Hollow Space Research Articles

English

This article describes the fabrication of a hollow maxillary complete denture using silicone putty and a double flask technique. A successful complete denture directly depends on retention, stability and support accompanied by good aesthetics. However, in case of atrophic edentulous ridges the challenge lies in the fact that there is a significantly lesser denture bearing area that can lead to a number of problems. The most important of these is an increased interarch space resulting from excessive resorption of upper or lower arch. This can lead to a resulting heavy complete denture that further deteriorates the bone condition due to excessive and continuous load, accelerating bone resorption. Moreover, there is no effective support to deal with any kind of harmful lateral forces and this can lead to dislodgment of the denture. The operator’s efficiency lies in applying the basic principles of fabricating a denture and innovating various steps to counter critical situations. Various methods such as asbestos, silicone putty, modelling clay, thermocol, salt, wax have been used for creating a hollow space inside the denture. Out of the various methods that have been used for fabrication of a hollow space inside a complete denture, silicone putty method is one of the more convenient and accurate method for achieving the objective, thereby rendering a lighter prosthesis. A hollow maxillary denture is highly advantageous as it reduces the weight of acrylic resin, thereby preserving the residual alveolar ridge. It also helps in stability of the denture by indirectly reducing the lateral forces.

Febuxostat Loaded Microballoons: A Novel Approach for Gastric Retention

Febuxostat loaded microballoons (FEB-MBs) were formulated using a non-aqueous solvent evaporation method using Eudragit RS 100, HPMC K4 M as a polymer, and span 80 as a surfactant. The ratio of solvents like methanol and dichloromethane, liquid paraffin as a processing medium. The formulation was optimized by the Box-Behnken design. Optimized formulation was evaluated for particle size, entrapment efficiency, % buoyancy, Percentage yield, in-vitro release studies, and stability study. Mean particle size 80.11 ± 0.349, entrapment efficient 83.25 ± 0.526, and % buoyancy 92.41 ± 0.57 were found for optimized formulation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of formulation shows discrete particle size with smooth surface texture with a hollow space and spherical shape and particle size < 200 μm. The result of in-vitro study shows an improved rate of drug release for a longer period from FEB-MBs compared with pure drugs. This is due to increases in the surface area leads to increases in absorption. The stability study shows no significant change in microballoons of the optimized formulation after 30 days of storage as per ICH guidelines. This multi particulate system provides an excellent approach for sustained release of a medicament for longer, thereby reducing dose frequency.

Smallest carbon nanowires made easy: Long linear carbon chains confined inside single-walled carbon nanotubes

The carbon nanowires are defined as long linear carbon chains (LLCCs) or carbynes confined inside carbon nanotubes (CNTs). LLCCs were synthesized previously inside multi-walled CNTs (LLCCs@MWCNTs) and double-walled CNTs (LLCCs@DWCNTs). In this work, a feasible, efficient, controllable and scalable method was developed to mass-produce the smallest carbon nanowires (LLCCs@SWCNTs) consisting of LLCCs encapsulated inside single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) with diameters of 0.70–0.95 nm. The polyynes were inserted into the open-ended SWCNTs, and then polyynes@SWCNTs were heated at 700 °C in argon gas. A combination of Raman spectra studies and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy observations demonstrated the formation of LLCCs@SWCNTs nanostructure. Density functional theory calculations and reactive molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the polyynes could fuse and grow to LLCCs inside the hollow space of SWCNTs. This work opened new avenues for exploring various physical properties of both LLCCs (carbyne) and LLCCs@SWCNTs, as well as their potential applications in nanoelectronics, nanomechanics and composite nanomaterials.

