Strength Profile Research Articles

A Novel Sensor for Undrained Shear Strength Measurement in Very Soft to Soft Marine Sediments Based on Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry Technology.

Due to the short supply of conventional fill materials, such as sand, land reclamation using dredged marine deposits has recently been proposed, in which marine deposits with high water content are blow-filled into reclaiming areas. The strength development of the filled marine soils is of great importance during the sedimentation and consolidation to guide the filling process and construction of reclamation. In this study, a novel sensor based on optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) technology with a simple design was developed for undrained shear strength measurement. The novel sensor consists of an optical fiber and a series of polyoxymethylene coins. Owing to the merits of OFDR technology on high resolution, fully distributed sensing, and immunity to electromagnetic interference, the novel sensor can be used to determine undrained shear strength profiles of very soft to soft marine sediments/soils with good accuracy. The sensor was calibrated in remolded marine deposits with different water contents. The good feasibility and performance of the novel sensor for undrained shear strength measurement were well validated in two physical model tests on marine deposits treated by horizontal drains with vacuum preloading.

Joint Profile Characteristics of Long-Latency Transient Evoked and Distortion Otoacoustic Emissions.

In clinical practice, otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are interpreted as either "present" or "absent." However, OAEs have the potential to inform about etiology and severity of hearing loss if analyzed in other dimensions. A proposed method uses the nonlinear component of the distortion product OAEs together with stimulus frequency OAEs to construct a joint reflection-distortion profile. The objective of the current study is to determine if joint reflection-distortion profiles can be created using long-latency (LL) components of transient evoked OAEs (TEOAEs) as the reflection-type emission. LL TEOAEs and the nonlinear distortion OAEs were measured from adult ears. Individual input-output (I/O) functions were created, and OAE level was normalized by dividing by the stimulus level yielding individual gain functions. Peak strength, compression threshold, and OAE level at compression threshold were derived from individual gain functions to create joint reflection-distortion profiles. TEOAEs with a poststimulus window starting at 6 ms had I/O functions with compression characteristics similar to LL TEOAE components. The model fit the LL gain functions, which had R 2 > .93, significantly better than the nonlinear distortion OAE gain functions, which had R 2 = .596-.99. Interquartile ranges for joint reflection-distortion profiles were larger for compression threshold and OAE level at compression threshold but smaller for peak strength than those previously published. The gain function fits LL TEOAEs well. Joint reflection-distortion profiles are a promising method that could enhance diagnosis of hearing loss, and use of the LL TEOAE in the profile for peak strength may be important because of narrow interquartile ranges. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.20323593.

The impact of overbalance pressure on the alteration of sandstone geomechanical properties

The overbalance pressure drilling technique is well common and practiced during the drilling operations in the petroleum field. This parameter is very critical and affects the drilled formation characteristics, and therefore, the main objective of the current study is to evaluate the impact of overbalance pressure that is applied during the drilling operation on the rock elastic and strength characteristics by employing integrated lab experimental work. Berea Buff sandstone rock type was utilized to interact with water-based drilling fluid (barite-weighted) under an extended range of overbalance pressure [300 to 1000 psi]. The current research presents extensive lab analyses that cover filtration tests for rock-mud interaction, scratch testing for determining the rock strength profile, sonic data acquisition, elastic properties determination, and spectrometry of scanning electron microscope and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry to study the internal pore structure changes. The analysis was performed before the mud interaction for the saturated samples (base case) and after applying different overbalance pressure (pre-mud interaction) to evaluate the rock properties alterations. The obtained results showed the high degree of impact of the overbalance pressure on the sonic wave propagation as the compressional and shear wave velocities increased by 17 and 6%, respectively with increasing the overbalance pressure. Poisson’s ratio showed a stable trend, while Young’s modulus showed an increasing trend by 23% increase with the extended range of the overbalance pressure. The rock strength showed deterioration behavior with increasing the overbalance pressure. The unconfined compression strength decreased by 10% and the tensile strength showed a 9% reduction. The internal pore spectrometry showed the rock structure alterations due to mud solids precipitations and filtrate fluid impact on the rock integrity during the rock-mud interaction. In addition, statistical analysis illustrated the high degree of relationship between the recorded rock characteristics with the overbalance pressure as a controlling factor on the rock and mud interaction.

