bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of errorless skill learning in people with mild-to-moderate or severe dementia: A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Kessels Roy P.C. , Olde Hensken Linda M.G.
Published: December 2019

This pilot study examines whether learning without errors is advantageous compared to trial-and-error learning in people with dementia using a procedural task and a randomized case-control design. A sample of 60 people was recruited, consisting of 20 patients with severe dementia, 20 patients with mild-to-moderate dementia and 20 participants without dementia. The participants had to acquire a novel procedural problem-solving task with the help of cues (errorless learning) or with cues only given in case an error was made (trial-and-error learning). The number of steps completed without assistance immediately after errorless or trial-and-error learning and after a delay of 1–3 days was recorded. Overall performance was better after errorless learning compared to trial-and-error learning ( p = 0.012), with effect sizes being largest in the mild-to-moderate dementia group after delayed testing ( d = 1.61). The effects of errorless learning were larger after delayed testing. We conclude that errorless learning of a procedural task results in a better performance than learning with errors. This study is the first to use a controlled group design to show such a benefit in patients with dementia. These findings can be extended to the acquisition of tasks that are relevant for everyday-life functioning, having important implications for dementia care.
Early detection of non-ambulatory survivors six months after stroke
Authors: Duarte Esther , Marco Ester , Muniesa Jose M. , Belmonte Roser , Aguilar Juan Jacobo , Escalada Ferran
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively early predictors for ambulation and motor outcome 6~months after stroke occurrence. Sixty-eight consecutive, first-ever, stroke survivors were prospectively studied from the second week to the sixth month post stroke. Sex, age, stroke type, urinary incontinence, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and Trunk Control Test (TCT) scores were taken as independent variables. Gait ability and motor functional outcome at 6 months post-stroke were assessed. Age, sex, urinary incontinence, TCT and NIHSS were significantly related to final modified Rankin Scale (mRS), motor portion of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM™) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Age and early TCT alone accounted for 61.1% of the variance in the motor FIM™ rating (at 6 months post-stroke). TCT ⩽ 50 on day 14 predicts non-independent walkers (Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC) < 4): sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 85.7%), OR: 30.0, 95% CI: 4.7–247.3. In conclusion, early administered TCT predicts independent walking ability and motor functional outcome at six months post-stroke.
Altered cortical somatosensory processing in chronic stroke: A relationship with post-stroke shoulder pain
Authors: Roosink Meyke , Buitenweg Jan R. , Renzenbrink Gerbert J. , Geurts Alexander C.H. , IJzerman Maarten J.
Published: December 2019

Post-stroke shoulder pain (PSSP), traditionally regarded as purely nociceptive pain, is often persistent and the mechanisms underlying the pain complaints are not well understood. This explorative study is the first to address the possible changes in cortical somatosensory processing in patients with PSSP. Cortical potentials were recorded following intracutaneous electrostimulaton in stroke patients with chronic PSSP ([Formula: see text]), pain-free stroke patients (PF, [Formula: see text]) and healthy controls (HC, [Formula: see text]) using EEG. Amplitudes and latencies of both sensory discriminative (N90) as well as cognitive evaluative (N150, P200, the N150-P200 peak-to-peak difference and P300) evoked potential components were evaluated. Stroke was associated with reduced N150 and P300 amplitudes and increased N90, N150 and P300 latencies at both sides. Compared to PF and HC, the P200 and N150-P200 latencies were increased in PSSP patients after stimulation at both sides, even when comparing subgroups with similar lesion size and location. Stroke was associated with reduced sensory-discriminative as well as with reduced cognitive-evaluative cortical somatosensory processing. This reduction was more pronounced in patients with PSSP and may be related to the central effects of persistent nociceptive pain.
Stochastic resonance therapy in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kaut Oliver , Allert Niels , Coch Christoph , Paus Sebastian , Grzeska Agata , Minnerop Martina , Wüllner Ullrich
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To test the effects of stochastic whole body vibration (WBV) we performed a double-blind randomized controlled study.

Methods:

Patients were allocated either to the experimental or sham group. The experimental group received 5 cycles of stochastic WBV on three days, each cycle consisting of 5 stimulus trains of 60 seconds duration (frequency 6.5 Hz) and 60 seconds resting time between stimuli. Patients allocated to the control group received a sham treatment with 1 Hz. Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, part III (UPDRS III) was performed after treatment at baseline, after the first series on day 1 and on day 5.

Results:

The reduction of subscores included in UPDRS III relative to baseline served as primary outcome measure. After the five-day course bradykinesia was improved in 14 of 18 patients (77.8%) and postural stability in 8 of 18 (44.4%). Speech and facial expression remained unchanged in both groups. Tremor ( p = 0.027) and postural stability ( p = 0.048) showed a reduction also, but did not reached level of significance ( p < 0.01); UPDRS III sum score was improved by 26.7%.

