Deformation of Angle Profiles in Forward Kinematics for Nullifying End-Point Offset While Preserving Movement Properties

2002 ◽  
Vol 124 (5) ◽  
pp. 490-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xudong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evaluation ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Forward Kinematics ◽  
Movement Model ◽  
New Approach ◽  
End Point ◽  
Position Errors ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Movement Representation ◽  
Reduced Time

This work describes a new approach that allows an angle-domain human movement model to generate, via forward kinematics, Cartesian-space human movement representation with otherwise inevitable end-point offset nullified but much of the kinematic authenticity retained. The approach incorporates a rectification procedure that determines the minimum postural angle change at the final frame to correct the end-point offset, and a deformation procedure that deforms the angle profile accordingly to preserve maximum original kinematic authenticity. Two alternative deformation schemes, named amplitude-proportional (AP) and time-proportional (TP) schemes, are proposed and formulated. As an illustration and empirical evaluation, the proposed approach, along with two deformation schemes, was applied to a set of target-directed right-hand reaching movements that had been previously measured and modeled. The evaluation showed that both deformation schemes nullified the final frame end-point offset and significantly reduced time-averaged position errors for the end-point as well as the most distal intermediate joint while causing essentially no change in the remaining joints. A comparison between the two schemes based on time-averaged joint and end-point position errors indicated that overall the TP scheme outperformed the AP scheme. In addition, no statistically significant difference in time-averaged angle error was identified between the raw prediction and either of the deformation schemes, nor between the two schemes themselves, suggesting minimal angle-domain distortion incurred by the deformation.

A new simpler approach to measure the strength of toe plantar flexion requiring no mechanical restraint with a light-weight device

2021 ◽  
pp. 095441192110029
Author(s):  
Yuko Komuro ◽  
Yuji Ohta
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Simple Approach ◽  
Light Weight ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Mechanical Restraint ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ankle Joints ◽  
The Mean

Conventionally, the strength of toe plantar flexion (STPF) is measured in a seated position, in which not only the target toe joints but also the knee and particularly ankle joints, are usually restrained. We have developed an approach for the measurement of STPF which does not involve restraint and considers the interactions of adjacent joints of the lower extremities. This study aimed to evaluate this new approach and comparing with the seated approach. A thin, light-weight, rigid plate was attached to the sole of the foot in order to immobilize the toe area. Participants were 13 healthy young women (mean age: 24 ± 4 years). For measurement of STPF with the new approach, participants were instructed to stand, raise the device-wearing leg slightly, plantar flex the ankle, and push the sensor sheet with the toes to exert STPF. The sensor sheet of the F-scan II system was inserted between the foot sole and the plate. For measurement with the seated approach, participants were instructed to sit and push the sensor with the toes. They were required to maintain the hip, knee, and ankle joints at 90°. The mean values of maximum STPF of the 13 participants obtained with each approach were compared. There was no significant difference in mean value of maximum STPF when the two approaches were compared (new: 59 ± 23 N, seated: 47 ± 33 N). The coefficient of variation of maximum STPF was smaller for data obtained with the new approach (new: 39%, seated: 70%). Our simple approach enables measurement of STPF without the need for the restraints that are required for the conventional seated approach. These results suggest that the new approach is a valid method for measurement of STPF.

Percentile transformation and recalibration functions allow harmonization of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) immunoassay results

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (10) ◽  
pp. 1663-1672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Padoan ◽  
Aldo Clerico ◽  
Martina Zaninotto ◽  
Tommaso Trenti ◽  
Renato Tozzoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Robust Regression ◽  
Reference Intervals ◽  
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Validation Dataset ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Coefficients Of Variation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Roche Diagnostics ◽  
Stimulating Hormone

AbstractBackgroundThe comparability of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) results cannot be easily obtained using SI-traceable reference measurement procedures (RPMs) or reference materials, whilst harmonization is more feasible. The aim of this study was to identify and validate a new approach for the harmonization of TSH results.MethodsPercentile normalization was applied to 125,419 TSH results, obtained from seven laboratories using three immunoassays (Access 3rd IS Thyrotropin, Beckman Coulter Diagnostics; Architect System, Abbott Diagnostics and Elecsys, Roche Diagnostics). Recalibration equations (RCAL) were derived by robust regressions using bootstrapped distribution. Two datasets, the first of 119 EQAs, the second of 610, 638 and 639 results from Access, Architect and Elecsys TSH results, respectively, were used to validate RCAL. A dataset of 142,821 TSH values was used to derive reference intervals (RIs) after applying RCAL.ResultsAccess, Abbott and Elecsys TSH distributions were significantly different (p < 0.001). RCAL intercepts and slopes were −0.003 and 0.984 for Access, 0.032 and 1.041 for Architect, −0.031 and 1.003 for Elecsys, respectively. Validation using EQAs showed that before and after RCAL, the coefficients of variation (CVs) or among-assay results decreased from 10.72% to 8.16%. The second validation dataset was used to test RCALs. The median of between-assay differences ranged from −0.0053 to 0.1955 mIU/L of TSH. Elecsys recalibrated to Access (and vice-versa) showed non-significant difference. TSH RI after RCAL resulted in 0.37–5.11 mIU/L overall, 0.49–4.96 mIU/L for females and 0.40–4.92 mIU/L for males. A significant difference across age classes was identified.ConclusionsPercentile normalization and robust regression are valuable tools for deriving RCALs and harmonizing TSH values.

