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Research focusing on the effects of pre-damaged level on the effectiveness of concrete repairing using external confinement is quite limited. In addition, the use of active confinement in concrete repair works is yet to be explored. This study extends the investigation on repairing reinforced concrete (RC) columns to the active-typed confinement. Experimental tests were conducted to investigate the applicability of active confinement in repairing RC columns with varied pre-damaged levels. The applicability of steel strapping confinement in repairing RC columns with the varied pre-damaged levels was confirmed through experimental works, which involved testing of 21 RC columns under monotonic uniaxial compression. The overall responses of the specimens were investigated in terms of crack pattern, load carrying capacity, axial displacement, stiffness and ductility of repaired columns. The test results have shown that the restorability of confinement was significantly affected by pre-damaged levels. It is also observed that the increase in confining volumetric ratio can restore both strength and ductility of repaired RC columns up to 171% and 172%, for the same pre-damaged level.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to detail the design and prototyping of a smart automation solution for de-strapping plastic bonding straps on shipping pallets, which are loaded with multiple containers secured by a top-cover as they move on a conveyor belt. Design/methodology/approach The adopted design methodology to have the system perform its function entails using the least number of sensors and actuators to arrive at an economic solution from a system design viewpoint. Two prototypes of the robotic structure are designed and built, one in a research laboratory and another in an industrial plant, to perform localized cutting and grabbing of the plastic straps, with the help of a custom-designed passive localizing structure. The proposed structure is engineered to locate the plastic straps using one degree of freedom (DOF) only. An additional strap removal mechanism is designed to collect the straps and prevent them from interfering with the conveyor. Findings The functionality of the system is validated by performing full-process tests on the developed prototypes in a laboratory setting and under real-life operating conditions at BMW Group facilities. Testing showed that the proposed localization system meets the specified requirements and can be generalized and adapted to other industrial processes with similar requirements. Practical implications The proposed automated system for de-strapping pallets can be deployed in assembly or manufacturing facilities that receive parts in standard shipping pallets that are used worldwide. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first mechanically smart system that is used for the automated removal of straps from shipping pallets used in assembly facilities. The two main novelties of the proposed design are the robustness of the strap localization without the need for computer vision and a large number of DOF, and the critical placement and choice of the cutting and gripping tools to minimize the number of needed actuators.

スターフルーツ（Averrhoa carambola L.）は沖縄や鹿児島などで栽培されている熱帯果樹である。本研究では，スターフルーツの着花数の増加と開花期の調節を目的として，環状剥皮，結縛，摘心および環状剥皮の幅の違いが着花に及ぼす影響について調査した。1年生の直立枝と下垂枝に分け，環状剥皮，結縛，摘心処理をそれぞれ行った結果，環状剥皮による着花促進がみられた。直立枝では花房数の有意な差はみられなかったが，下垂枝では花房数および小花数が最大であったことから，環状剥皮はスターフルーツにおいて着花促進効果が最も高い方法であると考えられた。さらに環状剥皮の幅の違いについて，1年生の枝に2.5mm, 5mm, 10mm幅でそれぞれ処理を行った。その結果，環状剥皮で着花促進効果がみられ，処理5週後の枝あたりの花房数が2.5mm幅区で最も多くなった。花房が着生している枝の割合は2.5mm, 5mm, 10mm幅区で90%以上に達した。これらの結果から，着花数増加のためにスターフルーツの枝に環状剥皮を行う場合，処理幅は2.5mmで十分であることが示された。, Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) is a tropical fruit tree indigenous to Java and the Moluccas Islands that bears fruit throughout the year when cultivated under tropical conditions. In Japan, it is cultivated in Okinawa and the Kyushu region and has two annual flowering periods : one from May to June and the other from September to October. Cultivation of this species has been hindered by the lack of established cultivation methods, and because it produces few flowers. Consequently, controlling the flowering period and increasing the number of flowers would be advantageous for improving star fruit production. The influence of girdling, strapping, and pinching treatments to increase flower setting were investigated in different treatment plots in a vinyl greenhouse at Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa, Japan. The treatments were performed on upright and descending branches of starfruit. Descending branches had larger numbers of flower clusters than upright branches. Compared to the control, girdling significantly increased the number of flower clusters on descending branches, but no such effect was observed on upright branches. In addition, the influence of girdling width (2.5, 5, and 10 mm) on flower setting on horizontal branches was examined. Compared to the control, the number of flower clusters increased for all girdling widths. The largest numbers of flower clusters and small flowers were observed in the 2.5 mm width girdling plot at 5 weeks after treatment. For the 2.5, 5, and 10 mm width girdling plots, more than 90% of branches had flower clusters at 5 weeks after treatment, compared to 30% in the control plot. The findings demonstrate that girdling improves flower setting in star fruit.

