Static Position Research Articles

KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF CROSS ON TRAINING AND COMPETITION RINGS: COMPARISON BETWEEN ELITE AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL GYMNASTS

Auxiliary devices are used to train gymnastics skills. Based on the principles of training specificity, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a training device for the static cross posture on Men’s Artistic Gymnastics rings through kinematic analysis. Twelve national team gymnasts were divided into two groups, based on their competitive results: the elite group (age: 21.8±3.2 years) and the international group (age: 19.3±3.3 years) performed the cross three times under both conditions: standard competition rings, and training rings with an auxiliary device. The videos were digitised and analysed with shoulder angles as trunk and arm segments. The variables included the right and the left shoulder angles in the frontal plane, as well as any asymmetry of those angles. Two-way ANOVA (conditions versus groups) and individual t-test statistics were conducted. Both groups performed the cross on training rings with increased abduction at both right (p<0.001) and left (p<0.001) shoulders and reduced asymmetry (p=0.01) than on competition rings. These kinematic improvements would translate into competition-typical score improvements of 0.1 to 0.3 points, and enhanced shoulder joint stability. Hence, the training rings with an auxiliary device effectively replicate skill-specific joint angles, adhering to the kinematics principles of training specificity for the static cross posture on rings, thus benefiting both elite and international-level gymnasts.

Professional skateboarding trousers design: according to the three-dimensional kinematic analysis for varied skateboarding manoeuvres

The popularity of skateboarding has caused an expansion of enthusiasts worldwide. Moreover, skateboarding is becoming increasingly professional at an international level. Professional skateboarding trousers are regarded as critical equipment and their design research should not be overlooked. This research aims to use motion capture to measure the angular changes characteristics of critical lower limb joints in skaters during sports activities, measure the length of the knee joint during actions, and establish a formula that describes the change characteristics between the angle and the length. The formula would allow for a data reference when designing the elasticity at the knee joints of skateboarding trousers. Thus, the initial step in this research methodology was to use a Vicon motion capture system to test and analyse the kinematic characteristics of seven skaters in the squat, jump, ollie, pop shove it, heel flip, kickflip, and 180° ollie. Based on the kinematic characteristics, the dynamic movements were broken down into static postures at 0°, 45°, 90°, 112.5°, and 135°. The body surface drawing method was then employed to measure changes in the knee joint body surface dimensions of the subjects. Next, the experimental data were analysed to explore the relationship between angle and length changes. Finally, the design was developed based on the data. Analysis and processing of the experimental data yielded the following conclusions: (1) The most significant knee joint change characteristics during skateboarding was the angle change observed during an ollie. (2) Knee joint skin stretch deformation is most evident in the anterior mid-leg line y2. (3) The relationship between kinematics and the structural design of skateboarding trousers was derived from the experimental data. Specifically, the equation for the relationship between angle change and length change is given by y2 = 0.0442x + 23.906. (4) The results show that the extreme range of skin stretching in the anterior midline is between –0.7 and 6.3 cm. Therefore, the loose design of the knee part of professional skateboarding trousers should not exceed 6.3 cm. This research approach can offer an effective design solution for professional skateboard trousers and can also be applied to other types of trousers.

Investigating the Global Performance of the BDS-2 and BDS-3 Joint Real-Time Undifferenced and Uncombined Precise Point Positioning Using RTS Products from Different Analysis Centers

