Towards a Modular Elbow Exoskeleton: Concepts for Design and System Control

In industrial workplaces, strenuous, repetitive, and long-term tasks at head level or above as well as carrying heavy loads may lead to musculoskeletal disorders of different task dependent body parts. With an increasing trend towards wearable support systems, there is already a large quantity of exoskeletons that may support the user during movements, or stabilize postures, in order to reduce strain on various parts of the body. However, most commercially available exoskeletons mainly focus on the back and shoulder support. Only a few of them address the elbow joint, despite it being prone to injury. Therefore, this paper discusses different possible design and control concepts of modular elbow exoskeletons. The modular architecture potentially enables coupling to existing commercial- and research-associated systems, through appropriate interfaces. Different morphological structures and control mechanisms are assessed in respect to their ability to extend common exoskeletons for back and shoulder support. Based on these considerations, a first functional passive prototype is presented, which supports the flexion of the elbow joint and can be coupled to an existing exoskeleton. In future work, the prototype may be used for further elaboration and practical investigations in laboratory settings to evaluate its technical functionality and biomechanical effects on the user.

Flexible IoT Gas Sensor Node for Automated Life Science Environments Using Stationary and Mobile Robots

In recent years the degree of automation in life science laboratories increased considerably by introducing stationary and mobile robots. This trend requires intensified considerations of the occupational safety for cooperating humans, since the robots operate with low volatile compounds that partially emit hazardous vapors, which especially do arise if accidents or leakages occur. For the fast detection of such or similar situations a modular IoT-sensor node was developed. The sensor node consists of four hardware layers, which can be configured individually regarding basic functionality and measured parameters for varying application focuses. In this paper the sensor node is equipped with two gas sensors (BME688, SGP30) for a continuous TVOC measurement. In investigations under controlled laboratory conditions the general sensors’ behavior regarding different VOCs and varying installation conditions are performed. In practical investigations the sensor node’s integration into simple laboratory applications using stationary and mobile robots is shown and examined. The investigation results show that the selected sensors are suitable for the early detection of solvent vapors in life science laboratories. The sensor response and thus the system’s applicability depends on the used compounds, the distance between sensor node and vapor source as well as the speed of the automation systems.

Enlightenment of Jiang Hengyuan’s Views on Youth in the We-Media Era

In the era of science and information technology, various We-Media have come into being. We-Media is becoming an important part of people’s life. It directly affects people’s lifestyles and mindsets, which is particularly obvious in the process of education and teaching reform in colleges. There is no doubt that college students are the impelling force behind We-Media and have made great contributions to promoting the development of We-Media in China. However, consolidated with relevant practical investigations, it has been found that in the mixed We-Media environment, improper behaviors have surfaced among students, such as internet addiction, cyberbullying, and money worship, due to various inducements, thus affecting their physical and mental health. Jiang Hengyuan, a founder of vocational education development in modern China, proposed that it is not only necessary to pay attention to the training of production professions in terms of knowledge and skills, but also to the cultivation of civic morality, service morality, and national spirit while advocating the talent training mode of “double cultivation of spirit and flesh,” which points out the direction for today’s youth education management.

Aprendizaje guiado por constreñimientos y modulación de la dificultad de práctica: Una propuesta de caso para el entrenamiento de la técnica en Gimnasia Rítmica (Constraints-led approach learning and practice complexity modulation: A case proposal for te

