Improved virtual reality perception with calibrated stereo and variable focus for industrial use

3D image rendering for virtual reality HMDs is typically generated based on a set of parameters taken from the manufacturer-supplied specifications and an idealised perspective model. But actual displays may vary in build features that alter spatial perception. Moreover, the eye focusing effort is often ignored. The resulting visual discomfort and incorrect geometry perception has discouraged use of immersive virtual reality in industrial applications. This work addresses these issues and describes a system with per-device calibration and control of stereo perspective projections and focus. The ideas presented may improve the usefulness of VR in industrial training and visualization.     

Effects of liquid cooling garments on recovery and performance time in individuals performing strenuous work wearing a firefighter ensemble

This study investigated the effects of body cooling using liquid cooling garments (LCG) on performance time (PT) and recovery in individuals wearing a fully equipped prototype firefighter ensemble (PFE) incorporating a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Six healthy male participants (three firefighters and three non-firefighters) completed six experimental sessions in an environmental chamber (35°C, 50% relative humidity), consisting of three stages of 15 min exercise at 75% VO2max, and 10 min rest following each exercise stage. During each session, one of the following six conditions was administered in a randomized order: control (no cooling, CON); air ventilation of exhaust SCBA gases rerouted into the PFE (AV); top cooling garment (TCG); TCG combined with AV (TCG+AV); a shortened whole body cooling garment (SCG), and SCG combined with AV (SCG+AV). Results showed that total PT completed was longer under SCG and SCG+AV compared with CON, AV, TCG, and TCG+AV (p<0.01). Magnitude of core temperature (Tc) elevation was significantly decreased when SCG was utilized (p<0.01), and heart rate recovery rate (10 min) was enhanced under SCG, SCG+AV, TCG, and TCG+AV compared with CON (p<0.05). Estimated Esw rate (kg·h(-1)) was the greatest in CON, 1.62 (0.37), and the least in SCG+AV 0.98 (0.44): (descending order: CON>AV>TCG=TCG+AV>SCG>SCG+AV) without a statistical difference between the conditions (p<0.05). Results of the present study suggest that the application of LCG underneath the PFE significantly improves the recovery during a short period of rest and prolongs performance time in subsequent bouts of exercise. LCG also appears to be an effective method for body cooling that promotes heat dissipation during uncompensable heat stress.     

Surgical mask placement over N95 filtering facepiece respirators: Physiological effects on healthcare workers

Background and objective: Filtering facepiece respirators (‘N95 Masks’) may be in short supply during large‐scale infectious outbreaks. Suggestions have been made to extend their useful life by using a surgical mask as an outer barrier, but the physiological impact of this added barrier upon the wearer has not been studied. Methods: A surgical mask was worn over an N95 filtering facepiece respirator by 10 healthcare workers for 1 h at each of two work rates. Heart rate, respiratory rate, tidal volume, minute volume, oxygen saturation, transcutaneous carbon dioxide levels and respirator dead space gases were monitored and compared with controls (N95 filtering facepiece respirator without a surgical mask). Subjective perceptions of exertion and comfort were assessed by numerical rating scales. Results: There were no significant differences in physiological variables between those who used surgical masks and controls. Surgical masks decreased dead space oxygen concentrations of the filtering facepiece respirators at the lesser work rate (P = 0.03) and for filtering facepiece respirators with an exhalation valve at the higher work rate (P = 0.003). Respirator dead space oxygen and carbon dioxide levels were not harmonious with Occupational Safety and Health Administration workplace ambient atmosphere standards. Exertion and comfort scores were not significantly impacted by the surgical mask. Conclusions: Use of a surgical mask as an outer barrier over N95 filtering facepiece respirators does not significantly impact the physiological burden or perceptions of comfort and exertion by the wearer over that experienced without use of a surgical mask.     