Qualitative differences in the spatiotemporal brain states supporting configural face processing emerge in adolescence in autism

BackgroundStudying the neural processing of faces can illuminate the mechanisms of compromised social expertise in autism. To resolve a longstanding debate, we examined whether differences in configural face processing in autism are underpinned by quantitative differences in the activation of typical face processing pathways, or the recruitment of non-typical neural systems. MethodsWe investigated spatial and temporal characteristics of event-related EEG responses to upright and inverted faces in a large sample of children, adolescents, and adults with and without autism. We examined topographic analyses of variance and global field power to identify group differences in the spatial and temporal response to face inversion. We then examined how quasi-stable spatiotemporal profiles – microstates – are modulated by face orientation and diagnostic group. ResultsUpright and inverted faces produced distinct profiles of topography and strength in the topographical analyses. These topographical profiles differed between diagnostic groups in adolescents, but not in children or adults. In the microstate analysis, the autistic group showed differences in the activation strength of normative microstates during early-stage processing at all ages, suggesting consistent quantitative differences in the operation of typical processing pathways; qualitative differences in microstate topographies during late-stage processing became prominent in adults, suggesting the increasing involvement of non-typical neural systems with processing time and over development. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that early difficulties with configural face processing may trigger later compensatory processes in autism that emerge in later development.

Distal Biceps Tendon Repair Using a Unicortical Button

Background: Distal biceps tendon ruptures occur most commonly in the dominant arm of men in their 4th through 6th decades of life. These injuries lead to a 30% reduction in flexion strength and 40% reduction in supination strength. Numerous methods exist for fixation of the distal biceps tendon, including bicortical endobutton, transosseous tunnels, suture anchors, and interference screws. We review the technique for using a unicortical button fixation method. Indications: Indications for surgical fixation of the distal biceps tendon include complete tendon ruptures, where a loss of elbow flexion and forearm supination strength of 30% and 40%, respectively, is not desired and partial tendon ruptures that have failed nonoperative treatment. Typically, nonoperative treatment of partial tendon ruptures is tried for a minimum of 3 months. Technique Description: We present the technique of repairing a distal biceps tendon rupture using a unicortical button. A 1-incision technique is utilized through a transverse incision approximately 3-4 cm distal to the elbow flexion crease. Onlay fixation of the distal biceps tendon to the radial tuberosity is achieved with a unicortical, or intramedullary, button. The postoperative protocol varies with surgeon but is similar to other fixation techniques. Results: Outcomes for primary repair of the distal biceps tendon are promising in the literature with both patient-reported outcomes and objective data showing good to excellent results. Bicortical button fixation has traditionally shown to be stiffer with a higher load to failure than other fixation techniques, including suture anchors, transosseous tunnels, and interference screws. The unicortical button has been shown to be statistically equivalent to the bicortical button, with similar cyclic loading and load to failure values. Discussion/Conclusion: The unicortical button technique for distal biceps repairs has the benefit of using a small footprint in the radial tuberosity, potentially decreasing the risk of heterotopic ossification, providing a safer avenue of obtaining anatomic placement and trajectory of repair, and decreasing the risk of posterior interosseous nerve injury. The unicortical button has been shown to have a similar strength profile to the bicortical button, which is higher than all other fixation techniques previously described in the literature.

Isometric strength of upper limb muscles in youth using hand-held and hand-grip dynamometry.

The present study aimed to determine the isometric strength profile of the upper limb muscles of children and adolescents between 7–15 years of age. Furthermore, to (a) identify the age at which differences in strength are observed between sexes; to (b) determine the age range at which significant progression of strength could be observed; and (c) identify the role of each muscle on the total upper limb strength. Cross-sectional study that evaluated the isometric strength of nine muscle groups of the upper limb of 243 Chilean children, split into 9 age groups, separated by 1-year intervals. For this, hand-held dynamometry and hand-grip dynamometry were used. A two-factor analysis of variance for the maximum isometric strength and a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed. From 11 years of age, wrist flexors were the first muscle group that revealed a significant difference in isometric strength in favor of boys (P=0.0143). In boys, the narrowest and earliest age range in the progression of isometric strength was 10 to 12 years for wrist flexors (P=0.0392). Shoulder flexors was the main factor that explained the performance of the total upper limb strength (R2=0.742; P<0.001). The most progressive isometric strength development occurred from age 10 years in the ventral and distal muscles of the upper limb; and from this age the boys begin to present a greater isometric strength than girls. In addition, the isometric strength of shoulder flexors explained the higher total upper limb strength performance.

