User-Centered Design of Wearable Assistive Devices for the Aging Population

2016 ◽  
pp. 130-153
Author(s):  
Philip Kinsella ◽  
Paul Stoddart ◽  
Charlie Ranscombe
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
Wearable Devices ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Assistive Devices ◽  
Need For Care ◽  
Current State ◽  
Current Design ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
Elderly Users

Due to modern medicine, the lifespan of the average person is increasing, with a concomitant increase in the need for care. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, DeStatis, there will be a deficit of 260,000 caregivers by 2025, which is not only an issue in Germany, but worldwide. New technologies, including wearable devices, will be crucial to manage this challenge, but there is a huge amount of research and investment required to incorporate wearable assistive devices into the lives of elderly users. It is crucially important that any new devices are fit for purpose, taking into account the specific needs of elderly people. This chapter, therefore, summarises and reviews the current state of wearable assistive devices, formalises the current design practice with respect to user needs, and presents design considerations such as wearability and usability, in order to assist in the future development of wearable assistive devices for the aging population.

User-Centered Design of Wearable Assistive Devices for the Aging Population

2018 ◽  
pp. 538-561
Author(s):  
Philip Kinsella ◽  
Paul Stoddart ◽  
Charlie Ranscombe
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
Wearable Devices ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Assistive Devices ◽  
Need For Care ◽  
Current State ◽  
Current Design ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
Elderly Users

Due to modern medicine, the lifespan of the average person is increasing, with a concomitant increase in the need for care. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, DeStatis, there will be a deficit of 260,000 caregivers by 2025, which is not only an issue in Germany, but worldwide. New technologies, including wearable devices, will be crucial to manage this challenge, but there is a huge amount of research and investment required to incorporate wearable assistive devices into the lives of elderly users. It is crucially important that any new devices are fit for purpose, taking into account the specific needs of elderly people. This chapter, therefore, summarises and reviews the current state of wearable assistive devices, formalises the current design practice with respect to user needs, and presents design considerations such as wearability and usability, in order to assist in the future development of wearable assistive devices for the aging population.

scholarly journals EXAMINING AGEISM IN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS THROUGH DRAWING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S47-S48
Author(s):  
Katherina N Terhune ◽  
Aaron Guest ◽  
Tina M Kruger
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
Assistive Devices ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Demographic Shifts ◽  
Physical Changes ◽  
The U.S

Abstract Substantial demographic shifts in the U.S. will result in the growth of the aging population and the need for qualified professionals entering the field of aging. Yet, these emerging professionals have limited exposure to aging curricula. It is vital that gerontologists recognize the ageism present in how older adults and the aging process are viewed, as this ultimately impacts how they are treated. Data from 1,609 undergraduate surveys from the multi-institution, multi-year Gerontological Literacy Network can assist in our understanding emerging professionals’ perspectives. Results indicate students incorrectly associate aging with loss of function and a reliance on assistive devices (canes 29.3% and glasses 19.6%), physical changes (balding 27.3% and wrinkles 30.3%), and greater likelihood of being male (32.5%). Aging is thought of as time passing (16.1%) and death (14.2%). Findings reveal a need to reframe students’ understanding of aging from that of decline to recognizing the strengths associated with age.

scholarly journals Chitosan Applications on Pharmaceutical Sciences: A Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-181
Author(s):  
Cintia Alejandra Briones Nieva ◽  
Mercedes Villegas ◽  
Alicia Graciela Cid ◽  
Analía Irma Romero ◽  
José María Bermúdez
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Immunological Response ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽  
Chemical Derivatization ◽  
Current State ◽  
Pharmaceutical Applications ◽  
Novel Applications ◽  
State Of Art

Background: Chitosan (CS) is a biomaterial derived from chitin, known for its excellent biological properties. One of the most interesting features of CS is its potential for chemical derivatization, which makes it a versatile material and allows to expand its applications. In the last years, the interest on this polymer and its pharmaceutical applications has notably increased. This biopolymer is being widely studied for its interesting properties, such as bioadhesion, antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Other promising properties of CS include its modulation of immunological response, hemostasis, and wound and bone healing activity. Objective: In this work, a critical review is performed covering its conventional and novel applications, specially focused on pharmaceutical area, providing a clear picture of the current state of art to serve as a basis to direct future research in this field. Conclusion: Despite all the qualities of this polymer, there are only few CS-based products in the market, so it is a priority to enhance the research to develop new technologies and CS-based systems to enforce this biopolymer in the industry.

scholarly journals FROM CHITIN TO CHITOSAN – A POTENTIAL NATURAL ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 23-40
Author(s):  
Zofia Nuc ◽  
◽  
Aldona Dobrzycka-Krahel
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Agent ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Natural Antimicrobial ◽  
Current State ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Alternative Sources ◽  
Many Sources

Chitin is a naturally occurring polymer. Together with its derivatives such as chitosan, it has a wide spectrum of application possibilities, and many properties not yet exploited. Chitosan possesses many features desirable in an ideal antimicrobial polymer. It shows activity against multidrug-resistant bacterial and fungal strains that pose a challenge to modern medicine. Chitosan also shows activity against certain viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. It might be used as a drug or a vaccine delivery system, is biodegradable, bioavailable and considered safe for medical use. It is important to continue exploring the potential of chitosan, as well as to investigate its sources. Indeed, many sources of this polymer are still not or have been poorly described. In this paper, we compile the current state of knowledge on the antimicrobial properties of chitosan, list alternative sources of chitin to highlight the potential of these two polymers and encourage further research.

