Variable Grade Research Articles

4D Printing of PLA/PBS Biopolymers: Impact of Polymer Grade Variations on Thermomechanical Performance

4D Printing of PLA/PBS Biopolymers: Impact of Polymer Grade Variations on Thermomechanical Performance

Student intersectional sociodemographic and school variation in GCSE final grades in England following Covid-19 examination cancellations

ABSTRACT In 2020, Covid-19 forced the cancellation of all student end-of-school examinations in England. Schools were asked to provide centre assessment grades (CAGs), offering their best estimates for what students would have achieved had they sat their examinations. Although initially replaced in favour of grades calculated via an algorithm, students were eventually awarded their CAGs following widespread public outcry over the calculated grades. Whether CAGs were unfairly awarded across different student groups and schools in 2020 compared to previous years is a key question. However, existing analyses of bias in CAGs are limited by a lack of attention to potential interactions between student characteristics and thus to hidden differential grade inflation across intersectional groups. We addressed this by examining student GCSE performance in 2018, 2019 and 2020 via a Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy (MAIHDA) analysis of intersectional sociodemographic variation which we cross-classified with schools given their role in generating CAGs. Overall, a picture of stability emerged where, despite substantial overall grade inflation in 2020, the use of CAGs did not appear to have generated new or divergent intersectional relationships in comparison to previous years, suggesting CAGs showed a similar susceptibility to bias as normal examinations.

Assessment of reduction in stimulus generalization of ethanol-seeking during recovery: A rapid procedure

Previously, we developed a procedure which showed that longer histories of reinforced alternative behavior decrease the risk of relapse caused by a range of stimuli which had previously occasioned drinking. The decrease in relapse risk was likely due to a decrease in attention to the stimuli over the course of repeated engagement in the alternative behavior. However, this previous procedure was time consuming and did not mirror the procedure we used to observe changes in relapse risk. This study aimed at replicating the previous relationship between the duration of engaging in an alternative behavior and shift in stimulus generalization for drinking using a procedure that allows longitudinal analysis over time and is consistent with other procedures we have developed. Rats were trained to respond for ethanol in the presence of one stimulus (16 kHz tone; food Fixed Ratio (FR)150 and ethanol FR5), and for food in the under another stimulus (8 kHz tone; food and ethanol FR5). Then, recovery-like sessions with food predominant responding occurred in the presence of only the low-cost food stimulus. During these sessions, rats were exposed to non-reinforced graded stimuli alternation from 8 to 16 kHz alternating with the reinforced low-cost food stimulus. The number of responses on each (food and ethanol) lever before completing 5 responses on either lever was the main measure. Consistent with the earlier procedure, the current procedure showed that graded variation of tone from 8 to 16 kHz produced a graded increase in responding for ethanol compared to responding for food. In addition, longer periods of engaging in recovery-like responding shift the generalization function downwards. This procedure confirms the earlier pattern of stimulus generalization over longer periods of behavior consistent with recovery. This strengthens our hypothesis that shifts in attention to alcohol-related stimuli are important to the development of relapse resistance during recovery.

Enhancing semi‐supervised contrastive learning through saliency map for diabetic retinopathy grading

AbstractDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is a severe ophthalmic condition that can lead to blindness if not diagnosed and provided timely treatment. Hence, the development of efficient automated DR grading systems is crucial for early screening and treatment. Although progress has been made in DR detection using deep learning techniques, these methods still face challenges in handling the complexity of DR lesion characteristics and the nuances in grading criteria. Moreover, the performance of these algorithms is hampered by the scarcity of large‐scale, high‐quality annotated data. An innovative semi‐supervised fundus image DR grading framework is proposed, employing a saliency estimation map to bolster the model's perception of fundus structures, thereby improving the differentiation between lesions and healthy regions. By integrating semi‐supervised and contrastive learning, the model's ability to recognise inter‐class and intra‐class variations in DR grading is enhanced, allowing for precise discrimination of various lesion features. Experiments conducted on publicly available DR grading datasets, such as EyePACS and Messidor, have validated the effectiveness of our proposed method. Specifically, our approach outperforms the state of the art on the kappa metric by 0.8% on the full EyePACS dataset and by 3.2% on a 10% subset of EyePACS, demonstrating its superiority over previous methodologies. The authors’ code is publicly available at https://github.com/500ZhangJC/SCL‐SEM‐framework‐for‐DR‐Grading.

