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Background: The need for an objective set of anterior trunk measurements, such as nipple and clavicular shoulder joints, is essential to quantify the anterior asymmetry present in scoliosis. This study aims to characterize breast asymmetry (BA) in young individuals with scoliosis using photogrammetry. Methods: Digital photographs of the anterior trunk of the 51 scoliosis patients aged 4–20 years were taken from an anterior perspective. These images were then transferred to a computer. Ten parameters were measured using the ImageJ software. The positions of patients' nipples were classified into 6 types based on ratios on the x-axis. Results: The majority of patients had a right breast that was larger, intensifying the apparent BA due to trunk rotation. The apical vertebra level in patients was found at T8 in 23.6% and T9 in 45.1%. In 92.5% of the patients, the right breast was consistently larger. The lengths between the lateral boundaries and nipples of the right and left breasts and between the medial boundary and nipple of the right breast were statistically significantly higher in males than in females (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found when comparing the values of the lengths between the medial boundaries and nipples of the right and left breasts, the difference in length between the right and left acromioclavicular joint lines, and the angles of the nipple and acromioclavicular joint with the degrees of scoliosis in juvenile and adolescents (p < 0.05). Pearson regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between BA differences and the Cobb angle with a correlation coefficient of 0.901. Factors related to breast aesthetics, like differences in the height of nipples and the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple, represent 30% of the overall score. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is a significant correlation between the severity of scoliosis and BA differences. Augmentation mammaplasty for BA not only decreased the breast difference but also leveled the nipple disparities. Photogrammetry is considered to be an alternative to other methods and is believed to contribute to the follow-up of BA. Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The individual's perceived beauty, sense of identity, and general well‐being are all influenced by the social implications of the esthetics of their facial appearance. One of the major indicators of one's facial beauty is anthropometric proportions. This study was conducted to measure and evaluate the anthropometric proportions in a Syrian population, and to determine their desired nasal shape. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted on Syrian university students. Lateral and frontal pictures of the participants were taken using Canon EOS 250D from a standard distance of 100 cm. These pictures were analyzed, then nasal measurements were adjusted according to the participants' desire using Adobe Photoshop 2020. All anthropometric measurements were conducted on AutoCAD® 2019 software before and after the adjustments. Data was analyzed using the SPSS‐25 using paired samples T test to compare the means. Results: The study included 53 females and 47 males. The mean age was 22.25. The mean unadjusted nasofrontal angle, nasolabial angle, nasomental angle, nasofacial angle, nasal index, Byrd and Hobar ratio, and Powell‐modified Baum ratio were 141.80, 102.18, 129.21, 34.60, 71.71, 0.62, and 3.08 in the rhinoplasty‐negative participants, and 145.89, 102.03, 130.20, 32.44, 67.96, 0.64, and 3.06 in the rhinoplasty‐positive participants, respectively. While the mean of the adjusted previously mentioned angles were 144.59, 106.32, 131.19, 31.15, 62.91, 0.60, and 3.19 in the rhinoplasty‐negative participants, and 146.31, 102, 130.20, 31, 62.55, 0.62, and 3.08 in the rhinoplasty‐positive participants, respectively. Conclusion: In contrast to other populations, our study concluded that Syrians had unique anthropometric measurements and facial esthetics preferences. Moreover, the local plastic surgeons were able to identify most of the preferred nasal measurements for rhinoplasty in this ethnic group. It is advisable to use photogrammetry before rhinoplasty to identify the preferred nasal measurements of each individual to ensure the patient's satisfaction with the outcome of the surgery. Level of Evidence: Level IV, cross‐sectional study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to analyse the nasal shape of Indonesian Javanese and Minangkabau tribes' children using lateral and frontal facial photographs and compare them with other ethnic populations. Normal occlusion Javanese and Minangkabau children aged 12-14 years old were selected from junior high schools in Yogyakarta and Solok, Indonesia. Sixty-one Javanese and 62 Minangkabau children, 67 males and 56 females, were involved in this study. Standardised facial photographs were taken from frontal and lateral perspectives using a digital camera DLSR, 1000-pixel resolution. Linear and angular dimensions, nose height and width, canthal width, nasofrontal (NFA) and nasolabial angle (NLA), nose tip projection, and Goode's ratio were performed with CorelDRAW software from the digital facial photograph. More than 75% of Javanese and Minangkabau children had mesorrhine noses, with an index of 75-77. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in nose width, length, NFA and NLA, ratio nose width (Al-Al) to canthal width was found between the groups. The nose width to canthal width was 1.2. A significant difference (p < 0.05) of the Goode's ratio value was also found between Javanese and Minangkabau and males and females. Compared with other ethnic groups, the Indonesian nose is similar to the Chinese, but with larger nasofrontal and nasolabial angles. The nose of both Javanese and Minangkabau children were messorhine, with a greater Goode's ratio in Javanese than Minangkabau; and in males than females. Compared with other ethnic groups, Chinese was the closest, but with larger nasofrontal and nasolabial angles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and Aims The individual's perceived beauty, sense of identity, and general well‐being are all influenced by the social implications of the esthetics of their facial appearance. One of the major indicators of one's facial beauty is anthropometric proportions. This study was conducted to measure and evaluate the anthropometric proportions in a Syrian population, and to determine their desired nasal shape. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted on Syrian university students. Lateral and frontal pictures of the participants were taken using Canon EOS 250D from a standard distance of 100 cm. These pictures were analyzed, then nasal measurements were adjusted according to the participants' desire using Adobe Photoshop 2020. All anthropometric measurements were conducted on AutoCAD® 2019 software before and after the adjustments. Data was analyzed using the SPSS‐25 using paired samples T test to compare the means. Results The study included 53 females and 47 males. The mean age was 22.25. The mean unadjusted nasofrontal angle, nasolabial angle, nasomental angle, nasofacial angle, nasal index, Byrd and Hobar ratio, and Powell‐modified Baum ratio were 141.80, 102.18, 129.21, 34.60, 71.71, 0.62, and 3.08 in the rhinoplasty‐negative participants, and 145.89, 102.03, 130.20, 32.44, 67.96, 0.64, and 3.06 in the rhinoplasty‐positive participants, respectively. While the mean of the adjusted previously mentioned angles were 144.59, 106.32, 131.19, 31.15, 62.91, 0.60, and 3.19 in the rhinoplasty‐negative participants, and 146.31, 102, 130.20, 31, 62.55, 0.62, and 3.08 in the rhinoplasty‐positive participants, respectively. Conclusion In contrast to other populations, our study concluded that Syrians had unique anthropometric measurements and facial esthetics preferences. Moreover, the local plastic surgeons were able to identify most of the preferred nasal measurements for rhinoplasty in this ethnic group. It is advisable to use photogrammetry before rhinoplasty to identify the preferred nasal measurements of each individual to ensure the patient's satisfaction with the outcome of the surgery. Level of Evidence Level IV, cross‐sectional study.

Copyright of Acta Stomatologica Naissi is the property of Clinic of Stomatology Nis and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Facial aesthetics has evolved from simple microaesthetics to macroaesthetics of the face and today, it is a major component of modern orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate facial index and modified smile index in patients with Class I malocclusion after orthodontic treatment and to determine the correlation between them. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of a total of 16 patients (4 males and 12 females) in the age group of 16-35 years. Posed smile photographs were made with a Nikon Z6 II 24.5 MP digital camera (Nikon Corporation) with a NIKKOR Z 85 mm f/1.8 lens and a Godox AD200 flash. Olympus cellSens Standard software (2011 Olympus Corporation) was used to measure the characteristics needed to determine the facial index and modified smile index. Results: Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were calculated for each variable. Student's t-test showed that there was a non-significant statistical difference p < .05 between two genders for modified smile index and facial index. Pearson correlation indicated that there was a non-significant medium positive relationship between modified smile index and facial index in patients with Class I malocclusion after orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: Knowing the correlation between facial aesthetics and smile aesthetics is a necessary tool for achieving successful orthodontic treatment. Further research is required to define the correlation between these variables and to advance the knowledge about this connection.

