Search Results (472)

Assistive robotic platforms have recently gained popularity in various healthcare applications, and their use has expanded to social settings such as education, tourism, and manufacturing. These social robots, often in the form of bio-inspired humanoid systems, provide significant psychological and physiological benefits through one-on-one interactions. To optimize the interaction between social robotic platforms and humans, it is crucial for these robots to identify and mimic human motions in real time. This research presents a motion prediction model developed using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to efficiently determine the type of motions at the initial state. Once identified, the corresponding reactions of the robots are executed by moving their joints along specific trajectories derived through temporal alignment and stored in a pre-selected motion library. In this study, we developed a multi-axial robotic arm integrated with a motion identification model to interact with humans by emulating their movements. The robotic arm follows pre-selected trajectories for corresponding interactions, which are generated based on identified human motions. To address the nonlinearities and cross-coupled dynamics of the robotic system, we applied a control strategy for precise motion tracking. This integrated system ensures that the robotic arm can achieve adequate controlled outcomes, thus validating the feasibility of such an interactive robotic system in providing effective bio-inspired motion emulation. Full article

To resolve the issue of the difficultly in effectively balancing the output performance improvement, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement of a medium-voltage modular multilevel converter (MMC), a novel MMC (NMMC) topology based on high- and low-frequency hybrid modulation is proposed in this study. Each arm of the NMMC contains a high-frequency sub-module composed of a heterogeneous cross-connect module (HCCM) and N − 1 low-frequency sub-modules composed of half-bridge converters. The high-frequency bridge arm of the HCCM in this study adopts SiC MOSFET devices, while the commutation bridge arm and low-frequency sub-module of the HCCM adopt Si IGBT devices. For the NMMC topology, this study adopts a high/low-frequency hybrid modulation strategy, which gives full play to the advantages of low switching loss in SiC MOSFET devices and low on-state loss in Si IGBT devices. In addition, a specific capacitor voltage balance strategy is proposed for the HCCM, and the working state of the HCCM is analyzed in detail. Furthermore, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed topology, modulation strategy, and voltage balancing strategy are verified by experiments. Finally, the proposed topology is compared with the existing MMC topology in terms of device cost and operating loss, which proves that the proposed topology can better balance the cost and efficiency indicators of the device. Full article

LEVIS is an innovation project funded by the EU Horizon 2020 program. Its main objective is to develop lightweight multi-material solutions based on bio-based materials and carbon fiber thermoplastic composites for electric vehicle components and demonstrating the technical, operational, and economic feasibility of applying eco-design and circular-economy principles into the design process. The project demonstrates the application of these materials in four case studies: a suspension control arm, a battery box, a battery module housing, and a cross-car beam. All demonstrators achieved a 20%-to-40% reduction in component weight, but environmental assessment results varied significantly, with emissions changes ranging from an increase for suspension control arms to a 65.5% decrease for battery modules. Efficient use of materials, particularly in the battery box using hybrid solutions and bonding technologies, showed notable emissions reduction. In contrast, replacing steel with CFRPs in suspension control arms led to increased emissions, suggesting that CFRPs are more effective for replacing high-polluting materials like aluminum. Recycled carbon fibers proved more beneficial for low-polluting materials like steel. The environmental performance of technologies depends on the expected use of EVs and the electricity grid mix, with better outcomes in coal-reliant grids. Finally, no single recycling method is universally superior; the optimal method depends on the specific technologies and the energy required for recycled materials. Full article

African American (AA) individuals experience food insecurity at twice the rate of the general population. However, few patients are screened for these measures in the oncology setting. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate associations between food insecurity and dietary quality in AA patients with gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. The secondary aim was to evaluate differences in dietary quality and the level of food insecurity between the participants at Temple University Hospital (TUH) vs. Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC). A single-arm, cross-sectional study was conducted, in which 40 AA patients with GI malignancies were recruited at FCCC and TUH between February 2021 and July 2021. Participants completed the US Adult Food Security Survey Module to assess the level of food security (food secure vs. food insecure). An electronic food frequency questionnaire (VioScreen^TM) was administered to obtain usual dietary intake. Diet quality was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015). Dietary quality and food insecurity were summarized using standard statistical measures. Overall, 6 of the 40 participants (15%) reported food insecurity, and the mean HEI-2015 score was 64.2. No association was observed between dietary quality and food insecurity (p = 0.29). However, we noted that dietary quality was significantly lower among patients presenting at TUH (mean HEI-2015 = 57.8) compared to patients at FCCC (mean HEI-2015 = 73.5) (p < 0.01). Food insecurity scores were also significantly higher in the TUH population vs. the FCCC population (p < 0.01). Full article