scholarly journals Medicine Between Ethics and Scientific Progress: How Much Ethics Needs Medicine, how much ethics can it afford? Some Considerations from Patent Law Perspectives

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-76
Author(s):  
Joseph Straus
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Scientific Progress ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Patent Law ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
Legal Situation ◽  
Risky Investment

The progress of medicine is heavily dependent on the progress of science and technology, which in turn depend on costly and risky investment in research and development. In this contribution, based on some concrete examples, new scientific achievements are presented as basis of modern medicine and source of ethical concerns. Addressed are also the role of scientists in coping with safety in ethical concerns as regards hazards of new technologies, costs of R&D investment in drug development and the role of patents in this context. In some detail the legal situation existing at an international and European level as regards exclusions from patentability based on reasons of ethics and morals is presented. A critical appraisal of the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union as regards patentability of embryonic stem cells is offered.

CURRENT STATE OF ELECTRONIC BANKING SERVICES IN THE INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY MARKET AND WAYS TO IMPROVE THEM

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (11) ◽  
pp. 107-113
Author(s):  
Z. K. DZHAFAROVA ◽  
◽  
Z. ASADULAEVA ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Banking Sector ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Electronic Banking ◽  
Banking Services ◽  
Current State ◽  
Technology Market

The article examines the features and changes of banking services in connection with the use of new technologies in the banking sector, with the transition to more convenient payment platforms, with the con-nection of electronic banking. The problems faced by banks are identified and ways to solve them are recom-mended.

The undergraduate dissertation as a reflection of education for sustainability and professional identity: the faculty of education of Bilbao

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nahia Idoiaga Mondragon ◽  
Inge Axpe Saez ◽  
Ainhoa Berciano
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Professional Identity ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Education For Sustainability ◽  
Educational Transformation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Faculty Of Education ◽  
Sustainable Developmental Goals

Purpose The undergraduate dissertation (UD) can be considered to be a reflection of the influence of the sustainable developmental goals (SDG) and the professional identity of the students. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the extent to which the topics of the UD reflect the SDG, considering, moreover, that they may be related to the professional identity developed by the students throughout the degree. Design/methodology/approach This work researches the topic of 308 UDs graded as “Excellent” in the Faculty of Education of Bilbao (FEB), using a lexical analysis method. Findings The results show two main branches: one associated with Childhood and Social Education Degrees (related to gender equality and socio-educational transformation); and another linked to the Primary Education Degree (language learning, innovation and new technologies). These analyses show the influence of the 5th (40.8%) and 4th (38.4%) SDGs in the topics chosen for the UDs. Research limitations/implications The findings provide valuable insights into the current state of Education for Sustainable Development in the Faculty, but should be complemented with an analysis of the topics of all the UDs, to have a more real vision of the situation. Originality/value This study analyses, for the first time, the topics of the UDs from the perspective of sustainability, taking into account the dissertations that reach a standard of excellence in the FEB. These results provide relevant information that can be very helpful to detect the specific needs for the design and implementation of an awareness-raising action that will lead to working on sustainability in a transversal way in the education degrees of the FEB.

Housekeepings

2020 ◽  
pp. 127-163
Author(s):  
Arnold Michael
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Media Ecology ◽  
Articulation Work ◽  
Good Working ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
Relations Of Power

This chapter focuses on the significant and often invisible forms of “articulation work” (the work to keep things working) needed to maintain digital media in good working order and fit-for-purpose in the domestic media ecology. It considers the labor of investigating options for, making decisions about, and purchasing and setting up new technologies as well as their ongoing maintenance. This chapter examines both the work and who does the work of maintaining and managing digital media. It also examines the relations of power, authority, gender, labor, and expertise that go into decision making, appropriating, maintaining, and using household digital technologies. In doing so, it furthers empirical developments concerning the notion of domestic media ecologies.

The Role of Information Technology for Knowledge Exchange amongst Healthcare Stakeholders

2011 ◽  
pp. 550-563
Author(s):  
Lynne M. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Current State ◽  
Health Service Providers ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
State Of Practice ◽  
Role Of Information

This chapter summarizes the current state of practice in the application of information technology (IT) for knowledge exchange amongst key health care stakeholders: healthcare consumers, health service providers, and researchers. The objectives are to review the practices that facilitate collaboration amongst stakeholders, the role of new technologies in facilitating exchange of information amongst key stakeholders, and the role of three key stakeholders as creators, consumers, and/or translators of information. The emphasis is on exploring an increasingly collaborative exchange of knowledge online.

New Technologies, New Challenges for Human Rights? The Work of the Council of Europe

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-344
Author(s):  
Laurence Lwoff
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Human Health ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Council Of Europe ◽  
Strategic Action ◽  
Protective Mechanisms ◽  
Protection Of Human Rights ◽  
Fit For Purpose

Abstract Convergence of emerging technologies (e.g. biotechnologies, information and cognitive technologies) has opened new perspectives for progress with regard to human health. However, these technologies also open new possibilities for interventions on human beings, which may be more invasive, and possibly affect and modify individuals. Established practices in the field of biomedicine are also evolving in a way that exerts pressure on existing protective mechanisms. Thus, consideration is required as to whether existing human rights provisions are still fit for purpose or whether there is a need to re-examine, clarify or re-enforce them or even a need to identify new human rights and protective measures. This article gives an overview of the main issues considered by the Committee on Bioethics of the Council of Europe to develop a Strategic Action Plan aimed at ensuring appropriate protection of human rights in the developments in biomedicine, promoting thereby progress for human health.

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