Balance Issues Research Articles

Multimodal Feedback Methods for Advancing the Accessibility of Immersive Virtual Reality for People With Balance Impairments Due to Multiple Sclerosis.

Maintaining balance in immersive virtual reality (VR) environments poses a significant challenge for users, particularly affecting those with pre-existing balance disorders. This study investigates the efficacy of multimodal feedback-comprising auditory, vibrotactile, and visual stimuli-in mitigating balance issues within VR. A sample of 68 participants, divided equally between individuals with balance deficits related to multiple sclerosis and those without, was evaluated. The research explored the impact of various feedback conditions on balance performance. The results demonstrated that the multimodal feedback condition significantly enhanced balance control compared to other conditions, with statistical analysis confirming this improvement (p<.001). These findings underscore the potential of integrated sensory feedback in addressing balance-related difficulties in VR, thereby improving the overall accessibility and user experience for individuals affected by balance impairments. This research contributes valuable insights into optimizing VR environments for enhanced stability and user comfort.

A Case Study on Deep Learning for Photovoltaic Power Forecasting Combining Satellite and Ground Data

The increasing demand for clean energy presents challenges in energy supply management, largely due to their intermittency. Photovoltaic power generation, in specific, is greatly affected by weather factors, which may render power grids susceptible to instability, quality and balance issues. In this context, photovoltaic power generation forecasting is crucial not only to enhance the management of diverse energy sources through generation planning, but also to ensure widespread adoption of photovoltaic energy. To address the predictability issue in generation, this study aims to investigate the combination of satellite data with meteorological data to predict the energy generation potential in photovoltaic panels within 30, 60, 120, and 180-minute horizons. For this purpose, images from the GOES-16 satellite are used in combination with data from a ground-based weather station, located at Florianópolis – Santa Catarina – Brazil. The data is fed to a convolutional neural network, where convolutions are employed to extract features from the satellite images, aiming to establish a relationship with solar irradiation. The output of the convolutional network serves as input for a multilayer perceptron network, which utilizes the data to predict the Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI). Our results support that models incorporating satellite images provide forecasts approximately 41% better for the 30-minute horizon and 21% better for the 180-minute horizon, when compared to models without satellite images.

Genomic Data Privacy and the Right to Science: Issues of Balance

The paper examines the confidentiality of genomic data. According to the author, genomic data is a special concept in the field of personal data and requires increased regulatory guarantees of legal protection and safeguards. In addition, the author considers the issue of the grounds for disclosure and use of this type of information. According to the researcher, this is possible only if there is a public interest in conducting scientific research that contributes to the implementation of the health function by the state. The right to science, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, can serve as a regulatory basis for this. The author notes that this right has not yet been established at the level of national legislation, which significantly complicates its understanding and definition of restrictions in its implementation. The paper also emphasizes the uniqueness of genomic information, which is characterized by features of identifiability and relative danger. These features are specified by the author in terms of the purpose and scope of the use of genetic data, their informational content, as well as the degree of their influence on the rights of the relevant person. In conclusion, the author puts forward am idea of one best way to balance the right to science and genomic data privacy, through which it will be possible to ensure both effective legal protection and a stable course of scientific evolution and progress.

A Study On Effects Of Work-Life Balance And Women Employees Job Productivity In It Organizations

This study examined just at work-life balance and women productivity in only few IT sectors in Chennai. The study was stimulated by the IT sectoring industry's high rate of work-life unequal distribution. The study specifically examined the impact of workload pressure, role conflict, family stress, and work flexibility on female productivity. The relevant conceptual, theoretical, and empirical literatures were investigated. This work examined the work life balance and ladies productivity in selected IT sectors in Chennai city. The study was necessitated by high rate of work-life unbalance in the IT sectoring industry. Specifically the study determined the effect of workload pressure, role conflict, family stress and Work flexibility on ladies productivity. Relevant conceptual, theoretical and empirical literatures were examined. A total of fifteen IT sectors were studied, and the population of study was 2021, with the sample size of total sample size evaluated using the statistical formula SPSS. The research also revealed that family stress has a significant impact on female productivity. The study concluded that work load pressure, role conflict, and family-related stress all have a negative impact on female productivity. According to the study, people should relax in ways that do not interfere with their work; it can be an efficient way to recover from identified work-life balance issues. Management must take note of the volume of work assigned to women in order to deal with work-life balance issues in the workplace. Management must act immediately to rectify the issue; work should be delegated accordingly to ensure that no one is overloaded. Ladies should be given appropriate breaks and vacation time.

