Development Of Assistive Technologies Research Articles

Ethical Considerations in AI Simulations for Designing Assistive Technologies

Current ethical debates on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare approach AI technology in three primary ways. First, they assess the risks and potential benefits of current AI-enabled products using ethical checklists. Second, they propose ex ante lists of ethical values relevant to the design and development of assistive technologies. Third, they advocate for incorporating moral reasoning into AI's automation processes. These three perspectives dominate the discourse, as evidenced by a brief literature summary. We propose a fourth approach: viewing AI as a methodological tool to aid ethical reflection. This involves an AI simulation concept informed by three elements: 1) stochastic human behavior models based on behavioral data for simulating realistic scenarios, 2) qualitative empirical data on value statements regarding internal policy, and 3) visualization components to illustrate the impact of variable changes. This approach aims to inform an interdisciplinary field about anticipated ethical challenges or trade-offs in specific settings, prompting a re-evaluation of design and implementation plans. This is particularly useful for applications involving complex values and behaviors or limited communication resources, such as dementia care or care for individuals with cognitive impairments. While simulation does not replace ethical reflection, it allows for detailed, context-sensitive analysis during the design process and before implementation.Finally, we discuss the quantitative analysis methods enabled by stochastic simulations and the potential for these simulations to enhance traditional thought experiments and future-oriented technology assessments.

A Spectrotemporal EEG Mapping Approach for Decoding Imagined Marathi Language Phonemes

Individuals facing verbal communication impairments resulting from brain disorders like paralysis or autism encounter significant challenges when unable to articulate speech. This research proposes the design and development of a wearable system capable of decoding imagined speech using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals obtained during the mental process of speech generation. The system’s main objective is to offer an alternative communication method for individuals who can hear and think but face challenges in articulating their thoughts verbally. The design suggested includes user-friendliness, wearability, and comfort for seamless integration into daily life. A minimal number of electrodes are strategically placed on the scalp to minimize invasiveness. Achieving precise localization of the cortical areas responsible for generating the EEG patterns during imagined speech is vital for accurate decoding. Literature studies are utilized to determine the cortical positions associated with speech processing. Due to the inherent limitations in EEG spatial resolution, meticulous experiments are conducted to map the scalp positions onto their corresponding cortical counterparts. Specifically, we focus on identifying the scalp location over the superior temporal gyrus (T3) using the internationally recognized 10-20 electrode placement system by employing a circular periphery movement with a 2 cm distance increment. Our research involves nine subjects spanning various age groups, with the youngest being 23 and the oldest 65. Each participant undergoes ten iterations, during which they imagine six Marathi syllables. Our work contributes to the development of wearable assistive technology, enabling mute individuals to communicate effectively by translating their imagined speech into actionable commands. This innovation ultimately enhances their social participation and overall well-being.

Prenatal post-implantation development of collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758).

Given the importance of information on intrauterine development in diagnosing anomalies in the gestational development of the species for the development of assisted reproduction technologies as well as understanding the autonomy and responsiveness of the newborn, the aim of the present study was to describe the external morphology of collared peccary conceptuses. For this study, two conceptuses were used per gestational age of 25-120 days post-copulation (dpc) and neonates with 145 dpc, totalling 22 animals. Females were euthanised, and embryos/foetuses were examined, measured, and photographed. During the first third of the gestational period (25-50 dpc, n = 8), a marked body curvature, brain vesicles, somites, internal organs, placid lens, auricular protrusion and limb buds are noted. In the second third of the gestational period (51-100 dpc, n = 10), foetuses lose their body curvature, displaying greater anatomical definition, including skeletal, external ears, nostrils, eyelids and tactile hair formation and cranial suture closure. In addition, dorsal scent gland and genital tubercle differentiation were visualized at 50 days post-copulation. In the third of the gestational period (101-145 dpc, n = 4), the organs become completely formed, alongside skin darkening, eyelid opening, dental eruption, dorsal odorous gland development, sexual organ externalization, and fanero attachment development. These data allowed for the construction of a prenatal growth curve, providing comparative anatomy information for ungulates and further contributing towards rational reproductive management and reproductive biotechnologies for this species.

