Meta-Analysis of Insulated Concrete Wall Panel Design Methods for Shear and Flexure Behavior

Insulated Concrete wall panels have been designed and constructed since the early 1950s with various shear ties, dimensions, and methods; nonetheless, thermal bridging and rational design are still a concern. Many companies have recently developed plastic connectors that have gradually replaced solid concrete sections and steel connectors due to their superior thermal efficiency and strength. However, there is no generally accepted method for predicting the behavior of sandwich wall panels in structural engineering practice or codes, but many methods have been used since the early 1920. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of current methods for predicting the flexural performance of concrete sandwich wall panels under out-of-plane loading. The analysis is conducted within the elastic range using eight different methods found in the literature. Over ninety full-scale specimens are reviewed and analyzed using these methods, which include commercially available connectors and various concrete properties and panel dimensions, for prestress, mild reinforced concrete. The results show that the Beam Spring Model (BSM), Mechanics-based modeling (MBM), Iterative and Simplified Sandwich Beam Theory (ISBT) for Partially Composite Concrete Wall Panels, and Simplified Sandwich Beam Theory (SSBT) methods produce similar results for cracking load and deflections with low variability, while the Timoshenko-Ehrenfest Bea, Beam on elastic foundation approach (Holmberg and Plem), Allen\u27s method, and the Simplified Model for Partially Composite Insulated Panels (SMPCIP) methods produce inconsistent results compared to reference testing. Furthermore, this study included a shear flow analysis using data from literature for 102 panels to examine the shear flow performance for both average and discrete methods. In which both methods did not have agreement compared to reference testing. Advisor: Marc Maguir

Developing A Method for Inter-Seed Effect Correction in 125I Interstitial Brachytherapy Using Artificial Neural Network

Introduction: Treatment planning systems use TG-43 dose calculation protocol for brachytherapy sources. Dose calculations based on TG-43 formalism do not correct the perturbations due to the presence of tissue inhomogeneity, applicators, and inter-seed effects. Inter-seed attenuation has an important effect on dosimetry in permanent implant brachytherapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the inter-seed attenuation effect for I-125 permanent implants. Then, software was developed to find the real dose distribution for different combinations of sources.Material and Methods: In the first step, a hypothetical generic source model was designed based on the configurations of different commercial source types. MCNP5 Monte Carlo code was utilized to simulate the single active generic source at the center of the phantom, and an inactive placed at various positions inside the phantom. An algorithm was introduced using artificial neural network models that can estimate the dose distribution in presence of inactive sources.Results: The Monte Carlo calculation results showed that the dose distribution is affected by the inter-seed attenuation effect. Comparison of the artificial neural network results with the Monte Carlo simulation results show that the artificial neural networks can predict the inter-seed attenuation with acceptable accuracy. Comparison of the MC calculations, and the ANN output does not show statistically significant differences between the results (P value>0.95).Conclusion: Inter-seed effect is dependent on the distance between the seeds. Decreasing distances would cause more effect. According to the results, it seems that the artificial neural network can be used as a tool for correction of inter-seed attenuation effect in treatment planning systems

Partial Leaching Effect to Pt decorated Pd-Fe/C Nanoparticles for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

A facile route to produce high‐performance Pt@Pd‐Fe/C oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts are explained in this article. The surface modification of partial leaching of Fe from Pd‐Fe nanoparticles followed by Pt decoration using microwave‐assisted method has largely enhanced the catalytic performances. Herein, we show that alloying Pd with Fe atoms improves the catalytic activity toward ORR by expending lattices to tune the strain and ligand effect. Further modification by partially leaching Fe atoms from the core surface can increase the active sites, the trace amounts of Pt decorated on the modified Pd‐Fe cores improved the ORR activity and stability by controlling the strain effect and ligand effect between Pt, Fe and Pd. Such a special designed structure interacts to give further improved the ORR catalytic performances which is higher than commercial Johnson Matthey Pt/C catalysts, and shed a light of mass production low‐cost catalyst

