Bending Position Research Articles

Impact of postural variations on trunk rotation angle during the forward bending test in adolescents idiopathic scoliosis.

To evaluate the impact of different positions of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients and examiners on the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) measured during the forward bending test (FBT) with Scoliometer. Adolescents who had come to the hospital for outpatient were recruited. Considering the location of the subject and the examiner, four postural combinations of ATR were measured. After measuring ATR, the subject underwent radiographic measurements for diagnosis of AIS. Mann-Whitney test was used for the inter-group reliability test in two examiners, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to measure intra-group differences in ATR for the four positions. The receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ATR in AIS measured by different postures. Preplanned sensitivity analyses of the primary outcome were performed by subgroup. Of the 63 participants suspected of having AIS included, there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) observed between ATR measurements taken in different postures. Only the measurements taken by the examiner from behind the subject demonstrated diagnostic capability for AIS (AUC = 0.73 for both feet together and apart, ). There was no statistically significant difference ( in diagnostic ability between the subjects who stood with feet together or apart. The sensitivity analysis supports the robustness of the conclusions ( . When the examiner measured from behind the subject, AIS can be effectively diagnosed, regardless of whether the subject is standing on feet apart or feet together. There is no difference in diagnostic ability in ATR between the two forward bending positions. Level III.

Failure and optimization of composite-to-steel adhesive bonded Y-joints under three-point bending

This paper aims to investigate damage behavior and failure mechanism of adhesive-bonded Y-joints consisting of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) skins, PVC cores, and steel plates under three-point bending loading. Five three-point bending tests are adopted to study the load-bearing characteristic and damage mode of joint under different skin thicknesses and bending positions. Meanwhile, a procedure is developed to characterize the composite material failure by user-defined subroutine VUMAT, and numerical simulation is performed to reveal the flexural behavior and failure mechanism. Subsequently, structural optimization of the Y-joint is carried out in conjunction with ABAQUS-Isight, considering the thickness and lap length of CFRP skins. Reasonably good agreement is achieved when comparing the flexural behavior between experimental results and numerical predictions. These studies reveal that the bending load capacity of the Y-joint exhibits an increase with greater plate thickness, and the damage of plates and core is more serious when the bending location is near the core. Furthermore, the load-bearing capacity of Y-joint increases by 20.4% when the number of CFRP layers is 7 while the overlap lengths are 140 mm and 85 mm, respectively. This finding indicates that the optimized joint achieves a higher load-bearing capacity with a minor increase in mass.

Redesign of stroller work tools at PT. Ika Bina Agro Wisesa

PT. Ika Bina Agro Wisesa (PT. IBAS) is one of the agro-industries that manages or produces palm oil with a production capacity of 30 tons / hour and a total of 420 tons / day. The raw material of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) of this factory comes from the plantation land of the community around the factory. The activity of harvesting FFB in this oil palm plantation has many manual material handling activities, especially for workers who lift and push wheelbarrows (angkong). The angkong work tool used is relatively old and looks unergonomic which can be seen when pushing the angkong in a very bent position so it is assumed that there is a large amount of force expended by workers. This research begins with a survey of the company and the field, then distributing Nordic Body Map (NBM) questionnaires to workers, using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method used to determine the level of risk of work posture in workers before and after the design of the tool, for the redesign of the stroller, anthropometric measurements are taken then using the Biomechanics method to determine the amount of force generated when pushing. This stroller redesign was carried out using operator anthropometry with the 95th percentile. After using the proposed tool, the work posture assessment is categorized as moderate which means that action is needed. The final results of the redesign are the length of the cart 90 cm, the width of the cart 66 cm, the diameter of the tire 32 cm, the height of the cart from the ground 125 cm, the height of the handle 96 cm, the width of the handle 40 cm, and the diameter of the handle 3 cm and the final results of the biomechanical assessment after the design concluded that the operator was no longer dangerous when pushing.

Incidence of and risk factors for lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy in adults: a systematic review.

