Construct Failure Research Articles

Exploring the Role of quality management practices (QMS) in mitigating Construction Failures and building collapse

The construction industry in Nigeria faces critical challenges due to frequent building collapses, highlighting the necessity for robust Quality Management Systems (QMS). This study investigates the current state of QMS adoption and its effectiveness in mitigating building failures. Despite the recognised importance of QMS, the industry shows a low adoption rate, with only 34.8% of firms holding ISO certification and 60.9% lacking formal QMS frameworks. A significant barrier identified is insufficient top management support, impacting 71.4% of the companies surveyed. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including a comprehensive literature review and a survey of 22 industry stakeholders across major Nigerian cities. This methodology allows for a detailed examination of QMS practices, highlighting the critical role of management commitment, communication, and training in enhancing quality outcomes. The research fills a gap by providing a holistic analysis of QMS issues across different regions, which have been previously understudied. The findings underscore the necessity for enhanced regulatory frameworks and standardised practices to ensure consistent quality management. The study contributes to the international discourse on construction quality by emphasising systemic improvements rather than merely technical fixes. It calls for further research into region-specific challenges and broader adoption of formal QMS practices to improve safety and reliability in Nigeria's construction sector.

Enhancing prosthesis stability at the cricoid cartilage in equine laryngoplasty using 3-D-printed laryngeal clamps: An ex vivo model study.

To assess a three-dimensional (3-D)-printed laryngeal clamp (LC) designed to enhance the anchoring of laryngeal prostheses at the cricoid cartilage. Ex vivo biomechanical study. A total of 22 equine larynges. Two experimental groups included larynges with standard prosthetic laryngoplasty (PL; n = 10) and larynges with prosthetic laryngoplasty modified with laryngeal clamps (PLLC; n = 10). All constructs underwent 3000 cycles of tension loading and a single tension to failure. Recorded biomechanical parameters included maximum load, actuator displacement, and construct failure. Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed on one PL and one PLLC construct. The maximum load at single tension to failure was 183.7 ± 46.8 N for the PL construct and 292.7 ± 82.3 N for the PLLC construct (p = .003). Actuator displacement at 30 N was 1.7 ± 0.5 mm and 2.7 ± 0.7 mm for the PL and PLLC constructs, respectively (p = .011). The cause of PL constructs failure was mostly tearing through the cartilage whereas the PLLC constructs failed through fracture of the cricoid cartilage (p = .000). FEA revealed an 11-fold reduction in the maximum equivalent plastic strain, a four-fold reduction in maximum compressive stress, and a two-fold increase in the volume of engaged cartilage in PLLC constructs. The PLLC constructs demonstrated superior performance in biomechanical testing and FEA compared to standard PL constructs. The use of 3-D-printed laryngeal clamps may enhance the outcomes of laryngoplasty in horses. In vivo studies are necessary to determine the feasibility of performing laryngoplasty using the laryngeal clamp in horses.

Staged revision of the infected knee arthroplasty and endoprosthesis.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a challenging complication of any arthroplasty procedure. We reviewed our use of static antibiotic-loaded cement spacers (ABLCSs) for staged management of PJI where segmental bone loss, ligamentous instability, or soft-tissue defects necessitate a static construct. We reviewed factors contributing to their failure and techniques to avoid these complications when using ABLCSs in this context. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 94 patients undergoing first-stage revision of an infected knee prosthesis between September 2007 and January 2020 at a single institution. Radiographs and clinical records were used to assess and classify the incidence and causes of static spacer failure. Of the 94 cases, there were 19 primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs), ten revision TKAs (varus-valgus constraint), 20 hinged TKAs, one arthrodesis (nail), one failed spacer (performed elsewhere), 21 distal femoral endoprosthetic arthroplasties, and 22 proximal tibial arthroplasties. A total of 35/94 patients (37.2%) had spacer-related complications, of which 26/35 complications (74.3%) were because of mechanical failure of the spacer construct, while 9/35 (25.7%) were due to recurrence of infection. Risk factors for internal failure were a construct where the total intramedullary spacer length was less than twice the length of the central osseous defect (p = 0.009), where proximal or distal intraosseous spacer contact was < 10%, and after tibial tubercle osteotomy (p = 0.005). The incidence of spacer complications significantly increased the time to second stage: mean 157 days (42 to 458) in those without complications versus 227 days (11 to 528) with complications (p = 0.014). The failure rate of static antibiotic-loaded cement spacers is much higher than anticipated. Complications of the spacer significantly increased the time to second-stage revision. The risk of mechanical failure is significantly increased if the spacer is less than double the size of the segmental defect, or if inadequate reinforcement is inserted into the residual bone. These findings serve as a guide for surgeons to avoid mechanical complications with static spacers.

