scholarly journals Classification for Human Balance Capacity Based on Visual Stimulation under a Virtual Reality Environment

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 2738
Author(s):  
Haiyan Jin ◽  
Le Xie ◽  
Zhaolin Xiao ◽  
Ting Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Visual Stimulation ◽  
Motion Blur ◽  
The Body ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Gravity Center ◽  
Balance Principle ◽  
Theoretical Support ◽  
Balance Ability ◽  
Human Balance ◽  
Differential Algorithm

The normal and disordered people balance ability classification is a key premise for rehabilitation training. This paper proposes a multi-barycentric area model (MBAM), which can be applied for accurate video analysis based classification. First, we have invited fifty-three subjects to wear an HTC (High Tech Computer Corporation) VIVE (Very Immersive Virtual Experience) helmet and to walk ten meters while seeing a virtual environment. The subjects’ motion behaviors are collected as our balance ability classification dataset. Secondly, we use background differential algorithm and bilateral filtering as the preprocessing to alleviate the video noise and motion blur. Inspired by the balance principle of a tumbler, we introduce a MBAM model to describe the body balancing condition by computing the gravity center of a triangle area, which is surrounded by the upper, middle and lower parts of the human body. Finally, we can obtain the projection coordinates according to the center of gravity of the triangle, and get the roadmap of the subjects by connecting those projection coordinates. In the experiments, we adopt four kinds of metrics (the MBAM, the area variance, the roadmap and the walking speed) innumerical analysis to verify the effect of the proposed method. Experimental results show that the proposed method can obtain a more accurate classification for human balance ability. The proposed research may provide potential theoretical support for the clinical diagnosis and treatment for balance dysfunction patients.

Equilibrium State of Football Players Affected by Disturbance

2014 ◽  
Vol 933 ◽  
pp. 291-294
Author(s):  
Chun Ping Dong
Keyword(s):  
Equilibrium State ◽  
The Body ◽  
Equilibrium Strategy ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Body Measurement ◽  
Recovery Strategy ◽  
Theoretical Support ◽  
Standing Up ◽  
Human Balance ◽  
The Stability

Strategies of human balance when standing up from static equilibrium strategy began. The paper use bio-mechanical principles study human balance strategies, we will first discuss the stability of the human body measurement problems, and then discuss the footballer walking process disturbed the balance of input recovery strategy, and the results of this study provide enhancements for the body to balance the theoretical support.

scholarly journals How virtual avatar experience interplays with self-concepts: the use of anthropometric 3D body models in the visual stimulation process

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juyeon Park ◽  
Jennifer Paff Ogle
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Visual Stimulation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Body Perception ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Novel Applications ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Virtual Avatar

AbstractWe explored how viewing one’s anthropometric virtual avatar would affect the viewer’s self-body perception through the comparative evaluation of self-concepts—self-esteem and self-compassion, within the framework of allocentric lock theory. We recruited 18 female adults, aged 18–21, who identified themselves to have some level of body image concerns, and who had had no clinical treatment for their body image. Participants were randomly assigned either to the experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in both body positivity program and virtual avatar program, whereas the control group attended the body positivity program, only. The results affirmed that the body positivity program served as a psychological buffer prior to the virtual avatar stimulus. After the virtual avatar experience, the participants demonstrated self-acceptance by lowering their expectation on how they should look like. The findings from exit interviews enriched the quantitative results. This study verified the mechanism of the altered processing of the stored bodily memory by the egocentric sensory input of virtual avatars, and offered practical potential of the study outcomes to be applied in various emerging fields where novel applications of virtual 3D technology are sought, such as fashion e-commerce.

scholarly journals Place and Possibilities of the Robotic System Lokomat in the Rehabilitation of Patients After Ischemic Stroke

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-140
Author(s):  
Medvedev I. N.
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Robotic System ◽  
The Body ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Comprehensive Treatment ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Main Task ◽  
Early Recovery ◽  
Modern Approach ◽  
Post Stroke

