Bounded Solidarity as an Asset for Public Health Care Intervention.

The relationship between social capital and public health has been extensively analyzed. However, not much has been written about the formation of social capital among citizens and public health workers in times of a pandemic. Our aim is to analyze social capital development through the prism of bounded solidarity and seek its manifestations toward public health workers. A qualitative self-administered survey was used to analyze what actions, practices, attitudes, and reasons inspired citizens to behave as they did with respect to public health workers during the first weeks of lockdown under the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents, mostly from European countries, reveal that citizens aimed to prevent the collapse of the public health system through reinforcing trust toward institutions, legitimizing health care personnel expertise, practicing reciprocity and altruism, giving recognition to public health workers, and providing them with means. Finally, recommendations for public health communication on risks and crises are discussed.

Pedicled ipsilateral anterolateral thigh (ALT) with flow-through to a secondary contralateral-free ALT flap for coverage of large thigh, trochanteric, and gluteal area defects: A case report.

Reconstruction of the trochanteric area can be difficult in extensive defects postsarcoma resection. It requires a robust flap. In reconstructing the upper thigh, trochanteric, and gluteal area, a pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is a good option. If the defect extends further than the pivot point of a single pedicled ALT, this can be used a flow-through for a secondary free flap. Here we describe a case of a 66-year-old gentleman with a 25 cm × 15 cm defect in the trochanteric and gluteal area where a single pedicled ALT was insufficient for coverage and hence a second ALT from the contralateral leg is anastomosed to the distal runoff of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral vessel of the pedicled ALT, using it as the flow-through donor vessel. This method requires less time if a second free flap is required and a smaller range of dissection, and it also facilitates anastomosis, as the vessel can be brought to the surface for anastomosis while supine before inset. The patient healed with no complications and received radiotherapy to the area. On 1-year follow-up, the area has healed well despite some contraction secondary to the radiotherapy. Using the pedicled ALT as a flow-through for a second free flap is a useful adjunct to large defects in the gluteal and trochanteric area, which is a difficult area to reconstruct with limited donor vessels.

Test-Retest Reliability of Handgrip Strength in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the intra-rater reliability and agreement of handgrip strength (HGS) measurement using a hydraulic hand dynamometer in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A sample of 19 COPD patients (18 males and 1 female; mean ± SD age, 66.9 ± 6.3 years) was evaluated using a hand dynamometer by the same rater in two different testing sessions with a 7-d interval. During each session, patients were asked to exert three maximal isometric contractions on the dominant hand and the mean value of the 3 efforts (measured in kilogram-force [Kgf]) was used for data analysis. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), the standard error of measurement (SEM), the minimal detectable change (MDC), and Bland-Altman methods were used to estimate the degree of test-retest reliability and the measurement error, respectively. HGS in COPD patients revealed an ICC2,1 score of 0.99, suggesting excellent test-retest reliability. The calculated SEM was relatively small (0.59 Kgf), and the MDC presented a clinically acceptable value of 1.64 Kgf. These findings, in conjunction with the narrow width of the 95% limits of agreements (95% limits of agreement, -2.5-2.1 Kgf) in the Bland-Altman plot, reflected the measurement precision and the narrow variation of the differences during the 2 testing sessions. The results of this study demonstrated an excellent test-retest reliability of HGS measurement, indicating that this method is reliable for repeated monitoring of peripheral muscle strength in patients with COPD.

They are here to stay: the biology and ecology of lionfish (Pterois miles) in the Mediterranean Sea.

The lionfish, Pterois miles, is one of the most recent Lessepsian immigrants into the Mediterranean Sea, and it poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems in the region. This study assesses the basic biology and ecology of lionfish in the Mediterranean, examining morphometrics, reproduction and diet as well as population structure and distribution. The population density of lionfish has increased dramatically in Cyprus since the first sighting in late 2012; by 2018 aggregations of up to 70 lionfish were found on rocky grounds with complex reefs and artificial reefs in depths of 0-50 m. Lionfish in Cyprus become mature within a year, and adults are capable of spawning year-round, with peak spawning in summer when the sea-surface temperature reaches 28.4°C. The Cypriot lionfish grow faster and bigger than in their native range, and females are more common than males. Lionfish are generalist predators in these waters, as also found in their native range, consuming a range of teleost and crustacean prey, some of which are of high economic value (e.g., Spicara smaris and Sparisoma cretense) or have an important role in local trophic webs (e.g., Chromis chromis). Overall, the reproductive patterns, the presence of juveniles and adults throughout the year, the rapid growth rates and the generalist diet indicate that lionfish are thriving and are now already well established in the region and could potentially become the serious nuisance that they are in their temperate and tropical western Atlantic-invasive range.