Objective:Linear and angular measurements can be taken on the human body, especially from anthropometric points in the face area. There are measurement studies using different techniques on different ethnic origins in many countries, aimed at revealing the differences between the genders, from the determined anthropometric points for the eye, nose, lips, and mouth contours, which form the main lines of the face. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of facial angles in gender prediction, which is less common in the literature.Methods:In this study, 126 male and 121 female volunteers aged between 18-25 participated. Lateral photogrammetric images of all participants were taken in a natural head position, mouth in normal position, upper and lower lips closed to contact, and all images were transferred to the computer environment. Six anthropometric points determined in the vertical plane and three angles between these points were measured by the same researcher on all photographs. The results of the measurements were compared according to gender, and 10% of all measurements were repeated twice.Results:The nasofrontal angle was found to be statistically significantly larger in women than in men (p=0,000). In this context, the differential diagnosis reliability of the nasofrontal angle was found to be very strong. While statistically no significant difference was found between nasolabial angle values, a statistically significant difference was found between genders in terms of mentolabial angle values (p=0,022). The mentolabial angle was significantly larger in women and the differential diagnosis reliability was determined as strong.Conclusion:Nasofrontal and mentolabial angles can be used safely in gender determination. Knowing the difference of nasofrontal, nasolabial and mentolabial angles between ethnic groups is important for obtaining optimum results from facial surgery. We think that the results obtained in our study will contribute to departments such as anatomy, psychiatry, human resources departments, information technology, forensic medicine, which are interested in facial analysis.

Copyright of Bulletin of Legal Medicine / Adli Tıp Bülteni is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: All known anthropometric angles are evidently characterized by the feature of structural and functional variation according to gender, ethnic, and ecological influences. Knowledge of craniometric variation in the nasofacial angle among the Urhobo subjects appears limited, prompting the conduct of this study. Aim: The aim of the current anthropometric study was to evaluate a sample population of Urhobo subjects, by photogrammetric techniques, to establish the normal value of their nasofacial angle, and its associated variation. Materials and Methods: The noninvasive technique of angular photogrammetry was adopted for this investigation. This method incorporates the use of angular analysis of standardized left lateral facial cephalograms of 1000 Urhobo subjects, between 18 and 60 years of age. Selected craniofacial landmarks include the glabella, nasion, and nasal dorsum. Results: Descriptive analysis of data obtained from sampled Urhobo subjects revealed a mean nasofacial angle of 39.81° ± 4.81° and 39.45° ± 4.04° for males and females, respectively. Obtained means were not gender-specific on t- test analysis. Conclusion: While research findings did not demonstrate statistically significant gender differences, the obtained results would still have beneficial forensic and archaeological applications in reaching conclusions regarding subject identity, particularly in scientific expeditions in the politically volatile study area.

Air-to-air refueling for a fighter platform is a force multiplier in terms of increasing its combat radius and payload carrying ability. Adapting for such a facility especially for an aircraft under design and development is a challenging task. It requires rigorous ground and flight testing to meet the certification standards. One of important flight test parameter that needs to be validated for structural impact load calculations and certification needs is the closure velocity. The air-to-air refueller was equipped with a Ram-air-turbine powered drogue and chute system. An innovative methodology of estimating the closure velocity between the drogue of the mother aircraft and the in-flight refueling probe of the receiving aircraft was evolved. The method was employed and validated during the air-to-air refueling trials of a prototype fighter platform. The intention of this paper is to explain the methodology employed and deliberate the results obtained with respect to the air-to-air refueling certification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• French-door laminoplasty. • Craniocervical ROM. • Photogrammetric analysis. Surgical decompression using laminoplasty is commonly performed for multilevel stenosis with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. However, the long-term effects on the craniocervical range of motion (ROM) after surgery are not well understood. This study represents the first entry into the literature of photogrammetric analysis for clinical measurement of craniocervical ROM. All patients underwent a French-door laminoplasty from 1995 to 2016 and were evaluated radiologically and with postoperative photographs (photogrammetric analysis) to measure craniocervical ROM and axial rotation. Radiographic parameters were occiput to C2 angle, C1–2 angle, C2–7 angle/cervical