Ischemic stroke is still a very common disease with quite serious consequences. Modern medicine considers in this regard its main task in the curation of such patients, the maximum possible restoration of the functions of the affected brain and the volume of its control over the body. Due to the rapid development of medicine associated with the emergence of innovative technologies in the field of rehabilitation, hardware methods of rehabilitation today have gone far ahead and have in their arsenal a lot of high-tech tools. For this purpose, a search is being made for means of increasing the activity of brain cells located in the affected area. Of particular importance in this regard are the methods of rehabilitation in the early recovery period after ischemic stroke using robotic methods of mechanotherapy, one of which is the use of the Lokomat system. Among them, a prominent place is occupied by the walking training system - Lokomat, consisting of robotic orthoses and a body support device, which are combined with a treadmill. Information about the successful use of Lokomat during the rehabilitation of patients with movement disorders is still scattered, and this required their generalization and understanding. The main advantage of this system is the ability to effectively control and ensure high intensity, repeatability (reproducibility) and purposefulness of the trained movements. The convincing advantages of automated training on the Lokomat system compared to traditional rehabilitation in terms of various clinical indicators in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis have been identified. It was shown that in patients trained on the Lokomat system, a single support on the paretic leg intensified, which contributed to a more symmetrical gait. This system is more than other devices and technologies designed for learning to walk, in line with the modern approach to the restoration of impaired motor functions. The inclusion of training sessions on the Lokomat robotic system in the comprehensive treatment of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis leads to a marked improvement in movement skills. This is associated with a pronounced restructuring against the background of its use of the motor stereotype of walking, which makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of recreational activities in post-stroke patients.

Problems of Improving Working Capacity of the Operators at High-Tech Industries

2021 ◽  
pp. 39-44
Author(s):  
N.L. Vishnevskaya ◽  
◽  
L.V. Plakhova ◽  
M.Yu. Liskova ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Muscle Tension ◽  
The Body ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Production Environment ◽  
Working Capacity ◽  
Industrial Complexes ◽  
Persistent Fatigue ◽  
Process Work ◽  
High Level

Modern high-tech industry intensifies the production load on operators. The problem of maintaining a high level of working capacity and error-free work is growing. Earlier studies revealed that the work of operators in hermetically sealed rooms is characterized by the following: monotony, hypokinesia, lack of psychological and industrial contacts, static muscle tension, as well as a lot of frequently repeated small movements caused by the fact that the technical system is controlled indirectly — through the remote control. The operator is affected by the factors of a closed production environment (microclimate) and the labor process (work and rest mode, long working shifts), which together form a general status called fatigue. The main factor that causes fatigue is the integral extensive intensity of the activity. The dynamics of physiological processes characterizing fatigue and the possibility of erroneous actions were evaluated. It is established that low-intensity factors, which form the working conditions of operators of high-tech industrial complexes, provoke persistent fatigue, a decrease in the functional reserves of the body, the development and aggravation of professionally caused diseases. The degree of fatigue was assessed by the indicators of the latent time of sensorimotor reactions, the stability of attention and the error of actions. The obtained data confirm the need in developing effective ways and means of maintaining working capacity. In particular, the regulated breaks and pauses filled with the specially developed schemes of isometric exercises, should be introduced (according to a special schedule) into the work and rest mode with a 12-hour schedule. The study substantiates the need for further making recommendations on the development of preventive measures to optimize the working conditions of the operators in high-tech industries.

Characteristics and Determinants of New Start-ups in Gujarat, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Ajay Kumar ◽  
Bhim Jyoti
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
New Products ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
The Body ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Annual Sale ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Start Ups