Conclusion:

Stochastic whole body vibration may offer a supplementation to canonical physical treatments of PD motor symptoms.
Effect of kinesio taping on standing balance in subjects with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study
Authors: Cortesi Marco , Cattaneo Davide , Jonsdottir Johanna
Published: December 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Kinesio Taping on body stability in subjects with MS.

Study design:

Non controlled intervention study in a Rehabilitation Unit.

Intervention:

A consecutive convenience sample of 15 individuals with multiple sclerosis was assessed. Kinesio Tex Tape was applied directly to the skin of both calves and kept for the next two days.

Main outcome measures:

Clinical and stabilometric assessments were performed at baseline, immediately after application of the tape and the day after its removal. To control for learning effect 10 subject with multiple sclerosis were tested repeatedly under the same conditions without tape.

Results:

No statistically or clinically relevant differences were observed among conditions in the mediolateral plane. In the AP plane Friedman’s ANOVA showed statistically significant differences between baseline and taping condition with respect to length of sway. A trend towards statistically relevant differences were found also with respect to mean sway and velocity of sway. No learning effect was found for repeated testing within the no treated group.

Conclusions:

These preliminary results suggest that the use of ankle taping may be useful in immediately stabilising body posture.
Cardiovascular alterations heralded by intrathecal baclofen bolus
Authors: Rifici Carmela , D'Aleo Giangaetano , D'Aleo Piercataldo , Bramanti Placido , Saltuari Leopold , Kofler Markus
Published: December 2019

We describe two patients in whom serious bradycardia and arterial hypotension occurred after a small intrathecal baclofen (ITB) test bolus. Both patients suffered from severe spasticity (one due to brain injury, one due to spinal cord injury). Medical history and diagnostic examinations revealed no previous cardiological problems. Ten minutes following a 50 μg ITB bolus, patient 1 developed bradycardia (58 bpm) and incomplete right branch block, lasting for 3 hours. In patient 2, a 20 μg ITB bolus was followed after 5 minutes by severe bradycardia (30 bpm) and hypotension (60/30 mmHg), without loss of consciousness, lasting for 10 minutes. Exaggerated muscle tone was alleviated in both patients after 2 hours by the applied doses. Neither patient underwent implantation of a permanent pump system, both were continued on oral baclofen. Despite numerous unremarkable repeat cardiological exams, both patients suffered fatal cardiac arrest one and two months later, respectively. Our observations suggest that ITB may herald cardiovascular dysfunction in predisposed patients. Careful cardiological examination before ITB treatment, and close monitoring during ITB testing in particular, is advised.
Factors predicting depression among persons with spinal cord injury 1 to 5 years post injury
Authors: Arango-Lasprilla Juan Carlos , Ketchum Jessica M. , Starkweather Angela , Nicholls Elizabeth , Wilk Amber R.
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

Estimate changes in prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) 1 to 5 years post spinal cord injury (SCI); Identify demographic, injury, and discharge factors associated with MDD at 1 and 5 years post-injury; Identify modifiers of changes in MDD.

Design:

Retrospective. Setting: Model Spinal Cord Injury System. Participants: 2,256 adult participants enrolled in the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center between 1999 and 2004. Main Outcome Measure: MDD as determined by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Results:

Prevalence of MDD was 11.9% at 1 year and 9.7% at 5 years post SCI. Odds of MDD decreased significantly 1 to 5 years post-injury (odds ratio = 1.26, 95% confidence interval = 1.02, 1.56). At 1 year post-injury, the odds of MDD was greater for persons 35âĂŞ55 years old at injury, unemployed, having an indwelling catheter or voiding bladder management at discharge, and higher scores on ASIA motor index. At 5 years post-injury, the odds of MDD were greater for females, persons 35âĂŞ55 years old at injury, those with a high school education or less, those having an indwelling catheter, voiding, and no bladder management at discharge, and higher scores on ASIA motor index. Sex was the only significant modifier.

Conclusions:

MDD occurs commonly 1 to 5 years post SCI. Sociodemographic, injury, and discharge factors are associated with the development and changes in depression. Future research should expand upon current findings in order to identify, prevent, and reduce the prevalence of MDD after SCI.
The effect of a stretching device on hand spasticity in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients
Authors: Jung Yong Jae , Hong Ji Heon , Kwon Hyeok Gyu , Song Jun-Chan , Kim Chulseung , Park SoHyun , Ki Kim Yeung , Ahn Sang Ho , Jang Sung Ho
Published: December 2019

