Rotation Angle Research Articles

Influence of Joint Stiffness on Three-dimensional Deformation Mechanisms of Pipelines under Tunnel Active Face Instability

Although extensive research has been conducted in literature to investigate tunnelling effects on pipelines, the performance of existing jointed pipelines subjected to excessive tunnel movement has not been investigated. This study sets out to examine the effects of tunnel active instability on three-dimensional deformation patterns of existing pipelines using physical model tests. Tunnelling induced ground / pipeline settlement, joint rotation, and bending strain under various horizontal tunnel face movements are systematically explored. Results show that the tunnel face pressure at the active limit state is practically independent of tunnel cover to diameter ratio (C/D). Existing pipelines that fall within a range of 0.1 D ~ 0.5 D ahead of the tunnel face experience excessive settlements, significant bending strains and joint rotation. The measured peak settlement of pipelines at 0.3 D in front of the tunnel face exceeds the allowable limit, and the maximum settlements in the jointed pipeline are up to 2.67 times those observed in the continuous pipeline. Meanwhile, the joint rotation angle and settlement induced in the jointed pipeline are greatly affected by the C/D ratio and decrease by up to 55.5% and 22.0% with an increasing C/D ratio from 1.0 to 1.5.

Hyperfine-Enhanced Gyroscope Based on Solid-State Spins.

Solid-state platforms based on electronuclear spin systems are attractive candidates for rotation sensing due to their excellent sensitivity, stability, and compact size, compatible with industrial applications. Conventional spin-based gyroscopes measure the accumulated phase of a nuclear spin superposition state to extract the rotation rate and thus suffer from spin dephasing. Here, we propose a gyroscope protocol based on a two-spin system that includes a spin intrinsically tied to the host material, while the other spin is isolated. The rotation rate is then extracted by measuring the relative rotation angle between the two spins starting from their population states, robust against spin dephasing. In particular, the relative rotation rate between the two spins can be enhanced by their hyperfine coupling by more than an order of magnitude, further boosting the achievable sensitivity. The ultimate sensitivity of the gyroscope is limited by the lifetime of the spin system and compatible with a broad dynamic range, even in the presence of magnetic noise or control errors due to initialization and qubit manipulations. Our result enables precise measurement of slow rotations and exploration of fundamental physics.

Effects of a Long-Term Supervised Schroth Exercise Program on the Severity of Scoliosis and Quality of Life in Individuals with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

Background and Objectives: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) affects individuals aged 10–18 years and is characterized by spinal deformity, three-dimensional axis deformation, and vertebral rotation. Schroth method exercises and braces have been shown to reduce the Cobb angle and halt spinal deformity progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a 12-month, supervised Schroth exercise program on scoliosis severity and quality of life in adolescents with AIS. Materials and Methods: Eighty adolescents with AIS (aged 10–17 years) were prescribed a brace and were divided into two groups. The intervention group followed a supervised Schroth exercise program three times a week for 12 months in addition to wearing a brace. The control group used only the brace. Outcomes included the Cobb angle of the main curvature and the sum of curves using radiography, the maximum angle of trunk rotation (ATR maximum, using a scoliometer), and quality of life with the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire. Evaluations were conducted at baseline, after 12 months, and 6 months post-intervention. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used for statistical analysis (p-Value < 0.05). Results: The intervention group showed statistically significant improvement compared to the control group in the 12th month in Cobb angle (mean differences, 95% CI: −3.65 (−5.81, −1.53), p-Value < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.30), ATR maximum (mean differences, 95% CI: −3.05 (−3.86, −2.23), p-Value < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.74), and SRS-22 score (mean differences, 95% CI: 0.87 (0.60, 1.13), p-Value < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.58). Differences in ATR maximum and SRS-22 score remained significant at the 18-month measurement. No significant differences were found between groups in the sum of curves (p-Value > 0.05). Conclusions: A 12-month supervised Schroth exercise program in AIS patients undergoing brace treatment significantly improves scoliosis severity (Cobb angle and ATR maximum) and quality of life. Improvements were greater than those in shorter-duration studies, suggesting a linear dose–response relationship. Further clinical studies are needed to clarify the impact of long-term Schroth programs.