Leg ulcers are costly to the NHS, and they have a significant impact on patients' physical, social, and psychological well-being. Compression therapy is traditionally the "gold-standard" treatment for the management of venous leg ulcers and can be beneficial for those individuals with mixed ulcer aetiology. Evidence suggests that the application of standard, strong, graduated compression bandaging does not apply therapeutic compression to the retromalleolar fossa. The addition of compression strapping has been found to increase sub-bandage pressure, promote healing, reduce pain and increase quality of life in patients with retromalleolar leg ulcers. This service evaluation aimed at evaluating the use of compression strapping with patients with retromalleolar leg ulcers. The service evaluation included 24 patients with 41 ulcers treated with compression strapping by a specialist team. Patients treated with CS had multiple comorbidities and shared common characteristics including foot and ankle oedema, previous ulceration, reduced mobility, and failure to heal despite the application of "gold-standard" compression therapy. Following application of compression strapping, 17 patients (n = 27/41 ulcers) healed, mean pain scores decreased, and mean quality of life scores increased. The compression strapping was tolerated well, and patients reported a positive experience. This service evaluation has contributed towards a growing evidence base that supports the use of CS for the management of patients with retromalleolar leg ulcers.

Le but de ce travail est de détailler les différentes pathologies du coude ainsi que leur prise en charge, en particulier orthopédique, afin de permettre aux pharmaciens qui le souhaitent, de se former et de mieux appréhender ce segment de l’orthopédie en officine.Tout d’abord, on effectuera quelques rappels anatomiques concernant l’articulation du coude.Ensuite, on abordera les principales pathologies du coude que l’on peut rencontrer en pharmacie.Pour chaque trouble on précisera les symptômes, les causes et facteurs de risques, les moyens de diagnostic, la prise en charge globale ainsi que les moyens de prévention permettant d’éviter la survenue de chacune de ces pathologies ou de rechuter pour les patients déjà atteints.Enfin, on insistera sur la partie orthopédique de la prise en charge de ces pathologies, en détaillant les différents dispositifs de contention existants et en expliquant quel est le rôle du pharmacien en pratique à l’officine.Le pharmacien peut prodiguer des conseils hygiéno-diététiques, en rappelant notamment l’importance de l’échauffement, d’une alimentation équilibrée, d’une hydratation correcte, du sevrage tabagique, de l’activité sportive à tout âge, du port de protections dans les sports à risque.Il peut conseiller le patient sur la globalité de la prise en charge, ce qui inclue la prise en charge médicamenteuse, la cryothérapie, la rééducation.Il peut aussi proposer ou renseigner les patients sur les autres types de traitements existants, tels que la phytothérapie, l’homéopathie ou l’aromathérapie.

The reducing in the pressure characteristic of the submersible pump during operation occurs as a result of the combined action of a number of reasons. Pumping equipment wears out due to waterjet destruction of flow channels. The characteristics of submersible pumps are captured at the factory on special stands. At large group groundwater intakes, wells are equipped with an automated control system that allows testing the pump at the workplace and promptly making a decision on its replacement if the pressure characteristic is unacceptably reduced. The actual pressure characteristic of the pump H н = f (Q) can be plotted directly in the well with a sufficient degree of accuracy. To determine the degree of wear of the pump, its pressure characteristics are compared before installation and at the time of taking readings. The article describes a well strapping scheme for measuring the specific flow rate and pressure characteristics of a submersible pump. The purpose of the study is to derive a dependency for constructing the flow-pressure characteristics of a submersible pump at its workplace and to develop a method for accounting for its wear during operation, which allows predicting a decrease in well productivity over time. An expression is proposed to describe the characteristics of the pump at any time, calculated from its installation in the well. The analysis of the reducing in the pressure characteristics of pumps produced by various manufacturers in the wells of the existing water intake of underground water is presented. It is confirmed that the intensity of the pressure reduction depends on the duration of the pump operation in a given well, the material of the pump impellers and the sand content in the pumped water.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of adhesive strapping (AS) for umbilical hernia (UH) in infants. METHODS A retrospective review of 30 mature infants without any treatment for UH between January 2006 and December 2008 and 87 infants (42 mature and 45 premature) who were treated with AS between January 2010 and December 2014 was conducted. The rate and age of closure of UH were compared between the groups and the complications and limitations of AS were evaluated. RESULTS In the observation-only group, 24 UHs spontaneously closed at a mean age of 13.5 months, but a protruding umbilicus with redundant skin was present in three of 27 infants. Three infants had persistent UH, so a total of six infants, including the three with redundant skin and three with persistent UH, underwent surgery at the mean age of 30.0 months. In the AS group, 72 UHs were cured at a mean age of 4.3 months, which was significantly earlier than in the observation-only group (P < 0.01). Eleven infants did not continue AS because of skin irritation or discomfort. Four infants underwent repair due to persistent UH, but not for redundant skin of the umbilicus. CONCLUSIONS Adhesive strapping is effective for promoting the early resolution of UH in infants and preventing the forming of redundant skin, which can reduce the need for surgical intervention. To achieve better results with AS, we recommend applying this technique before the UH grows large.

