Block Test Research Articles

Research on ultrasonic synchronous detection method for material residual stress and thickness

Being limited to the different transmission and reception modes and detection signals of the critical refracted longitudinal wave method for stress measurement and the perpendicular incident echo method for thickness measurement, it is necessary to use different probes and equipments when simultaneously measuring stress and thickness. For this difficulty, the acquisition frequency and the number of bits are taken as the research object to realize the optimization of the echo signal. By combining FEM simulations with Comsol software with experimental research, the effects of probe incidence angle, probe spacing, and temperature on ultrasonic waves are investigated, and the relationship between probe spacing and the stress coefficient of measured component (K) is analyzed. A novel ultrasonic synchronous detection method for residual stress and thickness is proposed. This method is based on an integrated transmit-receive probe with oblique incidence, utilizing critical refracted longitudinal wave (LCR wave) for stress detection and synchronously generated transverse waves for thickness measurement. For the first time, a formula for ultrasonic thickness measurement based on inclined incidence is derived. Using self-developed equipment, ultrasonic testing experiments on step test block and cantilever beam loading device were conducted to verify the accuracy and precision of the proposed synchronous detection method for stress and thickness. This method has significant application prospects in the inspection or online monitoring of pressure vessels concerned with fatigue and corrosion performance.

Study on the Influence of Density and Water–Cement Ratio on the Cement Utilization, Fluidity, Mechanical Properties, and Water Absorption of Foam Concrete

In this paper, we study the influence of density and the water–cement (W/C) ratio on the slurry fluidity, compressive strength, and water absorption of foamed concrete (FC) and its mechanism of action, with the aim of proposing an optimal mix ratio for FC to reduce cement usage and carbon emissions in the construction industry and ensure the good overall performance of FC. In this experiment, two groups of experiments were designed using the control variable method. Fluidity and uniaxial compression tests showed that when the density was 600 kg/m3 and the W/C ratio was 0.6, the FC slurry had maximum fluidity, but its mechanical properties were poor and it collapsed easily. Conversely, by analyzing the uniaxial compressive strength/cement (UCS/C) ratio, it was observed that the mix ratio had a maximum cement utilization rate (W/C ratio) of 0.5 and a density of 1000 kg/m3. Nondestructive testing methods were used to measure the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and rebound value of the FC test block, and the strength and durability of FC were analyzed. The water absorption rate of the FC test block was tested, and the final analysis showed that the optimal mix ratio of FC in this test was W/C = 0.5, with a density of 1000 kg/m3.

Effect of visual biofeedback on fine motor function and activity daily of life in stroke patients: A pilot study

IntroductionMany stroke patients suffer from dysfunction in their upper limbs, which can lead to difficulties in performing activities of daily living (ADL) as well as social and work interactions. This is particularly true for patients whose dominant side has been affected. The aim of the current study was to explore how effective visual biofeedback could improve fine motor function in the hand and ADL for people suffering from a stroke. MethodsTen individuals who had experienced a stroke with aged from 60 to 74 years old (mean: 64.3 years) were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in study group (n: 5) received 15 sessions of visual biofeedback therapy along with routine occupational therapy. Control group (n: 5) received only routine occupational therapy. Fine motor function was measured by Fugl Meyer Scale (FMS), box and block test (BBT), and Purdue pegboard test (PPBT). Also, ADL was measured by functional independence measure (FIM). These clinical outcomes were evaluated before, after, and 1.5 months following the interventions. ResultsThe results showed that the study group experienced a significant increase in fine motor function after receiving visual biofeedback, compared to the control group. The ADL also improved in both the study and control groups after the intervention, but there was no significant difference between the two groups during the intervention and follow-up stages for ADL. ConclusionIt seems that combining biofeedback with routine occupational therapy could be a promising method to enhance fine motor function in individuals with stroke.

