bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Design of Musclae-Powered Exoskeleton for Users with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Brown Emily , Ullah Yusra Farhat , Gustafson Kimberly , Durfee William 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The exercise methods available to individuals with spinal cord injuries are limited, increasing their risk of pressure sores, muscle atrophy, diminished bone strength, and diminished blood flow efficiency. The FES Energy Storing Exoskeleton combines the simplicity of a passive exoskeleton with functional electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscles, enabling the user to stand and walk using their own muscles. To reduce muscle fatigue, the initial energy supplied by FES is supplemented by gas springs for energy storage and bidirectional clutch mechanisms for joint locking and control. Gas springs have superior energy storage qualities over pneumatic cylinders and elastomer bands due to their high energy-to-weight ratio and constant force properties. A qualitative analysis of joint locking mechanisms has suggested that a bidirectional clutch mechanism has the potential to overcome the sagging exhibited by the wrap springs used in previous versions of the exoskeleton. While the design of the novel clutch mechanism is the subject of a future work, the functionality and benefits of the mechanism are described in the context of the overall performance of the exoskeleton. The revised design is predicted to weigh 10.2 kg, which is 6.8 kg lighter than the previous exoskeleton design, and is significantly lighter than most commercial motorized walking exoskeletons. A detailed CAD model of the improved system has been developed and future work includes creating and validating a physical prototype.
Enhancing Your Everyday Sight: An Ultrasonic Visual Aid
Authors: Smith Emily J. , Stauffer Catherine , Ramsy Natalie , Chen Nina , Salzberg Benjamin , Sudrzynski Sander , Golecki Holly 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
To help the growing visually impaired population navigate their surroundings, we propose a low-cost device for the detection of obstacles using ultrasound technology. Existing “smart-canes” are largely add-on devices used in conjunction with the white cane and are significantly more costly than the traditional white cane. Our device, Enhancing Your Everyday Sight (EYES), is a handheld visual assistive tool that allows users with visual impairment to scan their surroundings at different levels in order to sense physical barriers, including ground elevation changes. EYES offers a similar experience as using a white cane by giving real-time haptic feedback in the form of vibrations within the handle. Distinct vibration patterns from within the handle inform the user of both the distance and height of obstacles. Using ultrasonic sensors to provide scanned input allows users to detect obstacles at ground level and chest level, distinguishing our device from the traditional white cane. Following market and user research and iterative prototype testing, we assembled our initial prototype with off-the-shelf electronics components and 3D-printed housing, thus demonstrating the feasibility of a market-ready product at a more affordable cost compared to existing solutions. After further development, this device may serve as an important tool in enabling more confidence, greater independence, and less stigma to the visually impaired community.
Image-Based Web Application for Respirator Sizing: Contactless Mask-Fitting During a Pandemic
Authors: Adlouni Mu’ath , Choksi Darshil , D’Souza Brendan , Richards Zachary I. , Sims IV R. Kenneth 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many hospitals and healthcare institutions lacked an adequate supply of masks and other personal protective equipment. Moreover, protocols that were in place to ensure healthcare workers had appropriately sized masks consumed precious time and resources. Any determination of a user’s correct respirator size demanded an in-person assessment and had the potential to waste multiple respirators. Here we introduce IBARS (Image-based Application for Respirator Sizing), a novel tool which provides respirator size recommendations based on a facial image and basic user demographics. This solution obviates the need for an in-person assessment, providing an accurate size recommendation within seconds. The application has the potential to reduce time-per-worker respirator fitting, reduce overall respirator usage, and increase safety by providing hospitals with a non-contact option for sizing. Furthermore, future applications may assist healthcare institutions optimize supply chains by providing rapid assessments and re-assessments of appropriate respirator sizes used by their workers. Early testing indicated accuracy of 71.3% for the software (N=16), and further testing is underway at Houston Methodist Hospital.
A Framework for Objective Evaluation of Handheld Robotic Surgical Tools Against Patient Needs
Authors: Davies Nathan D. , Ullah Yusra Farhat , Kowalewski Timothy M. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Surgeons are human: their best possible performance is limited by their neurophysiology. What if an inoperable patient’s condition demands surgical treatment that exceeds such human performance limits? Can precision surgical robots help surgeons surpass such fundamental human neurophysiological limits? This article employs the Steering law to proposes a quantitative framework and benchmark tasks to evaluate the feasibility of a handheld surgical tool for meeting the quantified speed and accuracy requirements of a clinical need in non-contact interactions that exceed human limitations. Example use cases of such interactions in common surgical scenarios are presented. Preliminary results from a straight-line tracking task with and without computer assistance demonstrate the proposed framework in the context of falling short of a clinical speed/accuracy need. The framework is then used to articulate specifications for additional technology candidates to successfully exceed the speed and accuracy characteristics of the modality used.