Background Using a controlled trial, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adhesive strapping to improve the natural healing rate of umbilical hernia. Methods This prospective, observational study included 128 patients from Kumamoto, Japan (97 in the adhesive strapping group, and 31 in observation group), from 2012–2015. The duration from first hospital visit to the hernia orifice closure was compared between the two groups. Result Kaplan‐Meier curves showed that the probability of umbilical hernia in the adhesive strapping group was lower until approximately 200 days, but it was not statistically significant in the log rank test. According to multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, the hazard risk of umbilical hernia in the adhesive strapping group was significantly higher within 0–60 days after adjusting for confounding factors such as hernial cavity and hernia orifice area (P < 0.0001). Conclusion Adhesive strapping of umbilical hernia was significantly associated with earlier closure of the hernia orifice from baseline until at least 60 days.

Physical human-robot interfaces are a challenging aspect of exoskeleton design, mainly due to the fact that interfaces tend to migrate relatively to the body leading to discomfort and power losses. Therefore, the key is to develop interfaces that optimize attachment stiffness, i.e., reduce relative motion, without compromising comfort. To that end, we propose a method to obtain the optimal attachment pressure in terms of connection stiffness and comfort. The method is based on a soft robotic interface capable of actively controlling strapping pressure which is coupled to a cobot. Hereby the effects of strapping pressure on energetic losses, connection stiffness, and perceived comfort are analyzed. Results indicate a trade-off between connection stiffness and perceived comfort for this type of interface. An optimal strapping pressure was found in the 50 to 80 mmHg range. Connection stiffness was found to increase linearly over a pressure range from 0 mmHg (stiffness of 1139 N/m) to 100 mmHg (stiffness of 2232 N/m). And energetic losses were reduced by 42% by increasing connection stiffness. This research highlights the importance of strapping pressure when attaching an exoskeleton to a human and introduces a new adaptive interface to improve the coupling from an exoskeleton to an individual.

Pulley rupture is the most common injury amongst climbers (26% of elite climbers show traces of pulley rupture). Immobilization and strength loss are the consequences. Finger taping would be the easiest way to prevent sur injury, and it is most used by climbersThe objectif of this study is to estimate whether finger taping is effective to prevent pulley rupture. Three studies have been analysed and linked together, each one evaluating different components of pulley rupture. The pulley load to failure, the distance and force applied during bowstringing effect, and muscular activity of the flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficial have been measured. This results were compared to those obtained during the no tape experiences.Results show no positive effect of taping in order to prevent pulley rupture. None of the studied component is improved by taping.Further studies, on larger sample size, more specific to climbers, and during longer timer period are advised to conclude on taping and its usefulness, in order to investigate a valid protective measure against pulley rupture.; La rupture de la poulie des fléchisseurs chez les grimpeurs est la lésion spécifique prédominante au sein de cette population (26% des grimpeurs professionnels présentent des traces de cette lésion). Elle entraine une immobilisation et donc une perte de performance. Il est très répandu d’utiliser du strap pour se prémunir de cette blessure.L’objectif de cette revue littéraire systématique est d’évaluer si l’application de strap diminue les risques de rupture de la poulie. Trois articles ont été analyses et mis en relation, chacun mesurant différents paramètres. Le seuil de la rupture de la poulie (en N), la distance et les forces exercées par l’ECA (en mm et N respectivement), et l’activité musculaire des FSD et FPD ont été évalué. Ces paramètres sont mesurés avec ou sans strap afin de conclure sur son impact.Les résultats indiquent que le strap n’a pas d’effet en regard de la prévention de la rupture de la poulie. Il ne diminue aucun des paramètres étudiés. Il est cependant important de préciser la faible valeur statistique des résultats obtenus en raison des protocoles expérimentaux.De nouvelles études portants sur des échantillons de population plus spécifiques et plus importants, et sur des périodes de temps plus longues sont nécessaires afin de conclure définitivement sur l’utilité de ce traitement, et d’explorer la piste d’un traitement préventif valable contre la rupture de la poulie.

The article deals with the issue of studying the hydraulic resistance of vortex contact stages for rectification equipment used for separation of alcohol-containing solutions obtained on the basis of hydrolysate of vegetable raw materials. Based on the conducted research, the dependences for determining the hydraulic resistance coefficient for axial and tangential swirlers are obtained. It is shown how the design parameters affect the change in the coefficient of hydraulic resistance. Hydraulic resistance is an important hydrodynamic characteristic of contact stages, which characterizes the energy consumption of the gas flow for the mass transfer process and determines the scope of its application in practice. Knowledge of the amount of hydraulic losses in the device is also necessary when calculating the schemes of technological strapping of the device. Currently, there are numerous data on the study of regularities in the domestic and foreign literature.

