Sponge Technique Research Articles

Anastomotic leakage following surgical resection in the upper gastrointestinal tract

Surgical resection is the consistent component of curative treatment strategies for primary malignant diseases of the stomach and the esophagus. The placement of anastomoses for the necessary reconstruction still accounts for substantial morbidity and in the case of afailure to rescue also for mortality, especially for esophagojejunostomy and esophagogastrostomy. The diagnostics of anastomotic leakage routinely involve computed tomography and endoscopy and timely performance appears to be essential. Endoscopy can simultaneously initiate the essential treatment step. Amajor reason for the improvement of postoperative outcomes after resection in the upper gastrointestinal tract in the last decades is the successful and mostly endoscopically performed management of anastomotic leakage, whereby different endoscopic treatment options are now available. Endoscopic vacuum therapy has become established as the standard, normally with an endoscopic vacuum sponge technique but is also now supplemented by acombination system of vacuum sponge and stent. Furthermore, afoil-coated multiple lumen nasogastric tube represents another available option, which can possibly especially be used as aprophylactic measure. The longest established endoscopic therapy option for anastomotic leaks, the endoluminal metal stent, has been replaced as the standard by the vacuum treatment but is still used in suitable situations. Additionally, there are endoscopic suture devices that are currently only used very occasionally. Surgical revision is always available as treatment escalation but is only recommended for very early occurrences and possibly technically related anastomotic leakage and in the case of failure of endoscopic treatment. This article describes and summarizes the diagnostics and treatment of anastomotic leakages after surgical procedures of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Perbandingan Efektivitas Kompres Warm Water Tepid Sponge Dan Plester Demam Terhadap Penurunan Suhu Tubuh Pada Anak Pre-School Dengan Febris Di Puskesmas Tanah Abang Jakarta Tahun 2023

This research highlights the comparison of the effectiveness of warm water tepid sponge compresses and fever plasters on body temperature in pre-school children with Febris at the Tanah Abang District Health Center, Jakarta, which will be carried out from December 2023 to January 2024. This research uses a quantitative approach with a Two research design Group Pretest Posttest. The sample for this research consisted of 32 pre- school children who would be divided into 2 groups, for each compress treatment with inclusion & exclusion criteria. The instrument used was an observation sheet in the form of a table check list regarding the SOP for implementing warm water tepid sponge compresses and fever plaster compresses. As well as an observation sheet in the form of a body temperature observation sheet before, during and after the warm water tepid sponge compress and fever plaster. Research Results Description of the temperature before and after using a warm water tepid sponge compress before it was 38,530C and after it was 37,370C and using a Plaster Compress before it was 38,350C and after it was 37,660C. The results of the dependent t statistical test showed that the warm water tepid sponge had a p value of 0.000 and the Fever Plaster had a p value of 0.000, meaning that there was an effect of warm water tepid sponge compresses and fever plasters on body temperature in pre-school children with Febris at the Tanah Abang District Health Center, Jakarta. will be carried out in December 2023. The results of the independent T test show that the p value is 0.000, so there is a difference between the Warm water tepid sponge Compress group and the Fever Plaster group on the body temperature of pre-school children with fever at the Tanah Abang District Health Center and compresses using the warm water tepid sponge technique are more effective in reducing body temperature. The difference in degrees of reduction in body temperature is -0.481.

Determination of color characteristics of some wood species treated with bleaching chemicals

With the application of bleaching treatments, the color of the wood material changes. When different bleaching agents are applied to the same wood, different results are likely to be obtained. In this study, wood species doussié (Afzelia africana), iatandza (Albizia ferruginea), merbau (Intsia bijuga (Colebr.) O. Kuntze), mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni L.), and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) along with one and two component (B-One-C and B-Two-C) wood bleaching chemicals were applied to the wood material surfaces with sponge technique. Then, color parameters (ho: hue angle, a*: red color tone, b*: yellow color tone, C*: chroma, and L*: lightness) were determined on bleached and unbleached materials. According to the results obtained, B-One-C application increased ho, a*, b*, C*, and L* values in all wood species. The highest ∆E* values were determined in mahogany, doussié, hornbeam, and merbau wood species treated with B-Two-C. The chemicals used in the study showed different results on the same wood.

Two-stage intra-tenon injection versus sponge-applied mitomycin C-augmented trabeculectomy: a one-year study.

