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10 pages, 1665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Attempt to Identify Meaningful Descriptors of Handgrip Strength Using a Novel Prototype: Preliminary Study

by Diana Urbano, Maria Teresa Restivo, Teresa F. Amaral, Paulo Abreu and Maria de Fátima Chousal

Information 2020, 11(12), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11120546 - 25 Nov 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2273

Abstract

Handgrip strength (HGS) is an indicator of muscle condition and general health wellbeing. Usually, instruments measuring handgrip strength only identify its maximum value. This preliminary study is focused on identifying force vs. time parameters which could contribute to better describe individual strength. They [...] Read more.

Handgrip strength (HGS) is an indicator of muscle condition and general health wellbeing. Usually, instruments measuring handgrip strength only identify its maximum value. This preliminary study is focused on identifying force vs. time parameters which could contribute to better describe individual strength. They were obtained during a Handgrip strength test of 15 s in a sample group of 94 university students. The tests were conducted with a smart multifunction novel prototype dynamometer, named BodyGrip. Mean values of quantities related to the ability to develop and to maintain strength in percentage of maximum handgrip strength, were extracted from the force vs time profile. Contrary to maximum HGS, such quantities were found to be independent of the participant’s anthropometric characteristics. Individual comparisons based on those quantities are therefore not affected by the anthropometric characteristics. It was possible to identify individuals, differing on the development of HGS. Results suggest that the functionality of the BodyGrip tool enables a more thorough characterization of the time profile of the Handgrip strength that might influence the knowledge of the muscle functions, such as power development and endurance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Online Experimentation and the IoE)

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12 pages, 1446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immersive Environment for Occupational Therapy: Pilot Study

by José Rodrigues, Tiago Coelho, Paulo Menezes and Maria Teresa Restivo

Information 2020, 11(9), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11090405 - 21 Aug 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4339

Abstract

There has been increasing interest in the application of virtual reality (VR) to occupational therapy and rehabilitation fields. This work presents a VR-based city adventure framework designed for occupational therapy. Its concept is based on taking the user to travel around a virtual [...] Read more.

There has been increasing interest in the application of virtual reality (VR) to occupational therapy and rehabilitation fields. This work presents a VR-based city adventure framework designed for occupational therapy. Its concept is based on taking the user to travel around a virtual city, where the motion is powered by the execution of some type of physical exercise, namely cycling in the current example. This framework is extensible and may integrate different goals focused on improving/maintaining motor and cognitive skills necessary for daily activities, mainly through upper and lower limb exercises and mental challenges. This led to the development of an immersive system, which was tested with an elderly sample (15 participants) in a day center and at a retirement home. Usability, satisfaction, performance and side effects were evaluated to understand future applicability and work directions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Online Experimentation and the IoE)

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15 pages, 2482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Active Disturbance Rejection Control for DC Motor Laboratory Plant Learning Object

by Mikuláš Huba, Mária Hypiusová, Peter Ťapák and Damir Vrancic

Information 2020, 11(3), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11030151 - 12 Mar 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4177

Abstract

The paper deals with learning objects for introductory modeling of simple dynamical systems and design of controllers with disturbance observer-based integral action. They can be used to illustrate the design process of state controllers, state and disturbance observers, as well as to get [...] Read more.

The paper deals with learning objects for introductory modeling of simple dynamical systems and design of controllers with disturbance observer-based integral action. They can be used to illustrate the design process of state controllers, state and disturbance observers, as well as to get in touch with a popular approach called active disturbance rejection control (ADRC). In both cases, external disturbances along with errors resulting from model inaccuracies are reconstructed using the extended state observer (ESO). In addition to simulation and design of regulators and observers in Matlab/Simulink, the learning objects focus on the development of relevant terminology and competencies in the field of simulation, modeling and experimentation in traditional laboratories, with the support of LMS Moodle and remote control. The main innovativeness of the paper is to clarify the relationship of ADRC to the traditional state space controllers design and modeling by using two types of linear models approximating controlled nonlinear systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Online Experimentation and the IoE)

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23 pages, 6498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Generic WebLab Control Tuning Experience Using the Ball and Beam Process and Multiobjective Optimization Approach

by Ricardo Massao Kagami, Guinther Kovalski da Costa, Thiago Schaedler Uhlmann, Luciano Antônio Mendes and Roberto Zanetti Freire

Information 2020, 11(3), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11030132 - 27 Feb 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3490

Abstract

In control engineering education, the possibility of using a real control system in the learning process motivates professors to improve both students’ knowledge and skills, thus avoiding an approach only based on control theory. While considering that control engineering laboratories are expensive, mainly [...] Read more.

