The aim of this study was to determine if quadriceps morphology [muscle volume (MV); cross-sectional area (CSA)], vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture, and muscle quality [echo intensity (ECHO)] can explain differences in knee extensor maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), crank torque (CT) and time‒to‒exhaustion (TTE) in trained cyclists. Twenty male competitive cyclists performed a maximal incremental ramp to determine their maximal power output (POMAX). Muscle morphology (MV; CSA), muscle architecture of VL and muscle quality (ECHO) of both quadriceps muscles were assessed. Subsequently, cyclists performed three MVICs of both knee extensor muscles and finally performed a TTE test at POMAX with CT measurement during TTE. Stepwise multiple regression results revealed right quadriceps MV determined right MVIC (31%) and CT (33%). Left MV determined CT (24%); and left VL fascicle length (VL‒FL) determined MVIC (64%). However, quadriceps morphological variables do not explain differences in TTE. No significant differences were observed between left and right quadriceps muscle morphology (p > 0.05). The findings emphasize that quadriceps MV is an important determinant of knee extensor MVIC and CT but does not explain differences in TTE at POMAX. Furthermore, quadriceps morphological variables were similar between the left and right quadriceps in competitive cyclists.

This article aims to present the analysis of sustainability practices and the objectives of sustainable development and recovery in small businesses carried out through survey research. The work was based on the understanding of how the theme applies to the objectives of sustainability in small businesses, using the application of a questionnaire in 24 social enterprises of the agribusiness industry in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), present at the largest Fair of Cooperativism in Latin America. The research was exploratory with an approach classified as descriptive, quantitative, and a data survey of 24 valid samples. As a result of the research, it was found that small businesses are focused on the recovery of sustainability, presenting results with significant advances in practical actions of more sustainable and innovative management and with greater cooperation among enterprises. The research makes explicit the possibility of expanding the sample, analyzing small businesses in other regions of the State of Rio Grande do Sul and of the country, with the survey of future research on the theme and case studies in small businesses, expanding the source of evidence to allow a more practical and critical view. Since this is an unprecedented study, the research sought to present to the scientific community the importance of what is currently being produced on the subject, by presenting the innovative and relevant result of the analysis of sustainable recovery in small businesses and sustainable practices.

This work aims to evaluate the possibility of adding obstacles to ducts with isothermal flows and their effects on the performance of the flowfield. This literature review was performed based on several articles exploring obstacles and their geometries inside ducts and chambers or channels and analyzing the obstacle distribution in a nozzle. The main utility of the obstacle is in the pipes and boilers of the metal-mechanical and petrochemical industry. In these industries, results are mostly positive since the obstacles allow manipulating the temperature inside channels and on their walls. Besides, they are correlated to increasing the acceleration of the exhaust gases and turbulence of the flow. In addition, an optimal preliminary nozzle geometry was found for applications in the aerospace industry. However, this information is useful for other applications. Thus, the possible use of obstacles in cases where the combustion reactions are considered seems promising, indicating an excellent opportunity to further research this topic in more specific areas.