Amount Of Load Research Articles

The Influence of Social Media Use on Academic Performance: Exploring the Role of Cognitive Load, Self-Regulation, and Motivation Among Student

This study explores the relationship between social media usage and academic performance among university students in Punjab, Pakistan, with a focus on cognitive load, self-regulation, and motivation as mediating factors. A quantitative research design has been used, with the sample size of 300 students who study in different universities via the technique of random sampling. Online platform self-report questionnaires have been filled, and all the analyses have been done using SPSS. In the result, it is clear that the cognitive load and usage of social media are significantly and highly positively correlated. An increase in social media usage coupled with a higher amount of cognitive load. Multiple regression analysis shows that self-regulation is a moderator to the negative impact of social media on students' academic performance; that is, students with higher levels of self-regulation had lower degrees of negative impacts. Additionally, t-test analysis showed that students with lower usage of social media had higher motivation scores than those students with higher usage, and this difference was statistically significant at p < 0.001. These findings underline the intricate relationship that exists between social media and academic outcomes, emphasizing the role of self-regulation in reducing potential negative effects. This study gives educators and policymakers an important lead in terms of devising strategies to help students regulate social media use while improving academic outcomes.

Defining within-host SARS-CoV-2 RNA viral load kinetics during acute COVID-19 infection within different respiratory compartments and their respective associations with host infectiousness: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionUnderstanding how RNA viral load changes (viral load kinetics) during acute infection in SARS-CoV-2 can help to identify when and which patients are most infectious. We seek to summarise existing...

Eco-power management system with operation and voltage security objectives of distribution system operator considering networked virtual power plants with electric vehicles parking lot and price-based demand response

In the energy management of a network, it is expected that by extracting the optimal performance for the power sources, storage equipment, and responsive demand, a favorable economic and technology situation is achievable for the network and the mentioned elements. Virtual power plants, as a unit aggregating resources, storage, and responsive loads, can create more favorable conditions in network energy management. So, it is expected that the positive effect of the virtual power plant format on the economic and technical situation of the distribution system is far more than those of managing individual elements mentioned in the network. Consequently, the distribution network operator's economic, environmental, and technical goals are met through the concurrent administration of reactive and active power in the smart distribution network that is equipped with a flexible-sustainable virtual power plant. The system operator is accountable for reducing the weighted sum of the voltage security index, energy loss, and energy cost of the distribution network. This problem is associated with the optimal power flow formulation, which considers the environmental limits and security of voltage in the distribution network, the renewable resource operation model and flexibility in the form of a virtual power plant, and the system's flexibility constraints. Flexibility resources considered in the present study are price-based demand response and electric vehicle parking lots. Stochastic optimization relying on the Unscented Transform assists in providing a suitable model for uncertain quantities resulting from the amount of load, electric vehicles, renewable power, and price of energy and eventually shortens the computing time and accurately computes the flexibility index. The optimal compromise solution amongst various objective functions can be found through fuzzy decision-making. Some innovations of this research include concurrent administration of active and reactive power in virtual power plant, concurrent modeling of economic, operational, environmental, voltage security, and flexibility indicators in the distribution network, utilization of electric vehicles, and demand response as a source of flexibility, use of Unscented transform for modeling the uncertainties corresponding to the exact calculation of flexibility. The suggested method was simulated in the IEEE 69-bus radial smart distribution system. Regarding the numerical report obtained, the optimal performance of each of the renewable generation, demand response, and parking of electric vehicles can significantly impact the economic and technical condition of the distribution network. However, the best condition was obtained when the mentioned elements were placed in the form of a virtual power plant. So, in such a situation, the energy cost is around $1862 for the said network. The lowest value for the worst security index in this network is around 0.933 p.u. Energy loss, maximum voltage drop, and peak load carrying capability are equal to 1.902 MWh, 0.047 p.u., and 5.624 MW, respectively. As a result, and based on numerical findings, the method can attain sustainable social welfare. The optimal power scheduling of sustainable systems can enhance the economic, security of voltage, and operational, conditions of the network by roughly 43 %, 26.9 %, and 47 %-62 %, respectively, compared to power flow studies. Furthermore, the ideal administration of virtual power plants enables the proposed plan to achieve 100 % flexibility. Additionally, it can substantially diminish the degree of contamination within the distribution network.

