Tape Tension Research Articles

Influence of process parameters on the interlaminar shear strength of CF/PEEK composites in-situ consolidated by laser-assisted automated fiber placement

The influence of process parameters, including placement speed, laser power, tooling temperature, compaction force and tape tension, on the interlaminar shear strength of CF/PEEK components in-situ consolidated by laser-assisted automated fiber placement was systematically investigated. To examine both the individual and interactive effects of these parameters, two sets of orthogonal experiments were formulated and conducted, yielding a maximum ILSS of 70.3 MPa. Analysis of variance revealed that the interaction between laser power and placement speed had the most significant effect, followed by tooling temperature, compaction force and tape tension. Furthermore, the concept of linear energy density of consolidated segments (LEDCS) was introduced to characterize and quantify the relationship between laser power and placement speed. ILSS values exceeding 50 MPa were predicted within the LEDCS range of 1.58 J/mm to 3.75 J/mm. Finally, the failure modes of the samples were elucidated through scanning electron microscopy.

Acute and prolonged hip kinematic changes after three different Kinesio Taping® interventions: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract Study aim: This study aimed to compare the acute and prolonged effects of three different Kinesio Taping (KT) techniques (underactive/overactive muscle correction [UMC]/[OMC] and functional correction [FC]) on hip ROM in the sagittal plane and compare them to those of the placebo Kinesio Taping (PKT) application. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 56 young healthy participants of both genders who were randomly divided into four equal groups. Measurements were performed using Kinovea software for video analysis during the performance of an active straight leg raise and the modified Thomas test at three timepoints: before the intervention and 60 min and 48 h after the intervention. Results: Mixed-model ANOVA revealed a statistically significant interaction between group and timepoint (F = 6.210; p < 0.001; ηp 2 = 0.285 for ipsilateral hip extension ROM; F = 2.064; p = 0.036; ηp 2 = 0.117 for contralateral hip flexion ROM). The results revealed acute and prolonged ROM changes after the application of three different KT techniques compared to those after the control procedure, but these changes were not significant. Conclusions: These findings support the use of KT as a modality for enhancing ROM. In muscle techniques, the factor of the anchor placement direction, with the same percentage of Kinesio tape tension, generates different effects. These effects were greater after 48 h than immediately after application. In changing the segmental posture or joint alignment, FC proved to be more intense than the KT muscle techniques, with an immediate effect that persisted even after two days.

Optimal control of the belt conveyor as part of the technological process of ore mass transportation by controlling the belt tension

Optimum control of the conveyor in the transport flow due to the change of the belt tension is proposed in order to reduce the costs of transporting goods by increasing the life of the belt and reducing energy consumption costs. It is suggested to use tape tension control to eliminate the accidental slippage of the tape on the drum and its excessive abrasion during the transportation of the ore mass. To implement the control method being developed, it is necessary to use a mathe-matical model with distributed parameters, on the basis of which an optimal control model will be formed using the control principles considered in the work. Control of this kind of objects is determined by the technological need to compen-sate for the slippage of the belt on the drive drum of the conveyor, which is based on the process of transmission of motion using friction, and is implemented by changing the thermal field on the arc of the girth by changing the tension of the conveyor belt or the speed of rotation of the drum. Thus, from the point of view of the theory of control of systems with distributed pa-rameters, in the process of controlling the thermal field of the drive drum and belt, the controlled coordinate is the temperature or its distribution on the girth arc. As a result of a change in the circumferential force on the drive drum, the pressure of the tape on the lining of the drum changes, which leads to a change in the value of the heat flow both in terms of amplitude and spatial distribution (the value of the working sliding arc changes, i.e. the area of elastic interaction), which is compensated by con-trolling the tension ribbons

