Continuous Movement Research Articles

Reconstructing anthropic coastal landscape of Campi Flegrei volcanic area (Southern Italy) during the Roman period from multi-technique surveys

ABSTRACT Campi Flegrei is one of the widest and most dangerous active volcanic complexes in the Mediterranean basin, known to be affected by continuous and sudden vertical ground movements (bradyseismic crisis) that have characterized the post-calderic volcanic activity since the Late Pleistocene and particularly during the Roman period. Despite the intense volcano-tectonic processes, the area has been densely inhabited since the Greek-Roman as testified by several submerged archaeological remains here used as high-precision relative sea-level markers. By using a complex multi-technique approach made of direct, indirect morpho-acoustic and optical surveys, and stratigraphic analysis, we present a detailed reconstruction of the coastal landscape of Campi Flegrei and its surroundings between the Roman Late Republican and Early Imperial ages. The coastal scenario aims to facilitate the comprehension of how volcano-tectonic events influenced the evolution of this singular coastal landscape, and how these interfered with human activity in terms of damages and adaptation.

Finite Element Analysis of Maxillary Teeth Movement with Time during En Masse Retraction Using Orthodontic Mini-Screw

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the placement of an orthodontic mini-screw (OMS) and the length of an anterior retraction hook (ARH) with en masse retraction. Continuous maxillary tooth movement pattern was simulated by finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and methods: Extraction of the first premolar was hypothesized with a finite element model. The placement of OMS was analyzed for the following two groups: (1) a high OMS (HOMS) group with OMS placed horizontally at the mesial side of the second premolar and apically 10 mm above the arch wire, and (2) a low OMS (LOMS) group with OMS placed horizontally between the second premolar and the first molar and apically 8 mm above the arch wire. According to the height of ARH, each group was divided into three subgroups. Results: When the extraction space of the first premolar was closed, anterior teeth were intruded in the HOMS group but extruded in the LOMS group. In all cases, the first molar was intruded. According to the intrusion of the first molar and extrusion of anterior teeth, the occlusal plane rotated clockwise (CW) in the LOMS group. However, in the HOMS1 group, the occlusal plane rotated counterclockwise (CCW) due to more intrusion of anterior teeth than that of the first molar. Conclusion: By analyzing six cases of different OMS and ARH, changes of incisor and molar in en masse retraction with the extraction of the first premolar could be predicted. In addition, OMS placement and ARH length can be determined based on results of incisal showing. This study can also help esthetic orthodontic results.

The Influence Of Gemu Famire Gymnastics On Early Childrhoods's Rhythmic Movement Ability In Kampong Bharu Guidance Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Rhythmic movement ability is an essential component in the motor development of early childhood. It contains elements of flexibility, rhythm, movement accuracy, and continuous movement. The lack of stimulation and the lack of focus on developing motor skills, especially rhythmic movements, makes it difficult for some children to move according to the rhythm and coordinate the movements of their hands and feet. One effort that can be done is to use rhythmic gymnastics. This study aimed to determine the effect of Gemu Famire Gymnastics on the ability of early childhood rhythmic movements in the Kampong Bharu Guidance Center. The type of research used was experimental research with a pretest–posttest control group design. Samples were taken from pre-GC children with an age range of 5 - 7 years with 20 children (10 children in the experimentclass and 10 children in the control class). Data were collected using observation and then processed and analyzed using the t-test. Based on the analysis results, the data results are normally distributed with the same variance value. Then, based on the results of testing the hypothesis with the t-test, the t count score = 2.653 and t table 2.100 were obtained. If the two were compared, it can be concluded that t count t table, which means that Gemu Famire gymnastics affected the ability of early childhood rhythmic movements at the Kampong Bharu Guidance Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Host immune responses to enzootic and invasive pathogen lineages vary in magnitude, timing, and efficacy.

