Active Support System Research Articles

Design and Evaluation of an Integrated Active and Passive Body Weight Support System for Variable Gravity and Inertia Compensation

Design and Evaluation of an Integrated Active and Passive Body Weight Support System for Variable Gravity and Inertia Compensation

A Qualitative Exploration of Participants' Experiences in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Weight Reduction Through a Nurse-Led Intervention.

Background Obesity presents a significant global health challenge, increasing the risk of various health complications. Nurse-led interventions offer a promising, patient-centered approach to weight reduction. However, qualitative research on participants' experiences in nurse-led weight reduction programs is limited. Objective The objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of participants in a nurse-led weight reduction program over a period of 12 months. Methods Following a randomized controlled trial within a sequential mixed-methods study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 volunteers who successfully reduced their weight by at least 5% through a nurse-led intervention (NLI). The data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, with careful attention to ensuring both data credibility and participant confidentiality. Results Participants reported positive health improvements over 12 months, including reductions in weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and glucose levels. Four primary themes that surfaced were nutritional choices and habits, active lifestyle, support system and motivation, insights, and strategies from health journey participants. Participants adapted to healthier eating habits, incorporating protein-rich foods, millets, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Walking and yoga were primary physical activities, with participants emphasizing their importance and strategies to overcome barriers. Family support, healthcare guidance, and work-life balance played crucial roles in participants' weight loss journeys. Conclusion The study highlights the effectiveness of NLIs in promoting sustainable weight loss and improving metabolic health. Insights from participants' experiences underscore the importance of dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and social support in successful weight management. Further research is needed to validate these findings and develop tailored interventions.

Ergonomic assessment and gait analysis of a knee joint model with an active spring-reinforced centrally-rollable knee bypass support system  

Ergonomic assessment and gait analysis of a knee joint model with an active spring-reinforced centrally-rollable knee bypass support system  

Effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Foot Strengthening Exercise on Navicular Height and Ankle Range of Motion in College Students with Flexible Flat Feet: A Comparative Study

Background: The medial longitudinal arch (MLA) plays a major role in maintaining the biomechanics of the foot and is maintained with the help of active and passive systems. Dysfunction of active and passive support system can lead to a reduction of navicular height, leading to excessive pronation of the foot known as pes planus. Pes planus is caused by injury, prolonged stress on the foot, obesity, and faulty biomechanics which will result in posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, collapse of the foot archand flat foot.The patients with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and pesplanus have reduced dorsiflexion and increased eversion.So, the aim was to study the effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and foot strengthening exercise on navicular height and ankle range of motion in college students with flexible flat feet. Method: Total 40 students were recruited for the study as per selection criteria and were divided into two groups (20 in each group). Group A was treated with Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization(IASTM)and group B was treated with Foot Strengthening Exercise for five days a week for 4 weeks. Inter-group analysis by Mann Whitney U-test showed statistically significant improvement in navicular height and ankle range of motion (P value ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed statistically significant improvement in navicular height and ankle ROM with the use of IASTM and foot strengthening exercise. However, IASTM was found to be more effective in improving ankle ROM and foot strengthening exercise was found to be more effective inincreasingnavicular height.

Synergizing Fe2O3 Nanoparticles on Single Atom Fe-N-C for Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia at Industrial Current Densities.

The electrochemical reduction of nitrates (NO3 -) enables a pathway for the carbon neutral synthesis of ammonia (NH3), via the nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR), which has been demonstrated at high selectivity. However, to make NH3 synthesis cost-competitive with current technologies, high NH3 partial current densities (jNH3) must be achieved to reduce the levelized cost of NH3. Here, the high NO3RR activity of Fe-based materials is leveraged to synthesize a novel active particle-active support system with Fe2O3 nanoparticles supported on atomically dispersed Fe-N-C. The optimized 3×Fe2O3/Fe-N-C catalyst demonstrates an ultrahigh NO3RR activity, reaching a maximum jNH3 of 1.95 A cm-2 at a Faradaic efficiency (FE) for NH3 of 100% and an NH3 yield rate over 9 mmol hr-1 cm-2. Operando XANES and post-mortem XPS reveal the importance of a pre-reduction activation step, reducing the surface Fe2O3 (Fe3+) to highly active Fe0 sites, which are maintained during electrolysis. Durability studies demonstrate the robustness of both the Fe2O3 particles and Fe-Nx sites at highly cathodic potentials, maintaining a current of -1.3 A cm-2 over 24 hours. This work exhibits an effective and durable active particle-active support system enhancing the performance of the NO3RR, enabling industrially relevant current densities and near 100% selectivity.

