Mobility Parameters Research Articles

Scour at the rear side of rubble mound revetments due to random wave overtopping: Laboratory experiments

This study presents the physical model experiments on the wave overtopping induced bed level changes at an unprotected rear side of a rubble mound revetment with a crown wall. In the experiments, the wave conditions, the backfill material size, and the backfill depth (vertical distance from the crest level to the rear side bed level) are varied. Two mobility parameters, namely the densimetric overtopping discharge and the relative fall velocity, are introduced to represent the initiation of motion and suspension of the backfill material, respectively. The temporal evolution of scour depth at the rear side is related to the mobility parameter, the number of waves and the backfill depth utilizing regression analyses. The effect of the backfill depth on the scour is found very limited for the available data set. However, the time scale of the scour is found to be related with the backfill depth only. For the present data set, it varied within a range of 1500–16000 number of waves approximately, with an average of 5600 waves. An equilibrium scour profile is reached 3 to 4 times the time scale. The geometry of the scour profile is expressed in terms of the scour depth, based on the equilibrium scour profile data.

Experimental analysis of scour around an offshore wind gravity base foundation

Scour processes and corresponding scour protection measures have been extensively studied for vertical cylinders. Several formulations for estimating scour and determining the optimum size of rocks for scour protection are widely available in the literature. However, when studying other types of structures, the geometric variability of the structures, limits the application of available semiempirical formulations. Scour phenomena around complex structures have been investigated experimentally in reduced-scale wave-current basins. However, the number of tests focused on support typologies different from monopile structures is still limited, restricting the availability of semiempirical formulations focused on conceptual design of scour protection solutions or in the estimation of the free scour development.In this work, a better understanding of the scour processes around gravity-based foundations (GBFs) and the performance of different scour protection solutions is gained via experimental results obtained from a large-scale test programme (1:35 test scale), including combined wave and current tests. The experimental tests were divided into two main types: (1) free scour and (2) scour protection tests. The main conclusion was that the triggering of a horseshoe vortex is the main driver of scour processes together with the contraction of flow lines at the foundation contours. Since monopile semiempirical formulations are not suitable for scour prediction, a new semiempirical approach was obtained from the test results. Moreover, two distinct scour mitigation methods were analysed (rock protection and concrete mattresses). Based on the undisturbed mobility parameter, statistical and dynamic limits were defined considering the rock grading tested. Finally, for concrete mattresses, the design driver was identified, and the adaptability of these types of solutions to seabed changes was verified.

A comparison of quantitative parameters of axial posture and spinal mobility between motor subtypes of Parkinson's disease.

<p>Parkinson&rsquo;s disease (PD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder characterized by contradictory clinical outcomes among its several subtypes. The disease can manifest with a tremor-dominant (TD) or a non-tremor-dominant (NTD) phenotype. Although the TD subtype may show a better prognosis, there is limited information on the phenotypic differences regarding the level of axial symptoms. For this reason, in this study it was aimed to make a quantitative comparison of axial posture and spinal mobility between PD with TD and NTD.&nbsp;</p>. <p>This case-control study was conducted on 94 patients with diagnosed PD. A group diagnosis approach was used in the study, such that the diagnosis of each patient was confirmed, and they were assig-ned to TD and NTD groups by a neurologist expert on movement disorders. Of the patients with PD, 61 were in the TD group, and 33 were in the NTD group. Spinal mouse was used to measure spinal posture and spinal mobility in both sagittal and frontal planes.&nbsp;</p>. <p>Two groups of 61 patients (25 male + 36 female) with TD-PD (mean age: 64.49&plusmn;10.37 years) and 33 patients (20 male +13 female) with NTD-PD (mean age: 63.45&plusmn;9.11 years) were enrolled in the study. There were no significant differences bet&shy;ween the patients with TD and NTD in terms of sagittal and frontal postures (p&gt;0.05). In addition to this, anterior trunk tilt was found to significantly increase as the disease stage advanced in both groups. While the greatest anterior trunk tilt change in the TD-PD group was observed in the 3rd stage, NTD-PD group was in the 2.5th stage. Aside from this, the out&shy;comes of the spinal mobility measurements in the frontal and sagittal planes were similar between the groups (p&gt;0.05).</p>. <p>It is widely acknowledged that many clinical aspects of the TD and NTD forms of PD differ; however, in our study, it was observed that there may be no difference in the axial symptoms of the patients with PD in terms of classification according to tremor dominance.</p>.