Age-related Variation in Sleep-dependent Obstruction in Surgically Naive Children.

Little is known about age-related variations in sites and grade of sleep-dependent airway obstruction in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB). The objective was to compare sites and grade of obstruction on drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) across different age groups of surgically naïve children with OSA or oSDB. A retrospective chart review was performed for surgically naïve children aged 0-18 years with OSA/oSDB who underwent DISE from July 2021 to August 2023. Participants were categorized into: infants (aged 0-1 years), younger toddlers (aged 1-2 years), older toddlers (aged 2-3 years), preschool (aged 3-5 years), younger school-aged (aged 5-10 years), and older school-aged (aged 10-18 years). On DISE, obstruction was rated 0 = none/mild, 1 = moderate, 2 = severe for inferior turbinates, adenoid, velum, palatine tonsils/lateral pharyngeal wall, lingual tonsils, tongue base, epiglottis, and supra-arytenoid tissue. A series of multiple regression analyses were used to identify age differences in the grade of obstruction across all sites combined and at each individual site separately. The sample consisted of 252 children aged 1 month to 17 years with 57.9% males. Older patients had greater total obstruction scores (B = 0.42, SE = 0.10, p < 0.01) and greater number of sites that were severely obstructed (B = 0.11, SE = 0.05, p = 0.03). Older age groups had more obstruction at inferior turbinates (p = 0.02), adenoid (p < 0.01), palatine tonsils/lateral pharyngeal wall (p < 0.01), lingual tonsil (p < 0.01), and base of tongue (p < 0.01). Younger age groups had more obstruction at the supra-arytenoid tissue (p < 0.01). Varying patterns of sleep-dependent airway obstruction should be expected across different age groups in children with OSA or oSDB. 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Analysis of Liquid Smoke Grade Characteristics from Coconut Shells and Palm Kernel Shell Waste Through a Slow Pyrolysis Process

This research was motivated by the abundance of biomass plantations in Indonesia. Accumulated biomass waste will cause environmental problems. Biomass processing can resolve this issue, by producing functionally and economically valuable products. The purpose of this research was to increase the value of biomass by processing it as liquid smoke through pyrolysis and then proceeding to the purification stage. The purification method applied in this research was a combination of distillation and adsorption processes using natural zeolite. The variables of this research were: two types of biomass, namely coconut shells and palm kernel shells, and liquid smoke grade variations. The analysis parameters were: pH, viscosity, density, acid content, and phenol analysis as well as GC-MS. The characteristics analysis results showed that all liquid smoke samples met the Japanese liquid smoke standard. Based on pH, acid, and phenol analysis, the liquid smoke from the coconut shells sample had better quality compared to the liquid smoke from palm kernel shells, namely with pH 2.36, acid content 0.26 mg/mL, and phenol 2,368.75 ppm. The GC-MS test results indicated that grade-1 liquid smoke from both samples contained antibacterial compounds, such as phosphonic acid, formic acid, and carbamic acid, which have the potential to inhibit bacterial growth.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Care Center in Saudi Arabia in the Last Decade.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a significant subset of mesenchymal tumors primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract, impacting diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Understanding their epidemiology is crucial for improving patient care and advancing treatment strategies. Our study at a Saudi tertiary hospital analyzed 50 patients with GIST, focusing on demographics, tumor locations, and risk assessments. We examined predictors of tumor size, including mitosis frequency, and assessed the impact of anatomical location and risk on clinical outcomes using RStudio software (Posit, Boston, MA). Among 50 patients with GIST, 36 (72.0%) were male with a median age of 60.5 years, and most tumors (33, 66.0%) were in the stomach. Risk assessments categorized tumors as follows: 20 (40.0%) low risk, 12 (24.0%) high risk, 7 (14.0%) moderate risk, 7 (14.0%) very low risk, and 4 (8.0%) no risk. Most tumors were low-grade (41, 82.0%) and nonmetastatic (47, 94.0%), predominantly spindle cell type (37, 74.0%). Tumor size varied significantly across risk categories: high-risk tumors averaged 10.3 cm versus 0.5 cm for no risk and 3.5 cm for very low risk (P < 0.001). Mitosis frequency differed significantly by risk category and tumor grade (P < 0.001). Tumor grade varied notably with risk categories and morphologic types, especially high-grade tumors in high-risk groups (8, 66.7%) and epithelioid tumors (2, 100%). Multivariable analysis identified predictors of tumor size: anatomical location (extra-GI, intra-abdominal; beta = 7.08, P = 0.011) and risk assessment (low risk, beta = 6.91, P = 0.001; moderate risk, beta = 11.2, P < 0.001; high risk, beta = 8.93, P < 0.001). Liver metastasis did not differ significantly across gender, anatomical location, risk assessment, or tumor grade. In Saudi Arabia, GISTs predominantly affect males and are primarily located in the stomach. Our findings highlight significant variations in tumor size and grade based on risk assessments and anatomical location. Most GISTs were low-grade, nonmetastatic, and spindle cell type, emphasizing the need for enhanced research to improve diagnostics, tailor treatments, and optimize outcomes in the region.

