Contraction Levels Research Articles

The cumulative effect of ellagic acid and carnosic acid attenuates oxidative events during diabetic wound healing: in different applications and on different days.

The hyperglycemic environment in diabetes disrupts normal wound-healing processes, leading to chronic wounds. This study investigated whether the combination of the phenolic compounds ellagic acid and carnosic acid shows synergistic effects on diabetic wound healing and oxidative parameters in diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were divided into control, untreated, Carbopol 974P treated, topical treatment, and oral gavage treatment groups. Ellagic acid and carnosic acid in combination were applied topically and as oral gavage to the full-thickness excisional wounds of all animals except for those in the control group. We investigated oxidative events with malondialdehyde, glutathione, nitric oxide, protein carbonyl, collagen spectrophotometrically, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 and advanced oxidation protein product levels using ELISA. The combination of ellagic acid and carnosic acid decreased malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, protein carbonyl, advanced oxidation protein product, and metalloproteinase 9 levels and increased the rate of wound contraction and collagen levels in the diabetic wound healing model. The combined use of ellagic acid and carnosic acid showed a synergistic effect, enhanced wound healing, and decreased oxidative stress. This combination may provide effective therapy for chronic nonhealing wounds that occur as a complication of diabetes.

An experimental study of the solid–liquid interface for an elasto-viscoplastic fluid flow in benchmark geometry: 4 to 1 planar contraction

This paper presents an experimental study of the flow of an elasto-viscoplastic fluid (Carbopol) in a rectangular duct with an abrupt contraction of an aspect ratio of 4:1. At the corners of the contraction, a dead zone appears with no recirculation zone. The hydrodynamics of the flow is studied using high-resolution laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV). We focus, in particular, on velocity and shear rate profiles within and above the dead zone. The position of the solid–liquid interface is provided for different flow rates. The velocity profiles show a line where they overlap at the same point, known as the “slip line.” The position of this line is independent of the flow rate, but its velocity evolves with the flow rate, for which we have proposed a correlation. The position of this line aligns with the level of contraction for all flow rates. Shear rate profiles show a non-monotonic evolution: from zero at the solid–liquid interface to a peak, then decreasing to zero again in the plug zone at the core of the pipe, indicating the presence of different layers between the solid–liquid interface and the slip line. The line of maximum shear rate is independent of the flow rate, suggesting that the width of the zone between the slip line and this line remains constant at all flow rates. The study is completed by establishing correlations between the friction factor (f) and the Euler number (Eu) as a function of the generalized Reynolds number Regen upstream, downstream, and at the level of contraction.

Design of an Innovative Method for Measuring the Contractile Behavior of Engineered Tissues.

Hypertrophic scarring is a common complication in severely burned patients who undergo autologous skin grafting. Meshed skin grafts tend to contract during wound healing, increasing the risk of pathological scarring. Although various technologies have been used to study cellular contraction, current methods for measuring contractile forces at the tissue level are limited and do not replicate the complexity of native tissues. Self-assembled skin substitutes (SASSs) were developed at the "Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX" and are used as permanent full-thickness skin grafts. The autologous skin substitutes are produced using the self-assembly method, allowing the cultured cells to produce their extracellular matrix leading to a tissue-engineered substitute resembling the native skin. The level of contraction of the SASSs during the fabrication process is patient-dependent. Thus, because of its architecture and composition, SASS is an interesting model to study skin contraction in vitro. Unfortunately, standard measurement methods are unsuited for SASS contraction assessment, mainly due to incompatibilities between the SASS manufacturing process and the current contraction force measurement methods. Here, we present an innovative contraction measurement method specifically designed to quantify the contractile behavior of tissue-engineered substitutes, without disrupting the protocol of production. The method uses C-shape anchoring frames that close at different speeds and magnitudes according to the tissue contractile behavior. A finite element analysis model is then used to associate the frame deformation to a contractile force amplitude. This article shows that the method can be used to measure the contraction force of tissues produced with cells displaying different contractile properties, such as primary skin fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. It can also be used to study the effects of cell culture conditions on tissue contraction, such as serum concentration. This protocol can be easily and affordably applied and tuned to many regenerative medicine applications or contraction-related pathological studies. Impact Statement The protocol presented in this article is a new and simple method to quantify contraction forces present in tissue-engineered substitutes. Using finite element analysis, it allows for the measurement of a contraction force rather than a surface reduction as usually provided by other tissue contraction measurement methods. The results shown are in correlation with the current literature relevant to tissue contraction. It can be easily implemented, and hence, this method will open up new avenues to study tissue contraction of living substitutes engineered with various cell types and to optimize culture conditions.