Machine Learning-assisted Distance Based Residual Energy Aware Clustering Algorithm for Energy Efficient Information Dissemination in Urban VANETs

A Vehicular Ad-hoc Network (VANET) is an essential component of intelligent transportation systems in the building of smart cities. A VANET is a self-configure high mobile and dynamic potential wireless ad-hoc network that joins all vehicle nodes in a smart city to provide in-vehicle infotainment services to city administrators and residents. In the smart city, the On-board Unit (OBU) of each vehicle has multiple onboard sensors that are used for data collection from the surrounding environment. One of the main issues in VANET is energy efficiency and balance because the small onboard sensors can’t be quickly recharged once installed on On-board Units (OBUs). Moreover, conserving energy stands out as a crucial challenge in VANET which is primarily contingent on the selection of Cluster Heads (CH) and the adopted packet routing strategy. To address this issue, this paper proposes distance and energy-aware clustering algorithms named SOMNNDP, which use a Self-Organizing Map Neural Network (SOMNN) machine learning technique to perform faster multi-hop data dissemination. Individual Euclidean distances and residual node energy are considered as mobility parameters throughout the cluster routing process to improve and balance the energy consumption among the participating vehicle nodes. This maximizes the lifetime of VANET by ensuring that all intermediate vehicle nodes use energy at approximately the same rate. Simulation findings demonstrate that SOMNNDP improves Quality of Service (QoS) better and consumes 17% and 14% less energy during cluster routing than distance and energy-aware variation of K-Means (KM) and Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) called KMDP and FCMDP respectively.

Home exercise is considered essential, but patient compliance remains a mystery

BackgroundRegular exercise is essential in the treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), as the main goals of the treatment are to reduce pain, restore function, avoid disability and structural deterioration, and improve quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study is to ascertain whether patients adhere to exercise recommendations and to evaluate the effects of consistent exercise on patients' pain, function, disease activity, mood, and quality of life. Many studies emphasize the need for exercise in treatment of AS, but none reveal whether patients follow prescribed practices and the results of doing so.ResultsExercising group had significantly decreased pain, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index and Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) scores (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in morning stiffness, mood, spinal mobility, and QoL parameters (p > 0.05). Regular exercise was positively correlated with physiotherapy history. Regression analysis revealed that with an increase of 1 unit in visual analog scale and BASDAI, regular exercise decreased by 0.087 and 0.116 units, respectively.ConclusionOur study revealed how much the patients considers and follows the recommended exercises and concluded that regular exercise habits should be developed since they offer promising effects in treatment of AS, hence, patients should be educated in this area, and particular exercise routines should be developed to encourage them to exercise.

On the relationship between viscoelasticity and water diffusion in soft biological tissues

