Movement In Direction Research Articles

Scalar fields features of video sequences energy characteristics

To improve the methods of spatio-temporal filtering, an approach based on the analysis of finitary images energy spectra can be used. The purpose of this work is to study the possibility of using energy spectra for motion identification in video sequence frames. Each frame of a video sequence is a spatially finite image, the energy spectrum of which contains information about the phase components. This information is of particular importance for determining the location of dynamic objects. The most important information is also contained in the harmonic amplitude increments of the frame energy spectra, i.e. the energy spectrum generates a scalar discrete field. The energy functions describe inter-frame changes in the amplitudes of harmonics of the energy spectrum. To apply energy spectra in motion identification algorithms, it is necessary to analyze the properties of these scalar fields. Scalar fields generated by energy spectra of frames of test video sequences are studied. Test video sequences with an object moving in an arbitrary direction are used. Scalar fields of energy functions are presented graphically. Characteristic regions of scalar fields are identified and their projections are built using isolines. The boundaries of the characteristic areas and the coordinates of extrema of energy functions are determined. From them, all coordinates of the dynamic object and its horizontal/vertical displacements can be found. The dependence of phase-energy function extrema on the position of the object before the motion and on the direction of motion is studied. When moving in an arbitrary direction, different types of extrema are observed: point and extended. At vertical or horizontal movements, the energy functions graphs have only two-dimensional pulses. Additional criteria for eliminating ambiguities are proposed. The ambiguities are due to the fact that the number and nature of extrema may coincide for different directions of motion and location of objects in different quadrants of the coordinate plane. The extrema of energy functions for object movements in all possible directions and locations in any quadrant of a video sequence frame are determined. The obtained results showed that energy functions for object motion in arbitrary direction have a large number of characteristic regions containing point and extended extrema. The configuration of extrema depends both on the direction of motion and on the quadrant of the image in which the object is located. Therefore, it is most advisable to begin to determine the spatial coordinates of an object and the magnitude of its horizontal/vertical movement by finding the maximum and minimum boundaries of energy functions, and then refine it using the coordinates of the extrema. Consideration of characteristic regions and extrema of scalar fields of energy functions can be used in the development of algorithms effective in terms of "accuracy/speed" ratio, and can increase the performance of image and video processing systems. Algorithms for determining the object position, velocity and direction of its movement by analyzing scalar fields of energy spectra components can be used as an additional or main tool for motion identification in technical vision systems.

Effect of betamethasone injection into the pterygomandibular space on the neurosensory disturbance after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy: a pilot study

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of local betamethasone injection into the pterygomandibular space on postoperative neurosensory deficits.Materials and methodsA prospective controlled clinical study was conducted on 16 patients (6 male, 10 female; mean age, 24.95 ± 9.22 years) who underwent bilateral sagittal ramus osteotomy for mandibular discrepancies. One side of each patient’s mandible was randomly selected as the control side, and the opposite side as the experimental side. On the experimental side, a solution of betamethasone (6 mg/1 ml) was injected into the pterygomandibular space after the completion of wound closure. Neurosensory tests, including light touch, two-point discrimination, direction of movement, thermal sensitivity, and pin-prick discrimination, were performed. The follow-up period ranged between 6 and 12 months, according to the particular sensory test. The Fisher exact test was used to analyse the data.ResultsThe light touch sensation was abnormal in 75% of the control side and 31% of the study side, with the difference being significant (p = 0.03). However, at 6 months, all the study cases regained touch sensation, compared to 69% of the control side. No significant difference in direction movement discrimination was seen; however, at 3 months, the study side showed significantly less direction sensation (19%) compared to the control side (56%) (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the two-point discrimination; however, at 3 months, the study side had a significantly less abnormal two-point sensation (13%) than the control side (56%) (p = 0.02). In addition, no significant difference was noted in thermal sensitivity or pin-prick sensation.ConclusionBetamethasone injection into the pterygomandibular space reduces neurosensory disturbances after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies nd leads to faster recovery of sensations.