Comparative efficacy and safety of olanzapine and risperidone in the treatment of psychiatric and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Olanzapine and risperidone have emerged as the most widely used drugs as short-term prescription in the treatment of behavioral disturbances in dementia. The present systematic review and meta-analysis was hence performed to investigate the effectiveness and safety profile of olanzapine and risperidone in the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), aiming to provide updated suggestion for clinical physicians and caregivers. Prospective controlled clinical studies were included, of which available data was extracted. Outcomes of BEHAVE-AD scores with the variation of grades, specific behaviors variables, as well as safety signals were pooled for the analysis by odds rates and weighted mean differences, respectively. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WanFang. Prospective, controlled clinical studies, conducted to compare the effectiveness and safety profile of olanzapine and risperidone in the treatment of BPSD. Interested data including baseline characteristics and necessary outcomes from the included studies were extracted independently by 2 investigators. BEHAVE-AD scale was adopted to assess the efficacy in the present study. All behaviors were evaluated at the time of the initiation of the treatment, as well as the completion of drugs courses. Adverse events were assessed with the criteria of Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale, or Coding Symbols for a Thesaurus of Adverse Reaction Terms dictionary. Weighted mean difference was used for the pooled analysis. A total of 2427 participants were included in the present meta-analysis. Comparative OR on response rate, and remarkable response rate between olanzapine and risperidone was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.51-0.84; P = .0008), and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.50-0.78; P < .0001), respectively. There were statistical differences observed by olanzapine on the improvement of variables including delusions (WMD, -1.83, 95% CI, -3.20, -0.47), and nighttime behavior disturbances (WMD, -1.99, 95% CI, -3.60, -0.38) when compared to risperidone. Our results suggested that olanzapine might be statistically superior to risperidone on the reduction of BPSD of Alzheimer's disease, especially in the relief of delusions and nighttime behavior disturbances. In addition, olanzapine was shown statistically lower risks of agitation, sleep disturbance, and extrapyramidal signs.