lordosis (CL), T1-slope (T1S), and TS-CL were measured. Chin-brow vertical angle (CBVA) was utilized for flexion and extension, while nose-turn angle (NTA) was used to assess axial rotation. Forty-four patients (mean age: 65.7 years, 50% female) had a mean follow-up of 37.9 months. Mean values in neutral, flexion, and extension were occiput to C2 = 30°, 15°, and 43°; C1–C2 = −32°, −25°, −32°; and C2–C7 = −4°, 11°, −20°, respectively. Mean CL was within 1 SD of the established −17° (±13.86°). Mean T1S and TS-CL were 33° and 30° in the neutral position, respectively. Mean radiographic full range of motion from flexion to extension was 53°. NTA towards patients' left was 48° and the right side was 45°. Mean CBVA, was −4°, mean flexion 37°, and extension −45°; full range was 81°. Global craniocervical ROM has proven to be well preserved for many years following cervical laminoplasty. Photogrammetric analysis is a cost-effective and radiation-free method, accurate for quantitative assessment of craniocervical and cervical ROM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to show the anatomical differences in nipples and acromioclavicular joint line using photogrammetric analysis method in scoliosis patients. Methods: 51 scoliosis patients between the ages of 4-20, who were treated at Ege University Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinics were included. Images of scoliosis patients were taken from the anterior perspective using a digital camera. 8 measurements were made using the ImageJ program. Results: Mean age of female and male patients was 10.56 and 13.8, respectively. Mean scoliosis degree of women was 19.72° and 15.96° in men. Location of the patients' nipples was classified into 6 types in terms of the ratios on the x-axis. Length between the lateral border of the right and left mammary gland and nipple, and length between the medial border of the right mammary gland and nipple were found to be higher in men than in women which is statistically significant (p<0.05). Length difference between the medial border of the right and left mammary gland and nipple, right and left acromioclavicular joint lines, nipple angle and acromioclavicular joint angle values were compared according to the patients' scoliosis degrees and statistically significant difference was found between groups (p<0.05). Between length difference right and left acromioclavicular joint lines and horizontal line, nipple angle and acromioclavicular joint angle values and patients' scoliosis degrees was found to have positive correlation moderately. Conclusion: We suppose that these findings obtained by photogrammetric analysis method will contribute to the follow-up of scoliosis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Petrography and size of the used aggregate result in different concrete properties. • Concrete cone capacity is highly correlated to the cube compressive strength. • Predictive model based on concrete strength conservatively underestimates experiments. • No significant aggregate effect on the concrete cone shape exists. • Both predictive equations capture the aggregate effect on the concrete cone capacity. Recently, a large experimental campaign was completed that attempted to establish a link between petrography of the coarse aggregate, the concrete material properties and the system response in terms of concrete cone capacity. The investigation focused on three normal strength concretes having different coarse aggregate types (quartz, limestone, basalt) but otherwise similar mix design. All specimens of each concrete were cast from the same batch, carefully cured following three sets of curing protocols, and systematically characterized. The investigation comprised aggregate and concrete characterization, and structural tests performed at two ages on cast-in headed stud anchors under tensile loading. The aggregate characterization included the determination of Los Angeles coefficient, hardness and Young's modulus. In order to characterize the concretes, standard compression and indirect tension tests, were performed together with fracture tests. The experimentally obtained material and structural data finally served for the evaluation of current predictive models in terms of concrete compressive strength or concrete fracture properties as well as a correlation study. Aided by photogrammetric analysis, the concrete cone shape was determined for each individual test and analyzed to uncover possible dependencies on the coarse aggregate type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this paper is to develop a photogrammetric method in order to obtain arobust tool for damage assessment and quantification of rubble-mound armour layers during physicalscale model tests. With the present work, an innovative approach based on a reduced number ofdigital photos is proposed to support the identification of affected areas. This work considers twosimple digital photographs recording the instants before and after the completion of the physicaltest. Mathematical techniques were considered in the development of the procedures, enabling thetracking of image differences between photos. The procedures were developed using an open-sourceapplication, Scilab, nevertheless they are not platform dependent. The procedures developed enablethe location and identity of eroded areas in the breakwater armour layer, as well as the possibilityof quantifying them. This ability is confirmed through the calculation of correlation coefficients ineach step of the search for the more damaged area. It is also possible to make an assessment of themovement of armour layer units.