Coordination Index Research Articles

Psychomotor determinants of children's sports talent for team sports: a case study of mini-volleyball athletes

Background: Psychomotor predispositions significantly impact the effectiveness of the training process and achievement in team sports. The aim of the present study was to assess the level of psychomotor indices in 12-year-old children who achieved outstanding sports successes in mini-volleyball. Materials and Methods: The results of the tests conducted on the six medalists of the Polish Mini-Volleyball Championships were qualified for analysis. To assess psychomotor indices, a battery of computer tests was used; the following were measured: simple reaction time, choice reaction time, eye-hand coordination, divisibility of attention, and spatial orientation - accuracy of perception. Results: Four of the six mini-volleyball medalists achieved an outstanding level of psychomotor development; the remaining two children showed an average level on the scale of sports norms. Most often, young champions are distinguished by a short choice reaction time and outstanding (against the background of sports standards) orientation indices: accuracy of perception, and divisibility of attention. Conclusion: The analysis confirmed, as suggested in previous publications, a significant relationship between outstanding sports talent and the level of selected psychomotor and coordination indices in children practicing volleyball.

Coordination Analysis between the Development of Urban Built-Up Areas and Urban Environmental Factors through Remote Sensing of Nighttime Lights: A Case Study in Nanjing, China

The fast development of urban built-up areas in China is causing many problems, such as pollution, congestion, etc. How to effectively evaluate the coordination between urban areas and environmental problems has been attracting many scholars worldwide. This paper intends to discover this “secretary” through investigating the built-up areas and their accompanied economic and environmental factors over almost 30 years (1992 to 2020) in Nanjing, China. DMSP/OLS nighttime lights images from 1992 to 2013 and the NPP/VIIRS nighttime lights images from 2012 to 2022 are used for extraction of built-up areas. A spatiotemporal evolution model is established to evaluate whether the built-up areas have developed in coordination and the relationship between urban built-up areas and various factors, including compactness, the fractal dimension, boundary and shape changes, exhaust emissions, and the production of general industrial solid waste, which was further investigated to ascertain whether there was coordination or not. The investigated results discovered that Nanjing’s built-up areas had maintained continuous growth from 1992 to 2020, with the compactness of built-up areas gradually decreasing from 0.42 to 0.23 and the built-up differentiation dimension changing from 1.31 to 1.39, demonstrating that built-up areas had gradually moved from a loose pattern to a compact pattern and from irregular development to balanced development in all directions. The macro model of the coordination index change trend is 0.847 from 1995 to 2020, which indicates that the coordination between urban built-up areas of development and their environments has been improving; however, the reduction in urban green space, the increase in waste emissions, and the increased production of general industrial solid waste has raised questions regarding sustainable development.

Split-Belt Treadmill Adaptation Improves Spatial and Temporal Gait Symmetry in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by degradation of the myelin sheath resulting in impaired neural communication throughout the body. As a result, most people with MS (PwMS) experience gait asymmetries between their legs leading to an increased risk of falls. Recent work indicates that split-belt treadmill adaptation, where the speed of each leg is controlled independently, can decrease gait asymmetries for other neurodegenerative impairments. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of split-belt treadmill training to improve gait symmetry in PwMS. In this study, 35 PwMS underwent a 10 min split-belt treadmill adaptation paradigm, with the faster paced belt moving under the more affected limb. Step length asymmetry (SLA) and phase coordination index (PCI) were the primary outcome measures used to assess spatial and temporal gait symmetries, respectively. It was predicted that participants with a worse baseline symmetry would have a greater response to split-belt treadmill adaptation. Following this adaptation paradigm, PwMS experienced aftereffects that improved gait symmetry, with a significant difference between predicted responders and nonresponders in both SLA and PCI change (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was no correlation between SLA and PCI change. These findings suggest that PwMS retain the ability for gait adaptation, with those most asymmetrical at baseline demonstrating the greatest improvement, and that there may be separate neural mechanisms for spatial and temporal locomotor adjustments.

