Specific Movements Research Articles

Encoding human activities using multimodal wearable sensory data

Human Activity Recognition (HAR) is the task to automatically analyze and recognize human body gestures or actions. HAR using time-series multi-modal sensory data is a challenging and important task in the field of machine learning and feature engineering due to its increasing demands in numerous real-world applications such as healthcare, sports and surveillance. Numerous daily wearable devices e.g., smartphones, smartwatches, and smart glasses can be used to collect and analyze the human activities on an unprecedented scale. This paper presents a generic framework to recognize the different human activities using continuous time-series multimodal sensory data of these smart gadgets. The proposed framework follows the channel of Bag-of-Features which consists of four steps: (i) Data acquisition and pre-processing, (ii) codebook computation, (iii) feature encoding, and (iv) classification. Each step in the framework plays a significant role to generate an appropriate feature representation of raw sensory data for efficient activity recognition. In the first step, we employed a simple overlapped-window sampling approach to segment the continuous time-series sensory data to make it suitable for activity recognition. Secondly, we build a codebook using k-means clustering algorithm to group the similar sub-sequences. The center of each group is known as codeword and we assume that it represents a specific movement in the activity sequence. The third step consists of feature encoding which transform the raw sensory data of activity sequence into its respective high-level representation for the classification. Specifically, we presented three reconstruction-based encoding techniques to encode sensory data, namely: Sparse Coding, Local Coordinate Coding, and Locality-constrained Linear Coding. The segmented activity sub-sequences are transformed to high-level representation using these techniques and earlier computed codebook. Finally, the encoded features are classified using a simple Random Forest classifier. The proposed HAR framework using three different encoding techniques is evaluated on three large benchmark datasets: UniMiB-SHAR dataset, MHEALTH dataset and WISDM dataset and their results are compared with most recent state-of-the-art techniques. It outperforms the existing techniques and achieves 98.39%, 99.5%, and 99.4% recognition scores on UniMiB-SHAR dataset, MHEALTH dataset, and WISDM dataset respectively. The excellent recognition results and computational analysis confirms the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed framework.

Motor-Related EEG Analysis Using a Pole Tracking Approach.

This study introduces an alternative approach to electroencephalography (EEG) time-frequency analysis based on time-varying autoregressive (TV-AR) models in a cascade configuration to independently monitor key EEG spectral components. The method is evaluated for its neurophysiological interpretation and effectiveness in motor-related brain-computer interface (BCI) applications. Specifically, we assess the ability of the tracked EEG poles to discriminate between rest, movement execution (ME) and movement imagination (MI) in healthy subjects, as well as movement attempts (MA) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Our results show that pole tracking effectively captures broad changes in EEG dynamics, such as transitions between rest and movement-related states. It outperformed traditional EEG-based features, increasing detection accuracy for ME by an average of 4.1% (with individual improvements reaching as high as 15%) and MI by an average of 4.5% (up to 13.8%) compared to time-domain low-frequency EEG features. Similarly, compared to alpha/beta band power, the method improved ME detection by an average of 5.9% (up to 10.4%) and MI by an average of 4.3% (up to 10.2%), with results averaged across 15 healthy participants. In one participant with SCI, pole tracking improved MA detection by 12.9% over low-frequency EEG features and 4.8% over alpha/beta band power. However, its ability to distinguish finer movement details within specific movement types was limited. Additionally, the temporal evolution of the extracted pole tracking features revealed event-related desynchronization phenomena, typically observed during ME, MA and MI, as well as increases in frequency, which are of neurophysiological interest.

