Body Posture Research Articles

Human body temperature and cardiovascular response to changes in ambient temperature and body posture

Health problems due to heat or cold exposure is closely related not only to body temperature (BT) but also to blood flow rate (BFR) and blood pressure (BP). Therefore, it is necessary to understand the physiological mechanisms of the human body, such as how these physiological quantities change and how they affect each other. In this study, to clarify the physiological mechanisms of the human body, we measured the whole-body distribution of BT and BFR, as well as BP, heart rate, and metabolic rate under changes in ambient temperature and body posture. A total of 19 subjects were tested in three cases, including the temperature up-step and down-step cases, where the ambient temperature changed from 28 °C to 38 °C or 18 °C in the supine position, and the posture change case, where the posture changed alternately between the supine and standing positions at an ambient temperature of 28 °C. The results showed that the core temperature was efficiently maintained due to BFR regulation, especially in the extremities, in response to changes in ambient temperature. Additionally, changes in cerebral BFR in response to changes in posture were suppressed due to regulation of BFR, especially in the lower limbs, and heart rate. Furthermore, in the extremities, the BFR not only in the skin but also in the subcutaneous tissue and muscle was estimated to increase in hot environments and decrease in cold environments.

Context or arousal? Function of drumming in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

Drumming is a non-vocal auditory display producing airborne as well as seismic vibrations by tapping body extremities on a surface. It is mostly described as an alarm signal but is also discussed to signal dominance or mating quality. To clarify the function of drumming in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), we compared the occurrence of drumming during predator, opposite-sex and same-sex encounters. We tested 48 captive Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) in three experiments. In predator experiments, subjects were exposed alone or with their cagemate to aerial and terrestrial predator dummies. In social encounter experiments, familiar and unfamiliar male–female dyads and same-sex dyads were confronted. For the same-sex encounters, a dominance index was calculated for each subject based on the number of won and lost conflicts. Drumming and drumming-call combinations were counted, and a multi-parametric sound analysis was performed. In all experiments drumming and drumming-call combinations occurred. In predator experiments, more subjects drummed when confronted with the predator stimulus than in the habituation phase. In social encounter experiments, more subjects drummed when facing an unfamiliar than a familiar conspecific. In addition, the accompanying call type and body posture of the sender differed between experiments. Thus, we suggest that whereas drumming signals an increased arousal state of the sender, the accompanying call type and the body posture signal context specific information.

ERG-AI: enhancing occupational ergonomics with uncertainty-aware ML and LLM feedback

Workers, especially those involved in jobs requiring extended standing or repetitive movements, often face significant health challenges due to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). To mitigate MSD risks, enhancing workplace ergonomics is vital, which includes forecasting long-term employee postures, educating workers about related occupational health risks, and offering relevant recommendations. However, research gaps remain, such as the lack of a sustainable AI/ML pipeline that combines sensor-based, uncertainty-aware posture prediction with large language models for natural language communication of occupational health risks and recommendations. We introduce ERG-AI, a machine learning pipeline designed to predict extended worker postures using data from multiple wearable sensors. Alongside providing posture prediction and uncertainty estimates, ERG-AI also provides personalized health risk assessments and recommendations by generating prompts based on its performance and prompting Large Language Model (LLM) APIs, like GPT-4, to obtain user-friendly output. We used the Digital Worker Goldicare dataset to assess ERG-AI, which includes data from 114 home care workers who wore five tri-axial accelerometers in various bodily positions for a cumulative 2913 hours. The evaluation focused on the quality of posture prediction under uncertainty, energy consumption and carbon footprint of ERG-AI and the effectiveness of personalized recommendations rendered in easy-to-understand language.

Effects of victim's body posture and attacker's gender on slashing attacks: a biomechanical study.

