Sulfate attack testing approaches from concrete to cement paste: a review by RILEM TC 298-EBD

Most existing test methods determine the sulfate resistance of concrete using accelerated methods in the laboratory, on mortar or concrete specimens. However, these accelerated tests often use high sulfate concentrations or require very complicated setups, which may alter the deterioration mechanisms, while still being laborious and time-consuming. Additionally, the need for more sustainable binders and distinctive properties of systems incorporating emerging supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) may limit the applicability of conventional test methods. In this context, the Working Group 3 of RILEM TC 298-EBD aims to develop simple accelerated test methods on cement pastes for evaluating sulfate resistance, which directly investigate the reactive component of concrete. Working at this scale can provide reliable results in a much shorter time than traditional tests on mortars and concretes, while providing means to assess the impact of different SCMs and binders on the resistance to sulfate attack. This paper presents our first step, a critical literature review on sulfate deterioration testing from the concrete/mortar to the cement paste scale. We present a general introduction to sulfate attack, common test parameters, assessment methods, test setups for paste specimens, a discussion of potential approaches, and concluding remarks. Insights gained from this review will be instrumental in establishing an effective and reliable approach to sulfate deterioration testing on cement paste specimens

DXA-derived hip shape is associated with hip fracture: a longitudinal study of 38,123 UK Biobank participants

Despite advancements in fracture prediction tools and osteoporosis management, hip fractures remain a significant consequence of bone fragility, carrying a 22% 1-yr mortality rate. Hip geometric measures (GMs) have been associated with fracture risk; however, their strong correlation hinders the identification of independent influences, leaving their relative predictive value unclear. Statistical shape modeling (SSM) provides a more holistic assessment of hip shape compared to using predetermined GMs. This study aimed to evaluate whether SSM-derived hip shape from DXA scans can predict hip fracture, independently of individual GMs. Previously, we applied SSM to left hip DXA images in UK Biobank—a large prospective cohort with linked hospital records—generating 10 orthogonal hip shape modes (HSMs) that explained 86% of shape variance. Additionally, FN width (FNW), femoral head diameter (FHD), and hip axis length (HAL) were derived from these DXAs. In the current analysis, Cox proportional hazard models, adjusted for age, sex, height, weight, BMD, and GMs (FNW, HAL, and FHD), were used to examine the longitudinal associations between each HSM and first incident hospital diagnosed hip fracture. A Bonferroni adjusted p-value threshold (p < .004) was used to account for the 13 exposures. Among the 38 123 participants (mean age 63.7 yr; 52% female; mean follow-up 5 yr), 133 (0.35%) experienced subsequent hip fracture. HSM2, characterized by a narrower FNW, a higher neck shaft angle, and reduced acetabular coverage, showed a strong association with hip fracture risk (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.11-1.58, p: 1.47 × 10−3), which persisted after full adjustment (1.30, 1.09-1.55, 3.27 × 10−3). There was no evidence for an association with other HSMs. These findings suggest that DXA-derived hip shape is associated with hip fracture risk independently of BMD and GMs. Incorporating global hip shape into fracture risk assessment tools could enhance prediction accuracy and inform targeted interventions

Correlation between imaging-detected and pathological extranodal extension in a randomised trial in Human Papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer

Background Imaging-detected and pathological extranodal extension (iENE, pENE) negatively impact prognosis in Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal cancer (OPSCC), as reflected in future TNM staging updates. Correlation between iENE and pENE in HPV-positive OPSCC is currently unknown yet is vital to determine how iENE should be used to influence treatment decisions. Methods PATHOS is a trial of de-intensified adjuvant treatment after transoral surgery for HPV-positive OPSCC. 291 consecutively recruited patients undergoing surgery at three UK centres were included. Pre-operative cross-sectional imaging (CT and/or MRI) was independently scored for iENE by 2 expert radiologists; pENE was scored by 2 expert pathologists. Results Inter-rater agreement for iENE was fair in round 1 (Gwet’s AC: 0.34 (95%CI:0.26–0.41)) but improved to very good after second review (Gwet’s AC: 0.88 (95%CI:0.85–0.93), Agreement: 0.91 (95%CI:0.87–0.94)). Sensitivity of iENE for predicting pENE was relatively low (at best: 56.4% (95%CI:42.3–69.7) and specificity was high (at worst: 70.9% (95%CI:65.0–76.3)). Excluding cases with suboptimal image quality and recent core biopsy produced modest improvements in sensitivity (up to 59.4% (95%CI:40.6–76.3)) and specificity (up to 87.8% (95%CI:80.4–93.2)). Discussion The high specificity could help select iENE-negative patients for surgery, but higher sensitivity is required before excluding surgery based solely on iENE positivity

A survey of inclusive information access

Inclusive Information Access (IIA) is an essential field within information science and technology aimed at providing equitable information access for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Despite its significance, research on IIA remains dispersed across various domains, making it difficult to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field. This survey systematically examines the existing literature to map key themes, identify research trends, and highlight influential contributions within IIA. Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) as a topic modeling method, this survey provides insights into the evolution of major topics, including publication trends, institutional engagement, and geographical reach. By analyzing authorship networks and citation patterns, this survey identifies key contributors, highly cited works, and influential research institutions, providing a structured overview of scholarly impact within IIA. This survey aims to support researchers in navigating the complex landscape of IIA and identifying avenues for future research

