Primary Focus Research Articles

Investigations on Driving Factors of Coordination Development of Rural Infrastructure and Ecological Environment: The Case of Western China

The coordinated development of rural infrastructure and ecological environment is an effective way to improve agricultural productivity. The primary focus of the current research is how the two can work together to promote regional economic development in rural areas and in related fields. This study takes the western region as the research object, constructs an evaluation index system for rural infrastructure and ecological environment, and uses the Min-max Scaling method, coupling coordination model, gray GM (1, 1) model, and standard deviation elliptical model for evaluation. The trends and driving factors for the coordinated development of rural infrastructure and ecological coupling in the region from 2012 to 2021 are analyzed. The main results are as follows: (1) Except for Tibet, Qinghai, and Ningxia, the coupling degree of rural infrastructure and the ecological environment in western China reached the maximum level during the research period, also the coordination degree showed a gradual upward trend. (2) A prediction for the development and evolution of rural infrastructure and the ecological environment in western China indicates a trend of agglomerative development in the southern region. (3) By strengthening the construction of reservoirs, improving sanitary conditions, improving cultivated land use area and forest coverage, and controlling soil erosion, the coordinated development of the two can be effectively promoted. The purpose of this study is to promote the sustainable and coordinated development of rural infrastructure and ecological environment, and to provide a reference for policy formulation in the relevant sectors and other countries and regions with similar situations.

Randomized controlled double-blind trial of methylprednisolone versus placebo in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome and cognitive deficits: study protocol of the post-corona-virus immune treatment (PoCoVIT) trial

IntroductionPost-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS) includes neurological manifestations, especially fatigue and cognitive deficits. Immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, endothelial dysfunction, viral persistence, and viral reactivation are discussed as potential pathophysiological mechanisms. The post-corona-virus immune treatment (PoCoVIT) trial is a phase 2a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial designed to evaluate the effect of methylprednisolone versus placebo on cognitive impairment in PCS. This trial is designed based on the hypothesised autoimmunological pathogenesis and positive aberrations, employing a series of off-label applications.MethodsRecruitment criteria include a diagnosis of PCS, a minimum age of 18 years and self-reported cognitive deficits at screening. A total of 418 participants will be randomly assigned to either verum or placebo intervention in the first phase of the trial. The trial will consist of a first trial phase intervention with methylprednisolone versus placebo for six weeks, followed by a six-week treatment interruption period. Subsequently, an open second phase will offer methylprednisolone to all participants for six weeks. Outpatient follow-up visits will take place two weeks after each trial medication cessation. The third and final follow-up, at week 52, will be conducted through a telephone interview. The primary outcome measures an intra-patient change of 15 or more points in the memory satisfaction subscale of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ) from baseline to follow-up 1 (week 8). Key secondary outcomes include long-term intra-patient changes in memory satisfaction from baseline to follow-up 2 (week 20), changes in other MMQ subscales (follow-up 1 and 2), and changes in neuropsychological and cognitive scores, along with assessments through questionnaires focusing on quality of life, fatigue, and mood over the same periods. Exploratory outcomes involve molecular biomarkers variations in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, as well as structural and functional brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters changes related to cognition.PerspectiveThis trial aims to contribute novel evidence for treating patients with PCS, with a primary focus on those manifesting cognitive deficits. By doing so, it may enhance comprehension of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, thereby facilitating biomarker research to advance our understanding and treatment of patients with PCS.

Fluoroscopy-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of the lumbar medial branch nerves: dose escalation study and comparison with radiofrequency ablation in a porcine model

BackgroundRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a common method for alleviating chronic back pain by targeting and ablating of facet joint sensory nerves. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is an emerging, non-invasive, image-guided...