Compared to the traditional ionospheric-free (IF) precise point positioning (PPP) model, the undifferenced and uncombined (UU) PPP has the advantages of lower observation noise and the ability to obtain ionospheric information. Thanks to the IGS (International GNSS Service), real-time service (RTS) can provide RT vertical total electron content (VTEC) products, and an enhanced RT UU-PPP based on the RT-VTEC constraints can be achieved. The global performance of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System-2 (BDS-2) and BDS-3 joint RT UU-PPP using different RTS products was investigated. There is not much difference in the RTS orbit accuracy of medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites among all analysis centers (ACs), and the optimal orbit accuracy is better than 5, 9, and 7 cm in the radial, along-track, and cross-track directions, respectively. The orbit accuracy of inclined geosynchronous orbit (IGSO) satellites is worse than that of MEO satellites. Except for CAS of 0.46 ns, the RTS clock accuracy of MEO satellites for other ACs achieves 0.2–0.27 ns, and the corresponding accuracy is about 0.4 ns for IGSO satellites. In static positioning, due to the limited accuracy of RT-VTEC, the convergence time of the enhanced RT UU-PPP is longer than that of RT IF-PPP for most ACs and can be better than 25 and 20 min in the horizontal and vertical components, respectively. After convergence, the 3D positioning accuracy of the static RT UU-PPP is improved by no more than 8.7%, and the optimal horizontal and vertical positioning accuracy reaches 3.5 and 7.0 cm, respectively. As for the kinematic mode with poor convergence performance, with the introduction of RT-VTEC constraints, the convergence time of RT UU-PPP can be slightly shorter and reaches about 55 and 60 min in the horizontal and vertical components, respectively. Both the horizontal and vertical positioning accuracies of the kinematic RT UU-PPP can be improved and achieve around 7.5 and 10 cm, respectively.

SimMACT, a Software Demonstrator to Improve Maximum Actuation Joint Torques Simulation for Ergonomics Assessment.

The maximum actuation joint torques that operators can perform at the workplace are essential parameters for biomechanical risk assessment. However, workstation designers generally only have at their disposal the imprecise and sparse estimates of these quantities provided with digital manikin digital human model (DHM) software. For instance, such tools consider only static postures and ignore important specificities of the human musculoskeletal system such as interjoints couplings. To alleviate the weaknesses of existing approaches implemented in digital human modeling tools relying on torque databases, this paper describes a methodology based on a class of polytopes called zonotopes and musculoskeletal simulation to assess maximum actuation torques. It has two main advantages, the ability to estimate maximum joint torques for any posture and taking into account musculoskeletal specificities unlike existing digital human modeling tools. As a case study, it also compares simulated maximum actuation torques to those recorded during an experiment described in the literature, focusing on an isometric task of the upper limb. This simulation has led to similar or smaller errors than DHM software tools. Hence, this methodology may help in interpreting interjoint couplings, choosing appropriate mathematical models or design experimental protocols. It may also be implemented in DHM software to provide designers with more comprehensive and more reliable data.

Pilates versus Zumba training effects on postural control under conflicting sensory conditions in postmenopausal women

The current study aimed to compare the effects of Pilates versus Zumba training on postural performance in middle-aged postmenopausal women. Fifty-seven eligible women, aged between 50 and 60 years, were randomized into three groups: Zumba (ZG) group, Pilates (PG) group or control (CG) group. Postural control was assessed using a force platform under 4 sensory manipulation conditions: on firm and foam surfaces with eyes opened (EO) and closed (EC). Our results showed more marked adaptations in favor of ZG concerning postural performance compared to PG. For the PG, postural control was significantly improved only in simple postural conditions on the firm surface with EO (p < 0.1) and EC (p < 0.05) conditions. However, postural control of the ZG significantly improved in both the simple and complex postural conditions, even under conflicting sensory situations (firm surface/EO (p < 0.001; 95 % CI: [1.34, 4.46]), EC (p < 0.001; 95 % CI: [2.13, 5.24])); foam surface/EO (p < 0.01; 95 % CI: [0.70, 8.57]), EC (p < 0.01; 95 % CI: [0.65, 8.52])). In conclusion, Zumba training seems to be more effective and a better strategy to promote postural control in daily living activities and autonomy in postmenopausal women than Pilates training. These findings are useful for public health practitioners in designing physical interventions for balance disorders.

