Dietary Diabetes Risk Reduction Score (DDRRS) and Breast Cancer Risk: A Case-Control Study in Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Given the role of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance in tumor initiation, we hypothesized that following a diet that reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes could also reduce the risk of breast cancer. Herein, we conducted a case-control study to investigate the association between dietary diabetes risk reduction score and breast cancer risk in Iranian women. METHOD: We recruited 136 newly diagnosed cases and 272 age-matched hospitalized controls from referral hospitals. A valid and reliable 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect the data on dietary intake. We used Multivariate Logistic regression to assess the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of breast cancer by the dietary diabetes risk reduction score tertiles. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounding variables, no association was seen between dietary diabetes risk reduction score and breast cancer risk (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.37-1.14). However, after stratification by menopausal status, a decreased risk was observed between adherence to dietary diabetes risk reduction score and breast cancer risk in postmenopausal individuals (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19-0.99). CONCLUSION: The present study states that there is no significant relationship between the dietary diabetes risk reduction score and the risk of breast cancer. However, adherence to dietary diabetes risk reduction score could have a preventive role for breast cancer among postmenopausal women.

Dietary iron and the risk of lung cancer.

Animal models have suggested the carcinogenic effect of iron due to its oxidative potential. The lung is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. However, epidemiological studies investigating the association between dietary iron and the risk of lung cancer have reported inconclusive results. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to clarify this association. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google scholar for eligible articles published through May 2023 reporting the Relative Risk (RR), Hazard Ratio (HR) or Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Case-control and cohort studies that examined the relationship between dietary iron and lung cancer risk were included and review and meta-analyses articles, experimental studies, abstracts, letters to editor and studies with insufficient data were excluded. Finally, three case-control studies and 6 cohort studies were included. Random effect models were used to calculate the pooled results. Results: Nine studies (cases n=21,943, participants n=1,542,993) were included. There were no significant associations between the highest dietary total iron (heme and non-heme) (RR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.78 to 1.51) or heme iron (RR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.73 to 1.38) intake compared to the lowest intake with lung cancer risk. Null-associations were also observed in the subgroup analysis based on smoking status and lung cancer histology. However, in the subgroup of women (cases n=5074), heme iron was associated with a 14% increase in the risk of lung cancer (RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.29). Conclusions: The current results demonstrated that there is no significant relationship between dietary iron intake and the risk of lung cancer. However, a positive association was observed between dietary heme iron and the risk of lung cancer in women, which may require further investigation.

Graphene-Based Strain Sensing of Cementitious Composites with Natural and Recycled Sands.

Structural health monitoring is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of civil infrastructures. Traditional monitoring methods involve installing sensors across large regions, which can be costly and ineffective due to the sensors damage and poor compliance with structural members. This study involves systematically varying the graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) concentration and analyzing the strength performance and piezoresistive behavior of the resulting composites. Two different composites having natural and recycled sands with varying percentages of GNPs as 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% were prepared. Dispersion of GNPs was performed in superplasticizer and then ultrasonication was employed by using an ultrasonicator. The four-probe method was utilized to establish the piezoresistive behavior. The results revealed that the compressive strength of mortar cubes with natural sand was increased up to a GNP content of 6%, beyond which it started to decline. In contrast, specimens with recycled sand showed a continuous decrease in the compressive strength. Furthermore, the electrical resistance stability was observed at 4% for both natural and recycled sands specimens, exhibiting linearity between the frictional change in the resistivity and compressive strain values. It can be concluded from this study that the use of self-sensing sustainable cementitious composites could pave their way in civil infrastructures.

The Effect of Neurofeedback Training on Executive Control Network of Attention and Dart-Throwing Performance in Individuals with Trait Anxiety.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of neurofeedback training on the executive control network of attention and dart-throwing skill performance in individuals with trait anxiety. Twenty girls (24.65 [Formula: see text] 2.83 years) participated in this study. They were divided into neurofeedback and control training groups. All participants practiced 14 sessions. The neurofeedback group performed neurofeedback training (increasing SMR wave, decreasing theta, and increasing alpha) and dart-throwing exercise, and the control group only completed the dart-throwing exercise. The post-test, including Attentional Networks Test (ANT) and dart-throwing, was conducted 48 h after the last training session. The results revealed a significant difference in the performance of the executive control network and dart-throwing skill between the neurofeedback and the control training group. In general, these findings support the effect of neurofeedback training on the neural mechanisms of the executive control network of attention, and performance in dart-throwing skill improves by improving attentional performance processes.

