Lifting Technique Research Articles

Double-Layer Cogged Thread Lifting Technique: A Superficial- and Deep-Layer Lifting Method

Double-Layer Cogged Thread Lifting Technique: A Superficial- and Deep-Layer Lifting Method

Control of probability flow in Markov chain Monte Carlo-Nonreversibility and lifting.

The Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method is widely used in various fields as a powerful numerical integration technique for systems with many degrees of freedom. In MCMC methods, probabilistic state transitions can be considered as a random walk in state space, and random walks allow for sampling from complex distributions. However, paradoxically, it is necessary to carefully suppress the randomness of the random walk to improve computational efficiency. By breaking detailed balance, we can create a probability flow in the state space and perform more efficient sampling along this flow. Motivated by this idea, practical and efficient nonreversible MCMC methods have been developed over the past ten years. In particular, the lifting technique, which introduces probability flows in an extended state space, has been applied to various systems and has proven more efficient than conventional reversible updates. We review and discuss several practical approaches to implementing nonreversible MCMC methods, including the shift method in the cumulative distribution and the directed-worm algorithm.

Self-efficacy and social support enable women to protect their pelvic floor health: A nonrandomized controlled trial in rural Nepal.

Carrying heavy loads increases the risk of pelvic organ disorders, particularly in low-income countries. Low self-efficacy hampers adoption of pelvic-floor-protective behaviors. The enabling hypothesis suggests that social support may strengthen women's behavioral self-efficacy. A three-arm parallel non-randomized controlled trial with 300 women and their social partners experimentally examined whether self-efficacy and social support can enable women's pelvic-floor-protective behaviors in rural Nepal. Three villages received (1) self-efficacy (2) self-efficacy and social support promotion, or (3) information only control. The co-primary outcomes were reduced weight carried and using protective lifting techniques at 2-month follow-up. Self-efficacy promotion increased the use of protective lifting techniques 9% more than information only (d = 0.28). Weight was reduced by 3 kg more when additionally promoting social support compared to self-efficacy alone (d = 0.39). Self-efficacy and social support promotion enable women to better protect their pelvic floor health and may complement educational approaches to health behavior change in low-resource populations.

Design of LQ regulators with prescribed degree of stability for dual-rate systems based on reinforcement learning

This paper considers dual-rate systems, where the output is measured at a relatively slow rate while the control signal is adjusted at a faster rate. The output sampling time is an integer multiple of the input sampling time. The paper examines dual-rate inferential control systems, which consist of a fast model, a slow model, and a switch. Missing output samples are estimated using the fast single-rate model. The single-rate control algorithm is then implemented at the fast-sampling rate. The fast-sampling discrete-time model is derived from the plant’s continuous-time model using the first-order hold (FOH) element. A discrete LQ regulator is proposed for this plant model, with a prescribed degree of stability (all closed-loop eigenvalues are within the range 0 < λ < 1 in magnitude). The matrix gain is calculated offline, and an online method for calculating the regulator gain is provided. The regulator gain is calculated using policy iteration, specifically Hewer’s algorithm. Finally, it is demonstrated that the presented inferential control system remains effective in the presence of multiplicative unmodeled dynamics. The main contributions of the paper are: (i) Designing the LQ regulator with a prescribed degree of stability using reinforcement learning (RL) (generalized policy iteration); and (ii) Considering the robust stability of the inferential control system in the presence of multiplicative unmodeled dynamics using the lifting technique.

Coronofrontal rhytidectomy: A new approach for the treatment of severe pseudoptosis and superior entropion in dogs.

