Assessment of flexural and splitting strength of steel fiber reinforced concrete using automated neural network search

Zhang, Zhenhao,Paul, Suvash C.,Panda, Biranchi,Huang, Yuhao,Garg, Ankit,Zhang, Yi,Garg, Akhil,Zhang, Wengang Techno-Press 2020 Advances in concrete construction Vol.10 No.1

Flexural and splitting strength behavior of conventional concrete can significantly be improved by incorporating the fibers in it. A significant number of research studies have been conducted on various types of fibers and their influence on the tensile capacity of concrete. However, as an important property, tensile capacity of fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) is not modelled properly. Therefore, this paper intends to formulate a model based on experiments that show the relationship between the fiber properties such as the aspect ratio (length/diameter), fiber content, compressive strength, flexural strength and splitting strength of FRC. For the purpose of modeling, various FRC mixes only with steel fiber are adopted from the existing research papers. Automated neural network search (ANS) is then developed and used to investigate the effect of input parameters such as fiber content, aspect ratio and compressive strength to the output parameters of flexural and splitting strength of FRC. It is found that the ANS model can be used to predict the flexural and splitting strength of FRC in a sensible precision.

Grouting effects evaluation of water-rich faults and its engineering application in Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Subsea Tunnel, China

Zhang, Jian,Li, Shucai,Li, Liping,Zhang, Qianqing,Xu, Zhenhao,Wu, Jing,He, Peng Techno-Press 2017 Geomechanics & engineering Vol.12 No.1

In order to evaluate the grouting effects of water-rich fault in tunnels systematically, a feasible and scientific method is introduced based on the extension theory. First, eight main influencing factors are chosen as evaluation indexes by analyzing the changes of permeability, mechanical properties and deformation of surrounding rocks. The model of evaluating grouting effects based on the extension theory is established following this. According to four quality grades of grouting effects, normalization of evaluation indexes is carried out, aiming to meet the requirement of extension theory on data format. The index weight is allocated by adopting the entropy method. Finally, the model is applied to the grouting effects evaluation in water-rich fault F4-4 of Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Subsea Tunnel, China. The evaluation results are in good agreement with the test results on the site, which shows that the evaluation model is feasible in this field, providing a powerful tool for systematically evaluating the grouting effects of water-rich fault in tunnels.

MiRNA320a Inhibitor-Loaded PLGA-PLL-PEG Nanoparticles Contribute to Bone Regeneration in Trauma-Induced Osteonecrosis Model of the Femoral Head

Zhang Ying,Li Chuan,Wei Qiushi,Yuan Qiang,He Wei,Zhang Ning,Dong Yiping,Jing Zhenhao,Zhang Leilei,Wang Haibin,Cao Xiangyang 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2024 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.21 No.1

