Static Assessment Methods Research Articles

An Evaluation Model for Node Influence Based on Heuristic Spatiotemporal Features.

The accurate assessment of node influence is of vital significance for enhancing system stability. Given the structural redundancy problem triggered by the network topology deviation when an empirical network is copied, as well as the dynamic characteristics of the empirical network itself, it is difficult for traditional static assessment methods to effectively capture the dynamic evolution of node influence. Therefore, we propose a heuristic-based spatiotemporal feature node influence assessment model (HEIST). First, the zero-model method is applied to optimize the network-copying process and reduce the noise interference caused by network structure redundancy. Second, the copied network is divided into subnets, and feature modeling is performed to enhance the node influence differentiation. Third, node influence is quantified based on the spatiotemporal depth-perception module, which has a built-in local and global two-layer structure. At the local level, a graph convolutional neural network (GCN) is used to improve the spatial perception of node influence; it fuses the feature changes of the nodes in the subnetwork variation, combining this method with a long- and short-term memory network (LSTM) to enhance its ability to capture the depth evolution of node influence and improve the robustness of the assessment. Finally, a heuristic assessment algorithm is used to jointly optimize the influence strength of the nodes at different stages and quantify the node influence via a nonlinear optimization function. The experiments show that the Kendall coefficients exceed 90% in multiple datasets, proving that the model has good generalization performance in empirical networks.

Road traffic noise exposure assessment based on spatiotemporal data fusion

The current static assessment methods for road traffic noise exposure have limitations in representing spatiotemporal variations and only account for the noise exposure of registered residents. To address these issues, this study proposes an assessment method by fusing spatiotemporal noise and population distributions. This approach estimates spatiotemporal noise distributions through real-time noise monitoring data and an update model of noise source intensity calibrated by historical noise monitoring data and road segment speed data. Meanwhile, spatiotemporal population distributions are generated by aggregating standardized spatiotemporal trajectories of users extracted from mobile phone data. The proposed method is applied to evaluate the population exposure to traffic noise in a Chinese city in different hourly periods. The results demonstrate that this method is a quantitative tool for assessing road traffic noise exposure dynamically, providing policymakers with valuable information to locate hotspots of traffic noise over short periods of time.

Review of risk assessment methods for infectious diseases

At present, the global epidemic situation of infectious diseases is becoming more and more serious and complex, which brings difficulties and challenges to the prevention and control of infectious diseases and poses a serious threat to public health and safety. The premise and basis of the prevention and control of infectious diseases is to carry out scientific risk assessment. Firstly, the common risk assessment methods were introduced, and the limitations of these one-time static assessment methods were analysed. Then the dynamic risk assessment methods for the transmission of infectious diseases were introduced, and expressing the transmission of infectious diseases as scenarios was proposed. Scenarios were deduced to predict the future development trends of infectious diseases. It is of great positive significance to evaluate the risks of infectious diseases according to different development trends, and realize the transition from traditional “prediction-response” to “scenario-response” for improving the emergency management capability of the transmission of infectious diseases.

Structural Impairment Detection Using Deep Counter Propagation Neural Networks

Structural systems may deteriorate under normal operating conditions during their service life. In many situations, damage is not easily observed through traditional visual inspection techniques. The need for detecting subtle structural damage and assessing the level of impairment presents opportunities to develop innovative solutions beyond typical inspections. One method for monitoring and evaluating structures is to measure responses and assess the impairment condition of structures using those responses. This paper presents an inverse static assessment method for evaluating structures using this concept. Solutions to such an inverse problem are difficult; data streams from structural measurements may be noisy and sometimes incomplete. Additionally, finding an exact, explicit, closed-form solution to this problem is often impossible. This paper details a neural network approach to solve the inverse impairment detection problem. The approach presented utilizes a deep counter propagation neural network that is capable of modeling input-output functional relations even when mathematically explicit formulas are unavailable or data is noisy and/or corrupt.

Correlation Between Scapular Dyskinesis Test and Lateral Scapular Slide Test in Scapular Assessment

