In this paper we review the properties of the difference-sign randomness test. First we analyse the exact andasymptotic distribution of the test statistic and provide a table with values for the exact distribution function, for samples ofsize n ≤ 32. Then, we also present several moments of the statistic test, under the null hypothesis of randomness and underthe hypothesis of the existence of a linear trend. Finally, we present an illustration of the test difference-sign to a real data set.In this paper we review the properties of the difference-sign randomness test. First we analyse the exact andasymptotic distribution of the test statistic and provide a table with values for the exact distribution function, for samples ofsize n ≤ 32. Then, we also present several moments of the statistic test, under the null hypothesis of randomness and underthe hypothesis of the existence of a linear trend. Finally, we present an illustration of the test difference-sign to a real data set.

The number of floods in the city of Venice has increased substantially in the last decades and can be explained bythe sea level rise and land subsidence. Using Statistics of Extremes we shall model the extreme behaviour of the sea level inVenice and quantify risk through the estimation of important parameters such as return periods of high levels.The number of floods in the city of Venice has increased substantially in the last decades and can be explained bythe sea level rise and land subsidence. Using Statistics of Extremes we shall model the extreme behaviour of the sea level inVenice and quantify risk through the estimation of important parameters such as return periods of high levels.

In this paper we consider the semi-parametric estimation of extreme quantiles of a right heavy-tail model. We propose a new Probability Weighted Moment estimator for extreme quantiles, which is obtained from the estimators of the shape and scale parameters of the tail. Under a second-order regular variation condition on the tail, of the underlying distribution function, we deduce the non degenerate asymptotic behaviour of the estimators under study and present an asymptotic comparison at their optimal levels. In addition, the performance of the estimators is illustrated through an application to real data.In this paper we consider the semi-parametric estimation of extreme quantiles of a right heavy-tail model. We propose a new Probability Weighted Moment estimator for extreme quantiles, which is obtained from the estimators of the shape and scale parameters of the tail. Under a second-order regular variation condition on the tail, of the underlying distribution function, we deduce the non degenerate asymptotic behaviour of the estimators under study and present an asymptotic comparison at their optimal levels. In addition, the performance of the estimators is illustrated through an application to real data.

A class of partially reduced-bias estimators of a positive extreme value index (EVI), related to a mean-of-order-p class of EVI-estimators, is introduced and studied both asymptotically and for finite samples through a Monte-Carlo simulation study. A comparison between this class and a representative class of minimum-variance reduced-bias (MVRB) EVI-estimators is further considered. The MVRB EVI-estimators are related to a direct removal of the dominant component of the bias of a classical estimator of a positive EVI, the Hill estimator, attaining as well minimal asymptotic variance. Heuristic choices for the tuning parameters p and k, the number of top order statistics used in the estimation, are put forward, and applied to simulated and real data.A class of partially reduced-bias estimators of a positive extreme value index (EVI), related to a mean-of-order-p class of EVI-estimators, is introduced and studied both asymptotically and for finite samples through a Monte-Carlo simulation study. A comparison between this class and a representative class of minimum-variance reduced-bias (MVRB) EVI-estimators is further considered. The MVRB EVI-estimators are related to a direct removal of the dominant component of the bias of a classical estimator of a positive EVI, the Hill estimator, attaining as well minimal asymptotic variance. Heuristic choices for the tuning parameters p and k, the number of top order statistics used in the estimation, are put forward, and applied to simulated and real data.

Titanium dioxide was synthesized on glass substrates from titanium (IV)isopropoxide and hydrochloride acid aqueous solutions through microwave irradiation using as seed layer either fluorine-doped crystalline tin oxide (SnO2:F) or amorphous tin oxide (a-SnOx). Three routes have been followed with distinct outcome: (i) equimolar hydrochloride acid/water proportions (1HCl:1water) resulted in nanorod arrays for both seed layers; (ii) higher water proportion (1HCl:3water) originated denser films with growth yield dependent on the seed layer employed; while (iii) higher acid proportion (3HCl:1water) hindered the formation of TiO2. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the materials crystallized with the rutile structure, possibly with minute fractions of brookite and/or anatase. XRD peak inversions observed for the materials synthesized on crystalline seeds pointed to preferred crystallographic orientation. Electron diffraction showed that the especially strong XRD peak inversions observed for TiO2 grown from the 1HCl:3water solution on SnO2:F originated from a [001] fiber texture. Transmittance spectrophotometry showed that the materials with finer structure exhibited significantly higher optical band gaps. Photocatalytic activity was assessed from methylene blue degradation, with the 1HCl:3water SnO2:F material showing remarkable degradability performance, attributed to a higher exposure of (001) facets, together with stability and reusability.

