Movement Habits Research Articles

Probabilistic indoor human movement modeling to aid first responders

The arrival of new devices and techniques has brought tracking out of the investigational stage and into the wider world. Using Wi-Fi signals is an attractive and reasonably affordable option to deal with the currently unsolved problem of widespread tracking in an indoor environment. Here we present a system which aims at overcoming weaknesses in existing real time location systems (RTLS) by using the human approach of making educated guesses about future location. The hypothesis of this proposal is that knowledge of a person’s historical movement habits allows for future location predictions to be made in the short, medium and long term. The primary research question that is foremost is whether the tracking capabilities of existing real time locating systems can be improved automatically by knowledge of previous movement especially in the short term in the case of emergency first responders by the application of a combination of artificial intelligence approaches. We conclude that HABITS improves on the standard Ekahau RTLS in term of accuracy (overcoming black spots), latency (giving position fixes when Ekahau cannot), cost (less APs are required than are recommended by Ekahau) and prediction (short term predictions are available from HABITS). These are features that no other indoor tracking system currently provides and could prove crucial in future emergency first responder incidents.

Learning indoor movement habits for predictive control

Using Wi-Fi signals is an attractive and reasonably affordable option to deal with the currently unsolved problem of widespread tracking in an indoor environment. Our system, history aware-based indoor tracking system (HABITS) models human movement patterns and this knowledge is incorporated into a discrete Bayesian filter to predict the areas that will, or will not, be visited in the future. These probabilistic predictions may be used as an additional input into building automation systems for intelligent control of heating and lighting. This paper outlines current indoor tracking methods and the weaknesses associated with them. It describes in detail the operation of the HABITS algorithm and discusses the implementation of this algorithm in relation to indoor Wi-Fi tracking with a large wireless network. Testing of HABITS shows that it gives comparable levels of accuracy to those achieved by doubling the number of access points. It is twice as accurate as existing systems in dealing with signal black spots and it can predict the final destination of a person within the test environment almost 80% of the time.

Seasonal movement patterns of Credit River brown trout (Salmo trutta)

Zimmer M, Schreer JF, Power M. Seasonal movement patterns of Credit River brown trout (Salmo trutta). Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 290–299. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/SAbstract – Movement habits in riverine populations of brown trout vary among watersheds. Thus it is important to identify factors influencing differences in individual behaviour so as to improve the information resource base available for the design of river‐specific management strategies. Such information is particularly needed in the rapidly urbanising watersheds of eastern North America where relatively little is known about anthropogenic influences on brown trout populations. In this study, we examined the influence of water temperature on brown trout behaviour in the Credit River in south‐central Ontario, Canada with respect to seasonal movement patterns. Observed patterns of movement were also correlated with variations in river discharge and habitat quality. Forty‐three radio‐tagged, adult brown trout were tracked in a confined 39.8 km portion of the Credit River from 15 May 2002 to 28 July 2003. Fish were captured in three sections of the river that differed in distance downstream and habitat quality. Fish size had little impact on movement patterns. However, there was considerable variation in seasonal movement with upstream movements to summer positions, maintenance of summer positions, downstream and often extensive movements in fall. Also observed was maintenance of winter positions and repeated upstream movements in late spring‐early summer to previously used summer positions. The elaborate movement behaviour in the Credit River population was attributed to seasonal changes in thermal habitat quality. Fish tagged in less suitable thermal habitats moved significantly more than fish from more suitable thermal habitats.

Same Day Bidirectional Outpatient Endoscopy for Suspected Gastroenterology Bleeding at Veterans Affairs Tertiary Referral Center

