Balance System Research Articles

Tactile Sensing and Rendering Patch with Dynamic and Static Sensing and Haptic Feedback for Immersive Communication.

Wearable human-machine interface (HMI) with bidirectional and multimodal tactile information exchange is of paramount importance in teleoperation by providing more intuitive data interpretation and delivery of tactilely related signals. However, the current sensing and feedback devices still lack enough integration and modalities. Here, we present a Tactile Sensing and Rendering Patch (TSRP) that is made of a customized expandable array which consists of a piezoelectric sensing and feedback unit fused with an elastomeric triboelectric multidimensional sensor and its inner pneumatic feedback structure. The primary functional unit of TSRP is mainly featured with a soft silicone substrate with compact multilayer structure integrating static and dynamic multidimensional tactile sensing capabilities, which synergistically leverage both triboelectric and piezoelectric effects. Additionally, based on the air chamber created by the triboelectric sensor and the converse piezoelectric effect, it provides pneumatic and vibrational haptic feedback simultaneously for both static and dynamic perception regeneration. With the aid of the other variants of this unit, the array shaped TSRP is capable of simulating different terrains, geometries, sliding, collisions, and other critical interactive events during teleoperation via skin perception. Moreover, immediate manipulation can be done on TSRP through the tactile sensors. The preliminary demonstration of TSRP interface with a completed control module in robotic teleoperation is provided, which shows the feasibility of assisting certain tasks in a complex environment by direct tactile communication. The proposed device offers a potential method of enabling bidirectional tactile communication with enriched key information for improving interaction efficiency in the fields of robot teleoperation and training.

Impact of virtual reality and mirror therapy on balance, muscle strength and quality of life in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: a double blinded randomized comparative study

Background and Purpose This study aimed to compare between the impact of virtual reality and mirror therapy on balance, muscle strength and quality of life in unilateral cerebral palsy children. Materials and methods This study involved 36 children of both sexes with unilateral cerebral palsy. Their ages ranged between 6 to 10 years and their motor function ability fell between levels I and II on Growth Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS). Their grade of spasticity on Modified Ashworth scale was from 1+ to 2. They were allocated to one of two study groups (A and B). A designated physical rehabilitation program was given to both groups. furthermore, group A received a wii fit virtual reality-based program while, group B received mirror therapy. Children in both groups received treatment for three consecutive months, three days per week, 60 minutes per day. Balance, muscle strength and quality of life were assessed using biodex balance system, lafayette hand-held dynamometer and pediatric quality of life inventory cerebral palsy Module respectively for each child in two groups pre and post treatment program. Results Children in the two groups demonstrated a noticeable improvement in the post-treatment average scores of all evaluated outcomes (p 0.001) when compared to pre-treatment average scores. By comparing posttreatment values of both groups, group A showed a noticeably greater improvement than group B (p 0.05). Conclusions Both virtual reality and mirror therapy may be recommended to enhance balance, muscle strength and quality of life in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. Virtual reality is more beneficial in enhancing balance, muscular strength and quality of life among those children.

Network Traffic Feature Behaviour Augmentation Fusion based Attacks Classification for Intrusion Detection System in SDN Framework

The implementation of Software-Defined Network(SDN) across multiple data centers aims to simplify thecontrol and management of networks. However, the increasingpopularity of SDN has also attracted the attention of attackers.To tackle this problem, it is essential to have an intrusiondetection system (IDS) in place, which plays a crucial role incybersecurity by addressing external threats. The advantageof SDN’s centralized nature is that it facilitates the training ofan IDS based on machine learning. However, there is a scarcityof research specifically focused on intrusion detection in SDN.Existing literature often treats SDN intrusion detection assimilar to traditional computer systems and relies on intrusiondatasets generated for those systems. We explore the issueof intrusion detection in SDN using the most recent publicdataset (InSDN). However, InSDN is an imbalanced data set.In this paper, we have recommended a method to balance thedata as well as a method to find the best features to improvethe quality of IDS using Machine Learning. In addition, wealso suggest a method of classifying SDN network traffic andnormal network traffic. At the same time, we also evaluate theefficiency of the SDN system with the load balancing systemand without the load balancing system.