Objectives:Alterations of the normal position or any abnormal motion of the scapula during active motions of shoulder is termed Scapular Dyskinesis (SD). SD is quite common in overhead athletes with or without shoulder pain. In addition to overhead athletes, SD has also been identified in healthy, asymptomatic individuals. Although there are several proposed methods to identify SD, there are two common methods used in clinical practice; as Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST) and Scapular Dyskinesis Test (SDT). SDT was developed as a dynamic functional test after the development of LSST which is a static measurement. SDT has also relatively higher reliability than LSST. In the 2013 consensus statement from ‘scapular summit’, SDT was recommended as a simple and reliable method for scapular assessment because of being a dynamic functional assessment method. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of these two observational tests in asymptomatic populationMethods:Eighty-three healthy participants (mean age 21.74±2.3 years, 166 arms, 32 Female-51 Male) were recruited. Participants were eligible if they were ≥18 years of age, having active full shoulder motion, and who have no health problem to hinder them from participate. Individuals with symptoms produced by cervical spine motion, impingement syndrome, frozen shoulder, shoulder instability and a history of shoulder fracture/surgery were excluded. All participants performed SDT and LSST in a random order. Pearson's chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis.Results:SDT detected SD in 44 participants (53%), LSST detected SD in 30 participants (36%). 20 participants (24%) determined as having SD in both tests. There was a moderate significant correlation between SDT and LSST (p=0.000, Pearson Chi-Square value=32.856, Phi=0.445).Conclusion:SDT and LSST have moderate correlation in identifying SD. In recent years, it is suggested that scapula shouldn’t be assessed in static positions/postures. Although both SDT and LSST show the presence of SD, they don’t evaluate SD in the same way because of the fact that LSST is a static assessment method whereas SDT is a dynamic method. Furthermore, SDT has higher reliability rather than other static assessment methods. Moderate correlation between these two tests may not always provide compatible outcome. For these reasons, we don’t recommend the use of LSST solely or instead of SDT in examination of SD. LSST’s complementary role in determination of SD with other assessment methods is arguable due to reliability issues. Optimal observational assessment algorithm in determination of SD should be investigated in future studies.

Invited Commentary

Phrenic nerve injury during repair of congenital heart defects can cause serious morbidity, particularly in neonates and infants, who will usually require diaphragm plication. This report by Smith and associates [1Smith B.M. Ezeokoli N.J. Kipps A.K. Azakie A. Meadows J.J. Course, predictors of diaphragm recovery after phrenic nerve injury during pediatric cardiac surgery.Ann Thorac Surg. 2013; 96: 938-942Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (20) Google Scholar] has added considerably to our understanding of this complication and the subsequent natural history of diaphragm function in patients with and without plication. The study is less than optimal because of the lack of a protocol for postdischarge monitoring. However, this is the best information to date because of the large number of patients, the fact that those with resolution of paresis had at least one outpatient study showing persistence of diaphragm dysfunction, the frequency of imaging in the follow-up period, and the duration of follow-up. By showing that there was equal return of function for patients with and patients without plication, this study also helps answer the concern that plication sutures in the diaphragm might themselves lead to further phrenic injury and a reduced chance of functional recovery. As in other reports on phrenic injury, bidirectional Glenn emerges as the most frequently associated procedure. That is likely related to the need for mobilization of the superior cava in the setting of reoperative adhesions rather than being associated with takedown of a previously placed shunt as suggested in the manuscript. The next most commonly associated procedure was arterial switch, in which extensive mobilization of the branch pulmonary arteries to facilitate the Le Compte maneuver likely adds to the risk. We also believe that thermal injury to either phrenic nerve from electrocautery used during removal of the thymus, a routine practice to improve exposure in neonates and infants undergoing complex repairs, is a common cause for hemidiaphragm paresis. Although our understanding of the natural history of recovery after phrenic injury has been improved by this report, it is far from complete. A prospective protocol for follow-up of patients with phrenic injury that included standardized imaging would result in much better data. We also might be able to quantitate the return of diaphragm function, an issue that was not addressed in this study. Pulmonary function testing where feasible or possibly measuring volumetric changes within the pleural space during the phases of respiration by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography might help address this question. Course, Predictors of Diaphragm Recovery After Phrenic Nerve Injury During Pediatric Cardiac SurgeryThe Annals of Thoracic SurgeryVol. 96Issue 3PreviewHemidiaphragm paralysis from phrenic nerve injury is a known complication of congenital cardiac surgery. Return of diaphragm function has been reported; however, prior studies on this subject have been limited by small numbers, static assessment methods, or observation of plicated or non-plicated patients alone. To describe return of function, we reviewed fluoroscopy and ultrasonography in all diagnosed cases of diaphragmatic paralysis. Full-Text PDF