Balance performance in aged mice is dependent on unipolar brush cells.

The vestibular processing regions of the cerebellum integrate vestibular information with other sensory modalities and motor signals to regulate balance, gaze stability, and spatial orientation. A class of excitatory glutamatergic interneurons known as unipolar brush cells (UBCs) are highly concentrated within the granule cell layer of these regions. UBCs receive vestibular signals directly from primary vestibular afferents and indirectly from mossy fibers. Each UBC excites numerous granule cells and could contribute to computations necessary for balance-related motor function. Prior research has implicated UBCs in motor function, but their influence on balance performance remains unclear, especially in aged mice that have age-related impairment. Here we tested whether UBCs contribute to motor coordination and balance by disrupting their activity with chemogenetics in aged and young mice. Age-related balance deficits were apparent in mice > 6 months old. Disrupting the activity of a subpopulation of UBCs caused aged mice to fall off a balance beam more frequently and altered swimming behaviors that are sensitive to vestibular dysfunction. These effects were not seen in young (7-week-old) mice. Thus, disrupting the activity of UBCs impairs mice with age-related balance issues and suggest that UBCs are essential for balance and vestibular function in aged mice.

Effects of forward head posture on the centre of pressure sway during dual-task balancing with smartphone engagement

PurposeForward head posture (FHP) may affect postural stability and balance. This study examines how smartphone texting while balancing, as a dual task, influences the body’s centre of pressure (CoP) during single-leg standing in individuals with FHP compared to those with normal posture.MethodsThe study utilized a randomized repeated measures design to assess single-leg standing balance and CoP across six conditions. Fifty participants, divided into two groups (25 with FHP and 25 with normal posture), underwent testing sequences involving non-smartphone usage (NU; single task), one-handed smartphone usage (1H; dual task), and two-handed smartphone usage (2H; dual task) on both soft and hard surfaces.ResultsThe study found that individuals with FHP showed increased CoP sway compared to those with normal posture across all conditions. Both 1H and 2H increased sway compared to non-usage for both groups, with a notable difference in FHP individuals on soft surfaces, where 2H led to greater sway.ConclusionsIndividuals with FHP are at a higher risk of balance issues during both NU and smartphone use, particularly during 2H. These results highlight the importance of addressing the impact of FHP on balance control and implementing interventions to reduce associated risks.

Exploring the Perceptions of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, Working in the Acute Hospital Setting, of Communication of Older Adults' Rehabilitation

Abstract Background As the ageing population continue to rise with this comes an increase in `geriatric syndromes' such as gait, balance or cognitive issues as well as the implications of frailty. Hospitalisation amongst older adults can often see risks such as deconditioning, delirium and losing independence. The role of rehabilitation for older adults becomes key to restoring one’s ability to live independently but can often be impacted by medical or cognitive status, communication and resources within the acute hospital setting. Issues such as uncertainty around goals or abilities as well as lack of resources can mean terms such as `rehabilitation potential' can impact on communication of rehabilitation. Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists frequently communicate with patients, their families and carers as well as the wider multidisciplinary team about older adults’ rehabilitation. Methods Focus groups were conducted among physiotherapists and occupational therapists, who worked in acute hospital settings in Ireland, to explore their perceptions of communication of older adults' rehabilitation. Results Nineteen therapists were recruited across five focus groups, which identified a number of themes around communication of older adults’ rehabilitation. Participants reported on communication strategies such as building rapport and using meaningful goals with older adults' rehabilitation. Participants discussed the rehabilitative journey through the acute setting and the impact of 'rehabilitation potential', resources as well as cognitive and medical status on communication of rehabilitation. Further training on communication were highlighted by participants as an area for future development. Conclusion Communication plays a key role in older adults' rehabilitation and can often be complicated by resources, time and pressures of the acute hospital setting. Multidisciplinary training could play a role in addressing how communication can enhance older adults' rehabilitation.