Spatial Characteristics of Coupling Development of Ecological Protection and Agricultural Economy in China

[Purpose] To explore the coupling coordination evolution law of China’s agricultural ecological environment and economic development, and provide reference and a decision-making basis for coordinating the relationship between the ecological environment and agricultural economy in the process of China’s agricultural economic development. [Method] Based on the coupling coordination mechanism between ecological protection and agricultural economy, this paper constructs an evaluation index system for agricultural ecological environment and economic growth, and explores the spatiotemporal evolution law of the coupling coordination between the agricultural ecological economic system in China’s 31 province administrative regions from 2010 to 2020. [Result] From 2010 to 2020, the overall development level of China’s agricultural ecology and economy was gradually improving; the level of coupling coordination increased significantly before 2015, but then the growth remained stable; the global Moran’s I index of coordination is “first descending and then ascending”; and the LISA cluster diagram of the local Moran’s I index was “east high and west low” before 2015, but then “west high and east low”. [Conclusions] The level of coupling and coordination development of agricultural ecological economic systems in various provinces has steadily increased, but the development level between regions is uneven. It is necessary to strengthen natural disaster management, increase investment in agricultural development, and enhance regional cooperation between regions to promote high-quality and green sustainable development of agricultural ecological economic systems. [Innovation] A new evaluation index system was constructed, the indicator data are complete and comprehensive (including data from 31 different province administrative regions from 2010 to 2020), and the analysis perspective is rich and diverse (through the comparison and changes of the time and space perspectives, the results from different perspectives were comprehensively analyzed). This paper finds that the coordination degree shows significant periodicity with 2015 as the boundary; the growth rate is “west fast and east slow”.

Integrating ecosystem service value into the evaluation of sustainable land use in fast-growing cities: A case study of Qingdao, China

Integrating ecosystem service value (ESV) into the evaluation system for sustainable land use (SLU) in fast-growing cities is an effective way to implement Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 15 and 11 of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Taking ESV as the intermediate parameter, six sustainability indicators were developed to evaluate SLU from two dimensions: sustainable land ecosystem services and economic development. These indicators are the total supply and demand index (RT) of ecosystem services, the potential supply and demand index (RP) of ecosystem services, the ecological cost index per unit of GDP (RC), the eco-economic coordination index (RD), the eco-economic equilibrium index (RE), and the ESV-based sustainable land use index (RS). Empirical research was conducted in Qingdao, a fast-growing city in eastern China, to verify the validity of the indicators. Five sets of Landsat TM/ETM/OLI remote sensing images from 1996, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2017 were used to analyze the land use and ESV changes in Qingdao. The results indicate that land use changes in fast-growing cities significantly affect the ESV. The decrease in the area of ecological land and the expansion of construction land caused by rapid urbanization reduced ESV. The RC and RD of Qingdao were sustainable, while the RT and RP were unsustainable, and the RE showed volatility, which reduced the evaluation level of SLU in Qingdao from extremely strongly sustainable (L1) to moderately sustainable (L3). Thus, it is necessary to improve the ESV of Qingdao. Optimization strategies for promoting SLU in Qingdao are proposed based on the results, confirming that the evaluation provides guidance for land use management.

Effects of paddles and fins on front crawl kinematics, arm stroke efficiency, coordination, and estimated energy cost.

