Adequate Precision Research Articles

Pressurized liquid extraction of sulfite for quantitation by capillary zone electrophoresis.

Sulfite is an additive used in shrimp processing to prevent discoloration. However, sulfite can cause health issues for sensitive consumers, making its monitoring necessary. Determining sulfite concentrations is complex because the Monier-Williams reference method is laborious and has low analytical throughput. Additionally, new techniques are needed to stabilize sulfite during the extraction process because this analyte undergoes rapid oxidation. A new method involving extraction and derivatization of sulfite with formaldehyde through automated pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), followed by quantitation by capillary zone electrophoresis with diode-array detector in indirect mode, was developed and optimized using multivariate planning. The PLE procedure was compared to another solid-liquid extraction method. The new method successfully stabilized and extracted sulfite from shrimp in few steps with adequate precision (CV<3.8%), producing extracts that were stable for 10 days. Recovery was satisfactory (97%-99%), and the limits of detection (4.6mgkg-1) and quantitation (15.4mgkg-1) were suitable for the intended purpose.

Development of a novel crack-resistance technique for concrete slab in the hogging moment region of continuous composite beam

Composite steel-concrete beams offer distinct mechanical advantages. However, concrete cracking in the hogging moment region limits the composite performance of the material. This study presents an innovative technique for enhancing the crack resistance of continuous steel-concrete composite beams, which involves the prestressing of the concrete slab in the hogging moment region through post-tensioning. Following the completion of the concrete slab in the sagging moment region, the prestress is released, thereby preserving pre-compression stress in the hogging moment region without the need for long-term prestressing. This technique is enhanced using uplift-restricted and slip-free connectors, which improve the efficiency of pre-stress introduction. Experimental tests were conducted on composite beams employing this novel technique, alongside numerical simulations. The results indicated that the proposed technique significantly mitigated concrete cracking in the hogging moment region. Specifically, the cracking load of the specimen using the new technique increased by 467 % compared to the traditional composite beam specimen, accompanied by a substantial reduction in both the quantity and width of cracks. Other primary mechanical performance indicators remained relatively similar; however, the new technique exhibited a 14 % increase in the ductility coefficient compared with the traditional method. Additionally, this technique influenced interface slip, moment redistribution, and strain response along the cross-section in both the hogging and sagging moment regions. The numerical results aligned closely with the experimental data, confirming their accuracy and effectiveness. The simulations provided solutions for various construction stages by incorporating different connection constitutive models with adequate precision. A parametric analysis was conducted, revealing a design method for the innovative technique.

8408 Comparison of Free Thyroxine (fT4) Reference Ranges in Pregnancy: Evaluanting a Novel Equilibrium Dialysis Coupled with Liquid Cromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analytical Method Versus a Standard Routine Immunoassay

