Aerodynamic Design of a Subsonic Evacuated Tube Train System

The so-called Evacuated Tube Train(ETT)is currently being proposed as a high-speed transportation system potentially competitive with airplane transportation.Aerodynamic resistance is one of the most crucial factors for the successful design of an ETT.In the present work,a three-dimensional concept ETT model has been elaborated.The aerodynamic characteristics of the subsonic ETT have been numerically simulated under different conditions.The train’s running speed varies from 600 km/h up to 1200 km/h,and the blockage ratio is in the range between 0.1 and 0.3.As the blocking ratio and running speed increase,the resistance of the head car increases greatly,while the resistance of the middle car changes slightly.The aerodynamic resistance of the tail car is affected by the shock wave emerging in the wake flow.Two different design criteria for the maximum allowed aerodynamic resistance are proposed for aerodynamic parameter matching.With an increase in the blockage ratio and running speed,the atmospheric pressure in the tube should be decreased to achieve a balance.

Influence of Random Track Irregularities on Dynamic Response of Bridge/Track Structure/High-Speed Train Systems

Random vertical track irregularities are one of essential vibration sources in bridge, track structure and high-speed train systems. The common model of such irregularities is a stationary and ergodic Gaussian process. The study presents the results of numerical dynamic analysis of advanced virtual models of composite BTT （bridge/ballasted track structure/high-speed train） systems. The analysis has been conducted for a series of types of single-span simply-supported railway composite （steel-concrete） bridges, with a symmetric platform, located on lines with ballasted track structure adapted for high-speed trains. The bridges are designed according to Polish bridge standards. A new methodology of numerical modeling and simulation of dynamic processes in BTT systems has been applied. The methodology takes into consideration viscoelastic suspensions of rail-vehicles, nonlinear Hertz wheel-rail contact stiffness and one-side wheel-rail contact, physically nonlinear elastic-damping properties of the track structure, random vertical track irregularities, approach slabs and other features. Computer algorithms of FE （finite element） modeling and simulation were programmed in Delphi. Both static and dynamic numerical investigations of the bridges forming the series of types have been carried out. It has been proved that in the case of common structural solutions of bridges and ballasted track structures, it is necessary to put certain limitations on operating speeds, macadam ballast and vertical track roughness.

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor: A systematic review of simulator-based training courses and curricula

Objective:Transurethral resection of bladder tumor is one of the most common everyday urological procedures.This kind of surgery demands a set of skills that need training and experience.In this review,we aimed to investigate the current literature to find out if simulators,phantoms,and other training models could be used as a tool for teaching urologists.Methods:A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and the recommendations of the European Association of Urology guidelines for conducting systematic reviews.Fifteen out of 932 studies met our inclusion criteria and are presented in the current review.Results:The UroTrainer(Karl Storz GmbH,Tuttlingen,Germany),a virtual reality training simulator,achieved positive feedback and an excellent face and construct validity by the participants.The inspection of bladder mucosa,blood loss,tumor resection,and procedural time was improved after the training,especially for inexperienced urologists and medical students.The construct validity of UroSim®(VirtaMed,Zurich,Switzerland)was established.SIMBLA simulator(Samed GmbH,Dresden,Germany)was found to be a realistic and useful tool by experts and urologists with intermediate experience.The test objective competency model based on SIMBLA simulator could be used for evaluating urologists.The porcine model of the Asian Urological Surgery Training and Education Group also received positive feedback by the participants that tried it.The Simulation and Technology Enhanced Learning Initiative Project had an extraordinary face and content validity,and 60%of participants would like to use the simulators in the future.The 5-day multimodal training curriculum“Boot Camp”in the United Kingdom achieved an increase of the level of confidence of the participants that lasted months after the project.Conclusion:Simulators and courses or curricula based on a simulator training could be a valuable learning tool for any surgeon,and there is no doubt that they should be a part of every urologist's technical education.