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with radiculopathy is associated with greater pain, disability, healthcare use, and costs compared with nonspecific low back pain. Reliable information about its incidence and risk factors were lacking. (1) What is the incidence of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with radiculopathy in adults? (2) What are the risk factors for LDH with radiculopathy in adults? Systematic review. We searched five electronic databases from 1970 to September 2023. Eligible cohort and case-control studies were identified and independently assessed for risk of bias. A qualitative best evidence synthesis of low and moderate risk of bias studies was conducted. We critically reviewed 87 studies and synthesised data from 59 (68%) studies; 12 were of low and 47 of moderate risk of bias. The lower and upper bound limits of the 95% CIs of annual incidence estimates ranged from 0.3 to 2.7 per 1000 persons for surgical case definitions, from 0.04 to 1.5 per 1,000 persons for hospital-based case definitions, and from 0.1 to 298.3 per 1,000 persons for clinical case definitions. Factors associated with the development of LDH with radiculopathy included middle-age (30-50years), smoking, higher BMI, presence of cardiovascular risk factors (in women), and greater cumulative occupational lumbar load by forward bending postures and manual materials handling, with effect sizes ranging from ranging from 1.1 (1.0-1.3) to 3.7 (2.3-6.0). Incidence of LDH varies in different populations and according to case definition. Risk factors include individual, behavioural, and work-related variables. Our findings support the need to develop standardised case definitions that validly classify the clinical spectrum of LDH and for future low risk of bias studies examining causal relationships for LDH with radiculopathy in adults.

Understanding gait alterations: trunk flexion and its effects on walking neuromechanics.

Evolutionary and functional adaptations of morphology and postural tone of the spine and trunk are intrinsically shaped by the field of gravity in which humans move. Gravity also significantly impacts the timing and levels of neuromuscular activation, particularly in foot-support interactions. During step-to-step transitions, the centre of mass velocity must be redirected from downwards to upwards. When walking upright, this redirection is initiated by the trailing leg, propelling the body forward and upward before foot contact of the leading leg, defined as an anticipated transition. In this study, we investigated the neuromechanical adjustments when walking with a bent posture. Twenty adults walked on an instrumented treadmill at 4 km h-1 under normal (upright) conditions and with varying degrees of anterior trunk flexion (10, 20, 30 and 40deg). We recorded lower-limb kinematics, ground reaction forces under each foot, and the electromyography activity of five lower-limb muscles. Our findings indicate that with increasing trunk flexion, there is a lack of these anticipatory step-to-step transitions, and the leading limb performs the redirection after the ground collision. Surprisingly, attenuating distal extensor muscle activity at the end of stance is one of the main impacts of trunk flexion. Our observations may help us to understand the physiological mechanisms and biomechanical regulations underlying our tendency towards an upright posture, as well as possible motor control disturbances in some diseases associated with trunk orientation problems.

Segmental vertebral three-dimensional motion in patients with L4 isthmic spondylolisthesis under weight-bearing conditions

ObjectiveTo investigate in vivo 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) vertebral motion in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS) during various functional weight-bearing activities.MethodsFifteen asymptomatic volunteers (mean age 54.8 years) and fourteen patients with IS at L4-5 (mean age 53.4 years) were recruited. The positions of the vertebrae (L4-L5) in the supine, standing, flexion–extension, left–right twisting and left–right bending positions were determined using previously described CT-based models and dual fluoroscopic imaging techniques. Local coordinate systems were established at the center of the anterior vertebra of L4 isthmic spondylolisthesis (AIS), the posterior lamina of L4 isthmic spondylolisthesis (PIS) and the center of the L5 vertebra to obtain the 6DOF range of motion (ROM) at L4-L5 and the range of motion (ROM) between the AIS and the PIS.ResultsThe translation along the anteroposterior axis at L4-L5 during flexion–extension, left–right bending and left–right twisting was significantly greater than that of the healthy participants. However, the translation along the mediolateral axis at L4-L5 presented paradoxical motion under different positions: the ROM increased in the supine-standing and flexion–extension positions but decreased in the left–right bending and left–right twisting positions. The separation along the anteroposterior axis during flexion was significantly greater than that during standing, on average, reaching more than 1 mm. The separation along the mediolateral axis during standing, flexion and extension was significantly greater than that in the supine position.ConclusionsThis study revealed the occurrence of displacement between the AIS and PIS, primarily in the form of separation during flexion. Symptomatic patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis exhibit intervertebral instability, which might be underestimated by flexion–extension radiographs.

Artificial Intelligence Measurement of Preoperative Radiographs in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Based on Multiple-View Semantic Segmentation.

