Selective and validated data processing techniques for performance improvement of automatic lines

Optimization of the data processing techniques of accelerometers and force transducers allowed to get information about actions in order to improve the behavior of a cutting stage of a converting machinery for diapers production. In particular, different mechanical configurations have been studied and compared in order to reduce the solicitations due to the impacts between knives and anvil, to get clean and accurate cuts and to reduce wear of knives themselves. Reducing the uncertainty of measurements allowed to correctly individuate the best configuration for the pneumatic system that realize the coupling between anvil and knife. The size of pipes, the working pressure and the type of the fluid used in the coupling system have been examined. Experimental results obtained by means of acceleration and force measurements allowed to identify in a reproducible and coherent way the geometry of the pushing device and the working pressure range of the hydraulic fluid. The remarkable reduction of knife and anvil vibrations is expected to strongly reduce the wear of the cutting stage components

Selective and validated data processing techniques for performance improvement of automatic lines

Optimization of the data processing techniques of accelerometers and force transducers allowed to get information about actions in order to improve the behavior of a cutting stage of a converting machinery for diapers production. In particular, different mechanical configurations have been studied and compared in order to reduce the solicitations due to the impacts between knives and anvil, to get clean and accurate cuts and to reduce wear of knives themselves. Reducing the uncertainty of measurements allowed to correctly individuate the best configuration for the pneumatic system that realize the coupling between anvil and knife. The size of pipes, the working pressure and the type of the fluid used in the coupling system have been examined. Experimental results obtained by means of acceleration and force measurements allowed to identify in a reproducible and coherent way the geometry of the pushing device and the working pressure range of the hydraulic fluid. The remarkable reduction of knife and anvil vibrations is expected to strongly reduce the wear of the cutting stage components

Changes in skeletal muscle architecture following a cycloergometer test to exhaustion in athletes

We determined whether a short-term exhaustive dynamic exercise (cycling) for about 18 min induces changes in the intramuscular architecture of the quadriceps in trained athletes. Thirty-five male athletes (age 28.8 ± 9.8 years; height: 175.4. ± 5.5 cm; weight: 74 ± 11.5 kg; average years spent training: 11.1 ± 8.4 years; mean weekly duration of training: 10.4 ± 3.20 h) underwent an incremental cycloergometer test to exhaustion. Muscle thickness of the right quadriceps femoris (rectus femoris + vastus intermedius), and the angle of pennation of the right vastus lateralis on the quadriceps tendon were determined by high-resolution real time ultrasonography. Quadriceps thickness increased from 32.1 ± 3.3 mm at rest to 34.9 ± 3.0 mm after the test (p = 0.001). The pennation angles were significantly greater after exercise (12.8 ± 2.1° at rest; 14.4 ± 2.5° after the test (p = 0.001)). There are marked changes in intramuscular architecture of the quadriceps following a bout of cycloergometer exercise to exhaustion, with significant increase of quadriceps thickness and pennation angle. Ultrasonography allows to evaluate the changes of muscle architecture following exercise

Supplementation of Acqua Lete® (Bicarbonate Calcic Mineral Water) improves hydration status in athletes after short term anaerobic exercise

Background: Experimental studies suggest that mineral waters with high concentrations of calcium and bicarbonate can impact acid–base balance. The purpose of this study was to test the effect on acid–base balance and specific urine gravity, of a bicarbonate calcic mineral water (Acqua Lete®) compared to a minimally mineralized water. Methods: 88 amateur male athletes underwent two experimental trials with a modified Wingate test: the first was carried out without hydration (Control Test, Test C, n = 88); the second was carried out after one week of controlled hydration (Test with hydration, Test H, n = 88), with 1.5 L/day of a very low mineral content water (Group A, n = 44) or 1.5 L/day of Acqua Lete® (Group B, n = 44). Measure of body temperature, bioimpedance analysis, muscular ultrasound, and urinalysis were taken before (t0), immediately after (t1), 5’ (t2), and 30’ (t3) after exercise. Results: Hydration results in a decreased core temperature; muscular ultrasound showed increased muscle thickness after exercise related to content of body water. Regarding urinalysis, in test H, we found in both groups after exercise a significant decrease of specific urine gravity with significantly lower levels in Group B. We also found a significant increase of pH in the same Group B. Conclusions: In conclusion all the athletes hydrated with Acqua Lete® showed a positive impact on hydration status after anaerobic exercise with significant decrease of specific urine gravity and a positive effect on pH