Single Camera-Based Remote Physical Therapy: Verification on a Large Video Dataset

In recent years, several systems have been developed to capture human motion in real-time using common RGB cameras. This approach has great potential to become widespread among the general public as it allows the remote evaluation of exercise at no additional cost. The concept of using these systems in rehabilitation in the home environment has been discussed, but no work has addressed the practical problem of detecting basic body parts under different sensing conditions on a large scale. In this study, we evaluate the ability of the OpenPose pose estimation algorithm to perform keypoint detection of anatomical landmarks under different conditions. We infer the quality of detection based on the keypoint confidence values reported by the OpenPose. We used more than two thousand unique exercises for the evaluation. We focus on the influence of the camera view and the influence of the position of the trainees, which are essential in terms of the use for home exercise. Our results show that the position of the trainee has the greatest effect, in the following increasing order of suitability across all camera views: lying position, position on the knees, sitting position, and standing position. On the other hand, the effect of the camera view was only marginal, showing that the side view is having slightly worse results. The results might also indicate that the quality of detection of lower body joints is lower across all conditions than the quality of detection of upper body joints. In this practical overview, we present the possibilities and limitations of current camera-based systems in telerehabilitation.

On the Body Image and Standard Score Scale for Ideal Body of Women in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Developing the shape of human bodies is both one of the important tasks of the sports industry in each country in the world and the need of each individual, especially women. So, what body image is considered standard? We have researched and initially built a rating scale for each of the basic body standards indicators of women including 7/9 body standards indicators. At the same time, it also developed a standard to evaluate the body image of women's body shape through the ratio between waist measurement and indicators such as standing height, bust measurement, and hips measurement. During this study, we used common methods such as reference methods related to research objectives; expert interviews; anthropometric; Statistical mathematics. The study has developed a scale to evaluate the indicators of body beautiful image for each criterion of ideal body standards. This is the basis for them to be able to calculate the measurements of each fitness criterion to exercise in proportion to their height so that they have an ideal body standard, as well as a source of reference for other athletes, trainers, body image trainers, physical education teachers, or researchers on women's health in Vietnam. From there, it helps the practitioner know the correct rings needed have to work out based on his height. This is the basis for them to be able to calculate the measurements of each fitness criterion to exercise in proportion to their height so that they have an ideal body standard.

Bmp Signal Gradient Modulates Convergent Cell Movement via Xarhgef3.2 during Gastrulation of Xenopus Embryos

Gastrulation is a critical step in the establishment of a basic body plan during development. Convergence and extension (CE) cell movements organize germ layers during gastrulation. Noncanonical Wnt signaling has been known as major signaling that regulates CE cell movement by activating Rho and Rac. In addition, Bmp molecules are expressed in the ventral side of a developing embryo, and the ventral mesoderm region undergoes minimal CE cell movement while the dorsal mesoderm undergoes dynamic cell movements. This suggests that Bmp signal gradient may affect CE cell movement. To investigate whether Bmp signaling negatively regulates CE cell movements, we performed microarray-based screening and found that the transcription of Xenopus Arhgef3.2 (Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor) was negatively regulated by Bmp signaling. We also showed that overexpression or knockdown of Xarhgef3.2 caused gastrulation defects. Interestingly, Xarhgef3.2 controlled gastrulation cell movements through interacting with Disheveled (Dsh2) and Dsh2-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (Daam1). Our results suggest that Bmp gradient affects gastrulation cell movement (CE) via negative regulation of Xarhgef3.2 expression.

A High Fidelity Mixed Reality System for Remote Collaboration

<p>This thesis presents a novel system for enabling remote collaboration within a mixed reality environment. Since the increase of virtual and augmented reality headsets, there has been increased interest in improving remote collaboration. Systems have been proposed to use 3D geometry or 360° video for providing remotely collaborating users with a view of the local, real-world environment. However, many systems provide limited interactions in the local environment and target using coupled views of all users, rather than simulating face-to-face interactions, or use virtual environments for the remote user, losing visual realism. The presented system enables a user situated in a remote location to join a local user to collaborate on a task. An omni-directional camera is streamed to the remote user in real-time to provide a live view of the local space. The 360° video is also used to provide believable lighting when compositing virtual objects into the real-world. Remote users are displayed to local users as an abstracted avatar to provide basic body gestures and social presence. Voice chat is also provided for verbal communication. The system has been evaluated for technical performance and user experience. The evaluation found the performance of the system was suitable for real-time collaboration. Remote and local users were also found to have similar satisfaction with the system, experiencing high levels of presence, social presence and tele-presence. Shared cinematic and remote presentations are suggested as possible applications to guide further development of the system.</p>

A High Fidelity Mixed Reality System for Remote Collaboration

<p>This thesis presents a novel system for enabling remote collaboration within a mixed reality environment. Since the increase of virtual and augmented reality headsets, there has been increased interest in improving remote collaboration. Systems have been proposed to use 3D geometry or 360° video for providing remotely collaborating users with a view of the local, real-world environment. However, many systems provide limited interactions in the local environment and target using coupled views of all users, rather than simulating face-to-face interactions, or use virtual environments for the remote user, losing visual realism. The presented system enables a user situated in a remote location to join a local user to collaborate on a task. An omni-directional camera is streamed to the remote user in real-time to provide a live view of the local space. The 360° video is also used to provide believable lighting when compositing virtual objects into the real-world. Remote users are displayed to local users as an abstracted avatar to provide basic body gestures and social presence. Voice chat is also provided for verbal communication. The system has been evaluated for technical performance and user experience. The evaluation found the performance of the system was suitable for real-time collaboration. Remote and local users were also found to have similar satisfaction with the system, experiencing high levels of presence, social presence and tele-presence. Shared cinematic and remote presentations are suggested as possible applications to guide further development of the system.</p>

Does Predicted Age At Peak Height Velocity Explain Physical Performance In U13-15 Basketball Female Players?

