Strengthening concrete slab-column system using CFRP

Six interior flat slab-column connections were constructed and tested to investigate the feasibility of using CFRP sheets as a strengthening technique for flat slab-column connections against flexural failure. Each specimen is made of 2000 * 1000 * 150 mm slab and a 250 * 250 mm column stub extending above and below the slab. Three of the tested specimens were strengthened by bonding to the tension side of the slabs carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets using two-part epoxy resin, and three specimens were used as control specimens. All specimens\u27 slabs were reinforced with the same internal steel reinforcement ratio and two different external reinforcement (CFRP) configurations were used. The specimens were tested by applying monotonic load up to failure. The load was applied through the central column-stub either concentrically or eccentrically. Tests results revealed the effectiveness of CFRP sheets in significantly increasing the stiffness of the slabs, yield and ultimate capacity of the slabs upto 65% and 80% respectively. Ductile behavior of strengthened specimens was observed, but with less deformation than control specimens at the same load levels. Ductility was achieved by having conventional reinforcement yielded; secured by limiting the maximum percentage of CFRP sheets. Finally, flexural ultimate carrying capacity for strengthened specimens can be predicted using CSA A23.3-94 standard and the recommendations of ISIS (Design manual No. 4, 2001)

Homomorphic Data Isolation for Hardware Trojan Protection

The interest in homomorphic encryption/decryption is increasing due to its excellent security properties and operating facilities. It allows operating on data without revealing its content. In this work, we suggest using homomorphism for Hardware Trojan protection. We implement two partial homomorphic designs based on ElGamal encryption/decryption scheme. The first design is a multiplicative homomorphic, whereas the second one is an additive homomorphic. We implement the proposed designs on a low-cost Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA. Area utilization, delay, and power consumption are reported for both designs. Furthermore, we introduce a dual-circuit design that combines the two earlier designs using resource sharing in order to have minimum area cost. Experimental results show that our dual-circuit design saves 35% of the logic resources compared to a regular design without resource sharing. The saving in power consumption is 20%, whereas the number of cycles needed remains almost the sam

Thrombophilia gene mutations in relation to recurrent miscarriage

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss is multifactorial involving clinical and biological risk factors. Evidence addressed the association of inherited thrombophilia with recurrent pregnancy loss and other serious pregnancy complications. However, the relation between thrombophilia associated gene mutations and adverse obstetric outcome is controversial and data in the literature are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of thrombophilia associated gene mutations (factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene G20210A and methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase MTHFR C677T) in relation to recurrent miscarriage.Methods: Case control study conducted on 200 women recruited from Elshatby Maternity Hospital clinics. The cases group included 100 women with history of three or more unexplained consecutive pregnancy losses, while 100 healthy age matched women with no history of recurrent miscarriages served as controls. Blood samples were collected from all women enrolled in the study for DNA extraction and genotype analysis. Factor V, prothrombin and MTHFR gene mutations were assayed based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse-hybridization.Results: The prevalence of Factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene G20210A mutations did not differ significantly between cases and controls. However, MTHFR C667T mutations and the total prevalence of the three gene mutations were significantly increased in the patients group compared to controls (p=0.001, p=0.003 respectively). The prevalence of combined thrombophilia of Factor V Leiden and MTHFR C677T was significantly increased in the patients group compared to controls (p=0.032). Regarding homozygosity of each of the gene mutations, no homozygosity was detected in controls and heterozygotes were significantly increased in the patients group compared to homozygotes.Conclusions: MTHFR mutations and the total prevalence of the three gene mutations were significantly increased in the patients group compared to controls. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of combined thrombophilia (Factor V Leiden and MTHFR C677T) in the patients group compared to controls without involvement of prothrombin gene