Hybridization in meta-heuristic techniques for green layout design in the tyre manufacturing industry: An optimal analysis

To stop or lessen factory pollution, many academics in the field of study have produced a vast array of strategies to achieve optimization goals. But, it is unable to follow a uniform solution for all production facilities. In this research work, green layout design (GLD) is proposed to minimize total material handling cost (TMHC) and CO2 emissions. The green facility layout refers to the facility layout with minimum CO2 emissions and to eliminate unnecessary energy dissipation from material handling equipments & production machineries, as well as plant re-layout in-term on material handling cost. In this study context, a Lagrangian relaxation model has been used at the allocation level. It computes a suboptimal solution to the dual problem in order to obtain a feasible solution. This enhanced algorithm method iteratively tries to minimize the gap between the dual and feasible solutions on minimal of TMHC and CO2 emission rate. It has been experimentally simulated using the MATLAB (Matrix Laboratory) application and upgraded adaptive salp swarm optimization (ASSO), dragon fly optimization (DFO) and Hybrid (combination) of ASSO-DFO evolutionary optimization techniques. The primary focus of this implementation is to control material handling between departments or cells, production flow between departments, energy consumption (electrical and gas consumption for production), and manpower utilization within and across departments. This research has chosen an existing and acceptable designs from targeted tyre manufacturing company in South India. The hybrid ASSO-DFO implementation TMHC differs from ABC by 60%, DFO by 65%, 58% with simulated annealing (SA), and ASSO by 48%. Emission rate decreased by 26% ABC, 21% DFO, and 24% SA & 18% with ASSO. An average of 50% decrease in TMHC and 25% reduction of CO2 emission rate in GLD have been achieved.

A hybrid data fusion approach with twin CNN architecture for enhancing image source identification in IoT environment

AbstractWith the proliferation of digital devices in internet of things (IoT) environment featuring advanced visual capabilities, the task of Image Source Identification (ISI) has become increasingly vital for legal purposes, ensuring the verification of image authenticity and integrity, as well as identifying the device responsible for capturing the original scene. Over the past few decades, researchers have employed both traditional and machine‐learning methods to classify image sources. In the current landscape, data‐driven approaches leveraging deep learning models have emerged as powerful tools for achieving higher accuracy and precision in source prediction. The primary focus of this research is to address the complexities arising from diverse image sources and variable quality in IoT‐generated multimedia data. To achieve this, a Hybrid Data Fusion Approach is introduced, leveraging multiple sources of information to bolster the accuracy and robustness of ISI. This fusion methodology integrates diverse data streams from IoT devices, including metadata, sensor information, and contextual data, amalgamating them into a comprehensive data set for analysis. This study introduces an innovative approach to ISI through the implementation of a Twin Convolutional Neural Network Architecture (TCA) aimed at enhancing the efficacy of source classification. In TCA, the first CNN architecture, referred to as DnCNN, is employed to eliminate noise from the original data set, generating 256 × 256 patches for both training and testing. Subsequently, the second CNN architecture is employed to classify images based on features extracted from various convolutional layers using a 3 × 3 filter, thereby enhancing prediction efficiency. The proposed model demonstrates exceptional accuracy in effectively classifying image sources, showcasing its potential as a robust solution in the realm of ISI.

Travelling Wave Solutions for Some Time-Fractional Nonlinear Differential Equations

This study employs the powerful generalized Kudryashov method to address the challenges posed by fractional differential equations in mathematical physics. The main objective is to obtain new exact solutions for three important equations: the (3+1)-dimensional time fractional Jimbo-Miwa equation, the (3+1)-dimensional time fractional modified KdV-Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation, and the (2+1)-dimensional time fractional Drinfeld-Sokolov-Satsuma-Hirota equation. The generalized Kudryashov method is highly versatile and effective in addressing nonlinear problems, making it a pivotal component in our research. Its adaptability makes it useful in diverse scientific disciplines. The method simplifies complex equations, improving our analytical capabilities and deepening our understanding of system dynamics. Additionally, we define fractional derivatives using the conformable fractional derivative framework, providing a strong foundation for our mathematical investigations. This paper examines the effectiveness of the generalized Kudryashov method in solving complex challenges presented by fractional differential equations and aims to provide guidance for future studies.

Proving Maximal Linear Loose Tangle as a Linear Tangle

Proving Maximal Linear Loose Tangle as a Linear Tangle

A Review: Biomechanical Aspects of the Fallopian Tube Relevant to its Function in Fertility.