Infectious diseases of wildlife continue to pose a threat to biodiversity worldwide, yet pathogens are far from uniform in virulence or host disease outcome. Within the same pathogen species, virulence can vary considerably depending on strain or lineage, in turn eliciting variable host responses. One pathogen that has caused extensive biodiversity loss is the amphibian-killing fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which is comprised of a globally widespread hypervirulent lineage (Bd-GPL), and multiple geographically restricted, enzootic lineages. Whereas host immunogenomic responses to Bd-GPL have been characterized in a number of amphibian species, immunogenomic responses to geographically restricted, enzootic Bd lineages are less clear. To examine lineage-specific host immune responses to Bd, we exposed a species of pumpkin toadlet, Brachycephalus pitanga, which is endemic to Brazil's Southern Atlantic Forest, to either the Bd-GPL or the enzootic Bd-Asia-2/Brazil (hereafter Bd-Brazil) lineage. Using temporal samples from early, mid, and late infection stages, we quantified functional immunogenomic responses over the course of infection using differential gene expression tests and coexpression network analyses. Host immune responses varied significantly with Bd lineage. Relative to controls, toadlet responses to Bd-Brazil were weak at early infection (25 genes significantly differentially expressed), peaked by mid-stage infection (414 genes), and were nearly fully resolved by late-stage infection (nine genes). In contrast, responses to Bd-GPL were magnified and delayed; toadlets significantly differentially expressed 111 genes early, 87 genes at mid-stage infection, and 726 genes by late-stage infection relative to controls. Given that infection intensity did not vary between mid- and late-stage disease in either Bd-Brazil or Bd-GPL treatments, this suggests that pumpkin toadlets may be at least partially tolerant to the enzootic Bd-Brazil lineage. In contrast, late-stage immune activation against Bd-GPL was consistent with immune dysregulation previously observed in other species. Our results demonstrate that both the timing of immune response and the particular immune pathways activated are specific to Bd lineage. Within regions where multiple Bd lineages co-occur, and given continued global Bd movement, these differential host responses may influence not only individual disease outcome, but transmission dynamics at the population and community levels.

Design and Fabrication of Eco-Friendly Road Footpath Cleaning Machine for Industries

Abstract: With the growth of technology, researchers are paying greater attention to automated floor cleaning devices in order to make mankind's existence more comfortable. The concept is gaining traction in developed countries, although it is still unpopular because to design complexity, machine costs, and power tariff running costs. A manual floor cleaning machine is proposed in this project. Early in the day, a floor is cleaned with a broom that is controlled by a human hand. This requires a continual movement of the human hand, which is exhausting and time demanding. The goal of this project is to provide a modernised procedure for wet and dry floor cleaning. This equipment is capable of cleaning floors in both dry and wet conditions. It also has a dust storage box. It was decided to create a prototype model that uses a DC drive powered rotary brush with pneumatic controlled dust shifting to assist users in removing waste and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment, thereby avoiding health inequalities and safety concerns

Redefining Bradykinesia.

Redefining Bradykinesia.

A 2D-Lidar-Equipped Unmanned Robot-Based Approach for Indoor Human Activity Detection

Monitoring the activities of elderly people living alone is of great importance since it allows for the detection of when hazardous events such as falling occur. In this context, the use of 2D light detection and ranging (LIDAR) has been explored, among others, as a way to identify such events. Typically, a 2D LIDAR is placed near the ground and collects measurements continuously, and a computational device classifies these measurements. However, in a realistic environment with home furniture, it is hard for such a device to operate as it requires a direct line of sight (LOS) with its target. Furniture will block the infrared (IR) rays from reaching the monitored person thus limiting the effectiveness of such sensors. Nonetheless, due to their fixed location, if a fall is not detected when it happens, it cannot be detected afterwards. In this context, cleaning robots present a much better alternative given their autonomy. In this paper, we propose to use a 2D LIDAR mounted on top of a cleaning robot. Through continuous movement, the robot is able to collect distance information continuously. Despite having the same drawback, by roaming in the room, the robot can identify if a person is laying on the ground after falling, even after a certain period from the fall event. To achieve such a goal, the measurements captured by the moving LIDAR are transformed, interpolated, and compared to a reference state of the surroundings. A convolutional long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network is trained to classify the processed measurements and identify if a fall event occurs or has occurred. Through simulations, we show that such a system can achieve an accuracy equal to 81.2% in fall detection and 99% in the detection of lying bodies. Compared to the conventional method, which uses a static LIDAR, the accuracy reaches for the same tasks 69.4% and 88.6%, respectively.

