Relationships between Quadriceps:Hamstring Strength Ratio and Lower Extremity Injuries in Netball Players

Background: Netball is a popular sport. Due to high impact and quick movement, there is an enormous load on the lower extremities which increases the risk for injury. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the quadricep and hamstring strength and the prevalence of lower extremity injuries in netball players. Setting: Twenty-five female netball players (age: 20.8 ± 1.4 years) voluntarily participated. Methods: The Cybex Isokinetic dynamometer was used to determine concentric knee torques. Quadriceps:hamstring strength ratio was determined. Occurrence of lower extremity injuries was documented bi-weekly. Results: Medium effect sizes were noted for flexion torque:work for the left leg and for the quadriceps:hamstring ratio (≥60%) for the right leg. All the other measured variables have a small effect size. 18.75% of lower extremity injuries and ConQ:ConH of Conclusion: Injuries to the ankle and knee are especially common among netball players. Hamstring and quadriceps muscle asymmetry (>10%) were found to be a potential indicator of lower extremity injury. Contribution: This study highlights awareness on lower extremity injuries and the strength ratio between the quadriceps and hamstrings. This can aid coaches and netball players to lower the risk for injuries and thus improve individual- and team performance.

Estimation of residual shear strength ratios of liquefied soil deposits from shear wave velocity

For sites susceptible to liquefaction induced lateral spreading during a probable earthquake, geotechnical engineers often need to know the undrained residual shear strength of the liquefied soil deposit to estimate lateral spreading displacements, and the forces acting on the piles from the liquefied soils in order to perform post liquefaction stability analyses. The most commonly used methods to estimate the undrained residual shear strength （Su~） of liquefied sand deposits are based on the correlations determined from liquefaction induced flow failures with SPT and CPT data. In this study, 44 lateral spread case histories are analyzed and a new relationship based on only lateral spread case histories is recommended, which estimates the residual shear strength ratio of the liquefiable soil layer from normalized shear wave velocity. The new proposed method is also utilized to estimate the residual lateral displacement of an example bridge problem in an area susceptible to lateral spreading in order to provide insight into how the proposed relationship can be used in geotechnical engineering practice.

Influence of the column-to-beam flexural strength ratio on the failure mode of beam-column connections in RC frames

The column-to-beam flexural strength ratio(CBFSR)has been used in many seismic codes to achieve the strong column-weak beam(SCWB)failure mode in reinforced concrete(RC)frames,in which plastic hinges appear earlier in beams than in columns.However,seismic investigations show that the required limit of CBFSR in seismic codes usually cannot achieve the SCWB failure mode under strong earthquakes.This study investigates the failure modes of RC frames with different CBFSRs.Nine typical three-story RC frame models with different CBFSRs are designed in accordance with Chinese seismic codes.The seismic responses and failure modes of the frames are investigated through time-history analyses using 100 ground motion records.The results show that the required limit of the CBFSR that guarantees the SCWB failure mode depends on the beam-column connection type and the seismic intensity,and different types of beam-column connections exhibit different failure modes even though they are designed with the same CBFSR.Recommended CBFSRs are proposed for achieving the designed SCWB failure mode for different types of connections in RC frames under different seismic intensities.These results may provide some reference for further revisions of the SCWB design criterion in Chinese seismic codes.

Influence of yield-to-tensile strength ratio(Y/T) on failure assessment of defect-free and corroded X70 steel pipeline

The effect of yield-to-tensile strength ratio(Y/T) on failure pressure of X70 pipeline without and with corrosion defects was investigated.The stress-strain response of materials was characterized by a power-law hardening curve.Two formulas to estimate the strain hardening exponent n for a special Y/T were obtained by least squared regression method and the influence of Y/T on n was analyzed.As an application of n-Y/T expression,the analytical solutions of burst pressure for X70 pipeline without and with corrosion defects were also obtained.The results indicate that the burst pressure of defect-free X70 pipe without corrosion defects is a function of the Y/T,pipe geometry t0/D0 and engineering tensile strength,and increases as Y/T or t0/D0 increases; whilst the burst pressure of corroded X70 pipe decreases with the increase of defect depths,d/t.Comparisons indicate that the present analytical solutions closely match available experimental and numerical data.