Knee flexor and extensor isokinetic strength profiles of elite male golfers

Objective: Although lower extremity plays an important role for postural control and to produce power during the golf swing, it has not been clearly examined. The aim of this study was to identify the left-right, and agonist-antagonist knee muscle strength profiles and its correlation with performance in proficient golfers. Materials and Methods: Eight male elite golfers, age 21.6±1.1 years, height 174.1±6.1 cm, and body mass 68.6±2.7 kg, with handicaps of 0-5 participated in the study. Knee flexor and extensor peak torques of the golfers were measured by using isokinetic dynamometer (at 60°/s, 120°/s and 240°/s). The number of golf shots on an 18-hole golf course was recorded to determine golf performance. Results: In golf players, knee strength difference between right and left extremities were 0.53%, 5.77% and 5.35% for flexor muscles and 5.71%, 3.60% and 7.91% for extensor muscles at 60°/s, 120°/s and 180°/s, respectively. Right and left knee Fcon/Excon ratio was between 0.67-0.99. No correlation was found between golf performance and peak torques except for right knee flexor muscle at 120°/s angular velocity. Conclusions: Knee muscle strength variations between right-left and agonist-antagonist muscles were below the injury risk limits. Those negligible imbalances may be the result of functional differences of knee muscles during each part of the golf swing. It is important to add appropriate drills to the training programs so that these differences do not cause injury and poor performance in the long term.

Improving Child Health and Healthcare Use Outcomes: How Risk and Resilience Intersect in Pediatric Care.

More nuanced and comprehensive approaches are needed in preventive healthcare to have a larger impact on the social determinants of health that influence health and well-being over the life course. Using data from a nine-site study of pediatric health care innovations focused on screening, referring, and linking families of infants to services for social needs, we examined the clustering of risk and resilience reported by 888 parents at infant age birth to 6months using latent profile analysis (LPA). We then examined how risk and resilience profiles were associated with children's health status and family unmet need for social supports 1year later. The study was conducted in three states in 2018-2020 with recruitment in pediatric clinics serving low-income families. Results found four distinct family profiles of risk and resilience, and families in one profile (high household/relational risk and lower strengths) reported worse health outcomes compared to the low-risk, high strengths profile. Public benefits need-income assistance, health insurance, housing, and food assistance-at 1year continued to be heightened among all groups compared with the low risk, high-strength group, highlighting the importance of screening for social needs early in life as risk and resilience profiles are predictive of future need. Study findings point to the need to include risk and resilience screening in the strategies used by pediatric healthcare to predict health outcomes and design preventive approaches.

Hip Adduction and Abduction Strength Profiles Among Bantam, High School, Juniors, and Collegiate American Ice Hockey Players.

BackgroundAdductor strains are the most common non-contact musculoskeletal injury sustained in ice hockey. Systematic reviews have determined higher level of play and lower hip adduction to abduction strength ratios to be associated with an increased risk of adductor strain across multiple sports. Limited research exists regarding hip adduction and abduction strength profiles across various levels of ice hockey players.PurposeTo compare isometric hip adduction and abduction strength profiles among bantam, high school, tier one juniors, and NCAA Division I collegiate ice hockey players. A secondary purpose was to identify whether differences in strength profiles between dominant and non-dominant limbs exist.Study DesignCross-sectional cohort study.MethodsA questionnaire of demographic data, hockey, and injury specific information was completed by all subjects. The mean of three reps of maximal hip isometric adduction and abduction strengths were quantified using a handheld dynamometer with external belt-fixation. Ratios of hip adduction-to-abduction strength were calculated and normalized for body weight.ResultsA total of 87 uninjured skaters were included in this study with a mean age of 17 years. Mean hip adductor-to-abductor ratios for Bantam hockey players were 121% followed by collegiate (115%), Juniors (111%), and high school (109%) hockey players. No statistically significant differences were found between peak hip adduction and abduction isometric strength and playing level. In addition, there was no difference between unilateral hip strength ratios and shooting hand or leg dominance. While 34.5% of subjects reported a history of adductor injury, no significant differences existed regarding strength ratios during bilateral comparison or when compared to their team norms. Three subjects were found to have unilateral ratios of less than 80%, while two subjects demonstrated bilateral ratios of less than 80%.ConclusionsSymmetry is illustrated between dominant and non-dominant legs in ice hockey players with and without a history of adductor injury. Results align well with previously established cross-sectional data from Australian football, with ratios of 103% in high school players, 107% in semi-professional players, and 113% in collegiate players.Level of EvidenceLevel 3

Comparison of Isokinetic Knee Strength Profiles According to History of Knee Surgery in Korean Women’s Professional Basketball Players

