Block Test Research Articles

Method of determination of integral and differential nonlinearities of ADC by three histograms during tests of diagnostic channels in complex magnetotherapy

One of the most important components of modern electronic systems in the fields of medical technology, automotive, 5G communications, etc. are microchips containing analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) on a single chip. Aging effects, environment and mechanical vibrations have a significant impact on the operation of electronic systems, so microcircuits need to be periodically verified, calibrated and even replaced. For this reason, in order to control metrological and technical characteristics of hardware and software of the "Multimag-M" complex, which contains diagnostic channels for measuring pulse wave, respiration process, blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation (saturation), it was proposed to introduce an automated block of control, testing and self-calibration into the structure of the chronomagnetotherapy complex [1]. Application of BIST (Build-in Self Test) - built-in means of self-testing is a promising approach to solving problems of reliability improvement of modern microcircuits [2]. Most of the known BIST methods of ADCs require on-chip highly linear test signal generator (TS) [3-4], which is the most complex block. The ability to test ADCs with a large number of digits is limited by the linearity of the TS generator and as the resolution of ADCs increases, it becomes a difficult task to provide linear TS generation on-chip. The aim of the work is to develop a method for determining the integral and differential nonlinearities of ADC independent of the linearity of the test signal. A method for determining the integral and differential nonlinearities of the ADC, taking into account the nonlinear component of the TS, is proposed. This is achieved by sequentially feeding to the input of the tested ADC a periodic TS of triangular shape, a level-shifted down TS and a level-shifted up TS. The first histogram of ADC codes distribution at absence of TS offset, and also the second and the third histograms at TS downward and upward shifting. Using the three linked histograms, the contribution of the nonlinear component of the TS to the integral nonlinearity for each ADC code is determined. Given the nonlinear component of the TS, the integral nonlinearity for each ADC code is further determined, and then the differential nonlinearity of the ADC is determined from the integral nonlinearity. In addition, the method determines the displacement voltages of the TS, which reduces the requirements for the accuracy of the displacement signal reference. The practical value of the research result lies in the application of the method reducing requirements to TS linearity at self-diagnostics and self-calibration of microcircuits containing ADCs will allow to reduce the complexity of crystal design.

Research on optimization strategy of TBM tunneling parameters based on stratum perception and simulation tunneling experiment

Real-time perception of surrounding rock stratum and optimization decision of tunneling parameters are of great significance for TBM safe and efficient tunneling. Taking a diversion tunnel in Xinjiang as the engineering background, 948 groups of tunneling data of surrounding rocks at all grades were collected. Aiming at the problem of unbalanced tunneling data of different grades of surrounding rock, the quaternion classification problem of surrounding rock grade is converted into the binary classification problem, and the surrounding rock stratum perception model is established based on EasyEnsemble algorithm. On this basis, a flow frame for optimization of all grades surrounding rock tunneling parameters is proposed, and the differences between the optimization results of exhaustive method, simulated annealing algorithm and ant colony optimization algorithm are compared. The results show that the prediction error of ant colony optimization model is less than 5 %, and the running time is only 1/12 ∼ 1/6 of the exhaustive method. Then, based on the self-developed model test equipment, a similar materials test block of surrounding rock stratum is configured, and a scale cutter head is used for simulation tunneling experiment. The experiment shows that the ant colony optimization model optimization result is the best combination of tunneling parameters, which shows that the proposed optimization flow frame of tunneling parameters has good applicability. Finally, the AdaBoost model was trained with unbalanced samples of various grades of surrounding rock, and the prediction results were statistically analyzed. The results showed that the AUC value of EasyEnsemble model increased by 11.33 % on average, the F-measure increased by 18.12 % on average, and the G-measure increased by 14.00 % on average compared with the AdaBoost model, indicating that data balance has a significant effect on improving the perception accuracy of surrounding rock stratum.

