Search Results (195)

Background and Objectives: Hook plate fixation has been widely used for unstable distal clavicle fractures, but concerns remain regarding implant-related complications and the need for secondary removal. Locking plate fixation with supplementary cerclage wiring has been proposed as an alternative that may provide stability while reducing complications. This study compared the clinical and radiologic outcomes of locking plate fixation with cerclage wiring versus hook plate fixation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for unstable distal clavicle fractures (Cho’s classification type II) between 2015 and 2024. Patients with at least 6 months of follow-up were included. Two techniques were evaluated: locking plate with cerclage wiring (Group 1) and hook plate fixation (Group 2). Clinical outcomes, including complications, range of motion, and patient satisfaction, were compared at the final follow-up. Results: A total of 52 patients met the inclusion criteria: 27 in Group 1 and 25 in Group 2. The overall mean follow-up period was 13.17 ± 8.46 months. The distribution of fracture types was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.287). Complications were more frequent in Group 2 (40%), including postoperative stiffness requiring capsular release (70%), nonunion requiring revision (20%), and peri-implant fracture (10%). The overall union rate was 100% in Group 1 and 80% in Group 2. In contrast, Group 1 had only one complication (3.7%), a peri-implant fracture (p = 0.002). Shoulder range of motion at the final follow-up showed no significant difference between groups. Conclusions: Hook plate fixation was associated with a significantly higher complication rate compared with locking plate fixation with cerclage wiring. Locking plate fixation with supplementary cerclage wiring appears to be a better surgical option for unstable distal clavicle fractures. Full article

This study presents detailed microstructural observations of the mouthparts and sensory organs of adult cicadomorphan species, obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Despite microstructural variation, the overall morphology of the mouthparts, comprising a three-segmented labium and a bundle of interlocking stylets (maxillae and mandibles), is highly conserved across species, supporting its evolutionary significance in sap feeding from floem, xylem, or epidermis cells. Variations in the number and shape of mandibular stylet barbs likely reflect adaptations to different host plant tissues. The presence of an identical dual interlocking system between the maxillary stylets, which is found consistently across taxa, enhances functional stability during feeding and indicates a conserved mechanism among cicadomorphans. The species studied exhibit two distinct types of salivary canal closure: hooked and T-shaped. The latter potentially represents a state linked to specialised feeding strategies, such as sap xylem feeding. On the labial tip, there are different shapes of the anterior sensory fields. This area hosts a complex array of sensilla of different numbers, including gustatory (sensilla peg, PS1 and PS2, basiconica, BS3, double basiconica, DB), olfactory (finger–like, FLS) and thermo-hygroreceptive (sensillum dome-shaped, DS, and coeloconicum, CS) types, which facilitate host detection and feeding site selection. In the posterior sensory field, sensilla contact-chemosensory (sensilla basiconica, BS1 and BS2, and sensillum trichoideum, TS) are present. Mechanosensilla chaetica (CH1–CH3) are widely distributed on the last labial segment and may contribute to labium positioning. These findings emphasise the presence of both conserved and specialised morphological traits reflecting evolutionary and ecological diversification within Cicadomorpha. Full article

In tropical regions, the establishment of large-scale exotic plantations has addressed the demand for timber resources but has also disrupted the structural stability of native vegetation and altered soil nutrient cycling, thereby impairing ecosystem functions. Identifying effective restoration strategies for these plantations is crucial for sustainable forest management and ecological security. This study examined Acacia mangium Willd., Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook., and Pinus caribaea Morelet. plantations in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park under three treatments: plantation control, girdling, and natural secondary forest. Vegetation surveys and soil analyses were conducted to explore the relationships between community structure, soil physicochemical properties, and enzyme activities. Diversity indices, Pearson correlations, and redundancy analysis were used to assess plant–soil relationships. The results showed that girdling significantly accelerated succession in C. lanceolata and P. caribaea plantations, increased species diversity, and enhanced the dominance of native species. Shrub-layer diversity indices (H_shrub, D_shrub, E_shrub) were the main drivers of soil properties and enzyme activities, while tree-layer effects were weaker. Girdling regulated soil nutrients and biological activity primarily via changes in community structure. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing shrub-layer structure and enhancing diversity for tropical plantation restoration. Combining forest type conversion with moderate interventions can promote coordinated plant–soil development over time. Full article

