scholarly journals Closing the Wearable Gap-Part VII: A Retrospective of Stretch Sensor Tool Kit Development for Benchmark Testing

Electronics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1457
Author(s):  
Purva Talegaonkar ◽  
David Saucier ◽  
Will Carroll ◽  
Preston Peranich ◽  
Erin Parker ◽  
...  

This paper presents a retrospective of the benchmark testing methodologies developed and accumulated into the stretch sensor tool kit (SSTK) by the research team during the Closing the Wearable Gap series of studies. The techniques developed to validate stretchable soft robotic sensors (SRS) as a means for collecting human kinetic and kinematic data at the foot-ankle complex and at the wrist are reviewed. Lessons learned from past experiments are addressed, as well as what comprises the current SSTK based on what the researchers learned over the course of multiple studies. Three core components of the SSTK are featured: (a) material testing tools, (b) data analysis software, and (c) data collection devices. Results collected indicate that the stretch sensors are a viable means for predicting kinematic data based on the most recent gait analysis study conducted by the researchers (average root mean squared error or RMSE = 3.63°). With the aid of SSTK defined in this study summary and shared with the academic community on GitHub, researchers will be able to undergo more rigorous validation methodologies of SRS validation. A summary of the current state of the SSTK is detailed and includes insight into upcoming experiments that will utilize more sophisticated techniques for fatigue testing and gait analysis, utilizing SRS as the data collection solution.

Author(s):  
Mateus Corrêa Silveira ◽  
Francielle Marques Pivetta ◽  
Carlos Bolli Mota

Introdução: A análise da marcha permite avaliar parâmetros da marcha de diferentes populações. Frequentemente essas variáveis estão associadas aos eventos que determinam as fases da marcha: o toque do calcanhar e a saída do pé. Os dados fornecidos por plataformas de força são considerados ideais para detectar o instante correto desses eventos, mas o efeito de diferentes frequências de aquisição adotadas para determiná-los não é muito conhecido.Objetivo: Determinar o efeito de diferentes frequências de aquisição de plataformas de força para detectar os eventos da marcha.Métodos: Um homem adulto caminhou na sua velocidade preferida. Os dados cinéticos foram obtidos por duas plataformas de força com frequências de aquisição em 1000 Hz. Após as coletas, os dados foram amostrados novamente em 500 Hz, 250 Hz, 200 Hz e 100 Hz, removendo amostras a partir eliminação de múltiplos. Dois limiares de força foram adotados na detecção dos dois eventos: 5 Newtons e 20 Newtons.Resultados: Os resultados mostraram diferenças entre todas as frequências de aquisição, exceto 250 Hz e 200 Hz, para o toque do calcanhar e a saída do pé em ambos os limiares de força. Um atraso na detecção dos eventos foi observado à medida que a frequência de aquisição diminuía.Conclusão: Maiores frequências de aquisição das plataformas são mais apropriadas para a detecção dos eventos da marcha. Os dados cinéticos podem ser mais precisos para definir os tempos de apoio e balanço do que dados cinemáticos.Determination of Gait Events with Different Force Plate Acquisition FrequenciesIntroduction: Gait analysis allows assessing walking parameters of different populations. Frequently, these variables are associated with events which determine the phases of the gait: the heel strike and the foot off. Data provided by force plates are considered a good mean to detect precise event times, however the effect of different data acquisition frequencies adopted are still unknown.Objective: To determine the effect of different acquisition frequencies of force plates on gait events detection.Introduction: Gait analysis allows assessing walking parameters of different populations. Frequently, these variables are associated with events which determine the phases of the gait: the heel strike and the foot off. Data provided by force plates are considered a good mean to detect precise event times, however the effect of different data acquisition frequencies adopted are still unknown.Methods: An adult man walked in his preferred gait speed. Kinetic data were obtained by two force plates with acquisition frequency of 1000 Hz. After data collection, the data was resampled again in 500 Hz, 250 Hz, 200 Hz e 100 Hz, removing samples by eliminating multiples. Two force thresholds were adopted to detect gait events: 5 Newtons e 20 Newtons.Results: Differences between all frequencies of acquisition were shown, except between 250 Hz and 200 Hz, for both heel strike and foot off and force thresholds. A detection delay is observed as the acquisition frequency decrease.Conclusion: Higher force plates acquisition frequencies are better to detect gait events Kinect data can be more accurate to define stance and swing times than kinematic data.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e049734
Author(s):  
Katya Galactionova ◽  
Maitreyi Sahu ◽  
Samuel Paul Gideon ◽  
Saravanakumar Puthupalayam Kaliappan ◽  
Chloe Morozoff ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo present a costing study integrated within the DeWorm3 multi-country field trial of community-wide mass drug administration (cMDA) for elimination of soil-transmitted helminths.DesignTailored data collection instruments covering resource use, expenditure and operational details were developed for each site. These were populated alongside field activities by on-site staff. Data quality control and validation processes were established. Programmed routines were used to clean, standardise and analyse data to derive costs of cMDA and supportive activities.SettingField site and collaborating research institutions.Primary and secondary outcome measuresA strategy for costing interventions in parallel with field activities was discussed. Interim estimates of cMDA costs obtained with the strategy were presented for one of the trial sites.ResultsThe study demonstrated that it was both feasible and advantageous to collect data alongside field activities. Practical decisions on implementing the strategy and the trade-offs involved varied by site; trialists and local partners were key to tailoring data collection to the technical and operational realities in the field. The strategy capitalised on the established processes for routine financial reporting at sites, benefitted from high recall and gathered operational insight that facilitated interpretation of the estimates derived. The methodology produced granular costs that aligned with the literature and allowed exploration of relevant scenarios. In the first year of the trial, net of drugs, the incremental financial cost of extending deworming of school-aged children to the whole community in India site averaged US$1.14 (USD, 2018) per person per round. A hypothesised at-scale routine implementation scenario yielded a much lower estimate of US$0.11 per person treated per round.ConclusionsWe showed that costing interventions alongside field activities offers unique opportunities for collecting rich data to inform policy toward optimising health interventions and for facilitating transfer of economic evidence from the field to the programme.Trial registration numberNCT03014167; Pre-results.


