Experimental Investigation of the Compatibility of Lime Coating with Insulation Straw Biocomposite

The use of bio-based composite as building materials is one of the innovative solutions for dealing with environmental disorders caused by the construction sector. Among these materials we find biocomposites based on vegetable aggregates, which have proven their effectiveness as insulating materials in numerous studies. Despite the growing interest in these materials and the recognition of their performance, their use remains hampered by the lack of implementation rules specific to these materials to move towards a control of their use and their durability affected by the climate and use conditions to which they will be exposed at the level of a building. The objective of this work is to study the compatibility of a protective coating with a block substrate of biocomposites based on cereal straw. It is in fact a mixture of vegetable aggregates (straw), a binder composed of lime and additives also obtained from a renewable source (Ismail et al., 2020). These additives (air-entraining agent, casein protein and a biopolymer) have been added to improve both the fibre-binder interface and the porosity of the binder. The use of these bio-based materials for external or internal thermal insulation of the building requires the application of a coating to protect them against climatic aggressions and to give them an aesthetic appearance. The lime-based coatings, air-entraining agent and casein protein selected for this study have been the subject of an experimental investigation (Brahim Ismail, 2020). In order to assess the compatibility of these coatings with the straw-based insulating material, we were interested in studying the adhesion between the biocomposite and the coating after aging cycles in accordance with the EN 1015-21 standard. The samples (biocomposite + coating) were subjected to two types of aging, one using water and the other using a saline solution of sodium sulphates (Na2SO4). The results of the bond tests after aging showed that the cohesive fracture (at the level of the substrate) is a pattern observed in all the studied systems. In Addition, It has been found that the coating to which a percentage of fine fibers has been added undergoes considerable degradation after aging with salt solution, demonstrating the need of an additional layer of outer coating without fibers in order to ensure the sustainability of the system.

Addressing the Nasal Valves: The Endonasal Approach

The external and internal nasal valves are directly implicated in nasal valve collapse. A variety of endonasal techniques have been developed to address nasal dysfunction while maintaining or improving aesthetic appearance. This review discusses the biomechanics, surgical approach, indications, and evidence of functional and aesthetic results for each maneuver. While the endonasal approach is safe and effective, a thorough understanding of the advantages and limitations is fundamental to selecting the most appropriate surgery for the individual patient.

Green Building Concept Application with VRF Air Conditioning System

The objective of this research is to find out the benefit of the Green Building Concept application with VRF Air Conditioning System at Indonesian Computer University. The research method used is descriptive quantitative analysis. Based on research findings, the VRF air conditioning system in Indonesian Computer University could reduce electrical power usage and the monthly cost for electrical power. However, the payback can only be reached after 15 years of operation. The other benefits are the space efficiency for more flexible placement of the outdoor unit and did not decrease the building's aesthetic appearance.

Pink Resin as an Alternative for Restoration of Cervical Lesions Associated with Gingival Recession: a Case Report