This study includes an ergonomic evaluation of patient lifting motion performed by healthcare specialists. This analysis focuses on the neck, shoulder, and elbow, as these are statistically significant areas with insufficient research data. Data collection was conducted using the Movella Xsens system as a standard 17 IMU (inertia measurement unit) marker set. A total of 44 test subjects participated, resulting in 396 measurements. A mathematical model was presented, including the main expressions and a three-dimensional moment arm of the shoulder calculation determining both the moment and accumulated moment. The patient load profile was measured in the experiment and parametrically integrated into the mathematical model. Ergonomic limits were calculated and presented, showing that during the lifting motion, the neck exceeds its ergonomic limit by 66%, the shoulders by 49%, and the elbow by 76%. The accumulated moment can vary by up to 23% depending on different evaluated techniques or data cross-sections. The model was verified by comparing it with data from other experiments, and recommendations were presented based on the findings, along with suggestions for future research development in the area. Full article

Dental practitioners, as part of their work, are exposed to a variety of hazards. This highlights the ongoing need for attention to occupational health in the dental field. A cross-sectional study was organised to investigate the range, prevalence, and associated factors for occupational health problems related to dental practice among Cambodian dentists. Participants underwent a face-to-face interview to explore dentists work-related health problems; 106 Cambodian dentists participated in this study, of which 68.9% were male. Ages ranged from 29 to 71 years, averaging 36.1 years, with the majority (77.4%) in the 29–40 age group. They had 5 to 18 years of practice experience, and worked an average of 52.2 h per week. Commonly reported health issues included back pain (88.7%), headaches (81.1%), shoulder pain (78.3%), arm/hand pain (57.5%), and eye problems (48.1%). Additionally, 38.7% of participants felt stressed and 19.8% depressed. Some reported suicidal thoughts and taking medication for depression. Despite these challenges, 91.5% enjoyed practicing dentistry. These findings highlight the need for interventions and strategies to address the physical and mental well-being of Cambodian dentists. By addressing these issues, steps can be taken to enhance the working conditions and professional satisfaction of dental professionals, ultimately benefiting both the practitioners and their patients. Full article

Introduction: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a hereditary disorder primarily caused by mutations in type I collagen genes, resulting in bone fragility, deformities, and functional limitations. Studies on upper extremity deformities and associated functional impairments in OI are limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate upper extremity deformities and functional outcomes in OI. Methods: We included patients regardless of their OI subtypes with a minimum age of 7 years. Radiographic analysis of radial head dislocation, ossification of the interosseous membrane, and/or radioulnar synostosis of the forearm were performed, and deformity was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (qDASH) questionnaire and shoulder-elbow-wrist range of motion (ROM). Three-dimensional motion analysis of the upper limb was conducted using the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP). The SHAP quantifies execution time through the Linear Index of Function (LIF) and assesses the underlying joint kinematics using the Arm Profile Score (APS). Additionally, the maximum active Range of Motion (aRoM) was measured. Results: Fourteen patients aged 8 to 73 were included. Radiographic findings revealed diverse deformities, including radial head dislocation, interosseous membrane ossification, and radioulnar synostosis. Six patients had mild, six moderate, and two severe deformities of the upper extremity. Severe deformities and radial head dislocation correlated with compromised ROM and worse qDASH scores. The qDASH score ranged from 0 to 37.5 (mean 11.7). APS was increased, and LIF was reduced in OI-affected persons compared with non-affected peers. APS and LIF also varied depending on the severity of bony deformities. aRoM was remarkably reduced for pro-supination. Conclusion: Patients with OI showed variable functional impairment from almost none to severe during daily life activities, mainly depending on the magnitude of deformity in the upper extremity. Larger multicenter studies are needed to confirm the results of this heterogeneous cohort. Level of evidence: Retrospective clinical study; Level IV. Full article

This paper deals with the design and kinematic analysis of a novel mechanism for the elbow joint of an upper-limb exoskeleton, with the aim of helping operators, in terms of effort and physical resistance, in carrying out heavy operations. In particular, the proposed eight-bar elbow joint exoskeleton mechanism consists of a motorized Watt I six-bar linkage and a suitable RP dyad, which connects mechanically the external parts of the human arm with the corresponding forearm by hook and loop velcro, thus helping their closing relative motion for lifting objects during repetitive and heavy operations. This relative motion is not a pure rotation, and thus the upper part of the exoskeleton is fastened to the arm, while the lower part is not rigidly connected to the forearm but through a prismatic pair that allows both rotation and sliding along the forearm axis. Instead, the human arm is sketched by means of a crossed four-bar linkage, which coupler link is considered as attached to the glyph of the prismatic pair, which is fastened to the forearm. Therefore, the kinematic analysis of the whole ten-bar mechanism, which is obtained by joining the Watt I six-bar linkage and the RP dyad to the crossed four-bar linkage, is formulated to investigate the main kinematic performance and for design purposes. The proposed algorithm has given several numerical and graphical results. Finally, a double-parallelogram linkage, as in the particular case of the Watt I six-bar linkage, was considered in combination with the RP dyad and the crossed four-bar linkage by giving a first mechanical design and a 3D-printed prototype. Full article