The Philosophy of Probability Values Behaviour, through Fractions and Composite Probability Function in the Continuous Case

This paper deals with probability theory, and it is an extension to a published paper that has the same title, but for the discrete case. This present paper is aiming to study probability values behavior, in the case of continuous sample space, through fractions intervals and composite function. This aim tends to study the value behavior rather than finding the value itself. Also, this aim requires usage of some concepts of continuity, geometric probability, and measure theory, which also need a brief treatment. This paper is mainly using an experiment with a design that helps to study the probability fractions values in the form of intervals in the case of one direction movement and in the case of different directions. As a result, every case reflects some aspects of probability values behavior and can clarify many important characteristics of the probability theory. In addition to applying the composite function by some important theorems of conditional probability. These are besides a proven proposition that helps to design experiment, upon the understanding of the case nature. In addition to a corollary that allows to visualize negative probability values, as a particular case (trial), that upon the validity of the explanation of negativity which should be consistent with the probability axioms.

Autoinoculation Therapy for the Treatment of Widespread Cutaneous Warts.

Cutaneous warts are common lesions that are often unresponsive to various therapeutic modalities. To assess the role of autoinoculation therapy in the treatment of widespread cutaneous warts. This interventional study included patients with widespread skin warts who did not respond to conventional treatments. Two methods were used to perform the autoinoculation therapy. The first procedure was performed by obtaining a small piece of the wart and inoculating it into a subcutaneous pocket. The second method was developed by the investigator and was performed by inserting a needle into the center of the wart toward the nearby subcutaneous tissue, with multiple forward and backward movements in several directions around the lesion. The prospective study included 23 patients. The illness duration ranged from 3 months to 5 years. Autoinoculation interventions revealed full recovery of all warts in 20 cases (87%) within 20 to 90 days (mean: 40.7 days). Autoinoculation procedures demonstrated effectiveness, less cost, lesser pain, less invasiveness, without leaving skin scars in comparison with other conventional therapies.

The impact of Three Gorges Dam on the hydrological connectivity of “off-stream” floodplains

The construction of dams has led to concerns about ecological deterioration due to the weakening of hydrological connectivity. However, existing assessments of hydrological connectivity have focused on the damming effect on upstream–downstream connectivity, neglecting the impact on “off-stream” floodplains and resulting in an underestimation of dam’s overall impact. This study took the Three Gorges Dam (TGD), the world’s largest hydroelectric dam, as an example to assess its impact on the hydrological connectivity of the Yangtze-connected floodplain, Poyang Lake, through hydrodynamic modeling. The results revealled significant alterations caused by the dam construction, particularly during the receding period. The connectivity function (CF), representing the ability of water movement in different directions, was found to decrease due to the TGD. The average reduction in the North-South CF was 17.38 %, while the West-East CF decreased by an average of 13.62 %. Moreover, the dam’s most pronounced impact was observed during specific periods. The average shrinkage of the connected object (CONNOB) was 55.17 % during drought years, 83.25 % during normal years, and 64.61 % during flood years. Additionally, these CONNOBs exhibited fragmentation, indicating a disrupted hydrological network. Furthermore, the dam-induced changes affected the timing of the longest connected period in the seasonal isolated lake. On average, during normal years, this period began 69.41 days earlier and ended 70.36 days earlier. The intensification of autumn drought caused by the emptying effect of the TGD is the underlying mechanism of the weakened hydrological connectivity in Poyang Lake. This study provides new insights into assessing the impact of dams on hydrological connectivity and can improve the current assessment framework, leading to better ecological and environmental benefits of water management related to hydrological connectivity adjustment.

Computational and experimental determination of laser hardening zones and tribotechnical characteristics of tool steels

The paper presents the results of metallographic studies and tribotechnical tests of samples of Cr12V1 steel with laser hardening. The influence of the processing modes of the edge of the samples on the geometric parameters of the quenching zones and their microhardness was determined using a factor experiment. It was found that the maximum effect on the width and depth of the quenching zones was exerted by the radiation power and the speed of beam movement in the processing direction. The maximum values of microhardness were obtained by laser quenching with transverse beam vibrations at maximum radiation power and minimum processing speed. Tests for the intensity of wear were carried out according to the scheme: “a flat sample (steel Cr12V1) is the end face of the sleeve counter sample (steel 40Cr) when lubricated with industrial oil I20A. The wear resistance of samples hardened by a laser oscillating beam is significantly higher than samples with volumetric hardening.