Can the emotional state of calves be noticed by their facial expression and heart rate?

The aim of this study was to identify whether or not dairy calves change their facial expression and heart rate according to their emotional state when subjected to a stroking or umbrella stimulus. Thirty-two mixed-breed Holstein calves of different ages were submitted to stroking and umbrella stimulus. For the stroking stimulation, a researcher performed stroking for 1 min in the neck region with continuous and frequent movements (about 40–60 movements per minute) to simulate the speed with which an animal would receive allogrooming. As for umbrella stimulus, a researcher positioned himself one meter in front of the calf, with an umbrella in his hand, without making eye contact. Then, the umbrella was suddenly opened and remained open for one minute. The eyebrow position, mouth, eye white area, nostril area and heart rate were investigated. For the continuous variables, eye white area, nostril area and heart rate we used the linear mixed effects. For the binary variables, mouth (open or closed) and eyebrow (raised or normal). We used the generalized linear mixed model with logit link function. The variables eye white area, nostril area, mouth and eyebrow did not present significant effects (P > 0.05) as a result of the stimulus. However, the heart rate showed a significant difference (F(1150) = 15.264, P < 0.001) according to the stimulus the animals received. Dairy calves do not express facial changes in their emotional state when subjected to stroking or umbrella stimuli, but there is a reduction in heart rate relates to the valence of a stimulus.

EXPRESS: Visual Movement Impairs Duration Discrimination at Short Intervals.

The classic advantage of audition over vision in time processing has been recently challenged by studies using continuously moving visual stimuli such as bouncing balls. Bouncing balls drive beat-based synchronization better than static visual stimuli (flashes) and as efficiently as auditory ones (beeps). It is yet unknown how bouncing balls modulate performance in duration perception. Our previous study addressing this was inconclusive: there were no differences among bouncing balls, flashes, and beeps, but this could have been due to the fact that intervals were too long to allow sensitivity to modality (visual vs. auditory). In the present study, we conducted a first experiment to determine whether shorter intervals elicit cross-stimulus differences. We found that short (mean 157 ms) but not medium (326 ms) intervals made duration perception worse for bouncing balls compared to flashes and beeps. In a second experiment, we investigated whether the lower efficiency of bouncing balls was due to experimental confounds, lack of realism, or movement. We ruled out the experimental confounds and found support for the hypothesis that visual movement - be it continuous or discontinuous - impairs duration perception at short interval lengths. Therefore, unlike beat-based synchronization, duration perception does not benefit from continuous visual movement, which may even have a detrimental effect at short intervals.

Another simple technique for nasogastric tube insertion in anaesthetised, intubated patients.