Local augmentation of phonon transport at GaInN/GaN heterointerface by introducing a graded variation of InN mole fraction

The pump and probe technique in Raman spectroscopy of the E2 (high) mode is exploited to uncover the enhancing factor of the phonon transport across Ga1−xInxN/GaN interfaces. Two samples are investigated: one with a uniform x of 0.09 and another one with a graded variation in x from 0.17 to 0 along the depth direction. Lateral phonon transport is obtained by scanning the 532-nm probing laser from the irradiation position of the 325-nm heating laser. No difference in the lateral diffusion length is observed between the two samples, while the transport probability across the interface is higher for the sample with the graded variation in x than the sample with the uniform x of 0.09. The microscopic images of the decrease in the mode energy or the increase in temperature of the GaN layer reveal that the local phonon transport across the heterointerface is enhanced in regions with low differences in the phonon mode energy between the GaN and GaInN rather than the difference in crystal quality.

Optimising the placement of additional drill holes to enhanced mineral resource classification: a case study on a porphyry copper deposit

ABSTRACT In this study, we compared outcomes of optimising the placement of five additional drill holes using three geostatistical cost functions (AKV, WAKV, and CV) and the Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm (PSO). WAKV identified locations with higher average copper grades compared to AKV. Conversely, CV suggested sites with high kriging variance and copper grade variation. Initial holes, alongside those determined by each cost function, were used to classify mineral resources. Findings underscored the effectiveness of optimising drill hole placement based on cost functions in reducing uncertainty and improving mineral resource classification.

Size-dependent finite element analysis of FGMs in thermal environment based on the modified couple stress theory

PurposeThe paper aims to the size-dependent analysis of functionally graded materials in thermal environment based on the modified couple stress theory using finite element method.Design/methodology/approachThe element formulation is developed within the framework of the penalty unsymmetric finite element method (FEM) in that the C1 continuity requirement is satisfied in weak sense and thus, C0 continuous interpolation enhanced by independent nodal rotation is employed as the test function. Meanwhile, the trial function is designed based on the stress functions and the weighted residual method. Besides, the special Gauss quadrature scheme is employed for integrals of matrices in accordance with the graded variation of the material properties.FindingsThe numerical results reveal that in thermal environment, functionally graded materials exhibit better bending performance compared to homogeneous materials, Moreover, the findings also indicate that with an increase in MLSP, the natural frequencies of out-of-plane modes gradually increase, while the natural frequencies of in-plane modes show much less variation, leading to a mode switch phenomenon.Originality/valueThe work provides an efficient numerical tool for analyzing and designing the functionally graded structures in thermal environment in practical engineering applications.

Investigation of sustainable pervious concrete pavement performance using waste travertine aggregate and powder

Travertine cutting generates rubble and waste powder, prompting the need for effective waste utilization. This study aims to develop travertine permeable concrete (TPC) using travertine aggregate and waste powder. An orthogonal test method assessed TPC variations in travertine powder replacement rates, aggregate grading, and void content for porosity, permeability, mechanical strength, and heavy metal adsorption ability. The void content greatly influences the amount of cementitious material and is crucial for TPC performance. To guarantee compliance with the engineering performance for fully pervious pavement, the recommended void content of TPC should not exceed 20 % to have satisfactory compressive strength and permeability. Cement replacement with 5–10 % travertine powder can satisfy engineering requirements, heavy metal adsorption, waste utilization, and CO2 emission reduction. TPC demonstrates much lower removal rates under the rapid method than the immersion method for Cd2+, Cu2+ and Pb2+, mainly due to the difference in contact time. After 25 cycles, the optimized TPC shows less mass and strength loss, demonstrating excellent freeze-thaw resistance. Furthermore, a novel lab-scale rainfall simulation system for travertine permeable concrete pavement (TPCP) was built to assess the water infiltration of TPCP. TPCP can effectively reduce runoff, reaching over 96 % within 1 h for various inflow intensities. After half an hour, the removal rates of Cd2+ and Cu2+ by TPCP were only 41.5 and 79.1 %, respectively, but TPCP achieves exceptional Pb2+ adsorption with a removal rate of over 97 % under the ternary competitive mechanism.

Descriptive epidemiology of 30,223 histopathologically confirmed meningiomas in France: 2006-2015.