The fallopian tube (FT) plays a crucial role in the reproductive process by providing an ideal biomechanical and biochemical environment for fertilization and early embryo development. Despite its importance, the biomechanical functions of the FT that originate from its morphological aspects, and ultrastructural aspects, as well as the mechanical properties of FT, have not been studied nor used sufficiently, which limits the understanding of fertilization, mechanotrasduction, and mechanobiology during embryo development, as well as the replication of the FT in laboratory settings for infertility treatments. This paper reviews and revives valuable information on human FT reported in medical literature in the past five decades relevant to the biomechanical aspects of FT. In this review, we summarized the current state of knowledge concerning the morphological, ultrastructural aspects, and mechanical properties of the human FT. We also investigate the potential arising from a thorough consideration of the biomechanical functions and exploring often neglected mechanical aspects. Our investigation encompasses both macroscopic measurements (such as length, diameter, and thickness) and microscopic measurements (including the height of epithelial cells, the percentage of ciliated cells, cilia structure, and ciliary beat frequency). Our primary focus has been on healthy women of reproductive age. We have examined various measurement techniques, encompassing conventional metrology, 2D histological data as well as new spatial measurement techniques such as micro-CT.

Surgical risk stratification in patients with cirrhosis.

Individuals with cirrhosis experience higher morbidity and mortality rates than the general population, irrespective of the type or scope of surgery. This increased risk is attributed to adverse effects of liver disease, encompassing coagulation dysfunction, altered metabolism of anesthesia and sedatives, immunologic dysfunction, hemorrhage related to varices, malnutrition and frailty, impaired wound healing, as well as diminished portal blood flow, overall hepatic circulation, and hepatic oxygen supply during surgical procedures. Therefore, a frequent clinical dilemma is whether surgical interventions should be pursued in patients with cirrhosis. Several risk scores are widely used to aid in the decision-making process, each with specific advantages and limitations. This review aims to discuss the preoperative risk factors in patients with cirrhosis, describe and compare surgical risk assessment models used in everyday practice, provide insights into the surgical risk according to the type of surgery and present recommendations for optimizing those with cirrhosis for surgical procedures. As the primary focus is on currently available risk models, the review describes the predictive value of each model, highlighting its specific advantages and limitations. Furthermore, for models that do not account for the type of surgical procedure to be performed, the review suggests incorporating both patient-related and surgery-related risks into the decision-making process. Finally, we provide an algorithm for the preoperative assessment of patients with cirrhosis before elective surgery as well as guidance perioperative management.

AFP Intelligence Community’s Strategic Risk Management Process in Response to External Aggression

In the ever-changing global security landscape, characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), this study serves as a capstone project to provide valuable insights to the AFP Intelligence Community (AFPIC). Its primary focus is to effectively tackle the exceptional non-military security threats a foreign adversary poses. China’s rapid and significant ascent as an Asian hegemon and a global superpower has driven its pursuit of resources and influence worldwide. These hegemonic actions have not only elicited resentment from smaller and weaker nations adversely affected by them but also drawn the ire of the United States and its allies. The Philippines, strategically located in the South China Sea and the Pacific region, has become a prime target of China’s unconventional warfare strategy, where they seek to subdue their adversaries without resorting to kinetic force. China’s United Front Works (UFW) strategy is a crucial element of its hybrid warfare approach, providing a platform for intelligence, influence, and interference operations designed to systematically undermine its enemies. This study aims to describe the current state of the AFPIC’s risk management capabilities in terms of doctrines, organization, and training concerning the security threats posed by China’s UFW. It also seeks to identify the challenges in these areas and propose appropriate solutions to address them. Overall, the objective of this study is to contribute to the long-term endeavor of enhancing the AFPIC’s doctrines, organization, and training to effectively address the threats posed by China’s UFW and other hybrid security threats. The qualitative data gathered through document analysis, key informant interviews, and focused group discussions involving multiple participants from various units and offices within the AFPIC and the AFP Triad, as well as education and doctrine development circles, underwent an iterative and hybrid process of thematic and content analysis. Tools such as SWOT, TOWS, and the causal-impact analytical tool were utilized during this analytical process. The results of this analysis provided valuable insights into the current state of AFPIC’s risk management capability in terms of doctrine, organization, and training, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages within these areas. Further exploration revealed the primary challenges present in these three domains, which encompassed internal and external dynamics that hindered the optimal implementation of related initiatives. Subsequently, numerous recommendations were formulated to enhance the AFPIC’s doctrine, organization, and training capabilities in response to the exceptional security threats posed by China’s united front works. Central to the research findings were three crucial factors that influenced the success or failure of the doctrinal, organizational, and training endeavors: the support of advocates and champions, the role of knowledge management, and the significance of engaging foreign stakeholders. Keywords: Armed Forces of the Philippines, Intelligence, Risk Management, United Front Works, National Security, hybrid security threats, unconventional warfare, political warfare