Dear Editor, Insertion of a nasogastric tube (NGT) in an anaesthetised, intubated patient can become challenging. The conventional method of blind NGT insertion has a success rate of approximately 40–58%.[1] After obtaining patients’ consent and ethical clearance, we selected 20 anaesthetised, intubated patients posted for surgery (1st to 31st January 2022). Patients who needed general anesthesia with intubation and NGT placement (laparoscopic surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, etc.) were included in our study. Patients with skull base fracture, coagulopathy, nasopharyngeal and oesophageal pathology, and head and neck radiotherapy were excluded. Size 16 French, 105 cm NGT was used. NGT insertion was performed by a single anaesthesiologist. After intubation, the head was kept in a neutral position using an intubation pillow (8–10 cm height soft pad placed under the occiput). NGT length was estimated by measuring the distance from the xiphoid process to the nostril via the earlobe. The proximal end of the NGT was lubricated with water-based jelly and inserted through the larger nostril. Once NGT entered the nasopharynx, it was gently inserted further and simultaneously rotated in a clockwise direction continuously using the right hand. The remaining length of the NGT was straightened with its distal end held with the left hand and rotated continuously in the same direction so that the NGT rotates in toto. If any resistance was faced, the NGT was withdrawn a little and reinserted with continuous clockwise rotational movements. Correct placement of NGT was confirmed with epigastric auscultation. Time taken for NGT insertion was noted. A laryngoscopy was done to look for kinking of NGT or bleeding in the oral cavity. If the first attempt failed, NGT was cleaned and reinserted by a similar technique. Time taken for the second attempt of NGT insertion was noted. It was considered as failed, after the failed second attempt. NGT insertion was then guided by laryngoscope and Magill forceps. Demographic characteristics and procedural parameters are summarized in Table 1. Eleven patients were of normal weight, six were overweight and three were obese. NGT insertion was successful in the first attempt in 19/20 patients and in the second attempt in 1/20 patients. In one patient where the first attempt of NGT insertion was unsuccessful, both bleeding and full coiling were noted. The shortest and longest time taken for the procedure was 14 and 55 seconds respectively. Fourteen patients (70%) NGT was inserted in ≤30 seconds and six patients (30%) in >30 seconds. Two patients had right nasal intubation because of carcinoma tongue. In both these patients, NGT was inserted through the left nostril successfully in the first attempt. Three patients had developed a single coil of NGT in the oropharynx because of over-insertion. Common sites of NGT misplacement are piriform sinus, arytenoid cartilage, oesophagus, and lungs.[2] Several techniques like neck flexion, lateral neck pressure, and reverse sellick maneuver had been tried with different success rates (85% vs 85% vs 80%, respectively).[3] Strengthening the distal portion of NGT by freezing (85% success)[4] or threading guide wire (96% success)[3] improves the ease of insertion. Despite GlideScope or Macintosh laryngoscope-guided NGT insertion being successful, it can limit the space for manipulation of Magill forceps. NGT insertion by SORT (Sniffing position, orientation of NGT, contralateral Rotation, Twisting) technique has also shown good results (97%).[2] However, with rotational movement alone, we had successful NGT insertion in all the patients. Thus, we hypothesize that if the NGT tip faces any resistance during insertion, the continuous rotational movement will deflect the tip from resistance. The tip will then find the path of least resistance to the oesophagus. This is a very simple technique that nurses can perform easily. As the neck position is not altered, this technique can be helpful in anesthetized cervical spine fracture patients. Also, this technique may be convenient in anesthetized patients with facial bone fractures or intra-oral lesions, as there is no necessity for devices like laryngoscope or Magill forceps.Table 1: Patient demographics and procedural parametersFinancial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Onboard Centralized ISL-Building Planning for LEO Satellite Constellation Networks

Large-scale low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation projects are increasingly adopting inter-satellite links (ISLs) to enable their autonomous and collaborative operation. Due to the large number of satellite constellation network nodes and their continuous movement in orbit, the network nodes may not remain visible to each other at all times, so the ISL-building choices among satellites are diverse and vary with time. As a result, maintaining a network topology requires onboard planning and management. In this paper, we creatively propose an onboard centralized ISL-building planning scheme with the goal of autonomous topology management. A multi-antenna visibility calculation method that takes the antenna installation angle and the turntable rotation threshold into account is provided for the visibility calculation procedure. Additionally, the link-building planning process is modeled using integer linear programming (ILP); however, to tackle the computational complexity problem of ILP, a link-building planning method based on topology stability optimization is presented. The simulation results show that the proposed onboard centralized ISL-building planning scheme can operate among satellites to successfully realize network status collection, visibility calculation, link-building planning, and planning result distribution, as conducted by the dynamic primary satellite. Moreover, the inter-plane link-building planning method based on topology stability optimization improves the network topology stability on the basis of reducing the network delay.

The Radical in Ambedkar: Critical Reflections

The Radical in Ambedkar: Critical Reflections

Antifouling Properties of Pluronic and Tetronic Surfactants in Digital Microfluidics.

