Variability between Clarke's angle and Chippaux-Smirak index for the diagnosis of flat feet

PubMed Central

Gonzalez-Martin, Cristina; Seoane-Pillado, Teresa; Lopez-Calviño, Beatriz; Pertega-Diaz, Sonia; Gil-Guillen, Vicente

2017-01-01

Abstract Background: The measurements used in diagnosing biomechanical pathologies vary greatly. The aim of this study was to determine the concordance between Clarke's angle and Chippaux-Smirak index, and to determine the validity of Clarke's angle using the Chippaux-Smirak index as a reference. Methods: Observational study in a random population sample (n= 1,002) in A Coruña (Spain). After informed patient consent and ethical review approval, a study was conducted of anthropometric variables, Charlson comorbidity score, and podiatric examination (Clarke's angle and Chippaux-Smirak index). Descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed. Results: The prevalence of flat feet, using a podoscope, was 19.0% for the left foot and 18.9% for the right foot, increasing with age. The prevalence of flat feet according to the Chippaux-Smirak index or Clarke's angle increases significantly, reaching 62.0% and 29.7% respectively. The concordance (kappa I) between the indices according to age groups varied between 0.25-0.33 (left foot) and 0.21-0.30 (right foot). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the Chippaux-Smirak index and Clarke's angle was -0.445 (left foot) and -0.424 (right foot). After adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidity score and gender, the only variable with an independent effect to predict discordance was the BMI (OR= 0.969; 95% CI: 0.940-0.998). Conclusion: There is little concordance between the indices studied for the purpose of diagnosing foot arch pathologies. In turn, Clarke's angle has a limited sensitivity in diagnosing flat feet, using the Chippaux-Smirak index as a reference. This discordance decreases with higher BMI values. PMID:28559643

Variability between Clarke's angle and Chippaux-Smirak index for the diagnosis of flat feet.

PubMed

Gonzalez-Martin, Cristina; Pita-Fernandez, Salvador; Seoane-Pillado, Teresa; Lopez-Calviño, Beatriz; Pertega-Diaz, Sonia; Gil-Guillen, Vicente

2017-03-30

The measurements used in diagnosing biomechanical pathologies vary greatly. The aim of this study was to determine the concordance between Clarke's angle and Chippaux-Smirak index, and to determine the validity of Clarke's angle using the Chippaux-Smirak index as a reference. Observational study in a random population sample (n= 1,002) in A Coruña (Spain). After informed patient consent and ethical review approval, a study was conducted of anthropometric variables, Charlson comorbidity score, and podiatric examination (Clarke's angle and Chippaux-Smirak index). Descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed. The prevalence of flat feet, using a podoscope, was 19.0% for the left foot and 18.9% for the right foot, increasing with age. The prevalence of flat feet according to the Chippaux-Smirak index or Clarke's angle increases significantly, reaching 62.0% and 29.7% respectively. The concordance (kappa I) between the indices according to age groups varied between 0.25-0.33 (left foot) and 0.21-0.30 (right foot). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the Chippaux-Smirak index and Clarke's angle was -0.445 (left foot) and -0.424 (right foot). After adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidity score and gender, the only variable with an independent effect to predict discordance was the BMI (OR= 0.969; 95% CI: 0.940-0.998). There is little concordance between the indices studied for the purpose of diagnosing foot arch pathologies. In turn, Clarke's angle has a limited sensitivity in diagnosing flat feet, using the Chippaux-Smirak index as a reference. This discordance decreases with higher BMI values.

The Athletic Foot and Its Import to Performance during Running.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bogdan, Richard

In this paper, problems and conditions of the foot, including flat feet, achilles tendon problems, heel spur syndrome, digital problems, shin splints, and leg stress fractures, are examined. Ways to examine the athlete's foot and leg are described, including the one-foot test and the off weight-bearing examination. (CJ)

The use of a proforma improves colorectal cancer pathology reporting.

PubMed Central

Rigby, K.; Brown, S. R.; Lakin, G.; Balsitis, M.; Hosie, K. B.

1999-01-01

The detail and accuracy of pathological reporting for colorectal cancer is becoming increasingly recognised as important in the overall management of the patient. However, there is criticism of the variable standards of reporting. We assessed how the use of a proforma affected the completeness of reporting within one hospital. Data on all colorectal cancer patients attending one teaching hospital has been collected prospectively over a 15 month period from 1997 to 1998. The Royal College of Surgeons/Association of Coloproctology proforma lists all items considered to be essential for a complete pathological report of colorectal cancer. Its introduction in September 1997 allowed us to compare reporting before the proforma to that after. Of 54 patients, 46 (85%) had one or more items missing from their report before introduction of the proforma compared with only 8/44 (18%) patients after the proforma (P < 0.001). Circumferential resection margins and apical node status were the items most often absent, being significantly more frequently reported after the proforma (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). There was no difference in the median number of lymph nodes harvested after proforma introduction. The introduction of the proforma has not only resulted in improvements in reporting, but has increased the dialogue between surgical oncologists and pathologists. These features should result in improved overall management of the colorectal cancer patient. PMID:10655894

Sex-related differences in foot shape.

PubMed

Krauss, I; Grau, S; Mauch, M; Maiwald, C; Horstmann, T

2008-11-01

The purpose of the study was to investigate sex-related differences in foot morphology. In total, 847 subjects were scanned using a 3-D-footscanner. Three different analysis methods were used: (1) comparisons were made for absolute foot measures within 250-270 mm foot length (FL); (2) and for averaged measures (% FL) across all sizes; (3) the feet were then classified using a cluster analysis. Within 250-270 mm FL, male feet were wider and higher (mean differences (MD) 1.3-5.9 mm). No relevant sex-related differences could be found in the comparison of averaged measures (MD 0.3-0.6% FL). Foot types were categorised into voluminous, flat-pointed and slender. Shorter feet were more often voluminous, longer feet were more likely to be narrow and flat. However, the definition of 'short' and 'long' was sex-related; thus, allometry of foot measures was different. For shoe design, measures should be derived for each size and sex separately. Different foot types should be considered to account for the variety in foot shape. Improper footwear can cause foot pain and deformity. Therefore, knowledge of sex-related differences in foot measures is important to assist proper shoe fit in both men and women. The present study supplements the field of knowledge within this context with recommendations for the manufacturing of shoes.

Management of the flexible flat foot in the child: a focus on the use of osteotomies for correction.

PubMed

Kwon, John Y; Myerson, Mark S

2010-06-01

Pes planus, commonly referred as flat foot, is a combination of foot and ankle deformities. When faced with this deformity in children, the treating surgeon should use a systematic method for evaluation to distinguish normal variation from true pathology, as well as conditions that have a benign natural history versus those that may lead to significant disability if left untreated. Certain deformities will inevitably worsen and therefore require surgery. Common sense clearly supports the indication for a simple procedure, such as an arthroereisis or an osteotomy, performed in the young child as opposed to an arthrodesis in older adolescence or adulthood as the foot becomes more rigid. Such approaches and other issues are discussed in this article. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determination of washout performance of various monochrome displays under simulated flight ambient and solar lighting conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Batson, Vernon M.; Robertson, James B.; Parrish, Russell V.

1990-01-01

The aircraft cockpit ambient lighting simulation system (ACALSS) has been developed to study display readability and associated pilot/vehicle performance effects in a part-task simulator cockpit. In the study reported here, the ACALSS was used to determine the illumination levels at which subjects lose the ability to maintain aircraft states when using three display technologies as display media for primary flight displays: a standard monochrome EL (electroluminescent) flat-panel, a laboratory-class monochrome CRT, and an enhanced-brightness EL flat-panel. The multivariate statistical technique of modified profile analysis was used to test for performance differences between display devices as functions of illumination levels. The standard monochrome EL flat-panel display began to washout after the 2500 foot-candle level of illumination. The monochrome CRT began to washout after the 5500 foot-candle level of illumination. No performance decrements by increased illumination up to the 12,000 foot-candle level were found for the enhanced-brightness EL flat-panel display. What was not anticipated was that half the subjects would subjectively prefer the CRT over the enhanced-brightness EL, even though their performance errors would have indicated the opposite.

Contoured in-shoe foot orthoses increase mid-foot plantar contact area when compared with a flat insert during cycling.

PubMed

Bousie, Jaquelin A; Blanch, Peter; McPoil, Thomas G; Vicenzino, Bill

2013-01-01

To determine the effect of contouring of an in-shoe foot orthosis on plantar contact area and surface pressure, as well as perceived comfort and support at the foot-orthosis interface during stationary cycling. A randomised, repeated measures control study. Twelve cyclists performed steady-state seated cycling at a cadence of 90 rpm using a contoured orthosis and a flat insert of similar hardness. Contact area (CA) and plantar mean pressure (PP) were measured using the PEDAR® system, determined for seven discrete plantar regions and represented as the percentage of the total CA and PP respectively (CA% and PP%). Perceived comfort and support were rated using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The contoured orthosis produced a significantly greater CA% at the medial midfoot (p=0.001) and lateral midfoot (p=0.009) with a standardised mean difference (SMD) of 1.3 and 0.9 respectively. The contoured orthosis also produced a significantly greater PP% at the hallux (p=0.003) compared to the flat insert with a SMD of 1.1. There was a small non-significant effect (SMD<0.4) for the perceived comfort measures between conditions, but perceived support was significantly greater at the arch (p=0.000) and heel (p=0.013) with the contoured orthoses (SMD of 1.5 and 0.9, respectively). Contoured orthoses influenced the plantar surface of the foot by increasing contact area as well as a perception of greater support at the midfoot while increasing relative pressure through the hallux when compared to a flat insert during stationary cycling. No difference in perceived comfort was noted. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

29 CFR 1918.22 - Gangways.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) When a fixed flat tread accommodation ladder is used, and the angle is low enough to require employees... serious injury from falls to a lower level. (f) If the foot of a gangway is more than one foot (.30 m...

Differences in plantar loading between training shoes and racing flats at a self-selected running speed.

PubMed

Wiegerinck, Johannes I; Boyd, Jennifer; Yoder, Jordan C; Abbey, Alicia N; Nunley, James A; Queen, Robin M

2009-04-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in plantar loading between two different running shoe types. We hypothesized that a higher maximum force, peak pressure, and contact area would exist beneath the entire foot while running in a racing flat when compared to a training shoe. 37 athletes (17 male and 20 female) were recruited for this study. Subjects had no history of lower extremity injuries in the past six months, no history of foot or ankle surgery within the past 3 years, and no history of metatarsal stress fractures. Subjects had to be physically active and run at least 10 miles per week. Each subject ran on a 10m runway 7 times wearing two different running shoe types, the Nike Air Pegasus (training shoe) and the Nike Air Zoom Katana IV (racing flat). A Pedar-X in-shoe pressure measurement system sampling at 50Hz was used to collect plantar pressure data. Peak pressure, maximum force, and contact area beneath eight different anatomical regions of the foot as well as beneath the total foot were obtained. The results of this study demonstrated a significant difference between training shoes and racing flats in terms of peak pressure, maximum force, and contact area. The significant differences measured between the two shoes can be of importance when examining the influence of shoe type on the occurrence of stress fractures in runners.

Management of acute paracetamol (acetaminophen) toxicity: a standardised proforma improves risk assessment and overall risk stratification by emergency medicine doctors.

PubMed

McQuade, David J; Aknuri, Srikanth; Dargan, Paul I; Wood, David M

2012-12-01

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) poisoning is the most common toxicological presentation in the UK. Doctors managing patients with paracetamol poisoning need to assess the risk of their patient developing hepatotoxicity before determining appropriate treatment. Patients deemed to be at 'high risk' of hepatotoxicity have lower treatment thresholds than those deemed to be at 'normal risk'. Errors in this process can lead to harmful or potentially fatal under or over treatment. To determine how well treating doctors assess risk factor status and whether a standardised proforma is useful in the risk stratification process. Retrospective 12-month case note review of all patients presenting with paracetamol poisoning to our large inner-city emergency department. Data were collected on the documentation of risk factors, the presence of a local hospital proforma and treatment outcomes. 249 presentations were analysed and only 59 (23.7%) had full documentation of all the risk factors required to make a complete risk assessment. 56 of the 59 (94.9%) had the local hospital proforma included in the notes; the remaining 3 (5.1%) had full documentation of risk factors despite the absence of a proforma. A local hospital proforma was more likely to be included in the emergency department notes in those with 'adequate documentation' (78 out of 120 (65%)) than for those with 'inadequate documentation' (16 out of 129 (12.4%)); X(2), p<0.001. Despite a low overall uptake of the proforma, use of a standardised proforma significantly increased the likelihood of documentation of the risk factors which increase risk for hepatotoxicity following paracetamol poisoning.

Health Update: Foot Problems of Young Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aronson, Susan S.

1987-01-01

Discusses common foot problems of young children and ways parents, child caregivers, and physicians should deal with them. Particular attention is given to care and medical treatment for flat feet, peeling feet, and "w"-sitting in young children. (Author/BB)

29 CFR 1915.74 - Access to vessels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... rigged at the foot of the gangway in such a manner as to prevent employees from falling from the end of the gangway. (7) If the foot of the gangway is more than one foot away from the edge of the apron, the... this section. (d) Jacob's ladders. (1) Jacob's ladders shall be of the double rung or flat tread type...

Parents: Avoid Kids Foot Problems with the Right Shoes

MedlinePlus

... pain, Achilles tendonitis and even ankle sprains and stress fractures. Children with Flat Feet Children with flat feet need shoes with a wide toe box, maximum arch support and shock absorption. The best shoes to buy are oxford, lace-up shoes ...

Lightweight, Economical Device Alleviates Drop Foot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deis, B. C.

1983-01-01

Corrective apparatus alleviates difficulties in walking for victims of drop foot. Elastic line attached to legband provides flexible support to toe of shoe. Device used with flat (heelless) shoes, sneakers, crepe-soled shoes, canvas shoes, and many other types of shoes not usable with short leg brace.

Ipsilateral and contralateral foot pronation affect lower limb and trunk biomechanics of individuals with knee osteoarthritis during gait.

PubMed

Resende, Renan A; Kirkwood, Renata N; Deluzio, Kevin J; Hassan, Elizabeth A; Fonseca, Sérgio T

2016-05-01

Lateral wedges have been suggested for the treatment of individuals with knee osteoarthritis, but it may have undesirable effects on the biomechanics of gait through increased foot pronation. This study investigated the effects of increased unilateral foot pronation on the biomechanics of individuals with knee osteoarthritis during gait. Biomechanical data of twenty individuals with knee osteoarthritis were collected while they walked in three conditions: i) flat sandals; ii) wedged sandal on the knee osteoarthritis limb and flat sandal on the healthy limb; and iii) flat sandal on the osteoarthritis and wedged sandal on the healthy limb. Knee pain and comfort were evaluated. Principal Component Analysis followed by ANOVA was implemented to identify differences between conditions. The wedged sandal on the osteoarthritis limb increased rearfoot eversion (P<0.001; ES=0.79); increased shank rotation range of motion (P<0.001; ES=0.70); reduced knee internal rotation moment (P<0.001; ES=0.83); reduced hip internal rotation moment (P=0.001; ES=0.66); increased ipsilateral trunk lean (P=0.031; ES=0.47); and increased trunk rotation range of motion (P=0.001; ES=0.69). Walking with the wedged sandal on the healthy limb increased hip (P=0.003; ES=0.61) and knee (P=0.002; ES=0.63) adduction moments. Individuals reported greater comfort walking with the flat sandals (P=0.004; ES=0.55). Increased unilateral foot pronation of the knee osteoarthritis and healthy limbs causes lower limb and trunk mechanical changes that may overload the knee and the lower back, such as increased knee adduction moment, shank rotation and trunk lateral lean. Foot motion of both lower limbs should be evaluated and care must be taken when suggesting lateral wedges for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of the tranverse arch in stiffness of the human foot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dias, Marcelo A.; Singh, Dhiraj K.; Bandi, Mahesh M.; Venkadesan, Madhusudhan; Mandre, Shreyas

2015-03-01

Human ancestors evolved from walking, around 6 million years (Ma) ago, to regular endurance running, around 2 Ma ago. Simultaneously, the feet evolved from a relatively flat structure like that of current day Chimpanzees (or our hands), to the modern human foot with two arches, a longitudinal and a transversal arch. The feet play a crucial role in locomotion by providing sufficient stiffness for propulsion, and being soft and pliable to absorb impacts and store energy elastically. Here we show that the transverse arch could play a central role in stiffness modulation. We first treat the foot as an elastic shell that is with intrinsic curvature. Calculations, numerics and physical experiments all show that for a foot-like shell, the stiffness has a power-law dependence on transverse curvature beyond a critical value. On the other hand, for purely longitudinally curved feet, or transverse curvature below the critical value, lead to low stiffness like a flat plate. Discrete realizations of a continuum shell, more closely resembling the human foot, also exhibit curvature induced stiffening. These results shed light on the role of the quintessentially human feature of a doubly arched foot, and suggest mechanical consequences of disorders such as a collapsed arch. HFSP RGY0091/2013.

33 CFR 110.127b - Flaming Gorge Lake, Wyoming-Utah.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... following points, excluding a 150-foot-wide fairway, extending southeasterly from the launching ramp, as... inclosed by the shore and a line connecting the following points, excluding a 100-foot-wide fairway.... (c) Antelope Flat, Utah. That portion of Flaming Gorge Lake inclosed by the shore and a line...

[Synostosis and tarsal coalitions in children. A study of 68 cases in 47 patients].

PubMed

Rouvreau, P; Pouliquen, J C; Langlais, J; Glorion, C; de Cerqueira Daltro, G

1994-01-01

The authors report their experience with tarsal coalitions in children. The purpose of this study was to discuss the origins of the < too long anterior process > of the calcaneum, and to propose a simple therapeutic strategy for diagnosis and treatment. The study included 47 children (68 feet), with one or more idiopathic tarsal coalitions. All patients had physical examinations to record symptoms, morphology of the foot, mobility of the foot, gait analysis, standard radiographs, and in some cases CT scans or MRI. The average age of the patients was 11.5 years old, 7 patients had a positive family history for tarsal coalitions. 66 per cent of the patients had mild tarsal pain or a history of repeated ankle sprains. The conservative treatment concerned 28 feet: 3 casts, 2 injections of corticosteroids into the subtalar joint, insole-shoes in 3 cases, and abstention in 20 cases. The operative treatment (40 feet) consisted of resection of calcaneonavicular coalitions (24 feet) resection of talocalcaneal coalitions (3 feet), mediotarsal and subtalar arthrodesis (8 feet), resection of calcaneonavicular coalition combined with the "Cavalier'' procedure described by Judet (3 feet), calcaneal osteotomy (2 feet). The mean follow-up was 42 months. The morphology of the involved foot was normal in 33 cases, flat foot was seen in 24 cases (4 peroneal spastic flat feet), pes cavus in 3 cases, club foot in 2 cases, pes varus in 4 cases, "Z'' shaped feet in 2 cases. The radiological examination was demonstrative of tarsal coalition in 61 feet. 7 tarsal coalitions were seen during operative procedures. The location or the coalition was calcaneonavicular (57), talocalcaneal (16), talo-navicular (8), calcaneo-cuboid (7), naviculo-cuneiform (4). The secondary radiographic signs were studied for each foot. In the conservative group, 2 patients degraded their clinical status, one developed a spastic flat foot. In the surgical group, all except 2 patients had good clinical and functional results. One patient had persistent pain in the subtalar joint after a technically correct calcaneonavicular resection. One patient had recurrent spastic flat foot following isolated talocalcaneal resection in a foot presenting multiple tarsal coalitions. This patient was reoperated by a mediotarsal and subtalar arthrodesis with a good result. The authors believe that tarsal coalitions have to be recognized based on a history of repeated ankle sprains or subtalar pain. Pain radiographs are diagnostic in most cases. CT scans and MRI are useful when radiographs are negative, especially in young children, or for talocalcaneal coalitions. The authors believe that the "the too long anterior process'' of the calcaneum in calcaneonavicular coalition has the same embryologic origin. Operative treatment is suitable, when tarsal coalitions are symptomatic or after failure of conservative treatment. Resection gives good results with calcaneonavicular coalitions and selected talocalcaneal coalitions. The mediotarsal and subtalar arthrodesis is suitable in spastic flat foot, or when the bony-bridge is too big, or when the involved joint presents degenerative changes in these cases, the MRI is very useful to select patient for resection or for arthrodesis. Evocative history and plain radiographs are diagnostic of most tarsal-coalitions. Modern imagery is useful for difficult diagnostics, for young children, or for evaluation of a joint before resection or arthrodesis. Resection is a good treatment for calcaneonavicular coalitions and gives good results for talocalcaneal coalitions in selected patients.

An audit comparing the reporting of staging MRI scans for rectal cancer with the London Cancer Alliance (LCA) guidelines.

PubMed

Siddiqui, M R S; Shanmuganandan, A P; Rasheed, S; Tekkis, P; Brown, G; Abulafi, A M

2017-11-01

This article focuses on the audit and assessment of clinical practice before and after introduction of MRI reporting guidelines. Standardised proforma based reporting may improve quality of MRI reports. Uptake of the use may be facilitated by endorsement from regional and national cancer organisations. This audit was divided into 2 phases. MRI reports issued between April 2014 and June 2014 were included in the first part of our audit. Phase II included MRI reports issued between April 2015 and June 2015. 14 out of 15 hospitals that report MRI scans in the LCA responded to our audit proposal. The completion rate of key MRI metrics/metrics was better in proforma compared to prose reports both before (98% vs 73%; p < 0.05) and after introduction of the guidelines (98% vs 71%; p < 0.05). There was an approximate doubling of proforma reporting after the introduction of guidelines and workshop interventions (39% vs 65%; p < 0.05). Evaluation of locally advanced cancers (tumours extending to or beyond the circumferential resection margin) for beyond TME surgery was reported in 3% of prose reports vs. 42% in proformas. Incorporation of standardised reporting in official guidelines improved the uptake of proforma based reporting. Proforma based reporting captured more MRI reportable items compared to prose summaries, before and after the implementation of guidelines. MRI reporting of advanced cancers for beyond TME surgery falls short of acceptable standards but is more detailed in proforma based reports. Further work to improve completion especially in beyond TME reporting is required. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ~ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.

27 CFR 9.169 - Red Hills Lake County.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... intersection with the 1,400-foot contour line, section 3, T12N, R7W (Clearlake Highlands Quadrangle); then (2) Proceed east-southeasterly along the meandering 1,400-foot contour line onto the Lower Lake map south of Anderson Flat, then reverse direction with the contour line and continue westerly, leaving the Lower Lake...

Two-Year College LRC Buildings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bock, D. Joleen

1983-01-01

Reports results of 1981-83 survey of 24 new and 22 remodeled 2-year college Learning Resource Centers, noting gross area, square foot cost, furniture/equipment costs, seats, and types of facilities. Major trends (square foot costs 1965-83, public catalog formats) and the flat roof disaster at Kauai Community College, Hawaii, are discussed. (EJS)

27 CFR 9.169 - Red Hills Lake County.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... intersection with the 1,400-foot contour line, section 3, T12N, R7W (Clearlake Highlands Quadrangle); then (2) Proceed east-southeasterly along the meandering 1,400-foot contour line onto the Lower Lake map south of Anderson Flat, then reverse direction with the contour line and continue westerly, leaving the Lower Lake...

Tests of Round and Flat Spoilers on a Tapered Wing in the NACA 19-Foot Pressure Wind Tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wenzinger, Carl J; Bowen, John D

1941-01-01

Several arrangements of round and flat spanwise spoilers attached to the upper surface of a tapered wing were tested in the NACA 19-foot pressure wind tunnel to determine the most effective type, location, and size of spoiler necessary to reduce greatly the lift on the wings of large flying boats when moored. The effect of the various spoilers on the lift, the drag, and the pitching-moment characteristics of the tapered wing was measured over a range of angles of attack from zero to maximum lift. The most effective type of spoiler was found to be the flat type with no space between it and the wing surface. The chordwise location of such a spoiler was not critical within the range investigated, from 5 to 20 percent of the wing chord from the leading edge.

Evaluation of PROforma as a language for implementing medical guidelines in a practical context

PubMed Central

Sutton, David R; Taylor, Paul; Earle, Kenneth

2006-01-01

Background PROforma is one of several languages that allow clinical guidelines to be expressed in a computer-interpretable manner. How these languages should be compared, and what requirements they should meet, are questions that are being actively addressed by a community of interested researchers. Methods We have developed a system to allow hypertensive patients to be monitored and assessed without visiting their GPs (except in the most urgent cases). Blood pressure measurements are performed at the patients' pharmacies and a web-based system, created using PROforma, makes recommendations for continued monitoring, and/or changes in medication. The recommendations and measurements are transmitted electronically to a practitioner with authority to issue and change prescriptions. We evaluated the use of PROforma during the knowledge acquisition, analysis, design and implementation of this system. The analysis focuses on the logical adequacy, heuristic power, notational convenience, and explanation support provided by the PROforma language. Results PROforma proved adequate as a language for the implementation of the clinical reasoning required by this project. However a lack of notational convenience led us to use UML activity diagrams, rather than PROforma process descriptions, to create the models that were used during the knowledge acquisition and analysis phases of the project. These UML diagrams were translated into PROforma during the implementation of the project. Conclusion The experience accumulated during this study highlighted the importance of structure preserving design, that is to say that the models used in the design and implementation of a knowledge-based system should be structurally similar to those created during knowledge acquisition and analysis. Ideally the same language should be used for all of these models. This means that great importance has to be attached to the notational convenience of these languages, by which we mean the ease with which they can be read, written, and understood by human beings. The importance of notational convenience arises from the fact that a language used during knowledge acquisition and analysis must be intelligible to the potential users of a system, and to the domain experts who provide the knowledge that will be used in its construction. PMID:16597341

Evaluation of PROforma as a language for implementing medical guidelines in a practical context.

PubMed

Sutton, David R; Taylor, Paul; Earle, Kenneth

2006-04-05

PROforma is one of several languages that allow clinical guidelines to be expressed in a computer-interpretable manner. How these languages should be compared, and what requirements they should meet, are questions that are being actively addressed by a community of interested researchers. We have developed a system to allow hypertensive patients to be monitored and assessed without visiting their GPs (except in the most urgent cases). Blood pressure measurements are performed at the patients' pharmacies and a web-based system, created using PROforma, makes recommendations for continued monitoring, and/or changes in medication. The recommendations and measurements are transmitted electronically to a practitioner with authority to issue and change prescriptions. We evaluated the use of PROforma during the knowledge acquisition, analysis, design and implementation of this system. The analysis focuses on the logical adequacy, heuristic power, notational convenience, and explanation support provided by the PROforma language. PROforma proved adequate as a language for the implementation of the clinical reasoning required by this project. However a lack of notational convenience led us to use UML activity diagrams, rather than PROforma process descriptions, to create the models that were used during the knowledge acquisition and analysis phases of the project. These UML diagrams were translated into PROforma during the implementation of the project. The experience accumulated during this study highlighted the importance of structure preserving design, that is to say that the models used in the design and implementation of a knowledge-based system should be structurally similar to those created during knowledge acquisition and analysis. Ideally the same language should be used for all of these models. This means that great importance has to be attached to the notational convenience of these languages, by which we mean the ease with which they can be read, written, and understood by human beings. The importance of notational convenience arises from the fact that a language used during knowledge acquisition and analysis must be intelligible to the potential users of a system, and to the domain experts who provide the knowledge that will be used in its construction.

Functional Outcomes Following Anterior Transfer of the Tibialis Posterior Tendon for Foot Drop Secondary to Peroneal Nerve Palsy.

PubMed

Cho, Byung-Ki; Park, Kyoung-Jin; Choi, Seung-Myung; Im, Se-Hyuk; SooHoo, Nelson F

2017-06-01

This retrospective comparative study reports the practical function in daily and sports activities after tibialis posterior tendon transfer for foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy. Seventeen patients were followed for a minimum of 3 years after tibialis posterior tendon transfer for foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy. Matched controls were used to evaluate the level of functional restoration. Functional evaluations included American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores, and isokinetic muscle strength test. Radiographic evaluation for the changes of postoperative foot alignment included Meary angle, calcaneal pitch angle, hindfoot alignment angle, and navicular height. Mean AOFAS, FAOS, and FAAM scores significantly improved from 65.1 to 86.2, 55.6 to 87.8, and 45.7 to 84.4 points at final follow-up, respectively. However, all functional evaluation scores were significantly lower as compared to the control group ( P < .001). Mean peak torque (60 degrees/sec) of ankle dorsiflexors, plantarflexors, invertors, and evertors at final follow-up were 7.1 (deficit ratio of 65.4%), 39.2, 9.8, and 7.3 Nm, respectively. These muscle strengths were significantly lower compared to the control group ( P < .001). No significant differences in radiographic measurements were found, and no patients presented with a postoperative flat foot deformity. One patient (5.9%) needed an ankle-foot orthosis for occupational activity. Anterior transfer of the tibialis posterior tendon appears to be an effective surgical option for paralytic foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy. Although restoration of dorsiflexion strength postoperatively was about 33% of the normal ankle, function in daily activities and gait ability were satisfactorily improved. In addition, tibialis posterior tendon transfer demonstrated no definitive radiographic or clinical progression to postoperative flat foot deformity at intermediate-term follow-up. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Effect of Foot Hyperpronation on Lumbar Lordosis and Thoracic Kyphosis in Standing Position Using 3-Dimensional Ultrasound-Based Motion Analysis System

PubMed Central

Farokhmanesh, Khatere; Shirzadian, Toraj; Mahboubi, Mohammad; Shahri, Mina Neyakan

2014-01-01

Based on clinical observations, foot hyperpronation is very common. Excessive pronation (hyperpronation) can cause malalignment of the lower extremities. This most often leads to functional and structural deficits. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of foot hyperpronation on lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis. Thirty five healthy subjects (age range, 18030 years) were asked to stand on 4 positions including a flat surface (normal position) and on wedges angled at 10, 15, and 20 degrees. Sampling was done using simple random sampling. Measurements were made by a motion analysis system. For data analysis, the SPSS software (ver. 18) using paired t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied. The eversion created by the wedges caused a significant increase in lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis. The most significant change occurred between two consecutive positions of flat surface and the first wedge. The t-test for repeated measures showed a high correlation between each two consecutive positions. The results showed that with increased bilateral foot pronation, lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis increased as well. In fact, each of these results is a compensation phenomenon. Further studies are required to determine long-term results of excessive foot pronation and its probable effect on damage progression. PMID:25169004

Effect of foot hyperpronation on lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis in standing position using 3-dimensional ultrasound-based motion analysis system.

PubMed

Farokhmanesh, Khatere; Shirzadian, Toraj; Mahboubi, Mohammad; Shahri, Mina Neyakan

2014-06-17

Based on clinical observations, foot hyperpronation is very common. Excessive pronation (hyperpronation) can cause malalignment of the lower extremities. This most often leads to functional and structural deficits. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of foot hyperpronation on lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis. Thirty five healthy subjects (age range, 18030 years) were asked to stand on 4 positions including a flat surface (normal position) and on wedges angled at 10, 15, and 20 degrees. Sampling was done using simple random sampling. Measurements were made by a motion analysis system. For data analysis, the SPSS software (ver. 18) using paired t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied. The eversion created by the wedges caused a significant increase in lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis. The most significant change occurred between two consecutive positions of flat surface and the first wedge. The t-test for repeated measures showed a high correlation between each two consecutive positions. The results showed that with increased bilateral foot pronation, lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis increased as well. In fact, each of these results is a compensation phenomenon. Further studies are required to determine long-term results of excessive foot pronation and its probable effect on damage progression.

Proximal metatarsal articular surface shape and the evolution of a rigid lateral foot in hominins.

PubMed

Proctor, Daniel J

2013-12-01

This study quantifies the proximal articular surface shape of metatarsal (MT) 4 and MT 5 using three-dimensional morphometrics. Humans and apes are compared to test whether they have significantly different shapes that are skeletal correlates to comparative lateral foot function. In addition, shod and unshod humans are compared to test for significant differences in surface shape. The MT 4 fossils OH 8, Stw 628, and AL 333-160, and the MT 5 fossils AL 333-13, AL 333-78, OH 8, and Stw 114/115 are compared with humans and apes to assess whether they bear greater similarities to humans, which would imply a relatively stable lateral foot, or to apes, which would imply a flexible foot with a midfoot break. Apes have a convex curved MT 4 surface, and humans have a flat surface. The MT 4 fossils show greater similarity to unshod humans, suggesting a stable lateral foot. Unshod humans have a relatively flatter MT 4 surface compared with shod humans. There is much overlap in MT 5 shape between humans and apes, with more similarity between humans and Gorilla. The fossil MT 5 surfaces are generally flat, most similar to humans and Gorilla. Because of the high degree of shape overlap between humans and apes, one must use caution in interpreting lateral foot function from the proximal MT 5 surface alone. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Contribution of Leg-Muscle Forces to Paddle Force and Kayak Speed During Maximal-Effort Flat-Water Paddling.

PubMed

Nilsson, Johnny E; Rosdahl, Hans G

2016-01-01

The purpose was to investigate the contribution of leg-muscle-generated forces to paddle force and kayak speed during maximal-effort flat-water paddling. Five elite male kayakers at national and international level participated. The participants warmed up at progressively increasing speeds and then performed a maximal-effort, nonrestricted paddling sequence. This was followed after 5 min rest by a maximal-effort paddling sequence with the leg action restricted--the knee joints "locked." Left- and right-side foot-bar and paddle forces were recorded with specially designed force devices. In addition, knee angular displacement of the right and left knees was recorded with electrogoniometric technique, and the kayak speed was calculated from GPS signals sampled at 5 Hz. The results showed that reduction in both push and pull foot-bar forces resulted in a reduction of 21% and 16% in mean paddle-stroke force and mean kayak speed, respectively. Thus, the contribution of foot-bar force from lower-limb action significantly contributes to kayakers' paddling performance.

The association of foot structure and footwear fit with disability in children and adolescents with Down syndrome.

PubMed

Lim, Polly Qx; Shields, Nora; Nikolopoulos, Nikolaos; Barrett, Joanna T; Evans, Angela M; Taylor, Nicholas F; Munteanu, Shannon E

2015-01-01

Foot deformity, flat feet, and the use of ill-fitting footwear are common in children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). The aim of this study was to determine whether these observations are associated with foot-specific disability in this group. A cross-sectional study design. Foot structure (foot posture determined using the Arch Index, presence of hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities) and footwear fit (determined by length and width percentage differences between the participant's foot and footwear) were assessed in 50 participants with DS (22 females, 28 males) aged five to 18 with a mean (SD) age of 10.6 (3.9) years. Foot-specific disability was determined using the parent-reported Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children (OxAFQ-C). Associations between foot structure and footwear fit with the four domains (Physical, School and play, Emotional and Footwear) of the OxAFQ-C were determined using multivariate regression modelling. The mean (SD) Arch Index was 0.29 (0.08), and the prevalence of flat feet, hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities was 76%, 10% and 12% respectively. Few participants wore footwear that was too short (10%), but the use of footwear that was too narrow was common (58%). The presence of hallux valgus was significantly associated with increased disability for the OxAFQ-C School and play domain scores. The use of narrow-fitting footwear was significantly associated with increased levels of disability for the OxAFQ-C Physical, School and play, and Emotional domains. However, these variables only explained between 10% to 14% of the variance in the OxAFQ-C domain scores. There were no significant associations between foot structure and footwear fit with the OxAFQ-C Footwear domain scores. Flatter feet and lesser toe deformities are not associated with foot-specific disability in children and adolescents with DS. Hallux valgus is associated with foot-specific disability during school and play activities. Ill-fitting footwear (too narrow) is common and is associated with foot-specific disability. Further research is required to identify if the relationship between narrow-fitting footwear and foot-specific disability is causal, and to identify other factors associated with foot-specific disability in children and adolescents with DS.

Low Handicap Golfers Generate More Torque at the Shoe-Natural Grass Interface When Using a Driver

PubMed Central

Worsfold, Paul; Smith, Neal A.; Dyson, Rosemary J.

2008-01-01

The aim was to determine the rotational torque occurring at the shoe-natural grass interface during golf swing performance with different clubs, and to determine the influence of handicap and golf shoe design. Twenty-four golfers (8 low 0-7; 8 medium 8-14; and 8 high 15+) performed 5 shots with a driver, 3-iron and 7-iron when 3 shoes were worn: a modern 8 mm metal 7-spike shoe, an alternative 7-spike shoe and a flat soled shoe. Torque was measured at the front and back foot by grass covered force platforms in an outdoor field. Torque at the shoe- natural turf interface was similar at the front foot when using a driver, 3-iron and 7-iron with maximum mean torque (Tzmax 17-19 Nm) and torque generation in the entire backswing and downswing approximately 40 Nm. At the back foot, torque was less than at the front foot when using the driver, 3-iron and 7-iron. At the back foot Tzmax was 6-7 Nm, and torque generation was 10-16 Nm, with a trend for greater torque generation when using the driver rather than the irons. The metal spike shoe allowed significantly more back foot torque generation when using a driver than a flat- soled shoe (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the metal and alternative spike shoes for any torque measure (p > 0.05), although back foot mean torques generated tended to be greater for the metal spike shoe. The golf shot outcomes were similar for low, medium and high handicappers in both metal and alternative spike shoes (metal: 87%; 76%; 54%; alternative: 85%; 74%; 54% respectively). The better, low handicap golfers generated significantly more back foot torque (metal spike: 18.2 Nm; alternative: 15.8 Nm; p < 0.05) when using a driver. Further research should consider back foot shoe-grass interface demands during driver usage by low handicap and lighter body-weight golfers. Key pointsShoe to natural turf torque generation is an important component in performing a golf swing with a driver club.Torque at the shoe to natural turf interface was similar at the front foot when using a driver, 3-iron and 7-iron with Tzmax (17-19 Nm approx) and torque generation in the entire backswing and downswing of 40 Nm.Torque at the back foot was less than at the front foot when using the driver, 3-iron and 7-iron; Tzmax was 6-7 Nm, and torque generation 10-16 Nm with a trend to be greater when the driver was used.Low handicap golfers generated significantly more torque at the back foot than the medium or high handicappers (P<0.05) when using a driver.The metal spike shoe on natural turf allowed significantly more torque generation at the back foot than a flat-soled golf shoe when using a driver. Results have implications for golf shoe design. PMID:24149910

Plantar pressure with and without custom insoles in patients with common foot complaints.

PubMed

Stolwijk, Niki M; Louwerens, Jan Willem K; Nienhuis, Bart; Duysens, Jacques; Keijsers, Noël L W

2011-01-01

Although many patients with foot complaints receive customized insoles, the choice for an insole design can vary largely among foot experts. To investigate the variety of insole designs used in daily practice, the insole design and its effect on plantar pressure distribution were investigated in a large group of patients. Mean, peak, and pressure-time-integral per sensor for 204 subjects with common foot complaints for walking with and without insoles was measured with the footscan® insole system (RSscan International). Each insole was scanned twice (precision3D), after which the insole height along the longitudinal and transversal cross section was calculated. Subjects were assigned to subgroups based on complaint and medial arch height. Data were analyzed for the total group and for the separate subgroups (forefoot or heel pain group and flat, normal or high medial arch group). The mean pressure significantly decreased under the metatarsal heads II-V and the calcaneus and significantly increased under the metatarsal bones and the lateral foot (p<0.0045) due to the insoles. However, similar redistribution patterns were found for the different foot complaints and arch heights. There was a slight difference in insole design between the subgroups; the heel cup was significantly higher and the midfoot support lower for the heel pain group compared to the forefoot pain group. The midfoot support was lowest in the flat arch group compared to the high and normal arch group (p<0.05). Although the insole shape was specific for the kind of foot complaint and arch height, the differences in shape were very small and the plantar pressure redistribution was similar for all groups. This study indicates that it might be sufficient to create basic insoles for particular patient groups.

Measurements of Local Heat Transfer and Pressure on Six 2-Inch-Diameter Blunt Bodies at a Mach Number of 4.95 and at Reynolds Numbers Per Foot up to 81 x 10(exp 6)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, Morton; Mayo, Edward E.

1959-01-01

Measurements of the local heat transfer and pressure distribution have been made on six 2-inch-diameter, blunt, axially symmetric bodies in the Langley gas dynamics laboratory at a Mach number of 4.95 and at Reynolds numbers per foot up to 81 x 10(exp 6). During the investigation laminar flow was observed over a hemispherical-nosed body having a surface finish from 10 to 20 microinches at the highest test Reynolds number per foot (for this configuration) of 77.4 x 10(exp 6). Though it was repeatedly possible to measure completely laminar flow at this Reynolds number for the hemisphere, it was not possible to observe completely laminar flow on the flat-nosed body for similar conditions. The significance of this phenomenon is obscured by the observation that the effects of particle impacts on the surface in causing roughness were more pronounced on the flat-nosed body. For engineering purposes, a method developed by M. Richard Dennison while employed by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation appears to be a reasonable procedure for estimating turbulent heat transfer provided transition occurs at a forward location on the body. For rearward-transition locations, the method is much poorer for the hemispherical nose than for the flat nose. The pressures measured on the hemisphere agreed very well with those of the modified Newtonian theory, whereas the pressures on all other bodies, except on the flat-nosed body, were bracketed by modified Newtonian theory both with and without centrifugal forces. For the hemisphere, the stagnation-point velocity gradient agreed very well with Newtonian theory. The stagnation-point velocity gradient for the flat- nosed model was 0.31 of the value for the hemispherical-nosed model. If a Newtonian type of flow is assumed, the ratio 0.31 will be independent of Much number and real-gas effects.

36 CFR 51.92 - What are standard proformas?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false What are standard proformas? 51.92 Section 51.92 Parks, Forests, and Public Property NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CONCESSION CONTRACTS Assignment or Encumbrance of Concession Contracts § 51.92 What are standard...

36 CFR 51.92 - What are standard proformas?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false What are standard proformas? 51.92 Section 51.92 Parks, Forests, and Public Property NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CONCESSION CONTRACTS Assignment or Encumbrance of Concession Contracts § 51.92 What are standard...

36 CFR 51.92 - What are standard proformas?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false What are standard proformas? 51.92 Section 51.92 Parks, Forests, and Public Property NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CONCESSION CONTRACTS Assignment or Encumbrance of Concession Contracts § 51.92 What are standard...

49 CFR 173.465 - Type A packaging tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... quarters of each rim from a height of 0.3 m (1 foot). (5) The target for the free drop test must be a flat... Transport Package mass Kilograms (pounds) Free drop distance Meters (Feet) 15,000 (33,000) Mass 0.3 (1) (2... section must be preceded by a free drop from a height of 0.3 m (1 foot) on each corner, or in the case of...

Foot shape and its effect on functioning in Royal Australian Air Force recruits. Part 2: Pilot, randomized, controlled trial of orthotics in recruits with flat feet.

PubMed

Esterman, Adrian; Pilotto, Louis

2005-07-01

As part of a larger study of the effect of foot shape on functioning, 47 Royal Australian Air Force recruits with flexible flat feet who were embarking on a 10-week basic training course took part in a randomized controlled trial of orthotic therapy. In particular, recruits were assigned at random to an untreated group or a group that received Australian Orthotics Laboratory, three-quarter-length, flexible, shoe inserts. The groups were assessed at baseline and week 8. Outcome measures included pain, injury, foot health, and quality of life. The untreated group (n = 22) had a greater proportion of heavier recruits than did the treated group (n = 25). There were no significant differences in outcome measures at baseline. Only one-half of the group assigned to orthotic therapy wore the orthotics most or all of the time. At the end of the trial, although the results were not statistically significant, those who were provided with orthotics and wore them had the least lower limb pain and the best general foot health and quality of life. Notably, none of the recruits who wore their orthotics most or all of the time sustained a training injury.

Effect of foot orthoses on the medial longitudinal arch in children with flexible flatfoot deformity: A three-dimensional moment analysis.

PubMed

Jafarnezhadgero, Amir Ali; Shad, Morteza Madadi; Majlesi, Mahdi

2017-06-01

Foot orthoses are often used to correct altered gait patterns. The purpose of this study was to investigate how foot orthoses can modify the magnitude of three dimensional moments of ankle, knee, and hip joints during a stride of gait in children with flexible flat feet. Bilateral gait data were collected from fourteen male children (age 10.2±1.4 years) suffering from flat feet syndrome. In order to obtain the kinematics data, a Vicon system with six cameras (100Hz) was used and two Kistler force plates (1000Hz) to record the kinetics data under each leg. Arc support foot orthoses were used as an intervention. Paired-sample T-test was used for within-group comparisons (α=0.05). The results of data analysis showed that foot orthoses can decrease the ankle evertor moment, knee and hip abductor moments and hip flexor moment in dominant lower limb. In non-dominant lower limb, using the orthoses can decrease evertor and internal rotator moments at the ankle, flexor and internal rotator moments at the knee and extensor moment at the hip, while it can increase dorsiflexor moment at the ankle. The findings imply that effects of orthoses on three dimensional moments differ in dominant and non-dominant lower limbs. Furthermore, results demonstrated that dominant and non-dominant lower limbs would also show different responses to the same intervention. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solar project description for First Baptist Church, Aberdeen, South Dakota

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1979-05-01

The solar energy system at the First Baptist Church in Aberdeen, South Dakota is described. The solar energy system was built into the new 12,350 square foot church to heat the church and to provide domestic hot water. The 1404 square foot collector array of Solaron double glazed, flat black, flat plate collectors is mounted to the roof at a tilt angle of 30/sup 0/ from the horizontal. Thermal energy is stored in an 1100 cubic foot rock box that is located underground beneath the church. The box is filled with 35 tons of cleaned, washed rocks ranging in sizemore » from 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches. Solar space heating is provided by either the collector array directly or by rock box. Auxiliary space heating is provided by a 1,375,000 Btu electric boiler. Domestic hot water is preheated through a coil in the collector supply duct and stored in a 120 gallon tank. Auxiliary heating of the domestic hot water is provided by a 119 gallon electric water heater.« less

7 CFR 1744.30 - Automatic lien accommodations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... pro-forma basis, after taking into account the effect of the private lender notes and additional plant... execution of the private lender notes is not less than 1.6, on a pro-forma basis, after taking into account... notes secured by the borrower's existing Government mortgage; financing assets, to be owned by the...

7 CFR 1744.30 - Automatic lien accommodations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... pro-forma basis, after taking into account the effect of the private lender notes and additional plant... execution of the private lender notes is not less than 1.6, on a pro-forma basis, after taking into account... notes secured by the borrower's existing Government mortgage; financing assets, to be owned by the...

7 CFR 1744.30 - Automatic lien accommodations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... pro-forma basis, after taking into account the effect of the private lender notes and additional plant... execution of the private lender notes is not less than 1.6, on a pro-forma basis, after taking into account... notes secured by the borrower's existing Government mortgage; financing assets, to be owned by the...

Studying Maximum Plantar Stress per Insole Design Using Foot CT-Scan Images of Hyperelastic Soft Tissues

PubMed Central

Sarikhani, Ali; Motalebizadeh, Abbas; Kamali Doost Azad, Babak

2016-01-01

The insole shape and the resulting plantar stress distribution have a pivotal impact on overall health. In this paper, by Finite Element Method, maximum stress value and stress distribution of plantar were studied for different insoles designs, which are the flat surface and the custom-molded (conformal) surface. Moreover, insole thickness, heel's height, and different materials were used to minimize the maximum stress and achieve the most uniform stress distribution. The foot shape and its details used in this paper were imported from online CT-Scan images. Results show that the custom-molded insole reduced maximum stress 40% more than the flat surface insole. Upon increase of thickness in both insole types, stress distribution becomes more uniform and maximum stress value decreases up to 10%; however, increase of thickness becomes ineffective above a threshold of 1 cm. By increasing heel height (degree of insole), maximum stress moves from heel to toes and becomes more uniform. Therefore, this scenario is very helpful for control of stress in 0.2° to 0.4° degrees for custom-molded insole and over 1° for flat insole. By changing the material of the insole, the value of maximum stress remains nearly constant. The custom-molded (conformal) insole which has 0.5 to 1 cm thickness and 0.2° to 0.4° degrees is found to be the most compatible form for foot. PMID:27843284

[Influence of the posterior tibial tendon on the medial arch of the foot: an in vitro kinetic and kinematic study].

PubMed

Emmerich, J; Wülker, N; Hurschler, C

2003-04-01

The respective contributions of the active and passive structures of the foot to the stability of the medical arch were investigated using an in vitro kinetic and kinematic model. The effect of the tibialis posterior tendon on foot and ankle movements, and plantar pressure distribution of the foot were tested in a cadaveric human foot. The stance phase from heel-contact to toe-off of normal walking gait and after tibialis posterior tendon rupture was simulated in eight roentenographically normal human feet (age 66 +/- 19 years, males). Ground reaction force and tibial inclination was simulated by means of a tilting angle and force-controlled translation stage. Plantar pressure was measured using a pressure-measuring platform. The force developed by the flexors and extensor muscles of the foot were simulated via cables attached to 7 force-controlled hydraulic cylinders. Tibial rotation was produced by an electric servo-motor, and foot movements measured with an ultrasonic analysis system. The model was verified against the plantar distribution and kinematics of healthy subjects measured during normal gait. Tibialis posterior deficit did not result in any detectable changes in pressure or force-time integral in the medial regions of the foot--a common sign of flat foot (pressure: midfoot 0.2 < or = 0.9; medial forefoot 0.5 < or = p < or = 0.9; hallux 0.5 < or = p < or = 0.9; force-time integral: midfoot p = 0-871; medial forefoot p = 0.632; hallux p = 0.068). Only small tendential changes in the kinematics of the talus and calcaneus were observed in dorsiflexion (0-58 sec; talus 0.1 < or = p < or = 0.6; calcaneus 0.4 < or = p < or = 0.06) and eversion (talus: 0-60 sec. 0.1 < or = p < or = 0.6; calcaneus: 37-60 sec. 0.2 < or = p < or = 0.7). The results of this in vitro study show that defective tibialis posterior alone does not produce significant changes in the kinetics or kinematics of the stance phase of normal gait. This suggests that the development of flat foot observed in degeneration of the tibialis posterior tendon occurs only after fatigue of the passive structures of the foot.

ProForma: A Standard Proteoform Notation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

LeDuc, Richard D.; Schwämmle, Veit; Shortreed, Michael R.

The Consortium for Top-Down Proteomics (CTDP) proposes a standardized notation, ProForma, for writing the sequence of fully characterized proteoforms. ProForma provides a means to communicate any proteoform by writing the amino acid sequence using standard one-letter notation and specifying modifications or unidentified mass shifts within brackets following certain amino acids. The notation is unambiguous, human readable, and can easily be parsed and written by bioinformatic tools. This system uses seven rules and supports a wide range of possible use cases, ensuring compatibility and reproducibility of proteoform annotations. Standardizing proteoform sequences will simplify storage, comparison, and reanalysis of proteomic studies, andmore » the Consortium welcomes input and contributions from the research community on the continued design and maintenance of this standard.« less

Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners.

PubMed

Lieberman, Daniel E; Venkadesan, Madhusudhan; Werbel, William A; Daoud, Adam I; D'Andrea, Susan; Davis, Irene S; Mang'eni, Robert Ojiambo; Pitsiladis, Yannis

2010-01-28

Humans have engaged in endurance running for millions of years, but the modern running shoe was not invented until the 1970s. For most of human evolutionary history, runners were either barefoot or wore minimal footwear such as sandals or moccasins with smaller heels and little cushioning relative to modern running shoes. We wondered how runners coped with the impact caused by the foot colliding with the ground before the invention of the modern shoe. Here we show that habitually barefoot endurance runners often land on the fore-foot (fore-foot strike) before bringing down the heel, but they sometimes land with a flat foot (mid-foot strike) or, less often, on the heel (rear-foot strike). In contrast, habitually shod runners mostly rear-foot strike, facilitated by the elevated and cushioned heel of the modern running shoe. Kinematic and kinetic analyses show that even on hard surfaces, barefoot runners who fore-foot strike generate smaller collision forces than shod rear-foot strikers. This difference results primarily from a more plantarflexed foot at landing and more ankle compliance during impact, decreasing the effective mass of the body that collides with the ground. Fore-foot- and mid-foot-strike gaits were probably more common when humans ran barefoot or in minimal shoes, and may protect the feet and lower limbs from some of the impact-related injuries now experienced by a high percentage of runners.

Electronic Printed Ward Round Proformas: Freeing Up Doctors' Time.

PubMed

Fernandes, Darren; Eneje, Philip

2017-01-01

The role of a junior doctor involves preparing for the morning ward round. At a time when there are gaps on rotas and doctors' time is more stretched, this can be a source of significant delay and thus a loss of working time. We therefore looked at ways in which we could make the ward round a more efficient place by introducing specific electronic, printed ward round proformas. We used the average time taken to write proformas per patient and the average time taken per patient on the ward round. This would then enable us to make fair comparisons with future changes that were made using the plan, do, study, and act principles of quality improvement. Our baseline measurement found that the average time taken to write up the proforma for each patient was 1 minute 9 seconds and that the average time taken per patient on the ward round was 8 minutes 30 seconds. With the changes we made during our 3 PDSA cycles and the implementation of an electronic, printed ward round proforma, we found that we were able to reduce the average time spent per patient on the ward round to 6 minutes 32 seconds, an improvement of 1 min 58 seconds per patient. The project has thus enabled us to reduce the time taken per patient during the ward round. This improved efficiency will enable patients to be identified earlier for discharge. It will also aid in freeing up the time of junior doctors, allowing them to complete discharge letters sooner, order investigations earlier and enable them to complete their allocated tasks within contracted hours.

A prospective study on gait-related intrinsic risk factors for lower leg overuse injuries.

PubMed

Ghani Zadeh Hesar, N; Van Ginckel, A; Cools, A; Peersman, W; Roosen, P; De Clercq, D; Witvrouw, E

2009-12-01

To determine prospectively gait-related risk factors for lower leg overuse injury (LLOI). A prospective cohort study. Male and female recruits from a start-to-run (STR) programme during a 10-week training period. 131 healthy subjects (20 men and 111 women), without a history of any lower leg complaint, participated in the study. Before the start of the 10-week STR programme, plantar force measurements during running were performed. During STR, lower leg injuries were diagnosed and registered by a sports physician. Plantar force measurements during running were performed using a footscan pressure plate. During the STR, 27 subjects (five men and 22 women) developed a LLOI. Logistic regression analysis revealed that subjects who developed a LLOI had a significantly more laterally directed force distribution at first metatarsal contact and forefoot flat, a more laterally directed force displacement in the forefoot contact phase, foot flat phase and at heel-off. These subjects also had a delayed change of the centre of force (COF) at forefoot flat, a higher force and loading underneath the lateral border of the foot, and a significantly higher directed force displacement of the COF at forefoot flat. These findings suggest that a less pronated heel strike and a more laterally directed roll-off can be considered as risk factors for LLOI. Clinically, the results of this study can be considered important in identifying individuals at risk of LLOI.

A ward round proforma improves documentation and communication.

PubMed

Alazzawi, Sulaiman; Silk, Zacharia; Saha, Urmila U; Auplish, Sunil; Masterson, Sean

2016-12-02

This article present the results of an audit cycle which evaluated the quality of inpatient ward round documentation in a busy district general hospital before and after the implementation of a standardized proforma which was specifically designed for trauma and orthopaedic patients. In each cycle, 20 case notes were examined and the data analysed to examine three main areas: Diagnosis, management and/or discharge plan Objective assessments including neurovascular status, weight-bearing status, surgical wound review, observations, results of investigations and decision from the daily trauma meeting Logistics of the documentation such as legibility, date and time, name and grade of the doctor and contact number. This audit demonstrated that using a ward round proforma can significantly enhance the quality of documentation and improve communication between multidisciplinary team members.

78 FR 70960 - Utah Resource Advisory Council/Recreation Resource Advisory Council Meeting/Conference Call

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-27

... material for the RAC/RRAC to consider during the teleconference, please notify Sherry Foot, Special....S. Forest Service will present fee proposals on the Miller Flat Campground, Orange Olsen Dwelling...

46 CFR 69.113 - Superstructure tonnage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... is one-half the nearest breadth. If an end is in the form of an arc or curve having a decided flat...-third of the interval between the points at which the breadths are taken. The product is the square foot...

46 CFR 69.113 - Superstructure tonnage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... is one-half the nearest breadth. If an end is in the form of an arc or curve having a decided flat...-third of the interval between the points at which the breadths are taken. The product is the square foot...

Implementing a Pro-forma for Multidisciplinary Management of an Enterocutaneous Fistula: A Case Study.

PubMed

Samad, Sohel; Anele, Chukwuemeka; Akhtar, Mansoor; Doughan, Samer

2015-06-01

Optimal management of patients with an entercocutaneous fistula (ECF) requires utilization of the sepsis, nutrition, anatomy, and surgical procedure (SNAP) protocol. The protocol includes early detection and treatment of sepsis, optimizing patient nutrition through oral and parenteral routes, identifying the fistula anatomy, optimal fistula management, and proceeding to corrective surgery when appropriate. The protocol requires multidisciplinary team (MDT) coordination among surgeons, nurses, dietitians, stoma nurses, and physiotherapists. This case study describes a 70-year-old man who developed an ECF subsequent to a laparotomy for a small bowel obstruction. Following a period of ileus, 16 days post laparotomy the patient developed a high-output (2,000 mL per day) fistula. The patient also became pyrexial with raised inflammatory markers, requiring antibiotic treatment. Following development of his ECF, he was managed using the SNAP protocol for the duration of his admission; however, in implementing this protocol with this patient, clinicians noted fluid charts were inadequate to allow effective management of the variables. Thus, a new pro-forma was created that encompassed fluid balance, nutritional status, and pertinent blood test results, as well as perifistular skin condition, medication, and documentation of management plans from the MDT team. The pro-forma was recorded daily in the patient notes. Following implementation of the pro-forma and the SNAP protocol, the patient recovered well clinically over a period of 4 weeks with a decrease in his fistula output to 300-500 mL per day, and he was discharged with plans for further corrective surgery to resect the fistula and for bowel re-anastomoses. Although fluid charts are readily available, they do not include all pertinent variables for optimal management of patients with an ECF. Further research is needed to validate the pro-forma and evaluate its effect on patient outcomes.

A radiographic and anthropometric study of the effect of a contoured sandal and foot orthosis on supporting the medial longitudinal arch.

PubMed

Escalona-Marfil, Carles; McPoil, Thomas G; Mellor, Rebecca; Vicenzino, Bill

2014-01-01

In-shoe foot orthoses improve conditions such as plantar heel pain (fasciitis), probably due to their ability to raise the medial longitudinal arch of the foot and lower the stress on the plantar tissues. Increasingly the arch-profile form of the in-shoe foot orthosis is being incorporated into sandal footwear, providing an alternative footwear option for those who require an orthosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if a sandal that incorporates the arch-profile of an in-shoe foot orthosis does indeed raise the medial longitudinal arch. Three commercially available non-medical devices (contoured and flat sandal, prefabricated in-shoe orthosis) worn by healthy individuals were studied in two independent experiments, one using radiographic measurements in Australia (n = 11, 6 female, age 26.1 ± 4.3 yrs, BMI 22.0 ± 2.4 kg/m(2)) and the other utilising anthropometric measures in the USA (n = 10, 6 female, age 26.3 ± 3.8 yrs, BMI 23.5 ± 3.7 kg/m(2)). A barefoot condition was also measured. Dorsal arch height was measured in both experiments, as well as in subtalar neutral in the anthropometric experiment. One way repeated measures ANOVA with follow up Bonferroni-corrected pairwise comparisons were used to test differences between the conditions (contoured and flat sandal, orthosis, barefoot). Mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI) and standardised mean differences (SMD) were also calculated. The contoured sandal significantly increased dorsal arch height compared to barefoot and flat sandal in both the anthropometric and radiographic experiments with SMD ranging from 0.95 (mean difference 5.1 mm (CI: 0.3, 1.6)) to 1.8 (4.3 mm (1.9, 6.6)). There were small differences between the contoured sandal and orthosis of 1.9 mm (0.6, 3.3) in the radiographic experiment and 1.2 mm (-0.4, 0.9) in the anthropometric experiment. The contoured sandal approximated the subtalar neutral position (0.4 mm (-0.5, 0.7)). Medial longitudinal arch height is elevated by contoured sandals and approximates subtalar joint neutral position of the foot and that achieved by an orthosis. Practitioners wanting to increase the medial longitudinal arch can do so with either an orthosis or a contoured sandal that includes the raised arch profile form of an orthosis.

New devices for measuring forces on the kayak foot bar and on the seat during flat-water kayak paddling: a technical report.

PubMed

Nilsson, Johnny E; Rosdahl, Hans G

2014-03-01

The purpose was to develop and validate portable force-measurement devices for recording push and pull forces applied by each foot to the foot bar of a kayak and the horizontal force at the seat. A foot plate on a single-point force transducer mounted on the kayak foot bar underneath each foot allowed the push and pull forces to be recorded. Two metal frames interconnected with 4 linear ball bearings, and a force transducer allowed recording of horizontal seat force. The foot-bar-force device was calibrated by loading each foot plate with weights in the push-pull direction perpendicular to the foot plate surface, while the seat-force device was calibrated to horizontal forces with and without weights on the seat. A strong linearity (r2 = .99-1.0) was found between transducer output signal and load force in the push and pull directions for both foot-bar transducers perpendicular to the foot plate and the seat-force-measuring device. Reliability of both devices was tested by means of a test-retest design. The coefficient of variation (CV) for foot-bar push and pull forces ranged from 0.1% to 1.1%, and the CV for the seat forces varied from 0.6% to 2.2%. The current study opens up a field for new investigations of the forces generated in the kayak and ways to optimize kayak-paddling performance.

The Relationships between Foot Arch Volumes and Dynamic Plantar Pressure during Midstance of Walking in Preschool Children

PubMed Central

Chang, Hsun-Wen; Chieh, Hsiao-Feng; Lin, Chien-Ju; Su, Fong-Chin; Tsai, Ming-June

2014-01-01

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between the foot arch volume measured from static positions and the plantar pressure distribution during walking. Methods A total of 27 children, two to six years of age, were included in this study. Measurements of static foot posture were obtained, including navicular height and foot arch volume in sitting and standing positions. Plantar pressure, force and contact areas under ten different regions of the foot were obtained during walking. Results The foot arch index was correlated (r = 0.32) with the pressure difference under the midfoot during the foot flat phase. The navicular heights and foot arch volumes in sitting and standing positions were correlated with the mean forces and pressures under the first (r = −0.296∼−0.355) and second metatarsals (r = −0.335∼−0.504) and midfoot (r = −0.331∼−0.496) during the stance phase of walking. The contact areas under the foot were correlated with the foot arch parameters, except for the area under the midfoot. Conclusions The foot arch index measured in a static position could be a functional index to predict the dynamic foot functions when walking. The foot arch is a factor which will influence the pressure distribution under the foot. Children with a lower foot arch demonstrated higher mean pressure and force under the medial forefoot and midfoot, and lower contact areas under the foot, except for the midfoot region. Therefore, children with flatfoot may shift their body weight to a more medial foot position when walking, and could be at a higher risk of soft tissue injury in this area. PMID:24736650

Orthosis-Shaped Sandals Are as Efficacious as In-Shoe Orthoses and Better than Flat Sandals for Plantar Heel Pain: A Randomized Control Trial.

PubMed

Vicenzino, Bill; McPoil, Thomas G; Stephenson, Aoife; Paul, Sanjoy K

2015-01-01

To investigate efficacy of a contoured sandal being marketed for plantar heel pain with comparison to a flat flip-flop and contoured in-shoe insert/orthosis. 150 volunteers aged 50 (SD: 12) years with plantar heel pain (>4 weeks) were enrolled after responding to advertisements and eligibility determined by telephone and at first visit. Participants were randomly allocated to receive commercially available contoured sandals (n = 49), flat flip-flops (n = 50) or over the counter, pre-fabricated full-length foot orthotics (n = 51). Primary outcomes were a 15-point Global Rating of Change scale (GROC: 1 = a very great deal worse, 15 = a very great deal better), 13 to 15 representing an improvement and the 20-item Lower Extremity Function Scale (LEFS) on which participants rate 20 common weight bearing activities and activities of daily living on a 5-point scale (0 = extreme difficulty, 4 = no difficulty). Secondary outcomes were worst level of heel pain in the preceding week, and the foot and ankle ability measure. Outcomes were collected blind to allocation. Analyses were done on an intention to treat basis with 12 weeks being the primary outcome time of interest. The contoured sandal was 68% more likely to report improvement in terms of GROC compared to flat flip-flop. On the LEFS the contoured sandal was 61% more likely than flat flip-flop to report improvement. The secondary outcomes in the main reflected the primary outcomes, and there were no differences between contoured sandal and shoe insert. Physicians can have confidence in supporting a patient's decision to wear contoured sandals or in-shoe orthoses as one of the first and simple strategies to manage their heel pain. The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612000463875.

Flat Feet, Happy Feet? Comparison of the Dynamic Plantar Pressure Distribution and Static Medial Foot Geometry between Malawian and Dutch Adults

PubMed Central

Stolwijk, Niki M.; Duysens, Jacques; Louwerens, Jan Willem K.; van de Ven, Yvonne HM.; Keijsers, Noël LW.

2013-01-01

In contrast to western countries, foot complaints are rare in Africa. This is remarkable, as many African adults walk many hours each day, often barefoot or with worn-out shoes. The reason why Africans can withstand such loading without developing foot complaints might be related to the way the foot is loaded. Therefore, static foot geometry and dynamic plantar pressure distribution of 77 adults from Malawi were compared to 77 adults from the Netherlands. None of the subjects had a history of foot complaints. The plantar pressure pattern as well as the Arch Index (AI) and the trajectory of the center of pressure during the stance phase were calculated and compared between both groups. Standardized pictures were taken from the feet to assess the height of the Medial Longitudinal Arch (MLA). We found that Malawian adults: (1) loaded the midfoot for a longer and the forefoot for a shorter period during roll off, (2) had significantly lower plantar pressures under the heel and a part of the forefoot, and (3) had a larger AI and a lower MLA compared to the Dutch. These findings demonstrate that differences in static foot geometry, foot loading, and roll off technique exist between the two groups. The advantage of the foot loading pattern as shown by the Malawian group is that the plantar pressure is distributed more equally over the foot. This might prevent foot complaints. PMID:23468936

Volcanotectonic history of Crater Flat, southwestern Nevada, as suggested by new evidence from drill hole USW-VH-1 and vicinity

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carr, W.J.

1982-01-01

New evidence for a possible resurgent dome in the caldera related to eruption of the Bullfrog Member of the Crater Flat Tuff has been provided by recent drilling of a 762-meter (2,501-foot) hole in central Crater Flat. Although no new volcanic units were penetrated by the drill hole (USW-VH-1), the positive aeromagnetic anomaly in the vicinity of the drill hole appears to result in part from the unusually thick, densely welded tuff of the Bullfrog. Major units penetrated include alluvium, basalt of Crater Flat, Tiva Canyon and Topopah Spring Members of the Paintbrush Tuff, and Prow Pass and Bullfrog Members of the Crater Flat Tuff. In addition, the drill hole provided the first subsurface hydrologic information for the area. The water table in the hole is at about 180 meters (600 feet), and the temperature gradient appears slightly higher than normal for the region.

Effect of the calcaneal medializing osteotomy on soft tissues supporting the plantar arch: A computational study.

PubMed

Larrainzar-Garijo, R; Cifuentes de la Portilla, C; Gutiérrez-Narvarte, B; Díez-Nicolás, E; Bayod, J

2018-06-12

Medializing calcaneal osteotomy forms part of the treatment options for adult acquired flat foot. The structural correction that is achieved is widely known. However, the effect of this procedure on the soft tissues that support the plantar arch has been little studied, since it is not possible to quantify experimentally the tension and deformation variations generated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of medializing calcaneal osteotomy on the soft tissue that supports the plantar arch, using a computational model of the human foot designed with a clinical approach. The proposed finite element model was reconstructed from computerized tomography images of a healthy patient. All the bones of the foot, the plantar fascia, cartilages, plantar ligaments and the calcaneus-navicular ligament were included, respecting their anatomical distribution and biomechanical properties. Simulations were performed emulating the monopodal support phase of the human walk of an adult. The effect on each tissue was evaluated according to clinical and biomechanical criteria. The results show that calcaneal osteotomy reduces the tension normally generated on the evaluated tissues, with the effect on the calcaneus-navicular ligament and the plantar fascia being the most notable. The deformation results obtained are consistent with experimental tests and clinical knowledge. The versatility of this model allows the objective assessment of different conditions and supports decision making for the treatment of adult acquired flat foot in middle and advanced stages. Copyright © 2018 SECOT. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The effect of foot arch on plantar pressure distribution during standing.

PubMed

Periyasamy, R; Anand, Sneh

2013-07-01

The aim of this study was to explore how foot type affects plantar pressure distribution during standing. In this study, 32 healthy subjects voluntarily participated and the subject feet were classified as: normal feet (n = 23), flat feet (n = 14) and high arch feet (n = 27) according to arch index (AI) values obtained from foot pressure intensity image analysis. Foot pressure intensity images were acquired by a pedopowergraph system to obtain a foot pressure distribution parameter-power ratio (PR) during standing in eight different regions of the foot. Contact area and mean PR were analysed in hind foot, mid-foot and fore foot regions. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine statistical differences between groups. The contact area and mean PR value beneath the mid-foot was significantly increased in the low arch foot when compared to the normal arch foot and high arch foot (p < 0.001) in both feet. However, subjects with low-arch feet had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) compared to subjects with high-arch feet (p < 0.05) and subjects with normal arch feet (p < 0.05) in both feet. In addition, subjects with low-arch feet had significant differences in arch index (AI) value as compared to subjects with high-arch feet (p < 0.001) and subjects with normal arch feet (p < 0.05) in both feet. Mean mid-foot PR value were positively (r = 0.54) correlated with increased arch index (AI) value. A significant (p < 0.05) change was obtained in PR value beneath the mid-foot of low arch feet when compared with other groups in both feet. The findings suggest that there is an increased mid-foot PR value in the low arch foot as compared to the normal arch foot and high arch foot during standing. Therefore, individuals with low arch feet could be at high risk for mid-foot collapse and Charcot foot problems, indicating that foot type should be assessed when determining an individual's risk for foot injury.

A quality improvement project using a problem based post take ward round proforma based on the SOAP acronym to improve documentation in acute surgical receiving.

PubMed

Dolan, R; Broadbent, P

2016-02-01

Ward round documentation provides one of the most important means of communication between healthcare professionals. We aimed to establish if the use of a problem based standardised proforma can improve documentation in acute surgical receiving. Gold standards were established using the RCSE record keeping guidelines. We audited documentation for seven days using the following headings: patient name/identification number, subjective findings, objective findings, clinical impression/diagnosis, plan, diet status, discharge decision, discharge planning, signature, and grade. After the initial audit cycle, a ward round proforma was introduced using the above headings and re-audited over a seven day period. The pre-intervention arm contained 50 patients and the post intervention arm contained 47. The following headings showed an improvement in documentation compliance to 100%: patient name/identification number vs 96%, subjective findings vs 84%, objective findings vs 48%, plan vs 98%, signature vs 96%, and grade vs 62%. Documentation of the clinical impression/diagnosis improved to 98% vs 30%, diet status rose to 83% vs 16%, discharge decision to 66% vs 16%, and discharge planning to 40% vs 20%. Standardised proformas improve the documentation of post-take ward round notes. This helps to clarify the onward management plan for all aspects of a patient's care and will help avoid adverse events and litigation. This should improve the quality and safety of Patient Care.

