Slump Test: A New Empirical Model for High Yield Stress Materials

In order to decrease the fitting deviation between rheometrical measurements and empirical parameters using slump test, this paper proposes a new analytical method to evaluate the high yield stress of materials (cement pastes).In doing so, an experimental study was performed for measuring the empirical characteristics by cylindrical mold with different water to binder ratios (w/b) by aiming to increase the yield stress. Parallelly, experimental observations showed clearly the unyielded zone at flow stoppage of high yield stress samples. Based on these results, an idea was formed to applied metallic element at inlet of mold in order to push the spreading of paste. The obtained results of the model proposed in this paper were compared with the yield stress evaluated from shear flow curves using AR2000-rheometer with plate-plate geometry at rate-controlled. In fact, this study demonstrates the applicability and novelty of the present model in the process of relating the empirical parameters to yield stress.

"FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF MORONIC ACID LOADED TRANSDERMAL PATCHES"

Objective: To prepare Transdermal patches of Moronic acid along with various polymers for controlled release action. Methods: Suitable method such as Solvent Casting Technique of Film Casting Technique are used for the preparation of Transdermal patch. Results: The prepared Transdermal patches were transparent, smooth, uniform and flexible. The method adopted for the preparation of the system was found satisfactory. Conclusion: Various formulations were developed by using hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers like HPMC E5 and EC respectively in single and combinations by solvent evaporation technique with the incorporation of penetration enhancer such as dimethylsulfoxide and dibutyl phthalate as plasticizer. Formulation F7 containing an equal ratio of HPMC E5: EC (5:5) showed maximum and sustained release of 86.814±0.262 within 24 h. Kinetic models were used to confirm the release mechanism of the formulations. Moronic acid release from the patches F1 to F7 followed non Fickian diffusion rate controlled mechanism.

Continuous assessment of landslides by measuring their basal temperature

In this study, we suggest a temperature-based assessment and mitigation approach for deep-seated landslides that allows to forecast the behavior of the slide and assess its stability. The suggested approach is validated through combined field monitoring and experimental testing of the El Forn landslide (Andorra), whose shear band material is Silurian shales. Thermal and rate controlled triaxial tests have shown that this material is thermal- and rate-sensitive, and in combination with the field data, they validate the theoretical assumption that by measuring the basal temperature of an active landslide, we can quantify and reduce the uncertainty of the model’s parameters, and adequately monitor and forecast the response of the selected deep-seated landslide. The data and results of this letter show that the presented model can give threshold values that can be used as an early-warning assessment and mitigation tool.

Sublimation of terrestrial permafrost and the implications for ice-loss processes on Mars

Sublimation of ice is rate-controlled by vapor transport away from its outer surface and may have generated landforms on Mars. In ice-cemented ground (permafrost), the lag of soil particles remaining after ice loss decreases subsequent sublimation. Varying soil-ice ratios lead to differential lag development. Here we report 52 years of sublimation measurements from a permafrost tunnel near Fairbanks, Alaska, and constrain models of sublimation, diffusion through porous soil, and lag formation. We derive the first long-term in situ effective diffusion coefficient of ice-free loess, a Mars analog soil, of 9.05 × 10⁻⁶ m² s⁻¹, ~5× larger than past theoretical studies. Exposed ice-wedge sublimation proceeds ~4× faster than predicted from analogy to heat loss by buoyant convection, a theory frequently employed in Mars studies. Our results can be used to map near-surface ice-content differences, identify surface processes controlling landform formation and morphology, and identify target landing sites for human exploration of Mars.

The New Way to Exercise? Evaluating an Innovative Heart-rate-controlled Exergame

Exergames may offer novel opportunities to expand physical activity. Most games, however, only result in low to moderate-intensity activities that are too low to allow relevant physical adjustments. In the present study, the exercise intensity of a new, heart rate controlled, functional fitness game was assessed. 28 subjects (aged 24.8±3.8 yrs; 46% female; BMI 23.2±2.3 kg/m2) were enrolled in this study. VO2max and maximal heart rate (HRmax) were assessed during a maximal graded exercise test on a treadmill and compared with the oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) during a game in the ExerCube.In the ExerCube, the subjects reached a peak HR of 187.43±9.22 bpm, which corresponds to 96.57±3.64% of their HRmax. The mean HR throughout the game was 167.11±10.94 bpm, corresponding to 86.07±4.33% of HRmax. VO2peak reached 41.57±5.09 ml/kg/min during the game in the ExerCube, which corresponds to 84.75±7.52% of VO2max. The mean VO2 consumption during the game reached 32.39±4.04 ml/kg/min, which corresponds to 66.01±5.09% of VO2max. The ExerCube provides a form of vigorous physical exercise. Due to its playful, immersive, and motivating nature, the ExerCube seems to be a promising tool to facilitate physical activity.