Paddles and fins are used in swimmers training with different objectives (e.g., increase propulsive areas of hands and feet, improve the feeling of water flow). These artificial modifications of the stroke might be viewed as external constraints of the stroke task, both will either disturb or facilitate swimming modalities, so the coaches should manipulate its use to extract benefits for performance. This study seeks to investigate the precise effects of wearing either paddles (PAD) or fins (FINS) vs. a no-equipment (NE) trial in three all-out front crawl exercises on swimmer kinematics, arm stroke efficiency (), upper-limbs coordination patterns (Index of Coordination, IdC), and estimated energy cost (C). Eleven regional to national-level male swimmers participated in the study (age: 25.8 ± 5.5years, body mass: 75.2 ± 5.5kg, height: 177 ± 6.5cm) and were recorded from both sides of the swimming pool to collect all variables. Repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc were used to compare the variables. Effects sizes were calculated. Time to cover the distance and velocity were higher in FINS swimming, with larger values of stroke length (SL) and lower kick amplitude in comparison to the other trials (PAD and NE). The use of FINS also modified the stroke phases durations by presenting significant lower propulsion time during the stroke in comparison to PAD or NE. Values of IdC were lower (IdC < -1%, so catch-up pattern of coordination) for FINS in comparison to NE. In terms of , using PAD or FINS demonstrate higher arm stroke efficiency than swimming without equipment. Finally, C was significantly higher in FINS swimming in comparison to NE and PAD. From the present results, it should be noted that the use of equipment such as fins deeply modify the structure of the swimming stroke (from the performance-related parameters through the kinematics of both upper and lower limbs to the stroke efficiency and coordination pattern). So, using equipment should be appropriately scaled by the coaches to the objectives of the training session in swimming, and in emergent sports such as "SwimRun", paddles and fins must be viewed as tools to achieve higher velocities to cover a given distance.

Analysis of the Coordination of Built-Up Area Expansion and Population Growth in the Shandong Peninsula Urban Agglomeration

Exploring the coordinated relationship between built-up area expansion and population growth in the urbanization process is important for the planning and sustainable development of cities. The article took Shandong Peninsula urban agglomeration as the study area, which was divided into the Provincial Capital Economic Circle, Jiaodong Economic Circle, and Lunan Economic Circle according to the plan named the Implementation Plan for Implementing the Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Establishing a New Mechanism for More Effective Regional Co-ordinated Development. The people–land coordination relationship in the region was analyzed from the perspective of spatio-temporal integration through indices such as fractal dimension, spatial autocorrelation, population sprawl, and city land expansion and population growth coordination index (CPI) The results showed that (1) the relationship between built-up area expansion and population growth in the Shandong Peninsula urban agglomeration was uncoordinated. The three economic circles mainly changed from rapid population growth to significant expansion of built-up areas. (2) The development patterns of the three economic circles were different. The Provincial Capital and Jiaodong showed a pattern with Jinan and Qingdao as the core, driving the periphery area. Lunan showed a multi-point scattered development; there was no central city, but Linyi City was developing faster. (3) Jiaodong had the biggest changes in terms of population and built-up area. This study provides a scientific reference for the urban planning and sustainable development of the Shandong Peninsula urban agglomeration.

