scholarly journals A wearable light-touch contact device for human balance support

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keisuke Shima ◽  
Koji Shimatani ◽  
Mami Sakata
Keyword(s):  
Postural Sway ◽  
Voice Coil Motor ◽  
Prototype System ◽  
Light Touch ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Virtual Forces ◽  
Human Balance ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Support Evaluation

AbstractThere is an urgent need for the development of ways to address the major issue of falls among today’s globally aging population. The authors here outline a new approach referred to as virtual light-touch contact to mitigate postural sway during ambulatory and stationary periods, and propose a wearable light-touch (WLT) system featuring a virtual partition around the user that allows determination of virtual forces resulting from related contact. The data produced are used to create vibrotactile fingertip feedback, which supports comprehensive perception of the partition. Non-impaired subjects were recruited to support evaluation of the prototype system (incorporating tactile stimulation and motion-capture technology), with outcomes showing successful mitigation of postural sway in a heel-to-toe tandem stance. Research performed with 150 able-bodied volunteers to validate the performance of the new set-up (incorporating an acceleration sensor and a voice coil motor to render the light-touch effect) suggested that the proposed WLT approach supports human balance on a level comparable to that of the light-touch effect.

scholarly journals An approach to identify time consistent model parameters: sub-period calibration

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Gharari ◽  
M. Hrachowitz ◽  
F. Fenicia ◽  
H. H. G. Savenije
Keyword(s):  
Model Performance ◽  
Realistic Model ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Consistent Model ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Consistent Parameter

Abstract. Conceptual hydrological models rely on calibration for the identification of their parameters. As these models are typically designed to reflect real catchment processes, a key objective of an appropriate calibration strategy is the determination of parameter sets that reflect a "realistic" model behavior. Previous studies have shown that parameter estimates for different calibration periods can be significantly different. This questions model transposability in time, which is one of the key conditions for the set-up of a "realistic" model. This paper presents a new approach that selects parameter sets that provide a consistent model performance in time. The approach consists of testing model performance in different periods, and selecting parameter sets that are as close as possible to the optimum of each individual sub-period. While aiding model calibration, the approach is also useful as a diagnostic tool, illustrating tradeoffs in the identification of time-consistent parameter sets. The approach is applied to a case study in Luxembourg using the HyMod hydrological model as an example.

scholarly journals Moving beyond traditional model calibration or how to better identify realistic model parameters: sub-period calibration

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1885-1918
Author(s):  
S. Gharari ◽  
M. Hrachowitz ◽  
F. Fenicia ◽  
H. H. G. Savenije
Keyword(s):  
Model Calibration ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Realistic Model ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Consistent Model ◽  
Set Up

Abstract. Conceptual hydrological models often rely on calibration for the identification of their parameters. As these models are typically designed to reflect real catchment processes, a key objective of an appropriate calibration strategy is the determination of parameter sets that reflect a "realistic" model behavior. Previous studies have shown that parameter estimates for different calibration periods can be significantly different. This questions model transposability in time, which is one of the key conditions for the set-up of a "realistic" model. This paper presents a new approach that selects parameter sets that provide a consistent model performance in time. The approach consists of confronting model performance in different periods, and selecting parameter sets that are as close as possible to the optimum of each individual sub-period. While aiding model calibration, the approach is also useful as a diagnostic tool, illustrating tradeoffs in the identification of time consistent parameter sets. The approach is demonstrated in a case study where we illustrate the multi-objective calibration of the HyMod hydrological model to a Luxembourgish catchment.

The Dudley Lee Case: A new approach to factual causation and its implications for transformative jurisprudence

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 273-289
Author(s):  
Anmari Meerkotter
Keyword(s):  
Case Note ◽  
Constitutional Court ◽  
Recent Contribution ◽  
New Approach ◽  
State Accountability ◽  
The Law ◽  
Transformative Impact ◽  
Constitutional Jurisprudence ◽  
Law Of Delict