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) are complementary imaging techniques that detect disease based on viscoelasticity and water mobility, respectively. However, the relationship between viscoelasticity and water diffusion is still poorly understood, hindering the clinical translation of combined DWI-MRE markers.We used DWI-MRE to study 129 biomaterial samples including native and cross-linked collagen, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) with different sulfation levels, and decellularized specimens of pancreas and liver, all with different proportions of solid tissue, or solid fractions. We developed a theoretical framework of the relationship between mechanical loss and tissue-water mobility based on two parameters, solid and fluid viscosity. These parameters revealed distinct DWI-MRE property clusters characterizing weak, moderate, and strong water-network interactions. Sparse networks interacting weakly with water, such as collagen or diluted decellularized tissue, resulted in marginal changes in water diffusion over increasing solid viscosity. In contrast, dense networks with larger solid fractions exhibited both free and hindered water diffusion depending on the polarity of the solid components. For example, polar and highly sulfated GAGs as well as native soft tissues hindered water diffusion despite relatively low solid viscosity.Our results suggest that two fundamental properties of tissue networks, solid fraction and network polarity, critically influence solid and fluid viscosity in biological tissues. Since clinical DWI and MRE are sensitive to these viscosity parameters, the framework we present here can be used to detect tissue remodeling and architectural changes in the setting of diagnostic imaging. Statement of significanceThe viscoelastic properties of biological tissues provide a wealth of information on the vital state of cells and host matrix. Combined measurement of viscoelasticity and water diffusion by medical imaging is sensitive to tissue microarchitecture. However, the relationship between viscoelasticity and water diffusion is still poorly understood, hindering full exploitation of these properties as a combined clinical biomarker. Therefore, we analyzed the parameter space accessible by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and developed a theoretical framework for the relationship between water mobility and mechanical parameters in biomaterials. Our theory of solid material properties related to particle motion can be translated to clinical radiology using clinically established MRE and DWI.

The Effect of Pilates Exercises on Mobility and Dynamic Balance in Former Athletes and Sedentary Individuals

Workout programmes have proven physiological benefits, and it is widely accepted that they can yield more positive health outcomes when parameters such as balance and mobility are at play. This study intends to examine the effects of a 12-week mat pilates workout program on mobility and dynamic balance parameters in the former athlete group (FAG) and the sedentary group (SG). The study was designed in an experimental design with pre-test and post-test in two groups. The study group consisted of 30 female participants, SG (n=15) and FAG (n = 15). Dynamic balance values were measured using the Star Excursion Balance Test, and lower extremity mobility was measured using the Sit and Reach Test. Both groups conducted mat pilates exercises twice a week for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12-week mat pilates workout programme, a significant difference of increase was obtained in the mobility values of the FAG (p&amp;lt;0,002) and the SG (p&amp;lt;0,001). The Y Balance Test identified a significant difference of increase with pre-test and post-test in anterior (p = 0.04), postero-lateral (p = 0.03), posteromedial (p = 0.04) directions balance in the FAG. In the difference between groups, SG showed a significant increase in posterolateral (p = 0.001) and posteromedial (p = 0.002) directions balance than FAG at post-test. At the end of the 12-week mat pilates workout programme, it was revealed out that the FAG scored better in post-test in dynamic balance than the SG although it scored lower in the dynamic balance pre-test than the SG.

Viscosity model based on Giesekus equation

Abstract This work presents a viscosity model based on the Giesekus equation. The model is shown to be more flexible than the Cross and Carreau models in representing the shear-thinning behavior of viscoelastic fluids. It has been investigated that the influence of the model parameters on the viscosity showed that the mobility parameter α plays a distinctive role in adjusting the inflection shape of the viscosity curve. The results show that the new model is able to accurately capture the shear-thinning behavior of polystyrene data, while the Cross and Carreau models tend to underestimate and overestimate the viscosity at the inflection point, respectively. It has been also shown that the Yasuda-type modification is also applicable to the proposed model. Moreover, the viscosity model has been applied to simultaneously fitting a polymeric liquid system and a particulate slurry system. The new viscosity model is a promising tool for modeling the shear-thinning behavior of viscoelastic fluids in a wide range of applications.