Meningioma is one of the most common neoplasm of the central nervous system. To describe the epidemiology of meningioma operated in France and, to assess grading and histopathological variability among the different neurosurgical centres. We processed the French Brain Tumour Database (FBTDB) to conduct a nationwide population-based study of all histopathologically confirmed meningiomas between 2006 and 2015. 30,223 meningiomas cases were operated on 28,424 patients, in 61 centres. The average number of meningioma operated per year in France was 3,022 (SD ± 122). Meningioma was 3 times more common in women (74.1% vs. 25.9%). The incidence of meningioma increased with age and, mean age at surgery was 58.5 ± 13.9 years. Grade 1, 2, and 3 meningiomas accounted for 83.9%, 13.91% and, 2.19% respectively. There was a significant variability of meningioma grading by institutions, especially for grade 2 which spanned from 5.1% up to 22.4% (p < 0.001). Moreover, the proportion of grade 2 significantly grew over the study period (p < 0.001). There was also a significant variation in grade 1 subtypes diagnosis among the institutions (p < 0.001). 89.05% of the patients had solely one meningioma surgery, 8.52% two and, 2.43% three or more. The number of surgeries was associated to the grade of malignancy (p < 0.001). The incidence of meningioma surgery increased with age and, peaked at 58.5 years. They were predominantly benign with meningothelial subtype being the most common. However, there was a significant variation of grade 1 subtypes diagnosis among the centres involved. The proportion of grade 2 meningioma significantly grew over the study time, on contrary to malignant meningioma proportion, which remained rare and, stable over time around 2%. Likewise, there was a significant variability of grade 2 meningioma rate among the institutions.

Co-expression of immune checkpoints in glioblastoma revealed by single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most malignant tumors of the central nervous system. The pattern of immune checkpoint expression in GBM remains largely unknown. We performed snRNA-Seq and spatial transcriptomic (ST) analyses on untreated GBM samples. 8 major cell types were found in both tumor and adjacent normal tissues, with variations in infiltration grade. Neoplastic cells_6 was identified in malignant cells with high expression of invasion and proliferator-related genes, and analyzed its interactions with microglia, MDM cells and T cells. Significant alterations in ligand-receptor interactions were observed, particularly between Neoplastic cells_6 and microglia, and found prominent expression of VISTA/VSIG3, suggesting a potential mechanism for evading immune system attacks. High expression of TIM-3, VISTA, PSGL-1 and VSIG-3 with similar expression patterns in GBM, may have potential as therapeutic targets. The prognostic value of VISTA expression was cross-validated in 180 glioma patients, and it was observed that patients with high VISTA expression had a poorer prognosis. In addition, multimodal cross analysis integrated SnRNA-seq and ST, revealing complex intracellular communication and mapping the GBM tumor microenvironment. This study reveals novel molecular characteristics of GBM, co-expression of immune checkpoints, and potential therapeutic targets, contributing to improving the understanding and treatment of GBM.

Corrosion Study of Picosecond‐Laser Structured and Anodized Ti6Al4V for Bone Screws

A corrosion study is performed on six variations of titanium grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) samples. Samples are prepared in different conditions by variation of preanodization, postanodization, and picosecond‐laser (ps‐laser) surface treatment, while polished and anodized samples serve as reference. Microcones and nanosized periodic surface features are successfully produced on Ti6Al4V samples. The morphology and topography of the structures are visualized by scanning electron microscopy and white light interference microscopy. Furthermore, the relative electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) is determined for the ps‐laser‐treated samples. It is determined that the preanodized and laser‐treated sample has 3.5 times larger ECSA than a polished sample, and that the laser‐treated sample has 4.1 times larger area. Moreover, Tafel analysis is performed to determine the corrosion properties of the samples. It is shown that the corrosion resistance improves for both laser‐structured samples after the anodization. To further study the surface of the samples, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements are conducted. The study indicates that the ps‐laser‐treated and anodized Ti6Al4V is suitable to be used for the fabrication of bone screws and plates due to its improved corrosion resistance as compared to nonanodized samples.

