What Is the Nobel Prize Medal Made Of

Have you ever wondered what the Nobel Prize medal is made of? The Nobel Prize medal looks like gold, but is it really? Heres the answer to this common question about the composition of the Nobel Prize medal. Answer: Before 1980 the Nobel Prize medal was made from 23 carat gold. Newer Nobel Prize medals are 18 carat green gold plated with 24 carat gold. Green gold, also known as electrum, is an alloy of gold and silver, with trace amounts of copper. The diameter of the Nobel Prize medal is 66 mm but the weight and thickness varies with the price of gold. The average Nobel Prize medal is 175 g with a thickness ranging from 2.4-5.2 mm. From 1902 to 2010, the medals were minted by the Swedish company Myntverket. However, the company ceased operations in 2011. In 2011, the Mint of Norway made the medals. In 2012, the Nobel Foundation awarded the contract for the medals to Svenska Medalk AB. The medals show the in of Alfred Nobel and the years of his birth and death.

Dqs Example

Essays on Dq's Assignment Responses to Posts al Affiliation Responses to Posts Response to Post One shares similar contentionsto the relevance of the three (3) key insights which were selected: due care in the performance of professional responsibilities, responsibilities to clients, and ethics and tax services. As emphasized in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, accounting practitioners are expected to adhere by the guidelines and principles expected of the profession. The observance and knowledge of ethical standards, in addition to the basic rules, govern the ability for effective application in diverse situations. As noted, knowledge of applied business models that conform to accounting standards should have been integrated in the theoretical frameworks learned to ensure that false entries are ultimately avoided. The experience at HealthSouth illumined the importance of acknowledging diversity in applied business models which should not be presumed as already conforming to accounting principles. The case highlighted the need for auditors to be more vigilant in discerning the application of business models which could hide erroneous entries and ultimately cause their reputations to be at stake. Response to Post# 2 The conflict of interests which were highlighted as one of the key insights learned was also affirmed as relevant. In contemporary settings, one observed that despite knowledge of accounting practitioners to the governing rules stated in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, there still exists tendencies for lapses in application of some practices which lead to conflicts of interests. The rationale clearly explained the separation in duties and responsibilities was paramount due to the nature of accountability that the professional holds. These accountants and auditors should focus on financial duties to avoid situations where their professional interests are questioned as to the integrity and viability of accountability. As to the understanding on the concept of tax shelters, it is actually a legal technique, not only for the wealthy; but for individuals and businesses, to reduce or minimize taxable income. One strongly believes that the techniques are varied depending on the res pective accounts and expenses which could be eligible for minimization before the tax shelter concept could be applied. Response to Post #3 It was commendable to have recognized that the contents of the audit report was a key insight in this week’s reading. A comprehensive understanding of the components assist in appreciating the importance of an auditor’s job in the light of accountability for ensuring that the organization being examined conforms to accounting principles and standards. One affirms the need to avoid violations, especially in recording false statements or maliciously intended transactions that aim to provide a padded financial condition than what the actual situation is. Like in the case of Tyco, the manner by which Kozlowski structured some transactions to be private to higher members of the echelon contributed to fraudulent activities. If external auditors were more vigilant of examining related financial transactions undertaken by board members and those from the executive management team, the extensive amounts of money stashed away by these officers should have been checked and preven ted. One believes that there could be apprehension to question the owners, senior management, or members of the board, since they are expected to adhere to codes of ethical standards and are least expected to use the organization’s financial resources for their own selfish interests. Response to Post #4 Acknowledging learning more on the topics of internal auditing, code of ethics, and corporate governance from the Institute of Internal Auditors (2014) is shared as paramount since these concepts form the theoretical frameworks for conformity to accounting principles and standards; especially in ensuring transparency and accountability of reported transactions. The strongly recommended sections were likewise reviewed for an in-depth understanding of