Cross-sectional study. Imaging classification of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is directly related to the surgical strategy, but the artificial classification is complex and depends on doctors' experience. This study investigated deep learning-based automated classification methods (DL group) for AIS and validated the consistency of machine classification and manual classification (M group). A total of 506 cases (81 males and 425 females) and 1812 AIS full spine images in the anteroposterior (AP), lateral (LAT), left bending (LB) and right bending (RB) positions were retrospectively used for training. The mean age was 13.6 ± 1.8. The mean maximum Cobb angle was 46.8 ± 12.0. U-Net semantic segmentation neural network technology and deep learning methods were used to automatically segment and establish the alignment relationship between multiple views of the spine, and to extract spinal features such as the Cobb angle. The type of each test case was automatically calculated according to Lenke's rule. An additional 107 cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis imaging were prospectively used for testing. The consistency of the DL group and M group was compared. Automatic vertebral body segmentation and recognition, multi-view alignment of the spine and automatic Cobb angle measurement were implemented. Compare to the M group, the consistency of the DL group was significantly higher in 3 aspects: type of lateral convexity (0.989 vs 0.566), lumbar curvature modifier (0.932 vs 0.738), and sagittal plane modifier (0.987 vs 0.522). Deep learning enables automated Cobb angle measurement and automated Lenke classification of idiopathic scoliosis whole spine radiographs with higher consistency than manual measurement classification.

Repeatability and intra and interrater reproducibility of the DIPA-S eHealth© capture and analysis system for clinical assessment of scoliosis.

To assess the repeatability, intra and interrater reproducibility of the DIPA-S eHealth© system for capturing and measuring clinical variables of scoliosis, including frontal trunk imbalance (FTI), sagittal trunk imbalance (STI), and angle of trunk rotation (ATR). Patients were photographed using the DIPA-S eHealth Capture© mobile application by family members, physiotherapists, or surgeons. Three photos were taken in each position: standing in the frontal and sagittal planes and in the axial plane in forward bending position of the trunk. The photos were analyzed by three independent evaluators using the DIPA-S eHealth Analysis© software. For repeatability, each photo was analyzed twice consecutively by the three evaluators. For intrarater reproducibility, only one evaluator reanalyzed the first photo from each plane with a 5-day interval. For interrater reproducibility, the three evaluators analyzed the first photo from each plane. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were used (p < 0.05). The sample comprised 262 images (n = 30). Repeatability was excellent for all three evaluators in all three planes (ICC 0.94 to 1.00). Intrarater reproducibility was excellent in all three planes (ICC 0.88 to 0.99). Interrater analysis was excellent for the frontal and axial planes (ICC 0.98 and 0.93), respectively. However, it was weak in the sagittal plane ICC 0.32. The SEM ranged from 0.02 to 17.6 and MDC from 0.03 to 34.6. The DIPA-S eHealth© Capture and Analysis system demonstrates reproducibility for use in the clinical assessment of scoliosis through teleconsultations.

Flexible UV photodetector based on graphite/titanium dioxide through facile transfer of pencil drawn graphite films on desired substrates

Assembly of graphite structures through pencil drawn method is considered among the most facile and inexpensive approaches for a wide range of electronic and optoelectronic applications. However, the typical limitation of this methodology is that the films and structures can be drawn on a very limited number of substrates. Here, we report a novel methodology for the transfer of pencil drawn graphite films on desired substrate. The graphite films are transferred from cellulose paper, textile and wood paper onto flexible and transparent acrylic tape. The novel wood paper substrate is also used for the fabrication of bar device using a mask which is then transferred onto the acrylic tape. TiO2 nanoparticles paste is coated on the surface of transferred bar device. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and UV–visible spectroscopy of graphite and graphite/TiO2-NPs electrodes are performed respectively to study their morphological, compositional, structural and optical features. The fabricated device acts as a UV photodetector and delivers a photocurrent as higher as 197.68 μA, photoresponsivity of 8.94 mA W−1, detectivity of 4.16 × 109 Jones at bias voltage of 5 V, response time of ∼860 ms and recovery time of ∼890 ms. The flexibility of the demonstrated photodetector is evaluated through recording changes in photocurrent under bending positions from 0 to 150°, and after employing bending cycles up to 1000. The results show that the fabrication of photodetector is facile and low-cost, and it offers valuable working compatibility under bending strains. Moreover, the flexibility of photodetectors enables their effective integration with human skin and clothes for human health monitoring applications.