Author(s):  
M. Shaikh ◽  
C. Bean ◽  
L. Bergholz ◽  
M. Rojas ◽  
M. Ali ◽  
...  

AbstractThere is a pressing need to equip youth-serving community organizations to respond to the unique needs of trauma-exposed children. Early prevention measures can be an effective means of redirecting children to self-regulatory healing, while facilitating their transition toward strength-based thriving. Sport can offer a powerful opportunity to reach these children; however there remains little information on how to effectively develop, deliver, evaluate, and sustain trauma-sensitive sport programs in a community context. The purpose of this paper is to outline a case study of integrating sport-based trauma-sensitive practices with BGC Canada’s national Bounce Back League program. An interdisciplinary partnership of academic, community, and practice experts used a community-based participatory action research approach, paired with a knowledge translational approach, to guide the process of program development. Mixed methods (e.g., surveys, logbooks, interviews, focus groups, online communications) were used to generate ongoing insights of staff’s training experiences, successes and challenges of program implementation, and potential impact of program on club members. Several stages of program development are described, including: (a) collaboratively planning the program; (b) piloting the program to three clubs; (c) adapting the program using pilot insights; (d) expanding the adapted program to ten clubs; and (e) creating opportunities to maintain, sustain, and scale-out practices throughout grant duration and beyond. Lessons learned regarding the leadership team’s experiences in terms of developing, adapting, and integrating trauma-sensitive practices in this community context are shared.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 102-102
Author(s):  
Alice Prendergast ◽  
Kristi Fuller

Abstract Efforts to include community voice in health policy and service planning are gaining recognition and support in the United States. Findings suggest community involvement can contribute to a better understanding of systems and factors that impact health, and, subsequently, more effective and sustainable policy and program design. Additionally, engagement can increase community buy-in, and community members can gain a greater awareness of services; increased confidence navigating systems; feelings of social connectedness; and capacity to advocate around issues through participation. Despite these findings, the extent to which community members are engaged in planning and decision-making varies considerably. Researchers from Georgia State University conducted a review of state plans on aging using the Person-Centered Outcomes Research Initiative (PCORI) Engagement Principles and the Health Research & Educational Trust’s Community and Patient Engagement Spectrum as frameworks to assess evidence of community engagement. The frameworks recognize engagement throughout the planning process, including design, data collection and interpretation, and dissemination. The review revealed that few planning processes described significant engagement, but rather met the minimal requirements established by federal policy. Federal guidance on community-informed planning practices is sparse, as are resources to support states in adopting these processes. To address this gap, the research team drew on the frameworks and other promising practices to design two community engagement projects, both in partnership with Georgia’s Division of Aging Services. Methods for participant engagement, data collection, interpretation and application of results, and lessons learned through both projects will be discussed, as well as potential implications.


Energies ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Stein ◽  
Moe Tun ◽  
Keith Musser ◽  
Richard Rocheleau

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are being deployed on electrical grids in significant numbers to provide fast-response services. These systems are normally procured by the end user, such as a utility grid owner or independent power producer. This paper introduces a novel research project in which a research institution has purchased a 1 MW BESS and turned ownership over to a utility company under an agreement that allowed the institution to perform experimentation and data collection on the grid for a multi-year period. This arrangement, along with protocols governing experimentation, has created a unique research opportunity to actively and systematically test the impact of a BESS on a live island grid. The 2012 installation and commissioning of the BESS was facilitated by a partnership between the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) and the utility owner, the Hawaiian Electric and Light Company (HELCO). After the test period ended, HELCO continued to allow data collection (including health testing). In 2018, after 8500 equivalent cycles, the BESS continues to operate within specifications. HNEI continues to provide HELCO with expertise to aid with diagnostics as needed. Details about the BESS design, installation, experimental protocols, initial results, and lessons learned are presented in this paper.


F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 135
Author(s):  
Raissa Cândido ◽  
Edson Perini ◽  
Cristiane Menezes de Pádua ◽  
Daniela Junqueira

Web-based questionnaires may offer advantages over traditional methods of data collection, including a less administrative workload and reduced respondent burden. However, the implementation of this mode of data collection carries other challenges and may demand more technical expertise to be designed and delivered. Here, we use the preliminary data from a survey developed to estimate the prevalence of methylphenidate use for cognitive enhancement among undergraduate and graduate students, to share the lessons we learned while implementing this online mode of data collection. We show that surveys using a web-based questionnaire should be carried out by a multidisciplinary team with support from Information Science specialists. Limitations to access these resources or budget constraints may demand a considerable effort to assure the success of the survey. Web-questionnaires are usually described as easy to use and economically encouraging. Therefore, we believe our experience, and the lessons we learned, may be a relevant resource for researchers from general backgrounds intending to undertake their first web-questionnaire.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document