Search Results (4)

This manuscript presents the results of a project related to the construction and testing of selected devices included in a space inspection and worker supervision system. The most important components of this system are a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles, a docking station for the automatic charging of many drones, monitoring sensors, and user software that integrates all components responsible for mission planning (UAV raids) and measurement data processing. All components were built according to an original solution. The main part of this manuscript is a description of tests used to verify the functionality of a sensor network for monitoring infrastructural elements and moving objects, including people working on a construction project. As part of this research, procedures for testing sensor networks under laboratory and field conditions were developed. The tests performed demonstrated the ability of the MESH network to self-organize depending on the location of the elements in the network. The system that was built ensured the transmission of data from telemetric devices during UAV flights, regardless of the coverage of terrain by other networks, such as Wi-Fi and GSM networks. Data were sent to the end user via a LAN network based on the IP protocol. The maximum range between devices forming the network and the range limitations caused by various terrain obstacles were also determined. Full article

For decades, trabeculectomy (TE) was considered the gold standard for surgical treatment of open-angle glaucoma owing to its powerful intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering potency. However, owing to the invasive nature and high-risk profile of TE, this standard is changing, and minimally invasive procedures are becoming more preferable. In particular, canaloplasty (CP) has been established as a much gentler alternative in everyday life and is under development as a full-fledged replacement. This technique involves probing Schlemm’s canal with a microcatheter and inserting a pouch suture that places the trabecular meshwork under permanent tension. It aims to restore the natural outflow pathways of the aqueous humor and is independent of external wound healing. This physiological approach results in a significantly lower complication rate and allows considerably simplified perioperative management. There is now extensive evidence that canaloplasty achieves sufficient pressure reduction as well as a significant reduction in postoperative glaucoma medications. Unlike MIGS procedures, the indication is not only mild to moderate glaucoma; today, even advanced glaucoma benefits from the very low hypotony rate, which largely avoids a wipeout phenomenon. However, approximately half of patients are not completely medication-free after canaloplasty. As a consequence, a number of canaloplasty modifications have been developed with the goal of further enhancing the IOP-lowering effect while avoiding the risk of serious complications. By combining canaloplasty with the newly developed suprachoroidal drainage procedure, the individual improvements in trabecular facility and uveoscleral outflow facility appear to have an additive effect. Thus, for the first time, an IOP-lowering effect comparable to a successful trabeculectomy can be achieved. Other implant modifications also enhance the potential of canaloplasty or offer additional benefits such as the possibility of telemetric IOP self-measurement by the patient. This article reviews the modifications of canaloplasty, which has the potential to become a new gold standard in glaucoma surgery via stepwise refinement. Full article

Robotic technology has developed rapidly in recent years, and several robotic devices have been applied to improve physical, sensory, intellectual, psychological, and social functioning in the elderly and people with disabilities. In this study, we investigated the effects of EX1-assisted exercise in various environments on physical function, muscle strength, and walking efficiency in older adults. We designated four experimental conditions and randomly assigned participants to one of four groups: A (overground walking without an EX1), B (overground walking using the resistance mode of EX1), C (stair ascent using the assistance mode of EX1), and Group D (inclined treadmill walking using the assistance mode of EX1). A total of 60 community-dwelling elderly persons participated in 10 exercise intervention sessions for 4 weeks, and all participants were assessed before and after the exercise intervention. Physical function was measured by the 10-meter walk test for self-selected velocity (10MWT-SSV), short physical performance battery (SPPB), Berg balance scale (BBS), timed up and go (TUG), functional reach test (FRT), geriatric depression scale—short form (GDS-SF), and muscle strength of trunk and lower extremity. Cardiopulmonary metabolic energy efficiency was measured using a portable telemetric gas analyzer system. A significant increase in the 10MWT-SSV and TUG test was observed in groups B, C, and D. A statistically significant improvement in the SPPB and FRT was seen only in group D, and GDS-SF scores decreased significantly after exercise with an EX1 in groups B and D. Trunk and lower limb muscle strength increased more in the groups that exercised with EX1 assistance than those without an EX1, particularly in group B. The net metabolic energy costs and energy expenditure measurement during walking significantly improved in exercise groups C and D. The findings in this study support the application of the EX1 to physical activity and exercise to improve age-related changes in physical function, muscle strength, and walking efficiency among older adults. In addition, personalized exercise programs using different modes and training environments with an EX1 can enhance physical performance and walking efficiency in the elderly. Full article

Autonomous sensors play a very important role in the environmental, structural, and medical fields. The use of this kind of systems can be expanded for several applications, for example in implantable devices inside the human body where it is impossible to use wires. Furthermore, they enable measurements in harsh or hermetic environments, such as under extreme heat, cold, humidity or corrosive conditions. The use of batteries as a power supply for these devices represents one solution, but the size, and sometimes the cost and unwanted maintenance burdens of replacement are important drawbacks. In this paper passive and self-powered autonomous sensors for harsh or hermetical environments without batteries are discussed. Their general architectures are presented. Sensing strategies, communication techniques and power management are analyzed. Then, general building blocks of an autonomous sensor are presented and the design guidelines that such a system must follow are given. Furthermore, this paper reports different proposed applications of autonomous sensors applied in harsh or hermetic environments: two examples of passive autonomous sensors that use telemetric communication are proposed, the first one for humidity measurements and the second for high temperatures. Other examples of self-powered autonomous sensors that use a power harvesting system from electromagnetic fields are proposed for temperature measurements and for airflow speeds. Full article