Towards sensory substitution and augmentation: Mapping visual distance to audio and tactile frequency.

Multimodal perception is the predominant means by which individuals experience and interact with the world. However, sensory dysfunction or loss can significantly impede this process. In such cases, cross-modality research offers valuable insight into how we can compensate for these sensory deficits through sensory substitution. Although sight and hearing are both used to estimate the distance to an object (e.g., by visual size and sound volume) and the perception of distance is an important element in navigation and guidance, it is not widely studied in cross-modal research. We investigate the relationship between audio and vibrotactile frequencies (in the ranges 47-2,764 Hz and 10-99 Hz, respectively) and distances uniformly distributed in the range 1-12 m. In our experiments participants mapped the distance (represented by an image of a model at that distance) to a frequency via adjusting a virtual tuning knob. The results revealed that the majority (more than 76%) of participants demonstrated a strong negative monotonic relationship between frequency and distance, across both vibrotactile (represented by a natural log function) and auditory domains (represented by an exponential function). However, a subgroup of participants showed the opposite positive linear relationship between frequency and distance. The strong cross-modal sensory correlation could contribute to the development of assistive robotic technologies and devices to augment human perception. This work provides the fundamental foundation for future assisted HRI applications where a mapping between distance and frequency is needed, for example for people with vision or hearing loss, drivers with loss of focus or response delay, doctors undertaking teleoperation surgery, and users in augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) environments.

Assistance Device Based on SSVEP-BCI Online to Control a 6-DOF Robotic Arm.

This paper explores the potential benefits of integrating a brain-computer interface (BCI) utilizing the visual-evoked potential paradigm (SSVEP) with a six-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) robotic arm to enhance rehabilitation tools. The SSVEP-BCI employs electroencephalography (EEG) as a method of measuring neural responses inside the occipital lobe in reaction to pre-established visual stimulus frequencies. The BCI offline and online studies yielded accuracy rates of 75% and 83%, respectively, indicating the efficacy of the system in accurately detecting and capturing user intent. The robotic arm achieves planar motion by utilizing a total of five control frequencies. The results of this experiment exhibited a high level of precision and consistency, as indicated by the recorded values of ±0.85 and ±1.49 cm for accuracy and repeatability, respectively. Moreover, during the performance tests conducted with the task of constructing a square within each plane, the system demonstrated accuracy of 79% and 83%. The use of SSVEP-BCI and a robotic arm together shows promise and sets a solid foundation for the development of assistive technologies that aim to improve the health of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spina bifida, and other related diseases.

CONTEMPORARY AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IN THE FIELD OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY, ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS

3D printing is considered as a helpful technology that facilitates innovative assistive technology, orthotics, and prosthetics development. This technology could likely contribute to positive treatment outcomes. It could also mitigate the challenges encountered when using the traditional methods. Our team’s research in the application of 3D printing in prosthetics, orthotics and biomedical technology has shown beneficial results in its use. This article gives a general description on application of CAD/CAM, digitalization and 3d printing in this industry followed by short description of two spinal-related projects conducted in our research team. Technological and clinical challenges on utilization of this technology have been listed. Finally, this manuscript provides recommendation for broader applications and developments of the aforementioned technology through interdisciplinary practices. A glimpse into the future of 3D printing in the healthcare industry shows that this industry is poised to continue having a significant impact in this sector. It should be emphasized that assistive technology, orthotics, and prosthetics require a human touch and connection, and no digital tool or technology can replace such requirements. Indeed, multi-disciplinary collaboration is the key to the success of applications of 3D printing. Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/42225/32491 How To Cite: Hassan Beygi B, Wong M.S. Contemporary and future development of 3D printing technology in the field of assistive technology, orthotics and prosthetics. Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal. 2023; Volume 6, Issue 2, No.10. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v6i2.42225 Corresponding Author: M.S. WONG, PhDThe Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.E-Mail: m.s.wong@polyu.edu.hkORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4157-9528

Worldwide Survey on Digital Assistive Technology (DAT) Provision.