Biomechanics of ramp descent in unilateral trans-tibial amputees: Comparison of a microprocessor controlled foot with conventional ankle-foot mechanisms.

PubMed

Struchkov, Vasily; Buckley, John G

2016-02-01

Walking down slopes and/or over uneven terrain is problematic for unilateral trans-tibial amputees. Accordingly, 'ankle' devices have been added to some dynamic-response feet. This study determined whether use of a microprocessor controlled passive-articulating hydraulic ankle-foot device improved the gait biomechanics of ramp descent in comparison to conventional ankle-foot mechanisms. Nine active unilateral trans-tibial amputees repeatedly walked down a 5° ramp, using a hydraulic ankle-foot with microprocessor active or inactive or using a comparable foot with rubber ball-joint (elastic) 'ankle' device. When inactive the hydraulic unit's resistances were those deemed to be optimum for level-ground walking, and when active, the plantar- and dorsi-flexion resistances switched to a ramp-descent mode. Residual limb kinematics, joints moments/powers and prosthetic foot power absorption/return were compared across ankle types using ANOVA. Foot-flat was attained fastest with the elastic foot and second fastest with the active hydraulic foot (P<0.001). Prosthetic shank single-support mean rotation velocity (p =0.006), and the flexion (P<0.001) and negative work done at the residual knee (P=0.08) were reduced, and negative work done by the ankle-foot increased (P<0.001) when using the active hydraulic compared to the other two ankle types. The greater negative 'ankle' work done when using the active hydraulic compared to other two ankle types, explains why there was a corresponding reduction in flexion and negative work at the residual knee. These findings suggest that use of a microprocessor controlled hydraulic foot will reduce the biomechanical compensations used to walk down slopes. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Foot structure is significantly associated to subtalar joint kinetics and mechanical energetics.

PubMed

Maharaj, Jayishni N; Cresswell, Andrew G; Lichtwark, Glen A

2017-10-01

Foot structure has been implicated as a risk factor of numerous overuse injuries, however, the mechanism linking foot structure and the development of soft-tissue overuse injuries are not well understood. The aim of this study was to identify factors that could predict foot function during walking. A total of eleven variables (including measures of foot structure, anthropometry and spatiotemporal gait characteristics) were investigated for their predictive ability on identifying kinematic, kinetic and energetic components of the foot. Three-dimensional motion capture and force data were collected at preferred walking speed on an instrumented treadmill. Mechanical measures were subsequently assessed using a custom multi-segment foot model in Opensim. Factors with significant univariate associations were entered into multiple linear regression models to identify a group of factors independently associated with the mechanical measures. Although no model could be created for any of the kinematic measures analysed, approximately 46% and 37% of the variance in the kinetic and energetic measures were associated with three or two factors respectively. Arch-height ratio, foot length and step width were associated with peak subtalar joint (STJ) moment, while greater STJ negative work was correlated to a low arch-height ratio and greater foot mobility. The models presented in this study suggest that the soft-tissue structures of a flat-arched, mobile foot are at a greater risk of injury as they have greater requirements to absorb energy and generate larger forces. However, as these associations are only moderate, other measures may also have an influence. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Orthosis-Shaped Sandals Are as Efficacious as In-Shoe Orthoses and Better than Flat Sandals for Plantar Heel Pain: A Randomized Control Trial

PubMed Central

Vicenzino, Bill; McPoil, Thomas G.; Stephenson, Aoife; Paul, Sanjoy K.

2015-01-01

Objective To investigate efficacy of a contoured sandal being marketed for plantar heel pain with comparison to a flat flip-flop and contoured in-shoe insert/orthosis. Method 150 volunteers aged 50 (SD: 12) years with plantar heel pain (>4 weeks) were enrolled after responding to advertisements and eligibility determined by telephone and at first visit. Participants were randomly allocated to receive commercially available contoured sandals (n = 49), flat flip-flops (n = 50) or over the counter, pre-fabricated full-length foot orthotics (n = 51). Primary outcomes were a 15-point Global Rating of Change scale (GROC: 1 = a very great deal worse, 15 = a very great deal better), 13 to 15 representing an improvement and the 20-item Lower Extremity Function Scale (LEFS) on which participants rate 20 common weight bearing activities and activities of daily living on a 5-point scale (0 = extreme difficulty, 4 = no difficulty). Secondary outcomes were worst level of heel pain in the preceding week, and the foot and ankle ability measure. Outcomes were collected blind to allocation. Analyses were done on an intention to treat basis with 12 weeks being the primary outcome time of interest. Results The contoured sandal was 68% more likely to report improvement in terms of GROC compared to flat flip-flop. On the LEFS the contoured sandal was 61% more likely than flat flip-flop to report improvement. The secondary outcomes in the main reflected the primary outcomes, and there were no differences between contoured sandal and shoe insert. Conclusions and Relevance Physicians can have confidence in supporting a patient's decision to wear contoured sandals or in-shoe orthoses as one of the first and simple strategies to manage their heel pain. Trial Registration The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612000463875 PMID:26669302

46 CFR 174.085 - Flooding on column stabilized units.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... the unit, and within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of an outer surface of a column or footing on the periphery... into watertight compartments by horizontal watertight flats, all compartments in the column within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of the unit's waterline before damage causing flooding must be assumed to be subject...

Solar heating for an electronics manufacturing plant--Blue Earth, Minnesota

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

Partial space heating for 97,000 square foot plant is supplied by 360 flat plate solar collectors; energy is sorted as heat in indoor 20,000 gallon water tank. System includes all necessary control electronics for year round operation. During December 1978, solar energy supplied 24.4 percent of building's space heating load.

Differences in postural disturbances between female adolescents handball players and nontraining peers.

PubMed

Jandrić, Slavica Đ

2016-04-01

Physical activity and sport can influence the extent of the presence of the postural disturbances in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of differences in the postural disturbances in female adolescents in relation to team handball training. This investigation involved 150 female adolescents with the average age of 13.4 ± 1.5 years divided into two groups (50 adolescents trained handball and 100 did non train it). The study determined a statistically significant difference in the total number of postural disturbances between the two groups of adolescents (p < 0.001). The presence of the flat foot was statistically significantly higher in untrained adolescents (p < 0.001), but the presence of the scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, and pes varus was not found (p > 0.05). Handball adolescents players have less postural disturbances than untrained adolescents. Flat foot is significantly less frequent in female adolescents handball players than in untrained ones. Findings obtained in this investigation can help us in planning continuous prevention, observation and care for untrained and trained team handball female adolescents with postural disturbances.

Sex-related differences in foot shape of adult Caucasians--a follow-up study focusing on long and short feet.

PubMed

Krauss, I; Langbein, C; Horstmann, T; Grau, S

2011-03-01

The study's purpose was to substantiate findings on sex-related differences in foot morphology focusing on fringe sizes. Altogether, 287 Caucasian adults with long or short feet were scanned. Data were analysed together with data from 847 subjects from a previous study with comparable inclusion criteria and anthropometric data by: (1)comparing absolute measures within 237-277 mm foot length (FL); (2) comparing averaged measures across sizes in % of foot length for 203-323 mm FL; (3) reclassifying the additional subjects into a previously defined foot type classification. Male feet were wider and higher for the same FL. Averaged across sizes, no relevant differences between sexes were found for widths and heights. Slender or flat-pointed foot types were more common in longer feet, shorter feet tended to be bigger. Definitions for 'long' and 'short' are sex-related with an offset of three shoe sizes (EU). Results of this follow-up study on long and short feet can substantiate previous findings mainly described for the most common sizes. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: Improper footwear can cause pain and injury and proper fit is a major criterion for shoe buyers. Knowledge about sex-related differences in foot shape is important for shoe design. This study supplements the field of knowledge for very small and large feet.

Effect of Foot Progression Angle and Lateral Wedge Insole on a Reduction in Knee Adduction Moment.

PubMed

Tokunaga, Ken; Nakai, Yuki; Matsumoto, Ryo; Kiyama, Ryoji; Kawada, Masayuki; Ohwatashi, Akihiko; Fukudome, Kiyohiro; Ohshige, Tadasu; Maeda, Tetsuo

2016-10-01

This study evaluated the effect of foot progression angle on the reduction in knee adduction moment caused by a lateral wedged insole during walking. Twenty healthy, young volunteers walked 10 m at their comfortable velocity wearing a lateral wedged insole or control flat insole in 3 foot progression angle conditions: natural, toe-out, and toe-in. A 3-dimensional rigid link model was used to calculate the external knee adduction moment, the moment arm of ground reaction force to knee joint center, and the reduction ratio of knee adduction moment and moment arm. The result indicated that the toe-out condition and lateral wedged insole decreased the knee adduction moment in the whole stance phase. The reduction ratio of the knee adduction moment and the moment arm exhibited a close relationship. Lateral wedged insoles decreased the knee adduction moment in various foot progression angle conditions due to decrease of the moment arm of the ground reaction force. Moreover, the knee adduction moment during the toe-out gait with lateral wedged insole was the smallest due to the synergistic effect of the lateral wedged insole and foot progression angle. Lateral wedged insoles may be a valid intervention for patients with knee osteoarthritis regardless of the foot progression angle.

Selected ground-water data for Yucca Mountain region, southern Nevada and eastern California, through December 1998

USGS Publications Warehouse

Locke, Glenn L.

2001-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey, in support of the U.S. Department of Energy, Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project, collects, compiles, and summarizes hydrologic data in the Yucca Mountain region. The data are collected to allow assessments of ground-water resources during studies to determine the potential suitability of Yucca Mountain for storing high-level nuclear waste. Data on ground-water levels at 34 wells and a fissure (Devils Hole), ground-water discharge at 5 springs and a flowing well, and total reported ground-water withdrawals within Crater Flat, Jackass Flats, Mercury Valley, and the Amargosa Desert are presented for calendar year 1998. Data collected prior to 1998 are graphically presented and data collected by other agencies (or as part of other Geolgical Survey programs) are included to further indicate variations of ground-water levels, discharges, and withdrawals through time. A statistical summary of ground-water levels at seven wells in Jackass Flats is presented to indicate potential effects of ground-water withdrawals associated with U.S. Department of Energy activities near Yucca Mountain. The statistical summary includes the number of measurements, the maximum, minimum, and median water-level altitudes, and the average deviation of measured water-level altitudes for selected baseline periods and for calendar years 1992-98. At two water-supply wells and a nearby observation well, median water levels for calendar year 1998 were slightly lower (0.2 to 0.3 foot) than for their respective baseline periods. At the remaining four wells in Jackass Flats, median water levels for 1998 were unchanged at two wells and slightly higher (0.4 and 1.4 foot) at two wells than those for their respective baseline periods.

Selected ground-water data for Yucca Mountain region, southern Nevada and eastern California, through December 1999

USGS Publications Warehouse

Locke, G.L.

2001-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey, in support of the U.S. Department of Energy, Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project, collects, compiles, and summarizes hydrologic data in the Yucca Mountain region. The data are collected to allow assessments of ground-water resources during studies to determine the potential suitability of Yucca Mountain for storing high-level nuclear waste. Data on ground-water levels at 34 wells and a fissure (Devils Hole), ground-water discharge at 5 springs and a flowing well, and total reported ground-water withdrawals within Crater Flat, Jackass Flats, Mercury Valley, and the Amargosa Desert are presented for calendar year 1999. Data collected prior to 1999 are graphically presented and data collected by other agencies (or as part of other Geological Survey programs) are included to further indicate variations of ground-water levels, discharges, and withdrawals through time. A statistical summary of ground-water levels at seven wells in Jackass Flats is presented to indicate potential effects of ground-water withdrawals associated with U.S. Department of Energy activities near Yucca Mountain. The statistical summary includes the number of measurements, the maximum, minimum, and median water-level altitudes, and the average deviation of measured water-level altitudes for selected baseline periods and for calendar years 1992-99. At two water-supply wells median water levels for calendar year 1999 were unchanged from their respective baseline periods. At a nearby observation well, the 1999 median water level was slightly lower (0.1 foot) than its baseline period. At the remaining four wells in Jackass Flats, median water levels for 1999 were slightly higher (0.2 foot to 1.6 feet) than for their respective baseline periods.

Conservative management of pes valgus with plantar flexed talus, flexible.

PubMed

Bleck, E E; Berzins, U J

1977-01-01

The type of flat foot that we have called pes valgus with plantar flexed talus, flexible, was treated in children with the Helfet heel seat or the UCBL shoe insert. In follow-up examination of 71 cases for periods longer than one year, 79 per cent of the patients showed that the UCBL shoe insert and the Helfet heel seat improved the clinical and roentgenographic appearance of the foot. The Helfet heel seat is recommended in cases where the plantar flexion angle of the talus is 35 to 45 degrees and the UCBL shoe insert in those cases of plantar flexion of the talus greater than 45 degrees.

Effect of arch type and Body Mass Index on plantar pressure distribution during stance phase of gait.

PubMed

O'Brien, Davida Louise; Tyndyk, Magdalena

2014-01-01

Several factors have been associated with the presence of abnormally high plantar foot pressure including: (i) increased body weight, (ii) foot structure and (iii) walking strategy. It is predicted that the biomechanics of the foot is influenced by the structure of the foot, primarily the Medial Longitudinal Arch. The objective of this study was to examine if Body Mass Index and the foot arch have a direct effect on dynamic peak plantar pressure for healthy subjects. Following a clinical lower limb examination, the Tekscan HR mat was utilised for this study, plantar pressure was profiled at specific events during stance phase of gait including heel strike, midstance and toe off. Results indicated to the preferable normal arch as this produced a low plantar pressure distribution in all cases. The 2nd and 3rd metatarsal head region recorded the highest pressure for all arch types during dynamic analysis. The lowest pressure for the normal and overweight BMI was at toe-off. While the obese BMI group showed highest pressure during toe-off. The obese BMI flat arch subcategory indicated to functional ambulation differences. Future work involves comparing this healthy database to a demographically matched diabetic group.

Influence of slope steepness, foot position and turn phase on plantar pressure distribution during giant slalom alpine ski racing

PubMed Central

Falda-Buscaiot, Thomas; Hintzy, Frédérique; Rougier, Patrice; Lacouture, Patrick; Coulmy, Nicolas

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the evolution of ground reaction force during alpine skiing turns. Specifically, this study investigated how turn phases and slope steepness affected the whole foot normal GRF pattern while performing giant slalom turns in a race-like setting. Moreover, the outside foot was divided into different plantar regions to see whether those parameters affected the plantar pressure distribution. Eleven skiers performed one giant slalom course at race intensity. Runs were recorded synchronously using a video camera in the frontal plane and pressure insoles under both feet’s plantar surface. Turns were divided according to kinematic criteria into four consecutive phases: initiation, steering1, steering2 and completion; both steering phases being separated by the gate passage. Component of the averaged Ground Reaction Force normal to the ski’s surface(nGRF¯, /BW), and Pressure Time Integral relative to the entire foot surface (relPTI, %) parameters were calculated for each turn phases based on plantar pressure data. Results indicated that nGRF¯ under the total foot surface differed significantly depending on the slope (higher in steep sections vs. flat sections), and the turn phase (higher during steering2 vs. three other phases), although such modifications were observable only on the outside foot. Moreover, nGRF¯ under the outside foot was significantly greater than under the inside foot.RelPTI under different foot regions of the outside foot revealed a global shift from forefoot loading during initiation phase, toward heel loading during steering2 phase, but this was dependent on the slope studied. These results suggest a differentiated role played by each foot in alpine skiing turns: the outside foot has an active role in the turning process, while the inside foot may only play a role in stability. PMID:28472092

Influence of slope steepness, foot position and turn phase on plantar pressure distribution during giant slalom alpine ski racing.

PubMed

Falda-Buscaiot, Thomas; Hintzy, Frédérique; Rougier, Patrice; Lacouture, Patrick; Coulmy, Nicolas

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the evolution of ground reaction force during alpine skiing turns. Specifically, this study investigated how turn phases and slope steepness affected the whole foot normal GRF pattern while performing giant slalom turns in a race-like setting. Moreover, the outside foot was divided into different plantar regions to see whether those parameters affected the plantar pressure distribution. Eleven skiers performed one giant slalom course at race intensity. Runs were recorded synchronously using a video camera in the frontal plane and pressure insoles under both feet's plantar surface. Turns were divided according to kinematic criteria into four consecutive phases: initiation, steering1, steering2 and completion; both steering phases being separated by the gate passage. Component of the averaged Ground Reaction Force normal to the ski's surface([Formula: see text], /BW), and Pressure Time Integral relative to the entire foot surface (relPTI, %) parameters were calculated for each turn phases based on plantar pressure data. Results indicated that [Formula: see text] under the total foot surface differed significantly depending on the slope (higher in steep sections vs. flat sections), and the turn phase (higher during steering2 vs. three other phases), although such modifications were observable only on the outside foot. Moreover, [Formula: see text] under the outside foot was significantly greater than under the inside foot.RelPTI under different foot regions of the outside foot revealed a global shift from forefoot loading during initiation phase, toward heel loading during steering2 phase, but this was dependent on the slope studied. These results suggest a differentiated role played by each foot in alpine skiing turns: the outside foot has an active role in the turning process, while the inside foot may only play a role in stability.

Fish and Wildlife Habitat Changes Resulting from Construction of a Nine-Foot Channel on Pools 24, 25, and 26 of the Mississippi River and the Lower Illinois River,

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-04-01

adjustment) by subtracting the conversion factor of 7.345. Terrestrial Coumunities Wetland Plants Aquatic and moist soil plant acreages were obtained...hft U tumd b mm as as "off usls oso$ Fd.- a fl mm .to 16011 md rumo Ut mo eve -1 to the amen leawso way. ase speasee topsuita of no. man ineuS to P.1...productive marsh areas, but has recreated mud flats available for moist soil food production. The acres of mud flats nov exceed the number present

A complete audit cycle of management of third/fourth degree perineal tears.

PubMed

Panigrahy, R; Welsh, J; MacKenzie, F; Owen, P

2008-04-01

We present a complete audit cycle of the management of third/fourth degree perineal tears in the three Glasgow maternity hospitals measured against the recommendations of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) Guideline No. 29 (www.rcog.org.uk). Following an initial 6-month data collection period, shortcomings in the practice were identified, circulated and an operative proforma was designed and introduced. A re-audit demonstrated improved compliance with the RCOG guidelines. We recommend the introduction of an operative proforma to aid management and documentation of third/fourth degree tear repairs.

33 CFR 110.155 - Port of New York.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... and Goose Island breakwater; southwest of a line bearing southeasterly from the southwest end of Goose.... On Hammond Flats north of a line bearing 260° from the head of the pier on Throgs Neck at the foot of.... North of a line bearing 259° between the north tower of the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge at Old Ferry Point...

33 CFR 110.155 - Port of New York.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... and Goose Island breakwater; southwest of a line bearing southeasterly from the southwest end of Goose.... On Hammond Flats north of a line bearing 260° from the head of the pier on Throgs Neck at the foot of.... North of a line bearing 259° between the north tower of the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge at Old Ferry Point...

33 CFR 110.155 - Port of New York.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... and Goose Island breakwater; southwest of a line bearing southeasterly from the southwest end of Goose.... On Hammond Flats north of a line bearing 260° from the head of the pier on Throgs Neck at the foot of.... North of a line bearing 259° between the north tower of the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge at Old Ferry Point...

9 CFR 91.26 - Concrete flooring.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

.... Flooring shall be laid athwartship and secured by placing ends beneath the under side of foot and rump... raised. The flush type shall be constructed of not less than 1″ thick lumber laid flat on the deck. The...″ dimensions laid 2 feet 6 inches apart. If desired, flooring may be laid in portable sections. Flooring will...

Wind instrument mountings for above-the-cab lookout exposure

Treesearch

Owen P. Cramer; Ralph H. Moltzau

1968-01-01

The lookout tower offers a ready-made platform from which the speed of true unobstructed wind can be measured, then reduced to equivalent of 20-foot wind. Tower-mounted instruments must meet the requirements of a lightning conductor system, but should also be easily installed and removed for storage and maintenance. Lightweight aluminum mountings for catwalk or flat-...

Obstacle Crossing Differences Between Blind and Blindfolded Subjects After Haptic Exploration.

PubMed

Forner-Cordero, Arturo; Garcia, Valéria D; Rodrigues, Sérgio T; Duysens, Jacques

2016-01-01

Little is known about the ability of blind people to cross obstacles after they have explored haptically their size and position. Long-term absence of vision may affect spatial cognition in the blind while their extensive experience with the use of haptic information for guidance may lead to compensation strategies. Seven blind and 7 sighted participants (with vision available and blindfolded) walked along a flat pathway and crossed an obstacle after a haptic exploration. Blind and blindfolded subjects used different strategies to cross the obstacle. After the first 20 trials the blindfolded subjects reduced the distance between the foot and the obstacle at the toe-off instant, while the blind behaved as the subjects with full vision. Blind and blindfolded participants showed larger foot clearance than participants with vision. At foot landing the hip was more behind the foot in the blindfolded condition, while there were no differences between the blind and the vision conditions. For several parameters of the obstacle crossing task, blind people were more similar to subjects with full vision indicating that the blind subjects were able to compensate for the lack of vision.

The use of a prospective audit proforma to improve door-to-mask times for acute exacerbations chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requiring non-invasive ventilation (NIV).

PubMed

Mandal, S; Howes, T Q; Parker, M; Roberts, C M

2014-12-01

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is an evidence based management of acidotic, hypercapnic exacerbations of COPD. Previous national and international audits of clinical practice have shown variation against guideline standards with significant delays in initiating NIV. We aimed to map the clinical pathway to better understand delays and reduce the door-to-NIV time to less than 3 hours for all patients with acidotic, hypercapnic exacerbations of COPD requiring this intervention, by mandating the use of a guideline based educational management proforma.The proforma was introduced at 7 acute hospitals in North London and Essex and initiated at admission of the patient. It was used to record the clinical pathway and patient outcomes until the point of discharge or death. Data for 138 patients were collected. 48% of patients commenced NIV within 3 hours with no reduction in door-to-mask time during the study period. Delays in starting NIV were due to: time taken for review by the medical team (101 minutes) and time taken for NIV to be started once a decision had been made (49 minutes). There were significant differences in door-to-NIV decision and mask times between differing respiratory on-call systems, p < 0.05). The introduction of the proforma had no effect on door-to-mask times over the study period. Main reasons for delay were related to timely access to medical staff and to NIV equipment; however, a marked variation in practice within these hospitals was been noted, with a 9-5 respiratory on-call system associated with shorter NIV initiation times.

Use of a pitch adjustable foot restraint system: Operator strength capability and load requirements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilmington, Robert P.; Poliner, Jeffrey; Klute, Glenn K.

1994-01-01

The zero-gravity environment creates a need for a proper human body restraint system to maintain a comfortable posture with less fatigue and to maximize productivity. In addition, restraint systems must be able to meet the loading demands of maintenance and assembly tasks performed on orbit. The shuttle's primary intravehicular astronaut restraint system is currently a foot loop design that attaches to flat surfaces on the shuttle, allowing for varying mounting locations and easy egress and ingress. However, this design does not allow for elevation, pitch, or foot loop length adjustment. Several prototype foot restraint systems are being evaluated for use aboard the space station and the space shuttle. The JSC Anthropometry and Biomechanics Laboratory initiated this study to quantify the maximum axial forces and moments that would be induced on a foot loop type of restraint while operators performed a torque wrench task, also allowing for angling the restraint pitch angle to study yet another effect. Results indicate that the greatest forces into the torque wrench and into the foot restraint system occur while the operator performs an upward effort. This study did not see any significant difference in the operators' force due to pitch orientation. Thus, in a work environment in which hand holds are available, no significant influence of the pitch angle on forces imparted to the restraint system existed.

An Experimental Investigation of Helicopter Rotor Hub Fairing Drag Characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sung, D. Y.; Lance, M. B.; Young, L. A.; Stroub, R. H.

1989-01-01

A study was done in the NASA 14- by 22-Foot Wind Tunnel at Langley Research Center on the parasite drag of different helicopter rotor hub fairings and pylons. Parametric studies of hub-fairing camber and diameter were conducted. The effect of hub fairing/pylon clearance on hub fairing/pylon mutual interference drag was examined in detail. Force and moment data are presented in tabular and graphical forms. The results indicate that hub fairings with a circular-arc upper surface and a flat lower surface yield maximum hub drag reduction; and clearance between the hub fairing and pylon induces high mutual-interference drag and diminishes the drag-reduction benefit obtained using a hub fairing with a flat lower surface. Test data show that symmetrical hub fairings with circular-arc surfaces generate 74 percent more interference drag than do cambered hub fairings with flat lower surfaces, at moderate negative angle of attack.

[Anlysis of foot biomechanics characteristic in 303 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus].

PubMed

Li, Wen-Xia; Cao, Ying; Zou, Meng-Chen; Huang, Ying; Hu, Ping; Luo, Xiang-Rong; Jiang, Ya; Xue, Yao-Ming; Gao, Fang

2016-10-20

To investigate foot biomechanics characteristic of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study was conducted among 303 patients with type 2 diabetes. The whole foot was divided into 10 regions, namely the first toe (T1); the second to fifth toes (T2-5); the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsals (M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5, respectively); midfoot (MF), and the heel medial (HM). Foot arch index, foot angle and maximum peak pressure (MPP) of the 10 regions were measured using a Footscan gait system. The maximum peak pressure of 10 regions decreased in the order of M3>M2>HM>M4>HL>M1>M5>T1>ML>T2-5 for the left foot, and in the order of M3>M2>HM>M4>HL>M1>M5>T1>ML>T2-5 for the right foot. The MPP in M1 region was higher in the right than in the left foot (P<0.05). The MPP in M3, M4, M5, and MF was higher in the left than in the right foot (P<0.05). The percentage of high-risk foot (defined by a total plantar pressure ≥70 N/cm 2 ) was 34% on the left and 17.7% on the right. An increased BMI was associated with a significant increase in high-risk foot, but not for the right foot in underweight patients. Foot flat phase was extended and forefoot push-off phase shortened in stance phase in the patients. Compared with the right foot, the left foot showed a significantly increased foot arch index and increased low and high arch rates with a decreased normal arch rate. Total plantar pressure was higher in of the left high arch foot than in normal arch foot. The foot angle was significantly larger on the right than on the left. The bilateral total plantar pressures were significantly greater in male patients (P<0.05) and increased with age but were not associated with the duration of DM, foot angle, or glycosylated hemoglobin level. Diabetic patients have obvious alterations in foot biomechanics with abnormalities of the plantar pressure, and the percentage of high-risk foot increases in overweight and obese patients, suggesting the need of body weight control in these patients when administering offloading treatment for prevention of diabetic foot ulcer.

Common foot problems in diabetic foot clinic.

PubMed

Tantisiriwat, Natthiya; Janchai, Siriporn

2008-07-01

To study common foot problems presented in diabetic foot clinic. A retrospectively review of out patient department records and diabetic foot evaluation forms of patients who visited the diabetic foot clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between 2004 and 2006. Of all diabetic patients, 70 men and 80 women with the average age of 63.8 years were included in this study. About 32% of all reported cases had lower extremity amputation in which the toe was the most common level. Foot problems were evaluated and categorized in four aspects, dermatological, neurological, musculoskeletal, and vascular, which were 67.30%, 79.3%, 74.0%, and 39.3% respectively. More than half of the patients had skin dryness, nail problem and callus formation. Fifty six percent had the abnormal plantar pressure area, which was presented as callus. The great toe was the most common site of callus formation, which was correlated with gait cycle. The current ulcer was 18.8%, which was presented mostly at heel and great toe. Three-fourth of the patients (75.3%) had lost protective sensation, measured by the 5.07 monofilament testing. The most common problem found in musculoskeletal system was limited motion of the joint (44.0%). Claw toe or hammer toe were reported as 32.0% whereas the other deformities were bunnion (12.0%), charcot joint (6.0%) and flat feet (5.3%). The authors classified patients based on category risk to further lower extremity amputation into four groups. Forty-seven percent had highest risk for having further amputation because they had lost protective sensation from monofilament testing, previous current ulcer, or history of amputation. Only half of the patients had previous foot care education. Multidisciplinary diabetic foot care including patient education (proper foot care and footwear), early detection, effective management of foot problems, and scheduled follow-up must be emphasized to prevent diabetes-related lower extremities amputation.

Internal-flow systems for aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogallo, F M

1941-01-01

An investigation has been made to determine efficient arrangements for an internal-flow system of an aircraft when such a system operates by itself or in combination with other flow systems. The investigation included a theoretical treatment of the problem and tests in the NACA 5-foot vertical wind tunnel of inlet and outlet openings in a flat plate and in a wing.

Forecasting Trafficability of Soils. Report Number 4. Information for Predicting Moisture in the Surface Foot of Various Soils

DTIC Science & Technology

1957-02-01

this report is acknowledged: Northeastern Forest Experiment Station, Southeastern Forest and Range Experiment Station, and California Forest Sand Range...Washington ........... ................. .... A7 Tanbark Flat, California ....... ................. .... A8 Madera County, California ...Mississippi, Pennsylvania, California , South Carolina, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Indiana were ob- tained and analyzed. 8. The method developed for prediction

Ladder beam and camera video recording system for evaluating forelimb and hindlimb deficits after sensorimotor cortex injury in rats.

PubMed

Soblosky, J S; Colgin, L L; Chorney-Lane, D; Davidson, J F; Carey, M E

1997-12-30

Hindlimb and forelimb deficits in rats caused by sensorimotor cortex lesions are frequently tested by using the narrow flat beam (hindlimb), the narrow pegged beam (hindlimb and forelimb) or the grid-walking (forelimb) tests. Although these are excellent tests, the narrow flat beam generates non-parametric data so that using more powerful parametric statistical analyses are prohibited. All these tests can be difficult to score if the rat is moving rapidly. Foot misplacements, especially on the grid-walking test, are indicative of an ongoing deficit, but have not been reliably and accurately described and quantified previously. In this paper we present an easy to construct and use horizontal ladder-beam with a camera system on rails which can be used to evaluate both hindlimb and forelimb deficits in a single test. By slow motion videotape playback we were able to quantify and demonstrate foot misplacements which go beyond the recovery period usually seen using more conventional measures (i.e. footslips and footfaults). This convenient system provides a rapid and reliable method for recording and evaluating rat performance on any type of beam and may be useful for measuring sensorimotor recovery following brain injury.

Flowers of Cypripedium fargesii (Orchidaceae) fool flat-footed flies (Platypezidae) by faking fungus-infected foliage

PubMed Central

Ren, Zong-Xin; Li, De-Zhu; Bernhardt, Peter; Wang, Hong

2011-01-01

Charles Darwin was fascinated by the orchid–pollinator interactions, but he did not realize that many orchid species are pollinated by deceit. Cypripedium, a model lineage of nonrewarding orchid flowers, is pollinated primarily by bees. Here we present both an example of floral mimesis of fungus-infected foliage in orchids and an example of flat-footed flies (Agathomyia sp.; Platypezidae) as pollen vectors for angiosperms. Cypripedium fargesii is a nectarless, terrestrial, endangered orchid from southwestern China that requires cross-pollination to produce the maximum number of viable embryos. All insects caught entering or leaving the labellum sac were Agathomyia sp. carrying conidia of Cladosporium sp. on their mouthparts and legs, suggesting mycophagy. Blackish hairy spots on the upper surface of foliage may imitate black mold spots, serving as short-term visual lures. Some odor molecules also associated with Cladosporium cultures were isolated in the floral scent. Mimesis of fungus-infected foliage probably represents an overlooked but important option in angiosperm diversification, because there are three to five more Cypripedium spp. in southwestern China with the same mode of floral presentation and black-spotted hairy leaves. PMID:21502502

Flowers of Cypripedium fargesii (Orchidaceae) fool flat-footed flies (Platypezidae) by faking fungus-infected foliage.

PubMed

Ren, Zong-Xin; Li, De-Zhu; Bernhardt, Peter; Wang, Hong

2011-05-03

Charles Darwin was fascinated by the orchid-pollinator interactions, but he did not realize that many orchid species are pollinated by deceit. Cypripedium, a model lineage of nonrewarding orchid flowers, is pollinated primarily by bees. Here we present both an example of floral mimesis of fungus-infected foliage in orchids and an example of flat-footed flies (Agathomyia sp.; Platypezidae) as pollen vectors for angiosperms. Cypripedium fargesii is a nectarless, terrestrial, endangered orchid from southwestern China that requires cross-pollination to produce the maximum number of viable embryos. All insects caught entering or leaving the labellum sac were Agathomyia sp. carrying conidia of Cladosporium sp. on their mouthparts and legs, suggesting mycophagy. Blackish hairy spots on the upper surface of foliage may imitate black mold spots, serving as short-term visual lures. Some odor molecules also associated with Cladosporium cultures were isolated in the floral scent. Mimesis of fungus-infected foliage probably represents an overlooked but important option in angiosperm diversification, because there are three to five more Cypripedium spp. in southwestern China with the same mode of floral presentation and black-spotted hairy leaves.

Development of a finite element model of female foot for high-heeled shoe design.

PubMed

Yu, Jia; Cheung, Jason Tak-Man; Fan, Yubo; Zhang, Yan; Leung, Aaron Kam-Lun; Zhang, Ming

2008-01-01

Wearing high-heeled shoes may produce deleterious effects on the musculoskeletal system while elevation of the shoe heel with arch insole insert is used as a treatment strategy for plantar fasciitis. Due to limitations of the experimental approaches, direct measurements of internal stress/strain of the foot are impossible or invasive. This study aims at developing a finite element model for evaluating the biomechanical effects of high-heeled support on the ankle-foot complex. A 3D anatomically detailed FE model of the female foot and ankle together with a high-heeled support was developed and used to investigate the plantar contact pressure and internal loading responses of the bony and soft tissue structures of the foot with varying heel heights during simulated balanced standing. In the balanced standing position with high-heeled support, a pronounced increase in von Mises stress at the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint was predicted. The strain on plantar fascia decreased compared to the flat horizontal support and valgus deformity of the hallux was not significant. The increased stress in forefoot especially at the first MTP segment during prolonged high-heeled standing may contribute to progressive hallux valgus (HV) deformity. However, the reduced tensile strain in the plantar fascia with heel elevation may help relieve plantar fasciitis related pain and inflammation.

Biomedical gait evaluation of the immediate effect of orthotic treatment for flexible flat foot.

PubMed

Leung, A K; Mak, A F; Evans, J H

1998-04-01

Flexible flat foot subjects attending the prosthetics and orthotics units come with prescriptions from orthopaedic surgeons for arch supports. Usually a pair of thermoformed plastic inserts are fabricated and fitted to treat the patients. However the effect of the orthotic treatment is not yet clear. A motion analysis system with two video cameras placed on the lateral and rear sides of the subject together with one force platform was used to investigate the immediate effects of the orthotic treatment. The force platform collected force data and the two cameras captured two-dimensional displacement data of the lower limb. Eight subjects, all having an arch index (AI) larger than 3.0 participated in the study. For each subject, three successful steps on the force platform were videotaped for both the shod (with shoe only) and the orthotic (with shoe and orthosis) conditions. The kinetic variables were normalized to individual body weight and averaged for each subject. A Paired t-test was conducted to analyse sample means of matched pairs between the shod and the orthotic conditions. The results showed changes in displacement data with relatively little change in the collected force data. The modified UCBL shoe insert evaluated significantly affected the orientation and movements of the subtalar joint, ankle joint and knee joint. These immediate effects reduced the degree and duration of abnormal pronation during the stance phase and thus had the potential for decreasing strain in the plantar ligaments and reducing abnormal tibial rotation which may be therapeutic for the foot.

Multi-functional foot use during running in the zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus draconoides).

PubMed

Li, Chen; Hsieh, S Tonia; Goldman, Daniel I

2012-09-15

A diversity of animals that run on solid, level, flat, non-slip surfaces appear to bounce on their legs; elastic elements in the limbs can store and return energy during each step. The mechanics and energetics of running in natural terrain, particularly on surfaces that can yield and flow under stress, is less understood. The zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus draconoides), a small desert generalist with a large, elongate, tendinous hind foot, runs rapidly across a variety of natural substrates. We use high-speed video to obtain detailed three-dimensional running kinematics on solid and granular surfaces to reveal how leg, foot and substrate mechanics contribute to its high locomotor performance. Running at ~10 body lengths s(-1) (~1 m s(-1)), the center of mass oscillates like a spring-mass system on both substrates, with only 15% reduction in stride length on the granular surface. On the solid surface, a strut-spring model of the hind limb reveals that the hind foot saves ~40% of the mechanical work needed per step, significant for the lizard's small size. On the granular surface, a penetration force model and hypothesized subsurface foot rotation indicates that the hind foot paddles through fluidized granular medium, and that the energy lost per step during irreversible deformation of the substrate does not differ from the reduction in the mechanical energy of the center of mass. The upper hind leg muscles must perform three times as much mechanical work on the granular surface as on the solid surface to compensate for the greater energy lost within the foot and to the substrate.

Study on the foot shape characteristics of the elderly in China.

PubMed

Luo, Xiang Dong; Xue, Chao-Hua; Li, Yan

2017-12-01

With aging, the feet of the elderly above 60 years old in China present degenerative changes, deformities, and diseases, which significantly affect their daily activities. The authors aimed to study the morphological characteristics of the feet and identify the foot type according to size (length and width) and defect characteristics of elderly feet in China. A convenient sample of 1000 subjects above 60 years old was recruited mainly in the regions of Shanghai, Shaanxi, Henan, Hebei, and Sichuan in China. Foot images were collected, and 800 (male 398, female 402) valid questionnaires were recovered. A total of 800 elderly subjects as the test group were invited to measure their foot sizes by means of a Footprint Collector (Tong Yuan Tang Health Management Limited, Qingdao in Shandong province). The foot type of the elderly was compared with that of the general adult Chinese population as the control group using the t-test for independent samples. Hallux valgus (46.9%) and flat foot (50.0%) were the most common foot shape deformities. The most frequent foot diseases were foot scaling (91.2%) and calluses (96.3%). The medial width of the first metatarsal-toe joint of the elderly was significantly higher (elderly female, 44.95±4.86mm; elderly male, 48.55±4.94mm) than that of the general adult population (adult female, 40.18±3.43mm; adult male, 43.22±3.20mm) (p<0.01). The foot length of the elderly was not significantly different from that of the general adult Chinese population. The width of the first metatarsal-toe joint in the forefoot of the elderly was significantly higher than that of the general adult Chinese population, which was consistent with the result that a high proportion of elderly subjects presented hallux valgus. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Foot orthoses for adults with flexible pes planus: a systematic review.

PubMed

Banwell, Helen A; Mackintosh, Shylie; Thewlis, Dominic

2014-04-05

Foot orthoses are widely used in the management of flexible pes planus, yet the evidence to support this intervention has not been clearly defined. This systematic review aimed to critically appraise the evidence for the use of foot orthoses for flexible pes planus in adults. Electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, Web of science, SportDiscus, Embase) were systematically searched in June 2013 for randomised controlled, controlled clinical and repeated measure trials where participants had identified flexible pes planus using a validated and reliable measure of pes planus and the intervention was a rigid or semi-rigid orthoses with the comparison being a no-orthoses (shoes alone or flat non-posted insert) condition. Outcomes of interest were foot pain, rearfoot kinematics, foot kinetics and physical function. Of the 2,211 articles identified by the searches, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria; two were randomised controlled trials, one was a controlled trial and 10 were repeated measure studies. Across the included studies, 59 relevant outcome measures were reported with 17 calculated as statistically significant large or medium effects observed with use of foot orthoses compared to the no orthoses condition (SMD range 1.13 to -4.11). No high level evidence supported the use of foot orthoses for flexible pes planus. There is good to moderate level evidence that foot orthoses improve physical function (medial-lateral sway in standing (level II) and energy cost during walking (level III)). There is low level evidence (level IV) that foot orthoses improve pain, reduce rearfoot eversion, alter loading and impact forces; and reduce rearfoot inversion and eversion moments in flexible pes planus. Well-designed randomised controlled trials that include appropriate sample sizes, clinical cohorts and involve a measure of symptom change are required to determine the efficacy of foot orthoses to manage adult flexible pes planus.

Foot orthoses for adults with flexible pes planus: a systematic review

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Foot orthoses are widely used in the management of flexible pes planus, yet the evidence to support this intervention has not been clearly defined. This systematic review aimed to critically appraise the evidence for the use of foot orthoses for flexible pes planus in adults. Methods Electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, Web of science, SportDiscus, Embase) were systematically searched in June 2013 for randomised controlled, controlled clinical and repeated measure trials where participants had identified flexible pes planus using a validated and reliable measure of pes planus and the intervention was a rigid or semi-rigid orthoses with the comparison being a no-orthoses (shoes alone or flat non-posted insert) condition. Outcomes of interest were foot pain, rearfoot kinematics, foot kinetics and physical function. Results Of the 2,211 articles identified by the searches, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria; two were randomised controlled trials, one was a controlled trial and 10 were repeated measure studies. Across the included studies, 59 relevant outcome measures were reported with 17 calculated as statistically significant large or medium effects observed with use of foot orthoses compared to the no orthoses condition (SMD range 1.13 to -4.11). Conclusions No high level evidence supported the use of foot orthoses for flexible pes planus. There is good to moderate level evidence that foot orthoses improve physical function (medial-lateral sway in standing (level II) and energy cost during walking (level III)). There is low level evidence (level IV) that foot orthoses improve pain, reduce rearfoot eversion, alter loading and impact forces; and reduce rearfoot inversion and eversion moments in flexible pes planus. Well-designed randomised controlled trials that include appropriate sample sizes, clinical cohorts and involve a measure of symptom change are required to determine the efficacy of foot orthoses to manage adult flexible pes planus. PMID:24708560

Solar energy system performance evaluaton: Seasonal report for Solaron-Akron, Akron, Ohio

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The operational and thermal performance of the solar energy system by Solaron Corporation is described. The system was designed to provide an 1940 square foot floor area with space heating and domestic hot water for a dual-level single family residence in Akron, Ohio. The solar energy system uses air as the heat transport medium, has a 546 square foot flat plate collector array subsystem, a 270 cubic foot rock thermal storage bin subsystem, a domestic hot water preheat tank, pumps, controls and transport lines. In general, the performance of the Solaron Akron solar energy system was somewhat difficult to assess for the November 1978 through October 1979 time period. The problems relating to the control systems, various solar energy leakages, air flow correction factors and instrumentation cause a significant amount of subjectivity to be involved in the performance assessment for this solar energy system. Had these problems not been present, it is felt that this system would have exhibited a resonably high level of measured performance.

Could gastropods crawl using Newtonian mucus?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Janice; Vazquez-Torres, Maria; Del Alamo, Juan C.; Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Javier; Lasheras, Juan C.

2010-11-01

The locomotion of terrestrial gastropods is driven by a train of periodic muscle contractions (pedal waves) and relaxations (interwaves) that propagate from their tail to their head (direct waves). We study the locomotion of these animals on smooth flat surfaces by measuring the three-dimensional displacements of the ventral foot surface induced by the passage of the waves. A simple model based on lubrication theory is proposed in accordance with the experimental observations. This model uncovers a new mode of locomotion that works even when the lubricant between the foot and the animal is Newtonian. The model can also be adapted to situations where the animal's foot is in contact with the ground only at discrete points, as is the case when it crawls on a wire mesh or on rough soil surfaces. Furthermore, comparison between the stress exerted by the animal on the substrate and the model predictions allows us to clarify the role of the complex rheology observed in the mucus of terrestrial gastropods.

Foot pressures during gait: a comparison of techniques for reducing pressure points.

PubMed

Lawless, M W; Reveal, G T; Laughlin, R T

2001-07-01

Various methods have been used to redistribute plantar surface foot pressure in patients with foot ulcers. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of four modalities (fracture walker, fracture walker with insert, and open and closed toe total contact casts) in reducing plantar foot pressure. Ten healthy, normal volunteer subjects had an F-scan sensor (ultra thin shoe insert pressure monitor) placed under the right foot. They then ambulated on a flat surface, maintaining their normal gait. Dynamic plantar pressures were averaged over 10 steps at four different sites (plantar surface of great toe, first metatarsal head, base of fifth metatarsal, and plantar heel). All subjects repeated this sequence under five different testing conditions (barefoot, with a fracture walker, fracture walker with arch support insert, open and closed toe total contact cast). Each subject's barefoot pressures were then compared with the pressures during the different modalities. All four treatment modalities significantly reduced (p < 0.05) plantar pressure at the first metatarsal head (no method was superior). The fracture walker, fracture walker with insert, and open toe total contact cast significantly reduced pressure at the heel. Pressures at the base of the fifth metatarsal and great toe were not significantly reduced with any treatment form. The fracture walker, with and without arch support, and total contact cast can effectively reduce plantar pressure at the heel and first metatarsal head.

Extraction of natural weight shift and foot rolling in gait based on hetero-core optical fiber load sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otsuka, Yudai; Koyama, Yuya; Nishiyama, Michiko; Watanabe, Kazuhiro

2016-03-01

Gait in daily activity affects human health because it may cause physical problems such as asymmetric pelvis, flat foot and bowlegs. Monitoring natural weight shift and foot rolling on plantar has been employed in order for researchers to analyze gait characteristics. Conventional gait monitoring systems have been developed using camera, acceleration sensor, gyro sensor and electrical load sensors. They have some problems such as limited measurement place, temperature dependence and electric leakage. On the other hand, a hetero-core optical fiber sensor has many advantages such as high sensitivity for macro-bending, light weight sensor element, independency on temperature fluctuations, and no electric contact. This paper describes extraction of natural weight shift and foot rolling for gait evaluation by using a sensitive shoe, in the insole of which hetero-core optical load sensors are embedded for detecting plantar pressure. Plantar pressure of three subjects who wear the sensitive shoe and walk on the treadmill was monitored. As a result, weight shift and foot rolling for three subjects were extracted using the proposed sensitive shoe in terms of centroid movement and positions. Additionally, these extracted data are compared to that of electric load sensor to ensure consistency. For these results, it was successfully demonstrated that hetero-core optical fiber load sensor performed in unconstraint gait monitoring as well as electric load sensor.

Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army, on Civil Works Activities 1960. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1960-01-01

M artin, Colo_._....... ........... .... Lookout Point, Oreg . . . . .. .. ... Lucky Peak, Idaho ... . . -- ... Pine Flat, Calif...2 Barren , Ky M-------------- ar 60 1964 Do. Princeton, W. Va---------- ------ Mar 60 1961 Local protection. Proctor, Tex------------------- Jun 60...Arkansas River crested at Pine Bluff, Ark., in October 1959 at a stage of 25 feet, about 1 foot above flood stage. The St. Francis River crested at St

Social Responsibility of a Profession: An Analysis of Faculty Perception of Social Responsibility Factors and Integration into Graduate Programs of Educational Technology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, Stephanie L.

2009-01-01

Although ethics are commonly regarded as an important characteristic and performance attribute, they are also regarded as a slippery or ill-defined topic leaving practitioners and faculty flat-footed in how to teach and assess ethics. This article reports part of the findings from an investigation on deriving an empirical definition of ethics,…

The impact of different footwear characteristics, of a ballet flat pump, on centre of pressure progression and perceived comfort.

PubMed

Branthwaite, Helen; Chockalingam, Nachiappan; Greenhalgh, Andrew; Chatzistergos, Panagiotis

2014-09-01

Uncomfortable shoes have been attributed to poor fit and the cause of foot pathologies. Assessing and evaluating comfort and fit have proven challenging due to the subjective nature. The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between footwear characteristics and perceived comfort. Twenty-seven females assessed three different styles of ballet pump shoe for comfort using a comfort scale whilst walking along a 20 m walkway. The physical characteristics of the shoes and the progression of centre of pressure during walking were assessed. There were significant physical differences between each style, square shoe being the shortest, widest and stiffest and round shoe having the least volume at the toe box. Centre of pressure progression angle was centralised to the longitudinal axis of the foot when wearing each of the three shoes compared to barefoot. Length, width and cantilever bending stiffness had no impact on perceived comfort. Wearing snug fitting flexible soled round ballet flat pump is perceived to be the most comfortable of the shoe shapes tested producing a faster more efficient gait. Further investigations are required to assess impact/fit and upper material on perceived comfort to aid consumers with painful feet in purchasing shoes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A breeding osprey occupies a nest constructed on a speaker pole in the lower parking lot of the KSC Press Site. Eggs have been sighted in the nest. The NASA logo in the background is painted on an outer wall of the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building nearby. Known as a fish hawk, the osprey selects sites of opportunity in which to nest -- from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In North America, it is found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-01-14

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A breeding osprey occupies a nest constructed on a speaker pole in the lower parking lot of the KSC Press Site. Eggs have been sighted in the nest. The NASA logo in the background is painted on an outer wall of the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building nearby. Known as a fish hawk, the osprey selects sites of opportunity in which to nest -- from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In North America, it is found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of breeding ospreys share a nest constructed on a speaker pole in the lower parking lot of the KSC Press Site. Eggs have been sighted in the nest. The NASA logo in the background is painted on an outer wall of the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building nearby. Known as a fish hawk, the osprey selects sites of opportunity in which to nest -- from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In North America, it is found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-01-14

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of breeding ospreys share a nest constructed on a speaker pole in the lower parking lot of the KSC Press Site. Eggs have been sighted in the nest. The NASA logo in the background is painted on an outer wall of the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building nearby. Known as a fish hawk, the osprey selects sites of opportunity in which to nest -- from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In North America, it is found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Highly Anisotropic Adhesive Film Made from Upside-Down, Flat, and Uniform Vertically Aligned CNTs.

PubMed

Hong, Sanghyun; Lundstrom, Troy; Ghosh, Ranajay; Abdi, Hamed; Hao, Ji; Jeoung, Sun Kyoung; Su, Paul; Suhr, Jonghwan; Vaziri, Ashkan; Jalili, Nader; Jung, Yung Joon

2016-12-14

We have created a multifunctional dry adhesive film with transferred vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs). This unique VA-CNT film was fabricated by a multistep transfer process, converting the flat and uniform bottom of VA-CNTs grown on atomically flat silicon wafer substrates into the top surface of an adhesive layer. Unlike as-grown VA-CNTs, which have a nonuniform surface, randomly entangled CNT arrays, and a weak interface between the CNTs and substrates, this transferred VA-CNT film shows an extremely high coefficient of static friction (COF) of up to 60 and a shear adhesion force 30 times higher (12 N/cm 2 ) than that of the as-grown VA-CNTs under a very small preloading of 0.2 N/cm 2 . Moreover, a near-zero normal adhesion force was observed with 20 mN/cm 2 preloading and a maximum 100-μm displacement in a piezo scanner, demonstrating ideal properties for an artificial gecko foot. Using this unique structural feature and anisotropic adhesion properties, we also demonstrate effective removal and assembly of nanoparticles into organized micrometer-scale circular and line patterns by a single brushing of this flat and uniform VA-CNT film.

Adolescent runners: the effect of training shoes on running kinematics.

PubMed

Mullen, Scott; Toby, E Bruce

2013-06-01

The modern running shoe typically features a large cushioned heel intended to dissipate the energy at heel strike to the knees and hips. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect that shoes have upon the running biomechanics among competitive adolescent runners. We wish to answer the question of whether running style is altered in these athletes because of footwear. Twelve competitive adolescent athletes were recruited from local track teams. Each ran on a treadmill in large heel trainers, track flats, and barefoot. Four different speeds were used to test each athlete. The biomechanics were assessed with a motion capture system. Stride length, heel height during posterior swing phase, and foot/ground contact were recorded. Shoe type markedly altered the running biomechanics. The foot/ground contact point showed differences in terms of footwear (P<0.0001) and speed (P=0.000215). When wearing trainers, the athletes landed on their heels 69.79% of the time at all speeds (P<0.001). The heel was the first point of contact <35% of the time in the flat condition and <30% in the barefoot condition. Running biomechanics are significantly altered by shoe type in competitive adolescents. Heavily heeled cushioned trainers promote a heel strike pattern, whereas track flats and barefoot promote a forefoot or midfoot strike pattern. Training in heavily cushioned trainers by the competitive runner has not been clearly shown to be detrimental to performance, but it does change the gait pattern. It is not known whether the altered biomechanics of the heavily heeled cushioned trainer may be detrimental to the adolescent runner who is still developing a running style.

Forefoot plantar pressure reduction of off-the-shelf rocker bottom provisional footwear.

PubMed

Kavros, Steven J; Van Straaten, Meegan G; Coleman Wood, Krista A; Kaufman, Kenton R

2011-08-01

Increased plantar pressures have been shown to be a risk factor in ulceration of the neuropathic foot. Prescriptive footwear is a common medical treatment, yet evidence regarding the efficacy of these prescriptions is underdeveloped. The purpose of this study is to determine the off-loading properties of four provisional shoes; a rocker sole compared to a flat sole shoe with and without the addition of a 1.25 cm plastizote insert. Fifteen subjects with peripheral neuropathy and a normal longitudinal arch were recruited to compare four types of provisional (post-operative) footwear. Plantar surface foot pressures were measured while wearing a rocker sole shoe or a flat stiff sole shoe. Both shoes were worn with and without a 1.25 cm plastizote insert. Peak plantar pressures were recorded for the hallux, metatarsal heads (1-5), midfoot, and heel. The rocker sole shoe with plastizote had the best off-loading properties. While wearing this footwear, mean peak plantar pressure was 2.8 kg/cm(2) (range: 1.7 to 4.5 kg/cm(2), 50% mean reduction from flat sole shoe without plastizote) and 1.9 kg/cm(2) (range: 0.7 to 3.6 kg/cm(2), 35% mean reduction) at the five metatarsal heads and hallux, respectively. For patients with a normal longitudinal arch and forefeet, either at risk of developing an ulcer or are healing a forefoot ulcer, a provisional shoe with a rocker sole and plastizote insole provides plantar pressure reduction of the forefoot. However, when results were analyzed for the subjects individually the amount of off-loading varied. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modeling and analysis of passive dynamic bipedal walking with segmented feet and compliant joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yan; Wang, Qi-Ning; Gao, Yue; Xie, Guang-Ming

2012-10-01

Passive dynamic walking has been developed as a possible explanation for the efficiency of the human gait. This paper presents a passive dynamic walking model with segmented feet, which makes the bipedal walking gait more close to natural human-like gait. The proposed model extends the simplest walking model with the addition of flat feet and torsional spring based compliance on ankle joints and toe joints, to achieve stable walking on a slope driven by gravity. The push-off phase includes foot rotations around the toe joint and around the toe tip, which shows a great resemblance to human normal walking. This paper investigates the effects of the segmented foot structure on bipedal walking in simulations. The model achieves satisfactory walking results on even or uneven slopes.

Determinants of lower extremity amputations: an institutional experience.

PubMed

Soomro, Nabila; Khan, Mahjabeen; Ahmed, Syed Imran; Minhas, Muhammad Ali

2013-07-01

To determine the determinants of lower extremity amputations in diabetics and non-diabetics in a tertiary care institute. Cross-sectional, analytical study. Outpatients Department of the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from January 2007 to December 2010. All patients with amputations reporting at the study centre for prosthesis fitting were included in the study. Patient`s age, level of amputation, stump complications and associated risk factors of amputation were recorded on a structured proforma. Prosthesis and orthotic assessment were carried out. The frequency and determinants were collected to compare diabetic and non-diabetic amputees. The data was analyzed in SPSS windows version 16. A total of 1091 subjects were provided prosthesis, including 847 males (77.6%). Mean age in diabetic and nondiabetics being 49.6 ± 15.2 and 26.6 ± 17.9 years respectively which is significant at (p < 0.001). Socioeconomic status and educational levels were significantly associated with diabetic status (p < 0.001). Amputation was more common in non-diabetic 858 (78.6%) compared to diabetics 233 (21.4%). This study has identified that most common and significant predictors were gender, low social status and educational levels. Other significant predictors of amputation identified were type of lesion, (infections and ischaemia), initial diagnosis acute/chronic arterial insufficiency and diabetic foot.

Environmental Assessment: Demolish 452 at Grand Forks Air Force Base

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-12-01

Data Sheet MSL Mean Sea Level µg/m3 Micrograms Per Meter Cubed NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NAGPRA Native American Graves...elm, cottonwood, and green ash. Dutch elm disease has killed many of the elms. European buckthorn (a highly invasive exotic species), chokecherry...level, with local relief being less that one foot. Land at the base is relatively flat; with elevations ranging from 880 to 920 ft mean sea level (MSL

Environmental Assessment: Construct New Pavilion Playground at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-07-12

Mean Sea Level National Ambient Air Quality Standards Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act North Dakota North Dakota National...cottonwood, and green ash. Dutch elm disease has killed many of the elms. European buckthorn (a highly invasive exotic species), chokecherry, and...foot. Land at the base is relatively flat, with elevations ranging from 880 to 920 feet mean sea level (MSL) and averaging about 890 feet MSL. The land

Runner's knowledge of their foot type: do they really know?

PubMed

Hohmann, Erik; Reaburn, Peter; Imhoff, Andreas

2012-09-01

The use of correct individually selected running shoes may reduce the incidence of running injuries. However, the runner needs to be aware of their foot anatomy to ensure the "correct" footwear is chosen. The purpose of this study was to compare the individual runner's knowledge of their arch type to the arch index derived from a static footprint. We examined 92 recreational runners with a mean age of 35.4±11.4 (12-63) years. A questionnaire was used to investigate the knowledge of the runners about arch height and overpronation. A clinical examination was undertaken using defined criteria and the arch index was analysed using weight-bearing footprints. Forty-five runners (49%) identified their foot arch correctly. Eighteen of the 41 flat-arched runners (44%) identified their arch correctly. Twenty-four of the 48 normal-arched athletes (50%) identified their arch correctly. Three subjects with a high arch identified their arch correctly. Thirty-eight runners assessed themselves as overpronators; only four (11%) of these athletes were positively identified. Of the 34 athletes who did not categorize themselves as overpronators, four runners (12%) had clinical overpronation. The findings of this research suggest that runners possess poor knowledge of both their foot arch and dynamic pronation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cracking the code: the accuracy of coding shoulder procedures and the repercussions.

PubMed

Clement, N D; Murray, I R; Nie, Y X; McBirnie, J M

2013-05-01

Coding of patients' diagnosis and surgical procedures is subject to error levels of up to 40% with consequences on distribution of resources and financial recompense. Our aim was to explore and address reasons behind coding errors of shoulder diagnosis and surgical procedures and to evaluate a potential solution. A retrospective review of 100 patients who had undergone surgery was carried out. Coding errors were identified and the reasons explored. A coding proforma was designed to address these errors and was prospectively evaluated for 100 patients. The financial implications were also considered. Retrospective analysis revealed the correct primary diagnosis was assigned in 54 patients (54%) had an entirely correct diagnosis, and only 7 (7%) patients had a correct procedure code assigned. Coders identified indistinct clinical notes and poor clarity of procedure codes as reasons for errors. The proforma was significantly more likely to assign the correct diagnosis (odds ratio 18.2, p < 0.0001) and the correct procedure code (odds ratio 310.0, p < 0.0001). Using the proforma resulted in a £28,562 increase in revenue for the 100 patients evaluated relative to the income generated from the coding department. High error levels for coding are due to misinterpretation of notes and ambiguity of procedure codes. This can be addressed by allowing surgeons to assign the diagnosis and procedure using a simplified list that is passed directly to coding.

The ANKLe Score: An Audit of Otolaryngology Emergency Clinic Record Keeping

PubMed Central

Dexter, Sara C; Hayashi, Daichi; Tysome, James R

2008-01-01

INTRODUCTION Accurate and legible medical records are essential to good quality patient care. Guidelines from The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSE) state the content required to form a complete medical record, but do not address legibility. An audit of otolaryngology emergency clinic record keeping was performed using a new scoring system. PATIENTS AND METHODS The Adjusted Note Keeping and Legibility (ANKLe) score was developed as an objective and quantitative method to assess both the content and legibility of case notes, incorporating the RCSE guidelines. Twenty consecutive otolaryngology emergency clinic case notes from each of 7 senior house officers were audited against standards for legibility and content using the ANKLe score. A proforma was introduced to improve documentation and handwriting advice was given. A further set of 140 notes (20 notes for each of the 7 doctors) was audited in the same way to provide feedback. RESULTS The introduction of a proforma and advice on handwriting significantly increased the quality of case note entries in terms of content, legibility and overall ANKLe score. CONCLUSIONS Accurate note keeping can be improved by the use of a proforma. The legibility of handwriting can be improved using simple advice. The ANKLe score is an objective assessment tool of the overall quality of medical note documentation which can be adapted for use in other specialties. PMID:18430339

Chimpanzee ankle and foot joint kinematics: Arboreal versus terrestrial locomotion.

PubMed

Holowka, Nicholas B; O'Neill, Matthew C; Thompson, Nathan E; Demes, Brigitte

2017-09-01

Many aspects of chimpanzee ankle and midfoot joint morphology are believed to reflect adaptations for arboreal locomotion. However, terrestrial travel also constitutes a significant component of chimpanzee locomotion, complicating functional interpretations of chimpanzee and fossil hominin foot morphology. Here we tested hypotheses of foot motion and, in keeping with general assumptions, we predicted that chimpanzees would use greater ankle and midfoot joint ranges of motion during travel on arboreal supports than on the ground. We used a high-speed motion capture system to measure three-dimensional kinematics of the ankle and midfoot joints in two male chimpanzees during three locomotor modes: terrestrial quadrupedalism on a flat runway, arboreal quadrupedalism on a horizontally oriented tree trunk, and climbing on a vertically oriented tree trunk. Chimpanzees used relatively high ankle joint dorsiflexion angles during all three locomotor modes, although dorsiflexion was greatest in arboreal modes. They used higher subtalar joint coronal plane ranges of motion during terrestrial and arboreal quadrupedalism than during climbing, due in part to their use of high eversion angles in the former. Finally, they used high midfoot inversion angles during arboreal locomotor modes, but used similar midfoot sagittal plane kinematics across all locomotor modes. The results indicate that chimpanzees use large ranges of motion at their various ankle and midfoot joints during both terrestrial and arboreal locomotion. Therefore, we argue that chimpanzee foot anatomy enables a versatile locomotor repertoire, and urge caution when using foot joint morphology to reconstruct arboreal behavior in fossil hominins. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Some Static Oscillatory and Free Body Tests of Blunt Bodies at Low Subsonic Speeds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lichtenstein, Jacob H.; Fisher, Lewis R.; Scher, Stanley H.; Lawrence, George F.

1959-01-01

Some blunt-body shapes considered suitable for entry into the earth's atmosphere were tested by both static and oscillatory methods in the Langley stability tunnel. In addition, free-fall tests of some similar models were made in the Langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel. The results of the tests show that increasing the flare of the body shape increased the dynamic stability and that for flat-faced shapes increasing the corner radius increased the stability. The test data from the Langley stability tunnel were used to compute the damping factor for the models tested in the langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel. For these cases in which the damping factor was low, -1/2 or less, the stability was critical and sensitive to disturbance. When the damping factor was about -2, damping was generally obtained.

Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army, on Civil Works Activities 1966. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1966-01-01

Pines ), Cypress Creek, Tex. 4,336,000 Clark Hill Reservoir, Savannah River, S.C. & Ga. -------- 4,264,000 Lake Cumberland (Wolf Creek Dam), Cumberland... Plymouth Harbor, Mass ......... Rollison Channel, N.C - Texas City Channel, Tex. (40- foot)----------- Wallisville Reservoir_ Schedul Date started fiscal...Project Pat Mayse, Tex - Perry, Kans__ Perry County, Mo- Pine Creek, Okla _ Pine Flat, Calif_ Fiscal year started 1965 1964 1937 1963 1947 Proctor, Tex_

Influence of in-shoe heel lifts on plantar pressure and center of pressure in the medial-lateral direction during walking.

PubMed

Zhang, Xianyi; Li, Bo

2014-04-01

The aim of this study was to investigate how the height and material of in-shoe heel lifts affect plantar pressure and center of pressure (COP) trajectory in the medial-lateral direction during walking. Seventeen healthy young male adults were asked to walk along an 8m walkway while wearing a high-cut flat shoe and 5 different heel lifts. Peak pressure (PP), pressure-time integral (PTI) and contact area (CA) were measured by Pedar insole system for three foot regions: forefoot, midfoot and heel. Range and velocity of medial-lateral (ML) COP during forefoot contact phase (FFCP) and foot flat phase (FFP) were collected using Footscan pressure plate. Forefoot pressure and ML-COP parameters increased as the heel was elevated. Statistically significant attenuation of heel peak plantar pressure was provided by all heel lifts except for the hard lift. Post hoc tests suggest that material had a greater influence on the range and velocity of ML-COP during FFCP than heel height, while during FFP, heel height seemed to affect these parameters more. The findings from this study suggest that thick heel lifts should be used with caution, and that a heel lift made of materials with good support and elastic properties might be more appropriate to improve footwear comfort and medial-lateral motion control. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of breeding ospreys have taken up residence in a nest constructed on a speaker pole in the lower parking lot of the KSC Press Site. Eggs have been sighted in the nest. The NASA logo in the background is painted on an outer wall of the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building nearby. Known as a fish hawk, the osprey selects sites of opportunity in which to nest -- from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In North America, it is found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-01-14

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of breeding ospreys have taken up residence in a nest constructed on a speaker pole in the lower parking lot of the KSC Press Site. Eggs have been sighted in the nest. The NASA logo in the background is painted on an outer wall of the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building nearby. Known as a fish hawk, the osprey selects sites of opportunity in which to nest -- from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In North America, it is found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Unique and proforma birth plans: a qualitative exploration of midwives׳ experiences.

PubMed

Welsh, Joanne V; Symon, Andrew G

2014-07-01

birth plans detailing a woman׳s preferences for intrapartum care are a common feature in British maternity units, and are a means of encouraging the implementation of choice. Proforma versions may be incorporated routinely in antenatal case notes, or the woman may devise her own unique birth plan. Although women׳s views of birth plans have been explored, the views of midwives have not to date been evaluated. The growth of midwife-led units in the UK has highlighted different philosophies of care, some of which can be reflected in the different types of birth plan. Given the increasingly diverse nature of UK midwifery workplaces we set out to explore and compare the experience of midwives working in midwife-led and obstetric-led settings in relation to unique and proforma birth plans. qualitative study using focus groups of midwives in a midwife-led unit (MLU; n=5) and obstetric-led unit (OLU; n=4) in the East of England. We used an interpretative phenomenological analytical approach. three main themes arose from the data. Firstly, the term 'birth plan' can be misleading, and was criticised for encouraging the belief that birth can be 'planned'. In addition, midwives claimed that 'unique' birth plans, especially those influenced by some consumer advocacy groups, are becoming standardised in their rejection of policies and procedures and requests for intervention-free birth. Secondly, birth plans were a source of irritation for midwives in both groups, although the cause of the irritation differed between groups. Finally, it was found that midwives in both groups felt that birth plans put pressure on them, although again, the source of the pressure, and therefore the way in which midwives reacted to this pressure, differed between groups. the term 'birth plan' can be misleading and create false expectations. If 'unique' birth plans are becoming 'standardised' in the sense that they routinely request the same things, they are little different to proforma birth plans. Some midwives perceive pressure both from women and the wider multidisciplinary team as a result of birth plans, a perception that causes some irritation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Results of convective heating tests of a longitudinal gap on the Rockwell flat plate model (15-0, insert 7) in the NASA/Ames Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quan, M.; Lockman, W. K.

1975-01-01

Results are presented which were obtained from tests in a hypersonic wind tunnel to determine aerodynamic heating rates in a gap running parallel or slightly askew to the flow direction. The model used was a flat plate instrumented in thin-skin sections with chromelconstantan thermocouples. Heating rate profiles lengthwise along and down into the gap were obtained, and additional data were obtained from a total temperature probe and rake fabricated during the test to investigate an apparent aerodynamic cooling trend in the gap. Model variables were width, depth, length, and orientation of the gap relative to the flow direction. The tests were conducted at Mach 5.1 and Reynolds numbers per foot of 500,000, 1,000,000, and 2,000,000.

Kinetic Assessment of Golf Shoe Outer Sole Design Features

PubMed Central

Smith, Neal A.; Dyson, Rosemary J.

2009-01-01

This study assessed human kinetics in relation to golf shoe outer sole design features during the golf swing using a driver club by measuring both within the shoe, and beneath the shoe at the natural grass interface. Three different shoes were assessed: metal 7- spike shoe, alternative 7-spike shoe, and a flat soled shoe. In-shoe plantar pressure data were recorded using Footscan RS International pressure insoles and sampling at 500 Hz. Simultaneously ground reaction force at the shoe outer sole was measured using 2 natural grass covered Kistler force platforms and 1000 Hz data acquisition. Video recording of the 18 right-handed golfers at 200 Hz was undertaken while the golfer performed 5 golf shots with his own driver in each type of shoe. Front foot (nearest to shot direction) maximum vertical force and torque were greater than at the back foot, and there was no significant difference related to the shoe type. Wearing the metal spike shoe when using a driver was associated with more torque generation at the back foot (p < 0. 05) than when the flat soled shoe was worn. Within shoe regional pressures differed significantly with golf shoe outer sole design features (p < 0.05). Comparison of the metal spike and alternative spike shoe results provided indications of the quality of regional traction on the outer sole. Potential golf shoe outer sole design features and traction were presented in relation to phases of the golf swing movement. Application of two kinetic measurement methods identified that moderated (adapted) muscular control of foot and body movement may be induced by golf shoe outer sole design features. Ground reaction force measures inform comparisons of overall shoe functional performance, and insole pressure measurements inform comparisons of the underfoot conditions induced by specific regions of the golf shoe outer sole. Key points Assessments of within golf shoe pressures and beneath shoe forces at the natural grass interface were conducted during golf shots with a driver. Application of two kinetic measurement methods simultaneously identified that moderated (adapted) muscular control of the foot and body movement may be induced by golf shoe outer sole localised design features. Ground force measures inform overall shoe kinetic functional performance. Insole pressure measurement informs of underfoot conditions induced by localised specific regions of the golf outer sole. Significant differences in ground-shoe torque generation and insole regional pressures were identified when different golf shoes were worn. PMID:24149603

Decision support and disease management: a logic engineering approach.

PubMed

Fox, J; Thomson, R

1998-12-01

This paper describes the development and application of PROforma, a unified technology for clinical decision support and disease management. Work leading to the implementation of PROforma has been carried out in a series of projects funded by European agencies over the past 13 years. The work has been based on logic engineering, a distinct design and development methodology that combines concepts from knowledge engineering, logic programming, and software engineering. Several of the projects have used the approach to demonstrate a wide range of applications in primary and specialist care and clinical research. Concurrent academic research projects have provided a sound theoretical basis for the safety-critical elements of the methodology. The principal technical results of the work are the PROforma logic language for defining clinical processes and an associated suite of software tools for delivering applications, such as decision support and disease management procedures. The language supports four standard objects (decisions, plans, actions, and enquiries), each of which has an intuitive meaning with well-understood logical semantics. The development toolset includes a powerful visual programming environment for composing applications from these standard components, for verifying consistency and completeness of the resulting specification and for delivering stand-alone or embeddable applications. Tools and applications that have resulted from the work are described and illustrated, with examples from specialist cancer care and primary care. The results of a number of evaluation activities are included to illustrate the utility of the technology.

