Balance Condition Research Articles

Optimizing the Future: A Game Theory to Tumor Therapeutic Strategies

BackgroundCancer poses significant economic and societal burdens on countries in the coming decades. During chemotherapy, patients frequently encounter adverse reactions. Recent research has revealed that Chinese medicine plays a crucial role in mitigating the side effects of chemotherapy. Therefore, in this article, we propose that the cancer treatment process can be likened to an unequal game. To refine treatment strategies, we suggest employing the Steinberg model to incorporate Chinese medicine into the chemotherapy regimen for tumor treatment.ResultsWe found that when malignant tumors exhibit vigorous proliferation, doctors should administer Chinese medicine in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs, continuously optimizing the therapeutic effect of the Chinese medicine. Upon reaching a specific threshold in the treatment effect of the Chinese medicine, doctors may appropriately augment the dosage of chemotherapy drugs, building upon the initial regimen. Conversely, in cases where the proliferation ability of malignant tumors is weak, the dosage of chemotherapy and the adjuvant therapy with Chinese medicine should be kept in a relatively balanced state. Once the effect of the Chinese medicine attains a particular threshold, the dosage of chemotherapy can be concurrently increased to achieve a superior therapeutic result.ConclusionsFrom a game theory perspective, doctors can devise strategies to minimize drug toxicity and improve tumor treatment outcomes by coordinating the use of chemotherapy drugs with appropriate adjustments to Chinese medicine therapy methods.

Impact of cognitive fatigue on balance in individuals with multiple sclerosis without cognitive impairment

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of cognitive fatigue on balance among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) without cognitive impairment. Method A total 50 individuals with MS aged 20–50 years, without cognitive impairment and with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 0–4, participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (CG) or a study group (SG). The CG rested for 30 minutes, while the SG engaged in cognitive activities lasting 30–45 minutes to induce cognitive fatigue. Cognitive fatigue was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after the tasks. Balance was evaluated using clinical tests: the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and the Single Leg Stance Test (SLST), as well as laboratory assessments including the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (mCTSIB) and Limits of Stability (LOS) with static posturography. Results Within-group analyses showed a significant increase in cognitive fatigue on the VAS in the SG (p < 0.001). In the mCTSIB, the SG showed significant changes in firm/eyes open, foam/eyes open, and composite scores, while between-group differences were observed only in firm/eyes open and foam/eyes open conditions (p < 0.005). No significant differences were found between groups in LOS, FRT, or SLST outcomes (p > 0.05). Conclusion In individuals with MS, the impact observed only in the eyes-open static balance condition suggests that dynamic balance and eyes-closed static balance parameters rely more on automatic mechanisms compared to the eyes-open condition and are not influenced by cognitive fatigue.

A critical analysis of Vishad Guna; Exploring its properties and uses in Ayurveda

All substances in the universe originate and develop with the inherent qualities of Satva, Raja, and Tama. This creation holds a significant position for its qualities. In material science, the characteristics of matter are influenced by its properties. These attributes differ from those of Sattvaadi. Understanding properties is crucial alongside understanding substances because all the qualities (Gurvadi Guna) attributed to substances are present in our bodies. When the body experiences decay for any reason, it can be restored to a balanced state by utilizing substances that possess similar properties. Conversely, when there is an excess of a certain property, substances with opposite properties are employed. Hence, qualities are also referred to as physical or medical qualities. Without an understanding of these properties, it is impossible to restore the body's metals to a state of equilibrium. Thus, understanding the properties existing in matter becomes imperative after exploring the matter. When a substance is combined or altered, it carries out diverse functions. Matter serves as a medium (Kaaran Dravya) for carrying out various actions.

