Spiral Computed Tomographic Evaluation and Endodontic Management of a Mandibular Second Molar with Four Roots. A Case Report and Literature Review

The vast majority of mandibular second molars have two roots with three root canals; however, variations in molar root canal anatomy are not uncommon. To the best of our knowledge, four rooted mandibular second molar with three mesial roots and one distal root has never been reported. Herein, we present the endodontic management of a four rooted mandibular second molar tooth, diagnosed with the assistance of spiral computed tomography (SCT) with a brief review of literature

AccountAbility’s AA1000AP standard: A framework for integrating sustainability into organisations

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate corporate sustainability integration by evaluating corporate practices against the sustainability principles of inclusivity, materiality, responsiveness and impact outlined in AccountAbility’s AA1000 Accountability Principles (AA1000AP) standard. Design/methodology/approach: Data comprise 12 semi-structured interviews with senior managers of listed New Zealand companies. Findings are evaluated against AccountAbility’s principles of inclusivity, materiality, responsiveness and impact, which are based on a normative view of stakeholder theory. Findings: In terms of inclusivity, stakeholder engagement is primarily monologic and is directed more towards traditional stakeholder groups. However, social media, which is gaining popularity, has the potential to facilitate greater dialogic stakeholder engagement. While most companies undertake a materiality assessment (with varying degrees of rigour) to support sustainability reporting, only some use it to drive planning and decision-making. Companies demonstrate responsiveness to stakeholder concerns through corporate governance and sustainability initiatives. Companies are monitoring and measuring their impact on stakeholders using sustainability key performance indicators (KPIs). However, measuring traditional metrics is easier than measuring areas such as the community. In rare instances, the executive’s remuneration is linked to these sustainability KPIs. Practical implications: The study findings offer useful examples of the integration of sustainability into corporate processes and systems. Practitioners may find the insights useful in understanding how sustainability is currently being integrated into corporate practices by best practice New Zealand companies. Regulators may consider incorporating AA1000AP into their corporate governance guidelines. Finally, academics may find the study useful for teaching business and accounting courses and to guide the next generation of business managers. Originality/value: First, the study brings together four streams of research on how sustainability reports are prepared (inclusivity, materiality, responsiveness and impact) in a single study. Second, the findings offer novel insights by evaluating corporate sustainability against the requirements of a standard that has received little academic attention

On the Atom-bond connectivity and Geometric-Arithmetic indices of SiO2 layer structure

Topological indices are co-related to several toxicological, physicochemical, pharmacological etc. properties of a chemical compound. This paper focuses on calculating two basic topological indices namely ABC and GA indices of the SiO2 layer structure. Some of their further branches are also calculated. The indices are calculated and then based on these calculation, further results are given

Non-Destructive Testing of Fully Recycled Aggregate Concrete Bricks Prepared by Compression Casting Technique

This research study aims to investigate the quality and strength of fully recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) bricks made by using Compression Casting Technique (CCT). Standard size RAC bricks were manufactured using 70% recycled coarse and 30% recycled fine concrete aggregates with 15% cement content by weight of total aggregates. Three values of casting pressure (i.e., 25, 30 and 35 MPa) were studied. Recycled concrete aggregates (fine and coarse) required for this study were produced by crushing of tested concrete samples having compressive strength range of 3000 to 4000 psi. Both destructive and non-destructive testing were performed on RAC bricks. Among NDT, ultrasonic pulse velocity test was performed to assess the quality of RAC bricks and based on results, a correlation between compressive strength and UPV test values is proposed. In addition, Schmitt hammer test was also performed, and their values were compared with laboratory tested samples. Results have highlighted that Schmitt hammer and UPV test can be consider as convenient and reliable way to assess the strength and quality of RAC bricks in the field

Effect of Casting Pressure on the Properties of 100% Recycled Aggregate Concrete Pavers

The construction and demolition (C&D) waste is required to be recycled for sustainable development and to save natural resources. In this study, the influence of casting pressure on the properties of pavers made using Recycled Aggregate Concrete (RAC) was investigated. RAC mix having 60% fine and 40% coarse recyled aggregates was prepared using 20% cement (by weight of total aggregates). The same mix was used in making concrete pavers of size 200 mm x 100 mm x 60 mm by employing Compression Casting Technique (CCT). For comparison purposes, pavers of same size were also prepared using Natural Aggregate Concete (NAC) under the same casting pressure. Pavers were tested to determine their density, initial rate of water absorption, porosity and efflorescence. The tests were performed after 28 days of casting. The results showed that above mentioned properties of RAC pavers are improved with the increase of casting pressure; by increasing the casting pressure from 5 to 30 MPa, density, initial rate of water absorption and prosity of RAC was improved up to 2.01%, 83.6% and 51.7%, respectively. The results further indicated that compared to NAC pavers, RAC pavers exhibit inferior properties. No efflorescence was observed in RAC and NAC pavers