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Impedance spectroscopy is a non-destructive test method belonging to the group of electrical engineering measurements. The method is suitable for monitoring the quality of building materials even with low conductivity. Although the method focuses on the intrinsic conductivity of systems, most IS techniques, including data analysis methods, conceive of the material in terms of a lossy dielectric. In selecting the material for testing with the IS method, an attempt was made to bring the IS capabilities as close as possible to practical, real-world materials. This paper is devoted to a comparison of the impedance characteristics of ceramics with three types of dielectric models that are described in theory or referenced in the literature. The ceramic samples were fabricated using different material additions, such as bentonite, phosphoric acid, or sodium water glass. Experimental curves of the loss factor versus frequency for all samples are described and then approximations of selected samples are shown successively for all three models considered. Experimental results were obtained from more than 50 points in each characterization. Measurements were performed for frequencies from 40 Hz to 1 MHz.

The increasing number of free-floating planets discovered in recent years confirms earlier theoretical predictions and leads us to believe that the possibility of such an object intruding an existing planetary system is not negligible, especially in dense clusters. We present a theoretical dynamical study on the interaction of a free-floating planet (hereafter FFP) with an initially bound star–planet pair consisting of a Jupiter-sized planet (hereafter BP) orbiting a Sun-like star. Our results could serve as a base for analytical, or semi-analytical, studies on the three-dimensional three-body scattering problem. In our three-dimensional models, thousands of different trajectories for an incoming FFP with initially parabolic velocity are integrated, in order to investigate the interaction between the objects. The study is based on two independent approaches, in order to corroborate the significance of the results. In the first approach, the FFP interacts with a Solar-like system (hereafter SlS) consisting of the Sun and Jupiter at \\[5.2\\,\\mathrm{AU}\\]. In the second, we compute the trajectories of a FFP interacting with a closely bound exoplanetary system (hereafter ES) with the Jupiter-sized planet at an orbit of \\[1\\,\\mathrm{AU}\\] around its host, Sun-like star. For both approaches, the simulations have five free parameters, namely the initial phase of the BP, \\[\\phi _{BP}\\], the mass, \\[m_{FFP}\\], the initial inclination, \\[i_{FFP}\\], the orientation of the velocity vector of the FFP and the impact parameter \\[d_{FFP}=d\\]. We focus on three possible final states, namely “flyby,” “capture” and “exchange.” One can observe that the overall picture does not change between the two models used. We present a statistical analysis of the data and the probabilities for the different outcomes for both. Capture and flyby are dominant, in almost equal parts, while the probability for an exchange is rather low. A close look of the orbital elements in case of a capture of the FFP provides more information on the dynamical behavior of the two models, allowing us to draw more precise conclusions, when it comes to the similarities and differences between them. Different mass, as well as different orientation of the velocity vector of the incoming planet, does affect the final outcome quantitatively and qualitatively, in both cases.

Written by an internationally renowned expert author and researcher, this monograph fills the need for a book conveying the sophisticated tools needed to calculate exo-planet motion and interplanetary space flight.

The paper is devoted to investigate the capture of asteroids by Venus, Earth and Mars into the 1:1 mean-motion resonance, especially into Trojan orbits. Current theoretical studies predict that Trojan asteroids are a frequent by-product of the planet formation. This is not only the case for the outer giant planets, but also for the terrestrial planets in the inner Solar System. By using numerical integrations, we investigated the capture efficiency and the stability of the captured objects. We found out that the capture efficiency is larger for the planets in the inner Solar System compared to the outer ones, but most of the captured Trojan asteroids are not long term stable. These temporary captures caused by chaotic behaviour of the objects were investigated without any dissipative forces. They show an interesting dynamical behaviour of mixing, like jumping from one Lagrange point to the other one.