Mitomycin C (MMC) is normally used to avoid scar formation in trabeculectomy. There has been a shift from conventional delivery via soaked sponges to preoperative injection of MMC. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a modified two-stage low-dose intra-Tenon injection with soaked sponges of MMC for trabeculectomy over a 1-year follow-up period. This retrospective study enrolled patients with glaucoma undergoing modified trabeculectomy with a two-stage intra-Tenon injection (0.01%, 0.1mL) or soaked sponges (0.02%) of MMC. In the former group, patients received intra-Tenon injection of MMC (the first stage) at least 4h before trabeculectomy (the second stage). Patient characteristics, preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure, antiglaucoma medication use, complications, and post-trabeculectomy surgical interventions were recorded during a 1-year follow-up period. There were 36 and 35 eyes in the injection and sponge groups, respectively, in 58 patients. The injection group showed significantly lower intraocular pressure (p < 0.05) at every time point except on postoperative day 1 and week 1, fewer medications at the 1-year follow-up (p = 0.018), and a higher complete success rate (p = 0.011) than the sponge group. Both techniques showed a significant reduction in intraocular pressure and medication use at the 1-year follow-up. There were no significant differences in complications between both groups. Our two-stage intra-Tenon MMC injection technique resulted in lower postoperative intraocular pressure, less antiglaucoma medication use, and fewer needling revisions compared to the sponge technique.

Administration of Tepid Sponge with Hyperthermia to Children with Typhoid Fever in the Hospital

Typhoid fever is a disease that is often suffered by children, especially school-age children aged 5-14 years, because they spend a lot of time outside, especially at school, so children pay less attention to personal hygiene. Hyperthermia is a symptom that often appears in typhoid fever sufferers. To treat hyperthermia, you can use compresses, one of which is tepid sponge. This case study aims to reduce body temperature in children who experience hyperthermia. Method: This case study uses a descriptive design with a case study design, in the case of reducing body temperature using the tepid sponge technique through a nursing process approach carried out by researchers. Data collection in this study was by measuring the child's body temperature using a thermometer and comparing the results of body temperature measurements after the tepid sponge was carried out using a body temperature comparison sheet after and after the tepid sponge was carried out. Results: After implementing tepid sponge nursing, the results from patient I and patient II showed that body temperature improved to the normal range. Conclusion: Implementation of tepid sponge in patients with hyperthermia can be applied because it is effective in reducing body temperature

Therapeutic Validation of Venous Pulsatile Tinnitus and Biomaterial Applications for Temporal Bone Reconstruction Surgery Using Multi-sensing Platforms and Coupled Computational Techniques.

The application of grafts and biomaterials is a cardinal therapeutic procedure to resolve venous pulsatile tinnitus (PT) caused by temporal bone dehiscence during transtemporal reconstructive surgery. However, the transmission mechanism of venous PT remains unclear, and the sound absorption and insulation properties of different repair materials have not been specified. This study quantifies the vibroacoustic characteristics of PT, sources the major transmission pathway of PT, and verifies the therapeutic effect of different material applications using joint multi-sensing platforms and coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques. The in vivo intraoperative acoustic and vibroacoustic characteristics of intrasinus blood flow motion and dehiscent sigmoid plate of a typical venous PT patient were investigated using acoustic and displacement sensors. The acoustical, morphological, and mechanical properties of the dehiscent sigmoid plate, grafts harvested from a cadaveric head, and other biomaterials were acquired using acoustical impedance tubes, micro-CT, scanning electron microscopy, and mercury porosimetry, as appropriate. To analyze the therapeutic effect of our previous reconstructive techniques, coupled CFD simulations were performed using the acquired mechanical properties of biomaterials and patient-specific radiologic data. The peak in vivo intraoperatively gauged, peak simulated vibroacoustic and peak simulated hydroacoustic amplitude of PT prior to sigmoid plate reconstruction were 64.0, 70.4, and 72.8 dB, respectively. After the solidified gelatin sponge–bone wax repair technique, the intraoperative gauged peak amplitude of PT was reduced from 64.0 to 47.3 dB. Among three different reconstructive techniques based on CFD results, the vibroacoustic and hydroacoustic sounds were reduced to 65.9 and 68.6 dB (temporalis–cartilage technique), 63.5 and 63.1 dB (solidified gelatin sponge technique), and 42.4 and 39.2 dB (solidified gelatin sponge–bone wax technique). In conclusion, the current novel biosensing applications and coupled CFD techniques indicate that the sensation of PT correlates with the motion and impact from venous flow, causing vibroacoustic and hydroacoustic sources that transmit via the air-conduction transmission pathway. The transtemporal reconstructive surgical efficacy depends on the established areal density of applied grafts and/or biomaterials, in which the total transmission loss of PT should surpass the amplitude of the measured loudness of PT.

