Percentage Of Fibers Research Articles

Mandible development under gestational protein restriction: cellular and molecular mechanisms.

Insufficient evidence regarding how maternal undernutrition affects craniofacial bone development persists. With its unique focus on the impact of gestational protein restriction on calvaria and mandible osteogenesis, this study aims to fill, at least in part, this gap. Female mice were mated and randomized into NP (normal protein) or LP (low protein) groups. On the 18th gestational day (GD), male embryos were collected and submitted to microtomography (µCT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), PCR, and autophagy dynamic analyses. The study shows that the LP offspring exhibited lower body mass than the NP group, with µCT analysis revealing no volumetric differences in fetus's head. EDS analysis showed lower calcium and higher phosphorus percentages in mandibles and calvaria. SEM assessment evidenced higher hydroxyapatite crystal-like (HC) deposition on the calvaria surface in LP fetus. Conversely, lower HC deposition was observed on the mandible surface, suggesting delayed matrix mineralization in LP fetuses with a higher percentage of collagen fibers in the mandible bone. The autophagy process was reduced in the mesenchyme of LP fetuses. PCR array analysis of 84 genes revealed 27 genes with differential expression in the LP progeny-moreover, increased mRNA levels of Akt1, Mtor, Nfkb, and Smad1 in the LP offspring. In conclusion, the results suggest that gestational protein restriction anticipated bone differentiation in utero, before 18GD, where this process is reduced compared to the control, leading to the reduction in bone area at 15 postnatal day previously observed. These findings provide insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of mandible development and suggest potential implications for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD).

Experimental study of the effect of the addition of Posidonia Oceanica fiber on the thermal and acoustic insulation properties of plaster

In this work, plaster and natural Posidonia Oceanica (PO) fibers are combined to create a composite material that was recently produced. This work’s primary objective is to assess the mechanical and thermophysical performance of the composite material in order to determine whether or not it may be used as a thermal and acoustic insulation material in buildings. For this end, prismatic and parallelepipedic specimens of different dimensions were made with fiber percentages ranging from 0% to 20%. In addition, parallelepiped panels (600 mm × 600 mm × 40 mm3) were also prepared containing 10% of PO fibers. Mechanical properties (flexual strength, compressive strength), thermal properties and sound absorption coefficient were investigated. For each test specimen, the density was calculated for a proportion of fibers ranging from 0% to 20%. The results indicated a marked improvement in the compressive and flexural strength of the fiber-reinforced mixtures. This improvement is respectively 14.5% and 33.8% for mixtures containing 10% of PO fibers. Additionally, the addition of PO fibers significantly decreases density (by 40.5%), thermal conductivity (by 68.5%) and thermal diffusivity (by 36.9%) of the different mixtures. The ideal mechanical characteristics are attained when 5%–10% of the volume is made up of Posidonia Oceanica fibers. The results of the sound absorption coefficient test show that the mixture of plaster with 10% fibers has a good sound absorption coefficient of 0.78 for high frequencies between 1000 Hz and 4000 Hz. This work has shown conclusively that the incorporation of PO fibers, up to a maximum of 10% with plaster, makes it possible to obtain a lightweight composite that can potentially be used as a new insulating construction material.

Effect of para-wood ash and calcium carbonate on the properties of eco-friendly self-compacting mortar reinforced with electronic waste fibers

This paper deals with reducing CO2 emissions from cement production and finding alternative uses for electronic waste (E-waste) fibers in some innovative applications in self-compacting mortar (SCM). In the present research, an attempt has been made to establish the optimum incorporation of E-waste fiber into SCM by varying the fiber content from 5 % to 25 %, combined with para-wood ash and calcium carbonate as supplementary cementitious materials. In this laboratory study, the mix design had a constant water-to-powder ratio of 0.35 and a cement content of 550 kg/m³. Additionally, 20 % of the cement volume was replaced by 10 % para-wood ash and 10 % calcium carbonate. The results indicated a continuous increase of the mini-slump values from 255 mm for the control mix to 270 mm for the mix with the highest fiber content. Mini V-funnel flow times increased from 3.63 to 8.83 s as the fiber content increased. Lower fiber contents of 5 % improved compressive strength because they had a reinforcing role in the matrix of SCM besides the microcrack-bridging role. Higher contents of 10–25 % decreased the strength due to the clustering of fibers and resulting voids. SEM analysis at 28 days showed increased voids with higher percentages of E-waste fibers and para-wood ash alone. The results underline that optimizing fiber content is critical in balancing workability and mechanical properties, and 5 % e-waste fiber content can be considered optimal for enhancing the performance of SCM. This work also creates part of sustainable construction practice with the green solution required to reduce CO2 emissions and work accumulation against E-waste.

