Restrained Shrinkage of Fly Ash Based Geopolymer Concrete and Analysis of Long Term Shrinkage Prediction Models

The research presented in this manuscript describes the procedure to quantify the restrained shrinkage of geopolymer concrete (GPC) using ring specimen. Massive concrete structures are susceptible to shrinkage and thermal cracking. This cracking can increase the concrete permeability and decrease the strength and design life. This test is comprised of evaluating geopolymer concrete of six different mix designs including different activator solution to fly ash ratio and subjected to both restrained and free shrinkage. Test results obtained from this experimental setup was plotted along with the available empirical equation to observe the shrinkage strain of GPC and a model was suggested to predict the shrinkage strain of GPC. It was found from this study that along with activator solution to fly ash ratio the final compressive strength of GPC plays an important role on shrinkage strai

Management of supracondylar fracture humerus type 3 in children with percutaneous K-wire vs. open reduction and internal fixation with K-wire

Background: Aim of the study is to determine the relation between the reduction technique percutaneous pinning and open reduction and internal fixation with K-wire used in management of supracondylar humerus fractures in paediatric age group and the ultimate elbow status (functional and cosmetic), so that appropriate reduction technique can be adopted for better functional and cosmetic outcome.Methods: Children below 12 years with Gartland’s type III supracondylar fractures managed by closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation and open reduction and K-wire fixation and Flynn’s criteria was used to grade the outcome of surgical fixation. 10 Closed reduction and K-wire fixation and 10 open reduction and K-wire fixation were done.Results: Most of the fractures were sustained when the patient had fallen down on out stretched hand while playing or slip and fall. According to Flynn’s grading, there are 7 excellent, 2 good and 1 fair functional result observed in closed reduction and k wire fixation. There are 4 excellent, 3 good and 3 fair functional results observed in open reduction and k wire fixation with statistically significant p value 0.04. Conclusions: Open reduction through lateral approach and internal fixation wire K wires is safe and effective method of treatment, if indicated, in supracondylar fractures of humerus in children and is associated with a good outcome. A small incision medially in cases where medial epicondyle cannot be defined to visualize the epicondyle and the ulnar nerve, by which iatrogenic ulnar nerve palsy in percutaneous fixation can be prevented

Multiplexing systems performance enhancements with all-optical signal processing

It is believed that an all-optical signal processing based on advanced integrated devices (passive, active or both) would play an important role in future multiplexing systems. In this paper we discuss approaches and techniques we have developed and demonstrated for improving the scalability and performance of Optical Code Division Multiplexing (OCDM)

Towards integrated devices for ultra-fast all-optical signal processing in optical networks

Over the last decades, the internet traffic has been rapidly growing resulting in Terabits per second aggregate data throughputs. We have also been witnessing that the electronic signal processing the way it is known today is approaching its limitations due to a grooving manifestation of the electronic bottleneck. It is believed that the ultra-fast signal processing based on all-optical integrated devices (passive, active or both) could play an important role in communication systems of the future. In this paper we discuss integrated devices, approaches and techniques we have developed and demonstrated towards achieving these ambitious goals and leading also to improve the scalability of optical networks such as Optical Code Division Multiple Access (OCDMA), namely: all-optical ultrafast demultiplexers, self-clocked all-optical time gates, all-optical thresholders, filters, AWGs, tunable optical delay lines, and devices for dispersion management

A Role of Myocardin Related Transcription Factor-A (MRTF-A) in Scleroderma Related Fibrosis.

In scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc), persistent activation of myofibroblast leads to severe skin and organ fibrosis resistant to therapy. Increased mechanical stiffness in the involved fibrotic tissues is a hallmark clinical feature and a cause of disabling symptoms. Myocardin Related Transcription Factor-A (MRTF-A) is a transcriptional co-activator that is sequestered in the cytoplasm and translocates to the nucleus under mechanical stress or growth factor stimulation. Our objective was to determine if MRTF-A is activated in the disease microenvironment to produce more extracellular matrix in progressive SSc. Immunohistochemistry studies demonstrate that nuclear translocation of MRTF-A in scleroderma tissues occurs in keratinocytes, endothelial cells, infiltrating inflammatory cells, and dermal fibroblasts, consistent with enhanced signaling in multiple cell lineages exposed to the stiff extracellular matrix. Inhibition of MRTF-A nuclear translocation or knockdown of MRTF-A synthesis abolishes the SSc myofibroblast enhanced basal contractility and synthesis of type I collagen and inhibits the matricellular profibrotic protein, connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF). In MRTF-A null mice, basal skin and lung stiffness was abnormally reduced and associated with altered fibrillar collagen. MRTF-A has a role in SSc fibrosis acting as a central regulator linking mechanical cues to adverse remodeling of the extracellular matrix

DIFFERENT OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES OF WIRELESS MESH NETWORKS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC APPLICATION

With the advancement of technology the internet technology is evolving and it is facing new challenges to the betterment of the quality of service. Mesh Networks are an important topology where the fixed wireless network is established to provide network services. Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) is getting acknowledgment for advanced networking purposes. Mainly performance of this kind of network is dependent on the assignment of the channel and the scheme of routing. The photovoltaic network is a new concept that is combined with the Internet of Things to take advantage of the panel’s monitoring system. Large-scale WMN, combined with a photovoltaic system requires optimization techniques to improve the quality and efficiency of service. Covering and sharing information between all nodes in the network is crucial for PV and the Internet of Things (IoT). Power consumption is a significant part of low-power WMN and IoT. This article provides different optimization techniques and analyzes different algorithms to understand the better solution for a wireless mesh network in the ground of photovoltaic networking

CSR in major European football leagues in the age of COVID-19: financial vulnerability, mental health and domestic violence

Purpose COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the lives of people and businesses around the world in different ways. France, Spain, Italy and the UK are among the worst affected countries by this pandemic. The purpose of this paper is to identify and compare different corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities taken by the clubs and player of the major football leagues of these four countries to develop a more comprehensive model of intervention. Design/methodology/approach This paper has analyzed the initiatives taken by these football clubs and players to address financial vulnerabilities, mental health problems and domestic violence among the stakeholders and compared them with the existing CSR and humanitarian models. A case study approach has been used to collect and analyze data related to the CSR activities taken by the players and club management. Official websites of the clubs, newspaper and journal articles were among the major sources used to collect data for the paper. Findings Football clubs and players of the four major leagues have raised funds through different campaigns and delivered foods and essential medical supplies to the communities and hospitals to address financial vulnerabilities, mental health issues and domestic violence within their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have provided guidance to their followers using social and television media to improve their physical and mental health during the pandemic. Online competitions, quizzes or virtual hangouts have also been used by the players to engage the stakeholders on a frequent basis. Football clubs have also initiated campaigns to raise awareness within the community on available medical services for the victims of domestic violence and also provided them with shelter, food, medical, legal and online counseling services. Originality/value Football clubs and players of the major leagues were always at the forefront to help the communities and hospitals to address issues related to mental health problems, financial vulnerabilities and domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this paper could help and guide other entities in designing a more comprehensive model of CSR interventions during pandemics or crisis situations to address financial vulnerabilities, mental health problems and domestic violence within their communities.©2022 Emerald Publishing Limited. This manuscript version is made available under the Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY–NC 4.0) license, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/fi=vertaisarvioitu|en=peerReviewed