Abstract Disclosure: R.M. Biscolla: Employee; Self; Fleury Medicina e Saude. A. Lebkuchen: Employee; Self; Fleury Medicina e Saude. K.H. Cardozo: Employee; Self; Fleury Medicina e Saude. V.M. Carvalho: Employee; Self; Fleury Medicina e Saude. M.T. Justa: Employee; Self; Fleury Medicina e Saude. J.G. Vieira: Owner/Co-Owner; Self; Fleury Medicina e Saude. M.I. Chiamolera: Employee; Self; Fleury Medicina e Saude. There is a difficulty in assessing thyroid function during the gestational period and one of the most important reasons is the changes in TBG during pregnancy, resulting from the increase in estrogen, lead to interference in the dosages of free thyroxine (fT4) measured by commercial competitive immunoassays, posing limitations on the accuracy and sensitivity of existing assessment methods. Therefore, it is necessary to establish specific reference values for each trimester and for the different methods, so the analysis of fT4 results could be more confidently used in clinical practice.Objective: This study aimed to describe a new direct method for measuring free thyroxine (fT4) utilizing equilibrium dialysis (ED) coupled with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Additionally, the performance of this method was compared to a commercial immunoassay, and trimester-specific normal reference ranges for fT4 in pregnancy were determined. Methods: We developed a novel ED LC–MS/MS analytical method employing 96-well dialysis plates for measuring fT4 that demonstrated an adequate sensitivity, precision, and linearity. A total of 291 samples from pregnant women were analyzed, the gestational trimester was determined using ultrasound. Additionally, serum fT4 was assessed using an immunoassay with Beckman Coulter kits to compare the two methods. Results: The lower limit of detection (LLOQ), and upper limit of detection (ULOQ) of the new method were respectively calculated to be 0.4 ng/dL and 20.8 ng/dL. The comparison between the two methods showed median FT4 concentrations of 0.7 ng/dL (range, 0.5–1.1 ng/dL) for the immunoassay and 1.1 ng/dL (0.6–2.1 ng/dL) for the ED LC–MS/MS assay (paired t test, p &amp;lt; 0.0001). A significant correlation between methods was observed (Spearman’s r= 0.4898, p &amp;lt; 0.0001). fT4 reference values for ED LC–MS/MS (2.5–97.5 percentiles) were 0.9–1.9 ng/dL, 0.7–1.4 ng/dL, and 0.7–1.5 ng/dL for the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively, whereas median TSH levels were 1.7 mIU/L (0.05–4.0 mIU/L), 1.7 mIU/L (0.44–3.7 mIU/L), and 1.9 mIU/L (0.28–3.5 mIU/L) for the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively.Conclusions: The study with a recent developed LC-MS/MS fT4 method pointed to the differences with an immunoassay method and underscores the importance of establishing trimester- and method- specific normal reference ranges in pregnancy. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Multi-energy calibration and induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MEC-MIP OES) as an alternative method for the multi-elemental determination of essential elements in cocoa.

The challenge of combining MEC-MIP OES arises from the limited number of emission lines available in this analytical technique. For the MEC-MIP OES optimization, the emission line wavelengths, sample dilution, proportion sample:standard for preparing MEC solutions, and nebulizer gas flow rate were studied. Then, the use of multi-energy calibration (MEC) and microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES) was proposed as an alternative method for the determination of essential elements (Ca, K, Mg, Mn, and Na) in cocoa. In the optimized conditions, the method presented adequate analytical performance, with recoveries of 94-104% and relative standard deviations lower than 5%, showing adequate precision. The limits of detection (mg kg-1) were 12 for Ca, 2 for K, 3 for Mg, 3 for Mn, and 6 for Na. The proposed method was applied to analyze cocoa samples cultivated in Brazil and Ecuador after acid decomposition. The results were in the range (mg kg-1) of 409-1530 for Ca, 5520-13300 for K, 1460-3210 for Mg, 16-34 for Mn, and 28-61 for Na. Samples cultivated in Ecuador presented higher metal concentrations than the Brazilian samples. The proposed procedure was an easy and reliable approach for determining metals in cocoa samples, enabling multi-elemental determination with a lower cost and simplified calibration to be applied in routine applications.

Aptamer Insights in Targeting and Designing of Therapeutic Drugs.

In the therapy of chronic and dangerous conditions like as cancer, heart disease, neurological illnesses, or retinal angiopathy, we frequently require most effective dosage schedule with adequate precision and sufficient therapeutic potential. Among these entities with the capacity to behave in a target-specific way are aptamers. Usually, they are produced by an iterative screening procedure named “Systemic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX)” which is used to complicate nucleic acid libraries. For several biological purposes, including targeted treatment, aptamers are potential and could be easily molded into desirable needs and also be tested in a manner that is not very extravagant or pricey. Chemical modification can be employed to enhance their pharmacological actions or prevent enzymatic degradation, hence guaranteeing their chemical integrity and bioavailability in a physiological setting. The recent advancements made in drug targeting and design with the use of aptamers are the main topic of this review. This review will highlight current developments and go over prospects and problems in the fields of aptamer-based targeted therapy, including aptamer therapeutics.

