Search results for "Improvement"
showing 10 items of 205 documents
Steel based retrofitting interventions for existing masonry walls: a comparative numerical investigation
2021
Masonry buildings constitute a significant portion of the architectural heritage all over the world, also in regions affected by a high seismic hazard. Since this constructional material is character-ized by lack of tensile strength, as well as small deformation capacity, masonry structures could result hugely damaged if shaken by seismic forces. In order to avoid collapses and reduce struc-tural damage, innovative retrofitting interventions are necessary to improve the seismic behavior of masonry structures. In this context, steel-based techniques could be considered among the most suitable solutions. In fact, by using such a high-performant material, additional strength and ductility may …
Definition of a laboratory optimization protocol for road bitumen improved with recycled tire rubber
2012
Abstract Bearing in mind the need to answer one of the most frequent needs for civil construction, in general, and major project such as road infrastructures in particular, this paper presents the results of a laboratory experimental study in order to evaluate the performance improvement that is possible to achieve when modifying road bitumen with CRM (Crumb Rubber Modifier) from discarded tire rubber (TR), using a Wet Process. The environmental advantage is double, since the aim of the research is to obtain high performance road bitumen thanks to the re-use of a discarded material, such as the rubber tires, which otherwise would be dumped in scrap-yard. In particular, this experimental stu…
Optimization and Improvement of a Novel HVOF Process Fueled with Ethanol
2022
The high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spray has become a process of choice for producing high performance cermet or alloy coatings. Common HVOF thermal spray systems classically use the combustion of gases, such as hydrogen, propane or a liquid fuel such as kerosene. However, there is currently a limited amount of literature on the use of ethanol as a fuel within HVOF processes and the performances of the resulting coatings are not well documented. Ethanol benefits from environmentally friendly features and is less polluting compared to conventional fossil liquid fuels (i.e. kerosene) as its combustion generates less nitrogen oxides and soot particles. In this work, we decide to investigate suc…
STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AS A SOURCE OF FINANCE FOR REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: MEASUREMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND REGIONAL POLICY WITH TH…
2008
The present paper analyses spatial distribution of EU financial support for territories, where environmental protection is of high importance, and tests the measuring method based on the t‐statistic of sign frequency in order to apply the R. Fisher function's arcsin transformation. The measuring of EU fund distribution is based on the analysis of sign frequency in sample groups with sign frequency in all the municipalities of Latvia. There are 530 municipalities in Latvia, and in 100 of them environmental protection is of high importance. The author has concluded that Latvian municipalities with high environmental protection levels have significantly higher possibilities to obtain EU funds …
Computerized dynamic fluid simulation (CFD) for measuring the influence of the cab deflector on the aerodynamics of trucks
2021
This paper refers to how the cab deflector of trucks can influence the aerodynamic coefficient. The first part of the paper includes some generalities taken from previous studies, regarding the types of solutions to improve aerodynamics for trucks. The second part of the paper is a more practical one and has two main chapters: modeling and simulation of modeled parts. In this sense, a truck and 3 cabin deflectors were schematically modeled in Catia v5. After assembly in the Catia v5 program, the impact of the cabin deflector was analyzed. Thus, a computerized dynamic fluid simulation (CFD) was performed using the specific module in Ansys. The simulation included the CFD analysis of the four…
Mixed e-assessment: An application of the studentgenerated question technique
2010
This paper presents the experiment of a mixed summative-formative evaluation in an asynchronous distance higher education context. In the experiment, performed in the distance course of Total Quality Management, Industrial Engineering, University of Guadalajara (Mexico), students are guided to formultate questions on specific topics. Studentgenerated questions are evaluated through an ad-hoc quantitative tool, specifically designed for the purpose: the four-criterion Observation Matrix. The experiment shows: (1) that it is possible to improve the Higher Education evaluation process and formalise students' skill in a more thoroughly way than with traditional evaluation; (2) how the student-e…
The Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions and Sustainability on Company Performance in the Pharmaceutical Sector
2021
The primary goal of this study was to determine the impact of mergers and acquisitions (M&
An initial study into the suitability of Sicilian ecotypes of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. for turfgrass use
2004
The aim of the study is to evaluate the biodiversity of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. in Sicily (Italy), observing several ecotypes collected in specific areas of the island. The ultimate goal was to identify ecotypes that have the qualitative standards required to establish turfgrasses and/or for specific plant breeding programmes. For each of the 22 bermudagrass ecotypes that were collected from Sicily, leaf texture, stolon internodes length, stolon diameter, turf colour, uniformity and quality rating were the main biometric and qualitative parameters monitored. The speed of recovery was also determined for each ecotype. Interesting variability was recorded in the collected vegetative mater…
Homeless Adults' Recovery Experiences in Housing First and Traditional Services Programs in Seven European Countries.
2020
Across Europe, as governments turn to housing-led strategies in attempts to reverse rising rates of homelessness, increasing numbers of Housing First (HF) programs are being implemented. As HF programs become more widespread, it is important to understand how service users experience them compared to the more prevalent traditional treatment-first approach to addressing long-term homelessness. Although there is a large body of research on service users' experiences of Housing First compared to treatment-first in North American contexts, comparatively less is known about how these two categories of homeless services are experienced in the European context. In a correlational and cross-section…
The current state and developments in higher education in gerontology in the Nordic countries
2012
The growing size of the older population challenges not only researchers but also higher education in gerontology. On the basis of an online survey the authors describe the situation of Nordic higher education in gerontology in 2008 and 2009 and also give some good examples of Nordic- and European-level collaboration. The survey results showed that gerontological education was given in every Nordic country, in 31 universities and 60 other higher education institutions. Although separate aging-related courses and modules were relatively numerous, programs for majors were relatively few. Networking in the Nordic region offers a good example on how to further develop higher education in geront…