Volume Weight Research Articles

Shengqing Jiangzhuo decoction regulates the immunosuppressive microenvironment via the STAT3 signaling pathway for the treatment of malignant ascites in HCC

IntroductionMalignant ascites is a common complication of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that seriously affects the quality of life and survival of patients and has poor clinical efficacy. In the early stages, the authors found that the combination of the Shengqing Jiangzhuo decoction (SQJZD)and Endostar can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of malignant ascites in patients with HCC and reduce the amount of malignant ascites. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of SQJZD in HCC-related malignant ascites. MethodsA malignant ascites BALB/c mouse model was established by the intraperitoneal inoculation of H22 cells. The mice were randomly divided into model, Endostar, and high-, medium-, and low-dose traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with Endostar groups. Normal mice from the same batch were used as the normal group. The Endostar and TCM + Endostar groups were intraperitoneally injected with Endostar, whereas the model and normal groups were intraperitoneally injected with equal amounts of normal saline. Different doses of SQJZD were administered to each TCM group, and equal amounts of distilled water were administered to the normal, model, and Endostar groups. ResultsThe malignant ascites volume and body weight were higher in the model group than in the normal group. After treatment, the volume and body weight of mice with malignant ascites decreased, especially in the SQJZD combined with Endostar group. Compared with that in the normal group, the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the peripheral blood and spleen of mice in the model group was significantly decreased; the number of regulatory dendritic cells (DCregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the peripheral blood were not significantly changed; and the number of DCregs, MDSCs, and TAMs in the spleen was increased. Compared with those in the model group, the numbers of Tregs, DCregs, MDSCs, and TAMs in the peripheral blood increased in the Endostar or SQJZD combined with Endostar groups, whereas the numbers of Tregs, DCregs, MDSCs, and TAMs in the spleen decreased. Western blotting revealed that the percentage of p-STAT3-positive cells in the liver and spleen of mice increased in the model group, whereas the percentage of p-STAT3-positive cells in the liver and spleen decreased in mice treated with Endostar or SQJZD combined with Endostar. ConclusionsSQJZD combined with Endostar may attenuate immunosuppression and enhance the antitumor immune response by regulating the STAT3 pathway to alleviate malignant ascites in HCC.

Relay-cropping enhances the availability of low iLUC risk lignocellulosic feedstock for advanced biofuels

The relay-cropping (R) of a winter cereal and a high biomass yielding legume for advanced biofuel production can enlarge the legume growing season, thus increase its biomass yield and synchronize nitrogen (N2)-fixation capacity to uptake. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biomass and food yield of two sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.; cv. Ecofix) – wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; cv. Bologna) relay-cropping systems compared to double-cropping, in order to explore the impact on grain and biomass yield of the variable crops overlapping periods. The evaluated relay-cropping systems foreseen an early November wheat sowing into no till bare soil with: i) sunn hemp harvested at full flowering (beginning of November, R1) and ii) sunn hemp harvested at the end of flowering (end of November, R2). In the control (C) double-cropping, sunn hemp was harvested at the beginning of flowering (end of September). Quantitative and qualitative parameters were evaluated for each system across two growing seasons (2019–20 and 2021–22). Sunn hemp biomass and wheat straw residues were determined. The grain qualitative parameters determined for wheat were: grain volume weight (VW), crude protein, wet gluten, starch and Zeleny index (ZI). The R1 and R2 sunn hemp-wheat relay-cropping biomass yield (12.5 Mg d.m. ha−1 y−1) was similar to C (11.3 Mg d.m. ha−1 y−1). In 2019–20, environmental conditions were more favorable, thus, yields were higher than in 2021–22 by 72 %. Wheat grain yields in 2021–22 were higher in R1 (2.9 Mg d.m. ha−1) than C (2.0 Mg d.m. ha−1), with R2 showing intermediate values. In 2019–20, however, the grain quality was higher in R1 than in C for crude protein (+11 %), wet gluten (+15 %), and ZI (+26 %) eventually due to an increased N2-fixation by sunn hemp that reached full flowering. The local availability of low iLUC risk lignocellulosic feedstock for advanced biofuel could be increased through crop intensification with relay-cropping, showing the potential to provide additional biomass and enhance food quality thus complying with the additionality measures set out by the Delegated Regulation of REDIII.

