Small Leg Research Articles

The Effect of Providing Fermented Pineapple Peel in The Ration on The Performance of Peking Ducks

This research aims to determine the performance of male Peking ducks given rations containing fermented pineapple peel at the Teaching Farm, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Mataram. The research was carried out for 10 weeks using a Completely Randomized Design, consisting of 6 treatments and 5 replications. Each replication used 8 male Peking ducks aged two weeks so that the number of ducks used was 240. The treatments were P0 = control, P1 = 5% fermented pineapple peel, P2 = 10% fermented pineapple peel, P3 = 15% fermented pineapple peel, P4 = 20% fermented pineapple peel and P5 = 25% fermented pineapple peel. The research variables were: final body weight, body weight gain, ration consumption, Feed Converation Ratio, percentage of carcass and non-carcass analyzed using analysis of variance. The results of the study showed that giving fermented pineapple peel up to a level of 25% had a significant effect (P<0.05) on final body weight, body weight gain and feed consumption, but was not significantly different (P>0.05) on the feed conversion ratio, carcass percentage, small intestine length, small intestine percentage, liver percentage, and leg percentage. Conclusion: Providing fermented pineapple peel to a level of 10% increased final weight, body weight gain, feed consumption, head and neck percentage but reduced heart percentage and gizzard percentage. Feed conversion ratio, carcass percentage, small intestine length, small intestine percentage, liver percentage, and leg percentage were relatively similar between treatments.

Walking leg regeneration in the sea spider Nymphon brevirostre Hodge, 1863 (Pycnogonida)

Regeneration is widespread across all animal taxa, but patterns of its distribution and key factors determining regeneration capabilities stay enigmatic. A comparative approach could shed light on the problem, but its efficacy is limited by the fact that data is only available on a few species from derived taxa. Pycnogonida are nested basally within the Chelicerata. They can shed and replace their walking legs and have a high regeneration capacity. In this work, we carried careful observation on leg appendotomy and regeneration processes in a sea spider under laboratory settings. The limb structure and in vivo observation reveal autotomy as the most likely appendotomy mechanism. High regeneration capabilities were ascertained: an anatomically normal but small leg appeared in a single molting cycle and the full functionality regained in 2–3 cycles. Wound closure after appendotomy in N. brevirostre primarily relies on hemolymph coagulation, which apparently differs from both xiphosurans and crustaceans. Regeneration is provided by proliferation in the leg cutpiece. Regenerative morphogenesis resembles the normal ontogenetic morphogenesis of a walking leg, but accelerated. Unlike in most arthropods, in N. brevirostre, regeneration does not necessarily correspond to the molting cycle, inferring a plesiomorphic state.

Geometry Design-Based Thermoelectric Optimization Module

One alternative energy source is thermoelectric which is able to convert waste heat into electricity. However, research on thermoelectrics still needs a lot of development, especially module design. Therefore, research on thermoelectric optimization based on the module design was carried out using computer simulation. One of the parameters that can be used for analysis is the maximum output power which is thought to be increased through the cross-sectional area, length, shape, and type of pairs of legs. The principles used in the simulation are about the semiconductor material which is a type of thermoelectric foot material, the Seebeck effect to understand the energy conversion process, resistivity and thermal conductivity to understand the input from the simulation, CaTiO3, and SiC to understand the material used for the model and also Finite Element Analysis. FEA) and output power to understand the processing of simulation results. The research begins by making a design for each variation, entering the specifications, then the running process and calculations to obtain the maximum output power. From the simulation results, it is known that the thermoelectric design will be optimal for small leg lengths, large cross-sectional areas, and using similar materials (Unileg) with good specifications with a maximum output power value of 3,713.10-8 W for beams, 3,634.10-8 W for cylinders, and 8,617.10-8 W For Unileg N-N.