The nutritional status and the height of the arch of the foot in preschool children.

PubMed

Jankowicz-Szymanska, A; Pociecha, M; Mikolajczyk, E; Kolpa, M

2015-08-01

Childhood obesity is an increasingly common problem. It is associated with poor posture especially with lower limb deformities. The study aimed at assessing the prevalence of overweight and obesity in preschoolers, the analysis also contained the relationship between the nutritional status and the foot arching. One thousand two hundred ninety-four children at the age from 3 to 6 years took part in the study. The height and weight of the children were measured. From these measurements, the BMI and Cole Index values were calculated. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were estimated. The degree of foot arching was measured using a podoscope and categorised according to Clarke's angle (CA). Differences in CA between right and left foot were analysed across all groups according to age and gender. Secondly CA for both feet was compared between girls and boys from all age groups. Thirdly, CA was compared for the same gender but between different age groups. Finally, nutritional status and CA for the right and left foot were correlated. Basic descriptive statistics, the U Mann-Whitney test, a one-way ANOVA and the linear correlation study were used to verify the presence of trend. Twenty percent of boys and 15.7% of girls were found overweight, and 9.8% of both male and female subjects were found obese. The prevalence of overweight increased with age. The longitudinal arch of the foot was higher in girls. It increased with age. The height of the longitudinal arch of the foot was smaller in overweight and obese children. A substantial number of overweight and obese preschoolers took part in the study, in which a significant dependence between excessive body weight and flat feet was found. The preschool education programmes should include pro-health exercises combining aerobic training with exercises developing good body posture habits.

Can orthoses and navicular drop affect foot motion patterns during running?

PubMed

Eslami, Mansour; Ferber, Reed

2013-07-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of semi-rigid foot orthoses on forefoot-rearfoot joint coupling patterns in individuals with different navicular drop measures during heel-toe running. Ten trials were collected from twenty-three male subjects who ran slowly shod at 170 steps per minute (2.23m/s) with a semi-rigid orthoses and without. Forefoot-rearfoot coupling motions were assessed using a vector coding technique during four intervals across the first 50% of stance. Subjects were divided into two groups based on navicular drop measures. A three way ANOVA was performed to examine the interaction and main effects of stance interval, orthoses condition and navicular drop (p<0.05). There were no interaction effects among stance interval, orthoses condition, or navicular drop (p=0.14) whereas an interaction effect of orthoses condition and stance interval was observed (p=0.01; effect size=0.74). Forefoot-rearfoot coupling motion in the no-orthoses condition increased from heel-strike to foot-flat phase at a rate faster than the orthoses condition (p=0.02). Foot orthoses significantly decrease the forefoot-rearfoot joint coupling angle by reducing forefoot frontal plane motion relative to the rearfoot. Navicular drop measures did not influence joint coupling relationships between the forefoot and rearfoot during the first 50% of stance regardless of orthotic condition. Copyright © 2012 Sports Medicine Australia. All rights reserved.

EMG and tibial shock upon the first attempt at barefoot running.

PubMed

Olin, Evan D; Gutierrez, Gregory M

2013-04-01

As a potential means to decrease their risk of injury, many runners are transitioning into barefoot running. Habitually shod runners tend to heel-strike (SHS), landing on their heel first, while barefoot runners tend to mid-foot or toe-strike (BTS), landing flat-footed or on the ball of their foot before bringing down the rest of the foot including the heel. This study compared muscle activity, tibial shock, and knee flexion angle in subjects between shod and barefoot conditions. Eighteen habitually SHS recreational runners ran for 3 separate 7-minute trials, including SHS, barefoot heel-strike (BHS), and BTS conditions. EMG, tibial shock, and knee flexion angle were monitored using bipolar surface electrodes, an accelerometer, and an electrogoniometer, respectively. A one-way MANOVA for repeated measures was conducted and several significant changes were noted between SHS and BTS, including significant increases in average EMG of the medial gastrocnemius (p=.05), average and peak tibial shock (p<.01), and the minimum knee flexion angle (p<.01). Based on our data, the initial change in mechanics may have detrimental effects on the runner. While it has been argued that BTS running may ultimately be less injurious, these data indicate that habitually SHS runners who choose to transition into a BTS technique must undertake the process cautiously. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of wing-tip dihedral on the longitudinal and lateral aerodynamic characteristics of a supersonic cruise configuration at subsonic speeds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Washburn, K. E.; Gloss, B. B.

1976-01-01

Force and moment data studies were conducted to determine the effect of wing-tip dihedral on the longitudinal and lateral aerodynamic characteristics of a supersonic cruise fighter configuration. Oil flow studies were also performed to investigate the model surface flow. Three models were tested: a flat (0 deg dihedral) wing tip, a dihedral, and an anhedral wing tip. The tests were conducted at the NASA Langley high-speed 7- by 10-foot wind tunnel.

Aerothermal tests of quilted dome models on a flat plate at a Mach number of 6.5

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glass, Christopher E.; Hunt, L. Roane

1988-01-01

Aerothermal tests were conducted in the NASA Langley 8 Foot High Temperature Tunnel (8'HTT) at a Mach number of 6.5 on simulated arrays of thermally bowed metallic thermal protection system (TPS) tiles at an angle of attack of 5 deg. Detailed surface pressures and heating rates were obtained for arrays aligned with the flow and skewed 45 deg diagonally to the flow with nominal bowed heights of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 inch submerged in both laminar and turbulent boundary layers. Aerothermal tests were made at a nominal total temperature of 3300 R, a total pressure of 400 psia, a total enthalpy of 950 Btu/lbm, a dynamic pressure of 2.7 psi, and a unit Reynolds number of 400,000 per foot. The experimental results form a data base that can be used to help protect aerothermal load increases from bowed arrays of TPS tiles.

Orifice-induced pressure error studies in Langley 7- by 10-foot high-speed tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plentovich, E. B.; Gloss, B. B.

1986-01-01

For some time it has been known that the presence of a static pressure measuring hole will disturb the local flow field in such a way that the sensed static pressure will be in error. The results of previous studies aimed at studying the error induced by the pressure orifice were for relatively low Reynolds number flows. Because of the advent of high Reynolds number transonic wind tunnels, a study was undertaken to assess the magnitude of this error at high Reynolds numbers than previously published and to study a possible method of eliminating this pressure error. This study was conducted in the Langley 7- by 10-Foot High-Speed Tunnel on a flat plate. The model was tested at Mach numbers from 0.40 to 0.72 and at Reynolds numbers from 7.7 x 1,000,000 to 11 x 1,000,000 per meter (2.3 x 1,000,000 to 3.4 x 1,000,000 per foot), respectively. The results indicated that as orifice size increased, the pressure error also increased but that a porous metal (sintered metal) plug inserted in an orifice could greatly reduce the pressure error induced by the orifice.

The Effect of Arch Height and Material Hardness of Personalized Insole on Correction and Tissues of Flatfoot.

PubMed

Su, Shonglun; Mo, Zhongjun; Guo, Junchao; Fan, Yubo

2017-01-01

Flat foot is one of the common deformities in the youth population, seriously affecting the weight supporting and daily exercising. However, there is lacking of quantitative data relative to material selection and shape design of the personalized orthopedic insole. This study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of material hardness and support height of personalized orthopedic insole on foot tissues, by in vivo experiment and finite element modeling. The correction of arch height increased with material hardness and support height. The peak plantar pressure increased with the material hardness, and these values by wearing insoles of 40° were apparently higher than the bare feet condition. Harder insole material results in higher stress in the joint and ligament stress than softer material. In the calcaneocuboid joint, the stress increased with the arch height of insoles. The material hardness did not apparently affect the stress in the ankle joints, but the support heights of insole did. In general, insole material and support design are positively affecting the correction of orthopedic insole, but negatively resulting in unreasonable stress on the stress in the joint and ligaments. There should be an integration of improving correction and reducing stress in foot tissues.

75 FR 60651 - Corporate Credit Unions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-01

... for the corporate credit union and availability of proposed financial services from alternative depository institutions); Summary of survey results and/or customer base analysis; Proposed financial...; Semiannual pro-forma financial statements for the first three years, [[Page 60653

A Comparison of Golf Shoe Designs Highlights Greater Ground Reaction Forces with Shorter Irons

PubMed Central

Worsfold, Paul; Smith, Neal A.; Dyson, Rosemary J.

2007-01-01

In an effort to reduce golf turf damage the traditional metal spike golf shoe has been redesigned, but shoe-ground biomechanical evaluations have utilised artificial grass surfaces. Twenty-four golfers wore three different golf shoe traction designs (traditional metal spikes, alternative spikes, and a flat-soled shoe with no additional traction) when performing shots with a driver, 3 iron and 7 iron. Ground action forces were measured beneath the feet by two natural grass covered force platforms. The maximum vertical force recorded at the back foot with the 3 iron and 7 iron was 0.82 BW (body weight) and at the front foot 1.1 BW approximately in both the metal spike and alternative spike golf shoe designs. When using the driver these maximal vertical values were 0.49 BW at the back foot and 0.84 BW at the front foot. Furthermore, as performance of the backswing and then downswing necessitates a change in movement direction the range of force generated during the complete swing was calculated. In the metal spike shoe the vertical force generated at the back foot with both irons was 0.67 BW and at the front foot 0.96 BW with the 3 iron and 0.92 BW with the 7 iron. The back foot vertical force generated with the driver was 0.33 BW and at the front foot 0.83 BW wearing the metal spike shoe. Results indicated the greater force generation with the irons. When using the driver the more horizontal swing plane associated with the longer club reduced vertical forces at the back and front foot. However, the mediolateral force generated across each foot in the metal and alternative spike shoes when using the driver was greater than when the irons were used. The coefficient of friction was 0. 62 at the back and front foot whichever shoe was worn or club used. Key pointsDuring the golf swing ground reaction forces at the golf shoe to natural grass turf interface were greater with irons than with the longer driver.In the golf swing maximal vertical forces were greater at the front (left) foot in the than at the back foot for a right handed golfer.Similar maximum vertical ground reaction forces were recorded with each club when a 8 mm metal spike golf shoe or an alternative spike golf shoe were worn.Force generation and coefficients of friction were similar for the alternative spike design and traditional metal seven spike golf shoe on natural grass turf.Data collection possible due to application of technical developments to golf from work on other natural turf based sports. PMID:24149482

Effects of shoe inserts and heel height on foot pressure, impact force, and perceived comfort during walking.

PubMed

Yung-Hui, Lee; Wei-Hsien, Hong

2005-05-01

Studying the impact of high-heeled shoes on kinetic changes and perceived discomfort provides a basis to advance the design and minimize the adverse effects on the human musculoskeletal system. Previous studies demonstrated the effects of inserts on kinetics and perceived comfort in flat or running shoes. No study attempted to investigate the effectiveness of inserts in high heel shoes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether increasing heel height and the use of shoe inserts change foot pressure distribution, impact force, and perceived comfort during walking. Ten healthy females volunteered for the study. The heel heights were 1.0cm (flat), 5.1cm (low), and 7.6cm (high). The heel height effects were examined across five shoe-insert conditions of shoe only; heel cup, arch support, metatarsal pad, and total contact insert (TCI). The results indicated that increasing heel height increases impact force (p<0.01), medial forefoot pressure (p<0.01), and perceived discomfort (p<0.01) during walking. A heel cup insert for high-heeled shoes effectively reduced the heel pressure and impact force (p<0.01), an arch support insert reduced the medial forefoot pressure, and both improved footwear comfort (p<0.01). In particular, a TCI reduced heel pressure by 25% and medial forefoot pressure by 24%, attenuate the impact force by 33.2%, and offered higher perceived comfort when compared to the non-insert condition.

Free-Spinning Characteristics of a 1/24-Scale Model of the Grumman F11F-1 Airplane, TED No. NACA AD 395

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowman, James S., Jr.

1955-01-01

An investigation is being conducted in the Langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel on a 1/24-scale model of the Grumman F11F-1 airplane to determine spin and recovery characteristics and the minimum-size parachute required to satisfactorily terminate the spin in an emergency. Results obtained to date are presented herein. Test results indicate that it may be difficult to obtain an erect or inverted spin on the airplane, but, if a spin is obtained, the spin will be very oscillatory and recovery from the developed erect spin by rudder reversal may not be possible. The lateral controls will have no appreciable effect on recoveries from erect.spins. Recovery from the inverted spin by merely neutralizing the rudder will be satisfactory. After recoveries by rudder reversal and after recoveries from spins without control movement (no spins), the model oftentimes rolled very rapidly about the X-axis. Based on limited preliminary tests made in this investigation to make the model recover satisfactorily, it appears that canards near the nose of the airplane or differentially operated horizontal tails may be utilized to provide rapid recoveries. The parachute test results indicate that an 11-foot-diameter (laid-out-flat) parachute with a drag coefficient of 0.650 (based on the laid- out-flat diameter) and with a towline length equal to the wing span is the minimum-size parachute required to satisfactorily terminate an erect or inverted spin in an emergency.

Formalising multidisciplinary peer review: developing a haematological malignancy-specific electronic proforma and standard operating procedure to facilitate procedural efficiency and evidence-based clinical practice.

PubMed

Trotman, Judith; Trinh, Jimmy; Kwan, Yiu Lam; Estell, Jane A; Fletcher, Julie; Archer, Kate; Lee, Kenneth; Foo, Kerwin; Curnow, Jennifer; Bianchi, Alessandra; Wignall, Lynda; Verner, Emma; Gasiorowski, Robin; Siedlecka, Elizabeth; Cunningham, Ilona

2017-05-01

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings aimed at facilitating peer review have become standard practice in oncology. However, there is scant literature on the optimal structure and conduct of such meetings. To develop a process for formal peer review of patients with haematological malignancies and to audit any resulting changes made to the management recommendations of the treating physician. A standard operating procedure (SOP) for MDT meetings was developed essentially to integrate clinical peer review with weekly pathology and radiology meetings. The centrepiece is the electronic submission of a patient-specific proforma (Microsoft InfoPath) prior to the meeting. It serves as the template for presentation, discussion and recording of recommendations and conclusions. The final verified document is stored in the electronic patient record, and a copy is sent to the general practitioner. The proposed management plans were compared to the consensus recommendations of the meeting for the first 4 years since inception. Both SOP and proforma underwent continual improvements. These provided the framework for the conduct of a robust weekly MDT meeting for peer review of the management of patients with haematological malignancies. On 20% of occasions, patient management plans were altered to optimise patient care as a direct consequence on peer review at the MDT. Our streamlined process, in its ultimate format, has provided a mature and efficient forum for formal peer review in a genuine multidisciplinary environment. Both initial data and informal feedback support its ongoing activity as an integral component of delivering quality patient care. © 2016 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Functional Locomotor Consequences of Uneven Forefeet for Trot Symmetry in Individual Riding Horses

PubMed Central

Wiggers, Nathan; Nauwelaerts, Sandra L. P.; Hobbs, Sarah Jane; Bool, Sophie; Wolschrijn, Claudia F.; Back, Willem

2015-01-01

Left-right symmetrical distal limb conformation can be an important prerequisite for a successful performance, and it is often hypothesized that asymmetric or uneven feet are important enhancing factors for the development of lameness. On a population level, it has been demonstrated that uneven footed horses are retiring earlier from elite level competition, but the biomechanical consequences are not yet known. The objectives of this study were to compare the functional locomotor asymmetries of horses with uneven to those with even feet. Hoof kinetics and distal limb kinematics were collected from horses (n = 34) at trot. Dorsal hoof wall angle was used to classify horses as even or uneven (<1.5 and >1.5° difference between forefeet respectively) and individual feet as flat (<50°), medium (between 50° and 55°) or upright (>55°). Functional kinetic parameters were compared between even and uneven forefeet using MANOVA followed by ANOVA. The relative influences of differences in hoof angle between the forefeet and of absolute hoof angle on functional parameters were analysed using multiple regression analysis (P<0.05). In horses with uneven feet, the side with the flatter foot showed a significantly larger maximal horizontal braking and vertical ground reaction force, a larger vertical fetlock displacement and a suppler fetlock spring. The foot with a steeper hoof angle was linearly correlated with an earlier braking-propulsion transition. The conformational differences between both forefeet were more important for loading characteristics than the individual foot conformation of each individual horse. The differences in vertical force and braking force between uneven forefeet could imply either an asymmetrical loading pattern without a pathological component or a subclinical lameness as a result of a pathological development in the steeper foot. PMID:25646752

Geometric morphometric footprint analysis of young women

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Most published attempts to quantify footprint shape are based on a small number of measurements. We applied geometric morphometric methods to study shape variation of the complete footprint outline in a sample of 83 adult women. Methods The outline of the footprint, including the toes, was represented by a comprehensive set of 85 landmarks and semilandmarks. Shape coordinates were computed by Generalized Procrustes Analysis. Results The first four principal components represented the major axes of variation in foot morphology: low-arched versus high-arched feet, long and narrow versus short and wide feet, the relative length of the hallux, and the relative length of the forefoot. These shape features varied across the measured individuals without any distinct clusters or discrete types of footprint shape. A high body mass index (BMI) was associated with wide and flat feet, and a high frequency of wearing high-heeled shoes was associated with a larger forefoot area of the footprint and a relatively long hallux. Larger feet had an increased length-to-width ratio of the footprint, a lower-arched foot, and longer toes relative to the remaining foot. Footprint shape differed on average between left and right feet, and the variability of footprint asymmetry increased with BMI. Conclusions Foot shape is affected by lifestyle factors even in a sample of young women (median age 23 years). Geometric morphometrics proved to be a powerful tool for the detailed analysis of footprint shape that is applicable in various scientific disciplines, including forensics, orthopedics, and footwear design. PMID:23886074

[Effect of walking speed on pressure distribution of orthopedic shoe technology].

PubMed

Drerup, B; Hafkemeyer, U; Möller, M; Wetz, H H

2001-03-01

Lesions to the diabetic foot have various causes. However, there is broad consensus that excessive plantar pressure plays a major role in the chain of events leading to ulcerations and gangrenes. During walking, on the other hand, peak values of plantar pressure are likely to increase with velocity even in therapeutic shoes. Therefore, the question arises whether a moderate velocity should be recommended to diabetic patients to reduce the risk of foot lesions. In this study, two velocities were compared for different types of therapeutic footwear. The velocities selected were considered moderate (0.7 m/s) and normal (1.3 m/s) for diabetic patients. A specially designed mathematical algorithm (velocity normalization) provided the pressure distributions from a common set of measurements: seven trials at different velocities for each subject and each type of footwear. Ten test subjects with healthy feet were studied. The shoes were ready-made and all had a midfoot rocker. The following four conditions were tested: flexible or rigid outsole respectively in combination with a flat insole or molded foot bed respectively. Pressure distribution measurements were performed with the Pedar in-shoe system, and the Pedar software package was used for analysis. The foot was divided into six regions: first toe, second to fifth toes, metatarsal region, medial midfoot, lateral midfoot, and heel. Only peak pressures were taken into account. Gait velocity was found to have an effect on plantar pressure distribution, mainly in the toes and heel region. Peak pressure in the heels increased significantly by about 20%. In the toe region, the increase was about the same, but was not statistically significant. At a higher velocity, pressure even slightly decreased in the midfoot region. The percentage variation was similar for all four conditions. Thus, walking slowly prevented the foot from high peak pressures, and the combination of rigid outsole and molded foot bed was best suited for both slow and higher velocities.

Solar heating and cooling system installed at RKL Controls Company, Lumberton, New Jersey

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

The final results of the design and operation of a computer controlled solar heated and cooled 40,000 square foot manufacturing building, sales office, and computer control center/display room are summarized. The system description, test data, major problems and resolutions, performance, operation and maintenance manual, equipment manufacturers' literature, and as-built drawings are presented. The solar system is composed of 6,000 square feet of flat plate collectors, external above ground storage subsystem, controls, absorption chiller, heat recovery, and a cooling tower.

The Effect of Uphill and Downhill Slopes on Weight Transfer, Alignment and Shot Outcome in Golf.

PubMed

Blenkinsop, Glen M; Liang, Ying; Gallimore, Nicholas J; Hiley, Michael J

2018-04-13

The aim of the study was to examine changes in weight transfer, alignment and shot outcome during golf shots from flat, uphill, and downhill slopes. Twelve elite male golfers hit 30 shots with a six-iron from a computer assisted rehabilitation environment (CAREN) used to create 5° slopes while collecting 3D kinematics and kinetics of the swing. A launch monitor measured performance outcomes. A shift in the centre of pressure was found throughout the swing when performed on a slope, with the mean position moving approximately 9% closer to the lower foot. The golfers attempted to remain perpendicular to the slope, resulting in the weight transfer towards the lower foot. The golfers adopted a wider stance in the sloped conditions and moved the ball towards the higher foot at address. Ball speed was not significantly affected by the slope, but launch angle and ball spin were. As predicted by the coaching literature, golfers were more likely to hit shots to the left from an uphill slope and to the right for a downhill slope. No consistent compensatory adjustments in alignment at address or azimuth were found, with the change in final shot dispersion due to the lateral spin of the ball.

The Effect of Arch Height and Material Hardness of Personalized Insole on Correction and Tissues of Flatfoot

PubMed Central

Su, Shonglun; Mo, Zhongjun; Guo, Junchao

2017-01-01

Flat foot is one of the common deformities in the youth population, seriously affecting the weight supporting and daily exercising. However, there is lacking of quantitative data relative to material selection and shape design of the personalized orthopedic insole. This study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of material hardness and support height of personalized orthopedic insole on foot tissues, by in vivo experiment and finite element modeling. The correction of arch height increased with material hardness and support height. The peak plantar pressure increased with the material hardness, and these values by wearing insoles of 40° were apparently higher than the bare feet condition. Harder insole material results in higher stress in the joint and ligament stress than softer material. In the calcaneocuboid joint, the stress increased with the arch height of insoles. The material hardness did not apparently affect the stress in the ankle joints, but the support heights of insole did. In general, insole material and support design are positively affecting the correction of orthopedic insole, but negatively resulting in unreasonable stress on the stress in the joint and ligaments. There should be an integration of improving correction and reducing stress in foot tissues. PMID:29065655

Effects of wearing different personal equipment on force distribution at the plantar surface of the foot.

PubMed

Schulze, Christoph; Lindner, Tobias; Woitge, Sandra; Finze, Susanne; Mittelmeier, Wolfram; Bader, Rainer

2013-01-01

The wearing of personal equipment can cause specific changes in muscle activity and posture. In the present study, we investigated the influence of differences in equipment related weight loading and load distribution on plantar pressure. In addition, we studied functional effects of wearing different equipment with a particular focus on relevant changes in foot shape. Static and dynamic pedobarography were performed on 31 male soldiers carrying increasing weights consisting of different items of equipment. The pressure acting on the plantar surface of the foot increased with higher loading, both under static and dynamic conditions (p < 0.05). We observed an increase in the contact area (p < 0.05) and an influence of load distribution through different ways to carry the rifle. The wearing of heavier weights leads to an increase in plantar pressure and contact area. This may be caused by flattening of the transverse and longitudinal arches. The effects are more evident in subjects with flat feet deformities which seem to flatten at an earlier load condition with a greater amount compared to subjects with normal arches. Improving load distribution should be a main goal in the development of military equipment in order to prevent injuries or functional disorders of the lower extremity.

Effect of antipronation foot orthosis geometry on compression of heel and arch soft tissues.

PubMed

Sweeney, Declan; Nester, Christopher; Preece, Stephen; Mickle, Karen

2015-01-01

This study aimed to understand how systematic changes in arch height and two designs of heel wedging affect soft tissues under the foot. Soft tissue thickness under the heel and navicular was measured using ultrasound. Heel pad thickness was measured when subjects were standing on a flat surface and standing on an orthosis with 4 and 8 degree extrinsic wedges and 4 mm and 8 mm intrinsic wedges (n = 27). Arch soft tissue thickness was measured when subjects were standing and when standing on an orthosis with -6 mm, standard, and +6 mm increments in arch height (n = 25). Extrinsic and intrinsic heel wedges significantly increased soft tissue thickness under the heel compared with no orthosis. The 4 and 8 degree extrinsic wedges increased tissue thickness by 28% and 27.6%, respectively, while the 4 mm and 8 mm intrinsic wedges increased thickness by 23% and 14.6%, respectively. Orthotic arch height significantly affected arch soft tissue thickness. Compared with the no orthosis condition, the -6 mm, standard, and +6 mm arch heights decreased arch tissue thickness by 9%, 10%, and 11.8%, respectively. This study demonstrates that change in orthotic geometry creates different plantar soft tissue responses that we expect to affect transmission of force to underlying foot bones.

Muscle Coactivation during Stability Exercises in Rhythmic Gymnastics: A Two-Case Study.

PubMed

Rutkowska-Kucharska, Alicja; Szpala, Agnieszka; Jaroszczuk, Sebastian; Sobera, Małgorzata

2018-01-01

Balance exercises in rhythmic gymnastics are performed on tiptoes, which causes overload of foot joints. This study aimed to evaluate the engagement of muscles stabilizing ankle and knee joints in balance exercises and determine exercises which may lead to ankle and knee joint injuries. It was hypothesized that long-term training has an influence on balance control and efficient use of muscles in their stabilizing function. Two rhythmic gymnasts (8 and 21 years old) performed balances on tiptoes (side split with hand support, ring with hand support) and on a flat foot (back split without hand support exercise). Surface electromyography, ground reaction forces, and kinematic parameters of movement were measured. The measuring systems applied were synchronized with the BTS SMART system. The results show the necessity to limit balance exercises on tiptoes in children because gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) activity significantly exceeds their activity. Ankle joint stabilizing activity of GM and GL muscles in the younger gymnast was more important than in the older one. Performing this exercise, the younger gymnast distributed load on the anterior side of the foot while the older one did so on its posterior. Gymnastics coaches should be advised to exclude ring with hand support exercise from the training of young gymnasts.

Muscle Coactivation during Stability Exercises in Rhythmic Gymnastics: A Two-Case Study

PubMed Central

Jaroszczuk, Sebastian

2018-01-01

Balance exercises in rhythmic gymnastics are performed on tiptoes, which causes overload of foot joints. This study aimed to evaluate the engagement of muscles stabilizing ankle and knee joints in balance exercises and determine exercises which may lead to ankle and knee joint injuries. It was hypothesized that long-term training has an influence on balance control and efficient use of muscles in their stabilizing function. Two rhythmic gymnasts (8 and 21 years old) performed balances on tiptoes (side split with hand support, ring with hand support) and on a flat foot (back split without hand support exercise). Surface electromyography, ground reaction forces, and kinematic parameters of movement were measured. The measuring systems applied were synchronized with the BTS SMART system. The results show the necessity to limit balance exercises on tiptoes in children because gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) activity significantly exceeds their activity. Ankle joint stabilizing activity of GM and GL muscles in the younger gymnast was more important than in the older one. Performing this exercise, the younger gymnast distributed load on the anterior side of the foot while the older one did so on its posterior. Gymnastics coaches should be advised to exclude ring with hand support exercise from the training of young gymnasts. PMID:29808099

"SHOUT" to improve the quality of care delivered to patients with acute kidney injury at Great Western Hospital.

PubMed

Brady, Paul; Gorham, James; Kosti, Angeliki; Seligman, William; Courtney, Alona; Mazan, Karolina; Paterson, Stuart; Ramcharitar, Steve; Chandrasekaran, Badri; Juniper, Mark; Greamspet, Mala; Daniel, Jessica; Chalstrey, Sue; Ahmed, Ijaz; Dasgupta, Tanaji

2015-01-01

Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects up to 20% of all patients admitted to hospital, and is associated with a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes, increased healthcare costs, as well as long term risks of chronic kidney disease and end stage renal failure. The aim of this project was to improve the quality of care for patients with AKI admitted to the acute medical unit (AMU) at the Great Western Hospital (GWH). We assessed awareness and self reported confidence among physicians in our Trust, in addition to basic aspects of care relevant to AKI on our AMU. A multifaceted quality improvement strategy was developed, which included measures to improve awareness such as a Trust wide AKI awareness day, and reconfiguring the admission proforma on our AMU in order to enhance risk assessment, staging, and early response to AKI. Ancillary measures such as the dissemination of flashcards for lanyards containing core information were also used. Follow up assessments showed that foundation year one (FY1) doctors' self reported confidence in managing AKI increased from 2.8 to 4.2, as measured on a five point Likert scale (P=0.0003). AKI risk assessment increased from 13% to 57% (P=0.07) following a change in the admission proforma. Documentation of the diagnosis of AKI increased from 66% to 95% (P=0.038) among flagged patients. Documentation of urine dip results increased from 33% to 73% (P=0.01), in addition to a rise in appropriate referral for specialist input, although this was not statistically significant. Our results suggest that using the twin approaches of improving awareness, and small changes to systemic factors such as modification of the admission proforma, can lead to significant enhancements in the quality of care of patients with AKI.

Web page quality: can we measure it and what do we find? A report of exploratory findings.

PubMed

Abbott, V P

2000-06-01

The aim of this study was to report exploratory findings from an attempt to quantify the quality of a sample of World Wide Web (WWW) pages relating to MMR vaccine that a typical user might locate. Forty pages obtained from a search of the WWW using two search engines and the search expression 'mmr vaccine' were analysed using a standard proforma. The proforma looked at the information the pages contained in terms of three categories: content, authorship and aesthetics. The information from each category was then quantified into a summary statistic, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated using a 'gold standard' of quality derived from the published literature. Optimal cut-off points for each of the three sections were calculated that best discriminated 'good' from 'bad' pages. Pages were also assessed as to whether they were pro- or anti-vaccination. For this sample, the combined contents and authorship score, with a cut-off of five, was a good discriminator, having 88 per cent sensitivity and 92 per cent specificity. Aesthetics was not a good discriminator. In the sample, 32.5 per cent of pages were pro-vaccination; 42.5 per cent were anti-vaccination and 25 per cent were neutral. The relative risk of being of poor quality if anti-vaccination was 3.3 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.8, 6.1). The sample of Web pages did contain some quality information on MMR vaccine. It also contained a great deal of misleading, inaccurate data. The proforma, combined with a knowledge of the literature, may help to distinguish between the two.

An Experimental Device for Generating High Frequency Perturbations in Supersonic Wind Tunnels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Melcher, Kevin J.; Ibrahim, Mounir B.

1996-01-01

This paper describes the analytical study of a device that has been proposed as a mechanism for generating gust-like perturbations in supersonic wind tunnels. The device is envisioned as a means to experimentally validate dynamic models and control systems designed for high-speed inlets. The proposed gust generator is composed of two flat trapezoidal plates that modify the properties of the flow ingested by the inlet. One plate may be oscillated to generate small perturbations in the flow. The other plate is held stationary to maintain a constant angle-of-attack. Using an idealized approach, design equations and performance maps for the new device were developed from the compressible flow relations. A two-dimensional CFD code was used to confirm the correctness of these results. The idealized approach was then used to design and evaluate a new gust generator for a 3.05-meter by 3.05-meter (10-foot by 10-foot) supersonic wind tunnel.

Geology and hydrology of the Onondaga aquifer in eastern Erie County, New York; with emphasis on ground-water-level declines since 1982

USGS Publications Warehouse

Staubitz, W.W.; Miller, Todd S.

1987-01-01

The Onondaga aquifer is a nearly flat-lying, 25- to 110-foot-thick, cherty limestone with moderately developed karst features such as sinkholes, disappearing streams, and solution-widened joints. Most groundwater moves through solution-widened bedding planes, although some moves through vertical joints. The yield of water from 42 wells ranges from 3 to 100 gal/min, averaging 20 gal/min. Groundwater levels in the Onondaga aquifer declined during the fall of 1981 and summer and fall of 1982-85, near a 2.2-mile-long and 800-foot-wide land surface depression in the eastern part of Erie County. More than 60 wells and several wetlands went dry and at least three sinkholes developed. Groundwater levels were measured in 150 wells during a high water level period in April 1984 and a low water period in October 1984. Water levels fluctuated 20 to 50 ft near the depression and near the quarries but fluctuated only 5 to 10 ft elsewhere. The water level decline was caused by the combined effect of groundwater removal by pumpage from a quarry (the water is then discharged to Dorsch Creek) and by the swallets in the 2.2-mile-long depression area, which are recharge points for the aquifer. In 1982, sinkholes formed in a surface depression area in Harris Hill. The enlargement of these sinkholes seems to be unrelated to the water level decline in the eastern part of the county and is probably caused by local drainage alterations. (Author 's abstract)

Flat midsubstance of the anterior cruciate ligament with tibial "C"-shaped insertion site.

PubMed

Siebold, Rainer; Schuhmacher, Peter; Fernandez, Francis; Śmigielski, Robert; Fink, Christian; Brehmer, Axel; Kirsch, Joachim

2015-11-01

This anatomical cadaver study was performed to investigate the flat appearance of the midsubstance shape of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and its tibial "C"-shaped insertion site. The ACL midsubstance and the tibial ACL insertion were dissected in 20 cadaveric knees (n = 6 fresh frozen and n = 14 paraffined). Magnifying spectacles were used for all dissections. Morphometric measurements were performed using callipers and on digital photographs. In all specimens, the midsubstance of the ACL was flat with a mean width of 9.9 mm, thickness of 3.9 mm and cross-sectional area of 38.7 mm(2). The "direct" "C"-shaped tibial insertion runs from along the medial tibial spine to the anterior aspect of the lateral meniscus. The mean width (length) of the "C" was 12.6 mm, its thickness 3.3 mm and area 31.4 mm(2). The centre of the "C" was the bony insertion of the anterior root of the lateral meniscus overlayed by fat and crossed by the ACL. No posterolateral (PL) inserting ACL fibres were found. Together with the larger "indirect" part (area 79.6 mm(2)), the "direct" one formed a "duck-foot"-shaped footprint. The tibial ACL midsubstance and tibial "C"-shaped insertion are flat and are resembling a "ribbon". The centre of the "C" is the bony insertion of the anterior root of the lateral meniscus. There are no central or PL inserting ACL fibres. Anatomical ACL reconstruction may therefore require a flat graft and a "C"-shaped tibial footprint reconstruction with an anteromedial bone tunnel for single bundle and an additional posteromedial bone tunnel for double bundle.

Service innovation: a comparison of two approaches for physical screening of psychiatric inpatients.

PubMed

Harrison, Mark Richard; McMillan, Catherine Frances; Dickinson, Timothy

2012-06-01

Psychiatric medications have clear links to obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, hyperprolactinaemia and movement disorders. These disorders are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in psychiatric patients but physical screening by health services is often haphazard. We report the findings of an audit of physical screening across two hospital wards. Each ward undertook a process of service improvement. One ward modified the admissions proforma and the other developed a discharge screening clinic. The effectiveness of each of these interventions was then compared through a reaudit of practice across both wards. At baseline, screening was performed inconsistently and infrequently. On average, the modified admissions proforma increased screening rates by 4.7% compared to 30.7% for discharge screening clinics. The discharge screening clinic demonstrated statistically significant improvements in screening rates and effectively delivered health promotion advice. Discharge screening clinics are significantly more likely than improved admissions procedures to detect clinically significant abnormalities. If these abnormalities are detected and treated then the long-term physical health of psychiatric patients may be improved.

Acquired midfoot deformity and function in individuals with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.

PubMed

Hastings, Mary K; Mueller, Michael J; Woodburn, James; Strube, Michael J; Commean, Paul; Johnson, Jeffrey E; Cheuy, Victor; Sinacore, David R

2016-02-01

Diabetes mellitus related medial column foot deformity is a major contributor to ulceration and amputation. However, little is known about the relationship between medial column alignment and function and the integrity of the soft tissues that support and move the medial column. The purposes of this study were to determine the predictors of medial column alignment and function in people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. 23 participants with diabetes and neuropathy had radiographs, heel rise kinematics, magnetic resonance imaging and isokinetic muscle testing to measure: 1) medial column alignment (Meary's angle--the angle between the 1st metatarsal longitudinal axis and the talar head and neck), 2) medial column function (forefoot relative to hindfoot plantarflexion during heel rise), 3) intrinsic foot muscle and fat volume, ratio of posterior tibialis to flexor digitorum tendon volume, 4) plantar fascia function (Meary's angle change from toes flat to extended) and 5) plantarflexor peak torque. Predictors of medial column alignment and function were determined using simultaneous entry multiple regression. Posterior tibialis to flexor digitorum tendon volume ratio and intrinsic foot muscle volume were significant predictors of medial column alignment (P<.05), accounting for 44% of the variance. Intrinsic foot fat volume and plantarflexor peak torque were significant predictors of medial column function (P<.05), accounting for 37% of the variance. Deterioration of medial column supporting structures predicted alignment and function. Prospective research is required to monitor alignment, structure, and function over time to inform early intervention strategies to prevent deformity, ulceration, and amputation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quality of Web-Based Information on Cannabis Addiction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khazaal, Yasser; Chatton, Anne; Cochand, Sophie; Zullino, Daniele

2008-01-01

This study evaluated the quality of Web-based information on cannabis use and addiction and investigated particular content quality indicators. Three keywords ("cannabis addiction," "cannabis dependence," and "cannabis abuse") were entered into two popular World Wide Web search engines. Websites were assessed with a standardized proforma designed…

Relationship between lumbar changes and modifications in the plantar arch in women with low back pain.

PubMed

Borges, Cláudia Dos Santos; Fernandes, Luciane Fernanda Rodrigues Martinho; Bertoncello, Dernival

2013-05-01

: Evaluate the probable relationship among plantar arch, lumbar curvature, and low back pain. : Fifteen healthy women were assessed taking in account personal data and anthropometric measurements, photopodoscopic evaluation of the plantar arch, and biophotogrammetric postural analysis of the patient (both using the SAPO software), as well as evaluation of lumbar pain using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The average age of the participants was 30.45 (±6.25) years. : Of the feet evaluated, there were six individuals with flat feet, five with high arch, and four with normal feet. All reported algic syndrome in the lumbar spine, with the highest VAS values for the volunteers with high arch. Correlation was observed between the plantar arch and the angle of the lumbar spine (r = -0.71, p = 0.004) CONCLUSION: High arch was correlated with more intense algic syndrome, while there was moderate positive correlation between flat foot and increased lumbar curvature, and between high arch and lumbar correction. Level of Evidence IV. Case Series .

Chemically amplified i-line positive resist for next-generation flat panel display

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hsing-Chieh; Lu, Ying-Hao; Huang, Shin-Yih; Lan, Wei-Jen; Hanabata, Makoto

2017-03-01

Traditional diazonaphthoquinone (DNQ) positive photoresists are widely used for TFT-LCD array process. Current LTPS technology has more than 600ppi resolution is required for small or middle-sized TFT liquid crystal display panels. One of the ways to enhance resolution is to apply i-line single exposure system instead of traditional g/h/ibroadband exposure system. We have been developing i-line chemically amplified photoresist ECA 200 series for the next generation flat panel display (FPD). ECA 200 consists of three components: a phenol resin, a photo acid generator and dissolution enhancer. We applied two different types of dissolution enhancers with two different kinds of protected groups to our resist materials. As a result, we achieved higher sensitivity, higher resolution, less footing of the resist profile and reduced standing wave effect compared with traditional DNQ photoresists. In addition, we have found further property of photoresist that does not need post exposure bake (PEB) process. This resist has a great advantage at most of current panel plants without PEB process.

Comparison between a multicentre, collaborative, closed-loop audit assessing management of supracondylar fractures and the British Orthopaedic Association Standard for Trauma 11 (BOAST 11) guidelines.

PubMed

Goodall, R; Claireaux, H; Hill, J; Wilson, E; Monsell, F; Boast Collaborative; Tarassoli, P

2018-03-01

Aims Supracondylar fractures are the most frequently occurring paediatric fractures about the elbow and may be associated with a neurovascular injury. The British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma 11 (BOAST 11) guidelines describe best practice for supracondylar fracture management. This study aimed to assess whether emergency departments in the United Kingdom adhere to BOAST 11 standard 1: a documented assessment, performed on presentation, must include the status of the radial pulse, digital capillary refill time, and the individual function of the radial, median (including the anterior interosseous), and ulnar nerves. Materials and Methods Stage 1: We conducted a multicentre, retrospective audit of adherence to BOAST 11 standard 1. Data were collected from eight hospitals in the United Kingdom. A total of 433 children with Gartland type 2 or 3 supracondylar fractures were eligible for inclusion. A centrally created data collection sheet was used to guide objective analysis of whether BOAST 11 standard 1 was adhered to. Stage 2: We created a quality improvement proforma for use in emergency departments. This was piloted in one of the hospitals used in the primary audit and was re-audited using equivalent methodology. In all, 102 patients presenting between January 2016 and July 2017 were eligible for inclusion in the re-audit. Results Stage 1: Of 433 patient notes audited, adherence to BOAST 11 standard 1 was between 201 (46%) and 232 (54%) for the motor and sensory function of the individual nerves specified, 318 (73%) for radial pulse, and 247 (57%) for digital capillary refill time. Stage 2: Of 102 patient notes audited, adherence to BOAST 11 standard 1 improved to between 72 (71%) and 80 (78%) for motor and sensory function of the nerves, to 84 (82%) for radial pulse, and to 82 (80%) for digital capillary refill time. Of the 102 case notes reviewed in stage 2, only 44 (43%) used the quality improvement proforma; when the proforma was used, adherence improved to between 40 (91%) and 43 (98%) throughout. Conclusion Adherence to BOAST 11 standard 1 is poor in hospitals across the country. This is concerning as neurovascular deficit may be an indication for emergent surgery, and missed neurovascular injury can cause long-term, or even permanent, functional impairment. We present a simple proforma that improves adherence to this standard, can easily be implemented into emergency departments, and may improve patient safety. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:346-51.

Heat-transfer and pressure measurements on a simulated elevon deflected 30 deg near flight conditions at Mach 7

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, C. B.; Taylor, A. H.; Weinstein, I.

1977-01-01

Heat transfer rates and pressures were obtained on an elevon plate (deflected 30 deg) and a flat plate upstream of the elevon in an 8 foot high-temperature structures tunnel. The flight Reynolds number and flight total enthalpy for altitudes of 26.8 km and 28.7 km at Mach seven were duplicated. The heat transfer and pressure data were used to establish heating and pressure loads. The measured heating was compared with several theoretical predictions, and the closest agreement obtained with a Schultz-Grunow reference enthalpy method of calculation.

Analysis of water levels in the Frenchman Flat area, Nevada Test Site

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bright, D.J.; Watkins, S.A.; Lisle, B.A.

2001-01-01

Analysis of water levels in 21 wells in the Frenchman Flat area, Nevada Test Site, provides information on the accuracy of hydraulic-head calculations, temporal water-level trends, and potential causes of water-level fluctuations. Accurate hydraulic heads are particularly important in Frenchman Flat where the hydraulic gradients are relatively flat (less than 1 foot per mile) in the alluvial aquifer. Temporal water-level trends with magnitudes near or exceeding the regional hydraulic gradient may have a substantial effect on ground-water flow directions. Water-level measurements can be adjusted for the effects of barometric pressure, formation water density (from water-temperature measurements), borehole deviation, and land-surface altitude in selected wells in the Frenchman Flat area. Water levels in one well were adjusted for the effect of density; this adjustment was significantly greater (about 17 feet) than the adjustment of water levels for barometric pressure, borehole deviation, or land-surface altitude (less than about 4 feet). Water-level measurements from five wells exhibited trends that were statistically and hydrologically significant. Statistically significant water-level trends were observed for three wells completed in the alluvial aquifer (WW-5a, UE-5n, and PW-3), for one well completed in the carbonate aquifer (SM-23), and for one well completed in the quartzite confining unit (Army-6a). Potential causes of water-level fluctuations in wells in the Frenchman Flat area include changes in atmospheric conditions (precipitation and barometric pressure), Earth tides, seismic activity, past underground nuclear testing, and nearby pumping. Periodic water-level measurements in some wells completed in the carbonate aquifer indicate cyclic-type water-level fluctuations that generally correlate with longer term changes (more than 5 years) in precipitation. Ground-water pumping fromthe alluvial aquifer at well WW-5c and pumping and discharge from well RNM-2s appear to cause water-level fluctuations in nearby observation wells. The remaining known sources of water-level fluctuations do not appear to substantially affect water-level changes (seismic activity and underground nuclear testing) or do not affect changes over a period of more than 1 year (barometric pressure and Earth tides) in wells in the Frenchman Flat area.

Foot orthoses and physiotherapy in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome: A randomised clinical trial

PubMed Central

Vicenzino, Bill; Collins, Natalie; Crossley, Kay; Beller, Elaine; Darnell, Ross; McPoil, Thomas

2008-01-01

Background Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal overuse condition that has a significant impact on participation in daily and physical activities. A recent systematic review highlighted the lack of high quality evidence from randomised controlled trials for the conservative management of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Although foot orthoses are a commonly used intervention for patellofemoral pain syndrome, only two pilot studies with short term follow up have been conducted into their clinical efficacy. Methods/design A randomised single-blinded clinical trial will be conducted to investigate the clinical efficacy and cost effectiveness of foot orthoses in the management of patellofemoral pain syndrome. One hundred and seventy-six participants aged 18–40 with anterior or retropatellar knee pain of non-traumatic origin and at least six weeks duration will be recruited from the greater Brisbane area in Queensland, Australia through print, radio and television advertising. Suitable participants will be randomly allocated to receive either foot orthoses, flat insoles, physiotherapy or a combined intervention of foot orthoses and physiotherapy, and will attend six visits with a physiotherapist over a 6 week period. Outcome will be measured at 6, 12 and 52 weeks using primary outcome measures of usual and worst pain visual analogue scale, patient perceived treatment effect, perceived global effect, the Functional Index Questionnaire, and the Anterior Knee Pain Scale. Secondary outcome measures will include the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, McGill Pain Questionnaire, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Patient-Specific Functional Scale, Physical Activity Level in the Previous Week, pressure pain threshold and physical measures of step and squat tests. Cost-effectiveness analysis will be based on treatment effectiveness against resource usage recorded in treatment logs and self-reported diaries. Discussion The randomised clinical trial will utilise high-quality methodologies in accordance with CONSORT guidelines, in order to contribute to the limited knowledge base regarding the clinical efficacy of foot orthoses in the management of patellofemoral pain syndrome, and provide practitioners with high-quality evidence upon which to base clinical decisions. Trial registration Australian Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN012605000463673 ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00118521 PMID:18304317

Inertial Gait Phase Detection for control of a drop foot stimulator Inertial sensing for gait phase detection.

PubMed

Kotiadis, D; Hermens, H J; Veltink, P H

2010-05-01

An Inertial Gait Phase Detection system was developed to replace heel switches and footswitches currently being used for the triggering of drop foot stimulators. A series of four algorithms utilising accelerometers and gyroscopes individually and in combination were tested and initial results are shown. Sensors were positioned on the outside of the upper shank. Tests were performed on data gathered from a subject, sufferer of stroke, implanted with a drop foot stimulator and triggered with the current trigger, the heel switch. Data tested includes a variety of activities representing everyday life. Flat surface walking, rough terrain and carpet walking show 100% detection and the ability of the algorithms to ignore non-gait events such as weight shifts. Timing analysis is performed against the current triggering method, the heel switch. After evaluating the heel switch timing against a reference system, namely the Vicon 370 marker and force plates system. Initial results show a close correlation between the current trigger detection and the inertial sensor based triggering algorithms. Algorithms were tested for stairs up and stairs down. Best results are observed for algorithms using gyroscope data. Algorithms were designed using threshold techniques for lowest possible computational load and with least possible sensor components to minimize power requirements and to allow for potential future implantation of sensor system.

Selected Ground-Water Data of Yucca Mountain Region, Southern Nevada and Eastern California, January 2000-December 2002

USGS Publications Warehouse

Locke, Glenn L.; La Camera, Richard J.

2003-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey, in support of the U.S. Department of Energy, Yucca Mountain Project, collects, compiles, and summarizes hydrologic data in the Yucca Mountain region. The data are collected to allow assessments of ground-water resources during activities to determine the potential suitability or development of Yucca Mountain for storing high-level nuclear waste. Data on ground-water levels at 35 wells and a fissure (Devils Hole), ground-water discharge at 5 springs and a flowing well, and total reported ground-water withdrawals within Crater Flat, Jackass Flats, Mercury Valley, and the Amargosa Desert are tabulated from January 2000 through December 2002. Historical data on water levels, discharges, and withdrawals are graphically presented to indicate variations through time. A statistical summary of ground-water levels at seven wells in Jackass Flats is presented for 1992-2002 to indicate potential effects of ground-water withdrawals associated with U.S. Department of Energy activities near Yucca Mountain. The statistical summary includes the annual number of measurements, maximum, minimum, and median water-level altitudes, and average deviation of measured water-level altitudes compared to selected baseline periods. Baseline periods varied for 1985-93. At six of the seven wells in Jackass Flats, the median water levels for 2002 were slightly higher (0.3-2.4 feet) than for their respective baseline periods. At the remaining well, data for 2002 was not summarized statistically but median water-level altitude in 2001 was 0.7 foot higher than that in its baseline period.

Hominin footprints from early Pleistocene deposits at Happisburgh, UK.

PubMed

Ashton, Nick; Lewis, Simon G; De Groote, Isabelle; Duffy, Sarah M; Bates, Martin; Bates, Richard; Hoare, Peter; Lewis, Mark; Parfitt, Simon A; Peglar, Sylvia; Williams, Craig; Stringer, Chris

2014-01-01

Investigations at Happisburgh, UK, have revealed the oldest known hominin footprint surface outside Africa at between ca. 1 million and 0.78 million years ago. The site has long been recognised for the preservation of sediments containing Early Pleistocene fauna and flora, but since 2005 has also yielded humanly made flint artefacts, extending the record of human occupation of northern Europe by at least 350,000 years. The sediments consist of sands, gravels and laminated silts laid down by a large river within the upper reaches of its estuary. In May 2013 extensive areas of the laminated sediments were exposed on the foreshore. On the surface of one of the laminated silt horizons a series of hollows was revealed in an area of ca. 12 m(2). The surface was recorded using multi-image photogrammetry which showed that the hollows are distinctly elongated and the majority fall within the range of juvenile to adult hominin foot sizes. In many cases the arch and front/back of the foot can be identified and in one case the impression of toes can be seen. Using foot length to stature ratios, the hominins are estimated to have been between ca. 0.93 and 1.73 m in height, suggestive of a group of mixed ages. The orientation of the prints indicates movement in a southerly direction on mud-flats along the river edge. Early Pleistocene human fossils are extremely rare in Europe, with no evidence from the UK. The only known species in western Europe of a similar age is Homo antecessor, whose fossil remains have been found at Atapuerca, Spain. The foot sizes and estimated stature of the hominins from Happisburgh fall within the range derived from the fossil evidence of Homo antecessor.

Risk factors for lower limb injuries during initial naval training: a prospective study.

PubMed

Bonanno, Daniel R; Munteanu, S E; Murley, G S; Landorf, K B; Menz, H B

2018-04-06

This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the development of common lower limb injuries during initial defence training in naval recruits who were enrolled in a randomised trial. Three-hundred and six naval recruits were randomly allocated flat insoles (n=153) or foot orthoses (n=153) while undertaking 11 weeks of initial training. Participant characteristics (including anthropometrics, general health, physical activity, fitness and foot characteristics) were collected at the baseline assessment and injuries were documented prospectively. Injury was defined as the combined incidence of participants with medial tibial stress syndrome, patellofemoral pain, Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis/plantar heel pain throughout the 11 weeks of training. A discriminant function analysis was used to explore the ability of baseline measures to predict injury. Overall, 67 (21.9%) participants developed an injury. Discriminant function analysis revealed that participants who sustained an injury were slightly younger (mean 21.4±SD 4.1 vs 22.5±5.0 years) and were less likely to be allocated to the foot orthosis group (40% vs 53%) compared with those who remained uninjured. The accuracy of these baseline variables to predict injury was moderate (78.1%). Lower limb injury was not accurately predicted from health questionnaires, fitness results and clinical assessments in naval recruits undertaking initial defence training. However, although not reaching statistical significance, the use of foot orthoses may be protective against common lower limb injuries. ACTRN12615000024549; Post-results. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

An investigation of the dynamic relationship between navicular drop and first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsal excursion

PubMed Central

Griffin, Nicole L; Miller, Charlotte; Schmitt, Daniel; D'Août, Kristiaan

2013-01-01

The modern human foot is a complex biomechanical structure that must act both as a shock absorber and as a propulsive strut during the stance phase of gait. Understanding the ways in which foot segments interact can illuminate the mechanics of foot function in healthy and pathological humans. It has been proposed that increased values of medial longitudinal arch deformation can limit metatarsophalangeal joint excursion via tension in the plantar aponeurosis. However, this model has not been tested directly in a dynamic setting. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that during the stance phase, subtalar pronation (stretching of the plantar aponeurosis and subsequent lowering of the medial longitudinal arch) will negatively affect the amount of first metatarsophalangeal joint excursion occurring at push-off. Vertical descent of the navicular (a proxy for subtalar pronation) and first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsal excursion were measured during steady locomotion over a flat substrate on a novel sample consisting of asymptomatic adult males and females, many of whom are habitually unshod. Least-squares regression analyses indicated that, contrary to the hypothesis, navicular drop did not explain a significant amount of variation in first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsal excursion. These results suggest that, in an asymptomatic subject, the plantar aponeurosis and the associated foot bones can function effectively within the normal range of subtalar pronation that takes place during walking gait. From a clinical standpoint, this study highlights the need for investigating the in vivo kinematic relationship between subtalar pronation and metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion in symptomatic populations, and also the need to explore other factors that may affect the kinematics of asymptomatic feet. PMID:23600634

Free-Spinning-Tunnel Tests of a 1/27-Scale Model of the Douglas XF3D-1 Airplane, TED No. NACA DE 312

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scher, Stanley H.

1947-01-01

Free-spinning-tunnel tests have been made on a 1/27-scale model of the Douglas XF3D-1 airplane to confirm a preliminary evaluation made of the airplane spin and recovery characteristics and previously reported. Recovery characteristics were satisfactory for erect and inverted spins when the model was in the clean condition. When the slow-down brakes were open, recoveries were slow. The pedal force necessary to reverse the airplane rudder during a spin will be within the physical capabilities of the pilot. A 10-foot-diameter parachute attached to the tail of the airplane (laid-out-flat diameter, drag coefficient 0.7) or a 4.5-foot-diameter parachute attached to the outboard wing tip will be satisfactory for emergency spin recovery from demonstration spins. If it becomes necessary for the crew to abandon the airplane during a spin, they should leave from the outboard side of the cockpit. The test results indicated spin and recovery characteristics generally similar to those indicated in the preliminary evaluation.

Free-Spinning-Tunnel Investigation of a 1/24-Scale Model of the Grumman F9F-6 Airplane TED No. NACA DE 364

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klinar, Walter J.; Healy, Frederick M.

1952-01-01

An investigation of a 1/24-scale model of the Grumman F9F-6 airplane has been conducted in the Langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel. The erect and inverted spin and recovery characteristics of the model were determined for the normal flight loading with the model in the clean condition. The effect of loading variations was investigated briefly. Spin-recovery parachute tests were also performed. The results indicate that erect spins obtained on the airplane in the clean condition will be satisfactorily terminated for all loading conditions provided full rudder reversal is accompanied by moving the ailerons and flaperons (lateral controls) to full with the spin (stick right in a right spin). Inverted spins should be satisfactorily terminated by full reversal of the rudder alone. The model tests indicate that an 11.4-foot (laid-out-flat diameter) tail parachute (drag coefficient approximately 0.73) should be effective as an emergency spin-recovery device during demonstration spins of the airplane provided the towline is attached above the horizontal stabilizer.

Protocol for an exploration of knowledge sharing for improved discharge from a mental health ward

PubMed Central

Rowley, Emma; Wright, Nicola; Waring, Justin; Gregoriou, Kyri; Chopra, Arun

2014-01-01

Introduction Strategies to reduce hospital admissions for mental health service users have received vast amounts of attention, yet the transfer of care from hospital to the community has been ignored. The discharge process is complex, messy, disjointed and inefficient, relying on cross-agency and organisational working. Focusing on one acute mental health admission ward, we will investigate whether the discharge process for people with severe mental health problems can be enhanced through the creation, implementation and utilisation of a knowledge sharing proforma that is used on their admission to the ward. Methods and analysis The project uses qualitative interviews to understand the complex processes associated with being admitted and discharged from inpatient mental health wards. Practitioners will be asked to identify and map the relevant stakeholders involved in admission and discharge, and discuss any problems with the process. The study team will work with clinicians to develop a knowledge collection proforma, which will be piloted for 2 months. Qualitative interviews will be carried out to collect reflections on the experiences of using the tool, with data used for further refinement of the intervention. Baseline and repeat quantitative measures will be taken to illustrate any changes to length of stay and readmission rates achieved as a result of the study. Ethics and dissemination A key issue is that participants are able to comment frankly on something that is a core part of their work, without fear or reprise. It is equally important that all participants are offered the opportunity to develop and coproduce the knowledge collection proforma, in order that the intervention produced is fit for purpose and usable in the real world, away from a research environment. The study has received ethical approval from Nottingham University Business School ethics committee, and has all appropriate National Health Service research governance clearances. PMID:25273812

“SHOUT” to improve the quality of care delivered to patients with acute kidney injury at Great Western Hospital

PubMed Central

Brady, Paul; Gorham, James; Kosti, Angeliki; Seligman, William; Courtney, Alona; Mazan, Karolina; Paterson, Stuart; Ramcharitar, Steve; Chandrasekaran, Badri; Juniper, Mark; Greamspet, Mala; Daniel, Jessica; Chalstrey, Sue; Ahmed, Ijaz; Dasgupta, Tanaji

2015-01-01

Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects up to 20% of all patients admitted to hospital, and is associated with a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes, increased healthcare costs, as well as long term risks of chronic kidney disease and end stage renal failure. The aim of this project was to improve the quality of care for patients with AKI admitted to the acute medical unit (AMU) at the Great Western Hospital (GWH). We assessed awareness and self reported confidence among physicians in our Trust, in addition to basic aspects of care relevant to AKI on our AMU. A multifaceted quality improvement strategy was developed, which included measures to improve awareness such as a Trust wide AKI awareness day, and reconfiguring the admission proforma on our AMU in order to enhance risk assessment, staging, and early response to AKI. Ancillary measures such as the dissemination of flashcards for lanyards containing core information were also used. Follow up assessments showed that foundation year one (FY1) doctors’ self reported confidence in managing AKI increased from 2.8 to 4.2, as measured on a five point Likert scale (P=0.0003). AKI risk assessment increased from 13% to 57% (P=0.07) following a change in the admission proforma. Documentation of the diagnosis of AKI increased from 66% to 95% (P=0.038) among flagged patients. Documentation of urine dip results increased from 33% to 73% (P=0.01), in addition to a rise in appropriate referral for specialist input, although this was not statistically significant. Our results suggest that using the twin approaches of improving awareness, and small changes to systemic factors such as modification of the admission proforma, can lead to significant enhancements in the quality of care of patients with AKI. PMID:26734401

Protocol for an exploration of knowledge sharing for improved discharge from a mental health ward.

PubMed

Rowley, Emma; Wright, Nicola; Waring, Justin; Gregoriou, Kyri; Chopra, Arun

2014-10-01

Strategies to reduce hospital admissions for mental health service users have received vast amounts of attention, yet the transfer of care from hospital to the community has been ignored. The discharge process is complex, messy, disjointed and inefficient, relying on cross-agency and organisational working. Focusing on one acute mental health admission ward, we will investigate whether the discharge process for people with severe mental health problems can be enhanced through the creation, implementation and utilisation of a knowledge sharing proforma that is used on their admission to the ward. The project uses qualitative interviews to understand the complex processes associated with being admitted and discharged from inpatient mental health wards. Practitioners will be asked to identify and map the relevant stakeholders involved in admission and discharge, and discuss any problems with the process. The study team will work with clinicians to develop a knowledge collection proforma, which will be piloted for 2 months. Qualitative interviews will be carried out to collect reflections on the experiences of using the tool, with data used for further refinement of the intervention. Baseline and repeat quantitative measures will be taken to illustrate any changes to length of stay and readmission rates achieved as a result of the study. A key issue is that participants are able to comment frankly on something that is a core part of their work, without fear or reprise. It is equally important that all participants are offered the opportunity to develop and coproduce the knowledge collection proforma, in order that the intervention produced is fit for purpose and usable in the real world, away from a research environment. The study has received ethical approval from Nottingham University Business School ethics committee, and has all appropriate National Health Service research governance clearances. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Improving hospital weekend handover: a user-centered, standardised approach.

PubMed

Mehra, Avi; Henein, Christin

2014-01-01

Clinical Handover remains one of the most perilous procedures in medicine (1). Weekend handover has emerged as a key area of concern with high variability in handover processes across hospitals (1,2,4, 5-10). Studying weekend handover processes within medicine at an acute teaching hospital revealed huge variability in documented content and structure. A total of 12 different pro formas were in use by the medical day-team to handover to the weekend team on-call. A Likert-survey of doctors revealed 93% felt the current handover system needed improvement with 71% stating that it did not ensure patient safety (Chi-squared, p-value <0.001, n=32). Semi-structured interviews of doctors identified common themes including "a lack of consistency in approach" "poor standardization" and "high variability". Seeking to address concerns of standardization, a standardized handover pro forma was developed using Royal College of Physician (RCP) guidelines (2), with direct end-user input. Results following implementation revealed a considerable improvement in documented ceiling of care, urgency of task and team member assignment with 100% uptake of the new proforma at both 4-week and 6-month post-implementation analyses. 88% of doctors surveyed perceived that the new proforma improved patient safety (p<0.01, n=25), with 62% highlighting that it allowed doctors to work more efficiently. Results also revealed that 44% felt further improvements were needed and highlighted electronic solutions and handover training as main priorities. Handover briefing was subsequently incorporated into junior doctor induction and education modules delivered, with good feedback. Following collaboration with key stakeholders and with end-user input, integrated electronic handover software was designed and funding secured. The software is currently under final development. Introducing a standardized handover proforma can be an effective initial step in improving weekend handover. Handover education and end-user involvement are key in improving the process. Electronic handover solutions have been shown to significantly increase the quality of handover and are worth considering (9, 10).

Improving hospital weekend handover: a user-centered, standardised approach

PubMed Central

Mehra, Avi; Henein, Christin

2014-01-01

Clinical Handover remains one of the most perilous procedures in medicine (1). Weekend handover has emerged as a key area of concern with high variability in handover processes across hospitals (1,2,4, 5–10). Studying weekend handover processes within medicine at an acute teaching hospital revealed huge variability in documented content and structure. A total of 12 different pro formas were in use by the medical day-team to handover to the weekend team on-call. A Likert-survey of doctors revealed 93% felt the current handover system needed improvement with 71% stating that it did not ensure patient safety (Chi-squared, p-value <0.001, n=32). Semi-structured interviews of doctors identified common themes including “a lack of consistency in approach” “poor standardization” and “high variability”. Seeking to address concerns of standardization, a standardized handover pro forma was developed using Royal College of Physician (RCP) guidelines (2), with direct end-user input. Results following implementation revealed a considerable improvement in documented ceiling of care, urgency of task and team member assignment with 100% uptake of the new proforma at both 4-week and 6-month post-implementation analyses. 88% of doctors surveyed perceived that the new proforma improved patient safety (p<0.01, n=25), with 62% highlighting that it allowed doctors to work more efficiently. Results also revealed that 44% felt further improvements were needed and highlighted electronic solutions and handover training as main priorities. Handover briefing was subsequently incorporated into junior doctor induction and education modules delivered, with good feedback. Following collaboration with key stakeholders and with end-user input, integrated electronic handover software was designed and funding secured. The software is currently under final development. Introducing a standardized handover proforma can be an effective initial step in improving weekend handover. Handover education and end-user involvement are key in improving the process. Electronic handover solutions have been shown to significantly increase the quality of handover and are worth considering (9, 10). PMID:26734248

Development of a freeze-tolerant solar water heater using crosslinked polyethylene as a material of construction. Final report, June 18, 1976--October 1, 1977

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bradley, J.M.

The feasibility of building a freeze-tolerant absorber for a solar water heater out of carbon-black-reinforced crosslinked polyethylene has been explored. Ten-foot tube specimens made from various crosslinked polyethylene formulations were filled with water at various pressures, and then placed into a deep freeze, then thawed and frozen again for 100 freeze-thaw cycles, or until the tube specimen failed. Tube diameters were measured before and after each freezing to determine how much distention the freezing caused, and how much permanent distention was caused by the strains of repeated freezings. Five tube specimens containing water at as high as 80 psi survivedmore » 100 freeze-thaw cycles. Also, a flat plate collector was fabricated using as absorber surface a single 400 ft tube of carbon-black-reinforced crosslinked polyethylene in the form of a flat spiral coil and this collector was tested for performance at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. The performance test indicates that the absorbancy of such a flat spiral coil to solar radiation is similar to typical black surfaces used on solar absorbers. Thus, it does seem very feasible that domestic water can be directly heated in a solar collector having an absorber made from crosslinked polyethylene, and that this collector can safely withstand at least 100 freeze-thaw cycles.« less

KSC-04pd1147

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-05-14

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings exercises its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foot-high American flag painted on the south side. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons.

KSC-04pd1146

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-05-14

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings exercises its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foot-high American flag painted on the south side. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons.

KSC-04pd1144

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-05-14

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings spreads its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foot-high American flag painted on the south side. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons.

KSC-04pd1145

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-05-14

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings spreads its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foot-high American flag painted on the south side. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons.

Solar heating system at Security State Bank, Starkville, Mississippi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The 312 square feet of Solaron flat plate air collectors provide for 788 square feet of space heating, an estimated 55 percent of the heating load. Solar heated air is distributed to the 96 cubic foot steel cylinder, which contains two inch diameter rocks. An air handler unit moves the air over the collector and into the steel cylinder. Four motorized dampers and two gravity dampers are also part of the system. A Solaron controller which has sensors located at the collectors, rock storage, and at the return air, automatically controls the system. Auxiliary heating energy is provided by electric resistance duct heaters.

Skylab

NASA Image and Video Library

1972-04-01

In this photograph, the Orbital Workshop shower compartment was unfolded by technicians for inspection. The shower compartment was a cylindrical cloth enclosure that was folded flat when not in use. The bottom ring of the shower was fastened to the floor and contained foot restraints. The upper ring contained the shower head and hose. To use the shower, the astronaut filled a pressurized portable bottle with heated water and attached the bottle to the ceiling. A flexible hose cornected the water bottle to a handheld shower head. The astronaut pulled the cylindrical shower wall up into position and bathed, using liquid soap. Both soap and water were carefully rationed, having been premeasured for economical use.

A first course in optimum design of yacht sails

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugimoto, Takeshi

1993-03-01

The optimum sail geometry is analytically obtained for the case of maximizing the thrust under equality and inequality constraints on the lift and the heeling moment. A single mainsail is assumed to be set close-hauled in uniform wind and upright on the flat sea surface. The governing parameters are the mast height and the gap between the sail foot and the sea surface. The lifting line theory is applied to analyze the aerodynamic forces acting on a sail. The design method consists of the variational principle and a feasibility study. Almost triangular sails are found to be optimum. Their advantages are discussed.

KSC-04PD-1145

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings spreads its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foot-high American flag painted on the south side. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons.

KSC-04PD-1146

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings exercises its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foot-high American flag painted on the south side. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons.

KSC-04PD-1147

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings exercises its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foot-high American flag painted on the south side. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons.

KSC-04PD-1144

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings spreads its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foot-high American flag painted on the south side. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons.

Relationship between lumbar changes and modifications in the plantar arch in women with low back pain

PubMed Central

Borges, Cláudia dos Santos; Fernandes, Luciane Fernanda Rodrigues Martinho; Bertoncello, Dernival

2013-01-01

OBJECTIVE : Evaluate the probable relationship among plantar arch, lumbar curvature, and low back pain. METHODS : Fifteen healthy women were assessed taking in account personal data and anthropometric measurements, photopodoscopic evaluation of the plantar arch, and biophotogrammetric postural analysis of the patient (both using the SAPO software), as well as evaluation of lumbar pain using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The average age of the participants was 30.45 (±6.25) years. RESULTS : Of the feet evaluated, there were six individuals with flat feet, five with high arch, and four with normal feet. All reported algic syndrome in the lumbar spine, with the highest VAS values for the volunteers with high arch. Correlation was observed between the plantar arch and the angle of the lumbar spine (r = -0.71, p = 0.004) Conclusion: High arch was correlated with more intense algic syndrome, while there was moderate positive correlation between flat foot and increased lumbar curvature, and between high arch and lumbar correction. Level of Evidence IV. Case Series. PMID:24453656

Measurements of forces, moments, and pressures on a generic store separating from a box cavity at supersonic speeds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stallings, Robert L., Jr.; Wilcox, Floyd J., Jr.; Forrest, Dana K.

1991-01-01

An experimental investigation was conducted to measure the forces, moments, and pressure distributions on the generic store separating from a rectangular box cavity contained in a flat plate surface at supersonic speeds. Pressure distributions inside the cavity and oil flow and vapor-screen photographs of the cavity flow field were also obtained. The measurements were obtained for the store separating from a flat plate surface, from two shallow cavities having length to depth ratios (L/h) of 16.778 and 12.073, and from a deep cavity having L/h = 6.730. Measurements for the shallow cavities were obtained both with and without rectangular doors attached to sides of the cavities. The tests were conducted at free stream Mach numbers of 1.69, 2.00 and 2.65 for a free stream Reynolds number per foot of 2 x 10(exp 6). Presented here are a discussion of the results, a complete tabulation of the pressure data, figures of both the pressure and force and moment data, and representative oil flow and vapor screen photographs.

Evaluation of a Process and Proforma for Making Consistent Decisions about the Seriousness of Plagiarism Incidents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yeo, Shelley; Chien, Robyn

2007-01-01

Procedures for responding consistently to plagiarism incidents are neither clear-cut nor easily implemented and yet inequitable treatment is intrinsically unfair. Classifying the seriousness of a plagiarism incident is problematic and penalties recommended for a given incident can vary greatly. This paper describes the development and testing of a…

25 CFR 103.26 - What must the borrower supply the lender in its loan application?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... balance sheets and operating statements for the preceding 3 years, or so much of that period that the... projections for the borrower's business, consisting of pro-forma balance sheets, operating statements, and... life, and other kinds of insurance the borrower will maintain on its business assets and operations; (k...

Drag measurements of an axisymmetric nacelle mounted on a flat plate at supersonic speeds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flamm, Jeffrey D.; Wilcox, Floyd J., Jr.