Stochastic economic sizing and placement of renewable integrated energy system with combined hydrogen and power technology in the active distribution network

The current study concentrates on the planning (sitting and sizing) of a renewable integrated energy system that incorporates power-to-hydrogen (P2H) and hydrogen-to-power (H2P) technologies within an active distribution network. This is expressed in the form of an optimization model, in which the objective function is to reduce the annual costs of construction and maintenance of integrated energy systems. The model takes into account the planning and operation model of wind, solar, and bio-waste resources, as well as hydrogen storage (a combination of P2H, H2P, and hydrogen tank), and the optimal power flow constraints of the distribution network. Electrical and hydrogen energy are administered in an integrated energy system. The modeling of the uncertainties regarding the quantity of load and renewable resources is achieved through stochastic optimization using the Unscented Transformation method. The novelties of the scheme include the sizing and placement of a combined hydrogen and power-based renewable integrated energy system, the consideration of the impacts of bio-waste units, P2H, and H2P systems on the planning of the integrated energy system and the operation of the active distribution network, and the modeling of uncertainties using the Unscented Transformation method to reduce the calculation time. The study’s results demonstrate the scheme’s ability to improve the technical conditions of the distribution network by considering the optimal planning of integrated energy systems. In comparison to the network power flow, the operation status of the network has been improved by approximately 23-45% through the optimal siting, sizing, and energy management of hydrogen storage equipment, as well as renewable resources in the form of integrated energy systems. In other words, optimal energy management and planning of the integrated energy systems in the distribution network has been able to reduce energy losses and voltage drop by 44.5% and 42.4% compared to the load flow studies. In this situation, peak load carrying capability has increased by about 23.7%. In addition, compared to the case of the network with renewable resources, the overvoltage has decreased by about 43.5%. Also, Unscented Transformation method has a lower calculation time than scenario-based stochastic optimization.

A balanced optimization method for energy storage capacity allocation in new power systems under the background of carbon reduction

Abstract Under the combined effects of national carbon reduction requirements, strong volatility and randomness at the new energy end, and a large amount of source load at the load end, the planning and operation characteristics of the new power system will also undergo fundamental changes, and energy storage planning and configuration will become the most suitable solution. This paper explores the optimal configuration of energy storage capacity within emerging power systems. Using a distribution network heavily reliant on renewable energy as a case study, we employed an echo state network to optimize the balance of energy storage capacity. Numerical experiments and case studies were conducted to validate the efficacy of this approach. Our research aims to furnish a robust and practical methodology for optimizing energy storage capacity in power systems, thereby offering substantial support towards achieving carbon reduction targets and fostering sustainable development within the energy sector.

Analysis of The Impact of Temperature and Discharge Current on The Efficiency of LiFePO4 Batteries in Solar Charging Stations

The demand for electrical energy is increasing, along with technological advancements and population growth. Many countries still rely on petroleum, coal, and aerosol gasoline, exacerbating global warming. Electric vehicles offer a promising solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, although their primary challenge is the availability of charging infrastructure. Solar-powered electric motor charging stations can help reduce electricity demand and global warming. An efficient charging system is needed to analyse the impact of temperature and discharge current on the energy produced to achieve this. Several load tests and temperature measurements over 5 days were conducted to cluster temperatures occurring throughout a full day. The tests using data acquisition showed energy losses caused by the effect of temperature on the charging station's storage battery. Energy efficiency graphs for each test case indicated a varied decrease in energy efficiency, with higher efficiency at lower temperatures and smaller energy losses compared to other temperatures. The load amount also affects the magnitude of energy losses. At a 500W load, the average energy loss was 46Wh, while at a 1000W load, the average energy loss was 52Wh per hour of testing the storage battery discharge. In summary, temperature and load amount can affect energy efficiency and the resulting losses.

