Modelling the Relations of Rheological Characteristics with Composition of Plaster Mortar

The rheological properties of fresh plaster mortars, with varied contents of porous fillers and polymer admixtures, have been studied. The quantities of fine limestone and expanded perlite, and dosages of methyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose and ethylene vinyl acetate were varied in the experiment. Effective viscosity (at a shear rate from 0.045 to 5.705 s−1) and the thixotropy of the mixes were determined with rotational viscometer for 18 compositions (according to the design of the experiment). Each of the 18 viscosity curves were described with the Ostwald–de-Waele equation. The Experimental–Statistical models describing the dependencies of the parameters of the rheological model and of mix thixotropy on the composition factors were built on the obtained data. ES-models have allowed the individual and synergetic effects of mix components on the rheological characteristics to be evaluated. The expanded perlite powder can increase the viscosity by two times, probably due to its pozzolanic effect increasing the content of the CSH phase during cement hydration. The thixotropy can be increased by the quantity of limestone. The computational experiments with ES-models have made it possible for the information set, without a noticeable interrelation between rheological characteristics, to be stratified into subsets, in which such interrelations differ significantly.

Decomposable Specht Modules Indexed by Bihooks II

Previously, the last two authors found large families of decomposable Specht modules labelled by bihooks, over the Iwahori–Hecke algebra of type B. In most cases we conjectured that these were the only decomposable Specht modules labelled by bihooks, proving it in some instances. Inspired by a recent semisimplicity result of Bowman, Bessenrodt and the third author, we look back at our decomposable Specht modules and show that they are often either semisimple, or very close to being so. We obtain their exact structure and composition factors in these cases. In the process, we determine the graded decomposition numbers for almost all of the decomposable Specht modules indexed by bihooks.

INFLUENCE OF FIBER REINFORCEMENT ON CONCRETE SHRINKAGE FOR RIGID ROAD AND AIRFIELD PAVEMENT REPAIR

The influence of fiber reinforcement with steel anchor fiber on the shrinkage of modified concrete for rigid airfield pavements repair has been determined. A 2-factor experiment was carried out, in which the following composition factors were varied: the amount of hardening accelerator Sika Rapid 3 from 0 to 2.4% of the cement content (0-9.6 kg/m3); the amount of steel anchor fiber with 1 mm diameter and 50 mm length, from 0 to 100 kg/m3. For the concrete batching were used: Portland cement CEM II / AS 42.5 in the amount of 400 kg/m3, granite crushed stone 5-20 mm, quartz sand, plasticizer admixture BASF MasterGlenium SKY 608 in the amount of 1.2% by cement content. The workability of the mixtures was S2 (6-8 cm); W/C ratio depended on the concrete composition. Due to the use of superplasticizers, the W/C of all investigated mixtures was in the range of 0.309-0.343. The shrinkage of the prism specimens was recorded after 3 hours, 6 hours, 1, 2, 3 and 7 days of being in air-dry conditions. The shrinkage process does not end after 7 days of concrete hardening, however, the general nature of the influence of variable factors on its value remains. It has been established that fiber-reinforced concretes, with a fiber amount of 50 kg/m3 and with a fiber amount of 100 kg/m3, have 10-15% less shrinkage compared to unreinforced concretes. Compositions with a fiber amount of 50 kg/m3 and 100 kg/m3 have practically the same shrinkage, which is explained by an increase in W/C ratio with an increase in the amount of fiber reinforcement. The amount of hardening accelerator has a less noticeable effect on the amount of concrete shrinkage. By adding Sika Rapid 3, concrete shrinkage at the age of 7 days is reduced by 2-9%. This effect can be explained by the fact that internal stresses arising in the process of structure formation and moisture loss in concrete are contained in a more durable cement-sand matrix. The concrete shrinkage without fiber and accelerator was also measured up to the age of 98 days. It was found that the limiting shrinkage for such concrete is 2.5×10-4. The analysis of the drawn experimental-statistical model showed that with the amount of metal fiber from 60 to 90 kg/m3 and the amount of the hardening accelerator from 0.9 to 2.4%, the shrinkage of the investigated concretes is minimal (7 = 1.3×10-4). Thus, the use of fiber reinforcement with anchor steel fiber and a hardening accelerator can significantly reduce the concrete shrinkage for the rigid airfield pavements repair is important for this material.

Combined assessment of the GAP index and body mass index at antifibrotic therapy initiation for prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Antifibrotic therapy (AFT) slows disease progression in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The Gender-Age-Physiology (GAP) index, was developed based on data at IPF diagnosis before the introduction of AFT and has not been evaluated in the AFT context. Further, recent advances have revealed the importance of body-composition factors in prognosis of IPF treated with AFT. This multi-centre, retrospective study aimed to evaluate the GAP index and body mass index (BMI) at the time of AFT initiation for predicting prognosis in patients with IPF. This study included two patient cohorts of IPF receiving AFT, Hamamatsu cohort (n = 110) and Seirei cohort (n = 119). The distribution of GAP stages I, II, and III was 38.2%, 43.6%, and 18.2%, respectively, in Hamamatsu cohort; in Seirei cohort, it was 41.2%, 50.4%, and 8.4%, respectively. In both cohorts, the GAP index distinctly classified prognosis into three groups (log-rank test). Interestingly, a lower BMI showed prognostic value independent of the GAP index in multivariate analyses. Subsequently, combining the GAP index with BMI at AFT initiation successfully divided the patients with IPF into four distinct prognoses. Assessment of the GAP index and BMI measurement at AFT initiation are important for predicting prognosis in patients with IPF.