GAIT- AND BALANCE-RELATED FACTORS AFFECTING PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN WITH UNILATERAL CEREBRAL PALSY

Although gait and balance impairments are prevalent in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP), their effects on participation are not completely elucidated. This study aims to explore factors affecting participation in children with UCP, particularly those related to gait and balance. This descriptive relation-seeker study was completed with 40 children with UCP at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I and II (50% female; median age = 11 (7-12)years). "The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66)", "The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)", "The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and The Functional Mobility Scale (FMS)", and "The BTS G-Walk Spatiotemporal Gait Analysis System" were used to evaluate the gross motor function, balance, functional mobility, and quantitative gait parameters, respectively. "The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)" was employed to evaluate participation. Variables affecting the COPM scores were analyzed by multivariate regression analysis.The factors affecting the COPM-performance score were cadence (B = 79.859, p = 0.001) and FMS (B = 0.352, p

Protective Effect of N-Acetylcysteine on Rooster Semen Cryopreservation.

Cryopreservation of avian semen is a useful reproductive technique in the poultry industry. However, during cooling, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels have destructive effects on both quality and function of thawed sperm. The aim of the current study is to investigate the antioxidant effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) during rooster semen cryopreservation. Semen samples were collected from ten Ross 308 broiler breeder roosters (32 weeks) and mixed. The mixed samples were divided into five equal parts and cryopreserved in Lake Buffer extender that contained different concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 mM) of NAC. The optimum concentration of NAC was determined based on quality parameters of mobility, viability, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial membrane potential after the freeze-thaw process. There was a higher percentage (p < 0.05) of total motility (TM) (60.9 ± 2.4%) and progressive motility (PM) (35.6 ± 1.9%) observed with the NAC-0.1 group compared to the other groups. Significantly higher percentages of viability (74.4 ± 2.3% and 71 ± 2.3%), membrane integrity (76.4 ± 1.5% and 74.7 ± 1.5%) and mitochondrial membrane potential (67.1 ± 1.6% and 66.3 ± 1.6%) were observed in the NAC-0.1 and NAC-1 groups compared to the other frozen groups (p < 0.05). The lowest percentage of lipid peroxidation and nonviable sperm was found in the NAC-0.1 and NAC-1 groups compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The average path velocity (VAP), straight line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), and acrosome integrity, were not affected by different concentrations of NAC in the thawed sperm (p > 0.05). Both NAC-0.1 and NAC-1 appear to be beneficial for maintaining the quality of rooster sperm after thawing.

Modeling vacancy-induced porosity in compositionally-graded complex alloys

A phase-field model of the void evolution is developed to investigate the vacancy-induced Kirkendall porosity within diffusion couples under isothermal annealing conditions. This model encapsulates a comprehensive computational framework for multicomponent diffusion, non-equilibrium vacancy diffusion, voids nucleation, and growth — integrating considerations for surface anisotropy and morphological instability. This novel thermodynamically consistent methodology combines the phase-field model with the vacancy diffusion model and uses thermodynamic and atomic mobility parameters defined by CALPHAD approach. The generalized nature of the method enables us to include both non-equilibrium and equilibrium vacancies, covering all cases of non-ideal/ideal sinks and sources for vacancies, whether at dislocations or void surfaces. Moreover, the model can deal with compositionally complex alloys such as Ni-based superalloys. Along with the full model, a fast variant is also suggested, providing long-time simulations at the experimentally relevant time and space scales valuable for both academic and industrial contexts. The model’s efficacy was demonstrated through precise simulation of voids evolution in a model AlCoCrTa/Ni diffusion couple, mirroring the experimental outcomes observed in the CMSX-10/Ni diffusion couple at 1525 K after 192 h of annealing. This encompassed accurate replication of diffusion profiles and tomographic analysis of voids. A very good agreement with the experimental data was observed, particularly in the distribution of pore volume-fractions and the delineation of void shapes.