Improved quality of healed wounds with topical application of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack root extract hydrogel

INTRODUCTION:Collagen is the key component of the extracellular matrix that plays a critical role in the strength and quality of the healed wound. Eurycoma longifoliaJack root extract (TA) has been documented as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial agent that may improve the quality of healed wounds. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of topical application of TA hydrogel on the quality of the healed skin in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty male Sprague Dawley rats were grouped into 4 groups: Negative control, Hydrocyn®aqua gel positive control, vehicle (Xanthan) hydrogel, and Eurycoma longifolia Jack (TA) hydrogel. Treatments were applied twice daily starting on wounding day until day 21. An excisional wound was created on the back of 20 rats. Tissue samples of the healed skin were collected for histological examination by measuring the epidermal and dermal thicknesses and evaluating the collagen fibre quality by VVG stain. RESULTS:The TA hydrogel grouphad the thickest newly formed epidermis compared with the other experimental groups. For the dermal thickness, compared with the vehicle (xanthan) hydrogel group, TA hydrogel, and Hydrocyn aqua® gel positive control groups showed significantly increased thickness withpvalues 0.020 and 0.045, respectively. Histologically TA hydrogel group showed a significant increase in mixed-oriented collagen fibres, and fascicular collagen bundles and showed profound collagen density. CONCLUSION: TA hydrogel improved the quality of healed skin by increasing the epidermal/dermal thicknesses and enhancing the quality of newly produced collagen fibres. It can be considered a promising and effective wound-healing agen

Half-Sphere Shell Supported Pt Catalyst for Electrochemical Methanol Oxidation

Bi-functional effect, elevated mass transport and increased durability have been combined within one catalyst for electrochemical methanol oxidation reaction. It has niobium (Nb) doped titanium dioxides (TiO2) nanosized half-sphere shell (HSS) as the substrate material deposited with small amount of Pt nanoparticles. These specially designed HSS nanostructure has significantly increased surface areas which are suitable for Pt nanoparticles to be deposited onto them to form the catalyst denoted as Pt/Nb-TiO2 HSS. It exhibits a remarkably high methanol oxidation activity of 0.21 V vs. RHE which is 0.05 V lower than HiSPEC10000 PtRu/C catalyst, due to the substrate's strong metal support interactions effect, bi-functional effect and the special structure. These HSS nanostructures have also increased the methanol diffusion and mass transport within the anode to give a maximum power output of 0.0931 W of cathode polarization in miniature direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). It also acts as protection shells, which minimises the dissolution of Pt metal nanoparticles to prevent its diffusion through the membrane

Cobalt Nickel Boride Nanocomposite as High-Performance Anode Catalyst for Direct Borohydride Fuel Cell

Similar to MXene, MAB is a group of 2D ceramic/metallic boride materials which exhibits unique properties for various applications. However, these 2D sheets tend to stack and therefore lose their active surface area and functions. Herein, an amorphous cobalt nickel boride (Co–Ni–B) nanocomposite is prepared with a combination of 2D sheets and nanoparticles in the center to avoid agglomeration. This unique structure holds the 2D nano-sheets with massive surface area which contains numerous catalytic active sites. This nanocomposite is prepared as an electrocatalyst for borohydride electrooxidation reaction (BOR). It shows outstanding catalytic activity through improving the kinetic parameters of BH4− oxidation, owing to abundant ultrathin 2D structure on the surface, which provide free interspace and electroactive sites for charge/mass transport. The anode catalyst led to a 209 mW/cm2 maximum power density with high open circuit potential of 1.06 V at room temperature in a miniature direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC). It also showed a great longevity of up to 45 h at an output power density of 64 mW/cm2, which is higher than the Co–B, Ni–B and PtRu/C. The cost reduction and prospective scale-up production of the Co–Ni–B catalyst are also addressed