Measuring the Effect of Neighborhood Racial Segregation on Fetal Growth

Prior studies of neighborhood racial segregation and intrauterine growth have not accounted for confounding factors in early life. We used the Life-Course Influences on Fetal Environment Study of births to Black women in metropolitan Detroit, 2009–2011, ( N = 1,408) to examine whether health and social conditions in childhood and adulthood confound or modify the association of neighborhood segregation (addresses during pregnancy geocoded to census tract racial composition) and gestational age-adjusted birthweight. Before adjusting for covariates, women living in a predominantly (≥75%) Black neighborhood gave birth to 47.3 grams (95% CI: –99.0, 4.4) lighter infants, on average, compared with women living in <75% Black neighborhoods. This association was confounded by adulthood (age at delivery, parity, neighborhood deprivation) and childhood (parental education, neighborhood racial composition) factors and modified by adulthood socioeconomic position. These findings underscore the complex relationship between neighborhood racial segregation and birth outcomes, which would be enhanced through a life course framework.

Psychosocial and Diet-Related Lifestyle Clusters in Overweight and Obesity

This study explored intraindividual multidimensional profiles integrating psychosocial factors, namely, body image and satisfaction, weight-related self-stigma, positivity, and happiness, and behavioural-lifestyle factors, namely, adherence to a healthy diet, among Spanish adults with overweight or obesity. We further aimed to investigate the association of excess weight (i.e., measured body mass index, BMI) with the abovementioned multidimensional configurations. A convenience sample of 100 adult individuals (60% females) with excessive weight (69% overweight; 31% obesity) was recruited. They completed self-reports regarding the study variables, and their weight and height were measured. With a perspective centered on the individual, a cluster analysis was performed. Three distinct intraindividual psychosocial and diet-related profiles were identified: a group of healthy individuals with excess weight (46%); a group of individuals who were negatively affected by their excessive weight and showed the most distressed profile (18%); and a group of dysfunctional individuals who seemed to be excessively unrealistic and optimistic regarding their excessive weight and unhealthy lifestyles, but were troubled by their weight (36%). Furthermore, individuals in the affected cluster had higher obesity (mean BMI ± SD = 32.1 ± 3.7) than those in the clusters of healthy (28.0 ± 3.0) and dysfunctional individuals (28.1 ± 3.3) (p < 0.05). The results showed that there are specific psychosocial and lifestyle profiles in the adult population with excess weight and that there are relationships among psychological, behavioural, and body-composition factors. For clinical application purposes, it is important to account for the heterogeneity within individuals who are obese and to individualize the interventions, with a focus from weight change to the individual’s overall well-being.

Psychosocial Resources and Diet-Related Lifestyle in Overweight and Obesity: A Cluster-Based Study

This study explored intraindividual multidimensional profiles integrating psychosocial factors, namely, body image and satisfaction, weight-related self-stigma, positivity, and happiness, and behavioural-lifestyle factors, namely, adherence to a healthy diet, among Spanish adults with overweight or obesity. We further aimed to investigate the association of excess weight (i.e., measured body mass index, BMI) with the abovementioned multidimensional configurations. A convenience sample of adult individuals with excessive weight completed self-reports regarding the study variables, and their weight and height were measured. With a perspective centered on the individual, a cluster analysis established three distinct intraindividual psychosocial and diet-related profiles: a group of healthy individuals with excess weight; a group of individuals who were negatively affected by their excessive weight and showed the most distressed profile; and a group of dysfunctional individuals who seemed to be excessively unrealistic and optimistic regarding their excessive weight and unhealthy lifestyles. Furthermore, individuals in the affected cluster had higher obesity. The results showed that there are specific psychosocial and lifestyle profiles in the adult population with excess weight and that there are relationships among psychological, behavioural, and body-composition factors. For clinical application purposes, it is important to account for the heterogeneity within individuals who are obese and to individualize the interventions, with a focus from weight change to individual's overall well-being.

Psychosocial and Diet-Related Lifestyle Clusters in Overweight and Obesity

This study explored intraindividual multidimensional profiles integrating psychosocial factors, namely, body image and satisfaction, weight-related self-stigma, positivity, and happiness, and behavioural-lifestyle factors, namely, adherence to a healthy diet, among Spanish adults with overweight or obesity. We further aimed to investigate the association of excess weight (i.e., measured body mass index, BMI) with the abovementioned multidimensional configurations. A convenience sample of adult individuals with excessive weight completed self-reports regarding the study variables, and their weight and height were measured. With a perspective centred on the individual, a cluster analysis established three distinct intraindividual psychosocial and diet-related profiles: a group of healthy individuals with excess weight; a group of individuals who were negatively affected by their excessive weight and showed the most distressed profile; and a group of dysfunctional individuals who seemed to be excessively unrealistic and optimistic regarding their excessive weight and unhealthy lifestyles. Furthermore, individuals in the affected cluster had higher obesity. The results showed that there are specific psychosocial and lifestyle profiles in the adult population with excess weight and that there are relationships among psychological, behavioural, and body-composition factors. For clinical application purposes, it is important to account for the heterogeneity within individuals who are obese.