Seated postural abilities are critical to functional independence and participation in children with cerebral palsy, Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) levels III-IV. In this proof-of-concept study, we investigated the feasibility of a motor learning–based seated postural training with a robotic Trunk-Support-Trainer (TruST) in a longitudinal single-subject-design (13y, GMFCS IV), and its potential effectiveness in a group of 3 children (6-14y, GMFCS III-IV). TruST is a motorized-cable driven belt placed on the child’s trunk to exert active-assistive forces when the trunk moves beyond stability limits. TruST-intervention addresses postural-task progression by tailoring the assistive-force fields to the child’s sitting balance to train trunk control during independent short-sitting posture. TruST-intervention consisted of 2 training blocks of 6 2hour-sessions per block (3 sessions per week). Pelvic strapping was required in the 1(st) block to prevent falls. As primary outcomes, we used the modified functional reach test, gross motor function measure-item set (GMFM-IS), Box & Blocks, and postural kinematics. After TruST-intervention children did not require pelvic strapping to prevent a fall, improved trunk stability during reaching (baseline = 5.49cm, 1week post-training = 16.38cm, 3mos follow-up = 14.63cm, p < 0.001) and increased their sitting workspace (baseline = 127.55cm(2), 1week post-training, = 409.92cm(2), 3mos follow-up = 270.03cm(2), p < 0.001). Three children also improved in the GMFM-IS. In summary, our novel robotic TruST-intervention is feasible and can effectively maximize functional independent sitting in children with CP GMFCS III-IV.

A new class of spiroannulated pyrazolone scaffolds have been assembled from diverse o-haloaryl ynones and β-bromoalkenyl ynones via base mediated, one-pot, metal free, orthogonal strapping (tetheri...

Purpose Metacarpal neck fractures may perform well without operative intervention, but the current literature on this topic is fragmented and guidance on managing these injuries needs further refinement. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the various treatments available for these injuries. Methods We searched 3 electronic databases and included any study comparing interventions for metacarpal neck fractures. We conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis for each outcome. Results We identified a total of 14 studies comparing: antegrade (AIMP) or retrograde (RIMP) intramedullary pinning, buddy strapping, transverse pinning (TP), functional bracing, plating, retrograde cross-pinning, a combination of retrograde cross-pinning and plating, and placement of an orthosis or casting. Although the results were not statistically significant, the effect estimates suggested more favorable pain reduction and functional improvement with AIMP compared with nonsurgical therapies and RIMP in the short term (3 months or less). However, differences between interventions at later follow-up were less extreme; data on short-term pain and function with surgical options outside AIMP and RIMP were unavailable. In addition, compared with both plating and TP, AIMP was associated with significantly higher risks for implant migration and neurological events. There were contrasting findings in union-related outcomes. Plating showed the earliest time to union (not statistically significant) but TP demonstrated the lowest risk for a delayed union. Conclusions This review demonstrated that although AIMP may be a viable surgical option for early symptomatic relief after a metacarpal neck fracture, it may also be associated with a greater likelihood of certain postoperative complications. Clinicians should consider patient preferences for the time frame of symptomatic relief when selecting the optimal treatment, and patients should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each available option, especially when considering invasive surgery. Considering the lack of high-quality primary research investigating these interventions, future studies are needed to make more definitive conclusions. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic II.

PurposeMany treatment methods for intra-articular fractures of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint are described in the literature without a consensus on the most effective approach. The purpose of this study was to investigate the methods of treatment of PIP joint fractures being used by trauma surgeons in the Republic of Ireland currently and the timing of referral to therapy.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional descriptive study methodology was used to survey trauma surgeons, occupational therapists and physiotherapists in Ireland. An online platform was used. A total of 21 surveys were returned by surgeons and 37 by therapists. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to present the results.FindingsBuddy strapping was reported as the primary treatment method for stable PIP joint fractures. All levels of fracture severity were reported to be treated using traction constructs, which include static and dynamic fixation and orthoses. Unstable fractures were managed using open reduction with internal fixation by 50 per cent of surgeons. Early timing of referral to therapy is reported by more surgeons than therapists. The majority of therapists indicated that they did not have the resources to see patients at the optimal time.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, this study provides the first description of the management of PIP joint fractures across the Irish health service. The findings of this study suggest that additional therapy resources are required within the health service executive to facilitate the desired early referral to therapy and to enable service development for this category of hand fractures.

