Amide-Functionalized Porous Carbonaceous Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Porous carbonaceous anode materials have received considerable attention as an alternative anode material, however, there is a critical bottleneck as it suffers from a large irreversible specific capacity loss over several initial cycles owing to undesired surface reactions. In order to suppress undesired surface reactions of porous carbonaceous anode material, here, we suggest a simple and convenient two-step surface modification approach that allows the embedding of an amide functional group on the surface of a porous carbonaceous anode, which effectively improves the surface stability. In this approach, the porous carbonaceous anode material is firstly activated by means of strong acid treatment comprising a combination of H2 SO4 and HNO3 , and it is subjected to further modification by means of an amide coupling reaction. Our additional systematic analyses confirm that the acid functional group effectively transforms into the amide functional group. The resulting amide-functionalized porous carbon exhibits an improved electrochemical performance: the initial discharge specific capacity is greatly reduced to less than 2,620 mA h g-1 and charge specific capacity is well still remained, indicating stabling cycling performance of the cell.

The Effects of Viewing Smart Devices on Static Balance, Oculomotor Function, and Dizziness in Healthy Adults.

BACKGROUND The number of people using smart devices such as smartphones (SPs) or virtual reality head-mounted displays (HMDs) is rapidly increasing. This study aimed to investigate the effects of viewing smart devices, including SPs and HMDs, on postural balance and the development of dizziness in healthy individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-six healthy adults underwent static balance measurements at baseline, and after 5, 10, and 20 minutes of viewing the SP and HMD display. Measurements were taken using a force plate and Wii Balance Board (WBB) and included the parameters of postural sway velocity, path length, and postural sway area. A modified Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) evaluated oculomotor function and dizziness twice for each device, after 5 and 20 minutes of use. RESULTS Compared with baseline, the use of smart devices for 20 minutes had significantly increased effects on balance, oculomotor function, and dizziness than shorter use for 10 minutes or 5 minutes in healthy adults. Postural sway velocity and path length were significantly increased after 20 minutes of use of the HMD and SP when compared 5-minute use and baseline measurements (p<0.05). Postural sway area after 20-minute use of the HMD was significantly increased compared with the baseline and 5-minute and 10-minute use of the SP and 5-minute use of the HMD (p<0.05). The SSQ showed that dizziness was significantly increased after 20-minute use compared with 5-minute use of the HMD and SP (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Longer use of smart devices affected static balance, oculomotor function, and dizziness in healthy adults.

A novel one arm motorized walker for hemiplegic stroke survivors: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: A hemiplegic stroke survivor with a moderate to severe gait disturbance may have difficulty walking using a one-arm walker. This study aimed to test the safety and feasibility of a prototype one-arm motorized walker that uses a power-driven device to provide gait assistance to hemiplegic stroke survivors with moderate to severe gait disturbances. METHODS: A one-arm motorized walker with a power-driven device was developed and tested with respect to 10 distinct variables, including weight, degrees of freedom, handle, handle substitution function, two-sided use function, variable handle height, redirecting function, electric moving parts through the handle control, brake function using the handle control, folding chairs, and design stability. Its safety and feasibility were tested in 19 hemiplegic stroke individuals using the Likert scale and a simple interview. RESULTS: The walker consists of a frame platform including a handle, electric motor for driving, one wheel for driving, two wheels for turning, unlocking sensor, driving button, and turning buttons. The walker is programmed so that a touch sensor in the handle can unlock the locking system. Furthermore, it is programmed so that a user can propel it by pushing the handle downward or pressing a button and can control directions for turning right or left by pressing buttons. Safety and performance testing was achieved for 10 separate variables, and a Likert scale score of 3.5 of 5 was recorded. CONCLUSION: This walker's novel design was developed for hemiplegic stroke survivors with moderate to severe gait disturbances. Our findings indicate that the walker is both safe and feasible for providing walking assistance to hemiplegic stroke survivors and establish the potential advantages of the one-arm motorized walker.

Comparison of postural sway depending on balance pad type.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to compare the postural sway of healthy adults standing on different types of balance pads. [Subjects and Methods] Nine healthy adults participated in this study. Postural body sway was measured while participants were standing on four different types of balance pads: Balance-pad Elite (BE), Aero-Step XL (AS), Dynair Ballkissen Senso (DBS), and Dynair Ballkissen XXL Meditation and Yoga (DBMY). A Wii Balance Board interfaced with Balancia software was used to measure postural body sway. [Results] In the sway velocity, sway path length, and sway area, no significant differences were found between baseline conditions (participants were standing on the floor with no balance pad) and the use of the BE or AS. However, significant increases in all parameters were found comparing baseline conditions to the use of either Dynair balance pad. Furthermore, the use of either Dynair balance pad significantly increased postural sway compared to both the BE and the AS. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that the DBS and DBMY balance pads may serve as superior tools for providing unstable condition for balance training than the BE and the AS balance pads.

Discriminative and predictive validity of the short-form activities-specific balance confidence scale for predicting fall of stroke survivors.

[Purpose] The present study aimed to investigate the discriminative validity of the short-form activities-specific balance confidence scale (ABC scale) in predicting falls, and its validity. [Subjects and Methods] 43 stroke survivors were identified as a group with a history of multiple falls (faller group) and a group without or with a history of one falls (non-faller group). The balance confidence was examined using the ABC scale and the short-form ABC scale. Functional abilities were examined with Fugl-Meyer assessment, sit-to-stand test, and Berg balance scale. [Results] The area under the curve of the ABC scale and the short-form ABC scale in predicting fall was>0.77. This result indicates that both examination tools have discriminative validity in predicting falls. Although both tools showed an identical predictable specificity of 72% in the non-faller and faller groups, the short-form ABC scale exhibited a predictable sensitivity of 86% in the faller group, which is higher than that of the ABC scale (71%). [Conclusion] Results of this study showed that the short-form ABC scale is an efficient clinical tool to evaluate and predict the balance confidence of stroke survivors.

A comparative study of the electromyographic activities of lower extremity muscles during level walking and Pedalo riding.

[Purpose] To analyze the electromyographic (EMG) activities of several lower extremity muscles during ground walking and pedaling using the Pedalo Reha-Bar device. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen healthy adults aged 20-29 year participated in this study. The subjects' surface EMG signals while walking and Pedalo Reha-Bar riding were recorded. The subjects performed 20 steps on flat ground and 20 cycles on the Pedalo Reha-Bar. During the tasks, EMG signals of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, soleus, and gastrocnemius within a 20-second period were recorded. The mean EMG signals within the 10 seconds from 6 to 15 seconds were used for the data analysis. [Results] There was a significant increase in the bilateral use of the rectus femoris and a significant decrease in the use of the left tibialis anterior and left soleus in pedaling using the Pedalo Reha-Bar device compared to ground walking. [Conclusion] Level walking and the Pedalo Reha-Bar riding utilize different types of muscles activities. These results suggest that Pedalo Reha-Bar riding may be used for neuromuscular activation, especially of the rectus femoris.

Predictive factors of hypertonia in the upper extremity of chronic stroke survivors.

[Purpose] Muscle tone is known to predict the motor function of the upper extremity within 12 months after onset in stroke survivors. The aim of this study was to investigate whether motor function of the upper extremity can predict the risk of hypertonia in chronic stroke survivors, and to analyze the correlation between the two variables to determine the predictive validity. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-three chronic stroke survivors were assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for elbow flexor tone, the Fugl-Meyer assessment of the upper extremity (FM-UE), and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) for upper extremity motor recovery and function. [Results] Elbow flexor tone (MAS≥1(+)) increased by 0.246 compared with the baseline muscle tone even at month 12 and appeared to negatively affect the motor function of the upper extremity. The cutoff value for predicting muscle tone (MAS≥1(+)) was 24 for FM-UE and 15.5 for ARAT. FM-UE had the biggest impact on elbow flexor tone (MAS≥1(+)), and the risk of elbow flexor hypertonia (MAS≥1(+)) increased 0.764-fold for a cutoff value of FM-UE≤24 compared with a cutoff value of FM-UE>24. [Conclusion] The results show that the most important variable for predicting muscle tone of the elbow flexor in stroke survivors is the FM assessment of the upper extremity.

Influence of light touch using the fingertips on postural stability of poststroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of fingertip light touch on the postural control in poststroke patients. [Subjects] In the study, the subjects were recruited through a rehabilitation hospital, and 21 patients were screened from among 30 volunteers. [Methods] The subjects participated in an experiment that measured postural sway during the static standing posture without light touch and postural sway during the static standing posture with light touch as follows: visual information not blocked without light touch, visual information blocked without light touch, visual information blocked with light touch using fingertips, and visual information not blocked with light touch using fingertips. The measurements were performed using a force platform. The variables measured by the force platform included sway velocities of the COP in the anterior and posterior directions and, medial and lateral directions and sway velocity moments. [Results] In the results of the study, there were significant differences between the state without light touch and state with light touch in terms of the postural sway velocity and velocity moment under all conditions. The rate of decease of the sway velocity and moment velocity under the eyes closed condition were higher compared with those under the eyes open condition. [Conclusion] Through this study, we confirmed the influence of fingertip light touch on the decrease in postural sway. The results show that active light touch may be supplemental means of improving postural sway in stroke patients.

Efficient hardware implementation of the lightweight block encryption algorithm LEA.

Recently, due to the advent of resource-constrained trends, such as smartphones and smart devices, the computing environment is changing. Because our daily life is deeply intertwined with ubiquitous networks, the importance of security is growing. A lightweight encryption algorithm is essential for secure communication between these kinds of resource-constrained devices, and many researchers have been investigating this field. Recently, a lightweight block cipher called LEA was proposed. LEA was originally targeted for efficient implementation on microprocessors, as it is fast when implemented in software and furthermore, it has a small memory footprint. To reflect on recent technology, all required calculations utilize 32-bit wide operations. In addition, the algorithm is comprised of not complex S-Box-like structures but simple Addition, Rotation, and XOR operations. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first report on a comprehensive hardware implementation of LEA. We present various hardware structures and their implementation results according to key sizes. Even though LEA was originally targeted at software efficiency, it also shows high efficiency when implemented as hardware.

Effect of whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction on balance and fear of falling in elderly people: a pilot study.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction on balance and fear of falling in the elderly. [Methods] This study was a case series of 17 elderly individuals. Participants performed whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction using a whole body vibration device for 15 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. At baseline and after the 6-week intervention, balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test, and fear of falling was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale. [Results] After the intervention, significant improvements from baseline values in the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go test, and Falls Efficacy Scale were observed in the study participants. [Conclusion] Elderly individuals who performed whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction showed significant improvements in balance and fear of falling. However, the observed benefits of whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction need to be confirmed by additional studies.

Effects of Language Differences on Inpatient Fall Detection Using Deep Learning.

This study examined the effects of language differences between Korean and English on the performance of natural language processing in the classification task of identifying inpatient falls from unstructured nursing notes.

Usefulness of one-arm motorized gait device for chronic hemiplegic stroke survivors.

BACKGROUND: After stroke, gait training is a key component of rehabilitation, and most individuals use a variety of walking aids depending on their physical condition and environment. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the potential effect of a one-arm motorized gait device for gait assist of chronic hemiplegic stroke survivors through comparison with traditional gait devices (parallel bar and hemi-walker). METHODS: This study was conducted on 14 chronic hemiplegic stroke survivors. The participants were asked to walk under three conditions using different gait devices, and their gait parameters during walking were collected and analyzed. The first condition involved walking on parallel bars; second condition, walking using hemi-walkers; and third condition, walking using one-arm motorized gait devices. With the use of a gait analysis system, the spatio-temporal gait parameters in each condition were collected, such as gait velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, single support time, and double support time. RESULTS: In the results by repeated-measures ANOVA or the Friedman test, a significant difference was found in the gait parameters among all three conditions (p< 0.05). The post-hoc test showed a significant change in the spatio-temporal gait parameters (especially, velocity, cadence and affected side single and double support time) when one-arm motorized gait device were used compared with parallel bars and hemi-walkers (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that one-arm motorized gait devices developed for hemiplegic stroke survivors may be more effective potentially than parallel bars and hemi-walkers in gait assistance of chronic hemiplegic stroke survivors.

Machine Learning Prediction Models for Solid Electrolytes Based on Lattice Dynamics Properties.

Recently, machine-learning approaches have accelerated computational materials design and the search for advanced solid electrolytes. However, the predictors are currently limited to static structural parameters, which may not fully account for the dynamic nature of ionic transport. In this study, we meticulously curated features considering dynamic properties and developed machine-learning models to predict the ionic conductivity, σ, of solid electrolytes. We compiled 14 phonon-related descriptors from first-principles phonon calculations along with 16 descriptors related to the structure and electronic properties. Our logistic regression classifiers exhibit an accuracy of 93%, while the random forest regression model yields a root-mean-square error for log(σ) of 1.179 S/cm and R2 of 0.710. Notably, phonon-related features are essential for estimating the ionic conductivities in both models. Furthermore, we applied our prediction model to screen 264 Li-containing materials and identified 11 promising candidates as potential superionic conductors.

Reset tree-based optical fault detection.

In this paper, we present a new reset tree-based scheme to protect cryptographic hardware against optical fault injection attacks. As one of the most powerful invasive attacks on cryptographic hardware, optical fault attacks cause semiconductors to misbehave by injecting high-energy light into a decapped integrated circuit. The contaminated result from the affected chip is then used to reveal secret information, such as a key, from the cryptographic hardware. Since the advent of such attacks, various countermeasures have been proposed. Although most of these countermeasures are strong, there is still the possibility of attack. In this paper, we present a novel optical fault detection scheme that utilizes the buffers on a circuit's reset signal tree as a fault detection sensor. To evaluate our proposal, we model radiation-induced currents into circuit components and perform a SPICE simulation. The proposed scheme is expected to be used as a supplemental security tool.

Preventive Effects of a Human Hematopoietic Mesenchymal Stem Cell (hHMSC) Therapy in Ovalbumin-Induced Food Allergy.

No effective therapeutic strategies have been developed against food allergies. Immunomodulation during early infant period could prevent the development of food allergies. We investigated the preventive effects of human hematopoietic mesenchymal stem cells (hHMSCs) in mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy. BALB/c mice with OVA-induced food allergy were divided into 3 groups, and each group was treated with hHMSCs or hHMSC culture medium (hHMSC-CM) or saline. Ear thickness, allergy score, rectal temperature, and diarrhea occurrence were checked. Total IgE, OVA-specific IgE, and mucosal mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1) were measured by ELISA. Other allergic parameters were analyzed using histology specimens, RT-PCR, and flow cytometry. Treatment with hHMSCs or hHMSC-CM significantly suppressed the frequency of anaphylactic response and rectal temperature decline, reduced diarrhea, total IgE, OVA-specific IgE, and mMCP-1. While the treatment decreased the level of Th2 cytokines, it enhanced IL-10 and TGF-ß1 mRNA. Exposure to hHMSC or hHMSC-CM did not generate regulatory T cells, but reduced mast cells. The immunomodulatory effect on the Th2 cytokines was greater in hHMSC-CM than in hHMSCs. hHMSC treatment may be a promising preventive intervention against food allergy. Further studies are needed to elucidate the key substances released from hHMSC to induce immune tolerance.

Feasibility of training using full immersion virtual reality video game in young stroke survivor: A case report.

BACKGROUND: With the recent developments in science, full-immersion virtual reality devices have been developed, which may have feasibility for stroke rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: This case report investigated the feasibility of training using a full-immersion virtual reality video game for improving motor function, balance, and gait in a young stroke survivor. METHOD: The case was a 27-year-old woman with stroke. A training using full-immersion virtual reality video game (Sony PlayStation®VR) was performed for 30 minutes per session, 3 sessions per week, for 6 weeks, with a total of 18 sessions. Before training and at each training for 6 weeks, with a total of 19 times, the motor function, balance, and gait were assessed using the Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, and Tinetti Balance Assessment, 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Tinetti Gait Assessment, and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). RESULTS: During the training, there were no adverse events reported. The case achieved 14 points higher than the pre-assessment with 34 points on the MAS, 16 points higher than the pre-assessment with 48 points on BBS, 6.85 sec lower than the pre-assessment, with 13.58 sec on TUG, 5 points higher than the pre-assessment with 13 points on the Tinetti Balance Assessment, 5.36 sec lower than the pre-assessment, with 8.15 sec on the 10MWT, 4 points higher than the pre-assessment with 10 points on the Tinetti Gait Assessment, and 10 points higher than the pre-assessment with 21 points on the DGI. CONCLUSION: This case report suggests that training using a full-immersion virtual reality video game may be a safe and effective method to improve motor function, balance, and gait in a young stroke survivor.

Effects of Kinect Video Game Training on Lower Extremity Motor Function, Balance, and Gait in Adolescents with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

The Kinect video game (KVG) has received attention as an intervention method for cerebral palsy (CP). However, evidence remains limited. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of training using Xbox Kinect on lower extremity motor function, balance, and gait in adolescents with spastic diplegia CP. METHODS: This study was a pilot randomized controlled trial. Ten participants were randomly allocated to either the KVG training group (n = 5) or the conventional training (CT) group (n = 5). The Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE) tool, Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), and GAITRite were used for the outcome measurements. RESULTS: In the comparison between the groups, the KVG group showed significant improvements in all the items in the SCALE (except for right hip abduction) and PBS score as compared with the CT group. CONCLUSIONS: KVG training might be an effective intervention for the rehabilitation of adolescents with spastic diplegia CP.

The relationship between sitting balance, trunk control and mobility with predictive for current mobility level in survivors of sub-acute stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between sitting balance, trunk control, and mobility, as well as whether the sitting balance and trunk control can predict mobility level in sub-acute stroke survivors. METHODS: This is a observational and cross-sectional study. Fifty-five hemiplegic stroke survivors were participated in this study. The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) was used to estimate mobility, and the Sitting Balance Scale (SBS) was used to examining sitting balance. The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Trunk Control Test (TCT), and Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke-trunk control (PASS-TC) were used for examining the trunk control. Spearman's correlation was used to analyze the relationship between TUG, SBS, TIS, TCT, and PASS-TC. RESULTS: The TUG is significantly correlated with SBS (r = -0.78), TIS (r = -0.76), TCT (r = -0.65), and PASS-TC (r = -0.67). In addition, the receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve showed as cut-off value of SBS as >28.5, TIS > 16.5, TCT >82, and PASS-TC >10.5. The area under the ROC curve in each of the four tests is moderately accurate for predicting the mobility of sub-acute stroke survivors (0.84 ~0.90) (0.7 < AUC ≤ 9 (moderate informative)). IMPLICATIONS: The SBS showed the highest correlation for mobility using TUG in the hemiplegic stroke survivors. Also, SBS was revealed as the most dominant examination tool predicting the mobility by TUG, it can be explained the sitting postural balance is the variable predicting the mobility in survivors of sub-acute stroke.

Gait analysis in hemiplegic stroke survivors who used the one-arm motorized walker.

OBJECTIVE: A high number of stroke survivors experience limitations in balance and gait abilities. Thus, an improvement in gait ability is an important goal in the rehabilitation of hemiplegic stroke survivors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of using the one-arm motorized walker, a hemi-walker developed to assist hemiplegic stroke survivors in gait training and activities of daily living, on the improvement in gait ability in hemiplegic stroke survivors. METHODS: Eleven hemiplegic stroke survivors who met the inclusion criteria were included. The participants were instructed to walk thrice using traditional walking aids on a gait mat and then to walk thrice using the one-arm motorized walker. During each walk, spatiotemporal gait parameters, including velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, single support time, and double support time, were evaluated using a gait analysis system. RESULTS: Velocity and cadence significantly increased when the participants walked using the one-arm motorized walker compared to those who used traditional walking aids (p< 0.05), whereas double support time significantly decreased for both the more affected and less affected sides (p< 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in terms of step length and single support time. CONCLUSION: The one-arm motorized walker may have a positive effect on the improvement of gait ability in hemiplegic stroke survivors. It can be an effective walking aid for hemiplegic stroke survivors who experience difficulties in independent walking.

Effect of afferent electrical stimulation with mirror therapy on motor function, balance, and gait in chronic stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: When solely mirror therapy is applied for a long period of time, spatial perception and attention to the damaged side may decrease, and the effect of mirror therapy may be limited. To overcome this limitation, it has recently been suggested that the combination of mirror therapy with mirror treatment is effective. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of afferent electrical stimulation with mirror therapy on motor function, balance, and gait in chronic stroke survivors. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation center. POPULATION: Thirty stroke survivors were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (N.=15) and the control group (N.=15). METHODS: Participants of the experimental group received afferent electrical stimulation with mirror therapy, and participants of the control group received sham afferent electrical stimulation with sham mirror therapy for 60 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. Motor function was measured using a handheld dynamometer and the Modified Ashworth Scale, balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale, and gait was assessed using the GAITRite® (GAITRite, CIR System Inc., Franklin, NJ, USA) pressure-sensitive walkway at baseline and after 4 weeks. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant differences in muscle strength, Modified Ashworth Scale, and Berg Balance Scale results, and velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, and double support time of their gait (P<0.05) in the pre-post intervention comparison. Significant differences between the two groups in muscle strength, Berg Balance Scale, gait velocity, step length, and stride length (P<0.05) were found. CONLCUSIONS: Mirror therapy with afferent electrical stimulation may effectively improve muscle strength and gait and balance abilities in hemiplegic stroke survivors. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Afferent electrical stimulation combined with mirror therapy can be used as an effective intervention to improve lower limb motor function, balance, and gait in chronic stroke survivors in clinical settings.