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In line with the European community's goal, each EU Member State should recycle at least 60% of municipal waste or prepare them for reuse. In this chapter, the authors intend to show the waste management strategies implemented in six European countries, namely, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal, and Romania. The methodology used was to analyse reports and publications on the management of urban waste and dialogue with some technicians of the municipalities. This knowledge of what is done in each country allows others to learn from the best and most innovative solutions and reflect on the various waste management forms implemented, according to environmental, economic, and social perspectives. The analysis identifies several challenges to bring up in further research and projects, with the contribution of the different countries and the synergies that might be obtained. The authors intend to promote a decrease in consumption and an increase in reuse, separately collected waste and recycling, contributing to circular economic growth and the sustainability of the planet.

Technological advances are closely related to the development of new materials and their processing and manufacturing technologies. In the dental field, the high complexity of the geometrical designs of crowns, bridges and other applications of digital light processing 3D-printable biocompatible resins is the reason for the need for a deep understanding of the mechanical proprieties and behavior of these materials. The aim of the present study is to assess the influence of printing layer direction and thickness on the tensile and compression proprieties of a DLP 3D-printable dental resin. Using the NextDent C&B Micro-Filled Hybrid (MFH), 36 specimens (24 for tensile strength testing, 12 for compression testing) were printed at different layer angulations (0°, 45° and 90°) and layer thicknesses (0.1 mm and 0.05 mm). Brittle behavior was observed in all specimens regardless of the direction of printing and layer thickness for the tensile specimens. The highest tensile values were obtained for specimens printed with a layer thickness of 0.05 mm. In conclusion, both printing layer direction and thickness influence mechanical proprieties and can be used to alter the materials’ characteristics and make the final printed product more suitable for its intended purposes.

Fused deposition modeling, Polylactic acid, Finite element analysis, IZOD tests

Green chemistry is a pharmaceutical industry tool, which, when implemented correctly, can lead to a minimization in resource consumption and waste. An aqueous extract of Salix alba L. was employed for the efficient and rapid synthesis of silver/gold particle nanostructures via an inexpensive, nontoxic and eco-friendly procedure. The nanoparticles were physicochemically characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with the best stability of up to one year in the solution obtained for silver nanoparticles without any chemical additives. A comparison of the antimicrobial effect of silver/gold nanoparticles and their formulations (hydrogels, ointments, aqueous solutions) showed that both metallic nanoparticles have antibacterial and antibiofilm effects, with silver-based hydrogels having particularly high antibiofilm efficiency. The highest antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacies were obtained against Pseudomonas aeruginosa when using silver nanoparticle hydrogels, with antibiofilm efficacies of over 75% registered. The hydrogels incorporating green nanoparticles displayed a 200% increased bacterial efficiency when compared to the controls and their components. All silver nanoparticle formulations were ecologically obtained by “green synthesis” and were shown to have an antimicrobial effect or potential as keratinocyte-acting pharmaceutical substances for ameliorating infectious psoriasis wounds.

International audience; COSMOS est un projet de recherche qui réunit linguistes et informaticiens/mathématiciens pour l’étude des stéréotypes portés par les significations des mots chez les enfants âgés de 7 et 11 ans. Leur rôle est un élément important de la cognition enfantine et dans l’acquisition d’une compétence sémantique. Le projet consiste à mener une expérimentation qui permet aux enfants une mise en mots de certains concepts. L’objectif est d’étudier à travers ces verbalisations la présence, la saillance, le degré de stabilité des stéréotypes à deux moments de scolarisation, ainsi que les variables qui justifieraient des différences entre les compétences sémantiques des enfants.

In fusion reactors, such as ITER or DEMO, the plasma used to generate nuclear reactions will reach temperatures that are an order of magnitude higher than in the Sun’s core. Although the plasma is not supposed to be in contact with the reactor walls, a large amount of heat generated by electromagnetic radiation, electrons and ions being expelled from the plasma will reach the plasma-facing surface of the reactor. Especially for the divertor part, high heat fluxes of up to 20 MW/m2 are expected even in normal operating conditions. An improvement in the plasma-facing material (which is, in the case of ITER, pure Tungsten, W) is desired at least in terms of both a higher recrystallization temperature and a lower brittle-to-ductile transition temperature. In the present work, we discuss three microengineering routes based on inclusions of nanometric dispersions, which are proposed to improve the W properties, and present the microstructural and thermophysical properties of the resulting W-based composites with such dispersions. The materials’ behavior after 6 MeV electron irradiation tests is also presented, and their further development is discussed.

