Increasing the seismic resistance of operated buildings using special seismic protection methods

The change in the level of seismicity of buildings and structures occurs as a result of updating the maps of general seismic zoning. Ensuring the seismic resistance of buildings and structures is a factor that must be taken into account, especially during construction in seismically active regions. Nowadays, one of the main approaches to increasing seismic resistance is the use of various seismic isolation systems. It is not always profitable and rational to increase the seismic resistance of building structures or foundations for equipment by simply increasing the strength. A classification of seismic reinforcement systems is given, among which the most sparing are special methods of seismic protection in the form of seismic isolation. Practical examples of the use of seismic isolation systems to improve the seismic resistance of existing buildings are given. A computational study was carried out, the result of which showed the effectiveness of using rubber-metal supports for hanging the seismic resistance of buildings.

Degradation Mechanisms of Metal-Supported Solid Oxide Cells and Countermeasures: A Review

Metal-supported oxide cells (MSCs) are considered as the third-generation solid oxide cells (SOCs) succeeding electrolyte-supported (first generation) and anode-supported (second generation) cells, which have gained much attention and progress in the past decade. The use of metal supports and advanced technical methods (such as infiltrated electrodes) has vastly improved cell performance, especially with its rapid startup ability and power density, showing a significant decrease in raw materials cost. However, new degradation mechanisms appeared, limiting the further improvement of the performance and lifetime. This review encapsulates the degradation mechanisms and countermeasures in the field of MSCs, reviewing the challenges and recommendations for future development.

Artificial Neural Networks for Predicting Hydrogen Production in Catalytic Dry Reforming: A Systematic Review

Dry reforming of hydrocarbons, alcohols, and biological compounds is one of the most promising and effective avenues to increase hydrogen (H2) production. Catalytic dry reforming is used to facilitate the reforming process. The most popular catalysts for dry reforming are Ni-based catalysts. Due to their inactivation at high temperatures, these catalysts need to use metal supports, which have received special attention from researchers in recent years. Due to the existence of a wide range of metal supports and the need for accurate detection of higher H2 production, in this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis using ANNs were conducted to assess the hydrogen production by various catalysts in the dry reforming process. The Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were investigated to retrieve the related articles from 1 January 2000 until 20 January 2021. Forty-seven articles containing 100 studies were included. To determine optimal models for three target factors (hydrocarbon conversion, hydrogen yield, and stability test time), artificial neural networks (ANNs) combined with differential evolution (DE) were applied. The best models obtained had an average relative error for the testing data of 0.52% for conversion, 3.36% for stability, and 0.03% for yield. These small differences between experimental results and predictions indicate a good generalization capability.

Influence of metal roadway supports on transient electromagnetic detection in mines

To study the influence of metal supports in roadways on the detection of mines using the transient electromagnetic method, authors treated metal supports including anchor nets as a thin metal layer. According to the finite differences principle, the characteristics of the full-space transient electromagnetic response under the thin metal layer’s influence were calculated using a non-uniform grid. The thin metal layer’s presence slowed the electromagnetic field’s diffusion rate and hindered the overall diffusion. The transient electromagnetic response curve observed under the thin metal layer’s influence was higher than that without the supports. Thicker metal layers resulted in higher early response values and slower decay rates. The decay rate increased as a function of time, gradually approaching that of the curve without metal supports. The simulation of the transient electromagnetic response to the model of water-containing low-resistance structures showed that the metal roadway support reduced the sensitivity of the transient electromagnetic method and weakened its response to low-resistance anomalies.

The External Morphology of the Eggs of Culex (Culex) saltanensis (Diptera: Culicidae) Under Scanning Electron Microscopy

The aim of the present study was to describe the morphology of the eggs of Culex (Culex) saltanensis Dyar that occurs in the Neotropical region. Eggs of the Cx. (Cux.) saltanensis were collected at the Mata Atlântica FIOCRUZ campus, fixed in 1% osmium tetroxide, prepared for mounting on metal supports, observed under a scanning electron microscope, and described morphologically. The eggs had a coniform shape with a length of approximately 0.5 mm (505–510 µm) and a width in the median portion of 117 µm (113–123 µm). Upper portion is lined with tubers of irregular shape and varying sizes (0.64–1.31 µm), located on a cross-linked matrix forming bands observed under optical microscopy. The micropyle is encased in a necklace of approximately 6.6-µm plates arranged in a flower-like shape. Comparing Cx. (Cux.) saltanensis eggs with several species of different genera, important divergent characteristics can be observed. However, this study points to the need for new descriptions of eggs of species belonging to the same subgenus in order to analyze if there will be differences between them. Culex (Cux.) saltanensis eggs have particular characteristics not observed in eggs of other Culicidae genera.