Unraveling athletic performance: Transcriptomics and external load monitoring in handball competition.

This study aims to comprehend the impact of handball practice on sub-elite athletes by investigating transcriptomic changes that occur during a match. The primary focus encompasses a dual objective: firstly, to identify and characterize these transcriptomic alterations, and secondly, to establish correlations between internal factors (gene expression), and external loads measured through Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems (EPTS variables). Ultimately, this comprehensive analysis seeks to evaluate both acute and chronic responses to exercise within the context of handball training. The study included sixteen elite male athletes from the FC Barcelona handball second team. Blood samples were extracted at three different time points: before the match at baseline levels (T1), immediately upon completion (T2), and 24 hours after completion (T3). Differential gene expression, Gene Ontology Term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were conducted in two comparisons: Comparison 1 (T1 vs T2) and Comparison 2 (T1 vs T3). Further, the correlation between gene expression levels and training variables (external load) was conducted. In T1 vs T2, 3717 of the 14632 genes detected were differentially expressed (adjusted p-value < 0.05), and enrichment of terms related to the immune system, mitochondria, and metabolic processes was found. Further, significant linear correlations were obtained between High-Speed running (HSR) and high-intensity variables such as acceleration ACC and deceleration DEC values with amino acids, and inflammatory and oxidative environment-related pathways, both in chronic and acute response. This research highlights the effects of external workload on elite athletes during a handball match and throughout the season. The study identifies deregulation in the immune system, mitochondrial functions, and various metabolic pathways during the match. Additionally, it establishes correlations between the external load and pathways associated with amino acids, inflammation, oxidative environment, and regulation. These findings offer insights into the immediate and chronic responses of athletes to physical effort.

Efforts to Improve Ship Main Engine Efficiency and Ensure Its Safety

Efforts to improve ship main engine efficiency and ensure its safety have been ongoing endeavors in the maritime industry, driven by the dual imperatives of economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability. The main engine of a ship serves as its heart, propelling it through the vast expanses of the world's oceans while consuming significant quantities of fuel. Therefore, enhancing its efficiency directly impacts operational costs and reduces the environmental footprint associated with maritime transport. One primary focus of improving main engine efficiency lies in the advancement of engine design and technology. Over the years, there has been a concerted effort to develop engines that offer higher power output while consuming less fuel. This has led to the emergence of more efficient engine designs, such as slow-speed two-stroke engines and high-pressure, common-rail fuel injection systems. These innovations optimize fuel combustion, minimize energy losses, and enhance overall propulsion efficiency. Moreover, ongoing research and development efforts are aimed at harnessing alternative fuels and propulsion technologies to further enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. LNG (liquefied natural gas) has gained traction as a cleaner-burning fuel alternative, offering significant reductions in sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions compared to traditional marine fuels. Additionally, the exploration of hybrid and electric propulsion systems holds promise for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving overall energy efficiency. Ensuring the safety of ship main engines is paramount to the reliability and operability of vessels at sea. A robust maintenance regimen is essential to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into costly failures or pose safety hazards. Routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and condition monitoring play crucial roles in detecting abnormalities, wear, and tear, allowing for timely interventions and repairs. Furthermore, advancements in predictive maintenance technologies, such as remote monitoring systems and data analytics, enable real-time assessment of engine performance and early detection of potential malfunctions. The ARAS method lacks the capability to handle ambiguity, subjective judgments, and coping with incomplete information. It relies on unbiased good judgment to address uncertainty, particularly in unknown and complex conditions, making it a valuable approach. The method provides options for sequencing and analysis based on facts and special cases, allowing selectors to express both optimistic and rational attitudes. While it appears numerical on paper, it offers the flexibility to create e-learning pathways tailored to individual needs, emphasizing the importance of mastery. The proposed integrated software for this method is both cost-effective and validated for suitability, ensuring its practical application. Advanced Engine Designs, Improved Monitoring and Maintenance, Enhanced Fuel Management, Innovative Propulsion Technologies, Automation and Remote Monitoring and Advanced Materials and Coatings. the Rank Efforts to improve ship Main Engine efficiency and Ensure its safety for Additive Ratio Assessment method. Advanced Materials and Coatings is showing the highest rank and Advanced Engine Designs is showing the lowest rank. Fuel Efficiency Improvement, Emissions Reduction, Reliability and Maintenance Costs and Safety Performance.

