Elasticity Index Research Articles

Composite wheat-amaranth flour baking properties and bread freshness

The study has reviled the benefits of amaranth groat flour application into wheat bread making towards enhancing the technological efficiency and the quality of the bread, prolonging the freshness of the product without artificial improvers involved in the formulations. Paying attention to textural characteristics of the wheat-amaranth bread during its shelf-life, amaranth groat flour as a derived product of amaranth grain processing presented a positive impact on the change of textural properties of the bread crumb during wheat-amaranth bread shelf-life. The effect of ranging 5–30% substitution of common wheat high-grade flour by the amaranth flour derived from partially defatted amaranth grain was investigated and the complex organoleptic quality of the bread made of the composite flour reached the highest level at 15% of the amaranth flour in the formulation. The technological parameters of bread making such as the duration of proofing, shape stability, specific volume, crumb porosity, baking and drying losses, when wheat high-grade flour was partially replaced by the amaranth grain-derived milling product showed better performance for the bread enriched by the amaranth flour at higher substitution level approving the wider application of the pseudocereal flour in the food industry. The freshness of the bread made of the composite flour is related to the textural characteristics of the crumb which tend to change drastically due to styling. The amaranth groat flour application into the wheat bread formulation led to changes in compressive force and tension of the crumb, the stress value at relative strain ε = 25%, the elastic modulus, and the statical elastic hysteresis index. The resulting application of the amaranth groat flour into bread formulation allowed to ensure a 2-2.5-fold increase in the freshness of wheat bread with a 15% amaranth groat flour content when providing higher comprehensive quality of the product.

Optimization of BP Neural Network Model for Rockburst Prediction under Multiple Influence Factors

Rockbursts are serious threats to the safe production of mining, resulting in great casualties and property losses. The accurate prediction of rockburst is an important premise that influences the safety and health of miners. As a classical machine learning algorithm, the back propagation (BP) neural network has been widely used in rockburst prediction. However, there are few reports about the influence study of different training sample sizes, optimization algorithms and index dimensionless methods on the prediction accuracy of BP neural network models. Therefore, 100 groups of typical rockburst engineering samples were collected locally and abroad, and considering the relevance, scientificity and quantifiability of the prediction indexes, the ratio of the maximum tangential stress of surrounding rock to the rock uniaxial compressive strength (σθ/σc), the ratio of the rock uniaxial compressive strength to the rock uniaxial tensile strength (σc/σt) and the elastic energy index (Wet) were chosen as the prediction indexes. When the number of samples was 40, 70 and 100, sixty improved BP models were established based on the standard gradient descent algorithm and four optimization algorithms (momentum gradient descent algorithm, quasi-Newton algorithm, conjugate gradient algorithm, Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm) and four index dimensionless methods (unified extreme value processing method, differentiated extreme value processing method, data averaging processing method, normalized processing method). The prediction performances of each improved model were compared with those of standard BP models. The comparative study results indicate that the sample size, optimization algorithm and dimensionless method have different effects on the prediction accuracy of BP models, which are described as follows: (1) The prediction accuracy value A of the BP model increases with the addition of sample size. The average value Aave of twenty improved models under three kinds of sample sizes increases from Aave (40) = 69.7% to Aave (100) = 75.3%, with a maximal value Amax from Amax (40) = 85.0% to Amax (100) = 97.0%. (2) The value A and comprehensive accuracy value C of the BP model based on four optimization algorithms are generally higher than those of the standard BP model. (3) The improved BP model based on the unified extreme value processing method combined with the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm has the highest value Amax (100) = 97.0% and value C = 194, and the prediction results of five engineering cases are completely consistent with the actual situation at the site, so this is the best BP neural network model selected in this paper.