Grey relational analysis to identify the ideal combination of impact toughness and hardness for biodegradable quenched-tempered 42CrMo4 steel

Abstract This work investigated the effect of different types of tempering on the hardness, impact toughness and microstructure of normalized and biodegradable-quenched 42CrMo4 steel. Specimens were normalised initially then hardened using green oil quenchants such as Pinnay oil, Karanja seed oil and blended oil (Equal volume percentage of Pinnay and Karanja seed oil) then subjected to single stage tempering process. Surface response methodology was used to obtain optimised conditions from single stage tempering process to carry out other types of the tempering processes such as multiple and step tempering processes. Grey relational analysis was used to select the tempering process that yield best balanced property condition. The two steps tempering process with hardness of 36 HRC, impact toughness of 56 Joules and with grey relational grade of 0.7 was considered as the process to get optimal mix of hardness and impact toughness in 42CrMo4 steel.

3D random-modulated pulse lidar based on a gain-switched semiconductor laser with a recirculating delay lines interferometer

This study presents the development of a 3D random-modulated pulse lidar based on a gain-switched semiconductor laser with a recirculating delay lines interferometer (RDLI). The random-modulated pulses are generated by homodyning the frequency-shifting gain-switched pulses with multiple self-delays. While they exhibit anti-interference characteristics similar to those in previously developed chaos-modulated lidar, there is no need for external pulse formation and wavelength-sensitive filtering components in the current configuration. By varying the injection currents in gain-switching and the delay lengths in the RDLI, we experimentally investigated the transient dynamics of the generated random-modulated pulses. We demonstrated how these operating parameters influence the modulation in their waveforms and spectra. The detection performance was quantified by calculating the effective bandwidths, signal-to-noise ratios, Cramér-Rao lower bounds, range precision, self-interference peaks, and detection probability. We identified two key operating conditions: the best-precision condition and the precision-interference balanced condition. Compared to a previously investigated delay self-homodyne interferometer (DSHI) scheme, which homodynes the gain-switched pulses with just a single delay, the RDLI scheme achieved a precision as low as 0.46 mm, approximately 1.5 times better than the DSHI scheme. To demonstrate its superior performance and feasibility for detection, we integrated the RDLI into a 3D lidar imaging system and compared its performance to the DSHI and chaos lidar schemes. To highlight its improved precision and robustness to temperature variations, we evaluated its precision under varying average output power and changes in laser temperature. With the developed lidar system, we successfully achieved high-quality face profiling of a person with millimeter-level precision.

Notes on optimal flux fields

For a given region, and specified boundary flux and density rate of an extensive property, the optimal flux field that satisfies the balance conditions is considered. The optimization criteria are the [Formula: see text]-norm and a Sobolev-like norm of the flux field. Finally, the capacity of the region to accommodate various boundary fluxes and density rates is defined and analyzed.

Effects of Hearing Aids on Static and Subjective Balance in Patients With Hearing Loss: A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of hearing aids (HAs) on reducing symptoms of dizziness in patients with hearing loss (HL) and dizziness. Subjects and. A pre- and post-intervention study was conducted between February 2022 and July 2022 at the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Seoul, South Korea. Ten participants (four males and six females) with HL and dizziness were recruited. Participants were screened using pure-tone audiometry and visual analog scale scores at baseline. Selected participants underwent the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB) and Korean Dizziness Handicap Inventory (K-DHI) in the unaided state. Thereafter, participants were provided HAs and instructed to use them for at least 6 hours every day. At the 1-month follow-up, all participants were assessed in the aided state using the same tests as at baseline. All tests were performed bilaterally. In the mCTSIB, a significant difference was observed in the foam surface-eyes closed score before (median=2.35) and after (median=2.2) HA use (p=0.049). No significant differences were observed in the K-DHI scores before and after HA use. HA use may improve the static and subjective perception of balance in patients with HL and dizziness. Future research should explore the benefits of HAs under various balance conditions such as dynamic balance and gait.

Analysis of Connectivity in Electromyography Signals to Examine Neural Correlations in the Activation of Lower Leg Muscles for Postural Stability: A Pilot Study.

