Era of bast fibers-based polymer composites for replacement of man-made fibers.

Bast fibers are defined as those obtained from the outer cell layers of the bast of various plant families. They are finding use in textile applications and are widely used as reinforcements for green composites, as bast fibers are perceived as "sustainable". There is a growing demand for bast fibers across the world due to their renewable and biodegradable nature.

Impact of yarn compositions, loop length, and float stitches on the mechanical behavior of knitted fabrics via full factorial design and RSM.

This article presents a study on the tensile properties of knitted fabrics commonly employed in polymeric matrix textile composites. The key mechanical parameters investigated include stress (Pa), strain, Young's modulus (Pa), and work of rupture (J). The knitted fabrics were developed using the Cixing Knitting System software and subsequently manufactured using a double jersey (electronic) flat knitting machine.

Effects of UV sensitivity and accelerated photo-aging on stab resistance of ρ-aramid fabrics impregnated with shear thickening fluids (STFs).

The use of Kevlar in the field of ballistic and stabbing protection has been studied by researchers in polymeric composites for this purpose. This study presents complementary knowledge on energy absorption and dissipation in ρ-aramid fabric impregnated with shear thickening fluids (STFs), especially aiming to obtain better protection against impacts that are deeply associated with STFs, as well as color change, accelerated aging (QUV), and penetration depth (drop tower test). In addition, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed.

The Four Square Step Test is a useful mobility tool for discriminating older persons with frailty syndrome.

Purpose: To identify the usefulness of Four Square Step Test (FSST) in discriminating balance control in non-frail, pre-frail, and frail community-dwelling older adults.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: Cross- sectional study conducted in specialized outpatient geriatric care settings.

A portrait of germline mutation in Brazilian at-risk for hereditary breast cancer.

Purpose: Knowledge about the germline mutational spectrum among Brazilian with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) is limited. Only five studies have performed comprehensive BRCA sequencing, corresponding to 1041 individuals among a Brazilian population of over 207 million people. Herein we aimed to determine the clinical and molecular characteristics of Brazilian patients who underwent oncogenetic counseling and genetic testing of a panel of high-risk and moderate-risk genes from 2009 to 2017.

Tooth wear and sleep quality: A study of police officers and non-police officers.

Objective: A cross-sectional study was performed to assess the prevalence of tooth wear facets and sleep disorders.

Methods: The sample was divided into two groups: Group I: police officers (n = 144), and Group II: industrial workers (n = 142). A self-reported questionnaire, a clinical examination recorded in the dental records, and the Brazilian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Questionnaire Index were used for data collection.

Isokinetic assessment of knee flexor/extensor muscular strength in elderly women.

Objective: To assess knee flexor-extensor muscular strength in elderly women with no previous history of musculoskeletal disorders on the lower limbs using an isokinetic dynamometer, in order to obtain data that could be used as a comparative parameter in the evaluation of elderly women with knee disorders, thus facilitating a better rehabilitation of these patients.

Methods: Twenty-six volunteers aged 75 to 83 years were studied using a Cybex 6000 isokinetic dynamometer. The chosen angular velocity was 60 degrees /s, and concentric exercise was used for either flexion or extension.