Analysis of the international competitiveness of the U.S. commercial shipbuilding and repair industries.

Mode of access: Internet.

Athletic groin pain (part 2): a prospective cohort study on the biomechanical evaluation of change of direction identifies three clusters of movement patterns

Background: Athletic groin pain (AGP) is prevalent in sports involving repeated accelerations, decelerations, kicking and change-of-direction movements. Clinical and radiological examinations lack the ability to assess pathomechanics of AGP, but three-dimensional biomechanical movement analysis may be an important innovation. Aim: The primary aim was to describe and analyse movements used by patients with AGP during a maximum effort change-of-direction task. The secondary aim was to determine if specific anatomical diagnoses were related to a distinct movement strategy. Methods: 322 athletes with a current symptom of chronic AGP participated. Structured and standardised clinical assessments and radiological examinations were performed on all participants. Additionally, each participant performed multiple repetitions of a planned maximum effort change-of-direction task during which whole body kinematics were recorded. Kinematic and kinetic data were examined using continuous waveform analysis techniques in combination with a subgroup design that used gap statistic and hierarchical clustering. Results: Three subgroups (clusters) were identified. Kinematic and kinetic measures of the clusters differed strongly in patterns observed in thorax, pelvis, hip, knee and ankle. Cluster 1 (40%) was characterised by increased ankle eversion, external rotation and knee internal rotation and greater knee work. Cluster 2 (15%) was characterised by increased hip flexion, pelvis contralateral drop, thorax tilt and increased hip work. Cluster 3 (45%) was characterised by high ankle dorsiflexion, thorax contralateral drop, ankle work and prolonged ground contact time. No correlation was observed between movement clusters and clinically palpated location of the participant's pain. Conclusions: We identified three distinct movement strategies among athletes with long-standing groin pain during a maximum effort change-of-direction task. These movement strategies were not related to clinical assessment findings but highlighted targets for rehabilitation in response to possible propagative mechanisms. Trial registration number NCT02437942, pre results.

Fall of a transfemoral amputee fitted with osseointegrated fixation : loading impact on residuum

This study presented the characteristics of the loading impact on the residuum of a transfemoral amputee fitted with an osseointegrated fixation during a fall for the first time. The maximum force (1,145 N = 132 % of the body weight and moments (153 N.m) were applied on the long and medio-lateral axes, respectively, approximately 0.85 s after heel contact of the prosthesis.

Load during prosthetic gait : is direct measurement better than inverse dynamics?

The knee forces and moments estimated by inverse dynamics and directly measured by a multiaxial transducer were compared during the gait of a transfemoral amputee. The estimated and directly measured forces and moments were relatively close. However, 3D inverse dynamics estimated only partially the forces and moments associated with the deformation of the prosthetic foot and locking of knee mechanism.

Relationship of moderate and low isometric lumbar extension through architectural and muscular activity variables: a cross sectional study

Background No study relating the changes obtained in the architecture of erector spinae (ES) muscle were registered with ultrasound and different intensities of muscle contraction recorded by surface EMG (electromyography) on the ES muscle was found. The aim of this study was analyse the relationship in the response of the ES muscle during isometric moderate and light lumbar isometric extension considering architecture and functional muscle variables. Methods Cross-sectional study. 46 subjects (52% men) with a group mean age of 30.4 (±7.78). The participants developed isometric lumbar extension while performing moderate and low isometric trunk and hip extension in a sitting position with hips flexed 90 degrees and the lumbar spine in neutral position. During these measurements, electromyography recordings and ultrasound images were taken bilaterally. Bilaterally pennation angle, muscle thickness, torque and muscle activation were measured. This study was developed at the human movement analysis laboratory of the Health Science Faculty of the University of Malaga (Spain). Results Strong and moderate correlations were found at moderate and low intensities contraction between the variable of the same intensity, with correlation values ranging from 0.726 (Torque Moderate – EMG Left Moderate) to 0.923 (Angle Left Light – Angle Right Light) (p < 0.001). This correlation is observed between the variables that describe the same intensity of contraction, showing a poor correlation between variables of different intensities. Conclusion There is a strong relationship between architecture and function variables of ES muscle when describe an isometric lumbar extension at light or moderate intensity. Keywords: Ultrasonography; Surface electromyography; Thickness; Pennation angle; Erector spinae

