Back-filling grout with two component mix in EPB tunneling to minimize the surface settlements:Rome Metro - Line C case history

the paper presents the results of the backfilling using a bi-component mi

Systematic Optimization-Based Integrated Chemical Product–Process Design Framework

An integrated optimization-based framework for product and process design is proposed. The framework uses a set of methods and tools to obtain the optimal product–process design solution given a set of economic and environmental sustainability targets. The methods and tools required are property prediction through group contributions, unless supported with a database, computer-aided molecular and mixture/blend design for generation of novel as well as existing products and mathematical programming for formulating and solving multiscale integrated process–product design problems. The application of the framework is demonstrated through three case studies: (i) refrigeration cycle unit for R134a replacement, (ii) a mixed working fluid design problem for R134a replacement, and (iii) pure solvent design for water-acetic acid LLE extraction. Through the application of the framework it is demonstrated that all solutions satisfy product, process, economic, and environmental targets simultaneously. The solution is obtained through a direct deterministic mathematical optimization strategy. The framework proposed in this work is generic and can be applied to a wide range of problems where an integrated solution to process-product design is beneficial

Human sperm genomic integrity: which information from different assays?

This paper compares different methods utilized for the evaluation of human sperm genomic integrity and illustrated their possible application in the field of artificilal reproduction techniques (ART

Sex differences in Muscle Quality of Firefighters: a new exploratory approach to evaluation

Abstract Background: Firefighting is a hazardous occupation that requires optimal fitness levels as it put tremendous strain on the cardiovascular system. Poor body composition could contribute to the increased risk of cardiac events and reduced functional capacity. Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to analyze the body composition of Italian firefighters, comparing males and females; and (2) to investigate if fitness values could be predictive of Muscle Quality (MQ) in male and female firefighters. Methods: Anthropometric (weight, height, body mass index, and BIA) and fitness (handgrip, upper and lower body strength, and VO2max) parameters of 23 firefighters’ recruits (female = 11; male = 12; age: 36.70 ± 4.68 years; weight: 69.14 ± 12.19 kg; height: 169.30 ± 6.93 cm; BMI: 23.97 ± 2.77 kg/m2) were analyzed. An independent t test was used to evaluate sex differences, and multiple linear regression with backward stepwise elimination was considered to evaluate the muscle quality index (MQI) dependence on anthropometric and fitness variables. Results: Statistical differences (p < 0.05) between sex groups emerged in all anthropometric and fitness parameters and MQI. Only three variables were found significant (F(3, 19) = 4012.20, p < 0.001; R2 adjusted = 0.998). MQI values were strongly positively associated with the Handgrip test (t = 45.55; p < 0.001), and negatively associated with the Bench press test (t = −2.14; p = 0.045) and female status (t = −1.88; p = 0.075). Conclusions: Our results confirm that sex and fitness parameters could be predictive of MQ values in recruits’ firefighters, and the easy evaluation of this parameter could provide helpful information for developing specific interventions for healthy lifestyle promotion in firefighters

Are there sex differences in physiological parameters and reaction time responses to overload in firefighters?

Male and female firefighters work side-by-side in the same in strenuous and risky conditions. Anthropometrics, physiological, and reaction time (mean of reaction time -MRT-, and errors made -E) parameters of 12 Female and 13 Male firefighters were compared. Effect of overload (step test with and without equipment) on the MRT and E were analyzed on 3 trials (T1 = 1-1s, T2 = 0.5-1s, T3 = 0.5–0.5s), compared with a pre-test condition (basal). T-test between males and females was applied to assess differences (p<0.05) in all parameters. ANOVA with repeated measures and Bonferroni on 3 conditions of step test between males and females was applied in reaction time variables. Between MRT and E, in T1, T2 and T3 trials and the 3 test conditions, ANCOVA models with interactions were used. Differences (p<0.05) in anthropometric, physiological and reaction time data emerged across groups, and on the 3rd trials (T3 vs T1 and T2) in reaction time parameters of each group. ANCOVA showed differences (p<0.001) in E among trials. Post hoc showed significant differences in T1vsT3 and T1vsT2. MRT x trial interaction was extremely significant (P<0.001). Implementing fitness and reaction time exercise programs is important to decrease the injury risk and increase work capacity in firefighters with reference to female workers