Physical Tests Research Articles

Real-world walking behaviors are associated with early-stage heart failure: a Project Baseline Health Study

BackgroundData collected via wearables may complement in-clinic assessments to monitor subclinical heart failure (HF). ObjectivesEvaluate the association of sensor-based digital walking measures with HF stage and characterize their correlation with in-clinic measures of physical performance, cardiac function and participant reported outcomes (PROs) in individuals with early HF. MethodsThe analyzable cohort included participants from the Project Baseline Health Study (PBHS) with HF stage 0, A, or B, or adaptive remodeling phenotype (without risk factors but with mild echocardiographic change, termed RF-/ECHO+) (based on available first-visit in-clinic test and echocardiogram results) and with sufficient sensor data. We computed daily values per participant for 18 digital walking measures, comparing HF subgroups vs stage 0 using multinomial logistic regression and characterizing associations with in-clinic measures and PROs with Spearman's correlation coefficients, adjusting all analyses for confounders. ResultsIn the analyzable cohort (N=1265; 50.6% of the PBHS cohort), one standard deviation decreases in 17/18 walking measures were associated with greater likelihood for stage-B HF (multivariable-adjusted odds ratios [ORs] vs stage 0 ranging from 1.18-2.10), or A (ORs vs stage 0, 1.07-1.45), and lower likelihood for RF-/ECHO+ (ORs vs stage 0, 0.80-0.93). Peak 30-minute pace demonstrated the strongest associations with stage B (OR vs stage 0=2.10; 95% CI:1.74-2.53) and A (OR vs stage 0=1.43; 95% CI:1.23-1.66). Decreases in 13/18 measures were associated with greater likelihood for stage-B HF vs stage A. Strength of correlation with physical performance tests, echocardiographic cardiac-remodeling and dysfunction indices and PROs was greatest in stage B, then A, and lowest for 0. ConclusionsDigital measures of walking captured by wearable sensors could complement clinic-based testing to identify and monitor pre-symptomatic HF.

The Association between the Level of Ankle-Brachial Index and the Risk of Poor Physical Function in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease.

The progression of atherosclerosis and decline in physical function are poor prognostic factors in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a widely used indicator of the degree of progression of atherosclerosis, which may be used to identify patients with CVD who are at risk of poor physical function. This study examined the association between ABI and poor physical function in patients with CVD. We reviewed the data of patients with CVD who completed the ABI assessment and physical function tests (6-min walking distance, gait speed, quadriceps isometric strength, and short physical performance battery). Patients were divided into five categories according to the level of ABI, and the association between ABI and poor physical function was examined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Additionally, restricted cubic splines were used to examine the nonlinear association between ABI and physical function. A total of 2982 patients (median [interquartile range] age: 71[62-78] years, 65.8% males) were included in this study. Using an ABI range of 1.11-1.20 as a reference, logistic regression analysis showed that ABI ≤ 1.10 was associated with poor physical function. The restricted cubic spline analysis showed that all physical functions increased with an increase in ABI level. The increase in physical function plateaued at an ABI level of approximately 1.1. ABI may be used to identify patients with poor physical function. ABI levels below 1.1 are potentially associated with poor physical function in patients with CVD.

Predictors of Water Turnover in Older Adults: A Doubly Labeled Water- and Triaxial Accelerometer-Based Study

BackgroundWater is one of the most essential nutrients for life. The water turnover (WT), total body water (TBW), and total energy expenditure (TEE) can be measured using the doubly labeled water (DLW) method. WT and TBW are lower in older adults than in young adults, and the former are susceptible to dehydration, necessitating to identify predictors of the WT in older adults. ObjectivesThe current study aimed to examine the association between WT and physical activity, physical function, and body composition in Japanese adults aged ≥65 y and identify predictors for WT in this population. MethodsThis study enrolled 133 older adults (women, n = 61; men, n = 72) aged 65–88 y. WT, TBW, TEE, fat-free mass (FFM), and percent body fat (%Fat) were determined using the DLW method. The fitness age score (FAS) was obtained from 5 physical fitness tests. Physical activity and the step count were assessed using a previously validated triaxial accelerometer. Multiple regression analyses were performed with WT as the dependent variable. ResultsWT was positively associated with weight, physical activity level (PAL), moderate-vigorous physical activity, and TEE, and negatively associated with sedentary behavior. We examined potential predictors for WT using age, sex, height, weight, FFM, %Fat, TEE, PAL, and FAS in older Japanese adults. ConclusionsOur results confirmed that age, sex, weight, FFM, TEE, and PAL are the potential predictors of WT in older Japanese adults aged ≥65 y.

