3D Elbow Kinematics with Monoplanar Fluoroscopy: In Silico Evaluation

An in-silico assessment of the performance of 3D video-fluoroscopy for the analysis of the kinematics of long bones is proposed. A reliable knowledge of in-vivo joints kinematics in physiological conditions is fundamental in the clinical field. 3D video-fluoroscopy theoretically permits a mm/deg level of accuracy in joint motion analysis, but the optimization algorithm for the pose estimation is highly dependent on the geometry of the bone segment analyzed. An automated technique based on distance maps and tangency condition was applied to the elbow bones. The convergence domain was explored to quantify and optimize measurement accuracy in terms of bias and precision. By conditioning the optimization algorithm using simple image features, the estimation error had small dispersion (interquartile range within 0.5 and 0.025 mm/deg for out-of-plane and in-plane pose parameters, resp.), but with occasional bias and outliers. 3D video-fluoroscopy produced promising results for the elbow joint, but further in-vitro validation studies should be carried out

A Lightweight Multi-Scale Convolutional Neural Network for P300 Decoding: Analysis of Training Strategies and Uncovering of Network Decision

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which automatically learn features from raw data to approximate functions, are being increasingly applied to the end-to-end analysis of electroencephalographic (EEG) signals, especially for decoding brain states in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Nevertheless, CNNs introduce a large number of trainable parameters, may require long training times, and lack in interpretability of learned features. The aim of this study is to propose a CNN design for P300 decoding with emphasis on its lightweight design while guaranteeing high performance, on the effects of different training strategies, and on the use of post-hoc techniques to explain network decisions. The proposed design, named MS-EEGNet, learned temporal features in two different timescales (i.e., multi-scale, MS) in an efficient and optimized (in terms of trainable parameters) way, and was validated on three P300 datasets. The CNN was trained using different strategies (within-participant and within-session, within-participant and cross-session, leave-one-subject-out, transfer learning) and was compared with several state-of-the-art (SOA) algorithms. Furthermore, variants of the baseline MS-EEGNet were analyzed to evaluate the impact of different hyper-parameters on performance. Lastly, saliency maps were used to derive representations of the relevant spatio-temporal features that drove CNN decisions. MS-EEGNet was the lightest CNN compared with the tested SOA CNNs, despite its multiple timescales, and significantly outperformed the SOA algorithms. Post-hoc hyper-parameter analysis confirmed the benefits of the innovative aspects of MS-EEGNet. Furthermore, MS-EEGNet did benefit from transfer learning, especially using a low number of training examples, suggesting that the proposed approach could be used in BCIs to accurately decode the P300 event while reducing calibration times. Representations derived from the saliency maps matched the P300 spatio-temporal distribution, further validating the proposed decoding approach. This study, by specifically addressing the aspects of lightweight design, transfer learning, and interpretability, can contribute to advance the development of deep learning algorithms for P300-based BCIs

ON-BOARD AND PRE-FLIGHT MECHANICAL MODEL OF YURCHENKO ONE TWIST ON VAULT: IMPLICATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE

The aim of this study was to point out the biomechanical explanation of the judges’ detection of scores relative to the on-board and pre-flight phases of the Yurchenko vault with one twist on (table). In an attempt to identify the weakness of technique and then to diagnose the likely causes of a poor performance, an extensive analysis was undertaken using a deterministic model. The 4 female gymnasts performing YU vault one twist on during the 2006 Italian Championship for Clubs were filmed by three cameras operating at 100Hz. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to establish the strength of the relationship between the mechanical variables of the model and the judges` detection of points. Significant correlations indicated that the loss of credit depended mostly on angular variables. Firstly, low angular velocity of the center of mass (CM) at the impact of the board, then the small angular displacement of CM and high shoulder angular velocity produced on board and finally, a smaller hip extension and a larger shoulders extension at the take off from the board. In addition, other vertical variables determined a worst result: the lack of height of the CM at takeoff from the board, the decreased displacement of the CM on the board and the loss of the vertical velocity on the board

Leaf protein availability in food: Significance of the binding of phenolic compounds to ribulose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase

Abstract The binding of phenolic compounds to ribulose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase (RubisCO) is known to give rise to some digestive problems in human beings. In fact, the biological value of protein and hence the Protein Efficiency Ratio and Net Protein Utilization decrease drastically. For this reason the binding of phenolic compounds (e.g. rutin and chlorogenic acid) to ribulose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase (RubisCO) was studied by means of ultrafiltration techniques in order to better elucidate the nature of this interaction and the factors influencing it in an attempt to limit or avoid it. RubisCO behaviour was also compared with that of Bovine Serum Albumin. A multivariate approach was used to determine the most influencing variables and their effects on binding. A classical binding study with the aim of determining the binding stoichiometry was also carried out. pH was found to be the most important variable affecting the binding of rutin to RubisCO as well as rutin to Bovine Serum Albumin while contact time became relevant when operating in sub-alkaline pH conditions. Classical binding analysis was carried out at pH 7.0 to 7.3 by both direct partition and diafiltration methods. A total number of five binding sites was determined, with two kinds of binding mechanisms, one of which was hydrophobic. The diafiltration method can be considered a useful tool when high affinity interactions are studied; RubisCO protein stability was disturbed by stirring, but this allowed an increased affinity of aggregated RubisCO to chlorogenic acid to be noted. This might have important consequences on RubisCO extraction technology since the most critical phase of phenolic contamination is the crystallization-precipitation step

A BIOMECHANICAL COMPARISON OF JUMPING TECHNIQUES IN THE VOLLEYBALL BLOCK AND SPIKE

The present case study kinematically analysed the spike and the block movements of a single volleyball player. The aim was to verify the hypothesis that for a right handed player the spike approach and the cross-over step in blocking after a move to the left are similar in coordination, whereas moving to the right before blocking requires a different movement pattern. The spatial and temporal variables of the jumps and the joint angles of the lower limbs during the countermovement were analysed. The results showed a high repeatability of the collected data. The similarity between the spike and the block when moving to the left confirmed the hypothesis. These results from a single subject should be extended by further studies of more athletes of varying skill levels

A Comparison between Non-Localized Post-Activation Performance Enhancements Following Resistance Exercise for the Upper and the Lower Body

The aim of the present investigation was to compare the acute non-localized post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) of an exercise protocol involving either the upper or the lower body muscles. Twenty-four resistance trained men participated in the present study and were randomly assigned to an upper body (UB) or to a lower body (LB) group. Both groups tested for upper and lower body power (bench press throw (BPT) and countermovement jump power (CMJP) tests). Participants in the UB group were tested pre and post a high-intensity (HI) and a high-power (POW) bench press protocol while participants in the LB group performed a HI squat and a jump session (POW). A significant group × time interaction was found for CMJP in HI (p = 0.012). Post hoc tests revealed that CMJP was elevated in UB group only (+1.6%; p = 0.025). No other significant interactions were detected. Results of this study indicate that a non-localized PAPE on the lower body may be induced by a HI bench press protocol while a HI squat protocol may not increase upper body power. In particular, the squat protocol performed in the present study (5 sets of 1 rep) may be too demanding to produce a non-localized PAPE

On tasks and soft skills in operations and supply chain management: analysis and evidence from the O*NET database