An analog to digital converter in a SiC CMOS technology for high-temperature applications

Integrated circuits based on wide bandgap semiconductors are considered an attractive option for meeting the demand for high-temperature electronics. Here, we report an analog-to-digital converter fabricated in a silicon carbide complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor technology now available through Europractice. The MOSFET component in this technology was measured up to 500 °C, and the key parameters, such as threshold voltage, field-effect mobility, and channel-length modulation parameters, were extracted. A 4-bit flash data converter, consisting of 266 transistors, is implemented with this technology and demonstrates correct operation up to 400 °C. Finally, the gate oxide quality is investigated by time-dependent dielectric breakdown measurements at 500 °C. A field-acceleration factor of 4.4 dec/(MV/cm) is obtained by applying the E model.

Terramechanics Models for Tracked Vehicle Terrain Interaction Analysis A Review

Efficient manoeuvrability of off-road tracked vehicles such as military tanks and rovers is essential in ensuring the success of military/extra-terrestrial operations. To achieve this, in-depth research on vehicle-terrain interaction is crucial. This manuscript deals with reviewing the ways to study terramechanics viz. theoretical, empirical, and field tests, and proposing the merits and demerits of each method. Under the theoretical approach, empirical, numerical, and semi-empirical methods are discussed. Under the empirical approach, the method based onthe vehicle cone index for tracked and wheeled vehicles is discussed. Under the numerical approach, advantages and disadvantages of Finite Element Method (FEM) and Discrete Element Method (DEM) are discussed. Semi-empirical method, based upon a combination of the best features of numerical and empirical approaches discusses terrain response to normal repetitive loads and shear repetitive loads for tracked as well as wheeled vehicles. Pressure sinkage relationship for terrains at various loading conditions and shear stress displacement relationship for different terrains obtained through penetration and shear tests are discussed to determine the vehicle’s mobility parameters under a semi-empirical approach. Further, the Super element model, multi-body simulation model, and ride and cornering vibration model are discussed under computer simulation models. A detailed review of various models customized towards tracked vehicle-terrain interaction discussed in this manuscript helps the authors set up a laboratory for terramechanics at DIAT. Preliminary analysis along with conceptual design of the experimental setup is also discussed. In a nutshell, this paper attempts to summarize the research that has been carried out in the field of tracked vehicle-terrain inter action comprising of VCI, MMP, FEM, DEM, Super element model, Multibody technique, and Semi-empirical methods helping the authors to establish a laboratory of terramechanics for their M. Tech. program on Armament and Combat Vehicles at DIAT Pune.

Optimizing the Charging Mobility of WPT-Enabled UAV to Enhance the Stability of Solar-Powered LoRaWAN IoT

In the majority of Internet of Things (IoT) applications, persistent and stable operation is a crucial requirement. While environmental energy-harvesting technologies can enhance IoT’s persistence, they do not guarantee stability. Therefore, we aim to address the stability challenges in solar-powered IoT (SP-IoT) by employing wireless power transmission (WPT) through unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This study focuses on determining the optimal charging mobility of drones for WPT to enhance the stability of nodes operating in a wide area network (WAN)-based SP-IoT environment. The proposed scheme identifies nodes with insufficient solar energy harvesting and defines the optimal charging mobility parameters (hovering position, hovering time, and moving path) to efficiently transmit the drone’s energy to these nodes in a balanced manner. The experimental results confirm that the proposed scheme significantly improves the stability of solar-powered IoT nodes by optimally utilizing the limited energy of the drone.

High-throughput determination of the interdiffusion coefficients and atomic mobilities in bcc Ti–Fe–V alloys

A comprehensive understanding of diffusion kinetics of the Ti–Fe–V system is crucial for elucidating the solidification process in high-strength titanium alloys. In this paper, ten sets of diffusion couples within bcc Ti–Fe–V alloys that underwent annealing at temperatures of 1273K, 1323K, and 1373K were prepared. Composition-distance curves were determined using the electron probe microstructure analysis technique. Atomic mobility parameters and interdiffusion coefficients were obtained using the numerical inverse method with the assistance of HitDIC software. It should be noted that the atomic mobility parameters for Ti–Fe and Ti–V were reoptimized using the most up-to-date thermodynamic descriptions. This approach enables the acquisition of comprehensive data regarding the temperature-composition relationship in diffusion. D˜FeFeTi exhibits a markedly greater value compared to D˜VVTi. Both D˜FeFeTi and D˜VVTi demonstrate an increase with the increase of temperature. Furthermore, the Arrhenius equation can be applied to solve for the variation in frequency factors and activation energies concerning temperature and composition.

