scholarly journals Effect of Rosin Modification on the Visual Characteristics of Round Bamboo Culm

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 3500
Author(s):  
Na Su ◽  
Changhua Fang ◽  
Hui Zhou ◽  
Tong Tang ◽  
Shuqin Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Morphology ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Treatment Temperature ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Impregnation Method ◽  
Epidermal Layer ◽  
Bamboo Culm ◽  
Different Temperatures ◽  
Large Audience ◽  
Visual Characteristics

Rosin was used to treat round bamboo culm using the impregnation method. The quantitative color and gloss measurements combined with a qualitative eye tracking experiment were used to evaluate the effect of rosin treatment under different temperatures on the visual characteristics of the bamboo surface. Surface morphology analysis was also used to explore the mechanism of modification. The results showed that proper heating of the modified system was conducive to the formation of a continuous rosin film, which increased the gloss value. The maximum gloss value of 19.6 achieved at 50 °C was 122.7% higher than the gloss value of the control group. Heating decreased the brightness of the bamboo culm and changed the color from the green and yellow tones to red and blue. Additionally, at temperatures higher than 60 °C, the bamboo epidermal layer was damaged or shed, and stripes formed on the culm surface. The density of these stripes increased with an increase in treatment temperature. Eye movement experiment and subjective evaluation showed that high gloss would produce dazzling feeling, such as at 50 °C, while low gloss will appear dim, such as at 80 °C, while the gloss at 40 °C and 60 °C were appropriate. Additionally, the solid color surface below 60 °C had a large audience of about 73%, and the striped surface above 60 °C was preferred by 27% of the subjects.

Design and Evaluation of a Modulated TENS Stimulation in Medical Pain Therapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-83
Author(s):  
L. Bouafif ◽  
N. Ellouze
Keyword(s):  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Pain Therapy ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Electrical Current ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Background: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive pain therapy that uses the sensory effects of an electrical current applied to the skin. Some clinical studies demonstrated that this treatment helps to reduce acute and chronic pains, while others gave sometimes contradictory or uncertain conclusions about the performances of this strategy according to pathology classification. The purpose of this study is the development and evaluation of a new modulated version of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation called PWM-TENS. The principle is based on an automatic variation of the stimulation parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration, shape, cyclic ratio) according to the pain evolution. Methods: The study was a controlled clinical trial involving 15 participants, divided into 2 groups. The first experimental group performed modulated PWM-TENS electro-stimulation sessions applied to the painful areas 3 to 4 times a day, for one month. The second control group did parallel treatments by Placebo. The evaluation of the pain intensity is done with the Visual Analog Scale (EVA), the DN4 and SF36 questionnaires. Results: The tests and measurements with our embedded PWM-TENS technique demonstrated that we succeeded to increase the analgesic effect after stopping the stimulation and reduced the pain sensation by about 60%. An improvement in pain intensity scores and questionnaires (EVA, DN4), as well as the quality of life score (SF36), was observed. Also, a reduction of the treatment period from 3 to 1 month was also obtained. Conclusion: The first results clinically observed in the PWM-TENS technique are encouraging. The findings of this study confirm that this noninvasive strategy is suitable and useful for acute pains coming from the nociceptive, neuropathic and musculoskeletal origin. However, its efficiency is moderated and less adapted for low back pain. The experiments make it possible to estimate whether this modulated TENS method could improve existing anti-pain therapies, taking into account objective and subjective evaluation criteria. But this study must be followed by large population samples to answer all the problems of acute and chronic pains.

scholarly journals ENERGY PROPERTIES OF WOOD PARTICLES TORREFIED AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Miguel Simões da Silva ◽  
Benedito Rocha Vital ◽  
Angélica de Cassia Oliveira Carneiro ◽  
Aylson Costa Oliveira ◽  
Solange Oliveira Araújo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Untreated Wood ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Fixed Carbon ◽  
Final Temperature ◽  
Heating Value ◽  
Physical Chemical ◽  
Wood Particles ◽  
Different Temperatures ◽  
Fixed Carbon Content ◽  
Positive Effect

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the final torrefaction temperature on the energy properties of wood. It was applied four treatments with three replicates, consisting of untreated wood particles and particles torrefied at temperatures of 170, 220 and 260ºC. Better physical, chemical and thermal properties of the particles were observed as a function of the torrefaction temperature. Comparing with the control group, the particles torrefied at the highest final temperature (260ºC) showed significant differences in bulk density - from 239 to 396kg/m3; the equilibrium moisture content changed from 12.3 to 5.7%; fixed carbon content - from 13.0 to 24.8%; heating value - from 4,465 to 4,945kcal/kg; and energy density - from 882 to 1,727Mcal/m3. It was concluded that torrefaction had a positive effect on the energy properties of the wood.

