RMR Values Research Articles

Engineering Geological Study of Road Tunnel Along Siddhartha Highway Between Butwal and Dobhan Siwaliks Group, West-central Nepal

The Siddhartha Highway is a critical economic artery in Nepal, providing a vital trade link with China and India. However, this roadway has been beset by the frequent occurrence of rock falls and dry landslides, which can cause severe damage and disruption. The main causes of these issues are differential weathering patterns of the rocks, activation of the Main Frontal Thrust (MFT), and a young mountain chain with fragile geology. Because of road instability, the road tunnel has been proposed to prevent damage. The proposed tunnel road passes between the chainage of 29+000 and 30+370 in the rocks of the Lower and Middle Siwaliks. The Lower Siwaliks are composed of thick to thin-bedded shale, mudstone and calcareous sandstone whereas the Middle Siwaliks are represented by presence of friable sandstone, shale and mudstone. The rock mass of this section varies from poor rock to extremely poor rock with RMR values ranging from 29 to 45 and Q values ranging from 0.19 to 1.11. The support system for each class is derived according to RMR and Q-value. The kinematic analysis reveals the potential of wedge failure at the southern portal of the road tunnel, whereas the northern portal has shown a low potential for failure.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF COVID-19 BRIEF ANXIETY SCALE IN OMAN

Introduction: The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused increased levels of anxiety and stress. A recent study reported that 99% of its sample experienced anxiety, stress, stigma, and concerns about potential social isolation. Aims: This study aims to address the lack of a specific COVID-19 anxiety scale in Oman. Methods: The online scale was distributed via Google Form to 431 students, representing 3% of the total student population at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). The students were enrolled in different colleges of Sultan Qaboos University. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a unidimensional factorial structure consisting of four items. Item loadings ranged from 0.617 (item 4) to 0.847 (item 3). Results: The results indicated that the validity fit indices were excellent. The RMSEA and SRMR values were greater than 0.05 indicating a perfect fit. The X2/DF value was 0.854, with a p-value of less than 0.653, while the GFI, AGFI, IFI, NFI, TLI, CFI, RMR, and RMSEA values were 0.999, 0.995, 1.003, 0.998, 0.959, 1.00, 0.015, 0.000, respectively (90% CI [0.000; 0.074]). The COBAS-4 showed convergent validity through its significant association with similar scales. Discriminant validity was established via its insignificant correlation to distinct constructs. McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha showed adequate reliability at 0.810 each. The results of multiple group CFA indicated configural, metric, and scalar invariance between male and female students (ΔCFI ≤ 0.01, ΔRMSEA ≤ 0.015). No significant differences were found between the two sexes. The scale was calibrated using the Rasch rating scale, which provided robust results. The Mantel-Haenszel test showed no differential item functioning (DIF) across sexes. Conclusion: The COBAS-4 is a valid, reliable, simple, and easy-to administer self-report instrument for assessing COVID-19-related anxiety.

Empirical Method for Engineering Geological Evaluation of Pelosika Dam Diversion Tunnel Design, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

This paper explains a Pelosika Dam Diversion Tunnel in metamorphic rocks (quartz muscovite phyllite) and aims to find out excavation methods, stand-up time, and support systems for tunnel construction. The purpose of this research is that the development of science in tunnel construction with the characteristic of metamorphic rock will increase. Tunnel location in poort rock mass quality based on previous geology investigations. Based on current geology and engineering geological mapping results, diversion tunnel through poor rock mass of metamorphic rocks (phyllite) which have slightly-highly weathered. We classified rock mass quality by GSI, RMR, and Q-System methods which produce the almost same results (poor rock mass quality). The GSI Chart and Pettifer-Fookes Chart which excavation method has the results of the digging and ripping. RMR value determines the stand-up time last 42-240 minutes after excavation. RMR and Q-System values generate the support system which used rock bolts (length= 1.8 m), shotcrete (thick=10-15 cm), and steel sets (spacing=1,5m) if required. A purpose of combination from the different excavation methods and support systems to complement each other and improve the safety of the tunnel without compromising the cost-effectiveness of construction.