Liikkumisen ja kokemusten yhteys virtuaaliympäristöissä

The aim of this study was to build a model and analyze how users move in a virtual environment and to explore the experiential dimensions connected with different ways of moving. Due to the lack of previous research on this subject, this was an explorative study. This study also aimed to identify different ways how users move in virtual environments and the background variables connected to them. It was hypothesized that fluent movement in virtual environments is connected to high presence, skill and challenge assessments. Test participants (n = 68) were mostly highly educated young adults. A virtual environment was built using a CAVE -type virtual reality interface. The task was to search for objects that do not belong into a normal house. The participants movement in the virtual house was recorded on a computer. Movement was modelled using a cluster analysis of information entropy based movement measurements, acceleration, amount of stops and time spent being stationary. The experiential dimensions were measured using the EVEQ -questionnaire. We were able to identify four different ways of moving in virtual environments. In respect of background variables, the four groups differed only in the amount of weekly computer usage. However, fluent movement in virtual environments was connected to a high sense of presence. Furthermore, participants who moved fluently in the environment assessed their skills as being high and regarded the use of virtual environment as challenging. The results indicate that different ways of moving affects how people experience virtual environments. Consequently the participants assessment of their skills and level of challenge have an impact on the affective evaluation of the situation at hand. Entropy measures have not been previously applied when studying movement, and in addition the role of movement on the experiential dimensions of virtual environments is an unexplored subject. The movement analysis method introduced here is applicable to other research problems. Finally, this study expands on our knowledge of the special characteristics connected with the experiential dimensions of virtual environments.

Effect of position on precision within the recording field of a markerless motion capture system

Introduction Markerless motion capture systems are relatively new devices that can significantly speed up capturing full body motion. A precision of the assessment of the finger’s position with this type of equipment was evaluated at 17.30 ± 9.56 mm when compare to an active marker system [1]. The Microsoft Kinect was proposed to standardized and enhanced clinical evaluation of patients with hemiplegic cerebral palsy [2]. Markerless motion capture systems have the potential to be used in a clinical setting for movement analysis, as well as for large cohort research. However, the precision of such system needs to be characterized. Global objectives • To assess the precision within the recording field of the markerless motion capture system Openstage 2 (Organic Motion, NY). • To compare the markerless motion capture system with an optoelectric motion capture system with active markers. Specific objectives • To assess the noise of a static body at 13 different location within the recording field of the markerless motion capture system. • To assess the smallest oscillation detected by the markerless motion capture system. • To assess the difference between both systems regarding the body joint angle measurement. Methods Equipment • OpenStage® 2 (Organic Motion, NY) o Markerless motion capture system o 16 video cameras (acquisition rate : 60Hz) o Recording zone : 4m * 5m * 2.4m (depth * width * height) o Provide position and angle of 23 different body segments • VisualeyezTM VZ4000 (PhoeniX Technologies Incorporated, BC) o Optoelectric motion capture system with active markers o 4 trackers system (total of 12 cameras) o Accuracy : 0.5~0.7mm Protocol & Analysis • Static noise: o Motion recording of an humanoid mannequin was done in 13 different locations o RMSE was calculated for each segment in each location • Smallest oscillation detected: o Small oscillations were induced to the humanoid mannequin and motion was recorded until it stopped. o Correlation between the displacement of the head recorded by both systems was measured. A corresponding magnitude was also measured. • Body joints angle: o Body motion was recorded simultaneously with both systems (left side only). o 6 participants (3 females; 32.7 ± 9.4 years old) • Tasks: Walk, Squat, Shoulder flexion & abduction, Elbow flexion, Wrist extension, Pronation / supination (not in results), Head flexion & rotation (not in results), Leg rotation (not in results), Trunk rotation (not in results) o Several body joint angles were measured with both systems. o RMSE was calculated between signals of both systems. Results Conclusion Results show that the Organic Motion markerless system has the potential to be used for assessment of clinical motor symptoms or motor performances However, the following points should be considered: • Precision of the Openstage system varied within the recording field. • Precision is not constant between limb segments. • The error seems to be higher close to the range of motion extremities.

The biological sense of smell: olfactory search behavior and a metabolic view for olfactory perception

Part I of the thesis describes the olfactory searching and scanning behaviors of rats in a wind tunnel, and a detailed movement analysis of terrestrial arthropod olfactory scanning behavior. Olfactory scanning behaviors in rats may be a behavioral correlate to hippocampal place cell activity.

Part II focuses on the organization of olfactory perception, what it suggests about a natural order for chemicals in the environment, and what this in tum suggests about the organization of the olfactory system. A model of odor quality space (analogous to the "color wheel") is presented. This model defines relationships between odor qualities perceived by human subjects based on a quantitative similarity measure. Compounds containing Carbon, Nitrogen, or Sulfur elicit odors that are contiguous in this odor representation, which thus allows one to predict the broad class of odor qualities a compound is likely to elicit. Based on these findings, a natural organization for olfactory stimuli is hypothesized: the order provided by the metabolic process. This hypothesis is tested by comparing compounds that are structurally similar, perceptually similar, and metabolically similar in a psychophysical cross-adaptation paradigm. Metabolically similar compounds consistently evoked shifts in odor quality and intensity under cross-adaptation, while compounds that were structurally similar or perceptually similar did not. This suggests that the olfactory system may process metabolically similar compounds using the same neural pathways, and that metabolic similarity may be the fundamental metric about which olfactory processing is organized. In other words, the olfactory system may be organized around a biological basis.