A novel approach to simultaneously modulate the processability and thermal performance of phthalonitrile resin through the strategic use of thioether bonds

Phthalonitrile (PN) resin is renowned for its absence of small molecule release during curing, high processing stability, and exceptional thermal stability, positioning it favorably in the realm of high-temperature resin applications. However, its narrow processing window and high melting point present challenges to its development and practical use. To address these limitations, this work synthesized PN prepolymers 4,4′-bis (sulfonylbiphenyl) thiophtalonitrile (BSPS) and 4,4′-bis(carbonylbiphenyl) thiophtalonitrile (BSPC) by introducing thioether bonds as a substitute for ether bonds, aiming to expand the prepolymers' processing window. Meanwhile, building upon the oxidation process of thioether to sulfone observed in pharmaceutical production, the potential for in-situ oxidation of thioether bonds during the curing of phthalonitrile prepolymers was investigated. A comprehensive analysis of the curing behavior, viscosity changes, and thermal stability was conducted using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheological analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The DSC and rheological test results reveal that the experimental group prepolymers BSPS and BSPC exhibit lower melting points (BSPS 179 °C; BSPC 180 °C) and broader processing windows (BSPS 52 °C; BSPC 79 °C) than blank. Additionally, the thermal performance of resins show improvement over the blank, with BSPS achieving a decomposition temperature of up to 530 °C (Td5%). XPS analysis of the curing process confirmed that the enhanced thermal stability is attributable to the partial oxidation of thioether bonds into stable sulfone groups. This innovative structural approach allows for satisfactory processing performance in the initial stage, followed by a spontaneous transformation into a more robust and thermo-resistant structure post-shaping. This finding carries significant implications for the development of a balanced phthalonitrile system that harmonizes processing ease with superior thermal endurance.

Trophic flows to mesozooplankton support the conventional paradigm of pelagic food web structure in ocean ecosystems

Abstract The current conventional paradigm of ocean food web structure inserts one full level or more of microzooplankton heterotrophic consumption, a substantial energy drop, between phytoplankton and mesozooplankton. Using a dataset with contemporaneous measurements of primary production (PP), size-fractioned mesozooplankton biomass, and micro- and mesozooplankton grazing rates from 10 tropical to temperate ocean ecosystems, we examined whether the structural inefficiencies in this paradigm allow sufficient energy transfer to support active metabolism and growth of observed zooplankton standing stocks. Zooplankton carbon requirements (ZCR) were determined from allometric equations that account for ecosystem differences in temperature and size structure. ZCRs were relatively low (∼30% of PP or less) for both oligotrophic systems and bloom biomass accumulation in eutrophic coastal waters. Higher relative ZCRs (>30% PP) were associated with elevated mesozooplankton grazing scenarios (bloom declines, abundant salps), advective subsidies, and open-ocean upwelling systems. Microzooplankton generally dominated as grazers of PP but were equal or secondary to direct herbivory as nutritional support for mesozooplankton in five of eight regional studies. All systems were able to satisfy ZCR within the conventional food-web interpretation, but balanced open-ocean upwelling systems required the most efficient alignments of contributions from microzooplankton grazing, direct herbivory, and carnivory to do so.

Hierarchical Structure-Based Wireless Active Balancing System for Power Batteries

Hierarchical Structure-Based Wireless Active Balancing System for Power Batteries

When the microbiome meets One Health principle: Leading to the Holy Grail of biology and contributing to overall well‐being and social sustainability

AbstractThe convergence of microbiome science with the One Health principle heralds a transformative era in biology, prioritizing the collective well‐being of humans, animals, and the environment. This review delves into the intricate dance between microbiomes and their hosts, revealing their profound impact on health, nutrient cycles, and climate change. Championing a unified approach to health issues across diverse kingdoms of life, One Health emerges as a holistic strategy, underscored by a proposed universal balance theory, “Balance of Dynamic Factors.” This theory spotlights the equilibrium within microbial and human‐animal‐environment interactions, offering a revolutionary pathway to global health and social well‐being. It paves the way for disease prevention, health equity, and sustainability, all of which are purviews of a balanced ecological system. We navigate the challenges and opportunities of this integrative approach, culminating in a call for action for the incorporation of microbiome science into health policies, precision medicine, legislation, eco‐health projects, and education, thereby setting the stage for harmonious coexistence with our planet.