Background: The aims of the study were (i) to identify the physical fitness and basic anthropometric characteristics of Polish female basketball players aged 13 to 15 years, (ii) to show the effect of maturity timing on the performance in motor tests and basic body composition parameters, (iii) to identify the index that contributes most to the prediction of performance in the tests of speed, jumping ability, agility, and endurance. Methods: The sample included 925 female Polish players (U13-15). In part 1, maturity timing category distribution were examined within across age-groups. In part 2, the relationship between the anthropometric variables, physical fitness performance was assessed based on maturity timing categories (ANCOVA analysis). In part 3, backward stepwise multiple regression analyse quantified the relationship between maturity timing (group of PHV) and physical performance.Results: ANCOVA results (age, body height, and body mass as covariates) showed in the U13 female basketball players significantly higher sprinting (20m), jumping ability and endurance tests results of the PHV1 group.Better results was observed in U14 female players in PHV1 compared to PHV2 and PHV3 in 20m and jumping tests but opposite trend was observed for 5m sprint and endurance test (distance covered and VO2max). U15 basketball players from the PHV3 group were characterized by better results of jumping abilities, endurance, 10m and 20m sprint and agility (total, S4) tests. Maturity timing (10m), chronological age (5 m, 20 m, agility, SVJ, VJ, and VO2max tests), body height (10m), body mass (10m, 20m, VJ, VO2max), and the interaction between body mass and height (SVJ) were significant (adjusted R2 = 0.02-0.10; p < 0.001) predictors of motor skills. Conclusion: The results can help the coaches to personalize training programs and to adapt the training content to the biological age of the players.

Effect of maturity timing on the physical performance of male Polish basketball players aged 13 to 15 years

The aims of this study were (i) to identify the motor potential and basic anthropometric characteristics of Polish basketball players aged 13 to 15 years, (ii) to demonstrate the effect of maturity timing on the results achieved in motor tests and basic body composition parameters, and (iii) to determine which index contributes most to the prediction of performance in the individual tests of speed, jumping ability, agility, and endurance. The sample included 818 male Polish players. Analysis of values related to age-adjusted characteristics showed that in the under 13-year-old group, early maturers had significantly better results (except for stage 1 in the agility test) than average maturers. However, in the endurance test in the under 14- and 15-year-old groups (both distance covered and VO2max), the average maturers obtained higher values. Furthermore, maturity differentiation in the under 14- and 15-year-old groups significantly affected body size, 20-m sprinting time (under 14-year-old group only), and the results of all jumping tests. ANCOVA results (age, body height, and body mass as covariates) showed better results of early maturers in the under 13-year-old group. The opposite trend was observed in the under 14- to 15-year-old groups, where early maturing individuals performed worse in the running vertical jump (VJ) and endurance tests (both distances covered and VO2max). Maturity timing (VJ and VO2max), chronological age (5 m, 10 m, 20 m, agility, and VO2max tests), body height (all tests), body mass (5 m), and the interaction between body mass and height (10 m, 20 m, agility, standing vertical jump, vertical jump) were significant (adjusted R2 = 0.08–0.25; p < 0.001) predictors of motor skills. These findings can be helpful in quantifying and controlling the results of youth sports programs adjusted to biological requirements used in the training process.

Research Progress of Springback in Multi-Point Forming of Sheet Metal

In the manufacturing of sheet metal, multi-point forming replaces the traditional integral die with discrete basic body groups to adjust the height of each basic body and form the required three-dimensional curved surface, thereby facilitating flexible processing. Multi-point forming is the most common approaches for the manufacturing of sheet metal but can cause serious shape distortion due to springback phenomena. In this paper, key research on springback is categorized and analyzed from three aspects: springback theory, springback numerical simulation analysis, and springback control, followed by summary of the current research status and outlook on promising future research directions of springback in multi-point forming springback. And the conclusion is drawn: in the future, multi-point forming of sheet metal using high-frequency ultrasonic excitation for springback control during the forming process coupled with artificial intelligence for springback compensation control will be a promising research direction for controlling springback in the multi-point forming of sheet metal.

Electrochemical and Fluorescent Properties of Crown Ether Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots for Potassium and Sodium Ions Detection

The concentration of sodium and potassium ions in biological fluids, such as blood, urine and sweat, is indicative of several basic body function conditions. Therefore, the development of simple methods able to detect these alkaline ions is of outmost importance. In this study, we explored the electrochemical and optical properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) combined with the selective chelating ability of the crown ethers 15-crown-5 and 18-crown-6, with the final aim to propose novel composites for the effective detection of these ions. The results obtained comparing the performances of the single GQDs and crown ethers with those of the GQDs-15-crown-5 and GQDs-18-crown-6 composites, have demonstrated the superior properties of these latter. Electrochemical investigation showed that the GQDs based composites can be exploited for the potentiometric detection of Na+ and K+ ions, but selectivity still remains a concern. The nanocomposites showed the characteristic fluorescence emissions of GQDs and crown ethers. The GQDs-18-crown-6 composite exhibited ratiometric fluorescence emission behavior with the variation of K+ concentration, demonstrating its promising properties for the development of a selective fluorescent method for potassium determination.