To describe the use of coronofrontal rhytidectomy (CFR) for the treatment of severe pseudoptosis and superior entropion in dogs, and to provide guidelines for the selection of surgical technique depending on presentation. A review of medical records of dogs that underwent rhytidectomy from 2002 to 2023 was carried out, including signalment, clinical signs, type of rhytidectomy, concurrent surgical techniques, re-interventions, post-operative complications, follow-up time, and outcome. Twenty dogs with a median age of 5.1 years were included in this study. English Cocker Spaniel was the most common breed (8 dogs:40%) and males were overrepresented (13 dogs: 65%). Besides pseudoptosis and visual impairment (100%), the other most common clinical signs were entropion and/or ectropion (19 dogs: 95%), conjunctivitis (17 dogs: 85%), euryblepharon (12 dogs: 60%) and non-ulcerative keratitis (10 dogs: 50%). CFR was performed in 12 dogs (60%), frontal rhytidectomy in 5 (25%), coronal in 2 (10%), and modified shared in 1 (5%). Concurrent surgical techniques were performed in 17 dogs (85%), being lateral canthoplasty (13 dogs; 65%), and Celsus-Hotz (10 dogs; 50%) the most common. The median follow-up time was 115 days with no complications and good outcomes reported in all dogs. At last re-recheck, complete correction of the eyelid positioning was obtained in 92% (11/12) and 87.5% (7/8) of the cases that underwent CFR and other rhytidectomy techniques, respectively. CFR is an effective surgical treatment for severe pseudoptosis and superior entropion in dogs. The provided guidelines will assist in the selection of the most appropriate eyelid lifting technique.

Two-set inequalities for the binary knapsack polyhedra

This paper presents two-set inequalities, a class of valid inequalities for knapsack and multiple knapsack problems. Two-set inequalities are generated from two arbitrary sets of variables from a knapsack constraint. This class of cutting planes is not a traditional type of lifting since a valid inequality over a restricted space is not required to start. Furthermore, they cannot be derived using any existing lifting technique. The paper presents a quadratic algorithm to efficiently generate many two-set inequalities. Conditions for facet-defining two-set inequalities are also derived. Computational experiments tested these inequalities as pre-processing cuts versus CPLEX, a high-performance mathematical programming solver, at default settings. Overall, two-set inequalities reduced the time to solve some benchmark multiple knapsack instances to up to 80%. Computational results also showed the potential of this new class of cutting planes to solve computationally challenging binary integer programs.

ОПЕРАЦИЯ СИНУС-ЛИФТИНГА: ФАКТОРЫ РИСКА ПЕРФОРАЦИИ МЕМБРАНЫ ШНЕЙДЕРА

The number of patients of middle and old age with loss of teeth continues to increase despite the advances in preventive dentistry. The prosthesis on implants is the most predictable rehabilitation method for the patients with various defects in dental rows. This paper presents a modern look at possible risk factors for Schneiderian membrane perforation connected not only to open sinus lifting techniques, but also to anatomical peculiarities of the facial scull bones which shall be taken into account when planning dental implantation in the posterior region of the maxilla.

Minilifting: Short-Scar Rhytidectomy with Thread Lifting.

Facelifting techniques have been developed over time to mask the aging process. However, conventional facelifts cause scarring. Because of patient demands, various noninvasive lifting techniques have been introduced, including absorbable thread lifting. Minilifting is known for its short-scar excision and is used to improve skin laxity and lifting using absorbable threads but the definition and operation techniques are not certain. In this article, we described the definition, development, and operative techniques used in minilifts. Minilifting procedures represent an added option for patients with minimal scarring and adequate lifting effects.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies for Retail Workers: Insights from a Case Study in Dungun

Manual handling activities contribute to 40% of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), leading to long-term discomfort, disability, medical costs, and financial hardships for workers, while employers face lower productivity and compensation costs. An ergonomic assessment was conducted among employees at ABC Hardware in Dungun to identify ergonomic risk factors, determine the likelihood of harm affecting workers' musculoskeletal health, and recommend control measures to improve workers' health and well-being. Utilizing a combination of interviews, observations, and questionnaires based on established ergonomics guidelines, the research highlights the prevalence of MSDs among workers engaged in manual handling tasks, emphasizing the need for ergonomic interventions and awareness to enhance workplace safety and employee well-being. Findings from the ergonomic assessment revealed significant discomfort and risk factors related to awkward postures, repetitive motions, forceful exertion, and static positions. Specific ergonomic issues identified include discomfort in the upper back, thighs, and knees among storekeepers, and neck and lower back pain among warehouse workers. Service desk representatives were found to experience discomfort related to static postures and repetitive motions. The study recommends advanced ergonomic assessments such as Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Occupational Repetitive Assessment (OCRA), and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), along with improvements in ergonomic practices and tools. Implementing job rotation, providing ergonomic equipment, and conducting training on proper lifting techniques are essential to address the identified risks. This research highlights the critical role of ergonomic practices in preventing MSDs and improving overall workplace safety.

