Designing Expandable-Structure Robots for Human-Robot Interaction.

In this paper, we survey the emerging design space of expandable structures in robotics, with a focus on how such structures may improve human-robot interactions. We detail various implementation considerations for researchers seeking to integrate such structures in their own work and describe how expandable structures may lead to novel forms of interaction for a variety of different robots and applications, including structures that enable robots to alter their form to augment or gain entirely new capabilities, such as enhancing manipulation or navigation, structures that improve robot safety, structures that enable new forms of communication, and structures for robot swarms that enable the swarm to change shape both individually and collectively. To illustrate how these considerations may be operationalized, we also present three case studies from our own research in expandable structure robots, sharing our design process and our findings regarding how such structures enable robots to produce novel behaviors that may capture human attention, convey information, mimic emotion, and provide new types of dynamic affordances.

Topical Timolol Inhibits Corneal Neovascularization in Rabbits.

Timolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist that is similar to propranolol. The mechanism through which these drugs act on the regression of neovascularization is largely unknown. However, it is thought that the drugs may act through vascular endothelial growth factor signaling, vasoconstriction, and vascular endothelial cell apoptosis.

Clinical Presentation and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Contact Lens Associated Microbial Keratitis.

Introduction. In recent years, the number of contact lens wearers has dramatically increased in Iran, particularly in youngsters. The purpose of current study was to assess the clinical presentation and antibiotic susceptibility of contact lens related microbial keratitis in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran.

The Association Between Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Clustered Components of Metabolic Syndrome.

Purpose: There is conflicting evidence whether components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) increase or decrease the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The aim of the present study was to determine the association between metabolic syndrome and primary open-angle glaucoma.

Methods: A total of 200 participants comprising 100 controls and 100 patients with POAG documented by clinical tests and examined by an experienced ophthalmologist using standard ophthalmologic equipment were included in the study.

Barriers to standard precautions adherence in a dental school in Iran: a qualitative study.

Background: Setting up good infection control practices in educational institutions is crucial in shaping future health professionals. The implementation of standard precautions (SPs) in Iranian dental schools has not been explored qualitatively to identify barriers to good practice.

Methods: Twelve focus group discussions and 8 semistructured interviews were conducted with students, residents, and staff members (n = 83) of the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Dental School.