Purpose This study evaluated the clinical outcome of non-operative treatment of peroneal tendon dislocations. Methods A systematic review of literature was performed. Results Six studies were included. Redislocation rates differed between treatments: taping ≥ 3 weeks; 18/30 (60%) patients. Plaster cast ≥ 4 weeks; 5/13 (32%) plaster cast ≥ 6 weeks; 1/6 (17%). Strapping or taping treatment indicated a higher rate of pain and instability and a lower rate of ability to return to former activity. Conclusions A non-weight bearing cast ≥ 6 weeks was successful in 5/6 patients. A non-weight bearing cast might be a good alternative for surgical intervention. Level of Clinical Evidence: Level IV, systematic review of level IV studies.

Study design Systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Objectives To determine the most effective non-surgical treatment interventions for reducing pain and improving function for patients with patellar tendinopathy. Methods Studies considered for this systematic review were from peer-reviewed journals published between January 2012 and September 2017. All included studies used a visual analogue scale (VAS) to evaluate the participant’s pain. The majority of the included studies also used the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Patellar Tendinopathy (VISA-P questionnaire) to assess participant’s symptoms and function. Results Nine randomized controlled trials fit the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The results of three studies supported the use of isometric exercise to reduce pain immediately. One study found patellar strapping and sports taping to be effective for reduction in pain during sport and immediately after. Eccentric exercise, Dry Needling (DN) (2 studies), injections with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Autologous Blood Injection (ABI), and saline were found to have a more sustained effect on reducing pain and improving knee function. Conclusion Isometric exercise, patellar strapping, sports taping, eccentric exercise, injections with PRP, ABI, and saline and DN demonstrated a short-term pain relieving and functional improvement effect in subjects with patellar tendinopathy. Longer term follow up on interventions involving eccentric exercise, DN, and injections with PRP, ABI and saline showed sustained pain reduction and improvement in knee function. Level of evidence Level 1.

Background and Objectives: Acromioclavicular joint dislocation corresponds to 8.6% of all joint dislocations. Non operative treatment is considered the standard of care for type I and II Acromio - clavicular joint dislocation. But the treatment of acute type III and above injuries is still controversial. The purpose of this study is to determine the functional outcome of conservative treatment of Type III severity of acromioclavicular dislocations with respect to pain, range of movements, cosmesis and radiological displacement. Materials and Methods: 25 patients with Acromioclavicular joint dislocation of type 3 were included in our study conducted between August 2018 and July 2020. Stress X-Rays were taken to diagnose type 3 acromioclavicular joint dislocation. All patients were treated conservatively with strapping for three weeks and gradual mobilization over next three weeks. Patients were evaluated at 6 weeks, 3months and 6months. At each follow up patients were assessed subjectively for pain, objectively for range of abduction and radiographs were taken to note any displacement. Results: Sixteen patients had excellent results with no pain or limitation of movements. Six patients had good results with pain only on excessive activity and terminal restriction of movements. Two patients had fair results and no poor results. Improvement in subjective and objective symptoms was highly significant (p

Background Kinesiotaping (KT), has emerged as an interesting and relatively novel method for treating musculoskeletal conditions. To date, none of the systematic reviews with meta-analysis have addressed the efficacy of KT alone (without any other intervention) over sham taping (ST). Objective The present meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effectiveness of KT versus ST in patients with musculoskeletal conditions in interventions lasting at least 1 week on musculoskeletal conditions and functional performance outcomes. Data source Manual and electronic searches (CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PEDro) were conducted using kinesiotaping, strapping, musculoskeletal pain and musculoskeletal conditions. Study selection criteria Randomised controlled trials on adults with a diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions. Data extraction and data synthesis Two researchers independently carried out the search and the third author was referred to for arbitration. The methodological quality of the studies using the PEDro scale and GRADE approach. Results Six RCTs were identified and included in the meta-analysis. When compared with ST in adults with chronic non-specific low-back pain (LBP), KT resulted in superior effects on pain at follow-up, but the pooled pain in the immediate post-treatment period and disability scores (in the immediate post-treatment period and at follow-up) were not significantly different. Generally, all results were supported by low quality evidence according to GRADE criteria. Conclusion Our findings indicate inconclusive and low-quality evidence of a beneficial effect of KT alone over ST in LBP and knee osteoarthritis. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42018084151.

Cost estimation is a fundamental activity in engineering management and business decision making. It normally involves estimating the quantity of labor, materials, utilities, floor space, sales, overhead, time and other parameters over a given period of time. These estimates are used typically as inputs to deterministic analysis methods or to stochastic analysis methods. Cost of tank calibration which depends on the factors such as the capacity of tank, number of labour, method adopted, equipment etc. has not been standardized. In an attempt to standardize the cost of tank calibration, two separate models, one each for the two common methods of tank calibration; Manual Strapping Method (MSM) and Electro Optical Distance Ranging (EODR). These models were validated with actual cost of tank calibration obtained from four renowned calibration companies in the country and were found to be within the acceptable limit of ±10% deviation.Keywords: calibration, modeling, cost estimation, oil storage tank, standardizationJEL Classifications: C2, C3, C5, D7DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.8271

