bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perioperative Metoprolol and Risk of Stroke after Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Mashour George A. , Sharifpour Milad , Freundlich Robert E. , Tremper Kevin K. , Shanks Amy , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Vlisides Phillip E. , Weightman Adam , Matlen Lisa , Merte Janna , Kheterpal Sachin 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background:
Numerous risk factors have been identified for perioperative stroke, but there are conflicting data regarding the role of β adrenergic receptor blockade in general and metoprolol in particular.

Methods:
The authors retrospectively screened 57,218 consecutive patients for radiologic evidence of stroke within 30 days after noncardiac procedures at a tertiary care university hospital. Incidence of perioperative stroke within 30 days of surgery and associated risk factors were assessed. Patients taking either metoprolol or atenolol were matched based on a number of risk factors for stroke. Parsimonious logistic regression was used to generate a preoperative risk model for perioperative stroke in the unmatched cohort.

Results:
The incidence of perioperative stroke was 55 of 57,218 (0.09%). Preoperative metoprolol was associated with an approximately 4.2-fold increase in perioperative stroke (P < 0.001; 95% CI, 2.2–8.1). Analysis of matched cohorts revealed a significantly higher incidence of stroke in patients taking preoperative metoprolol compared with atenolol (P = 0.016). However, preoperative metoprolol was not an independent predictor of stroke in the entire cohort, which included patients who were not taking β blockers. The use of intraoperative metoprolol was associated with a 3.3-fold increase in perioperative stroke (P = 0.003; 95% CI, 1.4–7.8); no association was found for intraoperative esmolol or labetalol.

Conclusions:
Routine use of preoperative metoprolol, but not atenolol, is associated with stroke after noncardiac surgery, even after adjusting for comorbidities. Intraoperative metoprolol but not esmolol or labetalol, is associated with increased risk of perioperative stroke. Drugs other than metoprolol should be considered during the perioperative period if β blockade is required.
Capsulated Metallic Debris Tumor Mass Mimicking Adjacent Segment Disease
Authors: Li Yi-Chen , Yang Shih-Chieh , Hsu Chao-Tien , Tu Yuan-Kun 
Published: April 2013

Study design:
A case report.

Objective:
To inform the spine surgeons another cause of late complications after instrumented spinal fusion surgery.

Summary of Background Data:
Posterior lumbar instrumented fusion has been widely applied as an effective procedure for treating patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease. The development of pathology at the mobile segment adjacent to the lumbar spinal fusion has been termed as adjacent segment disease.

Methods:
Most patients with adjacent segment disease present with recurrent back pain, sciatica, intermittent claudication, or even muscle weakness. Herein, we report the case of a 58-year-old man with posterior lumbar instrumented fusion at L4–L5 who complained of recurrent neurological symptoms mimicking adjacent instability and stenosis. In addition to severe adjacent stenosis at L3–L4, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed an intraspinal extradural tumor-like mass with compression of the neurological elements.

Results:
The well-capsulated tumor mass was gently dissected and meticulously excised without injury to the adhesive dura or nerve roots. The tumor specimen was fixed in formalin, and then decalcified and tinted using several special stains, which conformed metallic wear debris, resulting in foreign body reaction.