Efficient Random Field Generation With Rotational Anisotropy for Probabilistic SPH Analysis of Slope Failure

ABSTRACTDue to geological processes such as sedimentation, tectonic movement, and backfilling, natural soil often exhibits characteristics of rotated anisotropy. Recent studies have shown the significant impact of rotated anisotropy on slope stability. However, little research has explored how this rotated anisotropy affects the large deformations occurring after slope failure. Therefore, this study integrates rotated random field theory with smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) to investigate its influence on post‐failure slope behavior. Focusing on a typical slope scenario, this research utilizes graphics processing unit (GPU)–accelerated covariance matrix decomposition (CMD) method to create rotated anisotropy random fields and applies the SPH framework for analysis. It examines the influence of rotated anisotropy angles and the cross‐correlation between cohesion and internal friction angle on landslides. The results indicate that the rotational anisotropy of the slope significantly influences post‐failure behavior. When the rotation angle is close to the slope surface, it tends to amplify both the magnitude and variability of slope failure. Furthermore, the study evaluates the efficiency of generating these random fields and emphasizes the substantial computational speed improvements achieved with GPU acceleration. These findings offer a robust approach for probabilistic analysis of slope large deformations considering rotated anisotropy. They provide a theoretical foundation for accurately assessing the risk of slope collapse, holding significant practical implications for geotechnical engineering.

Improvement of tracking performance of SMA-actuated rotary actuator via thermocouple delay compensation using adaptive predictor

This paper investigates the impact of bounded and unknown delay of a J-type thermocouple sensor on controlling a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuated rotary actuator. To compensate for the delay, a nonlinear adaptive predictor is utilized, which predicts the exact temperature of the present moment using the output of the sensor. A robust sliding mode control is then designed to track the reference input, which is the rotation angle of the pulley. In addition to temperature estimation, the inner system identification algorithm of the predictor identifies the heat transfer coefficients of the experimental setup. Experimental tests demonstrate the precise control of the proposed algorithm. The tracking error of the adaptive predictor with sliding mode control is compared to that of a regular sliding mode controller without temperature delay compensation consideration, showing the superior performance of the proposed control algorithm.

Vibrator Rack Pose Estimation for Monitoring the Vibration Quality of Concrete Using Improved YOLOv8-Pose and Vanishing Points

Monitoring the actual vibration coverage is critical for preventing over- or under-vibration and ensuring concrete’s strength. However, the current manual methods and sensor techniques fail to meet the requirements of on-site construction. Consequently, this study proposes a novel approach for estimating the pose of concrete vibrator racks. This method integrates the Linear Spatial Kernel Aggregation (LSKA) module into the You Only Look Once (YOLO) framework to accurately detect the keypoints of the rack and then employs the vanishing point theorem to estimate the rotation angle of the rack without any 3D datasets. The method enables the monitoring of the vibration impact range for each vibrator’s activity and is applicable to various camera positions. Given that measuring the rotation angle of a rack in reality poses is challenging, this study proposes employing a simulation environment to validate both the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the improved YOLOv8-Pose achieved a 1.4% increase in accuracy compared with YOLOv8-Pose, and the proposed method monitored the rotation angle with an average error of 6.97° while maintaining a working efficiency of over 35 frames per second. This methodology was successfully implemented at a construction site for a high-arch dam project in China.

