Search Results (15)

Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) offers opportunities to enhance healthcare accessibility for people with disabilities (PwDs). However, their application in Saudi Arabia remains limited. This study explores PwDs’ experiences with AI technologies within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 digital health framework to inform inclusive healthcare innovation strategies. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine PwDs across Riyadh, Al-Jouf, and the Northern Border region between January and February 2025. Participants used various AI-enabled technologies, including smart home assistants, mobile health applications, communication aids, and automated scheduling systems. Thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework was employed to identify key themes and patterns. Results: Four major themes emerged: (1) accessibility and usability challenges, including voice recognition difficulties and interface barriers; (2) personalization and autonomy through AI-assisted daily living tasks and medication management; (3) technological barriers such as connectivity issues and maintenance gaps; and (4) psychological acceptance influenced by family support and cultural integration. Participants noted infrastructure gaps in rural areas, financial constraints, limited disability-specific design, and digital literacy barriers while expressing optimism regarding AI’s potential to enhance independence and health outcomes. Conclusions: Realizing the benefits of AI for disability healthcare in Saudi Arabia requires culturally adapted designs, improved infrastructure investment in rural regions, inclusive policymaking, and targeted digital literacy programs. These findings support inclusive healthcare innovation aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 goals and provide evidence-based recommendations for implementing AI healthcare technologies for PwDs in similar cultural contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: How to best assist people living with dementia (PLWD) and their care partners to maximize quality of life and quality of living, through appropriate and effective non-pharmaceutical approaches, remains a focus of dementia societies and organizations worldwide. This scoping review explored the types, opportunities, benefits and challenges of outdoor-based care and support programs for community-dwelling PLWD and their care partners. Methods: The methodological framework proposed by Arksey & O’Malley (2005) and modified by Levac et al. (2010) was followed. Four research databases were searched from January 2000 to November 2024; 2817 articles were retrieved and 20 met inclusion criteria and underwent data extraction. Results: Program types included the following: nature-based, care farm, green care farm, and farm-based dementia care programs, representing more than half of the included articles; health walks; and outdoor horticulture/garden/gardening programs. The number of PLWD participants ranged from 4 to 136. The total number of care partner participants was 151 and the total number of service provider participants was 87. The essence of, and connections with, nature and the outdoors had notable relevance and value for PLWD. Reported benefits, assessed quantitatively and qualitatively, were numerous and those in the social domain were reported most often. Identified challenges and barriers were related to risks and safety and program development, and implementation and delivery. Conclusions: The noteworthy potential of outdoor-based care and support programs to promote and enhance the quality of life and quality of living of community-dwelling PLWD and their care partners was elucidated. As most PLWD prefer to, and do, continue to reside in their homes, including those with advancing symptoms, the findings have significant relevance and implications for real-world practice and policy. Future research addressing current gaps will strengthen this growing field of dementia research. Full article

Phase wraparound due to large inter-sensor spacings in multi-channel demixing renders the DUET and AdRess source separation algorithms—known for their low computational complexity and effective speech demixing performance—unsuitable for hearing-assisted living applications, where such configurations are needed. DUET is limited to relative delays of up to 7 samples, given a sampling rate of $F_s=16$ kHz in anechoic scenarios, while the AdRess algorithm is constrained to instantaneous mixing problems. The task of this paper is to improve the performance of DUET-type time–frequency (TF) masks when microphones are placed far apart. A significant challenge in assistive hearing scenarios is phase wraparound caused by large relative delays. We evaluate the performance of a large relative delay estimation method, called the Elevatogram, in the presence of significant phase wraparound. We present extensions of DUET and AdRess, termed Elevato-DUET and Elevato-AdRess, which are effective in scenarios with relative delays of up to 200 samples. The findings demonstrate that Elevato-AdRess not only outperforms Elevato-DUET in terms of objective separation quality metrics—BSS_Eval and PEASS—but also achieves higher intelligibility scores, as measured by the Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality (PESQ) Mean Opinion Score (MOS) scores. These findings suggest that the phase wraparound limitations of DUET and AdRess algorithms in assistive hearing scenarios involving large inter-microphone spacing can be addressed by introducing the Elevatogram-based Elevato-DUET and Elevato-AdRess algorithms. These algorithms improve separation quality and intelligibility, with Elevato-AdRess demonstrating the best overall performance. Full article