We attempted to evaluate the effect of a stretching device for treatment of hand spasticity in chronic stroke patients. We recruited 21 chronic hemiplegic stroke patients with severe finger flexor spasticity and randomly assigned them to the intervention group (10 patients) and control group (11 patients). The stretching device consisted of a resting hand splint, finger stretcher, and frame. The stretching state was maintained for 30 seconds and relaxed for the next 30 seconds. This stretching and relaxation were repeated for 20 minutes (one session). The stretching program was practiced 2 sessions/day and 6 days/week for 3 weeks for the patients of the intervention group. The effect of this stretching device was assessed using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score of finger flexor muscles. Patients in both groups were assessed six times within an interval of one week and patients in the intervention group were assessed two times before starting the stretching program. The two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) test for evaluation of the effect of intervention across all time-points between the two groups showed a significant interaction between time and effect of intervention ( P < 0.001). Within the intervention group, the average of mean MAS score at Pre-1 and Pre-2 were 2.83 and 2.93, respectively (the difference between Pre-1 and Pre-2 was not significant ( P > 0.05)), and this improved significantly to 1.97 at Inter-1, 1.55 at Inter-2, 1.20 at Inter-3, and 1.97 at Post-1 ( P < 0.001) using the one-way repeated measures ANOVA test for evaluation of the effect of intervention across all time-points. We found that our stretching device was effective in relieving hand spasticity in chronic stroke patients.
Assisted leg displacements and progressive loading by a tilt table combined with FES promote gait recovery in acute stroke
Authors: Solopova I.A. , Tihonova D.Y. , Grishin A.A. , Ivanenko Y.P.
Published: December 2019

Objective:

Here we developed and tested a novel system for early motor rehabilitation in acute stroke when patients are unable to stand and walk without assistance. Stepping performance may be largely facilitated by providing treatment in the supine position on a tilt table using step-synchronized functional electrical stimulation (FES) with assisted leg movements and progressive limb loading.

Methods:

Sixty-one individuals with acute stroke were randomly assigned to two groups, experimental and control. The first group received both a conventional therapy and FES-therapy combined with progressive limb loading, whereas the control group received a conventional therapy only. Changes after treatment were assessed using clinical scores and neurophysiological measurements of movement performance.

Results:

After treatment, there was an improvement of the clinical scores, muscle forces and everyday life activity performance in both groups, however, significantly higher in the experimental group. Active rhythmic movements of the non paretic leg often provoked muscle activity in the paretic leg as well as there was a reduction of the contralateral leg muscle contraction during paretic leg movements.

Conclusion:

The developed FES and leg displacement-assisted therapy facilitates a smooth transition to walking in the vertical position and increases the patient’s functional abilities and the effectiveness of rehabilitation.
ICF use to identify common problems on a TBI neurorehabilitation unit in Spain
Authors: Laxe Sara , Zasler Nathan , Tschiesner Uta , López-Blazquez Raquel , Tormos Jose M. , Bernabeu Montserrat
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To describe functioning and health of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Methods:

A cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted in a neurorehabilitation hospital. Data collection included socio-demographic factors, single interviews based on the extended ICF Checklist 2.1 for TBI, patient ratings on general health and functioning status, WHOQoL, EQ5D and the Comorbidity Questionnaire.

Results:

103 patients (81%males) were included in the study. The mean of age was 34 yrs. 24% were inpatients whereas 76% were outpatients. 130 out of 150 categories (87%) of the extended checklist were relevant in > 10% of patients. Differences in functioning and disability between patients in the shorter versus long term situation were noted to be predominantly in the ICF domains of Activities and Participation as well as in Body Functions. Correlations between EQ5D and ICF-based data collections were all p < 0.01.

Conclusions:

This study identified the most common problems in patients with TBI receiving Neurorehabilitation services based on the ICF. Results emphasize the need to describe disability and rehabilitation standards from a comprehensive perspective that not only includes Body Functions and Structures but also the ICF domains of Activities and Participation and Environmental factors.
Diffusion tensor imaging findings in neurologically asymptomatic patients with end stage renal disease
Authors: Kim Han Sun , Park Jong Won , Bai Dai Seg , Jeong Jin Young , Hong Ji Heon , Son Su Min , Jang Sung Ho
Published: December 2019