Affecting Factors for Dietary, Exercise and Behavioral Modification of Women on Diet Improvement through Mediating Effects of Improve the Quality of Life

Purpose: This study examined the factors affecting dietary, exercise, and behavioral modification of women on diet improvement using mediating effects of improving the quality of life.Methods: To conduct this study, a survey was conducted on female clients with obesity in eight franchise body-type management rooms in May 2022. Consequently, out of the 318 copies of the questionnaire, 275 copies were used for analysis, excluding false answers. The analysis of this study was conducted using Predictive Analytics SoftWare Statistics by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 19.0 and AMOS 19.0. First, frequency analysis was conducted to analyze the general characteristics of the study subjects, and factor analysis was conducted using Varimax rotation to derive variables as a dimension of factors. Second, reliability analysis was conducted to calculate the reliability coefficient (Cronbach's α). Third, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to analyze the reliability and validity of the model, and model suitability was confirmed using RMSEA, RMR, GFI, NFI, TLI, and CFI values. Fourth, structural model analysis was conducted for the process of confirming the research problem, and lastly, Sobel verification of the mediating effect was conducted.Results: The results of Sobel verification for the intermediate path were as follows: Recognition affecting diet improvement mediating the improved quality of life is 3.017 (p<0.05); attitude is 2.691 (p<0.05); action is 0.997 (p<0.05); durability is 1.607 (p<0.001); and effectiveness is 0.961 (p<0.001), respectively.Conclusion: It is vital to analyze the current status and needs of people with obesity’s diet, exercise, and behavior modification, as well as to supplement them using various devices to conduct the set living rules properly. Thus, attention and efforts from the government, private sector, schools, and local governments are needed to provide conditions for improving the quality of life and continuous diet.

The positive and negative parenting attitudes of parents Depression and Depression in the Effects of Academic Helplessness Mediating effects of self-esteem

Background: Parents' parenting attitudes according to family structural changes affect adolescents' academic achievement, which is predicted to be important mediating factors such as depression and self-esteem. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to verify the relationship between depression and self-esteem between parents' parenting attitudes and adolescents' academic work skills. Methodology/Approach: In this study, the SPSS 23.0 program and the Amos 23.0 program were used to verify the suitability of the research model, and the suitability indices of the X2, GFI, AGFI, NFI, CFI, TLI, RMSEA, and RMR values were used to verify the suitability of the model. In addition, significance was verified through the Bootstrapping procedure to verify the mediating effect. Findings/Conclusions: As a result of the research model, first, as a result of path analysis, it was found that positive parenting had a negative (-) effect on academic work skills and depression and a positive (+) effect on self-esteem. Parents' negative parenting attitudes had a positive (+) effect on academic work skills, depression, and self-esteem, and self-esteem had a positive (+) effect on depression, but self-esteem did not affect academic work skills. Second, in the mediating effect verification, the positive parenting attitude of parents partially mediated the academic work ability, and self-esteem and depression were found to be double mediated. Third, in the comparison of indirect effects, the indirect effect was found to be significant for the partial mediating effect of depression between academic work skills in the positive and negative parenting attitude of parents, and the indirect effect was also significant in the double mediating effect of self-esteem and depression. Implications: In order not to give adolescents a school work experience, they set new goals with their parents, who are the main caregivers, and suggested ways to achieve a smooth life by improving their learning motivation.

