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After the Fukushima-Daiichi event, there has been notable progress in developing accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding designs to improve light-water reactor (LWR) safety features. In this regard, the Zirconium alloy (Zircaloy) has significant advantages in enhancing the neutron economy, and its unique beneficial characteristics establish it as a reliable and promising material for ATF claddings in the present era. Depositing protective coatings of different interlayer diffusion metals over Zircaloy-based nuclear fuel claddings is becoming increasingly popular as a near-term solution. This strategy can enhance the ability of cladding to withstand accident scenarios, reduce the oxidation rate at high temperatures, and provide additional benefits during both usual and accidental conditions. Current research efforts have strategically prioritized the development of ATF cladding concepts to improve nuclear fuel safety in normal, transient, and potential accidental situations. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of the current research and development events related to the design, manufacturing techniques, and various performance characteristics of chromium (Cr) coated Zircaloy-cladding ATF materials. These materials can improve both the reactor's economics and protection level. Our discussion focuses on these methods for enhancing safety performance in LWRs. In addition, the report provides a prospective viewpoint on future research accomplishments related to these materials.

Abstract Aim of study This study aimed to explore the effects of different types of resistance training using kettlebells versus the own body mass, in comparison to a passive control, on key physical fitness and physiological parameters in young, obese adults. Methods Data from 60 sedentary, obese male college students, aged 17–26, were used for final analyses. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group (CG, n = 20, no training), a kettlebell resistance training group (KRTG, n = 20), or a bodyweight resistance training group (BWRTG, n = 20). Selected measures of physical fitness were tested using the 12-minutes run test, the push-up test, the sit-up test, and the sit-and-reach test. Physiological measures included vital capacity, resting and maximum heart rate (HRmax), mean arterial blood pressure, breath holding time, and respiratory rate. Biochemical variables were measured in the morning, in a fasted state, and comprised high and low density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. The 12-weeks progressive KRTG and BWRTG were specifically tailored using sets, repetitions, and intensity levels. Results Notable findings include significant body fat reductions in BWRTG (p

A dual flat-spherical indentation (DFSI) method is proposed for evaluating elastic-plastic properties of metallic materials under equi-biaxial residual stress (RS) state. DFSI consists of two indentation steps: (step I) performing flat indentation (FI) on a specimen having significant presence of residual stress, and (step II) performing spherical indentation (SI) at the center of residual imprint generated by the FI (step I). Indentation load-depth curve in conventional single spherical indentation (SSI) generally varies with RS, while the load-depth curves of SI step in DFSI are almost identical even under significant RS; this is attributed to stress redistribution during the preceding FI step. A set of FE analyses are performed for a wide range of properties of general metals. Regression-based mapping functions are established for evaluating the elastic-plastic properties from the SI data of step II. Finally, the proposed method is validated by performing DFSI experiments on the mechanically stressed SM45C and SS400 specimens.

ABSTRACT Background Achieving and maintaining adequate glycaemic control is critical to reduce diabetes‐related complications. Therapeutic inertia is one of the leading causes of suboptimal glycaemic control. Aim To assess the degree of inertia in insulin initiation and intensification in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM‐2). Methods We performed a retrospective longitudinal cohort study and followed DM‐2 2 years before and 2 years after the start of insulin. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who achieved glycaemic targets (HBA1c ≤ 7.5%) at 6th month, 1st year and 2nd year. Results We included 374 predominantly male subjects (62%). The mean age was 55.3 ± 11.3 years, the mean duration of DM‐2 was 12.0 ± 7.3 years, 64.4% were obese, 47.6% had a microvascular disease, and 24.3% had a macrovascular disease. The mean HBA1c at −2nd year and −1st year was 9.2 ± 2.1% and 9.3 ± 2.0%, respectively. The mean HbA1C at the time of insulin initiation was 10.4 ± 2.1%. The mean HBA1c at 6th month, 12th month and 2nd year was 8.5 ± 1.8%, 8.4 ± 1.8% and 8.5 ± 1.7%, respectively. The proportion of subjects who achieved HBA1c targets at 6th month, 12th month and 2nd year was 32.9%, 31.0% and 32.9%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that achieving HBA1c targets at 6th month and 1st year increases the odds of achieving HBA1c targets at 2nd year (OR 4.87 [2.4–9.6] p

Abstract This study explores the effect of incorporating steel fibres and fly ash into self‐compacting concrete (SCC) in various combinations on its mechanical properties. The study begins with thoroughly investigating the fresh properties to ensure compliance with SCC standards when adding steel fibres. Subsequently, mixes that meet SCC standards are evaluated for their mechanical properties. The study aims to enhance the mechanical properties of SCC while maintaining its flowability, filling ability, and passing ability. The research findings provide valuable insights into the optimal combination of steel fibres and fly ash for improving the mechanical properties of SCC. The addition of hooked end type steel fibres increases the compressive strength. When compared to crimped type the mechanical properties increased to 14.4%; however, the strength decreases beyond 1% of steel fibres. Satisfactory results are obtained for fresh properties test.