Phenotypic characteristics associated with insulin resistance in metabolically obese but normal-weight young women. R V Dvorak , W F DeNino , P A Ades and E T Poehlman Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405, USA. Abstract Metabolically obese, normal-weight (MONW) individuals are a hypothesized subgroup of the general population. These normal-weight individuals potentially display a cluster of obesity-related features, although this has not been systematically tested in young women. We hypothesized that MONW young women would display higher levels of total and visceral fat and lower levels of physical activity than normal women. In a cohort of 71 healthy nonobese women (21-35 years old), we identified MONW women based on cut points for insulin sensitivity (normal = glucose disposal >8 mg x min(-1) x kg(-1) of fat-free mass [FFM], n = 58; impaired = glucose disposal <8 ml x min(-1) x kg(-1) of FFM, n = 13). Thereafter, we measured body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) and body fat distribution (computed tomography), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max on a treadmill), physical activity energy expenditure (doubly labeled water and indirect calorimetry), glucose tolerance (oral glucose tolerance test), serum lipid profile, and dietary intake. We found a higher body fat percentage (32 +/- 6 vs. 27 +/- 6%, P = 0.01) and higher subcutaneous (213 +/- 61 vs. 160 +/- 78 cm2, P = 0.03) and visceral (44 +/- 16 vs. 35 +/- 14 cm2, P < 0.05) abdominal adiposity in the MONW group versus the normal group. The MONW group showed a lower physical activity energy expenditure (2.66 +/- 0.92 vs. 4.39 +/- 1.50 MJ/day, P = 0.01), but no difference in cardiorespiratory fitness was noted between groups. In conclusion, despite a normal body weight, a subset of young, apparently healthy women displayed a cluster of risky phenotypic characteristics that, if left untreated, may eventually predispose them to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

This exoplanet looks familiar About 70 of the more than 400 known extrasolar planets transit their central star, making it possible to observe their atmospheres and determine various key parameters. The transiting extra-solar planets so far discovered have had very short or eccentric orbits, so were either very hot or subject to extreme surface temperature variations. Now the CoRoT space observatory has discovered an exoplanet rather similar to the Solar System gas giants. The planet, CoRoT-9b, is in a 95-day low eccentricity orbit — resembling that of Mercury — around a Sun-like star. Its surface temperature is between about −20 and 150 °C, and based upon its density, its internal composition appears to resemble that of Jupiter and Saturn. Of the more than 400 known exoplanets, about 70 transit their central star, most in small orbits (with periods of around 1 day, for instance). Here, observations are reported of the transit of CoRoT-9b, which orbits with a period of 95.274 days, on a low eccentricity, around a solar-like star. Its relatively large periastron distance yields a 'temperate' photospheric temperature estimated to be between 250 and 430 K, and its interior composition is inferred to be consistent with those of Jupiter and Saturn. Of the over 400 known 1 exoplanets, there are about 70 planets that transit their central star, a situation that permits the derivation of their basic parameters and facilitates investigations of their atmospheres. Some short-period planets 2 , including the first terrestrial exoplanet 3 , 4 (CoRoT-7b), have been discovered using a space mission 5 designed to find smaller and more distant planets than can be seen from the ground. Here we report transit observations of CoRoT-9b, which orbits with a period of 95.274 days on a low eccentricity of 0.11 ± 0.04 around a solar-like star. Its periastron distance of 0.36 astronomical units is by far the largest of all transiting planets, yielding a ‘temperate’ photospheric temperature estimated to be between 250 and 430 K. Unlike previously known transiting planets, the present size of CoRoT-9b should not have been affected by tidal heat dissipation processes. Indeed, the planet is found to be well described by standard evolution models 6 with an inferred interior composition consistent with that of Jupiter and Saturn.

The aim of the paper is non-destructive measurement of differently degraded specimens by high temperature intended for further testing of joints of stainless steel helical reinforcement glued into the groove and differently degraded concrete. Measurement intended for determination of possibilities of estimation of future properties of named joints is performed by the Impact-Echo method and by the ultrasonic pulse velocity method on specimens of dimensions 400 × 100 × 100 mm made of concrete of the C20/25 strength class degraded by different elevated temperature. Five sets of specimens were manufactured - four sets of specimens were heated in the furnace at temperatures of 400 °C, 600 °C, 800 °C and 1000 °C and one set was kept intact as reference. Specimens will be afterwards additionally strengthened at the tensile side of specimens and broken by four-point flexural strength test. The non-destructive measurement aims to evaluate the residual physical-mechanical properties of plain concrete in terms of resonance frequency of test specimen, and sound velocity in tested specimen before and after the temperature degradation. This assessment will serve as material information basis for interpretation of the expected behaviour of used helical reinforcement for a retrofitting process and the thermally damaged concrete reaction to such intervention.