Effect of resistance training volume on body adiposity,metabolic risk,and inflammation in postmenopausal and older females:Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose:This meta-analytical study aimed to explore the effects of resistance training(RT) volume on body adiposity,metabolic risk,and inflammation in postmenopausal and older females.Methods:A systematic search was performed for randomized controlled trials in PubMed,Scopus,Web of Science,and SciELO.Randomized controlled trials with postmenopausal and older females that compared RT effects on body adiposity,metabolic risk,and inflammation with a control group(CG) were included.Independent reviewers selected the studies,extracted the data,and performed the risk of bias and certainty of the evidence(Grading of Recommendations,Assessment,Development,and Evaluation(GRADE)) evaluations.Total body and abdominal adiposity,blood lipids,glucose,and C-reactive protein were included for meta-analysis.A random-effects model,standardized mean difference(Hedges’ g),and 95% confidence interval(95%CI) were used for meta-analysis.Results:Twenty randomized controlled trials(overall risk of bias:some concerns;GRADE:low to very low) with overweight/obese postmenopausal and older females were included.RT groups were divided into low-volume RT(LVRT,~44 sets/week) and high-volume RT(HVRT,~77 sets/week).Both RT groups presented improved body adiposity,metabolic risk,and inflammation when compared to CG.However,HVRT demonstrated higher effect sizes than LVRT for glucose(HVRT=-1.19;95%CI:-1.63 to-0.74;LVRT=-0.78;95%CI:-1.15 to-0.41) and C-reactive protein(HVRT=-1.00;95%CI:-1.32 to-0.67;LVRT=-0.34;95%CI,-0.63 to-0.04)) when compared to CG.Conclusion:Compared to CG,HVRT protocols elicit greater improvements in metabolic risk and inflammation outcomes than LVRT in overweight/obese postmenopausal and older females.

Utility of real-time 3D visualization system in the early stage of phacoemulsification training

●AIM:To determine the teaching effects of a real-time three dimensional(3D)visualization system in the operating room for early-stage phacoemulsification training.●METHODS:A total of 10 ophthalmology residents of the first-year postgraduate were included.All the residents were novices to cataract surgery.Real-time cataract surgical observations were performed using a custom-built 3D visualization system.The training lasted 4wk(32h)in all.A modified International Council of Ophthalmology’s Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubric(ICO-OSCAR)containing 4 specific steps of cataract surgery was applied.The self-assessment(self)and expert-assessment(expert)were performed through the microsurgical attempts in the wet lab for each participant.●RESULTS:Compared with pre-training assessments(self 3.2±0.8,expert 2.5±0.6),the overall mean scores of posttraining(self 5.2±0.4,expert 4.7±0.6)were significantly improved after real-time observation training of 3D visualization system(P<0.05).Scores of 4 surgical items were significantly improved both self and expert assessment after training(P<0.05).●CONCLUSION:The 3D observation training provides novice ophthalmic residents with a better understanding of intraocular microsurgical techniques.It is a useful tool to improve teaching efficiency of surgical education.

Building a Smart Management System for the Field Training Course at the Faculty of Specific Education-Mansoura University

Field training is the backbone of the teacher-preparation process.Its importance stems from the goals that colleges of education aim to achieve,which include bridging the gap between theory and practice and aligning with contemporary educational trends during teacher training.Currently,trainee students attendance in field training is recordedmanually through signatures on attendance sheets.However,thismethod is prone to impersonation,time wastage,and misplacement.Additionally,traditional methods of evaluating trainee students are often susceptible to human errors during the evaluation and scoring processes.Field training also lacks modern technology that the supervisor can use in case of his absence from school to monitor the trainee students’implementation of the required activities and tasks.These shortcomings do not meet the needs of the digital era that universities are currently experiencing.As a result,this paper presents a smart management system for field training based on Internet of Things(IoT)and mobile technology.It includes three subsystems:attendance,monitoring,and evaluation.The attendance subsystem uses an R307 fingerprint sensor to record trainee students’attendance.The Arduino Nano microcontroller transmits attendance data to the proposed Android application via an ESP-12F Wi-Fi module,which then forwards it to the Firebase database for storage.The monitoring subsystem utilizes Global Positioning System(GPS)technology to continually track trainee students’locations,ensuring they remain at the school during training.It also enables remote communication between trainee students and supervisors via audio,video,or text by integrating video call and chat technologies.The evaluation subsystem is based on three items:an online exam,attendance,and implementation of required activities and tasks.Experimental results have demonstrated the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed management system in recording attendance,as well as in monitoring and evaluating trainee students during field traiing.