Clinical experience and outcomes using a commercially available micro-plating system for metabone fractures in dogs and cats: 10 cases (2019-2023).

To report the clinical experience and long-term outcome following metabone fracture stabilisation using a commercially available micro-plating system (VetKISS, 1.0-mm, IMEX Veterinary, USA). Consecutive, client-owned cats and dogs weighing <7 kg, with traumatic metabone fractures stabilised using VetKISS micro-plates were prospectively enrolled with informed owner consent. Clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded. Either short-term or long-term clinical and radiographic follow-up was required for study inclusion. Four cats and six dogs were enrolled and operated by one of two board-certified surgeons. Bodyweight ranged from 1.9 to 6.6 kg. Number of metabones fractured: all four (60%), three (30%) and two (10%). Anatomical alignment was restored for each metabone. External coaptation was not used in any case. Radiographic follow-up documented clinical or bony union in all cases. Mean time to clinical union was 51 days. One major complication (screw removal) and two minor complications (partial construct failure) were observed. All patients made a complete functional recovery at the time of documented union. Long-term follow-up was available in five cases. No lameness (evaluated independently by both surgeons) or plate sensitivity was noted. This is the first clinical evaluation of the VetKISS for metabone fracture repair, and includes long-term follow-up. Results demonstrated complete functional recovery and 100% clinical union rates in all patients, with acceptable complication rates. This system can be considered for metabone repair in patients weighing <7 kg without the use of external coaptation.

Numerical Simulation Study on Evolution Process of Carrying-Soil Effect of Rectangular Pipe Jacking

The carrying-soil effect is an important factor affecting the success or failure of rectangular pipe jacking construction. Because it is difficult to explore the dynamic evolution process of the carrying-soil effect in the field test, this paper relies on the pipe jacking project of a comprehensive pipe gallery in Suzhou City, and uses ABAQUS 2021 finite element software to simulate the jacking process of rectangular pipe jacking. Based on the theory of plastic mechanics of rock and soil and the related research and application status, the equivalent plastic strain index is introduced as the basis for judging the failure boundary of soil in the numerical simulation results, and the boundary between the carrying-soil area and the surrounding soil is determined, that is, the shear fracture surface. According to the principle of plastic potential energy, the development direction of the fracture surface is consistent with the direction of plastic flow, so as to predict the development direction of the boundary of the carrying-soil area. According to the change in the equivalent plastic strain cloud map with the jacking mileage, the evolution process of the carrying-soil effect is clarified, and the dynamic evolution law of the carrying-soil area is revealed, which is of great significance for predicting the disturbance of the surrounding soil during the construction of rectangular pipe jacking and accurately evaluating the environmental effect of the construction.