Effects of Perfetti's Method on Cognition, Dexterity and Sensory Motor Function of the Upper Extremity in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Tria

Background: A stroke is the sudden loss of neural function caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain. It causes symptoms such as paresis, hypoesthesia, cognitive impairment, and spasticity. Objective(s): To compare the effects of Perfetti's Method versus routine physical therapy on the upper extremities' cognition, dexterity, and sensorimotor function in stroke patients. Methodology: In this study, 74 stroke participants were enrolled and randomized into two groups by the Goldfish Bowl Procedure, with 37 patients in each group. Group A was treated with routine physical therapy, and Group B was treated with Perfetti's Method and routine physical therapy. The measurements of both groups were recorded at the beginning of the study and after the 12th post-treatment week. Sensorimotor function was measured with the Fugal-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), dexterity was measured with the Box and Block Test (BBT), and level of cognition was measured with the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) in both groups at the beginning of the study and after the end of training (12th post-treatment weak). Results: According to this study, 74 participants had a mean age of 53.21±12.02; males were 45(60.8%), and females were 29(40.2%). The mean Body Mass Index was 23.23±3.47. The right side was affected by 32(43.2%), and Left Side was affected by 42(56.8%). Sensorimotor Function mean was Pre-treatment 66.70±26.88 and posttreatment 110.09±11.91. The level of cognition mean was pre-treatment 22.62±3.30 and post-treatment 29.31±1.47. Dexterity means Pre-treatment was 8.18±11.64 and posttreatment was 84.48±15.03. P-Value was 0.00, which was <0.005, which means that there was a significant difference between the mean value of pre-treatment and post-treatment Sensorimotor function, Level of Cognition, and Dexterity. There was a significant difference between the mean values of Groups A and B in sensorimotor function, level of cognition, and dexterity, as the P-values were 0.027, 0.04, and 0.02, respectively. Conclusion: Perfetti's Method, combined with routine physical therapy, resulted in significantly improved cognition levels, dexterity and sensory motor function in the upper extremity of stroke patients compared to those receiving only routine physical therapy.

Formulation determination and performance study of high-volume fly ash-based grouting fire extinguishing materials

Considering the continued advancement of China's industrial sector, a substantial quantity of circulating fluidized bed fly ash (CFBFA) and calcium carbide slag (CS) is generated throughout the production process. Considering the rich calcium content inherent in CFBFA (circulating fluidized bed fly ash) and the inherently alkaline nature of CS(carbide slag), the amalgamation of these two constituents leads to a multitude of hydration reactions, culminating in the synthesis of polymeric grouting materials. This study undertaked a comprehensive examination and regulation of three factors within the binary system: water-cement ratio, CS content, and CS particle size. Through the utilization of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and (TG) thermogravimetric analysis, the investigation aims to elucidate the influence mechanism of the composite gelling system comprising fly ash and calcium carbide slag on the compressive strength, setting time, and other pertinent indicators of grouting materials. The data reveals that when the water-cement ratio is set at 0.85, CS content at 30%, and CS ball milling time at 1 h, the resulting grouting material exhibits a fluidity of 279 mm, a water separation ratio of 3.13%, and achieves a strength of 15.6 MPa at 28 days. It boasts a stable and easily transportable slurry, which possesses a certain degree of cementitious performance, effectively sealing off any air leakage channels. Moreover, by subjecting CS to appropriate pre-treatment measures, a suitable quantity of active silicon and aluminum elements can be thoroughly dissolved within the CFBFA (circulating fluidized bed fly ash) slurry system, giving rise to a staggered distribution and dense hydration product structure. Considering the requirements for gangue mountain fire extinguishing slurry, a CFBFA-CS based grouting material formula has been carefully selected. Additionally, simulation grouting fire extinguishing experiments have demonstrated that the injection of the slurry is highly effective in reducing the temperature of the combustion test block, isolating oxygen, and lowering the temperature within the combustion zone. After 5 h, the temperature drops to below 100 °C, and no re-ignition phenomena are observed. The outcomes of this research can provide valuable scientific guidance for the development of high-performance fire extinguishing grouting materials utilizing fly ash and carbide slag.