1995-01-01

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effect of diverter wedge half-angle and nacelle lip height on the drag characteristics of an assembly consisting of a nacelle fore cowl from a typical high-speed civil transport (HSCT) and a diverter mounted on a flat plate. Data were obtained for diverter wedge half-angles of 4.0 deg, 6.0 deg, and 8.0 deg and ratios of the nacelle lip height above a flat plate to the boundary-layer thickness (h(sub n)/delta) of approximately 0.87 to 2.45. Limited drag data were also obtained on a complete nacelle/diverter configuration that included fore and aft cowls. Although the nacelle/diverter drag data were not corrected for base pressures or internal flow drag, the data are useful for comparing the relative drag of the configuration tested. The tests were conducted in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at Mach numbers of 1.50, 1.80, 2.10, and 2.40 and Reynolds numbers ranging from 2.00 x 10(exp 6) to 5.00 x 10(exp 6) per foot. The results of this investigation showed that the nacelle/diverter drag essentially increased linearly with increasing h(sub n)/delta except near 1.0 where the data showed a nonlinear behavior. This nonlinear behavior was probably caused by the interaction of the shock waves from the nacelle/diverter configuration with the flat-plate boundary layer. At the lowest h(sub n)/delta tested, the diverter wedge half-angle had virtually no effect on the nacelle/diverter drag. However, as h(sub n)/delta increased, the nacelle/diverter drag increased as diverter wedge half-angle increased.

Collapsed heteroclinic snaking near a heteroclinic chain in dragged meniscus problems.

PubMed

Tseluiko, D; Galvagno, M; Thiele, U

2014-04-01

A liquid film is studied that is deposited onto a flat plate that is inclined at a constant angle to the horizontal and is extracted from a liquid bath at a constant speed. We analyse steady-state solutions of a long-wave evolution equation for the film thickness. Using centre manifold theory, we first obtain an asymptotic expansion of solutions in the bath region. The presence of an additional temperature gradient along the plate that induces a Marangoni shear stress significantly changes these expansions and leads to the presence of logarithmic terms that are absent otherwise. Next, we numerically obtain steady solutions and analyse their behaviour as the plate velocity is changed. We observe that the bifurcation curve exhibits collapsed (or exponential) heteroclinic snaking when the plate inclination angle is above a certain critical value. Otherwise, the bifurcation curve is monotonic. The steady profiles along these curves are characterised by a foot-like structure that is formed close to the meniscus and is preceded by a thin precursor film further up the plate. The length of the foot increases along the bifurcation curve. Finally, we prove with a Shilnikov-type method that the snaking behaviour of the bifurcation curves is caused by the existence of an infinite number of heteroclinic orbits close to a heteroclinic chain that connects in an appropriate three-dimensional phase space the fixed point corresponding to the precursor film with the fixed point corresponding to the foot and then with the fixed point corresponding to the bath.

Orthotic comfort is related to kinematics, kinetics, and EMG in recreational runners.

PubMed

Mündermann, Anne; Nigg, Benno M; Humble, R Neil; Stefanyshyn, Darren J

2003-10-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between differences in comfort and changes in lower extremity kinematic and kinetic variables and muscle activity in response to foot orthoses. Twenty-one recreational runners volunteered for this study. Three orthotic conditions (posting, custom-molding, and posting and custom-molding) were compared with a control (flat) insert. Lower extremity kinematic, kinetic, and EMG data were collected for 108 trials per subject and condition in nine sessions per subject for overground running at 4 m.s-1. Comfort for all orthotic conditions was assessed in each session using a visual analog scale. The statistical tests used included repeated measures ANOVA, linear regression analysis, and discriminant analysis (alpha = 0.05). Comfort ratings were significantly different between orthotic conditions and the control condition ([lower, upper] confidence limits; posting: [-3.1, -0.8]; molding: [0.4, 3.4]; and posting and molding: [-1.1, 1.9]); 34.9% of differences in comfort were explained by changes in 15 kinematic, kinetic, and EMG variables. The 15 kinematic, kinetic, and EMG variables that partially explained differences in comfort classified 75.0% of cases correctly to the corresponding orthotic condition. In general, comfort is an important and relevant feature of foot orthoses. Evaluations of foot orthoses using comfort do not only reflect subjective perceptions but also differences in functional biomechanical variables. Future research should focus on defining the relationship between comfort and biomechanical variables for material modifications of footwear, different modes of locomotion, and the general population.

Gender Issue in the Performance of Students Admitted through UME and Pre-Degree into the Nigerian Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Omirin, M. S.

2007-01-01

This study examined the gender issue in the performance of students admitted through Universities Matriculation Examination (UME) and pre-degree into the Nigerian Universities. Ex-post facto design of descriptive research was adopted for the study. A proforma was used to collect data from a sample of two hundred and fifty students from the…

Drag and stability characteristics of a variety of reefed and unreefed parachute configurations at Mach 1.80 with an empirical correlation for supersonic Mach numbers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Couch, L. M.

1975-01-01

An investigation was conducted at Mach 1.80 in the Langley 4-foot supersonic pressure tunnel to determine the effects of variation in reefing ratio and geometric porosity on the drag and stability characteristics of four basic canopy types deployed in the wake of a cone-cylinder forebody. The basic designs included cross, hemisflo, disk-gap-band, and extended-skirt canopies; however, modular cross and standard flat canopies and a ballute were also investigated. An empirical correlation was determined which provides a fair estimation of the drag coefficients in transonic and supersonic flow for parachutes of specified geometric porosity and reefing ratio.

Solar energy system performance evaluation - Seasonal Report for Seeco Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

1980-06-01

The SEECO Lincoln Solar Energy System was designed to provide 60 percent of the space heating for the 50 seat Hyde Memorial Observatory in Lincoln, Nebraska. The system consists of nine SEECO Mod 1 flat plate air collectors (481 square feet), a 347 cubic foot rock storage bin, blowers, controls and air ducting. An auxiliary natural gas furnace provides additional energy when the solar energy is not adequate to meet the space heating demand. The system has five modes of operation. System description, typical system operation, system operating sequence, performance assessment, system performance, subsystem performance (collector array, storage, space heating),more » operating energy, energy savings and maintenance are discussed.« less

Solar space heating for the Visitors Center, Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The solar energy system located at the Visitors' Center on the Stephens College Campus, Columbia, Missouri is discussed. The system is installed in a four-story, 15,000 square foot building. The solar energy system is an integral design of the building and utilizes 176 hydronic flat plate collectors which use a 50 percent water ethylene blycol solution and water-to-water heat exchanger. Solar heated water is stored in a 5,000 gallon water storage tank located in the basement equipment room. A natural gas fired hot water boiler supplies hot water when the solar energy heat supply fails to meet the demand. The designed solar contribution is 71 percent of the heating load.

Innovative Ballasted Flat Roof Solar PV Racking System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peek, Richard T.

2014-12-15

The objective of this project was to reduce the cost of racking for PV solar on flat commercial rooftops. Cost reductions would come from both labor savings and material savings related to the installation process. The rack would need to accommodate the majority of modules available on the market. Cascade Engineering has a long history of converting traditional metal type applications over to plastic. Injection molding of plastics have numerous advantages including selection of resin for the application, placing the material exactly where it is needed, designing in features that will speed up the installation process, and weight reduction ofmore » the array. A plastic rack would need to meet the requirements of UL2703, Mounting systems, mounting devices, clamping/retention devices, and ground lugs for use with flat-plate photovoltaic modules and panels. Comparing original data to the end of project racking design, racking material costs were reduced 50% and labor costs reduced 64%. The racking product accommodates all 60 and 72 cell panels on the market, meets UL2703 requirements, contributes only 1.3 pounds per square foot of weight to the array, requires little ballast to secure the array, automatically grounds the module when the module is secured, stacks/nests well for shipping/fewer lifts to the roof, provides integrated wire routing, allows water to drain on the roof, and accommodates various seismic roof connections. Project goals were achieved as noted in the original funding application.« less

Relationship between selected anthropometric variables and prevalence of flatfoot among urban and rural school children in south west Nigeria.

PubMed

Abolarin, T O; Aiyegbusi, A I; Tella, B A; Akinbo, S R

2011-01-01

Flat foot is a common reason for attendance at children's orthopaedic clinics. Its prevalence which varies from one population to the other has been reported to be influenced by various factors. This study investigated the effect of nutritional status as indicated by factors such as height, weight and BMI on the prevalence of flatfoot in school age children in urban and rural areas in south-western Nigeria. This study involved 560 children with age range 6 to 12 years. They were divided into two groups; rural and urban. The demographic and anthropometric data of all the subjects was taken. Each subject's static footprint was taken on a white duplicating paper after which the instep was measured and the footprint classified into high arch, normal, flat or severe flat. The body mass index and nutritional status of each subject was calculated from the anthropometric data. Epi Info statistical package programme version 3.5.1 (2008) was used to analyse the data. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) prevalence of flatfoot between the rural dwelling (18.2%) and the urban dwelling (32.9%) children. Anthropometric measurements were significantly higher in urban than in rural children. Nutritional status of urban children was also significantly higher than that of the rural children. Flatfoot is more prevalent in school age children in urban area than in the rural area; age and body mass index being the primary predictors for flatfoot.

Impulsive movements lead to high hops on sand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguilar, Jeffrey; Goldman, Daniel I.

2014-03-01

Various animals exhibit locomotive behaviors (like sprinting and hopping) involving transient bursts of actuation coupled to the ground through internal elastic elements. The performance of such maneuvers is subject to reaction forces on the feet from the environment. On substrates like dry granular media, the laws that govern these forces are not fully understood, and can vary with foot size and shape, material compaction (measured by the volume fraction ϕ) and intrusion kinematics. To gain insight into how such interactions affect jumps on granular media, we study the performance of an actuated spring mass robot. We compare performance between two jump strategies: a single-cycle sine-wave actuation (a ``single jump'') and this actuation preceded by an impulsive preload (a ``preload jump''). We vary ϕ for both strategies, and find that ϕ significantly affects performance: we observe a 200% increase in the single jump height with only a 5% increase in volume fraction using a 7.62 cm diameter flat foot. The preload jump outperforms the single jump height by 150% for all ϕ. We hypothesize that this increase in performance results from higher intrusion velocities and accelerations associated with the preload. NSF POLS CAREER, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, and ARO.

Intrinsic gait-related risk factors for Achilles tendinopathy in novice runners: a prospective study.

PubMed

Van Ginckel, Ans; Thijs, Youri; Hesar, Narmin Ghani Zadeh; Mahieu, Nele; De Clercq, Dirk; Roosen, Philip; Witvrouw, Erik

2009-04-01

The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to identify dynamic gait-related risk factors for Achilles tendinopathy (AT) in a population of novice runners. Prior to a 10-week running program, force distribution patterns underneath the feet of 129 subjects were registered using a footscan pressure plate while the subjects jogged barefoot at a comfortable self-selected pace. Throughout the program 10 subjects sustained Achilles tendinopathy of which three reported bilateral complaints. Sixty-six subjects were excluded from the statistical analysis. Therefore the statistical analysis was performed on the remaining sample of 63 subjects. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant decrease in the total posterior-anterior displacement of the Centre Of Force (COF) (P=0.015) and a laterally directed force distribution underneath the forefoot at 'forefoot flat' (P=0.016) as intrinsic gait-related risk factors for Achilles tendinopathy in novice runners. These results suggest that, in contrast to the frequently described functional hyperpronation following a more inverted touchdown, a lateral foot roll-over following heel strike and diminished forward force transfer underneath the foot should be considered in the prevention of Achilles tendinopathy.

Time Trends in Breast Cancer Among Indian Women Population: An Analysis of Population Based Cancer Registry Data.

PubMed

Chaturvedi, Meesha; Vaitheeswaran, K; Satishkumar, K; Das, Priyanka; Stephen, S; Nandakumar, A

2015-12-01

The trends observed in cancer breast among Indian women are an indication of effect of changing lifestyle in population. To draw an appropriate inference regarding the trends of a particular type of cancer in a country, it is imperative to glance at the reliable data collected by Population Based Cancer Registries over a period of time. To give an insight of changing trends of breast cancer which have taken place over a period of time among women in Cancer Registries of India. Breast Cancer trends for invasive breast cancer in women in Indian Registries have varied during the selected period. Occurrence of breast cancers has also shown geographical variation in India. This data was collected by means of a 'Standard Core Proforma' designed by NCRP conforming to the data fields as suggested by International norms. The Proforma was filled by trained Registry workers based on interview/ hospital medical records/ supplementing data by inputs from treating surgeons/radiation oncologists/involved physicians/pathologists. The contents of the Proforma are entered into specifically created software and transmitted electronically to the coordinating center at Bangalore. The registries contributing to more number of years of data are called as older registries, while other recently established registries are called newer registries. While there has been an increase recorded in breast cancer in most of the registries, some of them have recorded an insignificant increase. Comparison of Age Adjusted Rates (AARs) among Indian Registries has been carried out after which trends observed in populations covered by Indian Registries are depicted. A variation in broad age groups of females and the proneness of females developing breast cancer over the period 1982 to 2010 has been shown. Comparisons of Indian registries with International counterparts have also been carried out. There are marked changes in incidence rates of cancer breast which have occurred in respective registries in a developing country like India. A steady increase in AARs in most of the registries of India including the newly established registries is indicative of the fact that cancer breast poses a threat to women in India.

Leveraging workflow control patterns in the domain of clinical practice guidelines.

PubMed

Kaiser, Katharina; Marcos, Mar

2016-02-10

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) include recommendations describing appropriate care for the management of patients with a specific clinical condition. A number of representation languages have been developed to support executable CPGs, with associated authoring/editing tools. Even with tool assistance, authoring of CPG models is a labor-intensive task. We aim at facilitating the early stages of CPG modeling task. In this context, we propose to support the authoring of CPG models based on a set of suitable procedural patterns described in an implementation-independent notation that can be then semi-automatically transformed into one of the alternative executable CPG languages. We have started with the workflow control patterns which have been identified in the fields of workflow systems and business process management. We have analyzed the suitability of these patterns by means of a qualitative analysis of CPG texts. Following our analysis we have implemented a selection of workflow patterns in the Asbru and PROforma CPG languages. As implementation-independent notation for the description of patterns we have chosen BPMN 2.0. Finally, we have developed XSLT transformations to convert the BPMN 2.0 version of the patterns into the Asbru and PROforma languages. We showed that although a significant number of workflow control patterns are suitable to describe CPG procedural knowledge, not all of them are applicable in the context of CPGs due to their focus on single-patient care. Moreover, CPGs may require additional patterns not included in the set of workflow control patterns. We also showed that nearly all the CPG-suitable patterns can be conveniently implemented in the Asbru and PROforma languages. Finally, we demonstrated that individual patterns can be semi-automatically transformed from a process specification in BPMN 2.0 to executable implementations in these languages. We propose a pattern and transformation-based approach for the development of CPG models. Such an approach can form the basis of a valid framework for the authoring of CPG models. The identification of adequate patterns and the implementation of transformations to convert patterns from a process specification into different executable implementations are the first necessary steps for our approach.

The effectiveness of non-surgical intervention (Foot Orthoses) for paediatric flexible pes planus: A systematic review: Update

PubMed Central

Uden, Hayley; Banwell, Helen A.; Kumar, Saravana

2018-01-01

Background Flexible pes planus (flat feet) in children is a common presenting condition in clinical practice due to concerns amongst parents and caregivers. While Foot Orthoses (FOs) are a popular intervention, their effectiveness remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to update the current evidence base for the effectiveness of FOs for paediatric flexible pes planus. Methods A systematic search of electronic databases (Cochrane, Medline, AMED, EMBASE, CINHAL, SportDiscus, Scopus and PEDro) was conducted from January 2011 to July 2017. Studies of children (0–18 years) diagnosed with flexible pes planus and intervention to be any type of Foot Orthoses (FOs) were included. This review was conducted and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. McMaster critical review form for quantitative studies, was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Given the heterogeneity of the included studies, a descriptive synthesis of the included studies was undertaken. Results Out of 606 articles identified, 11 studies (three RCTs; two case-controls; five case-series and one single case study) met the inclusion criteria. A diverse range of pre-fabricated and customised FOs were utilised and effectiveness measured through a plethora of outcomes. Summarised findings from the heterogeneous evidence base indicated that FOs may have a positive impact across a range of outcomes including pain, foot posture, gait, function and structural and kinetic measures. Despite these consistent positive outcomes reported in several studies, the current evidence base lacks clarity and uniformity in terms of diagnostic criteria, interventions delivered and outcomes measured for paediatric flexible pes planus. Conclusion There continues to remain uncertainty on the effectiveness of FOs for paediatric flexible pes planus. Despite a number of methodological limitations, FOs show potential as a treatment method for children with flexible pes planus. PROSPERO registration number CRD42017057310. PMID:29451921

Contact characteristics of the subtalar joint after a simulated calcaneus fracture.

PubMed

Sangeorzan, B J; Ananthakrishnan, D; Tencer, A F

1995-06-01

A simple calcaneus fracture consisting of two parts was modeled in nine fresh cadaver hindfoot specimens to assess changes in subtalar joint contact characteristics with increasing plantar depression of the posterolateral fracture component. To perform the experiment, rods were placed in the tibial and fibular shafts of each specimen, which was mounted in a frame in neutral stance. A pneumatic cylinder was used to deliver a vertical compressive load through the rods into the foot while permitting free motion of the foot in the horizontal plane. Sealed packets of pressure-sensitive film were inserted into the anterior-middle and posterior facets of the talocalcaneal articulation, and a 700-N load was applied. After testing of the intact foot, a primary fracture line was created using a microoscillating saw. The osteotomized posterolateral component was anatomically reduced and fixed, the film inserted, and the load reapplied. The test was repeated after the posterolateral fragment was displaced 2, 5, and 10 mm in a plantar direction. The resulting pressure prints were scanned along with pressure/color density calibration strips using a flat-bed scanner, and an image analysis system was used to determine contact areas within specified pressure intervals. The contact area (> 0.5 MPa) of the posterior facet was significantly decreased with 2, 5, and 10 mm displacements of the posterolateral calcaneus fracture component. The ratio of high-pressure area (< 5.0 MPa) to contact area in the posterior facet was significantly increased only with displacements of 5 and 10 mm. There were no significant changes in any contact parameters in the anterior-middle facet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Assessment of postural stability using inertial measurement unit on inclined surfaces in healthy adults - biomed 2013.

PubMed

Frames, Chris; Soangra, Rahul; Lockhart, Thurmon E

2013-01-01

Fatal and nonfatal falls in the construction domain remain a significant issue in today’s workforce. The roofing industry in particular, annually ranks amongst the highest in all industries. Exposure to an inclined surface, such as an inclined roof surface, has been reported to have adverse effects on postural stability. The purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate the intra-individual differences in stability parameters on both inclined and level surfaces. Postural Stability (PS) and Limit of Stability (LOS) were assessed in seven healthy subjects (aged 25-35 years) on inclined and level surfaces using embedded force plates and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Four 90-second trials were collected on the inclined surface in distinctive positions: (1) Toes raised 20o above heel; (2) Heels raised 20o above toes (3); Transverse direction with dominant foot inverted at a lower height; (4) Transverse direction with non-dominant foot inverted at a lower height. Limit of Stability was evaluated by the two measurement devices in all four directions and margin of safety was quantified for each individual on both surfaces. The results reveal significant differences in postural stability between the flat surface condition and the inclined surface condition when subject was positioned perpendicular to the surface slope with one foot descended below the other; specifically, a significant increase was identified when visual support was interrupted. The findings lend support to the literature and will assist in future research regarding early detection of postural imbalance and preventative measures to reduce fall risks in professions where workers are consistently exposed to inclined surfaces.

Zapateado technique as an injury risk in Mexican folkloric and Spanish dance: an analysis of execution, ground reaction force, and muscle strength.

PubMed

Echegoyen, Soledad; Aoyama, Takeshi; Rodríguez, Cristina

2013-06-01

Zapateado is a repetitive percussive footwork in dance. This percussive movement, and the differences in technique, may be risk factors for injury. A survey on zapateado dance students found a rate of 1.5 injuries/1,000 exposures. Knee injuries are more frequent than in Spanish dancers than folkloric dancers. The aim of this research was to study the relationship between technique and ground reaction force between zapateado on Spanish and Mexican folkloric dancers. Ten female dance students (age 22.4 ± 4 yrs), six Spanish dancers and four Mexican folkloric dancers, were considered. Each student performed zapateado with a flat foot, wearing high-heeled shoes during 5 seconds on a force platform. Videotapes were taken on a lateral plane, and knee and hip angles in each movement phase were measured with Dartfish software. Additionally, knee and ankle flexor and extensor strength was measured with a dynamometer. Ground reaction forces were lower for Spanish dancers than Mexican folkloric dancers. Spanish dancers had less knee flexion when the foot contacted to the ground than did Mexican folkloric dancers. On Spanish dancers, the working leg had more motion in relation to hip and knee angles than was seen in folkloric dancers. The ankle extensors were stronger on folkloric dancers, and there were no differences for the other muscle groups. Knee flexion at foot contact and muscle strength imbalance could be risk factors for injuries. It is suggested that the technique in Spanish dance in Mexico be reviewed, although more studies are required to define more risk factors.

Jumping in simulated and true microgravity: response to maximal efforts with three landing types

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

D'Andrea, Susan E.; Perusek, Gail P.; Rajulu, Sudhakar; Perry, Julie; Davis, Brian L.

2005-01-01

BACKGROUND: Exercise is a promising countermeasure to the physiological deconditioning experienced in microgravity, but has not proven effective in eliminating the ongoing loss of bone mineral, most likely due to the lack of high-impact forces and loading rates during in-flight activity. We wanted to determine lower-extremity response to high-impact jumping exercises in true and simulated microgravity and establish if 1-G force magnitudes can be achieved in a weightless environment. METHODS: Jumping experiments were performed in a ground-based zero-gravity simulator (ZGS) in 1 G, and during parabolic flight with a gravity-replacement system. There were 12 subjects who participated in the study, with 4 subjects common to both conditions. Force, loading rates, jump height, and kinematics were analyzed during jumps with three distinct landings: two-footed toe-heel, one-footed toe-heel, and flat-footed. Gravity replacement loads of 45%, 60%, 75%, and 100% bodyweight were used in the ZGS; because of time constraints, these loads were limited to 60% and 75% bodyweight in parabolic flight. RESULTS: Average peak ground-reaction forces during landing ranged between 1902+/-607 and 2631+/-663 N in the ZGS and between 1683+/-807 and 2683+/-1174 N in the KC-135. No significant differences were found between the simulated and true microgravity conditions, but neither condition achieved the magnitudes found in 1 G. CONCLUSION: Data support the hypothesis that jumping exercises can impart high-impact forces during weightlessness and that the custom-designed ZGS will replicate what is experienced in true microgravity.

Assessment of Postural Stability using Inertial Measurement Unit on Inclined Surfaces in Healthy Adults

PubMed Central

Frames, Chris; Soangra, Rahul; Lockhart, Thurmon E.

2013-01-01

Fatal and nonfatal falls in the construction domain remain a significant issue in today’s workforce. The roofing industry in particular, annually ranks amongst the highest in all industries. Exposure to an inclined surface, such as an inclined roof surface, has been reported to have adverse effects on postural stability. The purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate the intra-individual differences in stability parameters on both inclined and level surfaces. Postural Stability (PS) and Limit of Stability (LOS) were assessed in seven healthy subjects (aged 25-35 years) on inclined and level surfaces using embedded force plates and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Four 90-second trials were collected on the inclined surface in distinctive positions: (1) Toes raised 20° above heel; (2) Heels raised 20° above toes (3); Transverse direction with dominant foot inverted at a lower height; (4) Transverse direction with non-dominant foot inverted at a lower height. Limit of Stability was evaluated by the two measurement devices in all four directions and margin of safety was quantified for each individual on both surfaces. The results reveal significant differences in postural stability between the flat surface condition and the inclined surface condition when subject was positioned perpendicular to the surface slope with one foot descended below the other; specifically, a significant increase was identified when visual support was interrupted. The findings lend support to the literature and will assist in future research regarding early detection of postural imbalance and preventative measures to reduce fall risks in professions where workers are consistently exposed to inclined surfaces. PMID:23686205

Estimated ground-water discharge by evapotranspiration from Death Valley, California, 1997-2001

USGS Publications Warehouse

DeMeo, Guy A.; Laczniak, Randell J.; Boyd, Robert A.; Smith, J. LaRue; Nylund, Walter E.

2003-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service and Inyo County, Calif., collected field data from 1997 through 2001 to accurately estimate the amount of annual ground-water discharge by evapotranspiration (ET) from the floor of Death Valley, California. Multispectral satellite-imagery and National Wetlands Inventory data are used to delineate evaporative ground-water discharge areas on the Death Valley floor. These areas are divided into five general units where ground-water discharge from ET is considered to be significant. Based upon similarities in soil type, soil moisture, vegetation type, and vegetation density; the ET units are salt-encrusted playa (21,287 acres), bare-soil playa (75,922 acres), low-density vegetation (6,625 acres), moderate-density vegetation (5,019 acres), and high-density vegetation (1,522 acres). Annual ET was computed for ET units with micrometeorological data which were continuously measured at six instrumented sites. Total ET was determined at sites that were chosen for their soil- and vegetated-surface conditions, which include salt-encrusted playa (extensive salt encrustation) 0.17 feet per year, bare-soil playa (silt and salt encrustation) 0.21 feet per year, pickleweed (pickleweed plants, low-density vegetation) 0.60 feet per year, Eagle Borax (arrowweed plants and salt grass, moderate-density vegetation) 1.99 feet per year, Mesquite Flat (mesquite trees, high-density vegetation) 2.86 feet per year, and Mesquite Flat mixed grasses (mixed meadow grasses, high-density vegetation) 3.90 feet per year. Precipitation, flooding, and ground-water discharge satisfy ET demand in Death Valley. Ground-water discharge is estimated by deducting local precipitation and flooding from cumulative ET estimates. Discharge rates from ET units were not estimated directly because the range of vegetation units far exceeded the five specific vegetation units that were measured. The rate of annual ground-water discharge by ET for each ET unit was determined by fitting the annual ground-water ET for each site with the variability in vegetation density in each ET unit. The ET rate representing the midpoint of each ET unit was used as the representative value. The rate of annual ground-water ET for the playa sites did not require scaling in this manner. Annual ground-water discharge by ET was determined for all five ET units: salt-encrusted playa (0.13 foot), bare-soil playa (0.15 foot), low-density vegetation (1.0 foot), moderate-density vegetation (2.0 feet), and high-density vegetation (3.0 feet), and an area of vegetation or bare soil not contributing to ground-water discharge unclassified (0.0 foot). The total ground-water discharge from ET for the Death Valley floor is about 35,000 acre-feet and was computed by summing the products of the area of each ET unit multiplied by a corresponding ET rate for each unit.

Helicopter hub fairing and pylon interference drag

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Graham, D. R.; Sung, D. Y.; Young, L. A.; Louie, A. W.; Stroub, R. H.

1989-01-01

A wind tunnel test was conducted to study the aerodynamics of helicopter hub and pylon fairings. The test was conducted in the 7-by 10 Foot Subsonic Wind Tunnel (Number 2) at Ames Research Center using a 1/5-scale XH-59A fuselage model. The primary focus of the test was on the rotor hub fairing and pylon mutual interference drag. Parametric studies of pylon and hub fairing geometry were also conducted. This report presents the major findings of the test as well as tabulated force and moment data, flow visualization photographs, and graphical presentations of the drag data. The test results indicate that substantial drag reduction can be attained through the use of a cambered hub fairing with circular arc upper surface and flat lower surface. Furthermore, a considerable portion of the overall drag reduction is attributed to the reduction in the hub-on-pylon interference drag. It is also observed that the lower surface curvature of the fairing has a strong influence on the hub fairing and on pylon interference drag. However, the drag reduction benefit that was obtained by using the cambered hub fairing with a flat lower surface was adversely affected by the clearance between the hub fairing and the pylon.

Water supply for the Nuclear Rocket Development Station at the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission's Nevada Test Site

USGS Publications Warehouse

Young, Richard Arden

1972-01-01

The Nuclear Rocket Development Station, in Jackass Flats, occupies about 123 square miles in the southwestern part of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission's Nevada Test Site. Jackass Flats, an intermontane valley bordered by highlands on all sides except for a drainage outlet in the southwestern corner, has an average annual rainfall of 4 inches. Jackass Flats is underlain by alluvium, colluvium, and volcanic rocks of Cenozoic age and, at greater depth, by sedimentary rocks of Paleozoic age. The alluvium and the colluvium lie above the saturated zone throughout nearly all of Jackass Flats. The Paleozoic sedimentary rocks contain limestone and dolomite units that are excellent water producers elsewhere ; however, these units are too deep in Jackass Flats to be economic sources of water. The only important water-producing unit known in the vicinity of the Nuclear Rocket Development Station is a welded-tuff aquifer, the Topopah Spring Member of the Paintbrush Tuff, which receives no significant recharge. This member contains about 500 feet of highly fractured rock underlying an area 11 miles long and 3 miles wide in western Jackass Flats. Permeability of the aquifer is derived mostly from joints and fractures; however, some permeability may be derived from gas bubbles in the upper part of the unit. Transmissivity, obtained from pumping tests, ranges from 68,000 to 488,000 gallons per day per foot. Volume of the saturated part of the aquifer is about 3.5 cubic miles, and the average specific yield probably ranges from 1 to 5 percent. The volume of ground water in storage is probably within the range of 37-187 billion gallons. This large amount of water should be sufficient to supply the needs of the Nuclear Rocket Development Station for many years. Water at the Nuclear Rocket Development Station is used for public supply, construction, test-cell coolant, exhaust cooling, and thermal shielding during nuclear reactor and engine testing, and washdown. Present (1967) average consumption of water is 520,000 gallons per day--all supplied by one well. This supply well and a standby well have a production capability of 1.6 million gallons per day--adequate for present needs. Water in the welded-tuff aquifer is of the sodium bicarbonate type. Dissolved-solids content of the water in Jackass Flats is in the general range 230 milligrams per liter in the western part to 890 milligrams per liter in the eastern part.

Planar electroluminescent panel techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kerr, C.; Kell, R. E.

1973-01-01

Investigations of planar electroluminescent multipurpose displays with latch-in memory are described. An 18 x 24 in. flat, thin address panel with elements spacing of 0.100 in. was constructed which demonstrated essentially uniform luminosity of 3-5 foot lamberts for each of its 43200 EL cells. A working model of a 4-bit EL-PC (electroluminescent photoconductive) electrooptical decoder was made which demonstrated the feasibility of this concept. A single-diagram electroluminescent display device with photoconductive-electroluminescent latch-in memory was constructed which demonstrated the conceptual soundness of this principle. Attempts to combine these principles in a single PEL multipurpose display with latch-in memory were unsuccessful and were judged to exceed the state-of-the-art for close-packed (0.10 in. centers) photoconductor-electroluminescent cell assembly.

Operation and maintenance of the Sol-Dance Building solar system. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gaultney, J.R.

1980-07-29

A 16,400 square foot general office facility has its primary heating provided by a flat plate solar system using hydronic storage and water-to-air transfer coils for distribution. Backup heat is provided by 10 individually controlled air source heat pumps ranging from 3 tons to 5 tons in capacity. These heat pumps also contain electric resistive elements for use during extremely low ambient temperatures. Cooling is also provided by the heat pumps. Each of the two buildings contains a separate domestic hot water system. Primary heat is provided by a closed loop solar unit with electric elements providing backup heat. Amore » 10,000 gallon black steel water tank provides heat storage.« less

Prevalence of early childhood caries and its risk factors in 18-72 month old children in Salem, Tamil Nadu.

PubMed

Stephen, Arokiaraj; Krishnan, Ramesh; Ramesh, Maya; Kumar, Vasaviah Suresh

2015-01-01

Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common dental diseases among the preschoolers, leading to suboptimal health. A study was planned to evaluate the prevalence of ECC in preschool children in the age group between 18 and 72 months and its relationship with parent's education and socioeconomic status of the family. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 2771 children selected randomly, in the age group 18-72 months and attending playschools and primary schools in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas of Salem, Tamil Nadu. A modified Winter et al. questionnaire and a proforma were used for collecting information on each child. The completed questionnaire and proformas were statistically analyzed and evaluated. The statistical analysis was done using Student's t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to obtain mean values. The prevalence of ECC in Salem was 16% with a mean dfs of 5.23 ± 1. Prevalence was high among the children of low socioeconomic status group and the children of working mothers, with a mean dfs of 10.47. The prevalence of ECC was 16% in Salem, Tamil Nadu. ECC was seen more in children of working mothers, lower parental education, and lower socioeconomic groups.

Cognitive systems at the point of care: The CREDO program.

PubMed

Fox, John

2017-04-01

CREDO is a framework for understanding human expertise and for designing and deploying systems that support cognitive tasks like situation and risk assessment, decision-making, therapy planning and workflow management. The framework has evolved through an extensive program of research on human decision-making and clinical practice. It draws on concepts from cognitive science, and has contributed new results to cognitive theory and understanding of human expertise and knowledge-based AI. These results are exploited in a suite of technologies for designing, implementing and deploying clinical services, early versions of which were reported by Das et al. (1997) [9] and Fox and Das (2000) [26]. A practical outcome of the CREDO program is a technology stack, a key element of which is an agent specification language (PROforma: Sutton and Fox (2003) [55]) which has proved to be a versatile tool for designing point of care applications in many clinical specialties and settings. Since software became available for implementing and deploying PROforma applications many kinds of services have been successfully built and trialed, some of which are in large-scale routine use. This retrospective describes the foundations of the CREDO model, summarizes the main theoretical, technical and clinical contributions, and discusses benefits of the cognitive approach. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A critical analysis of the current state of neurosurgery training in Pakistan

PubMed Central

Shamim, M. Shahzad; Tahir, M. Zubair; Godil, Saniya Siraj; Kumar, Rajesh; Siddiqui, Arshad Ali

2011-01-01

Objective: To observe interdepartmental variation in the availability of resources and academic activities within the various neurosurgery programs of Pakistan. Methods: This was a proforma-based survey of neurosurgery trainees and young neurosurgeons of Pakistan, looking at the academic infrastructure and output of their programs. The proforma was filled by 36 respondents from 11 neurosurgery centers of the country. All these centers were accredited for neurosurgery training in Pakistan. Results: Out of the 36 respondents, 30 were completing a Fellowship training (FCPS) and six were enrolled for a Master in Surgery (MS) program. About 80% of the participants used the Youman's Textbook of Neurosurgery as a reference book. Only 40% of the candidates had access to more than one indexed neurosurgery journal. Structured academic sessions (e.g., journal clubs and neuropathology meetings) were lacking in a majority of the training institutes, 95% of the trainees had no microsurgical laboratory experience, and modern neurosurgical tools (frameless neuronavigation system, neuroendoscopy) were in use at a few centers only. Conclusion: Neurosurgery training in Pakistan is not uniform and wide variations exist between the programs at the centers evaluated. We recommend exchange programs between centers at national and international levels, to allow trainees to gain first-hand exposure to training components not available in their own center. PMID:22276237

Confounding factors in using upward feedback to assess the quality of medical training: a systematic review.

PubMed

Zhou, Anli Yue; Baker, Paul

2014-01-01

Upward feedback is becoming more widely used in medical training as a means of quality control. Multiple biases exist, thus the accuracy of upward feedback is debatable. This study aims to identify factors that could influence upward feedback, especially in medical training. A systematic review using a structured search strategy was performed. Thirty-five databases were searched. Results were reviewed and relevant abstracts were shortlisted. All studies in English, both medical and non-medical literature, were included. A simple pro-forma was used initially to identify the pertinent areas of upward feedback, so that a focused pro-forma could be designed for data extraction. A total of 204 articles were reviewed. Most studies on upward feedback bias were evaluative studies and only covered Kirkpatrick level 1-reaction. Most studies evaluated trainers or training, were used for formative purposes and presented quantitative data. Accountability and confidentiality were the most common overt biases, whereas method of feedback was the most commonly implied bias within articles. Although different types of bias do exist, upward feedback does have a role in evaluating medical training. Accountability and confidentiality were the most common biases. Further research is required to evaluate which types of bias are associated with specific survey characteristics and which are potentially modifiable.

Origin of Florida Canyon and the role of spring sapping on the formation of submarine box canyons

USGS Publications Warehouse

Paull, Charles K.; Spiess, Fred N.; Curray, Joseph R.; Twichell, David C.

1990-01-01

Florida Canyon, one of a series of major submarine canyons on the southwestern edge of the Florida Platform, was surveyed using GLORIA, SeaBeam, and Deep-Tow technologies, and it was directly observed during three DSRV Alvin dives. Florida Canyon exhibits two distinct morphologies: a broad V-shaped upper canyon and a deeply entrenched, flat-floored, U-shaped lower canyon. The flat- floored lower canyon extends 20 km into the Florida Platform from the abyssal Gulf. The lower canyon ends abruptly at an ∼3 km in diameter semicircular headwall that rises 750 m with a >60° slope angle to the foot of the upper canyon. The sides of the lower canyon are less steep than its headwall and are characterized by straight faces that occur along preferred orientations and indicate a strong joint control. The upper canyon is characterized by a gently sloping, straight V-shaped central valley cut into a broad terrace. The flat floor of the upper canyon continues as terraces along the upper walls of the lower canyon. On the flanks of the upper canyon, there are five >50-m-deep, >0.5-km-wide, closed sink-hole-like depressions which indicate subsurface dissolution within the platform. The origin of the lower canyon is difficult to explain with traditional models of submarine canyon formation by external physical processes. The movement of ground water, probably with high salinities and reduced compounds along regional joints, may have focused the corrosive force of submarine spring sapping at the head of the lower canyon to produce the canyon's present shape.

Anticipatory changes in control of swing foot and lower limb joints when walking onto a moving surface traveling at constant speed.

PubMed

Hsu, Wei-Chun; Wang, Ting-Ming; Lu, Hsuan-Lun; Lu, Tung-Wu

2015-01-01

Adapting to a predictable moving surface such as an escalator is a crucial part of daily locomotor tasks in modern cities. However, the associated biomechanics have remained unexplored. In a gait laboratory, fifteen young adults walked from the ground onto a moving or a static surface while their kinematic and kinetic data were obtained for calculating foot and pelvis motions, as well as the angles and moments of the lower limb joints. Between-surface-condition comparisons were performed using a paired t-test (α = 0.05). The results showed that anticipatory locomotor adjustments occurred at least a stride before successfully walking onto the moving surface, including increasing step length and speed in the trailing step (p < 0.05), but the opposite in the leading step (p < 0.05). These modifications reduced the plantarflexor moment of the trailing ankle needed for stabilizing the body, while placing increased demand on the knee extensors of the trailing stance limb. For a smooth landing and to reduce the risk of instability, the subjects adopted a flat foot contact pattern with reduced leading toe-clearance (p < 0.05) at an instantaneous speed matching that of the moving surface (p > 0.05), mainly through reduced extension of the trailing hip but increased pelvic anterior tilt and leading swing ankle plantarflexion (p < 0.05). The current results provide baseline data for future studies on other populations, which will contribute to the design and development of strategies to address falls while transferring onto moving surfaces such as escalators. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) with 20 W at 640 nm: pre-clinical results and propagation model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gendron, Denis J.; Ménage, Alexander R.

2017-02-01

A novel treatment modality for photobiomodulation (PBM) is introduced called High Intensity Physio Light (HIPL) Therapy with a light source at 640 nm wavelength, 20 nm bandwidth, and up to 20 W in large 10 cm flat beam. This report exemplifies the efficacy performance of this method with three pre-clinical cases: (i) ankle: sport injury, (ii) foot: bone fractures, and (iii) shoulder: musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). In all cases, the patients systematically experienced a significant pain reduction (by 2 / 10 - 4 / 10) on a visual pain scale. In case (ii) and (iii), a steady improvement and complete recovery of the patient was respectfully obtained. This report describes the experimental treatment condition for each case, and introduces an intensity-dependant propagation model to explain our observation.

Solar heating system at Quitman County Bank, Marks, Mississippi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

Information on the Solar Energy Heating System installed in a single story wood frame, cedar exterior, sloped roof building is presented. The system has on-site temperature and power measurements readouts. The 468 square feet of Solaron air flat plate collectors provide for 2,000 square feet of space heating, an estimated 60 percent of the heating load. Solar heated air is distributed to the 235 cubic foot rock storage box or to the load (space heating) by a 960 cubic feet per minute air handler unit. A 7.5 ton Carrier air-to-air heat pump with 15 kilowatts of electric booster strips serve as a back-up (auxiliary) to the solar system. Motorized dampers control the direction of airflow and back draft dampers prevent thermal siphoning of conditioned air.

Effect of the spray application technique on the deposition of entomopathogenic nematodes in vegetables.

PubMed

Brusselman, Eva; Beck, Bert; Pollet, Sabien; Temmerman, Femke; Spanoghe, Pieter; Moens, Maurice; Nuyttens, David

2012-03-01

The present study compared entomopathogenic nematode delivery at the base of savoy cabbage and cauliflower, at the lower side of savoy cabbage and cauliflower leaves and in leek stems and the ground deposition using a five-nozzle spray boom equipped with an ISO 08 flat fan, an air induction flat fan and Twinjet spray nozzles. Additionally, an air support system and a row application system were evaluated. Approximately 40% of the applied nematodes did not reach the foot of the cabbage plants. The use of an air support system or a row application system improved nematode deposition at the savoy cabbage base. Relative nematode deposition on the lower side of savoy cabbage leaves was 27.20%, while only 2.64% of the applied nematodes reached the lower side of cauliflower leaves. After spraying leek with a standard boom, a low relative nematode deposition (26.64%) was measured in the leek stem. Nozzle type affected the distribution of nematodes in droplet spots. Nozzle type has a minor effect on the number of entomopathogenic nematodes delivered on difficult-to-reach targets. The use of modified spray application techniques directing the spray to the target site are necessary to increase the chances of contact of entomopathogenic nematodes with their target. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.

Measurements of store forces and moments and cavity pressures for a generic store in and near a box cavity at subsonic and transonic speeds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stallings, Robert L., Jr.; Plentovich, E. B.; Tracy, M. B.; Hemsch, Michael J.

1995-01-01

An experimental force and moment study was conducted in the Langley 8-Foot Transonic Pressure Tunnel for a generic store in and near rectangular box cavities contained in a flat-plate configuration at subsonic and transonic speeds. Surface pressures were measured inside the cavities and on the flat plate. The length-to-height ratios were 5.42, 6.25, 10.83, and 12.50. The corresponding width-to-height ratios were 2.00, 2.00, 4.00, and 4.00. The free-stream Mach number range was from 0.20 to 0.95. Surface pressure measurements inside the cavities indicated that the flow fields for the shallow cavities were either closed or transitional near the transitional/closed boundary. For the deep cavities, the flow fields were either open or near the open/transitional boundary. The presence of the store did not change the type of flow field and had only small effects on the pressure distributions. For transitional or open transitional flow fields, increasing the free-stream Mach number resulted in large reductions in pitching-moment coefficient. Values of pitching-moment coefficient were always much greater for closed flow fields than for open flow fields.

Wind-Tunnel Investigation of the Effects on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of Modifications to a Model of a Bomb Mounted on a Wing-Fuselage Model and to a Model of the Bomb Alone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, Thomas J., Jr.

1954-01-01

An investigation was conducted in the Langley high-speed 7- by 10-foot tunnel to determine effects of modifications to a bomb model (particularly with regard to drag) when mounted on a wing-fuselage model and tested at Mach numbers from 0.70 to 1.10. In addition, the static longitudinal stability characteristics of several configurations of a larger scale model of the bomb alone were obtained over a Mach number range from 0.50 to 0.95. The results obtained for the wing-fuselage-bomb model indicate that large reductions in installation drag were obtained for the wing-fuselage-bomb model when the flat nose of the basic bomb was replaced by rounded or pointed noses of various calibers. Shortening the mounting pylon gave further decreases in the installation drag. The tests of the bomb alone indicated that only the flat-nose configurations were stable over the greater part of the Mach number range. Nose-shape modifications which improved the drag also caused the bombs to become unstable at low angles of attack. The stability of the low-drag bomb configurations could be improved by lengthening the cylindrical portion of the body behind the center of gravity.

The effect of shoe toe box shape and volume on forefoot interdigital and plantar pressures in healthy females

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Ill-fitting footwear can be detrimental to foot health with the forefoot being an area for most discomfort. Studies on footwear have primarily examined sports or orthopaedic prescription shoes and little is known about the effects that everyday flat shoes have on the forefoot. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of toe box shape in a popular slip-on pump on dorsal and plantar pressures with particular interest around the forefoot in a healthy female population. Method A convenience sample of 27 female participants with no known foot pathologies was recruited. After assessment of foot size, plantar foot pressure and interdigital pressures were recorded for each of the 3 different toe box styles; round, square and pointed. Participants walked at a self-selected speed over a 10 m walkway whilst wearing each of the 3 styles of shoe and also whilst barefoot. Processed and analysed data extracted included peak pressure, time to peak pressure, contact time and pressure time integral. ANOVA and Freidman analysis was used to test for statistical significance. Results Shoes with a round toe showed least pressure around the medial aspect of the toes whilst the pointed shoe had least pressure on the lateral toes. Contact times for the plantar regions were not altered in any shoe condition yet contact around the medial aspect of the toes was highest in the pointed shoe. Conclusion This study highlights that the shape of the toe box in footwear can significantly influence the amount of pressure applied to the forefoot. Furthermore, the contours of the shoe also have an impact on the contact time and pressure time integral around the forefoot and also the peak plantar pressure in the toe region. The changes observed could be significant in the development of pathology in certain footwear toe box shapes. Consideration should be given to footwear design around the toe box to improve fit and reduce pressure. Further work is required to investigate the effect of toe box shape and volume on a pathological population with pressure related lesions. PMID:23886242

Stiffness Effects in Rocker-Soled Shoes: Biomechanical Implications

PubMed Central

Su, Pei-Fang; Chung, Chia-Hua; Hsia, Chi-Chun; Chang, Chih-Han

2017-01-01

Rocker-soled shoes provide a way to reduce the possible concentration of stress, as well as change movement patterns, during gait. This study attempts to examine how plantar force and spatio-temporal variables are affected by two rocker designs, one with softer and one with denser sole materials, by comparing them with the barefoot condition and with flat-soled shoes. Eleven subjects’ gait parameters during walking and jogging were recorded. Our results showed that compared with barefoot walking, plantar forces were higher for flat shoes while lower for both types of rocker shoes, the softer-material rocker being the lowest. The plantar force of flat shoes is greater than the vertical ground reaction force, while that of both rocker shoes is much less, 13.87–30.55% body weight. However, as locomotion speed increased to jogging, for all shoe types, except at the second peak plantar force of the denser sole material rocker shoes, plantar forces were greater than for bare feet. More interestingly, because the transmission of force was faster while jogging, greater plantar force was seen in the rocker-soled shoes with softer material than with denser material; results for higher-speed shock absorption in rocker-soled shoes with softer material were thus not as good. In general, the rolling phenomena along the bottom surface of the rocker shoes, as well as an increase in the duration of simultaneous curve rolling and ankle rotation, could contribute to the reduction of plantar force for both rocker designs. The possible mechanism is the conversion of vertical kinetic energy into rotational kinetic energy. To conclude, since plantar force is related to foot-ground interface and deceleration methods, rocker-design shoes could achieve desired plantar force reduction through certain rolling phenomena, shoe-sole stiffness levels, and locomotion speeds. PMID:28046009

Stiffness Effects in Rocker-Soled Shoes: Biomechanical Implications.

PubMed

Lin, Shih-Yun; Su, Pei-Fang; Chung, Chia-Hua; Hsia, Chi-Chun; Chang, Chih-Han

2017-01-01

Rocker-soled shoes provide a way to reduce the possible concentration of stress, as well as change movement patterns, during gait. This study attempts to examine how plantar force and spatio-temporal variables are affected by two rocker designs, one with softer and one with denser sole materials, by comparing them with the barefoot condition and with flat-soled shoes. Eleven subjects' gait parameters during walking and jogging were recorded. Our results showed that compared with barefoot walking, plantar forces were higher for flat shoes while lower for both types of rocker shoes, the softer-material rocker being the lowest. The plantar force of flat shoes is greater than the vertical ground reaction force, while that of both rocker shoes is much less, 13.87-30.55% body weight. However, as locomotion speed increased to jogging, for all shoe types, except at the second peak plantar force of the denser sole material rocker shoes, plantar forces were greater than for bare feet. More interestingly, because the transmission of force was faster while jogging, greater plantar force was seen in the rocker-soled shoes with softer material than with denser material; results for higher-speed shock absorption in rocker-soled shoes with softer material were thus not as good. In general, the rolling phenomena along the bottom surface of the rocker shoes, as well as an increase in the duration of simultaneous curve rolling and ankle rotation, could contribute to the reduction of plantar force for both rocker designs. The possible mechanism is the conversion of vertical kinetic energy into rotational kinetic energy. To conclude, since plantar force is related to foot-ground interface and deceleration methods, rocker-design shoes could achieve desired plantar force reduction through certain rolling phenomena, shoe-sole stiffness levels, and locomotion speeds.

Experimental and Computational Sonic Boom Assessment of Boeing N+2 Low Boom Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Durston, Donald A.; Elmiligui, Alaa; Cliff, Susan E.; Winski, Courtney S.; Carter, Melissa B.; Walker, Eric L.

2015-01-01

Near-field pressure signatures were measured and computational predictions made for several sonic boom models representing Boeing's Quiet Experimental Validation Concept (QEVC) supersonic transport, as well as three axisymmetric calibration models. Boeing developed the QEVC under a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) contract for Experimental Systems Validations for N+2 Supersonic Commercial Transport Aircraft, which was led by the NASA High Speed Project under the Fundamental Aeronautics Program. The concept was designed to address environmental and performance goals given in the NRA, specifically for low sonic boom loudness levels and high cruise efficiency, for an aircraft anticipated to enter service in the 2020 timeframe. Wind tunnel tests were conducted on the aircraft and calibration models during Phases I and II of the NRA contract from 2011 to 2013 in the NASA Ames 9- by 7-Foot and NASA Glenn 8- by 6-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnels. Sonic boom pressure signatures were acquired primarily at Mach 1.6 and 1.8, and force and moment data were acquired from Mach 0.8 to 1.8. The sonic boom test data were obtained using a 2-in. flat-top pressure rail and a 14-in. round-top tapered "reflection factor 1" (RF1) pressure rail. Both rails capture an entire pressure signature in one data point, and successive signatures at varying positions along or above the rail were used to improve data quality through spatial averaging. The sonic boom data obtained by the rails were validated with high-fidelity numerical simulations of off-body pressures using the CFD codes USM3D, Cart3D, and OVERFLOW. The test results from the RF1 rail showed good agreement between the computational and experimental data when a variety of testing techniques including spatial averaging of a series of pressure signatures were employed, however, reflections off the 2-in. flat-top rail caused distortions in the signatures that did not agree with the CFD predictions. The 9 x 7 and 8 x 6 wind tunnels generally produced comparable data.

CFD Predictions of Sonic-Boom Characteristics for Unmodified and Modified SR-71 Configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fouladi, Kamran

1999-01-01

Shaped sonic-boom signatures refer to signatures that look something other than the typical N-waves. Shaped sonic-boom signatures such as "flat-top," "ramp-type," or "hybrid-type" waveforms have been shown to reduce the subjective loudness without requiring reductions in overpressure peaks. The shaping of sonic-boom signatures requires increasing the shock rise time and changes in frequency spectra. So far, a flat-top waveform was shown to be achievable in wind tunnels; however, the influence of long propagation distance and real atmosphere on shaped signatures should be addressed using flight tests. Two different approaches have been proposed for sonic-boom minimization flight tests. The first approach, proposed by Eagle Aerospace, is for a flight test using a modified BQM-34 "FIREBEE" remotely piloted vehicle. The 30-foot long FIREBEE has a steady state flight condition at the Mach number and altitude of interest, and it can be recovered by helicopter from the water. As an alternative approach, a modified SR-71 vehicle has been proposed by the McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Benefits of the SR-71 include its variable geometry supersonic inlets, small cockpit bulge, higher Mach number capabilities, slender design, and longer length (105 foot). The present investigation addresses the sonic-boom analysis for the second vehicle.The objective of the current investigation is to assess the feasibility of a modified SR-71 configuration, with McDonnell Douglas-designed fuselage modifications, intended to produce shaped sonic-boom signatures on the ground. The present study describes the use of a higher-order computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to predict the sonic-boom characteristics for both unmodified and modified SR-71 configurations. An Euler unstructured grid methodology is used to predict the near-field, three-dimensional pressure patterns generated by both SR-71 models. The computed near-field pressure signatures are extrapolated to specified distances below the aircraft down to impingement on the ground using the code MDBOOM. Comparisons of the near-field pressure signatures with available flight-test data are presented in the current paper.

Effect of leading- and trailing-edge flaps on clipped delta wings with and without wing camber at supersonic speeds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hernandez, Gloria; Wood, Richard M.; Covell, Peter F.

1994-01-01

An experimental investigation of the aerodynamic characteristics of thin, moderately swept fighter wings has been conducted to evaluate the effect of camber and twist on the effectiveness of leading- and trailing-edge flaps at supersonic speeds in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. The study geometry consisted of a generic fuselage with camber typical of advanced fighter designs without inlets, canopy, or vertical tail. The model was tested with two wing configurations an uncambered (flat) wing and a cambered and twisted wing. Each wing had an identical clipped delta planform with an inboard leading edge swept back 65 deg and an outboard leading edge swept back 50 deg. The trailing edge was swept forward 25 deg. The leading-edge flaps were deflected 4 deg to 15 deg, and the trailing-edge flaps were deflected from -30 deg to 10 deg. Longitudinal force and moment data were obtained at Mach numbers of 1.60, 1.80, 2.00, and 2.16 for an angle-of-attack range 4 deg to 20 deg at a Reynolds number of 2.16 x 10(exp 6) per foot and for an angle-of-attack range 4 deg to 20 deg at a Reynolds number of 2.0 x 10(exp 6) per foot. Vapor screen, tuft, and oil flow visualization data are also included.

A pattern-based analysis of clinical computer-interpretable guideline modeling languages.

PubMed

Mulyar, Nataliya; van der Aalst, Wil M P; Peleg, Mor

2007-01-01

Languages used to specify computer-interpretable guidelines (CIGs) differ in their approaches to addressing particular modeling challenges. The main goals of this article are: (1) to examine the expressive power of CIG modeling languages, and (2) to define the differences, from the control-flow perspective, between process languages in workflow management systems and modeling languages used to design clinical guidelines. The pattern-based analysis was applied to guideline modeling languages Asbru, EON, GLIF, and PROforma. We focused on control-flow and left other perspectives out of consideration. We evaluated the selected CIG modeling languages and identified their degree of support of 43 control-flow patterns. We used a set of explicitly defined evaluation criteria to determine whether each pattern is supported directly, indirectly, or not at all. PROforma offers direct support for 22 of 43 patterns, Asbru 20, GLIF 17, and EON 11. All four directly support basic control-flow patterns, cancellation patterns, and some advance branching and synchronization patterns. None support multiple instances patterns. They offer varying levels of support for synchronizing merge patterns and state-based patterns. Some support a few scenarios not covered by the 43 control-flow patterns. CIG modeling languages are remarkably close to traditional workflow languages from the control-flow perspective, but cover many fewer workflow patterns. CIG languages offer some flexibility that supports modeling of complex decisions and provide ways for modeling some decisions not covered by workflow management systems. Workflow management systems may be suitable for clinical guideline applications.

Running Speed Can Be Predicted from Foot Contact Time during Outdoor over Ground Running.

PubMed

de Ruiter, Cornelis J; van Oeveren, Ben; Francke, Agnieta; Zijlstra, Patrick; van Dieen, Jaap H

2016-01-01

The number of validation studies of commercially available foot pods that provide estimates of running speed is limited and these studies have been conducted under laboratory conditions. Moreover, internal data handling and algorithms used to derive speed from these pods are proprietary and thereby unclear. The present study investigates the use of foot contact time (CT) for running speed estimations, which potentially can be used in addition to the global positioning system (GPS) in situations where GPS performance is limited. CT was measured with tri axial inertial sensors attached to the feet of 14 runners, during natural over ground outdoor running, under optimized conditions for GPS. The individual relationships between running speed and CT were established during short runs at different speeds on two days. These relations were subsequently used to predict instantaneous speed during a straight line 4 km run with a single turning point halfway. Stopwatch derived speed, measured for each of 32 consecutive 125m intervals during the 4 km runs, was used as reference. Individual speed-CT relations were strong (r2 >0.96 for all trials) and consistent between days. During the 4km runs, median error (ranges) in predicted speed from CT 2.5% (5.2) was higher (P<0.05) than for GPS 1.6% (0.8). However, around the turning point and during the first and last 125m interval, error for GPS-speed increased to 5.0% (4.5) and became greater (P<0.05) than the error predicted from CT: 2.7% (4.4). Small speed fluctuations during 4km runs were adequately monitored with both methods: CT and GPS respectively explained 85% and 73% of the total speed variance during 4km runs. In conclusion, running speed estimates bases on speed-CT relations, have acceptable accuracy and could serve to backup or substitute for GPS during tarmac running on flat terrain whenever GPS performance is limited.

Causes of Ring-Related Leg Injuries in Birds – Evidence and Recommendations from Four Field Studies

PubMed Central

Griesser, Michael; Schneider, Nicole A.; Collis, Mary-Anne; Overs, Anthony; Guppy, Michael; Guppy, Sarah; Takeuchi, Naoko; Collins, Pete; Peters, Anne; Hall, Michelle L.

2012-01-01

One of the main techniques for recognizing individuals in avian field research is marking birds with plastic and metal leg rings. However, in some species individuals may react negatively to rings, causing leg injuries and, in extreme cases, the loss of a foot or limb. Here, we report problems that arise from ringing and illustrate solutions based on field data from Brown Thornbills (Acanthiza pusilla) (2 populations), Siberian Jays (Perisoreus infaustus) and Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens (Malurus coronatus). We encountered three problems caused by plastic rings: inflammations triggered by material accumulating under the ring (Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens), contact inflammations as a consequence of plastic rings touching the foot or tibio-tarsal joint (Brown Thornbills), and toes or the foot getting trapped in partly unwrapped flat-band colour rings (Siberian Jays). Metal rings caused two problems: the edges of aluminium rings bent inwards if mounted on top of each other (Brown Thornbills), and too small a ring size led to inflammation (Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens). We overcame these problems by changing the ringing technique (using different ring types or larger rings), or using different adhesive. Additionally, we developed and tested a novel, simple technique of gluing plastic rings onto metal rings in Brown Thornbills. A review of studies reporting ring injuries (N = 23) showed that small birds (<55 g body weight) are more prone to leg infections while larger birds (>35 g) tend to get rings stuck over their feet. We give methodological advice on how these problems can be avoided, and suggest a ringing hazard index to compare the impact of ringing in terms of injury on different bird species. Finally, to facilitate improvements in ringing techniques, we encourage online deposition of information regarding ringing injuries of birds at a website hosted by the European Union for Bird Ringing (EURING). PMID:23300574

The utility of Pro Forma Income Statements.

PubMed

Reiboldt, Max; Reiboldt, John

2002-01-01

Recent headlines surrounding the financial demise of the nation's seventh largest company, Enron, and its subsequent entanglements with its accounting and consulting firm, Arthur Andersen, have placed a cloud of suspicion upon many reasonable business practices that otherwise are considered standard procedure. The proforma income statement is one of those practices. An oft-used tool in financial management, pro formas play a useful role for projecting financial performance based on predictable forecasts or assumptions. Regardless of the current scrutiny, there is still a valid use for accurately prepared statements.

Pedobarography in diagnosis and clinical application.

PubMed

Skopljak, Amira; Muftic, Mirsad; Sukalo, Aziz; Masic, Izet; Zunic, Lejla

2014-12-01

Pedobarography as a new diagnostic tool enables measuring the pressure between the foot and the floor during dynamic loading. Dynamic analysis of the foot shows advantage over static analysis due to its capabilities for detecting high load points in certain diseases and in certain phases of walking. Pedobarography as a new method in the context of rehabilitation include wide range of clinical entities. To show the advantages of pedobarography as new diagnostic and rehabilitation method in prevention programs. A prospective study included 100 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. Research was conducted in the Primary Health Care Center of the Sarajevo Canton and the Center for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The test parameters were: Test of balance-symmetric load for the test, the number of comorbidity, clinical examination of foot deformity, test with 10 g monofilament, HbA1c. From the total sample 45 patients (Group I) were selected, aged 50-65 years, which underwent pedobarography (on the appliance Novel Inc., Munich with EMED™ platform) and robotic fabrication of individual orthopedic insoles, followed by control pedobarography. Plantar pressure was determined using standard pedobarography, computer recorded parameters: peak pressure (kPa), force (Ns), area (cm). The average age of the respondents was 59.4±11.38 years; altered results on the balance test were present in 34% of patients; 61% of respondents have ≤2 comorbidity. In the total sample, the average number of foot deformity was 2.84. Flat feet have 66% of respondents, and valgus position 57%. The average HbA1c values were 7.783±1.58% (min.5-max.15.0). All subjects (45) after the first, and after the second measurement of peak pressure, have values above 200 kPa, or are in the designated zone of peak pressure that needs to be corrected. In a study was determined the correlation between the number of deformities and peak pressure, the number of deformities and the area upon which plantar pressure act, test with 10g monofilament and peak pressure. Within the framework of prevention programs early diagnosis, detection of sensitivity disorders, adequate treatment and taking load from the feet with the help of pedobarography, are of great importance for the patient suffering from diabetes.

Convergance experiments with a hydrodynamic model of Port Royal Sound, South Carolina

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, J.K.; Schaffranek, R.W.; Baltzer, R.A.

1989-01-01

A two-demensional, depth-averaged, finite-difference, flow/transport model, SIM2D, is being used to simulate tidal circulation and transport in the Port Royal Sound, South Carolina, estuarine system. Models of a subregion of the Port Royal Sound system have been derived from an earlier-developed model of the entire system having a grid size of 600 ft. The submodels were implemented with grid sizes of 600, 300, and 150 ft in order to determine the effects of changes in grid size on computed flows in the subregion, which is characterized by narrow channels and extensive tidal flats that flood and dewater with each rise and fall of the tide. Tidal amplitudes changes less than 5 percent as the grid size was decreased. Simulations were performed with the 300-foot submodel for time steps of 60, 30, and 15 s. Study results are discussed.

Skylab

NASA Image and Video Library

1972-05-01

This photograph shows technicians performing a checkout of the Metabolic Analyzer (center background) and the Ergometer (foreground) in the Orbital Workshop (OWS). The shower compartment is at right. The Ergometer (Skylab Experiment M171) evaluated man's metabolic effectiveness and cost of work in space environment. Located in the experiment and work area of the OWS, the shower compartment was a cylindrical cloth enclosure that was folded flat when not in use. The bottom ring of the shower was fastened to the floor and contained foot restraints. The upper ring contained the shower head and hose. To use the shower, the astronaut filled a pressurized portable bottle with heated water and attached the bottle to the ceiling. A flexible hose cornected the water bottle to a handheld shower head. The astronaut pulled the cylindrical shower wall up into position and bathed, using liquid soap. Both soap and water were carefully rationed, having been premeasured for economical use.

Terahertz Computed Tomography of NASA Thermal Protection System Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, D. J.; Reyes-Rodriguez, S.; Zimdars, D. A.; Rauser, R. W.; Ussery, W. W.

2011-01-01

A terahertz axial computed tomography system has been developed that uses time domain measurements in order to form cross-sectional image slices and three-dimensional volume renderings of terahertz-transparent materials. The system can inspect samples as large as 0.0283 cubic meters (1 cubic foot) with no safety concerns as for x-ray computed tomography. In this study, the system is evaluated for its ability to detect and characterize flat bottom holes, drilled holes, and embedded voids in foam materials utilized as thermal protection on the external fuel tanks for the Space Shuttle. X-ray micro-computed tomography was also performed on the samples to compare against the terahertz computed tomography results and better define embedded voids. Limits of detectability based on depth and size for the samples used in this study are loosely defined. Image sharpness and morphology characterization ability for terahertz computed tomography are qualitatively described.

Molecular velocimetry using stimulated Raman spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Exton, R. J.; Hillard, M. E.

1984-01-01

Molecular flow velocity of N2 was measured in a supersonic wind tunnel using inverse Raman spectroscopy. This technique employs the large Doppler shift exhibited by the molecules when the pump and probe laser beams are counter-propagating (backward scattering). A retrometer system is employed to yield a vibration-free optical configuration which has the additional advantage of obtaining both the forward and backward scattered spectra simultaneously. The linebreadths and their relative Doppler shift can be used to determine the static pressure, translational temperature, and molecular flow velocity. A demonstration of the concept was performed in a supersonic wind tunnel and included: (1) measurements over the Mach number range 2.50 to 4.63; (2) static pressure measurements (at Mach 2.50) corresponding to a Reynolds number per foot range of 1 to 5 x 10 to the 6th power; and (3) measurements behind the shock wave of a flat plate model.

Assessment of a Conceptual Flap System Intended for Enhanced General Aviation Safety

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Bryan A.; Carter, Melissa B.

2017-01-01

A novel multielement trailing-edge flap system for light general aviation airplanes was conceived for enhanced safety during normal and emergency landings. The system is designed to significantly reduce stall speed, and thus approach speed, with the goal of reducing maneuveringflight accidents and enhancing pilot survivability in the event of an accident. The research objectives were to assess the aerodynamic performance characteristics of the system and to evaluate the extent to which it provided both increased lift and increased drag required for the low-speed landing goal. The flap system was applied to a model of a light general aviation, high-wing trainer and tested in the Langley 12- Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel. Data were obtained for several device deflection angles, and component combinations at a dynamic pressure of 4 pounds per square foot. The force and moment data supports the achievement of the desired increase in lift with substantially increased drag, all at relatively shallow angles of attack. The levels of lift and drag can be varied through device deflection angles and inboard/outboard differential deflections. As such, it appears that this flap system may provide an enabling technology to allow steep, controllable glide slopes for safe rapid descent to landing with reduced stall speed. However, a simple flat-plate lower surface spoiler (LSS) provided either similar or superior lift with little impact on pitch or drag as compared to the proposed system. Higher-fidelity studies are suggested prior to use of the proposed system.

Do corrective shoes improve the development of the medial longitudinal arch in children with flexible flat feet?

PubMed

Kanatlı, Ulunay; Aktas, Erdem; Yetkin, Haluk

2016-09-01

Flexible flatfoot, as the most prevalent foot deformity in pediatric population still has no standardized strategy for its management hence some orthopedic surgeons have the tendency to use orthotic devices. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether orthotic shoes effect the natural course of the developing medial longitudinal arch in children diagnosed with moderate flexible flatfoot. Fourty-five children (33 boys and 12 girls) with moderate flexible flatfoot were enrolled in this study. They were followed up for 34.6 ± 10.9 months (24-57 months). Patients in group 1 were treated with corrective shoes whereas group 2 was left untreated. Patients were evaluated according to; general joint laxity, arch index, lateral talo-first metatarsal (TM), talo-horizontal (TH), calcaneal pitch (CP), lateral and anterior talocalcaneal (TC) angles. Although there was a significant decrease in general laxity in both groups, decrease of laxity percentage was not significant between groups (p = 0.812). TM, TH and anterior TC angles were found to be decreased in groups whereas there was no difference between group 1 and 2. The arch index was found to be correlated with TM and TH angles in both groups (p = 0.004, p = 0.013). Corrective shoes for flexible flatfoot was found not effective on development of foot arches. Therefore, they should be limited only for selected cases. Copyright © 2016 The Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mass casualty incidents: are NHS staff prepared? An audit of one NHS foundation trust.

PubMed

Milkhu, C S; Howell, D C J; Glynne, P A; Raptis, D; Booth, H L; Langmead, L; Datta, V K

2008-09-01

Lack of knowledge of an NHS trust's major incident policies by clinical staff may result in poorly coordinated responses during a mass casualty incident (MCI). To audit knowledge of the major incident policy by clinical staff working in a central London major acute NHS trust designated to receive casualties on a 24-h basis during a MCI. A 12-question proforma was distributed to 307 nursing and medical staff in the hospital, designed to assess their knowledge of the major incident policy. Completed proformas were collected over a 2-month period between December 2006 and February 2007. A reply rate of 34% was obtained, with a reasonable representation from all disciplines ranging from nurses to consultants. Despite only 41% having read the policy in full, 70% knew the correct immediate action to take if informed of major incident activation. 76% knew the correct stand-down procedure. 56% knew the correct reporting point but less than 25% knew that an action card system was utilised. Nurses had significantly (p<0.01) more awareness of the policy than doctors. In view of the heightened terrorist threat in London, knowledge of major incident policy is essential. The high percentage of positive responses relating to immediate and stand-down actions reflects the rolling trust-wide MCI education programme and the organisational memory of the trust following several previous MCI in the capital. There is still scope for an improvement in awareness, however, particularly concerning knowledge of action cards, which are now displayed routinely throughout clinical areas and will be incorporated into induction packs.

Using the Newly Developed Floor-Sitting Movement Analysis Proforma to Study the Effect of Age and Activity on Floor-Sitting in Indian Adults.

PubMed

Nagrajan, Anjana; D'Souza, Sebestina A

2017-03-01

Floor-sitting is culturally relevant to the Indian context. The present study aimed to examine the effect of age and activity on the movement patterns used and time taken to perform floor-sitting in Indian adults. Video-recordings of 30 young (23.30 ± 2.53 years) and 30 older (69.67 ± 6.45 years) adults performing floor-sitting without and with an activity (simulated feeding) were analyzed using the Floor-sitting Movement Analysis Proforma (FMAP) developed for the study. For inter-rater reliability of the FMAP, two raters analyzed the performance of a random sample of 20 participants. An almost perfect inter-rater agreeability (κ ≥ .8) was obtained for the FMAP. Cross-legged sitting was the most preferred (95%) floor-sitting position. Older adults used more number of movement components, asymmetrical patterns, more support, and more time (p < .001) as compared to the young adults. The activity facilitated the use of optimal movement strategies in young and older adults. The activity significantly increased time taken to rise from floor-sitting (p = .004). The study establishes the influence of age and activity on performance of floor-sitting. Older adults use lower developmental movement patterns that may be a "normal" adaptation to age-related sensorimotor changes. Retraining of floor-sitting is a "culturally" desired goal among Indian adults and should involve the practice of age-appropriate movement patterns in the context of meaningful activities.

Antarctic sea ice thickness data archival and recovery at the Australian Antarctic Data Centre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Worby, A. P.; Treverrow, A.; Raymond, B.; Jordan, M.

2007-12-01

A new effort is underway to establish a portal for Antarctic sea ice thickness data at the Australian Antarctic Data Centre (http://aadc-maps.aad.gov.au/aadc/sitd/). The intention is to provide a central online access point for a wide range of sea ice data sets, including sea ice and snow thickness data collected using a range of techniques, and sea ice core data. The recommendation to establish this facility came from the SCAR/CliC- sponsored International Workshop on Antarctic Sea Ice Thickness, held in Hobart in July 2006. It was recognised, in particular, that satellite altimetry retrievals of sea ice and snow cover thickness rely on large-scale assumptions of the sea ice and snow cover properties such as density, freeboard height, and snow stratigraphy. The synthesis of historical data is therefore particularly important for algorithm development. This will be closely coordinated with similar efforts in the Arctic. A small working group was formed to identify suitable data sets for inclusion in the archive. A series of standard proformas have been designed for converting old data, and to help standardize the collection of new data sets. These proformas are being trialled on two Antarctic sea ice research cruises in September - October 2007. The web-based portal allows data custodians to remotely upload and manage their data, and for all users to search the holdings and extract data relevant to their needs. This presentation will report on the establishment of the data portal, recent progress in identifying appropriate data sets and making them available online. maps.aad.gov.au/aadc/sitd/

Contrasting behavioral and feeding strategies recorded by tidal-flat bivalve trace fossils from the Upper Carboniferous of eastern Kansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mangano, M.G.; Buatois, L.A.; West, R.R.; Maples, C.G.