Heterogeneous Ru Catalysts as the Emerging Potential Superior Catalysts in the Selective Hydrogenation of Bio-derived Levulinic Acid to γ-valerolactone: Effect of Particles Size, Solvent, and Support on activity, Stability, and Selectivity

Catalytic hydrogenation of a biomass-derived molecule, levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (GVL) has been getting a lot of attention from researchers across the globe recently. This is because GVL has been identified as one of the potential molecules for the replacement of fossil fuels. For instance, GVL can be catalytically converted into liquid alkenes in the molecular weight range close to that found in transportation fuels via a process that does not require an external hydrogen source. Noble and non-noble metals have been used as catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of LA to GVL. Of these, Ru has been reported to be the most active metal for this reaction. The type of metal supports and solvents has been proved to affect the activity, selectivity, and yields of GVL. Water has been identified as a potential, effective “green” solvent for the hydrogenation of LA to GVL. The use of different sources of H2 other than molecular hydrogen (such as formic acid) has also been explored. In a few instances, the product, GVL, is hydrogenated further to other useful products such as 1,4-pentanediol (PD) and methyl tetrahydrofuran (MTHF). This review selectively focuses on the potential of immobilized Ru catalysts as a potential superior catalyst for selective hydrogenation of LA to GVL.

‘No satisfaction, no fun, no future’: Futures thinking in black metal

In this article, we aim to think the burgeoning theoretical orientation known as accelerationism alongside black metal, particularly as black metal harnesses accelerationist strategies of negation and opposition on behalf of surveying a world out-of-step with its ‘normative’ conceptualization. We claim that the relationship of accelerationism and black metal supports a stronger understanding of black metal’s ‘futurist thinking’ in that each cultivates a comportment for saying ‘NO’ to the world ‘as it is’ while advancing futures remote to the current civilizational order and the patterning of social being that such order presumes. It is along such aspects of resistance, we claim, that black metal both disarticulates the present and creates conditions for thinking the future, although one that contravenes the presumption of human supremacy, preservation and mastery. Further, by thinking black metal alongside accelerationism, we might better understand the conceptual and quasi-theoretical force of black metal as an artistic convergence point for apprehending an encroaching world of inhuman transformation and civilizational change.

SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS BASED ON A METAL CARRIER

In this short review article, all generations of solid oxide fuel cells are discussed in detail. Special attention was paid to solid oxide fuel cells on a supporting metal base. Structures with a metal base are of great interest due to the possibility of quick start, greater reliability, mechanical stability and resistance to thermal cycling. The advantages and disadvantages of metal supports based on Ni, FeNi, NiCrAlY and ferritic stainless steel were discussed in detail. The analysis of the work of leading scientists of the world on this topic research. Based on these analyzes, it is important to note that at present, solid oxide fuel cells based on a Ni-Al carrier is the most promising and economically efficient in the world.

Modeling and methodology for calculating the strength of a man-made bottom in a system with self-destruction of ore for ecologically safe mining

The article discusses the features of technological solutions in the development of chromite deposits at great depths in difficult mining and geological conditions. For a system with self-destruction of ore, as well as for other similar systems, the weakest point in mining is the design of the block bottom, especially for the lower horizons, where the geomechanical situation deteriorates significantly, it becomes necessary to use more powerful supports or to erect artificial bottoms that can withstand acting loads exceeding the bearing capacity of metal supports of various modifications. The most promising solution in the conditions of development of fractured massifs is the geotechnology of creating an man-made bottom at the zone of extraction and delivery of ore mass, in the areas of conjugation overstrett and interstrett pillars, reinforced with multi-support reinforced concrete platforms, as a bearing structural element of the mining system with self-destruction of ore, which can withstand extremely high rock pressure. The article presents the results of calculating the strength of an artificial bottom in a system with selfdestruction of ore using numerical 3D modeling.