Mobility Parameters Research Articles

Stable dynamic feedback-based predictive clustering protocol for vehicular Ad hoc networks

Scalability presents a significant challenge in vehicular communication, particularly when there is no hierarchical structure in place to manage the increasing number of vehicles. As the number of vehicles increases, they may encounter the broadcast storm problem, which can cause network congestion and reduce communication efficiency. Clustering can solve these issues, but due to high vehicle mobility, clustering in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANET) suffers from stability issues. Most of the existing clustering protocols are optimized for highways only and some protocols are optimized for intersections only. The clusters that are created by the protocols which are optimized for highways breakdown at the intersections where clustering is needed more. On the other hand, the clusters that are created by the protocols optimized for intersections create extra clusters or break unnecessary on straight-roads which reduces cluster stability. Moreover, the lack of intelligent use of a combination of the mobility parameters, such as direction, movement, position, velocity, degree of vehicle, and movement at the intersection, also contributes to cluster stability problems. A dynamic clustering protocol that efficiently combines all the mobility parameters can resolve these issues in VANETs by providing stability in both intersections and highways. To achieve high stability in VANET clustering, a Stable Dynamic feedback-based Predictive Clustering (SDPC) protocol is proposed for VANET to ensure cluster stability in both highway and intersection scenarios. SDPC considers vehicle relative velocity, acceleration, position, distance, transmission range, moving direction at the intersection, and vehicle density to create a cluster. The cluster head is selected based on the future position of the vehicles, relative distance between vehicles, movement of vehicles at the intersection, degree of vehicles, and probable cluster head duration. The performance of SDPC is compared with four existing VANET clustering protocols in various road topologies, in terms of the average cluster head change rate, the average duration of cluster head, the average duration of cluster member, and the average clustering overhead. The simulation results show that SDPC outperforms the existing protocols, achieving higher clustering stability in terms of cluster head change rate (50%), cluster head duration (15%), cluster member duration (6%), and clustering overhead (35%).

The Method of Restoring Parameters of Mobile Agents in a Unified Dynamic Environment Considering Similarity Coefficients

We described the placing of the mobile agents in a dynamic environment. It formed a dynamic environment for a complex of dynamically changing mobile agents. We described a two-level system of connections at the global and local levels of interaction. Such a scheme allows you to support the survivability of a dynamic environment. We presented the model of placement of mobile agents in a dynamic environment, which forms the basis of the trajectory of interaction between mobile agents, enabling us to combine the dynamic environment into a unified dynamic environment. The proposed method for mobile agents parameters restoring in a unified dynamic environment, taking into account the similarity coefficients, allows restore 80% parameters of an inaccessible mobile agent. This indicates the high efficiency of the objects description in the form of a unified dynamic environment in order to maintain its integrity.

Augmented reality-based training versus standard training in improvement of balance, mobility and fall risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched from inception to January 2023. Randomized trials and observational cohort studies comparing the effects of AR-based exercises with conventional training in patients 18 years and older were included in the analysis. Studies using virtual reality, case reports and series, reviews, meta-analyses, letters, and editorials were excluded. Post-intervention data on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test were extracted and studied. The fixed-effects inverse variance model was utilized to pool the extracted data. Out of 438 articles, seven articles (199 participants) comparing AR-based exercise with the standard training were included in the systematic review. Six articles with sufficient data on the parameters were included in the meta-analysis. AR-based exercises resulted in a significantly higher BBS score than conventional exercise (Hedge's g=0.48, 95% CI=0.19-0.77, P<0.001). The BBS value was significantly higher in AR-based training of 8 weeks or more (Hedge's g=0.88, 95% CI=0.46-1.31) when compared with trainings conducted for less than 8 weeks (Hedge's g=0.11, 95% CI=-0.30 to 0.52), P=0.01). Likewise, the TUG Test score was found to be to be significantly lower in ARgroup than the controls (Hedge's g= -0.54, 95% CI=-0.85 to -0.23, P<0.01). In comparison to conventional methods, AR-based exercises had higher improvements in balance, mobility, and fall risk parameters. The use of AR technology in elderly patients can promote independence while preventing falls and associated morbidity and mortality. There is a need for a larger randomized controlled trial to provide a more accurate comparison on efficacy and safety of different modalities of training.

