Background: The present in-vitro study was undertaken to evaluate and compare fracture resistance of weakened endodontically treated premolars with class II MOD cavities restored with different bulk fill composite restorations (EverX posterior, Alert, Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill, and SDR). The type and mode of fracture were also assessed for all the experimental groups. Materials and Method: Forty-eight human adult maxillary premolar teeth were selected for this study. Standardized extensive class II MOD cavities with endodontic treatment were prepared for all teeth, except those that were saved as intact control. The teeth were divided into six groups of eight teeth each (n=8): (Group 1) intact control group, (Group 2) unrestored teeth with endodontic treatment, (Group 3) restored with (TetricEvoCeram Bulk Fill), (Group 4) restored with SDR bulk-fill flowable composite, (Group 5) restored with EverX Posterior composite and (Group 6) restored with Alert composite. . All specimens were subjected to compressive axial loading until fracture in a universal testing machine. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA test and LSD test. Macroscopic fracture type were observed and classified into favorable and unfavorable. Specimens in groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 were examined by stereomicroscope at a magnification of 20× to evaluate the mode of failure into adhesive, cohesive or mixed. Results: The mean fracture load was (1.2505Kn) for group 1, (0.371Kn) for group 2, (0.512 Kn) for group 3, (0.6435 Kn) for group 4, (0.608 Kn) for group 5, and (0.8315) for group 6. Using one way ANOVA test a highly significant difference (P < 0.01) were found among all groups. The use of Alert composite (which contain micro glass fiber) improved the fracture resistance significantly in comparison to other groups. SDR bulk-fill flowable composite showed better improvement in fracture resistance but with no significant differences in comparison to EverX composite restoration (which contain Short E-glass fiber filler). The type of failure was unfavorable for all the restored groups. Conclusion: All experimental composite restorations showed significant improvement in the resistance to cuspal fracture in comparison to unrestored one (group 2). However, under the conditions of this study, direct composite restorations should be considered as a valid interim restoration for weakened endodontically treated teeth before cuspal coverage can be provided.
The present study experimentally and numerically investigated the impact behavior of composite reinforced concrete (RC) beams with the pultruded I-GFRP and I-steel beams. Eight specimens of two groups were cast in different configurations. The first group consisted of four specimens and was tested under static load to provide reference results for the second group. The four specimens in the second group were tested first under impact loading and then static loading to determine the residual static strengths of the impacted specimens. The test variables considered the type of encased I-section (steel and GFRP), presence of shear connectors, and drop height during impact tests. A mass of 42.5 kg was dropped on the top surface at the m
... Show MoreThe utilization and incorporation of glass fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRP) in structural applications and architectural constructions are progressively gaining prominence. Therefore, this paper experimentally and numerically investigates the use of GFRP I-beams in conjunction with concrete slabs to form composite beams. The experimental design incorporated 2600 mm long GFRP I-beams which were connected compositely to concrete slabs with a 500 mm width and 80 mm thickness. The concrete slabs are categorized into two groups: concrete slabs cast using normal-strength concrete (NSC), and concrete slabs prepared using high-strength concrete (HSC). Various parameters like the type of concrete (normal and high-strength concrete), type of
... Show More This research aims to estimate stock returns, according to the Rough Set Theory approach, test its effectiveness and accuracy in predicting stock returns and their potential in the field of financial markets, and rationalize investor decisions. The research sample is totaling (10) companies traded at Iraq Stock Exchange. The results showed a remarkable Rough Set Theory application in data reduction, contributing to the rationalization of investment decisions. The most prominent conclusions are the capability of rough set theory in dealing with financial data and applying it for forecasting stock returns.The research provides those interested in investing stocks in financial
... Show MoreIn this paper, effective slab width for the composite beams is investigated with special emphasis on the effect of web openings. A three dimensional finite element analysis, by using finite element code ANSYS, is employed to investigate shear lag phenomenon and the resulting effective slab width adopted in the classical T-beam approach. According to case studies and comparison with limitations and rules stipulated by different standards and codes of practice it is found that web openings presence and panel proportion are the most critical factors affecting effective slab width, whereas concrete slab thickness and steel beam depth are less significant. The presence of web opening reduces effective slab width by about 21%.
... Show MoreLeishmaniosis is a tropical neglected parasitic disease that is endemic in many countries, including Middle East, with no existing effective vaccines. The bite of female sand-fly transmits the causative agent, Leishmania spp., to humans. High toxicity, resistance and treatment failure of the available chemotherapy against visceral leishmaniosis demands the investigation of new anti-leishmanial compounds. Lupeol is a form of triterpene isolated from several medicinal plants and possesses an antimicrobial property. In this study, cytotoxic effect of lupeol was screened against the mammalian amastigotes form and insect promastigote form of Leishmania donovani, following three cycles of incubation at different concentrations by MTT assay. Resul
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