Effect of a unilateral hind limb orthotic lift on upper body movement symmetry in the trotting horse

In trotting horses, movement asymmetry is associated with ground reaction force asymmetry. In humans, limb length differences influence contralateral force production. Here we investigate whether horses, in immediate reaction to limb length changes, show movement asymmetry adaptations consistent with reported force differences. Aim of this study was to quantify pelvic and compensatory head and withers movement asymmetry as a function of limb length changes after application of orthotic lifts. In this experimental study movement asymmetry of eleven trotting horses was calculated from vertical displacement of poll, withers, sacrum and left and right tuber coxae with inertial sensors. Horses were assessed in-hand under 5 conditions (all with hind limb boots): without orthotic lifts, and with a 15mm or 30mm orthotic lift applied to the left hind or right hind. A linear mixed model investigated the influence of orthotic lift condition (P<0.05, pairwise posthoc Bonferroni correction). Pelvic movement asymmetry showed increased pelvic downward movement during stance of the shorter limb and increased pelvic upward movement during and after stance of the longer limb (P<0.001) with asymmetry changes of 3-7mm (4-10mm) for 15mm (30mm) lifts. Hip hike (tuber coxae movement asymmetry) was unaffected (P = 0.348). Head and withers movement asymmetry were affected less consistently (2 of 3 respectively 1 of 3 head or withers parameters). The small sample size of the study reduced generalizability, no direct force measurements were conducted and only immediate effects of orthotic lifts were assessed with no re-assessments days or weeks after. Conclusions about mechanical consequences (weight bearing, pushoff) are based on published movement-force associations. Pelvic movement asymmetry with an artificial change in limb length through application of an orthotic lift indicates increased weight support with the shorter limb and increased pushoff with the longer limb. This may be of relevance for the management of horses with different hoof shapes between contralateral limbs, for example some chronically lame horse

Can Pre-Storm Errors in the Low-Level Inflow Help Predict Spatial Displacement Errors in MCS Initiation

The Great Plains low-level jet (LLJ) is a contributing factor to the initiation and evolution of nocturnal Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) in the central United States by supplying moisture, warm air advection, and a source of convergence. Thus, the ability of models to correctly depict thermodynamics in the LLJ likely influences how accurately they forecast MCSs. In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model was used to examine the relationship between spatial displacement errors for initiating simulated MCSs, and errors in forecast thermodynamic variables up to three hours before downstream MCS initiation in 18 cases. Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) analyses in 3 layers below 1500 m above ground level were used to represent observations. Correlations between simulated MCS initiation spatial displacements and errors in the magnitude of forecast thermodynamic variables were examined in regions near and upstream of both observed and simulated MCSs, and were found to vary depending on the synoptic environment. In strongly-forced cases, large negative moisture errors resulted in simulated MCSs initiating further downstream with respect to the low-level flow from those observed. For weakly-forced cases, correlations were weaker, with a tendency for smaller negative moisture errors to be associated with larger displacement errors to the right of the inflow direction for initiating MCSs.This article is published as Vertz, Nicholas J., William A. Gallus Jr, and Brian J. Squitieri. "Can pre-storm errors in the low-level inflow help predict spatial displacement errors in MCS initiation?." Atmosphere 12, no. 1 (2020): 7. DOI: 10.3390/atmos12010007. Copyright 2020 by the authors. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). Posted with permission

Can Pre-Storm Errors in the Low-Level Inflow Help Predict Spatial Displacement Errors in MCS Initiation?

The Great Plains low-level jet (LLJ) is a contributing factor to the initiation and evolution of nocturnal Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) in the central United States by supplying moisture, warm air advection, and a source of convergence. Thus, the ability of models to correctly depict thermodynamics in the LLJ likely influences how accurately they forecast MCSs. In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model was used to examine the relationship between spatial displacement errors for initiating simulated MCSs, and errors in forecast thermodynamic variables up to three hours before downstream MCS initiation in 18 cases. Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) analyses in 3 layers below 1500 m above ground level were used to represent observations. Correlations between simulated MCS initiation spatial displacements and errors in the magnitude of forecast thermodynamic variables were examined in regions near and upstream of both observed and simulated MCSs, and were found to vary depending on the synoptic environment. In strongly-forced cases, large negative moisture errors resulted in simulated MCSs initiating further downstream with respect to the low-level flow from those observed. For weakly-forced cases, correlations were weaker, with a tendency for smaller negative moisture errors to be associated with larger displacement errors to the right of the inflow direction for initiating MCSs

Speech-Language Pathologists and Disaster Management: Team Roles

Purpose: Disaster management is a topic that is multi-faceted and intricately maintained by professionals who volunteer their expertise and time to assist those who have been affected by an unforeseen disaster. Creating a well-rounded and effective team is of immense importance during disaster situations. Speech-language pathologists can provide vital skills in the realm of communication, feeding, and other areas. However, the role of speech language pathologists within the disaster management team is not well documented in the literature. The purpose of the study was to identify awareness, involvement, and training of speech language pathologists in disaster management stages through exploration of their self-reported knowledge, skills, and roles to better understand their likelihood of response and potential collaborative roles within a disaster management team. Method: To gather data on self-reported awareness, knowledge, skills, participation, training, and perceptions of speech language pathologists as part of the disaster management stage, a cross-sectional survey study was designed. The study specifically targeted licensed speech language pathologists within the state of Florida. Results: There were 216 viable survey responses to analyze. Descriptive and correlational analyses were conducted to examine how speech-language professionals perceive their fit in the arena of disaster management. Speech language pathologists who responded to this survey were primarily white, 40–49-year-old females who had experienced some form of disaster. Most respondents reported receiving no training in disaster management; however, they indicated that speech language pathologists and other healthcare professionals have unique skills that could contribute to disaster management stages. Although there was reportedly limited training and guidance available and minimal professional experience with disaster, speech language pathologists who reported having professional experience with disaster stages, indicated an increased likelihood of participating in future disaster management. Conclusions: Similar to interdisciplinary teams found in clinical practice, healthcare professionals need training and education about their roles to form teams to address the needs of individuals in all disaster management stages. Analyses indicated that speech language pathologists perceive themselves, and other healthcare professionals, could provide meaningful contributions to the disaster management team; however, they have not had adequate professional experience or training

The nationalization of electoral cycles in the United States : a wavelet analysis

We take a new look at electoral sectionalism and dynamic nationalization in presidential elections. We treat this problem as one of synchronism of electoral cycles, which we estimate by using wavelets. After providing a self-contained introduction to wavelet analysis, we use it to assess the degree and the dynamics of electoral synchronization in the United States. We determine clusters of states where electoral swings have been more and less in sync with each other and with the national cycle. Then, we analyze how the degree of synchronism of electoral cycles has changed through time, answering questions as to when, to what extent, and where has a tendency towards a "universality of political trends" in presidential elections been more strongly felt. We present evidence strongly in favor of an increase in the dynamic nationalization of presidential elections taking place since the 1950s, largely associated with a convergence in most (if not all) Southern states.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)FEDERQRENCOMPET