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Background: Early rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is crucial in functional outcomes. However, considering improvements in the first six months, there may be benefits to continuing rehabilitation beyond three months postoperatively to achieve maximum functionality and strength.Objective: The aim was to compare: (a) effectiveness of late-phase clinic-based and home-based progressive resistance training (PRT) in female patients with TKA; and (b) crude cost of both interventions and explore feasibility.Methods: Thirty-two patients were assigned to clinic-based PRT (n = 16) and home-based PRT (n = 16) groups. A training program was performed at the clinic or at home for eight weeks. Pain, quadriceps and hip abductor strength, patient-reported and performance-based outcomes, knee range of motion (ROM), joint awareness, quality of life (QoL) were assessed at baseline (three months postoperatively) and after 8-week intervention (five months postoperatively). Feasibility and crude cost were examined.Results: Exercise adherence was 100% in clinic-based PRT and 90.6% in the home-based PRT group. Both interventions improved quadriceps and hip abductor muscle strength, performance-based and patient-reported outcomes, knee ROM, and joint awareness without side effects (p < .05). Clinic-based PRT showed better results in: activity pain (p = .004, ES = -0.888); knee flexion (p = .002, ES = 0.875) and extension ROM (p = .004, ES = -1.081); chair sit-to-stand test (p = .013, ES = 0.935); joint awareness (p = .008, ES = 0.927); and QoL than home-based PRT (p < .05).Conclusion: Late-phase clinical-based and home-based PRT interventions may be beneficial in improving muscle strength and functionality in patients with TKA. Late-phase PRT is feasible, cost-effective, and recommended for rehabilitation after TKA.

The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of the burning environment on the properties and phase composition of clinker-based ceramic specimens made from loam with diatomite and bentonite clay in order to develop technological parameters for the manufacture of clinker products. The main raw material used for the experiments was local fusible loam from the Almaty deposit, which is the basis for the production of 75 and 100 grade ceramic bricks. Diatomite from Utesai deposit (Aktobe region) and highly plastic bentonite clay from Darbazin deposit (Turkestan region) were used as additives. Loam and bentonite clay were applied after grinding and sieving through a 1 mm sieve. Diatomite was applied after grinding and milling until it had completely passed through a 0.315 mm sieve. The raw materials are mixed after dosing, and then water is added in the amount required until a pliable mass is obtained. To investigate the properties of the products, standard cylinder samples were prepared with a diameter of 50 mm and a height of 50 mm. The cylinder samples were pressed on a hydraulic press at a pressure of 2–4 kN. The samples were dried in a desiccator at 95–100 °C for 2 h. After drying, the products were burning in a muffle kiln. The analysis of the properties of the burned products showed that the optimum ratio in the ceramic mixture of loam and diatomite to loam and bentonite clay is 85%:15%. After burning in a slightly oxidising environment at 1170 °C, the ceramic specimens correspond to Class 2 for the medium-density and compressive strength grades M 400 and M 500 (GOST 530-2012 (Government standard). X-ray diffractometric analysis showed that the products contain augite, quartz and anorthite as crystalline phases, with the former predominating. After burning in a reducing atmosphere, at 1170 °C, the properties of the samples have higher values compared to the samples burning in a weakly oxidising atmosphere. The resulting properties, according to the regulations, are characteristic of clinker bricks (DIN V 105-1 (technical requirements for clinker façade bricks). After burning in a reducing environment, the phase composition of the products changes qualitatively; in addition to augite and quartz, albite, diopside, orthoclase and haematite are present in the samples.

This study examines the structure and mechanical properties of CuAl9Mn2 copper alloy processed via friction stir processing. Workpieces, 2 mm thick, were processed using four tool passes. After the initial FSP pass, the stir zone structure was found to be non-homogeneous, with grains changing from equiaxed to elongated in the material flow direction. Grain sizes decreased from 80-140 µm to 3-8 µm. However, after the fourth pass, the stir zone became more homogeneous with equiaxed grains and sizes ranging from 2-6 µm. The increase in microhardness and tensile properties of the material is attributed to the processing temperature, mechanical mixing, and grain refinement. The ultimate tensile strength of the FSP material increased by 13% relative to the metal prior to processing, whether one or four passes were used. Additionally, microhardness in the stir zone increased, which is consistent with the results of mechanical tensile tests., Проведены исследования структуры и механических свойств медного сплава БрАМц9-2 после фрикционной перемешивающей обработки. В качестве заготовок использовались пластины толщиной 2 мм, которые были подвергнуты фрикционной перемешивающей обработке от одного до четырех проходов при одинаковых режимах. Зона перемешивания демонстрирует структуру, образованную потоком материала по контуру инструмента. Размер зерна основного металла до обработки составлял 80-140 мкм. После первичной обработки структура зоны перемешивания неоднородна, зерна изменяются от равноосных до вытянутых в направлении движения материала, размер зерна уменьшается до 3-8 мкм относительно основного металла. После четвертого прохода зона перемешивания становится более однородной, зерна имеют форму, близкую к равноосной, а их размер уменьшается до 2-6 мкм. Температура процесса, механическое перемешивание и измельчение зерен приводит к повышению микротвердости и прочностных свойств материала. Предел прочности увеличивается на 13 % относительно основного металла как для одного прохода, так и для четырех. Микротвердость в зоне перемешивания также возрастает, что соответствует результатам механических испытаний на растяжение.

Background: Acute on chronic pancreatitis (ACP) is a relatively common condition, but there are significant gaps in our knowledge on the definition, incidence, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Methods: A systematic review that followed PICO (Population; Intervention; Comparator; Outcome) recommendation for quantitative questions and PICo (Population, Phenomenon of Interest, Context) for qualitative research was done to answer 10 of the most relevant questions about ACP. Quality of evidence was judged by the GRADE criteria (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). The manuscript was sent for review to 12 international experts from various disciplines and continents using a Delphi process. Results: The quality of evidence, for most statements, was low to very low, which means that the recommendations in general are only conditional. Despite that, it was possible to reach strong levels of agreement by the expert panel for all 10 questions. A new consensus definition of ACP was reached. Although common, the real incidence of ACP is not known, with alcohol as a major risk factor. Although pain dominates, other non-specific symptoms and signs can be present. Serum levels of pancreatic enzymes may be less than 3 times the upper limit of normal and cross-sectional imaging is considered more accurate for the diagnosis in many cases. It appears that it is less severe and with a lower mortality risk than acute pancreatitis.Conclusions: Although the evidence base is poor, this position statement provides a foundation from which to advance management of ACP.(c) 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of IAP and EPC. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

The production and use of fruit and berry concentrates in combination with fermented milk products is attractive for many manufacturers because as a result it is possible to obtain unique recipes with a bright and attractive taste for consumers, and high functional properties. However, the use of fruit and berry concentrates in combination with fermented milk products leads to a reduction in the shelf life or absolute spoilage of products. Thus, after the initial analysis of modern technologies, the method of encapsulation of juice concentrates will create unique products – fruit and berry concentrates in the form of soft capsules for a safe combination with yogurt. The creation of culinary delights of molecular cuisine is already using methods for preparing alginate capsules containing a juice-containing filler. However, there are no regularities for establishing a widespread production of capsules from alginate and a filler from the juice of fruits and berries to this day. In turn, it should be noted that this method makes it possible to obtain a product with high functional properties and pronounced taste. The results of the research confirmed the successful possibility of mixing plant ingredients with yogurt and ultimately the possibility of obtaining a natural and healthy product with a pronounced and original taste. The effect of capsules with fruit and vegetable extract on the organoleptic and structurally mechanical properties of yogurt was investigated. Recipes of fruit and berry concentrates were considered. In total, 3 varieties of one-component concentrates (apple, cherry, grape) were selected, which can be encapsulated in the alginate shell in their original form. 3 varieties of concentrates (raspberry, strawberry, currant) were obtained, which can be used as an additional component to the main ones to create a wide range of capsules for different age categories, Виробництво та використання плодово-ягідних концентратів у поєднанні з кисломолочною продукцією є привабливим для багатьох виробників, оскільки в результаті можна отримати унікальні рецептури з яскравим та привабливим для споживачів смаком та високими функціональними властивостями. Однак використання плодово-ягідних концентратів у поєднанні з кисломолочною продукцією веде до скорочення терміну зберігання або абсолютного псування продукції. Таким чином, після проведення первинного аналізу сучасних технологій спосіб капсулювання сокових концентратів дозволить створити унікальні продукти – плодово-ягідні концентрати у вигляді м'яких капсул для безпечного поєднання з йогуртом. Під час створення кулінарних шедеврів молекулярної кухні вже використовують способи приготування альгінатних капсул, що містять в собі наповнювач соку. Однак закономірностей для налагодження широкого виробництва капсул з альгінату та наповнювача із соку плодів та ягід досі немає. У свою чергу необхідно відзначити, що даний спосіб дозволяє отримати продукт із високими функціональними властивостями та яскравим смаком. Результати досліджень підтвердили успішну можливість змішування рослинних інгредієнтів з йогуртом і в кінцевому підсумку можливість отримати натуральний та корисний продукт з яскравим і оригінальним смаком. Досліджували вплив капсул з плодоовочевим екстрактом на органолептичні та структурно-механічні властивості йогурту. Розглянуто рецептури плодово-ягідних концентратів. Усього відібрано 3 різновиди однокомпонентних концентратів (яблучний, вишневий, виноградний), які можна капсулювати в альгінатну оболонку у вихідному вигляді. Отримано 3 різновиди концентратів (малиновий, полуничний, смородиновий), які можуть використовуватися як додатковий компонент до основних для створення широкого асортименту капсул для різних вікових категорій

