Use Of Alternative Methods Research Articles

Punción post mortem con aguja gruesa a cadáveres fallecidos por COVID-19

The difficulties involved in performing autopsies of patients who had died due to COVID-19 required the use of alternative methods in order to obtain tissue samples of affected organs. We describe the technique of core needle aspiration, without ultrasonographic guidance, which we used in 19 cadavers and which produced a high yield in lungs, heart (>94%) and liver (>89%), thus enabling the study of the morphological changes produced by SARS-CoV-2.

Alternative Mechanisms for Funding Research in the European Union

Today, despite the known scale of European Union grant funding in support of research and innovation, the EU Commission seeks to ensure the use of alternative sources of funding, for example, venture capital financing by collective investment enterprises, including through the creation of a pan-European fund of funds, as well as using such mechanisms like crowdfunding. The paper provides an analysis of three possible promising areas of alternative financing using the current mechanisms of the financial market, which are used on an equal basis both in the EU and in other countries, including an analysis of obtaining funding for projects that received grants under the EU Horizon 2020 Framework Program. The first way is to finance scientific projects thanks to new venture funding mechanisms of the European fund VentureEU, the second is to ensure the attraction of funds through crowdfunding (collective financing), the third way is provided by enterprises entering an IPO. The use of alternative methods of financing makes it possible, on the one hand, to ensure the commercialization of research projects that allow research teams to receive additional remuneration and direct it to further work in the field of research, and on the other hand, to draw public attention to pressing problems of science and technology.

POLARIZATION MODE DISPERSION COMPENSATOR BASED ON ANISOTROPIC OPTICAL FIBER

Abstract. In this paper, a new method of polarization mode dispersion (PMD), which can significantly limit the speed and range of transmission of fiber optic transmission systems (FOTS), compensation was developed and analyzed. In contrast to the existing types of PMD compensators, in which the optical fiber is subjected to mechanical stresses to create a photoelastic anisotropy, in this work the use of alternative method of creating photoelasticity in optical fiber (OF) by creating a helical ordered rotation of the glass microstructure (ORMG) is proposed. The helical orientation of the microstructure of the OF glass is achieved by acting on the fiber in the process of manufacture (drawing), when it is in a hot state, electromagnetic field, the power lines of which are directed in a circle. I am not sure what this sentence is trying to say. The result is an asymmetry of the dielectric constant of the fiber glass material and therefore the anisotropy of the optical properties. When the optical signal propagates in such OF, there is a double refraction, which is the cause of artificial PMD in the compensator fiber. Compensation is achieved by performing the equality of the modulus and the sign-opposite between the linear path PMD and the PMD of the anisotropic OF with the ORMG. The expression of the calculation of the PMD of the compensator, which depends on the rotation step of the microstructure of the glass, the chemical composition of the OF, the length of the line, the width of the radiation spectrum and the wavelength of the optical signal, and the optical characteristics of the OF, is analyzed, as well as the spectral dependence of polarization mode dispersion for different chemical compositions of the OF. The expression of determining the length of the OF with the ORMG is presented to compensate for the set value of the PMD in the line. The results of the studies made it possible to determine the lengths of the segments of OF with ORMG, which will provide partial or complete compensation of PMD over a wide range of wavelengths and create passive compensators for dispersion.

Alternative seed treatment methods for plant pathogen control in sweet pepper crops

The health and physiological quality of sweet pepper seeds were assessed along with the use of alternative methods by heat therapy, plant extracts, chemical and biological products to control plant pathogens associated to the seeds. The in vitro experiments assessed the effect of the treatments applied to the seeds to control the identified plant pathogens. After treatment, the seeds were plated, incubated and assessed after seven days. An in vivo experiment was also carried out with the treatments that presented the best plant pathogen control in the seeds, which were treated and sown and after 30 days the plants were sprayed with a C. gloeosporioides suspension. The severity was assessed by a score scale specific to the pathogen system. The treatments with best plant pathogen control in the seeds were aqueous basil extract 5%, heat therapy 45° C/25 minutes, Thiophanate methyl, Quality® and B. methylotrophicus isolate, MGSS 274. In anthracnose management, the basil extract, MGSS 274 and Quality® reduced disease severity in sweet pepper plants.