Automated self-adjustment of array probe with a robotic ultrasonic test system

Ultrasonic testing of objects with complex geometries often requires the use of a robotic arm to position the probe perpendicular to the local surface. Using immersion makes it possible to test these objects with standard ultrasonic linear array probes. Here, the probe positions and orientations provided by the robot are used for merging the locally acquired image data into a 3D-reconstruction. The quality of this reconstruction is highly dependent on the alignment of the position of the physical probe with the position used in the digital model. For common industrial tools, the tool center point (TCP) is usually acquired using geometric features of the tools. However, for ultrasonic arrays in immersion, there is a water standoff between the probe and the test object, therefore the TCP is in free space in front of the array and cannot be acquired with the common method. To overcome this challenge, we propose a method that allows the robotic ultrasonic system to automatically self-adjust the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe using a test block made of steel with defined geometric features as a target for referencing. For each of the six degrees of freedom, a scan and adjustment routine are established using the data based on the actual ultrasound characteristics of the probe. Given a coarse pre-definition of the tool position and the known target test block, minimal human interaction is required to supervise the adjustment method, leading to higher quality reconstructions than with manual adjustment.

Shear tests and meso-scale simulation of cold joint structures in rock-filled concrete: Considering the mutual contact effects between component materials

To realistically reflect the shear performance of the rock-filled concrete (RFC) between layers, this study relies on an RFC dam project in Guizhou Province. Test blocks, measuring 5 m × 4 m × 2 m with cold joints, were cast on site and subjected to shear tests. Additionally, a three-dimensional four-phase meso-model was developed, considering the mutual contact effects between component materials. The mechanical response and damage mechanism of the interlayer were analyzed using the cohesive zone model. The results confirm that the cohesive zone model effectively simulates interlayer cold joint structures. The damage modes of the RFC interlayer include cold joint debonding damage (Mode I) and plastic extrusion damage of self-compacting concrete (Mode II). As the exposed height of the rocks increases, the damage mode shifts from Mode I to Mode II, and higher normal stresses intensify Mode II damage. Meanwhile, the paths of crack extension depend on the distribution of shear-resistant rocks, with weak interfacial transition zones serving as “bridges’’ for crack propagation. The interlayer shear strength is positively correlated with the average exposed height of rocks and normal stresses, with the former having a more significant impact. Finally, the accuracy of the proposed shear strength prediction model for the RFC interlayer was validated by comparing it with results from other studies, providing useful references for meso-numerical modeling of RFC.

Preparation and properties of phosphogypsum-based calcined coal gangue composite cementitious materials

Phosphogypsum (PG) and coal gangue (CG), as the largest solid waste today, the effective utilization of this part of the resource can help to alleviate environmental pollution and resource waste. The aim of this study was to utilize the excellent thermal insulation properties of original PG and the regulation of hydration products by calcined coal gangue (CCG) to produce phosphogypsum-based calcined coal gangue composite cementitious materials (PBCM). The optimal ratio of PBCM was studied through a combination of mechanical properties and thermal insulation properties. Finally, the effect of the foam factor is further investigated. The results show that: CCG can be used as a silicon-rich material with gelling properties to regulate the hydration products generated. The test block with a foam content of 8% has the best performance, with a compressive strength of 2.53MPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.1427W/(m·K). The optimal experimental scheme obtained from the orthogonal test was as follows: The optimal experimental design obtained from orthogonal experiments was as follows: PG, quicklime (QL), sulfoaluminate cement (SAC) and foam contents were 45%, 8%, 8% and 8%, respectively. The CCG: cement and water-solid ratios (W/S) were 3:7 and 0.275, respectively. The development of high-performance composites presented in this study is conducive to enhancing waste utilization and provides a novel approach as well as a theoretical foundation for insulating building materials in practical engineering applications.