In recent years, additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have become greatly popular in the polymer, metal, and composite industries because of the capability for rapid prototyping, and appropriateness for the production of complex shapes. In this study, a comprehensive comparative analysis focusing on the influence of post-processing types (heat treatment and water absorption) on tensile and impact responses was carried out on 3D printed PETG, PLA, and ABS. In addition, layer thickness levels (0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mm) were selected as a major production parameter and their effect on mechanical properties was combined with post-processing type for the first time. The results showed that both tensile and impact resistance of the printed polymers increased thanks to the heat treatment. The highest tensile strength was measured for heat-treated PLA, while the peak impact endurance level was reached for heat-treated PETG. Also, water absorption caused a mass increment in all samples and induced higher tensile elongation values. Decreasing layer thickness had a positive effect on tensile features, but impact strength values dropped. On the other hand, all samples were subjected to macro and micro failure analyses to understand the deformation mechanism. These inspections indicated that for impact samples straight crack lines converted to zigzag style separation lines after the heat treatment. As for the tensile samples, the exact location of the main damage zone altered with the production stability, the water absorption capacity of the polymer, and the thermal diffusion ability of the filament.

Bu çalışmada, finisajın farklı ayakkabı yüzlük derilerin mukavemeti üzerine etkisi ve yüksek mukavemetli, uzun ömürlü ayakkabı üretimi için nasıl bir finisaj işleminin (hafif-ağır) tercih edilmesi gerektiği araştırılmıştır. Araştırmada, üç farklı tabaklama türü (krom, bitkisel, wet-white) ile tabaklanmış derilere standart finisaj işlemi yapılmış ve ayakkabılık derilerin mukavemeti için önemli fiziko-mekanik testler uygulanmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda, finisaj işlemleri ile tabaklama türlerinin hepsinde çekme mukavemeti ve uzama yüzdesi değerlerinin azaldığı, wet-white tabaklanmış örneklerde tüm yırtılma dayanım değerlerinin arttığı, aprenin yapışmasının bitkisel tabaklanmış örneklerde ortalama 14.85 N/cm ile en yüksek değere sahip olduğu görülmektedir. Sonuç olarak, ayakkabılarda istenen mukavemet özellikleri belirlendikten sonra finisaj işlemi ile mukavemeti azalan derilere hafif, artan derilere ise yoğun finisaj uygulanmasının uygun olduğu belirlenmiştir., In this study, the effect of finishing on the strength of different shoe upper leathers and what kind of finishing process (light-heavy) should be preferred for the production of high-strength, long-lasting shoes were investigated. In the research, standard finishing process was applied to leathers tanned with three different tanning types (chrome, vegetable, wet-white) and physico-mechanical tests which are important for the strength of shoe leather were applied. As a result of the study, it is seen that the tensile strength and elongation values decrease in all types of tanning with finishing processes, all tear strength values increase in wet-white tanned samples, and the adhesion of the finish has the highest value with an average of 14.85 N/cm in vegetable tanned samples.As a result, after determining the desired strength properties of shoes, it has been determined that it is appropriate to apply a light finishing to leathers whose strength decreases with the finishing process, and to apply heavy finishing to increased leathers.

SUMMARYObjectivesThis study aimed to compare color change of porcelain laminate veneers fabricated with two lithium disilicate ceramics and a zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic material after luting with conventional dual-cure, amine-free dual-cure, or light-cure resin cements using artificial accelerated aging (AAA).Methods and MaterialsNinety noncarious human maxillary central incisors were embedded in autopolymerizing acrylic resin blocks to prepare conventional laminate veneers with incisal coverage. Prepared teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=30) to fabricate laminate veneer restorations using: (1) lithium disilicate ceramic, (2) lithium disilicate ceramic with high-density micronization, and (3) zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic. Impressions of the preparations were taken with a laboratory scanner. Acquired 3D images were processed into a surface tessellation language file. Data were exported for 3D printing on a printer, and laminate veneers were printed in castable wax resin. Ceramic veneers were heat-pressed after investment according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and further divided into three groups (n=10) according to luting cement type: (1) light-cure resin cement, (2) amine-free dual-cure resin cement, and (3) conventional dual-cure resin cement. Color measurements were performed from the middle of each specimen with a spectrophotometer before and after AAA for 300 hours with a total energy of 150 kJ/m2. Color changes were calculated with the CIEDE 2000 (ΔE00) formula. Color differences were assessed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α=0.05), and the paired t-test was used to compare the L*, a*, and b* parameters in each group before and after aging.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the ceramic groups (p>0.05). The color changes of the materials ranged from 2.26 to 3.13. All materials were above the clinically acceptable limit (ΔE00>1.8). The conventional dual-cure resin cement group showed more color change (p>0.05).ConclusionsColor changes were observed in all porcelain laminate veneers after artificial accelerated aging. The zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate veneers showed similar color changes as lithium disilicate veneers; the amine-free dual-cure resin cement showed a similar color change as light-cure resin cement after aging.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of friction-stir-welded Al-5.50Mg-0.45Mn and Al-5.50Mg- 0.45Mn-0.25Sc-0.10Zr (wt.%) alloys were investigated by tensile tests and microscopy methods. The results show that the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation of the Al-Mg-Mn joint are (191 +/- 3) MPa, (315 +/- 1) MPa and (4.8 +/- 1.9)%, respectively. The corresponding values of the Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr joint are (288 +/- 5) MPa, (391 +/- 2) MPa and (3.4 +/- 1.0)%. The Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr joint has smaller grain size, lower average misorientation angle and higher low-angle grain boundary fraction than the Al-Mg-Mn joint. Both the two joints fracture at the weld nugget zone (WNZ), and Al3(Sc1-xZrx) nano-particles with a mean size of (9.92 +/- 2.69) nm still remain in this "weakest zone". Theoretical calculation indicates that nano-particles can provide Orowan and grain boundary strengthening in WNZ, increasing the yield strength of the Al-Mg-Mn joint by 97 MPa.

Demand for high quality recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) to offset the use of primary materials is significantly rising due to circular economy goals and high-value reuse of concrete. The quality of RCA significantly affects their availability for new concrete production due to the variability of parent concrete streams. The optimization of recycling procedures is under development to improve the quality of RCA, however, the costs and energy efficiency of such processes are of practical concern. With this in mind, this paper presents a new framework for reducing the variability of RCA quality by identifying concrete members before their demolition. The goal of identifying demolished concrete members from a structure is to provide groups of concrete members with similar mechanical and chemical properties through a systematic classification of the structural members. The quality assessment of concrete structures and their mechanical and chemical (composition, contamination) properties prior to demolition is generally recognized as challenging due to the absence of guidelines and the lack of easy-to-use in situ characterization techniques. This paper proposes experimental approaches that can non-destructively determine the properties of concrete structures, with a major emphasis on the measurement of the chemical composition of concrete before demolition. Characteristic quality indicators to classify concrete members are first proposed and can be instrumental in setting up future studies. A new method is proposed for in situ chemical composition testing of existing concrete structures; assuming that no records about the parent concrete are available. Next, the challenging parameters for in situ, non-destructive measurements are outlined. The practical application of the proposed method and its uptake in industry can potentially unlock a huge potential for optimized material recovery and contribute greatly to a fully circular construction industry.

