beams, attract much attention from the building industry in recent years. Therefore, there is a constant necessity to seek new models of structural beams, which assume the use of outsized sawn wood pieces as an alternative for the standard construction timber. Three variants of glulam beams, composed of the main yield and side boards arranged in various structures, were proposed. Moreover, the usefulness of wedge-jointed, small-sized timber pieces was also investigated. The manufactured beams were tested, in terms of their mechanical properties, such as bending strength, elastic energy, modulus of elasticity, and resilience. The outcomes have shown that the beams manufactured using wedge-bonded timber of lower grade do not deviate considerably from beams produced from homogeneous lamellas. Furthermore, the results of modulus of elasticity, in the case of the three-layered beams composed of both small-sized non-homogenous main yield and side boards, exceeded the requirements from EN 14080. It allowed us to classify the obtained materials as GL 32c, which is the highest grade specified within the standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the virus causing the COVID‐19 disease. Data regarding the morphological properties of this virus are collected from the literature and then the energy stored in each structural element is calculated with Domalski and Hearing's group contribution method. Viruses, including the Corona viruses, derive all of their energy from the host cell and carry out all of their activities with this energy. SARS‐CoV‐2 construct a vehicle needed for the delivery of its mRNA to other hosts to inflict them with the disease. Upon transfer of the viral RNA to the new host, the remaining parts of the viral structure are discarded. Structural and molecular assessments showed that the chemical formula of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus is C7,336,852H12,384,463N1,247,424O1,915,357P100,231S25,084 and its enthalpy of formation is −8.70 × 10−16 kJ. Comparison of SARS‐CoV‐2 with the other viruses shows that its elemental composition does not like any of the others. The results of this study are expected to improve our knowledge of the thermodynamic properties of this virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The study assessed the content of macroelements Ca, Mg, P, and Na in the proximal femoral bone tissue in patients with hip osteoarthritis, and it correlated with age, sex, and BMI. The high reduction of macroelements in the femoral bone of patients with hip osteoarthritis is more pronounced in the cortical bone and occurs in women under 60 years of age. In men, it begins in the seventh and increases in the eighth decade of life. Background: The content of macroelements in bones varies with age and depends on sex. The aim of the study was to evaluate the content of macroelements and its correlation with age and sex in the femoral bone obtained during total hip arthroplasty. Methods: In the 86 patients, the content of macroelements (Ca, P, Mg, and Na) in the femoral head and neck (cancellous and cortical bone) was assessed by means of the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry analytical technique (ICP-OES). Results: There was a decrease in the content of macroelements in the cortical bone with age in the women in the 51–60 years (statistically significant: −0.59 for Ca, −0.65 for P) and over 70 years age groups (correlation not statistically significant: −0.29 for Ca, −0.38 for P). A significant decrease in the content of macroelements in the cortical bone was found in men over 70 years of age. Conclusions: Patterns of increased loss of macronutrients (Ca, P, and Mg) in the femoral neck (cortical bone) were demonstrated in the following patients with osteoarthritis: women aged 51–60 years and patients of both sexes over 70 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores characteristic or repetitive pattern formations in the structure and general content of selected Afrikaans Jackal and Wolf trickster stories. By using a specific methodology, a corpus of stories was first selected, followed by a comparative analysis of the different stories. An analysis of repetitive patterns necessitates both syntagmatic and paradigmatic readings of the stories, as demonstrated in both Bremond’s (1977) model, dealing with the action in stories and Greimas’s (1966) actantial model focusing on different functions of characters. By utilising these analytic models, the methods of storytelling and foregrounding, as well as the meaning of these relationships and of the stories as a whole could be discerned. Pre-existing structural readings of the folk tale, the trickster tale and Jackal and Wolf stories also added value to the research. Some examples from the corpus of stories are provided to illustrate and substantiate findings. The corpus consisted of sound recordings by a project team led by Du Plessis (1987:8- 14), recordings made by the researcher in the Murraysburg district in June 2010, Jackal and Wolf stories told by Dana Niehaus (2011), and stories from the volumes Die Kaskenades van Jakkals en Wolf (Rousseau, 2011), Die Mooiste Afrikaanse Sprokies (Grobbelaar & Verster, 2007), and Jakkals en Wolf (Grobbelaar & Verster, 2011). Both Bremond’s action logic and Greimas’s actantial model proved valuable in describing the structure of the stories and the unique formations of patterns that emerged from the analysis. For example, the actantial roles (Greimas) in Jackal and Wolf stories represented indications of an underlying deep structure informing countless re-telling of the different stories. Regarding the structure of events (Bremond), it was noticeable that in some of the stories, the episodes followed one another successively, while in others the episodes were embedded in previous episodes. A comparative reading of the Jackal and Wolf trickster stories revealed significant relationships between the structural elements of the different stories. For example, the stories all take place in a universal past; there are usually three characters in these stories, but usually it is only Wolf that is defeated. The characters are mostly male, and the few female characters present in the stories remain in the background. The characters constantly find themselves in a space that fluctuates between a domesticated and an undomesticated world. The stories are mainly told by an external narrator-focaliser who narrates and observes and who is not limited to a particular position. These stories are most often told by male storytellers. Many of the storytellers are highly attuned to the audience and they often adapt the stories to suit their target audience (South African children). Many of the storytellers engage the audience by making use of ingenious techniques; for example, by directly involving the audience in dialogue or offering moral lessons. It clearly emerged that the identity of the hero in these stories depends on the perspective from which the events are considered. The investigated corpus shows that the stories can be described as trickster tales in more ways than one, and that they follow the general patterns of trickster tales. It is also clear that the identified structures remain dynamic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: despite advancement in global efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, more work needs to be done to achieve the desired results in most African countries including Ghana. Inadequate structural elements can hinder the progress made so far in PMTCT of HIV. This study assessed the availability of structural elements for the provision of PMTCT of HIV services among health facilities in the Volta region of Ghana. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional design was used among thirty-two health facilities. Data obtained were analysed using Stata version 14.0 and the Chi-square test was used to determine associations at the 0.05 level of significance. Results: a majority of the health facilities were Health Centers (50.0%) and most (43.8%) were located in rural areas. Only 9.5% of health practitioners at the Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Compounds and Mission-based Hospitals were trained in PMTCT, while 50.5% and 30.5% of health practitioners providing services at the Health Centers and District Hospitals respectively were trained in PMTCT. About 40.0% of District Hospitals had one room with auditory and visual privacy for PMTCT services. While all Mission-based and District Hospitals had ART regimens, no CHPS compound had, and only 8 (50.0%) of the Health Centers had ART regimens. Conclusion: there is a need for regular training of the health care practitioners providing PMTCT services. Also, programme managers should invest in PMTCT commodities, especially ART regimens, at the lower levels of healthcare for a holistic PMTCT service provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absence of large archaeological settlements in the Eastern Arabian Peninsula suggests that most of the recent wet periods occurring during climate oscillations in these areas were short-lived. However, a ∼ 2-by-3-km buried rectangular feature was discovered opportunistically in the southeast of the Qatar Peninsula while performing radar subsurface mapping of structural conduits for groundwater characterization. The feature is characterized by its unique contrasting patterns of surface and subsurface roughness as well as its organic-rich mixture of soils, as assessed from high-resolution radar and multispectral observations, respectively, and validated with GPR and EM subsurface probing. The above characteristics could be the only remaining evidence for a large primitive settlement due to the harsh erosive setting. To explore the natural or anthropogenic origin of this anomalous feature, we compare its dimensions, structural setting, roughness, and composition to similar formations in the Qatar Peninsula and other arid karst environments. Findings suggest that the feature is texturally and compositionally unique within the Qatar Peninsula, and is not reproduced in other arid karst terrains nor reproduced by the fracture patterns associated with the Qatar-South Fars Arch. We hypothesize that the feature is a karst depression modified by semi-stationary primitive human settlements ∼ 3640 BP or earlier based on radiocarbon dating of in-situ charcoal samples. Moreover, the organic-rich mixture of soil and the occurrence of several symmetrical features observed inside the perimeter suggest that landscaping, farming and irrigation activities could have occurred within the site, further suggesting that long-lasting wet conditions—with sufficient fresh water resources or reliance on karst aquifers—were able to sustain a relatively large primitive settlement not previously witnessed in the region's archaeological record. Future improvements in the resolution and coverage of orbital L-band radar observations, as used above, can provide new insights into understanding prehistoric human occupation under fluctuating climatic conditions and groundwater dynamics in these hyper-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of a Python script for strength reduction with numerical methods The application of numerical methods in geotechnics until now is mostly limited to the prediction of the deformation behaviour of structures regarding the serviceability limit state. The ultimate limit state has so far been handled rudimentarily (e.g. for homogeneous slopes and piled raft foundations), using numerical methods, such as the finite element method. In the present paper, therefore, the basis for the application of a unified method for parallel strength reduction on structural elements and a reduction of the shear parameters of the soil is discussed. In a first parametric study, a script based on the Python programming language for reducing the shear parameters of the soil is verified by comparison with approved methods for calculating the overall stability of slopes. Subsequently, the application boundaries of the Python script are extended to reduce the strength parameters of structural elements within a slope at risk of stability in the framework of a second parametric study. Based on this, an assessment of probable first failure mechanism (soil or structural failure) is made. Finally, the results of the two parametric studies are put into a causal context, considering a numerical verification with discussion of future research approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Significance of design errors in the structural system. • Steel retrofitting and load transfer elements applied in relatively few but logical places is remarkable. • Strengthening and load transfer improvement works beam damages were reduced by 40 % for X direction and 50 % for Y direction. • Life safety performance level ratio, which was 30.1 % in the ground floor columns, decreased to 13.5 %. On 6 February 2023, two large earthquakes of M w 7.7 and 7.6 occurred in the Pazarcik and Elbistan districts of Kahramanmaras province in Turkey, causing extensive structural damage, collapsed buildings and casualties. This study examines a damaged building and presents the relevant repair and strengthening procedures. The importance of design flaws in the structural system, particularly when subjected to horizontal and vertical ground motions, on the performance of the structure is highlighted in this case study. The effects of the interrupted frames and components with unsuitable cross-sectional properties for load transfer within the structure were comprehensively assessed using 3D modelling and on-site investigations. Following repair and strengthening works to improve load transfer, the analysis carried out on the model showed a reduction in LS of approximately 33 % for beams and 45 % for columns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robust point target detection of infrared clutter background has drawn great interest of scholars. Recently, morphological filter is playing a significant role in detecting infrared point target. Generally, the background clutter and targets are diverse