Balance Index Research Articles

Analysis of carrying capacity of higher education based on topological number theory in the context of ecological theory of education

Abstract This paper focuses on analyzing the educational carrying capacity of colleges and universities by using topological number theory and the educational carrying capacity development index. The scale range of the educational carrying capacity of colleges and universities can be determined by identifying relevant definitions of topological space and some topological invariants. Using the relevant definitions of topological space to divide the college education-bearing intervals of different regions and combining the human development index and imbalance coefficient processing, we construct the formula of the balanced and sufficient development index of college education-bearing capacity, which is used to analyze the education bearing capacity of colleges and universities. Analyze different states of college education carrying capacity based on the college education carrying capacity bearing structure. Examine the educational carrying capacity of colleges and universities by examining their educational resource allocation with the help of human and financial resources. The results show that the teacher-student ratio of the urban function expansion area is 0.052, which is the smallest teacher-student ratio among all the districts, indicating that although the district is rich in teachers’ resources, the balanced and sufficient development index of the educational carrying capacity of colleges and universities in District A and District D is high, and the top two rankings have been maintained for a long period in the process of development, and the index of the balanced and sufficient development of education in District A will be 60 in 2021, which is in the area of the development of higher value of the educational carrying capacity.

АКТИВНОСТЬ РЕГУЛЯТОРНЫХ СТРУКТУР МОЗГА ПРИ БОЕВОЙ ТРАВМЕ И ТРАВМЕ МИРНОГО ВРЕМЕНИ

Activation of the body’s regulatory systems provides adaptation to the impact of pathogenic factors. Prolonged exposure to extreme factors during combat operations can lead to the formation of a focus of pathologically increased exaltation in the central nervous system. The study aims to comparatively assess the tension of central regulatory structures in victims with battle and peacetime traumas in the acute period to develop criteria for indicating the severity of functional disorders of the central nervous system and pathogenetic treatment. Twenty servicemen who received mine-explosive trauma as a result of combat operations, twenty victims of domestic trauma, and twenty healthy males were examined. Neurophysiological and ultrasound methods of research were used to assess the functional state of the central nervous and cardiovascular systems: electroencephalography with quantitative analysis, transcranial Doppler with functional tests, electrocardiography with assessment of heart rate variability: The study assessed the index of spectral power of rhythms in alpha/theta ranges, indices of spectral power of heart rhythm (index of vagosympathetic balance; index of centralization; index of activation of subcortical structures), indices of vasodilatation/vasoconstriction reflecting reactivity of cerebral vessels to tests with hyper/hypocapnia. The following statistically significant differences were revealed between peacetime and wartime traumas: a decrease in vasodilation reserves for hypercapnia, and in some cases, their absence during battle trauma; increasing indices of centralization and activation of subcortical structures during battle trauma; decrease in the index of spectral power of rhythms in the alpha/theta ranges due to an increase in the power of the theta range during battle trauma. Based on this set of indicators, a scale of quantitative assessment of the degree of tension of regulatory subcortical structures in points was developed for early detection of patients with excessive activation of the central regulatory circuit leading to maladjustment and unfavorable course of the post-traumatic period.

Investigation of the fracture performance of reclaimed asphalt mixture at the intermediate temperature using multi-parameters

Fracture energy (Gf) and J-integral are two widely used parameters to evaluate the intermediate-temperature fracture performance of hot mix asphalt. Other parameters, such as balanced cracking index (BCI), cracking resistance index (CRI), cracking tolerance index (CTindex) and toughness index (TI), were proposed to characterize the fracture performance subtly. However, these parameters generally could not generate consistent fracture performance. In this study, six indices (Gf, J-integral, BCI, CRI, CTindex and TI) were selected to characterize the intermediate-temperature fracture performance of HMA to address the effects of RAP and rejuvenator on the fracture resistance. The overall fracture performance of all mixtures was evaluated using all these parameters using a scoring method. Pairwise correlation analysis was conducted among the variables. In addition, coefficients of variability (COV) were also measured. The results showed that all facture parameters indicated that a certain amount of RAP could enhance the fracture performance. However, the optimal contents of RAP were inconsistent among different fracture parameters. Rejuvenator could improve the fracture resistance. The fracture score of HMA with 50% RAP was highest, indicating the fracture resistance of HMA with 50% RAP was superior considering all the fracture variables. Pairwise correlation analysis showed that Gf presented poor correlations with all other variables. BCI, CTindex and TI showed large COVs, while Gf, J-integral and CRI showed low COVs.

The Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Sand Versus Hard Surfaces on Physical Fitness in Young Male Tennis Players.

To examine the effects of a neuromuscular training program combining plyometric exercises with acceleration, deceleration, and change-of-direction drillsconducted on sand or hard surfaces on the fitness qualities of young male tennis players. Thirty-one young male players were allocated to a training group performing 12 training sessions on sand or hard surfaces, during a 6-week period. Tests included linear sprint (10-m acceleration with 5-m split times), change of direction (modified 5-0-5 test), vertical jumps (countermovement jump and the 10/5 repeated-jump test), isometric hip abduction and adduction strength, and dynamic balance (Y-balance test). Perceived training loads and muscle soreness were assessed during the intervention. Both training strategies were similarly effective in improving the analyzed fitness components. Group × time interaction effects were noticed, with countermovement jump (P = .032), repeated-jump test (P = .029), and reactive strength index (P = .008) favoring hardsurfaces and 5-m sprint (P = .009), dynamic balance (P < .05), adduction strength (P < .05), and abduction strength (P < .001) indices favoring sand. Furthermore, the sand group promoted greater perceived training loads and muscle soreness (P < .05) than the hard group across the intervention period. Neuromuscular training strategies characterized by a relatively low volume (∼35min), conducted on sand or hard surfaces, promoted similar improvements in the fitness qualities of young tennis players, with selected surface-interaction effects. Training on sand can cause transiently higher training loads and persistently higher muscle soreness, suggesting the need for an adequate familiarization period.

Evaluation of the fatty acid-based erythrocyte membrane lipidome in cats with food responsive enteropathy, inflammatory bowel disease and low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma.

Feline chronic enteropathies (FCE), include food-responsive-enteropathy (FRE), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma (LGITL), and are common causes of chronic gastrointestinal signs in cats. Distinguishing between different subgroups of FCE can be challenging due to the frequent overlap of anamnestic, clinical, and laboratory data. While dysregulation in lipid metabolism has been reported in humans and dogs with chronic IBD, similar changes in cats are not yet completely understood. Assessing the fatty acid (FA) profile of red blood cell (RBC) membranes offers a valuable method for evaluating the quantity and quality of structural and functional molecular components in the membranes. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the FA composition of RBC membranes in FCE in comparison to healthy cats (HC). Gas-chromatography was used to quantitatively analyze a cluster of 11 FA, and based on these results, parameters of lipid homeostasis and enzyme activity indexes were calculated. A total of 41 FCE cats (17 FRE, 15 IBD, 9 LGITL) and 43 HC were enrolled. In FCE cats, the values of docosapentaenoic acid (p = 0.0002) and docosahexaenoic acid (p = 0.0246), were significantly higher, resulting in an overall increase in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p = 0.006), and that of linoleic acid (p = 0.0026) was significantly lower. Additionally, FCE cats exhibited an increased PUFA balance (p = 0.0019) and Δ6-desaturase index (p = 0.0151), along with a decreased ω-6/ω-3 ratio (p = 0.0019). No differences were observed among cats affected by FRE, IBD and LGITL. Like humans and dogs, the results of this study indicate that FCE cats also display changes in their FA lipid profile at the level of the RBC membrane. The non-invasive analysis of RBC membrane shows promise as a potential tool for gaining a better understanding of lipid imbalances in this disease.

Prepandemic Feasibility of Tele-Exercise as an Alternative Delivery Mode for an Evidence-Based, Tai Ji Quan Fall-Prevention Intervention for Older Adults.

There is a critical need for fall-prevention interventions to reach medically underserved, hard-to-reach, rural older adults. The evidence-based Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB) program reduces falls in older adults. This pre-COVID-19 pandemic study assessed the feasibility and impact of a 16-week tele-TJQMBB intervention in older adults. Instructors led six tele-TJQMBB classes via Zoom for 52 older adults (mean age ± SD 68.5 ± 7.7years) at one academic and four community sites. Nearly all (97%) planned sessions were delivered. Average attendance was 61%. There were no adverse events. Fidelity was fair to good (mean 67%). Forty-one percent of sessions experienced technical disruptions. Participants improved their gait speed, balance, lower-extremity strength, and body mass index. Tele-TJQMBB was feasible with a positive impact on outcomes. This study was the first step toward establishing an additional delivery mode that could potentially expand TJQMBB's reach and maintenance.