Prediction on seismic performance levels of reinforced concrete beams by considering crack development

The plastic rotation angle or deflection is typically used as the indicator to evaluate the earthquake-induced damage and classify the seismic performance levels of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Herein, one of the most important issues is to determine the seismic performance level limits of RC beams. Whereas, different countries provided their specific method to determine the limit values by considering the loading-carrying capacity of RC beams, which could not be used to describe the earthquake-induced seepage of structures, especially for underground structures. Therefore, in this study, the seismic performance level limits of RC beams were predicted by using the machine learning methods and considering the development of cracks. Firstly, the seismic performance level limits of RC beams were presented after discussing the methods in different codes and the development of cracks. Then an earthquake performance test database of RC beams was established after collecting 452 test results of RC beams, and Pearson correlation analysis was conducted for feature selection to determine the input mechanical parameters and dimensional parameters for machine learning. Meanwhile, the correlation between the inputs and limit values was analyzed using the mutual information method. Regression models of seven machine learning methods were then established to predict the performance level limits of RC beams, and the hyperparameters of the machine learning models were optimized with the TPE optimization algorithm and cross-validation. The generalization ability of the prediction models was evaluated and the accuracy of predicted results by different methods was analyzed. Finally, the predicted seismic performance level limits of RC beams could be used to evaluate the earthquake-induced damage of RC beams by combining them with the seismic behavior of RC beams.

Experimental and numerical studies on seismic performance of a novel lead viscoelastic coupling beam

Replaceable coupling beams (RCBs) with different types of dampers have gained significant attention in coupled shear walls for enhancing seismic performances in high-rise buildings, showing superior advantages to conventional reinforced concrete coupling beams (RCCBs). Recently, the authors proposed the hybrid lead viscoelastic damper (HLVD), and its basic mechanical behaviors were experimentally studied. This paper used the HLVD as a replaceable fuse and installed it in the coupling beam to form a new RCB, i.e., lead viscoelastic coupling beam (LVCB). To examine the seismic performance of the LVCB, experimental and numerical studies were carried out in the present study. Quasi-static tests were conducted to comparatively investigate the seismic performances of the RCCB and LVCB. The experimental findings revealed that the RCCB experienced shear failure with severe pinching behaviors under cyclic loadings, while the LVCB exhibited a resilient behavior, showing favorable energy dissipation capacity with a ductile deformation capacity exceeding a rotation angle of 0.04 rad. The LVCB also demonstrated excellent recoverability in repeatability tests, proving its merit for maintaining post-earthquake functionality. Numerical simulations indicated that adjusting the lead rods of the LVCB could conveniently enhance the load-carrying capacity and energy dissipation capacity of the LVCB. The isolated floor slab was recommended as a low-damage control solution for the LVCB to facilitate post-earthquake replacement.

Effect of Unanticipated Tasks on Side-Cutting Stability of Lower Extremity with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common causes of anterior knee pain encountered in the outpatient setting. The purpose of this study was to compare the lower limb biomechanical differences during anticipated and unanticipated side-cutting in athletes with PFPS. Fifteen male basketball players diagnosed with PFPS were enrolled in the study. Participants executed both anticipated and unanticipated 45-degree side-cutting tasks. Motion analysis systems, force plates, and electromyography (EMG) were used to assess the lower limb joint angles, joint moments, joint stiffness, and patellofemoral joint contact forces. Analyzed biomechanical data were used to compare the differences between the two circumstances. Unanticipated side-cutting resulted in significantly increased ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion angles, knee abduction and internal rotation angles, and hip abduction angles, as well as heightened knee adduction moments. Additionally, patellofemoral joint contact forces and stress increased, while contact area decreased during unanticipated tasks. Unanticipated movement raises the demands for joint stability and neuromuscular control, increasing injury risks in athletes with PFPS. These findings have practical implications for developing targeted rehabilitation programs and injury prevention strategies.

Effects of foundation pit excavation on adjacent metro stations and shield tunnel structures: a study on horizontal displacement