Effects of respiratory muscle training on post-stroke rehabilitation:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Stroke often results in significant respiratory dysfunction in patients.Respiratory muscle training(RMT)has been proposed as a rehabilitative intervention to address these challenges,but its effectiveness compared to routine training remains debated.This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of RMT on exercise tolerance,muscle strength,and pulmonary function in post-stroke patients.AIM To systematically assess the efficacy of RMT in improving exercise tolerance,respiratory muscle strength,and pulmonary function in patients recovering from a stroke,and to evaluate whether RMT offers a significant advantage over routine training modalities in enhancing these critical health outcomes in the post-stroke population.METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines,a comprehensive search across PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library was conducted on October 19,2023,without temporal restrictions.Studies were selected based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria focusing on various forms of RMT,control groups,and outcome measures[including forced expiratory volume in the first second(FEV1),forced vital capacity(FVC),maximal voluntary ventilation(MVV),peak expiratory flow(PEF),maximal inspiratory pressure(MIP),maximal expiratory pressure(MEP),and 6-min walking test(6MWT)].Only randomized controlled trials(RCTs)were included.Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool.Statistical analyses,including those using the fixed-effect and random-effects models,sensitivity analysis,and publication bias assessment,were performed using Review Manager software.RESULTS A total of 15 RCTs were included.Results indicated significant improvements in MIP(12.51 cmH2O increase),MEP(6.24 cmH2O increase),and various pulmonary function parameters(including FEV1,FVC,MVV,and PEF).A substantial increase in 6MWT distance(22.26 meters)was also noted.However,the heterogeneity among studies was variable,and no significant publication bias was detected.CONCLUSION RMT significantly enhances walking ability,respiratory muscle strength(MIP and MEP),and key pulmonary function parameters(FEV1,FVC,MVV,and PEF)in post-stroke patients.These findings support the incorporation of RMT into post-stroke rehabilitative protocols.

Regenerative Braking Energy Recovery System of Metro Train Based on Dual-Mode Power Management

In order to fully utilize the regenerative braking energy of metro trains and stabilize the metro DC traction busbar voltage,a hybrid regenerative braking energy recovery system with a dual-mode power management strategy is proposed.Firstly,the construction of the hybrid regenerative braking energy recovery system is explained.Then,based on the power demand of low-voltage load in metro stations,a dual-mode power management strategy is proposed to allocate the reference power of each system according to the different working conditions,and the control methods of each system are set.Finally,the correctness and effectiveness of the dual-mode strategy are verified through simulation,and the proposed braking energy utilization scheme is compared with other singleform utilization schemes.The results illustrate that the hybrid system with the dual-mode strategy can effectively recycle the regenerative braking energy of metro train and inhibit the busbar voltage fluctuation;the proposed braking energy utilization scheme has certain advantages on energy recovery and DC bus voltage stabilization compared with other single-form schemes;the proposed power management strategy can correctly allocate the reference power of each system with a lower construction cost.

Effects of systematic cardiac rehabilitation training in elderly patients with unstable angina following cardiac stent implantation

BACKGROUND Coronary stent implantation is usually used to treat unstable angina to alleviate stenosis or occlusion,promoting blood flow restoration and alleviating symptoms such as myocardial ischemia.And postoperative cardiac rehabilitation is essential for enhancing recovery and prognosis.Nevertheless,conventional rehabilitation lacks specificity,particularly for elderly patients with multiple comorbidities and poor compliance,rendering it less effective.AIM To investigate the effects of systematic cardiac rehabilitation training in elderly patients with unstable angina following coronary stenting intervention.METHODS A retrospective enrollment was conducted comprising fifty-four elderly patients with unstable angina pectoris who underwent systematic cardiac rehabilitation training after receiving coronary intervention as the rehabilitation group,while fifty-three elderly patients who received basic nursing and rehabilitation guidance measures after coronary intervention were assigned to the control group.Differences in Seattle Angina Questionnaire scores,survival quality(SF-36)scores,cardiopulmonary exercise function assessment index,echocardiographic cardiac function index,and adverse cardiovascular events were compared between the two groups.RESULTS After intervention,the rehabilitation group observed greater VO2 Max,maximum metabolic equivalent,eft ventricular ejection fraction,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and smaller left ventricular end-systolic diameter.And the rehabilitation group observed greater scores of physical activity limitation,stable angina pectoris,treatment satisfaction,and SF-36 score.The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in the two groups,showed no significant difference.CONCLUSION Systematic cardiac rehabilitation following coronary stenting in elderly patients with unstable angina pectoris can enhance cardiac function recovery,consequently enhancing both quality of life and cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance.