Effects of hippotherapy on upper extremity functions in children with cerebral palsy

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of hippotherapy on upper extremity functions in children with cerebral palsy (CP). 
 Materials and Methods: The study was carried out with a quasi-hippotherapy design by evaluating the hippotherapy and control groups with pretests and posttests. Sixteen children with CP who were treated with 30 minutes of additional hippotherapy three times a week for five weeks were included in the hippotherapy group. Eleven children with CP who had conventional physiotherapy were recruited for the control group. Upper extremity functions were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Box and Block Test (BBT) and the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). 
 Results: There were no significant differences between the hippotherapy and control groups in terms of their baseline BBT and JTHFT scores. After 5-weeks, no statistically significant difference was found between the BBT scores of the hippotherapy and control groups. Significant increases were detected in all parameters of JTHFT in the posttest in the hippotherapy group, compared to the pretest. Moreover, in the posttest, a statistically significant difference was found between the hippotherapy and control groups in the parameters of turning over cards and picking up small objects, which subscales of JTHFT.
 Conclusion: In children with CP, hippotherapy provided in addition to conventional treatment was an effective practice, especially in improving fine motor skills in the hands.

Virtual Reality-Based Assessment for Rehabilitation of the Upper Limb in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to examine the responsiveness and concurrent validity of a serious game and its correlation between the use of serious games and upper limbs (UL) performance in Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four consecutive upper limbs (14 males, 8 females, age: 55-83 years) of PD patients were assessed. The clinical assessment included: the Box and Block test (BBT), Nine-Hole Peg test (9HPT), and sub-scores of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating-Scale Motor section (UPDRS-M) to assess UL disability. Performance scores obtained in two different tests (Ex. A and Ex. B, respectively, the Trolley test and Mushrooms test) based on leap motion (LM) sensors were used to study the correlations with clinical scores. Results: The subjective fatigue experienced during LM tests was measured by the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE, 0-10); the BBT and 9HPT showed the highest correlation coefficients with UPDRS-M scores (ICCs: -0.652 and 0.712, p < 0.05). Exercise A (Trolley test) correlated with UPDRS-M (ICC: 0.31, p < 0.05), but not with the 9HPT and BBT tests (ICCs: -0.447 and 0.390, p < 0.05), while Exercise B (Mushroom test) correlated with UPDRS-M (ICC: -0.40, p < 0.05), as did these last two tests (ICCs: -0.225 and 0.272, p < 0.05). The mean RPE during LM tests was 3.4 ± 3.2. The evaluation of upper limb performance is feasible and does not induce relevant fatigue. Conclusions: The analysis of the ICC supports the use of Test B to evaluate UL disability and performance in PD patients, while Test A is mostly correlated with disability. Specifically designed serious games on LM can serve as a method of impairment in the PD population.

Ergonomic Evaluation of Sitting Postures in School Chairs of School-Age Children with Special Needs

ABSTRACT The aim of the study is to evaluate the sitting posture and upper extremity functionality of children with special needs. Children with special needs (n = 31) and typically developing children (n = 31) between the ages of 6–12 were included in the study. Posture was evaluated with the Seated Postural Control Measure Scale and Photographic Posture Analysis, and upper extremity function was evaluated with the Box Block Test. A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of Seated Postural Control Measurement (p < 0.001), Photographic Posture Analysis (p < 0.001) and Box Block Test (p < 0.001) results. Additionally, a statistically significant relationship was found between postural smoothness and upper extremity function of children with special needs (p < 0.05). It was found that children with special needs performed poorly in terms of postural regularity and upper extremity skills. It was observed that the upper extremity function worsened with the deterioration of the sitting posture.

Detection and Imaging of Corrosion Defects in Steel Structures Based on Ultrasonic Digital Image Processing

Corrosion is one of the critical factors leading to the failure of steel structures. Ultrasonic C-scans are widely used to identify corrosion damage. Limited by the range of C-scans, multiple C-scans are usually required to cover the whole component. Thus, stitching multiple C-scans into a panoramic image of the area under detection is necessary for interpreting non-destructive testing (NDT) data. In this paper, an image mosaic method for ultrasonic C-scan based on scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) is proposed. Firstly, to improve the success rate of registration, the difference in the probe starting position in two scans is used to filter the matching pairs of feature points obtained by SIFT. Secondly, dynamic programming methods are used to search for the optimal seam path. Finally, the pixels in the overlapping area are fused by fade-in and fade-out fusion along the seam line. The improved method has a higher success rate of registration and lower image distortion than the conventional method in the mosaic of ultrasonic C-scan images. Experimental results show that the proposed method can stitch multiple C-scan images of a testing block containing artificial defects into a panorama image effectively.

