Effectiveness and durability of anti-graffiti products applied on ETICS: towards a compatible and sustainable graffiti removal protocol.

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) are widely used constructive solutions which aim at enhancing the building thermal performance. Nevertheless, ETICS can often present anomalies (e.g., stains and microcracks) throughout their service life, and vandalism actions, as in the case of graffiti, are rather common in urban areas. The removal of undesired graffiti is generally carried out through invasive chemical-mechanical methods, which may affect the durability of the ETICS. The adoption of anti-graffiti products can be a feasible protection method; however, no comprehensive studies were already addressed on these substrates. This study aims at evaluating the effectiveness, compatibility, and durability of three anti-graffiti products (with permanent, semi-permanent, and sacrificial properties) when applied on different ETICS. The removal of aerosol graffiti paints was carried out with a low-invasive and eco-friendly removal method (i.e., low-pressure steam jet). The water transport properties, as well as color, gloss, and roughness, were evaluated before and after graffiti removal. The durability of the anti-graffiti was also assessed by artificial aging cycles. Results showed that graffiti removal was rather efficient on ETICS with acrylic-based finishing coats and when using (semi) permanent anti-graffiti products (with ΔE*ab < 5, i.e., not macroscopically visible, when comparing cleaned and reference surfaces), although these products can reduce their effectiveness after aging. Conversely, unsatisfactory graffiti cleaning was observed on ETICS with lime-based or silicate-based finishing coats (with ΔE*ab > 5), with considerable alteration also of the water transport properties (reducing water absorption and slowing down the drying kinetic).

Physical and Mechanical Performance of Coir Fiber-Reinforced Rendering Mortars.

Coir fiber is a by-product waste generated in large scale. Considering that most of these wastes do not have a proper disposal, several applications to coir fibers in engineering have been investigated in order to provide a suitable use, since coir fibers have interesting properties, namely high tensile strength, high elongation at break, low modulus of elasticity, and high abrasion resistance. Currently, coir fiber is widely used in concrete, roofing, boards and panels. Nonetheless, only a few studies are focused on the incorporation of coir fibers in rendering mortars. This work investigates the feasibility to incorporate coir fibers in rendering mortars with two different binders. A cement CEM II/B-L 32.5 N was used at 1:4 volumetric cement to aggregate ratio. Cement and air-lime CL80-S were used at a volumetric ratio of 1:1:6, with coir fibers were produced with 1.5 cm- and 3.0 cm-long fibers and added at 10% and 20% by total mortar volume. Physical and mechanical properties of the coir fiber-reinforced mortars were discussed. The addition of coir fibers reduced the workability of the mortars, requiring more water that affected the hardened properties of the mortars. The modulus of elasticity and the compressive strength of the mortars with coir fibers decreased with increase in fiber volume fraction and length. Coir fiber's incorporation improved the flexural strength and the fracture toughness of the mortars. The results emphasize that the cement-air-lime based mortars presented a better post-peak behavior than that of the cementitious mortars. These results indicate that the use of coir fibers in rendering mortars presents a potential technical and sustainable feasibility for reinforcement of cement and cement-air-lime mortars.

Comparison between concentrated bone marrow aspirate and corticoid in gluteal tendinopathy / Comparação entre o aspirado de medula óssea concentrado e o corticóide na tendinopatia glútea

INTRODUCTION Adult gluteal tendinopathy is part of a group of pathologies of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). This disorder is characterized by pain, functional limitation and loss of local strength. The diagnosis is made from clinical examination associated with complementary exams (Ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance). OBJECTIVE Comparative study between standard treatment and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) for the treatment of gluteal tendinopathies. The randomized clinical trial selected patients diagnosed with gluteal tendinopathy at a university hospital and divided them into two groups: (G1) bone marrow aspirate concentrate and (G2) Corticosteroids injection. RESULTS 48 patients were selected, of which 40 were monitored for 06 months, with an improvement in scores in both groups. Patients who were submitted to the BMAC treatment had a statistically significant improvement in VAS scores and Lequesne scores compared to standard treatment. There was an improvement in the assessment of the quality of life in both groups with no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION BMAC arises as an alternative to the standard treatment of gluteal tendinopathy, proving to be a safe technique and with promising results when combined with multidisciplinary team behavioral therapy.

INTRODUÇÃO A tendinopatia glútea adulta faz parte de um grupo de patologias da Síndrome Dolorosa Trocantérica (SDT). Esse distúrbio é caracterizado por dor, limitação funcional e perda de força local. O diagnóstico é feito a partir de exames clínicos associados a exames complementares (ultrassonografia ou ressonância magnética). OBJETIVO Estudo comparativo entre tratamento com corticóide e aspirado de medula óssea concentrado (BMAC) para o tratamento de tendinopatias glúteas. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS O ensaio clínico randomizado selecionou pacientes diagnosticados com tendinopatia glútea e os dividiu em dois grupos: (G1) aspirado de medula óssea concentrada e (G2) injeção de corticosteróide . RESULTADOS Foram selecionados 48 pacientes, dos quais 40 foram monitorados por 06 meses, com melhora nos escores nos dois grupos. Os pacientes que foram submetidos ao tratamento com BMAC tiveram uma melhora estatisticamente significativa nos escores de EVA e nos escores de Lequesne em comparação ao tratamento padrão. Houve uma melhora na avaliação da a qualidade de vida em ambos os grupos, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa. CONCLUSÃO O aspirado de medula óssea concentrada surge como uma alternativa ao tratamento padrão da tendinopatia glútea, provando ser uma técnica segura e com resultados promissores quando combinada à terapia comportamental de equipe multidisciplinar.  Ensaio Clínico Randomizado.

