Assistive Technology Research Articles

Concerns regarding the accessibility of self-service interactive devices for people with disabilities.

Self-service interactive devices allow users to access information or services without directly interacting with service personnel. As the prevalence of disability increases, it is important to consider the barriers individuals face in using these devices and explore opportunities to increase accessibility through assistive and adaptive technologies. This study aimed to establish recommendations to enhance the accessibility of self-service interactive devices, with the objective of understanding users' experiences with these devices. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were held with stakeholders focusing on accessible design for people with disabilities, categorized as (a) persons with lived experiences with disability, (b) disability advocates, or (c) assistive technology industry experts. The study used content analysis to identify recurring concepts and opportunities to improve accessibility. Participants discussed the potential benefits of updating or incorporating additional accessibility technologies into self-service devices and proposed solutions to existing deficiencies. Common concerns expressed among participants included the privacy and security of self-service devices, protection of personal information, and the consistency and usability of devices. Participants also suggested how this inconsistency could be mitigated and how to improve existing accessibility functionalities. Accessible functionalities in self-service devices have the potential to help address the unmet needs of Canadians with disabilities. With the breadth of available accessible and adaptive technologies, the study concludes that it is imperative to understand (1) what technologies are useful to people with disabilities, (2) whether the inclusion of these technologies is feasible in self-service devices, and (3) how user experience can be improved.

On the issue of repeated implantation failures with assisted reproductive technologies

Embryo implantation is the first key step of a successful pregnancy, but implantation failures in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs remains quite common. The main known factors of repeated implantation failures (RIF) in patients undergoing ART are unhealthy lifestyle, genetic factor, uterus pathology, endometriosis and adenomyosis, thrombophilia, and also male factor and embryonic factors. RIF factors and ways to overcome them receive much attention from researchers. However, although many possible RIF causes have been identified, much remains unknown regarding the etiology and management of this condition. In clinical practice, studies and interventions are often used without clear scientific rationale or convincing evidence of their effectiveness due to the lack of standardization of diagnostic and treatment methods. An effective strategy for treating RIF risk factors is necessary to increase the chances of successful pregnancy in assisted reproductive technology programs.

A dose-response study on functional and transcriptomic effects of FSH on ex vivo mouse folliculogenesis.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) binds to its membrane receptor (FSHR) in granulosa cells to activate various signal transduction pathways and drive the gonadotropin-dependent phase of folliculogenesis. Poor female reproductive outcomes can result from both FSH insufficiency owing to genetic or non-genetic factors and FSH excess as encountered with ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology (ART), but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we conducted single-follicle and single-oocyte RNA sequencing analysis along with other approaches in an ex vivo mouse folliculogenesis and oogenesis system to investigate the effects of different concentrations of FSH on key follicular events. Our study revealed that a minimum FSH threshold is required for follicle maturation into the high estradiol-secreting preovulatory stage, and such threshold is moderately variable among individual follicles between 5-10 mIU/mL. FSH at 5, 10, 20, and 30 mIU/mL induced distinct expression patterns of follicle maturation-related genes, follicular transcriptomics, and follicular cAMP levels. RNA-seq analysis identified FSH-stimulated activation of G proteins and downstream canonical and novel signaling pathways that may critically regulate follicle maturation, including the cAMP/PKA/CREB, PI3K-AKT/FOXO1, and glycolysis pathways. High FSH at 20 and 30 mIU/mL resulted in non-canonical FSH responses including premature luteinization, high production of androgen and proinflammatory factors, and reduced expression of energy metabolism-related genes in oocytes. Together, this study improves our understanding of gonadotropin-dependent folliculogenesis and provides crucial insights into how high doses of FSH used in ART may impact follicular health, oocyte quality, pregnancy outcome, and systemic health.

Ceria Nanoparticle Systems Alleviate Degenerative Changes in Mouse Postovulatory Aging Oocytes by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Improving Mitochondrial Functions.