1998-01-01

Upper Carboniferous tidal-flat deposits near Waverly, eastern Kansas (Stull Shale Member, Kanwaka Shale Formation), host abundant and very well-preserved trace fossils attributed to the activity of burrowing bivalves. Thin shell lenses with an abundant bivalve fauna area associated with the ichnofossil-bearing beds and afford an unusual opportunity to relate trace fossils to their makers. Two distinctive life and feeding strategies can be reconstructed on the basis of trace fossil analysis and functional morphology. Lockeria siliquaria hyporeliefs commonly are connected with vertical to inclined, truncated endichnial shafts in the absence of horizontal locomotion traces. These structures record vertical and oblique displacement through the sediment, and suggest relatively stable domiciles rather than temporary resting traces as typically considered. Crowded bedding surfaces displaying cross-cutting relationships between specimens of L. siliquaria and differential preservation at the top (concave versus convex epireliefs) record a complex history of successive events of colonization, erosion, deposition, and recolonization (time-averaged assemblages). Irregujlar contours of some large hypichnia indicate the cast of the foot, while other outlines closely match the anterior area of Wilkingia, its suggested tracemaker. Relatively stable, vertical to inclined life positions and dominanit vertical mobility suggest a filter-feeding strategy. Moreover, the elongate shell and pallial sinus of Wilkingia providfe a strong independent line of evidence for an opisthosiphonate, moderately deep-tier inhabitant. Wilingia may represent a pioneer attempt at siphon-feeding in the late Paleozoic, preceding the outcome of the Mesozoic infaunal radiation. A second strategy is represented by Lockeia ornata and association locomotionm and locomotion/feding structures. Lockeia ornata is commonly connected with chevron locomotion traces that record the bifurcated foot of a protobranch bivalve. Lockeia ornata exhibits distinctive, fine, parallel lines that mimic the ornamentation of Phestia, a nuculanid protobranch bivalve. Rosary and radial structures give evidence of a patterned search for food. Lockeia ornata and associated Protovirgularia record dominant horizontal locomoton and suggest the activity of deposit-feeding bivalves. Morphologic variability of Protovirgularia was controlled by substrate fluidity, which was dependent on sediment heterogeneity and tidal-cycle dynamics. This study demonstrates that detailed analysis of bivalve traces provides valuable information on bivalve ethology and paleoecology, evolutionary innovations, environmental dynamics, and substrate fluidity.

An Investigation of the Free-Spinning and Recovery Characteristics of a 1/24-Scale Model of the Grumman F11F-1 Airplane with Alternate Nose Configurations with and without Wing Fuel Tanks, TED No. NACA AD 395

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowman, James S., Jr.

1958-01-01

A supplementary investigation has been conducted in the langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel on a l/24-scale model of the Grumman F11F-1 airplane to determine the spin and recovery characteristics with alternate nose configurations, the production version and the elongated APS-67 version, with and without empty and full wing tanks. When spins were obtained with either alternate nose configuration, they were oscillatory and recovery characteristics were considered unsatisfactory on the basis of the fact that very slow recoveries were indicated to be possible. The simultaneous extension of canards near the nose of the model with rudder reversal was effective in rapidly terminating the spin. The addition of empty wing tanks had little effect on the developed spin and recovery characteristics. The model did not spin erect with full wing tanks. For optimum recovery from inverted spins, the rudder should be reversed to 22O against the spin and simultaneously the flaperons should be moved with the developed spin; the stick should be held at or moved to full forward longitudinally. The minimum size parachute required to insure satisfactory recoveries in an emergency was found to be 12 feet in diameter (laid out flat) with a drag coefficient of 0.64 (based on the laid-out-flat diameter) and a towline length of 32 feet.

Foot Function, Foot Pain, and Falls in Older Adults: the Framingham Foot Study

PubMed Central

Awale, Arunima; Hagedorn, Thomas J.; Dufour, Alyssa B.; Menz, Hylton B.; Casey, Virginia A.; Hannan, Marian T.

2017-01-01

Background Although foot pain has been linked to fall risk, contributions of pain severity, foot posture or foot function are unclear. These factors were examined in a cohort of older adults. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of foot pain, severity of foot pain and measures of foot posture and dynamic foot function with reported falls in a large, well-described cohort of older adults from the Framingham Foot Study. Methods Foot pain, posture and function were collected from Framingham Foot Study participants who were queried about falls over the past year (0, 1, 2+ falls). Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the relation of falls with foot pain, pain severity, foot posture, and foot function adjusting for covariates. Results Of 1375 participants, mean age was 69y; 57% were female; 21% reported foot pain (40% mild pain, 47% moderate, 13% severe pain). One-third reported falls in past year (1 fall: n=263, 2+ falls: n=152). Foot pain was associated with a 62% increased odds of recurrent falls. Those with moderate and severe foot pain showed increased odds of 2+ falls (OR=1.78, CI 1.06–2.99, and OR = 3.25, CI 1.65–7.48, respectively) compared to no foot pain. Foot function was not associated with falls. Compared to normal foot posture, those with planus foot posture had 78% higher odds of 2+ falls. Conclusion Higher odds of recurrent falls were observed in individuals with foot pain, especially severe foot pain, as well as individuals with planus foot posture, indicating that both foot pain and foot posture may play a role in increasing the risk of falls among older adults. PMID:28482340

Foot Disorders, Foot Posture, and Foot Function: The Framingham Foot Study

PubMed Central

Hagedorn, Thomas J.; Dufour, Alyssa B.; Riskowski, Jody L.; Hillstrom, Howard J.; Menz, Hylton B.; Casey, Virginia A.; Hannan, Marian T.

2013-01-01

Introduction Foot disorders are common among older adults and may lead to outcomes such as falls and functional limitation. However, the associations of foot posture and foot function to specific foot disorders at the population level remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to assess the relation between specific foot disorders, foot posture, and foot function. Methods Participants were from the population-based Framingham Foot Study. Quintiles of the modified arch index and center of pressure excursion index from plantar pressure scans were used to create foot posture and function subgroups. Adjusted odds ratios of having each specific disorder were calculated for foot posture and function subgroups relative to a referent 3 quintiles. Results Pes planus foot posture was associated with increased odds of hammer toes and overlapping toes. Cavus foot posture was not associated with the foot disorders evaluated. Odds of having hallux valgus and overlapping toes were significantly increased in those with pronated foot function, while odds of hallux valgus and hallux rigidus were significantly decreased in those with supinated function. Conclusions Foot posture and foot function were associated with the presence of specific foot disorders. PMID:24040231

Virtual clinics in glaucoma care: face-to-face versus remote decision-making.

PubMed

Clarke, Jonathan; Puertas, Renata; Kotecha, Aachal; Foster, Paul J; Barton, Keith

2017-07-01

To examine the agreement in clinical decisions of glaucoma status made in a virtual glaucoma clinic with those made during a face-to-face consultation. A trained nurse and technicians entered data prospectively for 204 patients into a proforma. A subsequent face-to-face clinical assessment was completed by either a glaucoma consultant or fellow. Proformas were reviewed remotely by one of two additional glaucoma consultants, and 12 months later, by the clinicians who had undertaken the original clinical examination. The interobserver and intraobserver decision-making agreements of virtual assessment versus standard care were calculated. We identified adverse disagreement between face-to-face and virtual review in 7/204 (3.4%, 95% CI 0.9% to 5.9%) patients, where virtual review failed to predict a need to accelerated follow-up identified in face-to-face review. Misclassification events were rare, occurring in 1.9% (95% CI 0.3% to 3.8%) of assessments. Interobserver κ (95% CI) showed only fair agreement (0.24 (0.04 to 0.43)); this improved to moderate agreement when only consultant decisions were compared against each other (κ=0.41 (0.16 to 0.65)). The intraobserver agreement κ (95% CI) for the consultant was 0.274 (0.073 to 0.476), and that for the fellow was 0.264 (0.031 to 0.497). The low rate of adverse misclassification, combined with the slowly progressive nature of most glaucoma, and the fact that patients will all be regularly reassessed, suggests that virtual clinics offer a safe, logistically viable option for selected patients with glaucoma. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

A formal approach to the analysis of clinical computer-interpretable guideline modeling languages.

PubMed

Grando, M Adela; Glasspool, David; Fox, John

2012-01-01

To develop proof strategies to formally study the expressiveness of workflow-based languages, and to investigate their applicability to clinical computer-interpretable guideline (CIG) modeling languages. We propose two strategies for studying the expressiveness of workflow-based languages based on a standard set of workflow patterns expressed as Petri nets (PNs) and notions of congruence and bisimilarity from process calculus. Proof that a PN-based pattern P can be expressed in a language L can be carried out semi-automatically. Proof that a language L cannot provide the behavior specified by a PNP requires proof by exhaustion based on analysis of cases and cannot be performed automatically. The proof strategies are generic but we exemplify their use with a particular CIG modeling language, PROforma. To illustrate the method we evaluate the expressiveness of PROforma against three standard workflow patterns and compare our results with a previous similar but informal comparison. We show that the two proof strategies are effective in evaluating a CIG modeling language against standard workflow patterns. We find that using the proposed formal techniques we obtain different results to a comparable previously published but less formal study. We discuss the utility of these analyses as the basis for principled extensions to CIG modeling languages. Additionally we explain how the same proof strategies can be reused to prove the satisfaction of patterns expressed in the declarative language CIGDec. The proof strategies we propose are useful tools for analysing the expressiveness of CIG modeling languages. This study provides good evidence of the benefits of applying formal methods of proof over semi-formal ones. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Foot Function, Foot Pain, and Falls in Older Adults: The Framingham Foot Study.

PubMed

Awale, Arunima; Hagedorn, Thomas J; Dufour, Alyssa B; Menz, Hylton B; Casey, Virginia A; Hannan, Marian T

2017-01-01

Although foot pain has been linked to fall risk, contributions of pain severity, foot posture, or foot function are unclear. These factors were examined in a cohort of older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of foot pain, severity of foot pain, and measures of foot posture and dynamic foot function with reported falls in a large, well-described cohort of older adults from the Framingham Foot Study. Foot pain, posture, and function were collected from Framingham Foot Study participants who were queried about falls over the past year (0, 1, and ≥2 falls). Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relation of falls with foot pain, pain severity, foot posture, and foot function adjusting for covariates. The mean age of the 1,375 participants was 69 years; 57% were female, and 21% reported foot pain (40% mild pain, 47% moderate pain, and 13% severe pain). One-third reported falls in the past year (1 fall: n = 263, ≥2 falls: n = 152). Foot pain was associated with a 62% increased odds of recurrent falls. Those with moderate and severe foot pain showed increased odds of ≥2 falls (OR 1.78, CI 1.06-2.99, and OR 3.25, CI 1.65-7.48, respectively) compared to those with no foot pain. Foot function was not associated with falls. Compared to normal foot posture, those with planus foot posture had 78% higher odds of ≥2 falls. Higher odds of recurrent falls were observed in individuals with foot pain, especially severe foot pain, as well as in individuals with planus foot posture, indicating that both foot pain and foot posture may play a role in increasing the risk of falls among older adults. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Flow of supersonic jets across flat plates: Implications for ground-level flow from volcanic blasts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orescanin, Mara M.; Prisco, David; Austin, Joanna M.; Kieffer, Susan W.

2014-04-01

We report on laboratory experiments examining the interaction of a jet from an overpressurized reservoir with a canonical ground surface to simulate lateral blasts at volcanoes such as the 1980 blast at Mount St. Helens. These benchmark experiments test the application of supersonic jet models to simulate the flow of volcanic jets over a lateral topography. The internal shock structure of the free jet is modified such that the Mach disk shock is elevated above the surface. In elevation view, the width of the shock is reduced in comparison with a free jet, while in map view the dimensions are comparable. The distance of the Mach disk shock from the vent is in good agreement with free jet data and can be predicted with existing theory. The internal shock structures can interact with and penetrate the boundary layer. In the shock-boundary layer interaction, an oblique shock foot is present in the schlieren images and a distinctive ground signature is evident in surface measurements. The location of the oblique shock foot and the surface demarcation are closely correlated with the Mach disk shock location during reservoir depletion, and therefore, estimates of a ground signature in a zone devastated by a blast can be based on the calculated shock location from free jet theory. These experiments, combined with scaling arguments, suggest that the imprint of the Mach disk shock on the ground should be within the range of 4-9 km at Mount St. Helens depending on assumed reservoir pressure and vent dimensions.

Rotation and transport in Alcator C-Mod ITB plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiore, C. L.; Rice, J. E.; Podpaly, Y.; Bespamyatnov, I. O.; Rowan, W. L.; Hughes, J. W.; Reinke, M.

2010-06-01

Internal transport barriers (ITBs) are seen under a number of conditions in Alcator C-Mod plasmas. Most typically, radio frequency power in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRFs) is injected with the second harmonic of the resonant frequency for minority hydrogen ions positioned off-axis at r/a > 0.5 to initiate the ITBs. They can also arise spontaneously in ohmic H-mode plasmas. These ITBs typically persist tens of energy confinement times until the plasma terminates in radiative collapse or a disruption occurs. All C-Mod core barriers exhibit strongly peaked density and pressure profiles, static or peaking temperature profiles, peaking impurity density profiles and thermal transport coefficients that approach neoclassical values in the core. The strongly co-current intrinsic central plasma rotation that is observed following the H-mode transition has a profile that is peaked in the centre of the plasma and decreases towards the edge if the ICRF power deposition is in the plasma centre. When the ICRF resonance is placed off-axis, the rotation develops a well in the core region. The central rotation continues to decrease as long as the central density peaks when an ITB develops. This rotation profile is flat in the centre (0 < r/a < 0.4) but rises steeply in the region where the foot in the ITB density profile is observed (0.5 < r/a < 0.7). A correspondingly strong E × B shear is seen at the location of the ITB foot that is sufficiently large to stabilize ion temperature gradient instabilities that dominate transport in C-Mod high density plasmas.

Randomized controlled trial of robot-assisted gait training with dorsiflexion assistance on chronic stroke patients wearing ankle-foot-orthosis.

PubMed

Yeung, Ling-Fung; Ockenfeld, Corinna; Pang, Man-Kit; Wai, Hon-Wah; Soo, Oi-Yan; Li, Sheung-Wai; Tong, Kai-Yu

2018-06-19

Robot-assisted ankle-foot-orthosis (AFO) can provide immediate powered ankle assistance in post-stroke gait training. Our research team has developed a novel lightweight portable robot-assisted AFO which is capable of detecting walking intentions using sensor feedback of wearer's gait pattern. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of robot-assisted gait training with ankle dorsiflexion assistance. This was a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Nineteen chronic stroke patients with motor impairment at ankle participated in 20-session robot-assisted gait training for about five weeks, with 30-min over-ground walking and stair ambulation practices. Robot-assisted AFO either provided active powered ankle assistance during swing phase in Robotic Group (n = 9), or torque impedance at ankle joint as passive AFO in Sham Group (n = 10). Functional assessments were performed before and after the 20-session gait training with 3-month Follow-up. Primary outcome measure was gait independency assessed by Functional Ambulatory Category (FAC). Secondary outcome measures were clinical scores including Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Six-minute Walk Test (SMWT), supplemented by gait analysis. All outcome measures were performed in unassisted gait after patients had taken off the robot-assisted AFO. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance was conducted to test the group differences referenced to clinical scores before training. After 20-session robot-assisted gait training with ankle dorsiflexion assistance, the active ankle assistance in Robotic Group induced changes in gait pattern with improved gait independency (all patients FAC ≥ 5 post-training and 3-month follow-up), motor recovery, walking speed, and greater confidence in affected side loading response (vertical ground reaction force + 1.49 N/kg, peak braking force + 0.24 N/kg) with heel strike instead of flat foot touch-down at initial contact (foot tilting + 1.91°). Sham Group reported reduction in affected leg range of motion (ankle dorsiflexion - 2.36° and knee flexion - 8.48°) during swing. Robot-assisted gait training with ankle dorsiflexion assistance could improve gait independency and help stroke patients developing confidence in weight acceptance, but future development of robot-assisted AFO should consider more lightweight and custom-fit design. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02471248 . Registered 15 June 2015 retrospectively registered.

Planus Foot Posture and Pronated Foot Function are Associated with Foot Pain: The Framingham Foot Study

PubMed Central

Menz, Hylton B.; Dufour, Alyssa B.; Riskowski, Jody L.; Hillstrom, Howard J.; Hannan, Marian T.

2014-01-01

Objective To examine the associations of foot posture and foot function to foot pain. Methods Data were collected on 3,378 members of the Framingham Study who completed foot examinations in 2002–2008. Foot pain (generalized and at six locations) was based on the response to the question “On most days, do you have pain, aching or stiffness in either foot?” Foot posture was categorized as normal, planus or cavus using static pressure measurements of the arch index. Foot function was categorized as normal, pronated or supinated using the center of pressure excursion index from dynamic pressure measurements. Sex-specific multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the effect of foot posture and function on generalized and location-specific foot pain, adjusting for age and weight. Results Planus foot posture was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of arch pain in men (odds ratio [OR] 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 – 1.90), while cavus foot posture was protective against ball of foot pain (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.55 – 1.00) and arch pain (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.48 – 0.85) in women. Pronated foot function was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of generalized foot pain (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.04 – 1.56) and heel pain (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.04 – 2.27) in men, while supinated foot function was protective against hindfoot pain in women (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.55 – 1.00). Conclusion Planus foot posture and pronated foot function are associated with foot symptoms. Interventions that modify abnormal foot posture and function may therefore have a role in the prevention and treatment of foot pain. PMID:23861176

Development of a mechatronic platform and validation of methods for estimating ankle stiffness during the stance phase of walking.

PubMed

Rouse, Elliott J; Hargrove, Levi J; Perreault, Eric J; Peshkin, Michael A; Kuiken, Todd A

2013-08-01

The mechanical properties of human joints (i.e., impedance) are constantly modulated to precisely govern human interaction with the environment. The estimation of these properties requires the displacement of the joint from its intended motion and a subsequent analysis to determine the relationship between the imposed perturbation and the resultant joint torque. There has been much investigation into the estimation of upper-extremity joint impedance during dynamic activities, yet the estimation of ankle impedance during walking has remained a challenge. This estimation is important for understanding how the mechanical properties of the human ankle are modulated during locomotion, and how those properties can be replicated in artificial prostheses designed to restore natural movement control. Here, we introduce a mechatronic platform designed to address the challenge of estimating the stiffness component of ankle impedance during walking, where stiffness denotes the static component of impedance. The system consists of a single degree of freedom mechatronic platform that is capable of perturbing the ankle during the stance phase of walking and measuring the response torque. Additionally, we estimate the platform's intrinsic inertial impedance using parallel linear filters and present a set of methods for estimating the impedance of the ankle from walking data. The methods were validated by comparing the experimentally determined estimates for the stiffness of a prosthetic foot to those measured from an independent testing machine. The parallel filters accurately estimated the mechatronic platform's inertial impedance, accounting for 96% of the variance, when averaged across channels and trials. Furthermore, our measurement system was found to yield reliable estimates of stiffness, which had an average error of only 5.4% (standard deviation: 0.7%) when measured at three time points within the stance phase of locomotion, and compared to the independently determined stiffness values of the prosthetic foot. The mechatronic system and methods proposed in this study are capable of accurately estimating ankle stiffness during the foot-flat region of stance phase. Future work will focus on the implementation of this validated system in estimating human ankle impedance during the stance phase of walking.

When, why and how foot orthoses (FOs) should be prescribed for children with flexible pes planus: a Delphi survey of podiatrists

PubMed Central

Uden, Hayley; Kumar, Saravana; Banwell, Helen A.

2018-01-01

Background Flexible pes planus (flat feet) in children is a common reason parents and caregivers seek health professionals consult and a frequent reason podiatrists prescribe foot orthoses. Yet no universal agreement exists on the diagnosis of this condition, or when and how foot orthoses should be prescribed. The aim of this study was to garner consensus and agreement among podiatrists on the use of FOs for paediatric flexible pes planus. Methods A three round Delphi consensus survey was undertaken with 15 podiatry experts from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Round One gathered consensus on the diagnosis and intervention into paediatric pes planus with specific questions on types of FOs and prescription variables used. Round Two and Three were based on answers from Round One and gathered agreement (rationale for choices) on a five point Likert scale. 70% of respondents had to agree to a statement for it to be accepted as consensus or agreement. Results Consensus and agreement was achieved for 83 statements directing the diagnosis of pes planus (using FPI-6 and/or rearfoot measures), common signs and symptoms (e.g., pain, fatigue, abnormal gait and other functional concerns) that direct when to intervene into paediatric flexible pes planus. Prefabricated orthoses were the preferred intervention where adequate control is gained with their use. When customised orthoses are prescribed, a vertical [heel] cast pour (71.4%) and minimal arch fill (76.9%) are the prescription variables of choice, plus or minus additional variables (i.e., medial heel (Kirby) skive, the use of a University of California Biomechanical Laboratory device or a medial flange) dependent on level of disorder and plane of excessive motion. Conclusions This study identified consensus and agreement on a series of diagnosis methods and interventions for the paediatric flexible pes planus. A clinical protocol was developed from the resultant consensus statements which provides clinicians with a series of evidenced-informed statements to better guide them on when, how and why FOs are used specific to this population. PMID:29682429

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abercrombie, Robert Knox; Richardson, Gregory David; Scudiere, Matthew Bligh

A pad is disclosed for use in a weighing system for weighing a load. The pad includes a weighing platform, load cells, and foot members. Improvements to the pad reduce or substantially eliminate rotation of one or more of the corner foot members. A flexible foot strap disposed between the corner foot members reduces rotation of the respective foot members about vertical axes through the corner foot members and couples the corner foot members such that rotation of one corner foot member results in substantially the same amount of rotation of the other corner foot member. In a strapless variantmore » one or more fasteners prevents substantially all rotation of a foot member. In a diagonal variant, a foot strap extends between a corner foot member and the weighing platform to reduce rotation of the foot member about a vertical axis through the corner foot member.« less

Experimental aerodynamic characteristics for slender bodies with thin wings at angles of attack from 0 deg to 58 deg and Mach numbers from 0.6 to 2.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jorgensen, L. H.; Howell, M. H.

1976-01-01

An experimental investigation was conducted in the Ames 6-by-6-Foot Wind Tunnel to measure the static aerodynamic characteristics for bodies of circular and elliptic cross section with various thin flat-plate wings. Eighteen configuration combinations were tested at Mach numbers of 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, and 2.0 at angles of attack from 0 deg to 58 deg. The data demonstrate that taper ratio and aspect ratio had only small effect on the aerodynamic characteristics, especially at the higher angles of attack. Undesirable side forces and yawing moments, which developed at angles of attack greater than about 25 deg, were generally no greater than those for the bodies tested alone. As for the bodies alone, the side forces and yawing moments increased as the nose fineness ratio increased and/or as the subsonic Mach number decreased.

Static Internal Performance of a Two-Dimensional Convergent-Divergent Nozzle with External Shelf

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lamb, Milton; Taylor, John G.; Frassinelli, Mark C.

1996-01-01

An investigation was conducted in the static test facility of the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel to determine the internal performance of a two-dimensional convergent-divergent nozzle. The nozzle design was tested with dry and afterburning throat areas, which represent different power settings and three expansion ratios. For each of these configurations, three trailing-edge geometries were tested. The baseline geometry had a straight trailing edge. Two different shaping techniques were applied to the baseline nozzle design to reduce radar observables: the scarfed design and the sawtooth design. A flat plate extended downstream of the lower divergent flap trailing edge parallel to the model centerline to form a shelf-like expansion surface. This shelf was designed to shield the plume from ground observation (infrared radiation (IR) signature suppression). The shelf represents the part of the aircraft structure that might be present in an installed configuration. These configurations were tested at nozzle pressure ratios from 2.0 to 12.0.

The PKI collector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rice, M. P.

1982-07-01

The design and manufacturing of a solar thermal collector is discussed. The collector has three primary subsystems: concentrator, receiver/fluid loop, and controls. Identical curved reflective columns are utilized in a faceted Fresnel design to support 864 one foot square flat inexpensive second-surface, silvered glass mirrors. The columns are ganged together and rotated through their centers of gravity to provide elevation tracking. The concentrator is supported by a lightweight spaceframe structure which distributes all wind and gravity loads to the base supports. The base of the structure is a track which rotates on wheels mounted on concrete piers. A parallel tube steel heat exchanger is mounted at the concentrator focal area in a well insulated, galvanized steel housing. Two rows of vertical close-packed, staggered tubes connect a mud header and a steam header. Automatic two axis tracking and operational control is provided with a microprocessor based package. Concentrator-mounted shadowbands are the basis for active tracking. A software program provides azimuthal tracking during cloudy periods.

The PKI collector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rice, M. P.

1982-01-01

The design and manufacturing of a solar thermal collector is discussed. The collector has three primary subsystems: concentrator, receiver/fluid loop, and controls. Identical curved reflective columns are utilized in a faceted Fresnel design to support 864 one foot square flat inexpensive second-surface, silvered glass mirrors. The columns are ganged together and rotated through their centers of gravity to provide elevation tracking. The concentrator is supported by a lightweight spaceframe structure which distributes all wind and gravity loads to the base supports. The base of the structure is a track which rotates on wheels mounted on concrete piers. A parallel tube steel heat exchanger is mounted at the concentrator focal area in a well insulated, galvanized steel housing. Two rows of vertical close-packed, staggered tubes connect a mud header and a steam header. Automatic two axis tracking and operational control is provided with a microprocessor based package. Concentrator-mounted shadowbands are the basis for active tracking. A software program provides azimuthal tracking during cloudy periods.

Acrophobia impairs visual exploration and balance during standing and walking.

PubMed

Brandt, Thomas; Kugler, Günter; Schniepp, Roman; Wuehr, Max; Huppert, Doreen

2015-04-01

This review shows that persons with visual height intolerance or acrophobia exhibit typical restrictions of visual exploration and imbalance during stance and locomotion when exposed to heights. Eye and head movements are reduced, and gaze freezes to the horizon. Eye movements tend to be horizontal saccades during stance and vertical saccades during locomotion. Body posture is characterized by a stiffening of the musculoskeletal system with increased open-loop diffusion activity of body sway, a lowered sensory feedback threshold for closed-loop balance control, and increased co-contraction of antigravity leg and neck muscles. Walking is slow and cautious, broad-based, consisting of small, flat-footed steps with less dynamic vertical oscillation of the body and head. Anxiety appears to be the critical symptom that causes the typical but not specific eye and body motor behavior, which can be described as tonic immobility. Guidelines for preventing acrophobia, which could be an add-on to behavioral therapy, are provided. © 2015 New York Academy of Sciences.

Foot Pain and Pronated Foot Type are Associated with Self-Reported Mobility Limitations in Older Adults: the Framingham Foot Study

PubMed Central

Menz, Hylton B.; Dufour, Alyssa B.; Katz, Patricia; Hannan, Marian T.

2015-01-01

Background The foot plays an important role in supporting the body when undertaking weight bearing activities. Aging is associated with an increased prevalence of foot pain and a lowering of the arch of the foot, both of which may impair mobility. Objective To examine the associations of foot pain, foot posture and dynamic foot function with self-reported mobility limitations in community-dwelling older adults. Methods Foot examinations were conducted on 1,860 members of the Framingham Study in 2002–2005. Foot posture was categorized as normal, planus or cavus using static pressure measurements, and foot function was categorized as normal, pronated or supinated using dynamic pressure measurements. Participants were asked whether they had foot pain and any difficulty performing a list of nine weight bearing tasks. Multivariate logistic regression and linear regression models were used to examine the associations of foot pain, posture, function and ability to perform these activities. Results After adjusting for age, sex, height and weight, foot pain was significantly associated with difficulty performing all nine weight bearing activities. Compared to those with normal foot posture and function, participants with planus foot posture were more likely to report difficulty remaining balanced (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06 to 1.85; p=0.018) and individuals with pronated foot function were more likely to report difficulty walking across a small room (OR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.02 to 4.22; p=0.045). Foot pain and planus foot posture were associated with an overall mobility limitation score combining performances on each measure. Conclusion Foot pain, planus foot posture and pronated foot function are associated with self-reported difficulty undertaking common weight bearing tasks. Interventions to reduce foot pain and improve foot posture and function may therefore have a role in improving mobility in older adults. PMID:26645379

76 FR 20974 - Owyhee Hydro, LLC; of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-14

...-foot-long, 15.5- foot diameter concrete-lined low-pressure tunnel; (4) a 5,870-foot- long, 15.5-foot-diameter concrete-lined pressure shaft; (5) a 1,815- foot-long, 18.6-foot-diameter concrete-lined tailrace... storage capacity of 8,235-acre-foot; (3) a 1,190-foot-long, 15.5-foot-diameter concrete-lined low-pressure...

76 FR 12727 - Black Canyon Hydro, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-08

... Reservoir with a storage capacity of 9,700-acre-foot; (4) a 3,800-foot-long, 18.7-foot-diameter concrete-lined pressure shaft; (5) a 200-foot-long, 22.4-foot-diameter concrete-lined tailrace; (6) a 280-foot...,700-acre-foot; (4) a 800-foot-long, 20.4-foot-diameter unlined or concrete-lined low-pressure tunnel...

78 FR 28826 - Village of Morrisville, Vermont; Notice of Application Tendered for Filing With the Commission...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-16

...- foot-long, 40-foot-wide gatehouse; (4) an 18.0-foot-long, 9.2-foot-high gated intake structure; (5) a... crest elevation of 1,220 feet above mean sea level (msl); (2) a 45- foot-long, 15-foot-high concrete...; (3) a 200-foot-long, 16-foot-high earthen embankment with 2-foot-high wooden wave barriers...

Effect of interactive group discussion among physicians to promote rational prescribing.

PubMed

Garjani, A; Salimnejad, M; Shamsmohamadi, M; Baghchevan, V; Vahidi, R G; Maleki-Dijazi, N; Rezazadeh, H

2009-01-01

This study assessed the effect of an educational intervention (interactive group discussion) on the prescribing behaviour of 51 general physicians from the north-west of Tabriz. Prescriptions were analysed pre-intervention and post-intervention (control and intervention groups) using a proforma with 8 indicators of correct prescribing. The mean number of drugs per prescription pre-intervention was 3.82. The percentage of prescriptions with antibiotics, corticosteroids and injections were 40.8%, 25.9% and 58.0%, respectively. Following the intervention there were slight but not significant changes in the indicators in both intervention and control groups compared with pre-intervention results.

Faraday rotation from magnesium II absorbers toward polarized background radio sources

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Farnes, J. S.; O'Sullivan, S. P.; Corrigan, M. E.

2014-11-01

Strong singly ionized magnesium (Mg II) absorption lines in quasar spectra typically serve as a proxy for intervening galaxies along the line of sight. Previous studies have found a correlation between the number of these Mg II absorbers and the Faraday rotation measure (RM) at ≈5 GHz. We cross-match a sample of 35,752 optically identified non-intrinsic Mg II absorption systems with 25,649 polarized background radio sources for which we have measurements of both the spectral index and RM at 1.4 GHz. We use the spectral index to split the resulting sample of 599 sources into flat-spectrum and steep-spectrum subsamples. Wemore » find that our flat-spectrum sample shows significant (∼3.5σ) evidence for a correlation between Mg II absorption and RM at 1.4 GHz, while our steep-spectrum sample shows no such correlation. We argue that such an effect cannot be explained by either luminosity or other observational effects, by evolution in another confounding variable, by wavelength-dependent polarization structure in an active galactic nucleus, by the Galactic foreground, by cosmological expansion, or by partial coverage models. We conclude that our data are most consistent with intervenors directly contributing to the Faraday rotation along the line of sight, and that the intervening systems must therefore have coherent magnetic fields of substantial strength ( B-bar =1.8±0.4 μG). Nevertheless, the weak nature of the correlation will require future high-resolution and broadband radio observations in order to place it on a much firmer statistical footing.« less

Rollover footwear affects lower limb biomechanics during walking.

PubMed

Forghany, Saeed; Nester, Christopher J; Richards, Barry; Hatton, Anna Lucy; Liu, Anmin

2014-01-01

To investigate the effect of rollover footwear on walking speed, metabolic cost of gait, lower limb kinematics, kinetics, EMG muscle activity and plantar pressure. Twenty subjects (mean age-33.1 years, height-1.71 m, body mass-68.9 kg, BMI 23.6, 12 male) walked in: a flat control footwear; a flat control footwear weighted to match the mass of a rollover shoe; a rollover shoe; MBT footwear. Data relating to metabolic energy and temporal aspects of gait were collected during 6 min of continuous walking, all other data in a gait laboratory. The rollover footwear moved the contact point under the shoe anteriorly during early stance, increasing midfoot pressures. This changed internal ankle dorsiflexion moments to plantarflexion moments earlier, reducing ankle plantarflexion and tibialis anterior activity after initial contact, and increasing calf EMG activity. In mid stance the rollover footwear resulted in a more dorsiflexed ankle position but less ankle movement. During propulsion, the rollover footwear reduced peak ankle dorsiflexion, peak internal plantarflexor ankle moments and the range of ankle plantarflexion. Vertical ground reaction loading rates were increased by the rollover footwear. There were no effects on temporal or energy cost of gait and no effect of elevated shoe weight. Investigating all proposed effects of this footwear concurrently has enabled a more valid investigation of how the footwear effects are interrelated. There were concurrent changes in several aspects of lower limb function, with greatest effects at the foot and ankle, but no change in the metabolic cost of walking. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

77 FR 53878 - L.S. Starrett Company; Notice of Application Tendered for Filing With the Commission and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-04

... 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing... conduit equipped with a 7-foot-high, 7-foot-wide gate; (e) a 16-foot-wide, 4-foot-deep, 200-foot-long... generating unit; (d) and a 14- foot-wide, 9-foot-deep, 100-foot-long tailrace (e) six 900-foot-long, 600 volt...

Foot index: is it a tool for sex determination?

PubMed

Moudgil, Rohan; Kaur, Ramneet; Menezes, Ritesh G; Kanchan, Tanuj; Garg, Rakesh K

2008-05-01

Identification of an individual is of paramount importance in forensic investigations. The dimensions of the foot can be used for the determination of sex and stature of an individual in forensic investigations. No systematic studies are available on the determination of sex from foot measurements of North Indians. Therefore, foot index is derived to determine the sex of an individual in a single community of North India. The foot index for both genders is derived by dividing the foot breadth by foot length and multiplying it by hundred. In the present investigation, the foot index is found to be slightly higher in females in the right foot and males in the left foot. The study suggests that although foot length and foot breadth show significant sex differences, sex determination cannot be made conclusively from the foot index.

Taiwanese adult foot shape classification using 3D scanning data.

PubMed

Lee, Yu-Chi; Wang, Mao-Jiun

2015-01-01

This study classifies the foot shapes of Taiwanese using 3D foot scanning data from 2000 males and 1000 females. Nine foot dimensions relative to foot length and absolute measures in the common foot length categories were applied to compare the gender differences. Using foot breadth in % foot length (% FL), ball of foot length in % FL and arch height in % FL as feature parameters, three foot shape types for males and females can be classified. Significant gender differences were found in seven of the nine foot dimensions. Females had greater ball of foot length than males (0.2% FL). When comparing feet of the same foot length, males had greater breadth, girth and height dimensions than females, except for toe height. In addition, ethnic differences in foot shape were also observed. The findings can provide very useful information for building gender-specific shoe lasts and designing footwear insoles. 3D foot scanning data of 2000 males and 1000 females were classified into three different footshapes for males and females, respectively. Gender and ethnic differences on foot shape were also compared. The finding scan provide very useful information for gender-specific shoe last design and footwear production.

Modelling foot height and foot shape-related dimensions.

PubMed

Xiong, Shuping; Goonetilleke, Ravindra S; Witana, Channa P; Lee Au, Emily Yim

2008-08-01

The application of foot anthropometry to design good-fitting footwear has been difficult due to the lack of generalised models. This study seeks to model foot dimensions so that the characteristic shapes of feet, especially in the midfoot region, can be understood. Fifty Hong Kong Chinese adults (26 males and 24 females) participated in this study. Their foot lengths, foot widths, ball girths and foot heights were measured and then evaluated using mathematical models. The results showed that there were no significant allometry (p > 0.05) effects of foot length on ball girth and foot width. Foot height showed no direct relationship with foot length. However, a normalisation with respect to foot length and foot height resulted in a significant relationship for both males and females with R(2) greater than 0.97. Due to the lack of a direct relationship between foot height and foot length, the current practice of grading shoes with a constant increase in height or proportionate scaling in response to foot length is less than ideal. The results when validated with other populations can be a significant way forward in the design of footwear that has an improved fit in the height dimension.

Satellite-delivered gravimetry for the Vitória-Trindade Chain, Southeast Brazil, and its bearing on the volcanic seamount structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motoki, A.; Motoki, K. F.; Sichel, S. E.; Souza, K.; Bueno, G. V.; Poseidon

2013-05-01

The authors present gravimetric and geomorphologic analyses for the Vitória-Trindade volcanic seamount chain, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The seamounts are generally of 30 km in base diameter, 10 km in flat-top diameter, and 2500 to 4000 m in relative height. The flat-tops are constant in depth, without evidence of basement subsidence. The western half of the chain shows basement elevation of 2000 m, which took place before the eruptions. The size and frequency of the seamounts become smaller to the east. Most of them have conical form of central eruptions, and some large ones are of elongated form of fissure eruptions. The volcanic seamounts usually have Bouguer anomaly about 100 mGal lower than the adjacent area, showing funnel-shaped Bouguer depression. Large volcanoes show ring-like Bouguer structure composed of the central high and the marginal low. The marginal low is about 100 mGal lower than the adjacent abyssal plane and the central high is about 80 mGal higher than the marginal low. Very large volcanoes have bull's eye-like low Bouguer sites along the marginal low. On the foot of the volcanoes, there is the area with Bouguer anomaly 20 to 40 mGal higher, called peripheral high. These observations suggest the following growth history of the volcanic seamounts. At the initial stage, repeated central eruptions of lava flow construct the volcanic edifice. The weight of the volcano is sustained by mechanical firmness of the basement. The Bouguer anomaly is characterized by funnel-shaped depression. At the advanced stage, gabbroic radial dyke intrusion occurs along the central conduit in the upper level of the volcanic edifice, which is evidenced by the central Bouguer high. The seamount is supported mainly by mechanical firmness and partially by isostatic compensation of crustal down-buckling. At the highly advanced stage, the intrusion takes place into the lower level of the main volcanic edifice resulting lateral eruptions along its foot, which is shown by the bull's eye-like Bouguer lows. The crustal down-buckling and consequent isostatic compensation become relevant. The peripheral Bouguer high could be the rebound of the crustal down-buckling. The regional Bouguer anomaly suggests lithosphere thinning along the Vitória-Trindade Chain, which is relevant at the western end of the chain and becomes weak to east. The magmatism and tectonism of are strong at the western end of the chain and become less intense to the east.

Comparing 3D foot scanning with conventional measurement methods.

PubMed

Lee, Yu-Chi; Lin, Gloria; Wang, Mao-Jiun J

2014-01-01

Foot dimension information on different user groups is important for footwear design and clinical applications. Foot dimension data collected using different measurement methods presents accuracy problems. This study compared the precision and accuracy of the 3D foot scanning method with conventional foot dimension measurement methods including the digital caliper, ink footprint and digital footprint. Six commonly used foot dimensions, i.e. foot length, ball of foot length, outside ball of foot length, foot breadth diagonal, foot breadth horizontal and heel breadth were measured from 130 males and females using four foot measurement methods. Two-way ANOVA was performed to evaluate the sex and method effect on the measured foot dimensions. In addition, the mean absolute difference values and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used for precision and accuracy evaluation. The results were also compared with the ISO 20685 criteria. The participant's sex and the measurement method were found (p < 0.05) to exert significant effects on the measured six foot dimensions. The precision of the 3D scanning measurement method with mean absolute difference values between 0.73 to 1.50 mm showed the best performance among the four measurement methods. The 3D scanning measurements showed better measurement accuracy performance than the other methods (mean absolute difference was 0.6 to 4.3 mm), except for measuring outside ball of foot length and foot breadth horizontal. The ICCs for all six foot dimension measurements among the four measurement methods were within the 0.61 to 0.98 range. Overall, the 3D foot scanner is recommended for collecting foot anthropometric data because it has relatively higher precision, accuracy and robustness. This finding suggests that when comparing foot anthropometric data among different references, it is important to consider the differences caused by the different measurement methods.

Effects of ankle-foot orthoses on mediolateral foot-placement ability during post-stroke gait.

PubMed

Zissimopoulos, Angelika; Fatone, Stefania; Gard, Steven

2015-10-01

Accurate and precise mediolateral foot placement is important for balance during gait, but is impaired post stroke. Mediolateral foot placement may be improved with ankle-foot orthosis use. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an ankle-foot orthosis improves mediolateral foot-placement ability during post-stroke ambulation. Crossover trial with randomized order of conditions tested. The accuracy and precision of mediolateral foot placement was quantified while subjects targeted four different randomized step widths. Subjects were tested with and without their regular non-rigid ankle-foot orthosis in two separate visits (order randomized). While ankle-foot orthosis use corrected foot and ankle alignment (i.e. significantly decreased mid-swing plantar flexion, p = 0.000), effects of ankle-foot orthosis use on hip hiking (p = 0.545), circumduction (p = 0.179), coronal plane hip range of motion (p = 0.06), and mediolateral foot-placement ability (p = 0.537) were not significant. While ankle-foot orthosis-mediated equinovarus correction of the affected foot and ankle was not associated with improved biomechanics of walking (i.e. proximal ipsilateral hip kinematics or mediolateral foot-placement ability), it may affect other aspects of balance that were not tested in this study (e.g. proprioception, cerebellar, vestibular, and cognitive mechanisms). Studies that investigate the effect of ankle-foot orthosis on gait can help advance stroke rehabilitation by documenting the specific gait benefits of ankle-foot orthosis use. In this study, we investigated the effect of ankle-foot orthosis use on mediolateral foot-placement ability, an aspect of gait important for maintaining balance. © The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2014.

Foot Complications in a Representative Australian Inpatient Population

PubMed Central

Hurn, Sheree E.; Kamp, Maarten C.; Ng, Vanessa; Thomas, Courtney; Jen, Scott; Wills, Jude; Kinnear, Ewan M.; d'Emden, Michael C.; Reed, Lloyd F.

2017-01-01

We investigated the prevalence and factors independently associated with foot complications in a representative inpatient population (adults admitted for any reason with and without diabetes). We analysed data from the Foot disease in inpatients study, a sample of 733 representative inpatients. Previous amputation, previous foot ulceration, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), peripheral neuropathy (PN), and foot deformity were the foot complications assessed. Sociodemographic, medical, and foot treatment history were collected. Overall, 46.0% had a foot complication with 23.9% having multiple; those with diabetes had higher prevalence of foot complications than those without diabetes (p < 0.01). Previous amputation (4.1%) was independently associated with previous foot ulceration, foot deformity, cerebrovascular accident, and past surgeon treatment (p < 0.01). Previous foot ulceration (9.8%) was associated with PN, PAD, past podiatry, and past nurse treatment (p < 0.02). PAD (21.0%) was associated with older age, males, indigenous people, cancer, PN, and past surgeon treatment (p < 0.02). PN (22.0%) was associated with older age, diabetes, mobility impairment, and PAD (p < 0.05). Foot deformity (22.4%) was associated with older age, mobility impairment, past podiatry treatment, and PN (p < 0.01). Nearly half of all inpatients had a foot complication. Those with foot complications were older, male, indigenous, had diabetes, cerebrovascular accident, mobility impairment, and other foot complications or past foot treatment. PMID:29164152

Analysis and interpretation of marine/continental terraces in the central coast of Asturias (NW Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

María Díaz-Díaz, Luis; Flor-Blanco, Germán; López-Fernández, Carlos; Luis, Pando

2016-04-01

This study presents the geographical distribution and topographical features analysis of several marine/continental terraces located in a sector between Nalón estuary and Cape Peñas region (central coast of Asturias, N Spain). Significant flat raised surfaces appear as outstanding landscape features of the Cantabrian coast. They exhibit north facing low gradient slopes (< 5°) until the cliff shoreline and the borders are defined by the pre-littoral mountains to the south. These surfaces have a width of no more than 5 km and occasionally may be thinly mantled by many alluvial clastic deposits, very scarce aeolian sands and gravel and/or sand beach deposits. Several studies have shown the importance of these terraces, which are recognized by the preservation of a variable number of levels of flat raised and staggered irregularly surfaces. These surfaces have been used to quantify rates of rock uplift processes. GIS and quantitative analysis of the relief are applied to the recognition and delineation of terraces. Altimetry information comes from the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Digital (cell size 5 m). The use of slope Digital Slopes Model (DSM) combined with digital lithology layers and hypsometric method allowed us to identify two main new surfaces at altitudes ranging from 75 to 135 m and 85 to 180 m respectively. Levels of surfaces recognized in previous studies may be correlated with this elevations. They are separated by a huge geologic structure (Ventaniella Fault). Thus, two NW-SE direction landward edge of terrace (shoreline angle) was identified. This feature enables correlate these surface or the old knickpoint (foot of the slope) if the terrace has a continental origin. Initial morphology of these terraces has been modified by landscape erosion much more those developed on limestones. Therefore, just a few areas are preserved where flat surfaces are developed in Paleozoic materials (NO) better in siliciclastic rocks. The remaining areas are modelled in the lowest resistance lithology like Permo-triassic rocks. Therefore, using classic techniques as fieldwork and phointerpretation is not discriminatory.

75 FR 66083 - Iron Mask Hydro, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-27

... following: (1) A 225-foot- high, 1,795-foot-long upper dam made of either zoned earth and rockfill or concrete-face earth and rockfill; (2) a 50-foot-high, 950-foot-long earth-filled upper saddle dike A; (3) a 20-foot-high, 400-foot-long earth-filled upper saddle dike B; (4) a 40-foot-high, 6,559-foot-long...

78 FR 33406 - Clean River Power MR-1, LLC, Clean River Power MR-2, LLC, Clean River Power MR-3, LLC, Clean...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-04

..., 52-foot-high, 80-foot-wide intake structure with trash racks containing 2-inch clear bar spacing; (2... following new facilities: (1) A 37-foot-long, 23-foot-high, 80-foot- wide intake structure with trash racks... new facilities: (1) A 37- foot-long, 52-foot-high, 88-foot-wide intake structure with trash racks...

77 FR 65676 - L.S. Starrett Company; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing With the Commission, Intent To...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-30

...)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling... conduit equipped with a 7-foot-high, 7-foot-wide gate; (e) a 16-foot-wide, 4-foot-deep, 200-foot-long... a 198 kW turbine generating unit; (d) a 14-foot-wide, 9-foot-deep, 100-foot-long tailrace; and (e...

Cavus Foot (High-Arched Foot)

MedlinePlus

... the heel tilting inward, which can lead to ankle sprains Some people with cavus foot may also experience foot drop, a weakness of the muscles in the foot and ankle that results in dragging the foot when taking ...

75 FR 78234 - Lock+TM

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-15

... project (Project No. 13780-000) would consist of: (1) An 85-foot-long, 100-foot-wide, 14-foot-deep excavated power canal; (2) a 95-foot-long, 100-foot-wide, 10-foot-deep excavated tailrace; (3) a 100-foot...)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp...

3D foot shape generation from 2D information.

PubMed

Luximon, Ameersing; Goonetilleke, Ravindra S; Zhang, Ming

2005-05-15

Two methods to generate an individual 3D foot shape from 2D information are proposed. A standard foot shape was first generated and then scaled based on known 2D information. In the first method, the foot outline and the foot height were used, and in the second, the foot outline and the foot profile were used. The models were developed using 40 participants and then validated using a different set of 40 participants. Results show that each individual foot shape can be predicted within a mean absolute error of 1.36 mm for the left foot and 1.37 mm for the right foot using the first method, and within a mean absolute error of 1.02 mm for the left foot and 1.02 mm for the right foot using the second method. The second method shows somewhat improved accuracy even though it requires two images. Both the methods are relatively cheaper than using a scanner to determine the 3D foot shape for custom footwear design.

Direct inpatient burden caused by foot-related conditions: a multisite point-prevalence study

PubMed Central

Lazzarini, Peter A; Hurn, Sheree E; Kuys, Suzanne S; Kamp, Maarten C; Ng, Vanessa; Thomas, Courtney; Jen, Scott; Kinnear, Ewan M; d'Emden, Michael C; Reed, Lloyd

2016-01-01

Objective The aims of this point-prevalence study were to investigate a representative inpatient population to determine the prevalence of people admitted to hospital for the reason of a foot-related condition, and identify associated independent factors. Methods Participants were adult inpatients in 5 different representative hospitals, admitted for any reason on the day of data collection. Maternity, mental health and cognitively impaired inpatients were excluded. Participants were surveyed on a range of self-reported demographic, social determinant, medical history, foot disease history, self-care, footwear, past foot treatment prior to hospitalisation and reason for admission variables. Physical examinations were performed to clinically diagnose a range of foot disease and foot risk factor variables. Independent factors associated with being admitted to hospital for the primary or secondary reason of a foot-related condition were analysed using multivariate logistic regression. Results Overall, 733 participants were included; mean (SD) age 62 (19) years, male 55.8%. Foot-related conditions were the primary reason for admission in 54 participants (7.4% (95% CI 5.7% to 9.5%)); 36 for foot disease (4.9%), 15 foot trauma (2.1%). Being admitted for the primary reason of a foot-related condition was independently associated with foot infection, critical peripheral arterial disease, foot trauma and past foot treatment by a general practitioner and surgeon (p<0.01). Foot-related conditions were a secondary reason for admission in 28 participants (3.8% (2.6% to 5.6%)), and were independently associated with diabetes and current foot ulcer (p<0.01). Conclusions This study, the first in a representative inpatient population, suggests the direct inpatient burden caused by foot-related conditions is significantly higher than previously appreciated. Findings indicate 1 in every 13 inpatients was primarily admitted because of a foot-related condition with most due to foot disease or foot trauma. Future strategies are recommended to investigate and intervene in the considerable inpatient burden caused by foot-related conditions. PMID:27324710

Foot health and self-care activities of older people in home care.

PubMed

Stolt, Minna; Suhonen, Riitta; Puukka, Pauli; Viitanen, Matti; Voutilainen, Päivi; Leino-Kilpi, Helena

2012-11-01

To assess the foot health of older people and their self-care activities in home care. The ultimate goal is to prevent foot problems in older people and to develop the assessment skills of nurses working in home care. Foot health problems are one reason why older people seek home care services. These problems are prevalent in older people, and they can impair performance of daily activities and threaten functional ability. However, studies in this field have concentrated on foot problems related to specific diseases. Non-disease-related research on foot health from the preventative perspective is lacking. A descriptive explorative design was used. The foot health of older people was assessed by visiting home nurses with the Foot Health Assessment Instrument, and older people's foot self-care activities were evaluated with the Foot Self-Care Activities Structured Interview in 2010. The data were analysed statistically. Older people in home care have multiple foot health problems. The most prevalent problems were oedema, dry skin, thickened and discoloured toenails and hallux valgus. Caring for one's feet was a problem for many older people. Older people's foot health needs to be assessed regularly to recognise foot health and self-care problems. Health care professionals have a vital role in preventing, recognising and caring for foot health in older people. The foot health of older people needs to be improved by supporting older people in foot self-care and developing preventive nursing interventions. Regular foot health assessments and their documentation are crucial in preventing serious foot problems in older people. Moreover, multiprofessional collaboration is important to promote foot health in older people. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Foot Type Biomechanics Part 1: Structure and Function of the Asymptomatic Foot

PubMed Central

Hillstrom, Howard J.; Song, Jinsup; Kraszewski, Andrew P.; Hafer, Jocelyn F.; Mootanah, Rajshree; Dufour, Alyssa B.; PT, Betty (Shingpui) Chow; Deland, Jonathan T.

2012-01-01

Background Differences in foot structure are thought to be associated with differences in foot function during movement. Many foot pathologies are of a biomechanical nature and often associated with foot type. Fundamental to the understanding of foot pathomechanics is the question: do different foot types have distinctly different structure and function? Aim To determine if objective measures of foot structure and function differ between planus, rectus and cavus foot types in asymptomatic individuals. Methods Sixty-one asymptomatic healthy adults between 18 and 77 years old, that had the same foot type bilaterally (44 planus feet, 54 rectus feet, and 24 cavus feet), were recruited. Structural and functional measurements were taken using custom equipment, an emed-x plantar pressure measuring device, a GaitMatII gait pattern measurement system, and a goniometer. Generalized Estimation Equation modeling was employed to determine if each dependent variable of foot structure and function was significantly different across foot type while accounting for potential dependencies between sides. Post hoc testing was performed to assess pairwise comparisons. Results Several measures of foot structure (malleolar valgus index and arch height index) were significantly different between foot types. Gait pattern parameters were invariant across foot types. Peak pressure, maximum force, pressure-time-integral, force-time-integral and contact area were significantly different in several medial forefoot and arch locations between foot types. Planus feet exhibited significantly different center of pressure excursion indices compared to rectus and cavus feet. Conclusions Planus, rectus and cavus feet exhibited significantly different measures of foot structure and function. PMID:23107625

Comparison of plantar pressure distribution in CAD-CAM and prefabricated foot orthoses in patients with flexible flatfeet.

PubMed

Khodaei, Banafsheh; Saeedi, Hassan; Jalali, Maryam; Farzadi, Maede; Norouzi, Ehsan

2017-12-01

The effect of foot orthoses on plantar pressure distribution has been proven by researchers but there are some controversies about advantages of custom-made foot orthoses to less expensive prefabricated foot orthoses. Nineteen flatfeet adults between 18 and 45 participated in this study. CAD-CAM foot orthoses were made for these patients according to their foot scan. Prefabricated foot orthoses were prepared according to their foot size. Plantar pressure, force and contact area were measured using pedar ® -x in-shoe system wearing shoe alone, wearing CAD-CAM foot orthoses and wearing prefabricated foot orthoses. Repeated measures ANOVA model with post-hoc, Bonferroni comparison were used to test differences. CAD-CAM and prefabricated foot orthoses both decreased pressure and force under 2nd, 3-5 metatarsal and heel regions comparing to shoe alone condition. CAD-CAM foot orthosis increased pressure under lateral toe region in comparison to shoe alone and prefabricated foot orthosis. Both foot orthoses increased pressure and contact area in medial midfoot region comparing to shoe alone condition. Increased forces were seen at hallux and lateral toes by prefabricated foot orthoses in comparison with CAD-CAM foot orthoses and control condition, respectively. According to the results, both foot orthoses could decrease the pressure under heel and metatarsal area. It seems that the special design of CAD-CAM foot orthoses could not make great differences in plantar pressure distribution in this sample. Further research is required to determine whether these results are associated with different scan systems or design software. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Foot type biomechanics part 1: structure and function of the asymptomatic foot.

PubMed

Hillstrom, Howard J; Song, Jinsup; Kraszewski, Andrew P; Hafer, Jocelyn F; Mootanah, Rajshree; Dufour, Alyssa B; Chow, Betty Shingpui; Deland, Jonathan T

2013-03-01

Differences in foot structure are thought to be associated with differences in foot function during movement. Many foot pathologies are of a biomechanical nature and often associated with foot type. Fundamental to the understanding of foot pathomechanics is the question: do different foot types have distinctly different structure and function? To determine if objective measures of foot structure and function differ between planus, rectus and cavus foot types in asymptomatic individuals. Sixty-one asymptomatic healthy adults between 18 and 77 years old, that had the same foot type bilaterally (44 planus feet, 54 rectus feet, and 24 cavus feet), were recruited. Structural and functional measurements were taken using custom equipment, an emed-x plantar pressure measuring device, a GaitMat II gait pattern measurement system, and a goniometer. Generalized Estimation Equation modeling was employed to determine if each dependent variable of foot structure and function was significantly different across foot type while accounting for potential dependencies between sides. Post hoc testing was performed to assess pair wise comparisons. Several measures of foot structure (malleolar valgus index and arch height index) were significantly different between foot types. Gait pattern parameters were invariant across foot types. Peak pressure, maximum force, pressure-time-integral, force-time-integral and contact area were significantly different in several medial forefoot and arch locations between foot types. Planus feet exhibited significantly different center of pressure excursion indices compared to rectus and cavus feet. Planus, rectus and cavus feet exhibited significantly different measures of foot structure and function. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Foot morphometric phenomena.

PubMed

Agić, Ante

2007-06-01

Knowledge of the foot morphometry is important for proper foot structure and function. Foot structure as a vital part of human body is important for many reasons. The foot anthropometric and morphology phenomena are analyzed together with hidden biomechanical descriptors in order to fully characterize foot functionality. For Croatian student population the scatter data of the individual foot variables were interpolated by multivariate statistics. Foot morphometric descriptors are influenced by many factors, such as life style, climate, and things of great importance in human society. Dominant descriptors related to fit and comfort are determined by the use 3D foot shape and advanced foot biomechanics. Some practical recommendations and conclusions for medical, sportswear and footwear practice are highlighted.

Foot shape modeling.

PubMed

Luximon, Ameersing; Goonetilleke, Ravindra S

2004-01-01

This study is an attempt to show how a "standard" foot can be parameterized using foot length, foot width, foot height, and a measure of foot curvature so that foot shape can be predicted using these simple anthropometric measures. The prediction model was generated using 40 Hong Kong Chinese men, and the model was validated using a different group of 25 Hong Kong Chinese men. The results show that each individual foot shape may be predicted to a mean accuracy of 2.1 mm for the left foot and 2.4 mm for the right foot. Application of this research includes the potential design and development of custom footwear without the necessity of expensive 3-D scanning of feet.

“They just scraped off the calluses”: a mixed methods exploration of foot care access and provision for people with rheumatoid arthritis in south-western Sydney, Australia

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background There is little indication that foot health services in Australia are meeting modern day recommendations for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients. The overall objective of this study was to explore the current state of foot health services for patients with RA with an emphasis on identifying barriers to the receipt of appropriate foot care in South-West Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Methods A mixed (quantitative and qualitative) approach was adopted. Indications for appropriate access to foot care were determined by comparing the foot health, disease and socio-demographic characteristics of patients with unmet foot care demands, foot care users and patients with no demands for foot care. Perceptions of provision of, and access to, foot care were explored by conducting telephone-based interviews using an interpretative phenomenology approach with thematic analysis. Results Twenty-nine participants took part in the cross-sectional quantitative research study design, and 12 participants took part in the interpretative phenomenological approach (qualitative study). Foot care access appeared to be driven predominantly by the presence of rearfoot deformity, which was significantly worse amongst participants in the foot care user group (p = 0.02). Five main themes emerged from the qualitative data: 1) impact of disease-related foot symptoms, 2) footwear difficulties, 3) medical/rheumatology encounters, 4) foot and podiatry care access and experiences, and 5) financial hardship. Conclusions Foot care provision does not appear to be driven by appropriate foot health characteristics such as foot pain or foot-related disability. There may be significant shortfalls in footwear and foot care access and provision in Greater Western Sydney. Several barriers to adequate foot care access and provision were identified and further efforts are required to improve access to and the quality of foot care for people who have RA. Integration of podiatry services within rheumatology centres could resolve unmet needs of people with RA by permitting rapid access to expert-led multidisciplinary foot care for people with RA. PMID:23938103

"They just scraped off the calluses": a mixed methods exploration of foot care access and provision for people with rheumatoid arthritis in south-western Sydney, Australia.

PubMed

Hendry, Gordon J; Gibson, Kathryn A; Pile, Kevin; Taylor, Luke; Du Toit, Verona; Burns, Joshua; Rome, Keith

2013-08-13

There is little indication that foot health services in Australia are meeting modern day recommendations for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients. The overall objective of this study was to explore the current state of foot health services for patients with RA with an emphasis on identifying barriers to the receipt of appropriate foot care in South-West Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. A mixed (quantitative and qualitative) approach was adopted. Indications for appropriate access to foot care were determined by comparing the foot health, disease and socio-demographic characteristics of patients with unmet foot care demands, foot care users and patients with no demands for foot care. Perceptions of provision of, and access to, foot care were explored by conducting telephone-based interviews using an interpretative phenomenology approach with thematic analysis. Twenty-nine participants took part in the cross-sectional quantitative research study design, and 12 participants took part in the interpretative phenomenological approach (qualitative study). Foot care access appeared to be driven predominantly by the presence of rearfoot deformity, which was significantly worse amongst participants in the foot care user group (p = 0.02). Five main themes emerged from the qualitative data: 1) impact of disease-related foot symptoms, 2) footwear difficulties, 3) medical/rheumatology encounters, 4) foot and podiatry care access and experiences, and 5) financial hardship. Foot care provision does not appear to be driven by appropriate foot health characteristics such as foot pain or foot-related disability. There may be significant shortfalls in footwear and foot care access and provision in Greater Western Sydney. Several barriers to adequate foot care access and provision were identified and further efforts are required to improve access to and the quality of foot care for people who have RA. Integration of podiatry services within rheumatology centres could resolve unmet needs of people with RA by permitting rapid access to expert-led multidisciplinary foot care for people with RA.

The experience of foot problems and decisions to access foot care in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Wilson, Oonagh; Kirwan, John; Dures, Emma; Quest, Enid; Hewlett, Sarah

2017-01-01

Although foot problems are common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the consequences of foot problems from the patient perspective have not been fully explored. The aims of this study were to explore the experience of foot problems and decisions to access foot care services or not in patients with RA. Semi structured, one-to-one interviews with patients recruited from 2 UK rheumatology units, purposively sampled for self-reported foot problems and a range of personal/disease characteristics. Inductive thematic analysis was used, with rigour provided by multiple independent analysers. Emerging themes were discussed and agreed by all authors. Twelve patients participated: 7 female; mean age 56 years (29-72); mean disease duration 12 years (2-27), 5 had accessed foot care services. The 'Impact' of foot problems was substantial and formed the underpinning theme, comprising three organising themes: 'Foot symptoms'; 'Consequences'; and 'Cost'. Foot symptoms such as pain and numbness required self-management, and affected daily life (walking, working) leading to social and emotional costs. The global theme, 'Decision to access foot care or not', also comprised three organising themes: 'Access perceived unnecessary' (no problem, can cope); 'Access hindered by patients' perception'; and 'Access supported by patient and clinician'. Decisions to access foot care or not were complex and influenced by patient beliefs regarding possible treatments and how to access these, and hindered by patient perceptions that their feet were ignored by rheumatology clinicians. Positive experience of foot care encouraged continued utilisation but negative experiences contributed to patients' decisions to discontinue foot care services. Foot problems are important issues for patients and impact on many aspects of their physical, social and emotional lives. Patients who had accessed foot care services prioritised their foot problems as an important health care need. However, for others who would like foot care services, personal knowledge and values, and perceived barriers in clinical practice, appear to interact to inhibit foot care access. The extent which these interactions affect overall access to foot care in RA patients in general now needs to be quantified to help to inform and improve the effectiveness of the organisation and delivery of foot care.

Gender differences in foot shape: a study of Chinese young adults.

PubMed

Hong, Youlian; Wang, Lin; Xu, Dong Qing; Li, Jing Xian

2011-06-01

One important extrinsic factor that causes foot deformity and pain in women is footwear. Women's sports shoes are designed as smaller versions of men's shoes. Based on this, the current study aims to identify foot shape in 1,236 Chinese young adult men and 1,085 Chinese young adult women. Three-dimensional foot shape data were collected through video filming. Nineteen foot shape variables were measured, including girth (4 variables), length (4 variables), width (3 variables), height (7 variables), and angle (1 variable). A comparison of foot measures within the range of the common foot length (FL) categories indicates that women showed significantly smaller values of foot measures in width, height, and girth than men. Three foot types were classified, and distributions of different foot shapes within the same FL were found between women and men. Foot width, medial ball length, ball angle, and instep height showed significant differences among foot types in the same FL for both genders. There were differences in the foot shape between Chinese young women and men, which should be considered in the design of Chinese young adults' sports shoes.

Nurses' knowledge of foot care in the context of home care: a cross-sectional correlational survey study.

PubMed

Stolt, Minna; Suhonen, Riitta; Puukka, Pauli; Viitanen, Matti; Voutilainen, Päivi; Leino-Kilpi, Helena

2015-10-01

This study aimed to explore nurses' knowledge of foot care and related factors in home care nursing. Nurses caring for older people are increasingly confronted with clients who have multiple foot problems and need support with their foot health. The role of nurses in promoting foot health, caring for existing foot problems and supporting older people in foot self-care is especially important in the home care context. However, this entails up-to-date foot care knowledge and practices. A cross-sectional correlational survey study design. Nurses' knowledge of foot care was evaluated using the Nurses' Foot Care Knowledge Test developed for this study. The data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Nurses (registered nurses, public health nurses and licensed practical nurses) from public home care (n = 322, response rate 50%) participated the study. Nurses' knowledge in foot care varied. The knowledge scores were highest for skin and nail care and lowest for the identification and care of foot structural deformities. Longer working experience in the current work place and participation in continuing education explained higher Nurses' Foot Care Knowledge Test scores. Nurses need more knowledge, and hence continuing education, in the foot care of older people to effectively prevent, recognise and care for foot problems and promote independent living in the community. Nurses' have clinically relevant knowledge gaps. Therefore, foot care knowledge of nurses needs to be improved by continuing education in clinical settings. Adequate foot care knowledge among nurses is important to identify, prevent and care foot problems especially in older people. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Flow unit modeling and fine-scale predicted permeability validation in Atokan sandstones: Norcan East Kansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bhattacharya, S.; Byrnes, A.P.; Watney, W.L.; Doveton, J.H.

2008-01-01

Characterizing the reservoir interval into flow units is an effective way to subdivide the net-pay zone into layers for reservoir simulation. Commonly used flow unit identification techniques require a reliable estimate of permeability in the net pay on a foot-by-foot basis. Most of the wells do not have cores, and the literature is replete with different kinds of correlations, transforms, and prediction methods for profiling permeability in pay. However, for robust flow unit determination, predicted permeability at noncored wells requires validation and, if necessary, refinement. This study outlines the use o f a spreadsheet-based permeability validation technique to characterize flow units in wells from the Norcan East field, Clark County, Kansas, that produce from Atokan aged fine- to very fine-grained quartzarenite sandstones interpreted to have been deposited in brackish-water, tidally dominated restricted tidal-flat, tidal-channel, tidal-bar, and estuary bay environments within a small incised-valley-fill system. The methodology outlined enables the identification of fieldwide free-water level and validates and refines predicted permeability at 0.5-ft (0.15-m) intervals by iteratively reconciling differences in water saturation calculated from wire-line log and a capillary-pressure formulation that models fine- to very fine-grained sandstone with diagenetic clay and silt or shale laminae. The effectiveness of this methodology was confirmed by successfully matching primary and secondary production histories using a flow unit-based reservoir model of the Norcan East field without permeability modifications. The methodologies discussed should prove useful for robust flow unit characterization of different kinds of reservoirs. Copyright ?? 2008. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved.

Histological analysis of the tibial anterior cruciate ligament insertion.

PubMed

Oka, Shinya; Schuhmacher, Peter; Brehmer, Axel; Traut, Ulrike; Kirsch, Joachim; Siebold, Rainer

2016-03-01

This study was performed to investigate the morphology of the tibial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) by histological assessment. The native (undissected) tibial ACL insertion of six fresh-frozen cadaveric knees was cut into four sagittal sections parallel to the long axis of the medial tibial spine. For histological evaluation, the slices were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Safranin O and Russell-Movat pentachrome. All slices were digitalized and analysed at a magnification of 20×. The anterior tibial ACL insertion was bordered by a bony anterior ridge. The most medial ACL fibres inserted from the medial tibial spine and were adjacent to the articular cartilage of the medial tibial plateau. Parts of the bony insertions of the anterior and posterior horns of the lateral meniscus were in close contact with the lateral part of the tibial ACL insertion. A small fat pad was located just posterior to the functional ACL fibres. The anterior-posterior length of the medial ACL insertion was an average of 10.8 ± 1.1 mm compared with the lateral, which was only 6.2 ± 1.1 mm (p < 0.001). There were no central or posterolateral inserting ACL fibres. The shape of the bony tibial ACL insertion was 'duck-foot-like'. In contrast to previous findings, the functional mid-substance fibres arose from the most posterior part of the 'duck-foot' in a flat and 'c-shaped' way. The most anterior part of the tibial ACL insertion was bordered by a bony anterior ridge and the most medial by the medial tibial spine. No posterolateral fibres nor ACL bundles have been found histologically. This histological investigation may improve our understanding of the tibial ACL insertion and may provide important information for anatomical ACL reconstruction.

LMX1B is essential for the maintenance of differentiated podocytes in adult kidneys.

PubMed

Burghardt, Tillmann; Kastner, Jürgen; Suleiman, Hani; Rivera-Milla, Eric; Stepanova, Natalya; Lottaz, Claudio; Kubitza, Marion; Böger, Carsten A; Schmidt, Sarah; Gorski, Mathias; de Vries, Uwe; Schmidt, Helga; Hertting, Irmgard; Kopp, Jeffrey; Rascle, Anne; Moser, Markus; Heid, Iris M; Warth, Richard; Spang, Rainer; Wegener, Joachim; Mierke, Claudia T; Englert, Christoph; Witzgall, Ralph

2013-11-01

Mutations of the LMX1B gene cause nail-patella syndrome, a rare autosomal-dominant disorder affecting the development of the limbs, eyes, brain, and kidneys. The characterization of conventional Lmx1b knockout mice has shown that LMX1B regulates the development of podocyte foot processes and slit diaphragms, but studies using podocyte-specific Lmx1b knockout mice have yielded conflicting results regarding the importance of LMX1B for maintaining podocyte structures. In order to address this question, we generated inducible podocyte-specific Lmx1b knockout mice. One week of Lmx1b inactivation in adult mice resulted in proteinuria with only minimal foot process effacement. Notably, expression levels of slit diaphragm and basement membrane proteins remained stable at this time point, and basement membrane charge properties also did not change, suggesting that alternative mechanisms mediate the development of proteinuria in these mice. Cell biological and biophysical experiments with primary podocytes isolated after 1 week of Lmx1b inactivation indicated dysregulation of actin cytoskeleton organization, and time-resolved DNA microarray analysis identified the genes encoding actin cytoskeleton-associated proteins, including Abra and Arl4c, as putative LMX1B targets. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments in conditionally immortalized human podocytes and gel shift assays showed that LMX1B recognizes AT-rich binding sites (FLAT elements) in the promoter regions of ABRA and ARL4C, and knockdown experiments in zebrafish support a model in which LMX1B and ABRA act in a common pathway during pronephros development. Our report establishes the importance of LMX1B in fully differentiated podocytes and argues that LMX1B is essential for the maintenance of an appropriately structured actin cytoskeleton in podocytes.

Preliminary Evaluation of the Spin and Recovery Characteristics of the Douglas XF3D-1 Airplane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scher, Stanley H.