Enhancing Employee Retention through Ergonomic Practices: Examining the Moderating Effect of Work-Life Balance

This study investigates the impact of various ergonomic and workplace factors on employee retention, aiming to understand how organizations can foster a supportive work environment to enhance employee satisfaction and reduce turnover. Using structural equation modeling, the research examines key variables, including workstation design, proper lifting techniques, task rotation, anti-fatigue mats, ergonomic tools and equipment, break scheduling, and work-life balance. The findings reveal that these ergonomic factors significantly influence employee retention, with proper lifting techniques and ergonomic tools showing the strongest positive associations. The analysis demonstrates that employees who experience a supportive ergonomic environment are more likely to stay with their organization, thus emphasizing the importance of these factors in retention strategies. Additionally, work-life balance is shown to moderate the relationship between ergonomic practices and retention, suggesting that employees who feel their organization values their personal well-being are more likely to remain committed. Fit indices, such as the RMSEA, CFI, TLI, SRMR, and GFI, confirm the robustness of the model, indicating a good fit with the observed data. The study’s conclusions highlight the need for organizations to invest in ergonomic improvements and work-life balance initiatives to maintain a stable and productive workforce. While the study offers valuable insights, its limitations include the cross-sectional design, reliance on self-reported data, and the specific organizational context, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research could expand on these findings by exploring additional variables and conducting longitudinal studies across diverse settings to provide a more comprehensive understanding of employee retention dynamics.

Reverse and antegrade vector thread lifting techniques: Correcting nasolabial and marionette lines.

This study evaluates the efficacy of reverse and antegrade thread lifting vectors in conjunction with thread selection for correcting nasolabial folds and marionette lines, aiming to enhance treatment precision and effectiveness. Three female patients aged 43, 48, and 53, presenting with primary concerns regarding nasolabial folds, underwent distinct treatment regimens utilizing various types of threads and vectors. Additionally, video demonstrations were recorded to showcase the procedural techniques employed in each case. The outcomes of the thread lifting procedures demonstrated significant improvements in the correction of the nasolabial fold and marionette line. Innovative thread insertion techniques involve entry points above the zygomatic arch and threading toward the temple hairline for lateral face lifting. These utilize barbs to pull skin and underlying tissues. The reversal technique involves inserting threads in a criss-cross pattern, forming a fibrous structure that may prolong the duration of results. Various thread combinations, considering factors such as composition, thickness, and barb size, provide customized procedures. This research introduces clinical applications, including temple area hairline lifting for nasolabial fold and marionette line correction, reverse vectors targeting nasolabial folds and marionette lines, and antegrade approaches from the lateral side.

Effects of unstable load and unstable surface ontrunk muscles activation and postural control in healthy subjects

Exercise with an unstable load is considered a new training method to activate the core muscles. Research has shown consistency regarding an unstable surface but has not provided comprehensive findings about the effect of an unstable load. The study aimed to examine the impact of an unstable load and unstable surfaces on core muscle activation and postural control during lifting. Thirty-eight participants lifted a load equivalent to 10 % of their body weight under three conditions: a stable load on an unstable surface, a stable load on a stable surface, and an unstable load on a stable surface. The center of pressure (COP) displacement and electromyography activity of abdominal and back extensor muscles were measured during lifting. The results indicated that lifting on an unstable surface activated the lumbar erector spinae and multifidus muscles more than in a stable condition (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the level of thoracic erector spinae muscle activity between the unstable load and unstable surface conditions. The stable condition increased activity in the internal oblique muscle (1.37 times) compared to the unstable conditions. The analysis of postural control revealed that lifting the load on an unstable surface significantly decreased COP displacement in the anteroposterior direction (P<0.05), while holding the load on the unstable surface significantly increased COP displacement in the anteroposterior direction compared to the other conditions. These findings could be valuable for future rehabilitation research, learning appropriate lifting techniques, and setting specific training goals in sports.

OVERHEAD WATER TANK CONSTRUCTION: AN INNOVATIVE STRATEGY

The construction of an overhead water tank leads to extensive scaffolding and formwork for the full height of the tank. A steel mill in Sadat City, Egypt, required a tank with a total capacity of 275 m3 at a staging height of 36.75 meters above ground level, so it was built using the “Slip Forming and Heavy Lifting Technique”. It comprises twin chambers, each having a capacity of 75 m3 and 200 m3, supported by a circular shaft. A comparison between the methods of "slip-forming and heavy lifting techniques” and “conventional methods of construction” has been presented. “Slip Forming and Heavy Lifting Technique” is the need of the hour to provide an economical solution to the requirement of a time-bound finish to any project.