KARAKTERISTIK MORFOMETRIK KAMBING BOERKA PADA BERBAGAI TINGKATAN UMUR DI UPT. AGRI SCIENCE TECHNOPARK UNISLA

This study aims to identify the morphometric characteristics of male Boerka goats and female Boerka goats at different age levels as a basic step of selection in breeding and improving the genetic quality of goats. A total of 25 samples of Boerka goats, namely 10 male Boerka goats and 15 female Boerka goats were used to identify qualitative and qualitative traits at the age levels of 0-6 months, >6-12 months, and >12 months. The morphometric parameters observed consisted of qualitative characteristics, namely the diversity of coat colors, the diversity of horn shapes, the diversity of the color of the legs and the diversity of the front lines. While quantitative traits consist of body weight, height, body length, and chest circumference. The results of qualitative research found that Boerka goats had a dominant diversity of brown white fur color, short and small horns, black and white leg color, and a convex head shape. The average values ​​of body weight, height, body length, and chest circumference of male Boerka goats and female Boerka goats at various age levels were not significantly different except for chest circumference with age group > 12 months

The Effect of Small Box Plyometric and Alternate Leg Bound Training Methods on Long Jump in Students in Class XI State Madrasa Aliyah 5 of Jombang

This research is irritated by the observation that athletic achievement cannot be achieved speculatively, but must go through intensive training with the right training program. These determinants and supporting factors for achievement can be used as a basis for preparing a training program. One of the supporting factors in increasing long jump results is physical exercise. Several methods of physical training can be put forward such as weight training, interval training, circuit training, and small box plyometric exercises. In accordance with the formulation of the problem, the purpose of this study was to determine the difference in the effect of the small box plyometric and Alternate Leg Bound training methods on long jump results in class XI students at State Madrasa Aliyah 5 Jombang. large, medium, and small bodies in class XI students at State Madrasa Aliyah 5 Jombang and to determine the effect of the interaction between the small box plyometric training method and alternate leg bound and the ratio of leg length and height to the results of the long jump in class XI students at State Madrasa Aliyah 5 Jombang. Based on the results of field research, the two plyometric training methods have different results in the long jump. This is evidenced by the value of Fcount = 6.299 > Ftable = 4.04 at a significant level = 0.05 with a p-value = 0.016 <0.05, the difference in the increase in long jump results between students who have large, medium and small leg length and height ratios. This is evidenced by the value of Fcount = 27.786 > Ftable = 3.17 at a significant level = 0.05 with a p-value = 0.000 <0.05 and the interaction between plyometric training methods and the ratio of leg length to height is very significant. This is evidenced by the value of Fcount = 24.542 > Ftable = 3.16 at a significant level = 0.05 and p-value = 0.000 <0.05. Based on the conclusions in this study, it turns out that the application of the right training method will have a significant influence on the results of learning or training. The small box plyometric and alternate leg bound training methods and the ratio of leg length to body height is the variables that influence the long jump results. Keywords: [Training Method, Long Jump, Athletics]

Thermoelectric and power generation of 2D structured pieces of graphene-nanodiamonds nanocomposite.

Recently, the ultrafine 2D structured nanocomposite of graphene (Gr)-nanodiamonds (NDs) produced by a microwave-assisted chemical route was found to have attractive structural properties. This new 2D structured nanocomposite may be employed for a wide spectrum of applications including thermoelectricity (TE) applications. It is well established that TE materials should be highly effective to be used for designing operative devices for powering or cooling small devices. To fulfill such an objective, the functional TE material should possess a high-power factor and low thermal conductivity. In this study, NDs were successfully integrated into Gr with a magnificent structural alteration to the Gr layers/sheets. This structural modification was found to impact the TE final outcome above and below room temperature (RT). The obtained results showed that at 215 K the power factor value was increased from 4 μW m-1 K-2 for the pure Gr to ∼20 μW m-1 K-2 for the Gr-NDs nanocomposite. At higher T, e.g. 365 K, these values slightly decreased, but with clear superiority for the Gr-NDs nanocomposite. The thermal conductivity of the Gr-NDs nanocomposite was significantly reduced to ∼12% of that of the pure Gr, which could reflect a significant enhancement in the value of the figure of merit by >45 times. Furthermore, the output power generated by a single small leg module made of the Gr-NDs nanocomposite was measured and found to be measurable. The obtained values are still relatively low for practical application, but this newly produced material has great potential to be further developed for TE applications.