Effects of binder strength and aggregate size on the compressive strength and void ratio of porous concrete

To test the influence of binder strength, porous concretes with 4 binder strengths between 30.0-135.0 MPa and 5 void ratios between 15%-35% were tested. The results indicated that for the same aggregate, the rates of strength reduction due to the increases in void ratio were the same for binders with different strengths. To study the influence of aggregate size, 3 single size aggregates with nominal sizes of 5.0, 13.0 and 20.0 mm （Nos. 7, 6 and 5 according to JIS A 5001） were used to make porous concrete. The strengths of porous concrete are found to be dependent on aggregate size. The rate of strength reduction of porous concrete with small aggregate size is found to be higher than that with larger aggregate size. At the same void ratio, the strength of porous concrete with large aggregate is larger than that with small aggregate. The general equations for porous concrete are related to compressive strength and void ratio for different binder strengths and aggregate sizes.

Mechanical characteristics of tensile strength ratio method compared to other parameters used for moisture susceptibility evaluation of asphalt mixtures

In this study,mechanical characteristics of tensile strength ratio(TSR)were evaluated by comparing it to other methods in evaluating moisture sensitivity of asphalt mixtures.Twenty types of asphalt mixtures with and without anti-stripping additives were prepared and tested in the laboratory.Uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)and indirect tensile(IDT)testing were conducted to determine the mixture’s tensile strength ratio and cohesion ratio(CR).Determining TSR alone was found to be insufficient when evaluating moisture resistance.There is a need to consider both TSR and wet IDT strength to properly evaluate moisture behavior of asphalt mixtures.Moreover,it was found that the cohesion and the IDT strength have a good relation in which the minimum condition of the slope,must be met.However,it was observed thatβvalues change depending on material type and temperature.Hence,there is a need to evaluate theseβvalues for varying material and testing temperature.In addition,it was found that the TSR and CR results are highly correlated with an average difference of 1.5%.Furthermore,other tests such as Marshall stability and dynamic immersion were also conducted.It was found that Marshall stability ratio(MSR)and Marshall stability to flow ratio(MSFR)values are less sensitive to moisture effect when measuring moisture resistance compared to TSR values.Finally,the 48 h testing result of the dynamic immersion test showed better correlation with TSR values.

THE INERT HOLDING RATIO OF COAL AND THE STRENGTH OF COKE

The variation regularity of coke strength was investigated in terms of the genetic factors and petrographic parameters of coal in collaboration with the technical properties of coal. A concept of inert holding ratio of coal was proposed. There is an optimal inert holding ratio for different ranks of coals for making coke with highest combined strength. The additive property of inert holding ratio under normal conditions was demonstrated with actual examples of coal blending.Thus it is possible to predict the combined strength of coke through reflectance, content of inert components and caking index diagram system.

Equal Volumes of Sand and Gravel Concrete Mix Ratios in Cameroon and Its Effect on Concrete Compressive Strength

In recent years, the rationalization of concrete mix ratios which batches equal volumes of sand and gravel in building projects has been gaining grounds in the Cameroon construction industry. The main objective of this study is therefore to investigate if the concrete produced with rationalized mix ratio can be adopted as conventional mix ratio in terms of minimum required compression strength of concrete for buildings. Specifically this work compared the conventional mix ratio of 350 kg of cement: 400 liters of sand: 800 liters of gravel for a cubic meter and the rationalized batch of 350 kg of cement: 600 liters of sand: 600 liters of 5/15 gravel, 15/25 gravel and a combination of 5/15 + 15/25 gravel. Average compressive tests’results for both the conventional and the rationalized mix ratios were found to meet the minimum compressive strength of 65% at 7 days, 90% at 14 days and 99% at 28 days for gravel size combination 5/15 + 15/25. Single size gravel of 5/15 and 15/25 did not meet the minimum required compressive strength of 20 N/mm2 for the rationalized mix ratio at 28 days curing based on the minimum compressive strength required, this study arrives at the conclusion that the equal volumes of sand and gravel mix ratio of 350 kg/m3 of cement: 600 liters of sand: 600 liters of gravel mix ratio can be adopted as a conventional concrete mix ratio for gravel size 5/15 + 15/25.