Ultrasonic Total Focusing Method Technology in Carbon Steel Butt Weld Application

Carbon steel butt welds are widely used in aircraft carrier, shipbuilding, railway, aerospace and other industries. As a new technology of ultrasonic non-destructive testing, Total Focusing Method (TFM) technology is a method of image reconstruction in which the value of each constituent datum of the image results from focused ultrasound. TFM may also be understood as a broad term encompassing a family of processing techniques for image reconstruction from full matrix capture (FMC). This paper compares resolution and focus between TFM and conventional phased array technology, by using phased array test block type B. The paper also introduces the testing system, including equipment, probe, wedge, calibration block as per ASME, PC analysis software, for detection of 21mm thickness carbon steel welds. In order to improve the defect detection ability, a customized software on board was designed based on TFM technology, and an appropriate propagation mode was adopted for different types of defects, such as longitudinal cracks on surface, lack of fusion, porosities, slag inclusions. The test results showing that compared with conventional phased array technology, the defect information such as length and depth detected by TFM are nearer to the actual situation, and the shape is closer to the physical one. TFM technology has more advantages in quantitative and qualitative capabilities in testing carbon steel butt welds, and can meet the requirements of on-site testing.

Functional outcome of mirror therapy versus task oriented training on hand function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy

Background. Unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) is a kind of spastic cerebral palsy which is characterized by atypical posture of upper limb, poor eye-hand coordination, and reduced hand skills. These symptoms can restrict a child’s ability to engage in life activities. Purpose. To compare the effectiveness of mirror therapy as well as task-oriented training on hand functions improvement among UCP children. Methods. Sixty children suffering from UCP were randomly allocated into three equal groups. A schemed physical therapy protocol was utilized to the control, mirror therapy (MT), and task-oriented training (TOT) groups. The protocols of mirror therapy and task-oriented training were administered to MT and TOT groups respectively. Assessments of upper extremity skills, hand dexterity, wrist extension range of motion, along with overall grip strength were conducted at baseline and after intervention using the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), Box and Block Test (BBT), universal goniometer, as well as pneumatic squeeze handheld dynamometer respectively. Throughout a total of twelve consecutive weeks, the intervention session was held three days a week. Results. The change amount in all measured hand outcomes were significantly improved following the intervention in all three groups, with the TOT group showing a larger significant effect. Conclusion. Task-oriented training had superior impact than mirror therapy in enhancing hand functions among children having UCP.

The Use of Diagnostic Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a Predictor of the Functional Outcome in Ischemic Stroke

ABSTRACT. Determination of rehabilitation potential (RP) is necessary for optimal rehabilitation strategy and the best rehabilitation measures. Navigational transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) has been proposed as a method for PR determination in after-stroke patients.THE AIM. was to study the importance of navigational diagnostic transcranial magnetic stimulation as a neurofunctional predictor of motor function recovery after ischemic stroke.MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study included 28 after-stroke patients, 19 men and 9 women, the mean age was 60.07±5.67 years, who underwent a course of inpatient medical rehabilitation at the Moscow Research and Practice Center for Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine named after S.I. Spasokukotsky in 2022–2023. Clinical examination and assessment were conducted before and after the rehabilitation course using validated scales and questionnaires — the Medical Research Committee (MRCs) scale, the Box and Block Test (BBT), the modified Rankin scale (mRS); the rehabilitation routing scale (RRS). The patients were also examined using nTMS at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine with the determination of motor evoked potential (MEP) parameters from the muscles of the upper and lower extremities.RESULTS. In patients with preserved MEP, there was a significant increase in the strength of the paretic limb on the MRCs scale from 4.00 (2.94–4.06) to 4.22 (3.83–4.89) points (p <0.001) for the upper limb and from 4.00 (3.67–4.00) to 4.44 (3.83–4.61) (p<0.001) for the lower limb. Improvements were revealed according to the mRS scale — the number of patients with an mRS score of 2 points in the group of patients with defined MEP increased by 26.1%, reached values of 1 point — 13.0% of patients, and the number of patients with an assessment of disability and self-care ability of 4 points decreased by 8.7%.CONCLUSION. Navigational transcranial magnetic stimulation is one of the methods for assessing the rehabilitation potential in patients with ischemic stroke. But TMS should not be used as the only method of evaluating rehabilitation potential. The assessment of RP should be comprehensive and based on the complex data obtained.

