Standard Test Series Research Articles

Enhanced engineering and biocidal polypropylene filaments enabling melt reduction of AgNO3 through PVP agent: A scalable process for the defense industry with MEX additive manufacturing

This study focused on the production of polypropylene (PP)/silver (Ag) composites via additive manufacturing. This study aimed to enhance the quality of medical-grade PP in material extrusion (MEX) three-dimensional printing (3DP) by improving its mechanical properties while simultaneously adding antibacterial properties. The latter can find extremely important and versatile properties that are applicable in defense and security domains. PP/Ag nanocomposites were prepared using a novel method based on a reaction occurring while mixing appropriate quantities of the starting polymers and additives, namely polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as the matrix material and silver nitrate (AgNO3) as the filler. This process produced three-dimensional (3D) printed filaments, which were then used to create specimens for a series of standardized tests. It was found that the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were enhanced in relation to pristine PP, especially for the PP matrix with various loadings of AgNO3 and PVP, such as 5.0 wt% and 2.5 wt%, respectively. The voids, inclusions, and actual-to-nominal dimensions also showed improved results. The 3DP specimens exhibited a more effective biocidal performance against Staphylococcus aureus than Escherichia coli, which developed an inhibition zone only in the case of PP with filler loading percentages of AgNO3 and PVP at 10.0 wt% and 5.0 wt%, respectively Compounds possessing such properties can be beneficial for various applications requiring increased mechanical properties and biocidal capabilities, such as in the Defence or medical industries.

PyC[formula omitted]Ray: A flexible and GPU-accelerated radiative transfer framework for simulating the cosmic epoch of reionization

Detailed modeling of the evolution of neutral hydrogen in the intergalactic medium during the Epoch of Reionization, 5≤z≤20, is critical in interpreting the cosmological signals from current and upcoming 21-cm experiments such as the Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR) and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). Numerical radiative transfer codes provide the most physically accurate models of the reionization process. However, they are computationally expensive as they must encompass enormous cosmological volumes while accurately capturing astrophysical processes occurring at small scales (≲Mpc). Here, we present pyC2Ray, an updated version of the massively parallel ray-tracing and chemistry code, C2-Ray, which has been extensively employed in reionization simulations. The most time-consuming part of the code is calculating the hydrogen column density along the path of the ionizing photons. Here, we present the Accelerated Short-characteristics Octahedral ray-tracing (ASORA) method, a ray-tracing algorithm specifically designed to run on graphical processing units (GPUs). We include a modern Python interface, allowing easy and customized use of the code without compromising computational efficiency. We test pyC2Ray on a series of standard ray-tracing tests and a complete cosmological simulation with volume size (349Mpc)3, mesh size of 2503 and approximately 106 sources. Compared to the original code, pyC2Ray achieves the same results with negligible fractional differences, ∼10−5, and a speedup factor of two orders of magnitude. Benchmark analysis shows that ASORA takes a few nanoseconds per source per voxel and scales linearly for an increasing number of sources and voxels within the ray-tracing radii.

Are you ready for a challenge? Personality traits influence dairy calves' responses to disease, pain, and nutritional challenges