Biomechanics of the Spine: A case study on the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae

The spine’s lumbar and sacral regions are critical in load-bearing activities typical in daily life and sports, such as lifting and carrying heavy objects. These activities subject the spine to complex biomechanical forces—namely compression, tension, and shear—particularly impacting the lumbar vertebrae. Understanding these forces is crucial for developing preventive strategies against injuries and enhancing physical performance. This case study aims to elucidate the biomechanical dynamics at play in the lumbar and sacral vertebrae under various loading conditions to identify the causes of injuries and devise methods to minimize their occurrence through improved lifting techniques. The research employed advanced biomechanical analysis, including the use of the DWATBAK computer model, to measure spinal forces during physical activities. This case study focused on the impact of shear forces and the resultant stresses during weightlifting, integrating anthropometric measurements to determine safe and effective lifting postures Present findings highlight the necessity of maintaining the natural curvature of the lumbar spine to decrease injury risk. Carrying loads close to the body’s center was shown to significantly reduce spinal stress, particularly in the lower lumbar region. The case study delineated how specific postures could alleviate the risk of shearing forces that primarily affect the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. Adopting correct lifting postures is imperative to prevent spinal injuries in the lumbar and sacral areas. The study emphasizes incorporating biomechanical insights into training regimes to improve safety and efficacy in activities involving heavy lifting.

Microplastic pollution in the North-east Atlantic Ocean surface water: How the sampling approach influences the extent of the issue

A lack of standardization in monitoring protocols has hindered the accurate evaluation of microplastic (MP) pollution in the open sea and its potential impacts. As sampling techniques significantly influence the amounts of MPs contained in the sample, the aim of this study was to compare two sampling methods: Manta trawl (size selective approach) and grab sampling (volume selective approach). Both approaches were applied in the open sea surface waters of the North-east Atlantic Ocean. Onshore sample processing was carried out using the innovative tape lifting technique, which affords a series of advantages, including prevention of airborne contamination during analysis, without compromising integrity of the results. The results obtained indicated an MP concentration over four orders of magnitude higher using grab sampling compared to the Manta net approach (mean values equal to 0.24 and 4050 items/m3, respectively). Consequently, the sole quantification of MPs using results obtained with the Manta trawl resulted in a marked underestimation of abundance. Nevertheless, the grab sampling technique is intricately linked to a risk of collecting non-representative water volumes, consequently leading to an overestimation of MPs abundance and a significant inter-sample variability. Moreover, the latter method is unsuitable for use in sampling larger MPs or in areas with low concentrations of MP pollution. The optimal sampling method therefore is dependent on the specific objectives of the study, often resulting in a combination of size and volume selective methods. The results of this study have the potential to contribute to the standardization of monitoring protocols for microplastics, both during the sampling phase and sample processing.

The Omega Mastopexy Technique for the Correction of Breast Ptosis after Breast Implant Explantation.

The past few years have seen a 50% increase in breast implant explantations. Patients with ptotic breasts may desire mastopexy, although conventional techniques are often invasive. We describe our experience with the omega mastopexy technique after breast implant explantation and capsulectomy. In the past 2 years, 10 patients with breast Regnault classification ptosis grade I-III underwent the omega mastopexy technique following breast implant explantation and capsulectomy. A detailed description of our operating technique is provided. This series includes a total of 10 patients. The median age was 48.5 (IQR 42.8-52.5), median body mass index 26 (23.8-28.3) and median implant volume 355 (IQR 325-375). Excellent and stable aesthetic results were achieved without recurring ptosis. One patient, an active smoker, underwent reexcision after 1 year due to hypertrophic scars. No complications have been reported until this date at 2 years follow-up. The omega mastopexy technique offers an excellent alternative to classic lifting techniques for ptotic breasts after breast implant explantation. Patients with increased risk of wound healing impairment are especially likely to benefit.

