The master thesis deals with mechanical design of device used for stretching and fixing filtration fabric on plastics frames segments for disc filtration device. The thesis was solved in cooperation with IN-EKO Team company that deals with development and manufacturing of filter units. Solution is connected to already ended project FR-T13/699 (end of the year 2013). At the beginning is described the field of filtration devices in broader context with description of the overall functionality these devices and description of used elements in final design. Opening text is followed by concretization of task list and descriptions of concepts variants which are based on FEM analysis of behavior of stretched filtration fabric. The best concept is processed in detail as mechanical design along with pneumatic and PLC control design. Critical part of the design is stretching clamp which was experimentally verified by using experimental clamp in combination with testing machine. The whole design is developed for mass production of disc segments for disc filter which is projected in to the level of the automation.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept.of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003 xv, 93 leaves / Plantar Fasciitis (PF) is a common injury, and one which is known to be stubborn to many forms of treatment. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of manipulation of the subtalar joint combined with static stretching of the Triceps Surae muscles compared to manipulation alone in the treatment of PF. Studies have shown chiropractic manipulation to be effective in treating this overuse injury, and gastro-soleus stretching is a treatment advocated by many authors, but which has not yet been investigated in combination with manipulation. This study consisted of 40 patients who were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group One received manipulation to restrictions in the subtalar joint, and Group Two received subtalar manipulation in addition to two static stretched of the gastro-soleus muscles.

Research into the processing conditions and parameters of polymeric nanocomposites has always been challenging to scientists and engineers alike. Many have developed tools and procedures to allow materials to be exploited and their properties improved with the addition of nanofillers to achieve the desired end material for various applications. Initial trials are mostly conducted using conventional small scale experiments using specialised equipment within the laboratory that can replicate the larger industrial equipment. This is a logical approach as it could save time and costs as many nanocomposites are relatively expensive to produce. Experiments have previously been done using the likes of the Haake twin screw extruder to manufacture nanocomposites within the laboratory but this research project has used a novel minimixer specifically developed to replicate mixing like large twin screw extrusion machines. The minimixer uses a twin paddle system for high shear mixing in conjunction with a single screw thus theoretically allowing an infinitely long recirculation. It is this ability to mix intensely whilst allowing for as long as desired recirculation which enables the replication in this very small mixer (10-30g capacity) of the mixing conditions in a large twin screw extruder. An added feature of the minimixer is that it can undertake inline data analysis in real time. The main experiments were conducted using a comprehensive DOE approach with several different factors being used including the temperature, screw speed, residence time, clay and compatibiliser loading and two polymer MFI's. The materials used included PP, Cloisite 20A, Polybond 3200, PET, Somasif MTE, Polyurethane 80A and Single / Multi-walled Carbon nanotubes. Detailed experimental results highlighted that rheological analysis of the nanocomposite materials as an initial testing tool were accurate in determining the Elastic and Loss modulus values together with the Creep and Recovery, Viscosity and Phase Angle properties in the molten state. This approach was also used in an additional set of experiments whereby the temperature, speed, residence time and compatibiliser were kept constant but the clay loading was increased in 1% wt. increments. These results showed that the G' & G'' values increased with clay loading. Another important finding was the bi-axial stretching step introduced after the processing stage of the nanocomposite materials which highlighted a further improvement in the modulus values using rheological testing. Other tests included using inline monitoring to look into both the viscosity and ultrasound measurements in real time of the molten polymer nanocomposite through a slit die attachment to the minimixer.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Chemistry / Daniel A. Higgins / This dissertation describes the application of single molecule spectroscopy and tracking to investigations of the nanoscale properties of thin-film chemical gradients and the transport dynamics of molecules dispersed within and upon these gradients. Chemical gradients are surface bound materials that incorporate gradually changing chemical and/or physical properties. A continuous and gradual change in the properties of gradients are expected and often required for their intended applications, which range from directed growth of cell colonies to combinatorial materials science. In reality, such conditions are almost never met due to spontaneous demixing and dewetting processes that can lead to properties variations on microscopic length scales. A better understanding on the properties of chemical gradients on microscopic length scales will aid in the production of better engineered materials. Single molecule spectroscopy (SMS) allows for gradient properties to be probed on nanometer-to-micrometer length scales. In this dissertation, quantitative measurements of gradient polarity (i.e., dielectric properties) are made along a sol-gel derived thin film that incorporates a macroscopic polarity gradient. These measurements report on the microscopic heterogeneity of the gradient film, and point to the occurrence of phase separation of the polar and nonpolar components along the gradient. Single molecule tracking (SMT) provides an important means to examine the dynamics of molecular mass transport in thin films and on surfaces. In this dissertation, SMT is employed to study mass transport in thin water films condensed over monolayer wettability gradients under ambient environments. The results show that the rate and the mechanism of molecular transport depend on the surface wettability, and on the ambient relative humidity. Finally, wettability gradients have been broadly used to drive the transport of liquid droplets. In this dissertation, these applications are extended to achieve spontaneous stretching of DNA by the propulsion of liquid droplets along the gradient. Single molecule fluorescence imaging of DNA stretched along these gradients demonstrates that hydrophobic surfaces play an important role in DNA stretching. The study also shows the surface tension force acting at the gradient-droplet contact line (interface) to be responsible for DNA elongation and alignment. Overall, single molecule methods have been shown to be highly useful for better understanding the properties of chemical gradients as described in this dissertation.

