Anatomical Retrofitting:Pi(脾)as Spleen and the Persistence of Ontological Ambivalence

Over the past decade,medical researchers in China have debated whether the Pi(脾)corresponds to the biomedical spleen or pancreas.This debate exemplifies a broader phenomenon of“anatomical retrofitting”,or the anachronistic imposition of contemporary categories onto living historical objects.“Anatomical retrofitting”as a means of rectifying cases of mistranslation further positions the biomedical spleen and pancreas as representing ahistorical,universal truths.This framework gives rise to a conceptual binary:while the biomedical spleen is universalized as what philosophers may describe as“logical”ontology,the Pi connects to a different nature of reality,or“metaphysical”ontology.Far from being an object of imprecision,the Pi was a dynamic vessel that also shared characteristics with the humoral spleen.Given that scholars in China have already subjected Pi to historical scrutiny,this paper urges scholars to do the same with biomedical anatomy.For instance,historically situating the humoral spleen demonstrates that it became less known and less articulated as it transformed into the biomedical spleen.Meanwhile,the pancreas remained an unstable epistemic object that took on the dynamic functions of the humoral spleen in nineteenth-century organotherapy.Through primary source analysis and literature review,this paper contends that the apparent ontological incommensurability between Pi and spleen is neither mutually exclusive nor irreconcilable.Instead,the dynamic nature of internal viscera,their many functions,and their participation in epistemic practices contribute to an ongoing ontological ambivalence that persists despite the forced certainty of anatomical retrofitting.

New Problems of Boiler Corrosion after Coupling Combustion of Coal and Biomass and Anti-Corrosion Technologies

This study explores the corrosion issues arising from the coupled combustion of coal and biomass and proposes potential solutions.Biomass,as a renewable energy source,offers advantages in energy-saving and carbon reduction.However,the corrosive effects of alkali metal compounds,sulfur(S)and chlorine(Cl)elements in the ash after combustion cannot be underestimated due to the high volatile content of biomass fuels.We investigate the corrosion mechanisms,as well as the transfer of Cl and alkali metal elements during this process.Comparative corrosion analyses are conducted among coal-fired boilers,pure biomass boilers and boilers with coupled combustion.Various biomass types in co-firing are studied to understand different corrosion outcomes.The main factors influencing corrosion include the physicochemical properties of biomass feedstock,furnace temperature and heating surface materials,with the chemical composition and ash content of biomass playing a dominant role.Currently,the methods used for anti-corrosion include water washing pretreatment of biomass feedstock,application of novel alloys and coatings and the development of additives to inhibit fouling,ash deposition and corrosion.Efficient inhibitors are economical and easy to produce.Additionally,biomass can be converted into biomass gasification gas,although challenges related to tar still need to be addressed.

Wind Turbine Noise Reduction through Blade Retrofitting

This paper outlines a plan for the effective reduction of the audible sound level produced by aerodynamic noise from the power-generating turbine blades. The contribution of aerodynamic noise can be divided into two categories: inflow turbulence and airfoil self-noise. The base model and retrofit blade designs were modeled in SolidWorks. Subsequently, noise prediction simulations were conducted and compared to the base blade model to determine which modification provided the greatest benefit using SolidWorks Flow Simulation. The result of this project is a series of blade retrofit recommendations that produce a more acoustically efficient design and reduce noise complaints while enabling turbines to be placed in locations that require quieter operations.

Experience on offshore cathodic protection retrofitting in the northern South China Sea

Platforms I and II are steel structures located in offshore areas southeast of the Zhujiang (Pearl) River Delta, the northern South China Sea,. in about 110 in water depth. The jackets, with aluminum sacrificial anodes for cathodic protection (CP) of the immersed zone, were launched in March 1995. In May 096 a CP survey showed that, after almost one year of service, a low polarization level had been achieved and some extended unprotected zones existed; mainly in the deepest part of the Platform II. Further to this, a joint activity was decided in order to assess the need of a possible retrofitting of the CP systems. The results of the activity carried out are dealt with, including technical and economical comparisons amongst several retrofitting options, both with sacrificial anodes and with impressed current systems. The adopted solution is illustrated and data are reported on the level of protection presently achieved.

