Nanocasting Synthesis of Ultrafine WO3 Nanoparticles for Gas Sensing Applications

Ultrafine WO3 nanoparticles were synthesized by nanocasting route, using mesoporous SiO2 as a template. BET measurements showed a specific surface area of 700 m 2/gr for synthesized SiO2, while after impregnation and template removal, this area was reduced to 43 m 2/gr for WO3 nanoparticles. HRTEM results showed single crystalline nanoparticles with average particle size of about 5 nm possessing a monoclinic structure, which is the favorite crystal structure for gas sensing applications. Gas sensor was fabricated by deposition of WO3 nanoparticles between electrodes via low frequency AC electrophoretic deposition. Gas sensing measurements showed that this material has a high sensitivity to very low concentrations of NO2 at 250°C and 300°C

The efficacy of electromyographic biofeedback on pain, function, and maximal thickness of vastus medialis oblique muscle in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial

Seyed Ahmad Raeissadat,1 Seyed Mansoor Rayegani,2 Leyla Sedighipour,1 Zeynab Bossaghzade,2 Mohamad Hesam Abdollahzadeh,2 Rojin Nikray,2 Fazeleh Mollayi3 1Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center and Department, Clinical Research Development Center, Shahid Modarres Hospital, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center and Department, Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 3Department of Sport Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Introduction: The aim of this survey was to examine the effect of adding electromyographic biofeedback (EMGBF) to isometric exercise, on pain, function, thickness, and maximal electrical activity in isometric contraction of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: In this clinical trial, 46 patients with a diagnosis of knee OA were recruited and assigned to two groups. The case group consisted of 23 patients with EMGBF-associated exercise, and the control group was made up of 23 patients with only isometric exercise. Data were gathered via visual analog scale (VAS) score, the Persian version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Lequesne questionnaires, ultrasonography of the VMO, and surface electromyography of this muscle at baseline and at the end of the study. Variables were compared before and after the exercise program in each group and between the two groups. Results: At the end of the study, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding measured variables. Only the VAS score was significantly less in the case group. Although all assessed parameters, except for VMO muscle thickness, were found to be improved significantly in each group, the degree of change was not significantly different between the two groups, except for VAS score. VMO muscle thickness did not change significantly after exercise therapy in either of the groups. Conclusion: Isometric exercises accompanied by EMGBF and the same exercises without biofeedback for 2 months both led to significant improvements in pain and function of patients with knee OA. Real EMGBF was not superior to exercise without biofeedback in any of the measured variables, except for VAS score. Keywords: knee osteoarthritis, isometric quadriceps exercise, EMG biofeedbac

Domination Related Parameters and Applications

In this chapter, we explore two graph theoretical concepts introduced by Stephen Hedetniemi as models for real-life applications. The first, Roman domination, is based on a historical account of a defense strategy used by the Roman Empire; and the second, alliances in graphs, models an agreement between two or more parties to work together for the common good