Effect of Hydration Forms and Polymer Grades on Theophylline Controlled-Release Tablet: An Assessment and Evaluation.

Drug release from controlled release delivery systems is influenced by various factors, including the polymer's grade and the drug's hydration form. This study aimed to investigate the impact of these factors on the controlled release of theophylline (THN). This research compares the monohydrate form found in branded products with the anhydrous form in generic equivalents, each formulated with different polymer grades. Quality control assessment was conducted alongside in vitro evaluation, complemented by various analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, thermal analyses using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed. Quality control assessments demonstrated that the generic tablets exhibited lower average weight and resistance force compared to the branded ones. In vitro tests revealed that generic tablets released contents within 120 min, compared to 720 min for the branded counterpart. Characterization using XRD and SEM identified disparities in crystallinity and particle distribution between the three samples. Additionally, the thermal analysis indicated consistent endothermic peaks across all samples, albeit with minor variations in heat flow and decomposition temperatures between the two products. This study demonstrated that variations in polymer grade and hydration form significantly impact THN release.

Different spectral features near the energy bandgaps of normal and inverse heterostructures of In&lt;sub&gt;0.52&lt;/sub&gt;Al&lt;sub&gt;0.48&lt;/sub&gt;As/InP

Photoconductivity (PC) spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were used to characterize two heterostructure configurations of InAlAs/InP grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on the InP (100) substrate. The sample A is the type called normal heterostructure, which has an In&lt;sub&gt;0.52&lt;/sub&gt;Al&lt;sub&gt;0.48&lt;/sub&gt;As layer grown on InP, while sample B is called the inverse type formed by an InP cap layer on In&lt;sub&gt;0.52&lt;/sub&gt;Al&lt;sub&gt;0.48&lt;/sub&gt;As. The front excitation was employed in both PC experiment and PL experiment and the measurements were conducted at 77 K. The PC spectrum of sample A shows an abnormal step-like drop when the photon energy is larger than the energy band gap of In&lt;sub&gt;0.52&lt;/sub&gt;Al&lt;sub&gt;0.48&lt;/sub&gt;As. The phenomenon implies that the conductance of sample is a multilayer effect including the contribution of interfacial two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG). Moreover, a conductance peak is observed at 916 nm below the bandgap of InP. Accordingly, an intense luminescent peak at the wavelength manifests in the PL spectrum. The origin of the 916 nm peak is attributed to the recombination of 2DEG electrons with the valence band holes excited near the interface. However, the spectral feature of the above energy does not exist in both PC and PL spectra of sample B. This difference may be explained by the different interface electronic structures of the inverse interface. For the latter case, considering that a graded variation in In-As-P composition is related to the inverse interface of InP/InAlAs, the band bending effect should be weak. In such a case, the bound energy of 2DEG in the interface potential well is raised closer to the conductance band of the bulk. Consequently, the recombination energy of 2DEG at the inverse interface with the holes in the valence band is close to the band-to-band transition of InP bulk and the luminescence is difficult to be distinguished from that of bulk InP. The work also demonstrates that the comparative study with both PC technique and PL technique is helpful to provide a full insight into the interface electronic property.

Effectiveness of bone-filled mesh bag technology and angle vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic thoracic vertebral compression fractures in the elderly.