In control engineering education, the possibility of using a real control system in the learning process motivates professors to improve both students’ knowledge and skills, thus avoiding an approach only based on control theory. While considering that control engineering laboratories are expensive, mainly because educational plants should reproduce classical problems that are found in the industry, the use of virtual laboratories appears as an interesting strategy for reducing costs and improving the diversity of experiments. In this research, remote experimentation was assumed regarding the ball and beam process as an alternative didactic methodology. While assuming a nonlinear and unstable open-loop process, this study presents how students should proceed to control the plant focusing on the topic that is associated with multiobjective optimization. Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller was tuned considering the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) to illustrate the WebLab learning procedures described in this research. The proposed strategy was compared to the Åström’s robust loop shaping method to emphasize the performance of the multiobjective optimization technique. Analyzing the feedback provided by the students, remote experimentation can be seen as an interesting approach for the future of engineering learning, once it can be directly associated with industry demand of connected machines and real-time information analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Online Experimentation and the IoE)

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9 pages, 2398 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Development of Control Experiments for an Online Laboratory System

by Matej Rábek and Katarína Žáková

Information 2020, 11(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11030131 - 27 Feb 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3149

Abstract

Remote experiments have been gaining a lot of popularity over the last years. They are available for many areas including control education. The majority of laboratories available via the Internet were developed from scratch and lack modularity, which enables their easier adaptation. Crucially, [...] Read more.

Remote experiments have been gaining a lot of popularity over the last years. They are available for many areas including control education. The majority of laboratories available via the Internet were developed from scratch and lack modularity, which enables their easier adaptation. Crucially, the diversity of experiments that can be performed on a single device is quite limited. Along with the prospect of simple integration of new devices and simulation environments, this approach presents a way to more effectively utilize the available resources. The presented online laboratory system offers a possibility of an easy integration of new control experiments to the online environment. It allows users to define selected variables inside their block diagrams, upload them to the system and later initialize them within the system’s graphical user interface. The system was tested on a new developed air levitation plant that can be controlled via Matlab simulation environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Online Experimentation and the IoE)

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19 pages, 21145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gamifying Motor Rehabilitation Therapies: Challenges and Opportunities of Immersive Technologies

by Bruno Ferreira and Paulo Menezes

Information 2020, 11(2), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11020088 - 7 Feb 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5942

Abstract

Recovering from a traumatic incident (e.g, a stroke) implies rigorous and demanding therapies to ensure recovery of the lost capabilities. Due to the lack of short-term visible results, stroke patients tend to lose interest in their recovery process and frequently do not follow [...] Read more.

Recovering from a traumatic incident (e.g, a stroke) implies rigorous and demanding therapies to ensure recovery of the lost capabilities. Due to the lack of short-term visible results, stroke patients tend to lose interest in their recovery process and frequently do not follow their therapists’ suggestions to continue performing their training at home, between physiotherapy sessions. This article explores the extent to which common computer games or specifically crafted games can serve as a rehabilitation practice, but also how conventional therapeutic devices might be transformed to be incorporated into games. Furthermore, we propose a platform that follows the opportunity of creating serious games that are designed for stroke patients with reduced upper limb mobility while following the same principles of common therapeutic procedures. This platform was carefully built with the purpose of allowing patients to comply tele-rehabilitation and promoting the execution of the recommended training at home. Following these ideas, we integrated two carefully designed games that have been tested and validated in our previous works, and we added a top-layer characterized by an online back-end application for therapists that allows them to observe their patients’ progress over time and draw different conclusions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Online Experimentation and the IoE)

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13 pages, 6479 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Model and Experimental Characteristics of a Pneumatic Linear Peristaltic Actuator

by João Falcão Carneiro, João Bravo Pinto, Fernando Gomes de Almeida and Miranda Fateri

Information 2020, 11(2), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11020076 - 30 Jan 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3597

Abstract

Pneumatic linear peristaltic actuators present several potential advantages over conventional ones such as low cost, virtually unlimited stroke, and an easy implementation of curved motion profiles. However, the body of this type of actuators also suffers from high mechanical stress, leading to a [...] Read more.

