Comparación de Características de Resistencia y Durabilidad de un Geopolímero obtenido a partir de ceniza Volante, Fibra de Vidrio Esmerilado y Polvo de Vidrio

Strength and durability characteristics of geopolymers produced using three precursors, consisting of fly ash, Ground Glass Fiber (GGF), and glass-powder were studied. Combinations of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate were used as the activator solutions, and the effect of different sodium and silica content of the activators on the workability and compressive strength of geopolymers was investigated. The parameters used in this study were the mass ratio of Na2O-to-binder (for sodium content), and SiO2-to-Na2O of the activator (for silica content). Geopolymer mixtures that achieved the highest compressive strength from each precursor were assessed for their resistance to alkali-silica reaction and compared against the performance of portland cement mixtures. Test results revealed that GGF and fly ash-based geopolymers performed better than glass-powder-based geopolymer mixtures. The resistance of GGF-based and fly ash-based geopolymers to alkali-silica reaction was superior to that of portland cement mixtures, while glass-powder-based geopolymer showed inferior performance.Se estudiaron las características de resistencia y durabilidad de geopolímeros producidos utilizando tres precursores, formados por cenizas volantes, Fibra de Vidrio Esmerilado (FVE) y vidrio en polvo. Se utilizaron combinaciones de soluciones de hidróxido de sodio y silicato de sodio como activadores, y se investigó el efecto del diferente contenido de sodio y sílice de los activadores en la trabajabilidad y resistencia a la compresión de los geopolímeros. Los parámetros utilizados en este estudio fueron la relación de masa de Na2O-a-aglutinante (para el contenido de sodio), y SiO2-a-Na2 O del activador (para el contenido de sílice). Las mezclas de geopolímeros obtenidas a partir de cada precursor que alcanzaron la más alta resistencia a la compresión fueron evaluadas por su resistencia a la reacción álcali-sílice y comparadas con el rendimiento de las mezclas de cemento portland. Los resultados de las pruebas revelaron que la FVE y los geopolímeros a base de ceniza volante se comportaron mejor que las mezclas de geopolímeros a base de vidrio en polvo. La resistencia de los geopolímeros a base de ceniza volante y FVE a la reacción álcali-sílice fue superior que la de las mezclas de cemento portland, mientras que los geopolímeros a base de vidrio en polvo mostraron un rendimiento inferior

Predicting outcomes after acute reperfusion therapy for basilar artery occlusion

Background and purpose Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) leads to high rates of morbidity and mortality, despite successful recanalization. The discordance between flow restoration and long-term functional status clouds clinical decision-making regarding further aggressive care. We sought to develop and validate a practical, prognostic tool for the prediction of 3-month favorable outcome after acute reperfusion therapy for BAO. Methods This retrospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted at four high-volume stroke centers in the USA and Europe. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of favorable outcome (90-day modified Rankin scale scores 0-2) and derive a clinically applicable prognostic model (the Pittsburgh Outcomes after Stroke Thrombectomy-Vertebrobasilar (POST-VB) score). The POST-VB score was evaluated and internally validated with regard to calibration and discriminatory ability. External validity was assessed in patient cohorts at three separate centers. Results In the derivation cohort of 59 patients, independent predictors of favorable outcome included smaller brainstem infarct volume on post-procedure magnetic resonance imaging (P = 125. Conclusions The POST-VB score effectively predicts 3-month functional outcome following acute reperfusion therapy for BAO and may aid in guiding post-procedural care.Peer reviewe

Glutamine-to-glutamate ratio in the nucleus accumbens predicts effort-based motivated performance in humans

Substantial evidence implicates the nucleus accumbens in motivated performance, but very little is known about the neurochemical underpinnings of individual differences in motivation. Here, we applied 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) at ultra-high-field in the nucleus accumbens and inquired whether levels of glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), GABA or their ratios predict interindividual differences in effort-based motivated task performance. Given the incentive value of social competition, we also examined differences in performance under self-motivated or competition settings. Our results indicate that higher accumbal Gln-to-Glu ratio predicts better overall performance and reduced effort perception. As performance is the outcome of multiple cognitive, motor and physiological processes, we applied computational modeling to estimate best-fitting individual parameters related to specific processes modeled with utility, effort and performance functions. This model-based analysis revealed that accumbal Gln-to-Glu ratio specifically relates to stamina; i.e., the capacity to maintain performance over long periods. It also indicated that competition boosts performance from task onset, particularly for low Gln-to-Glu individuals. In conclusion, our findings provide novel insights implicating accumbal Gln and Glu balance on the prediction of specific computational components of motivated performance. This approach and findings can help developing therapeutic strategies based on targeting metabolism to ameliorate deficits in effort engagement

Groin wound infection after vascular exposure ( GIVE ) multicentre cohort study

Surgical site infections (SSIs) of groin wounds are a common and potentially preventable cause of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in vascular surgery. Our aim was to define the contemporaneous rate of groin SSIs, determine clinical sequelae, and identify risk factors for SSI. An international multicentre prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing groin incision for femoral vessel access in vascular surgery was undertaken over 3 months, follow‐up was 90 days. The primary outcome was the incidence of groin wound SSI. 1337 groin incisions (1039 patients) from 37 centres were included. 115 groin incisions (8.6%) developed SSI, of which 62 (4.6%) were superficial. Patients who developed an SSI had a significantly longer length of hospital stay (6 versus 5 days, P = .005), a significantly higher rate of post‐operative acute kidney injury (19.6% versus 11.7%, P = .018), with no significant difference in 90‐day mortality. Female sex, Body mass index≥30 kg/m2, ischaemic heart disease, aqueous betadine skin preparation, bypass/patch use (vein, xenograft, or prosthetic), and increased operative time were independent predictors of SSI. Groin infections, which are clinically apparent to the treating vascular unit, are frequent and their development carries significant clinical sequelae. Risk factors include modifiable and non‐modifiable variables

Effectiveness of Quality of Service towards Commitment of Suppliers with Reference to SME’s in Automobile Industry

Service quality is a focused evaluation that reflects the vendor's perception of specific dimensions of service. Though there is a problem with the automobile industry Covid-19 pandemic the sector may grow further in near future. The main objective is to examine the essential dimensions of service quality i.e. RATER- Reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy and responsiveness of SME’s in the automobile industry and its effect on vendor’s satisfaction and to find out the perception of suppliers towards supply chain with the companies. For this, a sample of 50 was collected from the respondents were percentage analysis, Descriptive statistics, Multiple regression, Kruskal Wallis test, and one-way ANOVA were used as tools to analyse the data. The conclusion is that dimensional factors level of acceptance towards sourcing products from a limited number of suppliers, level of acceptance towards establishing clear criteria, and level of acceptance towards Suppliers collaborating with suppliers in materials are taken for decision making process of the study. It also reveals that while taking a decision on these dimensions the factor frequency of making supply should be taken for decision making process of the stud