The association between dietary acid load and odds of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A case-control study.

Background: Data on the association between dietary acid load and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are scarce and controversial. Aim: This study aimed to assess the association between dietary acid-base loads and odds of NAFLD. Methods: In the current study, 196 cases of NAFLD (proven by a gastroenterologist using Fibroscan) and 803 age-matched controls were enrolled from the same clinic. Dietary intakes of patients with NAFLD and controls without hepatic steatosis were evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Dietary acid load was estimated using the validated potential renal acid load (PRAL) algorithm. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds of NAFLD across quintiles of PRAL. Results: The mean ± SD age of the study population (43% male) was 43.28 ± 14.02 years. The mean ± SD of PRAL was -1.90 ± 7.12 for all participants. After adjustment for all known confounders, subjects in the third quintile of PRAL (nearly with neutral PRAL) had a 54% lower odds of NAFLD compared with those in the lowest quintiles of the PRAL [(OR: 0.46; 95%CI: 0.24-0.89), (P = 0.021)]. However, the odds of NAFLD in the highest quintiles of PRAL was not different in comparison to the lowest quintiles (OR: 0.90; 95%CI: 0.41-1.57). Conclusion: In conclusion, our results have shown a modest U shaped relationship between PRAL and NAFLD. Further studies with acid-base biomarkers are needed to confirm the role of dietary acid load in the development of NAFLD and its potential mechanisms.

A case-control study of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets, colorectal cancer and adenomas among Iranian population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer, worldwide. Recently, much attention has been given to the association between Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and CRC, however, data on colorectal adenomas (CRAs) as its precursor are scarce. Thus, the purpose of this case-control study was to investigate the association of DASH score with the risk of CRC and CRA in Iranian adults. METHOD: A total of 499 participants, including 129 CRC and 130 CRA cases, along with 240 controls, were asked about their dietary intake via a validated questionnaire. The DASH score was then calculated based on a priori methods and categorized in quartiles. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the association of DASH score and the risk of CRC and CRA. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounding variables, adherence to the DASH diet was associated with a reduction in the risk of CRC and CRA, respectively (OR of 4th versus 1st quartile = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01-0.11, OR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.04-0.22). Also, subgroup analysis based on gender showed that women and men with a higher DASH score had a significantly lower risk of CRC and CRAs. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that adherence to a DASH dietary pattern could reduce the risk of CRC and CRA in men and women. Promoting a DASH eating plan can be helpful in reducing the risk of CRC.

The relationship between attention and static balance disturbance in patients with Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Balance disturbance is one of the main complications of the Parkinson's disease (PD). As studies have shown that impairments in some cognitive processes can lead to balance problems, we investigated the relationship between focused and divided attention and static balance in patients with PD and a healthy control group. METHODS: We included 111 patients with PD (M age = 49.41, SD = 6.33 years) and 142 healthy individuals (M age = 50.62, SD = 6.07 years). All participants were evaluated with the Trails Making Test A and B (TMT), and all participants' balance was evaluated with a Wii Balance Board, from which we measured the antero-posterior (AP), medio-lateral (ML), and total center of pressure (COP) velocity. We compared the two groups in terms of TMT-A, TMT-B, and COP velocity tests in both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions with independent t-tests, and we calculated Pearson's correlation coefficients between the balance board-derived outcomes and the TMT scores. RESULTS: The two groups differed significantly on TMT-A and TMT-B scores, in total and ML COP velocity in both eyes-closed and eyes-open conditions, and in AP COP velocity only in eyes-open condition. Among patients with PD, TMT-A and TMT-B scores were positively correlated with total, ML, and AP COP velocity, in both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Associated attention deficits may be among the causes of balance disturbances in patients with PD, though both attention and balance may have a common root in brain circuitry.