Atomic-Scale Layer-by-Layer Deposition of Fe SiAl@ZnO@Al_(2)O_(3) Hybrid with Threshold Anti-Corrosion and Ultra-High Microwave Absorption Properties in Low-Frequency Bands

Developing highly efficient magnetic microwave absorb-ers(MAs)is crucial,and yet challenging for anti-corrosion properties in extremely humid and salt-induced foggy environments.Herein,a dual-oxide shell of ZnO/Al_(2)O_(3) as a robust barrier to FeSiAl core is introduced to mitigate corrosion resistance.The FeSiAl@ZnO@Al_(2)O_(3) layer by layer hybrid structure is realized with atomic-scale precision through the atomic layer deposition technique.Owing to the unique hybrid structure,the FeSiAl@ZnO@Al_(2)O_(3) exhibits record-high micro-wave absorbing performance in low-frequency bands covering L and S bands with a minimum reflection loss(RLmin)of-50.6 dB at 3.4 GHz.Compared with pure FeSiAl(RLmin of-13.5 dB,a bandwidth of 0.5 GHz),the RLmin value and effective bandwidth of this designed novel absorber increased up to~3.7 and~3 times,respectively.Fur-thermore,the inert ceramic dual-shells have improved 9.0 times the anti-corrosion property of FeSiAl core by multistage barriers towards corrosive medium and obstruction of the electric circuit.This is attributed to the large charge transfer resistance,increased impedance modulus|Z|0.01 Hz,and frequency time constant of FeSiAl@ZnO@Al_(2)O_(3).The research demonstrates a promising platform toward the design of next-generation MAs with improved anti-corrosion properties.

Preparation technology and anti-corrosion performances of black ceramic coatings formed by micro-arc oxidation on aluminum alloys

In order to prepare ornamental and anti-corrosive coating on aluminum alloys, preparation technology of black micro-arc ceramic coatings on Al alloys in silicate based electrolyte was studied. The influence of content of Na2WO4 and combination additive in solution on the performance of black ceramic coatings was studied; the anticorrosion performances of black ceramic coatings were evaluated through whole-immersion test and electrochemical method in 3.5% NaCl solution at different pH value; SEM and XRD were used to analyze the surface morphology and phase constitutes of the black ceramic coatings. Experimental results indicated that, without combination additives, with the increasing of Na2WO4 content in the electrolyte, ceramic coating became darker and thicker, but the color was not black; after adding combination additive, the coating turned to be black; the black ceramic coating was multi-hole form in surface. There was a small quantity of tungsten existing in the black ceramic coating beside α-Al2O3 phase and β-Al2O3 phase. And aluminum alloy with black ceramic coating exhibited excellent anti-corrosion property in acid, basic and neutral 3.5% NaCl solution.

Resilience-based retrofitting of existing urban RC-frame buildings using seismic isolation

The improvement of the seismic resilience of existing reinforced-concrete(RC) frame buildings, which is essential for the seismic resilience of a city, has become a critical issue. Although seismic isolation is an effective method for improving the resilient performance of such buildings, target-oriented quantitative improvements of the resilient performance of these buildings have been reported rarely. To address this gap, the seismic resilience of two existing RC frame buildings located in a high seismic intensity region of China were assessed based on the Chinese Standard for Seismic Resilience Assessment of Buildings. The critical engineering demand parameters(EDPs) affecting the seismic resilience of such buildings were identified. Subsequently, the seismic resilience of buildings retrofitted with different isolation schemes(i.e., yield ratios) were evaluated and compared, with emphasis on the relationships among yield ratios, EDPs, and levels of seismic resilience. Accordingly, to achieve the highest level of seismic resilience with respect to the Chinese standard, a yield ratio of 3% was recommended and successfully applied to the target-oriented design for the seismic-resilience improvement of an existing RC frame building. The research outcome can provide an important reference for the resilience-based retrofitting of existing RC frame buildings using seismic isolation in urban cities.