Rapid Detection of Aflatoxins in Ground Maize Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy.

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic mycotoxins that may contaminate many crops and more especially maize. To protect consumers from these contaminants, many countries set up low regulatory thresholds of few µg/kg. The control of food requires time-consuming analysis for which sampling is a key step. It would therefore of key sanitary and economic relevance to develop rapid, sensitive and accurate methods that could even be applied on line at harvest, to identify batches to be excluded as soon as possible. In this study, we analyzed more than 500 maize samples taken at harvest during 3 years for their aflatoxin contamination using HPLC-MS. Among them, only 7% were contaminated but sometimes at levels largely exceeding European regulations. We demonstrate that Near InfraRed Spectroscopy (NIRS) could be of great help to classify cereal samples according to their level of aflatoxin contamination (below or higher than E.U. regulation). To build the model, all AF contaminated samples as well as an equivalent number of AF free samples were used. NIRS performance was not sufficient to quantify the toxins with adequate precision. However, its ability to discriminate naturally contaminated maize samples according to their level of contamination with aflatoxins in relation to European regulations using a quadratic PCA-DA model was excellent. Accuracy of the model was 97.4% for aflatoxin B1 and 100% for total aflatoxins.

Finite-time adaptive fuzzy event-triggered control for nonlinear time-delay system with input quantization via command filter

This paper investigates the problem of finite-time adaptive fuzzy event-triggered control for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with input quantization. The nonlinear systems under consideration contain unmodeled dynamics and time-varying delays. Fuzzy logic systems are used to handle unknown nonlinear terms. Additionally, finite-time filters are introduced to solve the problem of “explosion of complexity” as well as to ensure that the derivative of the virtual controller can be approximated in finite time. The Lyapunov–Krasovskii function is used to handle time-varying delays. The hysteresis quantizer is used to ensure adequate precision when there is a low transmission rate requirement. The control strategy combines event-triggered mechanisms and quantization technology to ensure that all signals of the closed-loop system remain bounded in finite time. Finally, two examples are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.

Statistical analysis of low-density and high-density polyethylene modified asphalt mixes using the response surface method

The common use of plastics in daily life has engendered gigantic amounts of waste plastics, which have a detrimental influence on the environment. Researchers have proposed several strategies for the recycling of waste plastics and their products. Among these, one strategy is to use them in the construction industry, particularly in asphaltic pavements. This study thus focused on the utilization of waste plastics, specifically Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), as an additive in Asphalt Concrete (AC) mixes. Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS), Flow Time (FT), and Dynamic Modulus (DM) tests were used to investigate the moisture damage, permanent deformation, fatigue performance, and DM of the LDPE and HDPE modified AC mixes. According to the laboratory test results, the LDPE and HDPE modified AC mixes offer more resistance to moisture damage compared to the Control AC mixes. It was also concluded that asphalt mixes modified with the LDPE and HDPE attained 2.07 times and 1.26 times superior resistance to permanent deformation than the Control mixes. Furthermore, the LDPE and HDPE modified AC mixes outperformed the DM values of the Control mixes by 2.06 times and 1.41 times, respectively. In addition, it was determined that the LDPE and HDPE modified AC mixes exhibit 1.72 times and 1.39 times greater fatigue parameter values than their counterpart, suggesting superior fatigue resistance performance. The statistical models developed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) revealed the highest values of the Coefficient of Determination (>0.80), adequate precision (>4.0), and lack-of-fit tests, indicating the model’s adequacy for predicting the response.