scholarly journals Surface morphology changes of acrylic resins during finishing and polishing phases

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 26-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glaucio Serra ◽  
Liliane Siqueira de Morais ◽  
Carlos Nelson Elias
Keyword(s):  
Surface Morphology ◽  
Acrylic Resin ◽  
Surface Finishing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Orthodontic Appliances ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Good Surface ◽  
Acrylic Resins ◽  
Polishing Procedures ◽  
Removable Orthodontic Appliances

INTRODUCTION: The finishing and polishing phases are essential to improve smoothness and shining on the surface of acrylic resins used to make removable orthodontic appliances. A good surface finishing reduces roughness, which facilitates hygiene, prevents staining and provides greater comfort to the patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to analyze the changes on surface morphology of acrylic resins during finishing and polishing phases. METHODS: Thirty discs (10 mm in diameter and 5 mm in length) were made with acrylic resin and randomly divided into ten groups. The control group did not receive any treatment while the other groups received gradual finishing and polishing. The last group received the entire finishing and polishing procedures. Surface morphology was qualitatively analyzed through scanning electron microscopy and quantitatively analyzed through a laser profilometer test. RESULTS: The acrylic resin surfaces without treatment showed bubbles which were not observed in the subsequent phases. Wearing out with multilaminated burs, finishing with wood sandpaper and finishing with water sandpaper resulted in surfaces with decreasing irregularities. The surfaces that were polished with pumice and with low abrasive liquids showed high superficial smoothness. CONCLUSION: Highly smooth acrylic resin surfaces can be obtained after mechanical finishing and polishing performed with multilaminated burs, wood sandpaper, water sandpaper, pumice and low abrasive liquids.

scholarly journals Impact of supervised physiotherapeutic pelvic floor exercises for treating female stress urinary incontinence

2007 ◽  
Vol 125 (5) ◽  
pp. 265-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Míriam Raquel Diniz Zanetti ◽  
Rodrigo de Aquino Castro ◽  
Adriana Lyvio Rotta ◽  
Patrícia Diniz dos Santos ◽  
Marair Sartori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Stress Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Pelvic Floor ◽  
Pelvic Floor Muscle ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Female Stress Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises ◽  
Pad Test

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Urinary incontinence is a public health problem that affects more than 200 million people worldwide. Stress incontinence is the most prevalent type. Pelvic floor muscle exercises have been used for treating it, although there is no consensus regarding their application. The aim of this study was to compare the results from treating female stress urinary incontinence with pelvic floor muscle exercises with or without physiotherapist supervision. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a randomized, prospective, controlled trial in the Urogynecology and Vaginal Surgery Sector, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. METHODS: Forty-four women were randomized to be treated for stress urinary incontinence with pelvic floor exercises for three consecutive months, into two groups: one with and the other without physiotherapist supervision. They were evaluated before and after treatment using a quality-of-life questionnaire, pad test, micturition diary and subjective evaluation. Descriptive analysis was used to evaluate the population. The homogeneity of the two groups was evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-squared tests. The success of the two groups after treatment was evaluated using the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: The supervised group showed statistically greater improvement in the pad test, micturition diary and quality of life than did the control group. In the subjective evaluation, only 23.8% of the control group patients were satised with their treatment. In the supervised group, 66.8% of patients did not want any other treatment. CONCLUSION: Supervised pelvic floor muscle exercises presented better results in objective and subjective evaluations than did unsupervised exercises.

Analiza wpływu stosowania kremu z pszczelim pyłkiem kwiatowym na wybrane cechy skóry rąk oceniane subiektywnie i obiektywnie

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Piotrowska ◽  
Magdalena Zając ◽  
Łukasz Tota ◽  
Olga Czerwińska ◽  
Natalia Totko-Borkusiewicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Day Treatment ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Skin Hydration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Skin Tightening ◽  
Bee Pollen ◽  
Allergy Test ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Experimental Group

Introduction. Pollen is a plant-based product and is a rich source of biologically active compounds such as: proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, fats and fatty acids, phenolic compounds and enzymes, considered as an promising ingredient in cosmetic formulations. Aim. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a cream enriched with micronized bee pollen on selected skin characteristics evaluated in subjective and objective manner. Material and methods. The participants were 13 female volunteers (students) who met the following criteria: no dermatological and endocrine diseases, non-smoking and no special or elimination diets up to 3 months before the study, and also a negative allergy test result. Students were randomly assigned to the following groups: the experimental group – subjects using cream with 3% micronized bee pollen and the control one using cream base. Before and after the 5-day treatment, the participants undewent the measurements of skin hydration. The subjective evaluation of selected skin properties was examined by using a 3-grade scale. Results. All skin characteristics evaluated subjectively improved as a result of pollen-enriched formula treatment. The participants of the experimental group have noticed a significant change in the following properties: moisturizing, smoothness and skin tightening. The final measurement of skin hydration has showed an increase of 12.14 units in the experimental group and 4.52 units in the control group, indicating difference between groups (p = 0.0389). Also a positive correlation between application time and moisturizing (R = 0.929) has been found. Conclusions. The micronized bee pollen, as an active ingredient in protective and moisturizing preparations, seems to be an effective ingredient.