Seismic retrofitting of reinforced concrete frame structures using GFRP-tube-confined-concrete composite braces

This paper presents a new type of structural bracing intended for seismic retrofitting use in framed structures. This special composite brace, termed glass-fiber-reinforced-polymer （GFRP）-tube-confined-concrete composite brace, is comprised of concrete confined by a GFRP tube and an inner steel core for energy dissipation. Together with a contribution from the GFRP-tube confined concrete, the composite brace shows a substantially increased stiffness to control story drift, which is often a preferred feature in seismic retrofitting. An analysis model is established and implemented in a general finite element analysis program - OpenSees, for simulating the load-displacement behavior of the composite brace. Using this model, a parametric study of the hysteretic behavior （energy dissipation, stiffness, ductility and strength） of the composite brace was conducted under static cyclic loading and it was found that the area ratio of steel core to concrete has the greatest influence among all the parameters considered. To demonstrate the application of the composite brace in seismic retrofitting, a three-story nonductile reinforced concrete （RC） frame structure was retrofitted with the composite braces. Pushover analysis and nonlinear time-history analyses of the retrofitted RC frame structure was performed by employing a suite of 20 strong ground motion earthquake records. The analysis results show that the composite braces can effectively reduce the peak seismic responses of the RC frame structure without significantly increasing the base shear demand.

Analysis of the impact of large scale seismic retrofitting strategies through the application of a vulnerability-based approach on traditional masonry buildings

The buildings＇ capacity to maintain minimum structural safety levels during natural disasters, such as earthquakes, is recognisably one of the aspects that most influence urban resilience. Moreover, the public investment in risk mitigation strategies is fimdamental, not only to promote social and urban and resilience, but also to limit consequent material, human and environmental losses. Despite the growing awareness of this issue, there is still a vast number of traditional masonry buildings spread throughout many European old city centres that lacks of adequate seismic resistance, requiring therefore urgent retrofitting interventions in order to both reduce their seismic vulnerability and to cope with the increased seismic requirements of recent code standards. Thus, this paper aims at contributing to mitigate the social and economic impacts of earthquake damage scenarios through the development of vulnerability-based comparative analysis of some of the most popularretrofitting techniques applied after the 1998 Azores earthquake. The influence of each technique individually and globally studied resorting to a seismic vulnerability index methodology integrated into a GIS tool and damage and loss scenarios are constructed and critically discussed. Finally, the economic balance resulting from the implementation of that techniques are also examined.

Analytical study of performance evaluation for seismic retrofitting of reinforced concrete building using 3D dynamic nonlinear finite element analysis

This paper presents three-dimensional finite element （FE） analyses of an all-frame model of a three-story reinforced concrete （RC） building damaged in the 1999 Taiwan Chi-Chi Earthquake. Non-structural brick walls of the building acted as a seismic resistant element although their contributions were neglected in the design. Hence, the entire structure of a typical frame was modeled and static and dynamic nonlinear analyses were conducted to evaluate the contributions of the brick walls. However, the results of the analyses were considerably overestimated due to coarse mesh discretizations, which were unavoidable due to limited computer resources. This study corrects the overestimations by modifying （1） the tensile strengths and （2） shear stiffness reduction factors of concrete and brick. The results indicate that brick walls improve frame strength although shear failures are caused in columns shortened by spandrel walls. Then, the effectiveness of three types of seismic retrofits is evaluated. The maximum drift of the first floor is reduced by 89.3%, 94.8%, and 27.5% by Steel-confined, FuI1-RC, and Full-brick models, respectively. Finally, feasibility analyses of models with soils were conducted. The analyses indicated that the soils elongate the natural period of building models although no significant differences were observed.