Adaptive weighted least squares (AWLS): A new vector-based model to improve urban population estimation at small-area scale using morphology and attractiveness criteria

Fine-resolution urban population mapping is vital for many applications, including urban planning and disaster management. However, these data are rarely available. Despite the well-established correlation between urban population distribution and the physical parameters of residential areas and urban mobility, there needs to be a comprehensive model that effectively utilizes these relationships. This article proposed a novel model for population estimation, adaptive weighted least squares (AWLS), based on the correlations between urban morphology (e.g., physical parameters and shape of residential areas) and attractiveness (e.g., points of interest) and weighing them in the least square regression. This hierarchical model first uses the AWLS method to account for local correlations. Then, it disaggregates the population into lower-level spatial units specifically city blocks and parcels. The efficacy of the method is demonstrated in three neighborhoods in Tehran, Iran, with differences and similarities in terms of morphology and attractiveness. This method significantly improved population estimation accuracy, outperforming common global and local estimation models (11% and 8% in Neighborhood A, 14% and 13% in Neighborhood B, and 5% and 5% in Neighborhood C). This model successfully disaggregated the census tract (CT) population into city block and parcel levels, providing valuable data for crisis management.

Age-Related Decline in Cervical Proprioception and Its Correlation with Functional Mobility and Limits of Stability Assessed Using Computerized Posturography: A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing Older (65+ Years) and Younger Adults.

In this cross-sectional study, 100 participants each were included in the older and younger groups. Researchers employed the target reposition technique to assess cervical proprioception and measured the joint position error (JPE) in degrees. Functional mobility was estimated using the Berg balance scale (BBS) and timed up-and-go test (TUG). In addition, dynamic posturography was utilized to evaluate variables related to the LOS, including reaction time, maximum excursion, and directional control. The magnitudes of the mean cervical JPE are larger (p < 0.001), and functional mobility (p < 0.001) and the LOS (p < 0.001) are impaired in older individuals compared to the younger ones. The cervical proprioception is significantly associated with functional mobility (p < 0.001), and the LOS (p < 0.001). In older adults aged above 65 years, cervical proprioception, functional mobility, and the LOS are impaired. Older adults with greater cervical JPE had more impaired functional mobility and LOS parameters. When evaluating or treating older adults with problems with their balance or falls, these factors should be considered.

Mathematical modeling the transport of few-layer graphene in saturated porous media

This mathematical modeling study incorporates an existing set of effluent data for FLG-NPs transport through water-saturated quartz sand to estimate kinetic particle mobility parameters for a range of experimental ionic strengths (IS) and organic macromolecules (OMs) concentrations. Parameter estimation was done by implementing several NP filtration models in inverse analyses: (i) the clean-bed colloid filtration theory model (CFT, ii) maximum retention capacity model (MRC), and (iii) two subclasses of a two-attachment-site model (2S). It was found that as solution IS (1-100 mM NaCl) increased, the kinetic conditions for particle-collector attachment transitioned from unfavorable (i.e. fractional attachment) to favorable (i.e. diffusion-limited), and the unbounded subclass of 2S lost the better numerical performance compared to CFT and MRC; as the difference between the normalized sum of squared residuals (NSSR) of the unbounded subclass of 2S and CFT decreased from 20% at 1 mM to less than 1% at 100 mM NaCl suggesting the adequacy of CFT to estimate mobility parameters at high ionic strength. As the OMs concentrations increased from 0.8 to 50 total organic carbon (mg (TOC)/L) in the system, the unbounded subclass of 2S showed the best outcomes. Simulation results from all models predicted that attachment efficiency decreases with increasing OM concentration consistent with the observed enhancement of FLG mobility at higher OM levels. The FLG detachment rate coefficient slightly increased with an increase of OM concentration in the influent. The unbounded four-parameter subclass of 2S exhibited a numerical advantage in comparison with CFT and MRC models for estimating FLG mobility parameters at low IS (1 mM NaCl) and high OMs concentration (50 mg (TOC)/L). However, the CFT model yielded similar goodness of fit values very similar to 2S and MRC models at high IS (100 mM NaCl) and low OMs concentration (0.8 mg (TOC)/L).