Unconventional Methods of Preserving Meat Products and Their Impact on Health and the Environment

A dual objective of food storage is to retain nutritional value and safe consumption over time. As supply chains have globalized, food protection and preservation methods have advanced. However, increasing demands to cater for larger volumes and for more effective food storage call for new technologies. This paper examines promising meat preservation methods, including high pressure process, ultrasounds, pulsating electric and magnetic field, pulsed light and cold plasma. These methods not only make it possible to obtain meat and meat products with a longer shelf life, safer for health and without preservatives, but also are more environment-friendly in comparison with traditional methods. With the use of alternative methods, it is possible to obtain meat products that are microbiologically safer, whilst also high quality and free from chemical additives. Moreover, these new technologies are also more ecological, do not require large quantities of energy or water, and generate less waste.

REGENERATIVE MACROPHAGES: A NEW HOPE FOR CARDIOMYOPATHY

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the number one cause of death. It is predicted that 23.6 million people will die from it by 2030, mainly caused by strokes and heart attacks. This study aimed to investigate the new treatment of cardiomyopathy, a cardiovascular disease that hinders blood supply from the heart to the body and can cause heart failure. While the traditional treatment focus on cardiac rehabilitation, including lifestyle counseling and prescription exercise, surgery on coronary bypass artery, and medication of increasing the flow of blood, the use of therapeutic cells is a new way to deal with cardiovascular diseases and heart infarction. It intends to effectively replace or regenerate dead or damaged heart cells, as the main advantage of this treatment. The use of alternative methods to treat cardiovascular diseases has high potential value, as found in the immunotherapy method through the use of "regenerative macrophages." This study is a qualitative case report research study which provides an exploration of phenomenon or opportunity of sharing efforts to intervene single patient’s health with unreported health features previously. The result of this study showed that a 71 years old man was hospitalized in Gatot Soebroto Central Army Hospital Jakarta, Indonesia, by the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. He presented for chronic cough and peripheral edema. He denied syncope, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, and diaphoresis. The application of echocardiography regarding the previous treatment indicated diastolic dysfunction, left ventricle hypokinesis and left ventricular hypertrophy with 44% of low ejection on the fraction. After the vaccines of Regenerative Macrophages (ReM) therapy were given to the patient, significant improvements in the echocardiography parameters were observed, with normal kinetics, improved ejection fraction, and diastolic dysfunction increased to 56%. Significantly, regenerative macrophages could be an option of immunotherapy in patients with cardiomyopathies with low risk of effective treatment further.

HARDWARE IMPLEMENTATION OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL METHODS OF PREVENTION OF EMERGENCIES DUE TO FIRE IN THE CONDITIONS OF ELECTRIC POWER DAMAGE

The problem of formation of complex approaches to hardware realization of engineering and technical methods of prevention of emergency situations owing to a fire on potentially dangerous objects in the conditions of damage of power supply of systems of emergency counteraction is considered in the work. The analysis of warning methods used to detect emergencies due to fire at potentially dangerous objects proved that in specific operating conditions, namely damage to the power supply of emergency response systems, known protection methods (hazard identification as its initial stage) are ineffective. At the same time, the use of alternative methods, such as methods based on the phenomenon of acoustic emission, despite their proven ability in other areas of public safety, remains highly questionable because at present there is no appropriate mathemati-cal apparatus on which to form algorithmic and procedural basis. these innovative approaches. It is to solve this urgent problem, the formation of the mathematical apparatus of engineering and technical methods of emergency prevention due to fire in the event of damage to the power supply of emergency response systems, and the above research is directed. Based on the above, the purpose of the study is to form integrated approaches to the hardware implementa-tion of engineering and technical methods of emergency prevention due to fire at potentially dangerous objects in the event of damage to the power supply of emergency response systems. To ensure this goal, the following tasks are solved: the sequence of stages of processing acoustic signals is determined; the general requirements to hardware realization of engineering and technical methods and the gen-eral functional scheme of practical realization of the demanded approach are formed. During the research the sequence of the main stages of processing of acoustic signals from the source of an emergency situation as a result of a fire at a potentially dangerous object is generalized and determined. The general requirements to hardware realization of engineering and technical methods of the prevention of emergency situations owing to a fire on potentially dangerous objects in the conditions of damage of power sup-ply of systems of emergency counteraction are formed. The general example of realization of the functional scheme of engineering and technical methods of preven-tion of emergencies in energy difficult conditions of functioning of potentially dangerous object is considered. Recommendations concerning a possibility of application of required methods in practical activity are resulted. Keywords: emergency situation, engineering and technical methods, acoustic signal, emergency power sup-ply system

The Importance of Video Visits in the Time of COVID-19.

