High Intensity Research Articles

Computational exploration of strain‐induced in the physical characteristics of inverse‐spinel Li2RuSn4 via density functional theory

AbstractIn this research, the physical properties of the inverse‐spinel Li2RuSn4 compound have been investigated using ab‐initio computational methods within the Wien2k package. The LSDA+mBJ approach was employed to determine the exchange‐correlation potential. The compound was found to exhibit metallic and nonmagnetic behavior in terms of electronic properties. The optical characteristics have been analyzed along xx, yy, and zz directions, revealing an increase in absorption coefficient with rising photon energies, culminating in a prominent peak in the UV domain. The higher intensity in xx and yy directions signify stronger absorption along these axes. The thermodynamic properties of Li2RuSn4, including volume, Debye temperature, Grüneisen parameter, volumetric thermal expansion coefficient, and lattice thermal conductivity were examined. The Debye temperature was found to rise proportionally with tensile strain and decrease with temperature, suggesting that dilatation strain can enhance the mechanical and thermal stability of the compound. The thermoelectric analysis revealed n‐type behavior, with negative Seebeck coefficient values. This research offers valuable insights into the properties of Li2RuSn4, contributing to the understanding of its potential applications.

Effects of Aerobic, Resistance, and Combined ExercisePrograms on Arthritis Related Symptoms

Physical activity is a therapeutic modality in alleviating arthritis-related symptoms, yet most individuals fail to attain recommended guidelines. The Purpose of the Research was to briefly summarize the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on arthritis symptoms, highlight some of the challenges of these programs, and provide future strategies to increase participation in physical activity. Research Methods. A brief search of the recent literature on physical activity interventions and health related outcomes in adults with arthritis was performed. Research Results. For aerobic activity, improvements in arthritis outcomes including pain, function, and quality of life are common in supervised sessions a minimum of 3 times per week; however, adherence to participation often remains low. Engaging in resistance exercise at least 12 weeks has been shown to promote improvements in arthritis related symptoms with higher intensity not always leading to greater improvements. Prior evidence has suggested mixed exercise to be the least efficacious compared to single exercise programs. Conclusions. Future research should explore strategies to increase adherence to aerobic and resistance exercise programs, which could lead to greater reductions in pain and improvements in physical function in adults with arthritis. Alternative delivery modalities over the standard in person, supervised sessions should be considered and may be more appropriate to older adults with arthritis. More research is also needed to understand why multicomponent exercise programs appear less effective than programs focusing only on one activity behavior. Finally, engaging stakeholders in the development and implementation of exercise programs may help to ensure these programs are acceptable for adults with arthritis.

Hypotensive effects of exercise training: are postmenopausal women with hypertension non-responders or responders?

We tested the hypothesis that increasing the exercise dose or changing the exercise mode would augment hypotensive effects when traditional aerobic exercise training failed to produce it in postmenopausal women. Sixty-five postmenopausal women with essential hypertension were randomly allocated into the continuous aerobic training (CAT) and non-exercising control (CON) groups. CAT group cycled at moderate intensity 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Individuals who failed to decrease systolic blood pressure (BP) were classified as non-responders (n = 34) and performed an additional 12 weeks of exercise training with either increasing the exercise dose or changing the exercise mode. The 3 follow-up groups were continuous aerobic training 3 times a week, continuous aerobic training 4 times a week, and high-intensity interval training. After the first 12 weeks of exercise training, systolic BP decreased by 1.5 mmHg (NS) with a wide range of inter-individual responses (-23 to 23 mmHg). Sixty-seven percent of women who were initially classified as non-responders participated in the second training period. Sixty percent of women who participated in continuous exercise training 3 or 4 times a week at greater exercise intensities reduced systolic BP. All (100%) of the women who performed high-intensity interval training experienced significant reductions in systolic BP. Traditional aerobic exercise was not sufficient to decrease BP significantly in the majority of postmenopausal women. However, those women who were not sensitive to recommended exercise may reduce BP if they were exposed to continuous aerobic exercise at higher intensities and/or volumes or a different mode of exercise.