Epidemiology of familial multiple sclerosis in Iran: a national registry-based study

Background Admittedly, little is known about the epidemiological signatures of familial multiple sclerosis (FMS) in different geographical regions of Iran. Objective To determine the epidemiology and the risk of FMS incidence in several provinces of Iran with a different ethnic population including, Fars, Tehran, Isfahan (Persians), and Mazandaran (Mazanis), Kermanshah (Kurds), and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari (Lors). Methods This cross-sectional registry-based study was performed on nationwide MS registry of Iran (NMSRI) data collected from 2018 to 2021. This system, registers baseline characteristics, clinical presentations and symptoms, diagnostic and treatments at regional and national levels. Results A total of 9200 patients including, 7003 (76.1%) female and 2197 (23.9%) male, were participated. About 19% of patients reported a family history of MS; the order from highest to lowest FMS prevalence was as follows: Fars (26.5%), Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari (21.1%), Tehran (20.5%), Isfahan (20.3%), Mazandaran (18.0%), and Kermanshah (12.5%). Of all FMS cases, 74.7% (1308 cases) were female and 25.3% (442 cases) were male. FMS occurrence was much more common in females than males (P-value = 0.001). Further, the mean age at onset was 30 years among FMS cases. A substantially higher probability of relapsing-remitting MS and secondary-progressive MS was found among FMS cases than sporadic MS (SMS) (P_value = 0.001). There was no significant difference in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores between FMS and SMS. The majority of FMS cases were observed among first-degree relatives, with the highest rate in siblings. There was a significant association between MS risk and positive familial history in both maternal and paternal aunt/uncle (P_value = 0.043 and P_value = 0.019, respectively). Multiple sclerosis occurrence among offspring of females was higher than males (P_value = 0.027). Conclusions In summary, our findings imply a noteworthy upward trend of FMS in Iran, even more than the global prevalence, which suggests a unique Atlas of FMS prevalence in this multi-ethnic population. Despite the highest rate of FMS within Persian and Lor ethnicities, no statistically significant difference was observed among the provinces

Epidemiology of injuries from fire, heat and hot substances : global, regional and national morbidity and mortality estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2017 study

Background Past research has shown how fires, heat and hot substances are important causes of health loss globally. Detailed estimates of the morbidity and mortality from these injuries could help drive preventative measures and improved access to care. Methods We used the Global Burden of Disease 2017 framework to produce three main results. First, we produced results on incidence, prevalence, years lived with disability, deaths, years of life lost and disability-adjusted life years from 1990 to 2017 for 195 countries and territories. Second, we analysed these results to measure mortality-to-incidence ratios by location. Third, we reported the measures above in terms of the cause of fire, heat and hot substances and the types of bodily injuries that result. Results Globally, there were 8 991 468 (7 481 218 to 10 740 897) new fire, heat and hot substance injuries in 2017 with 120 632 (101 630 to 129 383) deaths. At the global level, the age-standardised mortality caused by fire, heat and hot substances significantly declined from 1990 to 2017, but regionally there was variability in age-standardised incidence with some regions experiencing an increase (eg, Southern Latin America) and others experiencing a significant decrease (eg, High-income North America). Conclusions The incidence and mortality of injuries that result from fire, heat and hot substances affect every region of the world but are most concentrated in middle and lower income areas. More resources should be invested in measuring these injuries as well as in improving infrastructure, advancing safety measures and ensuring access to care.Peer reviewe