Effect of Fly Ash and Metakaolin Substituted Forms on Structural Properties in Light Mortar with Pumice Aggregate

In this study, experimental tests were conducted on composite mortars in different forms prepared using lime, pumice, fly ash, and metakaolin. This research aims to recycle fly ash produced as industrial waste and produce a building material that is durable, lightweight, and provides good insulation. In the composite structure mortar mixture designs prepared for the experiments, CEN standard sand was replaced with Nevşehir pumice (0.5-4 mm) at the rates of 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively, and fly ash-metakaolin was replaced with the cement at the rates of 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively. A total of 13 different mixtures were prepared. Unit volume mass test, Ultrasonic test, water absorption test, compressive strength test, bending test, thermal conductivity coefficient test, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, and thermogravimetric - differential thermal (TGA/DTA) analysis were performed on the prepared samples. ) analyses were made. As a result of the research, it was determined that T30 (All: Pumice + Fly Ash + Metakaolin) mortar mixture provided the highest compressive strength and thermal conductivity coefficient and the lowest dry unit volume weight compared to other mortar mixtures.

The Influence of Peat Water on the Physical Properties of Underwater Concrete

Casting concrete underwater is concrete used for structural work underwater. The main problem in underwater casting is the separation of concrete constituent materials. Casting underwater also does not involve compaction. This study will examine the effect of peat water on the physical properties of underwater cast concrete. The additive used in this study is in liquid form, with a mixture of anti-washout material 1.8% and self-compacting concrete 5% to the weight of cement. The obtained slump flow value is 470 mm. The results of volume weight testing on variations of clean water mixtures immersed in clean water for seven days are 2248,14 kg/m3 and 2258,96 kg/m3 for 28 days, variations of clean water mixtures immersed in peat water for seven days are 2224,49 kg/m3 and 2219,39 kg/m3 for 28 days, and variations of peat water mixtures immersed in peat water for seven days are 2202,50 kg/m3 and 2191,08 kg/m3 for 28 days. The decrease in volume weight occurs in variations immersed in peat water. The results of porosity testing on 7-day and 28-day concrete age variations of peat water mixtures immersed in peat water are 9,94% and 10,78%, variations of clean water mixtures immersed in peat water are 9,84% and 10,28%, and variations of clean water mixtures immersed in clean water are 9,73% and 8,70%. The SEM test results show the surface shape of concrete using a magnification of 1000x, more pores on variations of peat water mixtures immersed in peat water, and variations of clean water mixtures immersed in peat water have uneven surfaces and pores. In contrast, variations of clean water mixtures immersed in clean water have better surfaces. The additive used can work well with peat water and clean water.

The Effect of Conventional Open Thyroidectomy on Clinical Results and Respiratory Function Tests in Multinodular Goitre.

The primary aim of our study was to measure the effect of conventional open thyroidectomy performed for patients with multinodular goiter (MNG) on pulmonary volumes measured with respiratory function tests independent from surgical indications. A secondary aim was to determine whether there was a significant improvement in the complaints due to obstructive symptoms after MNG surgeries. This study was conducted between October 2020 and June 2022. Patients who were hospitalized to undergo surgery for giant multinodular goiter were prospectively included in the study. Patients were questioned about complaints of pressure, hoarseness, dyspnea, sleep apnea, snoring, and dysphagia before the surgery and during the follow-up 6 months after surgery. In addition, pulmonary function tests were performed preoperatively, 48 hours after surgery and 6 months after surgery. Forced expiratory volume in 0.5 seconds forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity values in pulmonary function test (PFT) measurements were recorded. A total of 55 patients, 42 females and 13 males, mean age 49.54 ± 13.6 years, were included in the study. Although there was a significant decrease in clinical symptoms caused by the thyroid volume within 6 months in patients who were operated for giant MNG there was no significant change in pulmonary function tests. There was a positive correlation between the thyroid volume and nodule weight in patients with MNG. Our results suggest that it is not necessary to follow up with patients without obstructive findings in preoperative pulmonary function tests with pulmonary function tests in the postoperative period.