Evaluation of energy storage and release potentials of highly stressed rock pillar from rockburst control perspectives

To estimate the energy storage and release performances of rock pillars in high stress and gain insights into the prevention and control of rockburst hazards from an energy aspect, several series of single-cyclic loading-unloading uniaxial compression tests with different stress levels were conducted on five types of rocks sampled in standard cylinders and prisms. The concepts of relative energy storage potential and ultimate energy storage potential were proposed to evaluate the energy storage performance of the two shaped specimens, and the energy release potential was determined using the residual elastic strain energy index. The results showed that, under similar loading conditions, the relative energy storage potential of rocks was insensitive to the specimen shape, whereas the ultimate energy storage potential and energy release potential were sensitive to both the specimen shape and rock type. Based on the lab results, a theoretical approach of assessing the rockburst (or instability) risk of isolated rock pillars subjected to high geostress was illustrated by estimating its current energy state and ultimate energy storage potential. Importantly, the residual elastic energy of an isolated pillar can also be estimated based on the lab results, according to which the number of supporting devices such as the energy-absorbing bolts needed for scientific and sufficient support of pillar rockburst was quantitatively estimated. This study provides a new method for estimating the desired number of energy-absorbing bolts during rockburst support in engineering practice.

First-principles calculations to investigate structural, electronic and optical properties of Cmc21-Ge2As2X (X = S, Se, Te and Po) under pressure effect

A group of new compound material Ge2As2X(X=S,Se,Te,Po) with Cmc21 space group is theoretically studied based on density functional theory (DFT) with GGA methods. By analyzing the phonon spectra and elastic constants, it is shown that these compounds have mechanical stability and dynamic stability at 0 GPa and 10 GPa. The lattice constants at different pressures indicate that these compounds are compressible. According to the elastic constants, the elastic (bulk, shear and Young's) moduli, Poisson's ratios, Pugh's ratios and elastic anisotropy indices of the material are calculated at 0 GPa and 10 GPa respectively. The calculation results show that the bulk modulus, B, of Ge2As2Se is the largest, the shear modulus, G, and Young's modulus, E, of Ge2As2S is the largest. The value of the B, G and E are increased due to pressure, indicating that their resistance to deformation is enhanced. According to Pugh ratio, K, except Ge2As2Te, the other compounds belong to brittle materials at 0 GPa, and all compounds belong to ductile materials at 10 GPa. Under pressure, the ductility of the compounds is enhanced. At 0 GPa and 10 GPa, the compounds possess elastic anisotropy. Under pressure, the elastic anisotropy of Ge2As2S and Ge2As2Se increase, while the elastic anisotropy of Ge2As2Te and Ge2As2Po decrease. The band structures and electronic densities of states of these compounds are calculated by the HSE06 method. The band gaps of the four compounds are 0.822eV, 0.725eV, 0.461eV and 0.331eV, at 0 GPa. In contrast, at pressurized 10 GPa, the band gaps of the compounds become zero, indicating their transition from semiconductor to metal. Finally, the optical properties of these compounds are calculated, including dielectric functions, refractive indices, absorption functions, loss functions, transmissivity function, reflectivity functions, conductivity functions and resistivity function. The results show that the characteristics for Ge2As2Po are significantly different from the other three compounds.

Effect of jujube pulp on rennet-induced coagulation properties of milk with different fat contents

The effect of jujube pulp on rennet-induced coagulation of milk with different fat contents was investigated. Whole, reduced-fat and skim milk were mixed with concentrated jujube pulp in different percentages (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, w/w); addition of jujube pulp advanced the time point at which elasticity index began to increase, decreased the elasticity index at any given time during renneting, increased the moisture content and curd yield, disrupted the protein network, and reduced hardness, springiness and storage modulus of the curds. However, the curd colour was non-uniform with 10% jujube pulp, but became a uniform “date-red” colour with higher jujube pulp concentrations. Moreover, sensory characteristics of reduced-fat and skim milk curds were inferior to those from whole milk, whereas jujube pulp significantly improved sensory characteristics of the former, especially their hardness, smoothness and jujube flavour. This study has highlighted the potential of jujube pulp for producing unique-flavoured cheese-like products.