In quiet standing, the central nervous system implements a pre-programmed ankle strategy of postural control to maintain upright balance and stability. This strategy comprises a synchronized common neural drive delivered to synergistically grouped muscles. This study evaluated connectivity between EMG signals of the unilateral and bilateral homologous muscle pairs of the lower legs during various standing balance conditions using magnitude-squared coherence (MSC). The leg muscles examined included the right and left tibialis anterior (TA), medial gastrocnemius (MG), and soleus (S). MSC is a frequency domain measure that quantifies the linear phase relation between two signals and was analyzed in the alpha (8-13 Hz), beta (13-30 Hz), and gamma (30-100 Hz) neural frequency bands for feet together and feet tandem, with eyes open and eyes closed conditions. Results showed that connectivity in the beta and lower and upper gamma bands (30-100 Hz) was influenced by standing balance conditions and was indicative of a neural drive originating from the motor cortex. Instability was evaluated by comparing less stable standing conditions with a baseline-eyes open feet together stance. Changes in connectivity in the beta and gamma bands were found to be most significant in the muscle pairs of the back leg during a tandem stance regardless of dominant foot placement. MSC identified the MG:S muscle pair as significant for the right and left leg. The results of this study provided insight into the neural mechanism of postural control.

Identifying Opportunities for Fluid Balance Optimization in Critically Ill Children.

Fluid overload (FO), a state of pathologic positive cumulative fluid balance (CFB), is common in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) and associated with morbidity and mortality. Because different PICUs may have unique needs, barriers, and limitations to accurately report fluid balance (FB) and reduce FO, understanding the drivers of positive FB is needed. We hypothesize CFB >5% and >10% is common within initial days of PICU admission, but that reasons for high %CFB will vary across sites, as will barriers to accurate FB recording and opportunities to improve FB recording and management. Concurrent mixed methods study utilizing a retrospective observational cohort design and prospective interview and survey design performed at four tertiary pediatric ICUs. FB data was extracted from the electronic health record. A federated data collection framework allowed for rapid data aggregation. The primary outcome was %CFB on PICU days 1 and 2, defined as total intake minus total output divided by PICU admission weight. Chi-square test and Wilcoxon rank sum tests compared results across and within sites. Amongst 3,071 PICU encounters, day 2 CFB >5% varied from 39% to 54% (p=0.03) and day 2 CFB >10% varied from 16% to 25% (p=0.04) across sites. Urine occurrence recordings and patients receiving >100% Holliday-Segar fluids on Day 1 differed across sites (p<0.001). Sites discussed overall FB and specific FB goals on rounds with differing frequency (42-73% and 19-39%, respectively), but they reported similar barriers to accurate FB reporting and achievable opportunities to improve FB measurements. Day 2 CFB >5% and >10% was common among PICU encounters but proportion of patients varied significantly across PICUs. Individual ICUs have different drivers of FO that must be targeted to improve FB management.

Theoretical Research on the Axial Compression Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Mid-Long Columns Reinforced with Ultra-High-Performance Concrete.

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a cement-based composite material characterised by exceptional strength, low porosity and high durability, making it highly promising for reinforcement engineering. Based on the theory of tangential modulus, a calculation method has been developed for the axial compression capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) medium and long columns strengthened with UHPC, using the constitutive relation of materials and internal and external force balance conditions. This study analysed the influence of UHPC reinforcement layer thickness, reinforced layer, reinforcement ratio, column slenderness ratio and initial load level of core columns on the bearing capacity of reinforced columns. The results indicated that the bearing capacity of the mid-long columns increases with the thickness of the UHPC reinforcement layer and its reinforcement ratio. In addition, the bearing capacity decreases with the increase in the column slenderness ratio and initial load level of the core column.