Preparation and properties of phosphogypsum based plastering mortar

In order to reduce the negative impact of phosphogypsum accumulation on the environment, this paper uses phosphogypsum, magnesium slag, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, fly ash and calcium carbide slag to prepare gypsum based plaster mortar as a cementing material, and explores the optimal ratio of the composite cementing material through orthogonal experimental design. The mechanical properties of the test block were analyzed by the flexural and compressive strength of the test block, and the slurry properties were evaluated by the initial and final setting time, stability measurement, fluidity test and water resistance test. The experimental results show that when phosphogypsum: potassium magnesium phosphate: fly ash: When titanium gypsum =50:25:20:20, the strength of the composite system can reach 2.98Mpa in 60 days, and the initial setting time is 118min and the final setting time is 223min, which meets the requirements of GB/T25181-2019 building gypsum plaster mortar that the initial and final setting time is greater than 60min and less than 480min. Its fluidity is 237mm, which meets the requirement that the fluidity of GB/T25181-2019 building gypsum plaster mortar is greater than 100mm.

Preparation and mechanical properties of Portland cement composites filled with bamboo fibres modified by acetic acid and fermentation treatment

To improve the compatibility between Portland cement and bamboo fibre, bamboo fibres were modified by acetic acid and fermentation treatment and the modified bamboo fibres/Porland cement composites were prepared. The hydration curves of the bamboo fibres/Porland cement composites were measured and the area ratio under the cement hydration heat curve was used as the compatibility coefficient to evaluate the compatibility of bamboo fiber and cement. The hydration products at different hydration times were characterized by XRD, FTIR, and SEM. Moreover, the mechanical strengths of standard test blocks of Portland cement/bamboo fibre composites were tested to further verify the improved compatibility of bamboo fiber and Portland cement. The study shows that the compatibility between bamboo fibre and Portland cement was improved from 9% to 87%, the bending strength of Portland cement/bamboo fibre composite was increased from 638 N to 3678 N, and the compressive strength was increased from 1.5 MPa to 34.35 MPa.

Microscopic Factors Affecting the Performance of Pervious Concrete.

The impacts of various aggregate particle sizes and cement contents on the internal structure of pervious concrete were investigated. Accordingly, test blocks with different aggregate particle sizes and cement contents were dissected and photographed. Subsequently, the captured images were processed using the ImageJ software (1.53i) to analyze the profiles of the test blocks and identify the internal mesoscopic parameters of the pervious concrete. This study discusses the relationship between microscopic parameters and macroscopic factors based on experimental results. It also fits functional equations linking the permeability coefficient with pore parameters, matrix parameters, and compressive strength. The results indicated that, as the aggregate size increased, the internal pore diameter of the pervious concrete increased, whereas the total area and width of the cement matrix decreased. This resulted in a low permeability coefficient and high compressive strength of the test block. Increasing the cement content in pervious concrete reduced the porosity and increased the width and area of the internal matrix. Consequently, the permeability coefficient decreased, and the compressive strength of the test block increased.

Combined Effects of Brunnstorm Movement Therapy and Low-Level Laser Therapy on Upper Limb Function and Hand Dexterity in Chronic Stroke Patient

Background: Stroke remains a leading cause of disability worldwide, necessitating innovative rehabilitation strategies to enhance recovery and improve quality of life. The integration of Brunnstrom movement therapy and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) presents a novel approach to addressing the complexities of stroke rehabilitation, focusing on improving upper limb function and hand dexterity. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of Brunnstrom movement therapy and LLLT on upper limb function and hand dexterity in chronic stroke patients, providing insights into potentially enhancing rehabilitation outcomes. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 48 chronic stroke patients, divided equally into two groups to receive either Brunnstrom movement therapy or LLLT. The study spanned six months, with assessments including the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Nine-Hole Peg Test, Box and Block Test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and Handheld Dynamometer. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests to compare outcomes between groups. Results: Significant improvements were noted in both groups, with the LLLT group showing superior performance in the Nine-Hole Peg Test (p&lt;0.001), Box and Block Test (p&lt;0.001), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (p&lt;0.001) compared to baseline. The MAS scores indicated a significant reduction in muscle spasticity over time in both groups, with the LLLT group exhibiting a more substantial decrease (p=0.003 at week 6). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that combining Brunnstrom movement therapy with LLLT could significantly enhance upper limb function and hand dexterity in chronic stroke patients. These findings advocate for the integration of innovative and non-invasive therapies into rehabilitation programs, potentially setting a new benchmark in stroke recovery practices.