Postovulatory aging oocytes usually feature diminished potential for fertilization and poor embryonic development due to enhanced oxidative damage to the subcellular organelles and macromolecules, which stands as a formidable obstacle in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Here, we developed lipoic acid (LA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified CeO2 nanoparticles (LA-PEG-CeNPs) with biocompatibility, enzyme-like autocatalytic activity, and free radical scavenging capacity. We further investigated the LA-PEG-CeNPs effect in mouse postovulatory oocytes during in vitro aging. The results showed that LA-PEG-CeNPs dramatically reduced the accumulation of ROS in aging oocytes, improving mitochondrial dysfunction; they also down-regulated the pro-apoptotic activity by rectifying cellular caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, and Bcl-2 levels. Consistently, this nanoenzyme prominently alleviated the proportion of abnormalities in spindle structure, chromosome alignment, microtubule stability, and filamentous actin (F-actin) distribution in aging oocytes, furthermore decreased oocyte fragmentation, and improved its ability of fertilization and development to blastocyst. Taken together, our finding suggests that LA-PEG-CeNPs can alleviate oxidative stress damage on oocyte quality during postovulatory aging, implying their potential value for clinical practice in assisted reproduction.

Regulatory safeguards needed if preimplantation genetic testing for polygenic risk scores (PGT-P) is permitted in Singapore

Singapore, a highly affluent island city-state located in Southeast Asia, has increasingly leveraged new assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to overcome its dismal fertility rates in recent years. A new frontier...

BLINDS EYE: Advancing Navigation for the Visually Impaired with Arduino Uno

Blinds Eye Advancing Navigation for the Visually Impaired with Arduino Uno. Navigating their surroundings independently, visually impaired individuals encounter challenges with traditional aids. This advanced blind navigation system, integrating an Arduino Uno for processing, a GPS module for real-time tracking, and a panic button for emergencies, presents a groundbreaking solution. Ultrasonic and IR sensors detect obstacles, issuing audio alerts and adjusting routes. An RF module aids in locating a misplaced smart stick. Overcoming limitations of existing solutions, the system's audio output provides crucial information, ensuring safer and more efficient independent travel for the visually impaired." Key Words: Arduino Uno, Blind navigation, Visually impaired, GPS module, Ultrasonic sensors, Infrared sensors, RF module, Assistive technology

Preservice teachers learning to teach online: Developing teacher leaders.

Technology is woven throughout our daily lives now more than ever. Therefore, teacher education programs need to meet this digital demand and begin to prepare teacher candidates for their future in teaching with technology. Even before COVID-19, K-12 education included virtual schools, therefore, the necessity of preparing teacher candidates for the successful implementation of online instruction are of utmost importance. To meet the needs of their future students, candidates must be prepared to integrate technology into their teaching as well as be prepared to teach online. To prepare 21st century learners, teacher candidates must create learning opportunities for their students to learn with and through technology. The Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) structure was designed for teachers to understand the relationships between and among technology, pedagogy, and content. The purpose of this research was to revise traditional instruction where the professor models and implements technology tools to allow candidates the opportunity to develop their TPACK in their two years in a teacher education program. To develop the TPACK of teacher candidates, education preparation professionals worked together to design and implement the School of Education, Technology Integration Project. Through this innovative approach developed by a team of professors, the School of Education has changed its’ coursework in all programs to include more online teaching, the inclusion of technology for teaching content, and the use of assistive technology. As a result, student teachers and graduates are reporting that they are now being recognized as teacher technology leaders and are showcasing technology lessons at their schools.

The effect of antitumor therapy on the reproductive system, the possibility of preserving female fertility

The influence of malignant neoplasms and their treatment methods on the reproductive function of women is one of the significant problems of oncogynecology. The mechanisms of ovarian follicle loss caused by chemotherapy have their own characteristics depending on the characteristics of the cytotoxic agent and act differently on different populations of ovarian cells. The toxic effect on fertility of the main groups of antitumor drugs is considered. Reproductive dysfunction has negative consequences for a woman’s physical and mental health. The use of methods that reduce the effect of cytotoxic agents on the ovary helps to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency, leading to infertility. The article discusses modern methods of fertility preservation using assisted reproductive technologies. All cancer patients of reproductive age should receive full oncofertility counseling as early as possible, during the treatment planning process, regardless of the type and stage of the disease.

The landscape of transcriptional profiles in human oocytes with different chromatin configurations

With increasingly used assisted reproductive technology (ART), the acquisition of high-quality oocytes and early embryos has become the focus of much attention. Studies in mice have found that the transition of chromatin conformation from non-surrounded nucleolus (NSN) to surrounded nucleolus (SN) is essential for oocyte maturation and early embryo development, and similar chromatin transition also exists in human oocytes. In this study, we collected human NSN and SN oocytes and investigated their transcriptome. The analysis of differentially expressed genes showed that epigenetic functions, cyclin-dependent kinases and transposable elements may play important roles in chromatin transition during human oocyte maturation. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of NSN-to-SN transition of human oocyte and obtained new clues for improvement of oocyte in vitro maturation technique.