Влияние изменения климата на формирование границ природных зон на водосборах бассейна реки Асса-Талас

Based long-term climate data, a research database has been created for eight meteorological stations located in various natural-geographical zones of the Assa-Talas river basin; a linear-correlation model of climate indicators has been obtained, allowing to determine the rate of increase in the sums of air temperatures, radiation balance, evaporation from the open water surface or from excessively moistened soil during the biologically active period of the year, annual precipitation, natural moisture coefficient and hydrothermal dryness index, which perform important environment-forming and ecological functions. The results of the study showed that in general, in all natural-geographical zones of the Assa-Talas river basin, the sum of air temperatures, radiation balance, evaporation and hydrothermal dryness index have a positive growth rate, and annual precipitation and the coefficient of natural moisture are negative, contributing to the formation of a positive rate an increase in the deficit of water consumption of agricultural land and a shift in the boundaries of natural zones, which is a signal of the safety of agricultural activities.

Effects of smartphone-based music intervention on improving emotional and psychosomatic symptoms of patients with hematological malignancy: A study protocol for a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial

Objectives Smartphone-based music intervention (S-MI) may increase the accessibility and feasibility for benefiting patients. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of S-MI in alleviating emotional and psychosomatic symptoms in patients with hematological malignancies, compared to the smartphone delivered Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training (S-MBSR). Methods This study will be a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial design. A total of 120 eligible participants with hematological malignancies will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group (S-MI) ( n = 60) or the comparison group (S-MBSR) ( n = 60). Participants will use the Mind Habit app to participate in daily sessions of S-MI or S-MBSR, lasting 5–10 min each, for 2 weeks. The primary outcome, anxiety, and the secondary outcomes, depression, sleep quality, psychological perceived harmony, emotional regulation self-efficacy, as well as the exploratory outcome performance status, will be assessed four times (i.e., pre-test, mid-test, post-test, and follow-up) using validated instruments: the General Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Inventory, Balanced Index of Psychological Mindedness, Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale and Zubrod/ECOG/WHO. In addition, participants will provide daily self-reports on their mood and psychosomatic symptoms both before and after each day's intervention. Physiological parameters will be collected at pre- and post-test. Compliance will be measured at pre-test and follow-up. Intent-to-Treat and Per Protocol Set analysis will be used for data analysis. Results The primary outcome will focus on evaluating the change of anxiety. Secondary outcomes will examine the changes in depression, sleep quality, psychological perceived harmony, and emotional regulation self-efficacy. The exploratory outcomes will encompass assessments of performance status, self-reported evaluations, physiological parameters, and compliance. Conclusion This study aims to provide empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of S-MI in mitigating emotional and psychosomatic symptoms in patients with hematological malignancies. Trial Registration The trial was registered and identified as ChiCTR2200065896.

Стан нейродинамічних функцій та регуляторних процесів серця за показниками варіабельності серцевого ритму в осіб з недостатньою та підвищеною масою тіла

One of the most common diseases in the whole world is obesity. Every year, 18-20 thousand new cases of obesity are recorded in Ukraine. Also, the number of obese students during their studies in institutions of higher education is rapidly increasing, for whom the first year of study is the most difficult and problematic. It is known that even under normal conditions, excessive body weight requires increased energy supply and persons with insufficient weight suffer from a lack of reserves. Therefore, the purpose of our work was to study the features of the state of neurodynamic functions and regulatory processes of the heart based on indicators of heart rate variability in female students with different body weights during the first year of study at a higher education institution. This will be important for the development of individual disease prevention measures for this category of students. The study examined full-time female students (17-18 years old) of the Faculty of Natural Geography Education and Ecology of National Pedagogical Dragomanov University, who were divided into groups according to body mass index: normal, overweight, and underweight. The study was conducted on days of high mental performance under standard conditions in six stages. An electrocardiogram was registered, rhythmograms and variation pulsometry indicators were calculated, and the functional state of the central nervous system was studied using computer methods. According to the Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA tests, the following indicators were most sensitive to the influence of body weight: moda, moda amplitude, stress index, autonomic balance index, and heart rate. According to Spearman’s non-parametric correlation analysis, at each stage of the examination, correlations between variation characteristics of heart rate variability and indicators of the state of the central nervous system were revealed, and their nature was clarified. It was established that the nature of the correlations in the studied groups was different. Thus, it was established that the deviation of body weight from the norm affects the regulatory processes of the heart and neurodynamic functions during the first year of study. Overweight and underweight female students during the first year of study had a significantly higher intension of regulatory mechanisms compared to female students with a normal body weight, so they can be classified as a group at risk of developing psychosomatic diseases.