Processing of post-industrial unidirectional prepreg tapes using SMC equipment

The aerospace industry has an issue of disposing of waste, unused carbon fiber unidirectional prepreg tapes. This paper explores producing chips using sheet-molding compounding equipment (SMC) for conversion into products via compression molding, which are stronger than traditional glass-reinforced SMC parts due to the carbon fiber and high strength epoxy resin. Without a means to convert the continuous tape prepreg into chips, it will not be possible to convert the prepreg into a useful product and provide a way to reduce flow to the landfill and produce less expensive, lighter, and stronger parts for the transportation industry. The cure state of the epoxy resin in the prepreg tapes, which is affected by the amount of time the material has spent stored at elevated or room temperatures, significantly changes the ability of the material to be chopped into short fiber chips. In addition, equipment-related factors affect the material’s ability to be chopped by the SMC equipment. This paper accounts for each of these factors and uses statistical methods to design experiments to investigate the impact each of these material-related and equipment-related factors on the success of the cutting portion of the process. The level of cure, as defined by endothermic peak, glass-transition temperature (Tg), or heat of reaction/degree of cure, has the greatest impact on the cutting process. For material with a moderate level of cure, the sharpness of the blades in the cutting roller also has a major impact on the success of the process. The cutting pressure, roller speed, and tape tension also have an impact on the success of the process, but impact of these factors lessens for feedstock prepreg with a sufficiently high level of cure. An optimal setup was determined, and general rules of thumb for selecting material and equipment settings were established.

The effects of processing parameters on the wedge peel strength of CF/PEEK laminates manufactured using a laser tape placement process

Manufacturing thermoplastic composites (TPCs) with excellent mechanical properties require advanced methods with reduced costs and better overall efficiencies. In this study, fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer composite laminates were manufactured using an automated fiber placement (AFP) manufacturing technology. The effects of processing temperature (from 320 to 500 ℃), lay-up speed (from 20 to 260 mm/s), consolidation force (from 100 to 600 N), and prepreg tape tension (from 0 to 9 N) on the quality of the resulting laminates manufactured using the laser AFP system were investigated. The interlayer bond strength was characterized using wedge peel tests on samples prepared with different process parameters. The studies were complemented by measurements of the thermal properties of the composites using differential scanning calorimetry. The optimized process parameter windows were determined to be 360 to 400 ℃ for the irradiation temperature, 140 to 160 mm/s for the lay-up speed, 100 N for the consolidation force, and 3 to 5 N for the prepreg tape tension, respectively. The microscopic analysis of the sample cross-sections and peel-damaged surfaces revealed that the different distributions of the resin matrix resulting from the different processing parameters affected the interlayer strength. These results may provide an important reference for manufacturing TPC used in aerospace, defense, and automotive applications.

ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ СРЕДСТВА МЕХАНИЗИРОВАННОЙ УКЛАДКИ КАПЕЛЬНОЙ ЛЕНТЫ В КАРТОФЕЛЬНЫЙ ГРЕБЕНЬ

Purpose: development of technological equipment for drip tape installation, determining the installation resistance to assess the possibility of aggregation with agricultural machines. Materials and methods. The numerical values of the resistance to tape installation in a potato ridge are determined, the data obtained are refined in the process of laboratory studies with a working body model, and the possibility of installing technological equipment on agricultural machines is substantiated. Results and discussion. The Grimme GF-75/4 potato ridge former was upgraded to a drip tape stacker. For high-quality installation of the tape and preventing its twisting and breaking, it is necessary to maintain a constant tension of the tape at various speed rates of the basic machine. To do this, a brake device was introduced into the design of the stacker, which prevents the spool from unwinding by inertia during sudden braking and stopping the machine. Placement of equipment for drip tape installation on the Grimme GF-75/4 ridge former and the work on drip tape installation did not lead to a noticeable increase in traction resistance. The recommended tape laying depth was 20 mm. The brake device installed in the stacker structure prevents the drip tape spool from unwinding due to inertia when braking or stopping the machine. The optimal parameters of the braking device are determined: the spring diameter is 30 mm, the length is 200 mm. Conclusions. To reduce manual labor when carrying out work on installing a drip tape in the soil, the specialized stackers should be used. Due to the low laying resistance, these working bodies can be aggregated with various agricultural machines. To prevent the spool from spinning by inertia, a brake device should be introduced into the design, maintaining a constant tape tension and slowing down the spool in case of weakening the tension. This modernization will improve the quality of work on tape installation into the soil.