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the horizontal displacement effects of foundation pit excavation on adjacent metro stations and shield tunnel composite structures. It seeks to develop a theoretical calculation method capable of accurately assessing these engineering impacts, aiming to provide practical assistance for engineering applications.Design/methodology/approachThis study introduces a model for shield tunnel segments incorporating rotation and misalignment, considering the constraints of metro stations. It establishes a displacement model for tunnel-station combinations during foundation pit excavation, deriving a formula for calculating station-proximal tunnel horizontal displacements. The method's accuracy is validated against field data from three engineering cases. The research also explores variations in tunnel displacement, inter-ring shear force, misalignment and rotation angle under different spatial relationships between pits, tunnels and stations.FindingsThis study models uneven deformation between stations and tunnels due to bending stiffness and shear constraints. It enhances the misalignment model with station-induced shear effects and introduces coefficients for their mutual interaction. Results show varied responses based on pit-station-tunnel positioning: minimal displacement near pit edges (coefficients around 0.1) and significant effects near pit centers (coefficients from 0.4 to 0.5). “Whip effect” from station constraints affects tunnel displacement, shear force, misalignment and rotation, with fluctuations decreasing with distance from excavation areas.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates significant originality and value. It introduces a novel displacement model for tunnel-station combinations considering station constraints, addressing theoretical calculations of horizontal displacement effects from foundation pit excavation on metro stations and shield tunnel structures. Through validation with field data and parameter studies, the concept of influence coefficients is proposed, offering insights into variations in structural responses under different spatial relationships. This research provides crucial technical support and decision-making guidance for optimizing designs and facilitating practical construction in similar engineering projects.

Validation of Examination Maneuvers for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in the Telehealth Setting.

Telehealth visits (THVs) have made it essential to adopt innovative ways to evaluate patients virtually. This study validates a novel THV approach that uses educational videos and an instructional datasheet, enabling parents to use smartphones to measure their child's scoliosis at home or in telehealth settings. We identified a prospective cohort of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) scheduled for follow-up care from March to July 2021. The angle of trunk rotation (ATR) was first measured at home by patients' guardians using instructional video guidance and a smartphone application with internal accelerometer software. The second measurement was made during a THV examination performed by caregivers with supervision by trained associates via a telehealth appointment. Lastly, the clinician measured the child's ATR during an in-person clinic visit. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and interrater reliability were compared between in-person clinic measurements and (1) at-home and (2) THV measurements. Shoulder, lower back, and pelvic asymmetry were observed and quantified at home and virtually, and then were compared with in-person clinic evaluations using kappa values. Surveys were used to evaluate the experience of the patient/caregiver with the at-home and telehealth assessment tools. Seventy-three patients were included (mean age, 14.1 years; 25% male). There was excellent agreement in the ATR measurements between THVs and in-person visits (ICC = 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83 to 0.92). ATR agreement between at-home and in-person visits was also excellent, but slightly diminished (ICC = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.64 to 0.83). Agreement between THV and in-person measurements was significantly higher compared with that between at-home and in-person measurements (p = 0.04). There was poor agreement in lower back asymmetry between THV and in-person assessments (kappa = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.60); however, there was no significant agreement between at-home and in-person assessments (kappa = 0.06; 95% CI = -0.17 to 0.29). Patient/caregiver satisfaction surveys (n = 70) reported a median score of 4 ("good") for comfort with use of the technology, and a score of 3 ("neutral") for equivalence of THV and in-person evaluation. There was a high level of agreement between telehealth and in-person spine measurements, suggesting that THVs may be reliably used to evaluate AIS, thus improving access to specialized care. Diagnostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Improvement of the gait deviation index for spinal cord injury to broaden its applicability: the reduced gait deviation index for spinal cord injury (rSCI-GDI).