Pneumatic linear peristaltic actuators present several potential advantages over conventional ones such as low cost, virtually unlimited stroke, and an easy implementation of curved motion profiles. However, the body of this type of actuators also suffers from high mechanical stress, leading to a decrease in the hose wall thickness, which leads to increased leakages between chambers. One way to potentially minimize this problem is to impose the force instead of the displacement between rollers. This paper describes the model and experimental characteristics of a new prototype of a linear pneumatic peristaltic actuator where either the force or the displacement between rollers can be imposed. Namely, experimental friction characteristics and the leakage between chambers are determined in the configuration where the force between rollers is imposed. Lastly, a third-order linear model is experimentally identified. Therefore, this study establishes the basis for future research focused on the service life and leakage obtained whenever the force between rollers is imposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Online Experimentation and the IoE)

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10 pages, 3594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Online Plasma Diagnostics in the Remote Spectroscopy Laboratory for Practical Training and Experimental Research

by Alexander Zimin, Andrey Shumov, Vladislav Troynov and Ivan Zemtsov

Information 2020, 11(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11010009 - 21 Dec 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2536

Abstract

This paper deals with an integrated Internet-based education laboratory that allows both practical lab sessions and full-blown research projects to be carried out using state-of-the-art experimental facilities. The setup of a system that controls lab equipment via a global computer network is described, [...] Read more.

This paper deals with an integrated Internet-based education laboratory that allows both practical lab sessions and full-blown research projects to be carried out using state-of-the-art experimental facilities. The setup of a system that controls lab equipment via a global computer network is described, and a distributed hardware and software control facility supporting remote lab operations is considered in terms of its structural arrangement and component interaction. We present a computer-aided dispatch-and-information system that allows students to generate their own experiment scenarios, conduct experiments remotely, and store/process experimental results from their personal cabinets. We also discuss the peculiarities of developing a computerized system to support plasma spectroscopy hands-on education and research. Further emphasis is given to the laboratory modernization, regarding both hardware and result processing software. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Online Experimentation and the IoE)

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8 pages, 2589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of an Electrohydraulic Variable Buoyancy System

by João Falcão Carneiro, João Bravo Pinto, Nuno A. Cruz and Fernando Gomes de Almeida

Information 2019, 10(12), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/info10120396 - 17 Dec 2019

Viewed by 3083

Abstract

The growing needs in exploring ocean resources have been pushing the length and complexity of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) missions, leading to more stringent energy requirements. A promising approach to reduce the energy consumption of AUVs is to use variable buoyancy systems (VBSs) [...] Read more.

The growing needs in exploring ocean resources have been pushing the length and complexity of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) missions, leading to more stringent energy requirements. A promising approach to reduce the energy consumption of AUVs is to use variable buoyancy systems (VBSs) as a replacement or complement to thruster action, since VBSs only require energy consumption during limited periods of time to control the vehicle’s floatation. This paper presents the development of an electrohydraulic VBS to be included in an existing AUV for shallow depths of up to 100 m. The device’s preliminary mechanical design is presented, and a mathematical model of the device’s power consumption is developed, based on data provided by the manufacturer. Taking a standard mission profile as an example, a comparison between the energy consumed using thrusters and the designed VBS is presented and compared. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Online Experimentation and the IoE)

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7 pages, 1673 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Screening System for Cardiac Problems through Non-Invasive Identification of Blood Pressure Waveform

by Paulo Abreu, Fernando Carneiro and Maria Teresa Restivo

Information 2020, 11(3), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/info11030150 - 10 Mar 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2866

Abstract

This paper presents the initial development of a non-invasive system for identification of the pulse pressure waveform to be used for screening cardiac problems. The system employs a tonometric method using an off-the-shelf force sensor and custom-designed electronic circuits. Initial results on the [...] Read more.

This paper presents the initial development of a non-invasive system for identification of the pulse pressure waveform to be used for screening cardiac problems. The system employs a tonometric method using an off-the-shelf force sensor and custom-designed electronic circuits. Initial results on the use of the system are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Online Experimentation and the IoE)

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