Effect of modified constraint-induced movement therapy along with bimanual massed practice on upper extremity functions in tetraplegics: a pilot study

Background and objectiveConstraint-induced movement therapy is a widely used rehabilitation program in the stroke population, but its application in spinal cord injury is limited. The objective of the study is to determine the feasibility of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) in incomplete tetraplegia exhibiting upper limb weakness and activities of daily living (ADLs) difficulty.MethodThis is a quasi-experimental one-group pilot study, consisting of 12 subjects diagnosed with incomplete tetraplegia. They received 2-h sessions of modified constraint-induced movement therapy of the weaker hand along with a 1-h session of bimanual massed practice, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Apart from this, they were asked to do 3 h of constrained-induced movement therapy daily 5 days a week for 3 weeks at their home as a part of a home exercise program. Box and block test (BBT) and Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III (SCIM-III) were taken as the primary measure, and manual function test (MFT) and capabilities for upper extremity (CUE) were used as secondary measures to access hand functions and ADLs. Subjects were examined during pre-intervention and post-intervention.ResultsAfter 3 weeks of intervention, the mean change of the score for the trained hand showed significant changes in the scores of the box and block test (p = 0.03), manual function test (p = 0.02), SCIM-III (p = 0.03), and CUE (p = 0.02).ConclusionThis preliminary study revealed that modified CIMT may be a feasible and effective alternative for hand rehabilitation in incomplete tetraplegia.

Finite element study on the mechanism of the influence of pretension force and block strength on the shear resistance of the anchor cable with C-shaped tube

To prevent the early breakage of anchor cables under shear loads in support engineering, a combined structure of Anchor Cable with C-shaped Tube (ACC) has been proposed. The shear resistance enhancement mechanism of this structure and the mechanisms of various influencing factors have yet to be fully revealed. A refined nonlinear finite element model of ACC was original established using ABAQUS software, taking into account the actual structure of the steel strands and the interactions, such as contact and failure between the various components. Various anchor cable pretension forces and block strengths were set to investigate their effects on the shear mechanical response of ACC. The results successfully demonstrated a high correlation between peak shear load and pretension force. The results demonstrate that an increase in pretension force reduces the ACC’s peak shear load and break displacement. Additionally, the structure exhibited higher flexural stiffness, the block strength was mobilized earlier, and the block failed locally more quickly. Under high pretension forces, the system exhibited higher shear stiffness in the early stages of shearing due to the influence of the axial force component. With low pretension forces, the ACC exhibited a larger break displacement due to the minor tensile deformation at the shear plane position for the same shear displacement. At low pretension forces, the structure’s bending angle increased more rapidly during the middle and later stages of shearing, accompanied by a larger break displacement. Both of these factors led to a greater bending angle at the shear plane position at the point of failure. The results reveal the characteristic of the peak shear load initially increasing and then decreasing with the increase in test block strength, along with its underlying mechanism. As the block strength increased, the bending angle of the structure at the shear plane position increased more rapidly, resulting in higher shear stiffness. With high block strength, the combination of smaller break displacement and greater shear stiffness led to an initial increase followed by a decrease in peak shear load. A comprehensive RSSB (Relative Stiffness between Structure and Test Block) that considers both structural and test block stiffness was proposed. The deformation pattern of the structure was controlled by the RSSB. The higher the RSSB, the wider the plastic hinge extension range for the same shear displacement, the smaller the bending angle at the shear plane position, and the smaller the maximum curvature of the structure. The contact force of the C-shaped tube generally exhibited a “single peak” distribution. As the shear displacement increased, the peak position of the contact force moved away from the shear plane, and the maximum contact force increased rapidly and remained relatively stable. At the end of the shearing process, the contact force of the C-shaped tube exhibited a “double peak” distribution.

