An assessment of total RMR classification system using unified simulation model based on artificial neural networks

Engineering design has great importance in the cost and safety of engineering structures. Rock mass rating (RMR) system has become a reliable and widespread pre-design system for its ease of use and variety in engineering applications such as tunnels, foundations, and slopes. In RMR system, six parameters are employed in classifying a rock mass: uniaxial compressive strength of intact rock material (UCS), rock quality designation (RQD), spacing of discontinuities (SD), condition of discontinuities (CD), condition of groundwater (CG), and orientation of discontinuities (OD). The ratings of the first three parameters UCS, RQD, and SD are determined via graphic readings where the last three parameters CD, CG, and OD are estimated by the tables that are composed of interval valued linguistic expressions. Because of these linguistic expresions, the estimated rating values of the last three become fuzzy especially when the related conditions are close to border of any two classes. In such cases, these fuzzy situations could lead up incorrect rock class estimations. In this study, an empirical database based on the linguistic expressions for CD, CG, and OD is developed for training Artificial Neural Network (ANN) classifiers. The results obtained from graphical readings and ANN classifiers are unified in a simulation model (USM). The data obtained from five different tunnels, which were excavated for derivation purpose, are used to evaluate classification results of conventional method and proposed model. Finally, it is noted that more accurate and realistic ratings are reached by means of proposed model.     

Capability of the rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract on the oxidative stability of cooked sea bream (Sparus aurata) during frozen storage

The effects of rosemary extract addition on oxidative stability of cooked sea bream during frozen storage period were investigated. Sea bream fillets were fried, oven baked and grilled. Three groups with rosemary extract were also cooked by the same methods and cooked samples (with and without rosemary extract) were stored in ?18?°C for 4?months. After cooking procedures, the FFA formation was quite similar in fresh-raw and fried sea bream fillets, but significantly increased oven baked (0.31?C0.33% oleic acid) and grilled fillets (0.39?C0.40% oleic acid). The highest value of PV was also obtained from grilled fillets (1.18?C1.58?meq/kg). However, TBA values (1.92?mg MA/kg for fresh-raw fillet) did not increase in sea bream fillets after the frying and grilling procedure except oven baking without rosemary extract (2.41?mg MA/kg). A considerable increase in the FFA, PV and TBA was observed in all cooked groups during frozen storage period. The treated samples with rosemary extract generally showed slower PV and TBA formation than those of the untreated samples. However, the additions of rosemary extract have positive effect on sensory quality of baked sea bream.     

Platelet-Released Growth Factors Influence Wound Healing-Associated Genes in Human Keratinocytes and Ex Vivo Skin Explants

Platelet-released growth factors (PRGFs) or other thrombocyte concentrate products, e.g., Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), have become efficient tools of regenerative medicine in many medical disciplines. In the context of wound healing, it has been demonstrated that treatment of chronic or complicated wounds with PRGF or PRF improves wound healing in the majority of treated patients. Nevertheless, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanism are still poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to analyze if PRGF-treatment of human keratinocytes caused the induction of genes encoding paracrine factors associated with successful wound healing. The investigated genes were Semaphorin 7A (SEMA7A), Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPLT4), Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2), Interleukin-32 (IL-32), the CC-chemokine-ligand 20 (CCL20), the matrix-metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), the chemokine C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and the subunit B of the Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGFB). We observed a significant gene induction of SEMA7A, ANGPLT4, FGF-2, IL-32, MMP-2 and PDGFB in human keratinocytes after PRGF treatment. The CCL20- and CXCL10 gene expressions were significantly inhibited by PRGF therapy. Signal transduction analyses revealed that the PRGF-mediated gene induction of SEMA7A, ANGPLT4, IL-32 and MMP-2 in human keratinocytes was transduced via the IL-6 receptor pathway. In contrast, EGF receptor signaling was not involved in the PRGF-mediated gene expression of analyzed genes in human keratinocytes. Additionally, treatment of ex vivo skin explants with PRGF confirmed a significant gene induction of SEMA7A, ANGPLT4, MMP-2 and PDGFB. Taken together, these results describe a new mechanism that could be responsible for the beneficial wound healing properties of PRGF or related thrombocytes concentrate products such as PRF.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-Iodine Nanofibers with Poloxamer 188 and Chitosan

This study focuses on the fabrication of poly(vinyl alcohol)/ poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-Iodine nanofibers via electrospinning. Electrospun fibers were characterized by FT-IR, DSC and SEM techniques. DSC results indicated that the thermal stability of nanofibers were improved after the addition of chitosan and poloxamer 188. SEM images showed that the spongiform structure is much more compact and fibrous in the case of added chitosan, with an average fiber diameter of 374 nm, whereas the addition of poloxamer 188 resulted in a more porous and beaded composition, with average fiber diameter of 489 nm.     