Bone regeneration of a polymeric sponge technique—Alloplastic bone substitute materials compared with a commercial synthetic bone material (MBCP+TM technology): A histomorphometric study in porcine skull

BackgroundPolymeric sponge technique is recommended for developing the desired porosity of Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) which may favor bone regeneration.PurposeTo investigate the healing of BCP with ratio of HA30/β‐TCP70 (HA30) and HA70/β‐TCP30 (HA70) polymeric sponge preparation, compare to commercial BCP (MBCP+TM).Materials and MethodsMaterials were tested X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. In eight male pigs, six calvarial defects were created in each subject. The defects were the filled with 1 cc of autogenous bone, MBCP+TM (MBCP), HA30, HA70, and left empty (negative group). The new bone formations, residual material particles and bone‐to‐graft contacts were analyzed at 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks.ResultsFabricated BCP showed well‐distributed porosity. At 16 weeks, new bone formations were 45.26% (autogenous), 33.52% (MBCP), 24.34% (HA30), 19.43% (HA70) and 3.37% (negative). Residual material particles were 1.88% (autogenous), 17.58% (MBCP), 26.74% (HA30) and 37.03% (HA70). These values were not significant differences (Bonferroni correction <0.005). Bone‐to‐graft contacts were 73.68% (MBCP), which was significantly higher than 41.68% (HA30) and 14.32% (HA70; Bonferroni correction <0.017).ConclusionsPolymeric sponge technique offers well‐distributed porosity. The new bone formation and residual material particles were comparable to MBCP+TM, but the bone‐to‐graft contact was lower than MBCP+TM.

Lukisan Pemandangan: Teknik Spon Dalam Karya Seni Lukis Jelekong

&lt;p&gt;Nature is a theme that is always present in the development of art in the world, both Western and Asian arts, such as China and Indonesia. The visualization can be a literal or abstract representation. Nature can be an additional element to a painting to convey depth, or perspective. However, the depiction of nature in a painting can also be the main focus of a work of art. In Indonesia itself, there is an Art Village, precisely Jelekong Art Village, where hundreds of people work as painters and some have made nature the main focus of their work. The uniqueness of the Jelekong painter's work lies in the method used and the materials used. So that the authors are interested in further researching the uniqueness of this Jelekong technique. The purpose of this research is to examine the comparison of natural visualization techniques and aspects of Jelekong painting which represent nature in terms of methods and materials. The samples in this study were paintings by Jelekong artists and Western artists. The qualitative descriptive method is considered the most appropriate for analyzing Jelekong painting. The result of this research is that the superiority of the art technique of Ugong painting is the sponge technique created by one of its residents. This technique can create shadow, middle tone, and highlight in a painting. Jelekong's paintings can become the identity of the community in cultivating the local potential of the region&lt;/p&gt;

The Difference Between the Conventional Warm Compress and Tepid Sponge Technique Warm Compress in the Body Temperature Changes of Pediatric Patients with Typhoid Fever

Introduction: The use of warm compresses and warm sponge techniques as a modality therapy for the management of fever in typhoid children has a good influence. The purpose of this research was to learn of the differences between conventional warm compress and the tepid sponge technique as related to the body temperature changes of pediatric patients with typhoid fever. A fever that does not get a good standard of treatment can cause dehydration, neurological damage and febrile seizures.Methods: The research design was quasi-experiment with two groups pre-post test. The population was taken from the Kampili Community Health Center while the 20 samples were taken using the purposive sampling technique. Conventional warm compresses were placed on the forehead, while warm tepid sponges were compressed and placed on the forehead, armpits and the folds of the thighs simultaneously.Results: . The data of the results were significance tested using the General linear model repeated measure (p value 0.03 for conventional warm compresses and p value 0.01 on a warm compress tepid sponge technique).Conclusion: Statistically, the warm compress tepid sponge technique is more meaningful and qualitatively, the temperature change is better after the compression.