The effectiveness of an innovative post-tensioned steel strapping strengthening solution for enhancing the behaviour of pre-damaged plain concrete cylinders was investigated. To achieve this, 24 cylinders of diameter 100 mm and height 200 mm were subjected to axial compression; 18 of these specimens were initially subjected to compressive load in unconfined conditions to produce three different damage levels. These pre-damaged specimens were then repaired and strengthened using different strap spacings and number of confining layers of straps. The results showed that the post-tensioned steel straps were extremely effective at enhancing the strength of the pre-damaged specimens, by up to 313%. The strapping also increased the axial deformability of the pre-damaged cylinders up to values of 2·64–2·95%. However, the effectiveness of the repair solution varied with the pre-damage level. The results of this work should contribute towards the development of more rapid and effective strengthening solutions for damaged reinforced concrete structures.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a three-dimensional strapping reduction in the treatment of patellar fractures. Methods Between January 2015 and June 2017, a total of 56 patients were randomly allocated to the three-dimensional strapping reduction group (trial group) and towel clamp reduction group (control group). There were no significant differences in age, gender, injury side, the interval time from injury to surgery, fracture pattern, and cause of injury (P > 0.05). The operation time, fluoroscopy time, bone union time, postoperative Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores, and complications were recorded and analyzed. Results All incisions achieved primary union. All patients in both groups completed a follow-up with an average of 12.5 months (range 11–15 months). Both operation time and fluoroscopy time in the trial group were significantly shorter than those in the control group (P < 0.001). All patellar fractures achieved bone union, and there was no significant difference in bone union time between the two groups (P > 0.05). Bone nonunion, infection, and fixation failure were not found in both groups. HSS scores of the trial group (90.9 ± 4.2) were higher than those of the control group (86.6 ± 5.2) (P < 0.01). Conclusion Compared with towel clamp reduction, the three-dimensional strapping reduction in the treatment of patellar fractures has advantages of shorter operation time and fluoroscopy time, better knee function after surgery, and satisfactory fracture healing.

This paper presents the results of an experimental and numerical study on strapping method for retrofitting deficient interior RC beam-column joints, which do not meet the requirements of current seismic design codes due to some deficiencies including low strength of concrete, inadequate transverse reinforcements, and low construction quality. In order to explore the seismic behavior of the retrofitted RC joints, six interior joint specimens, including two deficient RC joints with inadequate transverse rebar, three RC joints retrofitted with prestressed high-strength steel strips and one RC joint retrofitted with adhesively-bonded steel and prestressed high-strength steel strips, were designed and tested under cyclic loading. The main variables included the retrofit methods, axial compression ratio and volume of steel strips. The test results indicated that the prestressed steel strips worked together well with the deficient RC joints, and the retrofitted specimens exhibited better seismic behavior than the deficient control specimens, especially in deformability and energy dissipation. On the basis of the experimental study, the corresponding numerical model was established using the Open System for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (OpenSEES) and then verified to be valid. Finally, the modified softened strut and tie model was proposed in this paper to calculate the shear capacities of the specimens, and the calculated results agreed well with the test results.

A case of a 22 year-old woman who sustained a closed Hawkins type II talar neck fracture after her left foot was caught in a rope while rock climbing outdoors is described. She presented to emergency department with a swollen and neurovascularly intact foot and a displaced talar neck fracture was identified. Intraoperatively a traumatic rupture of tibialis anterior tendon was found and was primarily repaired after the talar fixation. Revisiting the mechanism of injury it was evident that the jagged fracture ends ruptured the tibialis anterior tendon while she was hanging upside down on the strapping with the foot in forced equinus. This is the first case of such complication associated with a talar fracture and signifies the importance of tibialis anterior examination in such fractures.

BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of pain and disability in older adults. Knee osteoarthritis has the greatest impact on disability. There are several treatments to manage varus knee deformity. For moderate or severe varus OA, surgical treatment, such as high tibial osteotomy and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been performed. Alternatives to surgical treatment are required to lighten the patient’s burden and the medical costs. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of lateral wedge heel raise with subtalar strapping on joint loading, pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis of medial tibiofemoral compartment. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cohort study over a period of one year in 29 patients with medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis who were prescribed with lateral wedge heel raise and subtalar strapping are studied for changes in the Knee Adduction Moment by 3-dimensional gait analysis. Also, the changes in WOMAC score and VAS score are studied. RESULTS Lateral wedge heel raise and subtalar strapping is an effective biomechanical intervention in the management of osteoarthritis of medial tibiofemoral compartment. It showed a significant decrease in the Knee Adduction Moment, which is a valid indicator of medial compartment joint loading. The use of lateral wedge heel raise and subtalar strapping also showed significant decrease in Womac and VAS score. So, a symptomatic improvement in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis can be ensured with the use of this simple and cheap orthotic intervention. CONCLUSION The lateral wedge heel raise and subtalar strapping is a very effective orthotic intervention in patients with medial tibio femoral osteo arthritis.