Spinal muscle characteristics during three different types of locomotion activities among college students with idiopathic scoliosis

Background contextPhysical activities such as walking and climbing stairs are pervasive in human daily life. Individuals with scoliosis frequently encounter dysfunction in their muscle recruitment. Multiple studies have corroborated the presence of muscle dysfunction in individuals diagnosed with scoliosis. However, there is currently a noteworthy research gap regarding the exploration of changes in muscle characteristics and disparities from those observed in individuals without scoliosis during everyday activities, specifically stair climbing.PurposeThis study aims to examine the unique patterns of muscle activity during daily life in individuals with scoliosis and distinguish the specific differences between scoliosis patients and the healthy controls. The findings of this study are significantly important for the future accurate assessment of scoliosis and the development of rehabilitation treatment plans.Study designCase–control study.Sample sizeTwenty eight idiopathic scoliosis patients and twenty eight controls.Outcome measuresRoot Mean Square(RMS), Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction(MVIC)%, RMS ratio(RMS convex / RMS concave).MethodsThe surface electromyography (sEMG) device used in this study was the Delsys Trigno, with a sampling frequency of 1500 Hz. It recorded the activation level, peak contraction, and average activation level of the erector spinae (at T6, T10, and L3 levels), gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, external oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles during three different types of locomotion for both the 28 individuals with idiopathic scoliosis and the 28 control participants.ResultsThe movement patterns of the idiopathic scoliosis patients significantly differ from those of the normal population during level walking and ascending or descending stairs. In level walking, there is an asymmetry in the activation levels of the T6 and L3 erector spinae muscles, with lower activation on the convex side compared to the concave side. Similarly, during stair ascent, the activation of the T6 and T10 erector spinae muscles is asymmetric, with higher activation on the convex side than the concave side. Moreover, during stair descent, the activation of the T6 erector spinae muscle is asymmetric, with higher activation on the convex side than the concave side.ConclusionsDuring level walking and stair activities, idiopathic scoliosis patients exhibit pronounced abnormal movement patterns that significantly differ from those of the control group. Under different activity conditions such as level walking, ascending and descending stairs, idiopathic scoliosis patients demonstrate abnormal muscle activation in different segments of the spine. It is crucial for clinicians to prioritize the symmetry of muscle activation in the spinal region of idiopathic scoliosis patients and consider incorporating symmetry training for these muscles.

The airway smooth muscle and the pipe dream of better bronchodilators.

Research on airway smooth muscle has traditionally focused on its putative detrimental role in asthma, emphasizing on how its shortening narrows the airway lumen, without much consideration about its potential role in subserving the function of the entire respiratory system. New experimental evidence on mice suggests that not only the smooth muscle is required to sustain life postnatally, but its stiffening effect on the lung tissue also protects against excessive airway narrowing and, most importantly, against small airway narrowing heterogeneity and closure. These results suggest that the smooth muscle plays an vital role in the lung periphery, essentially safeguarding alveolar ventilation by preventing small airway closure. These results also shed light on perplexing clinical observations, such as the long-standing doubts about the safety of bronchodilators. Since there seems to be an optimal level of smooth muscle contraction, at least in small airways, the therapeutic goal of maximizing the relaxation of the smooth muscle in asthma needs to be revisited. A bronchodilator with an excessive potency for inhibiting smooth muscle contraction, and that is still potent at concentrations reaching the lung periphery, may foster airway closure and air trapping, resulting in no net gain or even a decline in lung function.

Struggling with strategizing in public client organisations: Managing strategic projects in inter-organisational contexts

The efficiency of using strategic projects to accelerate long-term change is questioned, especially in inter-organisational contexts. Strategic projects operationalised in inter-organisational contexts are decoupled from the parent – permanent – organisation, creating a need for project actors to manage in-between. The aim of this paper is to increase the understanding of practices for managing strategic projects in inter-organisational contexts, initiated by public client organisations. Applying a practice perspective, this paper presents a case study exploring a strategic project to test collaborative contracting in road maintenance contracts for a public infrastructure client in Sweden. The findings revealed a lack of structure regarding both participation and responsibilities, as well as uncertainties and ambiguities with respect to the goal of the strategic change. The study shows how strategic practices move from central units at the permanent organisational level to the contract level where the strategic project is operationalised and tested, isolating the project and making project actors act as middle managers in-between the project and parent organisation. Thus, the study contributes with a discussion on the efficiency of strategizing through projects in public organisations, especially those operating in a network of suppliers through outsourcing.