This work explores the possibility of involving aluminothermy in processing donor-doped zinc oxide-based thermoelectrics by relying on local, strong exothermic effects developed during sintering, with a potential positive impact on the electrical and thermal transport properties. The strategy was exemplified by using aluminium as a dopant, due to its recognized ability to generate additional, available charge carriers in ZnO, and by using two different metallic Al powders and conventional Al2O3 as precursors. Nanosized aluminium powder was involved in order to evaluate the possible desirable effects of the particles size, as compared to aluminium micropowder. A significant enhancement of the electrical and thermoelectric performance of the samples prepared via metallic Al precursors was observed and discussed in terms of the potential impacts provided by the aluminothermic reaction on the microstructure, charge carrier concentration and mobility during sintering. Although the presented results are the first to show evidence of how aluminothermic reactions can be used for boosting the thermoelectric performance of zinc oxide materials, the detailed mechanisms behind the observed enhancements are yet to be understood.

A CuCrFeTiV high entropy alloy was prepared and irradiated with swift heavy ions in order to check its adequacy for use as a thermal barrier in future nuclear fusion reactors. The alloy was prepared from the elemental powders by ball milling, followed by consolidation by spark plasma sintering at 1178 K and 65 MPa. The samples were then irradiated at room temperature with 300 keV Ar+ ions with fluences in the 3 x 1015 to 3 x 1018 Ar+/cm2 range to mimic neutron-induced damage accumulation during a duty cycle of a fusion reactor. Structural changes were investigated by X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy, both coupled with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. Surface irradiation damage was detected for high fluences (3 x 1018 Ar+/cm2) with formation of blisters of up to 1 mu m in diameter. Cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of intergranular cavities only in the sample irradiated with 3 x 1018 Ar+/cm2, while all irradiation experiments produced intragranular nanometric-sized bubbles with increased density for higher Ar+ fluence. The Williamson-Hall method revealed a decrease in the average crystallite size and an increase in residual strain with increasing fluence, consistent with the formation of Ar+ bubbles at the irradiated surface. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Sesquipedalian mud and burnt bricks (second to third century AD) were excavated from the Roman city of Romula located in the Lower Danube Region (Olt county, Romania). Along with local soils, bricks are investigated by petrographic analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray microtomography (XRT), thermal analysis (DTA-TG), Mӧssbauer spectroscopy, magnetometry, colorimetry, and mechanical properties assessment. The results correlate well with each other, being useful for conservation/restoration purposes and as reference data for other ceramic materials. Remarkably, our analysis and comparison with literature data indicate possible control and wise optimization by the ancient brickmakers through the recipe, design (size, shape, and micro/macrostructure), and technology of the desired physical–chemical–mechanical properties. We discuss the Roman bricks as materials that can adapt to external factors, similar, to some extent, to modern “smart” or “intelligent” materials. These features can explain their outstanding durability to changes of weather/climate and mechanical load.

Polymer infiltrated ceramics are hybrid materials that combine the strength of ceramics and the flexibility of polymers. The aim of this study was to compare the fracture load capacity of monolithic CAD/CAM crowns with different occlusal thicknesses, made from polymer infiltrated ceramic network. Fifteen full contour CAD/CAM crowns made of Vita Enamic with occlusal thicknesses of 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm were fabricated with a wet milling machine. Restorations were cemented on human molars with adhesive cement. Samples were loaded along the long axis until fracture, with a single static compressive force. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the fracture surface of specimens after the fracture. The results of this study reveals that the fracture load of the samples increased progressively with the occlusal thickness. The highest fracture value was recorded for1.5 mm occlusal thickness of the crown. No statistically significant difference was reported between the three experimental groups. It can be concluded that hybrid monolithic CAD-CAM crowns showed sufficient fracture strength to be used for single restorations in the posterior area, even with a reduced occlusal thickness.

