Computer Integration for Robotic Masonry

Abstract: Computers are essential in the development of robotic systems for construction. The introduction of such systems creates many challenges to researchers, equipment manufacturers, and users alike. This paper presents a new initiative to study critical issues related to the establishment of a robotic masonry system. In particular, the paper discusses three major problem areas: (1) design automation, (2) automated mortar application, and (3) adaptive control of brick placement. The data presented have been generated using standard PC computers which control and integrate design tools with real-time machinery and sensory devices.     

Polymeric pseudocrown ethers. III. The complexation with iron(III) in phosphoric—hydrochloric acid mixtures

Polymeric pseudocrown ethers, incorporating oxyethylene and oxypropylene units, extract FeCl₄^? from mixed hydrochloric and phosphoric acids. The complexation depends on hydrochloric acid concentration and becomes efficient when the HCl concentration exceeds 4 M. The regeneration of the polymers is accomplished with water. Column tests have been shown to separate iron very efficiently from phosphoric acid, which is recovered quantitatively. In comparison, Amberlyst A-21, a weak-base anion exchanger, shows affinity for phosphoric acid, making the separation between iron and phosphorus difficult.     

Water binding and irreversible dehydration processes in cellulose acetate membranes

The relative amounts of freezing and nonfreezing water in various water-wet cellulose acetate (CA) membranes were determined by NMR techniques, from the initial heights of the water component in the free induction decay (MNR intensity). The results suggest that (1) a significant fraction of the water in various wet CA membranes does not freeze, probably because of strong interaction with the polymer; (2) the relaxation times T₂ of the nonfreezing water are of the order of milliseconds indicating that they are still highly mobile compared with ice; (3) all the water contained in dense CA films or in membranes equilibrated at relative humidity of 0.93 does not freeze upon cooling the membranes from room temperature to ?60°C; (4) the amounts of nonfreezing bound water in membranes is higher than the total amount of water absorbed from liquid water by a dense film of the same polymer. However, the amounts of nonfreezing water in various CA membranes as calculated from the “relative NMR intensities” is substantially lower than those calculated from DSC melting endotherms by assuming the heat of fusion of water in membranes to be identical to that of pure water. Various possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. Measurements on the first desorption-adsorption cycle of wet CA membranes have also been performed. They suggest that during the first dehydration process, irreversible changes are induced in the structure of the membrane which result in a significantly lower accessibility of the polymer to interact with water. The extent of these irreversible changes in membrane structure is dependent on the details of the dehydration process being more pronounced at higher temperatures.     

Hierarchical porous silica membranes with dispersed Pt nanoparticles

Multifunctional silica membranes with a hierarchical porosity and containing dispersed Pt nanoparticles were prepared by an original one pot microwave-assisted sol–gel route. These membranes exhibit three porosity levels: interconnected micropores (<2 nm) in silica walls, isolated ordered mesopores (4 nm), and isolated macropores (70 nm). They were directly coated on tubular macroporous alumina supports without any intermediate mesoporous layer contrary to conventional membrane architectures. The isolated macropores and mesopores enable to increase the membrane permeability whereas the interconnected microporosity defines the membrane cut-off. The catalytic Pt nanoparticles (4 nm) mainly hosted in the mesoporous volume, are stabilised against undesirable agglomeration under working conditions. A first series of multifunctional membranes were prepared, in which preferential adsorption of hydrocarbon gases and efficient propene oxidation were evidenced. In order to avoid any possible interconnection between macropores, several strategies were investigated, which prevented sol infiltration in the macroporous support during the deposition process. These original multifunctional membranes are potentially attractive for gas separation and catalytic reactor applications.     

In the Right Place at the Right Time: miRNAs as Key Regulators in Developing Axons

During neuronal circuit formation, axons progressively develop into a presynaptic compartment aided by extracellular signals. Axons display a remarkably high degree of autonomy supported in part by a local translation machinery that permits the subcellular production of proteins required for their development. Here, we review the latest findings showing that microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of this machinery, orchestrating the spatiotemporal regulation of local translation in response to cues. We first survey the current efforts toward unraveling the axonal miRNA repertoire through miRNA profiling, and we reveal the presence of a putative axonal miRNA signature. We also provide an overview of the molecular underpinnings of miRNA action. Our review of the available experimental evidence delineates two broad paradigms: cue-induced relief of miRNA-mediated inhibition, leading to bursts of protein translation, and cue-induced miRNA activation, which results in reduced protein production. Overall, this review highlights how a decade of intense investigation has led to a new appreciation of miRNAs as key elements of the local translation regulatory network controlling axon development.     

Systematic literature review on city logistics: overview,classification and analysis

City logistics is one of the significant branches of supply chain management, dealing with the logistics and transportation activities in urban areas. This research area has recently appropriated an exponential growth of publications. This paper presents a bibliometric analysis along with a systematic literature review to organise the results of surveying more than 370 papers and research works published since 2010. We identify the top contributing research topics. The most common keywords used in the city logistics literature are referred to in order to propose six research categories identifying the main innovative research perspectives.     

Influence of moisture content on the contact angle and surface tension measured on birch wood surfaces

European Journal of Wood and Wood Products - Surface tension of solid wood surfaces affects the wettability and thus the adhesion of various adhesives and wood coatings. By measuring the contact...     

Fabrication and Characterization of Nanostructured AACVD Thin Films on 316L SS as Surface Protective Layers in Simulated Body Fluid

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A - The surface of implant materials is one of the most significant factors for controlling the interaction between biomaterials and bone tissues. Hence,...     

Detecting Organization-Targeted Socialbots by Monitoring Social Network Profiles

Networks and Spatial Economics - Advanced attackers use online social networks in order to extract useful information about targeted organizations, including the names of the organization’s...     

Characterization and sustainable management strategies of municipal solid waste in Egypt

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy - The aim of the present study was to establish a national database of waste characteristics for Egypt to support the assessment of various waste...