This study aims to investigate the synergistic effect of hybridizing steel fibers on the shear behavior of I-shaped reinforced concrete beams (I-beams) produced with Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) without shear reinforcement. For this purpose, five I-beams were prepared using UHPC mixtures with three fiber volume fractions (0%, 1% and 2%), incorporating either straight micro steel fibers alone or an equal combination of straight micro and hooked-end macro steel fibers, and tested under three-point loading. In addition, the experimental program evaluated the effects of hybridization on the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and fracture behavior of UHPC. The test results showed that beams with 1% microfibers and hybrid fibers demonstrated substantial improvements in shear resistance, achieving 2.7 and 2.0 times higher shear strength than the reference beam without fibers, respectively. Moreover, the beam reinforced with only microfibers exhibited 37% greater shear strength than the beam with hybrid fibers, indicating that the synergistic effect was limited at this dosage. At a 2% fiber volume, the failure mode shifted from shear to flexure. These findings highlight the critical influence of fiber type and dosage on the shear behavior of UHPC I-beams. Full article

Background: Recently, elite women’s boxing has undergone significant structural and regulatory changes, including the adoption of the 3 × 3-min-bout format and expanded Olympic categories. Despite increased female participation, scientific literature remains predominantly focused on male athletes. This study aimed to identify the technical and tactical actions that distinguish winner from loser boxers in elite amateur women’s boxing by analysing the final matches of the 2023 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships. Methods: Twelve final bouts (one per weight-category) were analysed using a customised notational framework based on the offensive–defensive interaction cycle. A total of 1323 offensive and 1456 defensive actions were recorded and categorised using Kinovea (0.9.5 release) software and an Excel dashboard. Offensive Effectiveness Ratio (OER) and Defensive Effectiveness Ratio (DER) were calculated, and Chi-square tests with standardised residuals were applied to detect associations between action types and bout outcomes. Results: Winners performed fewer offensive actions (n = 635) than losers (n = 688) but demonstrated significantly higher OER across all rounds (W: 0.39-0.38-0.39; L: 0.26-0.28-0.29). Winners landed more punches to the head and made greater use of rear-hand hooks and uppercuts. Pivoting and shifting back, particularly when followed by counterattacks, were significantly associated with winners (p < 0.001). Conversely, parrying and single counterpunches were linked to losing outcomes. DER values suggested superior defensive efficiency among winners. Conclusions: Winner boxers showed superior technical effectiveness, selective use of single and rear-hand punches and used more dynamic defensive strategies. These findings support using notational analysis in high-performance coaching and emphasise the need for more research on elite female combat athletes. Full article

Pure copper joints (PCJs) were fabricated using pinless friction stir spot welding (P-FSSW), a solid-state welding technique, to investigate the influence of plunge depth, rotational speed, and dwell time on PCJ performance. Thermal cycles under different welding parameters were recorded, while the microstructure at various locations within the welded zone was characterized using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The microhardness and tensile–shear force (T-SF) of the PCJs were evaluated, and the fracture types together with fracture evolution were analyzed. The experimental results reveal that, under the combined effect of thermal cycles and mechanical stirring, subgrains in the welded zone transformed into recrystallized grains, whereas intense material flow contributed to an increased fraction of deformed grains. At the Hook region and the interface between the upper and lower sheets, grains were tightly bonded, resulting in effective metallurgical joining. Higher microhardness values were observed in the stir zone (SZ), whereas lower values appeared in the heat-affected zone beneath the interface. With increasing plunge depth, rotational speed, and dwell time, the T-SF of the PCJs first increased and then decreased, achieving a relatively high value at a plunge depth of 0.4 mm, a rotational speed of 1500 rpm, and a dwell time of 9 s. The fracture types of the PCJs were shear fracture and plug fracture, with the Hook region identified as the weakest zone. Full article