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the effect of a nanomaterial-based miR-320a inhibitor sustained release system in trauma-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (TIONFH). METHODS: The miR-320a inhibitor-loaded polyethylene glycol (PEG)- Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)- Poly-L-lysine (PLL) nanoparticles were constructed using the double emulsion method. The TIONFH rabbit model was established to observe the effects of miR-320a inhibitor nanoparticles in vivo. Hematoxylin–eosin staining and microcomputed tomography scanning were used for bone morphology analysis. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), derived from TIONFH rabbits, were used for in vitro experiments. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. RESULTS: High expression of miR-320a inhibited the osteogenic differentiation capacity of BMSCs in vitro by inhibiting the expression of the osteoblastic differentiation markers ALP and RUNX2. MiR-320a inhibitor-loaded PEG-PLGA-PLL nanoparticles were constructed with a mean loading efficiency of 1.414 ± 0.160%, and a mean encapsulation efficiency of 93.45 ± 1.24%, which released 50% of the loaded miR-320a inhibitor at day 12 and 80% on day 18. Then, inhibitor release entered the plateau. After treatment with the miR-320a inhibitor nanoparticle, the empty lacunae were decreased in the femoral head tissue of TIONFH rabbits, and the osteoblast surface/bone surface (Ob.S/BS), osteoblast number/bone perimeter (Ob.N/B.Pm), bone volume fraction, and bone mineral density increased. Additionally, the expression of osteogenic markers RUNX2 and ALP was significantly elevated in the TIONFH rabbit model. CONCLUSION: The miR-320a inhibitor-loaded PEG-PLGA-PLL nanoparticle sustained drug release system significantly contributed to bone regeneration in the TIONFH rabbit model, which might be a promising strategy for the treatment of TIONFH. BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the effect of a nanomaterial-based miR-320a inhibitor sustained release system in trauma-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (TIONFH). METHODS: The miR-320a inhibitor-loaded polyethylene glycol (PEG)- Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)- Poly-L-lysine (PLL) nanoparticles were constructed using the double emulsion method. The TIONFH rabbit model was established to observe the effects of miR-320a inhibitor nanoparticles in vivo. Hematoxylin–eosin staining and microcomputed tomography scanning were used for bone morphology analysis. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), derived from TIONFH rabbits, were used for in vitro experiments. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. RESULTS: High expression of miR-320a inhibited the osteogenic differentiation capacity of BMSCs in vitro by inhibiting the expression of the osteoblastic differentiation markers ALP and RUNX2. MiR-320a inhibitor-loaded PEG-PLGA-PLL nanoparticles were constructed with a mean loading efficiency of 1.414 ± 0.160%, and a mean encapsulation efficiency of 93.45 ± 1.24%, which released 50% of the loaded miR-320a inhibitor at day 12 and 80% on day 18. Then, inhibitor release entered the plateau. After treatment with the miR-320a inhibitor nanoparticle, the empty lacunae were decreased in the femoral head tissue of TIONFH rabbits, and the osteoblast surface/bone surface (Ob.S/BS), osteoblast number/bone perimeter (Ob.N/B.Pm), bone volume fraction, and bone mineral density increased. Additionally, the expression of osteogenic markers RUNX2 and ALP was significantly elevated in the TIONFH rabbit model. CONCLUSION: The miR-320a inhibitor-loaded PEG-PLGA-PLL nanoparticle sustained drug release system significantly contributed to bone regeneration in the TIONFH rabbit model, which might be a promising strategy for the treatment of TIONFH.

Study on Static and Dynamic Reliability of Main Girder of Cable-stayed Bridge Based on Subset Simulation Method

Zhenhao Zhang,Mengmeng Tao,Fuming Wang,Yi Yang,Lu Ke 대한토목학회 2023 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.27 No.2

For failure probability analysis of complex structures, the Monte Carlo method (MC) needs alarge number of samples and it is more inefficient in the case of small failure probability. Basedon the Subset Simulation (SS) and Subset Simulation Significant Sampling (SSIS), this paperanalyzes the static and dynamic reliability of main girder of cable-stayed bridge and realizesthe efficient solution of the failure probability of complex cable-stayed bridge. According toSS, MC sampling is performed on random variables. Finally, the critical values of intermediatefailure events are solved and automatically stratified, and then the failure probability of eachfailure mode is obtained by counting the number of samples in the failure domain. Accordingto SSIS method, SS method is optimized by introducing important sampling density function,which can make the sample points to fall in the structural failure areas as many as possible. The failure probability of main girder of cable-stayed bridge can be calculated more efficiently. Meanwhile, ANSYS-PDS template technique is used to perform the reliability and sensitivityanalysis of main girder of cable-stayed bridge. The failure probabilities obtained are very closeto the results of SS. The example analysis shows that for the reliability analysis of cable-stayedbridges, the sample size of SS and SSIS is 0.3% of MC, and the maximum relative difference isless than 3%. In addition the main beam section bending moment and wind speed have thegreatest impact on the reliability of the main beam of cable-stayed bridges.

Long term structural health monitoring for old deteriorated bridges: a copula-ARMA approach

Yi Zhang,Chul-Woo Kim,Lian Zhang,Yongtao Bai,Hao Yang,Xiangyang Xu,Zhenhao Zhang 국제구조공학회 2020 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.25 No.3

Long term structural health monitoring has gained wide attention among civil engineers in recent years due to the scale and severity of infrastructure deterioration. Establishing effective damage indicators and proposing enhanced monitoring methods are of great interests to the engineering practices. In the case of bridge health monitoring, long term structural vibration measurement has been acknowledged to be quite useful and utilized in the planning of maintenance works. Previous researches are majorly concentrated on linear time series models for the measurement, whereas nonlinear dependences among the measurement are not carefully considered. In this paper, a new bridge health monitoring method is proposed based on the use of long term vibration measurement. A combination of the fundamental ARMA model and copula theory is investigated for the first time in detecting bridge structural damages. The concept is applied to a real engineering practice in Japan. The efficiency and accuracy of the copula based damage indicator is analyzed and compared in different window sizes. The performance of the copula based indicator is discussed based on the damage detection rate between the intact structural condition and the damaged structural condition.