Double-strand breaks in facultative heterochromatin require specific movements and chromatin changes for efficient repair

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) must be properly repaired within diverse chromatin domains to maintain genome stability. Whereas euchromatin has an open structure and is associated with transcription, facultative heterochromatin is essential to silence developmental genes and forms compact nuclear condensates, called polycomb bodies. Whether the specific chromatin properties of facultative heterochromatin require distinct DSB repair mechanisms remains unknown. Here, we integrate single DSB systems in euchromatin and facultative heterochromatin in Drosophila melanogaster and find that heterochromatic DSBs rapidly move outside polycomb bodies. These DSB movements coincide with a break-proximal reduction in the canonical heterochromatin mark histone H3 Lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). We demonstrate that DSB movement and loss of H3K27me3 at heterochromatic DSBs depend on the histone demethylase dUtx. Moreover, loss of dUtx specifically disrupts completion of homologous recombination at heterochromatic DSBs. We conclude that DSBs in facultative heterochromatin require dUtx-mediated loss of H3K27me3 to promote DSB movement and repair.

The Rhetoric of Islamist Radical Organizations as a Method of Manipulating the Consciousness of Believers in the Late 20th – Early 21st Centuries

The article examines the influence of specific radical movements of Islam on their adherents through the linguistic attitudes. In the introduction, the author examines the general global reasons due to which a person in modern society is especially susceptible to various types of involvement in destructive cults. The main part of the article is devoted to the consideration of practical examples of verbal manipulations used by the Islamists. The paper also mentions extremist and terrorist organizations whose activities are prohibited on the territory of the Russian Federation and discusses their distorted interpretations of classical theological texts. By analyzing specialized literature in Russian and Arabic, as well as empirically, the research reveals the ways to influence the personality of a believer through the language. The author of the publication personally held many meetings in pre-trial detention centers with those under investigation and accused on extremist and terrorist charges and collected a large amount of empirical material. A conclusion is drawn about the main linguistic manipulations of Islamist organizations.

Effectiveness Of Visual Feedback Balance Training On Equiboard Versus Traditional Balance Training In Post Stroke Patients- A Comparative Study

Background: A Stroke is classically characterized as a neurological deficit attributed to an acute focal injury of the central nervous system by a vascular cause and is a major cause of disability and death worldwide.(1) Balance problems are thought to be common after stroke and they have been implicated in the poor recovery of activities of daily living and mobility and increased risk of falls.(2) Postural sway for patients with hemiplegia can be twice that of their age matched peers. Many balance training are used but No general physiotherapy approach has proven to be superior for promoting balance recovery from stroke.(3)Novel biofeedback devices based on Virtual reality (VR)technology are now being used for neuromotor rehabilitation. Traditional balance training is based on the automatic repetition of specific movements. These methods can become repetitive and thus reduce the motivation of the patient and adherence to treatment. So the need of my study is to compare the effectiveness of visual feedback balance training on equiboard and traditional balance training in post stroke patients. Aims and objectives-To study and compare the effectiveness of visual feedback balance training on equiboard versus traditional balance training in post stroke patients. Methodology- 30 patients with stroke were equally divided into two groups. patients in group A received the conventional physiotherapy while the patients in group B received visual feedback balance training on equiboard. All the subjects were treated for 1 month, 5 days a week. BBS-Berg Balance Scale and step test was used as the outcome measure at the beginning and end of study. Results-Results showed significant improvement within both the groups for both the outcome measure(p,0.05), while there was no significant difference between two groups in BBS(p>0.5), but there was significant difference in the step test of experimental group(p<0.5) Conclusion-It can be concluded that visual feedback balance training is more effective than the traditional balance training alone in stroke patients.

The Validity and Usability of Markerless Motion Capture and Inertial Measurement Units for Quantifying Dynamic Movements