Various neurological problems of the brain are known to occur in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). However, little is known about diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) findings in patients with ESRD. Using DTI, we attempted to investigate DTI findings in patients with ESRD who showed no specific lesions on conventional brain MRI. We recruited 10 consecutive patients with ESRD for whom at least 3 years had passed since the start of peritoneal dialysis and who showed no neurological abnormality on neurologic examination. We excluded 6 patients who showed cerebral infarct (4 patients) and diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy (2 patients); finally, 4 patients (39.75 ± 9.84 years) were included in this study. We evaluated hand motor function and cognition. DTI data were acquired using a 1.5-T Philips Gyroscan Intera system and diffusion tensor tractographies (DTTs) for five neural tracts (corticospinal tract, fornix, superior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus) were evaluated. With the exception of 1 patient who revealed a mild abnormality at a higher cognitive function, no abnormalities in motor and cognitive function were observed. Among the 10 DTTs, except for those of the corticospinal tract, all 4 patients had more than one lesion. Patients with ESRD showed abnormalities on DTTs that were associated with cognition; however, they did not show significant cognitive abnormalities.
Neuropsychological, medical and rehabilitative management of persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: DeLuca John , Nocentini Ugo
Published: December 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS). The symptoms, progression, and severity of the disease are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. Major symptoms include fatigue, sensory-motor (e.g., visual disturbance, spasticity, locomotion), cognitive (e.g., decreased information processing speed, impaired memory), and psychiatric problems (e.g., depression). Although the etiology is unknown, MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease triggered by a viral or other infectious agent in genetically susceptible individuals. The CNS target of the disease is myelin, although it is now known that other aspects of the CNS such as axonal and gray matter regions are also involved.
Changes in gait patterns with rhythmic auditory stimulation in adults with cerebral palsy
Authors: Kim Soo Ji , Kwak Eunmi Emily , Park Eun Sook , Lee Don Shin , Kim Ki Jung , Song Joo Eun , Cho Sung-Rae
Published: December 2019

The objective is to evaluate the changes in gait patterns with rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) in adults with cerebral palsy (CP). Fourteen CP with bilateral spasticity participated in this study. A repeated-measures analysis of gait was performed in the presence and absence of RAS. Thirty healthy controls were also recruited. Each subject walked 10 m at their comfortable walking speed. Temporospatial data and kinematic parameters of gait were analyzed without RAS and with RAS. RAS was provided using a combination of a metronome beat set to the individual's cadence and rhythmic cueing from a live keyboard playing. Kinematic parameters, gait deviation index (GDI) as a measure of overall gait pathology, and asymmetry of temporospatial data were assessed. Gait analysis revealed that anterior tilt of pelvis and hip flexion during a gait cycle was significantly changed with RAS ( p < 0.05), whereas there were no statistical differences in knee, ankle, and foot kinematic parameters. Additionally, the GDI exhibited a modest, but a statistically significant, improvement with RAS ( p < 0.05). Based on ambulatory status, household ambulators showed that side-to-side asymmetry of step length as well as the GDI was significantly attenuated with RAS ( p < 0.05). Walking with RAS resulted in kinematic changes of the pelvic and hip movement in spastic CP. Especially, the application of RAS immediately ameliorated overall gait pathology as well as temporospatial asymmetry in household ambulators. Therefore, RAS may be one of the therapeutic tools for gait training in adults with CP.
Recovery of the corticospinal tract after injury by transtentorial herniation: A case report
Authors: Kwon Hyeok Gyu , Lee Dong Gyu , Choi Byung Yeon , Chang Chul Hoon , Kim Seong Ho , Jang Sung Ho
Published: December 2019

Little is known about recovery of the corticospinal tract (CST) after injury by transtentorial herniation (TH). We present with a patient who showed recovery of the CST after injury by TH, using diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). A 69-year-old female underwent craniotomy and drainage of an intracerebral hemorrhage in the left corona radiata and basal ganglia. Brain CT showed left TH and brain MRI revealed a leukomalactic lesion at the left cerebral peduncle. The patient presented with complete paralysis of the right extremities at ICH onset, but slowly recovered some function to the point of being able to move the affected extremities against gravity at about 6 months after onset. Three-week DTT showed disruption of the left CST below the cerebral peduncle; however, this disruption was recovered on 1-year DTT. Three-week TMS showed no motor evoked potential for the affected hemisphere; in contrast, motor evoked potentials that were compatible with regenerated CST were obtained from the affected hand muscle at 6 months. Using DTT and TMS in a patient with ICH, we demonstrated recovery of the CST after injury by TH.
Do racial and ethnic minority patients fare worse after SCI?: A critical review of the literature
Authors: Gary Kelli W. , Nicholls Elizabeth , Shamburger Aisha , Stevens Lillian F. , Arango-Lasprilla Juan C.
Published: December 2019

A number of researchers have identified differences in SCI outcomes between racial and ethnic groups, but findings have never been synthesized to give clinicians and researchers a coherent picture of the problem. The goals of the current project were to (1) conduct a critical literature review of studies specifically investigating racial and ethnic disparities in spinal cord injury care, services, and outcomes; (2) explore possible causative factors that may explain these disparities; (3) propose strategies that may reduce disparities and improve access, service, and outcomes for minority patients with SCI; and (4) generate ideas for future research in this area. A search using MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and HealthSource resulted in 49 articles discussing hospital, mental health, physical functioning, employment, quality of life, and family outcomes. Results indicated that after an SCI, racial and ethnic minority groups have shorter hospital lengths of stay, higher rehospitalizations rates, higher levels of depression, more days in poor health, greater degrees of unemployment, more difficulties with mobility, lower self-reported subjective well-being and quality of life and life satisfaction, and greater risk of marital breakup. A variety of causative factors, intervention strategies, and directions for future research are presented.
Learning by observation and guidance in patients with Alzheimer's dementia
Authors: van Tilborg Ilse A.D.A. , Kessels Roy P.C. , Hulstijn Wouter
Published: December 2019

