High-tech Devices Research Articles

Tactile care, mechanical Hugs: Japanese caregivers and robotic lifting devices

This article explores the attempted introduction of a lifting robot called “Hug” into an elderly care home in Japan. As demand for institutional elderly care in Japan escalates due to population aging and a move away from familial care, the shortage of professional care staff is also intensifying. Attributing this shortage partly to carers’ endemic back pain, the Japanese government and corporations have poured resources into developing high-tech robotic lifting devices. Yet contrary to their expectation, many Japanese caregivers seem reluctant or even hostile to the idea of using such devices. I use fieldwork data to explore why this is the case, and find that lifting is situated within a practice of tactile, joking care aimed at ensuring anshin (安心; “peace of mind”) for both care staff and residents. Mechanical replacement of this tactile connection was strongly resisted as “disrespectful” by care staff.

Autonomic control of blood circulation in patients undergoing elective carotid endarterectomy.

Internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) is associated with significantly higher risk of stroke. Autonomic function can be impaired in the presence of atheroma in the carotid sinus region. Two parameters of autonomic nervous system (ANS) function e.g. heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) are respected predictors of cardiovascular prognosis. We assessed the effect of elective unilateral carotid endarterectomy (CEA) on cardiovascular autonomic functions as a major prognostic factor for cardiovascular health. Nineteen patients indicated for CEA underwent formal autonomic assessment in the laboratory. Hemodynamic profiles, HRV and BRS were evaluated with the dedicated high-tech device Task Force Monitor before surgery (day-1) and postoperatively (day 3±1). Data were obtained during 5 min orthostatic challenge and subsequent 5 min in a supine position. There were no significant early postoperative changes in evaluated parameters after CEA. There was a mild decrease of blood pressure and therefore only a slight increase in BRS. It was also possible to observe a rise in the value of total power and high frequency power. In the early postoperative period, healing processes are occurring and the sympatho-vagal interaction is probably still unbalanced. Given the considerable clinical potential of BRS and HRV measurement, further short-term and, more importantly, long-term investigations are needed.

The Use of High-Tech Speech-Generating Devices as an Evidence-Based Practice for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Meta-analysis

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate single-case studies that used high-tech speech-generating devices (SGDs) for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) ages 0–8. The focus of this review was to measure the effect size of high-tech SGD intervention on verbal behavior. The review included 20 studies with 54 participants with ASD. The results suggest that high-tech SGDs are strongly effective to teach manding, intraverbal, and multistep tacting to children with ASD. Another aim was to evaluate the quality of the studies based on Horner et al.’s (2005) quality indicators. The results suggest a moderate level of evidence for high-tech SGD intervention in children with ASD. Directions for future research and implications for practice are discussed.

Extraction behavior of selected rare earth metals from acidic chloride media using tetrabutyl diglycolamide

ABSTRACTRare earth elements (REEs) are vital to modern, high-tech devices. Recycling REEs from post-consumer electronics can potentially diminish supply chain risks. Toward that end, liquid–liquid solvent extraction of various REEs was investigated with tetrabutyl diglycolamide (TBDGA) in 1-octanol from hydrochloric acid media. Metal partitioning to the organic phase was shown to increase as [Cl−] increased. In contrast, increasing [H+] did not improve extraction. The use of the polar diluent 1-octanol provided high extraction efficiency, especially for the partition of heavy lanthanides from solutions of high chloride concentration. Although the polar diluent also extracted molar amounts of water and acid, it was concluded that a neutral metal/TBDGA complex as mainly the di-solvate was extracted, and that complexation was observed to be exothermic. These results indicate that REE extraction from aqueous chloride solutions can be efficient without the use of high acid concentrations.

An overview of passive techniques for heat transfer augmentation in microchannel heat sink

Active and passive cooling are the two possible methods for removing heat. An active cooling system is the one that involves the use of energy as opposed to passive cooling that uses no energy. Passive cooling methods are cost effective and more reliable than active cooling due to the absence of moving parts. Microchannel heat sink is one of high-tech devices that have widely considered passive cooling methods especially for electronics cooling. In this paper, the use of passive cooling methods in microchannel heat sink is comprehensively discussed. This paper also present the effects of some important parameters such as the type of channel types, surface roughness, fluid additives, and Reynolds number on the rate of heat transfer in microchannel heat sink. Finally, the conclusions and important summaries were presented according to the data collected.