Sharp force injury has been and will remain to be a major cause of violent death; however, scientific evaluations on the impact of body posture of the victim and gender of the perpetrator on sharp force injury have been scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics found in individuals (male and female) when using a Chinese kitchen knife to slash the neck of a dummy while it was in the standing and supine positions. This work offers a solid basis for forensic identifications, criminal investigations, and court trials. A total of 12 male and 12 female college students participated in this study. Kinematic, kinetic, and surface electromyography (sEMG) data were evaluated when slashing the neck of a dummy while it was in the standing and supine positions using a Chinese kitchen knife. When slashing the neck of a standing dummy, participants showed shorter contact time (19.5%) and slower shoulder velocities (30.9%) as well as higher hip velocity (26.0%) and increased root mean square (RMS) and integral electromyography (iEMG) for the anterior deltoid (51.3% and 51.2%, respectively) compared to those while the dummy was in the supine position (all p < 0.05), regardless of gender. When slashing a dummy's neck while it was in standing and supine positions, male participants showed higher shoulder, elbow, and wrist velocities (22.6%, 22.7%, and 24.4%, respectively) and higher slashing velocity (19.8%), slashing force (24.2%), and energy (46.2%) than female participants (all p < 0.05). In addition, male participants showed shorter contact time (17.8%), and the values of RMS and iEMG of the anterior deltoid, biceps brachii, extensor carpi radialis longus, and flexor carpi ulnaris were less than those of female participants (98.9%, 47.3%, 65.6%, and 33.4% for RMS and 115.1%, 59.4%, 80.1%, and 47.8% for iEMG, respectively). There was no difference in slashing speed, slashing force, and energy when using a Chinese kitchen knife to slash the dummy's neck while it was in different body postures (standing and supine), suggesting a similar level of injury severity. However, there were significant differences in slashing action patterns between the two body postures, with longer contact time, smaller hip velocity, greater shoulder velocity, and less muscle activation level of the deltoid exertion when slashing the dummy's neck in the supine position. Gender may have a greater effect on the severity of slashing, and the gender difference may be partly related to the body weight difference. The findings from this study may provide quantitative indicators and references for analyzing the motive behind the crime, as well as for case reconstruction, and for the court's conviction and sentencing processes.

Temporal Dynamics and Physical Priori Multimodal Network for Rehabilitation Physical Training Evaluation.

Sensor-based rehabilitation physical training assessment methods have attracted significant attention in refined evaluation scenarios. A refined rehabilitation evaluation method combines the expertise of clinicians with advanced sensor-based technology to capture and analyze subtle movement variations often unobserved by traditional subjective methods. Current approaches center on either body postures or muscle strength, which lack more sophisticated analysis features of muscle activation and coordination, thereby hindering analysis efficacy in deep rehabilitation feature exploration. To address this issue, we present a multimodal network algorithm that integrates surface electromyography (sEMG) and stress distribution signals. The algorithm considers the physical knowledge a priori to interpret the current rehabilitation stage and efficiently handles temporal dynamics arising from diverse user profiles in an online setting. Besides, we verified the performance of this model using a learned-nonuse phenomenon assessment task in 24 subjects, achieving an accuracy of 94.7%. Our results surpass those of conventional feature-based, distance-based, and ensemble baseline models, highlighting the advantages of incorporating multimodal information rather than relying solely on unimodal data. Moreover, the proposed model presents a network design solution for rehabilitation physical training that requires deep bioinformatic features and can potentially assist real-time and home-based physical training work.

The Assessment of Postural-Motor, Coordination, and Reflex Functions in Children and Adolescents with a History of Premature Verticalization and Ontogeny Disorders in Their First Year of Life.