Effect of temperature gradientinduced periodic deformation of CRTS Ⅲ slab track on dynamic responses of the train-track system

Purpose-Temperature is an important load for a ballastless track.However,little research has been conducted on the dynamic responses when a train travels on a ballastless track under the temperature gradient.The dynamic responses under different temperature gradients of the slab are theoretically investigated in this work.Design/methodology/approach-Considering the moving train,the temperature gradient of the slab,and the gravity of the slab track,a dynamic model for a high-speed train that runs along the CRTS Ⅲ slab track on subgrade is developed by a nonlinear coupled way in Abaqus.Findings-The results are as follows:(1)The upward transmission of the periodic deformation of the slab causes periodic track irregularity.(2)Because of the geometric constraint of limiting structures,the maximum bending stresses of the slab occur near the end of the slab under positive temperature gradients,but in the middle of the slab under negative temperature gradients.(3)The periodic deformation of the slab can induce periodic changes in the interlayer stiffness and contact status,leading to a large vibration of the slab.Because of the vibration-reduction capacity of the fastener and the larger mass of the concrete base,the accelerations of both the slab and concrete base are far less than the acceleration of the rail.Originality/value-This study reveals the influence mechanism of temperature gradient-induced periodic deformation in the dynamic responses of the train-track system,and it also provides a guide for the safe service of CRTS Ⅲ slab track.

Effects of combined aerobic,resistance and inspiratory training in patients with pulmonary hypertension:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension(PH)is a serious progressive disorder of the modern world,characterized by endothelial dysfunction and impaired vasoreactivity.Patients with PH usually present exercise intolerance from the very early stages and reduced exercise capacity.Exercise training has been shown to have beneficial effects in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities.However,data regarding the effects of combined exercise training programs in patients with PH still remains limited.AIM To investigate the effects of combined exercise training programs on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with PH.METHODS Our search included all available randomized controlled trials(RCTs)regarding combined aerobic,resistance and inspiratory training programs in patients with PH in 4 databases(Pubmed,PEDro,Embase,CINAHL)from 2012 to 2022.Five RCTs were included in the final analysis.Functional capacity,assessed by peak VO_(2)or 6-min walking test(6MWT),as well as quality of life,assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire,were set as the primary outcomes in our study.RESULTS Peak VO_(2)was measured in 4 out of the 5 RCTs while 6MWT was measured in all RCTs.Both indices of functional capacity were significantly increased in patients with PH who underwent combined exercise training compared to the controls in all of the included RCTs(P<0.05).Quality of life was measured in 4 out of 5 RCTs.Although patients improved their quality of life in each group,however,only 2 RCTs demonstrated further improvement in patients performing combined training compared to controls.CONCLUSION By this systematic review,we have demonstrated that combined aerobic,resistance and inspiratory exercise training is safe and has beneficial effects on aerobic capacity and quality of life in patients with PH.Such exercise training regimen may be part of the therapeutic strategy of the syndrome.

Virtual reality tools for training in gastrointestinal endoscopy:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Virtual reality(VR)has emerged as an innovative technology in endoscopy training,providing a simulated environment that closely resembles real-life scenarios and offering trainees a valuable platform to acquire and enhance their endoscopic skills.This systematic review will critically evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of VR-based training compared to traditional methods.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of VR-based training compared to traditional methods.By examining the current state of the field,this review seeks to identify gaps,challenges,and opportunities for further research and implementation of VR in endoscopic training.METHODS The study is a systematic review,following the guidelines for reporting systematic reviews set out by the PRISMA statement.A comprehensive search command was designed and implemented and run in September 2023 to identify relevant studies available,from electronic databases such as PubMed,Scopus,Cochrane,and Google Scholar.The results were systematically reviewed.RESULTS Sixteen articles were included in the final analysis.The total number of participants was 523.Five studies focused on both upper endoscopy and colonoscopy training,two on upper endoscopy training only,eight on colonoscopy training only,and one on sigmoidoscopy training only.Gastrointestinal Mentor virtual endoscopy simulator was commonly used.Fifteen reported positive results,indicating that VR-based training was feasible and acceptable for endoscopy learners.VR technology helped the trainees enhance their skills in manipulating the endoscope,reducing the procedure time or increasing the technical accuracy,in VR scenarios and real patients.Some studies show that the patient discomfort level decreased significantly.However,some studies show there were no significant differences in patient discomfort and pain scores between VR group and other groups.CONCLUSION VR training is effective for endoscopy training.There are several well-designed randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes,proving the potential of this innovative tool.Thus,VR should be more widely adopted in endoscopy training.Furthermore,combining VR training with conventional methods could be a promising approach that should be implemented in training.