Retrofitting of RC Slabs Against Explosive Loads

With the increase of terrorist bomb attacks on buildings, there is a need to develop advanced retrofitting techniques to strengthen structures against blast loads. Currently, several guidelines including an Australian version for retrofitting reinforced concrete (RC) structures are available for the design of retrofitting systems against seismic and monotonic loads using steel or fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) plates that can be either adhesively bonded to the surface or near surface mounted to the concrete cover. However, none of these guidelines provide advice suitable for retrofitting structures subjected to blast loads. In this paper, numerical models are used to simulate the performance of retrofitted RC slabs subjected to blast loads. Airblast pressure distributions on the surface of the slabs estimated in a previous study are used as input in the analysis. A material damage model developed previously for concrete and an elastoplastic model for steel bars are employed in this research for modelling reinforced concrete behaviour due to explosive loads. The material models and blast loading are coded into a finite element computer program LS-DYNA3D to do the analysis. With the numerical model, parametric studies are conducted to investigate RC slabs retrofitted by either externally bonded or near-surface mounted plates or GFRP sheets subjected to blast loads. Discussion is made on the effectiveness of the retrofitting system for RC slabs against blast loads.

In-situ formation characteristic, tribological characterization and anti-corrosion properties of quaternary composites films

Improvements of wear and corrosion properties are essential characteristic in engineering application. A study was made on the structure, electro-oxidation and properties of fabricated Zn-Al-SnO 2-Ti O2（Zn-Al-Sn-Ti） thin films using electrodeposition technique from chloride bath. The microstructural studies were performed by scanning electron microscopy with attached energy dispersive spectrometer（SEM-EDS）, optical microscopy（OPM） and X-ray diffractogram（XRD）. The electrochemical oxidation and erosion behavior in 3.65% Na Cl medium were studied by potentiodynamic polarization technique and characterized by atomic force microscopy（AFM）. The hardness and wear behavior of the electrodeposited film were performed by high diamond dura scan microhardness tester and CERT UMT-2 reciprocating sliding machine. It was found that a successful co-deposition of composite and particle were attained. Homogeneous imbedded grain structure distribution and fine refinement of crystal with improved micromechanical behavior was achieved. The corrosion resistance, hardness and wear stability resistance of the fabricated quaternary films improved significantly in all varied process parameter.

Investigation of anti-corrosion property of hybrid coatings fabricated by combining PEC with MAO on pure magnesium

Novel hybrid coatings on pure magnesium were prepared by combining plasma electrolytic carburizing(PEC)with micro-arc oxidation(MAO)to further enhance the anti-corrosion property in this paper.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM)was used to observe the microstructure of the coatings,meanwhile,energy dispersive spectrometry(EDS)and X-ray diffraction(XRD)were separately used to investigate the elemental as well as phase compositions of the coatings.The anti-corrosion property of the coatings was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization curves as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS).The results show that PEC process is closely related with the effects of adsorption as well as diffusion of the activated carbon atoms,and it can provide a favorable pretreatment surface with predesigned chemical composition to obtain a new kind of phase,namely Si C with superior corrosion resistance and chemical stability,in the following PEC+MAO hybrid coatings.Meanwhile,PEC preprocessing also can afford an excellent micro-structure to increase the coating thickness as well as to improve the compactness of the PEC+MAO hybrid coatings.During the fabrication process of the PEC+MAO hybrid coatings,an overlapping phenomenon in regard to coating thickness can be observed instead of heaping up layer by layer.Compared with both single PEC surface modification layers as well as single MAO coatings,the PEC+MAO hybrid coatings exhibit more superior anti-corrosion property.Especially,the EIS data reveal that the PEC+MAO hybrid coatings can act as an effective protection system to provide relatively excellent long-range anti-corrosion protection.Note also that employing same MAO technique for both single MAO treatment as well as PEC+MAO combining procedure is the key to this research.