The present work reports a new configuration of soft artificial muscle based on a web of metal covered nylon 6/6 micrometric fibers attached to a thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film. The preparation process is simple and implies the attachment of metalized fiber networks to a PDMS sheet substrate while heating and applying compression. The resulting composite is versatile and can be cut in different shapes as a function of the application sought. When an electric current passes through the metallic web, heat is produced, leading to local dilatation and to subsequent controlled deformation. Because of this, the artificial muscle displays a fast and ample movement (maximum displacement of 0.8 cm) when applying a relatively low voltage (2.2 V), a consequence of the contrast between the thermal expanse coefficients of the PDMS substrate and of the web-like electrode. It was shown that the electrical current producing this effect can originate from both direct electric contacts, and untethered configurations i.e. radio frequency induced. Usually, for thermal activated actuators the heating is produced by using metallic films or conductive carbon-based materials, while here a fast heating/cooling process is obtained by using microfiber-based heaters. This new approach for untethered devices is an interesting path to follow, opening a wide range of applications were autonomous actuation and remote transfer of energy are needed.

Oxide materials are currently considered a promising alternative to traditional thermoelectrics. Moderate charge carrier mobility stemming from strong covalent and ionic bonding, combined with relatively high thermal conductivity, represent known disadvantages of these materials for thermoelectric applications. However, oxides offer a possibility to operate at high temperatures, resulting in a higher Carnot efficiency. In addition, their known structural and microstructural versatility can open new horizons for thermoelectric applications. This work reviews some representative cases of engineering the composition and microstructure of a series of selected oxides towards high thermoelectric performance. The selected approaches will include laser processing, in situ formed composites, defects tailoring and aluminothermy-boosted sintering, also taking into account the unique redox-tuning capabilities of oxides. Representative examples will include ceramic materials based on SrTiO3, ZnO, CaMnO3 and Ca3Co4O9 published

Oxide materials represent a promising alternative to traditional thermoelectrics, by providing a possibility to operate at high temperatures, resulting in a higher Carnot efficiency. Although their conversion efficiency is considerably lower, their known structural and microstructural versatility can open new horizons for thermoelectric applications. This work reviews some representative cases of engineering the composition and microstructure of oxides towards high thermoelectric performance. The selected approaches will include laser processing, in-situ formed composites, defects tailoring and aluminothermy-boosted sintering, also taking into account the unique redox-tuning capabilities of oxides. Representative examples will include ceramic materials based on SrTiO3, ZnO, CaMnO3 and Ca3Co4O9. published

"During the shipbuilding processes carried out in the shipyards, there is a need to transport the sections of ship structure, from the place where they are built to the assembly location. When the shape and structure of the sections allow, they are built in an inverted position, and after finishing all the works that can be performed in this type of placement, the section will have to be turned to continue the section building process and subsequent the assembly. Loads that appear in the structure during these maneuvers are different from those that appear during the operation and from those for which calculations were made at the stage of the initial project. Therefore, it is necessary to calculate them and design a lifting / turning installation, which should also contain stiffening elements where required, in order to prevent both accidents and deformations or detachments that could occur at the section level. From this necessity appears the plan generically called ""lifting plan"" and which contains the installations, the schemes, the necessary instructions to remove the units from the section building hall, turn it to the gantry cranes and brought into the mounting position."

L’ouvrage collectif edite par Bert Peeters sous le titre, Heart- and Soul- Like Constructs across Languages, Cultures, and Epochs (Cœur – et Âme – comme constructions en plusieurs langues, cultures et epoques) s’inscrit parmi les etudes des valeurs culturelles saillantes et des mots qui les designent dans differentes langues, dans la perspective methodologique de la Metalangue Semantique Naturelle – MSN (Natural Semantic Metalanguage – NSM). Il fait ainsi suite au numero thematique de la revu...