A Nonlinear Rebalanced Control Compensation Model for Visual Information of Drivers in the Foggy Section of Expressways

To obtain the optimal driving visual guidance methods in sudden low-visibility fog environments, it is crucial to analyze the changes in visual characteristics and information demand under low-visibility foggy conditions. The paper constructs a driving visual information demand model for foggy environments based on visual information input and output, using Shannon’s theory and feedback control theory. Two types of foggy road sections with the same visibility, one with guidance lights and one without, were selected for real-vehicle experiments based on the driver’s blood pressure, heart rate, and driving gaze domain tests. The study found the following: (1) In sudden foggy environments, the amount of driving information obtained by drivers decreases instantly with a sudden drop in visibility, failing to meet the information demand for driving cognition, thereby disrupting the dynamic balance state of driving based on speed, visibility, and other road environment factors. The experiment also found that in low-visibility environments, the radius of the human eye’s visual gaze domain becomes smaller, with the gaze range mainly concentrated directly in front of the vehicle, and the lower the visibility, the smaller the gaze domain range; (2) Foggy conditions affect changes in drivers’ blood pressure and heart rate. Installing guidance lights with sufficient illumination at foggy sections to compensate for drivers’ visual information can effectively supplement the visual information required for safe driving; (3) The experiment indicates that the guidance effect of the lights is most pronounced when visibility is within the range of [50 m, 150 m]; however, when visibility is above 500 m, the presence of guidance lights can, to some extent, affect driving safety and increase the risk of accidents.

The tight balance state and mechanism of disaster-resilient resources in karst small towns: a Chinese karst landform case study

Karst small towns globally face challenges due to limited disaster-resilient resources, making it difficult to handle increasingly severe disaster environments. Improving the efficiency of disaster-resilient resource utilization and maintaining a tight balance state of disaster-resilient resources (TBS) are crucial for enhancing disaster adaptability and resilience. This study used urban and disaster data from a representative karst region in China (2017–2021) to conduct a quantitative analysis of TBS in karst small towns, exploring the mechanisms and interactions within this state and identifying obstacle factors. Results show an average TBS of 0.355, indicating a low level with growing disparities among towns. The spatial pattern of TBS has shifted from “high in the south, low in the north” to a multi-center structure, with central towns exhibiting stronger resource siphoning compared to radiating and driving abilities. The Coupling Coordination Degree model shows high coupling but low coordination, with an average value of 0.56, suggesting moderate coordination. Enhancing subsystem coupling and coordination is essential for improving TBS and disaster adaptability. Obstacle factor diagnosis identifies Driving Forces as the main constraint, followed by Responses, States, Pressures, and Impact. Lack of disaster monitoring and early warning technologies increases socio-economic losses caused by disasters.

Quantifying Spatiotemporal Changes in Supraglacial Debris Cover in Eastern Pamir from 1994 to 2024 Based on the Google Earth Engine

Supraglacial debris cover considerably influences sub-debris ablation patterns and the surface morphology of glaciers by modulating the land–atmosphere energy exchange. Understanding its spatial distribution and temporal variations is crucial for analyzing melting processes and managing downstream disaster mitigation efforts. In recent years, the overall slightly positive mass balance or stable state of eastern Pamir glaciers has been referred to as the “Pamir-Karakoram anomaly”. It is important to note that spatial heterogeneity in glacier change has drawn widespread research attention. However, research on the spatiotemporal changes in the debris cover in this region is completely nonexistent, which has led to an inadequate understanding of debris-covered glacier variations. To address this research gap, this study employed Landsat remote sensing images within the Google Earth Engine platform, leveraging the Random Forest algorithm to classify the supraglacial debris cover. The classification algorithm integrates spectral features from Landsat images and derived indices (NDVI, NDSI, NDWI, and BAND RATIO), supplemented by auxiliary factors such as slope and aspect. By extracting the supraglacial debris cover from 1994 to 2024, this study systematically analyzed the spatiotemporal variations and investigated the underlying drivers of debris cover changes from the perspective of mass conservation. By 2024, the area of supraglacial debris in eastern Pamir reached 258.08 ± 20.65 km2, accounting for 18.5 ± 1.55% of the total glacier area. It was observed that the Kungey Mountain region demonstrated the largest debris cover rate. Between 1994 and 2024, while the total glacier area decreased by −2.57 ± 0.70%, the debris-covered areas expanded upward at a rate of +1.64 ± 0.10% yr−1. The expansion of debris cover is driven by several factors in the context of global warming. The rising temperature resulted in permafrost degradation, slope destabilization, and intensified weathering on supply slopes, thereby augmenting the debris supply. Additionally, the steep supply slope in the study area facilitates the rapid deposition of collapsed debris onto glacier surfaces, with frequent avalanche events accelerating the mobilization of rock fragments.