Effects of wearable device training on upper limb motor function in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the effect of wearable device training on improving upper limb motor function in patients who experienced strokes. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, and VIP databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effectiveness of wearable device training in improving upper limb motor function in patients with stroke. Two investigators independently screened studies by their titles and abstracts and cross-checked, downloaded, and evaluated the results. Disagreements were resolved by a third highly experienced researcher. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (registration No. CRD42023421633). This study comprised 508 patients from 14 RCTs. The experimental group assessed various wearable devices, including 3D-printed dynamic orthoses, inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, electrical stimulation devices, and virtual reality (VR) devices for virtual interactive training. The control group received traditional rehabilitation therapies, including physical and conventional rehabilitation. The experimental group scored better on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-UE) scale (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07, 0.45) and Box and Block Test (BBT) (SMD 0.43, 95% CI 0.17, 0.69) versus controls. No significant intergroup differences were observed in the Action Research Arm Test (SMD 0.20, 95% CI -0.15, 0.55), motor activity log (mean difference [MD] 0.32, 95% CI -0.54, 0.33), and modified Ashworth scale (MD -0.08, 95% CI -0.81, 0.64). The probability rankings of wearable devices that improved FMA-UE scores in patients with stroke were: orthotic devices, with the highest probability ranking of 0.45, followed by sensor devices at 0.23, electrical stimulation devices at 0.21, and VR devices at 0.11. Wearable device training was found to significantly improve upper limb motor function in patients with stroke, particularly for large-range movements. Improvements in FMA-UE and BBT scores reflected reduced impairment and enhanced manual dexterity, respectively. However, the training had no significant effect on hand movement frequency, fine motor skills, or spasticity. Among the different wearable devices tested, orthoses produced the most effective results.

Grasping rehabilitation using motor imagery with or without neurofeedback after tetraplegia: a study protocol for a bicentric randomised controlled trial

IntroductionTetraplegia causes extensive sensorimotor deficits affecting activity, participation and quality of life. People with C6-C7 tetraplegia can learn to grasp objects by performing wrist extension movement (ie, tenodesis grasp), and...

An Efficient Method for Identifying Inter-Well Connectivity Using AP Clustering and Graphical Lasso: Validation with Tracer Test Results

Identifying inter-well connectivity is crucial for optimizing reservoir development and facilitating informed adjustments. While current engineering methods are effective, they are often prohibitively expensive due to the complex nature of reservoir conditions. In contrast, methods that utilize historical production data to identify inter-well connectivity offer faster and more cost-effective alternatives. However, when faced with incomplete dynamic data—such as long-term shut-ins and data gaps—these methods may yield substantial errors in correlation results. To address this issue, we have developed an unsupervised machine learning algorithm that integrates sparse inverse covariance estimation with affinity propagation clustering to map and analyze dynamic oil field data. This methodology enables the extraction of inter-well topological structures, facilitating the automatic clustering of producers and the quantitative identification of connectivity between injectors and producers. To mitigate errors associated with sparse production data, our approach employs sparse inverse covariance estimation for preprocessing the production performance data of the wells. This preprocessing step enhances the robustness and accuracy of subsequent clustering and connectivity analyses. The algorithm’s stability and reliability were rigorously evaluated using long-term tracer test results from a test block in an actual reservoir, covering a span of over a decade. The results of the algorithm were compared with those of the tracer test to evaluate its accuracy, precision rate, recall rate, and correlation. The clustering results indicate that wells with similar characteristics and production systems are automatically grouped into distinct clusters, reflecting the underlying geological understanding. The algorithm successfully divided the test block into four macro-regions, consistent with geological interpretations. Furthermore, the algorithm effectively identified the inter-well connectivity between injectors and producers, with connectivity magnitudes aligning closely with actual tracer test data. Overall, the algorithm achieved a precision rate of 79.17%, a recall rate of 90.48%, and an accuracy of 91.07%. This congruence validates the algorithm’s effectiveness in the quantitative analysis of inter-well connectivity and demonstrates significant potential for enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of inter-well connectivity identification.