Conclusions:
The metallic wear particulates may initiate a cascade of immune and inflammatory responses. Therefore, attention should be paid to patients who are found to have loosening of the implants at the metal-metal or metal-bone interface.
Artificial muscles and soft gripping: a review of technologies and applications
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a range of artificial muscle and soft gripping technologies for robotic applications.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a short introduction, this paper first discusses the role of air muscles and other pneumatic actuation technologies. It then considers electroactive polymer and shape‐memory alloys and finally discusses the prospects for various classes of electrohydrodynamic fluids.FindingsThis paper shows that a technologically diverse range of novel actuation techniques exist, or are under development, which can act as artificial muscles and soft grippers. They are based on pneumatics, shape changing materials and electrohydrodynamic fluids and have prospects to impart robots with improved or unique capabilities.Originality/valueThe paper provides an insight into developments in artificial muscle and soft gripping technologies. These are expected to play a vital role in future robot generations.
Gesture encoding and reproduction for human‐robot interaction in text‐to‐gesture systems
Authors: Kim Heon‐Hui , Ha Yun‐Su , Bien Zeungnam , Park Kwang‐Hyun 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to deal with a method for gesture encoding and reproduction, particularly aiming at a text‐to‐gesture (TTG) system that enables robotic agents to generate proper gestures automatically and naturally in human‐robot interaction.Design/methodology/approachReproducing proper gestures, naturally synchronized with speech, is important under the TTG concept. The authors first introduce a gesture model that is effective to abstract and describe a variety of human gestures. Based on the model, a gesture encoding/decoding scheme is proposed to encode observed gestures symbolically and parametrically and to reproduce robot gestures from the codes. In particular, this paper mainly addresses a gesture scheduling method that deals with the alignment and refinement of gestural motions, in order to reproduce robotic gesticulation in a human‐like, natural fashion.FindingsThe proposed method has been evaluated through a series of questionnaire surveys, and it was found that reproduced gestures by a robotic agent could appeal satisfactorily to human beings.Originality/valueThis paper provides a series of algorithms to treat overlapped motions and to refine the timing parameters for the motions, so that robotic agents reproduce human‐like, natural gestures.
Comparing the efficiency of five algorithms applied to path planning for industrial robots
Authors: Rubio Francisco , Abu‐Dakka Fares J. , Valero Francisco , Mata Vicente 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the quality and efficiency of five methods for solving the path planning problem of industrial robots in complex environments.Design/methodology/approachIn total, five methods are presented for solving the path planning problem and certain working parameters have been monitored using each method. These working parameters are the distance travelled by the robot and the computational time needed to find a solution. A comparison of results has been analyzed.FindingsAfter this study, it could be easy to know which of the proposed methods is most suitable for application in each case, depending on the parameter the user wants to optimize. The findings have been summarized in the conclusion section.Research limitations/implicationsThe five techniques which have been developed yield good results in general.Practical implicationsThe algorithms introduced are able to solve the path planning problem for any industrial robot working with obstacles.Social implicationsThe path planning algorithms help robots perform their tasks in a more efficient way because the path followed has been optimized and therefore they help human beings work together with the robots in order to obtain the best results from them.Originality/valueThe paper shows which algorithm offers the best results, depending on the example the user has to solve and the parameter to be optimized.
Pick‐and‐place application development using voice and visual commands
Authors: van Delden Sebastian , Umrysh Michael , Rosario Carlos , Hess Gregory 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to design an interactive industrial robotic system which can be used to assist a “layperson” in re‐casting a generic pick‐and‐place application. A user can program a pick‐and‐place application simply by pointing to objects in the work area and speaking simple and intuitive natural language commands.Design/methodology/approachThe system was implemented in C# using the EMGU wrapper classes for OpenCV as well as the MS Speech Recognition API. The target language to be recognized was modelled using traditional augmented transition networks which were implemented as XML Grammars. The authors developed an original finger‐pointing algorithm using a unique combination of standard morphological and image processing techniques. Recognized voice commands trigger the vision component to capture what a user is pointing at. If the specified action requires robot movement, the required information is sent to the robot control component of the system, which then transmits the commands to the robot controller for execution.FindingsThe voice portion of the system was tested on the factory floor in a “typical” manufacturing environment, which was right at the maximum allowable average decibel level specified by OSHA. The findings show that a modern/standard MS Speech API voice recognition system can achieve a 100 per cent accuracy of simple commands; although at the noisy levels of 89 decibels on average, every one out of six commands had to be repeated. The vision component was test of 72 test subjects who had no prior knowledge of this work. The system accurately recognized what the test subjects were pointing at 95 per cent of the time within five seconds of hand readjusting.Research limitations/implicationsThe vision component suffers from the “typical” problems: very shiny surfaces can cause problems; very poor contrast between the pointing hand and the background; and occlusions. Currently the system can only handle a limited amount of depth recovery using a spring mounted gripper. A second camera (future work) needs to be incorporated in order to handle large depth variations in the work area.Practical implicationsThis system could have a huge impact on how factory floor workers interact with robotic equipment.Originality/valueThe testing of the voice system on a factory floor, although simple, is very important. It proves the viability of this component of the system and debunks arguments that factories are simply too noisy for current voice technology. The unique finger‐pointing algorithm developed by the authors is also an important contribution to the field. In particular, the manner in which the pointing vector was constructed. Furthermore, very few papers report results of non‐experts using their pointing algorithms. The paper reports concrete results that show the system is intuitive and user friendly to “laypersons”.
Anthropomorphism and service humanoid robots: an ambiguous relationship
Authors: Tondu Bertrand 
Published: April 2013