The Transcallosal Highway: The ipsilateral silent period as a neural biomarker for impaired corpus callosum communication in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease that damages myelin sheath within the central nervous system. This axonal demyelination impacts communication between the brain's hemispheres in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Changes in transcallosal communication impairs the coordination of movements requiring precise temporal and spatial components such as lower extremity function during gait. These bilateral movements require constant communication across the corpus callosum to excite and inhibit specific muscle groups. The ipsilateral silent period (iSP) is an indirect marker of the magnitude for transcallosal inhibition. We hypothesize that the iSP may also serve as a neural biomarker for transcallosal impairments originating from the more affected hemisphere and highlight underlying mechanisms for gait asymmetries in PwMS. Our ongoing study utilizes transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess the inhibitory capacity between the brain's hemispheres (i.e., iSPs). A focal magnetic pulse is delivered to the first dorsal interosseous resulting in a suppression of muscle activity, thus reflecting inhibitory transcallosal communication. There is a lack of research analyzing directionality data between the more and less affected hemisphere in PwMS. Therefore, we evaluate outcome metrics dependent upon the individual's more affected hemisphere. Twenty-three PwMS completed the ongoing protocol and inhibitory metrics such as depth iSP% average, duration, depth iSP% max, transcallosal conduction time, and onset latency were collected. No statistically significant differences have been found between the two hemispheres in PwMS. However, beyond directionality data, our study is investigating gait coordination with overall inhibitory capacity. Walking coordination is quantified using a metric called phase coordination index (PCI). A greater PCI value reflects poorer gait coordination. We hypothesize those who demonstrate better gait coordination (lower PCI values), will have a greater iSP. These findings will determine the potential of iSPs as a neural biomarker to address gait asymmetries and stratify participants into individualized mobility rehabilitation protocols. Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease that damages myelin sheath within the central nervous system. This axonal demyelination impacts communication between the brain's hemispheres in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Changes in transcallosal communication impairs the coordination of movements requiring precise temporal and spatial components such as lower extremity function during gait. These bilateral movements require constant communication across the corpus callosum to excite and inhibit specific muscle groups. The ipsilateral silent period (iSP) is an indirect marker of the magnitude for transcallosal inhibition. We hypothesize that the iSP may also serve as a neural biomarker for transcallosal impairments originating from the more affected hemisphere and highlight underlying mechanisms for gait asymmetries in PwMS. Our ongoing study utilizes transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess the inhibitory capacity between the brain's hemispheres (i.e., iSPs). A focal magnetic pulse is delivered to the first dorsal interosseous resulting in a suppression of muscle activity, thus reflecting inhibitory transcallosal communication. There is a lack of research analyzing directionality data between the more and less affected hemisphere in PwMS. Therefore, we evaluate outcome metrics dependent upon the individual's more affected hemisphere. Twenty-three PwMS completed the ongoing protocol and inhibitory metrics such as depth iSP% average, duration, depth iSP% max, transcallosal conduction time, and onset latency were collected. No statistically significant differences have been found between the two hemispheres in PwMS. However, beyond directionality data, our study is investigating gait coordination with overall inhibitory capacity. Walking coordination is quantified using a metric called phase coordination index (PCI). A greater PCI value reflects poorer gait coordination. We hypothesize those who demonstrate better gait coordination (lower PCI values), will have a greater iSP. These findings will determine the potential of iSPs as a neural biomarker to address gait asymmetries and stratify participants into individualized mobility rehabilitation protocols.

Modeling between Water Resources Security and Regional Economic Growth in the Yellow River Basin Based on Entropy Weight Method—A Case Study for Future Smart City

Abstract In order to explore the relationship between water resource security and regional economic growth, the Yellow River Basin was taken as the study area, and a relationship model between water resource security and regional economic growth in the Yellow River Basin based on the entropy weight method was constructed. After investigating the geographical location, changes in water resources, and economic status of the study area, combined with the principle of coupling coordination in water resources and economic systems, the Yellow River Basin water resources security index system was constructed based on the five aspects, including water resources characteristics, water supply facilities, and water resources management capacity and regional economic growth index system was constructed based on survival and development poverty two aspects. The entropy weight method was used to measure the variation degree of the indexes, and the information entropy was used to calculate the weight of each index. The TOPSIS method can be applied in optimizing the coupling algorithm and building a coupling coordination relationship model. Based on the coupling coordination index, the relationship between water resources security and regional economic growth in the Yellow River Basin was analyzed. The results show that the model analysis results can reflect the actual situation of water resources security and regional economic growth in the Yellow River Basin and show that there is a high degree of coupling between water resources security and regional economic growth in most provinces (cities). The cities showing extreme coupling relationships are mainly distributed in the economic zones, including Henan, Ningxia, Shanxi, and Gansu, and the cities showing moderate coupling relationships are mainly distributed in Xining and Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures. At the same time, policy suggestions are put forward based on the relationship between water resources security and regional economic growth in the Yellow River Basin.