THE KNITTING MACHINE WORKING BODIES FRICTION EFFECT ON DYNAMIC LOADS IN THE NEEDLE-WEDGE PAIR

The efficiency of knitting machines largely depends on the mutual friction of the working bodies (needles, wedges, stitches) of the knitting mechanism. Frictional forces significantly affect the dynamic loads of the knitting mechanism, reducing the reliability and durability of its operation. The analysis shows that the reduction of dynamic loads can be achieved by reducing the friction of needle-wedge and needle-stitch pairs. Therefore, the task of these studies is to analyse the effect of friction of the working bodies of the knitting machine on dynamic loads in the most responsible pair of the needle-wedge knitting mechanism. The object of research is the influence of friction on dynamic loads in the needle-wedge pair of a knitting machine. Modern methods of theoretical research based on the theory of machine dynamics and the theory of designing knitting machines were used to solve the problems. Given the relevance of the question of increasing the efficiency of knitting machines by reducing the friction of the working bodies of the knitting mechanism, the article is devoted to the analysis of the effect of friction and the method of fastening the wedge on the amount of dynamic loads arising in the most responsible needle-wedge pair. The analysis of operation of the knitting mechanisms of circular knitting machines showed that the main reason for needle failure is significant dynamic loads arising in the needle-wedge pair. It is also noted that one of the factors that significantly affects the amount of dynamic loads in the needle-wedge pair is the friction forces in the needle-wedge and needle-stitch pairs (guide needles). It is obvious that the reduction of friction of the working bodies of the knitting mechanism leads to a reduction of dynamic loads in the needle-wedge pair and, accordingly, to a reduction of needle failures. The analysis of the obtained results shows that with an increase in the friction forces of the working bodies of the knitting machine, the impact force of the needle on the wedge with both rigid and elastic fastening significantly increases, which negatively affects the efficiency of the machine (the number of needle failures increases and the durability of the wedges decreases) and on the quality of the fabric (increase in the percentage of defective fabric)

Integrating model-driven and data-driven methods for under-frequency load shedding control

With the access of a high percentage of new energy sources, power system frequency stability is challenged. Under-frequency load shedding (UFLS) is one of the primary measures to maintain frequency stability. Due to the mismatch between the amount of load shed by the traditional UFLS methods and the actual active power deficit, a new UFLS method needs to be designed. An approach utilizing a deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm for the problem is proposed. First, the DDPG algorithm is modified to adapt to the UFLS problem. Then, the idea of model-driven is introduced to improve the validity of the model. Thus, a novel UFLS method is proposed, which integrates data-driven and model-driven ideas. Furthermore, a structure called the dual experience pool is designed to accelerate training speed and improve stability. Based on the proposed method, a UFLS control framework is designed. Finally, the suggested methodology is validated using the IEEE-39 bus system and the Fujian power grid as test cases.

A prospective longitudinal cohort study of the association between nurses' subjective and objective workload.

Critical care nurses have high workloads due to the severity of the disease and the complexity of the treatment and care. Understanding the factors that influence subjective workload as well as the association between subjective and objective workload could lead to new insights to reduce critical care nurses' workload. (1) To describe critical care nurses' subjective and objective workload per shift in a university-affiliated interdisciplinary adult intensive care unit in Switzerland and (2) to explore the association between objective and subjective workload. The study used a prospective longitudinal cohort design. Critical care nurses completed the adapted Questionnaire on the Experience and Evaluation of Work 2.0 (QEEW2.0) to assess the subjective workload after every shift for four weeks (0 = never loaded, 100 = always loaded). The objective workload was assessed with the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System-28 (TISS-28), Nine Equivalents of Nursing Manpower Use Score (NEMS), Swiss Society for Intensive Care Medicine (SGI)-patients' categories and Patient-to-Nurse Ratio (PNR). Data was analysed using multilevel mixed models. The workload of 60 critical care nurses with a total of 765 shifts were analysed. The critical care nurses experienced a subjective high mental load (66 ± 26), moderate pace and amount of work (30 ± 25) and physical load (33 ± 25), and low emotional-moral load (26 ± 22). The one-time baseline subjective workload values were higher than the day-to-day values. The mean objective shift load using the TISS-28 was 43 ± 16 points, the NEMS 36 ± 14 points, the SGI-category 1.1 ± 0.5 nurses needed per patient and the PNR 1.2 ± 0.4. We found positive associations between day-to-day objective variables with subjective pace and amount of work, with physical and mental load but not with emotional-moral load and performance. Measured objective workload is associated with only certain subjective workload domains. To promote and retain critical care nurses in the profession, nursing management should give a high priority to understanding subjective workload and strategies for reducing it.