Course, Predictors of Diaphragm Recovery After Phrenic Nerve Injury During Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Hemidiaphragm paralysis from phrenic nerve injury is a known complication of congenital cardiac surgery. Return of diaphragm function has been reported; however, prior studies on this subject have been limited by small numbers, static assessment methods, or observation of plicated or non-plicated patients alone. To describe return of function, we reviewed fluoroscopy and ultrasonography in all diagnosed cases of diaphragmatic paralysis. Surgical cases at our institution between 1991 and 2010 were identified for patients with postoperative hemidiaphragm paralysis diagnosed by chest X-ray, ultrasound, or fluoroscopy. Follow-up ultrasound and fluoroscopic studies were reviewed for return of diaphragm function. Seventy-two cases of postoperative hemidiaphragm paralysis were identified. Forty cases were plicated prior to discharge. Plicated patients were younger at time of diagnosis (median 46 days average 3.6 months; p=0.025) and had a larger proportion of single ventricle diagnoses (48% vs 16%) compared with non-plicated patients. Twenty-six patients with paralysis were excluded in follow-up due to lack of studies documenting diaphragm function after the diagnostic study. Of the remaining 46 cases, median follow-up was 353 days (range: 6 days to 17 years). Plicated and non-plicated patients regained function at similar frequency (60% and 54.8%, respectively). Plication status, Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS) 1 score, age at diagnosis, and side of paralysis did not predict failure of recovery. In the current era, return of diaphragm function after phrenic nerve injury sustained during congenital cardiac surgery is a known occurrence; however, predicting recovery continues to be difficult.

An adaptive capacity spectrum method for assessment of bridges subjected to earthquake action

Estimating seismic demands on structures, to predict their performance level with confidence, requires explicit consideration of the structural inelastic behav- iour: to this end, the use of nonlinear static procedures is inevitably going to be favoured over complex nonlinear time-history methods. The currently available assessment procedures have been tested predominantly against building frames. A newly derived assessment procedure is proposed within the scope of bridge applications, based on an innovative displacement-based adaptive pushover technique. The procedure, which can be incorporated into a performance- based engineering philosophy, is applicable to MDOF continuous span bridges with flexible or rigid superstructures, and for varying degrees of abutment restraint. As a first application to determine the viability of the proposed procedure, a para- metric study is conducted on a ensemble of bridges subjected to earthquake motion. It is shown that, compared to the seismic demand estimated by means of the more accurate nonlinear dynamic analysis tool, the novel static assessment method can lead to the attainment of satisfactory predictions, both in terms of displacement as well as moment demand on members.

Using dynamic assessment with learners who communicate nonsymbolically

Many individuals with severe disabilities converse primarily by prelinguistic or nonsymbolic communication, using an idiosyncratic repertoire of gestures, vocalizations, and other behaviors. These learners may or may not be intentional in their communication with others, are difficult to understand, may make requests by engaging in problem behavior, and communicate with few conventions other than those developed in their interactions with partners. Traditional static assessment methods often fail to describe accurately the communication abilities of these learners. In this article, the characteristics of dynamic assessment are reviewed and guidelines to assess the abilities of learners and to explore partner and environment factors are provided. In addition, the pilot outcomes of a process for conducting a dynamic assessment are presented.

Frontal plane dynamic stability and coordination in subjects with cerebellar degeneration.

Objective attempts to characterize postural control in subjects with cerebellar (Cb) pathology have focused primarily on sagittal plane responses to static standing, semi-dynamic standing, and platform perturbation. Repeated, dynamic, functional movement may provide a better opportunity to study the effects of ataxia on frontal plane postural stability. The purpose of this investigation was to quantify lateral stability using center of gravity (CG) and center of pressure (CP) movement analysis, and to examine motor responses necessary to complete a repetitive stepping task. Whole body kinematic and kinetic data were collected as patients with Cb degeneration and non-disabled volunteers repeatedly ascended forward and descended backward from a 7.6-cm step to the beat of a metronome. Cb subjects demonstrated significantly greater lateral CG instability, consistent with increased CG velocity and displacement variability in the frontal plane compared to non-disabled subjects. Significantly greater lateral CP displacement was found in subjects with Cb degeneration. Phase plot patterns from patients with Cb degeneration showed poor movement quality, indicated by abruptly changing CG phase plot patterns and abnormal CG acceleration and deceleration phases. Ataxic postural reactions were observed consistently during lateral weight shifting phases toward the stance limb. We hypothesized that lateral postural instability in Cb subjects stems from altered lower extremity intersegmental coordination and inadequate lateral CG velocity control. Frontal plane CG instability may necessitate a wide-based gait. Despite the varied neuroanatomic sites of degenerative Cb pathology, subjects with Cb pathology demonstrated similar CG movement patterns and altered motor strategies to avoid destabilization. Dynamic assessment provides important information regarding frontal plane instability not revealed by static assessment methods. These findings suggest that a dynamic, constrained stepping task effectively differentiates Cb and non-disabled volunteers, contributing to our knowledge of the effect of ataxic movement disturbances on frontal plane postural stability and lower limb coordination.