Types Of Connections Research Articles

Natural Landscapes and the Psychological Impact of Environment on Architecture: Examining the Synergy Between Nature and Spatial Design

One of the most important characteristics of architectural art is the quality and type of connection it establishes with nature. Nature has a historical depth spanning hundreds of millions of years, having been shaped, evolved, and grown over time. It presents a structured and regulated form, within which a profound harmony can be observed in its diverse components. This homogeneous and dynamic structure has created a coherent language, which requires an understanding and decoding of this symbolic language to establish an interactive and constructive relationship with nature. This research examines the connection between natural landscapes and the psychological impacts of the environment on architectural design. The main objective of the study is to analyze the synergy between nature and designed spaces, investigating how this interaction can affect the quality of human life. The results indicate that the presence of natural elements in living and working spaces reduces stress, increases satisfaction, and improves mental health. Additionally, sustainable design that considers environmental principles and human needs can lead to the creation of spaces that provide a sense of tranquility and pleasure for users. Despite the economic and cultural challenges in implementing these approaches, collaboration among designers, engineers, and local communities is essential. Ultimately, this paper emphasizes the importance of considering the psychological impacts of the environment and the necessity of creating spaces that promote the synergy between nature and architecture.

Shear performance of glued and screwed timber-steel composite connections for composite timber-steel beams

Mid- to high-rise mass timber buildings gained popularity in the last decade. Yet, engineered wood products (EWPs) used to erect these buildings have structural limitations. EWPs present brittle failure modes, particularly in bending, shear and tension, and have a low modulus of elasticity resulting in shorted spans and deeper beams relative to those in the steel and reinforced concrete counterparts. Timber-steel hybrid beams represent a potential sustainable solution to overcome these limitations by taking advantages of the high strength, stiffness and ductility of steel, and the high capacity to weight ratio of timber. However, for this solution to be structurally performant, it is essential to create effective composite action between the two materials. This study therefore compares the structural efficiency of various bonding techniques between the steel and the timber materials. Two sets of assembly solutions, representing four connection types, were proposed and experimentally investigated: (1) connecting an embedded steel plate into the timber elements by using either polyurethane (PUR) structural adhesive with two manufacturing variations or 14 G×75 mm heavy duty screws, and (2) connecting a steel plate on the surface of the timber element using either PUR structural adhesive with self-tapping M4×40 mm screws or only self-tapping screws. Softwood Laminated Veneer Lumbers (LVL) and Grade 350 steel plates were used in the experimental tests. All bonding techniques were tested in shear. The shear capacity, the slip stiffness and the failure mode were evaluated. Additionally, the efficiency of the proposed manufacturing solutions was quantified by analytically evaluate the effective bending stiffness of a timber-steel composite beam manufactured with different bonding techniques being investigated. Results indicated that the glued connections allowed a significantly more efficient composite action, with failure occurring in the timber instead of at the composite interface and near-full composite action was reached, than the screwed connections. To achieve high composite action with the screwed solutions, a large number of screws was needed which may incur high manufacturing costs.

Numerical Analysis of the Bond Behaviour of High-Strength Concrete-Filled Steel Square Columns with Different Shear Connectors

This paper deals with a numerical method of analysis of the performance of shear connectors in transferring load in high-strength concrete-filled steel tube square sections. The novelty of the model is that it considers all the important parameters that affect performance at once: bond strength, the transfer rate of each connector, and the stress distribution and deformation of each element. Four specimens fabricated using different types of connectors were validated using ABAQUS version 2017 software. The deformation of the connectors, concrete damage, and the local instability of the steel tube were extensively investigated. The main parameters considered were the ultimate bond strength and load transfer ratio. The shear connector arrangement consisting of four specimens, namely C1 with 16 studs, a circular rib (C2), a circular rib with 8 studs (C3), and a circular rib with 8 vertical ribs (C4), had a significant influence on the key parameters. Connectors C2, C3, and C4 transferred more than 80% of the total load. The circular rib was more effective in transferring the load and limiting slip than the vertical rib and the studs. The circular rib (C2) transferred the load mainly through the four corners. The deterioration of the concrete and local instability of the steel tube had complex deformations which were influenced by the geometry of the inserted connectors.

