Implementation of a Vision-Based Worker Assistance System in Assembly: a Case Study

Abstract The current introduction of Industry 4.0 is very challenging for industrial companies. On the one hand, there is an urge to implement concepts such as digital worker assistance systems or cyber-physical production systems, but besides theoretical work, there is very little research that shows examples of its practical implementation. Furthermore, there is currently a lack of a clear model of how sensor-based worker assistance systems for data acquisition and analytics can be designed and systematically implemented. In the present research, a model for a vision-based worker assistance system for assembly was developed based on an industrial case study regarding a manual assembly line. The proposed model consists of five integrated modules: data acquisition, data preprocessing, data storage, data analysis, and simulation. The data acquisition module was constructed in the assembly workstation of the production line by implementing a depth camera, which together with an algorithm developed in Python for preprocessing, tracks the activities of the operator and inserts the processing times into a SQL table of the data storage module. This module contains all the relevant information of the production system, from the shop floor to the Manufacturing Execution System, enabling vertical integration. The data analysis module, aimed at the streaming and predictive analytics, was deployed in the RStudio platform. Likewise, the simulation module was conceptualized to retrieve real-time data from the shop floor and to select the best strategy. To evaluate the model testing of the proposed system in real production was performed. The results of this use case provide useful information for academia as well as practitioners how to implement vision-based worker assistance systems

Current perception threshold and reaction time in the assessment of sensory peripheral nerve fibers through sinusoidal electrical stimulation at different frequencies

INTRODUCTION: The Perception Sensory Threshold (ST) for sinusoidal current stimuli at 5, 250, and 2,000 Hz is commonly used in the assessment of peripheral nerve fibers (C, Aδ, and Aβ, respectively). However, the neuroselectivity of these frequencies is far from consensus. In addition, Reaction Time (RT) measurements suggest that 2,000 Hz stimuli excite Aβ-fibers, 250 Hz Aβ- or Aδ-fibers, as well as 5 Hz Aβ-, Aδ- or C-fibers. Therefore, we suppose that the sinusoidal current neuroselectivity may be better observed if ST and RT parameters are jointly evaluated. In addition, we have investigated whether there are other sets of frequencies that could be used. METHODS: Thus this work investigates ST and RT for stimuli with frequency ranging from 1 to 3,000 Hz, on 28 healthy subjects aged from 19 to 44 years old (27.1±5.49). ST and RT dissimilarity among different frequencies was evaluated applying bi-dimensional Fisher Quadratic Discriminant. RESULTS: The lowest classification error (3.6%) was obtained for 1, 250, and 3,000 Hz. Error for 5, 250, and 2,000Hz was 16.7%. Stimulation frequency at 1 Hz evoked more sensations related to C-fibers (53% of reports) than to Aβ-fibers (36%). However, this behavior did not repeat itself at 5 Hz (only 21% of perceptions were related to C-fibers against 64% to Aβ-fibers). Sensations related to Aβ-fibers prevailed for the highest frequencies presented to the subjects (2,000 Hz - 82% and 3,000 Hz - 93%). Mean RT values showed a decreasing trend with frequency. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that frequencies 1, 250, and 3,000 Hz are more neuroselective than 5, 250, and 2,000 Hz for the evaluation of peripheral sensitive fibers. Furthermore, they show RT usefulness

Comparison of Cognitive Performance between Elderly Training Practices with Weights and Sedentaria

Comparison of cognitive performance among elderly people practicing training with weights and sedentary lifestyle. Estudy descriptive, cross-sectional and comparative, composition for 24 elderly between 60 and 70 years, divided into 2 groups, (G1) submitted to weight training and sedentary (G2). The G1 was submitted to 32 training sessions with traditional weight. Both groups were submitted to CogState® computerized cognitive testing batteries. The data were not parametric, using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for the analysis of the dispersion curve and the Mann-Whitney test in the comparison of the cognitive performance variables. The results were performed with a significance level of 0.05 by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®), version 16.0. The best cognitive performance was observed among the elderly practicing resistance exercises, as well as significant differences in the TRS and TRE variables. Elderly people who exercise with weights when compared with cognitive performance demonstrate results of the paradigms when compared to the elderly. With this, he concludes that weight training is effective in improving cognitive performance

Odnos između dermatoglifske konfiguracije i ACTN3 genotipa u maloljetnih muških atletičara