A modified resistance to compression (RtC) test for evaluation of natural fiber softness

2022 ◽  
pp. 004051752110694
Author(s):  
Hao Yu ◽  
Christopher Hurren ◽  
Xin Liu ◽  
Stuart Gordon ◽  
Xungai Wang
Keyword(s):  
Compression Test ◽  
Natural Fiber ◽  
Natural Fibers ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Fiber Types ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Single Force ◽  
Different Diameters

Comfort is a key feature of any clothing that relates significantly to softness of the fiber, yarn and fabric from which is it constructed. A known softness assessment method for fibers is the resistance to compression test. This traditional test only provides a single force value for the resistance of a loose fiber sample using a fixed mass under compression. In this research, a modified resistance to compression test was introduced to show the effects of repeated compression, providing more information about the softness and resilience of selected fibers. Three different natural fiber types, including wool, cotton and alpaca were compared using this new approach. The results showed compression profiles were quite different for different fiber types as well as for the same fibers with different diameters. While the diameters of the wool and alpaca samples were similar (18.5 μm), the modified resistance to compression values were significantly higher for wool (with a peak value at 9.5 kPa compared to 2.1 kPa for alpaca). Cotton was different from wool and alpaca but showed a similar modified resistance to compression value (10.4 kPa) to wool. During cycles of compression, modified resistance to compression peak values decreased slightly and then tended to be constant. Even though the structures of wool, cotton and alpaca were quite different, there was no significant difference in the magnitude of decline in modified resistance to compression peak values. This means that the modified resistance to compression test is able to provide additional information on the resilience characteristics of different natural fibers, and can reveal the resistance behavior of fiber samples during cyclic compression.

scholarly journals Deep Reinforcement Learning in Ice Hockey for Context-Aware Player Evaluation

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guiliang Liu ◽  
Oliver Schulte
Keyword(s):  
Reinforcement Learning ◽  
Empirical Evaluation ◽  
Professional Sports ◽  
Ice Hockey ◽  
New Approach ◽  
The Neural Network ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
Game Context ◽  
Player Performance ◽  
Q Function

A variety of machine learning models have been proposed to assess the performance of players in professional sports. However, they have only a limited ability to model how player performance depends on the game context. This paper proposes a new approach to capturing game context: we apply Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) to learn an action-value Q function from 3M play-by-play events in the National Hockey League (NHL). The neural network representation integrates both continuous context signals and game history, using a possession-based LSTM. The learned Q-function is used to value players' actions under different game contexts. To assess a player's overall performance, we introduce a novel Game Impact Metric (GIM) that aggregates the values of the player's actions. Empirical Evaluation shows GIM is consistent throughout a play season, and correlates highly with standard success measures and future salary.

scholarly journals Developing Creativity Through Creative Engagement in Art Appreciation: Outcomes in Teaching Humanities

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 49-59
Author(s):  
Ma Cecilia Alimen ◽  
Pinky Jasmin Poral ◽  
Rhounella Rhane Magpantay ◽  
Rosella Quiros ◽  
Ma Elena Azarcon
Keyword(s):  
Student Engagement ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Art Appreciation ◽  
Personal Reflection ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Outcome Based Education ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Approach To Teaching ◽  
Art Activities

This descriptive-correlational study determined the level of creative engagement as part of humanities teaching in the outcome-based education. This focuses on the dimension of student engagement and creativity in the context of a new approach to teaching and learning primarily through the arts. This study captures student creative engagement supported by their personal reflection after the course term. There were eight (8) classes utilized with 134 students. Results showed that the level of students’ creativity in art appreciation was “high” and it was also “high” when they were grouped as to sex. Creative engagement in art appreciation was considered “highly influential” and it was “highly influential” when they were grouped as to sex. No significant difference was noted in the level of the students’ creative engagement and development of creativity. There was a moderate and positive correlation between the level of the students’ creative engagement and influence of creative engagement in art appreciation classes to their development of creativity. The most highly valued creative engagement practices of students in art appreciation are: “I have developed an appreciation for the local arts;” “I have deepened my sensitivity of myself, my community and the society,” and “Inclusion of art activities demonstrated my understanding of art appreciation.

