Search Results (424)

Background: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, often diagnosed at advanced stages, where minimally invasive tissue sampling is essential for diagnosis and molecular profiling. Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE) enhances the diagnostic yield of small biopsies, but is frequently limited by a shortage of pathologists and logistical constraints. Telepathology offers a potential solution by enabling remote real-time assessment. This study evaluates the feasibility, diagnostic accuracy, and efficiency of telecytology-assisted ROSE (TC-ROSE) using touch imprint cytology (TIC) during CT-guided transthoracic core needle biopsy (CNB) of pulmonary nodules. Methods: 50 patients underwent CNB. TIC samples were assessed and evaluated on-site or remotely via a fully remote-controlled microscope system (OCUS^®). TIC slide preparation was performed by pathologists (30 cases), radiologists (10), and trained assistants (10). The study analyzed diagnostic concordance between remote and on-site assessments, time efficiency, and the feasibility of involving non-pathologists in TIC preparation. Results: Diagnostic samples were obtained in 86% of TIC samples, with full concordance (100%) between TC-ROSE and traditional ROSE. The slides required approximately 140 s for scanning, and the overall evaluation time was around 3 min per case. Overall, 100% of TICs were adequately assessed by both pathologists and non-pathologists. No increased number of complications was recorded among patients with TCROSE, compared to those ROSE evaluated. The remote setup allowed pathologists to maintain routine workflows, improving time efficiency. Conclusions: The findings confirm that telecytology is a viable, accurate, and efficient approach to ROSE, offering a practical solution for overcoming workforce and logistical barriers, particularly in settings with limited pathology resources. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) and assistive robotics can transform older-person care by offering new, personalised solutions for an ageing population. This paper outlines recent advances in AI-driven applications and robotic assistance in silver care, emphasising their role in improved healthcare services, quality of life and ageing-in-place and alleviating pressure on healthcare systems. Advances in machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision have enabled more accurate early diagnosis, targeted treatment plans and robust remote monitoring for elderly patients. These innovations support continuous health tracking and timely interventions to improve patient outcomes and extend home-based care. In addition, AI-powered assistive robots with advanced motion control and adaptive response mechanisms are studied to support physical and cognitive health. Among these, companion robots, often enhanced with emotional AI, have shown potential in reducing loneliness and increasing connectedness. The combined goal of these technologies is to offer holistic patient-centred care, which preserves the autonomy and dignity of our seniors. This paper also touches on the technical and ethical challenges of integrating AI/robotics into eldercare, like privacy and accessibility, and alludes to future directions on optimising AI-human interaction, expanding preventive healthcare applications and creating an effective, ethical framework for eldercare in the digital age. Full article

Background/Objectives: Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being explored as a non-pharmacological therapy to enhance the well-being of people with cognitive impairment (PwCI). Studies suggest that VR-based interventions improve mood, reduce apathy, and enhance emotional engagement, making VR a valuable tool for cognitive and emotional support. This scoping review synthesizes evidence on VR-based reminiscence therapy (VRRT) for PwCI. It aims to map existing knowledge, highlight implementation challenges, and offer practical, technical design, and evidence-informed recommendations for clinical integration—building on prior reviews that have touched on these aspects, but placing a stronger and more structured emphasis on real-world applicability and translational insights. This review draws extensively on qualitative findings across the included studies to better capture contextual factors, user experiences, facilitator roles, and barriers to usability. Moreover, unlike previous research, we included only studies involving individuals—either directly or via proxies—with an age-related cognitive impairment, formally diagnosed by a qualified authority. Methods: A systematic search based on the PRISMA-ScR guideline identified 310 studies, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria. These studies assessed the effectiveness and feasibility of immersive VRRT. Research methodologies included longitudinal (n = 2), cross-sectional (n = 2), mixed-methods (n = 4), and randomized controlled trials (n = 3)—with most studies focusing on feasibility—with a cumulative sample size of approximately 287 participants. The quality of the included studies was generally moderate; common limitations included small sample sizes, short intervention periods, and limited control conditions. Results: The findings highlight VRRT’s potential to enhance engagement, emotional well-being, and cognitive function. However, usability challenges and technical limitations persist. While VR offers promising benefits, further research is needed to refine interventions, address personalization barriers, and assess long-term effects. Conclusions: This review underscores the importance of integrating VRRT into care programs and improving accessibility. Future research should enhance methodological rigor to ensure reliable outcomes and maximize VR’s impact on PwCI well-being. The scoping review protocol is registered a priori with the Center for Open Science (OSF) (registration type: OSF Preregistration, data registered: 15 November 2024, associated project: osf.io/r7jha, identifier: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/R7JHA). Full article