Soil Quality Index Analysis of Pine Forest Land Use Types on Dryland in Aceh Besar Regency

This study aims to determine the analysis of soil quality index in pine forest land use type on dry land in Aceh Besar Regency. This research focused on several field observation points in the pine forest land use type area on dry land in Aceh Besar Regency. The soil quality index in the pine forest land use type in Aceh Besar Regency is included in the medium category. This is due to soil sampling on the inceptisol soil type in Aceh Besar Regency, which has characteristics of less fertile soil. Soils that have a high percentage of dust have a higher risk of erosion, because dust has a relatively small size so that it is easily washed away by surface flow. low C-organic content, high volume weight, pH H2O, K- exchangeable, P-available and low N-total. In the type of pine forest land use, special treatment is needed in the form of adding organic matter to the soil by fertilizing, reforesting pine plants and conducting drainage so as to reduce nutrient leaching in the top soil layer.

Kidney volume-to-birth weight ratio as an estimate of nephron endowment in extremely low birth weight preterm infants

In humans, nephrogenesis is completed by 32–36 weeks gestation, with a highly variable total number of nephrons, ranging from 200,000 to over 2 million. Premature birth disrupts the development and maturation of the kidneys, leading to a reduction in the final number of nephrons. Due to significant genetic variability in the number of nephrons among individuals, it is crucial to identify premature infants with fewer nephrons at birth as early as possible. These infants are more susceptible to developing renal failure with advancing age compared to those with a higher nephron endowment. Bedside ultrasound, an effective and non-invasive tool, is practical for identifying newborns with a lower nephron count. However, renal volume alone cannot reliably indicate the number of nephrons due to substantial variability at birth, influenced by gestational age when nephron maturation is incomplete. This variability in kidney volumes persists as newborns grow. In this observational study we hypothesize that the relationship between renal volume and birth weight may serve as an indicator of nephron endowment in premature infants with birth weight less than 1000 g. This finding could represent the basis for defining appropriate surveillance protocols and developing targeted therapeutic approaches.

Evolution of in-situ pore structure of nanosilica modified high-volume blast furnace slag cementitious materials under sulfate attack

Nanosilica (NS) has been introduced to enhance the early strength and mitigate the porous structure issues associated with high-volume ground blast furnace slag (GGBS) cementitious materials (HVS). The impact of NS on the sulfate attack resistance in HVS cementitious materials is a noteworthy concern, especially concerning the degradation evolution process under sulfate attack. This study comprehensively analyzed the total volume changes and in-situ pore structure evolution for NS modified HVS cementitious materials under sulfate attack. The findings revealed that NS could effectively cause an increase in pores smaller than 100 nm and decrease in pores larger than 100 nm in HVS cementitious materials. Specifically, NS contributed to a reduction in volume expansion, weight loss, and surface damage of 80 wt% GGBS cement paste during sulfate attack. NS demonstrated its efficacy in improving the ability of 80 wt% GGBS cementitious materials to withstand expansion pressure caused by sulfate attack products, though NS did not significantly reduce the quantity of sulfate attack products. Conversely, NS led to an increase in volume expansion, weight loss and early damage of 60 wt% GGBS cement paste. The damage inflicted on cement paste under sulfate attack primarily manifested as the destruction of pores in nanometer. The process involved a cyclic sequence of pore filling, damage, refilling, and redamage during the sulfate attack process.