Dairy calves routinely experience disease, pain, and nutritional stressors such as diarrhea, dehorning, and weaning early in life. These stressors lead to changes in behavioral expression that varies in magnitude between individuals, where a greater magnitude change would suggest lower resilience in individuals to a stressor. Thus, this study first aimed to quantify the individual variation in magnitude change in feeding behaviors and activity in response to a bout of diarrhea, dehorning, and weaning. The next objective was to then investigate if personality traits were related to this magnitude of behavioral response in dairy calves, and thus their resilience toward these stressors. Calves were followed with 2 precision livestock technologies (e.g.: an automatic feeding system (AFS), and leg accelerometer) to track behavioral changes in response during the time when the stressors were present. The AFS provided daily measures of milk intake, drinking speed, rewarded and unrewarded visits to the milk feeding station, and calf starter intake. The leg accelerometer provided daily measures of steps, activity index, lying time, and lying bouts. At 23 ± 3 d of age, Holstein dairy calves (n = 49) were subjected to a series of standardized personality tests that exposed calf to novelty and fear stimuli. Factors extracted from a principal component analysis on the behaviors from the personality test were utilized to represent personality traits: Factor 1 ('Fearful'), Factor 2 ('Active') and Factor 3 ('Explorative'). The magnitude change in behaviors from the precision livestock technologies were calculated relative to the behavior performed on the day the stressor occurred (i.e., day of diagnosis; day of dehorning; day weaned). Linear regression models were utilized to determine if calf scores on each factor were associated with magnitude change in behavior for each of the stressor periods with day relative to the stressor included as a repeated measure. Models were run independently for the period leading up to and following each stressor. We found that calves varied in their behavioral responses to diarrhea, dehorning, and weaning stressors, despite being reared in the same environment and experiencing consistent management procedures. Additionally, personality traits measured from standardized tests were associated to both the direction and magnitude of change in behaviors around each stressor. For instance, with diarrhea, calves that were highly 'Fearful' had a greater magnitude change in milk intake and drinking speed following diagnosis than the least 'Fearful' calves. With dehorning, calves that were highly 'Explorative' had a greater magnitude change in lying time when dehorned, but a smaller magnitude change in lying bouts and drinking speed following dehorning, than the least 'explorative' calves. With weaning, calves that were highly 'Active' had a smaller magnitude change in unrewarded visits leading up to and following weaning than calves that were the least 'Active'. Each of the personality traits had a significant association with change in behavior surrounding each of the stressors evaluated, although these associations depended on the type of stressor. These results have implications for how individual calves experience each stressor and therefore individual animal welfare.

Strength, power and aerobic capacity of transgender athletes: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe primary objective of this cross-sectional study was to compare standard laboratory performance metrics of transgender athletes to cisgender athletes.Methods19 cisgender men (CM) (mean±SD, age: 37±9 years), 12 transgender men...

Modelling a Response of Complex-Phase Steel at High Strain Rates.

In this article, a response of the complex-phase high-strength steel SZBS800 was modelled by considering the strain-rate influence. The material's response was first measured with a series of standard tensile tests at lower strain rates. Higher strain rates were achieved using the unconventional test of shooting the ball into flat specimens. A viscoplastic formulation of the Cowper-Symonds material model was applied to consider the strain-rate effects. The parameters SIGY, p, and C of the material model were estimated using a step-wise procedure. First, rough estimates of the three parameters were obtained from the tensile tests using the grid search method. Then, the parameters p and C were fine-tuned using the reverse engineering approach. With the help of explicit dynamic simulations and all the experimental data, a multi-criteria cost function was defined and applied to obtain a smooth response function for the parameters p and C. Its optimum was determined by a real-valued genetic algorithm. The optimal values of the estimated parameters model the material response well, although a domain of optimum candidates spans two orders of magnitude for the parameter p and a few orders of magnitude for the parameter C.

Performance evaluation of stone mastic asphalt reinforced with shredded waste E-cigarette butts

The recycling of waste materials in asphalt pavements is pivotal for advancing the road industry, offering numerous environmental, economic, and societal benefits. This study explores the recycling potential of waste electronic cigarette butts (E-CBs) within stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixtures, serving as a substitute for cellulose fibres and enhancing mechanical performance. Considering the critical role of fibre size in asphalt mixtures, two different E-CB shredding sizes (10 and 15 mm) were selected for examination. Additionally, the influence of the plastic component within E-CBs was investigated. The stabilizing effects of using the shredded E-CBs were evaluated via drain-down tests, followed by a series of standard laboratory tests aimed at assessing physical and mechanical properties. Results demonstrate acceptable drain-down properties, volumetric properties, and moisture susceptibility for the use of all four shredded E-CBs. Among the four mixtures incorporating the waste fibres, the utilization of 15 mm shredded E-CBs without plastic constituents yielded the highest values for indirect tensile strength (ITS) and indirect tensile stiffness modulus (ITSM), coupled with excellent water susceptibility and rutting performance. It can be considered a promising alternative to the traditional cellulose fibre. Larger shredded E-CBs exhibited potential for improving mechanical properties, encompassing cohesion, stiffness modulus, and rutting resistance. Although plastic inclusion can enhance rutting resistance, the higher thermal susceptibility associated with plastic warrants careful consideration. Future research may focus on investigating the fatigue and low-temperature cracking properties, as well as the reinforcing mechanisms of shredded E-CBs in asphalt mixtures using micro-characterization techniques.