Features of Worldview Perception Among Speakers of Yakut and Russian: Associative Field Analysis of Stimulus Words DYOL — SCHASTYE

This article analyzes the associative fields of the stimulus words DYOL and SCHASTYE, which are central to the linguistic consciousness of Yakut and Russian speakers. Investigating the underlying processes within language enables us to uncover the ethnocultural specificity of a community’s linguistic consciousness — a snapshot of the real-world image at a particular period in the life of an ethnic group. The focus is on identifying both commonalities and distinctions in the perception of happiness among speakers of the two languages, as well as the ethnocultural nuances in their worldviews. A comparative analysis of the associative fields of the stimulus words DYOL — SCHASTYE is conducted using Y.N. Karaulov’s “semantic gestalt” methodology, which includes delineating semantic zones, determining types of connections between stimuli and responses, and employing a quantitative assessment method to measure the overlap of associative fields. The analysis reveals significant shifts in the value priorities of Yakut speakers in recent years. While happiness was previously associated with family, children, and material wealth, con-temporary perspectives increasingly emphasize aspects such as fulfilling work, travel, career advancement, and self-care. This reflects modern social trends where happiness is linked not only to material factors but also to personal growth and self-actualization.

Experimental and numerical investigation on composite beam–column joint connection behavior using different types of connection schemes

Abstract Over the past few decades, composite joints have been regarded as one of the most promising approaches. After reviewing the research articles dealing with composite beam-column joints, it can be withdrawn that few researchers studied and developed different types of composite beam-column joints. The objectives of this paper to study the effect and behavior of different connection types on the composite beam – column joint under repeated loading as well as to investigate new forms of slab connection with column flange in composite connection joints, aiming to enhance the behaviors of the joints and make the slab endure a part of the load in a more efficient way. Five specimens with various connection types were tested to failure; the composite model number two (CM2) was considered the control specimen. Regarding the ultimate moment, the result found that CM5 has moment 50.47% more than control specimen, the lowest rotation value was in CM5. The general behaviours of the FEM were in good accordance with the experiment results. According to the parametric a higher yield strength is more rigid stiffer, the effect of web thickness on the load is too small and increase in load resistance with an increase in beam flange thickness.

Moment capacity of cold-formed steel trusses with Howick Rivet Connectors: Tests, modelling and design

Cold-formed steel (CFS) trusses are increasingly used in lightweight building construction. A new type of pin-jointed connector, known as the Howick Rivet Connectors (HRCs), has been developed for CFS trusses. Previous studies focused on testing T-stub connections and shear strengths of CFS trusses with HRCs, providing insights into their structural performance and shear capacity. This paper extends the research by testing ten new CFS trusses with HRCs to determine their moment capacity. The study involved two different cross-sections: lipped channel sections and hat sections, used as truss chords. Variations in the number and locations of lateral supports were introduced to simulate different boundary conditions. A parametric study explored the effects of span-height ratio and variability in lateral support locations on truss strength and failure modes. Finally, the trusses with lipped section chords were designed according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI 2016) and Australia/New Zealand standards (AS/NZS 2018), achieving an average test-to-design strength ratio of 0.86.

Spatiotemporal desynchronization in the propagation from meteorological to soil moisture drought in the Loess Plateau, China

Study RegionThe Loess Plateau (LP) of China Study FocusMeteorological drought (MD) would propagate to soil moisture drought (SMD) with spatiotemporal desynchronization. The spatial desynchronization between them has frequently been ignored in previous studies due to limitation of identified droughts, which did not consider their 3-dimensional (3D, i.e. longitude, latitude and time) properties. This study presents a 3D perspective on the spatiotemporal desynchronization in the propagation from meteorological to soil moisture drought in the the Loess Plateau (LP) of China, using an improved drought matching method. Event Synchronization (ES) is extended to determine temporal linkage of the two types of droughts and spatial connection is tested using overlapping area. New Hydrological Insights for the RegionThe results showed that: (1) the improved method is reasonable for identifying MDs that trigger SMDs, down to specific clusters; (2) 8 SMDs preceded MDs 1 month, while approximately 79 % of SMDs did not recover after the determination of MDs; (3) severity of MD is an impact factor on recovery lag, while antecedent soil moisture dominates onset lag with the relative importance of approximately 50 %; and (4) incompletely overlap in migration trajectory between the two types of droughts was mainly caused by temperature, followed by antecedent soil moisture and potential evapotranspiration, with relative importance of 55 %, 14 % and 12 %, respectively.

