scholarly journals Unobtrusive Support System for Prevention of Dangerous Health Conditions in Wheelchair Users

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego E. Arias ◽  
Esteban J. Pino ◽  
Pablo Aqueveque ◽  
Dorothy W. Curtis
Keyword(s):  
Vital Signs ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Alarm System ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Pressure Relief ◽  
Wheelchair Users ◽  
Watching Tv

This paper presents an assistive device for wheelchair users with severe disability. It consists of several sensors deployed on a wheelchair, able to sense pressure relief habits, activity level, vital signs, and ambient conditions. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the potential capabilities of the system and the feasibility of implementing alarms. During a period of two weeks, six full-time wheelchair users were monitored. Results show that the system is able to capture pressure relief patterns and tilt-in-space usage, a mechanism required to avoid pressure ulcers. Data analysis shows that none of the volunteers fully complied with the tilting recommendations. It also shows varied activity levels, both within and between patients, indicating their engagement in daily activities. The system is also able to estimate heart and respiration rate during passive activities (e.g., watching TV and/or resting). Also, high temperatures in summer were monitored while patients were outside, to prevent heatstroke events. All the monitored variables are acquired with unobtrusive sensors, producing no discomfort to the patient and providing valuable information for better care. The final recommendation and alarm system is implemented in a single board computer, to be embedded in the wheelchair.

scholarly journals Fluctuation of salivary alpha-amylase activity levels and vital signs during dental implant surgery

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Afnan Sabbagh ◽  
Hidemi Nakata ◽  
Ahmed Abdou ◽  
Shohei Kasugai ◽  
Shinji Kuroda
Keyword(s):  
Dental Implant ◽  
Mental Stress ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Alpha Amylase ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Implant Surgery ◽  
Salivary Alpha Amylase ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Dental Implant Surgery

Abstract Background Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity level is thought to be an indicator of mental stress. However, the relationship between sAA activity levels and mental stress in patients during dental implant treatment has not been studied. In the present study, we aimed to examine the correlation between sAA activity levels and changes in patients’ vital signs during dental implant surgery. Results Levels of sAA activity were higher after surgery when compared to before-surgery measurements. A significant positive correlation was found between sAA activity and heart rate (HR) (rs=0.434, p=0.007) as well as a positive correlation with oxygen level (rs=0.392, p=0.016). Conclusion Levels of sAA activity tended to increase after the surgical procedures, as did patients’ stress levels. SpO2 and sAA activity levels were inversely correlated. There was a positive significant correlation between HR and sAA activity, though there was no correlation between blood pressure and sAA activity levels. Salivary alpha-amylase may be a valuable indicator of stress and anxiety in dental patients undergoing dental implant surgery.

scholarly journals Later sleep timing predicts accelerated summer weight gain among elementary school children: a prospective observational study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennette P. Moreno ◽  
Javad Razjouyan ◽  
Houston Lester ◽  
Hafza Dadabhoy ◽  
Mona Amirmazaheri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
School Year ◽  
Children’S Sleep

Abstract Objectives and background Social demands of the school-year and summer environment may affect children’s sleep patterns and circadian rhythms during these periods. The current study examined differences in children’s sleep and circadian-related behaviors during the school-year and summer and explored the association between sleep and circadian parameters and change in body mass index (BMI) during these time periods. Methods This was a prospective observational study with 119 children ages 5 to 8 years with three sequential BMI assessments: early school-year (fall), late school-year (spring), and beginning of the following school-year in Houston, Texas, USA. Sleep midpoint, sleep duration, variability of sleep midpoint, physical activity, and light exposure were estimated using wrist-worn accelerometry during the school-year (fall) and summer. To examine the effect of sleep parameters, physical activity level, and light exposure on change in BMI, growth curve modeling was conducted controlling for age, race, sex, and chronotype. Results Children’s sleep midpoint shifted later by an average of 1.5 h during summer compared to the school-year. After controlling for covariates, later sleep midpoints predicted larger increases in BMI during summer, (γ = .0004, p = .03), but not during the school-year. Sleep duration, sleep midpoint variability, physical activity levels, and sedentary behavior were not associated with change in BMI during the school-year or summer. Females tended to increase their BMI at a faster rate during summer compared to males, γ = .06, p = .049. Greater amounts of outdoor light exposure (γ = −.01, p = .02) predicted smaller increases in school-year BMI. Conclusions Obesity prevention interventions may need to target different behaviors depending on whether children are in or out of school. Promotion of outdoor time during the school-year and earlier sleep times during the summer may be effective obesity prevention strategies during these respective times.