Uno de los puntos clave del entrenamiento deportivo es conocer cuándo un gesto técnico debe ser modificado, así como las estrategias que seguir para ello. Se ha comprobado cómo la interacción con diferentes materiales y espacios es adecuada para incentivar la búsqueda de soluciones motrices en los individuos, pero es importante conocer el estrés que supone para el sujeto la aplicación de cierta dificultad añadida. El objetivo del presente trabajo es mostrar la aplicación de la aproximación al aprendizaje guiado por constreñimientos para la modificación de cuatro gestos técnicos en Gimnasia Rítmica. La propuesta de aproximación consiste en un proceso por etapas a partir la detección de errores técnicos frecuentes. Se utiliza como ejemplo la aplicación en gimnasia rítmica, donde se pueden observar distintos tipos de errores susceptibles de cambio por diferentes motivos. Tras la propuesta práctica de una serie de ejercicios para tratar de corregir estos errores, se observa que un mismo ejercicio puede suponer diferentes niveles de carga en función del material y restricciones implementadas. La adecuación de la carga de práctica es importante para el diseño de tareas que tengan en cuenta las características del aprendiz, su nivel deportivo y los objetivos dentro del proceso de aprendizaje. Estos factores influirán en el nivel de carga que suponga la tarea para el deportista. Este tipo de trabajo es extrapolable a otros deportes, no obstante, es necesaria la realización de investigaciones prácticas en esta línea para recortar la distancia existente entre el conocimiento teórico y su aplicación práctica. Abstract. One of the key points in sports training is to know exactly when a technical movement needs to be modified, and the best strategies to do it. It has been shown that the interaction with different materials and spaces is an adequate strategy to enhance the search for motor solutions in athletes. However, it is also very important to know how an added difficulty affect to the performance of the individual. The main goal of this study is to provide an example of the application of the constraints-led approach in order to modify technical patterns of four technical gestures in Rhythmic Gymnastics. An example of the application in Rhythmic Gymnastics is presented. Some different kinds of errors to be modified because different reasons are shown. The proposal consists of some exercises designed in order to fix that mistakes. It can be seen that the same exercise may involve different practice loads depending on the features and the modulation of the task constraints, such as the material or the movement restrictions. Adaptation of the practice load is a main factor in the design of tasks when considering the characteristics of the learner, its sports level and the learning goals. We can apply this kind of work to other sports, but it is necessary to conduct practical investigations in this area to reduce the gap between the theoretical knowledge and its practical application.

Improving customer experience with artificial intelligence by adhering to ethical principles

The intensive development and application of artificial intelligence technologies in organizing interaction with clients is accompanied by such difficulties as: the client’s unwillingness to communicate with the robot, distrust, fear, negative experience of the clients. Such problems can be solved by adhering to ethical principles of using artificial intelligence. In scientific and practical research on this topic, there are many general recommendations that are difficult to apply in practice, or, on the contrary, that describe the methods for solving a highly specialized technical or management problem. The purpose of this article is to determine the ethical principles and methods, the observance and implementation of which would increase confidence in artificial intelligence systems among client of a particular organization. As a result of the analysis and synthesis of the scientific and practical investigations, as well as the empirical experience of Russian and foreign companies, the main areas of application of artificial intelligence technologies affecting the customer experience were identified. The ethical principles recommended to be followed by business have been formulated and systematized. The main methods have been also identified to enable implementation of these principles in practice, and so to reduce the negative effects of customer interaction with artificial intelligence and increase their confidence in the company.

Factors Motivating Virtual Lab Simulations Adoption in Secondary School Physics Instruction in Jordan

The study investigated the factors that motivate secondary school physics instructors to use virtual lab simulations in teaching and learning in four regions of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. To examine the research question, the study utilized a quantitative survey research methodology using a survey questionnaire consisting of 25 Likert-type scale questions to measure physics instructors' attitudes toward using virtual lab simulations in practical investigations’ preparation and delivery. Contrary to what might be expected, the findings came across a number of variables that were not predictors of statistical significance for a physics instructor's virtual lab simulation adoption: gender; level of education; school site; average class size; ways of acquiring technology skills, for instance, self-taught and computer courses; and perceived barriers. The findings support the prediction that the lack of virtual lab simulations in the Jordanian high-school physics curriculum has an impact on Tawjihi students' achievement in physics. Keywords: Simulation, Virtual lab, Roger’s diffusion of innovations theory.