Постуральный баланс при выполнении теста Ромберга у футболистов с различными типами вегетативной регуляции

The study is relevant due to the importance of a high level of postural balance and optimal autonomic regulation in football players’ athletic activity, as well as due to the lack of such comprehensive research. The purpose of the article was to study postural balance maintenance during the Romberg test on a stabilometric platform in football players with different types of autonomic heart rate regulation. Materials and methods. The research involved 100 football players. Based on the cardiointervalograms recorded initially, the participants were divided into groups according to the types of autonomic regulation. Further, centre of pressure fluctuations on the platform were recorded while maintaining a vertical posture with eyes open (54 s) and closed (54 s). Results. Football players with the normotonic and vagotonic types of autonomic regulation are characterized by a higher level of postural balance maintenance in the position with eyes open. In the position with eyes closed, a higher level of postural balance maintenance was found in football players with the vagotonic type of autonomic regulation. The normotonic and vagotonic types of autonomic regulation in football players can be considered optimal for effective posture maintenance under simple conditions, as well as for a normal course of compensatory-adaptive rearrangements in the body and successful adaptation to complicated posture maintenance conditions. The results obtained in this study broaden the current understanding of the postural control system in football players, as well as of the role of the type of autonomic regulation in maintaining postural balance under complicated conditions.

Biomechanical analysis of complications following T10-Pelvis spinal fusion: A population based computational study

Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and proximal junctional failure (PJF) are challenging complications of long fusion constructs for the treatment of adult spinal deformity. The objective of this study is to understand the biomechanical stresses proximal to the upper instrumentation of a T10-pelvis fusion in a large patient cohort. The pre-fusion models were subject-specific thoracolumbar spine models that incorporate the height, weight, spine curvature, and muscle morphology of 250 individuals from the Framingham Heart Study Multidetector CT Study. To create post-fusion models, the subject-specific models were further modified to eliminate motion between the intervertebral joints from T10 to the pelvis. OpenSim analysis tools were used to calculate the medial lateral shear force, anterior posterior shear force, and compressive force on the T9 vertebra during the static postures. Differences between pre-fusion and post-fusion T9 biomechanics were consistent between increased segmental mobility and unchanged segmental mobility conditions.For all static postures, compression decreased (p < 0. 0005). Anterior-posterior shear force significantly increased (p < 0. 0005) during axial twist and significantly increased (p < 0. 0005) during trunk flexion. Medial lateral shear force significantly increased (p < 0. 0005) during axial twist. This computational study provided the first use of subject-specific models to investigate the biomechanics of long spinal fusions. Patients undergoing T10-Pelvis fusion were predicted to have increased shear forces and decreased compressive force at the T9 vertebra, independent of change in segmental mobility. The computational model shows potential for the investigation of spinal fusion biomechanics to reduce the risk of PJK or PJF.

Manajemen Edukasi Dengan Mengurangi Nyeri Pada Kasus Low Back Pain Untuk Meningkatkan Produktivitas Petani Di Desa Pelemgadung, Sragen, Jawa Tengah

Pelemgadung Village is located in Sragen Regency, Central Java, where the majority of the population makes their living as farmers. According to the results of situation analysis and data collection, it was found that low back pain is one of the conditions that often occurs in the village. Low back pain is a musculoskeletal disorder that arises due to a static body position while working, resulting in pain in the lower back. The aim of this activity is to increase farmers’ understanding and knowledge of reducing lower back pain. The method used was education about low back pain using leaflets as a health promotion medium, as well as distributing pre- and post- questionnaires to assess farmers’ knowledge about low back pain. The results of the questionnaire show an increase in farmers’ understanding, which can be seen from the number of participants with the highest scores. During the pre-test, 24 people achieved the highest score, while in the post-test, the number increased to 35 people. Based on the education that has been carried out, it can be concluded that there has been an increase in farmers’ understanding of low back pain and how to overcome this condition.

