Maximizing solar radiations of PV panels using artificial gorilla troops reinforced by experimental investigations.

This article's main objective is to maximize solar radiations (SRs) through the use of the gorilla troop algorithm (GTA) for identifying the optimal tilt angle (OTA) for photovoltaic (PV) panels. This is done in conjunction with an experimental work that consists of three 100 W PV panels tilted at three different tilt angles (TAs). The 28°, 30°, and 50° are the three TAs. The experimental data are collected every day for 181-day and revealed that the TA of 28° is superior to those of 50° and 30°. The GTA calculated the OTA to be 28.445°, which agrees with the experimental results, which show a TA of 28°. The SR of the 28o TA is 59.3% greater than that of the 50° TA and 4.5% higher than that of the 30° TA. Recent methods are used to compare the GTA with the other nine metaheuristics (MHTs)-the genetic algorithm, particle swarm, harmony search, ant colony, cuckoo search, bee colony, fire fly, grey wolf, and coronavirus disease optimizers-in order to figure out the optimal OTA. The OTA is calculated by the majority of the nine MHTs to be 28.445°, which is the same as the GTA and confirms the experimental effort. In only 181-day, the by experimentation it may be documented SR difference between the TAs of 28° and 50° TA is 159.3%. Numerous performance metrics are used to demonstrate the GTA's viability, and it is contrasted with other recent optimizers that are in competition.

Estimation of optimal tilt angles for photovoltaic panels in Egypt with experimental verifications.

The principal target of this work is to compute the optimal tilt angle (OTA) for Photovoltaic (PV) panels. To perform this task, comprehensive simulations are done starting from altering the tilt angle (TA) daily, to use one fixed TA for all the year. The mathematical models for extra-terrestrial radiation (ETR) of both horizontal and inclined surfaces are presented firstly. At a later stage, the optimization formulation for the maximizing the solar radiation (SR) is adapted, and then the daily, monthly, seasonally, half-yearly and optimal fixed TAs are obtained. Although, the daily OTA produces the maximum SR, it is costly and impractical. It is found that altering the TA twice a year at optimal values that are computed as 5° and 50° for Suez city, gives the best results that are very near to the daily altering of the OTA. The difference between the two methods is 1.56% which is very small. Also, the two OTAs has SR better than that of the fixed OTA which is 28° by 7.77%. Also, it is found that the yearly fixed OTA (28°) is nearly equal to the latitude angle of Suez city which is 30°. The two OTAs method of this paper is different from the commonly used method that suggests two TAs. The first TA is used for winter months which is obtained by adding 15° to the latitude angle while the second TA is obtained by subtracting 15° from the latitude angle for the summer months. This commonly used method produces lesser SR than the two OTAs method of this paper. The theoretical work has been proved by an experimental work on two PV systems constructed at 25° and 30° TAs. The results of the experimental work agree with the theoretical results.

Obesity Indices and Ventilatory Function Responses to High-Level Laser Therapy in Subjects with Abdominal Obesity.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of pulsed Nd:YAG high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on body weight (Wt), body-mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) in young adults with abdominal obesity (AO). Materials and methods: Thirty-seven young adult males (age 19-25 years) with BMI >30 kg/m2 and WC >102 cm participated in this 12-week, randomized controlled study and were randomly allocated into either Group I [received pulsed Nd:YAG HILT plus moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training (AET) program] or Group II (received placebo pulsed Nd:YAG HILT plus the same AET program). The variables were evaluated pre- and poststudy. Results: Poststudy mean values and percentages of changes were calculated for Wt [83.7 ± 6.58 kg (-6.14%) and 88.71 ± 5.09 kg (-4.29%)], BMI [29.27 ± 1.06 kg/m2 (-6.14%) and 30.09 ± 1.23 kg/m2 (-4.24%)], WC [105.44 ± 5.84 cm (-3.78%) and 109.42 ± 4.9 cm (-1.74%)], FVC [4.79 ± 0.4 L (+13.6%) and 4.39 ± 0.66 L (+5.89%)], and FEV1 [4.04 ± 0.22 L (+16.4%) and 3.82 ± 0.39 L (+8.8%)] for Group I and Group II, respectively. Between groups, there were significant differences in mean values of Wt (p = 0.014), BMI (p = 0.04), WC (p = 0.03), FVC (p = 0.03), and FEV1 (p = 0.04) at the end of the study, but in favor of Group I. Conclusions: Utilizing the pulsed Nd:YAG HILT as an adjunctive therapeutic modality proved to be effective in improving the anthropometric indices and ventilatory functions in subjects with AO.

Impact of Cigarettes Smoking on Undergraduates' Lung Health and Functional Performance: Observational Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Cigarettes Smoking is a major social and global health problem. Cigarette smoking continues to be a major contributor to deteriorated health status across different age categories. Clarifying the impact of the cigarette smoking on young adults' lungs health and functional aspects can serve eliminating further deterioration in health status and establishing proper management regimens. This study aimed to investigate the impact of cigarette smoking on lung health (age and functions) and functional performance in the university smoker students. Methods: One hundred and Thirty eligible volunteer, current smoker students participated in this study to objectively evaluate their pulmonary functions (including forced vital capacity "FVC", forced expiratory volume in one second "FEV1", FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate "PEFr"), lung age and functional performance (via the 6-minutes' walk test "6MWT") and compare "the observed" with "the predicted normal" mean values. Data were analyzed via SPSS program using the student t-test. Results: There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the "observed" and the "predicted normal" FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFr, lung age, and the 6MWT mean values. The "observed" and the "predicted normal" FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFr, lung age and the 6MWT mean values were [(4.47 ± 0.53, 4.77 ± 0.5 liter), (3.95 ± 0.42, 4.08 ± 0.4 liter), (88.74 ± 7.17, 85.59 ± 4.91%), (550.75 ± 114.96, 572.72 ± 53.02 liter/minute), (32.77 ± 9.44, 21.55 ± 1.37 year), (387.06 ± 56.47, 466.82 ± 18.45 meter)], respectively. Conclusions: Cigarette smoking negatively impacts the lung age, functions, and functional performance of the university smoker students; the concept that can be used to encourage prevention and early smoking cessation.

Effect of Antigravity Treadmill Training on Gait and Balance in Patients with Diabetic Polyneuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is the most prevalent consequence of diabetes mellitus, and it has a significant impact on the patient's health. This study aims to evaluate effects of antigravity treadmill training on gait and balance in patients with DPN. Methods: The study included 45 males with type 2 diabetes who were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the experimental group (n=23) or the control group (n=22). For a period of 12 weeks, the experimental group received antigravity treadmill training (75% weight bearing, 30 min per session, three times per week) combined with traditional physical therapy. During the same time period, the control group received only traditional physical therapy. The Biodex Balance System was used to assess postural stability indices, while the GAITRite Walkway System was used to assess spatiotemporal gait parameters. All measurements were obtained before and at the end of the study after 12 weeks of treatment. Results: The mean values of all measured variables improved significantly in both groups (P<0.05), with the experimental group showing significantly greater improvements than the control group. The post-treatment gait parameters ( i.e., step length, step time, double support time, velocity, and cadence) were 61.3 cm, 0.49 sec, 0.25 sec, 83.09 cm/sec, and 99.78 steps/min as well as 56.14 cm, 0.55 sec, 0.29 sec, 75.73 cm/sec, and 88.14 steps/min for the experimental and control group, respectively. The post-treatment overall stability index was 0.32 and 0.70 for the experimental and control group, respectively. Conclusions: Antigravity treadmill training in combination with traditional physical therapy appears to be superior to traditional physical therapy alone in terms of gait and balance training. As a result, the antigravity treadmill has been found to be an effective device for the rehabilitation of DPN patients.

