scholarly journals Reducing the energy cost of running using a lightweight, low-profile elastic exosuit

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaeha Yang ◽  
Junil Park ◽  
Jihun Kim ◽  
Sungjin Park ◽  
Giuk Lee
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Rate ◽  
The Body ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Portable Devices ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Low Profile ◽  
Low Weight ◽  
Spatiotemporal Parameters ◽  
Flexion Moment ◽  
Profile Design

Abstract Background Human beings can enhance their distance running performance with the help of assistive devices. Although several such devices are available, they are heavy and bulky, which limits their use in everyday activities. In this study, we developed a lightweight running assistive device with a low-profile design. The device applies a flexion moment to the hip according to the hip extension within a specific range of motion to assist running. Methods A passive exosuit was fabricated using textile materials and elastic bands. The deformation of the suit was measured and compensated for in the design. The fabricated suit was tested on eight participants (age: 24.4 ± 3.8 y; height: 1.72 ± 0.05 m; weight: 74.5 ± 6.1 kg) who were instructed to run on a treadmill at a speed of 2.5 m/s. Through indirect calorimetry, the metabolic rate was measured for the no-suit condition and three band conditions. Variations in the spatiotemporal parameters were measured using a motion capture system and force-sensing resistors (FSRs). Results When using the fabricated device, seven out of the eight participants exhibited a reduced metabolic rate in at least one of the three band conditions. An average reduction of − 4.7 ± 1.4% (mean ± standard error of the mean (s.e.m.), two-sided paired t-test, p = 0.017) was achieved when using the best-fitting bands compared to the average of the two no-suit conditions. No statistically significant changes were observed in the spatiotemporal parameters, except for the stance duration in the medium assistance force condition. Conclusions The proposed passive exosuit, which has a low weight of 609 g and small extrusion of 2.5 cm from the body in standing posture, can reduce the metabolic rate during running. The proposed device can potentially be used every day owing to its low-profile design and low weight, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing portable devices targeting the hip joints.

All Animals Are Equal, or Are They? The Ikhwān al-Ṣafāʾ’s Animal Epistle and its Unhappy End

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarra Tlili
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Final Outcome ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Main Text ◽  
Nonhuman Animals ◽  
Privileged Status

The Ikhwān al-Ṣafāʾ’s animal epistle is an intriguing work. Although in the body of the narrative the authors challenge anthropocentric preconceptions and present nonhuman animals in a more favourable light than human beings, inexplicably, the narrative ends by reconfirming the privileged status of humans. The aim of this paper is to propose an explanation for this discrepancy. I argue that the egalitarian message reflected in the body of the narrative is traceable back to the Qur'an, the main text with which the authors engage in the fable, whereas the final outcome is due to the Ikhwān's hierarchical worldview.

An ayurvedic tablet formulation for ulcer protection

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 35-38
Author(s):  
Shiva Kumar K ◽  
Purushothaman M ◽  
Soujanya H ◽  
Jagadeeshwari S
Keyword(s):  
Pharmacological Activity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Gastric Ulcers ◽  
Antiulcer Activity ◽  
Herbal Drugs ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Synthetic Drugs ◽  
Scientific Investigations ◽  
System A ◽  
The World

Gastric ulcers or the peptic ulcer is the primary disease that affects the gastrointestinal system. A large extent of the population in the world are suffering from the disease, and the age group of people those who suffer from ulcers are 20-55years. Herbs are known to the human beings that are useful in the treatment of diseases, and there are a lot of scientific investigations that prove the pharmacological activity of herbal drugs. Practitioners have been using the herbal material to treat the ulcers successfully, and the same had been reported scientifically. Numerous publications have been made that proves the antiulcer activity of the plants around the world. The tablets were investigated for the antiulcer activity in two doses 200 and 400mg/kg in albino Wistar rats in the artificial ulcer those are induced by the ethanol. The prepared tablets showed a better activity compared to the standard synthetic drug and the marketed ayurvedic formulation. The tablets showed a dose-dependent activity in ulcer prevention and treatment. Many synthetic drugs are available for the ulcer treatment, and the drugs pose the other problems in the body by showing the side effects and some other reactions. This limits the use of synthetic drugs to treat ulcers effectively. Herbs are known to the human beings that are useful in the treatment of diseases, and there are a lot of scientific investigations that prove the pharmacological activity of herbal drugs.