The long-term development of Russian biotech sector

PurposeTo define strategic directions for the Russia’s social, economic, scientific and technological development in 2011-2013, a large-scale foresight study including the deep analysis of prospects of biotechnology development there was undertaken (Russia 2030: Science and Technology Foresight). This paper aims to present results of this research.Design/methodology/approachThe study was based on a combination of technology-push and market-pull approaches that aimed not only to identify most promising science and technology (S&T) areas but also to understand how they can be realized in practice. Representatives from federal authorities, science and business were involved in the project to create future visions of technological directions; analyze grand challenges, weak signals and wild cards; and set research and development (R&D) priorities.FindingsAccording to results of the study, Russia has a potential for biotech sector development, although the level of R&D in the majority of areas is lagging behind that in the USA and leading EU countries. However, there are several advanced applied research areas where efforts can be focused. Among them are high-performance genomics and post-genomics research platforms, systems and structural biology, microbial metabolic engineering, plant biotechnology and microbial strains and consortia for development of symbiotic plant–microbial communities.Originality/valueConcentration of available resources of government and business on biotechnological sector development can help to find answers for challenges that Russia faces today or will face tomorrow. It will help to pick up on the current level of research activities, improve the quality of personnel training, make this area the engine of the economy and carry out the so-called new industrialization of the country, building a new, high-tech device industry.

Systematic Review of Methods for Teaching Social and Communicative Behavior with High-Tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication Modalities

A systematic review was conducted to analyze the scope and breadth of the existing training protocols for establishing social and communicative behavior using high-tech, touchscreen devices. This review aimed to determine the degree to which studies evaluating high-tech communication aides have established procedures to extend, or completely replace, traditional low-tech communication training methods (e.g., Picture Exchange Communication System). Individual studies were evaluated based on the range of social and communicative skills targeted. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology was utilized (Prospero: No. CRD42017055541) and systematic searches included the Scopus, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink databases. Studies were included in the review if their methods utilized high-tech devices as a vehicle for establishing social and/or communicative behavior. Single-case and group-design studies including children and adults were included in the review if participants were diagnosed with either autism spectrum disorder and/or other developmental disabilities. Fifty-six studies were included and the results of this review indicated that the existing support for high-tech communication aides has focused predominantly on a narrow band of social and communicative behavior (e.g., requesting) and that substantial research is warranted for establishing more advanced forms of social behavior, beyond requesting alone, using these new high-tech methods.

Telerehabilitation: Review of the State-of-the-Art and Areas of Application.

BackgroundTelemedicine applications have been increasing due to the development of new computer science technologies and of more advanced telemedical devices. Various types of telerehabilitation treatments and their relative intensities and duration have been reported.ObjectiveThe objective of this review is to provide a detailed overview of the rehabilitation techniques for remote sites (telerehabilitation) and their fields of application, with analysis of the benefits and the drawbacks related to use. We discuss future applications of telerehabilitation techniques with an emphasis on the development of high-tech devices, and on which new tools and applications can be used in the future.MethodsWe retrieved relevant information and data on telerehabilitation from books, articles and online materials using the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) “telerehabilitation,” “telemedicine,” and “rehabilitation,” as well as “disabling pathologies.”ResultsTelerehabilitation can be considered as a branch of telemedicine. Although this field is considerably new, its use has rapidly grown in developed countries. In general, telerehabilitation reduces the costs of both health care providers and patients compared with traditional inpatient or person-to-person rehabilitation. Furthermore, patients who live in remote places, where traditional rehabilitation services may not be easily accessible, can benefit from this technology. However, certain disadvantages of telerehabilitation, including skepticism on the part of patients due to remote interaction with their physicians or rehabilitators, should not be underestimated.ConclusionsThis review evaluated different application fields of telerehabilitation, highlighting its benefits and drawbacks. This study may be a starting point for improving approaches and devices for telerehabilitation. In this context, patients’ feedback may be important to adapt rehabilitation techniques and approaches to their needs, which would subsequently help to improve the quality of rehabilitation in the future. The need for proper training and education of people involved in this new and emerging form of intervention for more effective treatment can’t be overstated.

THE GENESIS INNOVATION CENTER ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF CHINA’S OLDER ADULTS

The Genesis Innovation Center, China provides new technology interaction to improve healthy living and maximize independence, including smart-home technology, and global innovative products such as sensors, digital applications, virtual and augmented reality, mobile health platforms, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing. Participants experience innovative designs from prototype to products ready for purchase. The Center has a “startup in residence” program for entrepreneurs and collaborates with engineers, startups and investors to accelerate design development. It has fully integrated tech-enabled care delivery utilizing robotics to access world class clinicians and resources, virtual rehabilitation and motion trainer tools to create and monitor compliance, performance and clinical outcomes. The Center’s high-tech devices and switches improve environmental access, increase independence, and assist with cognitive or mobility impairments. Remote controlled appliances, sleep monitors, video capture technology, smart design features with biometric monitoring and clinician or caregiver alerting mechanisms are all built into the design of the center.