Methodology for determining the hardness and depth of the hardened layer (in Kazakh language)

The article discusses methods for determining the hardness and depth of the hardened layer. Stiffness is defined as the ratio of the amount of load to the surface area, projection area, or print volume. The following types of surface, projection and volumetric stiffness are distinguished:surface hardness-the ratio of the load to the surface area of the print; projection stiffness-the ratio of the load to the area of the print projection; volumetric stiffness-the ratio of the load to the print volume. Hardness is measured in three ranges: macro, micro, nano. Hardness is the degree to which mineralogy often encounters this when scratching one mineral with another. In addition, the hardness of a mineral is also known as the degree of resistance to the influence of external mechanical force. But the external mechanical effect itself will be slightly different, depending on how strongly the mineral resists.The article conducted research with examples of several methods for determining the hardness of the layer.

The Effect of Weight Distribution in the Foot on Balance and Plantar Pressure in Female Adolescent Athletes.

It is widely reported that the weight distribution in each foot is approximately 60% in the rearfoot and 40% in the forefoot. For balance training, it is recommended to transfer some weight to the forefoot. However, it is still unclear whether fore-rear foot weightbearing ratio affects balance and plantar pressure parameters. There is a relationship between the forefoot weightbearing ratio and balance and plantar pressure in female adolescent athletes. Cross-sectional study. Level 3. A total of 91 adolescent female athletes aged between 10 and 19 years were included in the study. Weightbearing ratios of the forefoot, balance, and plantar pressure were assessed using a plantar pressure platform (FootWork, AMCube IST). In the static and stabilometric evaluation, the weightbearing ratio (%), mean and maximum plantar pressure (kPa), center of pressure (CoP) total, antero-posterior and medio-lateral sway length (cm), CoP surface area (cm2), and length over area (cm-1) were recorded. In the dynamic evaluation, the maximum pressure (kPa) acting on each foot was recorded. Two groups with forefoot weightbearing ratio <40% and ≥40% were compared. Maximum pressure values in static conditions, CoP anteroposterior, and total sway length were significantly different between these groups. In addition, as the amount of load transferred to the forefoot increased, CoP total and anteroposterior sway length increased postural stability. Although postural control mechanisms are quite complex, plantar pressure and postural control parameters can be varied by optimizing rear-to-fore foot weight transfer. This study will contribute to the development of appropriate training and rehabilitation strategies to optimize athlete performance and reduce injury risk.

Arterial blood pressure regulation during prolonged isometric exercise in artistic gymnastic athletes compared to controls.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the baroreflex sensitivity alterations in regulating arterial blood pressure during prolonged isometric exercise at different intensities in elite artistic gymnastic athletes compared to non-athletes. Fourteen young males participated in the study; 7 international level artistic gymnastics athletes and 7 physically active students inexperienced to isometric or resistance training. On two occasions, both groups performed 3 minutes of isometric handgrip exercise either at 30% or 50% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), in a randomized order. Force production, arterial blood pressure and baroreflex sensitivity through finger plethysmograph were continuously recorded. At rest, arterial blood pressure was normal in both groups (systolic blood pressure [SBP], athletes [A]: 128±9.0 mmHg, non-athletes [NA]: 130±7.2 mmHg, P=0.62; DIA, A: 75.6±5.2, NA: 78.5±4.6, P=0.31) but baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was higher in athletes than in non-athletes (A: 16.6±7.4, NA: 12.0±7.9, P=0.02). During prolonged isometric exercise at 30% MVC, blood pressure was similar between groups (SBP, A: 176.9±16 mmHg vs. NA: 189.5±15.1 mmHg P=0.9, diastolic blood pressure [DBP], A: 108±11 mmHg vs. NA: 118±11 mmHg, P=0.6) and BRS was still higher in athletes (A: 13.28±5.75 ms/mmHg vs. NA: 6.72±3.83, P=0.04), whereas at 50% MVC, blood pressure was lower in the athletes compared to the control group (SBP, A: 182.5±15 mmHg vs. NA: 222.1±19.3 mmHg, P=0.001; DBP A: 115±14 mmHg vs. NA: 141±20 mmHg, P=0.02,without statistically significant difference in BRS between groups (A: 7.39±5.34 ms/mmHg vs. NA: 3.9±1.73 ms/mmHg, P=0.44). The results of our cross-sectional study revealed that after years of exposure in high amounts of training loads, baroreflex sensitivity is increased in healthy athletes probably in order to prevent excessive increases in blood pressure during exercise.

