A visual grade named “CTH” (coniferous thinning) was proposed, and 45 specimens of sawn timber boards were tested, resulting in 51% lower bending strength than that of the minimum strength class C14. Subsequently, 20 CLT panels were manufactured and experimentally tested, the results showed that the bending strength of the CLT panels was 43% above that of the individual layers. Additionally, the structural performance of the CLT panels for use in floors was calculated, and the thickness-span relationship depending on strength class and imposed load are presented. Results showed than the use of CTH timber to design CLT floors implies a volume (m Picea spp.) for the longitudinal layers is classified as strength class C24 [Timber construction is an increasing global phenomenon as both the result of environmental policies and the need to increase construction productivity ,2. Such lass C24 , althouglass C24 . Accordilass C24 , these sPopulus spp.) in Hungary [The production of this structural system requires large volumes of wood, so the raw material needs to be readily available and economical. Since CLT building is increasing worldwide , many au Hungary , and Sou Hungary  in the U Hungary  was stud Hungary , as well Hungary . This la Hungary ,21,22. Pinus spp. and Eucalyptus spp., although no structural engineered wood products are as yet being commercialized. Two silvicultural systems have been described for Loblolly/Slash pine (Pinus taeda/elliottii), [Forestry in Uruguay for commercial purposes began in the 90s, with plantations of both iottii), : (i) 12-3 [3 of that wood has no current industrial application and 1.4 million m3/year of that unused wood comes from silvicultural thinning [The current average annual production of Uruguayan pine wood is 2.9 million m3 . Since 1thinning , the usethinning  specifiethinning  for gluethinning  does notthinning  presentethinning . In terms of structural calculations, the strength and stiffness properties of CLT are commonly estimated from analytical approaches that use the structural properties of the sawn timber boards that make up the layers, as mentioned above. Various methods are used to determine the moment of inertia of CLT panels and, thus, the corresponding modulus of elasticity. The most commonly used theories are the Timoshenko beam theory, the Shear Analogy Method, and the Mechanically Jointed Beams Theory ; the latter being the most common method adopted in Europe . Annex BThe main objective of this work was to study the structural viability of using small-diameter logs of Uruguayan Loblolly/Slash pine mainly from thinning operations, which has low mechanical properties, to design CLT panels. To achieve this, it is necessary to characterize the sawn timber and the CLT panels and to study the relationship between the structural properties of the layers themselves and those of the CLT panel as a whole. Thus, a sample of 45 specimens of sawn timber boards and another of 20 specimens of 3-layer CLT panels were tested in bending, and the characteristic values for the individual samples and for the population were estimated according to ,33,34. F2 and from Uruguayan Loblolly/Slash pine plantations were selected in the sawmill. Boards came from trees with a diameter in thin tip greater than 200 mm, due to a limitation of the processing capacity of the sawmill, and from trees extracted mainly in commercial thinning. Since the sawmills do not make a commercial differentiation between trees coming from thinning (between 10 and 15 years) and those from clear cutting (at 24 years), a minor percentage of trees from the final cut were included in the sample. They were graded, following a previously published categorization system [h), and an edge knot diameter equal to the board’s width (b). The study sample of the present work comprised 11% of timber graded as EC7 and 89% as CTH.Sawn timber boards with a cross-section of 34 × 127 mmn system , with bon system , or (ii)n system ,36, thesl) were tested in a four-point bending test following the recommendations of EN 408 [G) is infinite. However, if the shear modulus is known, or if it is assumed as 650 MPa as proposed by EN 408 [h and b are the height and width of the specimen, respectively; a is the distance between a support and the closest load point; i_STI is the net moment of inertia according to Steiner’s Theorem, which for a solid board of rectangular cross-section is equal to (bh3/12); F1 and F2 are the initial and final loads (kN), respectively, in the linear elastic phase; w1 and w2 are the mid-span deflections corresponding to F1 and F2, respectively; G is the shear modulus (G = mE/16); and F is the maximum load applied to the system at failure (each load point is F/2). Forty-five specimens of 2.4 m span Em=3The characteristic values of the sawn timber boards from thinning were obtained following the specifications of EN 384  and EN 1m,if) was adjusted to a reference height (kh) of 150 mm. (i) Specimens. The modulus of elasticity of each specimen was adjusted to a reference moisture content (MC) of 12%, and the bending strength of each specimen ((ii) Sample. The 5th percentile of bending strength and density and the mean value of modulus of elasticity of the sample were determined according to EN 14358 . Since t(iii) Population: The characteristic values of bending strength, modulus of elasticity, and density of the population were calculated for both P and NP approaches according to EN 384 .2 and a pressure of 10 N/mm2, following the recommendations of the manufacturer. During gluing, the temperatures varied between 15 and 22 °C and the relative humidity between 64 and 75%. Based on the nominal cross-section of the individual sawn boards (34 × 127 mm2), the nominal cross-section of the CLT panels was CLTb × CLTh = ib × 3id = 381 × 102 = 38,862 mm2, as shown in Twenty CLT panels were manufactured using sawn boards graded as CTH see  of 3.00 ib/it) was lower than 4, the test span considered was 28 times the CLT height in order to reduce the incidence of rolling shear failure. Global deflections were measured by LVDTs in the elastic phase of behavior at mid-span on both sides of the specimens. In addition, the maximum load at the moment of failure was registered.CLT specimens were tested in bending with loads perpendicular to the plane according to the specifications of EN 16351  Figure . Since tAlthough the bending test requirements of CLT panels are specified in EN 16351 , as menti_STI is the net moment of inertia of the layer i in relation to its neutral axis, calculated according to Steiner’s Theorem, which is valid for layers with the same modulus of elasticity; iA is the area of layer i (iA = CLT dib); and ie is the distance between the gravity center of the layer i (iS) and the gravity center of the CLT panel (S), Longitudinal modulus of elasticity was calculated according to the Timoshenko beam theory (Equation (1)), with a value of net moment of inertia in accordance with Steiner’s Theorem (Equation (3)). It was assumed that all sawn boards, and therefore all layers, had the same longitudinal modulus of elasticity, and the modulus of elasticity perpendicular to the grain of the layers was taken as 0.m,CLTf) was calculated using Equation (4).maxF is the maximum load applied in bending at the moment of rupture; a, is the distance between the support and the point of load application; z is the distance between the neutral axis and the farthest point of the section (z = ie + id/2 = h/2); 0Ez).i is the longitudinal layer; Ei0, is the modulus of elasticity parallel to the grain of the layer i; and i_STI is the net moment of inertia of layer i related to its neutral axis (Equation (3)).The bending strength of the CLT panels (i was defined as the average of the density of boards adjusted to the reference MC. The mean density of each CLT panel was taken as the lowest mean density of the layers [The density of each layer e layers .hk). However, the value of hk was conservatively assumed as 1.The procedure for the determination of the characteristic values of bending properties and density followed the requirements of EN 14358 , as descR). That is, a value of γ equal to 1 represents a completely glued longitudinal layer, and a value of 0 indicates no connection at all between the layers. Therefore, it seems reasonable to use the Gamma method for span to depth ratios over 30, as was the case in this study.The sizing of CLT floors was analytically calculated in Ultimate Limit States and Serviceability Limit States (deflections and vibrations), using the Gamma method, following the recommendations published by proHolz , based oCLTK_γ) was calculated according to the Gamma method, and the shear deformation was estimated by the effective moment of inertia . In the absence of experimental values for Uruguayan pine, the rolling shear modulus commonly used for softwood (GR = 50 MPa) was assumed [R/G = 0.1 defined in the Eurocode 5 [The bending stiffness for deformation  proved that the population distribution assumption was correct see : signifim,k_Pf = 6.9 MPa; 0,mean,kE = 6805 MPa; and k_Pρ = 326 kg/m3.It can be observed that the characteristic values of bending strength and density with the NP approach were, respectively, 9.3% and 2.4% higher than those obtained using the P approach for a single sample of 45 specimens. Consequently, in order to verge on the side of caution, the calculations/estimations of the structural properties of the sawn timber boards comprising the layers used in the CLT structural design (see 5.3) that were used in subsequent calculations were those obtained from the P approach: In a comparison between the experimental bending properties of the Uruguayan pine graded as “CTH” and the requirements of the strength class C14 (the lowest strength class defined in EN 338 ), the exA comparison was made between the bending properties of the CLT panels obtained with the two