The Effects of an Inclusive Badminton Program on Static Postural Control for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

The purpose of the study was to examine static postural control/balance in young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and typically developing (TD) young adults before, during, and after an inclusive badminton intervention. Eight participants (four IDD-BADM and four TD-BADM) participated in a 12-week inclusive badminton intervention, with the other eight participants as matched controls (four IDD-CONTR and four TD-CONTR) (74.19 kg ± 9.8 kg, 171.96 cm ± 5.4 cm; 21.7 ± 1.8 years of age; nine females and seven males; eight with IDD and eight TD). The study followed a repeated measures design (pre, mid, post) before the intervention, at 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks. Static postural sway conditions included: bilateral stance eyes open (20 s), eyes closed (10 s), foam eyes open (20 s), foam eyes closed (10 s), and unilateral stance eyes open (10 s) and foam eyes open (10 s). Sway measurements included: average anterior/posterior (A/P) displacement (in), average medial/lateral (M/L) displacement (in), average 95% ellipsoid area (in2), and average velocity (ft/s). Significant time × group interactions were reported for average velocity (EO) (p = 0.030), average length (EO) (p = 0.030), 95% ellipsoid area (EO) (p = 0.049), and average A/P displacement (1LEO) (p = 0.036) for IDD-BADM. Significant time main effects were reported for average A/P displacement (FEO) (p = 0.040) for IDD groups. Significant time main effects were reported for average M/L displacement (EO) (p = 0.001), (EC) (p = 0.004), (FEO) (p = 0.005), (FEC) (p = 0.004), and average A/P displacement (EO) (p = 0.006) and (FEO) (p = 0.005) for TD groups. An inclusive badminton program indicated evidence of improved static postural control for those with IDD. However, no significant differences were reported for TD peers.

Intra and inter-rater reproducibility of the Remote Static Posture Assessment (ARPE) protocol's Postural Checklist.

With the enforcement of social distancing due to the pandemic, a need to conduct postural assessments through remote care arose. So, this study aimed to assess the intra- and inter-rater reproducibility of the Remote Static Posture Assessment (ARPE) protocol's Postural Checklist. The study involved 51 participants, with the postural assessment conducted by two researchers. For intra-rater reproducibility assessment, one rater administered the ARPE protocol twice, with an interval of 7-days between assessments (test-retest). A second independent rater assessed inter-rater reproducibility. Kappa statistics (k) and percentage agreement (%C) were used, with a significance level of 0.05. The intra-rater reproducibility analysis indicated high reliability, k values varied from 0.921 to 1.0, with %C ranging from 94% to 100% for all items on the ARPE protocol's Postural Checklist. Inter-rater reproducibility indicates reliability ranging from slight to good, k values exceeded 0.4 for the entire checklist, except for four items: waists in the frontal photograph (k = 0.353), scapulae in the rear photograph (k = 0.310), popliteal line of the knees in the rear photograph (k = 0.270), and foot posture in the rear photograph (k = 0.271). Nonetheless, %C surpassed 50% for all but the scapulae item (%C = 47%). The ARPE protocol's Postural Checklist is reproducible and can be administered by the same or different raters for static posture assessment. However, when used by distinct raters, the items waists (front of the frontal plane), scapulae, popliteal line of the knees, and feet (rear of the frontal plane) should not be considered.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation Study on Aerodynamic Characteristics under Unfavorable Conditions during Flight Phase in Ski Jumping