Gingival recession occurs when the gingival margin is located apically to the cementoenamel junction, causing root exposure. This work aims to report a clinical case of restorative treatment of multiple non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL´s) with gingival-colored resin, as an alternative approach of restorative procedure in cervical defects associated with gingival recession in the aesthetic area. A patient attended a Clinical-School complaining several NCCL´s in addition to Miller's class I gingival vestibular recession in the elements: 13, 21, 22 and 23. Dentin hypersensitivity was absent, however, aesthetic appearance bothered the patient. Presence of occlusal interferences, acid feeding and inadequate brushing habits were observed as important etiological factors for NCCL´s and gingival recessions. Periodontal surgery would be the treatment of choice, however, the patient needed orthodontic intervention first to promote dental alignment and correct distribution of the occlusal load. In order to decrease the progression of the lesions during the orthodontic treatment the NCCL´s associated with gingival recession were restored with gingival-colored resin. Two colors of pink composite resin (color G3 and G5) were incrementally inserted, promoting a correct emergence profile, taking the resin to the lower cavity limit avoiding aggression to the periodontal tissue. Clinical follow-up of 22 months was favorable due to the appearance of restorations and satisfactory periodontal health. Gingival resin can be assigned to improve the aesthetic effect of the restoration at a low cost and time-saving. Keywords: Gingival Recession. Tooth Wear. Composite Resins. ResumoA recessão gengival ocorre quando a margem gengival está localizada apicalmente à junção cemento-esmalte, causando exposição radicular. Este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso clínico de tratamento restaurador de múltiplas lesões cervicais não cariosas (LCNC´s) com resina de cor gengival, como uma forma alternativa de procedimento restaurador em defeitos cervicais associados a recessão gengival em área estética. Uma paciente buscou atendimento odontológico em um centro especializado por apresentar várias lesões do tipo LCNC, além de recessão gengival vestibular classe I de Miller nos elementos: 13, 21, 22 e 23 que não apresentavam sensibilidade, porém eram lesões que a incomodava quanto ao fator estético. Foram observados importantes fatores etiológicos para as LCNC’s e recessões gengivais, como a oclusão desarmônica, alimentação ácida e hábitos de escovação inadequados. A cirurgia periodontal seria o tratamento de primeira escolha, contudo havia a necessidade de intervenção ortodôntica primeiramente para promover alinhamento dentário e correta distribuição das forças oclusais. Com o intuito de diminuir a progressão das lesões durante o tratamento ortodôntico optou-se por restaurar as LCNC´s associadas à recessão gengival com resina composta caracterizada para gengiva. Foram utilizadas 2 cores de resina rosa (G3 e G5) de forma incremental, até o limite inferior da cavidade, promovendo um correto perfil de emergência e evitando agressão aos tecidos periodontais. Acompanhamento clínico de 22 meses mostrou um aspecto favorável das restaurações assim como boa saúde periodontal. Dessa forma, a resina do tipo gengival pode ser indicada para melhorar o efeito estético da restauração a um baixo custo e rapidez no procedimento. Palavras-chave: Retração Gengival. Desgaste dos Dentes. Resinas Compostas.

Mimical reconstruction and aesthetic repair of the nail after resection of subungual melanocytic nevus

Background This study aimed to report the outcomes of mimical reconstruction and aesthetic repair of the nail. Methods When the pigmented bands were more than 1/2 the width of the whole nail, mimical reconstruction of the nail was performed, with a lateral toe pulp island flap covering the wound via the subcutaneous channel. If the pigmented bands were 1/4 to 2/5 the width of the entire nail, aesthetic repair of the nail was carried out by split-thickness excision under a microscope. Results The average age of patients at the time of surgery was 14.5 years. Five patients had lesions on their toes, while three had lesions on their fingers. There were no post-operative complications. All toenails of the five patients who had undergone mimical reconstruction exhibited a well-settled flap. The nails of the three patients who underwent aesthetic repair displayed no nail malnutrition or deformity, and all nails had an aesthetic appearance. Conclusions Both mimical reconstruction and aesthetic repair of the nail following resection of subungual melanocytic nevus are reliable and feasible. The “like tissue” repairs of complex nail defects appear to be satisfactory. All patients had excellent aesthetic outcomes. Level of evidence V

Plant-Based Meat Alternatives: Motivational Adoption Barriers and Solutions

Meat consumption is increasingly being seen as unsustainable. However, plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) are not widely accepted yet. PBMA aim to imitate the experience of eating meat by mimicking animal meat in its sensory characteristics such as taste, texture, or aesthetic appearance. This narrative review explores the motivational barriers to adopting PBMA while focusing on food neophobia, social norms and rituals, as well as conflicting eating goals that prevent consumers from switching to a plant-based diet. Based on the key characteristics of these motivational barriers, which are informed by research findings in consumer psychology and marketing, solutions are discussed that can help counter the barriers.

Obturator Prosthesis Rehabilitation after Maxillectomy: Functional and Aesthetical Analysis in 25 Patients

The number of patients undergoing a surgical resection of the maxilla for oncological reasons is constantly increasing, the most common complication of which remains the communication between oral and nasal cavities. On the basis of data arising from the literature regarding the treatment options of maxillary oncological post-surgical defects, obturator prosthesis remains the most used worldwide. We studied 25 patients (with at least 1-year follow up) rehabilitated by obturator prosthesis after maxillary resection leading to oro-nasal communication, providing data on the objective/subjective evaluation of such rehabilitation and mastication performance measured by a two-color chewing gum test. The type of defect was classified according to the classification system proposed by Aramany. Among the patients in our study, 72% rated a higher score for either stability and retention than for aesthetic appearance, as confirmed by the Kapur score rated by clinicians. The two-color chewing gum test shows similar results as only one patient had insufficient chewing function. Interestingly, we found no correlation between the masticatory function and residual denture, confirming that the maxillary obturator remains a predictable solution in such patients regardless of the anatomical alterations following surgery.