Modeling and design optimization of the performance of stone matrix asphalt mixtures containing low-density polyethylene and waste engine oil using the response surface methodology

In recent years, the use of waste plastic materials such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to modify asphalt binders and enhance mixture performance has garnered significant attention. One major concern with using such materials is the higher production temperature required, which necessitates the use of a bitumen extender agent, such as waste engine oil (WEO), to reduce the viscosity and mixing temperature. Therefore, using these stabilizing additives can reduce the consumption of virgin binder, especially for Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) mixtures, which require higher asphalt content. This study aimed to optimize the design of SMA modified by LDPE and WEO to minimize the optimum asphalt content (OAC) and mixing temperature while maximizing SMA performance. To achieve this, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was utilized to develop the necessary models for optimizing design and predicting performance. The selected independent variables (factors) for the design include LDPE content, WEO content, OAC, and mixing temperature. Meanwhile, the responses (dependent variables) consist of Marshall stability, rut depth, tensile strength ratio, and resilient modulus, which were used to determine the best mix design. The findings demonstrated that the suggested models for the output variables can predict performance with a higher level of confidence. The Analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that predictive models were significant and well-fitted, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of higher than 0.80, an adequate precision value of greater than 4, and a low p-value (less than 0.05). The error percentage between the RSM-predicted and actual values was less than 5 %, indicating that RSM-established models can accurately and efficiently predict the SMA performance. The best mix design of the SMA mixture modified by LDPE and WEO was found to be 10 % LDPE, 3.91 % WEO, 5.92 % OAC, and mixing temperature of 152.24°C with a combined desirability of 82.8 %.

Quantitative Measurement of Multiple Elements in Micro‐Quantities of Crude Oil Using In Situ Analysis by Laser Ablation‐ICP‐MS

Multi‐element quantification in small amounts of material and in situ measurements at the micrometre scale are essential aspects of geological sample investigation. A direct and rapid simultaneous multi‐elemental determination of metals in crude oil samples was carried out by combining direct laser ablation of the oil inserted in silica capillaries with inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry. The accuracy of LA‐ICP‐MS determination was demonstrated by analysing CONOSTAN reference material oils, certified for multiple elements, and by comparing LA‐ICP‐MS measurement results with those obtained by ICP‐OES using microwave‐assisted sample digestion. The results obtained by both methods were in agreement with certified values. The LA‐ICP‐MS method showed an adequate precision with a mean relative standard deviation of less than 10% for multi‐element determination, and was sufficiently sensitive to determine the majority of elements. LA‐ICP‐MS was also applied to the determination of elements in crude oils of different origins. LA‐ICP‐MS is a good alternative method allowing the determination of elements in organic fluids (oil and bitumen) in shorter times, involving less material consumption, smaller test portion size and with higher throughput compared with protocols using, for instance, sample digestion. It validates the possible application of metal analysis in hydrocarbon‐containing fluid inclusions for metallogenic purposes.

Prediction of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Bananas during Ripening Using Non-Destructive Parameters as Input Data.

Vegetable quality parameters are established according to standards primarily based on visual characteristics. Although knowledge of biochemical changes in the secondary metabolism of plants throughout development is essential to guide decision-making about consumption, harvesting and processing, these determinations involve the use of reagents, specific equipment and sophisticated techniques, making them slow and costly. However, when non-destructive methods are employed to predict such determinations, a greater number of samples can be tested with adequate precision. Therefore, the aim of this work was to establish an association capable of modeling between non-destructive-physical and colorimetric aspects (predictive variables)-and destructive determinations-bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity (variables to be predicted), quantified spectrophotometrically and by HPLC in 'Nanicão' bananas during ripening. It was verified that to predict some parameters such as flavonoids, a regression equation using predictive parameters indicated the importance of R2, which varied from 83.43 to 98.25%, showing that some non-destructive parameters can be highly efficient as predictors.