Spanwise unsteadiness in the sidewall-confined shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction

Three-dimensional effects of sidewalls on the low-frequency unsteadiness of the shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction (SBLI) are of academic and practical importance but not yet well understood. Considerable attention has been paid to the viscous effect of sidewalls, whereas the potential inviscid confinement effect of sidewalls has received little attention. The present work provides experimental evidence of multiscale spanwise travelling waves crossing the separation front under the confinement of sidewalls. Global pressure measurements were made for a sidewall-confined 24 $^\circ$ compression ramp interaction in Mach-2.83 flow using fast-responding pressure-sensitive paint. The unsteady pressure in a statistically two-dimensional intermittent region suggests that in addition to the canonical streamwise oscillation, the separation front exhibits significant low-frequency, multiscale spanwise distortion. Modal analysis further reveals that multiscale spanwise unsteadiness has higher intensity and frequency than the streamwise oscillation. Such strong spanwise unsteadiness calls attention to the low-frequency unsteadiness in previous sidewall-confined SBLI experiments and encourages further study on the mechanism of the confinement effect.

Influence of Ingestion of Bicarbonate-Rich Water Combined with an Alkalizing or Acidizing Diet on Acid-Base Balance and Anaerobic Performance

During high-intensity (HI) exercise, metabolic acidosis significantly impairs exercise performance. Increasing the body's buffering capacity through training and exogenous intake of alkalizing supplements may improve high-intensity performance. Manipulating water and diet intake may influence the acid-base balance. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of mineral water rich in bicarbonate ions (STY) or placebo water (PLA) on circulating biomarkers and anaerobic performance and to verify whether alkalizing (ALK) or acidizing (ACI) diet would modulate these effects. Twenty-four athletes, assigned either to ALK (n = 12) or ACI (n = 12) diet for four weeks, completed a 1-min rowing Wingate Test in a double-blind and randomized trial after one week of daily hydration (1.5 to 2L/d) with either STY or PLA. Blood samples were taken before and after each test, and urine samples were collected each week. Chronic consumption of bicarbonate-rich water significantly impacted resting urinary pH irrespective of alkalizing or acidizing dietary intake. STY induced a significant increase in blood pH, lactate, and HCO3- ion concentration post-exercise compared to PLA. Similar changes were observed when STY was associated with the ALK diet. In contrast, STY combined with the ACI diet only significantly affected urine pH and peak blood lactate compared to PLA (p < 0.05). No effect of bicarbonate-rich water was reported on anaerobic performance (p > 0.05). Our results suggest that consumption of bicarbonate-rich water alters acid-base balance during a warm-up and after HI exercise, could potentiate beneficial effects of an alkalizing diet on the acid-base balance after HI exercise, and reduces the acid load induced by an acidifying diet.

Comparative study on reduction behaviors of low- and high-grade fired hematite iron ore pellets in coal

The reduction behaviors of fired Ramallakota (low-grade) and Bolani (high-grade) iron ore pellets were studied isothermally at temperatures of 1123, 1173 and 1223 K in non-coking coal. The degree of reduction progressed with the rise in reduction temperature and time. Ramallakota iron ore pellets exhibited relatively higher reduction rates than Bolani iron ore pellets reduced under identical conditions due to their higher porosity and gangue contents. Comparison of XRD patterns confirmed almost complete reduction in Ramallakota iron ore pellets at all the studied reduction temperatures in a much shorter period. Fayalite and hercynite formations were observed in both the types of reduced iron ore pellets with higher intensities in the pellets of Ramallakota iron ore. SEM images revealed relatively more growth of iron whiskers in reduced Bolani high-grade iron ore pellets. The apparent activation energy values for the reduction of studied iron ore pellets by coal were calculated to be in the range 14–20 kJmol−1, while pellets reduced in coal char under identical conditions exhibited relatively higher values owing to their slower reduction rates.