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to identify the soft skills and abilities that are crucial to success in the fields of operations management (OM) and supply chain management (SCM), using the ONET database and the classification of a set of professional figures integrating values for task skills and abilities needed to operate successfully in these professions. Design/methodology/approach: The study used the ONET database to identify the soft skills and abilities required for success in OM and SCM industries. Correlation analysis was conducted to determine the tasks required for the job roles and their characteristics in terms of abilities and soft skills. ANOVA analysis was used to validate the findings. The study aims to help companies define specific assessments and tests for OM and SCM roles to measure individual attitudes and correlate them with the job position. Findings: As a result of the work, a set of soft skills and abilities was defined that allow, through correlation analysis, to explain a large number of activities required to work in the operations and SCM (OSCM) environment. Research limitations/implications: The work is inherently affected by the database used for the professional figures mapped and the scores that are attributed within ONET to the analyzed elements. Practical implications: The information resulting from this study can help companies develop specific assessments and tests for the roles of OM and SCM to measure individual attitudes and correlate them with the requirements of the job position. The study aims to address the need to identify soft skills in the human sphere and determine which of them have the most significant impact on the OM and SCM professions. Originality/value: The originality of this study lies in its approach to identify the set of soft skills and abilities that determine success in the OM and SCM industries. The study used the ONET database to correlate the tasks required for specific job roles with their corresponding soft skills and abilities. Furthermore, the study used ANOVA analysis to validate the findings in other sectors mapped by the same database. The identified soft skills and abilities can help companies develop specific assessments and tests for OM and SCM roles to measure individual attitudes and correlate them with the requirements of the job position. In addressing the necessity for enhanced clarity in the domain of human factor, this study contributes to identifying key success factors. Subsequent research can further investigate their practical application within companies to formulate targeted growth strategies and make appropriate resource selections for vacant positions

Arm-stroke descriptor variability during 200-M front crawl swimming

The present study aimed to explore the variability of the arm-stroke temporal descriptors between and within laps during middle-distance swimming event using IMMUs. Eight male swimmers performed a 200-m maximum front-crawl in which the inter-lap and intra-lap variability of velocity, stroke rate, stroke-phases duration and arm-coordination index were measured through five units of IMMU. An algorithm computes the 3D coordinates of the wrist by means the IMMU orientation and the kinematic chain of upper arm biomechanical model, and it recognizes the start events of the four arm-stroke phases. Velocity and stroke rate had a mean value of 1.47 ± 0.10 m·s−1 and 32.94 ± 4.84 cycles·min−1, respectively, and a significant decrease along the 200-m (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.80 and 0.47). The end of each lap showed significantly lower stroke rate compared to the start and the middle segment (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.55). No other significant inter-lap and intra-lap differences were detected. The two main findings are: (i) IMMUs technology can be an effective solution to continuously monitor the temporal descriptors during the swimming trial; (ii) swimmers are able to keep stable their temporal technique descriptors in a middle-distance event, despite the decrease of velocity and stroke rate

Modulations of Cortical Power and Connectivity in Alpha and Beta Bands during the Preparation of Reaching Movements

Planning goal-directed movements towards different targets is at the basis of common daily activities (e.g., reaching), involving visual, visuomotor, and sensorimotor brain areas. Alpha (8-13 Hz) and beta (13-30 Hz) oscillations are modulated during movement preparation and are implicated in correct motor functioning. However, how brain regions activate and interact during reaching tasks and how brain rhythms are functionally involved in these interactions is still limitedly explored. Here, alpha and beta brain activity and connectivity during reaching preparation are investigated at EEG-source level, considering a network of task-related cortical areas. Sixty-channel EEG was recorded from 20 healthy participants during a delayed center-out reaching task and projected to the cortex to extract the activity of 8 cortical regions per hemisphere (2 occipital, 2 parietal, 3 peri-central, 1 frontal). Then, we analyzed event-related spectral perturbations and directed connectivity, computed via spectral Granger causality and summarized using graph theory centrality indices (in degree, out degree). Results suggest that alpha and beta oscillations are functionally involved in the preparation of reaching in different ways, with the former mediating the inhibition of the ipsilateral sensorimotor areas and disinhibition of visual areas, and the latter coordinating disinhibition of the contralateral sensorimotor and visuomotor areas

Anaerobic Digestion of Spoiled Milk in Batch Reactors: Technical and Economic Feasibility☆

Abstract The economic feasibility of the energy conversion through anaerobic digestion of spoiled milk was assessed for the microscale biogas production and heating value was determined experimentally on a pilot plant with a mixture of spoiled milk and an inoculum previously optimized with Anaerobic Biomethanation Potential tests. Results shows that the feasibility of a 100 kWel plant is characterized by a quite short return time of the investment. Considering a discount rate of 5% and a timespan of investment equal to 20 years, payback period is equal to 8-9 years, Net Present Value is equal to 806,903 € and Internal Rate of Return is equal to 16%