Mechanical properties of Kenaf textile-reinforced concrete

This study aims to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of Kenaf Textile Reinforced Concrete (KTRC) specimens to address the growing interest in sustainable construction materials. The research investigated various parameters, including modulus of rupture, total toughness, and toughness indices, while also exploring the impact of polypropylene (PP) chopped – fibre, the number of textile layers (3 and 5), and their arrangement (symmetric and asymmetric) on the mechanical properties of KTRC. The results demonstrated that Kenaf meshes could be used as natural and cost-effective reinforcement in TRC. Increasing the number of reinforcement layers significantly enhanced total energy absorption, and the combination of chopped fibre and Kenaf meshes contributed to maintaining the crack strength of the composites. The results of the three-layer specimens demonstrate that as the percentage of PP fibres increases from 0% to 0.5% and 1%, there is a noticeable increase in toughness compared to the reference samples. Specifically, the toughness of the samples increased by 978.6, 1381.1, and 1520.7, respectively. Eventually, the behavior of the specimens until the moment of complete rupture mostly depends on the number of layers in the thickness of the specimen.

The Mechanical Characteristics of Enhanced Bendable Concrete By Polyvinyl Alcohol Fibers

Abstract Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC), which are alternatively referred to as Bendable Concrete, is a class of Ultra-ductile cementitious composites characterized by their remarkable ductility and polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVA) fiber reinforcing. These composites are designed to regulate cracks width effectively. This study investigates the influence of matrix flowability, fiber mixing technique, and curing conditions on the mechanical characteristics of Bendable Concrete utilizing high-tenacity (PVA) fibers. This study examined the compressive strength of Bendable concrete, which ranged from 60 to 70 MPa, with a strain exceeding 3%. To regulate the flowability of the matrix, high range water reducing admixture (HRWRA) was added to a matrix with a weight ratio of silica fume was 10% by weight of cement, a weight ratio of water to cementitious material of 0.3, also polyvinyl alcohol acetate solution (PVAS). The primary parameter under investigation in this study is the changing volume fraction dose of (PVA) fiber, while the remaining materials of the combination were held constant. Four different (PVA) fiber percentages (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0)% were adopted by volume of cement. Three (cubes, cylinders, and prisms) were fabricated and cast from each mixture and tested at the ages (7, 28, and 90) days for investigated (compressive, splitting tensile, and Modulus of Rupture) strength, respectively. The results of the tests demonstrated that the proportion of fiber substantially affects the strengths, where both the Compressive strength and Splitting tensile strength were increased with the increment of fiber content until 1% of (PVA) fiber . In comparison, the higher Modulus of Rupture was abtained at 2% (PVA) fiber.

Durability Studies and Stress Strain Characteristics of hooked end steel fiber reinforced ambient cured geopolymer concrete

Abstract For conventional concrete, the use of fibers has proven to improve the strength properties of the material. However, in the case of ambient cured geopolymer concrete, there are limited studies that explore the application of fibers, in particular, the use of hooked end steel fibers. Further, it is important to study the durability properties of geopolymer concrete with fibers, since it will influence the service life of the structures in practice. Therefore, in the present study, fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete was synthesized using fly ash, GGBS, hooked end steel fibers, and alkaline solution made with Na2SiO3 and NaOH. The percentage of steel fibers varied in the range of 0.5% to 2% with an increment of 0.5% by volume fraction of the binder. The precursor materials were characterized using techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Durability studies like water absorption, drying shrinkage, sulphate attack were studied. In addition, the elastic constants were determined through stress strain behaviour of geopolymer concrete in uniaxial compression. The results of the experimental study showed that the addition of hooked end steel fibers influences the strength of geopolymer concrete up to an optimal percentage, which was found to be 1%. Furthermore, in terms of durability properties, the addition of fibers exhibited better results in terms of resistance to water absorption and chemical attack, and this was validated by the microstructural studies, where the specimens with hooked end steel fibers revealed much denser hardened geopolymer matrix when compared to the mixes without fibers.