different approaches defined in EN 16351   showed a tensile failure initiated by (i) the influence of a knot in the lower layer (60%), which was commonly followed by rolling shear failure in the cross layer ; and  can be composed by sawn boards of strength class C16  [The standard for glued laminated timber (GLT), EN 14080 , relates 16 MPa) . With thgE = 6198 MPa), which was calculated assuming a value of G equal to ∞. The results show that the bending strength of the CLT panels was 43% higher than that of the individual sawn timber boards in the layers, which were graded as CTH, while the mean value of the local modulus of elasticity was 13% lower. Furthermore, it was observed that the local longitudinal modulus of elasticity of the CLT panels was 3% higher than their global modulus of elasticity ; B-office areas (3 kN/m2); C-public concurrence areas (4 kN/m2); and D-shopping areas (5 kN/m2). The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural performance of CLT floors made from Uruguayan pine in relation to the most common commercial CLT panels sold internationally, which are manufactured with longitudinal boards of strength class C24. The bending calculations of the panels were made with the Gamma method, using the mechanical properties of the layers, for the imposed loads for buildings according to the following categories of use : A-residA theoretical analysis of the structural yield in bending was made according to the number of layers (3 to 7) with thicknesses varying between 18 to 60 mm, and the effect of strength class  of the layers on the maximum span was studied.2 was very similar for panels made from CTH  when the sizing was defined by vibration due to a static load of 1 kN; and (B) when the failure was reached by bending strength in the ultimate limit state (ULS).The analysis of the maximum span for 3-, 5-, and 7-layer CLT, with a constant layer thickness of 33 mm, for the different strength classes and categories of use, is shown in d) governed the sizing of the CLT panels when they were manufactured using timber of strength classes C14 or C24. However, bending strength became the limiting factor in the sizing of panels made with CTH timber for high imposed loads. Serviceability Limit States  for either the CTH grade or the C14 strength class for 3-layer CLT loaded up to 4 kN/m2, was between 10 and 20% shorter than when using timber of strength class C14. This is because, while panels made with layers of strength class C14 are sized by SLS, panels made with layers graded as CTH are limited by ULS. Similar behavior was observed for 7-layer panels, with spans for CTH panels being 18% lower than those of C14. The maximum span for 5-layer CLT made with pine graded as CTH, and for loads up to 4.0 kN/m3/m2) 17% higher than that using C24 timber. However, this volume increase could be counterbalanced by the cost of the panels, especially if logistic costs are considered. In an analysis of the volume of wood used in the construction of a building, the use of CTH timber implies an average wood volume per building area  as defined in the European Standard EN 338 . CLT panThe influence of the method used to calculate the characteristic values of the structural properties is important, and, for a single sample, characteristic values obtained from non-parametric approaches are higher than those obtained from parametric approaches. Likewise, it is important to identify whether the characteristic values reported in trials correspond to the sample or to the population. Results of the present work showed a decrease in characteristic values of the population of between 30% and 7% with respect to those of the sample. This work demonstrates the structural viability of using Uruguayan Loblolly/Slash pine of low mechanical properties to design CLT. Furthermore, the timber volume of Uruguayan CLT with respect to the most common commercial strength class (C24) CLT was quantified, obtaining a 14%- and 26%-increase in the total thickness for 3-layer CLT and 7-layer CLT, respectively, according to guidelines for residential and office buildings. 3/m2), 17% more wood is necessary if CTH strength class is used instead of C24.The analysis of the influence of the strength class on maximum span showed that the use of Uruguayan pine implies a decrease of between the 9 and 29% in maximum span with respect to C24. In an analysis of the average timber volume per building area (mFuture research is needed to evaluate the economic feasibility of fabricating Uruguayan CLT panels, mainly associated with the rolling shear strength and stiffness in the cross layer, shear strength in the glue line, and the influence of the low density of the wood on the performance of panels in compression perpendicular to the grain and in connections. Further estimation of the market price of Uruguayan CLT is required to establish whether the increase in timber volume is compensated for by its lower price. Furthermore, fracture mechanics tests should be analyzed to understand the tenacity of Uruguayan CLT.


The purpose of this study was to evaluate the features of sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT) in spleen on the imaging of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR).From July 2006 to April 2017, 12 patients with SANT confirmed by pathology were evaluated in a retrospective study. Eight patients were with CT imaging only, 2 patients were with MR imaging only, and 2 patients were with both CT and MR. Three professional senior radiologists analyzed the imaging features on CT and MR. The main characteristic analysis included size, margin, density, signal intensity, and enhancement pattern. The significant enhancement was defined as the degree of enhancement of lesion that is higher than the surrounding spleen parenchyma, and the mild enhancement was defined as the degree of enhancement of lesion that is lower than the surrounding spleen parenchyma.All the 12 patients  presented as single lesion without special clinical symptoms. The range of lesions on diameter was from 25 to 80 mm. On CT images, 9 (90%) of 10 presented as hypodense in comparison with the parenchyma of spleen, 1 (10%) of 10 presented as isodense, and calcification was observed in 4 (40%) of 10 cases. On MR images, 4 (100%) of 4 manifested heterogeneous hypointensity on in-phase sequence and 3 (75%) of 4 performed as isointensity on out-of-phase sequence of T1-weighted. On the sequences of T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted image, 4 (100%) of 4 showed hypointensity. On CT and MR enhancement images, the number of significant enhancement and mild enhancement was 2 and 10, respectively. Seven (58%) of 12 showed progressive enhancement with the pattern of “spoke-wheel.”Imaging features on CT and MR have a high diagnostic value for SANT, especially when CT combined with MR examination. It occurs more frequently in women with the average age of 50 years.1 proposed the pathological name of SANT and described its detailed pathological and morphological features  of SANT for the first time in 2004. Although angiomatoid nodule is the characteristic finding of SANT on pathology, it still has some overlap with other benign and malignant tumors of spleen such as hemangioma, lymphoma, splenic inflammatory pseudotumor, and littoral cell angioma. Therefore, it is very important how to distinguish SANT from these tumors on computed tomography (CT) and MR images.Martel et al4 and there are few literatures that reported the imaging manifestations on CT or MR, including small series of case reports.7Up to now, the features of SANT are mainly described on pathology,Therefore, the aim of our study is to evaluate the imaging features of SANT on CT and MR with a largest series of cases up to now.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Hospital of Jiaxing, and the requirement for individual consent was waived by the committee because of the retrospective nature of the study.Twelve patients consisting of 7 women and 5 men  were identified with pathologic diagnosis of SANT between July 2006 and April 2017 in our hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, respectively. Left upper quadrant pain was found in 2 patients, 1 patient combined with splenic lymphoma, and the rest lesions were found by physical examination. Splenectomy was performed in all the patients.Because the machines were from different hospitals, scanning parameters were not totally consistent. Patients were asked to fast for 8 hours before the examination. Scan range was from diaphragmatic surface to bilateral renal hilum. All the 10 patients underwent CT plan and contrast-enhanced scan (ioversol), and the phases of enhancement included arterial (30–35 seconds), portal venous (55–60 seconds), and delayed phase (>120 seconds). Four patients underwent enhancement MR examination (gadolinium), the scan sequences included axial dual-echo T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and contrast-enhanced fat-saturated axial dynamic T1-weighted image (T1WI). Diffusion-weighted image (DWI) was obtained in 4 patients.Computed tomography and MR images were separately analyzed on a workstation by 3 radiologists, and all the decisions were made in consensus. The following characteristics on CT and MR images were evaluated: (1) number, diameter, and location of lesions; (2) morphologic features of lesion including contour and border. (3) The calcification  was recorded including the morphology and distribution. (4) The density was recorded as hypodense, isodense, or hyperdense compared with the surrounding normal splenic parenchyma. The signal intensity on T1WI (in phase and out-of-phase), T2-weighted image (T2WI), and DWI was recorded with the splenic peripheral parenchyma. (5) The signal intensity  and density  was recorded on CT and MR  images compared with the surrounding normal splenic parenchyma. (6) The homogeneity of each lesion