A Novel Passive Shoulder Exoskeleton Using Link Chains and Magnetic Spring Joints.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders represent a major occupational disability issue, and 53.4% of these disorders occur in the back or shoulders. Various types of passive shoulder exoskeletons have been introduced to support the weight of the upper arm and work tools during overhead work, thereby preventing injuries and improving the work environment. The general passive shoulder exoskeleton is constructed with rigid links and joints to implement shoulder rotation, but there exists a challenge to align with the flexible joint movements of the human shoulder. Also, a force-generating part using mechanical springs require additional mechanical components to generate torque similar to the shoulder joint, resulting in increased overall volume and inertia to the upper arm. In this study, we propose a new type of passive shoulder exoskeleton that uses magnetic spring joint and link chain. The redundant degrees of freedom in the link chains enables to follow the shoulder joint movement in the horizontal direction, and the magnetic spring joint generates torque without additional parts in a compact form. Conventional exoskeletons experience a loss in the assisting torque when the center of shoulder rotation changed during arm elevation. Our exoskeleton minimizes the torque loss by customizing the installation height and initial angle of the magnetic spring joint. The performances of the proposed exoskeleton were verified by an electromyographic evaluation of shoulder-related muscles in overhead work and box lifting task.

The method of calculating sprinklers for wide-reach sprinklers

The quality of irrigation with wide-coverage sprinkler equipment largely depends on the design of sprinklers and their location on the rain belt. The purpose of the presented article is to improve the methodology for calculating sprinklers and to develop recommendations on the applicability of sprinklers in various conditions. The article presents a method for determining the nozzle diameter based on ensuring uniformity of irrigation, characteristics of the water flow coming off the deflector, and the radius of capture by rain. The trajectories of movement in the opposite direction of the wind for droplets with different sizes are given. The optimal angle is indicated depending on the wind speed. The maximum radius corresponds to the angle of departure of the water flow to the horizon within 28..32 °. The distance between the sprinklers along the water supply pipeline of wide-reach sprinklers should be at least 2/3 of the radius of rain capture, without taking into account the effects of wind.

Review of peculiarities of using wind catchers in energy-saving ventilation systems

Natural ventilation plays an important role in ensuring comfortable living conditions. Wind catchers are part of this process and can provide the required ventilation rate for buildings. The performance of wind catchers depends on the relevant parameters, such as height, configuration, cross-sectional shape, number of inlets, speed of movement and variability of air movement direction. HVAC equipment is not only responsible for the largest portion of the total energy consumption within a building, but also for most indoor air quality problems. Vents, air ducts, and dirty filters are a suitable place for the growth of fungi and molds produced by organic dust, which contaminate the circulating air and cause significant pollution problems. This could be more critical given that we spend almost 90% of our time indoors during our lives and work. Improvements in ventilation and air conditioning systems therefore play an important role in increasing energy efficiency in buildings, providing a better indoor climate for occupants and, as a result, reducing the likelihood of health problems. The cooling process plays an important role in creating comfortable conditions for humans. One of the most well-known elements of a passive cooling system for buildings with no or minimal energy consumption is a wind catcher. The effective-ness of wind catchers is influenced by wind force and buoyancy, and knowledge of the size, shape, and position of the outlet will help to understand new ideas and technologies for their application in modern architecture. A well-known example of natural ventilation that improves indoor quality by reducing pollution and humidity by replacing stale air with fresh outside air is a wind catcher (or wind tower). Nowadays, wind catchers are widely used in the world, having advantages in densely populated urban areas and in areas with low wind speeds, significantly affecting the reduction of cooling loads and providing the required ventilation rate of buildings. At present, there are many types of wind traps that can be classified according to the number of inlets, cross-sectional shape, and number of levels. The number of internal partitions, as well as the size and location of the openings of the wind collector, significantly affect its ventilation characteristics, efficiency, air flow velocity and turbulence, and also divide the cross-section of the wind collector into smaller channels, increasing the strength of its structure and reducing sensitivity to different wind directions