The Importance of Video Visits in the Time of COVID-19.

Improvement of smoked and fermented dried fish processing and application of essential oils as their natural preservatives.

A key factor limiting fish utilization is its extreme perishability due, especially, to microbial and autolytic spoilage during processing and storage. Thus, various traditional techniques are used to limit post-capture losses, in particular in West Africa where techniques such as drying, salting, smoking and fermentation are used individually or in combination for the conservation of fresh fish. Unfortunately, these techniques have long been handcrafted and influence the quality and shelf life of manufactured products. In other hand, recently the disappearance of many active synthetic substances in foods protection has resulted to a renewed interest in naturally occurring substances. In parallel to these disappearances, the regulatory environment incites strongly to increase the use of alternative methods to chemical control. In this review, we have summarized the innovations suggested in the literature for the improvement of fish processing techniques in order to ensure the manufactured product quality. Results show that several innovations have been proposed. This mainly concerns the invention of smoking and drying devices, the development of starters and the use of essential oils for fish preservation.

The problem of refusal from immunodiagnosis of tuberculosis: results of a multi-center sociological study

The objective: to study the reasons for the refusal of legally authorized representatives of children to conduct mass immunodiagnosis of tuberculosis using a representative sample of population and to outline possible ways to change this negative situation.Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional multi-center study was conducted. In 8 regions of the Russian Federation, the survey was conducted in 1,059 legally authorized representatives of children refusing to undergo mass immunodiagnostics of tuberculosis. The following main reasons for refusal were found out: fear of side effects and complications (32.6%), distrust in the quality of the test (29.7%), lack of understanding of the need to examine a child for tuberculosis. 72.2% of respondents demonstrated poor awareness of the problem of tuberculosis – they denied this problem or associated it with a different social environment, which was fertile ground for negative information received through various channels. To solve this problem, it is necessary to intensify health education in various groups of the population, including work with religious communities. Additional resources can be used such as targeted social advertisements, which will allow covering with health education propaganda of 33.1% of people who do not want to receive information about tuberculosis, expanding the regulation for the use of alternative methods of screening for tuberculosis.The authors state that they have no conflict of interests.

Research on the Radiotoxicology of Plutonium Using Animals: Consideration of the 3Rs-Replace, Reduce, Refine.

To characterize the health effects of incorporated plutonium, many experiments have been conducted using different animal models. These range from (1) applied (tissue uptake/retention determination, decorporation therapy efficacy), (2) fundamental (gene expression, cancer induction), and (3) dosimetry models. In recent years, the use of animals for scientific purposes has become a public concern. The application of the 3Rs - Replace (use of alternative methods or animals not considered capable of experiencing pain, suffering, and distress), Reduce (reduction in animal numbers), and Refine (better animal welfare and minimization of suffering, pain and distress) - has increased to address ethical concerns and legislative requirements. The introduction of novel non-animal technologies is also an important factor as complementary options to animal experimentation. In radiotoxicology research, it seems there is a natural tendency to Replace given the possibility of data reuse obtained from contamination cases in man and animal studies. The creation of "registries" and "repositories" for nuclear industry workers (civil and military) is now a rich legacy for radiotoxicological measurements. Similarly, Reduction in animal numbers can be achieved by good experimental planning with prior statistical analyses of animal numbers required to obtain robust data. Multiple measurements in the same animal over time (external body counting, excreta collection) with appropriate detection instruments also allow Reduction. In terms of Refinement, this has become "de rigueur" and a necessity given the societal and legal concerns for animal welfare. For research in radiotoxicology, particularly long-term studies, better housing conditions within the constraints of radiation protection issues for research workers are an important concern. These are all pertinent considerations for the 3Rs remit and future research in radiotoxicology.

Эффективность метода обработки быстрыми электронами для снижения порчи растительного сырья при хранении и транспортировке