Comparison of Isokinetic Knee Strength Profiles According to History of Knee Surgery in Korean Women’s Professional Basketball Players

Modified crystal habits of glimepiride to improve manufacturing processability

Form I of glimepiride (GMP) with irregular crystal habit was chosen to develop an appropriate crystal habit to improve its dissolution and other material attributes such as cohesiveness, flow behavior, plastic deformation, yield pressure, compressibility, compactibility, and tensile strength. Modified habits generated were hexagonal (GMP-A), rhombohedral (GMP-B), and tabular (GMP-C). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and generated morphology confirmed the shape of the habits. Solid-state properties were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which confirmed that no polymorphic transition occurred. Flow characterization, Kawakita, and Heckel analysis, studies on tensile strength, compressibility, compactibility, and dissolution proved that modified habits have better flow, less cohesive nature, linear plastic deformation, low yield pressure, better compressibility, compactibility, tensile strength, and dissolution profile over irregular crystal habit (p < 0.05). Amongst the obtained habits, GMP-C performs better in all aspects over the rest of the habits and hence will be a good choice for further formulation development.

Comparison of Imitation Crab Sticks with Real Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) Leg Meat Based on Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics.

Recently, many manufacturers have been developing or producing imitation crab sticks (ICSs) that are highly similar to real snow crab leg meat (RC). This study evaluated the similarities between commercial ICSs and RC based on the analysis of physicochemical and sensory properties. Normal ICS (NS) and premium ICSs either with real crab leg meat (PS-RC) or without it (PS) were compared with RC. The sensory evaluation results showed that PS and NS had the highest and lowest levels of similarity to RC, respectively. The carbohydrate contents of ICSs (10–23%) were higher than that of RC (0.5%). Among ICSs, PS showed more similarity with RC than NS and PS-RC in terms of gel strength and texture profiles. PS-RC and PS showed a microstructural pattern that slightly imitated the muscle fiber arrangement of RC. The electric tongue analysis of taste compounds, such as sugars, free amino acids, and nucleotides, showed that the taste profile of ICSs is distinctly different from that of RC. The electronic nose analysis identified 32 volatile compounds, while the principal component analysis using electronic nose data successfully distinguished three clusters: PS-RC and PS, RC, and NS. Our results could provide useful information for the development of ICSs with higher similarity to RC.

Sustained release of azithromycin from lipid liquid-crystalline nanoparticles laden in situ gel for the treatment of periodontitis: In vitro and efficacy study.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting teeth, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Current treatment options include surgery or oral antibiotics. Oral dosage forms shows systemic side effects due to frequent dosing and it failed to reach the therapeutic concentration in the periodontal cavity. In this work, a novel in situ gel loaded with azithromycin laden lipid liquid-crystalline nanoparticles (cubosomes) was formulated for effective treatment of periodontitis. Cubosomes were prepared using DL-α-monoolein (MO) and Pluronic®F-127, and characterized for size, zeta potential, shape, and entrapment efficacy. In situ gel laden cubosomes were evaluated for pH, drug content, viscosity, syringeability, mucoadhesive strength, texture profile, gelation temperature, gel strength, in vitro release profile, antimicrobial activity and in vivo efficacy in rat model. Cubosomal size (137-450nm) and entrapment efficacy (74-88%) increases with increase in the level of MO. The in situ gel-cubosomal batches showed sufficient viscosity (878-956 cp), syringeability (125-150N), mucoadhesive strength (25.7-26.2dyne/cm2), gelation temperature (34.3-35.3oC), gel strength (45-51s), and texture profile for periodontal application. The in vitro release profiles showed sustain azithromycin release for 24h from the in situ gel-cubosomal gels compared to 4h from the marketed azithromycin gel. The in vivo studies (alveolar bone loss and histopathology) in rat model confirmed the efficacy of in situ gel to treat periodontitis at low frequency of dosing compared to marketed gel. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the potential of cubosomes to sustain the release of azithromycin from in situ gelling system for effective treatment of periodontitis.