Intervention Retrofitting and Rehabilitation of Al-Gawhara Palace at the Saladin Citadel, Cairo, Egypt

Al-Gawhara Palace also known as Bijou Palace is located in the south of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Saladin Citadel in Cairo (Figure 1 and Figure 2). It was commissioned and constructed by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1814. Al-Gawhara Palace is one of the most famous historical royal palaces in Egypt and the most important modern architectural heritage that reflects an important historical period of the Egyptian modern history—the period of the rule of the family of “Muhammad Ali Pasha”. The causes of structural deficiency of the palace could be attributed to many reasons and actions, mainly due to the earthquakes and seismic events (in particular the Dahshuor earthquake, in October 1992), degradation of drainage and feeding systems leading to water leakage, lack of awareness of the palace values, deterioration resulting from the use of old government agencies and the conflicts among authorities supervising historical buildings. The present study includes many phases: 1) the significance of the original building from the circumstances and date of construction;2) detailed studies of the architectural features and design of the building as well as construction type, methods and techniques of construction;3) characterization of the construction and building materials;4) stability analysis of the structure under static and the impact of seismic loadings;5) engineering measures for intervention retrofitting of the palace (this pilot study presents the main design studies for intervention retrofitting and the rehabilitation and re-employment of Al-Gawhara Palace, started from the static monitoring, old and modern documenting of the current state of preservation thorough the strengthening project implementation;6) the study also presents the reuse designs to convert the palace to be a national museum, for the purpose of preserving it by proposing the best means to apply the correct principles and criteria for reuse and employment in a manner that preserves its value through the functions that fit these deficiencies, and the appropriateness of the present function of the value of minors.

A Comparative Study on Several Anti-Corrosion Materials for Power FGD System

In the study organic-inorganic hybrid composite, epoxy modified silicone coating and vinyl ester flake mastic were comparatively used as several anti-corrosion materials that provided protection for flue gas desulfu-rization (FGD). The relationship between curing conversion rate of hybrid polymer and temperature was investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The adhesion strength, coefficient of thermal expansion and flame retardant properties of three anti-corrosion materials were measured and analyzed. A corrosion test in 8% H2SO4 and 5% HCl at temperature cycle of 40°C~ 160°C was applied to study corrosion resistance of several anti-corrosion materials. Gravimetric measurement and morphological observation of three materials before and after corrosion test were comparatively analyzed in the paper. The small weight change and good morphological structure of hybrid composite during corrosion test demonstrate that hybrid composite has better anti-corrosion properties than epoxy modified silicone coating and vinyl ester flake mastic.

Distinct Element Modelling of Unreinforced Masonry Wall Under Seismic Loads with and without Cable Retrofitting

To retrofit and strengthen existing unreinforced masonry (URM) structures to resist the potential earthquake damages has become an important issue in Australia. In order to secure the performance of URM under seismic loading in the future, a research project was carried out aimed at developing a simple and high strength seismic retrofitting technique for masonry structures. A series of experimental testing on URM walls retrofitted with an innovative technique by cable system have been conducted. The results indicated that both the strength and ductility of the tested speci-mens were significantly enhanced with the technique. An analytical model which is based on Dis-tinct Element Method (DEM) has also been developed to simulate the behaviour of URM walls be-fore and after retrofitting. The model is then further developed by applying a seismic wave to the wall to simulate the wall behavior under earthquake loads before and after retrofitting.