Monitoring of Labor Protests: Results and Directions of Analysis

The article describes the methodology and analytical capabilities of the “Monitoring of labor protests in Russia”. The information base is Internet messages about labor protests, which contain the necessary information and are first entered into a textual and then into a quantitative database. The monitoring has been functioning for 15 years and has accumulated information about 4.5 thousand protests. The structure of the Monitoring is briefly described, the main concepts and variables that allow analyzing the protest movement in several directions at once.The first direction is linear data analysis, which allows obtaining the most general data on the number of protests and their most important characteristics. Another direction is the calculation of indices, which make it possible to obtain comparable and relative indicators, which make it possible to overcome the heterogeneity of the compared objects.Another important type of analysis is the long-term dynamics of protests based on the identification of trends and the development of criteria for its assessment: determining the turning points of trends from growth to decline and vice versa, as well as the intensity of trends at each stage.An actor-transactional analysis launched in 2016, which determines the number of actors involved in labor protests (35 types of actors are identified) and types of interactions (transactions) between them, both outgoing (actor activity) and incoming (actor authority). Based on these indicators, the index of significance of each actor is calculated, which is monitored in dynamics. This makes it possible to understand the role institutional and non-institutional actors play in the settlement of protests.

Vertical dynamic visual acuity is significantly lower than horizontal dynamic visual acuity

Dynamic visual acuity (DVA) is crucial for the perception of moving objects. While traditional DVA assessment tools predominantly focus on horizontal movements, the evaluation of vertical DVA remains unstandardized. Consequently, the disparities between vertical and horizontal DVAs are yet to be thoroughly investigated. Therefore, we designed a system capable of conducting multidirectional DVA tests and eye movement measurements. During the experiments, the participants identified the gap direction of the Landolt-C ring moving either horizontally or vertically. The speed of movement decelerated from its maximum as a high-speed infrared camera captured the pupil movements of the left eye at 500 fps. We conducted tests on 15 healthy university students (aged 22.7±1.2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$22.7\\pm 1.2$$\\end{document} years) and measured vertical and horizontal DVAs five times each. DVA was deduced from the Landolt-C ring speed with accurate gap direction responses, and eye movement was assessed based on the total gaze movement distance. The results revealed superior DVA and eye movement in the horizontal direction compared with the vertical direction (p<0.001\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$p < 0.001$$\\end{document}). This highlights the anisotropic characteristics of DVA and eye movement. The proposed system has the potential for multidirectional dynamic vision evaluation and training in clinical scenarios.

Italy and Queensland

The Introduction to this special issue explains the rationale for its publication. It is intended to further the exploration of both sides of the Queensland–Italy connection, extending the already considerable body of work on Italians in Queensland and contributing to the heretofore less-examined field of Queenslanders’ experiences of Italy. In particular, the influences exerted on Queenslanders by Italian culture and history, and the many ‘views from Queensland’ of Italy and Italians, warrant further attention. The contributions to this issue therefore fall into two categories: those concerned with Italians in Queensland, which relate to migrants and their descendants; and those concerned with movement in the opposite direction, but mainly for purposes other than migration, such as study and work, personal exploration, and acculturation. They include an interview, a memoir, a creative non-fiction piece and two book reviews, alongside five research articles.

Digital workflow for mini-implant–assisted rapid palatal expander fabrication–a case report

BackgroundNon-surgical mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion, or midfacial skeletal expansion, is a paradigm-shifting concept that in recent years has expanded the envelope of orthopedic movement in the transverse direction for adult patients. Although adding mini-screws to a rapid palatal expander is not complicated, accurate and successful expansion strongly depends on the device’s position and its relation to the resisting structures of the maxillofacial complex.Case presentationThis article presents a digital workflow to locate the optimal position of the Midfacial Skeletal Expander (MSE) device in a CBCT-combined intraoral scan file and describes how to transfer the MSE position intra-orally with properly sized bands during the device fabrication. The complete digital workflow of MSE fabrication and its application for a Class III orthognathic surgical case is presented in detail.ConclusionsThis report describes a completely digital process that can accurately position the MSE device according to the orientation and morphology of maxillary basal bone, which is crucial in adult cases demand maxillary expansion.

Hydro-geochemical characterization and modeling of groundwater in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna state, Nigeria

Abstract This study assessed groundwater quality in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State and how it can be harnessed as a useful resource for water supply and to improve the management of water resources. The field survey methods adopted with the collection of water samples in the field were employed in collecting data. The study randomly collected fifty water samples from wells and boreholes in the peak of wet and dry seasons for 2 years (2021–2022) in the five selected wards within the Chikun Local Government Area and a range of water quality parameters were measured and compared with WHO standards for drinking water. The laboratory analysis results revealed that with the exception of magnesium, mercury, iron, lead and calcium, all other physicochemical parameters measured fell within the maximum permissible limit. The presence of some of these pollutants at varying degrees was found. Groundwater models showed groundwater flow in the North-Western direction and significant vertical movement of contaminants up to depths of about 60 m. This calls for regulations on the handling of wastes and pollutants that affect groundwater, which is best done through strict enforcement of laws and advocacy through all the appropriate institutions involved in water management.