Piperidine and isobutyl-nitrite fuels for the combustion synthesis of nanomaterials: A study of crystal structure, microstructure, thermodynamics, and optical properties

In this research, the fuels of piperidine (C5H11N) and isobutyl nitrite (C4H9NO2) were used to produce YVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles. To remove the remaining organic materials and also to improve the crystal structure, these materials were calcined at 800 and 1000 °C, and then the particle size and morphology of the synthesized nanostructures were monitored using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was found that the type of consumed fuel and also the calcination temperature result in significant effects on the morphology of the nanostructures as well as the obtained luminescence properties. The use of isobutyl nitrite and piperidine leads to synthesis of homogeneous powders with particle sizes of 38 and 100 nm, respectively. The Rietveld calculations revealed that the growth of the mentioned particles through calcination at 800 °C leads to a reduction of microstrains from 0.00137 to 0.00048 and 0.00126 to 0.00044, respectively. The exciting of these materials by the wavelength of 307 nm causes the creation of a powerful emission spectrum with the highest intensities at the wavelengths of 594 and 624 nm, which originate from the electron transitions of 5D0–7F1 and 5D0–7F2, respectively. Also, the photoluminescence emission of phosphors synthesized by isobutyl nitrite is higher than that of piperidine, which this phenomenon is consistent with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) results which proved that the crystallinity of the phosphors synthesized by isobutyl nitrite is higher than that of piperidine.

Effect of poling on photocatalytic activity with SrBi4Ti4O15 catalyst

AbstractThis research article is related to a bismuth oxide‐layered pseudo‐perovskite ferroelectric material and its capabilities in the area of photocatalysis. SrBi4Ti4O15 (SBT) catalyst was prepared via a solid‐state reaction followed by calcination at 950°C sustained over 4 h. X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, bandgap analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the successful synthesis of the SBT catalyst. The photocatalysis capability was checked on a methylene blue (MB) model dye. The poling of the SBT catalyst was performed under 2 kV/mm of electric field. The poling of the catalyst material played a crucial role in enhancing the photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the effect of volume (k(v)), initial concentration (k(ic)) of the MB dye, amount of catalyst (k(c)), and intensity (k(i)) of the light were examined and analyzed by the mathematical model. This study suggested that higher intensity and amount of catalyst enhance photocatalytic activity, whereas higher concentration and volume of dye suppress the photocatalytic activity. The amount of catalyst showed the highest effect on the photocatalytic activity. The rate constant is influenced by these factors and the order of influence is k(c) > k(i) > k(v) ≃ k(ic).

Does mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease need a standard pulmonary rehabilitation program? A case report

Background: Patients with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are usually not recommended for a standard pulmonary rehabilitation (PR)program based on the GOLD guideline in mild COPD GOLD A classification. Especially, the scientific evidence on exercise capacity that can be identified for recruitment in PR programs has been less reported. Thus, a preliminary case study to identify the exercise capacity under cardiopulmonary responses by aerobic exercise testing among patients in mild COPD GOLD A classification was the aim of this study. Objective: To evaluate the cardiopulmonary responses from exercise capacity testing in individual COPD patients with mild COPD GOLD A Classification. Materials and methods: Four participants with mild COPD GOLD A performed an exercise endurance capacity test at home using Spot Marching Exercise Test (SMT), marching on the spot with high hip and arm raising. The load of SMT was indicated by a controlled stepping rate at 70, 80, 90, 100, and 110 steps/min. Every participant performed Incremental SMT (ISMT) with every 3 min incremental load, and the Constant SMT (CSMT) at the peak load. Both exercise tests were terminated at symptom limit. Resting time between ISMT and CSMT was at least 30 minutes. Cardiopulmonary exercise responses, Borg perceived breathlessness (RPB) and exertion (RPE) were monitored every minute during the exercise test. The duration of exercises was recorded. Results: Peak exercise capacity using ISMT was low with the end exercise load at 70, 80, 80, and 90 steps/min which is equivalent to moderate to high intensity at 81%, 62%, 65% and 93% of age-predicted maximum heart rate (HRmax). The exercise test was stopped by breathlessness at RPB 7, 8, 6, and 5. Respiratory rates (RR) were 36, 26, 38, and 38 breaths/min. With CSMT, the results showed very short exercise duration 1.78, 4.60, 2.15, and 2.47 mins with RPB 7, 8, 5, and 5 and RR of 33, 27, 34, and 41 breaths/min respectively. Conclusion: This preliminary report reveals that all four mild COPD GOLD A show low exercise capacity and very poor exercise endurance that should identify the appropriated standard PR program in the future.

Workload Risk Factors for Pitching-Related Injuries in High School Baseball Pitchers.