Active nickel hollow nanosphere supported over SiO2 catalyst for reduction of nitro compound

Nickel hollow nanospheres (Ni HNSs) was prepared by solvothermal method using mixture of ethylenediamine (EN) and ethanol (ET), sodium borohydride as reducing agent and nickel chloride hexahydrate as precursor. The particle size of the Ni HNSs were tuned by varying several parameters including precursor concentrations, reaction temperatures (130–190 °C), and ET to EN volume ratios. The particle size and morphology of Ni HNSs were confirmed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscope, respectively. Spherical shape of Ni nanoparticles of 300 nm size having ∼200 nm hollow space and 50 nm thickness was achieved at optimize condition of 4:6 volume ratio of ET/EN, 150 °C temperature, 0.1 M NaBH4 concentration, and 7 h. Ni HNSs supported over SiO2 (Ni HNSs/SiO2) with different loading of Ni HNSs (1–10 wt.%) were prepared by impregnation method. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectroscopy. The catalytic performance of Ni HNSs/SiO2 was carried out in the reduction of 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4 – Aminophenol (4-AP). 5 wt.% Ni HNSs/SiO2 exhibited 87% reduction of 4-NP in 25 min and stable up to 6 catalyst cycles due to higher surface area of the catalyst.

Simultaneously high mass-loading and volumetric energy density in Ag2O-intercalated MnO2-based supercapacitor with rapid electron/ion transport channels

High volumetric energy density (VED) is essential for supercapacitors’ practicality, but is extremely challengeable when high mass-loading is simultaneously demanded, because the high mass-loaded electrode always encounters the limited ions-diffusion accessibility and sluggish electron transferability. Herein, for the first time, Ag2O-intercalated hollow MnO2 (Ag2O-HMnO2) electrode with rapid ion/electron transport channels is rationally designed and fabricated by a facile in-suit growth & self-sacrificing template method. Ultrahigh mass-loading benefits from the randomly arrayed MnO2-nanosheets fully covered on silver-nanowire@polypyrrole (AgNW@PPy-template). Vast interior space in MnO2, which forms after the oxidative decomposition of AgNW@PPy-template, offers large electrode–electrolyte interfaces and huge open space channel for unimpeded ions transport. Such Ag2O-intercalated hierarchical hollow structure not only provides spacious “ion transport channel” (hollow interior space) and “reservoir” (much space between neighboring MnO2-nanosheets) for ions diffusion/storage, but also boosts electron transferability via the conductive Ag2O-particulate-based percolation networks. As a consequence, Ag2O-HMnO2 exhibits excellent electrochemistry performance and unprecedented MnO2 utilization efficiency. Ag2O-HMnO2-based supercapacitor exhibits a remarkably enhanced VED of 7.33 mWh cm−3, approximately sixfold improvement compared to that of pristine MnO2. The novel structure engineering strategy presented herein facilitates the excellent ion/electron transferability, which may open a new avenue for transition-metal-oxide/hydroxides-based supercapacitors to achieve high mass-loading and VED.

A new small-sized penguin from the late Eocene of Seymour Island with additional material of Mesetaornis polaris

ABSTRACT Here, we report on two tarsometatarsi assignable to relatively small-sized Eocene Antarctic penguins, housed in the palaeozoological collections of Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, Stockholm. The Priabonian fossils were collected by museum staff during two joined Argentinean and Swedish expeditions from the Submeseta Formation on Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula. One specimen represents a new early sphenisciform, Marambiornopsis sobrali gen. et sp. nov., the sixth small-sized tarsometatarsus-based penguin species known from the Antarctic Eocene. Micro-CT scanning revealed the presence of quite large and essentially empty metatarsal medullary cavities. The second fossil can unequivocally be assigned to Mesetaornis polaris. The specimen represents only the second record of this species and supposedly a relatively young bird. Micro-CT scanning showed that in M. polaris the metatarsal medullary cavities are less developed than in M. sobrali – the cortical and trabecular bone tissues left rather little room for significant hollow spaces. Both specimens also differ in overall density of their trabecular networks.Genus name: LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:604F02AA-DD0C-4789-B4D6-85EA68A39A68 Species name: LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:477F0FC5-D07B-4A92-97FD-3C4805BAF503

Incidence of Sinus Mucosa Perforations During Healing After Sinus Elevation Using Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral as Grafting Material: A Histologic Evaluation in a Rabbit Model.