Concrete-Based and Mixed Waste Aggregates in Rendering Mortars.

This paper presents a study of incorporation of two types of construction and demolition waste (CDW) in rendering mortars, as aggregates at 0%, 20%, 50% and 100% (by volume). Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and mixed recycled aggregate (MRA) were used. The former is mainly composed of cementitious waste and the latter consists of a mixture of non-segregated wastes. The performance of the cement mortars with recycled aggregates was evaluated through an extensive experimental programme. The analysis comprised workability, mechanical strength, water absorption, shrinkage, open porosity and the evaluation of durability by permeability to water under pressure after an artificial accelerated ageing test. The results are considered positive, although as the incorporation of recycled aggregates (both MRA and RCA) increased the mechanical strength, the modulus of elasticity and bulk density decreased, which leads to the production of lighter mortars that are less susceptible to cracking. The modified mortar with 20% of MRA presented the best performance, in terms of mechanical behaviour.

Rendering Mortars Reinforced with Natural Sheep's Wool Fibers.

The susceptibility of rendering mortars to cracking is a complex phenomenon. Fibers have been incorporated in mortars to ensure the durability of the render and can improve the flexural strength, fracture toughness, and impact resistance of the mortars. Aside from the better cracking performance of fiber reinforced mortars, natural fibers have been a path to reducing the environmental impacts of construction materials. Recycling has high sustainability-related potential as it can both mitigate the amount of waste being inadequately disposed and reduce the consumption of natural raw materials. Studies on the incorporation of waste in civil engineering materials have been growing, and recycled fibers may be feasible to incorporate in mortars. Natural fibers are considered as a viable replacement for synthetic ones. Several studies have investigated vegetal fibers in cementitious composites. However, only a few have focused on the incorporation of waste animal-based fiber. The aim of this work is to analyze the feasibility of the use of natural sheep's wool fibers on the reinforcement of mortars and in particular to improve their cracking behavior. For this purpose, two different binders were used: cement and cement-lime mortars were produced. The incorporation of 10% and 20% (in volume) of 1.5 cm and 3.0 cm wool fibers was analyzed. The results show that the incorporation of wool fibers increased the ductility of the mortars and improved their mechanical properties.

Inorganic Nanomaterials for Restoration of Cultural Heritage: Synthesis Approaches towards Nanoconsolidants for Stone and Wall Paintings.

The synthesis of inorganic nanostructured materials for the consolidation of stone and wall paintings is reviewed. To begin, a description of the methods most commonly used to prepare nanoconsolidants is provided, particularly in the frame of colloid chemistry. Some concepts of the carbonation mechanism as well as the transport properties of some of these materials are addressed. An overview of the synthesis methods together with some of the application particularities of the distinct consolidants are presented thereafter. Furthermore, the requisites for efficient consolidants and some drawbacks of the nanoconsolidants are discussed.

Wastes as Aggregates, Binders or Additions in Mortars: Selecting Their Role Based on Characterization.

The production of waste has increased over the years and, lacking a recycle or recovery solution, it is forwarded to landfill. The incorporation of wastes in cement-based materials is a solution to reduce waste deposition. In this regard, some researchers have been studying the incorporation of wastes with different functions: aggregate, binder and addition. The incorporation of wastes should take advantage of their characteristics. It requires a judicious analysis of their particles. This research involves the analysis of seven industrial wastes: biomass ashes, glass fibre, reinforced polymer dust, sanitary ware, fluid catalytic cracking, acrylic fibre, textile fibre and glass fibre. The main characteristics and advantages of each waste are enunciated and the best type of introduction in mortars is discussed. The characterization of the wastes as particles is necessary to identify the most suitable incorporation in mortars. In this research, some wastes are studied with a view to their re-use or recycling in mortars. Thus, this research focuses on the chemical, physical and mechanical characterization of industrial wastes and identification of the potentially most advantageous type of incorporation.

Microstructural characterization of consolidant products for historical renders: an innovative nanostructured lime dispersion and a more traditional ethyl silicate limewater solution.

The conservation and durability of historical renders must be carried out through compatible techniques and materials. An important operation is the restitution of historical renders cohesion, turned friable by the loss of binder, usually due to physical and/or chemical actions. Surface consolidation is based on the use of materials with aggregating properties. This operation is reached usually through the application of organic or mineral consolidants, but inorganic consolidants are becoming preferred due to better compatibility and durability. In this article two mineral compatible consolidation products were studied: a commercial suspension of calcium hydroxide nanoparticles in propanol and a limewater dispersion of ethyl silicate. Microscopy (optical and scanning electron microscopy) and X-ray microanalyses of the consolidation products and of the consolidated mortar specimens were carried out. To assess the mechanical properties and product's efficacy, analyses of the compression, flexural strength, and superficial hardness were performed. Microscopy results show that limewater dispersion of ethyl silicate forms platelike silica gels, which can interfere in product penetration. Otherwise, nanolime particles permit homogeneous distribution and optimum penetration on the treated substrate, improving cementing action and the agglomeration process.