ABSTRACT Purpose Motion capture technology is quickly evolving providing researchers, clinicians, and coaches with more access to biomechanics data. Markerless motion capture and inertial measurement units (IMUs) are continually developing biomechanics tools that need validation for dynamic movements before widespread use in applied settings. This study evaluated the validity of a markerless motion capture, IMU, and red, green, blue, and depth (RGBD) camera system as compared to marker-based motion capture during countermovement jumps, overhead squats, lunges, and runs with cuts. Methods Thirty adults were recruited for this study (sex: 18 females, 12 males; age: 25.4 ± 8.6 years; height: 1.71 ± 0.08 m; weight: 71.6 ± 11.5 kg). Data were collected simultaneously with four motion capture technologies (i.e., Vicon – marker-based, Theia/Optitrack – markerless, APDM Opals – IMUs, and Vald HumanTrak – RGBD camera). System validity for lower and upper body joint angles was evaluated using bias, root mean squared error (RMSE), precision, maximum absolute error, and intraclass correlation coefficients. System usability was descriptively analyzed. Results Overall, markerless motion capture had the highest validity (sagittal plane RMSE: 3.20-15.66°; frontal plane RMSE: 2.12-9.14°; transverse plane RMSE: 3.160-56.61°), followed by the IMU system (sagittal plane RMSE: 8.11-28.37°; frontal plane RMSE: 3.26-16.98°; transverse plane RMSE: 5.08-116.75°), and lastly the RGBD system (sagittal plane bias: 0.55-129.48°; frontal plane bias: 1.35-52.06°). Conclusions Markerless motion capture and IMUs have moderate validity for joint kinematics, while the RGBD system did not have adequate validity. Markerless systems have lower data processing time, require moderate technical expertise, but have high data storage size. IMUs are easier to use, can collect data in any location, but require participant set-up. Overall, individuals using motion capture should consider the specific movements, testing locations, and technical expertise available prior to selecting a system.

5155 Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo as a Potential Manifestation of Hypothyroidism, a Case Report

Abstract Disclosure: M. Ahmad: None. M. Herrera: None. D. Deyar: None. P. Gill: None. Introduction: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a vestibular disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements. The pathophysiology of BPPV involves the displacement of otoconia within the semicircular canals of the inner ear. However, emerging evidence suggests that BPPV may manifest as a consequence of hypothyroidism. In this case report, we present a clinical case of a patient who exhibited symptoms of BPPV and was subsequently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. We aim to elucidate the relationship between these two seemingly distinct conditions and highlight the importance of considering hypothyroidism as a potential cause of BPPV. Case presentation: A 56-year-old female with a past medical history of migraines presented to the hospital for three days of dizziness. She had multiple bouts of vomiting and right-sided headaches similar to her prior migraine headaches. The patient also noted dry skin, constipation, and hair loss for the past few months. The patient’s vital signs were as follows: temperature: 35.6 C, heart rate: 65 beats per minute, blood pressure: 153/66 mmHg, and respiratory rate: 18 breaths per minute. On physical examination, the Dix-Hallpike maneuver was positive on the right side and the patient was noted to have diffusely dry skin. The patient’s labs were significant for the following: sodium: 137 mmol/L, potassium: 3.7 mmol/L, creatinine: 0.88 mg/dL, thyroid stimulating hormone: 31.2 uIU/ml, free T4 ng/dL, hemoglobin: 10.8 g/dL (MCV of 87), and TPO antibody: 2350 IU/ml. The patient underwent CT and MRI imaging of the brain without contrast, which was negative for any acute intracranial abnormalities. The patient was diagnosed with BPPV and hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and subsequently underwent vestibular physical therapy with improvement in her vertigo and was started on 112 mcg of levothyroxine daily. She is set to follow up with her primary care provider as an outpatient. Discussion: BPPV generates significant repercussions to an individual’s quality of life, autonomy, and functionality. Hypothyroidism is a common condition characterized by thyroid hormone deficiency that has been linked with a wide array of clinical manifestations, including vestibular disturbances. Autoimmune dysfunction, anomalies of the endolymphatic flow and low perfusion to the inner ear are potential etiological factors that can explain the relationship between thyroid disorders with BPPV. Some studies mention that thyroid autoantibodies could induce autoimmune-complex deposition in the inner ear, which might change the endolymphatic flow and induce BPPV. Raising awareness regarding this potential manifestation of hypothyroidism can guide clinical and diagnostic decisions that improve patient care, especially in individuals under evaluation for BPPV with other symptoms of hypothyroidism. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Principles of Donkey Movement

Observed through historical epochs and evolutionary periods, the movement of mammals basically developed into two groups. One group consists of ungulates (Perissodactyla), and the other group consists of ungulates (Artiodactyla). Among ungulates, wild and tame horses, wild and tame donkeys, and semi-donkeys were distinguished by the specific movement of their legs forward. We call this whole group Equiden.