Study on the influence of confining pressure and unloading damage on the bursting liability characteristics of coal

The research on the bursting liability of coal under confining pressure and unloading damage is critical in creating prevention mechanisms for coal mass rock bursts in deep underground mines. Cyclic loading and unloading tests of variable stress with a lower limit were performed under multistage confining pressure and different amplitude unloading to explore their influence on the impact tendency of the coal bodies. Meanwhile, the characteristic parameter analysis of acoustic emissions was used to evaluate the failure. The results revealed that the accumulated number and energy of acoustic emission events gradually decreased with increasing the confining pressure. The coal specimen became denser, and the failure mode gradually transitioned from brittle to ductile. With the increase in unloading amplitude, the cumulative number of acoustic emission events in the coal specimens decreases, the damage degree to the coal body increases, the peak load decreases, and the failure mode transitions from ductile to brittle. The increase in confining pressure results in an increase in the input energy and the elastic strain energy, while the increase in the unloading range of the coal body leads to a decrease in the input energy and elastic strain energy. In addition, after the confining pressures of 3 MPa, 6 MPa, and 9 MPa, the residual elastic energy index of the coal specimens increases by 21.76%, 42.92%, and 71.69%, respectively, compared with the room pressure conditions. The residual elastic energy index decreases by 21.11% and 55.38% for the unloading amplitude of 3 MPa and 6 MPa, respectively, compared with the unloaded coal specimen, indicating that the impact tendency of the coal body is enhanced by the confining pressure conditions.

Technological quality of wheat grains and flour as affected by nitrogen fertilization and weather condition

The quality of grains and flour can be influenced by genetics, crop management, and environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the technological quality of wheat grains and flour influenced by the interaction among genotype, nitrogen (N) fertilization and weather conditions in different regions of wheat crop adaptation in southern Brazil, aiming to support farmers and the bakery industry sector in their decision-making processes. The experiment was carried out in three environments (Londrina in rainfed and irrigated conditions; and Ponta Grossa in rainfed) in a randomized block design with a 10 × 2 factorial scheme. Ten wheat genotypes (BRS Sanhaço, BRS Graúna, BRS Gaivota, BRS Gralha-Azul, TBIO Sinuelo, TBIO Mestre, TBIO Sossego, TBIO Sintonia, TBIO Toruk, and Quartzo) and two N rates (40 and 120 kg ha-1) were assessed. The following technological quality analyses were performed in grains or flour: hectoliter weight, thousand-kernel weight, falling number, grain protein concentration, experimental flour extraction (i.e. flour yield), wet gluten concentration, and alveography. Increasing N rates from 40 to 120 kg ha-1 enhanced the concentrations of grain protein and wet gluten. However, it did not influence dough gluten strength and the commercial classification of the flour. Nitrogen fertilization also influenced the flour yield, dough tenacity and elasticity index, depending on the genotype × environment interaction. Environments with higher temperatures favored the flour yield and wet gluten concentration, while lower temperatures increased thousand-kernel weight and falling number. Water deficit increased the dough extensibility and grain protein concentration, whereas higher water availability favored the falling number, dough tenacity, and tenacity/extensibility ratio. Therefore, these outcomes are important drivers for farmers when choosing specific wheat genotypes for the environmental conditions of their farms, when they intend to meet the industrial requirements of mills and food companies that use wheat flour.

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Mechanisms of Ecosystem Service Value in the Tarim River Basin, Northwest China

The Tarim River Basin (TRB) is situated in the hinterland of northwest China, which is an extremely arid and fragile ecological zone. In recent years, the region’s ecological civilization construction has been facing huge challenges that are exacerbated by climate change and human activities. In order to verify the current ecological status of TRB, this paper explores the spatial and temporal variation in ecosystem service value (ESV) and the impact mechanism based on LUCC data from 2000 to 2020, using the adjusted unit area value equivalent method, the elasticity index method and the geo-probe analysis method. The results show that: (1) the ESV of the TRB has fluctuated since 2000, increasing by CNY 14.02 billion, especially in the Hotan River region. Among the individual ecosystem services, the increase in regulatory services is the largest, rising to CNY 8.842 billion. The growth of ESV mostly occurred in the mountains and oases. (2) The rise in ESV is mainly due to the conversion of barren land to water and grassland; ESV loss is mainly affected by the conversion of water to cropland and barren land and grassland to cropland and barren land. (3) Human activity impact or intensity (HAI) is the key driving factor for the spatial stratified heterogeneity of ESV, followed by elevation (DEM). In the interaction analysis, HAI∩DEM interaction is the primary reason for ESV’s spatial differentiation. The study’s findings show that the combined effects of human activities, DEM, and hydrothermal conditions underlie the spatial stratified heterogeneity of ESV in the TRB. This conclusion provides a scientific basis for future ecological civilization construction planning.