Exercise training-induced changes in exerkine concentrations may be relevant to the metabolic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients:A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background:This study investigates the effects of exercise training on exerkines in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to determine the optimal exercise prescription.Methods:A systematic search for relevant studies was performed in 3 databases.Randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of exercise training on at least one of the following exerkines were included:adiponectin,apelin,brain-derived neurotrophic factor,fetuin-A,fibroblast growth factor-21,follistatin,ghrelin,interleukin(IL)-6,IL-8,IL-10,IL-15,IL-18,leptin,myostatin,omentin,resistin,retinol-binding protein 4,tumor necrosis factor-α,and visfatin.Results:Forty randomized controlled trials were selected for data extraction(n=2160).Exercise training induces changes in adiponectin,fetuin-A,fibroblast growth factor-21,IL-6,IL-10,leptin,resistin,and tumor necrosis factor-a levels but has no significant effects on apelin,IL-18,and ghrelin compared to controls.Physical exercise training favored large and positive changes in pooled exerkines(i.e.,an overall effect size calculated from several exerkine s)(Hedge’s g=1.02,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.76-1.28),which in turn were related to changes in glycated hemoglobin(mean difference(MD)=-0.81%,95%CI:-0.95%to-0.67%),fasting glucose(MD=-23.43 mg/dL,95%CI:-30.07 mg/dL to-16.80 mg/dL),waist circumference(MD=-3.04 cm,95%CI:-4.02 cm to-2.07 cm),and body mass(MD=-1.93 kg,95%CI:-2.00 kg to-1.86 kg).Slightly stronger effects were observed with aerobic,resistance,or high-intensity interval protocols at moderate-to vigorous-intensity and with programs longer than 24 weeks that comprise at least 3 sessions per week and more than 60 min per session.Conclusion:Exercise training represents an anti-inflammatory therapy and metabolism-improving strategy with minimal side effects for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

An approach for simulating the air brake system of long freight trains based on fluid dynamics

Air brake systems are critical equipment for railway trains, which affects the running safety of the trains significantly. To study air braking characteristics of long freight trains, an approach for simulating air brake systems based on fuid dynamics theory was proposed. The structures and working mechanisms of locomotive and wagon air brakes are introduced, and mathematical models of the pipes, brake valves, reservoirs or chambers, cylinders, etc., are presented.Besides, the dynamic motions of parts in the main valve are considered. The simulation model of the whole air brake system is then formulated, and the solving method based on the finite-difference method is used. New efficient pipe boundary conditions without iterations are developed for brake pipes and branch pipes, which can achieve higher computational efficiency. The proposed approach for simulating the air brake system is validated by comparing with published measured data. Simulation results of different train formations indicate that models that consider the dynamic behavior of brake pipes are recommended for predicting the characteristics of long trains under service braking conditions.

The influence of resistance exercise training prescription variables on skeletal muscle mass,strength,and physical function in healthy adults:An umbrella review

Purpose:The aim of this umbrella review was to determine the impact of resistance training(RT)and individual RT prescription variables on muscle mass,strength,and physical function in healthy adults.Methods:Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines,we systematically searched and screened eligible systematic reviews reporting the effects of differing RT prescription variables on muscle mass(or its proxies),strength,and/or physical function in healthy adults aged>18 years.Results:We identified 44 systematic reviews that met our inclusion criteria.The methodological quality of these reviews was assessed using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews;standardized effectiveness statements were generated.We found that RT was consistently a potent stimulus for increasing skeletal muscle mass(4/4 reviews provide some or sufficient evidence),strength(4/6 reviews provided some or sufficient evidence),and physical function(1/1 review provided some evidence).RT load(6/8 reviews provided some or sufficient evidence),weekly frequency(2/4 reviews provided some or sufficient evidence),volume(3/7 reviews provided some or sufficient evidence),and exercise order(1/1 review provided some evidence)impacted RT-induced increases in muscular strength.We discovered that 2/3 reviews provided some or sufficient evidence that RT volume and contraction velocity influenced skeletal muscle mass,while 4/7 reviews provided insufficient evidence in favor of RT load impacting skeletal muscle mass.There was insufficient evidence to conclude that time of day,periodization,inter-set rest,set configuration,set end point,contraction velocity/time under tension,or exercise order(only pertaining to hypertrophy)influenced skeletal muscle adaptations.A paucity of data limited insights into the impact of RT prescription variables on physical function.Conclusion:Overall,RT increased muscle mass,strength,and physical function compared to no exercise.RT intensity(load)and weekly frequency impacted RT-induced increases in muscular strength but not muscle hypertrophy.RT volume(number of sets)influenced muscular strength and hypertrophy.