Pitch counts are only one measure of the true workload of baseball pitchers. Newer research indicates that workload measurement and prevention of injury must include additional factors. Thus, current monitoring systems gauging pitcher workload may be considered inadequate. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel method to determine workload in baseball pitchers and improve processes for prevention of throwing-related injuries. It was hypothesized that our pitching workload model would better predict throwing-related injuries occurring throughout the baseball season than a standard pitch count model. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. This prospective observational study was conducted at an academic medical center and community baseball fields during the 2019 to 2023 seasons. Pitchers aged 13 to 18 years were monitored for pitching-related injuries and workload (which included pitching velocity; intensity, using preseason and in-season velocity as a marker of effort; and pitch counts). A total of 71 pitchers had 313 recorded pitcher outings, 11 pitching-related injuries, and 24,228 pitches thrown. Gameday pitch counts for all pitchers ranged from 19 to 219 (mean, 77.5 ± 41.0). Velocity ranged from 46.8 to 85.7 mph (mean, 71.3 ± 5.8 mph). Intensity ranged from 0.7 to 1.3 (mean, 1.0 ± 0.08). The mean workload was 74.7 ± 40.1 for all pitchers. Risk factors significant for injury included throwing at a higher velocity in game (P = .001), increased intensity (eg, an increase in mean velocity thrown from preseason to in-season; P < .001), and being an older pitcher (P = .014). No differences were found for workload between injured and noninjured pitchers because the analysis was underpowered. Our workload model indicated that throwing at a higher velocity, throwing at a higher intensity, and older age were risk factors for injury. Thus, this novel workload model should be considered as a means to identify pitchers who may be at greater risk for injury.

Abstract PO3-04-12: SUMIT-BC: Phase 2 randomized study of fulvestrant with or without the cyclin-dependent kinase 7 inhibitor (CDK7i) samuraciclib in advanced hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer after CDK4/6i

Abstract Background: CDK7 has 3 critical roles in cancer: enhanced transcription of oncogenes and upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes, acceleration of the cell cycle through phosphorylation of other CDKs and driving estrogen receptor (ER) resistance to hormonal therapy. Inhibition of CDK7 is therefore a potential novel anti-cancer therapeutic strategy. In an initial single-arm evaluation samuraciclib (CT7001), a once daily (QD) oral CDK7 inhibitor has demonstrated a favourable safety profile and clinical activity in combination with fulvestrant, a selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), in patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer who have previously been treated with a CDK4/6 inhibitor. There was evidence of enhanced benefit in patients with no detectable TP53 mutation from baseline circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis and in patients without baseline liver metastases [1]. Samuraciclib is associated with low grade gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea managed with simple prophylaxis and patient counselling. An instant release capsule formulation was used in the initial clinical evaluation of samuraciclib requiring patients to take multiple capsules designed to rapidly release a large amount of material high in the GI tract. In this study a novel single tablet formulation will be administered which may enhance GI tolerability (2). This Phase 2 open-label randomised study will evaluate the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics and Quality of Life (QoL) impact of samuraciclib in combination with fulvestrant in comparison to a fulvestrant monotherapy control arm. Consistent with the principles of the current Project OPTIMUS initiative, 2 dose levels of samuraciclib will be evaluated [3]. All patients will undergo baseline ctDNA evaluation of TP53 mutation status to permit a prospective evaluation of its patient selection biomarker potential. Trial Design: Eligible patients will provide written informed consent, be aged 18 years or older, have histologically or cytologically confirmed ER+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer not amenable to resection or radiotherapy of curative intent, have received an aromatase inhibitor in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor in either the adjuvant or advanced setting, be receiving a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist if pre/perimenopausal and have RECIST v1.1 evaluable disease. Prior SERD, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORi) or chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer are not permitted. All patients will undergo baseline Guardant360 ctDNA analysis to establish their TP53 mutation status among others. 60 patients will be enrolled and will all receive fulvestrant 500mg IM administered on days 1, 15 and 29 and then monthly thereafter. Patients will be randomized 1:1:1 to fulvestrant alone, fulvestrant and samuraciclib 240mg QD or fulvestrant and samuraciclib 360mg QD. Patients will undergo RECIST v1.1 evaluation at baseline every 8-weeks until week 48, followed by every 12-weeks thereafter. The pharmacokinetics of samuraciclib and fulvestrant will be studied though the first 6 months of the study, with highest intensity during month 1. To evaluate Quality of Life (QoL) The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy -Breast questionnaire (FACT-B) will be completed. The primary endpoint is clinical benefit response at 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints are tolerability, progression free survival, overall response rate, duration of response, and the pharmacokinetics of fulvestrant and samuraciclib. QoL and correlations between ctDNA detectable TP53 mutations and efficacy/safety finding in this patient population will be reported. The study opened for recruitment in June 2023.