A multiscale modeling for progressive failure behavior of unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites based on phase-field method

The effective macroscopic properties of composites are determined by the intricate interactions among the individual components within their microstructure. Preserving these microscopic details during the failure simulation of macrostructures presents significant challenges. This work proposes a multiscale modeling framework to numerically predict the macroscopic fracture properties of unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites based on micromechanical analysis. In this study, 2D representative volume elements (RVEs) combined with the phase-field method are utilized to simulate fiber-reinforced composites under transverse loadings. A series of representative loading conditions are employed to investigate cracking patterns and to construct failure strength envelopes of the composites subjected to different multiaxial proportional loadings. By extracting the softening curve from the uniaxial tensile simulation of the RVE and fitting it with a tenth-order polynomial, the homogenized cohesive law, combined with the phase-field method, is applied to the damage analysis of macroscopic heterogeneous materials. The homogenized model of unidirectional fiber reinforced composites is numerically validated through simulations of a 2D flat plate. The simulation results demonstrate the excellent potential of the proposed multiscale modeling framework to accurately and efficiently predict the progressive failure and fracture behavior of fiber-reinforced composites in engineering applications.

Titanium Cable Cerclage Increases the Load to Failure in Plate Osteosynthesis for Distal Femoral Fractures.

Background and Objectives: The reduction of two-part oblique or spiral fractures of the distal femur using steel wire cerclage prior to plate osteosynthesis is a proven procedure. In addition to being useful in fracture reduction, wire cerclage was also shown to increase the stability of osteosynthesis. Nevertheless, metal corrosion and the allergenic potency of steel remain problematic disadvantages of this method. A biomechanical study was carried out to evaluate titanium cable cerclage as an alternative supplement for plate osteosynthesis of a distal femoral two-part fracture. Materials and Methods: An unstable AO/OTA 32-A2.3 fracture was created in eleven pairs of nonosteoporotic human cadaver femora. All the samples were treated with polyaxial angular stable plate osteosynthesis. One femur from each pair was randomly selected for an additional fracture fixation with multifilament titanium cable cerclage. Stepwise cyclic axial loading was applied in a load-to-failure mode using a servohydraulic testing machine. Results: All specimens (mean age: 80 years; range: 57-91 years) withstood a cycling force of at least 1800 N. With a mean load of 2982 N (95% CI: 2629-3335 N), the pressure forces resulting in osteosynthesis failure were significantly higher in specimens with an additional titanium cerclage (Group 1) than in samples that were solely treated with plate osteosynthesis (Group 2) at 2545 N (95% CI: 2257-2834 N) (p = 0.024). In both groups, cutting out the distal screws at the condyle region, resulting in shearing of the distal fragment proximal to the fracture line, was the most frequent cause of construct failure. Among the specimens assigned to Group 1, 36% exhibited a specific fracture pattern, namely, a fracture of the dorsal buttress above the cerclage. Analysis of axial stiffness (p = 0.286) and irreversible deformity of the specimens revealed no differences between the groups (p = 0.374). Conclusion: Titanium cable cerclage application, as a supplement to an angular stable plate, resulted in an increased load to failure. In terms of stability, the use of this adjunct for fracture fixation of supracondylar two-part oblique femoral fractures might, therefore, be an option, especially in patients who are sensitive to nickel.

Psychological safety in online interdisciplinary student teams: What teachers can do to promote an effective climate for knowledge sharing, collaboration and problem-solving

Interdisciplinary complex problem-solving relies on psychologically safe teamwork where individuals feel confident to speak up with unique knowledge, or voice dissent. Existing studies on psychological safety (PS) have mainly concentrated on developing diagnostic tools and categorising the antecedents to psychologically safe interactions in face-to-face teams. Few focus on the establishment and maintenance of psychological safety in online teamwork, let alone in the context of now-prevalent online learning in higher education. Leveraging the natural experiment in online teaching and learning brought about by COVID-19 lockdowns, we conducted a preliminary study that combines quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the extent to which, and how, undergraduates experience psychological safety in virtual teams. Students reported experiencing relatively high psychological safety in their collaborations, yet the results also suggest that specific elements of instructional design were needed to support the establishment and maintenance of psychological safety in the online environment. These measures include extra provision for timetabled group work, demonstrating openness and curiosity, designing assessment tasks that necessitate diverse contributions and normalising constructive failure through iterative feedback. Pedagogical tools and practices related to these measures can help online student teams build and sustain psychologically safe collaboration to optimise problem-solving and innovation.