Strengthening of flexural behavior of reinforced concrete beams by using hybrid fibers: experimental and analytical study

The research investigates the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams by incorporating hybrid fibers (a combination of glass and steel fibers). Ten specimens measuring 150 mm x 200 mm x 1500 mm were cast and tested under two-point loading. The specimens were divided into three groups, each containing three specimens. Additionally, a control specimen was examined. Comparing the strength performance of each group to the control specimen revealed that the hybrid fiber-reinforced beams exhibited increased strength. The optimal hybrid fiber composition was 0.4% steel and 0.2% glass fiber. Similarly, the optimal steel and glass fiber percentages were both 0.4%. Experimental results showed that the load-carrying capacity improved significantly: 28.80% with glass fiber, 63.74% with steel fiber, and 79.23% with hybrid fiber compared to conventional RC beams. The study evaluated load-carrying capacity, load deflection, ductility, stiffness, and failure modes of RC beams. An analytical study using finite element modelling was conducted, and the analytical results were compared to experimental findings. Fundamental statistical values included mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation for load and deflection. Finite element analysis (FEA) was employed to predict experimental outcomes, and the analytical results closely correlated with experimental data. The load mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation were 0.98, 0.01, and 0.56, respectively. The deflection exhibited corresponding values of 0.97, 0.01, and 1.41. The graphical abstract of the present study is displayed in Figure 1.

Development and characterization of hybrid polymer composite materials with reinforcement of glass/carbon fibers for enhanced mechanical properties: an experimental and numerical approach

Composite materials, particularly fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP), are used in aerospace and automotive industries due to their desirable properties and surpassing traditional metals in various applications. Researchers are countering the drawbacks of using a single fiber type in FRP by creating hybrid composites that combine different fibers in a single matrix. These hybrids harness the cost-effectiveness and corrosion resistance of glass fibers alongside the strength and stiffness of carbon fibers, resulting in a balanced combination of properties for various applications. Tensile tests were performed according to the ASTM D3039 standard, with a 2 mm/min strain rate. The results showed that increasing the carbon fiber percentage (6.56%, 13.79%, and 21.07%) led to significant improvements in the tensile strength of the hybrid composites (34.18%, 55.44%, and 85.40% higher than glass fiber composites). However, changing the stacking sequence did not significantly affect tensile strength, indicating its insignificance in this regard. Numerical simulations were conducted to validate the experimental results, and the errors between experimental and numerical data were below 10% for various stacking sequences. These discrepancies were attributed to factors such as fiber waviness, which resulted in heterogeneous property distribution within the composites, and the manufacturing process used for creating the hybrid composites. Scanning electron microscope analysis was also performed to study the failure modes on the fracture surface of the tensile-tested specimens.

Effect of process parameters on the rheological properties of banana (Musa acuminata) fiber and optimization using response surface methodology

The labor-intensive, time-consuming, and uneconomical nature of manually extracting banana (Musa acuminata) fibers from pseudo-stem sheaths has prompted the exploration of automation as a solution. This study focuses on automating the feeding process of banana pseudostem sheaths using a quick return mechanism, which is more effective than other approaches. A comprehensive study was conducted to assess the impact of key process parameters, namely the decorticator (480–540 rpm), roller speed (50–80 rpm), and clearance between rollers (2–4 mm), on the mechanical properties of the extracted banana fiber. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed for the experimental design and analysis of data, and the mechanical properties under investigation included the tensile strength, Young's modulus, and strain percentage of the banana fiber. The results revealed that the decorticator speed, roller speed, and clearance between rollers are significantly influenced by their mechanical properties. Herein, the optimal process parameter values are identified as follows: a decorticator speed of 510 rpm, roller speed of 65 rpm, and clearance of 3 mm between rollers. The mechanical characterization of the optimized banana fiber exhibited impressive properties, with an ultimate tensile strength of 679.48 MPa, Young's modulus of 25.47 GPa, and strain of 3 %. This study demonstrates that automation coupled with systematic parameter optimization can enhance the mechanical attributes of banana fibers. This research not only addresses the challenges of manual extraction, but also advances the understanding of how process parameters affect banana fiber quality, thereby facilitating the utilization of this natural fiber in various industrial applications.