The SCI-GDI is an accurate and effective metric to summarize gait kinematics in adults with SCI. It is usually computed with the information registered with a photogrammetry system because it requires accurate information of pelvic and hip movement in the three anatomic planes, which is hard to record with simpler systems. Additionally, due to being developed from the GDI, the SCI-GDI is built upon nine joint movements selected for a pediatric population with cerebral palsy, for which the GDI was originally developed, but those nine movements are not necessarily as meaningful for adults with SCI. Nevertheless, pelvic movement and hip rotation have been proven to have low reliability even when acquired with gold-standard photogrammetry systems. Additionally, the use of photogrammetry is limited in real-life scenarios and when used with rehabilitation technologies, which limits the use of the SCI-GDI to evaluate gait in alternative scenarios to gait laboratories and to evaluate technologies for gait assistance. This research aimed to improve the SCI-GDI to broaden its applicability beyond the use of photogrammetry. An exploration of the mathematical relevance of each joint movement included in the original GDI for the performance of the metric is performed. Considering the results obtained and the clinical relevance of each of the 9 joints used to compute the SCI-GDI in the gait pattern of the SCI population, a more adaptable SCI-GDI is proposed using four joint movements that can be precisely captured with simpler systems than photogrammetry: sagittal planes of hip, knee and ankle and hip abduction/adduction. The reduced SCI-GDI (rSCI-GDI) effectively represents gait variability of adults with SCI as does the SCI-GDI, while providing more generalizable results and equivalent or stronger correlations with clinical tests validated in the population. During the derivation of the improved index, it was demonstrated that pelvic movements, hip rotation, and foot progression angle introduce high variability to the dataset of gait patterns of the adult population with SCI, but they have low relevance to characterize gait kinematics of this population. The rSCI-GDI can be calculated using the 14-feature vectorial basis included in the electronic addendum provided.

Free vibrations of a Continuous-discrete multi-span Beam taking into account inertial Rotation Forces

Objective. The aim of the study is to estimate free vibrations of a continuousdiscrete multi-span beam taking into account the inertial forces of rotation. The goal is to determine the spectra of natural frequencies, damping coefficients and natural modes. Method. The study is based on the methods of linear mechanics of structures; numerical and numericalanalytical calculation methods. The solution to the problem is found using the method of separation of variables. Rotational movements of particles of continuous sections are taken into account according to one of the models of the Timoshenko beam. The D'Alembert principle and hypotheses on the smallness of displacements and angles of rotation of sections are used. Result. A system of equations in matrix-vector form is obtained. The mathematical model of transverse vibrations consists of three systems of differential equations. The equation includes transverse forces, external concentrated forces, d'Alembert inertial forcesi, and linear-viscous resistance forces. The inertial forces of rotation of concentrated masses are taken into account. The boundary and other additional conditions to the equations correspond to the calculation scheme. The left end of the beam is hinged. The conjugation conditions are met at the junction of the sections. Conclusions. This random process of disturbances is very close to the processes used in deterministic problems. The amplitudes and standard deviations of displacements in the deterministic and stochastic problems almost coincide, which confirms the reliability of the proposed calculation theory. Analysis of the curves shows that the standard deviations significantly depend on the degree of correlation of the components of the vector random process of disturbances. The use of modern computing computer systems such as Matlab allows us to successfully combine the advantages of both numerical and graphical methods.

A defect classification algorithm for gas tungsten arc welding process based on unsupervised learning and few-shot learning strategy

Welding defect prediction is the foundation for ensuring welding quality in gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). In the prediction process, method based on molten pool vision is the most effective. Since the classification of molten pool defects relies on a substantial volume of labeled data, it is challenging for the models to be applied industrially. This paper presents an algorithm, FS-Classifier, that can achieve high prediction accuracy based on a limited amount of labeled data. The FS-Classifier comprises two stages: Firstly, an unsupervised training approach named RaP is designed to pre-train the feature extractor using extensive unlabeled daily datasets. The RaP consists of a rotation angle prediction task and a position prediction task, which ensure that the network focuses on salient features and precise elements, respectively. Secondly, the support vectors constructed from limited labeled data are used for the feature classifier. The input data is classified to certain class by computing its distances to support vector. The model achieves an accuracy of 94.5 % on the private dataset and 92.8 % on the public dataset for the six classes of defects using 5 % of labeled data volume. In addition, comparative experiments show that our method only requires 5 % of labeled data to achieve accuracy comparable to traditional supervised learning methods. The proposed algorithm addresses the issue of relying on a substantial amount of labeled data in welding process defect classification.

