PROGRAMMED STRENGTH TRAINING USING A COMPUTERIZED ISOTONIC STAND

One of the very important tasks of the theory and practice of modern training is searching for new methods, in order to improve the efficiency of the training process. Nowadays muscle strength seems to be the most significant factor which influences performance in different kinds of sport. On the other hand development of the strength level is particularly difficult among highperformance athletes. The aim of this paper is to present computer-controlled strength training using a special stand for museie strength training and diagnostics. The stand consists of three main sub-assembles: -mechanical part (steel bedplate, bar with replaceable holders, bench for exercises). -hydraulic resistance module, -efectronic part (valve controller, AlC converter, PC 486/100). A special computer program allows force stabilization in the full range of motion (isotonic resistance) and registration of the basic parameters of movement. The computer-controlled training program includes three basic strength training methods: -repetition (50-80% RM, 4-8 series, 1020 reps); -maximal efforts (90-100% RM, 1-5 series, 1-3 reps); -speed-strength (40-45% RM, 4-8 series, 8-12 reps). Besides these methods the user could exercise according to his (or her) individual program. There are four main indices describing training loads, which can be controlled: resistance, number of series, number of reps and rest periods. Various popular exercises as: bench press, seated press, squats, both-or one-hand pulls, biceps curl. bent over row, etc. can be performed on the stand. The computer program enables registration of the force and displacement of the bar and on this base calculation maximal and mean values of several important parameters of the workout: mechanical power, velocity of the bar, work per rep(s). set(s) and unit(s). The initial resistance is established during the special trials, assessing the speedstrength abilities of the user, and changes of training loads are accomplished automatically, according to achieved results in these trials. The computer-controlled strength training performed on the isotonic stand is designed for both, beginners and highperformance athletes. The equipment can be used under field or laboratory conditions, because it is very safe, not noisy and not too large. REFERENCES Ariel G., Penny M., Saar D.. Selinger A. (1990): Computer-controlled strength training program for the U.S. National Women's Volleyball Team. COTO Research Center. Abstract form. Eliasz J. (1993): Trening sity mi~sniowej w pilee r~cznej (Strength training in handball) Sport Wyczynowy 9/10:21-28. Kannus P. (1994): Isokinetic evaluation of muscular performance: Implications for museie testing and rehabilitation. Int. Journal of Sports Medicine 15. Suppt. 1:S11-18. Kemp M. (1989): Strength training principles. Modem Athlete and Coach 27:11-12. Pauletto B. (1991): Strength training for coaches. Human Kinetics. Champaign IL. Zatsiorsky V.M. (1995): Science and Practice of Strength Training. Human Kinetics. Champaign IL

Modeling and experimental validation of a solar-assisted direct expansion air conditioning system

Continuous increase in global electricity consumption, environmental hazards of pollution and depletion of fossil fuel resources have brought about a paradigm shift in the development of eco-friendly and energy-efficient technologies. This paper reports on an experimental study to investigate the inherent operational characteristics of a new direct-expansion air conditioning system combined with a vacuum solar collector. Mathematical models of the system components are firstly derived and then validated against experimental results. To investigate the potential of energy savings, the hybrid solar-assisted air-conditioner is installed and extensively equipped with a number of sensors and instrumentation devices, for experimentation and data collection. The influence on the system energy usage of the average water temperature, storage tank size and room set-point temperature are then analyzed. Once the air-conditioned room has achieved its desired temperature, the compressor turns off while the cooling process still continues until the refrigerant pressure no longer maintains the desired temperature. The advantages of the proposed hybrid system rest with the fact that the compressor can remain off in a longer period by heat impartation into the refrigerant via the water storage tank. Results show an average monthly energy saving of about between 25% and 42%. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