Physical Activity Changes From Before to During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Finland.

This study aimed to compare community-dwelling older adults' physical activity (PA) during the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 to their PA levels 2years before and investigate associations between earlier physical performance and PA levels over the follow-up. Participants' (n = 809, initial age 75-85years) self-reported PA was assessed at baseline in 2017-2018 and May/June 2020 as total weekly minutes of walking and vigorous PA. Physical performance was assessed at baseline using the maximal handgrip strength and Short Physical Performance Battery tests. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a median change in total weekly minutes of walking and vigorous PA among all participants was + 20.0 (interquartile range: -60.0 to 120.0, p < .001)min per week compared with 2years earlier. Higher baseline Short Physical Performance Battery total scores were associated with higher total weekly minutes of walking and vigorous PA over the follow-up in men and women, and better handgrip strength in women.

Fine quantitative characterization of high-H2S gas reservoirs under the influence of liquid sulfur deposition and adsorption

In order to clarify the influence of liquid sulfur deposition and adsorption to high-H2S gas reservoirs, three types of natural cores with typical carbonate pore structures were selected for high-temperature and high-pressure core displacement experiments. Fine quantitative characterization of the cores in three steady states (original, after sulfur injection, and after gas flooding) was carried out using the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) transverse relaxation time spectrum and imaging, X-ray computer tomography (CT) of full-diameter cores, basic physical property testing, and field emission scanning electron microscopy imaging. The loss of pore volume caused by sulfur deposition and adsorption mainly comes from the medium and large pores with sizes bigger than 1 000 μm. Liquid sulfur has a stronger adsorption and deposition ability in smaller pore spaces, and causes greater damage to reservoirs with poor original pore structures. The pore structure of the three types of carbonate reservoirs shows multiple fractal characteristics. The worse the pore structure, the greater the change of internal pore distribution caused by liquid sulfur deposition and adsorption, and the stronger the heterogeneity. Liquid sulfur deposition and adsorption change the pore size distribution, pore connectivity, and heterogeneity of the rock, which further changes the physical properties of the reservoir. After sulfur injection and gas flooding, the permeability of Type I reservoirs with good physical properties decreased by 16%, and that of Types II and III reservoirs with poor physical properties decreased by 90% or more, suggesting an extremely high damage. This indicates that the worse the initial physical properties, the greater the damage of liquid sulfur deposition and adsorption. Liquid sulfur is adsorbed and deposited in different types of pore space in the forms of flocculence, cobweb, or retinitis, causing different changes in the pore structure and physical property of the reservoir.

Long-Term effects of physical activity on weight loss, metabolic parameter and blood pressure in subjects undergoing bariatric surgery: a 5-year follow-up study.

Backgroundbariatric surgery stands as an effective intervention for weight loss and improved metabolic control in obesity, although over time there is a proportion of weight regain and type-2-diabetes (T2D) relapse. Aims: to explore the role of physical activity (PA) after surgery and its impact on metabolic parameters during a 5-year follow-up. Methods148 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery completed scheduled examinations over 5-years. Physical assessments and laboratory tests were conducted pre-surgery and annually thereafter. PA levels were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Resultsparticipants were split into the PA group, who engaged in regular physical activity, and No-PA group, who remained sedentary throughout. In T2D individuals before surgery, PA group showed significant reductions in blood pressure and a lower T2D recurrence (6.7% vs 36%) compared to No-PA group. In normoglycemic individuals, the PA group led to sustained BMI reduction and improved blood pressure control (p<0.001) compared to No-PA group, for the entire duration of follow-up. Conclusionsregular PA demonstrated cardio-metabolic benefits post-bariatric surgery. Integrating PA into post-bariatric care could enhance long-term outcomes.