in the case of each image. Traditional fixed structural elements and dimensions cannot be adjusted adaptively to acquire to successful point target detection in different complex backgrounds. Therefore, a new method is introduced based on quantum genetic algorithm to optimize and obtain structural element which is used as morphological filter for small target detection in original infrared images.Then,morphological contrast enhancement is further proposed to enhance energy of point targets after the filtered image is obtained.Thus, an enormous background clutter and noise are suppressed and the contrast between target and background are observably increased. Finally, by setting proper threshold, the point targets can be detected perfectly. Experimental evaluation results show that the proposed adaptive morphological contrast enhancement based on quantum genetic algorithm is effective and robust with respect to detection accuracy compared with the traditional morphological filter and other filtering algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In its tripartite structure, Amos's book contains also speeches against foreign nations and Israel (see 1:3-2:16). These speeches are clothed in literary garment of mutually independent cadenzas characterised by a firm structure that consists of five elements: introductory epistolary form, general proclamation of irrevocable decision, special explanation via indication of the crime, threat of punishment, concluding epistolary form. Within such a structure, this article will pay special attention to the second element, where one finds the literary form of gradual numeral proverb that is also to be found in sapiential literature. The research for this article focused on the specification of the concept and place where that concept is used in sapiential literature and on specific characteristics that it has in that context. Two numeral proverbs have been analysed and the conclusion has been reached that these proverbs appeal to human experience in order to point towards crookedness of specific interpersonal behaviour that reaches its peak in the last element of a numeral proverb. God's sanctioning of such acts is mentioned only rarely and in traces. Amos's numeral proverbs maintain the same structure; the only difference being that he made them simpler and shorter in order to point out even more their emphasis in the fourth element, called pesa' (crime) by the prophet and applying equally to all nations, including Israel. The prophet puts the cadenza of the speech against Israel on the last, eighth place, thereby emphasising it and showing that crimes of Israel are more serious than crimes of other nations against each other, because Israel does such things against their own countrymen. Israel is, therefore, not any better than other nations. Apart from that, God protects human being and nations and punishes transgressions against the human dignity and rights of nations. The author of this article tries to point out through analysis the importance of emphasis in numeral proverbs and to show its function in the speech against Israel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing adoption of autonomous mobile robots in the construction industry, accurate localization and mapping in dynamic construction environments have become paramount. This is typically tackled via Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) techniques. Primarily designed for static environments, traditional SLAM systems struggle to maintain robustness and accuracy in dynamic settings. To address this challenge, this study presents an enhanced visual SLAM system specifically tailored for dynamic construction environments. The proposed system, named vSLAM-Con, introduces an adaptive dynamic object segmentation method, utilizing an innovative AD-keyframes selection mechanism grounded on optical flow magnitude to diminish computational overhead while preserving competitive tracking accuracy. Additionally, a semantic-based feature update process is developed, leveraging scene understanding and continuous observation to augment the reliability of tracking features. This system's performance, evaluated on both an established public benchmark and a custom construction dataset, shows substantial improvements over the baseline and competitive results with the state-of-the-art algorithms. More importantly, it largely reduces the processing time compared to state-of-the-arts, demonstrating robust tracking performance even under highly dynamic conditions. The findings highlight the system's potential to contribute significantly to autonomous robotics in construction, offering more accurate navigation and interaction capabilities in complex, ever-changing environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A simple relationship for the evaluation of efficiency of damping characteristics as applied for crack detection is proposed. • The theory for the determination of damping characteristic of cracked structural elements is developed. • The comparative efficiency analysis of diagnostics of crack based on damping is performed. Experimental studies demonstrated contradictory results on the sensitivity of damping characteristics of structural elements to the presence of crack. In some researches, this sensitivity was declared extremely high, but in other – insufficient for the reliable crack detection. The reason of this contradiction can be found in the fact that the sensitivity of damping is dependent on many factors, such as type of crack, slenderness ratio, and stress level in the cracked cross-section. Thus, the analytical solution of the direct problem of vibration diagnostics with the use of damping characteristic, which takes into account all of these factors, was proposed based on recent advances in fracture mechanics. The efficiency of damping characteristic as applied for damage detection at bending, longitudinal and torsional vibrations with account for initial level of damping, slenderness ratio, type of crack was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Use of rubber in concrete mixture improve the ductility and energy absorption. • In rubberized elements crack width decrease with increase of percentage of rubber. • Rubberized concrete elements are more desirable for earthquake-resistant structures. Abstract Utilization and reuse of waste rubber tires in concrete leads to sustainable construction. There are number of studies that have been conducted on concrete with rubber as aggregate in order to maintain mechanical properties and durability of material. Contrary, only several studies have been conducted on usage of waste rubber tires as aggregate in reinforced concrete elements and systems. These review paper summaries and compare independent research works and justifies weather these aggregates are possible to utilize improved behavior of concrete elements or not. According to general conclusions on fundamental properties of rubberized elements it is evident that the waste rubber tire aggregates can be used as partial replacement of both coarse