Investigation on varied sewage sludge producer gas and methane blend equivalence ratios operated SI engine intact with Miller cycle strategy

Decentralised power generation through a gasifier-engine genset can reduce both reliance on power grid and pollution. However, the low calorific value of the produced gaseous fuel moderates engine power and efficiency, which is a big challenge for its utilisation. For early and cost-effective solution prediction, a simulation tool of adequate precision can effectively envisage dual-fuel (DF) mode engine performance. Thus, this study simulates DF-SI engines with late inlet valve closures (LIVCs) to improve thermal efficiency using the Miller cycle strategy. Simulation is performed using quasi-dimensional thermodynamic modelling (QDTM). After validating the model using referred experimental results, QDTM was employed to study the parametric impacts of inputs (blends, LIVC and equivalence ratio) variations on performance and emissions response parameters. Power improves by blending sewage sludge-based producer gas with methane. Multi-objective optimisation through the response surface method (RSM) determined the optimum operating parameters as 0.814 equivalence ratio, 68.23% SSPG-blend and 55.9° CA (ABDC) LIVC. Corresponding optimal responses were 5.906 bar IMEP, 3.85 kW BP, 28.6% BTE, 12.596 MJ/kWh BSEC, 0.134 V% CO and 2045.29 ppm NO emissions. ANOVA-based optimal results presented a composite desirability of 0.843 with a 95% confidence level. Conclusively, methane mix and LIVC approach increase the power and efficiency of the DF-SI engine; additionally, optimisation guides to balance power and emission trade-off.

Optimization of Water Hyacinth Stem-Based Oxygen-Functionalized Activated Carbon for Enhanced Supercapacitors.

In the current world, storing and converting energy without affecting the natural ecosystem are considered a sustainable and efficient green energy source production technology. Especially, using low-cost, environmentally friendly, and high-cycle stability activated carbon (AC) from the water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) waste material for charge storage application is the current attractive strategy for renewable energy generation. In this study, preparation of AC from water hyacinth using a mixed chemical activation agent followed by activation time was optimized by the I-optimal coordinate exchange design model based on a 3-factor/3-level strategy under nine experimental runs. The optimum conditions to prepare AC were found to be potassium hydroxide (≈17 g) and potassium carbonate (≈11 g), and the carbonization time was approximately 1 h. Under these augmented conditions, the maximum specific capacitance suggested by the designed model was found to be ≈75.2 F/g. The regression coefficient (R 2 = 0.9979), adjusted (R 2 = 0.9917), predicted (R 2 = 0.8706), adequate precision (39.2795), and p-values (0.0062) proved the good correlation between actual and predicted values. The physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the final optimized AC were characterized by thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and potentiostat (CV and EIS) instruments. Finally, the optimized AC electrode after 100 cycles at a current density of 2 A g-1 retains an efficiency of 71.57%, indicating the good stability and sustainability of this material.

BHF and copula models in small area estimation for household per capita expenditure in Bogor District

Small area statistics are required when the sample size is small to produce estimates with adequate precision. The assumptions underlying Battese Harter Fuller (BHF) unit-level models may often be unrealistic in some applications. Copula is an alternative approach when the assumptions are violated. This research discusses the performance of BHF and Copula in small area estimation (SAE) for estimating household per capita expenditure in sub-district levels. This study presents household per capita expenditure, which has a skewed distribution. Due to the fact that the data contains outliers, an appropriate method to handle outliers is also considered. In this research, the Gaussian and the Clayton Copulas are used. The results showed that the performance of BHF was better than Gaussian and Clayton Copulas, as indicated by small root mean square error (RMSE) with an average of 1.14, while the average RMSE of Gaussian copula was 2.71 and Clayton copula was 2.63. Furthermore, the coefficient of variation (CV) of BHF was also smaller compared to Gaussian and Clayton Copulas, and the resulting estimates can be categorized as reliable based on the CV of less than 25%.

