Digital Commons Network^™

Life Cycle Assessment Of Semi-Submerged Offshore Wind Turbines’ Foundation Materials: Concrete Versus Steel, Isabel C L Castellanos, Andrew Whyte, Stephen M. Urquhart

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

The offshore wind-generation energy sector in Australia has been growing steadily in lieu of non-renewable energy sources, towards addressing national calls for greenhouse gas emission reductions. However, the industry in Australia is still somewhat fledgling, hence localised studies on environmental impact are scarce. In this context, the work here analyses greenhouse gas emissions by comparing like-for-like steel versus concrete materials as the main components in the foundation element of an offshore wind turbine throughout its lifecycle, using an adapted Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method. This paper details a cradle-to-cradle LCA of the two alternative specifications for semi-submerged foundations supporting a …

Use Fibre Optic Sensor Systems For Structural Integrity Monitoring In Ageing Sewer Concrete Structures And Pipelines, Matthas Fabian, Joanna Coote, Richard Harry Scott, Heriberto Bustamante, Tong Sun, Kenneth Thomas Victor Grattan

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Fibre Bragg Gratings (FBGs) form the basis of a valuable class of sensors that have a number of applications in industry and are formed as a periodic variation in the refractive index of an optical fibre that reflects light at a specific wavelength depending on the strain applied to the fibre – this effect can be related to and then calibrated against the parameter to be measured. A number of different types of sensors have been developed for monitoring sewer structures, detecting strain and potential leaks in sewer pipelines by embedding fibres along the pipeline route and for monitoring the …

Toward Durable 3d Printed Structures, David A. Lange, Chenyue Shen

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Durability of 3-D printable concrete begins with control of flow and consolidation of the fresh material. 3D printed concrete needs to be fluid-like for pumping and extrusion but solid-like during placement to support the printed structure. High quality 3D printed materials must have excellent consolidation and a low volume of trapped voids. In practice, achieving this balance is challenging. This research addresses these challenges by leveraging machine learning and numerical simulation to model the fresh behavior of cement-based materials for 3-D printing. It begins with rheological characterisation to understand how mixture design factors influence rheological properties, laying the foundation for …

Chloride Transport In Low Clinker Content Concretes And Modeling, Pu Yang, Narayanan Neithalath, Manu Santhanam, Yuvaraj Dhandapani

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Chloride ion transport behaviour has been reported to be significantly influenced by the use of supplementary cementing materials in concrete, both due to physical effects such as pore structure refinement and chemical effects including chloride binding. This paper provides experimental results on diffusion of chloride ions through concretes containing limestone calcined clay as a cement replacement material at ~50% replacement level, demonstrating the beneficial effects of high-volume replacement of cement with calcined clay. A numerical simulation framework that considers the pore structure of concrete, the concentration-dependence of diffusion coefficient, and Freundlich binding is also presented. The diffusion model is augmented …

Challenges And Opportunities In Concrete Precast Sector And Its Transition To A Net-Zero Future, Sreejith Nanukuttan, Rory Doherty, Daniel Mcpolin, Marios Soutsos, Mark Russell

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

This article explores key factors shaping the transition of the precast concrete sector toward net-zero carbon. While not exhaustive, it highlights areas of scientific and technical interest for a specialist audience. The discussion is structured around priority themes: beginning with cement and clinker replacement, followed by production efficiency improvements, rethinking steel usage, carbon sequestration strategies, and, finally, structural optimisation or volume reduction. These areas are often interdependent: for instance, clinker replacement, production efficiency, and structural optimisation are all influenced by the 16 – 18 hour production cycle typical of precast manufacturing. Unlike the readymix sector, precast operates on a fast-paced, …

Enhancing Concrete Circularity In Construction: The Recyclebim Framework In Closing Material Loops, Miguel Azenha, Artur Kuzminykh, José Granja, Manuel Parente, M. Albadri, P. González-Cabaleiro, R. Túñez-Alcalde, Lucía Díaz-Vilariño, C. Cao, N. Ukrainczyk, E. Koenders, A. J. Babafemi, M. Colyn, W. De Villiers, A. Ditlhokwa, H. Els, K. Timm, G. Van Zijl, E. Ameh, J. Immelman, V. Ndjate, L. Petrik, E. Ciampi, G. Nisivoccia, M. G. Orecchio, E. Sandonis, V. Garcia, D. Garcia, A. Delaplace