Designing an Accurate Benchtop Characterization Device: An Acoustic Measurement Platform for Localizing and Implementing Therapeutic Ultrasound Devices and Equipment (Amplitude)
Authors: Liang Ruixing , Kerensky Max , Curry Eli , Mess Griffin , Thombre Rasika , Kamal Serene , Aghabaglou Fariba , Mejia Richard , Chavez Francisco , Morrison Kyle , Thakor Nitish , Theodore Nicholas , Manbachi Amir 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Focused ultrasound (FUS) is becoming widely researched for medical therapies due to its high penetration depth, spatial resolution, and affordability. Applications of FUS range from high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for the ablation of cancerous tumors to low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) for the treatment of neurological conditions like essential tremors. A key step in developing these treatments and their corresponding FUS devices is characterizing the emitted ultrasound from the proposed transducer. However, a bottleneck exists at this verification and validation stage; current characterization techniques lack the robustness of reliably recording below a 5μm resolution. This level of accuracy is needed to adequately design devices which can target cells like astrocytes or other desired target tissues at this scale. Our Acoustic Measurement Platform for Localizing and Implementing Therapeutic Ultrasound Devices and Equipment (AMPLITUDE) is a solution which enables engineers, scientists, and clinicians to confidently characterize their equipment in a benchtop setting. It achieves this resolution by utilizing an all-in-one water conditioning unit, linear stepper motors with a theoretical step size of 1 μm and a 1% standard deviation on repetitive experiments, as well as signal processing techniques. This system can be used throughout the product timeline including prototyping, verifying efficacy, FDA testing, and routine check-ups during clinical use.
A Vibrotactile Wearable for the Ear for Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Adams Josh , Doherty Colton , Leuthardt Eric , Gorlewicz Jenna 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is a therapy providing electrical stimulation directly to the vagus nerve via surgical implantation, and is currently FDA approved for the treatment of drug resistant epilepsy and depression. Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) has recently been explored through electrical and vibrotactile stimulation via the cymba conchae region of the ear. taVNS is still in early testing, and is showing promise as a non-invasive alternative for VNS. However, published research has shown limitations in stimulation devices and the specific sites, frequency and intensity of taVNS treatments. In this paper, a new device for vibrotactile stimulation of the cymba conchae is presented covering a range of vibration frequencies and intensities. This is the first iteration in a series of iterative prototypes of additively manufactured wearable devices with proof of concept electronics to realize this type of vibration therapy. Functionality tests of this device such as battery performance and variability of signal intensity were explored, coupled with user assessments of comfort. Initial findings have provided critical feedback for shaping the next iteration of this device, which will be designed for use in clinical evaluations of vibration therapy of the cymba conchae.
A Lightweight Wearable American Sign Language Translation Device
Authors: Yetkin Oguz , Calderon Karmina , Krishna Moorthy Prissha , Nguyen Thao Thu , Tran Jennifer , Terry Taylor , Vigil Anthony , Alsup Anne , Tekleab Aaron , Sancillo Danielle , Ncube Nosisa , Baptist Joshua 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
A lightweight wearable American Sign Language translation device is presented consisting of optically communicating rings worn on each finger and wireless devices worn on each fingernail. The device is similar in principle to glove based sign language translation devices except it does not require the user to wear an entire glove. Each ring is constructed from optically clear resin containing three infrared transponders, controlled by a microcontroller unit worn on the wrist. The fingernail units are also cast in clear resin and contain circuitry to receive and respond to infrared light, and house three small SR60 watch batteries. The system uses a microcontroller to flash all LEDs in succession and create matrix sensor readings from each LED, resulting in a 15x15 matrix corresponding to a signed gesture, recognized by an Artificial Neural Network. This system is expected to be able to recognize 24 of the 26 letters of the ASL alphabet and be extended to recognize arbitrary ASL signs with the integration of an accelerometer. The system currently recognizes 9 letters (A, B, D, F, K, N, O, T, X) with intention to build on this novel method of gesture recognition to construct a full-fledged ASL translator. The system is currently useable as a low-encumbrance gesture-based input system for arbitrary device control.