Occupational therapists have long been involved in assistive technology (AT) provision worldwide. AT is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) to enhance functioning, independence, and autonomy and ultimately promote well-being for people living with disabilities. With the digitalisation of societies, the everyday lives and occupations of individuals are changing, becoming more reliant on digital solutions. The development of digital assistive technology (DAT) also offers opportunities for people with disabilities to access, interact, and pilot the digital world. However, we do not know how occupational therapists are involved in DAT provision worldwide. A survey was conducted in the global occupational therapist's community in June 2022 to describe DAT provision and the factors influencing it. Occupational therapy practitioners were included (n = 660) in the analysis. In DAT provision, occupational therapists mostly provide advice to people, assess their needs, provide instruction or training, prescribe DAT, and fit DAT to people and their environment. The clients served through DAT provision are most frequently people with neurological impairments, chronic illnesses, sensory impairments, and older people. The reasons for providing DAT focus on education, work, school, and leisure. It is expected that DAT provision will enhance independence, self-esteem, occupational participation, and social relationships. Issues faced by occupational therapists when providing DAT are costs of product and funding schemes, sufficient knowledge, and access to knowledge sources. Survey respondents are mostly from Western countries with access to the Internet and the digital world, including having digital literacy, highlighting the digital divide that exists between world regions and countries, but also within countries worldwide. There is a need to continue research to better understand the issues related to digitalisation and the digital participation of people living with disabilities.

Development of a Living Laboratory to Verify Assistive Technology in Simulated Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

Assistive robots and technologies can play a key role in supporting the independence and social participation of older people, helping them living healthy lives and reducing the burden on caregivers. To support the effective development of assistive robots and technologies, it is important to develop a “living laboratory” to verify and adapt technology in real-life living spaces. The purpose of this study is to validate assistive robots using a living laboratory that simulates typical indoor and outdoor real-life situations. The rationale is to enable evaluation of daily living activities of older people in a simulated living space. To minimize the risk of trauma after falls, a ceiling suspension system was installed in the living laboratory. Six different commercially available mobility and transfer support robots were introduced and tested. We demonstrated that effective scenarios could be implemented using these assistive robots within the living laboratory. We implemented a 3D markerless motion capturing system in the outdoor space and showed that outdoor activities, including walking up and down a ramp, could be verified with sufficient accuracy in three cases: (i) normal use without a robot, (ii) use of the ceiling suspension system, and (iii) use of a mobility support robot on three healthy subjects. These results suggest that the proposed living laboratory can support testing and verification of assistive robots in simulated living environments.

The Role of Male Consent in Assisted Reproductive Technology Procedures: an Examination of Japanese Court Cases.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41649-023-00274-1.

Adopting the service system view toward successful implementation of assistive technologies.

This study aims to provide an overview of the service system view (SSV), and the current status of its adoption for the development and implementation of assistive technology (AT). The role of ATs in the global aging scenario is anticipated; however, their diffusion is cumbersome. The SSV captures stakeholders, technologies, and their interactions as integrated systems. Based on this perspective, several approaches for designing long-term care services have been proposed that would be helpful for the successful implementation of ATs. However, the existing geriatrics and gerontology literature seldom addresses these topics. Based on a literature review, this study first illustrates the challenges of using ATs in the real world. The existing literature highlights the sociotechnical challenges of utilizing ATs, such as the changes required in care work and resistance to them. To overcome the challenges, three approaches associated with the SSV have been introduced: service design, service engineering and living labs. This paper also introduces recent national projects in Japan that have adopted these approaches. As the importance of the SSV is growing for the successful implementation of ATs, the ability to adopt the SSV and its approaches is anticipated. In relation to geriatrics and gerontology studies, the impact on older adults' quality of life, as well as the economic effect, needs to be analyzed in future research. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 74-80.