Fouling at liquid-solid interfaces is a pernicious problem for a wide range of applications, including those that are implemented by digital microfluidics (DMF). There are several strategies that have been used to combat surface fouling in DMF, the most common being inclusion of amphiphilic surfactant additives in the droplets to be manipulated. Initial studies relied on Pluronic additives, and more recently, Tetronic additives have been used, which has allowed manipulation of complex samples like serum and whole blood. Here, we report our evaluation of 19 different Pluronic and Tetronic additives, with attempts to determine (1) the difference in antifouling performance between the two families, (2) the structural similarities that predict exceptional antifouling performance, and (3) the mechanism of the antifouling behavior. Our analysis shows that both Pluronic and Tetronic additives with modest molar mass, poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) ≥50 units, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) mass percentage ≤50%, and hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) ca. 13-15 allow for exceptional antifouling performance in DMF. The most promising candidates, P104, P105, and T904, were able to support continuous movement of droplets of serum for more than 2 h, a result (for devices operating in air) previously thought to be out of reach for this technique. Additional results generated using device longevity assays, intrinsic fluorescence measurements, dynamic light scattering, asymmetric flow field flow fractionation, supercritical angle fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and quartz crystal microbalance measurements suggest that the best-performing surfactants are more likely to operate by forming a protective layer at the liquid-solid interface than by complexation with proteins. We propose that these results and their implications are an important step forward for the growing community of users of this technique, which may provide guidance in selecting surfactants for manipulating biological matrices for a wide range of applications.

Track and dive-based movement metrics do not predict the number of prey encountered by a marine predator

BackgroundStudying animal movement in the context of the optimal foraging theory has led to the development of simple movement metrics for inferring feeding activity. Yet, the predictive capacity of these metrics in natural environments has been given little attention, raising serious questions of the validity of these metrics. The aim of this study is to test whether simple continuous movement metrics predict feeding intensity in a marine predator, the southern elephant seal (SES; Mirounga leonine), and investigate potential factors influencing the predictive capacity of these metrics.MethodsWe equipped 21 female SES from the Kerguelen Archipelago with loggers and recorded their movements during post-breeding foraging trips at sea. From accelerometry, we estimated the number of prey encounter events (nPEE) and used it as a reference for feeding intensity. We also extracted several track- and dive-based movement metrics and evaluated how well they explain and predict the variance in nPEE. We conducted our analysis at two temporal scales (dive and day), with two dive profile resolutions (high at 1 Hz and low with five dive segments), and two types of models (linear models and regression trees).ResultsWe found that none of the movement metrics predict nPEE with satisfactory power. The vertical transit rates (primarily the ascent rate) during dives had the best predictive performance among all metrics. Dive metrics performed better than track metrics and all metrics performed on average better at the scale of days than the scale of dives. However, the performance of the models at the scale of days showed higher variability among individuals suggesting distinct foraging tactics. Dive-based metrics performed better when computed from high-resolution dive profiles than low-resolution dive profiles. Finally, regression trees produced more accurate predictions than linear models.ConclusionsOur study reveals that simple movement metrics do not predict feeding activity in free-ranging marine predators. This could emerge from differences between individuals, temporal scales, and the data resolution used, among many other factors. We conclude that these simple metrics should be avoided or carefully tested a priori with the studied species and the ecological context to account for significant influencing factors.

Application of mobile systems with various software products to measuring animal exterior parameters