Early biological markers of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection

To understand the roles of acute-phase viral dynamics and host immune responses in post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), we enrolled 136 participants within 5 days of their first positive SARS-CoV-2 real-time PCR test. Participants self-collected up to 21 nasal specimens within the first 28 days post-symptom onset; interviewer-administered questionnaires and blood samples were collected at enrollment, days 9, 14, 21, 28, and month 4 and 8 post-symptom onset. Defining PASC as the presence of any COVID-associated symptom at their 4-month visit, we compared viral markers (quantity and duration of nasal viral RNA load, infectious viral load, and plasma N-antigen level) and host immune markers (IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-α, IFN-γ, MCP, IP-10, and Spike IgG) over the acute period. Compared to those who fully recovered, those reporting PASC demonstrated significantly higher maximum levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and N-antigen, burden of RNA and infectious viral shedding, and lower Spike-specific IgG levels within 9 days post-illness onset. No significant differences were identified among a panel of host immune markers. Our results suggest early viral dynamics and the associated host immune responses play a role in the pathogenesis of PASC, highlighting the importance of understanding early biological markers in the natural history of PASC.

A novel order characteristic load shifting policy for load factor improvement, peak reduction, and economical operation of distribution systems

Demand side management (DSM) and demand response programs (DRPs) are widely used economic strategies that insist customers shift or curtail loads to economize the generation cost of the distribution system. These policies often involve tedious calculation processes or optimization tools to calculate the apt amount of load to be shredded or shifted to get a new modified load profile. This paper proposes an order characterized load-shifting policy (OCLSP), which is very easy to calculate and yields a considerable decrease in the peak demand, eventually improving the distribution system's load factor, also known as the peak-to-average ratio (PAR). Unlike other DSM and DR strategies, the proposed approach requires no parameters except the forecasted load demand. The proposed OCLSP is implemented on ten distribution systems from the literature which consists of a 3-, 6-, 7-, 10-, 15- units system, one islanded microgrid (MG) system and four grid-connected MG systems. Initially, the load demand of these test systems is restructured using OCLSP, and thereafter, dynamic economic load dispatch (DELD) is performed to minimize the generation cost of the system. A latest circle search algorithm (CSA) is utilized as the optimization tool. Results show that the generation cost of all ten test systems has been decreased by a considerable amount when their load demand is restructured using the proposed OCLSP. The minimum percentage improvement in the PAR of the ten systems was 2 % and maximum improvement was 60 %. Likewise, the percentage decrement in the peak demand was within 2 % to 37.5 % for the ten test systems and the decrement in generation cost rose up to 16 %. All these parameters were in comparison with the base load demand. Numerical results also corroborate to the efficiency and robustness of proposed CSA.