A Tracheostomy Support Device to Reduce Tracheostomy-Related Pressure Injury.

Tracheostomies provide many advantages for the care of patients who are critically ill but may also result in complications, including tracheostomy-related pressure injuries. Research efforts into the prevention of these pressure injuries has resulted in specialized clinical care teams and pathways. These solutions are expensive and labor intensive, and fail to target the root cause of these injuries; namely, pressure at the device-skin interface. Here we measure that pressure directly and introduce a medical device, the tracheostomy support system, to reduce it. This was a cross-sectional study of 21 subjects in the ICU, each with a tracheostomy tube connected to a ventilator. A force-sensing resistor was used to measure baseline pressures at the device-skin interface along the inferior flange. This pressure was then measured again with the use of the tracheostomy support system in the inactive and active states. Resultant pressures and demographics were compared. Fifteen male and 6 female subjects, with an average age of 47 ± 14 (mean ± SD) years, were included in this study. Average pressures at the tracheostomy-skin interface at baseline in these 21 ICU subjects were 273 ± 115 (mean ± SD) mm Hg. Average pressures were reduced by 59% (median 62%, maximum 98%) with the active tracheostomy support system to 115 ± 83 mm Hg (P < .001). All the subjects tolerated the tracheostomy support system without issue. Despite best clinical practice, pressure at the tracheostomy-skin interface can remain quite high. Here we provide measures of this pressure directly and show that a tracheostomy support system can be effective at minimizing that pressure.

Optimization of Adaptive Active Support Parameters for Large Deformation Prestressed Anchor Ropes in Soft Rock Tunnels Using Genetic Algorithm Based Computer Applications

The large deformation of soft rock tunnel is an important problem to be solved urgently with the development of engineering technology. In order to improve the application effect of prestressed anchor cable adaptive active support system, this paper puts forward an optimization method based on adaptive genetic algorithm, reviews the research status of prestressed anchor support in soft rock tunnel, and analyzes and evaluates the existing methods. This paper introduces the construction process of AGA model, establishes the problem description model and genetic optimization algorithm selection model, and constructs the adaptive active support model of prestressed anchor cable. The model adopts an optimization algorithm with a total of 100 iterations. The Simple Genetic Algorithm and Parallel Genetic Algorithm are selected to evaluate the anchoring force, the control effect of surrounding rock displacement, the erosion of supporting structure and the construction time by comparative test. The test results show that AGA has a good effect on the anchoring force, the minimum anchoring force is 457 kN, and the displacement of surrounding rock is controlled within 1.21-1.59mm, which has a good influence on the quality of supporting structure and the construction completion time. Finally, the application of AGA model in parameter optimization of prestressed anchor cable in soft rock tunnel is summarized, and the future research direction is put forward.

Active Support System for the Correction of a 4m SiC Primary Mirror Based on the Bending Mode

Active optics is a key technology in ground-based large-aperture telescopes. The active correction of the surface shape of the primary mirror is used to reduce the surface shape error and improve the imaging quality. At present, the structure of the active optics support system is not standardized. Therefore, to ensure the imaging quality of a telescope using a 4m SiC (silicon carbide) primary mirror, this article designed an active support system for the primary mirror and comprehensively evaluated the performance of the system. The system used pneumatic actuators to correct the surface shape of the primary mirror and a six-hardpoint positioning mechanism to correct the pose of the primary mirror. A method for compensating for the force on the hardpoints that causes protrusions and dents on the primary mirror surface was proposed, which effectively improved the accuracy of the primary mirror surface. The bending-mode method was used to determine the correction force. To achieve better results in the surface shape correction based on the bending mode, the relationship between the order of the bending modes used in the correction and the correction effect was studied, enabling the system to achieve a higher surface shape accuracy with a smaller correction force. Finally, the performance of the system was evaluated under various conditions, such as under gravity, thermal load, and wind load. The results indicated that the system had good correction effects on the deformation of the primary mirror under various operating conditions and could meet the requirements of optical design for surface accuracy. In conclusion, this study not only verified the application of active optics technology based on the bending mode in large-aperture SiC mirrors, but also improved on the relevant theoretical research on active optics.