Effect of Postural Training in Improving Hand Eye Coordination in Autism Children - An Interventional Study

Autism is one of the major developmental delays that affect the children at an early age. It presents as a series of motor and sensory impairments that constantly needs adjustment in posture. Evaluation of motor skills and enhancing it quite often results in postural adjustment. The primary objective of this current study is to investigate the effect of postural training exercises prior to administration of motor activities in improving the hand eye coordination to perform upper limb tasks. The study was a randomised control trial that included children of both sexes with a diagnosis of autism between the age group of 5 and 10. All the participants of the study underwent the pre-test assessment of Gross motor skill and fine motor skill and were entered in the data sheet as pre-test score. The children’s Gross motor skill and Fine Motor Skill were assessed through Box and Block test and 25 grooved peg board test respectively. The test was performed for the dominant hand of the participant. The participants in control group underwent the motor and fine motor activities for a period of 30 minutes each session on alternate days for 8 weeks. The participants in experimental group received postural stability exercises along with these activities. At the end of 8 weeks the results of the study showed significant improvement in the experimental group. The study concluded that postural stability exercises prior to the activities improved the motor and fine motor skill of the autism children. Keywords: Autism, Postural Exercises in autism children, Hand eye coordination, Postural instability.

Preparation of concrete from vitrified slag: process parameter optimization and characterization

ABSTRACT Vitrification is the safest and most effective method for treating solid waste incineration residues, and the utilization of vitrified slag can promote recovery of waste resources. By using the response surface methodology to comprehensively consider the impact of three factors – cement substitution ratio, water-binder ratio, and sand rate – on the strength of concrete, the optimal process parameters for predicting the maximum 28-day compressive strength of concrete specimens are determined as follows: 5% cement substitution ratio, 0.69 water-binder ratio, and 40% sand rate. The experiments demonstrate that concrete specimens prepared by partially replacing cement with molten glass slag exhibit excellent mechanical and physicochemical properties. As the curing age increases, the compressive strength of the specimens also enhances. Leaching test results showed that the concrete test block met groundwater Class III quality standards, and the addition of vitrified slag powder reduced the content of calcium hydroxide and improved concrete performance.

Extended reality to assess post-stroke manual dexterity: contrasts between the classic box and block test, immersive virtual reality with controllers, with hand-tracking, and mixed-reality tests

BackgroundRecent technological advancements present promising opportunities to enhance the frequency and objectivity of functional assessments, aligning with recent stroke rehabilitation guidelines. Within this framework, we designed and adapted different manual dexterity tests in extended reality (XR), using immersive virtual reality (VR) with controllers (BBT-VR-C), immersive VR with hand-tracking (BBT-VR-HT), and mixed-reality (MD-MR).ObjectiveThis study primarily aimed to assess and compare the validity of the BBT-VR-C, BBT-VR-HT and MD-MR to assess post-stroke manual dexterity. Secondary objectives were to evaluate reliability, usability and to define arm kinematics measures.MethodsA sample of 21 healthy control participants (HCP) and 21 stroke individuals with hemiparesis (IHP) completed three trials of the traditional BBT, the BBT-VR-C, BBT-VR-HT and MD-MR. Content validity of the different tests were evaluated by asking five healthcare professionals to rate the difficulty of performing each test in comparison to the traditional BBT. Convergent validity was evaluated through correlations between the scores of the traditional BBT and the XR tests. Test-retest reliability was assessed through correlations between the second and third trial and usability was assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS). Lastly, upper limb movement smoothness (SPARC) was compared between IHP and HCP for both BBT-VR test versions.ResultsFor content validity, healthcare professionals rated the BBT-VR-HT (0[0–1]) and BBT-MR (0[0–1]) as equally difficult to the traditional BBT, whereas they rated BBT-VR-C as more difficult than the traditional BBT (1[0–2]). For IHP convergent validity, the Pearson tests demonstrated larger correlations between the scores of BBT and BBT-VR-HT (r = 0.94;p < 0.001), and BBT and MD-MR (r = 0.95;p < 0.001) than BBT and BBT-VR-C (r = 0.65;p = 0.001). BBT-VR-HT and MD-MR usability were both rated as excellent, with median SUS scores of 83[57.5–91.3] and 83[53.8–92.5] respectively. Excellent reliability was found for the BBT-VR-C (ICC = 0.96;p < 0.001), BBT-VR-HT (ICC = 0.96;p < 0.001) and BBT-MR (ICC = 0.99;p < 0.001). The usability of the BBT-VR-C was rated as good with a median SUS of 70[43.8–83.8]. Upper limb movements of HCP were significantly smoother than for IHP when completing either the BBT-VR-C (t = 2.05;p = 0.043) and the BBT-VR-HT (t = 5.21;p < 0.001).ConclusionThe different XR manual tests are valid, short-term reliable and usable tools to assess post-stroke manual dexterity.Trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04694833; Unique identifier: NCT04694833, Date of registration: 11/24/2020.