Understanding occupancy patterns of university libraries in the post-pandemic era

Understanding occupancy patterns in buildings is crucial for energy system planning, energy model calibration, and occupant-centric operations for health and comfort. In this study, we detected and analyzed the occupancy patterns of university libraries, a building type that is largely overlooked in existing studies but can provide a unique opportunity to understand the human-building interactions given that occupants are free to choose their seats from hundreds of possible options in built environments. In libraries, occupants usually do not have fixed seats and pick seats within the built environment that they like, which provides a non-intrusive opportunity to carry out post-occupancy evaluations. We used the publicly available seat reservation data to analyze the occupancy patterns over one semester in four libraries, and proposed four metrics to capture important mobility parameters and behaviors at multiple spatial–temporal scales. We constructed two sets of databases consisting of around 70 million records of nearly 3,000 seats in 4 libraries, with seat-level resolution and sampling frequency of every 10 s. The informative data set depicts not only the overall spatial–temporal occupancy patterns, but also nuances associated with seats and visits. The daily flow of the main library exceeded two visits per seat. Half of the visitors stayed at the libraries for 3–6 h during a single occupancy. Semester schedules and campus accessibility together influence students’ decisions on when and to which library to go to, while even within the same zone, some seats were always more popular than their neighbors. We found that influential factors included privacy, distance to neighboring users, access to the outdoor environment (window), etc. besides the well-studied conventional Indoor Environment Quality factors whose importance might have been over-emphasized, and we summarize the balance of these attractive features as “semi-isolation”. This work provides fresh data for library occupancy modeling. Our findings can inform the design, operation and management of university libraries, emphasizing the importance of human-centric, sensory and biophilic designs.

Interdiffusion and atomic mobility of the Mg–Ag–Zn system

Diffusion couples for the Mg–Ag–Zn system were prepared using hcp-Mg single-phase solid solution alloys and pure magnesium (Mg). Their diffusion behaviour at 675–753K was analysed and the related diffusion coefficients were obtained. Combining these experimental results and the thermodynamic description, the atomic mobility parameters were optimised, and the kinetic database of the Mg–Ag–Zn ternary system was constructed for the first time. According to the thermodynamic and kinetic descriptions, the diffusion coefficients for concentration range of hcp-Mg (silver (Ag): 0–3 at% and zinc (Zn): 0–3 at%) were calculated. Finally, the composition and temperature dependence of the interdiffusion coefficients was further discussed using first-principles calculations and thermodynamic factors.

Inference on a Multi-Patch Epidemic Model with Partial Mobility, Residency, and Demography: Case of the 2020 COVID-19 Outbreak in Hermosillo, Mexico.

Most studies modeling population mobility and the spread of infectious diseases, particularly those using meta-population multi-patch models, tend to focus on the theoretical properties and numerical simulation of such models. As such, there is relatively scant literature focused on numerical fit, inference, and uncertainty quantification of epidemic models with population mobility. In this research, we use three estimation techniques to solve an inverse problem and quantify its uncertainty for a human-mobility-based multi-patch epidemic model using mobile phone sensing data and confirmed COVID-19-positive cases in Hermosillo, Mexico. First, we utilize a Brownian bridge model using mobile phone GPS data to estimate the residence and mobility parameters of the epidemic model. In the second step, we estimate the optimal model epidemiological parameters by deterministically inverting the model using a Darwinian-inspired evolutionary algorithm (EA)-that is, a genetic algorithm (GA). The third part of the analysis involves performing inference and uncertainty quantification in the epidemic model using two Bayesian Monte Carlo sampling methods: t-walk and Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC). The results demonstrate that the estimated model parameters and incidence adequately fit the observed daily COVID-19 incidence in Hermosillo. Moreover, the estimated parameters from the HMC method yield large credible intervals, improving their coverage for the observed and predicted daily incidences. Furthermore, we observe that the use of a multi-patch model with mobility yields improved predictions when compared to a single-patch model.