DEVELOPMENT OF SMART TOILET SYSTEM FOR OLD AGE AND SPECIALLY ABLED PERSON

This research paper presents the development of a novel smart toilet system designed to the unique needs of elderly individuals and persons with disabilities. The primary objective of the project is to monitor the health conditions of users while inside the toilet, this system incorporates advanced sensors, user-friendly interfaces, and automation to provide a seamless and dignified toileting experience for individuals with diverse mobility challenges. Integral to the system is a comprehensive health monitoring component. Utilizing sensors, the system measures the user's body temperature and heartbeat. This real-time health data is crucial for timely detection of potential health issues, promoting preventive healthcare and immediate response if needed. This research contributes to the evolving field of assistive technologies, specifically addressing the needs of aging populations and individuals with disabilities. The integration of mechanical design, health monitoring, and cloud-based connectivity exemplifies a holistic approach to smart healthcare solutions, fostering independence and improved quality of life for users. Key Words: Smart and healthy living, Emergency assistance, Care, Health.

Associations between exposure to phthalates and liver function among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology

Phthalates can induce hepatotoxicity in animal studies. We aimed to assess the associations of individual and mixture of urinary phthalate metabolites with serum liver function indicators among 764 women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). In linear models, we observed inverse correlations between urinary mono-benzyl phthalate and serum total protein (TP) as well as globulin (β=–0.27 and –0.23, respectively, P<0.05). Additionally, negative associations were identified between mono-isobutyl phthalate and mono-butyl phthalate (MBP) and aspartate aminotransferase-to-alanine transaminase ratio (AST/ALT) (P<0.05). MBP and the sum of all phthalate metabolites (∑all.phth.m) were positively associated with bilirubin, with β ranging from 0.14 to 0.47. Most phthalate metabolites were also positively related to gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (all P<0.05). In Bayesian kernel machine regression models, phthalate mixture was positively associated with bilirubin and GGT, whereas inversely associated with AST/ALT and TP. Our results suggest that phthalate exposure may impair liver function among women undergoing ART.

The extended impact of co-designed personalised aids for people living with chronic conditions: an exploratory study in a healthcare setting

Assistive technology has great potential to help individuals living with chronic health conditions, however devices often fail to align with the unique requirements of users. These results in device abandonment and missed opportunities to benefit people. This exploratory study aims to evaluate the short and longer-term satisfaction, psychological benefit, use and resources involved in co-designed customised assistive devices within a current healthcare service. Individuals with chronic health conditions identified daily living challenges. Eleven individuals completed the trial and were involved throughout the design process. Outcome measures evaluated the impact of the devices provided, healthcare utilisation, help required, and resources used. Nineteen custom assistive devices were produced for twenty-four challenges in daily living identified. At 3-months, eighteen devices were still being used. Daily challenges had become easier for individuals to complete and required less help from informal carers. Individuals were satisfied with the devices and service provided. Improvements in competence, adaptability and self-esteem were sustained long-term. The average clinician’s time required to produce a device was 5 h 55 min, with an average cost of £203.79. People with chronic conditions were able to benefit from the co-design process resulting in satisfaction and long-term utilisation of the device, and positive psycho-social benefits. The costs associated with embedding this approach in a healthcare service were calculated. Scaling up the co-design process reduced the associated costs per device compared to previous work. Further work is required to evaluate co-designing across larger samples and explore opportunities to further improve the cost-efficiency.

Towards Transnational Fairness in Machine Learning: A Case Study in Disaster Response Systems