Activation mechanism of a noncanonical RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

Two lineages of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RDRPs) differing in the organization (canonical vs. noncanonical) of the palm subdomain have been identified. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that both lineages diverged at a very early stage of the evolution of the enzyme [Gorbalenya AE, Pringle FM, Zeddam JL, Luke BT, Cameron CE, Kalmakoff J, Hanzlik TN, Gordon KH, Ward VK (2002) J Mol Biol 324:47-62]. Here, we report the x-ray structure of a noncanonical birnaviral RDRP, named VP1, in its free form, bound to Mg(2+) ions, and bound to a peptide representing the polymerase-binding motif of the regulatory viral protein VP3. The structure of VP1 reveals that the noncanonical connectivity of the palm subdomain maintains the geometry of the catalytic residues found in canonical polymerases but results in a partial blocking of the active site cavity. The VP1-VP3 peptide complex shows a mode of polymerase activation in which VP3 binding promotes a conformational change that removes the steric blockade of the VP1 active site, facilitating the accommodation of the template and incoming nucleotides for catalysis. The striking structural similarities between birnavirus (dsRNA) and the positive-stranded RNA picornavirus and calicivirus RDRPs provide evidence supporting the existence of functional and evolutionary relationships between these two virus groups.     

Post-needling soreness after myofascial trigger point dry needling: Current status and future research

Post-dry needling soreness is a common complication of myofascial trigger point (MTrP) dry needling treatment. The prevention, management and relevance of this complication remain uncertain. This paper examines the current state of knowledge and suggests directions for further studies in this area. MTrPs are hypersensitive nodules in skeletal muscles' taut bands, present in several pain conditions. Dry needling has been recommended for relieving MTrP pain. MTrP dry needling procedures have shown to be associated with post-needling soreness, which is thought to be a consequence of the neuromuscular damage, and hemorrhagic and inflammatory reaction generated by the needle. Postneedling soreness is a very frequent effect after deep dry needling, usually lasting less than 72?h. It may not be especially distressing for most patients. However, patients presenting with higher levels of post-needling soreness, not perceiving dry needling effectiveness in the first session, or not having high myofascial pain intensity before treatment, could be the most likely to find post-needling soreness more distressing, functionally limiting and to abandon treatment. Future research should assess the clinical relevance of post-needling soreness. Post-needling soreness should be considered when investigating dry needling effectiveness since it could overlie the original myofascial pain and influence the patients’ pain ratings.     

Research experimental platforms to study microgrids issues

Microgrid (MG) concept is becoming increasingly mature. It allows integrating better distributed generation, and especially renewable energy sources, in the grid. However, many issues have still to be resolved before implementing this concept in the real power system extensively. This paper presents first a review of the main issues associated to microgrids dealt with in the scientific literature. The different issues are classified and some examples of carried out studies are given for each issue. Then, a short review of existing experimental microgrids is done. They are classified in small-size and real-size experimental MGs. After that, the EneR-GEA experimental MG or platform of ESTIA Engineering School is presented, describing its different components. Then, some carried out experiments are explained. To finish, the main planned projects at short and medium term related to this platform are given.     

Valores de referencia del SPPB en personas mayores de 60 años en el País Vasco

ObjetivoProporcionar valores de referencia del Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) en adultos y adultos mayores en el País Vasco, identificando puntos de corte para medir la fragilidad y comparar los valores con otras poblaciones de España.EmplazamientoBilbao capital, País Vasco (España).Participantes1.923 personas mayores de 60 años incluidos en el Programa de Salud para Personas Mayores del Ayuntamiento de Bilbao participaron en el estudio. El programa de actividad física (AF) se impartió dos veces por semana durante un mínimo de 12 semanas, con sesiones de 50 minutos.Mediciones principalesSe evaluó a los participantes con la prueba SPPB que evalúa: equilibrio (PE), velocidad de la marcha en 4 m (PM) y la fuerza a través de la prueba de levantarse y sentarse de la silla (PS). Según el resultado obtenido de todas las pruebas, se identificó la funcionalidad de las personas en: limitación grave (cero a cuatro puntos), moderada (cuatro a seis puntos), leve (siete a nueve puntos) y mínima (10 a 12 puntos).ResultadosEdad media 77,9 (5,6) años, siendo el 87,9% mujeres y el 12,1% hombres. La batería SPPB mostro diferencias significativas en la edad (p = 0,000) y género (p = 0,005) Además, se realizó una comparación con una población similar: 70 a 75 años = 0,6 (d de Cohen), 76 a 79 años = 0,98 (d de Cohen) y >80 años = 0,98 (d de Cohen).ConclusionesEl presente estudio señala los valores normativos para SPPB. La funcionalidad de las personas disminuye a medida que avanza la edad. A pesar de los hallazgos actuales que los profesionales de la salud disponen para una detección más eficaz de la fragilidad, muchos de ellos aún no se han traducido a la práctica clínica.Palabras clave: SPPB, Actividad física, Adultos mayores, Promoción de la salud