In Situ Consolidation of Thermoplastic Prepreg by Generating Harmonic Oscillations on the Consolidation Roller

Automation technologies such as Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) or Automated Tape Laying (ATL) are widely used in the aerospace industry today. However, these processes can still be further improved for higher productivity. Fiber-reinforced plastics allow the production of components with extremely high specific strength and stiffness. Regarding the automated manufacturing processes, the thermoplastic tape placement offers efficiency improvements compared to the nowadays more commonly used thermoset tape placement, especially through the substitution of the expensive and time-consuming autoclave process. The consolidation of thermoplastic Prepregs is achieved with an elastic or rigid roller according to the current state of the art. The Prepregs must be consolidated precisely on the substrate or on top of each other. The most important process parameters for high-quality laminate structure with low porosity are the control of heat source, consolidation force, consolidation roll speed, and tape tension. The efficiency of the AFP process can generally be improved by increasing the speed of the consolidation roller. By increasing the speed of the consolidation roller, porosity is increased and mechanical properties of the laminate are reduced significantly due to the short contact time between consolidation roller and Prepregs. This study investigates a process that can reduce these challenges by increasing the contact time and force duration of the consolidation roller on the Prepregs. The consolidation roller in this study is additionally to be driven by the harmonic oscillations. The new method allows the consolidation roller to oscillate forward and backward during the fiber placement process. This creates another force vector in addition to the compressive force of the consolidation roller and increases the bonding strength between the layers.

Suture Tape–Augmented Posterior Cruciate Ligament Repair Should Be Tensioned and Fixed at Approximately 100° Knee Flexion to Prevent Loss of Full Flexion

PurposeTo evaluate the biomechanics of simulated posterior cruciate ligament injuries (SimPCL) with and without internal brace suture tape augmentation (IBSTA) in cadaver knees.MethodsA total of 20 cadaveric knees were used, all male, with an average age of 65 ± 18 years. Femoral tunnel isometry was evaluated at the 1/11 o’clock and 2/10 o’clock femoral positions. SimPCL were created in 6 knees. IBSTA was performed, and load data were collected through knee range of motion. An additional 6 specimens were evaluated at the 1/11 femoral tunnel position, and load cell recordings were obtained at 10 different knee flexion angles. Cyclic displacement in 8 cadaver knees was assessed using an Instron machine. Load and displacement data were recorded. Testing was performed under 3 conditions for each specimen: intact PCL, SimPCL, and SimPCL/IBSTA using the 1/11 femoral tunnel position.ResultsThere was no difference in isometry when comparing the 1/11 o’clock (7.1 ± 4.0 ft∗lb) femoral position and the 2/10 o’clock (7.6 ± 4.2 ft∗lb) position (P = .467). SimPCL/IBSTA suture tape tension gradually increased with progressive flexion to a peak at approximately 120° of knee flexion. For cycle 100 tibial displacement, there was no difference between intact (4.41 mm) and SimPCL/IBSTA (5.59 mm, P = .391). There was a difference between intact (4.41 mm) and SimPCL (7.19 mm, P = .006) , but there was no significant difference between SimPCL/IBSTA (5.59 mm) and SimPCL (7.19 mm, P = .140). There was a difference in cycle 1 stiffness between intact (62.3 N/mm) and Sim2PCL (37 N/mm, P = .005). There was no difference between other groups.ConclusionsIn this cadaver study, there was a 1.18-mm average difference in posterior tibial displacement when comparing intact and SimPCL/IBSTA. The internal brace construct should be tensioned and fixed at approximately 100° of knee flexion to prevent loss of full flexion.Clinical RelevanceThe presented biomechanical data for internal bracing of PCL injuries may lead to improved surgical techniques.

Design of Insulation Tape Tension Control System of Transformer Winding Machine Based on Fuzzy PID.