Psychological Contracts: Changing Relational Levels, a Dynamic Model for a Changing Environment

This paper examines the issue of change in the relational level of employer-based psychological contracts. Based on prior research in Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB), Social Exchange Theory, and the Norm of Reciprocity, a dynamic model is developed to explain how contract-level changes take place within the relationship. The model also identifies subsequent employee attitudes and behaviors and offers two new relational modalities, “at risk” and “mercenary,” to explicate relational conditions that had not previously been recognized. We conclude by examining the various issues surrounding employee-employer relations and their importance to firm performance and job satisfaction.

Characterizing Mechanical Changes in the Biceps Brachii Muscle in Mild Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Using Shear Wave Elastography.

There is no general consensus on evaluating disease progression in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Recently, shear wave elastography (SWE) has been proposed as a noninvasive diagnostic tool to assess muscle stiffness in vivo. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize biceps brachii (BB) muscle mechanics in mild-FSHD patients using SWE. Eight patients with mild FSHD, the BB were assessed using SWE, surface electromyography (sEMG), elbow moment measurements during rest, maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and isometric ramp contractions at 25%, 50%, and 75% MVC across five elbow positions (60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, and 180° flexion). The mean absolute percentage deviation (MAPD) was analyzed as a measure of force control during ramp contractions. The shear elastic modulus of the BB in FSHD patients increased from flexed to extended elbow positions (e.g., p < 0.001 at 25% MVC) and with increasing contraction intensity (e.g., p < 0.001 at 60°). MAPD was highly variable, indicating significant deviation from target values during ramp contractions. SWE in mild FSHD is influenced by contraction level and joint angle, similar to findings of previous studies in healthy subjects. Moreover, altered force control could relate to the subjective muscle weakness reported by patients with dystrophies.

An Automated Wavelet Scattering Network Classification Using Three Stages of Cataract Disease

إعتام عدسة العين وهو مرض يصيب العين حيث يسبب تشوهًا بصريًا ويمكن أن تؤدي المرحلة المتأخرة من هذا المرض إلى العمى. ويعتبر مرضًا صامتًا يمكن أن يحدث دون ظهور الأعراض. لذلك ، فإن الطريقة الأكثر فاعلية للكشف عن إعتام عدسة العين هي من خلال الكشف الدقيق في الوقت المناسب لمنع الأذى والعمى والعمليات المكلفة. ان الغرض من هذه البحث هو اقتراح نظام آلي يعتمد على شبكة نثر المويجات التي تصنف المرضى إلى أربع فئات: إعتام عدسة العين المبكر وإعتام عدسة العين المتوسط وإعتام عدسة العين المتأخر وعدم إعتام عدسة العين باستخدام 512 صورة لقاعدة البيانات ODIR (212 شخص مصاب و300 شخص غير مصاب). الخطوة الأولى في هذه التقنية هي خطوة المعالجة المسبقة لصورة الشبكية التي كانت عبارة عن مرشح المتوسط ، والذي تم استخدامه لتقليل ضوضاء الصورة. ثم بعد ذلك استخدام طريقة معادلة الرسم البياني التكيفية محدودة التباين (CLAHE) لتحسين مستوى عينات الصورة. بعد ذلك ، يمكن استخراج الخصائص منخفضة التباين من بيانات الصورة باستخدام شبكة تشتت المويجات لاستخدامها في تطبيقات التعلم العميق. في هذه الشبكة ، يتم استخدام مرشحات تحجيم تمرير منخفض وموجات موجية محددة مسبقًا. كان متوسط دقة الطريقة المقترحة 100٪ لأربع فئات (غير مصاب، مبكر، متوسط، شديد). علما ان النتائج موعودة مقارنة مع أعمال أخرى مماثلة.