Diffusion coefficient measurement and atomic mobility assessment for bcc Ti–V–Fe ternary alloys

Diffusion behaviors in bcc Ti–V–Fe ternary alloys have been investigated at 1273 K and 1473 K by the diffusion couple technique. The composition-distance profiles have been retrieved from Electron Probe MicroAnalysis (EPMA) and analytically represented by the ERror Function EXpansion (ERFEX), and then the ternary inter-diffusion and impurity diffusion coefficients have been extracted by Whittle–Green and generalized Hall methods, respectively. The extracted inter-diffusion coefficients of D˜VVTi and D˜FeFeTi range from 0.89 × 10−13 m2/s to 1.86 × 10−13 m2/s and from 1.33 × 10−12 m2/s to 1.76 × 10−12 m2/s, respectively, at 1273K, and from 6.41 × 10−13 m2/s to 15.98 × 10−13 m2/s and from 82.46 × 10−13 m2/s to 147.08 × 10−13 m2/s at 1473K. D˜VVTi exhibits the similar compositional variation at both temperatures, which decrease with decreasing Fe and minimize at the Ti–V binary. D˜FeFeTi has the maximum value at Ti–corner and eventually decreases with the increasing V and Fe at 1273K, but has the maximum value at Fe-rich Ti–Fe binary and decreases with the increasing V. The atomic mobility parameters of Ti–V, Ti–Fe and V–Fe binary systems have been revised to associate with the lasted ternary interaction parameters in thermodynamics. The ternary atomic mobility parameters for diffusion have been assessed for the first time by reproducing the extracted diffusion coefficients. The composition-distance profiles and the diffusion paths have been successfully reproduced by using the optimized atomic mobility parameters showing a consistency with the experimental data and indicating the accuracy of this work.

Water usability as a descriptive parameter of thermodynamic properties and water mobility in food solids

A classic problem in preservation is the microbes can grow in low-moisture foods. In this paper, the water sorption, and thermodynamic properties of glucose/WPI solid matrices were measured, while their molecular mobility was analyzed and associated with the microbial growth of D. Hansenii at various aw and 30 °C. Although the sorption isotherms, Tg, and relaxation processes of studied matrices were affected by aw and WPI, the microbial growth showed highly dependent on water mobility rather than aw. Hence, we introduced water usability (Uw), derived from the mobility difference between system-involved water and liquid pure water explicating from the classical thermodynamic viewpoint, to describe the dynamic changes of water mobility in glucose/WPI matrices. Despite to aw, the yeast growth rate was enhanced at high Uw matrices concomitantly with a rapid cell doubling time. Therefore, the proposed Uw provides a better understanding of the water relationships of microorganisms in food preservation.

Deformation and breakup behaviors of a Giesekus viscoelastic droplet in Newtonian shear flow

The deformation and breakup of a Giesekus viscoelastic droplet suspended in a Newtonian matrix under simple shear flow is investigated through a lattice Boltzmann method, which uses the color-gradient model for immiscible two-phase flows while coupling a lattice advection-diffusion scheme for the Giesekus constitutive equation. The influence of the Deborah number (De) and shear-thinning mobility parameter (α) of the droplet is first explored for relatively low capillary numbers (Ca). The transient overshoot is observed before the deformation reaches the steady state, and the overshoot generally increases with De but decreases with α. With the increase of De, the steady-state deformation parameter first decreases and then increases, which is attributed to two opposite effects on the elastic force, namely the promoting effect from the increased polymer extension and the inhibiting effect caused by the deviation of the location where the maximum elastic force occurs from the droplet tips. The droplet inclination angle varies little with α but increases with De, where the latter can be explained as an increased vertical component of viscous and elastic forces in the tip regions. Upon increasing α, the steady-state deformation parameter becomes higher due to the reduced elastic force at the droplet tips. In addition, the phase diagrams of Ca-De and Ca-α are presented in which the critical capillary number Cacr characterizing the droplet breakup can be identified. It is found that Cacr varies non-monotonically with De, while Cacr is not very sensitive to α.

