28 research outputs found
TIME COURSE OF CHANGE IN CRITICAL TORQUE AND IMPULSE ABOVE CRITICAL TORQUE FOLLOWING EXERCISE-INDUCED MUSCLE DAMAGE
No full textExercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is a result of high-force eccentric contractions and can lead to significant alterations in the structure and function of skeletal muscles. Critical torque (CT) and the impulse above critical torque (IACT) have both been reported to decrease following EIMD. PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to 1) observe the time course of change in CT and IACT up to 7-days following EIMD, and 2) to assess the extent to which central and peripheral fatigue contribute to changes in CT and IACT following EIMD. METHODS: Participants (males = 6, females = 4) completed 2 familiarizations and 5 experimental visits. Fatigue patterns were assessed, and CT and IACT were derived at the 1st experimental visit. The 2nd experimental visit included an EIMD protocol consisting of 100 back squats. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th experimental visits were identical to the 1st. CT and IACT were acquired through voluntary and stimulated conditions. RESULTS: The participant’s ratings of muscle soreness were significantly elevated up to 4-days following EIMD (p0.05). Voluntary activation was not significantly different following EIMD (p>0.05) and these results are the same for twitch torque (p>0.05). EMG RMS and twitch torque both showed a significant reduction during the voluntary CT test (p0.05) or following EIMD (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Even though CT was lower following EIMD, IACT was not. Additionally, our results show no contribution of central or peripheral fatigue on torque production following EIMD. These findings suggest the loss in torque production following EIMD to be a factor of EIMD’s effect on muscular function and not the central and peripheral mechanisms of fatigue
Probabilistic RRT Connect with intermediate goal selection for online planning of autonomous vehicles
No full textRapidly Exploring Random Trees (RRT) is one of the most widely used
algorithms for motion planning in the field of robotics. To reduce the
exploration time, RRT-Connect was introduced where two trees are simultaneously
formed and eventually connected. Probabilistic RRT used the concept of position
probability map to introduce goal biasing for faster convergence. In this
paper, we propose a modified method to combine the pRRT and RRT-Connect
techniques and obtain a feasible trajectory around the obstacles quickly.
Instead of forming a single tree from the start point to the destination point,
intermediate goal points are selected around the obstacles. Multiple trees are
formed to connect the start, destination, and intermediate goal points. These
partial trees are eventually connected to form an overall safe path around the
obstacles. The obtained path is tracked using an MPC + Stanley controller which
results in a trajectory with control commands at each time step. The
trajectories generated by the proposed methods are more optimal and in
accordance with human intuition. The algorithm is compared with the standard
RRT and pRRT for studying its relative performance.Comment: Submitted to IFAC Modelling, Estimation and Control Conference 2023.
6 Pages and 8 Figure
Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage Reduces Critical Torque and Impulse Above End Test Torque
No full textGeneric Drug User Fee Act II: The positive features for generic drug industry
No full text The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Generic Drug Industry have completed negotiations for the reauthorization of the Generic Drug User Fee Act (GDUFA II). The agreement is now with Congress, which must write it into legislation in order for it to become effective. GDUFA II addresses questions that arose with the implementation of GDUFA I. One of the primary concerns with GDUFA I was that it did not provide any relief for small business whereas GDUFA II addresses relief for small business. GDUFA II has carved out a subcategory for Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs), which are independent facilities contracted by abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) sponsors to manufacture their generic drugs. GDUFA II will have a fee structure very different from GDUFA I. The distribution of user fee categories will show the shift from facilities to applications and the addition of two new user types. GDUFA II is structured to allow FDA to continue on the path forward to improve patient access to quality and affordable generic drugs. As per the GDUFA II commitment, the FDA will work with generic drug makers on a closer and more timely basis to speed the review of ANDAs. </jats:p
Motion Planning For Autonomous Vehicles In Non-Signalized Intersections
No full textReal-time path generation, including collision checks, is vital in critical driving scenarios such as navigating non-signalized intersections. These intersections lack organized traffic flow, which raises the risk of accidents. Rapidly Exploring Random Trees (RRT) is a widely adopted algorithm in robotics for motion planning due to its simplicity and probabilistic completeness. Over the years, researchers have made modifications to the basic RRT algorithm to improve its performance in dynamic environments, making it a favored planning algorithm for autonomous driving. Among these variants, probabilistic RRT (pRRT) demonstrates promising capabilities for efficient online replanning. The first part of the thesis thoroughly studies the pRRT algorithm and compares its performance to the standard RRT and RRT* algorithms through Python simulations. The pRRT algorithm outperformed the RRT and RRT* algorithms in terms of success rate and time to find a safe trajectory. The algorithm was implemented experimentally on scaled cars for the validation of its feasibility. The experimental results show good sim-to-real transfer for this algorithm.