Relationship between Objective and Subjective Fatigue Monitoring Tests in Professional Soccer.

Studying fatigue is challenging because it is influenced by physiological, psychological, and sociological states. Fatigue can be assessed objectively or subjectively, but the literature has difficulty understanding how an analytical test relates to a response via a questionnaire. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between objective fatigue variables (Squat Jump (SJ) and Countermovement Jump (CMJ)) measured on day-2 to the game and subjective fatigue (Rating Perceived Exertion (RPE) measured on day-3 to the game and Hooper Index (HI) measured on day-2). The sample comprised 32 professional football players from the First Portuguese League aged 25.86 ± 3.15 years. The Spearman correlations and regression analyses were used to study the relationships between the variables. The results showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) but small correlations (0.113-0.172) between several objective metrics and the subjective metrics evaluated. In addition, we found two weak models with statistical significance (p < 0.05) between the dependent objective variables (contact time, height, and elasticity index) and the HI (R2 = 3.7%) and RPE (R2 = 1.6%). Also, nine statistically significant (p < 0.05) but weak models were observed between the subjective dependent variables (HI and RPE) and contact time (R2 = 1.8-2.7%), flight time (R2 = 1.1-1.9%), height (R2 = 1.2-2.3%), power (R2 = 1.4%), pace (R2 = 1.2-2.1%), and elasticity index (R2 = 1.6%). In conclusion, objective and subjective fatigue-monitoring tests in professional soccer do not measure identical but rather complementary aspects of fatigue, and therefore, both need to be considered to gain a holistic perspective.

Characteristics of Ground Pressure Disaster and Rockburst Proneness in Deep Gold Mine

Abstract To obtain rockburst characteristics at rock engineering, the rockburst event, in situ stress characteristics, and rockburst proneness are studied in a deep gold mine. The severity of rockburst increases with cover depth at the mine. The main locations of spalling and rockburst events include roof and sidewall. The in situ stress measurement results show this area that is controlled by horizontal constructional pressure, and the self-weight stress also has an important influence. The rockburst mechanism is analyzed from the principal stress and tangential stress. When the maximum tangential stress (MTS) does not exceed 0.4 times UCS of surrounding rock, no obvious disaster in tunnel is found. When the MTS of tunnel is between about 0.4 ~ 0.55 times UCS of rock, the tunnel may suffer spalling. When the MTS of tunnel exceeds 0.55 times UCS of rock, serious failure may occur in tunnel, such as rockburst and large roof collapse. When surrounding rock is relatively hard and complete (high impact energy index, elastic strain energy index, linear elastic energy index, and RQD index), the tangential stress plays a very important role in the rockburst at the mine.

Energy Evolution Characteristics of Water-Saturated and Dry Anisotropic Coal under True Triaxial Stresses

During deep underground coal mining, water-injection-related engineering methods are generally carried out to reduce the hazards of coal dynamic disasters. The energy evolution characteristics of coal can better describe the deformation and failure processes, as it is more consistent with the in situ behavior of underground mining-induced coal. In this study, experimental efforts have been paid to the energy evolution characteristics of water-saturated and dry anisotropic coal under true triaxial stresses. The effects of water saturation, intermediate stress, and anisotropic weak planes of coal on the true triaxial energy evolution were systematically evaluated. The results show that the overall energy is weakened due to the water adsorption for water-saturated coal samples. The water-weakening effect on the overall energy of water-saturated coal is more pronounced when perpendicular to the bedding plane direction than in the other two cleat directions. The accumulation elastic energy anisotropy index of dry and water-saturated coal samples is higher than 100.00%. Both accumulation and residual elastic energy of dry and water-saturated coal samples show an increasing-then-decreasing trend with intermediate stress increase. The results obtained in this study help understand the in situ behavior of coal during deep underground mining and control coal dynamic disasters.