A novel linear binuclear Zn(ii)/2,2'-bis-dipyrrin double-stranded helicate bearing peripheral p-benzaldehyde moieties has been strapped by formation of imine bonds upon reaction with m-xylylenediamine and characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, UV-Visible spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Porphyrin sensitizers play essential roles in the development of efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). To further improve power conversion efficiency (PCE), it is vital to reduce undesirable dye aggregation that causes serious charge recombination and lowered open-circuit voltages (Voc). To this end, we herein report a new class of porphyrin-based dyes XW40 and XW41, with the porphyrin cores strapped with two circle chains. Compared with the reference sensitizer XW10 which contains a porphyrin core wrapped in four dodecoxyl chains, the double strapping in XW40 not only effectively suppresses the dye aggregation but also improves the dye loading amount. As a result, the Voc and photocurrent (Jsc) were improved by 19 mV and 0.8 mA cm−2, respectively, compared with the corresponding values of XW10, and the efficiency was improved from 8.6% obtained for XW10 to 9.3% for XW40. To further extend the spectral response, an electron-withdrawing benzothiadiazole (BTD) unit was introduced as an auxiliary acceptor in XW41. Impressively, the onset wavelength of its IPCE spectrum was dramatically red-shifted to 830 nm. However, the extended π-conjugation framework results in aggravated dye aggregation, and thus a lowered efficiency of 8.2% was obtained for XW41. Through a combined approach of coadsorption and cosensitization, the efficiencies were dramatically enhanced to 10.6% and 10.2% for XW40 and XW41, respectively, as a result of simultaneously enhanced Voc and Jsc. The results of this work provide a novel strategy for developing efficient DSSCs by employing strapped porphyrin dyes.

The efficiency of pumping units’ operation is one of the most important issues of the main transport of oil and oil products. In most cases the failure of the machine is preceded by a sharp increase of the vibration level. With a long service life of the pumping equipment, the frequency components of the vibration increase linearly and slowly enough over time, then a strong increase in vibration begins, which ends with the failure of the machine. The paper is devoted to the analyses of reasons of the vibration level of pipelines, caused by resonance with the disturbing frequency of pumping units. The causes of vibration of pump piping of the main pumping units and the influence of frequency regulation on the level of the pumping unit oscillation are analyzed. Under the condition of frequency regulation of the operating modes of the pumping unit, the rotor speed may approach or coincide with the natural frequency of the strapping vibrations.

Vertical Cylinder Tank is used as a storage area or as a measuring tool. Liquids are used in the form of Fuel oil, Liquid Natural Gas, vegetable liquids, and other chemical liquids. The tank calibration results are in the form of a volume per height table that is used as a reference by Automatic Tank Gauging. There are two tank calibration methods, namely: the strapping method and the optical method. The process of measuring the inside or outside diameter of the tank becomes very important in the tank calibration process—the measurement of tank diameter by the strapping method using steel meters manually. At the same time, the optical method uses theodolite or total station. For tank diameters ≤ 5 m, the strapping method has smaller diameter measurement results with a difference of 0.7% compared to the optical method. In further research, a prototype can be developed that can accelerate the calibration process using the strapping method (for example, a vertical track measuring robot) or a low-cost prototype theodolite

This is a preview paper describes a study of an Appropriateness of Parametric Bootstrap system for appraise mean time to failure of a problematical system, where system having a different failure density functions. Mechanism for complete reliability and analysis with boot strapping can be done by Monte Carlo simulation technique for the complex network has been studied. The method is used with the bridge network. A bridge network is very useful while observation of faulty complex system and provides better accuracy. The result obtained has been compared with those obtained using and Monte Carlo simulation.

The 2014 Chaing Rai earthquake (Thailand) caused extensive damage in many reinforced concrete (RC) buildings built before the introduction of modern seismic design guidelines. Much of the damage on these buildings was attributed to the inadequate capacity and/or ductility of columns. As a result, suitable and cost-effective strengthening techniques for such substandard elements are necessary. This article presents a case study on the seismic strengthening of a one-story RC kindergarten school located in Ampor Pan, Chaing Rai province. The building was partially damaged during the afore-mentioned earthquake, which led to cracking in walls, columns, and beam-column joints. As part of the initial assessment, innovative repair solutions were sought to minimize construction time, labor, and material cost. Accordingly, an innovative strengthening technique that uses Post-tension Metal Strapping (PTMS) was proposed to strengthen the damaged RC elements. This article presents details of the structural assessment performed on the building, as well as details of the PTMS strengthening strategy, which was applied for the first time in a real full-scale structure. This article contributes towards the validation and application of the PTMS strengthening on real structures, which had not been possible until now.