Biomechanical evaluation of Gamma 3 nail with anti-rotation screw fixation for unstable femoral neck fractures: a biomechanical study

This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical performance of the Gamma 3 nail with an anti-rotation screw (GNS) and compare it to two established gold-standard methods for treating unstable femoral neck fractures (UFNFs). Synthetic bone models were prepared with Pauwels’ type III osteotomy and an additional posterior wedge. Three different implant configurations were tested: three cannulated crews (3CS) in an inverted triangle configuration, a dynamic hip screw with an anti-rotation screw (DHSS), and GNS. Non-destructive cyclic axial loading was applied at 7° adduction, with 1000 cycles ranging from 100 to 1000 N. Subsequently, a construct failure test was conducted using progressive axial compression, and fracture reduction loss was recorded. The average axial stiffness was 321 ± 52 N/mm for 3CS, 430 ± 71 N/mm for DHSS, and 519 ± 104 N/mm for GNS. The average ultimate failure loads were 2699.3 N for 3CS, 3427.1 N for DHSS, and 3758.9 N for GNS. GNS demonstrated significantly greater axial stiffness compared to the other two groups (P < 0.05). Both DHSS and GNS exhibited similar failure loading, which were greater than those of 3CS (P < 0.05). GNS offers the advantages of a minimally invasive and intramedullary implant with comparable stability to the DHSS system. Moreover, GNS demonstrated superior biomechanical performance compared to 3 CS configuration.

P141. Factors associated with construct failures in adult spine deformity patients matching ideal Roussouly type

P141. Factors associated with construct failures in adult spine deformity patients matching ideal Roussouly type

Does adding sacroiliac (type IV) resection to periacetabular (type II) resection increase complications or provide worse clinical outcomes? An institutional experience and systematic review

Background and objectivesInternal hemipelvectomy is a limb sparing procedure most commonly indicated for malignant bone and soft tissue tumors of the pelvis. Partial resection and pelvic reconstruction may be challenging for orthopedic oncologists due to late presentation, high tumor burden, and complex anatomy. Specifically, wide resection of tumors involving the periacetabular and sacroiliac (SI) regions may compromise adjacent vital neurovascular structures, impair wound healing, or limit functional recovery. We aimed to present a series of patients treated at our institution who underwent periacetabular internal hemipelvectomy (Type II) with or without sacral extension (Type IV) in combination with a systematic review to investigate postoperative complications, functional outcomes, and implant and patient survival following pelvic tumor resection via Type II hemipelvectomy with or without Type IV resection. Materials and methodsA surgical registry of consecutive patients treated with internal hemipelvectomy for primary or secondary pelvic bone tumors at our institution since 1994 was retrospectively reviewed. All type II resection patients were stratified into two separate cohorts, based on whether or not periacetabular resection was extended beyond the SI joint to include the sacrum (Type IV), as per the Enneking and Dunham classification. Patient demographics, operative parameters, complications, and oncological outcomes were collected. Categorical and continuous variables were compared with Pearson's chi square or Fisher's exact test and the Mann-Whitney U test, respectively. Literature review according to PRISMA guidelines queried studies pertaining to patient outcomes following periacetabular internal hemipelvectomy. The search strategy included combinations of the key words “internal hemipelvectomy”, “pelvic reconstruction”, “pelvic tumor”, and “limb salvage”. Pooled data was compared using Pearson's chi square. Statistical significance was established as p < 0.05. ResultsA total of 76 patients were treated at our institution with internal hemipelvectomy for pelvic tumor resection, of whom 21 had periacetabular resection. Fifteen patients underwent Type II resection without Type IV involvement, whereas six patients had combined Type II/IV resection. There were no significant differences between groups in operative time, blood loss, complications, local recurrence, postoperative metastasis, or disease mortality. Systematic review yielded 69 studies comprising 929 patients who underwent internal hemipelvectomy with acetabular resection. Of these, 906 (97.5 %) had only Type II resection while 23 (2.5 %) had concomitant Type II/IV resection. While overall complication rates were comparable, Type II resection alone produced significantly fewer neurological complications when compared to Type II resection with sacral extension (3.9 % vs. 17.4 %, p = 0.001). No significant differences were found between rates of wound complications, infections, or construct failures. Local recurrence, postoperative metastasis, and survival outcomes were similar. Type II internal hemipelvectomy without Type IV resection on average produced higher postoperative MSTS functional scores than with Type IV resection. ConclusionIn our series, the two groups exhibited no differences. From the systematic review, operative parameters, local recurrence or systemic metastasis, implant survival, and disease mortality were comparable in patients undergoing Type II internal hemipelvectomy alone compared to patients undergoing some combination of Type II/IV resection. However, compound resections increased the risk of neurological complications and experienced poorer MSTS functional scores.