Ergonomic Design of Noseless Bicycle Saddle using UPVC/Silica-Aerogel

Introduction: During cycling most of the people suffer from perineal pain due to the pressure acting on the perineal area by the nose of the seat. Also Unsupported sitting on the saddle in a forward bending posture for longer time induce low back pain (LBP) among cyclists. So this paper presents the design of noseless bicycle seat with backrest using UPVC/Silica-Aerogel. Methods: This seat is designed as per the anthropometric dimensions of human body. Various parameters such as Lumbar position, seat tilt angle, seat position, backrest angle, seat height, backrest height, seat and backrest width are considered and the optimal value is determined while designing. The material chosen for the base of seat is UPVC/Silica- Aerogel composite and the cushioning material is chosen as polyurethene foam. The design is executed in 3D modelling software and validated using FEA package. Results: The maximum stresses induced in the newly proposed material UPVC/Silica-Aerogel (4.41MPa) is lesser than its yield strength (59 MPa). The maximum anterior stress of noseless seat is found out to be 24.5 kPa which is lower than that of the saddle with nose (41 kPa). Conclusion: As the anterior stress of noseless seat is lesser, the perineal pressure of cyclists is greatly reduced and this decreases the health problems associated with the perineal pressure. Also the backrest of the seatpan enhances the supporting of back muscles and reduces LBP among cyclists.

A simulation study of dual band THz soft antenna for biomedical applications

The demand for multiband and high-gain THz antennas is escalating due to advancements in terahertz (THz) applications, particularly in biomedical conditions. An innovative fork microstrip antenna design has been introduced, operating at THz frequencies, providing multi-band capability, soft characteristics, and high-gain results. The recommended antenna utilizes a series-fed configuration with dual patch elements constructed on a polyethylene substrate, with a thickness of 0.0224 mm, a loss tangent of 0.001, and a permittivity of 2.25. The proposed antenna, with dimensions of 1 × 0.6 × 0.0224 mm³ in its maximum configuration and operating at 0.530 THz and 0.590 THz, exhibits a 10 dB return loss bandwidth of 13 GHz and 15 GHz, respectively. Notably, the realized antenna gain is simulated at 9.01 dBi and 9.53 dBi for their respective frequencies. To assess the antenna's flexibility, simulations are conducted with the antenna configured in bent positions, considering radii of 7 mm, 6 mm, and 5 mm. Furthermore, the study includes an examination of the specific absorption rate (SAR) to validate the suitability of this pliable antenna. The outcomes underscore the potential of the recommended antenna for flexible biomedical THz applications such as the detection of skin tumours and medical imaging.

Analysis of Work Posture and Risk of Musculoskeletal Complaints of Loading-Unloading Workers Using the REBA Method at PT. XYZ

PT XYZ is an airport manager in Indonesia engaged in the business of development, trade and services, and genuine estate. In the manual transportation of goods, extreme positions are still carried out. So that complaints of pain appear in several parts of the body, such as the neck, back, upper arms, and legs. The purpose of this study was to determine musculoskeletal complaints and analyze the work posture of workers. Risk assessment using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method because it can provide a more detailed evaluation of the level of risk of work posture as a whole. Based on the results of risk assessment research using the REBA method, workers in the Loading-Unloading Apron Area squatting position get a work posture risk value of 9, and the Apron Area standing position gets a work posture risk value of 8, where the value includes action level 4. For workers in the Loading-Unloading Makeup Area, the bending position gets a work posture risk value of 11, where the value consists of action level 4. Suggestions for improvement that can be proposed are making changes to the position of work postures and designing assistive devices.

An effective nonlinear dynamic formulation to analyze grasping capability of soft pneumatic robotic gripper

ABSTRACT Soft pneumatic robotic grippers have found extensive applications across various engineering domains, which prompts active research due to their splendid compliance, high flexibility, and safe human-robot interaction over conventional stiff counterparts. Previously simplified rod-based models principally focused on clarifying overall large deformation and bending postures of soft grippers from static or quasi-static perspectives, whereas it is challenging to elaborate grasping characteristics of soft grippers without considering contact interaction and nonlinear large deformation behaviors. To address this, based on absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF), comprehensively allowing for structural complexity, geometric, material and boundary nonlinearities, and incorporating Coulomb’ friction law with a multiple-point contact method, we put forward an effective nonlinear dynamic modeling approach for exploring grasping capability of soft gripper. Moreover, we solved the established dynamic equations using Generalized-α scheme, and conducted thorough numerical simulation analysis on a three-jaw soft pneumatic gripper (SPG) in terms of grasping configurations, displacements and contact forces. The proposed dynamic approach can accurately both describe complicated deformed configurations along with stress distribution and provide a feasible solution to simulate grasping targets, whose effectiveness and precision were analyzed theoretically and verified experimentally, which may shed new light on devising and optimizing other multifunctional SPGs.