New simple method for calculating large-strain consolidation settlement of layered soft soils with horizontal drains and vacuum preloading with comparison to test data

Prefabricated horizontal drains and vacuum preloading have advantages in the consolidation of ultra-soft dredged sludge and soils for maintenance dredging, reclamation, and ground improvement in coastal regions. While laboratory tests and field trial projects have been reported, a convenient analysis and design method is still unavailable. This study proposes a new simple method for the settlement analysis of soft soils considering horizontal drains, vacuum preloading, creep, and large-strain effects. A unified equation is constructed to account for various layouts of horizontal drains in consolidation. A new explicit method is developed to consider the large-strain deformation with the nonlinear evolution of permeability and compressibility of ultra-soft soils under vacuum preloading. The viscous compression is taken into account using a simplified Hypothesis B method. The proposed solution also facilitates convenient consideration of multiple layers of soils and drains subjected to staged loading. The proposed method is examined by a series of physical model tests with different horizontal drain dimensions. Finally, the method is applied in the analysis of two well-documented field cases in Hong Kong and Japan, which confirms its effectiveness and accuracy.

Block-flexure toppling failure of rock slopes using an equivalent deformation compatibility method

Block-flexure toppling constitutes the predominant form of toppling failure in rock slopes. Although it has been extensively studied, the current theoretical models are often oversimplified by treating rock layers as rigid bodies that diverge from actual conditions. The proposed Equivalent Deformation Compatibility Method (EDCM) offers a fresh approach to assess the stability of rock slopes prone to block-flexure toppling. EDCM posits that blocky rock layers, with their inability to withstand significant bending and role in merely transferring forces, can be modeled as intact layers with a reduced modulus. The method simplifies the complex issue of analyzing discrete and continuous rock layers to the study of layered soft and hard rock, establishing deformation compatibility equations subsequently. Validation of the EDCM was achieved through numerical models, physical model testing, and application to an actual slope. The factor of safety (FS) for slopes corresponds with the results from both models and the actual slope, demonstrating the method's applicability for evaluating susceptibility to block-flexure toppling. When applying the EDCM, it is advised to set the elastic modulus reduction coefficient for blocky layers at a value below 0.1.

Expanding Research on Firefighter Trainee Fitness, Reasons for Academy Release, and the Predictive Capabilities of Fitness Tests.

Lockie, RG, Orr, RM, Montes, F, and Dawes, JJ. Expanding research on firefighter trainee fitness, reasons for academy release, and the predictive capabilities of fitness tests. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 724-733, 2024-Firefighter trainees need a level of fitness to be admitted to and complete a training academy. Fitness could indicate a trainee's likelihood of graduation, in addition to their reasons for release. This study determined fitness differences between firefighter trainees who graduated (GRAD) from academy or were released because of injury (RELI), performance test failures (RELP), or resignation (RELR), and whether fitness predicted graduation. Occupational physical ability test (OPAT) data for 686 trainees were analyzed, including: Illinois agility test; push-ups; pull-ups; leg tucks; maximal aerobic capacity (V̇O2max); backward overhead medicine ball throw; 10-repetition maximum deadlift; and farmer's carry. Raw and scaled (based on internal scoring) scores were recorded. Trainees were split into GRAD (n = 576), RELI (n = 33), RELP (n = 66), and RELR (n = 11) groups. A 1-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc calculated between-group differences. Stepwise linear regression determined whether fitness predicted group inclusion. Receiver operating curves and area under the curve (AUC) derived test accuracy for predicting academy release. The GRAD group was superior (p ≤ 0.04) to the RELI group in all tests except push-ups, pull-ups, and farmer's carry; RELP group in all tests except the farmer's carry; and RELR group in V̇O2max, deadlift, and total OPAT score. Select fitness tests could predict inclusion in each group, although the explained variances were low (∼1-11%). Raw V̇O2max (AUC = 0.71) and total OPAT score (AUC = 0.74) had acceptable prediction accuracy. Fitness influenced academy graduation and reasons for release. Scaled scores could predict group inclusion in this department; V̇O2max and total OPAT score provided the most accurate predictors for release.