Diet-dependent acid load and the risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third and second most prevalent cancer in men and women, respectively. Various epidemiological studies indicated that dietary factors are implicated in the aetiology of CRC and its precursor, colorectal adenomas (CRA). Recently, much attention has been given to the role of acid-base balance in the development of chronic diseases including cancers. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to examine the association of diet-dependent acid load and the risk of CRC and CRA. DESIGN: In this case-control study, potential renal acid load (PRAL) was computed based on dietary intake of participants assessed via a validated FFQ. Negative PRAL values indicated a base-forming potential, while positive values of PRAL implied acid-forming potential of diet. Logistic regression was used to derive OR and 95 % CI after adjusting for confounders. SETTING: Tehran, Iran. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 499 participants aged 30-70 years were included in the study (240 hospital controls, 129 newly diagnosed CRC and 130 newly diagnosed CRA). The current study was conducted between December 2016 and September 2018. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, a higher PRAL was associated with increased odds of CRC and CRA. The highest v. the lowest tertile of PRAL for CRC and CRA was OR 4·82 (95 % CI 2·51-9·25) and OR 2·47 (95 % CI 1·38-4·42), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the current study suggested that higher diet-dependent acid load is associated with higher risk of CRC and CRA.

Dietary intake of polyphenols and total antioxidant capacity and risk of prostate cancer: A case-control study in Iranian men.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes, globally, of cancer-related mortality. Previous studies have reported an inverse relationship between some food items or dietary patterns and prostate cancer risk. Polyphenols, as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory dietary components, have been associated with a reduced risk of PCa, whilst dietary indices such as total antioxidant capacity are good predictors of PCa risk. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to conduct a case-control study on the association between polyphenol intake and DTAC (dietary total antioxidant capacity) and PCa risk in men. METHOD: 205 hospital-based controls and 97 newly diagnosed PCa patients were asked about their dietary intakes using a validated questionnaire. The polyphenol contents (flavonoids, lignans, stilbenes and phenolic acids) of foods and beverages were calculated. TAC was obtained using a comprehensive database consisting of the total antioxidant content of more than 3000 food and beverages. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratios (OR), with 95% confidence intervals (CI), of PCa according to categories of polyphenol intake and TAC. RESULTS: When comparing the highest and the lowest tertile of total polyphenol (OR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.03-0.41), lignans (OR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.04-0.41), phenolic acids (OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.05-0.57) and some flavonoid subgroups intake including flavan-3-ols (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08-0.67), flavanones (OR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.03-0.31) and flavones (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.12-0.87), we observed a significant decreasing trend in the risk of PCa (p for trend<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the consumption of some polyphenols can significantly reduce the risk of PCa.

Healthy Eating Index-2010 and Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern Score and the risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma: a case-control study.

Background: Several studies have examined the relationship between diet quality indices and colorectal cancer (CRC). However, data on the association of these indices and colorectal adenomas (CRA) as a precursor of CRC are scarce. Our objective was to investigate the association of Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010) and Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern Score (MSDPS) with CRC and CRA risk.Methods: This is a hospital-based case-control study including 259 cases (129 CRC and 130 CRA patients) and 240 controls with non-neoplastic conditions. Dietary intake of subjects was examined using a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire. The HEI-2010 and MSDPS were then calculated based on a-priori methods. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the relationship between HEI-2010 and MSDPS and the risk of CRC and CRA.Results: After adjustment for confounders, compared with the first tertiles, the highest tertiles of HEI-2010 and MSDPS were significantly associated with lower odds of CRC (OR = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.01-0.12, OR = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.09-0.38, respectively). Similarly, the highest tertiles of HEI-2010 (OR = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.08-0.32) and MSDPS (OR = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.17-0.58) were associated with reduced odds of CRA compared to the lowest tertiles.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested that a high-quality diet assessed by HEI-2010 and MSDPS is inversely associated with the risk of CRC and CRA.

Dietary insulin indices and low-carbohydrate diet and the odds of colorectal cancer: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Regarding the role of insulin and insulin-inducing dietary factors in some cancers' etiology, we hypothesized that the risk of colorectal cancer may be lessened by following a lower carbohydrate and insulinogenic diet. Therefore, we performed this study to explore the association between a low-carbohydrate diet and insulin indices and the odds of colorectal cancer. METHOD: This hospital-based case-control study was conducted on 150 newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients and 300 healthy age- and sex-matched hospitalized controls. A valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire was used to calculate the insulin indices and low-carbohydrate diet score. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the association between insulin indices and low-carbohydrate diet and the odds of colorectal cancer. RESULT: After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals in the highest tertile of insulin indices had a higher risk of colorectal cancer (OR insulin index  = 3.46; 95% CI, 2.00-5.96; OR insulin load  = 2; 95% CI, 1.17-3.41). No association was found between a low-carbohydrate diet and colorectal cancer (OR = 1.55; 95% CI, 0.85-2.84). CONCLUSION: Current results demonstrated that a high insulinemic diet was associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer.