Association between hearing loss and physical performance in patients on maintenance hemodialysis

Fan Weifeng,Zhong Xiaojing,Wu Qing,Zhang Lihong,Yang Zhenhao,Gu Yong,Guo Qi,Chen Xiaoyu,Yu Chen,Zhang Kun,Ding Wei,Qi Hualin,Zhao Junli,Zhang Liming,Zhang Suhua,Niu Jianying 대한신장학회 2024 Kidney Research and Clinical Practice Vol.43 No.3

Background: The correlation between hearing loss (HL) and physical performance in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) remains poorly investigated. This study explored the association between HL and physical performance in patients on MHD. Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2020 and April 2021 in seven hemodialysis centers in Shanghai and Suzhou, China. The hearing assessment was performed using pure-tone average (PTA). Physical performance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), handgrip strength, and gait speed. Results: Finally, 838 adult patients (male, 516 [61.6%]; 61.2 ± 2.6 years) were enrolled. Among them, 423 (50.5%) had mild to profound HL (male, 48.6% and female, 53.4%). Patients with HL had poorer physical performance than patients without HL (p < 0.001). TUGT was positively correlated with PTA (r = 0.265, p < 0.001), while handgrip strength and gait speed were negatively correlated with PTA (r = –0.356, p < 0.001 and r = –0.342, p < 0.001, respectively). Physical performance in patients aged <60 years showed significant dose-response relationships with HL. After adjusting for confounders, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for HL across the TUGT quartiles (lowest to highest) were 1.00 (reference), 1.15 (0.73–1.81), 1.69 (1.07–2.70), and 2.87 (1.69–4.88) (p for trend = 0.005). Conclusion: Lower prevalence of HL was associated with a faster TUGT and a stronger handgrip strength in patients on MHD.

Comparative portrayal of ocular surface microbe with and without dry eye

ZhenHao Li,Yufang Gong,ShuZe Chen,SiQi Li,Yu Zhang,HuiMin Zhong,ZhouCheng Wang,YiFan Chen,QiXin Deng,YuTing Jiang,LiYing Li,Min Fu,GuoGuo Yi 한국미생물학회 2019 The journal of microbiology Vol.57 No.11

To compare the ocular surface (OS) microbial communities and diversity between dry eye (DE) and non-DE (NDE). Furthermore, we compared meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and non-MGD (NMGD) among DE subjects. The V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing was performed in the conjunctival swab samples to investigate the composition of the OS bacterial community in DE (n=35) and NDE (n=54) and compared the composition of MGD (n=25) and NMGD (n=10) among DE subjects. Deep sequencing of OS 16S rDNA from DE (n=35) and NDE (n=54) demonstrated great a difference in alpha and beta diversity between the OS bacterial flora (P < 0.05). The similar OS microbial structures were shown at the phylum and genus levels by bioinformatics analysis between them, and in LEfSe (linear discriminant analysis effect size) analysis, Bacteroidia and Bacteroidetes were enriched in DE, while Pseudomonas was plentiful in NDE (linear discriminant analysis [LDA] > 4.0). Among the DE group, there was no significant difference in α and β diversity between MGD and NMGD (P > 0.05). Surprisingly, Bacilli was the dominant microbe in MGD, and Bacteroidetes was the superior bacteria in NMGD among DE subjects (LDA > 4.0). Different diversity of OS bacteria composition between DE and NDE and the altered diversity of OS bacteria may play an important role in DE. Moreover, the lower dominance of OS bacteria in DE may be associated with the occurrence and development of DE. Although there was no significant difference in alpha and beta analysis, the OS dominant microbe between MGD and NMGD among DE was different.