1947-01-01

A preliminary evaluation of the spin and recovery characteristics of the XF3D-1 airplane has been made, based primarily on the results of the free-spinning tunnel tests of a model which closely simulated the XF3D-1 in tail design, tail length, and mass loading. Estimates have been made of the rudder-pedal force that may be encountered in effecting recovery from a spin and of the spin recovery parachute requirements of the airplane for demonstration spins. The method of bail-out which should be used if it becomes necessary for the crew to abandon the airplane during a spin is indicated. It was indicated that the recovery characteristics of the XF3D-1 airplane in the clean condition for erect and inverted spins would be satisfactory for all loadings specified by the contractor as possible on the airplane. However, if a spin is inadvertently entered while the landing flaps are down, recovery may be slow. The slow-down brakes and the landing flaps should be retracted immediately upon the inception of a spinning condition, after which recovery from the spin should be attempted. The pedal force necessary to reverse the rudder during a spin will be within the physical capabilities of the pilot. Opening a 10-foot diameter parachute attached to the tail (laid-out-flat diameter, drag coefficient 0.7) or a 4.5-foot diameter parachute attached to the outboard wing tip will insure satisfactory spin recovery from demonstration spins. If it becomes necessary for the crew to abandon the airplane during a spin, they should leave from the outboard side of the cockpit.

The effect of patient migration in bed on torso elevation.

PubMed

Wiggermann, Neal; Kotowski, Susan; Davis, Kermit; VanGilder, Catherine

2015-01-01

Elevating the hospital head of bed (HOB) to at least 30° is recommended practice to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in mechanically ventilated patients. However, this common practice prescribes the position of the bed and not of the patient, which could be significantly different. The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between patient migration in bed and anatomic torso angle. Ten healthy participants were positioned in a hospital bed that was raised from flat to 30° and 45° HOB elevations. Prior to bed movement, participants were aligned to different locations along the length of the bed to represent different amounts of migration. A motion capture system was used to measure torso angle and migration toward the foot of the bed. The relationship between torso angle and migration was estimated by linear regression. Patient migration resulted in lower torso angles for both 30° and 45° HOB articulations. A migration of 10 cm resulted in a loss of 9.1° and 13.0° of torso angle for HOB articulations of 30° and 45°, respectively (for 30° articulations: (Equation is included in full-text article.)= -0.91, R = .96; for 45° articulations: (Equation is included in full-text article.)= -1.30, R = .98). Migration toward the foot of the bed flattens the torso. To maintain a torso angle that is likely to protect against VAP, healthcare providers need to manage both HOB angle and migration. Protocols and equipment that minimize patient migration will help support effective clinical practice. Future research on patient migration, as it relates to VAP or other outcomes, should measure patient torso angle to allow accurate translation of the results to care practice.

Associations of Region-Specific Foot Pain and Foot Biomechanics: The Framingham Foot Study

PubMed Central

Hagedorn, Thomas J.; Dufour, Alyssa B.; Hannan, Marian T.

2015-01-01

Background. Specific regions of the foot are responsible for the gait tasks of weight acceptance, single-limb support, and forward propulsion. With region foot pain, gait abnormalities may arise and affect the plantar pressure and force pattern utilized. Therefore, this study’s purpose was to evaluate plantar pressure and force pattern differences between adults with and without region-specific foot pain. Methods. Plantar pressure and force data were collected on Framingham Foot Study members while walking barefoot at a self-selected pace. Foot pain was evaluated by self-report and grouped by foot region (toe, forefoot, midfoot, or rearfoot) or regions (two or three or more regions) of pain. Unadjusted and adjusted linear regression with generalized estimating equations was used to determine associations between feet with and without foot pain. Results. Individuals with distal foot (forefoot or toes) pain had similar maximum vertical forces under the pain region, while those with proximal foot (rearfoot or midfoot) pain had different maximum vertical forces compared to those without regional foot pain (referent). During walking, there were significant differences in plantar loading and propulsion ranging from 2% to 4% between those with and without regional foot pain. Significant differences in normalized maximum vertical force and plantar pressure ranged from 5.3% to 12.4% and 3.4% to 24.1%, respectively, between those with and without regional foot pain. Conclusions. Associations of regional foot pain with plantar pressure and force were different by regions of pain. Region-specific foot pain was not uniformly associated with an increase or decrease in loading and pressure patterns regions of pain. PMID:25995291

Effectiveness of foot care education among people with type 2 diabetes in rural Puducherry, India.

PubMed

Saurabh, Suman; Sarkar, Sonali; Selvaraj, Kalaiselvi; Kar, Sitanshu Sekhar; Kumar, S Ganesh; Roy, Gautam

2014-01-01

The burden of diabetes and its foot complications is increasing in India. Prevention of these complications through foot care education should be explored. The objective of our study was to assess the risk factors of poor diabetic foot care and to find the effectiveness of health education in improving foot care practice among diabetes patients. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was administered to the outpatients of a rural health center with type 2 diabetes. Awareness regarding diabetes, care of diabetes and foot care practice ware assessed and scored. Individual and group health education focusing on foot care was performed. Foot care practice was reassessed after 2 weeks of education. Only 54% were aware that diabetes could lead to reduced foot sensation and foot ulcers. Nearly 53% and 41% of the patients had good diabetes awareness and good diabetes care respectively. Only 22% of the patients had their feet examined by a health worker or doctor. The patients with poor, satisfactory and good practice scores were 44.7%, 35.9% and 19.4% respectively. Low education status, old age and low awareness regarding diabetes were the risk factors for poor practice of foot care. Average score for practice of foot care improved from 5.90 ± 1.82 to 8.0 ± 1.30 after 2 weeks of health education. Practice related to toe space examination, foot inspection and foot wear inspection improved maximally. Foot care education for diabetics in a primary care setting improves their foot care practice and is likely to be effective in reducing the burden of diabetic foot ulcer.

Beneficial effects of foot care nursing for people with diabetes mellitus: an uncontrolled before and after intervention study.

PubMed

Fujiwara, Yuko; Kishida, Ken; Terao, Mika; Takahara, Mitsuyoshi; Matsuhisa, Munehide; Funahashi, Tohru; Shimomura, Iichiro; Shimizu, Yasuko

2011-09-01

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a preventative foot care nursing programme for diabetic patients. Foot complications are common in diabetic patients and prevention of such complications requires foot care. However, there is little information on the effectiveness of foot care nursing on the incidence and recurrence of diabetic foot. We developed a diabetic foot care programme based on the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot. We studied 88 patients who attended our foot care programme for 2 years, and collected data from April 2005 to March 2009. Patients were divided into four groups according to the risk classification, and received foot care. We evaluated the incidence of foot ulceration or recurrence and non-ulcerated foot condition. Characteristics of the patients were analysed using the paired t-test and McNemar's test, and changes in severity of tinea pedis and grade of callus were analysed using Wilcoxon's signed rank sum test. The programme reduced the severity score of tinea pedis (P < 0·001) and improved callus grade (P < 0·001). All these were evaluated by Wilcoxon's signed rank sum test. None of the patients of risk-group-3 (history of foot ulceration) showed recurrence of callus-related foot ulcers. Six high-risk patients developed foot ulceration during the programme because of minor injury, but the ulcers healed without development of gangrene. A nurse-based foot care programme is effective in preventing diabetic foot in diabetic patients. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Advanced Nursing © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

76 FR 25320 - Indian Blanket Water LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-04

...: (1) A 120-foot-high, 3,200-foot-long earth embankment dam; (2) a 30- foot-high, 300-foot-long earth...-foot storage capacity; (4) a 60-foot-high, 5,600-foot-long earth embankment dam creating; (5) a lower... characters, without prior registration, using the eComment system at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ecomment...

77 FR 71590 - New England Hydropower Company, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing...

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2012-12-03

...-wide, and 10-foot-deep head box and intake channel; (4) a new 6-foot-high, 14-foot-wide sluice gate...) an existing 375-foot-long, 20- foot-wide, and 4-foot-deep tailrace; (8) a new above ground 300-foot... instructions on the Commission's Web site http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp . Commenters can submit...

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2013-05-16

... about 416.7 feet above mean sea level; (3) an existing 31- foot-long, 12.9-foot-wide, and 10-foot-deep...-foot-long, 30-foot-wide, and 4-foot-deep tailrace; (8) a new above-ground 365-foot-long, 35-kilovolt... Commission's Web site http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp . Commenters can submit brief comments up...

76 FR 28766 - Black Canyon Hydro, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-18

.... The proposed project would consist of the following: (1) An approximately 35-foot-wide, 7-foot-tall inflatable dam; (2) a 90-foot- wide, 7-foot-tall diversion intake structure; (3) a 9-foot-wide, 7- foot-tall...

76 FR 4097 - Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.P.; Notice of Application Tendered for Filing With the Commission...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

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... Oswegatchie River and consists of: (1) A 941-foot-long dam with a 192-foot-long, 69-foot-high concrete gravity... consists of: (1) A 568-foot-long dam and a 120-foot-long earthen embankment with a concrete core wall, and a 229- foot-long, 70-foot-high concrete gravity spillway with a crest elevation of 1,080.0 feet msl...

The role of foot self-care behavior on developing foot ulcers in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy: a prospective study.

PubMed

Chin, Yen-Fan; Liang, Jersey; Wang, Woan-Shyuan; Hsu, Brend Ray-Sea; Huang, Tzu-Ting

2014-12-01

Although foot self-care behavior is viewed as beneficial for the prevention of diabetic foot ulceration, the effect of foot self-care behavior on the development of diabetic foot ulcer has received little empirical investigation. To explore the relationship between foot self-care practice and the development of diabetic foot ulcers among diabetic neuropathy patients in northern Taiwan. A longitudinal study was conducted at one medical center and one teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. A total of 295 diabetic patients who lacked sensitivity to a monofilament were recruited. Five subjects did not provide follow-up data; thus, only the data of 290 subjects were analyzed. The mean age was 67.0 years, and 72.1% had six or fewer years of education. Data were collected by a modified version of the physical assessment portion of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument and the Diabetes Foot Self-Care Behavior Scale. Cox regression was used to analyze the predictive power of foot self-care behaviors. A total of 29.3% (n=85) of diabetic neuropathy patients developed a diabetic foot ulcer by the one-year follow-up. The total score on the Diabetes Foot Self-Care Behavior Scale was significantly associated with the risk of developing foot ulcers (HR=1.04, 95% CI=1.01-1.07, p=0.004). After controlling for the demographic variables and the number of diabetic foot ulcer hospitalizations, however, the effect was non-significant (HR=1.03, 95% CI=1.00-1.06, p=0.061). Among the foot self-care behaviors, lotion-applying behavior was the only variable that significantly predicted the occurrence of diabetic foot ulcer, even after controlling for demographic variables and diabetic foot ulcer predictors (neuropathy severity, number of diabetic foot ulcer hospitalizations, insulin treatment, and peripheral vascular disease; HR=1.19, 95% CI=1.04-1.36, p=0.012). Among patients with diabetic neuropathy, foot self-care practice may be insufficient to prevent the occurrence of diabetic foot ulcer. Instead, lotion-applying behavior predicted the occurrence of diabetic foot ulcers in diabetic patients with neuropathy. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanism of lotion-applying behavior as it relates to the occurrence of diabetic foot ulcer. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diabetes - taking care of your feet

MedlinePlus

Diabetes - foot care - self-care; Diabetic foot ulcer - foot care; Diabetic neuropathy - foot care ... else to check your feet. Call your health care provider right way about any foot problems you ...

Effectiveness of foot care education among people with type 2 diabetes in rural Puducherry, India

PubMed Central

Saurabh, Suman; Sarkar, Sonali; Selvaraj, Kalaiselvi; Kar, Sitanshu Sekhar; Kumar, S. Ganesh; Roy, Gautam

2014-01-01

Background: The burden of diabetes and its foot complications is increasing in India. Prevention of these complications through foot care education should be explored. The objective of our study was to assess the risk factors of poor diabetic foot care and to find the effectiveness of health education in improving foot care practice among diabetes patients. Materials and Methods: A structured pre-tested questionnaire was administered to the outpatients of a rural health center with type 2 diabetes. Awareness regarding diabetes, care of diabetes and foot care practice ware assessed and scored. Individual and group health education focusing on foot care was performed. Foot care practice was reassessed after 2 weeks of education. Results: Only 54% were aware that diabetes could lead to reduced foot sensation and foot ulcers. Nearly 53% and 41% of the patients had good diabetes awareness and good diabetes care respectively. Only 22% of the patients had their feet examined by a health worker or doctor. The patients with poor, satisfactory and good practice scores were 44.7%, 35.9% and 19.4% respectively. Low education status, old age and low awareness regarding diabetes were the risk factors for poor practice of foot care. Average score for practice of foot care improved from 5.90 ± 1.82 to 8.0 ± 1.30 after 2 weeks of health education. Practice related to toe space examination, foot inspection and foot wear inspection improved maximally. Conclusion: Foot care education for diabetics in a primary care setting improves their foot care practice and is likely to be effective in reducing the burden of diabetic foot ulcer. PMID:24701439

Qualitative research in palliative care 1990-1999: a descriptive review.

PubMed

Froggatt, Katherine A; Field, David; Bailey, Chris; Krishnasamy, Meinir

2003-03-01

A collaborative, evaluative review of qualitative research in palliative care published between 1990 and 1999 has been conducted. Nearly 30,000 articles in 48 journals from specialist palliative care, oncology, death studies, medicine, nursing, gerontology, health and the social sciences were examined. From these journals, 138 articles (0.5%) reporting qualitative research with a focus on palliative care in the context of death, dying or bereavement were identified. These articles were reviewed using a proforma designed by the group. This article describes the review process, and the following findings: the distribution of different forms of qualitative research in palliative care; the location of such papers; the focus of the research; and the research methodology and methods adopted.

A foot-care program to facilitate self-care by the elderly: a non-randomized intervention study.

PubMed

Omote, Shizuko; Watanabe, Arisu; Hiramatsu, Tomoko; Saito, Emiko; Yokogawa, Masami; Okamoto, Rie; Sakakibara, Chiaki; Ichimori, Akie; Kyota, Kaoru; Tsukasaki, Keiko

2017-11-09

We aimed to evaluate a foot-care awareness program designed to improve foot morphology, physical functioning, and fall prevention among the community-dwelling elderly. Eleven independent community-dwelling elderly women (aged 61-83 years) were provided with foot-care advice and shown effective foot-care techniques to perform regularly for 6 months, and compared with a control group of 10 elderly women who did not receive any intervention. Measurements of foot form, functional capacity, subjective foot movement, and physical function were taken at baseline and 6-month follow-up. At follow-up, improvements were seen in the intervention group in foot morphology, subjective foot movement, foot pressure, and balance. In the intervention group, 90% of women had maintained or improved foot form and none of them had fallen during the post-intervention period, compared to the control group where 30% improved foot form (p = 0.0075) and four (40%) of them had fallen. Therefore, a foot-care program may have the potential to prevent falls and improve mobility among the elderly. Trial Registration UMIN-CTR No. UMIN000029632. Date of Registration: October 19, 2017.

Is the foot elevation the optimal position for wound healing of a diabetic foot?

PubMed

Park, D J; Han, S K; Kim, W K

2010-03-01

In managing diabetic foot ulcers, foot elevation has generally been recommended to reduce oedema and prevent other sequential problems. However, foot elevation may decrease tissue oxygenation of the foot more than the dependent position since the dependent position is known to increase blood flow within the arterial system. In addition, diabetic foot ulcers, which have peripheral vascular insufficiency, generally have less oedema than other wounds. Therefore, we argue that foot elevation may not be helpful for healing of vascularly compromised diabetic foot ulcers since adequate tissue oxygenation is an essential factor in diabetic wound healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of foot height on tissue oxygenation and to determine the optimal foot position to accelerate wound healing of diabetic foot ulcers. This study included 122 cases (73 males and 47 females; two males had bilateral disease) of diabetic foot ulcer patients aged 40-93 years. Trans-cutaneous partial oxygen tension (TcpO(2)) values of diabetic feet were measured before and after foot elevation (n=21). Elevation was achieved by placing a foot over four cushions. We also measured foot TcpO(2) values before and after lowering the feet (n=122). Feet were lowered to the patient's tibial height, approximately 30-35 cm, beside a bed handrail. Due to the large number of lowering measurements, we divided them into five sub-groups according to initial TcpO(2.) Tissue oxygenation values were compared. Foot-elevation-lowered TcpO(2) values before and after elevation were 32.5+/-22.2 and 23.8+/-23.1 mmHg (p<0.01), respectively. Foot-lowering-augmented TcpO(2) values before and after lowering were 44.6+/-23.8 and 58.0+/-25.9 mmHg (p<0.01), respectively. The lower the initial TcpO(2) level, the more the TcpO(2) level increased. The foot lowering, rather than elevation, significantly augments TcpO(2) and may stimulate healing of diabetic foot ulcers. (c) 2008 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rates of evapotranspiration, recharge from precipitation beneath selected areas of native vegetation, and streamflow gain and loss in Carson Valley, Douglas County, Nevada, and Alpine County, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Maurer, Douglas K.; Berger, David L.; Tumbusch, Mary L.; Johnson, Michael J.

2006-01-01

Rapid growth and development in Carson Valley is causing concern over the continued availability of water resources to sustain such growth into the future. A study to address concerns over water resources and to update estimates of water-budget components in Carson Valley was begun in 2003 by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Douglas County, Nevada. This report summarizes micrometeorologic, soil-chloride, and streambed-temperature data collected in Carson Valley from April 2003 through November 2004. Using these data, estimates of rates of discharge by evapotranspiration (ET), rates of recharge from precipitation in areas of native vegetation on the eastern and northern sides of the valley, and rates of recharge and discharge from streamflow infiltration and seepage on the valley floor were calculated. These rates can be used to develop updated water budgets for Carson Valley and to evaluate potential effects of land- and water-use changes on the valley's water budget. Data from eight ET stations provided estimates of annual ET during water year 2004, the sixth consecutive year of a drought with average or below average precipitation since 1999. Estimated annual ET from flood-irrigated alfalfa where the water table was from 3 to 6 feet below land surface was 3.1 feet. A similar amount of ET, 3.0 feet, was estimated from flood-irrigated alfalfa where the water table was about 40 feet below land surface. Estimated annual ET from flood-irrigated pasture ranged from 2.8 to 3.2 feet where the water table ranged from 2 to 5 feet below land surface, and was 4.4 feet where the water table was within 2 feet from land surface. Annual ET estimated from nonirrigated pasture was 1.7 feet. Annual ET estimated from native vegetation was 1.9 feet from stands of rabbitbrush and greasewood near the northern end of the valley, and 1.5 feet from stands of native bitterbrush and sagebrush covering alluvial fans along the western side of the valley. Uncertainty in most ET estimates is about 12 percent, but ranged from +30 and +50 percent to -20 and -40 percent for nonirrigated pasture and native bitterbrush and sagebrush. Estimated rates for water year 2004 likely are less than those during years of average, or above average precipitation when the water table would be closer to land surface. Test holes drilled in areas of native vegetation on the northern and eastern sides of Carson Valley had high concentrations of soil chloride at depths ranging from 4 to 18 feet below land surface at six locations on the eastern side of the valley. The high chloride concentrations indicate that modern-day precipitation at the six locations does not percolate deeper than the root zone of native vegetation. Estimates of the time required to accumulate the measured amount of chloride to depths of about 30 feet below land surface at the six test holes ranged from about 3,000 to 12,000 years. Low concentrations of soil chloride in two test holes on the northern end of Carson Valley and in a test hole on the eastern side of Fish Spring Flat indicate that a small amount of recharge from modern-day precipitation is taking place. Estimated annual recharge from precipitation at the two locations was 0.03 and 0.04 foot on the northern end of the valley and 0.02 foot on the eastern side of Fish Spring Flat. Uncertainty in the estimated recharge rates was about ?0.01 foot. Estimates of the time required to accumulate the measured amount of chloride to depths of about 30 feet below land surface at the three test holes ranged from about 100 to 700 years. The two test holes near the northern end of the valley are in gravel and eolian sand deposits and recharge from precipitation may be taking place at similar rates in other areas with gravel and eolian sand deposits. Based on results from other test holes, recharge at the rate estimated for the test hole on the eastern side of Fish Spring Flat is not likely applicable to a large area. Data from 37 site

The foot core system: a new paradigm for understanding intrinsic foot muscle function.

PubMed

McKeon, Patrick O; Hertel, Jay; Bramble, Dennis; Davis, Irene

2015-03-01

The foot is a complex structure with many articulations and multiple degrees of freedom that play an important role in static posture and dynamic activities. The evolutionary development of the arch of the foot was coincident with the greater demands placed on the foot as humans began to run. The movement and stability of the arch is controlled by intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. However, the intrinsic muscles are largely ignored by clinicians and researchers. As such, these muscles are seldom addressed in rehabilitation programmes. Interventions for foot-related problems are more often directed at externally supporting the foot rather than training these muscles to function as they are designed. In this paper, we propose a novel paradigm for understanding the function of the foot. We begin with an overview of the evolution of the human foot with a focus on the development of the arch. This is followed by a description of the foot intrinsic muscles and their relationship to the extrinsic muscles. We draw the parallels between the small muscles of the trunk region that make up the lumbopelvic core and the intrinsic foot muscles, introducing the concept of the foot core. We then integrate the concept of the foot core into the assessment and treatment of the foot. Finally, we call for an increased awareness of the importance of the foot core stability to normal foot and lower extremity function. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Obese older adults suffer foot pain and foot-related functional limitation.

PubMed

Mickle, Karen J; Steele, Julie R

2015-10-01

There is evidence to suggest being overweight or obese places adults at greater risk of developing foot complications such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. However, no research has comprehensively examined the effects of overweight or obesity on the feet of individuals older than 60 years of age. Therefore we investigated whether foot pain, foot structure, and/or foot function is affected by obesity in older adults. Three hundred and twelve Australian men and women, aged over 60 years, completed validated questionnaires to establish the presence of foot pain and health related quality of life. Foot structure (anthropometrics and soft tissue thickness) and foot function (ankle dorsiflexion strength and flexibility, toe flexor strength, plantar pressures and spatiotemporal gait parameters) were also measured. Obese participants (BMI >30) were compared to those who were overweight (BMI=25-30) and not overweight (BMI <25). Obese participants were found to have a significantly higher prevalence of foot pain and scored significantly lower on the SF-36. Obesity was also associated with foot-related functional limitation whereby ankle dorsiflexion strength, hallux and lesser toe strength, stride/step length and walking speed were significantly reduced in obese participants compared to their leaner counterparts. Therefore, disabling foot pain and altered foot structure and foot function are consequences of obesity for older adults, and impact upon their quality of life. Interventions designed to reduce excess fat mass may relieve loading of the foot structures and, in turn, improve foot pain and quality of life for older obese individuals. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Diabetic foot disease: From the evaluation of the “foot at risk” to the novel diabetic ulcer treatment modalities

PubMed Central

Amin, Noha; Doupis, John

2016-01-01

The burden of diabetic foot disease (DFD) is expected to increase in the future. The incidence of DFD is still rising due to the high prevalence of DFD predisposing factors. DFD is multifactorial in nature; however most of the diabetic foot amputations are preceded by foot ulceration. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a major risk factor for foot ulceration. DPN leads to loss of protective sensation resulting in continuous unconscious traumas. Patient education and detection of high risk foot are essential for the prevention of foot ulceration and amputation. Proper assessment of the diabetic foot ulceration and appropriate management ensure better prognosis. Management is based on revascularization procedures, wound debridement, treatment of infection and ulcer offloading. Management and type of dressing applied are tailored according to the type of wound and the foot condition. The scope of this review paper is to describe the diabetic foot syndrome starting from the evaluation of the foot at risk for ulceration, up to the new treatment modalities. PMID:27076876

Athlete's Foot

MedlinePlus

... this page. Please enable Javascript in your browser. Athlete's Foot Athlete's foot is a skin infection caused by fungus. A ... the body; on the foot, it is called athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis. Fungus commonly attacks the feet ...

What Is a Foot and Ankle Surgeon?

MedlinePlus

... Foot & Ankle Surgeon? A A A | Print | Share What is a Foot & Ankle Surgeon? Foot and ankle ... of conditions that affect people of every age. What education has a foot and ankle surgeon received? ...

Foot posture, foot function and low back pain: the Framingham Foot Study

PubMed Central

Menz, Hylton B.; Dufour, Alyssa B.; Riskowski, Jody L.; Hillstrom, Howard J.

2013-01-01

Objective. Abnormal foot posture and function have been proposed as possible risk factors for low back pain, but this has not been examined in detail. The objective of this study was to explore the associations of foot posture and foot function with low back pain in 1930 members of the Framingham Study (2002–05). Methods. Low back pain, aching or stiffness on most days was documented on a body chart. Foot posture was categorized as normal, planus or cavus using static weight-bearing measurements of the arch index. Foot function was categorized as normal, pronated or supinated using the centre of pressure excursion index derived from dynamic foot pressure measurements. Sex-specific multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of foot posture, foot function and asymmetry with low back pain, adjusting for confounding variables. Results. Foot posture showed no association with low back pain. However, pronated foot function was associated with low back pain in women [odds ratio (OR) = 1.51, 95% CI 1.1, 2.07, P = 0.011] and this remained significant after adjusting for age, weight, smoking and depressive symptoms (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.07, 2.05, P = 0.018). Conclusion. These findings suggest that pronated foot function may contribute to low back symptoms in women. Interventions that modify foot function, such as orthoses, may therefore have a role in the prevention and treatment of low back pain. PMID:24049103

Health education programmes to improve foot self-care practices and foot problems among older people with diabetes: a systematic review.

PubMed

Ahmad Sharoni, Siti Khuzaimah; Minhat, Halimatus Sakdiah; Mohd Zulkefli, Nor Afiah; Baharom, Anisah

2016-09-01

To assess the effectiveness of health education programmes to improve foot self-care practices and foot problems among older people with diabetes. The complications of diabetes among older people are a major health concern. Foot problems such as neuropathy, ulcer and ultimately amputation are a great burden on older people with diabetes. Diabetes foot education programmes can influence the behaviour of older people in practising foot self-care and controlling the foot problems. However, the educational approaches used by the educators are different. Therefore, it is important to assess the education programmes from various evidence-based practices. Six databases, EBSCOhost medical collections (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection), SAGE, Wiley Online Library, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink and Web of Science, were used to search for articles published from January 2000 to March 2015. The search was based on the inclusion criteria and keywords including 'foot', 'care' and 'diabetes'. Fourteen studies were assessed and reviewed in the final stage. Health education programmes varied according to their design, setting, approach, outcome measured and results. Foot assessment, verbal and written instructions and discussion were proved to improve the foot self-care and foot problems. Subsequent follow-ups and evaluations had a significant effect. An improvement was observed in foot self-care scores and foot problems (such as neuropathy, foot disability, lesion, ulcer, tinea pedis and callus grade) after implementation of the health education programme. The findings of this study support the claim that a health education programme increases the foot self-care scores and reduces the foot problems. However, there were certain methodological concerns in the reviewed articles, indicating the need for further evaluation. In future, researchers and practitioners must implement a vigorous education programme focusing on diabetes foot self-care among the older population. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Foot Conditions among Homeless Persons: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

To, Matthew J.; Brothers, Thomas D.; Van Zoost, Colin

2016-01-01

Introduction Foot problems are common among homeless persons, but are often overlooked. The objectives of this systematic review are to summarize what is known about foot conditions and associated interventions among homeless persons. Methods A literature search was conducted on MEDLINE (1966–2016), EMBASE (1947–2016), and CINAHL (1982–2016) and complemented by manual searches of reference lists. Articles that described foot conditions in homeless persons or associated interventions were included. Data were independently extracted on: general study characteristics; participants; foot assessment methods; foot conditions and associated interventions; study findings; quality score assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. Results Of 333 articles screened, 17 articles met criteria and were included in the study. Prevalence of any foot problem ranged from 9% to 65% across study populations. Common foot-related concerns were corns and calluses, nail pathologies, and infections. Foot pathologies related to chronic diseases such as diabetes were identified. Compared to housed individuals across studies, homeless individuals were more likely to have foot problems including tinea pedis, foot pain, functional limitations with walking, and improperly-fitting shoes. Discussion Foot conditions were highly prevalent among homeless individuals with up to two thirds reporting a foot health concern, approximately one quarter of individuals visiting a health professional, and one fifth of individuals requiring further follow-up due to the severity of their condition. Homeless individuals often had inadequate foot hygiene practices and improperly-fitting shoes. These findings have service provision and public health implications, highlighting the need for evidence-based interventions to improve foot health in this population. An effective interventional approach could include optimization of foot hygiene and footwear, provision of comprehensive medical treatment, and addressing social factors that lead to increased risk of foot problems. Targeted efforts to screen for and treat foot problems could result in improved health and social outcomes for homeless individuals. PMID:27936071

Nurses' foot care activities in home health care.

PubMed

Stolt, Minna; Suhonen, Riitta; Puukka, Pauli; Viitanen, Matti; Voutilainen, Päivi; Leino-Kilpi, Helena

2013-01-01

This study described the basic foot care activities performed by nurses and factors associated with these in the home care of older people. Data were collected from nurses (n=322) working in nine public home care agencies in Finland using the Nurses' Foot Care Activities Questionnaire (NFAQ). Data were analyzed statistically using descriptive statistics and multivariate liner models. Although some of the basic foot care activities of nurses reported using were outdated, the majority of foot care activities were consistent with recommendations in foot care literature. Longer working experience, referring patients with foot problems to a podiatrist and physiotherapist, and patient education in wart and nail care were associated with a high score for adequate foot care activities. Continuing education should focus on updating basic foot care activities and increasing the use of evidence-based foot care methods. Also, geriatric nursing research should focus in intervention research to improve the use of evidence-based basic foot care activities. Copyright © 2013 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Foot Bathing and Foot Massage in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

PubMed

Park, Ranhee; Park, Chaisoon

2015-01-01

In a clinical setting, patients have been observed to complain of discomfort and to discontinue treatment because of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), but few data exist regarding the quality of life in these patients in Korea. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to analyze the effects of foot bathing and massage in patients with CIPN. Subjects included 48 patients with CIPN, who were hospitalized in C University Hospital. The subjects were alternately assigned to 1 of 2 groups according to their registration order. The interventions consisted of 8 treatments of foot bathing or massage over a period of 2 weeks, at 30 minutes per session, every other day. The foot skin temperature increased significantly in the foot bathing group, whereas it decreased significantly in the massage group. Quality of life was significantly increased in the foot bathing group, whereas it was significantly decreased in the massage group. Although foot bathing and foot massage are both supportive care techniques for CIPN patients, foot bathing was more effective than foot massage on skin temperature, grade of neurotoxicity, and quality of life. Additional well-designed studies are recommended, so that the effectiveness of foot bathing and foot massage is confirmed. Foot bathing is more useful as supportive care with respect to nonpharmacologic interventions for alleviating CIPN and promoting the quality of life in cancer patients.

Newly discovered abundant fluid seep indicators off southern Costa Rica, imaged from overlapping multibeam swaths and 3D seismic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kluesner, J. W.; Silver, E. A.; Gibson, J. C.; Bangs, N. L.; McIntosh, K.; von Huene, R.; Orange, D.; Ranero, C. R.

2012-12-01

Offshore southern Costa Rica we have identified 161 potential fluid seepage sites on the shelf and slope regions within an 11 x 55 km strip where no fluid indicators had been reported previously using conventional deep-water mutlibeam bathymetry (100 m grid cell size) and deep towed side scan sonar. Evidence includes large and small pockmarks, mounds, ridges, and slope failure features with localized anomalous high-amplitude backscatter strength. The majority of seepage indicators are associated with shallow sub-bottom reversed polarity bright spots and flat spots imaged within the CRISP 3D seismic grid. Data were collected ~50 km west of Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica onboard the R/V Marcus G. Langseth during the spring of 2011. We obtained EM122 multibeam data using fixed, closely spaced receiver beams and 9-10 times swath overlap, which greatly improved the signal-to-noise ratio and sounding density and allowed for very small grid and mosaic cell sizes (2-10 m). A gas plume in the water column, seen on a 3.5 kHz profile, is located along a fault trace and above surface and subsurface seep indicators. Fluid indicators on the outer shelf occur largely on a dense array of faults, some of which cut through the reflective basement. Seismic flat spots commonly underlie axes of large anticlines on the shelf and slope. Pockmarks are also located at the foot of mid-slope canyons, very near to the upper end of the BSR. These pockmarks appear to be associated with canyon abandonment and folded beds that channel fluids upward, causing hydrate instability. Our findings suggest that significant amounts of methane are venting into ocean and potentially into the atmosphere across the heavily deformed shelf and slope of Costa Rica.

Influence of contouring and hardness of foot orthoses on ratings of perceived comfort.

PubMed

Mills, Kathryn; Blanch, Peter; Vicenzino, Bill

2011-08-01

Comfort is a vital component of orthosis therapy. The purpose of this study was to examine what features of orthoses (design or hardness) influence the perception of comfort by using previously established footwear comfort measures: 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) and ranking scale. Twenty subjects were consecutively allocated to two experiments consisting of five sessions of repeated measures. Comfort measures were taken from four prefabricated orthosis in each session using the VAS (experiment 1) and ranking scale (experiment 2). Subjects in experiment 1 were also asked to rate each orthosis relative to their shoe using a criterion scale. Measures were taken in both walking and jogging. A soft-flat orthosis was found to be significantly more comfortable than all contoured orthoses, including one of the same hardness using both the VAS and ranking scale. Using the VAS, differences between the soft-flat and contoured orthoses were also found to be clinically meaningful for dimensions of overall comfort and arch cushioning (>10.2 mm). Perceived comfort of orthoses significantly differed between walking and jogging on the VAS but was not clinically meaningful. Comparisons between the VAS and criterion scale detected a VAS difference of 11.34 mm between orthoses judged as comfortable as my shoe and slightly more comfortable than my shoe. There was a VAS difference of 17.49 mm between orthoses judged as comfortable as my shoe and slightly less comfortable than my shoe. Healthy subjects prioritize contouring over hardness when judging the comfort of orthoses. Clinically meaningful changes were required to change or enhance the comfort of orthoses standardized in material type and fabrication.

A Experimental Study of Fluctuating Pressure Loads Beneath Swept Shock Wave/boundary Layer Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garg, Sanjay

An experimental research program providing basic knowledge and establishing a database on the fluctuating pressure loads produced on aerodynamic surfaces beneath three-dimensional shock wave/boundary layer interactions is described. Such loads constitute a fundamental problem of critical concern to future supersonic and hypersonic flight vehicles. A turbulent boundary layer on a flat plate is subjected to interactions with swept planar shock waves generated by sharp fins. Fin angles from 10 ^circ to 20^circ at freestream Mach numbers of 3 and 4 produce a variety of interaction strengths from weak to very strong. Miniature pressure transducers flush-mounted in the flat plate have been used to measure interaction-induced wall pressure fluctuations. The distributions of properties of the pressure fluctuations, such as their rms level, amplitude distribution and power spectra, are also determined. Measurements have been made for the first time in the aft regions of these interactions, revealing fluctuating pressure levels as high as 155 dB, which places them in the category of significant aeroacoustic load generators. The fluctuations near the foot of the fin are dominated by low frequency (0-5 kHz) components, and are caused by a previously unrecognized random motion of the primary attachment line. This phenomenon is probably intimately linked to the unsteadiness of the separation shock at the start of the interaction. The characteristics of the pressure fluctuations are explained in light of the features of the interaction flowfield. In particular, physical mechanisms responsible for the generation of high levels of surface pressure fluctuations are proposed based on the results of the study. The unsteadiness of the flowfield of the surface is also examined via a novel, non-intrusive optical technique. Results show that the entire shock structure generated by the interaction undergoes relatively low-frequency oscillations.

Analysis of Free-Flight Laminar, Transitional, and Turbulent Heat-Transfer Results at Free-Stream Mach Numbers Near 20 (Reentry F)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zoby, Ernest V.; Rumsey, Charles B.

1971-01-01

Laminar, transitional, and turbulent heat-transfer data were measured during a reentry flight at a Mach number of 20 on a 5 deg half-angle cone 3.962 m (13 ft) long with an initial nose tip radius of 0.254 cm (0.1 in.). The free-stream Reynolds number increased during the prime data period from 7.0 x 10(exp 6) to 51.5 x 10(exp 6) per meter (2.1 x 10(exp 6) to 15.7 x 10(exp 6) per foot) and the ratio of wall to total temperature varied from 0.053 to 0.12. The angle of attack was less than 1deg for the prime data period. The experimental laminar and turbulent heating rates are compared with results from existing flat-plate prediction methods. At conditions of minimal tip blunting and angle of attack (above 26.8 km (88 000 ft)), values from a flat-plate laminar method agreed within 20 percent with the laminar data. The Schultz-Grunow skin-friction equation with reference enthalpy; conditions, with the Reynolds number based on distance from the transition location, and with the Colburn Reynolds analogy agreed within 10 percent with the experimental turbuleiit heating data. The Van Driest n skin-friction equation with Reynolds number greater than 10(exp 7) based on distance from the peak heating point and the Colburn Reynolds analogy was also within approximately 10 percent of the experimental turbulent heating data. A data correlation jbf the extent of transition and a simple empirical transition-zone heating correlation were also presented.

The effect of butterfly-scale inspired patterning on leading-edge vortex growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilroy, Jacob Aaron

Leading edge vortices (LEVs) are important for generating thrust and lift in flapping flight, and the surface patterning (scales) on butterfly wings is hypothesized to play a role in the vortex formation of the LEV. To simplify this complex flow problem, an experiment was designed to focus on the alteration of 2-D vortex development with a variation in surface patterning. Specifically, the secondary vorticity generated by the LEV interacting at the patterned surface was studied, as well as the subsequent effect on the LEV's growth rate and peak circulation. For this experiment, rapid-prototyped grooves based on the scale geometry of the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) were created using additive manufacturing and were attached to a flat plate with a chordwise orientation, thus increasing plate surface area. The vortex generated by the grooved plate was then compared to a smooth plate case in an experiment where the plate translated vertically through a 2 x 3 x 5 cubic foot tow tank. The plate was impulsively started in quiescent water and flow fields at Rec = 1416, 2833, and 5667 are examined using Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV). The maximum vortex formation number is 2.8 and is based on the flat plate travel length and chord length. Flow fields from each case show the generation of a secondary vortex whose interaction with the shear layer and LEV caused different behaviors depending upon the surface type. The vortex development process varied for each Reynolds number and it was found that for the lowest Reynolds number case a significant difference does not exist between surface types, however, for the other two cases the grooves affected the secondary vortex's behavior and the LEV's ability to grow at a rate similar to the smooth plate case.

Foot posture is associated with kinematics of the foot during gait: A comparison of normal, planus and cavus feet.

PubMed

Buldt, Andrew K; Levinger, Pazit; Murley, George S; Menz, Hylton B; Nester, Christopher J; Landorf, Karl B

2015-06-01

Variations in foot posture are associated with the development of some lower limb injuries. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are unclear. The objective of this study was to compare foot kinematics between normal, pes cavus and pes planus foot posture groups using a multi-segment foot model. Ninety-seven healthy adults, aged 18-47 were classified as either normal (n=37), pes cavus (n=30) or pes planus (n=30) based on normative data for the Foot Posture Index, Arch Index and normalised navicular height. A five segment foot model was used to measure tri-planar motion of the rearfoot, midfoot, medial forefoot, lateral forefoot and hallux during barefoot walking at a self-selected speed. Angle at heel contact, peak angle, time to peak angle and range of motion was measured for each segment. One way ANOVAs with post-hoc analyses of mean differences were used to compare foot posture groups. The pes cavus group demonstrated a distinctive pattern of motion compared to the normal and pes planus foot posture groups. Effect sizes of significant mean differences were large and comparable to similar studies. Three key differences in overall foot function were observed between the groups: (i) altered frontal and transverse plane angles of the rearfoot in the pes cavus foot; (ii) Less midfoot motion in the pes cavus foot during initial contact and midstance; and (iii) reduced midfoot frontal plane ROM in the pes planus foot during pre-swing. These findings indicate that foot posture does influence motion of the foot. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gait kinematics of subjects with ankle instability using a multisegmented foot model.

PubMed

De Ridder, Roel; Willems, Tine; Vanrenterghem, Jos; Robinson, Mark; Pataky, Todd; Roosen, Philip

2013-11-01

Many patients who sustain an acute lateral ankle sprain develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). Altered ankle kinematics have been reported to play a role in the underlying mechanisms of CAI. In previous studies, however, the foot was modeled as one rigid segment, ignoring the complexity of the ankle and foot anatomy and kinematics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate stance phase kinematics of subjects with CAI, copers, and controls during walking and running using both a rigid and a multisegmented foot model. Foot and ankle kinematics of 77 subjects (29 subjects with self-reported CAI, 24 copers, and 24 controls) were measured during barefoot walking and running using a rigid foot model and a six-segment Ghent Foot Model. Data were collected on a 20-m-long instrumented runway embedded with a force plate and a six-camera optoelectronic system. Groups were compared using statistical parametric mapping. Both the CAI and the coper group showed similar differences during midstance and late stance compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The rigid foot segment showed a more everted position during walking compared with the control group. Based on the Ghent Foot Model, the rear foot also showed a more everted position during running. The medial forefoot showed a more inverted position for both running and walking compared with the control group. Our study revealed significant midstance and late stance differences in rigid foot, rear foot, and medial forefoot kinematics The multisegmented foot model demonstrated intricate behavior of the foot that is not detectable with rigid foot modeling. Further research using these models is necessary to expand knowledge of foot kinematics in subjects with CAI.

Diagnostic considerations of lateral column foot pain in athletes.

PubMed

Traister, Eric; Simons, Stephen

2014-01-01

Foot maladies are often classified descriptively by general foot locations, i.e., forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot. However, common vernacular verbiage, implicating a common biomechanical purpose, also applies pathology to the medial or lateral foot column. Although imprecisely defined, lateral column injuries to the foot encompass conditions that affect any of the lateral side of the foot from the calcaneus to the toes. The lateral column of the foot includes the calcaneus, the cuboid, the fourth and fifth metatarsals as well as the calcaneocuboid, cuboido-metatarsal, and intermetatarsal joints. It may be helpful to think in a "lateral column" fashion when evaluating and treating certain lateral foot injuries, load patterns, and biomechanical or anatomical faults. Misdiagnosed injuries in this area of the foot can be a source of great morbidity to the athlete. It is important for the clinician to be aware of common conditions presenting as pain to the lateral side of the foot.

Effects of Thai Foot Massage on Balance Performance in Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Parallel-Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Chatchawan, Uraiwan; Eungpinichpong, Wichai; Plandee, Piyawan; Yamauchi, Junichiro

2015-01-01

Background Peripheral neuropathy is the most common complications of diabetic patients and leads to loss of plantar cutaneous sensation, movement perception, and body balance. Thai foot massage is an alternative therapy to improve balance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Thai foot massage on balance performance in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. Material/Methods Sixty patients with type-2 diabetes were recruited and randomly assigned into either the Thai foot massage or control groups. The Thai foot massage group received a modified Thai traditional foot massage for 30 min, 3 days per week for 2 weeks. We measured timed up and go (TUG), one leg stance: OLS), the range of motion (ROM) of the foot, and foot sensation (SWMT) before treatment, after the first single session, and after the 2-week treatment. Results After the single treatment session, only the Thai foot massage group showed a significant improvement in TUG. After the 2-week treatment, both Thai foot massage and control groups showed a significant improvement of TUG and OLS (P<0.05); however, when comparing between 2 groups, the Thai foot massage group showed better improvement in TUG than the control group (p<0.05). The Thai foot massage group also showed significant improvements in ROM and SWMT after the 2-week treatment. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that Thai foot massage is a viable alternative treatment for balance performance, ROM of the foot, and the foot sensation in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. PMID:25892354

Effects of thai foot massage on balance performance in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy: a randomized parallel-controlled trial.

PubMed

Chatchawan, Uraiwan; Eungpinichpong, Wichai; Plandee, Piyawan; Yamauchi, Junichiro

2015-04-20

BACKGROUND Peripheral neuropathy is the most common complications of diabetic patients and leads to loss of plantar cutaneous sensation, movement perception, and body balance. Thai foot massage is an alternative therapy to improve balance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Thai foot massage on balance performance in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty patients with type-2 diabetes were recruited and randomly assigned into either the Thai foot massage or control groups. The Thai foot massage group received a modified Thai traditional foot massage for 30 min, 3 days per week for 2 weeks. We measured timed up and go (TUG), one leg stance: OLS), the range of motion (ROM) of the foot, and foot sensation (SWMT) before treatment, after the first single session, and after the 2-week treatment. RESULTS After the single treatment session, only the Thai foot massage group showed a significant improvement in TUG. After the 2-week treatment, both Thai foot massage and control groups showed a significant improvement of TUG and OLS (P<0.05); however, when comparing between 2 groups, the Thai foot massage group showed better improvement in TUG than the control group (p<0.05). The Thai foot massage group also showed significant improvements in ROM and SWMT after the 2-week treatment. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that Thai foot massage is a viable alternative treatment for balance performance, ROM of the foot, and the foot sensation in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy.

77 FR 64496 - Freedom Falls, LLC; Notice of Application Ready for Environmental Analysis and Soliciting...

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... chambers. Oberlin's proposed project would consist of: (1) A new 155-foot- wide, 71-foot-tall water intake structure; (2) a new 155-foot-wide, 189-foot-long powerhouse containing three turbine generating units with...) A new 225- foot-wide, 50-foot-long water intake structure equipped with trashracks, sluice gates...

Sex determination from hand and foot dimensions in a North Indian population.

PubMed

Krishan, Kewal; Kanchan, Tanuj; Sharma, Abhilasha

2011-03-01

Hands and feet are often recovered from the site of natural as well as man-made disasters because of bomb blasts, train accidents, plane crashes, or mass homicides. This study is intended to establish standards for determination of sex from the dimensions of hands and feet in a North Indian population. The data for this study comprise 123 men and 123 women aged between 17 and 20 years from the "Rajput" population of Himachal Pradesh in North India. Four anthropometric measurements viz. hand length, hand breadth, foot length, and foot breadth have been taken on both sides of each subject following international anthropometric standards. The hand index (hand breadth/hand length × 100) and the foot index (foot breadth/foot length × 100) were calculated. Sectioning points and regression models are derived for the hand and foot dimensions and the derived indices. The hand and foot dimensions show a higher accuracy in sex determination by sectioning point analysis when compared to hand and foot index. Of the hand and the foot dimensions, hand breadth and foot breadth showed better accuracy in sex determination. Hand index and foot index remain poor sex discriminators in the study. © 2011 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

The generation of centripetal force when walking in a circle: insight from the distribution of ground reaction forces recorded by plantar insoles.

PubMed

Turcato, Anna Maria; Godi, Marco; Giordano, Andrea; Schieppati, Marco; Nardone, Antonio

2015-01-09

Turning involves complex reorientation of the body and is accompanied by asymmetric motion of the lower limbs. We investigated the distribution of the forces under the two feet, and its relation to the trajectory features and body medio-lateral displacement during curved walking. Twenty-six healthy young participants walked under three different randomized conditions: in a straight line (LIN), in a circular clockwise path and in a circular counter-clockwise path. Both feet were instrumented with Pedar-X insoles. An accelerometer was fixed to the trunk to measure the medio-lateral inclination of the body. We analyzed walking speed, stance duration as a percent of gait cycle (%GC), the vertical component of the ground reaction force (vGRF) of both feet during the entire stance, and trunk inclination. Gait speed was faster during LIN than curved walking, but not affected by the direction of the curved trajectory. Trunk inclination was negligible during LIN, while the trunk was inclined toward the center of the path during curved trajectories. Stance duration of LIN foot and foot inside the curved trajectory (Foot-In) was longer than for foot outside the trajectory (Foot-Out). vGRF at heel strike was larger in LIN than in curved walking. At mid-stance, vGRF for both Foot-In and Foot-Out was higher than for LIN foot. At toe off, vGRF for both Foot-In and Foot-Out was lower than for LIN foot; in addition, Foot-In had lower vGRF than Foot-Out. During curved walking, a greater loading of the lateral heel occurred for Foot-Out than Foot-In and LIN foot. On the contrary, a smaller lateral loading of the heel was found for Foot-In than LIN foot. At the metatarsal heads, an opposite behaviour was seen, since lateral loading decreased for Foot-Out and increased for Foot-In. The lower gait speed during curved walking is shaped by the control of trunk inclination and the production of asymmetric loading of heel and metatarsal heads, hence by the different contribution of the feet in producing the body inclination towards the centre of the trajectory.

An Evaluation of Surgical Functional Reconstruction of the Foot Using Kinetic and Kinematic Systems: A Case Report.

PubMed

Jordán-Palomar, Elena Irene; Javierre, Etelvina; Rey-Vasalo, José; Alfaro-Santafé, Víctor; Gómez-Benito, María José

Most pedobarographic studies of microsurgical foot reconstruction have been retrospective. In the present study, we report the results from a prospective pedobarographic study of a patient after microsurgical reconstruction of her foot with a latissimus dorsi flap and a cutaneous paddle, with a 42-month follow-up period. We describe the foot reconstruction plan and the pedobarographic measurements and analyzed its functional outcome. The goal of the present study was to demonstrate that pedobarography could have a role in the treatment of foot reconstruction from a quantitative perspective. The pedobarographic measurements were recorded after the initial coverage surgery and 2 subsequent foot remodeling procedures. A total of 4 pedobarographic measurements and 2 gait analyses were recorded and compared for both the noninvolved foot and the injured foot. Furthermore, the progress of the reconstructed foot was critically evaluated using this method. Both static and dynamic patterns were compared at subsequent follow-up visits after the foot reconstruction. The values and progression of the foot shape, peak foot pressure (kPa), average foot pressure (kPa), total contact surface (cm 2 ), loading time (%), and step time (ms) were recorded. Initially, the pressure distribution of the reconstructed foot showed higher peak values at nonanatomic locations, revealing a greater ulceration risk. Over time, we found an improvement in the shape and values of these factors in the involved foot. To homogenize the pressure distribution and correct the imbalance between the 2 feet, patient-specific insoles were designed and fabricated. In our patient, pedobarography provided an objective, repeatable, and recordable method for the evaluation of the reconstructed foot. Pedobarography can therefore provide valuable insights into the prevention of pressure ulcers and optimization of rehabilitation. Copyright © 2016 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Foot preferences during resting in wildfowl and waders.

PubMed

Randler, Christoph

2007-03-01

Footedness in birds has been reported, e.g., in parrots and chickens, but the direction of footedness remained unclear. Is a bird left-footed because it uses its left foot for holding and handling food, or is it right-footed because it uses the right foot for stabilisation and balancing while perching? In 2004 and 2006 I examined footedness in wildfowl and waders while the birds were performing a single task: roosting on the ground on one foot. Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta), northern shoveller (Anas clypeata), oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), and Eurasian curlew (Numenius arquata) were right-footed. Another 21 species did not show any significant foot preferences. This study provides some evidence that asymmetries in preferential foot use in birds may be triggered by a preference during postural control.

The role of foot morphology on foot function in diabetic subjects with or without neuropathy.

PubMed

Guiotto, Annamaria; Sawacha, Zimi; Guarneri, Gabriella; Cristoferi, Giuseppe; Avogaro, Angelo; Cobelli, Claudio

2013-04-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of foot morphology, related with respect to diabetes and peripheral neuropathy in altering foot kinematics and plantar pressure during gait. Healthy and diabetic subjects with or without neuropathy with different foot types were analyzed. Three dimensional multisegment foot kinematics and plantar pressures were assessed on 120 feet: 40 feet (24 cavus, 20 with valgus heel and 11 with hallux valgus) in the control group, 80 feet in the diabetic (25 cavus 13 with valgus heel and 13 with hallux valgus) and the neuropathic groups (28 cavus, 24 with valgus heel and 18 with hallux valgus). Subjects were classified according to their foot morphology allowing further comparisons among the subgroups with the same foot morphology. When comparing neuropathic subjects with cavus foot, valgus heel with controls with the same foot morphology, important differences were noticed: increased dorsiflexion and peak plantar pressure on the forefoot (P<0.05), decreased contact surface on the hindfoot (P<0.03). While results indicated the important role of foot morphology in altering both kinematics and plantar pressure in diabetic subjects, diabetes appeared to further contribute in altering foot biomechanics. Surprisingly, all the diabetic subjects with normal foot arch or with valgus hallux were no more likely to display significant differences in biomechanics parameters than controls. This data could be considered a valuable support for future research on diabetic foot function, and in planning preventive interventions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Deformity or dysfunction? Osteopathic manipulation of the idiopathic cavus foot: A clinical suggestion.

PubMed Central

Gidali, Adi; Harris, Valerie

2010-01-01

Observed gait abnormalities are often related to a variety of foot deformities such as the cavus foot, also known as pes cavus, cavovarus, uncompensated varus, and the high arched foot. When gait abnormalities related to cavus foot deformities produce symptoms or contribute to dysfunctional movement of the lower extremity, foot orthotics are commonly used to accommodate the deformity and optimize the function of the lower extremity. In more severe cases, surgical intervention is common. Hypomobility of the many joints of the foot and ankle may be mistaken as an idiopathic cavus foot deformity. As for any other limb segment suspected of musculoskeletal dysfunction, it is suggested that joint mobility testing and mobilization, if indicated, be attempted on the foot and ankle joints before assuming the presence of a bony cavus deformity. The purpose of this clinical suggestion is to describe the use of osteopathic manipulations of the foot and ankle in the context of an illustrative case of bilateral idiopathic cavus feet to demonstrate that apparent foot deformities may actually be joint hypomobility dysfunctions. PMID:21509155

Measuring the quality of end of life management in patients with advanced kidney disease: results from the pan-Thames renal audit group.

PubMed

McAdoo, Stephen P; Brown, Edwina A; Chesser, Alistair M; Farrington, Ken; Salisbury, Emma M

2012-04-01

Despite a recent increased awareness of the need for quality End of Life (EOL) care for patients with advanced kidney disease, there is no established method for measuring or auditing outcomes relating to EOL care in this population. We designed a one-page proforma, which was used to collect data on various aspects of EOL care relating to all deaths of patients on dialysis and patients dying on specialist renal wards, over a predefined 8-week period in 10 hospitals in London and South-East England. One hundred and thirty-eight deaths were recorded over the 8-week study period. The majority of patients (83%) were receiving maintenance haemodialysis prior to their terminal presentation. About 69% of deaths occurred during an in-patient hospital admission-of these, 36% were considered 'unexpected' and most quality markers of good EOL management were significantly less likely to be achieved in these patients, including use of palliative care strategies, good symptom control and overall quality of death. Thirty-six per cent of patients were from various ethnic minorities, and in this group, there was a trend towards lower use of palliative care pathways and lower rates of withdrawal from dialysis. This study confirms that it is possible to measure many important outcomes relating to quality of EOL care using a proforma completed at the time of death. Our findings suggest that many aspects of good EOL care are under-achieved in our region. This, in part, is due to a failure to recognize the worsening trajectory of the deteriorating patient, resulting in missed opportunities for EOL care planning and appropriate symptom control. Our observations suggest that there is a need for improved education and training in this area, particularly in detection of the dying patient, the value of advance care planning and the utility of tools such as the Liverpool Care Pathway.

Improving the Quality of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Notes in an Indian Public Sector Hospital in Accordance with the Royal College of Surgeons Guidelines: A Completed Audit Loop Study.

PubMed

Krishnan, B; Prasad, G Arun; Madhan, B

2016-09-01

Proper and adequate documentation in operation notes is a basic tool of clinical practice with medical and legal implications. An audit was done to ascertain if oral and maxillofacial surgery operative notes in an Indian public sector hospital adhered to the guidelines published by the Royal College of Surgeons England. Fifty randomly selected operative notes were evaluated against the guidelines by RCS England with regards to the essential generic components of an operation note. Additional criteria relevant to oral and Maxillofacial Surgery were also evaluated. Changes were introduced in the form of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery specific consent forms, diagram sheets and a computerized operation note proforma containing all essential and additional criteria along with prefilled template of operative findings. Re-audit of 50 randomly selected operation notes was performed after a 6 month period. In the 1st audit cycle, excellent documentation ranging from 94 to 100 % was seen in 9 essential criteria. Unsatisfactory documentation was observed in criteria like assistant name, date of surgery. Most consent forms contained abbreviations and some did not provide all details. Additional criteria specific to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery scored poorly. In the 2nd Audit for loop completion, excellent documentation was seen in almost all essential and additional criteria. Mean percentage of data point inclusion improved from 84.6 to 98.4 % (0.001< P value <0.005). The use of abbreviations was seen in only 6 notes. Regular audits are now considered a mandatory quality improvement process that seeks to improve patient care and outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first completed audit on operation notes documentation in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from India. The introduction of a computerized operation note proforma showed excellent improvement in operation note documentation. Surgeons can follow the RCS guidelines to ensure standardization of operation notes.

Characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis at a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan

PubMed Central

Khan, Mazhar A.; Mehreen, Sumaira; Basit, Anila; Khan, Raza A.; Jan, Faheem; Ullah, Irfan; Ihtesham, Muhammad; Khan, Afsar; Ullah, Ubaid; Javaid, Arshad

2015-01-01

Objectives: To determine characteristics and treatment outcomes of multidrugs resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients and risk factors for poor outcomes in MDR-TB patients in a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB Unit, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan and included all MDR-TB patients registered between January 2012 and December 2012. A special proforma was used for data collection. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 16, after exporting data from the proforma. Differences in proportions were assessed using Pearson’s Chi square test whereas for predictors of poor outcomes, multivariate logistic regression analysis with Wald Statistical criteria using backward elimination method was performed. Results: The treatment success rate was 74.3%. In univariate analysis, poor outcomes were associated in patients with age ≥44 years (odds ratio [OR]=0.250; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.114-0.519, p=0.001), rural residence (OR=0.417; 95% CI: 0.18-0.937, p=0.03), lung cavitation (OR=0.22; 95% CI, 0.007-0.067, p=0.001), resistance to second line drugs (SLD) (OR=3.441; 95% CI: 1.579-7.497, p=0.001), and resistance to ofloxacin (OR=2.944; 95% CI: 1.361-6.365, p=0.005); whereas multivariate logistic regression analysis, poor outcomes were associated in patients with age ≥44 years (OR=0.249, 95% CI: 0.075-0.828, p=0.023), rural residence (OR=0.143, 95% CI: 0.052-0.774, p=0.032), and cavitatory lungs (OR=0.022, 95% CI: 0.007-0.072, p=0.000). Conclusion: The MDR-TB patient needs special attention for better treatment outcomes. The presence of older age, rural area residence, resistance to ofloxacin, SLD resistance, and cavitary disease are independent prognostic factors for poor outcome in patients with MDR-TB. PMID:26620989

Onset Time of Nerve Block: A Comparison of Two Injection Locations in Patients Having Lower Leg/ Foot Surgery

ClinicalTrials.gov

2014-03-20

Strain of Muscle and/or Tendon of Lower Leg; Fracture of Lower Leg; Crushing Injury of Lower Leg; Fracture Malunion - Ankle and/or Foot; Disorder of Joint of Ankle and/or Foot; Complete Tear, Ankle and/or Foot Ligament; Pathological Fracture - Ankle and/or Foot; Loose Body in Joint of Ankle and/or Foot

78 FR 66910 - Notice of Competing Preliminary Permit Applications Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-07

...-foot-tall water intake structure; (2) a 155-foot-wide, 189-foot-long concrete powerhouse containing two turbine-generators each rated at 25 megawatts (MW) for a total installed capacity of 50 MW; (3) a 160-foot... Island dam structure and consist of: (1) A 225-foot-wide, 50-foot-long water intake structure; (2) a 160...

78 FR 26359 - Community of Elfin Cove, DBA Elfin Cove Utility Commission; Notice of Preliminary Permit...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-06

...-kilowatt (kW) power recovery turbine; (4) a 25-foot-long, 8-foot- wide, 3-foot-deep cobble-lined tailrace... 150-foot-long, 8- foot-wide, 3-foot-deep cobble-lined tailrace discharging flows into Port Althorp... electronically via the Internet. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site...

A national approach to diabetes foot risk stratification and foot care.

PubMed

Leese, G P; Stang, D; Pearson, D W

2011-08-01

The Scottish Diabetes Foot Action Group (SDG) has developed and introduced a national strategy plan for diabetic foot care across Scotland. This has involved the implementation of an evidence-based national foot screening and risk stratification programme that has already covered 61% of the population in just the first two years. Nationally agreed patient information foot leaflets and professional education material have been introduced, and a consensus for antibiotic use in the diabetic foot has been published. Information on multidisciplinary specialist foot services has been collected, indicating that 58% of Health Board areas have consultants with dedicated sessions in their job plan to a foot clinic, and 42% had integrated orthotic involvement. The SDG aims to increase these figures. Work has been undertaken to support local podiatry networks and improve communication between the specialist centre and the community. At a national level the SDG is working with Foot in Diabetes UK (FDUK) to recognize key podiatry skills by developing core competencies and a competency framework for the diabetes podiatrist and diabetes orthotist. The annual Scottish Diabetes Survey indicates some improvement in amputation rates with prevalence decreasing from 0.8% to 0.5%, and improved recording of foot ulceration at a national level. This national strategy has helped highlight the importance and difficulties facing diabetes foot care and should help to continue to improve the quality of care of people with diabetes who have foot-related problems.

Comparison of foot muscle morphology and foot kinematics between recreational runners with normal feet and with asymptomatic over-pronated feet.

PubMed

Zhang, Xianyi; Aeles, Jeroen; Vanwanseele, Benedicte

2017-05-01

Over-pronated feet are common in adults and are associated with lower limb injuries. Studying the foot muscle morphology and foot kinematic patterns is important for understanding the mechanism of over-pronation related injuries. The aim of this study is to compare the foot muscle morphology and foot inter-segmental kinematics between recreational runners with normal feet and those with asymptomatic over-pronated feet. A total of 26 recreational runners (17 had normal feet and 9 had over-pronated feet) participated in this study and their foot type was assessed using the 6-item Foot Posture Index. Selected foot muscles were scanned using an ultrasound device and the scanned images were processed to measure the thickness and cross-sectional area of the muscles. Muscles of interest include abductor hallucis, abductor digiti minimi, flexor digitorum brevis and longus, tibialis anterior and peroneus muscles. Foot kinematic data during walking was collected using a 3D motion capture system incorporating the Oxford Foot Model. The results show that individuals with over-pronated feet have larger size of abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis and longus and smaller abductor digiti minimi than controls. Higher rearfoot peak eversion and forefoot peak supination during walking were observed in individuals with over-pronated feet. However, during gait the forefoot peak abduction was comparable. These findings indicate that in active asymptomatic individuals with over-pronated feet, the foot muscle morphology is adapted to increase control of the foot motion. The morphological characteristics of the foot muscles in asymptomatic individuals with over-pronated feet may affect their foot kinematics and benefit prevention from injuries. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A methodological framework for detecting ulcers' risk in diabetic foot subjects by combining gait analysis, a new musculoskeletal foot model and a foot finite element model.

PubMed

Scarton, Alessandra; Guiotto, Annamaria; Malaquias, Tiago; Spolaor, Fabiola; Sinigaglia, Giacomo; Cobelli, Claudio; Jonkers, Ilse; Sawacha, Zimi

2018-02-01

Diabetic foot is one of the most debilitating complications of diabetes and may lead to plantar ulcers. In the last decade, gait analysis, musculoskeletal modelling (MSM) and finite element modelling (FEM) have shown their ability to contribute to diabetic foot prevention and suggested that the origin of the plantar ulcers is in deeper tissue layers rather than on the plantar surface. Hence the aim of the current work is to develop a methodology that improves FEM-derived foot internal stresses prediction, for diabetic foot prevention applications. A 3D foot FEM was combined with MSM derived force to predict the sites of excessive internal stresses on the foot. In vivo gait analysis data, and an MRI scan of a foot from a healthy subject were acquired and used to develop a six degrees of freedom (6 DOF) foot MSM and a 3D subject-specific foot FEM. Ankle kinematics were applied as boundary conditions to the FEM together with: 1. only Ground Reaction Forces (GRFs); 2. OpenSim derived extrinsic muscles forces estimated with a standard OpenSim MSM; 3. extrinsic muscle forces derived through the (6 DOF) foot MSM; 4. intrinsic and extrinsic muscles forces derived through the 6 DOF foot MSM. For model validation purposes, simulated peak pressures were extracted and compared with those measured experimentally. The importance of foot muscles in controlling plantar pressure distribution and internal stresses is confirmed by the improved accuracy in the estimation of the peak pressures obtained with the inclusion of intrinsic and extrinsic muscle forces. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Patients' perspectives on foot complications in type 2 diabetes: a qualitative study

PubMed Central

Gale, Lone; Vedhara, Kavita; Searle, Aidan; Kemple, Terry; Campbell, Rona

2008-01-01

Background Foot ulceration is a major health problem for people with diabetes. To minimise the risk of ulceration, patients are advised to perform preventive foot self-care. Aim To explore beliefs about diabetic foot complications and everyday foot self-care practices among people with type 2 diabetes. Design of study Qualitative study using one-to-one interviews. Setting A suburban primary care health centre. Method Semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of adults with type 2 diabetes but with no experience of foot ulceration. Results Most participants were unsure of what a foot ulcer is and unaware of the difficulties associated with ulcer healing. Prevention of accidental damage to the skin was not considered a priority, as few participants knew that this is a common cause of foot ulceration. Although it was recognised that lower-limb amputation is more common in people with diabetes, this was perceived to be predominantly caused by poor blood supply to the feet and unrelated to foot ulceration. Therefore, preventive foot care focused on stimulating blood circulation, for example by walking barefoot. Consequently, some of the behaviours participants considered beneficial for foot health could potentially increase the risk of ulceration. In some cases the uptake of advice regarding preventive foot care was hampered because participants found it difficult to communicate with health professionals. Conclusion Patients with type 2 diabetes may have beliefs about foot complications that differ from medical evidence. Such illness beliefs may play a role in foot-related behaviours that have previously been unrecognised. Health professionals need to explore and address the beliefs underlying patients' foot self-care practices. PMID:18682014

Investigations of Potential Phenotypes of Foot Osteoarthritis: Cross‐Sectional Analysis From the Clinical Assessment Study of the Foot

PubMed Central

Marshall, Michelle; Thomas, Martin J.; Menz, Hylton B.; Myers, Helen L.; Thomas, Elaine; Downes, Thomas; Peat, George; Roddy, Edward

2016-01-01

Objective To investigate the existence of distinct foot osteoarthritis (OA) phenotypes based on pattern of joint involvement and comparative symptom and risk profiles. Methods Participants ages ≥50 years reporting foot pain in the previous year were drawn from a population‐based cohort. Radiographs were scored for OA in the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, first and second cuneometatarsal, navicular first cuneiform, and talonavicular joints according to a published atlas. Chi‐square tests established clustering, and odds ratios (ORs) examined symmetry and pairwise associations of radiographic OA in the feet. Distinct underlying classes of foot OA were investigated by latent class analysis (LCA) and their association with symptoms and risk factors was assessed. Results In 533 participants (mean age 64.9 years, 55.9% female) radiographic OA clustered across both feet (P < 0.001) and was highly symmetrical (adjusted OR 3.0, 95% confidence interval 2.1, 4.2). LCA identified 3 distinct classes of foot OA: no or minimal foot OA (64%), isolated first MTP joint OA (22%), and polyarticular foot OA (15%). After adjustment for age and sex, polyarticular foot OA was associated with nodal OA, increased body mass index, and more pain and functional limitation compared to the other classes. Conclusion Patterning of radiographic foot OA has provided insight into the existence of 2 forms of foot OA: isolated first MTP joint OA and polyarticular foot OA. The symptom and risk factor profiles in individuals with polyarticular foot OA indicate a possible distinctive phenotype of foot OA, but further research is needed to explore the characteristics of isolated first MTP joint and polyarticular foot OA. PMID:26238801

Patients With Diabetic Foot Disease Fear Major Lower-Extremity Amputation More Than Death.

PubMed

Wukich, Dane K; Raspovic, Katherine M; Suder, Natalie C

2018-02-01

The aim of this study was to identify the most-feared complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), comparing those with diabetic foot pathology with those without diabetic foot pathology. We determined the frequency of patients ranking major lower-extremity amputation (LEA) as their greatest fear in comparison to blindness, death, diabetic foot infection (DFI), or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis. We further categorized the study group patients (N = 207) by their pathology such as diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), Charcot neuroarthropathy, foot infection, or acute neuropathic fractures and dislocations. The control group (N = 254) was comprised of patients with diabetes who presented with common non-diabetes-related foot pathology. A total of 461 patients were enrolled in this study and included 254 patients without diabetic foot complications and 207 patients with diabetic foot problems. When comparing patients with and without diabetic disease, no significant differences were observed with regard to their fear of blindness, DFI, or ESRD requiring dialysis. Patients with diabetic foot disease (61 of 207, 31.9%) were 136% more likely (odds ratio [OR] = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.51-3.70; P = .002] to rank major LEA as their greatest fear when compared with diabetic patients without foot disease (42 of 254, 16.5%) and were 49% less likely (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.34-0.79; P = .002) to rank death as their greatest fear compared with patients without diabetic foot disease. Patients with diabetic foot pathology fear major LEA more than death, foot infection, or ESRD. Variables that were associated with ranking LEA as the greatest fear were the presence of a diabetic-related foot complication, duration of DM ≥10 years, insulin use, and the presence of peripheral neuropathy. Level II: Prospective, Case controlled study.

Learning about the scale of the solar system using digital planetarium visualizations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Ka Chun; Sahami, Kamran; Dove, James

2017-07-01

We studied the use of a digital planetarium for teaching relative distances and sizes in introductory undergraduate astronomy classes. Inspired in part by the classic short film The Powers of Ten and large physical scale models of the Solar System that can be explored on foot, we created lectures using virtual versions of these two pedagogical approaches for classes that saw either an immersive treatment in the planetarium or a non-immersive version in the regular classroom (with N = 973 students participating in total). Students who visited the planetarium had not only the greatest learning gains, but their performance increased with time, whereas students who saw the same visuals projected onto a flat display in their classroom showed less retention over time. The gains seen in the students who visited the planetarium reveal that this medium is a powerful tool for visualizing scale over multiple orders of magnitude. However the modest gains for the students in the regular classroom also show the utility of these visualization approaches for the broader category of classroom physics simulations.

Reference data for normal subjects obtained with an accelerometric device.

PubMed

Auvinet, Bernard; Berrut, Gilles; Touzard, Claude; Moutel, Laurent; Collet, Nadine; Chaleil, Denis; Barrey, Eric

2002-10-01

We collected gait analysis data for 282 healthy adults and elderly people (144 women and 138 men aged 20-98) using an accelerometric device, whose reproducibility (intra-tester and inter-testers) has been validated for gait studies. The subjects walked at their own speed along a corridor (40 m). Stride frequency (SF) (after correction for height), step symmetry (Sym), stride regularity (Reg), and vertical harmonic (slope) were all independent of age or gender. The median-lateral harmonic (slope) (MSH) was influenced by gender, but not by age. Other variables (walking speed, stride length (SL), cranial-caudal activity and raw accelerations at heel contact, mid-stance and initial push-off) were dependent on gender and age. They were higher in men than in women, and began to decrease during the sixth decade in men and the seventh decade in women. The raw acceleration at foot flat was independent of gender but was influenced by age. This accelerometric device is easy to use and requires no specialized equipment and could be used to analyze walking in clinical practice.