Direct Constraints on the Extremely Metal-poor Massive Stars Underlying Nebular C iv Emission from Ultra-deep HST/COS Ultraviolet Spectroscopy

Metal-poor nearby galaxies hosting massive stars have a fundamental role to play in our understanding of both high-redshift galaxies and low-metallicity stellar populations. But while much attention has been focused on their bright nebular gas emission, the massive stars that power it remain challenging to constrain. Here we present exceptionally deep Hubble Space Telescope ultraviolet spectra targeting six local (z < 0.02) galaxies that power strong nebular C iv emission approaching that encountered at z > 6. We find that the strength and spectral profile of the nebular C iv in these new spectra follow a sequence evocative of resonant scattering models, indicating that the hot circumgalactic medium likely plays a key role in regulating C iv escape locally. We constrain the metallicity of the massive stars in each galaxy by fitting the forest of photospheric absorption lines, reporting measurements driven by iron that lie uniformly below 10% solar. Comparison with the gas-phase oxygen abundances reveals evidence for enhancement in O/Fe 2–4 times above solar across the sample, robust to assumptions about the absolute gas-phase metallicity scale. This supports the idea that these local systems are more chemically similar to their primordial high-redshift counterparts than to the bulk of nearby galaxies. Finally, we find significant tension between the strong stellar wind profiles observed and our population synthesis models constrained by the photospheric forest in our highest-quality spectra. This reinforces the need for caution in interpreting wind lines in isolation at high redshift, but also suggests a unique path toward validating fundamental massive star physics at extremely low metallicity with integrated ultraviolet spectra.

The fully-kinetic investigations on the ion acceleration mechanisms in an electron-driven magnetic nozzle

A fully kinetic particle-in-cell study is conducted to investigate the ion acceleration mechanisms in an electron-driven magnetic nozzle. All five powers contributing to the axial kinetic energy of ions are derived and evaluated under different magnetic field strength and inlet density profiles. Among them, the electrothermal and electromagnetic acceleration contributes over 98% of the total accelerating power. The dominating acceleration mechanism is found to be the electrothermal acceleration, covering two thirds of the axial accelerating power in the electron-driven magnetic nozzle. The electromagnetic mechanism is found to originate from four sources, among which the major accelerating and decelerating one are the diamagnetic acceleration driven by radial gradient of electron pressure and the E × B mechanism due to the inward ion detachment. The power induced by the viscous-stress of electrons contributes 14%–23% of the decelerating power, indicating the non-negligible influence of finite electron Larmor radius effect on the ion acceleration. Results indicates that the net effect of electromagnetic mechanism can even be decelerating when the magnetic field is too high with a uniform inlet. Finally, the conversion efficiency from the inlet thermal energy to the ion axial kinetic energy is derived and evaluated, which can reach as high as 65.0% under 0.25 T with a Gaussian-profile inlet. Raising the magnetic field to 0.75 T or a uniform inlet will decrease the conversion efficiency.

Advanced in situ and laboratory characterisation of the ALPACA chalk research site

Low- to medium-density chalk at St Nicholas at Wade, UK, is characterised by intensive testing to inform the interpretation of axial and lateral tests on driven piles. The chalk destructures when taken to large strains, especially under dynamic loading, leading to remarkably high pore pressures beneath penetrating cone penetration testing and driven pile tips, weak putty annuli around their shafts and degraded responses in full-displacement pressure-meter tests. Laboratory tests on carefully formed specimens explore the chalk's unstable structure and markedly time- and rate-dependent mechanical behaviour. A clear hierarchy is found between profiles of peak strength with depth of Brazilian tension, drained and undrained triaxial and direct simple shear tests conducted from in situ stress conditions. Highly instrumented triaxial tests reveal the chalk's unusual effective stress paths, markedly brittle failure behaviour from small strains and the effects of consolidating to higher than in situ stresses. The chalk's mainly sub-vertical jointing and micro-fissuring lead to properties depending on specimen scale, with in situ mass stiffnesses falling significantly below high-quality laboratory measurements and vertical Young's moduli exceeding horizontal stiffnesses. While compressive strength and stiffness appear relatively insensitive to effective stress levels, consolidation to higher pressures closes micro-fissures, increases stiffness and reduces anisotropy.

Preparation and Application of Cross-linked Alginate Nanoparticles as Drug Carrier: A Review