Different montages of transcranial direct current stimulation on postural stability in chronic low back pain patients: A randomized sham-controlled study.

Impairment in both the motor and cognitive aspects of postural control is a critical issue in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) who experience high pain anxiety (HPA). This study aimed to compare the effects of cathodal and anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (c-tDCS and a-tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on postural control during cognitive postural tasks in CLBP patients with HPA. This study included 66 patients randomly assigned to three groups: DLPFC a-tDCS, DLPFC c-tDCS, and sham tDCS. All groups received 20 minutes of tDCS, but the stimulation was gradually turned off in the sham group. Postural stability indices were assessed using the Biodex Balance System. Both the a-tDCS and c-tDCS groups showed a significant reduction in most postural stability indices at static and dynamic levels after the interventions (immediately, 24 hours, and one-week follow-up) during the cognitive postural task (P< 0.01). Additionally, there was a significant improvement in postural balance in the a-tDCS and c-tDCS groups compared to the sham tDCS group (P< 0.01). Furthermore, the a-tDCS group showed significantly greater improvement than the c-tDCS group (P< 0.01). Based on the results, both a-tDCS and c-tDCS over the DLPFC had positive effects on postural control during cognitive postural tasks in CLBP patients with HPA.

Effect of whole-body vibration on postural stability in young adults with generalized joint hypermobility: A comparative study.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is being used in rehabilitation and sport. Studies confirm its positive impact on muscle strength and power or regulating muscle hypertension. However, there are some uncertainties regarding its influence on postural stability. This issue seems particularly interesting in the case of individuals with generalized joint hypermobility (GJH), for whom proprioceptive training and muscle strengthening exercises are recommended while techniques that decrease muscle tension are not advised. The aim of the study was to evaluate the acute effect of WBV on postural stability in adults with GJH. 60 participants were categorized into the groups: 1) hypermobility with vibration (GJH+WBV), 2) hypermobility without vibration (GJH-WBV), 3) control group with vibration (CTRL+WBV), 4) control group without vibration (CTRL-WBV). The first and the third group completed WBV (frequency: 15Hz and 30Hz, amplitude 3mm, 3 × 3min). The second and fourth groups participated only in measurement sessions. GJH was assessed using the Beighton test. Postural stability was measured as the overall stability index (OSI) on the Biodex Balance System on the stable and unstable platform with open and closed eyes. Measurements were taken before and after WBV for two weeks. At a frequency of 15Hz, a significant time effect was observed for measurements Before and After in CTRL-WBV on the stable platform with open eyes (p= 0.012) and on the unstable platform with closed eyes (p= 0.000) for the GJH+WBV and CTRL+WBV groups. There were no significant interactions (p> 0.05) between factors. At a frequency of 30Hz, there was a significant time effect Before and After (p= 0.047) on the stable platform with open eyes, but no interaction was found between factors (p= 0.835). There is no positive acute effect of WBV on postural stability in adults with and without GJH.