New insights into the controlling factors of nitrate spatiotemporal characteristics in groundwater of Dagu aquifer in Qingdao, China

Identifying spatiotemporal variation of groundwater NO3-N and its primary controlling factors are vital for groundwater protection. This study, under the data scarce conditions and based on time series monitoring data in Dagu aquifer, applied methods including hydrochemical ion ratio, multiple linear regression, support vector regression and grey relational analysis and dedicated to revealing primary controlling factors of temporal variation patterns of groundwater NO3-N. The results showed that agricultural and manure fertilizer are the main sources of NO3-N in north and central area (vegetable farming area), and that domestic sewage discharge and manure fertilizer are the main sources of NO3-N in south area (residential and grain planting area). In addition, results identified the dominant influencing factors of variation of NO3-N in different regions, with human wastewater discharge, nitrogen load amount and water-table depth being the dominant factors of variations of NO3-N in north area, human wastewater discharge being the main factor of variations of NO3-N in central area, and irrigation water and human wastewater being the leading factors of variations of NO3-N in south area. Moreover, types of controlling factors can influence the seasonal variations of NO3-N. NO3-N in vegetable farming area that dominantly affected by fertilization generally shows higher concentration and larger variation range of concentration during summer and autumn than that during spring. NO3-N which mainly affected by human wastewater discharge and manure inputs shows minimal seasonal variation of mean concentration. NO3-N in grain area influenced by irrigation could show more significant variations during spring and autumn than that during summer. The conclusions can enhance understandings of major influencing factors on NO3-N variation in local aquifer. Importantly, the dominant roles of water-table depth and irrigation in NO3-N variation of N2 site (vegetable planting area) and S5 site (grain planting area), respectively, were highlighted.

Features of the structure of the system of multi-year training of athletes in martial arts in uzbekistan (based on hand-to-hand combat material)

Each country of the world has its own peculiarities regarding the vision of the development of physical culture and sports in the state and the organization of educational and training processes in martial arts in particular. Therefore, the study of the features of the construction of the system of long- term training of athletes in hand-to-hand combat in Uzbekistan will create an idea of its modern structure, will allow to determine the specific features of the organization of the educational and training process and competitive activities. The purpose of the article analysis of the construction of a system of multi-year training of athletes in martial arts in Uzbekistan (based on the material of hand-to-hand combat). Identifying the peculiarities of the organization of the educational and training process, determining the stages of training, their duration, requirements for sportsmanship, the amount of loads, the ratio of training tools, conducting control of various aspects of the athletes' preparedness. Prospects for further research. Further scientific research will be devoted to the analysis of the identified features in the training of athletes in different countries of the world, with the possibility of correcting certain areas of the educational and training process and competitive activity at various stages of multi-year improvement, taking into account the results of the work.

Components of a strength-training fitness program with children of junior and middle school age

The article analyzes the peculiarities of the implementation of the main components of the strength training program with children of primary and secondary school age. The understanding of the fitness program as a systematically organized sequence of activities aimed at promoting the development of fitness has been updated. The author notes that a well-planned fitness program should include both aerobic training to develop cardiorespiratory endurance and strength training to develop strength and power endurance. It is claimed that the main components of a strength-oriented fitness program are cardiorespiratory endurance, strength, power endurance, and flexibility. The author clarified that for the functional development of the human body in fitness programs, the volumes of movement activity and indicators of heart rate should be rationally defined. It is noted that the key factors in building strength training programs are compliance with the principles of specificity, supercompensation, individualization, systematicity, and safety. The author outlined the features of building a fitness program with strength training for children. It was found that the decisive condition for ensuring optimal and effective impact on the body is the correspondence of the amount of loads.

Distributionally robust sequential load restoration of distribution system considering random contingencies

AbstractNatural disasters would destroy power grids and lead to blackouts. To enhance resilience of distribution systems, the sequential load restoration strategy can be adopted to restore outage portions using a sequence of control actions, such as switch on/off, load pickup, distributed energy resource dispatch etc. However, the traditional strategy may be unable to restore the distribution system in extreme weather events due to random sequential contingencies during the restoration process. To address this issue, this paper proposes a distributionally robust sequential load restoration strategy to determine restoration actions. Firstly, a novel multi‐time period and multi‐zone contingency occurrence uncertainty set is constructed to model spatial and temporal nature of sequential line contingencies caused by natural disasters. Then, a distributionally robust load restoration model considering uncertain line contingency probability distribution is formulated to maximize the expected restored load amount with respect to the worst‐case line contingency probability distribution. Case studies were carried out on the modified IEEE 123‐node system. Simulation results show that the proposed distributionally robust sequential load restoration strategy can produce a more resilient load restoration strategy against random sequential contingencies. Moreover, as compared with the conventional robust restoration strategy, the proposed strategy yields a less conservative restoration solution.