Development of the tangent linear and adjoint models of the global online chemical transport model MPAS-CO2 v7.3

Abstract. We describe the development of the tangent linear (TL) and adjoint models of the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS)-CO2 transport model, which is a global online chemical transport model developed upon the non-hydrostatic Model for Prediction Across Scales – Atmosphere (MPAS-A). The primary goal is to make the model system a valuable research tool for investigating atmospheric carbon transport and inverse modeling. First, we develop the TL code, encompassing all CO2 transport processes within the MPAS-CO2 forward model. Then, we construct the adjoint model using a combined strategy involving re-calculation and storage of the essential meteorological variables needed for CO2 transport. This strategy allows the adjoint model to undertake a long-period integration with moderate memory demands. To ensure accuracy, the TL and adjoint models undergo vigorous verifications through a series of standard tests. The adjoint model, through backward-in-time integration, calculates the sensitivity of atmospheric CO2 observations to surface CO2 fluxes and the initial atmospheric CO2 mixing ratio. To demonstrate the utility of the newly developed adjoint model, we conduct simulations for two types of atmospheric CO2 observations, namely the tower-based in situ CO2 mixing ratio and satellite-derived column-averaged CO2 mixing ratio (XCO2). A comparison between the sensitivity to surface flux calculated by the MPAS-CO2 adjoint model with its counterpart from CarbonTracker–Lagrange (CT-L) reveals a spatial agreement but notable magnitude differences. These differences, particularly evident for XCO2, might be attributed to the two model systems' differences in the simulation configuration, spatial resolution, and treatment of vertical mixing processes. Moreover, this comparison highlights the substantial loss of information in the atmospheric CO2 observations due to CT-L's spatial domain limitation. Furthermore, the adjoint sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the sensitivities to both surface flux and initial CO2 conditions spread out throughout the entire Northern Hemisphere within a month. MPAS-CO2 forward, TL, and adjoint models stand out for their calculation efficiency and variable-resolution capability, making them competitive in computational cost. In conclusion, the successful development of the MPAS-CO2 TL and adjoint models, and their integration into the MPAS-CO2 system, establish the possibility of using MPAS's unique features in atmospheric CO2 transport sensitivity studies and in inverse modeling with advanced methods such as variational data assimilation.

Diagnostic gap due to missing patch test allergens—status quo and possible scenarios for mitigation

SummaryAccording to European Directive 2001/83/EC, test and therapeutic allergens are medicinal products in all Member States of the European Union. This applies equally to prick test and to patch test (PT) allergens (haptens). All test allergens commercially marketed in Germany are finished medicinal products requiring marketing authorization (MA). Currently, 211 PT substances are authorized in Germany, and an additional 59 are in an ongoing MA process and are marketable under a transitional provision until a decision on MA is made. The regulatory guidance (CMDh/399/2019) of the Co-ordination Group for Mutual Recognition and Decentralized Procedures—Human (CMDh), published in July 2020, specifies the regulatory requirements for different allergen products. Due to differences in origin and exposure, use, mode of action, and safety risks, the guideline clearly differentiates between products with active ingredients of biological origin (allergen extracts from natural source materials) and products with active ingredients of non-biological origin (hapten-based PT substances). Currently, guideline-compliant patch testing is hampered by the lack of numerous commercial PT allergens from the standard and special test series. Background and possible scenarios for mitigation are presented here.

Occurrence of some common carbapenemase genes in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates collected from clinical samples in Tabriz, northwestern Iran

