Tightness Test Research Articles

Effectiveness of an Assistive Instrument for Physical Therapists with Visual Impairment to Conduct the Muscle Tightness Test

Disability sports have been globally promoted to achieve an inclusive society. However, the current opportunities for people with disabilities are few in terms of participating in supporting positions, such as athletic trainers. In Japan, many people with visual impairment (VI) work as physical therapists; thus, they can become active as medical staff in the sports field. An example of a medical assessment is the muscle tightness test (MTT); however, conducting it is expected to be difficult for people with VI. To improve this difficulty, the current study developed an assistive instrument (AsI) and examined its effectiveness. We recruited 22 physical therapists with VI. The measurement for MTT targeted the hamstrings, iliopsoas, gastrocnemius, and quadriceps. The participants performed the MTT using a universal goniometer (UG) and the AsI and filled up a questionnaire. AsI was compared against UG based on three aspects, namely, ease, accuracy, and measurement time. In terms of ease, significant differences were observed in 9 out of 12 questionnaire items. The mean (SD) score for “Comprehensive ease of the MTT” improved from 2.8 (1.0) to 3.9 (0.8). For accuracy, the AsI yielded a decrease in the total error of the measurement. Lastly, the measurement time for AsI was longer than that for the UG. Therefore, the AsI was effective in terms of ease and accuracy, whereas measurement time remained as an issue.

An association of Pulmonary Function Test with Pectoralis Minor Tightness and Forward Head Posture in Healthy College Going Students- Correlational Study

Background: In forward head posture posture, the respiratory mechanism is most commonly affecteddue to muscular imbalance in the thoracic, cervical & shoulder regions which will hamper breathingcapacities. The literature is mostly available with pectoralis major muscle tightness and weakness ofscapular muscles but very few articles are available for pectoralis minor tightness and its effect onbreathing capacities. So, the study aims to determine the effect of pectoralis minor muscle tightness andforward head posture on pulmonary function test in healthy individuals aged 17 to 25 years.Methods: A total of 120 subjects were included in the study based on inclusion & exclusion criteria.Before data collection, Pre-evaluation of the subject was done by using Flexi-ruler for kyphotic &lordotic curve, Pectoralis minor tightness test by measure tape in both upper limb and Inter-scapulardistance. The procedure includes a pulmonary function test in which measurements include FEV1, FVC,MVV, FEV1/FVC & MVV*40/FEV1 by using a computerised spirometer for diagnostic spirometry.Results: The statistical analysis was done by using Pearson’s correlation coefficient which shows apoor but positive correlation between Inter-scapular distance, Flexi curve angle, and all pulmonaryfunction test measurements(r=0.315, 0.251, 0.047, 0.301 & 0.047 between interscapular and pulmonaryfunction test& r=-0.085, 0.075, 0.004, -0.050 & 0.018).While poor & negative correlation between leftand right pectoralis minor tightness & all measures of pulmonary function(r=-0.059, -0.106, 0.048,0.004 & 0.353 between left pectorals tightness & PFT while for right pectorals tightness & PFT, r=-0.22, -0.015, -0.035, -0.037 & -0.047).Conclusion: Pulmonary function parameters show poor correlation which means the respiratorymechanism is not being impaired due to tightness of pectoralis minor muscle & forward head postureof healthy individuals aged 18 to 25.

Methods used for Gas Tightness Test and percent Oxygen Monitoring of the NSW Micromegas Detectors of LHC-ATLAS Experiment

In the frame of the LHC-ATLAS Upgrade of phase I, the New Small Wheel detector system is under integration and commissioning at CERN Laboratories. One of the detector type, the Micromegas detectors, during their integration are tested in several stages for gas tightness validation. In particular, the novel method we are using for the gas tightness test, that we called “Flow Rate Loss”, has been realized in several semi-automatic fixed, portable and stand-alone setups for testing either the Micromegas Quads or the final Double Wedges. The obtained measurements up-to-date are presented as well as their obtained statistical distribution. Additionally, during the performance evaluation of the detectors, a percent oxygen monitoring is also performed in 24-hour base. The methods and techniques we developed and used are presented analytically in this work.