was recorded as homogeneous or heterogeneous. (7) The enhancement pattern of each lesion on contrast-enhanced CT and MR images was recorded as progressive or wash-out and centripetal or centrifugal on delayed phase compared with arterial and portal venous phase was recorded. (8) Central scar was recorded on CT and MR imaging including the shape, density, signal, and the enhancement pattern.1 Central scar, calcification, hemosiderin, angiomatous nodules, and inflammatory pseudotumor area were recorded. Immunohistochemistry was performed by Envision 2-step staining, and the antibodies included CD8, CD21, CD31, CD34, CD68, and SMA. The pathological results were given from 2 professional senior pathologists, and all the decisions were made in consensus.All the specimens were fixed with 4% neutral formalin and processed by routinely dehydrated, paraffin-embedded, and 5 μm sectioning. Hematoxylin eosin staining was used to confirm the diagnosis of SANT according to the criteria originated by Martel et al.The clinical characteristics of the 12 patients are presented in Table Pathologic characteristics of SANT of the spleen are presented in Tables Splenectomy was performed in each of the patient. All the 12 lesions presented as solitary masse with clear boundary, capsule, and soft texture. Typical gray-white stellate fibrous scars with peripheral reddish-brown nodules were found in all of them. Reddish-brown nodules were radially distributed around the lesion  of 10 cases Fig. A and isoEnhancement pattern of 10 83%) of 12 lesions appeared as clear boundary with lobulation. On enhanced CT and MR images, the number of cases with mild and significant enhancement was 10 and 2, respectively. Seven (58%) of 12 lesions appeared typical feature of “spoke-wheel”  was formerly known as hemangioma,10 and it was also named multinodular hemangioma in the ninth edition of Rosai and Ackerman surgical pathology.11 Until 2004, it was officially named as sclerosing angiomatoid nodules transformation by Martel et al.1Although the literatures concerning SANT of spleen appear more and more trend, most of them are about its pathological manifestations12 The sex ratio in this study was 7:5, and the median age was 45.8 years, which were in line with the literatures.Previous literatures reported that the rare disease mainly occurs in middle-aged people with a slight female preponderance and the mean age at onset was 50 years.14 In our present study, 9 (75%) of 12 patients were found incidentally during health check program or other disease. Two of them presented with left upper abdominal pain, and the other case was found by accident during in the treatment of lymphoma.The clinical symptoms of SANT are usually nonspecific, and most of them are found by physical examination or for the treatment of other unrelated diseases.1 and it mainly goes through 2 stages in the early evolution process including nodular inflammatory pseudotumor formation and collagen fibrous tissue hyperplasia, and nodular hemangioma sample region was formed finally. Therefore, some of the lesions may have both inflammatory pseudotumor area and multiple angiomatoid nodules. In our study, the pathological mechanism is more similar to the latter and the similar phenomenon also occurred in eight cases. In addition, a large number of hyaline areas were also found in 1 of our cases, which were the basis for the formation of calcification.The etiology and pathogenesis of SANT are still unclear, and there are 2 main hypotheses at present. One hypothesis is that its occurrence is related to long-term stimulation of splenic red pulp. The other hypothesis is that SANT originated from a hemangioma,In our study, there was no correlation between the diameter of the lesion and the patients age; in fact, the maximum and minimum diameters of the lesion were both depicted in young patients: in a 21- and 28-year-old man, respectively.So far, no literature has reported recurrence or metastasis of the disease. Similarly, all the 12 patients were followed up for 3 years after treatment without associated chemotherapy or other therapy in our study, and recurrence or metastasis also was not found.15 Hyaline degeneration was found in 8 of 12 cases, and calcification was present in 6 of 12 and 4 of 10 cases on pathology and CT images, respectively. Therefore, we speculated that there were some correlation between hyaline degeneration and calcification, which were as follows: (1) the form of calcification was related to the size of the hyaline area—the larger of the area of hyaline degeneration formed in the process of evolution, the more of the amount of calcification would be formed; (2) the morphology of calcification was related to the distribution of hyaline areas. The correlation between hyaline degeneration and calcification was also supported by previous pathological literature.3 In 1 of our cases with volcanic crater calcification, the large area of hyaline degeneration was also found on pathology. Hence, we believe that the different forms of calcification must be considered as one of the characteristic performance of the disease, even if it still is a rare finding.On unenhanced CT findings in our study, most of the lesions showed slightly hypodense compared with normal surrounding splenic parenchyma, and in 9 of 10 cases the lesions appeared unclear boundary. Calcification was found in 4 of the 10 cases, and 1 of them presented as “volcanic craters.” The lesions were slightly low density on CT imaging owing to the existence of the large number of fibrous tissues confirmed on pathology, and cystic degeneration or necrosis was not found. Similarly, in 3 of 10 cases, the lesions showed hypointensity in the T1WI; all the cases showed as hypointensity on T2WI and DWI, although the effect of hemosiderin deposition could not be completely excluded. In addition, although hemosiderin deposition was found in all our cases on histopathology, it was supported only in 2 of our cases in the sequence of chemical shift through observing the decrease in signal intensity on in-phase images compared with out-of-phase images. A similar pattern also was seen in the previous literatures.17 Among them, centripetal enhancement and wheel-spoke signs were considered as the characteristic manifestations of SANT, and these features helped to distinguish SANT from other vascular tumors of spleen.On enhancement CT and MR imaging, most lesions manifested as mild or significant enhancement with clear boundary and lobulation. The pattern of enhancement was progressive and centripetal filling; the pathological basis of this feature was that hemangiomatous nodules were mostly located in the periphery of the lesion, and the large amount of fibrous tissue was located in the center of the lesion. In our study, all the lesions presented clear boundary, and in 10 of 12 cases, the lesions were lobulated. Seven of 12 lesions appeared typical sign of spoke-wheel, and it was consistent with the description of previous literatures.19 Hemangioma often appears as hypodense mass with clear boundary on CT images, and it shows an early marginal nodular enhancement in arterial phase and manifests centripetal progressive enhancement during portal venous and delayed phase. Although central scar is also found in some atypical lesions, signal intensity is not reduced on the T2-weighted sequence. Primary and secondary lymphoma of spleen is the most common malignant tumor; it usually presents as hypointense on T1-weighted sequence and hyperintense on T2-weighted sequence compared with the surrounding splenic parenchyma and shows mild enhancement. Splenic inflammatory pseudotumor is rare and benign; it presents as isointense or hypointense on T1-weighted sequence with well-defined margin, and it may show mild to moderate peripheral enhancement with the necrosis or fibrous tissue in the central area. Littoral cell angioma is not really rare, and the solitary lesion is easily confused with SANT. Although it also may show hypointensity on T2-weighted sequence owing to the hemosiderin deposition and centripetal progressive enhancement, the pattern of early enhancement is usually manifested as marginal nodular enhancement and the sign of spoke-wheel has not been reported up to now.Most benign and malignant neoplasms of spleen should be distinguished from SANT, including hemangioma, lymphoma, splenic inflammatory pseudotumor, and littoral cell angioma.There were several limitations to our study. First, it is a retrospective analysis. Second, although it includes a small number of cases owing to the rarity of the mass, it represents the largest series imaged with CT and MR up to now. In addition, the machines and scanning parameters are not totally consistent owing to the different institutions.Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation is a benign and rare vascular disease that usually affects the middle-aged women. At the same time, its clinical symptoms are not characteristic and surgical resection is the best treatment.Our study, based on a largest series of SANT of the spleen so far, gives more imaging features of this vascular disease whose differential diagnosis still remains difficult owing to its rarity. However, the recognition of these imaging features on CT and MR is helpful for the accurate preoperative diagnosis of the disease.As shown in our study, morphological features of calcification of the lesion can be clearly showed by CT examination, whereas MR examination has advantages in displaying certain image features, such as boundary, hemorrhage, necrosis, stellate fibrous scar, hemosiderin, and enhancement pattern. Therefore, CT combined with MR examination can improve the accuracy of preoperative imaging diagnosis of SANT. Among these imaging features, the sign of progressive enhancement with a spoke wheel pattern is considered to be the most typical manifestation for the diagnosis of SANT.