Response Optimisation and Modelling of Experimental Data on the Performance of &lt;i&gt;Lasienthera africanum&lt;/i&gt; Leaves Extract as a Corrosion Inhibitor on Mild Steel in Hydrochloric-Induced Environment

In this study, the CCD response surface methodology was used to model and optimise the performance of Lasienthera africanum leaves extract (LALE) as a corrosion inhibitor on mild steel. The experimental parameters were assessed at different immersion time and inhibitor concentration to determine the optimum conditions for corrosion mitigation. Using experimental results of the corrosion characteristics such as the weight loss, corrosion rate, and inhibition efficiency of LALE, new models were developed, the significance of which was tested using variance analysis. The developed RSM models of WL, CR, and IE were accurate and reliable, and their P-values were 0.0001, which is less than 0.05. Likewise, the R2-statistics (R2, adjusted-R2, and predicted-R2), adequate precision, and diagnostic plots were also used as a means to ascertain the degree of accuracy and adequacy of the WL, CR, and IE models. In addition, optimization of the corrosion inhibition process for LALE revealed that the optimum conditions for maximum IE, minimum WL, and CR were achieved at a concentration of 93.93 ppm and an immersion time of 228 hrs. Under these settings, the inhibition efficiency, weight loss, and corrosion rate were 93.85%, 0.294g and 3.267 mm/y, respectively. Therefore, the models are considered ideal for prediction with a confidence level of 95%, and the optimal combination is suitable for the corrosion inhibition process design. Hence these models can be recommended for applications such as oil well acidizing and pickling pipelines.

Hyper β-glucosidase producer Beauveria bassiana SAN01—optimization of fermentation conditions and evaluation of saccharification potential

AbstractThe hyper-production of β-glucosidase by a local strain of Beauveria bassiana under submerged conditions is reported in this study. The initial screening of seven agricultural residues showed that the haulm of Bambara—an underutilized African legume—supported the highest β-glucosidase production; hence, statistical optimization of enzyme production was done using this biomass as the sole carbon source. Plackett–Burman design identified the concentrations of Bambara haulm, KCl, and NaCl as well as agitation speed and incubation time as the most significant factors affecting enzyme production. Subsequently, the central composite design predicted the optimal conditions (Bambara 57 g/L, KCl 302 mg/L, NaCl 154 mg/L, agitation speed 150 rpm, and incubation 223 h) for B. bassiana β-glucosidase production, which were further validated. The generated quadratic model was deemed significant judging from its F-value (201.63), adequate precision ratio (45.74), as well as the R2 (0.9988), adjusted R2 (0.9938), and predicted R2 (0.9195) values. The optimization resulted in a ~5.36-fold increase in enzyme levels from the unoptimized production of ~133 to 711 U/mL. The enzyme was also demonstrated to efficiently hydrolyze cellobiose, converting more than 90% of the substrate to glucose. These results further establish the resourcefulness of the B. bassiana strain for the production of β-glucosidase enzyme, having immense potential, especially in the food and energy industries.

Exploring quantitative indices to characterize piano timbre with precision validated using measurement system analysis.

Timbre in piano performance plays a critical role in enhancing musical expression. However, timbre control in current piano performance education relies mostly on descriptive characterization, which involves large variations of interpretation. The current study aimed to mitigate the limitations by identifying quantitative indices with adequate precision to characterize piano timbre. A total of 24 sounds of G6 were recorded from 3 grand pianos, by 2 performers, and with 4 repetitions. The sounds were processed and analyzed with audio software for the frequencies and volumes of harmonic series in the spectrum curves. Ten quantitative timbre indices were calculated. Precision validation with statistical gage R&R analysis was conducted to gage the repeatability (between repetitions) and reproducibility (between performers) of the indices. The resultant percentage study variation (%SV) of an index must be ≤10% to be considered acceptable for characterizing piano timbre with enough precision. Out of the 10 indices, 4 indices had acceptable precision in characterizing piano timbre with %SV ≤10%, including the square sum of relative volume (4.40%), the frequency-weighted arithmetic mean of relative volume (4.29%), the sum of relative volume (3.11%), and the frequency-weighted sum of relative volume (2.09%). The novel indices identified in the current research will provide valuable tools to advance the measurement and communication of timbre and advance music performance education.