The second part of the thesis proposes a novel algorithm for path planning. The algorithm outperforms the standard RRT and pRRT techniques in terms of optimality and conformance to human instincts. The generated paths are much smoother and easier for the controller to track. The AV implementation combines the probabilistic RRT with the RRT-Connect algorithm to mitigate the problem of parameter tuning of the standard pRRT algorithm. The idea is to generate intermediate critical points around the obstacles to grow multiple trees between these points, which are then eventually connected if a safe trajectory is found. The algorithm was tested in simulation and showed comparatively better performance in handling obstacles.Master of ScienceDue to uncontrolled traffic flow, non-signalized intersections are critical for autonomous driving. Motion planning is responsible for the vehicle's decision-making and generating actions based on its surroundings. Rapidly Exploring Random Trees (RRT) is one of the most widely used algorithms for motion planning in robotics due to its simplicity and a guarantee of finding a collision-free path if it exists. Due to the randomness of the algorithm, the time to find a collision-free path increases rapidly as the surrounding environment complicates.
In this thesis, we thoroughly study a modified version of RRT called the probabilistic RRT (pRRT) for motion planning of autonomous vehicles. The pRRT algorithm reduces the randomness of the standard RRT algorithm and takes into account the destination location and the positions of the obstacles to find a path around the obstacles and toward the destination point. The algorithm was experimentally validated and confirmed the simplistic transfer from simulations to reality.
In the second part of the thesis, we propose a novel algorithm that combines the properties of pRRT and another well-known algorithm called RRT-Connect. This algorithm plans collision-free paths from the start, and the goal points towards free space around the obstacles simultaneously and then combines these fragmented paths. This reduces the overall planning time and was found to be better at providing smooth paths
Knowledge and Attitude towards Sports Injury Prevention and Management among Sports Playing College Students: A Cross-sectional Study
No full textIntroduction: Sports is an emerging field among young people and has gained popularity worldwide. Consequently, the prevalence of sports-related injuries has increased day by day. To address this issue, all types of studies have been conducted. However, the knowledge and attitude of athletes are considered two key factors in preventing sports injuries.
Aim: To determine the current status of knowledge and attitude regarding Sports Injury Prevention and Management (SIPM) among college students engaged in sports.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted under the affiliation of the College of Physiotherapy, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, in the Vadodara district, Gujarat, India, from June 2022 to May 2023. A total of 141 male and female participants were included. Demographic details, including gender, number of total practice days per week and prior sports injury experience, were collected. Participants who had experience in playing various outdoor sports were included. The investigator conducted interviews with the participants and the information was noted. The t-test was used for statistical analysis.
Results: The t-test was applied to the SIPM knowledge and attitude scales to analyse differences across demographic factors such as gender, total practice days per week and sports injury experience in the past year. The results showed no significant differences among subjects (t(141)=1.89, p-value>0.05). Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that total knowledge scores and total attitude scores of SIPM among student athletes were positively correlated (r=0.3, p-value=0.003).