information contained in the position papers, practice advisories, as well as from the practice guides. One affirms that for interested practitioners who would like to learn more on internal auditing and corporate governance, they could learn from experiences from actual cases of contemporary corporations. Just like the cases of HealthSouth, Tyco, and others where whistleblowing led to discoveries of violations are interesting to know. As such, one recognizes the importance of giving protection, and even incentives or encouragement, to w histleblowers, so that fraudulent activities would be ultimate abated. Reference The Institute of Internal Auditors. (2014). Code of Ethics. Retrieved from na.theiia.org: https://na.theiia.org/standards-guidance/mandatory-guidance/Pages/Code-of-Ethics.aspx

Comparison Of Concrete Beams Reinforced With Steel And Glass Fibre

Question: Discuss about the Comparison Of Concrete Beams Reinforced With Steel And Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (Gfrp). Answer: Introduction Concrete is the commonest material in the construction industry and is characterized by high compressive strength, durability and stiffness. However, plain concrete is weak in tension because of low tensile strength and is brittle due to low fracture strain[i]. The concrete is usually reinforced so as to overcome these limitations. Reinforcement plays a major role in improving structural stability and soundness of buildings. This is because concrete has good compressive strength and poor tensile strength hence reinforcement increases the concretes tensile strength. Therefore reinforced concrete has the capacity to adequately resist both compressive and tensile stresses, which helps in preventing unacceptable structural failure. This report presents the comparison between concrete beams that are reinforced with steel and glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP). The report contains the following sections: literature review, advantages and disadvantages of steel reinforced concrete beams and GFRP reinforced concrete beams, future research recommendations, conclusion, etc. The findings of this report can be used to make a decision on whether to reinforce concrete beams using steel reinforcement or GFRP reinforcement, depending on the construction project requirements, goals, objectives and constraints. Literature Review Beams are structural elements that are subjected to bending only. As a result of this, one section of the beam (top or bottom) is subjected to compression while the other section is subjected to tension, depending on where the load is applied. Therefore the compression section of the beam must be designed such that it resists crushing and buckling, whereas the tension section must be designed to resist tension adequately. Reinforced concrete beams are able to resist both compressive and tensile forces. The concrete (which has high compressive strength) resists compressive stresses and strain while the reinforcement (which has high tensile strength) resists tensile stresses and strain. Therefore reinforced concrete is a composite material comprising of concrete and reinforcing material. The main benefits of reinforced concrete are: high compressive strength, ability to withstand high tensile stress, rational weather and fire resistance, durability, flexibility, economical, low mainten ance costs, minimal deflection, and less skilled labor requirements. Some of the drawbacks of reinforced concrete are: low tensile strength in comparison with compressive strength, its final quality is affected by production and casting processes, higher cost of forms needed to cast the concrete, and can loss strength when cracks starts developing due to shrinkage. Steel has been used as a reinforcing material for concrete beams over a very long period of time. In steel reinforced concrete, steel bars (also known as rebars) made from twisted filaments with folds are anchored firmly in concrete with no risk of sliding. When the concrete cures, it hardens with the steel rebars forming a strong composite material. One of the reasons why steel is widely used as a concrete reinforcing material is because its rate of expansion in heat and contraction in cold (thermal expansion coefficient) is almost the same as that of concrete[ii]. This prevents concrete from cracking when it is hardening or subjected to expansion and contraction due to fluctuating environmental conditions. The steel has also been proven to be effective in making high-strength concrete[iii]. Besides the traditional steel bars, steel fibres[iv] are also used nowadays as concrete reinforcing materials[v]. The steel fibres have a wide range of structural applications in construction in dustry[vi]. Steel fibre reinforced concrete beams have been found to support higher ultimate load and they remain stable even after reaching their yield stiffness[vii]. Use of GFRP as a rehabilitating or reinforcing material for structural components of buildings began few decades back[viii]. This material has several advantages over the traditional steel rebars but other factors such as high cost have hindered its widespread