Defects altered n/p-type Fe/Ga modified ZnO for photo-sensing applications

Sol-gel prepared Fe/Ga co-doped ZnO, i.e., Zn0.9844(Fe1−xGax)0.0156 nanoparticles, with varying proportions of Fe/Ga, have been investigated. Individual Fe or Ga modified ZnO is well studied in reports. Structural properties, especially lattice defects and disorder, have not been correlated well enough to the electronic properties and related applicability. Fe-doping is reported to reduce conduction, while Ga-doping enhances the same. To understand the structural changes and how it is related to the modifications in the electronic properties, an attempt is being made to co-doped Fe/Ga in the ZnO lattice so that an understanding of the complex competition of these opposite natures can be studied. Sol-gel prepared Fe/Ga modified ZnO with P63mc space group is investigated for this purpose. The structural, defects and electronic behavior of modified and pristine ZnO have been detailed using: X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, UV–vis/PL spectroscopy and Hall-effect measurements. Changes in the electronic behavior i.e., conductivity in light ON and OFF conditions is also well studied and correlated with defects. A theoretical analysis of the same was performed using the electron localization function of the system which reveals a weaker electron cloud around Fe but a stronger around Ga as compared to Zn, thereby resisting and aiding the conduction process in Fe-doped and Ga-doped samples. The mobility, carrier concentration, and Hall coefficient parameters are modified along with the modified native defects of ZnO.

Diffusivity and atomic mobility for Fcc Ni–Ti–V alloys: Experiment and modeling

Ni–Ti–V is one key sub-system of the Ni-based superalloys. However, there is a lack of the investigation on diffusion kinetics for Fcc Ni–Ti–V alloys. In order to remedy this situation, we combined the diffusion couple experiment and calculation by CALTPP (CALculation of ThemoPhysical Properties) software to investigate diffusion kinetics for Fcc Ni–Ti–V alloys. Totally, 12 ternary Fcc Ni–Ti–V diffusion couples were prepared and annealed at 1273, 1373 and 1473 K, for which the composition profiles were measured by EPMA (Electron Probe MicroAnalysis). Based on the measured composition profiles and available thermodynamic descriptions, the interdiffusivities and atomic mobility parameters for Fcc Ni–Ti–V system were then calculated by the numerical inverse method integrated with CALTPP software. The simulated composition profiles by CALTPP software agree well with the measured ones. Moreover, the interdiffusivities obtained by CALTPP software were confirmed to be reliable through the good consistence with those calculated by M − K (Matano-Kirkaldy) method. Thus, the present numerical calculation by CALTPP software was verified to be reasonable. Finally, based on the presently obtained mobility parameters and available thermodynamic descriptions for Fcc Ni–Ti–V alloys, the three-dimensional surfaces of the interdiffusivities, activation energies and frequency-factors against Ti and V composition were predicted. The present work provides reliable kinetic parameters for Fcc Ni–Ti–V alloys, which can be included in the diffusion database of Ni-based superalloys for material design.

Acousto-electric measurements at 2.5 GHz on graphene transferred onto YX128°-LiNbO3

Surface acoustic wave delay lines with an operational frequency of 2.5 GHz have been designed to measure the acousto-electric transport of carriers in graphene transferred onto YX128°-LiNbO3 piezoelectric substrate. The monolayer of graphene on LiNbO3 presented sheet resistance in the range of 733–1230 Ω/□ and ohmic contact resistance with gold of 1880 to 5200 Ωμm. The measurements with different interaction lengths on graphene bars have allowed the extraction of carrier absorption and mobility parameters from acousto-electric current. Graphene presented higher acousto-electronic interaction in the GHz range than previously reported values in the range of 100s MHz with carrier absorption losses of 109 m−1 and mobility for acoustically generated charges of 101 cm2V−1s−1.

Are We Looking at a Paradigm Shift in the Management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis? Comprehensive Retrospective Analysis of 75 Patients of Nonfusion Anterior Scoliosis Correction with 2-5-Year Follow-up: A Single Center Experience.