Rigid PU foams have wide practical applications, and their mathematical modelling would benefit from deeper knowledge about the variants of independent elastic constants of symmetric PU foams. Therefore, in this study, various symmetry elements of rigid PU foams were analysed in relation to the characteristics of production moulds and technologies. The generalised Hooke’s law was considered together with additional relationships valid for certain types of symmetry. Variants of independent elastic constants were determined for orthotropic, orthotropic with a rotational symmetry, and isotropic PU foams. For transtropic PU foams, nine variants of independent elastic constants were identified and corresponding equations for the components of response strain tensor were derived. Then, in order to investigate the results provided by the 9 variants, 12 elastic constants were determined experimentally in compression and shear for free-rise, rigid, and quasi-transtropic PU foams with average densities of 34 kg/m³, 55 kg/m³, and 75 kg/m³. Based on the analysis of (a) measurement uncertainties and (b) satisfying of the transtropy equations, an assessment was made of the correspondence of the experimentally determined elastic constants to the constants of a perfectly transtropic material. This made it possible to identify variants of independent constants that ensure the best correspondence between the calculated strains and the set of average strains. Full article

The objective of this study is to classify the types of boxing punches using machine learning algorithms that processed skin-strain time history measurements from a self-adhesive, elastic fabric, wearable sensor called Motion Tape. A human participant study was designed to capture movements during boxing training. Subjects were asked to perform multiple sets of punches during the entire test, which consisted of jabs and hooks with and without striking a heavy bag. The collected Motion Tape data was used to train and compare time series classification algorithms to identify the types of punches performed and associated conditions. The results demonstrated that Motion Tape, in combination with machine learning techniques, could effectively classify different punch types based on skin-strain measurements. These findings highlighted the potential of the system as an effective tool for human performance analysis in sports and biomechanics applications. Full article

Nepenthes L. species (tropical pitcher plants) are a classic example of carnivorous plants. The Nepenthes traps are highly specialized pitchers with a zoned structure. On the outer surface of the pitcher, there are nectaries and various types of trichomes, including glandular trichomes. The main aim of our study was to examine these glandular trichome structures and check the distribution of the homogalacturonans (HGs) and hemicelluloses in the cell wall of trichome cells. The structure of Nepenthes bicalcarata Hook. f. and Nepenthes albomarginata T.Lobb ex Lindl. trichomes was analyzed using light and electron microscopy. The antibodies were used against the wall components [anti-pectic homogalacturonans (HGs): JIM5 (low methylesterified HGs), LM19 (low methylesterified HGs), CCRC-M38 (a fully de-esterified HGs), JIM7 (highly esterified HGs), LM20 (esterified HGs), LM5 (galactan) and anti-hemicelluloses: LM25 (xyloglucan), LM15 (galactoxyloglucan), CCRC-M138 (xylan), and LM10 antibody (xylan)]. The localization of the examined compounds was determined using immunohistochemistry techniques. The presence of endodermal and transfer cells supports the idea that peltate trichomes actively transport solutes. Also, the presence of pectic homogalacturonans and hydrophilic hemicelluloses indicates that water or aqueous solutions are transported through the trichomes’ cell walls. Our study supports the idea that these trichomes may act as hydathodes or hydropotes. Full article