The main operators of the olive oil sector are continuously involved in the development of the olive oil mechanical extraction process with the common aim of increasing both the quality and the oil extraction yield coupled with the potential enhancement of the working efficiency of the olive mill. The pulsed electric field (PEF) is a recently studied technological innovation for the improvement of olive oil extraction technology. The impact of the PEF on the diffusion of oil and microconstituents, determined by the disruption effects on olive cell tissues carried out by the non-thermal method, was evaluated. A PEF can increase the permeability and breaking of the cell membranes with a consequent positive result on oil extractability and quality, mainly related to the compounds involved in the health and sensory properties of extra virgin olive oil. The PEF was tested on three Italian olive cultivars . The results showed a positive impact of the new technology on the oil yield, with an increase ranging from 2.3 to 6%, and on the concentration of hydrophilic phenols, with an increase ranging from 3.2 to 14.3%, with respect to the control tests. The data of the main compounds related to the health and sensory notes also showed high variability as a consequence of the genetic origins of the olive cultivars. The technological evolution of the olive oil mechanical extraction process in recent decades has been mainly based on the improvement of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) quality, which is strictly connected with compounds characterized by their health and sensory properties (phenolic and volatile compounds). The activities concerning the control of the main technological parameters  and the critical steps of the crushing and malaxation phases –4 benefi−1 and a frequency of 125 Hz. The treatment of the crushed paste did not result in any significant increase in oil yield but was able to guarantee the same extractability at a reduced malaxation temperature with a consequent positive impact on the EVOO sensory notes. The other study , are mainly focused on increasing oil extractability and improving plant working efficiency with little attention on their impacts on the legal, commercial, and quality parameters of EVOO –15. All er study  investigBased on the information from these recent studies, the cultivar impact on the yield and quality of EVOOs using a different PEF system, characterized by a different set up, was investigated. This study reports detailed data of the trials carried out for processing the olives belonging to different Italian cultivars with particular attention to the olive cell destruction process and the subsequent release of larger amounts of oil and the main components connected to the sensory and quality parameters of the olive oils, such as the contents of hydrophilic and lipophilic phenols and volatile compounds.−1 and a specific energy of 17 kJ kg−1.Control and PEF treated EVOO samples were extracted from the olives of the Carolea, Ottobratica, and Coratina cultivars . The oliDuring the experimental study, the main quality parameters potentially influenced by the introduction of the technological innovation of the olive oil mechanical extraction process were evaluated without analyzing other characteristics of EVOO rarely modified by olive oil mechanical extraction process such as fatty acid composition, sterols, and waxes , 14, 15.p-HPEA) were supplied by Cabru s.a.s.  and Fluka , respectively. Lignans [(+)-1-acetoxypinoresinol and (+)-pinoresinol)] and the secoiridoid derivatives  were obtained as quoted in the study of Veneziani et al. (E)-2-pentenal, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, -2,4-hexadienal, 2,4-hexadienal (i), 1-pentanol, 1-penten-3-ol, (E)-2-penten-1-ol, (Z)-2-penten-1-ol, 1-hexanol, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, (E)-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate], α-tocopherol and all the reagents used in the analysis were purchased from Merck .Phenolic alcohols such as hydroxytyrosol  and tyrosol  of the EVOOs were determined by the European Official Methods .The moisture contents of the control and PEF EVOOs were evaluated following the method described by International Organization for Standardization . Five grA Soxhlet extractor was utilized to analyze the pomace oil content; 10 g of dried sample and 5 g of pumice stone were loaded into a thimble made from thick filter paper and placed in the main compartment of the Soxhlet extractor. The process was carried out for 6 h using hexane as the extraction solvent. The solvent was removed by means of a rotary evaporator [Rotavapor R-210 ], and the residual oil content was detected afterwards .−1 (The phenolic fraction was recovered by a liquid-liquid extraction method mixing 20 g of EVOOs with 10 mL of methanol/water solution (80/20 v/v) using Ultra-Turrax T 25 homogenizer  at 17,000 rpm for 2 min. The mixture was centrifuged at 935 × g for 10 min at room temperature  than the supernatant was recovered . The ext−1 . The phe−1 .The headspace, solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) technique was used to detect and quantify the volatile compounds in the control and PEF EVOOs of the Carolea, Ottobratica, and Coratina cultivars.The SPME was carried out holding the vials, with 3 g of EVOO and 50 μL of a standard methanolic solution, at 35°C and then the SPME fiber  was exposed to the vapor phase for 30 min to detect the volatile compounds.−1). All the operative conditions was set following the method described by Veneziani et al. . The fused-silica capillary column  was operated with helium regulated by an electronic flow controller (EFC) at a constant flow rate  syringe filter  and injected into the HPLC system. The HPLC analysis was conducted using the Agilent Technologies Model 1100, and the α-Tocopherol was detected at an excitation wavelength of 294 nm and at an emission wavelength of 300 nm as described by Esposto et al. .−1) at 120°C for 24 h. The oxidative stability was detected as the oxidation induction time (OIT), expressed in hours.The oxidative stability of the control and PEF EVOO of Coratina was assessed using a Rancimat  as described by Baldioli et al. . The oilA PEF system was applied to the olive oil mechanical extraction process to evaluate its technological performance on the oil extractability and its impact on the main quality parameters of EVOO. Compared to the others previous studies on the effect of PEF applied to the oil mechanical extraction process, the trials were carried out by processing three different Italian olive cultivars to better understand the effects of the technology in relation to the different genetic origins of the three olive varieties. As reported by Bartolini et al. , CaroleaThe EVOOs obtained from the PEF-assisted extraction showed an increase in the oil yield for all of the processed cultivars, indicating the efficient degradation of the olive tissues to guarantee an improvement in the oil extractability of the mechanical extraction plant. The release of a large amount of oil in the free water phase of the olive paste enhanced the total oil extracted at the end of the mechanical separation process with a variability that is a function of the different genetic origins of the olives , with enThe PEF treatment did not significantly alter the free acidity, peroxide value, or UV spectrophotometric indices of the EVOOs of any of the cultivars compared to the respective control test .p-HPEA, p-HPEA-EDA, and ligstroside aglycone) and lignans (sum of (+)-1-acetoxypinoresinol and (+)-pinoresinol). The phenolic enhancement was qualitatively due to the amount of 3,4-DHPEA-EDA and 3,4-DHPEA-EA, which are the main phenolic compounds influenced by technological processes, whereas ligstroside derivatives and lignans seemed more stable than the other molecules (−1), which is probably very close to the limit value of the product.The evaluation of hydrophilic phenols in the experimental trials showed an increase in phenolic compounds in all of the EVOOs extracted from different cultivars compared to the control test, which was confirmed by Puértolas and Martínez de Marañón . The oveolecules , 10, 39.−1 (cv. Carolea), 313.5 and 314.7 mg kg−1 (cv. Ottobratica), 261.3 and 266.3 mg kg−1 (cv. Coratina) for control, and PEF EVOOs, respectively.In contrast, the content of α-tocopherol was not influenced by the PEF treatment and did not show any significant differences in concentration in any of the cultivars. The concentration of lipophilic phenols was 204.2 and 203.3 mg kgThe same trend was detected for the volatile fractions of the EVOOs treated using PEF technology that did not modify the concentration of the main aldehydes, alcohols, and esters involved in the flavor of the olive oils . The PEFThe electrodes that generated the pulsed electric field (PEF) could release traces of metals, such as iron and cupper, characterized by pro-oxidant activities into the product, which could possibly negatively impact the oxidative stability of the food matrices. No data were found in the literature about this possible effect of PEF treatment of olive paste and its potential consequences on the EVOO quality. For that reason, the oxidative stability, analyzed by the Rancimat test, was also detected in the EVOOs extracted from the Coratina olives to evaluate the differences in the oxidation induction time (OIT). The data showed a longer OIT of the EVOO from the PEF sample (21.1 h) compared to the control (20.3 h), highlighting the absence of possible metals issued by the electrodes in the PEF oil, which should increase the rate of oil oxidation. The higher OIT for the PEF sample was due to the major concentration of antioxidant compounds .The impact of the PEF technology applied to the olive oil mechanical extraction process showed a significant effect on the EVOO yield for the tests conducted on Carolea, Ottobratica, and Coratina olives. The percent increase in the oil yield (ranging from 2.3 to 6%) should be cultivar dependent, probably in relation to the different ratios of the constituent parts of the fruits, which is mainly influenced by the genetic origins of the olive drupes and by the ripening stage. As also supposed in a previous study , the difThe alteration of the olive tissue structure induced by the PEF treatment and the subsequent release of intracellular matrices into the water phase did not affect the legal quality parameters or the oxidative stability of the product as a consequence of the possible release of pro-oxidant metals from the PEF chamber. The concentrations of α-tocopherol and the main classes of volatile compounds responsible for the EVOO flavor were not significantly modified compared to the control test. The new technology improved the oil extractability and the antioxidant contents of the EVOO without altering the main qualitative and organoleptic characteristics of the product.The raw data supporting the conclusions of this manuscript will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation, to any qualified researcher.GV: extraction process, data processing, and conclusion. SE and AT: data processing. RS and BS: chemical analysys. AL and LD: sampling and chemical analysys. MP and RT: engineering technical support. MS: research plan and supervision.The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.


Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common disorders associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There are few studies on the effects of physical exercises, especially aerobic exercises, on serum levels of apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B in patients with COPD. The current study aimed at determining the effect of aerobic exercises on serum levels of apolipoprotein A1 and B and apo-A1/apo-B ratio.t test.In the current randomized, controlled, clinical trial, with a pretest posttest control group design, 22 males with COPD were randomly assigned to the aerobic exercise and control groups. The aerobic exercise program was performed within two months based on three 30–40-minute sessions per week. Serum levels were measured and evaluated before and after aerobic exercises. Data were analyzed using the paired samples In the aerobic exercise group, the mean of Apo A1 and Apo B after the intervention  was significantly higher than that of before the intervention  . However, apoA1/Apo B ratio did not significantly change after the intervention compared with that of before the intervention (1.85±0.10 vs. 1.80±0.13) (P >0.05). There was no significant change in the mean Apo A1 and Apo B levels and Apo A1/Apo B ratio after the intervention in the control group.Regular aerobic physical exercises are effective in increasing the serum level of Apo A1 in patients with COPD. Due to the proven protective role of Apo A1 in patients with COPD, this biomarker can improve respiratory efficacy in such patients. Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) reduces pulmonary oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen sedimentation . A largeThe increasing prevalence of compulsive obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as one of the priorities of the World Health Organization (WHO) has a significant impact on the health care systems, since it was the third leading cause of death by 2020 . AccordiChronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and proteolysis play a major role in the pathogenesis of COPD and emphysema. COPD haApo A1, which is only produced by the liver and intestine, is a structural protein of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) . It is oApolipoprotein B in the liver is bound to the LDL and VLDL precursors. Apolipoprotein B is the only protein in the LDL, and is also a component of VLDL, Lipoprotein A, and metabolic residues of VLDL and chylomicrons , 26.Considering the extensive researches on identifying the factors affecting the development and progression of COPD, and the need for new methods for the better management of this disease and its associated disorders, which cardiovascular diseases are of the most important ones, the current study aimed at determining the effect of aerobic exercises on the serum levels of Apo A1 and Apo B, their ratio, and their roles in improving lung efficacy and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients with COPD.In the current randomized, controlled, clinical trial with pretest and posttest control group design, conducted in Kerman, Iran, 22 patients with COPD were selected by the random sampling method. The study was also registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) under the code, IRCT20171224038032N1. The Ethics Committee of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, approved the study protocol.According to the results of the previous study and considering α = 5% and β = 10% Mean1 = 23.71, Mean = −17.35, sd1 = 12.49, sd2 = 11.29 , and bas2; and the exclusion criteria were: heart disease , chronic diseases of the liver, kidney, gastrointestinal system, musculoskeletal system, and central nervous system (CNS) as well as diabetes and dyslipidemia. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of 11 (control and intervention groups). In the beginning of the eight-week intervention, spirometry was performed to both groups’ subjects; however, pulmonary volumes, including forced expiratory volume (FEV) 1, forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC ratio, were measured and recorded. After obtaining the informed consent for exercise with a full explanation of the exercises and the way of doing them, the aerobic exercises were set to fixed bikes and treadmills; the intervention was performed within eight weeks three 30–40-minute sessions per week; the duration of each session was oriented based on the patients’ stability. Before the intervention onset, the incremental test for each patient was performed to assess and determine the stability of patients to tolerate the exercise and prescribe the optimal exercise intensity. Finally, to assess the effectiveness of the exercises, the same test was performed. It should be noted that subjects who had the contraindications of exercise were excluded from the study.Inclusion criteria of the current study were: age range 40–70 years and body mass index (BMI) of 19 to 24 kg/m2) as well as clinical manifestations were continuously controlled during the session for each patient and the intervention was discontinued in the event of fatigue or inability of the patient. In the case of SaO2 dropping to less than 88%, the oxygen was given to the patient and if the hypoxia was not corrected, the sports activity was discontinued and the subject was excluded from the study.During the implementation of the test, subjects reached the maximum activity criteria or symptom-limited activity. Electrocardiography (ECG), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation . In the current study, data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 and the significance level was considered <0.05.Data collected from the demographic and clinical information checklist were transferred into the computer after encoding. Data were analyzed by descriptive tests including mean, SD, frequency and frequency percentage, and analytical tests including the paired samples The mean FEV1 measured by spirometry in the aerobic exercise and control groups in the beginning of the study were 1.84 L (56.36 ± 20.66%) and 1.37 L (49.09 ± 12.06%), respectively.According to the pulmonary function test and based on the GOLD classification used to classify COPD, in the aerobic exercise group, 27.27% of the patients were in the absence staining of the disease, 45.45% in the moderate staining, 18.18% in the intense, and 9.09% were in very intense staining. In the control group, the grading was 9.09%, 36.36%, 45.45%, and 9.09% in the absence, moderate, intense, and very intense staining of the disease, respectively. The characteristics listed in the two groups are shown in t test showed that the mean Apo A1 score in the aerobic exercise group increased after the intervention compared with that of before intervention, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In addition, the means of Apo B before and after intervention were 83.27 and 93.63 mg/dL, respectively. The results of the paired samples t test showed that the mean Apo B score in the aerobic exercise group after the intervention was significantly higher than that of before the intervention (P<0.05). However, in the aerobic exercise group, the mean ApoA1/Apo B ratio after the intervention (1.85) was not significantly different from that of before the intervention (1.80) (P>0.05).The normal ranges of Apo A1 and Apo B were 110–190 and 75–155 mg/dL, respectively. Based on the results of the current study, in the aerobic exercise group, the means of Apo A1 before and after the intervention were 146 and 169.36 mg/dL, respectively. The results of the paired samples t test showed that the means of Apo A1 and Apo B, and Apo A1/Apo B ratio in the control group after the intervention were not significantly different from those of before the intervention (P <0.05)    .In the current study, the intergroup analyses of ApoA1 and ApoB, and ApoA1/Apo B ratio changes showed that the mean of ApoA1 increased to 23.36 mg/dL in the intervention group, while decreased in the control group to 8.9 mg/dL and the difference between the groups in this regard was significant (P <0.05).Also, ApoB in the intervention group increased by an average of 10.36 mg/dL and decreased in the control group with a mean of 4.72 mg/dL, and the difference between the measures were not statistically significant (P >0.05). The ApoA1/Apo B ratio in the intervention group increased by an average of 0.04 and decreased in the control group with a mean of 0.10, and the difference between the groups in this regard was statistically insignificant (P >0.05) .The results of studies conducted on large populations can play an important role in the management of COPD and further researches. In previous studies, it was observed that serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), endothelin 1, interleukin (IL)-6, and C-reactive protein (CRP) increased in patients with COPD compared with the healthy subjects.Normal HDL level has a protective effect on the lung functioning in healthy people and the ones with asthma and lung cancer, which specifies its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. As noted above, Apo A1is a structural protein of the HDL and has numerous protective effects on the healthy lung and pulmonary diseases. It was In the current study, a significant increase was observed in the mean serum Apo A1 level of post-intervention compared with pre-intervention in the aerobic exercise group and the significant changes in the aerobic exercise group compared with the control group showed that regular aerobic exercises can play an effective role in improving the respiratory efficacy in patients with COPD through an increase in the serum levels of ApoA1.In the study by Basili et al., to determine the lipid profile and its relationship with vascular and heart diseases, level of Apo B, lipoprotein A, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels were measured and compared with those of the healthy control population, and it was observed that patients with COPD did not have atherogenic lipid profiles and the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in such patients was not due to the effect of atherogenic lipid profile and its association with the disease .It was also observed that the mean Apo B score significantly increased after the intervention compared with before intervention in the aerobic exercise group, but its average changes were not significant in comparison with those of the control group.Finally, Apo A1/Apo B ratio in the aerobic exercise group insignificantly increased after the intervention compared with the pre-intervention, and its average changes were not significant in comparison with those of the control group; therefore, it could be argued that doing exercises in patients with COPD cannot prevent the predisposition of cardiovascular diseases through affecting lipid profiles.However, the role of physical activities in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases is already determined; for example, a study found that higher levels of daily physical activity can reduce arterial stiffness and lead to decreased risk of cardiovascular events .As noted above, there was no study on the role of Apo B in pulmonary diseases, and it is not apparent how its increase or decrease and the ratio of its change in favor of Apo A1 can affect the pathogenesis and progression of pulmonary diseases; therefore, it is suggested to investigate this topic in future researches.In the current study, there was no correlation in Apo A1 and Apo B measures and Apo A1/Apo B ratio between the patients with COPD and the healthy controls in order to determine the impact and roles of such parameters in COPD; the issue that can be considered in future studies. Based on the protective role of Apo A1 in other types of pulmonary diseases, such as asthma, lung cancer, and pulmonary hypertension, a study on the effect of exercises on such diseases can also be valuable. Sports exercises in the current study were simple, cost-effective, and convenient; the results of the current study indicated the efficacy of exercises, in spite of the physical limitations of the patients with COPD in terms of doing exercises. In the beginning of the current study, it was expected that the lack of co-operation of patients with the authors to do aerobic exercises would be one of the limitations of the study, but given the positive role of these exercises in improving the physical and mental status of the patients, the cooperation of the study subjects with authors in terms of doing aerobic exercises was considered very good and did not make any specific limitations.Regular aerobic physical exercises are effective in increasing the serum level of Apo A1 in patients with COPD, and given the proven protective role of Apo A1 in patients with COPD, it can improve the respiratory efficacy of such patients. The exercises performed in the current study were very simple, cost-effective, and convenient and can be included in the pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Due to the fact that Apo A1/Apo B ratio did not significantly increase following the intervention, it is concluded that sports activities do not play a role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases induced by atherogenesis in patients with COPD.