Audio-biofeedback versus the scale method for improving partial weight-bearing adherence in healthy older adults: a randomised trial.

To investigate how audio-biofeedback during the instruction of partial weight-bearing affected adherence, compared to traditional methods, in older adults; and to investigate the influence of individual characteristics. The primary outcome measure of this randomised controlled trial was the amount of load, measured as the ground reaction force, on the partial weight-bearing leg. The secondary outcome was the influence of individual characteristics on the amount of load. Included were healthy volunteers 60 years of age or older without gait impairment. Participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups; blinding was not possible. Partial weight-bearing of 20 kg was trained using crutches with audio-biofeedback (intervention group) or a bathroom scale (control group). The degree of weight-bearing was measured during six activities with sensor insoles. A mean load between 15 and 25 kg was defined as adherent. There was no statistically significant difference in weight-bearing between the groups for all activities measured. For the sit-stand-sit activity, weight-bearing was within the adherence range of 15-25 kg (audio-biofeedback: 21.7 ± 16.6 kg; scale: 22.6 ± 13 kg). For standing, loading was below the lower threshold (10 ± 7 vs. 10 ± 10 kg). Weight-bearing was above the upper threshold for both groups for: walking (26 ± 11 vs. 34 ± 16), step-up (29 ± 18 vs. 34 ± 20 kg) and step-down (28 ± 15 vs. 35 ± 19 kg). Lower level of cognitive function, older age, and higher body mass index were correlated with overloading. Audio-biofeedback delivered no statistically significant benefit over the scale method. Lower cognitive function, older age and higher body mass index were associated with overloading. Not applicable due not being a clinical trial and due to the cross-sectional design (one measurement point, no health intervention, no change in health of a person).

Rapid Detection of Staphylococcus Epidermidis Using Electric-Double-Layer (EDL) Field-Effect Transistor (FET) Biosensors with Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a Gram-positive bacterium which commonly grows in human skin, nasal passages, respiratory tract, intestinal tract, air, and water. Although it is harmless to healthy individuals, immunocompromised patients are at risk of infection, which can lead to severe symptoms. With the increased reliance on antibiotics in hospitals, the antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus epidermidis has also risen, pointing out a challenge in clinical treatment.Therefore, the diagnosis of this bacterium has gained significant attention. The aim of this experiment is to detect bloodstream infections (BSIs) in the shortest possible time. The study is intended to be implemented in hospitals to provide a more convenient method for medical professionals to conduct screenings. The approach involves screening for the most common disease sequence, ssDNA, followed by sequential detection of corresponding cDNA, plasmids, and bacteria. To detect bacteria with the least amount of bacteerial load, a novel isothermal amplification method called Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is employed to increase the concentration of DNA of BSIs bacteria before measurement. The overall time required for this process doesn’t exceed one day, significantly increasing speed for the detection of blood-borne bacteria in hospitals. The core mechanism of this platform involves the use of electric-double-layer-gated field-effect-transistors (EDL-gated FETs) to amplify the gate voltage changes generated when the ssDNA binds with complementary DNA. These voltage changes are then converted into numerical values for analysis and interpretation.Currently, the research results show that this biomedical sensor can detect concentrations ranging from 1fM to 1pM. With the assistance of LAMP, it has successfully achieved a concentration of approximately 1yM (10-24 M) and detected with EDL-gated FETs. The experiment was also carried out step by step on simulated clinical specimens. The experiments have found successful serum nucleic acid amplification methods that provide excellent detection limits. Compared with other biomedical sensors in the past, it not only has lower detection limits but also brings features such as faster, more convenient, and more portable.Keywords: EDL, FET, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Biosensor, LAMP Figure 1