Elasmobranch species are considered a global conservation priority due to their susceptibility to fishing pressure. In the Madeira Archipelago, Northeastern Atlantic, most elasmobranch species are caught as bycatch in artisanal drifting longline fishery targeting scabbardfishes. All commercial elasmobranch landings carried out in this archipelago over three decades (1990–2020) were analysed, aiming to provide a reliable overview of Madeira’s elasmobranch fisheries and their evolution. A total of 2316 tonnes of elasmobranchs were landed during the study period, corresponding to approximately EUR 2.1 million in first-sale value. The most representative period occurred from 2003 to 2013, corresponding to 75.21% of the total elasmobranch landings. A general pattern of supply and demand was evident, with mean price values typically showing an inverse trend to landed tonnage. At the species level, Centrophorus squamosus appears as the dominant species, representing about 89% of the total elasmobranch species landed, followed by Prionace glauca, with approximately 3%. The high dominance of C. squamosus in the scabbardfish fishery raises significant ecological and management concerns, as this deep-water shark species is known for its vulnerability to overexploitation. Management measures currently in place need to be updated and ought to be based on studies on the type and size of hooks for each fishery, to ultimately infer about species-specific survival rates, as well as the fishing gears’ soak time. Moreover, studies on the enhancement of food supply through fisheries discards are still missing, even though it is highly likely that this input may alter the dynamics of marine food webs. Full article

The dynamic thermomechanical properties of wood–plastic composites (WPCs) are influenced by various factors, such as the selection of raw materials and processing parameters. To investigate the effects of different wood fiber content ratios and temperature on the loss modulus of WPCs, seven different proportions of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) and Chinese fir [Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.] mixed-fiber-reinforced HDPE composites were prepared using the extrusion molding method. Their dynamic thermomechanical properties were tested and analyzed. The storage modulus of WPCs showed a decreasing trend with increasing temperature. A reduction in the mass ratio of Masson pine wood fibers to Chinese fir wood fibers resulted in an increase in the storage modulus of WPCs. The highest storage modulus was achieved when the mass ratio of Masson pine wood fibers to Chinese fir wood fibers was 1:5. In addition, the loss modulus of the composites increased as the content of Masson pine fiber decreased, with the lowest loss modulus observed in HDPE composites reinforced with Masson pine wood fibers. The loss tangent for all seven types of WPCs increased with rising temperatures, with the maximum loss tangent observed in WPCs reinforced with Masson pine wood fibers and HDPE. A prediction method based on the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) model was introduced to predict the dynamic thermomechanical properties of WPCs. The prediction accuracy of the ELM model was compared comprehensively with that of other models, including Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Random Forest (RF), Back Propagation (BP) neural networks, and Particle Swarm Optimization-BP (PSO-BP) neural network models. Among these, the ELM model showed superior data fitting and prediction accuracy, with an R² value of 0.992, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 1.363, and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 3.311. Compared to the other models, the ELM model demonstrated the best performance. This study provides a solid basis and reference for future research on the dynamic thermomechanical properties of WPCs. Full article

Engineered cementitious composites (ECCs), known for their superior ductility and strain-hardening behavior compared to conventional concrete, have been predominantly studied with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers. However, the potential economic and technical advantages of incorporating steel fibers into ECCs have been largely overlooked in the literature. This study investigates the mechanical performance of ECC reinforced with different types of steel fibers, including straight, twisted, hooked, and hybrid fibers of different lengths, as compared to PVA. The inclusion of various supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as slag and fly ash with each type of steel fiber was also considered at a constant fiber volume fraction of 2%. The mechanical properties were assessed through compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and four-point flexural tests along with calculations of toughness, ductility, and energy absorption capacity indices. This study compares the mechanical properties of different ECC compositions, revealing that ECCs with hybrid steel fibers (short and long) achieved more than twice the tensile strength, 12.7% higher toughness, and 36.4% greater energy absorption capacity compared to ECCs with PVA fibers, while exhibiting similar multiple micro-cracking behavior at failure. The findings highlight the importance of fiber type and distribution in enhancing an ECC’s mechanical properties, providing valuable insights for developing more cost-effective and resilient construction. Full article