Retrospective cohort study. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of nonfusion anterior scoliosis correction (NFASC) in patients with idiopathic scoliosis and comprehensively analyze its principles. NFASC is a novel revolutionary motion-preserving surgery for idiopathic scoliosis. However, clinical data related to this procedure remain scarce, with no conclusive guidelines regarding case indications, proper technique, and possible complications. This study included patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who were treated with NFASC for a structural major curve (Cobb angle, 40°-80°) with more than 50% flexibility on dynamic X-rays. The mean follow-up was 26±12.2 months (range, 12- 60 months). Clinical and radiological data such as skeletal maturity, curve type, Cobb angle, surgery details, and Scoliosis Research Society-22 revised (SRS-22r) questionnaire were collected. Statistically significant trends were examined by post hoc analysis following repeated measures analysis of variance test. A total of 75 patients (70 females, five males) were included, with a mean age of 14.96±2.69 years. The mean Risser and Sanders scores were 4.22±0.7 and 7.15±0.74, respectively. The mean main thoracic Cobb angles at the first and second follow-up (17.2°±5.36° and 16.92°±5.06°, respectively) were significantly lower than the preoperative Cobb angles (52.11°±7.74°) (p <0.05). Similarly, the mean thoracolumbar/lumbar Cobb angle significantly improved from the preoperative period (51.45°±11.26°) to the first follow-up (13.48°±5.11°) and last follow-up (14.24°±4.85°) (p <0.05). The mean preoperative and postoperative SRS-22r scores were 78.0±3.2 and 92.5±3.1, respectively (p <0.05). None of the patients had any complications until the most recent follow-up. NFASC offers promising curve correction and curve progression stabilization in patients with AIS, with a low risk for complications and preservation of spinal mobility and sagittal parameters. Thus, it proves to be a favorable alternative to fusion modality.

Pore structure and fractal characteristics of tight sandstone in meandering stream facies: a case study of the J2s2 member in the central Sichuan Basin, China

Based on porosity and permeability tests, high-pressure mercury injection (HPMI), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and centrifugal experiments, this study comprehensively analyzed the quality, pore structure and fractal characteristics of tight sandstone reservoir in meandering stream facies. The purpose is to reveal the relationship between physical properties, geometry and topological parameters of pores, fluid mobility and heterogeneity of pore system of tight sandstone reservoirs in meandering stream facies. The results show that the second member of the Middle Jurassic Shaximiao Formation (J2S2) in the central Sichuan Basin has developed tight sandstone reservoir of meandering fluvial facies, the pore radius of type I reservoir (K&amp;gt;0.3 mD) is mainly distributed at 0.01 μm∼2 μm, the tortuosity ranges between 2.571 and 2.869, and the average movable fluid saturation is 70.12%. The pore radius of type II reservoir (0.08mD&amp;lt;K&amp;lt;0.3 mD) is mainly 0.003 μm∼1 μm, the tortuosity ranges between 2.401 and 3.224, the average movable fluid saturation is 57.59%. The pore radius of type III reservoir (K&amp;lt;0.08 mD) is mainly 0.001 μm∼0.4 μm, the tortuosity ranges between 0.905 and 2.195, and the average movable fluid saturation is 13.46%. Capillary-Paraachor point (CP point) and T2 cut-off value (T2cutoff) are used to divide the fractal interval of capillary pressure curve and T2 spectrum. The fractal dimension Dh2 of small pores calculated by HPMI through 3D capillary tube model, the fractal dimension Dn1 of large pores and Dn2 of small pores calculated by NMR through wetting phase model can effectively characterize the heterogeneity of reservoir pores. Among them, Dn1 has a strong negative correlation with porosity, permeability, pore radius and movable fluid saturation, indicating that the reservoir capacity, seepage capacity and pore size are mainly controlled by large pores, therefore, Dn1 can be used as an effective reservoir evaluation parameter.