aggregates and fine aggregates. Previous research on structural elements shows that replacement of the natural aggregate with recycled tire aggregate in concrete, will produce structural elements with improved behavior: increased capacity for deformations (ductility), better dissipation of energy, and higher damping, in comparison with standard concrete made with conventional aggregates. However, the increased content of rubber in concrete also has negative effects, for example reduction of compressive and tensile as well as reduction of Young's modulus of elasticity. The results of these experimental studies are not sufficient to reach a general consensus on the application of recycled rubber in concrete and its effect on the behavior of structural elements. Inconsistency of the effects of recycled rubber in the concrete on the static and dynamic properties of reinforced-concrete structures indicate that there is uttered need for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is an attempt to construct a morpho-structural model for the Korek anticline that is located within the High folded zone of the Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt in the Northern Iraq-Kurdistan region. A detail geological map constructed for this structure, the stratigraphic succession that is exposed in the area was deposited from the middle Jurassic up to upper Cretaceous, and consists of nine formations. The most important morphological landscape and landforms in the studied area are due to endogenic and exogenic processes. Accordingly, the area is divided into four main units, which are units of structural, denudational, fluvial and solution origins. Each unit characterized by its own morphological feature differs from one another. According to structural point of view the field data are analyzed from two point of the viewing, one from map view and secondly from cross sections. The geometrical properties from map view of the Korek Anticline indicated that this fold is an asymmetrical double plunging, open to gentle, non-cylindrically curviplanar fold. The Korek Anticline becomes sharper with the depth, but broader and more open upward, this is one of the most characteristic features of the parallel fold (Class 1B). The presence of numerous reverse faults and strike-slip faults which affect the architecture of the Korek Anticline indicates that this Anticline formed by a Fault-propagation fold mechanism. Detailed balanced and retro-deformable cross sections along this anticline indicate that the shortening percentage can be differentiated in space and times, while the depth to detachment gives values that iscoincident with the Ora Shale Formation of Paleozoic age. A morpho-structural model was constructed for this structure and it consists of two main stages and five substages were responsible for the formation of the Korek structure. The first main stage belongs to structural construction, which consists of three sub-stages, while the main second stage is belonging to morphological destruction, which consist also two sub-stages. The effect of these stages and sub-stages makes the anticline to take the nowadays architects shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structures of two types of unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites — with an ELUR-P carbon fiber tape, an XT-118 cold-cure binder with an HSE 180 REM prepreg, and a hot-cure binder — were investigated. The diameters of fibers and fiber bundles (threads) of both the types of composites were measured, and their mutual arrangement was examined both in the semifinished products (in the uncured state) and in the finished composites. The defects characteristic of both the types of binder and manufacturing technique were detected in the cured composites. Based on an analysis of the results obtained, linearized problems on the internal multiscale buckling modes of an individual fiber (with and without account of its interaction with the surrounding matrix) or of a fiber bundle are formulated. In the initial atate, these structural elements of the fibrous composites are in a subcritical (unperturbed) state under the action of shear stresses and tension (compression) in the transverse direction. Such an initial stress state is formed in them in tension and compression tests on flat specimens made of off-axis-reinforced composites with straight fibers. To formulate the problems, the equations derived earlier from a consistent variant of geometrically nonlinear equations of elasticity theory by reducing them to the one-dimensional equations of the theory of straight rods on the basis of a refined Timoshenko shear model with account of tensile-compressive strains in the transverse direction are used. It is shown that, in loading test specimens, a continuous rearrangement of composite structure can occur due to the realization and continuous change of internal buckling modes as the wave-formation parameter varies continuously, which apparently explain the decrease revealed in the tangential shear modulus of the fibrous composites with increasing shear strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field experiment was held in the experimental of the selected area in Polyanovo village (South Bulgaria) in the period 2013-2016. The randomized complete block design with 4 replications and 25 m2 plot size was applied. The sowing was made with 550 seeds/m2 after three predecessor - sunflower, barley and coriander and three rates of nitrogen fertilization - 80, 120, 60 kg/ha and control N0. The investigation aim was to establish the effect of predecessor and rates of nitrogen fertilization on the structural elements and the yield of triticale variety Bumerang in South Bulgaria. All the stages of the established technology for wheat growing were followed. The grain yield is determined with standard grain moisture of 13%. The indices; the number of productive tillers (m2), the height of plants (cm), length of the spike (cm), the number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, the weight of the grains per spike (g) and grain yield (kg ha-1) were determined. The analysis of the results shows that both the experimental factors (predecessor and nitrogen fertilization) in combination with meteorological conditions during the years of the study had a significant influence on yield and yield components of triticale variety Bumerang. The most suitable predecessor for triticale variety Bumerang under the conditions of South Bulgaria is coriander, followed by sunflower and barley. The most effective fertilization rates are N120 with predecessor coriander and N160 with sunflower and barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reaction cross section refers to the possibility of a nuclear reaction's occurrence. All possible interactions between the used material and the particles needed to be considered in nuclear facilities such as accelerators, power plants, fission and fusion reactors for providing the security. Cross section data have been using in a wide range of area including radioisotope production, shielding