scholarly journals Choroidal Thickness and Volume Modifications Induced by Aerobic Exercise in Healthy Young Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gema Insa-Sánchez ◽  
Lorena Fuentes-Broto ◽  
Alberto Cobos ◽  
Elvira Orduna Hospital ◽  
Francisco Segura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Choroidal Thickness ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Enhanced Depth Imaging ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Imaging Protocol ◽  
Post Exercise ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Our aim was to evaluate the changes in choroidal thickness (CT) and volume (CV) following aerobic physical exercise in healthy young adults. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This study included 72 eyes from healthy volunteers between 22 and 37 years old. Using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, total physical activity was computed. Measurements using an autorefractometer, ocular biometry, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography using the Enhanced Depth Imaging protocol were taken. OCT was performed as a baseline measurement and after performing 10 min of dynamic physical exercise (3 and 10 min post-exercise). The choroidal layer was manually segmented, and the CT and CV in different areas from the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid were obtained. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In healthy adults, at 3 min post-exercise, CT was higher in the subfoveal, the 3-mm nasal, and the 6-mm superior areas. Between 3 and 10 min post-exercise, the CT was reduced in all areas, and in some areas, the values were even smaller than the baseline measurements. The CV values showed changes after exercise similar to those of thickness. The total CV recovery after exercise was related to sex and physical activity level. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Individuals with higher physical activity habits had greater CV at rest than those with lower physical activity levels. During exercise, healthy young people adjust CT and CV. At 3 min post-exercise, CT and CV increase. Women and individuals with greater physical activity levels reduce their total CV more than others during recovery.

scholarly journals 82 The impact of feeding treats containing cannabidiol (CBD) on the daily activity level of dogs

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 60-61
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M Morris ◽  
Susanna E Kitts-Morgan ◽  
Dawn M Spangler ◽  
Kyle R McLeod ◽  
David L Harmon
Keyword(s):  
Daily Activity ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Total Activity ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Quiet Time ◽  
Activity Duration ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Growing public interest in and use of Cannabidiol (CBD) in companion animals has amplified the need to elucidate potential impacts. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the impact of CBD on daily activity of adult dogs. Twenty-four dogs (18.0 ± 3.4 kg) were utilized in a randomized complete block design with treatments consisting of control, 2 mg CBD/kg BW/d, and 4 mg CBD/kg BW/d split between two treats administered after twice-daily exercise (7:00-9:00 and 17:00-19:00). Four hours each day (10:00-12:00, AM and 13:30-15:30, PM), were designated as time when no persons entered the kennels, with 2 h designated as Quiet Time and the other 2 h as Music Time, where calming music played over speakers. Quiet and Music sessions were randomly allotted to daily AM or PM times. Activity monitors were fitted to dogs’ collars for continuous collection of activity parameters. Data were collected over a 2-wk baseline period to block dogs by activity level (high or low) before randomly assigning dogs within each block to treatments. After 1 wk of treatment adaptation, activity parameters were collected for 2 wk. Data were tested for normality using the UNIVARIATE procedure in SAS before examining differences using the MIXED procedure in SAS, including effects of treatment, day, session (Quiet or Music), time of day (AM or PM), and accompanying interactions. CBD did not alter total activity points (P = 0.9971) or activity duration (P = 0.8776). CBD tended (P = 0.0692) to reduce scratching compared to control. Irrespective of treatment, dogs were more active in PM than AM (P &lt; 0.0001). Regardless of session, dogs receiving 4 mg/kg/d tended (P = 0.0914) to be less active in the PM than control. CBD did not affect activity duration during exercise periods (P = 0.1425), but dogs receiving CBD ran more than control (P = 0.0339). These results indicate that when supplemented up to 4 mg/kg/d, CBD does not negatively impact daily activity levels of dogs.

scholarly journals Reduced level of physical activity during COVID-19 pandemic is associated with depression and anxiety levels: an internet-based survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo José Puccinelli ◽  
Taline Santos da Costa ◽  
Aldo Seffrin ◽  
Claudio Andre Barbosa de Lira ◽  
Rodrigo Luiz Vancini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Mood State ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a strong negative impact on economic and social life worldwide. It has also negatively influenced people’s general health and quality of life. The aim of the present study was to study the impact of social distancing on physical activity level, and the association between mood state (depression and anxiety level) or sex with actual physical activity levels, the change in physical activity caused by social distancing period, the adhesion level to social distancing, the adoption time of social distancing, family income and age. Methods A self-administered questionnaire with personal, quarantine, physical activity, and mood state disorders information’s was answered by 2140 Brazilians of both sex who were recruited through online advertising. Results The physical activity level adopted during the period of social distancing (3.5 ± 0.8) was lower than that the adopted prior to the pandemic period (2.9 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Thirty percent of the participants presented symptoms of moderate/severe depression and 23.3% displayed moderate/severe anxiety symptoms. A greater presence of symptoms related to anxiety and depression were associated with low physical activity levels, low family monthly income, and younger age. A higher percentage of men who had no mood disorders was observed among those who were very active than among those less active. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on physical activity. Those who reduced their level of physical activity had the highest levels of mood disorders. Therefore, physical activity programs should be encouraged, while respecting the necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

scholarly journals A SAM-Based Analysis of the Economic Impact of Frauds in the Italian Wine Value Chain