To examine the reaction of mucosa over time to a close contact with biomaterial after sinus elevation performed with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) granules of two different sizes. Bilateral sinus mucosa elevation was performed in 18 New Zealand rabbits through access on the nasal dorsum. DBBM with granule dimensions of either 1 to 2 mm (large group) or 0.250 to 1.0 mm (small group) were used to randomly fill the subantral hollow spaces. Biopsy specimens of the experimental sites from six animals in each group were obtained 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the surgery. The integrity of the sinus mucosa was clinically evaluated during surgery using a ×2.5 magnifying visual device. The sinus mucosa in contact with the biomaterial granules was found to be thinned compared with the pristine mucosa in all periods examined. Three hundred fifty-two thinned zones were found considering all 36 sinuses treated. Perforations of the sinus mucosa with extrusion of granules toward the sinus were observed, increasing in number over time. In the 8-week healing period, five perforations in three sinuses and eight perforations in four sinuses were found in the large and small groups, respectively. No differences were seen between the large and small groups. The differences between 2 and 8 weeks were statistically significant for the thinned mucosa width in both the large and the small groups and for the number of sinuses and perforations for the small group. Thinning zones and perforations of the sinus mucosa were seen increasing in number over time in regions in contact with graft granules in both the large and small groups.

Numerical Modeling of Sublimation of Ammonium Carbamate Applied to Supply System of NOx Reductant

Recently, ammonium carbamate (AC) has attracted attention as a substitute for urea, which is a commonly used reductant for NOx emitted from combustion engines. The AC exists as a solid at room temperature, and it is decomposed to NH3 and CO2 gases by heating. Therefore, adequate heat transfer is an essential issue in the design of AC pyrolysis reactor. In this study, a numerical model that describes the sublimation of AC was developed. For modeling, this study considered the three different calculation zones: solid-phase zone, gas-phase zone, and sublimation zone. Additionally, during the sublimation process, collapse of upper solid AC into the hollow space below by the effect of gravity is considered. As a result, it is presented that the modeling shows reasonable information about the AC sublimation in a reactor, such as temperatures in a reactor, pressure of reactor, and flow rate of sublimated gas. However, it is also found that accurate prediction of spatial temperature distribution is challenging because it is related to the accurate prediction of the internal shape of AC and its collapse in a reactor.

Improving Competency in Tourism Industry by Achieving Pleasurability in Hotel Room's Design

Modern technology which is used in the interior design contributed greatly to meeting the needs of the human being, interacting with him and imparting pleasure and luxury to him, as it worked to make the Hollow spaces interact with the users and respond to their activities with many varied and positive images. Which necessitated the interior designer to review the common design methods in order to integrate with modern technology. This research reviews elements of achieving pleasure in the interior design of hotel rooms through the integration of modern technology, to meet the needs and requirements of users interactively, and to achieve the maximum benefit from the available spaces and achieve pleasure and luxury for users and improve their experience, so as to facilitate the occurrence of meaningful activities for the user through design for fun and comfort. This research followed the descriptive analytical approach, through studying some modern technological applications that contribute to achieving pleasure and luxury for users of hotel rooms, in addition to determining the extent of the impact of employment of technological applications on the user’s decision on how to choose the hotel. One of the most important results of this research was that the successful selection of the uses of modern technology applications which comply with the determinants of internal spaces, and their ability to link the hotel’s components and facilities and are appropriate for all the targeted activities within them, allowing the freedom for the users to control the space and the internal environment.

Hierarchical Honeycomb-Structured Electret/Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Biomechanical and Morphing Wing Energy Harvesting

HighlightsCreate a hierarchical honeycomb-inspired triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with excellent transparency, compactness, lightweight and deformability.Amplify capacitance variation by dividing large hollow space into numerous energy generation units with porous honeycomb architecture.Demonstrate self-powered insole plantar pressure mapping applications by the self-sustained elastic nature of the h-TENG device.Integrate the h-TENG into the morphing wing of small-unmanned aerial vehicles for converting flapping motions into electricity for the first time.

Gap filling mechanisms during the thin ply Automated Tape Placement process

Automated Tape Placement (ATP) is one of the attractive automated composite manufacturing processes as it reduces labor cost, increases production rate and improves repeatability. In this method, the part is built by consolidating one unidirectional prepreg tape layer at a time with a placement head using a compaction roller. Defects such as gaps between neighboring tapes during lay up are inevitable. This challenge becomes even more critical in the ATP of the thin ply prepreg tapes as the ratio of the gap width to the tape thickness increases. The filling process of such gaps during the process cycle results in resin-rich areas and fiber waviness. In this paper, we present a model to numerically simulate the gap-filling process by coupling the squeeze flow behavior within the tapes to fill the gap with the deformation of the top layers into the hollow space within the gap. First, the experimental results clarify the microstructural physics of the gap-filling process. This is followed by proposing a model to predict the flow front of resin that moves to fill the gap and the gap thickness. The predictions of the model are compared with experimental results and validated by the micrographs of fabricated samples.