The aim was to compare the acute effects of bench press (BP) and squat (SQ) exercises with blood flow restriction (BFR) (40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of the complete arterial occlusion pressure (AOP)) and without BFR (CON) on the mean propulsive (VelMED) and maximum (VelMAX) bar velocity. Fourteen healthy, physically active males (age, 23.6±4.1 years; height, 1.85±0.11 m; body weight 85.4±4.1 kg) took part in the study. There was one set for each testing condition (CON, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%) with 6 repetitions for BP and 6 repetitions for SQ, at 60% of 1RM, and 3 minutes of recovery between sets. The results showed statistically significant differences of the sets with 80% BFR vs. CON (mean difference [MD] = 0.035 m·s-1, p < 0.05, ES = 0.52 [1.02–0.03]) and 100% BFR sets vs. CON (MD = 0.074, p < 0.001, ES = 1.08 [1.79–0.38]) for BP. In the SQ exercise, statistically significant differences were found between 100% BFR vs. CON (DM = 0.031 m·s-1, p < 0.05), vs. 100% BFR 40% (MD = 0.04 m·s-1, p < 0.05). Trend analysis showed a statistically significant linear trend (F[1,9] = 34.9, p < 0.001, F[1,13] = 27.32, p < 0.001) for the VelMED in relation to the different levels of BFR. In conclusion, our results showed that BFR levels above ~80% AOP (BP) and ~100% AOP (SQ) produce a VelMED improvement at 60% 1RM.

Bu çalışmanın amacı, geleneksel kuvvet antrenmanlarına karşın dirençli güç interval antrenman protokolünün ivmelenme, çeviklik ve hareket hızına etkisinin değerlendirilmesidir. Bu amaç doğrultusunda, lisanslı sporcu olmayan 20 genç gönüllü olarak katılım sağlamıştır. Katılımcılar, A grubu (AG, n=10, yaş: 21,3 yıl ± 1,41; boy: 176,4 cm. ± 4,69; kilo: 68,9 kg ± 5,6) ve B grubu (BG, n=10 yaş: 20,8 yıl ± 1,03; boy: 173,7 cm ± 6,63; kilo: 63,5 kg ± 5,9) olarak iki homojen gruba ayrılmıştır. Çalışmadan önce katılımcılara 2 hafta adaptasyon antrenmanı yaptırılmıştır. Bir tekrarlı maksimal kuvvet, tam squat hareketinde itme evresindeki hareket hızı, ivmelenme ve çeviklik testleri yaptırılmıştır. A Grubuna 6 haftalık geleneksel kuvvet antrenmanları (GKA), B Grubuna dirençli güç interval antrenmanları (DGİA) uygulanmıştır. Ara testler sonrasında antrenman protokolleri gruplar arasında çaprazlama değiştirilerek A Grubu DGİA, B Grubu ise GKA olarak 6 hafta devam ettirilmiştir. Ardından son testler yaptırılmıştır. Veriler SPSS 20 paket programında analiz edilmiştir (p0.05). Sonuç olarak; her iki antrenman protokolünün de performans parametrelerini geliştirdiği ve protokoller arasında anlamlı bir farklılık olmadığı elde edilmiştir. Ayrıca, belirtilen performans parametrelerini geliştirmek için her iki protokolün de kullanılabileceği ileri sürülebilir., The purpose of this study was to evaluate of the effect of resistance power interval training protocol on acceleration, agility and velocity of movement in spite of traditional strength training. For this purpose, twenty young volunteers who aren’t licensed sportsmen participated in this study. Participants were divided into two homogeneous groups, Group A (GA, n=10, age: 21,3±1,41; length: 176,4±4,69; height: 68,9±5,6) and Group B (GB, n=10 age: 20.8±1.03; length: 173.7±6.63; height: 63,5±5,9). Before starting the study, the participants were given adaptation training for 2 weeks, after that one repeated maximal force test, full squat movement velocity test, acceleration and pro-agility tests were performed to the participants. While Group A performed traditional strength training (TST); Group B performed resistance power interval training (RPIT) for 6 weeks. After mid tests the training protocols of the groups are changed in a cross-over manner; Group A performed RPIT and Group B performed TST for 6 weeks. After that, posttest measurements of the groups were made. All data recorded in SPSS 20 package program (p0.05). As a results, it was obtained that both training protocols improved performance parameters and there was no significant difference between the protocols. Therefore, it can be asserted that both training protocols can be used to improve the determined performance parameters.

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) crashes are among the leading causes of injury and death among youth in the agriculture industry. It is hypothesised that youth are involved in ATV-related incidents because they cannot effectively activate the vehicle's controls. This study evaluated potential discrepancies between the required activation forces of the controls of fifty-four utility ATVs and the strength of male-and-female youth of varying ages (6-20 years old) and strength percentiles (5th, 50th, and 95th). The activation forces of the ATVs' controls were measured experimentally, while the youth's corresponding strength was retrieved from the literature. The results of this study demonstrated a physical mismatch between the forces required to operate ATV controls and youth's strength. Turning the handlebar, pressing the footbrake, and pushing the ATV off are the most difficult tasks for ATV operation. These discrepancies compromise the youth's ability to ride ATVs, increasing their risk of crashes. Practitioner summary: Previous studies indicate that some youth engage in ATV incidents because they cannot activate the vehicle's controls. We measured the forces required to operate eight ATV controls and compared them with the youth's corresponding strength. Our results demonstrated physical mismatches between the forces required to operate ATV controls and the youth's strength.

Openings in flat slabs near to columns are often needed to supply the building with utilities. The presence of these openings can lead to a decrease of the punching resistance which is related to (i) the reduction of the control perimeter, (ii) the stress concentrations at the edges of the openings, (iii) the reduction of the unitary shear resistance caused by increased flexural deformations, and (iv) the moment transfer in the slab connection in case of unsymmetrical openings. The effect of the openings on the punching shear resistance is strongly related to the geometry, the location, the number, and the size of the openings. To quantify the strength reduction due to the openings, current code approaches account for a reduction of the control perimeter defined by radial lines from the centroid of the column to the edges of the opening. Even though slabs with opening have been investigated since the 1960s, available experimental evidence on the behavior of slabs with openings without shear reinforcement is scarce and some effects are neglected in current design codes. Eurocode 2 and fib Model Code do not consider the effect of unsymmetrical openings leading to moment transfer in the slab-column connection. ACI 318:2019 recommends considering these cases as free edges; however, additional information is necessary to perform the analysis. The present paper analyses a database of 68 flat slab specimens with openings according to ACI 318:2019, current Eurocode 2 (EN 1992-1-1:2004), the draft for the second generation (prEN 1992-1-1:2021), fib MC 2010:2013, and the Critical Shear Crack Theory. This paper proposes a new approach and a new definition of the control perimeter to improve the prediction of the punching shear resistance of slabs with openings based on the results of the database, the previous studies, and the linear-elastic analyses of the shear force distribution along the control perimeter.

This paper deals with a new Bayesian approach to the one-sample test for proportion. More specifically, let x=(x1,…,xn) be an independent random sample of size n from a Bernoulli distribution with an unknown parameter θ. For a fixed value θ0, the goal is to test the null hypothesis H0:θ=θ0 against all possible alternatives. The proposed approach is based on using the well-known formula of the Kullback–Leibler divergence between two binomial distributions chosen in a certain way. Then, the difference of the distance from a priori to a posteriori is compared through the relative belief ratio (a measure of evidence). Some theoretical properties of the method are developed. Examples and simulation results are included.

Sustainability in construction is related to the use of industrial by-products, such as fly ash (FA). FA varies in chemical/mineralogical composition, depending on the raw materials burnt during its production. While FA produced from coal-fired power stations is extensively used in cementitious composites, heavy oil FA produced from the firing of heavy fuels (e.g., mazut or diesel) remains largely unused. This paper focuses on the novel use of heavy fuel fly ash (HFFA), as a replacement of Class F FA, in high-volume fly ash self-compacting composites. Two different grain size distributions of HFFA were used in quantities 5–15% w/w of cement and Class F FA for the production of the composites. The assessment of the physico-mechanical properties and microstructure of the end-products at different curing ages suggests that HFFA may be used at quantities ≤10% w/w, without any negative effects. In fact, depending on the quantity and grain size distribution of the HFFA, this may even improve some of the properties of the end-products in the long term, provided that a careful mix design is adopted. The findings show the potential of sustainable reuse of HFFA and are beneficial for its incorporation into design codes.