Legged robots often encounter the problem that the foot-end steps into empty spaces due to terrain collapse in complex environments such as mine tunnels and coal shafts, which in turn causes body instability. Aiming at this problem, this paper takes the hexapod robot as the research object and proposes a multi-segmented electrically driven single-leg compliance control strategy for robots with tripod and quadrupedal gaits, to reduce the impact when the foot-end touches the ground, and thus to improve the stability of the robot. First, this paper analyzes the kinematic and dynamic models of the multi-segmented electrically driven single leg of the hexapod robot. Then, the minimum tipping angle of the fuselage is obtained based on force-angle stability margin (FASM) and used as the index to design the single-leg pit-probing control algorithm based on position impedance control and the single-leg touchdown force adjustment control algorithm based on inverse dynamics control. Finally, this paper designs a finite state machine to switch between different control strategies of the multi-segmented electrically driven single leg of the hexapod robot, and the vertical dynamic impact characteristic index is applied to evaluate the effect of single-leg impedance control. The simulation and prototype test results show that the proposed method significantly reduces the foot-end touchdown force and improves the walking stability of the hexapod robot in complex environments compared with the multi-segmented electrically driven single leg without the compliance control strategy. Full article

Human–Machine Interfaces (HMIs) in passenger cars have become more complex over the years, with touch screens replacing physical buttons and with layered menu-structures. This can lead to distractions. The purpose of this study is to investigate how often vehicle controls are used while driving and which underlying factors contribute to usage. Thirty drivers were observed during driving a familiar route twice, in their own car and in an unfamiliar car. In a 2 × 1 within-subject design, the experimenter drove along with each participant and used a predefined checklist to record how often participants interacted with specific functions of their vehicle while driving. The results showed that, in the familiar car, direction indicators are the most frequently used controls, followed by adjusting radio volume, moving the sun visor, adjusting temperature and changing wiper speed. Factors that influenced task frequencies included car familiarity, gender, age and weather conditions. The type of car also appears to impact task frequency. Participants interacted less with the unfamiliar car, compared to their own car, which may indicate drivers are regulating their mental load. These results are relevant for vehicle HMI designers to understand which functions should be easily and swiftly available while driving to reduce distraction by the HMI design. Full article

This study introduces a computational framework for understanding the symmetry and asymmetry of human movement by integrating Laban Movement Analysis (LMA). By conceptualizing movement refinement as a structured computational process, we model the golf swing as a series of state transitions where perceptual invariants guide biomechanical optimization. The golf club’s motion is analyzed using the instantaneous screw axis (ISA) and inertia tensor revealing how expert golfers dynamically adjust movement by detecting and responding to invariant biomechanical structures. This approach extends Gibson’s ecological theory by proposing that movement execution follows an iterative optimization process analogous to a Turing machine updating its states. Furthermore, we explore the role of symmetry in motor control by aligning Laban’s X-scale with structured computational transitions, demonstrating how movement coordination emerges from dynamically balanced affordance–action couplings. This insight gained from the study suggests that AI-driven sports training and rehabilitation can leverage symmetry-based computational principles to enhance motion learning and real-time adaptation in virtual and physical environments. Full article

Background: Recent systematic reviews report a limited number of return-to-work (RTW) interventions for individuals touched by cancer (ITBC), with many falling short in effectiveness and lacking an integrated work-health approach. In response, iCanWork—a theoretically informed, multidisciplinary RTW intervention integrating vocational rehabilitation (VR) and occupational therapy (OT)—was conceptualized and developed to address the gap identified in recent reviews for robust, work-health-focused RTW interventions. Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary work-related outcomes of the iCanWork intervention among 23 ITBC participants randomized to either the intervention or control group. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment, retention, and engagement benchmarks; acceptability was measured using a participant satisfaction survey. Preliminary work-health-related outcomes included RTW status, work ability index (WAI) scores, and health-related quality of life (QoL) domains. Results: Feasibility benchmarks were achieved, with 92% recruitment, 83% retention, and 100% completing at least one VR session. Adherence to the session delivery benchmarks was met by 75% of participants before RTW and 41.7% after RTW. Participants rated the intervention highly for its tailored and supportive approach. Compared to the control group, the iCanWork group showed modest improvements in RTW status, WAI scores (mean change: +2.54), and QoL domains, including fatigue, social roles, and pain interference. Given the small sample size, these exploratory findings should be interpreted as preliminary signals to inform outcome selection for a future trial. Conclusions: iCanWork is a feasible and acceptable RTW intervention for ITBC with early indications of benefit. These findings inform the design and outcome selection for a future, larger trial aimed at evaluating the intervention’s potential to improve RTW outcomes for ITBC. Full article