Coupling brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) and robotic systems in the future can enable seamless personal assistant systems in everyday life, with the requests that can be performed in a discrete manner, using one’s brain activity only. These types of systems might be of a particular interest for people with locked-in syndrome (LIS) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) because they can benefit from communicating with robotic assistants using brain sensing interfaces. In this proof-of-concept work, we explored how a wireless and wearable BCI device can control a quadruped robot—Boston Dynamics’ Spot. The device measures the user’s electroencephalography (EEG) and electrooculography (EOG) activity of the user from the electrodes embedded in the glasses’ frame. The user responds to a series of questions with YES/NO answers by performing a brain-teaser activity of mental calculus. Each question–answer pair has a pre-configured set of actions for Spot. For instance, Spot was prompted to walk across a room, pick up an object, and retrieve it for the user (i.e., bring a bottle of water) when a sequence resolved to a YES response. Our system achieved at a success rate of 83.4%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first integration of wireless, non-visual-based BCI systems with Spot in the context of personal assistant use cases. While this BCI quadruped robot system is an early prototype, future iterations may embody friendly and intuitive cues similar to regular service dogs. As such, this project aims to pave a path towards future developments in modern day personal assistant robots powered by wireless and wearable BCI systems in everyday living conditions. Full article

This study employs a qualitative methodology to explore the effects of the pandemic on the lives of ALS patients and their caregivers. It aims to understand whether and how online self-help groups have assisted families dealing with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease with both physical and psychosocial implications. Consequently, it significantly affects the lives of patients’ caregivers. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this situation. The results show that the pandemic has had a negative impact on the well-being of ALS caregivers and patients. Furthermore, bereavement and death were dealt with in different ways by the families involved. The pandemic aggravated the health of ALS patients and increased the workload of their caregivers; however, online psychological support was appreciated for its role in providing emotional help and diminishing social isolation. Full article

The presence of sinkholes has been widely studied due to their potential risk to infrastructure and to the lives of inhabitants and rescuers in urban disaster areas, which is generally addressed in geotechnics and geophysics. In recent years, robotics has gained importance for the inspection and assessment of areas of potential risk for sinkhole formation, as well as for environmental exploration and post-disaster assistance. From the mobile robotics approach, this paper proposes RUDE-AL (Roped UGV DEployment ALgorithm), a methodology for deploying a Mobile Cable-Driven Parallel Robot (MCDPR) composed of four mobile robots and a cable-driven parallel robot (CDPR) for sinkhole exploration tasks and assistance to potential trapped victims. The deployment of the fleet is organized with node-edge formation during the mission’s first stage, positioning itself around the area of interest and acting as anchors for the subsequent release of the cable robot. One of the relevant issues considered in this work is the selection of target points for mobile robots (anchors) considering the constraints of a roped fleet, avoiding the collision of the cables with positive obstacles through a fitting function that maximizes the area covered of the zone to explore and minimizes the cost of the route distance performed by the fleet using genetic algorithms, generating feasible target routes for each mobile robot with a configurable balance between the parameters of the fitness function. The main results show a robust method whose adjustment function is affected by the number of positive obstacles near the area of interest and the shape characteristics of the sinkhole. Full article

The use of mineral-based cutting fluids in machining has the drawback of affecting the environment and industries are under pressures to reduce its use in favor of cleaner productions. In this regard, the vegetal-based cutting fluids can be a superior alternative, provided they improve the technical outcomes. In the milling process, dry cutting is commonly performed, however, the application of cutting fluids using the minimum quantity of lubricant (MQL) method has proven advantageous when compared with dry machining. Furthermore, in the midst of the availability of several cutting fluids in the market, the testing of their individual performance can ascertain their potential and effectiveness for a particular application. This study examined the performances of two vegetable-based and one mineral-based oils applied by the MQL method, followed by their comparison with dry cutting amid end milling of AISI 1045 steel with TiAlN-coated cemented carbide inserts. The cutting temperature, machining forces, power consumption, workpiece surface roughness, tool life, and tool wear mechanisms were chosen as the output parameters. The experiments were conducted using two cutting speeds (150 and 200 m/min) and feed rates (0.07 and 0.14 mm/tooth), and constant axial (1 mm) and radial depths of the cut (25 mm). The temperature was measured using a K-type thermocouple soldered to the part and an infrared camera. The power was monitored with a Fluke 435 energy analyzer, and the machining force components with a Kistler dynamometer. The worn inserts were inspected under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to analyze the tool wear mechanism. The MQL-assisted application of the cutting fluids notably lowered the cutting temperature and increased the tools’ lives. However, the cutting fluids did not reflect any significant effect on the machining force, power consumption, or surface roughness. Among all the analyzed cutting conditions, the abrasive wear mechanism dominated, damaging the cutting edges, flank, and rake surfaces of the cutting tools. In addition, adhesive and diffusion wear mechanisms were also observed. Full article