Embodimetrics: A Principal Component Analysis Study of the Combined Assessment of Cardiac, Cognitive and Mobility Parameters.

There is a growing body of literature investigating the relationship between the frequency domain analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) and cognitive Stroop task performance. We proposed a combined assessment integrating trunk mobility in 72 healthy women to investigate the relationship between cognitive, cardiac, and motor variables using principal component analysis (PCA). Additionally, we assessed changes in the relationships among these variables after a two-month intervention aimed at improving the perception-action link. At baseline, PCA correctly identified three components: one related to cardiac variables, one to trunk motion, and one to Stroop task performance. After the intervention, only two components were found, with trunk symmetry and range of motion, accuracy, time to complete the Stroop task, and low-frequency heart rate variability aggregated into a single component using PCA. Artificial neural network analysis confirmed the effects of both HRV and motor behavior on cognitive Stroop task performance. This analysis suggested that this protocol was effective in investigating embodied cognition, and we defined this approach as "embodimetrics".

Color-gradient-based phase-field equationfor multiphase flow.

In this paper, the underlying problem with the color-gradient (CG) method in handling density-contrast fluids is explored. It is shown that the CG method is not fluid invariant. Based on nondimensionalizing the CG method, a phase-field interface-capturing model is proposed which tackles the difficulty of handling density-contrast fluids. The proposed formulation is developed for incompressible, immiscible two-fluid flows without phase-change phenomena, and a solver based on the lattice Boltzmann method is proposed. Coupled with an available robust hydrodynamic solver, a binary fluid flow package that handles fluid flows with high density and viscosity contrasts is presented. The macroscopic and lattice Boltzmann equivalents of the formulation, which make the physical interpretation of it easier, are presented. In contrast to existing color-gradient models where the interface-capturing equationsare coupled with the hydrodynamic ones and include the surface tension forces, the proposed formulation is in the same spirit as the other phase-field models such as the Cahn-Hilliard and the Allen-Cahn equationsand is solely employed to capture the interface advected due to a flow velocity. As such, similarly to other phase-field models, a so-called mobility parameter comes into play. In contrast, the mobility is not related to the density field but a constant coefficient. This leads to a formulation that avoids individual speed of sound for the different fluids. On the lattice Boltzmann solver side, two separate distribution functions are adopted to solve the formulation, and another one is employed to solve the Navier-Stokes equations, yielding a total of three equations. Two series of numerical tests are conducted to validate the accuracy and stability of the model, where we compare simulated results with available analytical and numerical solutions, and good agreement is observed. In the first set the interfacial evolution equationsare assessed, while in the second set the hydrodynamic effects are taken into account.

Genetic Algorithm for Mode Selection in Device-to-Device (D2D) Communication for 5G Cellular Networks