A Rapture of the Nerds? A Comparison between Transhumanist Eschatology and Christian Parousia

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 343-367
Author(s):  
Roberto Paura
Keyword(s):  
Human Brain ◽  
Point Theory ◽  
The Body ◽  
Christian Theology ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Human Species ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Universe

Transhumanism is one of the main “ideologies of the future” that has emerged in recent decades. Its program for the enhancement of the human species during this century pursues the ultimate goal of immortality, through the creation of human brain emulations. Therefore, transhumanism offers its fol- lowers an explicit eschatology, a vision of the ultimate future of our civilization that in some cases coincides with the ultimate future of the universe, as in Frank Tipler’s Omega Point theory. The essay aims to analyze the points of comparison and opposition between transhumanist and Christian eschatologies, in particular considering the “incarnationist” view of Parousia. After an introduction concern- ing the problems posed by new scientific and cosmological theories to traditional Christian eschatology, causing the debate between “incarnationists” and “escha- tologists,” the article analyzes the transhumanist idea of mind-uploading through the possibility of making emulations of the human brain and perfect simulations of the reality we live in. In the last section the problems raised by these theories are analyzed from the point of Christian theology, in particular the proposal of a transhuman species through the emulation of the body and mind of human beings. The possibility of a transhumanist eschatology in line with the incarnationist view of Parousia is refused.

Influence of Ascorbic Acid on the Structure and Function of Alpha-2- macroglobulin: Investigations using Spectroscopic and Thermodynamic Techniques

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-209
Author(s):  
Syed Saqib Ali ◽  
Mohammad Khalid Zia ◽  
Tooba Siddiqui ◽  
Haseeb Ahsan ◽  
Fahim Halim Khan
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
The Body ◽  
Titration Calorimetry ◽  
Spectroscopic Techniques ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Plasma Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Dietary Antioxidant ◽  
And Function

Background: Ascorbic acid is a classic dietary antioxidant which plays an important role in the body of human beings. It is commonly found in various foods as well as taken as dietary supplement. Objective: The plasma ascorbic acid concentration may range from low, as in chronic or acute oxidative stress to high if delivered intravenously during cancer treatment. Sheep alpha-2- macroglobulin (α2M), a human α2M homologue is a large tetrameric glycoprotein of 630 kDa with antiproteinase activity, found in sheep’s blood. Methods: In the present study, the interaction of ascorbic acid with alpha-2-macroglobulin was explored in the presence of visible light by utilizing various spectroscopic techniques and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Results: UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy suggests the formation of a complex between ascorbic acid and α2M apparent by increased absorbance and decreased fluorescence. Secondary structural changes in the α2M were investigated by CD and FT-IR spectroscopy. Our findings suggest the induction of subtle conformational changes in α2M induced by ascorbic acid. Thermodynamics signatures of ascorbic acid and α2M interaction indicate that the binding is an enthalpy-driven process. Conclusion: It is possible that ascorbic acid binds and compromises antiproteinase activity of α2M by inducing changes in the secondary structure of the protein.

Role of Panchakarma in the management of Hypothyroidism

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr.Suraj Kumbar ◽  
Dr.Lohith BA ◽  
Dr.Ashvinikumar M ◽  
Dr. Amritha R ◽  
Dr. Shameem Banu
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Rate ◽  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Life Style ◽  
The Body ◽  
Management Guidelines ◽  
Quality Of Food ◽  
Sedentary Life ◽  
Sedentary Life Style

We are in technical era where there is more of sedentary life style and stress along with this urbanization is affecting our quality of food and health. This is leading to many lifestyle disorders and hormonal imbalances in our body. Hypothyroidism one among the endocrinal disorder. Thyroid is an endocrinal gland secrets T3 and T4 hormones regulated by TSH which is secreted by Pituitary gland. These hormones have two major effects on the body, 1) To increase the overall metabolic rate in the body 2) To stimulate growth in children. Hypothyroidism is common health issue in India. The highest prevalence of hypothyroidism (13.1%) is noted in people aged 46-54yrs old. With people aged 18-35 yrs being less affected (7.5%). To prevent these hazards Panchakarma is beneficiary to maintain metabolic rate. Here an attempt is made to diagnose hypothyroidism in the light of Ayurveda and management guidelines through Panchakarma.