AN ASSESSMENT OF SPEED-STRENGTH ABILITIES IN YOUNG MEN

INTRODUCTION Muscle strength is one of the most important factors in sport performance and other human activities -in this case it concerns the physical preparation of military pilots, particularly in order to develop the +Gz toleration. The study was designed to establish the parameters of speed-strength abilities of upper and lower extremities in young men. It allows us to find out the relationships between age, body mass, speed and muscle strength in order to improve the efficiency of weight training. METHODS One hundred young men (cadet-pilots) participated in the study. They were divided into two main groups: middle aviation school students (n=21; 16.0±1.1 years of age, 173.4±5.3 cm body height, 63.8±10.2 kg body weight) and the Polish Air-Force Academy students (n=79; 20.9±1.4 years of age, 178.0±5.7 cm b.h., 73.3±7.3 kg b.m.). In order to estimate the basic speed-strength parameters of upper and lower extremities both groups performed bench press and squats. Exercises were provided on a computerized stand (locally made) under isokinetic (co = 0.2 radIs) and isotonic (M = 20 Nxm) conditions. The subjects performed three trials with maximal effort to estimate the maximal speed (MS) and the maximal torque (MT) developed in the exercise. Descriptive statistics for each parameter as well as the t-test and Pearson's correlation matrix were used (

Investigation of cooling properties of the gaseous medium of a space station

An investigation of cooling properties of the gaseous medium was performed in the biosatellite Kosmos-936 as well as in the orbital complexes Soyuz-28/Salyut-6 and Soyuz-30/Salyut-6 with the aid of an especially constructed electric dynamic catathermometer. In this instrument current was measured which was necessary to keep a steady settled temperature of the sensing device. The investigation was performed because of the disturbed heat exhange of the human body caused by lack of natural convection in weightlessness. The instrument also enabled objective estimation of the temperature of the cosmonaut's ody in six optionally selected regions. The results obtained by means of the catathermometer will also enable defining the appropriate hygienic conditions of the gaseous medium of space stations

Pets as Sentinels of Human Exposure to Neurotoxic Metals

The idea that animals may be used as sentinels of environmental hazards pending over humans and the associated public health implications is not a new one. Nowadays pets are being used as bioindicators for the effects of environmental contaminants in human populations. This is of paramount importance due to the large increase in the worldwide distribution of synthetic chemicals, particularly in the built environment. Companion animals share the habitat with humans being simultaneously exposed to and suffering the same disease spectrum as their masters. Moreover, their shorter latency periods (due to briefer lifespans) enable them to act as early warning systems, allowing timely public health interventions. The rise on ethical constraints on the use of animals and, consequently, on the sampling they can be subjected to has led to the preferential use of noninvasive matrices, and in this case we are looking into hair. This chapter focuses in three non-essential metals: mercury, lead, and cadmium, due to their ubiquitous presence in the built environment and their ability of affecting the mammal nervous system. There is a fairly short amount of studies reporting the concentrations of these metals in pets’ hair, particularly for cats. These studies are characterized, and the metal concentrations corresponding to different parameters (e.g., age, sex, diet, rearing) are described in order to provide the reader with a general vision on the use of this noninvasive matrix on the studies conducted since the last two decades of the twentieth century.publishe

Concepts for Next Generation Smart Real Estate

As we move into a new phase of the internet economy based on knowledge, services, and interactions - and into a new landscape of global competition - the needs and requirements of individual tenants and users within our communities are changing. As a result, real estate developers, service providers and operators must adapt their business processes, create new standards and concepts for sustainable real estate properties. In the very near future, properties will act as a foundation for stronger partnerships between tenants, supply chains, operators and the rest of the players in the value networks within the real estate business. Today's businesses are starting to adopt and evaluate new standards to improve the manageability, sustainability and communication performance of their buildings' environments in order to create new profitable business architectures. These changes will allow businesses to interact with customers in new ways - delivering unique experiences at any location, any time, with any content, on any device. Real estate developers can make this happen through new internet-based interactive communication services that deliver a total branded experience in a sustainable way throughout the living cycle of the tenants, while offering owners and operators new visibility into their building operations. A total branded experience at every touch point will have an impact inside the residential and commercial communities for all people, whether they are tenants, employees, guests, residents, or just passersby. Creating a total sustainable branded experience should be the ultimate objective for real estate developers. An advanced IP-based network, owned by the developer or outsourced, can serve as a future-ready branding platform and deliver real estate sustainability, a differentiated experience, higher valued space, and new revenues. These communication networks can offer tenants flexibility, and accelerate the development of new business value chains thereby strengthening the social and cultural links among residents, organizations, and businesses