A simplified method for the determination of the rate of synthesis of albumin after the i. v. injection of 14C-carbonate is described. A number of experiments to check the accuracy of the 14CO2 measurements is reported. Good agreement is obtained between the specific activity of urinary urea, measured by means of our method and by the manometric method. Recoveries of 101.9 and 101.1% respectively are found for 14C-urea added to plasma or urine. Endogenously formed 14C-urea shows a maximal specific activity 2—3 h after the i. v. injection of 14C-carbonate. Thereafter the specific activity of 14C-urea gradually decreases. Enzymic conversion with arginase and urease and analysis with an amino-acid analyser give the same values for the arginine content of an albumin hydrolysate. Good agreement between the rates ot synthesis and catabolism of albumin, determined respectively with 14C-carbonate and 131I-albumin, was obtained in individual patients. In a group of 6 patients an average rate of synthesis of 10.6 mg/kg · h and an average catabolic rate of 9.5 mg/kg · h were measured. The difference between this simplified method and the manometric technique lies in a direct measurement of the concentration of urea and arginine in the method described here in contrast to the conversion of urea and arginine to CO 2 in the manometric method. Advantages of the simplified method for the determination of the rate of synthesis of albumin are discussed. Es wird eine einfache Methode zur Bestimmung der Synthesegeschwindigkeit von Albumin nach i. v. Injektion von 14C-Carbonat beschrieben. Dazu wurden verschiedene Untersuchungen zur Prufung der Genauigkeit der 14CO2-Messungen durchgefuhrt. Wir fanden eine gute Ubereinstimmung zwischen unserer und der manometrischen Methode bei der Bestimmung der spezifischen Aktivitat des UrinharnstofFs. Es wurden Wiederfindungswerte von 101,9 und 101,1% erzielt, falls 14C-Harnstoff entweder Plasma oder Urin zugefugt wurde. Endogen gebildeter 14C-HarnstofF zeigte 2—3 h nach der i. v. Injektion von 14C-Carbonat eine maximale spezifische Aktivitat. Danach nahm die spezifische Aktivitat des 14C-HarnstofFs langsam ab. Sowohl die enzymatische Umwandlung durch Arginase und Urease als auch die Analyse mittels Aminosaure-Analysator ergaben gleiche Werte fur den Arginingehalt eines Albuminhydrolysats. Bei den einzelnen Patienten wurde eine gute Ubereinstimmung zwischen der Synthese- und Abbaurate von Albumin, bestimmt durch die Untersuchung mittels 14C-Carbonat bzw. 131J-Albumin,

A Simplified Method

Building envelope is a key element in providing adequate energy and thermal comfort performance to buildings. In this regard, improvement solutions are implemented in recent studies that focus on new techniques and methods. The main techniques adopted in this context are discussed to identify modern and effective methods with a particular focus on phase change materials (PCMs). Incorporating PCMs with building construction materials is a booming technology, owing to their enhancement potential of storing and releasing heat during phase transition. This work highlights the importance of PCMs in building envelope, focusing on roof and external wall applications. PCM types, general and desired properties and application area are presented and discussed. Influential parameters, incorporation techniques and methods, main numerical tools, and modelling equations are used to describe the thermal behaviour of PCM. A comprehensive assessment on the basis of recent studies has been conducted to point out the potential of PCM with the most appropriate techniques under different locations. The main findings of PCM thermal performance have been described, considering the cooling/heating load reduction, energy-saving and thermal comfort gained along with several research hiatuses for future studies.

Incorporation of phase change materials into building envelope for thermal comfort and energy saving: A comprehensive analysis

Sustainable reuse of Waste Tire Textile Fibers (WTTFs) as reinforcement materials for expansive soils: With a special focus on landfill liners/covers

Seismic Soil-structure Interaction: A State-of-the-Art Review

Seismic pounding between adjacent buildings: Identification of parameters, soil interaction issues and mitigation measures

Adopting the most accurate and realistic modelling technique and computation method for treatment of dynamic soil–structure interaction (SSI) effects in seismic analysis and design of structures re...

Advanced computation methods for soil-structure interaction analysis of structures resting on soft soils

https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/bitstream/10453/117371/4/Far%20et%20al.%202017-JCSR.pdf

A simplified method to determine shear stiffness of thin walled cold formed steel storage rack frames

Many recent earthquakes clearly illustrate the importance of local ground properties for the dynamic response of structures. The dynamic response of an engineering structure is influenced by the medium on which it is founded. On solid rock, a fixed-base structural response occurs which can be evaluated by subjecting the foundation to the freefield ground motion occurring in the absence of the structure. However, on deformable ground, a feedback loop exists. In other words, when a feedback loop exists, the structure responds to the dynamics of the soil, while the soil also responds to the dynamics of the structure. Structural response is then governed by the interplay between the characteristics of the ground, the structure and the input motion. This study involved a numerical investigation of the dynamic behaviour of unbraced steel frames resting on soft ground. Two types of mid-rise unbraced steel frame, including 5and 15-storey buildings on a soft soil deposit, were selected and analysed under the influence of three different earthquake acceleration records. The above-mentioned frames were analysed under two different boundary conditions: i) fixed-base (no soil-structure interaction) and ii) flexible-base (considering soil-structure interaction). The results of the analyses in terms of structural forces and lateral displacements for the above-mentioned boundary conditions are compared and discussed.

/pdf/dynamic-behaviour-of-unbraced-steel-frames-resting-on-soft-5ele7z1eje.pdf

Dynamic behaviour of unbraced steel frames resting on soft ground

Upgrading the energy efficiency of existing buildings is a well-known issue around the globe. Given the very low renewal rate of the building stock, thermal retrofit of the existing buildings seems...

/pdf/improving-energy-efficiency-of-existing-residential-3195bmnat0.pdf

Improving energy efficiency of existing residential buildings using effective thermal retrofit of building envelope

This study explores the challenges that have emerged from the outdated and inflexible workplace culture of the civil construction industry, and how it is affecting female engineers and women in oth...

/pdf/barriers-to-career-advancement-for-female-engineers-in-38ipc0wvok.pdf

Harry Far

Papers

Advanced computation methods for soil-structure interaction analysis of structures resting on soft soils

A simplified method to determine shear stiffness of thin walled cold formed steel storage rack frames

Dynamic behaviour of unbraced steel frames resting on soft ground

Improving energy efficiency of existing residential buildings using effective thermal retrofit of building envelope

Barriers to career advancement for female engineers in Australia’s civil construction industry and recommended solutions