Prediction of Refracturing Timing of Horizontal Wells in Tight Oil Reservoirs Based on an Integrated Learning Algorithm

Refracturing technology can effectively improve the EUR of horizontal wells in tight reservoirs, and the determination of refracturing time is the key to ensuring the effects of refracturing measures. In view of different types of tight oil reservoirs in the Songliao Basin, a library of 1896 sets of learning samples, with 11 geological and engineering parameters and corresponding refracturing times as characteristic variables, was constructed by combining numerical simulation with field statistics. After a performance comparison and analysis of an artificial neural network, support vector machine and XGBoost algorithm, the support vector machine and XGBoost algorithm were chosen as the base model and fused by the stacking method of integrated learning. Then, a prediction method of refracturing timing of tight oil horizontal wells was established on the basis of an ensemble learning algorithm. Through the prediction and analysis of the refracturing timing corresponding to 257 groups of test data, the prediction results were in good agreement with the real value, and the correlation coefficient R2 was 0.945. The established prediction method can quickly and accurately predict the refracturing time, and effectively guide refracturing practices in the tight oil test area of the Songliao basin.

Reliability in tension governed RC reservoirs considering autogenous self-sealing

The autogenous self-sealing of cracks is widely acknowledged to reduce leakage in tension governed reinforced concrete reservoirs. The design of these reservoirs is typically governed by serviceability limit state (SLS) considerations, i.e., limiting crack widths to prevent unacceptable leakage. This research introduces a reliability analysis to determine the achieved level of SLS reliability in reservoirs, considering the effect of autogenous self-sealing. Using a reliability limit state defined as the difference between the allowable and predicted leakage, the analysis simulates the behaviour of a reservoir at water tightness test stage. It makes use of the fib Model Code 2010 crack prediction model and determines the achieved SLS reliability for reservoirs in the stabilized cracking phase using Monte Carlo simulations. A range of target crack widths and water tightness test stabilization periods are considered, along with the probabilistic effect of both crack width prediction and self-sealing. From the analysis of a test reservoir, greater stabilization periods and more stringent target crack widths were found to lead to significantly reduced leakage and thus increased reliability. For stabilization periods of 0, 3, 7 and 14 days, an adequate SLS reliability of 1.5≤βt was found to require target crack widths of 0.11, 0.14, 0.15 and 0.16 mm, respectively. The proposed reliability analysis allows for the determination of the achieved level of SLS reliability in tension governed RC reservoirs; a key step towards cost optimization.

Characteristic-free test ideals

Tight closure test ideals have been central to the classification of singularities in rings of characteristic p > 0 p>0 , and via reduction to characteristic p > 0 p>0 , in equal characteristic 0 as well. Their properties and applications have been described by Schwede and Tucker [Progress in commutative algebra 2, Walter de Gruyter, Berlin, 2012]. In this paper, we extend the notion of a test ideal to arbitrary closure operations, particularly those coming from big Cohen-Macaulay modules and algebras, and prove that it shares key properties of tight closure test ideals. Our main results show how these test ideals can be used to give a characteristic-free classification of singularities, including a few specific results on the mixed characteristic case. We also compute examples of these test ideals.

The use of basalt powder in autoclaved brick as a method of production waste management

The study attempts to use post-production waste in the form of basalt powder for the production of autoclaved bricks, consisting of sand, lime and water. The research results show that basalt powder can be successfully used in their production. The paper compares traditional bricks and bricks made of raw material mass containing 10%, 20% and 30% of basalt powder addition. The study also investigated the influence of the use of variable amounts of water and its influence on the course of processes taking place in bricks. Tests for compressive strength, water absorption, capillary rise, tightness, porosity, density, volumetric density, mercury porosimetry, optical and scanning microscopy were carried out. The best results were obtained for samples with the addition of 10% basalt powder and 10% water. They were characterized by the highest compressive strength, high tightness, moderate water absorption and a high proportion of closed pores in the sample. Nevertheless, all tested samples meet the requirements for wall building materials. The results of scanning microscopy show that all samples have a similar microstructure, C-S-H phases and tobermorite were formed. The tests carried out have shown that by adding waste in the form of basalt powder, it is possible to obtain a lower brick price and better parameters compared to traditional silicates.