Active lateral support system for a thin 1-meter meniscus mirror with virtual fixed points

This publication presents an active lateral support system for the thin 1-m meniscus mirror of a Ritchey-Chrétien telescope system. The goal is to keep the mirror at its position under varying external influences, such as gravity and temperature, therefore maintaining the alignment and optical image quality. To achieve this, the lateral support consists of eight actuators, based on stepper motors with gearboxes, with local force measurement and three laser triangulation sensors to measure the mirror’s lateral position. A cascaded control structure with local force feedback in the inner loop and position feedback in the outer loop is proposed. In the outer loop, three single-input single-output PI-controllers are implemented to maintain mirror position in the three lateral degrees of freedom. The developed system is able to position the mirror with root mean square errors of 0.27 and 0.18 μm in translational directions and 5.1 μrad in the rotational direction over the operational altitude range with a slewing speed of 0.2 deg / s.

보세판매장 내수판매제도의 문제점과 개선방안

A management crisis has occurred in the entire industry due to the corona virus, and the government and related organizations are working hard to overcome the crisis, such as preparing an active support system and companies coming up with solutions on their own. Bonded stores are also facing a serious crisis due to the decrease in foreign visitors. And The Korea Customs Service implemented 15 tasks to revitalize the duty-free industry to support the management crisis of bonded shop operators. However, among them, the domestic sales system is incompatible with the unique functions of the bonded system, and negative effects such as the conversion of the bonded shop operator to a general importer may occur. Therefore, this study examines the negative consequences of the domestic sales system in bonded stores, and finds that the domestic sales system for operators who do not have their own alternatives to overcome the crisis on their own is ineffective, and that Opinions on improvement measures to overcome the management crisis were presented.

Development of a novel body weight support system for gait rehabilitation

AbstractModern rehabilitation processes for neurological patients have been widely assisted by robotic structures, with continuous research and improvements. The use of robotic assistance in rehabilitation is a consolidated technique for upper limb training sessions. However, human gait robotic rehabilitation still needs further research and development. Based on that, this paper deals with the development of a novel active body weight support (BWS) system integrated with a serious game for poststroke patients. This paper starts with a brief review of the state of the art of applied technologies for gait rehabilitation. Next, it presents the obtained mathematical model followed by multibody synthesis techniques and meta-heuristic optimization to the proposed device. The control of the structure is designed using proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers tuned with meta-heuristic optimization and associated with a suppression function to perform assist-as-needed actions. Then, the prototype is integrated with a serious game designed specifically for this application. Finally, a pilot study is conducted with the structure and healthy volunteers. The results obtained show that the mobility of the novel BWS is as expected and the proposed system potentially offers a novel tool for gait training.

A Pyrrolidine Functionalized Poly[(Ethylene Glycol) Methacrylate] Resin as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Aqueous Aldol Reactions

The development of a performant aminated catalyst for aldol condensations requires the combined tuning of the active site, support and solvent system. For this purpose, a pyrrolidine group was immobilized on a swellable polymer resin. Favorable interactions between the support and water (in its role as solvent) resulted in a turnover frequency (TOF) amounting to 3.0 ± 1.5 × 10−3 s−1, despite potential inhibition of the active sites by formation of iminium species. The affinity of the solvent for the poly[(ethylene glycol) methacrylate] support resulted in efficient swelling of the catalytic material, which was shown to be key to the observed catalytic performance.

Active Decision Support System for Observation Scheduling Based on Image Analysis at the BOROWIEC SLR Station.

The dynamic exploration of the orbits from the LEO-to-GEO region, for the needs of telecommunication services, science, industry and defense, forces monitoring of the trajectory of such orbital objects for the safety of spacecraft traffic and, in the case of deorbitation, for the safety of ground infrastructure. First off all, the need for trajectory monitoring in order to avoid collisions can be distinguished, as well as the need to calibrate the satellite on-board devices. This is mainly carried out by radar measurements, by passive optical acquisition and active laser measurements. The number of orbital objects increases rapidly, and the number of tracking stations for the second is relatively small. This leads to a situation in which each tracking station must select which of the objects will be subject to the measurement task. In the case of the Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) or passive optical set-up, the weather conditions are an important factor enabling the measurement of the orbital object trajectory. This paper presents an innovative observation scheduling support system based on the analysis of the images obtained from the Allsky camera. The information of the degree of cloud cover, the position of the Sun/Moon in connection with the graphical projections of the ephemeris trajectory of the orbital objects allows increasing the measurement efficiency. The presented solution is part of a larger number of improvements carried out by the author, which lead to the upgrade of SLR stations in terms of new technologies and safety of use.