The need for partial replacement of cement in concrete production has become inevitable because of adverse environmental impact of cement production, increasing cost of cement and financial benefits of utilization of waste products. This paper presents laboratory investigation of the properties of Olive Seed Ash (OSA) as partial replacement of cement in concrete. Concrete mix of 1:2:4 (Binder: Fine aggregate: Coarse Aggregate) and water-cement ratio of 0.44 were adopted in this study. Olive seed ash was used to replace cement at various levels of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% by mass. Partial replacement of cement with OSA resulted in decrease in initial and final setting times of concrete but the values are still within acceptable limits. The results show that compressive strength, flexural strength and split tensile strength of the concrete decreased as the percentage of OSA increases. However, at 10% replacement level, the 28 days compressive strength achieved was 28N/mm2 and this value surpasses the minimum compressive strength of 25N/mm2 recognized by BS EN 1992-1-1 (2004) for reinforced concrete design. The results also showed that the water absorption decreased with increase in percentage replacement of cement with OSA portraying that replacement with olive seed ash has higher durability potentials. It is recommended that cement can be replaced with at least 10% OSA in concrete. This will reduce the cost of construction in addition to environmental advantage.

Background and Study Aim. To compare the effects of three different sets method, which is frequently used in resistance training, on strength and hypertrophy values. Materials and Methods. Thirty-three young male athletes with similar daily activities and nutrient intakes at the Fitlife fitness center in Sakarya were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into three different groups as Modified German Volume Training (MGVT) (n=11, 21.5 ± 2.4 years), Super Set (SS) (n=11, 22.4 ± 2.9) and Giant Set (GS) (n=11, 23.0 ± 4.3 years). The study was started with a total of thirty-three people, but two participants in the Giant set group were excluded from the measurements because they left the study due to personal reasons. Strength, muscle thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements were made in the upper extremity muscles before and after the six-week training period. Results. After six weeks of training, significant increases were observed in the cross-sectional area and thickness (p0,05). Conclusions. Modified German Volume Training (MGVT), Super Set (SS) and Giant Set (GS) methods reveal that there is no difference between the set methods in the 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM) strength and hypertrophy development of young male individuals who do not have a history of resistance exercise but have completed the adaptation period, and that there is an improvement in all set methods., Передумови та мета дослідження. Порівняти вплив методу трьох різних наборів, який часто використовується в силових тренуваннях, на значення сили та гіпертрофії.Матеріали та методи. Тридцять три молоді спортсмени-чоловіки з подібною щоденною активністю та споживанням поживних речовин у фітнес-центрі Fitlife у Сакар’ї були включені до дослідження. Учасники були випадковим чином розділені на три різні групи: модифіковане німецьке об’ємне тренування (MGVT) (n=11, 21,5 ± 2,4 року), супернабір (SS) (n=11, 22,4 ± 2,9) і гігантський набір (GS) (n= 11, 23,0 ± 4,3 року). Дослідження було розпочато із загалом тридцяти трьох осіб, але двоє учасників із групи гігантського набору були виключені з вимірювань, оскільки вони залишили дослідження з особистих причин. Вимірювання сили, товщини м’язів і площі поперечного перерізу (CSA) проводилися в м’язах верхніх кінцівок до і після шеститижневого періоду навчання.Результати. Після шести тижнів тренувань спостерігалося значне збільшення площі поперечного перерізу та товщини (p0,05).Висновки. Методи модифікованого німецького об’ємного тренування (MGVT), супернабору (SS) і гігантського набору (GS) показують, що немає різниці між методами набору в силі з 1 максимумом повторення (1RM) і розвитку гіпертрофії молодих чоловіків, які не мають в анамнезі вправи з опором, але завершили адаптаційний період, і що є покращення у всіх встановлених методах.

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in neuromuscular performance between variable resistance training and constant resistance training within complex training. Twenty-one well-trained collegiate basketball players were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (variable resistance training) or a control group (constant resistance training) and completed a twice weekly training program over an 8-week period. Training programs were the same except that the experimental group included variable resistance via elastic bands (40% of the total load). Maximum strength, vertical jump, horizontal jump, and sprint performance were assessed pre- and post?intervention. Both groups demonstrated significant increases in the back squat 1RM (experimental group +36.5% and control group +32.3%, both p < 0.001), countermovement jump (experimental group +12.9%, p = 0.002 and control group +5.6%, p = 0.02), and squat jump performance (experimental group +21.4% and control group +12.9%, both p < 0.001), whereas standing broad jump performance improved only in the experimental group (+2.9%, p = 0.029). Additionally, the experimental group showed significant improvement in the squat jump (p = 0.014) compared with the control group. However, no statistically significant differences were found between groups for countermovement jump (p = 0.06) and sprint performance at 10 m (p = 0.153) and 20 m (p = 0.076). We may conclude that both training modalities showed similar improvements in maximum strength. Performing variable resistance training within a complex training program is more efficient to enhance selective power performance in well-trained collegiate basketball players.

This paper offers the use of stress concentration factor in determining the critical fracture stress and fracture toughness of polymeric composite materials at various crack length ratios. The stress intensity factor has been turned into a function of the stress concentration factor derived from the maximum stress occurring at the notch tip and the tip stress generated by the force applied to the sample. This conversion allowed the use of a fixed theoretical radius (1.2732 mm) instead of the actual radius of the notch or crack. On the edge cracked three-point bending and tensile samples, the specified method detects the three point bending fracture stresses with a maximum error rate of 1.2%. This study also establishes a relationship between the clamped end and the pin-loaded tensile specimens and states that the underlying mechanism of the stress intensity factor of the clamped end tensile specimen is based on the normalization of the stress intensity factor of the pin-loaded conditions with the geometric correction factor.

Dispersive soils are one of the problematic soils such as swelling and collapsible soils and they are common in many countries of the world. Due to dispersive soils, significant problems arise in road embankments and earth dams. Therefore, the use of such soils is possible with treatment. Silica fume (SF) as a waste material has been used in concrete production instead of partially cement, in the stabilization of expansive soils and in many civil engineering applications for different purposes. Within the scope of this study, to determine the dispersibility behavior of the soil sample, crumb test was performed. SF additive was used to improve the soil sample, which was determined to have high dispersibility. The compaction properties of the soil specimens mixed with SF in different proportions (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%) were determined by the standard Proctor test. Crumb tests were performed to assess the dispersibility potential of the prepared specimens, and also unconsolidated and undrained (UU) triaxial tests were carried out to evaluate the strength parameters. UU experiments were performed under 20 kPa, 40 kPa and 60 kPa effective cell pressures on specimens cured for 1, 7 and 28 days because stabilization occurred at shallow depths in field applications. As a result, it was determined that the dispersibility feature of the soil sample was treated and the strength properties were improved depending on the SF content.

This study aimed to determine the association of body composition (BC) with leg strength, balance capacity, and drop jump ability in capoeira athletes. A total of 10 male (age: 26.5±2.6 years) and 5 female (age: 25.0±2.9 years) capoeira athletes participated in this study. BC measurement of the participants was performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Performance measurements consisted of 30º, 60º, 90º leg strength measurement, anterior-posterior balance, medial-lateral balance capacity measurement, and drop jumps from heights of 20 (DJ20), 40 (DJ40), and 50 cm (DJ50). Reactive strength index (RSI) was calculated as jump height/contact time (mm·ms-1). Statistical results showed that there was no significant association between BC with balance (p > 0.05). Fat-free mass (FFM) was found to be correlated with RSI for DJ20 (r = 0.52; p = 0.049) and DJ40 (r = 0.66; p = 0.01), while there was a negative association between fat mass (FM) with DJ40 (r = -0.65; p = 0.01) and DJ50 (r = -0.59; p = 0.02). In addition, FM was negatively associated with 90º right leg strength (r = -0.59; p = 0.02), 90º left leg strength (r = -0.62; p =0.01), and 60º left leg strength (r = -0.57; p = 0.03), while there was a positive association between FFM and 90º right leg strength (r = 0.59; p = 0.02). As a result, FM and lean mass (LM) exert profound effects on leg strength and drop jump ability, while BC doesn’t seem to affect balance capacity in capoeira athletes, showing that possessing low FM and high LM likely leads to better athletic performance in capoeira athletes., This study aimed to determine the association of body composition (BC) with muscle strength, drop jump and balance ability in Capoeira athletes. A total of 10 males (age: 26.5±2.6 years) and 5 females (age: 25.0±2.9 years) Capoeira athletes volunteered to participate in this study. BC measurement of participants, including total and regional BC, was performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Performance measurements consisted of 30º, 60º, 90º leg strength, anterior-posterior balance, medial-lateral balance and drop jumps from a 20 cm drop-height (DJ20), 40 cm drop-height (DJ40) and 50 cm drop-height (DJ50). Reactive strength index (RSI) was calculated as jump height/contact time (mm·ms-1). The statistical results showed that there was no significant association of BC with balance (p>0.05). Fat-free mass (FFM) was found to be correlated with RSI from DJ20 (r=0.52; p=0.049) and DJ40 (r=0.66; p=0.01), while there was a negative association between fat mass (FM) and drop jump from DJ40 (r=-0.65; p=0.01) and DJ50 (r=-0.59; p=0.02). In addition, FM was found to be negatively associated with 90º right leg strength (r=-0.59; p=0.02), 90º left leg strength (r=-0.62; p=0.01) and 60º left leg strength (r=-0.57; p=0.03). There was a positive association between FFM and 90º right leg strength (r=0.59; p=0.02). As a result, FM and LM exert profound effects on leg strength and drop jump performance, while BC doesn’t seem to affect balance ability in Capoeira athletes. It is likely that possessing low FM and high LM leads to better athletic performance in Capoeira athletes.

