Measure Of Stability Research Articles

Evaluation of conventional and CT-based radiostereometric analysis for inducible displacement measurements after total hip arthroplasty.

Though radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is the gold standard for migration tracking, computed tomography-based RSA (CT-RSA) does not require marker beads and is available for clinical adoption. This study investigated CT-RSA in comparison to RSA for assessing hip implant stability with inducible displacement (ID) examinations. Patients (n = 48) from a previous study returned to be re-examined for femoral stem stability with CT-RSA and RSA imaging. Implant migration since patients last follow-up was calculated as a measure of stability. ID was assessed between alternated leg rotation scans for CT-RSA and between supine and weight-bearing scans for RSA. Measurements from ID and double examinations were compared between CT-RSA and RSA. All stems were well-fixed with migration <0.2 mm/year. ID measurements were lower with CT-RSA than RSA for distal translation (mean difference = 0.122 mm, p < 0.0001), total translation (mean difference = 0.158 mm, p < 0.0001), and total rotation (mean difference = 0.449°, p < 0.0001). The ID and double exam were significantly different for total translation and total rotation for CT-RSA, and significantly different for medial, distal, and total translation, and total rotation for RSA. Precision ranged from 0.049 to 0.130 mm in translation and 0.061° to 0.220° in rotation for CT-RSA, and from 0.108 to 0.269 mm in translation and 0.151° to 0.670° in rotation for RSA. ID measurements from both CT-RSA and RSA were minimal, consistent for a cohort with well-fixed stems. CT-RSA demonstrated superior precision in all axes compared to RSA. Clinical Significance: Future work should explore the use of CT-RSA in patients with suspected loosening as a potential diagnostic tool.

Y-Balance Test after ACL Reconstruction: The relationship with knee and hip muscle strength, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and postural stability

BackgroundY-Balance Test (YBT) assesses postural stability. When is applied to patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), it is not clear which variables influence its result. ObjectiveTo connect YBT and postural stability, quadriceps, hamstring, and gluteus complex muscle strength, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADFROM). Study designCross-sectional. MethodsFifty-nine participants (52 males and 7 females) with ACLR ≥6 months were evaluated. YBT anterior, posterolateral, posteromedial, and composite, isokinetic peak torque of the knee, strength of the gluteal complex with Hip Stability Isometric Test, ADFROM with Weight-Bearing Lunge Test, postural stability with Stability Index of Biodex Balance System® were applied. ResultsIn the ACLR limb, the multivariate regression linear models pointed out an association between the quadriceps muscle strength and ADFRM with anterior, posteromedial and composite reaches (R2 = 0.30; 0.23; 0.26). Hamstring muscle strength and ADFRM with posterolateral (R2 = 0.13). In the uninjured limb, overall stability index and ADFRM with anterior reach (R2 = 0.25), strength of gluteal complex with posteromedial (R2 = 0.31), hamstring muscle strength, Overall and lateromedial stability indexes with posterolateral (R2 = 0.20), hamstring muscle strength, Overall stability index, ADFRM and strength of gluteal complex with composite (R2 = 0.32). ConclusionsThe quadriceps muscle strength and ADFRM are important variables for YBT performance in the ACLR limb. In the uninjured limb, ADFROM, the strength of the gluteal complex and hamstring, overall and lateromedial stability indexes are associated with YBT performance. We question the utility of the YBT to measure postural stability given the lack of association with other postural stability measures.

Bicycling tasks relation to stability measures during alcohol intoxication

Bicycling accidents are a major traffic safety problem and are deemed ‘an unacceptable human and social price for EU citizens’. One of the major causes for bicycling accidents is loss of balance. A related influencing factor is alcohol intoxication. It is a primary, long term, safety objective to develop safety systems for the cyclist. The present work aimed to understand how to measure cyclists’ instability via steering and leaning inputs, while considering that steering and leaning might vary depending on the cycling task being performed. Of 28 participants, 19 were given doses of alcohol up to 1.0‰ and 9 remained sober (control group). Breath alcohol concentration was measured. The participants repeated the cycling test track session five times (with each block lasting 35 minutes). The track session contained three different tasks: cycling slalom, straight, and slowly. Speed, yaw rate, and roll rate were assessed continuously. Yaw rate and roll rate were relatively sensitive for the different cycling tasks. The threshold level of the angular velocity measurements was related to the cycling task performed. Alcohol intoxication at 0.7‰ had a significant impact on performance. The rather simple measurements used can detect instability. Instability should be measured differently depending on the cycling task performed. The study represents a small step towards a safety system for cyclists.

