Design and Analysis of a Shell Mechanism Based Two-Fold Force Controlled Scoliosis Brace

Author(s):  
Joep P. A. Nijssen ◽  
Giuseppe Radaelli ◽  
Just L. Herder ◽  
Charles J. Kim ◽  
J. B. Ring

In this paper a first iteration of a new scoliosis brace design and correction strategy is presented using compliant shell mechanisms to create both motion and correction. The motion profile of the human spine was found using a segmented motion capture approach. The brace was designed for a case study using a conceptual ellipsoid design approach. The force controlled correction profile was re-invented using a two fold zero and positive stiffness profile. These force generators were built and validated to prove their zero stiffness characteristic. The kinematic part of the brace was detail designed with the correct order of magnitude and validated through their force-deflection characteristic. The end result was a first iteration of a new brace validated and analysed on some critical components which can form the basis for a future biomechanical study.

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-192
Author(s):  
Gertrud Koch

"Operative Ontologien werden in diesem Artikel als relationale kommunikative Situationen vorgestellt, in denen Medien und Technik Teil einer Praxis sind, aber nicht einfach mit dieser zusammenfallen. Die Ontologie bezieht sich auf eine temporäre Konstellation, beispielsweise eine Verknüpfung von Maschine, Körper und Bild, in der die ontologische Frage der Anthropologie perspektivisch immer wieder verschoben wird. Wie das genau zu verstehen ist, wird am Fallbeispiel der Motion-Capture-Technik deutlich, in der durch eine Verschmelzung von Live Action Movie und der animierten Welt der Visual Effects eine permanente Veränderung dessen erfolgt, was als Mensch oder menschliche Umwelt angesehen wird. This article presents operational ontologies as communicative situations in which media and technology are part of a practice, but do not simply coincide with it. Ontology refers to a temporary constellation, for example a link between machine, body and image, which shifts the ontological question of anthropology in perspective time and again. This thesis is further illustrated by a case study of the motion capture technique, whose merging of live action movie and the animated world of visual effects leads to a permanent modification of our notions of the human being and human environment. "


Author(s):  
Christiane Gresse Von Wangenheim ◽  
Nathalia Cruz Alves ◽  
Pedro Eurico Rodrigues ◽  
Jean Carlo Hauck

In order to be well-educated citizens in the 21st century, children need to learn computing in school. However, implementing computing education in schools faces several practical problems, such as lack of computing teachers and time in an already overloaded curriculum. A solution can be a multidisciplinary approach, integrating computing education within other subjects in the curriculum. The present study proposes an instructional unit for computing education in social studies classes, with students learning basic computing concepts by programming history related games using Scratch. The instructional unit is developed following an instructional design approach and is applied and evaluated through a case study in four classes (5th and 7th grade) with a total of 105 students at a school in (omitted for submission). Results provide a first indication that the instructional unit enables the learning of basic computing concepts (specifically programming) in an efficient, effective and entertaining way increasing also the interest and motivation of students to learn computing.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 581-590
Author(s):  
Alexis JP Jacoby ◽  
Kristel Van Ael

AbstractThe field of design practice and design education is reaching out to address problems that cannot be solved by introducing a single product or service. Complex societal problems such as gender inequality cannot be solved using a traditional problem-solving oriented design approach. The specific characteristics of these problems require new ways of dealing with the dynamics, scale and complexity of the problem.Systemic design is a design approach integrating systems thinking in combination with more traditional design methodologies, addressing complex and systemic problems. This paper reports a systemic design approach in an educational context for the case of academic gender inequality. We show the way the problem was addressed and how design students were invited to take a systemic perspective, provide integrated interventions and take first steps in providing instruments for implementation. We conclude with the learnings from this case study, both on the process and the results.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (14) ◽  
pp. 6452
Author(s):  
César Ricardo Soto-Ocampo ◽  
Juan David Cano-Moreno ◽  
José Manuel Mera ◽  
Joaquín Maroto

Increasing industrial competitiveness has led to an increased global interest in condition monitoring. In this sector, rotating machinery plays an important role, where the bearing is one of the most critical components. Many vibration-based signal treatments are already being used to identify features associated with bearing faults. The information embedded in such features are employed in the construction of health indicators, which allow for evaluation of the current operating status of the machine. In this work, the use of contour maps to represent the diagnosis map of a bearing, used as a health map, is presented for the first time. The results show that the proposed method is promising, allowing for the satisfactory detection and evaluation of the severity of bearing damage. In this initial stage of the research, our results suggest that this method can improve the classification of bearing faults and, therefore, optimise maintenance processes.


