Contactless Yagi-patch EMG electrodes design and development for prosthetics

Sensor Review ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riaan Stopforth ◽  
Andrew Mangezi
Keyword(s):  
Patch Antenna ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Signal Strength ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Design And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Prosthetic Devices ◽  
Yagi Antenna ◽  
Emg Electrodes ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose A contactless electromyography (EMG) electrodes design and development for prosthetics, particularly the Touch Hand 3, was the main objective of this paper. The correlation between EMG electrodes and patch antenna are described, with the problem relating to the dimensions of the covidien electrodes. The purpose of this paper is to improve the signal strength of the EMG electrodes and having them to not be in contact with the skin to cause irritation in the person. Design/methodology/approach A combination of the contact covidien electrodes and aluminium foil was used to develop electrodes that were in a similar configuration than a Yagi antenna. Different layers of patch elements were designed, developed and implemented. Findings Different layers of Yagi-patch electrodes are tested with different volunteers and compared with the average signal strengths obtained from the covidien electrodes. An improvement in signal strength with the Yagi-patch electrodes has been found. Practical implications The purpose of the work was to design, develop and test EMG electrodes that are cost-effective, reusable and able to improve the signal strengths that are recorded, for better functionality of prosthetic devices. Originality/value The integration of EMG and antennae theory to implement a Yagi-patch EMG electrode to improve on signal reception. The electrodes have the properties of being cheap, easy available, can eliminate direct contact and avoiding patches on the skin. Comparison of different layered electrodes with the contactless electrodes close to the skin. Comparison of the different electrodes on a silicone sleeve, which are commonly worn by amputees, placed between the skin and the prosthetic’s socket. Testing the Yagi-patch electrodes with an application with the prosthetic Touch Hand, to allow for the control of a system such as the Touch Hand.

Design and analysis of a climbing robot for pylon maintenance

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-219
Author(s):  
Xiaolong Lu ◽  
Shiping Zhao ◽  
Xiaoyu Liu ◽  
Yishu Wang
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Adhesion Force ◽  
External Surface ◽  
Climbing Robot ◽  
Design And Development ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rotary Joint ◽  
Inspection And Maintenance ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and development of “Pylon-Climber II”, a 5-DOF biped climbing robot (degree of freedom – DOF) for moving on the external surface of a tower and assisting the electricians to complete some maintenance tasks. Design/methodology/approach The paper introduces a pole-climbing robot, which consists of a 5-DOF mechanical arm and two novel grippers. The gripper is composed of a two-finger clamping module and a retractable L-shaped hook module. The robot is symmetrical in structure, and the rotary joint for connecting two arms is driven by a linear drive mechanism. Findings The developed prototype proved a new approach for the inspection and maintenance of the electricity pylon. The gripper can reliably grasp the angle bars with different specifications by using combined movement of the two-finger clamping module and the retractable L-shaped hook module and provide sufficient adhesion force for the Pylon-Climber II. Practical implications The clamping experiments of the gripper and the climbing experiments of the robot were carried out on a test tower composed of some angle bars with different specification. Originality/value This paper includes the design and development of a 5-DOF biped climbing robot for electricity pylon maintenance. The climbing robot can move on the external surface of the electric power tower through grasping the angle bar alternatively. The gripper that is composed of a two-finger gripping module and a retractable L-shaped hook module is very compact and can provide reliable adhesion force for the climbing robot.

The use of hydroxyethyl cellulose as a transparent filling material in finishing polish

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 323-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jülide Erkmen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose ◽  
Filling Material ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Alkyd Resins ◽  
Volatile Organic ◽  
Water Saturated ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to propose a solution to decrease the environmental pollution caused by alkyd resins that harm the environment during their production and use. Design/methodology/approach A commercially produced polish formulation was used in the study. To reduce the use of this formulation in finishing polish, a water-saturated transparent solution of hydroxyethyl cellulose was used as a transparent filling material. Findings The use of hydroxyethyl cellulose at its optimum concentration in finishing polish only reduced the gloss by 0.027 per cent. The amount of alkyd was reduced by 24 per cent in weight. Research limitations/implications The literature contained highly limited information on this subject. No transparent filling material was found. Thus, no comparison can be made with other studies. Practical implications The results obtained from this study can help manufacturers in the polish industry to produce varnish in a more cost-effective and eco-friendly way. Originality/value Considerable amount of volatile organic compounds released into the atmosphere as a result of the use of solvent-based dye/varnishes in the woodworking industry alone proves the importance of water-based systems. The results of this study indicate both economic and environmental gain.

