Enhancement of porous asphalt mixtures modified with various fibers and ethylene-vinyl acetate polymer.

Porous asphalt mixture is conventional hot mix asphalt (HMA) with substantially decreased fines, which produces an open-graded mixture that enables the water to flow through an interconnected void space. Porous asphalt is a permeable system that has a lot of benefits. However, because of its open structure, the durability of this mixture decreases, and both its stability and resilient modulus are much lower compared to the dense conventional asphalt mixtures. Also, the high void percentage may lead to an increase in the draindown proportion. Fibers (cellulose or mineral) and polymer-modified binders are recommended for porous asphalt mixtures, especially in hot and moderate climates. The objective of this study is to improve the porous asphalt mixture's performance by using ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer-modified bitumen. Two types of fibers (cellulose fibers and glass wool fibers) were used, separately to determine the control mixture. Four different proportions of EVA polymer were added to the bitumen (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used for better investigating of the bitumen microstructure, then The Marshall mix design was used to determine the optimum EVA content (OEC) for the porous asphalt mixture. Several performance tests were conducted to investigate the characteristics of the porous asphalt mixture, such as the infiltration rate, binder draindown, the wheel track and the cantabro abrasion tests. The findings of the study conclude that the addition of EVA polymer to the porous asphalt mixtures enhances the performance as it increases stability by 20.8% and the infiltration rate by 20.6%. It decreases binder draindown proportion by 33.3%, cantabro abrasion loss by 25.1% and the rut depth at 5,000 cycles and 10,000 cycles by 29.8% and 19.7%, respectively.

Effects of Flavonoid Supplementation on Athletic Performance in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Flavonoids, known for their antioxidant properties, can prevent reactive oxygen species (ROS) and influence athletic performance through various physiological and metabolic mechanisms. However, there are conflicting results after summarizing and analyzing the relevant literature. Hence, it is warranted to evaluate the overall impact of flavonoids on athletic performance in healthy adults based on a comprehensive and systematic review and meta-analysis. After searching four databases for literature published since their respective establishments until February 2023 and conducting publication bias and quality assessments, a total of 22 studies were ultimately included. The names and doses of flavonoids, various outcome measurements, as well as types of training, were extracted from included studies. The athletic performance outcomes from the included studies were categorized into 'performance tests' and 'exercise tolerance,' depending on the type of training undertaken. Several statistical results, such as pooled effect size (ES), among others, were implemented by meta-analysis using the random effects model. The results of meta-analysis suggest that there is currently sufficient evidence (ES = -0.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): [-0.50, -0.07]; p = 0.01 and ES = 0.23; 95% CI: [0.07, 0.39]; p = 0.005) to support the notion that flavonoid supplementation enhanced athletic performance in performance tests and exercise tolerance. In addition, among the subgroups, nonsignificant results were observed for athletes (p = 0.28) and acute supplementation (p = 0.41) in performance tests, as well as athletes (p = 0.57) and acute supplementation (p = 0.44) in exercise tolerance. Meanwhile, significant results were found for non-athletes (p = 0.04) and long-term supplementation (p = 0.02) in performance tests, as well as non-athletes (p = 0.005) in performance tests and long-term supplementation (p = 0.006) in exercise tolerance. The nonsignificant results were likely due to the limitation in the number of related papers, sample sizes, optimal dosage, duration, type of flavonoids, and other factors. Therefore, future research should focus on further investigating these relationships with larger sample sizes, optimal dosage, duration, and type of flavonoids to provide more robust conclusions.