Bimodal orientation distribution and head-tail asymmetry of a sample of filamentary molecular clouds

ABSTRACT The morphology of molecular clouds is crucial for understanding their origin and evolution. In this work, we investigate the morphology of the filamentary molecular clouds (filaments for short) using a portion of the 12CO(J = 1 − 0) data from the Milky Way Imaging Scroll Painting project. The data cover an area spanning 104.75° &amp;lt; l &amp;lt; 150.25°, |b| &amp;lt; 5.25° in Galactic coordinates, with VLSR ranging from −95 to 25 kms−1. Our primary focus is on the orientation and morphological asymmetry of the filaments. To achieve this, we apply several criteria on the data to create a sample of filaments with well-defined straight shape, and we use elliptical fitting to obtain the orientation of each filament, with an estimated error of ∼1.6° for the orientation. We find that the filament orientation with respect to the Galactic plane exhibits a bimodal distribution, a double-Gaussian fitting of which has two centres located at −38.1° and 42.0°, with 1σ of the two Gaussian functions being 35.4° and 27.4°. We do not find significant correlation between the orientation and other parameters, including the Galactic coordinates, radial velocity, velocity width, and physical scale. A considerable fraction of filaments (≳40 per cent) display head-tail asymmetry, which suggests that mass concentration tends to occur at one end of the filaments.

Managing menopause in an irradiated pelvis - uncharted territory.

Radiotherapy is an effective cancer treatment, particularly for pelvic tumours. The number of patients with pelvic cancer being diagnosed and successfully treated is growing. Radiotherapy to the pelvis causes lasting side-effects collectively referred to as pelvic radiation disease (PRD), including bowel, bladder, sexual dysfunction, vaginal and cervical stenoses, and menopause. There is growing interest in management of menopause in cancer survivors, with the primary focus on the oncologic risk of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Research examining if the modality with which the cancer was treated causes menopause-specific side effects is rare; however, malabsorption syndromes and anatomical changes in the pelvis post-radiotherapy may complicate effective delivery and monitoring of HRT. Consideration of these changes may significantly benefit patients in this young and growing cohort; thus, there is an urgent need to raise awareness of PRD among all clinicians, including those providing menopause care.

The Arabidopsis Information Resource in 2024.