Locomotion and Postural Control in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Novel Kinesiological Assessment.

Background/Objectives: The purposes of the present study were to assess gait by using a novel approach that plots two adjacent joint angles and the postural control in individuals with autism (ASD) and individuals with typical neurodevelopmental (TD). Methods: The surface electromyography (sEMG) activity was measured synchronously with the other variables. Twenty young adult men, 10 with TD and 10 with a diagnosis of ASD, took part in this study. Results: There was a significant difference between ASD and TD groups in the area described by the knee-ankle diagram (p < 0.05). The sEMG activity recorded from the lateral gastrocnemius (LG) during the contact phase of gait was significantly lower in the ASD group compared with the TD group (p < 0.05). The sEMG activity recorded in the different postural conditions showed differences in LG and tibialis anterior (TA) between the ASD and TD groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The knee-ankle diagram provided a sensitive and specific movement descriptor to differentiate individuals with ASD from individuals with TD. The reduced LG activation is responsible for the reduced area in the knee-ankle diagram and 'toe-walking' in individuals with ASD and represents the common denominator of an altered ankle strategy during locomotion and postural control.

Engineering ergonomic risk assessment of karate choku zuki straight punch

This study utilizes the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) technique to evaluate suggested improvements aimed at enhancing the safety and efficacy of the Choku Zuki (Straight Punch), a high-risk karate exercise. The primary objective is to identify and address potential musculoskeletal issues associated with this technique. Given the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in sports, particularly in activities with high intensity like karate, the need for reliable ergonomic risk assessment tools such as RULA is paramount. By applying RULA to analyze the ergonomic aspects of the Choku Zuki punch, this study provides crucial insights into potential areas of concern. It identifies specific postures and movements that may predispose practitioners to injury, allowing for the development of targeted interventions to mitigate risks and enhance safety. Furthermore, this research underscores the importance of integrating ergonomic considerations into sports training regimens to optimize performance and minimize injury risks. Beyond its implications for karate training, the study emphasizes the broader significance of ergonomic assessments in sports science and engineering. It showcases how engineering methodologies can be leveraged to improve the safety, efficiency, and overall performance of sporting activities, fostering collaboration between sports scientists, engineers, athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals to advance sports performance and safety standards.lities.

Nanograting-assisted flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerator for active human motion detection

This manuscript presents the development of a nanograting assisted Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) for improved performance. The TENG leverages a cost-effective and straightforward fabrication method, utilizing nano-gratings on a Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer to enhance the triboelectric effect. The device characteristics are evaluated by considering tapping force, separation distance, and load resistance. The experimental electrical characterization shows that the output voltage increases significantly with higher applied forces, with a 2N force generating voltage increases of over 584% compared to a 0.1N force. Conversely, the output voltage decreases as the separation distance is reduced. The charge storage capability of the proposed device is demonstrated by integrating a TENG with a full-wave bridge rectifier. Furthermore, the fabricated TENG demonstrates remarkable sensitivity in detecting various body motions. When strategically placed on the biceps, the TENG effectively tracks muscle contraction and expansion with a voltage range of +0.5V to -1V, exhibiting a sensitivity of 1.5V per cycle. Similarly, the TENG accurately detects bending movements in the knee and elbow joints. For knee bending, the voltage output ranges from +2.5V to -1V, resulting in a sensitivity of 3.5V per cycle. Elbow flexion generates voltages between +4V and -5V, corresponding to a sensitivity of 9V per cycle. This clear correlation between voltage and specific body movements makes the TENG a promising candidate for wearable health and motion monitoring systems.

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Takotsubo Syndrome: Evolving Diagnostic and Prognostic Perspectives.

Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is a temporary form of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction characterized by a distinct pattern of LV impairment, often triggered by a physical or emotional stressful event. Historically, TS was considered a benign condition due to its prompt restoration of myocardial function and generally excellent outcomes. However, recent studies have shown that complications similar to those seen after myocardial infarction can occur, necessitating careful monitoring of these patients. Among noninvasive imaging techniques, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is becoming increasingly important in evaluating patients with TS. CMR offers a unique ability to noninvasively assess myocardial tissue characteristics, allowing for detecting the typical features of TS, such as specific wall motion abnormalities and myocardial edema. Beyond its well-established diagnostic utility in the clinical management of TS, CMR has also proven valuable in prognosis and risk stratification for these patients. Advances in CMR, including myocardial strain and parametric mapping have expanded its role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up of these patients. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential applications of CMR in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of TS patients. It explores the emerging use of novel CMR imaging biomarkers that may enhance diagnosis, improve prognostic accuracy, and contribute to the overall management of these patients.

Individualized Versus General Exercise Therapy in People with Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of individualized exercises based on movement fault (MF) control on pain intensity and disability in subjects with chronic subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS). DesignRandomized Controlled Trial (IRCT20221126056621N1) SettingRehabilitation clinics ParticipantsThirty-eight participants with chronic SAPS (aged 52.23(8.47), 60 %woman). InterventionsThe participants were randomly allocated to one of the intervention groups (individualized exercises based on MFs control test designed to target specific movement faults) or the control group (commonly prescribed general scapular stabilization exercises). Both groups received exercise sessions twice a week for four weeks. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome measures were pain intensity at rest (PR) and during arm raising (PAR) using a visual analog scale. Disability was assessed as a key secondary outcome, including the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). ResultsFollowing completion of all exercise sessions, PAR was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (mean [CI]: 9.17 [0.31 to 18.03], p=0.04), with a large effect size [0.68]. The reduction of PAR remained significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group after four months of follow-up (mean [CI]: 18.29 [9.09 to 27.48], p=0.00) with a large effect size [1.27]. Disability significantly decreased at two month (mean=14.58, p=0.002 on SPADI index; mean=10.26, p=0.006 on DASH index) and four month (mean=19.85, p=0.00 on SPADI index; mean=12.09, p=0.001 on DASH index) follow ups in the intervention group compared to the control group. ConclusionIndividualized exercises based on MFs control of the shoulder region was accompanied by decreased PAR and disability in subjects with SAPS.

Dynamic analysis of six-bar tensegrity-based robot

Abstract The tensegrity-based robot is a hot research topic in the research field of robotics. The dynamics of the robot, describing the specific motion patterns under the influence of forces and torques, play an important role in the application of robotics. In addition, the dynamics should be considered when revealing the internal mechanisms of robots and predicting their dynamic behaviors. In this work, a dynamic model for a rolling six-bar tensegrity-based robot is established. In terms of kinematic representation, quaternions are chosen as the tool for attitude description, simplifying the derivation process of the complex three-dimensional rotational kinematics calculations. Quaternions play a crucial role in mathematical processing for robot attitude control and path planning due to their effective representation of three-dimensional space rotations. The classic Newton-Euler dynamic framework was adopted to conduct in-depth and detailed studies on the dynamic characteristics of the robot under various force conditions and motion states, with a particular focus on rolling dynamic analysis. Special attention was paid to the dynamic response mechanisms of each component of the robot under the combined action of internal and external forces and torques.