Is the business cycle getting hit by climate policy uncertainty in China?

This study apply an asymmetric time-varying test to assess the impact of China's climate policy uncertainty (CCPU) on its business cycle (2000–2022) using currency supply indices (M2, M1, and M0) as economic proxies. Linear Granger tests indicate no causal relationship between CCPU and the currency supply in general. However, the time-varying analysis reveals a significant impact of CCPU on M2 after December 2020. In addition, M2 mainly responds to negative CCPU shocks whereas M1 and M0 respond to both positive and negative shocks. Therefore, policymakers should adopt stabilisation measures to mitigate M2 contraction during CCPU surges while monitoring M1 and M0 for comprehensive currency policy adjustments.

Determining the Serum Stability of Human Adenosine Deaminase 1 Enzyme.

The concept of enzyme stability is typically used to refer to an enzyme's thermostability - its ability to retain structure and activity as temperature increases. For a therapeutic enzyme, other measures of stability may also be critical, particularly its ability to retain function in human serum at 37 °C, which we refer to as serum stability. Here, we describe an in vitro assay to assess the serum stability of the wildtype Homo sapiens adenosine deaminase I (HsADA1) enzyme using an absorbance-based microplate procedure. Specifically, this manuscript describes the preparation of buffers and reagents, a method arranging for the coincubation of HsADA1 in serum, a method to analyze the test samples using a microplate reader, and an accompanying analysis to determine the fraction of activity that an HsADA1 enzyme retains in serum as a function of time. We further discuss considerations to adapt this protocol to other enzymes, using an example of a Homo sapiens kynureninase enzyme, to help aid the protocol's adaptation to other enzymes where serum stability is of interest.

Size isn't everything: Understanding the relationship between police workforce and crime problems

If and how policing affects crime has long been studied. On the relationship between police force size and crime, different authors come to different conclusions. This study examines the relationship between police resourcing, including workforce size, structure and stability over time using data for 42 police forces in the UK over a 13-year period.We construct two novel panel datasets. The first comprises measures of police workforce Size, Structure and Stability. The second provides measures of both crime frequency and crime severity. Issues of endogeneity make the modelling of the police-crime association complicated. Consequently, we analyse the data using a panel vector autoregression (PVAR) model which is capable of forecasting a temporal sequence of the interdependencies between police-crime relationships.Changes in total police personnel play an important role in reducing both crime frequency and severity, but the findings are more nuanced than this. Results highlight that the structure and stability of police organisations are important although these impacts are not always the same for crime volume and crime severity. We find that increases in frontline (non-sworn) support staff are associated with reductions in crime, while turnover rates of police staff are associated with increases in crime. In contrast, changes to the number of sworn police officers do not appear to be a good predictor of crime volume.The findings suggest that investment in frontline support staff and the development of strategies to retain skills and knowledge by reducing staff turnover may be efficient approaches for Police Forces to maximise the impact on crime of their workforce in resource-pressed policing settings. While previous research has found that police force size has a limited effect on crime, our findings indicate that more nuanced measurements of police resourcing are necessary to understand how police impact upon crime risk. The idea of police forces using basic officer-to-population ratios to make staffing decisions appears outdated and over-simplistic.