Electrodiagnostic assessment of autonomic nervous system in diabetic autonomic neuropathy: Case series in 72 diabetes patients

ABSTRACT Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes which is asymptomatic in early stage. Hence HRV and AFT are performed to detect and prevent its progression to advanced stages. To discuss the HRV and AFT findings in diabetic patients. An observational study was conducted in Physiology department of AIIMS, Bhopal in collaboration with the Medicine department of the institute. Seventy-two diagnosed Type-2 Diabetes mellitus patients were examined using POWER LAB AND LAB CHART 8 BY AD INSTRUMENT: For recording heart rate variability (HRV) and Ewing’s battery of tests: For Autonomic function testing. Microsoft Excel was utilized for data compilation and for result analysis. In the present study, based on HRV parameters sympathetic involvement was seen in 39% while parasympathetic involvement was seen in 15% of patients. Balanced state was observed in 46% of the patients. Based on AFT battery, normal early involvement was observed in 62% of the patients while definite and severe involvement was observed in 14 and 24%, respectively. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy was observed in 72% of the patients based on HRV and AFT testing. In severe involvement, orthostatic hypotension was seen. Severe involvement was observed in 24% of the patients in present study. Involvement of the vagal parasympathetic component of ANS was obvious evidenced by increase in resting heart rate, decrease in Valsalva ratio, E/I index, and standing ratio. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy was observed in majority of patients with normal early involvement seen predominantly and though majority of them were in balanced state, sympathetic involvement was also seen at large. HRV studies depicted a decrease of total power, decreased low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) with LF/HF and SD1/SD2 ratios depicting sympathetic involvement.

Static load sharing performance of non-orthogonal and offset helical face gear dual-branch drivetrain

To research the static load sharing performance of non-orthogonal offset helical (NOH) face gear dual-branch drivetrain, the non-orthogonal offset layout forms of the system are explored, and the meshing phase differences of split-stage and converge-stage are analyzed. Based on the torque balance condition, deformation coordination condition, and static balance condition of the system, a static torque distribution model of the system was generated, and the static load sharing coefficients (SLSCs) were obtained results. The influence of assembly errors, support stiffness, torsional stiffness, meshing stiffness, and input load on the static load sharing performance was analyzed. The results indicate that assembly errors have a strong influence on the SLSCs, with the shaft angle errors exerting the strongest influence on the SLSCs; When there are assembly errors, the impact of input load and torsional stiffness on the static load sharing performance is greater than without assembly error. To increase the load sharing performance of the system, the meshing phase differences should be eliminated, and the offset layout form should be adopted in the dual-branch transmission system. In addition, reducing the support stiffness of the input helical gear and the fluctuation amplitude of meshing stiffness can also improve the load sharing performance.

Evolving glacier patterns in the Chenab River Basin (1993-2021): Drivers and environmental implications.