Purpose: Patients (Pts) with minor gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding are often scheduled for expedited outpatient EGD and colonoscopy on the same day at our institution. Our aim was to determine the diagnostic yield of scheduling bidirectional outpatient procedures for minor GI bleeding and to determine if the pre-test data can predict the test yield to conclude whether this practice should continue or be modified. Methods: We reviewed all records of outpatients who had EGD and colonoscopy scheduled the same day in 2005 at Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Buffalo. Our study population included pts with minor GI bleed which was defined as occult GI bleeding with or without iron deficiency anemia or iron deficiency anemia alone. Pts with melena were also included if EGD/Colonoscopy were performed as outpatient. Base line laboratories including: CBC, INR, BUN, Creatinine, iron studies and Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) status were recorded. GI symptoms, number of blood transfusion and hospital admission in one year prior to the procedure were obtained as well. Significant EGD findings include: ulcer (Duodenal, Gastric), portal Hypertension, gastropathy, varices, mild gastritis, superficial erosions, mild duodenitis, friable mucosa, Arterio-Venous Malformations and active bleeding. Non-significant findings include: normal study, candida infection, hiatal hernia, polyps, Barrett's esophagus, Schatzki's ring and lipomas. Multivariate regression analysis conducted. Results: Total of 91 pts (Male=88; Female=3) were included in the study. 81 were white and 10 African American. Median age was 68. Study indications were: Iron deficiency without anemia (n=4), Iron deficiency with anemia (n=42), FOBT positive without anemia (n=14), FOBT positive with anemia (n=28), and melena with anemia (n=2). Significant medications received within one month prior to the study were Aspirin (n=28), Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (n=14), Plavix (n=12) and Coumadin (n=12). Upper GI symptoms were reported by 25 pt including nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, abdominal pain or heartburn while 5 had lower GI symptoms as change in bowel movement habits. Only 17 pts had significant findings while 74 had non-significant ones (including 37 normal studies). Our analysis revealed no statistically significant correlation between any of the baseline labs mentioned above or the GI symptoms and the results of the EGD. Conclusion: In summary we were unable to find any pre-procedure predictive factor that can help in deciding the endoscopic procedure of choice in pts with minor GI bleed. The study is limited with sample size, recommend following prospective studies.

A Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind Trial to Evaluate the Effect of a Supplement of Cocoa Husk That Is Rich in Dietary Fiber on Colonic Transit in Constipated Pediatric Patients

Although a diet that is rich in fiber is widely recommended for preventing and treating constipation, the efficacy of fiber supplements have not been tested sufficiently in children. Our aim with this pilot study was to evaluate if fiber supplementation is beneficial for the treatment of children with idiopathic chronic constipation. Using a parallel, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, we conducted an interventional study to evaluate the efficacy of a supplement of cocoa husk rich in dietary fiber on intestinal transit time and other indices of constipation in children with constipation. After screening, the patients were randomly allocated to receive, for a period of 4 weeks, either a cocoa husk supplement or placebo plus standardized toilet training procedures. Before and after 4 weeks of treatment, we (1) performed anthropometry, a physical examination, and routine laboratory measurements, (2) determined total and segmental colonic transit time, (3) evaluated bowel movement habits and stool consistency using a diary, and (4) received a subjective evaluation from the parents regarding the efficacy of the treatment. The main variable for verifying the efficacy of the treatment was the total colonic transit time. Fifty-six chronically constipated children were randomly assigned into the study, but only 48 children completed it. These children, who were aged between 3 and 10 years, had a diagnosis of chronic idiopathic constipation. With respect to total, partial colon, and rectum transit time, there seemed to be a trend, although statistically nonsignificant, toward faster transit times in the cocoa husk group than in the placebo group. When we analyzed the evolution of the intestinal transit time throughout the study of children whose total basal intestinal transit time was > 50th percentile, significant differences were observed between the groups. The total transit time decreased by 45.4 +/- 38.4 hours in the cocoa husk group and by 8.7 +/- 28.9 hours in the placebo group (-38.1 hours). In the case of the right colon, changes in transit time also were significant between groups. Mean changes tended toward faster transit times in the left colon and the rectum, although the differences were not statistically significant. The children who received cocoa husk supplements tended to increase the number of bowel movements by more than that of the children of the placebo group. We also observed a reduction in the percentage of patients who reported hard stools (hard scybalous or pebble-like stools), although this reduction was significantly greater in the cocoa husk group. At the end of the intervention, 41.7% and 75.0% of the patients who received cocoa husk supplementation or placebo, respectively, reported having hard stools. Moreover, a significantly higher number of children (or their parents) reported a subjective improvement in stool consistency. No significant adverse effects were reported during the study. This study confirms the beneficial effect of a supplement of cocoa husk that is rich in dietary fiber on chronic idiopathic constipation in children. These benefits seem to be more evident in pediatric constipated patients with slow colonic transit time.