EFFICIENCY OF MONETARY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION AS A BASIS FOR CENTRAL BANK STABILISATION POLICY UNDER MARTIAL LAW (UKRAINIAN AND ISRAELI PRACTICES)

The purpose of the paper is to summarise and present the anti-crisis practices of a central bank during martial law in the country, based on the experience of the National Bank of Ukraine and the Bank of Israel. The research methodology is based on an analysis of reports, guidelines, statistical data, scientific articles, legislation bases, and other relevant materials. One of the methodological aspects of this study is a comparison of the knowledge acquired about the regulations implemented by the two central banks after the introduction of martial law in the countries. The objective is to identify potential lessons learned for the banking regulations of Ukraine and the State of Israel. The results of the study show that the practical implementation of stabilisation measures by central banks is crucial for achieving financial stability of the state both during and after wartime, as well as the ability to predict possible deepening of crises and minimise their consequences. The tools and methods used by these central banks differ. In particular, the NBU's main monetary policy instrument was foreign exchange interventions, while the BoI actively used the key policy rate. The proper formation of international currency reserves and the possibility of using them during a war-related crisis is critical for both countries. This fact confirms that crisis management has different types of scenarios. Each anti-crisis scenario is unique. This paper highlights the practical need for interaction between monetary and macroprudential policies of the central bank in wartime. It demonstrates various combinations of methods and instruments of the central bank's monetary policy. This study also shows the interdependence of the economies of these two countries. Practical implementation. This analysis provides insight into the anti-crisis activities of central banks during unpredictable periods in a country's life, namely, during martial law. At the present stage, banking systems do not often face the challenges of war. Therefore, studying each case is important for improving theoretical knowledge and deepening practical research. Value / Originality. The author of the study collected the experience and practices of stabilisation activities of the central banks of Ukraine and Israel during the war.

Individual differences in proprioceptive reorientation: a study on body characteristics and Posturography

ABSTRACT Spatial reorientation guided by the proprioceptive information derived from walking on a slanted floor has revealed large individual and sex differences. Here we addressed the role of body characteristics and measures of stability and balance-related sensory function from computerized dynamic posturography. Blindfolded participants walked in a slanted arena and had to identify the uphill direction (Perceptual task) and use the slope to remember the location of a target object (Memory task). Male participants performed better in the Perceptual task. In the Memory task, heavier participants made smaller errors, suggesting that body mass may influence how we navigate in the environment.

Differences in Trunk Acceleration-Derived Gait Indexes in Stroke Subjects with and without Stroke-Induced Immunosuppression.

Background: Stroke-induced immunosuppression (SII) represents a negative rehabilitative prognostic factor associated with poor motor performance at discharge from a neurorehabilitation unit (NRB). This study aims to evaluate the association between SII and gait impairment at NRB admission. Methods: Forty-six stroke patients (65.4 ± 15.8 years, 28 males) and 42 healthy subjects (HS), matched for age, sex, and gait speed, underwent gait analysis using an inertial measurement unit at the lumbar level. Stroke patients were divided into two groups: (i) the SII group was defined using a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥ 5, and (ii) the immunocompetent (IC) group. Harmonic ratio (HR) and short-term largest Lyapunov's exponent (sLLE) were calculated as measures of gait symmetry and stability, respectively. Results: Out of 46 patients, 14 (30.4%) had SII. HR was higher in HS when compared to SII and IC groups (p < 0.01). HR values were lower in SII when compared to IC subjects (p < 0.01). sLLE was lower in HS when compared to SII and IC groups in the vertical and medio-lateral planes (p ≤ 0.01 for all comparisons). sLLE in the medio-lateral plane was higher in SII when compared to IC subjects (p = 0.04). Conclusions: SII individuals are characterized by a pronounced asymmetric gait and a more impaired dynamic gait stability. Our findings underline the importance of devising tailored rehabilitation programs in patients with SII. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term outcomes and the role of other clinical features on gait pattern.

Design and Psychometric Evaluation of Nurses' Mobile Health Device Acceptance Scale (NMHDA-Scale): Application of the Expectation-Confirmation Theory.