Perfusable host microfluidic endothelial networks for quantitative assessment of the effects of interstitial flows, macrophage polarization and monoclonal‐based immunotherapy on immune cell infiltration into a tumor spheroid

Monoclonal antibody-based immunotherapy is a promising treatment for several diseases such as cancer and virus infection. However, due to its highly selective target, drug testing using animal models or classical 2D human cell cultures are not sufficient to predict the drug effects on patients. New 3D organotypic models that employ 3D cell culture of human cells within a microfluidic device allow detailed characterization of critical biological interactions. In this project, we describe a new 3D cell culture model that allows the creation of in-vitro human perfusable vasculature containing hollow spaces for the insertion of tumor spheroids. A polydimethylsiloxane device with several vertical holes on top of the gel channel is used to create the host microvascular endothelial (HOME) network (Fig.1A). Endothelial cells and fibroblasts create perfusable vascular networks (Fig. 1B). Tumor spheroids are formed by coculturing MDA-MB-468 tumor cells (T), fibroblasts (F), and non-polarized (M0) or M2 macrophages, and denoted by TFM0 and TFM2 respectively (Fig. 1C). One day after inserting a tumor spheroid in collagen into the HOME networks through the hole, freshly-isolated monocytes are perfused into the vascular networks by luminal flows. We observe that after 2 days, the majority of monocytes remain either within the vasculature or extravasated but stay inside the fibrin gel outside of the hole containing the tumor spheroid (Fig. 1Di). On day 2, interstitial flows from the tumor spheroid cause monocyte migration from the vascular network side into the hole containing the tumor spheroid (figure 1Dii). When a TFM2 spheroid is inserted into the HOME networks, it recruits more monocytes than the TFM0 spheroid (Fig. Ei and Eii). Recruitment % is the percentage of monocytes that leave the blood vessel and migrate into the hole among the total number of monocytes in 3mmx3mm region of interest around the hole. Monocytes are recruited better by the TFM2 spheroid than the TFM0 spheroid (Fig. 1Gi). These results showed that interstitial flows from the tumor spheroid to the vascular networks and macrophage polarization are essential for monocyte recruitment. Multi-specific antibody UniTI102 developed by Elstar Therapeutics (MA, USA) neutralizes chemokine CCL2 to block monocyte recruitment. To characterize the response to the drug UniTI102, we compared devices having a TFM0 spheroid that are untreated (Fig. 1D) or treated with UniTI102 (Fig. 1F) and observed that less monocytes has migrated into the hole in the presence of UniTI102 at 100nM. Quantitative data also showed that less monocytes are recruited when devices are treated with 100nM UniTI102 than 100nM IgG (Fig. 1Gii).

Rational design of dumbbell-like Au-Fe3O4@Carbon yolk@shell nanospheres with superior catalytic activity

Dumbbell-like Au-Fe3O4 nanoparticles are emerging as attractive nanocatalysts in recent years. However, they still suffer from the instability related activity attenuation. Herein, dumbbell-like Au-Fe3O4 nanoparticles encapsulated in N-doped carbon shell (Au-Fe3O4@Carbon) as novel yolk@shell nanocatalysts were synthesized via template assisted method, with which the yolk@shell scaffolds and even the diameter of the hollow space is totally designable. The yolk@shell structured Au-Fe3O4@Carbon was demonstrated to exhibit high stability and enhanced activity towards the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. Moreover, 100% yield was determined for the benzhydrol oxidation reaction taking advantage of the as prepared Au-Fe3O4@Carbon yolk@shell nanocatalysts. Furthermore, the Au-Fe3O4@Carbon nanocatalysts presented herein exhibit superior recyclability, which laid the foundation for its practical application. The mechanism for the enhanced catalytic behavior were clearly addressed. It is anticipated that the elaborate design of this work can lead to the exploration of novel nanocatalysts with superior catalytic performance.

Hollow spheres constructed from CeVO4 nanoparticles for enhanced lithium storage performance

In this paper, CeVO4 micro/nano hollow spheres (CVO-HS) composed of closely packed nanoparticles are prepared via a facile critic acid-assisted hydrothermal method. The crystalline phase, composition, structure and morphology of the obtained samples are characterized by several techniques. The formation mechanism of the final hollow structure with an inside-out Ostwald ripening process is also suggested. When tested as anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 in 0.01–3.0 V, a stable discharge capacity of 367.4 mAh g−1 is achieved after 100 cycles, while only 187 mAh g−1 for CeVO4 nanoparticles (CVO-NP). The excellent electrochemical performances of CVO-HS are mainly ascribed to the short distance in the nanoparticle subunits for lithium ions/electron diffusions and the inner hollow space for buffering the volume change. Hence, the CVO-HS might be considered as a good host material for next LIBs.

Preparation of Colloidal Monodisperse Hollow Organosiloxane-Based Nanoparticles with a Double Mesoporous Shell

Abstract Hollow siloxane-based nanoparticles (HSNs) have attracted significant attention because of many potential applications. The interior and exterior properties of HSNs can be varied by forming double shells with different compositions, which leads to new functionalities. In this study, we prepared colloidal monodisperse HSNs (smaller than 50 nm in diameter) with a double mesoporous shell by the stepwise addition of two different bridged organoalkoxysilanes [(EtO)3Si-C2H4-Si(OEt)3 (BTEE1) and (EtO)3Si-C2H2-Si(OEt)3 (BTEE2)] to a dispersion of colloidal silica nanoparticles (ca. 20 nm in diameter) in the presence of surfactants. The hollow structure was formed by dissolution-redeposition of the silica core during the formation of an organosiloxane shell. Upon addition of BTEE1 in the first step, core-shell structure was formed. Subsequent addition of BTEE2 led to the formation of mesoporous HSNs composed of an inner shell containing ethylene (-CH2-CH2-) groups and an outer shell containing ethenylene (-CH=CH-) groups. Suppression of the diffusion of the second organosilane species into the inner region of HSNs was critical for the formation of the double shell. The ethenylene groups in the outer shell allowed for chemical modification by thiol-ene reaction while maintaining the hollow inner space of the HSNs, which will lead to the application of HSNs in various fields.

Plasmonic hollow fibers with distributed inner-wall hotspots for direct SERS detection of flowing liquids.

Plasmonic hollow fibers are fabricated by coating silver-/ gold-alloyed nanoparticles (Ag-Au-ANPs) onto the inner walls of hollow fibers. In this Letter, the Ag-Au-ANPs were synthesized chemically and dissolved in acetone to prepare a colloidal solution, flowed subsequently through the hollow fiber multiple times so that a thin layer of colloidal Ag-Au-ANPs was produced on the inner wall. Annealing at 400°C enabled melting/aggregation of the metallic nanoparticles and consequent formation of closely arranged plasmonic nanostructures fixed solidly on the inner wall. A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) mechanism was thus established for the liquids flowing through the hollows. The SERS measurements show an enhancement factor >104 for such plasmonic hollow fibers in the direct detection of R6G/ethanol solutions. Confinement of the excitation laser energy inside the hollow space represents an additional contribution to the enhancement mechanism. This is a promising design for the direct on-site SERS detection of molecules in flowing liquids with low concentrations.

Does scion–rootstock compatibility modulate photoassimilate and hormone trafficking through the graft junction in melon–pumpkin graft combinations?