Effects of the powerball® system on muscle strength, coordination, fatigue, functionality and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis. A randomized clinical trial

IntroductionAlthough clinical and functional impairments in the lower limbs have been extensively studied in patients with MS, the upper limb (UL) are also frequently affected. Clinical impairment of the UL in patients with MS is very common with muscle strength and hand dexterity as critical factors in maintaining functional activities that are the basis for independence and quality of life in people with MS.ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of a training protocol using the Powerball® system in combination with conventional physiotherapy on muscle strength, coordination, fatigue, functionality, and quality of life in persons with MS over an 8-week period.Materials and methodsA double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. The control group received conventional treatment, while the experimental group received additional UL training using the Powerball® system. Both groups received the same number of sessions and weeks of intervention. The following outcome measures were used: isometric grip and pinch strength, Box and Block Test (BBT), Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Abilhand scale, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), and Likert satisfaction questionnaire for the experimental group. All measures were administered at baseline, after the treatment, and during a 3-week follow-up period.Results25 patients completed the study (12 in the experimental and 13 in the control group). The experimental group showed significant improvements in coordination and manual dexterity of the more affected UL as measured by the BBT comparing pre- to post-treatment (p = 0.048) and pre-treatment to follow-up (p = 0.001), and on the less affected UP comparing pre-treatment to follow-up (p < 0.001) and post-treatment to follow-up (p = 0.034). The Likert-type satisfaction questionnaire obtained a mean score of 89.10 (± 8.54) out of 100 points.ConclusionsUpper limb treatment protocol using the Powerball® system, in combination with conventional physiotherapy for 8 weeks resulted in significant improvements in the intra-group analysis for UL coordination and manual dexterity in favor of the experimental group. The experimental group showed excellent satisfaction to the treatment.

Multiple timescales of context shape the perceptual sensitivity to natural pairings of musical pitch and timbre

Musical pitch and timbre (specifically, spectral shape) covary perceptually: lower pitches are associated with darker timbres (less higher-frequency energy) and higher pitches are associated with brighter timbres (more higher-frequency energy). We examined this relationship at multiple timescales of context: trial-level (rates of performance improvement within a testing block), block-level (differences in performance across blocks), session- level (performance as a function of testing block order), and longer-term experience (musical training / background). Musical pitches were labeled as low (C4) or high (G4) from various instruments (trumpet, oboe, trombone, tuba). Testing blocks paired pitch and timbre together to either respect (Consistent) or violate (Reversed) their covariance. All timescales of context contributed to performance, producing clear patterns across experiments. Pitch labeling was poorer in Reversed blocks, but showed steeper rates of improvement than did Consistent blocks (which were often near/at ceiling levels). These patterns were moderated by which condition was tested first in the experiment and by the introduction of trial-by-trial feedback. Greater musical training was consistently correlated with higher accuracy, but adding feedback extinguished this pattern for Consistent blocks. Thus, context on a host of timescales shapes perceptual sensitivity to the natural covariance between musical pitch and timbre.