Research on the separation chamber diameter ratio of the multi-stage hydrocyclone to inhibit particle misplacement

The particle radial settling distance is determined by the separation chamber diameter ratio of multistage hydrocyclones, affecting particle circulation flow and particle misplacement. The effect of the separation chamber diameter ratio on the flow field and separation performance is explored using numerical simulations and physical experiments. The findings indicate that a larger separation chamber diameter ratio increases the particle circulation flow ratio and coarse particle circulation flow proportion, intensifying the particle enrichment ratio. However, smaller separation chamber diameter ratios result in higher turbulence intensity and higher enrichment ratio of coarse particles in the primary separation chamber. Both oversize and undersize separation chamber diameter ratios exacerbate misplaced coarse particles. Physical test results indicate that misplaced fine particles and coarse particles diminish and eventually increase with increasing the separation chamber diameter ratio. The + 150 μm particle content in the overflow reaches the minimum value of 0.32 % in the separation chamber diameter ratio of 0.5. In comparison, the –23 μm particle content in the underflow reaches the minimum value of 3.7 % in the separation chamber diameter ratio of 0.6, and the classification efficiency of −74 μm reaches the maximum of 61.85 %. Consequently, both large and small separation chamber diameter ratios will aggravate particle misplacement and deteriorate classification performance by augmenting the coarse particle circulation flow.

Performance Envelope of a 538-Series High-Speed Helico-Axial Pump for High-Gas-Volume-Fraction Operation

Summary Operating at high speeds can have the benefit of increasing the capability of pumps to enhance surface or downhole production of fluids with high gas volume fraction (GVF). This study presents the performance envelope of a high-speed helico-axial pump (HAP) operating at high GVFs (&amp;gt;80%). The ultimate aim of the physical tests was to ascertain the operating capabilities of the pump for potential scaleup to a field prototype. The HAP housing outer diameter was 5.38 in. and operated at a rotational speed of 6,000 rev/min. Air and water were the test fluids, with an average pump intake and a discharge temperature of 28°C. The fluid volume flow rates were varied while maintaining 46 psig at the HAP intake. The liquid and total intake volume flow rates varied from 128 B/D to 664 B/D and 4,941 B/D to 7,593 B/D, respectively. The corresponding dimensionless pressure boost (DPB), GVF, liquid flow coefficients (LFCs), and total flow coefficients (TFCs) were recorded. Additional parameters noted were the percentage of electric current draw to full-load motor current by the HAP motor and the percentage of electric power input to full load power to the HAP motor. The results showed that the HAP had a stable operation during the tests for intake GVF range of 91–98%. The corresponding pump DPB was in the range of 0.0138–0.0751. These values being positive indicated the capability of the HAP to boost fluid pressure even for such high intake gas content and avoid pump gas lock. The results also showed that for a given intake GVF, the HAP DPB increased with decreasing LFC. For a given LFC, the DPB decreased with increasing intake GVF. The percent electric input power to the HAP motor varied between 28% and 64% of full-load motor power. It was observed to strongly increase with decreasing LFC at a given intake GVF and very strongly decrease with increasing intake GVF at a given LFC. The associated percent electric current draw by the HAP motor was seen to vary between 24% and 53% of full-load motor current. Its variation with LFC and intake GVF was similar to those of the percent electric power input. The DPB, percent electric current, and power draw by the HAP motor variations with TFC for a given intake GVF were similar to those of the LFCs. In conclusion, the HAP demonstrated the capability to boost fluid pressure when handling high GVF flows. It is being scaled up to a field prototype to handle higher volume flow rates of high GVF gas-liquid mixtures. This study mainly highlights the method to extend the gas-handling capability of a HAP by operating it at high speeds. Optimal hydraulic design and proper conditioning of the inlet flow components were also incorporated into the HAP architecture. Expanding the HAP operating envelope to handle high-GVF flows significantly unlocks the potential for field operators to maximize hydrocarbon production from high-gas content applications. This, in turn, increases the economic bottom line from the field asset.