(1) Background: Contracting diseases or being exposed to adverse environmental factors in the first year of life may impair the development of body posture and motor coordination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between data on the speed of passive verticalization, the number of risk factors and the quality of development in the first year of life, and the results of the functional examination of these individuals in adolescence. (2) Methods: Two groups of 60 volunteers, aged 9-14 years, were examined by performing functional tests and the retrospective analysis of their development up to the age of 1 year. The first group consisted of patients diagnosed with postural defects. The control group consisted of healthy people of the same age who volunteered for this study. (3) Results: Statistical analysis showed statistically significant differences between groups in terms of posture (p = 0.001), motor coordination (p = 0.001), and accumulated primitive reflexes (p = 0.001), as well as a high correlation between these disorders and the quality of development in the first year of life. In the first group, for the ages of 3-6 months (r = 0.96; p = 0.001), 6-9 months (r = 0.871; p = 0.001), and 9-12 months (r = 0.806; p = 0.001), no significant correlations were found with the age of 0-3 months. In the second group, the results were as follows: 0-3 months (r = 0.748; p = 0.001), 3-6 months (r = 0.862 p = 0.001), 6-9 months (r = 0.698; p = 0.001), and 9-12 months (r = 0.740; p = 0.001). In the group of adolescents with posture defects, we observed an earlier time of passive verticalization and sitting, as well as more frequent use of loungers, seats, and walkers (p = 0.026). (4) Conclusions: The analysis of this study's data indicates that the development of body posture and motor coordination may be impaired due to accelerated and passive verticalization in the first year of life.

Virtual shadow puppet generation based on AlphaPose

This study aims to develop a novel motion capture method utilizing the AlphaPose project to support the production and analysis of shadow puppetry. Through precise capture and analysis of human body postures, we seek to enhance the performance quality of shadow puppetry, introducing modern technology to this ancient Chinese intangible cultural heritage art form, thereby facilitating its inheritance and development. This paper provides an introduction to the background and significance of the research, explores existing issues and shortcomings, and provides a detailed description of our methodology and the improvements achieved.

Relation between nutrition intake, prediabetes, and central obesity with handgrip strength in Indonesian medical student

Background: Muscles are crucial in creating movement, stabilising body posture, and regulating body temperature. Muscle strength can be assessed using handgrip strength. Handgrip strength can predict muscle function, nutritional status, diabetes risk, and the risk of metabolic syndrome. Handgrip strength can be influenced by muscle mass, nutritional intake, fat mass, physical activity level, and metabolic syndrome. Objective: This research is to find relationship between handgrip strength and nutritional intake, muscle mass, and central obesity. Methods: The research was conducted as a cross-sectional study using observational analytical methods. The sample consisted of 53 individuals selected through purposive sampling. Handgrip strength can be measured using a hand dynamometer, nutritional intake using a 2x24 hour food recall, muscle mass using a body composition analyzer, central obesity using waist to hip ratio, and fasting blood sugar using a glucometer. Statistical data analysis employed the chi-square test and independent T-test. Results: The results indicated a relationship between central obesity and handgrip strength (p = 0.006). Researchers are interested in studying muscle strength and its predictors concerning central obesity, prediabetes, and nutritional status in medical students. The results indicated a relationship between handgrip strength and central obesity (p = 0.006), but no relationship was found between handgrip strength and energy intake (p = 0.235), protein intake (p = 0.524), and prediabetes (p = 0.272). Conclusion: There is a relationship between central obesity and handgrip strength. Future researchers are encouraged to consider additional factors, including physical activity, muscle mass index, and comorbidities.

Design and research on the posture-adjustable mannequin for chest-up and hunchbacked posture

The development of garment personalization has put forward diverse requirements for mannequins. In this paper, we present a garment mannequin that can continuously alter the body posture in response to changes in human body posture in the chest and back regions. This research is founded on an analysis of the patterns and ranges of movement in the mannequin's chest and hunchbacked motions. We segmented the mannequin into six modules: neck, front chest, back, left and right shoulders, and waist and abdomen. By employing stepper motors, we independently drive the front chest, back, and left and right shoulders to achieve the simulation and continuous adjustment of the mannequin's body posture for chest and hunchbacked positions. The comparison of the 3D scans shows that the mannequin fits well in several cross-sections with the corresponding body variations of real people, and the results of the real shirt also show that the shirt made based on the simulated hunchbacked body mannequin is significantly better than the standard shirt in terms of comfort and aesthetics for a person with a hunchbacked body posture. The body posture adjustable mannequin can replace multiple static mannequins, which can provide strong support for the business model of personalized clothing customization. Compared with the existing dynamic mannequin, it has the advantages of high relevance, simple structure and low production cost.