An experimental work was herein presented focusing the effect of different type, shape and volume fraction of fibers on the hardened properties of concrete including compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths at 7 and 28 curing days. A control concrete mixture including no fiber was prepared and six fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) mixtures were designed by using two different fiber types and volume fractions. Two types of steel fibers having different shapes (short straight and long hooked end) and polypropylene fiber were used with the volume fraction of 0.4% and 0.8%. The load-deflection curves and toughness of the specimens were analyzed based on ASTM C1609. The results showed that the utilization of short straight steel fibers with 0.8% volume fraction was most efficient at enhancing the compressive strength with 9.98% while the use of 0.8% long hooked end steel fibers provided better splitting tensile and flexural strengths with 33.33% and 30.35%, respectively, compared to specimen with no fiber at 28 curing day. Besides, the long hooked end steel fibers with the volume fraction of 0.8% contributed to an excellent deflection hardening behavior resulting in higher load deflection capacity and higher toughness values at peak load, L/600 and L/150. On the other hand, with incorporation of polypropylene fiber, all strength values decreased regardless of the volume fraction and curing days.

The prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in sweep rowing is high. As nearly 50% of power during sweep rowing is contributed by the legs, the presence of muscle imbalances may predispose rowers to overuse injuries. The purpose of the study was to assess knee muscle strength symmetry between dominant and non-dominant limbs of male and female rowers. A descriptive, quantitative research design was used. Twenty-four male and 13 female rowers aged 18–26 years participated. Bilateral isokinetic knee flexion and extension peak torque and hamstrings/quadriceps (H/Q) ratios were assessed at 60°/s and 180°/s using an isokinetic dynamometer. The data was analysed using Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon rank tests and significance was set at p≤0.05. In males, the dominant knee extension torque values at 60°/s and 180°/s were significantly larger than that of the non-dominant side (p≤0.05). In females, the non-dominant eccentric H/Q ratio at 60°/s was 15% larger than that of the dominant side (p=0.019). Bilateral differences observed in knee extension torque for males and in H/Q ratio for females highlight the need for isokinetic testing of sweep rowers, to improve performance and prevent injury.

Team invasion sports are characterized as ball games, played by two opponents, aiming to score points or goals. The aim intended to verify which team invasion sport presents a greater probability to obtain a higher phase angle (PhA) value, considering the age, time of practice, vertical jump tests and handgrip strength of young athletes. A total of 248 young athletes were evaluated. After performing the correlations between the PhA and categorical variables (sport and sex) and covariables (age, time of practice- t, squat jump- SJ, countermovement jump- CMJ, and handgrip strength left or right- HGSl or HGSr), we developed an equation from a logistic regression model, aiming to better interpret the probability to obtain a higher PhA. Our findings showed a significant correlation (p< 0.05) ranging from weak to moderate between the PhA and age (r=0.268), t (r =0.206), SJ (r=0.330), CMJ (r= 0.277), HGSr (r=0.537), and HGSl (r=0.523). Considering the median value of the PhA (7.7o) as a cut-off point, youth soccer players were the most likely to have 2.2 more chances to reach a higher PhA, followed by Futsal (2.13), and Rugby (2.01) players. Considering our equation, we suggested that higher PhA values predisposed the Soccer, Futsal and Rugby players to express greater jumping capacity or handgrip tests. Considering the advantage of using PhA as a marker of a healthy body composition profile, the magnitude of these probabilities to reach higher values of strength performance in young athletes may depend on the sport practiced and their exposure to specific training.

Among the most important properties of a concrete are its workability, strength and durability. These properties ordinarily are achieved by varying the grading of aggregates and proportions of the basic concrete components. Today, admixtures have taken over because they are easier to apply and are also more effective. However, the technology and availability of admixture is not easily assured, especially in developing countries. This work is concerned with the use of a combination of fly ash and a generic sulfonated naphthalene-formaldehyde (SNF) condensate superplasticizer to show the water reducing, workability and strength enhancement potentials of their combination. A grade 20 concrete of nominal mix proportion of 1:2:4 and an initial water-cement ratio (w/c) of 0.6 was used; and a constant consistency of 50 mm slump maintained throughout the experiment. The variation of the strength of the concrete and the water-cement ratio (w/c) was studied as the various combined quantities of superplasticizer and fly ash was added. It was observed that the 28-days strength of the concrete increased with increase in either fly ash or superplasticizer in the combination. The strength obtained was much higher than that of the control mix. The water-cement ratio also reduced in the same order, showing more reduction than using fly ash or SNF superplasticizer alone. This showed that there is a great advantage in the combined use of both admixtures.

Central Visayan Institute Foundation-Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF-DLP) is a program centered on activity-based multi- domain learning wherein the students should work independently. This quantitative study analyzed the strength of the CVIF- DLP utilization;1) students' willingness to learn;2)time management;3)creativity;3)critical thinking; and 4)self-discipline, the weaknesses of the CVIF-DLP; 1)development of independence in learning; 2)performing motivational activities; 3)making sense with a conceptual note; 4) comprehensive writing; and 5) writing and drawing figures, the opportunities of the respondents; 1)learning by doing; 2)sound fundamentals; 3) mastery; 4) adaptability; and 5 ) honesty, and the threats encountered by the respondents; 1) not knowing what to learn; 2) lack of time; 3) self-motivation and interest; 4) too much choice; and 5) the easy way out. The researcher analyzed these indicators from 320 respondents through a teacher-made questionnaire, which the experts validated using mean and one-way ANOVA for the significant difference. The research revealed that the respondents “often” encountered the strength and opportunities in utilizing the program. In contrast, in weaknesses and threats, they revealed it as "sometimes," which means the respondents sometimes encountered weaknesses and threats in utilizing the program. Based on the study's findings, an intervention program was proposed to enhance the CVIF- DLP learning materials. Teachers may look back to their existing learning activity sheets and modify them to ensure that the activities to be given to the students suit their learning capabilities and will boost their learning potential.

This study aims to determine the application of the FIFA 11+ Kids program to increase muscle strength in children aged 11-12 years. This research uses experimental research with a pretest-posttest control group design. Twenty people were sampled in this study, divided into two groups: the treatment group and the control group. Purposive sampling was used in determining the research sample. The subject matching A-B-B-A technique was used to divide the treatment group and the control group. The instrument in this study is to measure arm muscle strength using a push-up test, measure leg muscle strength using a leg dynamometer test, and measure abdominal muscle strength using a sit-up test. Data analysis in this study used a paired sample t-test with a significance level of 5%. The results of the study in the treatment group showed a significance value of 0.000 (p, Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui penerapan program FIFA 11+ Kids untuk meningkatkan kekuatan otot pada anak usia 11-12 tahun. Penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian eksperimental dengan desain kelompok kontrol pretest-posttest. Dua puluh orang diambil sampelnya dalam penelitian ini, dibagi menjadi dua kelompok: kelompok perlakuan dan kelompok kontrol. Purposive sampling digunakan dalam menentukan sampel penelitian. Teknik pencocokan subjek A-B-B-A digunakan untuk membagi kelompok perlakuan dan kelompok kontrol. Instrumen dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk mengukur kekuatan otot lengan menggunakan tes push-up, mengukur kekuatan otot kaki menggunakan tes dinamometer kaki, dan mengukur kekuatan otot perut menggunakan tes sit-up. Analisis data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan uji-t sampel berpasangan dengan tingkat signifikansi 5%. Hasil penelitian pada kelompok perlakuan menunjukkan nilai signifikansi 0,000 (p

Objective. To compare the effect of quadriceps isometric exercises performed in two different positions in addition to the combined physical therapy program on pain, stiffness, and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. A total of 30 patients with OA (age range 45 to 70 years) who were admitted to Istanbul Private Ekotom Medical Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic, were included. The patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the type of performing the quadriceps isometric exercises as group 1 (performing in knee extension, n = 14 ) and group 2 (performing in knee flexion, n = 15 ). All patients also received a combined physical therapy program. Exercise protocols were applied six days a week for four weeks. The pain was evaluated using a 10 cm visual analog scale for pain (VAS) in rest and activity; pain, joint stiffness, and physical function were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Results. A significant difference was found in the VAS and WOMAC scores of both groups in group comparisons ( p < 0.05 ). When the groups were compared in terms of change values, a significant difference was found in the WOMAC stiffness score in favor of group I ( p < 0.05 ). Discussion. It is possible to obtain positive results with quadriceps isometric exercises to reduce pain and joint stiffness and increase physical function in patients with knee OA. However, exercises performed in knee extension were found to be more effective in reducing joint stiffness.