A State-of-the-Art Review on Structural Strengthening Techniques with FRPs: Effectiveness, Shortcomings, and Future Research Directions.

In the pursuit of creating more sustainable and resilient structures, the exploration of construction materials and strengthening methodologies is imperative. Traditional methods of relying on steel for strengthening proved to be uneconomical and unsustainable, prompting the investigation of innovative composites. Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs), known for their lightweight and high-strength properties, gained prominence among structural engineers in the 1980s. This period saw the development of novel approaches, such as near-surface mounted and externally bonded reinforcement, for strengthening of concrete structures using FRPs. In recent decades, additional methods, including surface curvilinearization and external prestressing, have been discovered, demonstrating significant additional benefits. While these techniques have shown the enhanced performance, their full potential remains untapped. This article presents a comprehensive review of current approaches employed in the fortification of reinforced cement concrete structures using FRPs. It concludes by identifying key areas that warrant in-depth research to establish a sustainable methodology for structural strengthening, positioning FRPs as an effective replacement for conventional retrofitting materials. This review aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on modern structural strengthening strategies, highlight the properties of FRPs, and propose avenues for future research in this dynamic field.

Enhanced fresh and hardened properties of foamed concrete modified with nano-silica.

Nowadays, the application of nanotechnology has gained increased attention in the concrete technology field. Several applications of concrete require light weight; one such concrete used is foamed concrete (FC), which has more voids in the microstructure. In this study, nano-silica (NS) was utilized, which exhibits a pozzolanic nature, and it reacts with other pozzolanic compositions (like lime, alumina, etc.) to form hydrated compounds in concrete. Apart from these hydrated compounds, NS acts as a filler material and enhances properties of concrete such as the fresh and hardened properties. This research examines the fresh, hardened, and microstructural properties of FC blended with NS. The ratio of binder and filler used in this research is 1:1.5, with a water-to-binder ratio of 0.45 and a density of 880 kg/m3. A total of six different weight fractions of NS were added to FC mixes, namely 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. Properties assessed for FC blended with NS were the slump, bulk density, strength parameters (flexural, splitting tensile, and compressive strengths), morphological analysis, water absorption, and porosity. It was concluded from this study that the optimum NS utilized to improve the properties was 3%. Apart from this, the relationship between the mechanical properties and NS dosages was developed. The correlations between the compressive strength and other properties were analyzed, and relationships were developed based on the best statistical approach. This study helps academicians, researchers, and industrialists enhance the properties of FC blended with NS and their relationships to predict concrete properties from other properties.

Influence of pozzolanic addition on strength and microstructure of metakaolin-based concrete.

The intent of this study is to explore the physical properties and long-term performance of concrete made with metakaolin (MK) as a binder, using microsilica (MS) and nanosilica (NS) as substitutes for a portion of the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) content. The dosage of MS was varied from 5% to 15% for OPC-MK-MS blends, and the dosage of NS was varied from 0.5% to 1.5% for OPC-MK-NS blends. Incorporation of these pozzolans accelerated the hardening process and reduced the flowability, consistency, and setting time of the cement paste. In addition, it produced a denser matrix, improving the strength of the concrete matrix, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The use of MS enhanced the strength by 10.37%, and the utilization of NS increased the strength by 11.48% at 28 days. It also reduced the penetrability of the matrix with a maximum reduction in the water absorption (35.82%) and improved the resistance to the sulfate attack for specimens containing 1% NS in the presence of 10% MK. Based on these results, NS in the presence of MK can be used to obtain cementitious structures with the enhanced strength and durability.

Carbohydrate quality indices and lung cancer risk: a case-control study from Iran.