Impact of occlusal stabilization splints on global body posture: a prospective clinical trial

ObjectivesBody posture of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) has been investigated using different methods, whereas outcome and conclusions were controversial. The present clinical trial aimed to investigate the effects of splint therapy on global body posture.Materials and methods24 subjects (20 females, 4 males; age 24.2 ± 4.0 years) with TMD symptoms were examined clinically (RDC/TMD) and subsequently, splint fabrication was initiated. Along with routine therapy, all subjects underwent three-dimensional pre- and post-treatment full body scans in standing and upright sitting posture using a Vitus Smart XXL 3D scanner. Each scan was acquired in triplicate and evaluated in duplicate, measuring twelve standing and nine sitting postural parameters. Influencing factors were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and additional Bland-Altman analyses verified the significance of the ANOVA results.ResultsThe increase of Forward Head angles and the decrease of Round Shoulders angles were consistent for both positions and sides. Forward Head angles were significantly influenced by limited mandibular mobility and myofascial pain. Round Shoulders angles showed a significant correlation with myofascial pain, joint noises and the absence of limited mandibular mobility.ConclusionThe influence of occlusal splints on global posture is limited and only small effects on cervicocranial parameters were found. In the present study, the average head position of post treatment measurements was more centered on the body’s core, whereas the shoulders were tilted more anteriorly.Clinical relevanceUnderstanding the limited influence of occlusal splints on cervicocranial parameters underscores the need for multimodal treatment strategies for TMD patients.

The Relationship between Incorrect Body Posture in Elementary School Children on Idiopathic Scoliosis

Idiopathic scoliosis is a condition of spinal deformity characterized by abnormal lateral curvature. The factor that is thought to play a role in the development of idiopathic scoliosis is incorrect body posture. This research is a correlation study which aims to determine the significant relationship between incorrect body posture and the incidence of idiopathic scoliosis in elementary school children. This research approach uses a quantitative approach with a descriptive quantitative research type with a correlational model. Research data was obtained through questionnaires, documentation and measurements using a scoliometer. The population in this study were all sixth grade students at SDIT Bangkinang Elementary School, totaling 35 students. Independent variable is a sitting position using the Questionnaire on Body Awareness of Postural Habits in Young People (Q BAPHYP) measurement tool. The dependent variable is scoliosis measured using the Adam's Forward bending test. Data analysis techniques are descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis. After analyzing the research results, it shows that incorrect body posture has a significant relationship with the incidence of idiopathic scoliosis in elementary school children as proven by the results of data analysis, p= 0.000 or p&lt; 0.05. The conclusion of this study is that there is a significant relationship between incorrect body posture and the incidence of idiopathic scoliosis in elementary school children.

Mapping the developmental structure of stereotyped and individual-unique behavioral spaces in C. elegans

Developmental patterns of behavior are variably organized in time and among different individuals. However, long-term behavioral diversity was previously studied using pre-defined behavioral parameters, representing a limited fraction of the full individuality structure. Here, we continuously extract ∼1.2 billion body postures of ∼2,200 single C.elegans individuals throughout their full development time to create a complete developmental atlas of stereotyped and individual-unique behavioral spaces. Unsupervised inference of low-dimensional movement modes of each single individual identifies a dynamic developmental trajectory of stereotyped behavioral spaces and exposes unique behavioral trajectories of individuals that deviate from the stereotyped patterns. Moreover, classification of behavioral spaces within tens of neuromodulatory and environmentally perturbed populations shows plasticity in the temporal structures of stereotyped behavior and individuality. These results present a comprehensive atlas of continuous behavioral dynamics across development time and a general framework for unsupervised dissection of shared and unique developmental signatures of behavior.

