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Objectives This study assessed the efficacy and safety of novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations in adult patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) or ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Methods PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and EBSCO databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before September 13, 2020. Only RCTs comparing the treatment efficacy of novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations with other antibiotics for HAP/VAP in adult patients were included in this integrated analysis. Results Three RCTs were included, and no significant difference in clinical cure rate of the test of cure (TOC) was observed between the novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination and comparators (odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% CI, 0.81-1.27; I2 = 35%). The 28-day all-cause mortality was 16.2% and 17.6% for patients receiving the novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination and those receiving comparators, respectively, and no significant difference was noted (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.69-1.16; I2 = 11%). Compared with the comparators, the novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination was associated with a similar microbiological response (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.73-1.54; I2 = 64%) and a similar risk of AEs (treatment-emergent AEs [TEAEs]: OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.83-1.30; I2 = 0%; serious AEs: OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.79-1.63; I2 = 68%; treatment discontinuation for TEAE: OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.62-1.31; I2 = 11%). Conclusions The clinical and microbiological responses of novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations in the treatment of HAP/VAP were similar to those of other available antibiotics. These combinations also shared a similar safety profile to that of comparators.

This study used reactive ultra-fine fly ash (RUFA) as the primary raw materials in the preparation of a novel RUFA geopolymer. Note that the solution to binder weight ratio was maintained at the same level by varying the concentration of the NaOH solution. Extensive analysis was conducted to characterize the flowability and mechanical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (SEM-EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), thermogravimetric (TG), and zeta potential analyses were used to examine the microstructure of RUFA geopolymers. Increasing the concentration of NaOH also led to an increase in compressive strength. A high NaOH concentration of 12 mol/L resulted in compressive strength of 97.6 MPa at 28 days. Finally, increasing the concentration of NaOH increased the formation of the primary reaction geopolymerization product, N-A-S-H gel, resulting in a denser microstructure with lower porosity.

Owing to the chemical resistance, facile production and high electrochemical activity, layered Ni(OH)2 is a useful electrode material for supercapacitors and electrochromic (EC) devices. Nevertheless, the poor electrical conductivity of Ni(OH)2 and its strong tendency to restack during processing have restricted its applications. In this study, we have modified Ni(OH)2 surfaces with a layer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) using (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GOPS) as a linker. A nanospace can be created by the conductive layer of PEDOT:PSS wrapped on the Ni(OH)2 nanosheet, which can avoid the reaggregation. Therefore, the Ni(OH)2/PEDOT (P–Ni(OH)2) composites display greater electrochemical activity and kinetics due to the favorable conductivity and interfacial area, suitable for supercapacitor and EC applications. The flexible electrochromic device (ECD) and an asymmetric supercapacitor (AS) incorporating P–Ni(OH)2 are also evaluated in this article. The P–Ni(OH)2 based ECD exhibits superior mechanical stability and the AS also shows excellent cycling stability.

Low thermal conductivity materials are now an essential direction for construction material applications as the public has become more aware of global warming over the past few years. The development of cementless binders is also helping to improve the problem of global warming. This study uses reactive ultra-fine fly ash (RUFA) and co-fired fly ash (CFA) to develop an innovative cementless binder. The RUFA-CFA mixture undergoes hardening without alkali activators at a temperature of 50 °C before it is de-molded for air curing. The resulting lightweight cementless specimens present excellent thermal insulation, mainly due to the formation of interstitial pores between RUFA particles. The porosity of RUFA-CFA cementless specimens ranges from 41% to 50% with minimum thermal conductivity of 0.10 W/m·K. Our analysis reveals that the ultra-fine RUFA particles adhere to the CFA surface formed C-S-H colloids and ettringite via continuous hydrated reactions maintained by the CFA. The results obtained in this study provide a valuable reference for developing cementless composites based on industrial waste materials.

This study was aimed to investigate calcium fluoride sludge waste resource reuse, and explore the feasibility of calcium fluoride sludge in cement-based materials used to replace the cement. The mechanical properties and durability of cement-based materials containing calcium fluoride sludge were performed using resistance test, absorption test, initial surface absorption tests, dry shrinkage test, compressive strength test, mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy observation. The results indicated that partially replacing cement with calcium fluoride sludge improved the compressive strength, permeability and pore-structure, as well as 10% replacement of cement seems to give superior mechanical properties and durability due to the denser microstructures. Such dense microstructures observed in scanning electron microscopy images and narrow pore size distribution determined by mercury intrusion porosimetry.

Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) has been widely considered a useful tool for evaluating decision making. Several derivatives of MCDA, including AHP, ANP, DANP, have been implemented in previous studies to construct real-world applications. However, literature combining a systematic introduction on methodological developments of MCDA with an empirical implementation in promoting technology through intermediaries is still rare. To fill in this gap, this paper begins with introducing the methodological development of MCDA to set out an analytical framework, namely DANP for the empirical analysis. Consequently, this paper applied DANP to analyze multiple determinants and five dimensions that we summarized from existing literature to find out the key determinants and the interdependent relationship for promoting the emerging sector through institutional intermediaries. While conducting empirical implementation, 33 experts from major intermediaries involved in promoting the biotechnology sector were visited. 7 out of 33 of these experts were further visited for interview to verify our analysis. Based on our MCDA analysis, we found that government policies and regulations are the most influential determinates while promoting emerging sectors through intermediaries. This paper contributes to the literature in several ways including highlighting methodological improvements of DANP, improving approaches on empirical data collection, and implementing an empirical MCDA analysis by applying an influential network relation map (INRM) to construct useful policy suggestions for real-world applications.

In this study, we coated fine recycled concrete aggregate (FRCA) with fly ash, slag, or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (viscosity: 44–50 cps), replaced 25% of the natural fine aggregate in concrete with the coated FRCA, and examined the durability and microscopic properties of the flesh concrete and hardened concrete. We then examined the effects of the various types of coating as well as the thickness on the properties of concrete. Our test results indicate that coating FRCA with fly ash or PVA increases the workability of the fresh concrete, whereas slag coatings slightly reduce the workability. Slag coatings increased the compressive strength, splitting strength, and durability of specimens to a greater degree than do fly ash or PVA coatings, regardless of the water-cement ratio. Furthermore, thicker coatings were shown to produce better results. Scanning electron microscopy images and mercury intrusion porosimetry tests verified that specimens containing FRCA coated with slag resulted in superior engineering properties.

Most previous experiments conducted on water-saturated clay-rich gouges sheared under extreme deformation conditions (including seismic slip rates e.g., 1 m/s, and displacements exceeding several meters) relied on gouge confinement using Polytetrafluoroethene (Teflon). Use of Teflon restricts such experiments to low normal stresses (≤2 MPa), which represents a significant limitation in our understanding of earthquake physics and seismic hazard assessment. To understand how normal stress and fluid affect the frictional behavior and deformation processes of clay-rich slipping zones, we performed rotary shear experiments using a purpose-built sample holder on water-saturated kaolinite gouges at a slip rate of 1 m/s and normal stresses ranging from 2 to 18 MPa. Results show that the apparent friction coefficient, μ, increases up to a peak value, μp, of ~0.17–0.46, associated with marked gouge compaction. This is followed by dramatic weakening with increasing displacement to a steady-state value, μss, ~0.02–0.26 accompanied by gouge dilation. In-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy show that clay aggregates within the gouge layer have a random fabric and do not experience mineral phase changes. On the basis of temperature measurements made during the experiments combined with a thermo-hydro-mechanical model, our results suggest that pore fluids within the gouge layer were mainly in liquid form during shearing. We conclude that dramatic weakening of kaolinite gouges at seismic rates under impermeable conditions is due to thermal pressurization, resulting in fluidization of the gouges. Our new experimental approach could be used to better understand earthquake physics and frictional processes of geological and civil interest.

Exploration to maximize CT image and reduce radiation dose was conducted while controlling for multiple factors. The kVp, mAs, and iteration reconstruction (IR), affect the CT image quality and radiation dose absorbed. The optimal protocols (kVp, mAs, IR) are derived by figure of merit (FOM) based on CT image quality (CNR) and CT dose index (CTDI vol ). CT image quality metrics such as CT number accuracy, SNR, low contrast materials’ CNR and line pair resolution were also analyzed as auxiliary assessments. CT protocols were carried out with an ACR accreditation phantom and a five-year-old pediatric head phantom. The threshold values of the adult CT scan parameters, 100 kVp and 150 mAs, were determined from the CT number test and line pairs in ACR phantom module 1and module 4 respectively. The findings of this study suggest that the optimal scanning parameters for adults be set at 100 kVp and 150–250 mAs. However, for improved low- contrast resolution, 120 kVp and 150–250 mAs are optimal. Optimal settings for pediatric head CT scan were 80 kVp/50 mAs, for maxillary sinus and brain stem, while 80 kVp /300 mAs for temporal bone. SNR is not reliable as the independent image parameter nor the metric for determining optimal CT scan parameters. The iteration reconstruction (IR) approach is strongly recommended for both adult and pediatric CT scanning as it markedly improves image quality without affecting radiation dose.