According to the latest gastrointestinal disorders diagnostic criteria (ROME IV), the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is mainly characterized by the presence of abdominal pain and changes in intestinal transit. However, both sleep impairments and oxidative status changes (in patients’ sera, mucosal level, and other body fluids) were reported IBS. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate several aspects regarding the oxidative stress status in patients’ tears as well as sleep disturbances by comparison with the intensity of IBS symptoms, as assessed by the visual analogue scale for irritable bowel syndrome (VAS-IBS). Ten IBS patients and fourteen healthy sex- and age-matched volunteers were recruited from the Oftaprof Ophthalmological Clinic (Iași, Romania). Visual analogue scale for irritable bowel syndrome and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires were administered to all the patients. Tear samples were collected using the Schirmer test procedure and were subjected to biochemical analysis—superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, malondialdehyde, and total soluble proteins levels were determined. Standard statistical analysis was applied. We found significant differences in oxidative stress marker dynamics in IBS patients as compared to healthy age- and sex-matched controls: increased superoxide dismutase activity (p=0.02), increased malondialdehyde (p=0.007), and total soluble proteins levels (p=0.019). We found no significant differences in tear glutathione peroxidase activity in IBS patients as compared to healthy age- and sex-matched controls (p=0.55). Furthermore, we observed that the oxidative stress tear markers are correlated with gastrointestinal symptoms severity (as evaluated by VAS-IBS) but not correlated to the sleep quality index and items (as evaluated by PSQI), with significant differences according to patient sex and IBS subtype stratification. In this way, this study brings additional evidence of the oxidative stress role in IBS pathology alongside the evaluation of tear fluid molecular dynamics in IBS for the first time in our best knowledge.

Dans la perspective théorique de la Sémantique des Possibles Argumentatifs, l’article s’interroge sur la nature sémantique et le statut épistémologique des observables dans la matérialité du texte, tels qu’ils sont proposés par son traitement informatique : mots, associations de mots, environnements sémantique et syntaxique. La thèse défendue est que l’analyse de ces observables n’épuise pas le sens discursif et qu’elle doit s’appuyer sur une démarche de prise en compte dans l’interprétation du sens non seulement du contexte, mais aussi et surtout de la complexité du potentiel argumentatif des mots. Le corollaire de ce point de vue est une triangulation des méthodologies dans laquelle l’analyse qualitative sémantico-discursive des conceptualisations sémantiques offre un modèle conceptuel au traitement textométrique qu’elle précède.

Sesquipedalian mud and burnt bricks (second to third century AD) were excavated from the Roman city of Romula located in the Lower Danube Region (Olt county, Romania). Along with local soils, bricks are investigated by petrographic analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray microtomography (XRT), thermal analysis (DTA-TG), Mӧssbauer spectroscopy, magnetometry, colorimetry, and mechanical properties assessment. The results correlate well with each other, being useful for conservation/restoration purposes and as reference data for other ceramic materials. Remarkably, our analysis and comparison with literature data indicate possible control and wise optimization by the ancient brickmakers through the recipe, design (size, shape, and micro/macrostructure), and technology of the desired physical-chemical-mechanical properties. We discuss the Roman bricks as materials that can adapt to external factors, similar, to some extent, to modern "smart" or "intelligent" materials. These features can explain their outstanding durability to changes of weather/climate and mechanical load.

Anisotropy, Digital image correlation, Finite element analysis, Cold forming

International audience

International audience

Cet article a pour objectif de proposer et argumenter la th��se de l���existence de trois niveaux de complexit�� des valeurs modales lexicalis��es : valeurs modales fondamentales ou fines (bien, mal, beau, laid, etc.), valeurs modales ��paisses (cruaut��, vertu, libert��, ��galit��, normalit��, etc.), valeurs sociales complexes (d��mocratie, r��publique, etc.). Le cadre th��orique dans lequel s���inscrit cette th��se se situe �� l���interface d���une approche s��mantique unifi��e des modalit��s et de la modalisation discursive, la Th��orie s��mantique unifi��e de la Modalisation Discursive (TMD), et des approches philosophiques qui s���interrogent sur les distinctions fait/valeur, concept (��thique) fin/concept (��thique) ��pais. Cette approche th��orique des valeurs modales et des valeurs sociales est l���un des d��veloppements habilit��s par la S��mantique des Possibles Argumentatifs (SPA). Nous allons illustrer notre propos avec l���analyse d���une valeur sociale complexe, une/la vie normale, qui incorpore dans son s��mantisme la valeur modale ��paisse normalit�� et qui se charge dans l���inter-discours actuel de valeurs axiologiques positives., This article aims to propose and argue the thesis of the existence of three levels of complexity of lexicalized modal values: fundamental or thin modal values (good, bad, beautiful, ugly, etc.), thick modal values (cruelty, virtue, freedom, equality, normality, etc.) complex social values (democracy, republic, etc.). The theoretical framework in which this thesis is inscribed is located at the interface of a unified semantic approach of modalities and discursive modalization, the unified semantic Theory of Discursive Modalisation (TMD), and philosophical approaches that question the distinctions between fact and value and thin ethic concept and thick ethic concept. This theoretical approach to modal values and social values is one of the developments enabled by the Semantics of Argumentative Possibilities (SAP). We will illustrate our point with the analysis of a complex social value, a/the normal life, which incorporates in its meaning the thick modal value normality and which is loaded in the current inter-discourse with positive axiological values., Espaces Linguistiques, N�� 3 | 2021