Prevalence of neck pain and associated risk factors among the private sector office employees in Bangladesh

Background: Globally, most people face several musculoskeletal problems, especially neck pain. Activities, work styles, and living standards of office employees in Bangladesh vary from place to place. Hence, our aim is to investigate the prevalence of neck pain and related risk factors in Bangladeshi private sector employees. Methodology: A sample was selected to assess neck pain prevalence and related risk factors among 384 private sector employees aged 21–60 years in Bangladesh. Regression analysis was performed on their socio-economic, neck pain, and associated risk factors information through interviews with questionnaires. Results: Data analysis shows that office employees have a relatively higher prevalence rate of cervical pain and it is 34.7%. In this study, we found the results of a logistic regression model to predict factors associated with neck pain. The results of this study indicated that individuals aged 40 years and above, with an OR of 6.148 (P = 0.046) and neck holding the forward bent posture for a prolonged time, were slightly significant to have neck pain (P&lt;0.001). Conclusions: The neck pain prevalence was high among private sector office workers in Bangladesh and some associated neck pain factors were found in this study. The results of our investigation indicated that individuals with higher age, and neck holding position were slightly significant to have neck pain. These research findings also suggest scope for work strategies that can promote a positive work environment, such as short breaks at work and an ergonomic setting.

Mechanically controlled multifaceted dynamic transformations in twisted organic crystal waveguides

This study introduces mechanically induced phenomena such as standing, leaning, stacking, and interlocking behaviors in naturally twisted optical waveguiding microcrystals on a substrate. The microscale twisted crystal self-assembled from 2,4-dibromo-6-(((2-bromo-5-fluorophenyl)imino)methyl)phenol is flexible and emits orange fluorescence. Mechanistic analysis reveals the strain generated by the intergrowing orientationally mismatched nanocrystallites is responsible for the twisted crystal growth. The crystal’s mechanical flexibility in the perpendicular direction to (001) and (010) planes can be attributed to intermolecular Br···Br, F···Br, and π···π stacking interactions. Through a systematic process involving step-by-step bending and subsequent optical waveguiding experiments at each bent position, a linear relationship between optical loss and mechanical strain is established. Additionally, the vertical standing and leaning of these crystals at different angles on a flat surface and the vertical stacking of multiple crystals reveal the three-dimensional aspects of organic crystal waveguides, introducing light trajectories in a 3D space. Furthermore, the integration of two axially interlocked twisted crystals enables the coupling of polarization rotation along their long axis. These crystal dynamics expand the horizons of crystal behavior and have the potential to revolutionize various applications, rendering these crystals invaluable in the realm of crystal-related science and technology.

Description of JA Medical Skincare Medan Beautician’s Low Back Pain Based on Duration of Work

Introduction: Low Back Pain (LBP) is defined as pain and discomfort located below the costal margin to the inferior gluteal fold, with or without pain in the legs. LBP is a common condition that can occur in all age groups with acute or chronic episodes. Beauticians are more susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders. This line of work tends to involve limited positions, repetitive movements, standing for more than 8 hours or sitting in a bent position during activities. This study aims to determine the characteristics of low back pain based on work duration among beauticians of the JA Medical Skincare beauty clinic Medan. Method: The method used in this research was descriptive quantitative with a total sampling technique. The research population was 60 beauticians from the JA Medical Skincare Beauty Clinic Medan. The data were collected by having the respondents fill out a questionnaire. Results: The research results revealed that beauticians at the JA Medical Skincare beauty clinic who were at risk of experiencing low back pain were individuals aged under 30 years (51.8%), those with BMI &gt; 27 or categorized as obese (60%), and those with a working duration of more than 8 hours (49,1%). These groups exhibited higher percentages of complaints related to low back pain. In general, almost all ages have the potential to experience low back pain. Beauticians who work long hours and do not pay attention to ergonomic factors would have caused continuous static loads on their back and are at risk of experiencing complaints of low back pain. Keywords: Beautician; Duration of work; Low back pain

Association between musculoskeletal pain and exposures to awkward postures during work: a compositional analysis approach.