The resistance of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) to degradation processes, particularly the decalcification, was studied in this paper. The ground granulated blast furnace slag was alkali-activated using various activators with the same activator dosage 6% Na 2 O by slag weight (sodium hydroxide, sodium waterglass and sodium carbonate) and subjected to testing of decalcification resistance (immersion in 6M NH 4 NO 3 ) for 84 days. The reference samples were stored in water. The progress of degradation was studied using the phenolphthalein technique, mechanical properties testing (compressive and flexural strength), and dilatometry analysis or weight measurements. The results obtained were compared to the CEM III/A 32.5R. The significant loss of mass along with the deterioration of mechanical properties were observed for all binder types, still some of the AAMs showed better durability than the cementitious one.

Concrete structures are commonly exposed to thermal loads as a result of the structure, ambient conditions, the heat of hydration, or exposure to fire. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in the research of advanced monitoring and analysis of concrete structures subjected to thermal load. Non-linear characteristics have been used to identify thermal damage evolution in concrete structures. The present paper investigates the effects of a high temperature on selected physical properties of concrete. Concrete properties were monitored and analyzed in several thermal steps up to 1200°C. Concrete specimens were heated in a programmable laboratory furnace at a heating rate of 5°C/min and loaded at six temperatures, 200°C, 400°C, 600°C, 800°C, 1000°C, and 1200°C, with each maintained for 60 minutes.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) fed at two levels of Cu on growth and feed efficiency of weanling and growing-finishing pigs, as well as the effect on the immunocompetence of weanling pigs. In Exp. 1, 216 barrows (6 kg of BW and 18 d of age) were penned in groups of six (9 pens/treatment). Dietary treatments were arranged as a 2 x 2 factorial consisting of two levels of Cu (basal level or 175 ppm supplemental Cu) with and without MOS (0.2%). Diets were fed from d 0 to 38 after weaning. Blood samples were obtained to determine lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. From d 0 to 10, ADG, ADFI, and gain:feed (G:F) increased when MOS was added to diets containing the basal level of Cu, but decreased when MOS was added to diets containing 175 ppm supplemental Cu (interaction, P < 0.01, P < 0.10, and P < 0.05, respectively). Pigs fed diets containing 175 ppm Cu from d 10 to 24 and d 24 to 38 had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI than those fed the basal level of Cu regardless of MOS addition. Pigs fed diets containing MOS from d 24 to 38 had greater ADG (P < 0.05) and G:F (P < 0.10) than those fed diets devoid of MOS. Lymphocyte proliferation was not altered by dietary treatment. In Exp. 2, 144 pigs were divided into six pigs/pen (six pens/treatment). Dietary treatments were fed throughout the starter (20 to 32 kg BW), grower (32 to 68 kg BW), and finisher (68 to 106 kg BW) phases. Diets consisted of two levels of Cu (basal level or basal diet + 175 ppm in starter and grower diets and 125 ppm in finisher diets) with and without MOS (0.2% in starter, 0.1% in grower, and 0.05% in finisher). Pigs fed supplemental Cu had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F during the starter and grower phases compared to pigs fed the basal level of Cu. During the finisher phase, ADG increased when pigs were fed MOS in diets containing the basal level of Cu, but decreased when MOS was added to diets supplemented with 125 ppm Cu (interaction, P < 0.05). Results from this study indicate the response of weanling pigs fed MOS in phase 1 varied with level of dietary Cu. However, in phase 2 and phase 3, diets containing either MOS or 175 ppm Cu resulted in improved performance. Pharmacological Cu addition improved gain and efficiency during the starter and grower phases in growing-finishing pigs, while ADG response to the addition of MOS during the finisher phase seems to be dependent upon the level of Cu supplementation.