Experimental and numerical investigation on the effect of ease allowance of clothing on thermal comfort

The heat transfer within the microclimate of clothing directly affects the thermal sensation of the human body, holding significant implications for both heat dissipation and cold protection. To investigate the variations in the heat transfer performance of the microclimate under the clothing influenced by distinct air gap thicknesses and diverse body postures, twelve female subjects participated in experiments wearing T-shirts with various ease allowances, conducting tasks in both sitting and standing positions within a climate chamber set at 20 °C and 50 % RH. Physiological parameters and subjective evaluations of comfort were recorded. Additionally, we constructed a three-dimensional model of the air gap featuring realistic morphology for numerical simulations of microclimatic heat transfer in a standing posture. The experimental results indicate that air gap thickness significantly impacts core temperature, mean skin temperature, local skin temperature, and thermal sensation. While postural differences did not show statistical significance, temperatures and thermal sensations were generally higher in the sitting position. Based on the results of numerical simulation, under this environmental condition, approximately 27 % of heat transfer was through radiation, with both the percentage of radiative heat transfer and the overall heat flux increasing with greater ease allowance. Furthermore, airflow under the clothing became more disorganized at thicker air layers, primarily concentrating in folds, hems, and sides of the body. This study provides a theoretical support for the workwear design and similar clothing and helps to reduce energy consumption in office environments.

Cologne ergonomic measurement for robotic surgery (CEMRobSurg) using the Hugo™ RAS System.

The ergonomic advantages and potential challenges that robotic surgery poses to the well-being of surgeons are mainly unexplored. The most recent surgical robot introduced on the European market is the Hugo™ RAS System by Medtronic. This study aims to evaluate the ergonomic benefits of the Hugo™ RAS System, which is available in our training laboratory, CeMIT (Center for Medical Innovation and Technology Cologne). Using the previously established Cologne Ergonomic Measurement Setup for Robotic Surgery (CEMRobSurg), we measured three parameters related to ergonomic posture from subjects with different levels of surgical expertise (laypeople, medical students, surgical residents, and expert robotic surgeons). The heart rate was measured continuously using a polar band. The noise level was measured while using the Hugo™ RAS System, and automated photographs using our locally developed methodology were captured of the participant every 2s to assess body posture. The ergonomic measurements were conducted while the subject performed the same standardized robotic training exercises (Peg Board, Rope Walk, and Ring Walk). A total of 53 participants were enrolled in this study. The average noise level during all measurements was 54.87 dB. The highest stress level was measured in surgical residents with a sympathetic nervous system index (SNS index) of 1.15 (min - 1.43, max 3.56). The lowest stress level was measured in robotic experts with an SNS index of 0.23 (min - 0.18, max 0.91). We observed a risk-prone positioning of the neck and elbow in medical students (mean 39.6° and 129.48°, respectively). Robotic experts showed a risk positioning in the knee and hip region (mean 107.89° and 90.31°, respectively). This is the first study to analyze and objectify the ergonomic posture of medical students, surgical trainees, surgeons, and laypeople using the open console, modular Hugo™ RAS System. Our findings offer recommendations for operating surgeons and allow for a comparative analysis between the different robotic systems. Further evaluations in real-time operative scenarios will follow.

Preoperative Abnormal Posture Improves After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Knee–Hip–Spine Syndrome

BackgroundSpinal, pelvic, and lower extremity alignment is crucial for maintaining a healthy body posture. However, with aging, this posture becomes challenging to maintain due to muscle weakness and skeletal degeneration. Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and knee can also lead to abnormal posture, known as hip–spine and knee–spine syndrome. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can help relieve pain and improve lower extremity alignment. This may also improve abnormal posture, such as in knee–hip–spine syndrome. However, the condition of the contralateral knee may affect this improvement. This study evaluated the effects of TKA on clinical outcomes and radiographic body posture. MethodsPatients scheduled for primary one-sided TKA were divided into two groups: the unilateral group comprised patients who had contralateral knee OA conditions. The bilateral group included patients who had prior contralateral TKA. Knee range of motion (ROM), the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), radiographic lateral femorotibial angle (FTA), hip and knee flexion angles, and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) while standing were measured 24 months after TKA. ResultsBoth groups showed improved knee extension, KOOS, and radiographical FTA and hip and knee flexion angles 24 months after TKA. The SVA also improved 6 months after TKA in both groups and was maintained in the bilateral group, while it deteriorated again in the unilateral group 24 months after TKA. ConclusionA TKA can improve abnormal body posture due to knee OA as in knee–hip–spine syndrome. However, the condition of a contralateral knee can affect TKA outcomes.