Surgical intervention combined with weight-bearing walking training promotes recovery in patients with chronic spinal cord injury:a randomized controlled study

For patients with chronic spinal cord injury,the co nventional treatment is rehabilitation and treatment of spinal cord injury complications such as urinary tract infection,pressure sores,osteoporosis,and deep vein thrombosis.Surgery is rarely perfo rmed on spinal co rd injury in the chronic phase,and few treatments have been proven effective in chronic spinal cord injury patients.Development of effective therapies fo r chronic spinal co rd injury patients is needed.We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial in patients with chronic complete thoracic spinal co rd injury to compare intensive rehabilitation(weight-bearing walking training)alone with surgical intervention plus intensive rehabilitation.This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov(NCT02663310).The goal of surgical intervention was spinal cord detethering,restoration of cerebrospinal fluid flow,and elimination of residual spinal cord compression.We found that surgical intervention plus weight-bearing walking training was associated with a higher incidence of American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale improvement,reduced spasticity,and more rapid bowel and bladder functional recovery than weight-bearing walking training alone.Overall,the surgical procedures and intensive rehabilitation were safe.American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale improvement was more common in T7-T11 injuries than in T2-T6 injuries.Surgery combined with rehabilitation appears to have a role in treatment of chronic spinal cord injury patients.

Chronic effects of stretching on range of motion with consideration of potential moderating variables:A systematic review with meta-analysis

Background:It is well known that stretch training can induce prolonged increases in joint range of motion(ROM).However,to date more information is needed regarding which training variables might have greater influence on improvements in flexibility.Thus,the purpose of this metaanalysis was to investigate the effects of stretch training on ROM in healthy participants by considering potential moderating variables,such as stretching technique,intensity,duration,frequency,and muscles stretched,as well as sex-specific,age-specific,and/or trained state-specific adaptations to stretch training.Methods:We searched through PubMed,Scopus,Web of Science,and SportDiscus to find eligible studies and,finally,assessed the results from 77 studies and 186 effect sizes by applying a random-effect meta-analysis.Moreover,by applying a mixed-effect model,we performed the respective subgroup analyses.To find potential relationships between stretch duration or age and effect sizes,we performed a meta-regression.Results:We found a significant overall effect,indicating that stretch training can increase ROM with a moderate effect compared to the controls(effect size=-1.002;Z=-12.074;95%confidence interval:-1.165 to-0.840;p<0.001;I^(2)=74.97).Subgroup analysis showed a significant difference between the stretching techniques(p=0.01)indicating that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and static stretching produced greater ROM than did ballistic/dynamic stretching.Moreover,there was a significant effect between the sexes(p=0.04),indicating that females showed higher gains in ROM compared to males.However,further moderating analysis showed no significant relation or difference.Conclusion:When the goal is to maximize ROM in the long term,proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation or static stretching,rather than ballistic/dynamic stretching,should be applied.Something to consider in future research as well as sports practice is that neither volume,intensity,nor frequency of stretching were found to play a significant role in ROM yields.

Numerical analysis of moving train induced vibrations on tunnel,surrounding ground and structure

This study is focused on the effect of vibration induced by moving trains in tunnels on the surrounding ground and structures.A three-dimensional finite element model is established for a one-track railway tunnel and an adjacent twelve-storey building frame by using commercial software Midas GTS-NX(2019)and Midas Gen.This study considered the moving load effect of a complete train,which varies with space as well as with time.The effect of factors such as train speed,overburden pressure on the tunnel and variation in soil properties are studied in the time domain.As a result,the variations in horizontal and vertical acceleration for two different sites,i.e.,the free ground surface(without structure)and the area containing the structure,are compared.Also,the displacement pattern of the raft foundation is plotted for different train velocities.At lower speeds,the heaving phenomenon is negligible,but as the speed increases,both the heaving and differential settlement increase in the foundation.This study demonstrates that the effect of moving train vibrations should be considered in the design of new nearby structures and proper ground improvement should be considered for existing structures.