The Constitutional Court (CC) judgment of Lee v Minister of Correction Services 2013 2SA 144 (CC) is a recent contribution to transformative constitutional jurisprudence in the field of the law of delict. This matter turned on the issue of factual causation in the context of wrongful and negligent systemic omissions by the state. In this case note, I explore the law relating to this element of delictual liability with specific regard to the traditional test for factual causation – the conditio sine qua non (‘but-for’) test. In particular, I note the problems occasioned by formalistic adherence to this test in the context of systemic state omissions as evidenced by the SCA judgment in the same matter. I also consider the manner in which English courts have addressed this problem. Thereafter, I analyse the CC’s broader approach to the determination of factual causation as one based on common sense and justice. I argue that this approach endorses a break from a formalistic application of the test and constitutes a step towards an approach which resonates with the foundational constitutional values of freedom, dignity and equality. Furthermore, it presents an appropriate solution to the problems associated with factual causation where systemic omissions are concerned. I then consider the transformative impact of the Lee judgment. In particular, I argue that the broader enquiry favoured by the CC facilitates the realisation of constitutionally guaranteed state accountability, and amounts to an extension of the existing norm of accountability jurisprudence. Hence, I contend that the judgment presents a further effort by the Constitutional Court to effect wholesale the constitutionalisation of the law of delict, as well as a vindicatory tool to be used by litigants who have been adversely affected by systemic state omissions.

Automatic Determination of Optimal FIB Operations for Improved Circuit Probing and Fast Reconfiguration

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romain Desplats ◽  
Timothee Dargnies ◽  
Jean-Christophe Courrege ◽  
Philippe Perdu ◽  
Jean-Louis Noullet
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Circuit ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Semiconductor Devices ◽  
Front Side ◽  
Automatic Determination ◽  
Metal Line ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Metal Layers

Abstract Focused Ion Beam (FIB) tools are widely used for Integrated Circuit (IC) debug and repair. With the increasing density of recent semiconductor devices, FIB operations are increasingly challenged, requiring access through 4 or more metal layers to reach a metal line of interest. In some cases, accessibility from the front side, through these metal layers, is so limited that backside FIB operations appear to be the most appropriate approach. The questions to be resolved before starting frontside or backside FIB operations on a device are: 1. Is it do-able, are the metal lines accessible? 2. What is the optimal positioning (e.g. accessing a metal 2 line is much faster and easier than digging down to a metal 6 line)? (for the backside) 3. What risk, time and cost are involved in FIB operations? In this paper, we will present a new approach, which allows the FIB user or designer to calculate the optimal FIB operation for debug and IC repair. It automatically selects the fastest and easiest milling and deposition FIB operations.

Respirometry for determination of the influents SS-concentration

1996 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 311-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Witteborg ◽  
A. van der Last ◽  
R. Hamming ◽  
I. Hemmers
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Substrate Concentration ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Activated Sludge Process ◽  
Respiration Rates ◽  
On Line ◽  
Large Measurement ◽  
Set Up

A method is presented for determining influent readily biodegradable substrate concentration (SS). The method is based on three different respiration rates, which can be measured with a continuous respiration meter which is operated in a cyclic way. Within the respiration meter nitrification is inhibited through the addition of ATU. Simulations were used to develop the respirometry set-up and decide upon the experimental design. The method was tested as part of a large measurement programme executed at a full-scale plant. The proposed respirometry set-up has been shown to be suitable for a semi-on-line determination of an influent SS which is fully based on the IAWQ #1 vision of the activated sludge process. The YH and the KS play a major role in the principle, and should be measured directly from the process.

Determination of trace concentrations of copper by FIA-FAAS after preconcentration on chelating sorbents

1989 ◽  
Vol 54 (7) ◽  
pp. 1785-1794 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vlastimil Kubáň ◽  
Josef Komárek ◽  
Zbyněk Zdráhal
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Frequency ◽  
Copper Determination ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Sample Injection ◽  
Injection Flow ◽  
Chelating Sorbents ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Trace Concentrations ◽  
Better Than

A FIA-FAAS apparatus containing a six-channel sorption equipment with five 3 x 26 mm microcolumns packed with Spheron Oxin 1 000, Ostsorb Oxin and Ostsorb DTTA was set up. Combined with sorption from 0.002M acetate buffer at pH 4.2 and desorption with 2M-HCl, copper can be determined at concentrations up to 100, 150 and 200 μg l-1, respectively. For sample and eluent flow rates of 5.0 and 4.0 ml min-1, respectively, and a sample injection time of 5 min, the limit of copper determination is LQ = 0.3 μg l-1, repeatability sr is better than 2% and recovery is R = 100 ± 2%. The enrichment factor is on the order of 102 and is a linear function of time (volume) of sample injection up to 5 min and of the sample injection flow rate up to 11 ml min-1 for Spheron Oxin 1 000 and Ostsorb DTTA. For times of sorption of 60 and 300 s, the sampling frequency is 70 and 35 samples/h, respectively. The parameters of the FIA-FAAS determination (acetylene-air flame) are comparable to or better than those achieved by ETA AAS. The method was applied to the determination of traces of copper in high-purity water.