Analisis Kinematik Power Clean Terhadap Klub Batavia Bersatu Maju 2024

The purpose of this study is to find out the kinematic analysis of power clean for the Batavia Bersatu Forward 2024 club. This type of research is research. The research population is several members of the Batavia Bersatu Maju weightlifting located in Parung Panjang, Jagabita village, Bogor Regency with a total of 16 lifters, 8 male members and 8 female members. The sampling technique uses Total Sampling as saturated sampling or census, is a sampling technique in which the entire research population is selected as a sample. Kinematic data collection of power clean, namely angles using APECS software media: Body Posture Evaluation by sampling, namely by recording a video after that and then analyzing each angle of kinematic movement of power clean. From the results of the kinematic analysis of the power clean, they include Hip Angle, Torso Angle and Knee Angle. The results of the study showed that athletes 1 to 16 were inferred to be the Angle that was present to analyze the power clean, namely the Knee Angle, Hip Angle, and Torso Angle. The number of Mean Knees was 114.1875 ago, the Mean Torso was 102.125 ago, and the Mean Hip was 131.354. Then the Median Knee Number 102, then the Median Torso 111, then the Median Hip Number 102, then finally the number of Knee Mode 111, then Torso Mode 104, then Hip Mode 128.5.

Muscular tension in ear surgeons during cochlear implantations: does a new microscope improve musculoskeletal complaints?

Musculoskeletal complaints and fatigue are commonly described symptoms in daily work of ear nose and throat surgeons using a microscope. Long ear surgical procedures are associated with prolonged microscope use, which can lead to unconsciously tense and uncomfortable body posture. The digital microscope RoboticScope® allows visualization of surgical site through a Head-Mounted Display, independent from camera head and is therefore much easier on the back, as the sitting position can be adjusted flexibly. Aim of the prospective study was to investigate to what extent the use of a RoboticScope® changes the tension of neck and shoulder muscles of the surgeons in comparison to a conventional tripod microscope. For this purpose, the electric activity of neck and shoulder muscles of surgeons was recorded using surface electromyography during cochlear implantations. Electrical potentials were derived via electrodes on neck and shoulder muscles. The basic tension of those muscles was measured in relaxed position before and after surgery. During microscope use the tension was continued to be measured. A questionnaire recorded parameters such as level of difficulty of operation as well as patient data. Results from 58 operations, 33 of which were performed using a conventional microscope and 25 using a Head-Mounted Display, show a significant reduction in muscular tension during surgery by 40% (p < 0.001) in experienced ear surgeons when using a RoboticScope®, regardless of the surgeon. Our results are in line with the relevance of preventive measures to avoid acute and chronic work-related illnesses/symptoms described in literature.

Meeting ethological needs – Effects of straw and roughage on attractiveness of outdoor run and behaviour of organic fattening pigs