Similar ratio experiment and characteristic analysis of quasi-sandstone

The stability control of surrounding rock in deep roadway is becoming more and more difficult, and grouting reinforcement support has become the mainstream of roadway control. In order to obtain the ratio of quasi-sandstone material corresponding to the grouting body, this paper uses river sand as aggregate, cement and gypsum as cementing agent, retarder and defoamer as additives, and carries out orthogonal proportioning tests with three influencing factors: water-binder ratio (ratio of water to mass of cementing agent), gypsum-cement ratio (ratio of gypsum to mass of cement) and binder-aggregate ratio (ratio of cementing agent to aggregate mass), and compares and analyzes the sensitivity of each factor on the density, compressive strength, tensile strength, elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, longitudinal wave velocity, elasticity index and brittleness index of quasi-sandstone material. The results show that 1) the Water-binder ratio has the greatest effect on the sensitivity of material compressive strength, tensile strength, elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio and longitudinal wave velocity; the gypsum-cement ratio has the greatest effect on the sensitivity of material deformation index and brittleness index; the binder-aggregate ratio has the greatest effect on the sensitivity of material density. 2) Reducing the Water-binder ratio can improve the density, compressive strength and tensile strength of the material; reducing the paste ratio can improve the modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio and longitudinal wave speed of the material; as the gypsum-cement ratio increases, the deformation index first decreases and then increases and then decreases; as the binder-aggregate ratio increases, the brittleness index first increases and then decreases and then increases. 3) The empirical equations between physical and mechanical properties of sandstone-like materials and Water-binder ratio, gypsum-cement ratio and binder-aggregate ratio were established based on multiple linear regression analysis, and more reasonable material ratios were quickly obtained by physical and mechanical parameters of materials. The results of the study provide theoretical references for similar material simulation tests for quasi-sandstone grouting.

Elastic anisotropy, thermal conductivity and tensile properties of MAX phase V2GaC, Nb2GaC and Ta2GaC: First-principles calculations

MAX phase series materials have excellent thermal, electrical and mechanical properties, and have great research potential. In this work, the structural characteristics, elastic anisotropy, thermal and phonon properties of hexagonal M2GaC (M = V, Nb and Ta) compounds were calculated using the first-principle calculation method. The stress-strain method and Voigt-Reuss-Hill approximation are used to determine the elastic properties of single crystals and polycrystals, respectively. By calculating the formation enthalpy, it is found that M2GaC compounds are stable. Meanwhile, these M2GaC are brittle materials with respect to Poisson's ratio, GH/BH and Cauchy pressure. The elastic anisotropy of M2GaC is illustrated by the elastic anisotropy index, three-dimension (3D) surface configuration and two-dimension (2D) projection, the order of elastic anisotropy is Nb2GaC > Ta2GaC > V2GaC. Finally, the sound velocity, Debye temperature, thermal conductivity and anisotropy are discussed to provide theoretical support for further study of MAX phase compounds.

Application of Real-Time Ultrasound Elastography Combined with Prostate Calcification in Differential Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer.

This study aimed to explore the clinical and differential diagnostic value of real-time ultrasound elastography combined with transabdominal prostate calcification in prostate cancer (PCa). This study retrospectively analysed the clinical pathological data of 97 patients with PCa and 105 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) diagnosed by postoperative pathology in our hospital from May 2020 to May 2021; Comparatively analysed the clinical data of the two groups, including the elastic strain ratio, elastic image compression index, types of prostate calcification and calcification diameter; And used logistic regression analysis to screen out the independent risk factors for identifying PCa and BPH. No significant difference in age, body weight, body mass index, location of calcification and calcification diameter was observed between the two groups (p > 0.05), and overt differences in elastic strain ratio, elastic image compression index, types of calcification, and testosterone were found between the PCa group and BPH group (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the elastic strain ratio, elastic image compression index and types of calcification were independent risk factors for identifying PCa (p < 0.05). The area under curve value of combined diagnosis under receiver operating characteristic curve was as high as 0.756 (95% CI: 0.691-0.813), with a sensitivity of 67.60% and a specificity of 76.30%. A certain correlation is observed amongst elastic strain ratio, elastic image compression index, types of prostate calcification and the occurrence and development of PCa. The application of real-time ultrasound elastography combined with the detection of transabdominal prostate calcification in clinical diagnosis can improve the detection rate of PCa, which has an important clinical application value.

