Interaction Force Modeling for Joint Misalignment Minimization Toward Bio-Inspired Knee Exoskeleton Design

Author(s):  
Yanjun Li ◽  
Shuo-Hsiu Chang ◽  
Gerard Francisco ◽  
Hao Su

Roboticists have developed a diverse array of powered exoskeletons for human augmentation and rehabilitation over the last few decades. One of the key design objectives is to minimize the discomfort to enhance the user experience. The high inertia and joint misalignment of conventional rigid exoskeletons are two key factors that cause these problems. Different types of control algorithms have been developed to compensate the inertia and render low impedance to the wearers [1–2].

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 3850
Author(s):  
Ting Liu ◽  
Gabriel Lodewijks

This paper proposed a scheme design for Sydney’s frontport check-in system, which completes check-in and baggage drop-off at Sydney’s Circular Quay, and transports the baggage to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport by waterway, and provided a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of Sydney’s frontport check-in system. Using the process method of quality management, the frontport check-in process was divided into three sub-processes: baggage consignment, baggage packing and transportation, and airport baggage handling. The eight key elements of each sub-process such as input, output, resources, and methods, etc. were discussed, the key factors influencing the cost of baggage transportation were analyzed, and the cost control measures such as adopting economic speed, reducing fuel consumption of the main engine, improving the ship loading rate, and raising loading and unloading efficiency were proposed. At the same time, two different types of baggage transportation ships and other parameters that affect the cost such as the number of berths, ships, lifting machineries, and the yard area were analyzed and calculated through calculation cases. This scheme is a beneficial addition to the existing in-town check-in system.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 342-362
Author(s):  
Xiaodong Yuan ◽  
Xiaotao Li

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how an organization can combine different types of open innovations and what are the key factors that may influence the combination of different open innovations. Design/methodology/approach The basic methodology of this paper is the longitudinal inductive analysis within the conceptual framework of the open innovation proposed by Dahlander and Gann (2010). In this case study of Xiaomi Tech Inc., the open innovation combination is investigated through examining 25 new products created between August 2010 and December 2016 in terms of four general types: acquiring, sourcing, selling and revealing open innovation. Findings In practice, the combination of different types of open innovations can be realized. A firm may combine different open innovations at three levels: a single product level, a related product cluster level and a company level. In addition, different open innovations can be combined in diverse modes. The purpose of combining different types of open innovations is to overcome the disadvantages of each type and to exploit the advantages of all different types. Many factors may affect a firm’s option of how to combine open innovations. At different development stages, a firm may make and implement corresponding strategic direction based on its innovation capacity and internal resource. For a given strategy, the firm needs to create profits and manage intellectual property in the implementation of open innovations. These factors are interacted each other, rather than isolated. Originality/value The findings of this paper are helpful for better understanding how and why an organization can combine different types of open innovations. From a managerial point of view, an organization may combine different types of open innovations to leverage advantages and avoid disadvantages of each certain type of open innovation. An appropriate combination of different open innovations can effectively improve new product development.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 178-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marin Marinov ◽  
Leonardo Di Giovanni ◽  
Giulia Bellisai ◽  
Julian Clevermann ◽  
Anastasia Mastellou ◽  
...  

One of the latest trends in the transport field is the increasing interest for the rejuvenation of the railway. It is considered to be a logical consequence of the gradual switch towards a more sustainable future in transports. Terminals and stations are considered to be the junction points between the various lines that constitute the railway network and can simply be described as points of arrival, departure and interchange of passengers or commodities. The most commonly used indicators that measure the level of their performance are time and cost. This study aims at exploring possible improvements that could be implemented to the infrastructure and the operation of terminals and stations in order to increase the efficiency level. Firstly, drawing upon grounded theory about rail infrastructure and terminals, a description is conducted, followed by a comparative analysis of the different types of existing terminals and stations. Secondly, the suggested improvements are presented in accordance with their time frame completion. The main contribution of this study is to illustrate the high significance of terminals, stations and yards, acknowledging them as crucial parts of the railway network, because as characterized and demonstrated in this study, their performance are key factors to the whole network performance, making the identification of their critical points and respective possible solutions, the final objective of this paper. In addition to this, emphasis is given to the need of improving and developing the existing terminal infrastructure and operations.


2022 ◽  
pp. 409-427
Author(s):  
Mohana Shanmugam ◽  
Nazrita Ibrahim ◽  
Nor Zakiah Binti Gorment ◽  
Rajeshkumar Sugu ◽  
Tengku Nur Nabila Tengku Ahmad Dandarawi ◽  
...  