Master's thesis topic: Objectification of selected rehabilitation techniques used to influence the muscle tone Author: Bc. Zuzana Pavelková Branch of study: TVS_B Disertation Tutor: PhDr. Petr Šifta, Ph.D. Year of Defense: 2012 Abstract: The aim of this study was to discover, whether four selected rehabillitation techniques (dry-needling application, cryotherapy, stretching and kinesiotaping) influence the muscle tone of musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus. It was assumed, that above mentioned methods decrease the muscle tone of selected muscles, that was increased by previous running performance or owing to acute or chronic problems with Achilles tendon. The muscle tone was measured by myotonometer in Kinesiology laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at Charles University in Prague; muscle tone of twelve students of thisfaculty was measured. Data were displayed by using an analog- digital convertor and consequently evaluated. The results of this study indicate, that four selected rehabillitation methods influence the muscle tone of musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus. The muscle tone was best influenced by application of dry-needling and by kinesiotaping; results of muscle tone measurement after dry-needling application and kinesiotaping confirmed above stated...

Title: Dynamic warm-up race for tennis players Subject: Male and female tennis players from tennis club Tj Lokomotiva Plzen Objective: Compare immediate influence of static and dynamic stretching on performance level during particular movement tests using device Myotest PRO Methods: To meet the objective quantitative comparison was used by performance parameters using load accelerometer. Quantitative stress parameters were evaluated for individual tests as the mean value from a large amount of repetition in individually evaluation. Results: Tests proved it is not possible to confirm acute positive influence of dynamic stretching on all assesed parameters in different tests. In terms of average values of different tests a noticeable lower limbs improvement has been emerged at two out of three tests. Keywords: dynamic stretching, warm up, sport, injuries, regeneration, tennis

Title: Effect of passive stretching on current patient's mental state Objectives: This thesis presents a pilot theoretical - empirical experiment, where the main subject of the experiment is to evaluate the effect of passive stretching hypertonic or shortened muscles, i.e. decreased muscle tone on current patient's mental state. The theoretical part summarizes the neurophysiologic basis of emotions by search form. Through the implementation and follow-up experiment, we aim to demonstrate the positive impact of stretching exercise on current psychological state. Methods: Two groups of patients participated in this research, thirty without pain and thirty with pain. We chose questionnaire PANAS-X (Watson, Clark, 1994) to diagnose their current mental state. The first group, patients without pain, completed the questionnaire before and immediately after the experimental intervention, i.e. passive stretching hypertonic muscles. The second group, patients with pain, went through stretching exercise unit twice a week for three weeks. As for this group, we compare the situation before the first therapy with the state after six sessions. We evaluated the change in the individual sublevels of positive and negative emotions by the methodology of the questionnaire. Results: During the experiment three out of...