Free-Spinning-Tunnel Investigation of a 1/28-Scale Model of the North American FJ-4 Airplane with External Fuel Tanks, TED No. NACA AD 3112

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Healy, Frederick M.

1958-01-01

A supplementary investigation to determine the effect of external fuel tanks on the spin and recovery characteristics of a l/28-scale model of the North American FJ-4 airplane has been conducted in the Langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel. The model had been extensively tested previously (NACA Research Memorandum SL38A29) and therefore only brief tests were made to evaluate the effect of tank installation. Erect spin tests of the model indicate that flat-type spins-are more prevalent with 200-gallon external fuel tanks than with tanks not installed. The recovery technique determined for spins without tanks, rudder reversal to full against the spin accompanied by simultaneous movement of ailerons to full with the spin, is recommended for spins encountered with external tanks installed. If inverted spins are encountered with external tanks installed, the tanks should be jettisoned and recovery attempted by rudder reversal to full against the spin with ailerons maintained at neutral.

Development of a prototype flexible radiator system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hixon, C. W.

1979-01-01

The radiator is a roll-up flexible panel with the transport fluid manifolds located at the ends of the 27 foot length. A total of fifty Teflon flow tubes are sandwiched between the layers of silver wire mesh and sealed in the Teflon film. The transport fluid flows from an inlet manifold through 25 panel flow tubes to the end of the radiator panel into a manifold which directs the fluid into the other 25 flow tubes on its return to the base of the radiator. Deployment/retraction of the flexible radiator panel is by low pressure inflation tubes (one along each side of the panel) which incorporate a flat spring. The spring supplies the retraction force to wind the radiator panel on a drum when the pressure in the inflation tubes is relieved. Room ambient deployment tests of the radiator panel were conducted to verify the inflation tube spring deployment, and retraction capability. The panel underwent a thermal vacuum, solar spectrum exposure test. After approximately 100 hours of solar exposure, post-test inspection revealed no structural or optical properties degraded.

Flip-flop footwear with a moulded foot-bed for the treatment of foot pain: a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Chuter, Vivienne Helaine; Searle, Angela; Spink, Martin J

2016-11-11

Foot pain is a common problem affecting up to 1 in 5 adults and is known to adversely affect activities of daily living and health related quality of life. Orthopaedic footwear interventions are used as a conservative treatment for foot pain, although adherence is known to be low, in part due to the perception of poor comfort and unattractiveness of the footwear. The objective of this trial was to assess the efficacy of flip-flop style footwear (Foot Bio-Tec©) with a moulded foot-bed in reducing foot pain compared to participant's usual footwear. Two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial using computer generated random allocation schedule at an Australian university podiatry clinic. 108 volunteers with disabling foot pain were enrolled after responding to an advertisement and eligibility screening. Participants were randomly allocated to receive footwear education and moulded flip-flop footwear to wear as much as they were comfortable with for the next 12 weeks (n = 54) or footwear education and instructions to wear their normal footwear for the next 12 weeks (n = 54). Primary outcome was the pain domain of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). Secondary outcomes were the foot function and general foot health domains of the FHSQ, a visual analogue scale (VAS) for foot pain and perceived comfort of the intervention footwear. Compared to the control group, the moulded flip-flop group showed a significant improvement in the primary outcome measure of the FHSQ pain domain (adjusted mean difference 8.36 points, 95 % CI 5.58 to 13.27, p < 0.01). Statistical and clinically significant differences were observed for the secondary measure of foot pain assessed by a VAS and the FSHQ domains of foot function and general foot health. None of the participants reported any pain or discomfort from the intervention footwear and six (footwear group = 4) were lost to follow up. Our results demonstrate that flip-flop footwear with a moulded foot-bed can have a significant effect on foot pain, function and foot health and might be a valuable adjunct therapy for people with foot pain. ACTRN12614000933651 . Retrospectively registered: 01/09/2014.

77 FR 21977 - Whitestone Power and Communications; Notice Concluding Pre-Filing Process and Approving Process...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-12

...) pontoon and a 34- foot-long, 3-foot-diameter HDPE pontoon; (3) a 100-kilowatt turbine/ generator unit; (4..., 16-foot- diameter Poncelet undershot water wheel; (2) a 34-foot-long, 19- to 24- foot-wide aluminum...

Foot preferences in wild-living ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri, Psittacidae).

PubMed

Randler, Christoph; Braun, Michael; Lintker, Stephanie

2011-03-01

Evidence for foot preferences has been reported in parrots and the majority of parrot species uses the left foot to hold and process food objects. Here we assessed the footedness of ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri) in a wild-living non-native population in Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. Observations were made when parrots fed on catalpa trees Catalpa sp., with 20- to 50-cm-long fruits. Parakeets tend to bite off catalpa fruits with their beak, using one foot holding the fruit. Further, we established an experimental set-up (feeding location) and prepared pieces of apple in an adequate size to force parrots to handle the food with one foot. From 184 individuals feeding on the catalpa trees, 102 were recorded using the left foot and 82 the right foot. At the feeding location, 24 individuals were left-footed and 11 were right-footed. These observations suggest a foot preference in the ring-necked parakeet both on the population level and on the individual level.

75 FR 53963 - Iron Mask Hydro, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-02

...-long upper dam made of either zoned earth and rockfill or concrete-face earth and rockfill; (2) a 50-foot-high, 950-foot-long earth-filled upper saddle dike A; (3) a 20-foot-high, 400-foot-long earth-filled upper saddle dike B; (4) a 40-foot-high, 6,559-foot-long lower embankment made of zoned earth or...

76 FR 74783 - Apache Hydro LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-01

... project would consist of the following: (1) A 210-foot-high, 1,610-foot-long earth fill dam; (2) a 20-foot... acre-foot storage capacity; (4) a 170-foot-high, 1,270.0-foot-long earth fill dam creating; (5) a lower... prior registration, using the eComment system at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ecomment.asp . You must...

78 FR 35018 - GB Energy Park, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-11

... new 3,000-foot-long, 1,000-foot- wide, 50- to 75-foot-deep upper reservoir, with a surface area of 50...-foot-long, 1,000-foot- wide, 50- to 75-foot-deep lower reservoir with a surface area of 80 acres and a... instructions on the Commission's Web site http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp . Commenters can submit...

Development and validation of a computational model to study the effect of foot constraint on ankle injury due to external rotation.

PubMed

Wei, Feng; Hunley, Stanley C; Powell, John W; Haut, Roger C

2011-02-01

Recent studies, using two different manners of foot constraint, potted and taped, document altered failure characteristics in the human cadaver ankle under controlled external rotation of the foot. The posterior talofibular ligament (PTaFL) was commonly injured when the foot was constrained in potting material, while the frequency of deltoid ligament injury was higher for the taped foot. In this study an existing multibody computational modeling approach was validated to include the influence of foot constraint, determine the kinematics of the joint under external foot rotation, and consequently obtain strains in various ligaments. It was hypothesized that the location of ankle injury due to excessive levels of external foot rotation is a function of foot constraint. The results from this model simulation supported this hypothesis and helped to explain the mechanisms of injury in the cadaver experiments. An excessive external foot rotation might generate a PTaFL injury for a rigid foot constraint, and an anterior deltoid ligament injury for a pliant foot constraint. The computational models may be further developed and modified to simulate the human response for different shoe designs, as well as on various athletic shoe-surface interfaces, so as to provide a computational basis for optimizing athletic performance with minimal injury risk.

Challenging the foundations of the clinical model of foot function: further evidence that the root model assessments fail to appropriately classify foot function.

PubMed

Jarvis, Hannah L; Nester, Christopher J; Bowden, Peter D; Jones, Richard K

2017-01-01

The Root model of normal and abnormal foot function remains the basis for clinical foot orthotic practice globally. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between foot deformities and kinematic compensations that are the foundations of the model. A convenience sample of 140 were screened and 100 symptom free participants aged 18-45 years were invited to participate. The static biomechanical assessment described by the Root model was used to identify five foot deformities. A 6 segment foot model was used to measure foot kinematics during gait. Statistical tests compared foot kinematics between feet with and without foot deformities and correlated the degree of deformity with any compensatory motions. None of the deformities proposed by the Root model were associated with distinct differences in foot kinematics during gait when compared to those without deformities or each other. Static and dynamic parameters were not correlated. Taken as part of a wider body of evidence, the results of this study have profound implications for clinical foot health practice. We believe that the assessment protocol advocated by the Root model is no longer a suitable basis for professional practice. We recommend that clinicians stop using sub-talar neutral position during clinical assessments and stop assessing the non-weight bearing range of ankle dorsiflexion, first ray position and forefoot alignments and movement as a means of defining the associated foot deformities. The results question the relevance of the Root assessments in the prescription of foot orthoses.

Age-related, interindividual, and right/left differences in anterior-posterior foot pressure ratio in preschool children

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background This study aimed to examine age-related, interindividual, and right/left differences in anterior-posterior foot pressure ratio in 764 preschool children (364 boys and 400 girls) aged 3.5-6.5 years. Methods Subjects maintained an upright standing posture for 10 seconds on the Footview Clinic, an instrument designed to calculate the anterior-posterior foot pressure ratio. The ratio of anterior foot pressure in each subject’s right and left feet was selected as a variable, and the mean of a 10 s measurement was used for analysis. Results The ratio of anterior foot pressure was significantly larger in the right foot than in the left foot. With regard to age, the ratio of anterior foot pressure was significantly larger in children aged over 4.5 years than in children aged 3.5 years. It was also larger in children aged 6 and 6.5 years than in children aged 4 years. Interindividual differences in variables were large, and coefficients of variance were highest in children aged 3.5 years and lowest in children aged 6.5 years. Conclusions In conclusion, anterior foot pressure increases with age in preschool children. Interindividual differences in anterior foot pressure are large and tend to decrease with age. Furthermore, the anterior foot pressure is slightly higher in the right foot than in the left foot. These results will be useful for various studies, such as examining relationships between the anterior-posterior foot pressure ratio and factors, such as untouched toes, physical fitness, and level of exercise. PMID:23601375

The immediate effects of foot orthoses on functional performance in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

PubMed

Barton, C J; Menz, H B; Crossley, K M

2011-03-01

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) often results in reduced functional performance. There is growing evidence for the use of foot orthoses to treat this multifactorial condition. In this study, the immediate effects of foot orthoses on functional performance and the association of foot posture and footwear with improvements in function were evaluated. Fifty-two individuals with PFPS (18-35 years) were prescribed prefabricated foot orthoses (Vasyli Pro; Vasyli International, Labrador, Australia). Functional outcome measures evaluated included the change in (1) pain and (2) ease of a single-leg squat on a five-point Likert scale, and change in the number of (3) pain-free step downs and (4) single-leg rises from sitting. The association of foot posture using the Foot Posture Index, navicular drop and calcaneal angle relative to subtalar joint neutral; and the footwear motion control properties scale score with improved function were evaluated using Spearman's ρ statistics. Prefabricated foot orthoses produced significant improvements (p<0.05) for all functional outcome measures. A more pronated foot type and poorer footwear motion control properties were found to be associated with reduced pain during the single-leg squat and improvements in the number of pain-free single-leg rises from sitting when wearing foot orthoses. In addition, a more pronated foot type was also found to be associated with improved ease of completing a single-leg squat when wearing foot orthoses. Prefabricated foot orthoses provide immediate improvements in functional performance, and these improvements are associated with a more pronated foot type and poorer footwear motion control properties.

Infrared Thermal Imaging for Automated Detection of Diabetic Foot Complications

PubMed Central

van Netten, Jaap J.; van Baal, Jeff G.; Liu, Chanjuan; van der Heijden, Ferdi; Bus, Sicco A.

2013-01-01

Background Although thermal imaging can be a valuable technology in the prevention and management of diabetic foot disease, it is not yet widely used in clinical practice. Technological advancement in infrared imaging increases its application range. The aim was to explore the first steps in the applicability of high-resolution infrared thermal imaging for noninvasive automated detection of signs of diabetic foot disease. Methods The plantar foot surfaces of 15 diabetes patients were imaged with an infrared camera (resolution, 1.2 mm/pixel): 5 patients had no visible signs of foot complications, 5 patients had local complications (e.g., abundant callus or neuropathic ulcer), and 5 patients had diffuse complications (e.g., Charcot foot, infected ulcer, or critical ischemia). Foot temperature was calculated as mean temperature across pixels for the whole foot and for specified regions of interest (ROIs). Results No differences in mean temperature >1.5 °C between the ipsilateral and the contralateral foot were found in patients without complications. In patients with local complications, mean temperatures of the ipsilateral and the contralateral foot were similar, but temperature at the ROI was >2 °C higher compared with the corresponding region in the contralateral foot and to the mean of the whole ipsilateral foot. In patients with diffuse complications, mean temperature differences of >3 °C between ipsilateral and contralateral foot were found. Conclusions With an algorithm based on parameters that can be captured and analyzed with a high-resolution infrared camera and a computer, it is possible to detect signs of diabetic foot disease and to discriminate between no, local, or diffuse diabetic foot complications. As such, an intelligent telemedicine monitoring system for noninvasive automated detection of signs of diabetic foot disease is one step closer. Future studies are essential to confirm and extend these promising early findings. PMID:24124937

Infrared thermal imaging for automated detection of diabetic foot complications.

PubMed

van Netten, Jaap J; van Baal, Jeff G; Liu, Chanjuan; van der Heijden, Ferdi; Bus, Sicco A

2013-09-01

Although thermal imaging can be a valuable technology in the prevention and management of diabetic foot disease, it is not yet widely used in clinical practice. Technological advancement in infrared imaging increases its application range. The aim was to explore the first steps in the applicability of high-resolution infrared thermal imaging for noninvasive automated detection of signs of diabetic foot disease. The plantar foot surfaces of 15 diabetes patients were imaged with an infrared camera (resolution, 1.2 mm/pixel): 5 patients had no visible signs of foot complications, 5 patients had local complications (e.g., abundant callus or neuropathic ulcer), and 5 patients had diffuse complications (e.g., Charcot foot, infected ulcer, or critical ischemia). Foot temperature was calculated as mean temperature across pixels for the whole foot and for specified regions of interest (ROIs). No differences in mean temperature >1.5 °C between the ipsilateral and the contralateral foot were found in patients without complications. In patients with local complications, mean temperatures of the ipsilateral and the contralateral foot were similar, but temperature at the ROI was >2 °C higher compared with the corresponding region in the contralateral foot and to the mean of the whole ipsilateral foot. In patients with diffuse complications, mean temperature differences of >3 °C between ipsilateral and contralateral foot were found. With an algorithm based on parameters that can be captured and analyzed with a high-resolution infrared camera and a computer, it is possible to detect signs of diabetic foot disease and to discriminate between no, local, or diffuse diabetic foot complications. As such, an intelligent telemedicine monitoring system for noninvasive automated detection of signs of diabetic foot disease is one step closer. Future studies are essential to confirm and extend these promising early findings. © 2013 Diabetes Technology Society.

Measurement system for 3-D foot coordinates and parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Guozhong; Li, Yunhui; Wang, Boxiong; Shi, Hui; Luo, Xiuzhi

2008-12-01

The 3-D foot-shape measurement system based on laser-line-scanning principle and the model of the measurement system were presented. Errors caused by nonlinearity of CCD cameras and caused by installation can be eliminated by using the global calibration method for CCD cameras, which based on nonlinear coordinate mapping function and the optimized method. A local foot coordinate system is defined with the Pternion and the Acropodion extracted from the boundaries of foot projections. The characteristic points can thus be located and foot parameters be extracted automatically by the local foot coordinate system and the related sections. Foot measurements for about 200 participants were conducted and the measurement results for male and female participants were presented. 3-D foot coordinates and parameters measurement makes it possible to realize custom-made shoe-making and shows great prosperity in shoe design, foot orthopaedic treatment, shoe size standardization, and establishment of a feet database for consumers.

[Foot growth and foot types in children and adolescents: a narrative review].

PubMed

Xu, Miaomiao; Wang, Lin

2017-08-01

Foot shape and size are important for footwear design and production. Information about important foot characteristics helps not only to improve shoe comfort but to maintain the proper physiological development of the feet. What's more, plenty of studies have suggested that the shape of the shoe must closely resemble the shape of the foot to create a properly fitted shoe. This means that the differences between various populations should be considered and that footwear should be designed according to the measurements of users. Childhood and adolescent are important periods of human growth. During these periods, foot shape changes with human growth and can be influenced by extrinsic factors. Therefore, the foot shape characteristics of children and adolescents should be investigated. The results from these investigations can contribute to developing appropriate shoe for children and adolescents, improving perceived comfort of children shoes and preventing pedopathy among children and adolescents. This review aims to discuss measuring methods of foot shape, types of foot shape, and factors influencing foot shape. The results of the review can provide recommendations for investigating growth development of foot shape and useful information for consumers and shoe manufacturers.

Proper shoe sizes for Thai elderly.

PubMed

Chaiwanichsiri, Dootchai; Tantisiriwat, Natthiya; Janchai, Siriporn

2008-12-01

Problems from improper shoe fitting are common, but there are limited foot data for the older Thai population. To study foot dimensions and determine proper shoe sizes for Thai elderly. Healthy older people: 108 men, 105 women, aged 60-80 years, who were independent in walking, were recruited. Thirteen foot dimensions and current shoes used were measured. Side-to-side, gender difference, and correlations of main foot measurements were analyzed. About 50% women and 34% men wore too narrow shoes, and this was found to be associated with foot pain. At the same foot length (FL), men had larger foot width (FW) and toe depth. Foot width=2.39+(0.29 x FL), r=0.50, p=0.001 for women and=2.48+(0.31 x FL), r=0.56, p=0.002 for men. Arch length=1.0+(0.7 x FL), r=0.93, p=0.001 for both genders. Toe depth had constant values in all shoe sizes of each gender. Correlations of other foot parameters were reported. These anthropometric data is essential for proper shoe fitting in order to provide foot ergonomics and prevent foot problems for older Thai people.

Relationship between static foot posture and foot mobility

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background It is not uncommon for a person's foot posture and/or mobility to be assessed during a clinical examination. The exact relationship, however, between static posture and mobility is not known. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of association between static foot posture and mobility. Method The static foot posture and foot mobility of 203 healthy individuals was assessed and then analyzed to determine if low arched or "pronated" feet are more mobile than high arched or "supinated" feet. Results The study demonstrated that those individuals with a lower standing dorsal arch height and/or a wider standing midfoot width had greater mobility in their foot. In addition, those individuals with higher Foot Posture Index (FPI) values demonstrated greater mobility and those with lower FPI values demonstrated less mobility. Finally, the amount of foot mobility that an individual has can be predicted reasonably well using either a 3 or 4 variable linear regression model. Conclusions Because of the relationship between static foot posture and mobility, it is recommended that both be assessed as part of a comprehensive evaluation of a individual with foot problems. PMID:21244705

A new podiatry service for patients with arthritis.

PubMed

Rome, Keith; Erikson, Kathryn; Ng, Anthony; Gow, Peter J; Sahid, Hazra; Williams, Anita E

2013-03-01

The aims of this study were to identify the impact of a new podiatric rheumatology service on reducing foot pain, impairment and disability in patients with foot problems associated with rheumatic disease, and to report on patient satisfaction with the service. A retrospective study of 245 patients with rheumatic disease at Counties Manukau DHB was conducted. Foot pain, impairment and disability were measured using a self-reporting patient outcome measure, the Foot Function Index. A range of podiatric interventions were reported. A self-administered, postal patient satisfaction questionnaire was sent to 148 patients. Over two-thirds of patients were observed with hallux valgus (bunions). The results demonstrate a significant reduction in foot pain (p<0.001) from initial visit to second visit (18% reduction in pain). A significant decrease in foot disability (p=0.04) was found from initial visit to second visit. No significant differences were seen with foot impairment (p=0.78). A variety of intervention measures were used with 24% of patients being prescribed foot orthoses and 28% of patients given footwear advice. The patient satisfaction survey found 84% of patients reported they were satisfied with the new service and 80% of patients reported that the service helped with their foot problems. The current service meets the needs of patients who suffer from rheumatological foot conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. The need for good foot education, provision of foot orthoses and advice on footwear are crucial to reduce the burden on patients with rheumatological foot conditions.

The effects of prolonged running on foot posture: a repeated measures study of half marathon runners using the foot posture index and navicular height

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Different foot postures are associated with alterations in foot function, kinetics and the subsequent occurrence of injury. Little is known about changes in foot posture following prolonged weightbearing exercise. This study aimed to identify changes in foot posture after running a half marathon. Methods Foot posture was measured using the Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) and navicular height in thirty volunteer participants before and after running a half marathon. FPI-6 scores were converted to Rasch logit values and means compared for these and navicular height using an ANOVA. Results There was a 5 mm drop in navicular height in both feet when measured after the half marathon (P < 0.05). The FPI-6 showed a side x time interaction with an increase in score indicating a more ‘pronated’ position in the left foot of + 2 [Rasch value + 1.7] but no change in the right foot (+ 0.4 [+ 0.76]) following the half marathon. Conclusion The apparent differences between the FPI-6 and navicular height on the right foot may be because the FPI-6 takes soft tissue contour changes into consideration whilst the navicular height focuses on skeletal changes. The changes in foot posture towards a more pronated position may have implications for foot function, and therefore risk of injury; shoe fit and comfort and also the effect of therapeutic orthoses worn during prolonged running. PMID:23705863

Bipedal gait model for precise gait recognition and optimal triggering in foot drop stimulator: a proof of concept.

PubMed

Shaikh, Muhammad Faraz; Salcic, Zoran; Wang, Kevin I-Kai; Hu, Aiguo Patrick

2018-03-10

Electrical stimulators are often prescribed to correct foot drop walking. However, commercial foot drop stimulators trigger inappropriately under certain non-gait scenarios. Past researches addressed this limitation by defining stimulation control based on automaton of a gait cycle executed by foot drop of affected limb/foot only. Since gait is a collaborative activity of both feet, this research highlights the role of normal foot for robust gait detection and stimulation triggering. A novel bipedal gait model is proposed where gait cycle is realized as an automaton based on concurrent gait sub-phases (states) from each foot. The input for state transition is fused information from feet-worn pressure and inertial sensors. Thereafter, a bipedal gait model-based stimulation control algorithm is developed. As a feasibility study, bipedal gait model and stimulation control are evaluated in real-time simulation manner on normal and simulated foot drop gait measurements from 16 able-bodied participants with three speed variations, under inappropriate triggering scenarios and with foot drop rehabilitation exercises. Also, the stimulation control employed in commercial foot drop stimulators and single foot gait-based foot drop stimulators are compared alongside. Gait detection accuracy (98.9%) and precise triggering under all investigations prove bipedal gait model reliability. This infers that gait detection leveraging bipedal periodicity is a promising strategy to rectify prevalent stimulation triggering deficiencies in commercial foot drop stimulators. Graphical abstract Bipedal information-based gait recognition and stimulation triggering.

Evaluation of the effect of nurse education on patient-reported foot checks and foot care behaviour of people with diabetes receiving haemodialysis.

PubMed

Brand, S L; Musgrove, A; Jeffcoate, W J; Lincoln, N B

2016-02-01

To assess whether a programme of nurse education increased the frequency with which nurses conducted foot checks on people with diabetes undergoing haemodialysis and to evaluate whether this influenced self-reported foot care behaviour. A non-randomized stepped-wedge design was used to evaluate a nurse education programme implemented in four UK National Health Service dialysis units. People with diabetes undergoing haemodialysis were invited to complete a questionnaire on the frequency of foot examination by health professionals, on the presence of foot problems and on their own foot care behaviour, using the Nottingham Assessment of Functional Foot-care (NAFF). An education session for nurses, including procedures for foot examination, was conducted sequentially in each of four haemodialysis units. The questionnaire was repeated at 2-monthly intervals. The education session resulted in a significant increase in the reported number of foot examinations by nurses (P = 0.007). There was also a significant improvement in reported foot care behaviour (P < 0.001), but this occurred between the first and second 2-monthly assessments and was unrelated to the timing of the intervention. A single education session can improve the routine checking of the feet of people with diabetes undergoing haemodialysis. The administration of the Nottingham Assessment of Functional Foot-care questionnaire was associated with improved self-reported foot care behaviour, reflecting greater awareness of risk in this population. © 2015 The Authors. Diabetic Medicine © 2015 Diabetes UK.

Bipedal vs. unipedal: a comparison between one-foot and two-foot driving in a driving simulator.

PubMed

Wang, Dong-Yuan Debbie; Richard, F Dan; Cino, Cullen R; Blount, Trevin; Schmuller, Joseph

2017-04-01

Is it better to drive with one foot or with two feet? Although two-foot driving has fostered interminable debate in the media, no scientific and systematic research has assessed this issue and federal and local state governments have provided no answers. The current study compared traditional unipedal (one-foot driving, using the right foot to control the accelerator and the brake pedal) with bipedal (two-foot driving, using the right foot to control the accelerator and the left foot to control the brake pedal) responses to a visual stimulus in a driving simulator study. Each of 30 undergraduate participants drove in a simulated driving scenario. They responded to a STOP sign displayed on the centre of the screen by bringing their vehicle to a complete stop. Brake RT was shorter under the bipedal condition, while throttle RT showed advantage under the unipedal condition. Stopping time and distance showed a bipedal advantage, however. We discuss further limitations of the current study and implications in a driving task. Before drawing any conclusions from the simulator study, further on-road driving tests are necessary to confirm these obtained bipedal advantages. Practitioner Summary: Traditional unipedal (using the right foot to control the accelerator and the brake pedal) with bipedal (using the right foot to control the accelerator and the left foot to control the brake pedal) responses to a visual stimulus in a driving simulator were compared. Our results showed a bipedal advantage. Promotion: Although two-foot driving has fostered interminable debate in the media, no scientific and systematic research has assessed this issue and federal and local state governments have provided no answers. Traditional (one-foot driving, using the right foot to control the accelerator and the brake pedal) with bipedal (using the right foot to control the accelerator and the left foot to control the brake pedal) responses to a visual stimulus in a simulated driving study were compared. Throttle reaction time was faster in the unipedal condition whereas brake reaction time, stopping time and stopping distance showed a bipedal advantage. We discuss further theoretical issues and implications in a driving task.

Preliminary investigation of foot pressure distribution variation in men and women adults while standing.

PubMed

Periyasamy, R; Mishra, A; Anand, Sneh; Ammini, A C

2011-09-01

Women and men are anatomically and physiologically different in a number of ways. They differ in both shape and size. These differences could potentially mean foot pressure distribution variation in men and women. The purpose of this study was to analyze standing foot pressure image to obtain the foot pressure distribution parameter - power ratio variation between men and women using image processing in frequency domain. We examined 28 healthy adult subjects (14 men and 14 women) aged between 20 and 45 years was recruited for our study. Foot pressure distribution patterns while standing are obtained by using a PedoPowerGraph plantar pressure measurement system for foot image formation, a digital camera for image capturing, a TV tuner PC-add on card, a WinDvr software for still capture and Matlab software with dedicated image processing algorithms have been developed. Various PedoPowerGraphic parameters such as percentage medial impulse (PMI), fore foot to hind foot pressure distribution ratio (F/H), big toe to fore foot pressure distribution ratio (B/F) and power ratio (PR) were evaluated. In men, contact area was significantly larger in all regions of the foot compared with women. There were significant differences in plantar pressure distribution but there was no significant difference in F/H and B/F ratio. Mean PR value was significantly greater in men than women under the hind foot and fore foot. PMI value was greater in women than men. As compared to men, women have maximum PR variations in the mid foot. Hence there is significant difference at level p<0.05 in medial mid foot and mid foot PR of women as compared to men. There was variation in plantar pressure distribution because the contact area of the men foot was larger than that of women foot. Hence knowledge of pressure distributions variation of both feet can provide suitable guidelines to biomedical engineers and doctor for designing orthotic devices for reliving the area of excessively high pressure. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A cross-sectional observational study comparing foot and ankle characteristics in people with stroke and healthy controls.

PubMed

Kunkel, Dorit; Potter, Julia; Mamode, Louis

2017-06-01

The purpose of this study was to explore and compare foot and ankle characteristics in people with stroke and healthy controls; and between stroke fallers and non-fallers. Participants were recruited from community groups and completed standardized tests assessing sensation, foot posture, foot function, ankle dorsiflexion and first metatarsal phalangeal joint range of motion (1st MPJ ROM), hallux valgus presence and severity. Twenty-three stroke participants (mean age 75.09 ± 7.57 years; 12 fallers) and 16 controls (mean age 73.44 ± 8.35 years) took part. Within the stroke group, reduced 1st MPJ sensation (p = 0.016) and 1st MPJ ROM (p = 0.025) were observed in the affected foot in comparison to the non-affected foot; no other differences were apparent. Pooled data (for both feet) was used to explore between stroke/control (n = 78 feet) and stroke faller/non-faller (n = 46 feet) group differences. In comparison to the control group, stroke participants exhibited reduced sensation of the 1st MPJ (p = 0.020), higher Foot Posture Index scores (indicating greater foot pronation, p = 0.008) and reduced foot function (p = 0.003). Stroke fallers exhibited significantly greater foot pronation in comparison to non-fallers (p = 0.027). Results indicated differences in foot and ankle characteristics post stroke in comparison to healthy controls. These changes may negatively impact functional ability and the ability to preserve balance. Further research is warranted to explore the influence of foot problems on balance ability and falls in people with stroke. Implications for Rehabilitation Foot problems are common post stroke. As foot problems have been linked to increased fall risk among the general population we recommend that it would be beneficial to include foot and ankle assessments or a referral to a podiatrist for people with stroke who report foot problems. Further research is needed to explore if we can improve functional performance post stroke and reduce fall risk if treatment or prevention of foot problems can be included in stroke rehabilitation.

Hydrology and surface morphology of the Bonneville Salt Flats and Pilot Valley Playa, Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lines, Gregory C.

1979-01-01

The Bonneville Salt Flats and Pilot Valley are in the western part of the Great Salt Lake Desert in northwest Utah. The areas are separate, though similar, hydrologic basins, and both contain a salt crust. The Bonneville salt crust covered about 40 square miles in the fall of 1976, and the salt crust in Pilot Valley covered 7 square miles. Both areas lack any noticeable surface relief (in 1976, 1.3 feet on the Bonneville salt crust and 0.3 foot on the Pilot Valley salt crust).The salt crust on the Salt Flats has been used for many years for automobile racing, and brines from shallow lacustrine deposits have been used for the production of potash. In recent years, there has been an apparent conflict between these two major uses of the area as the salt crust has diminished in both thickness and extent. Much of the Bonneville Racetrack has become rougher, and there has also been an increase in the amount of sediment on the south end of the racetrack. The Pilot Valley salt crust and surrounding playa have been largely unused.Evaporite minerals on the Salt Flats and the Pilot Valley playa are concentrated in three zones: (1) a carbonate zone composed mainly of authigenic clay-size carbonate minerals, (2) a sulfate zone composed mainly of authigenic gypsum, and (3) a chloride zone composed of crystalline halite (the salt crust). Five major types of salt crust were recognized on the Salt Flats, but only one type was observed in Pilot Valley. Geomorphic differences in the salt crust are caused by differences in their hydrologic environments. The salt crusts are dynamic features that are subject to change because of climatic factors and man's activities.Ground water occurs in three distinct aquifers in much of the western Great Salt Lake Desert: (1) the basin-fill aquifer, which yields water from conglomerate in the lower part of the basin fill, (2) the alluvial-fan aquifer, which yields water from sand and gravel along the western margins of both playas, and (3) the shallow-brine aquifer, which yields water from near-surface carbonate muds and crystalline halite and gypsum. The shallow-brine aquifer is the main source of brine used for the production of potash on the Salt Flats.Recharge to that part of the shallow-brine aquifer north of Interstate Highway 80 on the Salt Flats is mainly by infiltration of precipitation and wind-driven floods of surface brine. Discharge was mainly by evaporation at the playa surface and withdrawals from brine-collection ditches. Some water was transpired by phreatophytes, and some leaked into the alluvial fan along the western edge of the playa.Salt-scraping studies indicate that the amount of halite on the Salt Flats is directly related to the amount of recharge through the surface (which causes re-solution of halite) and the amount of evaporation at the surface (which causes crystallization of halite). Evaporation rates through sediment-covered salt crust and the gypsum surface were estimated at between 3x10-4 and 4x10-3 inches per day during the summer and fall of 1976. Evaporation rates through the surface of thick perennial salt crust were much higher.The concentration of dissolved solids in brine in the shallow-brine aquifer varies, but it generally increases from the edges of the playas toward areas of salt crust. Dissolved-solids concentration in the shallow brine ranges from less than 100,000 to more than 300,000 milligrams per liter on both playas. The increase in salinity toward areas of salt crust reflects the natural direction of brine movement through the aquifer toward the natural discharge area.On the Salt Flats, the percentages of dissolved potassium chloride and magnesium chloride in the shallow-brine aquifer generally increase from the edge of the playa to- ward the salt crust. The relative enrichment in potassium and magnesium reflects the many years of subsurface drainage toward the main discharge area (the salt crust) prior to man's withdrawal of brine. By artificially extracting brines from the carbonate muds, the percentages of potassium and magnesium have decreased while brine salinity has been maintained by re-solution of the salt crust.The configuration of the density-corrected potentiometric surface in the fall of 1976 indicates that brine in the shallow-brine aquifer under the Bonneville Racetrack was draining toward brine-collection ditches or a well field to the west. Ground-water divides have no effect on the movement of dissolved salt across the surface in wind-driven floods, and salt in surface brine was carried from the racetrack into the area of influence of the ditches by such surface movement. During 1976 on the Salt Flats, some brine was moving through the shallow-brine aquifer across lease and property boundaries.An evaluation of suggested remedial measures indicates that none will completely eliminate the conflict between uses or transform the Bonneville Salt Flats to its original state prior to man's activities in the area.

Passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthosis replicates soleus but not gastrocnemius muscle function during stance in gait: Insights for orthosis prescription.

PubMed

Arch, Elisa S; Stanhope, Steven J; Higginson, Jill S

2016-10-01

Passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthosis characteristics, including bending stiffness, should be customized for individuals. However, while conventions for customizing passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthosis characteristics are often described and implemented in clinical practice, there is little evidence to explain their biomechanical rationale. To develop and combine a model of a customized passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthosis with a healthy musculoskeletal model and use simulation tools to explore the influence of passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthosis bending stiffness on plantar flexor function during gait. Dual case study. The customized passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthosis characteristics were integrated into a healthy musculoskeletal model available in OpenSim. Quasi-static forward dynamic simulations tracked experimental gait data under several passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthosis conditions. Predicted muscle activations were calculated through a computed muscle control optimization scheme. Simulations predicted that the passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthoses substituted for soleus but not gastrocnemius function. Induced acceleration analyses revealed the passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthosis acts like a uniarticular plantar flexor by inducing knee extension accelerations, which are counterproductive to natural knee kinematics in early midstance. These passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthoses can provide plantar flexion moments during mid and late stance to supplement insufficient plantar flexor strength. However, the passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthoses negatively influenced knee kinematics in early midstance. Identifying the role of passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthosis stiffness during gait provides biomechanical rationale for how to customize passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthoses for patients. Furthermore, these findings can be used in the future as the basis for developing objective prescription models to help drive the customization of passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthosis characteristics. © The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2015.

Implementation of a quality improvement initiative in Belgian diabetic foot clinics: feasibility and initial results.

PubMed

Doggen, Kris; Van Acker, Kristien; Beele, Hilde; Dumont, Isabelle; Félix, Patricia; Lauwers, Patrick; Lavens, Astrid; Matricali, Giovanni A; Randon, Caren; Weber, Eric; Van Casteren, Viviane; Nobels, Frank

2014-07-01

This article aims to describe the implementation and initial results of an audit-feedback quality improvement initiative in Belgian diabetic foot clinics. Using self-developed software and questionnaires, diabetic foot clinics collected data in 2005, 2008 and 2011, covering characteristics, history and ulcer severity, management and outcome of the first 52 patients presenting with a Wagner grade ≥ 2 diabetic foot ulcer or acute neuropathic osteoarthropathy that year. Quality improvement was encouraged by meetings and by anonymous benchmarking of diabetic foot clinics. The first audit-feedback cycle was a pilot study. Subsequent audits, with a modified methodology, had increasing rates of participation and data completeness. Over 85% of diabetic foot clinics participated and 3372 unique patients were sampled between 2005 and 2011 (3312 with a diabetic foot ulcer and 111 with acute neuropathic osteoarthropathy). Median age was 70 years, median diabetes duration was 14 years and 64% were men. Of all diabetic foot ulcers, 51% were plantar and 29% were both ischaemic and deeply infected. Ulcer healing rate at 6 months significantly increased from 49% to 54% between 2008 and 2011. Management of diabetic foot ulcers varied between diabetic foot clinics: 88% of plantar mid-foot ulcers were off-loaded (P10-P90: 64-100%), and 42% of ischaemic limbs were revascularized (P10-P90: 22-69%) in 2011. A unique, nationwide quality improvement initiative was established among diabetic foot clinics, covering ulcer healing, lower limb amputation and many other aspects of diabetic foot care. Data completeness increased, thanks in part to questionnaire revision. Benchmarking remains challenging, given the many possible indicators and limited sample size. The optimized questionnaire allows future quality of care monitoring in diabetic foot clinics. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Impact of concurrent foot pain on health and functional status in people with knee osteoarthritis: data from the osteoarthritis initiative.

PubMed

Paterson, Kade L; Hinman, Rana S; Hunter, David J; Wrigley, Tim V; Bennell, Kim L

2015-07-01

To document the prevalence of foot pain and foot pain laterality in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to examine its impact on health and function. Participants from the Progression subcohort (n = 1,255, ages 45-79 years) of the Osteoarthritis Initiative with symptomatic tibiofemoral knee OA were included. Prevalence of foot pain, defined as pain in the foot/ankle, and foot pain laterality were determined. Health status was evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the Short Form-12 Health Survey, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Function was assessed using the 20-meter walk test (WT) and a repeated chair stand test. Differences in health and functional measures were compared between groups with and without foot pain using multivariate analysis of covariance. One-fourth (n = 317 [25%]) of people with knee OA experienced concurrent foot pain, with the majority (n = 174 [55%]) reporting pain in both feet. After adjusting for covariates, people with foot pain scored worse on all health measures and on the 20-meter WT, compared to those without (P < 0.05). Differences in health and function were found between the bilateral and ipsilateral foot pain groups compared to those without foot pain (P < 0.05), but no differences were found with the contralateral group. Foot pain is common in people with knee OA, and bilateral and ipsilateral foot pain adversely affect health and function, suggesting laterality is important. Further research is needed to establish the mechanism and interaction of pathology at these sites and to evaluate foot pain treatment in this population. © 2015, American College of Rheumatology.

Concurrent foot pain is common in people with knee osteoarthritis and impacts health and functional status: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

PubMed Central

Paterson, Kade L; Hinman, Rana S; Hunter, David J; Wrigley, Tim V; Bennell, Kim L

2015-01-01

Objective To document the prevalence of foot pain and foot pain laterality in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to examine its impact on health and function. Methods Participants from the Progression subcohort (n=1255, aged 45-79 years) of the Osteoarthritis Initiative with symptomatic tibiofemoral knee OA were included. Prevalence of foot pain, defined as pain in the foot/ankle, and foot pain laterality was determined. Health status was evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the Short Form-12 and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Function was assessed using the 20-meter walk test (20MWT) and a repeated chair stand test. Differences in health and functional measures were compared between groups with and without foot pain using multivariate analysis of covariance. Results One quarter (n=317, 25%) of people with knee OA experienced concurrent foot pain, with the majority (n=174, 55%) reporting pain in both feet. After adjusting for covariates, people with foot pain scored worse on all health measures and on the 20MWT compared to those without (p<0.05). Differences in health and function were found between the bilateral and ispilateral foot pain groups compared to those without foot pain (p<0.05), however no differences were found with the contralateral group. Conclusion Foot pain is common in people with knee OA, and bilateral and ipsilateral foot pain adversely affects health and function suggesting laterality is important. Further research is needed to establish the mechanism and interaction of pathology at these sites, and to evaluate foot pain treatment in this population. PMID:25581254

Associations of Foot Posture and Function to Lower Extremity Pain: The Framingham Foot Study

PubMed Central

Riskowski, JL; Dufour, AB; Hagedorn, TJ; Hillstrom, Howard; Casey, VA; Hannan, MT

2014-01-01

Objective Studies have implicated foot posture and foot function as risk factors for lower extremity pain. Empirical population-based evidence for this assertion is lacking; therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate cross-sectional associations of foot posture and foot function to lower extremity joint pain in a population-based study of adults. Methods Participants were members of the Framingham Foot Study. lower extremity joint pain was determined by the response to the NHANES-type question, “On most days do you have pain, aching or stiffness in your [hips, knees, ankles, or feet]?” Modified Arch Index (MAI) classified participants as having planus, rectus (referent) or cavus foot posture. Center of Pressure Excursion Index (CPEI) classified participants as having over-pronated, normal (referent) or over-supinated foot function. Crude and adjusted (age, gender, BMI) logistic regression determined associations of foot posture and function to lower extremity pain. Results Participants with planus structure had higher odds of knee (1.57, 95% CI: 1.24– 1.99) or ankle (1.47, 95% CI: 1.05–2.06) pain, whereas those with a cavus foot structure had increased odds of ankle pain only (7.56, 95% CI: 1.99–28.8) and pain at one lower extremity site (1.37, 95% CI: 1.04–1.80). Associations between foot function and lower extremity joint pain were not statistically significant, except for a reduced risk of hip pain in those with an over-supinated foot function (0.69, 95% CI: 0.51–0.93). Conclusions These findings offer a link between foot posture and lower extremity pain, highlighting the need for longitudinal or intervention studies. PMID:24591410

Associations of foot posture and function to lower extremity pain: results from a population-based foot study.

PubMed

Riskowski, Jody L; Dufour, Alyssa B; Hagedorn, Thomas J; Hillstrom, Howard J; Casey, Virginia A; Hannan, Marian T

2013-11-01

Studies have implicated foot posture and foot function as risk factors for lower extremity pain. Empirical population-based evidence for this assertion is lacking; therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate cross-sectional associations of foot posture and foot function to lower extremity joint pain in a population-based study of adults. Participants were members of the Framingham Foot Study. Lower extremity joint pain was determined by the response to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey-type question, "On most days do you have pain, aching or stiffness in your (hips, knees, ankles, or feet)?" The Modified Arch Index classified participants as having planus, rectus (referent), or cavus foot posture. The Center of Pressure Excursion Index classified participants as having overpronated, normal (referent), or oversupinated foot function. Crude and adjusted (age, sex, and body mass index) logistic regression determined associations of foot posture and function to lower extremity pain. Participants with planus structure had higher odds of knee (odds ratio [OR] 1.57, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.24-1.99) or ankle (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.05-2.06) pain, whereas those with a cavus foot structure had increased odds of ankle pain only (OR 7.56, 95% CI 1.99-28.8) and pain at 1 lower extremity site (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.04-1.80). Associations between foot function and lower extremity joint pain were not statistically significant except for a reduced risk of hip pain in those with an oversupinated foot function (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51-0.93). These findings offer a link between foot posture and lower extremity pain, highlighting the need for longitudinal or intervention studies. Copyright © 2013 by the American College of Rheumatology.

Diabetic neuropathy and foot complications.

PubMed

Boulton, Andrew J M

2014-01-01

Foot ulceration and Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) are well recognized and documented late sequelae of diabetic peripheral, somatic, and sympathetic autonomic neuropathy. The neuropathic foot, however, does not ulcerate spontaneously: it is a combination of loss of sensation due to neuropathy together with other factors such as foot deformity and external trauma that results in ulceration and indeed CN. The commonest trauma leading to foot ulcers in the neuropathic foot in Western countries is from inappropriate footwear. Much of the management of the insensate foot in diabetes has been learned from leprosy which similarly gives rise to insensitive foot ulceration. No expensive equipment is required to identify the high risk foot and recently developed tests such as the Ipswich Touch Test and the Vibratip have been shown to be useful in identifying the high risk foot. A comprehensive screening program, together with education of high risk patients, should help to reduce the all too high incidence of ulceration in diabetes. More recently another very high risk group has been identified, namely patients on dialysis, who are at extremely high risk of developing foot ulceration; this should be preventable. The most important feature in management of neuropathic foot ulceration is offloading as patients can easily walk on active foot ulcers due to the loss of pain sensation. Infection should be treated aggressively and if there is any evidence of peripheral vascular disease, arteriography and appropriate surgical management is also indicated. CN often presents with a unilateral hot, swollen foot and any patient presenting with these features known to have neuropathy should be treated as a Charcot until this is proven otherwise. Most important in the management of acute CN is offloading, often in a total contact cast.

Walking cadence affects rate of plantar foot temperature change but not final temperature in younger and older adults.

PubMed

Reddy, Prabhav Nadipi; Cooper, Glen; Weightman, Andrew; Hodson-Tole, Emma; Reeves, Neil D

2017-02-01

This study examined the relationship between (1) foot temperature in healthy individuals and walking cadence, (2) temperature change at different locations of the foot, and (3) temperature change and its relationship with vertical pressures exerted on the foot. Eighteen healthy adult volunteers (10 between 30 and 40 years - Age: 33.4±2.4years; 8 above 40 years - Age: 54.1±7.7years) were recruited. A custom-made insole with temperature sensors was placed directly onto the plantar surface of the foot and held in position using a sock. The foot was placed on a pressure sensor and the whole system placed in a canvas shoe. Participants visited the lab on three separate occasions when foot temperature and pressure data were recorded during walking on a treadmill at one of three cadences (80, 100, 120steps/min). The plantar foot temperature increased during walking in both age groups 30-40 years: 4.62±2.00°C, >40years: 5.49±2.30°C, with the rise inversely proportional to initial foot temperature (30-40 years: R 2 =-0.669, >40years: R 2 =-0.816). Foot temperature changes were not different between the two age groups or the different foot locations and did not depend on vertical pressures. Walking cadence affected the rate of change of plantar foot temperature but not the final measured value and no association between temperature change and vertical pressure was found. These results provide baseline values for comparing foot temperature changes in pathological conditions which could inform understanding of pathophysiology and support development of evidence based healthcare guidelines for managing conditions such as diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Trends in lumber processing in the western United States. Part I: board foot Scribner volume per cubic foot of timber

Treesearch

Charles E. Keegan; Todd A. Morgan; Keith A. Blatner; Jean M. Daniels

2010-01-01

This article describes trends in board foot Scribner volume per cubic foot of timber for logs processed by sawmills in the western United States. Board foot to cubic foot (BF/CF) ratios for the period from 2000 through 2006 ranged from 3.70 in Montana to 5.71 in the Four Corners Region (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah). Sawmills in the Four Corners Region,...

Type 2 diabetes–related foot care knowledge and foot self-care practice interventions in the United States: a systematic review of the literature

PubMed Central

Bonner, Timethia; Foster, Margaret; Spears-Lanoix, Erica

2016-01-01

Introduction The purpose of this systematic literature review is to review published studies on foot care knowledge and foot care practice interventions as part of diabetic foot care self-management interventions. Methods Medline, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched. References from the included studies were reviewed to identify any missing studies that could be included. Only foot care knowledge and foot care practice intervention studies that focused on the person living with type 2 diabetes were included in this review. Author, study design, sample, intervention, and results were extracted. Results Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria and were classified according to randomized controlled trial (n=9), survey design (n=13), cohort studies (n=4), cross-sectional studies (n=2), qualitative studies (n=2), and case series (n=1). Improving lower extremity complications associated with type 2 diabetes can be done through effective foot care interventions that include foot care knowledge and foot care practices. Conclusion Preventing these complications, understanding the risk factors, and having the ability to manage complications outside of the clinical encounter is an important part of a diabetes foot self-care management program. Interventions and research studies that aim to reduce lower extremity complications are still lacking. Further research is needed to test foot care interventions across multiple populations and geographic locations. PMID:26899439

Type 2 diabetes-related foot care knowledge and foot self-care practice interventions in the United States: a systematic review of the literature.

PubMed

Bonner, Timethia; Foster, Margaret; Spears-Lanoix, Erica

2016-01-01

The purpose of this systematic literature review is to review published studies on foot care knowledge and foot care practice interventions as part of diabetic foot care self-management interventions. Medline, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched. References from the included studies were reviewed to identify any missing studies that could be included. Only foot care knowledge and foot care practice intervention studies that focused on the person living with type 2 diabetes were included in this review. Author, study design, sample, intervention, and results were extracted. Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria and were classified according to randomized controlled trial (n=9), survey design (n=13), cohort studies (n=4), cross-sectional studies (n=2), qualitative studies (n=2), and case series (n=1). Improving lower extremity complications associated with type 2 diabetes can be done through effective foot care interventions that include foot care knowledge and foot care practices. Preventing these complications, understanding the risk factors, and having the ability to manage complications outside of the clinical encounter is an important part of a diabetes foot self-care management program. Interventions and research studies that aim to reduce lower extremity complications are still lacking. Further research is needed to test foot care interventions across multiple populations and geographic locations.

Illness beliefs predict self-care behaviours in patients with diabetic foot ulcers: a prospective study.

PubMed

Vedhara, Kavita; Dawe, Karen; Wetherell, Mark A; Miles, Jeremy N V; Cullum, Nicky; Dayan, Colin; Drake, Nicola; Price, Patricia; Tarlton, John; Weinman, John; Day, Andrew; Campbell, Rona

2014-10-01

Patients' illness beliefs are known to be influential determinants of self-care behaviours in many chronic conditions. In a prospective observational study we examined their role in predicting foot self-care behaviours in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Patients (n=169) were recruited from outpatient podiatry clinics. Clinical and demographic factors, illness beliefs and foot self-care behaviours were assessed as baseline (week 0). Foot self-care behaviours were assessed again 6, 12 and 24 weeks later. Linear regressions examined the contribution of beliefs at baseline to subsequent foot self-care behaviours, controlling for past behaviour (i.e., foot self-care at baseline) and clinical and demographic factors that may affect foot self-care (i.e., age and ulcer size). Our models accounted for between 42 and 58% of the variance in foot self-care behaviours. Even after controlling for past foot-care behaviours, age and ulcer size; patients' beliefs regarding the symptoms associated with ulceration, their understanding of ulceration and their perceived personal control over ulceration emerged as independent determinants of foot self-care. Patients' beliefs are important determinants of foot-care practices. They may, therefore, also be influential in determining ulcer outcomes. Interventions aimed at modifying illness beliefs may offer a means for promoting self-care and improving ulcer outcomes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Potential Biomolecules and Current Treatment Technologies for Diabetic Foot Ulcer: an Overview.

PubMed

Khashim, Zenith; Samuel, Shila; Duraisamy, Nallusamy; Krishnan, Kathiravan

2017-05-18

Diabetic foot ulceration remains a major challenge and is one of the most expensive and leading causes of major and minor amputations among patients with diabetic foot ulcer. Hence the purpose of this review is to emphasize on potential molecular markers involved in diabetic foot ulcer physiology, the efficacy of different types of dressing materials, adjunct therapy and newer therapeutic approach like nanoparticles for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer. We conducted a systematic literature review search by using Pubmed and other web searches. The quality evidence of diabetic foot ulcer biomolecules and treatments was collected, summarized and compared with other studies. The present investigation suggested that impaired wound healing in diabetic patients is an influence of several factors. All the advanced therapies and foot ulcer dressing materials are not suitable for all types of diabetic foot ulcers, however more prospective follow ups and in vivo and in vitro studies are needed to draw certain conclusion. Several critical wound biomolecules have been identified and are in need to be investigated in diabetic foot ulcers. The application of biocompatible nanoparticles holds a promising approach for designing dressing materials for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer. Understanding the cellular and molecular events and identifying the appropriate treatment strategies for different foot ulcer grades will reduce recurrence of foot ulcer and lower limb amputation. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

A Comparison of Two Injection Locations in Obese Patients Having Lower Leg/Foot Surgery

ClinicalTrials.gov

2015-10-13

Strain of Muscle and/or Tendon of Lower Leg; Fracture of Lower Leg; Crushing Injury of Lower Leg; Fracture Malunion - Ankle and/ or Foot; Complete Tear, Ankle and/or Foot Ligament; Pathological Fracture - Ankle and/or Foot; Loose Body in Joint of Ankle and/or Foot

From the diabetic foot ulcer and beyond: how do foot infections spread in patients with diabetes?

PubMed Central

Aragón-Sánchez, Javier; Lázaro-Martínez, Jose Luis; Pulido-Duque, Juan; Maynar, Manuel

2012-01-01

A diabetic foot infection is usually the result of a pre-existing foot ulceration and is the leading cause of lower extremity amputation in patients with diabetes. It is widely accepted that diabetic foot infections may be challenging to treat for several reasons. The devastating effects of hyperglycemia on host defense, ischemia, multi-drug resistant bacteria and spreading of infection through the foot may complicate the course of diabetic foot infections. Understanding the ways in which infections spread through the diabetic foot is a pivotal factor in order to decide the best approach for the patient's treatment. The ways in which infections spread can be explained by the anatomical division of the foot into compartments, the tendons included in the compartments, the initial location of the point of entry of the infection and the type of infection that the patient has. The aim of this paper is to further comment on the existed and proposed anatomical principles of the spread of infection through the foot in patients with diabetes. PMID:23050067

Knowledge and Practices of Diabetes Foot Care and Risk of Developing Foot Ulcers in México May Have Implications for Patients of Méxican Heritage Living in the US.

PubMed

Bohorquez Robles, Rosa; Compeán Ortiz, Lidia G; González Quirarte, Nora H; Berry, Diane C; Aguilera Pérez, Paulina; Piñones Martínez, Socorro

2017-06-01

Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between knowledge and foot care practices among adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods A descriptive correlational study examined 200 patients with type 2 diabetes in México. Data collected included the Knowledge and Practices Self-Care Questionnaire and a Podiatry Examination Questionnaire. Data analysis included Pearson's correlations and chi-square tests. Results More than half of the participants had poor knowledge and poor foot care practices. A significant negative correlation between knowledge and practices of foot care and risk of developing diabetes foot ulcers was found. There was no relationship between sociodemographic variables and the risk of developing diabetes foot ulcers. Conclusions Patients with type 2 diabetes served in an outpatient clinic had poor knowledge and practices of foot care. They demonstrated decreased knowledge and practice of foot care and therefore showed a greater risk of developing diabetes foot, which may predispose patients to early complications.

Biomechanical podiatric evaluation in an Italian cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis: A pilot study.

PubMed

Bongi, Susanna Maddali; Ravenni, Giovanni; Ciampi, Benedetta; Del Rosso, Angela; El Aoufy, Khadija

2016-12-01

Foot problems are often present in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients, however studies regarding podiatric problems related to SSc are lacking and there are no data evaluating the foot biomechanical changes. The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate podiatric problems in an Italian cohort of SSc patients by assessing received podiatric services, foot pain and disability and biomechanical foot deformity. 25 consecutive SSc patients were enrolled from the Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence. All SSc patients were assessed by: Standards of Care for People with Foot Musculoskeletal Health problems: Audit Tool, Foot Function Index (FFI), Weight and non-weight bearing foot joint assessment, (Foot Posture Index (FPI) and Gait Cycle), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36). Audit Tool - Only 7 (28%) out of the 25 patients with SSc had a specific podiatric assessment and treatment: no patient received a foot health assessment within the first 6 months of disease diagnosis and no patient received information about foot involvement. 1 patient (4%) received foot assessment every year; 1 patient (4%) received specific information about the disease and 5 patients (20%) received information about the benefits of using adapted footwear and insoles. FFI - Values of pain, disability and activity limitations, reported in FFI, are 4.7±5.1, 5.1±3.2 and 3.2±3.1 (M±DS), respectively. Non-weight bearing foot joint assessment shows a rearfoot varus deformity in 64% of patients, forefoot varus deformity in 42% and 6% forefoot valgus deformity. Weight bearing foot joint assessment, through FPI shows a pronated foot 20% of patients with and 34% with highly pronated overall foot posture. Gait analysis shows that 64% of patients has a contact of the calcaneus in invertion while 36% in eversion. In the midstance, 78% have the foot in pronation and 22% in supination, while in propulsion 12% presents a takeoff of the foot in supination and 88% in the pronation. HAQ result is 1.13±0.80, SFI and SMI scales of SF-36 have scores of 32.38±10.65 and 38.67±11.40, respectively. Our results shows that podiatric problems in SSc patients are common, serious but foot assessment and health care are inadequate. Thus, foot health information should be improved in order to better empower patients to self-manage low risk problems and help identify high-risk problems, which require specialist care.

Characterization of Uranium Contamination, Transport, and Remediation at Rocky Flats - Across Remediation into Post-Closure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janecky, D. R.; Boylan, J.; Murrell, M. T.

2009-12-01

The Rocky Flats Site is a former nuclear weapons production facility approximately 16 miles northwest of Denver, Colorado. Built in 1952 and operated by the Atomic Energy Commission and then Department of Energy, the Site was remediated and closed in 2005, and is currently undergoing long-term surveillance and monitoring by the DOE Office of Legacy Management. Areas of contamination resulted from roughly fifty years of operation. Of greatest interest, surface soils were contaminated with plutonium, americium, and uranium; groundwater was contaminated with chlorinated solvents, uranium, and nitrates; and surface waters, as recipients of runoff and shallow groundwater discharge, have been contaminated by transport from both regimes. A region of economic mineralization that has been referred to as the Colorado Mineral Belt is nearby, and the Schwartzwalder uranium mine is approximately five miles upgradient of the Site. Background uranium concentrations are therefore elevated in many areas. Weapons-related activities included work with enriched and depleted uranium, contributing anthropogenic content to the environment. Using high-resolution isotopic analyses, Site-related contamination can be distinguished from natural uranium in water samples. This has been instrumental in defining remedy components, and long-term monitoring and surveillance strategies. Rocky Flats hydrology interlinks surface waters and shallow groundwater (which is very limited in volume and vertical and horizontal extent). Surface water transport pathways include several streams, constructed ponds, and facility surfaces. Shallow groundwater has no demonstrated connection to deep aquifers, and includes natural preferential pathways resulting primarily from porosity in the Rocky Flats alluvium, weathered bedrock, and discontinuous sandstones. In addition, building footings, drains, trenches, and remedial systems provide pathways for transport at the site. Removal of impermeable surfaces (buildings, roads, and so on) during the Site closure efforts resulted in major changes to surface and shallow groundwater flow. Consistent with previous documentation of uranium operations and contamination, only very small amounts of highly enriched uranium are found in a small number of water samples, generally from the former Solar Ponds complex and central Industrial Area. Depleted uranium is more widely distributed at the site, and water samples exhibit the full range of depleted plus natural uranium mixtures. However, one third of the samples are found to contain only natural uranium, and three quarters of the samples are found to contain more than 90% natural uranium - substantial fractions given that the focus of these analyses was on evaluating potentially contaminated waters. Following site closure, uranium concentrations have increased at some locations, particularly for surface water samples. Overall, isotopic ratios at individual locations have been relatively consistent, indicating that the increases in concentrations are due to decreases in dilution flow following removal of impermeable surfaces and buildings.

Delivery of health surveillance for hand-arm vibration in the West Midlands.

PubMed

Kinoulty, Mary

2006-01-01

Concerns about provider competence and quality of hand-arm vibrations (HAVs) health surveillance programmes were identified by Health & Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors. To evaluate health surveillance programmes and compare them with published HSE guidance. To identify deficiencies and areas for improvement in the health surveillance programmes. A proforma was developed for the study and used on a sample of 10 local occupational health providers. All 10 organizations were aware of current HSE guidance for health surveillance for HAVs but only a minority (30%) were following it. Occupational health provider training, written procedures and health surveillance delivery were all identified as areas requiring improvement. The majority of organizations were not following HSE guidance. Occupational health providers undertaking health surveillance for HAV require specific training.

Screening for G6PD Deficiency Among Neonates with Neonatal Jaundice Admitted to Tertiary Care Center: A Need in Disguise.

PubMed

Kumar, Kishwer; Sohaila, Arjumand; Tikmani, Shiyam Sunder; Khan, Iqtidar Ahmed; Zafar, Anila

2015-08-01

This study was conducted to determine the association of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency among neonates admitted with jaundice at the neonatal intensive care unit, well baby nursery and neonatal step down nursery of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from January to June 2010. A total of 205 neonates following the selection criteria were included. All selected neonates have their venous blood drawn, saved in EDTA bottle and sent to laboratory of The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). The laboratory results of whether G-6-PD deficiency was present or not was recorded in the proforma. G-6-PD was deficient in 19 neonates (9.3%). All neonates were male.

Immediate-term effects of use of an ankle-foot orthosis with an oil damper on the gait of stroke patients when walking without the device.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Sumiko; Ibayashi, Setsuro; Fuchi, Masako; Yasui, Tadashi

2015-04-01

An ankle-foot orthosis using an oil damper is designed to enable natural movement of the ankle joint. Wearing an ankle-foot orthosis using an oil damper has been demonstrated to assist the first rocker in stroke patients, but its effect on their gait when not wearing it is unclear. To determine the effect of use of ankle-foot orthosis using an oil damper on the gait of stroke patients with hemiparesis when not wearing the ankle-foot orthosis. Crossover study. The gait of eight stroke patients in the chronic phase when not wearing an ankle-foot orthosis was measured, using a three-dimensional motion analysis system, before using the ankle-foot orthosis using an oil damper and then without and with using the ankle-foot orthosis using an oil damper after 3 weeks of use. Differences in gait were compared between the three measurement conditions. Use of ankle-foot orthosis using an oil damper significantly decreased preswing time and significantly increased the positive ankle joint power in stance when not wearing the ankle-foot orthosis using an oil damper. These changes indicate the promising therapeutic effects of ankle-foot orthosis using an oil damper use and suggest the ankle-foot orthosis using an oil damper's potential as a therapeutic device. After 3 weeks of use of an ankle-foot orthosis using an oil damper, which assists the first rocker, the gait of stroke patients in the chronic phase when not wearing the ankle-foot orthosis using an oil damper was improved. Preswing time was significantly decreased and positive ankle joint power was significantly increased. The ankle-foot orthosis using an oil damper, which assists the first rocker function with natural movement of the ankle joint during gait, has the potential to improve the gait of stroke patients after immediate-term use. © The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2014.

Analysis of joint force and torque for the human and non-human ape foot during bipedal walking with implications for the evolution of the foot.

PubMed

Wang, Weijie; Abboud, Rami J; Günther, Michael M; Crompton, Robin H

2014-08-01

The feet of apes have a different morphology from those of humans. Until now, it has merely been assumed that the morphology seen in humans must be adaptive for habitual bipedal walking, as the habitual use of bipedal walking is generally regarded as one of the most clear-cut differences between humans and apes. This study asks simply whether human skeletal proportions do actually enhance foot performance during human-like bipedalism, by examining the influence of foot proportions on force, torque and work in the foot joints during simulated bipedal walking. Skeletons of the common chimpanzee, orangutan, gorilla and human were represented by multi-rigid-body models, where the components of the foot make external contact via finite element surfaces. The models were driven by identical joint motion functions collected from experiments on human walking. Simulated contact forces between the ground and the foot were found to be reasonably comparable with measurements made during human walking using pressure- and force-platforms. Joint force, torque and work in the foot were then predicted. Within the limitations of our model, the results show that during simulated human-like bipedal walking, (1) the human and non-human ape (NHA) feet carry similar joint forces, although the distributions of the forces differ; (2) the NHA foot incurs larger joint torques than does the human foot, although the human foot has higher values in the first tarso-metatarsal and metatarso-phalangeal joints, whereas the NHA foot incurs higher values in the lateral digits; and (3) total work in the metatarso-phalangeal joints is lower in the human foot than in the NHA foot. The results indicate that human foot proportions are indeed well suited to performance in normal human walking. © 2014 Anatomical Society.

Analysis of joint force and torque for the human and non-human ape foot during bipedal walking with implications for the evolution of the foot

PubMed Central

Wang, Weijie; Abboud, Rami J; Günther, Michael M; Crompton, Robin H

2014-01-01

The feet of apes have a different morphology from those of humans. Until now, it has merely been assumed that the morphology seen in humans must be adaptive for habitual bipedal walking, as the habitual use of bipedal walking is generally regarded as one of the most clear-cut differences between humans and apes. This study asks simply whether human skeletal proportions do actually enhance foot performance during human-like bipedalism, by examining the influence of foot proportions on force, torque and work in the foot joints during simulated bipedal walking. Skeletons of the common chimpanzee, orangutan, gorilla and human were represented by multi-rigid-body models, where the components of the foot make external contact via finite element surfaces. The models were driven by identical joint motion functions collected from experiments on human walking. Simulated contact forces between the ground and the foot were found to be reasonably comparable with measurements made during human walking using pressure- and force-platforms. Joint force, torque and work in the foot were then predicted. Within the limitations of our model, the results show that during simulated human-like bipedal walking, (1) the human and non-human ape (NHA) feet carry similar joint forces, although the distributions of the forces differ; (2) the NHA foot incurs larger joint torques than does the human foot, although the human foot has higher values in the first tarso-metatarsal and metatarso-phalangeal joints, whereas the NHA foot incurs higher values in the lateral digits; and (3) total work in the metatarso-phalangeal joints is lower in the human foot than in the NHA foot. The results indicate that human foot proportions are indeed well suited to performance in normal human walking. PMID:24925580

Foot Type Biomechanics Part 2: are structure and anthropometrics related to function?

PubMed

Mootanah, Rajshree; Song, Jinsup; Lenhoff, Mark W; Hafer, Jocelyn F; Backus, Sherry I; Gagnon, David; Deland, Jonathan T; Hillstrom, Howard J

2013-03-01

Many foot pathologies are associated with specific foot types. If foot structure and function are related, measurement of either could assist with differential diagnosis of pedal pathologies. Biomechanical measures of foot structure and function are related in asymptomatic healthy individuals. Sixty-one healthy subjects' left feet were stratified into cavus (n=12), rectus (n=27) and planus (n=22) foot types. Foot structure was assessed by malleolar valgus index, arch height index, and arch height flexibility. Anthropometrics (height and weight), age, and walking speed were measured. Foot function was assessed by center of pressure excursion index, peak plantar pressure, maximum force, and gait pattern parameters. Foot structure and anthropometric variables were entered into stepwise linear regression models to identify predictors of function. Measures of foot structure and anthropometrics explained 10-37% of the model variance (adjusted R(2)) for gait pattern parameters. When walking speed was included, the adjusted R(2) increased to 45-77% but foot structure was no longer a factor. Foot structure and anthropometrics predicted 7-47% of the model variance for plantar pressure and 16-64% for maximum force parameters. All multivariate models were significant (p<0.05), supporting acceptance of the hypothesis. Foot structure and function are related in asymptomatic healthy individuals. The structural parameters employed are basic measurements that do not require ionizing radiation and could be used in a clinical setting. Further research is needed to identify additional predictive parameters (plantar soft tissue characteristics, skeletal alignment, and neuromuscular control) and to include individuals with pathology. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Foot Type Biomechanics Part 2: Are structure and anthropometrics related to function?

PubMed Central

Mootanah, Rajshree; Song, Jinsup; Lenhoff, Mark W.; Hafer, Jocelyn F.; Backus, Sherry I.; Gagnon, David; Deland, Jonathan T.; Hillstrom, Howard J.

2013-01-01

Background Many foot pathologies are associated with specific foot types. If foot structure and function are related, measurement of either could assist with differential diagnosis of pedal pathologies. Hypothesis Biomechanical measures of foot structure and function are related in asymptomatic healthy individuals. Methods Sixty-one healthy subjects' left feet were stratified into cavus (n = 12), rectus (n = 27) and planus (n = 22) foot types. Foot structure was assessed by malleolar valgus index, arch height index, and arch height flexibility. Anthropometrics (height and weight), age, and walking speed were measured. Foot function was assessed by center of pressure excursion index, peak plantar pressure, maximum force, and gait pattern parameters. Foot structure and anthropometric variables were entered into stepwise linear regression models to identify predictors of function. Results Measures of foot structure and anthropometrics explained 10–37% of the model variance (adjusted R2) for gait pattern parameters. When walking speed was included, the adjusted R2 increased to 45–77% but foot structure was no longer a factor. Foot structure and anthropometrics predicted 7–47% of the model variance for plantar pressure and 16–64% for maximum force parameters. All multivariate models were significant (p < 0.05), supporting acceptance of the hypothesis. Discussion and conclusion Foot structure and function are related in asymptomatic healthy individuals. The structural parameters employed are basic measurements that do not require ionizing radiation and could be used in a clinical setting. Further research is needed to identify additional predictive parameters (plantar soft tissue characteristics, skeletal alignment, and neuromuscular control) and to include individuals with pathology. PMID:23107624

Excess Cost and Healthcare Resources Associated With Delayed Diagnosis of Charcot Foot.