INVESTIGATION OF THE LOADS ON THE ROD PUMPING UNIT WHEN THE FLUID LEVEL IN THE WELL CHANGES

The balance of the pumpjack, which is the most common type of drive for downhole rod pumps, has a significant impact on the efficiency of pumping operation of the well. It determines the degree of loading of the pumpjack, the amount of electricity consumed. However, during the operation of the well, the balance of the drive may be disrupted due to a change in the load on the balancer head due to the weight of the liquid column in the annulus and acting on the pump plunger. This situation is noted for wells operating in the periodic pumping mode, as well as when the inflow of reservoir fluid changes for various reasons (unstable inflow, deterioration of permeability of the downhole zone of the formation, changes in reservoir pressure during development and other reasons). The paper considers the issues of forming loads on the drive of rod installations at a variable dynamic fluid level in the well. A mathematical model is presented describing the formation of loads on the head of the pumpjack balancer, taking into account possible fluctuations in the dynamic level. Verification of the proposed model was performed and a good agreement was obtained between the model and field dynamometer cards. A field example shows that a decrease in the dynamic liquid level causes an increase in maximum loads on the balancer head by more than 10 %. It was found that due to a change in the balance of loads on the drive, the torque on the crank shaft increases when the rods move upwards, which leads to an increase in the asymmetry of loads on the drive and a violation of the balance of the rocking machine. The relevance of the use of dynamic balancing systems is substantiated, which allow maintaining the balance of loads acting on the drive in changing external conditions.

Postural stability after operative reconstruction of the AFTL in chronic ankle instability comparing three different surgical techniques.

Chronic lateral ankle instability is a relatively frequent consequence after acute ankle sprain. In case of unsuccessful conservative treatment, surgical therapy is recommended to prevent osteoarthritis of the ankle joint. To date, different surgical methods have evolved. Yet, it remains unclear which approach reveals the best results. We hypothesized that the modified Broström-Gould procedure with suture anchor ligament fixation leads to superior postoperative results compared to the Broström-Gould procedure or the periosteal flap technique. In a prospective study, we examined the three surgical techniques. For this purpose, we performed a matched-pair analysis with four groups according to age, sex, and body mass index: periosteal flap technique (G1), Broström-Gould procedure (G2), modified Broström-Gould procedure with suture anchor ligament fixation (G3), and a control group (G4). Results were compared with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, a functional analysis as well as measuring postural stability with the Biodex balance system. No significant differences were found between all four groups concerning AOFAS score, functional results, as well as postural stability. All three surgical methods revealed satisfactory results. No significant differences could be detected in clinical and functional categories. The Broström-Gould method as well as the modified procedure with anchor can be recommended as surgical therapy for chronic lateral ankle instability. Additional anchors do not seem to have a significant positive impact on the results.

The Robust Optimization of Low-Carbon Economic Dispatching for Regional Integrated Energy Systems Considering Wind and Solar Uncertainty

In this paper, a two-stage robust optimization approach is employed to address the variability in renewable energy output by accounting for the uncertainties associated with wind and solar energy. The model aims to achieve a balanced system that is both low-carbon and economically efficient while also being resilient to uncertainties. Initially, a regional integrated energy system model is developed, integrating electricity, gas, and heat. The variability of wind and photovoltaic power outputs is represented using a modifiable uncertainty set. A resilient optimal scheduling model is formulated in two stages, with the objective of minimizing costs under worst-case scenarios. This model is solved iteratively through a column and constraint generation approach. Additionally, the scheduling model incorporates horizontal time shifts and vertical complementary substitutions for carbon trading costs and demand-side loads to avoid excessive conservatism and to manage carbon emissions and energy trading in the regional integrated energy system (RIES). Results show that the two-stage robust optimization approach significantly enhances the system’s resilience to risks and minimizes economic losses. The inclusion of carbon trading mechanisms and the demand response prevents the system from becoming overly robust, which could impede economic growth, while also reducing carbon emissions. The proposed method effectively achieves balanced optimal scheduling for a robust, economical, and low-carbon system.