Design and implementation of audio-visual learning media for volleyball passing and serving techniques in junior high school

One of the main challenges in physical education learning is the limited availability of appropriate and interesting learning media for students. This research aimed to develop audio-visual learning media products in class VIII junior high school PE subjects on specific motion material for variations in upper passing, lower passing variations, upper service variations, and lower service variations in volleyball games. The research was conducted as development research adopted the Borg Gall model: preliminary study, planning stage and initial research product development, expert validity test stage and product revision, small- and large-scale tests, effectiveness test and distribution of learning media products. Validation of learning media development is carried out by learning material experts, learning media experts, and learning media design experts. Following the expert validation of the learning content and material by subject matter experts, the validation of the learning media by media specialists, and the validation of the learning media design, further validation conducted by an online questionnaire to gather further feedback and insights. The results were obtained in the form of audio-visual learning media products that were tested to large groups receiving a validation score of 93% from learning material experts, 94% from learning media experts, and 95% from learning media design experts. For the effectiveness test, pre and post-tests on improving volleyball passing and serving skills has done and obtained the experimental class obtained a gain value of 0.62 and the control class obtained a gain value of 0.28. This research concluded that the use of audio-visual learning media in physical education showed positive results in improving understanding, motivation, and learning outcomes of volleyball games. With the right support, this media can be an effective tool to enrich the learning experience and support the achievement of physical education goals.

Research Trends and Usability Challenges in Behavioral Data-Based Cognitive Function Assessment

The prevalence of dementia, a condition associated with high social costs, is rising alongside the aging population. Early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to dementia, is essential for effective intervention. Recent research has focused on diagnosing cognitive function in the elderly by analyzing behavioral data, such as gait and hand movements. Compared to traditional neuropsychological assessment methods, behavioral data-based assessments offer advantages, including reduced fatigue for patients and examiners, faster testing procedures, and more objective evaluation of results. This study reviews 15 research projects from the past five years (2018–2023) that have utilized behavioral data to assess cognitive function. It examines the specific gait and hand movement variables used, the technologies implemented, and user experiences reported in these studies. As these types of assessments require new technologies or environments, we analyzed usability issues that should be considered for accurate cognitive assessment. Based on this analysis, the paper proposes future directions for research in the field of behavioral data-based cognitive function assessment.

Construction of Chiral-Magnetic-Dielectric Trinity Structures with Different Magnetic Systems for Efficient Low-Frequency Microwave Absorption.

The fabrication of carbon nanocoil (CNC)-based chiral-dielectric-magnetic trinity composites holds great significance in low-frequency microwave absorption fields. However, it is not clear that how the different magnetic systems affect the magnetic and frequency responses of the composites. Herein, four types of magnetic metals, FeCo, CoNi, FeNi, and FeCoNi, are selected to be combined with the chiral templates respectively, resulting in four types of chiral-dielectric-magnetic composites with similar morphology. The CNC templates endow all the composites with excellent dielectric loss. Further permeability analysis and the micro-magnetic simulation confirm that the frequency response region can be well adjusted by changing the magnetic systems with specific magnetic resonance modes and magnetic domain motion. Due to the synergistic effect between magnetism, chirality, and dielectricity, the FeNi-based composites exhibit the best low-frequency microwave absorption performance. The minimum RL of -60.7 dB is achieved at 6.7 GHz with an ultra-low filling ratio of 10%, and the EAB value in low-frequency region is extended to 3.7 GHz. This study provides further guidelines for the design of the chiral-dielectric-magnetic trinity composites in low-frequency microwave absorption.

Detection of Random Body Movements Using Clustering-Based Methods in Bioradar Systems

Bioradar systems, in general, refer to radar systems used for the detection of vital signs. These systems hold significant importance across various sectors, particularly in healthcare and surveillance, due to their capacity to provide contactless solutions for monitoring physiological functions. In these applications, the primary challenge lies in the presence of random body movements (BMs), which can significantly hinder the accurate detection of vital signs. To compensate the affected signal in a timely manner, portions of BM must be correctly identified. To address this challenge, this work proposes a solution based on the Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBScan) algorithm to detect the occurrence of BM in radar signals. The main idea of this algorithm is to cluster the radar samples, aiming to differentiate between segments in which the subject is stable and segments in which the subject is moving. Using a dataset involving eight subjects, the proposed method successfully detects three types of body movements: chest movement, body rotation, and arm movement. The achieved results are promising, with F1 scores of 0.83, 0.73, and 0.8, respectively, for the detection of each specific movement type.