The economic burden of adult asthma in Cyprus; a prevalence-based cost of illness study.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is one of the main non-infectious diseases of the respiratory system with substantial economic burden worldwide. The objective of this study was to estimate the economic burden of adult asthma in Cyprus during 2015. METHODS: A retrospective probabilistic prevalence-based cost of illness model was developed to calculate the economic burden of asthma including direct and indirect costs. The bottom-up approach (person-based data) was used for the calculation of direct costs while for the calculation of indirect costs the approach of human capital was employed. In addition, bootstrapped sensitivity analysis with 1000 bootstrap simulations was performed in order to calculate a 95% Confidence Interval (CI). RESULTS: Mean patient cost of asthma in Cyprus in 2015 was estimated at €579.64 (95% CI: €376.90-€813.68). Direct costs accounted for 82.08% of the overall expenses, €475.75 per patient (95% CI: €296.94-€697.69). Indirect costs of €103.89 (95% CI: €49.59-€181.46) accounted for 17.92% of the overall expenses. CONCLUSION: This was the first study in Cyprus, which used bootstrapped prevalence-based cost of illness model to estimate the cost of asthma. This study confirms that asthma is an expensive disease for the society. In addition, it provides important information and analysis of the economic consequences of asthma to policy makers in order to strengthen surveillance of the disease as well as draft the national health policy accordingly.

Rapid on-site evaluation with the Hemacolor rapid staining method of medical thoracoscopy biopsy specimens for the management of pleural disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Medical thoracoscopy (MT) is useful for the management of pleural disease. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of transbronchial needle aspirates proved to be useful during bronchoscopy. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ROSE of MT biopsy specimens and thoracoscopists' impression of the macroscopic appearance and assess the intermodality agreement between ROSE and final histopathologic diagnosis. METHODS: Sixty two patients with exudative pleural effusions further investigated with MT were enrolled. MT was performed under local anaesthesia and conscious sedation, using the rigid pleuroscope. ROSE with the Hemacolor rapid staining method of the biopsy specimens was performed. Thoracoscopists' impression of the macroscopic appearance was recorded. The final diagnosis was established following histopathological examination. RESULTS: Thoracoscopic pleural biopsies were diagnosed in 61 patients (98.4%). Group A (n = 25) consisted of patients with malignancy and group B (n = 37) with benign disorders. Area under the curve of ROSE for the diagnosis of malignancy was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.76-0.96, P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 79.17%, specificity of 94.59%, diagnostic accuracy of 88.5%, positive predictive value of 90.5% and negative predictive value of 87.5%. Intermodality agreement between ROSE and histopathology was good (κ ± SE = 0.615 ± 0.084, P < 0.001). Area under the curve of the thoracoscopists' impression of macroscopic appearance was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.58-0.85, P = 0.001), with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 44.7%, positive predictive value of 53.33% and negative predictive value of 100%. CONCLUSION: Rapid on-site evaluation during MT was found to have high accuracy for predicting malignancy. ROSE can provide the thoracoscopist with an on-site preliminary diagnosis, especially in cases with inconclusive macroscopic appearance.

Impact of psychiatric illness upon asthma patients' health care utilization and illness control. Are all psychiatric comorbidities created equal?

The impact of psychiatric illnesses upon asthma patients' functioning is not well understood. This study examined the impact of psychiatric comorbidity upon illness management in asthma patients using empirically-derived psychiatric comorbidity groups. Participants were a clinic sample of Greek-speaking asthma patients (N = 212) assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) Somatoform, Depression, Panic Disorder (PD), Other Anxiety Disorder, Eating Disorder (ED) and Alcohol sub-scales. The associations between sub-scales were examined using multiway frequency analysis. The following groups were derived: Somatoform disorder and/or Any Depressive disorder (n = 63), Somatoform disorder and/or Other Anxiety disorder (n = 51), Somatoform disorder and/or Any ED (n = 60), and Any Anxiety group including PD and/or Other Anxiety disorder (n = 24). Across all groups, psychiatric illness was associated with significantly worse asthma control (p < .01). Participants in Any Anxiety group, OR = 4.61, 95% CI [1.90, 11.15], Somatoform and/or Any Depressive disorder, OR = 2.06, 95% CI [1.04, 4.09] and Somatoform and/or Other Anxiety disorder, OR = 2.75, 95% CI [1.35, 5.60] were at higher risk for asthma-related Emergency Room (ER) visits compared to controls. However only Somatoform and/or Any Depressive disorder, OR = 3.67, 95% CI [1.60, 8.72], Somatoform and/or Other Anxiety disorder, OR = 5.50, 95% CI [2.34, 12.74], and Somatoform and/or Any ED, OR = 4.98, 95% CI [2.14, 11.60] group membership were risk factors for asthma-related hospitalizations. Results suggest that while comorbid psychiatric disorders generally negatively impact asthma illness management, different psychiatric comorbidities appear to have disparate effects upon illness management outcomes.

Comparison between the intermalleolar distance measured on the couch and on the floor in axial spondyloarthritis.

The aim of this study was to assess whether axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA) patients' supine position on the couch (OC) or on the floor (OF) affects intermalleolar distance (IMD) measurement and its Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) scoring, using all three versions of BASMI index. OC- and OF-IMDs were obtained for 43 axial SpA patients (M:F = 19:24). Age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), disease type and disease duration were also collected. Statistical analyses and correlations were performed as appropriate. Mean IMD measurements obtained with individuals in the two distinct measuring positions were not significantly different in the patients studied. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between OC-IMD and OF-IMD values. There was no significant relationship between IMD and patient age, gender, height, weight, BMI, or disease duration. However, looking at disease type, IMDs of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) were ~30 % greater than those with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in our study population (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the measured patient characteristics that accounted for the greater IMDs of those diagnosed with AS. IMD measurements and resultant BASMI scores were the same whether the patient was positioned OC or OF in our axial SpA cohort. Unexpectedly, IMD measurements were significantly greater (~30 %) in AS patients than in axial PsA patients.

Expression of YKL-40 and MIP-1a proteins in exudates and transudates: biomarkers for differential diagnosis of pleural effusions? A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: YKL-40 is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein with a significant role in tissue inflammation and remodeling. MIP-1a has chemotactic and pro-inflammatory properties, and is induced by YKL-40 in several lung disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of YKL-40 and MIP-1a in blood serum and pleural fluids of various pulmonary diseases, and to evaluate their potential role as differential diagnosis biomarkers. METHODS: We recruited 60 patients (age: 62.5 ± 20.6 years) with pleural effusions: 49 exudates and 11 transudates (T). Exudates were further classified based on the underlying disease: ten with tuberculosis (TB), 13 with lung cancer (LCa), 15 with metastatic cancer (MCa) of non-lung origin and 11 with parapneumonic (PN) effusions. YKL-40 and MIP-1a levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Pleural YKL-40 levels (ng/ml) were similar among all patient groups (TB: 399 ± 36, LCa: 401 ± 112, MCa: 416 ± 34, PN: 401 ± 50, T: 399 ± 42, p = 0.92). On the contrary, YKL-40 was significantly lower in the serum of TB patients (TB: 58 ± 22, LCa: 212 ± 106, MCa: 254 ± 140, PN: 265 ± 140, T: 229 ± 123, p < 0.001). Pleural MIP-1a protein levels (ng/ml) were statistically lower only in patients with LCa (TB: 25.0 ± 20.2, LCa: 7.3 ± 6.0, MCa: 16.1 ± 14.9, PN: 25.4 ± 27.9, T: 18.5 ± 7.9, p = 0.012), a finding also observed in serum MIP-1a levels (TB: 17.1 ± 7.6, LCa: 9.4 ± 7.0, MCa: 28.7 ± 28.7, PN: 33.3 ± 24.0, T: 22.9 ± 8.7, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that both YKL-40 and MIP-1a, particularly in serum, could prove useful for the differentiation of pleural effusions in clinical practice, especially of TB or LCa origin. However, large-scale studies are needed to validate these findings.

Virtual image display as a backlight for 3D.

We describe a device which has the potential to be used both as a virtual image display and as a backlight. The pupil of the emitted light fills the device approximately to its periphery and the collimated emission can be scanned both horizontally and vertically in the manner needed to illuminate an eye in any position. The aim is to reduce the power needed to illuminate a liquid crystal panel but also to enable a smooth transition from 3D to a virtual image as the user nears the screen.

From strangers to social collectives? Sensemaking and organizing in response to a pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily exposed the inadequacy of established institutions and markets to handle a multidimensional crisis, but it also revealed the spontaneous emergence of social collectives to mitigate some of its consequences. Building upon more than 600 responses from an open-ended survey and follow-up qualitative interviews, we seek to understand the spontaneous formation of social collectives in neighborhoods during the initial global lockdown. Applying the sensemaking lens, we theorize the process that prevented the collapse of sensemaking; motivated neighbors to comply with the pandemic-related restrictions; and inspired the development of collective initiatives and the sharing of resources, experiences, and a feeling of belonging. In doing so, we identify mechanisms that allow distributed sensemaking and organizing for resilience: widely shared and accepted cues and frames, simultaneous enactment of practices, embeddedness, visibility of actions, and sense of community. Contrary to the literature on local community organizing and entrepreneurship, which emphasizes the importance of shared values and beliefs, we reveal how the abovementioned mechanisms enable social collectives to emerge and build resilience in times of crisis, even in the absence of pre-existing ties and physical and social isolation. Implications for sensemaking, resilience, organization studies, and community psychology are discussed.

Development of an US, MRI, and CT imaging compatible realistic mouse phantom for thermal ablation and focused ultrasound evaluation.

Tissue mimicking phantoms (TMPs) play an essential role in modern biomedical research as cost-effective quality assurance and training tools, simultaneously contributing to the reduction of animal use. Herein, we present the development and evaluation of an anatomically accurate mouse phantom intended for image-guided thermal ablation and Focused Ultrasound (FUS) applications. The proposed mouse model consists of skeletal and soft tissue mimics, whose design was based on the Computed tomography (CT) scans data of a live mouse. Advantageously, it is compatible with US, CT, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The compatibility assessment was focused on the radiological behavior of the phantom due to the lack of relevant literature. The X-ray linear attenuation coefficient of candidate materials was estimated to assess the one that matches best the radiological behavior of living tissues. The bone part was manufactured by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing using Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) material. For the soft-tissue mimic, a special mold was 3D printed having a cavity with the unique shape of the mouse body and filled with an agar-based silica-doped gel. The mouse phantom accurately matched the size and reproduced the body surface of the imaged mouse. Tissue-equivalency in terms of X-ray attenuation was demonstrated for the agar-based soft-tissue mimic. The phantom demonstrated excellent MRI visibility of the skeletal and soft-tissue mimics. Good radiological contrast between the skeletal and soft-tissue models was also observed in the CT scans. The model was also able to reproduce realistic behavior during trans-skull sonication as proved by thermocouple measurements. Overall, the proposed phantom is inexpensive, ergonomic, and realistic. It could constitute a powerful tool for image-guided thermal ablation and FUS studies in terms of testing and optimizing the performance of relevant equipment and protocols. It also possess great potential for use in transcranial FUS applications, including the emerging topic of FUS-mediated blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption.

Advanced software for MRgFUS treatment planning.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Herein, a user-friendly software platform for 3-dimensional Focused Ultrasound treatment planning based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images is presented. METHODS: The software directly retrieves and loads MRI images. Various design tools can be used on the MRI images to define the treatment area and the sonication parameters. Based on the treatment plan, the software controls the robotic motion and motion pattern of Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) robotic systems to execute the treatment procedure. Real-time treatment monitoring is achieved through MRI images and thermometry. The software's functionality and performance were evaluated in both laboratory and MRI environments. Different treatment plans were designed on MRI images and sonications were executed on agar-based phantoms and polymer films. RESULTS: Magnetic Resonance (MR) thermometry maps were acquired in the agar-based phantoms. An exceptional agreement was observed between the software-planned treatment area and the lesions produced on the polymer films. CONCLUSIONS: The developed software was successfully integrated with the MRI and robotic system controls for performing accurate treatment planning and real-time monitoring during sonications. The software provides an extremely user-friendly interface, while in the future it could be enhanced by providing dynamic modulation of the ultrasonic parameters during the treatment process.

The effects of upper limb exercise training on upper limb muscle strength in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Upper limb (UL) muscle dysfunction is a common extrapulmonary manifestation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). UL muscle dysfunction is associated with muscle weakness, dyspnea, and exercise intolerance. Although upper limb exercise training (ULET) is typically incorporated in pulmonary rehabilitation programs, its effects on UL muscle strength remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of ULET, in UL muscle strength of people with COPD. DESIGN: This is systematic review and meta-analysis study. DATA SOURCES AND METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Protocols 2020 guidelines were used for this study. PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL Plus and SPORTDiscus and clinicaltrials.gov registry were searched from inception to July 2022. Included studies were randomized controlled trials, assessing the effectiveness in muscle strength of ULET, compared with other types of upper or lower limb exercise or no exercise. The quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and certainty of evidence with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach. Treatment effects of ULET were calculated using standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies, with a total sample of 882 patients, were included. Most studies were of moderate quality and high risk of bias. Very low to low certainty evidence indicates a significant difference in UL muscle strength in favor of resistance ULET, compared with lower limb exercise alone or no exercise. No significant differences were found in different types of ULET comparisons. CONCLUSION: The results of this review showed that resistance ULET could improve UL muscle strength in people with COPD. Most studies, however, were of moderate quality and high risk of bias. Further studies with larger sample sizes, better methodological quality, and standardized training protocols are needed to confirm these findings.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Self-Reported Adult Asthma in Cyprus: A Population-Based Observational Study.

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of asthma in adults, by gender and age, in urban and rural areas of Cyprus. Patients and Methods: This was a population-based, random-digit dialing, telephone nation-wide survey to recruit patients with asthma. Among 8996 random landline-telephone contacted from the five major urban and rural regions of Cyprus, 1914 were finally met the age criterion of ≥18 years old and 572 completed valid screening for prevalence estimation. The participants filled a short screening questionnaire in order for asthma cases to be recognized. Then, asthma cases filled the main ECRHS II questionnaire and were evaluated by a pulmonary physician. All underwent spirometry. Data on demographic characteristics, educational level, profession, smoking status, Body Mass Index (BMI), Total IgE and Eosinophil Cationic Protein levels were measured. Results: The overall prevalence of bronchial asthma in adults in Cyprus was 5.57% (61.1% men and 38.9% women). Among the participants with self-reported bronchial asthma 36.1% were current smokers, while 12.3% were obese (BMI >30). A total value of IgE >115 IU and Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) >20 IU was found in 40% of the participants with established bronchial asthma. Wheezing and chest tightness were the most frequently reported symptoms in asthma patients (36.1% and 34.5%, respectively), while 36.5% experienced at least one exacerbation during the last year. Interestingly, most of the patients were under-treated (14.2% were on maintenance asthma treatment, and 18% used solely reliever medication). Conclusion: This was the first study estimating asthma prevalence in Cyprus. Asthma affects almost 6% of the adult population, with higher prevalence in urban areas and in men compared to women. Interestingly, one-third of the patients were uncontrolled and under-treated. This study revealed that in Cyprus there is space for improvement in the management of asthma.

Phantom-based assessment of motion and needle targeting accuracy of robotic devices for magnetic resonance imaging-guided needle biopsy.

BACKGROUND: The current study proposes simple methods for assessing the performance of robotic devices intended for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-guided needle biopsy. METHODS: In-house made agar-based breast phantoms containing biopsy targets served as the main tool in the evaluation process of an MRI compatible positioning device comprising a needle navigator. The motion accuracy of mechanical stages was assessed by calliper measurements. Laboratory evaluation of needle targeting included a repeatability phantom test and a laser-based method. The accuracy and repeatability of needle targeting was also assessed by MRI. RESULTS: The maximum error of linear motion for steps up to 10 mm was 0.1 mm. Needle navigation relative to the phantom and alignment with the various biopsy targets were performed successfully in both the laboratory and MRI settings. The proposed biopsy phantoms offered tissue-like signal in MRI and good haptic feedback during needle insertion. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed methods could be valuable in the process of validating the accuracy of MRI-guided biopsy robotic devices in both laboratory and real environments.