Partial purification of <Emphasis Type="Italic">nigella sativa</Emphasis> L. Seed lipase and its application in hydrolytic reactions. Enrichment of γ-linolenic acid from borage oil

Selective hydrolysis of borage (Borago officinalis L.) oil was catalyzed by two lipase preparations of Nigella sativa L. seeds at 40°C in a mixture of borage oil, water, and hexane. Ammonium sulfate-precipitated lipase (Nigella PL) and lipase partially purified by DEAE-ion exchange chromatography (Nigella CPL) exhibited a negative specificity toward γ-linolenic acid (GLA). Best results were obtained in the experiments conducted with 330 U/g oil of Nigella PL and 200 U/g oil of nigella CPL. When 330 U/g oil of Nigella PL was used, after 8 h the GLA level rose from 21.9% in the starting oil to 29.6 and 41.8% in TAG and DAG fractions of the product mixtures, respectively (1.5-fold enrichment of GLA in the total unhydrolyzed acylglycerol fraction). At 200 U/g oil enzyme concentration of Nigella CPL, after 77 h maximum GLA enrichment was observed in the DAG fraction. The GLA content of the DAG increased to 34.6%, corresponding to almost 1.6-fold enrichment. The relative inability of Nigella sativa lipase(s) to hydrolyze γ-linolenoyl moieties of TAG can be used for the enrichment of this acid in the unhydrolyzed acylglycerol fractions of GLA-containing oils.     

JP‐900 Hydroperoxidation and Decomposition

JP‐900 (C₁₀H₁₈) is a bicyclic, high‐energy‐density fuel being employed in aircrafts. In recent years, inspection of fuels refined by different processes has showed that noticeably higher peroxide concentrations exist in fuels, which have been severely hydrotreated. Hydroperoxide concentration was considered to be a parameter in fuel instability. Presently, Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to investigate the mechanisms of oxidation of JP‐900 through hydroperoxidation. The total electronic energies of JP‐900, and certain radicals and hydroperoxides originated from JP‐900 were calculated. Their thermodynamic stabilities were discussed. The most feasible “carbon center” of JP‐900 that would be oxidized through hydroperoxidation was assigned. It has been found that the hydroperoxides may decompose to different products having greater stability (possessing more negative total electronic energies). A variety of mechanisms including carboxylic acid (ester)‐alkane, alcohol‐aldehyde and ketone‐alcohol decomposition mechanism were questioned. The probable decomposition products were determined and confirmed by thermodynamic calculations.     

Reliability analysis of the complex mode indicator function and Hilbert Transform techniques for operational modal analysis

This study presents application of the CMIF and the Hilbert Transform techniques onto simulated response data obtained using a numerical model of a typical school building from Turkey. White noise is added to the data in order to achieve a noise to signal ratio of 5%. 100 Monte Carlo analysis sequences are carried out and the modal parameters (the frequencies, the mode shapes and the damping ratios) are identified at each Monte Carlo run for both techniques. The results are compared with the identifications obtained from the simulated data using stochastic subspace based system identification technique. The overall results of the study show that the mode shapes are clearly identified the best by using the CMIF technique. The damping ratios are estimated better by using the stochastic subspace based system identification technique whereas the frequencies are best determined by the CMIF. The results also show that both the CMIF and the Hilbert Transform techniques are sensitive to the type of window used as well as the averaging and the decimation process. It is apparent that the CMIF technique is as robust as the frequently used stochastic subspace based system identification technique and can be confidently used for modal parameter estimation of stiff low to mid rise reinforced concrete structures.     

Modifications in the properties of gypsum construction element via addition of expanded macroporous silica granules

The present study is focused on the production of light weight silicate based macroporous filler for hardened gypsum and its effect on the product properties. Highly porous, durable foam like silica granules were produced from the relatively low cost material of silica gel desiccant. Swelling behaviour and mineralogical structure of the granules after swelling were examined. Different sample series were produced by replacing gypsum by expanded silica gel. Physical properties of the hardened gypsum were improved by the addition of expanded silica gel granules. Thermal conductivity of the gypsum decreased significantly when the expanded silica gel granules introduced into the gypsum. Expanded silica gel addition also improved the high temperature durability of gypsum. Much better integrity was observed after the testing of samples at 700 °C when compared to control series.