Following publication, concerns were raised about duplicate images in Figs Specifically, in The corresponding author has stated these were mistakes in the preparation of the original figures and provided revised figures.In In In The underlying blot images, microscopy images, and the data points underlying the charts in Figs The underlying blots for The underlying blot for The datapoints underlying the chart in The authors have also provided the following clarifications and corrections:The samples used for actin and target protein detection were loaded into separate gels in the same order and marked on the corners of the gel and PVDF membrane, and for this reason, actin control bands appear in different blots to those of the target proteins.There is an error in the seventh sentence of the “miR-17, 20a, 20b regulate EMT and migration” subsection of the Results. The correct sentence is:Results showed that over-expression of miR-17, 20a, 20b could reduce migration in A549/DDP cells and inhibition of them could increase migration in A549 cells .In the second sentence of the second paragraph of the Discussion section, references 6 and 12 are incorrectly placed and should not be included. The correct sentence is:Secondly, inhibition of miR-17, 20a, 20b increased cisplatin-resistant and migration of A549 cells, and over-expression of miR-17, 20a, 20b decreased cisplatin-resistant and migration of A549/DDP cells.The underlying data for Fig 1 are not available. This includes data from a microarray experiment performed by service provider LC Sciences. The Data Availability Policy in effect at the time of submission of the article required public deposition of microarray data, which is in accordance with standard practice in the field at the time.PLOS ONE Editors issue this Expression of Concern to alert readers to the concerns about the unavailability of the microarray data, as well as the outlined concerns regarding the originally published images.The S1 File(RAR)Click here for additional data file.S2 File(ZIP)Click here for additional data file.


The microstructure and structure of the coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer and optical profiler. The mechanical properties and corrosion properties of the coatings were studied by microhardness tester, friction and wear tester, Charpy impact tester, and electrochemical workstation. The results show that the coating is mainly composed of Al-phase, continuous-phase, and hard reinforced-phase WC, and the coating and substrate show good metallurgical bonding. When the content of CeO2 is 1%, the fine grain strengthening effect is obvious, and the impact toughness of the coating is obviously improved. Appropriate amount of rare earth CeO2 can significantly improve the hardness of the coating. When the content of CeO2 is more than 1%, the wear resistance of the coating decreases. The coating prepared with different CeO2 content has higher impedance and corrosion resistance than that of the substrate. At 1% CeO2 content, the coating has the best corrosion resistance.WC reinforced Al-based coating with added CeO With the increase of volume fraction of reinforced-phase, the hardness of the composite coating increased, while the impact toughness decreased from 8.1 J/cm2 to 4.7 J/cm2. When the volume fraction of the reinforced phase is less than 24%, the wear resistance of the coating increases with the increase of V8C7 content, and when the volume fraction is more than 24%, the wear resistance decreases due to the crushing of particles and the generation of microcracks [Offshore platform is a tool for human beings to develop marine resources, which is used in severe marine working environments such as waves, tide, storm and cold current ice. These environments determine that offshore platform steel must have high strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, and layered tear resistance ,2,3. At rocracks .2 on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of TiC-VC reinforced Fe-based laser cladding coating. With increasing CeO2 addition, the number of flake pearlite increased, the amount of retained austenite decreased, and the corrosion resistance of cladding coating increased at first and then decreased. When 0.5 wt.% CeO2 is added, the corrosion resistance of the coating is the best [2. The results showed that the size of C particles was suppressed by rare earth element Ce, which is prone to accumulate at the interface of grain boundary or crystalline phases. The unmelted CeO2 can also be used as the basis for heterogeneous nucleation of C, Cr23C6, and Cr7C3 particles. In addition, with increasing CeO2 content, the tensile properties of the coating were improved, and the fracture behavior changed from quasi-cleavage fracture to brittle fracture [There are great differences in physical and chemical properties between ceramic particles and matrix materials, such as thermal expansion coefficient, interfacial strength, brittleness of reaction products, etc., which may lead to the plasticity and toughness of the composite coating lower than that of the matrix material. Under the condition of impact load. Composites are prone to fracture and early failure, thus decreasing corrosion resistance in the marine environment, which greatly limits the application and development of matrix materials ,15. Rarethe best . Sun et fracture .From the literature review, the ceramic particle reinforced metal-based composite coating can significantly improve the hardness of the coating and improve the corrosion resistance to a certain extent. However, with the increase of the volume fraction of ceramic particles, the impact toughness of the composite coating decreases seriously, resulting in particle breakage or matrix cracking in some environments, and the corrosion resistance decreases instead. Therefore, improving the impact toughness of composite coating without losing their corrosion resistance has become the research focus of particle reinforced metal-based materials ,20. In this work, we mainly use the idea of rare earth purification to prepare particle reinforced metal-based composite coatings with different rare earth content. The microstructure, impact toughness and corrosion resistance of the composite coating were studied systematically by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, Charpy impact tester, and electrochemical workstation, and the action mechanism of rare earth was analyzed. It provides an experimental basis for the effective combination of impact toughness and corrosion resistance of ceramic particles reinforced metal-based composites.2 was added at the mass ratio of 0%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%, respectively. It was fully mixed and ground by ball mill, and then put into the drying box at 60 °C for 30 min. Each group of powder samples was tested by laser cladding three times. According to the macroscopic test results of the three cladding samples, the samples with better cladding quality were selected to test the microstructure and properties. The laser cladding test is completed by YSL-4000 optical fiber laser processing system using synchronous powder-feeding cladding. 2O3 polishing solution and de-oiled by acetone ultrasonic.The experimental material was European standard S420 structural steel . −1 to 105 and the test time is 300 s. After the test is completed, the data will be fitted by ZSimDemo software.The microstructure and element composition of the coating were characterized by JSM-6510 scanning electron microscope  and energy-dispersive spectroscopy , and the phase composition of the coating was analyzed by X-ray diffractometer . The hardness of the sample was measured by 430SVD Vickers hardness tester . The test method was parallel to the horizontal section direction, the loading load was 200 g, the loading time was 15 s, a point was hit every 50 μm from the surface of the cladding layer to the substrate, and the average value was measured three times at the same depth level. The wear properties of the coating were tested by reciprocating sliding friction and wear tester . The test conditions and technological parameters of wear are as follows, steel ball , air (test medium), loading load of 250 g, wear scar radius of 4 mm, running time of 30 min. After the test was completed, the wear weight loss was measured by BT25S electronic analysis balance , and the wear scar morphology was observed by scanning electron microscope. The Charpy U-shaped notched impact specimen is cut parallel to the laser scanning direction along the cladding layer, and the sample size is 10 mm × 10 mm × 55 mm, which ensures that all the impact toughness specimens are in the cladding region, as shown in 2 powder is regular spherical, the particle size is 15 to 30 μm, and the element distribution is uniform.2 content. When the rare earth CeO2 is not added, an obvious crack appears in the cross section of the coating, and the crack gradually extends to the heat affected zone (HAZ). The elements in the coating region are mainly composed of Al, Fe, Ni, and W, and the distribution of Ni and W elements has great fluctuations. The appearance of Fe elements shows that the Fe in the substrate diffuses into the coating through the molten pool, as a result, the interface between the substrate and the coating is metallurgical bonded [2 increased to 1.5%, pores began to appear in the coating, but the number of pores was less. The distribution of W element in the coating fluctuates obviously, the depth of HAZ is expanded to ~60 μm, and the dilution rate is gradually increased to 7.8%. When the rare earth content increases to 2%, the cross section of the coating is rough, the distribution of Ni and W elements is uneven, and the dilution rate increases to 8.4%.l bonded . The dep3 phase appear at approximately 25° and 55°, which indicates that rare earth CeO2 decomposes and reacts with Al at high temperature in order to purify the grain [3 phase shows that the Fe element in the substrate diffuses into the coating, resulting in the metallurgical bonding between the substrate and the coating [2O3 phase of the coating without rare earth addition is higher than that of other rare earth coatings, which indicates that rare earth has a certain oxidation resistance of the coating. The AlNi3 peak appears in all the four coatings. According to the calculated results of Gibbs free energy, the temperature of laser cladding is higher than 1000 K, and the AlNi3 phase is relatively stable.The prepared coating was characterized by XRD, and the XRD pattern is shown in he grain . The app coating . In addi2, the surface of the coating is flat, the color is darker, the surface has metallic luster, and there are no macroscopic defects. From the perspective of three-dimensional morphology and microscopic morphology, when the rare earth CeO2 is not added, the surface of the coating is uneven, the roughness is large, and the surface shows undulating ripples. The grains are coarse and bonded to each other, showing rod shape and