Long-term omalizumab treatment in severe allergic asthma: the South-Eastern Mediterranean "real-life" experience.

BACKGROUND: Omalizumab is a recombinant humanized anti-IgE monoclonal antibody indicated as an add-on treatment for severe allergic asthma, inadequately controlled despite high dose of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting b2-agonists. OBJECTIVES: Medical registries were used to evaluate the 4 months, 1 and 4 years effectiveness of omalizumab treatment, in a non-interventional, observational "real-life" study. METHODS: Sixty patients with severe persistent allergic asthma from 5 South-Eastern Mediterranean centres from Crete and Cyprus were evaluated. Effectiveness outcomes included spirometry, severe asthma exacerbations rate, level of asthma control (ACT), and additional asthma medication (inhaled steroids). RESULTS: Outcome variables improved after 4 months and sustained after 1 and 4 years treatment with Omalizumab. FEV1 improved statistically significant at all time points versus baseline [ΔFEV1 (% pred.) = +21 p = 0.008 at 4 months, ΔFEV1 (% pred.) = +24.5 p < 0.0001 at 4 years after treatment]. Similarly, FVC increased statistically significant versus baseline [ΔFVC (% pred.) = +20 p = 0.002 at 4 months, ΔFVC (% pred.) = +22.6 p = 0.0002 at 4 years]. The level of asthma control as evaluated by ACT was significantly improved after treatment (+12% p = 0.001 at 4 months, +24% p < 0.0001 at 4 years). Omalizumab treatment reduced significantly asthma exacerbations rate (-65% p = 0.0002 at 1 year, and -70% p < 0.0001 at 4 years). The use of inhaled steroids decreased statistically significant after 4 months (p = 0.017), 1 year (p = 0.029) and 4 years (p = 0.014) of omalizumab treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This long-term "real-life" study demonstrated significant improvement in lung function and other clinical outcomes after omalizumab treatment, evident at 4 months, and sustained after 1 and 4 years suggesting its efficacy in severe allergic asthma, in the "real-life" practice.

A Micro Motion Sensing System for Micromanipulation Tasks.

An optical-based motion sensing system has been developed for real-time sensing of instrument motion in micromanipulation. The main components of the system consist of a pair of position sensitive detectors (PSD), lenses, an infrared (IR) diode that illuminates the workspace of the system, a non-reflective intraocular shaft, and a white reflective ball attached at the end of the shaft. The system calculates 3D displacement of the ball inside the workspace using the centroid position of the IR rays that are reflected from the ball and strike the PSDs. In order to eliminate inherent nonlinearity of the system, calibration using a feedforward neural network is proposed and presented. Handling of different ambient light and environment light conditions not to affect the system accuracy is described. Analyses of the whole optical system and effect of instrument orientation on the system accuracy are presented. Sensing resolution, dynamic accuracies at a few different frequencies, and static accuracies at a few different orientations of the instrument are reported. The system and the analyses are useful in assessing performance of hand-held microsurgical instruments and operator performance in micromanipulation tasks.

Talent identification in youth soccer.

The purpose of this review article was firstly to evaluate the traditional approach to talent identification in youth soccer and secondly present pilot data on a more holistic method for talent identification. Research evidence exists to suggest that talent identification mechanisms that are predicated upon the physical (anthropometric) attributes of the early maturing individual only serve to identify current performance levels. Greater body mass and stature have both been related to faster ball shooting speed and vertical jump capacity respectively in elite youth soccer players. This approach, however, may prematurely exclude those late maturing individuals. Multiple physiological measures have also been used in an effort to determine key predictors of performance; with agility and sprint times, being identified as variables that could discriminate between elite and sub-elite groups of adolescent soccer players. Successful soccer performance is the product of multiple systems interacting with one another. Consequently, a more holistic approach to talent identification should be considered. Recent work, with elite youth soccer players, has considered whether multiple small-sided games could act as a talent identification tool in this population. The results demonstrated that there was a moderate agreement between the more technically gifted soccer player and success during multiple small-sided games.