Актуальной и не до конца решенной в настоящее время является проблема снижения потерь пищевого сырья и продовольственных товаров при транспортировке и хранении, снижения качества продукции в результате заражения насекомыми и микроорганизмами, порчи продукции грызунами. Применение традиционных методов дезинфекции, дезинсекции и дератизации не всегда бывает достаточным для полного обеззараживания, а иногда и нецелесообразным, и требуется использование альтернативных способов, например воздействие электромагнитных полей различного частотного диапазона. Из всего спектра электромагнитных волн исследователи особо выделяют ионизирующее излучение, способное убивать или видоизменять клетки растений, фрагментировать ДНК. Это свойство ионизирующего излучения можно использовать для борьбы с микроорганизмами, насекомыми, гельмитами и грызунами. Настоящая работа является развитием научных идей академика РАН И.А. Рогова в области использования ионизирующих излучений для обработки сельскохозяйственного сырья и продуктов питания. В статье приведены результаты экспериментов по обработке быстрыми электронами пищевого сырья и продуктов, зараженных микроорганизмами и насекомыми. Для различных объектов исследования определены дозы воздействия, вызывающие хороший биологический эффект, но не приводящие к деструкции биополимеров. Показано, что помимо дозы, другие факторы оказывают значительное воздействие на результаты процесса обработки, например температура и физическое состояние пищи. Замораживание оказывает защитное влияние во время облучения, предупреждая образование продуктов водного радиолиза, которые образуются в результате реакции с субстратом. При нагревании эти продукты (гидроксильные радикалы) имеют тенденцию реагировать преимущественно друг с другом, а не с субстратом, так что опасность для последнего обычно уменьшается, когда производят облучение замороженной пищи. Анаэробные условия также влияют на природу радиолитических продуктов, поскольку присутствие кислорода во время облучения может генерировать высокореактивные супероксидные радикалы и пероксирадикалы и пероксид водорода. Поведен сравнительный анализ результатов действия различных доз облучения на продукты растительного и животного происхождения. Показана эффективность и экономическая целесообразность применения обработки быстрыми электронами для снижения микробиальной порчи и зараженности насекомыми пищевого сырья и продовольсвенных товаров, а также для увеличения сроков хранения продукции.

Inter-study repeatability of circumferential strain and diastolic strain rate by CMR tagging, feature tracking and tissue tracking in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Strain assessment allows accurate evaluation of myocardial function and mechanics in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Strain using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has traditionally been assessed with tagging but limitations of this technique have led to more widespread use of alternative methods, which may be more robust. We compared the inter-study repeatability of circumferential global peak-systolic strain (Ecc) and peak-early diastolic strain rate (PEDSR) derived by tagging with values obtained using novel cine-based software: Feature Tracking (FT) (TomTec, Germany) and Tissue Tracking (TT) (Circle cvi42, Canada) in patients following STEMI. Twenty male patients (mean age 56 ± 10 years, mean infarct size 13.7 ± 7.1% of left ventricular mass) were randomised to undergo CMR 1–5 days post-STEMI at 1.5 T or 3.0 T, repeated after ten minutes at the same field strength. Ecc and PEDSR were assessed using tagging, FT and TT. Inter-study repeatability was evaluated using Bland–Altman analyses, coefficients of variation (CoV) and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Ecc (%) was significantly lower with tagging than with FT or TT at 1.5 T (− 9.5 ± 3.3 vs. − 17.5 ± 3.8 vs. −15.5 ± 5.2, respectively, p < 0.001) and 3.0 T (− 13.1 ± 1.8 vs. − 19.4 ± 2.9 vs. − 17.3 ± 2.1, respectively, p = 0.001). This was similar for PEDSR (.s−1): 1.5 T (0.6 ± 0.2 vs. 1.5 ± 0.4 vs. 1.0 ± 0.4, for tagging, FT and TT respectively, p < 0.001) and 3.0 T (0.6 ± 0.2 vs. 1.5 ± 0.3 vs. 0.9 ± 0.3, respectively, p < 0.001). Inter-study repeatability for Ecc at 1.5 T was good for tagging and excellent for FT and TT: CoV 16.7%, 6.38%, and 8.65%, respectively. Repeatability for Ecc at 3.0 T was good for all three techniques: CoV 14.4%, 11.2%, and 13.0%, respectively. However, repeatability of PEDSR was generally lower than that for Ecc at 1.5 T (CoV 15.1%, 13.1%, and 34.0% for tagging, FT and TT, respectively) and 3.0 T (CoV 23.0%, 18.6%, and 26.2%, respectively). Following STEMI, Ecc and PEDSR are higher when measured with FT and TT than with tagging. Inter-study repeatability of Ecc is good for tagging, excellent for FT and TT at 1.5 T, and good for all three methods at 3.0 T. The repeatability of PEDSR is good to moderate at 1.5 T and moderate at 3.0 T. Cine-based methods to assess Ecc following STEMI may be preferable to tagging.