Penilaian Tingkat Kestabilan Lereng De ngan Metode Slope Mass Rating (SMR) pada Bench S dan J PT Tanjung Bukit Nunggal Kabupaten Bangka Tengah

Excavation activities on mining activities cause tension changes on the ground that trigger the occurrence of deformation then followed by changes in slope stability. If slope stability is impaired then it will lead to the possibility of an avalanche, this will certainly result in the disruption of mining activities that endanger workers who are on the slope area with potential for avalanches. This study aims to find out parameters of basic RMR and deflection values of basic RMR at bench S and J, find out the values of slope stability using SMR at bench S and J, and cope with slope instability based on SMR values. The methods used in this study are quantitative and qualitative methods namely scanline sampling and rock physical test that is Uniaxial Compressive Strenght (UCS) tests, and Rock Quality Designation (RQD) measurements. The results of this study show that the rock conditions at the bench S and J are still good with RMR values of approximately 71 ± 73, the probability of avalanche occurrence is very low as SMR values range 71 ± 73, but still it needs to be carried out cutting on blocks indicated to ruins.

Looking inside TBM parameters: feedback from the Tunnel 4 case study, Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project (Philippines)

The use of TBMs in the tunnel industry has undergone a continuous growth over the last years, with application in ever expanding ranges of geotechnical conditions. Nevertheless, the feedback from completed projects with respect to the use of machine data for assessing geotechnical conditions are not common: there are only a few attempts to correlate machine data with geotechnical conditions during excavation and in most cases the use of machine data is related to assessment of TBM performance for prediction of advance rate. The analysis of TBM parameters may represent an interesting tool for monitoring of geotechnical conditions at the tunnel face and early detection of adverse face conditions. This work presents the feedback from the Tunnel 4, a 6.4 km long water transfer tunnel excavated by double shield TBM in the Philippines. The machine data have been analysed for identification of most sensitive parameters to geomechanical properties of the rock mass. In this respect, the use of specific-excavation parameters provides best results for assessing geotechnical conditions during excavation. Specific energy and Field Penetration Index displayed a good correlation with RMR values. The combined use of Net Advance Rate and Drillability Index allows to highlight how unstable face conditions and / or tough rock can influence the TBM advance.

Comparison of Resting Metabolic Rates: Calculated using predictive equation and measured using Portable Indirect Calorimeter

Objective: The aim of this research was to examine differences between measured RMR from a portable indirect calorimetry device and calculated RMR from the predictive equation. Methods: Seventy-nine participants were recruited for the study. RMR measures with the portable IC device were compared with RMR values calculated using Mifflin-St. Jeor Equation (MSJE). Subjects were divided base on body fat %: Group A included 35 lean/normal participants; Group B included 44 overweight participants.

Demarcation of probable failure zones based on SMR and kinematic analysis

Stability of the slopes along the rock cut on hilly roads are a major concern because slope failures lead to disruption of traffic and loss of property/life. The Markundi hill near Chopan, District Sonbhadra is characterized by moderate strength and highly jointed rock with rugged topographic features has experienced several episodes of rockfall activities. This geological phenomenon disturbs the traffic on SH-5 which is lifeline to eastern U.P., parts of M.P., Bihar and Jharkhand States of India. An attempt has been made to assess the present geotechnical condition of the rock mass and demarcate the nature and locations of possible failure using rock mass characterization techniques and kinematic analysis. On the basis of RMR values, section-1 and section-2 having poor to fair quality rock mass while on the basis of SMR investigation, section-1 and section-2 falls in partially stable to unstable class, respectively. Kinematic analysis suggests that slopes are unstable and wedge failures are commonly observed along both left and right slope sections.

Food restriction, but not seasonality, modulates the acute phase response of a Neotropical bat

Season and food intake are known to affect immune response of vertebrates yet their effects on metabolic rate have been rarely explored. We tested the effect of season and acute food restriction and their interaction on the energetic cost of immune response activation of a tropical vertebrate, the Seba's short-tailed fruit bat (Carollia perspicillata). We specifically stimulated the acute phase response (APR) with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to measure metabolic changes along with changes in body temperature (Tb), body mass (Mb), white blood cell counts and the Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio (N/L). We found no effect of season on the different factors associated to the activation of the APR. In contrast to our expectations, unfed bats reached similar Tb increments and RMR peak values and had higher RMR scope values and higher caloric costs than fed bats after LPS injection. However, food deprivation led to delayed metabolic response indicated by longer time required to reach peak RMR values in unfed bats. Both food-deprived and fed bats did not present leukocytosis after APR activation and their WBC counts were similar, but unfed bats had a significant increase of N/L. APR activation represented a small fraction of the bat daily energy requirements which might explain why unfed bats were not limited to mount a metabolic response. Our study adds to recent evidence showing that activating the innate immune system is not an energetically expensive process for plant-eating bats.