Bioactive glass (BG) is a potential material for treating dentin hypersensitivity owing to its high solubility. In this study, we synthesized 80S-BG bioactive glass samples using a sol–gel technique and mixed with various hardening agents. The obtained material could be used in human dentinal dentinal tubule occlusions. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements were employed to investigate the physiochemical properties and dentinal dentinal tubule occlusion efficiency by mixing the 80S bioactive glass (80S-BG) with various hardening agents. The major crystallite phase obtained on mixing 80S-BG with phosphoric acid (PA) was Ca(H 2 PO 4 ) 2 ·H 2 O. The mixture of 80S-BG powders and 20, 30, or 40 wt% PA acted as a hardening agent and achieved a dentinal tubule penetration depth of 30.7–62.6 µm. 80S-BG on mixing with suitable PA agents exhibited a short reaction time and good operability, making it feasible for use in occluding dentinal tubules. 80S-BG mixed with hardening agents exhibited a greater potential for treating dentin hypersensitivity as compared to the 80S-BG not mixed with any hardening agents.

Literature maintains that the role of universities has shifted from pure knowledge dissemination organisations into the key intermediaries of technology commercialisation, especially in the case of the developing emerging high-tech sector (Etzkowitz, Webster, Gebhardt, & Terra, 2000; Vallas & Kleinman, 2008). To further explore the dynamic role of the universities interacting with the other actors in the innovation system, this paper examines the changing roles of the universities that have actively interacted with the biotechnology industry in Taiwan from 2000 to 2012. Combining social network analysis and interview data on a longitudinal dataset gathered from 125 IPO biotechnology firms, this paper aims to explore the R&D collaboration networks between the universities and the other actors in the biotechnology sectoral innovation system to understand how universities make use of knowledge exchanged with other parties to shape society while developing emerging industries. The involvement rate of academia in the knowledge transfer networks appears to have increased since 2000 but more can be done to spur scalable action after 2008, and therefore association with other similar evolving areas. Moreover, the participation of foreign collaboration is one which needs some attention. The finding of this paper sheds light on the changing role of academia in developing emerging technologies in technology followers, while the innovation ecosystem is ready for academia-industry collaboration, universities not only take charge of disseminating knowledge but also serve as the major intermediaries in the process of commercialising science and technologies developed through the universities. Future policies may need to boost more partaking between the universities and industries by motivating the transmission of knowledge capital through encouraging technology commercialisation in academia.

Waterborne polyurethane resins (WPUs) were synthesized with polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMG), dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), triethylamine (TEA) and ethylenediamine (EDA) as the raw materials of polyol, internal emulsifier, isocyanate, neutralizer and chain extender, respectively. The NCO/OH molar ratios used for the pre-polymerization were set as 1.6/1, 1.8/1 and 2.0/1. Furthermore, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) was added to the WPUs to prepare the WPU/silica organic-inorganic hybrids by the sol-gel process. The characteristics of WPUs prepared with different NCO/OH molar ratios, and the properties of WPU and WPU/silica films were investigated. The results show that WPUs prepared with higher NCO/OH molar ratios have suspensions with lower viscosity, smaller average particle size and smaller average molecular weight, and lead the films to have more urea and amide structure, better solvent resistance, higher tensile strength, modulus and break energy, lower molecular chain activity, and smaller damping peak height, but weaker thermal resistance. The network structure of silica can limit the activity of the soft-segment, increase the stiffness of the hard-segment and enhance the thermal resistance of WPUs films.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of tocilizumab for treating patients with COVID-19. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and the preprint server of medRxiv.org were searched from their inception to February 20, 2021. Only RCTs that compared the treatment efficacy and safety of tocilizumab with the placebo or the standard of care for adult patients with COVID-19 were included in this meta-analysis. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included eight RCTs which enrolled a total of 6314 patients for randomization, in which 3267 and 3047 patients were assigned to the tocilizumab and control groups, respectively. The mortality at day 28 was 24.4% and 29.9% in patients in the tocilizumab and control groups, respectively, meaning there was no significant difference observed between these two groups (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.66-1.28; I2 = 62). This finding did not change in the subgroup analysis according to the initial use of MV or steroid while enrollment. The patients receiving tocilizumab had a lower rate of mechanical ventilation (MV) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission at day 28 compared with the control group (MV use: OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.62-0.90; I2 = 11; ICU admission: OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.28-0.92; I2 = 30). There were no significant differences between these two treatment groups in terms of the risk of treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.71-1.49; I2 = 43), serious AEs (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.67-1.12; I2 = 0) or infection (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.63-1.20; I2 = 0). CONCLUSIONS: Tocilizumab does not provide a survival benefit for patients with COVID-19, but it may help reduce the risk of MV and ICU admission. In addition, tocilizumab is a safe agent to use for the treatment of COVID-19.

The hygroscopicity, functional groups and phase transitions of urban aerosol particles in Taipei City were studied using a cloud condensation nuclei counter (CCNc) with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and an attenuated total reflectance with infrared (ATR-IR) detection technique. With the assumption of larger particles being activated first, the derived single hygroscopicity parameter ( κ ) exhibited an increasing trend with particle size, i.e., from 0.022 ± 0.01 at 87 ± 10 nm to 0.13 ± 0.03 at 240 ± 20 nm. The collected size-selected particles were characterized using ATR-IR for the functional groups of alkyl, carbonyl, ammonium, sulfate and nitrate, which showed various size dependence patterns, linked to different formation mechanisms. The hygroscopic response based on the ratio ( x W_solute ) for sample film of absorption by the enhanced water-stretching peak to that by the selected solute showed a better consistency with pure ammonium sulfate for sub-micron size particles. Based on the derived ammonium sulfate volume fraction from IR analysis, the κ received from CCNc measurements was concluded mainly contributed by ammonium sulfate for sub-micrometer particles. The increasing trend of sodium nitrate absorbance at aerosol diameter ≥1 μm was due to a reaction of nitric acid with sea salt particles. The micrometer sized particles were apparent not only in a significantly higher x W_solute than pure sodium nitrate but also had a deliquescence RH of 69 ± 1%, similar to that of sodium nitrate-sodium chloride mixtures. Overall, the organic species in this study exhibited a low hygroscopicity with less than 0.036 of contribution for the overall κ , and the major hygroscopic material of urban aerosols consisted primarily of ammonium sulfate in the sub-micrometer particles and sodium nitrate with sea salt in the coarse particles.

Purpose of the research The Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, second edition (RCMAS-2) is widely used internationally to assess anxiety. However, there is little data regarding its validity for pediatric cancer patients. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the RCMAS-2 in pediatric cancer patients. Methods and sample This cross-sectional study included 370 pediatric cancer patients (aged 6–19 years) that were recruited from three medical centers between August 2008 and March 2011 in Taiwan. Reliability was evaluated by internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to examine the factor structure. Construct validity was examined by known-groups analyses. Key results The internal consistency of the full scale was good (α = 0.90) but the scores of Physiological Anxiety subscale was low (α = 0.65). Using known-groups validity, significant differences in anxiety were observed between genders and between patients that were on and off treatment. The hypothesized three-factor model did not adequately fit (χ2/d.f = 2.4; p Conclusions The RCMAS-2 demonstrated reliability and validity for use with pediatric cancer patients aged 6 and 19 years. Further structure evaluation of the RCMAS-2 in pediatric oncology population is needed, and the scores of the Physiological Anxiety subscale should be interpreted with caution.

This study examined the permeability of concrete in which a portion of the cement was replaced with reactive ultra-fine fly ash (RUFA) or silica fume. RUFA is an industrial by-product from thermal power plants, with spherical particles ranging in size from 0.1 μm to 10 μm, which is smaller than the particles in conventional fly ash. In experiments, the water-to-binder ratio was fixed at 0.45, and various proportions of the cement (5 % or 10 %) were replaced with RUFA, silica fume, or a combination of the two (5 % RUFA + 5 % silica fume, or 8 % RUFA + 2 % silica fume). The inclusion of RUFA was shown to enhance workability and promote the pozzolanic reaction resulting in the formation of C-S-H colloids. The filling of pore structures by colloids increased the compactness and compressive strength of the specimens, and reduced dry shrinkage. The inclusion of RUFA was also shown to reduce chloride ion penetration and the non-steady-state migration coefficient, which are indicative of improved mechanical properties and reduced permeability. Overall, RUFA proved superior to silica fume as a cement replacement in terms of workability, permeability, and mechanical properties.

Our objective in this study was to promote the recycling of industrial by-products by combining ground granulated blast-furnace slag (G) and circulating fluidized bed co-fired fly ash (FA). We then added sodium silicate as an alkali activator (A) to a combination of G and FA (GFA) to create a novel cement-free cementitious material (AGFA). One of our main research aims was to explore the influence of the activator on GFA in terms of working and mechanical properties and drying shrinkage behavior. Hydration products were analyzed using XRD and SEM-EDS. The setting time of GFA was longer than that of AGFA, and the water absorption and fluidity were both higher. Adding sodium silicate to the GFA was shown to greatly improve mechanical properties through the formation of hydration products containing C–S–H, C-A-S-H, and C–N-A-S-H gels, which intertwined to form a dense microstructure. Compared to AGFA, the GFA was less affected by dry shrinkage, due to the expansive formation of ettringite (from anhydride) during the hydration process. Note that the reaction of the alkaline agent in AGFA with the anhydride in FA reduced the amount of ettringite that formed. The alkaline agent also promoted the depolymerization of vitreous G and FA particles, resulting in the formation of large quantities of gel, the process of which consumed much of the free water, resulting in further shrinkage. Further, it provides a good feasibility and application prospect in environmentally friendly building material of GFA and AGFA cementless composites and is expected to replace traditional cement-based composites.

LED waste quartz sand (LEDWS), which is a prominent byproduct of the LED manufacturing process, may contaminate the environment because it comprises numerous nanoparticles of SiO2, Al2O3, and SiC, which are hazardous ingredients that are harmful to the environment and human health when disposed of improperly. Therefore, this study investigated the pozzolanic reaction behavior of these industrial byproducts to obtain a valuable processing method for LEDWS in cement. The results showed that with increased curing time, the strength of the pastes that incorporated 10% LEDWS approached that of ordinary Portland cement. A stretching broad band was centered at 1074–1081 cm−1 from chemically bound H2O in the hydrated calcium silicate (C–S–H). Thus, the correlation between the hydration degree of the paste that incorporated LEDWS and compressive strength evolution is crucial. The results implied that LEDWS can be used as a partial replacement source for cement applications; thus, LEDWS can be used as pozzolanic material.

In this study, it evaluated the effects of sand/aggregate (S/A) ratio on the flowability, strength, durability, and microstructures of self-compacting concrete (SCC). Testing was performed on specimens using five S/A ratios: 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, and 55%. Slump flow tests, slump tests, and box tests were used to characterize the rheological properties of the concrete as well as the mechanical properties, including compressive strength, splitting strength, slant shear strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity. Durability was evaluated using tests of absorption, resistivity and initial surface absorption. Microstructures were examined using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test results indicate that a higher S/A ratio improved flowability. A greater proportion of coarse aggregate (i.e., a decrease in S/A ratio) improved the mechanical properties by 10% compared to the control specimens (S/A ratio: 52%) at 56 days. A higher S/A ratio was shown to improve bonding capacity by enhancing the roughness of the particles and thereby increasing adhesion strength. A higher S/A ratio was also shown to improve the durability of the specimens by permitting denser packing; however, a higher S/A ratio resulted in a thinner interfacial transition zone. MIP analysis did not reveal a correlation between S/A ratio and the interfacial transition zone, whereas SEM photos indicated that a lower S/A ratio reduces the size of the interfacial transition zone.

This study examined the impact of the low-temperature stacking gate insulator on the gate bias instability of a-InGaZnO thin film transistors in flexible electronics applications. Although the quality of SiNx at low process/deposition temperature is better than that of SiOx at similarly low process/deposition temperature, there is still a very large positive threshold voltage (Vth) shift of 9.4 V for devices with a single low-temperature SiNx gate insulator under positive gate bias stress. However, a suitable oxide–nitride–oxide-stacked gate insulator exhibits a Vth shift of only 0.23 V. This improvement results from the larger band offset and suitable gate insulator thickness that can effectively suppress carrier trapping behavior.

Residues of co-combustion are not addressed in Taiwan standards for fly ash use in concrete. This paper presents feasibility of re-utilizing CFB co-fired fly ash (CFFA) as an alkali activator for the eco-binder of CFFA and GGBS. The optimal mixture of the binder is specimen F3S7, which reaches 31.43 MPa that is 72.4% compressive strength of OPM at 56 days. XRD and SEM showed that CFFA activated the GGBS to generate CaO, which reacted with H2O, SiO2, and Al2O3 to form C–S–H and C–A–S–H pastes. Compressive strength reduction trend for F4S6 to F7S3 started after 28 days because high SO3 content.