Background and objectives: Regenerative medicine, with its massive development over the years, has the potential to solve some of the most problematic medical issues, such as functional organ transplantation. The aim of this study was to create a human meniscal shape 3D-printed enriched with human adipose-derived mesenchymal cells. Materials and Methods: Human infrapatellar fat pad was harvested, and mesenchymal cells were isolated. The mesenchymal stem cells were differentiated to the chondrocite lineage and a hydrogel (a nanofibrillar cellulose, sodium alginate, D-mannitol, and Hepes buffer solution combination) cell mixture was bioprinted to create three human-size meniscus structures. The obtained structures were evaluated regarding the cell viability, appropriate size in relation to a native meniscus, and some mechanical characteristics. Results: The human meniscal shape created respected the anatomic characteristic of a native structure. Cell viability of approximately 97% and extracellular matrix formation after the printing process were observed. The mean maximum force for the meniscus with mesenchymal cells was 6.5 N (+/−0.5 N) compared to the mean maximum force for the native meniscus of 10.32 N (+/−0.7 N), which is statistically relevant (p < 0.01). Conclusion: This paper presents the potential of bioprinting viable cell structures that could in the future present enough mechanical strength to replace a human organ, such as a meniscus. There are still limitations regarding the ink and the printing process, but we are confident that these problems will soon be solvable.

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disease, second in prevalence after Gaucher disease. The onset of symptoms occurs in childhood or adolescence with palmo-plantar burning pains, hypo hidrosis, angiokeratomas, and corneal deposits. In the absence of diagnosis and treatment, the disease will progress to the late phase, characterized by progressive cardiac, cerebral and renal damage, and possible death. We present the case of an 11-year-old male boy who was transferred to the Pediatric Nephrology Department for palmo-plantar burning pain and end stage renal disease. Following the evaluations for the etiology of end stage renal disease we excluded the vasculitis, the neurologic diseases, extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Because of suggestive aspect at CT scan and lack of etiologic diagnosis of renal insufficiency we performed lymph node and kidney biopsy, with a surprising result for storage disease. The specific investigation confirmed the diagnosis.

The present work reports the production and key properties of the CuCrFeTiV high entropy alloy synthetized mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering. The milled powders and the as-sintered samples were analysed through scanning electron microscopy, coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and particle induced X-ray emission. Magnetic properties together with electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, specific heat differential thermal analysis were also evaluated on the consolidated samples. The powders reveal an increasing content in iron as the millings are prolonged up to 20 h. The elemental composition of the sintered alloy, determined through particle induced X-ray emission, confirms the final composition after mechanical alloying with an increase of iron and a decrease in the remaining elements. Furthermore, although the alloy presents electrical resistivity typical of a high entropy alloy, a ferromagnetic behaviour was found, consistently with major Fe content as detected in prior observations. Finally, thermal measurements show that this CuCrFeTiV entropy alloy possesses thermal properties suitable for its potential use as thermal barriers. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

This paper presents a study on the influence of the observer’s position in relation to the calculation surface. This is the initial observation of the research, respectively that the two standards consider the position of the observer differently. For these situations, two types of calculations were performed. For the first set of calculations, the software used was DIALux 4.13 as this software can perform calculations in line with the RP-08 standard. The second set of calculations was performed with a script that offers the possibility to change the observer’s position. The conclusion was that EN-13201 has a better approach, but both standards could be improved. The second case study refers to the influence of the longitudinal observer position in an average luminance calculation. If one considers RP-08 as a guideline for performing the calculations, the conclusions are that changing the distance from the observer to the calculation surface has absolutely no effect on the average luminance value. On the other hand, if European standards are used as a guideline, changing the distance (from the standardized 60 m, either closer to the calculation surface or further away) can influence the overall results in average luminance and uniformity. Taking into account the results of these two case studies, the conclusion is that both RP-08 and BS-EN 13201 should be updated so that the observer’s distance in relation to the calculation surface would be a variable dependent on the stopping distance calculated based on the speed limit of the road.