Offshore tethered platform springing response statistics

This paper demonstrates the validity of the Naess–Gadai method for extrapolating extreme value statistics of second-order Volterra series processes through application on a representative model of a deep water small size tension leg platform (TLP), with specific focus on wave sum frequency effects affecting restrained modes: heave, roll and pitch. The wave loading was estimated from a second order diffraction code WAMIT, and the stochastic TLP structural response in a random sea state was calculated exactly using Volterra series representation of the TLP corner vertical displacement, chosen as a response process. Although the wave loading was assumed to be a second order (non-linear) process, the dynamic system was modelled as a linear damped mass-spring system. Next, the mean up-crossing rate based extrapolation method (Naess–Gaidai method) was applied to calculate response levels at low probability levels. Since exact solution was available via Volterra series representation, both predictions were compared in this study, namely the exact Volterra and the approximate one. The latter gave a consistent way to estimate efficiency and accuracy of Naess–Gaidai extrapolation method. Therefore the main goal of this study was to validate Naess–Gaidai extrapolation method by available analytical-based exact solution. Moreover, this paper highlights limitations of mean up-crossing rate based extrapolation methods for the case of narrow band effects, such as clustering, typically included in the springing type of response.

LEAPING FROM LUSH TROPICAL ENVIRONMENTS TO THE L-TRAIN: A CASE OF SEVERE LEPTOSPIROSIS IN NEW YORK CITY

LEAPING FROM LUSH TROPICAL ENVIRONMENTS TO THE L-TRAIN: A CASE OF SEVERE LEPTOSPIROSIS IN NEW YORK CITY

Hydrodroma angelieri (Acari, Hydrachnidia: Hydrodromidae) a new water mite species from Corsica based on morphological and DNA barcode evidence

In the present study we used morphological data and DNA barcodes to describe a new species, Hydrodroma angelieri sp. nov. from Corsica, France. A high genetic distance of 17.3±0.017% K2P from its molecularly most closely related European congener, H. despiciens (Müller, 1776), supports H. angelieri sp. nov. as a distinct species. Morphologically the new species can be identified on the basis of relatively small leg claws, the presence of only one swimming seta on II-L-5 and 4-6 swimming setae on the anterior surface of IV-L-5. An updated key for the European species of Hydrodroma is provided.

Reliability Analysis of Loess Cave Dwellings Based on Fuzzy Failure Criterion

The reliability of loess cave dwellings based on fuzzy failure criterion is researched to analyze the influence of fuzzy set, membership function, and different combinations of random variables. Due to the strength reduction method, the basic failure criterion is established, the fuzzy property of failure criterion is characterized by fuzzy set and membership function, and the performance function of loess cave dwellings is expressed by a quadratic polynomial without cross terms. Reliability is analyzed with different random variable combinations. The reliability research of loess cave dwellings in Shan Plateau, Henan province, China, shows that the loess property in this area is suitable for loess cave dwelling construction and the reliability index of loess cave dwellings is high, which will be decreased when considering the fuzzy failure criterion and will be increasing sharply when the small cave leg width is improved to average value.

THE APPLICATION OF THE DISTAL POSTERIOR TIBIAL ARTERY PERFORATOR FLAPS IN CHRONICS WOUNDS

INTRODUCTION: The reconstruction of lesions in the distal third of the leg is one of the challenges for surgeons. In this scenario, the use of posterior tibial perforator flaps is being used more and more in surgical practice due to their versatility and aesthetic results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research consists of an integrative review carried out from a bibliographic survey in the PUBMED and Virtual Health Library (BVS) search platforms. After reading the full 20 articles in total, an overlap of four articles present in the two searches was observed, thus resulting in a total of 16 articles included in this review. RESULTS: The treatment of chronic lower limb wounds caused by infection, diabetes mellitus and osteomyelitis has always been a formidable task. Perforator-free flaps are generally recommended as the therapy of choice in the treatment of chronic lower limb wounds. DISCUSSION: The advantages of the application of the posterior tibial artery skin flap is ideal for small leg defects to reconstruct the exposed bone and tendon. As it is local tissue, it substitutes as tissue. The distal posterior tibial artery perforator flap is a beneficial technique, in the plastic and reconstructive surgery field, especially for the treatment of chronic lower extremity wounds. Keyword : CHRONIC WOUNDS, DISTAL POSTERIAL TIBIAL ARTERY, PERFORATOR FLAP, PLASTIC SURGERY