The present work reports a simple and easy wet chemistry synthesis of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanospheres at room temperature without surfactants and using different precursors. Structural characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with focused ion beam and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The optical band gaps were determined from diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photoluminescence behavior of the as-synthesized nanospheres showed significant differences depending on the precursors used. The Cu2O nanospheres were constituted by aggregates of nanocrystals, in which an on/off emission behavior of each individual nanocrystal was identified during transmission electron microscopy observations. The thermal behavior of the Cu2O nanospheres was investigated with in situ X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry experiments. Remarkable structural differences were observed for the nanospheres annealed in air, which turned into hollow spherical structures surrounded by outsized nanocrystals. FAU - Nunes, Daniela

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites may prematurely debond from the surface of concrete, i.e. before its elastic resistance is exhausted. This is a very common situation and can be aggravated if additional factors are not taken into account. These factors include the type of surface preparation, the exposure to aggressive environmental action, the tensile concrete strength or fatigue and creep loading to which the structural element may be subject. An experimental programme based on double shear tests was undertaken to analyse the influence of some of these factors on the performance of the interface between composite glass fibres (GFRP) and concrete. The results allowed the determination and comparison of maximum loads transmitted to the GFRP plates and maximum bond stresses obtained considering various surface treatments and aging conditions. Bond–slip curves were also determined. The experimental results are compared with those obtained from a numerical analysis.

A reabilitação de um edifício tem muitas vezes de ser analisada e efetuada tendo em conta os edifícios vizinhos e a envolvente. No caso particular da reabilitação de um edifício, à partida devem considerar-se, de forma integrada, todos os requisitos que não são cumpridos face aos padrões atuais. Com base nessa análise, e tendo em conta muitas vezes condicionantes vários, que vão desde estéticos, técnicos, culturais a económicos, e que dependem em larga medida das tipologias construtivas, a intervenção tem de ser cuidadosamente concebida, preparada e executada. Apresentam-se sinteticamente as tipologias construtivas mais correntes, o contexto legislativo português da construção e específico da reabilitação. Efetua-se uma análise à legislação vigente, detalhando com maior detalhe o Regime Especial da Reabilitação Urbana, que possibilita dispensas de cumprimentos regulamentares mas apenas relativos a aspetos construtivos. Por esse motivo apresenta-se também uma síntese de aspetos relativos à segurança estrutural na reabilitação de edifícios com tipologias correntes. Pretende-se, através desta síntese, contribuir para uma visão mais integrada da reabilitação.

The influence of compressive stresses exerted on FRP-concrete joints created by external strengthening of structural members on the performance of the system requires better understanding especially when mechanical devices are used to anchor the externally bonded reinforcement (EBR). The numerical modelling of those systems is a tool that permits insight into the performance of the corresponding interfaces and was used in the present study, essentially directed to analyse the effectiveness of EBR systems under compressive stresses normal to the composite surface applied to GFRP-to-concrete interfaces. The compressive stresses imposed on the GFRP-to-concrete interface model the effect produced by a mechanical anchorage system applied to the EBR system. An experimental program is described on which double-lap shear tests were performed that created normal stresses externally applied on the GFRP plates. A corresponding bond-slip model is proposed and the results of its introduction in the numerical analysis based in an available 3D finite element code are displayed, showing satisfactory agreement with the experimental data. The results also showed that lateral compressive stresses tend to increase the maximum bond stress of the interface and also originate a residual bond stress which has significant influence on the interface strength. Also, the strength of the interface increases with the increase of the bonded length which have consequences on the definition of the effective bond length.

A new model based on Finite Fracture Mechanics (FFMs) has been proposed to predict the open-hole tensile strength of composite laminates [1]. Failure is predicted when bothstress-based and energy-based criteria are satisfied. This model is based on an analytical solution, and no empirical adjusting parameters are required, but only two material properties: the unnotched strength and the fracture toughness. In the present work, an extension of the proposed FFMs model to predict the notched response of composite laminates with notch geometries other than a circular opening [2] is presented and applied to the prediction of size effects on the tensile and compressive notched strength of composite laminates. The present model is also used to assess the notch sensitivity and brittleness of composite laminates by means of versatile design charts and by the identification of a dimensionless parameter designated as notch sensitivity factor. A further extension of the FFMs model is proposed, which takes into account the crack resistance curve of the laminate in the model's formulation, and it is used to predict the large damage capability of a non-crimp fabric thin-ply laminate [3].

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