Online platforms and multiple accesses are two of the necessary conveniences that consumers nowadays look for. A multiple channel strategy allows customer interaction from various angles but does not provide a flawless, coherent user experience. This chapter identifies key factors that drive a successful omni-channel platform and proposes a successful omni-channel strategy framework. A survey consisting of 21 items was administered to gain customers' perspectives on channels provided by a particular company. Descriptive analysis was performed to study the underlying issues faced by customers when making complaints, service request, and enquiries via the multi-channel interaction provided. Findings show that eight technological and four customer engagement factors contribute to a comprehensive omni-channel strategy framework for a deeper understanding on the significance of a flawless user platform.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
H S Adnan ◽  
P M Venticich ◽  
L Prevo ◽  
F Schneider ◽  
S Kremers

Abstract Background Community engagement (CE) and empowerment are required to support the sustainability and effectiveness of actions to reach Agenda 2030. There is a need to guide CE for health and well-being to take action on important societal challenges such as the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and health inequities. The framework proposed in this study has been designed to assist professionals, practitioners and communities to effectively engage. Methods A narrative review of existing grey literature, policy papers and models related to CE was performed. This guided the development of a systematic search strategy, performed by two researchers, which reviewed CE approaches and key influencing factors. The search strategy captured different terms used for CE. Results A total of 27 studies of different types, from around the world, were identified for inclusion into the review. The study compiled a set of widely-used theories and approaches to CE. Key factors such as governance, trust, accessibility and sociocultural contextualisation were also identified as important for the success of CE initiatives. Subsequently, the Comprehensive Community Engagement Framework (CCEF) was developed. It combines theoretical and empirical principles, proven participatory actions and key factors to produce evidence-based health and well-being outcomes across different sectors and levels of society. Conclusions This study has formed the basis of a forthcoming WHO report on CE. The CCEF enables the operationalisation of CE to guide for possible practical approaches to planning, initiating, sustaining and evaluating CE processes alongside the community. It can be used by the health sector as well as the non-health sectors to address health, well-being and broader societal challenges. Key messages The CCEF can be used to engage health and non-health stakeholders to tailor CE processes, increase impact of interventions and policies, building capacity and empowering communities. The proposed framework provides the first comprehensive guidance to conduct community engagement.


2020 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
pp. 65-87
Author(s):  
Laura Gilabert Sansalvador

Over more than ten centuries, Maya vaults had great technical developments that allowed to achieve constructive and structural advanced systems and increasingly improved forms. One of the key factors to consider when studying its temporal evolution and the different regional variants is the stone vaults shape. This work is based on data collected during fieldwork and comparative analysis of a wide sample of vaults from different geographical zones and chronological periods, and as a result proposes a classification of the Maya stone vaults. The study of the influence of stereotomy on its form and the analysis of the use of different types of stone vaults by zones offer new data to understand the technological evolution of vaulted Maya architecture and the transfers of building knowledge.


Author(s):  
Elena Spadoni ◽  
Marina Carulli ◽  
Monica Bordegoni

Abstract Museums have been subjected to important changes in the approach they use to involve visitors. Among the other trends, storytelling and interactive exhibitions are two of the most used approaches used to make exhibitions more interesting for users. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality methods can be effectively used in the context of a museum exhibition to support both storytelling and interaction. The primary objective of the use of these technologies is to make the visit of museums much more engaging, and suitable for different types of visitors. Among the several museums that are moving in this direction, there is the Museo Astronomico di Brera. The museum mainly consists of a corridor, hosting instruments used by astronomers, and the Cupola Schiaparelli, which is an observatory dome. The aim of the research presented in this paper is to develop an interactive Virtual Reality application to be used for improving the users’ experience of visits to the Museo Astronomico di Brera. Specifically, the paper presents a VR application to virtually visit the Dome. Preliminary tests have been carried out for evaluating the users’ sense of presence in the VR environment. An analysis of the collected data is presented in the paper.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (23) ◽  
pp. 6879 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caso ◽  
Carfora ◽  
Starace ◽  
Conner

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world, is associated with different types of cancer, especially cervical cancer. In Italy in 2017 the Italian Ministry of Health introduced a free HPV vaccination programme for 12-years-old boys. In this study we tested an integrated theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model to explain Italian mothers’ intention to vaccinate their sons against HPV. TPB variables plus past behaviour, trust in healthy authorities and anticipated regret were measured by a questionnaire in a sample of 333 Italian mothers of 6–11 years old boys, who were not yet vaccinated against HPV. Results showed that subjective norm was the strongest predictor of mothers’ intention followed by anticipated regret, trust in health authorities, perceived behavioural control and attitude. Mediation analysis found that past behaviour influenced intention via attitude. The discussion considers the relevance of these factors in promoting mothers’ adherence.


Author(s):  
Brian J. Galli

In order for a company to economically survive, it needs to compete with a highly competitive market. The world is changing fast, adding different types of risks to companies. So, companies need to not only meet requirements but also exceed them. At the same time, companies are required to lower the level of risks they may encounter. As a result, continuous improvement and risk management should be key factors to insure company success. This study explores the relationship between the two concepts and gives examples where the interconnections between them exist. Also, the study explains the important key components of continuous improvement and the classifications of risk management. Finally, this article focuses on three aspects, managing complaints, developing strategy, and creating a suitable culture. These aspects are evaluated based on the relationship between continuous improvement and risk management.


2012 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 198-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena T Herruzo ◽  
Ricardo Garcia

Bimodal atomic force microscopy is a force-microscopy method that requires the simultaneous excitation of two eigenmodes of the cantilever. This method enables the simultaneous recording of several material properties and, at the same time, it also increases the sensitivity of the microscope. Here we apply fractional calculus to express the frequency shift of the second eigenmode in terms of the fractional derivative of the interaction force. We show that this approximation is valid for situations in which the amplitude of the first mode is larger than the length of scale of the force, corresponding to the most common experimental case. We also show that this approximation is valid for very different types of tip–surface forces such as the Lennard-Jones and Derjaguin–Muller–Toporov forces.


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