scholarly journals Serum betaine is inversely associated with low lean mass mainly in men in a Chinese middle-aged and elderly community-dwelling population

2016 ◽  
Vol 115 (12) ◽  
pp. 2181-2188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bi-xia Huang ◽  
Ying-ying Zhu ◽  
Xu-ying Tan ◽  
Qiu-ye Lan ◽  
Chun-lei Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lean Mass ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
The Body ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Composition Analysis ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Chinese Adults ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Index

AbstractPrevious studies have demonstrated that betaine supplements increase lean body mass in livestock and improve muscle performance in human beings, but evidence for its effect on human lean mass is limited. Our study assessed the association of circulating betaine with lean mass and its composition in Chinese adults. A community-based study was conducted on 1996 Guangzhou residents (weight/mass: 1381/615) aged 50–75 years between 2008 and 2010. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect general baseline information. Fasting serum betaine was assessed using HPLC-MS. A total of 1590 participants completed the body composition analysis performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry during a mean of 3·2 years of follow-up. After adjustment for age, regression analyses demonstrated a positive association of serum betaine with percentage of lean mass (LM%) of the entire body, trunk and limbs in men (all P<0·05) and LM% of the trunk in women (P=0·016). Each sd increase in serum betaine was associated with increases in LM% of 0·609 (whole body), 0·811 (trunk), 0·422 (limbs), 0·632 (arms) and 0·346 (legs) in men and 0·350 (trunk) in women. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the prevalence of lower LM% decreased by 17 % (whole body) and 14 % (trunk) in women and 23 % (whole body), 28 % (trunk), 22 % (arms) and 26 % (percentage skeletal muscle index) in men with each sd increment in serum betaine. Elevated circulating betaine was associated with a higher LM% and lower prevalence of lower LM% in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults, particularly men.

On the Regulation of the Respiration in Reptiles

1961 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
BODIL NIELSEN
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Body Temperature ◽  
Metabolic Rate ◽  
Temperature Interval ◽  
Normal Values ◽  
Pulmonary Ventilation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Respiratory Frequency ◽  
Temperature Changes ◽  
Instantaneous Increase

1. In two species of Lacerta (L. viridis and L. sicula) the effects on respiration of body temperature (changes in metabolic rate) and of CO2 added to the inspired air were studied. 2. Pulmonary ventilation increases when body temperature increases. The increase is brought about by an increase in respiratory frequency. No relationship is found between respiratory depth and temperature. 3. The rise in ventilation is provoked by the needs of metabolism and is not established for temperature regulating purposes (in the temperature interval 10°-35°C). 4. The ventilation per litre O2 consumed has a high numerical value (about 75, compared to about 20 in man). It varies with the body temperature and demonstrates that the inspired air is better utilized at the higher temperatures. 5. Pulmonary ventilation increases with increasing CO2 percentages in the inspired air between o and 3%. At further increases in the CO2 percentage (3-13.5%) it decreases again. 6. At each CO2 percentage the pulmonary ventilation reaches a steady state after some time (10-60 min.) and is then unchanged over prolonged periods (1 hr.). 7. The respiratory frequency in the steady state decreases with increasing CO2 percentages. The respiratory depth in the steady state increases with increasing CO2 percentages. This effect of CO2 breathing is not influenced by a change in body temperature from 20° to 30°C. 8. Respiration is periodically inhibited by CO2 percentages above 4%. This inhibition, causing a Cheyne-Stokes-like respiration, ceases after a certain time, proportional to the CO2 percentage (1 hr. at 8-13% CO2), and respiration becomes regular (steady state). Shift to room air breathing causes an instantaneous increase in frequency to well above the normal value followed by a gradual decrease to normal values. 9. The nature of the CO2 effect on respiratory frequency and respiratory depth is discussed, considering both chemoreceptor and humoral mechanisms.