Research on fairness in machine learning (ML) has been largely focusing on individual and group fairness. With the adoption of ML-based technologies as assistive technology in complex societal transformations or crisis situations on a global scale these existing definitions fail to account for algorithmic fairness transnationally. We propose to complement existing perspectives on algorithmic fairness with a notion of transnational algorithmic fairness and take first steps towards an analytical framework. We exemplify the relevance of a transnational fairness assessment in a case study on a disaster response system using images from online social media. In the presented case, ML systems are used as a support tool in categorizing and classifying images from social media after a disaster event as an almost instantly available source of information for coordinating disaster response. We present an empirical analysis assessing the transnational fairness of the application’s outputs-based on national socio-demographic development indicators as potentially discriminatory attributes. In doing so, the paper combines interdisciplinary perspectives from data analytics, ML, digital media studies and media sociology in order to address fairness beyond the technical system. The case study investigated reflects an embedded perspective of peoples’ everyday media use and social media platforms as the producers of sociality and processing data-with relevance far beyond the case of algorithmic fairness in disaster scenarios. Especially in light of the concentration of artificial intelligence (AI) development in the Global North and a perceived hegemonic constellation, we argue that transnational fairness offers a perspective on global injustices in relation to AI development and application that has the potential to substantiate discussions by identifying gaps in data and technology. These analyses ultimately will enable researchers and policy makers to derive actionable insights that could alleviate existing problems with fair use of AI technology and mitigate risks associated with future developments.

Physics Education for Special Needs Students: A Descriptive Analysis

This essay examines the difficulties and possibilities involved in teaching physics to students with special needs. It talks about how important it is for physics courses to use inclusive pedagogies and teaching practices that are designed to meet the different needs of their students. The study looks at different strategies for modifying physics curricula, instructional strategies, and assessment procedures to fit the needs of students with special needs. It does this by reviewing relevant literature and doing empirical research. It draws attention to how important collaborative learning settings, assistive technology, and customized instruction are to ensuring that all students have equitable access to physics education. The report also addresses how professional development and teacher training might improve teachers' ability to successfully support students with exceptional needs. It highlights how crucial it is to promote policies and cultivate an inclusive culture across physics education communities. This study attempts to provide guidance and insights for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders trying to establish inclusive and supportive learning environments for children with special needs in physics education by combining current research and best practices. It emphasizes how important it is to acknowledge and recognize each learner's unique talents and abilities in order to support their engagement, success, and mastery of physics.

Luteinizing hormone supplementation in controlled ovarian stimulation: the Iran Delphi consensus

IntroductionNumerous consensus documents worldwide address luteinizing hormone (LH) supplementation in controlled ovarian stimulation, yet to the best of our knowledge, only one consensus paper has been published in the Arab region. This study presents a Delphi consensus by seven Iranian infertility experts, offering real-world clinical perspectives. The aim was to develop evidence-based opinions on LH's role alongside FSH in various aspects of assisted reproductive technology (ART), including LH levels, monitoring, r-hLH use, and suggested activity.MethodsEmploying the Delphi consensus approach, the Iran consensus unfolded in three steps. In Step 1, eight out of 10 statements gained approval, while two unclear statements were removed. In Step 2, the 20-member extended panel voted on the remaining eight statements.ResultsOnly one (statement 3) lacked consensus (55% agreement), prompting a modification. The revised statement (noted as statement 3′) obtained an 83% agreement.DiscussionThe clinical perspectives included in this consensus complement clinical guidelines and policies that help further improve treatment outcomes, especially for patients with FSH and LH deficiencies.

Gonadotropins in assisted reproductive technology programs: A review

Reproductive medicine is actively developing, and new methods, drugs, and protocols are being developed and introduced for the treatment of infertility. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are the most effective methods. In ART protocols, ovarian stimulation (OS) is based on gonadotropin use. The choice of the starting dose of gonadotropin is a critical factor in the successful OS and the effectiveness of ART programs. The article describes the development history of gonadotropins and provides current data on their use in ART programs. The use of biosimilars of follitropin alfa in OS is discussed, and the effectiveness of its Russian biosimilar is also addressed. TRANSLATE with x English Arabic Hebrew Polish Bulgarian Hindi Portuguese Catalan Hmong Daw Romanian Chinese Simplified Hungarian Russian Chinese Traditional Indonesian Slovak Czech Italian Slovenian Danish Japanese Spanish Dutch Klingon Swedish English Korean Thai Estonian Latvian Turkish Finnish Lithuanian Ukrainian French Malay Urdu German Maltese Vietnamese Greek Norwegian Welsh Haitian Creole Persian TRANSLATE with COPY THE URL BELOW Back EMBED THE SNIPPET BELOW IN YOUR SITE Enable collaborative features and customize widget: Bing Webmaster Portal Back