Detection of LSB Matching Revisited Using Pixel Difference Feature

( Wenxiang Li ),( Tao Zhang ),( Zhenhao Zhu ),( Yan Zhang ),( Xin Ping ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2013 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.7 No.10

This paper presents a detection method for least significant bit matching revisited (LSBMR) steganography. Previous research shows that the adjacent pixels of natural images are highly correlated and the value 0 appears most frequently in pixel difference. Considering that the message embedding process of LSBMR steganography has a weighted-smoothing effect on the distribution of pixel difference, the frequency of the occurrence of value 0 in pixel difference changes most significantly whereas other values approximately remain unchanged during message embedding. By analyzing the effect of LSBMR steganography on pixel difference distribution, an equation is deduced to estimate the frequency of difference value 0 using the frequencies of difference values 1 and 2. The sum of the ratio of the estimated value to the actual value as well as the ratio of the frequency of difference value 1 to difference value 0 is used as the steganalytic detector. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively detect LSBMR steganography and can outperform previous proposed methods.

Preparation of epoxypropyl functionalized graphene oxide and its anticorrosion properties complexed with epoxy resin

Xiaofeng Yang,Yuepeng Zhang,Zhiping Chen,Yinshuai Yang,Hongxia Jing,Zhenhao Sun,Huijie Wang 한국화학공학회 2020 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.37 No.12

Functionalized graphene oxide (GO)/epoxy resin (EP) composite coating has attracted attention due to its advantages of epoxy resin in acid resistance, anticorrosion and having the characteristics of GO such as good chemical stability and strong electrolyte barrier properties. In this study, epoxypropyl functionalized graphene oxide (EFGO) was synthesized with a new strategy by grafting epichlorohydrin (ECH) onto the surface of GO. EFGO was then crosslinked with EP by diethylenetriamine (DETA) to fabricate EFGO/EP anticorrosive coating. The structure and property of EFGO and EFGO/EP were characterized and evaluated by various methods such as FTIR, Raman, XPS, SEM, and EIS. The results showed that the graft amount of epoxypropyl on GO surface could be effectively increased by using KI-KF catalysis system. The increase of the graft amount further improved the compatibility between EFGO and EP. EFGO/EP had a network structure with EFGO as the “central node”. The “central node” locked the movement of EP chain segment, as improving the thermal stability of EFGO/EP. The EFGO/EP coating fabricated by the EFGO, which grafted larger epoxypropyl, had good anticorrosion performance and adhesion with steel plates, showing a good barrier effect on electrolyte migration. The coating resistance reached up 4.88×108 cm2.

Estimation of Extreme Value Vehicle Load Based on the Extended Burr XII Distribution

Yang Liu,Deru Li,Yingqiu Li,Zhenhao Zhang 대한토목학회 2018 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.22 No.9

Traffic monitoring, and particularly maximum vehicle load, is a very important for predicting the remaining service time of either long span or short-to-medium span bridges. Using weigh in motion (WIM) data from the Nanxi Yangtze river bridge, a novel maximum load estimation model of vehicle load was constructed. The novel model is based on the extended Burr XII (EBurr) distribution, which includes the Weibull, generalized Pareto (GPD) and log-logistic distributions. Thus, the traditional GPD model is a special form of the proposed novel model. The correlation of vehicle load is extracted using a peak over threshold method, and a Markov chain Monte Carlo Bayesian method is applied to estimate the parameters. The proposed novel model is compared with other traditional models. The 95th percentile of the load distribution is considered as the evaluation point for overloaded trucks. In addition, vehicle loads collected on highway station are used to verify the novel model’s applicability. The results show: The EBurr distribution is more suitable to capture sparse extreme points than other traditional distributions according to the value of SSE closely to 0 and R2 closely to 1. When the assessment reference period T changes from 100 to 30 years, the deceased ration of the evaluation load weight is 15.17% of EBurr and 10% of GPD of the Nanxi Yangtze river bridge, where it is 12.17% of EBurr and 0.84% of GPD of the bridge near La linhe highway station. The deceased ration of the evaluation load weight using EBurr is larger than that using GPD. Moreover, the deceased ration of the evaluation load weight using GPD in La linhe highway station has a little change. Hence, using EBurr distribution to model the evaluation load is more correspond to fact.