Technical aspects of rod-insertion forceps (persuader) application in reducing construct failure after lumbar spine fusion surgery: a biomechanical cadaveric study in Germany.

A prospective experimental study. This biomechanical in vitro study aimed to examine the extent to which the use of a rod persuader (RP) leads to additional mechanical stress on the screw-rod system and determine its influence on the bony anchoring of primary pedicle screws. Degenerative spine diseases and deformities are the most common indications for the stabilization and fusion of spinal segments. The pedicle screw-rod system is considered the gold standard for dorsal stabilization, and an RP is also increasingly being considered to fit the spondylodesis material. Ten lumbar spines from body donors were examined. Bisegmental dorsal spinal lumbar interbody fusion of the L3-L5 segments was performed using a pedicle screw-rod system (ROCCIA Multi-LIF Cage; Silony Medical, Germany). In group 1, the titanium rod was inserted without tension, whereas in group 2, the rod was attached to the pedicle screws at the L4 and L5 levels, creating a 5-mm gap. To attach the rod, the RP was used to press the rod into the pedicle screw. The rod was left in place for 30 minutes and then removed. The rod reduction technique significantly increased the mechanical load on the overall construct measured by strain gauges (p<0.05) and resulted in outright implant failure with pedicle screw pullout in 88.9%. In cases where the spondylodesis material is not fully attached within the pedicle screw, an RP can be used with extreme caution, particularly in osteoporotic bones, to avoid pedicle screw avulsion and screw anchor failure.

Novel sustainable techniques for enhancing shear strength of RC beams mitigating construction failure risk

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of various innovative and sustainable methods for improving the shear performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. The potential risk of failure for such elements is considered a potential threat, therefore, this study addresses it through experimental tests and numerical analyses to be mitigated carefully in order to enhance the safety and sustainability of buildings. A total of eleven specimens, comprising two control specimens and nine strengthened specimens, underwent three-point testing. Several proposed strengthening techniques, each involving multiple parameters, were examined. In the initial approach, glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) textile embedded in an external fiber-reinforced cementitious mortar (FRCM) jacket was utilized, with an evaluation of the number of the GFRP textile layers (1, 2, and 3 layers). The second technique incorporated near surface mounted (NSM) GFRP bars along with the FRCM jacketing, where the diameter of the GFRP bars (10, 12, and 16 mm) served as the primary parameter. In the final technique, externally bonded stainless-steel strips (SSSs) of varying thicknesses (1, 1.25, 1.50 mm) were affixed to the beams’ surface. The obtained results revealed that the application of the FRCM jacketing method yielded positive results, showing a significant 30.7 % average increase in the crack initiation load and a 17.1 % improvement in the failure load compared to the defected beam. However, issues of debonding beneath the loading point were observed in the FRCM jacket, particularly with three layers of the GFRP textile, leading to the separation of the concrete cover. Moreover, combining the NSM GFRP bars with an FRCM jacket addressed the absence of shear stirrups. The most remarkable improvement was noted utilizing the NSM GFRP bars and an FRCM jacket, followed by employing SSSs with an FRCM jacket.