How absence can make the heart grow fonder

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 19-21
Keyword(s):  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Geographically Dispersed ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Using geographically-dispersed teams presents both opportunities and threats to firms. The option can be cost-effective and employees welcome the chance to operate more flexibly and achieve a better work-life balance. Separation of team members is an obvious problem but can be overcome through effective communication and building a sense of belonging that can generate perceptions of proximity. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals Branding “Halal”: application of a certain religious emotion to attract a specific customer segment

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Sajjad Hosain
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Literature Survey ◽  
Market Segment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Segment ◽  
Food Market ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Islamic Values ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The main purpose of this conceptual paper is to identify and explain the technique of branding “Halal” as a marketing strategy to reach and capture a certain market segment (niche), particularly Muslims. Design/methodology/approach The approach of this paper is descriptive based on literature survey as well as the author’s own opinion, experience and judgment. Findings In many cases, particularly in food market, the term “Halal” is being used to attract the Muslim customers’ religious feelings rather than providing them cost-effective value products. Research limitations/implications The paper is expected to contribute to the theoretical base, as it focuses on the use of religious sentiments in marketing that is worth further research conduction. Practical implications The arguments of this paper can be used by the producers of “Halal” products in including certain features that might satisfy the demands of religious Muslims regarding food products. Social implications This paper can be contributive for the greater needs regarding societal and Islamic values. Originality/value This paper is one of the initial attempts to highlight the religious feelings to attract a specific market segment.

Extent of employee turnover in Nigerian SMEs

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 967-985 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tejumade Omowumi Siyanbola ◽  
Mark W. Gilman
Keyword(s):  
Employee Turnover ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Employment Relationship ◽  
First Century ◽  
Service Firms ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the magnitude of employee turnover (E-turnover) in Nigerian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with particular focus on the manufacturing and service firms adjudged as central to the growth and development of Nigerian economy. Design/methodology/approach Data from 602 employees and 94 owner/managers of SMEs located in three Southwestern Nigerian states were collected through survey questionnaire and analysed quantitatively. Findings Employees’ and management’s responses indicated that E-turnover still pervades the Nigerian SMEs surveyed with most employees leaving their jobs in less than a year of employment. Multiple exits also occurred; additionally, employees were more prone to exiting if they were male, older, had a smaller family size and/or worked in the manufacturing rather than service SMEs. Research limitations/implications More needs to be done to comprehend owner-managers’ apparent deliberate disguise of employee over-casualisation in the SMEs studied, an act that appeared to limit the interpretation of status-related turnover extent among employees. Practical implications Twenty-first century businesses need to stimulate sustainable cost-effective employment relationship capable of thwarting the threat accompanying high E-turnover in businesses. Originality/value Through this research, extant global E-turnover literature (largely on western businesses) is enriched by dedicated empirical data on Nigerian SMEs that this study offers.

Training academy puts a shine on Opel

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 21-22
Author(s):  
David Pollitt
Keyword(s):  
Staff Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Online Training ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Economic Downturn ◽  
Business Growth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
A Company ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the views of the employees of GM Hellas, the subsidiary of the Opel car manufacturer in Greece, with regard to the training they receive from their employer. Design/methodology/approach – It explains that the conclusions are based on the responses of 114 employees and trainees to a survey at Opel’s 22 largest dealers in Greece. Findings – It reveals that the training provided by GM Hellas is viewed positively by most employees. Practical implications – It indicates that GM Hellas could make greater use of online training, which is both popular and cost-effective. Social implications – It highlights how staff development is contributing to the performance of a company that is flourishing, despite the severe economic downturn in Greece. Originality/value – Emphasizes the importance of in-company training for business growth and competitiveness.

scholarly journals Generalisability of advertising persuasion principles

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 301-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byron Sharp ◽  
Nicole Hartnett
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Predictive Accuracy ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Testing Procedure ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sales Effectiveness ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
The Ideal