Explorative Studie: Sichtweisen zur Defäkation – Vergleich von Patienten und Pflegepersonen

The bowel movement pattern in hospitalised patients is an important aspect of nursing and therapeutic considerations. The aim of the study was to gather and compare the views patients and nursing personnel on the subject of bowel movement habits. The investigation was carried out by means of a questionnaire that should enable gathering data on demographic factors and bowel movement patterns (regularity, frequency, colour, form, problems, influence of external factors). Data obtained from the questionnaires completed by 122 nursing personnel and 168 patients were subject to statistical analysis. Data were analysed with the help of SPSS, and individually according to sample groups, using the Chi square test. Comparison (nursing personnel and patients) of the results showed significant differences between the two groups in their assessment of what was "normal" and what was "pathological" in bowel movement patterns. The two groups differed significantly in what they considered as normal bowel movement frequency namely, "several times daily", "every second day" and "twice a week". It is interesting to note that the nursing staff more often considered "irregular" bowel movements as "normal" in comparison to patients. Significant differences between the two groups were also observed in their assessment off "watery stools" and "formed stools". As far as the question of stool colour is concerned, patients more frequently than the nursing staff, looked upon "pathological" colour changes (yellow and reddish-brown to black) as being normal.

Effect of dosing time on the total intestinal transit time of non-disintegrating systems

The total gastrointestinal transit time of nondisintegrating tablets may be affected by dosing time; available literature on this topic is inconclusive. OROS® systems are nondisintegrating osmotically driven tablets that release drug over a period of time during their transit through the gastrointestinal tract and are excreted intact in the feces. Total transit times following morning administration of OROS® systems pooled from various studies ( n=1163 systems) showed a distribution with peak frequencies clustering around 24 and 48 h and following night administration ( n=80 systems) was found to cluster around 12 and 36 h. The total transit time distribution appears to be different following morning and night administration. However, on reanalyzing the data considering clock time when the tablet was collected rather than time post-administration, most of the difference between the distribution patterns disappeared. This suggested that total transit times after morning or night administration may be related to the bowel movement habits of the study population. Therefore, OROS® systems total transit time were compared to the intrinsic bowel movement pattern of the general population reported in the literature and indeed a good correlation was seen between the two. The total transit time appears to be determined by two factors: the defecation frequency and the probability of its inclusion in the defecation event which is related to its location in the GI tract. A tablet is more likely to be excreted if it is further down in the GI tract. The total transit time data for OROS® systems suggest that with the morning dosing the tablet is more likely to be excreted in the bowel movement the next morning. With the night time dosing the tablet may not be far enough in the colon to be excreted in the next morning bowel movement and therefore, it is more likely to be excreted the following morning.

Imagery and Conditioning Practices for Dancers

As western theatrical dance has developed through the centuries, dance educators, artists, and researchers have sought methods to improve dance skills and to refine the quality of dance performance. In the pursuit of ever-increasing technical skills, improved alignment, freedom from injury, and enhanced artistic capabilities such as expanded dynamic and expressive range, dancers have explored numerous training systems developed for these purposes. These systems are often used in conjunction with dance technique classes, and they explore a range of approaches addressing different aspects of the neural and motor mechanisms underlying dance skills. In general, the systems can be seen as operating within two large concerns. The first includes systems using imagery and/or mental practice designed to affect alignment and dance performance on the subcortical or neurological level, with minimal or no physical action (Bartenieff 1980; Dowd 1990; Sweigard 1974; Todd 1937). The second emphasizes consistent and specialized exercise programs designed to encourage muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and/or cardio-respiratory endurance, with the claim that these physical changes will enhance alignment, dance technique, and performance (Clippinger-Robertson 1990; Fitt 1988; Kravitz 1990; Lauffenburger 1990; Pilates 1945; Russell 1992; Solomon 1990; Stephens 1990; Trepman, Walaszek, & Micheli 1990). While there is often overlap in these two categories, the first group emphasizes neuromuscular repatterning to alter alignment or movement habits, while the second addresses muscular/structural alterations to affect change. For example, the body therapies, including the work of Bartenieff, Alexander, Feldenkrais, and Sweigard, attempt to alter the way muscles pattern themselves, stressing whole body activity, connections, and awareness, not exercises for specific muscles (Myers 1980). Conditioning programs, on the other hand, do engage particular muscles, in order to make gains in muscular strength and range of motion.