block shape [2 is 1%, the surface flatness of the coating is higher than that of the coating without rare earth addition, and the grains in the coating are obviously refined, showing granular shape and uniform distribution. This is mainly due to the fact that the addition of a small amount of rare earth can reduce the melting temperature, shorten the melting time, improve the flowability of the molten pool and facilitate the homogenization of the elements. When the content of CeO2 is 1.5%, it can be seen that the surface of the coating is relatively flat, but there are fewer pores and the microstructure of the coating is granular and flake. When the CeO2 content is further increased, the wavy pattern appears on the surface of the coating, the surface becomes uneven, the pores increase, and the tissue distribution is uneven. Therefore, the appropriate amount of rare earth can improve the quality of the cladding layer and refine the grain, but when the content of rare earth CeO2 is more than 1.5%, the quality of the coating begins to decline. Because of the strong electronegativity of rare earth, it shows strong chemical properties when the content is low, which can fill the defects of alloy phase in the molten pool, reduce the surface tension, promote the effective number of nuclei, and restrain the crystallization process, which leads to microstructure refinement. When the rare earth is excessive, the rare earth elements will dissolve in some metal compounds, resulting in less segregation at the grain boundary, reducing the undercooling at the grain boundary, promoting the activity of the grain boundary, and making the microstructure of the coating larger and the quality of cladding lower.ck shape . When th2 is 1.0%, the maximum surface hardness of the coating is 983.3 HV0.2, which is nearly twice as much as that of the substrate. When the CeO2 content increases to 1.5%, the surface hardness of the coating decreases by 8%, and when the CeO2 content increases to 2.0%, the hardness of the coating decreases by 35%. It can be seen that the addition of appropriate amount of rare earth CeO2 can significantly improve the hardness of the cladding layer. When the content of CeO2 is more than 1%, the hardness increase trend is not obvious. On the one hand, because the strength of the metal is negatively related to the grain size, the smaller the grain size, the greater the strength of the metal and the higher the hardness of the material; on the other hand, in the nondynamic equilibrium process of laser cladding, the addition of rare earth elements can play the role of solid solution strengthening, which distorts the lattice size and promotes the improvement of hardness. Therefore, when the content of rare earth CeO2 is 1.0%, the hardness of the coating is the best.The microhardness distribution of the cladding coating is shown in 2 is not added, the wear rate of the coating is 1.01 × 10−5 mm3·N−1·s−1. When CeO2 is added, the wear rate of the coating is obviously lower than that of the coating without CeO2, but it is not that the higher the CeO2 content is, the lower the wear rate of the coating is. When the CeO2 content is more than 1.5%, the wear rate of the coating decreases, and when it reaches 2.0%, the wear rate of the coating is close to that of the unadded rare earth coating. 2 is not added, white granular wear oxide appears on the worn surface, the worn surface is rough and the local damage is serious, and the wear mechanism is mainly micro-cutting and oxidation wear. When the content of CeO2 is 1.0%, the worn surface is flat and shallow ploughing appears, and the main wear mechanism is abrasive wear. When the content of CeO2 is 1.5%, there are pits and local damage on the worn surface and the wear mechanism is mainly micro-cutting. When the content of CeO2 is 2.0%, the worn surface is seriously damaged, and the main wear mechanism is micro-cutting and adhesive wear [2 can refine the microstructure, reduce the dendrite arm spacing and improve the toughness of the coating. When the content of CeO2 is more than 1%, the flowability of the molten pool decreases, which leads to the increase of the internal inclusions formed by cerium oxide and other components. In addition, in the process of solidification in the molten pool, deoxidation of CeO2 is reduced, so that the bubbles and inclusions are not easy to be discharged and inclusion in the coating increases, which leads to the decrease of plasticity and toughness and the wear resistance of the coating. ive wear ,26. Base2 without the addition of CeO2. When the content of CeO2 is 1%, the impact toughness of the coating is the highest, which reaches 42.27 J/cm2. When the CeO2 content is further increased, the impact toughness of the coating decreases. When the CeO2 content reaches 2%, the impact toughness of the coating is almost the same as that of the coating without CeO2, which is maintained at 32 J/cm2. After laser cladding, the impact toughness of the substrate (28.5 J/cm2) can be increased up to 48%, and the toughness is obviously improved. Due to the characteristics of rapid solidification of laser cladding, the boundary and phase interface between dendrite and eutectic per unit volume will increase, and the increase of interface will hinder the movement of dislocations. Moreover, due to the laser thermal radiation effect, the high density dislocation martensite is formed in the heat shadow region, which is beneficial to improve the impact properties. On the other hand, due to the fine grain strengthening effect of rare earth CeO2, it can effectively prevent the growth of grains, hinder the movement of dislocations, increase the difficulty of crack propagation, and effectively improve the comprehensive mechanical properties of materials.2 is not added, the fracture surface of the specimen is mainly composed of a small cleavage plane, which is connected by small and curved tear edges, and no dimples are found. At the same time, there are obvious river patterns and cleavage steps on the large cleavage plane, the fracture characteristics are quasi-cleavage fracture, and the surface has radial steps, which is the characteristic of brittle fracture [2 content is 1% and 1.5%, the fracture surface of the specimen is composed of dimples, and the plastic deformation mainly occurs in the process of crack propagation. In the same direction, the dimple of 1% CeO2 content sample is deeper and larger than that of 1.5% CeO2 content sample. This shows that the plastic deformation of 1% CeO2 content coating is larger than that of 1.5% CeO2 content coating under impact load, and the plastic deformation work consumed during crack propagation is larger than that of 1.5% CeO2 content coating. When the content of CeO2 is 2%, the fracture morphology of the sample is composed of a large number of dimples and cleavage planes, and the dimple band is surrounded by cleavage planes and tear edges, and the secondary crack is not obvious, which is a typical quasi-cleavage fracture morphology [fracture . When thrphology . It can 2 content combined with the polarization curve fitting parameters shown in 2 content, the self-corrosion potential and pitting potential of the coating decreased. When the content of CeO2 reaches 2%, the self-corrosion potential and current density of the coating are lower than those of the coating without rare earth. There are two main reasons for this phenomenon. First, CeO2 can refine the crystal structure and improve the crystal composition segregation, so that the structure can be purified and the grain boundary corrosion rate can be delayed. Second, CeO2 can improve the content and distribution of corrosion resistance elements such as Ni and Ti, promote the corrosion resistance of the coating.2 on coatings, the impedance spectra of different coatings were measured, as shown in 2 is 2% < 1.5% < 0.0% < 1%. The larger the radius of arc resistance is, the better the corrosion resistance is. From the Bode diagram, we can see that all coatings correspond to two time constants at frequencies of 10 and 10,000. At low frequency, the impedance is higher when the content of CeO2 is 1.5%, 0.0%, and 1%. The interface reacted by capacitance arc resistance in low frequency region is corrosion product layer, and the interface reacted by capacitance arc resistance at high frequency is passivation film, because of the large phase angle, the passivation film is more compact [2 is 2.0%, the impedance in the low frequency region is low, and the interface reacted by the capacitance arc is caused by activation, indicating that the charge has been transferred, indicating the formation of pitting corrosion. Rs represents the resistance of the corrosion medium, CPE represents the original of constant phase angle, Rb represents the resistance between the medium and the sample interface, and Rt represents the resistance on the coating surface dissolved by the corrosion medium. The corresponding equivalent circuit parameters are listed in 2 content is 1.0%, the passivation film Rt of the coating is the largest, indicating that the corrosion resistance of the coating is the best.In order to further study the electrochemical behavior of CeO compact . When th(1)2 was prepared by laser cladding. The addition of CeO2 did not change the phase composition of the coating. Appropriate amount of CeO2 can enhance the flowability of the molten pool, refine the microstructure of the coating, and make the distribution of elements in the coating uniform. However, excessive CeO2 makes the diffusion of the molten pool difficult, and CeO2 will dissolve into the metal compounds, which makes the microstructure of the coating become thick again.WC-reinforced Al-based composite coating with added CeO(2)2 can significantly improve the hardness of the cladding coating. When the content of CeO2 is more than 1%, the fine grain strengthening effect decreases gradually, the dislocation movement increases, and the inclusions in the coating increase, resulting in the decrease of plasticity and impact toughness of the coating. Wear resistance is also reduced.Appropriate amount of rare earth CeO(3)2 content has higher impedance and higher corrosion resistance than that of the substrate. When the content of CeO2 is 1%, the coating shows its best corrosion resistance.The coating prepared with different CeO