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Despite significant progress in digitalisation across various sectors, the development of data-driven applications in the built environment remains ongoing, with a focus on improving labour productivity and addressing global sustainability challenges. The circular economy framework for reusing and recycling construction materials is still underexplored. Metrics on the amount and impact of construction and demolition waste (CDW) highlight the need for more effective circularity strategies. Although the circular economy seeks to minimise waste, maximise material reuse, and reduce environmental impacts, practical implementation within the construction sector requires further development—an area where digital technologies can offer substantial support. This study introduces the …

Decalcification Of Calcium Silicate Hydrate By Sulfate Attack: Material Degradation By Heterogeneous Charges, Muhan Wang, Xiangming Zhou, Chengbo Liu, Pan Wang, Dongshuai Hou

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Sulfate attack is a key factor limiting the durability of concrete in aggressive environments, primarily through the degradation of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H), the main binding phase of cement. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of C–S–H decalcification under sulfate exposure by combining semi-empirical Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) with density functional theory (DFT). A C–S–H model with a Ca/Si ratio of 1.5 was simulated in aqueous environments with and without sulfate ions. BOMD trajectories revealed that while C–S–H remained largely stable in pure water, sulfate ions rapidly promoted Ca²⁺ desorption, leading to silicate chain fragmentation and Q²→Q¹ transitions. Electronic structure …

Fractal Characterisation Of Crack Tortuosity And Its Correlation With Permeability In Concrete, Yuan Shen, Tamon Ueda

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

This study investigated fracture behaviour in four concrete grades (C40-C70) through controlled splitting tests. Using high-resolution 3D profilometry, we quantitatively characterised crack surface morphology and proposed a novel fractal dimension metric for tortuosity D_T. Post-repair permeability tests on 12 specimens (24 fracture surfaces) revealed: (1) conventional tortuosity showed weak permeability correlation (R²<0.350), while (2) D_T demonstrated superior predictive capability (R²=0.430). The developed fractal tortuosity index provides a robust multiscale quantification method for crack flow mechanism analysis.

Utilisation Of Semi-Naturally Carbonated Steelmaking Slag As Concrete Aggregate, Sumire Nakamura, Yuichiro Kawabata

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Steelmaking slag has emerged as a promising material for low-carbon concrete, owing to its ability to sequester CO₂ through carbonation. However, CO2 sequestration by steelmaking slag and its utilisation is still far from practical application due to the high energy consumption and cost of the accelerated carbonation process. Anticipating that optimising the pre-natural carbonation during storage would reduce the energy and cost for accelerated carbonation, this study focused on the natural carbonation potential of steelmaking slag. In addition, the applicability of naturally carbonated steelmaking slag as aggregate for concrete was investigated. The long-term exposure experiment simulating outdoor storage demonstrated that …

Deploying 3d Concrete Printing For Large-Scale Building Construction In Saudi Arabia: A Case Study, Zakiah Yousif Altehaini, Mohammed Ahmad Dayili, Meshari Ali Alrajab, Adel Nasser Alharbi, Ali Khudhran Alutaibi, Eyad Hamzah Garatly

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

This paper details the successful large-scale implementation of 3D concrete printing (3DCP) for the construction of large building in remote area of Saudi Arabia. As one of the first religious buildings in the region constructed using additive manufacturing, this project showcases 3DCP's technological and environmental potential for contemporary building. In order to ensure sustainability and cost effectiveness, the mosque was constructed using a COBOD BOD2 gantry printer and a customised concrete mix made up of 99% locally sourced materials and 1% CEMEX D-fab admixture. To maximise thermal insulation and accommodate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, the structure included a …

Surface Morphology, Bond Strength And Failure Behaviour Of Steel Vs Basalt Rebars In Alkali Activated Concrete, Ansu Mary Alex, Sreejith Nanukuttan, Adeline Mccartney, Marios Soutsos, Daniel Mcpolin

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

This microscopic characteristics of basalt bars after exposure to alkaline solutions and pullout performance of steel and basalt rebars embedded in conventional and alkali-activated concrete were studied. The overarching goal is to assess the potential of basalt rebars as an alternative to conventional steel reinforcement in alkali activated concrete elements. To understand their durability in alkaline environments, especially within alkali-activated concrete (AAC), steel and basalt rebars were subjected to an accelerated exposure test in high-pH simulated concrete pore solutions, for 24hrs. This aimed to replicate the aggressive internal environment typically found in AAC and mixes with supplementary cementitious materials. Post-exposure …

