A Portable and Automated Postural Perturbation System for Balance Assessment, Training, and Neuromuscular System Identification

2008 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert H. Vette ◽  
Egor Sanin ◽  
Abdulkadir Bulsen ◽  
Alan Morris ◽  
Kei Masani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treadmill Walking ◽  
Displacement Velocity ◽  
Postural Perturbation ◽  
Peak Displacement ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Postural Perturbations ◽  
Accuracy And Repeatability

To date, a postural perturbation system capable of generating position-, velocity-, and force-controlled perturbations while being portable and suitable for use during various postural scenarios does not exist. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to design, develop, and test a portable and automated postural perturbation system (PAPPS) that can be used to measure and train postural reactions during sitting, standing, and treadmill walking. The core component of the PAPPS was a linear actuator that provides horizontal perturbations. The actuator could generate arbitrary displacement, velocity, or force perturbations as a function of time. In addition, the PAPPS was able to measure the actuator’s displacement, velocity, and load, which could be used to study postural perturbation responses. The height at which the PAPPS was delivering the perturbations could be easily adjusted to allow for different subject/patient anthropometrics and a wide range of postural scenarios such as sitting, standing, and treadmill walking. The PAPPS generated a peak displacement of 0.6m, a peak velocity of 0.5m∕s, and a peak force of 600N, which is more than sufficient to elicit high intensity postural perturbations. Multiple and nested safety circuits have been implemented into the PAPPS to ensure the safety of the subjects/patients during experiments and/or training. To evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of the PAPPS during position-, velocity-, and force-controlled perturbations, experiments were conducted using sinusoidal, impulse, and ramp profiles as a function of time. Highly sensitive displacement and force sensors that were external to the PAPPS were used to determine the accuracy and repeatability of the proposed device. In addition, a case study was performed to demonstrate the performance of the PAPPS during pseudorandom sinusoidal perturbations that were applied to a healthy individual during sitting. The accuracy and repeatability tests suggest that the PAPPS can generate reliable and high-precision displacement, velocity, and force perturbations. Potential applications of this system include, but are not limited to (1) studies of postural response to various perturbation types and profiles in diverse subject populations during sitting, standing, and treadmill walking, and (2) training of postural balance in diverse patient populations during sitting, standing, and treadmill walking.

scholarly journals State of the Science in Dried Blood Spots

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 656-679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey D Freeman ◽  
Lori M Rosman ◽  
Jeremy D Ratcliff ◽  
Paul T Strickland ◽  
David R Graham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Dried Blood Spots ◽  
Blood Spots ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Review Of Reviews ◽  
Near Term ◽  
State Of The Science

Abstract BACKGROUND Advancements in the quality and availability of highly sensitive analytical instrumentation and methodologies have led to increased interest in the use of microsamples. Among microsamples, dried blood spots (DBS) are the most well-known. Although there have been a variety of review papers published on DBS, there has been no attempt at describing the full range of analytes measurable in DBS, or any systematic approach published for characterizing the strengths and weaknesses associated with adoption of DBS analyses. CONTENT A scoping review of reviews methodology was used for characterizing the state of the science in DBS. We identified 2018 analytes measured in DBS and found every common analytic method applied to traditional liquid samples had been applied to DBS samples. Analytes covered a broad range of biomarkers that included genes, transcripts, proteins, and metabolites. Strengths of DBS enable its application in most clinical and laboratory settings, and the removal of phlebotomy and the need for refrigeration have expanded biosampling to hard-to-reach and vulnerable populations. Weaknesses may limit adoption in the near term because DBS is a nontraditional sample often requiring conversion of measurements to plasma or serum values. Opportunities presented by novel methodologies may obviate many of the current limitations, but threats around the ethical use of residual samples must be considered by potential adopters. SUMMARY DBS provide a wide range of potential applications that extend beyond the reach of traditional samples. Current limitations are serious but not intractable. Technological advancements will likely continue to minimize constraints around DBS adoption.

scholarly journals A stokes polarimetric light microscopy view of liquid crystal droplets

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Gou ◽  
T. H. Shen ◽  
P. Bao ◽  
J. L. Ramos Angulo ◽  
S. D. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Crystal ◽  
Stokes Parameters ◽  
Full Description ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Photoelastic Modulator ◽  
Internal Structures ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Potential Applications

AbstractThe optical characteristics of materials, such as their magnetooptical effects, birefringence, optical activities, linear and circular dichroism, are probed via the polarisation states of light transmitted through or reflected from the specimens. As such, the measurements of the polarisation states play an important role in many research disciplines. Experimentally, Stokes parameters provide a full description of the polarisation states of light. We report the implementation of a dual- photoelastic modulator based polarimeter in a light microscope, enabling the determination of Stokes parameters at each pixel. As a case study, polarimetric images of liquid crystal droplets of different internal structures are obtained, showing their distinct polarisation characteristics. We demonstrate that the prototype Stokes polarimetric microscope allows the quantitative determination of the polarisation characteristics of light at the object plane and enables the access of the information of full polarisation states as compared to a conventional cross polariser microscope. This work shows that Stokes polarimetric microscopy may find potential applications in a wide range of research fields.