Interpretation of variability of rock mass rating by geostatistical analysis: a case study in Western Turkey

Geotechnical interpretation of drillholes for rock mass characterization is commonly based on the engineering judgment. This might result in misrepresentation of the rock mass at unsampled locations. This paper investigates the reproducibility of the spatial variability of rock mass quality (rock mass rating, RMR) using geostatistics. Geotechnical data from an exploratory phase mining project in Western Turkey that covers 2.7 km depth with a total of 14 drillholes composed of 700 samples was used to perform a geostatistical analysis. RMR values of positions, where geotechnical logging was missing, were estimated by applying inverse distance weighting (IDW) and the ordinary kriging (OK) methods. The validation process showed that the OK method is consistently estimating the RMR values better than IDW. The spatial variability of RMR values by geostatistical analysis could provide valuable information in the design and development of underground or surface structures.

Correction: Both thyroid hormone levels and resting metabolic rate decrease in African striped mice when food availability decreases (doi: 10.1242/jeb.151449).

There was an error published in J. Exp. Biol. (2017) 220, 837-843 (doi: 10.1242/jeb.151449).A mistake was made by the authors in the calculation of RMR values. The corrected Results section, tables and figures follow and we indicate where the significance of relationships changed. There are no changes to the conclusions of the paper.Mass-adjusted RMR (ml O2 g−1 h−1) was higher in the moist season than in the dry season (t29.17=−3.40, P=0.001). Whole-animal RMR also varied seasonally (ANCOVA: F=39.82, P<0.0001). Whole-animal RMR did not correlate with individual body mass (r38=0.29, t=1.90, P=0.06, N=40; Fig. S1), while in the previously published version it was significant at P=0.04.T3 levels (χ2=5.43, d.f.=7, P=0.01; Table 2, Fig. 2) and season (χ2=26.32, d.f.=7, P<0.001; Table 2, Fig. 2) influenced log-transformed whole-animal RMR, while sex and body mass had no significant effect (sex: χ2=0.21, d.f.=7, P=0.63; body mass: χ2=2.06, d.f.=7, P=0.15; Table 2). In the moist season, log-transformed T3 levels and log-transformed whole-animal RMR were negatively correlated (r16=−0.54, t=−2.62, P=0.018, N=18; Fig. 2), while they were not correlated in the dry season (r20=−0.08, t=−0.38, P=0.70, N=22; Fig. 2). T3 levels (χ2=14.43, d.f.=6, P=0.001; Table S1, Fig. S2), season (χ2=23.59, d.f.=6, P<0.001; Table S1, Fig. S2) and their interaction (χ2=32.86, d.f.=4, P<0.001; Table S1, Fig. S2) influenced log-transformed mass-adjusted RMR, whereas sex had no influence (χ2=1.32, d.f.=6, P=0.24; Table S1). There are no changes to the conclusions of the paper. The authors apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Congruent validity and inter-day reliability of two breath by breath metabolic carts to measure resting metabolic rate in young adults