La recherche qui fait l’objet de cet article s’inscrit dans un espace d’interfaces de champs disciplinaires (semantique – pragmatique des (inter) actions verbales, analyse linguistique – analyse des pratiques) et de champs de pratiques (soigner [cure] – prendre soin [care]). Dans la perspective theorique d’une semantique de l’ (inter) action verbale, nous nous proposons de presenter, argumenter et illustrer par l’analyse d’un corpus de lettres de remerciements de patients d’un service de reanimation, la polyfonctionnalite identitaire de ces lettres, fondee sur la complexite modale de l’acte REMERCIER. Le remerciement est apprehende comme un macro-acte illocutionnaire susceptible d’ajouter a sa fonction sociale d’acte expressif et phatique des fonctions identitaires, de presentation et de reconstruction de soi et de renforcement des images identitaires (professionnelles et humaines) de son destinataire et de proposer une intersubjectivite regeneree entre patients et soignants, au-dela de la pratique des soins. L’analyse fait apparaitre l’impact que ce discours epistolaire hors normes peut avoir finalement sur les pratiques dans le domaine de la sante.

The technological change generated by LED technology in lighting implies nowadays the existence of an intense program to streamline / modernize street lighting. In addition to the introduction of new lighting devices, tele-management systems are a first step towards the intelligent city. However, the problem of connecting and disconnecting the public lighting system is not optimized yet. This paper proposes a solution to this problem: the optimization principle according to the road class and visibility level.

Optical utilization factor (OUF) is applied to architectural lighting, searching to obtain low light pollution. It is demonstrated that OUF could not be used for the assessment of light pollution, because the inter-reflections could not be neglected. DIALUX simulations and MATLAB original functions are used. Onsite measurements for illuminance and luminance are performed. It is demonstrated that OUF could be greater than one for the facade. For the small scale inter-reflections, a luminance gain is demonstrated. Due to this, the floodlighting could be reduced. The understanding about the light pollution assessment is changed, which is a major achievement. It means that a greater OUF don’t represent a lower light pollution, and also a facade could be more “visible” on lower level of floodlighting.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on the structural integrity of the rainwater propeller pumps installed in the municipal wastewater treatment plant (WTP). Design/methodology/approach A numerical analysis is performed to determine the maximum shear stress on the fasten bolts. The rainwater propeller pump is examined in operation at normal conditions and when one blade is progressively blocked. Findings The failure mechanism of the rainwater pump impeller is determined. Research limitations/implications The fibbers and wastes are discharged together with rainwater during storms with these types of pumps to avoid the flood of the WTP. Several catastrophic events have occurred in service due to the fibbers clog the gap between the impeller blades and the pump casing. The clogging process is partially understood so actual technical solutions deal with effects rather the main causes. Practical implications The operation time of all seven rainwater pumps installed in Timisoara’s WTP is investigated. Climate changes in Banat region and new waste properties found in the wastewater require appropriate technical solutions. A technical solution is proposed based on these investigations to extend the operation time and to diminish the operation and maintenance costs. Social implications These large pumps are installed in the urban sewage centralised system implemented in the most cities. The access to the sewerage network is a requirement of any community, regardless of the social status. Originality/value The fracture surfaces of both fastening bolts of the rainwater pump impellers produced in service are examined. As a result, it has been identified that the catastrophic events are due to the brittle fracture of both fasten bolts between the impeller blades and the pump hub, respectively. The catastrophic events of the rainwater propeller pumps are directly correlated to the clog level of the impeller. The numerical simulation is performed to determine the maximum shear stress on the fasten bolts. The case with pump operating at normal conditions is performed identifying its vulnerabilities to clog conditions. Next, one impeller blade is progressively blocked considering three time stop scenarios associated with different clog levels. Conclusively, the operating time of the rainwater pump up to the catastrophic failure is correlated to the clog level of the impeller.