PubMed

Labovitz, Jonathan M; Shapiro, Jarrod M; Satterfield, V Kathleen; Smith, Nathanael T

2018-06-21

The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the effect of a delayed diagnosis of Charcot foot on acute care cost and usage. We used International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, and the California Office for Statewide Health Planning and Development 2009 to 2012 public patient discharge files to identify patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and Charcot foot. The costs and length of stay were compared for those with a diagnosis of Charcot foot on admission compared with those who received a delayed diagnosis of Charcot foot before discharge. Patient demographic data, diagnoses often mistaken for Charcot foot, and procedures often performed for Charcot foot were assessed to determine the potential effect on costs and length of stay in Charcot foot subjects. A delayed Charcot foot diagnosis was associated with 10.8% greater inpatient costs and 12.1% longer length of stay. These patients required greater resource usage owing to the significantly greater number of procedures performed. A significantly greater number of patients underwent lower extremity amputation when the diagnosis was delayed, resulting in a 30.4% increase in costs and 31.6% longer length of stay. A greater rate of diabetic foot ulcers, foot infections, and osteomyelitis was also observed; however, the cost was only affected by osteomyelitis, and the length of stay was not significantly affected. A delayed diagnosis of Charcot foot at admission resulted in significantly increased acute care costs and longer lengths of stay. Copyright © 2018 The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Foundation Report, Dam & Spillway, Taylorsville Lake, Ohio River Basin, Salt River, Kentucky.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-04-01

methods. The spacing of the primary holes was set on 10- foot centers, followed by secondary holes on 5- foot centers and tertiary holes on 2.5- foot ...88’ and 5+00. This area was further divided into 100- foot sections and drilled and grouted in alternating sections. Sections 7, 9 and 5 were drilled...100- foot sections and grouted by alternate sections to preclude violating the 100- foot spacing requirement. Many of the first holes on the left abutment

Biomechanics of the Ankle-Foot System during Stair Ambulation: Implications for Design of Advanced Ankle-Foot Prostheses

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-15

Biomechanics of the ankle–foot system during stair ambulation: Implications for design of advanced ankle–foot prostheses$ Emily H. Sinitski a, Andrew...Wilken). Please cite this article as: Sinitski, E.H., et al., Biomechanics of the ankle–foot system during stair ambulation: Implications for design of...REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2011 to 00-00-2011 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Biomechanics Of The Ankle-Foot System During Stair Ambulation

Plantar Pressure Distribution among Older Persons with Different Types of Foot and Its Correlation with Functional Reach Distance

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Background. Changes in biomechanical structures of human foot are common in the older person, which may lead to alteration of foot type and plantar pressure distribution. We aimed to examine how foot type affects the plantar pressure distribution and to determine the relationship between plantar pressure distribution and functional reach distance in older persons. Methods. Fifty community-dwelling older persons (age: 69.98 ± 5.84) were categorized into three groups based on the Foot Posture Index. The plantar pressure (max⁡P) and contact area were analyzed using Footscan® RSScan platform. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the plantar pressure between foot types and Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to correlate plantar pressure with the functional reach distance. Results. There were significant differences of max⁡P in the forefoot area across all foot types. The post hoc analysis found significantly lower max⁡P in the pronated foot compared to the supinated foot. A high linear rank correlation was found between functional reach distance and max⁡P of the rearfoot region of the supinated foot. Conclusions. These findings suggested that types of the foot affect the plantar maximal pressure in older persons with functional reach distance showing some associations. PMID:27980874

Muscular activity and torque of the foot dorsiflexor muscles during decremental isometric test: A cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Ruiz-Muñoz, Maria; González-Sánchez, Manuel; Martín-Martín, Jaime; Cuesta-Vargas, Antonio I

2017-06-01

To analyse the torque variation level that could be explained by the muscle activation (EMG) amplitude of the three major foot dorsiflexor muscles (tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), extensor hallucis longus (EHL)) during isometric foot dorsiflexion at different intensities. In a cross-sectional study, forty-one subjects performed foot dorsiflexion at 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% of maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) with the hip and knee flexed 90° and the ankle in neutral position (90° between leg and foot). Three foot dorsiflexions were performed for each intensity. Outcome variables were: maximum (100% MVC) and relative torque (75%, 50%, 25% MVC), maximum and relative EMG amplitude. A linear regression analysis was calculated for each intensity of the isometric foot dorsiflexion. The degree of torque variation (dependent variable) from the independent variables explain (EMG amplitude of the three major foot dorsiflexor muscles) the increases when the foot dorsiflexion intensity is increased, with values of R 2 that range from 0.194 (during 25% MVC) to 0.753 (during 100% MVC). The reliability of the outcome variables was excellent. The EMG amplitude of the three main foot dorsiflexors exhibited more variance in the dependent variable (torque) when foot dorsiflexion intensity increases. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The prevalence of diabetic foot disease in the Waikato region.

PubMed

O'Shea, C; McClintock, J; Lawrenson, R

2017-07-01

The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of diabetic foot disease by utilising the retinal eye screening register in the Waikato region of New Zealand. Understanding both the prevalence and the degree of foot disease across the general diabetes population will help to determine what podiatry services are required for people with diabetes. 2192 people aged 15years and over, who attended the Waikato Regional Diabetes Service mobile retinal photo screening service for the six-month period between May and November 2014, consented to a foot screen including testing for sensation and pedal pulses. A digital image was taken of the dorsal and plantar aspect of each foot for review by a registered Podiatrist. Thirteen percent of the study sample was identified as having a high-risk foot including active foot complications. 65% were categorised as low risk and a further 22% at moderate risk of diabetic foot disease. Factors identified as significant included age, type of diabetes, duration of diabetes, and smoking. These factors placed people at greater risk of diabetic foot disease. A significant number of people with diabetes are at risk of diabetic foot disease. This study has highlighted the need for targeted podiatry services to address diabetic foot disease. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SKITTER foot design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Gene; Jones, David L.; Morris, James; Parham, Martin; Stephens, Jim; Yancey, Gregg

1987-01-01

A mechanical design team was formed to design a foot for the lunar utility vehicle SKITTER. The primary design was constrained to be a ski pole design compatible with the existing femur-tibia design legs. The lunar environment had several important effects on the foot design. Three materials were investigated for the SKITTER foot: aluminum alloys, cold worked stainless steel alloys, and titanium alloys. Thin film coatings were investigated as a method of wear reduction for the foot. The performance of the foot is dependent on the action of the legs. The range of motion for the legs was determined to be vertical to 15 degrees above horizontal. An impact analysis was performed for the foot movement, but the results were determined to be inconclusive due to unknown soil parameters. The initial foot design configuration consisted of an annulus attached to the pointed pole. The annulus was designed to prevent excess sinkage. Later designs call for a conical shaped foot with a disk at the point of the tibia attachment. The conical design was analyzed for strength and deflection by two different approaches. A deformable body analysis was performed for the foot under crane load in crane position, and also under actuator load in the vertical position. In both cases, the deflection of the foot was insignificant and the stresses well below the strength of the titanium alloy.

Combined Ankle-Foot Energetics are Conserved When Distal Foot Energy Absorption is Minimized.

PubMed

Arch, Elisa S; Fylstra, Bretta L

2016-12-01

The large, late-stance energy generated by the ankle is believed to be critical during gait. However, the distal foot absorbs/dissipates a considerable amount of energy during the same phase. Thus, the energy generated by the combined ankle-foot system is more modest, which raises questions regarding the necessity of such a large ankle power and the interplay between foot and ankle energetics. This study aimed to evaluate our conservation of energy hypothesis, which predicted if distal foot energy absorption/dissipation was reduced, then less energy would be generated at the ankle and thus the same combined ankle-foot energetics would be achieved. Motion analysis data were collected as healthy subjects walked under 2 conditions (Shoes, Footplate). In the Footplate condition, the shoe was replaced with a customized, rigid footplate with a rocker profile. In support of the hypothesis, there was significantly less positive ankle and less negative distal foot work with footplate use, resulting in very similar combined ankle-foot work between conditions. These findings suggest that there is an interplay between the energy generated by the ankle and absorbed by the foot. This interplay should be considered when designing orthotic and prosthetic ankle-foot systems and rehabilitation programs for individuals with weakened ankle muscles.

21 CFR 333.250 - Labeling of antifungal drug products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... labeled for the treatment of athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. (i) (Select one of the following... more of the following groups of conditions: (A) “Athlete's foot,” athlete's foot (dermatophytosis),” “athlete's foot (tinea pedis),” or “tinea pedis (athlete's foot)”; (B) “Jock itch,” “jock itch (tinea...

75 FR 78236 - Lock+TM

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-15

...-foot-wide, 20-foot-deep excavated power canal; (2) a 55-foot-long, 65-foot-wide, 8-foot-deep excavated... 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site http://www.ferc.gov/docs... Web site at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/elibrary.asp . Enter the docket number (P-13743-000, 13753...

[The gold standard in diabetic foot treatment: total contact cast].

PubMed

Lozano-Platonoff, Adriana; Florida Mejía-Mendoza, Melissa Desireé; Ibáñez-Doria, Mónica; Contreras-Ruiz, José

2014-01-01

In patients with diabetes, foot complications remain one of the main health issues, with ulcers representing one of the most common. These ulcerations originate from repetitive trauma on a foot with neuropathy. Inadequate care of the diabetic foot may lead to one of the gravest complications of the diabetic foot: amputation. The key to the treatment of the diabetic foot is the control of comorbidities (glucose levels and vascular disease), debridement, exudate control with the available modern dressings, treatment of infection, and offloading the affected foot. A common error in this basic treatment is the method used for offloading, leading to delayed healing as a result, and maybe even amputation. For this purpose we propose the total contact cast considered the "gold standard" in diabetic foot offloading. The objective of the present review is to present the existing evidence in the medical literature on the effectiveness of its use for healing diabetic foot ulcers and hence preventing amputations.

Starting off on the right foot: strong right-footers respond faster with the right foot to positive words and with the left foot to negative words

PubMed Central

de la Vega, Irmgard; Graebe, Julia; Härtner, Leonie; Dudschig, Carolin; Kaup, Barbara

2015-01-01

Recent studies have provided evidence for an association between valence and left/right modulated by handedness, which is predicted by the body-specificity hypothesis (Casasanto, 2009) and also reflected in response times. We investigated whether such a response facilitation can also be observed with foot responses. Right-footed participants classified positive and negative words according to their valence by pressing a key with their left or right foot. A significant interaction between valence and foot only emerged in the by-items analysis. However, when dividing participants into two groups depending on the strength of their footedness, an interaction between valence and left/right was observed for strong right-footers, who responded faster with the right foot to positive words, and with the left foot to negative words. No interaction emerged for weak right-footers. The results strongly support the assumption that fluency lies at the core of the association between valence and left/right. PMID:25852609

Patterns of foot complaints in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross sectional survey.

PubMed

Otter, Simon J; Kumar, Sunil; Gow, Peter; Dalbeth, Nicola; Corkill, Michael; Rohan, Maheswaran; Davies, Kevin A; Pankathelam, Sam; Rome, Keith

2016-01-01

Foot complaints are common in inflammatory arthropathies such as rheumatoid arthritis and cause considerable disability. However, little is published about the nature and extent of foot complaints in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to explore foot complaints among people with (SLE) and to evaluate the associations between foot pain and self-reported activities of daily living and well-being. We developed and tested a new 40-item item self-administered questionnaire, using a five-stage development process utilising patient involvement throughout to ensure face and content validity. The self-administered instrument was posted to 406 people with SLE attending adult rheumatology clinics across three health boards in Auckland, New Zealand. The questionnaire enquired about symptoms of foot pain, extra-articular features, anatomical distribution of symptoms according to validated foot-mannequins and the impact of foot symptoms on activities of daily living and well-being. In total, 406 questionnaires were posted, with 131 responses (response rate 32 %). We found 89 % were women, mean (SD) age 51 (15) years, mean (SD) diagnosis 12.5 (11.1) years. Overall, 77 % of those responding to the questionnaire reported foot pain during their SLE, with 45 % reporting current foot pain. All regions of the feet were affected, with the hindfoot (32 %) and ankles (30 %) most troublesome. The most common self-reported extra-articular foot complaints were cold feet, swelling and numbness. Almost two-thirds (61 %) reported foot pain adversely affected their lives; foot pain prevented sleeping in 36 % and had a negative effect on emotions for 33 %. Only 33 % of participants had seen a podiatrist. Significant association was found between foot pain and standing longer than 15 min (p < 0.001), walking (p < 0.001), climbing stairs (p < 0.001) and going shopping (p < 0.001). Pain was the primary symptom to affect quality of life (47/100). Foot complaints in SLE are heterogeneous in nature, and may have a substantial negative impact on patient well-being. Foot complaints need to be addressed to reduce the burden of SLE and our findings support the need for wider access to specific foot care services.

The effect of foot orthotic use on exercise related leg pain in cross country athletes.

PubMed

Reinking, Mark F; Hayes, Ann M; Austin, Tricia M

2012-11-01

The purposes of this research were to (1) investigate the effect of foot orthotic use on exercise related leg pain (ERLP) in cross-country (XC) athletes, and (2) determine if an association between foot type and foot orthotic use exists. Prospective cohort design. High schools and colleges in a Midwestern metropolitan region. 213 high school and college XC athletes (107 male, 106 female). Participants were seen before the fall XC season for classification of foot type, visual orthotic inspection, and questionnaire completion regarding foot orthotic use and ERLP. Statistical analysis of relationships (chi-square) was conducted. 37 of the 213 XC athletes (17.4%) used foot orthotics; 31 of the 37 athletes using foot orthotics (83.8%) reported a history of ERLP. Of these 31 athletes, 17 (54.8%) were using orthotics for ERLP and 15 reported a decrease in ERLP with orthotic use. Fourteen athletes were using orthotics for a reason other than ERLP and only 2 reported a decrease in ERLP with orthotic use. Athletes using orthotics included all three foot types (pronated, neutral, supinated) with no relationship between orthotic use and foot type. One-sixth of the XC athletes used foot orthotics and most using orthotics for ERLP reported a decrease in ERLP symptoms. The majority of athletes using orthotics for reasons other than ERLP reported no change in ERLP symptoms. There was no association between foot type and orthotic use. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Are in-shoe pressure characteristics in symptomatic idiopathic pes cavus related to the location of foot pain?

PubMed

Crosbie, Jack; Burns, Joshua

2008-01-01

People who have extremely high arched feet may be subject to substantial levels of foot pain, despite the lack of obvious pathology. This study sought to investigate the effect of pes cavus on pain intensity and location and on the magnitude and distribution of foot pressure. Measurements were derived from the more symptomatic foot of 130 participants with painful, idiopathic pes cavus. Data were collected using Pedar in-shoe pressure sensors and averaged over nine randomly selected steps. Participant information, including location and intensity of pain, Foot Posture Index values and anthropometric and "quality of life" variables, were also recorded. Painful idiopathic pes cavus seems to provoke a more cautious gait pattern than normal, with reduced peak and mean pressure values, particularly in the fore- and rear-foot regions. In particular, participants with pain confined to the rear-foot exhibit an antalgic gait pattern, with lower pressure values and a longer period of foot-ground contact in the heel region than those with pain only in the fore-foot. We determined no clear predictors of pain in terms of foot posture or demographics, although people with high body mass index values are more likely to have pain in several regions. The relationship between the posture of the foot and the presentation of pain remains unclear, however we believe that the presence of heel pain in pes cavus may be more restricting than fore-foot pain.

Robust Foot Clearance Estimation Based on the Integration of Foot-Mounted IMU Acceleration Data

PubMed Central

Benoussaad, Mourad; Sijobert, Benoît; Mombaur, Katja; Azevedo Coste, Christine

2015-01-01

This paper introduces a method for the robust estimation of foot clearance during walking, using a single inertial measurement unit (IMU) placed on the subject’s foot. The proposed solution is based on double integration and drift cancellation of foot acceleration signals. The method is insensitive to misalignment of IMU axes with respect to foot axes. Details are provided regarding calibration and signal processing procedures. Experimental validation was performed on 10 healthy subjects under three walking conditions: normal, fast and with obstacles. Foot clearance estimation results were compared to measurements from an optical motion capture system. The mean error between them is significantly less than 15% under the various walking conditions. PMID:26703622

Foot Plantar Pressure Measurement System: A Review

PubMed Central

Razak, Abdul Hadi Abdul; Zayegh, Aladin; Begg, Rezaul K.; Wahab, Yufridin

2012-01-01

Foot plantar pressure is the pressure field that acts between the foot and the support surface during everyday locomotor activities. Information derived from such pressure measures is important in gait and posture research for diagnosing lower limb problems, footwear design, sport biomechanics, injury prevention and other applications. This paper reviews foot plantar sensors characteristics as reported in the literature in addition to foot plantar pressure measurement systems applied to a variety of research problems. Strengths and limitations of current systems are discussed and a wireless foot plantar pressure system is proposed suitable for measuring high pressure distributions under the foot with high accuracy and reliability. The novel system is based on highly linear pressure sensors with no hysteresis. PMID:23012576

78 FR 17649 - Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency; FFP Qualified Hydro 14, LLC; Notice of Competing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-22

... the proposed turbines; (6) a new 120-foot-long by 70-foot-wide concrete powerhouse, containing three 4.8-MW Kaplan turbine-generators, with a combined nameplate capacity of 14.4 MW; (7) a new 275-foot...) a new 100-foot-long by 50-foot-wide concrete powerhouse with three 5-megawatt (MW) turbines, having...

76 FR 64933 - Alaska Power Company, Inc.; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-19

...-wide powerhouse containing one 4.1-megawatt (MW) turbine/generator unit with an adjacent 40-foot-long...-foot-wide powerhouse containing one 4.8-MW turbine/generator unit with an adjacent 40-foot-long, 40... powerhouse containing one 0.9-MW turbine/generator unit with an adjacent 30-foot-long, 40-foot-wide...

The Relationship with Balance, Foot Posture, and Foot Size in School of Physical Education and Sports Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Irez, Gonul Babayigit

2014-01-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of foot posture and foot size with balance. A hundred and thirteen healthy volunteers were recruited from undergraduate students (Male = 74, Female = 37, age range 18-22). The Foot Posture Index (FPI-6), anthropometric measurements, dynamic balance and static balance measurements were done…

77 FR 36524 - Freedom Falls, LLC; Notice of Application Tendered for Filing With the Commission and Soliciting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-19

... facility and working platform; (5) a new 60-foot-long, 30-inch-diameter steel penstock leading to; (6) an.... n. The proposed Freedom Falls Hydroelectric Project would consist of: (1) An existing 90-foot-long, 12-foot-high concrete-capped stone masonry dam with a 25-foot-long, 10-foot-high spillway with two...

A new approach to children's footwear based on foot type classification.

PubMed

Mauch, M; Grau, S; Krauss, I; Maiwald, C; Horstmann, T

2009-08-01

Current shoe designs do not allow for the comprehensive 3-D foot shape, which means they are unable to reproduce the wide variability in foot morphology. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to capture these variations of children's feet by classifying them into groups (types) and thereby provide a basis for their implementation in the design of children's shoes. The feet of 2867 German children were measured using a 3-D foot scanner. Cluster analysis was then applied to classify the feet into three different foot types. The characteristics of these foot types differ regarding their volume and forefoot shape both within and between shoe sizes. This new approach is in clear contrast to previous systems, since it captures the variability of foot morphology in a more comprehensive way by using a foot typing system and therefore paves the way for the unimpaired development of children's feet. Previous shoe systems do not allow for the wide variations in foot morphology. A new approach was developed regarding different morphological foot types based on 3-D measurements relevant in shoe construction. This can be directly applied to create specific designs for children's shoes.

Magnitude and Spatial Distribution of Impact Intensity Under the Foot Relates to Initial Foot Contact Pattern.

PubMed

Breine, Bastiaan; Malcolm, Philippe; Segers, Veerle; Gerlo, Joeri; Derie, Rud; Pataky, Todd; Frederick, Edward C; De Clercq, Dirk

2017-12-01

In running, foot contact patterns (rear-, mid-, or forefoot contact) influence impact intensity and initial ankle and foot kinematics. The aim of the study was to compare impact intensity and its spatial distribution under the foot between different foot contact patterns. Forty-nine subjects ran at 3.2 m·s -1 over a level runway while ground reaction forces (GRF) and shoe-surface pressures were recorded and foot contact pattern was determined. A 4-zone footmask (forefoot, midfoot, medial and lateral rearfoot) assessed the spatial distribution of the vertical GRF under the foot. We calculated peak vertical instantaneous loading rate of the GRF (VILR) per foot zone as the impact intensity measure. Midfoot contact patterns were shown to have the lowest, and atypical rearfoot contact patterns the highest impact intensities, respectively. The greatest local impact intensity was mainly situated under the rear- and midfoot for the typical rearfoot contact patterns, under the midfoot for the atypical rearfoot contact patterns, and under the mid- and forefoot for the midfoot contact patterns. These findings indicate that different foot contact patterns could benefit from cushioning in different shoe zones.

Impact on the biomechanics of overground gait of using an 'Echelon' hydraulic ankle-foot device in unilateral trans-tibial and trans-femoral amputees.

PubMed

De Asha, Alan R; Munjal, Ramesh; Kulkarni, Jai; Buckley, John G

2014-08-01

If a prosthetic foot creates resistance to forwards shank rotation as it deforms during loading, it will exert a braking effect on centre of mass progression. The present study determines whether the centre of mass braking effect exerted by an amputee's habitual rigid 'ankle' foot was reduced when they switched to using an 'Echelon' hydraulic ankle-foot device. Nineteen lower limb amputees (eight trans-femoral, eleven trans-tibial) walked overground using their habitual dynamic-response foot with rigid 'ankle' or 'Echelon' hydraulic ankle-foot device. Analysis determined changes in how the centre of mass was transferred onto and above the prosthetic-foot, freely chosen walking speed, and spatio-temporal parameters of gait. When using the hydraulic device both groups had a smoother/more rapid progression of the centre of pressure beneath the prosthetic hindfoot (p≤0.001), and a smaller reduction in centre of mass velocity during prosthetic-stance (p<0.001). As a result freely chosen walking speed was higher in both groups when using the device (p≤0.005). In both groups stance and swing times and cadence were unaffected by foot condition whereas step length tended (p<0.07) to increase bilaterally when using the hydraulic device. Effect size differences between foot types were comparable across groups. Use of a hydraulic ankle-foot device reduced the foot's braking effect for both amputee groups. Findings suggest that attenuation of the braking effect from the foot in early stance may be more important to prosthetic-foot function than its ability to return energy in late stance. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The effect of ankle foot orthosis stiffness on the energy cost of walking: a simulation study.

PubMed

Bregman, D J J; van der Krogt, M M; de Groot, V; Harlaar, J; Wisse, M; Collins, S H

2011-11-01

In stroke and multiple sclerosis patients, gait is frequently hampered by a reduced ability to push-off with the ankle caused by weakness of the plantar-flexor muscles. To enhance ankle push-off and to decrease the high energy cost of walking, spring-like carbon-composite Ankle Foot Orthoses are frequently prescribed. However, it is unknown what Ankle Foot Orthoses stiffness should be used to obtain the most efficient gait. The aim of this simulation study was to gain insights into the effect of variation in Ankle Foot Orthosis stiffness on the amount of energy stored in the Ankle Foot Orthosis and the energy cost of walking. We developed a two-dimensional forward-dynamic walking model with a passive spring at the ankle representing the Ankle Foot Orthosis and two constant torques at the hip for propulsion. We varied Ankle Foot Orthosis stiffness while keeping speed and step length constant. We found an optimal stiffness, at which the energy delivered at the hip joint was minimal. Energy cost decreased with increasing energy storage in the ankle foot orthosis, but the most efficient gait did not occur with maximal energy storage. With maximum storage, push-off occurred too late to reduce the impact of the contralateral leg with the floor. Maximum return prior to foot strike was also suboptimal, as push-off occurred too early and its effects were subsequently counteracted by gravity. The optimal Ankle Foot Orthosis stiffness resulted in significant push-off timed just prior to foot strike and led to greater ankle plantar-flexion velocity just before contralateral foot strike. Our results suggest that patient energy cost might be reduced by the proper choice of Ankle Foot Orthosis stiffness. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanical and energetic consequences of rolling foot shape in human walking

PubMed Central

Adamczyk, Peter G.; Kuo, Arthur D.

2013-01-01

SUMMARY During human walking, the center of pressure under the foot progresses forward smoothly during each step, creating a wheel-like motion between the leg and the ground. This rolling motion might appear to aid walking economy, but the mechanisms that may lead to such a benefit are unclear, as the leg is not literally a wheel. We propose that there is indeed a benefit, but less from rolling than from smoother transitions between pendulum-like stance legs. The velocity of the body center of mass (COM) must be redirected in that transition, and a longer foot reduces the work required for the redirection. Here we develop a dynamic walking model that predicts different effects from altering foot length as opposed to foot radius, and test it by attaching rigid, arc-like foot bottoms to humans walking with fixed ankles. The model suggests that smooth rolling is relatively insensitive to arc radius, whereas work for the step-to-step transition decreases approximately quadratically with foot length. We measured the separate effects of arc-foot length and radius on COM velocity fluctuations, work performed by the legs and metabolic cost. Experimental data (N=8) show that foot length indeed has much greater effect on both the mechanical work of the step-to-step transition (23% variation, P=0.04) and the overall energetic cost of walking (6%, P=0.03) than foot radius (no significant effect, P>0.05). We found the minimum metabolic energy cost for an arc foot length of approximately 29% of leg length, roughly comparable to human foot length. Our results suggest that the foot's apparently wheel-like action derives less benefit from rolling per se than from reduced work to redirect the body COM. PMID:23580717

Mechanical and energetic consequences of rolling foot shape in human walking.

PubMed

Adamczyk, Peter G; Kuo, Arthur D

2013-07-15

During human walking, the center of pressure under the foot progresses forward smoothly during each step, creating a wheel-like motion between the leg and the ground. This rolling motion might appear to aid walking economy, but the mechanisms that may lead to such a benefit are unclear, as the leg is not literally a wheel. We propose that there is indeed a benefit, but less from rolling than from smoother transitions between pendulum-like stance legs. The velocity of the body center of mass (COM) must be redirected in that transition, and a longer foot reduces the work required for the redirection. Here we develop a dynamic walking model that predicts different effects from altering foot length as opposed to foot radius, and test it by attaching rigid, arc-like foot bottoms to humans walking with fixed ankles. The model suggests that smooth rolling is relatively insensitive to arc radius, whereas work for the step-to-step transition decreases approximately quadratically with foot length. We measured the separate effects of arc-foot length and radius on COM velocity fluctuations, work performed by the legs and metabolic cost. Experimental data (N=8) show that foot length indeed has much greater effect on both the mechanical work of the step-to-step transition (23% variation, P=0.04) and the overall energetic cost of walking (6%, P=0.03) than foot radius (no significant effect, P>0.05). We found the minimum metabolic energy cost for an arc foot length of approximately 29% of leg length, roughly comparable to human foot length. Our results suggest that the foot's apparently wheel-like action derives less benefit from rolling per se than from reduced work to redirect the body COM.

Sagittal plane kinematics of passive dorsiflexion of the foot in adolescent athletes.

PubMed

Gatt, Alfred; Chockalingam, Nachiappan; Falzon, Owen

2013-01-01

Although assessment of passive maximum foot dorsiflexion angle is performed routinely, there is a paucity of information regarding adolescents' foot and foot segment motion during this procedure. There are currently no trials investigating the kinematics of the adolescent foot during passive foot dorsiflexion. A six-camera optoelectronic motion capture system was used to collect kinematic data using the Oxford Foot Model. Eight female amateur gymnasts 11 to 16 years old (mean age, 13.2 years; mean height, 1.5 m) participated in the study. A dorsiflexing force was applied to the forefoot until reaching maximum resistance with the foot placed in the neutral, pronated, and supinated positions in random order. The maximum foot dorsiflexion angle and the range of movement of the forefoot to hindfoot, tibia to forefoot, and tibia to hindfoot angles were computed. Mean ± SD maximum foot dorsiflexion angles were 36.3° ± 7.2° for pronated, 36.9° ± 4.0° for neutral, and 33.0° ± 4.9° for supinated postures. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance results were nonsignificant among the 3 groups (P = .70), as were the forefoot to tibia angle and hindfoot to tibia angle variations (P = .091 and P = .188, respectively). Forefoot to hindfoot angle increased with the application of force, indicating that in adolescents, the forefoot does not lock at any particular posture as portrayed by the traditional Rootian paradigm. Participants had very flexible foot dorsiflexion, unlike those in another study assessing adolescent athletes. This finding, together with nonsignificant statistical results, implies that foot dorsiflexion measurement may be performed at any foot posture without notably affecting results.

Contribution of ankle-foot orthosis moment in regulating ankle and knee motions during gait in individuals post-stroke.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Toshiki; Orendurff, Michael S; Singer, Madeline L; Gao, Fan; Foreman, K Bo

2017-06-01

Ankle-foot orthosis moment resisting plantarflexion has systematic effects on ankle and knee joint motion in individuals post-stroke. However, it is not known how much ankle-foot orthosis moment is generated to regulate their motion. The aim of this study was to quantify the contribution of an articulated ankle-foot orthosis moment to regulate ankle and knee joint motion during gait in individuals post-stroke. Gait data were collected from 10 individuals post-stroke using a Bertec split-belt instrumented treadmill and a Vicon 3-dimensional motion analysis system. Each participant wore an articulated ankle-foot orthosis whose moment resisting plantarflexion was adjustable at four levels. Ankle-foot orthosis moment while walking was calculated under the four levels based on angle-moment relationship of the ankle-foot orthosis around the ankle joint measured by bench testing. The ankle-foot orthosis moment and the joint angular position (ankle and knee) relationship in a gait cycle was plotted to quantify the ankle-foot orthosis moment needed to regulate the joint motion. Ankle and knee joint motion were regulated according to the amount of ankle-foot orthosis moment during gait. The ankle-foot orthosis maintained the ankle angular position in dorsiflexion and knee angular position in flexion throughout a gait cycle when it generated moment from -0.029 (0.011) to -0.062 (0.019) Nm/kg (moment resisting plantarflexion was defined as negative). Quantifying the contribution of ankle-foot orthosis moment needed to regulate lower limb joints within a specific range of motion could provide valuable criteria to design an ankle-foot orthosis for individuals post-stroke. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Link Between Foot Pain Severity and Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms.

PubMed

Awale, Arunima; Dufour, Alyssa B; Katz, Patricia; Menz, Hylton B; Hannan, Marian T

2016-06-01

Associations between pain and depression are well known, yet foot pain, common in populations, has been understudied. This cross-sectional study examined foot pain and severity of foot pain with depressive symptoms in adults. Framingham Foot Study (2002-2008) participants completed questionnaires that included questions about foot pain (yes/no; none, mild, moderate, or severe pain) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (scores ≥16 indicated depressive symptoms). Age and body mass index (BMI) were also assessed. Sex-specific logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for associations of foot pain with depressive symptoms, adjusting for age and BMI. In a subset, further models adjusted for leg pain, back pain, or other joint pain. Of 1,464 men and 1,857 women, the mean ± SD age was 66 ± 10 years. Depressive symptoms were reported in 21% of men and 27% of women. Compared to those with no foot pain and independent of age and BMI, both men and women with moderate foot pain had approximately a 2-fold increased odds of depressive symptoms (men with severe foot pain OR of 4 [95% CI 2.26-8.48], women with severe foot pain OR of 3 [95% CI 2.02-4.68]). Considering other pain regions attenuated ORs, but the pattern of results remained unchanged. Even after we adjusted for age, BMI, and other regions of pain, those reporting worse foot pain were more likely to report depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that foot pain may be a part of a broader pain spectrum, with an impact beyond localized pain and discomfort. © 2016, American College of Rheumatology.

The effect of isolating the paretic limb on weight-bearing distribution and EMG activity during squats in hemiplegic and healthy individuals.

PubMed

Lee, Dong-Kyu; An, Duk-Hyun; Yoo, Won-Gyu; Hwang, Byong-Yong; Kim, Tae-Ho; Oh, Jae-Seop

2017-05-01

Neural reorganization for movement therapy after a stroke is thought to be an important mechanism that facilitates motor recovery. However, there is a lack of evidence for the effectiveness of exercise programs in improving the lower limbs. We investigated the immediate effect of isolating the paretic limb using different foot positions ((i) foot parallel; both feet parallel, (ii) foot asymmetry; paretic foot backward by 10 cm, and (iii) foot lifting; nonparetic foot lifting by normalization to 25% of knee height) on weight-bearing distribution and electromyography (EMG) of the thigh muscle during squats. In total, 20 patients with hemiplegia and 16 healthy subjects randomly performed three squat conditions in which the knee joint was flexed to 30°. Weight distribution was measured using the BioRescue system. Muscle activity was measured using a surface EMG system. Patients with hemiplegia exhibited significantly decreased weight bearing on the paretic foot at 0° and 30° knee flexion compared with the nondominant foot of a healthy subject. The muscle activity of the quadriceps was significantly lower in patients with hemiplegia compared to healthy subjects. Weight bearing and EMG activity of the quadriceps femoris on the paretic or nondominant side significantly increased during a knee flexion of 30° with under the foot asymmetry and foot lifting positions compared with the parallel foot position. Isolating the paretic limb using the asymmetric foot positions and lifting of the foot during squats might help patients with hemiplegia to improve weight-bearing and achieve greater activation of the quadriceps muscle in the paretic limb.

Foot and ankle muscle strength in people with gout: A two-arm cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Stewart, Sarah; Mawston, Grant; Davidtz, Lisa; Dalbeth, Nicola; Vandal, Alain C; Carroll, Matthew; Morpeth, Trish; Otter, Simon; Rome, Keith

2016-02-01

Foot and ankle structures are the most commonly affected in people with gout. However, the effect of gout on foot and ankle muscle strength is not well understood. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether differences exist in foot and ankle muscle strength for plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion and eversion between people with gout and age- and sex-matched controls. The secondary aim was to determine whether foot and ankle muscle strength was correlated with foot pain and disability. Peak isokinetic concentric muscle torque was measured for ankle plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, eversion and inversion in 20 participants with gout and 20 matched controls at two testing velocities (30°/s and 120°/s) using a Biodex dynamometer. Foot pain and disability was measured using the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index (MFPDI). Participants with gout demonstrated reduced muscle strength at both the 30°/s and 120°/s testing velocities for plantarflexion, inversion and eversion (P<0.05). People with gout also displayed a reduced plantarflexion-to-dorsiflexion strength ratio at both 30°/s and 120°/s (P<0.05). Foot pain and disability was higher in people with gout (P<0.0001) and MFPDI scores were inversely correlated with plantarflexion and inversion muscle strength at the 30°/s testing velocity, and plantarflexion, inversion and eversion muscle strength at the 120°/s testing velocity (all P<0.05). People with gout have reduced foot and ankle muscle strength and experience greater foot pain and disability compared to controls. Foot and ankle strength reductions are strongly associated with increased foot pain and disability in people with gout. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Contributions of foot muscles and plantar fascia morphology to foot posture.

PubMed

Angin, Salih; Mickle, Karen J; Nester, Christopher J

2018-03-01

The plantar foot muscles and plantar fascia differ between different foot postures. However, how each individual plantar structure contribute to foot posture has not been explored. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between static foot posture and morphology of plantar foot muscles and plantar fascia and thus the contributions of these structures to static foot posture. A total of 111 participants were recruited, 43 were classified as having pes planus and 68 as having normal foot posture using Foot Posture Index assessment tool. Images from the flexor digitorum longus (FDL), flexor hallucis longus (FHL), peroneus longus and brevis (PER), flexor hallucis brevis (FHB), flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) and abductor hallucis (AbH) muscles, and the calcaneal (PF1), middle (PF2) and metatarsal (PF3) regions of the plantar fascia were obtained using a Venue 40 ultrasound system with a 5-13 MHz transducer. In order of decreasing contribution, PF3 > FHB > FHL > PER > FDB were all associated with FPI and able to explain 69% of the change in FPI scores. PF3 was the highest contributor explaining 52% of increases in FPI score. Decreased thickness was associated with increased FPI score. Smaller cross sectional area (CSA) in FHB and PER muscles explained 20% and 8% of increase in FPI score. Larger CSA of FDB and FHL muscles explained 4% and 14% increase in FPI score respectively. The medial plantar structures and the plantar fascia appear to be the major contributors to static foot posture. Elucidating the individual contribution of multiple muscles of the foot could provide insight about their role in the foot posture. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Association between Foot Temperature and Sudomotor Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes

PubMed Central

Papanas, Nikolaos; Papatheodorou, Konstantinos; Papazoglou, Dimitrios; Kotsiou, Stamatia; Maltezos, Efstratios

2010-01-01

Background and Aims Increased foot skin temperature has been described as a feature of diabetic neuropathy. The aim of this present study was to investigate the association between foot temperature and sudomotor dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients and Methods This study included 51 patients (group A: 25 men, mean age 61.14 ± 6.11 years) without sudomotor dysfunction and 52 patients (group B: 25 men, mean age 59.54 ± 6.18 years) with sudomotor dysfunction. Sudomotor dysfunction was defined as time until complete Neuropad® color change from blue to pink exceeding 600 s in at least one foot. Time until complete color change of the test was also recorded. Foot skin temperature was measured with a handheld infrared thermometer on the plantar aspect of the foot at the level of the first metatarsal head. Results On both feet, temperature was significantly higher in group B than in group A (right foot, group A versus group B, 30.62 ± 1.13 °C versus 32.12 ± 1.06 °C, p < .001; left foot, group A versus group B, 30.65 ± 1.06 °C versus 32.19 ± 1.10 °C, p < .001). There was a significant positive correlation between time to complete Neuropad color change and foot skin temperature (right foot, r = 0.742, p < .001; left foot, r = 0.758, p < .001), which was confirmed in both groups. Conclusions Patients with sudomotor dysfunction have significantly higher foot temperature than those without sudomotor dysfunction. Foot temperature is positively correlated with severity of sudomotor dysfunction, as evaluated by the time to complete Neuropad color change. PMID:20663441

Movement within foot and ankle joint in children with spastic cerebral palsy: a 3-dimensional ultrasound analysis of medial gastrocnemius length with correction for effects of foot deformation

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background In spastic cerebral palsy (SCP), a limited range of motion of the foot (ROM), limits gait and other activities. Assessment of this limitation of ROM and knowledge of active mechanisms is of crucial importance for clinical treatment. Methods For a comparison between spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) children and typically developing children (TD), medial gastrocnemius muscle-tendon complex length was assessed using 3-D ultrasound imaging techniques, while exerting externally standardized moments via a hand-held dynamometer. Exemplary X-ray imaging of ankle and foot was used to confirm possible TD-SCP differences in foot deformation. Results SCP and TD did not differ in normalized level of excitation (EMG) of muscles studied. For given moments exerted in SCP, foot plate angles were all more towards plantar flexion than in TD. However, foot plate angle proved to be an invalid estimator of talocrural joint angle, since at equal foot plate angles, GM muscle-tendon complex was shorter in SCP (corresponding to an equivalent of 1 cm). A substantial difference remained even after normalizing for individual differences in tibia length. X-ray imaging of ankle and foot of one SCP child and two typically developed adults, confirmed that in SCP that of total footplate angle changes (0-4 Nm: 15°), the contribution of foot deformation to changes in foot plate angle (8) were as big as the contribution of dorsal flexion at the talocrural joint (7°). In typically developed individuals there were relatively smaller contributions (10 -11%) by foot deformation to changes in foot plate angle, indicating that the contribution of talocrural angle changes was most important. Using a new estimate for position at the talocrural joint (the difference between GM muscle–tendon complex length and tibia length, GM relative length) removed this effect, thus allowing more fair comparison of SCP and TD data. On the basis of analysis of foot plate angle and GM relative length as a function of externally applied moments, it is concluded that foot plate angle measurements underestimate angular changes at the talocrural joint when moving in dorsal flexion direction and overestimate them when moving in plantar flexion direction, with concomitant effects on triceps surae lengths. Conclusions In SCP children diagnosed with decreased dorsal ROM of the ankle joint, the commonly used measure (i.e. range of foot plate angle), is not a good estimate of rotation at the talocrural joint. since a sizable part of the movement of the foot (or foot plate) derives from internal deformation of the foot. PMID:24364826

Foot anthropometry and morphology phenomena.

PubMed

Agić, Ante; Nikolić, Vasilije; Mijović, Budimir

2006-12-01

Foot structure description is important for many reasons. The foot anthropometric morphology phenomena are analyzed together with hidden biomechanical functionality in order to fully characterize foot structure and function. For younger Croatian population the scatter data of the individual foot variables were interpolated by multivariate statistics. Foot structure descriptors are influenced by many factors, as a style of life, race, climate, and things of the great importance in human society. Dominant descriptors are determined by principal component analysis. Some practical recommendation and conclusion for medical, sportswear and footwear practice are highlighted.

Outcome of orthoses intervention in the rheumatoid foot.

PubMed

Kavlak, Yasemin; Uygur, Fatma; Korkmaz, Cengiz; Bek, Nilgün

2003-06-01

This study was carried out to determine the effect of foot orthoses on pain, gait, and energy expenditure in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Eighteen patients were evaluated for these parameters. Each patient was given a foot insert or shoe modification suitable for his or her foot deformity. Following 3 months of orthosis use, a significant difference was found in regards to pain (p < .05), step length and stride length (p < .05), and physiological cost index (p < .05). The results suggest that foot orthoses are an important feature in the rehabilitation of the rheumatoid foot.

The effects of self-efficacy enhancing program on foot self-care behaviour of older adults with diabetes: A randomised controlled trial in elderly care facility, Peninsular Malaysia.

PubMed

Ahmad Sharoni, Siti Khuzaimah; Abdul Rahman, Hejar; Minhat, Halimatus Sakdiah; Shariff-Ghazali, Sazlina; Azman Ong, Mohd Hanafi

2018-01-01

Self-care behaviour is essential in preventing diabetes foot problems. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of health education programs based on the self-efficacy theory on foot self-care behaviour for older adults with diabetes. A randomised controlled trial was conducted for 12 weeks among older adults with diabetes in elderly care facility in Peninsular Malaysia. Six elderly care facility were randomly allocated by an independent person into two groups (intervention and control). The intervention group (three elderly care facility) received a health education program on foot self-care behaviour while the control group (three elderly care facility) received standard care. Participants were assessed at baseline, and at week-4 and week-12 follow-ups. The primary outcome was foot-self-care behaviour. Foot care self-efficacy (efficacy expectation), foot care outcome expectation, knowledge of foot care and quality of life were the secondary outcomes. Data were analysed with Mixed Design Analysis of Variance using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0. 184 respondents were recruited but only 76 met the selection criteria and were included in the analysis. Foot self-care behaviour, foot care self-efficacy (efficacy expectation), foot care outcome expectation and knowledge of foot care improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, some of these improvements did not significantly differ compared to the control group for QoL physical symptoms and QoL psychosocial functioning (p > 0.05). The self-efficacy enhancing program improved foot self-care behaviour with respect to the delivered program. It is expected that in the future, the self-efficacy theory can be incorporated into diabetes education to enhance foot self-care behaviour for elderly with diabetes living in other institutional care facilities. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12616000210471.

The effects of self-efficacy enhancing program on foot self-care behaviour of older adults with diabetes: A randomised controlled trial in elderly care facility, Peninsular Malaysia

PubMed Central

Abdul Rahman, Hejar; Minhat, Halimatus Sakdiah; Shariff-Ghazali, Sazlina; Azman Ong, Mohd Hanafi

2018-01-01

Background Self-care behaviour is essential in preventing diabetes foot problems. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of health education programs based on the self-efficacy theory on foot self-care behaviour for older adults with diabetes. Methods A randomised controlled trial was conducted for 12 weeks among older adults with diabetes in elderly care facility in Peninsular Malaysia. Six elderly care facility were randomly allocated by an independent person into two groups (intervention and control). The intervention group (three elderly care facility) received a health education program on foot self-care behaviour while the control group (three elderly care facility) received standard care. Participants were assessed at baseline, and at week-4 and week-12 follow-ups. The primary outcome was foot-self-care behaviour. Foot care self-efficacy (efficacy expectation), foot care outcome expectation, knowledge of foot care and quality of life were the secondary outcomes. Data were analysed with Mixed Design Analysis of Variance using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0. Results 184 respondents were recruited but only 76 met the selection criteria and were included in the analysis. Foot self-care behaviour, foot care self-efficacy (efficacy expectation), foot care outcome expectation and knowledge of foot care improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, some of these improvements did not significantly differ compared to the control group for QoL physical symptoms and QoL psychosocial functioning (p > 0.05). Conclusion The self-efficacy enhancing program improved foot self-care behaviour with respect to the delivered program. It is expected that in the future, the self-efficacy theory can be incorporated into diabetes education to enhance foot self-care behaviour for elderly with diabetes living in other institutional care facilities. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12616000210471 PMID:29534070

Gender differences of foot characteristics in older Japanese adults using a 3D foot scanner.

PubMed

Saghazadeh, Mahshid; Kitano, Naruki; Okura, Tomohiro

2015-01-01

Knowledge of gender differences in foot shape assists shoe manufactures with designing appropriate shoes for men and women. Although gender differences in foot shapes are relatively known among young men and women, less is known about how the older men and women's feet differ in shape. A recent development in foot shape assessment is the use of 3D foot scanners. To our knowledge this technology has yet to be used to examine gender differences in foot shape of Japanese older adults. This cross-sectional study included 151 older men (74.5 ± 5.6 years) and 140 older women (73.9 ± 5.1 years) recruited in Kasama City, Japan. Foot variables were measured in sitting and standing positions using Dream GP Incorporated's 3D foot scanner, Footstep PRO (Osaka, Japan). Scores were analyzed as both raw and normalized to truncated foot length using independent samples t-test and analysis of covariance, respectively. In men, the measurement values for navicular height, first and fifth toe and instep heights, ball and heel width, ball girth, arch height index (just standing), arch rigidity index and instep girth were significantly greater than the women's, whereas the first toe angle, in both sitting and standing positions was significantly smaller. However, after normalizing, the differences in ball width, heel width, height of first and fifth toes in both sitting and standing and ball girth in sitting position were nonsignificant. According to Cohen's d, among all the foot variables, the following had large effect sizes in both sitting and standing positions: truncated foot length, instep, navicular height, foot length, ball girth, ball width, heel width and instep girth. This study provides evidence of anthropometric foot variations between older men and women. These differences need to be considered when manufacturing shoes for older adults.

Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Self-Reported Foot-Strike Patterns Among Runners in Traditional and Minimalist Shoes.

PubMed

Goss, Donald L; Lewek, Michael; Yu, Bing; Ware, William B; Teyhen, Deydre S; Gross, Michael T

2015-06-01

The injury incidence rate among runners is approximately 50%. Some individuals have advocated using an anterior-foot-strike pattern to reduce ground reaction forces and injury rates that they attribute to a rear-foot-strike pattern. The proportion of minimalist shoe wearers who adopt an anterior-foot-strike pattern remains unclear. To evaluate the accuracy of self-reported foot-strike patterns, compare negative ankle- and knee-joint angular work among runners using different foot-strike patterns and wearing traditional or minimalist shoes, and describe average vertical-loading rates. Descriptive laboratory study. Research laboratory. A total of 60 healthy volunteers (37 men, 23 women; age = 34.9 ± 8.9 years, height = 1.74 ± 0.08 m, mass = 70.9 ± 13.4 kg) with more than 6 months of experience wearing traditional or minimalist shoes were instructed to classify their foot-strike patterns. Participants ran in their preferred shoes on an instrumented treadmill with 3-dimensional motion capture. Self-reported foot-strike patterns were compared with 2-dimensional video assessments. Runners were classified into 3 groups based on video assessment: traditional-shoe rear-foot strikers (TSR; n = 22), minimalist-shoe anterior-foot strikers (MSA; n = 21), and minimalist-shoe rear-foot strikers (MSR; n = 17). Ankle and knee negative angular work and average vertical-loading rates during stance phase were compared among groups. Only 41 (68.3%) runners reported foot-strike patterns that agreed with the video assessment (κ = 0.42, P < .001). The TSR runners demonstrated greater ankle-dorsiflexion and knee-extension negative work than MSA and MSR runners (P < .05). The MSA (P < .001) and MSR (P = .01) runners demonstrated greater ankle plantar-flexion negative work than TSR runners. The MSR runners demonstrated a greater average vertical-loading rate than MSA and TSR runners (P < .001). Runners often cannot report their foot-strike patterns accurately and may not automatically adopt an anterior-foot-strike pattern after transitioning to minimalist running shoes.

Parametric study of orthopedic insole of valgus foot on partial foot amputation.

PubMed

Guo, Jun-Chao; Wang, Li-Zhen; Chen, Wei; Du, Cheng-Fei; Mo, Zhong-Jun; Fan, Yu-Bo

2016-01-01

Orthopedic insole was important for partial foot amputation (PFA) to achieve foot balance and avoid foot deformity. The inapposite insole orthosis was thought to be one of the risk factors of reamputation for foot valgus patient, but biomechanical effects of internal tissues on valgus foot had not been clearly addressed. In this study, plantar pressure on heel and metatarsal regions of PFA was measured using F-Scan. The three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of partial foot evaluated different medial wedge angles (MWAs) (0.0°-10.0°) of orthopedic insole on valgus foot. The effect of orthopedic insole on the internal bone stress, the medial ligament tension of ankle, plantar fascia tension, and plantar pressure was investigated. Plantar pressure on medial heel region was about 2.5 times higher than that of lateral region based on the F-Scan measurements. FE-predicted results showed that the tension of medial ankle ligaments was the lowest, and the plantar pressure was redistributed around the heel, the first metatarsal, and the lateral longitudinal arch regions when MWA of orthopedic insole ranged from 7.5° to 8.0°. The plantar fascias maintained about 3.5% of the total load bearing on foot. However, the internal stresses from foot bones increased. The simulation in this study would provide the suggestion of guiding optimal design of orthopedic insole and therapeutic planning to pedorthist.

Foot ulcer risk and location in relation to prospective clinical assessment of foot shape and mobility among persons with diabetes.

PubMed

Cowley, Matthew S; Boyko, Edward J; Shofer, Jane B; Ahroni, Jessie H; Ledoux, William R

2008-11-01

We assessed baseline clinical foot shape for 2939 feet of diabetic subjects who were monitored prospectively for foot ulceration. Assessments included hammer/claw toes, hallux valgus, hallux limitus, prominent metatarsal heads, bony prominences, Charcot deformity, plantar callus, foot type, muscle atrophy, ankle and hallux mobility, and neuropathy. Risk factors were linked to ulcer occurrence and location via a Cox proportional hazards model. Hammer/claw toes (hazard ratio [HR] (95% confidence interval [CI])=1.43 (1.06, 1.94) p=0.02), marked hammer/claw toes (HR=1.77 (1.18, 2.66) p=0.006), bony prominences (HR=1.38 (1.02, 1.88), p=0.04), and foot type (Charcot or drop foot vs. neutrally aligned) (HR=2.34 (1.33, 4.10), p=0.003) were significant risk factors for ulceration adjusting for age, body mass index, insulin medication, ulcer history and amputation history. With adjustment for neuropathy only hammer/claw toes (HR=1.40 (1.03, 1.90), p=0.03) and foot type (HR=1.76 (1.04, 3.04), p=0.05) were significantly related to ulceration. However, there was no relationship between ulcer location and foot deformity. Certain foot deformities were predictive of ulceration, although there was no relationship between clinical foot deformity and ulcer location.

Comparison of foot pain and foot care among rheumatoid arthritis patients taking and not taking anti-TNFα therapy: an epidemiological study.

PubMed

Otter, S J; Lucas, K; Springett, K; Moore, A; Davies, K; Young, A; Walker-Bone, K

2011-11-01

Epidemiological studies report foot pain affects more than 90% of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Most data about foot involvement in RA were collected prior to the availability of novel treatments such as biologics. The objective of this study is to compare the prevalence of foot symptoms, frequency of foot examination, and access to foot care services among RA patients currently treated with anti-TNFα to those not receiving biologics. This study is a cross-sectional epidemiological study: a 28-item self-administered questionnaire was posted to 1,040 people with RA throughout the UK. Overall, 585 (55%) useable replies were received, and 120 (20.5%) respondents were currently taking anti-TNFα medication. Prevalence of current foot pain was 99% among the biologics group compared with 76% not treated with biologics. Stiffness, swelling, and numbness in the feet were all significantly more common in the anti-TNFα group (P < 0.05). Most respondents (90%) taking biologics discussed their foot pain with their rheumatologist, but only 70% were receiving podiatry (compared to 78% not taking anti-TNFα). Subjects reported that their feet were examined significantly less frequently (P < 0.001) than their hands. Foot complaints are common in this group, and allied health professions could enhance rheumatological care by undertaking foot assessment.

Foot Health

MedlinePlus

... straight across and not too short Your foot health can be a clue to your overall health. For example, joint stiffness could mean arthritis. Tingling ... foot checks are an important part of your health care. If you have foot problems, be sure ...

Foot care education in patients with diabetes at low risk of complications: a consensus statement

PubMed Central

McInnes, A; Jeffcoate, W; Vileikyte, L; Game, F; Lucas, K; Higson, N; Stuart, L; Church, A; Scanlan, J; Anders, J

2011-01-01

Aims To define and agree a practical educational framework for delivery by all healthcare professionals managing patients with diabetes, particularly those at low risk of developing foot complications. Methods A consensus meeting of a multidisciplinary expert panel. Prior to the meeting, relevant clinical papers were disseminated to the panel for review. The consensus was largely based upon the experts’ clinical experience and judgement. Results Four main health behaviours were identified for those at low risk of developing foot complications, namely:, control of blood glucose levels; attendance at annual foot screening examination; reporting of any changes in foot health immediately; and the engagement in a simple daily foot care routine. Conclusion There is currently little evidence-based literature to support specific foot care practices. Patients with diabetes at low risk of developing complications should be encouraged to undertake a basic foot care regimen to reduce their likelihood of developing complications. PMID:21219423

The effects of a foot and toenail care protocol for older adults.

PubMed

Chan, Helen Y L; Lee, Diana T F; Leung, Edward M F; Man, Chui-Wah; Lai, Kwok-Man; Leung, Man-Wai; Wong, Irene K Y

2012-01-01

Foot and toenail problems are prevalent among older adults. The importance of foot care is often overlooked, however, because the associated problems are often considered to be minor. These "minor" problems often result in unnecessary distress and complications for older adults. This study aims to develop and examine the effects of a foot and toenail care protocol on promoting foot health in older adults. It includes a thorough assessment of foot health, footwear conditions, and specific self-care ability. On the basis of the assessment, an individualized nursing care plan was devised. It has been found that the implementation of the care protocol can help to increase the awareness of nurses and older adults with regard to foot health and that some foot and toenail problems can be identified earlier and better managed. Copyright © 2012 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

The foot of Homo naledi.

PubMed

Harcourt-Smith, W E H; Throckmorton, Z; Congdon, K A; Zipfel, B; Deane, A S; Drapeau, M S M; Churchill, S E; Berger, L R; DeSilva, J M

2015-10-06

Modern humans are characterized by a highly specialized foot that reflects our obligate bipedalism. Our understanding of hominin foot evolution is, although, hindered by a paucity of well-associated remains. Here we describe the foot of Homo naledi from Dinaledi Chamber, South Africa, using 107 pedal elements, including one nearly-complete adult foot. The H. naledi foot is predominantly modern human-like in morphology and inferred function, with an adducted hallux, an elongated tarsus, and derived ankle and calcaneocuboid joints. In combination, these features indicate a foot well adapted for striding bipedalism. However, the H. naledi foot differs from modern humans in having more curved proximal pedal phalanges, and features suggestive of a reduced medial longitudinal arch. Within the context of primitive features found elsewhere in the skeleton, these findings suggest a unique locomotor repertoire for H. naledi, thus providing further evidence of locomotor diversity within both the hominin clade and the genus Homo.

The foot of Homo naledi

PubMed Central

Harcourt-Smith, W. E. H.; Throckmorton, Z.; Congdon, K. A.; Zipfel, B.; Deane, A. S.; Drapeau, M. S. M.; Churchill, S. E.; Berger, L. R.; DeSilva, J. M.

2015-01-01

Modern humans are characterized by a highly specialized foot that reflects our obligate bipedalism. Our understanding of hominin foot evolution is, although, hindered by a paucity of well-associated remains. Here we describe the foot of Homo naledi from Dinaledi Chamber, South Africa, using 107 pedal elements, including one nearly-complete adult foot. The H. naledi foot is predominantly modern human-like in morphology and inferred function, with an adducted hallux, an elongated tarsus, and derived ankle and calcaneocuboid joints. In combination, these features indicate a foot well adapted for striding bipedalism. However, the H. naledi foot differs from modern humans in having more curved proximal pedal phalanges, and features suggestive of a reduced medial longitudinal arch. Within the context of primitive features found elsewhere in the skeleton, these findings suggest a unique locomotor repertoire for H. naledi, thus providing further evidence of locomotor diversity within both the hominin clade and the genus Homo. PMID:26439101

FOOT ECZEMA: THE ROLE OF PATCH TEST IN DETERMINING THE CAUSATIVE AGENT USING STANDARD SERIES

PubMed Central

Priya, K S; Kamath, Ganesh; Martis, Jacintha; D, Sukumar; Shetty, Narendra J; Bhat, Ramesh M; Kishore, B Nanda

2008-01-01

Foot dermatitis refers to the predominant involvement of feet in the eczematous process. This study is undertaken to determine the clinical pattern and causative agent in foot eczema and to evaluate the role of patch testing in determining the causative agent of foot eczema. Data was collected from 50 patients with foot eczema, who attended the out-patient department. The patch test was performed using Indian standard series. Patch test was positive in 88% of the patients. The most common site affected was the dorsal aspect of the foot (48%) and scaly plaque was the predominant morphological pattern. The highest number of patients (24%) showed positive reactions to mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and the lowest (4%) to neomycin sulfate. Rubber and rubber chemicals have been reported worldwide to be the most common sensitizer causing foot eczema. Thus, patch test has a major role in finding out the cause of foot eczema. PMID:19881990

76 FR 54751 - Putnam Green Power, LLC; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing With the Commission, Intent To...

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2011-09-02

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Three-dimensional quantitative analysis of healthy foot shape: a proof of concept study.

PubMed

Stanković, Kristina; Booth, Brian G; Danckaers, Femke; Burg, Fien; Vermaelen, Philippe; Duerinck, Saartje; Sijbers, Jan; Huysmans, Toon

2018-01-01

Foot morphology has received increasing attention from both biomechanics researches and footwear manufacturers. Usually, the morphology of the foot is quantified by 2D footprints. However, footprint quantification ignores the foot's vertical dimension and hence, does not allow accurate quantification of complex 3D foot shape. The shape variation of healthy 3D feet in a population of 31 adult women and 31 adult men who live in Belgium was studied using geometric morphometric methods. The effect of different factors such as sex, age, shoe size, frequency of sport activity, Body Mass Index (BMI), foot asymmetry, and foot loading on foot shape was investigated. Correlation between these factors and foot shape was examined using multivariate linear regression. The complex nature of a foot's 3D shape leads to high variability in healthy populations. After normalizing for scale, the major axes of variation in foot morphology are (in order of decreasing variance): arch height, combined ball width and inter-toe distance, global foot width, hallux bone orientation (valgus-varus), foot type (e.g. Egyptian, Greek), and midfoot width. These first six modes of variation capture 92.59% of the total shape variation. Higher BMI results in increased ankle width, Achilles tendon width, heel width and a thicker forefoot along the dorsoplantar axis. Age was found to be associated with heel width, Achilles tendon width, toe height and hallux orientation. A bigger shoe size was found to be associated with a narrow Achilles tendon, a hallux varus, a narrow heel, heel expansion along the posterior direction, and a lower arch compared to smaller shoe size. Sex was found to be associated with differences in ankle width, Achilles tendon width, and heel width. Frequency of sport activity was associated with Achilles tendon width and toe height. A detailed analysis of the 3D foot shape, allowed by geometric morphometrics, provides insights in foot variations in three dimensions that can not be obtained from 2D footprints. These insights could be applied in various scientific disciplines, including orthotics and shoe design.

Estimation of stature from the foot and its segments in a sub-adult female population of North India

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Establishing personal identity is one of the main concerns in forensic investigations. Estimation of stature forms a basic domain of the investigation process in unknown and co-mingled human remains in forensic anthropology case work. The objective of the present study was to set up standards for estimation of stature from the foot and its segments in a sub-adult female population. Methods The sample for the study constituted 149 young females from the Northern part of India. The participants were aged between 13 and 18 years. Besides stature, seven anthropometric measurements that included length of the foot from each toe (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 respectively), foot breadth at ball (BBAL) and foot breadth at heel (BHEL) were measured on both feet in each participant using standard methods and techniques. Results The results indicated that statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between left and right feet occur in both the foot breadth measurements (BBAL and BHEL). Foot length measurements (T1 to T5 lengths) did not show any statistically significant bilateral asymmetry. The correlation between stature and all the foot measurements was found to be positive and statistically significant (p-value < 0.001). Linear regression models and multiple regression models were derived for estimation of stature from the measurements of the foot. The present study indicates that anthropometric measurements of foot and its segments are valuable in the estimation of stature. Foot length measurements estimate stature with greater accuracy when compared to foot breadth measurements. Conclusions The present study concluded that foot measurements have a strong relationship with stature in the sub-adult female population of North India. Hence, the stature of an individual can be successfully estimated from the foot and its segments using different regression models derived in the study. The regression models derived in the study may be applied successfully for the estimation of stature in sub-adult females, whenever foot remains are brought for forensic examination. Stepwise multiple regression models tend to estimate stature more accurately than linear regression models in female sub-adults. PMID:22104433

Estimation of stature from the foot and its segments in a sub-adult female population of North India.

PubMed

Krishan, Kewal; Kanchan, Tanuj; Passi, Neelam

2011-11-21

Establishing personal identity is one of the main concerns in forensic investigations. Estimation of stature forms a basic domain of the investigation process in unknown and co-mingled human remains in forensic anthropology case work. The objective of the present study was to set up standards for estimation of stature from the foot and its segments in a sub-adult female population. The sample for the study constituted 149 young females from the Northern part of India. The participants were aged between 13 and 18 years. Besides stature, seven anthropometric measurements that included length of the foot from each toe (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 respectively), foot breadth at ball (BBAL) and foot breadth at heel (BHEL) were measured on both feet in each participant using standard methods and techniques. The results indicated that statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between left and right feet occur in both the foot breadth measurements (BBAL and BHEL). Foot length measurements (T1 to T5 lengths) did not show any statistically significant bilateral asymmetry. The correlation between stature and all the foot measurements was found to be positive and statistically significant (p-value < 0.001). Linear regression models and multiple regression models were derived for estimation of stature from the measurements of the foot. The present study indicates that anthropometric measurements of foot and its segments are valuable in the estimation of stature. Foot length measurements estimate stature with greater accuracy when compared to foot breadth measurements. The present study concluded that foot measurements have a strong relationship with stature in the sub-adult female population of North India. Hence, the stature of an individual can be successfully estimated from the foot and its segments using different regression models derived in the study. The regression models derived in the study may be applied successfully for the estimation of stature in sub-adult females, whenever foot remains are brought for forensic examination. Stepwise multiple regression models tend to estimate stature more accurately than linear regression models in female sub-adults.

A protocol for a randomised controlled trial of prefabricated versus customised foot orthoses for people with rheumatoid arthritis: the FOCOS RA trial [Foot Orthoses - Customised v Off-the-Shelf in Rheumatoid Arthritis].

PubMed

Gallagher, Kellie S; Godwin, Jon; Hendry, Gordon J; Steultjens, Martijn; Woodburn, Jim

2018-01-01

Foot pain is common in rheumatoid arthritis and appears to persist despite modern day medical management. Several clinical practice guidelines currently recommend the use of foot orthoses for the treatment of foot pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, an evidence gap currently exists concerning the comparative clinical- and cost-effectiveness of prefabricated and customised foot orthoses in people with early rheumatoid arthritis. Early intervention with orthotics may offer the best opportunity for positive therapeutic outcomes. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the comparative clinical- and cost-effectiveness of prefabricated versus customised orthoses for reducing foot pain over 12 months. This is a multi-centre two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial comparing prefabricated versus customised orthoses in participants with early rheumatoid arthritis (< 2 years disease duration). A total of 160 (a minimum of 80 randomised to each arm) eligible participants will be recruited from United Kingdom National Health Service Rheumatology Outpatient Clinics. The primary outcome will be foot pain measured via the Foot Function Index pain subscale at 12 months. Secondary outcomes will include foot related impairments and disability via the Foot Impact Scale for rheumatoid arthritis, global functional status via the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire, foot disease activity via the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foot Disease Activity Index, and health-related quality of life at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Process outcomes will include recruitment/retention rates, data completion rates, intervention adherence rates, and participant intervention and trial participation satisfaction. Cost-utility and cost-effectiveness analyses will be undertaken. Outcome measures collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months will be used to evaluate the comparative clinical- and cost- effectiveness of customised versus prefabricated orthoses for this treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis foot conditions. This trial will help to guide orthotic prescription recommendations for the management of foot pain for people with early rheumatoid arthritis in future. ISRCTN13654421. Registered 09 February 2016.

Foot roll-over evaluation based on 3D dynamic foot scan.

PubMed

Samson, William; Van Hamme, Angèle; Sanchez, Stéphane; Chèze, Laurence; Van Sint Jan, Serge; Feipel, Véronique

2014-01-01

Foot roll-over is commonly analyzed to evaluate gait pathologies. The current study utilized a dynamic foot scanner (DFS) to analyze foot roll-over. The right feet of ten healthy subjects were assessed during gait trials with a DFS system integrated into a walkway. A foot sole picture was computed by vertically projecting points from the 3D foot shape which were lower than a threshold height of 15 mm. A 'height' value of these projected points was determined; corresponding to the initial vertical coordinates prior to projection. Similar to pedobarographic analysis, the foot sole picture was segmented into anatomical regions of interest (ROIs) to process mean height (average of height data by ROI) and projected surface (area of the projected foot sole by ROI). Results showed that these variables evolved differently to plantar pressure data previously reported in the literature, mainly due to the specificity of each physical quantity (millimeters vs Pascals). Compared to plantar pressure data arising from surface contact by the foot, the current method takes into account the whole plantar aspect of the foot, including the parts that do not make contact with the support surface. The current approach using height data could contribute to a better understanding of specific aspects of foot motion during walking, such as plantar arch height and the windlass mechanism. Results of this study show the underlying method is reliable. Further investigation is required to validate the DFS measurements within a clinical context, prior to implementation into clinical practice. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Effects of foot reflexology on essential hypertension patients].

PubMed

Park, Hyoung-Sook; Cho, Gyoo-Yeong

2004-08-01

This study was to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology on blood pressure, serum lipids level and life satisfaction in essential hypertension patients. The research design used was a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Foot Reflexology was used as the experimental treatment from June 23rd, 2003 until August 31st, 2003. Thirty-four subjects were assigned to an experimental group(18) and control group(16). Foot Reflexology was administered twice a week for 6 weeks and self foot Reflexology was administered twice a week for 4 weeks on the experimental group. There was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure but no significant decrease in diastolic pressure in the experimental group compared to the control group. The total cholesterol level in the experimental group compared to the control group was not significantly decreased after foot reflexology. However, the triglyceride level in the experimental group compared to the control group was significantly decreased after foot reflexology. On the other hand, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein levels in the experimental group compared to the control group was not significantly decreased after foot reflexology. Life satisfaction in the experimental group compared to the control group was significantly improved after foot reflexology. The results proved that foot reflexology was an effective nursing intervention to decrease systolic pressure, and triglyceride but not for the blood cholesterol and to improve life satisfaction. Therefore, blood cholesterol should be further evaluated in a larger group of subjects and for a longer period. Further research is regarded as necessary to evaluate and to compare effects of self-foot reflexology and foot reflexology.

Prevalence of foot problems in people with inflammatory arthritis in Singapore.

PubMed

Carter, K; Lahiri, M; Cheung, P P; Santosa, A; Rome, K

2016-01-01

Foot problems are highly prevalent in people with inflammatory arthritis reported from studies in the UK, Europe and New Zealand, but there is limited evidence from Southeast Asia. The study aim was to evaluate the prevalence of foot problems in people with inflammatory arthritis in Singapore. People with inflammatory arthritis were recruited from the rheumatology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Disease and clinical characteristics included age, sex, disease duration, current blood tests and medications. The Leeds Foot Impact Scale was used to evaluate foot impairment/disability and the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire was used to assess global function. We recruited 101 people with inflammatory arthritis, of which 50 % were female. The majority of participants were Chinese (70 %). The mean (SD) age was 52 (15) years, and the mean (SD) disease duration was 9.3 (0.3) years. The most commonly reported inflammatory arthritic conditions were rheumatoid arthritis (46), gout (31) and spondyloarthritis (15 %). The mean (SD) of the total Leeds Foot Impact Scale was 17 (13) indicating moderate to severe levels of foot impairment and activity limitation. Over 80 of participants reported foot pain during the course of their condition, and 48 % reported current foot pain. Despite the high prevalence of foot pain, only 21 participants (21 %) had been referred to a podiatrist. This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of foot problems in people with inflammatory arthritis from Singapore. The majority of the participants reported foot problems, but had not been referred to a podiatry service.

A shift in priority in diabetic foot care and research: 75% of foot ulcers are preventable.

PubMed

Bus, Sicco A; van Netten, Jaap J

2016-01-01

Diabetic foot ulceration poses a heavy burden on the patient and the healthcare system, but prevention thereof receives little attention. For every euro spent on ulcer prevention, ten are spent on ulcer healing, and for every randomized controlled trial conducted on prevention, ten are conducted on healing. In this article, we argue that a shift in priorities is needed. For the prevention of a first foot ulcer, we need more insight into the effect of interventions and practices already applied globally in many settings. This requires systematic recording of interventions and outcomes, and well-designed randomized controlled trials that include analysis of cost-effectiveness. After healing of a foot ulcer, the risk of recurrence is high. For the prevention of a recurrent foot ulcer, home monitoring of foot temperature, pressure-relieving therapeutic footwear, and certain surgical interventions prove to be effective. The median effect size found in a total of 23 studies on these interventions is large, over 60%, and further increases when patients are adherent to treatment. These interventions should be investigated for efficacy as a state-of-the-art integrated foot care approach, where attempts are made to assure treatment adherence. Effect sizes of 75-80% may be expected. If such state-of-the-art integrated foot care is implemented, the majority of problems with foot ulcer recurrence in diabetes can be resolved. It is therefore time to act and to set a new target in diabetic foot care. This target is to reduce foot ulcer incidence with at least 75%. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ankle foot orthosis-footwear combination tuning: an investigation into common clinical practice in the United Kingdom.

PubMed

Eddison, Nicola; Chockalingam, Nachiappan; Osborne, Stephen

2015-04-01

Ankle foot orthoses are used to treat a wide variety of gait pathologies. Ankle foot orthosis-footwear combination tuning should be routine clinical practice when prescribing an ankle foot orthosis. Current research suggests that failure to tune ankle foot orthosis-footwear combinations can lead to immediate detrimental effect on function, and in the longer term, it may actually contribute to deterioration. The purpose of this preliminary study was to identify the current level of knowledge clinicians have in the United Kingdom regarding ankle foot orthosis-footwear combination tuning and to investigate common clinical practice regarding ankle foot orthosis-footwear combination tuning among UK orthotists. Cross-sectional survey. A prospective study employing a multi-item questionnaire was sent out to registered orthotists and uploaded on to the official website of British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists to be accessed by their members. A total of 41 completed questionnaires were received. The results demonstrate that only 50% of participants use ankle foot orthosis-footwear combination tuning as standard clinical practice. The most prevalent factors preventing participants from carrying out ankle foot orthosis-footwear combination tuning are a lack of access to three-dimensional gait analysis equipment (37%) and a lack of time available in their clinics (27%). Although, ankle foot orthosis-footwear combination tuning has been identified as an essential aspect of the prescription of ankle foot orthoses, the results of this study show a lack of understanding of the key principles behind ankle foot orthosis-footwear combination tuning. © The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2014.

Probing community nurses' professional basis: a situational case study in diabetic foot ulcer treatment.

PubMed

Schaarup, Clara; Pape-Haugaard, Louise; Jensen, Merete Hartun; Laursen, Anders Christian; Bermark, Susan; Hejlesen, Ole Kristian

2017-03-01

Complicated and long-lasting wound care of diabetic foot ulcers are moving from specialists in wound care at hospitals towards community nurses without specialist diabetic foot ulcer wound care knowledge. The aim of the study is to elucidate community nurses' professional basis for treating diabetic foot ulcers. A situational case study design was adopted in an archetypical Danish community nursing setting. Experience is a crucial component in the community nurses' professional basis for treating diabetic foot ulcers. Peer-to-peer training is the prevailing way to learn about diabetic foot ulcer, however, this contributes to the risk of low evidence-based practice. Finally, a frequent behaviour among the community nurses is to consult colleagues before treating the diabetic foot ulcers.

Find an Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle MD/DO

MedlinePlus

... All Site Content AOFAS / FootCareMD / Find a Surgeon Find a Foot & Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeon Page Content Who ... your prescribed treatment (surgical and/or non-surgical) ​ Find a Surgeon ​ Click here to find a foot ...