scholarly journals Video-based quantification of human movement frequency using pose estimation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah L. Cornman ◽  
Jan Stenum ◽  
Ryan T. Roemmich
Keyword(s):  
Pose Estimation ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Quantitative Assessment ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Finger Tapping ◽  
Manual Measurement ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Repetitive Movements ◽  
Movement Frequency

ABSTRACTAssessment of repetitive movements (e.g., finger tapping) is a hallmark of motor examinations in several neurologic populations. These assessments are traditionally performed by a human rater via visual inspection; however, advances in computer vision offer potential for remote, quantitative assessment using simple video recordings. Here, we evaluated a pose estimation approach for measurement of human movement frequency from smartphone videos. Ten healthy young participants provided videos of themselves performing five repetitive movement tasks (finger tapping, hand open/close, hand pronation/supination, toe tapping, leg agility) at four target frequencies (1-4 Hz). We assessed the ability of a workflow that incorporated OpenPose (a freely available whole-body pose estimation algorithm) to estimate movement frequencies by comparing against manual frame-by-frame (i.e., ground-truth) measurements for all tasks and target frequencies using repeated measures ANOVA, Pearson’s correlations, and intraclass correlations. Our workflow produced largely accurate estimates of movement frequencies; only the hand open/close task showed a significant difference in the frequencies estimated by pose estimation and manual measurement (while statistically significant, these differences were small in magnitude). All other tasks and frequencies showed no significant differences between pose estimation and manual measurement. Pose estimation-based detections of individual events (e.g., finger taps, hand closures) showed strong correlations with manual detections for all tasks and frequencies. In summary, our pose estimation-based workflow accurately tracked repetitive movements in healthy adults across a range of tasks and movement frequencies. Future work will test this approach as a fast, low-cost, accessible approach to quantitative assessment of repetitive movements in clinical populations.

scholarly journals A New Modification in Endoscopic Endonasal Dacryocystorhi̇nostomy Scopy-Guided Approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akalın İrfan ◽  
Ahmet Kalkışım ◽  
Hasan Gündoğdu
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Nasolacrimal Duct ◽  
Silicone Tube ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Surgical Success ◽  
Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Endoscopic Dcr ◽  
Anatomical Success

Abstract PurposeTo compare and assess classic endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (cEDCR) and scopy-guided endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (sEDCR) which is a new approach we developed in cases of primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PNLDO).MethodsFifty eyes (7 in both eyes) of 43 patients who applied with epiphora and underwent endoscopic DCR and silicone tube implantation between 2015 and 2019 were prospectively studied. cEDCR was performed on 26 of 50 eyes, and sEDCR was performed on 24 of 50 eyes. In sEDCR application, 5 cc non-ionizing opaque material was injected after punctum dilatation, lateral oblique radiographs were taken from the obstructed side with C-arm scope, and the size and location of the lacrimal sac were made visible. Thence, the most appropriate part of the passage was visualized, and surgical intervention was made through this point. Patients were followed in day 1, week 1, 3rd and 6rd mounth. Functional success was assessed according to Munk scoring, and anatomic success was assessed with nasolacrimal lavage. Two groups were compared according to surgical success, time, and complications.ResultsMean age of the cases were 47.85 (±11.8) in the cEDCR group and 54.29 (±16.23) in the sEDCR group. Female and male gender distribution was 21 (80.8%) - 5 (19.2%) for cEDCR and 15 (62.5%) - 8 (37.5%) for sEDCR, respectively. Functional success was spotted as 92.3% in the cEDCR group and 95.8% in the sEDCR group (p:1.0); anatomical success was spotted as 88.5% in the cEDCR group, and 95.8% in the sEDCR group (p:0,611). There was no significant difference between two groups. Mean surgery time was 43 minutes in the cEDCR group and 48 minutes in the EDCR group. Complications were minor and rare (p >0.05). ConclusionAs we are aware of that, our study is the first in literature in which scopy is used in endoscopic DCR. In our study, the sEDCR approach is assessed as a useful modification which improves success and facilitates surgery.