Adaptive backstepping and sliding mode control of a quadrotor

This article proposes a simple robust adaptive control architecture with minimum parameter estimation laws for trajectory tracking of a quadrotor subjected to parametric variations and environmental disturbances. This simple control architecture aims to achieve highly accurate, robust, and fast trajectory tracking of the quadrotor in a short time with low computational cost. Firstly, the quadrotor model is divided into altitude, attitude, and position subsystems for which appropriate control methods are designed without prior knowledge of the upper bound of external disturbances. A simple adaptive fractional-order sliding mode control (AFSMC) is designed to enhance the tracking of the altitude subsystem and estimate the upper bound of the disturbances. Then, a simple adaptive backstepping control (ABC) is developed for the horizontal position to generate the required roll and pitch orientations. The adaptation laws not only estimate the upper bound of the disturbances but also adjust the controller gains thereby enhancing the robustness of the ABC. A nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control (NFTSMC) is incorporated with a finite-time disturbance observer (FDO) to accurately suppress the disturbances, and follow the target rotation angles within a short finite-time. Simulation results showed that the compounded control structure ensures accurate, fast, and robust tracking. The AFSMC can achieve the desired altitude with a settling time of 0.31 s and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.0454 m. The ABC can attain the target horizontal position coordinates with a settling time of (0.47 s, 0.47 s) and RMSE of (0.0370 m, 0.0518 s). The NFTSMC-FDO can achieve the desired attitude angles with a settling time of (0.11 s, 0.13 s, 0.52 s) and RMSE of (0.0098 rad, 0.0092 rad, 0.0935 rad). Performance comparisons with existing control methods in terms of settling time and RMSE demonstrated that the proposed control architecture is superior.

Designing breezeways to enhance wind environments in high-density cities: A comprehensive analysis of ten morphological parameters

To advance urban breezeway designs, this paper presents a pioneering and comprehensive study of breezeway morphological parameters. Ten parameters, selected through extensive literature review, include coverage ratio, porosity, line density, sinuosity, rotation angle, width, length, average height, height variation, and aspect ratio. Regression analysis, utilizing over 200 data points collected from wind tunnel experiments in Hong Kong, established correlations between these parameters and pedestrian-level wind velocity ratio (VRpoint). Results reveal that among the 2D parameters, width, length, line density, and coverage ratio exhibit the strongest correlations with VRpoint, while aspect ratio and porosity emerge as significant factors among the 3D parameters. Notably, simple 2D parameters, coverage ratio and width, effectively substitute for their 3D counterparts, porosity and aspect ratio, in high-density urban areas. Furthermore, the results highlight the parameters’ relative contributions to urban ventilation. From a street-level perspective, VRpoint is primarily influenced by configurations of street segments (width, 80%) and street intersections (rotation angle, 20%). From a neighborhood-level perspective, permeability (coverage ratio, 35%), fragmentation (line density, 30%), and roughness (average height, 35%) are critical factors. Illustrative examples are provided to facilitate the translation of findings into spatial analysis tools and design guidelines to assist planners and decision-makers in sustainable developments.

A multi-modal high pressure and high temperature reaction cell for combined x-ray spectroscopy, scattering, and imaging.

A free-standing and compact reaction cell for combined in situ/operando x-ray spectroscopy, scattering, and imaging measurements at high pressures and high temperatures is described. The cell permits measurements under realistic operating conditions (up to 50bar and 1000°C), under static and flow conditions (up to 100 ml/min), over a wide range of hard x-ray energies, variable detection modes (transmission, fluorescence, and scattering), and at all angles of rotation. An operando XAS, x-ray fluorescence, x-ray computed tomography, and x-ray diffraction computed tomography case study on the reduction of a heterogeneous catalyst is presented to illustrate the performance of the reaction cell.