scholarly journals Emerging Spatiotemporal Patterns from Discrete Migration Dynamics of Heterogeneous Agents

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Shin ◽  
Yuri Mansury
Keyword(s):  
Social Systems ◽  
Spatiotemporal Patterns ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Generalized Framework ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Migration Dynamics ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Nonstationary Systems

We propose a discrete agent-based model to investigate the migration dynamics of heterogeneous individuals. Compatibility among agents of different types is expressed in terms of homophily parameters capturing the extent to which similar individuals are attracted to, or dissimilar individuals are repelled by, each other. Based on agent-based simulations, we establish the connection between emerging spatiotemporal patterns and the homophily parameters. Key results are presented in a novel phase diagram, which reveals a wide range of spatial patterns including the cell, worm, herd, amoeba, and swarm modes under the dynamic regime and the separation, ghetto, and integration modes under the stationary one. Our model thus provides a generalized framework encompassing both static equilibrium and nonstationary systems to investigate the impact of agent heterogeneity on population dynamics. We demonstrate potential applications of our model to social systems using sexual segregation of ungulate habitats as a case study.

scholarly journals Multilayered Composites with Modulus Gradient for Enhanced Pressure—Temperature Sensing Performance

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 4752
Author(s):  
Changyoon Jeong ◽  
Sang-Ha Hwang ◽  
Byeong-Joo Kim ◽  
Han Gi Chae ◽  
Young-Bin Park
Keyword(s):  
Human Motion ◽  
Temperature Sensing ◽  
Temperature Detection ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Multilayered Composites ◽  
Weight Sensing ◽  
Human Motion Monitoring ◽  
Sensing Performance

Highly sensitive and flexible composite sensors with pressure and temperature sensing abilities are of great importance in human motion monitoring, robotic skins, and automobile seats when checking the boarding status. Several studies have been conducted to improve the temperature-pressure sensitivity; however, they require a complex fabrication process for micro-nanostructures, which are material-dependent. Therefore, there is a need to develop the structural designs to improve the sensing abilities. Herein, we demonstrate a flexible composite with an enhanced pressure and temperature sensing performance. Its structural design consists of a multilayered composite construction with an elastic modulus gradient. Controlled stress concentration and distribution induced by a micropatterned structure between the layers improves its pressure and temperature sensing performance. The proposed composite sensor can monitor a wide range of pressure and temperature stimuli and also has potential applications as an automotive seat sensor for simultaneous human temperature detection and occupant weight sensing.

Determinants and barriers of PV self-consumption in Spain from the perception of the installers for the promotion of distributed energy systems

2020 ◽  
pp. 153-169
Author(s):  
José Ángel Gimeno ◽  
Eva Llera Sastresa ◽  
Sabina Scarpellini
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Distributed Energy ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Transition Scenario

Currently, self-consumption and distributed energy facilities are considered as viable and sustainable solutions in the energy transition scenario within the European Union. In a low carbon society, the exploitation of renewables for self-consumption is closely tied to the energy market at the territorial level, in search of a compromise between competitiveness and the sustainable exploitation of resources. Investments in these facilities are highly sensitive to the existence of favourable conditions at the territorial level, and the energy policies adopted in the European Union have contributed positively to the distributed renewables development and the reduction of their costs in the last decade. However, the number of the installed facilities is uneven in the European Countries and those factors that are more determinant for the investments in self-consumption are still under investigation. In this scenario, this paper presents the main results obtained through the analysis of the determinants in self-consumption investments from a case study in Spain, where the penetration of this type of facilities is being less relevant than in other countries. As a novelty of this study, the main influential drivers and barriers in self-consumption are classified and analysed from the installers' perspective. On the basis of the information obtained from the installers involved in the installation of these facilities, incentives and barriers are analysed within the existing legal framework and the potential specific lines of the promotion for the effective deployment of self-consumption in an energy transition scenario.