This article presents the results of an analytical and experimental study on the performance of rectangular reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened using either post-tension metal strapping (PTMS) or side-near surface mounted (SNSM) FRP bars. Four low-strength (15.3 MPa) medium-scale beams were tested in four-point bending in two phases. In Phase I, one control beam was tested up to failure, whereas three beams were tested up to yielding of the main flexural reinforcement. In Phase II, the three pre-cracked beams were strengthened using PTMS or SNSM techniques, and then retested up to failure. The results indicate that the capacity of the pre-cracked PTMS-strengthened beam was only 8 % higher than the control counterpart. Conversely, the SNSM strengthening solution increased the beam capacity by up to 55 %, which is due to additional flexural reinforcement provided by the FRP bars. Moreover, the predictions given by linear cracked sectional analysis and the current ACI guidelines match well the deflection response of the strengthened beams but only up to the yielding load.

Current can cause electromigration (EM) damage in power device interconnects, thus the current density should be properly controlled. Lowering the current density requires placing and routing wide interconnects, increasing the die size. Therefore, enhanced EM entitlement would help to reduce the die size. Towards this goal, we have investigated the impact of strapped Cu interconnects on EM performance. The experiments show that the strapped layer can have $\sim 5\mathrm{X}$ EM lifetime than the separated layers when the strapping VIA distance is comparable to or shorter than the Blech length. The strapping metal layer not only provides shunting benefit but also improves the layer’s diffusion property. The strapping technique is simple and does not request special process changes, and provides enhanced current carrying capability needed for the advanced power devices with low on-resistance.

Wrist injuries have been reported to account for 35%–45% of snowboarding injuries. Snowboarding wrist protectors are designed to limit impact forces and prevent wrist hyperextension. The absence of a standard for snowboarding wrist protectors makes it hard to identify models offering an adequate level of protection. Wrist surrogates are well suited for testing and benchmarking wrist protectors. This study investigated the effect of introducing a soft tissue simulant onto an otherwise stiff wrist surrogate on the bending stiffness of snowboarding wrist protectors. A compliant surrogate (stiff core and 3 mm thick silicone layer) and a comparable stiff surrogate were fabricated. Two snowboarding wrist protectors were tested on each surrogate, under three strapping conditions, following a bend test to ~80° wrist extension. The introduction of a compliant layer to the wrist surrogate gave higher torque values for a given wrist extension angle, increasing protector effective stiffness, relative to a rigid surrogate.

Complexity versus regularity is an important component of appropriate joint position to retain balance but has not received much attention. The Singular value decomposition entropy (SvdEn) characterizes information content or regularity of a signal depending on the number of vectors attributed to the process. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of kinesiology tape compared to static strapping tape and no tape on ankle joint dynamics during the Y balance test. Forty-one participants (21 males; 20 females) aged between 18 and 34 years of age completed the Y-balance test with kinesiology tape, with strapping tape and without tape applied to the dominant leg. SvdEn was obtained from center of pressure values, as well as ankle and knee movement variability during the Y balance test. Center of pressure and knee joint dynamics did not change significantly between the two taped and no tape conditions during the YBT. Ankle joint SvdEn was significantly lower in the anterior-posterior (p; .05) and superior-inferior (p; .001) direction for both tape conditions compared to no tape. Greater regularity in the ankle joint dynamics indicates less vectors are required to describe the signal, which can be interpreted from a neurophysiological perspective as a decrease in feedforward and/or feedback input along the hierarchical sensorimotor processing pathway as an adjustment to taping and a possibly more reflex oriented response localised at the spinal cord level.

A 43-year-old patient, obese, with a history of epilepsy under antiepileptic drugs for one year that are stopped from the patient for two months, who presented a seizure causing a fall on the palm, then he was transferred to the emergency department. On admission, he was with no distress. An anteroposterior x-ray of the hand was performed, which was interpreted as normal and the patient was sutured. However, the patient presented severe pain during the suturing of the wound, the reason for which the orthopedic surgeon was requested. On examination, we noted a wound on the palm of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the third digit. The neurovascular exam was normal. The review of the anteroposterior radiograph had raised our suspicion of joint dislocation. So, we performed a lateral radiograph of the hand that revealed a posterior dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the third and fourth fingers. Following axial traction of both fingers, the reduction of both dislocations was obtained that remained stables. The flexion of the third finger was not possible, prompting the patient to undergo surgical exploration. Thus, the exploration did not found any lesion of the flexor tendon, then the wound was closed, after which both fingers were put in buddy strapping for four weeks. At this follow up, the mobilization of the digits was allowed. At a follow up of six months, the patient did well, with no recurrent dislocation, no pain and no recurrent seizure under epileptic drugs.