Effects of one single-dose methylphenidate compared to one single-dose placebo on QbTest performance in adults with untreated ADHD: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) primary involves methylphenidate (MPH). Earlier studies have identified placebo responders to increase toward the end of the treatment periods. However, little is known about the immediate effects of placebo on the core symptoms of ADHD in adults. The present study aimed to examine the effects of one single-dose MPH compared to one single-dose placebo during clinical assessments with continuous performance tests (CPT). METHODS: In a randomized study with cross-over design, 40 adults between 19 and 64 years (72.5% women) with untreated ADHD were consecutively enrolled. The study comprised two trial days with four days in between. The QbTest was performed twice on the same day, before and 80 min after intake of one single-dose 20 mg immediate release methylphenidate (IR-MPH) and with one single-dose placebo, in randomized order. RESULTS: Performance improved in QbInattention, F (3, 117) = 38.25, p < 0.001, after given IR-MPH (mean diff = 1.14) and after placebo (mean diff = 0.60) with the effect sizes 1.17 and 0.63 respectively. IR-MPH improved performance in QbActivity (mean diff = 0.81, p < 0.001) and QbImpulsivity (mean diff = 0.46, p < 0.04). The proportion of improvements (a decrease by ≥ 0.5 Qb-score) in the parameters QbInattention, QbActivity and QbImpulsivity were 90%, 60% and 52.5%, respectively. After given placebo, corresponding proportions were 60%, 30% and 35%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There seems to be an immediate placebo response in the core symptom inattention. The effect of placebo cannot be ruled out and must be taken in consideration during drug trials with continuous performance tests (CPTs). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; Identifier: NCT02473185.

Comparison of physical performance, gait, balance, falls efficacy, and step reaction time in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the physical performance, gait, balance, falls efficacy, and step reaction time in individuals with MS. METHODS: A total of 60 individuals (30 individuals with MS and 30 age and sex-matched healthy controls) were enrolled. Individuals' physical performance was evaluated with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSTS). Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12v2) and Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) were used to assess the balance, gait and fall efficacy of the participants. Individuals' step reaction time (SRT) was calculated with video-based software. The time between the step command and the first contact of the foot with the ground in the first step was recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the individuals with MS and the control group was 38.5 ± 9.4 years and 33.9 ± 11.7 years, respectively. Significant differences existed between the groups in SRT, FES-I, ABC, and FTSTS (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between SRT with any other parameter (p > 0.05). TUG was moderately correlated with MSWS-12 and FES-I (r1 =0.426, r2 =0.495, p < 0.05). Besides, there was a moderate correlation between ABC with TUG and FTSTS (r1 =-0.605, r2 =-0.468, p < 0.05). A high degree correlation was found between MSWS-12 with FES-I and ABC (r1 =0.843, r2 =-0.834, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Individuals with MS have decreased SRTs. However, this condition was not found to be related to physical performance. Further studies should focus on the association of SRT with cognitive and psychosocial parameters.

Objective and subjective measures to guide upper extremity return to sport testing: A modified Delphi survey.

OBJECTIVE: To identify which subjective and objective tests do content experts utilize to help guide return to sport (RTS) decision making for an athlete after an upper extremity (UE) injury? METHODS: A modified Delphi survey was utilized, including content experts in UE rehabilitation. Survey items were identified based on a literature review identifying current best evidence and practice for UE RTS decision making. Content experts (n = 52) were identified, having a minimum of 10 years of experience with rehabilitation of UE athletic injuries, and 5 years of experience using an UE RTS algorithm to guide decision making. RESULTS: Expert consensus was achieved on a combination of tests utilized within an UE RTS algorithm: 1. Tissue healing time frame is an important consideration in RTS decision making; 2. Patient reported outcome measures should be utilized specifically, DASH and NPRS 3. Strength is measured by handheld dynamometer and is an important consideration. 4. ROM should be utilized and is an important consideration. 5. Physical performance tests utilized include: Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability test, Seated shot-put test and lower extremity/core tests. CONCLUSIONS: This survey reached expert consensus on which subjective and objective measures to utilize to evaluate RTS readiness after UE injury.