Corporate social responsibility, overconfident CEOs and empire building: Agency and stakeholder theoretic perspectives

We draw on agency and stakeholder theories to examine the corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement–empire building relationship. Our results, using a US sample for the period 1996–2015, show that CSR is associated with lower empire building, consistent with stakeholder theory. These results are robust to tests of endogeneity, alternative proxies for CSR and empire building, and the use of alternative methods. Further, the negative CSR engagement–empire building relationship is found to be weaker for firms with overconfident CEOs, consistent with behavioural traits theory. More interestingly, we find that overconfident CEOs with high CSR engagement tend to acquire more, especially in firms with low CEO ownership, consistent with agency theory. Finally, the valuation impact of CSR in acquisitions is contingent on CEO overconfidence: CSR increases the value of acquisitions when the CEO is less overconfident but destroys the value when the CEO is overconfident.

Effect of Mix waste cooking-oil biodiesel on performance and exhaust emissions of a CRDI engine

In fast-moving world, energy crisis and waste disposal are increasing day by day. To overcome the energy crisis, it is crucial that we consume less energy. The world contains potential resources to meet the demand of energy apart from electricity, highest demand among all sources. Hence to gear up the use of alternative methods from the wastes into an alternate fuel. The transportation is playing a major role in economic growth and globalization, but cause air pollution in all medium. In regard to crisis, biodiesel production from locally available mix waste cooking oil, which can be an major alternative to production of biodiesel apart from food resources. The aim of this paper is to extract the biodiesel from mix waste cooking oil using conventional methods and study the performance of B20 biodiesel blends with respect to best fuel injection time (IT), Injection opening pressure (IOP) and number opening holes in injector using common rail direct injection engine (CRDI). The experimental studies showed that waste cooking oil methyl ester (WCOME) at 27 deg before top dead centre and IOP 240 bar, B20 blend gives better results and 5 holes 0.3 mm injector nozzle give 31.7% Brake thermal efficiency, 37 HSU smoke, 37 ppm Hydrocarbon, 0.115% carbon monoxide of volume and reduce in 2% of nitrogen dioxide without any modification of engine.

Assessment of spinal cord stimulation and radiofrequency: Chronic pain and psychological impact.

Pain has a major impact on anxiety and depression levels. The aim of this study is to demonstrate how these symptoms (depression and anxiety) could positively influence the perception of pain after neurostimulation system implantation.We enrolled 100 patients and divided in 2 different groups, by using tests screening such as Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Nursing Rating Scale (NRS): the group with spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and the group with pulsed spinal cord radiofrequency (RFP).We highlighted a significant decrease of scores (BDI, HAM-A, NRS) in each group between T0 (baseline) and T1. Moreover, the intra-group analysis showed a positive significant correlation between NRS and depressive and anxiety symptoms.We assert that the use of alternative methods (SCS and RFP) to the traditional pharmaceutical-surgical treatments, provide the reduction of the algic and anxiety-depressant symptoms, restoring also the perception of psychological well-being.

Factors Related to Animal Neglect in Brazilian Laboratories.

Our objectives were to identify the prevalence of negligence of laboratory animals in Brazil, to determine the primary factors associated with its occurrence and to suggest prevention strategies. A questionnaire was made available online between October 2015 and March 2016. A total of 116 respondents with experience in the use of laboratory animals and/or the use of alternative methods answered the questionnaire. Most respondents were women (77 respondents, 66.4%), a significant proportion had a degree in Veterinary Medicine (31 respondents, 27.2%), and a majority used animals in their work (88 respondents, 75.9%). Of the 88 animal users, 23 supplied information on the numbers and species of animals they used. When asked whether they knew that Brazilian law forbade animal experimentation when alternative methods exist, seven (9.1%) respondents mentioned Act 9605/1998. Most, but not all, respondents (96 respondents, 82.8%) submitted their projects to an Animal Use and Ethics Committee (AUEC), and many (65 respondents, 56%) reported their belief that animal neglect occurred at their institution. Negligence was found to be associated with: institutions where the numbers of animals used were not recorded (p = 0.008); institutions where respondents were unaware of the relevant legislation, that is, Act 9605/1998 (p = 0.042); or where there was evidence that not all project proposals were submitted to the AUEC or evidence of no submissions at all (p = 0.022). Negligence of animals was found to be highly prevalent. Prevention strategies might involve increased transparency to the general public, the empowerment of individuals that work with animals to report any concerns, optimised inspection of facilities where animal work is carried out and significant improvements to the role of AUECs.