Organic pigs must have permanent access to an open-air space, which typically consists of a barren concrete outdoor run. One way to improve the attractiveness of the outdoor run for pigs and facilitate the establishment of functional zones is through allocation of rooting or roughage materials in this pen area. Accordingly, we investigated the effects of straw (rooting material) and maize silage (roughage) provided under a roof in a concrete-floored outdoor run on the behaviour of organic fattening pigs raised in large groups. In one typical Danish commercial farm, we compared three adjacent, similarly sized pens. Each pen contained an indoor area and an outdoor run. Each outdoor run was divided by a 1 m-high concrete wall into an unroofed area and an area covered by a roof, where substrate could be allocated. One pen received no material under the roof (control), the second pen received straw, and the third pen received maize silage. The study took place from June 2021 to July 2022 and involved 8 batches of pigs. The population size per pen at arrival was (average ± standard deviation) 384 ± 22 pigs, weighing 37 ± 4.8 kg. Pigs were sent to slaughter when their liveweight was approximately 115 kg, approximately 3 months after insertion. Based on footage, the number of pigs present in each area of the outdoor run, and of these the number of pigs in each body posture (lying; sitting; upright) and the number of pigs displaying activity behaviours when standing (exploring the ground; other behaviours than ground exploration) were instantaneously sampled at 10 min intervals from 09:00 h to 16:00 h on days 1, 7, 21, 35, 49, and 63 relative to the batch insertion. More pigs were seen in the roofed area of the outdoor run when either straw or roughage were allocated. Additionally, provision of straw induced more resting in the roofed area whereas allocation of roughage stimulated more ground exploration in the roofed area compared to control pens. Secondarily, pig's activity and outdoor run use were influenced by temporal effects (i.e., experimental day) and weather variations. Thirdly, a pilot study suggested that pigs compete for access to an enriched roofed area. Our study demonstrated the possibility of meeting the behavioural needs - and improving the welfare – of organics pigs housed indoors with access to outdoor run by providing roughage or bedding materials in a roofed area of the outdoor run.

Abstract thematic roles in infants’ representation of social events

Infants' thoughts are classically characterized as iconic, perceptual-like representations.1,2,3 Less clear is whether preverbal infants also possess a propositional language of thought, where mental symbols are combined according to syntactic rules, very much like words in sentences.4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17 Because it is rich, productive, and abstract, a language of thought would provide a key to explaining impressive achievements in early infancy, from logical inference to representation of false beliefs.18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31 A propositional language-including a language of thought5-implies thematic roles that, in a sentence, indicate the relation between noun and verb phrases, defining who acts on whom; i.e., who is the agent and who is the patient.32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39 Agent and patient roles are abstract in that they generally apply to different situations: whether A kicks, helps, or kisses B, A is the agent and B is the patient. Do preverbal infants represent abstract agent and patient roles? We presented 7-month-olds (n= 143) with sequences of scenes where the posture or relative positioning of two individuals indicated that, across different interactions, A acted on B. Results from habituation (experiment 1) and pupillometry paradigms (experiments 2 and 3) demonstrated that infants showed surprise when roles eventually switched (B acted on A). Thus, while encoding social interactions, infants fill in an abstract relational structure that marks the roles of agent and patient and that can be accessed via different event scenes and properties of the event participants (body postures or positioning). This mental process implies a combinatorial capacity that lays the foundations for productivity and compositionality in language and cognition.

Back-Health Knowledge and Misconceptions Related to the Daily Life Activities of Secondary School Students.

High school students with better knowledge about back care have fewer problems, but conceptual errors can hinder the acquisition of essential knowledge necessary for developing healthy habits. This study analyzed secondary school students' declarative knowledge and misconceptions related to back care in daily activities. An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted with 80 girls and 89 boys aged 14-18 years (M = 15.68, SD = 2.12). The Health Questionnaire on Back Care Knowledge in Activities of Daily Living was used to evaluate knowledge using the true answer model (TAM) and the misconception model (MM). Using the test-retest method, both models' reliability was confirmed (TAM = 0.75; MM = 0.77), while only a minimal measurement error was identified (TAM = -0.01; MM = -0.07). The average scores were 6.23 for the TAM and 2.29 for the MM. The results showed no significant differences in both models. The analysis indicated that students had the most accurate knowledge of the location and function of the spine, whereas misconceptions regarding anatomical understanding and body posture usage were common. An analysis of the results under Reassumption Theory emphasizes the significance of comprehending concepts such as load transmission and spinal stability to maintain back health, thus highlighting the need for improved education in these areas to address misconceptions and enhance overall back-care knowledge.