Semi-empirical model of internal pressure for a high-speed train under the excitation of tunnel pressure waves

To study the transmission of air pressure from external to internal carriage of high-speed trains, an internal pressure model excited by tunnel pressure wave is established. Firstly, factors affecting the air pressure transmission are analysed. Then, the semi-empirical models of the internal pressure caused by a single factor are established based on both the theoretical analysis and experimental data: (1) by applying the finite element method, effects of carbody deformation are studied; (2) based on the static air tightness test, the transmission from the gaps is modelled and (3) the model of the air ducts are surveyed on the base of the characteristics of the ventilation fans and valves. Finally, three routes are comprehensively considered and a coupling model of the internal pressure is established. Simulation results shows the model is adaptable in predicting the internal pressure under excitation of tunnel pressure waves. Besides, the effect of the factors on internal pressure are studied based on the models. Among the factors, the deformation has the least effect. Meanwhile, the air ducts are the dominant factor that affects the internal pressure at high opening degree, while the gaps will become the dominant factor when the opening degree of air ducts is relatively low.

Investigation of the Solid-Phase Joint of VT-14 Titanium Alloy with 12KH18N10T Stainless Steel Obtained by Diffusion Welding through Intermediate Layers

This paper describes the technological process of manufacturing bimetallic billets, which are capable of operating at high pressures, high temperatures, and in corrosive environments, from VT-14 titanium alloy and 12KH18N10T stainless steel. To obtain a joint with a strength of at least 350 MPa, the diffusion welding method was used, which makes it possible to obtain equal-strength joints using dissimilar materials. The connection of VT-14 titanium alloy with 12KH18N10T stainless steel after obtaining bimetallic billets with the desired properties was investigated. We studied the welded VT-14 and 12KH18N10T joint obtained by diffusion welding through intermediate spacers of niobium Nb (NbStrip-1) and copper Cu (M1). On the basis of our investigations, the optimum welding modes are as follows: welding temperature: 1137 K; welding pressure: 18 MPa; welding time: 1200 s. Mechanical tests, tightness tests, and metallographic, factographic, and micro-X-ray structural studies were carried out, the results of which indicate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Апробация технологии импульсной лазерной сварки тонкостенных оболочковых конструкций из стали 12Х18Н10Т на установке BULAT LRS 300

The work was carried out by combining the efforts of the staff of the Department of Welding and metallurgical technologies and Technopark of the Federal State Budget Educational Institution of Higher Education Komsomolsk-on-Amur State University. The article considers the results of laser welding introduction into the technological process of the critical structure production on the example of parts (housing and fastening element) of the PeA12 piezoelectric accelerometer. The laser welding modes for circular seams of thin-walled shell structures have been developed. Welding equipment has been designed and manufactured. Mechanical and tightness tests were carried out, which showed positive results that meet the technical requirements for the accelerometer welded joints.

Closure-interior duality over complete local rings

We define a duality operation connecting closure operations, interior operations, and test ideals, and describe how the duality acts on common constructions such as trace, torsion, tight and integral closures, and divisible submodules. This generalizes the relationship between tight closure and tight interior demonstrated by Epstein and Schwede (2014) and allows us to extend commonly used results on tight closure test ideals to operations such as those above.