Strengthened binding affinity of bispecific antibody nanoplatforms improved the anti-tumor efficacy

Dual receptor targeting (DRT) strategies use bispecific antibodies to simultaneously target two distinct disease mediators and thereby overcome major escape mechanisms evident in mono-targeted therapy. DRT enhances the binding affinity between the ligand and receptors and the specific targeted delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) into cancer cells. In this study we developed anti-EGFR cetuximab (CTX) and Herceptin (HER) decorated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs for the targeted delivery of docetaxel (DTX), which we call DRT-DTX-PLGA-NPs, and we quantified their binding affinity with EGFR and HER2 positive cancer cells.The binding affinity assay indicated that dual conjugation of CTX and HER on PLGA-NPsenhanced the binding affinity between the NPs and cells additively in terms of affinity and synergistically in terms of adhesion energy, compared with PLGA-NPs conjugated with CTX and HER. Furthermore, the DRT-DTX-PLGA-NPs exhibited higher cellular uptake and higher cancer cell cytotoxicity than the single receptor-targeted NPs. In SW480 xenograft mice, the DRT-DTX-PLGA-NPs were more concentrated and retained at the tumor site due to their enhanced binding affinity, and as a result, tumor volume and tumor weight were significantly inhibited compared with tumors treated with the single-ligand targeted NPs.Therefore, DRT-NPs have the potential to improve cancer therapy by providing high affinity between NPs and cells and improving selectivity compared with single-ligand-targeted NPs.

Whole-Tree Green Density Equations for Loblolly and Slash Pine Trees

Abstract Using extensive legacy and new datasets, two equations of whole-tree green density, defined as the ratio of the green weight of stem wood with bark (GWob) divided either by the stem outside-bark volume (Vob) or by the stem inside-bark volume (Vib), were developed along with individual tree Vob, Vib, and GWob equations for loblolly and slash pines. The green density equations indicated that the GWob/Vob ratio increases while the GWob/Vib ratio decreases with an increase in tree size for both species. The transition from low-intensity management to intensive management has a notable impact on tree green weight characteristics. Generally, trees from older established plantations exhibited a higher GWob/Vob ratio compared with trees from more recently established plantations, spanning both loblolly and slash pines. Study Implications: Derived whole-tree green density equations, alongside updated stem green weight and volume equations, are valuable tools for estimating the volume and green weight of entire stem boles, facilitating volume-to-green-weight conversion for specific sections for loblolly and slash pines, the primary commercial timber species in the southern United States.

Experimental Study on Performance of Fibre Reinforced Nanosilica Concrete

Nanotechnology offers promising enhancements to concrete, with nanoparticles augmenting its strength, workability, and durability. This study focuses on employing nano-sized cement as a replacement for conventional cement, particularly utilizing nano-silica due to its beneficial pozzolanic interaction with cement hydration products. Nano-silica effectively modifies concrete's durability by refining pore size and distribution. Experimental investigations reveal an optimal nano-silica replacement dosage of 1.5% to 3% b.w.c , beyond which efficacy diminishes. Further improvements are achieved by combining 0.5% nano-silica with 5% silica fume and varying percentages of aramid, steel, and polypropylene fibres. Notably, the inclusion of 0.1% steel, 0.2% polypropylene, and 0.03% aramid fibres by weight of volume, along with 5% silica fume and 0.5% nano-silica b.w.c , results in substantial compressive strength enhancements, as demonstrated by experimental findings. Key Words: Concrete, Nanosilica, Mixing Technique, Aramid, Compressive Strength.