Purpose – This paper aims to reflect on the generalisability of the predictive validity test of the Persuasion Principles Index (PPI) conducted by Armstrong et al. (2016). Design/methodology/approach – Different aspects of the test are considered, such as the sample of ads, the dependent variable and the comparability of the methods used to predict effectiveness, in terms of how relevant these are to real-world advertising testing. Findings – The sample of ads and the testing procedure may have contributed to the success of the PPI predictions over the other copy-testing methods. The sample of print ads does not bear a close resemblance to current advertising. The competing copy tests do not represent modern advertising copy testing. Research/limitations/implications – More research is needed to test the validity of the principles and the predictive accuracy of the PPI across a range of conditions (e.g. different ads, media, products and cultures). Testing against advertising sales effectiveness would be the ideal next step. Practical/implications – It certainly seems the index method has the potential to help advertisers make better decisions regarding what executions to support, for high-involvement products at least. Given the accessibility of the software, it should be easy and cost effective for advertisers to trial the PPI. Originality/value – This commentary directs researchers to the real-world conditions under which advertising pre-tests need to be evaluated.

How the human-machine interchange will transform business operations

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Butner ◽  
Grace Ho
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Human Mind ◽  
Specific Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Machine learning is beginning to transform the way businesses organize their operations and benefit from technology investments. Design/methodology/approach To learn more about how far along organizations are in deploying intelligent automation and in developing plans and strategies for its adoption, the IBM Institute for Business Value, in collaboration with Oxford Economics surveyed and interviewed 550 technology and operations executives. Findings The primary purpose of intelligent automation is to augment employees’ skills, experience and expertise, extending the human mind in ways that allow for higher productivity, creative problem-solving and more engaging jobs for employees. Practical implications Automation is not a plug-and-play solution: companies cannot just buy the technology, flip the switch and watch robots run the business without any human intervention. Originality/value This recent survey of operations executive with specific knowledge of their companies plans provides insights into best practice. Executives believe that layering new technologies on top of old business processes is apt to be less productive ? and less cost-effective ? than rethinking processes to make the most of intelligent automation. Executives must optimize workflows for automation; this means envisioning the end result, enabling it through logical steps and prototyping the process ? then repairing as necessary before scaling.

Can we alter behaviours without “culture change”?

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 37-39
Author(s):  
Colin Coulson-Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Culture ◽  
Culture Change ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Multiple Objectives ◽  
Performance Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Units ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of the article is to share certain findings of a five-year investigation. Design/methodology/approach – It draws upon under-pinning research reports and analysis of early adoptions of what the evidence suggests is the most affordable route to high performance organisations. Findings – Many corporate culture change programmes are unnecessary if their purpose is to quickly change behaviours and can be problematic in organisations that need to embrace a diversity of cultures and a variety of approaches and behaviours across different functions and business units. Practical implications – Performance support can be a cost-effective way of changing behaviour, ensuring people remain current and competitive and delivering multiple objectives without requiring a change of culture or structure. Originality/value – The article suggests that a “new leadership” and shift of emphasis is required.

AML compliance for foreign correspondent accounts: a primer on beneficial ownership requirements and other challenges

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina N. Davilas
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Due Diligence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legal Professionals ◽  
Beneficial Ownership ◽  
Practical Reality ◽  
Practical Guidance ◽  
Foreign Correspondent ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – To educate on AML legal requirements and issues relative to foreign correspondent accounts, and give practical advice on relatively low-burdensome measures firms can take to help them achieve compliance in this challenging area. Design/methodology/approach – Summarizes AML requirements relevant to foreign correspondent accounts, discusses two related FINRA settlements involving the alleged failure to obtain and verify beneficial ownership information, reviews ongoing regulatory and legislative initiatives (including a FinCEN initiative to require firms to identify beneficial owners and verify their identities), and suggests certain due diligence procedures firms can use to screen foreign correspondent accounts. Findings – One of the fundamental risks that firms face when dealing with foreign correspondent accounts is not knowing their customers' customers. While the current regulatory framework does not, in most cases, explicitly require firms to obtain beneficial ownership information, the practical reality seems to be that obtaining and verifying such information, where possible, could pay substantial dividends in terms of risk assessment and avoidance. Practical implications – In some cases, a variety of cost-effective screening measures can be sufficient for a firm to identify concrete risks so that it may take steps to reduce its own regulatory exposure. Firms should not discount the simple for the elaborate, and should take advantage of the several, cost-effective AML tools and resources that are readily available. Originality/value – Practical guidance for AML officers and other compliance and legal professionals by an experienced financial institutions lawyer.

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