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This article underscores the dilemma posed by the exclusivist view of the tradition-modernity contrast for anyone interested in the project of returning and belonging to the African community. On the exclusivist view, tradition and modernity are irreconcilable. After discussing the tradition-modernity contrast in the fields of sociology and academic African philosophy, this article adopts an eclectic view of tradition as an alternative to the exclusivist view. The alternative view enables those interested in the project of returning and belonging to retrieve those elements of tradition that have enduring values in order to utilize them creatively in various development projects. It is argued that this creative synthesis of traditional and modern elements is necessary to build viable contemporary African societies in which individuals feel a sense of belonging and identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When designing class 4 steel sections in accordance with EN1993‐1‐5, two different methods are proposed; The Effective Section Method (ESM) and the Reduced Stress Method (RSM). The ESM is generally known for leading to results closest to the post‐buckling capacity, with the RSM considered more conservative. The RSM is much more general though, and a combination formula is present for combining longitudinal stresses, transverse stresses and shear stresses, whereas a suitable combination formula is not available for the ESM. In connection with the steel design of the orthotropic composite deck on the Queensferry Crossing, an investigation into the suitability of the ESM was made. This, as it was believed that the use of this method would lead to the most cost‐efficient design. The Queensferry Crossing (1) has stay cable planes positioned near the middle of the deck, leading to a transverse continuous compressive stress in the bottom steel plate. As EN1993‐1‐5 (2) does not provide a method for combining longitudinal stresses with continuous transverse stresses when using the ESM, a need for a suitable combination formula was evident. In this paper a combination formula for combining longitudinal stresses, uniform transverse stresses and shear stresses in an orthotropic steel panel using the ESM is proposed. A typical panel from the Queensferry Crossing is used, when results from the ESM and RSM are compared for various stress distributions, with results from a fully non‐linear FE shell model. A good relation between the ESM and the fully non‐linear FE shell model is found, when the combination formula is used, and it is shown that significant savings to the steel quantities can be made by utilizing this combination formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  If geo-sequestration of CO 2 is to be employed as a key emissions reduction method in the global effort to mitigate against climate change, simple yet robust screening of the risks of disposal in brine aquifers will be needed. There has been significant development of simple analytical and semi-analytical techniques to support screening analysis and performance assessment for potential carbon sequestration sites. These techniques have generally been used to estimate the size of CO 2 plumes for the purpose of leakage rate estimation. A common assumption is that both the fluids and the geological formation are incompressible. Consequently, calculation of pressure distribution requires the specification of an arbitrary radius of influence. In this article, a new similarity solution is derived using the method of matched asymptotic expansions. A large time approximation of this solution is then extended to account for inertial effects using the Forchheimer equation. By allowing for slight compressibility in the fluids and formation, the solutions improve on previous work by not requiring the specification of an arbitrary radius of influence. The validity of both solutions is explored by comparison with equivalent finite difference solutions, revealing that the new method can provide robust and mathematically rigorous solutions for screening level analysis, where numerical simulations may not be justified or cost effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Study design Cross-sectional study. Background The carpal tunnel is a clinically important fibro-osseous conduit for the median nerve and associated tendons. It is mechanically dynamic and therapeutic manual techniques that appear to move and change tunnel shape is part of clinical practice. Objectives To measure changes in dimensions of the carpal tunnel and median nerve with manual mobilization of the carpal bones in cadavers. Methods A total of 20 cryopreserved upper extremities from cadaveric specimens were used in the study. The wrist was cut using an anatomical saw at the level of the pisiform. Measurements of the cross-sectional area (CSA), anteroposterior diameter (APD), transverse diameter (TD), perimeter, flattening ratio and circularity of the carpal tunnel and of the median nerve, were taken, both in the anatomical position of the wrist and during the mobilization technique of the carpal bones. Results During the mobilization technique, the tunnel CSA (p < 0.011), APD (p < 0.001) and circularity (p < 0.001) significantly increased, while TD (p < 0.001), perimeter (p < 0.004) and flattening ratio (p < 0.001), decreased. The median nerve showed similar behavioral tendencies to the tunnel but only the CSA (p < 0.005), APD (p < 0.005) and flattening ratio (p < 0.004) of the nerve showed significant differences. Conclusion Application of external manually applied compressive force across the wrist can increase the CSA of the carpal tunnel and the median nerve in cadavers. These results are consistent with other studies in which similar results were found non-invasively using ultrasound. Highlights • Cross-sectional area of the carpal tunnel increased during the manual mobilization of the carpal bones in cadaver. • The mobilization increased the anterior-posterior diameter of the carpal tunnel. • Both the carpal tunnel and the median nerve became rounder during the technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hamstring muscle injuries are common in the sports field, with lack of hamstring flexibility being a risk factor. Stretching the hamstring muscles is an important part of the training and rehabilitation programs used to prevent or treat injury and improve performance. We aim to compare the immediate and follow-up effect on hamstring muscle flexibility between 2 different stretching protocols, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching and PNF stretching combined with electrostimulation. A second aim is to determine whether physical activity level is related to flexibility., Methods: Design of study: Single-blind, randomized controlled trial; Participants: 30 healthy volunteers (30 men, 18-39 years old); Intervention: A 6-session intervention program spanning over 2 weeks and 1-week and 3-week follow-up. The control group underwent PNF stretching with a voluntary contraction. The experimental group underwent PNF stretching but the muscle contraction was triggered with an electrical stimulation device (TENS); Main outcome measu: Hamstring muscles flexibility was assessed using the Modified Sit and Reach (MSR) and the Back Saver Sit and Reach (BSSR) tests. Physical activity level was evaluated with the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)., Results: Both groups showed an overall increase in hamstring muscle flexibility. However, when comparing flexibility gain between baseline and the end of the stretching program (session 6), and at the 1-week and 3-week follow-ups, only the experimental group showed significant differences. No correlation between the IPAQ score and the degree of hamstring muscle flexibility was observed., Conclusions: Hamstring muscle PNF stretching combined with electrical stimulation to trigger muscle contraction during the muscle contraction phase of the stretch achieves better flexibility results when compared to PNF alone.