Nanotechnology also called as nanotech is referring to the science, technology and engineering to synthesis, manipulation and investigation of materials and devices at nanoscales. Nanoparticles (NPs) owns a special place in nanotechnology due to their extreme-small size, multifunctionality, and modifiable surface for wide range of applications especially in new drug delivery application as the stability, solubility, biocompatibility and drugs releasing of NPs are highly controllable. The variation of nanomaterials with different physiochemical and morphological properties will affect the materials-living cells interaction and determination of the route of clearance and potential toxic effects. Thus, it requires more cross-disciplinary research on the designing and developing of drugs delivery NPs based on the diagnosis and treatment of devastating diseases. Biopolymers-based NPs have gained great attention for drug delivery system over the past few decades compared to other materials-based NPs such as liposomes, ceramics and lipids as well as magnetic NPs. There are extensive studies and developments of biopolymers-based NPs for drug delivery and tissue engineering as it capable of controlling the release of drugs, stabilizing labile molecules from degradation, and site-specific drug targeting. Alginate is an anionic copolymer that extracted from algae. The NPs composed alginate have become one of the most extensively researched materials for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, wound dressing, protein/enzyme carrier and drug delivery due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity and mucoadhesive properties. Furthermore, by physiochemical crosslinking and cooperating with other polymers, the mechanical strength, cell affinity and drug release profile can be modified and improved. In this brief review paper, several aspects about using alginate or crosslinked alginate for drug delivery application will be discussed, mainly focus on the structure and properties of alginate such as biocompatibility, immunogenicity and biodegradability, as well as the effect of mucoadhesion and pH sensitivity of using alginate in drug delivery nanoparticles developments.

Aggregate Subgrade Improvements Using Quarry By-Product Fines: A Case Study

This paper presents a case study for constructing aggregate subgrade improvement (ASI) layers using quarry by-product aggregates (QBA)—a quarry mix of large primary crushed rocks (PCR) and sand-sized quarry fines. The construction took place at Larry Power Road in Bourbonnais Township in Kankakee County, Illinois, where the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) placed two QBA mixes for performance evaluation. The first mix (QBA_M1) consisted of 45% quarry by-products (QB) and 55% railroad ballast-sized PCR. The second mix (QBA_M2) consisted of 31% QB and 69% PCR. Two conventional ASI sections with only PCR were also constructed. All sections consisted of a 229 mm (9 in.) QBA/PCR layer topped with a 76 mm (3 in.) thick dense-graded capping layer. Laboratory studies preceded the construction to recommend optimum QB percentages for the QBA materials and construction practice. The quality and uniformity of the construction was ensured through field testing using dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP), lightweight deflectometer (LWD), and falling weight deflectometer (FWD). The segregation potential of the QBA mixes was monitored by visual inspection, aggregate stockpile sampling, and image analysis techniques. Short-term field evaluation of the constructed QBA layers, particularly QBA_M2 with 31% QB, showed no evidence of major segregation. The QBA ASI layers had slightly lower but comparable strength and stiffness profiles to the conventional ASI sections. The use of QBA materials in ASI was therefore field validated in this case study as a sustainable construction practice to provide stable pavement foundation layers.

Wellness in the Face of Frailty Among Older Adults in First Nations Communities.

ObjectivesFirst Nations people report high levels of wellness despite high rates of chronic illness. Our goal was to understand the factors associated with wellness among First Nations adults in Ontario who were considered frail.MethodsUsing the First Nations Regional Health Survey, we created a profile of First Nations adults (aged 45+) who were categorized as “frail” (weighted sample size = 8121). We used multivariate logistic regression to determine associations between wellness (as measured by self-reported physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual balance) and determinants of health.ResultsRates of reported wellness were high among those who were frail, ranging from 56.7% reporting physical balance to 71.6% reporting mental balance. Three key elements were associated with wellness: the availability of resources, individual lifestyle factors, and cultural connection and identity.DiscussionOur findings provide a profile of strength and wellness among older First Nations adults living with frailty.

Probabilistic site characterisation using monitored spudcan installation data

Predicting spudcan penetration is essential for reducing risk during the installation of an offshore mobile jack-up platform. However, predictions made prior to installation often deviate from those recorded in practice, mainly because inherent uncertainties in seabed soils are not adequately considered. In this paper, the characteristics of the seabed are quantified using monitored spudcan installation data by developing a Bayesian framework coupled with Metropolis algorithm-based Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation. Applied to sand overlying clay conditions multiple readings from the load–penetration curve are used to derive statistical interpretations of seabed parameters such as sand thickness, sand friction angle and the undrained shear strength profile of clay. Illustrative examples demonstrate the proposed method using data from geotechnical centrifuge tests and a monitored offshore jack-up. The accuracy of the method is also retrospectively examined against a database of 66 centrifuge tests. The results show that the proposed method can provide consistent soil parameters with reduced uncertainty regardless of the influence of the updating sequence, number of MCMC chains, scale factors and the prior distributions applied. This method offers the offshore industry a new methodology to statistically interpret seabed conditions by incorporating monitored data. Potentially it could be combined with spatial interpolation methods to infer ground conditions and more accurately predict future spudcan installations.