How people suffering from dementia can be taught new motor skills for everyday household activities is an important but relatively unexplored area of research. Previous studies have demonstrated intact implicit learning abilities in patients with Alzheimer dementia (AD) on computerized motor-learning tasks and everyday activities, but explicit training strategies have been found to be beneficial in AD as well. The aim of the present study was to compare two explicit training methods, i.e. observational learning and learning by guidance, and an implicit training method in patients with AD and healthy controls. All three types of training methods resulted in statistically significant learning. However, while improvement from baseline was similar in both groups, the absolute performance of the patients in the explicit training methods was well below that of the controls. The modest success of the explicit training methods and the slightly better results achieved with the observation method should be investigated further in studies of the acquisition of everyday activities.
Botulinum toxin use in neuro-rehabilitation to treat obstetrical plexus palsy and sialorrhea following neurological diseases: A review
Authors: Intiso Domenico , Basciani M.
Published: December 2019

In neuro-rehabilitation, botulinum toxin (BTX) as adjunct to other interventions can result in a useful therapeutic tool treating disabled people. Other than spasticity, numerous motor and non motor disorders can complicate clinical course and hamper rehabilitative process of neurological impaired patients. A review of BTX use in treating muscular imbalance of children with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy and in reducing sialorrhea following neurological diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ASL), Parkinson disease and cerebral palsy (CP) is provided. Clinicians have to face unique and difficult to treat clinical conditions such as ulcers, sores and abnormal posture and movement disorders due to neurological affections. BTX effectiveness in treating some of these conditions is also provided. Since, neurologically disabled subjects can show complex dysfunction, prior to initiating BTX therapy, specific functional limitations, goals and expected outcomes of treatment should be evaluated and discussed with family and caregivers.
Adverse effects of motor-related symptoms on the ipsilateral upper limb according to long-term cane usage
Authors: Son Sung Min , Kwon Jung Won , Nam Seok Hyun , Lee Na Kyung , Kim Kyoung , Kim Chung Sun
Published: December 2019

Objective:

Although the cane is prescribed to aid in daily living and social participation in stroke patients, this study aimed to identify whether long-term cane usage affected sensorimotor functions in the distal part of the non-affected upper limb in relation to a tracking task, a nine-hole pegboard test, and proprioceptive joint sense.

Patient and method:

Forty stroke patients who were divided into a cane using group (CUG) or a non-cane using group (NCUG) participated in this study. Subjects were evaluated in a tracking task for visuomotor coordination, a nine-hole pegboard test for dexterous hand motion, and a joint reposition test for proprioceptive sense integrity.

Result:

Comparison of the CUG and NCUG revealed significant differences in performance of the tracking task, the nine-hole pegboard test, and the joint reposition test ( p < 0.05). The CUG had more difficulty performing visuomotor coordination and dexterous hand motion tasks compared with the NCUG. Proprioceptive joint sense was also deteriorated in the CUG.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that stroke patients who use a cane for a long period, could experience decreased sensorimotor function in the ipsilateral upper limb of a damaged hemisphere. Therefore, it will be necessary to provide careful evaluation and appropriate therapeutic intervention for stroke patients who require the use of a cane over a long period.
Contralesional cross-over in chronic neglect: Visual search patterns reveal neglect of the ipsilesional hemispace
Authors: Gall Carolin , Günther Tobias , Fuhrmans Franziska , Sabel Bernhard A.
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

With neuropsychological rehabilitation approaches neglect patients can learn to compensate for the reduced awareness of the contralesional hemispace that is often observed after right brain damage. Here, we report contralesional “cross-over” deviations in line bisection that are hypothesized to be a result of focusing on the contralesional hemispace while the intact hemispace is “neglected”. We investigate whether this unexpected pattern of deviation is related to defects in the visual field, motor intention/hypokinesia deficits or deficits in working memory.

Methods:

Neglect patients with and without homonymous field defects were screened for contralesional cross-over deviations in line bisection of long lines. During line bisection eye movements were recorded in two conditions with and without requiring hand movements in order to search for directional hypokinesia. Visual fields were tested with near-threshold perimetry and with supra-threshold campimetry.

Results:

Of 53 chronic neglect patients only 8 showed cross-over in line bisection. Evidence for directional hypokinesia was found in only one patient. Patients with cross-over focused more often to the left than to the right of the objective line midpoint. Patients with and without visual field defects did not differ in the extent of cross-over deviations. Cross-over deviation and inconsistent stimulus detection in left hemispace were correlated irrespective of the presence of a visual field deficit. Larger cross-over deviations were associated with poorer verbal working memory span, and disorganized patterns of eye movement were related to reduced visuo-spatial working memory capacity.