J Am Coll Dent 2018 85 1

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The Journal of the American College of Dentists (JACD) publishes scholarly articles, editorials, essays, and reflections addressing the ethical, professional, and social dimensions of dentistry. The Journal serves as a forum for advancing ethics, professionalism, leadership, and excellence within the dental community. By fostering dialogue across disciplines and perspectives, JACD provides readers with insights that encourage ethical, professional practice, lifelong learning, and service to the public, reinforcing dentistry’s commitment to advancing oral healthcare and the common good.

Utilitarianism, Dune, And The Moral Problem Of Genetic Engineering, Mathias W. Alling

Quest

Moral Philosophy Essay

Research in progress for PHIL 2306: Introduction to Ethics (Honors)

Faculty Mentor: John Macready, PhD

This article began as a research essay during the Fall 2024 semester for my honors- level course, Introduction to Ethics (PHIL 2306). In this course, students are asked to research a moral issue and offer an argument for whether the issue is morally required, morally permitted, morally permissible, or morally impermissible. Mathias Alling’s philosophically ambitious article “Utilitarianism, Dune, and the Moral Problem of Genetic Engineering” examines the moral permissibility of genetic engineering through the fictional universe of Frank Herbert’s novel Dune …

“I Did Not Come Back The Same”: Implications Of A Study Abroad Basic Communication Course, Kristen L. Farris, Andrea Avila, Lauren Green, Michael Burns, Marian L. Houser

Basic Communication Course Annual

The goal of this case study was to explore students’ experiences in a study abroad program of the basic communication course. Thirty-six students enrolled in a study abroad program in the summer of 2023 participated in focus groups tasked to understand more about students’ challenges and learning outcomes. Results from our study suggest students’ significant takeaways from the study abroad experience were their personal growth through improved communication skills and cultural appreciation via expanded worldviews. The findings also suggest these students experienced challenges including language barriers and nonverbal behavioral differences as well as initial negative expectations of intercultural interactions. However, …

From Public Speaking To Multimodal Communication: A Reevaluation Of The Basic Communication Course, Stephanie Medden, Brian Myers, Kristin Roberts-Raymond, Maik Stanitzke

Basic Communication Course Annual

This article contributes to ongoing discussions regarding the evolution of the basic communication course. The authors detail the multi-year process of redesigning their institution's basic communication course, now centered on multimodal communication, and share insights from its implementation. Emphasizing the need to respond to increased cultural and linguistic diversity, a high prevalence of speaking anxiety, and the need to development multimodal communication competencies, the course redesign underscores the necessity for communication educators to adapt proactively to changing cultural, educational, and professional landscapes. Drawing from data collected through faculty and student surveys and focus groups, the authors highlight how incorporating linguistic …

Reality Of Using Augmented Reality Technology From The Perspective Of Arabic Language Teachers In Middle Schools In Aljouf Province, Hussain Bin Eidhah Alsaiari

University of Bisha Journal for Educational Sciences

This study aimed to identify the Reality of using Augmented Reality technology from the perspective of Arabic Language teachers in middle schools in Aljouf Province in Saudi Arabia and to uncover the obstacles that prevent them from using this technology, as well as to determine the impact of gender, qualification, and teaching experience on using Augmented Reality technology. The researcher used a descriptive analytical method, and the study tool was a questionnaire consisting of 30 items. The research was applied to a sample of 95 teachers, including 69 female teachers in the middle schools in the Aljouf Province. The study …

Utility Of True Cut Biopsy Tcb In Triple Diagnosis Of Breast Cancer, Ahmed Abdallah Esawy

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

objective : The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of breast true cut biopsy (TCB) in the diagnosis of breast Cancer and benign mimics of malignant lesions. True cut biopsy improves the classification of BI-RADS System (upgrade or downgrade, BI-RADS score).TCB decreases follow-up examinations. TCB allows definite rapid breast cancer diagnosis and management. Methods: An observational retrograde study was performed of all TCB reports of a suspicious mass or lesion observed in patients admitted between January 2022 and December 2022, at Al-Sahel Teaching Hospital Conclusion : True cut biopsy is accurate, fast method in diagnosis of breast …