强度比对类复合岩样冲击破碎特征的影响

为了保证复合地层中施工效率及工程安全,揭示动荷载作用下复合岩层的力学特征,通过分离式霍普金森压杆对三种不同强度比的类复合岩样进行动态巴西劈裂试验,基于破碎分形理论,探究强度比、应变率、入射角对类复合岩样的破碎程度及能耗特性的影响。试验结果表明:层理面倾角对类复合岩样破碎形态有较大影响,当应变率为146.36 s^(-1)时,沿层理面加载试样易发生劈裂拉伸破坏,且强度比越低试样破坏所需吸收的能量越少;当入射角为0°时,类复合岩样分形维数随着强度比的增大而增大,但当入射角为90°时强度比为1.5的复合岩样分形维数最大;类复合岩样吸收的能量主要用于裂纹扩展,单位体积内试样吸收的能量越大,试样越破碎,即类复合岩样分形维数与能耗密度呈正相关。

低强度再生混凝土微观形态与力学性能的相关性研究

建筑垃圾来源复杂,为提高再生混凝土的资源利用,并满足基本工程应用要求,在仅考虑再生骨料密度、吸水和含水率、压碎指标的条件下,采用再生粗骨料混凝土配合比设计法配置低强度再生混凝土,结合切片法和SEM扫描电镜对再生混凝土的孔隙结构变化与微观形貌进行观察,分析水胶比、减水剂、粉煤灰对低强度再生混凝土内部结构的影响,发现当水胶比降低时,再生混凝土内部结构的密实度提升,絮状C-S-H之间更为密实,多害孔的比例降低,抗压和劈裂强度提高;当减水剂掺量提升时,钙钒石(AFt)的含量增加,内部结构更为致密;粉煤灰对再生混凝土的抗压和劈裂强度呈负面影响,降低C-S-H与再生骨料之间的粘结性,内部孔隙率变大,坍落度升高,可降低经济成本。

圆形截面钢管混凝土受弯构件塑性发展系数的双因素计算模型研究

为了综合考虑截面几何和材料特性对圆形截面钢管混凝土(CFST)受弯构件抗弯强度的影响,选择截面厚径比和材料强度比作为自变量,研究建立了圆CFST受弯构件截面塑性发展系数的二元函数计算表达,并建立了截面抗弯强度计算模型。首先在确定厚径比和强度比取值范围的基础上,设计1 656个圆CFST受弯构件的数值模型,利用纤维模型法计算确定每个构件的截面抗弯强度和塑性发展系数。然后选择截面钢管壁厚与外径之比、钢管强度与核心混凝土强度之比作为自变量,通过回归分析建立圆CFST构件的截面塑性发展系数的二元函数表达式,据此提出了圆CFST构件截面抗弯强度的计算模型。最后通过与试验数据、现行设计规范和研究文献中不同计算模型进行对比分析,验证了建立的圆形截面钢管混凝土受弯构件的截面塑性发展系数和抗弯强度计算模型具有更高的精度和适用性。