PurposeSo‐called humanoid robots, among a large class of service robots, are designed to work in close harmony with humans. Their anthropomorphism and its consequences have, however, been little studied. The purpose of this paper is to tackle this question by differentiating the psychological meaning of anthropomorphism from its technical meaning, understood as a human‐like device. The author shows that the former generates salient projections which can be interpreted with respect to Mori's uncanny valley. The role of the task is highlighted with a theoretical attempt to integrate the robot as a social player into a Heider balance‐theory inspired model. This psychological anthropomorphism, however, must be compared with technical anthropomorphism, which leads to underlining present‐day difficulties in designing highly human‐like functional machines with, as a consequence, running the risk of giving them the delusion of a human behaviour that they are not able to realize.Design/methodology/approachThis is a theoretical paper aimed to highlight a double meaning of anthropomorphism for humanoid robots and its consequences.FindingsTask‐based interpretation of the Mori's uncanny valley and link between psychological anthropomorphism and technical anthropomorphism.Originality/valueThe originality of the approach consists in applying to the humanoid robot a double approach of anthropomorphism. The first one corresponds to the classical psychological meaning producing peculiar anthropomorphic projections on a non‐human being, while the second corresponds to the technical realization of a human‐like machine dedicated to be integrated into a human environment.
Fleets of robots for precision agriculture: a simulation environment
Authors: Emmi Luis , Paredes‐Madrid Leonel , Ribeiro Angela , Pajares Gonzalo , Gonzalez‐de‐Santos Pablo 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose going one step further in the simulation tools related to agriculture by integrating fleets of mobile robots for the execution of precision agriculture techniques. The proposed new simulation environment allows the user to define different mobiles robots and agricultural implements.Design/methodology/approachWith this computational tool, the crop field, the fleet of robots and the different sensors and actuators that are incorporated into each robot can be configured by means of two interfaces: a configuration interface and a graphical interface, which interact with each other.FindingsThe system presented in this article unifies two very different areas – robotics and agriculture – to study and evaluate the implementation of precision agriculture techniques in a 3D virtual world. The simulation environment allows the users to represent realistic characteristics from a defined location and to model different variabilities that may affect the task performance accuracy of the fleet of robots.Originality/valueThis simulation environment, the first in incorporating fleets of heterogeneous mobile robots, provides realistic 3D simulations and videos, which grant a good representation and a better understanding of the robot labor in agricultural activities for researchers and engineers from different areas, who could be involved in the design and application of precision agriculture techniques. The environment is available at the internet, which is an added value for its expansion in the agriculture/robotics family.
The compact FlowBot: a robotic pick and place motion system (patent pending)
Authors: Derby Stephen , Eckert Gene , Brown David , McFadden John 
Published: April 2013

PurposeCurrent single head pick and place robots have reached their practical limit for throughput rates due to impractical speeds and acceleration, which often damage or lose the product being transferred. The purpose of this paper is to present a new system which uses 2 XY motion slides and an indexing flexible conveyor to achieve a more desired motion while achieving a high throughput rate.Design/methodology/approachAn innovative robotic pick and place motion design (the FlowBot) was previously created to address the changing needs of the packaging and automation industry. A full patent has been filed covering this technology. This paper documents a refinement to the FlowBot concept that produces a more compact implementation, entitled the Compact FlowBot.FindingsTit was found that the motion of smaller steps with limited accelerations does produce higher throughputs without the excessive accelerations that Delta robots produce. The robotics system does require limited Z height so the potential for multiple stacked systems is presented.Originality/valueThis novel robot has been found to be a next generation design, which has been confirmed by an international patent search. Many established consumer packaging goods companies and food processing companies have lauded its merits. The system needs to move into prototype and full development mode.
On the mobility of all‐terrain rovers
Authors: Reina Giulio , Foglia Mario 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the locomotion performance of all‐terrain rovers employing rocker‐type suspension system.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a robot with advanced mobility features is presented and its locomotion performance is evaluated, following an analytical approach via extensive simulations. The vehicle features an independently controlled four‐wheel‐drive/4‐wheel‐steer architecture and it also employs a passive rocker‐type suspension system that improves the ability to traverse uneven terrain. An overview of modeling techniques for rover‐like vehicles is introduced. First, a method for formulating a kinematic model of an articulated vehicle is presented. Next, a method for expressing a quasi‐static model of forces acting on the robot is described. A modified rocker‐type suspension is also proposed that enables wheel camber change, allowing each wheel to keep an upright posture as the suspension conforms to ground unevenness.FindingsThe proposed models can be used to assess the locomotion performance of a mobile robot on rough‐terrain for design, control and path planning purposes. The advantage of the rocker‐type suspension over conventional spring‐type counterparts is demonstrated. The variable camber suspension is shown to be effective in improving a robot's traction and climbing ability.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper can be of great value when studying and optimizing the locomotion performance of mobile robots on rough terrain. These models can be used as a basis for advanced design, control and motion planning.Originality/valueThe paper describes an analytical approach for the study of the mobility characteristics of vehicles endowed with articulated suspension systems. A variable camber mechanism is also presented.
Design of compliant robotic joint with embedded‐sensing elements of conductive silicone rubber
Authors: Petković Dalibor , Issa Mirna , Pavlović Nenad D. , Zentner Lena 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a new methodological framework within which a compliant robotic joint can be studied.Design/methodology/approachA new method is presented for detecting the direction of the robotic joint rotation when subjected to an external collision force.FindingsThe behaviour of the silicone rubber shows strong non‐linearity, therefore, the sensor‐elements cannot be used for accurate measurements.Originality/valueA new type of safe robotic mechanisms with an internal measuring system is proposed in this paper.
A massage robot based on Chinese massage therapy
Authors: Hu Lei , Wang Yun , Zhang Jie , Zhang Jun , Cui Yan , Ma Lvzhong , Jiang Junyuan , Fang Liming , Zhang Bangcheng 
Published: April 2013