Application of Multi-Rod Constructs for the Revision of Thoracolumbar Fractures.

The revision procedure for failure of internal fixation after thoracolumbar fracture is controversial. Combined anterior and posterior surgery is associated with higher risk more intraoperative bleeding and tissue damage. The success rate of simple anterior surgery needs further confirmation, and posterior surgery lacks stability of internal fixation. This study evaluates the feasibility and surgical effect of multi-rod constructs in the revision of thoracolumbar fractures. Eleven patients with thoracolumbar fractures who underwent previous construct failure and were treated with revision and internal fixation with the multi-rod technique from March 2017 to September 2018 were analyzed. The original internal fixation was removed and replaced in the medial insertion of satellite rods and bone graft. The average follow-up time was 15.97 months. The intraoperation blood loss, the time of the operation, activation and discharge and the rate of rod fracture were calculated. The sagittal Cobb angle before revision, after revision and at the last follow-up were compared. The clinical effect was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire (ODI). The average operation time was 107 min, the intraoperative blood loss was 131.81 mL, the active time was 1.59 days, and the discharge time was 10.89 days. No rod fractured again during the follow-up period. The paired t-test was used to compare the Cobb angle, VAS score, and ODI before and after surgery. There was significant difference in the sagittal Cobb angle between the pre-revision and the posterior sagittal position (p = 0.000), and no significant difference was found between post-revision and last follow-up (p = 0.551). VAS and ODI were greatly improved at the last follow-up. The literature on revision of thoracolumbar fractures is insufficient and comprises varying opinions. This paper proposes a new treatment option. The application of the multi-rod constructs in the revision of thoracolumbar fractures is safe, simple, and effective and might provide guidance for future clinical work.

Ex vivo biomechanical evaluation of tissue construct strength in an equine colopexy model.

To compare strength of left paramedian colopexies using various techniques in equine ex vivo models. Experimental study. Equine cadavers euthanized for nongastrointestinal pathology (36 specimens derived from 9 horses). Colopexies were performed after euthanasia. Suture pattern (horizontal mattress vs. cruciate) and incorporation of dorsal sheath of the rectus abdominis (partial-thickness) versus incorporation of dorsal and ventral sheath of the rectus abdominis (full-thickness) were evaluated. Single cycle load to failure, work to peak load, stiffness, and mode of failure of colopexy tissue constructs were assessed. Mean load to failure of all constructs ranged from 102.26 to 166.38 N. Partial-thickness bites demonstrated a mean load to failure and standard deviation (SD) of 111.91 (35.88) N and 102.26 (30.06) N (p < .05) which was significantly lower than the mean and SD of full-thickness bites (166.3 [72.42] N and 163.21 [51.40 N]), respectively. All full-thickness bites regardless of suture pattern and over half of partial-thickness bites failed at the colonic wall. There was no significant difference in load to failure compared to mode of failure. A stronger colopexy was achieved with a full-thickness bite regardless of the suture pattern. The most common mode of failure was the colon wall. Incorporating ventral and dorsal fascia of the rectus abdominus provided a stronger colopexy structure, which may necessitate a second incision or subcutaneous palpation of the needle when performing a colopexy. The lateral band of the colon failed in most constructs (77%) regardless of technique, which could weaken the colonic wall and risk colonic rupture.

A Novel Bone-Screw-Fastener Demonstrates Greater Maximum Compression Force Before Failure Compared With a Traditional Buttress Screw.