Splitting the Difference: Split-Belt Treadmill Training Improves Spatial and Temporal Gait Symmetry in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting two million people worldwide. This disease is characterized by degradation of the myelin sheath resulting in impaired neural communication throughout the body. As a result, most people with MS (PwMS) experience significant mobility impairments. Gait asymmetries between the two legs are prevalent leading to an increased risk of falls, musculoskeletal injury, and decreased quality of life. Recent work indicates that split-belt treadmill training, where the speed of each leg is controlled independently, can decrease gait asymmetries for other neurodegenerative impairments. In this study, 26 PwMS have undergone split-belt treadmill training, with the faster paced belt moving under the more affected limb. Phase coordination index (PCI), which measures temporal coordination to assess stepping accuracy and consistency, and limb excursion asymmetry (LEA), which measures spatial coordination by quantifying sagittal displacement from toe off to heel strike of the ipsilateral leg, are the primary outcome measures used to assess gait symmetry in the current study. Previous work has identified an average PCI for PwMS population to be 5.19%, thus we grouped participants based on their baseline PCI value as either 1) above (poor baseline symmetry) or 2) below (good baseline symmetry) the previously recorded MS mean PCI of 5.19%, predicting that participants with a baseline PCI greater than 5.19% would show a greater response to split-belt treadmill training. Preliminary results show a mean PCI change of -1.31% (SE=0.65) for the poor baseline symmetry group and a mean PCI change of 0.92% (SE: 0.32) (p=0.0062). Among participants with poor baseline symmetry, the mean LEA change is -13.02mm (SE: 5.25) compared to a mean LEA change of 0.83mm (SE=3.35) for participants with good baseline symmetry (p=0.037). These findings suggest that PwMS retain the ability for gait adaptation, and provide the template for a novel, targeted mobility intervention. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting two million people worldwide. This disease is characterized by degradation of the myelin sheath resulting in impaired neural communication throughout the body. As a result, most people with MS (PwMS) experience significant mobility impairments. Gait asymmetries between the two legs are prevalent leading to an increased risk of falls, musculoskeletal injury, and decreased quality of life. Recent work indicates that split-belt treadmill training, where the speed of each leg is controlled independently, can decrease gait asymmetries for other neurodegenerative impairments. In this study, 26 PwMS have undergone split-belt treadmill training, with the faster paced belt moving under the more affected limb. Phase coordination index (PCI), which measures temporal coordination to assess stepping accuracy and consistency, and limb excursion asymmetry (LEA), which measures spatial coordination by quantifying sagittal displacement from toe off to heel strike of the ipsilateral leg, are the primary outcome measures used to assess gait symmetry in the current study. Previous work has identified an average PCI for PwMS population to be 5.19%, thus we grouped participants based on their baseline PCI value as either 1) above (poor baseline symmetry) or 2) below (good baseline symmetry) the previously recorded MS mean PCI of 5.19%, predicting that participants with a baseline PCI greater than 5.19% would show a greater response to split-belt treadmill training. Preliminary results show a mean PCI change of -1.31% (SE=0.65) for the poor baseline symmetry group and a mean PCI change of 0.92% (SE: 0.32) (p=0.0062). Among participants with poor baseline symmetry, the mean LEA change is -13.02mm (SE: 5.25) compared to a mean LEA change of 0.83mm (SE=3.35) for participants with good baseline symmetry (p=0.037). These findings suggest that PwMS retain the ability for gait adaptation, and provide the template for a novel, targeted mobility intervention.

Design method of polymer cut-off wall density for earth dams based on multi-objective optimization

Polymer grouting cut-off reinforcement technology is a highly efficient, minimally invasive, and cost-effective solution that is widely used in earth dam reinforcement projects. However, the density of polymer materials used in these projects is typically determined based on engineering experience rather than an optimal design method that considers factors such as deformation coordination, strength reserve, and economy. To address this issue, a multi-objective optimization-based design method for the density of polymer cut-off walls has been developed. The method takes into account several factors, including the maximum variable displacement difference and the maximum horizontal gap length between the cut-off wall and the dam soil (deformation coordination index), the maximum Mises stress of the cut-off wall and the dam slope stability factor (strength index), and construction cost (economic index). Each index is normalized, and an index weight is introduced to linearly combine the normalized values. The resulting function is then used to optimize the density of the polymer cut-off wall. For an actual engineering project, the optimized polymer densities were found to be 0.232 g/cm3, 0.223 g/cm3, and 0.29 g/cm3, with different index weights. This method provides valuable guidance for the design of polymer cut-off wall density in earth and dam reinforcement projects.