Functional Deficits After Open Latarjet Procedure and Dominance of the Operated Shoulder: An Analysis of 133 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Return to sport after stabilization surgery using the open Latarjet procedure remains challenging. Additional knowledge is needed about postoperative shoulder functional deficits in order to better design return-to-sport programs. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of the dominance status of the operated shoulder on the shoulder functional profile recovery at 4.5 months after open Latarjet procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed. All patients who underwent the open Latarjet procedure between December 2017 and February 2021 were eligible for the study. Functional assessment at 4.5 months after the surgery was performed using the following tests: maximal voluntary isometric contractions in glenohumeral internal and external rotation, upper-quarter Y balance test, unilateral seated shot-put test, and modified closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test, leading to 10 outcome measures. Patients whose dominant side had undergone surgery and those whose nondominant side had undergone surgery were compared with a group of 68 healthy control participants. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients who underwent an open Latarjet procedure on the dominant side and 61 patients who underwent open Latarjet on the nondominant side were compared with 68 healthy control athletes. In patients whose dominant shoulder had undergone surgery, significant deficits for the dominant side (P < .001) and for the nondominant side (P < .001) were found in 9 of 10 functional outcome measures. Among patients whose operations were on the nondominant shoulder, significant deficits for the nondominant side (P < .001) and for the dominant side (P < .001) were found in 9 and 5 of the 10 functional outcome measures, respectively. CONCLUSION: Regardless of dominance of the stabilized shoulder, persistent deficits in strength, stability, mobility, power, and stroke frequency were observed at 4.5 months postoperatively. Stabilization of the dominant shoulder resulted in residual surgery-related functional impairments on both sides. However, stabilization of the nondominant shoulder resulted in impairments primarily noted in the nondominant, operative shoulder. REGISTRATION: NCT05150379 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Comparing the Validity of the Rorschach Performance Assessment System and Exner's Comprehensive System to Differentiate Patients and Nonpatients.

Building on the comparative nonpatient study of Pianowski et al., we examine data from the Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS) and Comprehensive System (CS) in 100 nonpatients and 100 patients, 50 of each per system. Replicating their results but now in a patient sample, R-PAS produced more patient protocols having an optimal number of responses (R) for interpretation and eliminated the need for readministration due to low R. The R-PAS protocols were also much less variable in R, despite having about 2.5 more responses. Extending their results, we document that the primary markers of psychopathology in each system validly differentiate patients from nonpatients. However, R-PAS produced stronger effects. Finally, Complexity added to the valid discrimination of patients from nonpatients just for R-PAS, with patients producing less complex and rich records. The more erratic variability in R for the CS produced larger Complexity standard deviations (SDs) that obscured these genuine differences in people. We discuss implications for research and applied practice, along with directions for future research.

Comparison of the upper extremity physical performance tests between asymptomatic adults with and without scapular dyskinesis

Abstract Introduction Physical performance tests (PPTs) are screening tools widely available, easy to apply, and that can be performed in different environments and contexts. Scapular dyskinesis can be related to changes in glenohumeral angulation, acromioclavicular joint strain, subacromial space dimension, shoulder muscle strength/activation and humeral position/motion. Few studies were developed to understand the influence of aspects such as strength, stability mobility, and scapular dyskinesis on the scores of the upper extremity PPTs. Objective To compare the performance in the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST), Seated Medicine Ball Throw Test (SMBT) and Upper Quarter Y Balance Test (UQYBT) between asymptomatic adults with and without scapular dyskinesis. Methods Cross-sectional study with 20 asymptomatic individuals: 10 with scapular dyskinesis and 10 without scapular dyskinesis. The average number of touches, number of touches normalized by height, and power score in the CKCUEST, distance covered by the ball in the SMBT, reach in the medial, inferolateral, and superolateral directions, total excursion and composite score of the UQYBT were compared between both groups. Results No significant differences were found for all variables (p > 0.05). Small to moderate effect sizes were found for the scores of the CKCUEST (d = 0.16-0.78), a small effect size was found for the distance in the SBMT (d = 0.12), and small to moderate effect sizes were found for the scores of the UQYBT (d = 0.02-0.43). The scapular dyskinesis group presented better performance in all tests. Conclusion The presence of scapular dyskinesis in asymptomatic individuals is not a factor related to worse scores in upper extremity physical performance tests.