Fly ash from circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) is a by-product of petroleum coke burned in circulating fluidized bed boilers and then collected via electrostatic precipitators. This study used CO 2 respirometric measurement to indicate CFBC fly ash toxicity in terms of survival rate of Escherichia coli DH5α as a reporter microorganism. Tests were performed on concentrations of CFBC fly ash 3–300,000 mg/L and variations of CO 2 evolution rates were revealed to reflect survival capability of E. coli for toxicity assessment. The findings showed that at ca. 1000–3000 mg/L growth capability of E. coli gradually declined. Moreover, approx. 3000 mg/L seemed to be the maximal effect concentration of E. coli for survival. Dose–mortality assessment revealed that the range of threshold toxicity of CFBC fly ash was ca. 1000–3000 mg/L. Compared to prior findings using other ash materials, apparently CFBC fly ash is relatively less toxic than sodium nitrate (NaNO 3 ) and other forms of ash for practical use as building material.

This study analyzed the feasibility of ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and ground-granulated basic oxygen furnace slag (GGBOS) blended cements according to the standard specifications of ASTM C821-09 and ASTM C595/C595M-13. Through tests, this study verified that GGBOS can be used as alkali activators for GGBS and that the mixture proportions of S4I6 and S5I5 correspond with the physical and chemical requirements specified in ASTM C595/C595M-13. Among S3I7, S4I6, and S5I5, the mixture proportion of S4I6 exhibited the highest performance by reaching 90% of the compressive strength of ordinary Portland cement mortar.

In radiotherapy of the head and neck, metal dentures or implants will increase the risk of complications such as mucositis and osteoradionecrosis. The aim of this study is to explore the back scatter effect of commercially available dental metal alloys on the mucosa and bone under 6 MV LINAC irradiation. The Monte Carlo method has been employed to calculate the dose distribution in the heterogeneous media of the designed oral phantom based on the oral cavity geometry. Backscatter dose increases up to a maximum of 53%, and is primarily dependent on the physical density and electron density of the metal crown alloy. Ceramic metal crowns have been quantified to increase backscatter dose up to 10% on mucosa. Ceramic serves as an inherent shield of mucosa. The backscatter dose will be greater for a small field size if the tumor is located at a deeper region. Titanium implants will increase the backscatter dose by 13% to bone but will not affect the mucosa. QC-20 (polystyrene resin) is recommended as a shield material (3 mm) to eliminate the backscatter dose on mucosa due to the high density metals.

The main objective of this study was to compare the response of bone progenitor cells (D1) to silica-based calcium phosphate glass (80:15:5) powders prepared by sol–gel template-free (SCP) and template-structured (SCP-T) processes. The SCP-T powders exhibited an approximately three times larger specific surface area compared to that of SCP powders. The formation of a hysteresis loop also signified the presence of mesoporous structures in the SCP-T samples; however, a hysteresis loop was not observed for the SCP samples, resulting in 1/5 of the pore volume of the SCP-T samples. The viability of the cells cultured in media containing the SCP-T powders for 24, 48, and 72 h was greater than 90%. D1 cells cultured on SCP and SCP-T substrates showed the highest cell proliferation after 1 h of culture. The number of cells decreased from 24 h to 168 h for all experimental groups (p>0.05). Importantly, both the SCP and SCP-T substrates had positive effects on the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of the progenitor cells. However, cells cultured on SCP-T had approximately 3.4 times higher ALP activity.

Reusing waste materials and reducing carbon emissions are crucial environmental concerns. Ground granulated basic oxygen furnace slag (GGBOS) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) are the by-products of the steel industry and has positive effects on the environment because it reduces the problems associated waste disposal. This study reused these two products to completely replace cementitious materials, thus contributing to waste recycling, reducing the production demand for cement, and mitigating carbon emissions. Twelve mixture proportions were designed in this study, including an ordinary Portland mortar (OPM) as the control group and 11 steel/iron slag blended mortar (SISBM) experimental groups for the mechanical and cementitious characteristic experiments. The optimal mixing ratio for SISBM compressive strength ranged from GGBOS (steel slag): GGBS (iron slag) = 3:7 to 5:5 (by weight). At the age of 91 days, the compressive strength of SISBM reached 80–90% compared with that of the control group. Based on the pH values, free-CaO, and microanalysis results, the cementitious characteristics were mainly generated because the GGBOS increased the free-CaO or Ca(OH) 2 concentrations in the SISBM curing water and provided alkaline environments for Ca(OH) 2 to engage in the pozzolanic reaction with the SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 in GGBS, forming crystals such as calcium aluminum silicate hydrate, (C–A–S–H), calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H), and calcium–magnesium–alumina–silicate (C–M–A–S), which generated strength and strengthened microstructure.