Coupled coordination spatiotemporal analyses inform sustainable development and environmental protection for the Yellow River Basin of China

Multiple nonlinear interactions exist between economic growth, urbanization construction, water resources, and industrial development (EUWI) within a region. To achieve the national goals of ecological protection and high-quality development within the Yellow River Basin of China, it is imperative to establish a clear understanding of the principles that govern these interactions and the level of coupling coordination development that exists within this region. Using data from 2011 to 2020, we quantitatively assessed the operation mechanisms of the EUWI system in nine provinces in the Yellow River Basin. First, a coupling coordination index was developed to measure the coordination relationships within the EUWI system. Next, a random forest method was used to identify the obstacle factors of the coupling coordination development in the EUWI system. Finally, a gray prediction model GM (1,1) was established to predict the development trends of the system in the subsequent five years. Our results show that: (1) the coupling coordination of the EUWI system in the Yellow River Basin improved has steadily improved over the study period, with the southeast region exhibiting a higher level of the coupling coordination than the other areas; (2) gross domestic product, research and development personnel, and the total amount of sewage treated are the main factors affecting the coupling coordination development of the EUWI system; and (3) the coupling coordination indices of the nine provinces will continue to rise from 2021 to 2025, with eight of the nine provinces (excluding Inner Mongolia) expected to reach their peak values in either 2023 or 2025. These results offer valuable insight for China's efforts to promote ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin.

Analysis of environmental performance and interactivity of ports and regions

The port is the basic support for regional economic development and the global allocation of resources. With the rapid development of China's economy and growing ecological awareness, the assessment of port and regional efficiency has received unprecedented attention. In the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, how the port and its region will be coordinated under the common goal of development has become a hot topic. In this study, the port subsystem (P-subsystem) and the regional subsystem (R-subsystem) are unified into the port–region system (PR system), and a new meta-frontier two-stage data envelopment analysis model is constructed to evaluate the P-subsystem efficiency and the environmental efficiency of the PR system. This research also measures the port–regional coordination level using the coordination index and explores the inefficiency of the PR system with the help of management improvement and technology improvement indices. Main results show that the overall efficiency of the Chinese PR system is increasing. The technological level of the PR system in coastal areas is close to the optimal level. The inefficiency of the Chinese PR system is mainly affected by management inefficiency. The coordination of regional and port development in China is also poor. Finally, on the basis of the research findings, this study provides targeted countermeasure suggestions to promote the efficiency enhancement and coordinated development of the PR system.

Smartwatch gait coordination index: New measure for human gait utilizing smartwatch sensor.

Human walking reflects the state of human health. Numerous medical studies have been conducted to analyze walking patterns and to diagnose disease progression. However, this process requires expensive equipment and considerable time and manpower. Smartwatches are equipped with gyro sensors to detect human movements and graph-walking patterns. To measure the abnormality in walking using this graph, we developed a smartwatch gait coordination index (SGCI) and examined its usefulness. The phase coordination index was applied to analyze arm movements. Based on previous studies, the phase coordination index formula was applied to graphs obtained from arm movements, showing that arm and leg movements during walking are correlated with each other. To prove this, a smartwatch was worn on the arms and legs of 8 healthy adults and the difference in arm movements was measured. The SGCI values with abnormal walking patterns were compared with the SGCI values obtained during normal walking. In the first experiment, the measured leg SGCI in normal walking averaged 9.002 ± 3.872 and the arm SGCI averaged 9.847 ± 6.115. The movements of both arms and legs showed stable sinusoidal waves. In fact, as a result of performing a paired t test of both exercise phases measured by the strike point using the maximum and minimum values, it was confirmed that the 2 exercises were not statistically different, as it yielded a P value of 0.469 (significance level α = 0.05). The arm SGCI measured after applying the 3 kg weight impairment on 1 leg was 22.167 ± 4.705. It was confirmed that the leg SGCI and 3 kg weight arm SGCI were statistically significant, as it yielded a P value of 0.001 (significance level α = 0.05). The SCGI can be automatically and continuously measured with the gyro sensor of the smartwatch and can be used as an indirect indicator of human walking conditions.