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic resistance patterns and prevalence of carbapenemase genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in different clinical samples from Tabriz city, northwestern Iran.ResultsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University, Ahar Branch, Iran, in 2020. K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from different clinical samples, including blood, wounds, sputum, and urine. The isolates were identified using a series of standard bacteriological tests. Antibiotic resistance was determined by the disc diffusion method. The presence of blaVIM, blaNDM, blaKPC, blaOXA, and blaIMP genes were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 100 non-duplicated K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from 57 urine samples, 27 blood samples, 13 wound samples, and 3 sputum samples. Overall, 70.0% of the samples were from inpatients, while 30.0% were from outpatients. The most resistance rate was related to ampicillin (94.0%), while the lowest resistance rate was related to imipenem (18.0%) and meropenem (20.0%). Overall, 25.0% of the isolates were carbapenem-resistant, of which 13.0% were resistant to both imipenem and meropenem. The PCR showed the total prevalence of 23.0% for carbapenemase genes, including 18.0% for blaKPC, 3.0% for blaVIM, 1.0% for blaIMP, and 1.0% for blaOXA gene. The blaNDM gene was not detected in any isolate. The prevalence of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae isolates was relatively lower in northwestern Iran than in other regions of the country. However, special attention should be paid to the proper use of antibiotics, particularly carbapenems, to prevent further spread of antibiotic resistance and its related genes.

Probiotic potential of bacterial endophytes isolated from leaves of <em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Murraya</em><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </em><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koenigii</em><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </em>L.

Probiotics are live microorganisms which confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts. Endophytes, which live in plant tissues between the plant cells, can act as potential probiotic bacteria. The leaves of Murraya koenigii L. is a common cuisine and herbal ingredient used in indigenous medicine. The main objective of the current study was to assess probiotic characteristics of isolated bacterial endophytes of M. koenigii leaves. Young and mature leaves of M. koenigii were collected from sites in the wet and dry zones of Sri Lanka. The endophytes were isolated using three techniques: placing leaf segments, leaf macerations and preparation of pour plates on three different media viz., nutrient agar, Luria-Bertani (LB), and De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe agar (MRS). They were identified from morphological characteristics and preliminary biochemical tests. Probiotic characterization of the isolates was carried out by using a series of standard tests including resistance to low pH, tolerance of bile salts, antimicrobial activity (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), antibiotic resistance (Gentamycine), anti-haemolytic activity, and non-DNase activity. Ten endophytic bacteria (two bacilli, eight cocci including two Gram positive cocci, and eight Gram negative cocci and bacilli) were isolated from the young and mature leaf samples collected. While probiotic characterization tests were positive, four isolates showed antibiotic susceptibility. These results indicate the possibility that M. koenigii leaves possess bacterial endophytes with probiotic potential.

Geomechanical Characterization of Crushed Concrete–Rubber Waste Mixtures

The present study investigates the dynamic and cyclic behavior of mixtures of waste materials, i.e., rigid anthropogenic mineral aggregates (RCA) mixed with recycled soft particles (RTW), based on a series of standard resonant column tests and cyclic torsional shear tests. The laboratory tests presented in this article are part of a larger research project that aims to provide useful insights to facilitate the application of RCA–RTW compositions as geotechnical materials. The impacts of various parameters including shear strain, mean effective stress, and, in particular, rubber content on the shear modulus (G), and damping ratio (D), are considered in detail. Rubber content is considered by the percentage of rubber in the mix weight. In general, the results show that as the RTW content increases, the shear modulus decreases while the damping ratio increases. The largest reduction in the G−modulus values occurs for the highest rubberized mix. The observed damping ratio for pure RCA is approx. three times lower versus rubber-reinforced specimens. The compliance of the behavior of the new RCA–RTW mixtures and pure recycled concrete waste tested under dynamic and cyclic loading is demonstrated. The effects of crushing of the RCA material itself during cyclic loading are visible, and dilution of this process due to the addition of rubber. Furthermore, the test data reveal that the values of the G−modulus and D−ratio at small and medium strain levels are considered independent of the time of vibration.

Investigating manual performance when using push buttons following cold water hand immersion