The idea of a biological basis for olfactory perception represents a shift in how olfaction is understood. The biological view has predictive power while the current chemical view does not, and the biological view provides explanations for some of the most basic questions in olfaction, that are unanswered in the chemical view. Existing data do not disprove a biological view, and are consistent with basic hypotheses that arise from this viewpoint.

Estatuto da cidade e juridificação da reforma urbana no Brasil

O início da década passada foi marcado por um importante evento relacionado ao tratamento das questões urbanas no Brasil. Em dez de julho de 2001, foi promulgada a Lei Federal n 10.257, conhecida como Estatuto da Cidade, que regulamenta o capítulo da política urbana da Constituição de 1988. O Estatuto da Cidade provê suporte legal consistente para aquelas municipalidades comprometidas com o enfrentamento dos problemas sociais e urbanos que afetam diariamente as condições de vida dos habitantes das cidades. São princípios que o norteiam: a função social da propriedade e a gestão democrática das cidades. A lei, que tramitou por mais de dez anos no Congresso Nacional, pode ser vista como uma conquista de um movimento multissetorial de escopo nacional que vem lutando há décadas pela causa da reforma urbana e pela criação de um marco regulatório federal para a política urbana. São objetivos desta tese investigar o processo que levou à promulgação dessa lei, bem como seus impactos já observáveis. Ao tratar desse processo, o estudo aqui proposto se insere no campo das análises sobre a relação entre a sociedade civil e o Estado, refletindo sobre as formas como as demandas sociais são processadas na esfera pública e causam impactos nas ações do poder público. Além disso, uma vez que aborda a transformação de uma demanda em legislação, esta tese inclui-se na área de estudos da juridificação das relações sociais, observando o Estatuto da Cidade a partir de referenciais teóricos que tratam de um processo amplo de inclusão de mais e mais áreas da vida ao rol dos temas justiciáveis. Busca-se, assim, lançar um olhar sobre os limites e potencialidades da interação entre sociedade civil e Estado e tratar das possibilidades de leis que tratam de direitos sociais alcançarem força normativa em um país marcado por profundas desigualdades. Para a consecução deste trabalho, procedeu-se a uma revisão da literatura sobre os movimentos por acesso a moradia e infraestrutura urbana e o movimento pela reforma urbana no Brasil; à leitura de documentos produzidos pelo Fórum Nacional de Reforma Urbana e de publicações de entidades ligadas ao Fórum notadamente do Instituto Pólis e da Federação de Órgãos para Assistência Social e Educacional (FASE); e à realização de entrevistas com atores envolvidos com a luta pela reforma urbana. Visando a, de alguma forma, medir os impactos do Estatuto da Cidade, recorreu-se ao estudo dos planos diretores feitos ao longo da última década no país sob a égide da Lei n 10.257. A fonte básica consultada foi o material produzido sobre a elaboração e aplicação dos planos diretores em cidades de todos os estados brasileiros no projeto Rede de Avaliação e Capacitação para a Implementação dos Planos Diretores Participativos. Fez-se também uma análise de decisões judiciais que envolviam os preceitos previstos no Estatuto da Cidade, obtidas junto aos sites dos tribunais de justiça estaduais e da Justiça Federal.

Comparação tridimensional dos efeitos dentários de duas mecânicas para fechamento de espaço: estudo preliminar