The combine harvester equipped with attitude-adjustment functionality significantly enhances its adaptability to complex terrain but often struggles to maintain the reliability of its mechanisms. Therefore, investigating the dynamic load characteristics of the attitude-adjustment mechanism becomes imperative. This article employed the DEM–FMBD (Discrete Element Method–Flexible Multibody Dynamics) bidirectional coupling simulation method to establish a multibody dynamic model of a tracked combine harvester. The study delved into the interaction mechanism and dynamic stress response characteristics between the tracked chassis and the complex terrain under various height adjustments, lateral adjustment angles, longitudinal adjustment angles, and different field-ridge crossing methods. Finally, the accuracy of the coupled simulation model was validated through a constructed stress detection system. The research findings revealed that the displacement and tilt angle deviation of the hydraulic cylinders utilized to execute the chassis adjustment actions in the constructed coupled simulation model was less than 5%, and the deviation between the simulation results and the actual maximum dynamic stress under multiple working conditions ranged from 7% to 15%. This verification confirmed the effectiveness of the DEM–FMBD coupled simulation method. Under different adjustment conditions, the maximum stress position was consistently distributed in the same area of the left-front and left-rear rotating arms. The primary and secondary effects of the various parts of the adjustment mechanism on the overall reliability of the chassis were as follows: left front > right front > left rear > right rear. By implementing the middle height with the adjustment strategy, the dynamic stress extreme value of the adjustment mechanism can be effectively reduced by 21.98%, thereby enhancing the structural stability of the chassis. Full article

The wild species Thinopyrum intermedium (genome JJJ^SJ^SStSt) serves as a valuable germplasm resource providing novel diseases resistance and agronomically important genes for wheat improvement. Two wheat-Th. intermedium partial amphiploids, TAI7045 (2n = 56) and 78784 (2n = 56), exhibit high resistance to stripe rust and powdery mildew, and their chromosome constitutions have been characterized. With the aim to transfer novel resistance genes from Th. intermedium, the crosses of common wheat line MY11 with TAI7045 and 78784 were produced, and their individual F₂-F₅ progenies were characterized using sequential non-denaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH) and molecular markers. We identified a set of wheat-Th. intermedium addition lines, involving the chromosomes 1St-J^S, 2St, 2St-J^S, 3St, 4J, 4St, 5St, 5J.St, 6J^S.J, and 7J^S. Above all, the stable wheat-Th. intermedium small segmental translocation lines with chromosomes 4DS.4DL-4StL-4DL-4JL and 4DS.4DL-4StL-4DL were selected. Combining data from specific marker amplification and resistance evaluation, we mapped the gene(s) for resistance to powdery mildew and stripe rust in the 233.56–329.88 Mb region of the long arm of the 4St chromosome from the reference Th. intermedium genome. The new wheat-Th. intermedium introgressions will be used as novel germplasm for breeding purposes. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the anthropometric characteristics of streetlifting athletes in the different body weight categories and to develop specific equations to predict the individual performance in the different exercises included in competitive programs (chin-up, dip, muscle-up and squat). A total of 79 athletes (60 men and 19 women; age: 26.1 ± 6.4 y; body mass: 72.7 ± 13.2 kg; height: 171.7 ± 8.9 cm) were tested in accordance with the Italian National championships. Athletes were tested for anthropometry and body composition before the competition, and the performance in each lift was registered. A partial correlation of 0.47 and 0.60 was detected between arm girth and chin-up and dip performance, respectively. On the contrary, body fat was negatively correlated with the same exercises (r = −0.42). Squat performance appeared mainly determined by fat-free mass and thigh cross-sectional area, while body fat did not affect the performance in this exercise. The prediction equations developed were based on anthropometric and body composition parameters and showed near-perfect correlations with the participants’ competitive results (R² between 0.66 and 0.90). The normative data presented in this investigation and the prediction equations developed may help coaches and practitioners in athlete evaluation and comprehension of the key factor of streetlifting performance. Full article

