Upper limb orientation assessment as an articulated body chain.

Upper limb orientation estimation based on Magnetic, Angular Rate, and Gravity sensors considering multiple body segments is presented in this work. The proposal allowed assessing the activity of two or more body segments individually and jointly, regardless of their spatial relationship. A custom-made system was developed incorporating a complementary filter and a proportional-integral control for data sensor merging and, noise and instrumentation error reduction.

Assessment of the effects of exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on MDCK epithelial cell lines under a controlled environment.

To assess the effects of exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) on MDCK cell lines, experiments were performed in a chamber under controlled conditions (temperature, humidity and CO2). Therefore, the measured physicochemical and electrical changes in the cells are due solely to the magnetic field exposure and not to external factors. A developed sinusoidal magnetic field generator produced the ELF-MFs with a uniform magnetic field and adjustable intensity and frequency.

Evaluation of suitability of a micro-processing unit of motion analysis for upper limb tracking.

The aim of this study is to assess the suitability of a micro-processing unit of motion analysis (MPUMA), for monitoring, reproducing, and tracking upper limb movements. The MPUMA is based on an inertial measurement unit, a 16-bit digital signal controller and a customized algorithm. To validate the performance of the system, simultaneous recordings of the angular trajectory were performed with a video-based motion analysis system.

Effects on interface pressure and tissue oxygenation under ischial tuberosities during the application of an alternating cushion.

Pressure ulcers are hazardous to people with diminished sensory and motor functions who remain in the same position for a long time. An important reason for the occurrence of pressure ulcers is the inability of wheelchair users to make postural changes by themselves with no appropriate method of pressure release. In this study, we researched the effects of applying an air cell inflate-deflate alternating sequence cushion prototype to relieve pressure from tissue loaded areas.

An alternating pressure sequence proposal for an air-cell cushion for preventing pressure ulcers.

The distribution and release of pressure on ischial regions are two important parameters for evaluating the effectiveness of a cushion; especially the release of pressure over time on ischial tuberosities, which is significant for preventing pressure ulcers. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect on interface pressure through the application of a proposed alternating pressure sequence for an air-cell cushion. Six healthy volunteers were asked to sit on the air cell cushion, in static and alternating modes, as well as on a typical foam cushion for 12 minutes.

A pressure distribution measurement system for supporting areas of wheelchair users.

Pressure ulcers are skin injuries caused by long term exposition to high pressures on support points that interrupt blood circulation reducing the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the cells. They mainly affect people with poor mobility that stay in seating position for long periods of time. In spite of the diversity of commercial prototypes of cushions, ulcers caused by pressure are still a problem for wheelchair users.

Hypoacusis detector for evaluation of scholars in field.

Hypoacusis on scholars has become not only a problem but also an indicator when attention disorders or misunderstood instructions from teachers are observed. A primary detection of hypoacusis, in particular in speech range, can help scholars, parents and teachers to improve or correct the learning process. A hypoacusis detector has been developed to be applied in field.

In vivo and in situ measurement of electrical impedance for determination of distention in proximal stomach of rats.

We present a non-invasive, in vivo and in situ study of proximal stomach (PS) distention based on electrical impedance measurements that could be used together with distal stomach (DS) motility measurements as a response to different boluses. Stomach motility has been reported in the literature, as a response to different boluses, under in vivo conditions. However, previous studies on stomach motility have been mainly considered clinical parameters of the digestive process.

Echocardiographic sign of right-sided hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

The echocardiographic and haemodynamic findings with a patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and dynamic subpulmonary stenosis, without left ventricular gradient, are described. The echocardiogram shows not only asymmetric septal hypertrophy, systolic anterior movement of the anterior mitral leaflet, and midsystolic collapse of the aortic valve, but also increase in the right ventricular wall echoes and systolic collapse of the pulmonary valve. We believe that in the absence of pulmonary hypertension these signs, particularly the systolic closing movement of the pulmonary valve cusp, may suggest right ventricular obstruction in HOCM.