Thermal modification is widely applied to improve moisture dynamics of wood, however often decreasing the mechanical strength. It is therefore required to enhance the mechanical strength of thermally modified timber (TMT), for example by impregnation with adhesives. Specimens, cut from Douglas-fir, were thermally modified (TM) either after phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin impregnation (IM-TM) or before (TM-IM). The microstructural and chemical properties were investigated with SEM and FTIR. Compressive stress, as one of the important mechanical properties, was measured using a universal testing machine, while strain distribution was recorded with digital image correlation (DIC). The results show that the compressive stress of TM specimens can be enhanced significantly by PF resin impregnation. Compressive stress differences between IM-TM and TM-IM specimens are small despite of the larger amount of resin in TM-IM specimens. Thermal modification decomposes part of the PF resin in the cell lumens and promotes chemical reaction between the PF resin and wood. PF resin improves the stiffness and ductility of the wood cell wall, resulting in smaller strain and homogenous distribution thereof. These factors lead to high compressive stress of IM-TM and TM-IM specimens. Although PF resin impregnation contributes to narrowing strain accumulation in earlywood of TM specimens, control specimens have the smallest strain ratio between earlywood and latewood. The findings of this study are helpful for optimizing the cost effective thermal-impregnation technology of producing TMT with improved compressive stress.

A stochastic morphological modelling framework has been established to predict the tensile behaviour of Randomly Oriented Strands made of ultra-thin Carbon Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic prepreg tapes. The tape properties from their distributions are generated in a Monte Carlo simulation. The Young’s modulus of a laminate is accurately predicted using classical laminate theory. Fibre-dominant tensile failure is also accurately predicted in Carbon Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics Sheet Moulding Compounds using Weibull theory. Material discontinuity is accounted for via the introduction of a stress concentration factor, as a result of tape overlaps. The predicted tensile strength values and scatter were found to increase with increasing tape length, which agrees well with literature data, and thus demonstrates the reliability of the proposed modelling framework. The rapid modelling framework is well-suited for application in structures.

The aim of this research was to study the effect of incorporating waste rubber aggregates on the physical, mechanical, thermal and durability performance of Self-Compacting Sand Concrete SCSC mixtures. For this purpose, the separately developed Rubberized Self-Compacting Sand Concrete RSCSC were prepared with three fractions of rubber grains where the natural aggregates were replaced with powder rubber, sand rubber and gravel rubber and four addition ratios (5, 10, 15 and 20%) as volume rates. The performed fresh properties using slump-flow, spreading, t500, sieve stability and air-entrained content tests proved better results for the RSCSC in comparison with reference concretes. Hardened state characterization of the concretes exhibited decreases in the mechanical properties of the RSCSC but the thermal conductivity and the dynamic elastic modulus were improved. Assessment of the concrete’s durability was accomplished through determination of apparent porosity, capillary absorption. Therefore, RSCSC to be can used in structural elements of dense reinforcement and complex formwork. Furthermore, this allows promising solution to reduce the impact of waste tyres on the environment and fight pollution.

In this study, 3D-printed connectors to replace the typical L-shaped joints in the construction of a chair were developed, tested and numerically analysed. Different connectors were designed and manufactured with a fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printer using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) with the aim to find a simple shaped connector which could be used to build chairs and withstand standard chair loading requirements. The strength and stiffness of the joints were tested and compared with traditional beech mortise-and-tenon joints. Numerical stress and strain analyses were performed with the finite element method for an orthotropic linear-elastic model. The experimental results showed that joints with 3D-printed connectors achieved lower strength than the traditional wooden mortise-and-tenon joints with similar dimensions. The results indicate that the effect of reinforcement of the connector were not recognised due to the small thickness and inadequate geometric position and arrangement of the reinforcement ABS material. The chair assembled with 3D-printed connectors could withstand the loads for seating, but failed the backrest test according to standard EN 1728:2002. The connectors need to be optimised and reinforced to withstand standard loads. Nasl. z nasl. zaslona. Opis vira z dne 18. 6. 2022. Bibliografija.

Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is characterised by skeletal muscle inflammation, progressive muscle loss and weakness, which is largely refractory to immunosuppressive treatment. Low-load blood-flow restricted (BFR) training has been shown to evoke gains in myofibre cross sectional area (mCSA) in healthy adults. This could partially be due to the activation and integration of muscle satellite cells (SC) resulting in myonuclei addition. Consequently, this study investigated the effect of 12-weeks lower limb low-load BFR resistance training in sIBM patients on SC and myonuclei content, myofibre size and capillarization. Muscle biopsies from sIBM patients randomised to 12-weeks of low-load BFR resistance training (n = 11) or non-exercising controls (CON) (n = 9) were analysed for SC and myonuclei content, myofibre size and capillarization using three-colour immunofluorescence microscopy and computerised quantification procedures. No between-group differences (time-by-group interactions) or within-groups changes were observed for resident SCs (Pax7(+)/Six1(+)), proliferating SCs (Pax7(+)/ Ki67(+)), myonuclei (Six1(+)), type 1 mCSA or capillary number (CD31(+)). However, a time-by-group interaction for type 2 mCSA was observed (p = 0.04). Satellite cell content, myonuclei number, mCSA and capillary density remained unaffected following 12-weeks low-load BFR resistance training, indicating limited myogenic capacity and satellite cell plasticity in long-term sIBM patients. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

ispartof: LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY status: Published online

The long-term interaction of CO2-charged fluids with low permeability cap rocks is important for seal integrity assessment. To address this potential risk, we studied long-term geomechanical changes in a reservoir seal due to fluid-rock interactions with CO2-charged fluids, focusing on a natural CO2 analogue near Green River, Utah, USA. The observed chemo-mechanical changes are on the millimeter scale, which required small-scale petrophysical, mineralogical, and micromechanical analyses. Results showed that over the 7 cm thick reaction front, the low permeability cap rock underwent mechanical weakening, as indicated by indentation tests. This weakening is inferred to be due to dissolution of dolomite and hematite, with the former leading to porosity increase, as shown by small-angle neutron scattering, while the latter likely led to loss of electrostatic forces between the clay particles. This resulted in loss of cohesion, compaction, and formation of bedding-parallel fractures. Microfracturing occurred in situ, as evidenced by fractures infilled with pyrite and gypsum. This study demonstrates that mechanical weakening of cap rocks might occur, but only over time scales of ∼100,000 yr and over small distances. Considering the thickness of cap rocks above CO2 storage reservoirs, we do not anticipate a considerable threat of losing containment integrity over time scales of hundreds to thousands of years as a result of these small-scale fluid-rock interactions.