To the question of the structure of the legal obligation

Legal obligations play an important role in the mechanism of interaction between the state, law and the individual; without them, neither a balanced legal system, nor effective legal regulation, nor a clear legal order in society are possible. Legal obligations contribute to establishing clear standards of behavior in society, emphasizing its most useful and appropriate options. Moreover, the content of legal obligations reflects the basic principles of an individual’s interaction with society and the state, since the obligation itself as an instrument of legal regulation allows to create a balance between the interests of individual social groups and the individual as a part of them. So, for example, the obligation not to encroach on the rights and freedoms, honor and dignity of other people, which is contained in Art. 68 of the Constitution of Ukraine and is one of the tools for achieving a compromise and balance between the interests of individual participants in social relations. In addition, due to their imperativeness, formal determination and state protection, legal duties are able to optimally ensure proper and effective regulation of social relations. Duty is a multifaceted category that is of exceptional importance in various spheres of social life, which causes special interest in its research in general and its internal structure in particular. Instead, more often, the subject of scientific research in the field of law is the rights of a person and a citizen, which to some extent reduces the value of legal obligations. The lack of an adequate level of scientific study of the category of legal obligations causes a number of shortcomings in the process of direct implementation of obligations by their addressees. That is, the lack of a comprehensive study and interpretation of the nature of the legal obligation, its internal content and structure has as a consequence the imperfection of its understanding by the individuals to whom such obligations are directed, which, in turn, causes a low level of their implementation and compliance. The theoretical foundations of the category of legal duty are extremely important for understanding its essence and means of implementation, because it is the duty of consideration They are given as a guarantee of the existence of freedom, democracy, responsibility and morality in society. That is why we consider it necessary to investigate the internal content of the legal obligation through the prism of its structure.

Linear Model Predictive Control and Back-Propagation Controller for Single-Point Magnetic Levitation with Different Gap Levitation and Back-Propagation Offline Iteration

Magnetic suspension balance systems (MSBSs) need to allow vehicle models to levitate stably in different attitudes, so it is difficult to ensure the stable performance of the system under different levitation gaps using a controller designed with single balance point linearization. In this paper, a levitation controller based on linear model predictive control and a back-propagation neural network (LMPC-BP) is proposed and simulated for single-point magnetic levitation. The deviation of the BP network is observed and compensated by an expansion state observer (ESO). The iterative BP neural network model is further updated using current data and feedback data from the ESO, and then the performance of the LMPC-BP controller is evaluated before and after the update. The simulation results show that the LMPC-BP controller can achieve stable levitation at different gaps of the single-point magnetic levitation system. With further updating and iteration of the BP network, the controller anti-jamming performance is improved.

A particle swarm optimization inspired global and local stability driven predictive load balancing strategy

In distributed systems and parallel computing, optimal load balancing is difficult. These abstract addresses load balancing in distributed situations, highlighting current solutions' flaws and emphasizing the need for new ones. Load balancing research includes centralized and distributed algorithms, heuristics, and predictive models. Despite various successful methods, workload adaptability, overhead reduction, and scaling to large systems remain unresolved. This study proposes a particle swarm optimization (PSO) load balancing method that considers global and local stability considerations. The proposed method uses PSO principles to balance exploration and exploitation and allocate resources among distributed nodes. Predictive components improve preventative load management by predicting workload changes. Global and local load balancing stability criteria distinguish this study. The recommended method considers global system-wide performance indicators, local node-level characteristics, and micro-level stability to maximize system efficiency. A dual-focus technique distinguishes the proposed load balancing strategy from others, solving dynamic distributed system challenges. The study examines load balancing system advances and suggests improvements and further research. More accurate prediction modeling, stability measures, and application-specific enhancements may be studied in the future. Experimental validation and real-world implementation of the recommended approach are necessary to determine its practicality and ability to handle modern distributed computing systems.

An analysis of a 2 × 2 Keyfitz–Kranzer type balance system with varying generalized Chaplygin gas

An analysis of a 2 <b>×</b> 2 Keyfitz–Kranzer type balance system with varying generalized Chaplygin gas

A new system for underwater vehicle balancing control based on weightless neural network and fuzzy logic methods