Evaluation on Diagnostic Value of Ultrasonic Elastography Parameters and Serum Testosterone in the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer.

To explore the clinical diagnostic value of ultrasound elastography (UE) combined with serum testosterone (T) detection in prostate cancer (PCa). A total of 155 patients with suspected PCa admitted to Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital from January 2020 to January 2022 were included in this study. All the patients underwent UE detection and serum T examination and were divided into positive and negative groups based on histopathological examination results. The detection rates of UE detection, serum T detection and combined detection of the two were compared. T test, nonparametric test and binary logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. The diagnostic efficiencies of single and combined detection were analysed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. After the pathological confirmation, 71 cases were classified under the positive group and 84 cases in the negative group. The positive group had significantly higher elastic strain ratio and elastic-image compression index level and a significantly lower serum T level than the negative group (p < 0.05). Elastic strain ratio, elastic image compression index and serum T level were all risk factors for PCa (p < 0.05). ROC analysis showed that the sensitivity of combined detection was significantly higher than that of single detection. Offering a certain clinical application value, the application of combined UE and serum T detection in the clinical diagnosis of PCa can compensate for the shortcomings of single diagnosis, improve diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy and provide a new direction for the clinical diagnosis of PCa.

A preliminary study on the manufacturing aluminum–potassium feldspar metal matrix composite materials

AbstractThis study reports the results of a preliminary study of manufacturing aluminum–potassium feldspar metal matrix composites including its castability and mechanical properties. The material was composed considering 0.25 %, 0.5 %, and 0.75 % additive ratios to examine the impact of the amount of potassium feldspar on the material and mechanical properties of the manufactured aluminum metal matrix composite material. Aluminum alloy (A356) was utilized as the matrix of the composition. The composite material was manufactured by the stir casting technique. The modulus of elasticity, yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, density, and quality index of the material parameters was taken into account to determine the materials′ practicality. The preliminary results indicated that potassium feldspar is a promising mineral to be utilized as an additive for aluminum metal matrix composites since it has a positive impact on mechanical properties. By optimizing the casting parameters, the positive aspects of the potassium feldspar may make the material more practical to be utilized in vast engineering applications.

Comparison Between Ventricular and Spinal Infusion Tests in Suspected Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is an often-overlooked or misdiagnosed brain disorder characterized by overt ventriculomegaly and associated with gait disturbances, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence. If correctly diagnosed, it is considered the only form of dementia treatable with surgery, namely through a ventriculoperitoneal or ventriculoatrial shunt with programmable valves.Among the 856 spinal and ventricular infusion tests performed from 2001 to 2017 at our institution, we analyzed 106 cases selected for suspected normotensive hydrocephalus. In all cases, Intracranial Elastance Index (IEI) and outflow resistance (Rout) values were calculated: 52 of these patients underwent Spinal Katzman Test (SKT), and the remaining 54 underwent an intraventricular infusion test (IVKT). Of the 40 patients in the SKT group with pathological elastance (71%), 17 also had a Rout >12mmHg and 23 a Rout <12mmHg. Of the 50 patients in the IVKT group with pathological elastance (92%), 38 also had a Rout >12mmHg and 12 a Rout <12mmHg.IVKT and SKT to date represent two useful tools in the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus. Despite being more invasive, IVKT, including both the intracranial elastance index (IEI) and Rout analysis, could be considered more reliable than SKT and therefore could be reserved for the most controversial cases.