Background: Esophagectomy for cancer is one of the most complex procedures in visceral surgery. Postoperative complications negatively affect the patient’s overall survival. They are not influenced by the histology type (adenocarcinoma (AC)/squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)), or the surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted). Among those dreadful complications are anastomotic leak (AL), esophago-respiratory fistula (ERF), and chylothorax (CT). Methods: In this review, we summarize the methods to avoid these complications, the diagnostic approach, and new therapeutic strategies. Results: In the last 20 years, both centralization of the medical care, and the development of endoscopy and radiology have positively influenced the management of postoperative complications. For the purpose of their prevention, perioperative measures have been applied. The treatment includes conservative, endoscopic, and surgical approaches. Conclusions: Post-esophagectomy complications are common. Prevention measures should be known. Early recognition and adequate treatment of these complications save lives and lead to better outcomes. Full article

Physical activity programs focusing on fall prevention often overlook upper-limb strength, which is important for transferring, balance recovery, and arresting a fall. We developed and evaluated a physical activity program, Mobility-Fit for older adults in Assisted Living (AL) that includes upper-limb strengthening, agility, coordination, and balance exercises. Thirty participants (85 ± 6 years) were recruited from two AL facilities; 15 were assigned to Mobility-Fit (three times/week, 45 min/session for 12 weeks) and 15 maintained usual care. Twenty-two participants (11 in each group) completed the study. We compared outcome changes between groups and interviewed participants and staff to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of the program. Among participants who attended Mobility-Fit, knee extension strength increased by 6%, reaction time decreased by 16%, and five-time sit-to-stand duration decreased by 15%. Conversely, participants in the usual care group had a 6% decrease in handgrip strength. Changes of these outcomes were significantly different between two groups (p < 0.05). Participants enjoyed the program and staff suggested some changes to improve attendance. Our results indicate that Mobility-Fit is feasible to deliver and beneficial for older adults in AL and may guide future clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of upper limb strengthening on safe mobility of older adults in care facilities. Full article

Nocturnal hypoglycemia (NH) is one of the most challenging events for multiple dose insulin therapy (MDI) in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The goal of this study is to design a method to reduce the incidence of NH in people with T1D under MDI therapy, providing a decision-support system and improving confidence toward self-management of the disease considering the dataset used by Bertachi et al. Different machine learning (ML) algorithms, data sources, optimization metrics and mitigation measures to predict and avoid NH events have been studied. In addition, we have designed population and personalized models and studied the generalizability of the models and the influence of physical activity (PA) on them. Obtaining 30 g of rescue carbohydrates (CHO) is the optimal value for preventing NH, so it can be asserted that this is the value with which the time under 70 mg/dL decreases the most, with almost a 35% reduction, while increasing the time in the target range by 1.3%. This study supports the feasibility of using ML techniques to address the prediction of NH in patients with T1D under MDI therapy, using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and a PA tracker. The results obtained prove that BG predictions can not only be critical in achieving safer diabetes management, but also assist physicians and patients to make better and safer decisions regarding insulin therapy and their day-to-day lives. Full article

Social distancing became a must during the pandemic, which not only had implications for people’s social lives, but also for their learning. Collaborative work was almost impossible, especially in the classroom, despite a great need for this approach. For example, in their translation classes, the learners needed to collaborate with their peers, assisting each other in translating texts. Thus, the use of breakout groups is proposed in this study, although there is no guarantee that learners will accept this online approach. Consequently, the current research looks at learners’ acceptance of breakout groups on Blackboard in a translation class. To examine their acceptance, an existing scale was used, developed by Davis (1989) to measure two factors of technology acceptance: perceived usefulness and ease of use. A sample of 54 students on a Translation course at Al-Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, participated in this study. The results show that the learners found breakout groups on Blackboard to be useful and easy to use. Full article