Glaciers of Jammu and Kashmir are retreating faster than those in the broader northwestern Himalayas, yet some glaciers in the Chenab River basin display signs of periodic advancement and mass gain (2005-2007). These features, such as coalescing lobate structures and blocked meltwater streams, raise intriguing questions about localized glacier dynamics. While global concerns over climate change and glacier retreat persist, the lack of detailed evidence regarding glacier advance in this region warrants further investigation. Consequently, a comprehensive investigation of the Bhut and Warwan sub-basin glaciers of the Chenab River basin, was conducted to understand their spatio-temporal evolution between 1993 and 2021. Our analysis revealed an area loss (6.7%), surface thinning (-0.3±0.4 ma-1), increased debris cover (11%), and reduced glacial velocity (54% in Bhut and 20% in Warwan) between 1993 and 2021. In contrast, we also observed periodic insignificant glacier advancement on nine glaciers, a balanced state on twelve, and the complete disappearance of 113 glaciers in these three decades. Among Bhut and Warwan sub-basins, the former revealed higher average velocity, slowdown, and thinning compared to the latter. The higher average velocity in the Bhut sub-basin is controlled by relatively higher precipitation, and the increase in overall debris coverage possibly governs the enhanced slowdown and thinning. We conclude that while the climate controls the long-term and periodic glacier response, the spatial variability is governed largely by the debris thickness, which is variable among glaciers and might also be changing. Furthermore, the aforementioned geomorphological evidence of some glacier advances, while happening locally, does not well represent the state and recent dynamics of the glaciers in these regions overall.

Fatty acids promote migration of CD4+ T cells through calcium release-activated calcium modulator ORAI1 sensitive glycolysis in dairy cows

Nutritional and metabolic state in dairy cows are important determinants of the immune response. During the periparturient period, a state of negative energy balance in the cow increases plasma concentrations of fatty acids, which are associated with inflammation. Among immune cells, CD4+ T are able to function under high fatty acid (High-FA) conditions, but the underlying mechanisms regulating these events remain unclear. The objective of this study was to clarify the functional mechanisms of CD4+ T cells under High-FA conditions. Effects of glycolysis and calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 (ORAI1) on migration of CD4+ T cells exposed to High-FA were investigated in vivo and in vitro. CD4+ T cells were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy (n = 9) and High-FA (n = 9) Holstein cows (average 2.5 ± 0.2 lactations, 12.3 ± 0.8 d in milk). In the first experiment, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to assess chemokine receptors in isolated CD4+ T cells and migration capacity. The relative mRNA measurements results revealed downregulation of CCR1 and CXCR2, and upregulation of CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CCR7, CCR8, CCR10, CXCR1, CXCR3, CXCR4, CX3CR1. Among them, the expression of CXCR4 was relatively high. Therefore, CXCL12, a ligand chemokine of CXCR4, was an inducer of CD4+ T cell migration. CD4+ T cells were inoculated in the upper chamber and CXCL12 (100 ng/mL, Peprotech) in RPMI1640 was added to the lower chamber and transmigrate for 3 h at 37°C and 5% CO2. The cell migration assay revealed that migration capacity of CD4+ T cells from High-FA cows was greater. RT-qPCR indicated greater abundance of the glycolysis-related targets HIF1A, HK2, PKM2, Glut1, GAPDH, LDHA and Western blotting indicated greater abundance of the glycolysis-related targets HIF1A, HK2, PKM2, Glut1, GAPDH and LDHA in CD4+ T cells of High-FA cows. To characterize specific mechanisms of CD4+ T cell migration in vitro, cells from the spleens of 3 newborn healthy female Holstein calves were isolated (1 d old, 40-50 kg) after euthanasia. Inhibition of glycolysis attenuated the migration ability of cells, but had no effect on the protein and mRNA abundance of SOCE-associated ORAI1 and STIM1. In contrast, ORAI1 was upregulated in CD4+ T cells of cows exposed to high-FA. To explore the potential mechanisms whereby an active glycolytic metabolism affects CD4+ T cells under High-FA conditions, we knocked down ORAI1 (siORAI1) using small interfering RNA. Isolated CD4+ T cells from High-FA cows with the siORAI1 had an attenuated glycolytic metabolism and migration capacity. Taken together, these data suggested that calcium ions in CD4+ T cells from cows with High-FA regulate glycolytic metabolism and influence cell migration at least in part by modulating ORAI1. Thus, these studies identified a novel mechanism of Ca2+ regulation of CD4+ T cell glycolytic metabolism affecting their migration through the SOCE pathway.