Nanostructured magnetic Mg2SiO4-CoFe2O4 composite scaffold with multiple capabilities for bone tissue regeneration

Multifunctional magnetic 3D scaffolds are recently of particular interest because of their applications in hyperthermia-based therapy and localized drug delivery beside of their basic properties to be applied in bone tissue regeneration. In the current study, a magnetic nanocomposite is designed and synthesized through a two-step synthesis strategy in which CoFe2O4 nanoparticles are prepared via sol-gel combustion method and then they are coated through sol-gel method with Mg2SiO4. The characterization relates to the nanocomposite shows that Mg2SiO4-CoFe2O4 is successfully synthesized and it has a core-shell structure. Then, 3D scaffolds are fabricated through polymer sponge technique from the nanocomposite. Physiochemical and biological properties of the scaffolds are assessed in vitro amongst which bioactivity, biodegradability, mechanical properties, hyperthermia capability, controlled release potential, antibacterial activity, cell compatibility and attachment can be mentioned. The results demonstrate that the scaffolds have high porous structure with interconnected porosity and desirable mechanical properties close to cancellous bone. The magnetic scaffold is biodegradable and bioactive and exhibits controlled release of rifampin as an antibiotic drug up to 96 h. Moreover, in the exposure of different magnetic fields it has potential to produce heat for different kinds of hyperthermia-based therapies. The antibacterial activity of drug-loaded scaffold is assessed against S. aureus bacteria. The results suggest that Mg2SiO4-CoFe2O4 nanocomposite scaffold with multiple capabilities has a great potential to be applied in the case of large bone defects which are caused by tumors to not only eradicate remained cancerous tissues, but also prevent infection after surgery and regenerate bone defect.

Hydroxyapatite-Hardystonite nanocomposite scaffolds prepared by the replacing the polyurethane polymeric sponge technique for tissue engineering applications

Hydroxyapatite-Hardystonite nanocomposite scaffolds prepared by the replacing the polyurethane polymeric sponge technique for tissue engineering applications

Hydroxyapatite-Hardystonite nanocomposite scaffolds prepared by the replacing the polyurethane polymeric sponge technique for tissue engineering applications

Objective (s): Silicate bioceramics containing Zn and Ca like hardystonite (Hr) with chemical formula Ca2ZnSi2O7 has attracted the attention of researchers in biomedical field due to its remarkable biological and mechanical properties. The new generation of bioceramics can applied in bone tissue engineering to substitute with infected bone. However, these zirconium-silicate bioceramics have proper features; they can be used as additive with calcium phosphates (CaPs) like hydroxyapatite (HA). These composite may enhance the weak properties of pure HA powders. Materials and Methods: In the current study, the Hr powder with sol-gel method was synthesized. Then, hydroxyapatite-hardystonite (HA/Hr) scaffolds with various amount of Hr in HA (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt. % ) were prepared by the replacing the polyurethane polymeric sponge technique. Then, the ceramic scaffolds were sintered at 1150oC for 3 hours. The result of the scaffold nanocomposite specimens were tested for compressive strength and bioactivity behaviour. The phase and morphology of the specimens were analysis with X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scan Electron Microscope (SEM) techniques. Results: The bioactivity, sinterability and compressive strength (CS) properties of HA-Hr scaffold nanocomposite has been developed by addition of 15 wt. % Hr in HA matrix. The results showed the scaffold nanocomposite containing 15 wt. % Hr have the highest value of CS which is equal 1.21 MPa. Our data indicate that Hr ceramics possess proper mechanical properties as compared to pure HA, and may possess good biocompatibility in biological analysis. Conclusion: The study indicates that scaffold containing 10 wt. % Hr had proper bioactivity behaviour which leads the scaffolds surface to form bone-like apatite on the surface of scaffolds.

Fabrication of hydroxyapatite-baghdadite nanocomposite scaffolds coated by PCL/Bioglass with polyurethane polymeric sponge technique

Objecttive (s): Silicate bioceramics like Baghdadite with chemical formula Ca3ZrSi2O9, has attracted the attention of researchers in biomedical field due to its remarkable in-vitro and in-vivo bioactivity and mechanical properties.Materials and Methods: Therefore, in the current study the baghdadite powder with Sol-Gel method was synthesized. Then, hydroxyapatite/Baghdadite (HA/Bagh) scaffolds were prepared by the replacing the polyurethane polymeric sponge technique. Afterwhile, the ceramic scaffolds were sintered at 1150oC for 3 h. The prepared scaffold was then coated by polycaprolactone/bioglass (PCL/BG) polymer nanocomposite. Results: Bioactivity and biomineralization in the simulated body fluid (SBF) revealed that the nanocomposite scaffolds coate with PCL/BG had significant bioactivity properties. The morophology and microstructure investigation of soaked samples in SBF indicate that bone-like apatite formed on the surfaces. Also, ion release in SBF containing the scaffolds was measured by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. The nucleation positions of apatite crystals were areas with high silicon containing, Si+4 ion positions.Conclusion: The study indicates that scaffold containing 30 wt. % baghdadite had proper bioactivity behaviordue to its ability to form bone-like apatite on the surface of specimens.