Since 1999, The Arabidopsis Information Resource (www.arabidopsis.org) has been curating data about the Arabidopsis thaliana genome. Its primary focus is integrating experimental gene function information from the peer-reviewed literature and codifying it as controlled vocabulary annotations. Our goal is to produce a "gold standard" functional annotation set that reflects the current state of knowledge about the Arabidopsis genome. At the same time, the resource serves as a nexus for community-based collaborations aimed at improving data quality, access, and reuse. For the past decade, our work has been made possible by subscriptions from our global user base. This update covers our ongoing biocuration work, some of our modernization efforts that contribute to the first major infrastructure overhaul since 2011, the introduction of JBrowse2, and the resource's role in community activities such as organizing the structural reannotation of the genome. For gene function assessment, we used gene ontology annotations as a metric to evaluate: (1) what is currently known about Arabidopsis gene function and (2) the set of "unknown" genes. Currently, 74% of the proteome has been annotated to at least one gene ontology term. Of those loci, half have experimental support for at least one of the following aspects: molecular function, biological process, or cellular component. Our work sheds light on the genes for which we have not yet identified any published experimental data and have no functional annotation. Drawing attention to these unknown genes highlights knowledge gaps and potential sources of novel discoveries.

Iowa Newborn Screening Program Experience with Hemoglobinopathy Screening over the Last Two Decades and Its Increasing Global Relevance.

Hemoglobinopathies are the commonest monogenic disorder worldwide, with approximately seven percent of the world population being carriers of hemoglobinopathies. The healthcare utilization impact of thalassemia has resulted in global public health initiatives to screen for hemoglobinopathies, especially sickle cell disease (SCD). The Iowa Newborn Screening Program (INSP) has been in place for more than 50 years with a primary focus on detecting SCD. Recent changes in migration patterns have led to a global distribution of hemoglobinopathies in the western world, which has translated to an increase in the diagnosis of SCD and the incidental detection of non-sickling hemoglobinopathies within the INSP. This study documents the birth prevalence of hemoglobinopathies diagnosed in newborns through the INSP and highlights the need for newborn screening programs to evolve to meet the healthcare needs of underserved, minority populations.

Democracy for the Democrats? Historical Origins of Soviet and Post-Soviet Intelligentsia

Tomila Lankina’s The Estate Origins of Democracy in Russia, published by Cambridge University Press in 2021, is a very powerful and thought-provoking book. It contains a bold argument, exhibiting the author’s erudition across several disciplines, as well as an unusual richness of empirical evidence and an exquisite prose style. The book delves into the intricacies of social resilience in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution. Contrary to the notion that the Bolshevik Revolution served as “the great leveler,” Lankina demonstrates the enduring presence of Tsarist-era estates within the social fabric throughout the Soviet era and even into the post-Soviet period. The estates encompassed a system of legal classifications that stratified Russian imperial society into distinct categories: aristocracy, clergy, merchants, and meshchane (petty bourgeoisie), as well as peasants. Lankina’s primary focus lies upon the meshchane, an estate that, by the twilight of the tsarist regime, accounted for approximately 10 percent of the empire’s total population.1 Within Lankina’s narrative, the meshchane emerged as an imperial middle class – comprising individuals such as small shopkeepers, rentiers, doctors, teachers, engineers – who mostly resided in urban centers and towns. Many among this group hailed from ethnic and religious minority backgrounds, including Jewish, Polish, German, Old Believers, and others.

Molecular determinant deciphering of MIC-guided RND efflux substrates in E. coli

Antimicrobial resistance poses an urgent and formidable global public health threat. The escalation of bacterial multidrug resistance to antibiotics has the potential to become a leading cause of global mortality if there is no substantial improvement in antimicrobial development and therapy protocols. In light of this, it is imperative to identify the molecular determinants responsible for the reduced antibiotic activity associated with RND efflux pumps. This comprehensive study meticulously examines Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) data obtained from in vitro tests for various antibiotic families and non-active dye compounds, sourced from diverse literature references. The primary focus of this study is to assess the susceptibility of these agents to efflux-resistant Escherichia coli strains, integrating both MIC data and relevant physicochemical properties. The central objective is to unveil the specific substituents that significantly influence the uptake process mediated by the AcrAB-TolC efflux system. This exploration seeks to reveal the consequences of these substituents on pharmacodynamic responses, providing valuable insights into Structure-Activity Relationships. It is noteworthy that this analysis represents a pioneering effort, with prospective implications for RND efflux pump-producing strains. Ultimately, deciphering efflux markers is crucial to effectively mitigate the emergence of specific resistance and to better monitor the role of this primary resistance mechanism in Gram-negative bacteria, particularly as observed in clinical antibiotic therapy practice.