Title: The effect of stretching on performance of youth athletes in track and field Objectives: The difference of views on stretching as part of sports training is great, so this work aims to prove or disprove its effect on performance. The work should contribute to the awareness of domestic athletic trainers and the results will be applied practically. This work also aims to demonstrate whether the rate of shortened muscles affects the pupil's speed and endurance performance. The work is also interested in whether a strictly adhered stretching plan will reduce the amount of shortened muscles. Method: The thesis is conceived as an experimental study. The study was attended by 30 probands who were divided into two groups. To evaluate the results, a standardized test of shortened muscles according to Janda is used, as well as a run measured by hand-held stems for 2x40 and 600 meters. Result: There are great differences in the youth age between individuals with the almost same age and do the same sport. There are individuals who do not have shortened muscles, but those who have shortened almost every muscle group. The rate of shortened muscle does not affect pupil performance in athletics. Performance on the sprinter and endurance track was deteriorated or even improved, regardless of whether there...

Leite integral de búfala foi experimentalmente contaminado com Mycobacterium fortuitum e Listeria monocytogenes. Foi feita a análise quantitativa dos agentes imediatamente antes e depois de dois tratamentos térmicos: pasteurização (do leite) e filagem (da Mozzarella). Na análise da Listeria, foi empregada metodologia adaptada para a obtenção do NMP, usando os meios UVM, Fraser e Palcam como pré-enriquecimento, enriquecimento seletivo e isolamento, respectivamente. O Mycobacterium foi semeado em placas com meio Löwenstein-Jensen modificado. Os resultados mostraram que a pasteurização do leite reduziu em média 6,0 log NMP/mL de Listeria sp e 4,0 log UFC/mL de Mycobacterium sp. A filagem da coalhada reduziu em média 8,37 log NMP/g de Listeria sp e 6,3 log UFC/g de Mycobacterium sp. Concluiu-se que a filagem da Mozzarella foi mais eficiente que a pasteurização do leite na redução do inóculo de Listeria monocytogenes e Mycobacterium fortuitum em cerca de 2 logaritmos de cada agente. / Whole buffalo milk was experimentally contaminated with Mycobacterium fortuitum and Listeria monocytogenes. The quantitative analysis of the agents was made immediately before and after two thermal treatments: pasteurization (of milk) and stretching (of Mozzarella). In the analysis of the Listeria, methodology adapted for the attainment of the MPN was used, employing UVM, Fraser and Palcam as not selective enrichment, selective enrichment and isolation, respectively. The Mycobacterium was plated onto modified Löwenstein-Jensen. The results had shown that the pasteurization of milk reduced 6,0 log MPN/mL Listeria sp on average, and 4,0 log CFU/mL de Mycobacterium sp. The stretching of the curd reduced 8,37 log MPN/g de Listeria sp on average, and 6,3 log CFU/g de Mycobacterium sp. It has been concluded that the stretching of Mozzarella was more efficient than the pasteurization of milk in the reduction of Listeria monocytogenes inoculum and Mycobacterium fortuitum in about 2 logarithms of each agent.