Currently, the lack of physical activity can lead to health problems, with the increase in obesity in children between 8 and 18 years old being of particular interest because it is a formative stage. One of the aspects of trying to solve this problem is the need for a standardized, less subjective, and more efficient method of evaluating physical condition in these children compared to traditional approaches. Objective: Develop a multiplatform based on computer vision technology that allows the evaluation of the physical fitness of schoolchildren using smartphones. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on schoolchildren aged 8 to 18 years of both sexes. The sample was 228 schoolchildren (128 boys and 108 girls). Anthropometric measurements of weight, height, and waist circumference were evaluated. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Four physical tests were evaluated: flexibility (sit and reach), horizontal jump (explosive strength), biceps curl (right arm strength resistance), and sit-ups (abdominal muscle resistance). With the information collected traditionally and by filming the physical tests, a computer vision system was developed to evaluate physical fitness in schoolchildren. Results: The implemented system obtained an acceptable level of precision, reaching 94% precision in field evaluations and a percentage greater than 95% in laboratory evaluations for testing. The developed mobile application also obtained a high accuracy percentage, greater than 95% in two tests and close to 85% in the remaining two. Finally, the Systematic Software Quality Model was used to determine user satisfaction with the presented prototype. Regarding usability, a satisfaction level of 97% and a reliability level of 100% was obtained. Conclusion: Compared to traditional evaluation and computer vision, the proposal was satisfactorily validated. These results were obtained using the Expanded Systematic Software Quality Model, which reached an “advanced” quality level, satisfying functionality, usability, and reliability characteristics. This advance demonstrates that the integration of computer vision is feasible, highly effective in the educational context, and applicable in the evaluations of physical education classes. Full article

In 2020 it is estimated that 281 million people were international migrants. Migrants constitute a potentially vulnerable population in terms of facing discrimination, poor living and housing conditions, and insufficient access to healthcare services. Due to the armed conflict in Ukraine in 2022, almost 10 million people crossed the Polish border within a year of the outbreak of the conflict. The objective of this paper is to present the use of primary healthcare services by people migrating from Ukraine to Poland and identify the barriers in access to healthcare by this group of persons. This study used a qualitative research technique in the form of an expert interview using individual in-depth interviews (IDI). The study group consisted of professionally active primary healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, and facility managers) in Poland. Research was carried out in the areas regarding the availability of healthcare, the potential threats and challenges, and possible system solutions. The results showed that the most common cause for doctor’s appointments among migrants are respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Many cases were related to back pain, mainly resulting from the physical work of the patients. Additionally, some barriers to access and the provision of healthcare services for patients from Ukraine were identified. The majority (75%) of respondents indicated language as a significant barrier when providing services. Based on the study results, we recommend creating a dedicated website and telephone hotline for this group of persons as well as the use of traditional media to distribute information about access to healthcare services. It is also essential to focus on assistance for older people, since they may experience more difficulties with language and navigating the healthcare system. Full article

Cable-stiffened steel columns (CSSC) have a high load-carrying capacity and strong stability compared to ordinary steel columns. In practical engineering, the connection between the crossarm and main column of a CSSC is usually welded. However, the welding-residual stress adversely affects the steel column. In this study, pre-cast CSSCs, with a pinned connection between the crossarm and main column, are presented. The new type of pre-cast CSSCs avoid the welding-residual and are easy to disassemble. A model test and numerical analysis of its global stability behavior under eccentric compression is conducted. Based on the analysis, the buckling modes of these columns are defined and a method for determining the governing imperfection in a nonlinear buckling analysis is proposed. The effects of slenderness ratio, cross-arm length, cable diameter, and other parameters on the load-carrying capacities of the columns are investigated using the proposed method. The results of this study can be used as a reference for the engineering designs and specifications of pre-cast CSSCs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hand grip strength (HGS) is a crucial measure for evaluating muscle function and general physical ability, and it may be associated with several diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated inconsistent associations between anthropometric measurement and body composition with HGS. This study aims to investigate the association between anthropometric measurement and body composition with HGS in the elderly population residing in Indonesia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on older adults aged between 60 and 82 years who live in the community. Anthropometric parameters assessed in this study comprised the body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), calf circumference (CC), and waist circumference (WC). Subsequently, body composition measurements, including fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and the appendicular skeletal mass index (ASMI), were assessed using a body composition analyzer. Last, the measurement of HGS was conducted using a hand dynamometer. Results: A total of 109 participants were involved in this study. Our study demonstrates a significant association between anthropometric parameters, namely CC and HGS. Subsequently, several body composition parameters, including FFM, SMM, ASMI, and MM in the four extremities, are also significantly associated with HGS. However, in a multivariate analysis, only CC and FFM were able to significantly predict HGS. Conclusions: Improving CC and maintaining FFM may enhance muscle strength in older adults. This suggests that targeted exercise and nutrition programs could increase muscle mass and strength, thereby mitigating age-related decline and improving quality of life. Full article