This study examined whether dermatoglyphic characteristics are associated with the α-actinin isoform 3 (ACTN3) R577X sequence variant, employing descriptive and comparative approaches. Boys (N=82) were classified according to the dermatoglyphic configuration of their digital impressions into the following groups: Anaerobic Power (AP=8); Speed Resistance (SR=44); Pure Force (PF=5), and Aerobic Resistance (AR=25). All of the AP group subjects (9.76% of the subjects) had a genetic predisposition for anaerobic power performance, with 37.5% being RR homozygotes and 62.5% being RX heterozygotes. The dermatoglyphic profiles, correlated with the ALW fingerprint formulas, classified the SR group (53.66% of the subjects) as having speed resistance. The PF group (6.09% of the subjects) notably all had AL fingerprints and an absence of W. Finally, the AR group (30.49% of the subjects) had a predisposition for aerobic capacity. In conclusion, dermatoglyphic features can be associated with the R577X allelic variant of the ACTN3 gene, as much through anaerobic muscle power profiling as through the ACTN3 genotype.Cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je istražiti postoji li odnos između dermatoglifskih karakteristika i α-aktinin izomorf 3 (ACTN3) R577X varijante. U istraživanju su korišteni deskriptivni i komparativni pristup. Dječaci (N = 82) su klasificirani u skupine na temelju dermatoglifske konfiguracije njihovih digitalnih otisaka na sljedeći način: anaerobna snaga (AP = 8), otpornost pri brzini (SR = 44), čista snaga (PF = 5) i aerobna otpornost (AR = 25). Svi sudionici iz skupine AP (9,76% sudionika) imali su gensku predispoziciju za izvedbu za koju je potrebna anaerobna snaga. Od toga je 37 (5%) bilo homozigotna i 62.5% heterozigotna genotipa. Dermatoglifski profili u korelaciji s formulama otiska prstiju iznjedrili su klasifikaciju SR skupine (53.66% sudionika) kao skupinu s otpornošću pri brzini. Svi sudionici PF skupine (6.09% svih sudionika) imali su Al otiske prstiju i odsutnost W. Na kraju, AR skupina (30.49% svih sudionika) je imala predispoziciju za aerobni kapacitet. Zaključak je da dermatoglifske karakteristike mogu biti povezane s R577X aleličkom varijantom ACTN3 gena, profiliranjem anaerobne mišićne mase, kao i ACTN3 genotipa

Odnos između dermatoglifske konfiguracije i ACTN3 genotipa u maloljetnih muških atletičara

This study examined whether dermatoglyphic characteristics are associated with the α-actinin isoform 3 (ACTN3) R577X sequence variant, employing descriptive and comparative approaches. Boys (N=82) were classified according to the dermatoglyphic configuration of their digital impressions into the following groups: Anaerobic Power (AP=8); Speed Resistance (SR=44); Pure Force (PF=5), and Aerobic Resistance (AR=25). All of the AP group subjects (9.76% of the subjects) had a genetic predisposition for anaerobic power performance, with 37.5% being RR homozygotes and 62.5% being RX heterozygotes. The dermatoglyphic profiles, correlated with the ALW fingerprint formulas, classified the SR group (53.66% of the subjects) as having speed resistance. The PF group (6.09% of the subjects) notably all had AL fingerprints and an absence of W. Finally, the AR group (30.49% of the subjects) had a predisposition for aerobic capacity. In conclusion, dermatoglyphic features can be associated with the R577X allelic variant of the ACTN3 gene, as much through anaerobic muscle power profiling as through the ACTN3 genotype.Cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je istražiti postoji li odnos između dermatoglifskih karakteristika i α-aktinin izomorf 3 (ACTN3) R577X varijante. U istraživanju su korišteni deskriptivni i komparativni pristup. Dječaci (N = 82) su klasificirani u skupine na temelju dermatoglifske konfiguracije njihovih digitalnih otisaka na sljedeći način: anaerobna snaga (AP = 8), otpornost pri brzini (SR = 44), čista snaga (PF = 5) i aerobna otpornost (AR = 25). Svi sudionici iz skupine AP (9,76% sudionika) imali su gensku predispoziciju za izvedbu za koju je potrebna anaerobna snaga. Od toga je 37 (5%) bilo homozigotna i 62.5% heterozigotna genotipa. Dermatoglifski profili u korelaciji s formulama otiska prstiju iznjedrili su klasifikaciju SR skupine (53.66% sudionika) kao skupinu s otpornošću pri brzini. Svi sudionici PF skupine (6.09% svih sudionika) imali su Al otiske prstiju i odsutnost W. Na kraju, AR skupina (30.49% svih sudionika) je imala predispoziciju za aerobni kapacitet. Zaključak je da dermatoglifske karakteristike mogu biti povezane s R577X aleličkom varijantom ACTN3 gena, profiliranjem anaerobne mišićne mase, kao i ACTN3 genotipa