Enrichment of tight oil and its controlling factors in central and western China

Taking the tight oil of the Zhongnan sag in the Ordos Basin, Jimusar sag in the Junggar Basin and Qingxi sag in the Jiuquan Basin as study objects, based on field survey, dissection of tight oil reservoirs, sample test, modeling experiment and comprehensive analysis, this study reveals that the tight oil accumulates at start-up pressure, advances under differential pressure, diffuses at alternating fast and low speeds, charges in stepped large area and migrates rapidly through fractures, and enriches in dominant fractures and pores. The root cause of ladder-like charge is the multiple scales of pores. The widespread source rock with high hydrocarbon generation intensity is the material basis for tight oil enrichment; the dominant source reservoir assemblage is the basic unit for tight oil enrichment; fractures and beddings are conducive to local rapid migration of tight oil; fractures and pores work together to control the enrichment of tight oil. Two typical accumulation models of tight oil are established, namely “source reservoir in coexistence, four optimal factors controlling enrichment around central area, and large-scale continuous distribution” for a large freshwater lake clastic rock basin and “source reservoir integration, four optimal factors controlling enrichment, central area distribution, small in size but high in enrichment degree “ for a small saline lake diamictite depression.

Development of the selective pressure neutralization method – An air tightness test method for exterior pressure boundary characterization in high-rise residential buildings

This paper presents a novel method for characterizing the exterior envelope air tightness of high-rise multi-unit residential building suites, the “Selective Pressure Neutralization” (Selective PN) method. Through the neutralization of air flow across the corridor-suite pressure boundary, this method can improve accuracy compared to the typically implemented “Whole Suite” method, while halving the time and equipment requirements of on-site testing compared to the Pressure Neutralization method. A CONTAM model was developed using field data from eight case study suites and then used to simulate the effectiveness of the proposed method in fourteen suite configurations. Sensitivity study simulations were also carried out where individual suite pressure boundary air tightness characteristics were varied. The case study results showed average absolute exterior boundary characterization errors of 16% and 51% for the Selective PN and Whole Suite methods, respectively. The sensitivity study results showed that the Selective PN method meets or exceeds the accuracy of the Whole Suite method by up to 78% in buildings with leakier exterior boundaries, like those in buildings with punched windows (as opposed to window wall configurations). Thus, the Selective PN method shows promise as an alternative air tightness testing method.

Experimental tests on vapor and gas permeability of concrete boxes

The use of reinforced concrete (r.c.) in industrial plants presents new challenge in the design of gas containments. The r.c. has advantages in terms of costs, shape optimization and monolithicity, although its permeability to gas and vapor is a critical issue. The concrete has well-known performances for water containment (as dams or reservoir) but not for the vapor tightness, due to the natural porosity and physiological cracking due to shrinkage and low traction strength. Special additives can mitigate the problem of the natural cracking that is physiologic for non-prestressed concrete; nevertheless, coatings can solve this problem. The internal coating can produce proper insulation from vapor and gas, but it is difficult to survey and to repair. The external coating is characterized by opposite advantages. In this paper the effectiveness of four different type of the external coatings on the vapor tightness of concrete boxes is analyzed. The experimental test is developed considering small-scale boxes (a cube of 1,20 m side) with a thickness of about 10 cm. Four specimens of cubic concrete boxes made in vibro-compressed concrete are coated with four different layers. The tightness test is carried out by the application of an internal pressure given by blown nitrogen. The tests highlight the level of tightness of each treatment and highlights strength and drawbacks of each coating.