To evaluate the effectiveness, pain level, and lung function in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracic vertebral compression fractures using bone filling mesh bag technology compared to curved vertebroplasty. This retrospective analysis reviewed 72 elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracic vertebral compression fractures treated at Xindu District People's Hospital of Chengdu between February 2021 and January 2022. The patients were separated into two groups according to surgery approach: an observation group using bone filling mesh bag technology and a control group using curved vertebroplasty. The overall response rate, pain degree, pulmonary function, life quality grades, surgical indicators, and bone cement leakage rates of the two groups were evaluated. The variation in overall response rate (P=0.420), pain degree (P=0.270), pulmonary function (peak expiratory flow: P=0.660, forced expiratory volume in the first second: P=0.775, forced vital capacity: 0.062), and life quality grades (physical health: P=0.949, social function: P=0.935, physiological function: P=0.970, vitality: P=0.778) between the observation group and the control group after treatment was not statistically meaningful. The Cobb angle (P<0.001) and vertebral height (P<0.001) of patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group after therapy. The leakage rates of bone cement (intervertebral disc leakage, paravertebral vein leakage, paravertebral soft tissue leakage) of patients in the observation group were notably lower than those in the control group after therapy (P=0.029). Bone filling mesh bag technology offers significant improvements in Cobb angle and vertebral height for treating elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracic vertebral compression fractures, and reduced the leakage rate of bone cement. This technique achieves comparable therapeutic outcomes to curved vertebroplasty.

Failure mechanisms of hexagonal-shaped intra-module connections in modular steel building

Modular construction has gained popularity for its cost-effectiveness, time savings, and environmental benefits. This research delves into innovating modular buildings to enhance their aesthetic value in contemporary architectural designs. Traditional rectangular modules have lost architectural significance in the modern era. The study focuses on the failure mechanisms of hexagonal intra-module connections under nonlinear static analysis, aiming for advanced structural design and performance in modular construction. The study tested a control model, a Welded Flange Bolted Web (WFBW) connection, and three variations with different parameters: boundary condition, bolt arrangement, and steel grade. For the boundary condition, the tie constraint between the beam's flanges and the diaphragm was removed. Bolt arrangement was assessed with staggered and non-staggered bolts. Steel grade variations included S275 and S355. Results showed that the WFBW connection outperformed the Bolted Web (BW) connection in load resistance. The most damaged component was the beam, with bearing failure at the upper bolt hole. Non-staggered bolts exhibited larger displacements than staggered bolts. The study emphasized the significance of steel material strength in terms of stress and strain on bolt capacity. It highlights the importance of intra-module connections in modular steel structures and the need to consider design parameters carefully. The findings offer insights into improving modular connections' performance and failure mechanisms, facilitating the creation of aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound modular structures. This nonlinear static analysis aids in developing advanced modular construction designs, enhancing architectural significance in the modern era. By merging structural performance and aesthetics, the study promotes innovative modular construction to meet contemporary architectural demands.

Effect of Elevated Temperature on the Lightweight Aggregate Fibre Reinforced Self-Consolidating Concrete

This study comprehensively investigates fiber-reinforced self-compacting concrete (FRSCC) behavior across multiple grade variations, namely M20, M30, and M40. The study encompasses substituting conventional natural aggregate with sintered fly ash, exploring replacement percentages of 10%, 20%, and 30%. The primary objective of this study is to identify the optimum Strength achieved through a 20% replacement ratio. The assessment of fresh properties of FRSCC was undertaken through rigorous testing protocols involving the L box, J ring, and V funnel tests, following the guidelines stipulated by the European Guidelines for Self-Compacting Concrete (EFNARC). Furthermore, the research extensively analyzed vital mechanical properties, including compressive Strength, split tensile Strength, and flexural Strength. These evaluations provided insights into the influence of sintered fly ash incorporation on the structural performance of FRSCC. The investigation extended to a post-curing temperature study, subjecting the concrete specimens to varying temperatures of 100 °C, 300 °C, 600 °C, and 900 °C, followed by exposure to a 1000 °C heating furnace for 3 hours at each designated temperature. The outcomes of this research yield valuable insights into the potential improvements in the mechanical and thermal properties of FRSCC by integrating sintered fly ash. This study is pertinent for professionals and researchers engaged in optimizing the formulation and utilization of fiber-reinforced self-compacting concrete, with implications for sustainable construction practices and enhanced resilience in diverse thermal conditions. Index Terms: Fibre reinforced lightweight self-compacting concrete, Fly Ash, Sintered fly ash Aggregate, Lightweight Sintered fly ash aggregate concrete, lightweight self-consolidating concrete, Crimped steel fiber.