Resumo Introdução Os testes de desempenho físico (PPTs) são instrumentos de triagem amplamente disponíveis, de fácil aplicação e que podem ser realizados em diferentes ambientes e contextos. A discinesia escapular pode estar relacionada a alterações na angulação glenoumeral, tensão na articulação acromioclavicular, dimensão do espaço subacromial, força/ativação muscular do ombro e posição/movimento umeral. Poucos estudos foram desenvolvidos para entender a influência de aspectos como força, estabilidade, mobilidade e discinese escapular nos escores dos PPTs de membros superiores. Objetivo Comparar o desempenho no Teste de Estabilidade de Extremidade Superior de Cadeia Cinética Fechada (CKCUEST), Teste de Arremesso de Medicine Ball Sentada (SMBT) e Teste de Equilíbrio em Y do Quarto Superior (UQYBT) entre adultos assintomáticos com e sem discinesia escapular. Métodos Estudo transversal com amostra de 20 indivíduos assintomáticos: 10 com discinesia escapular e 10 sem discinesia escapular. Comparou-se o número médio de toques, número de toques normalizados pela altura e pontuação de potência no CKCUEST, distância percorrida pela bola no SMBT, alcance nas direções medial, inferolateral e superolateral, excursão total e escore composto do UQYBT entre ambos os grupos. Resultados Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas para todas as variáveis (p > 0,05). Tamanho de efeito pequeno a moderado foi encontrado para os escores do CKCUEST (d = 0,16-0,78), tamanho de efeito pequeno foi encontrado para a distância no SBMT (d = 0,12) e tamanho de efeito pequeno a moderado foi encontrado para as pontuações do UQYBT (d = 0,02-0,43). O grupo com discinesia escapular apresentou melhor desempenho em todos os testes. Conclusão A pre-sença de discinesia escapular em indivíduos assintomáticos não é um fator relacionado a piores escores em testes de desempenho físico de membros superiores.

Self-Organizing Maps to Multidimensionally Characterize Physical Profiles in Older Adults.

The aim of this study is to automatically analyze, characterize and classify physical performance and body composition data of a cohort of Mexican community-dwelling older adults. Self-organizing maps (SOM) were used to identify similar profiles in 562 older adults living in Mexico City that participated in this study. Data regarding demographics, geriatric syndromes, comorbidities, physical performance, and body composition were obtained. The sample was divided by sex, and the multidimensional analysis included age, gait speed over height, grip strength over body mass index, one-legged stance, lean appendicular mass percentage, and fat percentage. Using the SOM neural network, seven profile types for older men and women were identified. This analysis provided maps depicting a set of clusters qualitatively characterizing groups of older adults that share similar profiles of body composition and physical performance. The SOM neural network proved to be a useful tool for analyzing multidimensional health care data and facilitating its interpretability. It provided a visual representation of the non-linear relationship between physical performance and body composition variables, as well as the identification of seven characteristic profiles in this cohort.

Quantitative physical performance tests can effectively detect Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This review aimed to identify effective physical performance tests (PPT) as clinical outcome indicators for detecting and monitoring degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed on seven electronic databases on the effectiveness in detection and monitoring of DCM by PPT. All included studies were reviewed and undergone quality assessments on the risk-of-bias by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and were pooled by random-effect analysis with level of significance at 0.05. Homogeneity among studies was assessed by I2-statistics and effect of PPT was confirmed by Cohen's d effect size and confidence intervals. RESULTS: Totally, 3111 articles were retrieved, and 19 studies were included for review and meta-analysis. There were 13 studies investigating PPT regarding the upper limbs and 12 studies regarding the lower limbs. Performance in 10-second-Grip-and-Release Test (G&R) and 9-Hole-Peg Test (9HPT) was studied in 10 and 3 articles, respectively, while 10-second-Stepping Test (SST), 30-meter-Walking Test (30MWT) and Foot-Tapping Test (FTT) for lower limbs were studied in 5, 4, and 3 articles correspondingly. Only 1 study utilized the Triangle-Stepping Test. High-quality study with fair risk-of-bias was revealed from Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Large effect size facilitated detection and monitoring in DCM was unveiling for G&R, 9HPT, SST, and 30MWT. FTT, while also effective, was hindered by a high-degree heterogeneity in the meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: Effective PPT including G&R, 9HPT, SST, 30MWT, and FTT was identified for disease detection and monitoring in DCM.