Ankle Biomechanics During Multidirectional Landings in Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability.

Assessing and understanding the control of the ankle during multidirectional jump landings in athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI) would help health professionals develop interventions to reduce the risk of recurrent injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the angle, angular velocity, and movements of the ankle joint, and the muscle activity of peroneus longus (PL), tibialis anterior (TA), and gastrocnemius (GAS) muscles during multidirectional landings in athletes with CAI. Nineteen athletes with CAI (≤25 Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool-Thai Score) participated. A Vicon Nexus motion analysis system synchronously collected data with an AMTI force plate and surface electromyography (EMG) to capture kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity, respectively. Participants were asked to perform single-leg jump-landing tests in forward (0°), 30° diagonal, 60° diagonal, and lateral (90°) directions. Ankle joint kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity of PL, TA, and GAS were analyzed. Repeated measure ANOVA (analysis of variance) and Friedman tests were used to analyze the main effects of the jump-landing direction. Athletes with CAI exhibited significant differences in ankle angles, angular velocities, ankle movements, and average muscle activity of GAS between directions. Greatest average EMG of GAS muscle was observed during landing in the lateral direction compared with the forward and 30° diagonal directions. Lateral and diagonal direction movements showed the greatest risks associated with recurrent ankle sprains. Impairments of neuromuscular control in both pre-landing and landing phases were observed in athletes with CAI when considered alongside previously published data. Laboratory-based observational study.

Gooseneck barnacle optimization algorithm: A novel nature inspired optimization theory and application

This paper introduces the Gooseneck Barnacle Optimisation Algorithm (GBO) as a novel evolutionary method inspired by the natural mating behaviour of gooseneck barnacles, which involves sperm casting and self-fertilization. GBO is mathematically modelled, considering the hermaphroditic nature of these microorganisms that have thrived since the Jurassic period. In contrast to the previously published Barnacle Mating Optimizer (BMO) algorithm, GBO more accurately captures the unique static and dynamic mating behaviours specific to gooseneck barnacles. The algorithm incorporates essential factors, such as navigational sperm casting properties, food availability, food attractiveness, wind direction, and intertidal zone wave movement during mating, creating two vital optimization stages: exploration and exploitation. Real-world case studies and mathematical test functions serve as qualitative and quantitative benchmarks. The results demonstrate that GBO outperforms well-known algorithms, including the previous BMO, by effectively improving the initial random population for a given problem, converging to the global optimum, and producing significantly better optimization outcomes.

Analysis of fluctuations in ex-core neutron detector signal in Krško NPP during an earthquake

During an earthquake on December 29th 2020, the Krško NPP automatically shutdown due to the trigger of the negative neutron flux rate signal on the power range nuclear instrumentation. From the time course of the detector signal, it can be concluded that the fluctuation in the detector signal may have been caused by the mechanical movement of the ex-core neutron detectors or the pressure vessel components rather than the actual change in reactor power. The objective of the analysis was to evaluate the sensitivity of the neutron flux at the ex-core detector position, if the detector is moved in the radial or axial direction. In addition, the effect of the core barrel movement and core inside the baffle movement in the radial direction were analysed. The analysis is complemented by the calculation of the thermal and total neutron flux gradient in radial, axial and azimuthal directions. The Monte Carlo particle transport code MCNP was used to study the changes in the response of the ex-core detector for the above-mentioned scenarios. Power and intermediate-range detectors were analysed separately, because they are designed differently, positioned at different locations, and have different response characteristics. It was found that the movement of the power range ex-core detector has a negligible effect on the value of the thermal neutron flux in the active part of the detector. However, the radial movement of the intermediate-range detector by 5 cm results in 7%–8% change in the thermal neutron flux in the active part of the intermediate-range detector. The analysis continued with an evaluation of the effects of moving the entire core barrel on the ex-core detector response. It was estimated that the 2 mm core barrel radial oscillation results in ∼4% deviation in the power and intermediate-range detector signal. The movement of the reactor core inside baffle can contribute ∼6% deviation in the ex-core neutron detector signal. The analysis showed that the mechanical movement of ex-core neutron detectors cannot explain the fluctuations in the ex-core detector signal. However, combined core barrel and reactor core inside baffle oscillations could be a probable reason for the observed fluctuations in the ex-core detector signal during an earthquake.