Author(s):  
Dusan Randjelovic ◽  
Miomir Vasov ◽  
Marko Ignjatovic ◽  
Mirko Stojiljkovic ◽  
Veliborka Bogdanovic

1992 ◽  
Vol 37 (7) ◽  
pp. 964-974 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.E. Rivera ◽  
I.F. Pollard ◽  
C.E. Garcia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Desseauve ◽  
Laetitia FRADET ◽  
Robert B. GHERMAN ◽  
Yosra CHERNI ◽  
Bertrand GACHON ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundGuidelines and description about the achievement of the McRoberts manoeuvre are discordant, particularly concerning the need for abduction before the beginning of the manoeuvre. We sought to compare the biomechanical efficiency of the McRoberts’ manoeuvre, with and without thigh abduction.Methods In a postural comparative study, twenty-three gravidas > 32 weeks of gestational age and not in labour were assessed during three repetitions of two McRoberts’ manoeuvre that differed in terms of starting position. For the (i) McRoberts, the legs were initially placed in stirrups; for the (m) McRoberts, the legs were resting on the bed, with thighs in wide abduction. For each manoeuvre, flexion of the plane of the external conjugate of the pelvis on the spine (ANGce), hip flexion and abduction, were assessed using an optoelectronic motion capture system. Lumbar curve were assessed with Epionics Spine® system. Temporal parameters including movement duration or acceleration of the external conjugate were also computed. All values ​​obtained for the two types of manoeuvres were compared using a Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test. The significance level was defined as p < 0.05.Results The starting position of McRoberts’ otherwise had no effect on the maximum ANGce ( p = 0.199), the minimal lordosis of the lumbar curve ( p = 0.474), or the maximal hip flexion ( p = 0.057). The other parameters were not statistically different according to the starting position ( p > 0.005).Conclusion Regardless of the starting position, the McRoberts’ manoeuvre allows ascension of the pubic symphysis and reduction of the lumbar lordosis. This results imply that the McRoberts’ manoeuvre could be performed with the legs initially placed in the stirrups.


Organizacija ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 272-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeyinka Tella ◽  
Isah Abdulmumin

Abstract Background and Purpose: Many organisations are using the e-payment system; however, its effectiveness has not been determined particularly in the Nigeria context. The University of Ilorin as educational organisation started using e-payment system in 2010 and up till now there has been limited or no study conducted to examine whether or not workers are satisfied with the new payment system together with other related ones they are familiar with. It is in the light of this that this study examined users’ satisfaction with the e-payment system at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Design/Methodology/Approach: A sample of 260 academic and non-academic staff was taken from six out 12 faculties that made up the university. Using a survey research approach data was collected with a modified questionnaire. Five research questions were developed to guide the study. Results: The results revealed that, respondents (93.5%) were adequately satisfied, satisfied and moderately satisfied, while, only (6.5%) of the respondents were less satisfied and dissatisfied. Perceived speed was identified as the characteristics users mostly satisfied with, followed by system security, traceability, and convenience. Moreover, there is significant correlation among the entire e-payment characteristics/factors (perceived speed, security, anonymity, traceability, perceived ease of payment, and convenience); and that all the six factors jointly predict users’ satisfaction with the e-payment system. In order of magnitude of the prediction/contribution to e-payment, users’ satisfaction, perceived speed made the most significant prediction/contribution. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the study concluded a considerable percentage of the respondents (93.5%) are satisfied with the e-payment system at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. In lieu of this therefore, there is need to improve the e-payment system so that all and sundry could be satisfied.


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