The use of mobile tools in nursing care is indispensable. Given the importance of nurses' acceptance of these tools in delivering effective care, this issue requires greater attention. This study aims to design the Mobile Health Tool Acceptance Scale for Nurses based on the Expectation-Confirmation Theory and to evaluate it psychometrically. Using a Waltz-based approach grounded in existing tools and the constructs of the Expectation-Confirmation Theory, the initial version of the scale was designed and evaluated for face and content validity. Construct validity was examined through exploratory factor analysis, concurrent validity, and known-group comparison. Reliability was assessed using measures of internal consistency and stability. The initial version of the scale consisted of 33 items. During the qualitative and quantitative content validity stage, 1 item was added and 1 item was removed. Exploratory factor analysis, retaining 33 items, identified 5 factors that explained 70.53% of the variance. A significant positive correlation was found between the scores of the designed tool and nurses' attitudes toward using mobile-based apps in nursing care (r=0.655, P<.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient, Cronbach α, and ω coefficient were 0.938, 0.953, and 0.907, respectively. The 33-item scale developed is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring nurses' acceptance of mobile health tools.

Improving Threshold for Fault-Tolerant Color-Code Quantum Computing by Flagged Weight Optimization

Color codes are promising quantum error-correction (QEC) codes because they have an advantage over surface codes in that all Clifford gates can be implemented transversally. However, the thresholds of color codes under circuit-level noise are relatively low, mainly because measurements of their high-weight stabilizer generators cause an increase in the circuit depth and, thus, substantial errors are introduced. This makes color codes not the best candidate for fault-tolerant quantum computing. Here, we propose a method to suppress the impact of such errors by optimizing weights of decoders using conditional error probabilities conditioned on the measurement outcomes of flag qubits. In numerical simulations, we improve the threshold of the (4.8.8) color code under circuit-level noise from 0.14% to around 0.27%, which is calculated by using an integer programming decoder. Furthermore, in the (6.6.6) color code, we achieve a circuit-level threshold of around 0.36%, which is almost the same value as the highest value in the previous studies employing the same noise model. In both cases, the effective code distance is also improved compared to a conventional method that uses a single ancilla qubit for each stabilizer measurement. Thereby, the achieved logical error rates at low physical error rates are almost one order of magnitude lower than those of the conventional method with the same code distance. Even when compared to the single-ancilla method with a higher code distance, considering the increased number of qubits used in our method, we achieve lower logical error rates in most cases. This method can also be applied to other weight-based decoders, making the color codes more promising as candidates for the experimental implementation of QEC. Furthermore, one can utilize this approach to improve a threshold of wider classes of QEC codes, such as high-rate quantum low-density parity-check codes. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Influence falling income inequality for social stability: Case study of four European countries

AbstractThis study aims to assess the relationship between income inequality and social solidarity as a measure of societal stability, using European countries as a case study. Data from 20 European countries were included in the research. The primary dependent variable was defined as social solidarity, serving as an indicator of societal stability. The analysis of social solidarity was conducted concerning various social groups, including overall solidarity and solidarity towards vulnerable societal categories. Responses to questions were evaluated using the Likert scale. Income inequality within each country, measured by the Gini coefficient, was designated as the explanatory variable. Control variables were incorporated, including GDP per capita and the percentage of social expenditure relative to a country's GDP. The conducted analysis demonstrates a negative correlation between income inequality and the manifestation of social solidarity. The analysis of individual characteristics reveals that specific groups exhibit greater social solidarity compared to others. The conclusion drawn is that both lower and higher household income levels lead to a decrease in the overall manifestation of social solidarity in the face of increasing income inequality. The study's findings contribute theoretically to the discourse on income inequality and its impact on societal stability.