The effect of the rootstock on the acropetal and basipetal transport of photoassimilates and hormones was studied in the 'Kiran' (Ki) melon cultivar grafted onto pumpkin rootstocks with different degrees of compatibility. A complementary experiment was performed to compare the incompatible combination (as evidenced by plant collapse at the fruit ripening stage), designated Ki/r53, with self-grafted r53/r53 as a model compatible combination. Both experiments showed the accumulation of a number of amino acids, sugars, and sugar alcohols in the scion of the incompatible Ki/r53 grafts. Additionally, they showed a marked reduction of trans-zeatin-type cytokinins and an elevated content of cis-zeatin-type cytokinins in the rootstock, and the opposite pattern in the scion, hinting at the possible involvement of a hormonal signal for graft compatibility. There was no direct evidence of a blockage at the graft union, since hormone acropetal and basipetal trafficking was demonstrated for all combinations. Dye uptake experiments did not show xylem flow impairment. A possibly significant finding in the incompatible combination was the deposition of undifferentiated cells in the hollow space that replaces the pith region in melon and pumpkin. The link between the above findings and the collapse of the plants of the incompatible combination remains unclear.

Rational cooperativity of nanospace confinement and rapid catalysis via hollow carbon nanospheres@Nb-based inorganics for high-rate Li-S batteries

The sluggish redox kinetics and shuttling behaviors of intermediate polysulfides are dominant obstacles that hamper the practical applications of Li-S battery. In this work, two types of niobium (Nb)-based inorganics, semiconductive Nb2O5 and conductive NbC, are implanted into hollow carbon nanospheres (HCN) hosts, which can realize the cooperativity of nanospace confinement and high-efficiency catalytic Nb-based inorganics for high-rate Li-S batteries. The initial HCN have adequate hollow space achieving high sulfur loading, interpenetrated mesoporous channels for rapid ion transfer, and developed microporous carbon framework blocking the polysulfides shuttling. While Nb-based inorganics are uniformly located in the mesoporous channels, they can accelerate the conversion kinetics of the polysulfides by strong chemical interaction and high catalytic effect. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the conductive NbC performs much better catalytic activity than the Nb2O5, with significantly improved redox kinetic and cycling performance. The optimized HCN@NbC/S cathode delivers a preeminent reversible capacity of 500 mAh g−1 with a low capacity decay of 0.05% per cycle over 800 cycles at 3 C and a high rate capacity of 752 mAh g−1 under a high current density of 5 C. This work provides a novel strategy to construct desirable multifunctional host favoring cooperative polysulfides interactions via rational integration of physical confinement and high-effective catalytic inorganics for long-cycling stable sulfur cathode.

Highly abrasion and coking-resistance core-shell catalyst for hydrogen-rich syngas production from waste plastics in a two-staged fluidized bed reactor

The thermochemical treatment of waste plastics to produce H2-rich syngas is a promising technique for both waste management and the regeneration of valuable energy resources. In this paper, we report the synthesis of Ni@CeO2 core–shell catalyst with different shell thicknesses. The H2 production ability of the Ni@CeO2 core–shell catalysts was tested and compared to that of the supported Ni/CeO2 catalyst, and it was determined that the H2 yield of the Ni@CeO2 core–shell catalysts was significantly higher than that of the supported Ni/CeO2 catalyst. Owing to the hollow space between the core and shell providing a reacting space for heterogeneous catalysis, the amount of H2 obtained employing the Ni@CeO2-0.5 catalyst, which was obtained using 0.5 mmol cerium nitrate, was the highest of all analyzed Ni@CeO2 catalysts in this study. The optimal H2 production rate of 730.6 mmol/(h g was obtained at 700 °C when the equivalence ratio (ER) was 0.1.

Flexural properties of concrete-filled, double-skin, square-hollow-section tubular beams

Concrete-filled double-skin tubular beams consist of two tubes, placed eccentrically or concentrically, with the hollow space between the two tubes filled with concrete. This type of construction can thus combine the properties of steel and concrete to provide the advantage of increased strength, ductility, stiffness and economy of the section. This paper reports on a study into the flexural properties of beams made of square hollow section steel for the both inner and outer tube, connected with steel strips. In total, 12 specimens were tested under monotonic and cyclic loading. The effects of the concrete infill, the eccentricity of the inner tube, the provision of minimum steel reinforcement and slip control due to the attachment of steel strips at the end of the beams were studied. Beams with an eccentric inner tube showed better flexural response and were also more economical due to the reduced concrete volume; their load-carrying capacity under cyclic loading was less than that under monotonic loading. Compared with beams without longitudinal reinforcement, the beams with longitudinal reinforcement showed improved flexural strength when subjected to cyclic loading.