Is the mouse nose a miniature version of a rat nose? A computational comparative study

Background and objectiveAlthough the mouse is a widely used animal model in biomedical research, there are few published studies on its nasal aerodynamics, potentially due to its small size. It is not appropriate to assume that mice and rats' nasal structure and airflow characteristics are the same because the ratio of nasal surface area to nasal volume and body weight is much higher in a mouse than in a rat. The aim of this work is to use anatomically accurate image-based computational fluid dynamic modeling to quantitatively reveal the characteristics of mouse nasal airflow and mass transport that haven't been detailed before and find key differences to that of rat nose, which will deepen our understanding of the mouse's physiological functions. MethodsWe created an anatomically accurate 3D computational nasal model of a B6 mouse using postmortem high-resolution micro-CT scans and simulated the airflow distribution and odor transport patterns under restful breathing conditions. The deposition pattern of airborne particles was also simulated and validated against experimental data. In addition, we calculated the gas chromatograph efficiency of odor transport in the mouse employing the theoretical plate concept and compared it with previous studies involving cat and rat models. ResultsSimilar to the published rat model, respiratory and olfactory flow regimes are clearly separated in the mouse nasal cavity. A high-speed dorsal medial (DM) stream was observed, which enhances the delivery speed and efficiency of odor to the ethmoid (olfactory) recess (ER). The DM stream split into axial and secondary paths in the ER. However, the secondary flow in the mouse is less extensive than in the rat. The gas chromatograph efficiency calculations suggest that the rat may possess a moderately higher odorant transport efficiency than that of the mouse due to its more complex ethmoid recess structure and extensive secondary flow. However, the mouse's nasal structure seems to adapt better to varying airflow velocity. ConclusionsDue to the inherent structural disparities, the rat and mouse models exhibit moderate differences in airflow and mass transport patterns, potentially impacting their olfaction and other behavioral habits.

Soil-based assessment of site productivity for southern pine plantations in the coastal plain of the southeastern US: (I) loblolly pine

Site productivity and forest management strategies hinge on intrinsic site resources such as soil water and nutrient availability. In this study, regression tree model and linear regression model approaches were employed to quantify the relationship between site index and soil parameters for loblolly pine plantations in the Coastal Plain. Both the optimal regression tree model and the final linear regression model identified modified CRIFF (Cooperative Research in Forest Fertilization) soil groups and surface soil extractable phosphorus (Mehlich 1 P) as significant variables for predicting site index. The final linear regression model, with a R2 of 0.899 and an RMSE of 1.12 m, exhibited superior performance compared to the optimal regression tree model. Additionally, mean annual increments in stand volume and green weight for each soil group were simulated and compared with data from a long-term loblolly pine culture/density experimental study in the same region. These resulting predictive models offer applicability across diverse sites and are particularly well-suited for areas where forest stands are not currently established.

Ozone enhances the efficacy of radiation therapy in esophageal cancer.

Radioresistance is increasingly developed in esophageal cancer. Increasing radiation sensitivity can reduce the mortality of esophageal cancer. To investigate the effect and mechanism of ozone on the radiotherapy sensitization of esophageal carcinoma. KYSE150 cells were xenografted subcutaneously into nude mice and irradiated with 8Gy radiation according to different subgroups (sham, radiation, ozone and radiation+ozone group (n = 10 per group)). Half of the mice were used to determine the body weight, tumor size and tumor weight. Half of the mice were used to collect peripheral blood. The serum was centrifuged to detect circulating cell-free DNA (cf-DNA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), myeloperoxidase (MPO)-DNA complexes, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) using commercial kits. The levels of phosphorylation AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and scavenger receptor-A (SR-A) were measured by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting in the tumor tissues of mice. Ozone alone or combined with radiation therapy significantly reduced the body weight, tumor volume and tumor weight of esophageal cancer compared to the sham group. The ELISA results showed that the levels of cf-DNA, IFN-γ, MPO-DNA complexes, TNF-α, IL-6, HIF-1α and MMP-9 in the peripheral blood of mice treated with ozone combined with radiation were significantly lower compared with the radiation group. Ozone, synergistically with radiation, significantly increased the protein expression of p-AMPK and SR-A. Ozone may increase the radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer by inhibiting neutrophil extracellular traps.