PAINFUL VS NON-PAINFUL EXERCISE ON CREPITUS IN PEOPLE WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: A MIXED-METHODS ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION &amp; AIMS Crepitus (or physiological noise) is a key criterion in the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Exercise is foundational to guideline-based care for knee OA, however the effect exercise on knee crepitus is unknown. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of people with knee OA following a 6-week accredited exercise physiologist (AEP) led intervention involving painful vs non-painful exercise, especially in relation to their knee crepitus. METHODS Participants were randomly assigned to either a painful (higher intensity) or non-painful (lower intensity) exercise program supervised by an AEP twice a week for six weeks with concurrent education. Volunteers partook in a post-intervention semi-structured interview with questions surrounding their experience and perceived outcomes of the program. Thematic qualitative analysis was conducted and compared to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) crepitus question (0 - 4 scale). RESULTS Eleven participants volunteered. Qualitatively, approximately half of the participants self-reported a decrease in their knee crepitus following the program “I haven’t had the creaky knees so much”, with the rest stating their crepitus did not change. No participants perceived their crepitus increased (n=9 no change, n=2 decreased) or said that their crepitus was worse, “the noise and grinding doesn’t become evident (now) until the weights become higher”. Quantitatively, KOOS crepitus scores also did not change following the intervention [mean (SD) (2.4(1.0) to 2.1(1.3), p=0.19)]. There were no differences between exercise groups in self-perceived crepitus results, and most said that the exercise program was beneficial “Right after this whole program, I find that I can move much easier.” CONCLUSION Exercise at higher intensities (into painful range) does not change crepitus or may improve it for some. People with OA perceive that exercise at both higher and lower intensity is beneficial and enjoyable.

Relative pedaling forces are low during cycling

We quantified and compared the mechanical force demands relative to the maximum dynamic force (MDF) of 11 cyclists when pedaling at different intensities (ventilatory threshold, maximum lactate steady state, respiratory compensation point, and maximal aerobic power), cadences (free, 40, 60 and 80 rpm), and all-out resisted sprints. Relative force demands (expressed as %MDF) progressively increased with higher intensities (p < 0.001) and lower cadences (p < 0.001). Notwithstanding, relative force demands were low (<54 % MDF) for all conditions, even during the so-called ‘torque training’. These results might be useful when programming on-bike resistance training to improve torque production capacity.

Status update of the ATLAS ECR ion sources at Argonne National Laboratory

The Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) typically operates 24/7 with weekly ion beam changes and an annual 1 month maintenance period. Due to recent installations and upgrades at ATLAS, user demands for new beams and higher intensities have expanded an already diverse operational envelope of both electron cyclotron resonance ion sources (ECRIS), ECR2 and ECR3. A variety of material introduction techniques including sputter, oven, reduction and gas feed were used to meet the challenge of an intense run schedule. With two ECRIS available to feed the accelerator, beam development and preparation were able to occur concurrently with ATLAS programmatic activities. Highlights of operational experiences and improvements with ECR2 and ECR3 over the last 2 years are presented.

Clear speech effects in production of sentence-medial Mandarin lexical tonesa).

Adding to limited research on clear speech in tone languages, productions of Mandarin lexical tones were examined in pentasyllabic sentences. Fourteen participants read sentences imagining a hard-of-hearing addressee or a friend in a casual social setting. Tones produced in clear speech had longer duration, higher intensity, and larger F0 values. This style effect was rarely modulated by tone, preceding tonal context, or syllable position, consistent with an overall signal enhancement strategy. Possible evidence for tone enhancement was observed only in one set of analysis for F0 minimum and F0 range, contrasting tones with low targets and tones with high targets.