Relevance. Currently, contactless remote measurements of the parameters of the exterior of animals are of considerable interest in the field of breeding and genetics of cattle. They can reduce the risk of dangerous reactions of animals to stress and significantly reduce the time needed to get measurements. We offer a way to obtain information about the size of an animal in real time by obtaining an image using the Structure Sensor 3D depth sensor.Methods. Scientific experimental studies were conducted in 2018–2022 on Black-and-White cows in breeding enterprises of the Udmurt Republic (Russian Federation). The volume of the sample population of animals was about 2000 cows. The animals were evaluated from the 90th to the 150th day of lactation. We have selected the following measurements: height at the withers, chest depth, chest width, hips width, straight length of the hip area, straight length of the trunk, circumference of the cannon bone, length of the rump bone, depth in the lower back, width. These parameters most accurately characterize the dimensions (frame) and hip area of the animal.Results. The analysis of the obtained results indicates the validity of using the Structure Sensor 3D depth sensor as a priority method for obtaining animal measurements. A comparative analysis of contactless methods for obtaining measurements of cows shows that in approximately the same time, it is possible to obtain numerical values of up to 10 exterior parameters. Calibration is performed easily and quickly within 10–15 minutes. The use of the Structure Sensor 3D depth sensor eliminates inaccuracies of obtaining a silhouette, that arise due to the continuous movement of animals, and does not require the creation of a new technique for obtaining measurements of the body of animals that differ in age, size and live weight. Using Structure Sensor 3D, examples were obtained with an accuracy of 1 mm without causing stress in animals.

Self-Organized Ad Hoc Mobile (SOAM) Underwater Sensor Networks

The need of underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) having mobile sensor nodes has been there for a long time in form of underwater warfare or explorations by autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) or remote unmanned vehicles (ROVs). There are very few protocols for ad hoc mobile UWSNs (AMUWSNs). Designing a protocol for AMUWSN is quite challenging because of continuous random movement of the sensor nodes. In addition to random movement, the challenges to design a routing protocol for AMUWSN are more demanding than terrestrial ad hoc networks due to acoustic communications, which has large propagation delay in water. In this article, we present a self-organized ad hoc mobile (SOAM) routing protocol for AMUWSN. The sensor nodes may need to communicate with each other to the gateway (GW). The protocol, which we also refer to as SOAM, is a reactive, self-configuring, and self-organizing cluster-based routing protocol that uses received signal strength (RSS) for distance estimation. A beacon (BCN) packet will be sent by the GW, which will traverse through all the cluster heads (CHs) to form forwarding paths between the GW and the CHs. The ordinary sensor nodes (OSNs) will select the CHs every time they intend to forward a packet based on the BCN and they will receive from CHs. The formation of the forwarding path between the GW and the CHs and the selection CHs by OSN is explained in <xref ref-type="sec" rid="sec4" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Section IV</xref> .

The Effect of Geometrical Features of Release Surfaces on the Stability of Tectonically Disturbed Deep Rock Slopes in an Albite Open Pit Mine

An albite deposit formed in orthogneiss has been operated using open pit mining process since 1996. However, landslides have occurred following the excavation works and heavy rainfalls. In the current state, the slopes are still susceptible to mass movement. For this reason, this study aimed to determine the root causes that are influencing continuous movements. In this context, two geometric features of the strike-slip faults that form tectonic slices in the pit were proposed. The first one (α-angle) is the acute angle between the dip direction of the overall slope and the general trend of the strike-slip fault and it was used for the kinematic evaluation of the sliding potential of the tectonic slices. The validity of α-angle was confirmed by investigating its relationship with the factor of safety values. The second one (undulation angle, i) was used to determine the effective surface friction angle (ϕeff). Thereafter, ϕeff value was used in the deterministic finite element (FE) slope stability analyses as well as back analyses. Its effect on the stability of overall slopes was investigated for static and pseudo-static conditions with different water table levels. The FE results confirmed the monitored field displacement measurements. It was found that as α-angle decreases, the ability to resist sliding also decreases since the low α-angle promotes block formation. This study also demonstrated that using the undulation angles on mapped profiles of large-scale discontinuities (≥270 m) would be a promising approach for slope stability assessments of open pit excavations in tectonically disturbed metamorphic rocks.