Relationship Between Lifestyle Factors and Accelerometery Based Motion Capture Analysis During An Active Stand In Healthy Older Adults

Abstract Background One in three individuals aged over 65 and one in two individuals over 80 experience falls in a year. As the population ages, preventing balance issues and falls among healthy older adults becomes increasingly critical. As the population ages, preventing balance issues and falls among healthy older adults becomes increasingly critical. We hypothesized that individuals may display distinct patterns of micro-movement during this test, undetectable to the naked eye but identifiable using motion capture technology. Methods Participants aged 50 years and older were recruited from a local healthy ageing group. Participants underwent an Active Stand (AS) test, consisting of lying down for 10 minutes followed by standing up as quickly as possible and remaining motionless for 3 minutes. During the test, participants wore an accelerometer Participants underwent an Active Stand (AS) test, consisting of lying down for 10 minutes followed by standing up as quickly as possible and remaining motionless for 3 minutes, during the test, participants wore an accelerometer. Computations were carried out on the signals for all remaining participants. Computations were carried out on the signals for all remaining participants. Results 31 participants were initially recruited, with 26 ultimately included after data quality checks. The mean age was 70.5 ± 5.4 years, with 85% being women A lower BMI was found to be significantly associated with a higher MI values a lower BMI was found to be significantly associated with a higher MI values across all three phases of the active stand test across all three phases of the test. Conclusion These findings underscore the potential role of modifiable lifestyle factors, like maintaining a healthy BMI and avoiding smoking, in mitigating early balance problems in older adults.

Subjective well-being perceptions of Portuguese Public Relations practitioners: a gender and stages of life analysis

PurposeThis research aims to explore perceptions of subjective well-being (SWB) in public relations (PR) practitioners, focusing on dimensions of job satisfaction, networking, relationships and work–life balance, while addressing the under-researched area of gender and age – related to stages of life – disparities in SWB within the PR industry.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, this study utilised a survey, followed by semi-structured interviews to investigate SWB among PR professionals in Portugal, considering gender and stages of life differences.FindingsUsing a gendered and stages of life lens, this study found nuanced perceptions of SWB among Portuguese PR professionals. Older women showed higher emotional well-being but lower work evaluations than men, while young professionals exhibited less gender disparities in SWB. Men reported greater job satisfaction, emphasising passion, while women faced challenges like work overload and valued recognition. Gender differences were seen in networking, with men favouring teamwork and women valuing friendships for career advancement. Work–life balance issues, especially among older women, related to mental health.Originality/valueThis study contributes to filling the research gap regarding SWB in the PR industry, particularly in Portugal, offering insights into gender and stages of life dynamics that influence SWB perceptions, thereby informing strategies for enhancing well-being and productivity in PR workplaces.

Multiple Role Conflicts In The Employment Field In Indonesian Government Agency Institutions with Work Life Balance (WLB) and Job Stress As Mediator Variables on Employee Performance

Work-life balance issues are an important aspect of the psychology of happiness, which is determined by a strong sense of self-worth, satisfaction, and a variety of life-affirming relationships. This study aims to explore how dual role conflicts affect employee performance in the Manpower Office (Disnaker) in Indonesia, by considering the role of work-life balance (WLB) and work stress as mediator variables. The research method used involved collecting data from 154 employees in the disnaker through questionnaires and interviews. The data was then analyzed using statistical analysis techniques to identify the relationship between multiple role conflicts, WLB, work stress, and employee performance. The results showed that dual role conflict had a significant effect on WLB and work stress, but did not affect employee performance levels. Meanwhile, work stress and WLB cannot mediate the dual role with performance. This research provides important insights for human resource management in government agencies to develop policies and programs that support the balance between work and personal life of employees. An emphasis on managing multiple role conflicts and work stress in the work environment can improve employee well-being as well as the overall effectiveness of the organization. The practical implications of this study are the importance of appropriate interventions to improve the working conditions of employees in the public sector, while improving quality public services.