Numerical Analysis of Rubberized Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Beams Subjected to Static and Blast Loadings

In recent years, the alarming number of terrorist attacks has highlighted the critical need for extensive research aimed at fortifying structures against explosion-induced loads. However, the insufficient energy absorption and brittleness of conventional concrete make it ineffective in withstanding blast loading, encouraging researchers to explore innovative strategies for augmenting the energy dissipation capabilities of construction materials. This study specifically delves into the incorporation of recycled rubber, a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to the pressing issue of scrap tire disposal. The primary focus of this research revolves around the integration of rubber recycling and steel fibers into concrete, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the dynamic response of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. This novel approach not only contributes to the structural resilience required for resisting blast impacts, but also aligns with eco-friendly practices by reusing recycled rubber. A meticulous numerical investigation was undertaken to comprehensively assess the static and blast response of these augmented beams. The numerical study involved developing finite element (FE) models using ABAQUS version 6.14 for static implicit analysis and LS-DYNA R11 for blast explicit simulations. The ABAQUS model was validated against previous experimental testing for load–displacement and failure patterns. Similarly, the LS-DYNA model was validated for blast pressure in accordance with UFC-3-340 standards and for material response under blast loading, utilizing existing experimental data. The numerical models were designed to accommodate varying weight percentages of rubber, ranging from 5% to 20%, and a consistent 1.0% incorporation of steel fibers. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide valuable insights into the efficacy of these materials in improving the structural integrity and blast resistance of RC beams, thereby contributing to the development of more secure and sustainable construction practices. By reducing the reinforcement ratio in order to meet the minimum code requirements, it became evident that the failures of the rubberized RC beams tended to exhibit ductility on the tension side under static loading. In addition, the increase in the reinforcement ratio correlated with a higher failure load and decreased deflection. Furthermore, the findings indicated an optimal concrete mixture characterized by improved ductility, energy absorption, and blast load capacity, achieved by combining 5–10% rubber with steel fibers.

Pediatric Spastic Wrist Contractures Can Be Well Managed With Wrist Arthrodesis.

Severe spastic wrist contractures secondary to cerebral palsy (CP) or alike can have significant implications for patient hand function, hygiene, skin breakdown, and cosmesis. When these contractures become rigid, soft tissue procedures alone are unable to obtain or maintain the desired correction. In these patients' wrist arthrodesis is an option-enabling the hand to be stabilized in a more functional position for hygiene, dressing, and general cosmesis, though are patients satisfied? All children who had undergone a wrist arthrodesis for the management of a severe wrist contracture at Shriners Hospital, Portland between January 2016 and January 2021 were identified (n=23). A chart review was undertaken to obtain data-demographic, operative, clinical, and radiographic. All patients were then contacted to participate in 2 patient-reported outcome questionnaires (74% response agreement), a numerical rating scale (NRS), based on the visual analog scale (VAS) and the disability analog scale (DAS). Results were assessed with the aid of descriptive statistics, means and percentages with the primary focus of determining overall patient satisfaction with the procedure. Twenty-three patients were included in the review, and 74% took part in the prospective survey. Included were 10 patients with hemiplegia, 4 with triplegia, 7 with quadriplegia, 1 with a diagnosis of Rhett syndrome, and 1 with a history of traumatic brain injury. All patients achieved radiologic union by a mean of 8 weeks, and 87% obtained a neutral postoperative wrist alignment. The NRS showed 88% of patients were highly satisfied with their results; specifically, 82% had an improved appearance, 53% improved function, 71% improved daily cares, and 65% improved hygiene. The postoperative DAS score averaged 4.7 of 12 indicating mild disability. When looking at how a patient's diagnostic subtype affected outcome results, patients with triplegia reported less improvement and greater disability on the NRS and DAS, averaging 9.5 (severe disability on the DAS). The GMFCS classification had less correlation with outcomes. Wrist arthrodesis is a good option for the management of pediatric spastic wrist contractures, with limited complications and an overall high patient/carer satisfaction rate. Level IV-case series.