Linux IoT Malware Variant Classification Using Binary Lifting and Opcode Entropy

Binary function analysis is fundamental in understanding the behavior and genealogy of malware. The detection, classification, and analysis of Linux IoT malware and its variants present significant challenges due to the wide range of architectures supported by the Linux IoT platform. This study concentrates on static analysis using binary lifting techniques to extract and analyze Intermediate Representation (IR) opcode sequences. We introduce a set of statistical entropy-based features derived from these IR opcode sequences, establishing a practical and straightforward methodology for machine learning classification models. By exclusively analyzing function metadata and opcode entropy, our architecture-agnostic approach not only efficiently detects malware but also classifies its variants with a high degree of accuracy, achieving an F1 score of 97%. The proposed approach offers a robust alternative for enhancing malware detection and variant identification frameworks for IoT devices.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among desludging operators in Uganda

BackgroundDespite the limited evidence, desludging operators remain at a heightened risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study established the prevalence and predictors of WMSDs among desludging operators in Uganda.MethodsA digitalized structured questionnaire was used to collect cross-sectional data on musculoskeletal disorders and routine workplace activities from 303 desludging operators in 11 cities in Uganda. These cities were purposively selected based on the presence of a fecal sludge treatment plant or wastewater treatment plant. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to assess WMSDs. Simple random sampling with replacements was used to select respondents. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15.0. Modified Poisson Regression was used to measure the strength of association between the independent variables and WMSDs.ResultsA total of 303 study participants were interviewed (97.7% response rate). The average age of the respondents was 34.0 years (SD ± 9.8). The prevalence of WMSDs among desludging operators was 29.7%. The body parts affected by MSDs were; the elbow for 4.6% (14/303), shoulder for 5.0% (15/303), and wrist/hand for 6.3% (19/303) of the respondents. At multivariable analysis, after controlling for age, desludging operators’ ability to influence the availability of equipment needed to do their work (APR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.20–0.99), and feeling that everything done was an effort (APR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.01–2.87) were significantly associated with WMSDs.ConclusionThe prevalence of WMSDs was high among desludging operators in Uganda. Desludging operators’ ability to influence the availability of equipment needed to do their work and frequency of feeling that everything done was an effort were significantly associated with WMSDs. Interventions should focus on ensuring adequate provision of ergonomic equipment and promoting practices that reduce the physical strain associated with desludging tasks. Additionally, comprehensive training programs addressing proper lifting techniques and posture awareness could significantly mitigate the risk of WMSDs among desludging-operators.

Distributed fusion filtering for multi-rate nonlinear systems with random sensor failures under event-triggering round-robin-like scheme

The distributed fusion filtering problem is addressed for the multi-rate nonlinear systems with random sensor failures (RSFs) over sensor networks, where a prediction compensation approach is proposed to transform the system unlike the lifting technique. The RSFs are portrayed by using stochastic variables with known statistical properties that satisfy certain probability distribution. In order to prevent data conflicts and reduce unnecessary data transmission, the event-triggering round-robin-like scheme (ETRRLS) is introduced to schedule the data transmission among sensor nodes. The main objectives of this paper are to design a local distributed filtering scheme based on the information of itself and ETRRLS scheduled neighboring nodes, and obtain an upper bound on the local filtering error (LFE) covariance which is minimized based on the filter gains design. Afterward, the local filters are fused by using the sequential covariance intersection fusion criterion. Moreover, we provide a sufficient condition, which can ensure the boundedness of the trace of LFE covariance. Finally, a simulation example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the newly proposed distributed fusion estimation algorithm.

In-Field Training of a Passive Back Exoskeleton Changes the Biomechanics of Logistic Workers

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Occupational exoskeletons receive rising interest in industry as these devices diminish the biomechanical load during manual materials handling. Still, we have limited knowledge when it comes to in-field use. This gap often contributes to failure in the implementation of exoskeleton in industry. In this study, we investigated how a training protocol consisting of in-field use of a passive back exoskeleton affected the biomechanics of logistic workers. More specifically, we focused on how the variation of the muscular and kinematic patterns of the user was altered after exoskeleton training. We found that training had a positive effect on exoskeleton use, as a relative decrease of 6–9% in peak back muscle activity was observed post-training. Additionally, training decreased knee flexion by 6°–16°, indicating a more stoop lifting technique. The findings point at the potential benefits of applying a training approach when implementing a back-supporting exoskeleton in logistics.