scholarly journals Alignment of transtibial prostheses based on rollover shape principles

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. H. Hansen ◽  
M. R. Meier ◽  
M. Sam ◽  
D. S. Childress ◽  
M. L. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
A Priori ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Alignment Algorithm ◽  
Shape Alignment ◽  
Prosthetic Alignment ◽  
Alignment System ◽  
Prosthetic Feet ◽  
The Ideal

The authors examined the rollover shape alignment hypothesis, which states that prosthetic feet are aligned by matching their rollover shapes with an “ideal” shape. The “ideal” shape was considered to be the rollover shape of the ablebodied footankle system. An alignment algorithm and computational alignment system were developed to set transtibial alignments based on this hypothesis. Three prosthetic feet with considerably different rollover shapes were either aligned using the alignment system or not aligned (i.e. used previous foot's alignment), and then were aligned by a team of prosthetists. No significant differences were found between rollover shapes aligned by the computational alignment system and those based on standard clinical techniques (p = 0.944). Significant differences were found between the “no alignment” shapes and the prosthetist alignment shapes (p = 0.006), and between the “no alignment” shapes and the computational alignment system shapes (p = 0.024). The results of the experiment support the hypothesis that the goal of alignment is to match the prosthetic foot's rollover shape, as closely as possible, with an “ideal” shape. The hypothesis is also supported by its ability to explain the results of previous studies. Using an “ideal” rollover shape or surface as a goal for prosthetic alignment could lead to a priori alignment, eliminating the need for alignment hardware in some cases. Being able to build the alignment into a prosthesis without special hardware could be beneficial in lowincome countries and in the fabrication of lightweight prostheses for the elderly.

Cross-cultural metacognition as a prior for humanitarian knowledge: when cultures collide in global health emergencies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tachia Chin ◽  
Jianwei Meng ◽  
Shouyang Wang ◽  
Yi Shi ◽  
Jianxin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Normative Theory ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Business World ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Conflicts

Purpose A serious global public health emergency (GPHE) like the COVID-19 aggravates the inequilibrium of medical care and other critical resources between wealthy and poor nations, which, coupled with the collision of cultures, indicates the vital need for developing humanitarian knowledge transcending cultures. Given the scarcity of literature addressing such unprecedent issues, this paper thus proposes new, unconventional viewpoints and future themes at the intersection of knowledge management (KM) and humanitarian inquiry. Design/methodology/approach This paper is conceptual in nature. The data of the World Bank and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs are analysed to introduce some emerging real impact topics regarding cross-cultural conflicts and humanitarian knowledge in the post-COVID business world. The theoretical foundation was built upon a critical literature review. Findings This paper synthesizes the perspectives of culture, KM and the humanistic philosophy to distil the core component of cultural intelligence and comparatively and thereby illuminating why cross-cultural metacognition acts as a priori for achieving cosmopolitan humanitarian knowledge. Research limitations/implications This paper provides profound implications to academics by highlighting the importance to formulating new, inter-disciplinary themes or unorthodox, phenomenon-driven assumptions beyond the traditional KM domain. This paper also offers practitioners and policymakers valuable insights into coping with the growing disparity between high- and low-income countries by showing warning signs of a looming humanitarian crisis associated with a GPHE context. Originality/value This paper does not aim to claim the birth of a new domain but call for more research on developing a normative theory of humanitarian knowledge as transcendence of cultures. It implies uncharted territories of great interest and potential for the real impact KM community.

scholarly journals Equitable vaccine distribution promotes socioeconomic benefits globally

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nils Stenseth ◽  
Daoping Wang ◽  
Ruiyun Li ◽  
Tianyang Lei ◽  
Yida Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Low Income ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Benefit Sharing ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Distribution Strategy ◽  
Health Gains ◽  
Vaccine Distribution