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to develop a lightweight composite facade element for new buildings and for the refurbishment of existing facades. These composite elements have been developed combining an insulation layer of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) with an external ultrahigh‐performance concrete (UHPC) supporting layer. This solution allows avoiding the use of connectors and facilitates the production procedure. The structural behavior of the facade elements is mainly influenced by the presence of the upturning edges that are able to increase the stiffness of the element and reduce the thickness of the external layer. The insulation material has no influence on the structural behavior of the UHPC boxes. Flexural tests were carried out to investigate a potential detachment of the external layer from the upturning edge. The photogrammetric analysis used during the flexural tests essentially confirmed that the bond between the two UHPC layers cast in two steps is reliable. The quality of the bond between the external layer and the upturning edge is a key parameter to define the bearing capacity of the element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a novel method of analysing build consistency of additively manufactured open cell porous structures is presented. Conventionally, methods such as micro computed tomography or scanning electron microscopy imaging have been applied to the measurement of geometric properties of porous material; however, high costs and low speeds make them unsuitable for analysing high volumes of components. Recent advances in the image-based analysis of open cell structures have opened up the possibility of qualifying variation in manufacturing of porous material. Here, a photogrammetric method of measurement, employing image analysis to extract values for geometric properties, is used to investigate the variation between identically designed porous samples measuring changes in material thickness and pore size, both intra- and inter-build. Following the measurement of 125 samples, intra-build material thickness showed variation of ±12%, and pore size ±4% of the mean measured values across five builds. Inter-build material thickness and pore size showed mean ranges higher than those of intra-build, ±16% and ±6% of the mean material thickness and pore size, respectively. Acquired measurements created baseline variation values and demonstrated techniques suitable for tracking build deviation and inspecting additively manufactured porous structures to indicate unwanted process fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation cover mediates a number of important geomorphological processes. However, the effect of different vegetation types on the retention of fine aeolian sediment is poorly understood. We investigated this phenomenon, using the retention of fine, pyroclastic material (tephra) from the 2011 eruption of the Grímsvötn volcano, Iceland, as a case study. We set out to quantify structural variation in different vegetation types and to relate structural metrics to the thickness of recently deposited volcanic ash layers in the sedimentary section. We utilised a combination of vegetation and soil surveys, along with photogrammetric analysis of vegetation structure. We found that indices of plant community composition were a poor proxy for vegetation structure and were largely unrelated to tephra thickness. However, structural metrics, derived from photogrammetric analysis, were clearly related to variations in tephra layer thickness at a landscape scale and tephra layers under shrub patches were significantly thicker than those outside the shrub canopy. We therefore concluded that: a) vegetation cover was a critical factor in the retention of fine aeolian sediment for deposit depths up to few centimetres; b) structural variation in vegetation cover played a major role in determining the configuration of tephra deposits in the sedimentary section. These findings have implications for the analysis of ancient volcanic eruptions and archaeological/palaeoenvironmental reconstructions based on the interpretation of tephra deposits. Furthermore, they present the possibility that the detailed form of tephra layers may be used as a proxy for palaeo vegetation structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When facial photographs are analyzed for the purpose of identifying esthetics norms, differences in dentofacial relationships among ethnic and racial groups must be taken into consideration. Therefore, it is necessary to establish standards for various populations. The purpose of this study was to establish norms of photogrammetric soft tissue profile analysis for Persian adults. Pretreatment lateral photographs of 147 subjects (66 men and 81 women aged 18-35 years) with a Class I skeletal pattern were collected. Twelve angular parameters were evaluated in the subjects. Values for men and women were compared with a t test. Statistically significant sexual dimorphism was found for nasofrontal (P < 0.059), nasal (P < 0.059), nasal dorsum (P < 0.001), cervicomental (P < 0.001), facial convexity (P < 0.004), and total facial convexity (P < 0.002) angles. The mean values obtained from this study can assist in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning for Persian adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Orthodontie