Enhance Key Stage Generation for Developing Kasumi Encryption Algorithm

Today, data security is a critical component of the efficient performance of every organization's diverse requirement, one of the important requirements is to provide a secure connection for data transmission in organization's networks. Cryptography algorithms are used to protect transmitted data from unauthorized access. Every day, a great deal of research is being done. The process of encrypting data is currently under development. Therefore, a substantial technological or research effort is still required. Cellular networks and secure communication. This proposal calls for the development of a new encryption system based on Using random keys in all the rounds. That’s mean we generated random keys as 128 bits for each round and save it in an array with size (8×8) because we have 8 rounds and each key divided into 8 sub keys as 16 bits for each to use in encryption and decryption. The developed random keys and traditional algorithm keys were tested with statistical tests of NIST, which made up a comparison and conclusion that the developed keys have a higher randomness specially in linear complexity, Frequency within block and random excursion tests, which leads to a better quality of encryption. Then we could test the cipher text with frequency within block test that was evaluated by (0.49590998713105255) and the approximate entropy test that was evaluated by (0.4922198616875501) for each cipher text which resulted from standard and modified Kasumi algorithm that’s means we can conclude that our modified Kasumi algorithm achieved more secure data in its resulted cipher text.

Enhance Key Stage Generation for Developing Kasumi Encryption Algorithm

Today, data security is a critical component of the efficient performance of every organization's diverse requirement, one of the important requirements is to provide a secure connection for data transmission in organization's networks. Cryptography algorithms are used to protect transmitted data from unauthorized access. Every day, a great deal of research is being done. The process of encrypting data is currently under development. Therefore, a substantial technological or research effort is still required. Cellular networks and secure communication. This proposal calls for the development of a new encryption system based on Using random keys in all the rounds. That’s mean we generated random keys as 128 bits for each round and save it in an array with size (8×8) because we have 8 rounds and each key divided into 8 sub keys as 16 bits for each to use in encryption and decryption. The developed random keys and traditional algorithm keys were tested with statistical tests of NIST, which made up a comparison and conclusion that the developed keys have a higher randomness specially in linear complexity, Frequency within block and random excursion tests, which leads to a better quality of encryption. Then we could test the cipher text with frequency within block test that was evaluated by (0.49590998713105255) and the approximate entropy test that was evaluated by (0.4922198616875501) for each cipher text which resulted from standard and modified Kasumi algorithm that’s means we can conclude that our modified Kasumi algorithm achieved more secure data in its resulted cipher text.

A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Pilot Study of Electroacupuncture with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Improving Motor Function in Stroke Patients

Objectives: This study aimed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) with transcranial direct current electrical stimulation (tDCS) on motor function improvement in stroke patients.Methods: This study was conducted on patients diagnosed with stroke more than 2 weeks but within 12 months of onset. A total of 22 patients were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received EA and tDCS treatment, while the control group received sham EA and sham tDCS treatment. Assessments were conducted using the Korean version of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (K-FMA) scores, grip and pinch strength tests, Box and Block test (BBT), Nine-hole peg test (9HPT), Berg balance scale (BBS), and the Korean version the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) scores. Adverse events were recorded at each intervention.Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in general characteristics between the two groups. The K-FMA, BBS, and K-MBI scores of both groups increased significantly after the intervention, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Although hand strength and dexterity improved after intervention in both groups, the changes were not statistically significant. In the experimental group, the lateral pinch score increased significantly after the intervention, but this increase was not significant compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups. All nine reported adverse reactions were minor, with no moderate or severe adverse reactions reported.Conclusion: This study confirmed the potential effectiveness and safety of EA with tDCS in improving motor function in stroke patients.