Noninvasive imaging systems for gametes and embryo selection in IVF programs: a review.

Optimizing the efficiency of the in vitro fertilization procedure by improving pregnancy rates and reducing the risks of multiple pregnancies simultaneously are the primary goals of the current assisted reproductive technology program. With the move to single embryo transfers, the need for more cost-effective and noninvasive methods for embryo selection prior to transfer is paramount. These aims require advancement in a more acquire gametes/embryo testing and selection procedures using high-tech devices. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to evaluate the efficacy of noninvasive imaging systems in the current literatures, focusing on the potential clinical application in infertile patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatments. In this regards, three advanced imaging systems of motile sperm organelle morphology examination, polarization microscopy and time-lapse monitoring for the best selection of the gametes and preimplantation embryos are introduced in full.

The ATHENA equation – balancing the efficacy of citizens’ response with the reality of citizens’ rights around data protection

The ways and extent to which LEAs and other crisis responders might possibly harness new communication media – particularly web-based social media such as Twitter and Facebook, and the prolific use of high-tech mobile devices to provide efficient and effective communication and enhanced situational awareness during a crisis is being explored by Sheffield Hallam University’s EC-funded ATHENA project, which comes to an end in December 2016. This article is the first of a two-part analysis of that seminal project funded by the European Commission and considers the legal issues arising from utilising citizen responders’ data in civil emergencies.

Video and Internet gaming addiction among young adults

IntroductionWith the popularity of high-tech devices and Internet use in recent years, playing online or offline games has become a popular activity, among young adults (YA). However, research suggests that excessive engagement may in extreme cases lead to symptoms commonly experienced by substance addicts.AimsEstimate the prevalence of problematic use of video and Internet games (PUVIG) among YA. Determine the factors associated with it.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out during the first half of September 2016. A sample of 69 YA with a high education's level was randomly selected from the general population. Data were collected through a global questionnaire consisted of a sociodemographic part, the Young Internet Addiction Test, the Problem Video Game playing questionnaire, online network game scale and the Perceived Stress Scale.ResultsThe average age was 27.6 years. The majority (70%) reported using video or Internet games. The risk of dependency to online network games involved 10% of game players while the presence of video games use consequences concerning 16%. Gaming addiction was significantly more likely in boys (P = 0.001). The students had more PUVIG than employees (P = 0.036). A link was highlighted with a problematic Internet use (P = 0.008), a facebook addiction (P = 0.001) and high perceived stress level (0.014).ConclusionsPlaying video and Internet games is a widespread activity among YA. The factors potentially involved are inevitably multiple and complex. It supports the need to carefully explore these emerging practices among this vulnerable population and suggest the establishment of better prevention and better tracking of video gaming.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Sol–Gel-Derived Glass-Ceramic Photorefractive Films for Photonic Structures

Glass photonics are widespread, from everyday objects around us to high-tech specialized devices. Among different technologies, sol–gel synthesis allows for nanoscale materials engineering by exploiting its unique structures, such as transparent glass-ceramics, to tailor optical and electromagnetic properties and to boost photon-management yield. Here, we briefly discuss the state of the technology and show that the choice of the sol–gel as a synthesis method brings the advantage of process versatility regarding materials composition and ease of implementation. In this context, we present tin-dioxide–silica (SnO2–SiO2) glass-ceramic waveguides activated by europium ions (Eu3+). The focus is on the photorefractive properties of this system because its photoluminescence properties have already been discussed in the papers presented in the bibliography. The main findings include the high photosensitivity of sol–gel 25SnO2:75SiO2 glass-ceramic waveguides; the ultraviolet (UV)-induced refractive index change (Δn ~ −1.6 × 10−3), the easy fabrication process, and the low propagation losses (0.5 ± 0.2 dB/cm), that make this glass-ceramic an interesting photonic material for smart optical applications.