Effect of lower body positive pressure aerobic training on fall risk in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy: randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Retarded task-oriented gait, balance performance and increased fall risk are among the most debilitating problems in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). The lower body positive pressure (LBPP) training was recently introduced in the field of rehabilitation, but evaluating the effects of the LBPP on gait, balance and fall risk in patients with DPN has not been thoroughly investigated. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of LBPP treadmill training program on task-oriented gait, balance performance and fall risk in patients with DPN. DESIGN: Single-blinded, randomized-controlled trial. SETTING: Rehabilitative outpatient unit. POPULATION: Sixty-two patients with DPN were randomly assigned into 5-groups; group-A (100% weight-bearing; N.=12), group-B (75% weight-bearing; N.=13), group-C (50% weight-bearing; N.=13), group-D (25% weight-bearing; N.=12) and group-E (control group; N.=12). METHODS: The intervention groups (A, B, C, D) received moderate intensity aerobic exercise training (AET) program (30-45 minutes, 50-70% heart rate reserve) on the AlterG (AlterG, Inc., Fremont, CA, USA) treadmill for 12-weeks. Task-oriented gait, balance performance and the fall risk were evaluated at baseline (evaluation-1), after 12-weeks (evaluation-2) and 12-weeks poststudy cessation (evaluation-3; follow-up) for all groups using the Tinetti balance assessment tool. RESULTS: At evaluation-2, there were significant "within-groups" increases in the balance, gait and fall risk scores. There were significant "between-groups" differences in the same evaluated variables, with the highest increases were in group-B (P<0.05). At evaluation-3, there was a decline in the mean values of the evaluated variables, but still significant increases in the mean values of balance, gait and fall risk compared to the baseline mean values. There were significant "between-groups" differences in all variables, with the highest increases were in group-B (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate intensity LBPP treadmill training program can effectively improve task-oriented gait, balance performance, and fall risk scores in patients with DPN. The 25% off-loading weight percentage during the LBPP treadmill training program yielded the most favorable short and long-term improvements compared to the other weight off-loading percentages in patients with DPN. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The LBPP aerobic training program is an effective rehabilitation procedure in patients with DPN especially when utilizing the 25% off-loading weight percentage during the LBPP treadmill training program.

Can the stroke impact scale 3.0 detect cognitive impairments in patients with a recent stroke?

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify cognitive impairments in patients with a recent stroke using Stroke Impact Scale 3.0 (SIS). [Participants and Methods] A retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate 50 medical records in patients with a recent stroke who have completed a stroke rehabilitation programme. All data were evaluated at St. Finbarr's Hospital in Cork, Ireland. [Results] A total of 41 records met the inclusion criteria, of which 53.7% were male. Regarding the risk factors, most patients complained of hypertension (85.4%), with most being diagnosed with embolic stroke (56.1%). The SIS identified numerous issues in stroke patients, such as persistent problems with memory (36.6%), concentration (29.3%), and solving everyday problems (43.9%). In addition, some patients' responses were negative regarding their emotion such as feeling sad (51.2%), not enjoying things as much as ever (39%), feeling life is not worth living (85.4%) and not smiling or laughing at least once a day (80.5%). [Conclusion] The inclusion of the SIS in the stroke review clinic identified cognitive deficits that may not have otherwise been detected. By using SIS in a systematic and standardised way, deficits can be identified, and appropriate rehabilitation can be provided.

Effect of exercise therapy on physical performance and functional balance in patients on maintenance renal hemodialysis: randomized controlled study.

Physical performance (PP) and functional balance (FB) abnormalities are frequently encountered problems in patients on maintenance renal hemodialysis (MRH). Although the exercise therapy is an adjunctive to the routine medical care for patients with chronic kidney disease of various stages; but the benefits as well as the long-term effects of different exercises on the PP and FB in patients on MRH are not yet fully described. In this study; Sixty-six patients on MRH (36 males, 30 females), age 35-45 years, were randomly assigned into one of the three groups: aerobic exercise training group (AETG), resistance exercise training group (RETG), and control group (CG). The PP (evaluated using the 6-min walk test "6MWT") and the FB (evaluated via the Berg balance scale "BBS") were the main study outcomes evaluated prestudy (evaluation-1), after 3 months (evaluation-2) and 2 months poststudy cessation (evaluation-3). Results revealed that the PP and FB mean values and percentages of changes at evaluation-2 were 444.25±21.83 (33.1%), 413.57±28.55 (22.52%), 337±12.23 (0.33%) m, 50.05±0.89 (22.95%), 49.95±2.06 (22.52%), 41.28±1.75 (0.94%) for AETG, RETG, and CG respectively. At evaluation-3; the PP and FB mean values and the percentage of changes were 425±21.49 (27.36), 366.86±17.47 (8.5%), 336.68 (0.42%) m, 44.4±1.85 (8.06%), 42.95±2.04 (5.003%), 39.48±2.06 (-4.44%) for AETG, RETG, and CG respectively. In conclusions; both aerobic exercise training (AET) and resistance exercise training (RET) have favorable effects, with the AET has higher short and long-term favorable effects on the PP and FB than RET in patients on MRH.

Efficacy of pulsed high-intensity laser therapy on pain, functional capacity, and gait in children with haemophilic arthropathy.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pulsed high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on pain, functional capacity, and gait in children with haemophilia. METHODS: Thirty children with haemophilia type A with ages ranging from 9 to 13 years were selected for this study. They were assigned randomly, into two equal treatment groups. The laser group received the traditional physical therapy programme plus active laser (total energy of 1500 J through three phases/3 sessions/week), whereas the placebo group received the same physical therapy programme plus placebo laser over three consecutive months. Baseline and post-treatment assessments used the visual analogue scale (VAS) to evaluate pain, a 6-min walk test (6MWT) to evaluate functional capacity, and the GAITRite® system to evaluate gait parameters. RESULTS: Children in the laser group showed significant improvement in pain, functional capacity, and gait parameters compared to those in the placebo group (p < 0.05). Post-treatment functional capacity for the laser and placebo groups were 316.6 ± 35.27 and 288 ± 43.3 m, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: HILT is an effective modality in reducing pain, increasing functional capacity, and improving gait performance in children with haemophilic arthropathy. Implications for Rehabilitation Haemophilic arthropathy due to recurrent joint bleeding leads to physical, psychological, and socioeconomic problems in children with haemophilia and reduces their quality of life. Early physiotherapeutic interventions help to prevent and treat the sequelae of recurrent haemarthrosis. High-intensity laser therapy has been introduced as non-invasive and an effective physiotherapy modality for rapid pain control, with consequent improvement in children's quality of life. High-intensity laser therapy should be used as an adjunct to exercise programme in the rehabilitation of children with haemophilic arthropathy.

Changes in pulmonary function and functional capacity in adolescents with mild idiopathic scoliosis: observational cohort study.

Objective This observational cohort study aimed to evaluate ventilatory function (VF) and functional exercise capacity (FEC) in mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods Seventy-three adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, aged approximately 10 to 17 years (mean age: 13.43 ± 1.27 years), with a Cobb angle less than 20° (mean: 16.44° ± 1.59°), met the inclusion criteria and were assigned to group A. Another 34 healthy adolescents with normal VF and FEC served as controls (group B). Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), and FEC (by the 6-minute walk test [6MWT]) were the main outcome measures. Results Post-study mean values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, MVV, and the 6MWT were 2.42 ± 0.36 L and 3.26 ± 0.59 L, 2.14 ± 0.31 L and 3.03 ± 0.43 L, 88.13% ± 3.89% and 91.14% ± 4.67%, 76.96 ± 6.85 L/m and 107.61 ± 11.44 L/m, and 581.12 ± 12.25 m and 627.74 ± 15.27 m in groups A and B, respectively. Between-group comparisons showed significant differences in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, MVV, and the 6MWT. Conclusion Mild pulmonary and functional restrictions start early in mild AIS. This issue requires immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration.

H-reflex changes in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: a randomized clinical trial.

[Purpose] To detect H-reflex asymmetry and investigate the effect of direction sensitive exercise therapy protocol among patients with thoracolumbar and/or lumbar scoliosis. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty patients (10-17 years), Cobb's angle 10-20 degrees with thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis participated in the study. Soleus H-reflex was tested on both sides during prone lying position and standing position. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Group I received direction sensitive exercise therapy while the participants in group II received traditional exercise. Exercises were applied three times per week for twelve successive weeks. [Results] There were significant differences indicating asymmetry in the H-reflex amplitude on concave side. Cobb's angle significantly decreased and the H-reflex amplitude on concave side as well as H concave/convex ratios in both lying and standing significantly increased in both groups. Direction sensitive exercise therapy showed a more significant increase in the measured outcomes than traditional exercises therapy protocol. [Conclusion] H-reflex test was effective in discovering the asymmetry between concave and convex sides. Based on H-reflex test, direction-sensitive exercise therapy was more effective than traditional exercises in decreasing Cobb's angle and increasing H-reflex values as well as H/H percent in concave side in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Efficacy and safety of tamsulosin oral-controlled absorption system, solifenacin, and combined therapy for the management of ureteric stent-related symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of solifenacin, tamsulosin oral-controlled absorption system (OCAS), and the combination of both drugs on JJ stent-related symptoms using the validated Arabic version of the ureteric stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 260 patients who had undergone JJ stenting of the ureter for different endoscopic urological procedures were postoperatively randomly assigned into four equal groups. Patients in Group I received no treatment and served as the control group, Group II patients received tamsulosin OCAS 0.4 mg daily, Group III patients received solifenacin 5 mg daily, and Group IV patients received a combination of both drugs. Before stent removal, all patients completed the Arabic version of the USSQ. RESULTS: In all, 234 patients completed the study, comprised of 56 in Group I, 59 in Group II, 58 in Group III, and 61 in Group IV. Baseline characteristics and indications for JJ stenting were comparable in the four groups. There were highly significant differences in all items of the USSQ between the treatment groups and the controls, while Group II and III were comparable. The USSQ score was significantly lower in Group IV vs Groups II and III. Crossing of the distal curl of the stent to the midline had a significant positive correlation with the severity of the urinary symptoms, body pain, general health, and work performance in the medicated groups. CONCLUSIONS: Combined therapy with tamsulosin OCAS 0.4 mg daily and solifenacin 5 mg daily is a safe and well-tolerated management for stent-related symptoms. However, stent position remains a significant factor affecting response to medical therapy and patients' health-related quality of life.