Mitochondria are the cellular organelles responsible for resynthesising the majority of ATP. In skeletal muscle, there is an increased ATP turnover during resistance exercise to sustain the energetic demands of muscle contraction. Despite this, little is known regarding the mitochondrial characteristics of chronically strength-trained individuals and any potential pathways regulating the strength-specific mitochondrial remodelling. Here, we investigated the mitochondrial structural characteristics in skeletal muscle of strength athletes and age-matched untrained controls. The mitochondrial pool in strength athletes was characterised by increased mitochondrial cristae density, decreased mitochondrial size, and increased surface-to-volume ratio, despite similar mitochondrial volume density. We also provide a fibre-type and compartment-specific assessment of mitochondria morphology in human skeletal muscle, which reveals across groups a compartment-specific influence on mitochondrial morphology that is largely independent of fibre type. Furthermore, we show that resistance exercise leads to signs of mild mitochondrial stress, without an increase in the number of damaged mitochondria. Using publicly available transcriptomic data we show that acute resistance exercise increases the expression of markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, fission and mitochondrial unfolded protein responses (UPRmt). Further, we observed an enrichment of the UPRmt in the basal transcriptome of strength-trained individuals. Together, these findings show that strength athletes possess a unique mitochondrial remodelling, which minimises the space required for mitochondria. We propose that the concurrent activation of markers of mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial remodelling pathways (fission and UPRmt) with resistance exercise may be partially responsible for the observed mitochondrial phenotype of strength athletes. Abstract: Mitochondria are the cellular organelles responsible for resynthesising the majority of ATP. In skeletal muscle, there is an increased ATP turnover during resistance exercise to sustain the energetic demands of muscle contraction. Despite this, little is known regarding the mitochondrial characteristics of chronically strength-trained individuals and any potential pathways regulating the strength-specific mitochondrial remodelling. Here, we investigated the mitochondrial structural characteristics in skeletal muscle of strength athletes and age-matched untrained controls. The mitochondrial pool in strength athletes was characterised by increased mitochondrial cristae density, decreased mitochondrial size, and increased surface-to-volume ratio, despite similar mitochondrial volume density. We also provide a fibre-type and compartment-specific assessment of mitochondria morphology in human skeletal muscle, which reveals across groups a compartment-specific influence on mitochondrial morphology that is largely independent of fibre type. Furthermore, we show that resistance exercise leads to signs of mild mitochondrial stress, without an increase in the number of damaged mitochondria. Using publicly available transcriptomic data we show that acute resistance exercise increases the expression of markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, fission and mitochondrial unfolded protein responses (UPRmt). Further, we observed an enrichment of the UPRmt in the basal transcriptome of strength-trained individuals. Together, these findings show that strength athletes possess a unique mitochondrial remodelling, which minimises the space required for mitochondria. We propose that the concurrent activation of markers of mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial remodelling pathways (fission and UPRmt) with resistance exercise may be partially responsible for the observed mitochondrial phenotype of strength athletes. (Figure presented.). Key points: Untrained individuals and strength athletes possess comparable skeletal muscle mitochondrial volume density. In contrast, strength athletes’ mitochondria are characterised by increased cristae density, decreased size and increased surface-to-volume ratio. Type I fibres have an increased number of mitochondrial profiles with minor differences in the mitochondrial morphological characteristics compared with type II fibres. The mitochondrial morphology is distinct across the subcellular compartments in both groups, with subsarcolemmal mitochondria being bigger in size when compared with intermyofibrillar. Acute resistance exercise leads to signs of mild morphological mitochondrial stress accompanied by increased gene expression of markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, fission and mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt).

In-situ pre-decorated different content of TiB2 particle reinforced 2024 Al matrix composites (xTiB2/2024Al composite, x = 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 wt.%) were printed by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). A quantitative equation was established to quantify heterogeneous nucleating potency by TiB2 nanoparticles on the grain size of the LPBFed samples. Optimized mechanical properties were obtained in the as-printed 4TiB2/2024Al alloy which proved the feasibility of replacing the wrought part with the LPBFed one. This manuscript provides a method to determine the optimized content of TiB2 nanoparticles to change the noncastable material to the printable one. This manuscript provides a method to determine the optimized TiB2 content to change the noncastable material to the printable one, and can potentially guide the introduction of many other nanoparticles.

Background Long-term functional limitations are common after hip fractures. Exercise may alleviate these negative consequences but there is no consensus on an optimal training program. The objective was to study the effects of a 12-month home-based supervised, progressive exercise program on functioning, physical performance, and physical activity. Methods Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial targeting patients with surgical repair of a hip fracture, aged >= 60 years, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of >= 12. The participants were randomized into Exercise (n = 61) or Usual care (n = 60). Assessments at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months included Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), handgrip strength, and self-reported frequency of sessions of leisure-time physical activity. Analyzed using mixed-effects models. Results Participants' (n = 121) mean age was 81 years (SD 7), and 75% were women. The mean IADL score at baseline was 17.1 (SD 4.5) in the exercise group, and 17.4 (5.1) in the usual care group. The mean SPPB scores were 3.9 (1.6) and 4.2 (1.8), and handgrip strength was 17.7 (8.9) kg and 20.8 (8.0) kg, respectively. The age- and sex-adjusted mean changes in IADL over 12 months were 3.7 (95% CI 2.8-4.7) in the exercise and 2.0 (1.0-3.0) in the usual care group (between-group difference, p = 0.016); changes in SPPB 4.3 (3.6-4.9) and 2.1 (1.5-2.7) (p < 0.001); and changes in handgrip strength 1.2 kg (0.3-2.0) and 1.0 kg (-1.9 to -0.2) (p < 0.001), respectively. We found no between-group differences in changes in the frequency of leisure-time activity sessions. Conclusion A 12-month home-based supervised, progressive exercise program improved functioning and physical performance more than usual care among patients with hip fractures. However, the training did not increase leisure-time physical activity.

Our aim in this study was to analyze the effects of a home exercise program of calisthenic exercises delivered through telerehabilitation on physical performance, depression, and risk of falling in elder adults. Our participants were elder adults aged 65 and over, divided into exercise and control groups. We initiated a 4-week telerehabilitation calisthenic exercise program in the exercise group following initial assessments, while our control group received no formal exercise training. Both groups were evaluated online before and after this 4-week period with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). In total, 255 elder adults participated, with 132 (males = 72, females = 60) allocated to calisthenic exercise and 123 (males = 66, females = 57) allocated to the control group. While the groups did not differ significantly on any of our parameters before the exercise, there were statistically significant post-exercise group differences in GDS ( p ≤ .001) and MFES ( p ≤ .001) scores related to remarkable physical improvements achieved in the calisthenic exercise group. The exercise group showed significant increases in their scores on the SPPB Balance Test ( p = .049), SPPB Chair Test ( p = .009), and SPPB Total ( p = .002) while there was no significant increase in any of these scores among control group participants ( p > .05). Thus, calisthenic exercises performed via telerehabilitation significantly improved elder adults’ physical performance, fear of falling, and depression. Telerehabilitation is a useful remote means of assessing, inducing, and following-up exercise training, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Construction industry consumes a large amount of natural resources and energy and produces high amount of CO2 emissions and waste materials. For more sustainable construction industry, various waste materials are used as natural aggregates substitution or as cement replacement materials. In this paper, marble powder (MP) is used as a substitution to ordinary Portland cement and its effects on some fresh and hardened properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) are investigated. The tests at the fresh state were slump flow, L-box and sieve segregation. To assess the fluidity retention, slump flow loss was measured after 30, 60 and 90 minutes. At hardened state, two tests were realized: compressive strength and static segregation. The results indicate that adding MP improved the fresh properties, but decreased the compressive strength of SCC. Adding MP allows to maintain the fluidity of SCC until 90 minutes. Production cost can be reduced by using MP. The performance approach showed that a substitution level of MP of 20% is adequate to produce an eco-efficient SCC with high fluidity and acceptable strength.

The mechanisms involved in cleaning a heterogeneous, multicomponent baked food soil off stainless steel surfaces in aqueous solutions were investigated using novel tools to quantify changes in the soil in situ and in real time: fluid dynamic gauging (thickness, voidage); millimanipulation (adhesive strength, removal force); TOC assays (soil leaching); and droplet image analysis (fat and oil release). Swelling of the soil was accompanied by a reduction in soil strength and preceded the release of oil droplets: the latter did not affect removal forces. The effect of pH, temperature, and surfactants (CTAB, SDBS and TX-100) was investigated and quantified using simple zeroth and first order kinetic models. Whilst increasing temperature from 20°C to 50°C enhanced swelling and reduced adhesion forces, the impact of pH and surfactant varied and simple rules to predict cleaning of this complex food soil could not be extracted.