基于RSSR融合RNGO-Elman神经网络的室内可见光定位

针对动态环境下基于接收信号强度的传统可见光定位方法定位精度低、稳定性差等问题,提出一种基于接收信号强度比的改进北方苍鹰算法(NGO)优化Elman神经网络(RNGOElman)的室内可见光定位系统。提出选择一个辅助参考点,将待测参考点与辅助参考点的接收信号强度比值和接收机的真实位置作为训练集数据,建立不受动态环境影响的指纹数据库。针对NGO算法收敛速度慢、容易陷入局部最优等问题,利用折射反向学习策略初始化种群,增加种群多样性,引入非线性权重因子来加快收敛速度,避免陷入局部最优。使用优化后的NGO算法来优化Elman神经网络的初始权值和阈值,构建RNGO-Elman动态定位预测模型。仿真结果表明,在4m×4m×3m的实验空间下,优化后的RNGO-Elman定位模型平均定位误差为1.34cm,定位精度相较于Elman定位算法、NGO-Elman定位算法分别提高了82%,21%。在LED发射功率波动时,基于RSSR的RNGO-Elman定位误差为1.29cm,1.38cm。所提可见光定位方法具有定位精度高、定位性能稳定等优点。

高强页岩轻骨料混凝土制备及微观结构研究

基于最紧密堆积理论和最小需水量法进行高强页岩轻骨料混凝土配合比设计与制备,研究了水胶比对抗压及劈裂抗拉强度影响,并借助SEM/EDS进行微观测试分析。结果表明:当粗细骨料体积分数比为5.5:4.5时,粗细骨料达到最紧密堆积状态;当硅灰、粉煤灰和水泥质量比为0.8:3.2:6时,需水量最少,粉体材料密实度最佳;依据优化配比所配混凝土的抗压强度和劈裂抗拉强度均随龄期增加而增加;随着水胶比增加,抗压强度和劈裂抗拉强度呈先增后减的趋势,且当水胶比为0.24时达到最大,分别为70.9、5.83MPa;硅灰和粉煤灰特有的形态效应和火山灰效应有效改善了浆体与骨料间界面的密实程度,微观结果显示浆体与骨料界面区域结构致密,陶粒区域为富Si、Al相,浆体一侧为富Ca相。

提高新能源场站稳定性的构网型与跟网型变流器容量配比估算

大规模新能源接入使得电网短路比降低,系统电压支撑强度下降,导致静态电压稳定和次/超同步振荡等稳定问题凸显。构网型变流器具有较强的电压支撑能力,在新能源场站配置一定比例的构网型变流器可以提升系统稳定性,但由于构网型变流器容量与稳定裕度的解析关系不明,导致构网型变流器容量合理占比的理论值估算十分困难。该文针对新能源基地接入低短路比弱电网场景,从小干扰稳定视角探讨构网型与跟网型变流器容量配比的估算方法及其典型值。首先,对构网型变流器进行电压源等值,并通过广义短路比指标分析了构网型变流器配置比例对系统强度以及稳定裕度的影响规律;其次,针对改造构网型风电机组和额外加装构网型变流器两种技术方案,以行业相关标准为边界条件并结合典型升压变压器参数,估算了实际工程中容量配比的典型值;最后,利用多风电场系统案例验证了结论的有效性。

SHANSEP试验方法改进与验证

为满足工程实际需要,对SHANSEP试验方法加以改进,将淤泥固结至远大于其前期固结压力后,再逐级卸载以模拟超固结黏土,在不同的超固结比下进行了三轴固结不排水试验。试验表明:等向固结的三轴试验,也能较好地拟合出超固结土不排水强度与正常固结土强度、超固结比之间的关系式;提出了工程地区超固结土不排水强度公式,可推算不同超固结比下的土体强度;通过本次试验中对加荷方式的改进与拓宽,取代了原有k0固结或单剪仪的要求,提高了试验效率、节约成本,且该方法可推广使用到更多土类上,对研究超固结土的性质有一定工程实用意义。

煤矸石机制砂C20混凝土力学性能研究

为探究煤矸石机制砂对低强度等级C20混凝土力学性能的影响,调控煤矸石机制砂掺量和水灰比浇筑混凝土试块,开展抗压和抗折强度试验。结果表明:相同水灰比下,随煤矸石机制砂掺量增加,混凝土的抗压强度先增强后降低;相同取代率下,混凝土的抗压和抗折强度随水灰比增大而降低。相较于煤矸石机制砂取代率,水灰比对混凝土抗折强度的影响更大。取代率不超过30%时,对混凝土的抗压和抗折强度均有利,水灰比为0.55、取代率为25%时,混凝土抗压和抗折强度提高最多。