Effects of surgical and cloth facemasks during a submaximal exercise test in healthy adults

BackgroundSurgical (SM) or cloth facemasks (CM) has become mandatory in many public spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. They may interfere with the participation in physical activities. ObjectiveTo evaluate how these masks influence dyspnoea (primary outcome), exercise performance and cardiorespiratory response during a 1-min sit-to-stand test (1STST), and to assess masks discomfort sensations. MethodsA randomized crossover trial was conducted in healthy adults. They performed 3 1STST (with either no mask (NM), a SM, or a CM) separated from each other by 24–72 h. The number of 1STST repetitions and leg rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. Dyspnoea (Borg scale), hearth rate, respiratory rate and SpO2 were recorded before and at the end of 1STST, as well as after a short resting period. Several domains of subjective discomfort perceptions with masks were assessed. ResultsTwenty adults aged 22 ± 2y (11 males) were recruited. Wearing the CM generated significantly higher dyspnoea than NM at all time points, but it only became clinically relevant after the 1STST (median difference, 1 [95%CI 0 to 1]). The SM generated a small but significant higher leg RPE than NM (median difference, 1 [95%CI 0 to 1]). The masks had no impact on 1STST performance nor cardiorespiratory parameters. Both masks were rated similarly for discomfort perceptions except for breathing resistance where CM was rated higher. ConclusionsIn healthy adults, the CM and SM had minimal to no impact on dyspnoea, cardiorespiratory parameters, and exercise performance during a short submaximal exercise test.

Two different Variants of Leg Repositioning at maximal Sprint Speed of high Performance Junior Sprinters

ABSTRACT Two variants of leg repositioning are described biomechanically and examined for differences in step kinematics. Based on leg angle (two-point angle between radius of leg centre of gravity and a horizontal line) during air phase, 30 juniors were divided into two groups (n = 15), large leg angle (LLA, leg angle = 80 ± 4°) and small leg angle (SLA, leg angle = 69 ± 5°). Maximal flying 30-m sprints were recorded (200 fps) and group differences were analysed using a 5-point leg model. With comparable leg length, both groups differed in leg moment of inertia and leg angular velocity. Group SLA reduced knee angle under the body, the thigh of swing leg passed the support leg early, and reached a higher position during knee lift, followed by a higher vertical foot velocity during pre-support. At take-on, both groups achieved a comparable hip, knee and foot angle. Due to higher mass of thigh (66%) compared to lower leg, foot and spikes (34%), thigh movement is essential for repositioning. Despite SLA advantages, three of the six fastest sprinters (v > 10.4 m/s) were evenly divided into both groups. An influence on step length, step frequency, ground contact and flight time was not found.

Cue combination used to update the navigator's self-localization, not the home location.

This study investigated when the Bayesian cue combination of piloting and path integration occurs in human homing behaviors. The Bayesian cue combination was hypothesized to occur in estimating the home location or self-localization. In Experiment 1, the participants learned the locations of 5 objects (1 located at the learning position) in the presence of distal landmarks before walking a 2-leg path without viewing the landmarks and objects. At the end of the path, the participants indicated the original locations of the objects in 4 cue conditions: (a) path integration only, (b) landmarks only where the participants were disoriented and the landmarks reappeared, (c) both path integration and the reappearing landmarks, and (d) path integration and conflicting landmarks rotated 45°. The participants' heading, position, and homing estimations were calculated. The ratio of the length of the second leg to that of the first leg was manipulated to be 0.5, 1, or 2. The results showed evidence of the Bayesian cue combination for heading estimates in all leg ratios, and for homing estimates in a small leg ratio (0.5) but not in a large leg ratio (2). The following experiments replicated the results of the Bayesian cue combination for heading but not for homing estimates for the large leg ratio (2) when participants did a typical homing task without learning the locations of objects (Experiment 2) and when proximal landmarks replaced distal landmarks (Experiments 3-4). These findings suggest that the Bayesian cue combination occurs in self-localization prior to homing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