Comparison of Anthropometric Profile and Cognitive Performance of Elite and Non-Elite Beach Volleyball Athletes

To compare the anthropometric profile and cognitive performance of elite and non-elite beach volleyball athletes. Comparative and descriptive study. The sample was composed by 8 athletes, divided in 2 groups: elite (n = 4) and non-elite (n = 4). They were evaluated in anthropometric parameters age, weight and height, and the variables of the cognitive performance evaluated by the battery of computerized tests CogState® (Brief Battery): Detection (Simple Reaction Time); Identification (Choice Reaction Time); One Back Speed (Working Memory); One Back Acuracy (Short Term Memory). Data were classified as non-parametric with the dispersion curve analysis performed by the Shapiro Wilk test. Anthropometric profile and cognitive performance variables were compared with the Mann Whitney U test between the groups. The procedures were performed with a significance level of p < 0.05 using the Statistical Package for the Social Science - SPSS®, Version 25.0. It was observed that there was significant difference in the anthropometric profile in the variable age (sig = 0.029) and in the cognitive performance significant differences occurred in the variables Detec (sig = 0.029) and Indent (sig = 0.029) of elite and not elite athletes of the beach volleyball modality. Elite and non-elite beach volleyball athletes present significant differences in the anthropometric variable (Age) and in the variables of cognitive performance (Detection and Identification) where elite athletes have a better cognitive performance than the non- elite athletes

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

COVID-19 symptoms at hospital admission vary with age and sex: results from the ISARIC prospective multinational observational study

Background: The ISARIC prospective multinational observational study is the largest cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. We present relationships of age, sex, and nationality to presenting symptoms. Methods: International, prospective observational study of 60 109 hospitalized symptomatic patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 recruited from 43 countries between 30 January and 3 August 2020. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate relationships of age and sex to published COVID-19 case definitions and the most commonly reported symptoms. Results: ‘Typical’ symptoms of fever (69%), cough (68%) and shortness of breath (66%) were the most commonly reported. 92% of patients experienced at least one of these. Prevalence of typical symptoms was greatest in 30- to 60-year-olds (respectively 80, 79, 69%; at least one 95%). They were reported less frequently in children (≤ 18 years: 69, 48, 23; 85%), older adults (≥ 70 years: 61, 62, 65; 90%), and women (66, 66, 64; 90%; vs. men 71, 70, 67; 93%, each P &lt; 0.001). The most common atypical presentations under 60 years of age were nausea and vomiting and abdominal pain, and over 60 years was confusion. Regression models showed significant differences in symptoms with sex, age and country. Interpretation: This international collaboration has allowed us to report reliable symptom data from the largest cohort of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Adults over 60 and children admitted to hospital with COVID-19 are less likely to present with typical symptoms. Nausea and vomiting are common atypical presentations under 30 years. Confusion is a frequent atypical presentation of COVID-19 in adults over 60 years. Women are less likely to experience typical symptoms than men

Anaerobic performance and alpha-actinin-3 in children

<p class="ResumoAbstract"><span lang="EN-US">The aim of this research was to compare the anaerobic performance according to RR, RX and XX genetic configurations of alpha-actinin-3 in children. It was a descriptive as comparative study with a sample of soccer players of 111 boys from 7 to 12 years of age. DNA extraction from saliva was used for alpha-actinin-3 poliphormism identification. After that, a 40 meters sprint test was used to determinate the Power and Fatigue Index. The sample was split in three groups: RR (n= 42); RX (n= 58); XX (n= 11). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess data normality. The comparison was done with ANOVA one-way with Scheffé as post-hoc test. Sprinting data from the three groups showed no significant differences. The higher mean of Power was found in RR group, but there were no significant differences in Power and Fatigue Index. Since it was found no significant differences in anaerobic performance among groups, we conclude that in childhood it is not possible to identify high performance using physical tests.</span></p