scholarly journals Upper Limb Bionic Orthoses: General Overview and Forecasting Changes

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (15) ◽  
pp. 5323
Author(s):  
Gustaw Rzyman ◽  
Jacek Szkopek ◽  
Grzegorz Redlarski ◽  
Aleksander Palkowski
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Mechanical Design ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Robotic Technology ◽  
Rehabilitation Engineering ◽  
Engineering Technology ◽  
Technology Control ◽  
Technical Solutions

Using robotics in modern medicine is slowly becoming a common practice. However, there are still important life science fields which are currently devoid of such advanced technology. A noteworthy example of a life sciences field which would benefit from process automation and advanced robotic technology is rehabilitation of the upper limb with the use of an orthosis. Here, we present the state-of-the-art and prospects for development of mechanical design, actuator technology, control systems, sensor systems, and machine learning methods in rehabilitation engineering. Moreover, current technical solutions, as well as forecasts on improvement, for exoskeletons are presented and reviewed. The overview presented might be the cornerstone for future research on advanced rehabilitation engineering technology, such as an upper limb bionic orthosis.

Dietary Modifications in Fissure-in-ano: A Qualitative Study Based on Persian Medicine

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 860-865
Author(s):  
Sedigheh Tavakoli-Dastjerdi ◽  
Mandana Tavakkoli-Kakhki ◽  
Ali R. Derakhshan ◽  
Azam Teimouri ◽  
Malihe Motavasselian
Keyword(s):  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Fissure In Ano ◽  
High Fiber ◽  
Baked Goods ◽  
Persian Medicine

Background: Anal fissure (AF) is a common disease associated with severe pain and reduced quality of life. Factors related to lifestyle, including diet and bowel habits, play a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. Most of the chronic fissures are not responsive to drugs and more likely to recur. Given the significance of diet in Persian medicine (PM), investigation on physiopathology and appropriate foods can be useful for decreases in AF symptoms and consequences. Objective: This study was intended to evaluate the role of diet in the formation and progression of AF from the perspective of PM. Methods: In this study, the most important resources of PM dating back to thousands of years were reviewed. All these textbooks contained a section on AF, its causes, and treatment. Further analysis was performed on these resources in comparison with databank and resources of modern medicine to develop a food-based strategy for AF management. Results: From the view of PM, the warmth and dryness of anus temperament accounted for AF. Both Persian and modern medicine identified constipation as another cause for AF. Therefore, avoidance from some foods and commercial baked goods was recommended. Both Persian and modern medicine forbad the following foods: potato, cabbage, cauliflower, pasta, beef, fish, and so forth. High fiber and oligo-antigen diets with some limitations have garnered more attention. Conclusion: An integrative approach is recommended employing both Persian and modern medicine for AF. There have been some evidence in this regard, however standardized clinical trials are required for future research.

scholarly journals A 4-DOF Upper Limb Exoskeleton for Physical Assistance: Design, Modeling, Control and Performance Evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (13) ◽  
pp. 5865
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ahsan Gull ◽  
Mikkel Thoegersen ◽  
Stefan Hein Bengtson ◽  
Mostafa Mohammadi ◽  
Lotte N. S. Andreasen Struijk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Tracking Control ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Mechanical Design ◽  
Trajectory Tracking Control ◽  
Upper Limb Exoskeleton ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Physically Disabled People ◽  
Human Upper Limb

Wheelchair mounted upper limb exoskeletons offer an alternative way to support disabled individuals in their activities of daily living (ADL). Key challenges in exoskeleton technology include innovative mechanical design and implementation of a control method that can assure a safe and comfortable interaction between the human upper limb and exoskeleton. In this article, we present a mechanical design of a four degrees of freedom (DOF) wheelchair mounted upper limb exoskeleton. The design takes advantage of non-backdrivable mechanism that can hold the output position without energy consumption and provide assistance to the completely paralyzed users. Moreover, a PD-based trajectory tracking control is implemented to enhance the performance of human exoskeleton system for two different tasks. Preliminary results are provided to show the effectiveness and reliability of using the proposed design for physically disabled people.