Background & aimsAchieving high inter-day reliability is a key factor to analyze the magnitude of change in RMR, for instance after an intervention. The aims of this study were: i) to determine the congruent validity of RMR and respiratory quotient (RQ) with two breath by breath commercially available metabolic carts [CCM Express (CCM) and Ultima CardiO2 (MGU)]; and ii) to analyze the inter-day reliability of RMR and RQ measurements. Methods & resultsSeventeen young adults participated in the study. RMR measurements were performed during two consecutive 30-min periods, on two consecutive days with both metabolic carts. The 5-min period that met the steady state criteria [Coefficient of variance (CV) < 10% for VO2, VCO2, and VE, and CV<5% for RQ] and with the lowest CV average was included in further analysis. RMR values were higher with the MGU than with the CCM on both days (two-way ANOVA, P = 0.021), however, no differences were found on RQ values obtained by both metabolic carts (P = 0.642). Absolute inter-day RMR differences obtained with the MGU were higher than those obtained with the CCM (219 ± 185 vs. 158 ± 154 kcal/day, respectively, P = 0.002; 18.3 ± 17.2% vs. 13.5 ± 15.3%, respectively, P = 0.046). We observed a significant positive association of absolute inter-day differences in RMR obtained with both metabolic carts (β = 0.717; R2 = 0.743; P < 0.001). ConclusionsThe CCM metabolic cart provides lower RMR values and seems more reliable than the MGU in our sample of young adults. Our findings also suggest that a great part of inter-day variability is explained by the individuals.

The Hyperstatic Reaction Method for the Analysis of the Sprayed Concrete Linings Behavior in Tunneling

Hyperstatic Reaction Method considers the interaction between the shotcrete lining and the rock mass modelling half tunnel section by beam elements connected by nodes, which can develop bending moments, axial forces and shear forces. The interaction between ground and support is represented by Winkler type springs in the nodes of the numerical model, in the normal and tangential direction. 1944 analyses were developed considering three different tunnel radius values (2.0, 4.5 and 7.0 m), three different rock types (RMR = 40, RMR = 60 and RMR = 80), three different stress ratios acting on the linings ($$K = 1, \,K = 0.5$$ and $$K = 0$$), three different lining thickness values (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 m) and three values of the average elastic modulus of the shotcrete (6000, 9000 and 12,000 MPa). Besides, also two different stiffness values of the tangential springs at nodes were considered. Results show that the lining thickness and the elastic modulus of the shotcrete have a strong influence on the bending moment values which develop inside. The maximum axial force is not practically influenced by the lining elastic modulus and thickness. Both maximum bending moments and maximum axial forces increase in a linear way with the vertical load value; tunnel radius, $$K$$ and RMR values of the rock mass have also a great influence on the maximum bending moment and axial force. Besides, it is possible to note how the absence of shear interaction between the lining and the rock mass causes bending moment values in the lining higher with respect to the case where the stiffness of the tangential springs at nodes equals to half the stiffness of the normal springs. For this reason, the neglectance of the shear interaction between the lining and the tunnel wall leads to an overdesign of the SC lining.

Investigation of Rock Mass Stability Around the Tunnels in an Underground Mine in USA Using Three-Dimensional Numerical Modeling

The stability of the rock mass around the tunnels in an underground mine was investigated using the distinct element method. A three-dimensional model was developed based on the available geological, geotechnical, and mine construction information. It incorporates a complex lithological system, persistent and non-persistent faults, and a complex tunnel system including backfilled tunnels. The strain-softening constitutive model was applied for the rock masses. The rock mass properties were estimated using the Hoek–Brown equations based on the intact rock properties and the RMR values. The fault material behavior was modeled using the continuously yielding joint model. Sequential construction and rock supporting procedures were simulated based on the way they progressed in the mine. Stress analyses were performed to study the effect of the horizontal in situ stresses and the variability of rock mass properties on tunnel stability, and to evaluate the effectiveness of rock supports. The rock mass behavior was assessed using the stresses, failure zones, deformations around the tunnels, and the fault shear displacement vectors. The safety of rock supports was quantified using the bond shear and bolt tensile failures. Results show that the major fault and weak interlayer have distinct influences on the displacements and stresses around the tunnels. Comparison between the numerical modeling results and the field measurements indicated the cases with the average rock mass properties, and the K 0 values between 0.5 and 1.25 provide satisfactory agreement with the field measurements.