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donato Romano ◽  
Benedetto Rocchi ◽  
Ahmad Sadiddin ◽  
Gianluca Stefani ◽  
Raffaella Zucaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Food System ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Wine Industry ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Italian Economy ◽  
Wine Production ◽  
Italian Wine ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe objective of this paper is twofold: firstly, it analyzes the evolution of frauds in the Italian wine value chain over the period 2007–2015, and then, using a properly disaggregated social accounting matrix (SAM) of the Italian economy, it simulates the impact of wine frauds on the national economy in terms of growth, employment, value added and income. The wine industry is the sector most exposed to frauds within the Italian agro-food system accounting for 88% of total value of seized agro-food outputs. Most irregularities (95%) are made by only three agents, specifically individual wineries, bottlers-wholesalers and retailers. We estimated industry-specific SAM multipliers to assess the share of the Italian economy depending on irregular wine production. These activities account for 11.5% of specialized permanent crop farms output and over 25% of wine industry output. This is a sign of vulnerability of the wine industry: should a food scandal/scare determine a drop in consumers’ demand, the negative effect on production activities of these sectors may be large. The SAM was also used to perform an impact analysis adopting a counterfactual approach. Results show a slightly positive increase of value added (6 million euro) along with an overall decrease in the activity level (an output loss of 406 million euro and more than six thousand full time jobs lost). This contractionary effect can be explained with fraud rents. Indeed, the extra-profits from frauds do not activate the economy circular flow as most of them leak out to exogenous accounts such as the public administration and the rest of the world.

scholarly journals Occupant behaviour and thermal comfort in buildings: Monitoring the end user

2019 ◽  
Vol 111 ◽  
pp. 04056
Author(s):  
Loes Visser ◽  
Boris Kingma ◽  
Eric Willems ◽  
Wendy Broers ◽  
Marcel Loomans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
The Body ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Biophysical Model ◽  
Zone Model ◽  
Occupant Behaviour ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Skin Temperatures ◽  
Thermoregulatory Behaviour

Studies indicate that the energy performance gap between real and calculated energy use can be explained for 80% by occupant behaviour. This human factor may be composed of routine and thermoregulatory behaviour. When occupants do not feel comfortable due to high or low operative temperatures and resulting high or low skin temperatures, they are likely to exhibit thermoregulatory behaviour. The aim of this study is to monitor and understand this thermoregulatory behaviour of the occupant. This is a detailed study of two females living in a rowhouse in the city of Heerlen (Netherlands). During a monitoring period of three weeks over a time span of three months the following parameters were monitored: activity level, clothing, micro climate, skin temperatures and thermal comfort and sensation. Their micro climate was measured at five positions on the body to assess exposed near body conditions and skin temperature. Every two hours they filled in a questionnaire regarding their thermal comfort and sensation level (7-point scale), clothing, activities and thermoregulatory behaviour. The most comfortable (optimal) temperature was calculated for each person by adopting a biophysical model, a thermoneutral zone model. This study shows unique indivual comfort patterns in relation to ambient conditions. An example is given how this information can be used to calculate the buildings energy comsumption.

scholarly journals Telehealth monitor to measure physical activity and pressure relief maneuver performance in wheelchair users

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 202-209
Author(s):  
Ariel V. Dowling ◽  
Valerie Eberly ◽  
Somboon Maneekobkunwong ◽  
Sara J. Mulroy ◽  
Philip S. Requejo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pressure Relief ◽  
Wheelchair Users

scholarly journals Physical activity level of adult cats with varied feeding frequency

2011 ◽  
Vol 106 (S1) ◽  
pp. S166-S169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Deng ◽  
Ryan W. Grant ◽  
Kelly S. Swanson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Feeding Time ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Feeding Frequency ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Adult Cats

The prevalence of feline obesity is influenced by numerous factors, including inactivity and overconsumption of food. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding frequency on physical activity in adult cats. A total of twelve healthy adult cats were used in a cross-over study consisting of 32 d. In each of the two periods, six cats were fed either two meals or four meals daily. Throughout the study, cats were fed the same diet at amounts to maintain body weight and body condition score. Cats were individually housed 4 h/d at each scheduled feeding time, while for the other 20 h, cats were group-housed to allow for voluntary physical activity in the room with a 16 h light–8 h dark cycle. Voluntary activity levels were evaluated using Actical activity collars for seven consecutive days in each period. Daily average activity level for two-meal-fed cats (20·04 (sem 2·19), activity counts/epoch (15 s)) was not different from four-meal-fed cats (20·14 (sem 2·15), activity counts/epoch (15 s); P>0·05). In conclusion, when group-housed cats are fed to maintain their body weight and body condition score, varied feeding frequency between twice and four times daily may not affect activity levels.

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