and material development works. Therefore, the cross section data of a reaction and the energy spectra of outgoing particles as a result of that reaction must be investigated with experimental and theoretical methods. In this study, the ³He energy spectra of the fusion reactors structural elements 27Al, 56Fe, 58Ni and 90Zr, which were bombarded with single energetic protons, were investigated by theoretical models. The obtained results were analyzed by comparing with the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) seismic reflection data tied to well logs are used to present new insights on the structural geometry and tectonic evolution of an Early Cretaceous rift crossing the Nile Valley in Upper Egypt. This rift extends to ∼260 km long in a NW-SE direction, and 80–100 km wide, and was previously unstudied due to a lack of subsurface data. It is named here as the Upper Egypt Rift. It is divided into three depocentres, or segments, from southeast to northwest: The Kharit, Nuqra, and Komombo basins, filled with thick (ca. 3700 m) continental to open marine Lower Cretaceous-Campanian/Maastrichtian strata. The Kharit and Komombo basins are NW-striking fault-bounded half-grabens associated with NE-dipping syn-rift rocks. They are linked by a major N–S oriented normal fault bounding the eastern side of the Nuqra basin and terminate in two overlapping synthetic transfer zones. This rift geometry is controlled by the reactivation of a Precambrian Najd-parallel (N125°E) shear zone during rift initiation. Seismic cross-section restoration indicates a multiphase extensional history for the Upper Egypt Rift. The first rift episode occurred during the Berriasian-Valanginian and the early Aptian as a result of the opening of the South Atlantic, and was influenced by the tectonic evolution of the Neotethys Ocean as well. The second rift locally developed in the area during the Cenomanian-Turonian and was characterized by extrusive alkaline volcanics and intrusive rocks. Rift-related Natash volcanics and trachyte plugs of Cenomanian/Turonian age are exposed at the eastern side of the Nuqra basin but not recorded in the Komombo and Kharit basins. Soon after that, the whole basin experienced mild tectonic inversion synchronously with the Syrian Arc compressional events. Rotated fault blocks and slightly inverted anticlines thus comprise the main hydrocarbon trapping structures in the Komombo basin. Further work is required to define the time-dependent relationship between oil migration and trap development in the Upper Egypt Rift. • A major rift system was developed across the Nile Valley, Upper Egypt, in the Early Cretaceous. • This Upper Egypt Rift shows three rift segments: the Kharit, Nuqra, and Komombo basins. • Seismic cross-section restoration suggests a multi-phased extension history for these basins. • The Upper Egypt Rift experienced mild tectonic inversion associated to Syrian Arc tectonics. • Rotated fault blocks and inverted anticlines comprise hydrocarbon-trapping structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat structure (HS) corresponds to the presence of physical structures in a system and is one of the most important ecological features that influences patterns and processes of biological communities. In this study, the use of complexity and heterogeneity in marine empirical studies in the context of HS was investigated. Empirical publications that discussed the role of physical structure on marine communities were surveyed and the use of different HS-related terms were analyzed and classified as: (i) complexity; (ii) heterogeneity; (iii) both as synonymous; and (iv) both as non-synonymous. A cluster analysis showed different patterns of use on different habitats. A conceptual clarification, through studies that presented definitions, was performed and a conceptual scheme was built considering two applications: (i) multidimensional or unidimensional measures; and (ii) quantitative, qualitative, or quali-quantitative measures. There was no agreement in the use and application of HS related terms in different marine habitats, and the analyses performed here indicated that (i) complexity corresponds to a multidimensional measurement with parts that interact and (ii) heterogeneity is one dimension of the habitat complexity. The present study provided the starting point for closer communication within different areas of ecology and contributes to future robust generalizations regarding HS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last 18 years we have extensively studied an intra-Opalinus Clay fault zone that crops out within the Mont Terri rock laboratory in NW-Switzerland. We performed micro- and macrostructural characterization on four outcrops of this so-called 'Main Fault', which crosscuts the entire Mont Terri rock laboratory. Combining detailed structural mapping, analysis down to the nanometer-scale, and geophysical investigations leads to a better understanding of fault zones within clay-dominated lithologies. The multi-scale, multi-technique approach that we applied in this study on four individual outcrops is critical for describing such a complex system. In these four outcrops, we differentiate five macroscopic structural elements of the Main Fault and have studied their occurrence and spatial distribution. In general, scaly clay, including S-C bands (S = 'schistosité' = cleavage, C = 'cisaillement' = shear parallel to shear zone boundaries) and microfolds, occurs in isolated, sharply bound lenses and in larger zones at the top and bottom of the Main Fault. A cm-thin, continuous layer of gouge runs along the upper boundary of the fault zone. The non-scaly part shows rather low strain and consists of rhombohedral blocks of undeformed rock (horses), bound by slickensides. The µm-thin shear zones are considered to be elementary building blocks for the structural elements of the Main Fault. Direct comparison of the four studied outcrops to each other highlights the significant lateral variability of the Main Fault. In addition to a reduction in thickness from west to east, size and distribution of structural elements are highly variable. Correlation of these structural elements between closely spaced outcrops is not possible. Fortunately, the upper and lower boundary of the Main Fault, as well as thicker sheets of scaly clay, can be recognized using seismic attributes and thus yield indirect information about size and internal structure of fault zones in clay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, environments with a great habitat complexity (HC) can support a great number of species and large abundances of organisms. However, the mechanisms behind this effect are not entirely clear and some studies did not observe positive effects of complexity on diversity and abundance of biological assemblages. Here, HC was considered as an integrative perspective, specifically as different characteristics of physical structure and; it was tested whether abundance and diversity of macrobenthic assemblages of soft bottom are influenced by variation of two