Rewiring cattle movements to limit infection spread

Cattle tracing databases have become major resources for representing demographic processes of livestock and assessing potential risk of infections spreading by trade. The herds registered in these databases are nodes of a network of commercial movements, which can be altered to lower the risk of disease transmission. In this study, we develop an algorithm aimed at reducing the number of infected animals and herds, by rewiring specific movements responsible for trade flows from high- to low-prevalence herds. The algorithm is coupled with a generic computational model based on the French cattle movement tracing database (BDNI), and used to describe different scenarios for the spread of infection within and between herds from a recent outbreak (epidemic) or a five-year-old outbreak (endemic). Results show that rewiring successfully contains infections to a limited number of herds, especially if the outbreak is recent and the estimation of disease prevalence frequent, while the respective impact of the parameters of the algorithm depend on the infection parameters. Allowing any animal movement from high to low-prevalence herds reduces the effectiveness of the algorithm in epidemic settings, while frequent and fine-grained prevalence assessments improve the impact of the algorithm in endemic settings. Our approach focusing on a few commercial movements is expected to lead to substantial improvements in the control of a targeted disease, although changes in the network structure should be monitored for potential vulnerabilities to other diseases. This general algorithm could be applied to any network of controlled individual movements liable to spread disease.

Longitudinal Assessment of Selective Motor Dysfunction in Service Members With Combat-Related Mild TBI.

Evaluations of clinical outcomes in service members with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained in combat have largely focused on neurobehavioral and somatic symptoms, neurocognitive functioning, and psychological/psychiatric health. Questions remain regarding other domains, such as gross or fine motor abilities, that could be impacted and are mission-critical to functional warfighters. The objective of the current study was to evaluate longitudinal motor function in U.S. Military personnel with and without mild TBI sustained in combat to assess the possible long-term impact. Data from the EValuation Of Longitudinal outcomes in mild TBI active duty military and VEterans (EVOLVE) study were leveraged for analysis. The EVOLVE study has evaluated and followed service members from combat and following medical evacuation with and without blast-related mild TBI, as well as blunt impact mild TBI, and noninjured combat-deployed service members, tracking 1-, 5-, and 10-year outcomes. Longitudinal demographic, neuropsychological, and motor data were leveraged. Cross-sectional differences in outcomes at each year among the 4 injury groups were assessed using rank regression, adjusting for age, education, sex, branch of service (Army vs. other), subsequent head injury exposure, and separation from service. To understand the possible performance impact of time on all the measures, mixed-effects rank regression was employed, assessing time with adjustments for group, age, education, subsequent head injury exposure, and service separation status, followed by Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple comparisons. Evaluation for cognitive performance across 19 primary measures of interest at 1, 5, and 10 years did not identify any significant differences; however, gross motor function was found to be significantly different across groups at all time points (adjusted P < .001 at 1 year, P = .004 at 5 years, and P < .001 at 10 years) with both TBI groups consistently performing slower on the 25-Foot Walk and Grooved Pegboard than the nonblast control groups. While there were no cross-sectional differences across groups, many cognitive and motor measures were found to have significant changes over time, though not always in the direction of worse performance. Selective motor impairment in both TBI groups was identified compared to nonblast controls, but all groups were also found to exhibit a level of motor slowing when comparing performance at 1- to 10-year follow-ups. Assessment of gross motor function reflected a consistent pattern of significantly slower performances for blast and nonblast TBI groups compared to controls, over all follow-up intervals. Fine motor function performance reflected a similar significant difference pattern at 1- and 5-year follow-up intervals, with a reduced difference from control groups at the 10-year follow-up. Maintenance of high-level motor functions, including overall motor speed, coordination, and reaction time, is a primary component for active warfighters, and any motor-related deficits could create an increased risk for the service member or unit. While the service members in this longitudinal study did not meet criteria for any specific clinical motor-related diagnoses or movement disorders, the finding of motor slowing may reflect a subclinical but significant change that could be a focus for intervention to return to preinjury levels.