English

This work uses exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to study Verbal Skills Development Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale (VSDTS), Reading Skills Development Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale (RSDTS) and Writing Skills Development Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale (WSDTS) developed to identify classroom teacher candidates’ perceptions of teacher self-efficacy in developing students’ verbal, reading and writing skills. KMO values above 0.80 in all the three scales showed that the dataset was suitable for factor analysis. It can be argued that the scales are reliable since the factor analyses pointed that all the three scales had a single-factor structure. VSDTS, RSDTS and WSDTS were very good in the principal components analysis conducted under the framework of exploratory factor analysis. Their Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficients calculated were in the range of 0.80≤ α <1.00. In the confirmatory factor analysis of VSDTS, good NFI and RMR values and SRMR and CFI values above 0.95 point to substantial fit. In this context, 16-item single factor structure of VSDTS scale was confirmed. For RSDTS, good GFI values, NFI and CFI values above 0.95 and SRMR and RMR values below 0.05 corresponded to substantial fit. In this context, 11-item single factor structure of RSDTS scale was confirmed. For WSDTS, good AGFI values, GFI, NFI and CFI values above 0.95 and SRMR and RMR values below 0.05 corresponded to substantial fit. In this context, 8-item single factor structure of WSDTS scale was confirmed. Key words: Verbal skills, reading skills, writing skills, self-efficacy.

Influence of Perceived Organizational Justice on Empowerment, Organizational Commitment and Turnover Intention in the Hospital Nurses

Background/Objectives: The purpose of the study is to investigate the influence of perceived organizational justice on empowerment, organizational commitment and turnover intention in the hospital nurses in Korea. Methods/Statistical Analysis: A self-reported questionnaire was completed by three hundred hospital nurses in general hospital after hearing the purpose of the study. The instruments of the questionnaire consisted of organizational justice, empowerment, organizational commitment, and turnover intention measured by a five point Likert scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and AMOS 21.0 program. Technical statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficients, Cronbach's alpha, and EFA were done. Findings: The path model was analyzed to evaluate the hypothesis and overall fit measures. The model's overall fit measures were Χ 2 = 122.765, d.f. = 23, p = .000, GFI = .914, AGFI = .832, RMR = .031, NFI = .872, IFI = .893, CFI = .892. Model evaluation measure of overall fit is desirable when GFI, CFI, NFI, and IFI are above .9, AGFI above .8, and RMR below .05. While NFI, IFI, and CFI values in this study were somewhat lower, because RMR, GFI, and AGFI values were high, it was deemed acceptable without a revised model. Organizational justice had a positive direct effect on empowerment (r = .446, p = .004) and organizational commitment (r = .608, p = .004) and a negative direct effect on turnover intention (r = -.357, p = .004). Empowerment had a notable direct effect on organizational commitment (r = .213, p = .007), but no notable direct effect on turnover intention (r = .097, p = .155). Organizational commitment had a negative effect on turnover intention (r = -.381, p = .004). Organizational justice had an indirect effect on organizational commitment and turnover intention. Empowerment, too, had an indirect effect on turnover intention. Organizational justice, followed by organizational commitment, had the most overall effect on turnover intention, and both were negative effects. The coefficient of determination (R 2 ), which explains external and internal variables, was examined. The value of R 2 for empowerment was .199 (19.9%), organizational commitment's R 2 was .530 (53%), and turnover intention's R 2 was .407 (40.7%). This study shows that, as the nurses' perception of organizational justice becomes greater, empowerment and organizational commitment are heightened while turnover intention goes down. Improvements: Therefore, for effective hospital human resources management, nursing organizations and hospital organizations must change the design and system of the organization so that the nurses' perception of organizational justice will become greater.