An open-source framework for the generation of OpenSim models with personalised knee joint geometries for the estimation of articular contact mechanics

Musculoskeletal modelling pipelines typically use generic models scaled to individual’s anthropometry. The ability to represent variations in bone or joint geometry and alignment is highly limited. This may have a large effect, particularly when modelling contact between articular surfaces such as for the knee where articular contact mechanics are used to determine joint kinematics and the resulting cartilage contact pressures and locations. Here we describe a developed open-source framework for the personalisation of such models and compare dynamic simulation outputs. The framework involves three main steps: (1) positions personalised geometries from magnetic resonance imaging and replaces generic bone and contact geometries. (2) Repositions muscle and ligament attachments and via points and optimisation of wrapping surfaces to ensure physiological lengthening behaviour. Finally, (3) muscle and ligament properties are calibrated to ensure physiological behaviour. Following model creation, dynamic simulations from a single participant and gait trial were compared. Small changes in knee adduction/abduction and rotation angles were observed between models. Joint moment differences however were present in not only the knee but also hip and ankle joints. These differences resulted in changes in both the magnitude and location of knee joint contact pressure. The framework developed is automated and requires only minimal user interaction and is built using open-source software packages which can be freely downloaded and installed. The adoption of such personalised modelling approaches facilitates patient specific modelling and may provide more detailed information regarding disease progression, patient stratification and facilitate personalised rehabilitation and treatment planning.

On Boundary Discontinuity in Angle Regression Based Arbitrary Oriented Object Detection.

With vigorous development e.g., in autonomous driving and remote sensing, oriented object detection has gradually been featured. The majority of existing methods directly perform regression on the rotation angle, which we argue has fundamental limitations of boundary discontinuity (even if using Gaussian or RotatedIoU-based losses). In this paper, a novel angle coder named phase-shifting coder (PSC) is proposed to address this issue. Different from another well-explored alternative i.e., angle classification, PSC achieves boundary-discontinuity-free in a continuous and differentiable manner and thus can work together with Gaussian or RotatedIoU-based methods to further boost their performance. Moreover, by rethinking the boundary discontinuity of elongated and square-like objects as rotational symmetry of different cycles, a dual-frequency version (PSCD) is proposed to accurately predict the orientation of both types of objects. Visual analysis and extensive experiments on several popular backbone detectors and datasets demonstrate the effectiveness and the potentiality of our approach. When facing scenarios requiring high-quality bounding boxes, the proposed methods are expected to give a competitive performance.

Residual Performance and Biomechanical Asymmetries During Jumping Tasks in Female Athletes at 9 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Biomechanics and anterior cruciate ligament injury mechanisms differ in males and females. There is a need for more data on between-limb biomechanical differences after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in females. To explore biomechanical asymmetries throughout the kinetic chain during the single-legged (SL) and double-legged (DL) countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) in female athletes after ACLR. Descriptive laboratory study. Kinematic and kinetic between-limb differences were analyzed during the SL and DL CMJ and DJ in 67 female athletes 9 months after ACLR. Biomechanical and performance asymmetries between limbs during the jumps and isokinetic strength testing were analyzed with statistical parametric mapping. The entire stance phase was used for the paired t tests of the biomechanical variables, with Cohen d effect sizes of significant portions of the stance phase (reported as % of stance) calculated in a point-by-point manner. Decreased vertical ground-reaction force, internal knee abduction moment, knee internal rotation angle, hip external rotation angle, internal ankle eversion, and external rotation moments were seen in the ACLR limb during all 4 vertical jump tests. The greatest number and highest value of differences were found during the DLDJ, with asymmetries having medium to large effect sizes. They tended to appear more frequently in the concentric phase (50% to 100% of stance) during the SLCMJ and DLCMJ and in the eccentric (0% to 49% of stance) and concentric (50% to 100% of stance) phase during the SLDJ and DLDJ. For the SLCMJ, SLDJ, and quadriceps strength, performance asymmetries of >15% were detected but not for change of direction. The findings suggest that return-to-play testing in female athletes should examine the entire stance phase and include assessments of kinetic and kinematic variables throughout the kinetic chain. Greater deficits were highlighted in the DJ than in the CMJ, and greater performance asymmetries were evident in the SL tasks, with greater kinetic and kinematic and compensatory strategies evident in the DL tests. Biomechanical analysis focusing on contralateral compensation strategies and sex-specific interventions are necessary before return to play.