Objective: The stability of the flight phase in ski jumping is crucial for athletes’ performance and safety. This study aims to investigate the influence of unfavorable conditions on aerodynamic characteristics and flight stability through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations. Methods: The ski jumper and the skis are considered a multi-body system. A detailed three-dimensional (3D) model of this multi-body system under a commonly observed posture during flight is established. The Partially Averaged Navier–Stokes (PANS) turbulence model is employed, and CFD simulations are conducted to predict the aerodynamic characteristics of the multi-body system under lateral environmental wind and asymmetric postures during the flight phase. The conditions of asymmetric postures include yaw rotation and roll rotation. Results: (1) Lateral environmental wind generated a yaw force, yaw moment, and roll moment, which influenced the lift, drag, and pitch moment of the athlete. These forces and moments were relatively small at lower wind speeds (less than 3 m/s) and became more significant at higher wind speeds (greater than 4.5 m/s). (2) Under the influence of yaw rotation or roll rotation, the multi-body system exhibited a noticeable yaw force, yaw moment, and roll moment, all showing a monotonic increasing trend. Moreover, they had a significant impact on the lift, drag, and pitch moment of the multi-body system. Conclusion: (1) The influence of unfavorable conditions was complex, resulting in a significant yaw force, yaw moment, and roll moment on the multi-body system. The adverse effects of roll rotation were generally greater than those of yaw rotation. (2) The multi-body system exhibited self-stabilizing tendencies in yaw and roll. This phenomenon can provide a solution to maintain flight stability by employing appropriate yaw or (and) roll rotation angles, effectively compensating for or even eliminating the adverse effects of lateral environmental wind. (3) Understanding the mechanisms of how unfavorable conditions affect aerodynamic characteristics and stability during flight in ski jumping can provide valuable assistance for real-time prediction and decision making during competitions, as well as scientific guidance for training athletes’ stable flight control and techniques for improving their sport performance.

Inertial Motion Capturing in Ergonomic Workplace Analysis: Assessing the Correlation between RULA, Upper-Body Posture Deviations and Musculoskeletal Discomfort

(1) Background: Mobile movement analysis systems, for example, those based on Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), enable digital real-time methods of collecting data in workplace ergonomics, but the relationship between observational method scores such as Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), upper-body posture, and their influence on musculoskeletal discomfort, has not yet been well investigated. This field study aimed to evaluate the relationship of these variables in two different target groups: production and office workers. (2) Methods: There were 64 subjects (44 men and 20 women) participating. Data collection was divided into two categories: (1) Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) (n = 64) and 3D stereophotogrammetric posture analysis (n = 58), and (2) Investigation of workload via IMU-based motion capture (MoCap) and the Borg CR-10 body map (n = 24). Correlation tests and regression analysis were performed using SPSS and MATLAB software to examine the relationship between the upper-body posture and RULA. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was applied to examine group differences. (3) Results: The findings did not support the authors’ hypothesis that posture risk at work significantly correlates with static upper-body posture and musculoskeletal discomfort. Pelvic tilt had a weak but significant influence on RULA. The data revealed interesting trends in physical exertion, musculoskeletal discomfort, and differences between production and office workers. However, the statistical analysis did not support this. Such approaches have the potential to enhance the accuracy of assessment outcomes and, in turn, provide a stronger foundation for enhancing ergonomic conditions.

Efficacy of Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Systematic Review Protocol.

Cervical degenerative myelopathy (CDM) is a cervical spine condition resulting in clinical manifestations of spinal cord compression related to the chronic, non-traumatic, and progressive narrowing of the cervical spinal canal. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard test to diagnose and assess the severity of CDM. However, the patient is in a neutral and static position during the MRI scan, which may devalue the dynamic factors of CDM, underestimating the risk of spinal cord injury related to cervical spine flexion and extension movements. Dynamic MRI is a promising technique to change this scenario. Therefore, the present review aims to answer the following question: "Is dynamic MRI of the cervical spine more accurate in diagnosing CDM than conventional MRI?". We will search for studies in the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and SciELO databases. The search strategy will contain a combination of terms related to cervical myelopathy and magnetic resonance imaging . Two independent reviewers will select studies, extract data, and assess the risk of bias. The synthesis of results will be descriptive, considering the main findings of the studies about the outcomes of interest.