We developed organic solar cells based on multiple-device stacked structures featuring complementary absorption behavior. The first, semitransparent (ST) subcell featured an inverted structure; its anode comprised a MoO3/Ag bilayer. This structure provided a transmittance of greater than 35% in the visible region. The second subcell, featuring a low-band-gap small molecule in its photoactive layer, was stacked onto the ST device; the two subcells could be connected either in series or in parallel. Because the two subcells exhibited complementary absorption behavior, their stacked structure connected in parallel displayed a power conversion efficiency of 4.37%, greater than those of the isolated subcells.

Mixed alloy Cu–In–Ga precursors were deposited from Cu–Ga alloy and Indium targets by the DC magnetron co-sputtering method. There were four crystallization phases, In, CuIn 2 , Cu 11 In 9 and Cu 3 Ga, identified in the precursor after deposition. A large grain-size CIGS film was achieved by controlling the annealing period for selenization and utilizing a two-stage selenization process for secondary crystallization during rapid thermal annealing process. As the annealing temperature increased, the phase transitions moved toward the Cu-rich inter-metallic phases. In addition, the phase transition, stoichiometric ratio and surface-morphology were modified by Ar-ion plasma etching process of the precursors. The results show that after the ion etching process, the precursors can be transferred into a single Cu 11 In 9 crystallization phase and the number of crevices increased due to the soft texture of indium on the surface of the precursors. Finally, CIGS films with good crystalline properties were achieved after a suitable selenization process of only 1-stage.

Rock wool is an inorganic fibrous substance produced by steam blasting and cooling molten glass. As with other industrial by-products, rock wool particles can be used as cementitious materials or ultra fine fillers in cement-based composites. This study investigated the microstructure of mortar specimens produced with cement-based composites that include various forms of rock wool particles. It conducted compressive strength testing, rapid chloride penetration tests, X-ray diffraction analysis, thermo-gravimetric analysis, and scanning electronic microscopy to evaluate the macro- and micro-properties of the cement-based composites. Test results indicate that inclusion of rock wool particles in composites improved compressive strength and reduced chloride ion penetration at the age of 91 days due to the reduction of calcium hydroxide content. Microscopic analysis confirms that the use of rock wool particles contributed to the formation of a denser, more compact microstructure within the hardened paste. In addition, X-ray diffraction analysis shows few changes in formation of pozzolanic reaction products and no new hydrations are formed with incorporating rock wool particles.

This study evaluated the mechanical properties of cement-based composites produced with added polyolefin fibers and silica fume. Material variables included the water-cementitious ratio, the dosage of silica fume, and the length and dosage of polyolefin fiber. Researchers conducted tests on compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, direct tensile strength, resistivity, rapid chloride penetration, and initial surface absorption, and performed microscopic observation. Test results indicate that the specimens containing silica fume have higher compressive strength than the control and specimen made with fibers. The specimens with polyolefin fiber and silica fume have considerably higher tensile strength and ductility than the control and specimens made with silica fume. The specimens containing silica fume and polyolefin fiber demonstrated better resistance to chloride penetration than composites with polyolefin fiber or silica fume. For a given volume fraction, short polyolefin fiber performs better than its long counterpart in improving the properties of concrete. Specimens containing silica fume demonstrated a significant increase in resistivity and decrease in the total charge passed and absorption. Scanning electron microscopy illustrates that the polyolefin fiber acts to arrest the propagation of internal cracks.

Background Treatment of femoral neck fracture is well documented in the literature. Femoral neck fractures in patients aged 65 years. In specific populations, such as patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), this protocol is usually observed. However, unsatisfactory results and a large number of complications have been reported. It is questionable whether this protocol is the appropriate treatment and it may require modification for use in ESRD patients. Materials and methods The results of this study are in regard to the treatment of a consecutive series of 20 patients with femoral neck fractures and ESRD over a 7-year period. All of the patients were treated using closed reduction and internal fixation. Results Eight of 13 (61.5%) patients developed nonunion (of which 5 were classified as displaced fractures). Six of these eight patients were subsequently treated with hemiarthroplasty (75%). Five of these 13 patients(38.4%) achieved union; all of these were classified as nondisplaced fractures. In patients Conclusion We determined that a femoral neck fracture in an ESRD patient is a unique case and should be treated differently from general treatment protocols. It is suggested that regardless of patient age,nondisplaced fractures should be treated with osteosynthesis, while hemiarthroplasty is a better treatment for displaced fractures.