‘Their role has a lot of purpose beyond being just being about exercises’: a qualitative study of patients’ experiences of physiotherapy following a mild traumatic brain injury

Following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI; also known as concussion), physiotherapists may be involved in injury identification, assessment and rehabilitation. However, how people perceive and experience the physiotherapist’s role...

Machine learning based fault detection technique for hybrid multi level inverter topology

AbstractMultilevel inverters (MLIs) have a significant contribution in many industrial sectors due to their improved power quality and lesser voltage stress, over the conventional three‐level inverters. However, the implementation of MLIs with an increased device count creates the scope of development in MLIs topologies. In this regard, a hybrid MLI topology is studied in this paper whose architecture is based on conventional two‐level inverters. This topology has lesser device count characteristics when compared to conventional and most of the recently presented configurations for nine‐level output voltage generation. The major issue of capacitor voltage balancing is resolved by employing an appropriate switching strategy. However, the semiconductor switches are the most vulnerable components and causes the open circuit faults frequently that creates issues in real time operation. Hence, it is important to detect the open circuit fault in switches in the least possible time. A new approach to open circuit fault detection technique based on the analysis of load voltage waveform is proposed in this paper. The wavelet transform technique has been implemented for feature extraction of load voltage. Later, the classification of the fault has been achieved by training an artificial neural network (ANN). The proposed work has been studied in MATLAB/simulation and the obtained results are verified experimentally.

Multi-objective Harris Hawks optimization algorithm for selecting best location and size of distributed generation in radial distribution system

Distributed Generating Units (DGUs) are widely used in backup power, renewable energy integration, voltage regulation, and energy storage applications. The DGUs are small-scale power-generating units located near the load centers of a power system, as opposed to large, centralized power plants located far away. However, the DGUs must reduce power losses and environmental impacts and improve the voltage profile. This was achieved by effective optimization of the position and rating of DGU. However, the conventional optimization methods failed to optimize the power losses, voltage-current balancing issues, and harmonic distortions. So, this article presents the selection of the best location and size of DGU in radial distribution systems using a nature-inspired multi-objective Harris Hawks optimization (HHO) algorithm while considering improvements in the voltage profile and reductions in active power losses. The HHO algorithm is inspired by the supportive actions of intelligent birds, such as Harris Hawks, while searching for prey. The distinguished hunting process of Harris Hawks using other family members makes it unique, which is useful for searching for better quality solutions while optimizing multi-objective fitness functions. Fitness function is determined by considering each bus's voltage profile and branches' active power losses. The proposed method is tested on two circle distribution systems (69 bus and 118 bus). The results are compared to those obtained using some of the more well-known optimization techniques given by scholars in recent years. The optimization of seven DGU in 118 bus radial distribution systems resulted in 405.32 kW of active power losses, a 68.78% decrease in losses, and 0.9723 Vs of minimum voltage.

Hybrid adaptive moment estimation based performance measure approach for complex reliability-based design optimization

The complexity of engineering problems often poses challenges, especially in reliability-based design optimization, where the nonlinearity of the performance function is not known in advance. The substantial costs and oscillating results significantly impede the engineering application for highly nonlinear problems. To address this issue, a hybrid adaptive moment estimation (HAME) method is proposed in this work. Given that the performance measure approach is heavily influenced by the gradient of performance function, this method employs the statistical moment information of the gradient, thereby accelerating the search for the minimum performance target point. By combining gradient mean and modified chaos control as new search directions, oscillation phenomena are resolved. To filter the aggregated gradient calculations, the gradient variance and state variable are introduced to approximate the gradients for weakly nonlinear performance functions or in later iterations by the dynamic identification of the nonlinearity of the performance function. The proposed method eliminates the limitation of taking the upper bound for the chaos control factor and addresses the balance issue between efficiency and robustness. The advantages of the proposed method are demonstrated through inverse reliability analysis problems, several highly nonlinear classic RBDO examples, and engineering applications of the crank rod mechanism of an engine.