High-Molecular-Weight Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose

We assessed the efficacy of a high-molecular-weight hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (K8515) as a cholesterol-lowering agent, the dose-response profile of its action, and the ability of adult subjects to tolerate its ingestion at effective doses. These studies were conducted at the Clinical Research Center of The University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor. Efficacy was assessed in 10 normal and 12 mildly hyperlipidemic subjects in double-blind, randomized crossover trials of 1 and 2 weeks' duration, respectively. The dose-response profile was studied in 12 mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects in a nonrandomized control trial with doses given in escalating order. Tolerance was assessed by a questionnaire of adverse effects and bowel movement habits in all subjects. We found that 10 g of K8515 ingested in a prehydrated form three times a day with meals lowered total cholesterol levels by an average of 1.45 mmol/L (56 mg/dL) (32%) in normal subjects within 1 week. In two studies in subjects with mildly elevated cholesterol levels (with entry levels ranging from 5.35 mmol/L [207 mg/dL] to 6.70 mmol/L [260 mg/dL]), average reductions of 1.00 mmol/L (39 mg/dL) (18%) and 1.15 mmol/L (45 mg/dL) (20%) were observed within the same period. The effect was primarily due to a reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Low-density lipoprotein levels in normal subjects were an average of 1.10 mmol/L (42 mg/dL) (38%) lower after a week of 10 g of K8515 three times a day with meals, and in the two studies in subjects with mild hyperlipidemia, the reductions in low-density lipoprotein levels after 1 week were 0.95 mmol/L (37 mg/dL) (23%) and 1.05 mmol/L (40 mg/dL) (25%). Although there was a tendency for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels to decrease, this was significant only in normal subjects. Decreases in cholesterol levels were not accompanied by any rise in triglyceride levels. Dose-response studies in those with mildly elevated cholesterol levels indicated that it is possible to achieve a 15% decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels within 1 week at a dose of 6.7 g three times a day, with minimal adverse effects. These results suggest a role for high-molecular-weight hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in the clinical treatment of mild hypercholesterolemia.

The reproductive biology of okra. 2. Self-fertilization kinetics in the cultivated okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), and consequences for breeding

The use of Cruden's index (1977), for studying okra sexual reproductive allocations, indicates a facultative autogamy mode. The purpose of the research described is to obtain more accurate information on the self-fertilization process. For this, self-pollen grain germination was stopped at different times of the day. Twelve varieties of Abelmoschus esculentus were used. Self-fertilization kinetics—expressed by the setting rate—displayed an increase between 7.00 to 16.00 hr. Study of obtained progenies, by stimulated allogamy, confirmed the process and showed that allo-pollen grains deposited on a stigma after midday had only a very little chance of contributing to fertilization. As a result, the polymorphism of the flower structure and particularly the distance between anther and stigmas, insect types and movement habits play major roles in governing okra allogamy. We also show that self-fertilization kinetics can be used to improve controlled hybrid production.

Motor Habits in Visuo-manual Tracking: Manifestation of an Unconscious Short-Term Motor Memory?

Normal subjects were tested in short, repetitive trials of a tracking task, with an identical shape of target movement being used throughout one session. Analysis of the net error curves (pursuit minus target movement) revealed that subjects regularly exhibit a remoteness effect: neighbouring trials were more similar than distant ones. The effect is demonstrated to be stronger in the absence of visual cues, and was found to be absent in a patient with complete loss of proprioception when he was performing without visual feedback as well. The results are discussed in terms of a short term memory store contributing to unconscious movement habits in tracking. This may represent part of the motor learning process working together with conscious visuo-motor control mechanisms. Its function is probably related to the acquisition of automatic movements.

Motor Habits in Visuo-manual Tracking: Manifestation of an Unconscious Short-term Motor Memory?