Video Game Skills across Diverse Genres and Cognitive Functioning in Early Adulthood: Verbal and Visuospatial Short-Term and Working Memory, Hand-Eye Coordination, and Empathy.

The cognitive and affective impacts of video games are subjects of ongoing debate, with recent research recognizing their potential benefits. This study employs the Gaming Skill Questionnaire (GSQ) to evaluate participants' gaming skills across six genres and overall proficiency. A total of 88 individuals aged 20-40 participated, completing assessments of empathy and six cognitive abilities: verbal short-term memory, verbal working memory, visuospatial short-term memory, visuospatial working memory, psychomotor speed (hand-eye coordination), and attention. Participants' cognitive abilities were examined using the Digit Span Test, Corsi Block Test, and Deary-Liewald Reaction Time Task, while empathy was assessed using the Empathy Quotient Questionnaire. Findings indicate that higher levels of videogaming proficiency are linked to improvements in visuospatial short-term and working memory, psychomotor speed, and attention. Specific genres enhanced particular skills: RPGs were positively associated with both verbal working memory and visuospatial short-term memory, but were negatively associated with empathy; action games improved psychomotor speed and attention; and puzzle games showed a positive relationship with visuospatial working memory. These results add to ongoing research on the cognitive and affective effects of video games, suggesting their potential to enhance specific cognitive functions. They also highlight the complex relationship between video games and empathy. Future research should explore the long-term impacts and genre-specific effects.

Spanish translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Box and Block Test: a pilot study in adults with chronic acquired brain injury.

Background The Box and Block Test (BBT) is a highly recommended outcome measure to assess unilateral gross motor activity of the upper limbs. The BBT has not previously been available in a version adapted to the Spanish context. Thus, this study aimed to cross-culturally adapt and translate the BBT's instructions and pilot test the Spanish version of BBT in adults with acquired brain injury (ABI). Methods The BBT was translated and cross-culturally adapted following standard procedures. An expert committee approved the final Spanish version of BBT and it was conceptually validated by four therapists with expertise in ABI. The tool was tested on 14 adults with ABI. Results The Spanish version of BBT included a new section of materials for the test and a record to count the number of blocks transferred from one compartment of the box to the other. Following the pilot study, a modification in terminology was implemented for referring to the dominant and non-dominant hands. Conclusions Our results suggest that the Spanish version of BBT is suitable for assessing manual dexterity in Spanish-speaking adults with ABI.

Sensitive Monitoring of the Minimum Inhibitor Concentration under Real Inorganic Scaling Scenarios.

Flow assurance is a long-term challenge for oil and gas exploration as it plays a key role in designing safe and efficient operation techniques to ensure the uninterrupted transport of reservoir fluids. In this regard, the sensitive monitoring of the scale formation process is important by providing an accurate assessment of the minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC) of antiscale products. The optimum dosage of antiscale inputs is of pivotal relevance as their application at concentrations both lower and higher than MIC can imply pipeline blockages, critically hindering the entire supply chain of oil-related inputs and products to society. Using a simple and low-cost impedimetric platform, we here address the monitoring of the scale formation on stainless-steel capillaries from its early stages under real topside (ambient pressure and 60 °C) and subsea (1000 psi and 80 °C) sceneries of the oil industry. The method could continuously gauge the scale formation with a sensitivity higher than the conventional approach, i.e., the tube blocking test (TBT), which proved to be mandatory for avoiding misleading inferences on the MIC. In fact, whereas our sensor could entail accurate MICs, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, TBT suffered from negative deviations, with the predicted MICs being lower than the real values. Importantly, the impedance measurements were performed through a hand-held, user-friendly workstation. In this way, our method is envisioned to deliver an attractive and readily deployable platform to combat the scale formation issues because it can continuously monitor the salt precipitation from its early stages and yield the accurate determination of MIC.