This paper presents ITap, a novel interaction method utilizing hand tracking to create a virtual touchpad on a tabletop. ITap facilitates touch interactions such as tapping, dragging, and swiping using the index finger. The technique combines gaze-based object selection with touch gestures, while a pinch gesture performed with the opposite hand activates a manual mode, enabling precise cursor control independently of gaze direction. The primary purpose of this research is to enhance interaction efficiency, reduce user fatigue, and improve accuracy in gaze-based object selection tasks, particularly in complex and cluttered XR environments. Specifically, we addressed two research questions: (1) How does ITap’s manual mode compare with the traditional gaze + pinch method regarding speed and accuracy in object selection tasks across varying distances and densities? (2) Does ITap provide improved user comfort, naturalness, and reduced fatigue compared to the traditional method during prolonged scrolling and swiping tasks? To evaluate these questions, two studies were conducted. The first study compared ITap’s manual mode with the traditional gaze + pinch method for object selection tasks across various distances and in cluttered environments. The second study examined both methods for scrolling and swiping tasks, focusing on user comfort, naturalness, and fatigue. The findings revealed that ITap outperformed gaze + pinch in terms of object selection speed and error reduction, particularly in scenarios involving distant or densely arranged objects. Additionally, ITap demonstrated superior performance in scrolling and swiping tasks, with participants reporting greater comfort and reduced fatigue. The integration of gaze-based input and touch gestures provided by ITap offers a more efficient and user-friendly interaction method compared to the traditional gaze + pinch technique. Its ability to reduce fatigue and improve accuracy makes it especially suitable for tasks involving complex environments or extended usage in XR settings. Full article

The objective of this study is to verify the usability of gesture interactions such as tilting or shaking, rather than conventional touch gestures, on mobile devices. To this end, a prototype was developed that manipulates the text size in a mobile text messaging application through tilt gestures. In the text input interface, three types of tilt gesture interaction methods (‘Shaking’, ‘Leaning’, and ‘Acceleration’) were implemented to select the text size level among five levels (extra-small, small, normal, large, and extra-large). Along with the gesture-based interaction methods, the conventional button method was also evaluated. A total of 24 participants were asked to prepare text messages of specified font sizes using randomly assigned interaction methods to select the font size. Task completion time, accuracy (setting errors and input errors), workload, and subjective preferences were collected and analyzed. As a result, the ‘Shaking’ method was generally similar to the conventional button method and superior to the other two ‘Leaning’ and ‘Acceleration’ methods. This may be because ‘Leaning’ and ‘Acceleration’ are continuous operations, while ‘Shaking’ is an individual operation for each menu (font size level). According to subjective comments, tilting gestures on mobile devices can not only be useful if users take the time to learn them, but also provide ways to convey intentions with simple text. Although tilting gestures were not found to significantly improve text editing performance compared to conventional screen touch methods, the use of motion gestures beyond touch on mobile devices can be considered for interface manipulations such as app navigation, gaming, or multimedia controls across diverse applications. Full article

Human–computer interaction (HCI) enables communication between humans and computers, which is widely applied in various fields such as consumer electronics, education, medical rehabilitation, and industrial control. Human motion monitoring is one of the most important methods of achieving HCI. In the present work, a novel human motion monitoring sensor for contact touch and gesture recognition is fabricated based on polyester elastomer (PTE) synthesized from diols and diacids, with both piezoelectric and triboelectric properties. The PTE sensor can respond to contacted and contactless me-chemical signals by piezoelectric and triboelectric responding, respectively, which enables simultaneous touch control and gesture recognition. In addition, the PTE sensor presents high stretchability with elongation at break over 1000% and high durability over 4000 impact cycles, offering significant potential for consumer electronics and wearable devices. Full article

This paper discusses three algorithmic strategies tailored for distinct applications, each aiming to tackle specific operational challenges. The first application unveils an innovative SMS messaging system that substitutes manual typing with voice interaction. The key algorithm facilitates real-time conversion from speech to text for message creation and from text to speech for message playback, thus turning SMS communication into an audio-focused exchange while preserving conventional messaging standards. The second application suggests a secure file management system for Android, utilizing encryption and access control algorithms to safeguard user privacy. Its mathematical framework centers on cryptographic methods for file security and authentication processes to prevent unauthorized access. The third application redefines flashlight functionality using an optimized touch interface algorithm. By employing a screen-wide double-tap gesture recognition system, this approach removes the reliance on a physical button, depending instead on advanced event detection and hardware control logic to activate the device’s flash. All applications are fundamentally based on mathematical modeling and algorithmic effectiveness, emphasizing computational approaches over implementation specifics. Full article