Purpose: This study examines the relationship of socio-economic characteristics of start-ups with their size in Gujarat, India. It also assesses the determinants affecting the annual sale of start-ups. Methods: It includes primary information based on a survey of 120 founders of start-ups. Linear and semi-log linear regression models have been applied to assess the determinants of start-ups. Probit regression models have been considered to assess the factors affecting the annual sale of the start-ups. Results: Stage of start-up, the participation of founders in conferences, educational qualification, and new products launched by start-ups, professional connections of founders, source of funding, and support from incubator/accelerator/supporting organizations are found crucial determinants of start-up size in Gujarat. The annual sales of the start-ups are positively associated with stage of start-up, support from a mentor, team members, founder's academic qualification, and collaboration with national or international organizations, unskilled workers. Implications: Technology transfer and commercialization, development of new products, government regulations, the requirement of costumers, free rights for entrepreneurs, appropriate financial support for new entrepreneurs, transparency and clarity in government policies, the establishment of high-tech start-ups, and development of digital infrastructure, increase in R&D spending in research academia, and association of research institutions with entrepreneurs would be conducive to create an appropriate start-ups ecosystem and to reduce regional development disparities across Indian states. Subsequently, it would be helpful to increase sustainable development in India.  Originality: This study has used primary information of 120 founders of start-ups to assess the determinants, and the factors affecting annual sales of start-ups using the regression model in, Gujrat, India. Thus, it has an empirical contribution to the body of knowledge. Limitations: This study could not provide rational justifications on most factors that show an insignificant impact on start-ups due to the small sample size. Further research, therefore, may be considered to identify the association of start-up size with the variables using a large sample size in India.  

scholarly journals Hardware-In-the-Loop Equipment for the Development of an Automatic Perturbator for Clinical Evaluation of Human Balance Control

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 8886
Author(s):  
Carlo Ferraresi ◽  
Daniela Maffiodo ◽  
Walter Franco ◽  
Giovanni Gerardo Muscolo ◽  
Carlo De Benedictis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Balance Control ◽  
The Body ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Control Analysis ◽  
Hardware In The Loop ◽  
Control Laws ◽  
Component Selection ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Human Balance ◽  
Human Balance Control

Nowadays, increasing attention is being paid to techniques aimed at assessing a subject’s ability to maintain or regain control of balance, thus reducing the risk of falls. To this end, posturographic analyses are performed in different clinical settings, both in unperturbed and perturbed conditions. This article presents a new Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) equipment designed for the development of an automatic perturbator for postural control analysis, capable of providing controlled mechanical stimulation by means of an impulsive force exerted on a given point of the body. The experimental equipment presented here includes the perturbator and emulates its interaction with both the subject’s body and the operator performing the test. The development of the perturbator and of the entire HIL equipment is described, including component selection, modeling of the entire system, and experimentally verified simulations used to study and define the most appropriate control laws.

Modeling the performance of healthcare construction projects

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 2023-2039
Author(s):  
Karim A. Iskandar ◽  
Awad S. Hanna ◽  
Wafik Lotfallah
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
The Body ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Metric

Purpose Healthcare-sector projects are some of the most complex in modern practice due to their reliance on high-tech components and the level of precision they must maintain. Existing literature in healthcare performance specifically is scarce, but there is a recent increasing trend in both healthcare construction and a corresponding trend in related literature. No previously existing study has derived weights (relative importance) of performance metric in an objective, data-based manner. The purpose of this paper is to present a newly developed mathematical model that derives these weights, free of subjectivity that is common in other literature. Design/methodology/approach This paper’s model considers 17 exceptional projects and 19 average projects, and reveals the weights (or relative importance) of ten performance metrics by comparing how projects relate to one another in terms of each metric individually. It solves an eigenvalue problem that maximizes the difference between average and exceptional project performances. Findings The most significant weight, i.e. the performance metric which has the greatest impact on healthcare project performance, was request for information per million dollars with a weight of 16.07 percent. Other highly weighted metrics included construction speed and schedule growth at 13.08 and 12.23 percent, respectively. Rework was the least significant metric at 3.61 percent, but not all metrics of quality had low ratings. Deficiency issues per million dollars was weighted at 11.61 percent, for example. All weights derived by the model in this paper were validated statistically to ensure their applicability as comparison and assessment tools. Originality/value There is no widely accepted measure of project performance specific to healthcare construction. This study’s contribution to the body of knowledge is its mathematical model which is a landmark effort to develop a single, objective, unified project performance index for healthcare construction. Furthermore, this unified score presents a user-friendly avenue for contractors to standardize their productivity tracking – a missing piece in the practices of many contractors.