Aplikasi Ruangan Maya Berbasis Android OS pada Headset Virtual Reality Oculus Quest 2

Metaverse and VR (virtual reality) technology brings a lot of benefits to some sectors of life, especially education because VR technology makes it possible for users to be placed in a simulation of a certain scenario or situation which helps with the user’s learning experience. The development of computer technology where computer components are much smaller in size, have better computational capacity, and low cost has made VR technology more available and offers more and more opportunities as computer technology develops even further. In order to take advantage of the increasing opportunity, a virtual room application based on Android OS for Oculus Quest 2 is developed in order to learn about virtual reality development workflow on a VR headset using Unity game engine. The features implemented in the virtual room app are locomotion control by teleportation and continuous movement, rotation by snap turning, interactable objects such as a mirror, grabbable objects which the user can hold in the virtual room, and sockets to place digital objects in the virtual room.&#x0D;

Multiple-experimental investigation on the physicochemical structures alternation during coal biogasification

The aim of microbially-enhanced coalbed methane (MECBM) generation is to replicate the natural process of microbial methane production in coal seams and to increase coalbed methane production. However, a systematic evaluation of the response of coal structure during biogasification is still lacking. Here, alternations of the pore and molecular structures were investigated during the bioconversion of coal to methane using proximate/ultimate analysis, scanning electron microscope, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LNMR), low-pressure nitrogen adsorption (LPNA), micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The results showed that MECBM is a process of carbon enrichment, nitrogen/sulfur fixation and dehydrogenation/deoxygenation. Moreover, microbial modify coal pore structure by destroying aliphatic side chains, dissociating small molecular clusters and reducing the degree of aromaticity. These changes in the coal pore structure result in the “loose” of the coal reservoir spatial structure. We found that micropores (<10 nm) became transition pores (10–100 nm) and mesopores (100–1000 nm) after microbial degradation, which then led to the increase of the average pore width and the reduction of the specific surface area. This process benefits the desorption and transportation of coalbed methane. In addition, the surface fractal dimension decreased, and the volume fractal dimension increased according to the fitting date of LPNA. The fractal dimension of transition pores and mesopores increased of most coal after biotreatment based on NMR. These results led us to draw the hypothesis that the organic compounds formed by biodegradation may adhere to the pores, thus blocking the pores, making the structure of transition pores and mesopores complex, as demonstrated by the SEM images. This phenomenon is thought to be improved by continuous degradation or water movement.

The Use of Tai Chi and Qigong to Mediate Long-Haul COVID-19 Symptoms: Case Report

Introduction: Although new COVID-19 cases have been decreasing globally, long-haul COVID-19 continues to present a challenge. Long-haul COVID-19 symptoms, such as dyspnea, fatigue, cognitive impairments, gastrointestinal distress, and mood changes, can remain for months after initial infection in 10-30% of individuals infected with COVID-19. These symptoms can limit daily function and decrease quality of life. Given the recency of the disease, very little literature exists on the causes of long-haul COVID-19 and few treatment options are available for afflicted individuals. This case report describes the use of the Eastern medicine practices of Tai Chi and Qigong as a possible technique to increase lung function and thus daily function in those with long-haul COVID. Both Tai Chi and Qigong were developed thousands of years ago in China and utilized as part of traditional Chinese medicine. They are forms of gentle, low-intensity exercise involving slow, continuous movements and stretches that focus on alignment, coordination, and breathing control. Previous studies have shown that Tai Chi and Qigong provide beneficial effects in those experiencing mood disorders, chronic pain, cardiovascular issues, fibromyalgia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Although practitioners have proposed the use of Tai Chi and Qigong in patients with COVID-19, no data exists on the outcomes. Materials and Methods: This case report presents a patient with pre-existing conditions of obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, cervical cancer, cataract surgery, and sinus surgery initially diagnosed with COVID-19 with symptoms of acute dyspnea, dizziness, cough, headache, chills, fever, rhinorrhea, and sore throat. She was later diagnosed with long-haul COVID-19 with symptoms of dyspnea, fatigue, and dizziness on exertion and gastrointestinal distress. The patient practiced Tai Chi and Qigong three to four times weekly for about 30 min on average. Results: The patient experienced decreases in resting heart rate and weight and an increase in oxygen saturation level (SpO2) from 83% to 96%, indicating that Tai Chi and Qigong may have the potential to restore lung function. Conclusion: Thus, we propose that Tai Chi and Qigong can be an easily accessible, low-intensity, and cost-effective technique to increase lung function and quality of life in patients with long-haul COVID-19.