Characteristics of static balance performance in 4-stage balance test in the healthy older adults

Background The 4-Stage Balance test is one of the most commonly used tests to assess balance for older adults. Although it is generally accepted that the four positions (including side-by-side (SBSS), semi-tandem (STS), tandem (TS), and single-leg stance (SLS)) in this test are progressively more difficult, there are no studies comparing the balance parameters of the four positions in older adults to prove this result. The purpose of this study is to determine the difficulty of 4 positions in the 4-Stage Balance test and the effect of the dominant and non-dominant lower extremities on static balance among healthy older adults. Methods A total of 115 community-dwelling healthy older adults were included. The postural parameters (including sway range standard deviation (SR), velocity of body sway (V), total sway area (TSA) and sway perimeter (TSP) of the center of pressure) were measured during 8 static postures (including SBSS, left STS, right STS, left TS, right TS, left SLS, right SLS and comfortable stance (CS)). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the postural parameters in 8 static postures. Results The static balance stability of the five stances in older adults can be ranked in the following sequence: CS > SBSS/STS > TS > SLS. Moreover, changing foot placement in STS, TS and SLS tasks has no influence on stability. This study has been registered in China Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200065803). Conclusions Our findings suggest that it is feasible to simplify the 4-Stage Balance test to a 3-Stage Balance test in the older adults.

Investigation of the limiting factors of shoulder joint complex motion in college baseball players: motion analysis of the humeral head and rotator cuff using ultrasound

BackgroundThe relationship between lower mobility, as measured by the elbow forward translation motion (T-motion) test, a new indicator of shoulder joint complex movement that measures elbow position when both dorsal hands are placed on the iliac crest while in a sitting position, and the parameters calculated by ultrasonography is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the limiting factors of T-motion through motion analysis of the humeral head and rotator cuff muscles using ultrasonography in college baseball players. MethodsThirteen college baseball players participated in this cross-sectional study. The shortest distance from the posterior edge of the glenoid to the humeral head was measured in the static and T-motion positions, and the difference was calculated as the humeral head translation. The velocity of the infraspinatus was calculated during shoulder internal/external rotation using the particle image velocimetry method. These parameters were compared between the throwing and nonthrowing sides to examine the limiting factors of T-motion. ResultsThis study indicated moderate-to-good reliability for the parameters calculated by ultrasonography. The mean anterior translation distance was significantly greater on the throwing side than on the nonthrowing side (r=0.56, p=.015). The mean velocity of infraspinatus during internal rotation was significantly lower on the throwing side than on the nonthrowing side (r=0.51, p=.028). ConclusionIncreased anterior translation of the humeral head and decreased the velocity of infraspinatus are likely correlated with reduced T-motion mobility in college baseball players. These methods showed potential for physical therapy assessment and intervention to prevent shoulder dysfunction.

Modeling of risk factors leading to workrelated musculoskeletal disorders in medical practitioners

Growing globalization and industrialization in the last few decades have significantly increased occupational-related health issues among the workforce. Multiple studies conducted under occupational safety and health have firmly established the association between physical and occupational factors and the pathogenesis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study investigates the interrelationship between risk factors associated with WMSDs, as no studies in the past have attempted to probe so diligently. Eight major potential risk factors were identified through a Delphi study, and their interrelationships were identified using interpretative structural modeling (ISM), showing their driving power and dependence. The established risk factors’ influence and co-dependence were analyzed using the Matriced Impacts Croises Appliquee an un Classement (MICMAC) analysis. The study's findings show that organizational-level factors such as ‘organizational culture’ and ‘repetitive tasks’ have the highest driving factor, followed by ‘prolonged exposure to a given task’ and ‘time and work demands. The organizational level factors drive the physical factors, namely ‘prolonged static postures’ and ‘awkward posture’, that in turn drives the job-related factors such as job satisfaction and work-related stress. A possible risk mitigation strategy to reduce musculoskeletal discomfort in healthcare practitioners is proposed. Future studies may formulate ergonomic adaptations based on this study to alleviate the risk hazards. Understanding the interrelationship among the risk factors would help healthcare organizations prioritize their employment policies and efficiently manage their workforce, successfully leading to WMSDs attenuation and enhancing the quality of life in medical practitioners.