Gaussianity Evaluation of HD-sEMG Signals with Aging and Sex During Low and Moderate Isometric Contractions of the Biceps Brachii

IntroductionAging is associated with muscle decline, which alters both functional and anatomical properties of the neuromuscular system. These modifications can be reflected in high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG) signals. This study examines how age and sex impact the shape of the amplitude Probability Density Function (PDF) of HD-sEMG signals. Materials and MethodsMonopolar HD-sEMG signals were collected from the Biceps Brachii in a cohort of 17 individuals: 10 women (mean age: 22.9 ± 3.6 years) and 7 men (mean age: 24.4 ± 2.5 years) in the younger group, and 10 women (mean age: 69.8 ± 4.8 years) and 7 men (mean age: 72.8 ± 2.7 years) in the elderly group. The recordings were conducted during an elbow flexion at both 20% and 40% maximum voluntary contraction. The signal amplitude was evaluated using root means square amplitude (RMSA) and the PDF shape of each HD-sEMG signal was assessed through skewness, excess Kurtosis, and robust functional statistics. These shape distance metrics evaluate the departure from Gaussianity related to muscle aging. a) We conducted a comparison study of the HD-sEMG PDF shapes between younger and elderly individuals. b) Evaluating differences between men and women. c) Considering monopolar and Laplacian electrode configurations that are sensitive to different muscle regions. ResultsA) The HD-sEMG PDFs of elderly subjects demonstrated a lower departure from Gaussianity than their younger counterparts. B) Women exhibited lower RMSA values than men, and, on average, a lower departure from Gaussianity whatever the age and contraction level C) Trends of departure from Gaussianity with contraction level, seems to be influenced by the electrode configuration. In fact, a decrease in Gaussianity departure is observed with monopolar recordings where an increase is observed with Laplacian one, clearly indicating different muscle region assessment. DiscussionThe findings highlight the influence of factors such aging, sex, contraction level and electrode montage on the shape of the HD-sEMG PDF, emphasizing the significance of using this descriptor for monitoring and better assessment of muscle aging.

Isometric Plantarflexion Moment Prediction Based on a Compartment-Specific HD-sEMG-Driven Musculoskeletal Model.

electromyogram (EMG)-driven musculoskeletal models have been widely used to investigate human movements while existing EMG-driven models commonly neglect regional heterogeneity in anatomy and activation within a skeletal muscle. To consider neuromuscular compartment anatomy and activation, a subject- and compartment-specific EMG-driven model was developed for isometric plantarflexion moment prediction. the model was hill-type consisting of gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, and soleus around the ankle joint, and each muscle was discretised into four compartments. The moment arms of each compartment were determined using magnetic resonance imaging and the compartment activation was calculated based on high-density surface EMG signals. And the hill-type compartment parameters were tuned in a calibration process. The developed compartment-specific model and a generic EMG-driven model were examined by comparing their predicted net ankle moments with measurements obtained while subjects performed isometric plantarflexion tasks at different contraction levels. compared to the generic EMG-driven model, the isometric plantarflexion moment prediction using the compartment-specific model was more accurate at all contraction levels, with the average prediction error decreasing from average 13.81% to 10.11%. The contraction of each compartment was found to be generally non-uniform at all contraction levels. the developed compartment-specific model enabled accurate prediction of isometric plantarflexion moment and the simulation of non-uniform muscular contraction, which is more physiologically appropriate than the existing EMG-driven models. the proposed compartment-specific formulation opens new perspectives for subject-specific musculoskeletal modelling, which has great potential in understanding regional characteristics of the neuromuscular activities.

Characterization and classification of kinesthetic motor imagery levels

Objective. Kinesthetic Motor Imagery (KMI) represents a robust brain paradigm intended for electroencephalography (EEG)-based commands in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). However, ensuring high accuracy in multi-command execution remains challenging, with data from C3 and C4 electrodes reaching up to 92% accuracy. This paper aims to characterize and classify EEG-based KMI of multilevel muscle contraction without relying on primary motor cortex signals. Approach. A new method based on Hurst exponents is introduced to characterize EEG signals of multilevel KMI of muscle contraction from electrodes placed on the premotor, dorsolateral prefrontal, and inferior parietal cortices. EEG signals were recorded during a hand-grip task at four levels of muscle contraction (0%, 10%, 40%, and 70% of the maximal isometric voluntary contraction). The task was executed under two conditions: first, physically, to train subjects in achieving muscle contraction at each level, followed by mental imagery under the KMI paradigm for each contraction level. EMG signals were recorded in both conditions to correlate muscle contraction execution, whether correct or null accurately. Independent component analysis (ICA) maps EEG signals from the sensor to the source space for preprocessing. For characterization, three algorithms based on Hurst exponents were used: the original (HO), using partitions (HRS), and applying semivariogram (HV). Finally, seven classifiers were used: Bayes network (BN), naive Bayes (NB), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), random tree (RT), multilayer perceptron (MP), and k-nearest neighbors (kNN). Main results. A combination of the three Hurst characterization algorithms produced the highest average accuracy of 96.42% from kNN, followed by MP (92.85%), SVM (92.85%), NB (91.07%), RF (91.07%), BN (91.07%), and RT (80.35%). of 96.42% for kNN. Significance. Results show the feasibility of KMI multilevel muscle contraction detection and, thus, the viability of non-binary EEG-based BCI applications without using signals from the motor cortex.