With the rapid development of science and technology as well as the comprehensive societal progress, the demand for electricity in all walks of life is also increasing. As is known to all, the mechanical structure and tension control of a transformer winding machine is the key to improving the quality of coil winding, due to coil winding being generally considered the core technology of transformer manufacturing. Aiming at the synchronous winding control problem of the conductor and insulating layer of the transformer winding machine, this paper presents a mechanical structure and tension control scheme of a new type of transformer winding machine. Based on the dynamic analysis and modeling of the mechanical structure of the winding machine, the speed control of the main speed roller by the fuzzy PID control rate is implemented initially. Combined with the actual demand of the project, the feasibility and effectiveness of the control target with different tension are verified by the simulation experiment and further compared with the traditional PID control method. The simulation results show that the proposed fuzzy PID control rate can realize the automatic and efficient winding of the transformer winding machine, showing that it is superior to the traditional PID control rate in overcoming the disturbance and controlling effect.

Kinesiology Tape: A Descriptive Survey of Healthcare Professionals in the United States.

BackgroundThe existing body of kinesiology tape (KT) research reveals inconsistent results which challenges the efficacy of the intervention. Understanding professional beliefs and KT clinical application might provide insight for future research and development of evidence-based guidelines.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to survey and document the beliefs and clinical application methods of KT among healthcare professionals in the United States.DesignCross-sectional survey study.MethodsA 30-question online survey was emailed to members of the National Athletic Trainers Association, Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, and American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. Professionals were also informed through a recruitment post in different private healthcare Facebook groups.ResultsOne thousand and eighty-three respondents completed the survey. Most respondents used KT for post-injury treatment (74%), pain modulation (67%), and neuro-sensory feedback (60%). Most believed that KT stimulates skin mechanoreceptors (77%), improve local circulation (69%), and modulates pain (60%). Some respondents believed KT only created a placebo effect (40%) and use it for such therapeutic purposes (58%). Most used a standard uncut roll (67%) in black (71%) or beige (66%). Most respondents did not use any specialty pre-cut tape (83%), infused tape (99.54%), or a topical analgesic with tape (65%). The most common tape tension lengths used by respondents were 50% tension (47%) and 25% (25%) tension. Patient reported outcomes (80%) were the most common clinical measures. Most respondents provided skin prep (64%) and tape removal (77%) instructions. Some did not provide any skin prep (36%) or tape removal (23%) instruction. The average recommended times to wear KT were two to three days (60%). The maximum times ranged from two to five days (81%).ConclusionThis survey provides insight into how professionals use KT and highlights the gap between research and practice. Future research should address these gaps to better determine evidence-based guidelines.Level of Evidence3

Overview of surgical practice in the treatment of urine incontinence

Introduction. Urinary incontinence (UI) in women is a hot topic among many professionals today. It is proved that mid-urethral synthetic tape is the gold standard in the treatment of UI. There has been a steady increase in the number of operations using synthetic prostheses in this category of patients since 2005. However, along with this, the number of complications after this surgical technique is also increasing. Methods for controlling the tension of the synthetic tape are still largely dependent on the experience of the surgeon and the existing traditions of the clinic. In this regard, we conducted an anonymous survey among specialists of urogynecologists, where we found out the main opinions in the diagnosis and technique of surgical treatment of UI. Materials and methods . Department of Urology, A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry has initiated a comparative observational clinical trial to assess the responses of Russian-speaking specialists of urogynecologists on the specifics of treatment of urinary incontinence in women using an anonymous online survey based on SurveyMonkey. The survey was conducted from October to December 2019 and consisted of 17 questions on various topics. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results. The analysis included the answers of 161 specialists (63% of urologists, 37% of gynaecologists) from 7 countries. Most specialists (47%) have little experience (up to 5 years) of surgical treatment of UI. Interest in topics and masterclasses and internships was noted by 120 respondents (76.4%). More than 80% of specialists noted that they use a urodynamic study in the diagnosis of UI. Half of the respondents used the preoperative cough test results to determine the tape tension. About half of the respondents noted that they use the intraoperative cough test, 5.8% use the Crede manoeuvre, and 10.3% use the Valsalva test. The survey showed that specialists use various surgical instruments to control the tape tension intraoperatively. Conclusions. Our results show that among specialists in urogynecology there is a wide range of variations in the diagnosis and technique of surgical treatment of UI. Evaluation and development of synthetic methods for tension control is a hot topic that could potentially improve the patients' quality of life and the results of treatment of patients with UI.