Influence of melatonin supplementation on tissue response of endodontic sealers in Wistar rats.

This study evaluated the influence of melatonin supplementation on tissue's response of endodontic sealers in Wistar rats. Forty-eight rats received subcutaneous implants of four polyethylene tubes: one empty (control) and three filled with endodontic sealers (AH Plus, Endofill and Sealapex). Half of the animals were supplemented with melatonin (ME) and the remaining treated with water (WA) for 15days before the implantation until euthanasia, forming the groups: control-WA, AH Plus-WA, Endofill-WA, Sealapex-WA, Control-ME, AH Plus-ME, Endofill-ME and Sealapex-ME. After 5, 15 and 30days, (n = 8) tubes were removed and evaluated in H&E., immunohistochemistry, PSR, VK and POL. The results were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05). In animals treated with water, Endofill-WA evoked more intense inflammatory infiltrate compared to AH Plus-WA and Control-WA in a 30-day period (p < 0.05). In animals supplemented with melatonin, there was any difference among endodontic sealers' response in any period of analysis (p > 0.05). Comparing the individual response of each sealer, over a 30-day period, Endofill-ME and Sealapex-ME showed less inflammatory infiltrate compared to Endofill-WA and Sealapex-WA, respectively (p < 0.05). Immunostaining for IL-6 and TNF-α was less intense for all groups in animals supplemented with melatonin, in most periods, except for the Endofill sealer (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Endofill-ME at 5days and AH-Plus-ME at 30days showed a higher percentage of mature collagen fibers compared to the Endofill-WA and AH Plus-WA, respectively (p < 0.05). Positive structures for von Kossa staining and birefringent to polarized light were observed only for Sealapex-WA and Sealapex-ME in all periods. It can be concluded that melatonin influences the tissue response to endodontic sealers, modulating the inflammatory and reparative process.

Association analysis of indel variants and gene expression identifies MDM4 as a novel locus for skeletal muscle hypertrophy and power athlete status.

Insertions and deletions (indels) are the second most common type of variation in the human genome. However, limited data on their associations with exercise-related phenotypes have been documented. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between 18,370 indel variants and power athlete status, followed by additional studies in 357,246 individuals. In the discovery phase, the D allele of the MDM4 gene rs35493922 I/D polymorphism was over-represented in power athletes compared with control subjects (P=7.8×10-9) and endurance athletes (P=0.0012). These findings were replicated in independent cohorts, showing a higher D allele frequency in power athletes compared with control subjects (P=0.016) and endurance athletes (P=0.031). Furthermore, the D allele was positively associated (P=0.0013) with greater fat-free mass in the UK Biobank. MDM4 encodes a protein that inhibits the activity of p53, which induces muscle fibre atrophy. Accordingly, we found that MDM4 expression was significantly higher in the vastus lateralis of power athletes compared with endurance athletes (P=0.0009) and was positively correlated with the percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibres (P=0.0062) and the relative area occupied by fast-twitch muscle fibres (P=0.0086). The association between MDM4 gene expression and an increased proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibres was confirmed in two additional cohorts. Finally, we found that the MDM4 DD genotype was associated with increased MDM4 gene expression in vastus lateralis and greater cross-sectional area of fast-twitch muscle fibres. In conclusion, MDM4 is suggested to be a potential regulator of muscle fibre specification and size, with its indel variant being associated with power athlete status. HIGHLIGHTS: What is the central question of this study? Which indel variants are functional and associated with sport- and exercise-related traits? What is the main finding and its importance? Out of 18,370 tested indels, the MDM4 gene rs35493922 I/D polymorphism was found to be the functional variant (affecting gene expression) and the most significant, with the deletion allele showing associations with power athlete status, fat-free mass and cross-sectional area of fast-twitch muscle fibres. Furthermore, the expression of MDM4 was positively correlated with the percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibres and the relative area occupied by fast-twitch muscle fibres.