The bidirectional relationship between social contracts and entrepreneurship: Syrian refugee entrepreneurs in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

ABSTRACT This article explores the interaction between Syrian refugees’ entrepreneurship and the social contract of Kurdistan Region of Iraq using qualitative method. The findings confirm that the low level of social contract’s recognition of refugee resources as property rights had a negative effect on their entrepreneurship activities. In contrast, the provisions provided by the government, as part of the social contract helped refugees utilize their resources, which played a positive role in motivating refugee entrepreneurship. Regarding the impact of refugee entrepreneurship on the social contract, there was no top-down change, even with indications of change agency. This can be explained by the low level of participation, in the social contract, and the weakness of entrepreneur associations. For bottom-up change, refugee entrepreneurs tended to challenge the exclusiveness and clientelism in the social contract by increasingly deviating from standard processes, which lead to some de facto change. This research enhances our insights of refugees’ entrepreneurship and integration in the context of the social contract and its change.

Macro and micro of external finance premium and monetary policy transmission

We establish basic facts about the external finance premium. Tens of millions of individual loan contracts extended to euro area firms allow studying the determinants of the external finance premium at the country, bank, firm, and contract levels of disaggregation. At the country level, the variance in the premium is closely linked to sovereign spreads, which are important in understanding financial amplification mechanisms. However, country level differences only explain half of the total variance. The rest is predominantly attributed to variances at the bank and firm levels, which are influenced by the respective balance sheet characteristics. Studying the response of the external finance premium to monetary policy, we find that balance sheet vulnerabilities of banks and firms strengthen the transmission of policy measures to financing conditions. Moreover, our findings reveal an asymmetrical effect contingent on the sign and type of the policies. Specifically, policy rate hikes and quantitative easing measures exert a more pronounced impact on lending spreads, further magnified through their repercussions on the external finance premium.

Mapping of spastic muscle activity after stroke: difference between passive stretch and active contraction

BackgroundInvestigating the spatial distribution of muscle activity would facilitate understanding the underlying mechanism of spasticity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of spastic muscles during passive stretch and active contraction by high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG).MethodsFourteen spastic hemiparetic subjects and ten healthy subjects were recruited. The biceps brachii (BB) muscle activity of each subject was recorded by HD-sEMG during passive stretch at four stretch velocities (10, 60, 120, 180˚/s) and active contraction at three submaximal contraction levels (20, 50, 80%MVC). The intensity and spatial distribution of the BB activity were compared by the means of two-way analysis of variance, independent sample t-test, and paired sample t-test.ResultsCompared with healthy subjects, spastic hemiparetic subjects showed significantly higher intensity with velocity-dependent heterogeneous activation during passive stretch and more lateral and proximal activation distribution during active contraction. In addition, spastic hemiparetic subjects displayed almost non-overlapping activation areas during passive stretch and active contraction. The activation distribution of passive stretch was more distal when compared with the active contraction.ConclusionsThese alterations of the BB activity could be the consequence of deficits in the descending central control after stroke. The complementary spatial distribution of spastic BB activity reflected their opposite motor units (MUs) recruitment patterns between passive stretch and active contraction. This HD-sEMG study provides new neurophysiological evidence for the spatial relationship of spastic BB activity between passive stretch and active contraction, advancing our knowledge on the mechanism of spasticity.Trial registrationChiCTR2000032245.