Dynamic Adjustment of Long-Term Maintenance Plan Based on Gray Wolf Optimizer

Aeroengine is an expensive large-scale precision and complex equipment, in the operation process needs to be repaired and maintained many times. The current management of civil aeroengine is generally aeroengine fleet as a unit, the development of maintenance plans, but once the maintenance plan is determined, if encountered unplanned disturbances, such as aeroengine repair ahead of schedule and other emergencies, the maintenance plan cannot make self-adjustment, it is difficult to be applied to the engineering practice. In view of the above problems, this paper proposes and establishes a dynamic adjustment model for long-term fleet maintenance plan by considering the actual needs of engineering and combining with the research on dynamic scheduling. In this model, the optimization goal is to minimize the cost generated by engine shortage and engine waste, minimize the balanced index of repair delivery, and minimize the difference between the plans before and after dynamic adjustment. Using the gray wolf optimization algorithm (GWO) for solving, the dynamic adjustment model is compared with the nondynamic adjustment model in a comparative test, and the accuracy and practicality of the dynamic adjustment model are verified.

Comparison of the Effects of Cognitive Dual-Task and Single-Task Balance Exercises on Static Balance among People with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery improves mechanical stability; however, functional stability remains impaired. Balance exercises can help improve functional stability. The effect of cognitive dual-task balance exercises has not been studied in people with ACL reconstruction surgery; therefore, this study aimed to compare the effect of cognitive dual-task and single-task balance exercises on the static balance indices in these individuals. This study was a randomized clinical trial. After a period of conventional physiotherapy and applying inclusion criteria, 28 patients with ACL reconstruction surgery were randomly divided into two groups of cognitive dual-task and single-task balance exercises. Each group received the relevant exercises for four weeks, three times a week, with each session lasting 20 min. Center of pressure variables, including mean displacement in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions, total path length, mean velocity of displacement, root mean square of displacement and velocity, and the elliptical area, were measured using the FDM pressure platform before and after the interventions as the primary outcomes. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) scale was completed by the participants before and after the interventions. The measured static balance variables and KOOS subscales had significant differences before and after intervention in both groups (P<0.05); however, no statistically significant difference was observed in these variables between the two groups. There was no significant correlation between KOOS subscales and measured static balance variables. Both cognitive dual-task and single-task balance exercises improved the indicators related to static balance and the level of functional disability of the knee. However, cognitive dual-task balance exercises had no superiority over single-task balance exercises in ACL-reconstructed individuals.

Upper limb motor assessment for stroke with force, muscle activation and interhemispheric balance indices based on sEMG and fNIRS.

Upper limb rehabilitation assessment plays a pivotal role in the recovery process of stroke patients. The current clinical assessment tools often rely on subjective judgments of healthcare professionals. Some existing research studies have utilized physiological signals for quantitative assessments. However, most studies used single index to assess the motor functions of upper limb. The fusion of surface electromyography (sEMG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) presents an innovative approach, offering simultaneous insights into the central and peripheral nervous systems. We concurrently collected sEMG signals and brain hemodynamic signals during bilateral elbow flexion in 15 stroke patients with subacute and chronic stages and 15 healthy control subjects. The sEMG signals were analyzed to obtain muscle synergy based indexes including synergy stability index (SSI), closeness of individual vector (CV) and closeness of time profile (CT). The fNIRS signals were calculated to extract laterality index (LI). The primary findings were that CV, SSI and LI in posterior motor cortex (PMC) and primary motor cortex (M1) on the affected hemisphere of stroke patients were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, CV, SSI and LI in PMC were also significantly different between affected and unaffected upper limb movements (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a linear regression model was used to predict the value of the Fugl-Meyer score of upper limb (FMul) (R2 = 0.860, p < 0.001). This study established a linear regression model using force, CV, and LI features to predict FMul scale values, which suggests that the combination of force, sEMG and fNIRS hold promise as a novel method for assessing stroke rehabilitation.