Economic Analysis of the Export Trends of Livestock and Livestock Products in India

Livestock provides livelihood to two-third of rural masses and employs about 8.8 per cent population of India. While dairying ensures livelihood to 70 million farm families. The study utilized export data from government sources and conducted a statistical analysis to assess trends and stability. Data revealed that the overall export value increased significantly from ₹22,092.62 crore in 2011-12 to ₹48,947.55 crore in 2021-22, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.90%. Buffalo meat emerged as the leading export product, while dairy products exhibited a notable growth rate while dairy products and other categories showed varied growth. The instability index for the total exports was 19.02%, indicating moderate stability. State-wise analysis indicated Uttar Pradesh as the leading exporter, followed by Maharashtra and Haryana, with these three states together accounting for 85% of the total exports in 2021-22. The average growth rate of exports across states was 3.57%, demonstrating a stable growth pattern. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector showed resilience with a 13.98% growth in exports for 2021-22, aided by government initiatives. The analysis of dairy product exports highlighted a significant increase from ₹2,382.91 crore in 2020-21 to ₹4,742.70 crore in 2021-22, marking a 99% growth. The primary export destinations were the USA, Bangladesh, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Malaysia. A transitional probability matrix revealed shifts in market shares, with notable increases in the USA and Bangladesh. Trade performance from 2011-22 showed that India's export share in dairy products improved from 0.03% to 0.135%, while import share decreased significantly. The instability index for exports was 63.53%, reflecting high volatility. Investing in advanced breeding technologies to increase productivity, and enhancing market access through trade agreements and promotional activities. Additionally, policies to manage volatility, such as price stabilization measures and export incentives, could further support industry growth.

Going straight home? Housing stability and post-prison reoffending in Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT International research has found that post-release stable accommodation is associated with reduced recidivism, however, research exploring this relationship in Aotearoa New Zealand and its potential causal nature is limited. Drawing on quantitative pre- and post-release interviews with people released from prison in Aotearoa New Zealand, this article examines their housing situations and the relationship between two measures of recidivism (re-sentencing and re-imprisonment) and two measures of housing stability (stable housing and residential mobility). Whilst stable housing is associated with a reduced risk of re-imprisonment, after controlling for confounding variables using inverse probability of treatment weighting, a direct causal relationship between housing stability and recidivism could not be found. We conclude that housing stability is therefore likely to be indicative of broader stability post-release and supports other factors related to successful reintegration, including the development of social capital.

Shaping coastal nature-based solutions: Perceptions and policy priorities of living shorelines

Coastal nature-based solutions, such as living shorelines, are promoted as shoreline stabilization alternatives to hard infrastructure in the United States. In the state of Florida, where sea level rise and increasing storms impact coastal areas, living shorelines are a state research priority to support coastal risk reduction and resilience goals. However, while the ecological benefits of living shorelines are well-documented, few studies have examined the social and institutional factors that hinder or support the design and implementation of living shorelines in Florida.Our study applies an integrated framework combining results from expert interviews with a policy analysis to evaluate decision-making contexts and considerations related to living shorelines in Florida. We present barriers and enablers of living shorelines as perceived by practitioners and marine contractors. Key barriers to adoption of living shorelines include rule or permitting-related mismatches, community-level use and access concerns, and environmental design uncertainties. Enablers include community-level education and incentives, increased demonstration projects, and criteria or policy standardization for living shorelines. We then connect these barriers and enablers to policy priority patterns drawn from coastal management plans in select Florida counties. These policy priority patterns involve defining nature-based and hard solutions, addressing public and private access concerns, and resolving restoration and conservation goals when considering living shorelines as an appropriate coastline stabilization and protection measure. By connecting on-the-ground practical experiences with insights from coastal management policies, our study provides a socio-institutional methodology and contextual baseline for the planning and implementation of living shorelines in Florida and similar coastal areas.

A robust non-parametric stability measure to select stable genotypes

A robust non-parametric stability measure to select stable genotypes

The use of small-arms stability measures in combat shooting assessments

The acquisition of weapons at scale requires objective measures to discriminate between products and inform decisions. Testing of weapons commonly occurs on known-distance ranges in static positions at static targets using accuracy and timing as the main variables of interest. However, testing weapons in more representative environments may better show variations in ergonomic-related factors such as centre-of-gravity (CoG) changes. This study aimed to examine the utility of weapon accelerations as a measure of stability, understand how stability changes with repeated shots and the responsiveness to changes in the CoG. Eighteen soldiers shot 60 times under four conditions: an unweighted rifle and the addition of a mass fixed at three different positions. A weapon-mounted accelerometer captured the accelerations of the weapon 200 ms before shot release. Twelve stability measures were calculated and reduced via a principal component analysis. Three of these metrics were then assessed for changes over the shots and between the four conditions. Decreased stability occurred over the 60 shots for all conditions, suggesting increasing fatigue. Stability only differed between one pair of conditions with one metric, implying that stability can be maintained with the different weapon configurations.

Towards more sustainable, nutritious, and affordable plant‐based milk alternatives: A critical review

AbstractThe consumer market has seen a surge in various types of plant‐based milk alternatives (PBMAs), driven by factors such as sustainability, ethics, and the availability of diverse options. However, the global adoption of PBMAs is still hindered by potential nutritional concerns and cost‐ineffectiveness. It is therefore paramount to understand the status and challenges of these alternatives, encompassing production, stabilization strategies, nutrition and health, digestion, and environmental impacts. This review provides a comprehensive examination of these aspects. We begin by scrutinizing the production processes and formulation strategies of PBMAs, followed by an exploration of fundamental stabilization aspects, including homogenization, emulsification, thickening, and quantitative measurements of stabilization. Additionally, we discuss their nutrition facts and potential health benefits, as well as potential differences in the digestion of nutrients from PBMAs. Importantly, their challenges and future directions are discussed individually, highlighting the need for a fundamental understanding and effective food technologies to develop sustainable, nutritious, tasty, and affordable PBMAs. For example, several critical aspects involve maximizing the use of plant materials (e.g., proteins, fibers, and bioactive compounds) and using reliable and unified life cycle analyses to guide the development. This review offers valuable insights for researchers, food technologists, and consumers seeking to navigate and develop the landscape of PBMAs effectively.

Does Privatization improve Corporate Governance and Profitability? Evidence from Cement Company of Northern Nigeria

The paper study how Privatization improves Corporate Governance and Profitability of Cement Company of Northern Nigeria. Data was collected from secondary sources, and the statistical tools employed in the Methodology were descriptive statistics and OLS regressions. The study aimed at bridging literature gap on studies that relate corporate governance and privatization policy in Nigeria. The results suggest that, The result suggest that, the company has lower market capitalization, private sector and foreign investors have concentrated ownership, bigger board size, lower percentage of executive directors and higher percentage of non-executive directors, Board chairmen were not the chief executives and chairmen audit committees were non-executive directors, lower workforce, higher percentage of management staff small percentage of non-management staff, lower profitability, products demand depended on government capital projects, The Company purchased 5MW power plant in 1991, macro-economic challenges such as devaluation of naira, energy sector crisis, foreign exchange rate, inflation, trade liberalization, inconsistent stabilization policies, political instability and banks’ strikes and weak private sector. Inferential result reveals that, has state ownership, percentage of management staff, percentage of non-management staff and privatization have positive and significant relationship with profitability. However, minority ownership has a negative and significant relationship with profitability. Based on these findings, the researcher arrived at the conclusion that, Corporate governance has significant impacts on profitability of Cement Company of Northern Nigerian. Even though, unfavourable macroeconomic environment militated against its efficiency. The study recommends that, government needs to introduce macroeconomic stabilization measures that will improve effective demand of cement products particularly with the problem of withdrawal of fuel subsidy in the economy. The company should, as a matter of necessity, design strategies that will; create international market opportunities, enhance security measures, cheap inputs, efficient financial and inventories management that will improve profitability post privatization.

1999 – 2024, a Quarter Century of the Parr’s Electrophilicity ω Index

In 1999, Robert G. Parr introduced the electrophilicity w index as a measure of the electronic stabilization of a molecule when it acquires an additional amount of electron density. Numerous theoretical studies over the last 25 years have demonstrated the usefulness of this index in the study of polar reactions. The present MEDT study reinforces the relevance of Parr’s electrophilicity w index as a quantitative measure of the electrophilic character of species involved in a polar reaction.