АНАЛІТИКА ПРОБЛЕМАТИКИ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ЕЛЕКТРОННИХ ДОВІРЧИХ ПОСЛУГ У ЗБРОЙНИХ СИЛАХ УКРАЇНИ

With the expansнion of the scope of electrнonic documeнnts and electrнonic digitaнl signatнure, the particнipants of electrнonic documeнnts and human rights organiнzations are increaнsingly faced with difficнulties and questiнons. The use of electronic dokumenntiv still interested scientists around the world, many problems still remain unsolved. The probleнms of implemнentation of electrнonic digitaнl signatнure lie in the plane of ensuriнng the preserнvation and integrнity of electrнonic documeнnts, confirнmed by electrнonic digitaнl signatнure, and the possibнility of ensuriнng judiciнal protecнtion of the rights of particнipants of electrнonic documeнnt circulнation. No less urgent issues are the use of electronic keys and consideration of the main directions of improving their use in the document management system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the possibility of using electronic digital signatures in electronic documentation in the Armed Forces and the use of alternative methods of identity identification when signing electronic documents. The introduction of electronic data exchange systems in all industries, opens up the possibility of using great flexibility in processing and storing information, as well as makes you work faster and more efficiently - to make decisions in accordance with the rapidly changing situation in real time. Also, cryptographic data protection systems are of great importance for ensuring the confidentiality of information. Their use ensures the confidentiality of the document even if it falls into the hands of an outsider. There are no ciphers that cannot be broken - it's just a matter of time and money. Those algorithms that were considered reliable a few years ago can now be compromised. In spite of a solid packagнe of legal acts for the provisнion of paperlнess documeнnt circulнation procedнures, the absencнe of certaiнn rules for the implemнentation of electrнonic recordнs remainнs a signifнicant probleнm.

Use of Trichoderma for disease control, development and growth stimulus in Lactuca sativa L.

The current pressure for healthy food implies in use of alternative methods to the conventional use of agrochemicals. In this scenario, the biological control is fundamental for food safety. The use of Trichoderma to control of diseases in lettuce appears as a viable alternative. The objective of this work was to verify the efficiency of Trichoderma to control diseases in lettuce and to evaluate its influence in the stimulus of development and growth of this crop. Six treatments were used: T1 = control; T2 = application of Trichoderma in liquid formulation at intervals of 7 days; T3 = application in liquid formulation at 14 days intervals; T4 = application in granulated + liquid formulation at intervals of 7 days; T5 = application of granulated + liquid formulation at 14 days intervals, and T6 = application of Trichoderma in granulated formulation only in planting. The final number of leaves (NFF), phyllochron (°Cday.leaf-1), fresh mass and diameter were evaluated and was observed the occurrence of diseases in the different treatments. The results indicate that the application of Trichoderma is recommended for the control of Sclerotinia sclerotium on lettuce but does not promote significant increases in the development and growth of plants.

HARNESSING THE POWER OF OLDER AMERICANS: INDEPENDENCE CENTER NETWORKS TO DEVELOP TECHNOLOGIES PROMOTING MOBILITY

Information communication technology (ICT) refers to various technologies encompassing software, networking, the Internet, telecommunications, information systems, and more. As healthcare organizations adopt ICT devices and platforms, patients and providers will have more tools available to improve access to monitoring, telehealth, and timely interventions. The use of alternative methods of collecting, recording, and displaying data (e.g., smart speakers, chat bots, wearables) promise to improve health outcomes for the older adult population. As the U.S. population ages, opportunities for development designed specifically for older adults should be a focus for healthcare organizations. While there are challenges and barriers to enabling new technology within this population, research shows that older adults are adopting new technology. This symposium is focused on these emerging technologies and will showcase diverse examples of ICT implemented across various older adult populations and clinical application areas. The first paper describes the validation of Gaitbox, a walking speed measurement device. The second paper describes using multiple sensors to capture real-world loss of balance and recovery responses. The third paper reports the feasibility of using fitness gamification with a Virtual Reality Treadmill in older adults. The fourth paper describes a smartphone-based assessment of dual task standing and walking. The fifth paper describes wearable sensor-based assessment of falls risk of Timed Up-and-Go test. The Claude D. Pepper Centers maintain year-round coordination and collaboration through a national coordinating center. This powerful network, working towards the common goal of improving the lives of older Americans, has sparked technologic advances that will be highlighted here.