Influence Mechanism and Optimization Analysis of Technological Parameters for the Composite Prepreg Tape Winding Process.

Composite prepreg tape winding technology has proven to be an effective method for manufacturing revolving body composite structures in aerospace field. Process parameters including heating temperature, tape tension and roller pressure have an important impact on the winding products’ mechanical property such as tensile strength. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence mechanism and optimization analysis of parameters for the composite prepreg tape winding process. Firstly, the sensitivity analysis for single parameter had be employed to reveal the influence mechanism of each winding parameter change on tensile strength. Secondly, iso-surfaces analysis for parameter range had be applied to describe the distribution law of parameter with continuous distribution characteristics. Then the coupling analysis for process parameters was carried out employing response surface methodology. The analysis results showed that tape tension has the most significant effect on the winding products’ tensile strength. And the outstanding parameter combination with the heating temperature of 72 °C, tape tension of 307 N and roller pressure of 1263 N was provided by response surface design software via desirability function method. The validation experiments showed that the optimal parameter combination has a positive guiding significance for improving the quality of winding products.

Acute effects of kinesiology tape tension on soleus muscle h-reflex modulations during lying and standing postures.

Kinesiology tape (KT) has been widely used in the areas of sports and rehabilitation. However, there is no gold standard for the tape tension used during a KT application. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of KT application with different tension intensities on soleus muscle Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex) modulation during lying and standing postures. Fifteen healthy university students were tested with 3 tape tension intensities during separate visits with a randomized sequence: tape-on no tension (0KT), moderate (about 50% of the maximal tape tension: (ModKT), and maximal tape tension (MaxKT). During each experimental visit, the H-reflex measurements on the soleus muscle were taken before, during, and after the KT application for both lying and standing postures. The H-wave and M-wave recruitment curves were generated using surface electromyography (EMG). There was a main effect for posture (p = 0.001) for the maximal peak-to-peak amplitude of the H-wave and M-wave (Hmax/Mmax) ratio, showing the depressed Hmax/Mmax ratio during standing, when compared to the lying posture. Even though the tension factor had a large effect (ηp2 = 0.165), different tape tensions showed no significant differential effects for the Hmax/Mmax ratio. The spinal motoneuron excitability was not altered, even during the maximal tension KT application on the soleus muscle. Thus, the tension used during a KT application should not be a concern in terms of modulating the sensorimotor activity ascribed to elastic taping during lying and standing postures.

Kinesiotaping Diminishes Delayed Muscle Soreness but does not Improve Muscular Performance.

This study aimed at determining the effect of kinesio-taping (KT) on muscle performance and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after exercise induced muscle damaged. Sixty-six healthy men volunteered to participate (age:18-25 y/o), who performed 200 isokinetic lengthening contractions of the dominant quadriceps. Then subjects were randomized to either control (no treatment), sham (no tape tension), or KT (10% tape tension) groups. Muscle performance was assessed by peak torque and muscular work during maximal isometric and concentric isokinetic contractions. DOMS intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale. Measurements were taken pre-exercise (Pre), 48 h and 96 h post-exercise. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for comparisons within group, and ANCOVA for comparisons among groups. Muscle damage was confirmed in all participants by an increase in CK activity level (p<0.01). Decrease in isometric and isokinetic peak torque was detected at 48 h in the control and sham groups (p<0.01). Muscular work decreased in all groups at 48 h (p<0.01). No differences between groups were detected in muscular performance variables. Increase in DOMS intensity was determined in all groups at 48 h. Comparisons between groups showed lower DOMS intensity in the KT group at 48 h. KT decreased DOMS intensity perception after exercise-induced muscle damage; however, it did not impact muscular performance.