The functional lumbar index: Validation of a novel clinical assessment tool for individuals with low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Diagnostic Cohort Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3b. OBJECTIVES: To examine the concurrent and predictive validity of a novel clinical assessment tool, the Functional Lumbar Index (FLI). BACKGROUND: Lumbar surgeries have increased exponentially in the past decade, adding to healthcare costs without improving outcomes. Limitations in clinicians' abilities to identify those individuals who are most likely to benefit from surgery may be enhanced with an effective physical assessment tool. METHODS: The FLI was assessed on 291 individuals (179 conservative and 113 pre-surgical) seeking care for low-back pain (LBP) over a 2.5-year period. The FLI consists of several physical performance tests (PPT) with a novel criterion-based scoring system. Pearson correlations and Poisson regression analysis were used to establish concurrent and predictive validity at alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: The subscale FLI components showed good to excellent inter-rater reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient values as follows: front plank = .993, right side plank = .824, left side plank .861, Sorensen = 0.836, overhead squat = 0.937. A statistically significant, moderate negative correlation was observed between FLI and modified Oswestry Disability Index (r = -0.540, p < .001). Regression analysis showed the FLI as the only significant predictor (p = .004) of failed conservative management for individuals with LBP. An ROC curve showed significant group prediction of the FLI with an AUC of 0.788 (p < .001) and cut-off score of 7.5. CONCLUSION: The FLI is a reliable and valid measure for predicting failed conservative care management in patients with LBP. Clinicians are encouraged to use the FLI as part of their physical assessment when screening individuals with LBP who might need surgical intervention. Further research is needed to determine validity of the FLI in other patient populations. PUBLIC TRIAL REGISTRY: N/A.

Patterns of Muscle-Related Risk Factors for Sarcopenia in Older Mexican Women.

Early detriment in the muscle mass quantity, quality, and functionality, determined by calf circumference (CC), phase angle (PA), gait time (GT), and grip strength (GSt), may be considered a risk factor for sarcopenia. Patterns derived from these parameters could timely identify an early stage of this disease. Thus, the present work aims to identify those patterns of muscle-related parameters and their association with sarcopenia in a cohort of older Mexican women with neural network analysis. Methods: Information from the functional decline patterns at the end of life, related factors, and associated costs study was used. A self-organizing map was used to analyze the information. A SOM is an unsupervised machine learning technique that projects input variables on a low-dimensional hexagonal grid that can be effectively utilized to visualize and explore properties of the data allowing to cluster individuals with similar age, GT, GSt, CC, and PA. An unadjusted logistic regression model assessed the probability of having sarcopenia given a particular cluster. Results: 250 women were evaluated. Mean age was 68.54 ± 5.99, sarcopenia was present in 31 (12.4%). Clusters 1 and 2 had similar GT, GSt, and CC values. Moreover, in cluster 1, women were older with higher PA values (p < 0.001). From cluster 3 upward, there is a trend of worse scores for every variable. Moreover, 100% of the participants in cluster 6 have sarcopenia (p < 0.001). Women in clusters 4 and 5 were 19.29 and 90 respectively, times more likely to develop sarcopenia than those from cluster 2 (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The joint use of age, GSt, GT, CC, and PA is strongly associated with the probability women have of presenting sarcopenia.

Normative Reference Values and Validity for the 30-Second Chair-Stand Test in Healthy Young Adults.