[Seasonal variation of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in a city of Southeastern Brazil]. / Variação sazonal de Aedes aegypti e Aedes albopictus no município de Potim, São Paulo.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the seasonal variation of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus and to estimate the association between the species abundance and abiotic factors. METHODS: Tire-traps were kept for a period of 15 days monthly in an urban area of the city of Potim in the state of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, from November 2002 to October 2003. Samples of immature forms were followed up under laboratory conditions for 29 days and species were identified. The association between abundance and temperature, rainfall and air relative humidity was tested using Spearman correlations (r s). The descriptive statistics were presented by the average and the standard error (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: From a total of 20,727 immatures collected, 95.3% were Ae. aegypti and 4.7%, Ae. albopictus. Ae. aegypti was found throughout the whole year while Ae. albopictus was found from November to July. The association between these species and abiotic factors was significant for Ae. aegypti (p=0.04) as for maximum temperature and for Ae. albopictus as for maximum temperature (p=0.01) and rainfall (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Both species presented seasonal variation. However, Ae. aegypti was found throughout the whole year showing a decrease between April and May and June and July. Ae. albopictus, less abundant, was found only between November, 2002 and July, 2003 with a peak in April, 2003. The higher abundance of Ae. aegypti compared to Ae. albopictus in an urban area showed Ae. aegypti has greater capacity of colonizing tires. Such a breeding site in the environment may be important to the maintenance and abundance of Ae. aegypti.

Variação sazonal de Aedes aegypti e Aedes albopictus no município de Potim, São Paulo / Seasonal variation of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in a city of Southeastern Brazil

OBJETIVO: Verificar a variação sazonal de Aedes aegypti e Aedes albopictus e testar a associação da abundância das espécies com fatores abióticos. MÉTODOS: De novembro de 2002 a outubro de 2003 foram realizadas coletas mensais de imaturos de culicídeos em pneus-armadilha expostos por 15 dias em área urbana de Potim, Vale do Paraíba, SP, Brasil. Os imaturos foram criados em laboratório por 29 dias e identificados segundo espécie. A associação com temperatura, pluviosidade e umidade relativa do ar foram testadas utilizando-se correlações de Spearman (r s). As estatísticas descritivas foram apresentadas pela média e erro-padrão (EP) e nos testes foi utilizado alfa=0,05. RESULTADOS: Do total de 20.727 imaturos coletados, 95,3 por cento eram Ae. aegypti e 4,7 por cento Ae. albopictus. A espécie Ae. aegypti esteve presente em todas as estações/meses do ano e Ae. albopictus somente de novembro a julho. As associações das espécies coletadas com fatores abióticos foram significantes em relação à temperatura máxima para Ae. aegypti (p=0,04) e Ae. albopictus (p=0,01), e pluviosidade (p=0,02) para esta última espécie. CONCLUSÕES: Ambas espécies apresentaram variação sazonal. Porém, Ae. aegypti esteve presente durante todo ano, com maiores quedas de densidade entre abril e maio e entre junho e julho. Ae. albopictus menos abundante, foi encontrado apenas de novembro a julho, com o pico em abril. A maior abundância de Ae. aegypti em relação à Ae. albopictus em área urbana mostrou maior capacidade de Ae. aegypti em colonizar pneus. A existência de tal criadouro no ambiente pode ser importante na manutenção e abundância de Ae. aegypti.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the seasonal variation of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus and to estimate the association between the species abundance and abiotic factors. METHODS: Tire-traps were kept for a period of 15 days monthly in an urban area of the city of Potim in the state of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, from November 2002 to October 2003. Samples of immature forms were followed up under laboratory conditions for 29 days and species were identified. The association between abundance and temperature, rainfall and air relative humidity was tested using Spearman correlations (r s). The descriptive statistics were presented by the average and the standard error (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: From a total of 20,727 immatures collected, 95.3 percent were Ae. aegypti and 4.7 percent, Ae. albopictus. Ae. aegypti was found throughout the whole year while Ae. albopictus was found from November to July. The association between these species and abiotic factors was significant for Ae. aegypti (p=0.04) as for maximum temperature and for Ae. albopictus as for maximum temperature (p=0.01) and rainfall (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Both species presented seasonal variation. However, Ae. aegypti was found throughout the whole year showing a decrease between April and May and June and July. Ae. albopictus, less abundant, was found only between November, 2002 and July, 2003 with a peak in April, 2003. The higher abundance of Ae. aegypti compared to Ae. albopictus in an urban area showed Ae. aegypti has greater capacity of colonizing tires. Such a breeding site in the environment may be important to the maintenance and abundance of Ae. aegypti.