Nutritional Value, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity of Phak-liang (Gnetum gnemon Linn. var. tenerum Markgr.) in Surat Thani Province, Thailand

The nutritional value, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of Phak-liang (Gnetum gnemon Linn. var. tenerum Markgr.) were investigated. The indigenous vegetables were collected from three districts; Muang, Bannasarn, and Khirirat Nikom in Surat Thani Province. The nutritional value of the samples was carried out according to the methods of AOAC. The moisture contents ranged from 84.72-87.52%, and the ash contents ranged from 0.78-1.07% fresh weight. The percentage of fiber, protein, fat, and carbohydrate in the leafy vegetables were in the range of 3.06-3.81, 3.44-4.68, 0.65-1.08 and 7.49-9.55 fresh weight, respectively. The samples were analyzed by ICP-OES for their mineral determinations. The amounts found in the samples, in descending order were: K &gt; Ca &gt; Mg &gt; Mn &gt; Na&gt; Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cu. Considering the amounts of minerals found in the vegetable and their recommended daily values by the Bureau of Nutrition (Ministry of Public Health, Thailand), the daily value (DV) percentage of Mn in the samples were relatively high (28.45-96.65%), whereas K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn contributed from 1.29–8.42% of the daily values. The vegetable had negligible amounts of Na (0.03 - 0.07% of the DV). The antioxidant capacities were analyzed using Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The results showed that antioxidant activity increased by the concentration of the ethanol extracts. The FRAP values of the extracts ranged from 89.01-160.70 µM FeSO4/100 g dry weight, and the IC50 values calculated for DPPH radical scavenging activities of the extracts ranged from 54.37-60.57 mg/mL. The results suggested that Phak-liang is a potential source of natural phytochemicals and could be used for health promotion in the community.

Comparative Study of Reinforced Concrete Using Human Hair and Aluminum Fibres

This study investigates the efficacy of human hair and aluminum fibres as reinforcements in concrete, analyzing their impact on compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths. Different fibre percentages (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% by weight of cement) are systematically incorporated into concrete mixtures. Compressive strength tests on cubes, flexural strength assessments on beams, and tensile strength evaluations on cylinders reveal insights into the material's load-bearing, bending, and stretching capacities. Human hair-reinforced concrete showed significant improvements in compressive strength. Results indicate a gradual strength increase in Human Hair Fibre Reinforced Concrete (HHFRC) up to an optimal percentage. At the same time, Aluminum Fibre Reinforced Concrete (AFRC) shows significant enhancement in higher fibre content. AFRC's superior mechanical properties stem from aluminum fibres high tensile strength and stiffness, enhancing bond formation and resulting in denser, stronger concrete. These findings inform the selection of fibre reinforcement for concrete structures tailored to specific project needs.

Controlling changes caused by holes by adding fibers to composite concrete components

Crack propagation can be affected by the holes of the placement of rebars in the reinforced concrete and the resulting changes in the homogeneous structure of concrete. This experimental study aimed at investigating the fiber self-compacting concrete failure and crack propagation in concrete specimens with circular central holes and contain 2, 4, and 8 fiber percentages. The crack propagation mechanisms under the uniaxial compressive strength of the concrete were studied by investigating the holes created by rebars buried in the reinforced concrete. Three concrete mix designs with different compressive strengths of 27, 30, and 33 MPa were used for detailed analysis of the fiber concrete behavior by 224 standard 150 mm cubic specimens. The results showed the insignificant impact of small holes with an approximate area of 1.4% of the specimen surface area on the failure structure so that crack propagation in this case was similar to that occurred in the hole-free concrete. The compressive strength of concrete decreased, by increasing the crack prorogation around the holes. The compressive strength of the concrete may be reduced significantly by increasing the hole diameter. Taking into account these factors in the design of the connection core can reduce the compressive strength of concrete by 30% depending on the rebar grid.

One Year of Heavy Resistance Training Modifies Muscle Fiber Characteristics in the Elderly.