Photon-Counting Computed Tomography for Microstructural Imaging of Bone and Joints.

Recently, photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) has been introduced in clinical research and diagnostics. This review describes the technological advances and provides an overview of recent applications with a focus on imaging of bone. PCCT is a full-body scanner with short scanning times that provides better spatial and spectral resolution than conventional energy-integrating-detector CT (EID-CT), along with an up to 50% reduced radiation dose. It can be used to quantify bone mineral density, to perform bone microstructural analyses and to assess cartilage quality with adequate precision and accuracy. Using a virtual monoenergetic image reconstruction, metal artefacts can be greatly reduced when imaging bone-implant interfaces. Current PCCT systems do not allow spectral imaging in ultra-high-resolution (UHR) mode. Given its improved resolution, reduced noise and spectral imaging capabilities PCCT has diagnostic capacities in both qualitative and quantitative imaging that outperform those of conventional CT. Clinical use in monitoring bone health has already been demonstrated. The full potential of PCCT systems will be unlocked when UHR spectral imaging becomes available.

Modeling and design optimization of dense graded modified crumb rubber asphalt mixtures using response surface methodology

Modification of asphalt pavement materials by using recycled waste tires in form of crumb rubber (CRM) is getting significant importance for saving resources as well as protecting ecosystem. So, in this study the crumb rubber size and percentage content effect on the performance properties of binder and mixtures were evaluated. A detailed experimental program has been performed using design expert software considering the variables like rubber size and content and their responses which were viscosity, Indirect Tensile strength (ITS), Tensile strength ratio (TSR) durability and Resilient Modulus (Mr). The viscosity of control binder with the addition of crumb rubber at high temperatures showed good improvement. The performance properties viz., ITS, TSR and Mr showed similar behavior as the size and content of crumb rubber increased under different loading conditions. The statistical models prepared using the analysis tool were found significant and well fitted based on high R2 (>0.80), high adequate precision value (>4), insignificant lack of fit and low p-value. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) model theoretical results generated by the response surface methodology (RSM) analysis were further validated by the experiments with <5 % of error showing good agreement between theoretical and experimental results. Study results showed that modified binder with 10 % crumb rubber passing sieve No. 40 in mixtures showed good improvement of mechanical properties indicating the potential source of recycled waste material usage in the pavement construction.

GEMINI-Gastric: A phase 2 study of novel treatment combinations in patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric cancers.

TPS4182 Background: A large proportion of patients (pts) with gastric cancer present with locally advanced or metastatic disease, which is linked with poor survival. Platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based doublet chemotherapy (CTx) remains the standard of care in advanced gastric cancers. Based on recent clinical data, immuno-oncology (IO) agents plus CTx can improve overall survival (OS) in pts with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who have human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative/low expression (HER2–) and have not been previously treated for advanced/metastatic disease. GEMINI-Gastric (NCT05702229) is a phase 2, open-label, multidrug, multicenter, master protocol study designed to assess the efficacy, safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and immunogenicity of multiple novel IO + CTx combination therapies in this setting. Methods: Adults (≥18 years) with previously untreated HER2– locally advanced unresectable, or metastatic gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma are eligible. Pts should have measurable target disease per RECIST v1.1 and an ECOG performance status of 0–1. The GEMINI-Gastric design allows assessment of multiple novel agents plus CTx in different substudies (Table). Novel agents include: volrustomig, an anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb); rilvegostomig, an anti-PD-1/TIGIT bispecific humanized IgG1 mAb; AZD0901, a claudin18.2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate; and AZD7789, an anti-PD-1/TIM-3 bispecific mAb. Co-primary endpoints are objective response rate and progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 months by investigator assessment per RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints include safety, duration of response, PFS, OS, PK, and immunogenicity. Sample sizes have been selected to provide adequate precision for the primary endpoints. The study is currently recruiting at sites in the US, Europe, and Asia. Clinical trial information: NCT05702229 . [Table: see text]