Abstract Ensuring a more equitable distribution of vaccines worldwide is an effective strategy to control the COVID-19 pandemic and support global economic recovery. Here, we analyze the socioeconomic effects - defined as health gains, lockdown-easing benefit, and supply-chain rebuilding benefit - of a set of idealized vaccine distribution scenarios, by coupling an epidemiological model with a global trade-modeling framework. We find that overall a perfectly equitable vaccine distribution across the world (Altruistic Age-informed Distribution Strategy) would increase global economic benefits by 11.7% ($950 billion) per year, compared to a strategy focusing on vaccinating the entire population within vaccine-producing countries first and then distributing vaccines to non-vaccine-producing countries (Selfish Distribution Strategy). With limited doses among mid- and low-income countries, prioritizing the elderly who are at high risk of dying, together with the key workforce who are at high risk of exposure, is found to be economically beneficial. We further show that such a strategy would cascade the protection to other production sectors while rebuilding the supply chains. Our results point to a benefit-sharing mechanism which highlights the potential of collaboration between vaccine-producing and other countries to guide an economically preferable vaccine distribution worldwide.

scholarly journals Micronutrients - a Global Perspective on Intake, Health Benefits and Economics

2012 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 316-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birgit Hoeft ◽  
Peter Weber ◽  
Manfred Eggersdorfer
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The United States ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Micronutrient Status ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Development And Aging

The link between a sufficient intake of vitamins and long term health, cognition, healthy development and aging is increasingly supported by experimental animal, human and epidemiology studies. In low income countries billions of people still suffer from the burden of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. However, inadequate micronutrient status might also be an issue in industrialized countries. Recent results from nutritional surveys in countries like the United States, Germany, and Great Britain indicate that the recommended intake of micronutrients is not reached. This notably concerns certain vulnerable population groups, such as pregnant women, young children and the elderly, but also greatly influences the general healthcare costs. An overview is provided on the gap that exists between current vitamin intakes and requirements, even in countries where diverse foods are plentiful. Folic acid and vitamin D intake and status are evaluated in more detail, providing insight on health and potential impact on health care systems.

scholarly journals Global Use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine in Childhood Cancer: A Systematic Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 791-800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Diorio ◽  
Catherine G. Lam ◽  
Elena J. Ladas ◽  
Festus Njuguna ◽  
Glenn M. Afungchwi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Complementary Medicine ◽  
Pediatric Oncology ◽  
Active Treatment ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Treatment Abandonment ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) strategies are commonly used in pediatric oncology. Patterns may vary based on country income. We systematically reviewed published studies describing T&CM use among pediatric oncology patients in low-income countries (LIC/LMIC), middle-income countries (UMIC), and high-income countries (HIC). Objectives included describing estimated prevalence of use, reasons for use, perceived effectiveness, modalities used, rates of disclosure, and reporting of delayed or abandoned treatment. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ProceedingsFirst were searched. Inclusion criteria were primary studies involving children younger than the age of 18 years, undergoing active treatment of cancer, and any T&CM use. Exclusion criteria included no pediatric oncology–specific outcomes and studies involving only children off active treatment. Data were extracted by two reviewers using a systematic data extraction form determined a priori. Results Sixty-five studies published between 1977 and 2015 were included, representing 61 unique data sets and 7,219 children from 34 countries. The prevalence of T&CM use ranged from 6% to 100%. Median rates of use were significantly different in LIC/LMIC (66.7% ± 19%), UMIC (60% ± 26%), and HIC (47.2% ± 20%; P = .02). Rates of disclosure differed significantly by country income, with higher median rates in HIC. Seven studies reported on treatment abandonment or delays. Conclusion The use of T&CM in pediatric oncology is common worldwide, with higher median prevalence of use reported in LIC/LMIC. Further research is warranted to examine the impact on treatment abandonment and delay.

scholarly journals Assessing and Improving Fitness to Drive in the Elderly People: a Scoping Review of Policies and Guidelines

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salar Mohammaddokht ◽  
Mohammad Saadati ◽  
Babak Kashefimehr ◽  
Saber Azami-Aghdash
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
English Language ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Driving Ability ◽  
Fitness To Drive ◽  
Safe Driving ◽  
Elderly Driver ◽  
Persian Language ◽  
The World