Accuracy and Usability of Smartphone-Based Distance Estimation Approaches for Visual Assistive Technology Development.

Goal: Distance information is highly requested in assistive smartphone Apps by people who are blind or low vision (PBLV). However, current techniques have not been evaluated systematically for accuracy and usability. Methods: We tested five smartphone-based distance-estimation approaches in the image center and periphery at 1-3 meters, including machine learning (CoreML), infrared grid distortion (IR_self), light detection and ranging (LiDAR_back), and augmented reality room-tracking on the front (ARKit_self) and back-facing cameras (ARKit_back). Results: For accuracy in the image center, all approaches had <±2.5 cm average error, except CoreML which had ±5.2-6.2 cm average error at 2-3 meters. In the periphery, all approaches were more inaccurate, with CoreML and IR_self having the highest average errors at ±41 cm and ±32 cm respectively. For usability, CoreML fared favorably with the lowest central processing unit usage, second lowest battery usage, highest field-of-view, and no specialized sensor requirements. Conclusions: We provide key information that helps design reliable smartphone-based visual assistive technologies to enhance the functionality of PBLV.

Definition of the Beginning of Life and Its Legal Significance

The article analyzes the positions of scientists, as well as the current legislation regarding the definition of the beginning of human life in the context of child conception and ensuring the right of human embryo for life. The problem has not only theoretical, but also important practical significance, as the grounds and limits of legal regulation of a number of relations depend on it. The definition of the beginning of life allows for optimal legal regulation, including the provision of legal guarantees to preserve the life of the human embryo. States independently decide on the establishment of prohibition on artificial termination of pregnancy or the time limits after which such a termination is prohibited. Attention is drawn to the development of assisted reproductive technologies, the emergence of the possibility to use cryopreserved embryos, which can be stored for a long time. There is a lack of development of this aspect in science and a small and heterogeneous judicial practice. According to the author, the use of cryopreserved embryos in resolving issues of inheritance of property, as well as after divorce, should be based on a contractual basis. Due to the fact that the legislation allows artificial termination of pregnancy up to a certain period, as well as on medical grounds, the best way to determine the legal capacity of the embryo (foetus) as conditional. Proposals are being made to improve the norms of civil law, including a proposal to call to inheritance for children born as a result of the use of the biomaterial of the testator for in vitro fertilization within six months after testator’s death and born alive after the opening of the inheritance.

A heuristic-based approach for assessing usability in electric powered wheelchairs: A preliminary investigation

ObjectiveAn important issue related to electric powered wheelchair (EPW) is usability. Recent studies did not use heuristic evaluation and did not consider users’ and developers’ participation in the usability evaluation process of the EPW, especially when it has to be driven using alternative commands. Thus, this study investigates the use of heuristics to evaluate the usability of EPW driven by alternative commands, considering the opinion of users and assistive technology (AT) development professionals. MethodsThe study was carried out with 54 participants: 28 EPW users (Group I) and 26 AT developers (Group II). We built a set of 25 heuristics that affects EPW usability. Participants rated each of the 25 heuristics according to their importance for the usability of EPW using the five-point Likert scale. We used the R Software to perform the Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney test as a statistical comparisons test between Group I and II. ResultsThe results showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between Group I and II in the evaluation of 16 heuristics. We identified an important set of heuristics that could help evaluate and improve the usability of EPW. ConclusionThe findings highlighted the importance of considering users’ and developers’ points of view in developing an EPW and its evaluation criteria. It could help the design of the device match the user's needs and expectations. The set of heuristics in this study can be adapted to evaluate other devices’ usability using the heuristic evaluation approach.