Development and Evaluation of Simulation Education for University of Minnesota Master of Medical Device Innovation Students in a Post-COVID World
Authors: Backstrom Courtney , Chandra Abhishek , Hale Joseph , Mooradian Dan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered the pedagogical approach to education at every level of training, including at the undergraduate level and graduate or professional level. These unprecedented times have tested academic resilience, agility, creativity, and adaptability in all aspects, including inventive alternative teaching methods. With an increasing reliance on virtual instruction, self-directed learning, and hybrid models of instruction, certain approaches of hands-on training, practice-based learning, and evaluation have had to evolve.
The University of Minnesota’s Master of Medical Device Innovation students are typically immersed in clinical environments through physician shadowing in the operating room, evaluating unmet needs and untapped areas of potential innovation. Engineers who can immerse themselves in surgical education, shadowing, and frontline medical experience can better appreciate, recognize, and enhance current medical technologies and processes. With the OR case restrictions in the era of COVID-19, these learners were faced with limited clinical exposure and thus limited familiarity with the dynamics and processes of clinical practice. As such not only education, but the functioning of the entire industry is stunted. From an instructive perspective, this creates a challenge for students attempting to generate relevant and feasible practicum ideas, accurate prototypes, and offers fewer opportunities to develop these ideas alongside the experts and medical professionals - the target audience.
Simulation education provides a means for students to engage with clinical practice in a meaningful way that bridges the gap between clinical exposure and virtual learning. A hands-on approach in which students were able to practice fundamental surgical skills of suturing, knot-tying, and the basics of laparoscopy.
Learners were offered three didactic workshop sessions that introduced these skills and then were given opportunities to perform with supervision from expert educators. Low-cost, low-fidelity models of pertinent anatomy and physiology provided students an immersive experience that allowed them to develop a deeper understanding of interventional skills. Three two hour-long sessions of guided skills practice on low-cost simulators were attended by the 2022 Masters of Medical Device Innovation cohort and subjective measures of their understanding of the fundamental concepts were evaluated.
High-level findings of these workshops suggest that simulation education is an effective tool in advancing the baseline understanding of surgical principles as opposed to virtual instruction and may offer some further benefit, not possible even through clinical shadowing itself.
Convection-Enhanced Thermo-Therapy Catheter System: Microneedle Compression Strength Testing with Various Durometers
Authors: Morales Brianna E. , Rylander Christopher G. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The Convection-Enhanced Thermo-Therapy Catheter System (CETCS) was developed by our group at The University of Texas at Austin for the treatment of glioblastoma. This arborizing catheter is remotely operated and provides the ability to position and infuse in regions of the tumor and tumor margins to increase the dispersal volume coverage capability. The next step in developing this device is the further characterization of the materials being used in this design.
Device characterization included evaluating the behavior of the microneedles under compression while they were in contact with several types of durometers (50A, 80A, 90A, and 95A). This test method was used to determine if the microneedles would experience breakage at the tip or along the microneedle.
After the compression-durometer testing, it was determined the tips of the microneedles were more likely to puncture the durometer prior to experiencing any breakage. The device’s microneedles are not expected to come into contact with materials that have a higher durometer rating of 50A and will be acceptable in the current CETCS design meant for the treatment of glioblastomas.
Clinical Validation Testing Of An Upper Limb Robotic Medical Education Training Simulator For Rigidity Assessment
Authors: He Maxine , Mansouri Mahshid , Pei Yinan , Pedroza Isaac , Zallek Christopher M. , Hsiao-Wecksler Elizabeth T. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
An upper limb robotic training simulator was developed to replicate the haptic feeling of lead-pipe rigidity of the biceps. Rigidity is the increased muscle tone observed during passive movement of a joint. To validate the realism of our training simulator, a clinical validation study was conducted with 11 experienced clinicians. Testing involved two parts: Blinded Assessment followed by Disclosed Assessment. There were 12 randomized trials (4 levels of rigidity with 3 repetitions each) in the Blind Assessment. The participants were asked to rate the rigidity level using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) in each trial without knowing the selected UPDRS level. During the Disclosed Assessment, participants were informed about the selected level and were asked to closely evaluate the fidelity of each UPDRS level. Participants completed a post-test evaluation questionnaire to rate the simulator’s accuracy in replicating rigidity and its potential as a medical education tool for healthcare students. Results from the first six participants indicated that the simulated muscle resistance magnitude was too high compared to their clinical experience. Therefore, the resistance magnitude was reduced for all 4 UPDRS levels. The second set of five participants reported that the training simulator closely replicated the UPDRS levels of rigidity compared to their clinical experience.
