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This study introduces the development of a novel bio-nano composite via the dispersion of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) in epoxy. The surface of cellulose nanofibers was functionalized using a two-step chemical treatment to enhance dispersion. The interfacial characteristics of CNF were improved using alcohol/acetone treatments. The modified CNF (M-CNF) demonstrated enhanced compatibility and improved dispersion in the epoxy matrix as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. Based on the analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns, M-CNF did not disturb the crystalline phases at the interface. The results of mechanical testing showed that M-CNF worked as a reinforcing agent in the bio-nano composite. The flexural modulus increased from 1.4 to 3.7 GPa when M-CNF was introduced. A similar trend was observed for tensile strength and impact resistance. The optimum performance characteristics were observed at M-CNF of 0.6%. At higher dosages, some agglomeration was observed, which weakened the interfacial properties. This study promotes sustainability and resource conservation while offering CNF as a sustainable reinforcing agent to develop bio-nano composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) has shifted to outcomes-based accreditation standards for higher education construction programs, allowing greater customization of educational strategies. Past research efforts have analyzed the demands of industry and strategies used in academia, but these studies occurred before the shift to outcomes-based accreditation. This paper presents an updated analysis of construction industry needs and academic priorities and aims to provide insight into the status of industry and academia in the context of this outcomes-based focus. Thematic analysis of five years of direct evaluations of student performance during industry internships provides insight into industry demands. Parallel analysis of construction education research publications from a corresponding time period is leveraged to understand developments within the academic research community. Results suggest that both sectors recognize the need for experiential learning and software competencies among construction graduates. However, differences in trends were observed with a greater industry focus on personal attributes and a greater academic emphasis on sustainability learning competencies. The contribution of this paper is in providing an up-to-date evaluation of industry and academic trends in order to guide subsequent developments in construction education while addressing the needs of industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkish bridge design standards were studied with a focus on the live load. Turkish design specifications were compared with American design specifications. Turkish bridge design specifications follow American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials-Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges (AASHTO-SSHB), with the live load in Turkish standards given in tonnes, whereas in AASHTO-SSHB the live load is in tons. Turkish bridges are currently designed to either HS20 or HS30, the latter being 65% heavier than HS20-44. A reinforced concrete open spandrel arch bridge in Birecik, Turkey was analyzed using a service load approach according to AASHTO-SSHB with a heavy equipment transporter (HET), weighing 104,600 kg, as the live load. Dead load, live load, and impact were considered, and the analysis did not include any modification for possible deterioration, damage, or aging of the bridge. The bridge was not deemed adequate for passage of a HET using these assumptions. CE Database subject headings: Turkey; Bridge design; Bridges, arch; Structural analysis; Live loads.

Introduction: Portal hypertension (PH) is associated with complications including refractory ascites and variceal haemorrhage and can be treated endovascularly with a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS). Portal vein puncture during TIPS using real‐time transabdominal ultrasound guidance is one of many portal vein puncture techniques and is seldom used compared with other methods. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe this technique and its associated procedural outcomes at a quaternary liver transplant hospital. Methods: Clinical data of all patients who underwent ultrasound‐guided TIPS at our institution between 1 January 2009 and 1 January 2019 were retrospectively obtained from electronic medical records and reviewed. Patient demographics, indications, procedural outcomes and complications were recorded. Results: Forty‐four ultrasound‐guided TIPS procedures were performed during the study period. The most common indication for TIPS was refractory ascites (n = 26; 57%) and variceal haemorrhage (n = 12; 26%). Technical success rate was 100%. No intraprocedural complications occurred. Periprocedural complication rate was 35% (n = 16) with encephalopathy (n = 8; 17%) and sepsis (n = 5; 11%) the most common. One patient with sepsis died. No other TIPS‐related deaths occurred. Median fluoroscopy time, contrast volume, air kerma and dose area product values for all procedures were 35 minutes (IQR 24–51), 100 ml (IQR 70–160), 0.95 Gy (IQR 0.50–1.53) and 127 Gycm2 (IQR 68.75–206), respectively. Conclusion: Transabdominal ultrasound‐guided portal vein puncture during TIPS is safe and technically feasible. When compared to fluoroscopically guided methods, it is associated with lower intraprocedural complication rates, fluoroscopy times, contrast volumes and radiation doses in our experience. Radiation doses, FTs and contrast volumes were also considerably lower than recommended limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torque-controlled expansion (TCE) anchors are common concrete anchors that commonly fail in pull-through (PT) and pullout (PO) modes when installed in deep effective embedment depths. While concrete breakout failure has been adequately researched, no design equation is available to predict the ultimate tensile strength in these failures (Np). To investigate the PT and PO failure modes, 128 tension tests on TCE anchors from three manufacturers in three diameters were tested in two effective embedment depths per diameter. Also, these tests were simulated by finite element models (FEMs) using ABAQUS. The FEMs accurately identified different failure modes, and the predicted strength agreed well with the Np test results. Additional FEM results were obtained by a parametric study, which showed that anchor diameter, effective embedment depth, concrete strength, and cone geometry are significant to Np results. An empirical prediction model for Np was developed. The model was validated by the test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]