In the present study, a programme of experimental investigations was carried out to examine the direct uniaxial tensile (and pull-out) behaviour of plain and fibre-reinforced lightweight aggregate concrete. The lightweight aggregates were recycled from fly ash waste, also known as Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA), which is a by-product of coal-fired electricity power stations. Steel fibres were used with different aspect ratios and hooked ends with single, double and triple bends corresponding to 3D, 4D and 5D types of DRAMIX steel fibres, respectively. Key parameters such as the concrete compressive strength f_lck, fibre volume fraction V_f, number of bends n_b, embedded length L_E and inclination angle ϴ_f were considered. The fibres were added at volume fractions V_f of 1% and 2% to cover the practical range, and a direct tensile test was carried out using a purpose-built pull-out test developed as part of the present study. Thus, the tensile mechanical properties were established, and a generic constitutive tensile stress–crack width σ-ω model for both plain and fibrous lightweight concrete was created and validated against experimental data from the present study and from previous research found in the literature (including RILEM uniaxial tests) involving different types of lightweight aggregates, concrete strengths and steel fibres. It was concluded that the higher the number of bends n_b and the higher the volume fraction V_f and concrete strength f_lck, the stronger the fibre–matrix interfacial bond and thus the more pronounced the enhancement provided by the fibres to the uniaxial tensile residual strength and ductility in the form of work and fracture energy. A fibre optimisation study was also carried out, and design recommendations are provided. Full article

Oilfield data is characterized by complex types, large volumes, and significant noise interference, so data cleansing has become a key procedure for improving data quality. However, the traditional data cleansing process needs to deal with multiple types of problems, such as outliers, duplicate data, and missing values in turn, and the processing steps are complex and inefficient. Therefore, an integrated data cleansing and function fitting method is established. The fine-mesh data density analysis method is utilized to cleanse outliers and duplicate data, and the automated segmented fitting method is used for missing data imputation. For the real-time data generated during drilling or well logging, data cleansing is realized through grid partitioning and data density analysis, and the cleansing ratio is controlled by data density threshold and grid spacing. After data cleansing, based on similar standards, the cleansed data is segmented, and the fitting function type of each segment is determined to fill in the missing data, and data outputs with any frequency can be obtained. For the analysis of the hook load data measured by sensors at the drilling site and obtained from rig floor monitors or remote centers, the data cleansing percentage reaches 98.88% after two-stage cleansing, which still retains the original trend of the data. After data cleansing, the cleansed data are modeled through the automated segmented fitting method, with Mean Absolute Percentage Errors (MAPEs) less than 3.66% and coefficient of determination (R²) values greater than 0.94. Through the integrated data processing mechanism, the workflow can synchronously eliminate outliers and redundant data and fill in the missing values, thereby dynamically adapting to the data requirements of numerical simulation and intelligent analysis and significantly improving the efficiency of on-site data processing and decision-making reliability in the oilfield. Full article

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a material with high mechanical properties that requires the use of fibers to overcome its brittleness, but the use of only one type of fiber may not improve UHPC performance enough. This study investigates the hybrid use of steel and glass fibers to achieve ultra-high strength along with improved ductility and impact resistance. A total of 22 concrete samples, including both plain (unreinforced) and fiber-reinforced types, were produced using micro straight-steel fibers, hooked steel fibers, and micro glass fibers, either individually or in combination. The mechanical properties, ductility, and impact behavior of the concrete samples were evaluated through experimental testing. The inclusion of microfibers had little impact on the compressive strength of concrete, which remained in the range of 130–150 MPa. However, it significantly enhanced the tensile strength, as evidenced by a flexural strength increase of up to 163% compared to the control concrete without microfibers. Numerical simulations were carried out to complement and validate the experimental investigation of projectile penetration. The depth of projectile penetration (DOP) test results were compared with existing empirical models from the literature. The incorporation of hooked steel fibers in hybrid blends significantly improved ductility and enhanced penetration resistance. In addition, previously proposed models from the literature were found to be highly conservative in predicting DOP at high projectile velocities. Full article