The purpose of this study was to investigate manual performance of humans when using push buttons following cold water hand immersion. An experiment involving 29 human participants was carried out to measure the activation rate of twelve different shaped push buttons mounted on a novel test apparatus after their dominant hand was immersed in cold (2 °C) and thermoneutral (34 °C) water for 2 min. A series of standardized hand dexterity tests were completed to assess the participants' baseline tactile sensitivity in a dry thermoneutral state. The mean baseline performance of participants indicates that they were representative of the general population. The button test apparatus was developed specifically for this experiment and was comprised of 12 different buttons at different locations on the panel which were varying in size, surface shape and texture. After the participants immersed their dominant hand in the assigned temperature condition, their index finger was guided to the centre of the panel, and they were instructed to find and press as many buttons as they could in a 2-min time period using only their index finger. For the button panel test, the participants’ view was obstructed from seeing the buttons. The results of the study indicate that temperature does not influence the activation rate of the push buttons on the button test apparatus. In addition, button size (large) was the most significant factor, followed by shape (protruding), however button texture was not a significant parameter. Given that exposure to cold water reduces manual performance, along with anecdotal evidence from survival training centres that users sometimes struggle to activate PLBs, the motivation for this research was to understand how humans interact with these devices in cold water emergency situations. It is expected that the results of this research will be useful for designers of emergency signalling devices used for rescue at sea.

Social contact from birth influences personality traits of group-housed dairy calves

The objective of this study was to assess effects of prior social contact on the expression of personality traits in group-housed calves. Holstein heifer and bull calves were housed in either individual pens (n = 16), or in pairs (n = 8 pairs) at birth before they were mingled between treatments and moved to group pens at approximately 2 wk of life (8 calves/pen). During wk 4 of life, calves were tested in a series of standardized behavioral tests: an open field test, a novel object test, an unfamiliar calf test, and an unfamiliar human test. Responses in the open field test and novel object test were analyzed using principal component analysis, yielding 2 factors interpreted as bold and inactive/grooming. Calves housed in pairs before grouping had greater scores for bold and tended to have lower scores for inactive/grooming. Responses in the unfamiliar calf and human tests were similarly analyzed, yielding 3 factors interpreted as calf-directed, active, and human-directed. Calves housed in pairs before grouping had lower scores for calf-directed, tended to have lower scores for active, and scores for human-directed did not differ. Following grouping, average daily gain, milk replacer intake, and meal frequency did not differ between previous housing treatments. Our results suggest that behavioral traits reflective of personality in group-housed calves may be influenced by social contact from birth even following adaptation to group-housing.

Nanocomposites with Optimized Polytetrafluoroethylene Content as a Reinforcement Agent in PA12 and PLA for Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing.

Herein, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is evaluated as a reinforcement agent in material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing (AM), aiming to develop nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical performance. Loadings up to 4.0 wt.% were introduced as fillers of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyamide 12 (PA12) matrices. Filaments for MEX AM were prepared to produce corresponding 3D-printed samples. For the thorough characterization of the nanocomposites, a series of standardized mechanical tests were followed, along with AFM, TGA, Raman spectroscopy, EDS, and SEM analyses. The results showed an improved mechanical response for filler concentrations between 2.0 and 3.0 wt.%. The enhancement for the PLA/PTFE 2.0 wt.% in the tensile strength reached 21.1% and the modulus of elasticity 25.5%; for the PA12/PTFE 3.0 wt.%, 34.1%, and 41.7%, respectively. For PLA/PTFE 2.0 wt.%, the enhancement in the flexural strength reached 57.6% and the modulus of elasticity 25.5%; for the PA12/PTFE 3.0 wt.%, 14.7%, and 17.2%, respectively. This research enables the ability to deploy PTFE as a reinforcement agent in the PA12 and PLA thermoplastic engineering polymers in the MEX AM process, expanding the potential applications.

Increase of Sandy Soil's Soil Bearing Capacity Using Plastic and Bitumen

In order to improve the soil's engineering quality, soil stabilization can be defined as the changing of soil parameters by chemical or physical methods. Increases in the soil's carrying capacity, resistance to weathering, and permeability are the basic goals of soil stabilization. This may be accomplished through the use of controlled compaction or the use of suitable admixtures such as cement, lime, and waste products such as fly ash, phosphor gypsum, etc. This innovative method of soil stabilization can be utilized to tackle societal challenges, reduce waste production, and create useful resources from non-useful waste. Waste plastic bags have been used in bituminous mixtures, and it has been demonstrated that they improve the mixture's characteristics. This plastic-coated gravel is combined with hot bitumen to create a mixture that is used to build roads. Bottles and other plastic debris are combined with bitumen to improve the engineering performance of subgrade soil and to achieve the greatest dry density, CBR, and UCS investigations. Bitumen and plastic garbage were thrown onto the earth at random. On randomly reinforced soil with changing percentages of plastic waste and bitumen in various sizes and quantities, a series of Standard Proctor tests, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests, and Unconfined compression tests were conducted.