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) results from complex anatomical and functional interactions, including urethral mobility, muscle activity, and pelvic floor support. Despite advancements in imaging and electrophysiology, a comprehensive model remains elusive. This study employed shear wave elastography (SWE), incorporating sound touch elastography (STE) and sound touch quantification (STQ) with acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) technology, to assess urethral elasticity and bladder neck descent (BND) in women with SUI and continent controls. Between October 2024 and January 2025, 30 women (15 with SUI, 15 controls) underwent transperineal and intravaginal ultrasonography at IRCCS San Gerardo. Statistical analysis, conducted using JMP 17, revealed significantly greater BND in the SUI group (21.8 ± 7.8 mm vs. 10.5 ± 5 mm) and increased urethral stiffness (Young’s modulus: middle urethra, 57.8 ± 15.6 kPa vs. 30.7 ± 6.4 kPa; p < 0.0001). Mean urethral pressure was the strongest predictor of SUI (p < 0.0001). Findings emphasize the role of urethral support and connective tissue integrity in continence. By demonstrating SWE’s diagnostic utility, this study provides a foundation for personalized, evidence-based approaches to SUI assessment and management. Full article

Objectives: To examine the yield of multimodal imaging of iris amelanotic lesions and evaluate the clinical relevance of these imaging techniques. Methods: In this masked case-control study, imaging, including slit lamp photos, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) scans of patients diagnosed with iris amelanotic lesions were examined. Seven patients diagnosed with an iris amelanotic lesion were matched by gender and age to seven melanotic iris nevi of similar size and location. Two ocular imaging experts assessed the images in a masked manner and identified which lesion was melanotic and which was amelanotic based on their characteristics. Results: From 2010 to 2021, seven patients were diagnosed with amelanotic iris lesions. All were female; the mean (±SD) age at presentation was 46.3 years (±18). These patients were matched with seven female patients with pigmented iris lesions, with a mean (±SD) age of 49.8 years (±20). Hypopigmented lesions were hyporreflective and had minimal shadowing of the iris behind them, and the basement membrane of the iris could be seen on AS-OCT. Hypopigmented lesions could be delineated from the iris stroma on AS-OCT. In contrast, hyperpigmented lesions were hyperreflective, with significant shadowing blocking the basement membrane and iris stroma. Conclusions: AS-OCT is non-touch and provides substantial information about diagnosing amelanotic nevi. It is more widely available and, in many countries, it is performed by technicians, thus freeing the physician’s time and increasing productivity. Full article

Background: A rat robot can be constructed by electrically stimulating specific brain regions to control rat locomotion and behavior. The rat robot makes full use of the rat’s motor function and energy supply and has significant advantages in motor flexibility, environmental adaptability, and covertness. It can be widely used in disaster search and rescue, terrain survey, anti-terrorism, and explosion-proof tasks. However, the motor control of existing rat robots mainly relies on the virtual whisker touch produced by the electrical stimulation of the barrel area of the somatosensory cortex and the virtual reward generated by the electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle. The methods requires substantial experimental training to encourage the animals to match the virtual sensation with the motor behavior. However, the conditioned reflexes acquired by the animals will gradually disappear after a period of time at the end of the experiments, which will lead to a decrease in the stability of the motor control system. Methods: In this study, we developed a new method to gain control of inclined movement in rats by the electrical stimulation of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain and motor control of steering in rats by the electrical stimulation of nigrostriatal (NS) pathway. Results: The results showed that the electrical stimulation of the rat VTA could induce stable inclined movement in rats and that the neuromodulatory effect significantly correlated with the electrical stimulation parameters. In addition, the electrical stimulation of the NS pathway was able to directly and stably induce the steering movements of the head and trunk to the contralateral side of the stimulated side of the rat. Conclusions: These findings are of great importance for the motor control of rat robots, especially in the field environment with many slopes. In addition, the rat robot constructed based on this method does not need pre-training while ensuring reliability, which greatly improves the preparation efficiency and has certain practical application value. Full article

Clinics and hospitals inherently increase the risk of adverse events, including hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) transmitted between healthcare personnel and patients. This study aimed to identify bacterial strains present on frequently touched surfaces in outpatient clinics used by patients as well as medical and non-medical personnel. This study was conducted in four outpatient care centers located in two major cities in Poland. A total of 85 samples were collected from frequently touched surfaces, including 53 samples from areas accessed by patients and 32 samples from surfaces used by medical staff. A statistically significant increase in moderate-to-heavy growth was observed in samples containing microbiota compared to those containing other microorganisms (p = 0.003). Similarly, a higher prevalence of spore-forming bacteria was noted compared to non-spore-forming bacteria (p = 0.001). A significant difference was also observed between samples with no or scant growth versus those with moderate-to-heavy growth in both the microbiota and other microorganism groups (p = 0.003), as well as between the spore-forming and non-spore-forming groups (p = 0.001). The findings of this study prompted revisions in cleaning procedures. The frequency of training for medical staff was increased, and systematic quality control of the cleaning company’s performance was implemented. Full article