Flexible Self-Powered Low-Decibel Voice Recognition Mask

In environments where silent communication is essential, such as libraries and conference rooms, the need for a discreet means of interaction is paramount. Here, we present a single-electrode, contact-separated triboelectric nanogenerator (CS-TENG) characterized by robust high-frequency sensing capabilities and long-term stability. Integrating this TENG onto the inner surface of a mask allows for the capture of conversational speech signals through airflow vibrations, generating a comprehensive dataset. Employing advanced signal processing techniques, including short-time Fourier transform (STFT), Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC), and deep learning neural networks, facilitates the accurate identification of speaker content and verification of their identity. The accuracy rates for each category of vocabulary and identity recognition exceed 92% and 90%, respectively. This system represents a pivotal advancement in facilitating secure and efficient unobtrusive communication in quiet settings, with promising implications for smart home applications, virtual assistant technology, and potential deployment in security and confidentiality-sensitive contexts.

The reproductive journeys of French women over 40 seeking assisted reproductive technology treatments in Spain

Fertility decline is a complex phenomenon resulting from converging social and cultural changes that are governed through politics. As it has been discussed in many studies, the European's low fertility rate goes hand in hand with the trend of maternity postponement. Although in many European countries over the last decades reproduction is envisaged as an individual choice that can be made at older ages, having a child after a certain age can be impossible -either “naturally” or using assisted reproductive technology-depending on the medical and legislative possibilities and limits of the country in which people live. In the extremely diverse European reproscape, reproductive legislations have forced but also allowed many people to seek reproductive treatments outside their home countries.Spain is a leading destination in Europe for cross border reproductive travel and, of the foreigners it receives, the French are the largest group. Despite having a history of strong pro-natalist policies, France has been one of the strictest European countries regarding access to medically assisted procreation. Until 2022, only heterosexual couples in which women were under 43 years of age could access treatments. Despite the recent opening of access to “all women”, including single women and same-sex female couples, women over 43 years of age were once again excluded from the new legal framework and therefore remain condemned to travel abroad to access reproductive treatments. In this article, we analyze the experience of French women over 40 who cross the Spanish border to access reproductive treatments in order to fulfill their desire to have children. Through ethnographic data emerging from six years of participant observation and in-depth interviews with 15 women, we explore why they remain excluded from the French system of reproductive governance and the obstacles they face during their reproductive journey.

Segmentation of mature human oocytes provides interpretable and improved blastocyst outcome predictions by a machine learning model

Within the medical field of human assisted reproductive technology, a method for interpretable, non-invasive, and objective oocyte evaluation is lacking. To address this clinical gap, a workflow utilizing machine learning techniques has been developed involving automatic multi-class segmentation of two-dimensional images, morphometric analysis, and prediction of developmental outcomes of mature denuded oocytes based on feature extraction and clinical variables. Two separate models have been developed for this purpose—a model to perform multiclass segmentation, and a classifier model to classify oocytes as likely or unlikely to develop into a blastocyst (Day 5–7 embryo). The segmentation model is highly accurate at segmenting the oocyte, ensuring high-quality segmented images (masks) are utilized as inputs for the classifier model (mask model). The mask model displayed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.63, a sensitivity of 0.51, and a specificity of 0.66 on the test set. The AUC underwent a reduction to 0.57 when features extracted from the ooplasm were removed, suggesting the ooplasm holds the information most pertinent to oocyte developmental competence. The mask model was further compared to a deep learning model, which also utilized the segmented images as inputs. The performance of both models combined in an ensemble model was evaluated, showing an improvement (AUC 0.67) compared to either model alone. The results of this study indicate that direct assessments of the oocyte are warranted, providing the first objective insights into key features for developmental competence, a step above the current standard of care—solely utilizing oocyte age as a proxy for quality.

AI EOS using Wolframe Alpha

Artificial intelligence is crucial to day-to-day life. science of computers defines AI research as the study of intelligent agents. Today, most people, intentionally or not, have turned to some form of computerized information processing technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already changing our lifestyle. A device that senses its surroundings and performs actions that maximize the likelihood of achieving a goal. The input to a database can be a choose to of users and articles, and the output is a ruthless recommendation. Input can be verbally or textually submitted by the user within the system. This paper presents a new approach to intelligent search. Overall, there are many people around the world who use assistants. This paper describes the provocation of applying virtual assistant technology. The paper also introduces the application of virtual assistants that can help open opportunities for humanity in various fields. Voice control is an important growing feature that will change people's lives. Voice assistants are available for laptops, desktops, and mobile phones. Assistant is now available on all electronic devices. A voice assistant is a software agent that can interpret human speech and respond in machine language