Background: Clinicians often use physical performance tests (PPT) to measure performance measures in sports since they are easy to administer, portable, and cost-efficient. However, PPT often lack good or known psychometric properties. Perhaps, the 30-second chair-stand test (30CST) would be a good functional test in athletic populations as it has been shown to demonstrate good psychometric properties in older adults. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine normative values for and concurrent, convergent and discriminative validity of 30CST for healthy young adults aged 19-35 years. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: Eighty-one participants completed this study. All participants performed two trials of 30CST, 5-times sit-to-stand (5xSTS), and lateral step-up test (LSUT). Investigators used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Leisure Domain (LD-IPAQ) to divide participants into insufficiently or sufficiently active groups based on the weekly metabolic equivalent of task per the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Results: Participants (Mean + SD age, 25.1 ± 3.4 years; body height, 1.71 ± 0.09 m; body mass, 72.6 ± 16.1 kg; females 47) performed an average of 33.0±5.4 30CST repetitions. The 30CST performance was negatively associated with 5xSTS (r=-0.79 p=0.01) and positively associated with LSUT performances (r=0.51, p=0.01) when using Pearson correlations. In addition, the sufficiently active group performed significantly greater 30CST repetitions than the insufficiently active group (mean difference = 2.5; p=0.04). Conclusions: In addition to finding a reference value for 30CST performance in young adults, investigators found that the 30CST displayed concurrent and convergent validity in assessing functional lower extremity (LE) muscle strength and discriminated between those with sufficient and insufficient physical activity levels. Training and rehabilitation professionals could use the 30CST for testing functional LE muscle strength for athletes in pre-season or during rehabilitation. Future investigators should perform studies to determine if 30CST predicts sport performance. Level of Evidence: Level 2.

Role of active joint position sense on the upper extremity functional performance tests in college volleyball players.

Background: It has been well established that proprioception plays a decisive role in shoulder stability and sport performance. Notwithstanding, there is a lack of clear association between active joint position sense (AJPS) and the performance of upper-extremity functional performance tests. The aim of this study was to determine whether the AJPS of the shoulder complex is associated with the performance of college volleyball players with the following functional tests: Y-Balance Test-Upper Quarter (YBT-UQ), Closed Kinetic Chain Upper-Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST), and Seated Medicine Ball Throw (SMBT). The secondary aim was to investigate whether the magnitude of the proprioception error through the AJPS had the ability to act as a predictor for functional test scores. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a convenience sampling. Healthy college volleyball players (≥12 h of training/week), 30 males and 22 females, between 18 and 26 years of age were included. AJPS of the shoulder (90° of flexion (90°Flex), 90° of internal rotation at 90° of abduction (90°IR/ABD), 90° of external rotation at 90° of abduction (90°ER/ABD)) and three upper-extremity functional performance tests (YBT-UQ, CKCUEST and SMBT) were assessed. A Pearson's test and a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were used to determine possible associations and relationships between outcome measures, respectively. Results: The analysis revealed that AJPS at 90°IR/ABD and 90°ER/ABD were the only proprioceptive variables with an association to the YBT-UQ and SMBT. Despite these relationships, only the AJPS at 90°IR/ABD was associated with the performance of the YBT-UQ in; superolateral direction (ß = -0.7; 95% CI [-1.3 to 0.1]; p = 0.025); inferolateral direction (ß = -1.5; 95% CI [-2.1 to -0.8]; p = 0.001); and composite score (ß = -0.8; 95% CI [-1.3 to -0.3]; p = 0.002). From these, AJPS at 90°IR/ABD mainly explained the variability of YBT-UQ (inferolateral direction) performance (R2 = 0.32; %R2 = 0.32). Our findings allow for a possible expanded role for proprioception as a contributing factor in upper limb motor control during functional movements. Further research is required to explore and distinguish the associations between proprioception, motor control and sport performance involving the upper limbs.

Lithium-ion battery aging dataset based on electric vehicle real-driving profiles.

This paper describes the experimental dataset of lithium-ion battery cells subjected to a typical electric vehicle discharge profile and periodically characterized through diagnostic tests. Data were collected at the Stanford Energy Control Laboratory, at Stanford University. The INR21700-M50T battery cells with graphite/silicon anode and Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt cathode were tested over a period of 23 months according to the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) discharge driving profile and the Constant Current (CC)-Constant Voltage (CV) charging protocol designed at different charging rates - ranging from C/4 to 3C. Ten (10) cells are tested in a temperature-controlled environment (23 ∘ C). A periodic assessment of battery degradation during life testing is accomplished via Reference Performance Tests (RPTs) comprising of capacity, Hybrid Pulse Power Characterization (HPPC), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) tests. The dataset allows for the characterization of battery aging under real-driving scenarios, enabling the development of models and management strategies in electric vehicle applications.