Combined associations of takeaway food availability and walkability with adiposity: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses.

Diet and physical activity are important determinants of energy balance, body weight and chronic health conditions. Peoples' health and behaviour are shaped by their environment. For example, the availability of unhealthy takeaway food in residential neighbourhoods and the ability to easily walk to a range of local destinations (high "walkability") influence diets and physical activity levels. Most existing evidence on the associations between residential neighbourhood and adiposity is cross-sectional and examines either walkability or takeaway availability, but not both in combination.We examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of residential neighbourhood walkability and takeaway food availability with markers of adiposity separately and combined. With data from the Fenland Study (Cambridgeshire, UK; n=12,435), we used linear regression to estimate associations for walkability and takeaway availability separately and in mutually adjusted models, in addition to combining both into a measure of neighbourhood supportiveness for active living and healthy eating. Objective measures of BMI were examined cross-sectionally at baseline (2005-2015) and as change between baseline and follow-up (2014-2020). Additional outcomes (percentage body fat, waist circumference and hip circumference) were also examined both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Complete case analyses indicated that neighbourhoods with greater walkability and lower takeaway availability were associated with lower BMI (n=10,607) and more favourable trends over time (n=5508). For example, compared with the lowest exposure group (Q1), Q4 of walkability and takeaway food availability was associated with a difference in BMI of -0.69kg/m2 (95% CI=-1.09 to -0.29) and 0.99kg/m2 (95% CI=0.58 to 1.39) respectively. These associations were more consistent when both neighbourhood measures were included in mutually adjusted models. The combined supportiveness measure was associated with lower BMI. High walkability and low takeaway availability were also associated with lower body fat percentage, waist circumference and hip circumference. These findings are consistent with the residential environment having a role in shaping people's health and behaviour. Living in an area that supports walking and cycling and affords less access to unhealthy food may support people to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It was important to consider walkability and takeaway food availability together because to examine them separately risks unobserved confounding by the other. Future research could incorporate additional environmental measures, especially those likely to be correlated.

ADALINE-based synchronous detection for enhanced shunt APF performance

Power quality issues caused by current harmonics from nonlinear and unbalanced loads are a growing concern. This paper presents a novel control strategy for four-wire shunt active power filters (SAPF) that surpasses existing conventional methods in mitigating harmonics and power factor correction. The strategy employs an improved synchronous detection method (SDM) enhanced by an adaptive linear neural network (ADALINE) trained using the least mean square (LMS) algorithm. This approach accurately estimates harmonic frequencies, enabling the SAPF to generate precise compensation currents. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through MATLAB-Simulink simulations under balanced supply conditions, encompassing diverse load scenarios. These simulation results are compared with those obtained using instantaneous power theory (IPT). They demonstrate the ability of the proposed method to achieve excellent harmonic identification and elimination, to comply with IEEE 519 harmonic limits, to ensure sinusoidal and balanced line currents, and to compensate for reactive power and neutral current. Furthermore, its simple architecture and noise robustness make it a promising solution for enhancing power quality.

H-theorem at negative temperature: the random exchange model with bounds

Abstract Random exchange kinetic models are widely employed to describe the conservative dynamics of large interacting systems. Due to their simplicity and generality, they are quite popular in several fields, from statistical mechanics to biophysics and economics. Here, we study a version where bounds on the individual shares of a globally conserved quantity are introduced. We analytically show that this dynamic allows stationary states with population inversion, described by Boltzmann statistics at negative absolute temperature, if the conserved quantity has the physical meaning of an energy. The proposed model therefore provides a privileged system for the study of thermalization towards a negative temperature state. First, the genuine equilibrium nature of the stationary state is verified by checking the detailed balance condition. Then, an H-theorem is proven, ensuring that such equilibrium condition is reached by a monotonic increase in the Boltzmann entropy. We also provide analytical and numerical evidence that a large intruder in contact with the system thermalizes, suggesting a practical way to design a thermal bath at negative temperature.