Improvements to the Practical Usability of the "Crystalline Sponge" Method for Organic Structure Determination.

A microwell droplet approach provided high-quality samples in ≥90% yield of the "crystalline sponge", which was exhibited previously as a revolutionary organic structure determination method. The new protocol, from crystal growth to guest soaking, was conducted in 1-7 days (depending on the guest) and was robust toward user errors, marking improvements over existing protocols. Unit cell determination was used as a practical crystal screening metric. These advances improve the practicality of the crystalline sponge technique for characterizing unknown organic molecules.

Improvement in strength of SiC reticulated porous ceramics

Silicon carbide reticulated porous ceramics (SiC RPCs) were fabricated via polymer sponge technique. In order to obtain SiC RPCs with optimised mechanical performance, influence of sintering holding time, silica fume content and particle size distribution has been investigated in details. It was found that sintering holding time and content of silica fume have influence on the physical and mechanical properties of SiC RPCs, and the optimal value were 2 h and 17 mass-% respectively. At the same time, to thicken the struts, the recoating technique has been applied, through which mechanical strength has been improved significantly.

Porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds for orthopedic and dental applications - the role of binders

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) are predominantly attractive resources for orthopedics and dentistry since they closely resembles the inorganic component of human teeth and bone and have proved to be biologically compatible. The HAp with porous structures are bio- resorbable and extent stronger bonding to the bone,besides these pores endow an increased mechanical interconnection leading to a firm fixation of implant to bone. The porosity and mechanical properties of HAp scaffolds can be tailor made for required application by changing the binders. In present work, hydroxyapatite powder has been prepared via Hydrothermal technique using calcium nitrate tetrahydrate [Ca(NO3)24H 2O] and potassium dihydrogen phosphate [(NH4)2HPO4] as precursors for calcium and phosphorous respectively. Porous scaffold was prepared by novel and simple sponge technique using Poly vinyl alcohol (PVA), cellulose and starch as binders. Thus prepared scaffolds were characterized by FESEM, XRD and FTIR .The surface morphology, porosity, apparent density and load bearing capacity of the scaffolds were studied.

Cellular MicroRNA Let-7a Suppresses KSHV Replication through Targeting MAP4K4 Signaling Pathways

BackgroundKaposi’s sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent of KS, the most common AIDS-related malignancy. The majority of KS tumor cells harbor latent KSHV virus but only a small percentage undergoes spontaneous lytic replication. Viral reactivation from latency is crucial for the pathogenesis and development of KS, but the cellular mechanisms underlying the switch between viral latency and replication are not well understood.MethodsThe level of let-7 miRNAs and MAP4K4 in KSHV infected 293T cells were quantified by real-time PCRs. Let-7 expression was silenced by the miRNA sponge technique. In let-7a transfected 293T cells, the expression of MAP4K4 was measured by real-time PCR and western blot. Luciferease expression was employed to examine the effect of let-7a on the 3’-untranslated region (UTR) of the MAP4K4 gene in 293T cells. Real-time PCR was used to quantify the KSHV copy numbers in BC-3 cells in which the expression of let-7a and/or MAP4K4 were altered. Finally, ERK, JNK and p38 protein production and their phosphorylation status were detected by western blots in let-7a or MAP4K4 transfected BCBL-1 cells.ResultsThe expression of microRNA let-7 was dramatically decreased in KSHV infected 293T cells, but that of MAP4K4 was increased significantly. Let-7a is physically associated with and targets the MAP4K4 3’UTR, and inhibits MAP4K4 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. MAP4K4 stimulates KSHV reactivation from latency, whereas let-7a inhibits the function of MAP4K4 by reversing the function of MAP4K4 on JNK, phospho-JNK and phospho-ERK1/2 levels.ConclusionOur results establish that let-7a specifically suppresses MAP4K4 expression, and further inhibits KSHV reactivation by interfering with the function of MAP4K4 on the MAPK pathway, highlighting let-7a as a potential treatment for KS.

Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns We Can All Get Along by H. Binkow &amp; A. Reverend

Binkow, Howard and Ana Reverend. Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns We Can All Get Along. New York: Scholastic Inc., 2014. Print.This fictional picture book tells a ­­­­­­­heartwarming story of a young rabbit named Howard who has a conversation with his Grandma after his friends host a picnic but neglect to invite him. Howard’s Grandma helps him realize that he has a tendency to cause conflict between his friends in an attempt to “get his way” or “always be right,” and that this may be why he wasn’t invited. After considering ways to sneak into the party in a disguise, wise Grandma rabbit suggests he learn to get along with his friends so he can go as himself. Grandma teaches Howard some important lessons in considering the perspectives of his friends. She helps Howard see how his friends feel when he insists on always being right and reminds him that he will need plenty of practice. Grandma’s main lesson is that “everyone gets the chance to be right, have a say, and have a turn”. In the end, Howard apologizes to his friends, promises to practice making better choices, and gets to go to the picnic.Howard Binkow and Reverend Ana specifically guide the reader through 29 pages with 0 – 6 sentences per page containing rich language regarding positive friendship choices. The text provides the foundation for an effective teacher read-aloud appropriate for students in lower elementary. The artists David A. Cutting and Mike Ferrin use a colourful sponge technique to soften the borders and gently shape the characters on every page. The illustrations are self-explanatory and contain engaging expressions, showing a range of different emotions on the characters’ faces.The use of various animals allows the characters to be universally relatable to most students. The text and images explicitly teach lifelong lessons and establish the cause and effect impacts of a child’s behavior on other people. It relays the powerful message that change requires practice and that it can sometimes be hard work to get along with others. The ending provides a reasonable solution to the problem, leaving the reader with a positive outlook on the lesson and its outcome.Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns We Can All Get Along is part of a series of life lesson books using Howard as the main character. While he is far from perfect, students enjoy the realistic relationship struggles he learns to overcome. A unique feature of all of the books in the series is that the last two pages have a “Suggestions for Lessons and Reflections” based on lessons in the book.This lesson-explicit picture book meaningfully relates to the audience and is a promising start to any cooperation or emotions lesson.Recommended: 3 out of 4 starsReviewer: Jane WilliamsJane Williams is a grade one teacher in Beaumont who is working on completing her Masters of Education in Language and Literacy. She believes that every GREAT lesson begins with a story.

Application of gelatin sponge sandwich as a hemostatic aid to percutaneous suture-mediated arteriotomy closure

Suture-mediated closure devices are increasingly used for closure of large arteriotomies, such as those required for endovascular aortic repair. One of the commonly encountered situations is persistent arteriotomy oozing after successful closure requiring manual compression. The purpose of this report is to describe a simple adjunctive technique that allows a hemostatic agent (such as gelatin sponge) to be "railroaded" onto the arteriotomy site over the sutures of the closure device, thus facilitating hemostasis.

Use of Decorative Concrete Overlay for Transportation Infrastructure Design

The novel concept of applying decorative concrete overlay (DCO) during the infrastructure design process supports the nationwide initiative for increased implementation of context-sensitive solutions. The DCO is a polymer-acrylic cementitious microtopping, a few millimeters thick, colored to look like stone, brick, or wood, for example, and skimmed or sprayed onto existing or new structural concrete. This research aimed to evaluate the potential of DCO to serve as a long-lasting aesthetic treatment for transportation infrastructure. A brief case study of typical decorative treatments and their associated costs indicated that DCO would be competitive in certain infrastructure applications. The DCO durability characteristics were examined by incorporating environmental conditions such as submersion in saltwater, exposure to ultraviolet light and moisture cycling, and intrusion of deicing salts (salt ponding). Fracture and pull-off adhesion testing were also conducted to evaluate the bonding of DCO to structural concrete. Flexural fracture testing showed that the bond between the DCO and concrete sample was unbroken, and failure was observed in the structural concrete. Adhesion testing indicated that the spray-on application method produces significantly stronger bond strengths than the alternative sponge technique. However, DCO must be sprayed on within a specific thickness range in order to achieve optimum strength. Chloride-ponding test results indicated that an additional benefit of DCO is that it acts as a protective coating against salt penetration. Overall, the research indicated that there may be significant potential for implementing DCO as a lasting and durable decorative contribution to the transportation design process.