This study aimed to explore the association between arm elevation and neck/shoulder pain, and trunk forwarding bending and low back pain among home care workers. Home care workers (N = 116) from 11 home care units in Trondheim, Norway, filled in pain assessment and working hours questionnaire, and wore 3 accelerometers for up to 7 consecutive days. Work time was partitioned into upright awkward posture, nonawkward posture, and nonupright time, i.e. sitting. Within a compositional approach framework, posture time compositions were expressed in terms of log-ratio coordinates for statistical analysis and modeling. Poisson generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the relationship between arm elevation in upright postures and neck/shoulder pain, and between trunk forward bending in upright postures and low back pain, respectively. Isotemporal substitution analysis was used to investigate the association of pain assessment with the reallocation of time spent in the different postures. Time spent in awkward postures was modest, especially for the more extreme angles (60° and 90°). Adjusting for age, gender, and body mass index, our study suggested that the compositions of time spent by home care workers in awkward postures were significantly associated with pain assessment (P < 0.01). Isotemporal substitution analysis showed that reallocating 5 min from upright posture with arms elevated below to above 60° and 90° was associated with a 6.8% and 19.9% increase in the neck/shoulder pain score, respectively. Reallocating 5 min from a forward bending posture while upright below to above 30°, 60°, and 90° was associated with 1.8%, 3.5%, and 4.0% increase in low back pain, respectively. Although the exposure to awkward postures was modest, our results showed an association between increased time spent in awkward postures and an increase in neck/shoulder pain and low back pain in home care workers. As musculoskeletal pain is the leading cause of sickness absence, these findings suggest that home care units could benefit from re-organizing work to avoid excessive arm elevation and trunk forward bending in workers.

A Flexible One‐dimensional Woven Supercapacitor for Low‐power Smart Electronic Textiles

Flexible energy storage devices are attracting a great attention nowadays in the rapidly growing area of implantable/wearable electronics. This bloom has generated great demands on flexible wire‐shaped supercapacitors (WSC) as power sources in wearable electronic systems that can offer tunable sizes, shapes, and versatile designs. Herein, a flexible WSC is fabricated using MgMn2O4 nanofibers (MMO‐NFs) over a flexible carbon yarn substrate via the electrophoretic deposition method in the first report. The binder‐free deposition of highly porous and one‐dimensionally aligned MMO‐NFs over carbon yarn offers excellent ionic/charge transport into the fabricated device. The assembled WSC device at 0.1 mA/cm current rate shows capacitances of 386 mF/cm2 and 45.5 mF/cm. A capacitance retention of 88% for a WSC device after 10,000 cycles indicates its good cyclability. Further, the WSC exhibits good flexibility, retaining 94% of capacitance at 0.5 mA/cm after 2000 bending cycles. Furthermore, the flexible WSC device shows power and energy density of 744 μW/cm and 14.2 μWh/cm, respectively. Additionally, WSC devices demonstrate their practical energy storage capabilities in a video that shows three similar devices being knitted into a wearable glove and glowing a red light‐emitting diode (LED) for more than five minutes in various bending positions.

Health risk assessment and prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the aged brick molders, in India.

The Brickfield Industry is the major and oldest informal industry in India, where millions of brickfield workers make their livelihood. Aged brickfield workers are also involved in different activities in the brickfield, especially in brick mold activities owing to poor socioeconomic conditions. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the aged brick molders and compare them with aged control subjects. A Nordic Questionnaire was applied to assess the discomfort felt among both groups of workers and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method was used to evaluate posture during their job. The RULA posture analysis showed that the posture adopted by aged brick molders required changes immediately. The result of the ART tool also stated that the brick molding activities' exposure level was high and required further investigation urgently. The study concluded that due to working in a forward bending posture for a prolonged period, aged brickmolders suffered from severe low back and knee pain along with upper-limb disorders due to repetitive activities.

Association between smartphone addiction and myofascial trigger points

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between smartphone addiction and miyafascial trigger points in university students.MethodsA cross-sectional study of university students was conducted for the purpose of this study. The participants were assessed based on age, gender, dominant side, the amount of time they spent on their smartphones, the purpose of their use, and their posture. The Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form (SAS-SF) was used to determine addictes and non-addicts. The cut-off value of SAS-SF is 31 and above for male and 33 and above for female.ResultsThere were 136 participants in the study. The posture score for addicts and non-addicts ones was not significantly different (p > 0,05), but the number of trigger points, maximal bending posture and trigger points in the right levator scapula and right cervical erector muscles were significantly higher in the smartphone addict participants (p < 0,05).ConclusionsSmartphone addiction in university students is associated with postural changes and trigger points in the bilateral levator scapula and right cervical erector muscles. Public health programs should be developed to raise awareness about smartphone addiction, encourage screen breaks, and emphasize physical activity and exercise regularly.