Women, nutrition and exercise: a review of athletes' intakes and a discussion of energy balance in active women

Given the heightened interest in nutritional aspects of exercise, and an increase in athletic participation by women, it appeared timely to review the nutritional implications of exercise in women. The initial part of this paper contains a compilation of published studies on the nutrient intakes of female athletes. These reveal that most groups of athletes have adequate nutrient intakes, and that their vitamin and mineral intakes appear to be superior to those of nonathletic women. The average energy intake of athletes in studies summarized in this paper was 2069 kcal, and for certain groups of athletes, energy intakes were even lower. How these women manage to train intensely while consuming energy intakes similar to those of sedentary women is not readily apparent, and for this reason, the remainder of the paper discusses energy balance as affected by activity. Methodological considerations related to assessment of the components of the energy balance equation (food intake, energy expenditure, and body energy stores) are presented, with a focus on considerations in women. The effects of activity on each of these components are then discussed in an attempt to determine whether some form of energy conservation may occur. Finally, effects of activity on the menstrual cycle are reviewed. The observed changes are discussed in relation to nutrition 1) in terms of how nutrition may play a role in their causation; and 2) in terms of their nutritional implications for the amenorrheic athlete, specifically as regards energy balance and bone density.     

Synthesis,characterization and properties of functionalized styrene–maleimide copolymers

New functionalized styrene–maleimide copolymers were prepared by free radical copolymerization of styrene (St) and N‐4‐carboxybutylmaleimide (NBMI) in chloroform, using 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. Monomer and copolymer characterization was carried out by ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR. Copolymer composition was determined by elemental analysis and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The glass transition temperature (from DSC) and the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the copolymers were consistent with the thermal behavior and stability observed for alternating St–maleimide copolymers. St–NBMI copolymers crosslinked with divinylbenzene (DVB) were also synthesized and their cation exchange properties evaluated in order to assess the capacity of the new copolymers to bind metallic ions. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Use of the Precipitation Method in the Synthesis of Ceramic Pigments

The results of the synthesis of ceramic pigments using coprecipitation of hydroxides and difficultly soluble salts of multivalent metal ions are described. The specifics of the coprecipitation process and the effect of various factors on the production of the initial precipitates for subsequent synthesis of ceramic pigments are analyzed. The technology of pigment production is described. __________ Translated from Steklo i Keramika, No. 6, pp. 37 – 39, June, 2005.     

Thermal analysis of the architecture of old and new houses at Ghadames

The study suggests improvements in the design of new houses to conserve energy and enhance indoor thermal comfort. Summer temperature records show that a new house has an average indoor temperature of 35°C with the ambient average 31°C. The traditional house in the old city recorded 28°C for the same period. Winter temperatures in both types of houses were similar (12°C) when not occupied. Architectural features of the two houses were compared to identify those responsible for difference in the thermal performance. Larger exposed surface and window areas, higher overall heat transfer coefficient and weaker thermal coupling with the ground for the new houses seems to contribute to their inferior thermal performance.     

Calculation of the molar volume of liquid hydrocarbons

Equations are proposed for calculating the molar volume of liquid hydrocarbons used in production of surfactants. With such data, it will be possible to calculate most of the physicochemical properties of these hydrocarbons to solve many process problems. __________ Translated from Khimiya i Tekhnologiya Topliv i Masel, No. 6, pp. 39–41, Novemmber–December, 2006.