Improved Near-Resonant Two Photon Absorption of α-MnO2 Nanowires Surface Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide Sheets

The versatile study of graphene derivatives has resurgence of interest on understanding its nonlinear optical response at different nanoscales. Nanostructured manganese dioxide: reduced graphene oxide (MnO2: rGO) hybrids were synthesized by reduction method by varying the content of rGO (5, 10, 15 & 20wt%). X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy studies confirmed the surface functionalization of MnO2 on rGO. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and High-Resolution Tunnelling Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) witness that with respect to the content of rGO, the morphology of MnO2 varies radically from clusters to nanorods to nanowires over the surface of rGO sheets. Ground state absorption spectra of the hybrids have absorption edge at 268nm corresponding to combined metal oxide charge transfer between rGO (π-π⁎ transition of C=C and n-π transition of C-O bonds) and MnO2 (d-d transition). Moreover, hierarchical MnO2 nanowire network resided on 2D rGO sheets involves broad absorption at the visible spectral domain due to polaron transition as well the localization of π- π⁎ transited electrons that facilitates the probability of occurrence of excited state absorption. Intensity dependent open aperture Z-scan technique of the prepared hybrids using Q-switched Nd: YAG 532nm nanopulsed laser reveals unusual transitions and enhanced nonlinear absorption. MnO2:(5wt%) rGO shows saturable absorption (SA) at low intensity and changeover dynamically to reverse saturable absorption (RSA) at higher intensity. MnO2:(10 & 15wt%) rGO exposes coupled nonlinear absorption (SA + RSA) owing to the combined effect of graphene (π-states) and MnO2 (σ-states). MnO2:(20wt%) rGO exhibits a stronger RSA ascribed to sequential two photon absorption. The third-order nonlinear absorption coefficient and limiting threshold of MnO2: rGO (20wt%) are 4.04 ×10-10m/W and 0.84 ×1012W/m2, which shows five-fold increase compared to bare rGO and MnO2. The obtained results propose that the optical nonlinearity of MnO2 nanowires surface functionalized rGO sheets can significantly be tuned to meet the requirements for fabricating laser safety devices.

Comparison of conventional and severe shot peening effects on the microstructure, texture, roughness, hardness, and electrochemical behavior of austenitic stainless steel

In the present research, microstructure, texture, roughness, hardness, and electrochemical behavior of AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel before and after shot peening were studied to elucidate the effect of conventional and severe shot peening (CSP and SSP) processes. After the shot peening, the fraction of strain-induced martensite (SIM) and mechanical twins (MTs) in the sub-surface layer was increased. The fraction of SIM and MTs in the SSP sample was higher than in the CSP sample. The XRD patterns indicated that the SSP sample had a higher peak broadening compared to the CSP sample. In the CSP and SSP samples, a gradient microstructure was formed along the depth direction. The microstructure of the topmost layer of the CSP and SSP samples exhibited numerous ultrafine grains. The grain refining during severe shot peening was faster because of the accumulation of more strain. The CSP and SSP samples revealed a gradient distribution of elements. After the SSP, the intensity of ⟨110⟩‖ED fiber texture decreased from 12.7 to 11.6 × R and the average intensity of ⟨100⟩‖ED fiber texture increased from 1.7 to 2.0 × R, respectively, compared to the CSP sample. The surface roughness of the SSP sample (Rq = 73.6 nm and Ra = 45.2 nm) was lower than that of the CSP sample which represented the roughness decreased with surface coverage increasing from 100 % to 1500 %. Also, the wettability increased after the conventional and severe shot peening processes. In addition, the microhardness of the CSP and SSP samples showed a gradient distribution. The CSP sample had the lowest corrosion current density (0.13 μA/cm2) whereas the NP (non-peened) sample exhibited the highest current density (0.65 μA/cm2). The presence of ⟨100⟩-oriented grains in both CSP and SSP samples led to the higher corrosion resistance of shot-peened steels compared to the NP sample. The presence of favorable texture with higher intensity in the CSP sample was responsible for the higher corrosion resistance of the CSP sample compared to the SSP sample. Finally, the gradient distribution of elements along the depth direction in the CSP and SSP steels improved the corrosion resistance of the surface.