Marginal Bone Loss and Clinical Evaluation of Angled Implants: A Retrospective Study

Aim: The volume of the edentulous crest and its proximity to critical anatomical structures are important limiting factors for implant surgery. Surgical procedures with complications can be avoided by placing angled implants. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate marginal bone loss and the complications of angled implants. Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight dental implants were examined in 32 patients (16 females, 16 males) with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from patients with angled implants and complete edentation. The marginal bone loss in angled implants that were functional for 15 to 30 months was evaluated according to factors such as implant angle, connection type, opposing arch restoration type and planning of superstructure restoration. Marginal bone loss measurements were recorded from CBCT sections. Results: It was determined that 3.44% of the implants placed had an inclination of less than 15°, 75.86% had an inclination between 15° and 30° and 20.68% had an inclination of more than 30°. While there was no marginal bone loss on the mesial and distal surfaces, the average marginal bone loss was 0.66 on the buccal surfaces and 0.93 in the lingual region. Only one of the implants examined failed. No pain or infection was observed in any of the implants examined. Conclusion: According to the results of this retrospective clinical study, further clinical studies with larger sample sizes are needed to evaluate angled implants supported by full arch fixed prostheses as a predictable and valid treatment method in the prosthetic rehabilitation of edentulous jaws.

Seismic behavior of hybrid post-tensioned special steel moment frames

Generally, conventional moment-resisting frames are prone to substantial residual displacements. To overcome this disadvantage, self-centering systems were introduced. Post-tensioned self-centering (PTSC) moment-resisting systems are a variation of conventional moment-resisting systems that drastically reduce the large residual displacements of the moment frames. However, one of the uncommon drawbacks identified in PTSC systems is their low energy dissipation. This study aims to compensate for this by innovatively combining conventional self-centering systems with special moment-resisting frames (SMRF) in various formats to retain the advantages of both systems. Another disadvantage of PTSC systems is the high cost and complexity of the structural design procedure required to maintain an elastic response in the framing beam-column elements. To address this issue, a practical and cost-effective design procedure was proposed. The study also included the influence of different dual SMRF-PTSC frame actions and base column connection types. A set of 35 structures comprising 4, 8, 12, and 16-story buildings were considered for nonlinear static/dynamic analysis and seismic response assessment. The nonlinear static analyses were carried out in a cyclic format due to the self-centering characteristics of the system. Additionally, 22 far-field records per FEMA P695 were chosen for the time history analyses. The results show that structures equipped with post-tensioned self-centering connections (PTSC) designed according to the proposed procedure are successful in drastically decreasing residual drifts. However, the total elimination of residual drifts relies on providing a self-centering connection for the base level columns and considering an overstrength factor for the base level columns' moment capacity design. The proposed value in this investigation was derived as 5, which significantly strengthens the base level columns while resulting in an overall notably cost-efficient PTSC-equipped frame. In the case of dual frames, the conventional SMRF spans should not exceed the number of PTSC-equipped spans, as doing so will diminish the self-centering characteristics of the lateral system.

Cyclic axial loading tests on mortar-filled rectangular tube with various connection details

Although a mortar-filled rectangular hollow structural section (RHS) under monotonic loading has achieved large tensile capacity using various connection details and buckling capacity of RHS members, the structural capacity of the mortar-filled RHS tubes has not been investigated under cyclic loading. In this study, the seismic performances of newly developed mortar-filled RHS tubes with various connection details were evaluated under cyclic axial loading. The major test parameters included the end connection type, the thicknesses of the RHS tube, cap plate, and cleat plate, as well as the length of the RHS tube. The test results showed that the RHS tube in all specimens failed by tensile fracture before axial compression failure. The seismic performance of the embedded shear plate end connection with penetrating rebar was superior to that of a conventional welded T-end connection. The test results were compared with the current design code to evaluate the seismic capacity of the RHS tube according to the connection details. Design considerations for the connections of the mortar-filled rectangular tubes were also provided.