Is short-term and long-term exposure to black carbon associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases? A systematic review and meta-analysis based on evidence reliability
Authors: Song Xuping , Hu Yue , Ma Yan , Jiang Liangzhen , Wang Xinyi , Shi Anchen , Zhao Junxian , Liu Yunxu , Liu Yafei , Tang Jing , Li Xiayang , Zhang Xiaoling , Guo Yong , Wang Shigong 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveAdverse health effects of fine particles (particulate matter2.5) have been well documented by a series of studies. However, evidences on the impacts of black carbon (BC) or elemental carbon (EC) on health are limited. The objectives were (1) to explored the effects of BC and EC on cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality, and (2) to verified the reliability of the meta-analysis by drawing p value plots.DesignThe systematic review and meta-analysis using adapted Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and p value plots approach.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched from inception to 19 July 2021.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesTime series, case cross-over and cohort studies that evaluated the associations between BC/EC on cardiovascular or respiratory morbidity or mortality were included.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Outcomes were analysed via a random effects model and reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% CI. The certainty of evidences was assessed by adapted GRADE. The reliabilities of meta-analyses were analysed by p value plots.ResultsSeventy studies met our inclusion criteria. (1) Short-term exposure to BC/EC was associated with 1.6% (95% CI 0.4% to 2.8%) increase in cardiovascular diseases per 1 µg/m3 in the elderly; (2) Long-term exposure to BC/EC was associated with 6.8% (95% CI 0.4% to 13.5%) increase in cardiovascular diseases and (3) The p value plot indicated that the association between BC/EC and respiratory diseases was consistent with randomness.ConclusionsBoth short-term and long-term exposures to BC/EC were related with cardiovascular diseases. However, the impact of BC/EC on respiratory diseases did not present consistent evidence and further investigations are required.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020186244.
Evaluating results of the implementation research MOOC using Kirkpatrick’s four-level model: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study
Authors: Ross Bella , Penkunas Michael J , Maher Dermot , Certain Edith , Launois Pascal 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionAn implementation research (IR) massive open online course (MOOC) was developed by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, to address the scarcity of training in low-income and middle-income countries in the field of IR. The Kirkpatrick model was used to evaluate the IR MOOC as it is widely applied for evaluation of training and educational programmes. The Kirkpatrick model evaluates training programmes on four levels: reaction, learning, behaviour and results. This paper addresses the impact of the IR MOOC on participants’ professional practice.MethodsFindings are based on analysis of survey and interview data collected 1.5–2 years after the conclusion of the two 2018 IR MOOC offerings. Of the 3858 MOC participants, 748 responded to the anonymous online survey and seven of these respondents were interviewed. All data are self-reported.ResultsThe IR MOOC was successful in enhancing the professional practice of participants and for their organisations. Over 40% reported modifying or implementing changes in their professional work. Respondents reported that participation in the MOOC had improved their ability to conduct IR, enhanced their professional profiles and increased their opportunities for collaboration, research and job promotion. Respondents stated that the MOOC had improved their work quality and productivity, and allowed them to contribute to research, initiate and develop professional collaborations and train others in IR. Respondents reported an increase in applying for grants and scholarships and presenting and publishing work on IR after participating in the MOOC. Barriers applying the knowledge gained from the IR MOOC were experienced, for example, due to a lack of funding and lack of support from colleagues, managers and organisations.ConclusionParticipants perceived that the IR MOOC was successful in its aims of delivering medium-term and long-term results in relation to their own and their organisations’ professional outcomes.
Defining, conceptualising and operationalising community empowerment: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Babatunde Gbotemi Bukola , Schmidt B , Gwelo Netsai Bianca , Akintola Olagoke 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionCommunity empowerment is a core concept in health promotion theory and practice. Several authors have defined and conceptualised the term differently. However, we did not find any synthesis of the various definitions of, and meanings attached to, community empowerment and the various conceptualisations, operationalisations, and the indicators for measuring community empowerment in the health promotion literature. The aim of this scoping review is to characterise and synthesise various definitions, conceptualisations, operationalisations and indicators for measuring community empowerment in the literature.Methods and analysisThis scoping review will follow scoping review methods outlined by Arksey and O’Malley. We will identify relevant studies from 1986 onwards, written in any language, conducted anywhere in the world, and published in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Medline. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts and full-text articles, after which they will carry out data extraction and analysis. We will develop a numerical and narrative synthesis of the definitions, conceptualisations, operationalisations and measurements of community empowerment in relation to health promotion and/health outcomes.Ethics and disseminationThis scoping review does not require ethics approval, as we will only include information from previously conducted studies and we will not involve human participants.