Assisted living (AL) is an emerging model of care in countries where long-term care needs are escalating, with emphasis given to promoting independence and autonomy among the residents to achieve active and healthy ageing. Unlike established nursing homes, the governance of AL is nebulous due to its novelty and diverse nature of operations in many jurisdictions. A comprehensive understanding of how AL is governed globally is important to inform regulatory policies as the adoption of AL increases. A systematic literature review was undertaken to understand the different levels of regulations that need to be instituted to govern AL effectively. A total of 65 studies, conducted between 1990 to 2020, identified from three major databases (PubMed, Medline, and Scopus), were included. Using a thematic synthesis analytical approach, we identified macro-level regulations (operational authorisation, care quality assessment and infrastructural requirements), meso-level regulations (operational management, staff management and distribution, service provision and care monitoring, and crisis management), and micro-level regulations (clear criteria for resident admission and staff hiring) that are important in the governance of AL. Large-scale adoption of AL without compromising the quality, equity and affordability would require clear provisions of micro-, meso- and macro-level regulations. Full article

From caretaking activities for elderly people to being assistive in healthcare setup, mobile and non-mobile robots have the potential to be highly applicable and serviceable. The ongoing pandemic has shown that human-to-human contact in healthcare institutions and senior homes must be limited. In this scenario, elderlies and immunocompromised individuals must be exclusively protected. Robots are a promising way to overcome this problem in assisted living environments. In addition, the advent of AI and machine learning will pave a way for intelligent robots with cognitive abilities, while enabling them to be more aware of their surroundings. In this paper, we discuss the general perspectives, potential research opportunities, and challenges arising in the area of robots in assisted living environments and present our research work pertaining to certain application scenarios, i.e., robots in rehabilitation and robots in hospital environments and pandemics, which, in turn, exhibits the growing prospects and interdisciplinary nature of the field of robots in assisted living environment. Full article

Activities of Daily Living systems (ADLs) and the User Interface (UI) design principles used to implement them empowers the elderly to continue living a normal daily routine. The daily monitoring of activities for most Assisted Living (AL) systems demands/necessitates accurate daily user interaction, and the design principles for these systems often focus on the UI usability for the elder, not the caregiver/family member. This paper reviews Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) and ADLs UI designs and evaluates the usability of ADLs visualisation tools for caregivers. Results indicate that the UI presenting information in a bar graph format was the preferred option for respondents, as 60% chose this summarisation method over the alternative line graph UI, which had 38% of respondents selecting this format for information representation. Therefore, when designing Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) UIs, it is recommended that short periods of time are best presented in a pie graph format in combination with a bar graph format for representing extended timeline information to caregivers about their loved ones. Full article

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify and validate the requirements for new technology supporting wellness, independence and social participation for older people domiciled in residential homes and/or assisted-living communities. Method: This research adopts a stakeholder evaluation approach to requirements elicitation and user interface design. Specifically, the study design combines several qualitative human–machine interaction (HMI) design frameworks/methods, including realist ethnography, scenario-based design, persona-based design, and participatory design. Findings: New technology should reflect positive values around ageing and link to psychosocial models of successful ageing, and biopsychosocial models of health and wellbeing. Resident autonomy, wellness and social participation cannot be conceptualized outside an understanding of the relationships older adults have with others. The design remit for this technology is to enable a resident experience that is similar to living at home. New technologies should facilitate wellness and communication/connection, and not simply risk assessment. New technology provides an opportunity to bridge existing information gaps between care planning, care assessments and daily care. Overall this technology needs to be intuitive and uphold the resident’s dignity and rights. Person-to-person interaction is central to care delivery. The introduction of new technology should enhance this interaction, and not threaten it. Conclusions: Future assisted-living (AL) technology should be premised by biopsychosocial models of wellness and support relationships between older adults and members of the personal and professional community. New assisted-living technology affords the possibility for improved social relationships, enhanced wellbeing, better quality of care, and independence. Such technologies require careful consideration in relation to adapting to age/condition and managing issues pertaining to resident consent, privacy and human contact. Full article