Differences In Peak Mets Calculated Using Standard Mets Or Rmr In Normal And Overweight/obese Adults

PURPOSE: To examine differences in peak metabolic equivalents (METs) achieved calculated using standard METs (1 MET = 3.5 ml/kg/min) or resting metabolic rate (RMR; in ml/kg/min) in a large sample of adults. METHODS: Participants were 419 healthy adults (51% female, 67% white, mean age 27.6 yrs) from the Energy Balance Study. RMR was measured using indirect calorimetry and fitness via maximal treadmill test with recorded gas exchange. We analyzed males and females stratified by weight status (overweight/obese: BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2; normal weight: BMI <25 kg/m2) separately. RESULTS: Irrespective of sex, overweight/obese participants had significantly (p<0.0001) lower mean values of RMR, VO2peak, and peak standard METs achieved compared to normal weight participants (Table). However, when peak METs was calculated using measured RMR (VO2peak/RMR; both in ml/kg/min), no difference (P=0.10) in peak METs was observed between overweight/obese (14.2±2.3) and normal weight males (14.7±2.3); whereas peak RMR-based METs remained lower in overweight/obese compared to normal weight females (Table). The difference between peak METs measured via RMR or standard METs was significantly larger in overweight/obese participants, reflecting their lower RMR values (Table). CONCLUSIONS: As expected, overweight individuals had lower mean values of RMR, VO2peak, and peak standard METs achieved than normal weight individuals. However, when using RMR to calculate peak METs achieved, mean values were higher in all groups and similar between normal and overweight/obese males, but not females. These results highlight the limitations of quantifying maximal exercise capacity using the standard MET value. Supported by a grant from the Coca-Cola Company.

Empirical methods of calculating the mechanical parameters of the rock mass

The knowledge of the main mechanical constants of a rock mass (such as strength, deformability and the Poisson’s ratio) is one of the most important for rock engineering design on or in rock mass. Until now, several empirical relationships were determined for calculating these material constants based on both the quality of the studied rock mass (ie. RMR or GSI values) and the mechanical parameters of an intact rock. The goal of this paper is to review the empirical relationships between the mechanical properties of rock masses and the rock mass classification systems. The engineering properties involve not only the uniaxial compressive strength and deformation modulus of rock masses, but also Poisson’s ratio and tensile strength, among the others, which are of crucial for designing rock engineering structures. These different methods are compared and a general equation is determined in this paper. The presented expressions are yet to be tested with experimental data and empirical relationships should not replace in situ tests for final design.

Congruent validity and reliability of two metabolic systems to measure resting metabolic rate.

Determine the congruent validity and intra- and inter-day reliability of RMR measures assessed by the ParvoMedics Trueone 2 400 hood dilution method (Parvo) and Cosmed K4b(2) (Cosmed) breath-by-breath metabolic systems. Participants underwent 6 RMR assessments over 2 consecutive mornings, 3 with the Parvo (Day 1: Parvo 1; Day 2: Parvo 2, 3), 3 with the Cosmed (Day 1: Cosmed 1; Day 2: Cosmed 2, 3). Measured VE, FEO(2), FECO(2), VO(2), VCO(2), kcal/day, and HR values were averaged over a minimum of 10 min. Intra- and inter-day reliability within each system was determined with RMANOVA, and congruent validity was assessed via paired sample t-tests.31 participants (13 females, 18 males; 27.3±7 years, 24.8±3.1 kg.m(2)) completed the study. There were no significant differences in any within or between day Parvo values or Cosmed values. When systems were compared, there was a significant difference between VE (Parvo2: 25.03 L/min, Cosmed2: 8.98 L/min) and FEO(2) (Parvo2: 19.68%, Cosmed2: 16.63%), however, there were no significant difference in device-calculated RMR (kcals/day).The Parvo and Cosmed are reliable metabolic system with no intra- or inter-day differences in RMR. Due to differences in measurement technology, FEO(2), V(E) were significantly different between systems, but the resultant RMR values were not significantly different.