Combined control of rehabilitation wheelchair using periocular electromyography and electroencephalography

To improve the convenience of life for the people with reduced mobility, a combined control method of wheelchair utilizing periocular electromyography (Per-EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG) is presented. Based on the Per-EMG and EEG signals obtained from the bioelectric sensors, a novel feature classification combined model is proposed by combining convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network. These two deep learning architectures enable the comprehensive analysis and accurate classification of the acquired signals. Then the inferencing results can be converted to the corresponding driving command of the rehabilitation wheelchair. Furthermore, the important metrics such as accuracy, precision and recall are adopted to evaluate the performance of this combined model. These metrics provide a quantitative assessment of the model’s classification capabilities. By practical experiments, the proposed combined control method for rehabilitation wheelchair demonstrates its reasonability and effectiveness. And the wheelchair with combined control method can enhance the mobility and independence of the people with reduced mobility. These findings contribute to the development of assistive technologies in the field of rehabilitation.

Ethical Challenges of Virtual Reality Technology Interventions for the Vulnerabilities of Patients With Chronic Pain: Exploration of Technician Responsibility.

Chronic pain, a common disease, is a crucial global public health concern. Approximately 20% of the worldwide population is affected by chronic pain, which accounts for 15% to 20% of hospital visits. In Canada, approximately 7.6 million people-or 1 in 5 people-experience chronic pain. Among this population, 60% has either lost their employment or experienced a reduction in income as a result of their pain. The proportion of older people (aged ≥65 years) with chronic pain is high, comprising one-third of the total older population. In addition, the causes of chronic pain and its cures are unknown, and treatment is limited by these unknowns and the dangers of opioids. These essential factors make patients with chronic pain one of the most vulnerable populations. The use of emerging virtual reality (VR) technology as an intervention for chronic pain has consistently demonstrated early effectiveness and has been termed as a "nonpharmacological analgesic." Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant about the potential ethical risks of VR interventions, as inappropriate VR interventions may exacerbate the vulnerabilities of patients. Currently, a central challenge for VR developers is the ambiguity of patient vulnerability and the unpredictability of ethical dilemmas. Therefore, our paper focused on the vulnerability and ethical dilemmas faced by patients with chronic pain in VR interventions. Through an experience-based, prospective ethical examination, we have identified both existing and potential new vulnerabilities and specific manifestations that patients with chronic pain may encounter in VR interventions. Our aim was to highlight the ethical risks that may be present in VR interventions. On one hand, this can help raise awareness among technology developers regarding the vulnerabilities of patients with chronic pain and mitigate technological ethical risks. In addition, it can assist technology developers in determining the priorities for VR technology interventions. These efforts collectively lay a solid foundation for the comprehensive realization of responsible VR technology interventions.

Innovation Design the Text to Braille Based Technology in Computer Vision

This paper discusses the design of assistive technological innovations for writing text on books onto braille boards and computer vision-based sound. So far, programs for converting writing into braille are still very difficult to find, changing from written form to sound. The design for the development of assistive technology that will be produced refers to an analysis of the current needs for blind students, where these students can only read Braille, not Latin. Broadly speaking, this research is image processing of Latin letters with board braille output and sound using a camera scanner with an algorithm processing on the Raspberry Pi system, so that scripts with Latin characters can be enjoyed by the blind.

Text-to-Speech Software and Reading Comprehension: The Impact for Students with Learning Disabilities

This literature review examines the use of text-to-speech (TTS) software as an accommodation for students with learning disabilities and its impact on improving reading comprehension. As the development and availability of TTS tools and assistive technologies have increased over the past decade, it is significant to explore how they are used to accommodate students at all levels of education to promote a universal design of learning. Based on a review of the current literature and utilizing self-regulated learning theory as a framework, four significant themes have emerged: (a) TTS being seen as a compensatory tool; (b) improving reading abilities and comprehension; (c) increasing student motivation and self-efficacy; and (d) the need for training for students, educators, and parents. Findings of this literature review revealed that overall, TTS software is commonly used as a compensatory tool (mainly at the postsecondary level), has assisted in students improving reading speed, fluency, and content retention, resulted in increased student self-efficacy in reading abilities and independent learning, and that there is a significant need to allocate training and technological resources to support students. As there are various directions for future research, exploring this area can contribute to schools promoting inclusive and accommodating learning environments.