The Effect of Large Deflections of Joints on Foldable Miniature Robot Dynamics

In miniature robotics applications, compliant mechanisms are widely used because of their scalability. In addition, compliant mechanism architecture is compatible with the manufacturing methods used to fabricate small scale robots, such as “foldable robotics”, where the size and the materials used allow much larger deflections. In this paper, the kinematics of compliant mechanisms used in miniature foldable robots are investigated with the assumption of nonlinear large deflections that occur at the flexure joints. The solution of the large beam deflection is acquired using elliptic integrals and is verified with finite element analysis and experiments on a simple small foldable leg linkage. The large deflection model takes joint strain energies into account and yields accurate estimations for load capacity of the mechanism as well as the necessary input torque for actuation of the leg. Therefore, the model presented can be used to estimate the load capacity of a miniature robot, as well as to select appropriate actuators. The work is also extended to estimate the compliant leg kinematics and rigid body dynamics of a foldable robot. The robot’s large deflection simulation results are compared with experiments and a simplified rigid-link pin-joint kinematic model. Our results demonstrate the modeling accuracy of the two approaches and can be used by foldable robotics community when deciding on the strategy to choose for modeling their robots.

Kinematic and kinetic differences between military patients with patellar tendinopathy and asymptomatic controls during single leg squats

BackgroundKnee valgus alignment has been associated with lower-limb musculoskeletal injury. This case-control study aims to: assess biomechanical differences between patients with patellar tendinopathy and healthy controls. Methods43 military participants (21 cases, 22 controls) were recorded using 3D-motion capture performing progressively demanding, small knee bend, single leg and single leg decline squats. Planned a priori analysis of peak: hip adduction, knee flexion, pelvic tilt, pelvic obliquity and trunk flexion was conducted using MANOVA. Kinematic and kinetic data were graphed with bootstrapped t-tests and 95% CI's normalised to the squat cycle. ANOVA and correlations in SPSS were used for exploratory analysis. FindingsOn their symptomatic side cases squatted to less depth (−6.62°, p < 0.05) than controls with exploratory curve analysis revealing a pattern of increased knee valgus collapse throughout the squatting movement (p < 0.05). Greater patella tendon force was generated by: the eccentric than concentric phase of squatting (+30–43%, ES 0.52–1.32, p < 0.01), declined (plantarflexed) compared to horizontal surface (+36–51%, ES 1.19–1.68, p < 0.01) and deeper knee flexion angles (F ≥ 658.3, p < 0.01) with no difference between groups (F ≤ 1.380, p > 0.05). Cases experienced more pain on testing on decline board (ES = 0.69, p < 0.01). For symptomatic limbs pain (rs = 0.458–0.641, p ≤ 0.05), but not VISA-P (Victoria Institute of Sport Assessment) (rs = 0.053–0.090, p > 0.05), correlated with extensor knee moment. InterpretationKnee valgus alignment is a plausible risk factor for patellar tendinopathy. Conclusions relating to causation are limited by the cross-sectional study design. Increasing squat depth, use of a declined surface and isolating the eccentric phase enable progression of loading prescription guided by pain.

Reconstructive Option Selection for Lower Third Leg Defects

Background: patients with the lower 3rd leg defects are increasing in number especially among victims of road accidents .Due to anatomical features of this area nearly most cases required flap coverage. Aim of the work: the aim of this study was to help in selection of the appropriate option for coverage among available local perforator flaps and free microvascular flaps. Patients and methods: 30 patients with lower 3rd leg defect were included in this study and they were categorized into 2 groups. 15 patients underwent reconstruction by using local flaps (A) and 15 patients under went reconstruction using free micro-vascular flaps (B). Results: free flaps were more versatile than local flaps, but consumed more operative time and had higher morbidity Conclusion: small and moderately-sized lower 3rd leg soft tissue defects can be covered easily and safely by using locally available perforator flaps. Local flaps do not scarify any of the main arteries, consume less operative time, there was a specific like to like soft tissue replacement leading to a better cosmetic and reconstructive outcome. Free flaps have proven its versatility and reliability in coverage of significantly large and complex defects.