Comparison of Bracings and Fluid Viscous Dampers in 15-Storey Buildings across All Seismic Zones of India under Bi-Directional Excitation

Abstract: An earthquake is a natural phenomenon i:e, sudden horizontal movement of earth’s crust that causes sudden collapse of buildings and other structures such as large monuments, bridges etc. The damage of the building is based on the amount of magnitude and intensity of the earthquake. A building can withstand in lower intensity of earthquake. But higher intensity causes lots of damages on building or a building can suddenly collapse and causes increase in number of deaths. To mitigate these effects a control system is to be provided such as base isolations, dampers, bracings etc. The current topic is based on the behavior of linear and non linear fluid viscous damper provided at center and both side corners of 15 Storey RC building in diagonally bracing system. The building is modeled and analyzed by using ETABS software. Here IS 1983(part1): 2002 and medium soil type are to be considered for analysis with respect to all seismic zones (zone II - zone V) of India. Here linear static and response spectrum analysis are applied in each model. Results are to be drawn based on base shear, storey displacement and storey drift to understand how fluid viscous dampers helps to reduce the effects of earthquake.

Vayu bubble continuous positive airway pressure is a promising solution with favorable treatment outcomes for respiratory distress syndrome in newborns: a qualitative study in Bangladesh.

According to Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (2022), neonatal mortality, comprising 67% of under-5 deaths in Bangladesh, is significantly attributed to prematurity and low birth weight (LBW), accounting for 32% of neonatal deaths. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a prevalent concern among preterm and LBW infants, leading to substantial mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends bubble continuous positive airway pressure (bCPAP) therapy, but the affordability and accessibility of conventional bCPAP devices for a large number of patients become major hurdles in Bangladesh due to high costs and resource intensiveness. The Vayu bCPAP, a simple and portable alternative, offers a constant flow of oxygen-enriched, filtered, humidified, and pressurized air. Our study, conducted in five health facilities, explores the useability, acceptability, and perceived treatment outcome of Vayu bCPAP in the local context of Bangladesh. A qualitative approach was employed in special care newborn units (SCANUs) of selected facilities from January to March 2023. Purposive sampling identified nine key informants, 40 in-depth interviews with service providers, and 10 focus group discussions. Data collection and analysis utilized a thematic framework approach led by trained anthropologists and medical officers. Service providers acknowledged Vayu bCPAP as a lightweight, easily movable, and cost-effective device requiring minimal training. Despite challenges such as consumable shortages and maintenance issues, providers perceived the device as user-friendly, operable with oxygen cylinders, and beneficial during referral transportation. Treatment outcomes indicated effective RDS management, reduced hospital stays, and decreased referrals. Though challenges existed, healthcare providers and facility managers expressed enthusiasm for Vayu bCPAP due to its potential to simplify advanced neonatal care delivery. The Vayu bCPAP device demonstrated useability, acceptability, and favorable treatment outcomes in the care of neonates with RDS. However, sustained quality service necessitates continuous monitoring, mentoring and retention of knowledge and skills. Despite challenges, the enthusiasm among healthcare providers underscores the potential of Vayu bCPAP to save lives and simplify neonatal care delivery. Development of Standard Operating procedure on Vayu bCPAP is required for systematic implementation. Further research is needed to determine how the utilization of Vayu bCPAP devices enhances accessibility to efficient bCPAP therapy for neonates experiencing RDS.

Music as a countermeasure to fatigue: A driving simulator study

Listening to music while driving is a commonly adopted fatigue-coping strategy, yet its effectiveness has been explored in only a limited number of studies. Here, we aim to evaluate its impact on passive task-related driving fatigue, as measured by a set of both objective and subjective indicators.A driving simulator experiment was conducted involving 60 participants, who completed a 50-minute driving task on a monotonous highway scenario. The participants were divided into a control group, which did not listen to any music, and an experimental group, which drove for 20 min without music and then listened to a self-selected music playlist played at the preferred intensity for the remaining 30 min.Results show that music had a positive acute effect on objective measurements of driving fatigue. However, this effect was transient (15–25 min duration), and more prominently observed in subjective measures of fatigue. An exploratory analysis of song features suggests that higher intensity, higher tempo, more danceable, and less instrumental music tend to be more effective. These findings indicate that listening to music can serve as a viable short-term countermeasure to driving fatigue.