Robust Estimation of Average Treatment Effects with Observational Studies

Estimating treatment effects has always been one of the hot issues in empirical research. It brings great challenges to estimating treatment effects because heterogeneity exists in the distribution of covariates between treated and controlled groups. Propensity score methods have been widely used to adjust for heterogeneity in observational studies. However, the propensity score is usually unknown and needs to be estimated. In this article, we propose a generalized single-index model to estimate the propensity score and use the propensity score residuals to reduce the estimation bias. The finite-sample performance of the proposed method is evaluated through simulation studies. We use the proposed method to evaluate the policy of "Sunshine Running" and find that the physical test scores of college students participating in the "Sunshine Running" can be improved by 3.72 points.

Determination of optimum printing direction of the polycarbonate parts produced by additive manufacturing

In this study, the effect of printing direction on the tensile properties of polycarbonate (PC) parts produced using a 3D printer was investigated. A total of 9 samples were produced with printing directions of 0°, 45° and 90° with infill density of 20%. Tensile tests were carried out to determine the maximum tensile strength (UTS) of the samples. As a result of the research, it was determined that the samples produced in the same direction as the tensile direction (0° printing direction) had the highest strength values; on the other hand, samples produced in the 90° printing direction have the lowest strength values. While the ultimate tensile strength values for samples produced in 0° printing direction were measured respectively as 22.4 MPa, 21.6 MPa and 20.7 MPa; as 7.1 MPa, 9.1 MPa and 9.2 MPa in 45° printing direction; it was determined as 7.2 MPa, 5.4 MPa and 5.8 MPa in the 90° printing direction. In addition, UTS/mass ratios were calculated by measuring the mass of the samples after the tensile test. According to the results obtained, samples in the 0° printing direction have the highest UTS/mass ratio compared to other printing directions, making them the most durable option for applications requiring lightweight structures. Tensile samples produced in FDM were analyzed with the finite element method (FEM) and analysis results were found to be equivalent to physical tests. This study contributes to examination of the influence of 3D printing direction, especially exposed to tensile, on material properties, and provides important information for the production of lightweight and high strength PC components in industries such as medicine, aerospace and automotive.

The Ordeal of the “Dirty Urine”

Probation systems rely on urine screens to sort people for punishment. Probationers who test “clean” show that they are worthy of remaining in the community, while those who test “dirty” make themselves vulnerable to incarceration. This article draws comparisons between the testing mechanisms used in modern probation systems and the testing mechanisms used in the medieval ordeal. In undergoing a medieval ordeal, “probands” went through a physical test to determine whether their bodies were pure or impure. Those who failed the test were led away for punishment. Most people subjected to the medieval ordeal were poor, as are most people in modern probations systems who must prove that their urine is “clean.”

Use of Waste Rubber Material as Crumb on Road Construction

Abstract: The growth rate of vehicles is the backbone of economic development of any country. India is the second fast growing automobile industry in the world. In today’s era, solid waste management is the thrust area. On the other side, the traffic intensity is also increasing. As a result, amount of waste tyres is also increasing. The increasing consumption of waste tire has generated many problems such as increasing landfill space, environmental pollution and causing health hazards. Parallel to this is the increasing of roads construction because of heavy traffic on roads. This study reviews to the use of crumb rubber (waste tires in powder form) in bitumen using the wet process. The study focuses on the crumb rubber as a replacement to the total weight of bitumen. The design or life span for all highways and urban roads is 10 – 20 years. Unfortunately, damages or distresses on pavements are still occurring before reaching the maximum period of the designed road serviceability. Among the major influencing factor that is contributing to this distress is the repeated heavy traffic loading on the road surfaces. Moreover, the use of waste crumb rubber in road construction as a pavement surface has a better skid resistance, fatigue crack resistance and increased rut resistance. The review includes physical tests that are used to determine the physical properties of bitumen and modified crumb rubber mix. The physical tests involve penetration test, softening point test, and ductility test. The expectations from the study are to develop bitumen with waste crumb rubber that would minimize the costs of bitumen and providing better physical properties compared to the convention bitumen based on the tests that was conducted.