&lt;p&gt;The utilization of humans to be in the water for short time, resulting in limited area underwater that can be explored, so the information obtained is very limited, plus the influence of irregular water movements, changes in waves, and changes in water pressure, indirectly also constitutes obstacle to this problem. One of the best solutions is to develop underwater vessel that can travel either autonomously or by giving control of movement and navigation systems. New system for underwater vehicle balance control through weightless neural network (WNN) and fuzzy logic methods was proposed in this study. The aim was to simplify complicated data source on stability system using WNN algorithm and determine depth level of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) through fuzzy logic method. Moreover, speed control of underwater vehicle was determined using fuzzy rule-based design and inference. The tests were conducted by showing convergence performance of system in the form of AUV simulator. The results showed that proposed system could produce real-time motion balance performance, faster execution time, and good level of accuracy. This study was expected to produce real-time motion balance system with better performance, faster execution time, and good level of accuracy which could be subsequently used to design simple, cheap, and efficient hardware prototype.&lt;/p&gt;

A condition-based maintenance policy for a two-component balanced system with dependent degradation processes

Preventive maintenance of balanced systems has garnered increasing research attention due to its significance in production and servicing processes. This paper investigates the optimization problem of a condition-based maintenance policy for a two-component balanced system with dependent degradation processes. The system’s degradation follows a bivariate gamma process. Once the degradation level of one component exceeds a critical value, the system fails and triggers an immediate corrective replacement. Moreover, if the degradation difference between two components exceeds a threshold, the system is in an unbalanced state, which incurs a penalty cost. Periodic inspections are implemented to reveal the degradation of the system. At each inspection epoch, the decision-maker chooses an action among do-nothing, repair, and preventive replacement. Different from previous research, a repair action does not reduce the degradation levels of either component but increases the degradation level of the lower one to rebalance the system. The objective is to determine the optimal condition-based maintenance policy that minimizes the long-run average cost rate. The optimization problem is analyzed in a semi-Markov decision process framework. A policy-iteration dynamic programming algorithm is developed to derive the optimal policy. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Development of strategic management accounting of innovation capital based on a balanced scorecard system

The essence of the balanced scorecard system as a means of providing information for the innovative management of the enterprise has been considered. The functions of a balanced scorecard system in the system of innovative management have been disclosed. The role of a balanced scorecard system in the formation of information support for the management of the enterpriseʼs innovative capital has been analyzed. The factors that determine the need for the development of a balanced scorecard system in the conditions of the knowledge economy have been analyzed. Four main options for the reorganization of the balanced scorecard system for the accounting support of the management of the innovative capital of the enterprise have been identified and analyzed: 1) inclusion of innovative indicators in the existing prospects of balanced scorecard system; 2) renaming the individual balanced scorecard system perspectives; 3) highlighting a new «innovative» perspective; 4) creation of an innovative scorecard system. The advantages and disadvantages of each of the proposed options for the development of a balanced scorecard system from the standpoint of building a system of accounting support for the management of innovative capital at Ukrainian enterprises have been grounded.

Whole-body vibration versus gravity force stimulation on postural stability in children with Down syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

Purpose. To compare how functional walking ability and postural stability are affected in children with DS by whole-body vibration and gravity force stimulation. Methods. This study enrolled sixty DS children from both sexes into three groups at random. A structured physical therapy plan was given to the control and both study groups. Whole-body vibration (WBV) and gravity force stimulation (GFS) were given to the study groups (I) and (II) respectively. Postural stability indices (overall, mediolateral, and anteroposterior) and functional walking capacity were assessed by the Biodex balance system (BBS) and six-minute walk test (6MWT) respectively. The intervention session was conducted thrice/week for 12 consecutive weeks. Results. All stability indices at stability levels 8 and 5 significantly decreased after-intervention compared to before-intervention, but the 6MWT significantly increased in all three groups. All stability indices at stability levels 8 and 5 showed a significant decrease after-intervention, and the 6MWT in all three groups significantly increased in favor of study groups (WBV) and (GFS). However, there were no significant differences in all stability indices at stability levels 8 and 5 and in 6MWT between study groups (WBV) and (GFS) after-intervention. Conclusion. Whole-body vibration and gravity force stimulation both had a similar effect on postural stability and functional walking capacity among children who have Down syndrome.