Spatial, temporal, and demographic patterns in prevalence of chewing tobacco use in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2019 : a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Interpretation Chewing tobacco remains a substantial public health problem in several regions of the world, and predominantly in south Asia. We found little change in the prevalence of chewing tobacco use between 1990 and 2019, and that control efforts have had much larger effects on the prevalence of smoking tobacco use than on chewing tobacco use in some countries. Mitigating the health effects of chewing tobacco requires stronger regulations and policies that specifically target use of chewing tobacco, especially in countries with high prevalence. Findings In 2019, 273 center dot 9 million (95% uncertainty interval 258 center dot 5 to 290 center dot 9) people aged 15 years and older used chewing tobacco, and the global age-standardised prevalence of chewing tobacco use was 4 center dot 72% (4 center dot 46 to 5 center dot 01). 228 center dot 2 million (213 center dot 6 to 244 center dot 7; 83 center dot 29% [82 center dot 15 to 84 center dot 42]) chewing tobacco users lived in the south Asia region. Prevalence among young people aged 15-19 years was over 10% in seven locations in 2019. Although global agestandardised prevalence of smoking tobacco use decreased significantly between 1990 and 2019 (annualised rate of change: -1 center dot 21% [-1 center dot 26 to -1 center dot 16]), similar progress was not observed for chewing tobacco (0 center dot 46% [0 center dot 13 to 0 center dot 79]). Among the 12 highest prevalence countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palau, Sri Lanka, and Yemen), only Yemen had a significant decrease in the prevalence of chewing tobacco use, which was among males between 1990 and 2019 (-0 center dot 94% [-1 center dot 72 to -0 center dot 14]), compared with nine of 12 countries that had significant decreases in the prevalence of smoking tobacco. Among females, none of these 12 countries had significant decreases in prevalence of chewing tobacco use, whereas seven of 12 countries had a significant decrease in the prevalence of tobacco smoking use for the period. Summary Background Chewing tobacco and other types of smokeless tobacco use have had less attention from the global health community than smoked tobacco use. However, the practice is popular in many parts of the world and has been linked to several adverse health outcomes. Understanding trends in prevalence with age, over time, and by location and sex is important for policy setting and in relation to monitoring and assessing commitment to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Methods We estimated prevalence of chewing tobacco use as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 using a modelling strategy that used information on multiple types of smokeless tobacco products. We generated a time series of prevalence of chewing tobacco use among individuals aged 15 years and older from 1990 to 2019 in 204 countries and territories, including age-sex specific estimates. We also compared these trends to those of smoked tobacco over the same time period. Findings In 2019, 273 & middot;9 million (95% uncertainty interval 258 & middot;5 to 290 & middot;9) people aged 15 years and older used chewing tobacco, and the global age-standardised prevalence of chewing tobacco use was 4 & middot;72% (4 & middot;46 to 5 & middot;01). 228 & middot;2 million (213 & middot;6 to 244 & middot;7; 83 & middot;29% [82 & middot;15 to 84 & middot;42]) chewing tobacco users lived in the south Asia region. Prevalence among young people aged 15-19 years was over 10% in seven locations in 2019. Although global age standardised prevalence of smoking tobacco use decreased significantly between 1990 and 2019 (annualised rate of change: -1 & middot;21% [-1 & middot;26 to -1 & middot;16]), similar progress was not observed for chewing tobacco (0 & middot;46% [0 & middot;13 to 0 & middot;79]). Among the 12 highest prevalence countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palau, Sri Lanka, and Yemen), only Yemen had a significant decrease in the prevalence of chewing tobacco use, which was among males between 1990 and 2019 (-0 & middot;94% [-1 & middot;72 to -0 & middot;14]), compared with nine of 12 countries that had significant decreases in the prevalence of smoking tobacco. Among females, none of these 12 countries had significant decreases in prevalence of chewing tobacco use, whereas seven of 12 countries had a significant decrease in the prevalence of tobacco smoking use for the period. Interpretation Chewing tobacco remains a substantial public health problem in several regions of the world, and predominantly in south Asia. We found little change in the prevalence of chewing tobacco use between 1990 and 2019, and that control efforts have had much larger effects on the prevalence of smoking tobacco use than on chewing tobacco use in some countries. Mitigating the health effects of chewing tobacco requires stronger regulations and policies that specifically target use of chewing tobacco, especially in countries with high prevalence. Copyright (c) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.Peer reviewe