Parallelized finite element modelling of unreinforced concrete masonry infills bounded by RC frames

This paper presents the implementation of a new parallelized finite element technique for modelling the in-plane behaviour of concrete masonry infilled RC frames using the Disturbed Stress Field Method (DSFM). The new technique, referred to as the Vectorized and Parallelized Finite Element Method (VPFEM), was developed with a key feature of significantly accelerating finite element model run speed using parallel computing algorithms. In this paper, the DSFM modelling details and its implementation in the VPFEM are presented. The iterative analysis required by the DSFM was performed using parallel computing techniques to achieve acceleration using Graphical Processing Units (GPUs). A comparison with experimental results shows that the DSFM is able to accurately predict the behaviour, ultimate load, and cracking pattern of masonry infilled RC frames. The run speed acceleration achieved by the VPFEM when implemented on GPUs is demonstrated to be significant.

PCA-Based Denoising Algorithm for Outdoor Lidar Point Cloud Data

Due to the complexity of surrounding environments, lidar point cloud data (PCD) are often degraded by plane noise. In order to eliminate noise, this paper proposes a filtering scheme based on the grid principal component analysis (PCA) technique and the ground splicing method. The 3D PCD is first projected onto a desired 2D plane, within which the ground and wall data are well separated from the PCD via a prescribed index based on the statistics of points in all 2D mesh grids. Then, a KD-tree is constructed for the ground data, and rough segmentation in an unsupervised method is conducted to obtain the true ground data by using the normal vector as a distinctive feature. To improve the performance of noise removal, we propose an elaborate K nearest neighbor (KNN)-based segmentation method via an optimization strategy. Finally, the denoised data of the wall and ground are spliced for further 3D reconstruction. The experimental results show that the proposed method is efficient at noise removal and is superior to several traditional methods in terms of both denoising performance and run speed.

A Sparsity Preestimated Adaptive Matching Pursuit Algorithm

In the matching pursuit algorithm of compressed sensing, the traditional reconstruction algorithm needs to know the signal sparsity. The sparsity adaptive matching pursuit (SAMP) algorithm can adaptively approach the signal sparsity when the sparsity is unknown. However, the SAMP algorithm starts from zero and iterates several times with a fixed step size to approximate the true sparsity, which increases the runtime. To increase the run speed, a sparsity preestimated adaptive matching pursuit (SPAMP) algorithm is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the sparsity preestimated strategy is used to estimate the sparsity, and then the signal is reconstructed by the SAMP algorithm with the preestimated sparsity as the iterative initial value. The method reconstructs the signal from the preestimated sparsity, which reduces the number of iterations and greatly speeds up the run efficiency.

Effect of gender affirming hormones on athletic performance in transwomen and transmen: implications for sporting organisations and legislators

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of gender affirming hormones on athletic performance among transwomen and transmen.MethodsWe reviewed fitness test results and medical records of 29 transmen and 46 transwomen who started gender affirming hormones while in the United States Air Force. We compared pre- and post-hormone fitness test results of the transwomen and transmen with the average performance of all women and men under the age of 30 in the Air Force between 2004 and 2014. We also measured the rate of hormone associated changes in body composition and athletic performance.ResultsParticipants were 26.2 years old (SD 5.5). Prior to gender affirming hormones, transwomen performed 31% more push-ups and 15% more sit-ups in 1 min and ran 1.5 miles 21% faster than their female counterparts. After 2 years of taking feminising hormones, the push-up and sit-up differences disappeared but transwomen were still 12% faster. Prior to gender affirming hormones, transmen performed 43% fewer push-ups and ran 1.5 miles 15% slower than their male counterparts. After 1 year of taking masculinising hormones, there was no longer a difference in push-ups or run times, and the number of sit-ups performed in 1 min by transmen exceeded the average performance of their male counterparts.SummaryThe 15–31% athletic advantage that transwomen displayed over their female counterparts prior to starting gender affirming hormones declined with feminising therapy. However, transwomen still had a 9% faster mean run speed after the 1 year period of testosterone suppression that is recommended by World Athletics for inclusion in women’s events.

Behavioral, Histopathologic, and Molecular Biological Responses of Nanoparticle- and Solution-Based Formulations of Vincristine in Mice

Clinical use of the chemotherapeutic agent vincristine (VCR) is limited by chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CiPN). A new formulation of VCR encapsulated by nanoparticles has been proposed and developed to alleviate CiPN. We hypothesized in nonclinical animals that the nanoparticle drug would be less neurotoxic due to different absorption and distribution properties to the peripheral nerve from the unencapsulated free drug. Here, we assessed whether VCR encapsulation in nanoparticles alleviates CiPN using behavioral gait analysis (CatWalk), histopathologic and molecular biological (RT-qPCR) approaches. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to 3 groups (empty nanoparticle, nano-VCR, solution-based VCR, each n = 8). After 15 days of dosing, animals were euthanized for tissue collection. It was shown that intraperitoneal administration of nano-VCR (0.15 mg/kg, every other day) and the empty nanoparticle resulted in no changes in gait parameters; whereas, injection of solution-based VCR resulted in decreased run speed and increased step cycle and stance ( P < 0.05). There were no differences in incidence and severity of degeneration in the sciatic nerves between the nano-VCR-dosed and solution-based VCR-dosed animals. Likewise, decreased levels of a nervous tissue-enriched microRNA-183 in circulating blood did not show a significant difference between the nano- and solution-based VCR groups ( P > 0.05). Empty nanoparticle administration did not cause any behavioral, microRNA, or structural changes. In conclusion, this study suggests that the nano-VCR formulation may alleviate behavioral changes in CiPN, but it does not improve the structural changes of CiPN in peripheral nerve. Nanoparticle properties may need to be optimized to improve biological observations.