Insight into the phase equilibrium of mycophenolic acid cocrystals

In this study, mycophenolic acid-nicotinamide (MPA-NAM) and mycophenolic acid-acetoguanamine (MPA-AGA) cocrystals were synthesized and characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform spectroscopy and thermal analysis. Intrinsic intermolecular interactions were investigated through Hirshfeld surface and electrostatic potential surface analysis. The results indicated that MPA-NAM and MPA-AGA cocrystals possessed the same types of hydrogen bonds but different hydrogen bond connectivity. Thermodynamic studies revealed that MPA-NAM and MPA-AGA cocrystals exhibited incongruent dissolution behaviors in the chosen solvent. Model regression results indicate that the 1:1 complex formation existed during the dissolution of the MPA-NAM cocrystal, whereas 1:1 and 1:2 solution complexes presented in the MPA-AGA cocrystal. The complicated complexation in the MPA-AGA cocrystal induced all fragments of MPA-AGA to possess higher energies, facilitating MPA-AGA cocrystal precipitation from the solution, which was testified by Energy calculations.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MAIN COLUMN STRUCTURE USING THE FREESTANDING METHOD & STUDY OF LAP SPLICE CONNECTIONS ON THE GGM MAJALENGKA BUILDING PROJECT IN MAJALENGKA DISTRICT

The GGM Building is a circular sports building, has 2 floors with circular columns. Columns are the most important structural part for a building to stand. In accordance with SK SNI T-15-1991-03 what is meant is a building structural component column whose main task is to support axial, compressive and vertical loads. In this report study, the method used for the main column reinforcement work is Free Standing which can be interpreted as a structure that is strong and stands upright. The GGM Building is a high-rise building which of course has a structure that can stand perfectly upright at any height. The type of connection used in column cuttings is a contact lap splice which is a passing connection between two reinforcing bars that touch each other and are tied with concrete wire. SAP2000 software is used to analyze the values ​​of the forces acting on the main structural columns. Based on the results of analysis of the main structural columns using SAP 2000, the load distribution value was obtained, namely 22.81 KN/m with an axial force value of -229.220 KN for column type K1-1. 27.14 KN/m with an axial force value of -272.97 KN for column K1-2 and 31.86 KN/m with an axial force value of -320,150 KN for column K2. Then with manual calculations related to the self-load value of the main structural columns, namely 1,189.56 KN in column K1-1, 1,614.14 KN in column K1-2 and 1,981.11 KN in column K2. Keywords: column, lap splice, selfweight calculation, SAP 2000.

Tumour-pleura relationship on computed tomography (CT) provides effective risk stratification for peripheral pulmonary nodules with Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) score of 4X.

Pulmonary nodules with Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) 4X are of greater clinical significance, and accurate differentiation of pathological types and visceral pleural invasion (VPI) of Lung-RADS 4X peripheral pulmonary nodules before treatment can aid in stratification. This study set out to investigate whether the tumour-pleura relationship on computed tomography (CT) can provide effective risk stratification for peripheral pulmonary nodules with Lung-RADS 4X. This was a single institution, retrospective study of 482 consecutive patients with Lung-RADS score 4X, who were pathologically diagnosed with tuberculous granuloma and adenocarcinoma from January 2019 to December 2023. We assessed clinical factors (baseline characteristics and tumour markers) and CT findings. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the classification of pulmonary nodules and predictors of VPI. Multivariate analysis revealed that gender [odds ratio (OR) =0.392; P<0.001], carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level (OR =8.331; P<0.001), type of nodules (OR =13.551 and 7.478; P<0.001 and P=0.016) and maximum base width of soft tissue component on the pleura side (OR =0.857; P=0.005) were significant independent factors for distinguishing tuberculous granuloma from adenocarcinoma. And the type of linear connection between lesion and pleura (OR =3.936; P<0.001), and the maximum base width of soft tissue components on the pleura side (OR =1.359; P=0.001) were correlated independently with VPI. The area under the curve (AUC) for predicting pulmonary nodules classification was 82.60% [95% confidence interval (CI): 78.85-86.35%), and the AUC for predicting VPI was 76.10% (95% CI: 69.83-82.38%). The tumour-pleura relationship will be helpful in further risk stratification for peripheral pulmonary nodules with a score of Lung-RADS 4X.