This study compared the maximal compression force before thread stripping of the novel bone-screw-fastener (BSF) with the traditional buttress screw (TBS) in synthetic osteoporotic and cadaveric bone models. The maximum compression force of the plate-bone interface before loss of screw purchase during screw tightening was measured between self-tapping 3.5-mm BSF and 3.5-mm TBS using calibrated load cells. Three synthetic biomechanical models were used: a synthetic osteoporotic diaphysis (model 1), a 3-layer biomechanical polyurethane foam with 50-10-50 pounds-per-cubic-foot layering (model 2), and a 3-layer polyurethane foam with 50-15-50 pounds-per-cubic-foot layering (model 3). For the cadaveric metaphyseal model, 3 sets of cadaveric tibial plafonds and 3 sets of cadaveric tibial plateaus were used. A plate with sensors between the bone and plate interface was used to measure compression force during screw tightening in the synthetic bone models, while an annular load cell that measured screw compression as it slid through a guide was used to measure compression in the cadaver models. Across all synthetic osteoporotic bone models, the BSF demonstrated greater maximal compression force before stripping compared with the TBS [model 1, 155.51 N (SD = 7.77 N) versus 138.78 N (SD = 12.74 N), P = 0.036; model 2, 218.14 N (SD = 14.15 N) versus 110.23 N (SD = 8.00 N), P < 0.001; model 3, 382.72 N (SD = 20.15) versus 341.09 N (SD = 15.57 N), P = 0.003]. The BSF had greater maximal compression force for the overall cadaver trials, the tibial plafond trials, and the tibial plateau trials [overall, 111.27 N vs. 97.54 N (SD 32.32 N), P = 0.002; plafond, 149.6 N versus 132.92 N (SD 31.32 N), P = 0.006; plateau, 81.33 N versus 69.89 N (SD 33.38 N), P = 0.03]. The novel bone-screw-fastener generated 11%-65% greater maximal compression force than the TBS in synthetic osteoporotic and cadaveric metaphyseal bone models. A greater compression force may increase construct stability, facilitate early weight-bearing, and reduce construct failure.

PBOX-sRNA-seq uncovers novel features of miRNA modification and identifies selected 5'-tRNA fragments bearing 2'-O-modification.

The concomitant cloning of RNA degradation products is a major concern in standard small RNA-sequencing practices. This not only complicates the characterization of bona fide sRNAs but also hampers cross-batch experimental replicability and sometimes even results in library construction failure. Given that all types of plant canonical small RNAs possess the 3' end 2'-O-methylation modification, a new small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq) method, designated as PBOX-sRNA-seq, has been developed specifically to capture this modification. PBOX-sRNA-seq, as its name implies, relies on the sequential treatment of RNA samples with phenylboronic acid-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PBA-PAGE) and sodium periodate (NaIO4) oxidation, before sRNA library construction and sequencing. PBOX-sRNA-seq outperformed separate treatments (i.e. PBA-PAGE only or NaIO4 only) in terms of the depletion of unmethylated RNA species and capture 2'-O-modified sRNAs with extra-high purity. Using PBOX-sRNA-seq, we discovered that nascent miRNA-5p/-3p duplexes may undergo mono-cytidylation/uridylation before 2'-O-methylation. We also identified two highly conserved types of 5'-tRNA fragments (tRF) bearing HEN1-independent 2'-O modification (mainly the 13-nt tRF-5aAla and the 26-nt tRF-5bGly). We believe that PBOX-sRNA-seq is powerful for both qualitative and quantitative analyses of sRNAs in plants and piRNAs in animals.