Effect of Hopping Frequency on Bilateral Differences in Leg Stiffness

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroaki Hobara ◽  
Koh Inoue ◽  
Kazuyuki Kanosue
Keyword(s):  
Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Vertical Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
Lower Extremity Injuries ◽  
Leg Stiffness ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Bilateral Differences

Understanding the degree of leg stiffness during human movement would provide important information that may be used for injury prevention. In the current study, we investigated bilateral differences in leg stiffness during one-legged hopping. Ten male participants performed one-legged hopping in place, matching metronome beats at 1.5, 2.2, and 3.0 Hz. Based on a spring-mass model, we calculated leg stiffness, which is defined as the ratio of maximal ground reaction force to maximum center of mass displacement at the middle of the stance phase, measured from vertical ground reaction force. In all hopping frequency settings, there was no significant difference in leg stiffness between legs. Although not statistically significant, asymmetry was the greatest at 1.5 Hz, followed by 2.2 and 3.0 Hz for all dependent variables. Furthermore, the number of subjects with an asymmetry greater than the 10% criterion was larger at 1.5 Hz than those at 2.2 and 3.0 Hz. These results will assist in the formulation of treatment-specific training regimes and rehabilitation programs for lower extremity injuries.

scholarly journals Isolating peripheral effects of endogenous opioids in modulating exertional breathlessness in people with moderate or severe COPD: a randomised controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 00153-2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Currow ◽  
Toby Hunt ◽  
Sandra Louw ◽  
Danny Eckert ◽  
Peter Allcroft ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Capacity ◽  
Opioid Receptors ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Numerical Rating Scale ◽  
Endogenous Opioids ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Regression Slope ◽  
End Point ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Peripheral Opioid Receptors

Question addressed by the studyEndogenous opioids (endorphins) have been reported to modulate exercise-induced breathlessness, but the relative contribution of peripheral opioid receptors has not been tested.Materials, participants and methodsThis was a double-blind, randomised, three-arm, cross-over trial in outpatients with spirometry-verified moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Participants undertook an incremental symptom-limited treadmill test followed by five endurance treadmill tests at 75% of their maximal work rate; two tests for familiarisation and three tests 30 min after intravenous injection of either methylnaltrexone 0.3 mg·kg−1 (blocking peripheral opioid receptors only) or naloxone 0.1 mg·kg−1 (blocking both central and peripheral opioid receptors) or normal saline, in randomised order. The primary end-point was the regression slope between breathlessness intensity (0–10 numerical rating scale) and oxygen consumption (V′O2) during the walk tests, comparing methylnaltrexone and placebo using a paired t-test.Results17 participants completed the trial: median (range) 66 (55–82) years; 15 males; mean±sd forced expiratory volume (FEV1) 53.8±17.6% predicted; FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio 0.55±15.9. There was no statistically or clinically significant difference in the primary end-point (regression slope of breathlessness intensity and V′O2) for methylnaltrexone (p=0.498) or naloxone (p=0.804), compared to placebo. Secondary outcomes were similar between the three treatment groups, including peak and mean breathlessness intensity and unpleasantness, exercise capacity, endurance time and leg fatigue.Answer to the questionBlocking peripheral opioid receptors (methylnaltrexone) or peripheral and central opioid receptors (naloxone) did not appear to modulate breathlessness intensity nor exercise capacity when compared with placebo (no blockade).

Friestalige Lees- en Taalmethoden

1983 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 79-92
Author(s):  
Koen Zondag
Keyword(s):  
Elementary Education ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Reading Instruction ◽  
Achievement Tests ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
National Language ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Idiomatic Expressions

This paper discusses two methods of reading instruction and two methods of language instruction in Friesland (the Netherlands). In this bilingual area two languages, Frisian and Dutch, are taught in elementary education. The first methods of reading instruction in Frisian were published +_ 1950. 'Stap foar Stap' was implemented in a traditional and an experimental orthography. Comparisons clearly showed the advantage of the latter. Currently a new approach is in use. This approach ('Opstap') emphasizes the simultaneous introduction of Frisian and Dutch. Achievement tests in 1981 and 1982 made clear that the results in Frisian are lower than in Dutch. Apparently teachers still pay more attention to Dutch, the national language, than to Frisian. Methods for language instruction have existed since the beginning of this century. The paper presents an analysis of 'De Foargonger' (first edition 1927) and the 'Taaltwirre' (1981). There is a significant difference in style, idiomatic expressions and vocabulary. The 'Taaltwirre' halts between two opinions: a) an old-fashioned approach and b) a new approach based on childcentered education. Through lack of clarification and consequent elaboration of its objectives and the influence of teachers this method has to be considered as a compromise.

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