Effect of hip abduction assistance on metabolic cost and balance during human walking.

The use of wearable robots to provide walking assistance has rapidly grown over the past decade, with notable advances made in robot design and control methods toward reducing physical effort while performing an activity. The reduction in walking effort has mainly been achieved by assisting forward progression in the sagittal plane. Human gait, however, is a complex movement that combines motions in three planes, not only the sagittal but also the transverse and frontal planes. In the frontal plane, the hip joint plays a key role in gait, including balance. However, wearable robots targeting this motion have rarely been investigated. In this study, we developed a hip abduction assistance wearable robot by formulating the hypothesis that assistance that mimics the biological hip abduction moment or power could reduce the metabolic cost of walking and affect the dynamic balance. We found that hip abduction assistance with a biological moment second peak mimic profile reduced the metabolic cost of walking by 11.6% compared with the normal walking condition. The assistance also influenced balance-related parameters, including the margin of stability. Hip abduction assistance influenced the center-of-mass movement in the mediolateral direction. When the robot assistance was applied as the center of mass moved toward the opposite leg, the assistance replaced some of the efforts that would have otherwise been provided by the human. This indicates that hip abduction assistance can reduce physical effort during human walking while influencing balance.

Selective Activation of Subthalamic Nucleus Output Quantitatively Scales Movements.

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a common target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatments of Parkinsonian motor symptoms. According to the dominant model, the STN output can suppress movement by enhancing inhibitory basal ganglia (BG) output via the indirect pathway, and disrupting STN output using DBS can restore movement in Parkinson's patients. But the mechanisms underlying STN DBS remain poorly understood, as previous studies usually relied on electrical stimulation, which cannot selectively target STN output neurons. Here, we selectively stimulated STN projection neurons using optogenetics and quantified behavior in male and female mice using 3D motion capture. STN stimulation resulted in movements with short latencies (10-15 ms). A single pulse of light was sufficient to generate movement, and there was a highly linear relationship between stimulation frequency and kinematic measures. Unilateral stimulation caused movement in the ipsiversive direction (toward the side of stimulation) and quantitatively determined head yaw and head roll, while stimulation of either STN raises the head (pitch). Bilateral stimulation does not cause turning but raised the head twice as high as unilateral stimulation of either STN. Optogenetic stimulation increased the firing rate of STN neurons in a frequency-dependent manner, and the increased firing is responsible for stimulation-induced movements. Finally, stimulation of the STN's projection to the brainstem mesencephalic locomotor region was sufficient to reproduce the behavioral effects of STN stimulation. These results question the common assumption that the STN suppresses movement, and instead suggest that STN output can precisely specify action parameters via direct projections to the brainstem.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Our results question the common assumption that the subthalamic nucleus (STN) suppresses movement, and instead suggest that STN output can precisely specify action parameters via direct projections to the brainstem.

Hydro-geochemical characterization and groundwater modelling of the subsurface around Ughelli West Engineered Dumpsite in the Western Niger Delta, Nigeria

Geoelectric, geochemical investigation, and groundwater modelling were integrated in areas surrounding the Ughelli West Engineered dumpsite in the Western Niger Delta. The study focused on assessing the environmental impact of the dumpsite on its surrounding groundwater. The geochemical analyses revealed that the leachates generated from the dumpsite have significant potential to contaminate the surrounding environment. The BOD5/COD ratio was less than 0.1, indicating that the dumpsite is old with stabilized leachate of low biodegradability and in the methanogenic phase of anaerobic degradation. The groundwater chemistry in monitoring wells outside the dumpsite and at other control sites showed no significant impact of the dumpsite on groundwater quality. Groundwater models showed groundwater flow in the north-western direction and significant vertical movement of contaminants up to depths of about 60 m beneath the dumpsite after a period of 3 years. The contaminant plume, however, had not moved considerably laterally away from the dumpsite. The location of the dumpsite within areas of low vulnerability due to the presence of clay/sandy clay between 1.3 and 6 m thick around the dumpsite limited the lateral migration of leachate in groundwater.