Implementation of Multiple Intelligences in Bayt Al-Hikmah Pasuruan First Middle School

The purpose of this study was to examine and find out how the implementation of the concept of multiple intelligences learning at SMP Bayt Al-Hikmah Pasuruan, which is a pesantren-based school. The type of research used is qualitative with a descriptive approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and document review. The data that has been collected was analyzed using qualitative data analysis techniques. The results of this research are: (1) education based on multiple intelligences is relevant to be applied in Islamic education, both micro, and macro. Islam has the concept of fitrah in terms of developing human potential, one of which is the multiple intelligences learning methods. (2) The implementation of learning consists of three important stages, namely: Student input; The amount received according to the class capacity and available rooms, then Multiple Intelligences Research (MIR) is held. Teacher input; the main requirement is that they are willing to continue learning and are committed, written tests, practice (micro-teaching), and interviews are carried out. Learning process; The teacher prepares a lesson plan based on the results of the MIR and SOP, implements a multiple intelligences strategy based on how the brain works, and evaluates/assesses student competencies, accompanied by a consultant "Guardian Angel. Student output. Student competencies include cognitive, psychomotor, and effective, which are assessed based on authentic assessments. Teacher outputs; Teacher competence is assessed based on 4 components (student learning outcomes, lesson plans, creativity, and teacher behavior). (3) the learning process in the Diniyyah program at the Bayt Al-Hikmah Islamic Boarding School although it is still traditional, it has developed the talents and interests of students according to the interests of the students, even though it has not implemented multiple intelligences thoroughly and is less structured. (4) The policy of independent learning has led to the concept of education that humanizes humans. Students are no longer seen as individuals whose learning development for several years is only measured by a series of standardized tests that do not measure up to a higher level of thinking. All children have the right to go to school regardless of such aspects of living standards because all children are seen as equal, namely individuals who will be directed by teachers to be able to develop optimally towards maturity.

Cyclic and Post-Cyclic Behaviors of Stabilized Sand-Containing Soft Soil in Coastal Areas

Land resources are being depleted due to global climate change, and as a result, infrastructures such as expressways and high-speed railways have no option but to be built in soft soil regions. Hence, the cyclic and post-cyclic behaviors of soft soil are vitally important. However, little attention has been devoted to this issue. In the current study, a series of cyclic triaxial tests and standard monotonic loading tests were carried out in order to investigate the cyclic and post-cyclic behavior of stabilized sand-containing soft soil. In addition, the stiffness evolution index model was proposed to describe the characteristics of stiffness evolution. The results show that for a given number of loading cycles, stiffness almost linearly decreases with the increase in sand content. The higher the confining pressure is, the greater the stiffness is. The cement content has the greatest impact on the stiffness evolution index. The stiffness evolution index model can provide a good description of experimental data. The initial value of post-cyclic axial strain is non-zero due to the accumulative strain caused by previous cyclic loading. Post-cyclic stress increases rapidly within a small range of strain and can reach peak stress with great speed. The post-cyclic initial tangent modulus increases from 1602 kPa to 4803 kPa as the cement content increases from 6% to 12%.

Women with Myocardial Infarction Present Subtle Cognitive Difficulties on a Neuropsychological Battery After Exposure to a Social Stressor.