Introduction of Problem Based Learning (PBL) as a Supplementary Tool to Enhance Active Learning in Physiology – A Study in a Medical College of Southern Kolkata

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (40) ◽  
pp. 3483-3488
Author(s):  
Pandurang Narhare ◽  
Padmakar Sasane ◽  
Revathi Mohanan ◽  
Mriganka Baruah
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Active Learning ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Problem Based Learning ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Clinical Scenarios ◽  
Directed Learning

BACKGROUND The motivation to learn begins with a problem. The ideology of problem-based learning (PBL) is to encourage the students to think beyond the books and apply the basic knowledge to various clinical scenarios. Problem based learning has been a concept in existence for decades, yet its implementation in medical education is limited. So the study on PBL was taken up to know analytical skills, comprehensive understanding of disease process and inculcate the practice of self-directed learning in physiology. METHODS This was an educational interventional study carried out on 60 first MBBS students chosen by simple random sampling. Students were further randomly divided into two groups containing 30 students in the control group and 30 students in the study group. Control group was taught by didactic lectures. 10 clinical scenarios were given to study group and discussions were conducted under the moderation of faculties. Objective evaluation was performed using pre-test and post-test examination for both groups. Subjective evaluation of attitude in study group towards PBL was recorded using self-developed questionnaire using Likert’s scale. Data was analysed by using paired students t test. RESULTS The mean pre-PBL (9.83±4.88) and post-PBL scores (15.61 ± 2.99) in study group were significant (p < 0.00001). The comparison of mean scores of postdidactic lectures (12.88 ± 3.13) in control group and post-PBL (15.61 ± 2.99) in study group were significant (p < 0.001). Subjective evaluation using Likert’s scale revealed increased interest in active learning, better confidence, communication, comprehension, and motivation amongst the PBL group. CONCLUSIONS From the results of this study, it can be concluded that problem-based learning is a good supplementary tool in teaching physiology, and it can be included in the regular medical teaching programmes so that the students have a better understanding of the various challenges in the field of medical education and research so that newer strategies for better health care provision can be planned. KEYWORDS Active Learning, Medical Education, Problem Solving, Self-Directed Learning

scholarly journals A Comparison of the Ballistic Performances of Various Microstructures in MIL-A-12560 Armor Steel

Metals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 446
Author(s):  
Erkan Konca
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Temperature ◽  
Energy Losses ◽  
Tempered Martensite ◽  
Ballistic Protection ◽  
Different Temperatures ◽  
Armor Steel ◽  
Isothermal Heat Treatments ◽  
Bainite Microstructure ◽  
Impact Energies ◽  
Martensite Microstructure

Due to their advantageous properties, there is a growing interest in developing armor steels containing fully or partially bainitic microstructures. In this study, bainitic and martensitic microstructures were obtained in rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) steel samples and their ballistic protection performances were investigated. RHA (MIL-A-12560) steel samples were subjected to isothermal heat treatments at three different temperatures, where one temperature (360 °C) was above the martensite formation start (Ms) temperature of 336 °C while the other two (320 °C and 270 °C) were below. For the assessment of the ballistic protection performance, the kinetic energy losses of the 12.7 mm bullets fired at the test samples were determined. The promising nature of the bainite microstructure was confirmed as the sample isothermally treated at 360 °C provided approximately 10% higher ballistic protection as compared to the regular RHA sample of tempered martensite microstructure. However, the ballistic performances of the isothermally treated samples decreased as the treatment temperature went below the Ms temperature. Following the ballistic tests, hardness measurements, impact tests at −40 °C, and macro- and microstructural examinations of the samples were performed. No correlation was found between the hardness and impact energies of the samples and their ballistic performances.

scholarly journals Effect of Heat Treatment Temperature on Martensitic Transformation and Superelasticity of the Ti49Ni51 Shape Memory Alloy

Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (16) ◽  
pp. 2539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peiyou Li ◽  
Yongshan Wang ◽  
Fanying Meng ◽  
Le Cao ◽  
Zhirong He
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Martensitic Transformation ◽  
Shape Memory Alloy ◽  
Shape Memory ◽  
Thermal Hysteresis ◽  
Treatment Temperature ◽  
Heat Treated ◽  
Different Temperatures ◽  
Tini Phase ◽  
Rapidly Solidified