Considering that carbohydrates play an important role in supplying the body with energy and exhibit diverse mechanisms that can either prevent or stimulate cancer, we hypothesize that the quality of carbohydrate intake may be associated with cancer risk, including lung cancer. This hospital-based case-control study was conducted on 135 newly diagnosed lung cancer patients, and 237 healthy age- and sex-matched hospitalized controls. We used a valid and reliable 148-item Food Frequency Questionnaire to collect the dietary intake of subjects. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the association between carbohydrate quality indices and the odds of lung cancer. After adjustment for confounding variables, the high glycemic index appears to be an increased risk factor for lung cancer [odds ratio (OR) = 2.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28-4.91]. No statistically significant association was found between glycemic load and lung cancer (OR = 2.51, 95% CI: 0.98-6.43). In contrast, the carbohydrate quality index (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.11-0.48) and low-carbohydrate diet score (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.08-0.36), were associated with a decrease in the risk of lung cancer. In summary, our study showed that a high glycemic index is a risk factor for lung cancer, however carbohydrate quality index and low-carbohydrate diet score is a dietary approach to reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Study on fresh and hardened state properties of eco-friendly foamed concrete incorporating waste soda-lime glass.

Improper waste management is causing global environmental problems. Waste glass may have adverse impacts on the ecosystem. While a substantial amount of soda-lime glass bottle (SGB) undergoes recycling to create new glass items, a significant volume still ends up in landfills. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the potential use of SGB in foamed concrete (FC) production as an aggregate replacement. SGB was substituted for sand in different weight fractions, ranging from 5 to 50%. The fresh state, mechanical, thermal, pore structure, and transport properties were examined. The findings showed a significant enhancement in the FC's mechanical properties when SGB replaced 20% of sand. The compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths exhibited a rise of up to 17.7, 39.4, and 43.8%, respectively. The findings also demonstrated that the addition of SGB improved the thermal conductivity, sorptivity, water absorption, and porosity. The scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that the inclusion of 20% SGB caused a substantial decrease in void diameter and enhanced its uniformity. A comparison was made between the experimental data and predictions of the mechanical properties using various models of international standards, such as IS 456, ACI 318, NZS-3101, EC-02, AS 3600, and CEB-FIB, along with several references in the literature. The findings implied a strong correlation between the strength properties. The outcomes of this research offer valuable insights into both the possible advantages and constraints of using SGB in FC. Furthermore, this extensive laboratory investigation may serve as a guideline for future study and aid in the advancement of greener and more environmentally friendly FC alternatives.

Effects of eccentric loading on performance of concrete columns reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars.

Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcements are superior to traditional steel bars in concrete structures, particularly in vertical elements like columns, and offer significant advantages over conventional steel bars when subjected to axial and eccentric loadings. However, there is limited experimental and numerical research on the behavior of GFRP-reinforced concrete (RC) columns under eccentric loading having different spacing of stirrups. In this study, six specimens were cast under three different values of eccentricities (25 mm, 50 mm, and 75 mm) with two groups of stirrups spacing (50 mm and 100 mm). The experimental results showed that by increasing the eccentricity value, there was a reduction in the load-carrying capacity of the specimens. The finite element ABAQUS software was used for the numerical investigation of this study. The results from the finite element analysis (FEA) were close to the experimental results and within the acceptable range. The maximum difference between the experimental and FEA results was 3.61% for the axial load and 12.06% for the deformation.

A formulation for asphalt concrete air void during service life by adopting a hybrid evolutionary polynomial regression and multi-gene genetic programming.

Bitumen, aggregate, and air void (VA) are the three primary ingredients of asphalt concrete. VA changes over time as a function of four factors: traffic loads and repetitions, environmental regimes, compaction, and asphalt mix composition. Due to the high as-constructed VA content of the material, it is expected that VA will reduce over time, causing rutting during initial traffic periods. Eventually, the material will undergo shear flow when it reaches its densest state with optimum aggregate interlock or refusal VA content. Therefore, to ensure the quality of construction, VA in asphalt mixture need to be modeled throughout the service life. This study aims to implement a hybrid evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR) combined with a teaching-learning based optimization (TLBO) algorithm and multi-gene genetic programming (MGGP) to predict the VA percentage of asphalt mixture during the service life. For this purpose, 324 data records of VA were collected from the literature. The variables selected as inputs were original as-constructed VA, VA orig (%); mean annual air temperature, MAAT (°F); original viscosity at 77 °F, η o r i g , 77 (Mega-Poises); and time (months). EPR-TLBO was found to be superior to MGGP and existing empirical models due to the interquartile ranges of absolute error boxes equal to 0.67%. EPR-TLBO had an R2 value of more than 0.90 in both the training and testing phases, and only less than 20% of the records were predicted utilizing this model with more than 20% deviation from the observed values. As determined by the sensitivity analysis, η o r i g , 77 is the most significant of the four input variables, while time is the least one. A parametric study showed that regardless of MAAT , η o r i g , 77 , of 0.3 Mega-Poises, and VA orig above 6% can be ideal for improving the pavement service life. It was also witnessed that with an increase of MAAT from 37 to 75 °F, the serviceability of asphalt concrete takes 15 months less on average.