Conclusion:

Increasing awareness of the disorder and the use of compensatory strategies may have led to a cross-over shift of visual search dominance towards the neglected side resulting in an exploration deficit of the ipsilesional side.
The clinical characteristics of motor function in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients with complete corticospinal tract injury
Authors: Jo Hae Min , Choi Byung Yeon , Chang Chul Hoon , Kim Seong Ho , Lee Jun , Chang Min Cheol , Son Su Min , Jang Sung Ho
Published: December 2019

Clarification of the clinical characteristics of motor function in stroke patients with complete corticospinal tract (CST) injury would be of importance in stroke rehabilitation. However, this topic has not been clearly elucidated. We conducted an investigation of the clinical characteristics of motor function in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients with complete CST injury, as confirmed by transcranial magnetic stimulation and diffusion tensor imaging. Forty-one consecutive chronic hemiparetic stroke patients who showed an absence of motor evoked potential in muscles of the upper and lower extremities upon transcranial magnetic stimulation and in whom the integrity of the CST discontinued around stroke lesion on diffusion tensor imaging tractography were recruited. Mean Medical Research Council scores for distal musculature were lower than those for proximal musculature ( P < 0.001). Mean Medical Research Council scores for upper extremity muscles were lower than those for lower extremity muscles ( P < 0.001). The mean Motricity Index score for muscles of the upper extremities was lower than that for muscles of the lower extremities ( P < 0.001). None of the patients had a functional hand; in contrast, 56% of patients were able to walk independently. We found that motor weaknesses of distal joint musculature and upper extremities were more severe than those of proximal joint musculature and lower extremities following complete injury of the CST in stroke, respectively. As a result, despite the absence of a functional hand in all patients, more than half were able to walk independently.
Intra-rater reliability of the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) in the assessment of upper-limb muscle spasticity
Authors: Ansari Noureddin Nakhostin , Naghdi Soofia , Mashayekhi Masoud , Hasson Scott , Fakhari Zahra , Jalaie Shohreh
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the intra-rater reliability of the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) in the upper limb of patients with hemiparesis and to determine the effect of pain and contracture presence on the reliability of the MMAS. For this test-retest study 30 patients with hemiparesis were included. One physiotherapist using the MMAS, randomly rated the spasticity of shoulder adductors, elbow flexors, and wrist flexors in the affected upper limb of each patient with hemiparesis twice with at least a 1 week interval between testing sessions. The presence of pain and contracture during passive stretch was recorded. The magnitude of the contracture was measured by a goniometer. The quadratic weighted kappa statistics was very good for the upper limb spasticity ( κw = 0.84). Intra-rater reliability was good for shoulder adductors ( κw = 0.75), and very good for elbow flexors and wrist flexors ( κw 0.86 and 0.90, respectively). There were no differences between the weighted kappa values for muscle groups ( p > 0.05). The intra-rater reliability was also good in the presence of pain or contracture. The MMAS had very good intra-rater reliability in the assessment of upper limb spasticity in patients with hemiparesis. The presence of pain during shoulder abduction or contracture of the shoulder adductors had no influence on the reliability of the MMAS ( κw = 0.75, 0.77, respectively).
Identifying business value using the RFID e-Valuation Framework
Authors: Curtin John P. , Gaffney Robert L. , Riggins Frederick J.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we develop the RFID e-Valuation Framework to help managers identify the value proposition from using RFID. The framework is based on three concepts. First, firms can apply RFID along five dimension of commerce. Specifically, by using various modes of interaction, firms compete over both time and distance in order to provide some product or service through a chain of relationships eventually ending with the end customer. Second, new investments in RFID are typically justified by generating efficiency, effectiveness, and/or strategic benefits. Third, RFID can be applied to four different structural settings across the value chain including inbound logistics, internal operations, outbound logistics, and marketing and sales. By mapping the five dimensions of commerce and the three types of justification, we have developed the RFID e-Valuation Grid which can then be applied to the four structural settings to see where RFID can generate business value. We illustrate usage of the framework by applying it to two examples of asset management in a hospital setting and tracking food produce through the cold chain.
Key performance indicators of the impact of radio frequency identification technologies on supply chain management
Authors: Vlachos Ilias P.
Published: December 2019