Abstract Compact multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be operated in many challenging environmental conditions. In case the UAV requires certain considerations in designing like lightweight, efficient propulsion system and others depending upon the application, the hybrid UAV comes into play when the usual UAV types cannot be sufficient to meet the requirements. The propulsion system for the UAV was selected to be coaxial rotors because it has a high thrust-to-weight ratio and to increase the efficiency of the propulsion system, a unique propeller was proposed to achieve higher thrust. The proposed propeller was uniquely designed by analyzing various airfoil sections under different Reynolds’s number using X-Foil tool to obtain the optimum airfoil section for the propellers. Since the design with duct increases efficiency, the Hybrid UAV presented in this paper has the modified novel convergent–divergent (C–D)-based duct which is a simplified model of a conventional C–D duct. The yawing and rolling maneuverings of the UAV could be achieved by the thrust vectoring method so that the design is simpler from a structural and mechanical perspective. The use of UAVs has risen in recent years, especially compact UAVs, which can be applied for applications like surveillance, detection and inspection, and monitoring in a narrow region of space. The design of the UAV is modeled in CATIA, and its further performance enactment factors are picked from advanced computational simulations relayed bottom-up approach. The predominant computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and fluid structure interaction (FSI) investigations are imposed and optimized through Computational Analyses using Ansys Workbench 17.2, which includes analysis of structural behaviour of various alloys, CFRP and GFRP based composite materials. From the structural analysis Titanium alloy came out to be the best performing materials among the others by having lower total deformation and other parameters such as normal and equivalent stress. The dynamics control response is obtained using MATLAB Simulink. The validations are carried out on the propeller using a thrust stand for CFD and on the duct through a high-jet facility for structural outcomes to meet the expected outcome.

Background and Study Aim. The increasing recognition of pilates as a comprehensive exercise regimen tailored to the needs of the elderly population underscores its growing importance. This shift in emphasis reflects a growing awareness of the potential benefits of pilates for older adults' overall well-being. Study Aim - to investigate the potential benefits of a six-week mat pilates training (MPT) program on the functional fitness of older adults. Material and Methods. In total, a group of 30 elderly individuals (i.e., NMale=18 and NFemale=12), who regularly frequented a local playground, participated in a quasi-experimental study. The study involved pre-test and post-test assessments and was conducted over a period of six weeks. Participants underwent an MPT program (six days a week for six weeks, 60 minutes per session). Were assessed for various functional fitness parameters: lower-body strength (LBS), upper-body strength (UBS), aerobic endurance (AE), lower-body flexibility (LBF), upper-body flexibility (UBF), agility (AG), and Body Mass Index (BMI). A paired-sample t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results. The MPT resulted in significant (p

A plate heat exchanger is one of the smallest and most efficient heat exchangers on the market. This experiment aims to assess the performance of methanol-water as a base fluid in a plate heat exchanger that affects the heat transfer performance. For this study, aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticle was used in various ratios (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 vol. %) in a base fluid (10 vol.% methanol & 90 vol.% water) to prepare a nanofluid. At two different temperatures, such as 55°C and 60°C, with varying flow rates (2 to 8 L/min) and varying nanoparticle concentrations (0.25 to 0.75%), thermo physical characteristics and convective heat transfer studies were performed, and the results are presented. The overall inference was that there was a notable enhancement in the hot side, cold side, and overall heat transfer coefficient by the combination of Al2O3 nanoparticle and methanol-water-based fluid. It was noted that utilizing Al2O3/methanol-water nanofluid could significantly reduce the temperature gradient in the heat exchanger and improve its performance. Maximum hot fluid coefficient of 4300 W/m2°C, cold fluid coefficient of 4600 W/m2°C, and overall coefficient of 2200 W/m2°C were noted for 0.75 vol.% nanoparticle concentration and at a flow rate of 8 L/min.

Purpose: psychological stress caused due to the current COVID 19 pandemic lock down may have an adverse impact on the quality of life (QoL) in office shift workers. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of OM chanting on the levels of perceived psychological stress, quality of life and sleep among office workers who are confined at home and work during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Material & Methods: an online OM chanting session was conducted for 20 workers who stayed at home and worked during the pandemic lockdown. Prior to and at the end of the training all the participants finished a battery of self-reported online inventories, including the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale with 21 items (DASS-21) and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: after ten days of OM chanting, all the participants stated a significant enhancement in all domains of quality of life and a reduction of psychological distress (P

Purpose: individuals with intellectual disability (ID) often experience challenges related to low levels of physical fitness, impacting both their physical and mental well-being. This study aims to evaluate the pulmonary function of children with ID and explore the effect of yoga practices on pulmonary function among the participants with ID. Material & Methods: the study was an assessor-blinded, randomised, controlled study. Participants clinically diagnosed with intellectual disability (ID) were randomly assigned to either yoga intervention or no intervention for a duration of 6 months. Pulmonary function test was assessed at baseline and after 6 months of intervention using a Helios 401 device. Results: in this study, a total of 56 adult participants of both sexes with intellectual disabilities (ID) were initially enrolled (n=56). Following the intervention, the final sample size was 48 participants. Notably, the participants in the yoga group demonstrated a statistically significant (p