Administration of growth hormone ameliorates adverse effects of total sleep deprivation.

Total sleep deprivation (TSD) causes several harmful changes including anxiety, inflammation, and increased expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) genes in the hippocampus. The current study was conducted to explain the possible effects of exogenous GH against the above parameters caused by TSD and the possible mechanisms involved. Male Wistar rats were divided into 1) control, 2) TSD and 3) TSD + GH groups. To induce TSD, the rats received a mild repetitive electric shock (2mA, 3s) to their paws every 10min for 21days. Rats in the third group received GH (1ml/kg, sc) for 21days as treatment for TSD. The motor coordination, locomotion, the level of IL-6, and expression of ERK and TrkB genes in hippocampal tissue were measured after TSD. The motor coordination (p < 0.001) and locomotion indices (p < 0.001) were impaired significantly by TSD. The concentrations of serum corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) (p < 0.001) and hippocampal interleukin-6 (IL-6) (p < 0.001) increased. However, there was a significant decrease in the interleukin-4 (IL-4) concentration and expression of ERK (p < 0.001) and TrkB (p < 0.001) genes in the hippocampus of rats with TSD. Treatment of TSD rats with GH improved motor balance (p < 0.001) and locomotion (p < 0.001), decreased serum CRH (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.01) but increased the IL-4 and expression of ERK (p < 0.001) and TrkB (p < 0.001) genes in the hippocampus. Results show that GH plays a key role in modulating the stress hormone, inflammation, and the expression of ERK and TrkB genes in the hippocampus following stress during TSD.

Analysis the securable operation and protection coordination indices on multi‐objective sitting and sizing of synchronous distributed generations on distribution networks

AbstractDespite improving various technical indices such as operation and voltage profile, the integration of synchronous distributed generations (SDGs) may lead to the loss of protection coordination in the distribution network (DN). To tackle the problem, this paper presents a multi‐objective siting and sizing of SDGs on DN considering operation, economic and protection coordination indices simultaneously. The proposed scheme is structured in the framework of a four‐objective optimization problem, which aims to minimize the energy losses, the worst voltage security index (VSI), planning cost of SDGs and the protection index (PI) (the deviation of coordination time interval). Therefore, it is constrained to power flow equations, VSI, and protection coordination of overcurrent relays (OCRs). Then, the Pareto optimization based on the method of the weighted functions summation obtains an integrated single‐objective problem for the proposed scheme. Next, a hybrid evolutionary algorithm formed by merging particle swarm optimization (PSO) and crow search algorithm (CSA) is incorporated to achieve the optimal solution with unique response approximate conditions. Eventually, the suggested scheme is applied on distribution portion of IEEE 30‐bus ring and IEEE 69‐bus radial DN and numerical results confirm the efficient performance of SDG planning in terms of technical indicators and protective devices coordination.

Photobiomodulation therapy mitigates cardiovascular aging and improves survival.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, a form of low-dose light therapy, has been noted to be effective in several age-associated chronic diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Here, we examined the effects of PBM therapy on age-associated cardiovascular changes in a mouse model of accelerated cardiac aging. Fourteen months old Adenylyl cyclase type VIII (AC8) overexpressing transgenic mice (n = 8) and their wild-type (WT) littermates (n = 8) were treated with daily exposure to Near-Infrared Light (850 nm) at 25 mW/cm2 for 2 min each weekday for a total dose of 1 Einstein (4.5 p.J/cm2 or fluence 3 J/cm2 ) and compared to untreated controls over an 8-month period. PBM therapy was administered for 3.5 months (Early Treatment period), paused, due to Covid-19 restrictions for the following 3 months, and restarted again for 1.5 months. Serial echocardiography and gait analyses were performed at monthly intervals, and serum TGF-β1 levels were assessed following sacrifice. During the Early Treatment period PBM treatments: reduced the age-associated increases in left ventricular (LV) mass in both genotypes (p = 0.0003), reduced the LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) in AC8 (p = 0.04); and reduced the left atrial dimension in both genotypes (p = 0.02). PBM treatments substantially increased the LV ejection fraction (p = 0.03), reduced the aortic wall stiffness (p = 0.001), and improved gait symmetry, an index of neuro-muscular coordination (p = 0.005). The effects of PBM treatments, measured following the pause, persisted. Total TGF-β1 levels were significantly increased in circulation (serum) in AC8 following PBM treatments (p = 0.01). We observed a striking increase in cumulative survival in PBM-treated AC8 mice (100%; p = 0.01) compared to untreated AC8 mice (43%). PBM treatment mitigated age-associated cardiovascular remodeling and reduced cardiac function, improved neuromuscular coordination, and increased longevity in an experimental animal model. These responses correlate with increased TGF-β1 in circulation. Future mechanistic and dose optimization studies are necessary to assess these anti-aging effects of PBM, and validation in future controlled human studies is required for effective clinical translation.