Axial and eccentric compressive behavior of partially encased channel–concrete composite columns with bolted connections in modular buildings

This paper introduces a novel partially encased channel–concrete composite (PECC) column for modular buildings, aiming to eliminate the need for cast-in-place concrete and facilitate rapid assembly. The PECC column consists of two prefabricated modules connected by high-strength bolts. To evaluate the column's viability, six slender specimens—one bare steel column and five composite columns—were tested under axial and eccentric compression. Variables considered included the presence of concrete, the type of transverse connections, bolt spacing, and load eccentricity ratio. The compression performance of the PECC columns was analyzed by examining their failure patterns, load–deformation responses, initial stiffness, compressive capacity, and ductility. Test results revealed that the PECC columns failed due to global buckling, concrete spalling, and crushing. The bolted connections effectively prevented module separation, enabling the PECC columns to exhibit favorable compressive behavior. The reinforced concrete encased in the channel delayed the column's buckling failure, increasing its initial stiffness and compressive capacity by 98% and 198%, respectively. Using perforated steel plates instead of transverse links between the concrete and the channel enhanced the column's initial stiffness by 20% but had little effect on its compressive capacity. Reducing the bolt spacing improved the column's initial stiffness and compression resistance by 50% and 5%, respectively. Additionally, a finite element model for the PECC columns was developed and validated against test results. Finally, simplified formulas derived from Eurocode 4 were proposed to estimate the resistance of PECC columns under axial and eccentric compression.

Acculturation, Perceptions about Seeking Mental Health Care, and Utilization of Mental Health Services among US-based South Asians.

To examine the relationship between acculturation, cultural perceptions surrounding mental health (MH) burden and utilization of MH services among South Asian (SA) adults in the United States. Cross-sectional study. Online survey. Four hundred five SA adults (≥18 years old) residing in the United States. Cross-sectional study of acculturation, attitudes toward MH burden, and MH service utilization was conducted via online survey. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to understand how these factors were associated with MH service utilization. Utilization of MH services. Among the 405 participants, 49.0% identified as immigrants (75.1% Indian, 8% Bangladeshi, 5.5% Pakistani, and 3.8% from other SA countries). Current utilization of MH services was associated with comfort conversing in English (odds ration [OR]=5.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.63, 27.02), having English-speaking peers (OR=3.80; 95% CI=1.12, 12.93), and having family (OR=2.37; 95% CI=1.21, 4.64) and peers (OR=5.64; 95% CI=1.71, 18.66) who used MH services. Participants with mostly SA peers (OR=0.48; 95% CI=0.23, 0.97) reported lower lifetime MH service utilization, and those with positive perceptions about MH burden reported higher lifetime utilization (OR=1.04; 95% CI=1.01, 1.09). Comfort expressing emotions in English, knowledge of family/peer MH service use, and type of social connections were associated with MH service utilization among SA immigrants. Interventions should aim to increase SA languages in which MH services are offered and to engage with SA communities to increase acceptance of MH service utilization.

Визначення предикторів діагнозу пацієнтів з ПТСР на основі параметрів одновимірних моделей першого порядку BOLD-сигналів структур мозку та МГУА

Introduction. The use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows for the assessment of processes occurring in the brain. By analyzing the examination results, it is possible to establish the parameters of connections between brain structures, and changes in the values of these parameters can be used as diagnostic conclusion predictors for PTSD-patients. Purpose. To identify predictors for the classification of the PTSD diagnosis using the connectivity parameters of BOLD signals from brain structures. Methods. The technology for identifying predictors of PTSD diagnosis is based on a) the formation of connectivity parameters of BOLD signals from brain structures obtained during resting-state scanning, b) the use of classifier-oriented selection based on inter-class variance and mRMR criteria to select informative features, and c) the classification of PTSD diagnosis using a logistic regression algorithm optimized by the Group Method of Data Handling. Results. The technology proposed in this work enabled the selection of informative features and the identification of their predictive forms, resulting in the formation of classifiers for the diagnosis of PTSD with high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Conclusion. A technology for the formation, selection, and use of connectivity parameters of BOLD signals from brain structures has been proposed for differentiating healthy individuals from those who suffer with PTSD. A list of the most informative features of PTSD and their predictive forms in the form of generalized variables has been obtained, which can be used for diagnostic conclusions. The results obtained indicate the presence of a specific type of connection between the brain areas identified in the study based on levels of excitation (parameters а0 of the models) and the alteration of these levels in the context of PTSD.