Calcium Sensitizers Improve Short Term Outcome After Surgical Repair Of Pediatric Cardiac Patients With Severely Impaired Left Ventricle, Rania Aboshokka, Hanan Mohammed Hassan, Khaled S. Ahmed, Rasha Hosny, Ahmed Algebaly

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Introduction: Delayed diagnosis and management of congenital cardiac defects with high LV afterload and infants with impaired coronary perfusion can lead to severe impairment of LV function. The surgical repair of these patients carries a high perioperative risk. Introduction of Inodilators in the medical management of these cases has greatly improved postoperative outcome. Aim of the work: To evaluate the effect of calcium sensitizers on short-term outcome of surgical repair of cardiac defects in pediatric cardiac patients with severely impaired left ventricle. Methods and results A retrospective study was conducted at our institute in 2024 to evaluate the effect of …

Mid-Term Results Of Tricuspid Valve Repair For Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation: Ring And Modified Band Annuloplasty, Ismail R Barrada, Ahmed S Ali, Mahmoud M Abdou

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background: The concurrent repair of functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is typically recommended during left-sided heart valve surgery. Several surgical techniques are available, each targeting long-term effectiveness and clinical success. Objective: This study sought to assess the mid-term outcomes of two widely used tricuspid valve repair (TVr) methods: flexible band annuloplasty (FA) and rigid ring annuloplasty (RA). Methods: This retrospective study involved 85 patients who underwent TVr along with left-sided valve surgery. Of these, 53 patients were assigned to the FA group (Group A), and 32 patients to the RA group (Group B). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at hospital discharge and …

Climate Shocks And State Formation: The 1970 Bhola Cyclone And The Birth Of Bangladesh, Sultan Mehmood, Ahmed Mushfiq Mobarak

Discussion Papers

State formation through secession often requires two critical steps: building mass support for independence, and engaging in violent conflict against a state resisting territorial loss. Combining satellite data with archival sources, we statistically document how exposure to the 1970 Bhola cyclone in East Pakistan which killed 350,000 people led to a rise in separatist sentiments expressed in voting booths, and later induced citizens to take up arms against the government and engage in guerrilla warfare. We identify the cyclone as a focal point that helped galvanize dispersed separatist sentiments into an organized political movement and war, in part by revealing …

2025 October 13 - Staff Senate Agenda And Minutes, Staff Senate, East Tennessee State University

Staff Senate Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

From Peak To Plunge: A Multi-Database Analysis Of State-Level Disparities In Hydromorphone Use In The Us, Krisha S. Patel, Leana J. Pande, Kenneth L. Mccall, Brian J. Piper

Pharmacy Faculty Scholarship

Background: Hydromorphone is a semi-synthetic opioid agonist and a hydrogenated ketone of morphine. This study examined hydromorphone use in the United States (US) using three databases. Methods: The distribution of hydromorphone in the US (in grams) was provided by the US Drug Enforcement Administration’s Automated Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) by state, zip code, and business type (pharmacies, hospitals, providers, etc.). Hydromorphone prescription claims were also examined using the Medicaid and Medicare Part D programs from 2010 to 2023. Results: Hydromorphone increased by +30.6% by 2013, followed by a decrease of −55.9% by 2023 in ARCOS. Medicaid prescriptions increased …

Early Outcomes Of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention For Patients With Intermediate Syntax Ii Score, Ahmed A Faragalla, Ahmed M Elshiemy, Ahmed K. Hassan, Sherif M. Elboghdady, Wael S. Nekhila

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background Navigating the treatment landscape for those whose SYNTAX II scores reside in the transitional band of 23 to 32 (the intermediate score zone) continues to present a formidable clinical dilemma, with the therapeutic arsenal offering divergent paths: the surgical undertaking of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the catheter-based strategy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or the non-interventional realm of medical therapy. Aim To evaluate the frequency of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE) during the in-hospital period following re-vascularization procedures in participants graded as intermediate SYNTAX II scores. Methods A retrospective study was conducted at the National Heart …

Acute Kidney Injury After Open Heart Surgery: The Diagnostic And Predictive Value Of The New Biomarkers, Ahmed A Faragalla, Ahmed M Elshiemy, Sherif A. Elhendawy