The reliability and validity of the Lie‑To‑Sit‑To‑Stand‑To‑Walk transfer test in total knee arthroplasty.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the standard procedure for treating end-stage knee osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, some residual issues can persist, leading to various problems, including pain, compromised strength, impaired proprioception, postural instability, dynamic balance issues, and gait deficiencies. The Lie-to-Sit-to-Stand-to-Walk Transfer Test (LSSWT) implements a multi-faceted methodology to evaluate basic transfer abilities. The purpose of this study is to investigate the validity, reliability, and minimal clinically important difference of the LSSWT in TKA patients. Twenty-two patients with TKA were enrolled in this study. The patients were administered the LSSWT, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score. Patients rested between the tests for an hour to prevent fatigue. The mean age was 68.1 ± 2.59 years and the mean HSS Knee Score was 85.43 ± 3.47 of the patients. The relative (ICC coefficient) and absolute (SEM and SRD95) reliability values were 0.88, 1.21, and 3.33 respectively. The Spearman correlation coefficient of the LSSWT with the TUG was 0.63. The LSSWT displays excellent reliability and high validity in assessing fall risk, complex dynamic balance, and mobility required for daily activities in patients post-TKA. The low MCID value (3.33) indicates its sensitivity and ability to identify minor changes in a patient's status over time or in response to rehabilitation applications. Therefore, it is recommended to use the LSSWT when evaluating fall risk, dynamic balance, and mobility for community living, discharge planning, or facility admission.

The Effects of Exergaming on Fear of Falling and the Balance Function in Anxious and Non-Anxious Older Adults: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Background Anxiety can exacerbate fear of falling and balance issues, potentially affecting intervention efficacy. This study examines exergaming’s impact on fear of falling and balance in anxious and non-anxious older adults. Materials and Methods Twenty older adults (10 anxious, 10 non-anxious) participated in six weeks of balance-oriented gaming. Fear of falling was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale. Balance was measured with the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go Test before, after, and six weeks post-intervention. Results Both groups showed significant improvements in balance and mobility, sustained during follow-up. However, only the non-anxious group exhibited significant reductions in fear of falling and increased balance confidence. Anxiety was linked to reduced enjoyment, lower efficacy perception, and heightened tension during the intervention. Conclusion Exergaming improves balance and reduces fear of falling in non-anxious older adults. Anxiety may diminish these benefits. Clinical implications Assessing anxiety levels is crucial when prescribing exergaming interventions. Tailoring treatments to address anxiety could enhance outcomes.

Evaluation of the audiovestibular system before and after treatment in patients with Idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) can affect both hearing and balance due to increased inner ear pressure. Aims/Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the impact of increased inner ear pressure on hearing and balance in patients with IIH using auditory and vestibular tests. Material and Methods Twenty-four IIH patients and 28 healthy controls underwent oVEMP, pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, and acoustic reflex tests pre-lumbar punctures. IIH patients received acetazolamide. Pre- and post-treatment results, tinnitus, and vertigo scores were compared. Post-treatment oVEMP and audiometry results were compared between groups. Results Pre-treatment oVEMP showed a significant left N1 latency difference (p = 0.049). Post-treatment, left ear amplitude (p = 0.035) and both ear amplitude ratios (p = 0.044 and p = 0.047) increased significantly. Audiometry had no significant changes (p < 0.05). Tinnitus and vertigo scores decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion Prolonged oVEMP latency suggests IIH may impact the brain stem and vestibular nerve, while increased amplitude values indicate peripheral vestibular involvement. IIH affects hearing across all frequencies, especially at 4000 Hz, impacting both hearing and balance. Significance Understanding the effects of IIH on auditory and vestibular functions can guide effective treatments, improving quality of life for patients by addressing both hearing and balance issues.