The research on determining rational parameters of heat treatment of a concrete mixture based on hollow aluminosilicate microspheres has defined the features of the intensifying action on the structural concrete mixture by low-pressure steam with optimum heat and mass transfer. Optimum values of temperature, humidity and speed of the medium have been identified. The obtained heat treatment parameters are subject to general regularities of structures for the formation of hydraulic bindings and are in accordance with production conditions, thus providing possibilities for their adaptation into production. The mechanisms for determining the strength of concrete stone according to the structural and thermal effectiveness of the active medium have been defined. Thanks to the strength-building mechanisms obtained, it is possible to reduce the thermal destruction capacity of the system while reducing the process heat consumption. It is confirmed that the main direction in reducing the destructive capacity is determined by the mass flow of moisture, which has the greatest heat capacity and the least thermal conductivity at the initial stages. The invention relates to periods of temperature rise and isothermal heating without impairing the mechanical properties of concrete. It is shown that the real duration excludes high-temperature destruction processes, thereby increasing the mechanical strength of concrete and reducing the overall energy consumption. Thus, there is a reason to argue that it is possible to produce strong and light concrete products under accelerated structure formation and new technologies for heat treatment of concrete based on lightweight fillers with reduced heat consumption., Проведённое исследование по определению рациональных параметров тепловой обработки бетонной смеси на основе полых алюмосиликатных микросфер позволило определить особенности интенсифицирующего воздействия на смесь конструкционных бетонов паром низкого давления с оптимальным тепломассообменом. Определены оптимальные значения температуры, влажности и скорости движения среды. Полученные параметры тепловой обработки подчиняются общим закономерностям структур образования гидравлических связей и соответствуют производственным условиям, что обеспечивает возможности для их адаптации в производстве. Выявлены механизмы определения прочности бетонного камня в зависимости от конструктивной и тепловой эффективности активной среды. Благодаря полученным механизмам повышения прочности удается снизить способность системы к термическому разрушению при одновременном снижении расхода технологического тепла. Подтверждено, что основное направление в снижении разрушающей способности определяется массовым расходом влаги, обладающей на начальных стадиях наибольшей теплоемкостью и наименьшей теплопроводностью. Открытие относится к периодам повышения температуры и изотермического нагрева без ухудшения механических свойств бетона. Показано, что реальная продолжительность исключает процессы высокотемпературного разрушения, тем самым повышая механическую прочность бетона и снижая общий расход энергии. Таким образом, есть основания утверждать, что при ускоренном структурообразовании и новых технологиях термообработки бетона на основе легких наполнителей возможно производство прочных и легких бетонных изделий с пониженным расходом тепла., Проведене дослідження з визначення раціональних параметрів теплової обробки бетонної суміші на основі порожнистих алюмосилікатних мікросфер дозволило визначити особливості інтенсифікуючого впливу на суміш конструкційних бетонів паром низького тиску з оптимальним тепломасообміном. Визначено оптимальні значення температури, вологості та швидкості руху середовища. Отримані параметри теплової обробки підпорядковуються загальним закономірностям структур утворення гідравлічних зв'язків та відповідають виробничим умовам, що забезпечує можливості для їхної адаптації у виробництві. Виявлено механізми визначення міцності бетонного каменю в залежності від конструктивної і теплової ефективності активного середовища. Завдяки отриманим механізмам підвищення міцності вдається знизити здатність системи до термічного руйнування при одночасному зниженні витрати технологічного тепла. Підтверджено, що основний напрямок у зниженні руйнівної здатності визначається масовою витратою вологи, що володіє на початкових стадіях найбільшою теплоємністю та найменшою теплопровідністю. Відкриття відноситься до періодів підвищення температури та ізотермічного нагріву без погіршення механічних властивостей бетону. Показано, що реальна тривалість виключає процеси високотемпературного руйнування, тим самим підвищуючи механічну міцність бетону і знижуючи загальну витрату енергії. Таким чином, є підстави стверджувати, що за прискореного структуроутворення та нових технологій термообробки бетону на основі легких наповнювачів можливе виробництво міцних та легких бетонних виробів зі зниженою витратою тепла.

During recycling waste concrete, a large amount of waste concrete powder (WCP) is generated. However, efficient utilization of WCP remains an unresolved issue. This paper investigates the influences of WCP on the properties and hydration products of cement mortar containing fly ash (FA). This study used two different types of WCPs. One was made from an ordinary Portland cement mortar, and the other was derived from a Portland cement mortar. WCP replaced 10%, 20%, and 30% of FA. The water requirement, setting time, flow index, strength, hydration products, and microstructure of FA mortar incorporating WCP were investigated. Test results indicate that the WCP has no significant influence on the performances and hydration products of FA mortar. By adequately combining WCP and FA, the FA mortar with required performances could be reached.

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to identify the role of diabetes mellitus in the effectiveness of intradialytic exercise intervention among haemodialysis patients.Methods: In this multicentre study 90 dialysed patients were allocated to the experimental (EXG, n = 57) or control group (CNG, n = 33). In EXG, we included 20 diabetic and 37 non-diabetic patients. In CNG, we enrolled 8 diabetic and 25 non-diabetic patients. EXG underwent a 12-week supervised, progressive, intradialytic resistance training programme, while CNG stayed inactive during dialysis. Baseline, post-interventional and post-follow-up assessments of maximal force during hip extension (HE), hip flexion (HF) and knee extension (KE) contractions were completed in both groups of patients.Results: HE increased in diabetic and non-diabetic EXG patients (diabetic EXG, change: +14.5 N; 95% CI = -5.5 to +34.5; non-diabetic EXG, +18.6 N; 95% CI = +3.4 to +33.8) and diabetic CNG patients (change: +17.9 N; 95% CI = -9.2 to +44.9). Only non-diabetic CNG patients experienced a decrease in HE (change: -22.8 N; 95% CI = -36.9 to -8.7, P < .05).Conclusions: Resistance training improved muscle function among dialysis patients regardless of the presence of diabetes mellitus. We found that non-diabetic patients lose their muscle function extensively during inactivity, while diabetic patients retain their muscle function. (c) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. on behalf of SEEN y SED. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync-nd/4.0/).

This study attempts to analyze the microstructure and interface behavior of aluminum 6061 (Al 6061)-V-grooved stainless steel (SS304) explosive cladding by numerical and experimental methods. Numerical simulation was performed by Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) technique, in ANSYS AUTODYN, and the results are correlated with experimental outcome. The machining of V-grooves on the base plate transform the melted layer formed in conventional cladding (without grooves on the base plate) into a smooth undulating interface, for a similar experimental condition. The flyer plate and collision velocities, observed in numerical simulation, are in good agreement to the analytical expectations. The pressure developed in the flyer plate is higher than the base plate and the maximum pressure is witnessed at the collision point irrespective of grooved base plate or otherwise. The temperature developed in the collision point of conventional explosive cladding exceeds the melting point of both the participant metals, whereas, it exceeds the melting point of aluminum alone, in case of V-grooved base plate cladding. The shear and impact strengths of the V-grooved base plate clads are higher than the conventional clads and the fracture surfaces exhibit mixed modes of fracture.

This paper presents issues related to the determination of the selected mechanical properties of adhesive joints made of polymeric pipes and the evaluation of the leak-tightness of the adhesive joints. The article attempts to demonstrate that the type of adhesive may affect the quality of adhesive joints in terms of both tightness and strength of joints. Five types of the polymer pipes differing in a polypropylene and a polyvinyl chloride, diameter and a wall thickness were used in the experiments. Two types of the adhesives were used to make the adhesive joints: Loctite 3430 A&B Hysol, a two-component epoxy adhesive, and Loctite 406, a one-component cyanoacrylate adhesive. Based on the leak-tightness tests results, it was possible to determine the quality of their adhesive joints without damaging the samples, while their tensile strength was determined through the strength tests. The tests performed allowed for the conclusion that the use of the polyvinyl chloride pipes and Loctite 406 one-component adhesive is recommended for this type of adhesive joints.

Round valley aggregate RVA is a natural source of aggregate that is found in Tafila in Jordan. For current research, RVA from Al-Hasa valley was considered for testing with crushed limestone aggregate (CLA) from Karak and Tafila sources. 39 samples were collected through the valley at the joint with the lake of Al-Tanour Dam in Tafila. Samples of RVA and CLA were tested and concrete mix at 15, 20, and 2Mpa. ANOVA analysis was conducted to test means' differences in aggregate and concrete properties. Results showed that RVVA has no significant difference in means' properties. While RVA has significant differences when with CLA from Karak and Tafila. Results of ANOVA showed that there is a significant difference in the properties of fresh and hardened concrete for 15 and 25Mpa concrete grades. While significant difference is neglected for 20Mpa concrete grade. Consequently, RVA can be used for concrete mix as CLA.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of abrasive treatment as a method of surface preparation on the strength of adhesive joints made of galvanised steel sheet. The subject of experimental investigations were adhesive joints of samples made of galvanised steel sheet DX51, 0.7 mm thick. The surfaces of the samples were abraded with coated abrasive tools of grain sizes P120, P180, P220, P400 and P600, and then degreased with PIKKO extraction solvent. The surface properties in terms of roughness and 3D surface topography were examined using a Hommel-Etamic T8000 RC120-400. The adhesive joints were made using Epidian 53 epoxy resin adhesive composition and IDA curing agent in a 100:40 weight ratio. Samples of single-lap adhesive joints were tested for strength on a Zwick/Roell Z150 testing machine, in accordance with the PN - EN 1465:2009 standard. The tests showed that the samples mechanically processed with an abrasive tool of P220 gradation show the best strength properties. Adhesive joints, in which the surface of the joined elements was mechanically processed with an abrasive tool of P120 gradation, obtained negative results. The obtained test results were subjected to further statistical analysis. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of the distribution. Then, the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test and the median test were applied, which showed that there were no significant differences in the results obtained between the adhesive joints whose surfaces were prepared with P220 and P400 abrasive paper, i.e. both methods of surface preparation can be considered as the most favourable among those analysed during the adhesive bonding of DX51 galvanised sheets.