INFLUÊNCIA DO TREINAMENTO FÍSICO SOBRE A QUALIDADE FÍSICA DOS ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS

ABSTRACT Introduction Although the overall physical health of university students has positive rates in recent years, indicators such as body composition, vital capacity, and flexibility have declined, following the indicators of speed and strength. Several studies corroborate the beneficial impacts of strength training, accelerating the metabolism of university students, reducing injuries and joint pain, and increasing flexibility, bone density, and self-image of obese students. In light of this situation, the government, through schools and related departments, encourage effective measures to control the current situation under a new context. Objective Study the impacts of strength training on the physical fitness of college students. Methods 70 male college students in a physical education institute were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 35 people in each group. Systematically protocoled and scientifically validated physical exercises were performed for eight weeks. After the implementation of physical exercise, physical quality indicators were evaluated. Results Functional physical training raised the scores of several sports of male college students. There was also an effective reduction in blood pressure in obese youth, improvement in vascular elasticity index, vital capacity, cardiovascular system function, exercise capacity, and strengthening physique. The results of the seven FMS tests were significantly improved. Physical function training can significantly improve and strengthen students’ core, hip, shoulder, knee, and ankle stability and flexibility. Conclusion Strength training has been shown to improve college students’ physical health indices. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

M-mode and tissue doppler estimation of age and gender-specific normative values of aortic stiffness in healthy adults

Background:The elastic properties of the aorta are modified in numerous cardiovascular (CV) and non-cardiovascular (non-CV) diseases. Multiple studies have evaluated aortic stiffness in myriads of disease state, albeit only a few Indian studies have estimated the normal values of aortic stiffness in the healthy population. Objective: To the best of our knowledge, till date, no research has been undertaken to determine the age and gender-specific value ranges of aortic stiffness parameters in healthy subjects. Hence, in the present study, we endeavored to estimate these values in our distinctive study groups of healthy adults. Methodology: This was a prospective observational study in which 58 healthy adults were enrolled during the turbulent Corona pandemic. The study group consisted of individuals of either sex within the age range of 18 to 60 years and was divided into six groups arbitrarily. Exhaustive M-mode and Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) was performed by a 4-dimensional XStrain echocardiography (4D XStrain E) system for extensive evaluation of multiple M-mode and TDI-derived parameters of aortic stiffness and superior wall velocities of ascending aorta. Result: Aortic Systolic diameter (AOS), Aortic Diastolic diameter (AOD), aortic strain, and elasticity modulus were greater in males. On the contrary aortic superior wall velocities (SAO: Aortic superior wall velocity, EAO: Early diastolic velocity, and AAO: Late diastole velocity) were higher in females. Increasing age leads to a decline in the majority of stiffness parameters derived by M-mode echocardiography. Correspondingly, EAO showed a deterioration with advancing age. Conclusion: The authors report a normal range of M-mode and TDI-derived values of aortic stiffness of ascending aorta in healthy Indian adults. The difference in magnitude of aortic elasticity indices has been demonstrated in men and women, as well as in different subsets of the study group.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the masseter muscle in patients with temporomandibular joint degeneration.

Sonographic elastography can be used to evaluate the hardness of muscle tissue through the application of compression. Strain elastography gauges hardness through the comparison of echo sets before and after compression. This study utilized ultrasonography to measure the thickness and hardness of the masseter muscle in individuals with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis. This study included 40 patients who presented with joint pain and were diagnosed with TMJ osteoarthritis via diagnostic cone-beam computed tomography, along with 40 healthy individuals. The thickness and hardness of each individual's masseter muscle were evaluated both at rest and at maximum bite using ultrasonography. The Mann-Whitney U test and the chi-square test were employed for statistical analysis, with the significance level set at P<0.05. The mean thickness of the resting masseter muscle was 0.91 cm in patients with osteoarthritis, versus 1.00 cm in healthy individuals. The mean thickness of the masseter muscle at maximum bite was 1.28 cm in osteoarthritis patients and 1.36 cm in healthy individuals. The mean masseter elasticity index ratio at maximum bite was 4.51 in patients with osteoarthritis and 3.16 in healthy controls. Significant differences were observed between patients with osteoarthritis and healthy controls in both the masseter muscle thickness and the masseter elasticity index ratio, at rest and at maximum bite (P<0.05). The thickness of the masseter muscle in patients with TMJ osteoarthritis was less than that in healthy controls. Additionally, the hardness of the masseter muscle was greater in patients with TMJ osteoarthritis.