THE STRUCTURE OF MOTOR SKILLS AMONG THE STUDENTS AT THE FACULTY OF SECURITY STUDIES

A system of 16 motor variables was used to determine thestructure of motor skills in a sample of 84 students at the Faculty of SecuritySciences in Banja Luka. By using factor analysis according to the Kaiser-Guttmanrule, 6 latent motor dimensions were determined. The first factor is defined asthe factor for the structuring movement mechanism, because it is presentedwith the variables used to assess coordination and movement frequency. Thesecond factor is defined as the factor for the mechanism for regulating excitationduration, because it is represented by the measures used to assess the repetitiveand static strength of arms, body, and legs. The third factor is defined as thefactor for the tone regulation and synergistic regulation mechanism, becauseit is represented by the variables used to assess the measures of flexibility. Thefourth factor is defined as the factor for the excitation intensity mechanism,because it is represented by the variable used to assess explosive power throughthe run speed capability. The fifth factor is also defined as the factor forsynergistic regulation and tonus regulation, because it is represented by thevariable used to assess balance, while the sixth factor is defined as the factor forexcitation intensity, because it is represented by three variables used to assessexplosive power and one variable used to assess flexibility. This paper is anattempt to demonstrate that the distinguished hierarchical structure of motorskills is of exceptional theoretical and practical value, whereby these factorsshould represent a determinant for predicting motor skills and programingoperator training in special physical education classes.

The Game-Based ABC Running Exercise Model for Children Ages 6-12 Years

The aim of this study is to produce the game-based ABC running exercise model for children ages 6-12 years by testing the effectiveness of increasing the speed of 30 meters short distance running in athletes aged 6-12 years. The research method used in this study is the research and development method of Borg and Gall by using 10 stages. The research subjects in this study are at the age of 6-12 years of athletic at the athletic club in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The study begins with a data analysis of requirements, planning, product making, testing, revision and final products. The model feasibility test presents 3 experts consisting of 2 athletic lecturers and 1 national athletic trainer. The effectiveness test model uses a 30 meters speed parameter test involving 40 athletes aged 6-12 years consisting of 2 athletic clubs in Yogyakarta Province. Increasing the running speed of 30 meters shows the significance of t-count = 45.64, db = 19 and p-value = 0.00 < 0.05, for the average N-gain of 56.30, which means that the category of interpretation is "quite effective”. This means that there are significant differences in the 30 meters run speed of athletes before and after being given a training model. It can be concluded that the game-based ABC running exercise model developed is effective enough to increase the running speed of 30 meters in athlete’s ages 6-12 years.

Cultivation and Harvesting of Selenium-Enriched Ganoderma lingzhi and Spent Medium Using Kudzu Vine as Substrate

In order to harvest selenium-enriched fruiting body and spores of Ganoderma lingzhi and spent medium, G. lingzhi was cultivated in kudzu vine as substrate and the bio-transformation of selenite was evaluated. The growth medium consisted of Kudzu vine supplemented with 20% wheat bran or sawdust or none. The growth medium was supplemented with 0, 10, 20, 30, and 50 mg/kg of sodium selenite. We found a significant difference in spawn run speed, fruiting body and spore yields when Kudzu vine was supplemented with wheat bran or sawdust. However, when whole-kudzu vine was used alone as substrate, it resulted in a significantly lower spawn run speed, fruiting body, and spore yields compared with kudzu vine + sawdust substrate and kudzu vine + wheat bran substrate. The selenium content in fruiting body and spores increased with increasing sodium selenite supplementation and approximately equaled half of the selenium in the substrate. No selenite was detected in both the fruiting body and spores. However, in the spent medium when sodium selenite was supplemented at 10, 20, 30, 50 mg/kg, the residual selenite concentration decreased to 0.45, 0.72, 1.29, and 1.95 mg/kg, respectively, suggesting a higher selenite transformation (92.27–93.57%). In conclusion, if Ganoderma fruiting body and spores were to be harvested for human consumption, approximately 50 mg/kg selenite should be added to the growth substrate. On the other hand, if the spent medium was to be used as an organic selenium source, the optimal sodium selenite supplementation level would be 10 mg/kg.

The development of speed-power qualities of schoolchildren with different typologies applying coordination training

Purpose : to determine the influence of coordination abilities on the development of speed-power qualities in 7-8 years old schoolchildren with a different type of nervous system. Material : the pedagogical experiment was conducted in a regular school and lasted 7 months. The study involved children 7-8 years old (n = 60). All schoolchildren were differentiated into 3 groups (in each group - n = 20). Coordination abilities were determined by the test “3x10 shuttle run”. Speed- power qualities were determined by the test “Standing Long Jump”. The strength of the nervous system was diagnosed according to the “Tapping test” method. Results : it was determined that it is necessary to develop the coordination abilities of 7-8 years old schoolchildren. It was determined the interrelation of coordination abilities and speed-power qualities. It was confirmed the effectiveness of a differentiated approach based on the typology of children. The results were realized at physical education lessons at school. Conclusion : it is recommended to develop coordination abilities during 12-15 minutes in physical education classes for schoolchildren. Such training will be more effective if consider the typology of the nervous system of schoolchildren.