Versatility of the Extensor Digitorum Brevis Muscle Flap in Lower Limb Reconstruction.

Reconstruction of complex defects in the lower leg is a challenge. Although microvascular free tissue transfer is a popular technique, experience and available resources limit its use. Furthermore, free tissue transfer is not always required in the reconstruction of small lower leg defects, as many of them can be reconstructed with local alternatives such as an extensor digitorum brevis flap (EDB). Our aim was to describe our experience of the last 20 years with the EDB as a local muscle flap to cover small complex lower leg defects to establish its clinical feasibility and to document its associated complications. All adult patients who were operated with EDB flap reconstruction of the lower limb during 1997-2017 at the Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, Linköping University Hospital, were included in this retrospective study. Of 64 patients operated, only 7 had total flap failure, and the rate of complete success was 73% (47/64). Most of the skin defects were associated with fractures or complications thereof and were located in the ankle region, the dorsum of the foot, and the distal third of tibia or even the proximal tibia. Defects in the malleolar region and coexisting cardiovascular condition were factors associated with flap loss (either partial or total). The pedicled EDB-flap has, in our hands, proved to be a versatile and safe reconstructive option in the reconstruction of small defects in the lower leg and foot. Long-time follow-up is, however, recommended.

Radiant heat recovery by thermoelectric generators: A theoretical case-study on hot steel casting

We present a detailed numerical analysis to quantify the power generation performance of a thermoelectric module in radiant heat recovery application. Due to the large temperature difference typically involved in such a system, temperature-dependent material properties of thermoelectric elements are taken into account for accurate performance prediction by employing an iterative algorithm based on the one-dimensional finite element method. Careful analysis on the radiation heat transfer with optical parameters such as surface emissivity and view factor is performed to precisely quantify the heat input to the thermoelectric system. Parasitic heat losses such as air convection loss at the hot surface and conduction through the substrates and gap fillers are also taken into account to analyze their impacts on the power output. A case study on the radiant waste heat recovery from hot steel casting slabs in steel industry is discussed in detail to theoretically estimate the power output performances and optimize the module design. We find that a power density as high as ∼1.5 kW/m2 and a system efficiency as high as ∼4.6% can be achieved at a 2 m distance from the 1200 K hot steel slab using the state-of-the-art Bi2Te3 alloys with a relatively small leg thickness of 3 mm and a 20% fill factor. This optimal design with small form factors ensures a reduced material cost while keeping the power output near the maximum, so that an estimated power cost remains as low as ∼0.2 $/Watt.

Interconnect patterns for printed organic thermoelectric devices with large fill factors

Organic materials can be printed into thermoelectric (TE) devices for low temperature energy harvesting applications. The output voltage of printed devices is often limited by (i) small temperature differences across the active materials attributed to small leg lengths and (ii) the lower Seebeck coefficient of organic materials compared to their inorganic counterparts. To increase the voltage, a large number of p- and n-type leg pairs is required for organic TEs; this, however, results in an increased interconnect resistance, which then limits the device output power. In this work, we discuss practical concepts to address this problem by positioning TE legs in a hexagonal closed-packed layout. This helps achieve higher fill factors (∼91%) than conventional inorganic devices (∼25%), which ultimately results in higher voltages and power densities due to lower interconnect resistances. In addition, wiring the legs following a Hilbert spacing-filling pattern allows for facile load matching to each application. This is made possible by leveraging the fractal nature of the Hilbert interconnect pattern, which results in identical sub-modules. Using the Hilbert design, sub-modules can better accommodate non-uniform temperature distributions because they naturally self-localize. These device design concepts open new avenues for roll-to-roll printing and custom TE module shapes, thereby enabling organic TE modules for self-powered sensors and wearable electronic applications.