Valores normativos para a posturografia computadorizada Horus® em crianças

ABSTRACT Purpose Propose normalization values of the Horus® computerized posturography platform, in children aged 4 to 6 years, without auditory and/or vestibular complaints. Methods Cross-sectional study, 216 children aged 4 to 6 years participated. All the children underwent to visual screening, audiological evaluation and computerized posturography, which consists of research on stability limits and seven sensory conditions. The results were statistically analyzed using the tests non-parametric Kruskal-Walli, post hoc Dunn-Bonferroni for pairwise age comparisons and the Mann-Whitney U for sex analysis. Categorical data were presented in relative frequency and quantitative data in mean and standard deviation. Results Standardization values were described for the stability limit and for the seven sensory conditions. There was a difference for the stability limit between sex at 4 years old(p&lt;0.007) and, in the comparison between ages 4 and 5 (p=0.005) and 4 and 6 years old(p&lt;0.001). In the residual functional balance, comparison between ages, there was a difference between 4 and 5, 4 and 6, 5 and 6 years, however for different data. The presence of statistical difference for different evaluation data also occurred in the analysis by sex. In the sensory systems, the findings between ages showed differences for the vestibular system, right and left optokinetic visual dependence, tunnel visual dependence and for the composite balance index. Conclusion It was possible to establish normative values for the Horus® posturography in healthy children aged 4 to 6 years.

Normative values to Horus® computerized posturography in children.

Propose normalization values of the Horus® computerized posturography platform, in children aged 4 to 6 years, without auditory and/or vestibular complaints. Cross-sectional study, 216 children aged 4 to 6 years participated. All the children underwent to visual screening, audiological evaluation and computerized posturography, which consists of research on stability limits and seven sensory conditions. The results were statistically analyzed using the tests non-parametric Kruskal-Walli, post hoc Dunn-Bonferroni for pairwise age comparisons and the Mann-Whitney U for sex analysis. Categorical data were presented in relative frequency and quantitative data in mean and standard deviation. Standardization values were described for the stability limit and for the seven sensory conditions. There was a difference for the stability limit between sex at 4 years old(p<0.007) and, in the comparison between ages 4 and 5 (p=0.005) and 4 and 6 years old(p<0.001). In the residual functional balance, comparison between ages, there was a difference between 4 and 5, 4 and 6, 5 and 6 years, however for different data. The presence of statistical difference for different evaluation data also occurred in the analysis by sex. In the sensory systems, the findings between ages showed differences for the vestibular system, right and left optokinetic visual dependence, tunnel visual dependence and for the composite balance index. It was possible to establish normative values for the Horus® posturography in healthy children aged 4 to 6 years.

An investigation on the application of exercise biomechanics in competitive wushu routine training

Abstract Combining the athletes’ wushu jumping action data from the perspective of sports biomechanics, forming a finite element model based on finite element analysis of the landing speed of wushu jumping action on the landing stability correction finite element model, solving the different heights, can not be difficult to land the PvGRF of the wushu action, the use of kinematics sensitive indexes to diagnose the difficulty of competitive wushu sets of action. Measure the movement data of wushu athletes’ spinning foot 720° catching horse stance movement, and analyze the swing changes and rotational angular velocities of various body segments in the assisted jumping phase and the aerial movement phase. A core stability training method was proposed and tested during a 12-week training period, and an index test of balance was conducted. The results of the balance index test of the wushu athletes showed that after the core stability training, the static right foot standing index was 179.55±196.35, which formed a significant difference with the pre-training period, P&lt;0.05. The combination of core stability and sports biomechanics can improve the completion of difficult movements in the movement training of competitive wushu athletes.

8주 간의 혈류제한 요법과 저-강도 저항운동이 골연골 재생술을 받은 중년여성의 슬관절 신전 근력, 균형, 기능 및 관절염 지수에 미치는 효과

8주 간의 혈류제한 요법과 저-강도 저항운동이 골연골 재생술을 받은 중년여성의 슬관절 신전 근력, 균형, 기능 및 관절염 지수에 미치는 효과

The DRIS methodology to determine the best balance of Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels on the yield of Chickpea plant (Cicer arietinum L.)

This experiment was conducted during the spring growing season of 2020 conducted in the field at the Grdarasha farm field of Agricultural Engineering College, Salahaddin University in Erbil, located in the south of Erbil city, Latitude: 36.11284 N, Longitude: 44.01247 E. The soil texture class was silty clay loam, the type of soil vertisols, to study the effect of four levels of phosphorus TSP (0, 20, 40, 60) Kg P. ha-1,Three levels of K (0, 15, 30) Kg K. ha-1, and Three levels of N (0, 15, 30) Kg N. ha-1. There combination of yield components and nutrient balance of chickpea plants by using DRIS methodology, by using; split split block design with three factors (N, P, and K) 36 treatment with 3 replicates was used. The main results could be summarized as The combination between Nain plot potassium, Sub main plot nitrogen, and Sub sub main plot phosphorus levels affected the yield of the chickpea plant significant also the maximum yield was recorded in treatment combination (K2N1P2) was (1.55Mg ha-1). Whereas the lowest mean value (0.73Mg ha-1) was recorded from the treatment combination (K0N0P0). The combined effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer on nutrient balance indices (NBI) and yield in chickpea plants. The lowest nutrient balance index was recorded from the treatment combination (K2N1P2).