Influential factors for risk assessment and allocation on complex design-build infrastructure projects; the Texas experience

Introduction: The design-build (DB) delivery method is used to deliver increasingly complex transportation infrastructure projects associated with higher uncertainty. As such, allocating risks in the contract between the owner and design-builder becomes challenging and often leads to higher initial bids, increased contingency, or claims. Learnings from implementation worldwide have underlined the need for improving risk allocation in DB contracts. Most existing studies address risk allocation mechanisms to manage contingency at the contract level. Other studies have recognized the need for owners to adapt their processes to better allocate risks in DB contracts. This study explored the influential factors for risk assessment and allocation for complex DB infrastructure projects, addressing the opportunity to improve transportation owners’ risk allocation processes before the design-builder is selected and the DB contract is awarded.Method: The objectives of this work were achieved by utilizing empirical data collected through 20 interviews with Texas Department of Transportation and private sector experts. The interview data were analyzed using inductive and axial coding. Inductive coding allowed themes to emerge without a pre-existing framework, identifying six influential factors and six pertinent risks on complex DB projects.Results: These factors include the (i) Quality of DB teams, (ii) Level of up-front investigation, (iii) Limitations on the timing of letting, (iv) Design optimization opportunities, (v) Project-specific requirements, and (vi) Relationships with third parties. Through axial coding, the interaction and frequency between the factors and risks were also examined. The coded interactions demonstrated how the identified factors influence allocation for six pertinent risks including right-of-way acquisition, stakeholder approval, site conditions, permits and third-party agreements, railroad interaction, and utility adjustments and coordination. Findings indicate that the evaluation of these interactions can shift the risk allocation from baseline norms established by an agency to correspond to project-specific needs.Contribution: In contributing to the infrastructure project management, this is the first study to examine the factors that influence risk allocation in complex DB projects and examine interactions with pertinent risks, setting the foundation for optimizing allocation based on project-specific needs. In practice, the findings presented in this study can guide owners in adapting their allocation practices, managing, and developing their strategic plan for delivering complex DB projects. The findings can also assist contractors in pricing risks more efficiently and increase competitive bidding.

Balance abilities in high dynamic-sport athletes with different maximal voluntary contraction

Background: Previous studies have shown that muscle force control during submaximal isometric contractions is associated with the ability of dynamic balance to a greater extent than static balance in healthy adults. However, the effect of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) on balance abilities of athletes with high dynamicsport, which are most popular in Thailand, needs to be addressed. Objective: To determine static and balance abilities of high dynamic-sport athletes at different levels of MVC. Materials and methods: Three groups of high dynamic-sport athletes at different levels of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), were voluntarily recruited using a sports matrix classification. Outcome measures comprised the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Correlations between BESS and SEBT and confounding variables comprised of performance time of the Mcgill core endurance tests (Core), single-leg sit-to-stand (STS) test, and flexibility were investigated using Pearson’s correlation. After controlling for Core and STS, a factorial analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to determine group differences in SEBT and BESS variables. Results: Athletes with high- and low- MVC had significantly different reaching distances in all SEBT directions (all, p&lt;0.05). Significant differences between the high- and the moderate- MVC groups were observed in anterior and lateral directions (p&lt;0.05). A significant difference between the moderate- and the low MVC groups was found in the medial direction (p&lt;0.05). After controlling for Core and STS, the observed group differences disappeared, except in the posterolateral reaching distance between the high- and the low-MVC groups (p&lt;0.05). A significant difference between the high- and the low-MVC groups was only observed in the total foam BESS scores with tandem stance (p&lt;0.05) and then disappeared after adjusting for Core and STS (all, p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: The observed differences in all SEBT directions among groups and the difference in the total BESS scores between the high- and the low- MVC, which were observed only in challenged conditions i.e., tandem-foam stance, suggested that dynamic, but not static balance performance of athletes with high dynamicsport appears to be associated with the magnitude of MVC. Core and STS, but not flexibility, are considered significant contributions to their balance performance.

A decision-making framework for automating distribution centers in the Retail supply

Warehouse/distribution center (DC) automation technology for the retail industry promises to reduce operational costs, improve flexibility and response time for customers, and help improve network productivity, thus making it very relevant for omni/multichannel (OC/MC) settings. However, the investment required to acquire the DC automation technology is high, and hence, the investment decision must be operationally and financially comprehensive. In fact, an automated DC has a network-wide impact: it can benefit players in the network, but in turn is exposed to network risks and the investment must be safeguarded. While the need for a comprehensive decision-making framework and safeguarding strategy is stressed by scholars, such a framework is lacking. Further, corresponding integrated sub-frameworks for key elements in the OC/MC value chain are also missing. In this paper, we address these gaps and contribute by providing a) generalized and integrated three-part framework, b) corresponding sub-frameworks, c) discrete event, economic, and math programming models, d) rapid-sizing/analysis tools based on: i) analysis at the DC-level, ii) network level, iii) economic/business level, and iv) contract level (sustainable supplier/distribution relationship). In this reference, we investigate a new generation ‘full-case’ technology that has been recognized as a key to warehouse automation. The insights from our research inform several strategic tradeoffs (extent of automation, investment in labor vs. capital, response vs. efficiency, and sustainable supplier management) relevant for decision-making and safeguarding an expensive asset such as an automated DC. Our analysis is based on interviews (retailers, automated and conventional DCs, and DC equipment suppliers), on-site observations, secondary data, and learning from analytical models. We also present an illustrative real-life application/case study of the framework and the modeling details in the E-component.