A Comprehensive Synthesis of Theories of Mobile Shopping Adoption and Narrative Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-74
Author(s):  
Rajat Gera ◽  
Priyanka Chadha ◽  
Shirin Alavi
Keyword(s):  
Distribution Channel ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theoretic Approach ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Mobile Shopping ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
The Individual

This paper aims to synthesize and integrate the existing literature on MSA adoption and provide directions for future research through narrative review by classifying and organizing the accumulated knowledge into a thematic framework. The paper's theoretical, conceptual approaches, and results were organized into three themes: online distribution channel (theoretical approaches and antecedent factors of MSA adoption, consumer characteristics), advanced technology for in-store shopping (marketing aspects of MSA), and technology perspectives (technology aspects of MSA). The 25 theories of mobile shopping app (MSA) adoption and usage (at the individual level) from 22 reviewed papers were summarized, defined, and mapped with authors. Research questions have been proposed for theories used in reviewed papers and new theories. MSA adoption is at an emergent stage of evolution with fragmentation of theoretical and methodological approaches. While theories of technology adoption and behavioral intentions have been used predominantly, most studies have adopted a multi-theoretic approach or have extended/modified the model with hedonic, situational, and behavioral constructs. The findings related to consumer characteristics of MSA adoption, anchor constructs, moderator and mediator variables, and marketing and technology features of MSA are synthesized and organized according to the themes. Theoretical and practical implications are drawn, research limitations are identified, and future research directions are suggested.

scholarly journals The Use of E-Tools to Engage Citizens in Urban Green Infrastructure Governance: Where Do We Stand and Where Are We Going?

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 3513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Steen Møller ◽  
Anton Stahl Olafsson
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Geographic Information ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Urban Green Infrastructure ◽  
Technical Solutions

In the unfolding reality of advanced internet-based communication tools, the possibilities and implications for citizens’ e-engagement is revealing. The paper introduces different examples of e-tools used in participatory urban green infrastructure governance. E-tools here includes various location-based service apps, and volunteered geographic information stemming from social media activities, as well as public participation geographic information system approaches. Through an analytical framework describing five categories, we discuss the different scopes and possibilities, as well as general barriers and problems to participatory e-tools. We suggest some basic premises for the application of e-tools in urban green infrastructure governance and discussed future development of this field. E-tools can allow interaction between citizens, public authorities, and other stakeholders; however, research on the implications of such location-based governance is needed to make full use of the rapid on-going development of such information and communication technologies, and to avoid possible pitfalls. We suggest that future research into this area of environmental–social–technical solutions should test, discuss, and develop frameworks and standards, for the use of different e-tools in combination with offline approaches.

Neurorehabilitation in Adults With Traumatic Upper Extremity Amputation: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 154596832110702
Author(s):  
Jake Rydland ◽  
Stephanie Spiegel ◽  
Olivia Wolfe ◽  
Bennett Alterman ◽  
John T Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Neural Mechanisms ◽  
Limb Amputation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Prosthetic Devices ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Extremity Amputation

Background Most of the current literature around amputation focuses on lower extremity amputation or engineering aspects of prosthetic devices. There is a need to more clearly understand neurobehavioral mechanisms related to upper extremity amputation and how such mechanisms might influence recovery and utilization of prostheses. Objective This scoping review aims to identify and summarize the current literature on adult traumatic upper limb amputation in regard to recovery and functional outcomes and how neuroplasticity might influence these findings. Methods We identified appropriate articles using Academic Search Complete EBSCO, OVID Medline, and Cochrane databases. The resulting articles were then exported, screened, and reviewed based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Results Eleven (11) studies met the study criteria. Of these studies, 7 focused on sensory involvement, 3 focused on neuroplastic changes post-amputation related to functional impact, and 1 study focused on motor control and learning post-amputation. Overall, these studies revealed an incomplete understanding of the neural mechanisms involved in motor rehabilitation in the central and peripheral nervous systems, while also demonstrating the value of an individualized approach to neurorehabilitation in upper limb loss. Conclusions There is a gap in our understanding of the role of neurorehabilitation following amputation. Overall, focused rehabilitation parameters, demographic information, and clarity around central and peripheral neural mechanisms are needed in future research to address neurobehavioral mechanisms to promote functional recovery following traumatic upper extremity amputation.

Soft Methods for Automatic Drug Infusion in Medical Care Environment

2015 ◽  
pp. 1384-1408
Author(s):  
Filipe Quinaz ◽  
Paulo Fazendeiro ◽  
Miguel Castelo-Branco ◽  
Pedro Araújo
Keyword(s):  
Medical Care ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Drug Infusion ◽  
Care Environment ◽  
Soft Computing Techniques ◽  
Infusion Systems ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Drug Infusion Systems