Effects of Double-Taped Kinesio Taping on Pain and Functional Performance due to Muscle Fatigue in Young Males: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Kinesio taping (KT) is widely applied for pain control and rehabilitation in clinical settings. Tape tension is a key factor in the taping method. However, limited evidence exists regarding the reinforced tension effects of KT on functional performance and pain in healthy individuals. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of double-taped Kinesio taping (DTKT) on functional performance and pain caused by muscle fatigue after exercise. A total of 44 healthy male students (mean age, 23.3 ± 2.2 years) were randomly assigned to the following three groups: DTKT, normal-tape Kinesio taping (NTKT), and placebo. The single-hopping (SH) distance, vertical jump height (VJH), and power (VJP) were assessed at baseline. The muscle fatigue protocol was then applied to induce muscle soreness. Outcome measures including subjective pain, SH distance, VJH and VJP were evaluated immediately after the muscle fatigue protocol, and KT was then applied; the measures were then again evaluated immediately and 24 h after KT application. No significant interactions between pain and functional performance were observed (p > 0.05), and there were no significant differences in SH, VJH, and VJP among the groups (p > 0.05). Notably, the DTKT had an immediate effect on the alleviation of pain caused by muscle fatigue. The present findings indicate that DTKT is not superior to NTKT or placebo in terms of pain relief and enhancing functional performance after tape application in healthy male students.

Therapeutic Elastic Tapes Applied in Different Directions Over the Triceps Surae Do Not Modulate Reflex Excitability of the Soleus Muscle.

Elastic taping has been widely used for either to facilitate or to inhibit muscle contraction. The efficacy of elastic taping is allegedly ascribed to physiological mechanisms related to subcutaneous tissue and muscle stimulation as a result of tape tension and direction. However, the underlying mechanisms that support the use of elastic taping are still unclear. To investigate changes in electrophysiological responses after 48 hours of tape application in different directions on the calf muscles of healthy individuals. Within-subjects design. Research laboratory. Twenty-seven physically active males (age 18.0 [4.2] y, height 1.65 [0.07] m, body mass 62.3 [10.3] kg) participated. Soleus H-reflex responses were evoked through stimulation of the tibial posterior nerve with 2- to 4-second interval between stimuli (32 sweeps) for each condition (baseline: without tape; facilitation: tape applied from muscle origin to insertion; inhibition: tape applied from muscle insertion to origin). The H-reflex amplitude values were normalized by the maximal direct response (Mmax). Parameters were estimated from a sigmoidal fit of the H-reflex recruitment curve (ascending limb). No significant differences were found for the parameters derived from the recruitment curve of the H-reflex among the conditions (P > .05). The authors' findings showed that, irrespective of the direction of tape application, the elastic tape applied over the triceps surae does not generate any significant alteration on the excitability of the reflex pathway for different subpopulations of motor units. The authors therefore suggest a re-examination of the current recommendations on taping direction in clinical and sports activities.

A Comprehensive Study for Specialized Silicon-on-Insulator Wafers

The relentless advancement and trends on thinner packages have become the focus in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. The requirement of thinner packages also demands a thinner vertical structure of the semiconductor electronic design. As a major contributor on the vertical structure of the electronic package, die or wafer is also essential to go thinner. As the wafer becomes thinner, various problems may occur during transport and even the backgrinding process itself.&#x0D; Wafer warpage is one of the main concerns during the wafer backgrinding process. Insufficient vacuum may cause non-planar wafer in contact with the chuck table that may result to poor grinding and broken wafer. Wafer backgrinding stress and backgrinding tape tension also contribute to the effect on wafer warpage. Challenges exist in processing different silicon wafer technology, particularly the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. Evaluating the effect of backgrinding tape selection and vacuum efficiency to eliminate such warpage is presented in this paper.

Credé maneuver to adjust tape tension during trans-obturator tape mid-urethral sling in mixed urinary incontinence.

To evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative extrinsic manual bladder compression (Credé maneuver) for trans-obturator tape adjustment during mid-urethral sling surgery in women with stress urinary incontinence and those with mixed urinary incontinence. The study included 148 randomly selected women who underwent mid-urethral sling surgery with trans-obturator tape for stress urinary incontinence between January 2016 and May 2017. Subgroup analysis of 66 women with mixed urinary incontinence included 43 patients from the Credé maneuver group and 23 from the non-Credé maneuver group. In the Credé maneuver group, the pattern of urine leakage was determined during the Credé maneuver, and tape tension was adjusted according to the pattern. The cure rate was 86.6% and improved rate was 11.9% in the Credé maneuver patients. The cure rate was 50.6% and improved rate was 38.3% in the non-Credé maneuver patients. The success rate was significantly higher in the Credé than in the non-Credé maneuver group (p = 0.023). In subgroup analysis of patients with mixed urinary incontinence, the cure rate was 81.4% and improved rate was 16.3% in the Credé maneuver group. The cure rate was 43.5% and improved rate was 47.8% in the non-Credé maneuver group. The cure rate was significantly higher in the Credé maneuver group (p = 0.007). Intraoperative trans-obturator tape adjustment using the Credé maneuver to identify the leaking pattern significantly improved the success rate in women with mixed urinary incontinence, and Credé maneuver-directed adjustment significantly improved the cure rate.

Clinical outcomes on tension-releasing suture appendage on single-incision sling devices for postoperative voiding dysfunction involving undue tape tension

To determine the clinical outcomes of adding a tension-releasing suture (TRS) appendage for manipulation of over-tensioned single-incision slings (SIS) as a means to relieve postoperative voiding dysfunction. A retrospective observational study conducted from January 2010 to July 2017. The records of patients with urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) without needing concurrent procedures who underwent anti-incontinence surgery using MiniArc, Solyx, and Ajust with voiding dysfunction were collated and analyzed. The primary outcome measure was the recovery of normal post-void residual urine (PVR) after TRS manipulation. The secondary outcome measures were the pain intensity noted during manipulation (quantified by visual analog scale) and the continence rate [assessed by (1) objective cure: 1-h pad test weight < 2g and absence of USI; (2) subjective cure index score ≤ 1 on question 3 of the UDI-6: "Urine leakage related to physical activity, coughing, or sneezing?"]. There were 73 patients with high post-void residual (PVR) urine. The 42 (9.5%) patients with over-tensioned slings were managed with TRS manipulation while the 31 patients (7%) with high PVR and no sling over-tension were managed with intermittent catheterization. All patients in both groups regained normal PVR. The TRS-manipulated group demonstrated an objective cure rate of 92.9% (39/42) and subjective cure rate of 91% (38/42). Pain experienced during TRS manipulation was significantly higher with the Ajust system (p = 0.018). Three patients had persistence of USI, two with MiniArc and one with Solyx. The TRS manipulation is a well-tolerated procedure that can effectively relieve voiding dysfunction for over-tensioned SIS without affecting continence cure rates.

Determination of the influence of the tape tension and the detachment force of the Velcro fastener in the rehabiliation footwear

The object of research is the constructive parameters of orthopedic postoperative footwear, which are based on complex theoretical and experimental studies of the effect of the upper outer surface of the foot on the top of the footwear during using. One of the most problematic places is the lack of knowledge of the conditions of interaction of the supporting belts with the Velcro fastener and the outer part of the freebie. It is needed to ensure the operational reliability of shoes. In the course of the study, graphical dependencies of the change in the force of pressure on the upper part of postoperative orthopedic shoes were used when bending the sole as a function of the inclination angle between the tangent to the foot of the footwear and the support area. The forces of load R on the upper end of the postoperative orthopedic footwear are determined when the forces of friction between the lateral surfaces of the freebie and the external lateral sides of the foot are neglected. In this case, the problem is reduced to the construction of the equilibrium equations of the plane system of forces. As the practice of using the Velcro fastener shows, with the increase of the tension of the supporting belt (with the loops), the force of detachment in the beginning increases to some maximum, and then, with increasing tension, the force of detachment decreases practically to zero. This circumstance may affect the reliability of the connection of the tops of orthopedic footwear. To ensure the strength of the fastener, it is necessary to choose the type of fastener, the width and the length of the active coupling area, the density of the hooks, which will ensure the reliability of the fastener in the shoes. The optimal design features and the greatest value of the pressure force on the upper part of postoperative footwear at bending of the sole observed at an angle γ=25o are obtained. This is due to the fact that the proposed material has a number of features, in particular the good density of hooks per cm 2 .