Eye Tracking During a Continuous Performance Test: Utility for Assessing ADHD Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The use of continuous performance tests (CPTs) for assessing ADHD related cognitive impairment is ubiquitous. Novel psychophysiological measures may enhance the data that is derived from CPTs and thereby improve clinical decision-making regarding diagnosis and treatment. As part of the current study, we integrated an eye tracker with the MOXO-dCPT and assessed the utility of eye movement measures to differentiate ADHD patients and healthy controls. METHOD: Adult ADHD patients and gender/age-matched healthy controls performed the MOXO-dCPT while their eye movements were monitored (n = 33 per group). RESULTS: ADHD patients spent significantly more time gazing at irrelevant regions, both on the screen and outside of it, than healthy controls. The eye movement measures showed adequate ability to classify ADHD patients. Moreover, a scale that combined eye movement measures enhanced group prediction, compared to the sole use of conventional MOXO-dCPT indices. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating an eye tracker with CPTs is a feasible way of enhancing diagnostic precision and shows initial promise for clarifying the cognitive profile of ADHD patients. Pending replication, these findings point toward a promising path for the evolution of existing CPTs.

Testing the invariance of the metacognitive monitoring test / Investigando a invariância do teste de monitoramento metacognitivo / Investigando la invarianza de la prueba de monitoreo metacognitivo

Metacognition is predominantly measured by the self-report and think-aloud methods. This is problematic since they produce considerable both respondent and confirmatory biases, which implies damage to the measurement. The Metacognitive Monitoring Test (MMT) was created to evaluate metacognition through performance and eliminate the aforementioned biases. There is evidence of MMT convergent, divergent, structural, predictive and incremental validity. This article expands the validity studies about the MMT by analyzing the configural, metric and scalar invariance of MMT across sex, nationality, and educational level variables. The sample is composed of Brazilian and Honduran subjects, as well as 6st to 12st grades and higher education students. Results indicate configural, metric and scalar invariance for the sex variable, as well as configural invariance and metric and scalar partial invariance for nationality and educational level. It is concluded that the MMT allows comparing means of the latent variable measured in the analyzed groups. (AU)

Há uma hegemonia dos métodos de autorrelato e thinkaloud para avaliar metacognição. Isso é problemático, pois eles geram substanciais vieses do respondente e confirmatório, trazendo prejuízo à medida. O Teste de Monitoramento Metacognitivo (TMC) foi criado para avaliar a metacognição mediante o desempenho e eliminar os vieses supramencionados. Há evidências de validade convergente, divergente, estrutural, preditiva e incremental do TMC. Este artigo amplia os estudos de validade e analisa a invariância configural, métrica e escalar do TMC, em relação ao sexo, nacionalidade, e nível educacional. A amostra do estudo é composta por brasileiros e hondurenhos, e estudantes da 6ª à 12ª séries da educação básicae ensino superior. Os resultados indicam invariância configural, métrica e escalar para a variável sexo, assim como invariância configural e invariância parcial métrica e escalar para nacionalidade e nível educacional. Conclui-se que o TMC permite comparar médias da variável latente mensurada nos grupos analisados. (AU)

Hay un predominio de métodos de auto-reporte e think aloud para evaluar la metacognición. Esto es problemático, ya que dichos métodos producen un considerable sesgo de respuesta y confirmación, lo que implica un perjuicio en la medición. La Prueba de Monitoreo Metacognitivo (PMM) fue diseñada para evaluar la metacognición por medio del desempeño y eliminar los sesgos mencionados anteriormente. Hay evidencia de validez convergente, divergente, estructural, predictiva e incremental de la PMM. Este artículo amplía los estudios de validez sobre la PMM, analizando la invarianza configural, métrica y escalar de la PMM con respecto a las variables sexo, nacionalidad y nivel educativo. La muestra del estudio está formada por brasileños y hondureños, y estudiantes de 6º a 12º grado de educación básica y educación superior. Los resultados indican invarianza configural, métrica y escalar para la variable sexo así como invarianza configural e invarianza parcial escalar y métrica para nacionalidad y nivel educativo. Se concluye que la PMM permite comparar medias de la variable latente medida en los grupos analizados. (AU)

Normative Reference of the Single Leg, Medial Countermovement Jump in Adolescent Youth Ice Hockey Players.