As más oclusões de Classe I com biprotrusão dentária são caracterizadas pela projeção dos incisivos superiores e inferiores e podem ser corrigidas com extrações de primeiros pré-molares, permitindo reposicionar os incisivos, usando como ancoragem os dentes posteriores. Esse trabalho teve como objetivo comparar, por meio de superposição de modelos tridimensionais, a movimentação de molares e de incisivos com duas técnicas para fechamento de espaços. Foram selecionados, tomografados (T0) e distribuídos, aleatoriamente em dois grupos, seis pacientes com indicação de exodontia de quatro primeiros pré-molares. No grupo 1 (n=3) foi feito o fechamento dos espaços das extrações em uma única etapa (fechamento em massa) e no grupo 2 (n=3), em duas etapas (distalização de caninos seguida da retração de incisivos). Após o completo fechamento dos espaços foi solicitada nova tomografia (T1). Os modelos tridimensionais em T0 e T1 para os dois grupos foram superpostos para descrever e quantificar a movimentação ocorrida nos primeiros molares. A retração de incisivos foi avaliada de maneira bidimensional. Os molares superiores e inferiores do grupo 1 sofreram movimentação mesial de translação, enquanto os do grupo 2, apresentaram deslocamento de coroa maior do que de ápice radicular, demonstrando movimento de inclinação mesial de coroa. Ao se comparar o movimento mesial dos molares entre os dois grupos, observou-se que no grupo 1 houve maior movimentação mesial da raiz mésio-vestibular dos molares superiores (p=0,009). No entanto, em ambos os grupos os molares superiores giraram sobre a raiz palatina. No arco inferior verificou-se maior movimento mesial de coroa para o grupo 2 (p=0,015). A análise da movimentação dos incisivos apresentou variações semelhantes para as medidas lineares e angulares dos incisivos superiores nos dois grupos. Já, para as medidas angulares dos incisivos inferiores, observou-se que o grupo 1 apresentou menor controle de torque. O tempo de tratamento de todos os pacientes da amostra foi superior a 30 meses, exceto um paciente que apresentou tempo de tratamento inferior a 24 meses. Pôde-se concluir que a perda de ancoragem ocorreu por movimento de translação no fechamento de espaços em massa, e por inclinação mesial no fechamento de espaços em duas etapas, para ambos os arcos. Parece haver maior movimentação mesial radicular nos molares superiores no fechamento em massa e maior movimento mesial de coroa dos molares inferiores para o fechamento em duas etapas. Sugere-se que não há diferença na retração dos incisivos superiores e maior retroinclinação dos incisivos inferiores no fechamento de espaços em duas etapas.

金川矿山岩体移动规律及竖井变形、破坏机理研究

The Jinchuan Nickel Mine is the largest underground mine with cut-and-fill mining in China. It is very difficult to be exploited for very low safety stability of rock mass caused by complex geological conditions, developed faults, cracked rock mass and high stress. In this paper, the laws of rock mass movement、mechanics of shaft deformation and destroy were analyzed based on the collection of date, the detailed field engineering investigations, ground movement monitoring by GPS, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. According to the GPS monitoring result of ground surface movement, there are different ground movement characteristics among the three Mine area of Jinchuan Nickel Mine. In No. 2 Mine area, the ground movement funnel with apparent asymmetry is developing, the influence scope is larger in the up faulted block than in the down faulted block, and the centre of ground movement is moving along the up faulted block direction with increasing depth of mining. Moreover, the tunnels in the corresponding area with the centre of ground movement are damaged seriously. In Longshou Mine area, the ground movement funnel is also developing, but the moving path and the nonlinear characters are more sophisticated because of the long-term effects of open excavating and the effects of underground mining together. In No. 3 Mine area, the underground mining impact on surface is not serious for the time of mining activity is not for long, but the ground movement funnel is also forming now. The underground mining has caused widespread land subsidence in Jinchuan Nickel Mine area, but the phenomena of surface raise appeared in some partial areas of Longshou Mine area and No. 3 Mine area. Analysis proved that the reason for the open pit bottom raise is the slope deformation activation caused by the excavation from open pit into underground mine; and that the raise of surface in No.3 Mine area is caused by the effect of elastic foundation due to underground mining. Although the GPS Monitoring results show the amount of subsidence is increasing constantly, the subsidence rate has a descending tendency with fluctuation in Jinchuan No. 2 Mine area. The subsidence rate curve is a time function and exists an extreme point, the rate increasing before extreme point and decreasing after the extreme point ,but the scale of decreasing rate will be very small after the rate decreasing up to a certain degree, moreover, the characteristics is different among different areas, which have some relation with the distance to the mining section and the dip of the ore body. ArcView is GIS software, which we adopted as a development platform, and made secondary development by its development language “avenue”, through which we developed a ground movement analysis and forecast System for Jinchuan Nickel Mine, which contain three modules : management of ground movement information; analysis and evaluation of ground movement; and ground movement forecast. In the module of evaluation, using the technique of MATLAB6.5 program with VB6.0, the system can achieve the ANN prediction model for GPS monitoring data, data preparation results analysis and model integrated was realized by Avenue programming. Finally, the author analyzed the mechanical of deformation and destroy of the No. 14 shaft, and its repair and artificial-support effectiveness also given detailed demonstration in various aspect. The result showed that the reason for the destroy of No. 14 shaft is underground mining, and being the case, the destroy of the shaft also has its special features, which mainly contains forked stress contour for mining steep ore and fault effect caused by mining activities. The repair and artificial-support played some restrictions on the rock mass movement and deformation, but did not show a strong or marked effect. With the increasing of mining depth and large-scale, the closure rock of the shaft will still deformed, even be destroyed.

Cof y Corff

RAE2008 It is a production by mes:a International Performance Collective with support from Diversions and assistance from Chapter. The Wales tour was supported by funding from Arts Council of Wales.