Adapting EAP pedagogy for online learning: ​ lessons from emergency remote teaching ​

This study examines how English for Academic Purposes (EAP) practitioners adapted their teaching methodologies during Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) in a UK university’s online pre-sessional programme (PSP), focusing on technology-enhanced pedagogy and its implications for Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Using qualitative methods, including reflections from discussion forums and interviews with 25 practitioners, this research explores how educators re-evaluated and restructured their online teaching practices, integrating digital tools to enhance learning outcomes. Findings indicate that most practitioners initially attempted to replicate in-person teaching but soon recognised the distinct affordances and constraints of online environments. Adjustments included more structured lesson planning, the integration of asynchronous learning to complement synchronous interactions, and a shift towards flipped learning methodologies. Practitioners also developed multimodal engagement strategies, incorporating collaborative tools to facilitate student participation. Additionally, concept-checking strategies were adapted for the online setting, leveraging chat-based responses, emoji reactions, and structured questioning techniques to foster interaction. This study contributes to CALL research by offering insights into the evaluation and re-evaluation of teaching methodologies in digital EAP contexts. It also highlights the role of digital tools in supporting second language acquisition and student engagement in synchronous and asynchronous online learning environments. As EAP pedagogy continues to evolve in the digital landscape, this research underscores the importance of CALL-informed professional development to support practitioners in advancing digital EAP pedagogies

Continuous glucose monitoring metrics and pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a secondary analysis of the DiGest trial

OBJECTIVE: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is increasingly used in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but optimal metrics, ranges, and targets in this population are undefined. We assessed associations between CGM metrics and pregnancy outcomes in GDM.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: During the DiGest study, 425 women with GDM (diagnosed at median [IQR] 25.1 [18.3-27.7] weeks) and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 received a dietary intervention, with masked Dexcom G6 CGM at 29 (n = 361), 32 (n = 215), and 36 (n = 227) weeks' gestation. For this secondary analysis, we used logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic curves, and the Youden index to assess associations and predictive ability of CGM metrics, including pregnancy-specific time in range (TIRp) (63-140 mg/dL [3.5-7.8 mmol/L]) and pregnancy outcomes.RESULTS: CGM metrics at 29 weeks were significantly associated with large for gestational age (LGA) and small for gestational age (SGA). Participants achieving mean glucose &lt;110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L), TIRp ≥90%, or pregnancy-specific time above range (TARp) &lt;10% at 29 weeks had a significantly lower risk of LGA (odds ratio [OR] 0.41 [95% CI 0.22, 0.77], 0.38 [0.20, 0.70], and 0.39 [0.20, 0.73], respectively) and SGA (0.26 [0.08, 0.79], 0.30 [0.10, 0.91], and 0.19 [0.06, 0.62], respectively). TARp &lt;10% and mean nocturnal glucose &lt;110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L) were associated with a reduced odds of preterm birth (OR 0.40 [0.17, 0.94] and 0.42 [0.19, 0.97], respectively). A stricter range (63-120 mg/dL [3.5-6.7 mmol/L]) had similar performance overall, but had no single statistically robust TIR/TAR target across all outcomes.CONCLUSIONS: In women with GDM, CGM mean glucose &lt;110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L), ≥90% TIRp, or &lt;10% TARp using a range of 63-140 mg/dL (3.5-7.8 mmol/L) at 29 weeks' gestation was associated with a low risk of suboptimal offspring outcomes.</p

Raising awareness of alcohol as a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of accessing an interactive website with a non-interactive website

Background: Alcohol consumption is a potentially modifiable risk factor for breast cancer (BC). Reducing alcohol consumption within the daily amount at low-risk for alcohol-related consequences (daily alcohol threshold) may contribute to preventing BC new cases. However, most women are unaware of risk factors for BC, the daily alcohol threshold, and how to measure alcohol use. We aimed at investigating the efficacy of accessing an interactive website in increasing the knowledge that alcohol is a BC risk factor. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial among women waiting for mammography. Women completed a questionnaire to investigate their knowledge before and after accessing an interactive (intervention group) and non-interactive (control group) website. Results: We recruited 671 women, randomized 329 (49.0 %) and 342 (51.0 %) to the intervention and control groups, respectively. At baseline, most women were not aware of most modifiable BC risk factors. Accessing either website significantly increased the percentage of women who acquired the knowledge on BC risk factors, with the interactive website achieving better results: 82 % and 69 % of women acquired the knowledge that alcohol is a risk factor for BC in the intervention and control groups, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). Among women with lower levels of education, the probability of acquiring this knowledge was higher in the intervention group than control group. Conclusion: Our results show that accessing an interactive website may increase the percentage of women who acquire the knowledge that alcohol is a BC risk factor especially among women of lower levels of education.</p