Impact of Two Implant-Abutment Connection Types on Crestal Bone Stability: A 3-Year Comparative Split-Mouth Clinical Trial.

This prospective, preliminary controlled clinical trial investigates the comparative effectiveness of platform-switching (PS) versus traditional butt-joint or platform-matching (PM) implant-abutment connections on peri-implant crestal bone stability. Utilizing a split mouth design, 10 systemically healthy patients (n= 20 implants) had adjacent non-restorable maxillary anterior teeth replaced with two different implants (butt-joint connections and platform-switching interfaces). Patients underwent alveolar ridge preservation, followed by implant placement: platform-matching implants were inserted at crestal bone level, and platform-switching implants were placed 1mm subcrestally. Customized Zirconia crowns were then fabricated for both systems. Outcome measures included bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and marginal bone loss (MBL), which were evaluated through standardized periapical radiographs over 3-year timeframe. Results showed significantly higher initial MBL in the PM group (0.86 ± 0.13 mm) compared to the PS group (0.34±0.29 mm) [p value: p<0.01]. Moreover, at the three-year follow-up, the crestal bone levels remained above the implant shoulder until the third year of the study for the PS subcrestal group (PS: -0.15±0.39 mm) and slightly below the implant platform in the PM crestal group (PM: 0.55±0.19). After 3 years, the PS group also exhibited lower mean BOP percentages (12%) than the butt-joint group (17%). This study suggests that subcrestal placement with PS and internal connections can provide better long-term peri- implant bone preservation, thereby potentially improving implant success and aesthetic outcomes in the anterior maxillary region.

Flexural behavior of innovative multifunctional concrete sandwich shells with different types of connectors

AbstractThis study develops an innovative multifunctional concrete sandwich shell based on a combined experimental and finite element (FE) study on its flexural behavior. The sandwich shell is made up of inner and outer concrete layers connected by connectors, with a middle functional layer that provides various functions such as insulation, acoustic, and vibration control. Bending tests were conducted on four groups of specimens, including three groups of sandwich shells with different types of connectors, that is, truss, grid, and plate connectors, and one reference group of solid shells. Loads, displacements, and strains were recorded during the tests. The FE analysis showed good correlation with the experimental results. Furthermore, a parametric study was conducted using the FE model to evaluate the influence of different parameters, such as middle layer thickness and number of connectors. The results show that the performance of the sandwich shell is comparable to, and in some cases better than, that of the solid shell, depending on the type of connectors used. This study provides a proof of concept for the sandwich shell and establishes a prototype structure for future research.

The divide between us: internet access among people with and without disabilities in the post-pandemic era

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of internet access across various aspects of life, from remote work and online education to healthcare services and social connections. As we transition to a post-pandemic era, a pressing need arises to update our understanding of the multifaceted nature of internet access. This study is one of the first attempts to do so. Using survey data from New Zealand adult internet users (n = 960), it compares internet connection types, frequency of internet use at home, social media use, and concerns about online risk between people with and without disabilities. Results show people with disabilities have restricted fibre access and higher wireless broadband (a much slower connection type). People with disabilities use social media platforms less and are more concerned about certain online risks. The findings highlight persistent disparities in internet access for people with disabilities in the post-pandemic era. Implications of the study are discussed.

A review of the Carotid-cavernous fistula

The carotid-carvenous fistula is a specific type of arteriovenous connection at the cavernous sinus which causes series of serious ophthalmologic problems. In this article is described the symptoms, the treatment ( open or endovascular) and the etiology of CCF. Also is mentioned to the types of CCF according with the blood flow and to the Barrow anatomical classification.