Functional performance tests provide quantitative information on specialized sport movements and are important for documenting training and fatigue. The single leg, medial countermovement jump provides objective measures of frontal plane force, velocity and power, and is relevant for ice hockey players given the similar lateral movement to ice skating. This study measured normative single leg, medial countermovement jump parameters (i.e., vertical and lateral maximum force, average concentric power and average concentric power during the last 100 ms) amongst male youth ice hockey players and assessed interlimb asymmetry in these healthy athletes. Ninety-one elite youth players participated in the study. Participants completed three right and three left jumps. Non-parametric tests were performed to evaluate between-jump and between-group comparisons. Many differences in jump force and power parameters were observed between the 10U/11U and 12U/13U age groups, and the 12U/13U and 14U/15U age groups, but differences were not as consistent between older or younger players. The average asymmetry index for each age group was less than 15% for force parameters, while the power parameters had larger asymmetry indices (between 9% and 22%). Our results provide age-specific reference values and asymmetry indices for male elite youth ice hockey players aged 10-18 years performing the single leg, medial countermovement jump.

Context aware benchmarking and tuning of a TByte-scale air quality database and web service.

We present context-aware benchmarking and performance engineering of a mature TByte-scale air quality database system which was created by the Tropospheric Ozone Assessment Report (TOAR) and contains one of the world's largest collections of near-surface air quality measurements. A special feature of our data service https://join.fz-juelich.de is on-demand processing of several air quality metrics directly from the TOAR database. As a service that is used by more than 350 users of the international air quality research community, our web service must be easily accessible and functionally flexible, while delivering good performance. The current on-demand calculations of air quality metrics outside the database together with the necessary transfer of large volume raw data are identified as the major performance bottleneck. In this study, we therefore explore and benchmark in-database approaches for the statistical processing, which results in performance enhancements of up to 32%.

A Comparison of Resting Scapular Posture and the Davies Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test.

BACKGROUND: In orthopaedic practice, it is well established that weak scapular stabilizers and an unstable scapula is related to shoulder dysfunction. Faulty scapular position has been linked to decreased scapular stability and is thought to be a result of weak or unbalanced timing in the recruitment of scapulothoracic dynamic stabilizing muscles. Kibler has described a four-type classification of scapulothoracic dysfunction. Functional performance testing is used to objectively measure activities that simulate various desired activities. The reliability of assessing the four static scapular positions may be important in diagnosing shoulder dysfunction. An understanding of the scapular position and its relationship to functional performance testing is needed. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if a static scapular test, the Kibler scapula classification, in healthy participants affects the ability to perform a closed chain functional test that involves the use of the scapula and the upper extremity, the Davies Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST). A secondary analysis was performed to evaluate the reliability of a student physical therapist and an experienced physical therapist to identify scapular type by observation. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter, single session descriptive cohort. METHODS: Sixty-one healthy participants (33 males, 28 females; mean age 24.19±2.61) completed testing across two locations in one testing session. Blood pressure and heart rate as well as height and weight were measured for each participant. Participants were classified by visual observation of Kibler scapular classification. The average number of CKUEST touches, a normalized score, and a power score were calculated for each participant. Three trials were performed and participants were required to take a 45-second rest break between each CKCUEST trial. RESULTS: One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed statistically significant differences in Type I and Type IV Kibler scapula classification for the CKCUEST power score, however when an ANCOVA controlled for body mass index, there was no statistically significant difference. A strong correlation r=.94 was observed between student and experienced physical therapist in evaluating all four types of Kibler scapular classification. CONCLUSIONS: Visually observed Kibler scapular position does not affect the ability to perform the Davies CKCUEST in healthy young adults. The ability to identify Kibler scapular position was reliable between student and experienced physical therapists. Additional studies are required to identify the usefulness of the Kibler scapular position classification. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b: Individual Cohort Study.