Identification of the piston machine combustion chamber tightness

PurposeThe lack of integrity of the piston machine combustion chamber manifests itself in leakages of the working fluid between the piston and the cylinder liner, at valves mounted in the cylinder head and between the head and the liner. An untight combustion chamber leads to decreased power output or efficiency of the engine, while leaks of a fluid may cause damage to many components of the chamber. The actual value of working chamber leak is a desired and essential piece of information for planning operations of a given machine.Design/methodology/approachThis research paper describes causes and mechanisms of leakage from the working chamber of internal combustion engines. Besides, the paper outlines presently used methods and means of leak identification and states that their further development and improvements are needed. New methods and their applicability are presented.FindingsThe methods of leak identification have been divided into diagnostic and non-working machine leak identification methods. The need has been justified for the identification of leakage from the combustion chamber of a non-working machine and for using the leakage measure as the value of the cross-sectional area of the equivalent leak, defined as the sum of cross-section areas of all leaking paths. The analysis of possible developments of tightness assessment methods referring to the combustion chamber of a non-working machine consisted in modelling subsequent combustion chamber leaks as gas-filled tank leak, leak from another element of gas-filled tank and as a regulator of gas flow through a nozzle.Originality/valueA measurement system was built allowing the measurement of pressure drop in a tank with the connected engine combustion chamber, which indicated the usefulness of the system for leakage measurement in units as defined in applicable standards. A pneumatic sensor was built for measuring the cross-sectional area of the equivalent leak of the combustion chamber connected to the sensor where the chamber functioned as a regulator of gas flow through the sensor nozzle. It has been shown that the sensor can be calibrated by means of reference leaks implemented as nozzles of specific diameters and lengths. The schematic diagram of a system for measuring the combustion chamber leakage and a diagram of a sensor for measuring the cross-sectional area of the equivalent leak of the combustion chamber leakage are presented. The results are given of tightness tests of a small one-cylinder combustion engine conducted by means of the set up measurement system and a pre-prototype pneumatic sensor. The two solutions proved to be practically useful.

Hypocaloric Diet Initiated Post-Ischemia Provides Long-Term Neuroprotection and Promotes Peri-Infarct Brain Remodeling by Regulating Metabolic and Survival-Promoting Proteins

Calorie restriction confers post-ischemic neuroprotection, when administered in a defined time window before ischemic stroke. How a hypocaloric diet influences stroke recovery when initiated after stroke has not been investigated. Male C57BL6/j mice were exposed to transient intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion. Immediately post-ischemia, mice were randomized to two groups receiving moderately hypocaloric (2286 kcal/kg food) or normocaloric (3518 kcal/kg) diets ad libitum. Animals were sacrificed at 3 or 56 days post-ischemia (dpi). Besides increased low density lipoprotein at 3 days and reduced alanine aminotransferase and increased urea at 56 days, no alterations of plasma markers were found in ischemic mice on hypocaloric diet. Body weight mildly decreased over 56 dpi by 7.4%. Hypocaloric diet reduced infarct volume in the acute stroke phase at 3 dpi and decreased brain atrophy, increased neuronal survival and brain capillary density in peri-infarct striatum and reduced motor coordination impairment in tight rope tests in the post-acute stroke phase over up to 56 dpi. The abundance of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, the NAD-dependent deacetylase and longevity protein sirtuin-1, the anti-oxidant glutathione peroxidase-3, and the ammonium detoxifier glutamine synthetase in the peri-infarct brain tissue was increased by hypocaloric diet. This study shows that a moderately hypocaloric diet that is initiated after stroke confers long-term neuroprotection and promotes peri-infarct brain remodeling.

DEVELOPMENT OF 222RN IN AIR SECONDARY STANDARD IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC.

Slovak Institute of Metrology received in 2016 funding for realisation of a set up of a radon chamber with AlphaGUARD as a secondary standard of 222Rn in air as one part of the project. This secondary standard will serve to provide the traceability for laboratories that deal with 222Rn measurements in environmental samples. This project is a response to the European Union legislation and provides metrological support for the development and implementation of the national radon action plan, which the member states of the European Union are committed to fulfil in accordance with Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom. During development of the radon chamber, the determination of its basic technical parameters, such as the exact determination of the container volume and the area of the inner walls of the radon chamber, many tightness tests of the chamber, the definition of homogeneous radon atmosphere parameters and bilateral comparisons, were realised.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis-like state compromises post-ischemic neurological recovery, brain tissue survival and remodeling via mechanisms involving microvascular thrombosis and brain T cell infiltration