PENGUJIAN MUTU FISIK FORMULASI SEDIAAN SABUN PADAT BERBAHAN SUSU KEDELAI

Soap is a product formed through the reaction between fatty acids and strong bases, which has a function as a dirt cleaner. Soap containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can cause irritation for users with sensitive skin types. The use of natural ingredients is highly considered to minimize the side effects of using synthetics. Soy milk is one of the natural ingredients that can be utilized because it contains antioxidant compounds that are beneficial to ward off free radicals on the skin. Soy milk also contains saponin compounds, a natural ingredient used as a soap foaming agent that is more environmentally friendly than chemicals. This study aims to evaluate the physical quality of soy milk solid soap dosage formulations. In this study, four soap formulas were made with variations in soy milk concentrations of 11, 15 and 19%. The physical quality test parameters included organoleptic test, homogeneity test, pH test, and foam height test. The research data was analyzed with SPSS version 25 with the Kruskal-Wallis test with a confidence level of 95%. Based on the results of the study, soy milk solid soap was obtained with good physical quality including organoleptic, homogeneity and foam height. However, the pH value of soy milk solid soap does not comply with the provisions imposed for soap products.

High-strength self-compacting concrete produced with recycled clay brick powders: Rheological, mechanical and microstructural properties

High-strength self-compacting concrete (HSSCC), which has superior workability and filling ability compared to conventional concrete, is increasingly used in modern densely reinforced structures in the construction industry. However, HSSCC is more costly to produce than conventional concrete and can result in higher carbon emissions due to higher cement usage. On 6 February 2023, the devastating Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye created a serious environmental problem. In this context, recycling and utilizing construction demolition waste (CDW), which creates a serious environmental problem after devastating earthquakes and urban transformations, can contribute to the economy of countries and environmental waste problems. In this study, to produce HSSCC more economically, sustainably, and environmentally, HSSCC series were produced using fly ash (FA) and recycled clay brick powders (RCBP) obtained from CDWs in certain proportions by weight instead of cement. For this purpose, seven different series of HSSCC were produced. FA and RCBP were used separately in the mixtures at 0% (control), 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight instead of cement. The fresh HSSCC series were then subjected to workability tests and cured for 28, 56, and 90 days. At the end of the curing period, physical and mechanical property tests and internal structure analyses by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed on the HSSCC series. In addition, sensitivity analysis was performed using multiple linear model analysis to determine which parameters affect which properties in HSSCC designs. Although the highest workability loss in fresh HSSCCs was in the blend series where 20% RCBP was used, all of the blends provided fresh SCC properties by the standards. In general, the increase in FA and RCBP used in the HSSCC series decreased the 28-day compressive strengths (except RCBP10), while the strength losses gradually decreased as the curing age increased and at the end of 90 days; the compressive strengths of FA10 (71.9 MPa with 1.6% increase), RCBP10 (74.8 MPa with 5.6% increase) and RCBP15 (71.5 MPa with 1% increase) series were obtained above the control series (70.8 MPa). SEM analyses performed at the end of the study showed that HSSCC specimens with 10% RCBP replacement contained more intense hydration products and fewer pores than the other series.

Effects of post warm-up short-term inactivity on physical and physiological parameters in female elite team handball players

Abstract: In team handball, coaches can make unlimited substitutions, allowing players to enter the game at any time, even if they haven't been active on the bench. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of inactivity following a warm-up on the physical performance and physi-ological responses of female elite team handball players. The secondary aim of the study was to examine a possible connection between the examined parameters. Twelve female adult elite field handball players (n = 12; age, 31.9 ± 4.05 years; weight, 66.1 ± 5.8 kg; height 173 ± 3.8 cm and body mass index, 2.2 ± 0.2 kg/cm2) were examined. All tests were assessed in two distinct situations: (a) immediately after warm-up (T1-AW) and (b) after a 15-minute inactivity period (T2-IP). The physical tests performed were: countermovement jump with arms fixed (CMJ AF), squat jump (SJ), medicinal ball rotational throw test right (MBTT-R) and medicinal ball rotational throw test left (MBTT-L) and 10 m acceleration test (TA 10m). Heart rate (HR) was measured during warm-up and at T2-IP, while body temperature (BT), lactic acid (LA), serum glucose (G), and blood oxygen sat-uration (SpO2) were measured at T1-AW and T2-IP. Significant differences were found at T2-IP for RSI1 (t= 2.88, p &lt; 0.01) and PP (t= 2.24, p &lt; 0.05), specific to CMJ AF and RSI1 (t= 3.88, p &lt; 0.01), and for PP specific to SJ (t= 2.28, p &lt; 0.05). All physical indices correlated positively with the physio-logical ones. In addition, two significant correlations were identified, one between the decrease in the RSI 1-CMJ AF index and the PP-CMJ AF index (r=0.59, p&lt;0.05) and another between the decline in the PP- SJ and Tc (r=0.60, p&lt;0.05). The results obtained from the present study indicate that short-term inactivity can negate some of the physical and physiological benefits that players gain from warming up. The study revealed a significant reduction in certain parameters related to jump tests after a 15-minute period of inactivity. Moreover, it was observed that there is a direct corre-lation between the decrease in body temperature and the reduction in peak power specific to squat jump performance. This implies that lower body temperatures that result from a short period of inactivity can have a negative impact on jumping performance just before players enter the game.