Comprehensive Analysis of the Effects of Superplasticizer Variation on the Workability and Strength of Ready-Mix Concrete

This experimental study aims to examine the influence of many crucial parameters on the workability and compressive strength of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC). The study utilized two distinct varieties of superplasticizers obtained from the local market. The fine aggregates utilized in this study were sourced from Sylhet sand, whereas the coarse aggregates were comprised of boulder crushed stone chips. The experimental procedures adhered to the requirements outlined by ASTM. A comprehensive investigation was conducted on a range of concrete compositions that used diverse chemical admixtures. The slump test was performed at regular intervals of 15 minutes until the slump value reached or fell below 3 cm after the mixing of the concrete. In the scenario involving two-stage admixture dosage, the second stage of admixture was introduced once the slump reached or dropped below 3 cm, following which the casting process was initiated. The process of curing concrete specimens consists of two distinct stages: the main stage and the final stage. Cylindrical specimens, with a diameter of 4 inches and a height of 8 inches, were manufactured for the purpose of evaluating their compressive strength at both 7 and 28 days. During the experimental trials, the water-cement (w/c) ratio was kept consistent, while different dosages of admixture were applied. The findings of the study indicate that the utilization of a two-stage dose of admixture resulted in enhanced and extended workability, along with higher strength of the concrete in comparison to specimens that did not incorporate any admixture. This research study enhances the comprehension of optimizing qualities of ready-mix concrete (RMC) by varying the superplasticizer, providing useful insights for the building sector.

髌股关节痛业余跑者的下肢肌力特征分析

目的:研究髌股关节痛(patellofemoral pain,PFP)业余跑者的下肢肌力特征。方法:招募PFP业余跑者30例(男性20例,女性10例)作为膝痛组,并匹配30例无损伤的业余跑者作为非膝痛组,采集所有受试者的髋关节外展力量、股四头肌力量、腘绳肌力量,并计算腘绳肌/股四头肌比值、双侧肢体力量对称指数等。采用独立样本t检验对不同组别的各项指标进行统计学检测。结果:男性PFP业余跑者的髋关节外展力量及对称指数、股四头肌力量及对称指数显著小于非膝痛组,腘绳肌/股四头肌比值显著大于非膝痛组;女性PFP业余跑者的髋关节外展力量及对称指数显著小于非膝痛组。结论:PFP业余跑者与非膝痛跑者表现出不同的下肢肌力特征,其男性与女性PFP业余跑者下肢力量特点表现并不一致,PFP康复训练中应考虑功能性及性别差异。

CFB飞灰压浆料的制备及高强微膨胀机理研究

利用循环流化床燃煤固硫灰(CFB飞灰)的活性与膨胀性制备压浆料,研究了CFB飞灰掺量和水胶比对压浆料工作性能、强度和膨胀率的影响;CFB飞灰与矿粉以不同比例复配,对比研究了CFB飞灰压浆料的高强微膨胀特性,并采用XRD与SEM分析验证。结果表明,随CFB飞灰替代水泥掺量的增加,压浆料的需水性增强,抗压强度降低,20%(质量分数)CFB飞灰的试样28 d抗压强度与基样接近,可达85.8 MPa,而抗折强度先升高后降低,膨胀率一直升高。随用水量的增加,压浆料的膨胀率降低但均为正值。随CFB飞灰取代矿粉率的提高,压浆料的工作性能降低,28 d抗压强度先升高后降低,其中20%(质量分数)CFB飞灰、10%(质量分数)矿粉复合的试样28 d抗压强度最高,为99.8 MPa,膨胀率一直升高。通过CFB飞灰与矿粉复合配制了各项性能均满足铁标要求的压浆料。CFB飞灰不仅自身水化产生膨胀,还能激活矿粉活性,产生复合增强作用。