Influence of graphene on the anti-corrosion performance of epoxy-based coatings

In this work, graphene-modified epoxy-based anti-corrosion coatings were prepared and the influence of graphene on the anti-corrosion performance of the epoxy-based coatings was investigated with water contact angle test ,chemical solution immersion test, and electrochemical test. The water contact angle and chemical solution resistance of the epoxy-based coatings were improved with an increase in graphene content from 0 to 0.4%. These results prove that addition of graphene can significantly improve the hydrophobicity and impermeability of epoxy- based coatings. However, when the graphene content was increased to 0.5%, the performance of the epoxy-based coatings decreased because of graphene aggregation. Tafel polarization results show that graphene addition can significantly reduce the corrosion current density and corrosion potential of epoxy-based coatings, which enhance their anti-corrosion performance.

Seismic collapse simulation of existing masonry buildings with different retrofitting techniques

Masonry buildings are primarily constructed out of bricks and mortar which become discrete pieces and cannot sustain horizontal forces created by a strong earthquake.The collapse of masonry walls may cause significant human casualties and economic losses.To maintain their integrity,several methods have been developed to retrofit existing masonry buildings,such as the constructional RC frame which has been extensively used in China.In this study,a new method using precast steel reinforced concrete(PSRC)panels is developed.To demonstrate its effectiveness,numerical studies are conducted to investigate and compare the collapse behavior of a structure without retrofitting,retrofitted with a constructional RC frame,and retrofitted with external PSRC walls(PSRCW).Sophisticated finite element models(FEM)were developed and nonlinear time history analyses were carried out.The results show that the existing masonry building is severely damaged under occasional earthquakes,and totally collapsed under rare earthquakes.Both retrofitting techniques improve the seismic performance of existing masonry buildings.However,it is found that several occasional earthquakes caused collapse or partial collapse of the building retrofitted with the constructional RC frame,while the one retrofitted by the proposed PSRC wall system survives even under rare earthquakes.The effectiveness of the proposed retrofitting method on existing masonry buildings is thus fully demonstrated.

An electrochemical method for evaluating the resistance to cathodic disbondment of anti-corrosion coatings on buried pipelines

Methods for evaluating the resistance to cathodic disbondment （RCD） of anti-corrosion coatings on buried pipelines were reviewed. It is obvious that these traditional cathodic disbondment tests （CDT） have some disadvantages and the evaluated results are only simple figures and always rely on the subjective experience of the operator. A new electrochemical method for evaluating the RCD of coatings, that is, the potentiostatic evaluation method （PEM）, was developed and studied. During potentiostatic anodic polarization testing, the changes of stable polarization current of specimens before and after cathodic disbonding （CD） were measured, and the degree of cathodic disbondment of the coating was quantitatively evaluated, among which the equivalent cathodic disbonded distance AD was suggested as a parameter for evaluating the RCD. A series of testing parameters of the PEM were determined in these experiments.

Anti-Corrosion and Reconstruction of Surface Crystal Plane for Zn Anodes by an Advanced Metal Passivation Technique

For the aqueous Zn-ion battery,dendrite formation,corrosion,and interfacial parasitic reactions are major issues,which greatly inhibits their practical application.How to develop a method of Zn construction or treatment to solve these issues for Zn anodes are still great challenges.Herein,a simple and cheap metal passivation technique is proposed for Zn anodes from a corrosion science perspective.Similar to the metal anticorrosion engineering,the formed interfacial protective layer in a chemical way can sufficiently solve the corrosion issues.Furthermore,the proposed passivity approach can reconstruct Zn surface-preferred crystal planes,exposing more(002)planes and improving surface hydrophilicity,which inhibits the formation of Zn dendrites and hydrogen evolution effectively.As expected,the passivated Zn achieves outstanding cycling life(1914 h)with low voltage polarization(<40 mV).Even at 6 mA cm^(−2) and 3 mA h cm^(−2),it can achieve stable Zn deposition over 460 h.The treated Zn anode coupled with MnO_(2) cathode shows prominently reinforced full batteries service life,making it a potential Zn anode candidate for excellent performance aqueous Zn-ion batteries.The proposed passivation approach provides a guideline for other metal electrodes preparation in various batteries and establishes the connections between corrosion science and batteries.