The phenomenon of skin contraction in CO2 LASER surgical incisions using superpulse and continuous emission mode - preliminary study.

The skin contraction phenomenon occurs due to the energy emitted by the surgical CO2 LASER affecting the collagen architecture and intracellular water content in tissues. The study aimed to assess how gender, age, breed, body-weight, CO2 LASER emission mode, and potency influence skin contraction following the incision. The study involved 80 dogs (N = 80) of both genders, multiple breeds, undergoing major surgery with CO2 LASER. Subjects were grouped based on LASER potency (12 or 15 Watts) and emission mode (Superpulse-SP or Continuous-CT): GSP12, GSP15, GCT12, and GCT15. A 10mm incision was performed using the surgical CO2 LASER beam, consistently employing a focal point of 0.4mm, positioned at a distance of 1mm from the skin surface, and always maintained perpendicular to it, and resulting lengths measured with a digital caliper. Results were considered significant for p-value < 0.05. GSP12 showed minimal contraction, while GCT15 exhibited the most significant. Male subjects in GCT12, GCT15, and GSP12 experienced less contraction than females. Purebred dogs had greater contraction than mixed breeds. GSP12 individuals showed age-related contraction decrease (p < 0.01), with skin contracting by 0.09mm per year. Weight and skin contraction trended towards significance (p = 0.06), with a 0.02mm increase per unit weight. For a constant power of 12 W, the analysis of the relationship between the emission mode of the LASER beam and the final skin contraction (GSP12 vs. GCT12) revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.01). This study suggests that the use of the Continuous mode of LASER emission, regardless of the power used, is associated with a higher level of final skin contraction. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER AND DATE OF REGISTRATION FOR PROSPECTIVELY REGISTERED TRIALS: Project approval registration number by the Research and Teaching Ethics Committee (CEIE),Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-University of Lisbon (FMV_ULisboa), Lisboa-Portugal, N/Refª 015/2022.

Comparison of the activation level in the sensorimotor cortex between motor point and proximal nerve bundle electrical stimulation

Objective. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is widely used for motor function rehabilitation in stroke survivors. Compared with the conventional motor point (MP) stimulation, the stimulation at the proximal segment of the peripheral nerve (PN) bundles has been demonstrated to have multiple advantages. However, it is not known yet whether the PN stimulation can increase the cortical activation level, which is crucial for motor function rehabilitation. Approach. The current stimuli were delivered transcutaneously at the muscle belly of the finger flexors and the proximal segment of the median and ulnar nerves, respectively for the MP and PN stimulation. The stimulation intensity was determined to elicit the same contraction levels between the two stimulation methods in 18 healthy individuals and a stroke patient. The functional near-infrared spectroscopy and the electromyogram were recorded to compare the activation pattern of the sensorimotor regions and the target muscles. Main Results. For the healthy subjects, the PN stimulation induced significantly increased concentration of the oxygenated hemoglobin in the contralateral sensorimotor areas, and enhanced the functional connectivity between brain regions compared with the MP stimulation. Meanwhile, the compound action potentials had a smaller amplitude and the H-reflex became stronger under the PN stimulation, indicating that more sensory axons were activated in the PN stimulation. For the stroke patient, the PN stimulation can elicit finger forces and induce activation of both the contralateral and ipsilateral motor cortex. Conclusions. Compared with the MP stimulation, the PN stimulation can induce more cortical activation in the contralateral sensorimotor areas possibly via involving more activities in the central pathway. Significance. This study demonstrated the potential of the PN stimulation to facilitate functional recovery via increasing the cortical activation level, which may help to improve the outcome of the NMES-based rehabilitation for motor function recovery after stroke.