Obesity-related kidney disease: Beyond hypertension and insulin-resistance

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes considerable morbidity, mortality, and health expenditures worldwide. Obesity is a significant risk factor for CKD development, partially explained by the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in obese patients. However, adipocytes also possess potent endocrine functions, secreting a myriad of cytokines and adipokines that contribute to insulin resistance and induce a chronic low-grade inflammatory state thereby damaging the kidney. CKD development itself is associated with various metabolic alterations that exacerbate adipose tissue dysfunction and insulin resistance. This adipose-renal axis is a major focus of current research, given the rising incidence of CKD and obesity. Cellular senescence is a biologic hallmark of aging, and age is another significant risk factor for obesity and CKD. An elevated senescent cell burden in adipose tissue predicts renal dysfunction in animal models, and senotherapies may alleviate these phenotypes. In this review, we discuss the direct mechanisms by which adipose tissue contributes to CKD development, emphasizing the potential clinical importance of such pathways in augmenting the care of CKD

Analysis of traffic congestion for the improvement of a main road in Guayaquil-Ecuador

In Guayaquil-Ecuador, Av. Pedro Menéndez Gilbert is a main road with a designed capacity of 9000 vehicles/h, currently presenting traffic congestion problems, which affects its users. In order to propose possible solutions to the mobility problem, the research carried out aimed to analyze alternatives that would improve the level of service. The data collection method consisted of observation, with fieldwork at the entrance and exit intersections of a 900-m-long section. Manual counts and vehicle categorization were carried out for one week, as well as counting the distribution times of the traffic lights. The intersections were characterized in their geometry, traffic flows and traffic light system. Based on a previous study, a 5-year increase from 135,170 vehicles to 190,424 vehicles was projected. It was found that the main causes of congestion are the distribution of the alternating times of the signal cycle, and the blockage that occurs by the Metrovía feeder and collector buses. It is concluded that the main solution is the updating and proper adjustment of the traffic light system, as well as the opening of a pre-existing exit road, prior to the intersection, and control of the blockage produced by the Metrovía units

ANÁLISIS DEL CONGESTIONAMIENTO VEHICULAR PARA EL MEJORAMIENTO DE VÍA PRINCIPAL EN GUAYAQUIL-ECUADOR ANALYSIS OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF A MAIN ROAD IN GUAYAQUILECUADOR

In Guayaquil-Ecuador, Av. Pedro Menéndez Gilbert is a main road with a designed capacity of 9000 vehicles/h, currently presenting traffic congestion problems, which affects its users. In order to propose possible solutions to the mobility problem, the research carried out aimed to analyze alternatives that would improve the level of service. The data collection method consisted of observation, with fieldwork at the entrance and exit intersections of a 900-m-long section. Manual counts and vehicle categorization were carried out for one week, as well as counting the distribution times of the traffic lights. The intersections were characterized in their geometry, traffic flows and traffic light system. Based on a previous study, a 5-year increase from 135,170 vehicles to 190,424 vehicles was projected. It was found that the main causes of congestion are the distribution of the alternating times of the signal cycle, and the blockage that occurs by the Metrovía feeder and collector buses. It is concluded that the main solution is the updating and proper adjustment of the traffic light system, as well as the opening of a pre-existing exit road, prior to the intersection, and control of the blockage produced by the Metrovía units

Unraveling the epigenetic fabric of type 2 diabetes mellitus: pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a rapidly escalating global health concern, with its prevalence projected to increase significantly in the near future. This review delves into the intricate role of epigenetic modifications - including DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) expression - in the pathogenesis and progression of T2DM. We critically examine how these epigenetic changes contribute to the onset and exacerbation of T2DM by influencing key pathogenic processes such as obesity, insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, cellular senescence, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, we explore the involvement of epigenetic dysregulation in T2DM-associated complications, including diabetic retinopathy, atherosclerosis, neuropathy, and cardiomyopathy. This review highlights recent studies that underscore the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of targeting epigenetic modifications in T2DM. We also provide an overview of the impact of lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet on the epigenetic landscape of T2DM, underscoring their relevance in disease management. Our synthesis of the current literature aims to illuminate the complex epigenetic underpinnings of T2DM, offering insights into novel preventative and therapeutic strategies that could revolutionize its management