The automatic drug infusion in medical care environment remains an elusive goal due to the inherent specificities of the biological systems under control and to subtle shortcomings of the current models. The central aim of this chapter is to present an overview of soft computing techniques and systems that can be used to ameliorate those problems. The applications of control systems in modern medicine are discussed along with several enabling methodologies. The advantages and limitations of automatic drug infusion systems are analyzed. In order to comprehend the evolution of these systems and identify recent advances and research trends, a survey on the hypertension control problem is provided. For illustration, a state-of-the-art automatic drug infusion controller of Sodium Nitroprusside for the mean arterial pressure is described in detail. The chapter ends with final remarks on future research directions towards a fully automated drug infusion system.

scholarly journals Current therapy for the upper limb after stroke: a cross-sectional survey of UK therapists

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e030262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Stockley ◽  
Rosemary Peel ◽  
Kathryn Jarvis ◽  
Louise Connell
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Current Therapy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Constraint Induced Movement Therapy ◽  
Therapy Interventions ◽  
The Uk

ObjectivesTo survey the reported content, frequency and duration of upper limb treatment provided by occupational and physiotherapists for people after stroke in the UK.DesignA cross-sectional online survey was used. Description and analysis of the data were based on items from the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (Who, Where, What and How much).SettingThe online survey was distributed via professional and social networks to UK-based therapists.ParticipantsRespondents were occupational or physiotherapists currently working clinically in the UK with people after stroke. Over the 6 week data collection period, 156 respondents opened the survey, and 154 completed it. Respondents comprised 85 physiotherapists and 69 occupational therapists.ResultsRespondents reported treating the upper limb a median of three times a week (range: 1 to 7) for a mean of 29 min (SD: 18). Most (n=110) stated this was supplemented by rehabilitation assistants, family and/or carers providing additional therapy a median of three times a week (range 1 to 7). Functional training was the most commonly reported treatment for people with mild and moderate upper limb deficits (>40%). There was much less consistency in treatments reported for people with severe upper limb deficits with less than 20% (n=28) reporting the same treatments.ConclusionsThis study provides a contemporaneous description of reported therapy in the UK for people with upper limb deficits after stroke and a detailed template to inform standard therapy interventions in future research. Several evidence-based therapies were reported to be used by respondents (eg, constraint induced movement therapy), but others were not (eg, mental imagery). The findings also highlight that the current reported provision of upper limb therapy is markedly less than what is likely to be effective. This underlines an urgent need to configure and fund services to empower therapists to deliver greater amounts of evidence-based treatment for people with upper limb deficits after stroke.

Trust in Virtual Communities

2008 ◽  
pp. 2500-2504
Author(s):  
Eun G. Park
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Trust Building ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Trust Establishment ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Technical Solutions

Trust is one of the key factors that emerged as a significant concept in virtual communities. Trust is so complicated that it is hard to define in one standardized way. Trust issues have evolved into two major ways in the fields of virtual community and security. Among a huge literature concerning trust in virtual communities, a majority of literature addresses technical solutions on trust-building by providing new Web-based applications. They range from human users authorization, semantic Web, agent technologies and access control of network to W3C standardization for content trust and security. Some examples include AT&T’s Policymaker or IBM’s Trust Establishment Module (Blaze, Feigenbaum, & Lacy, 1996; Herzberg, 2000). Only a minority deals with understanding the concept of trust and sources of trust-building from social and cultural aspects. It appears to miss the essence of trust in virtual communities, although an integrated approach is needed for building trust in communication and the use of virtual communities. This article aims to present the definition of trust and relevant concepts for recognizing sources of trust-building in virtual communities. This article also presents future research implications for further development on trust and trust-building in virtual communities.

Trust in Virtual Communities

2011 ◽  
pp. 449-451
Author(s):  
Eun G. Park
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Trust Building ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Trust Establishment ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Technical Solutions

Trust is one of the key factors that emerged as a significant concept in virtual communities. Trust is so complicated that it is hard to define in one standardized way. Trust issues have evolved into two major ways in the fields of virtual community and security. Among a huge literature concerning trust in virtual communities, a majority of literature addresses technical solutions on trust-building by providing new Web-based applications. They range from human users authorization, semantic Web, agent technologies and access control of network to W3C standardization for content trust and security. Some examples include AT&T’s Policymaker or IBM’s Trust Establishment Module (Blaze, Feigenbaum, & Lacy, 1996; Herzberg, 2000). Only a minority deals with understanding the concept of trust and sources of trust-building from social and cultural aspects. It appears to miss the essence of trust in virtual communities, although an integrated approach is needed for building trust in communication and the use of virtual communities. This article aims to present the definition of trust and relevant concepts for recognizing sources of trust-building in virtual communities. This article also presents future research implications for further development on trust and trust-building in virtual communities.

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