The martensitic transformation and superelasticity of Ti49Ni51 shape memory alloy heat-treatment at different temperatures were investigated. The experimental results show that the microstructures of as-cast and heat-treated (723 K) Ni-rich Ti49Ni51 samples prepared by rapidly-solidified technology are composed of B2 TiNi phase, and Ti3Ni4 and Ti2Ni phases; the microstructures of heat-treated Ti49Ni51 samples at 773 and 823 K are composed of B2 TiNi phase, and of B2 TiNi and Ti2Ni phases, respectively. The martensitic transformation of as-cast Ti49Ni51 alloy is three-stage, A→R→M1 and R→M2 transformation during cooling, and two-stage, M→R→A transformation during heating. The transformations of the heat-treated Ti49Ni51 samples at 723 and 823 K are the A↔R↔M/A↔M transformation during cooling/heating, respectively. For the heat-treated alloy at 773 K, the transformations are the A→R/M→R→A during cooling/heating, respectively. For the heat-treated alloy at 773 K, only a small thermal hysteresis is suitable for sensor devices. The stable σmax values of 723 and 773 K heat-treated samples with a large Wd value exhibit high safety in application. The 773 and 823 K heat-treated samples have large stable strain–energy densities, and are a good superelastic alloy. The experimental data obtained provide a valuable reference for the industrial application of rapidly-solidified casting and heat-treated Ti49Ni51 alloy.

scholarly journals Influence of dialysate temperature on creatinine peritoneal clearance in peritoneal dialysis patients: a randomized trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Fontana ◽  
Chiara Torelli ◽  
Silvia Giovanella ◽  
Giulia Ligabue ◽  
Gaetano Alfano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Creatinine Clearance ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Specific Recommendation ◽  
Peritoneal Dialysate ◽  
Different Temperatures ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Background Patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (PD) are encouraged to warm dialysate to 37 °C before peritoneal infusion; main international PD guidelines do not provide specific recommendation, and patients generally warm dialysate batches partially or do not warm them at all. Warming of dialysate is a time-consuming procedure, not free from potential risks (i.e. degradation of glucose), and should be justified by a clear clinical benefit. Methods We designed a single blind randomized controlled trial where 18 stable PD patients were randomized to receive a peritoneal equilibration test either with dialysate at a controlled temperature of 37 °C (intervention group) or with dialysate warmed with conventional methods (control group). Primary end-point was a higher peritoneal creatinine clearance in patients in the intervention group. Results Patients in the intervention group did not show a significantly higher peritoneal creatinine clearance when compared to the control group (6.38 ± 0.52 ml/min vs 5.65 ± 0.37 ml/min, p = 0.2682). Similar results were obtained for urea peritoneal clearance, mass transfer area coefficient of creatinine and urea. There were no significant differences in total abdominal discomfort questionnaire score, blood pressure and body temperature between the two groups. Conclusions Using peritoneal dialysate at different temperatures without causing significant side effects to patients appears feasible. We report a lack of benefit of warming peritoneal dialysate to 37 °C on peritoneal clearances; future PD guidelines should not reinforce this recommendation. Trial registration NCT04302649, ClinicalTrials.gov; date of registration 10/3/2020 (retrospectively registered).

Synthesis and Characterization of Multi-Angular Branched ZnO Microstructures and Peculiar Nanopushpins Obtained by Thermal Treatment from Compacted ZnS Powder

2019 ◽  
Vol 286 ◽  
pp. 23-30
Author(s):  
J.R. Mora ◽  
Gregorio Flores-Carrasco ◽  
Mauricio Pacio ◽  
T.G. Díaz-Rodríguez ◽  
Hector Juárez
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Treatment ◽  
Treatment Process ◽  
Treatment Temperature ◽  
Complex Structures ◽  
Wurtzite Phase ◽  
Free Process ◽  
Different Temperatures ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Hexagonal Wurtzite Phase

Multi-angular branched ZnO microstructures with rods-shaped tips and nanopushpins with hexagonal cap on top have been synthesized by a simple thermal treatment process of compacted ZnS powder used as starting material and substrate. The structures have been grown at different temperatures (800, 900 and 1000 °C) for 60 min, in a constant nitrogen environment at atmospheric pressure via a catalyst-free process. XRD results of the as-grown products from ZnS powder show a significant reduction in the cubic zincblende phase to the hexagonal wurtzite phase with the increase of treatment temperature, as compared to the bulk value. Post-anneal analyses indicated that the transformation of morphologies of the as-grown structures also depends strongly on the treatment temperature. The proposed method represents an easy and economical way to grow complex structures of ZnO, with a relatively short time, furthermore, without the neediness of use an external substrate to grow. These new and interesting nanostructures have potential in applications such as optoelectronics.

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