Sepsis predisposes for poor stroke outcome. This association suggests that sepsis disturbs post-ischemic tissue survival and brain remodeling. To elucidate this link, we herein exposed mice to 30 min intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and induced a sepsis-like state at 72 h post-ischemia by intraperitoneal delivery of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS; three doses of 0.1 or 1 mg/kg, separated by 6 h), a major component of the bacterium’s outer membrane. Neurological recovery, ischemic injury, brain remodeling and immune responses were evaluated over up to 56 days post-sepsis (dps) by behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Delivery of 1 mg/kg but not 0.1 mg/kg LPS reduced rectal temperature over 48 h by up to 3.4 ± 3.1 °C, increased general and focal neurological deficits in the Clark score over 72 h and increased motor-coordination deficits in the tight rope test over up to 21 days. Notably, 1 mg/kg, but not 0.1 mg/kg LPS increased intercellular adhesion molecule-1 abundance on ischemic microvessels, increased microvascular thrombosis and increased patrolling monocyte and T cell infiltrates in ischemic brain tissue at 3 dps. Infarct volume was increased by 1 mg/kg, but not 0.1 mg/kg LPS at 3 dps (that is, 6 days post-MCAO), as was brain atrophy at 28 and 56 dps. Microglial activation in ischemic brain tissue, evaluated by morphology analysis of Iba-1 immunostainings, was transiently increased by 0.1 and 1 mg/kg LPS at 3 dps. Our data provide evidence that neurological recovery and brain remodeling are profoundly compromised in the ischemic brain post-sepsis as a consequence of cerebral thromboinflammation.

New Methodologies for Fracture Detection of Automotive Steels in Tight Radius Bending: Application to the VDA 238–100 V-Bend Test

The VDA 238–100 tight radius V-bend test can be used to efficiently characterize the bendability and fracture limits of sheet metals in severe plane strain bending. Material performance in plane strain bending is critical for the selection of advanced high strength steels for energy absorbing structural components. The detection of failure based upon a reduction in the punch force can lead to erroneous predictions of failure for ductile or thin gage alloys in the VDA 238–100 test. New failure criteria were proposed and evaluated across a range of automotive steels. Four detection methods in the V-bend test were evaluated based upon the load drop, bending moment, novel stress metric and the strain rate for seven steels with strength levels from 270 to 1500 MPa. The appropriate failure threshold was identified from visual inspection of the surface during bending. The vertical punch force will decrease as a consequence of the mechanics in the V-bend test at intermediate bend angles even without fracture. The novel stress-based metric accounts for sheet thinning and could successfully identify “false positives” and punch lift-off when considering the strain-rate evolution. Failure detection using the VDA load threshold method may significantly under-report the bend performance of alloys with intermediate-to-high bendability or thin gauges. The proposed stress-based metric can reliably detect fracture for bend angles in excess of 160° and be readily calculated using the existing data. The VDA load threshold for failure can work well for materials that exhibit significant cracking.

Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit in non-pitcher overhead athletic athletes: case series analysis of ten athletes

BackgroundThe glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) is diagnosed when there is a loss of 20° of internal rotation compared to the contralateral shoulder. This condition has already been well described in a group of throwing athletes, i.e. baseball pitchers. However, athletic athletes such as javelin throwers, discus throwers, hammer throwers, shot putters may also be susceptible to this condition. Reports are lacking to recognize these symptoms as GIRD for these group of athletes. We aim to evaluate these subgroups of athletes for the possibility of GIRD. Materials and methodsWe examined ten athletes (javelin, hammer throwers, and shot putters) for signs of GIRD. Signs of loss of internal rotation were assessed by measuring shoulder range of motion (internal rotation and external rotation) in supine position and posterior shoulder tightness test. Complaints of shoulder pain, evidence of scapular malposition, inferior medial border prominence, coracoid pain and malposition, and dyskinesis of scapular movement (SICK) scapula, posterior shoulder flexibility test were examined. ResultsThe athletes had a mean training period of 3.8 years. One athlete had complaints of mild pain on their dominant shoulder. Two athletes had GIRD (20° and 25°) with no posterior shoulder tightness. Three athletes had posterior shoulder tightness, but normal total shoulder ROM (195°, 180°, and 185°). Three athletes had increased external rotation (105°, 100°, 125°). No subjects had scapular dyskinesia nor SICK scapula syndrome. All athletes had normal total shoulder ROM. ConclusionGlenohumeral internal rotation deficit could be present in non-pitcher overhead athletics athletes.