Mineralogical, geochemical and physical properties assessment of clay deposits in Umuoke Obowo Southeastern Nigeria for industrial applications

This study assessed the suitability of clay deposits from Umuoke, Obowo in southeastern Nigeria as local raw materials for industrial applications. Ten samples were collected from different mining pits across the locality. X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and physical property tests characterized the clays based on geochemical composition, mineralogy and key attributes. The clays showed high silica (56.41%) and alumina (32.82%) contents typical of aluminosilicate clays. Iron oxide levels were moderately elevated (3.34% Fe2O3). Clay minerals kaolinite (18.9-37.0%) and illite (0.5-4.15%) occurred predominantly alongside non-clay minerals like quartz, feldspars and metal oxides. The clays exhibited high plasticity (avg. plasticity index 26.61%) enabling easy moulding and shaping. Porosity averaged 21.33% appropriate for refractories. Firing shrinkage (6.5-19.2%) and density (1.54-1.76 g/cm3) were in acceptable ranges. Strength post-firing reached the 15 N/mm2 minimum standard. Estimated refractoriness was 1680.22°C. Overall, the Umuoke clays demonstrate favourable chemistry, mineralogy and physical properties for refractories and structural ceramics applications pending some processing adjustments. Locally exploiting these deposits can promote import substitution, rural industrialization and sustainable development in Nigeria. Further pilot testing can optimize formulations and processes for targeted ceramic products. Comprehensive nationwide clay deposit prospecting is also recommended. The clays are suitable for refractory bricks, ceramic tableware, architectural ceramics, wall tiles, pottery items.

Modeling Risk for Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injury in U.S. Military Academy Cadet Basic Training.

Sport and tactical populations are often impacted by musculoskeletal injury. Many publications have highlighted that risk is correlated with multiple variables. There do not appear to be existing studies that have evaluated a predetermined combination of risk factors that provide a pragmatic model for application in tactical and/or sports settings. To develop and test the predictive capability of multivariable risk models of lower extremity musculoskeletal injury during cadet basic training at the U.S.Military Academy. Cadets from the class of 2022 served as the study population. Sex and injury history were collected by questionnaire. Body Mass Index (BMI) and aerobic fitness were calculated during testing in the first week of training. Movement screening was performed using the Landing Error Scoring System during week 1 and cadence was collected using an accelerometer worn throughout initial training. Kaplan-Meier survival curves estimated group differences in time to the first musculoskeletal injury during training. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was used to compare model fit. Cox modeling using HRs indicated that the following variables were associated with injury risk : Sex, history of injury, Landing Error Scoring System Score Category, and Physical Fitness Test (PT) Run Score. When controlling for sex and history of injury, amodel including aerobic fitness and BMI outperformed the model including movement screening risk and cadence (AIC: 1068.56 vs. 1074.11) and a model containing all variables that were significant in the univariable analysis was the most precise (AIC: 1063.68). In addition to variables typically collected in this tactical setting (Injury History, BMI, and aerobic fitness), the inclusion of kinematic testing appears to enhance the precision of the risk identification model and will likely continue to be included in screening cadets at greater risk.