Innovative Model for Assessing the Level of Failure Risk in Construction and Buildings

This research explores risk management in construction projects to prevent potential failures due to natural factors or human errors. The objective is to develop a risk assessment model for failures in construction and building projects, focusing on identification, categorization, risk level determination, and model development. The research benefits encompass theoretical contributions to construction risk management, governmental policy guidelines, operational assistance in project risk management, and enhancements in the safety and quality of construction projects. This research innovates by expanding research variables, incorporating failure risk level assessments, and utilizing technological approaches. The research methodology combines quantitative and descriptive approaches, focusing on failure risk factors from service/contractor providers, consultants, and project owners. Data is obtained through literature studies, secondary data, and primary data via questionnaires. The analysis involves factor analysis, importance index, impact probability matrix, and the Partial Least Square (PLS) method for structural analysis. The research conclusion identifies failure risk factors including financial aspects, management, equipment availability, and natural impacts such as floods and earthquakes. The risk assessment model categorizes risks into high, medium, and low, enabling appropriate anticipatory measures. This model provides guidance for stakeholders to mitigate risks, improve quality, and maintain the integrity of construction projects and buildings, supporting safety and success throughout project stages. This research makes a significant contribution to construction project risk management and construction quality improvement.

A trust distributed learning (D‐NWDAF) against poisoning and byzantine attacks in B5G networks

AbstractBeyond 5G networks, (B5G) introduce the emergence of a smart service and an automate management archetype of running network slices, such as the network data analytics function (NWDAF). These new architectures provide a large usage of advanced machine learning algorithms, in order to dynamically build efficient decisions. In this perspective, the Distributed Learning (D‐), known as A Distributed NWDAF Architecture (D‐NWDAF) has proved its efficiency in not only building collaborative deep learning models, among several network slices, but also ensuring the privacy and isolation of such network slices. Notwithstanding, FL is vulnerable to different attacks, where FL nodes (Leaf NWDAF: AI‐VNFs*) may upload malicious updates to the FL central (root NWDAF) entity so that it can cause a construction failure of the FL global model and affect the global performance. Moreover, attacks detection of FL‐based solutions give “black‐box” decisions about the performance of running network slices and the attacks detected. In other words, detection solutions do not provide any details about why and how such ML attacks decisions were made. Thus, such decisions cannot be properly trusted and comprehended by B5G slice managers. To resolve this issue, we leverage Dimensional Reduction (DR) and Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) algorithms which aim to detect attacks and improve the transparency of black‐box FL attacks detection‐making process. In the present article, we design a novel DR‐XAI‐powered framework to detect attacks and explain the FL‐based attacks detection. We first build a deep learning model in a federated way, to predict key performance indicators (KPI) of network slices. Then, we try to detect the malicious FL nodes, using DR and several XAI models, such as RuleFit, in order to enhance the level of trustiness, transparency, and the explanation of the FL‐based attacks detection, while adhering the data privacy, to different B5G network stakeholders.

Simulation and analysis of Automated Generalised Interleaved Layered Execution (AGILE) process for concrete shell structures

There has been increased research and interest in new methods of automated construction. This study presents a novel computational model for an augmented and generalised version of an automated construction process that was previously tested experimentally only for vertical concrete walls. The Automated Generalised Interleaved Layer Execution (AGILE) utilises a robotic arm for the alternating deposition of formwork and concrete, aiming to facilitate the creation of free-form concrete shell structures with enhanced design and construction versatility, overcoming the constraints of previous methods. The paper proposes an FEA analysis framework for this construction methodology, evaluating its implications, limitations, and challenges via a detailed case study that includes calculating lateral pressures and displacements throughout the construction process. Moreover, it introduces new failure criteria specific to this construction method, enabling the optimisation of the design and geometry of the shell and formwork, as well as the construction process details and parameters. The proposed computational analysis method allows designers to improve the performance of a broader range of shell structures while reducing construction costs, time, complexity, and environmental impact by replacing early-stage experimental methods with finite-element analysis. In conclusion, apart from generalising the limited process and identifying its design options and parameters, this study proposes a new and straightforward computational method for analysis of the AGILE construction method in its general form in the absence of any other analysis method and where only the experimental method in one particular case was used before, identifies four different construction failure modes, and paves the way for experimental verification and calibration of this analysis method for different specific setups and applications of this general construction process.