Application value research of swallowing treatment device combined with swallowing rehabilitation training in the treatment of swallowing disorders after stroke

BACKGROUND Stroke is a common disabling disease,whether it is ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke,both can result in neuronal damage,leading to various manifestations of neurological dysfunction.AIM To explore of the application value of swallowing treatment device combined with swallowing rehabilitation training in the treatment of swallowing disorders after stroke.METHODS This study selected 86 patients with swallowing disorders after stroke admitted to our rehabilitation department from February 2022 to December 2023 as research subjects.They were divided into a control group(n=43)and an observation group(n=43)according to the treatment.The control group received swallowing rehabilitation training,while the observation group received swallowing treatment device in addition to the training.Both groups underwent continuous intervention for two courses of treatment.RESULTS The total effective rate in the observation group(93.02%)was higher than that in the control group(76.74%)(P=0.035).After intervention,the oral transit time,swallowing response time,pharyngeal transit time,and laryngeal closure time decreased in both groups compared to before intervention.In the observation group,the oral transit time,swallowing response time,and pharyngeal transit time were shorter than those in the control group after intervention.However,the laryngeal closure time after intervention in the observation group was compared with that in the control group(P=0.142).After intervention,average amplitude value and duration of the genioglossus muscle group during empty swallowing and swallowing 5 mL of water are reduced compared to before intervention in both groups.After intervention,the scores of the chin-tuck swallowing exercise and the Standardized Swallowing Assessment are both reduced compared to pre-intervention levels in both groups.However,the observation group scores lower than the control group after intervention.Additionally,the Functional Oral Intake Scale scores of both groups are increased after intervention compared to pre-intervention levels,with the observation group scoring higher than the control group after intervention(P<0.001).The cumulative incidence of complications in the observation group is 9.30%,which is lower than the 27.91%in the control group(P=0.027).CONCLUSION The combination of swallowing therapy equipment with swallowing rehabilitation training can improve the muscle movement level of the genioglossus muscle group,enhance swallowing function,and prevent the occurrence of swallowing-related complications after stroke.

Effect of scalp acupuncture combined with language rehabilitation training in treating post-stroke motor aphasia:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of scalp acupuncture combined with language rehabilitation training in the treatment of motor aphasia.Methods:CNKI,VIP,Wan Fang Database,MEDLINE,Embase,Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched for published researches up to March,2021.Randomized controlled trials RCTs that focused on scalp acupuncture combined with language rehabilitation training in the treatment of motor aphasia were included.We managed the data analysis with RevMan 5.3 software.Results:A total of 16 RCTs with 1323 patients were involved.The results of meta-analysis showed that:①The effective rate of scalp acupuncture combined with language rehabilitation training in the treatment of motor aphasia after stroke was significantly better than that of simple language rehabilitation training[OR=3.94,95%CI(2.73,5.68),P<0.00001];②In the evaluation of language function,compared with the language rehabilitation training,the scalp acupuncture combined with language rehabilitation training can significantly improve the reading ability of the patients with motor aphasia after stroke[MD=7.22,95%CI(3.55,10.89),P=0.0001],writing ability[MD=6.51,95%CI(3.61,9.41),P<0.0001],expressive ability[MD=4.13,95%CI(2.37,5.89),P<0.0001],retelling ability[MD=5.00,95%CI(2.38,7.63),P=0.0002],listening comprehension ability[MD=5.36,95%CI(3.12,7.61),P<0.00001]and naming ability[MD=5.60,95%CI(4.20,7.00),P<0.00001];③Compared with simple language rehabilitation training,scalp acupuncture combined with language rehabilitation can significantly improve the daily life language communication ability of patients with motor aphasia,and the difference was statistically significant[MD=30.01,95%CI(11.30,48.72),P=0.002].Conclusion:Scalp acupuncture combined with language rehabilitation training has a significant effect on motor aphasia.However,due to the small sample size,more RCTs are needed to confirm that.