Radiofrequency denervation of the spine and the sacroiliac joint : Asystematic literature search according to GRADE with newGerman S3 guideline

This article summarizes the results of the German guideline on radiofrequency denervation of the facet joints and the sacroiliac joint. Evidence on the indications, test blocks and technical parameters are presented. The aim is to avoid overtreatment and undertreatment, which is also of socioeconomic importance. Asystematic evaluation of the literature was carried out according to the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) approach. Amultidisciplinary guideline group has developed recommendations and statements. Statements and recommendations were given for 20key questions. There was an 87.5% consensus for 1 recommendation and 100% consensus for all other recommendations and statements. The guideline was approved by all scientific medical societies involved. Specific questions included the value of the medical history, examination and imaging, the need for conservative treatment prior to an intervention, the importance of test blocks (medial branch block and lateral branch block), choice of imaging for denervation, choice of trajectory, the possibility to influence the size of the lesion, stimulation, the possibility of revision, sedation and decision support for patients with anticoagulants, metal implants and pacemakers and advice on how to avoid complications. Selected patients can benefit from well-performed radiofrequency denervation. The guideline recommendations are based on very low to moderate quality of evidence.

Visualizing Defects of Irregular Weld Seams Based on MultiMode TFM Detection

An image reconstruction method based on the multimode total focusing method (MTFM) is proposed to overcome the limitations of traditional total focusing method (TFM) imaging in detecting tiny discontinuities at complex locations. We conducted MTFM detection and TFM image reconstruction experiments for irregular welds containing multiple discontinuities. In an experiment using four 1 mm diameter manufactured defects fabricated on two aluminum alloy welded test blocks, we achieved two significant contributions. First, we accurately detected small discontinuities by combining CIVA simulation with robotic arm assistance. Second, we proposed fusion factor coefficients for TFM image processing, which considered different modal weights for image fusion and de-noising, thereby preserving the integrity of the fused images. Our experimental results demonstrate that the reconstructed TFM images effectively represented all defect information. Compared with other modal TFM images with the highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the amplitude-corrected optimized TFM image exhibits an improved SNR of 51.95% without losing defect information.

The effects and solidification characteristics of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash-slag-tailing based backfill blocks in underground mine condition

Currently, there is a limited understanding of the material performance effects and hydration mechanisms of solidified waste-based binder filling materials containing municipal solid waste incineration fly ash in the actual underground filling environment. This study utilized the Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) and Grate Furnace (GF) techniques to produce quadri-component uncalcined binder fill materials from municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI FA), blast furnace slag (BFS), flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, and tailings. The solidified test blocks were then cured in-situ in a void space of a certain iron underground mine in Hebei with conditions (temperature: 25-30℃, humidity: 18-19%, mine water influx: annual average of 150m3/h). The research results indicate that the mechanical performance and heavy metal solidification outcomes of these blocks surpassed those samples cured under laboratory conditions (temperature: (20±1)℃, humidity: not less than 90%), demonstrating the feasibility of using MSWI FA for underground binding and backfilling in mines. Building upon preliminary research, a binder mix proportion was established: 20wt.% MSWI FA, 70wt.% BFS, and 10wt.% FGD gypsum. Test blocks were fabricated using lead-zinc tailings sand and iron mine tailings as aggregates. All blocks met the 28-day strength requirements for typical mine backfills ranging from 1 to 6.5MPa, with the strength of the XB-M group reaching 24MPa (when cured underground). The leaching concentrations of heavy metals were all below the limits set for class III groundwater standards, with Pb, Zn, Cr, and As achieving a solidification rate of over 98% at 28 days. Microscopic hydration mechanisms indicate that the primary hydration products in the solidified body were ettringite, Friedel's salt, and C-S-H gel. The high content of reactive Al2O3 in the CFB fly ash enables the [AlO4]5- to substitute [SiO4]4-, leading to the formation of a long-chain, high polymerization C-A-S-H phase. Additionally, the abundant Cl- in GF fly ash readily reacted with [Al(OH)6]3−, forming Friedel's salt. The hydration products in the blocks cured under mine conditions significantly increased in their degree of polymerization. This provides a practical application approach for the future treatment and reuse of MSWI FA. Environmental implicationMSWI FA is classified as hazardous waste (HW18) due to its content of harmful components such as chlorides, dioxins, and soluble heavy metals, which pose potential environmental pollution risks. This study, for the first time, solidified test specimens were sent to an underground mining void in a certain iron mine in Hebei, China, for on-site curing (temperature range: 25-30°C, humidity: 18-19%, annual average mine water inflow rate: 150m3/h). The mechanical properties and the solidification performance of heavy metals in the test specimens were superior to those under laboratory curing conditions (temperature: (20±1)°C, humidity not less than 90%).