Metamorphic origin of large nuggets of platinum-group metals: evidence from multiphase inclusions in Os-Ir-Ru alloys from the Adamsfield placer, Tasmania

Abstract Platinum-group elements (PGE) are most effectively concentrated via sulfide-silicate melt immiscibility; however, under sulfide-undersaturated conditions, PGE may exhibit highly-siderophile behaviour and occur as native metals and alloys. In this case, they can form μm-size inclusions within Cr-spinel, but also large nuggets (up to several kilograms), found in chromitites and related placer deposits. The exact formation mechanism of such large nuggets and accumulations of PGE unrelated to sulfide melts remains controversial due to mass balance issues. In this study of multiphase inclusions in Os-Ir-Ru nuggets from the Adamsfield placer district (Tasmania, Australia), we constrain their crystallization environment. Multiphase inclusions comprise variable proportions of hornblende, enstatite, quartz, anthophyllite, anorthite, chlorite and native iridium and coexist with single-phase olivine and Cr-spinel inclusions. The heterogeneity in phase and chemical composition of the inclusions indicates a complex origin from an inhomogeneous source media. This is corroborated by grain scale disequilibrium mineral assemblages, where forsterite and quartz are both included within a single osmium grain. Our proposed multi-stage origin of Adamsfield Os-Ir-Ru nuggets involved magmatic olivine-Cr-spinel-Os-Ir-Ru cumulates in peridotite bodies that were subsequently overprinted by various hydrothermal and metamorphic processes, including serpentinization or growth of Os-Ir-Ru from supercritical fluids. The final metamorphic stage resulted in the obliteration of Os-Ir-Ru zonation, culminating in the current assemblage of inclusions.

Temporally enhanced graph convolutional network for hand tracking from an egocentric camera

We propose a robust 3D hand tracking system in various hand action environments, including hand-object interaction, which utilizes a single color image and a previous pose prediction as input. We observe that existing methods deterministically exploit temporal information in motion space, failing to address realistic diverse hand motions. Also, prior methods paid less attention to efficiency as well as robust performance, i.e., the balance issues between time and accuracy. The Temporally Enhanced Graph Convolutional Network (TE-GCN) utilizes a 2-stage framework to encode temporal information adaptively. The system establishes balance by adopting an adaptive GCN, which effectively learns the spatial dependency between hand mesh vertices. Furthermore, the system leverages the previous prediction by estimating the relevance across image features through the attention mechanism. The proposed method achieves state-of-the-art balanced performance on challenging benchmarks and demonstrates robust results on various hand motions in real scenes. Moreover, the hand tracking system is integrated into a recent HMD with an off-loading framework, achieving a real-time framerate while maintaining high performance. Our study improves the usability of a high-performance hand-tracking method, which can be generalized to other algorithms and contributes to the usage of HMD in everyday life. Our code with the HMD project will be available at https://github.com/UVR-WJCHO/TEGCN_on_Hololens2.

A Local Gender Equality Plan - A Modern Human Resources Development Tool

The implementation of equal opportunities is a challenge for the staff of an anaesthesia department. At the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine at Hannover Medical School, a local Gender Equality plan has been implemented to create a secure and transparent framework for reconciling scientific and clinical careers with family responsibilities. Today, family and career should be equally compatible for men and women. Unfortunately, in medical professions it is often still an either/or decision. At the same time, it is important to offer an attractive workplace in view of the increasing shortage of qualified staff. In order to provide equal opportunities for all employees and to increase satisfaction, it is necessary for employers to address the issues of equality and work-life balance, to identify challenges and to create structures for improvement.