The effect of lightweight geopolymer concrete containing air agent on building envelope performance and internal thermal comfort

Innovative building materials are the primary focus for researchers seeking to reduce energy consumption and advance global sustainability initiatives. This target could accomplished by addressing environmental issues and confronting the adverse impact of climate change. In this regard, this paper used a combined experimental and simulation approach to evaluate the effectiveness of lightweight geopolymer concrete (LWGC) incorporating industrial waste of aluminum powder (AP) and ferrosilicon waste powder (FWP) for reducing the energy consumption in the building envelop. Seven concrete mixes for LWGC were prepared using an air operator. Three mixtures contain 0.1 %, 0.2 %, and 0.3 % AP (FA), and three mixtures contain 0.1 %, 0.2 %, and 0.3 % FWP by weight of fly ash. The workability, unit volume weight, compressive strength, thermal conductivity, and microstructure analysis of the LWGC were examined. In addition, energy simulations were performed to evaluate their ability to reduce energy use in residential buildings. The inclusion of AP and FWP in LWGC resulted in a significant decrease in the density of the material, which amounts to 55 % for AP0.3 and 35 % for FWP0.3. The diameter of the LWGC pore structure increased as the Ca/Si ratio was reduced. The AP and FWP materials reduced energy consumption for building envelope elements such as external walls and roof insulation by 14.5 %, resulting in a 9.2 % overall reduction compared to the traditional concrete mix as a control sample.

Characterization of Physicochemical Properties and and Heavy Metals Content of Soils under Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Cultivation, Kapuas Hulu District, Indonesia

Background: Kapuas Hulu is a district in West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, which is famous for its production of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a traditional medicinal plant. Kratom is the main cultivated plant carried out by farmers. However, data regarding the physicochemical properties of kratom plantation soil are still limited, especially regarding the heavy metal content. This research aimed to determine the physicochemical properties and heavy metal content of soil planted with kratom. Methods: This research was conducted on alluvial soil and peat planted with kratom. This research is survey of 2 fields where sampling from each land was carried out using the diagonal method, where 5 sub-samples were taken per land and composited, except for volume Weight. Result: Mineral land and peat land can be used as land for Kratom cultivation because the physicochemical properties of both lands support the growth of Kratom plus the heavy metal content is below the critical threshold.

95‐1: Augmented Reality Display Based on Surface Relief Grating with Large Area Processing

AR display has been the most promising new technology in the current display market. Among which surface relief grating waveguide has the advantages of large field of view, small volume and light weight. This article adopts the large‐area (370 mm * 470 mm) waveguide prepraration route as a solution to the low‐cost and high‐efficiency waveguide route, showing excellent structural uniformity of more than 95%. The waveguide numbers is 5 to 10 times that of the conventional wafer‐level route, which can further promote the practical application of AR waveguides.

Characteristics Of Physical And Chemical Properties Of Soil After Gold Processing (Case Study Of Unlicensed Gold Mining In The District Sumbawa Regency, Indonesia)

The purpose of this study was to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil used for unlicensed gold processing in West Sumbawa Regency. This research was carried out in Kuang Village, Taliwang District, West Sumbawa Regency in September 2023. The criteria for soil sampling location is that the activity of the spindle has been inactive for 5 years, using mercury as a material for gold extraction and is in the home environment. This study was conducted by quantitative descriptive method or direct observation in the field and soil analysis in the Laboratory of soil chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram. Furthermore, soil sampling was carried out using purposive sampling method or based on purpose with consideration of potential pollution. Based on the results, it can be seen that the physical characteristics of soil including clay with volume weight, specific gravity and porosity are quite dense soil with poor infiltration, while the chemical characteristics of soil include low fertility of both C-organic, CEC, soil pH, N and P soil. The concentration of Hg found in soil ranges from 1.42-15.83 ppm. In this case, mercury contaminated soil needs to be remediated using environmentally friendly materials, cheap and the availability of many in nature. Efforts that can be done is the use of green technology using phytoremediator plants and soil improvement materials, namely biochar. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further research aimed at reducing the availability and mobility of mercury in the soil

STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF MINERAL ADMIXTURE ADDITION ON PAVING BLOCKS' PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Paving blocks, concrete bricks made from cement and sand, are a vital alternative to ground cover. Their extensive, precast nature, water absorption capabilities, affordability, and ease of use contribute to their popularity. However, the additional ingredients, particularly mineral admixtures, hold the potential to enhance these blocks' quality and performance significantly. The mineral admixtures used, such as limestone, quartz sand, and gypsum, are instrumental in improving the performance of paving blocks, offering a promising avenue for further research and application. This research, conducted with meticulous scientific rigor, investigated paving blocks' physical and mechanical properties. Paving block test objects were created using sand, cement, and crushed stone with mineral admixtures. The mineral admixtures used in this experiment, including gypsum, quartz sand, and limestone, were crushed before being used in a stone cruiser machine to make them powder and reactive. Compressive strength test, weat resistance test, volume weight test, water absorption test, and visual inspection were conducted experimentally. The research results, derived from a robust experimental setup, revealed that paving blocks with 10% gypsum additives, 6% quartz sand powder, and limestone powder produced a more excellent compressive strength value than standard paving blocks, values of 36,884 MPa, 37,573 MPa, and 38,950 MPa with a regular paving block compressive strength value of 36,119 MPa followed by a decrease in the percentage of absorption. This suggests that using mineral admixtures at a certain percentage as an additional material can improve the quality of paving blocks. However, it is essential to note that adding too many mineral admixtures can also decrease the strength of the paving block, emphasizing the need for careful application of these materials in construction. These findings provide valuable insights for civil engineers, construction professionals, and researchers in materials science and construction technology, enhancing their understanding of the role of mineral admixtures in paving block strength.

Penalty weight tuning in high dose rate brachytherapy using multi-objective Bayesian optimization

Objective. Treatment plan optimization in high dose rate brachytherapy often requires manual fine-tuning of penalty weights for each objective, which can be time-consuming and dependent on the planner's experience. To automate this process, this study used a multi-criteria approach called multi-objective Bayesian optimization with q-noisy expected hypervolume improvement as its acquisition function (MOBO-qNEHVI). Approach. The treatment plans of 13 prostate cancer patients were retrospectively imported to a research treatment planning system, RapidBrachyMTPS, where fast mixed integer optimization (FMIO) performs dwell time optimization given a set of penalty weights to deliver 15 Gy to the target volume. MOBO-qNEHVI was used to find patient-specific Pareto optimal penalty weight vectors that yield clinically acceptable dose volume histogram metrics. The relationship between the number of MOBO-qNEHVI iterations and the number of clinically acceptable plans per patient (acceptance rate) was investigated. The performance time was obtained for various parameter configurations. Main results. MOBO-qNEHVI found clinically acceptable treatment plans for all patients. With increasing the number of MOBO-qNEHVI iterations, the acceptance rate grew logarithmically while the performance time grew exponentially. Fixing the penalty weight of the tumour volume to maximum value, adding the target dose as a parameter, initiating MOBO-qNEHVI with 25 parallel sampling of FMIO, and running 6 MOBO-qNEHVI iterations found solutions that delivered 15 Gy to the hottest 95% of the clinical target volume while respecting the dose constraints to the organs at risk. The average acceptance rate for each patient was 89.74% ± 8.11%, and performance time was 66.6 ± 12.6 s. The initiation took 22.47 ± 7.57 s, and each iteration took 7.35 ± 2.45 s to find one Pareto solution.Significance. MOBO-qNEHVI combined with FMIO can automatically explore the trade-offs between treatment plan objectives in a patient specific manner within a minute. This approach can reduce the dependency of plan quality on planner’s experience and reduce dose to the organs at risk.