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background Post-operative acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac surgery represents a significant clinical challenge, associated with heightened mortality and an increased propensity for chronic kidney disease. Ischemia-reperfusion injury, a primary pathophysiological mechanism, induces renal tubular damage, releasing biomarkers such as Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and hemojuvelin (HJV) into the urine. The quantification of these urinary biomarkers offers a means for early AKI detection and risk stratification, with the potential to improve patient prognosis. Aim This investigation tested new urinary biomarkers to detect AKI within the first 24 hours, to enable prompt intervention and enhance patient care. Patients and Method Sixty-three …

Study Of Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Pediatric Healthcare Practitioners Towards Wilson Disease., Hanaa Ahmed Elaraby, Magdy Anwar Saber, Sally Waheed Elkhadry, Salwa Gamal Attia, Gihan Ahmed Sobhy

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background; Wilson disease (WD) is a rare genetic disease that occurs secondary to an excess of copper building up in our body, especially in the liver and brain. Diagnosis of WD is challenging. Since it is a curable illness, raising awareness about it among medical professionals is essential. Aim of the work; to assess the awareness, knowledge, attitude and practice of pediatric practitioners towards WD providing useful alerts about this disease and augmenting their knowledge. Participants and Methods ; Five hundred and one (501) pediatric practitioners with varying academic degrees from several Egyptian governmental hospitals participated in this cross-sectional study …

Climate Change Projections Through Optimized Machine Learning And Deep Learning Models: A Comprehensive Analysis, Hala H. Youssef, Salma S. Mohammed, Hanan M. Amer, Abeer T. Khalil

Mansoura Engineering Journal

One major worldwide issue that has far-reaching effects on environmental stability and the avoidance of natural disasters is climate change. Developing efficient mitigating strategies depends on precise climate change forecasts. To predict important climate change indicators, including temperature fluctuations, greenhouse gas (CO2, N2O, CH4, and SF6) emissions, population dynamics, sea level changes, Arctic Sea ice extent, and Antarctica mass, this study evaluated the predictive capabilities of several Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) techniques. The set of machine learning algorithms includes Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Random Forest (RF), …

Polarization, Performance, Responsiveness, And Trust In Malawian Executive, Legislative, And Judicial Institutions, Rodgers Brenner Chawani

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Political trust matters for good governance and democracy. Although Malawi's constitution affirms trust as a key component of authority, Afrobarometer surveys have revealed broad declines, hindering democratic consolidation and the achievement of the long-term Vision 2063 development goals. Prior researchers studying the country have fixated on qualitative analyses and overlooked affective polarization and differentiation across government branches. The purpose of this cross-sectional quantitative study was to examine the predictive relationship between perceived government performance, responsiveness, corruption, affective polarization, democratic satisfaction, and trust in the Malawi president, parliament, and judiciary, using generalized linear models to apply Easton's political support theory to …

An Integrated Pcb-Based Heating And Auto-Ranging Platform For Volatile Organic Compound (Voc) Detection Using Carbon Nanotube Based Sensors, Thomas Kalach

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the development, characterization, and integration of a novel low-cost, high-dynamic-range sensor platform for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), leveraging the unique electrical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) thin films. The platform introduces a fully integrated auto-ranging analog front-end circuit capable of real-time resistance measurement spanning over eight orders of magnitude ranging from tens of ohms to hundreds of megaohms, without compromising signal resolution or precision. This was achieved through a digitally controlled, multi-path feedback architecture and controllable current source.

To further enhance sensor performance, the system incorporates a copper trace heater beneath the sensor array, …

Organism-Specific Sequence Motifs Link Ribosomal Rnas To Brain Disorders, Isidore Rigoutsos, Stepan Nersisyan, Eric Londin, Iliza Nazeraj, Bonnie Dong, Anastasios Vourekas, Phillipe Loher

Computational Medicine Center Faculty Papers

We report that in humans, mice, fruit flies, and worms, the ribosomal RNAs and the transcribed spacers of 45S are densely packed with organism-specific sequence motifs that are primarily shared with nervous system genes. The human ribosomal RNAs and 45S spacers contain 1,723 such motifs. Specific combinations of these motifs are predominantly found in 3,430 human nervous system genes, of which 1,046 are genes associated with brain disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. The sequences of the 1,723 motifs and their locations in the introns and exons of nervous system genes are unique to primates. Experimental evidence indicates that …

Occ's Memo Of Law On Charitable Immunity

Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy

No abstract provided.