The present study aimed to establish the durability indices of cement-based composites containing supplementary cementitious materials. The influences of compressive strength, permeability, and microstructure of cement-based composites containing fly ash and silica fume were discussed. The relationship between pore structure and corrosion behavior was investigated and compared. The results demonstrate that the addition of silica fume in cement-based composites resulted in a higher compressive strength, a lower absorption, a lower critical pore size, a lower chloride diffusion coefficient, and a lower corrosion rate. The composites containing 10% silica fumes performed better in permeability than composites containing 5% silica fumes, because silica fumes can narrow down the size of large capillary pores and densify the pore structure. The addition of fly ash in composites also enhanced the compressive strength and the permeability but was not as effective as silica fume. Unhydrated fly ash grains caused a looser pore structure and reduced the permeability. The combination of fly ash and silica fume enhanced the compressive strength and the permeability and specimens containing 5% silica fume and 10% fly ash had increased more in compressive strength and decreased more in permeability than specimens containing 5% silica fume or 15% fly ash. Moreover, the corrosion rate, the chloride diffusion coefficient, and the critical pore size were suitable for evaluating the durability of cement-based composites. A regression analysis found that the probability of rebar corrosion was greater than 90%, when the corrosion rate was 11.54 μm/yr, the chloride diffusion coefficient was 0.62 × 10 −12 m 2 /s, or the critical pore size was 26.71 nm.

Background Rupture of, or injury to, the tracheobronchial tree is a rare occurrence in blunt chest trauma. Case Report We present a case of bronchial rupture caused by fragmented bone from a spinal burst fracture after blunt chest trauma. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Although tracheobronchial injury is infrequent, clinicians should be aware of this possible complication after blunt chest trauma. Bronchoscopy can help in the diagnosis.

This study investigates the properties of cement-based composites with addition of various rock wool wastes. The rock wool wastes are an insulating material. This study used rock wool waste with a cylindrical size distribution ranging from 17 to 250 μm, 30% of which is less than 150 μm. Rock wool waste can be used as a suitable substitute for coarse and fine aggregates, saving on the cost of natural aggregates and minimizing the environmental impact of solid waste disposal. In addition, because the composition of rock wool waste is similar to other pozzolan materials such as fly ash, ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), and silica fume, it can be considered as a supplementary cementitious material. Experimental results show that partially replacing natural aggregates with rock wool wastes improves the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, abrasion resistance, absorption, resistance to potential alkali reactivity, resistivity, and chloride-ion penetration of cement-based composites. These improved properties are the result of the dense structure achieved by the filling effect of pozzolanic product. Pozzolanic strength activity index (PSAI) results and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations confirm these findings. Therefore, rock wool wastes can act as either a cementitious material or inert filler in cement-based composites, depending on the particle size. The critical size appears to be 75 μm.

Septic arthritis caused by Aeromonas hydrophila is a rare clinical entity in common practice. Herein, we describe one case of A. hydrophila-associated septic knee after a traumatic injury. The clinical condition gradually improved after appropriate antibiotic and surgical debridement.

An 18-year-old male sustained a huge open fracture of the pubic symphysis combined with perineal trauma in a motor vehicle accident. Physical examination in our emergency department revealed a huge contaminated deep perineal open wound about 15 cm in length with rectal perforation. The radiographs showed an open book fracture (Type B1) of the pubic symphysis 9 cm in length, fracture of the left femoral middle shaft, and fracture of the left radius. After fluid administration and blood transfusion, the patient underwent a diverting colostomy, wide debridement, and reduction of the pubic symphysis with two figure-of-eight sutures of nonabsorbable polyester. This fixation option was easily and quickly applied, and had adequate strength for rehabilitation. The infection in the pelvis was regional and well controlled after antibiotic treatment. The functional outcome showed that the patient was satisfied with pain relief, and there was good bone healing and weight-bearing ambulation.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a rare complication following blunt trauma, which is difficult to diagnose early and manage promptly. We describe a 30-year-old man who developed ventricular tachycardia caused by AMI after blunt chest trauma.

Background Vascular injury is rarely reported but can be a life-threatening complication after lumbar disc surgery. Case Description We report a case of the rupture of a pseudoaneurysm of the right common iliac artery after spinal surgery for herniation of an intervertebral disc. It was successfully treated by prompt surgical repair. Conclusion This case reminds us of this rare but possible complication, and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and urgent intervention.