Normal subjects were tested in short, repetitive trials of a tracking task, with an identical shape of target movement being used throughout one session. Analysis of the net error curves (pursuit minus target movement) revealed that subjects regularly exhibit a remoteness effect: neighbouring trials were more similar than distant ones. The effect is demonstrated to be stronger in the absence of visual cues, and was found to be absent in a patient with complete loss of proprioception when he was performing without visual feedback as well.The results are discussed in terms of a short term memory store contributing to unconscious movement habits in tracking. This may represent part of the motor learning process working together with conscious visuo-motor control mechanisms. Its function is probably related to the acquisition of automatic movements.

Changes in intestinal elimination habits in hospitalized patients

O presente trabalho procurou estudar as possíveís alterações dos hábitos de eliminação intestinal, em pacientes hospitalizados nas unidades de Clínica Médica, de três hospitais gerais do Município de São Paulo. Procurou-se verificar os tipos de alterações apresentados e as causas que os pacientes atribuem às modificações ocorridas. A população do estudo constou de 200 pacientes, adultos, ambulantes, de ambos os sexos. Conseguiu-se obter os dados do estudo através de entrevista com aplicação de formulário. Os resultados obtidos, levaram às seguintes conclusões: a maioria dos pacientes entrevistados referiu alterações dos hábitos de eliminação intestinal após a internação hospitalar. As causas apontadas pelos pacientes como responsáveis pelas alterações dos hábitos de eliminação intestinal foram agrupadas em: fisiológicas, psicossociais, terapêuticas e ambientais. As fisiológicas e psicossociais foram as que mais se destacaram. A alimentação foi o fator mais apontado como causa fisiológica. Dos fatores psicossociais foram salientados o nervosismo, a ansiedade e a preocupação. Apenas a variável independente sexo, influenciou nas alterações dos hábitos de eliminação intestinal, na hospitalização, conforme resultado estatístico.

Human Remains Recovered from a Shark's Stomach in South Carolina

Abstract When a local fisherman landed a 243-cm (8-ft), 59-kg (130-lb) tiger shark off the coast of South Carolina, the stomach contents included human remains. The distal femur articulations, complete patella, and proximal fourth of the tibia and fibula with connective tissue and a few hairs were present. The forensic science analysis of this material raised some unique questions not usually confronted by a physical anthropologist. Estimations of time since death necessitated research into the feeding and movement habits of tiger sharks, the digestive mechanics and chemistry of the species, and possible alteration of the skeletal material. The fragmentation of the remains spurred extension of usual identification techniques and raised questions of level of confidence of the methods. The current techniques for diagnosis of sex, race, age, stature, and individualized features, and their utility in this case, are reviewed. Areas for further research are proposed.

The incidence of attachment objects and oral habits at bedtime in two longitudinal samples of children aged 1.5-7 years.

Summary The incidence of emotional attachment to soft toys and blankets, and sucking habits was studied in two samples of children. Mothers of one sample were interviewed when the children were 1.5, 2 and 2.5 years old, and mothers of the other sample answered questionnaires when their children were 3.5, 5 and 7 years old. Strong emotional attachment to objects, and thumb or finger sucking were most prevalent around 2 years of age. There was a positive association between sucking and attachment to objects at all ages. Clinging, sucking and movement habits merge into one another and serve the same function of easing the transition from waking to sleeping, from high arousal to low arousal.