Respiratory Exchange and Body Size in the Aldabra Giant Tortoise

1971 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 651-665 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. HUGHES ◽  
R. GAYMER ◽  
MARGARET MOORE ◽  
A. J. WOAKES
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Metabolic Rate ◽  
Relative Proportion ◽  
The Body ◽  
O2 Consumption ◽  
Weight Range ◽  
Testudo Hermanni ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Good Agreement

1. The O2 consumption and CO2 release of nine giant tortoises Testudo gigantea (weight range 118 g-35·5 kg) were measured at a temperature of about 25·5°C. Four European tortoises Testudo hermanni (weight range 640 g-2·16 kg) were also used. The mean RQ values obtained were 1·01 for T. gigantea and 0·97 for T. hermanni. These values were not influenced by activity or size. 2. The data was analysed by plotting log/log regression lines relating body weight to O2 consumption. Both maximum and minimum metabolic rates recorded for each individual T. gigantea showed a negative correlation with body weight. For active rates the relation was O2 consumption = 140·8W0·97, whereas for inactive animals O2 consumption = 45·47W0·82. 3. The maximum rates were obtained from animals that were observed to be active in the respirometer and the minimum rates from animals that remained quiet throughout. The scope for activity increased with body size, being 82 ml/kg/h for animals of 100 g and 103 ml/kg/h for 100 kg animals. The corresponding ratio between maximum and minimum rates increases from about 2 to 6 for the same weight range. 4. Values for metabolic rate in T. hermanni seem to be rather lower than in T. gigantea. Analysis of the relative proportion of the shell and other organs indicates that the shell forms about 31% of the body weight in adult T. hermanni but only about 18% in T. gigantea of similar size. The shell is not appreciably heavier in adult T. gigantea (about 20%). 5. Data obtained for inactive animals is in good agreement with results of other workers using lizards and snakes. Previous evidence suggesting that chelonians show no reduction in metabolic rate with increasing size is not considered to conflict with data obtained in the present work.

scholarly journals Prospects Of Using Walnut In Technologies Of Drinks

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 39-50
Author(s):  
Inna Tiurikova ◽  
Mykhailo Peresichnyi
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
The Body ◽  
Maturity Stage ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Biological Value ◽  
Vegetable Raw Materials ◽  
Main Components ◽  
Physical And Chemical

Abstract The results of studies in the field of beverage functionality using walnut are presented. The main components such as celery, Jerusalem artichokes, carrots, pumpkin and rhubarb, as a dietary supplement - extracts from walnut of milk-maturity stage are offered for creating blends. The basic physical and chemical properties of fruit and vegetable raw materials and semi-finished products created on the base of them have been studied, and their nutritional and biological value has been proved. Rational technologies of fruit and vegetable blends with nut additives have been identified. Their biological value has been confirmed. Drinks are recommended for use in the daily diet of human beings to satisfy thirst and enrich the body by biologically valuable components.

scholarly journals GaIn: Human Gait Inference for Lower Limbic Prostheses for Patients Suffering from Double Trans-Femoral Amputation

Sensors ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 4146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman Chereshnev ◽  
Attila Kertész-Farkas
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Tests ◽  
The Body ◽  
Thigh Muscle ◽  
Human Gait ◽  
Portable Devices ◽  
Mobile Platforms ◽  
Biologically Inspired ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Standing Up ◽  
Different Parts

Several studies have analyzed human gait data obtained from inertial gyroscope and accelerometer sensors mounted on different parts of the body. In this article, we take a step further in gait analysis and provide a methodology for predicting the movements of the legs, which can be applied in prosthesis to imitate the missing part of the leg in walking. In particular, we propose a method, called GaIn, to control non-invasive, robotic, prosthetic legs. GaIn can infer the movements of both missing shanks and feet for humans suffering from double trans-femoral amputation using biologically inspired recurrent neural networks. Predictions are performed for casual walking related activities such as walking, taking stairs, and running based on thigh movement. In our experimental tests, GaIn achieved a 4.55 prediction error for shank movements on average. However, a patient’s intention to stand up and sit down cannot be inferred from thigh movements. In fact, intention causes thigh movements while the shanks and feet remain roughly still. The GaIn system can be triggered by thigh muscle activities measured with electromyography (EMG) sensors to make robotic prosthetic legs perform standing up and sitting down actions. The GaIn system has low prediction latency and is fast and computationally inexpensive to be deployed on mobile platforms and portable devices.

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