Визначення особливостей перебігу вагітності та пологів, стану плода і новонародженого у вагітних після застосування допоміжних репродуктивних технологій (дані ретроспективного аналізу)

The rapid growth in the number of infertile couples leads to the development of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Among the most common forms of infertility are tubo-peritoneal, endocrine, and caused by the male factor, and prevention of pregnancy complications caused by ART treatment cycles becomes one of the main tasks of practicing clinicians. Purpose - to determine the features of the course of pregnancy and childbirth; to assess the condition of the fetus and newborn in pregnant women after the application of ART to improve the perinatal outcomes of pregnancy and childbirth. Materials and methods. A retrospective clinical and statistical analysis of 334 histories of pregnancy and childbirth of women, as well as medical records of newborns from women, was conducted over the past five years, which formed the ART group - 221 history of pregnancy and childbirth, and the group of spontaneous pregnancy - 113 history of pregnancy and childbirth. Results. The structure of the subjects was statistically significant dominated by pregnant women over the age of 35 years and pregnant women in late reproductive age. The main characteristics of women after the ART application were a statistically significant predominance of somatic and gynecological pathology. The structure of pregnancy complications in women after ART application was dominated by threatening late spontaneous miscarriages, isthmic-cervical insufficiency and vaginitis, and in the structure of labor complications - anomalies of labor activity and premature rupture of fetal membranes. Among newborns from women in the ART group, perinatal mortality was 18.0%. Conclusions. The revealed features of somatic and gynecological anamnesis, as well as aspects of the course of pregnancy and childbirth and the condition of newborns in women after ART application are the basis for an in-depth examination of this category of pregnant women in order to improve approaches to predicting, diagnosing and optimizing preventive measures, as well as to improve the perinatal consequences of pregnancy and childbirth. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

User-driven product development: Designed by, not designed for

The current state of function and design of accessible assistive technology is lacking, evidenced by low usability and high abandonment rates by people with disabilities (PwD). A significant contributing factor to these negative outcomes is a lack of user-centered design or user-opinion in the product development. The Human Performance and Mobility Maker Lab (HPML) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a new facility dedicated to developing assistive technology by PwDs. Rather than being excluded from the design and innovation process, PwDs are the primary drivers of innovation at the HPML. The HPML’s the central tenet is ‘Designed by, not designed for’. The purpose of this paper is to explore various assistive technologies developed in the HPML while providing an empathic framework for other research groups to follow in integrating PwDs into the development and design of assistive technology.

Lived Experiences of Everyday Memory in Adults with Dyslexia: A Thematic Analysis.

Dyslexia-related difficulties with memory are well documented under laboratory conditions and via self-report questionnaires. However, the voice of the individual with dyslexia regarding the lived experience of memory across different memory systems and different daily settings is currently lacking. To address this gap in the literature, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 adult female university students with dyslexia. Questions probed different memory systems and experiences across different settings, with interviewees also being asked about their use of technology to support their memory. Two overarching themes were identified in the subsequent thematic analysis. The theme of fallibility of memory had two sub-themes of (i) a lack of trust and confidence in memory and (ii) factors contributing to memory failure. The second theme, facilitators of memory, also consisted of two sub-themes, relating to (i) a preference for traditional tools to support memory and (ii) the use of digital tools to support memory: benefits and limitations. The current study gives insights into the rich and complex extended and distributed cognitive systems of adults with dyslexia. The implications of the findings for dyslexia theory, support in educational and work settings as well as assistive technology development are considered.