application in construction industry. GFRP are available in different forms, including: woven fabric, cranette, hewn strand mats, ropes, wool, etc. Some of them contain epoxy resin coatings to provide protection against cements alkali attack. The GFRP performs the same function as the steel rebars increasing tensile strength of the reinforced concrete[ix]. Since both steel rebars and GFRP performs the same function in reinforced concrete beams, it is vital to investigate the comparison between these concrete reinforcing materials. Steel and GFRP Reinforcements Background Use of steel and other metals as concrete reinforcing materials can be traced back to the 15th century. In 1800s, many French and German engineers promoted use of reinforced concrete and came up with several innovations such as twisting the steel rebars so as to improve their bonding with concrete. It was until 1910 when the first steel reinforcing bar specifications were issued. Since then, a lot of developments have followed in relation to use of steel rebars. On the other hand, glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) was first discovered in mid 1930s and has since become a reliable reinforcing material for a wide range of civil engineering projects[x]. Use of GFRP as a reinforcement material was first discovered in Russia in 1975 where the material was used for reinforcing a timber bridge. In 1980s, several researchers, scientists and engineers carried out studies to establish the feasibility of GFRP replacing steel in strengthening and repairing bridges. In 1990s, GFRP was widely u sed in Japan for construction of train support structures. In 1996, design guidelines for use of GFRP in reinforced concrete were introduced by the Japanese. Since then, GFRP has become an alternative reinforcing material to steel. The material is now being used across the world to reinforce concrete, timber, steel and masonry structures[xi]. The wide application of GFRP in construction industry is largely because of its benefits over steel reinforcement. Today, many buildings across the world are constructed using reinforced concrete, which makes them stronger and able to endure different weather and time ravages. Desired properties of concrete reinforcing materials The properties of a good concrete reinforcing material are: high resistance to tensile stress and strain, greater relative strength, good bond or compatibility with concrete, durability, thermal compatibility, resistance to chemical and weather attack, fire resistance, cost effective, sustainability and environmental friendliness. Steel and GFRP reinforcing materials have unique properties, which make them suitable for different construction applications. Attributes of GFRP as a Concrete Beam Reinforcing Material GFRP reinforcing materials presents versatile design options because of their exceptional fabrication flexibility, structural efficiency, high durability and low costs of production and erection. GFRP is a type of plastic composite comprising of glass fibres that mechanically enhance stiffness and strength of plastics[xii]. The fibre gets additional protection from the resin as a result of bonding between these materials[xiii]. Some of the fundamental attributes of GFRP that make it a suitable reinforcing material for concrete beams are as follows: High strength: GFRP is about three times stronger than steel for an equal amount of weight. Strength to weight ratio of the former is very high, which makes it a suitable material for reinforcing concrete beams. Lightweight: GFRP weighs much less than steel reinforcement. This helps in reducing its shipping costs, enabling easier and faster installation, and reducing the need for structural framing. Resistance to external damages: GFRP resists a wide range of environmental conditions, including chemicals, salt water, acid rain, corrosion, etc. This makes it suitable for projects in almost any environment, both indoors and outdoors. Versatility: GFRP can be molded in virtually any form or shape, including very complex shapes. This makes it suitable for making any form of concrete beam. Low maintenance: GFRP does not lose its physical or mechanical properties for a very long time up to 30 years. If used as intended, the structure made from GFRP can last for decades with very minimal or no maintenance needs. Durability: GFRP is very strong and structures built from it can withstand different expected and unexpected loadings, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, etc. Insulation: GFRP has good heat resistance and high electrical insulation. This helps in protecting buildings or other structures against excessive heat. Cracking: GFRP prevents concrete beams from cracking caused by thermal or mechanical stress that may accumulate over time. Fatigue: GFRP has greater resistance to fatigue making it a suitable reinforcing material to protect concrete beams against fatigue failure mode. Radio signals: GFRP does not cause interference to the radio signals, like it is the case for steel rebars. Drawbacks of GFRP Low elastic modulus: the elastic modulus of GFRP is almost a fifth that of steel. This