Although the benefits of Radio Frequency Identification Technologies (RFID) are quite well known, they are still scarce applications to agriculture and food supply chains. The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which the adoption of RFID can improve supply chain performance in agri-food supply chains. The methodology was a case study of a fruit cooperative using semi-structured interviews and other sources of evidence in order to examine the supply chain performance before and after the RFID implementation. Benefits from the RFID implementation were classified into two broad categories: strategic and operation ones. Strategic benefits included: reduction of the warehouse costs; reduction of total lead time from production to sales; improvement of customer relationship management; improved recall management. Operational benefits included: Better handling of unforeseen events; reducing lead times in warehousing and inventory; improved quality control.
An RFID tracking system supporting the behavior analysis of colonial laboratory animals
Authors: Catarinucci Luca , Colella Riccardo , Mainetti Luca , Mighali Vincenzo , Patrono Luigi , Pieretti Stefano , Sergi Ilaria , Tarricone Luciano
Published: December 2019

Animal tracking and animal behavior analysis have a crucial impact in biomedical disciplines to study new pathologies and effects of new drugs. There are several solutions, based on different technologies such as GPS, radar, and vision, designed to obtain animals tracking systems, but they are effective mainly in presence of large size animals and outdoor environment. Unfortunately, they show poor performance when groups of small laboratory animals have to be monitored in indoor environments. In such a context, the adoption of passive Near Field (NF) Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology seems to be a winning approach, even though the straightforward use of commercial solutions does not guarantee satisfactory performance. Specifically, customized hardware and software solutions are then required. The main goal of this work is to present the development and then to validate a reliable and effective system for the automatic tracking of laboratory mice, based on suited NF UHF RFID hardware capturing system combined with an ad hoc software system able to guarantee hardware control, data processing, and reporting. In particular, the validation phase has been carried out by selecting the most appropriate RFID tags and by surgically implanting them into laboratory mice. Experimental results have demonstrated the efficiency of the proposed solution, which is able to gather data on the animal movements, allowing their subsequent processing for a satisfactory behavioral analysis.
Shrinkage reduction in perishable food supply chain by means of an RFID-based FIFO management policy
Authors: Bertolini Massimo , Bottani Eleonora , Rizzi Antonio , Volpi Andrea , Renzi Pietro
Published: December 2019

The objective of this paper is to point out how Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology can be used to improve the First In First Out (FIFO) policy of fresh products warehouses in the large-scale retail channel. The relatively short shelf life of fresh products forces to maintain a punctual control of the rotation of cases in the warehouse. The implementation of an RFID system enables to real time monitor the supply chain processes an item is subject to; in particular, the present work focuses on the process of shelf replenishment, by moving cases from the backroom to the shop floor. By means of an accurate monitoring of this process, the errors caused by noncompliance with the FIFO policy were pointed out, and the economic savings resulting from the use of RFID technology in that context were evaluated. Results show that the deployment of RFID technology has potential to help manage the FIFO policy of fresh products, thus generating interesting savings for the food supply chain.
A novel 1-dimensional object location estimation algorithm using leaky coaxial cable
Authors: Peng Chen , Nan Wu , Pan-yang Wang , Xiao-long Liu
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a novel 1-dimensional object location estimation algorithm using Leaky Coaxial Cable (LCX). The proposed algorithm utilizes the relationship between the transmission attenuation of LCX and wave transmission distance in LCX. Two transmitters are placed at two ports of LCX, wireless terminals receive the signals from those two transmitters at the same time and measure the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) value. Estimation was carried out using the two RSSI values as well as LCX transmission attenuation, so the formula of location detection was derived. On the basis, the paper analyzed the location estimation accuracy, and position detection error was experimentally investigated. Test results demonstrate that the theoretical analysis is effective, and the estimation algorithm is suitable for 1-dimensional object position detection in tunnel and enclosed spaces.
Security analysis and review of digital signature-based low-cost RFID tag authentication
Authors: Väisänen Teemu , Ritamäki Matti , Scholliers Johan , Toivonen Sirra
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND: In logistic processes, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology provides possibilities for improving the integrity of shipments, the performance of supply chains and for enabling leaner processes. RFID tags are used in logistics to identify and authenticate users, products or shipments. Especially cheap, passive long-range low-cost RFID tags are of interest, but these provide security-related challenges. In new implementations of this RFID technology the threats and risks must be carefully considered as they can result in system malfunctioning, revenue losses and illegal activities. Hence, there is a need for cryptography techniques for low-cost RFID tags. Various lightweight security mechanisms that take into account the limitations of the tags have been designed. The potentiality of using asymmetric cryptography and digital signatures in tags is one such mechanism that enables more secure tag authentication. RESULTS: This paper explores how asymmetric digital signatures have been used for RFID tag authentication. The paper provides a literature overview of the methods used in both research and in commercial products, and provides knowledge about gained and missing protection in such use cases. A method based on asymmetric Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) digital signatures has been developed for the authentication of low-cost RFID tags. In addition to this, the paper categorizes RFID threats to categories as presented in IETF RFC 4949 and analyzes how using asymmetric cryptography-based digital signatures protects against described threats and attacks suitable for low-cost RFID tags that do not use additional security mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: This paper finds that asymmetric cryptography and digital signatures are suitable for low-cost RFID tags and that usage of them gives additional security, especially against physical data modification and impersonation attacks. The research underlines that IETF RFC 4949 is suitable for categorization of threats and attacks towards RFID technology. In addition to this, systematic threat and attack categorization and analysis enables the specification of further threats.
RFID-enabled real-time manufacturing operation management system for the assembly process of mechanical products
Authors: Liu Mingzhou , Wang Qiang , Ling Lin , Zhang Miao
Published: December 2019