Determining Studies Conducted upon Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using High-Tech Devices

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability observable within the first three years of life. Furthermore, ASD is a progressive disability that affects socialization, language, communication, and other activities and interests throughout the person's life. The degree of response to the disorder differs from one individual to another. In 2013, the name of this disorder group was changed to Autism Spectrum Disorder in the DSM-V diagnostic criteria and was divided into categories based on individuals' degree of response to the disorder (Heward, 2013; Xin & Sutman, 2011). The most significant characteristics of individuals diagnosed with ASD are their problems in social interactions and communications. In addition, their social contact with peers, understanding and expressing emotions, and establishing eye contact are also problematic (Heward, 2013).Beginning to teach children with ASD at an early age using effective applications plays an important role in minimizing their life-long disabilities. Educational programs that are specially designed and individualized based on their learning abilities should be among the most effective instructional methods implemented. Today, the number of studies on the use of technology in educating children with ASD has increased, and the results of these studies demonstrate that children with ASD learn better using technological devices (Basil & Reyes, 2003; Bosseler & Massaro, 2003; Clark & Green, 2004; Coleman-Martin, Heller, Cihak, & Irvine, 2005; Delano, 2007; Moore & Calvert, 2000).Cohen (1996) mentioned the significance of visual aid systems for educating children with ASD and stressed that they learn by seeing rather than hearing (Bolte, Golan, & Zwaigenbaum, 2010; Coleman-Martin et al., 2005; Rao & Gagie, 2006). Technology-supported educational applications can be scrutinized into three categories in terms of educating children with ASD: (a) applications that utilize low-level technology; (b) applications that utilize medium-level technology; and (c) applications that utilize high-level technology (Michael, 2004).Applications that utilize low-level technology are those that peruse visuals with pictures. Activity schedules, calendars, and picture charts in particular can be considered in this group. Applications in this group do not require the use of an electric-powered device. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and social stories developed by Gray (1993) are examples of applications in this group (Dettmer et al., 2000; McClannahan & Krantz, 1999; Michel, 2004).Applications that utilize medium-level technology are conducted with the help of simple devices. These applications can be implemented using tape recorders or other recording devices. Timers used in teaching children with autism can be given as another example of this. These devices are generally used with visual and textual cues (Michel, 2004).High-tech applications present high costs. Technological devices such as desktop computers, notebooks, smart phones, video cameras, software, and scanners could be considered in this group. The number of high-tech applications in the training of children with autism increases every day. Study results demonstrate that high-tech use improves the attention span of children with autism, decreases their behavioral problems, and facilitates their achievement in leisure and game skills (Dauphin, Kinney, & Stromer, 2004). A literature review of the studies conducted using high technologies is considered helpful for researchers in the field both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, researchers are assumed to be able to access the software mentioned in this study, as well as benefit from the knowledge base that has been created.PurposeThe purpose of this study is to review studies conducted over children with ASD using high technologies.MethodResearch DesignThe findings of this study were analyzed using document analysis, a qualitative research method. …

E-Queue Mobile Application

Waiting in line is a common experience in daily life, whether for a table at a popular restaurant or for the service at a bank. This experience is not always pleasant for most of people because they always have to wait for a long time to be serviced. The ability to interact with waiting customers is highly desirable because it allows businesses the opportunity to optimize their existing services and offer new services to waiting customers. However, interacting with individuals waiting in a queue has been inefficient and costly because employees must either talk with each waiting customer on an ongoing basis or the business must provide high tech devices that interact with each waiting customer. Agile methodology which will be used to develop this application, it incorporates the SDLC phases starting from the Planning phase up to the Maintenance phase. End of the research, we found that majority of respondents are prefer to use the proposed system compared with current method.

“Extimate” Technologies and Techno-Cultural Discontent

According to a chorus of authors, the human life-world is currently invaded by an avalanche of high-tech devices referred to as “emerging,” ”intimate,” or ”NBIC” technologies: a new type of contrivances or gadgets designed to optimize cognitive or sensory performance and / or to enable mood management. Rather than manipulating objects in the outside world, they are designed to influence human bodies and brains more directly, and on a molecular scale. In this paper, these devices will be framed as ‘extimate’ technologies (both intimate and external; both embedded and foreign; both life-enhancing and intrusive), a concept borrowed from Jacques Lacan. Although Lacan is not commonly regarded as a philosopher of technology, the dialectical relationship between human desire and technological artefacts runs as an important thread through his work. Moreover, he was remarkably prescient concerning the blending of life science and computer science, which is such a distinctive feature of the current techno-scientific turn. Building on a series of Lacanian concepts, my aim is to develop a psychoanalytical diagnostic of the technological present. Finally, I will indicate how such an analysis may inform our understanding of human life and embodiment as such.