Proprioceptive Exercises in Hemiplegia Improve Balance and Spatiotemporal Parameters

Abstract Objective It was planned to investigate the effects of proprioceptive exercises applied to patients with hemiplegia on muscle tone, balance, perception, posture, mobility, and spatiotemporal parameters. Materials and Methods 70 participants with hemiplegia were randomized to an experimental group (conventional stroke rehabilitation program+proprioceptive exercise, 30 sessions) and a control group (conventional stroke rehabilitation program, 30 sessions). Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Posture Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), Spatiotemporal parameters (cadence, maximum plantar pressure, total weight transfer, step cycle duration, swing phase, step length and foot angle), and Berg Balance Scale (BERG) were applied on all participants before and after treatment. Results When the intra-group values were compared before and after the treatment, TUG, PASS, MMSE, RMI and BERG values increased significantly. MAS upper extremity and MAS lower extremity values decreased significantly. (p&lt;0.01). In the comparison between the groups, one of the spatiotemporal parameters, cadence, total weight transfer, and maximum plantar pressure values, increased significantly after the treatment. Step cycle duration, swing phase, step length and foot angle values decreased significantly after the treatment. (p&lt;0.01) Conclusion Unlike the literature, proprioceptive exercises that we add to the conventional rehabilitation program can be used to improve muscle tone, balance, perception, postural control, mobility, and spatiotemporal parameters.

A new simulation framework to evaluate the suitability of eDNA for marine and aquatic Environmental Impact Assessments

AbstractA model was developed to forecast and compare changes in species presence assessed with either eDNA or traditional observations. We use it to explore how ecosystem conditions could affect the suitability of eDNA for Environmental Impact Assessment. First, a deterministic model simulated the dynamics of the impacted population (called “receptor” in EIA) and their shed DNA fragment concentrations. Second, random distributions of receptor organisms and eDNA fragment quantities at steady state were simulated within the impacted spatial domain (called “project area”). Then, simple random samplings were performed for both the receptor and eDNA. Third, post‐sampling processes (eDNA extraction, amplification, and analysis) were simulated to estimate the taxon detection probability. Fourth, we simulated an impact by modifying the growth, mortality, and mobility (null, passive, and active) parameters of the receptor taxon. eDNA detection probability curves were then estimated for a range of environmental sample volumes by fitting a Weibull cumulative distribution function. A F‐like statistic compared detection curves before and after impact. Statistically significant differences were detected with eDNA in impact scenarios where receptor taxon growth rate decreased and receptor mobility was null or passive. In scenarios where the project area accumulates DNA shed from multiple categories of the same taxon (e.g., from dead organisms if mortality increased or when individuals can cross project area boundaries), it is difficult to assess impact. Our study shows that results obtained from eDNA sampling will not always agree with an impact classically assessed on a receptor population. One reason is that sources of the total eDNA pool are not identified. The modeling highlights the need: to do preliminary testing of sample sizes, to develop new approaches that will identify sources from the pool of extracted DNA, and to improve descriptions of the ecogeochemical processes required to forecast shed DNA reactivity.

Early Introduction Of Graded Unilateral Squats Training In Post Traumatic Brain Injury Hemiparetic Patient - A Case Report

Gait training to facilitate the use of the paretic limb for persons with hemiparesis continues to be of interest to those in the clinical research domain. The purpose of this case report was to assess the outcomes of a repeated unilateral squats treatment, initiating with the paretic limb, on functional mobility, endurance and gait kinematic parameters in a person with hemiparesis. The participant was an40-year-old male 7 months status post right hemiparesis a K/C/O traumatic brain injury ( diffuse axonal injury), who reported overall good health. Patient’s main complaint was difficulty in moving right upper and lower limb since 7 months (LL&gt;UL). The participant was asked to perform unilateral squats with his paretic limb initially with maximal, moderate and minimal support and once he was confident enough, then without support. The training duration for each treatment session was 10-15 min/dayin outpatient rehabilitation. The participant completed ten sessions spanning over 3 weeks. The outcome measure used to identify motor recovery was with the help of Lower extremity functional scale (LEFS). In addition, timed up and go test, 6-min walk test (6 MWT) and gait kinematics were assessed to examine mobility and gait. The Lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) score, 6 MWT and Timed up and go test showed a meaningful change. With respect to gait kinematics, hip flexion on the paretic limb was improved. Unilateral squats training seemed to be an effective treatment to improve strength, co contraction, alteration of strength and range of contraction of the agonists and antagonists of lower extremity when it is appropriately targeted and started early in the intervention. The patient's level of assistance for mobility and activities of daily living improved from minimal assistance to modified independence without use of an assistive device. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp