Muscle weakness is associated with negative outcomes, in addition to being related to the pathogenesis of frailty and functional disability in the older individuals. Muscle strength and functionality are considered biomarkers of aging. Progressive resistance training (PRT) is a type of training that has been the subject of studies as it presents itself as a therapeutic option to fight the reduction of muscle strength and functionality in older individuals. However, few studies have assessed the clinically relevant gains in the levels of muscle strength and functionality of older individuals after PRT, in addition to the need of testing new PRT approaches, including individualization and periodization in training programs. Therefore, this article aims to assess the effect of an individual and periodized PRT protocol on handgrip strength (HS) and functionality in older individuals. Thus, the study sample included 69 older individuals, divided into 2 groups: case ( n = 41) and control ( n = 28). The case group participated in a PRT protocol for 12 weeks, with two weekly sessions. When compared to the control group, which received only health education, the individuals in the case group had a greater magnitude of improvement in all variables related to the assessed functionality (Timed up and go test, gait speed, and HS), proving the applicability of the assessed protocol to improve strength and functionality in the older individuals of a community.

A sample of goethite iron ore sinter feed (G_SF) was employed as a raw material in a sintering bed. This sample partially replaced hematite sinter feed (H_SF), which is currently used as raw material in a sintering plant in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This substitution did not adversely affect the chemical and metallurgical proprieties of the sinter mix product, provided that the utilization of G_SF was kept below 30% in weight. Despite the higher proportion of fines in G_SF, the presence of argillaceous minerals in the sample led to an improvement in the granulation index (GI) of the sinter mix product. The GI value increased from 68.4 to 82.7% for the experiments conducted without the presence of goethite ore and with 40% of goethite ore in the sintering mix, respectively. Consequently, the qualities of both the process and the produced sinter product were not compromised. The raw materials and the various sinters produced were characterized through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), as well as thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The XRD results were used to perform a quantitative assessment of the mineral phase using the Rietveld method (RM). This technique allowed for the determination of goethite content in the studied sample, which was 35.5%. Finally, the incorporation of G_SF in the sintering bed led to a 20% reduction in the cost of raw materials.

Encontro Regional da Sociedade Brasileira de Química - Minas Gerais (ERSBQ-MG) (978-65-272-1164-8) - Espumas Fenólicas Preparadas Com Oléo De Alcatrão Vegetal