Conflict or Coordination? measuring the relationships between urbanization and vegetation cover in China

Understanding the relationship between urbanization and vegetation is essential for sustainable urban development. Over the last few decades, China has experienced rapid and dramatic urbanization along with impressive land transformations. However, the dynamic relationship between urban expansion and vegetation cover lacks enough understanding. We proposed an urbanization-vegetation cover coordination index (UVCI) by combining the physical boundaries of cities at 10-year intervals and the 250 m vegetation index, and measured the conflict or coordination relationships between urbanization and vegetation cover for 338 cities in China from 1990 to 2018. The results show that China has experienced a process of rapid, large-scale, but uneven urban expansion over the past 30 years, with urban areas expanding by approximately 556 %. Urbanization has made China’s urban areas less green, yet vegetation cover changes vary between newly developed and older urban areas. There is a substantial tendency for vegetation degradation in the newly urbanized areas, whereas vegetation cover has generally improved in the older urban areas. The vegetation in non-urban areas has been showing a noticeable greening trend after 2010, with NDVI maintaining an annual growth rate of 0.89 %. The relationship between urbanization and urban vegetation cover in China is becoming increasingly coordinated. The proportion of conflict cities decreased from 93 % in 1990–2000 to 15 % in 2010–2018. The spatial heterogeneity of the UVCI is apparent, with northern Chinese cities having achieved a largely coordinated urban-vegetation relationship, while most southern cities still face challenges. The methodology of this study can be used as a reference for subsequent research, and the findings can help shape government policies that will support green and sustainable urban development in China.

Guest editorial: Application of cloud energy storage systems in power systems

Guest editorial: Application of cloud energy storage systems in power systems

The Effects of a Wetsuit on Biomechanical, Physiological, and Perceptual Variables in Experienced Triathletes

Wetsuits have been shown to change swim biomechanics and, thus, increase performance, but not all athletes are comfortable with their use because of possible modifications in motor coordination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of wetsuit use on biomechanical, physiological, and perceptual variables. Eleven national- and international-level triathletes, familiar with wetsuit use, performed 7 × 200-m front crawl at constant preset speed twice, with and without a full wetsuit. The trunk incline (TI) and index of coordination (IdC) were measured strokebystroke using video analysis. Stroke, breaths, and kick count, and timing (as breathing/kick action per arm-stroke cycle); stroke length(SL); and underwater length were analyzed using inertial-measurement-unit sensors. Heart rate(HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and swimming comfort were monitored during the task. A lower TI; IdC; number of strokes, kicks, and breaths; HR; and RPE for each 200 m were found in wetsuit compared with swimsuit condition. Higher values of SL and underwater length were found in wetsuit, whereas no differences were found in swimming comfort and timing of kicks and breaths. An increase for swimsuit condition in number of strokes and breaths, HR, and RPE was found during the task compared with the first 200 m. Wetsuit use reduces TI and, thus, drag; increases propelling proficiency; and shows lower fatigability, without modifying motor coordination, compared with swimsuit use at the same speed. The use of a wetsuit during training sessions is recommended to increase comfort and the positive effects on performance.