Demoulding process assessment of elastomers in micro-textured moulds.

Micro-texturing is an increasingly used technique that aims at improving the functional behaviour of components during their useful life, and it is applied in different industrial manufacturing processes for different purposes, such as reducing friction on dynamic rubber seals for pneumatic equipment, among others. Micro-texturing is produced on polymer components by transfer from the mould and might critically increase the adhesion and friction between the moulded rubber part with the mould, provoking issues during demoulding, both on the mould itself and on the rubber part. The mould design, the coating release agent applied to the mould surface, and the operational parameters of the moulding/demoulding process, are fundamental aspects to avoid problems and guarantee a correct texture transfer during the demoulding process.

Seasonal home ranges and habitat selection of three elk (Cervus elaphus) herds in North Dakota.

Changes in land use have resulted in range shifts of many wildlife species, including those entering novel environments, resulting in the critical need to understand their spatial ecology to inform ecosystem effects and management decisions. Dispersing elk (Cervus elaphus) were colonizing areas of suitable habitat in the Northern Great Plains, USA, resulting in crop depredation complaints in these areas. Although state resource managers had little information on these elk herds, limited evidence suggested temporal movements into Canada.

Evaluation of a smartwatch-based intervention providing feedback of daily activity within a research-naive stroke ward: a pilot randomised controlled trial.

Background: The majority of stroke patients are inactive outside formal therapy sessions. Tailored activity feedback via a smartwatch has the potential to increase inpatient activity. The aim of the study was to identify the challenges and support needed by ward staff and researchers and to examine the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) using smartwatch activity monitors in research-naive rehabilitation wards.

Validation of a Commercial Android Smartwatch as an Activity Monitoring Platform.

Activity monitoring (AM) is an established technique for the assessment of a person's physical activity. With the rapid rise of smartwatch technology, this platform presents an interesting opportunity to use a device for AM that has both the ability to monitor activity and also the ability to interface seamlessly with other healthcare systems. There are questions however around the suitability of smartwatches as monitoring devices.

Prevalence of chronic obstructive respiratory diseases amongst fishermen.

Background: The objective was to screen and evaluate the prevalence of respiratory diseases and obstructive ventilatory defects among fishermen in Morocco.

Materials And Methods: This observational and cross-sectional epidemiological study involved 924 men over 20 years old and with at least two years of seniority. It included a questionnaire and a spirometry.