This paper provides data and information on Beirut Arab University׳s existing old building in Lebanon. The building was primarily designed to resist gravity loads only, with no attention to seismic or lateral load effects. The data shows that there is a need to improve the conditions of the existing old building by applying new features that function as seismic capacity resistance. The first feature was applied by adding RC-shear walls to the existing building, and the second feature was by implementing concentric steel bracing at the peripheral face of the building. In this article, a set of critical parameters to identify the seismic design of buildings was associated in this data. The parameters were described in terms of dynamic properties as follows: (a) natural fundamental period, (b) mode shapes, (c) torsional irregularity, (d) stiffness and ductility, and (e) plastic hinges formation. Particularly, the estimated cost analysis of added materials plays an important role in choosing the suitable retrofitting technique for old buildings. Specifications tableValue of the data•Data can be used to keep alerting the specialists, researchers, professionals and governmental bodies for the important of the seismic rehabilitation due to high risk of earthquakes in Beirut-Lebanon.•Data can be used to guide the designers, seismologists, and construction industries to the concepts of placing, designing, and execution of new alternative retrofitting materials to the old existing building which is very necessary in seismic design, especially in terms of bonding and anchoring with old elements.•Data can be used for researchers who deals with modeling softwares and computational approaches in strengthening and retrofitting of old buildings in order to be satisfied with the earthquake resistant design of the structures.•Data can be extremely valuable for most earthquake-engineering researchers to understand the role of the dynamic properties on the behaviour of the structural building under the effect of earthquake loading. For examples, the natural fundamental period, mode shapes, torsional irregularity, stiffness, and ductility.•Data can be employed in choosing the most appropriate technique to be considered in retrofitting Beirut Arab University through the cost estimation or feasibility study which is necessary aspect for all engineers and contractors in any particular projects.1A huge percentage of Reinforced Concrete (RC)-buildings in Beirut were built and set-up without the essential earthquake layout design requirements, therefore, these buildings are considered the most vulnerable to earthquakes. The building, which is an old structure, was primarily designed to resist gravity loads only, without giving any attention to the lateral load.The main purposes of this data article were to evaluate the seismic performance of an RC-building in Beirut under seismic loading, and to propose a solution for the structural rehabilitation and strengthening of the existing building using shear walls and steel bracing, and to estimate the material cost of each retrofitting technique. The data related to seismic performance of the existing building (Model 1) was measured and compared with two other retrofitting techniques: Model 2  and Model 3 (with added concentric steel bracing) based on the dynamic properties.The data were generated based on the following dynamic properties: (1) maximum displacement, (2) natural fundamental period, (3) mode shapes, (4) torsional irregularity in terms of centre of mass and centre of rigidity, (5) stiffness and ductility using pushover analysis, (6) plastic hinges formation, and the estimated material costs as illustrated in 1.1See 1.2See 1.3See 1.4See 1.5See 1.6The cost estimation data for the proposed strengthening schemes was performed based on the current prices (2017) report that was published by BLOMINVEST BANK in Lebanon See .Tablee 722.1The computational approach provided in this data article is to check the validity of the existing old building structure under seismic loading and to develop the dynamic properties using ETABS software as a simulation platform tool; firstly, Model 1(existing building) should only be analysed for gravity loads, then, re-modelled to assess its capacity and performance when seismic forces are applied. Secondly, by analysing Model 2  as a rehabilitation technique by applying seismic forces. Finally, by analysing Model 3 (retrofitted with X-steel bracing system) using the same seismic forces. The seismic loading protocol used was based on the seismic zone (Lebanon) in accordance with UBC1997 code and Lebanon seismic norm. In this case study, the dynamic characteristic was necessary to be considered in the structural modeling of BAU׳s main building. Nevertheless, earthquake engineering mostly focuses on structural properties by analysing and determining a) natural fundamental period for cracked sections, b) number of mode shapes, c) torsion irregularity, d) drift, and e) stiffness and ductility under seismic loading.1.Data collection-Building description.2.Soil and Foundation data report of the existing building.3.Evaluated Materials data report of the existing building (Non-destructive test).4.Computational modeling approach using ETABS .5.Retrofitting design and execution concept based on FEMA-273.6.Modeling the Evaluated Material.7.Design the models based on the standard code specifications .8.Beam and column stiffness modifier.9.Apply the nonlinear static analysis (POA)-lateral load pattern.10.Generating the dynamic properties .The experimental design, materials and method of this data is described as follow:The flow chart in 2.2Structural building description of Beirut Arab University (BAU) is described in 2.3a.The site consisted of reddish brown with fine sand with loose to medium density and the absence of water.b.2) of the soil below the footings.Standard Penetration Test (SPT) was performed at a different location on the site to find the bearing capacity  when the width of the footing (B) was less than 1.22 m, or more than 1.22 m respectively.The SPT test was mostly done to find the bearing capacity of soil. Meyerhof (1956) suggested the net allowable bearing pressure with the SPT –d.Soil ParametersBased on the geotechnical assessment performed on the soil/foundation system done by the university, the following properties were derived:2.41.Reinforcing steel rebars–The use of cover metre survey at different locations constitutes a general overview of the reinforcement properties. It shows a cover thickness between from 3 to 7 cm and generally, 5 cm is taken as the average value.–The bars used have a diameter 16 mm (T16 bars) in the columns and the ribbed slabs.–A Plain reinforcing bar made of mild steel has a yielding stress fy = 260 MPa.2.Concrete compressive strengthThe compressive strength of concrete is generally in the range of 20–30 Mpa, due to a set of non-destructive tests that were done to evaluate the concrete strength, a minimum of 20 MPa is used for conservative purposes. The quality of the structural materials was considered in a methodology of work, relying on a set of core tests and non-destructive tests to evaluate the concrete strength. The procedure included an examination of the size and location of the reinforcing bar. Based on the data in the test report done by the university, the materials used in the existing building are as follows:2.51.The case study was analysed under the effect of gravity loads only.2.The case study was analysed under the effect of seismic and gravity loads (Model 1).3.The case study was analysed with the addition of shear walls (Model 2).4.The case study was analysed with the addition of concentric steel bracing (Model 3).ETABS software was used to generate a 3-D model before proceeding with the analysis. The following models were performed and shown in 2.5.11.The columns must serve as boundary member of the shear walls, and well-confined end regions of RC walls are necessary for terms of the ductility of the wall 2.The new walls must be placed on the exterior edge of the building to avoid torsion by ensuring the center of mass and the center of rigidity are close to each other and irregularities of the structure are eliminated.3.The bonding between the old and the new elements majorly affects the function of the desired resistance system. Anchors between the elements and special treatments for connecting surfaces are highly required in the shear wall addition alternative.4.The Federal Emergency Management Agency 547 For shear walls, the design and execution concept were based on the following criteria:1.The concentric X-braces must be placed in the same location as the shear walls, which is along the edges of the building.2.Braces must be pin connected to the column-beam joint through welding to gusset plates connections as shown in 3.The moment interaction check will govern the design of the braces. If the sum of the ratios is less than one (PMM ratio < 1.0) the design of the brace with a diameter of 25 cm and thickness of 1 cm is adequate as can be seen in For steel bracing, the design and the execution concept were based on the following features:2.5.2The compressive strength of the existing columns and beams was based on the non-destructive tests. On the other hand, the compressive strength of the new walls was modelled to be more than that of the original building, which was equal to 30 MPa. Moreover, the concrete modulus of elasticity was frequently expressed in terms of compressive strength. Similarly, the yield strength of the steel reinforcing bars (rebars) of the original building was related to the cover metre survey test mentioned above, while for the new walls, the yield strength of the rebars was modelled to be more than that of the original building, which was equal to 500 MPa. 2.5.3The Standard NL135:2012 (Lebanese seismic norm) considers the French and American codes, in terms of structural seismic engineering, that present in Lebanon 2.5.4Beams and columns were modeled as frame elements, while the slab and walls as shell elements. The stiffness modifiers were used to consider the structural elements as cracked sections instead of gross sections. Stiffness modifiers have a significant effect on the behavior of the structure, where in the absence of modifiers, a structure would be stiff. Thus, overestimating stiffness can be a negative point in some cases especially under the effect of lateral loads. The modifier factors are related to the building code ACI as tabulated in 2.5.5All the three structural model loads  were assigned according to different parameters and imposed to lateral, dead, and live loads. The lateral loads were designed based on the UBC97 code. As for the dead loads, the parameters were the self-weight of the structure, weight of the partition such as finishes, brick wall and all permanent constructions called superimposed dead load, in addition, to live load based on ASCE code. U):For gravity load ultimate strength design (U):For seismic and gravity loads ultimate strength design  of the concrete was 20 MPa2.5.7Numerous studies have investigated various scenarios of torsional irregularity that causes structural collapse and vulnerability Torsional irregularity exists if:Extreme torsional irregularity exists if:2.6K), ductility (μ) and deformation (δ) based on the material properties and building system. Many researchers use the pushover analysis as a tool in seismic assessment of the retrofitting techniques Pushover analysis can be performed using ETABS software. It is a non-linear capacity estimation tool and popularly known as capacity analysis. In this case, capacity is the complex function representative of stiffness (