In this work, thermoelectric properties of the nanocomposite materials produced via ball milling followed by spark plasma sintering from In0.2Yb0.2Co4Sb12 double filled skutterudite (SKT) with silicon and tungsten carbide inclusions are investigated. The nanocomposites with low volume ratios of β-SiC and α-WC have a significantly increased power factor, while the lattice thermal conductivity is lowered only for β-SiC composites. The power factor enhancement in α-WC/SKT composite compensates the increase of its thermal conductivity, and as a consequence, the maximum value of the figure of merit, 0.97, is attained for 0.33 v% α-WC at 450 °C, with 15% higher than that of the simple skutterudite sample.

L’objectif premier de cet article est de proposer, argumenter et illustrer une approche complémentaire de celles qui étudient le changement sémantique et deux des phénomènes qui lui sont associés : le vieillissement et l’innovation dans le domaine lexical. Le corollaire de cet objectif est de bâtir un pont conceptuel et opérationnel entre le principe explicatif du sens linguistique proposé dans le cadre de la sémantique des possibles argumentatifs – le cinétisme discursif et sémantique – et les fonctions du langage dans les changements du monde social. L’illustration de cette proposition théorique mobilise un domaine social et linguistique particulièrement sensible : celui des valeurs sociales complexes et ipso facto des valeurs modales épaisses. L’analyse porte sur les mots réclame et publicité et sur les pratiques sociales qu’ils désignent. The primary objective of this article is to propose, argue and illustrate an approach that is complementary to those that study semantic change and two of the phenomena associated with it: ageing and innovation in the lexical field. The corollary of this objective is to build a conceptual and operational bridge between the explanatory principle of linguistic meaning proposed within the framework of the semantics of argumentative possibilities – discursive and semantic kinesis – and the functions of language in changes in the social world. The illustration of this theoretical proposal mobilizes a particularly sensitive social and linguistic domain: that of complex social values and ipso facto thick modal values. The analysis focuses on the French words réclame (advertisement) and publicité (publicity) and on the social practices they designate.

Composites of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles dispersed in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix were prepared by a molding process. Two types of samples were obtained by free polymerization with randomly dispersed particles and by polymerization in an applied magnetic field. The magnetite nanoparticles were obtained from magnetic micrograins of acicular goethite (α-FeOOH) and spherical hematite (α-Fe2O3), as demonstrated by XRD measurements. The evaluation of morphological and compositional properties of the PDMS:Fe3O4 composites, performed by SEM and EDX, showed that the magnetic particles were uniformly distributed in the polymer matrix. Addition of magnetic dispersions promotes an increase of thermal conductivity compared with pristine PDMS, while further orienting the powders in a magnetic field during the polymerization process induces a decrease of the thermal conductivity compared with the un-oriented samples. The shape of the magnetic dispersions is an important factor, acicular dispersions providing a higher value for thermal conductivity compared with classic commercial powders with almost spherical shapes.

Obtaining hard and rigid structures, so necessary in the field of constructions, can be obtained by pouring concrete over reinforcements formed of steel or polymer bars and which by drying acquire the desired characteristics. The joints of the bars are made by splicing them with steel wires. The replacement of this time-consuming technique by a welding of steel bars brings not only an increase in productivity, but also an increased quality and safety of these joints.This paper aims to develop and validate a technique based on the analysis of vibracoustic signals obtained by applying a mechanical impulse to welded bars, in order to determine their elastic characteristics. The tests were performed on six dimensions of the welded steel bars, and the acquisition of the signals was done by means of an acoustic sensor consisting of a dynamic microphone of high fidelity in the frequency range of 20 Hz-20 kHz. Spectral analysis of vibration signals was done using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and the Prony Series Method (PSM). The first frequencies in the spectrum were compared with those obtained theoretically by approximating the cylinder bars, respectively with those obtained numerically using the Modal Analysis (MA) based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). For the comparison of the longitudinal modulus of elasticity (Young modulus), resulting on the basis of the acoustic method, the classic tensile test method was used.

International audience