In real discrete manufacturing industry, task urgency, plan variation and other uncertainties make it difficult to communicate process information. The information gap between the enterprise management level and the process control level in workshop cause low productivity, unsmooth process flow, uncontrollable Work In Process (WIP) quantity and overstocked products. Aiming at this problem, a new RFID-enabled real-time manufacturing operation management system (RT-MOMS) is designed in this paper. In this system, RFID tags are used to mark assembly resources and monitor their status, RFID technology is employed to collect the real-time production information (e.g. equipment, material, WIP, operator, etc.), which can enhance the visibility, track ability and traceability of items of interest. Workstation and zone controller are united via the system integration interface to guarantee the information communication. Meanwhile, intelligent manufacturing resource is introduced to achieve the logical integration of management operation system and the real-time visual management during the assembly process. The interaction process among RT-MOMS, system topology structure and main functional modules are also addressed. The result of RT-MOMS system’s application on XinRui automotive gearbox assembly line shows that the proposed system can improve the productivity and quality and promote the application of RFID technology.
Exploring the deployment and adoption of RFID-enabled retail promotions management
Authors: Bardaki Cleopatra , Kourouthanassis Panos , Pramatari Katerina
Published: December 2019

This paper presents the development and deployment of an RFID-enabled system supporting promotions management. The system provides both back-end functionality to supply chain partners by measuring promotions effectiveness and front-end functionality to consumers by providing personalized selection of alternative promotion gifts. We report the system design and implementation, and discuss our experiences and lessons learned during the system deployment in two stages. The study reveals that deployment of RFID services in the retail context presents a number of technology and individual challenges in the form that require special treatment. These challenges refer to accurate readability of products, handling of exception events, health concerns, and consumer privacy. The study proposes specific implementation solutions for each challenge. We also performed a field study in a Greek retail outlet which revealed that shoppers evaluated more favorably the RFID augmented promotion management method compared to traditional methods. In terms of market acceptance, the results of a workshop with retailers and suppliers showcased that although the service provides multiple benefits to supply chain operations, factors related to cost, consumer privacy, and current maturity of RFID technology still prohibit the service's wide adoption by the industry. Finally, the results of a cost-benefit analysis indicate that the investment is financially viable, under certain assumptions, and breaks even after 3 years. Given the contextual details of the study, the lessons learned and the proposed deployment strategy may guide developers and organizations aspiring to adopt RFID to modify their strategies accordingly.
Improving intermodal container logistics and security by RFID
Authors: Meyer-Larsen Nils , Lyridis Dimitrios , Müller Rainer , Zacharioudakis Panayotis
Published: December 2019

After the recent economic crisis, container terminal and transport operators are again facing several challenges like increasing cargo volumes and security demands that put additional burden on them. The CHINOS project supports operators to exploit these challenges, the related changes in business processes and the opportunities for process automation in the best possible way by employing innovative IT technology solutions like RFID (radio frequency identification) and SCEM (Supply Chain Event Management). Several processes in terminals can be optimised and accelerated tremendously by using automatic identification and condition checks with contact free reading possibilities using container RFID tags without requiring human intervention. Furthermore, container security can be enhanced using RFID technology, especially electronic seals. CHINOS puts a special focus on the integration of these new technologies into the terminals' business processes and the demonstration of its success at several European locations. Furthermore, the CHINOS technology was successfully integrated in the SICIS system developed in the follow-up project INTEGRITY with the aim to achieve complete Supply Chain Visibility and tested under real-life conditions on a tradelane from Hong Kong to Europe.
Design of an RFID on-line authentication and anti-counterfeit transaction protocol
Authors: Chen Chin-Ling , Chen Yu-Yi , Kuo Tsungm-Min , Chiou Kuo-Ching , Deng Yong-Yuan
Published: December 2019

In recent years, counterfeiters have become a menace to industry worldwide. This problem is not specific to certain products or countries. More and more RFID applications to solve malicious behaviors have been presented. However, these RFID applications still generate some disputes and do not conform to EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2 (C1G2) standards. Most techniques are unsuitable for on-line automatic testing of product authenticity, as required in warehouses. To solve this problem, we propose an on-line authorized RFID secure transaction system with anti-counterfeiting technology. In this way, the counterfeiter be restrained, but the consumers interests will also be protected.