WalkAide Efficacy on Gait and Energy Expenditure in Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of WalkAide functional electrical stimulation on gait pattern and energy expenditure in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. DESIGN: Seventeen children were assigned to the study group, whose members received functional electrical stimulation (pulse width, 300 µs; frequency, 33 Hz, 2 hours/d, 3 days/week for 3 consecutive months). Seventeen other children were assigned to the control group, whose members participated in a conventional physical therapy exercise program for 3 successive months. Baseline and posttreatment assessments were performed using the GAITRite system to evaluate gait parameters and using an open-circuit indirect calorimeter to evaluate energy expenditure. RESULTS: Children in the study group showed a significant improvement when compared with those in the control group (P < 0.005). The gait parameters (stride length, cadence, speed, cycle time, and stance phase percentage) after treatment were (0.74 m,119 steps/min, 0.75 m/s, 0.65 s, 55.9%) and (0.5 m,125 steps/min, 0.6 m/s, 0.49 s, 50.4%) for the study group and control group, respectively. The mean energy expenditures after treatment were 8.18 ± 0.88 and 9.16 ± 0.65 mL/kg per minute for the study and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: WalkAide functional electrical stimulation may be a useful tool for improving gait pattern and energy expenditure in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. TO CLAIM CME CREDITS: Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES:: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Identify gait abnormalities in children with hemiplegic CP; (2) Describe the impact of utilizing the WalkAide on energy expenditure during gait training in children with hemiplegic CP; and (3) Describe the benefits of including the WalkAide in the treatment of gait abnormalities in children with hemiplegic CP. LEVEL: Advanced ACCREDITATION: : The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Obesity indices and haemodynamic response to exercise in obese diabetic hypertensive patients: Randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity, diabetes and hypertension are major worldwide interconnected problems. The aim of this study was to investigate body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DPB) responses to circuit weight training (CWT) or aerobic exercise training (AET) in obese diabetic hypertensive patients (ODHP). METHODS: Fifty-nine ODHP were randomly assigned into CWT, AET and control groups. Either CWT or AET was performed thrice weekly for 12 weeks. Variables were evaluated pre-training (evaluation-1), after 3 months (evaluation-2) and 1 month post-training cessation (evaluation-3). RESULTS: At evaluation-2, BMI, WC, SBP, DBP mean values and percentages of decrease were 31.56±1.48 (9.23%), 104±5.97 (6.2%), 141±2.2 (3.09%), 91.2±1.24 (2.98%) and 32.09±1.21 (7.11%), 107.66±3.92 (3.07%), 138.3±1.17 (4.79%), 88.05±1.05 (6.02%) for CWT and AET groups respectively (P<0.05). At evaluation-3, mean values and percentage of decrease in BMI, WC, SBP, DBP were 31.88±1.54 (8.29%), 105±5.28 (5.26), 142.6±2.21 (1.99%), 92.7±0.86 (1.38%) and 33.26±1.22 (3.72%), 109.1±4.15 (1.77%), 140.35±1.23 (3.38%), 89.5±0.61 (4.47%) for CWT and AET groups respectively (P<0.05). There were also significant differences in BMI, WC, SBP, and DBP between groups at evaluation-2 and 3 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: While CWT is the intervention of choice to control obesity indices, AET is still the best intervention to lower blood pressure in ODHP, for a more extended period of time.