Introdução: O alongamento é um recurso bastante presente em estratégias que visem à prevenção da flexibilidade e/ou reabilitação, e tem sido preconizado como sendo importante componente do exercício físico. Diversos estudos têm mostrado a eficácia de diferentes técnicas, porém não há unanimidade em estudos de efeito crônico no que diz respeito à técnica mais eficiente, bem como sua relação com a força muscular. Com isso o objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o efeito de duas formas distintas de alongamento sobre aspectos musculoesqueléticos dos isquiotibiais de mulheres jovens. Métodos: Este estudo é um ensaio clínico randomizado. A amostra foi composta por 18 mulheres jovens divididas em três grupos: (GCon) grupo controle (n= 6; 24,0±2,8 anos); (GEst) grupo que realizou alongamento estático passivo (n= 6; 23,3±2,2 anos) e (GFnp) grupo que realizou alongamento de facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva (n= 6; 24,6±2,6 anos). A avaliação do torque muscular, flexibilidade, ativação elétrica e arquitetura muscular foi realizada uma semana antes do início do treinamento e a reavaliação, uma semana após o término. Para a avaliação do torque muscular dos flexores e extensores do joelho foi utilizado um dinamômetro isocinético. A avaliação da flexibilidade foi composta pelos testes de Elevação do Membro Inferior Estendido (EXT) e de Extensão de Joelho Modificado (TEJ) onde a amplitude de movimento (ADM) foi mensurada através de um goniômetro universal. A avaliação da ativação elétrica do vasto lateral, reto femoral e bíceps femoral foi realizada simultaneamente ao teste de força muscular e flexibilidade utilizando-se um eletromiógrafo. A arquitetura muscular foi avaliada através da ultrassonografia. O treinamento consistiu de um programa de quatro semanas de alongamento com três sessões semanais. Cada sessão era composta por uma repetição de alongamento, estático (30s) ou FNP (6s de contração máxima seguido por 30s de alongamento). O GCon não realizou treinamento. Para análise estatística foi utilizada uma ANOVA de dois fatores para a comparação entre os grupos e entre momentos seguida de um posthoc de Bonferroni. Para análise foi utilizado o software SPSS 20.0 e o nível de significância adotado foi α de 0,05. Resultados: A ADM mensurada pelo teste EXT apresentou aumento significativo entre os momentos pré e pós do GEst (pré= 80,8º±11,0 e pós= 94,5º±10,2; p= 0,013), não havendo diferenças entre os grupos (p>0,05); também houve diferença no torque concêntrico dos flexores de joelhos nos três grupos quanto ao momento, GEst (pré= 66,3Nm±12,9 e pós= 70,0Nm±8,1; p=0,023), GFnp (pré= 79,1Nm±12,7 e pós= 83,5Nm±11,6; p=0,014) e Gcon (pré= 71,1Nm±10,1 e pós= 74,1Nm±14,6; p=0,003), porém não houve diferença entre os grupos. A contração excêntrica desse grupo muscular não apresentou diferença significativa intra e inter grupos, assim como a espessura e a ativação elétrica muscular (p>0,05). Conclusão: Não houve diferença entre os grupos, porém o protocolo de alongamento estático passivo proposto propiciou um aumento da ADM e do torque da musculatura isquiotibial, sem influência na espessura muscular e ativação elétrica, dados que sugerem ser o ganho de ADM decorrente do aumento da tolerância do indivíduo ao alongamento do que decorrente de mudanças na estrutura muscular. / Introduction: Stretching is a very present action strategies aimed at prevention of flexibility and/or rehabilitation, and has been recommended as an important component of exercise. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of different techniques, but there is no unanimity in chronic effect studies as regards the most efficient technique, as well as its relationship with muscular strength. Thus the aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different forms of stretching on musculoskeletal aspects of the hamstrings of young women. Methods: This study is a randomized clinical trial. The sample consisted of 18 young women divided into three groups: (GCon) control group (n= 6; 24.0±2.8 years); (GEst) group performed passive static stretching (n= 6; 23.3±2.2 years) and (GFnp) group performed proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (n= 6; 24.6±2.6 years). Evaluation of muscular torque, flexibility, muscle activation and muscle architecture was evaluated a week before the start of training and reevaluated, a week after the end. For the evaluation of knee flexors and extensors muscular torque was used an isokinetic dynamometer. The flexibility assessment was made by Single Leg Raise Test (SLR) and Modified Knee Extension Test (KET) where the range of motion (ROM) was measured using a goniometer. The evaluation of the electrical activation of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and biceps femoris was held simultaneously with the muscle strength test and flexibility using a electromyography. Muscle architecture was assessed by ultrasonography. The training consisted of a four weeks program of stretching with three weekly sessions. Each session consisted of a single stretching repetition, static (30s) or PNF (6s maximum contraction followed by 30 seconds elongation). The GCon not trained. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-way ANOVA for comparison between groups and between moments followed by post-hoc Bonferroni test. For analysis was used SPSS 20.0 and the level of significance was α of 0.05. Results: ROM measured by SLR test showed a significant increase between pre and post GEst (pre= 80.8º±11.0 and post= 94.5º±10.5; p= 0.013), with no differences between the groups (p> 0.05); also was difference between pre and post training in concentric torque of the knee flexors in the three groups, GEst (pre= 66.3Nm±12.9 and post= 70.0Nm±8.1; p= 0.023), GFnp (pre= 79.1Nm±12.7 and post= 83.5Nm±11.6; p= 0.014) and GCon (pre= 71.1Nm±10.1 and post= 74.1Nm±14.6; p= 0.003), but there was no difference between groups. The eccentric contraction of this muscle group showed no significant difference intra and inter groups, as well as the thickness and muscle electrical activation (p>0.05). Conclusion: There was no difference between the groups but the proposed passive static stretching protocol provided an increase in ROM and torque of the hamstring muscles, but no effects on muscle thickness and electrical activation, data that suggest the gain of ROM occurred due to the increase of the individual's tolerance to stretching, and not from changes in muscle structure.