Carbon ecological security assessment based on the decoupling relationship between carbon balance pressure and ecological quality in Xuzhou City, China.

Building a carbon ecological security (CES) framework helps to scientifically evaluate and manage the regional carbon cycle and eco-environment and support regional ecological security patterns. This paper adopted the pressure-state-response-immune (PSRI) model and the carbon balance index method to evaluate the ecological quality and carbon balance pressure. Then, based on the decoupling model and the improved four-quadrant model, the CES framework was constructed to evaluate the changing trend of the CES of Xuzhou City from 2005 to 2020. The results showed that the carbon balance pressure of Xuzhou City showed a pattern of "low-high-low" from east to west, and most areas tended to have a carbon balance and surplus in 2020. The ecological quality showed an overall upward trend during the study period. Protection and restoration drove the response and immune index growth from 2010 to 2020. In the Thirteenth Five-Year Plan stage, the nine districts of Xuzhou City were in a stable decoupling state, and the overall decoupling process was ideal. The CES of districts showed individual differences in the general upward trend. The carbon balance pressure of Gulou and Quanshan Districts was the main factor restricting the districts' CES. Therefore, based on the empirical results, this research proposes relevant suggestions to enhance carbon ecological security to achieve regional green and low-carbon development.

The effect of a motor relearning on balance and postural control in patients after stroke: An open-label randomized controlled trial.

Balance and postural control impairments are common in stroke patients, increasing fall risk and limiting their daily and social activities. Current research lacks comprehensive studies evaluating the efficacy and long-term effects of task-specific training on balance and postural control among stroke patients, especially when considering biomechanical and posturographic assessments. A randomized controlled trial included 63 subacute stroke patients recruited from the outpatient rehabilitation department. Participants were randomly assigned to the MRP group (n=32), receiving task-specific training based on MRP, or the CPT group (n=31), receiving conventional physical therapy. Both groups completed an 8-week intervention (3 sessions/week; 1 h./session). Balance and postural control were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and posturography. The MRP group exhibited significantly larger improvements than the CPT group in both BBS scores (p=0.001, d=2.98, 95% CI [2.25, 3.70]) and Balance Index scores (p=0.001, d=2.83, 95% CI [2.12, 3.53]) after the intervention. These improvements were sustained at 3-month follow-up. The findings suggest that task-specific training based on MRP is more effective than CPT for improving balance and postural control. The MRP intervention may enhance the motor learning and neural plasticity of the patients, leading to better functional outcomes. However, the study's open-label design represents a limitation, and further research with adequate blinding is needed. Task-specific training based on MRP was superior to CPT for improving balance and postural control in subacute stroke patients. Participants undergoing MRP exhibited significant and clinically relevant improvements that were sustained at follow-up.

Enhancing salinity stress tolerance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes through foliar application of spermidine

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum), the 2nd most important legume after dry beans, known for its protein content, is an important crop agronomically as well as economically. The present study aimed to determine the effect of foliar application of spermidine (spd) on various aspects of chickpea genotypes under salt stress. The chickpea genotypes were cultivated under 4 and 8 dSm-1 Cl- dominated salinity followed by the spermidine application of 0.5 and 1.0 mM. Salinity stress inhibited the plant height and root length, reducing plant biomass (fresh and dry weight). Furthermore, it also decreased the chlorophyll and nitrogen content of the plant. Results obtained from spermidine (spd) application indicated that both concentrations of spermidine are good in enhancing the tolerance in chickpea genotypes against salt stress. Spermidine application increased the plant's height as well as biomass. It also enhanced the chlorophyll content (32.93%), increasing the Nitrogen Balance Index (77.37%) at 1.0 mM.It further increased the flavonoid and anthocyanin content in plant leaf. In addition, the application of spermidine retained more moisture (25.81%) and increased seed fiber (13.30%) in all chickpea genotypes at 1.0 mM. It reduces the Cl- ion accumulation and maintains the ionic balance in chickpea seeds. The effect of spermidine application (0.5 and 1.0mM) was more pronounced, but 1.0 mM had a more positive effect in salt-sensitive chickpea genotypes.