ObjectiveMyocardial infarction (MI) is the primary cause of mortality and morbidity in women, but its sequelae remain largely understudied. Given the heart–brain relationship, our study aimed to further understand stress’s impact on regulating cognitive function post-MI. Specifically, our study evaluated the effect of stress induced using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), on neuropsychological function in women who have or have not experienced MI.MethodologyTo do so, women (mean age = 59.41 yrs) with (WHxMI = 13) or without (n{rm{WH}}{{rm{x}}_{overline {rm{s}} {rm{MI}}}}, = ,16n) a history of MI were exposed to the TSST prior to completion of a series of standardized neuropsychological tests: the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Control Oral Word Association (COWA), Rey Complex Figure and Recognition (RCFT), Trail Making Test (TMT), and Auditory Consonant Triagrams (ACT).ResultsOur findings support MI to be associated with impairments in working memory affecting immediate recall of ACT, as well as visuospatial impairments in the RCFT copy trial, marked by poorer drawing accuracy and incorrect placement of figure elements. Overall, WHxMI required more time to complete the neuropsychological assessment (WHxMI 166.57 ± 12, n{rm{WH}}{{rm{x}}_{overline {rm{s}} {rm{MI}}}}n 155.00 ± 6.57; p < 0.01).ConclusionTogether, these findings support cognitive impairments noted following a social stressor to remain subtle in WHxMI. Our study highlights the need for the development of more sensitive tools to screen for neuropsychological impairments in women with MI and the importance of assessing performance in a variety of testing conditions.

An energy-efficient form-stable phase change materials synthesis method to enhance thermal storage and prevent acidification of cementitious composite

• Proposed a procedural modification to prepare form-stable PCM composite. • Proposed procedure increased PCM percentage and energy efficiency of the process. • Capric Acid PCM caused acid attack when leaked into the cementitious composite. • Acidification test was recommended to prepare PCM integrated cementitious composite. • Introduced loading rate as a new factor for form shape stablized PCM composite synthesis. Integration of Form-Stable Phase change materials (FSPCM) in building construction materials has been reported to have significant potential to improve building energy efficiency and reduce emissions from this sector. Previous studies on FSPCM only focused on increasing the PCM absorption rate as the performance criteria of FSPCM without considering the energy required to produce such composites. Moreover, the existing leakage performance test used while developing FSPCM is not 100 % reliable in detecting PCM leakage in cementitious materials, which may cause an acid attack and reduce concrete strength. Therefore, this study proposed a modification of existing FSPCM synthesizing methods to improve thermal storage, minimize the embodied energy of FSPCM composites and an acidification test to detect PCM leakage. The proposed method resulted in 75 % absorption of Capric acid PCM in porous hydrophobic expanded perlite (HEP). Moreover, the thermal storage of the prepared CAHEP PCM composite was found to be higher (ΔHm = 136.9 J/g, ΔHs = 134.4 J/g) due to higher PCM absorption. The prepared CAHEP form-stable PCM composite was chemically and thermally stable as observed from a series of standard characterization tests. The loading factor (the ratio of PCM absorption and energy consumed by the process) was found to be three times the existing methods making the proposed method more energy efficient. The compressive strength of CAHEP incorporated cementitious composite and its thermal conductivity increased with increasing PCM absorption. However, at 75 % CA absorption, both the compressive strength and thermal conductivity of the cementitious composite decreased due to acid attack by leaked CA PCM as observed in the acidification test, although the standard leakage test did not show any sign of leakage. No such acid attack was observed for the paraffin PCM composite.

The Effects of a Six-Week Ketogenic Diet on CrossFit Performance Parameters: A Pilot Study

Background: CrossFit is a popular high-intensity functional training method. Despite the importance of muscle glycogen in fueling such high-intensity efforts, research exploring the use of a ketogenic diet in CrossFit practitioners is limited. Objectives: To conduct an experimental trial examining the effects of a 6-week ketogenic diet on CrossFit performance parameters. Methods: Eight men and seven women (N = 15; 30.2 ± 4.11 years) were recruited for this experimental study design and were randomly assigned to either the ketogenic diet (KD; n = 8) or the control group (CON; n = 7) for 6 weeks. Several measures of anaerobic performance were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks utilizing the following series of standardized exercise tests: timed 500 m row, Wingate Anaerobic Test, and 3-repetition maximum (3-RM) deadlift. Aerobic capacity was also assessed by measuring VO2peak. In addition, body composition was assessed via BodPod. Results: Multiple 2 X 2 mixed factorial analyses of variance were performed for measures of body composition and aerobic and anaerobic performance variables. No significant differences in body composition (p 0.05), anaerobic performance (p 0.05), or aerobic performance (p 0.05) were observed between groups. Conclusion: A 6-week ad libitum KD had no effect on exercise performance or body composition in CrossFit practitioners. Our findings demonstrate that a KD does not impair CrossFit performance, which may be of interest to those considering a KD when participating in CrossFit.