Site specific agricultural soil management with the use of new technologies

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-67
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Digital Interface ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Soil Variation ◽  
Soil Information ◽  
Remote Sensing Techniques ◽  
Agricultural Areas

<p>The Soil Science Institute of Thessaloniki produces new digitized Soil Maps that provide a useful electronic database for the spatial representation of the soil variation within a region, based on in situ soil sampling, laboratory analyses, GIS techniques and plant nutrition mathematical models, coupled with the local land cadastre. The novelty of these studies is that local agronomists have immediate access to a wide range of soil information by clicking on a field parcel shown in this digital interface and, therefore, can suggest an appropriate treatment (e.g. liming, manure incorporation, desalination, application of proper type and quantity of fertilizer) depending on the field conditions and cultivated crops. A specific case study is presented in the current work with regards to the construction of the digitized Soil Map of the regional unit of Kastoria. The potential of this map can easily be realized by the fact that the mapping of the physicochemical properties of the soils in this region provided delineation zones for differential fertilization management. An experiment was also conducted using remote sensing techniques for the enhancement of the fertilization advisory software database, which is a component of the digitized map, and the optimization of nitrogen management in agricultural areas.</p>

Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy, Volume 55

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Middle Ages ◽  
Ancient Philosophy ◽  
Recent Book ◽  
Loss Of Control ◽  
Ancient Greek ◽  
Original Essays ◽  
Constant Change ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Metaphysical Principle

Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy provides, twice each year, a collection of the best current work in the field of ancient philosophy. Each volume features original essays that contribute to an understanding of a wide range of themes and problems in all periods of ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, from the beginnings to the threshold of the Middle Ages. From its first volume in 1983, OSAP has been a highly influential venue for work in the field, and has often featured essays of substantial length as well as critical essays on books of distinctive importance. Volume LV contains: a methodological examination on how the evidence for Presocratic thought is shaped through its reception by later thinkers, using discussions of a world soul as a case study; an article on Plato’s conception of flux and the way in which sensible particulars maintain a kind of continuity while undergoing constant change; a discussion of J. L. Austin’s unpublished lecture notes on Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics and his treatment of loss of control (akrasia); an article on the Stoics’ theory of time and in particular Chrysippus’ conception of the present and of events; and two articles on Plotinus, one that identifies a distinct argument to show that there is a single, ultimate metaphysical principle; and a review essay discussing E. K. Emilsson’s recent book, Plotinus.

scholarly journals A Slot-Die Technique for the Preparation of Continuous, High-Area, Chitosan-Based Thin Films

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1566
Author(s):  
Oliver J. Pemble ◽  
Maria Bardosova ◽  
Ian M. Povey ◽  
Martyn E. Pemble
Keyword(s):  
Thin Films ◽  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Mechanical Anisotropy ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Direction Parallel ◽  
High Area ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Slot Die ◽  
Potential Applications

Chitosan-based films have a diverse range of potential applications but are currently limited in terms of commercial use due to a lack of methods specifically designed to produce thin films in high volumes. To address this limitation directly, hydrogels prepared from chitosan, chitosan-tetraethoxy silane, also known as tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and chitosan-glutaraldehyde have been used to prepare continuous thin films using a slot-die technique which is described in detail. By way of preliminary analysis of the resulting films for comparison purposes with films made by other methods, the mechanical strength of the films produced was assessed. It was found that as expected, the hybrid films made with TEOS and glutaraldehyde both show a higher yield strength than the films made with chitosan alone. In all cases, the mechanical properties of the films were found to compare very favorably with similar measurements reported in the literature. In order to assess the possible influence of the direction in which the hydrogel passes through the slot-die on the mechanical properties of the films, testing was performed on plain chitosan samples cut in a direction parallel to the direction of travel and perpendicular to this direction. It was found that there was no evidence of any mechanical anisotropy induced by the slot die process. The examples presented here serve to illustrate how the slot-die approach may be used to create high-volume, high-area chitosan-based films cheaply and rapidly. It is suggested that an approach of the type described here may facilitate the use of chitosan-based films for a wide range of important applications.

scholarly journals Health Benefits of Uses and Applications of Moringa oleifera in Bakery Products

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 318
Author(s):  
Paula García Milla ◽  
Rocío Peñalver ◽  
Gema Nieto
Keyword(s):  
Moringa Oleifera ◽  
Essential Amino Acids ◽  
Bakery Products ◽  
Unani Medicine ◽  
Functional Value ◽  
Organoleptic Characteristics ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Medicinal Properties ◽  
Excellent Source

Moringa oleifera belongs to the Moringaceae family and is the best known of the native Moringa oleifera genus. For centuries, it has been used as a system of Ayurvedic and Unani medicine and has a wide range of nutritional and bioactive compounds, including proteins, essential amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, fibre, vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, phytosterols and others. These characteristics allow it to have pharmacological properties, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, cardioprotective, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective properties. The entire Moringa oleifera plant is edible, including its flowers, however, it is not entirely safe, because of compounds that have been found mainly in the root and bark, so the leaf was identified as the safest. Moringa oleifera is recognised as an excellent source of phytochemicals, with potential applications in functional and medicinal food preparations due to its nutritional and medicinal properties; many authors have experimented with incorporating it mainly in biscuits, cakes, brownies, meats, juices and sandwiches. The results are fascinating, as the products increase their nutritional value; however, the concentrations cannot be high, as this affects the organoleptic characteristics of the supplemented products. The aim of this study is to review the application of Moringa oleifera in bakery products, which will allow the creation of new products that improve their nutritional and functional value.

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