Physical function declines with age, accelerating during the 6th decade of life, primarily due to loss in muscle mass and strength. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of one year of heavy resistance training in older adults (62-70 years) on muscle mass and strength. Further, we investigated muscle characteristics after the intervention by obtaining muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis to compare muscle fiber characteristics between the heavy resistance training (HRT) (n=10) and the sedentary control group (CON) (n=10). We found that one year of resistance training increased isometric muscle strength (p<0.0001, ES: 2.43 (Hedges' g)) and lean body mass (p<0.05, ES: 0.96), whereas cross-sectional area of the vastus lateralis and lean leg mass were unaltered. At year 1, the percentage of type IIX muscle fibers was lower in HRT compared to CON (p<0.05, ES: 0.99), whereas the muscle fiber size did not differ between groups for the major fiber types (I and II). In conclusion, one year of resistance training in elderly improved muscle strength and lean body mass but not cross-sectional area and lean leg mass. This indicates that the increase in muscle strength may be caused by neuromuscular adaptations rather than morphological muscle tissue changes per se.

Development of innovative alkali activated paste reinforced with polyethylene fibers for concrete crack repair.

Concrete structures are susceptible to cracking, which can compromise their integrity and durability. Repairing them with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) paste causes shrinkage cracks to appear in the repaired surface. Alkali-activated binders offer a promising solution for repairing such cracks. This study aims to develop an alkali-activated paste (AAP) and investigate its effectiveness in repairing concrete cracks. AAPs, featuring varying percentages (0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.25%, 1.5%, and 1.75%) of polyethylene (PE) fibers, are found to exhibit characteristics such as strain hardening, multiple plane cracking in tension and flexure tests, and stress-strain softening in compression tests. AAP without PE fibers experienced catastrophic failure in tension and flexure, preventing the determination of its stress-strain relationship. Notably, AAPs with 1.25% PE fibers demonstrated the highest tensile and flexural strength, exceeding that of 0.5% PE fiber reinforced AAP by 100% in tension and 70% in flexure. While 1% PE fibers resulted in the highest compressive strength, surpassing AAP without fibers by 17%. To evaluate the repair performance of AAP, OPC cubes were cast with pre-formed cracks. These cracks were induced by placing steel plates during casting and were designed to be full and half-length with widths of 1.5 mm and 3 mm. AAP both with and without PE fibers led to a substantial improvement in compressive strength, reducing the initial strength loss of 30%-50% before repair to a diminished range of 2%-20% post-repair. The impact of PE fiber content on the compressive strength of repaired OPC cube is marginal, providing more flexibility in using AAP with any fiber percentage while still achieving effective concrete crack repair. Considering economic and environmental factors, along with observed mechanical enhancements, AAPs show promising potential for widespread use in concrete repair and related applications, contributing valuable insights to the field of sustainable construction materials.

Exercise training induces mild skeletal muscle adaptations without altering disease progression in a TDP-43 mouse model.

Exercise training is considered a nonpharmacological therapeutic approach for many diseases. Mild-to-moderate endurance exercise training is suggested to improve the mental and physical state of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of the present study was to determine the capacity of symptomatic rNLS8 mice, which develop ALS-reminiscent TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology and motor dysfunction, to perform mild-to-moderate intensity treadmill exercise training and to evaluate the effects of this training on skeletal muscle health and disease progression. Symptomatic rNLS8 mice were able to complete 4 wk of mild-to-moderate treadmill running (30 min at 6-13 m/min, 3 days a week). Exercise training induced an increase in the percentage of type IIA fibers in the tibialis anterior muscle as well as minor adaptations in molecular markers of myogenic, mitochondrial, and neuromuscular junction health in some forelimb and hindlimb muscles. However, this exercise training protocol did not attenuate the loss in motor function or delay disease progression. Alternative exercise regimens need to be investigated to better understand the role exercise training may play in alleviating symptoms of ALS.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to investigate the capacity of symptomatic rNLS8 mice, which develop ALS-reminiscent TDP-43 pathology and motor dysfunction, to perform exercise training. We demonstrate that despite the ALS-reminiscent aggressive disease progression characterizing the rNLS8 mouse model, rNLS8 mice are capable of performing mild-to-moderate endurance treadmill training for at least 3-4 wk. We demonstrate that exercise training induces several minor skeletal muscle adaptations without delaying disease progression in rNLS8 mice.