3PL selection criteria in integrated circuit manufacturing industry in Taiwan

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bang-Ning Hwang ◽  
Tsai-Ti Chen ◽  
James T. Lin
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Circuit ◽  
Cost Reduction ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Market Competition ◽  
Value Added ◽  
The Body ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ic Manufacturing

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to identify the key third-party logistics (3PL) selection criteria for the integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing industry in Taiwan. The IC manufacturing industry seeks global sourcing, and is facing increasing pressure due to fierce market competition. More than a cost reduction strategy, 3PL is a strategic tool for IC manufacturers to gain a competitive advantage in a global supply chain complex. Design/methodology/approach – The triangulation method that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches was used in the study. The qualitative approach of focus group discussions was adopted to establish the decision framework, and the quantitative approach of the analytic hierarchy process was used to explore the relative importance of the 3PL selection criteria. Finally, an in-depth proof-by-example interview was undertaken to provide an insightful interpretation of the research results. Findings – The research shows that performance is the most important criterion group, followed by cost, service, quality assurance, intangible and information technology. At the detailed sub-criteria level, document accuracy, problem-solving capability, continuous cost reduction, value-added services and associated cost control capability are the top five criteria. Research limitations/implications – This study focused on the IC manufacturing sector in Taiwan. Multi-country and multi-industry studies are recommended to help further validate and generalise the research findings. Originality/value – Due to its application of triangulation, this study is a pioneering work on the 3PL selection criteria in a high-tech manufacturing industry. Furthermore, the value of this research is that it enhances the body of knowledge of 3PL selection by identifying certain emerging selection criteria, it could serve as a guideline for IC manufacturers in planning logistics outsourcing actions and it could significantly contribute to the efforts of 3PL providers in evaluating whether they comply with customer needs and adhere to core competency development.

scholarly journals A Study for New Balance Sports Products to Analyze and Design

2018 ◽  
Vol 221 ◽  
pp. 02008
Author(s):  
Yu-Che Huang ◽  
Tai-Shen Huang
Keyword(s):  
Balance Training ◽  
3D Models ◽  
The Body ◽  
Muscular Endurance ◽  
Motion Simulation ◽  
Body Structure ◽  
Innovative Design ◽  
Related Literature ◽  
Design Engineers ◽  
Human Balance

In recent years, under the influence of globalization, more and more different needs have created different sports products. In general, they are mainly used for cardio training and muscular endurance training, and their products for human balance training are few. Balance training has always been one of the most important exercises, but most exercise training is often overlooked. In this study, we searched for sports product patents and related literature that improve balance training and determined the direction of innovative design based on the different patent categories. Based on the results of the analysis, we have redesigned a model that can effectively provide innovative sports products with different angular misalignments and different displacements. In this research, we search, analyze and summarize the related patents and further identify the methods of innovative design to accomplish the required technologies for this design. The relevant design of this study is to use SolidWorks to draw 3D models for motion simulation and size checking. Then use the ANSYS11.0 command module to analyze the body structure of the force situation, to determine the strength and safety. Finally, make the original. Finally, this study hopes to provide a design reference for future sports product design engineers through this design process.

Integration Frequency Response of Human Dynamic Anterior-Posterior Balance under Passive Motion Stimulus

2014 ◽  
Vol 644-650 ◽  
pp. 3956-3959
Author(s):  
Jin Zhuang Xiao ◽  
Rui Jing Xue ◽  
Hong Rui Wang
Keyword(s):  
Frequency Response ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
The Body ◽  
Medical Community ◽  
Motion Platform ◽  
Passive Motion ◽  
Motion Stimulus ◽  
Balance Ability ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Anterior Posterior

In order to study the frequency characteristic of body oscillation in the anterior-posterior (AP) direction during upright stance, 10 subjects were exposed to the motion platform with specific posture and followed the tracks of the passive motion stimulus, sinusoidal waveform, with the increasing frequencies (0.05-1.2Hz). By measuring the displacement of the center of gravity (COG), the bode diagram between the motion of platform and body’s COG was obtained. Results showed that the mean cut-off frequency (COF) is 0.5 Hz, the mean resonance frequency (RF) is 0.316 Hz and the bandwidth of the body oscillation is 0.1-0.5 Hz in AP direction. In a conclusion, this study reaches the frequency response of human dynamic balance under passive motion stimulus by using COG values, proposes a method based on the COF values to evaluate the balance ability, and provides data support for the research of balance ability in the medical community.

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