characteristics of habitat complexity, the number and evenness of sediment fractions. The hypothesized positive relationships between HC and richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity index and abundance of benthic macrofauna were not observed. The different response variables (richness, Shannon-Wiener, abundance) which consider different dimensions of biodiversity, can show distinct results when the same habitat is compared. For both structural characteristics of the sediment, a large amount of specimens of Bispira sp. (Polychaeta: Sabellidae) and Terebellides sp. (Polychaeta: Trichobranchidae) were observed in the most complex treatments. These taxa were favored by the presence of gravels where their larvae, likely originated from adult populations at nearby habitats, can settle. The multidimensional structure of the benthic macrofauna was significantly influenced by habitat complexity; and considering high taxonomical and functional diversity, multivariate analyses were more appropriated to investigate such complex effects. In this context, it is clear that careful thought must be given to choose appropriated habitat complexity characteristics and biological measurements. Therefore, studies addressing different combinations of structural characteristics of habitat and mechanisms behind the effects on biological communities are still of great need in ecological science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides are among the nature's primarily ways of adjustment to slope stability. In Darjiling Himalayas the process has been intensified by human interference mainly through rapid deforestation, incorrect construction procedure and unplanned tapping of natural resources. The present paper aims at investigating the occurrence of landslides mainly due to human intervention. For analyzing the acuteness of the problem, important events of landslides over time, landslide susceptibility map using traditional check-list and investigation of the nature of human intervention for landslide occurrences have been carried out. From the study it is found that extreme rainfall events of consecutive days accumulating an amount of 1000 to 1200 mm, coupled with deep weathering in susceptible structure could trigger to 5 to 10 m-thick landslides. Being saturated with percolating rainwater, such slopes even with a rainfall 50 of mm/h would cause disastrous landsllides. Common occurrence of landslides is found along the springs, where thick debris is removed along the slope, ontop of the bedrock. Generally deforested urbanized tracts, illegal coal mining sites, tea gardens, artillery roads connecting hills with the plains are the most susceptible areas to sliding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During tunnel boring machine (TBM) operations, thrust jacks apply high concentrated forces to the last assembled tunnel ring. These loads generate in the precast segments a disturbed region under the thrust jacks, in which significant tensile stresses (defined as splitting or bursting stresses) occur perpendicular to the load direction. In addition, due to the compatibility requirement, the combined effect of TBM high concentrated loads may determine high tensile stresses in the area between loads, which lead to cracks defined as spalling cracks. Therefore, rebars or fibre reinforcement are required in these areas. Traditionally, steel fibres were used as fibre reinforcement, although now some types of structural macro-synthetic fibres are used that impart significant toughness and ductility to concrete. In the present study, eight plane specimens were tested under two loads applied on a small area to evaluate the effect of this loading configuration and the contribution of polypropylene (PP) fibre reinforcement in controlling both spalling and splitting phenomena. The results show that failure is mainly governed by splitting phenomena, and that PP fibres could be efficiently used in precast tunnel segments as both equilibrium (splitting) and compatibility (spalling) reinforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal response of an unprotected structural steel element exposed to a solid rocket propellant fire is investigated. A 2 kg aluminized composite propellant Butalane ® is positioned onto a 5 mm steel plate and ignited with a torch in the experiments. Radiative and convection-dominated heat transfer regions are observed, with the latter dominating the heating of the plate to a maximum of 820 K. Results obtained from thermal modeling reproduce the experiments well in terms of time evolutions of the structural element temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geometry of flows during separation of pendant drops of liquids with significantly different physical properties (alcohol, water, glycerin, oil) has been studied by high-speed video recording. The dynamics of the processes involving the formation of bridges of two characteristic shapes-slightly nonuniform in thickness and with thinning of the upper and lower ends-has been investigated. It has been shown that the shape change of the separated bridge has a number of stages determined by the properties of the liquid. As a result, the bridge is transformed into a small drop-a satellite drop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A physico-mathematical model for use in determining the life of the metal of the working elements of process equipment and pipelines as a function of the gaseohydrodynamic parameters of the media travelling in the equipment, the basic mechanical and geometric parameters of these elements, and the rate of corrosion of the metal, i.e., the degree of chemical corrosiveness of the medium, and the rate of ageing of the metal, is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major disadvantage of wood is the coefficient (modulus) of elasticity. One way to mitigate this disadvantage is hybridisation of some areas from the structural elements through the use of strips, made of composite multi-layers. The effectiveness of this method is measured by the difference between the displacements of the un-hybridised elements and those who are hybridised. Finding the displacements for elements with hybrid zones, elements with bysteps inertia moments, is the subject of this paper. The analysed elements are wood beams belonging to a spatial framework (SF) with continuity in nodes. Three cases are highlighted by the upgrade of beams through hybridisation over large areas with multi-layers made up of composite lamellas with unidirectional reinforcement. For the three cases, we determine the expressions of the displacements at the middle of the opening. Expressions of displacements are a quick pre-dimensioning of elements from a timber spatial framework with continuity in nodes and wood beams with hybrid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-stressing self-compacting concretes were developed for structural elements, considering two types of expansive additives (types K and G) and two cement types. The influence of different parameters in their performance was evaluated. The