Abstract Background: Several countries in the world have distinct policies and frameworks to assessment and promote fitness to drive in the elderly. Accordingly, this study has been conducted to analyze the processes, models, and policies to assessment fitness to drive and improving driving in the elderly in the world.Method: Expected data were collected using keywords older, old, elderly, aging, ageing, senior, polic*, process, programme, plan, guideline, framework, driving capacity, driving eligibility, safe drive, fitness to drive, renewal driving license, commercial driver, driving qualification, driving ability, driving evaluation, driving assessment and their Persian equivalents from various English-language databases included: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Persian-language databases Included: IranDoc, SID, and MagIran. In this study, the Arkesy and O’Malley frameworks were employed.Results: Eventually, 24 papers and reports were included in the study. Vision assessment was the main item to judge the fitness to drive in the elderly, followed by driving assessment, cognitive assessment, and motor assessment. The in-person, postal, and online renewal of license were the most common method of renewal. General practitioners were the principal performers to measure driving fitness. In most all reports and papers, there were policies on empowering the elderly driver, including providing safe driving tips, optional driving skills tests, holding retraining courses, and so on. The most significant supporting policies included introducing alternative transportation to preserve the independence of the elderly. This study explained that clinical assessment is normally performed in drivers older than 75 years old to diagnose disorders and treat and prevent them in distinct time periods.Conclusion: Most high-income countries have worthwhile experience in measuring and improving the fitness to drive in the elderly and enforce different laws according to environmental, social, and political conditions. Utilizing these experiences by considering economic and social differences can be useful and practical for middle and low-income countries.

Incidence and epidemiology

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Naiem Moiemen ◽  
Ammar Allouni
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Terrorist Attacks ◽  
Mass Casualties ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Vulnerable Patients ◽  
In Fire ◽  
Vulnerable Adults

Burns is a global injury with devastating outcomes. Over 95% of burns occurs in low-income countries. The incidence is particularly significant in vulnerable groups. Scalds are the commonest injuries in toddlers, followed by contact burns while flame burns are less than 10%. The commonest injury in preschool children is scald followed by contact then flame burns. Flame burns are the commonest in older children over the age of 9 years. The incidence of burns in the elderly is rising especially in high-income countries as the life expectancy increases, however the outcome in this group is still unsatisfactory. Non-accidental burns of children, elderly and vulnerable adults require collaborative managements between different agencies to insure safeguarding vulnerable patients. Although health and legislations has dramatically reduced the number of burns injuries in fire disasters, terrorist attacks has become the commonest source of mass casualties.

Neurological disorder screening in the elderly in low-income countries

2012 ◽  
Vol 259 (10) ◽  
pp. 2189-2197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felicity Dewhurst ◽  
Matthew J. Dewhurst ◽  
Golda Orega ◽  
William K. Gray ◽  
William Howlett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Neurological Disorder ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Low Income Countries

scholarly journals Characterisation of prosthetic feet used in low-income countries

2004 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Sam ◽  
A. H. Hansen ◽  
D. S. Childress
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Spatial Transformation ◽  
Contralateral Limb ◽  
Resonant Frequencies ◽  
Prosthetic Foot ◽  
Foot Function ◽  
Prosthetic Feet

Eleven kinds of prosthetic feet that were designed for use in low-income countries were mechanically characterised in this study. Masses of the different kinds of prosthetic feet varied substantially. Dynamic properties, including damping ratios and resonant frequencies, were obtained from step unloading tests of the feet while interacting with masses comparable to the human body. Data showed that for walking, the feet can be appropriately modeled using their quasistatic properties since natural frequencies were high compared to walking frequencies and since damping ratios were small. Roll-over shapes, the effective rocker (cam) geometries that the feet deform to under walking loads, were determined using a quasistatic loading technique and a spatial transformation of the ground reaction force's centre of pressure. The roll-over shapes for most of the prosthetic feet studied were similar to the roll-over shape of the SACH (solid-ankle cushioned heel) prosthetic foot. All roll-over shapes showed a lack of forefoot support, which may cause a “drop-off experience at the end of single limb stance and shorter step lengths of the contralateral limb. The roll-over shapes of prosthetic feet appear useful in characterization of foot function.

scholarly journals Eliciting Survival Expectations of the Elderly in Low-Income Countries: Evidence From India

Demography ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 673-699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeline Delavande ◽  
Jinkook Lee ◽  
Seetha Menon
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Survival Expectations
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