PurposeAs Chinese massage is increasingly popular, many physicians are needed these days. In order to promote the experience and skills of experts and reduce labour intensity during massage, a massage robot, which could reproduce the expert techniques with individualized manipulation parameters and enhanced safety control strategies, is presented in this paper.Design/methodology/approachThe kinematic and force features of key massage techniques, such as Thumb Kneading, Pressing, Rolling, Vibrating and Pinching, are summarized by analyzing the massage processes of expert physicians, and a mathematical model for robotic massage is established. With safety issues taken into account, the overall system structure of the massage robot is proposed. The system generally consists of a positioning platform and a massage end‐effector which implements the massage techniques, and the end‐effector is further divided into a parallel mechanism and a massage hand to accommodate different techniques. Visual tracking is used for positioning acupuncture points by recognizing markers on a massage vest worn by the patient. A pain threshold value is introduced to individualize therapy schemes and a force‐position control method based on the pain threshold is presented.FindingsVAS (Visual Analogue Scale) tests for lumbar muscle strain are carried out using the massage robot, and the treatment effect of the massage robot based on traditional Chinese massage therapy theory is initially validated.Research limitations/implicationsThe treatment effect of the massage robot needs to be assessed clinically for more occasions and more clinical experiments will be conducted, to optimize the configuration and control strategy to meet the clinical needs in future work.Originality/valueThe robotic massage system presented in this paper is acting on acupuncture points based on traditional Chinese massage therapy theory, with human manipulation techniques reproduced and expert experiences incorporated. The massage robot can take the place of a massager to perform Chinese massage. Most of the massage robotic systems published in the world perform only one massage technique and the whole massage process is not completely considered. By comparison, the authors' massage robot could perform five techniques. Furthermore, the authors have designed the procedure of robotic massage specifically for patients who suffer from lumbar muscle strain.
The role of information and communication technologies on moral agents and governance in society
Authors: McIntyre Michael L. , Murphy Steven A. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) on moral agents, and in turn, governance structures in western societies.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper takes a holistic approach to governance and recasts popular notions of e‐governance by answering fundamental questions about the potential roles of governance in individuals, communities, organizations, governments and society.FindingsThe authors argue that it is only when the context of the moral agent is fully understood that it is possible to begin to unravel whether ICT is likely to have beneficial or detrimental effects on fundamental governance goals.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research into e‐governance topics would be well served by discussing the governance goal that ICT is designed to improve or enhance. Whether ICT can make aspects of e‐government quicker and faster is not in dispute; however, whether ICT will actually achieve deeper governance goals requires reframing research questions.Social implicationsWhen viewed as moral agents, individuals, communities, organizations, governments and societies can use governance goals to enhance both self‐actualization and social order in line with community values.Originality/valueBy recasting the question “What can ICT contribute to governance and government?” to “How will ICT affect governance?”, we move away from the presumption of a positive influence, and suggest that contributions to governance goals should guide our discussions surrounding ICT utility.
Status of corporate social responsibility in selected Nepalese companies
Authors: Raj Adhikari Dev 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe paper aims to examine the status of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Nepalese companies.Design/methodology/appoachThe study is descriptive‐cum‐analytical and is based on a review of the literature.FindingsThe cases presented in the paper show a low intensity of CSR in Nepal. Both government and employers are somehow not serious in implementing labor laws. At the company level, employees' awareness of CSR can bring a positive attitude towards the company.Practical implicationsThis paper is useful to academicians and companies seeking to understand the factors supporting and inhibiting CSR in Nepalese companies.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation is that although there are many variables by which to measure CSR initiatives, only labor laws, employees' awareness and a few HRM dimensions have been covered.Originality/valueThis is perhaps the very first investigation of its kind in the Nepalese context.