addition of expansive additives resulted in compressive strength reductions that mainly depended on the total expansion reached. This total expansion depended on the alumina and sulfates contents of cement when using type K additive and, without watering, type G promoted larger total longitudinal expansion by forming amorphous calcium hydrated agglomerates. In contrast, when using type K additive, an indiscriminate formation of ettringite was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition of tie-stalls to loose housing systems is often accompanied by starting dehorning. Deep-litter and straw-flow systems can be more cost-effective and advantageous for various aspects of the welfare of dairy cows than cubicle loose housing. However, the number of social encounters and disturbances of lying animals can be higher in these systems especially for animals with horns. The use of structural elements may improve the situation and the aim of this project was to investigate the potential effects of structural elements in the free resting area on resting behaviour, animal cleanliness and straw usage in herds of horned dairy cows. On five commercial farms that keep horned dairy cows in a deep-litter system, data were collected in situations without and with a structural element present. Lying behaviour was recorded by scan sampling for each individual animal every 5 min. The cleanliness of the cows was assessed at the beginning and end of the four-day recording period. The proportion of scans in which animals were lying in 24 h, during day and at night as well as the change in cleanliness were analysed using linear mixed models. Straw usage was evaluated by counting the number of bales used on each of the four days on four farms. The proportion of lying was higher with the structural elements present than without for 24 h ( p <0.001) and at night ( p <0.001), while no effect was found during the day ( p =0.964). This was particularly true for high-ranking and middle-ranking animals (interaction rank*structure: p =0.007), for which lying time increased by about 1 h on average, while for low-ranking animals it increased only about 10 min. The strength of the effect, however, varied considerably between individual farms. Animals were also less dirty with the structural element present than without ( p =0.008). For straw usage, no uniform trend was found on the farms. In conclusion, the results indicate a positive effect of the presence of a Y-shaped structural element in the free resting area of straw yard systems on lying time and cleanliness of horned dairy cows. The use of structural elements in straw yard or comparable systems thus has the potential to improve the welfare of horned dairy cows and furthers keeping of horned cows as an alternative to dehorning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire resistance provisions in Indian codes are prescriptive in nature and provide only tabulated fire ratings for structural members. Eurocode EN 1992-1-2:2004 suggests simplified methods which include explicit equations for fire resistant design. The aim of this paper is to familiarize the simplified method, i.e., 500°C isotherm method. The procedure is customized for Indian conditions and a parametric study is done to determine the fire rating for flexural elements. Fire ratings recommended in IS 456:2000 is compared with strength criteria by using the 500°C isotherm method. It is also compared by thermal criteria obtained by heat transfer analysis of finite element model. Through these studies, it is shown that for most of the cross-sections, the fire rating obtained from the two methods is higher than that given in IS 456:2000 provisions and the increase in cover has significant effect in increasing fire rating only for lower values of cover to reinforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the existing studies captured the social and ambient elements of urban built environment, but rarely have the structural elements that influence community vibrancy been addressed. In this paper, we composed indices to assess community vibrancy in Guangzhou, China using population density, social- intensity, and economic activity intensity. We then utilized the Local Entropy Map and Random Forest Regression to investigate the spatial-temporal variation of vibrancy and how it relates to the communities' structural and social & ambient elements using social and remote sensing data. We found their relationships to be spatially dependent and contrasting between functionally different regions. Our analysis at the wholistic level revealed that the vibrancy of the city was influenced more by the social & ambient elements, while analysis at the functional-region level showed this to be also true for the commercial regions of the city, that of residential regions was influenced more by the structural elements. We argue that urban vibrancy should be treated at the functional- region level, and that the importance of structural elements and social and ambient elements should both be recognized in urban research and the policy-making process. • Urban vibrancy is better examined at the functional-community level. • Community vibrancy is affected by both the structural elements and social & ambient elements. • Vibrancy of residential communities influenced more by structural elements. • Vibrancy of commercial communities influenced more by the social & ambient elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fiber and matrix treatments tend to improve the mechanical behavior of cementitious matrix composites. • The use of treatments in cementitious composites increases the fiber–matrix interaction, improving the mechanical behavior of the composites. • Short vegetable fibers used as internal reinforcement improve the flexural and tensile strength and the toughness of cement-based composites. • Long vegetable fibers used as external reinforcement increase the strength and ductility of cementitious matrix composites under compression. • Vegetable fibers are mostly used in non-structural applications such as roof tiles, tiles, and masonry elements. The need for sustainable building materials has progressively increased the interest in the use of vegetable fibers as reinforcements in cementitious matrix composites. These fibers are renewable, inexpensive, and offer other advantages, such as lightness, stiffness, biodegradability, and high impact resistance. This review presents research conducted in this field over the last 20 years. For this purpose, the most commonly used fibers and the treatments used to improve the mechanical properties of composites were identified. Moreover, the effect of fiber length on the mechanical properties of the reinforced composites was discussed. Some applications of vegetable-fiber-reinforced composites in structural and nonstructural elements have been highlighted. Based on the results, the treatment used the most was highlighted, which was matrix modifications that reduce the cementitious paste alkalinity by improving the fiber interactions within the