Effect of Recycled Fibers on the Mechanical Properties and Durability of Sand Concrete

Recycling waste in construction materials is part of a sustainable development approach aimed at creating new materials with characteristics that have been shown to be competitive with traditional materials. In this context, this study aims to recover steel, copper and aluminum wastes from blacksmiths’ workshops together with the reuse thereof in the form of reinforcing fibers in sand concrete. However, in order to assess the impact of this waste on the concrete properties, we introduced such wastes in the form of fibers at different proportions (0.4 %, 0.8 % and 1.2 %). Further, a series of tests was then carried out to determine the evolution of the concrete characteristics in the fresh state (workability and density) and in the hardened state (compressive strength, flexural strength, compressive strength obtained using a sclerometer and the speed of ultrasonic waves), as well as the concrete’s durability (absorption coefficient by immersion, by capillarity and the porosity accessible to water). In closing, the behavior of the concrete was assessed in the face of a chemical attack by H2SO4 and HCl by measuring mass loss. In virtue of thus, the results obtained demonstrated a positive evolution of certain properties of sand concrete as a function of the type and percentage of fibers incorporated into the composition of the concrete.

T-Allele Carriers of Mono Carboxylate Transporter One Gene Polymorphism rs1049434 Demonstrate Altered Substrate Metabolization during Exhaustive Exercise.

Polymorphism rs1049434 characterizes the nonsynonymous exchange of adenosine (A) by thymidine (T) in the gene for monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1). We tested whether T-allele carriers of rs1049434 demonstrate increased accumulation of markers of metabolic strain. Physically active, healthy, young male subjects (n = 22) conducted a power-matched one-legged cycling exercise to exhaustion. Metabolic substrates in capillary blood, selected metabolic compounds, and indices for the slow oxidative phenotype of vastus lateralis muscle were quantified in samples collected before and after exercise. The genotypes of the rs1049434 polymorphism were determined with polymerase chain reactions. One-legged exercise affected the concentration of muscle metabolites entering the tricarboxylic acid cycle, such as acetyl-co-enzyme A (+448%) and acetyl-L-carnitine (+548%), muscle glycogen (-59%), and adenosine monophosphate (-39%), 30 min post-exercise. Exercise-related variability in the muscular concentration of glycogen, long-chain acyl co-enzyme As and a triglyceride, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) interacted with rs1049434. T-allele carriers demonstrated a 39% lesser reduction in glycogen after exercise than non-carriers when NADH increased only in the non-carriers. Muscle lactate concentration was 150% higher, blood triacyl-glyceride concentration was 53% lower, and slow fiber percentage was 20% lower in T-allele carriers. The observations suggest a higher anaerobic glycolytic strain during exhaustive exercise and a lowered lipid handling in T-allele non-carriers.

Bioresin based hybrid green composite preparation using Holoptelea integrifolia fibers reinforced by Ziziphus jujuba seed particles: a fuzzy logic assisted optimization of mechanical behaviour

Abstract In recent years, hybrid natural fiber–reinforced composites prepared by bio-based epoxy resin (BBER) have gained extensive usage due to their exceptional specific strength. Researchers have looked at natural fibre/BBER composites because of the vast array of technical uses for these materials. Experimenting with various composition combinations of hybrid natural fiber composites to improve their mechanical properties requires a significant amount of resources. The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate a tannic acid (TA) – based bio-based epoxy resin (BBER). The synthesized BBER was analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy. The bio-resin’s thermal characteristics were assessed using TGA, DSC, and OIT studies. Further, this study investigated the mechanical characteristics of hybrid composites prepared by Holoptelea integrifolia (HIBF) bark fibre reinforced with Ziziphus jujuba Seed Particles (ZJSP) which was manufactured using BBER. In the present study, a full factorial design was used to conduct experiments, which included three variables: the percentage of HIBF fibre by weight, the particle size of ZJSP, and the percentage of ZJSP by weight. The experimental results from the mechanical evaluation of the hybrid HIBF/ZJSP using BBER composites are then used to develop a fuzzy model that predicts mechanical parameters such as tensile strength (TS), flexural strength (FS), and impact strength (IS). An accurate prediction of the mechanical characteristics of hybridized composites made by the fuzzy model owing to the membership functions that were built. To further validate the fuzzy model, a set of tests utilising test cases were conducted. The model’s accuracy in predicting the mechanical characteristics of hybrid composites was determined to be 87 % based on the outcomes of the test cases.