Performance Evaluation and Techno-Economic Analysis of Modular Multilevel STATCOM with Hybrid Storage for Renewable Power Dominated Grids

The increase in renewable power injection into the existing ac network has affected voltage and frequency stability. This creates the need for both active and reactive power support systems at the Common Coupling Point (CCP) of a renewable power generating station. Considering the aforesaid requirements, a distinct configuration using a Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) with Hybrid Storage System (HSS) has been recommended in this paper. These kinds of systems are termed as “Statcom Embedded with Storage System”(SESS). The SESS helps to pump invariable power into the grid by absorbing fluctuating components of active power generated by the renewable power generating plant. Apart from this, provides ancillary services at CCP like, voltage regulation and compensation for negative sequence currents, and ride through capability during the faults in the ac system are to be provided by SESS. The required control methods to operate the proposed configuration for the aforesaid necessities are discussed in this manuscript. The economic advantage of the proposed configuration in comparison to other multilevel topologies has been identified using a techno-economic study and it is presented. The competency of the recommended configuration for SESS application along with its control is verified through PSCAD/EMTDC simulation and the results show its efficacy.

Workplace Inclusion as a Mediator of the Relationship between Workforce Diversity and Intention to Quit: Results from Indian HEIs

Composition of modern workforce has been changing on account of newer developments and emerging trends in the global economy that transformed and reshaped the relationship between employee and employer. The article aims to study the association among workforce diversity and intention to quit with mediating effect of workplace inclusion. The attempt is made to identify the variance in perception among employees’ towards the workforce diversity with respect to their gender, age, and experience in the present institution. Data collection was made during March 2019 to September 2019 from 347 employees working in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, India. Hierarchical multiple regression was administered to examine the relationship between the dependent, independent, and mediating variables. ANOVA and Z-test are used to examine the difference in perception of various dimensions of diversity. Data analysis reveals partial mediation effect of workplace inclusion on the association among workforce diversity and intention to quit. The practical implication of the present research work emphasizes the reorientation of management practices to nurture employee inclusion in the HEI through active support system that embraces the engrossment of top management in the all-inclusive process. The present study examined the cause and effect relationship of workplace diversity on intention to quit where workplace inclusion is used as mediating variable. The empirical evidence of the study reveals that employees’ perception towards their institution highly impact their intention to stay. Thus, the study recommends the HEIs to develop such human resource practices that enhance the contribution to every employee irrespective of their diverse characteristics.

Workplace Inclusion of People With Health Issues, Immigrants, and Unemployed Youths-A Qualitative Study of Norwegian Leaders' Experiences.

AimTo explore leaders’ perceptions and experiences of facilitators and barriers for successful workplace inclusion of immigrants, unemployed youths, and people who are outside the labor market due to health issues.MethodsSemi-structured individual interviews with 16 leaders who actively engaged in inclusion work, representing different occupations, were conducted. Systematic Text Condensation was used to structure the analysis.ResultsThe participating leaders emphasized that job match, including their perception of workers’ motivation, respect for workplace policies, and the availability of appropriate accommodation at the workplace, facilitated work inclusion. An active public support system providing professional and financial support to workers and leaders was also an important facilitating factor. The leaders emphasized that their perception of workers’ lack of motivation for the job was the most important barrier in their own hiring and inclusion engagement. Successful inclusion depended on all workers acknowledging responsibility for and contributing to an inclusive work environment. Being open and willing to discuss challenges was an important part of making the inclusion work. In addition, leadership qualities, such as empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude, appeared as a hallmark among these leaders who actively engaged in inclusion work.ConclusionWorkplace inclusion of this population of marginalized people was facilitated by job match, mutual respect, commitment, and trust, as well as financial and practical support from the public support system. Leaders’ inclusion practices were furthermore affected by personal attitudes and perceptions of social responsibility. Even so, successful workplace inclusion was presented as a two-way street. Leaders have the main responsibility in initiating a respectful and trusting relationship, but both the worker and the leader needs to contribute to make the relationship thrive.