A BIM-based space-oriented solution for hospital facilities management

Purpose This paper aims to propose a space-oriented solution as an interface enabling the knowledge transfer between the building and the facilities management (FM) industry. Design/methodology/approach The research gap is explored based on practical investigations in six large-scale hospitals in China. The theory of engineering systems integration inspires the proposed solution. A practical scenario is demonstrated to explain the workflow of this solution. Findings It is founded that lagging information updates of FM systems in hospital project are one of the main reasons for inefficient and costly FM workflow. Building information modelling (BIM) model could provide accurate building information to the FM systems at the building handover stage. However, few researchers focus on the continuous information transfer solution from the BIM model to FM systems during the building in-use phase. An interface should be established for the “conversation” between the frequent changes of building and the FM systems in the post-construction period. Practical implications The information updates in three FM systems due to space changes in a hospital project is considered as a practical scenario in this paper. It is presented with the workflow and the data logic chain. Originality/value The originality of this paper is to propose a solution to integrate the space information provided by the BIM model with the parameters of particular FM systems. This solution deploys a BIM model for the FM industry. The solution could allow the FM personnel to ease operations and maintenance workflow by updating the space information in the BIM model.

Current state and potential of Forage Production in the Non-Chernozem region

В Доктрине продовольственной безопасности России на период до 2030 года одной из приоритетных задач является повышение обеспеченности народонаселения молочно-мясной продукцией отечественного производства. Для успешного решения этой задачи потребуется интенсификация кормопроизводства не только на мегафермах, но и на традиционных сельхозпредприятиях, в крестьянских фермерских и личных подсобных хозяйствах. В статье на примере Нечернозёмной зоны дана оценка современного состояния кормопроизводства и перспектив его развития до 2030 года с использованием статистических данных, научно обоснованных рекомендуемых технологий и систем повышения продуктивности кормовой базы на основе сочетания полевого и лугового кормопроизводства, а также с учётом предложений, сформулированных ведущими учёными-экономистами по модернизации управления аграрными и нерегулируемыми рыночными отношениями. На основе анализа современного состояния полевого и лугового кормопроизводства и имеющегося научно-производственного опыта дано обоснование многовариантным направлениям модернизации этой отрасли сельского хозяйства для решения задач, поставленных в Доктрине по развитию животноводства. Соотношение полевого и лугового кормопроизводства в каждом регионе и даже каждом хозяйстве зависит не только от природно-экономических условий и современного состояния сельскохозяйственных угодий, но и от экономических показателей технологий их интенсификации, себестоимости корма и животноводческой продукции, её количества, а также здоровья и продуктивного долголетия животных. Для достижения цели, поставленной в Доктрине, необходимо научным сообществом и макроэкономическим руководством разработать критерии выполнения программы, экономические стимулы её поддержки и методологию, которая послужит основой для разработки программы по федеральным округам и областям, а также основой методики для различных типов хозяйств. According to the Food Security Doctrine of the Russian Federation one of the priority tasks is the increase in domestic milk and meat products by 2030. To achieve this goal advanced forage production technology is required. This paper reports on the current state of the forage production sphere in the Non-Chernozem region as well as potential approaches to improve it by 2030. The review deals with statistical data, validated technologies and methods combining field and grassland forage production, expert evaluation of agricultural and free market relations. Promising ways to improve this sphere are based on theoretical and practical investigations of the current state of field and grassland forage production. Proportions of field and grassland forage in the particular region depend on environmental conditions, economy, quality of agricultural lands, economic efficiency of a modernization approach, prime costs of feed and animal products as well as health and productivity of livestock. To meet the Doctrine goal researchers and leading economists have to introduce criteria to implement modernization, provide financial support and methodology as a basis of such modernization suitable for particular regions and farms.

Curriculum Development and Open Distance E-Learning for the 21st Century

The purpose of the study reported on here was the curriculum development of suitable natural sciences and technology education modules, including practical investigations to complement the theoretical content of these for open and distance e-learning (ODeL) in the 21st century. In light of this purpose, the chapter will especially mention assessment practices and tools, curriculum development, multimedia use, student engagement, learning management systems, and multiculturalism and diversity in the online classroom. The objectives were related to establishing the aspects that must be considered during the curriculum development of well-designed natural sciences and technology education modules, which will include practical investigations, and that students should be able to have opportunities to reflect on their engagement with practical investigations to complement the theoretical content of the modules for ODeL purposes in the 21st century and demonstrate their pedagogical content knowledge after having successfully completed natural sciences and technology education modules.