Increasing Visual Biofeedback Scale Changes Postural Control Complexity.

Visual biofeedback (vFB) during quiet stance has been shown to improve postural control. While this improvement has been quantified by a reduction in the center of pressure (COP) sway, the effect on COP complexity remains unexplored. As such, 20 young adults (12 females; aged 23.63 ± 3.17 years) were asked to remain in a static upright posture under different visual biofeedback magnitude (no feedback [NoFB], magnified by 1 [vFB1], magnified by 5 [vBF5] and magnified by 10 [vBF10]). In addition to confirming, through traditional COP variables (i.e. standard deviation, mean velocity, sway area), that vFB scaling improved postural control, results also suggested changes in COP complexity. Specifically, sample entropy and wavelet analysis showed that increasing the vFB scale from 1:1 to 1:5 and 1:10 led to a more irregular COP and a shift toward higher frequency. Together, and particularly from a complexity standpoint, these findings provided additional understandings of how vFB and vFB scaling improved postural control.

Examining academic freedom within WB and UNESCO discourses on higher education: A Foucauldian discourse analysis

Academic freedom constitutes an integral part of traditional university values that ensure the proper functioning of universities in pursuing truth and inculcating civic values. In a globalized world where Higher Education (HE) policy is the result of the interaction of local, national, and international levels, the positions of international organizations on questions of academic freedoms deem significant. Within global discourses on HE, literature contrasts the World Bank’s human capitalist to UNESCO’s humanistic approach. Through Foucauldian Discourse Analysis of both organizations’ documents, the paper presented a genealogical analysis of academic freedom that challenged the existence of static, opposite, and binary positions. Transformations, ruptures, juxtapositions as well as gaps, limits, and exclusions were detected within and across International Organizations’ discourses. Juxtaposition of economic and humanistic rationales as well as academic freedom protection and neoliberal policy interventions have muted discursive conflicts and inherent contradictions. The failure of UNESCO to address contemporary threats to academic freedom emerged from the appearance of neoliberal transnational governmentality as an inevitable social regularity that delimits what can be said and cannot be said about academic freedom. Through coercive funding schemes and technologies of differentiation, surveillance, and monitoring, the WB created the space for such transnational governmentality, and placed faculty members under its gaze resulting in undermining academic freedoms and de-professionalization of academics.

Static or mobile positions for the male asylum seeker?

This article examines how concepts of gender and sexuality are increasingly being mobilised as symbolic values in Danish immigration politics. The Danish national self-perception rests on an idea of widespread tolerance, especially regarding gender and sexuality. However, understandings of gender and sexuality as represented in Danish immigration discourse draw clear boundaries between insiders and outsiders. As of 2017, Danish asylum centres introduced compulsory teaching of so-called ‘Danish sexual morals’ as an attempt to prevent sexual violence by educating asylum seekers in sexual conduct. Based on fieldwork conducted in a language and culture class at an asylum centre, the analysis demonstrates how the teacher simultaneously reproduces and challenges concepts of differing national sexualities as they appear in the teaching material, and how the students push back against culturally specific conceptualisations of gender and sexuality by offering personal narratives countering those ascribed to them in the stereotypical representations.

A robust autofocusing method for microscopic imaging based on an event camera

Autofocusing is a crucial method for enhancing the efficiency of biological detection workflows. Traditional methods involve calculating various focus metrics on images captured by standard frame-based cameras at multiple static positions to determine the focal point, which can be time-consuming. In contrast, event cameras have the capability to asynchronously detect brightness changes within the field of view of the microscope and provide a continuous stream of events triggered by axial motion. A completely automated coarse-to-fine method is proposed for event based autofocusing, independent of the objective-sample distance. Two criteria for autofocusing in sufficient and low illumination are respectively proposed. The results show that the dynamic accuracy and dynamic repeatability is less than 5 mm.