reduces the capability of GFRP to withstand varied loadings. Low flexural and tensile strength: this affects the ability of GFRP to resist loads even if their dimensions are increased. Creep: the creep property of GFRP changes the beams endurance performance that affects the reliability of the beam in the long run[xiv]. High cost: the cost of GFRP is relatively high compared with that of steel. This is one of the major factors that have significantly contributed to slow adoption of GFRP as a reinforcing material for concrete beams. Attributes of Steel as a Concrete Beam Reinforcing Material Some of the attributes of steel reinforcement include: High ductility and tensile strength: steel is more ductile and has high tensile strength that makes it able to bear greater loads. The high ductility and tensile strength of steel also increases the overall strength of reinforced concrete beams[xv]. Cheaper: steel is abundantly available in many parts of the world and this has continued to reduce its cost. Reduced cracking: steel resists cracking strongly in different ways. One of these ways is through the strong bonding between steel reinforcement and concrete. This bonding reduces cracking of concrete when it is hardening. Low maintenance cost: steel has low maintenance needs, which translates into low maintenance costs. The fact that the steel is engraved inside the concrete makes it less vulnerable to deterioration and damages. Durability: the high flexural strength, impact resistance, fatigue resistance and high abrasion of steel creates durable concrete beams. Impact and fatigue resistance: this is another great property of steel reinforcement that makes it undergo minimal deflection (if any) and attain very high yield strength. Shortcomings of steel reinforcement Strength deterioration: strength of steel reinf0rced concrete decreases significantly when the beam is exposed to extreme temperatures[xvi]. Corrosion: alkalinity of cement causes corrosion of steel reinforcement. If this happens, the structural soundness of the entire beam declines. Spalling: steel can also react aggressively with some aggregates in the concrete causing spalling of the beam. This has costly effects on the structural member. Recommended Future Research In the future, there is need to conduct studies that will establish the impacts of amount of reinforcing material used on the strength, stability and durability of reinforced concrete beams. More studies should also be carried out to determine the impacts of steel and GFRP reinforcing materials on the environment and the effect of type of loading on the performance of steel reinforced or GFRP reinforced concrete beams[xvii]. Researchers should also focus on establishing the qualitative and quantitative differences between steel reinforced and GFRP reinforced concrete beams. Last but not least, researchers should establish the feasibility of combining steel and GFRP reinforcing materials and if this can improve the properties and performance of reinforced concrete beams[xviii]. Conclusion Reinforcement plays a key role in preventing development of cracks in concrete beams. These cracks form when concrete shrinks as it hardens. Plain concrete has low modulus of rupture, is brittle in nature and its capacity to resist strain is low. As a result of this, plain concrete has high compressive strength and low tensile strength. In order to improve flexural strength of concrete beams and make them able to resist both compressive and tensile stresses, reinforcement is usually added to the plain concrete. Steel and GFRP are some of the materials that are used to reinforce concrete beams. These materials have different attributes and therefore their effects on mechanical and physical properties of concrete beams also differ. It is important to carry out an experimental study to determine the effect that steel and GFRP reinforcements have on concrete beams. This comparison will help in selecting the most suitable reinforcement between the two for a concrete beam depending on the project requirements and constraints. References Anjorin, S., Arojojoye, A. Komolafe, O., 2016. 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Batista, E., 2015. Mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced polymers members for structural applications. Materials Research, 18(6). Liu, P. et al., 2014. Research on the mechanical properties of a glass fiber reinforced polymer-steel combined truss structure. The Scientific World Journal, Volume 2014, pp. 1-13. Maghsoudi, A. Sharifi, Y., 2009. Ductility of high strength concrete heavily steel reinforced members. Scientia Iranica Journal, 16(4), pp. 297-307. Topcu, I. Karakurt, C., 2008. Properties of reinforced concrete steel rebars exposed to high temperatures. Research Letters in Materials Science, Volume 2008, pp. 1-4. Chen, R., Choi, J., GangaRao, H. Kopac, P., 2008. Steel versus GFRP rebars?, Washington, D.C.: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Qu, W., Zhang, X. Huang, H., 2009. Flexural behavior of concrete beams reinforced with hybrid (GFRP and steel) bars. Journal of Composites for Construction, 13(5), pp. 350-359.