Extra-Column Effects in Determination of Rate Parameters by the Chromatographic Method

1996 ◽  
Vol 61 (6) ◽  
pp. 844-855 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Šolcová ◽  
Petr Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Chromatographic Method ◽  
Dynamic Method ◽  
Axial Dispersion ◽  
Transport Parameters ◽  
Porous Particles ◽  
Loop Detector ◽  
Single Pellet ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Extra Column Effects

It was shown that the sampling loop, detector and connecting elements in the chromatographic set-up for determination of transport parameters by the dynamic method significantly influence the response peaks from columns packed with porous or nonporous particles. A method, based on the use of convolution theorem, was developed which can take these effects into account. The applicability of this method was demonstrated on the case of axial dispersion in a single-pellet-string column (SPSR) packed with nonporous particles. It is possible to handle also responses from columns packed with porous particles by a similar procedure.

scholarly journals New Method for Analysis of the Temporomandibular Joint Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 3070
Author(s):  
Sebastian Iwaszenko ◽  
Jakub Munk ◽  
Stefan Baron ◽  
Adam Smoliński
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Temporomandibular Joint ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Cone Beam Computed Tomography ◽  
Cone Beam ◽  
Section Plane ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Volume Of Interest ◽  
Gap Width

Modern dentistry commonly uses a variety of imaging methods to support diagnosis and treatment. Among them, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is particularly useful in presenting head structures, such as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The determination of the morphology of the joint is an important part of the diagnosis as well as the monitoring of the treatment results. It can be accomplished by measurement of the TMJ gap width at three selected places, taken at a specific cross-section. This study presents a new approach to these measurements. First, the CBCT images are denoised using curvilinear methods, and the volume of interest is determined. Then, the orientation of the vertical cross-section plane is computed based on segmented axial sections of the TMJ head. Finally, the cross-section plane is used to determine the standardized locations, at which the width of the gap between condyle and fossa is measured. The elaborated method was tested on selected TMJ CBCT scans with satisfactory results. The proposed solution lays the basis for the development of an autonomous method of TMJ index identification.

Telephone-based consultation in an acute eye clinic service: A patient satisfaction survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110307
Author(s):  
Julia Sieberer ◽  
Patrick Hughes ◽  
Indy Sian
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
New Approach ◽  
High Satisfaction ◽  
Negative Comments ◽  
Patient Responses ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Strongly Agree ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Park Hospital

Objectives: The coronavirus pandemic has forced healthcare staff across all medical specialties to adapt new and different ways of working. A new approach has been set up in the Acute Referral Clinic (ARC) at Musgrove Park Hospital and a survey has been conducted to measure the impact of the new method on patient and healthcare professionals’ satisfaction with the new service. Methods: A telephone-based consultation was introduced in ARC at Musgrove Park Hospital in March 2020 and patients were instructed to fill out a questionnaire containing eight items using a Likert Scale 1 (‘very poor/disagree’) to 4 (‘very good/strongly agree’) plus two boxes for open positive and negative comments respectively. Likewise a questionnaire was designed in order to assess the healthcare professionals’ satisfaction using the new approach. Data collection took place over a two month period between the end of March 2020 and end of May 2020. The data underwent quality control and was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Patient responses illustrated high satisfaction scores with an overall rating of very good (89.4%). The healthcare professionals’ rating of the service was good (28.6% – ‘very good/strongly agree’, 57.1% – ‘good/agree’). The safety rating of the new approach was overall rated ‘very good’ with 90.4% and 71.4% of patients and healthcare professionals respectively. Conclusions: The telephone consultations introduced in the wake of COVID-19 are well accepted by both patients and doctors. There are some limitations of the approach, foremost being consultation time and clinic space but these do not outweigh the general benefit of this format amidst a pandemic setting.

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