Conclusion: The study concluded a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude, indicating that higher levels of knowledge are associated with a more positive attitude towards prevention and management of sports injuries
Comparison of various method of fetal birth weight estimation in term pregnancy
No full textIntroduction: Knowledge of fetal weight in utero is vital for the obstetrician in deciding whether or not to deliver the fetus as well as in fixing the mode of delivery. Both low birth weight and excessive fetal weight at delivery are associated with increased risk of newborn complications during labor and the puerperium. Various clinical formulae like Johnson's formula & Dare's formula and USG are in use for fetal weight estimation.Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the fetal weight in term pregnancies by various methods- Dare’s formula, Johnson's formula and Hadlock's formula using ultrasound, and to compare the methods after knowing the actual weight of the baby after birth.Methods: It is a prospective observational study of 227 women at term pregnancy at GMERS medical college & Hospital, sola , Ahmedabad from April 2014 to April 2016. The formulas used in this study are: Johnson's formula, Dare’s formula and Hadlock-4 formula using ultrasound.Result: Results vary in terms of accuracy with various methods employed for estimating the fetal weight. This study showed that Hadlock-4 was the best indicator among all other methods assessed followed by Dare’s formula.Conclusion: Whenever the Facility is available, Ultrasound is the best method for birth weight assessment. Dare’s formula is an inexpensive method for screening for fetal growth restriction. It continues to be used in many countries on large scale because of its low cost, ease of use, and need for little training as the setup for ultrasonographic evaluation is not readily available in rural setups.</jats:p
Study the accuracy of salivary ferning test as a predictor of ovulation
No full textBackground: Women probably spent much of their adult life avoiding getting pregnant but when they are actively trying for a baby, it may be taking a little longer time than they hoped. So it is important for the women to know when they are ovulating. Recently, a small hand held microscope (KNOWHEN ovulation microscope) has been developed for the purpose of self-observing ferning patterns in saliva during female fertile period. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the accuracy of salivary ferning test by KNOWHEN ovulation microscope to predict the ovulation and to detect sensitivity and specificity of salivary ferning test and to correlate the salivary ferning with cervical mucus and Trans vaginal sonographic findings (TVS).Methods: This was a prospective observational type of study conducted on all healthy married women volunteers age between 21–40 years attending gynec OPD in sola civil hospital, Ahmedabad, with regular menstrual cycle From April 2016 to September 2016.Results: Salivary ferning test by KNOWHEN ovulation microscope is accurate method of detecting ovulation. Its accuracy was 86.5%.Conclusions: Salivary ferning test is a reliable test to detect fertile period of menstrual cycle. Hence can be use for monitoring ovulation instead of ultrasonography where facility of ultrasonography will not available. Detection of salivary ferning by KNOWHEN microscope has same accuracy as laboratory microscope. KNOWHEN microscope can be use by patient herself to detect fertile period
Variation in Medial Foot Arch and Its Association with Different Categories of Body Mass Index- A Review
No full textBackground: Foot posture plays an important role in an individual’s life. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is believed to be one of the prominent factors in changing the function of foot arch.
Methods: The keywords that were used were: osteoarthritis, OA knee, foot arch, medial arch, and foot posture. After finalizing keywords, internet search was conducted on Pub Med and Google Scholar; the University library and research center were also approached for e-copy and possible hand search of articles. The criteria for inclusion of articles were all research designs like Systematic review, Meta-analysis, Randomized Control trials, Cross sectional studies, Narrative Reviews and editor’s notes published in the English language, and full articles providing data on foot arches or foot posture in subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Results: In this review, total 12 articles were included from the various platforms and search engines. All the articles were appraised and scrutinized; their methodology, results and conclusion were read and filtered out.
Conclusion: It was concluded that variation in foot arch has association with the different categories of BMI
Uterine Perforation With Subtotal Small Bowel Prolapse – A Rare Complication of Dilatation and Curettage
No full textUterine perforation is the well known complication of induced abortion. We report a rare case of uterine perforation with subtotal prolapse of small bowel following first trimester abortion by an unqualified physician. Early surgical exploration with resection and anastomosis of bowel performed. Patient discharged uneventfully after postoperative recovery