Organochlorine Residues in Adults of Six Southwestern Bat Species

Fifty adult bats collected in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, including long-nosed (Leptonycteris sanborni), leaf-nosed (Macrotus waterhousii), pallid ( Antrozous pallidus), big brown ( Eptesicus fuscus), western pipistrelle (Pipistrellus hesperus), and Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis), were analyzed for organochlorine residues. All contained DDE (range, 0.1-160 ppm; median, 4.3 ppm wet weight basis) and DDT (range, < 0.1-550 ppm; median, 0.2 ppm). DDD was found in 38 bats, dieldrin in 16, o,p'-DDT (at 33-200 ppm) in 3, toxaphene in 3, Aroclor 1254 in 1, and Aroclor 1260 in 1. Bats with the highest residue levels were collected in or near human dwellings. The 5 herbivorous longnosed bats averaged only 0.51 ppm DDT and metabolites, whereas the others, all insectivores, averaged 46 ppm. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 40(4):677-680 Bat populations in many parts of the United States and elsewhere are declining (Barbour and Davis 1969:11-12, Stebbings 1970, 1971, Mohr 1972, Reidinger 1972). Often it is suggested that these declines are related to pesticides, to which bat populations should be particularly vulnerable because many species are insectivorous and most have low reproductive potentials. Few studies, however, have been reported on bat-pesticide interrelations. Cockrum (1969) noted the decreasing population size of the Mexican free-tailed bat in Arizona and suggested that pesticides were involved. Luckens and Davis (1964, 1965) studied the acute oral toxicity of DDT, dieldrin, and endrin to the big brown bat. They found this species extremely sensitive to DDT. Jefferies (1972) found that some bats in Britain carried at least one-third the lethal level of DDT + DDE during most of the year and very close to the lethal level after hibernation. Dunsmore et al. (1974) measured residue levels in wild bentwinged bats (Miniopteris schreibeirsii) and some dosed with DDT. They concluded that, although the wild bats carried residues below levels suggested for direct effects, the bats could be in danger if they received increased exposure. To gain a preliminary understanding of the degree to which bats are exposed to pesticides in the southwestern United States, I measured organochlorine residue levels in 50 adult bats collected during 1969-70 in Arizona and neighboring Sonora, Mexico. These bats, representing six species with various foraging and movement habits, were collected opportunistically, without regard to season, habitat, or likelihood of recent pesticide exposure. These data are from a Ph.D. thesis on file at the University of Arizona, Tucson; the study was supported by an NDEA Title IV Fellowship. I am grateful to E. L. Cockrum, University of Arizona, who first suggested the study and who gave valued help throughout; to R. E. White and J. R. Bean, Denver Wildlife Research Center, who provided facilities, equipment, and training for residue analysis; and to A. H. Jones of the Center for careful review of the manuscript.

Radioactivity in Juvenile Columbia River Salmon: A Model to Distinguish Differences in Movement and Feeding Habits

Abstract The 32P specific activities and 65Zn concentrations were measured in juvenile salmon collected from the Columbia River during winter and spring of 1969. An environmental uptake study involving marked juvenile chinook salmon indicated that 32P specific activity values reach a maximum sooner than values for 65Zn concentration. The uptake study also suggested a short lag period before hatchery fish released to the Columbia River began rapid uptake of 32P and 65Zn. A graphical model based on 32P specific activities and 65 Zn concentrations was constructed which allows fish to be classified and differentiated with regard to their past feeding or movement behavior. Use of the model indicated that some hatchery fish released to the river either had feeding behavior unlike other hatchery fish or were not in the Columbia River the entire time from release until collection. Application of the model to a sample of 24 unmarked juvenile salmon collected from the Columbia River revealed several different group...

Distribution of Criminal Offenses in Metropolitan Regions

The regional trend in the United States is largely the result of two developments: the historical background of sectional differences in resources, industry, tradition; and the recent impact of motor transport which has changed people's movement habits, helped create large metropolitan cities, and brought settlement closer to the cities. These general processes have combined to obliterate political boundaries and bring about a regional regularity which is only now maturing as the territorial basis of modern American civilization. The hypothesis of the present study is that crime, as an interrelated part of the general social life, is also regional, and that the delineation of regions of crime would have both theoretical and practical utility. An earlier article2 demonstrated that criminal mobility has a regional pattern, that criminal movements to and from a city tend to decrease regularly with distance from the city. The present article proposes to determine whether criminal offenses are distributed regularly in metropolitan regions. A future article will analyze the distribution of offenses in the larger territorial units called sectional regions. A metropolitan region is here defined as an area dominated by a central city and its boundaries are delineated by the distribution of one or more variables which change gradually from center to boundary where the trend in an opposite direction begins. An essential criterion of a region is thus its gradient character. The variables to be observed in the present article are criminal offenses, spatially fixed events, not mobile offenders. Crime gradients on the basis of the distribution of offenders in city areas have been worked out in detail by Shaw and McKay for juvenile delinquents