The widespread use of smart devices and mobile applications is leading to a massive growth of wireless data traffic. With the rapidly growing of the customers’ data traffic demand, improving the system capacity and increasing the user throughput have become essential concerns for the future fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication network. In a conventional cellular system, devices are not allowed to directly communicate with each other in the licensed cellular spectrum and all communications take place through the base stations (BS) and core network. Device-to-Device (D2D) communication refers to a technology that enables devices to communicate directly with each other, without sending data to the base station and the core network. This technology has the potential to improve system performance, enhance the user experience, increase spectral efficiency, reduce the terminal transmitting power, reduce the burden of the cellular network, and reduce end to end latency. In D2D communication user equipment’s (UEs) are enabled to select among different modes of communication which are defined based on the frequency resource sharing. Dedicated mode where D2D devices directly transmit by using dedicated resources. Reuse mode where D2D devices reuse some resources of the cellular network. Outband mode where D2D communication uses unlicensed spectrum (e.g. the free 2.4 GHz Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) band or the 38 GHz millimetre wave band) where cellular communication does not take place. Cellular mode where the D2D communication is relayed via gNode B (gNB) and it is treated as cellular users. In this work, the target was to reach the optimal mode selection policy and genetic algorithm method was used with the objective of maximizing the total fitness function. Optimal mode selection policy was presented and analysed amongst cellular, dedicated, reused and outband mode. In the present study of mode selection issues in D2D enabled networks, genetic algorithm was proposed for the case when the cellular user equipment (UE) moves in the network. Quality of service (QoS) parameters, mobility parameters and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method were used to define the mode selection algorithm. To evaluate the performance of the proposed genetic algorithm, a study of the convergence of the algorithm and the signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR) was done.

Neurorehabilitation including Virtual-Reality-Based Balance Therapy: Factors Associated with Training Response.

Virtual reality (VR) therapy is increasingly used and has shown encouraging effects. Yet, it is unknown which patients respond best to VR-based balance therapy as part of neurorehabilitation. Data from 30 persons with stroke and 51 persons with multiple sclerosis who performed three to four weeks of VR-based balance therapy during in-patient rehabilitation were analysed. Participants were divided into responders and nonresponders based on achievement of the minimal clinically important difference in functional balance post intervention. Measures of balance, trunk function, mobility, gait, motivation, and exergame parameters were compared between groups. Post intervention, all clinical measurements significantly improved (p < 0.05; effect size: 0.45-0.59). Participants that achieved the minimal clinically important difference in functional balance (n = 49; 60%) had significantly lower preintervention functional and dynamic balance (median(IQR): 39(27-46) versus 45(37-50); p = 0.02 and 11(6-15) versus 16(11-18); p = 0.03). They spent less time on higher difficulty exercises (11(8-17) versus 14.5(10-12); p = 0.03) and demonstrated increased motivation over time compared with nonresponders (1(-1-5) versus -2(-7-3); p = 0.03). Lower baseline balance ability, spending more time on adequately challenging exercises, and increased motivation potentially influence response to therapy. These factors can support the personalisation of VR-based balance therapy.

The effect of contact angle hysteresis on a droplet in a viscoelastic two-phase system

We investigate the dynamic behavior of a two-dimensional droplet adhering to a wall in Poiseuille flow at low Reynolds numbers, in a system where one of the phases is viscoelastic represented by a Giesekus model. The Cahn–Hilliard Phase-Field method is used to capture the interface between the two phases. The presence of polymeric molecules alters the viscoelastic drop's deformation over time, categorizing it into two stages before contact line depinning. In the first stage, the viscoelastic droplet deforms faster, while in the second stage, the Newtonian counterpart accelerates and its deformation outpaces the viscoelastic droplet. The deformation of viscoelastic drop is retarded significantly in the second stage with increasing Deborah number De. The viscous bending of viscoelastic drop is enhanced on the receding side for small De, but it is weakened by further increase in De. On the advancing side, the viscous bending is decreased monotonically for Ca &amp;lt; 0.25 with a non-monotonic behavior for Ca = 0.25. The non-monotonic behavior on the receding side is attributed to the emergence of outward pulling stresses in the vicinity of the receding contact line and the inception of strain-hardening at higher De, while the reduction in the viscous bending at the advancing side is the result of just strain-hardening. Finally, when the medium is viscoelastic, the viscoelasticity suppresses the droplet deformation on both receding and advancing sides, and this effect becomes more pronounced with increasing De. Increasing the Giesekus mobility parameter enhances the weakening effect of viscous bending on the advancing side.