Structural retrofitting of RC slabs using bamboo fibre laminate: Flexural performance and crack patterns.

Enhancing the durability of structural elements is a viable approach to promote sustainability in civil engineering. Research has shown that well-maintained slabs outperform degraded ones, which deteriorate rapidly due to insufficient upkeep. The occurrence of cracking and deformation in slabs subjected to sustained loads significantly impacts their functionality. However, the implementation of appropriate retrofitting techniques utilizing locally available materials can effectively minimize deflection and crack propagation while also improving flexural capacity. This particular study aimed to evaluate the flexural performance of slabs that were retrofitted using bamboo fibre laminate (BFL). Also, the study investigated two alternative replacement methods alongside the conventional mix; one involved replacing all fine aggregates with ceramic fine aggregate and the other involved a complete replacement of coarse aggregates with ceramic coarse aggregate. These mixes were represented in both the retrofitted and non-retrofitted samples. The retrofitting process included using the combined external bonding and near surface-mounted method. Twelve slab samples were made, with six being non-retrofitted and the other six retrofitted with BFL. Each of the samples had dimensions of 300 mm × 300 mm × 50 mm for reinforced concrete (RC) slabs. The slabs were tested employing the three point-bending system, and the retrofitted slabs with the conventional mix exhibited the highest ultimate failure load and flexural strength (62.1 kN), which compared to the non-retrofitted slabs of the same mix was a 60.76% increase. Additionally, the study did a thorough analysis of the presence of flexural and diagonal shear cracks, as well as the occurrence of debonding between BFL and the slabs. Non-destructive tests were also conducted on the slab samples to further confirm accurate results. These findings offer helpful insights into the development and application of a sustainable retrofitting material that can remarkably improve RC slabs.

Influence of ceramic waste powder on shear performance of environmentally friendly reinforced concrete beams.

This investigation considered the usability of ceramic waste powder (CWP) in altered quantities in reinforced concrete beams (RCBs). In this way, it was aimed to reduce the environmental impacts of concrete by using CWP as a raw material in RCBs. 12 small-scale shear RCBs with the dimensions of 100 × 150 × 1000 mm were tested in this study. The variations of stirrups spacing and CWP ratio were examined in these specimens. The percentages of CWP by weight utilized in RCBs were 10%, 20%, and 30%, and stirrups spacings were adopted as 270 mm, 200 mm, and 160 mm. At the end of the study, it was determined that more than 10% CWP additive negatively affected the RCBs' compressive strength. The load-carrying capacity reduced between 30.3% and 59.4% when CWP increased from 0% to 30% as compared to RCB with stirrups spacing of 270 mm without CWP. However, compared to RCB with stirrups spacings of 200 mm and 160 mm without CWP, there were decreases in the load-carrying capacity as 21.4%-54.3% and 18.6%-54.6%, respectively. While the CWP ratio increased, the specimens with 160 mm, 200 mm, and 270 mm stirrups spacings obtained a lower maximum load value. However, with the increase of the CWP ratio in the specimens with 160 mm stirrups spacing, RCBs reached the maximum load-carrying capacity at an earlier displacement value. When stirrups spacing was selected as 270 mm, it was observed that the maximum load-carrying capacity of RCBs reached at a similar displacement value as the CWP ratio increased. Besides, it was resulted that the bending stiffness of RCBs reduced as the quantity of CWP enhanced. The bending stiffness decreased by 29.1% to 66.4% in the specimens with 270 mm stirrups spacing, 36.3% to 20.2% with 200 mm stirrups spacing, and 10.3% to 36.9% with 160 mm stirrups spacing. As an implication of the experiments, the use of CWP up to 10% in RCBs was realized as an economical and environmental approach and is suggested. There is some evidence to report that making use of CWP may be considered to be ecologically benign. This is due to the fact that reusing CWP may significantly reduce CO2 emissions, save energy, and reduce total power consumption. Furthermore, the experimental results were compared to the analytical calculations.