Fire resistance of stainless steel slender elliptical hollow section beam-columns

PurposeStainless steel has different advantages when compared to conventional carbon steel. The corrosion resistance and aesthetic appearance are the most known; however, its better behaviour under elevated temperatures can also be important in buildings design. In spite of the initial cost, stainless-steel application as a structural material has been increasing. Elliptical hollow sections integrate the architectural attributes of the circular hollow sections and the structural advantages of the rectangular hollow sections (RHSs). Hence, the application of stainless-steel material combined with elliptical hollow profiles stands as an interesting design option. The purpose of the paper is to better understand the resistance of stainless-steel-beam columns in case of fireDesign/methodology/approachThe research presents a numerical study on the behaviour of stainless-steel members with slender elliptical hollow section (EHS) subjected to axial compression and bending about the strong axis at elevated temperatures. A parametric numerical study is presented here considering with and without out-of-plane buckling different stainless-steel grades, cross-section and member slenderness, bending moment diagrams and elevated temperatures.FindingsThe tested design methodologies proved to be inadequate for the EHS members being in some situations too conservative.Originality/valueThe safety and accuracy of Eurocode 3 (EC3) design methodology and of a recent design proposal developed for I-sections and cold-formed RHSs are analysed applying material and geometric non-linear analysis considering imperfections with the finite element software SAFIR.

Reduced Perceived Trustworthiness during Face Mask Wearing

To curb the diffusion of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), governments worldwide have introduced different policies, including lockdowns, social distancing, and mandatory mask wearing. Face mask wearing, especially, has an impact on the formation of first impressions, given that when meeting someone for the first time, individuals rely on the only available piece of information, the newly met person’s aesthetic appearance, in order to make initial estimations of other traits, such as competence, intelligence, or trustworthiness. However, face mask wearing affects the aesthetic appearance of an individual, creating uncertainty which, in turn, has been reported to reduce others’ perceived trustworthiness. In this paper, the influence of face mask wearing on strangers’ perceived trustworthiness and aesthetic appearance is assessed to verify the impact of this policy on impression formation. Participants (N = 71) have been instructed to assess the trustworthiness and the aesthetic appearance of a selection of 96 images depicting individuals of different ages (children, adults, and older adults), gender (men and women), and ethnicity (Asians or Caucasians). Participants were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. Participants in the experimental group (N = 38) rated faces of individuals wearing a face mask, while participants in the control group rated the same faces but in the absence of a face mask. Images were presented in random order. For each face, participants were asked to rate the aesthetic appearance and perceived trustworthiness of the stranger on two different 100-point Likert scales. Results demonstrate that (i) the correlation between perceived trustworthiness and aesthetic appearance is not affected by the presence of a face mask, and (ii) age, but not ethnicity and gender, influences the magnitude of differences in perceived trustworthiness levels during mask wearing.

Aesthetics, Accessibility and User-centered design: An analysis of the University of Otago Library Special Collections online exhibitions 2002-2013

<p>Research Problem: This study analyses 42 online exhibitions which are currently available on the University of Otago Library Special Collections web page. The research integrates aesthetics, accessibility and user-centered design and focusses on each exhibitions functionality and appeal within these parameters. Methodology: The intention of this research is to compare and contrast 42 online exhibitions up until November 2013, with additional in-depth analysis of ten selected online exhibitions. Tools used were an LG wide-screen monitor and PC, and exhibitions were accessed via the Mozilla Firefox web browser 24.2.0. Results: Three clear issues with the exhibitions design were identified: 1) in the majority of exhibitions, the size of the type used was smaller than recommended accessibility guidelines, and fluctuated over time; 2) labelling rather than numbering cabinets in an index created improved usability; 3) overall aesthetics and functionality within the exhibitions improved over time, reflecting available technology. Implications: The 42 online exhibitions analysed provide insight into how available technology has improved the aesthetic appearance of the exhibitions and their functionality since 2002. The latter exhibitions contain far more images, varied and appealing page design, and an unobtrusive provision of further information on the cabinet artefacts. Usability and accessibility could be enhanced by consistent 12 point type within the main body and cabinets of the exhibitions, in addition to consistent labelling of cabinets which provides the patron a better understanding of the whole exhibitions theme, and the cabinets, wall and vitrines without too much ‘clicking’. Areas for future research into accessibility and patron inclusivity in online exhibitions for libraries are highlighted.</p>