A Research Review of High-technology AAC Intervention for Individuals with Disabilities

본 연구의 목적은 장애인을 대상으로 이루어진 국내외 하이-테크놀로지 기반 보완·대체의사소통 중재 실험 연구의 최근 동향을 분석하여 하이-테크놀로지 기반 보완·대체의사소통체계를 활용한 중재와 연구 등에 필요한 기초 자료를 제시하는 것이다. 분석 기준에 따라 전자 데이터베이스를 활용하여 2009년부터 2016년 6월까지의 문헌을 검색하여 총 46편(국내 연구 23편, 국외연구 23편)이 선정되었다. 선정된 문헌을 (1) 중재 대상 (2) 연구 설계 (3) 중재 환경 (4) 독립변인(5) 종속변인 (6) 사용된 의사소통 기술 (7) 중재에 사용된 하이-테크 AAC 기기의 유형 (8) 사용된 소프트웨어의 종류 등의 기준에 따라 분석하였다. 중재 대상은 총 126명이었으며, 연령별로는 6-11세가 가장 많았고, 장애 영역별로는 자폐성 장애의 비율이 가장 높았다. 연구 설계는 국내연구의 경우 중다 간헐 기초선 설계가 많았고, 국외 연구에서는 중재 교대 설계가 가장 많았다. 중재 환경은 특수학교나 특수학급과 같이 분리된 학교 상황의 교실 등에서 실시한 경우가 가장 많았다. 독립변인의 분석 결과, 국내 연구에서는 하이-테크 AAC 기기를 기반으로 하는 중재 프로그램(전략)의 효과를 알아보는 연구가 많았고, 국외 연구에서는 다양한 유형의 AAC 도구를 활용한 중재 비교연구의 비율이 높았다. 종속변인으로는 의사소통 기능 향상이 국내외 모두 가장 많았다. 중재에 사용된 하이-테크 AAC 도구는 태블릿 PC의 사용 비율이 가장 높았고, 소프트웨어 는 국내에서는 ‘마이토키’, 국외에서는 ‘Proloquo2Go’의 사용 비율이 높았다. 이러한 분석 결과를 바탕으로 장애인 대상 하이-테크놀로지 AAC 도구와 관련한 중재 연구, 현장 적용, 기기 개발 등의 방향성을 논의하였다.The purpose of this study was to find out the recent trend of high-tech AAC intervention studies for individuals with disabilities. Electronic database searches were completed to identify studies published between 2009 and 2016. 46 studies were identified for inclusion in this review. The studies were classified as participants, research design, intervention settings, independent variables, dependent variables, communication skills by High-tech device, type of high-tech AAC device. Across these studies, intervention was provided to total of 126 participants. Most participants are aged 6-11 and the most common diagnosis was autistic spectrum disorder. Most common study designs were multiple probe design and multiple treatment design. The majority of studies implemented interventions in a special education school(classroom) setting. The majority of studies implemented interventions to compare the effect of high-tech and low-tech AAC device interventions. The majority of targeted behavioral outcomes were communication skills. Tablet PC was the most frequently used for intervention in both domestic and foreign studies. The most common softwares were ‘My talky’ in domestic studies and ‘Proloquo2Go’ in foreign studies. The synthesis of evidence describing views of users and providers and the implementation of high-tech AAC device can provide valuable data to inform intervention studies and functional outcome measures. Suggestions for the future research are discussed.

모바일 앱 사용에 영향을 미치는 요인에 관한 연구: 앱 카테고리 간 상관관계를 중심으로

모바일 앱 사용에 영향을 미치는 요인에 관한 연구: 앱 카테고리 간 상관관계를 중심으로

이화-AAC 상징체계 개발 연구

Background and Objectives: Cultural appropriateness of AAC vocabulary and graphic representation is an important characteristic of the line-drawing AAC symbol system. The purpose of this study was to develop a graphic symbol system which reflect Korean culture of school and life in general. Method: Korean AAC vocabulary set was developed by analyzing various high-tech communication devices and symbol software as well as collecting age specific vocabulary for children, school-aged students, and adults with disabilities. color line drawing graphic symbols were designed for the AAC vocabulary set and were verified multiple times by professionals such as special educators and SLPs who had extensive teaching experience with students with complex communication difficulties. Results: About 10,000 graphic symbols were developed and high validity score was obtained. Conclusion: The development of Ewha-AAC symbol system is meaningful in consideration of age range and cultural context as well as having balance between situational vocabulary and developmental vocabulary. Further study is recommended for symbol iconicity and expansion.

The Use of Technology to Improve Education

Introduction The primary purpose of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is to ensure free appropriate public education for individuals with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. The statute also mandates student’s access and services for students’ access to devices and technology as part of the individual education program. Along with the advancement of technology in the past few decades, the use of high-tech devices has gained attention from educators. However, the statute only ensures the use of these technology devices for students with special needs as assistive technology.