Française is the property of John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction To quantify average angular measurements that define the soft tissue profiles of 12-year-old southern Chinese and to determine gender differences. Materials and methods A random population sample of 514 12-year-old children was recruited (about 10% of a Hong Kong Chinese birth cohort). Photographs were taken in natural head posture and 12 soft tissue landmarks were located on the photos to measure 12 angular measurements using ImageJ (V1.45s) for Windows. Approximately 10% of photographs were reanalyzed and method error was calculated. Angular norm values for the 12 parameters were determined and gender differences were assessed using 2 sample T-test with 95% confidence interval. Results The response rate was 54.1% (278/514). Norm values for the 12 angular measurements were generated. The greatest variability was found for the nasolabial (Cm-Sn-Ls) and labiomental (Li-Sm-Pg) angles. Gender differences were found in 4 angular parameters: vertical nasal angle (N-Prn/TV)(p < 0.05), cervicomental angle (G-Pg/C-Me)(p < 0.001), facial convexity angle (G-Sn-Pg)(p < 0.01) and total facial convexity angle (G-Prn-Pg)(p < 0.01). Conclusion Norm values for 12 angular measurements among 12-year-old southern Chinese children were provided and some variability noted. Gender differences were apparent in several angular measurements. This study has implications in developing norm values for southern Chinese and for comparison with other ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the facial photogrammetric analysis results of the Turkish population who are pleased with their facial appearance with the facial analysis data of patients who underwent rhinoplasty in order to find the most prominent objective facial measurements that lead patients to surgical correction of the nose. Methods: Forty rhinoplasty patients (20M, 20F) and 40 people without nasal deformity (20M, 20F) were included in this study. Rhinobase software was used for photogrammetric facial analysis. Results: The differences in the nasofrontal angle (NFA), nasolabial angle (NLA), chin projection (CP), middle facial height (MFH), and tip deviation angle (TDA) between the patient and the control groups and between the males and females were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The most significant differences between the control group and the patient group were crooked nose, obtuse NFA, acute NLA, chin underprojection, and increased MFH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes four-point bending tests of three reinforced concrete beams with identical cross-sections, spans, and high-ductility steel reinforcement systems. Two beams were strengthened in the compressed section with a thin layer of reactive powder concrete (RPC) bonded with evenly spaced stirrups. Their remaining sections, and the third reference beam, were made of ordinary concrete. Measurements of their deflections, strains and axis curvature; ultrasonic tests; and a photogrammetric analysis of the beams are the main results of the study. For one of the beams with the RPC, the load was increased in one stage. For the two remaining beams, the load was applied in four stages, increasing the maximum load from stage to stage in order to allow the analysis of the damage evolution before reaching the bending resistance. The most important effect observed was the stable behaviour of the strengthened beams in the post-critical state, as opposed to the reference beam, which had about two to three times less energy-absorbing capacity in this range. Moreover, thanks to the use of the RPC layer, the process of concrete cover delamination in the compression zone was significantly reduced, the high ductility of the rebars was fully utilized during the formation of plastic hinges, and the bending capacity was increased by approximately 12%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Facial soft-tissue analyses based on photographic records (photogrammetric analysis of the soft tissues) highlight interracial and interethnic dimorphism. The standards for facial analyses, originally obtained from Caucasian subjects, are not appropriate for the diagnosis and treatment planning of other groups of orthodontic patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the photogrammetric soft tissue profile characteristics in the vertical dimension of Senegalese and Moroccan adults., Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on a group of Senegalese and Moroccan students in the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry of Dakar. Standardized profile photographs were taken for each student in a natural head position, centric relation, and relaxed lip posture. Fourteen linear and ten angular parameters were measured on a paper print using a graduated ruler and a protractor. The mean and standard deviation (SD) were calculated for each variable. In addition an independent samples t-test was performed to detect sexual and racial dimorphism. Results were regarded as significant at P=0.05., Results: Moroccan subjects had a less pronounced nasal bridge and a significantly more open nasolabial angle than the Senegalese, who had significantly greater lip height and a significantly less open inter-labial angle than the Moroccans., Conclusion: Further studies including different age groups would enable longitudinal data according to age to be obtained., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)