Small-Signal Stability Analysis of the Power System Based on Active Support of Renewable Energy VSCs

With the large-scale renewable energy access to the power system, the voltage source converters (VSCs) in the system are gradually increasing. The system inertia is weakened, which leads to the decrease in frequency supportability and affects the stability of the power system. After adopting active support control, VSC-based renewable energy units have inertia supportability similar to traditional synchronous generators (SGs), which can improve the frequency stability of the power system. This article is intended to the control strategy based on active support of renewable energy. Small-signal stability of a two-zone system with different control strategies for VSCs under different conditions is analyzed. At the same time, the dynamic adjustment effect of different parameters on active support control is considered, and frequency stability of a two-zone system with inertial flexible control is improved. In this article, the basic principle of active support control is expounded in detail. Compared with PQ-control and droop-control, it is verified that active support control has good frequency supportability. The small-signal model of VSCs for active support and two-machine system is established. Combined with the simulation system, the influence of virtual inertia and damping coefficient on system stability is verified.

Macro-Mini Linear Actuator Using Electrorheological-Fluid Brake for Impedance Modulation in Physical Human–Robot Interaction

Robots designed to interact physically with humans are typically characterized by low impedance and low output force, but in many circumstances, high force is needed. Integrated to a high-torque velocity source, antagonistic designs of electrorheological (ER)-fluid or magnetorheological (MR)-fluid clutches enabled a range of achievable impedances for rotational uses. This letter presents an alternative novel concept of linear actuator which uses a rotary ER-fluid brake to engage the highly backdrivable unit to the high force unit. The end effector driven by a mini motor is connected to the brake rotor. Since the brake rotation allows the relative translation between the endpoint and the high-force actuator, the mechanical impedance can be modulated by controlling the brake friction through the applied voltage. The ER-fluid brake using multiple concentric cylinders for high torque-to-inertia ratio was characterized experimentally. The macro-mini linear actuator with an intrinsic failsafe can be applied for active body weight support systems requiring antigravity high force.

Association of Social Anxiety Disorder and Self-Esteem among Young Adults – A Single Centre Study

Social anxiety disorder is a serious mental health issue in India which often goes undiagnosed and undertreated [3]. In addition, studies have shown social anxiety disorder to have an inverse relation to self-esteem [13]. The aim of the study is to evaluate the association between social anxiety disorder and low self-esteem among young adults. The research is a cross sectional descriptive study among the medical undergraduates. Among the participants suffering from social anxiety disorder many of the individuals had social phobia while a few had traditional social anxiety as well. As a result the prevalence of low self-esteem in the study group has a direct association with social anxiety disorder and shows statistically significant data. Thus, an effective way to deal with this condition would be to spread awareness and establish an active student support system and guidance team on campus.

Построение терминологических профилей научных сотрудников на основе публикаций в цифровой библиотеке eLIBRARY.RU

The terminological profiles of specialists are drawn up based on publications from the digital library eLIBRARY. By averaging the individual terminological profiles, it is possible to draw up a generalized profile (“portrait”) of a small research team (a department, laboratory, or sector). Comparison of individual profiles with the use of proximity measures (for example, a cosine measure) makes it possible to group similar profiles and identify groups of employees who conduct research in the same subject area. This helps determine the research team specialization by means of Text Mining tools without using subjective expert assessments. The results obtained using the profile approach are confirmed by constructing graphs of co-authorship and a graph of terms in the Gephi computer program. The compilation of terminological profiles was also used in the development of personalized scientific activity support systems. This system is intended for helping the user (a specialist in a subject area) in choosing relevant scientific conferences and searching for useful (pertinent as far as possible) publications. For describing text documents, a vector model is used, and the weights of terms are determined by calculating the term occurrence frequency (or the tfc-weighting formula). At the preprocessing stage, the stop-words and rarely encountered words are removed, and lemmatization is carried out. The developed profile approach has been approbated on the example of a small research team specializing in computer science. The terminological profiles were constructed and analyzed, based on which the areas in which the team members specialize have been identified, and a personalized scientific activity support system has been developed, that tracks, in an automated mode, publications in the eLIBRARY in one of the relevant areas (Data Mining).