composite. Furthermore, short fibers significantly increased the flexural and tensile strengths, and toughness of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC), whereas long fibers, used as external reinforcement, increased the compressive strength of textile-reinforced cementitious composites (TRCC) by limiting lateral concrete expansion and abrupt failure. Despite the enhanced mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites, information related to fiber durability in cementitious matrices is limited thus far, which has restricted their application in primary structural elements that have high force demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastic cables are structural elements with a one-sided constitutive law (compression is not allowed) that obtain their equilibrium configuration by adjusting their shape to satisfy static equilibrium. The loading of a cable is applied through body-type forces and through appropriate boundary conditions at its ends. The classic cable constitutive law is easily implemented by assuming small strains and a coordinate system that follows the rigid-body motion. This approach was selected in the present analysis in the context of micropolar elasticity. The analysis is two-dimensional (2D) and static. The results indicate the important role of the couple-type body forces in the cable's deformation. This, in turn, is very advantageous in the design of smart cables and textiles that can utilize electromagnetic fields to actuate couple body forces and in this way exert control on their deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider an approach to the measurement of the parameters of the structural elements of the nuclei of blood cells, used for the recognition of blast cells in microscopic images of hematological specimens. A model is proposed for the description of the optical characteristics of the nuclei of the cells of the leukocyte series on the basis of qualitative signs used by a physician in clinical laboratory diagnosis for the microscopic analysis of blood smears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a method for the assessment of strength and fracture hazard of defective structural elements based on the parameter of 'crack-growth resistance structural elements,' which characterizes the rate of change in the stress intensity factor near the crack tip in the course of crack propagation in this structural element. We present examples of evaluation of the serviceability and durability of typical structural elements with cracklike defects of different shapes and locations under the action of quasistatic and cyclic loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We examine changes in plant diversity depending on the changes on landscape structure. [•] The major relevance of landscape structure for total species is at the boundary. [•] The major relevance of landscape structure for rare arable plants is at the edge. [•] Landscape structure modulates rare arable plants populations. [•] Not all rare arable plants respond in the same way to changes in landscape structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stefan Heym's novel Ahasver, le Juif Errant, develops three narrative paths, corresponding to three different chronological levels (a narrative level, symbolic, which refers to a primordial time, a second level which takes place in the 16th century and a third one, in the 20th century). The link between the narrative paths is made through the passage of the protagonist from one level to another. Ahasver has a double role: related to the shift between the levels and as invariant. Structural elements such as the passages from one level to another and the couple Ahasver-Lucifer are related to a myth (The Wandering Jew). The repetition of certain scenes and characters relate to the pattern-like characteristic of the rite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary world is facing numerous bomb explosion attacks on public and civil buildings causing huge loss of property and human lives. As a consequence, the society needs more safety and protection for the existing structures against blast loads. Among the various strategies, one effective way to enhance the blast resistance of reinforced concrete and masonry structures is through retrofitting using various types and forms of fibrous and composite materials. This work presents an up to date review of available literature and publications on the fibrous and composite materials utilized for blast protection of structural elements and highlights the lacking areas where further research is required. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Agricultural intensification has caused a decline in structural elements in European farmland, where natural habitats are increasingly fragmented. The loss of habitat structures has a detrimental effect on biodiversity and affects bat species that depend on vegetation structures for foraging and commuting., We investigated the impact of connectivity and configuration of structural landscape elements on flight activity, species richness and diversity of insectivorous bats and distinguished three bat guilds according to species-specific bioacoustic characteristics. We tested whether bats with shorter-range echolocation were more sensitive to habitat fragmentation than bats with longer-range echolocation. We expected to find different connectivity thresholds for the three guilds and hypothesized that bats prefer linear over patchy landscape elements., Bat activity was quantified using repeated acoustic monitoring in 225 locations at 15 study plots distributed across the Swiss Central Plateau, where connectivity and the shape of landscape elements were determined by spatial analysis ( GIS). Spectrograms of bat calls were assigned to species with the software batit by means of image recognition and statistical classification algorithms., Bat activity was significantly higher around landscape elements compared to open control areas. Short- and long-range echolocating bats were more active in well-connected landscapes, but optimal connectivity levels differed between the guilds. Species richness increased significantly with connectivity, while species diversity did not (Shannon's diversity index). Total bat activity was unaffected by the shape of landscape elements., Synthesis and applications. This study highlights the importance of connectivity in farmland landscapes for bats, with shorter-range echolocating bats being particularly sensitive to habitat fragmentation. More structurally diverse landscape elements are likely to reduce population declines of bats and could improve conditions for other declining species, including birds. Activity was highest around optimal values of connectivity, which must be evaluated for the different guilds and spatially targeted for a region's habitat configuration. In a multi-species approach, we recommend the reintroduction of structural elements to increase habitat heterogeneity should become part of agri-environment schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]